This winter, GVR introduces a refreshed lineup of events, classes, and activities for members. Look for new offerings in live entertainment, classes, fitness programs, complimentary options, and drop-in activities. The season presents a variety of creative and expanded opportunities designed to suit a wide range of member interests.
The winter 2025 recreation catalog, featuring 80 pages of activities from January through April, is available in centers starting Monday, December 2, giving you plenty of time to plan. Registration opens Monday, December 9, and here’s a look at what’s coming up:
Catch New and Returning Entertainment & Events
Belt out your favorites with friends at Sing & Sip Karaoke, or challenge your knowledge during Monday Trivia Nights at the Del Sol Clubhouse. If you enjoy music and dancing, be sure to check out the live concert series with tributes to John Denver, Pat Benatar, CCR, and The Eagles, along with dances with popular local bands Open Road and Sonórous.
Comedy lovers won’t want to miss the Dinner and a Show comedy nights or Todd Oliver and his talking dog Irving, featured on America’s Got Talent. Dancing with the Stars: GVR Edition will showcase talent from GVR members and the local community. The live stage production of I Love Lucy will provide a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Sports enthusiasts can take a VIP road trip to watch the Roadrunners hockey team in style, while those seeking a cultural experience may join the Tucson brewery tour for craft beer sampling and local insights.
Learn, Create, and Explore with Leisure Education
Art, cooking, dance, music, health, fitness, sports, language and literature, nature and gardening, special interest, spiritual development—there’s something for everyone seeking inspiration, engagement, or skill building.
New this year are regenerative landscape maintenance, expanded cooking options, art and poetry, Cricut basics, Intro to Woodworking, weight training for women, aqua tai chi, navigating auto repair, awareness and self-defense, and the wisdom of the Enneagram.
CONTACT US — 520-625-3440
Operational matters
email: hotline@gvrec.org
Board policy matters email: board@gvrec.org
West Center Customer Service 520-625-0288
RECREATION SERVICES
NORTH CAMPUS 520-648-7669
Includes:
Abrego North
Casa Paloma I
Casa Paloma II
Continental Vistas
East Center
Las Campanas
Pickleball Center
West Center
SOUTH CAMPUS 520-838-0169
Includes: Abrego South
Canoa Hills
Canoa Ranch
Del Sol Clubhouse
DECEMBER BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
There is no Board of Directors meeting in December.
N&E COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, December 12, 10–11:30am West Center Room 2 / Zoom
FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 1:30–3pm West Center Room 2 / Zoom
Any change in meeting status will be announced on the GVR website calendar.
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
In a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 13, the Board of Directors took the following actions:
• Unanimously approved a funding agreement request from the GVR Foundation to support MAP.
• Unanimously approved a change to the CPM policy to allow dogs at the Del Sol Clubhouse.
• Unanimously approved the finance policy recommendation from the Fiscal Affairs Committee.
Desert Hills
Madera Vista
Santa Rita Springs
Center Operations Assistants (Yellow Shirts) 520-343-2440
GVR BOARD
GVR BOARD OFFICERS
President: Marge Garneau
Vice President: Bart Hillyer
Secretary: Jim Carden
Treasurer: Nellie Johnson
Assistant Secretary: Candy English
Assistant Treasurer: Kathi Bachelor
DIRECTORS
Nancy Austin
Dave Barker
Barbara Blake
Beth Dingman
Bev Lawless Joe Magliola
GVR BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Audit Committee: Nancy Austin
Board Affairs Committee: Bart Hillyer
Fiscal Affairs: Nellie Johnson
Investments Committee: Nellie Johnson
Nominations & Elections Committee: Barbara Blake
Planning & Evaluation Committee: Jim Carden
Email: board@gvrec.org
Can’t attend a meeting in person?
Scan this QR code for ZOOM meetings.
Letter from the CEO
Members, I am pleased to announce that the Del Sol Clubhouse will soon be the home of the 1989 Bake House. Owners Randy and Rose bring fifteen years of food service and recipe development to their very special menu. Members can look forward to paninis, salads, sweet and savory pastries, waffles, cookies, coffee, tea, and “dirty sodas.” Their cookies and signature cinnamon rolls are hefty, with half portions available for those with smaller appetites. The café is expected open later this month (December). Watch for announcements in the Friday eblast and on the bulletin boards in the centers.
As you likely know, pets are not permitted on GVR property. The Board of Directors recently and unanimously approved an exception to allow pet dogs in designated outdoor areas at the Del Sol Clubhouse. The first designated dog zone
Did You Know?
should be ready early in 2025. This will be a seating area in the front of the building for folks to enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat on their way to or from the adjacent trails. Fixed (vs. flexi) leashes will be required.
Please note that once the café opens, the area is subject to the regulations of the Pima County Health Department. Potluck gatherings will then be confined to the game room side of the top floor.
The 1989 Bake House will be open Monday through Friday, 6am–2pm, with extended hours during special events. I will be there on Wednesday, January 8 at 8am. Come have coffee— I’d love to see you there.
—Scott Somers, CEO
You can learn something new this month with GVR’s free lecture series.
• December 5: Discover Owls with Green Valley Gardeners
• December 10: Tucson Audubon Society offers Tips on Identifying Birds
• December 19: Health-focused discussion by Northwest Medical Center
For times and locations, please refer to the GVR website calendar or pick up a flyer at any recreation center. No registration is required.
Children’s Pool Hours
West Center
Weekdays: Noon–9pm
Weekends & holidays: ALL day
Abrego South Daily: 4–6pm
All other pools Daily: 11am–1pm AND 4–6pm
No guest pass required for kids! Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children six and younger must have an adult in the pool with them at all times.
Fitness Center Orientations: New Registration Procedure
Registration is now as easy as signing up for any other class: members can register with customer service or conveniently online via Active Net. Each session is free and limited to nine participants, ensuring personalized attention. Please note that these orientations are for members only.
December Fitness Center Orientations: Class
10455 12/04 2:30–3:30pm Desert Hills fitness studio
10456 12/04 2:30–3:30pm Canoa Hills Mesquite room
10457 12/11 2:30–3:30pm Las Campanas fitness center
10458 12/11 2:30–3:30pm East Center fitness center
10459 12/18 2:30–3:30pm Canoa Ranch fitness center
10460 12/18 2:30–3:30pm Santa Rita Springs Santa Cruz room
Jeff Lierman, Juvenile Owl, GVR Photography Club
Celebrate the Season with GVR
As the year winds down, we’re reminded of the festive season ahead—snowmen, Santa, and holiday traditions. Speaking of snowmen, did you hear about the one who fell in love in December? It was love at frost sight. And remember, never start a fight with Santa—he has a black belt.
December 21 marks the winter solstice, bringing the shortest day and longest night of the year. December 25 ushers in Christmas, while Hanukkah begins its eightday celebration of light. Alongside the holiday cheer, GVR is offering a variety of engaging classes to inspire creativity, sharpen skills, and keep you active throughout the season.
We’re thrilled with the strong participation in our 2024 classes and are excited to unveil our winter ’25 offerings soon—over 550 classes in total. GVR thrives because of your involvement, and we’re grateful for your continued support.
Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling holiday season!
Civic Orchestra of Tucson: Let it Snow! 3–6pm WC Auditorium
Santa Rita Art League Artists Reception 5–7pm, Canoa Hills 5
N&E Committee
Meeting 10–11:30am WC room 2/Zoom
Free Event ‘Ugly Sweater’ Social Hour 4:30–6:30pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Free Lecture Northwest Medical Center 10–11am EC Auditorium
Free Event Holiday Cookie Exchange Party 4:30–6:30pm Del Sol Clubhouse
Free Film Pre-Screening All Creatures Great and Small 4pm, WC Auditorium
Amigas Coffee Time 9–10:30am SRS Anza room
AmigOs Meet & Greet 9–11am EC Auditorium
Registration and ticket sales start December 9.
Keep your eyes and ears open for GVR news in KGVY’s community quarterly newspapers and on the air!
DECEMBER ART EXHIBITS
Canoa Hills – GVR Santa Rita Art League
Desert Hills – GVR Santa Rita Art League Las Campanas – Betsy Kimbrough East Center – GVR Photography Club
West Center – GVR Santa Rita Art League
Bisbee Gardens, Paul McCreary, GVR Photography Club
Step into Fitness
GVR’s fitness program provides options for solo workouts, small group training sessions, and personal training. Small group training offers specialized instruction in a supportive setting—new this winter is kickboxing with Lee Smith.
Discover Flexible Drop-In Activities
Drop-in activities at GVR offer opportunities to stay active or socialize without the need for reservations. Most rooms and outdoor spaces are open for drop-in use between scheduled events: schedules are posted outside each door and available at GVRec.org under the Centers & Reservations icon. Activities include shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball, bocce, table tennis, tennis, pickleball, swimming, water aerobics, and the new indoor walking track at Canoa Hills.
Plan Winter Recreation at GVR
The winter 2025 recreation catalog is available at GVR centers on Monday, December 2. Online and in-person registration and ticket sales begin Monday, December 9 at 8am. Phone registration and ticket sales begin Tuesday, December 10 at 8am.
Registration and ticket sales are available:
• Online at GVRec.org, Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm
• In person at the West Center Box Office, 1111 S. GVR Drive
• By phone at 520-625-0288
2025 ELECTION
This year, GVR members in good standing will elect three of their peers to serve on the GVR Board of Directors. The 2024 bylaw change that starts this year will reduce the Board from twelve to nine Directors over the next three years. Members will vote for three Directors, with four Directors completing their terms for the next three years. This year Jim Carden, Nancy Austin, Beth Dingman, and Joe Magliola are completing their terms in March.
Candidate applications can be found online at GVRec.org.
IMPORTANT DATES
December 2–19 Candidate applications are available until December 19 at 4pm
January 2–16
January 21
January 24
January 27
Petition period begins—petitions due by January 16 at 4pm
Board candidate orientation
Slate of candidates presented to Board and GVR members
Record date—to receive a ballot, members must pay all outstanding dues by this date, or submit an application for a monthly payment program or dues assistance through MAP.
February 10
February 19
Notice of Annual Meeting; ballots mailed to members
Voting begins
February 20 & 25 Candidate forums
February 26 Candidate Meet & Greet (after Board of Directors meeting)
March 13
March 26
Elections ends: last day to vote— paper and electronic ballots due by 4pm New Directors are announced
Annual Meeting of the Corporation
December Events & Entertainment
For tickets, please call 520-625-0288. For more details, visit GVRec.org.
Saturday, December 7, 3pm
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
Attend the Civic Orchestra of Tucson’s festive holiday concert, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” This joyful program features beloved holiday favorites that capture the warmth and cheer of the season.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $15; General Public $20
Sunday, December 15, 6pm
Shimmer: A Winter Cirque Reverie
Journey to a shimmering winter wonderland of circus spectacle and daring feats. Watch the ballerina in her snow globe and be captivated by the aerial snow show. Enjoy acrobatics, specialty acts, and impressive costumes in the whimsical world of Shimmer—a cirque winter experience for the whole family.
West Center Auditorium
Member/Guest $30; General public $40
Don’t miss out on future happenings— visit GVRec.org and sign up for the eBlast to stay updated on upcoming GVR events.
DECEMBER HOLIDAY CLOSURES
• Tuesday, December 24: All GVR centers including pools, spas, and fitness facilities close at 6pm.
• Wednesday, December 25: GVR offices and customer service desks are closed. Limited facilities available from 5:30am–1pm: pools, fitness centers, and sports courts open at Canoa Ranch, Desert Hills, Las Campanas, East Center, Santa Rita Springs, and West Center. GVR offices, meeting rooms, and club spaces closed.
• Tuesday, December 31: All centers close at 6pm.
• Wednesday, January 1: GVR offices and customer service desks are closed. Centers open as usual.
Support GVR Members in Need
Help your GVR neighbors by donating to the Member Assistance Program (MAP) fund. For 28 years, MAP has helped GVR members in financial need pay their annual dues so they can stay active and connected with their community. Donations can be made yearround, and until January 31, you can credit your MAP contribution to your favorite club. Three ways to donate:
GVR Events and Entertainment Winter 2025 Lineup
The GVR Events and Entertainment team has put together a fantastic winter lineup filled with all of your favorite activities along with some engaging new adventures. Be sure to grab your tickets early so you don’t miss the excitement!
Purchase tickets:
1. Online at GVRec.org
2. By phone at 520-625-0288 (ask about reserving a table for eight)
3. In person at the West Center Box Office, 1111 S GVR Drive
JANUARY
6 Sing & Sip Karaoke
7 Wine & Design: Make a Cork Tray
9 Chainbreaker—Pat Benatar Tribute
14 Johnny Cash Tribute
17 Dinner and a Show: Comedy Night
20 Trivia Night
23 Barrett Jackson Car Auction, Scottsdale
24 Dance with Sonórous
30 The John Denver Story
FEBRUARY
5 Dancing with the Stars—GVR Edition
7 Dance with Total Recall
10 Sing & Sip Karaoke
11 The Music of the Carpenters Tribute
21 I Love Lucy: Dinner and Live Theatre
23 VIP Experience: Tucson Roadrunners Hockey Game
24 Trivia Night
27 Tribute to Reba
MARCH
1 Hypnotist Dominick DeCarlo
6 Tucson Brewery Tour: Craft Beer Adventure
7 Todd Oliver and Irving, the Talking Dog
10 Sing & Sip Karaoke
11 Wine & Design: Etch Two Wine Glasses
13 Dinner and a Show: Comedy Night
20 Eagle Eyes: A Tribute to the Eagles
24 Trivia Night
26 Down on the Corner: A Tribute to the Best of CCR
28 Dance with the Jukebox Junqies
APRIL
4 Dinner and a Show: Comedy Night
14 Sing & Sip Karaoke
17 Rockin’ with the Manhattan Dolls: A 50s/60s Revue
25 Dance with Open Road
28 Trivia Night
29 Light My Fire: Tribute to The Doors
The winter catalog is available in centers on Monday, December 2. Get your event tickets now!
Online and in-person registration begins Monday, December 9, at 8am.
Telephone registration starts Tuesday, December 10, at 8am.
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