14 minute read
Association News
From The Board of Directors
Our mission as the SCOV Board is to lead in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Sun City Oro Valley as an active adult community.
All Board minutes, agendas and reports are available online and in the SCOV Library. Board meetings are open to residents.
Board of Directors jmitchscov@gmail.com
What a Difference a Day Makes —And Even More, a Year
by Jim Mitchell I’m dating myself by thinking of Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes,” but if “24 little hours” can make such a difference, think of what 365 days of 2021 made for our community. This time last year, we had facilities shut down, masks required, restaurant take-out only and no vaccines available to us.
As we enter 2022, not only are our facilities open (with guidelines), but most of our clubs are meeting again, committees are resuming their work on enhancing our amenities, and neighbors are having block parties after a long hiatus. In other words, we’re focusing on building a bright future together as the active adult SCOV community we enjoy.
The upcoming election gives each household an opportunity to participate in shaping that future. This year, three members of the Board will have served their three-year terms (Chris Ludwig, Howard Schulz and me). At our December meeting, the Nominating Committee presented the slate of six candidates running for the three available positions.
Now the Election Committee takes over the process. They will record a video interview with each candidate and post them on our website, Monday, January 31. Then on Monday, February 7, at 9 AM, and again at 6 PM, the committee will host two forums via Zoom with candidates answering questions residents submitted. The video of those forums will be posted on our website by February 15.
In the meantime, candidates will submit flyers and answer a separate set of questions for the February Tipster. Individual campaigning will begin when that Tipster is available the afternoon of January 31. Traditionally, friends of candidates have hosted coffees for those running, so friends and neighbors can ask specific questions.
Ballots go out via email or USPS on Tuesday, February 15, with a ballot deadline of Monday, March 21. Election results will be announced at the Board meeting on Tuesday, March 22.
During the process, candidates will be asked many questions. But to me, it comes down to one basic question. What difference have you made (or would as a Board member) while living here each day to make SCOV a friendlier, more financially stable, forward-looking place for all of us to enjoy our active retirement life?
As the last line of the song says, “What a difference a day makes. And the difference is you.” General Manager - Mark Wade mwade@suncityorovalley.com 520-917-8080
Looking Back; Looking Ahead
I hope your holidays have been merry and bright. As Sun City Oro Valley looks out the windshield of our community bus to the future with so many possibilities, we always glance in the rearview mirror at our past. We see the past couple of years have presented their fair share of trials, and we have also been able to use many opportunities to our advantage.
This past year seems to be much better than the previous year. We’ve been able to reopen all of our facilities, and in large part, we are back to operations very similar to pre-pandemic. In the process, despite having to purchase personal protective equipment and supplies, we were able to tighten our belt in other areas and came in under budget financially. The excess funds were largely allocated by the Board of Directors to the Capital fund for future capital projects. As we glance in the rear view mirror, overall we saw many successes.
So looking ahead to this next year, you can expect more of the same. In the distance, we will see the Activity Center renovation project moving forward and hopefully completed during this year. There are the possibilities of bumps in the road, and we may experience delays due to construction supply chain problems and labor shortages, but if all goes well, we will see this project culminating around the end of October.
As we look down the road as far as we can see, no one can see when the pandemic will be brought under control, but as we have done in the past, we will navigate the curves in the road and adapt as best we can.
Just as we look at a road map for guidance, we will look to those who have expertise in guiding us into the future. Our Board of Directors has done an excellent job in getting us through the fog that blocks our view from time to time. They give direction, and as the driver of this community bus, I drive us through. My staff all do their best to make sure all the parts of our bus work at their maximum efficiency. Together we do our best to keep us on the road and safely moving forward.
As passengers on our bus, you all have a part to play. I am truly thankful for the many words of encouragement that so many of you have given to me, my staff, the Board of Directors and to each other. Your support has been amazing and very much appreciated. I express a very heartfelt “Thank you!”
What’s Inside
Association News...........................3 Association Committees ................7 Golf...............................................10 On the Cover ...............................11 Coming Events .............................12 Workshops and Classes................13 Memoriam....................................13 Clubs ............................................14 Arts, Crafts & Hobbies..............14 Continuing Education ................18 Cultural & Social........................19 Dance ........................................22 Exercise.....................................23 Games .......................................26 Music .........................................28 Sports ........................................28 Travel.........................................31 Partnered Organizations ..............31 Extended Community ..................32 Volunteer Opportunity.................33 Classifieds.....................................34 Photo Scrapbook..........................35
It’s More Than Living... It’s A Lifestyle!
Why We Love Dark Skies
by Eric Wiley Ever wonder why there are so few street lamps in SCOV? Sure it saves money; however, the true driver is reduced light pollution. Light pollution hinders the ability of astronomers using ground-based telescopes telescope mirrors in the world. With all the astronomy professionals in the Tucson area, the SCOV Astronomy Club has fantastic up-to-date learning opportunities at our disposal. These local professionals give exto study the night skies. Our community participates along citing presentations on their areas of expertise at our monthly with Tucson in the Southern Arizona Chapter of the Interna- lectures. For instance, the membership has heard first hand tional Dark Sky Association, whose goal is to minimize light from the recent discoverers of a black hole. pollution for the benefit of astronomy. Tucson is known as the The Astronomy Club hosts star parties on a regular basis “Astronomy Capital of the World.” The on the golf cart parking lot behind The annual value of astronomy to the area’s Views Restaurant. Members do star, economy is over $250 million dollars. galaxy and planet viewing with either
On the mountaintops in the Tucson binoculars or five-to-seven telescopes area, there are three major observato- supplied by members willing to share. ries: Mount Lemmon (SkyCenter), Kitt For some parties, the club invites Peak, and Mount Graham. All are open Chuck Dugan, owner of Astronomy to the public through reservations. Adventures Arizona and a professional
The Mount Lemmon facility (SkyCen- astronomer. Chuck provides an enterter) has nine telescopes, one of which taining time focusing on astronomical is dedicated to identifying asteroids that events of the evening. might pose a threat of striking the earth. SCOV Astronomy Club is also a serThe University of Arizona’s SkyCenter vice organization. Twelve years ago, program, a public astronomy outreach the club decided every fifth grade stuprogram, uses two others. Reservations dent at the Coronado K-8 School in for its five-hour program can be made online. Catalina should be introduced to astronomy by gifting each
Kitt Peak National Observatory is one of the largest gather- student with a telescope. ings of astronomical instruments in the northern hemisphere Club members provide with 27 telescopes on site. It is located 55 miles southwest instruction in the teleof Tucson and normally open to the public, though currently scope’s use and host star closed due to Covid. parties for the students. The world’s largest binocu- Since its inception, over lar telescope, Large Binocular 1,000 telescopes have Telescope (LBT) Observatory, been distributed. The is located on Mount Graham funding for this program near Safford, AZ. The binocu- comes from members’ lar design of the LBT consists contributions through the of two identical 8.4m mirrors Public School Tax Credit, mounted side-by-side func- a dollar-for-dollar reductioning as an 11.8m telescope. tion in an individual’s AriIn telescopes, the bigger the zona State income tax. mirror area the better the tele- Anyone in SCOV can scope. Mount Graham is also participate in supporting home to the Vatican Advanced this worthwhile venture. Technology Telescope. Yes, Annually, five stueven the Pope is interested in dents from the Coronaastronomy. do School are also eli-
The larger a telescope’s mirror, the more light it is capable gible for club-sponsored of gathering. More gathered light yields better images for the scholarships to UArizoastronomers to study. These very large mirrors, over 27 feet na’s prestigious Astron(8.4m) in diameter, are manufactured right here in Tucson omy Camp held each summer at SkyCenter. The one-week at the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab on the UArizona campus. camp provides a genuinely unique educational experience in The Mirror Lab’s 90-minute tour (currently suspended due to astronomy. Covid) provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative Our Dark Skies provide jobs for the Tucson area, entertainengineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing ment viewing the universe, and educational opportunities for techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant local students and us. That is why we love Dark Skies.
Mount Graham binocular telescope Coronado School students receiving their telescopes
Star party
Asst. General Manager - Robin Coulter rcoulter@suncityorovalley.com 520-917-8070
Walking The Views Golf Course
Did you know you can walk or drive your golf cart on our beautiful golf course pathways outside of golf play hours? Signs, with posted walking times, are at the entrance of each cart crossing. When walking, all consideration must be provided to the paying golfers. These considerations support the option of sharing the course to the benefit of both golfers and walkers. Bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards are not permitted on the golf course at any time.
You can take your dog on the course too. Dogs may be in a golf cart or walk on the golf course during the posted hours. Keep your dogs on a leash that is no more than six (6) feet long and under the control of a responsible adult. No retractable leashes please. Keep dogs off the golf course greens, fairways, tee boxes, bunkers, or construction areas. As always, pick up after the dogs and properly dispose of any dog waste. If your pup is causing a disturbance, such as frequently barking or being aggressive toward other animals and/or people, please exit the golf course.
Remember, we share this area with many wild animals, so be aware of your surroundings. You are walking at your own risk. But be sure to take in the views, soak in our special relationship with the wildlife and enjoy this beautiful amenity. Program/Facilities Director - Pam Sarpalius psarpalius@suncityorovalley.com 520-917-8077
Happy New Year
Many people start the year with resolutions. Some of these resolutions are kept and yet others soon pass. Always keep in mind that any time of the year is a time to make changes in your life. So many changes have been made that I am sure our winter residents are a bit confused as to where clubs are meeting. Always check the SCOV calendar, Tipster and “This Week In SCOV.” May 2022 bring you health and happiness.
Community Services - Katy Mosier Architectural Coordinator, Katy Mosier scoroval@ciramail.com 520-917-8058
Time for a New Roof?
Currently, there are three ways to replace your roof in SCOV. Each of them requires approval by our HOA prior to installation.
One way that has been used by a large number of residents is called “lift and re-lay” where the majority of existing tiles are lifted, new underlayment is installed, and the existing tiles are replaced with some closely matching ones if there has been breakage. Traditionally, there is a 10-15% breakage rate and any tiles used in lieu of the broken ones have come from a stockpile that Eagle Roofing Products has provided. The bad news is that Eagle Roofing is no longer producing these slurry tiles (grey tiles with painted backs). The roof tiles originally used in the construction of SCOV thirty-plus years ago have become outdated in terms of the manufacturing process to produce them. At that time, the concrete tiles had their color applied by a surface bonding process that can break down over time. There is little or no supply of these old tiles unless a roofer has been saving tiles from previous jobs. As the matching tiles are no longer produced and inventories dwindle, it will become difficult to do lift and re-lay on homes with original roofs and will require a more costly full new tile replacement of the roof. Secondly, over time, finding replacement tiles to replace weather-damaged tiles will become an increased challenge leading to a need to replace the full roof. In addition, new additions to our homes that change or increase the roof profile and/or size may require replacing all roof tiles with new ones in order to match aesthetically.
The second way to replace your roof is with all new ARC pre-approved new Eagle tiles. Current technology uses a “color through” process in which the color becomes part of the concrete. The ARC has studied what is available, and in addition to currently pre-approved tiles, they have added eight new choices. Samples of these tiles are available for check-out at the Welcome Center.
The third way to choose your tiles is to go up to the Eagle Roofing showroom in Phoenix and choose something that is not pre-approved by the ARC. You would then submit your choice to the ARC for consideration. The showroom is available by appointment only through Mariah Salazar, Design Center Coordinator. She may be contacted at 602-346-7149.
Welcome New Neighbors – November
Unit # Name From
1A Lizbeth Roessler 3A David & Sally Gurll 5 David & Phyllis Burks 6 David & Miriam Holleman 8 Linda Block 12 Patricia Ullmann 12 Thomas & Susan Silverio 15 Roberta & John Anderson 17 Kurt & Cynthia Egerston 17 John & Patricia Martin 17 Cecelia Atkins & Andrew Brannen Seattle, WA Jalisco, Mexico Scottsdale, AZ Deland, FL Mequon, WI Roseville, CA Raleigh, NC Bagley, MN Bloomington, MN Portland, OR Oro Valley, AZ
November 2021 Housing Resale Information Resales For the Month YTD 2021 15 192 2020 14 144 2020 Total Sold - 167
2021: Active Listings as of 11/30/2021........................10 2020: Active Listings as of 11/30/2020..........................8
Source: TARMLS®
November 2021 Average Age of New Owners: 69
Holiday Hours
Saturday, January 1 AFC/Pool/Gym open 8 AM-5 PM Restaurant open 7 AM-8 PM Pro Shop open 6 AM-5 PM All other facilities closed
Monday, January 3 Staff observed holiday The Welcome Center and Library will be closed Normal hours for other facilities
Monday, January 17 The Welcome Center and Library will be closed Normal hours for other facilities
SUN CITY ORO VALLEY
Money MATTERS
Statement of Revenues and Expenses and the Results of Operations Statement of Revenues & Expenses and the Results of Operations
Revenues: Annual H.O. Fees Capital Contribution Fee Golf Revenues Activities Revenues Restaurant Revenues Interest Income Other Income Gross Revenues
Asset Reserve Capital Fund Contingency Fund Wash Fund Contribution New Capital Acquisitions Restricted Use Revenues Net Operating Revenues
Expenses: Wages & Benefits Cost of Sales Utilities Repair & Maint. Supplies & Expenses Depreciation Total Expenses
Restricted Fund Expenses Net Operating Expenses Results of Operations November
(62,215)$ (670,630)$ -$ -$ -$ (32,579)$ 814,772$
(115,235)$ 710,540$ 104,232$
5 Months 2021-2022
Actual Budget
(575,000)$ 3,365,404$ (227,784)$
Above is a summary of the Revenues and Expenses and the Results of Operations for the first four months of the 2021-2022 fiscal year. A copy of the report in greater detail can be found on our website www.suncityorovalley.com. Log in after hovering over the Members tab and selecting Financials. At this page you will find the monthly Financial Statements as well as the Annual Budget for the current Fiscal Year and a copy of the Annual Budget for the coming year.
If you are interested in more information regarding the Community’s finances, we encourage you to attend the Finance-Budget Committee meeting which will be held Monday, January 24, 2:30 PM, via Zoom.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 520-917-8060, or email me at rtrenary@suncityorovalley. com.
Randy Trenary, Controller
