GVR is a dynamic community where members may engage in a variety of opportunities, from casual drop-in activities to joining one of the nearly sixty member-run clubs. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, meet like-minded individuals, or simply enjoy a spontaneous game, GVR’s flexible options make it easy to explore your interests.
Enjoy Hassle-Free Drop-In Spaces
Most rooms and outdoor spaces are available for drop-in use when not reserved. Check the reservation schedule at GVRec.org or look to the schedules posted outside each door to see if the space is free. Members may gather with friends for card games, crafts, and other activities.
Sports Activities
Looking for a casual game with friends, some solo practice time, or a dip at the pool? GVR offers something for everyone. Enjoy a variety of drop-in activities, including:
• Aquatics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Billiards
• Bocce
• Cornhole
• Horseshoes
• Pickleball
• Racquetball
• Shuffleboard
• Table tennis
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Water aerobics
Please see pages 58–60 in the 2024 fall recreation catalog for more details on drop-in fun.
Respect for Shared Spaces
To keep member facilities in top shape, please follow the wilderness lover’s ethic: leave no trace. Clean up after yourself to help maintain the sustainability of GVR’s shared spaces.
View Space Availability Before You Arrive
1. Visit GVRec.org.
2. Navigate to the Centers & Reservations section.
3. Click on the center you’re interested in, then scroll down to see the current schedule. For more dates, select MONTH VIEW. To find specific activities, tap the Toggle Legend button to filter your options.
NOTE: Art rooms, kitchens, and West Center rooms are not available for drop-in use.
Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life. —Seneca
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 1:30–3pm West Center Room 2 / Zoom
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 1:30–3pm West Center Room 2 / Zoom
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 2–4pm West Center Auditorium / Zoom
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
In a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 28, the Board of Directors took the following actions:
• Approved the release of budgeted funds of $50,000 for Del Sol Clubhouse food and beverage equipment, electrical and plumbing improvements, and misc.
• Approved the use of MRR-B funds for additional research into the potential failure and end of life of the Desert Hills pool as well as potential design plans and member outreach.
• Approved two Ad-Hoc committees Chair, duties and responsibilities, and timeline: one to meet with GVR and GVR Foundation to discuss the affiliation, and two to discuss the CEO Evaluation process.
• Amended the CPM in Part 1 1.1.8 Member Payment Transactions to include “such as Credit card transaction/service fees.” The revised section 1.1.8 will now read: Member payment transactions, such as Credit card transaction/service fees, are subject to a processing fee.
Center Operations Assistants (Yellow Shirts) 520-343-2440
Can’t attend a meeting in person? Scan this QR code for ZOOM meetings.
Letter from the President Did You Know?
Bingo is back!
BINGO NIGHT
Have fun while helping fellow GVR members
The is hosting bingo on the first Monday of each month. Players must be 18 years or older and games are open to the public. All bingo proceeds benefit GVR’s Member Assistance Program.
Starts Monday, September 2 at West Center—Doors open at 4pm
The meaning behind Labor Day Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. Established in the late nineteenth century, it’s a day to recognize the achievements and hard work that have built and continue to sustain our nation. Enjoy the well-deserved break!
The Fiscal Affairs Committee and nine Board Directors met with Browning Reserve Group who does the GVR reserve study* to learn what it is all about. GVR has a 30-year study of the buildings, equipment, etc. This is updated yearly and they conduct an on-sight inspection every three years. Money is put in a separate account to cover these costs.
A pool’s life is 48 years. Many of our pools are coming up on and have surpassed this “magic” number and our CEO, Scott Somers, is having them evaluated this year to be sure we don’t have any surprises. You will hear more about this.
The Board met with the three clubs at West Center to find out their needs. Woodshop needs more work space and has proposed we move the building out to the parking lot on the East side (toward Safeway). Before any further discussion, staff will check with Pima County to see if we can move the parking spaces out closer to the road. In order to move the Desert Hills Lapidary shop to the West Center Lapidary shop we are looking to add on to the South side of the building (toward the parking lot). Staff is looking into the costs to do this. The Artisans Shop can be expanded fairly inexpensively into part of the billiards room when they move to the Del Sol Clubhouse.
We have three Board seats open this next election. Please contact Nanci Moyo at [email protected] for information.
Just a reminder that you can contact us at [email protected], come to committee meetings and/or join us for the monthly Board meetings.
—Marge Garneau, Board President
* A reserve study is a financial plan used by organizations like GVR to ensure we have enough funds saved in our Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement (MRR) fund to cover major future repairs or replacements of common areas and assets like roofs, HVAC systems, paint, flooring, locker room remodels, pool deck repair and replacement, fitness equipment upgrades, parking lots, and so on. It helps GVR avoid unexpected large expenses by planning and saving over time.
Children’s Pool Hours
West Center
Weekdays: Noon–9pm · Weekends & holidays: ALL day
Abrego South Daily: 4–6pm
All other pools Daily: 11am–1pm AND 4–6pm
No guest pass required for kids! Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children six and younger must have an adult in the pool with them at all times.
Fall into New Experiences
September is packed with opportunities to celebrate and explore something new.
In honor of National Yoga month, GVR offers nine unique yoga classes tailored to every preference. Whether you’re into mat or chair yoga, seeking the deep relaxation of Yin Yoga, or intrigued by the refreshing twist of Aqua Yoga, there’s a class for you. You can also dive into specialty sessions like Yoga to Strengthen and Tone, Happy Back Yoga, and the uniquely local Yoga Saguaro. Yoga dates back over 5,000 years and it’s a timeless practice that continues to enrich lives today.
As we kick off Hispanic Heritage month on September 15, learn about the rich Hispanic cultural heritage and history of Arizona in a new class, Culture and History of Arizona. Or try Spanish for Travelers which is offered in October and November.
Fall is an ideal time to dive into something you’ve always wanted to try. Remember, Grandma Moses didn’t start painting seriously until she was 78, and Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald’s at 52. It’s never too late to embark on a new adventure.
SEPTEMBER 2024
West
Photo by Jack
David Erickson, GVR Photography Club DeGrazia’s chapel, Tucson
The Grape Escape to Sonoita Wineries 9:30am–6pm
Amigas Meet & Greet 4–5:30pm SRS Anza Room
Artisans’ Shop Sweet Saturday 10am–2pm West Center
National Chocolate Milkshake Day
GVR Billiards Club Party Pool 5–8pm WC Billiards Room Season Kick-Off Pool Party 6–9pm Las Campanas
2–4pm Auditorium/Zoom Hypnotist Dominick DeCarlo presents the HYPNOVIDEO™ Show 7–9pm
Amigas Coffee Time 9–10:30am SRS Anza Room
AmigOs Meet & Greet 9–11am, EC Auditorium
Artisan of the Month Meet & Greet 10am–2pm, West Center
SEPTEMBER ART EXHIBITS
Canoa Hills – Diana West Las Campanas – Susanne Phillips
East Center – GVR Photography Club
West Center – Santa Rita Art League Club
Find New Interests with GVR Clubs
New Clubs Catalog: Find the updated catalog in the September Home, Health, and Life publication, delivered to mailboxes near the end of the month.
Affordable membership: Most club dues are under $10 per year.
Member-run clubs: Clubs operate as non-profit entities with bylaws and governing boards. Collaborative environment: Clubs work closely with GVR staff to maintain equipment and spaces, ensuring a great experience for all.
How to Join a Club
Are you interested in joining a club? It’s easy!
• Visit GVRec.org: Click on the Clubs icon to browse the list of available clubs.
• Contact club representatives: Each club’s page provides contact information.
• Attend a meeting or event: Many clubs welcome prospective members to attend a meeting or event before joining.
• Pick up a 2024/25 Clubs Catalog: Find detailed club descriptions, schedules, and contact information at your fingertips in the new catalog.
Questions?
For general inquiries, visit the West Center Box Office in person or contact GVR customer service by phone at 520-625-0288, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm. For specific club-related questions, please reach out directly to the clubs.
GVR is committed to offering a wide range of spontaneous and cost-effective opportunities for members to enjoy our fifteen facilities and almost sixty clubs. Belonging to clubs and participating in drop-in activities offer numerous benefits, including building friendships, learning new skills, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, promoting physical health, gaining confidence and personal satisfaction, and contributing to a larger community.
Incorporate Healthy Habits at Home or Work
You can exercise anytime, anywhere. For example, while brushing your teeth, try marching in place or doing some heel raises. These small movements can make a big difference and keep both your mind and body active.
Add Movement During Your Favorite TV Show
If you sit, don’t sit still. Use commercial breaks to get moving.
• Try doing 10–15 sit-to-stands or squats. If you have stairs, walk up and down a few times.
• For a quick core workout, try the draw-in and brace maneuver: pull your belly button toward your spine and brace as if you’re about to be punched in the stomach. Hold for 5–10 seconds, then release. Repeat 6–8 times.
• Other simple movements include shoulder shrugs, lateral raises, or arm lifts. You can even hold soup cans for added resistance. The key is to start building new habits.
Boost Movement During Your Workday
• If possible, use a standing desk so you can move more freely—try marching in place, side-stepping, squatting, or lunging.
• Stand up during meetings to stay engaged and add a bit of movement to your day.
• When you’re on a phone call, walk around. It’s an easy way to get more steps without disrupting your work.
• Instead of sending emails or messages, walk over to your colleagues’ desks. It’s a great way to move and enjoy face-to-face interactions.
• Place your trash bin a little farther away from your desk. This encourages short walks whenever you need to dispose of something.
• Use your lunch break for a quick walk. It can clear your mind and boost your energy for the rest of the day.
September Events & Entertainment
For tickets or to reserve a table, please call 520-625-0288. For more details, visit GVRec.org.
Thursday, September 5, 8:30am–5:30pm
VIP Wine Tour: The Grape Escape to Sonoita Wineries
Friday, September 27, 7–9pm
Friday, September 20, 6–9pm
Season Kick-Off Party
Shake your booty to favorite rock hits from the 60s and 70s with Johnnie and the Rumblers: Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Santana, The Doobie Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and ZZ Top. Tickets include two beverages and a light meal to be determined.
Las Campanas Poolside Member/Guest $25
Don’t miss Hypnotist Dominick
DeCarlo’s HYPNOVIDEO™ Show
Buckle up, leave your skepticism at the door, and prepare to be amazed! Prepare for an unforgettable night with Dominick DeCarlo’s HYPNOVIDEO™, a hypnotic and hilarious experience like no other.
HYPNOVIDEO™ is a unique entertainment experience created by Dominick DeCarlo. It combines hypnotism with video technology to create a captivating and interactive show where participants are hypnotized on stage while interacting with various video elements.
West Center Auditorium Member/Guest $30; General Public $40
Don’t miss out on future happenings— visit GVRec.org and sign up for the eBlast to stay updated on upcoming GVR events.
October Events & Entertainment
For tickets or to reserve a table, please call 520-625-0288. For more details, visit GVRec.org.
Friday, October 4, 5pm
The Human Juke Box and DANCE with Corey Spector
Get your tickets for dinner, dancing, and live music! Corey takes you on a musical journey starting in the late 1950s with Elvis and the Everly Brothers up to the early 80s with The Boss, Bruce Springsteen. The evening becomes an interactive experience as you and your friends dance to songs you choose from Corey’s extensive list.
MENU: Tacos, chimis, rice, beans, chips and salsa with all the fixings and your choice of two beverages. (A vegetarian option is available upon request.)
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $30
Friday, October 18, 6pm
Celebrity Icons
Experience the magic as Cher, Reba, Elton John, Freddie Mercury, and Elvis come to life in a night of glamour and entertainment. Lucinda Holliday brings top Las Vegas impersonators to Green Valley—don’t miss this star-studded event!
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $30; General Public $40
Thursday, October 24, 9:15am–5pm
VIP Wine Tour: The Grape Escape to Sonoita Wineries
Thursday, October 31, 6pm
Halloween Contest and Dance with Jukebox Junqies
Get your costumes ready for a Halloween dance and costume contest with entertainment courtesy of the Jukebox Junqies. Strut your stuff on the dance floor and have a howlin’ good time!
Win prizes for: overall best costume, most original costume, and most creative costume
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $15; General Public $25
Don’t miss out on future happenings— visit GVRec.org and sign up for the eBlast to stay updated on upcoming GVR events.
