Solera Spirit - Solera at Johnson Ranch

Solera at Johnson Ranch
February 2016
An Active Adult Community
Solera Spirit
Inside this issue:
Board of Directors
2
Bocce Ball
Landscape Committee
3
In the Spotlight
4
Relay for Life
5
Solera’s Elections & Annual Meet- 6
ing
Electronic voting
Johnson Ranch & Solera Annual
Meeting Information
7
Johnson Ranch BOD Annual Election and Meeting
8
Farmers Markets
9
Farmers Markets Cont’d
10
Resident Board
Upcoming Activities
11
Committee Meetings
Finance Committee
12
Free Spirit Vacations
T’ai Chi
13
Johnson Ranch Activities
New Year’s Eve
14
Snapshot of January Activities
15
February Calendar of Activities
16
Billiards
17
Advertising
Advertising
18
Reminders
19
COMING SOON!
Board of Directors
Election and Annual Meeting
Important information!
Page 2
A Message From the Board of Directors
Happy 2016 from your Board!
We are looking forward to a wonderful year!
Submitted
by
Laurie
Gentile
We are happy to report that the Desert Lily project has been completed, which should
greatly improve the flooding problems in that area. The two large pool shades have been
installed and the felt on the billiards table, closest to the parking lot, has been replaced. Triple AAA has added some plants around the water feature behind the clubhouse and some
broken blinds were replaced in the multipurpose room. Rural Metro started testing fire hydrants in Solera in January. The new Johnson Ranch security company has begun nightly
perimeter checks around our community center.
As for the new building, we are still waiting for approval from Pinal County and the next
step would be to begin the bid process for a general contractor.
The Election Committee is working hard to streamline the voting process now that we
are moving to electronic balloting, both for efficiency and cost savings.
The Board hosted a catered volunteer luncheon on Jan. 30th for all who have volunteered
their time to help make Solera a wonderful place to live. Ambassadors, committee members, day to day volunteers... we thank them all for the dedicated service and time to Solera. We couldn’t do without them!
It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying our holiday activities. A big thank you to the
Activities Committee for all the fun events they planned for us and we're looking forward
to everything coming up in the next few months.
Upcoming Board of Directors Meetings:
Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 6PM
Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 6PM, Annual Meeting
Page 3
Solera Men’s Bocce Ball League
The men’s bocce league resumed play after a two week hiatus during the Christmas and New
Year holidays. Unfortunately the rainy weather caused some doubt as to whether we could
get to play our matches. Fortunately, on both days we got a window of several hours of no
rain and were able to play. The court was very wet but all prevailed.
We have two undefeated teams, John Cerra and Lance
Mitchell (Wednesday) and Ed Arfman and Bruce Berman
(Thursday, leading the pack). The chasing pack is close so we
still have many teams that can make the playoffs.
The Solera Men’s Bocce League trophy will be presented to
the first place winners.
Landscape Committee
February
Tree Pruning
Have you ever wondered when you should prune your trees? Here is some information from our Landscape Committee and Integrity Tree Service.
They suggest that you should schedule citrus and frost sensitive pruning after February
15, the average last day of frost in Phoenix. Pruning can be done through the end of
March. This timing starts after the danger of frost damage but before citrus blossoms
set for next season's harvest.
February/March pruning also allows the new growth following pruning to "harden
off" before high temperatures arrive.
Resource: Integrity Tree Service, Inc at http://itreeservice.com. This site has a “Tree Care Calendar” that is very informative.
Two additional good sources for tree information is the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association at http://amwua.org, and Arid Zone Trees at
http://aridzonetrees.com.
Texas Mountain Laurel
This large shrub/small tree is one of many listed at the Arizona Municipal Water Users Assoc.
Page 4
Solera’s Book Club
Calling all Readers!
Do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author? Do you
have a favorite book? Do you like curling up with a good
book?
If so, you certainly would like the Solera Book Club. Solera
has many avid readers and they meet on a monthly basis, the
4th Thursday of every month at 4PM in the library where they discuss their most recent book. The book they have recently finished and discussed is “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough.
Others that they have read and discussed are “Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert about a
leper colony in Hawaii, “Something Missing” by Matthew Dicks, a very strange mystery, and “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, a psychological thriller.
Generally, books are suggested by the club members. If your book is chosen by the
group as the next one read, you will also lead the discussion of the book at the next
meeting.
Membership fluctuates between 6+ in our summer months, and up to 15 during the
other times of the year. The Book Club meets year round.
BOSTON GIRL by Anita Diamant
February
Book of the
Month
An unforgettable novel about a young Jewish woman growing
up in Boston in the early twentieth century, told “with humor
and optimism…through the eyes of an irresistible heroine” (People)—from the acclaimed author of The Red Tent.
Written with the same attention to historical detail and emotional
resonance that made Diamant’s previous novels bestsellers, The Boston Girl is a moving portrait of one woman’s complicated life in
twentieth century America, and a fascinating look at a generation of
women finding their places in a changing world. “Diamant brings
to life a piece of feminism’s forgotten history” (Good Housekeeping)
in this “inspirational…page-turning portrait of immigrant life in the
early twentieth century” (Booklist).
Page 5
Relay for Life
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a global fundraising event to end cancer.
It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled any type of
cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action to finish the fight once and for all.
Team Solera...is a group of volunteers from our community who help organize and support a series of fundraisers for the annual spring San Tan Valley Relay held in April. These
fundraisers include a bake sale in January and a garage sale in February. We also have a
raffle and tickets are sold at these events. Raffle items may include a bicycle, wine basket,
restaurant lunches/dinners, quilts and golf rounds from local courses and are donated
from local business and community members.
Fundraising also includes luminaries. Each luminaria candle represents a person. They are
personalized with a name, photo, message or drawing in memory or honor of a friend or
loved one who has been affected by cancer – may be our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers, and so many others.
Luminaria bags are transformed and illuminated after dark at our local Relay For Life
event. They are hung in our tent during the RFL event.
Team Solera held their coffee and bake sale fundraiser on Saturday, January 23.
All proceeds from the sale of baked goods, raffle tickets, etc. are given to The American
Cancer Society.
Their next fundraiser is a garage sale and is scheduled on Saturday, February 20 – the same
day as our community yard sale. Your donated items will be very much appreciated. All
proceeds from all the sales will be given to The American Cancer Society. Watch for email
and bulletins on when and where to drop off your items.
Friday, April 22 – Celebration for the entire community
Team Solera will join other Relay For Life teams walking or running around a track or
path at a local high school. This year’s event will be held April 22 at Combs High School
on Germann Road (off Ironwood). Events are up to 24 hours long, and because cancer
never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all time.
The event also includes a survivor dinner, live music and a walk in silence to honor loved
ones fighting the battle or those who has lost the battle. It’s a powerful event and the entire community is invited to attend, walk, just cheer or visit with participants. For more
details…contact Nancy Miller ([email protected]) or Penny Phelan 480-458-5787.
Page 6
Solera’s Board of Directors Election and Annual Meeting
There is one three year position open on our Board of Directors with elections being held and the position being filled the night of the Annual Meeting on March 17, 2016. One candidate has announced their
intent to run, Roger Grundman, the current incumbent of this position. Two “Meet the Candidate” sessions were scheduled in January and one additional one will be held on February 8 at 7 PM. However, the
February 8 meeting may be cancelled depending on community attendance and the number of BOD candidates, so watch for
any additional information from our Community Manager.
NEW VOTING METHODS
For the first time, electronic voting will be available to all Solera Homeowners. Here is how it will
work.
An email will be sent to you on February 9 from Vote HOA. The email will contain instructions on how
to register and create an account. This email will come from [email protected] will available to begin at noon on Tuesday, February 9, 2016.
However, if you would prefer, you will still be able to vote by mail or in person by absentee ballot. For
those who do not have email or don’t use email, there will be absentee ballots available beginning February 9, 2016 at the Solera Front Desk. There will also be ballots available at the Annual Meeting on
March 17 should you wish to vote in person. If you are not in Arizona at the time of the election, please
call the management office at 480-987-7966 and we can mail you an Absentee Ballot.
Watch for any further updates from our Community Manager, Ed Towill.
Page 7
Coming soon………. Solera & Johnson Ranch Annual Meeting’s
Solera Annual meeting
Date:
March 17, 2016
Time:
6:00 PM – Sign in, Refreshments
6:30 PM – Annual Meeting
Place:
Walker Butte School Cafeteria
29697 Desert Willow Blvd,
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
Johnson Ranch Annual meeting
Date:
March 22, 2016
Time:
6:30 PM – Annual Meeting
Place:
Central Arizona College
3736 E Bella Vista Road
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
Look for more details on page 6 and page 8.
Mark your calendars!
Page 8
2016 Board Election and Annual Meeting of the Members
March 22, 2016
The Johnson Ranch Community Association has accepted applications from individuals with an
interest in serving on the Nominating Committee. The deadline for these applications was January
18, 2016. The purpose of this committee is to accept applications for the Board election and to assist in
the 2016 Board Election process.
At this meeting, you, the owners, will elect two homeowners to fill the open Director positions.
Applications for these positions, along with short biographies, have been accepted through January 29,
2016.
Watch for more details and information about our new electronic ballots.
Feel free to contact Jessica Houston, assistant community manager, [email protected].
What do you think?
The Communications Committee would like to know if the monthly Solera Spirit is providing
you the information that you would like to have and need. Do you have any suggestions for
us? Please send us your comments. We would like to hear from you.
Committee members are Marilyn Kellough, Nita Moore, Kathy Paulsen and Barb Stones.
The Communications Committee contact info: [email protected]
Page 9
To Market, To Market...for fruits, vegetables and other treats!
Farmers’
Markets to
visit!
At this time of the year, many people focus on healthy eating. Here are several options for
you to get involved in the Buy Local, Eat Local health movement. How about shopping
at a Farmers Market? You can visit an orchard, a dairy farm, a community barn, or a
downtown center. Several of the markets have food trucks serving a variety of ‘eats’.
Many of the vendors at these markets sell organic or pesticide free goods as well as local
artisan goods.
Here are several local markets you may want to visit:
Super Farm Market
If you are looking to get ‘down on the farm’, you can head over to Superstition Farm for
their Thursday night Super Farm Market!
The market is open from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Come out and enjoy all that the farm market has to offer! They have a BARN-FULL of
vendors for you to browse. In addition to their own FARM FRESH milk, eggs, butter,
cheese and ice cream. Taste of Paradise offers Arizona grown produce.
Come hungry because SuperFarm SuperTruck will be on hand. Don’t forget there is a
free petting zoo with $1 cups of feed AND $2 hayrides!
http://superstitionfarm.com
3440 S Hawes Rd (Hawes and Elliot Rds.)
Mesa, AZ 85212
Gilbert Farmers Market (GFM) is located in Downtown Gilbert just west of the iconic
Water Tower and is open every Saturday. Reaching close to 100 vendors in the fall/
spring, the GFM offers a wide variety of locally grown produce from near by farms as well
as many local Arizona Food Producers.
The GFM features some amazing Food Trucks and local eats along with games and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! The GFM is a year round market.
Where?
GFM is located in the Park and Ride just west of the Water Tower in Downtown Gilbert.
Corner of Gilbert and Ash Roads.
When?
Saturdays from 8AM to 12PM during fall/spring season (October through March)
Saturdays from 7AM to 11AM during summer season (April through September)
http://gilbertmarket.com
222 N.Ash Street
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Gilbert Farmers Market at Power Ranch
Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Stop by The Barn at Power Ranch for a selection of vegetables, breads, sweets, other artisan goods as well as several food trucks, too.
3685 W Autumn Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Cont’d on next page
Page 10
To Market, To Market...Cont’d
More
Farmers
Markets!
Schnepf’s Farm
Schnepf’s Farm offers a UPICK garden. Thursdays - Sundays 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Time to get out and enjoy picking from the 7 acre pesticide free organic gardens.
You pay only $1.50 per lb for fresh, Clean Energy Grown organic vegetables. At this
time of the year, you may find kale, swiss chard, zucchini, green beans, sugar snap peas,
beets, butternut squash, cucumbers, radishes, spinach, and broccoli. There is often lavender, basil and mint available as well.
Please call ahead or email for current availability due to mother nature.
The Peach Blossom Celebration is scheduled to run February 4 - March 1.
There will be UPICK opportunities in the beautiful peach orchards also.
http://www.schnepffarms.com
24610 South Rittenhouse Road
Queen Creek, Arizona 85242
480-987-3100
Chandler
Every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. the Chandler Farmers Market is run by the
Downtown Chandler Community Partnership. It is located in Dr. AJ Chandler Park
East, between Boston and Buffalo Streets under the blue ramadas. They are open yearround.
http://www.downtownchandler.org/farmersmarket/
3 S. Arizona Place
Chandler, AZ 85225
Mesa
Open since 1995, they are one of the longest running farmers markets in the valley.
Every Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Open year round.
http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/pageMesa/Mesa.htm
20 E Main St (City Hall Plaza)
Mesa, Arizona 85201
Resident Board
Have you looked at our Resident Bulletin Board located in the Center lobby? You will
find all kinds of items that Solera residents have for sale.
Or have you looked on Solera’s website, as items are also listed there.
This is a method of communicating to Solera residents about items that others may be
interested in purchasing. Have a look!
Page 11
Upcoming Activities
Save the
Dates!
The coming months are full of great activities. The Activities Committee would like you to
mark your calendars for the coming months.
March 2016
3rd—Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Central Arizona College 6PM– More info to follow!
5th—Ladies Tea 12pm
9th– 60’s Dance with That Kool Band 6pm
12th/13th—Solera Choir Spring Concerts 7pm
17th—Annual Meeting 6PM
18th—St. Patrick’s Show Bracken School of Dance
26th—Easter Brunch 11am
April 2016
2nd—2nd Annual Solera’s Got Talent
Committee Meetings
Monthly Meetings
Board of Directors | 3rd Thursday
Activities | 2nd Monday
Architectural Review (ARC) | 1st & 3rd Monday
Communications | 1st Tuesday
Facilities | 2nd Thursday
Finance | 3rd Tuesday
Landscape | 2nd Wednesday
Welcome | 1st Wednesday
Library | 4th Wednesday
Welcome Rosemary Kurtz to the Activities Committee!
We currently have 3 openings for the Library Committee.
For further info on how to apply email Becky
[email protected]
Page 12
Finance Committee
Submitted
by Reg
Bellomo
This month I thought I will expand on the basic categories of our financial statements. We will examine the Operating Funds expenses so you can get an idea of
where your monies are spent.
We receive revenues of approximately $860,000. The bulk of which is comprised of
our HOA dues. The Expense side of the financials can be broken into several general
categories. Administrative costs are about $218,000. This amounts to slightly over
25% of the total expenses we incur. Common Area expenses are about $104,000,
which is just below 12%. This would include repairs, maintenance, supplies, etc. Contract Services cost us over $225,000. This is approximately 26% of our costs. This category includes cable, gate, janitorial, pool and landscape contracts which are locked in
for a specific time frame. Utility costs amount to $146,000 which breaks down to
slightly less than 17%. These include gas, water and power. There is a small amount
set aside for taxes, less than 1%. Finally there is an allowance set aside, classified as
“Contingency”, which in broad terms is a ‘just in case’ or making allowances for unexpected expenses, etc. This is about 2.3%. The remainder, which is approximately
16.5%, is set aside for future expenses. Some of the largest costs include: Landscaping ($17,4000) - Contract ($144,000)+ Additional costs not covered in the contract
($30,000), salaries, wages and benefits ($106,000), water ($63,500+), power
($37,000+), gas ($25,000) to name some of them. Totaled together these main 5 comprise close to 50% of our costs. I have taken the liberty to round the figures to simplify the data. This still gives you a fairly accurate indication of where our monies are
spent. Hopefully, this has shed some light of where our monies go and the categories
where we spend the largest percentage of our monies. Until next time, enjoy our wonderful community and be sure to participate in the numerous activities that are available.
February Free Spirit Vacations Activities
Tucson Quilt Show
Offsite
Trips with
Free Spirit
February 19th
More Info: Click Here
Tubac Arts & Crafts Show
February 13th
Algodones Shopping
Trip
More Info: Click Here
February 28th
More Info: Click Here
Page 13
T’ai Chi
Submitted by
Roxanne
Reynolds
Tai Chi improves overall fitness, coordination, and agility. People who practice tai chi
on a regular basis tend to have good posture, flexibility, and better balance, are mentally alert, and sleep more soundly at night…… Tai chi is both a preventive and a complementary therapy for a wide range of conditions. Specifically, it is beneficial for
chronic pain, gout, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, headaches, and sleep disorders. Tai chi is also beneficial for the immune system and the
central nervous system, which makes it especially good for people with chronic illness,
anxiety, depression, or any stress-related conditions. The deep breathing of tai chi regulates the respiratory system, helping to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. It also stimulates the abdomen, which aids digestion and helps
relieve constipation and gastrointestinal conditions.
Tai chi is a ancient Chinese form of gentle movement that's been around for hundreds
of years, often described as “meditation in motion” tai chi takes you through a full
range of motion and it just feels really good.
Tai Chi Chih has been called “Serenity in
the Midst of Activity” this easy to learn style
includes 19 movements and can be learned
by anyone regardless of age or physical condition. Classes are every Wednesday morning
at 9am through March 2nd. Wear soft soled
shoes and bring water. Questions? Call instructor Roxanne 480-357-2919
Johnson Ranch Activities in February
Community Sock Hop & Classic Car Cruise
Indigo Sky Park on Johnson Ranch Blvd
Saturday, Feb 13th 6p-8pm
This event is a community sock hop complete with DJ, Hula Hoops, soda fountain
and Classic Car Cruise. Lisa Vernon, Johnson Ranch Lifestyle Director, is looking for
Classic Cars! If you’d like to enter your classic car, contact Lisa: [email protected].
San Tan Artists—Art Show
Lakeview Recreation Area
Saturday, February 27th 10AM-2PM
Art Show!
The San Tan Artists are a collection of artists from the Southeast Valley of Arizona who
focus on promoting visual arts within the community. The San Tan Artists believe that
the Southeast Valley and the San Tan Mountains exhibit a beautiful palette from which to
inspire them to create art and share those personal interpretations of beauty with others.
More Info: Click Here
Page 14
New Year’s Eve
Too
much
fun!
Page 15
Snapshot Review of January Activities and Events
Tea Club
January
6th
Tasty Tuesday
January 19th
Relay for Life
Fundraiser
January 23rd
Volunteer
Luncheon
January 31st
Wine
Tasting
January
17th
Page 16
Solera Monthly Calendar of Events & Activities
February 2016
Sun
7
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
Fitness Orientation
Ladies Bunco
10AM
Morning Mingle
9AM-1030AM
Community Mixer
5PM
2nd Annual Chili
Cook Off 4PM
Bingo 7PM
Tea Club 1PM
8
9
10
11
12
13
Meet the Candidates Forum for
the Board Election
7PM
Computer
Fort McDowell
Zumba 1PM
Technology Club
6PM
Free Casino Trip
What’s Funny After
50? Comedy Show
7PM
Community Breakfast 930AM
1-4PM
Morning Mingle
Texas Hold ‘Em
9AM-1030AM
15
JR Sock Hop 6PM
630PM-Card Room
Mexican Train 7PM
14
Western Night 6PM
16
17
18
Tasty Tuesday
530PM
Morning Mingle
9AM-1030AM
Board Mtg 6PM
19
20
Solera & JR Community Yard Sale
7AM-1PM
A Night of Music
Senior Olympics
7PM
Anthem
21
22
Wine
Group
23
24
25
26
27
Morning Mingle
Book Club 4PM
9AM-1030AM
Coed Bunco 7PM
Computer Technology 2PM
Bernie & Red Comedy & Music Show
7PM
Texas Hold ‘Em
630—Card Room
2-4PM
28
San Tan Artists Art
Show—Lakeview
10AM-2PM
29
Weekly Scheduled Activities
For details on our weekly scheduled activities refer to our
website calendar at www.soleraatjohnsonranch.net
Like Us on Facebook!
Solera at Johnson Ranch is now on Facebook! Our new page will be used to promote fun, informational and educational events at Solera and within the community. It is for informational purposes
only. Like Us Now
Page 17
The next Weight Watchers series starts
March 16th. To enroll or reenroll, please
plan to attend the March 2nd or March
9th meeting.
The Weight Watchers group meets every
Wednesday at 6:30PM in the Multi Purpose room.
Billiards Club Forming
Solera is forming a Billiards Club. For more information or to join, contact Jerry
Schmidt 480-664-3138 or [email protected]
Advertising
Advertising in the Solera Spirit newsletter is now being offered. For further info, please email your proposed ad or questions to Barb Stones at [email protected].
Advertising
Page 18
Advertising in the Solera Spirit newsletter is now being offered. For further info,
please email your proposed ad or questions to Barb Stones at [email protected].
Page 19
Reminders
Reaching Pinal County’s Citizen Contact Center is now as simple as dialing 3-1-1.
Dial
3-1-1
On November 6th, Pinal County activated 3-1-1 services to allow citizens to contact local
government for non–emergency issues.
Internet access is available throughout the Community Center and nearby areas. When
visiting the Community Center, you can access the Solera Wi-Fi network by clicking on
the Solera_Guest connection on your electronic device with the password of solera318.
Watch your neighborhood Please keep a watchful eye out. As a reminder, if you see ANY
suspicious activity, please call the Pinal County Sheriff’s department. Call 911 for emergencies. If you feel it is not an emergency and you want the sheriff to investigate, call the
PCSO Communications Division at (520) 866-5111.
GENTLE REMINDER to please pick up after your pets when you are out walking with
them in our community. They should also be on a leash so that no harm may come to them
while walking along our busy streets. And know that only service pets are allowed in our
Community Center rooms. Please do not let your pets “do their business” on plants in resident yards, as
it will kill some plants. Thank you!
Board of Directors
Solera at Johnson Ranch
Management Contacts
Michael Clarke, President
31891 N. Echo Canyon Rd
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
Ed Towill
Community Manager
480-987-0650
[email protected]
Roger Grundman, Vice President
Bob Martin, Director
Laurie Gentile, Director
Jan Rodeghero, Director
Phone:480-987-7966
Fax: 480-987-3058
soleraatjohnsonranch.net
Becky Bullard
Activities Director
480-987-7926
[email protected]
Amanda Robinson
Administrative Assistant
480-987-7926
[email protected]