ORACLE
FEBRUARY 20 1 8
Outdoor Resort Palm Springs - the Number One RV Resort in the USA
USA February Festivals and events
In this issue:
2018 ORPS Election
page 4 page 5-7
February is Black History Month. ... February 2: Groundhog Day. The Superbowl.is played February 4 ... As Early as February 3: Mardi Gras and the Beginning of Lent. ... February 14: Valentine's Day. ... February 19 is Presidents' Day.
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Candidates
Welcome New Owners
page 10 & 11
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Chapel
page 13
Golf
page 14 & 15
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Tennis
page 16 page 17 page 18 page 19
Pickleball
Movies
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Activities
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FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE Again this year our resort looks stunning , thanks to the work of many owners who volunteer their time and to our outstanding management and staff. This past year the FPC has helped with updating La Palma Clubhouse which is sporting new paint on the exterior, new paint in the gym, new umbrellas and shade structure covering on the La Palma pool terrace. At the El Saguaro Clubhouse the Pergola has been updated with heaters and fans for use during evening hours. Our committee continues to work with GM on updating the El Saguaro kitchen. This next phase will be addressing the “Chef Line” considering a new hood and additional equipment to meet our kitchen users’ needs in the future. We are also very involved in completing the details for the Clubhouse pool terraces upgrade: El Saguaro, July 2018 and La Palma, July 2019. These projects will include converting and updating the sports courts for pickleball and tennis in conjunction with the pool terrace construction. Thanks to our committee members, M ARSHA N ELSON , A LICE H EUPLE , D ENNY B LOOM , M IKE M URRAY , J UDY J URACH , C HARLES S TINSON , M ICHELLE M OORE , and S HERYL N ELSON , who have dedicated their expertise and time to various projects to make our winter destination so enjoyable for ALL. We can always use new ideas and vision. If you feel you have a back- ground or expertise in facilities, infrastructure, construction and/or kitchens and would be interested in assisting our committee, please express your interest to me or one of our FPC members. Our next scheduled meeting is Thursday, January 18 at 2PM in the LP East Room. All interested owners are welcome. A VA F ELT Chair
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
A&A
T ED W ILSON
ACTIVITIES
S ANDY H OLGUIN
COMMUNICATIONS
J OAN C RAVEN
FACILITIES PLANNING A VA F ELT FINANCE
G REG F ARMER
GOLF
D ON R ENOE
HEALTH & FITNESS
P AM W ALKER
LANDSCAPE MARKETING PICKLEBALL
V ACANT
B OB L IVINGSTON
B OB F OYLE
SAFETY & SECURITY
S TEVE F RIDLEY
TENNIS P AUL H ABERMAN STRATEGIC PLANNING C LINT A THERTON
COMMITTEE LIAISONS
A CTIVITIES
M ARYELLEN M UIR
A&A
T ED W ILSON B OB M OORE D EDE Loop C RAIG W IRCH C RAIG W IRCH D EDE Loop D EDE Loop J IM W ALLER
B INGO
C OMMUNICATIONS F ACILITIES P LANNING
C RAIG W IRCH
F INANCE
G OLF
H EALTH & F ITNESS
L ANDSCAPE M ARKETING P ICKLEBALL
M ARYELLEN M UIR
S AFETY & S ECURITY
B OB M OORE B OB M OORE
T ENNIS
N OMINATING
M ARYELLEN M UIR B RIAN C ANFIELD C RAIG W IRCH
S TRATEGIC P LANNING
ORPS BOARD & COMMITTEE MEETINGS Meeting of the Board of Directors: Monday, 1:00 PM, February 12, 2018– La Palma Auditorium Joint Meeting Board and Finance Committee, 2018-2019 Budget Review Wed, February 21, 2018—2:00 PM—East Room La Palma A&A Wednesday 1:00 PM Feb 14 & 27 (Tues) East Room, LP Activities Tuesday 2:00 PM Feb 13 West Room, ES Communications Monday 10:00 AM Feb 5 West Room, ES Facilities Planning Thursday 2:00 PM Feb 1 & 15 East Room, LP Finance Thursday 2:00 PM Feb 7 & 28 East Room, LP Golf Tuesday 1:00 PM Feb 6 Owners Lounge, MPR Health & Fitness Tuesday 10:30 AM Feb 6 West Room, ES Landscape Wednesday Noon Feb 21 Owners Lounge, MPR Marketing Tuesday 1:30 PM Feb 6 Owners Lounge Pickleball Wednesday 11:00 AM Feb 7 Owners Lounge, MPR Safety & Security Friday 2:00 PM Feb 2 East Room, LP Strategic Planning Tuesday 8:00 AM Feb 6 Owners Lounge Tennis Saturday 9:00 AM Feb 3 La Palma
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OUTDOOR RESORT PALM SPRINGS
Message from the Board
Last month, I wrote about how we are busily planning for our upcoming fiscal year. This process is still in effect. I referenced that per California Civil Code that we need to have
FEBRUARY 2018
Board of Directors President B RIAN C ANFIELD Vice President M ARYELLEN M UIR Secretary D EDE L OOP CFO C RAIG W IRCH Members
an onsite reserve inspection every 3 years. Early in January I met with the Reserve Analyst and we went line item by line item through the reserve study (1000 + items) and re-examined the balance of their useful life and cost while also wal king the property and physically looking at these items. This should give us a very good picture of the status of the items contained within the reserve study. As for the operating budget, the first draft will be reviewed by the Finance Committee at their February 7 meeting. The Board and Finance Committee will then have a joint meeting on February 21 to review the budgets for operations, reserves and capital. The Finance Committee will then have a final review of the operating budget at their February 28 meeting. Lastly, the budgets for operations, reserves and capital will be reviewed by the Board at the March 5 Board meeting for approval and adoption. It is a fast and furious schedule but it allows for close examination of the budget before it is finally approved. Also last month I wrote that the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) was working on a survey, with input from Facilities Planning. The purpose of this survey was to solicit opinions on some of the ORPS facilities, primarily that of Tennis, Pickleball and the large pool areas outside of La Palma and El Saguaro. After much discussion, the Board felt that survey had too much of a focus on short term items and that they had a detailed and comprehensive report from the Facility Planning Committee on these areas as well as information from the first survey. As a result, it was decided that the survey not be sent out, but that the SPC should continue to focus on longer term projects and issues facing the resort. The SPC has since met and are focusing on these items. It may lead to another survey at the end of the season and more information will be written about a potential survey as it is developed.
We are into the middle of our season here at ORPS with many accomplishments behind us and more to work on in the future: a couple being the annexation of property owned by the Coachella Valley Water District adjacent to the main laundry room and maintenance yard and, as always, a better dog run. You have met the five Board candidates. The ballots will be going out February 5 and must be returned March 10 no later than 10:30AM at La Palma. C RAIG W IRCH , CFO, reports that we have only preliminary financials as of December 31, 2017 to report. We do continue the monthly trend of revenues in excess of expenses by $95,540 during the first 6 month of the current fiscal year. We normally budget a deficit during this period of time ($132,077) and balance out during the next six months when revenues Increase during the prime season. This means we are currently ahead of our budget forecasts by just over $227,000 for the current fiscal year. Be sure to attend the upcoming Board/ Finance committee meeting scheduled for February 21 where the budget for the next fiscal year will be discussed. The budget has a direct effect on the HOA dues you pay each month and this a great time to see the process at work. We are currently reviewing some of the financial practices and policies and look forward to finalizing some financial engineering moving forward at our February 12 meeting. We want to welcome all new owners and urge them to attend Board and Committee meetings. DEDE LOOP …. Board Secretary 2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS B OB M OORE , J IM W ALLER , V ICE P RESIDENT M ARYELLEN M UIR , T ED W ILSON , S ECRETARY D ED E L OOP , CFO C RAIG W IRCH , P RESIDENT B RIAN C ANFIELD .
B OB M OORE J IM W ALLER T ED W ILSON
General Manager C LINT A THERTON
Oracle Staff Editor Emeritae E LLEN L YNCH C ATHY C HAUNCEY
Editor E VA N ORCROSS
Production Staff E VELYN E LIAS L OUISE K NOBF S USAN M ATTHEW J OANNE N YQUIST M ARY A NN P RIDDY M ARGIE S LEIGHT L UANN W ARD
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. WHERE’S MY BALLOT?
Ballots in the Mail February 5 Please follow carefully instructions for casting your ballots contained in your election materials. Ballots should be mailed to the Inspectors of Election in the pre-addressed envelope provided. Remember to attach postage! Ballots may be dropped in a ballot box at La Palma (near the mailroom window) where you will be able to deposit your ballot (without postage). The box will be secured by a lock with the only key in the possession of the Inspectors of Election. This year, ballots may also be turned in to the Inspectors of Election during a registration period from 10:00 am to 10:30 am on March 9th, at La Palma when the Annual Meeting is called to order and the polls will close. Ballots will not be accept- ed after 10:30 am when the ballot tabulation will begin. However, early voting is encouraged so that we may outreach to owners if necessary to insure a quorum is reached. We need approximately 606 ballots cast in order for this to be a valid election. Elections are an expensive endeavor, so….
If you do not receive your ballot, it gets lost or destroyed, you may obtain a replacement ballot from Susan in the Board Room. If you did not request to have your ballot mailed to
you here at ORPS, it would have been mailed to your permanent address of record. If so, before requesting a replacement ballot, please allow enough time for your mail to get forwarded to you here at ORPS, if you have mail-forwarding service.
Vote...and Vote Early
2018 ORPS ELECTION
This year, there are three openings on the Board of Directors and there are five outstanding owners who are Candidates: J OHN B OUDIN , D AVE D UTHIE , G REG F ARMER , K ATIE T ARABOCHIA and T ED W ILSON . Their Candidate Statements are printed on the following pages. Remember, you have three votes for three positions and one ballot for each lot owned. Your ballot materials will include a second ballot asking for your authorization to annex property to the Association, as required by Section 16.2 or our CC&Rs. Accordingly, your approval is necessary to proceed with the purchase of property from the Coachella Valley Water District that will provide us access to a dog park and relief station that is to be constructed by the developers of the marijuana growing facility on our west boundary. This is an opportunity to enhance our dog facilities for current and future owners and their pets. This has been identified as a high priority for many of our owners and the Board has been exploring all options available to us for several years. See p. 7 for a full explanation of the Annexation Proposal.
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CANDIDATE DAVE DUTHIE
CANDIDATE GREG FARMER
I would like to introduce myself and ask for your vote as Board Director of this beautiful resort, where I spend six months of every year, along with my canine companion, Houston. I first visited ORPS in December
My wife, Julie and I have been owners at ORPS for 4 years. Prior to that we rented for 5 years. The first time I happened upon ORPS, I knew it was special. That feeling has only grown over our years of residing
2011 and became an owner soon after. I look forward to arriving here every year and am committed to preserving the beautiful environment at ORPS. My professional background was in law enforcement and I retired from the Vancouver, B.C. Police Department after 33 years of service. This experience is a reflection of my commitment to service to the community in which I live. As such, since becoming an owner at ORPS, I have volunteered in many capacities. I first served as a Phase #3 Representative, and then as a member of the A&A Committee. Both of these positions have prepared me to take on a more significant role as a member of the Board. Additionally, since becoming an owner, I have routinely attended Board and other Committee meetings so that I can become educated on the issues that are front and center and are important to the owners of this resort. I have also familiarized myself with the Association’s Governing Documents, particularly the A&A Regulations that guide the development and improvement of individual lots and the Rules & Regulations that guide the operations and administration of our Resort. In summary, I have the time, ability and desire to commit to the responsibilities and demands that serving on the Board entails. I do not play golf, tennis or pickleball, but will support first class amenities for all three sports as a non-biased owner. I will also work to ensure controls on the Association’s financial condition, keeping spending prudent and increases to the Association’s HOA dues at a minimum, while recognizing the need to support necessary projects that meet the demands of current and future owners and a rapidly moving RV industry. Thank you for your support.
here. After retiring, coming here was like being on vacation with the hustle and bustle left outside the gate. When we first arrived, we developed life long friendships through the many activities we are involved in, such as, tennis, golf, pickleball, hiking, and poker. Education : I have an MBA in Business from Seattle University and a BA in Business from the University of Puget Sound. Experience : I am currently the Chairman of the Finance Committee and have been a member of the committee for two years. I am in my third year on the Tennis Committee, the last two years of which I have been the Treasurer. During this period, The Chairman, P AUL H ABERMAN and I worked collaboratively with C LINT A THERTON , S TAN N IELSON , C RAIG W IRCH , and G ARY H ALLIDAY , to implement pickleball in the resort. I am retired from The Boeing Company where I was an executive responsible for the IT Procurement Organization. My organization was in charge of purchasing all Information Technology for The Boeing Company. In addition to managing in excess of 170 personnel, I had a commitment authority up to $100 million dollars. In my position I reported to The Boeing Company CIO and the Vice President of Procurement. Prior to my career at Boeing, I worked for 11 years at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation where I held various positions including Purchasing Agent, Material Controller, and Millwright. I spent 34 years as a member of the Seafair Boat Club, a not-for-profit organization that put on the Seafair Hydroplane Race, Milk Carton Derby and Special Peoples Christmas Cruise. I held various positions including Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Board Member, Treasurer, and Finance Committee Head. I coordinated the Seafair Hydroplane Race in 1988. My education and work history have given me a skill set that I believe will positively augment the skills already resident with the current board of directors. If you elect me, I will work hard to improve communication between the Board and owners. I will bring my skills and experience to further the current efforts to ensure we attain our Strategic Vision. I will do this while keeping an eye on the HOA dues, and working in conjunction with the Finance Committee, to find ways to minimize any increases. The Board has to keep their eyes on the long term goals while making sure we don’t lose sight of the day to day running of the resort.
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CANDIDATE JOHN BOUDIN
CANDIDATE KATIE TARABOCHIA My husband Dean and I have been coming to the Palm Springs area for many years, some by airplane but mostly in our RV. We have stayed in many of the RV resorts here in
My wife, Cheri, and I are new owners after renting here last year. We plan on living at ORPS at least 5 months each winter and spend the rest of the year RVing to and from our home in Byron, IL. I am a
the valley but decided to buy in the best RV Resort—ORPS—in 2013. We felt, and still do feel, that ORPS has so much to offer to such a diverse group of people. We enjoy the diversity and all the activities supported by so many of us. It’s not unusual to find Dean and myself playing pickleball early in the morning, then off to the tennis courts, followed up by a round of golf—all 19 holes! A day like that ends with us soaking our sore muscles in the hot tub visiting with others who “overdid it” too. I am seeking a position on our board and will bring an enthusiastic interest to supporting our vision statement for ORPS so that we remain relevant and vital. My work history of 14 years in the legal field and then 25 years as a pilot in the aviation industry has given me the experience to work efficiently and effectively, being proactive rather than reactive. I was president of our Homeowners’ Association in Kirkland, Washington for over 9 years. The time came to pass the position on and I agreed to be vice president for two years to help with the transition to new board members. I am still the Registered Agent for our Kirkland, Washington Homeowners’ Association. My husband and I also manage our limited liability corporation (LLC) for rental property. I do the financial and administrative side of the business so continue to have a good working knowledge of financial planning. Here at ORPS I have been a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Pets to the board, and have worked on other proposals for improvements. My husband and I participate in many of the events here in our beautiful resort. I will be an accessible board member. When people feel that their issues, regardless of what they are, are not valued, then positive change or resolutions do not occur. My past positions have given me the experience in maintaining cooperative relations and communications while also maintaining a high standard of professionalism. I commit to working together around shared needs, shared goals and to find ways to better support our community.
member of the Safety and Security Committee, Pickleball Public Relations Sub-committee, and I also serve as the Vice Chair on the Pickleball committee. Cheri and I have been married for 34 years and have two grown daughters. I am the oldest of 8 brothers and sisters. Coming from such a large family, my parents instilled in us the importance of cooperation and teamwork. These values have been the cornerstone of everything I have done in life. I’m a veteran of the US Navy where I served as a Construction Electrician with the Seabees. I was selected to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 364. For over 35 years, I have worked as an electrician and an electrical foreman. Along with supervising and scheduling crews of craftsmen, I was a project manager on many large jobs. I have extensive experience managing construction and remodeling projects, as well as their budgets. In my time outside of work, I enjoy hobbies that include fishing, softball, and pickleball. For over 30 years, I have been an USSSA softball umpire and I serve as Umpire-in-Chief at our hometown sports complex. In the past, I have been a member of the Kiwanis, a volunteer firefighter, and a volunteer coach for various youth athletics. My goal is to work with the other board members and all owners in a positive and cooperative way to bring new ideas that improve everyone’s experience here at ORPS. A few of the issues I would like to address are the all too common breaching of our perimeter walls by area criminals, along with the lack of outdoor lighting that would help to deter them. Also to improve our clubhouses and the areas around them for better use and enjoyment. Throughout my life, the importance of family and cooperation has been my driving force. While partici- pating in sporting activities and resort functions, we have all made lasting friendships. These relationships are all part of a much larger family here at ORPS and nothing is more important than family. It would be a great honor to give back to the community that has so warmly welcomed my wife and me. I would appreciate your support.
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CANDIDATE TED WILSON
BALLOT PROPOSAL TO AUTHORIZE ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY
When my wife Cindy, our dog Bailey and I drove into ORPS, we had the same reaction as many of you ….WOW (actually Bailey said WOOF)! Over time, what we
The Board of Directors recognizes the need to enhance our dog facilities and for several years has been exploring all options available to us, which are very limited given the confines of our property. Last year, in negotiating with the marijuana grow facility along our west boundary as to the potential impact of their development on ORPS, our management requested that they designate a portion of their property for a dog run/relief site for the benefit of residents of ORPS. It is very likely that this new dog facility will become a reality. However, there are several hurdles that first need to be resolved. They are: 1) Execution of an agreement with the developers to document the use of the dog facility on their property by the residents of ORPS and set forth responsibilities for ongoing maintenance and landscaping; 2) Approval from the City of Cathedral City of the dog facility and our access to it including design, landscape and fencing; and 3) Obtaining access from ORPS to the dog facility by securing property for an approximate 8’ x 150’ pedestrian path through the CVWD well site, along with purchase of the CVWD-owned asphalted property adjacent to their well site, the maintenance yard, and the laundry facility which we have used for many years for parking, trash/recycle bins, and the existing dog relief site. The latter acquisition is a condition imposed by CVWD in order to acquire the pedestrian pathway. Any annexation of property to the association must be submitted to the Owners for approval. Assuming Items (1) and (2) above are realized, the Board of Directors requests owner approval to purchase the property described in (3) above at an estimated cost of $60,000 for the property, CVWD administrative and appraisal fees of approximately $14,000, plus a 10% contingency, for a total not-to-exceed cost of $88,000. It is proposed that the Capital required for the purchase will come from monies accumulated as a result of the net surplus at the end of the fiscal year in the Operating Budget and will not require an increase to HOA dues. This annexation will allow the realization of enhanced dog facilities for current and future owners and their pets. The acquisition will also transfer ownership of CVWD-owned property that is within our boundaries to avoid future potential legal disputes regarding its use. The purchase will not proceed unless Items (1) and (2) above are finalized to our satisfaction. Additionally, a Town Hall will be held to confirm the terms and conditions of the agreements reached and the pros and cons of going forward. If we wait until all conditions are met, a second election will be necessary at a significant additional cost of approximately $5,000.
discovered was a sense of community, inclusive lifestyle and friendships that have become entrenched in our lives. ORPS is our winter home and will be for years to come. As an engineer and VP of sales in a telecommunications company and later VP of a multinational start-up company, I understand the dynamics of empowering people, fiscal responsibility, sound decision-making, with a keen eye toward the future. We’ve been retired for 14 years, enjoying our travels of US and Canada, while making lasting friendships. As an incumbent Board Member I’ve had the privilege of working with a determined board to secure a solid financial future, while keeping a sense of harmony within our resort. We’ve made strides in advocating open communications and transparency, which I will work toward with another term. My accomplishments as Chair of the Architecture & Aesthetics (A&A) Committee include, elimination and replacement of the RV15 year rule, lot hardscape increase from 75% to 85%, introducing outdoor kitchens, shade structures, and a total re-write of our A&A rules. I have empowered a new A&A team and revamped the permit process for quicker turn-around time. I believe there is more work to be done. On a daily basis I work with the GM and his staff on compliance issues. As Board Member and A&A Chair I am tasked to make the difficult decisions. My promise is to continue with fairness, an inclusive approach, and always ask myself “Is this in the best interest of our Resort?” I take on this challenge with the strong support of my wife Cindy of 33 years. When we aren’t volunteering at a ladies luncheon, potato bake, rib night, or Big Star, we enjoy Chapel, playing golf, pickleball, line dancing, and even have an occasional cocktail with friends
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Marketing Committee
A&A Committee I am very pleased with the efforts of A&A Volunteers, or as I refer to them, your A&A consultants. We have a large number of new lot owners, resulting in a record number of lot modifications over the past few months. We started this season with practically all new committee members and a complete overhaul of the permit process in the front office. My volunteers are reviewing and approving your requests within a day or two for outdoor kitchens, trellises, hardscape modifications, landscape improvements, hedges and a sundry of other improvements. I hope you are as pleased as I am with these efforts. I always seek feedback on what we’re doing right as well as where we need improvement. This is a daily committee volunteer job, not once a month. Owners are contacting us asking, “What can we do with our lot? Where’s our property lines? What does this rule mean? And a host of other questions folks have when they move into an HOA. That’s what we’re here for. To date we have approved 5 shade structure permits and we are proceeding cautiously with this new concept in our resort. If positioned on your lot and used properly these can be a great improvement providing a respite from the elements and adding that extra touch to your outdoor living space. If not, we will end up with TENT structures, not shade structures, around the resort. Defining specificity is very challenging to capture the endless possibilities of rule interpretation. Specifically, the use of side curtains in this new rule is not to provide privacy, nor create an outdoor room. Rule understanding and adherence is critical to maintain the open look of our lots and the views we enjoy today. As we move forward with this new rule we will cautiously evaluate additional requests on a case by case basis and further define the rule for side curtain usage. The rig aesthetic evaluations are just now beginning as we take a phase by phase approach. Mike Wilson, our Community Standards Coordinator, and I have a target completion of the middle of February for this effort. Another reminder: We have implemented a policy that all contractors hired to work on your lots MUST be state licensed and insured. This policy is in the best interest of our lot owners and the HOA. T ED W ILSON A & A C HAIR
Looking for New Members. Promoting the features of our five-star resort is the responsibility of the Marketing Committee, and it has been actively looking for new pathways to gain valuable publicity. Recently, the group had been busy organizing an exhibit booth at the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) rally in Indio and improving the Ambassador Program. Volunteers staffed the booth in the exhibit hall at the Indio Fairgrounds, and even though the event was lightly attended, there were a number of potential owners eager to sign up for more information and/or tours of our resort. It was fun to talk to fellow RV enthusiasts and learn about their interests and how they enjoy the lifestyle. Planning exhibits at future events to promote the Outdoor Resort Palm Springs experience will be on the agenda in upcoming meetings. Members of the committee have a lot of energy and are eager to find new avenues of publicity on local and national levels. The committee needs to expand and replace members who have had to leave for various reasons. If you’re feeling creative, and have some experience in PR, advertising, promotion and other relative areas, I encourage you to contact me (805-320 -6909; bob@rvbob.com ). Monthly meetings are filled with creative ideas and members enjoy developing new marketing efforts because they are passionate about the resort. The RV industry is on fire, and according to projections, more than 500,000 new RVs will be delivered next year. Planning creatively earmarked marketing programs will help skyrocket interest in ORPS ownership. The committee will be charged with finding new synergies within the luxury resort segment of the RV lifestyle and look forward to new members invigorating the process.
Bob Livingston Chair, Marketing Committee
NO Trash Pick up
Tuesdays or Thursdays Please do not put your trash out Tues or Thurs as it attracts animals .
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SECURITY REPORT
Reported Crimes for December 2017 6 Stolen Bikes 4 of which were secured 1 Trespasser 2 Stolen Bike Lights Hello everyone. As I am sure the majority of you already know, there has been a fairly large spike in criminal activity lately especially regarding stolen bicycles. The majority of the incidents it has been reported that the bikes were locked up and the cable was cut. These are the numbers for December but the same holds true for the month of January so far. I cannot stress this enough: the cable locks that a lot of you have are not working and are being easily defeated with bolt cutters. Also, I am seeing a large number of incidences where the bike was locked up in the back of the Lot behind the RV. Though you may feel safe with your property back there, I assure you that the criminals prefer to stay in the shadows behind the Lots, especially if you back up to a wall around the perimeter. These criminals do not want to expose themselves to the eyes of your neighbors or my staff. Try using the “U” Lock and locking your bikes up in front of your lots, preferably close to a light source. I also urge everyone to please write down your serial numbers and store them someplace safe. This helps Cathedral City Police Department identify your property should they find it, which does happen. On another note, I have received numerous complaints regarding speeding. The speed limit is 10 mph here in the resort as well as the California Vehicle Code being in full effect. Our radar gun has had to be sent off for calibration in accordance with California State Law. Once it is back, myself and my staff will be out issuing citations when applicable. Writing citations is my least favorite part of my job description. I am not here to combat against you and neither is my staff. We would much rather work with you and create a safe and enjoyable environment here at the resort. Please slow down. P OST C OMMANDER PostCommander@ .com
Last issue I discussed the importance of safely navigating around the resort during the busy peak season, and I feel that some of these issues warrant re-visiting. In the past few weeks I have had numerous persons approach me with issues involving speeding and near-misses between speeding vehicles and pedestrians. I personally had a vehicle pass me in the resort with the speed monitoring sign in plain view, I was attempting to maintain 10 MPH, the sign indicated the passer was exceeding 20. I hope the person had windows down and felt verbally abused. Please, keep your speed down, we do not want an injury or worse in the resort associated with excess speed. The Safety and Security Committee is planning to assist security in speed monitoring in the near future. I have also noted a number of persons walking after dark with no flashlight or other lighting on their person. The resort is dark at night, please carry a lit flashlight or some other device to make yourself visible. Check that your golf cart lights, front and back, are working. Take personal incentive to remind others of these rules if you witness issues. We are still having issues with bicycle thefts, the most recent occurred during the night when it was raining. Cable style bike locks are not effective and can be cut with an inexpensive set of bolt cutters. The “D” type locks are effective and should be used if you value your bike. It also helps if you lock your bikes up in an area that is in plain view of the street. Keeping a light illuminated on your lot at night also will assist our security patrols in monitoring things during the dark hours. The Safety and Security Committee will have a table at the Feb. 17 Health and Fitness Fair with information involving security and emergency preparedness, stop by if you are interested or have questions.
S TEPHEN F RIDLEY Chair
AVOID IDENTITY THEFT Two locked PAPER SHREADERS are AVAILABLE for our use. They are located across from the L A P ALMA Mailroom. You may dispose of sensitive information, such as credit card offers. The bin is emptied once a month.
Please Carry a flashlight when walking in the resort!
The dark sneaks up on you
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WELCOMING NEW OWNERS One of our focuses this year is to fine-tune the information flow to new owners. While the process is never as quick as we wish, we have made some great strides to inform and welcome over 150 new owners in 2017. Our Communications Committee has three ways to reach out to new owners. 1. New Owner Registration When a new owner completes escrow they register at the Administration Office and receive their Prox Card, Vehicle Transponder Tag and fill out all the necessary forms. At this time they are provided a Welcome Letter from the Communications Committee with a list of Phase Representatives. The letter outlines some key information sources such as the Homeowners Website, Activities Office and how to sign up for ‘Out and About ‘emails for example. 2. Coupons from ORPS Businesses Coupons from several ORPS businesses are distributed by the Phase Representatives once a month after the owners are settled into their new homes. 3. New Owners Lunch and Learn Sessions Over the years we have heard that new owners wanted more information. So this season the Communications Committee planned three one-hour lunch time information sessions specifically for New Owners. We were happily overwhelmed with the large response. We are planning three more sessions in February. All new owners and other members looking for more information are encouraged to attend as it is not only an opportunity to hear from the Board of Directors, General Manager, Activities and other groups, it is an opportunity to connect with other new owners.
The Communications Committee is the largest volunteer committee at ORPS with over 27 members. We are responsible for ensuring the internal and external communication is accurate and readily available to owners, renters and guests. We are made up of representatives from each of the 7 phases. Presently we are looking for volunteers from Phase 1 (lots 001-187), Phase 2 (Lots 433-602) and Phase 4 (Lots 188-259; 323- 337; 789-831; 852-891). We would love to have you join us. We meet the first Monday of each month in the Multi-purpose room in the Owners lounge at 10:00 AM Contact any of the Phase Representatives in your phase if you are interested. They can be identified by a green sign at the front of their lot. This committee is a perfect way to learn more about what is happening within ORPS. Each month a committee member attends one of the other Committee meetings and then reports back to our monthly Communications Meetings. This is our way to become informed so we are able to pass along accurate information to owners, renters and guests. Communications Committee Executive: Chair: Joan Craven Vice-Chair: Charlene Bain Secretary: Judy Froese ORPSCOMMUNICATIONS@GMAIL.COM friends names! The photo directory can help you. A private company is taking photos which will be included in the 2018 Directory. If you get your photo taken you will receive a book and an 8x10 photo free. Please watch the Activities Email Update for dates in February and March. If you are not in the Resort during the photo times you may email a head shot to the ORPS Activities email activities@ORPS.com along with $10 to be included in the directory. Remember the directory is listed by lot and only one photo is required for those living on one lot. OWNERS PHOTO DIRECTORY If you are like most of us, after six months away, sometimes it is difficult to remember all our new
LUNCH AND LEARN SESSIONS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 15 and 22 12:30—1:30 OWNERS’ LOUNGE
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NEW OWNERS RECEPTION Monday, February 12 4PM Owners Lounge This Wine and Cheese reception will be held in the Owners Lounge at 4p.m. on Monday February 12. We have listened to the past feedback and what new owners wanted was a chance to mingle with other new owners. In the past they felt overwhelmed by all the information we tried to pack into the reception and have moved some of that information gathering such as Committee Chair introductions to our Lunch and Learn sessions. We will introduce the Board, General Manager and Activities Director. New owners will be introduced phase by phase and we will take a group photo. We want to leave plenty of time for you to meet other new owners and create lifelong friendships. If you are a new owner in the past two years and have not attended a reception before, please consider this your invitation. We will be sending out invitations to our list of 2017 new owners and realize that some owners who purchased in 2016
SUNDAY FEB 18 Mark Sunday February 18 as the day to get to know your neighbors. Each
year the Communications Committee hosts a picnic in each phase. Owners, renters and guests are all invited and the event is as different as the phase you are in. Most are potluck affairs with the focus on fun and getting to know each other. All you do is bring a dish to share, your lawn chair and your sense of humor! One phase hosts our local high school, Cathedral City High, musical group. Flyers and notices will be going out the first week in February as to what your phase representatives have planned for your phase. This is one event you don’t want to miss!!!
were missed. Please email:
ORPSCOMMUNICATIONS@gmail.com if you plan to attend so we can add your name to our guest list. With the potential for over 200 guests we do need to know numbers.
NEW Owners
555 S ANDRA & G ARY K RAPE 733 R EINHOLD & T HYRA K AUTZ 237 J EFFREY & C YNTHIA M AY 330 J EFFREY & S HERI P ETERSON 697 G ARY & A DELE M C C OOK 1166 K ENNETH & M ARGARET S MITH 557 R ICHARD & J ANE E VASIUK 239 M ARTY & D EBORA M ABERRY 284 J OHN & C YNTHIA C OLLINS 849 N ORMAN & S UZANNE H ILL 809 J EROME & L ORRAINE B ERG 1188 B RIAN & D OREEN G OLTZ 704 L ISE S T .M ARTIN
12/1/2017 12/1/2017 12/4/2017 12/5/2017 12/5/2017 12/6/2017 12/11/2017 12/18/2017 12/20/2017 12/26/2017 12/26/2017 12/28/2017 12/28/2017 12/29/2017 12/29/2017 12/29/2017
Las Vegas, NV
2 5 4 4 5 5 6 2 4 3 4 4 6 5 2 2
Lyalta, AB
Cathedral City, CA Garnderville, NV
Victoria, BC
Leduc County, AB Port Moody, BC
Whitecourt, AB Lynden, WA Corona, Ca Lincoln, CA Edmonton, AB
Leduc County, AB Sherwood Park ,AB
778 A LAN & C HERYL S TEAD
441 K ENNETH & C ATHERINE Y OCHIM 433 B ERNARD & A LEXANDRA P HILLION
Kelowna, BC Kelowna , BC
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HEALTH & FITNESS COMMITTEE We contacted Dr Jeralyn Brossfield to come speak at our resort for January but she did not return our calls. We have since found out that she was in transition from a position with Eisenhower Medical Center to opening her own Functional Medicine practice. Desert Health and our Committee are co-sponsoring another Health & Wellness Fair as we did last season. This season, it will be held on Saturday, February 17, from 9AM to 12PM to be held in the LP Clubhouse. Put this on your calendar so you don’t miss it. Safety in the Fitness Center is utmost so we would like to bring several items to your attention: 1. Please be sure to wear proper work out attire & gym shoes (no swimwear and no sandals or barefeet allowed). 2. Please do not bring in your old equipment to discard or leave for use when you come in. The equipment in the FC has been purchased with your safety in mind. For those of you that use the plate weights, please be sure to return the plates to their stands correctly. The correct way to store them is from lighter to heavier with the lighter being the first weight to be removed. P AM W ALKER Chair
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Thursday February 22 4 PM Owners’ Lounge The River of Doubt : Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey By Candice Millard
Millard, a former editor and writer for National Geographic, wrote River of Doubt in 2005 and it quickly became a New York Times bestseller. In this Inaugural work, she tells the story of one of the most riveting and dangerous years in Roosevelt’s life; his journey to South America in late 1913 and his 400 mile expedition down the Amazon basin’s previously uncharted Rio da Duvida (River of Doubt). . This fast-paced narrative begins as a tale of excitement and adventure and ends as nothing less than a story of desperation and survival. The author provides insight into Roosevelt’s character which are invaluable to understanding the man. From Book Reviews posted by Steve Spouses invited for discussion and potluck dinner
For potluck dinner reservations call Karen Di Tomasso at 760 459-3933 Discussion: 4:00 to 5:15 PM
Dinner: 5:30 to 6:45 PM For information contact: J EAN D IETRICH 760 992-8225
Red Hatters will be having a Bunco Party Monday February 10th in the Card Room from 9AM to 1PM. It will be brunch. Bring a breakfast item to share and $5 to play Bunco. Don’t forget your Red Hat Date: Monday February 19 Time: 9AM RSVP: J EANETTE Z UBER 909 519-2028
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Calling all ladies who would enjoy meeting awesome Christian women while furthering their walk with our Lord. Starting January 10th at 9AM in
ORPS CHAPEL
Chapel meets every Sunday at 8:50AM in La Palma C HAPLAIN J IM G WINN Lot 274 Cell: 847 445-0077 Chapel begins each Sunday at 8:50 and ends at 10. Come Join Us! All are Welcome. WEBSTER DEFINITION OF WORDS WE LOVE FAITH: Complete trust or confidence in someone or something, as strong belief in God or something. JOY: An emotion evoked by well being and the process of possessing what one desires. PEACE : A feeling of tranquility in the midst of struggles or worry. COMFORT To ease the pain of grief or distress. HOPE: Feeling or expectation that a certain thing will happen, wishing for it to happen. LOVE : To hold dear; to feel affection; a strong warm attachment. You can find these definitions in a dictionary at any time. To know the reality described is another story. The Bible gives the best definition of love we can understand, it is found in the LOVE CHAPTER 1 Corinthians 13. Take time to read it and capture the essence of it. LOVE never gives up LOVE cares more for itself than others LOVE doesn't want what it doesn't have LOVE doesn't strut LOVE doesn't have a swelled head LOVE doesn't force itself on others LOVE isn't always "me first" LOVE doesn't fly off the handle LOVE doesn't keep score of the sins of others LOVE doesn't revel when others grovel LOVE takes pleasure in the flowering of truth LOVE puts up with anything LOVE trusts God always LOVE always looks for the best LOVE never looks back LOVE keeps going to the end Change the word LOVE to Jesus and all the characteristics are true. Each item describes Him and His love for us. Amazing that any person could not only fulfill each action; but even more so that He does so consistently!!! Here is the consummate reality of His LOVE for each of us: John 3:16 God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. My prayer is that each of us know that LOVE and allow Him to be Lord of our lives. Have a blessed Valentines Day and practice activating real love in all your relationships and activities. Make a difference!
Memorial Corner O LIVER (O LLIE ) B ELZER lot 865 the East room, we will be launching our latest study, DISCERNING the VOICE of GOD, Updated Version, By P RISCILLA S HIRER . Study books will be $20. Please place your order with the information below. Please join us; you will be blessed beyond measure! For further information & to order your study book PLEASE call, E VELYN E LIAS lot 535 Ph: 509-987-4745 evelyneileen@gmail.com WALK WITH US WHERE HE LEADS! Men’s Bible Study starts Jan 10th at 8:00 AM at the owners lounge. Freedom in Christ with N EIL A NDERSON and S TEVE G OSS is the Video series we will be discussing and studying over the next 3 months. John 8:36 says “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. As the facilitator of the course I can honestly say it’s the most important Bible Study I have ever taken and thousands of people would agree. All men would be most welcome to attend and find their freedom. Study books are available for $12 . For more information contact J IM G WINN or E D E LIAS at 509-987-4746 February Chapel programs: February 4: Teen Challenge music and life change stories of men and women. February 11: Linda Strom Chaplain on Death Row working with women in Texas awaiting execution. February 18: Buddy Green and a fellow musician from the Gaithers homecoming concert series. February 25: Winfred Neely speaking on "what to do when the wine runs out" Dear generous, caring ORPS friends. I am recovering nicely from my accident caused by catching my clothing on fire recently from our gas stove burner. Thanks to all of you for the food, treats, cards, running errands and most of all for the prayers. I am very blessed to know that I will be well in time and appreciate all of you for all the generous attention. Most fondly, Margie Sleight
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HOLES-IN-ONE Hole-in-one scorecards must be dated and signed by at least one playing witness. Include phone number and indicate if this is his/her first hole-in-one. We can only record the hole in one’s here that we get completed forms for so fill out your form and hand it in. The lucky golfer may purchase a hole-in-one bag tag
Golf
NAME
DATE
HOLE
FIRST
OPEN TO ALL!
A LICE D E H AAS
12/19
10
No
Tuesday Scramble, Thursday Stroke Play & Saturday Events, Register at ES between 8:00 and 8:45 AM, play starts at 9AM Tuesday AM Fun Scramble – mixed teams of men & ladies, course open to all after 12:30PM Thursday AM Stroke Play – separate men’s & lady’s teams, balanced handicaps, course open to all after 12:30PM Fee: $5.00/player. An extra fee will be charged on tournament days when lunch is included. There has been over a 30% increase in golfers at all events this year over last year. We continue on with our Tuesday and Thursday scrambles as well as additional tournaments. The winners of the most recent tournament "The Orange Ball" included Wendy Vandenbrink, Richard Brown, David Walker, Theresa Beggs, Wayne Zuber and Micheline Sears. Congratulations! During this tournament there were 3 Hole in Ones. Yes you read that right...THREE!!! Congratulations Bob Doty, Richard Brown and Fred Hyde. Richard and Fred shared the pot from the Players Club Hole in One challenge. Tournaments coming soon include the Hole in One Challenge open to everyone who has ever had a hole in one. This event is scheduled for January 27th and no prior registration is required. Soon after is the Sweetheart Tournament. This is an owners only event and signups for this tournament start on January 23. Although 10 posted scores since last February are required to participate in the Net and Gross prizes, golfers with less than 10 posted scores can still participate in the gross score category. Also starting soon for members of the ORPS player club is a Match Play tournament. Signups start for this event on January 16th and play starts February 5. More fun to come in March with Night Golf for the players club!
U RSULA W OSKOSKI
12/19
7
No
J OHN P FAFF
12/19
10
Yes
M ARY A NN M ARCUCCI
1/7
9
Yes
M ELODY O RENCHUK
01/11
11
No
B RIAN G RANT
1/11
4
Yes
B OB D OTY
1/13
10
Yes
F RED H YDE
1/13
12
No
Orange Ball Tournament Winners
Congratulations! More Hole
in Ones!
2018 Golf Committee
Chair
D ON R ENOE : G REG R OSE :
Vice Chair, Treasurer
Secretary Computer
S ANDY S EAMAN : A LLEN G AYKEN :
Member at Large
G ALE S TEPHENSON :
Hospitality
G ERI G RANT : C RAIG W IRCH :
Board Liaison
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ORPS Golf Schedule 2018
FEBRUARY 1
Thursday Stroke Play 6 Tuesday Fun Scramble 8 Thursday Stroke Play 10
Saturday Sweetheart Tournament *Owners Only Sunday Sweetheart Tournament * Owners Only
11 13 15 20
Tuesday Fun Scramble (Lunch)
Singles are welcome to join our Friday night social. We choose a restaurant in the Valley and meet there at 5PM.
Thursday Stroke Play
Tuesday Fun Scramble 22 Thursday Stroke Play (Lunch) 23 Friday CanAm Tournament* Private Event Course open to all after 11AM 27 Tuesday Fun Scramble MARCH Tuesday Scramble, Thursday Stroke Play & Saturday Events, Register at ES between 7:30AM and 8:15 AM , play starts at 8:30AM , course open to all after 12:15PM 1 Thursday Stroke Play 2 - 4 Friday, Saturday, Sunday Club Championship* Course will open to all each day after last championship tee time 6 Tuesday Fun scramble (Lunch) 6 Tuesday NIGHT GOLF* Open To ORPS Players Club members , Advance sign-up
Just sign up in the Activities Office by Thursday and note if you want a ride. We have a great time! Join Us
7
Wednesday
Private event (FMCA)
open to all after 11:30AM Thursday Stroke Play Friday Spring Nine & Wine Tuesday Fun Scramble Thursday Stroke Play (Lunch)
8 9
13 15 17 20 21
New Handgun Practice Shoot- ing Range at ORPS! Shooting includes lots of practicing the fundamentals: Getting tighter and tighter
Saturday Three Club Tournament (Lunch)
Tuesday Fun Scramble
Wednesday Lucy Curci Tournament Course Closed, Advance Sign-Up Thursday Farewell Tournament (Lunch)
22 27
groups, faster and faster. Just like any other skills: Golf, Tennis & Pickleball... We have many RVers who transport guns in their RVs, but have not been to a shooting range for three months, six months or even years. A Practice Shooting Range is now in La Palma East Room every Saturday between 1:30 and 3:00 PM. Don’t worry – no firearms or ammo will be allowed in our shooting range. The range has been approved by Gary (Activities) and Clint (General Manager). and has been operational since December 2017. It’s FREE! We use a computer, LASR software, a special web camera aimed at targets attached to the wall, and a special SIRT gun (weight and feel of a Glock 17) which only emits green laser light. The light hitting the target is captured by the camera, analyzed by the computer, and the shot time and hit location are recorded by the computer and displayed on the TV. When needed, an instructor will provide instructions on gun safety, how to best hold the handgun, sight picture, trigger control and more.
Tuesday Fun Scramble 29 Thursday Stroke Play
To get an official golf handicap through
Southern California Golf Association at ORPS call L INDA P ARKER : 760-285-9119. The cost is $36 which
includes a GHIN number and a $15 gift card for Roger Dunn Golf Store. Your card is valid for 12 months from purchase date, so you can purchase it at any time.
LADIES’ PUTTING CLUB Sign up Wednesday mornings 8:45AM at ES.
Call, visit or email Herb if interested. 916-759-8000,
Bring your putter, a ball and 4 quarters and have FUN!
site 972, herb@strandberg.us
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