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RoadrunnerThe Roadrunner is published twice a month by the Rio Verde Community Association

Rio Verde’s Website www.rioverdearizona.com

Next Roadrunner DeadlineNoon Monday, May 8

RVCA May Board Meeting: 2 p.m. Thursday, May 18 The minutes of the April Board Meeting are attached

Club News Click Here

Good News!Rio Verde has achieved recertification as an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. Many thanks to all the committee members and residents who made this possible.

Next Issue May 12 Issue No. 17-9 - April 28, 2017

Let’s Celebrate...Goodbye Spring Hello Summer Friday, May 5All residents, friends and guests are invited to join the celebration on Friday, May 5, when Rio Verde says goodbye to Spring...and hello to Summer!Morning Golf TournamentThe Cinco de Mayo festivities will start with a 9 a.m. Shotgun Golf Tournament open to all residents. Your handicap will determine the number of clubs you can use. To sign up call the Golf Shop at 471-9420.Evening Dinner PartyThe fun will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Club with a fiesta dinner of mini ceviche tostadas, carne asada tacos, tequila lime shrimp skewers and a churro station. Also enjoy live music by the Cactus Wine Band.Reservations & CostsCost is $35++ - If you are playing golf in the morning, there will be an additional $5 charge for prizes. Social members playing in the Cinco de Mayo Tournament will pay the cart fee. See Golf Shop for full details.Come Join the Celebration Remember the golf tournament and dinner are open to all residents (Club social and golf members). See you at the Club!

Get Ready for Another Great Rio Verde SummerAs the 2016-2017 Season winds down the Summer Season is heating up! The Rio Verde Summer Team is planning:●Monthly Potlucks May through September ●Bingo Happy Hour●Baseball Outing to Chase Field●Sunrise Putting & Brunch●Weekly Water Volleyball Games●Weekly Twilight Golf●And of course, the Club will continue its popular Wednesday Experience NightsFor details see page 3Want To HelpIf you would like to join the Summer Planning Team or need more information call Carol Scheuing at 471-7393 or Linda Hefter at 471-2190.

Rio Verde

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The Roadrunner is published twice a month by

The Rio Verde Community AssociationEditor: Linda HefterAssociation Staff:

Doris Findling, Connie Sauter & Angelita Vargas

Rio Verde is an Active Adult Community for Persons Age 55 and Older

New Bench Honors the Masons: Check out the new bench in the garden adjacent to the Post Office parking lot that was donated to the RVCA by the children of Bob & Dottie Mason. Above Bob & Dottie try out their bench.

From the Rio Verde Community Association...Community Center Pool Hours: The Community Center Pool is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. (Note: The opening time is 6 a.m. to give the pool cleaners time to work before swimmers arrive.) The new pool security system was activated Apr. 19 which means you now need a key fob to open the pool gates. If you have not picked up your key fobs, stop by the RVCA Office. Fitness Center Hours:The Fitness Center is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Be sure to exit the Community Center before 10 p.m. when the doors are automatically locked and the security motion detectors are activated.Summer Street Maintenance Starting in May:Seal coating is scheduled for May 22, 23 & 24. Removal and replacement work will start on Friday, May 5, and be completed by Thursday, May 18. See the attached schedule and map on pages 9 & 10 for a complete list of streets and scheduling details. Questions? E-mail: rioverdestreets@gmail.com or call Greg Harvey at 612-325-7061. Greg is Chair of the RVCA Streets & Drainage Committee.

Weeds Begone...Let’s Keep Rio Verde Beautiful All SummerThe RVCA Property & Appearance Committee urges all residents to contact their landscaper or hire a weed control service before they leave town for the summer. To meet the goal of a weed free summer Rio Verde needs the cooperation of all residents. You may take a vacation but the weeds never do!Take a minute to inspect your property taking special notice of the areas along the street and walls. If your yard looks like the one in the photo, it is time to take action. Please ask your house watcher and/or landscaper to check your property regularly. Many residents use a weed control service which checks your property every month for weeds and applies an annual pre-emergent to slow weed growth. For the names of weed control services call the RVCA Office at 471-2068.

Our Community...Thank You from Jan Rocchio: “Many thanks to the wonderful and caring residents of the Verde communities. Your cards and notes to the Rocchio family during Vic’s illness and passing were very much appreciated. A special thanks to VerdeCares for their guidance, transportation assists and visits over the last two years.”

Time To Trim Your Palm TreesPalm trees need to be trimmed once a year and the best time for trimming is now. Starting June 1, landscaper Mike Johnson is renting a crane and lift and will trim Rio Verde trees for $60 a tree. To get your name on Mike’s list, call the RVCA Office at 471-2068 by June 15. Note: Many landscapers also trim palm trees. Mike Johnson will be available to remove unwanted palm trees later in June and early July.

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FYI...Rio Verde Library Update: Book Donations: If you have 15 or more books to donate to the Rio Verde Library, please call librarians Jane Dietz 480-250-1376 or Julie Pappas 480-219-1649 to arrange a drop-off time. Please limit donations to books in good shape and not yellowed with age.1000+ Piece Puzzles: Due to limited space 1000 piece puzzles are not kept in the Library but at the home of Merideth Hale who has graciously offered to store the large puzzles. To borrow a large size puzzle, call Merideth at 471-1003. She has a great variety to share. DAR Thank YouThe Four Peaks Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution thank all the Rio Verde residents who support the Box Top program. This program helps fund educational programs for several schools in the Appalachian Mountain Region for which this assistance is vital. Thank you for your continued interest and support. The Box Top collection box is in the Post Office.

Marathon Bridge Anyone?The Ladies Monthly Marathon Bridge group is recruiting new members for the 2017-2018 season.The group meets at the Club on the second Thursday, November through March, for a fun-filled day of bridge and lunch. Twenty hands are played in the morning starting at 9 a.m. and 20 hands with a different opponent in the afternoon. Currently, six teams have indicated an interest in participating next season, but in order to run a successful marathon, we need a minimum of 10 teams. If you are interested in joining, call Carol Kilbourne at 471-8179 or email klibyj@att.net.

Water Volleyball Starts Tuesday, May 2Spread the word, Water Volleyball at the Community Center Pool resumes at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. Come play or watch and stay for a fun evening of drinks, snacks and hors d'oeuvres. Don’t forget no glass is allowed at the pool. Water Volleyball will continue every Tuesday throughout the summer. Questions? Call Dwaine & Mary Jo Abbe at 513-225-7059.

Mark Your Calendar...

Summer Fun in Rio VerdeThe Summer Team is hosting a wide variety of events and activities for another Great Rio Verde Summer. Mark your calendar and watch for event details in the May 12 Roadrunner. Questions? Call Carol Scheuing at 471-7393 or Linda Hefter at 471-2190.●Monthly Potlucks: Starting Tuesday, May 25The popular summer potlucks will kick off on Thursday, May 25, with a special evening of cocktails, dinner and entertainment.●Happy Hour Bingo: Thursday, June 1Bring your own drinks and an appetizer to share - 5 to 7:30 p.m.●Baseball Outing to Chase Field: Sunday, July 9Everyone in the Verdes is invited to sign up for a Baseball Outing on Sunday, July 9, to see the Diamondbacks play the Reds. Tickets are $16 each and can be reserved by calling Dwaine & Mary Jo Abbe at 513-225-7059. The group will take the Light Rail and stop in Tempe for dinner on the way home.●Sunrise Putting & Brunch: Thursday, Aug. 31The Sunrise 18-hole event will be held on Tonto Verde’s Putting Course. Following putting, a potluck brunch is planned on the Rio Verde Community Association Patio.●Water Volleyball: Every Tuesday, Starting May 2Come to play or watch at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday starting May 2. Following play, stay for a fun evening of drinks, snacks and hors d'oeuvres poolside.●Wednesday on the Tables: Every Wednesday, Starting May 24Enjoy an afternoon of 8-Ball and/or Ping Pong from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday afternoon May 23 through Sept. 20.Twilight Golf: Every Saturday Starting June 39-Hole Scramble starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by Dinner at the Club.

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WGA Season Highlights...Anne Lewis, the 2016-2017 WGA president, welcomed and thanked all WGA Members for participating in the closing event on Apr. 18. At the luncheon & meeting following golf, Board members recapped all the year's events and awards were presented to WGA members by Kay Burke:★Sue Neubauer, Sharon Roeder and Cheryl Gross for Hole-in-Ones and Jane Wick who had a Hole-in-One at another club and received a certificate from the AWGA.  ★Medallion pins were presented to Charla Smith for Low Gross and Nancy Werner for Low Net. ★The Most Improved Golfer Award for 2016-2017 was won by Marie Kohr. ★Awards for Match Play Champions were presented to Lou Gibbs and Bobbi Hatfield. ★Trophies were presented to Nancy Werner for winning as Club Champion in Stroke Play and Barb Frommelt for Over-All Low Net in the tournament.★Kay Burke also announced that there were 71 Birdies posted this season and Broke Awards were given to Grace Vos for breaking 100 and Kirsten Sundahl and Wendy Loeb for breaking 90.  WGA Board MembersAnne also thanked retiring board members Nancy Segee, Bobbi Hatfield, Patti Rogers and Debbie Brown. The new WGA Board members for 2017-2018 are: Cathy Hunt, Nancy Tilson, Sharon VanderPoel and Jane Wick. Kay Burke presented a Marc Jacobs watch to Anne Lewis in appreciation for her achievements as WGA president.  Julie Fraser will take over as the WGA president for the 2017-2018 season.   Thank you Anne for leading us in a great 2016-2017 season!

WGA Swinging Safari...The WGA wrapped up it's season on Apr. 18 with a Swinging Safari Scramble on Quail Run.  Winning teams were paid out through 7th place with first place going to the team of Cathy Hunt, Debi Shinn, Barbara Baker and Debbie Luczynski.  All other winning teams and Closest to the Pin awards can be viewed on ForeTees. 

2016-2017 WGA Tournament Winners: Left to Right - Lou Gibbs, Marie Kohr, Charla Smith, Sharon Roeder, Barb Frommelt and Nancy Werner.  Not pictured, Bobbi Hatfield.

Let’s Dine at the Club... Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. dailyDinner: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday No Dinner on SundaySunday Breakfast Buffet: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - $12.99++ Wednesday Experience Nights:May 3 - Greek NightMay 10 - All American Grill NightHappy Hour3 to 5 p.m. Monday-FridayMother’s Day Brunch: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 14 Questions & Take Out: Call 471-1050Reservations: 471-0963 or reservations@rioverdecc.com

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Things To Do...Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera at the Heard Museum:Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see firsthand masterpieces by two of the most important and recognizable artists of the 20th century. The exhibit, at the Heard Museum through Aug. 20, features 33 paintings and drawings plus more than 50 photographs and clothing and jewelry of the style and region that Frida Kahlo chose to wear. This is the only North American stop on a world tour. For more information visit www.heard.org.

Estate Planning, Charitable & Investment Seminar: June 6Please join Bank of Arizona and the American Cancer Society for an afternoon of cocktails and appetizers at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, in the Club Sundance Room. Information will be shared about common estate planning, charitable and investment mistakes and how to avoid them.  Presenters will be Cynthia Bozik, J.D.,  Senior Vice President and Trust Manager at Bank of Arizona; Nicole Hill, Director of Estate and Gift Planning at American Cancer Society; Justin Vandegriff, CFA, CAIA, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Bank of Arizona.  Ms. Bozik is the daughter of Rio Verde resident, Dottie Bozik.Bank of Arizona is planning to host a few events throughout the year to provide opportunities to learn and ask questions.Please RSVP by May 30 to Ellen Cortinas at 480-596-4352 or ECortinas@bankofarizona.com.

Tennis Club Championships: The Rio Verde Tennis Club’s mixed doubles championship winners are June Jones and Gary Smith (left). Ann Dodd and Mike Caryl finished in second place.The men’s and women’s finals will be tomorrow, Saturday Apr. 29. Come and watch the competition beginning around 8:30 a.m.

Do You Like to Hike?The Verdes Hiking Guide has been updated and printed compliments of the Friends of McDowell Park. It describes some local hikes, hikes within a few hours drive of the Verdes and provides driving and trail directions as well as difficulty and distance ratings. Some photos of the wonderful vistas and a few of our fellow neighborhood hikers are also included to entice you to give the trails a try.If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the guide, call Mary Derby at 471-0168. Cost is $5. All proceeds benefit the Friends of McDowell Park. For questions please contact Diane Newcomb Conway at 471-6258 or email dnewcomb1957@cox.net . 

Let’s Get Moving...May Exercise ClassesWater Workout: 10 to 11 a.m. M-W-F (8:15 to 9:15 a.m. at Tonto) Men’s Strength & Flexibility Training: 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. T-Th-SaActive Seniors Chair Class: 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. T-Th-Sa Yoga for All Levels: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. M & W and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. SaturdayLadies Combo Low Impact Aerobics, Strength, Balance & Flexibility: 6:45 to 8 a.m. M-W-F

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Easter Saturday Fun in Rio Verde...Easter Saturday was a special day in Rio Verde with the CRC Easter Egg Hunt at noon and the Saturday In the Park Celebration in the afternoon. Here’s some photo highlights...

CRC Thanks Fire District: CRC President Marlys Gahn recently presented a check to Fire Chief Jay Ducote in appreciation for all Jay and his staff do for Rio Verde. Pictured with the Chief and Marlys are Captain Roggenstein, Firefighter Staples and Engineer Hughes.

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Time for Thanks...This season two Cookouts for the benefit of Reigning Grace Ranch were held at the Rio Verde Ranch. These cookouts were attended by over 500 of our Rio/Tonto friends, neighbors and their families and guests. Tonto’s own Evonne Evans (Doc of Rock) and Dave Karl entertained our littlest dancers and older line and swing dancers alike.The success of the two evenings was made possible because of the hard work and committed Rio Verde and Tonto Verde volunteers. Rio Verde VolunteersFranca LidbackCarol JamesCherie James ZauharTeri James PollnowDick FraserCurt OlsonElisabeth GrauersMary DerbyTonto Verde VolunteersJim Campney & granddaughter CaseyDick GrawDan LeClercBernie and Jerri Dann & grandson StephenTom and Michelle MulleadyRod MuilenburgSteve and Sue LongPaul and Judy DorwartBob and Diane DietscheJenny LidbackGilly RampanelliTed and Gayle Petrowich Ann NealRon and Maggie McMillan’s grandson, Dustin GarryThank You from... Ron & Maggie McMillan

Neighbors Helping NeighborsI would like to share a note of gratitude from a neighbor who has recently used our volunteer services. Thank you to everyone in the Verdes and Foothills for making it possible for VerdeCares to be here for our neighbors in need. Thank You From a Friend in the Rio Verde Foothills“I’m not one to ask people for help as I have lived alone for many years. But things change as I find myself home alone with hospice to fight my cancer diagnosis. Your help has been life-changing for me. You guys are angels. Please thank your handyman, Alan, who stopped by yesterday to fix my screen door. I appreciate all the volunteer delivered meals and groceries. I haven’t had much of an appetite but since you have been delivering the meals that smell so good, they have increased my appetite. Ashley, the hospice nurse, said that she thinks I can beat this cancer. I do believe that God is with me and have faith that He will heal me. Your visits are inspiring and encouraging, they mean so much to me and my healing. I cannot possibly begin to thank you enough. So I will just pray that God continues to bless VerdeCares. I can’t wait to attend the next cancer sharing meeting with you next week and appreciate the ride. I’m looking forward to getting out of the house and talking with others living with cancer. Thanks again for everything.”Office Open All SummerVerdeCares--We exist because of you and for you. We are here all summer for residents who might need our help. Need more information or help call the VerdeCares Office at 471-8944.Thank You To all our Volunteers and Supporters Thank you to all our volunteers for your time and talents to support our neighbors in need and to all who support our mission here in the Verdes through your donations. Vicki Beseke, Executive Director, VerdeCares Inc.

Please Help...End of the Season Food Drive

For Extended Hands Food BankAs you get ready to leave Rio Verde for the summer or just a short vacation, please take a minute to clean out your cupboards and donate unopened dry goods and canned goods to the Extended Hands Food Bank in Fountain Hills. Collection bins are in the Rio Verde Post Office lobby and the Community Church narthex. All donations are sincerely needed and much appreciated. Extended Hands Food Bank is an Arizona 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. Questions? Call Mary Derby at 471-0168.

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Torch Cactus Puts On Spectacular Spring Showby Noelle JohnsonThe arrival of spring sparks the transformation of cacti throughout the landscape as they burst forth in bloom. Cholla, prickly pear and even saguaro cacti show off their lovely flowers in mid to late spring. In addition to these somewhat common types of cactuses, there is another type whose blooms are nothing short of spectacular.Trichocereus and Echinopsis CactiTrichocereus, as well as Echinopsis cacti, are prized for their large, brightly-colored flowers. Commonly referred to as Torch Cactus, many of these cactuses are somewhat unremarkable in appearance throughout most of the year until the month of April, when flower buds begin to form.Argentine GiantArgentine Giant (Echinopsis candicans) is the most popular type of Torch Cactus in our area, and its white blossoms are quite beautiful. There are, however, other types with red, orange, pink, and yellow flowers available. Native to South America, most of these cactuses are somewhat small, averaging 1 to 2 feet tall, and often consist of a single stem. Over the years, they have been hybridized by cactus breeders, creating delightful color combinations from vibrant red to orange tinged with dark pink. How to GrowTorch Cactuses do best in light filtered shade such as underneath a mesquite or palo verde tree. They can handle full, morning sun as long as they have some shade in the afternoon. While they can survive being watered monthly March through September, they may flower more often throughout the season in response to being irrigated twice a month. Fertilize in March with a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote®.Can Be Grown in ContainersLike many types of cactuses, Torch Cacti can be grown in containers, but will need to be watered a little more frequently – every ten days spring through early fall. Protect from javelina and rabbits by creating a chicken wire cage or planting within a courtyard. For More InformationYou can usually find these blooming beauties at nurseries that specialize in cactus. For more information about these colorful cactuses, check out the following link: http://www.tucsoncactus.org/html/growing_succulents_in_the_desert_column_May_2010.html

For More InformationNoelle Johnson is a horticulturists, certified arborist, garden writer and landscape consultant. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Noelle at 480-415-8641 or email arizonaplantlady@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.azplantlady.com.

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RIO VERDE SUMMER 2017 STREET MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

REMOVE & REPLACE May 5 – May 18

The following streets will have their pavements removed and replaced this summer. The work will begin on May 5, 2017:

Agave Road ● Tonto Trail North (Bolero Bend to Falcon Circle)Falcon Circle ● Wiki Way

Forest Road (Bolero Bend 1090' North, North Villas) May 5 – Roll back landscaping and lower utilities. All streets will remain open for this work.

May 8 – May 12 – Pulverize, grading and compaction. The streets will remain open during thisprocess but you could experience some delays in getting a vehicle inor out. The pulverizing will start approximately 6:00 AM on May 8.

May 15 – Paving – Tonto Trail No (Falcon Circle to Bolero Bend), Falcon Circle and North Villas

May 16 – Paving – Wiki Way and Agave Circle

Roads will be CLOSED the day of paving from 6:00 AM until at least 6:00 AM the following day.

Wiki Way and Agave Circle will also be closed May 9 for lime treatment.

May 17 & 18 – Restore landscape and raise utilities.

There will be no trash pickup on the above streets Friday, May 19

SEAL COATING May 22 - May 24Note: On the day of seal coating the streets will be closed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the following day Alondra Way - 5/22 & 24 Primo Circle - 5/22 Bravo Lane - 5/22 & 23 Rio Lane - 5/23 El Prado - 5/22 Sevilla Lane - 5/22 Latigo Circle - 5/24 Stirrup Lane - 5/23 Latigo Lane - 5/24 Trails End - 5/23 Marquis Lane - 5/23 Via Esquina - 5/24 Mazatzal Circle (Poco Rio to Trails End) - 5/23 Via Esquina Cul de Sac - 5/24 Paseo Verde 5/23 & 5/24 Buckskin Court (East Cul de Sac) - 5/22 Vado Court (South of Paseo Verde) - 5/23

For further clarification please consult the color coded map on the next page

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Summer 2017Street Work Schedule

Map