Beautiful Night Sky

in Esperanza Estates

Thanks to Karen Rans for the beautiful photo!

Monday

Morning

Memo



Neighborhood News

Pool Refurbishing Update

From Kevin Welsh, EE HOA Board President

The HOA Board met on February 19th with all Directors present. In addition to the normal committee reports, a proposal was received from the contractor previously selected to replaster the pool and refinish the cool-decking, and to replace the red brick and 12x12 paver areas around the pool with cool-decking. Cost for this additional work was a total of $7,609.69. After discussion, it was approved and work will begin on the project May 1st. This will result in the closure of the pool & hot tub for the month of May.

Plans For a Lift at the Pool

From Sharon Welsh Falor, HOA Board

Good Morning Esperanza! As the weather improves and the temperatures rise, many of us are making plans to spend sunny afternoons at our beautiful pool and spa. While the pool is accessible for some members of our families, not all of us are still able to navigate the stairs into and out of the pool. In an effort to increase accessibility for all our residents, the Board approved exploring the purchase of a Lift Chair to be installed during the renovation process. 

This installation is contingent on our ability to raise the funds throughs gifts, seed money, and fundraising events. The Enhancement Committee has promised seed money, and several residents have expressed their desire to financially contribute to this purchase. A battery operated chair will cost between $6000 and $8000 dollars. If you would like to make a donation, please contact me, Sharon Falor, or any Board Member, or drop your donation in the HOA box at the Ramada. All gift amounts are valuable. Together we can achieve this goal. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Weed Control

From Tom Cooke, HOA Board

For many years, our HOA has operated a weed control program within our subdivision run by volunteers. Doing our own work has saved our Association many thousands of dollars over the years and has enabled us to operate the program with as much flexibility as necessary to keep our common areas free of weeds on our schedule rather than having to rely on a commercial firm.

The program was scheduled to begin last Wednesday, but had to be postponed due to excessive wind. It will begin shortly and will operate continuously as necessary over the coming months. The blue green coloring that you will observe in the sprayed areas is a vegetable-based dye and will dissipate within a couple of days. It is harmless to pets. The spray used acts only on plant material and has no residual action in the soil. The formula used is insufficient to be harmful to cactus. All common areas are not necessarily treated on the same day, but will be treated. If you observe an area which you believe has been overlooked or needs special attention, please call 520-399-0455.

Green Valley Council Report

From Hugh Rhine, EE GVC Representative, 303-249-5745

Thanks to Connie Scorza for joining me at the GVC meeting last Thursday morning. Here are a few notes most likely of interest to EE residents.

PIMA County Supervisor Christy noted that the Jail study has been completed and included input from special interest groups. Neither of two costed alternatives was recommended from the study. More work is needed and will take some extended time to complete. Secondly, he noted that federal funds being used for immigrants being released into PIMA county will run out by the end of March. He favors no longer allowing immigrants to be released into the county.

Fire Chief Wunder noted that GVFD responded to 975 calls in January, which is down from a monthly average of about 1000. He also noted that the first snake of the season has been spotted.

Filling in for Lieutenant Rodriguez, SAV Commander Kenyon reported that the Sheriff's department did 118 traffic stops and issued 25 tickets, none being for DUI in January. In addition they completed 557 other calls and made 28 arrests.

GVC President Kenyon noted that the Veterans History Project is under way and interviews are being scheduled for March 23. Call 520-881-3588 or email nancy.hester@mail.house.gov for additional info or to register a vet for an interview.

Also on March 4 at 8am GVC will hold a Fair Housing Forum at the GVR East Center. If interested, call 520-648-1963 or info@gvcouncil.org.

Finally, John Grahame of Dark Sky Southern AZ offered to make a presentation regarding Light Pollution at any interested HOA or other group. I have his contact information.

Silent Auction and Dessert Buffet,

March 6

From Jody Hauge, Enhancement Committee

The Dessert Buffet and Silent Auction event will be held at the Ramada on Wednesday, March 6 th from 1:00 – 3:00. Desserts will include a variety of yummy treats. Of course, there will be lots of chocolate, pies, lemon bars, decorated

cookies, along with new and classic desserts. Those donating are reminded to bring your desserts to the Ramada at 11:00 on Wednesday. Please do not cut them into serving sizes.

The Silent Auction will be ongoing from 1:00 – 2:30. Over 30 items and experiences have been donated for you to bid on. Here is a list of items you may consider bidding on.

Original paintings from local artists and an Original Framed photo print by Norman Parkinson

Handmade pottery

Stained glass

Mesquite picture frames

Hand beaded Marquessa necklace

Totem pole

Vermont basket and various other goodie baskets

Silver rings and beaded jewelry

Diamond Dotz Coasters

Woodworking

This is a partial list to give you an idea of what is to come. Come join us for a delicious afternoon of fun, socializing and fundraising.

Green Valley Fire Department is Coming!

From John Nesavich

The Director of Green Valley Fire Department Services, Kevin McNichols, is coming to Esperanza Estates HOA on March 13th at 8 am at the Ramada! Kevin McNicols will present all the no-cost services available to our residents and many services offered by some non-profit organizations here in Green Valley. There are more services than you would believe! Coffee and Donuts will be served to help start your day.

Pickleball Skills and Drills

From Sharon Falor



Monday, February 26th at 1:30 is the end of our weekly drilling sessions. This season we have had an incredible group of players who have consistently battled the wind, the temperatures, and my humor to improve their paddle skills and footwork while learning the fastest growing sport in America, pickleball. Thank you for sharing the court with Teri and I, and for sharing your time with us this season. Our community of picklers is not only growing in numbers, but also in skills.

Coach

Pickleball Lessons to Support Purchase of Lift Chair

From Sharon Falor



In an effort to fundraise for the purchase of a Lift Chair for our swimming pool, I will be organizing and offering fee based drill sessions, and semi-private and group lessons for individuals who are interested in continuing to improve their paddle skills and knowledge of the game. Depending on the interest, myself and other coaches, will be available to drill and teach for 60 minute segments. If you have questions on the fee structure or availability, please do not hesitate to send me a text. 

Please mark your calendars for the 4th, 14th, 18th, and 25th of March. Time slots are on the hour from 11:00 through 4:00. These lessons are open for absolute beginners through advanced level players. Please text to reserve a time slot or to inquire about an alternate date. A sign up sheet will also be available at the courts. 

• $15.00 One on One drill session for 60 minutes.
• $25.00 Two Player Semi-Private Lesson for 60 minutes. (One Coach)
• $50.00 Four Player Group Lesson for 60 minutes. (Two Coaches)

Remember all proceeds will go directly to purchase a Lift Chair for the pool. Thank you! Coach

Gardeners

From Mary Harp

Weather permitting....The Gardeners will meet at 10:00 am at the pool area on Tuesday, February 27th.   Bring tools for weeding, pruning, and clean-up. New members are always welcome to join us. Call Rod Harp at 520.329.9103 with any questions.

Hospitality Committee Meeting

From Robin Lockwood

The Hospitality Committee will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, February 27 at 11 am at the Ramada.  We always welcome new members, so if you'd like to join us, we'd love to see you.

Cribbage Group

From Hugh Rhine, 303-249-5745

The Cribbage Group is meeting every Wednesday, 3 pm, at the Ramada. We have several folks that have participated, but it's an open invitation. All skill levels are welcome....we have folks who are good teachers. This is casual game, intended for a relaxed good time. Come when you can!

Craft Group

From Bernie Olson

The Craft Group meets each Thursday, 1 pm, at the Ramada. This week, Barbara Copeland will be leading the group. The group will continue to work on the rock painting and feather projects. To make feathers please bring cotton yarn, macrame cord and scissors. There is a limited supply of yarn available to share. Also bring a small jar with a lid for some starch to stiffen the feathers. 

Thirsty Thursday

We're having Thursday Thursday happy hour this week. BYOB and come on over to the Ramada at 4 pm this Thursday. Our afternoons have been beautiful, and this is a perfect time for a fun visit with EE friends and neighbors. Hope to see you there.

Rock Monkeys

From Tom Aigner



We would like to thank Tim and Katie Liddle, Circulo del Sur, for their plant donation as we creep slowly along the path towards completion!

EE Supports Youth Through Sausage Fest

From Robin Lockwood



The Hospitality Committee would like to extend a huge "Thank You" to the EE community for the support you gave us at our recent "Sausage Fest" at the Ramada. It was wonderful to see the place packed with our friends and neighbors. Your support for us, and especially for the Optimist Club of Green Valley is appreciated so much. The money you helped us raise for them will definitely be put to great use to support youth needs and scholarships in our area.

Name Tags and Pet Memorials

From Robin Lockwood



if you would like to order a name tag to use at the Ramada for large events, or if you would like to order a memorial plaque for a beloved pet to be placed on the Pet Memorial pillar at the Ramada, forms are available on the bulletin board at the Ramada. Please fill them out and return them to Robin Lockwood (612-6180-5582) or Debbie Ries (425-530-6384).  Name tags are $7.00 each and pet memorial plaques are $8.00. Cash is preferred by our vendor.

Nature in Esperanza Estates

Owl Life

From Janet Shown

Our EE neighbor, Janet Shown, has been patiently observing a pair of Great Horned Owls in our Esperanza Estates neighborhood. The owls have been affectionately named Hootie and Blowfish after the 1990s band. Janet has been able to capture some fascinating "owl life" moments....her comments and pictures are below. Thanks for sharing your exciting experience, Janet!

"One morning at dawn, I heard Hootie and Blowfish calling to each other. I grabbed my camera phone and was lucky enough to start taking a video when one of them swooped down toward the ground in a nearby park. I was shooting into the sun and walking, (hence, the video clip is blurry and shaky) and it took me a moment to find the owl again. I didn't realize that it had been flushing out a fox until, from the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of fur scrambling up the tree. I gasped audibly as the owl dove into the tree branches after the animal, which I assumed at the time was a cat. The owl flew back out of the tree and onto a rooftop, and I walked slowly toward it murmuring "You can't have that cat," knowing the owl would fly back up to it's perch in the palm. I understand that nature requires killing, but I didn't want to see it; especially when I thought that it may be someone's cherished pet. But when I went back to the mesquite tree, I discovered the most adorable, dainty young fox panting in a tangle of branches. I sat with her for about 20 minutes to assure that the owl didn't chase her again, and after a short time, she lazily closed her eyes for a nap and I went home for the same.

"All that day, I thought it was Hootie that had chased the fox. It wasn't until the next day that I chanced to see Hootie tucked into a feathery nest in a tree easily visible from the tall palm, where Blowfish was closely watching her. I suddenly understood that Blowfish had been protecting the nest and his hunting grounds below it when he chased the fox away. Foxes are well known to steal bird and even chicken eggs, as well as to hunt young birds. The fox would also be attracted to small rodents that would be in the area below the tree, perhaps scavenging morsels from Hootie's overhead meals. So, I realized that the hunted fox was actually a hunter herself, and Blowfish was merely safeguarding his territory. These lessons in nature never cease to amaze me, and I feel profoundly blessed to witness them."

To see Janet's videos, click on "Hootie and Blowfish 2024".

We'd love to see your photos of the nature you see in Esperanza Estates. Please send them over to Judy Hayes, jkhayes70@gmail.com and

John Nesavich, jnesavich@gmail.com.

Caring Connections

We're Saving Pull Tabs

From Lynn Theder

Last week, I delivered our saved pull tabs from aluminum cans to Sahuarita Intermediate School 3rd-4th grade. The school is now collecting the tabs for the Ronald McDonald house. There is a competition among schools for tab collecting. At the end of the year, the schools participating will send the tabs they've collected to be weighed. The principal and office staff were so appreciative of our contribution.

Please continue to bring your pull tabs to the Ramada. Lynn will deliver them again before the end of the school year.

Source: Irish Jokes

Please send your neighborhood pictures, jokes, suggestions, and comments to

Judy Hayes, jkhayes70@gmail.com, 720-201-9260 and

John Nesavich, jnesavich@gmail.com, 303-880-3261

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