Periodico de Esperanza
Homeowners Newsletter
September 27, 2004

Common Area Maintenance – By Tom Cooke, Chair

To try and bring you up to date on a few of the happenings here in Esperanza Estates over the summer months, I can report as follows:

Ken Miller and Steve Brown completed considerable work on the Bridge Park wash and the trail where it passes near the wash. Much of the area received a good cleaning out. Stone borders were rearranged, retaining walls and walkway stairs were built, and some additional concrete was placed in the wash itself to slow down the storm water coming through this area and try to keep sand from washing out onto Portillo during monsoon rains. The area also received a good trimming by AAA, and should be in reasonable shape for some time.

As an aside, we wish to thank Steve Brown for all of his work on removing the sand from both Portillo and Napa after the summer rains. The County makes a stab at sand removal on these streets, but they do about the same job they do on everything else-leaving a bit to be desired.

We also did a fairly major trim on the north side of the wash, where our property line meets the next subdivision. That area had become overgrown, and droppings from the trees and shrubs were starting to cause drainage problems for our neighbors.

Pima County finally installed some of the benches we were promised as part of the Arroyo Number 9 project. We now have two of them adjacent to the Arroyo where it passes Vereda Calma, and one just a bit east of Mt. View Park. They are a far cry from what the County originally represented would be installed, but are much better than nothing—which is what we had before.

Speaking of benches, our long time benefactors Walter and Eileen Stremme have also donated another bench, which has been sited along the trail between Portillo and Mt. View Park. The Stremmes have also purchased and donated a couple of sculptures which have been placed inside the pool enclosure. They consist of a pelican and a fish, both of which are stylized and very nice. We thank Walter and Eileen for their continuing generosity.

The archive building at the pool has finally been repaired. The roof soffit on the south and west sides of this structure were literally falling apart, but now look great. The roof of this building needs recoating, which we hope to be able to do this fall.

The annual palm tree trimming for the common areas was completed on schedule. We have about 60 trees which we trim annually.

The Board is looking at a protocol for privately owned trees which are problems for neighboring properties. As the landscaping in our subdivision has become more mature, this situation has become more and more a difficult problem. Many examples exist where a tree in one yard has become a serious problem for a neighboring property, which has to bear the brunt of the roots, droppings, and other problems over which it has no control. This situation needs to be addressed and the Board will be studying the best manner of approaching this problem.

As always, please contact me at 399-0455 if you have or observe problems in the common areas. We will address them as soon as we are able.

Advertisements – By Sheila Bennen

We would encourage each of you to ask any "trade person" that you feel does an excellent job to place an ad in the Periodico. We would like our homeowners to have a list of reliable people to call. We would like a copy ready ad. Please call Sheila Bennen at 399-0501 or Robert Frost at 399-9003 for more information.
The cost structure is as follows:
Full page 3 months $100
1⁄2 page 3 months $ 50
1/4 page 3 months $ 25

Attention All Esperanza Estates Residents – By Charl Petry

Each February a new edition of the Green Valley Coordinating Council Directory is delivered to all residents. The current 2004 edition has a computer generated picture of a desert landscape seen thru an archway. If your name is not already in the Directory and you would like to be included (NEWCOMERS to Esperanza Estates please note!), or if you'd like to change or delete your current listing, October 29 is the deadline for the 2005 edition.Please phone me (Charl Petry 648-2541) with whatever changes and new entries you have BEFORE OCTOBER 29.

New / Former Owners – By Sheila Bennen

New: John Meek
1100 Circulo del Sur
Former: Charlotte Ambach

New: Kathryn Payne Babcock
1161 Circulo del Sur
Former: John Meek

New: Richard H. & Patsy J. Johnston
1185 Calle Excelso
Former: Eleonore Kubicki

New: Verna Elmer
801 Circulo Napa
625-1503
Former: Shirley Bush

New: Clayton & Gundun Cole
830 Circulo Napa
625-4901
Former: Bedford Griggs

New: Richard Wallace
910 Calle del Regalo
203-7688
Former: David Hindes

New: Donald F. & Pamela K. Bjorkman
1186 Circulo del Sur
Former: Evelyn Cristinzio

New: John B. & Dorothy J. Beers
861 Calle del Regalo
Former: Jeanne McBride (died)

New: Jessica M. Greulich
764 Calle Regalo
Former Richard Geldor/Margaret Lacken

New: Christine Herrick
788 Calle Regalo
Former: Barbara C. Sullivan

New: Gary O. & Gail M. Chelseth
775 Calle Regalo
399-1027
Former: Christine Gerzevitz/Herrick

New: Dean R. Wickwar
770 Calle del Regalo
Former: Frances Toplisek

New: James D. & Cheryl A. Jennings
941 S. Circulo Napa
Former: Charles Grife Jr.
 
GVCCC Update – By Sheila Bennen, Board Representative

GVCCC is doing a survey to determine if people are getting excused from Jury Duty in Tucson because of their inability to get there because of a lack of transportation. If any one has had this problem please call me so that I may report it. Sheila Bennen 399-0501

There is a new program starting which you will hear more about. It is called the "Red Badge" program. It will be started in Green Valley and Sun City. It will put envelopes in your cars with pertinent info in case of an emergency. More on this as the program develops.

Put this date on your calendar--Saturday, November 13. This is the date of the Hazardous Waste Pick-up. Start rounding up all the stuff you want to get rid of safely. If someone would like to volunteer to collect in Esperanza and drive it over that would be appreciated. The fewer cars the better. Call Sheila at 399-0501.

The Rotary Club is starting a wonderful program to read to kids in grades 1-3 at Continental School. If anyone loves and misses kids and wants to help, this is a great opportunity. There is an introduction to the program on Friday Oct. 8th from 12:30-3:30 at the library. No reservations required. Just show up.

The GVCCC has formed a new committee called the Good Hands Guild. It will guarantee that its members are reliable and honest. It is mainly to assure that unlicenced workmen and craftsmen do a good job. If you wish to hire someone for a small job please call the GVCCC office 648-5079 for a referral.

The new bike path on Camino del Sol from Continental to Twin Buttes will start construction on September 20.

Walk Across Arizona – By Sheila Bennen

The statistics from last year’s walk have been printed and, Lo and Behold, for the third year the Esperanza Estates Team has walked the most miles. It appears we have not only walked the most in Green Valley but in all the Counties that participated.I will start forming this years team now. The program starts in November. If you want to join this year call me. Treadmill walking also counts. This year a pedometer will be included in the entry fee. Sheila 399-0501

Home Tour – By Sheila Bennen

We are once again planning a home tour. The last one was a real success so this year we want to make it better.We have already secured 6 homes for the tour. What is needed now is someone to coordinate the effort. This is a perfect chance for someone new to Esperanza to get their hands into the fun. We have all of the material and plans from the last tour in hand so the wheel will not need to be reinvented.If you wish to volunteer for the job or if you wish to work on the committee, call Sheila 399-0501 or Melodye 399-0455.

Esperanza Estates Tours – By Jerry and Dolores McCall

Another great trip is planned for Esperanza Estates and Friends. We’re off to the Copper Canyon, Mexico, February 27 to March 6, 2005. The cost is $969 per person, double occupancy. This cost includes, private motor coach, hotel, 13 meals, scenic train ride, and tours.

One our many highlights will be the train ride, which goes thru 86 tunnels and over 37 bridges. We will pass over the longest a.nd highest bridges in the Mexican Railway System and thru the longest of 86 tunnels at 6,115 ft. in length.

A deposit of $100 per person is required. In case of cancellation, your deposit is 100% refundable, This deoosit is to be sent directly to the Tour Agent. Final payment is due January 20, 2005. For registration form and more info:
CONTACT: Jerry and Dolores McCall
751 Calle Del Regalo
399-3984
Sheila Bennen 399-0501
If no one is home, please leave a message.
 
Neighborhood Relations – By Norma Stanley, Chair

Concerns that have been voiced over the past few months are:
1. One large tree needed pruning. Matter resolved.
2. Barking dog complaint. Phone call made to homeowner regarding "Noise" in CC&Rs." No further complaints.
3. On August 4, 2004, a mailbox was downed by an "unknown assailant." CC&Rs, Sec 12, states that this type of occurrence is the responsibility of the homeowners involved. Homeowner was advised of this and plans to take care of the matter.
4. Reminder: Please keep all palms and other large trees trimmed regularly
to prevent debris from gathering in your yard as well as in your neighbors'
yards.
5. It has been decided that the following steps be taken by the Board and
Neighborhood Relations in solving neighborhood problems:
A. An attempt to phone the homeowner will be made stating the problem.
B. A postcard will be sent stating the problem and a time limit given in
which to solve the problem.
C. In the event these options fail, a formal letter will be sent restating the problem, time limits given to solve it, and indicating the possibility of fines to be levied.

Observations: Homeowners who work for the "Good of the Order" in capacities of HOA Officers and as heads of various committees do so without salary. They simply are elected or volunteer. It often takes many hours out of their "retirement time" to do their jobs adequately. They ask nothing in return other than all the rest of us, as residents, do our part in trying to comply with the CC&Rs as best we can. They want us to enjoy life to the fullest in Esperanza Estates!! Words of encouragement from time to time would be greatly appreciated either by word or phone. Anonymous notes are better left unsaid.

Capital Projects – By Robert Frost, Chair

The Pool Heat Exchanger and a SPA Pump were replaced under Capital Projects. These items were not budgeted but the capital reserve budget was able to cover these expenses under the overall capital projects budget.

The pool cover was installed on September 23. The Board verified the budget allocation for repair of the Quad driveway at the East end of Placita Nueva. Now that the monsoons are over, a formal bid will be obtained and the project should be finished by year end.

Hospitality Committee – By Phyllis Johnson-Frost, Chair

Three of our members, Kay Miller, initiator, Audrey Boffa and Norma Stanley, willing helpers, staged an informal pool party on Labor Day. The regular planning and publicity was not available, but it was handily replaced by efficient telephone calls and posted signs from this ad hoc sub-committee. A table of "picnic" goodies materialized. A record number of neighbors gathered – 55-60!

On Wednesday afternoon, September 22, the Committee initiated a new approach to planning 2004-05 social events. We met at Audrey Boffa's, the first of a "round robin" mixer, i.e., meeting at various member homes instead of routinely at the chair's home. Thanks Audrey, for offering to be first hostess.

Two new long-range approaches in our service to the Association were on the agenda: a calendar of the entire year and consideration that at some time in the not-so-distant future, we will be running out of space at our pool and park. Please note on your calendars the following: Octoberfest (Oct. 30 at 4:00); Full Moon at the Park, Nov. 26; Valentine's Day, Feb. 13; Cinco de Mayo, May 5; Fourth of July; and Labor Day, Sept. 5. Three of these events will be cookouts. We will publish details on cooperative fund-raising to acquire more party furniture as we get into our year.