From our VP

 Gery Manthos, our Regional VP from Sun Communities, is now on Nextdoor to comment and make announcements.  I'll copy his notes here for those who aren't enrolled.

FROM GERY: Just a quick update… the newspapers have been ordered. Arizona Republic (2 copies daily) and a USA Today (1 copy) will start this week. I am not sure if exact time frame on the AZ Republic but I have confirmed that USA Today will start delivery on Thu this week. Weedco will be out starting Monday 13th to do their initial end of season spray property wide. This will be the first step in our quest to ensure that all weeds property wide are eradicated for good. We have engaged Brightview Landscaping services to trim the palm trees. I am not sure on the exact date but, I do know it will be shortly… once an exact date is known I’ll post it here. The solar power will be finally connected to the Palm Creek grid on May 21st (I believe) and will bring that project to its final conclusion. We have also confirmed that the main pool and spa tub will be resurfaced starting right after Memorial Day weekend. When I have additional updates I will post them for you. There are numerous other projects in the works as soon as I have information I’ll let everyone know. Thank you all for your support and I hope everyone is having a great evening!

Just to clarify a few points as well. ALL of these projects and or "changes" have been initiated by Gabby and her team. I simply support that team and figured the best way to assist was to get onto this site (as I was on it previously for my local neighborhood in FL) and let everyone know what is going on! I don't think we can communicate ENOUGH... and it seems as if the biggest challenge we have at the resort is effectively letting everyone know what is going on. Nextdoor is simply ONE channel we have, and with the vast number of residents here I figured it would be the quickest way to get the information out. That said we are and will put out info into the mailboxes, emails, texts, etc... the idea to be able to communicate with you in the matter you prefer!

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This beautiful trophy for winning first place at the Boat Regatta now resides at Dusty and Sandi Brown's residence. It was a GREAT event and we're all looking forward to even more next year. This is a traveling trophy so will pass along to the winner each year. Again, we congratulate Dusty, Karen, and their crew. You can stop by the ballroom to see all the boats on display.

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The solar power project is coming to fruition. Signs are posted in all areas while the conversion is made. Card players note that the game rooms are scheduled for Thursday, May 16.

Our flower beds certainly look bare. I'm hoping we get summer flowers again this year. Will watch for more.

Visit the Ballroom

 Today (May 6) was opening day of our Three Palms Cafe.  We congratulate the Magic Duo of Chef and Bridgette as they were the only two people on kitchen duty today.  We are so VERY happy to have our plentiful salad bar back again!

For now, the Cafe is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Baked goods and coffee will be available starting at 8 along with some "grab and go" items.  Starting at 10 until 1:30, the salad bar will be available.  Wednesday specials will be available starting on the 17th.  

The ballroom should prove popular this summer when our HOT temperatures fall upon us.  In addition to a delightful lunch in Ballroom 1, Ballroom 2 is set up in theater style.  Today there was a series of Carol Burnette shows so we stopped by to watch for a while.  On Mondays you can stop by for Monday night sports at 6:00 to watch whatever big game is showing.

Did you miss the First Annual Boat Regatta?  The vessels are proudly on display in Ballroom 2.

Ballroom 3 is like a kid's play palace.  There are a number of corn hole games, plus a variety of other entertainment.  Maybe we can set up some competitive events.  

Jenga anyone?

How about Connect Four?

Putting practice?  Challenge a friend.

A Chipping Net

Even a badminton set.  😉

Ping Pong?

Bring a friend or the neighbors and start up some challenge games.🎈  Don't be bored or stuck at home on a rainy day.  (IF we should have a rainy day)  😃😉

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It is spring time in our desert....and here come the beautiful cactus flowers.  I spied this beauty on Site 1035 on Putter Place this morning.  I sure hope someone sends a picture to the homeowners.  The sign says David & Penny Rossman of Corbett, Oregon.

Here comes Summer

 I attended the coffee at the clubhouse this morning and was surprised by the good number of people present.  

The Ballroom is already decorated for the upcoming Cinco De Mayo Fiesta lunch being held this Saturday, May 4.  It should be a great time as the entertainment will be the children's fiesta dancers.  Our lunch will be catered since the kitchen is closed this week as they transition away from the Bistro for the season.

Our Food, Beveridge, and Activities Director (Greg Von Uebbing) will be very busy as he covers the Activities for summer and works with planning and scheduling events for the upcoming season.

**Reminder to summer residents:  Purchase your $10 tickets for the Mother's Day breakfast to be held on Friday, May 10.  Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, and Mimosa!  While you're at it, pick up tickets for the monthly coffee on May 14.  

Barb Poole mentioned other events coming up this summer.  

May 7, small bingo game

May 7 at Cottonwood pool.  Jan Waters will lead line dancing class

May 8 & 9 silk scarf painting class

May 10 Mother's day breakfast & movie matinee (Mothers Day)

May 15 is Bunco (new rules available in Activities)

In addition, we're still conducting Swoop games on Monday and Friday afternoons at 12:30.  Avis is running the popular card bingo on Saturday nights.  Mahjong is held Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 12:30.  As you see......there's lots to keep us entertained in the summer season.

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Baby owls have left the nest but are still in the park.  Bruce McClain spotted this one roaming on the golf course before it managed to flutter up to a pine tree.

AJ Dove heard a "hoot" and spotted one in a nearby tree.

I love watching the birds and wildlife found in the park and really appreciate our avid photographers who manage to capture some photos.  Thank you to EVERYONE for sharing.

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Deb Lindenmuth (Facilities Manager) announced  that Weed Co will be here with full weed spray procedures for the pre-emergent on May 15.  Be patient people.  Winter rains and plenty of sunshine encourage weeds to grow wherever and whenever they can.  This is a problem we encounter every year. I looked through the blog history this morning and see announcements about weeds every year.  No one is being "lazy" or not doing their job.  It is an expensive operation and takes time.

 

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Update from the Hepler household:

After my recent surgery, I'm happy to report that my new knee is magically healing rapidly!  I'm able to go out without a walker or cane and manage to do so almost without pain.  After listening to reports from others who have gone through the surgery, I feel VERY fortunate.  My second knee will be replaced in July so by the time you snowbirds return, I shouldn't be limping at all.  Yahoo!!

Unfortunately, our beloved cat named "Mouse" has not been fairing so well.  He's been in and out of the Animal Hospital this past week and is now home with a load of meds to help him.  I figure by the time we are done with the vet bills, the Animal Hospital can build a new wing on their building.  😖

I'm certain all you pet owners understand.

Here are Kat and Mouse together in my favorite comfy chair.

Wildlife Update & Boat Regatta

 Wildlife photo opportunities.  The most popular stars are the owls we see nesting in one of the palm trees.  We see them each year but this summer they've picked an open view and can be easily spotted.  They're nesting in a palm tree just north of the statues by the waterfall.

I copied these great photos from AJ Dove who posted them on Nextdoor.  (Thank you, AJ, for sharing.)  Almost any time of day, there will be spectators at the base, watching for the little chicks to pop up. 

We had a new event added to our calendar!  Today was the First Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta held at the main pool.  How FUN!  The event proved very entertaining and popular drawing a huge audience.  Congratulations to all the participants who put so much effort into their creations.

When I first heard about the event, I envisioned small miniature cardboard creations being pulled across the pool on a string.  Was I surprised to read the rules and guidelines.

Dusty Brown and his avid Karaoke followers won first place with "The Wobble" taking only 32 seconds to paddle down the length of the pool over to the announcer's stand.

The Black Palm must have won for the most awesome design.  

The hardest part of the whole event was getting into the boats and staying afloat.  Many laughs and cheers for ALL participants.

Thank you to John Ross for providing photos.  You can see there was a huge turnout of spectators.  I guarded my new knee by sitting back in a comfy chair in the shade.

We enjoyed burgers and hotdogs grilled at the Bistro.  Food service will soon be switching over to Ballroom 1 for the summer schedule.  Here's the newest posting:

This Monday we look forward to a new Bunco game.  Sign up in Activities and bring $5 for a buy-in for prizes.

Our weather is warming up!  Those that are still here had better dig out that sun screen!

Hello Again

 

I have been away from this keyboard for a while as I'm healing from a recent knee replacement surgery.  Ouch!  I'm happy to report that I'm healing nicely as expected and should be off the pain meds long enough to be clear headed and able to write again.  The last week has been pretty much a blur.  😖

I haven't been up to the office or the bistro to confirm this but it appears we are done with the weekly bistro specials.  They will still have sandwiches and salads available but no special dinners as they will slowly be getting the ballroom kitchen ready for summer use.  

I'm working on an email service once again so I can alert readers whenever I post.  Should be able to announce something soon.  I plan to post more frequently once our summer season starts as I think readers check the blog in summer searching for news while they are away.  So stay tuned.  😀

 Next week's Bistro menu.  

Last cellphone class

 Last Cellphone class of the season:

Yes, we're having another iPhone class this Saturday, March 23, at 9:30 in the SanTan Room. If you don't find us there, try the Sonora South room. Whatever your level of learning about your phone, you're bound to learn something new. We're requesting a $5 donation to support the blog email program.

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