January 2016 - SaddleBrooke Two Property Owners

January 2016
Two’s News
President’s Message by Bob Kolenda
In This Issue
President’s Message
1
2016 STPO Board Members
2
Next Meeting Date
2
STPO Needs You
2
STPO Meeting Minutes
3
STPO Financial Report
4
Real Estate Report
5
SaddleBrooke Two Finance Committee
Minutes Thursday Dec. 17, 2015
6
STPO Meeting Minutes Continued
7
DesertView Library Book Reviews
8
DesertView Library New Arrivals
9
2016 Women’s Collegiate Golf Tournament 10
Feline Voices
11
Letter to the Editor
12
Prescription Drug Drop-off Program
13
Senior Village at Saddlebrooke
14
Saddlebrooke Community Outreach
15
It Pays to Advertise
16
T
his summer’s Strategic Planning Survey
results indicated that as a whole
SaddleBrooke residents are very pleased
with the community. It also revealed that
homeowners not only desire the maintenance
of the lifestyle we enjoy daily but also
enhancements where possible. That being
said, I’d like to identify some of the issues and
concerns that need immediate and on-going
attention in 2016. These issues will require
vigilance, creativity, thoughtful planning and
ongoing monitoring to ensure the esthetic and
financial stability of the community as well
as ensuring that the community is managed
effectively. This not an exhaustive list but
does focus on several major challenges facing
SaddleBrooke.
Transition: The annual dues for 2016
increased 6% from $1870 in 2015 to $1980
in 2016. A portion of the increase has been
attributed to the initial costs incurred for
transition planning, including consultation and
legal fees to guide us through the process.
A new Reserve Study will be conducted to
determine the Association’s total assets and
cost projections to replace or improve existing
facilities, equipment, furniture, etc. as the need
arises. This study will also specify the monetary
figure that accurately reflects the amount of
money needed to maintain an adequate Reserve
Fund. Currently, the Reserve Fund is at 6
million dollars but what we do not know is if it
is underfunded or overfunded for a community
our size and with the current amenities. Utilizing
legal counsel, the HOA Board and the Transition
Planning Committee are deeply involved in the
transition process and keenly aware of all its
intricacies.
Future Land Development: Growth and
development are inevitable. There are large
tracts of undeveloped land to the north and
west of SaddleBrooke. Everyone is aware
of the impact Sundance Ridge will have on
SaddleBrooke and that community of 55 homes
is relatively small. There is the potential for many
more homes to be built near SaddleBrooke and
the HOA must be actively involved with the
SaddleBrooke External Affairs and Information
Commission (SEIC) and Pinal County officials as
future communities come before the Planning
Commission for initial and final plats.
Roads and Common Area Maintenance:
Since the HOA owns and maintains almost all of
the roads and common areas in SaddleBrooke,
we must be very conscious of their condition,
maintenance and the cost they incur. The recent
reconstruction of Desert Bluff at a cost of
approximately $375, 000 is but one example of
the impact roads have on a budget. Exacerbating
that example is the recent water main break on
that street which caused significant damaged to
the new road. The cost of these repairs will be
borne by RCI. Prior to Transition, a professional
road study should be conducted to provide
accurate information regarding the overall
condition of our 40+ miles of roads.
Subsidized Amenities: When homes are
purchased in SaddleBrooke, buyers are made
aware that a portion of their annual dues is
used to subsidize the amenities included in the
SaddleBrooke lifestyle. Food and beverage,
the theater and wellness and fitness are three
amenities whose subsidies have increased
exponentially. As of the end of October 2015,
the combined subsidy loss in those three areas
was $732,000. When extrapolated at the
same rate for November and December 2015,
the projected loss for the year will approach
$800,000. The current business model is
not working and something must be done
immediately to rein in these costs. Employee Retention: Over the recent years
the HOA has lost employees at all levels in
the organization. These have included General
Managers, Food and Beverage Managers, chefs
and staff from the restaurants, common area
crew and the Administration Office. The most
recent loss was the HOA’s Financial Analyst.
Continued on page 2
To represent the interest of HOA#2 homeowners through transition
Two’s News is published under the auspices of the SaddleBrooke Two Property Owners Organization (STPO).
2
Two’s News
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE continued from page 1
Due to confidentiality, members of the community are not privy as to why
these folks left. It can be safely assumed that some were fired while others
sought employment opportunities elsewhere. The protocols used to vet/hire
employees, job expectations, training protocols, incentives utilized to retain
employees and exit interview procedures must be re-evaluated because the
current model is clearly not working.
Pickle Ball: This sport is among the fastest growing in retirement
communities and one that sorely needs immediate attention in
SaddleBrooke. Unfortunately, SaddleBrooke is a land locked community with
little available free space. The HOA Board and the Pickle Ball Association are
working very hard to try to reach resolution. Many ideas are being bantered
about including building new courts and repurposing tennis courts. Many
considerations for court placement i.e. cost, noise levels, parking and safety
must be evaluated and the data used to drive any final decisions.
Yes, like all communities we certainly have our challenges but we also
have talented people on the HOA Board and in the community, many
excellent employees as well outside consultants to help meet these
challenges head on. SaddleBrooke remains an idyllic community replete
with many excellent amenities, clubs and activities meeting the needs of
all residents. As I stated at the start of this article, we all need to exercise
creativity and thoughtful planning to ensure that our community remains
among the best in the southwest. Having a new Strategic Plan will also
expedite this objective. The STPO Board of Directors will continue to
monitor these issues and others as they arise and will share information with
the homeowners.
The next STPO Board Meeting will be held February 4 at 1:00 PM in the
Mariposa Room.
STPO Board Members 2016
Bob Kolenda, President
61828 E Briarwood Drive
825-9972
[email protected]
Norma West, Secretary
63407 E Flower Ridge Drive
825-7757
[email protected]
Ginny Rood
61687 E Border Rock Road
441-4979
[email protected]
Dick Monnard, Vice-President
62068 E Northwood Road
825-5886
[email protected]
Rich Brinkley, Board Member
39035 E Sand Crest Drive
818-0320
[email protected]
Anne Peaker, Board Member
37854 S Boulder Wind Drive
825-3170
[email protected]
Chuck Michelson, Treasurer
62063 E DesertView Place
818-6488
[email protected]
Next Meeting Date:
February 4 • 1:00 PM • Mariposa Room. All are welcome to attend.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Diana Steinke, Managing Editor • [email protected]
818-6265 or 820-2544. Deadline for submission of advertising and
articles to Two’s News is the 23rd of the month prior to publication.
Two’s News Distribution Coordinator Audrey Conrad • 520 818-0336
STPO Needs YOU
T
he STPO Board encourages every homeowner to support the STPO. There are two
important ways to lend your support. First is to become personally involved and offer your
expertise to the organization, and second is to complete the form below.
Name
Address
Phone
Unit Number
Mail the form with your check to STPO c/o Chuck Michelson, 62063 E. DesertView Pl, Tucson AZ, 85739. Your contribution of $20.00 or more is good through the fiscal year.
3
STPO January 2016 Monthly Meeting Minutes
The January meeting first item on the agenda was approval of
the Annual and General meeting minutes for the December
meeting. There were no questions or changes to the minutes.
Bob moved on to the Financials presented by Treasurer, Chuck
Michelson. Chuck reported that by year end, there was
approximately $4,000 cash in the checking account. Chuck
reminded everyone to get ready for the Annual Contribution
Drive Stapling Party which will be held in February with date
and time to be announced. The Financials were approved
without comment. Bob referred to Diana Steinke for any
update on TWOS NEWS. Diana reported that Karen got two
more advertisers for the paper, plus there are some format and
style changes to the look of the paper. The next distribution for
the paper is January 14, 2016 at the Saguaro Room at 9:00.
Bob then reported on the Strategic Planning Committee. They
are preparing the document to go to the HOA2 Board to
review the goals and ensure they are in line with the objectives.
Next was a presentation by Dee Shroer and Rhett Benedict
from the Preserve concerning the current status of the
Sundance Ridge Development north of the Preserve. Dee
provided the slide presentation that was given at the Pinal
County Board of Supervisors Meeting last month, as well as a
map depicting the location of Sundance Ridge in relationship
to Peregrine Place. Also presented was information about the
other projects that will abut Sundance Ridge and the
Biosphere. Sundance Ridge comprises approximately 84 acres
with a plan for 55 homes. The parcel of land owned by Canada
Partners is actually 364 acres which includes the 84 that has
been approved. This means that there is a still about 280 acres
available for development. North of Sundance Ridge is CDO
Land which includes approximately 1600 acres. A map along
with the slide presentation will be on the STPO website for
anyone wishing to review these documents. Dee reported the
easements which were established by the Golder Family follow
the land which means they were in place when RCI purchased
the land. She described the various Preserve Roads that will be
used for access to Sundance Ridge, but also pointed out that
the access really is within all of SaddleBrooke since once the
properties are developed, residents there can use any roads
within the Community. The main purpose of this presentation
today was to make us aware that we need to stay ahead of any
future developments that will be contiguous to SaddleBrooke
properties. We must be aware that ingress/egress doesn’t
simply mean the future owners of these properties leaving for
work or going home at night. We must consider the other
services that will also use our roads: school buses, service
providers to these homeowners, etc. It was also stated that
CDO Ranch was bought in 2007 and a tentative plat of survey
has been applied for. They have until January 20, 2017 to
finalize it. This is something we need to monitor. Had we been
aware of the tentative plat for Sundance Ridge, input from
SaddleBrooke to the County may have had an impact. There
were questions that as an interested party, SaddleBrooke
HOA2 should have been notified of any impending property
development and whether this was done by the County to the
HOA2. Bill Einecker stated the HOA only became aware of this
matter after the tentative plat was submitted in December
2014. Bill stated they have requested of the County to show
where this notice was sent, but have not received an answer.
Once we transition, HOA2 Attorney, David McAvoy will be the
official contact. Bill Einecker also noted that HOA2 has been in
negotiation with the developers of Sundance Ridge and that
they have presented new CC&Rs as of 12/18/15. The new
CC&Rs state that allowed animals are referenced as yard pets.
There was a point raised in the discussion regarding Sundance
Ridge construction times, and Bill stated he believes they will
be held to the same County Rules as RCI with respect to the
time when construction can be taking place during the day,
adhering to road speed limits. Rhett Benedict stated RCI just
completed a bridge over a culvert at Middle Bear Road which
will eliminate the need for Sundance Ridge vehicles to have to
drive down into the wash area. Rhett referred to the Preserve
web site, www.Preserveaz.org for all updated info. Bill
reminded everyone the HOA2 attorney, RCI attorney and
HOA2 Board are working on an agreement with Sundance
Ridge for costs of future maintenance of SaddleBrooke roads
for the use by Sundance Ridge. Bill also added if there is an
agreement, he hopes it will be incorporated into their CC&Rs
as well as a true definition for the allowed animals. Bob then
moved on to Gary Hammond who presented a new program
called “Senior Village at SaddleBrooke.” What this new
“volunteer” program will offer residents of SaddleBrooke is the
opportunity to remain in our homes longer as we age. Gary
explained this organization is a registered 501-c3 for tax
purposes and was started in the Beacon Hill area of Boston,
Massachusetts, now with 250 locations around the country.
The main focus is to allow aging residents the opportunity to
have 3 different levels of service depending on their need. First
is a monitoring level which is the lowest need level. Running
errands, daily phone check-in or even just companionship are
some of the stated goals for this level. Homemaking is the 2nd
level which will be offered later if they can get enough
volunteers. The highest level is the Medical in which nursing
care is provided in the home. This new program here will focus
first on the monitoring level by offering lock boxes which will
be supported by Golder Ranch Fire District. The cost for
participation is $50 per household, per year. It is also hoped if
the program can get enough volunteers they will be able to
offer transportation to medical appointments and even grocery
shopping. There will be morning check-ins which Peggy Ogier
will be helping with. This organization is hoping to be a
reference source a “Librarian” of sorts on where to get help and
assistance. Gary said he will be at the Activity Fair, Booth 50
and asked everyone to spread the word. Currently the
volunteers are operating out of their homes so if you wish to
volunteer, please contact [email protected] or call
520-818-6784. Bob congratulated the new unit reps that we
have: Sharon Greeson, Unit 46 stepping up to the plate from
deputy; Ester Moen, Deputy Rep, Unit 46; Pat Alcivar, Unit 48
Rep and Karen Brodes, Deputy Rep, Unit 48; Brooks
Bartholow, Deputy Rep, Unit 43. Bob moved to Legislative and
Rich Brinkley presented the fact that the State Legislature will
reconvene on January 13th. They have started bills which can
(continued on page 7)
4
Two’s News
STPO Financial Report - Period Ending 12/31/2015
I. INCOME STATEMENT
REVENUES
Resident Contributions
Advertising
Mail & Delivery Fees
Other
PERIOD (Dec.) YEAR TO DATE $
120.00
$ 180.00
$
60.00
$
-
2015
BUDGET
$ 20,321.50
$5,028.00
$ 165.00
$
-
$ 19,000.00
$ 5,000.00
$
350.00
$
-
TOTAL
$ 360.00
EXPENDITURES
TWO’S NEWS
$ 1,845.31
S’Brooke External Affairs & Info. Comm. (SEIC) $
-
Bylaws Committee
$
-
STPO Board Election
$
-
Communications
$ -
Affiliations (CAI)
$
-
Education & Training
$
-
Misc Board Expenses/Supplies
$
-
Misc Board Projects
$
-
Liability Insurance
$
-
Legal Fees
$
-
Unit Representative Appreciation Event $
-
$25,514.50
$ 24,350.00
$ 18,357.82
$
-
$
-
$
-
$-
$ 215.00
$
-
$ 194.12
$ 462.98
$ 2,883.00 $
-
$
-
$ 18,500.00
$
100.00
$
$
400.00
$ $
$
$
400.00
$ 1,000.00
$ 2,850.00
$
$
TOTAL
$ 1,845.31
NET INCOME
$(1,485.31)
II, ASSET SUMMARY
$ 22,112.92
$ 23,250.00
$ 3,401.58
$ 3,600.00
Beginning Cash Balance
Net Income
Transfer to Reserve
Transfer from Reserve
Ending check book balance
$
69.78 $ 3,401.58
$
-
$ 500.00
$ 3,971.36
$
$
$
$
$
$ 5,456.67
$ (1,485.31)
$
-
$
$ 3,971.36
Contingency Reserve POS Set Aside
$ 40,000.00
Contingency Reserve Not Assigned
$ 70,649.26
Total Contingency Reserve
$110,649.26
Total Assets
$114,620.62(as of 12/31/15)
Chuck Michelson, Treasurer
-
5
Real Estate Report for NOVEMBER 2015
Active Inventory down 3%
Closingsunchanged
Months of Inventory
9.90
Median price of homes sold
down 7%
New homes under contract
down 22%
ALL OF SADDLEBROOKE – In the SaddleBrooke area, November 2015 active inventory was 179, a 3% decrease from
November 2014. There were 18 closings in November 2015, virtually unchanged from November 2014. Year-to-date
2015 there were 244 closings, a 25% increase from year-to-date 2014. Months of Inventory was 9.9, down from 10.2 in
November 2014. Median price of sold homes was $271,450 for the month of November 2015, down 7% from November
2014. The SaddleBrooke area had 14 new properties under contract in November 2015, down 22% from November
2014.
HOA #2 – Of the 18 closings in November, 12 were in HOA #2 with a median price of $307,500. Models sold were:
1 Portofino at $180,000; 2 Topazes at $202,000 and $255,000; 3 Laredos at $259,999, $305,000, and $310,000;
1 Chaparral at $269,000; 1 Silverton at $335,000; 1 Galleria at $385,000; 1 Mirasol at $389,744; 1 Cheyenne at
$475,000; and 1 Canyon at $517,500. The average price per sq. ft. was $146.91. The average days on market was 70.
ORO VALLEY – In the Oro Valley area, November 2015 active inventory was 288, a 17% decrease from November
2014. There were 38 closings in November 2015, a 3% decrease from November 2014. Year-to-date 2015 there were
680 closings, a 12% increase from year-to-date 2014. Months of Inventory was 7.6, down from 8.9 in November 2014.
Median price of sold homes was $282,500 for the month of November 2015, up 20% from November 2014. The Oro
Valley area had 67 new properties under contract in November 2015, up 24% from November 2014.
TUCSON – In the Tucson Main Market area, November 2015 active inventory was 5,169, a 13% decrease from
November 2014. There were 768 closings in November 2015, a 15% decrease from November 2014. Year-to-date
2015 there were 12,857 closings, a 9% increase from year-to-date 2014. Months of Inventory was 6.7, up from 6.6 in
November 2014. Median price of sold homes was $170,000 for the month of November 2015, up 2% from November
2014. The Tucson Main Market area had 1,214 new properties under contract in November 2015, up 16% from
November 2014.
These statistics are based on information obtained from the TARMLS using Brokermetrics software on 12/03/2015.
Information is believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. Months of Inventory reflect the time period required to sell all
the properties on the market given the number of closed transactions in the preceding month, provided no new product
becomes available.
Lynn Slaten and Kristy Johnson
Lynn &Kristy
Sold on SaddleBrooke
www.SoldOnSaddleBrooke.com
EQUAL
HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Two’s News
6
SaddleBrooke Two Finance Committee Minutes Thursday Dec. 17, 2015
ATTENDEES:
Committee Members: Laura Benson, Mike Collins, Hank Greenleaf,
Vince Gwiazdowski, Jim Haakenson, Barry Horner, Jim Young
• Board Ex-Officio members: Bill Einecker, Ed Masotti, Terese Butler
• Guests: George Blakenbeckler Unit 49, Duff Fletcher Unit 15, Bob
Kolenda Unit 47,
• Cam Mette Unit 48, Chuck Michelson STPO, Steve Penner Unit 14
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM by
Barry Horner, Co-Chair.
Procedures: It was explained that the meeting was open to the
community and that comments would be taken at the end of the
meeting.
Announcements: Barry welcomed everyone. The guest
introduced themselves. Barry announced that there would be an
executive session immediately following the meeting today.
It was announced that LaTisha Alexander, financial analyst, was
no longer with the HOA and the Board members stated that
they were beginning the process to hire a Controller, with an
employment listing being posted through Robson HR Department.
Minutes:
It was stated that the minutes of the November 19th meeting
were approved via email and today’s vote was a confirmation of
that process.
OLD BUSINESS:
October 2015 Financials:
Concern was expressed about the growing losses among our
three subsidized operations; i.e. the fitness program, theatre and
two restaurants. Board members stated that working with Julie,
the F&B Manager at the Bistro and others they hope to have the
2016 restaurant operations losses below $400,000; and they will
continue with efforts to further reduce all subsidies.
The Finance Committee then asked the Board as to why we are
not meeting budget and a lively discussion ensued.
The Board identified numerous reasons why some budget targets
were not met and explained that various steps were being taken to
correct the problem areas; and they highlighted remedial programs
and procedures which are being implemented to correct potential
problems in the future.
The Finance Committee members stated that they felt a
fundamental change in the current business models, particularly
for the restaurants is necessary. The committee also
recommended a more professional approach to the hiring and
training of employees might be considered in order to reduce
personnel turnover.
NEW BUSINESS:
Meet Damon Williams the new General Manager:
Mr. Williams was unable to attend the meeting today due
to personal commitments; however, it was decided that the
Committee would prepare an outline listing the issues they would
like to address with him and meet with him at a future meeting
in either January or February after he has a better feel for the
community.
expressions of concern among residents concerning the trend
of dues increases. Board members stated the size of the dues
increases will be necessary to fund transition and associated
costs. Committee members reiterated the need to hold individual
managers accountable for meeting budget targets in order to
alleviate future increases to our three subsidized operations. The
Board indicated hiring a Controller having a strong background
will strengthen the management team. The Board offered to
have a member of the Finance Committee work with the search
committee as they interview and fill the position of Controller. Jim
Haakenson volunteered to be that committee representative.
The Board stated an IT consultant had been hired to prepare and
issue RFPs after January 1, 2016 for new programs, systems and
equipment to be used by the HOA after transition. The Finance
Committee reiterated the need to have functional requirements
as well as costs be evaluated during this process again the Board
invited a Finance Committee member to be part of the team
tackling the evaluation and selection process. Laura Benson
offered to undertake this assignment, her time and availability
allowing.
ACTION ITEMS:
• Board to include Finance Committee member on Comptroller
search & selection team.
• B
oard to include Finance Committee member on IT transition
evaluation team.
• B
oard committed to have George Atwell from RCI attend a future
finance Committee meeting to address the ongoing problems with
the restaurant operations in HOA2.
• F inance Committee to prepare an outline of items they would like
addressed by Damon Williams prior to meeting him at a future
meeting.
• F inance Committee again reiterated a willingness to assist the
Board addressing any issues with which they are concerned.
Comments from Guests:
Cam Mette discussed the disturbing trends indicated by the
financials in regard to the HOA operations and he shared a memo
he had prepared addressing the problematic issues in food &
beverage, theatre, recreation and fitness operations.
Steve Penner addressed the various amities in the community,
particularly fitness, stating that it might make financial sense to
eliminate the staff and have those operations outsourced as it was
previously done. He indicated that the theatre and restaurant
operations need tighter control and better reporting of costs and
associated income.
ADJOURNMENT:
Barry thanked everyone for their comments and consideration.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at
2:40PM.
Immediately following, the Finance Committee adjourned into
executive session until 3:20 when both sessions fully adjourned.
The next meeting will be held January 21, 2016 at 1pm in the
Cactus Meeting Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee Discussion:
Laura Benson, Finance Committee Secretary
Various committee members stated that they had received
Approved by the Committee: December 22, 2015
7
STPO January 2016 Monthly Meeting Minutes (continued from page 3)
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the “Fraud Prevention” presentation made at DesertView last
month. Great attendance and much appreciated, but might
have been better directly related to seniors. Next time we will
suggest a more personalized presentation. Further Anne asked
if consideration is being given to creating a good relationship
with the Water & Sewer Companies which is what HOA1 is
doing. Bob made a note to cover this point with the Strategic
Planning Committee. Dorothy Moore, Unit 28, thanked TWOS
NEWS for the Flyer they had in the paper. Bill stated they are
waiting on one more attorney to approve the verbiage for the
CC&Rs concerning the Capital Improvement Fund. Ballots will
go to residents once that is completed. One vote per
household and RCI gets one vote for each lot. Norma asked
about RCI’s stance with respect to CIF, and Bill said he believes
they are in agreement with it. Bill reminded everyone a
non-vote is automatically a NO. Ken Perkins thanked all who
helped with the Community Outreach for families this past
Christmas and reported that 259 Apache Indian children and
267 other children received gifts this year. Bob thanked Ken for
the fine effort getting the job done. With no further comments,
meeting adjourned at 2:10 with our next meeting on February
4, 2016 in this room at 1:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Norma West, STPO Secretary.
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copies if you are interested. Chuck and Bob reported on the
Finance committee and the recent resignation/departure of
Felicia Alexander. The HOA2 Board is now looking for a
Controller and has received one resume. Bob pointed out there
are three areas where subsidies are continuing to increase
showing that the current model is not working: Food &
Beverage, DesertView Theater, and Fitness & Wellness. Bob
reported on the ongoing landscape cleanup throughout the
community and on the upcoming pool maintenance closures
for DesertView in January, Preserve in February, and
MountainView in March. Roughly 3 weeks for each. Bob
reported there will be 4 trees removed near MountainView at a
cost of $2,500 including stump removal. The theater sign
installation is delayed a few days due to weather. There was
discussion about the current state of Desert Bluff Drive. All
costs will be paid by RCI and Lago Del Oro. Road to be repaired
using the specs from the recent paving project. Anne Peaker
updated us on SEIC (SaddleBrooke External Information
Committee) and about the changes in Oro Valley, particularly
the nine-hole golf course at Pusch Ridge as a part of the El Con
Community Center. This golf course is referred to as “eclectic”
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Two’s News
DesertView Library Book Reviews
MINUTE ZERO
by Todd Moss
An extraordinary international thriller by the
former deputy assistant secretary of state and
author of the national bestseller The Golden Hour.
In the life of every country, at a moment of
extreme national disruption, there is a brief period
of breakdown, when everything is uncertain,
events can turn on a dime. That is the moment to
act, to shape events how you want them to go.
That is Minute Zero.
Fresh off the harrowing events of The Golden Hour, State Department
crisis manager Judd Ryker is suddenly thrown into a quickly developing
emergency in Zimbabwe, where a longtime strongman is being
challenged for the presidency. Rumors are flying furiously: armed
gangs, military crackdowns, shady outside money pouring in, and, most
disturbing for the United States, reports of highly enriched uranium
leaking into the market.
And that’s all before Ryker even lands in the country. It gets much
worse after that. If he can’t get control, shape his Minute Zero, a lot of
people are going to die; not least of all himself.
THE RELIC MASTER
by Christopher Buckley
From New York Times bestselling author
Christopher Buckley, “one of the funniest
writers in the English language” (Tom Wolfe), a
compelling and hilarious adventure featuring
a sixteenth-century relic hunter and his best
friend, Albrecht Dürer, who conspire to forge the
Shroud of Turin.
The year is 1517. Dismas is a relic hunter:
one who procures “authentic” religious relics
for wealthy and influential clients. His two most important patrons
are Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony and soon-to-be Cardinal
Albrecht of Mainz. While Frederick is drawn to the recent writing of
Martin Luther, Albrecht pursues the financial and political benefits
of religion and seeks to buy a cardinalship through the selling of
indulgences. When Albrecht’s ambitions increase his demands for
grander and more marketable relics, Dismas and his artist friend
Dürer conspire to manufacture a shroud to sell to the unsuspecting
noble. Unfortunately Dürer’s reckless pride exposes Albrecht’s newly
acquired shroud as a fake, so Albrecht puts Dismas and Dürer in the
custody of four loutish mercenaries and sends them all to steal Christ’s
burial cloth (the Shroud of Chambéry), Europe’s most celebrated relic.
On their journey to Savoy where the Shroud will be displayed, they
battle a lustful count and are joined by a beautiful female apothecary.
It is only when they reach their destination that they realize they are
not alone in their intentions to acquire a relic of dubious legitimacy.
Filled with fascinating details about art, religion, politics and science;
Vatican intrigue; and Buckley’s signature wit, The Relic Master is a
delightfully rich and intelligent comic adventure.
LIGHTS OUT
By Ted Koppel
In this New York Times bestselling
investigation, Ted Koppel reveals that a major
cyber attack on America’s power grid is not only
possible but likely, that it would be devastating,
and that the United States is shockingly
unprepared.
Imagine a blackout lasting not days, but
weeks or months. Tens of millions of people over
several states are affected. For those without access to a generator,
there is no running water, no sewage, no refrigeration or light. Food
and medical supplies are dwindling. Devices we rely on have gone
dark. Banks no longer function, looting is widespread, and law and
order are being tested as never before. It isn’t just a scenario. A well-designed attack on just one of
the nation’s three electric power grids could cripple much of our
infrastructure—and in the age of cyber warfare, a laptop has become
the only necessary weapon. Several nations hostile to the United
States could launch such an assault at any time. In fact, as a former
chief scientist of the NSA reveals, China and Russia have already
penetrated the grid. And a cyber security advisor to President Obama
believes that independent actors, from “hacktivists” to terrorists,
have the capability as well. “It’s not a question of if,” says Centcom
Commander General Lloyd Austin, “it’s a question of when.”
And yet, as Koppel makes clear, the federal government, while
well prepared for natural disasters, has no plan for the aftermath of
an attack on the power grid. The current Secretary of Homeland
Security suggests keeping a battery-powered radio.
In the absence of a government plan, some individuals and
communities have taken matters into their own hands. Among the
nation’s estimated three million “preppers” we meet one whose
doomsday retreat includes a newly excavated three-acre lake, stocked
with fish, and a Wyoming homesteader so self-sufficient that he
crafted the thousands of adobe bricks in his house by hand. We also
see the unrivaled disaster preparedness of the Mormon church, with
its enormous storehouses, high-tech dairies, orchards, and proprietary
trucking company – the fruits of a long tradition of anticipating the
worst. But how, Koppel asks, will ordinary civilians survive?
New Online Catalog for SaddleBrooke Libraries Sign-in:
http://libraryopac.infovisionsoftware.com:83/saddlebrooke/
• Search library catalog
• Renew your items online
• More details in catalog records
• Receive email alerts
• Reserve ALL library holdings
• View you library account online
•Personal list of your reading
history
• Contact your library online
9
Desert View Libraries New Additions for October
AUTHOR
Brookes, Adam
Krentz, Jayne Ann
Buckley, Christopher
Mayor, Archer
Burke, James Lee
Moss, Todd
Cussler, Clive
Nguyen, Viet Thanh
Fitzsimmons, Matthew
Pamuk, Orhan
Gaitskill, Mary
Patterson, James
Gingrich, Newt
NEW FICTION
TITLE
Spy Games
Secret Sisters
The Relic Master
The Company She Kept
House of the Rising Sun
Minute Zero
The Pharaoh’s Secret
The Sympathizer
The Short Drop
A Strangeness in My Mind
The Mare
Cross Justice
Duplicity
AUTHOR
Perinot, Sophie
Greaney, Mark
Poyer, David
Grisham, John
Robards, Karen
Hijuelos, Oscar
Rollins, James
Irving, John
Steel, Danielle
Kellerman, Jonathan & Jesse
Walters, Louise
Klassen, Julie
Koontz, Dean
Yanagihara, Hanya
TITLE
Médicis Daughter
Tom Clancy Commander-In-Chief
Tipping Point
Rogue Lawyer
The Last Time I Saw Her
Twain & Stanley Enter Paradise
The Bone Labyrinth
Avenue of Mysteries
Precious Gifts
The Golem of Paris
Mrs. Sinclair’s Suitcase
The Painter’s Daughter
Ashley Bell
A Little Life
NEW NON-FICTION
AUTHOR
TITLE
Cistaro, MelissaPieces of My Mother: a memoirRemini, Leah
Troublemaker: surviving Hollywood and
Scientology
Forsyth, Frederick
The Outsider: my life in intrigueRosbottom,
Ronald C.When Paris Went Dark: the City of Light
under German occupation
Goldberg, Whoopi
If Someone Says “You Complete Me,” Run!
Rove, KarlThe Triumph of William McKinley: why the
election of 1896 still matters
Hirshman, Linda R.Sisters in Law: how Sandra Day O’Connor and
Ruth Bader Ginsburg went to the Supreme
Court and changed the world
Safina, Carl
Beyond words: what animals think and feel
Koppel, TedLights Out: a cyberattack, a nation
unprepared, surviving the aftermath
AUTHOR
Albom, Mitch
Higgins, Kristan
Baldacci, David
Kellerman, Faye
Carr, Robyn
Patterson, James
Clark, Mary Higgins
& Alafair Burke
AUTHOR
TITLE
Shaheen, StefanyElle & Coach: diabetes, the fight for my
daughter’s life and the dog who changed
everything
Lawson, JennyFuriously Happy: a funny book about horrible
things
Simon, Carly
Boys in the Trees: a memoir
Meacham, JonDestiny and Power: the American odyssey of
George Herbert W. Bush
Sisman, Adam
John le Carré: the biography
Moore, Susanna
Paradise of the Pacific: approaching Hawaii
Trump, DonaldCrippled America: how to make America great
again
Vendetta: Bobby Kennedy versus Jimmy Hoffa
Neff, James
Westheimer, RuthThe Doctor Is In: Dr. Ruth on love, life, and
joie de vivre
O’Reilly, Bill
Killing Reagan
NEW LARGE PRINT
TITLE
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
If You Only Knew
The Guilty
The Theory of Death
Wildest Dreams
Cross Justice
All Dressed in White
AUTHOR
TITLE
Baldacci, David
The Guilty
Flynn, Gillian
Dark Places
Brandman, Michael
Robert B. Parker’s Fool Me Twice
Lagercrantz, DavidThe Girl in the Spider’s Web: a Lisbeth
Salander novel
Connelly, Michael
The Crossing
TITLE
Aloha
The End of the Tour
The Negotiator
Vacation
AUTHOR
Perry, Marta
Connelly, Michael
Robards, Karen
Coulter, Catherine
Steel, Danielle
Evanovich, Janet
Wiggs, Susan
Gerritsen, Tess
NEW AUDIOS
AUTHOR
Flynn, Vince (Kyle Mills)
Crais, Robert
Patterson, James
Cussler, Clive
Roberts, Nora
NEW MOVIES
TITLE
Boyhood
John Grisham’s The Rainmaker
Seven Years in Tibet
Danny Collins
TITLE
When Secrets Strike
The Crossing
The Last Time I Saw Her
The End Game
Precious Gifts
Tricky Twenty-Two
Starlight on Willow Lake
Playing With Fire
TITLE
The Survivor: a Mitch Rapp novel
The Promise
Cross Justice
The Pharaoh’s Secret
Stars of Fortune
TITLE
Mr. Holmes
Six Degrees of Separation
Two’s News
10
2016 Women’s Collegiate Golf Tournament
T
he 18th Annual MountainView Women’s Collegiate
Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, March 18th
and Saturday, March 19th. . Kansas State and Missouri
will once again be hosting this Tournament.
The 15-team field includes the following schools: Colorado
State, Georgia, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kennesaw State
(Georgia), Middle Tennessee (Murfreesboro), Missouri,
Minnesota, New Mexico State, Ohio State, Purdue,
San Jose State, Texas State, University Texas San
Antonio (UTSA), and Wyoming. In addition, there
will be a number of
individual golfers.
Teams and their coaches will begin arriving
on Wednesday, March 16th in preparation
for their practice round on Thursday,
March 17th. There will be 7:30
a.m. shotgun starts on
both Friday and
Saturday.
This is
a favorite
CLEERE LAW OFFICES, P.C.
Presents
Funding your trust and
designating your beneficiaries
Date:
January 19, 2016
Location:
Resurrection Lutheran Church
11575 N. 1st Avenue, Oro Valley
Time:
10:00am – 12:00pm
RSVP:
520-219-9733, [email protected]
CLEERE LAW OFFICES, P.C.
10445 N. Oracle Road, Suite 141, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
CleereLaw.net
520.219.9733
tournament of the coaches and players. They love the
atmosphere and hospitality of SaddleBrooke residents. We
encourage you to volunteer, come out and watch some
awesome golf, and cheer for your favorite team.
A website is available for your use in following everything
regarding the tournament! Our many volunteers will
use this website to submit requests for the various
volunteer opportunities. We will use this website in
communicating volunteer schedules. You can also
submit a request to house players/coaches if
you would like to.
The website is:
http://mycollegiate.wordpress.com
If you would like more information about the
Tournament, please contact Jo Helms:
825-0205 [email protected] or if
you are interested in housing
golfers/coaches, please
contact Mary Baglien:
825-1262
[email protected]
11
“FELINE VOICES” to work with SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network
SaddleBrooke Pet Rescue Network (SPRN) has done
incredible things for animals in 4 years. Yet, one challenge
SPRN faces is a shortage of people working on behalf of
cats, including found cats, ferals, abandoned animals or those
needing to be re-homed due to family circumstances.
We’ll focus on service rather than social activities.
Our firstt adventure was to visit HOPE Animal Shelter’s
new Marana residence on December 13th. We delivered a
donation from SPRN and discussed how we can help with
their rescue efforts. It was a visit to see how HOPE
does rescue.
Feline Voices volunteers will work closely with SPRN help
felines in need with a vision to be animal advocates working
Contact me with your questions, suggestions, and interest.
to protect and transition homeless cats to loving families. Our The Pet Rescue Network looks forward to having a group of
mission is to facilitate adoptions, volunteer and fundraise,
cat lovers working in SaddleBrooke helping felines in need.
coordinate fosters, and educate SaddleBrooke about Tucson’s
Thank you for loving all
homeless cats.
animals and I hope to hear
The newly formed Feline
from you.
Voices Group seeks volunteers
Diana Steinke
to help with all aspects of
([email protected])
cat rescue, like fostering,
818-6265
socializing, finding homes,
transportation, donations, etc.
Rescued is Our Favorite Breed
Norma West
Associate Broker - ABR, SRES
DIRECT: (520) 401-6800
FAX: (866) 401-8863
HOME: (520) 825-7757
EMAIL:[email protected]
WEB:nwest.longrealty.com
15250 N Oracle Road #110
Tucson AZ 85739
Let a proven performer, whose clients become friends, handle your
next real estate transaction and see how easy it can be!
Two’s News
12
Letter to the Editor
I
am not supportive of the initiative to add a Capital
Investment Fund. The Board suggests that such
a fund will add funds to the Reserves which are
needed to pave roads, paint walls and whatever other
Capital refurbishment is needed. The source of the
funds per the Board is a fee to be added to homes sold
in SaddleBrooke and to be paid by the buyer.
Arizona, SaddleBrooke too, is still experiencing
lagging demand for homes. Which translates to a
“buyers market”. And that means buyers will have
strength in negotiating deals when buying a home.
So before you agree to add a fee to your sale of your
home, recognize who will pay that $1870. The impact
of the fee will be at the cost of current SaddleBrooke
Homeowners. Additionally the median home value
in SaddleBrooke is between $300,000 and $400,000.
The fee of $1870 is a larger percentage of that number
than it is of a $600,000 home. Fair is fair. If the Board
wishes to tax current homeowners they should charge
a fee based on a percent of the purchase price rather
than a flat fee.
Custom Interior – Exterior
Window Screens
Solar Screens
Patio Screen Doors
Installation - Repair - Replacement
Joe Schodtler 520.825.3396
The Board suggests the CIF (Capital Investment
Fund) is needed to add money to Reserves. Four years
ago the projection was that HOA2 reserves were
appropriate and more than enough to meet future
needs. What is different now than 4 years ago? For
all intents the current Board of Directors is the same
group now as was here 4 years ago.
It would be appropriate for the board and the
current finance committee to present a review of
expected capital expenditures for the next 5, 10 and
15 year periods and compare that to Reserves that are
available for the same time period.
Finally if the goal of the CIF is to accumulate a
second capital fund for possible capital expenditures
for additional HOA facilities (Ice rink, dog park,
Pickleball courts whatever or even a golf course) it
would be nice for the board to list the possible options
and prioritize them.
Cam Mette
Unit 48
We need a home and
we have to stay together….
These two wonderful bonded cats (Tabby Male –
Calico Female) need a new forever home.
The owner has a new partner with allergies and
has decided finding them a new home will be best.
Sly and Kitty are both fixed and 5 years old. Prefer
no small children but they get along with dogs.
If you are interested in this adorable and
lovable cat couple
Please contact Feline Voices @ 820-2544
13
Prescription Drug Drop-off Program Schedule
PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROP-OFF PROGRAM
At the
Pinal County Sheriff’s SaddleBrooke Substation
Safely dispose of your out-of-date or unused prescriptions
or over-the counter drugs.
Second Friday of each month – 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Fourth Tuesday of each month – 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Staffed by SaddleBrooke TRIAD volunteers
NOTE: No liquids or sharp instruments, i.e., needles, syringe, etc., can be taken. Remove your prescriptions
from their containers and place in sealed plastic bag(s) before bringing them to the Substation.
You can also contact the TRIAD at [email protected]
The Moore Advantage Team
We Love Living in SaddleBrooke;
It’s so Easy to Sell SaddleBrooke!
A New Price
For
The New Year!
JUST
LISTED
$299,000
38896 S Moonwood
Drive $316,000
Laredo
- 38896
S Moonwood
1844
Sq Ft
- Beautiful
MountainDrive
Views
2 BR + Den / 2BA 1,844 SF & Mountain Views
Lauren Moore
Realtor, CDPE
Dorothy Moore
Realtor, CRB, CRS, GRI
2506 E. Vistoso Commerce Loop, Oro Valley, AZ 85755
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
520.477.7965
520.477.7965
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.TheMooreAdvantage.com
www.TheMooreAdvantage.com
14
Two’s News
Senior Village at Saddlebrooke
M
ost residents love it here and would prefer to stay as long as
possible. We’re part of a national trend of seniors who want to
“age in place” in the familiar surroundings of home. Besides,
moving to a residential care facility can be frightfully expensive.
A new volunteer group in SaddleBrooke supports this trend -- Senior
Village at SaddleBrooke, Inc. We are a 501c3 non-profit and
one of over 250 “villages” in the national Village to Village Network. Our
motto is very descriptive -- “neighbors helping neighbors”
We hope to get started in a few months, depending on the number of
residents who volunteer to help. Come meet us at the Activities Fair January 30 AM in the MountainView
Ballroom, booth #50. Check our web site at www.seniorvillageatsaddlebrooke.org
We’ll start with three initial services -- (1) residential lock box installation (in conjunction with Golder Ranch
FD) for fast, secure 911 access in an emergency; (2) transportation to medical appointments; and (3) morning
check-in calls to socialize and be sure all is well.
We hope to expand services soon to include additional transportation such as grocery shopping, medical
equipment loans in conjunction with the Community Church, medical alert devices (“help I’ve fallen and I can’t
get up”) in conjunction with IMPACT, simple handy man chores around the house, and additional “friendly
contact” services. These would include in home visits and respite care to allow caregivers to take a break.
Finally, we plan to become your “reference librarian”. If you need a service call us, and we’ll find it.
Please help us spread the word. We need to contact both potential volunteers and potential members
who can benefit from a little help from their friends to live here independently longer. For more information,
please contact Gary Hammond at [email protected]
15
Make A Difference
Help Change A Child’s Life For The Better
Sponsored by SaddleBrooke Community Outreach, Inc.
63675 E. SaddleBrooke Blvd, Suite L
Tucson, AZ 85739
It’s time to remember those children in need by making your donation.
PROGRAMS: WHAT WE DO!
KID’S CLOSET provides new clothing for children from Head Start through 8th grade.
TEEN CLOSET offers eligible students a shopping trip to local retail stores for appropriate classroom wear.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS support tutoring, enrichment opportunities, and college scholarships.
We provide financial support to TRI-COMMUNITY FOOD BANK and host our ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE.
We offer ADOPT A FAMILY and ADOPT A CHILD opportunities to help needy families during the
holidays and organize THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKETS.
Your gift may be on behalf of a friend or family member, in memory of a special person, or
even to honor a particular event. You will receive an acknowledgment of your donation and we
will send a letter to notify the appropriate recipient.
SBCO is a 501c3 organization, eligible for AZ Tax Credits because of activities benefitting the Working Poor. Contributions are also
tax deductible on itemized Federal Income Tax returns. We recommend consulting with your tax preparer for more details.
It’s all about the kids!
www.community-outreach.org
Complete the form and return with your donation to SBCO, 63675 E. SaddleBrooke Blvd., Suite L, Tucson, AZ 85739
Donations can be made at www.community-outreach.org by using PayPal.
Make A Difference, Help Change A Child’s Life For The Better. Questions: Dorothy Moore 818-1347.
Your Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________Phone: ______________________
Amount: ___________ Gift in Memory or Honor of: _______________________________________________
16
Two’s News
It Pays To Advertise In
Two’s News
T
wo’s News reaches more than 2500 homes in SaddleBrooke and its
environs. DO THE MATH! For just a few pennies per family you can
easily expand your sales or services. Additionally, Two’s News has
adopted a new and economic ad fee structure. Ads can be color or black and
white. Please send as .pdf or jpg.
AD FEE STRUCTURE
SPACE
COST WIDTHHEIGHT
Business Card
$40
3.5 inches
2 inches
Quarter Page
$80
3.625 inches
4.875 inches
Half Page
$120
7.5 inches
4.875 inches
Full Page
$210
7.5 inches
10 inches
Full Back Page
$300
7.5 inches
10 inches
Advertisers will receive a 10% discount if they place an ad in all 10 issues/year. A 5%
discount will be given to those who place an ad in 5 issues/year.
For information and advertising submissions, contact
Karen Brooks, Advertising Manager • [email protected] • 520 262-7168