President’s message
Kathy Skrei
Fall 2014 has been a busy season in Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes. A very successful overseeding took place on both golf courses and our common areas during October. The courses have reopened as of October 27 to the delight of our golfers. Our courses are a bargain and some of the best in the Valley! Many thanks to Bill Todd, Mike Reinhardt and their crews for all the hard work that goes into the overseeding process.
All Cottonwood Palo Verde homeowners are cordially invited to attend an Open House for the new John R. Dobson Administration Center at its new location at 25219 S. EJ Robson Blvd. The Open House will be held on Sunday, November 9 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. When you attend the Open House, be sure to check out the display case in the lobby which contains many of Mr. Dobson’s memorabilia. Board member Dick Norris has just recently added military items to the display case along with Mr. Dobson’s biography which is framed and on the wall adjacent to the display.
I encourage you to attend our Agenda Planning meetings and our Board meetings. This is a great way for you to be a part of the process. We still also have openings on some of our nine committees. Our community can only be as good as those who get involved and volunteer their time and talents. We are very blessed to have so many gifted individuals in Cottonwood Palo Verde. Many thanks to those who are willing to serve on our committees as you are very much appreciated.
It is hard to believe that we find the holidays approaching. On behalf of your Board of Directors, I want to wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Board meeting minutes
Directors present: Kathy Skrei, Richard Hawkes Don Hicks, Bud Jenssen, Jerry Lofquist, Dick Norris and Nancy Pannebecker
Also present: General Manager Steve Nolan
Board President Kathy Skrei called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. It was stated the meeting is being recorded for accuracy of the minutes.
Bud Jenssen introduced and gave a short biography of the military and civilian career of Louis Verrochi. Mr. Verrochi then led the Pledge of Allegiance. He was thanked for his service to our country.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the August 27, 2014 Board Meeting Minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Kathy Skrei reported that they are in the process of decorating the Cottonwood bar to create a sports bar theme. This project should be completed in a few weeks. She also thanked Mr. Terry for donating a picture to the sports bar which will be displayed there. She announced that today will be the final report from the Administration Building Task Force. An Open House will be held on November 9 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Nancy Pannebecker presented the August 2014 Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
It was reported that as of the end of August, 96 percent of the new Administration Building Project budget has been spent. This project closed out at the end of September. It completed under budget of approximately $50,000 which will be returned to the Capital Fund accounts.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the August 31, 2014 pre-audited financial report. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of its meeting held September 18.
As of August 25, 2014, 53 permit applications were approved; zero denied; seven requiring follow up and 28 requiring ongoing follow up. The committee will interview committee candidates at their next meeting on October 2 at 8:30 a.m. in the Phoenix Room.
The committee has one recommendation on today’s agenda for the Board to approve changes to the ACC Guidelines.
Audit and Finance Committee: The report was given of its meeting held September 10. They reviewed their assignments and the first draft of the 2015 budget proposal. The next meeting is October 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Communications Committee: The report was given of its meeting held September 8. It was announced that the HOA Open House is October 11 from 9:00 a.m.-noon in the San Tan Ballroom and Saguaro Room. In August, ambassadors had five tours and 48 tours year to date. They will be interviewing candidates for the committee in October. The next meeting is October 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Election Committee: The report was given of its meeting held September 3. The committee primarily discussed the upcoming Board elections and updating of Board applications. The next meeting is October 1 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Facilities and Grounds Committee: The report was given of its meeting held September 15. The next meeting is October 6 at 9:30 a.m. in the Paint Room when the committee will be interviewing candidates to fill one open position.
The committee has one recommendation on today’s agenda, for the Board to approve proposed projects for 2014-2015. The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Food and Beverage Committee: The report was given of its meeting held September 11. The committee is currently interviewing candidates for their committee. The next meeting is October 2 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room. The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Golf Committee: The report was given of its meeting held September 4. The next meeting is October 2 at 1:00 p.m. in the Phoenix Room. The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Recreation Committee: This committee did not have a quorum at their meeting on September 8. The committee will be interviewing candidates for their committee in October. The next meeting is October 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room. The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Safety, Security and Access Committee: The report was given of its meeting held September 3. The focus of their meeting was homeowner safety. It was announced that February 11 is the Safety Forum. The next meeting is October 1 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Administration Building Task Force: Don Hicks reported that the ABTF met on September 9. He reported that the Task Force has one recommendation on today’s agenda, for the Board to approve the close out of the new Administration Building Project and the ABTF Charter. He reported that all contractual obligations have been met including a two-year wall-to-wall warranty on the building which incorporates all mechanical, electrical equipment along with the surrounding grounds. All tasks of the ABTF Charter have been completed. Mr. Hicks was pleased to report that $49,982.72 of project unused dollars are being returned back to the fund accounts. He thanked everyone involved for support of the project and the funding of the project. He especially thanked HOA employees Beth Becker and Karen Lease for the upkeep of documentation and payment process. It was announced that there would be no further ABTF meetings.
At this time, Kathy Skrei expressed her thanks to everyone on the project and that she was pleased to be returning the money to the fund accounts.
PROJECT REPORTS:
Steve Nolan Reported on the following project(s):
Palo Verde Racquetball Court Repairs – repairs are moving very slowly. The subcontractor this week was issued a 10-day notice of termination of his contract. A new subcontractor has been lined up, but the General Contractor must wait the 10 days by law to see if the subcontractor will meet his obligations before hiring another. The Association has a contract with the General Contractor and we cannot hire any subcontractors.
MANAGEMENT REPORT:
Steve Nolan gave the Management Report.
At this time, Steve Nolan asked Linda Caton to give a report on the upcoming entertainment.
It was also reported that due to the recent purchase of new fitness equipment, two used recumbent bikes and two used ellipticals are up for bid to the homeowners. They can be viewed in A-9 and are as-is. Bids are being accepted by the Recreation Department with a deadline of 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26.
At this time, Kathy Skrei thanked Linda Caton for her donation of an autographed photo of Meadowlark Lemon which will go on display in the Cottonwood Bar.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Bud Jenssen thanked Louis Verrochi for his service to our country; thanked Jerry for his picture donation; thanked Don and the Task Force.
Dick Norris thanked Louis Verrochi for his service to our country. He announced that he is working with a professional organization to put together a military display for John Dobson. Once assembled it will be placed in the curio cabinet of the new administration building along with the other John Dobson items.
At this time, Kathy Skrei thanked Dick for taking on this project.
Richard Hawkes thanked Louis Verrochi for his service to our country; thanked Don Hicks and the staff; thanked Brian Shaw and his staff for their work on the budget.
Nancy Pannebecker thanked Louis Verrochi for his service to our country; she expressed her pride of the New Administration Building project.
Don Hicks thanked Louis Verrochi for his service to our country; thanked Nancy and Brian Shaw for their hard work on the budget and thanked everyone for coming to today’s meeting.
Jerry Lofquist thanked Louis Verrochi for his service to our country and he thanked Jerry for the picture donation.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist, to approve replacement of Palo Verde Food and Beverage ice machine from Fair Refrigeration at a cost of $7,163 plus a 10 percent contingency for a total cost of $7,879.30. The motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve replacement of Palo Verde Food and Beverage chafing dishes from Standard Supply for the low bid $8,498.41. Two bids came in at the lower price and Standard was chosen due to their reliability and we are familiar with their product. The motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist, to approve replacement of the Palo Verde Pump House roof for the low bid from A Shade Above for $7,549.59 plus a 10 percent contingency for a total cost of $8,304.55. The motion carried unanimously.
PV GATE RESERVE FUND:
None
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
None
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND:
None
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve changes to BP 8-13 Food and Beverage/Recreation Ticket Sales. There was discussion. The motion carried unanimously.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Nancy Pannebecker, to approve the golf rates for the 2014-2015 year to be effective November 1, 2014 through October 31, 2015. The motion carried unanimously.
Jerry Lofquist made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve changes to the Architectural Compliance Guidelines as recommended by the Architectural Compliance Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist, to approve the close out of the new Administration Building Project and the ABTF Charter, as recommended by the Administration Building Task Force. The motion carried unanimously.
At this time, Kathy Skrei asked Richard Hawkes to explain the Facilities and Grounds and Long-Range Planning Team recommendations. There was discussion. The recommendations from the combined Facilities and Grounds Committee and the Long-Range Planning Team to pursue projects for the 2014 and 2015 budget years has been deferred until the October Board meeting.
At this time, Kathy Skrei thanked everyone involved for the work on the Long-Range Planning Team recommendations. A workshop on this subject will be scheduled before the October Board meeting.
FIRST READINGS:
None
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS:
Discussion regarding explanation of a possible racquet fee.
Commendation from a member regarding a racquet fee.
Question regarding budget shortfall for next year.
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
From the Recreation Department
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Ladies Coffee
Ladies Coffees are for all Sun Lakes women and guests. They’re held in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 10:30 a.m.; doors open at 10:00 a.m. For only $3 you’ll receive cookies, hot coffee or hot tea and iced tea. Each month will be a new and fun program with door prizes. November’s coffee will include a short performance by Sun Lakes Community Theatre’s November main stage performance Murder at the Howard Johnson’s, a taste of the Doggie Show that will be performing at the Cottonwood November Pet Parade, a demonstration with Paris Wigs, a couple of songs by Mood Swings 2.0 (Maddy and Ron), demonstrations by our new Cottonwood/Palo Verde instructors including a fall flower arrangement by Susan Dileberto and Cindy Williams and her Love Laugh Paint class and bring your wallets because The Gilded Gecko jewelry will be on hand!
Dates are: November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 4 and April 1.
ABBA Impersonators – Party Like It’s 1979!
On Friday, December 7 the Premier ABBA Experience will take the stage at the Cottonwood San Tan Ballroom. Their vocals and musicianship are second to none! This multimedia production is a tribute to some of the greatest songs of the 1970’s and ‘80s including: Waterloo, Fernando, Honey Honey, Dancing Queen and countless others. From the earliest hits to Mamma Mia, ABBA FAB will take you on a journey that is unmatched. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are only $20.
One of These Nights, the Ultimate Tribute to the Eagles Band
If you’re an Eagles fan you’re going to love this show. Even if you’re not an Eagles fan you’ll love this show! With this incredible band you’ll enjoy powerful harmonies and totally accurate solos. Get your tickets now. The show date is Tuesday, December 9 in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 pm. Tickets are only $20.
December ‘63 – a Salute to the Original Jersey Boys
They’ll take you on a musical journey with stops at every phase of the careers of Frankie Valli and the boys (The Four Seasons). These boys without a doubt are the best in the business. Don’t miss this show on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 in the San Tan Ballroom. Show time is 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are only $20.
Terry Davies – the Piano Man
Terry Davies invites you into his world and shares his story through the music of Billy Joel and Elton John – it’s stunning! You must see it to believe it! Tickets are on sale for Wednesday, February 25, 2015 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are only $20.
More Upcoming Entertainment Shows:
More information to come!
The Broadway Concert – The greatest hits of Broadway
The Magic of Manilow and Bette Midler
Catch a Wave – Tribute to the Beach Boys
Teen Idols – Fabian, Bobby Vinton, Paul Anka, the Everly Brothers, Dion, Pat Boone, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Cory McCloskey’s (Fox TV News) Love Boat Cruise Ship Variety Show
Free annual Pet Parade – Saturday, November 22
Wow, do we have a special pet event planned for all Sun Lakers and their guests this year! There will be 20 plus booths presenting everything from veterinarians to groomers, special dog foods and treats, adorable outfits, toys and much more. Rover’s Rest Stop adoption organization will be there too, just in case you want to take another doggie or two home with you that day. We have made arrangements for the K9 Division to be on hand with a great training demonstration. There will also be a professional doggie show that is just the cutest thing. We’ll have raffles and give-a-ways. Twisty Kristy balloon artist will be making balloon animals for all the children (young and older)! Prizes will be given to the winners of our (actual) Pet Parade. This year’s categories are: Best Trick, Best Pet/Owner Look-a-like, Best Dressed and Famous Pet Look-a-like (like Lassie). Register your pets now at Homeowner Services by November 14. Festivities start at 9:00 a.m. at the greenbelt across from the Cottonwood Tennis Courts.
Annual Pet Adoption Day
Rover’s Rest Stop invites everyone to their annual adoption event on Saturday, November 8 in the Cottonwood A6 Dance Room and courtyard area. The sweetest little doggies will be anxiously waiting for their next (and hopefully last) parents from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Please open your heart and homes. Any one of them would make a wonderful Christmas gift!
The Fourth Avenue Street Fair in Tucson
Two busses have already filled up for this fun trip to Tucson. We’ll be heading south on Friday, December 12 leaving from the Cottonwood flagpole at 8:00 a.m. and should be arriving back to Sun Lakes at approximately 5:00 p.m. The cost for the bus ride, parking and driver tip is $20. We’d love to fill as many busses as needed for everyone. All Sun Lakers are invited including their friends and family.
Mark Stone Mentalmania – Comedy and Mind Reading
The man is unbelievable. He amazed Johnny Carson, Oprah and Regis Philbin when he appeared on their TV shows and he promises to amaze you! This is one of the funniest mindreading and E.S.P. shows in America. He never fails to astound audience members with his ability to read minds, make predictions and “see” with his fingertips while blindfolded. It’s a thought-provoking entertainment experience that will leave our audience shaking their heads in disbelief. The show will be in the Cottonwood San Tan Ballroom on Friday, January 7, 2014 starting at 7:00 p.m.; doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are $15.
Free Spirit – Travel Entertainment Presentation
“Around the Corner to Around the World” – Free Spirit Vacations and Events will be at Cottonwood’s A9 Phoenix Room to conduct a free educational and entertaining presentation featuring travel destinations and products throughout Arizona and beyond. Please join us on Tuesday, November 10 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the A9 Phoenix Room. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be rewarded. RSVP by calling 480-926-5547 or e-mail [email protected].
Christmas Golf Cart Parade
It can’t be too early to mark your calendars for our annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Show. The date is Friday, December 5 starting at 5:00 p.m. at Palo Verde for some free hot turkey soup and singing. Then, after the awards are given for the top three decorated golf carts, the parade to the San Tan Ballroom begins with our Sheriff’s Posse leading the way. At 7:00 p.m. you’ll enjoy a Christmas Show and free cookies and hot coffee, cocoa and hot apple cider. Bring your friends and family members and bring a camera for a great photo shoot with Santa.
Free Christmas Gospel Show
All Sun Lakes homeowners are invited to Cottonwood/Palo Verde’s free Gospel Show on Sunday, December 14 in the San Tan Ballroom from 4:00–6:00 p.m. You’ll enjoy beautiful gospel and Christmas music. What a way to spend a Sunday in December!
Dancing With the Stars
Tickets are really going fast! Show dates are Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2015. Both will be in the San Tan Ballroom and start at 7:00 p.m.; doors open at 6:00 p.m.). Six lucky Sun Lakes homeowners will dance with one of the Utah Ballroom Dance Company’s professionals for first prize. All six dancers will dance each night, but the winner of the first night will be ineligible to win again on the second night. Tickets are $20 for each night.
Impersonators – An American Trilogy
On Wednesday, March 18, 2015 the Impersonators will take the stage in the San Tan Ballroom. The performers will be doing a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Connie Francis and Neil Diamond. The 7:00 p.m. show is already sold out but we have opened a 3:00 p.m. show with the doors opening at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are still only $20 and also going fast.
Joe Bourne – Motown Show
If you enjoy listening to such artists as The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey Robison, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and more, then this is the show for you. Joe has an extremely smooth voice and does a great Nat King Cole! We will be presenting Joe Bourne on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in the San Tan Ballroom. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for a no-host bar with a show time of 7:00 p.m.
Cliff Castle – Casino and Hotel
The luxury bus will leave the Cottonwood flagpole at 8:45 a.m. for Cliff Castle on Wednesday, November 12. For $15 per person you’ll receive round-trip transportation to Camp Verde, Arizona, non-stop gaming action, $20 in free play Castle Cash and a free buffet. You should return to Sun Lakes at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Two New Classes to Start:
Floral arrangements with Susan Diliberto; Wednesdays in Room A-8 Cottonwood Ceramics Room from 3:30-5:00 p.m. For more information call 480-415-0499.
Susan will demonstrate and present you with a recipe and instruction card to make each item (step-by-step). Each class is only $15 (payable at the door). At each class the finished arrangement will be raffled off to one of the class members.
November 5 – Metal Pumpkin Centerpiece
November 12 –Burlap Wreaths
November 19 – Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Love, Laugh, Paint with Cindy Williams; Fridays (second and fourth) in Room A-8 Cottonwood Ceramics Room from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more info call 480-993-6091.
Relax, listen to music and create your masterpiece. In one setting, you will have finished your painting to take home with you or give it to someone special! Bring a friend or make it a party.
Premier Jewelers (formerly known as Amadom)
Trade in your old, broken or unwanted jewelry for cash in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A-9) on the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. No appointment is needed.
Free Skin Cancer Screening
Dr. Joseph Allgeier of Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinic will be conducting a free skin cancer screening on Wednesday, November 5 and Wednesday, December 3 in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A-9) from 8:00 a.m.–noon. All Sun Lakers are invited. No appointment is needed. The doctor will see you on a first come basis.
360 Physical Therapy
360 Physical Therapy will be conducting free monthly health talks in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A-9) from 11:00 a.m.–noon. All Sun Lakers are invited. No appointment is needed. On Tuesday, November 4 the presentation will be “Proper uses of Assistive Devices.”
Free Exercise Equipment Classes
Personal trainer Deryk Garmanian and his assistant/homeowner, Brenda Waara will be instructing, at no cost, a Weight Room and Equipment Orientation Class in the Ladies Fitness Center for both men and women (at this time) on Wednesday, November 19 and Wednesday, December 17. Please sign up at Homeowner Services.
Upcoming Traveling Tours through Free Spirit
To book any of these trips, call Free Spirit Vacations at 480-926-5547. Please remind them that you are a Cottonwood Palo Verde homeowner.
November 5-7 – Sunny Money – San Diego and Viejas
November 22-29 – Thanksgiving in Hawaii aboard American Pride
December 1-4 – San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas
December 3-5 – Christmas Around the World without a Passport – Las Vegas
December 3-5 – Laughlin’s Motor coach Appreciation Week
December 9 – Algodones Shopping
December 13-14 – Tucson, a Tri-Nation Holiday Celebration
December 31 – Rose Bowl Parade Mini Getaway