5 minute read
It’s More Than Living... It’s A Lifestyle!
So Much to See (and so little time)
by Marsha Dean
Many active adults look forward to retirement as a time to travel and enjoy new experiences. SCOV has two clubs that will help to address that need to explore: Day Trippers and Sundowners RV Club. Both clubs provide multiple opportunities during the year to learn about Tucson and the surrounding area with day trips close to home and overnight trips that explore a wider area with opportunities to see spectacular scenery, cultural experiences and enjoy getting away with friends.
The Day Trippers Club offers day and occasional multiday trips in Arizona and surrounding states. Members also enjoy attending musical theatres as well as several parties each year with various themes and entertainment. Newcomers and established residents will find a relaxed and friendly venue and an opportunity to learn about the Southwest. There are often several trips planned per month.
The trip will include wine tastings in Old Town; Verde Canyon evening wine train; dinner and show at Blazin’ M Ranch; Copper Museum; Montezuma Castle National Monument and buffet at Cliff Casino.
A number of SCOV residents own recreational vehicles (RV), and the Sundowners RV Club is a great opportunity to see even more of the Southwest. In additional to social events close to home such as the Chili Fest in November, there is also a cookout with overnight stay at Catalina State Park in April. Club members propose trip ideas which are then selected at a club meeting. Trips range between long and short distances. Experienced wagon masters from the club organize and lead the trips.
The past year has included trips close to home to Sabino Canyon and the museum at the Pima County Courthouse. Just a few hours on a bus has taken the group to Tombstone, Chandler and Tubac. Day excursions always include lunch at a fun restaurant. Wine tasting trips to Sonoita are popular and made more fun by not having to drive. Another popular trip is to one of our area casinos with transportation, some free play and stipend toward lunch at the casino, all provided by the casino.
Visit page 26 for the club's upcoming trips, including an overnight trip to Cottonwood and Sedona, September 1-3.
A club social activity and/or trip is planned for each month, September to May. Recent trips have taken the group to Death Valley, CA; Kartchner Caverns, AZ and a swing through New Mexico and northern Arizona in May to the Very Large Array Radio Telescope Observatory near Socorro, NM, Chaco Canyon National Historic Park and the Petrified Forest in Arizona.
If you haven't experienced the fun and scenery of historic Route 66, be sure to join the Sundowners on their planned trip slated for October 30 through November rcoulter@suncityorovalley.com
3. The Interstate Highway System made the famous Route 66 obsolete in the 1960s. The largest stretch that is still intact is in northern Arizona where many attractions seem frozen in time. Visit page 27 and the club's website to learn more about the club and their trips https://sundownersrvclub.wildapricot.org.
If you find yourself with a little bit of wanderlust, one of these SCOV clubs just may have the cure.
520-917-8070
HOA Stats for Thought
The 2022 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey by Zogby Analytics for the Foundation for Community Association Research reported that there are 385,000 HOAs in the U.S., the value of homes in those HOAs is $11 trillion and 29% of our population live in HOAs. It was found that 89% of the residents rate their overall experience to be positive. Members say that “absolutely” or “for the most part” their elected board members serve the best interest of the community. Acknowledging that we don’t always get along, 68% felt the rules protect and enhance property values. When asked about managers, 74% felt their managers provided value and support to residents and their associations. The survey's comments about the best aspects of living in an HOA included safe, clean, attractive neighborhoods with protected property values.
These are nationwide statistics from those responding to Zogby’s survey. For me, it is hard not to recognize what a special place SCOV is for its residents and for its employees. There is a community spirit that is kind and thoughtful, adventurous and soaks up the beauty that surrounds this desert mountain home. SCOV residents volunteer and make a difference not only in SCOV, but in our extended communities of Oro Valley and Tucson, and I am grateful to work for you and with this team.
Administrative Manager - Becky Vaughan
bvaughan@suncityorovalley.com
520-917-8072
Meet Two New Employees, Andrew and Cristy
Andrew Clark has joined the Administration staff as Technology Coordinator. A resident of SCOV, Andrew will manage technology matters here on campus and the SCOV side of the website. He’s already been assisting committees with their Zoom needs, updating minutes/agendas, the bulletin board, event information and other items on the website. He assists with the computer needs of the Association and helps residents resolve challenges when engaging with our technology. Recently our website was maliciously attacked. As our web hosting company worked through the attack, the fix required all users of the “members only” portion of the site to reset their passwords (this happened twice). Andrew diligently worked with residents over a two-week period to help get their passwords reset and restore access to the members only side of the website. What an introduction to SCOV! Thank you to all who were so kind to him during this stressful time. Andrew loves everything Star Wars.
Cristy Lowing is really new, having just been here a couple of weeks by the time this article comes out. She is friendly, creative and helpful. When asked to describe herself in one word she said, “workhorse,” which fits into the hard working administrative team just fine. She will be working with our Ambassador program, overseeing "This Week In SCOV," creating ads for our digital bulletin boards and working with the golf department on its website and communications. She is friendly and welcoming and will make a great first impression on our future SCOV residents.
As you interact with our staff, please know that customer service is our top priority. The administrative department's mission statement is to, “Value people as we facilitate a positive, healthy and active lifestyle!” Providing help and services to you is why we’re here.
Lifestyle Coordinator - Brenda Puzzele-Stoltz
bpuzzele-stoltz@suncityorovalley.com
520-917-8077
Join us for fun events this month. The first is a free Fourth of July concert by the Sun City Singers on Tuesday, July 4, 2 pm, Auditorium. Come enjoy patriotic music followed by ice cream on the Kiva Patio provided by SCOV. To help us plan for attendance, please RSVP on the website under Member Services > Tickets > July 4th Concert.
The second event is the Classic Winds Band concert on Wednesday, July 12, 6 pm, Auditorium. This band plays a wide range of music from classical, swing, Broadway show tunes as well as traditional favorites for you to sit back and enjoy. Tickets are $20 pp, and available on the website under Member Services > Tickets.
Welcome New Neighbors – May
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