Saguaro NewsNewsletter of the SKP Saguaro Co-op

Benson, ArizonaFebruary 2016

The year 2015 was sure a year activity andof growth for our park! Ingrid Kluegel andLinda Rubin continue to amaze me with newentertainment and learning experiences in theClubhouse. The major fund raisers for CactusWrens all broke records. Every Committee hasbeen hard at work. Want to know what theyhave been doing? Read your Annual Report. Ittook over 60 people to make our AnnualReport come together from start to finish.Thank you to each of you who helped.

One of the highlights of 2015 was “TheFire-pit” Study group that evolved intoFounders Park, its well-attended dedication,and the anticipated erection of a pavilion. Justgoes to show what can happen when anenthusiastic group works hard and follows theright path.

Another highlight was the long anticipatedWiFi decision. Thank you, TechnologyCommittee, for never giving up. I was part of a

Board who satthrough some ratherinvigoratingmeetings with you.We had come to theconclusion thiswould not happenand along came theopportunity to try asystem to see if itwould work. Thanksto many dedicatedpeople who testedfor hours thissummer, the Board

was able to pass going forward with WiFi. It isa work in progress as I write this and soonwhen guests call the Co-op to see if we haveWiFi on our sites, our office personnel can say“Yes”!

One of the wonderful things about livingin the Co-op is the kindness and generosity ofthe people. Read the Community section ofour Annual Report to see how many havegiven back to our Benson Community.

Excitement of change is stirring in our Co-op. It is that time of year. The AnnualMeeting, our largest meeting of the year, isFebruary 4, 2016 at 10 a.m. This year we sayfarewell to Spencer Kluegel, Pat Moore, andDrew Moehlau and wish them well. I havebeen checking the committee signup sheets tosee what they will be doing next!

They will be replaced on the Board ofDirectors by Lynn Cross, Art Fennell, andSuzy LeRoy. Kudos to them for being the onlypeople in our Co-op brave enough to run forthe Board this year. We look forward towelcoming you to the Board and I hope youenjoy it as much as I do. That is not to saysome days aren’t harder than others but it hasbeen a wonderful learning experience for me.There will be no suspense for who will beelected. Our suspense for the morning will bewhich proposed Bylaws will pass and whowill be our new officers.

We end the day of the Annual Meetingwith Norma Taylor’s “Out Takes 13”. What afun evening of unrehearsed entertainment by

One View From the Board

Annual Meeting February 4

(See Annual Meeting on Page 12)

February 2016 Page 2 Saguaro News

As a result of the Long Range PlanningEscapee Feedback Survey of 2012, in March of2014 the Long Range Planning Committee(LRPC) established a study group to examinethe question of what to do with the Fire Pitarea and how better to utilize the space foroutdoor recreational activities. Fifty-fivepercent of the survey respondents indicatedthey would use a gazebo type structure if onewas available.

In the process the Study Group heldmeetings, solicited suggestions and ideas,researched possibilities, and gatheredvolumes of design ideas. Eventually theproject narrowed down to constructing apavilion style structure. It would be bigenough to accommodate at least fifty peoplecomfortably, would provide protection fromthe sun and wind, and provide many years ofservice.

The Study Group’s first majoraccomplishment was receiving the Board ofDirectors’ approval and funding to create asign to identify the former Fire Pit area asFounders Park to recognize the contributionsof the original group of SKPs that founded theSaguaro Co-op. The Woodcarvers Group wasapproached to lend their carving expertiseand took on the sign project enthusiasticallywith incredible results. The sign was erectedin March of 2015 in conjunction with thePark’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. Thatgave Founders Park an identity and preservedit as an outdoor space to be utilized by all ourCo-op members for outdoor socializing, i.e.,happy hours, block parties, BBQs and pizzaparties, informal and impromptu get togethersor enjoying an evening of great times withfriends around a crackling fire.

Next, a detailed proposal for the structurewas developed, presented, approved andfunded by the Board on December 8, 2015.

This phase of the proposal includes aprefabricated 20 x 40 structure designed to

our specifications with Arizona certifiedengineered drawings. The structure willinclude a concrete slab with an open stylepavilion. Later phases will include amenitiesto enhance the area based on usage andexperience.

There has been some exciting activity atthe park, some site preparation for theconcrete pad has been completed and thepavilion kit has been ordered. It is anticipatedthat the structure will be completed by latespring and it will be available for use uponcompletion.

We are thankful for the generous $1000donation we received in February of 2015from the family of Jim and Audrey Luedke tobe used towards Founders Park. This moneyis being held in reserve to be used forenhancements as the project progresses.

It’s difficult to give individual credit whenso many have contributed their expertise,effort and time to this ongoing project. Wecouldn’t have accomplished our goals to thisstage without the passion and commitment ofthe dedicated group that became the drivingforce to see this phase of the project tofruition. For that we are appreciative andeternally grateful. That being said, we wish toexpress our gratitude and appreciation to allwho participated—every idea, suggestion,question, words of encouragement andsupport along the way helped make it happen.It’s amazing what this group of dedicatedSKPs accomplished with passion and a desireto leave our mark and provide a venue for Co-op resident outdoor activities that will providemany years of enjoyment. In following theexample of our founders we’ve accomplishedenhancing our park for the benefit of all ourresidents. We can all be proud of thisaccomplishment!

Please stay tuned for coming attractions atFounders Park!

Lee Pease

Founder’s Park

Saguaro News Page 3 February 2016

Clubhouse EventsNew Leaseholders’ Party

The New Leaseholders’ Party will takeplace on Saturday, February 6 at 5 p.m. The28 leaseholders that became members in 2015have been invited to be our special guests.This is your chance to meet them and get toknow a bit about their interests andexperiences.

Everyone in the park is encouraged toattend. Please bring a finger food to share withour guests. Punch will be served. Feel free tobring your own wine or other beverage if youchoose. Music and dancing will follow.

‘Souperbowl’ SundayThe Souperbowl will feature a soup and

potato bar February 7 at 3:30 p.m. The SuperBowl game will be shown on the big screen.This will be a fundraiser for Founders Park.Food tickets will be sold at the event (not atthe office). See Channel 5 for more details.

February Entertainment3 Cindy Hayostek, speaker on “1880s

Tombstone” at 2 p.m.

4 Out Takes 13 at 7 p.m.

5 The Maggie Mae Show at 7 p.m.

6 New Leaseholders’ Party at 5 p.m.

7 Souperbowl Party at 3:30 p.m.

13 Tyler Vollrath, entertainer, at 7 p.m.

19 Paul Unmack, speaker on“Troubleshooting and Safety of RVRefrigerators” at 2 p.m.

20 Food Auction at 1 p.m.

27 Men’s Night Out

Due to the Annual Meeting, the Clubhousewill be closed to all activities on February 4.

February SpeakersCynthia Hayostek will talk about her

recent book, “Connections: The Life andTimes of BA Packard in the 1880s Tombstoneand on the Arizona-Sonora Borderlands.”

Cindy is the publisher of BorderlandsChronicle, a quarterly history journal aboutthe borderlands in southeastern Arizona andhas published four books. A book signing willfollow.

Tyler Vollrath will perform on 7 p.m. onFebruary 13. He is the grandson of world-renowned Canadian fiddle player CalvinVollrath. In 1993, at the age of 19, he wasawarded the Grand North American Old TimeFiddle Championship. He’s played in manycountry western bands on guitar, banjo,mandolin and vocals. In 2002 he was namedCanadian Country Music Association FiddlePlayer of the Year. In 2014, he opened acrossCanada for the Brad Paisley Tour.

On February 19 at 2 p.m. Paul Unmack, amechanical engineer, will speak on RVrefrigeration troubleshooting and safety. Hedeveloped and patented the ARPrv controllerthat potentially extends refrigerator life,reduces the fire hazard, and helps preventfood spoilage.

Ingrid Kluegel & Linda RubinClubhouse Co-Chairs

Helping Hands Food AuctionThis years auction is February 20 at 1 p.m.

All funds raised from this event go to theCactus Wrens. Please bake a cake, or make apie, or design a dinner. The people of thispark really like cookies. We bet you have arecipe you do not make too often because it'sjust too good.

There will be prizes for the most moneybrought in three different categories. BrianTratner and Mary B. will be up on stage thisyear. Sloppy Joes and chips will be for salehalf way through the auction. But if baking isnot your thing, please bring your wallet andbuy a little something.

Kelly Edwards & Sandie MissioniFood Auction Co-Chairs

Saguaro News Page 4 February 2016

Helping HandsHoping your 2016 is off to a great start.

February is American Heart Month, and allare encouraged to know their blood pressure.So this is a good time to remind you bloodpressure checks are offered every Monday 9 to10 a.m. in the clubhouse library.

It is not too late to get your flu shot if youhave not received yours yet. If you dodevelop flu symptoms even after getting theshot, stay at home and recuperate. Please donot mingle with others socially or at meetings.

AED/CPR classes are forthcoming. WatchChannel 5 for more information and dates.

The Helping Hands Committee can alwaysuse new members. Please attend our meetingsto see what our committee is about. We meetthe third Tuesday of each month Octoberthrough April at 9 a.m. in Clubhouse rooms 1and 2. We welcome anyone interested inhelping others.

Remember, the Food Auction is February20. Put your thinking cap on and startplanning on what to bake for the auction, orperhaps offer a meal for a later time to auctionoff.

We hope you have a Happy Valentine’sDay from the Helping Hands Members.

Bonnie Berglund & Norma SchwartingHelping Hands Co-Chairs

Mark March 10, 11 and 12 on yourcalendar—three days of fun designed to raisemoney for the Cactus Wrens.

On Thursday there will be a parade andcostume fashion show, a chili cook-off and,hopefully, a mariachi band.

A fiesta will be held on Friday with games,food and more fun.

Weather permitting, outdoor games will beheld on Saturday including chicken bingo,Mexican hat dance cake walk, blindfold golfcart races, a pet parade and even a piñata.

Saturday night will feature 'The RonstadtGeneration,' a band led by Michael, LindaRonstadt's brother.   The band's blend oftraditional Southwestern and Mexican musicrecalls the romantic past. Check them outat www.ronstadtgenerations.com.

Why not join us in the planning of thisevent? Our next meeting will be at 9 a.m. onWednesday, January 27 in Rooms 1 and 2 inthe Clubhouse

Dodie Schleiger 303-748-2478Linda Rubin 239-877-1099

Spring Fling Co-Chairs

BloodmobileThe Bloodmobile will again be at the

Clubhouse back door February 13 from 8 a.m.to 2 p.m. I just hope again that everyone thatcan give blood will do so. I’m so proud of the39 that did offer to do so in December. Therewill be sign up sheets by the pool room dooras soon as I receive them. In all our hospitalsthere is someone who needs blood every twominutes. We need you.

Loretta Williams

Leaseholder's  NotebookOur Leaseholder's Notebook is in the

Clubhouse, in the puzzle room on the tableunder the TV. Our goal is to have a page withpicture for each leaseholder. Are you in it?  Ifnot, grab a blank page, fill it out as much asyou want and join our notebook! Questions??Contact me on Lot 89, or call me at 956-356-8831.

Ann Meilicke

February 2016 Page 5 Saguaro News

Ice Cream SocialDue to the Superbowl being on the first

Sunday of February, we will hold our IceCream Social on Sunday, February 14.  Bringyour sweetie and/or your “sweet tooth” forthe 7 p.m. event in the Clubhouse.  Pleaseprovide your own bowl and spoon.  We servepromptly, so come a bit early, please.

We need our faithful bakers to supplytreats or cookies for the Ice Cream Social.Please leave your “goodies” in  the kitchenby 4 p.m. on the 14th of February.  HappyValentine’s Day and thank you!

Jan Petring

Polar Bear PartyThe Polar Bear Party January 4 was a

benefit for the Food Bank of Bensonsponsored by Chapter 21. 160 peopleattended.

Buffalo Wild Wings of Sierra Vista donatedwings and sauces for our event. GeneralManager Alan Gordon and his crew did agreat job. We so appreciate their generosity.

A 50/50 raffle raised $412.00. $206.00went to the winners, Bruce and SusanWilliamson, who very graciously gave it backto go to the food bank.

We raised $911.10 and Chapter 21 addedthe rest to make a check for $1,000.00. Tonsof food was brought by each person and wegave 351 pounds of food also.

Francis Pratt, a Co-op leaseholder, is theTreasurer of the Food Bank, and was therewhen they brought the food and check. Tearswere in her eyes and she said, never beforehas she seen such wonderful gifts.

Way to go SKP Saguaro Co-op, Chapter 21and Buffalo Wild Wings!

Mike & Gail Lenney

Hey Guys!This is it. Get ready. It’s coming soon.

Men’s Night OutJust for all you guys. You will be well

fed, pampered, entertained and then endthe evening playing some of your

favorite games.

Saturday, February 27Keep this date open for your night out.

Lynn Lawrence & Marian BinderCo-Chairs

Out Takes 13Out Takes 13 Variety Show is almost here.

It will be held the night of the AnnualMeeting evening, February 4 at 7 p.m.

We can still use more acts, so if you havebeen hesitant to call and schedule, please doso now. Scheduling is important so I knowwhat you'd like to do: name of act (toeliminate duplicates) and so we can make agood variety for the program. Almost anythinggoes!

There are no rehearsals, just a meeting onthe afternoon of the show. We don't wearname tags (in case we want to remainanonymous!) .

Call or text me—520-586-0114;email kandntaylor@gmail.com; or catchme when I'm in the park.

Norma Taylor

February 2016 Page 6 Saguaro News

4. Meetings: At least three per year,5. Quorum: One officer plus four members.6. Officers: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary.

PURPOSE: Add the fact that the facilities managerhandles renter violations.Items: 1, 2, 3 remain the same.Item: 4. Change annual inspection times.Item: 5. No changeItem: 6. New addition of how leaseholders arenotified.Item: 7. Covers the second bullet line and includesthe 300 and 700 rental inspections. Revised 12/19/2015 CD, Revised 12/29/2015 CD

Rules CommitteeGuideline Changes

PURPOSE: Recommend to the Board of Directorsrules for the benefit of the Co-op as a whole, andinform the Co-op management of any violations ofsaid rules. Refer any renter violations that are notcovered under leaseholder rules to FacilitiesManager.

1. Review and recommend changes or additionsto the Co-op rules. All recommended changes willbe submitted to the Bylaw Committees.2. The chair will establish and maintain contactwith other committees as deemed necessary tocoordinate related business.3. All committee members are required tomaintain strict confidence relating to ruleviolations.4. Annual leaseholder lots, storage area, 700, and300 hundred row inspections, and re- inspectionsshall be completed before the annual meeting.Inspections shall be coordinated withmanagement as they may involve renterviolations. Re- inspections shall be completedwithin thirty days after inspections.5. Any and all new leaseholder rules/guidelines orchanges require a waiting period of sixty dayswhile being posted on the clubhouse bulletinboard and published also in the Co-op newsletterfor two issues. After this input, and possiblerevisions, the revised rules will be recommendedto the Board of Directors.6. Notification of violations or approvals ofviolations will be sent to leaseholders in theirelectric bills, or mail.7. Duties of the committee require annualphysical inspections of all leaseholder lots and thestorage area, 300 and 700 rows for safety andcompliance to state, county, city, and Co opbylaws rules and regulations.

ORGANIZATION: Committee is open toleaseholders only.1. Membership: Nine leaseholders plus alternatesat the discretion of the committee.2. Co-leaseholders may not serve on thiscommittee.3. Term: Three years with three terms expiringeach year.

Proposed Rules ChangesItem: 5-B No wood fires allowed on lots.

Change to: 5-B No wood fires oruncontained fires allowed on lots.

Revised 1/4/2016

Rational: No wood fires or open fires areallowed on lots has been removed withoutany revision noted. We wish to replace it towith the word (uncontained) included.

Second revision of Leaseholder Rules:

Item: 11-B No pets other than (helper)dogs, are allowed in any Co-op building,recreational area or on any lot other than thepet owner’s without the permission of theleaseholder of the lot.

Change Item: 11-B to read,

No pets other than (service) dogs, areallowed in any Co-op building, recreationalarea or on any lot other than the pet owner’swithout the permission of the leaseholder ofthe lot.

Revision 1/4/2016

Ratonal: Update the common name fordogs that are an aid to people.

Chuck Devine, Rules Committee Chair

Saguaro News Page 7 February 2016

The Marketing Committee’s hard work overthe last month has resulted in the completionof the 2016 On The Road Packet! This packetincludes:

Six Two-Sided Colored Brochures

Six Two-Sided Black & White Brochures

Ten Two-Sided Business Cards

(put a couple in your pocket for thosecampfires, pot-lucks and evening walks)

The On the Road Packets are available inthe southeast corner of the Club House (nearthe AED machine). If you find the supplieshave run out, simply contact any member ofthe Marketing Committee for your needs.(Please only one or two packets per RV.)

Our hopes are that as you leave our parkand travel this summer, along the way, youwill surely encounter some RVers whom youthink would be a good fit for our community.To make extending an invitation a little easier,we’ve put together this packet. You may evenlocate some places where you can gainpermission to leave a brochure or two wherethey may catch the eye of other Escapees ornon-Escapee full-timers and snowbirds.

Since all of these materials contain thecoupon for a $50 weeklong stay for first timevisitors to our park, you’ll be doing them afavor; as well as supporting our park. We haveeven provided for an online survey on ourwww.skpsaguaro.org web site where they maywin a $150 Camping World gift card just forcompleting our survey! There is also a

Marketing Committeecustomer satisfaction survey linked from ourhome page (look for the Happy Trails icon)where they can become eligible for a $300Walmart gift card drawing! (Sorry, SKPSaguaro leaseholders are not eligible to win.)

Please pick up your packet in theClubhouse. As you scatter for your summeradventures, we wish you safe journey andtrust that you will find time to sprinkle someof The Road Packet’s brochures and cardsalong the way.

Gary Frable, Marketing Committee

Movie NightThis last month, because of your generous

donations, we have added “The WreckingCrew”, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”,“Caddyshack”, “North Pole Open ForChristmas”, “Max”, “Happy Gilmore”, “AWalk In The Woods” and “Copenhagen” to theClubhouse Video Library.

I am always open for suggestions as towhat movies you would like to see. Recently itwas suggested that “The Martian” was a goodmovie to show. I had missed this movie andwas glad several people suggested it. If you

have a movie youwould like to see onthe big screen, or oneyou would like towatch at home,please email thesuggestions

to saguaromovie@gmail.com or place yoursuggestions in the donation jar at MovieNight.

I would like to Thank Sue and Al Mohs forkeeping the Clubhouse Video Library in topshape. This Library is available to all in thepark, so please keep the movies you check outas short a time as necessary. Doing so meansthat many more of us can enjoy that title.

Dave Jones

February 2016 Page 8 Saguaro News

New Landscaping Guidelines

LANDSCAPING STANDARDS

1. Landscaping on all leaseholder lots shallpositively contribute to the overall appearanceand aesthetic value of the Co-op, and be inharmony with our southwest desertenvironment.

2. Landscaping must reflect consideration forone’s neighbors and for the overall safety andhealth for the general population of the Co-op.

3. All lots must be kept free of weeds and trash.Plants and trees are to be trimmed to maintaina neat, well cared for appearance.

4. Vegetation may not come into contact with anyshed or casita. All vines shall be confined tofreestanding trellises.

5. Select plants with the mature plant size inmind. This will avoid the plant encroachingon neighboring lots and common areas, andwill prevent the need for radical pruning.

6. Plants, shrubs and cacti on leaseholder lotsmay overhang common areas but they may notimpede foot or vehicle traffic. The LandscapeCommittee shall determine reasonableexceptions to this standard and may authorizethe landscaping crew to trim plantings thatencroach into common areas.

7. There are utility easements of 10’ across therear of the lot and 5’ from the front of theutility pedestal to the rear of the lot. Anyplants growing in those areas may have to beremoved at the leaseholder’s expense ifproblems occur with utilities. To facilitatemeter reading, nothing should be plantedwithin 3’ of the pedestal.

8. Drip irrigation systems, whether automatic ormanually controlled, may not be operated onany leased lot in the Co-op. Systems that werefunctioning as of April 1, 2009 may remain inoperation, however, upon relinquishing of thelease those systems must be removed beforethe new leaseholder takes possession. No newsystems will be installed after April 1, 2009.

9. Leaseholders may trim or remove plants ortrees on their lot. The landscape committeedoes not cut down trees over 12’ high in

common areas nor on lots in transitionwithout the prior consent of the Board ofDirectors, except in an emergency situation asdetermined by the Facilities Manager.

10. Leaseholders who are not in residence mustarrange for the landscaping on their lots to bemaintained according to these guidelines.

11. If it is determined that a leaseholder’s lot is notmaintained according to the establishedLeaseholder Lot Landscaping Guidelines, theleaseholder will be given a written noticedetailing areas of noncompliance and neededaction. If identified remedial work is notcompleted within 30 days of notice, the Boardwill be notified. The Board will develop anaction plan to have the work completed at theleaseholder’s expense.

12. The landscaping on a lot in transition shall bein optimum condition before the landscapinginspection is approved. If deficiencies exist atthe time of inspection, the leaseholder will benotified of the work to be done. Theleaseholder may do the work themselves ormake arrangements to have it done. If theleaseholder wants the Landscape Committee todo the work, it will be done at the current rateas established by the Board of Directors with aone hour minimum charge.

GENERAL PLANTING GUIDELINES

1. Please review the planting guidelinescontained in the following documents. Thesedocuments are maintained in the Co-op office:

Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert

Loose-leaf Notebook containing pertinentprintouts from the University of Arizonaand

Cochise County Extension Agent.

Sunset Western Garden Book (Located inLibrary)

Plants that do well in the Co-op that are not listedin the documents above include Nandinadomestica, photinia, pyracantha, and floweringplum.

(See Landscaping Guidelines on Page 9)

Saguaro News Page 9 February 2016

2. Plant in the fall, if possible, to take advantageof winter rain and lower temperatures.

3. Arizona law identifies many protected nativeplants. These plants may not be removedfrom the wild or from private propertywithout a permit. See agriculture.az.gov formore information.

4. Prohibited Plantings:

The following vegetation and trees areprohibited from being planted in the park becausethey are invasive, compete with desirable species,create excessive litter or seedlings, are susceptibleto disease or pest, are highly allergenic, or createfire threats.

Prohibited Vegetation:Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris)Desertbroom (Baccharis sarothroides)Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana,Cortaderia jubata, Erianthus ravennae ormiscanthussinensis)Bamboo (except Nandina domestica)Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)Datura (Datura stramonium)Vinca or Periwinkle or other dense groundcoversJumping Cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida)Giant Reed (Arundo donax)Turf Grasses

Prohibited Trees (Existing trees are exemptbut no new plantings):

African Sumac (Arundo donax)Chinaberry Tree (Melia azedarach)Cottonwood (Populus deltoids, populousfremontii, populous nigra)Pepper Tree (Schinus)Russian Olive (Elaeagnum angustifolia)Tamarix (Tamaricaceae)Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)(Does not provide shade and is prone tospider mites and root rot)Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii)(Grows to 70’+)Arizona Walnut (Juglans major) (Grows to50’+)

Revised 12/15/2015

Landscaping Guidelines(Continued from Page 8)

Landscaping CommitteeThis winter your landscaping crew has

continued to make steady progress ingrooming the park. We now are working ourway down the common area banks. Thisspring we will be installing additionalsucculents and cacti at the office, clubhouse,and some on the end caps. We also will beplanting additional plants on the east side ofthe clubhouse to attract pollinators.

To support our goal of increased habitatgardening, Bruce “if you build it they willcome” Ratcliff, has built two wren nestingboxes, and three owl nesting boxes. Thankyou very much Bruce and thanks to all of thevolunteers who have placed the boxes in thepark: Aaron Reynolds, Bill Raymond, JerryYecney, and GL Boland.

When I first arrived at the park, I wasamazed how well roses grow here in thedesert. Maybe you would like to grow someof these beauties on your lot. If so, makeplans to attend the Cochise County’s roseseminar on Saturday morning, February 6.Please see the flyer on the landscapingbulletin board for more information.

As our park continues to grow and toimprove, our landscaping guidelines also needto evolve to ensure that that this wonderfulArizona home continues to be a beacon ofbeauty. This fall the landscaping committeemembers worked diligently to update theleaseholder landscaping guidelines. Afterbeing reviewed by the bylaws and rulescommittees, in late December the proposedrevisions were posted in the clubhouse forreview. They are included in this newsletteredition for your perusal. If you have anyquestions, please contact us.

Jane Pauli & Rita KingmaLandscaping Co-Chairs

Saguaro News Page 10 February 2016

Attracting Night Flying ExterminatorsIn grooming the common areas of the SKP

Saguaro Co-op, the Landscaping Committeetries to encourage beneficial wildlife to takeup residence while discouraging nuisancespecies. One of the ways the committee doesthis is to remove plant litter and trim shrubsaway from the ground to eliminate hidingplaces for rodents and the rattlesnakes thatfeed on them.

While rattlesnake bites are seldom fatal toadult humans, they can be lethal to smallpets. Rattlesnakes are obviously not welcomeas neighbors. In some ways, the mice thesnakes feed on are a bigger threat than thesnakes themselves. Most of us are familiarwith the damage done to vehicles andbuildings by packrats. Rodents can also be adirect threat to humans through the diseasesthey sometimes carry. Contact with rodentsand their waste products have been known tospread bacterial disease like tularemia andbubonic plague. These old bacterial diseasesare now rare and treatable with antibiotics.Rodents, deer mice in particular, are alsovectors for the emerging viral diseasehantavirus. This new disease is also rare,averaging only thirty cases per year overtwenty years. However, hantavirus’s moralityrate, at thirty six percent, is high compared tomost other infections. As we can see there aremany reasons to reduce the number of ratsand mice in the park as much as possible.

Fortunately, rodents have many predators,besides rattlesnakes, that can keep theirpopulations in check. Of these predators,night hunting owls are some of the mosteffective. Five different species of owls areyear round residents of the deserts ofSouthern Arizona. Barn Owls, WesternScreech Owls, Great Horned Owls, BurrowingOwls and Ferruginous Pygmy Owls are allpresent year round. The Elf Owl is a summerresident. Other owl species are occasionalvisitors.

All of the year round residents prey onsmall mammals like mice. They also eat otherbirds, reptiles and insects. At five inches tall,the summer resident Elf Owl is too small topry on mammals. The Great Horned Owloccupies the other end of the size range at twofeet tall. These large owls eat an incrediblyvaried diet, preying on anything their size orsmaller. Unfortunately, the Great Horned Owlhas been known to include pet cats and small

dogs on its menu,making it the one owlspecies we may notwant around the park.The remaining speciesare large enough to atleast consume micebut too small to carryoff our pets, makingthem the type ofwildlife residents wewant to attract.

The best way to attract owls is to providethem with nesting sites. Barn Owls, ScreechOwls and Ferruginous Pygmy Owls are allcavity nesters. These owls lay their eggs inhollows in trees, saguaro holes or manmadestructures. Burrowing Owls, as the namesuggests, nest underground using burrowsdug by small mammals. Great Horn Owls neston ledges. They are also known to take overpreviously constructed nests of hawks orravens, who wisely don’t contest the seizure.

The loss of riparian habitat and feweradult saguaros means that natural cavitynesting sites for owls have become scarcer.We may be able to attract these rodent controlspecialists to the park by providing them withalternative, human built nesting boxes.Fortunately, Great Horn Owls are too big to fitand hence won’t be attracted to our nestingboxes.

(See Night Flying on Page 11)

Great Horned Owl

February 2016 Page 11 Saguaro News

Designs of nesting boxes for Barn andScreech Owls can be found on the Internet.For both Barn Owls and Screech Owls therecommended height for nesting boxes is

twelve to twenty foot off the ground. Giventhe height of the trees we have in the commonareas it may be a difficult to find trees largeenough. Installing free standing poles tosupport nesting boxes at the recommendedheight would require some effort. At least inthe case of the Screech Owls, it’s alsoimportant to place boxes away from highhuman traffic areas. When the young owlsare fledging out, their parents have beenknown to attack humans around their nest. Inthe end it may prove difficult to attract nighthunting pest control specialists like Barn andScreech owls. Still, providing them withnesting boxes in the hope they will take upresidence in the park with us seemsworthwhile.

Rick and Sharon Pearson

Night Flying(Continued from Page 10)

The Architectural Committee is requestingchanges to their existing guidelines and isrequired to post these for 60 days. Highlightsare as follows:

Casita colors must be selected from a bookof pre-approved colors without exception.This replaces the current procedure of theCommittee judging whether a color is a"subdued desert pastel" color, thereforeeliminating occasional disputes as to whethera color truly meets these old, vague standards.

Auditing changes include a provision toallow do-it-yourselfers a 30 percent cost ofmaterials above $100.00 as added labor valueto otherwise qualifying leaseholdimprovements.

Additionally, leaseholders replacing aqualifying permanent improvement item willsee a deduction of a predetermined estimateof the old item they are replacing from thecost of the new item, based upon a table thatcalculates item values according to estimateddepreciation. This would replace the currentguideline that mandates that the auditorresearch the actual cost of the original itemwhich has become too time consuming to bepractical.

More detail on these proposed changes isavailable on the clubhouse bulletin board,and the pre-approved paint color samples areavailable for viewing at the office.Leaseholders who wish to dispute any ofthese changes should notify our Boardsecretary, Carole Melander.

John Gill

New Architectural Guidelines

Bruce Ratcliff building an owl nesting box.Photo by Rita Kingma.

Caberet SingersCome join Cabaret Singers on Monday,

January 25 at 10:15 a.m. We will bepracticing for our March 18 Spring Concert.All voices are welcome!

Marian Binder

February 2016 Page 12 Saguaro News

SKP Saguaro Co-op600 East Saguaro DriveBenson, Arizona 85602Phone: 520-586-7343FAX: 520-586-4683

SkpSaguaro@gmail.com

www.SkpSaguaro.org

Office ManagerTisha Luzadder520-586-7343

Facilities ManagerDoug Miller

520-686-0009Lot 222

Saguaro News EditorJeannine Wainwright

Send newsletter submissions to:SaguaroNews@gmail.com

Published October through AprilDeadline is the 15th of the

previous month

Read Saguaro News on the web athttp://www.skpsaguaro.org/newsletter.html

Editor’s NoteWhen our committees propose changes to

guidelines that affect the entire membership,they are required to post them. The Rules,Landscaping, and Architecture committeeshave proposed important changes that aredescribed in this month’s newsletter.

There is also news about the AnnualMeeting, Founder’s Park, the MarketingCommittee’s On the Road Packet, and manymore articles on activities around the park.

Jeannine Wainwright, Editor

The Place Where Wanderers MeetThere is a place where wanderers meet,Down in the valley of the San Pedro.Most come at the time of the least of the heat,And leave before the bloom of the saguaro.

They’ve traveled the miles, hundreds times ten,Since last they left this place,And they shine with the tales of the places they’vebeen,Yet their wanderlust is still not erased.

Might be years they’ve been gone, it matters not,Nor how little the time away—Every wanderer there understands what they’ve got:A spirit unable to stay.

Again and again they travel back there to meetFellow roamers—cuz each of them knowThe feeling you get in an RV’s seat:“It’s sad to leave, but it’s sure fun to go!”

Susan Phelps

your friends and neighbors. Who knew wehad so much talent and imagination!

Today I am sitting here a little melancholyas I write my last “One Point of View” as yourBoard Secretary. I have really enjoyed writingthis column and hope you enjoyed reading it.

Carole Melander, Board Secretary

Annual Meeting(Continued from Page 1)