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RoadrunnerThe Roadrunner is published twice a month by the Rio Verde Community Association

Rio Verde’s Website www.rioverdearizona.com

Next Roadrunner DeadlineNoon Monday, February 13

RVCA Board Meeting: 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16

RVCA Annual Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Mar. 16

Club News Click Here

Verdes Art League NewsFeb. 10 Lecture, Art Classes, Annual Spring Show page 6

RVCA Board MinutesThe minutes of the Jan. 19 Board meeting are attached.

Next Issue February 17 Issue No. 17-3 - February 3, 2017

Let’s Celebrate...Rio Verde Is Turning 45!Rio Verde’s 45th Birthday Party at the Club on Monday, Feb. 6, is Sold Out!

Plan to attend the Rio Verde Community Association's Candidates Forum at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, in the Community Center to learn about the views of the six candidates running for the five open seats on the RVCA Board of Directors. The Forum is being sponsored by the RVCA Communications Committee.The six candidates are:●Barbara Baker●John Burke●Sonia Cowen●John Fischer (incumbent)●Jan Stegmann (incumbent)●Randy Stoneking (incumbent)

Baker, Burke, Fischer, Stegmann and Stoneking are the nominated candidates. Cowen is running by petition.The Feb. 10 Candidates Forum is planned for 90 minutes. Each candidate will have three minutes to make an opening statement about why they want to serve on the Board, what relevant life experiences they

It’s Our Community...Get InvolvedRVCA Candidates Forum Friday, Feb. 10

bring to the job and what are the most important issues facing Rio Verde.Following the opening statements each candidate will be asked to answer questions submitted by the RVCA Communications Committee. Residents will also have the opportunity to ask questions from the floor.Key Election DatesBallots will be mailed to all residents by Feb. 13. To be counted, they must be returned to the Office by 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 15. (Mailed ballots should be postmarked by Monday, March 13.) Ballots can also be delivered to the Secretary prior to the start of the Thursday, March 16, Annual Meeting at the Church.Teller CommitteeThe ballots will be opened and counted by the Teller Team during the Mar. 16 Annual Meeting. Note: The candidate bios were emailed to all residents and are posted in the Community Center and Post Office.

Would You Like to Serve on a RVCA Committee?One of the strengths of the Rio Verde Community Association is the 100 plus volunteers who serve on its committees. This group of dedicated, committed and talented residents make it possible for the Association to function effectively and efficiently with just three full-time employees.Would you like to serve on a RVCA committee? Contact Executive Director Doris Findling at doris@rioverdehoa.org or call 471-2068. For a list of committees go to www.rioverdearizona.com. Log into Member Side and click on Community Governance.

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The Roadrunner is published twice a month by

The Rio Verde Community AssociationEditor: Linda HefterAssociation Staff:

Doris Findling, Connie Sauter & Angelita Vargas

Rio Verde is an Active Adult Community

CRC Seeking Funding ProposalsThe Community Relations Committee (CRC) invites RVCA and RVCC committees and organizations that support Rio Verde to submit written funding proposals. To be considered, the proposed projects must enhance the lives of Rio Verde residents or the beauty of the community. In addition proposals must be for a specific project and include a cost projection and timeline for completion. Deliver questions or proposals in writing to the CRC at the Community Center Office. All proposal requests must be submitted by Wednesday, Feb 15. Questions? Call CRC President Marlys Gahn at 480-838-8420 or marlys.nelson@hotmail.com.

Our Community...Walkers Safety Alert! Please remember that no walking is allowed on the golf courses during play. Walkers are welcome to walk on the cart paths from sunrise until the first tee time. Annual Assessment Due: The deadline for paying the 2017 RVCA annual assessment without a penalty was Jan. 31. If you missed the Jan. 31 deadline, please contact the RVCA Office at 471-2068.January Rain Totals: Todd Korb on Mountainaire reports that Rio Verde received 2.39 inches of rain in January. With Sympathy: The Association is saddened to learn of the deaths of Bev Allison, Cal Spencer and Bob Patton.

Fraud in the Digital Age Seminar: Friday, Feb. 24Join Vince Zarlengo at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Community Center Multi-Function Room for a free seminar on how to avoid and deal with scammers and fraudsters in these ever changing digital times.Vince spent 20 years as an attorney including time with the Denver District Attorney’s Office and 25 years as a Certified Public Accountant including time with Arthur Young now Ernst & Young.

Feb. 9 & Feb. 23...Property Enhancement SeminarsIs It Time to Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space?Rio Verde’s beautiful spring weather offers many opportunities for enjoying the world just outside our doors. Whether it’s enjoying your morning coffee on your patio, watching the sunset from your yard or enjoying a cocktail or meal with friends in the fresh desert air, our outdoor living spaces offer us many opportunities to enrich our lives.The Property Enhancement and Appearance Committee is sponsoring two seminars in February to provide residents with ideas on how to enhance or expand their outdoor living space.February 9 - Ideas for Enhancing and Expanding Your Outdoor Living Space, presented by Sam Mosa, Verde Valley Nursery. Sam will present a wide range of ideas from livening up your patio with decorative pottery to larger projects including adding patio space, water features, fire pits or outdoor kitchens. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A period and a drawing for a $200 gift certificate from Verde Valley Nursery. Wine and cheese to follow drawing.February 23 - How Landscape Lighting Reconnects You to Your Landscape After Dark presented by Jan Moyer (aka Jan Gruel-Lennox) Jan will draw on her many years of experience as a landscape lighting designer to show us how we can increase enjoyment of our outdoor space. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A period and a drawing for a significant door prize (TBD). Wine and cheese to follow drawing.Time & PlaceBoth seminars are at 4 p.m. Thursdays in the Community Center Multi-Function Room.Questions: Contact Property Enhancement & Appearance Committee Chair Jack Arnold at jackarnoldmi@gmail.com or call 471-0058.

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CRC News...Luncheon & Style Show: Wednesday, Feb. 22Time to make a reservation for CRC’s annual Luncheon & Style Show set for Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Club. This year’s theme is Dots & Daisies.The Boutique featuring seven exciting vendors will open at 10 a.m. in the Club Lobby. Everyone in the Verdes is invited to come shop even if you are not coming to the lunch.Seating for lunch will start at 11:30 a.m. Following lunch, Rio Verde ladies will model fashions by Soft Surroundings. Cost is $35 inclusive. For reservations email reservations@rioverdecc.com or call 471-0963.Valentine’s Day Basket Raffle: Tuesday, Feb. 14The drawing for CRC’s Valentines's Day Basket Raffle will be held at the Club’s Dinner Dance on Feb. 14. Look for raffle ticket sales at major Rio Verde events and at the Post Office . The lucky winner will receive a large gift basket filled with over $1,200 of goods and services. You do not need to be present at the drawing to win. Questions? Call Sharon VanderPoel at 303-809-5249.Rio Verde Home Tour: Wednesday, Mar. 22Save the date for CRC’s 2017 Uniquely Rio Verde Home Tour on Wednesday, Mar. 22. Come see unique spaces and a bit of history while touring new, older and redone homes. Mark your calendar and watch for ticket information.

ASU Lecture Series...The 2017 ASU Lecture Series continues at 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 28. All the lectures will be held in the Club Sundance Room with the exception of the Feb. 14 lecture which will be held in the Church Sanctuary.February 7:Evolutionary Biology: Why Natural Selection Has Left Us So Vulnerable to Mental DisordersThis insightful lecture will be presented by Dr. Randolph Nesse, a physician who has dedicated his career to the study of evolutionary medicine. He is particularly interested in evolution as it pertains to aging and the origins and functions of emotions and emotional disorders. Dr. Nesse is the Founding Director of the ASU Center for Evolution & Medicine. February 14:How We Got Here: News and TechnologyDon’t miss this opportunity to learn about the role of media in this digital age and 24-hour news cycle from Kirsten Gilger, associate dean in charge of professional programs for the ASU Cronkite School of Journalism. Before coming to ASU, Professor Gilger served as deputy managing editor for news at The Arizona Republic, where she led a team of more than 100 reporters and editors at the nation’s 15th largest newspaper. Note: The Feb. 14 lecture will be held in the Community Church Sanctuary.

Let’s Hike...Lost Dog/Sunrise Trailheads Hike In the McDowells: Thursday, Feb. 16Join Kathy Fridovich & Doug Lindsay on Thursday, Feb. 16, for a moderately difficult hike in the McDowells. The five mile hike has an elevation change of 1,350 feet over a rocky trail. The group will be divided into two groups – one starting from Lost Dog Trailhead & the other from Sunrise Trailhead. The groups will meet during the crossover & exchange car keys for the return to Rio Verde.Meet in the Community Center parking lot by 8 a.m. for carpooling, the return will be noon. Bring water (2 liters) & a snack. Hiking boots are recommended & poles are optional. Questions? Kathy: 480-474-4931 or kathyfrido1@aol.com - Doug: 312-339-7907 or douglasalindsay@att.net.

January Hikers with Jim Urban (right)

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Club WGA Golf News...Rio & Tonto Mixer ResultsAround the World in 18 Holes was the theme for the Rio & Tonto Mixer on Jan. 17. The mixer was played at Tonto Verde on the Ranch Course and 48 players from each club participated in a 2 of 4 Best Ball format. The teams were divided into Flight Asia and Flight Europe and the ladies were challenged with trivia about countries that could help a team’s score. After play, Tonto hosted an appetizer buffet and prizes were awarded for each flight. Patti Rogers coordinated the event with Jackie Kingsbury from Tonto Verde and her committee. Results: Flight Asia: First Place, Vicki Wolken, Raena Borth, Diana Mercer and Anne Lewis. Flight Europe: First Place Jeanne Finney, Judy Spinner, Jill Arnold, and Heidi Miller. The full results are posted on ForeTees on the WGA Results page.

Mini-Guest Day ResultsWGA members and their guests arrived in bling and ready to show their stuff for the Mini-Guest Day “Diamond in the Rough” tournament on a brisk morning on Jan. 26. Following breakfast sandwiches, the ladies had a shotgun start on the White Wing course. The format for the day was 1 net best from player “A” partners and 1 net best ball from“B” partners for a 2 net best ball. Many tees had trivia questions that would advance play and Davis from the Golf Shop hit drives on hole #17 to give players a distance advantage. Prizes were awarded for eight places.First place was awarded to Brenda Phillips, Maribell Wetzel and their guests Marilyn Perry and Amy Anderson. Prizes were also awarded for closest to the pin on holes #6 and #2 and longest putt on #18. The full results are posted on ForeTees on the WGA Results page.February 7 WGA LuncheonThe next WGA luncheon is Tuesday, Feb. 7, with the theme “Almond and Chocolate Day.” There will be special items on the tables and a special featured drink. Sign up on ForeTees.WGA Match Play: Feb. 14, 16 & 21All WGA members are encouraged to sign up for the 2017 Match Play Tournament. This year’s tournament will be played with partners with an eight max stroke difference between the two players handicaps. All players will play Feb. 14 & 16 with finals on Feb. 21. Cost is $15 per person, with pay-outs both days and a total payout on day two. The Club Match Play Winner will come from the first flight. Find a partner and signup on ForeTees through Feb. 8.

2017 Verde Derby Update:The weather was beautiful for the 2017 Verde Derby and a great crowd came out to cheer on their favorite team. After the Master of Ceremonies, Vince Zarlengo, announced the teams, the studs and fillies were off to the races on the White Wing course guided around by our golf pro Darryl Jannisse and his staff. It was a great race with all competitors in the field making a strong run for the finish line. Winning the race was David Barnes & Mary Patnode with an exciting hole out from the bunker on the 18th green. Coming in to Place was Steve Larkin and Karen Ritchie and the Show team was Dennis Saylor and Wendy Loeb. Cash prizers were awarded to the Win, Place andSshow finishers. Special thanks to Ken Vos, Chuck Ingwalson, David Ness and Joel Davidson for taking care of the pari-mutuel betting.

Derby Winners David Barnes and Mary Patnode

First Place Winners Brenda Phillips and Maribell Wetzel

Host Families Needed...Women's Collegiate Here Feb. 23 to Feb. 26The Women’s Collegiate Golf Tournament sponsored by Western Michigan University will be back in Rio Verde, Thursday, Feb. 23, to Sunday, Feb. 26.Housing is still needed for players and coaches. If you can help host one or more players or coaches, please call Carol Scheuing at 471-7393. (See more about the Collegiate on page 6).

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Let’s Dine at the Club... Starbucks: 6:30 to 11 a.m. dailyLunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. dailyDinner: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday No Dinner on SundaySunday Breakfast: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All you can eat Buffet - $12.99++ $5 Mimosas and $4 Bloody MarysMonday Night Special:Liver & Onions - 5 to 8 p.m. Every Monday - $15++Wednesday Experience Nights:Feb. 8 - German NightFeb. 15 - Caribbean NightFeb. 22 - Pasta NightQuestions & Take Out: Call 471-1050Reservations: 471-0963 orreservations@rioverdecc.com

Club Wine Dinners...Your passport to great wines await...see the Club weekly newlstter for detailsFeb. 9: Paso Robles WinesFeb. 16: Copper Cane WinesMar. 2: Wines of the NorthwestMar. 21: Penfold’s Wine EventApr. 11: BBQ Wines & Porch PoundersApr. 25: Wine & a Movie - Bottleshock with Clos Du ValFor Reservations: Call 471-0963 or email reservations@rioverdecc.com

Club News...

Valentine's Day Dinner Dance:  Tuesday, February 14Love Songs with Fred Astaire...Make a reservation today for the Club's Valentine's Day Dinner Dance on Tuesday, Feb. 14.Cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres will be available starting at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.  Special guest will be Fred Astaire (aka Ballroom Dance Instructor Roger Allen).Roger will join us to make it a special evening of dining and dancing.  The versatile Tommy Holloway will provide his special brand of musical entertainment. A romantic dinner is planned highlighted by New York Steak au Poivre and yummy chocolate desserts.  Cost is $65++.  For reservations call 471-0963 or email reservations@rioverdecc.com.

An Elegant Brunch Made Easy: Saturday, Feb. 11Chef Todd and Chef Carlos will show you how to make an elegant brunch without a lot of work at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Copper Room. Cost for the Club’s February cooking class is $35++ which includes the demonstration, notes and a tasty brunch. To register call the Club at 471-0963.

Tournament TimeIt is not too early to invite guests to play in the Club’s three major Member/Guest Invitationals. Pick up applications for all three tournaments in the Golf Shop.●Couples Sonoran Desert Classic: Mar. 9, 10 & 11Celebrate Arizona with golf, a ranch party and dinner dance. Cost is $725 after Feb. 1.●Anasazi Men’s Invitational: March 22, 23, 24 & 25This year’s Anasazi will be better than ever with five 9-hole matches plus lunches, a Sinatra-themed stag dinner and a spectacular guest raffle. Cost is $595.●Desert Quail Ladies Invitational: April 6, 7 & 8The Road to Rio leads to three days of fun at the Desert Quail Ladies Invitational April 6 to April 8. Plans include three days of golf plus shopping, dinner & dancing on the practice range, a road rally, casual cocktail party and an awards luncheon. Cost is $380 per team.

January Hole In Ones - Congratulations Marty Olson, Doug Miller & Tom Irick - Quail Run #16

Mike Harris - WW 14Jane Wick at Desert Highlands

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Fun & Interesting Things To Do...Spooner & Shaft PT Lecture: Monday, Feb. 6Physical Therapist Andrew Walquist will discuss How To Avoid Injury on the Courts at 4:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, in the Community Center Card Room. This is the first of three monthly Monday Spooner & Shaft lectures planned to help Verde residents be their best. On Mar. 6 learn how to Improve Mobility for Your Golf Game. On Apr. 3 the topic will be General Knee Pain & Managing To Stay Active. The physical therapy lectures are free and open to all Verde residents.Jersey Boys Tribute Concert: Feb. 10Church Concert Series tickets are now on sale for $40 each for both the Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 concerts. On Feb. 10 the December 63 band will be here in concert with their high energy Tribute to the Original Jersey Boys. On Feb. 24 enjoy the Limelighters performing Folk Tunes of Old. Start time for both concerts is 7 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary. Purchase tickets in the Church Office (471-7239). The Rio Verde Country Club will serve a pre-concert Italian buffet from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. Cost is $25++ For reservations call 471-0963. The reservation deadline is Feb. 7.Bunco Night: Monday, Feb. 20The next Bunco Night at the Community Center is Monday, Feb. 20. Play is from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring $2 in change. Reservations are required. Call Merideth Hale at 471-1003.Rio Verde Book Club: Wednesday, Feb. 22The Rio Verde Book Club will discuss Commonwealth by Ann Patchett at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Community Center. All are welcome. The book selection for March is Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance. In April the Book Club will read To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey. Questions? Susie Pringle 471-7339/susique@aol.com.

Verdes Art League News...Tapestry Weaving Workshop: Feb. 6, 7 & 9There is still time to register for Toni Lowden’s Introduction to Tapestry Weaving Workshop from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, Tuesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 9, in the Community Center. Cost is $125 which includes a kit with warp & weft yarns, handouts of all the steps and a lap loom to keep. Each participant will make a 10 inch by 4.5 inch mini sampler wall hanging. To register contact Toni at 471-6131 or tonilowden@yahoo.comPhoenix Art Museum Lecture: Friday, Feb. 10The Art League’s 2017 Lecture Series will continue at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, with a discussion on How to Look at Art Like a Cro-Magnon. Presenting the lecture will be Phoenix Art Museum docent Cathie Rubins. Everyone in the Verdes is welcome! The lecture will be held in the Community Center Multi-Function Room.Beaded Crosses Workshop: Friday, Mar. 3Kathy Morgan invites you to join her in the Community Center Art Studio from 1 to 5 p.m. Mar. 3 for a Workshop on Beaded Crosses. This fun workshop is open to all Verde residents but is limited to 20 participants. Cost is $30 inclusive for two crosses. Sign up in the Art Studio. Annual Spring Art Show: Saturday, Mar. 25Save the date for the Verdes Art League Annual Spring Art Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 25, at the Community Center.

Let’s Dance...Ballroom ClassesSign up beginning Feb. 6 at the Community Center Office for the next six week session of Ballroom Classes. Cost is $60 per person. Here is the schedule:Wednesdays: Feb. 15 to Mar. 22Basic 6 to 7 p.m. - Intermediate 7 to 8 p.m.Fridays: Feb. 17 to Mar. 24Basic 6 to 7 p.m. - Intermediate 7 to 8 p.m.Each week learn a new routine to help remember the dances.Dance PartiesEveryone in the Verdes is invited to the Community Dance Parties. The next Party is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Community Center Multi-Function Room. Cost is $10 per person. Bring your own drinks and glasses and an appetizer or sweet to share. Thanks to dance instructor Roger Allen and his partner Michelle and DJ Chris Gelb for making the Dance Parties extra fun.Dance Parties are also planned for Saturdays Mar. 4 and Apr. 1. Questions? Call Ruth Orton at 480-264-4522 or email ruthorton@gmail.com.

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New Rio Verde Activities: Three new activities were showcased at the Jan. 26 Activities Fair--Model Airplanes Flying, Scrabble and a Motorcycle Club. To learn more about the Model Airplane group contact Norm Hawk at 471-0196 or Charles Watt at 480-366-8878. Interested in some friendly Scrabble competition on a weekly basis contact Paul Stabin at 480-216-8335 Want to join the new Motorcycle Club call Steve Graham at 480-275-4179?

Drone Video UpdateRio Verde’s new drone video will be featured on our website next week. Check it out www.rioverdearizona.com, You can view the video right now by visiting www.extremeaerialproductions.com/golf-courses-resort-aerial. Look at the bottom right hand corner of the page that opens. Click on the arrow with the shaded cyclist and our video will start.If you like the creative work of Extreme Aerial Productions, go to the top of the page where in yellow it reads Like Us, click on the white “f” (Facebook) letter and then on the left-hand side click review and write a brief comment of appreciation.Questions? Call RVCA Marketing Chair Mellody Fairbanks at 480-584-5141.

Join the Rio Verde Team for Mountain 2 Fountain RaceLike to go out for a run occasionally to stretch your legs?  Then join the Rio Verde team participating in the Mountain 2 Fountain 5k/15K event on Sunday, Mar. 5.  The team strategy is to go slow and have fun. Enthusiasm is the only requirement.Rio Verde residents have won cases of beer in two of the past three years.Information For more information visit the event website www.mountain2fountain15k.com or contact Jim Reeves at 471-2431 nelson.reeves@gmail.comCarol Dee 471-2308 ckdee@bell.net

Collegiate Invitational Ranch Party... Terry Cummings Needs Your HelpFor the past decade or more 25 residents have donated $100 to sponsor the BBQ at the Ranch for the college girls playing in the Collegiate Invitational Tournament. We would like to continue this wonderful tradition in 2017 when the 19 Collegiate Teams come to town Feb. 23-26. Donations can be made by a Club account charge or by check or cash. (Our promise--if you donated last year we will not allow you to donate this year!)If you would like to help this year, please contact Denise Ford at 471-1008 or daford2@cox.net. I cannot thank enough those who have already given and I want to thank in advance those who will step up to the plate this year. Terry and the Collegiate Ranch Party Team

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Living Green in the Verdes...

Time to Kick the SaltThe ProblemLet’s talk about conventional water softener usage environmental problems in Rio Verde. It’s estimated that Rio Verde residents discharge 45,000 pounds of salt annually into our sewer system from regenerating water softeners. Now that’s a big problem to our local environment since we use the effluent water from our treatment plant to irrigate our golf courses. It costs about $12,000 per month to mitigate the effects of the salinity (salts) and bicarbonates retained in the effluent water used for irrigation—simply put, grass doesn’t like salts and bicarbonates!The SolutionHomeowners can help with this problem by converting their water softeners to a (PE) portable exchange type softener. The Living Green in the Verdes Committee encourages homeowners to subscribe to the PE softener program offered by Rayne Water Conditioning for $39.25 per month. Your PE unit is exchanged every 28 days with a newly recharged unit and you don’t have to buy or handle any salt! This service is available for both seasonal (no fee while away) and fulltime residents.Special Offer from Rayne WaterRayne Water has a special offer to change over your existing units. The offer includes:●Free removal and disposal of existing unit●Free installation of the (PE) unit●Free service for the first two months ●$10 charge for the third month before starting the normal rate on the fourth month Sign Up on Feb. 8 at the Community CenterRayne Water representative Rick Greene will be in the Community Center lobby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, to sign up new customers. During this sign up period the Living Green in the Verdes Committee will offer an additional $50 incentive to the first five new customers.Questions?Call Ken Peterson at 471-7905 or Rayne Water direct at 602-348-1028.

Save the Date...Living Green in the Verdes EventsRecycling/Shredding Event: Thursday, Mar. 2Rio Verde’s Electronic (E-waste) Recycling/Shredding and Bulk Materials Event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in the Community Center parking lot. Accepted this year will be an unlimited amount of paper for shredding plus electronics and bulk material for recycling. Watch for a full list of accepted material in the next Roadrunner.Smart Desert Landscaping Seminar: Tuesday, Mar. 14Mark your calendar for a Smart Desert Landscaping Seminar on Tuesday, Mar. 14, at the Community Center. Come learn about the many benefits of using a smart irrigation controller and choosing low water use plants. Details soon.Questions? Call Living Green Chair Sal Celona at 914-960-7779.

Mark Your Calendar...February Community Church Lectures are planned for 4 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27, in the Church Sanctuary.Feb. 20: Islam, Its History & Current Issues by Evelyne A. ReisacherDr. Reisacher is associate professor of Islamic Studies at Fuller Seminary. Her current research involves exploring gender issues in Muslim-Christian relations.Feb. 27: Healing Power of Music by Janice JarrettDr. Jarrett will discuss how music can significantly lessen pain, soothe anxiety and unlock secrets of the brain.

Hey Dog Owners... The RioVerde K-9ers are attempting to get an accurate count of dogs living in the community. Much interest has been displayed by residents wanting local use of a dog park. Before the idea is pursued any further, accurate information is needed to help determine needs, costs and feasibility. If you have not been contacted or filled out a Dog Census, please call either Joan Cummings at 480-313-1913 or Debbie Brown at 260-414-5255 to answer the three-question survey. You can also pickup a census at the RVCA Office or Post Office. Thanks for your help.

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Neighbors Helping NeighborsVolunteer Training Class Saturday, Feb. 11:Volunteering makes a difference in another’s life as well as your own. Last Call for attending our training class scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We will have fun – no exams!  Free lunch will be served immediately following the class. If you are interested in volunteering with VerdeCares, please contact us at 471-8944. VerdeCares Highlights for 2016●Team of 78 trained volunteers●Provided hands-on services to over 300 residents●Provided over 25,000 hours of service●Drove over 36,000 miles●Delivered over 1,500 meals●In-Kind-Value of services for 2016 is over $600,000●In-Kind-Value of services since inception is now over $2.2 millionVerdeCares MissionVerdeCares is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and promoting the health and well-being of our residents. We are here for you when you need us with no-charge support services, social activities, educational sharing groups, services from hospital admission to home self-sufficiency and outside resources as needed.Thank YouTo all of our Volunteer and Supporters, “Thank you” to all of our volunteers who give so much of their time and talents to support our neighbors needs through VerdeCares and “Thank you” to all who support our mission here in the Verdes through your donations. Vicki Beseke, Executive Director, VerdeCares Inc.

VerdeCares to Receive Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame Legacy Award: VerdeCares volunteers are excited, honored and proud to be the first time Verde Community recipient of the Hall of Fame Legacy Award. We hope you will join us at the Hall of Fame dinner on Mar. 29. See box at right for information on how to make reservations for the dinner.

Join Hall of Fame CelebrationMake a reservation today for the Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame Dinner on Wednesday, Mar. 29, at the Fountain Hills Community Center. This year’s honorees from the Verdes are George Kattermann who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame and VerdeCares which will receive the 2017 Legacy Award. VerdeCares is the first Verde recipient of the Legacy Award for outstanding service to the community.On Mar. 29 the festivities begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Entertainment and awards ceremony starts at 8 p.m. Dress is cocktail attire.To make a reservation: ●Call Jo at the Fire Department ( 471-2304)●Call Kathryn at VerdeCares (471-8944)●Call Joanne Meehan (480-688-7707)Cost is $40 person. Make checks payable to the Hall of Fame Dinner.

Advanced Beginner Tennis Lessons Starting Feb. 8Did you play tennis when you were younger and now would like to play again? Sign up for advanced beginner tennis lessons from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays Feb. 8, 15, 22 & Mar. 1 with Rio Verde Tennis Pro Mike Davey. Cost is $40 for the four class series. Class size will be limited to six players. To register call Mike at 471-7178 or stop by the Tennis Shop prior to Feb. 7.

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Verdes Habitat House UpdateFor over twenty years, residents of Rio Verde and Tonto Verde have generously given their time, talents, and monetary support for Habitat for Humanity. In fact, the Verdes’ Habitat Community is the only community in the United States to both fund and build a Habitat home. While many build and others fund, we do both. Certainly, quite an accomplishment.This tradition continues today. Currently, volunteers are building a home at 1527 W. Pima Street in Phoenix, for Ciro and Lizette Soto-Arroyo and their young son. Ciro is a foreman for a landscape company and Lizette is a homemaker. The excitement to be able to provide their son with a permanent home in a secure environment is evident in their smiles and spoken thanks. Both are so grateful to our community for our support. In their family biography for Habitat, Ciro and Lizette explained how family means everything to them. They imagine having space to host special celebrations and holidays with loved ones. They want a safe home to welcome friends and family for special times. How incredible for them if they could be in their home by Easter and begin these important traditions.There Is Still Time To Donate Thank you to all who have donated to this 21st Verdes’ Habitat for Humanity house. Your generosity is so appreciated! Our goal is to raise the total cost to build the house, $95,458. As of mid-January, we are about $10,000 short of our goal. We are still hopeful that we can maintain our status of being the only U.S. community that builds and funds a home to a worthy family. Please consider helping Ciro, Lizette, and their family begin traditions many of us take for granted.Remember that your donation to Habitat is eligible for tax savings. If you file income tax in Arizona, you still have time to claim this tax credit for 2016. This is your chance to help a worthy family reach their dream and also save on your taxes. Donations can be sent to 18816 Four Peaks Blvd., Rio Verde, AZ 85263. A notation of “Verdes’ Habitat Home” on the bottom of your check will ensure that your donation will be dedicated to the Verdes’ project. Thank you for your continued generosity.Questions? Please call Tom Mulleady at 480-275-7350.

Verdes Ladies Cruise...Travel Talk: Friday, Feb. 10Calling all gals, are you missing out? River Cruises are popular among novice and well-traveled explorers. Gals from the Verdes are planning their 2nd annual river cruise trip in early September, featuring a 7- night cruise on the Rhone River through regions of Provence, France. Stays in Paris and Barcelona add memorable time to our river cruise vacation.  Sound like fun? Learn more about it at Travel Talk, Friday, Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. in the Tonto Verde multi-purpose room.Whether you travel as a single, a couple or a multi-generational family, river cruises offer active exploring & culturally rich travel. Get the latest information about destinations and special offers.RSVP now to reserve your seat. Seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served.Contact: Cheryl Dixon at 480-773-4567 or by email at boutiquetravel@cox.net

The 2017 Verdes Habitat House is nearing completion.

Full photo coverage of the CRC’s elegant High Tea in next issue.

Diana Magers & Mellody Fairbanks