1. pets
2. dogs

OBJECTIVIES:
Volunteerism
Leadership
Property
Maintenance
Objective
Decisions
Advance Value
Ventana Views
April 2015
A Barking Dog is Not Illegal
Expecting a dog to never bark is as unreasonable as expecting a child to
never talk. Dog barking is not illegal. Excessive or unreasonable barking
is illegal, however. What is excessive barking? Peoria Animal Control Officers consider the following to determine if barking is excessive and unreasonable: how often the dog barks and for how long; how loud the dog
barks; what time of day the dog barks; and, if there is some disturbance
that is causing the dog to bark.
Why do dogs bark? Three of the most
common reasons include: acting as an alarm to potential intruders; stress and/or boredom when left alone; and, getting attention
to elicit play. Some dog breeds simply have a stronger tendency
to vocalize than others. It’s unrealistic to think a dog can be totally silenced. It is equally unrealistic to expect your neighbors to
listen to your dog barking excessively. Once you know why a dog
is barking you can determine whether the barking is a nuisance or
an annoying habit.
Our community is designed for enjoying the outdoors, including walks
through the neighborhoods and around the lakes. A dog barking
whenever individuals or other dogs walk along the lake shorelines or
pass one’s property is not excessive barking. Yes, a barking dog disturbs the peace and tranquility of our quiet neighborhoods, but barking is a normal part of dog behavior. The goal is not to create a barkless dog. Instead, barking should be managed so that it does not become excessive and disturbing. Please take responsibility by monitoring your dog’s barking.
The ultimate goal is a realistic,
happy medium between dog barking and no barking. Be
good neighbors—talk to each other to address barking issues. Don’t leave anonymous, inflammatory notes, complain to others or cause any harm to an animal. Communication can go a long way when presented in nonantagonistic ways.
2
Committee Meeting Schedules
Board Meeting
9:30a/ YC
Workshop Mtg
2p/ YC
Activities
8:30a/ YC
Architectural
10 am/ MO
Audio/Visual
8am/ YC
Communications
9:30am/ EDG-B
Finance
10 am/ EDG-B
Kitchen
8:30a/EdgeB
Landscape
9am/ EDG-B
Maintenance
9:30a/ MO
Signage
1pm/ EDGE-B
Strategic Planning
9:30am/ LKS
Walls
1pm/ EDG-B
All Board of Directors Business Meetings and Workshops,
as well as all Committee Meetings, are open to the
Membership. All Owners are welcome and encouraged
to attend and participate. Only Executive Meetings of the
Board are closed, pursuant to ARS §33-1804.
On pages 8 and 9 we list the group activities. Items listed
with a $ symbol indicate additional costs to participate.
Please contact the representative of the activity for
additional information.
The April Board Meeting of the
Ventana Lakes Property Owner
Association will be held at 9:30am on
Saturday, April 18, 2015.
We will host a Q&A Coffee Forum
that day, beginning at 9am.
All Residents are welcome and
encouraged to attend all open
meetings.
3
Community Connection
CODE OF CONDUCT
Ventana Lakes
Property Owners Association
10874 W. Chino Dr.
Sun City, AZ 85373
Hours of Operation
Mon.-Fri. 8:30am– 4:30pm
Administrative Office 623-566-6001
Evenings & Weekends
leave message at X20
Staff:
Facilities & Grounds Manager:
John Lunsford facilitiesmgr@vlpoa.org
Administrative Manager:
Rhonda Alegria adminmgr@vlpoa.org
Events & Communications Coordinator:
Gale O’Leary activities@vlpoa.org
The following condensed Code of Conduct Rule is
being provided as a reminder to everyone what is
acceptable behavior and language and that enforcement can be imposed for violating an established rule. For the full Code of Conduct Rule,
please review Rule 7. The Board of Directors supports enforcement of this rule and employees do
have the right to refuse service to anyone in violation of the Association Code of Conduct Rule.
1. All persons are to be courteous and respectful
of others at all times.
2. All persons shall refrain from profane, indecent, and/or abusive language or actions.
3. Physical or verbal abuse directed at any person
is forbidden.
4. No person shall harass or accost any other
person
Administrative Assistant:
Lorraine Benson adminasst@vlpoa.org
Office Assistant:
Melanie Rosenblatt reception@vlpoa.org
Ventana Views:
ventanaviews@vlpoa..org
Webmaster:
webmaster@vlpoa.org
General Information:
VentanaInfo@vlpoa.org
Board Of Directors
(all phone numbers are 623 area code
unless otherwise indicated
President Lori Norris
lnorris@vlpoa.org 878-9566
Vice President Ken Matz
kmatz@vlpoa.org 271-7225
Secretary Pat Roark
proark@vlpoa.org 748-9305
Treasurer Larry Englerth
lenglerth@vlpoa.org 374-4216
Director Richard Feyrer
dickf@vlpoa.org 825-8674
Director Chet Homan
choman@vlpoa.org 255-5273
Director Kathy Kovalesky 242-9764
kathyk@vlpoa.org
The Board of Directors does not endorse products,
services, or workmanship being advertised in the
Ventana Views and will never knowingly accept an
advertisement which is illegal or fraudulent. The
Board of Directors and Ventana Lakes POA
assumes no responsibility for any loss or hardship
(be it loss of life, property, equipment, bodily injury,
money, time or other) incurred directly or indirectly
by any person using any advertiser sourced in this
publication. If you as a reader have a question
about an ad and suspect that it might promote an
illegal or fraudulent activity, please contact the
Management Office to file a complaint; or check
with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud line
at 1-800-220-5424.
Feature Index
President Report
4
Treasurer Report
5
Administrative Manager Report 6
Facilities Manager Report
7
Exercise Groups
8
Sports Groups
8
Cards & Games Groups
9
Craft Groups
9
Social Groups
9
Scribbler Story
12
Did You Know
13
Everyone has a Story
21
4
President Report
Lori Norris, President
Spring brings transformation and change—from cold to warmth, from grey
to bursts of color. It is a time for cleaning house, planting gardens and the
birth of baby animals. Many say Arizona lacks seasons. This is not true.
Arizona Springs are just shorter than in most other areas of the country.
During Spring, we experience an increase in wildlife births, a drastic
change in weather and new growth of weeds and shrubs. However short,
Spring brings hopeful signs that life is renewing.
The first warm days of the year encourage “spring cleaning”, whether that’s
the act of cleaning a house from top to bottom or addressing various
maintenance issues outside. Remember not to overdo and to pace
yourself. Weeds abound and are the most noticeable as an enforceable violation of the
governing documents. Address them early to avoid being overwhelmed.
Animals become active in Spring, migrating and breeding. With the warmth,
plants grow and food becomes more abundant, thereby increasing animal
activity and sightings. Ventana Lakes has multiple mammal and fowl
species, which have given birth and will tend to be more aggressive when
humans approach their nesting site. Please be cognizant of
this when walking the lakes and common areas.
The
Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to harm or injure migratory birds
and damage or move eggs and nests without a federal permit. The
Management Office has the appropriate contact information to determine if a
migrating bird and its nest on Ventana property poses a safety issue and needs to be moved.
Please report any aggressive migratory bird incidents to the Management Office.
We, too, have cycles and rhythms in our lives and in our growth process. I want to remind you of
your property maintenance responsibilities and wildlife concerns during Spring. But I also want to
inspire you to feel hopeful about starting anew; doing something different, making a change,
trying again, persisting and believing something light and colorful is ahead for you.
Take time to share with your neighbors, help someone in need and enjoy your community. What
new growth will you focus on this Spring?
5
Treasurer Report
Larry Englerth,
Treasurer
The Transition to Brown Community Management is complete. They are reconciling year-todate information from January and February and will be issuing our March Financial report. We
expect a small delay while they input three months of data into their system.
Every member of the Association should have received their statement for second quarter
assessments. If you haven’t received your statement yet, please contact the office.
Brown gives us more options on payments and billing. If you prefer paperless billings,
electronic payments or just want more information on the options available, call our office or
Brown Community Management at 480-539-1396
The Finance Committee has, with members of the Strategic Planning Committee, reviewed a
presentation on some facilities management software. This overview was held at an open
committee meeting where members from both representative committees volunteered to do
more in-depth research and bring back a recommendation to the Board later this spring.
This is the time of year when many of our seasonal residents leave Ventana Lakes to enjoy
the late spring and summer in cooler climates.
Please be sure to drop a note to the office with your offsite contact information (phone
number, address, and email address as well as local emergency contacts, if possible) This
will ensure that we can reach you in the event of an emergency. This will also ensure timely
delivery of any correspondence.
We are reviewing several different options to improve our communications. This is especially
important to our residents who want to remain active in Ventana Lakes even while they’re
gone. In today’s technological world, there are many ways that people can contribute, even
when they are far away.
For those of you who will leave, we wish you a safe season. For those of you who will stay all
summer, we’ll have plenty of activities and functions to make the summer fly by.
6
Administrative Manager
Rhonda Alegria, CAAM
There are many positive things to feel good
about and proud of at Ventana Lakes. We have
wonderful volunteers who generously devote
their time and talents to the Community. We’re
improving services through contract changes.
We’re becoming more efficient, which translates
into cost savings, and we’re ensuring our
facilities and amenities are maintained at a high
level. We’ve had wonderful feedback from our
residents, and we’ve seen no slowing of home
sales, which is a very good indicator that our
Community is in demand.
then the proper course of action is to notify the
appropriate authority. Conversely, if one of your
neighbors approaches you with a concern, try to
be understanding. I’m sure if you work together,
as neighbors should, that issues can often be
resolved without escalation.
Action like this violates the Association’s Code of
Conduct. In some instances, the perpetrator was
identified and the matter was addressed. In the
case of anonymous notes, enforcement action is
obviously hindered. But once the perpetrator is
identified, an appropriate response will be taken.
The decision was made not to replace the stolen
shower head/hose assembly. Instead, the old
shower head will be reinstalled. As for the stolen
paper products and batteries, these will be
replaced at the lowest cost possible, which may
impact quality and comfort.
If you have an issue with a neighbor, the mature,
respectful approach, indeed the neighborly
approach, is to engage them in conversation and
explain your issue calmly. When this approach is
taken, there is usually resolution and very rarely
is there conflict. If resolution is not obtained,
I apologize for having to report these negative
events that affect your otherwise wonderful
community. Thank you for caring and being a
team player.
I also regret to inform you that theft of
Association supplies is once again on the rise.
Some homeowners may have the misconception
that because assessment fees pay for supplies,
that supplies are for their individual use. This is
not correct. Association supplies are for all to
Not everything is positive, however. While being use. Our concern is raised by the theft of
cautious not to be overly negative, the news is
bathroom tissue in the Yacht Club and Landings
not all good. Lately, a spattering of negative
restrooms, the theft of a shower head assembly
reports has management concerned. It is
at the Yacht Club, batteries stolen from two of
important that you be aware of how well your
the four pool clocks and the theft of a tape
community is and is not functioning.
dispenser from the Library. While these things
seem minor, they reflect a disturbing trend and
We’ve recently had three reports of very terse
(some would say threatening) notes being left on add to our operating costs.
homeowners’ doors or gates, presumably by a
You can help by keeping a watchful eye and
neighbor. The notes claimed that an association reporting suspicious behavior to the
rule or state law was being violated by the
management office or the Peoria Police
owner. These notes were unsigned, giving the
Department. Don’t use false justification to
receiver no opportunity to explain or defend the remove Association items from any common
situation or negotiate a compromise or solution. area. We are all victims of these thefts. Our
We’ve also had reports of a homeowner
Community currently uses an Honor and
accosting another owner and/or their guests in a Respect System, but if necessary, more security
very threatening way, resulting in physical and
cameras can be installed, which will cost
verbal confrontations.
everyone.
7
John Lunsford
Facilities
& Grounds Manager
On a seasonal basis, we get complaints about the various types of wildlife we all cohabitate
with. Arizona abounds with wildlife. Remember, it wasn’t so long ago that this property was wild
desert and these animals survived here for generations with little or no interaction with mankind.
We are just approaching thirty years old and the area certainly has changed. But animals like
coyotes, quail, rabbits, and geese will likely be a part of Ventana Lakes forever.
There are things we can do to make this coexistence easier, such as not feeding the wildlife,
including birds (which is against our Governing Documents) and avoiding areas where the
animals are nesting.
But this only goes so far. Wild animals are just that, wild. In most cases, they’re also protected
by state and federal laws which prohibit or limit our interference with their natural activities. These
laws provide for strict penalties if violated.
Geese and other birds are protected by federal statutes. Specific provisions in the statute
include:
“…prohibition, unless permitted by regulations, to "pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, attempt to
take, capture or kill, possess, offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, purchase, deliver for shipment,
ship, cause to be shipped, deliver for transportation, transport, cause to be transported, carry, or
cause to be carried by any means whatever, receive for shipment, transportation or carriage, or
export, at any time, or in any manner, any migratory bird, included in the terms of this Convention
. . . for the protection of migratory birds . . . or any part, nest, or egg of any such bird." (16 U.S.C.
703)
State restrictions protect other desert dwelling animals. Your Management Team is committed
to adhering to all local, state, and federal laws.
It is important that we keep the residents of Ventana Lakes safe. To that end, we have
cordoned off areas where we have active nesting. Please do not remove these barricades as they
are installed for your safety and the safety of others.
Are you handy around the house? Do you like working with your hands or working outdoors?
You may be interested in joining our maintenance committee. This important committee works
with our staff to address minor repair issues, perform event set-ups, and other ‘honey-do” type
tasks. If you’re interested in joining, contact John at facilitiesmgr@vlpoa.org or contact the
office.
Do you like to cook? Plan events? Do you have a passion for decorating? Please consider
joining the Activities Committee. This committee decides seasonal decorations and suggests
events and functions.
Whatever your talents, we’re sure to have a match for you. Make new friends, and share your
talent. What a great way to get involved!
8
Exercise Groups
Sports Groups
Cards & Games
Social Groups
Craft Groups
9
10
CLUB / GROUP
NEWS
Beading Class—Free Classes for Making
Beaded Necklaces
Join us for this short-term class consisting
of three two-hour sessions. Supplies for the
class will be provided at no cost. It’ll be fun!
Contact Patty Cyr at pattycyr@cox.net or
623-266-9793 for details.
Dear Neighbors
For all your prayers, good wishes, flowers,
food, and offers of help, I THANK YOU!
Your kindness and concern after my recent
surgery have meant a great deal to me and my
husband. Once again, Thank you all and God
Bless.
~ Kay Olson
SHALOM CLUB
Our March meeting was a Saturday luncheon at Biscuit's restaurant. As usual, the food was
great. The venue for our April meeting was discussed, but no decision was reached. As soon as
a decision is made, details will be provided by Email or phone.
We take this opportunity to wish all a happy Passover—first Seder is Friday night, April 4th.
We also take this opportunity to send "Get Well" wishes to too many members who are
hospitalized, in a rehab facility or otherwise challenged and unable to attend meetings. Our
thoughts are with you all…but ENOUGH ALREADY!
ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB
The March member only meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance and
recognition of March birthdays and anniversaries by Bruce Burnside. Les and
Rosemary Keely celebrated their 50th anniversary, and they provided delicious
cheesecake for everyone. Our volunteers served a wonderful dinner of an
Italian Sausage Hoagie with optional peppers and onions, salad and dessert. A list of volunteer
positions was distributed to everyone to get ready for the May meeting. Jan Galluzzo ran Bingo
as our entertainment for the evening and Gail Allan provided a financial update.
The April 2nd meeting is opened to guests. Entertainment will be our favorite band—The Breeze.
A sumptuous dinner of pulled pork, chicken, all of the fixin’s and dessert from the Texas Road
House is planned. Please call Gail Hellquist at 623-234-2200 to pick-up your tickets by March
27th.
May 7th will be the last meeting of the year—members only. We will vote for the new Board,
finalize our list of volunteers for next year and enjoy a great dinner and entertainment. For the first
time, members can pay next year’s dues at this meeting instead of waiting until after the summer.
Please hold this date open to enjoy the company of all our members before summer separates us
until September. Please remember to bring a food item for the Food Bank at every meeting.
The Ventana Lakes Italian-American Club is open to all Ventana Lakes residents. Dues are only
$10.00 per year. Call President Bruce Burnside, 623-322-6257, or any officer, if you have
questions or are interested in joining. Chuck Hellquist, Secretary.
RIDE PROGRAM—The volunteer ride program has expanded to include not only rides
needed within Ventana Lakes but also to the nearby Walmart Plaza and Basha’s plaza.
Please call Patty Cyr at 623-266-9793 for rides and for the specific details of the program. More
drivers are always welcome.
11
LIBRARY NEWS
Thank you to all who have generously donated library items. To accommodate future donations,
please follow these guidelines:
* No magazines more than 6 months old
* Paperbacks and hard cover books in good condition only
* Leave donations on the library cart, removing bags and boxes
* No videos unless commercially produced
* No puzzles with missing pieces
Here are some other ways you can contribute to the good order of our library:
* Please place returned items on the cart for the library staff to re-shelve. Your cooperation will be
greatly appreciated!
* The Association purchases supplies to keep the library organized. Please do not remove library
supplies, such as tape dispensers, labels or bookends. (In fact, our tape dispenser has gone
missing, so if you borrowed it, please return it…thanks!)
* Books, magazines, DVD's, audio tapes and puzzles are donated for use by all Ventana Lakes
residents. Please return the items you borrow promptly so that others may enjoy them, too.
We love feedback! If you see one of the volunteers working in the library, stop and say hello. We
appreciate hearing from you. We are looking for more library volunteers, especially to help type
labels. Any amount of time you can donate will be appreciated. If interested, please call Lois Sims
at 623-376-2591. Thank you from your library volunteers.
Residents are welcome to submit articles or article suggestions. All submissions must be received
by the 12th of the prior month and are subject to approval. Please provide electronic copy,
preferably in 12 pt. Arial font (for articles only; ads will be published as submitted) to
ventanaviews@vlpoa.org.
ATTENTION GROUPS
It is time once again to complete and submit your Room Reservation Form. In order to be
compliant with Fair Housing Laws, as well as state and local laws and our own Governing
Documents, we are asking that all Groups complete a new application.
We do not anticipate a lot of changes to the reservation assignments. Long standing,
established groups will, in all likelihood remain in the location they are used to. The facilities are
limited, however, so we must work to accommodate the groups the best we can, based on
number of participants, frequency, and other factors.
Please visit the office after April 15 to pick up your 2015-16 Room Reservation Application. We
will begin accepting them on that date. The deadline to submit your application is April 30.
Please be sure that the leader of your group completes, signs and submits an application for
your group.
12
And They’re Off
A story by Connie Cushing
Ventana Lakes Scribblers
The day dawned crisp and sunny; the ocean breeze played friskily on Dog
Beach, San Diego; and wiener dogs (Dachshunds), as far as the eye could see, were hauling bellies
through the sand. They came from as far away as Sacramento and Arizona. I was auntie to two of
these little menaces—Heidi and Missy. They came in all colors, shapes, and sizes (small to
smaller). Their opinion of themselves is that they are the master breed—bigger, louder and more
rancorous than the largest, brawniest dog in the universe. And so they are! They can out-bark, out
ferocious, and absolutely out-run any dog who thinks they might wipe up the ground with their skinny
little tails. They are even known to stop and taunt before high-tailing (sic) it off again.
So there I was at Dog Beach to support my two little friends. It was a qualifying race for the Port of
San Diego nationally televised Holiday Bowl Parade that preceded the Culligan Holiday Bowl football
game. Money was not the object of the race. Neither were trophies, ribbons, dog biscuits or a new
diamond studded collar. It was all about the privilege of getting to hitch a ride on the Wiener
Schnitzel Float in the parade. They were proudly representing the breed, showing off for the locals,
making their owners proud.
The atmosphere was joyful in anticipation of a great time. The small race area was fenced off.
The track of about 25 feet was laid out neatly with ten lanes being identified by ropes laid straight on
the sand from the beginning to the end of the track, where ten owners per heat would be stationed
while coaxing their little sons or daughters to the finish line.
As the morning progressed, all dogs got registered, owners received their tee shirts, and dogs
started towing their people (I forgot to mention they are physically powerful, also) around the beach,
totally oblivious of the unforgettable fun at hand.
The Chief Wiener (referee), announced the first heat. He laid down the rules: dogs--none, owners--a
few, including not darting out onto the track to drag their dogs over the finish line.
Owen, Rosebud, Bruce, Oscar, Spunky, Missy, Blackjack, Digit, Heidi, Little Sammy, Max,
Maxwell—they were all there, and a lot more—200 plus dogs and about 20 heats. Excitement was in
the air for the first event. It built as ten dogs lined up behind the starting gate (envision a horse race
starting gate only on a much smaller scale). They were ready, hyped. Some were prairie dogging
the area above the stalls, baring teeth, snarling doggie profanities and challenges at each other.
Tension filled the air as their owners jockeyed for position at the finish line as they grasped their
stuffed toys, whetted their whistles, and they flailed tug of war ropes in the air—anything to get their
special little guy’s or gal’s attention. They squatted; they got down on all fours; or they stooped with
expectant looks, hands clapping, anticipating the charge of 40 little legs kicking up sand as they
sprinted down the little roped off lanes for the finish line. The crowd hushed. The dogs stopped
barking; they were feeling the tension. Surf pounded the beach. Gulls screeched overhead. This was
the event and time for which the dogs had been training. Well, some. For my little friends, Heidi and
Missy, we were relying on sheer spirit.
Assistants tried to keep the dogs steady behind the gate, preparing for hasty exits. Missy was in this
heat—position two. All eyes were focused on the starting gate. Cameras ready, including mine.
Deafening silence now engulfed the crowd. The signal was given and the crowd inhaled in unison as
the gates flew open. We waited. We stared. Shocked silence overtook anticipation as some dogs
cowered in their stall. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
13
There have been numerous complaints that
the Yacht Club’s interior bathrooms have mold
growing along the grout lines. This is not true.
The grout has been inspected and it is not
mold. Grout discoloration, though not normal,
can occur.
remove and reapply the grout or applying a
stain to correct the discoloration. The stain
option will permanently alter the color of the
grout. Since stains are epoxy-based, an
added benefit is eliminating the need to re-seal
the tile in the future.
There are many reasons, too many to list, for
how and why grout discolors or becomes
uneven in color. The top two reasons are
improper sealing after installation or using poor
quality grout from the start. Unsealed grout
leaves the grout exposed to all the
environmental elements in the area, including
water, dust, dirt, soot, etc. Since grout is a
porous material, it will inevitably take on some
discoloration due to this exposure. The more
time that passes, the more discoloration will
occur. Poor quality grout is a result of the dye
used to create the manufactured grout color.
The Board will consider this project in terms of
priority and funding availability. Prior to this,
the Facility Manager will work with a
professional grout cleaner to see if cleaning
the tile with an alkaline cleaner (like baking
soda) will improve the appearance and then reseal the tile. Re-sealing is highly
recommended every six months to a year,
depending on the size and location of the tiled
area.
Grout discoloration in the Yacht Club
bathrooms is believed to be the result of poor
quality grout. There are two solutions—
Management appreciates your concern and
thanks you for bringing issues like this to our
attention. Working together, we can make
community improvements and correct
deficiencies.
CONTINUED FROM PRIOR PAGE
Others exited excitedly, immediately taking an attack stance toward any other dog foolish enough
to mosey out of the gate to investigate what was happening. Some barked, some lunged and
some snapped at each other. A couple of them scurried around the gates back to their
assistants. The more perplexed stared at the crowd, which by this time had exploded into
uncontrollable gut-wrenching hysteria. Being the cameraman for our little group, it was my duty to
take pictures. I got one. I was hanging onto the fence too weak to hold myself up, much less try
to focus a camera. Two dogs eventually began meandering down the track, totally ignoring their
lanes and ignoring each other as they individually began doggy working the crowd.
Dumbfounded owners broke all the rules by stepping or crawling over the finish line onto the
track. They shook their toys. They pounded the ground with their fists. They called. They cajoled.
Not one dog crossed the finish line. Heat one—no wiener, er, winner. The crowd won the contest
for the best prolonged laugh to be had in a long time.
Ventana Lakes Scribblers meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Contact Sheila
Lester at 623-594-6181 if you would like information about joining the group.
14
REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
The audio/visual committee is seeking
volunteers (men & women) to join their committee
to train as audio/visual operators to assist with
local events requiring audio/visual equipment.
We could also use a few individuals to go a little
further and join Cyril Colbert and Bill Jones in
learning how to present Karaoke in our
community. Flexibility will absolutely be allowed,
meaning if you only want to train for Karaoke or
only train for shows or board meetings, welcome!
Understand that the current members of the
committee are very excited with the potential of
installation of equipment for greatly needed
upgrades in audio/visual equipment in the Yacht
Club. Training will also include operation of all new
equipment as it occurs.
The committee meets only one time each month
to discuss issues relating to audio/visual issues
for Ventana Lakes, especially for the Yacht Club.
The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday at the
Yacht Club beginning at 8am, usually for 1 hour.
Bill Jones and Cyril Colbert will provide the
equipment training. There is no start or end time
for this training; training will start when the
committee chair feels we have enough volunteers.
The duration of the training will be on an
as-needed basis and scheduled to best suit those
who volunteer. Each “class” will be no longer than
1 to 1.5 hours and only one or two times per week.
Training will stop when all volunteers are
comfortable using the equipment & know locations
and settings of the equipment.
Have you
seen these
2 men??
So funny!!!
I don’t know
their names
but what a
show they
put on.
BRAVO!!!
Following completion of training you will not
be left to fend for yourself. In the beginning
you will be assisted by someone who has
been trained and comfortable with all of the
equipment. The intent of our group is to
provide amplified sound and occasional visual
enhancements, not to become sound
engineers who travel with seasoned
entertainers playing in front of thousands of
people.
Some of the events requiring microphones
and/or other equipment:
Bingo
Karaoke
Craft Shows
Vendor Shows
Board Workshops
Board Meetings
Memorial Day events
Veterans Day events
Dog parade
Some shows by outside entertainers
Miscellaneous events such as fashion
shows & plays.
If you would like to volunteer for this extremely
important committee, please contact Gale
O’Leary at the Management Office
(623-566-6001), Bill Jones at 623-734-7410
or Cyril Colbert at 623-776-5027. Please
provide your name and contact information so
you can be informed of class start date/time.
APRIL
B I N G O every Monday
At the Yacht Club at 6:30
The snack bar closes after the break.
* * * * * * *
* * * *
APRIL - WEDNESDAYS - 12:30
BEGINNER LINE DANCE LESSONS - w/
LINDA SCHMIDT ONLY $4.00 @ Y.C.
WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER
* * * * * * *
* * * *
APRIL - 1st & 2nd Friday of month
6:30, Y.C.
LINE DANCE W/LINDA AND DAVE
All levels of line dance - join the fun.
* * * * * * *
* * * *
APRIL 1 - WEDNESDAY - 2:00 - Y.C.
BOARD WORKSHOP MEETING
* * * * * * * *
* *
APRIL 5 - SUNDAY
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY EASTER.
* * * * * * * * *
* *
APRIL 6 - MONDAY - 8:00 - 4:00 - Y.C.
GOLD BUYING EVENT USA
W/ CRAIG HUNTER - He will be at the Y.C.
waiting to examine your jewelry, coins and
such.
* * *
*
* * * * * * *
APRIL - 3rd. WEDNESDAY of month - 8:00
Y.C. SOUND COMMITTEE MEETING
Volunteers needed, see page 14.
* * * * * * *
* * * *
APRIL 13 - MONDAY - 8:30 - Y.C.
ACTIVITY MEETING
This meeting is for anyone interested in helping out with anything to do with the Activities
Department.
If you plan on working in the kitchen this year,
we need your input. New rules and regulations
will be discussed. Not being up to date on
what’s going on will make it more difficult for
you when you do volunteer. Please try to
attend this meeting.
* * * * * * *
*
* * *
I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO CAME
TO MY RESCUE AND HELPED ME WITH
THE MANY EVENTS THAT WE HAD IN
MARCH. I TRULY APPRECIATE IT.
THANK YOU AGAIN, GALE
15
APRIL 11 - SATURDAY LAKESIDE - 9:00AM - 1:00PM
AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE
W/BRUCE BURNSIDE
You will learn: Defensive driving techniques proven safety strategies - new traffic laws and
rules of the road. Plus, there are no tests to
pass. You simply sign up and learn. Upon
completion you could receive a multi-year
discount on your car insurance.
The course cost is $15.00 for AARP
members and $20.00 for non-members .
Space is limited so register now by calling the
office at 566-6001. Check with your insurance
company for a possible discount.
* * * * * * *
* * * *
APRIL 17 - FRIDAY - 6:30 - Y.C.
TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT STYLE
There will be a $10 buy-in at the Yacht Club
and a $3.00 sign-up charge at the office for
your admission ticket. If there are over 12
people, then 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will
be given out. If there are under 12 people
playing, there will only be 1st and 2nd place
prizes.
We will be serving refreshments and sweets to
our players. Marty will be your host at this
Tournament Style Texas Hold’em Night, and
he is willing to come back once a month if we
have a good showing. Let your friends know
about this fun event and don’t forget to sign up
early.
* * * * * * *
* * * * *
APPRIL 18 - SATURDAY - 9:30 - Y.C.
BOARD MEETING
* * * * * * *
* * * * *
APRIL 19 - SUNDAY - $20.00
CASINO, SHOW & LUNCH BUS TRIP
TURN THE PAGE
THE BOB SEGER EXPERIENCE
The bus leaves at 11:30am at the Yacht Club
and we are off to the Wild Horse Pass Casino.
You will receive a lunch (1:00) of your choice
(2 restaurants to choose from), a show ticket,
a bus ride and your gratuities. The bus will
leave the casino at 6:30. Cost is $20.00.
Sign up now at the office.
CONTINUED ON PAGE18
16
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wedn
WORK
MEE
2:00
5
6
GOLD EVENT
Y.C. 8:00- 4:00
7
12
13
14
ORTHODOX EASTER
ACTIVITY MEETING
8:30 Y.C.
19
20
21
2
27
28
2
1
SOUND
-----TAX
BUS TRIP - 11:30
BOB SEGER TRIBUTE
LUNCH - 1:00,
WILD HORSE PASS
26
KITCHEN COMMITTEE
MEETING 8:30 EDGE B
FREE S
FLYIN
FEATHER
7:00
W/BUD HE
17
nesday
1
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
2
3
GOOD FRIDAY
--------DAVE & LINDA LINE
DANCE LESSONS
6:00 Y.C.
4
KSHOP
ETING
0 Y.C.
8
15
9
16
D GROUP
-------X DAY
22
29
SEMINAR
NG THE
RED EDGE
0 Y.C.
ESTERMAN
23
1ST. DAY
PASSOVER
10
11
DAVE & LINDA LINE
DANCE LESSONS
6:00 Y.C.
AARP DRIVING CLASS
9:00 LAND.
--------------------------LAST DAY PASSOVER
17
18
TEXAS
HOLD’EM POKER
6:30 Y.C.
BOARD MEETING
9:30 - Y.C.
24
25
KARAOKE
6:00 - 9:00 Y.C.
30
Starting in May monthly lunches
at the Yacht Club
(trial basis)
18
The Ultimate Tribute to Bob Seger, is an
exciting live show that pays worthy homage to
the spell Seger has cast, reproducing his
passion and driving musical force to delighted
audiences across the country. Singer/guitarist
Sam Morrison, the heart and soul of the band,
shares the American everyman “voice you can
trust” Seger has exemplified for decades. And
after more than ten years of performing
together, the band is tighter than ever and plays
with the ardency and excitement of the real
deal at every performance.
* * * * * *
* * * * * *
APRIL 24 - FRIDAY - 6:00 - Y.C.
KARAOKE NIGHT in the Yacht Club with your
hosts Bill, Cyril and Jay. Pay only $2.00 at the
door. BYOB, your friends and your own
snacks.
FUN ! FUN ! FUN !
* * * * * *
* * * * *
APRIL 25 - SATURDAY - 6:00 Y.C.
MOTOWN DINNER & DANCE
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED.
I will keep you informed.
* * * * * *
* * * * *
APRIL 29 - WEDNESDAY- 7:00 - Y.C. - FREE
FLYING THE FEATHERED EDGE
W/ BUD HESTERMAN
Bob Hoover who is now age 93, is considered
by many to be the world's greatest living pilot.
One of his many adventures includes stealing a
German airplane (FW 190) and flying it out of
Germany as part of his escape from a German
prisoner of war camp in World War II. Throughout his lifetime he has thrilled millions of people
at his incredible air shows and wonderful story
telling sessions.
Several months ago, a documentary called
Flying the Feathered Edge was made of Bob
Hoover's amazing life story. Ventana Lakes
resident and former Air Force fighter pilot, Bud
Hesterman, has a copy of the DVD, and would
like to share it with anyone in the Ventana
Lakes area at the Yacht Club on Wed. April 29
at 7:00 pm. Admission is free. After viewing
the film, Bud will tell his story about a very cold
and wet survival experience he had after
ejecting out of an F-105 and taking a swim in
the Sea of Japan a little over 51 years ago.
Please come and see this wonderful film and
hear Bud's story, and bring a friend.
Ventana Lakes Karaoke Fun
From the Urban Dictionary,
a Karaoke definition:
Singing without a live orchestra or band.
Originally meaning "without orchestra," it is a
combination of Japanese "kara" meaning
"empty/bare-handed" as in "karate", and the
"okee" sound from the first syllable of
"orchestra" as pronounced by Japanese.
The guy who thought up karaoke created a
bar owner's dream, because as patrons
provide their own entertainment by singing
along with a machine, management saves a
fortune by not hiring talented musicians.
Ventana Lakes does not have a bar, but has
Karaoke on the last Friday of the month from
6 pm to 9 pm. We attract some very good
singers, in fact, some exceptional singers.
They sing everything from croonin to rock and
roll, country, yodeling, fun songs, number one
hits, sing-along songs, etc. We will soon be
adding 27 new discs of very well known and
popular songs of all genres.
You DO NOT have to sing to enjoy Karaoke
night at Ventana. Karaoke night is a BYOB
and snacks. The cost is only $2 per every
person, singer or not. We sing; many people
dance to the tunes our exceptional singers are
performing. Dancing is a compliment to the
singers and the music they love to sing. We
usually have an average of 12-15 singers, but
some nights we have nearly 30 singers. What
a great variety of tunes. Did I mention that
DANCING is encouraged?
So, come on down and join Bill & Candy
Jones, Cyril Colbert, and floor host Jay Dunn
as we spin the tunes. The words are displayed
so you can sing along to yourself or your date!
It is hoped that we will soon have the side TV’s
back for enhanced visual enjoyment. And this
year we are planning a costume Halloween
party with purchased “to share” food items,
along with something very special for
Christmas. Christmas falls on the last Friday
this year, so we will be moving Karaoke to the
day after, Saturday December 26. Notices for
these special Karaoke party nights will be sent
out early enough for you to plan. Come and
join the fun!!
Bill Jones
19
We found a great list of Vendors who provide Senior Discounts. Offers vary by location, so
be sure to check with the individual venue.
RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver's: 10% off
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS:
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).
MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
MORE ON PAGE 24
20
March Board Workshop and Board Meeting Highlights
Below are summaries of the highlights of the prior month Board Workshop and Board
meeting. They are excerpted from the emails which were sent to owners following
those meetings. If you have any questions regarding this material, contact the office.
March 3 Annual Membership Meeting
March 11 Organizational Meeting
The Annual Membership Meeting was held
at 7pm on March 3 at the Yacht Club.
The Oath of Office was administered to all Board
Members. Officers were selected as follows:
At that meeting, three vacant Board positions
were filled.
President: Lori Norris
Vice President: Ken Matz
Secretary: Pat Roark
Treasurer: Larry Englerth
Directors: Chet Homan, Kathy Kovalesky, & Dick
Feyrer.
Kathy Kovalesky and Dick Feyrer were
elected to three year terms. Larry Englerth
was re-elected to a second three year term.
Special thanks to Election Committee Chair
Kathy Freda and the entire Election
Committee who worked so hard to oversee
this election.
March 11 Special Meeting
Immediately following the Organizational
Meetings summarized at right, the Board
addressed some additional business.
The Board approved the purchase of two (2)
additional AED devices for installation at the
Landings and Lakeside facilities.
The Board approved a contract/bid for a
survey to be done in accordance with the
approved MOU (Memorandum of
Understanding) with the City of Peoria.
The Board approved accepting a Quit Claim
deed to a parcel of land adjacent to the
northeast corner of the Yacht Club property.
This parcel of land was “forgotten” when
Shea homes originally developed the area.
Two items, Electrical Panel review and Lake
Yukon (Lake 2) maintenance issues were
tabled so more information could be
collected.
Board Assignments are as follows:
Activities— Director Dick Feyrer
Communications— Secretary Pat Roark
Website Oversight— Secretary Pat Roark
Reserve/Bingo— Treasurer Larry Englerth
Governing Documents— Secretary Pat Roark
Government Liaison— Volunteer Mary Lynn
McCord. (No board member volunteered to serve
as the Government liaison, therefore resident
Mary Lynn McCord volunteered to continue as
the point of contact for the City Government with
Treasurer Englerth assistance if any conflict(s)
arise.)
The Board accepted all 20 Association Rules as
they currently stand.
The Board accepted the current 2015-16 Meeting
Schedule for all regularly scheduled meetings.
The Board approved Committee Assignments.
Have an issue to bring before the Board?
Fill out an Agenda Request Form, available
on our website or at our Management Office.
Your matter will be reviewed at a subsequent
meeting.
21
Everyone has a Story
Ventana Lakes has over 3200 residents, each with
a unique and interesting story. In this Issue, we
continue our series of Spotlight stories, bringing
those stories to you. If you have a suggestion on a
Resident to profile, please submit your suggestion
to the Communication Committee.
Contributed by Jan Borden of the
Communications Committee
In an era when peace hinged on who had the biggest bomb, homeowner and resident
Vanner Holmes worked at Los Alamos National Laboratories, the “birthplace” of the atomic
bomb. The laboratory was founded during World War II as a secret, centralized facility to
coordinate the scientific research of the Manhattan Project, the Allied project to develop the first
nuclear weapons.
Vanner remembers 1945, when he was around seven years old, being upset because his
favorite radio program was not being broadcasted. Instead, he heard news reports of some
“bombing” in a foreign country. The “bombing” was the first atomic bombs dropped on
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
A soft spoken, reserved man, Vanner started his employment with the Department of Energy
at Los Alamos in his early twenties, around 1960. The top secret work he was qualified to do
was so new that there wasn’t even an academic degree developed for it. He worked with some
of the smartest scientists in the world. Yet, because of his experience, they consulted him on
how to handle a highly volatile material. Vanner provided guidance in developing protocols for
handling the material at different stages and identified when it was safe for transport.
Vanner was part of a team tasked with radiation monitoring. He remembers family and
friends being questioned by government agents for a top secret clearance classification. He
obtained his clearance and soon became part of an elite group. One of the downsides of his job
was exposure to toxins, such as beryllium, which causes a chronic, life-threatening allergic
disease called berylliosis. Vanner’s exposure to certain elements qualified him for a lifetime of
annual government medical examinations to monitor the beryllium in his lungs.
Vanner retired in 2003 and moved to Ventana Lakes to be closer to his daughter, who resided
in Glendale, Arizona. When asked what he did at Los Alamos, Vanner calmly replies, “I was a
janitor, I cleaned things.” If asked what he cleaned, he used to say, “That’s classified.” But, he
now informs interested individuals to look up Los Alamos on the internet. Even though Los
Alamos is no longer a secret, Vanner still does not divulge “the process”.
22
23
ARIZONA ROOF RESCUE
LLC
3635 W Rose Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85019
Licensed-Bonded-Insured ROC.#264597
Dual Licensed for Residential and Commercial
Alan Monzon, Operations Manager
Office # 602-242-2706 - Fax # 602-595-2704
E-Mail # arizonaroofrescue@cox.net
www.arizonaroofrescue.com
Repair or replace shingle and tile roof systems,
flat roof systems, foam roof repair
Scented Candles, Diffusers,
Wickless Fragrances. Call to
schedule your mixer today!
Pigeon issues, maintenance, coatings, venting
free inspection & free estimate
We are a Member of the
B.B.
Bureau,
Service
Magic
Mem-
24
Place your Classified Ad at a very reasonable cost; $1 for ten words , $2 for 20 words or $3 for 30
words. Here is your chance to sell some of your things that you just don’t want any more or to find a
new “treasure” at a great price. Contact the office to place your ad.
Over a dozen men's and women's Ventana Lakes Polo Shirts, Hvy. T-Shirt style, and Lightweight T-Shirts.
Polo and Hvy. T-Shirts have Ventana Lakes logo and name embroidered on the upper left breast area and the
Lightweight T-Shirts have different Sonoran/Desert area images with the name Ventana Lakes in big letters
on the front across the bottom. The Polo Shirts used to be sold in the management office for $38.00, the
Heavyweight T-Shirts for $25.00 and the Lightweight T-Shirts were sold in a retail store outside of Ventana
Lakes. These are all shorts sleeve and in various solid colors. Sizes are mostly X-large and the rest are Large.
Best offer. 623-825-7519.
WANTED—Paddle Boat. Used, good condition call 623-824-6807—Dave
Oak Round claw-foot table with leaf, custom pad, and four chairs. Chairs need some joint glue.
$150. Can assist with delivery if needed. 480-570-3132—Scott.
Three nights at Wyndham Flagstaff Resort, starting May 23. Offering planned activities, golf course,
two outdoor heated pools, mini-golf , tennis etc. 3bd/2ba, sleeps 8, kitchen, private hot tub on patio,
fireplace W/D, loft.
623-979-2741
More great discounts, continued from page 19
RETAIL & APPAREL:
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)
GROCERY:
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
25
15030 N 99 th Avenue
Sun City, Arizona 85351
$9.95 OIL CHANGE
26
27
28
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13,
12:30 - 2:00 @ YACHT CLUB
A VARIETY OF LUNCHES WILL BE ON SALE
FOR $6.00, WHILE THEY LAST
(more details to follow)
29
30
Interested in advertising with us? Send us an
email at adminasst@vlpoa.org or contact the
Management Office. Special Rates for VLPOA
Residents!
31
Ventana Lakes
Fashion show
sponsored by
CHICO”S
and our own
V.L. Models:
Donna Witicka
Rosemary Keely
Irene Mann
Carol Robinette
Shannon Haines
Gail Woods &
Jackie Wray
Phyllis Reed - We
thank you so much
for your time & your
wonderful piano
performance
2
0
1
5
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
LINDA &
DAVE LINE
DANCE
LESSONS
6:00 Y.C.
3
4
5
6
7
8
SEMINAR
------TEXAS
HOLD’EM
POKER
6:00 Y.C.
9
14
15
16
WORKSHOP
MEETING
2:00
10
11
12
NEW!
V.L.
LUNCH
12:30 - Y.C.
ACTIVITY
MEETING
8:30 Y.C.
17
BUS TRIP
JOHN
LENNON
TRIBUTE,
LUNCH,
CASINO
11:00 - 6:30
KITCHEN
COMM.
MEETING
8:30
EDGE B
24
25
18
------
31
13
19
20
TRU
MEMORIES
DINNER &
DANCE
6:00 - 10:00
Y.C.
21
SOUND
GROUP
8:00 Y.C.
-------------BOARD
MEETING
1:30 Y.C.
26
27
22
LINDA &
DAVE LINE
DANCE
LESSONS
6:00 Y.C.
28
29
KARAOKE
6:00 Y.C.
8:00
PROGRAM
23
30
PURPLE
HEARTS
MEETING
7:00 - 3:00
Y.C.