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

Next Issue November 4

Rio Verde’s Website www.rioverdearizona.com Next Roadrunner Deadline Noon Monday, October 31

Issue No. 16-18 - October 21, 2016

RVCA Board Meeting:

Mountain Lion Sighted in Rio Verde!

Minutes of the Oct. 20 Board meeting will be attached to next issue.

AZ Game & Fish Dept. are investigating reports of a mountain lion in Rio Verde. If you take a photo, please send to RVCA Office.

Happy Halloween...

Show of Paws Pet Parade: Saturday Oct. 29 Rio Verde’s Halloween festivities will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 29, with a very special Pet Parade from the Community Center to Fore Peaks Real Estate Office. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Parade registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Community Center parking lot. Come early and enjoy coffee and donuts while getting to know Rio Verde’s dogs and their owners. The parade will step off at 10 a.m. proceeding down Danny Lane, left on Avenida Del Ray and ending at the Fore Peaks parking lot on the corner of Forest and Avenida where the Fore Peaks sales staff will be serving Mimosas and doggie treats! Prizes will be awarded for best pet costume, best combo costume of pet & owner, most creative costume and best behaved pet & owner.

Sign Up in Post Office or Community Center The Halloween Pet Parade is being organized by the Rio Verde K-9ers Pet Club. Sign up in the Community Center or Post Office. Questions? Call Chris Gelb at 471-2239. Special thanks to Parade sponsors Fore Peaks Sales Group and Husse: Pet Nutrition of Scottsdale.

Halloween Spooktacular - Monday, Oct. 31 Special Fall Dinner at the Club - $16.99++ Costumes Encouraged Halloween Cookies & Candy Bag for Dessert Reservations: 471-0963 Rio Verde Community Association

CRC Plant Sale: Wednesday, Nov. 2 The Community Relations Committee (CRC) will kick off the Fall Season with its popular Plant Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, Wednesday, Nov. 2, in the Community Center parking lot.   As in past years, the sale will include everything you need to plant a beautiful garden including a wide selection of annuals and perennials plus hanging baskets and bowls of colorful flowers, potting soil and frost cloth. Pre-ordered plants will be available for pick up on the day of the sale. Everyone is encouraged to come support this important annual CRC event.

Need Help? Horticulturist Noelle Johnson will be available during the Plant Sale to answer questions about desert gardening and to help with plant selection. (Note: Noelle writes a monthly column for the Roadrunner.) 1

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2017 RVCA Nominating Committee

Mark Your Calendar...

If you are interested in serving on the 2017 Rio Verde Community Association Nominating Committee, contact the RVCA Office by Wednesday, Nov. 9. The Board will appoint five nominating committee members at the Nov. 17 Board meeting. According to the RVCA Bylaws, the chair must be a current Board member.

Participation in this year's Annual Verdes Firewise Day, scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Community Center will be a valuable experience for all Verdes residents.

Our Community... Rio Verde Post Office Hours:

Starting Tuesday, Nov. 1, the Post Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Outgoing mail will continue to be picked up at the outside box at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Check the Local Weather: Vince

Zarlengo on Gemmill Drive reports that his weather station is up and running. For an up to the minute check of Rio Verde weather go to www.Wunderground.com and enter zip code 85263. You will be directed to “Rio Verde Unit 12.”

With Sympathy: The Association is saddened to learn of the death of long time resident Dick Hansen. The Association is also saddened to learn of the death of Jerry Fickes Jr., son of Jerry & Donna Fickes. A senior fire fighter in Wilmington, DE, Jerry died fighting a home fire in late September. His heroic service was remembered by Vice President Joe Biden and hundreds of firefighters from across the country. The Roadrunner is published twice a month by The Rio Verde Community Association Editor: Linda Hefter Association Staff: Doris Findling, Connie Sauter & Angelita Vargas Rio Verde is an Active Adult Community for Persons Age 55 and Older 2

Firewise Day: Saturday, Nov. 12

The meeting agenda will include reports by Eb Scheuing of Rio Verde and Tom Mulleady of Tonto Verde on this year's Verdes Firewise activities and on Verdes Wildfire Protection, Inc.  Fire Chief Jay Ducote will discuss fire protection in the Verdes and state and federal presenters will report on this year's fire season. There will also be a raffle and silent auction to support our 501(c)(3) tax exempt Verdes Wildfire Protection Inc. that funds our annual wildfire boundary maintenance program. 

Rio Verde Fire District News... New Fire District Ambulance After a long anticipated wait, the Rio Verde Fire District has received delivery of its new Horton Fire Rescue Ambulance. The ambulance was delivered in early September and after installation of additional equipment the unit was registered and inspected by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The new ambulance passed all the necessary requirements with flying colors on Oct. 5 and is now in service for the community. The Rio Verde Fire District was awarded a Certificate of Necessity (CON) on Nov. 10, 2015 by the Department of Health Services to provide ambulance service for the residents of the Fire District. For additional information contact Deputy Chief Eric Merrill at 480-471-2304 or [email protected].

Retirement Party for Captain Heinz: Friday, Oct. 28 All Verde residents are invited to a Pancake Breakfast at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at the Fire Department to celebrate the retirement of Captain John Heinz. The breakfast, marking John’s 33 years of dedicated service to the Rio Verde Fire District, will be cooked and served by his fellow firefighters. No advance reservations are required. Please park at the Community Church.

CPR/AED Classes: Next Class Saturday, Nov 5 The Rio Verde Fire District has resumed free monthly CPR/AED training classes for Verde residents, renters and guests. All classes meet in the Rio Verde Community Center Multi-Function Room. 2016-2017 dates are: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4 and Apr. 1. To register for a class call the Fire District Office at 471-2304. Rio Verde Community Association

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Things To Do... Dog Life in the Desert: Friday, Oct. 28

Did you know that there are more than 80 miles of hiking trails in the McDowell Regional Park, Rio Verde’s next door neighbor?

Let’s Hike...

2016-2017 Verdes Hiking Schedule John Burke, Kathy Fridovich, Doug Lindsay and Jim Urban invite you to hike with them this season. Nine Verde hikes are planned starting on Friday, Nov. 11. ( See the schedule below.)

Help Clean Up McDowell Mountain Road Help get the hiking season off to a good start by volunteering to clean up McDowell Mountain Road on Saturday, Nov. 5. Meet at 7:30 a.m. on the Rio Verde Community Center patio for pick-up of supplies and carpooling to the Hikers Adopt-a-Mile section.

Hiking Schedule: ●Friday, Nov. 11: 8 a.m. with Jim Urban Season Warmup on Verde Trail/North Loop in McDowell Mountain Park ●Thursday, Nov. 17: 8 a.m. with Kathy Fridovich Massacre Grounds in Superstition Mountains ●Friday, Dec. 9: 9 a.m. with Jim Urban & John Burke Seven Springs in Tonto National Forest North of Cave Creek (two routes) ●Thursday, Jan. 19: 9 a.m. with Jim Urban & John Burke Brown’s Ranch Trailhead to Granite Mountain Trailhead via Cathedral Rock and Balancing Rock in McDowell Sonoran Preserve (crossing hike with car key exchange) ●Friday, Feb. 3: 9 a.m. with Jim Urban Azatlan Hike East to the River from Rio Verde ●Thursday, Feb. 16: 8 a.m. with Kathy Fridovich & Doug Lindsay Lost Dog Trailhead East in McDowell Sonoran Preserve (crossing hike) ●Friday, Mar. 3: 8 a.m. with Doug Lindsay Shaw Butte Trail in Phoenix Mountain Preserve ●Thursday, Mar. 16: 8 a.m. with Jim Urban Wildflower Hike-Location to be determined ●Thursday, Apr. 6: 8 a.m. with Kathy Fridovich & Doug Lindsay Near Superstition Mountains (two routes) Rio Verde Community Association

Attention Dog Owners! Mark your calendar for this informative talk by Elisabeth Grauers, retired certified veterinary technician and new Rio Verde resident, at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, in the Community Center. Elisabeth will discuss the dangers of heatstroke, poisonous snakes, toads and vegetation and people food. She will also cover basic first aid and the use of over-the-counter medications. In case of an emergency, call Elisabeth at 520-678-2864.

Line Dancing for Fun: Tuesdays Through Nov. 15 Dust off your boots and head to the Community Center at 4 p.m. Tuesdays for Fall Fun Line Dancing Classes. The class will meet every Tuesday afternoon through Nov. 15 in the Dance Studio. After the holidays, classes will resume on Jan. 17. Questions? Carol Scheuing at 471-7393.

Sit and Stitch: Every Tuesday If you enjoy doing handwork of any kind, check out the newly formed Sit and Stitch group which meets every Tuesday morning in the Community Center Card Room. Drop by any time between 9 a.m. and noon. All stitchers are welcome. Questions? Contact Tonie Lindenberger, 480-361-8958.

Wood Carvers: Every Thursday Rio Verde’s Wood Carvers meet from 1 to 3 p.m. every Thursday in the Community Center Art Studio. All interested residents are invited to join them. Beginners are welcome. Questions? Tom Cutcliffe at 471-8165. 3

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Election Information General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 8

WGA/Niners News Update...

The Rio Verde Community Center will be the local polling place for the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

State Fair Fun: The final WGA/Niners Summer Golf Event was Thursday,

Need a Ride?

Oct. 6.  A record number of lady golfers, pictured above, participated in the fun State Fair event. The highlight of the day was the on-course longest marshmallow drive. Chef Todd and crew provided a fabulous themed lunch. WGA President Anne Lewis thanked the summer events coordinators--Gail Fischer, Sue Erickson, Nancy Tilson and Kay Burke.

2016-2017 Season: Opening Day for the WGA will be Tuesday, Nov. 14, and Thursday, Nov. 16, for the Niners.  Sign up on ForeTees.

More Fun & Interesting Things To Do...

Marilou Petlowany is organizing transportation for Rio Verde residents in need of a ride to the Community Center on election day. To arrange a ride contact Marilou by Sunday, Nov. 6. Her phone number is 512-844-1145 - email [email protected].

Water Volleyball: Last Night Oct. 25

FYI...

The final evening for Water Volleyball will start at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Community Center pool. Come help celebrate the end of a fun season.

RV Utilities Public Meeting: 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24

Rio Verde Book Club: Wednesday, Oct. 26 Monthly meetings of the Book Club resume on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Meeting time in 3:30 p.m. in the Community Center. The book for discussion is Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard. The book for November is Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Everyone is welcome! Questions? Call Susie Pringle at 471-7339.

4th Annual Chili Benefit: Tuesday, Nov. 1 The 4th Annual Chili Benefit hosted by Fore Peaks Sales Group will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, in the Fore Peaks parking lot. Enjoy four of the best pots of chili you’ll ever taste!  Bring your cash and checks and cast your vote for your favorite chili team!  All proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club of Fountain Hills! 

McDowell Mountain Road Clean Up: Saturday, Nov. 5 Rio Verde hikers, dancers, tennis and pickleball players and golfers will clean up their sponsored sections of McDowell Mountain Road on Saturday, Nov. 5. Everyone is invited to help. Meet at the Community Center at 7:30 a.m. to sign in and pick up equipment. Questions? Carol Scheuing 471-7393.

Marine Corps Birthday Dinner: Thursday, Nov. 10 All Marine and their spouses are invited to the Verdes Annual Marine Corps Birthday Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Club. Cocktails will be served starting at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the traditional cake cutting. This year the Marines will be celebrating 241 years of service. For more information contact Mike Grenz at [email protected] or call 471-3384. 4

Rio Verde Utilities is holding two public meetings to discuss a proposed water rate increase. The first will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 and the second at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Both meetings will be held at the Community Church of the Verdes.  

Medicare Questions and Concerns: Friday, Nov. 4 At the request of several residents, a Transition Made Simple Educational Seminar entitled Navigating the Medicare Maze will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in the Community Center Multi-Function Room. A representative from Next Step Advisors, LLC will be available to help answer questions about your Medicare Rights, Options and Entitlements. The Medicare 2016 Annual Enrollment Period is open from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. To RSVP call 480-797-5615, seating is limited. Rio Verde Community Association

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PIckleball & Bocce News... Ribbon Cutting: Tuesday, Nov. 15 Everyone is invited to celebrate the completion of Rio Verde’s new Sports Court Complex from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15. Enjoy food, music and the opportunity to try out the new Pickleball and Bocce Courts.

New Pickleball Hours Open social play is every morning from 8 to 11 a.m. All levels of players including beginners are welcome to experience the fun of morning play. Courts can be reserved starting at 11 a.m. daily. Paddles and balls for resident and guest use are stored in boxes on the courts.

New Bocce Courts Ready for Play Come try out the two new Bocce Courts. Balls and other equipment are stored in boxes next to the courts. Watch for information about lessons and organized play.

Tennis News... 10th Annual Team Tennis Tournament; Thursday, Nov. 10. If you are a tennis player, please come and join us for a fun filled morning of tennis. This event is open to all Rio Verde residents and their guests. Participants will be placed on a team and a captain chosen. Teams will compete with each other. Lunch will be provided and prizes awarded at the conclusion of the tournament. Start time is 8:30 a.m. and the event will be completed around 1p.m.. The fee is $10 per person and non-playing spouses are invited for lunch for a fee of $5. For more information or to sign up, call Mike Davey our tennis pro at 471-7178 or visit the Tennis Pro Shop from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Sign-up closes for this event on Thursday. Nov. 3.

Beginner Tennis Lessons: Starting Nov. 9 A series of four tennis lessons will we be offered by Mike Davey, USPTA tennis pro. The classes will be held on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 9, 16, 30 & Dec. 7. Cost is $40 for the entire series. Class size will be limited to six players. Register by calling 471-7178 or stopping by the Tennis Shop by Nov. 5. An additional series of lessons may be offered if there is interest.

Rio Verde Residents & Guests Invited to Use the Courts All Rio Verde residents and visitors are encouraged to use the tennis facilities. Equipment for adults is available in the box near court 6. Mike has children’s rackets available for a nominal rental fee. He also teaches children’s lessons and has appropriate sized tennis balls for younger children. Courts are open for resident play at 10:30 a.m. daily following rated play.

Annual Tennis Membership The Tennis Club at Rio Verde welcomes everyone with tennis experience to join the Club and participate in its rated play program. The annual membership is from Nov. 1, 2016 to Oct. 31, 2017. The cost is $450 for Rio Verde residents. Membership includes organized play (rated and open) for men and women plus the opportunity to play in mixers and special events. Women organized play is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Men play on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. For more information or to join, call Mike Davey at 471-7178 or stop by the Tennis Pro Shop. Rio Verde Community Association

At the Club... Mark Your Calendar: Happy Hour: 3 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Fish Fry: Every Monday in October Mac-n-Cheese Experience Night: Wednesday, Oct. 26 Halloween Spooktacular: Monday, Oct. 31 Season Kick Off Party: Thursday, Nov. 3

Tips & Sips: All residents are invited to sign up for Sips & Tips. Come learn to play golf or brush up on your game from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, or Tuesday, Nov. 22. Cost per person is $20 which includes an hour lesson with a pro, rental clubs if needed and a speciality cocktail. To reserve a spot call the Golf Shop at 471-9420.

Starting in November: ●Starbucks open daily 6 to 10 a.m. ●Lunch will be available every day ●Dinner will be served Monday through Saturday ●On Sunday breakfast 10 a.m. to 1 p.m and lunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ●Pizza will continue to be available on Saturday evening Watch for details!

Reservations: Reservations are strongly suggested for dinner and all Club special events. Call 471-0963 or email [email protected]. You can also make reservations online at www.rioverdearizona.com. Log into the Member Only side.

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FYI... Water Class Time Change Starting Wednesday, Nov. 2, the Rio Verde Water Class will meet from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Cost is $40 per month or $5 per class.

Verdes Art League Fall Craft & Art Show: Saturday, Nov. 19 Tonto Verde is the site for this year’s popular Verdes Art League Fall Craft & Art Show. Show hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Tonto Clubhouse. The Craft & Art Show will feature the talent and creativity of 31 Verde artists working in a wide variety of mediums including oil, acrylic and watercolors, wood work and ceramics. In addition there will be note cards, Thanksgiving and Christmas décor, beadweaving, gourd art, jewelry, pillows, handbags, coloring books, fused glass, tiles, quilts, bronze sculptures, porcelain dolls, knit items, golf ball markers, and much more.

Let’s Learn to Dance...

Ballroom Lessons Begin on Nov. 9 & Nov. 11 The Ballroom Dance season begins with a five week Brush Up Session starting on Nov. 9 and Nov. 11 in the Community Center Multi-Function Room. Pay $90 a couple for all five lessons or $20 a couple on pay-as-you-go basis. Sign up beginning Nov. 1st in the Community Center Office. (Note: No classes will be held during Thanksgiving week.)

Wednesday Classes: Nov. 9, 16, 30 & Dec. 7 & 14 Basic I Class (for first timers): 6 p.m. Intermediate Class: 7 p.m.

Friday Classes: Nov. 11 & 18 and Dec. 2, 9 & 16 Basic II Class: 6 p.m. Intermediate Class: 7 p.m.

Private/Semi-Private Lessons Instructor Roger Allen also offers private and semi-private lessons. For information call 602-545-5435

Dance Party: Saturday, Nov. 12 Everyone is invited to the first Dance Party of the 2016-2017 season from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, in the Community Center. Cost is $10 a person. Bring your own drinks and glasses and an appetizer or sweet to share. Come for fun, dancing, tasty food and the opportunity to meet new friends. You do not have to be a class member to come to the Dance Parties. Questions? Contact Ruth Orton at [email protected]. 6

Note: Rio Verde residents are also welcome to attend the Tonto Verde Water Class which will meet from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday starting Nov. 2. Cost for the Tonto class is $50 per month or $6 per class. Questions? Call Kirsten Sundahl at 471-3365 or Linda Hefter at 471-2190.

CRC News: November Events: The Community Relations Committee has two big events in November. The first is the Plant & Blossom Sale on Wednesday, Nov. 2, (see page 1). The second event is the Bake Sale & Raffle on Saturday, Nov. 19. Watch for details in the Nov. 4 Roadrunner.

Pictorial Directories: If you had

your photo taken for the Community Pictorial Directory and did not receive your free copy in the spring, call Josie Wamer, at 471-4345 or email   [email protected].  Arrangements will be made to get a directory to you.

Baby Furniture Program: It’s not too early to request items from CRC’s large inventory of children's car seats, pac-n-plays, small toys,  high chairs, strollers and more. In addition to items for young visitors, CRC has rollaway beds and adult and children's bikes. Request forms are available in the Post Office window box.  Questions?  Contact Betsy Stambaugh, Beth Evans or Gail Von Drashek. Rio Verde Community Association

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Health & Wellness News... With Kelly Barnes...Starting Nov. 3

Movement Class/Individual Sessions/Therapeutic Massage Come learn how to move properly and clean up faulty movement patterns. The small group classes and individual sessions focus on learning how to loosen tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles through corrective movement exercises. Last Spring, many in the class struggled with shoulder and hip issues and we found that integrating focused therapeutic massage can help in restoring proper function. Starting in November, we will offer area-specific massage and work together with Rio Verde Massage Therapist Theresa Dunn for full body massage sessions. Each Thursday session will uncover improper movement patterns and why you may be experiencing pain, discomfort and tightness. Small Group Classes are available from 9 to 10 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m. most Thursdays in the Community Center Dance Studio. First session class dates are Nov. 3 & 17 and Dec. 1, 8 & 15. Cost is $35 per class or $150 for five classes. Individual Sessions are available by appointment after 11 a.m. on Thursdays. Cost is $40 for a ½ hour, and $75 for an hour private session. Focused Therapeutic Massage sessions are available to address specific issues-$20 for 20 minutes, $30 for 30 minutes. For more information, to reserve a spot or be added to the Rio Verde mailing list for upcoming classes or openings, contact Kelly Barnes at [email protected] or 480-606-8462. 

Living Green in the Verdes...$50 Giveaway! Kick the Salt with a Portable Exchange Water Softener The Living Green in the Verdes Committee is sponsoring a seminar at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Community Center Multi-Function to explain the advantages of portable exchange (PE) type water softeners. Paul Miller, Chair of the RVCC Greens/Grounds Committee, will discuss how the salinity from traditional water softeners damages the golf course turf which is watered with reprocessed waste water. Paul will also discuss the cost to counter salinity damage to the golf courses. A portable exchange (PE) water softener has lots of advantages and is the smart, environmentally conscious way to enjoy all the benefits of soft water with no equipment to buy or maintain, no heavy salt bags to buy or carry, plus it eliminates the sodium or potassium discharge to our waste water treatment facility. Rayne Water Conditioning representative, Rick Greene, will be available to discuss the portable exchange (PE) water softener advantages and rental program. Rayne Water can provide newly recharged PE units on a monthly exchange basis for as little as $39.25 + tax per month for both seasonal and full-time residents. Rayne Water is offering free installation for homeowners converting from a conventional softener to a PE unit. In addition, the RVCA Living Green Committee will offer a $50 incentive to the first 10 homeowners to convert their conventional softener to a PE type unit. Questions?? Call Ken Peterson at 471-7905 or 810-938-1236. Rio Verde Community Association

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Reigning Grace Ranch Open House: Nov. 5 Want to learn more about the work of Reigning Grace Ranch? Plan to attend an Open House from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. RGR is located just north of Rio Verde Drive on 172nd Street. Founders Amanda & Chris Moore invite you to: “Come and see what we are doing with rescued horses and kids; tour the ranch and learn how you can plug-in to a great cause.” RGR is a 501(c)(3) charity.

Reigning Grace Ranch Fundraiser: Nov. 19 Tickets are going fast for Reigning Grace Ranch’s lst annual Western Gala Ride for the Brand on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Rio Verde Box Bar Ranch. A magical evening is planned including a gourmet dinner complete with white table cloths, crystal and china plus a live Country Band. There will also be an incredible Silent Auction. Dress for the evening is cowboy casual to fancy--for the ladies skirts, dresses or jeans with some bling...for the men western shirts and jeans and of course cowboy boots and hats for both! Dinner/Donation tickets are $125 each ($100 is tax deductible). All money raised will be used for improvements to Reigning Grace Ranch a 501(c)(3) charity. Tickets can be purchased at the Rio Verde Country Club and charged to your Rio or Tonto member account. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 480-290-2850 or online at http://bit.do/RGRgala

Thank You Mary Derby Many thanks to volunteer Mary Derby for her CBS Channel 5 Pay It Forward nomination. The $500 cash award will be used to help the kids and the horses! 7

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors... Save the Date...Free Pancakes Saturday, Dec. 3 Mark your calendars for the Rio Verde Fire District’s annual free pancake breakfast fundraiser for VerdeCares. All residents are invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Fire Station. Heading up the culinary team will be new Fire Chief Jay Ducote who is sharing his secret buttermilk pancake recipe this year! The fun event will also include visits with Santa, lots of raffle gifts and a few surprises. The Dec 3 Fire District pancake breakfast is an official location for ABC Channel 15’s and Sanderson Ford’s launch of Operation Santa Claus here in the Valley. Watch for more information on how you can enter Sanderson Ford’s drawing to win a new car or truck. Please plan to stop by and show your support for our fire fighters who are an awesome asset to our communities.

Thank You to Rosemary Kastrava My sincerest “Thank You” to our volunteer Rosemary Kastrava for the CBS Channel 5 Pay It Forward nomination and all of her volunteer time. The $500 Pay It Forward cash award will go toward our meal program. If you missed the news segment you can see it at www.VerdeCares.org.

And Thank You To All Our Volunteers You make it all happen! “Thank you” to all of our volunteers who give so much of their time and talents to support our neighbors’ needs through VerdeCares and “Thank you” to all who support our mission here in the Verdes through your donations. We exist Because of You and For You! With a grateful heart, Vicki.

VerdeCares Mission VerdeCares is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and promoting the health and well-being of homebound adults, caregivers, those living with chronic illness and those returning from surgery within our Verde communities. We give our neighbors access to services and activities that promote physical, mental and emotional health. Need help call VerdeCares at 471-8944. The office on the corner of Forest and Avenida Del Ray is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Vicki Beseke, Executive Director & Your VerdeCares Volunteer Team 8

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Verdes Community Christmas Project Update... Letters asking for your support for the 2016 Verdes Community Christmas Project (VCCP) were mailed to all Verde residents in late summer. If you did not get a letter, copies are available in the Rio Verde Community Association and the Tonto Verde Association offices. Your generous support to help families during the Christmas holidays is more important than ever.

Volunteer Meet & Greet The Meet & Greet for volunteers adopting families is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the home of Mary & Dick Derby, 18502 E Poco Rio Drive. Volunteer packets will be distributed that evening. If you cannot attend, packets will be delivered to you later next week.

Annual Ingathering Our annual Ingathering is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, and Friday, Nov. 11, in the RVCA Dance Studio.  If you would like to volunteer to help with the ingathering, sign up in the Post Office starting Oct. 28. Please note that no clothing will be accepted this year. Needed are quality kitchen items and appliances, bedding and bath items, as well as cleaning supplies and non-perishable food. Please check Roadrunner and Tonto Times plus posted flyers for details closer to the Ingathering date.

Questions? Contact Diane Newcomb Conway, 2016 VCCP Coordinator, at 471-6258 or [email protected]. Questions about the Ingathering call Jan Needham at 471-7256. Rio Verde Community Association