December 2014 Volume 37, Issue 3
Resort Activities
The Desert Sun
DESERT SHADOWS
Thanksgiving has come and gone as the Christmas Holiday fast approaches. We know how busy this time of year can be. As you’re making your list and checking it twice be sure to take a moment to check the posters and bulletin boards in the main lobby so you don’t miss any of our great December activities. VENDOR DAY: We know you have a lot of holiday shopping to do, and we want to help. That’s why Friday December 12th we are holding another one of our great vendor events. The sale begins at 10am, but you can join us early for donuts and coffee starting at 9am. We’ve added some new vendors giving you the opportunity to finish your shopping list without even leaving the park. You’re sure to find something you just can’t live without. Then stick around for a lunch of hot-dogs, cheese nachos, chips and soda all for a ridiculously low price. DECORATING CONTEST: Again we will have a lot-decorating contest, we did this last season and so many joined in to make the park light up, it was a sight to behold. Let’s see if we can get even more to join in and make us shine bright and look so very festive. Judges will drive through the park on Sunday December 14th to choose the winners of the contest. There will be prizes awarded for 1st 2nd & 3rd place. Winners will be announced at the Christmas Party Wednesday evening. ACTIVITIES OFFICE HOURS
CHRISTMAS PARTY: Our Christmas party is Wednesday, December 17th. Doors open at 6:00pm and the party will start at 6:30. Purchase your tickets for $2.00 each at the activity office. Mr. and Mrs. Clause will join us for the evening along with treats and refreshments. Come and enjoy a festive fun evening. Put a smile on your face and the spirit of Christmas in your heart. CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE: Sunday, December 21st at 7:00pm we will have a Christmas Candle Lighting service with music, singing and refreshments. All are welcome to come and join in this special time of year. CHRISTMAS DINNER: If you plan on having Christmas dinner with us at the park please sign up on the sheet posted in the lobby and as usual one name on each line with the dish each person will bring. Ham will be provided by management but volunteers are needed to cook and carve the hams. Dinner will be served at 1:00 pm. DANCE: Saturday, December 20th we will have a themed dance, you are encouraged to wear your ugliest Christmas shirt, you know the one sweater you were given that you hid back in the closet hoping no one would ever see, or one with funny sayings on it.
FRONT OFFICE HOURS
TUESDAY– FRIDAY
WEEKDAYS
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
9:00 - 12:00 ; 1:00 - 3:00
SATURDAY
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
SATURDAY: 9:00– 12:00
SUNDAY
8:30 am —4:00 pm
ACTIVITY OFFICE PHONE 623-869-9224
OFFICE PHONE
623-869-8178
Website: www.PhoenixRVresorts.com
More Activities DANCES: We hope you like to dance, because we will be doing a lot of it this month. Saturday, December 6th we will be joined by the Exit 40 Band. Then on December 13th you can dance the night away with The Roadhouse Kings. December 20th is our ugly sweater dance. So dig deep in your closet and grab your ugliest sweater and get your feet moving with Jam Good Music. There will not be a dance December 27th, but don’t put your dancing-shoes away yet because the American Kountry Band will join us on the 31st to help us welcome the New Year. The fun begins at 8:15, and don’t forget to bring your favorite snacks and beverages. Tickets are available now, but this is one of our most popular events of the year, so be sure to get your tickets before they’re gone. POTLUCK LUNCH: Don’t miss this month’s only noon potluck lunch on Thursday, December 4th. There is only one noon pot luck lunch in December and that will be on Thursday December 4th. This is one of our community meals you really don’t want to miss. It’s a great chance to meet your new neighbors and reunite with old friends. Char, one of our wonderful volunteers, has been doing a great job organizing trivia and other games, making it more than just another lunch. So remember to come join us Thursday December 4th at noon for good food and great times. DONUTS: Donut Saturday is December 13th at 7:30 am. This has always been a fun time to satisfy your sweet tooth for 75 cents, free coffee and meeting and greeting friends. Laugh, relax, and reminisce.
ACTIVITY OFFICE HOURS: During the week of Christmas from December 21st to December 27th, the activity office will OPEN Tuesday, December 23rd 9:00am to 3:00pm and December 24th from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. There are NO donuts or Dance scheduled on Saturday, December 27th. On December 29th Christmas decorations will be coming down and December 30th New Years Eve decorations going up. See you at the New Years Eve party on the 31’st. The activity office wishes every one a Very Merry Christmas and safe travels. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM: Wednesday, December 3rd at 1:00 pm someone from the neighborhood watch program is coming to Desert Shadows to put on a presentation to help us be aware of our surroundings and give us pointers of what to keep our eye on. This will be help in the Front Auditorium.
Homes for Sale If you are tired of traveling the road in your RV and want a more permanent place in sunny Phoenix, AZ to live full time or even just during our nice winter season, take a look at the homes for sale at Desert Shadows. Our full time professional sales person, Todd, will help you with all the details and paperwork. Call Todd for more details. 623-734-3133 or see our website for a list of currently available homes at www.phoenixrvresorts.com
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: We will have a pancake breakfast twice this month, one on December 6th and the other on the 20th. Tickets will be available the morning of the event from 8:15 to 9:15. We will serve you at your table and you don’t even have to do the dishes. BINGO: There will be no Bingo on Christmas day or New Year’s Day, but we will be back at it on January 8th. See you then! Page 2
THE DESERT SUN
Guys and Gals Golf Another great day of golf was had by all 40 golfers, at our Winter Guys & Gals Golf Tournament held on Friday, November 14th. The winning teams were: 1st Place: Ralph Spiva, Jim Grady, Karin Spiva, Roseann Hoffren; 2nd Place: Bill Crump, Doug McBroom, Jan Kueker, Pat Wineland; 3rd Place: Walt Theyerl, Ron Fenlon, Pat MacCourt, Barb Musgrave. Putting Contest: Jim Porter. Ladies Closest to the Pin on # 2: Val Crump. Ladies Closest to the Pin on #11: Pat MacCourt. Men’s Closest to the Pin on #3: Tim Glasser. Men’s Closest to the Pin on #13: Bruce Weir. We also want to acknowledge the following people and businesses that contributed prizes for our event, which enabled us to give each golfer a prize: Adobe Dam Family Golf Center, Alexi’s Family Restaurant, All Styles Barber Shop, All Styles Salon, Antigua, Bellaire Golf Club, Bill
Church News December 2014 The Desert Shadows Interdenominational Church meets in the Auditorium at 9AM on Sundays. Everyone is welcome. Sunday Morning services are held at 9AM in the Auditorium: Dec 7th Rev. Thomas Forrest Dec 14th Rev. Roger Withee Dec 21st Dr. Douglas Wright Dec 28th Rev. Roger Withee Come join us for Advent and Christmas services during this wonderful time of the year. Bible Study with Rev. Roger Withee resumes on Wednesday, December 3rd at 2PM in the Rear Auditorium and continues weekly. Church Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 3PM in the Craft Room. Anyone interested in serving as a church volunteer is welcome to attend. DECEMBER 2014
Pudlik, Chili’s, Coyote Lakes Golf Club, Deer Valley Restaurant, DS Activities Office, Falcon Golf Course, Fast Eddie’s Diner, Hillcrest Golf Club, NYCE Barber Shop, Palm Brook Golf, Peoria Pines Golf Course, Ronnie’s Café, Southern Ridge Golf Course, The Iron Works, U.S. Egg, Union Hills Barber Shop. We encourage all of our participants and residents to continue to support these establishments, that helped make this event a success and be sure to thank them for their generous donations. Our Spring Guys & Gals Golf Tournament is tentatively scheduled for THURSDAY, March 12, 2015. Note we have changed the day from Friday to Thursday. Signup will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Watch for more information as the date nears. Winter 2014 Guys & Gals Golf Tournament Committee,Bill Crump, Val Crump, Karin Spiva and Ralph Spiva
Important Dates In History Dec. 1— Theodore Roosevelt was the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize, 1906 Dec. 7—Japanese warplanes attacked United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 1941 Dec. 14—President George Washington died at his home, Mount Vernon, 1799 Dec. 16—The Boston Tea Party occurred, 1773 Dec. 25—The first recorded Christmas was celebrated in Rome, A.D. 336 Dec. 30—The Gadsden Purchase, negotiated by James Gadsden, U.S. Minister to Mexico, was signed. It provided that the U.S. acquire 29,644 sq. miles of territory, comprising the southernmost portions of present-day Arizona, and New Mexico, 1853 Page 3
Candy Cane Macarons Peppermint Macarons are an elegant alternative for a dessert, beautiful hostess present and a delightful treat with a glass of chilled champagne.
minutes to an hour, or until a hard shell has developed on the top. You can test this by carefully brushing your finger over a macaron. If it feels dry, you’re ready to go. If not, give it another 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300F. Bake for 9-11 minutes, one baking sheet at a time. Let cool completely before filling.
Macarons can be tricky and there is a French saying that says that macarons can not be made when it is raining. Ingredients: For the macarons:
For the filling:
110 grams almonds, blanched 90 grams egg whites (aged 3-5 days in the fridge) 25 grams granulated sugar 200 grams powdered sugar
2 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 12 Tbs butter, at 1/8 tsp peppermint extract For garnish:
Start by putting the almonds in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add in the powdered sugar and give it a few pulses to combine. Set aside.
crushed candy canes
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer (or you can use an electric mixer), beat egg whites to a foam. It should resemble bubble bath at this point. With the mixer still running, slowly add the granulated sugar and continue beating just until smooth and stiff peaks have formed. Check it often so you don’t over mix. You want to stop right at the beginning of the stiff peak stage. Add the almond mixture to egg whites and carefully incorporate with a spatula. You want the mixture to be thick enough to pipe, but thin enough that it won’t form peaks when piped. I suggest testing the batter by spooning out a small amount on a plate and checking that the batter “melts” into itself. If it doesn’t, give it a few more strokes and try it again. Place macaron batter into a piping bag fit with a large, round tip and pipe small circles (about 1 inch to 1 ½ inches in diameter) onto your prepared baking sheets. Let macarons rest for at least 45
room
temperature
Whisk together egg whites, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Set bowl over a small pot of simmering water and whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves. You know it’s ready with the you cannot feel the sugar when you rub a small amount of mixture between your finger. Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer and use the whisk attachment to beat the egg whites into stiff peaks, about 10 minutes. The bowl should be cool to the touch before you move on. Switch over to the paddle attachment and set the mixer to medium speed. Add the butter one Tbs at a time, letting it incorporate before adding another piece. Turn the mixer up to medium-high speed and beat until the buttercream comes together. This will take a while, so don’t worry if it looks soupy or curdled at any point. I find that it helps (if it’s not cooperating) to briefly chill in the fridge for a few minutes and then remixing. Once the buttercream is smooth and together, add peppermint extract and mix on low speed until combined. Place buttercream into a piping bag and pipe a small circle onto one macaron shell. Top it with a similar sized shell and squeeze together carefully. Roll the macaron in candy cane pieces for garnish.
DECEMBEMBER 2014 Sunday
Monday 1
Tuesday 2
6:15 PM DARTS
Wednesday 3
4
8
NOON
LOT FOR
9
Friday 5
PANCAKES
LUNCH
DANCE 7-10
6:00 PM
EXIT 40 BAND
BINGO 10
11
12
13
14
6:00 PM BINGO
6:15 PM DARTS
CHURCH
DAY 10AM TO 1 PM LUNCH 11:30
15
16
8:15 AM
6
VENDOR’S
9 AM
Saturday
POT LUCK DECORATE CONTEST 7
Thursday
17 CHRISTMAS
18
DONUTS DANCE 7-10 THE ROADHOUSE KINGS 20 8:15 AM
19
PARTY
9 AM
6:30 PM
6:15 PM DARTS
CHURCH
7:30 AM
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
6:00 PM
DANCE 7-10
BINGO
JAM GOOD MUSIC UGLY/ FUN SHIRT
21
9 AM
22
23
25
24
26
NO DONUTS
CHURCH
ACTIVITY OFFICE CLOSE
6:15 PM DARTS
CANDLE LIGHT
AT NOON
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 7 PM 28
9 AM CHURCH
CHRISTMA S DINNER 1PM NO BINGO
29
30
6:15 PM DARTS
31 EW YEARS EVE DANCE 8:15PM TO 12:15AM AMERICAN KOUNTRY
27
ACTIVITY
NO DANCE
OFFICE
ACTIVITY OFFICE CLOSED
CLOSED
WEEKLY SCHEDULE MONDAY E_Z Exercise (AUD) Water Aerobics (POOL) Line Dancing (AUD) Bridge (CRD RM) Ladies Bridge (CRFT RM) Sewing (AUD)
AM 7:30 8:00 9:00 9:00 9:30 10:30
Pinochle (CARD RM) Bocce Ball Darts (BK AUD) American Mah Jongg (FR AUD)
PM 1:00 1:00 6:30 6:30
TUESDAY E-Z Exercise (AUD) Water Aerobics (POOL) Table Tennis (BK AUD) Cribbage(CARD RM) Quilters (AUD) Bocce Ball Yoga (Sandra)
AM 7:30 8:00 9:00 9:30 8:30 10:00 10:15
E-Z Exercise (AUD) Water Aerobics (POOL) Ladies Golf (CRAFT RM) Table Tennis (BK AUD) Beginner Line Dance (AUD) Computer Class (BK AUD)
AM 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:00 10:30
E-Z Exercise (FR.AUD) Water Aerobics (POOL) Bridge Duplicate (CRAFT RM) Table Tennis (BK AUD) Line Dancing( AUD) Bocce Ball
AM 7:30 8:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:30
E-Z Exercise (AUD) Water Aerobics (POOL) Choir Practice (AUD) Bridge (CRD RM) Table Tennis (BK AUD)(Not 2nd Friday) Shuffleboard (SB COURT)
AM 7:30 8:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00
Bridge Ladies Pool (POOL RM) Church Comm. (CRAFT RM) 500 game (CARD RM.) Men's Poker (CRAFT RM) Aggravation (BK.AUD)
PM 1:00 1:00 3:00 5:45 6:00 6:30
WEDNESDAY Pinochle (CARD RM) Hand & Foot (CRAFT RM) Craft (CRAFT RM) Bible Study (BK AUD) Ladies Poker (CRAFT RM)
PM 1:00 1:00 1:00 2:00 6:00
THURSDAY Cribbage (CARD RM) Men's Pool (POOL RM) Band Jam Session (AUD) Painting (all levels) (CRAFT RM) Bingo (AUD)
PM 1:00 1:00 2:00 1:00 6:30
FRIDAY
SATURDAY AZ Rummy (CARD RM) Table Tennis (BK AUD) Men's Golf (CRAFT RM) Choir Practice (FR.AUD) 2nd Saturday
9:00 9:00 9:00 10:00
500 (CARD RM) Line dancing Level 3 (AUD) Men's Poker (CRAFT RM.)
PM 1:00 2:00 6:00
SUNDAY Church Service (FR.AUD)
9:00