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As the season comes to a close, I just want to take a moment to say what an amazing season it has been! From lively events to unforgettable concerts, it ’ s been such a pleasure sharing these moments with all of you. March turned into another great highlight of the season, featuring Big Star, The Killer Dueling Pianos, and all of our fun end-of-season parties and gatherings that brought everyone together in the best way. A special highlight was our Concert on the Greens, which was a huge hit! Between the great music and the delicious bites from the TKB Food Truck, it truly was a perfect day. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Wednesday and Sunday food volunteers, as well as our Lifestyle Committee, for their hard work and dedication. None of this would be possible without you. The good news—this isn ’ t goodbye, just “ see you next season! ” All of your favorite events and concerts will return, and we ’ re already looking forward to making next season even better. In the meantime, I ’ d love to hear from you. If you have any fun ideas for activities or events you ’ d like to see, please don ’ t hesitate to reach out.
Resort Ads
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Pickleball
4 - 5
Golf
6 - 7
Tennis
8 - 9
Health & Fitness
10
Chapel
11
Safety & Security
12
Tap & Book Club
13
Sew n ’ Such
14 - 15
Under the Rainbow
16 - 19
Paws at ORPS
20
Thank you all for being such an incredible community and for making this season so special!
Ukulele Crew
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Frva
22 - 23
Serena Reeder Lifestyle Manager
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Club Championship
Your club ’ s champions are Kris McGee and Mike Titus. This year was warmer than usual and the competition was just as hot. I was about a 80 years and older two days only sub game that might be something that (with your input) can be looked at. Three days is a lot for some of our owners.
Photo Credit to Bob Randall
Fairwell Tournament
Ending our tournament season was the Fairwell Tournament. Let me start by saying that the Ceasar ’ s that were given to players were a full meal. Options were bacon, shrimp, pickles, olives with garlic and jalapenos or with pimentos, and celery. Yes, you could have had, and many did have all of the above. I believe that all of us were winners that day. This was a bribe to try to get each and everyone to come back next season and continue to be family. .
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Volunteering
All of your Golf Committee are volunteers and try to make your time here at the resort enjoyable and rememberable. Our tournaments are for the most part for fun and for socializing. Please remember that you did not win, your team and everyone that played were winners. Without all of you and the volunteers there would be no game to play, so be humble and thank everyone for the opportunity to meet them and to play together as one.
Rod Vatcher
Jan -07-26
#4
Shirley Neumann
Feb-24-26
#9
Judy Wallace
Feb-24-26
#1
Al Galarneau
Mar-01-26
#11
We are so glad that you are here
Charles Hare
Mar-01-26
#9
On behalf of your Golf Committee, we would like to thank everyone that comes out to play in our Tuesday scrambles and the Thursday Best Ball tournaments. We have enjoyed helping Ryln with these fun filled ways to play golf and meet people. If you have never tried or haven ’ t played for a while, let me cordially invite you to join us to a fun start to your morning. On the Tuesday scramble ’ s everyone tees off and then the best playable ball or best strategy needed ball is marked and everyone plays from there and if not holed then everyone plays from the closes ball to the cup until it is put into the hole, and you are on to the next hole. This format is fun for everyone, because everyone will contribute in one way or another to your team. Just bring your clubs, balls and a willingness to have fun. Teams change every week, so you never know what new friend is waiting to meet you. $5 to play. On Thursdays you have a fun way of working on your game in a team format. You will play your own ball, but handicaps will be used to even up play. Most times only two scores from your team will be used per hole, so every hole is a new chance to help your team. At the end of the round, you may be surprised to see just how many times your score was used to help your team, but please remember that having fun remains the top priority. $5 to play.
David Bullen
Mar-02-26
#10
Kris McGee
Mar-07-26
#1
John Mullins
Mar-23-26
#12
Until Next Season
We will be here for you next season to help with your golfing experience. Opening Day, we hope will be November 7th with our exceptional Opening Day Tournament. This will be a scramble format with drink tables and water on the course. Payouts and chips will be in the clubhouse afterwards. So, until we all get together again, let me on behalf of your golf committee, stay safe, walk tall and above all stay healthy.
John Mullins Golf Committee Chair
Hole in one #44 for Fred Hyde on Hole #10
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A highlight of every season at ORPS is the fortnight of professional tennis right here in the Coachella Valley, with the BNP Paribas tournament at the tennis garden in Indian Wells. It ’ s an opportunity to see the pros up close and personal, with exhibitions of raw power, speed and agility... not to mention inspiration!
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The Black and White mixer, a two-day event culminating in a dinner dance was our end-of-season celebration! Despite record-breaking temperatures, the tennis community 'rallied' and much fun and camaraderie was found on the courts and dance floor! Larry's team won an oversized and gaudy trophy!
Meet Rich Barker , one of our community ’ s newest members! Rich hails from Reno NV, where he has an electrical contracting business. He ’ s still a ‘ pup', so he ’ s working most days in his rig, and he and his wife Dawn return to Reno several times during the winter season. They have three adult children and two grandchildren, with a third due in May. Rich raced dirt bikes for 25 years, and still enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, one here in ORPS and one that ’ s kept at home. He considers himself a brand-new tennis player, and remembers borrowing a racket from Kim Kahn to try out the sport. Kim and Sue Cowan taught him the basics, and he continued to hone his skills on the ‘ big ’ court through this season. His multiple medals won during Can-Am week will attest to his skills, particularly using his height advantage at the net!
Jolie Welch - Tennis Communications
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We held a successful blood drive in mid-March with 14 donations. Thank you to everyone who participated. Here are a few key facts about the importance of blood donation: Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds however, only 3% of the eligible population donates annually. There is no substitute for human blood. One unit of blood can be separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets to help multiple patients. We hope to see you at the Bloodmobile next season!
Our March Health and Fitness Seminar featuring Debbie Brown ’ s presentation on “ Beyond Symptoms : A Proactive Approach to Hormones and Women ’ s Health ” was very informative. Over 80 ladies attended the seminar! Debbie talked about the importance of bone health in women as they age. She stressed that exercise is important to increase bone density and she discussed the benefits of hormone replacement therapy.
Thank you, Debbie, for a fabulous presentation!
Spotlight on Fitness People: Kathie and Ray Schermerhorn have been part of the ORPS community since purchasing their lot in 2017 after visiting family who already owned here at the resort. After several seasons of vacation visits, they began spending full seasons at ORPS in 2020 following Kathie ’ s retirement. Now located on lot 44 and soon moving to lot 1117, the couple quickly embraced the active lifestyle the resort offers. They began attending water aerobics at the La Palma pool and today lead the weekday class from 9-10 a.m., guiding participants through a fun and energizing mix of cardio, water resistance exercises, and stretching. Staying active is an important part of their daily routine. In addition to leading water aerobics, the couple enjoys walking, and Katie has recently added resistance training at the fitness center as part of a comprehensive wellness program focused on strength, nutrition, and daily movement. When they ’ re not at ORPS, they spend time at their home in Eureka, Montana, where they enjoy gardening, family gatherings, and small town life. With three grown children and five grandchildren, Kathie and Ray believe fitness success means having the strength and energy to fully enjoy everyday life.
The members for the Health and Fitness Committee 2026-2027 season are: • Chair - Cindy Rose • Vice Chair - Bobbie McDonald • Treasurer - Cathy Stockman • Secretary - Joanne Paska • Stephanie Knox, Crystal Downs, and Angie Reid who will be responsible for social media updates. We hope the ORPS community has a great summer and our Health and Fitness team looks forward to the 2026-2027 season!
Article written by Joanne Paska, Health and Fitness Secretary
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Another ORPS season has come and gone and that means our 2026 chapel year has ended as well.
This is particularly sad for Judy and me because we have decided, for health reasons, not to return next year. We have thoroughly enjoyed our two years here and the opportunity to be part of the Chapel leadership. We have met so many warm and wonderful friends and we will miss you dearly. We want to thank everyone who was a part of our weekly gatherings, especially those who helped in leadership, music, sound, PowerPoint, greeting, ushering, donuts and coffee, etc. We couldn ’ t have done it without you. Again, thank you for the past two wonderful years and we hope to visit the beautiful grounds of the Outdoor Resort Palm Springs again in the near future.
- Paul and Judy Cassidy.
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• Routes to avoid hazards (like fire-prone areas or flood zones) • What to do if roads are blocked. ORPS has only one main entrance and exit. What would you do if downed trees have blocked roadways or if Ramon Rd was inaccessible. The Emergency Plan created by the Safety and Security Committee in conjunction with the BOD, Management and staff have planned for this. There is only one “ Secondary ” exit. It is located in the Dog Park area. Please familiarize yourself with its location.
How to Create a Family Emergency Plan
Emergencies rarely come with warning. Whether it ’ s a wildfire, earthquake, power outage, or medical crisis, having a family emergency plan can make the difference between chaos and calm. A well-prepared household knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay in touch when it matters most.
Step 4: Plan for Special Needs
Why a Family Emergency Plan Matters
Consider the needs of: • Children •
In stressful situations, people often panic or become disoriented. A plan provides structure and clarity, helping every family member act quickly and safely. It also reduces confusion, especially for children, by setting clear expectations ahead of time.
Elderly family members. Whether you stay at ORPS seasonally or year round. Establish a contact list for the 5-10 nearest neighbors who are in residence. Knock on doors, when you have not seen or heard from your neighbors. • Pets • Anyone with medical conditions or disabilities • Ensure supplies, medications, and care instructions are included in your plan.
Step 1: Identify Potential Risks
Start by considering the types of emergencies most likely in your area. For example, here at ORPS we could experience the following : • Wildfires - In the past the Coachella Valley may not have fires, but we have been affected by fires in the surrounding areas. • Earthquakes - Our most likely natural disaster. • Flooding - It seems every year we have been affected by flooding. • Power outages - Whether short term and localized, like our recent transformer explosion or long term. The utilities in California now use preventative shut downs to prevent fires caused by power line. • Medical emergencies
Step 5: Practice the Plan
Review and practice your personal plan regularly: • Run drills (like fire evacuations). The Safety and Security Committee plan drill(s) and exercises throughout the season. Join in, be a part of the training. • Test communication methods • Update contact lists and supplies • Practice helps ensure everyone knows what to do instinctively.
Step 2: Establish Communication Plans
Step 6: Stay Informed
During an emergency, communication systems may be down. Plan how your family will connect. Please review the ORPS Emergency Preparedness plan available on the website or • Choose an out-of-area contact person everyone can call or text • Make sure each family member knows important phone numbers • Decide how you ’ ll communicate if separated (texting often works better than calls)
Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather and news during potential threats. Knowing what ’ s happening allows you to act quickly.
Final Thoughts
A family emergency plan isn ’ t just about preparing for the worst—it ’ s about protecting what matters most. Taking the time to plan today can bring peace of mind and potentially save lives tomorrow. Have a safe summer, whether it be here, traveling in your RV (utilize the above steps wherever you are) or at your permanent home.
Step 3: Create Evacuation Plans
Plan multiple evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood. Practice them if possible. Consider: • Transportation options
Jeff Buchman Safety & Security Committee Secretary
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TUESDAY TAPPERS
BOOK CLUB
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On March 4th, the club hosted it ’ s annual Quilt Show and High Tea, both of which were a great success.
The Sew & Such Club continues to provide a welcoming space for creativity, friendship, and community involvement. The West Room plays an important role in supporting these activities by providing a place where members can gather, share skills, and contribute to charitable and community events throughout the season. It has been another creative season for the Club. Many beautiful quilts, bags, and table runners have been created, just to name a few. Our successful fund raising has enabled us to donate $5,000 to Shelter From the Storm, the only shelter for the abused in the Coachella Valley. This wouldn ’ t be possible without the partnership between the Sew ’ n Such Club and the ORPS community - way to go ORPS!
Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed and Best Hat/Fascinator. Many quilts and handmade items were sold, and the winning tickets were drawn for three quilts raffled during the season. Two additional quilts were awarded through a silent auction.
Cynthia Nelson — Best dressed
Christie Anderson — Best Hat/Fascinator
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Sandy Barton 3rd Place
RAFFLE WINNERS:
Ridge Baker won 1st place for his quilt which he started in 2019 at just 11 years old.
Doug Hasser Eagle Quilt
Bonnie Tahan Trip Around The World
Wendy Henders Picnic Quilt
SILENT WINNERS:
Sue Charlie — Dog Quilt
Marne Ellison — Cat Quilt
If you think you might enjoy being part of the Sew ’ N Such Club, we would love to welcome you! The club is open to everyone. Visit us in the West Room in El Saguaro, drop in to say hello, or email us at orpssewnsuch@gmail.com for more information. You can also find us on Facebook by searching for ORPS Sew n Such Club. The Sew ’ N Such Club wishes you all a wonderful summer filled with safe travels, wherever your journeys may take you. We look forward to seeing everyone again next season. Submitted by Tannis Haddrell
Martha Sterbens won 2nd place & Sandy Barton won 3rd.
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The Under the Rainbow Club hosted the annual Circus Party. John Moon was the DJ for the party and the new ORPS Band performed for about an hour too. There were approximately 300 ORPS residents who attended the party which included a fortune teller, popcorn, hotdogs, cracker jacks, cotton candy, etc.
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The Roost show on March 19th
We had 106 ORPS residents attend the Sherie Rae Parker show. It was the biggest event of the season at The Roost.
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T Dance on March 22nd
The last T Dance of the season took place on March 22nd. The event was fun with music, dancing and food. Cindy and Ron provided the music Under the Rainbow. The event also included a food drive for the Cathedral City Seniors Center.
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throughout the season. We provided pet welcome information for renters, participated in the New Owners Reception, assisted residents with lost dogs, and offered support to those experiencing pet loss. PAWS also coordinated donations for the Palm Springs animal shelter. Volunteers established a scheduled Dog Park Maintenance program — including regular power washing and cleaning — to keep facilities safe and enjoyable for all four-legged residents and their owners. Looking ahead, management is also working on a solution to address the big dog park mud issue for next season, and has agreed to adjust Dog Park hours of operation during the summer months to ensure access during cooler times of day.
Mark, Rob, and Ron March Trivia
The Secret Society of Green Rocks
The season was a productive and successful year for PAWS at ORPS, marked by strong resident engagement, meaningful community events, and continued efforts to enhance amenities for all pet owners at the resort. 2025 – 2026
As we head into the summer months, we have an important reminder for members of our very own Secret Society of Green Rocks! If you are displaying one of our special green rocks with paw prints on your lot, please store it safely indoors for the summer. Keeping them tucked away will ensure they stay looking fresh and vibrant — ready to make their grand return at the start of next season.
Dog Wash Station — Coming Fall 2026
One of our most eagerly awaited new amenities is getting closer to reality. Planning and site preparation for the PAWS Dog Wash Station moved forward this season, and the funds are already in place and earmarked for the project. Due to equipment lead times and installation scheduling, we made the decision to push the installation to the fall. The Dog Wash Station is now expected to be up and running by November 2026 — just in time for the new season. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing more details as the project moves forward. As always, feel free to reach out to any PAWS member with questions.
Community Outreach & Events
PAWS Trivia Nights remained a crowd favorite and a season highlight, bringing residents together for fun and friendly competition. PAWS also sponsored a hole at the Pickleball Golf Tournament, adding a pet-themed twist to the popular community event. Perhaps the most meaningful story of the season is our partnership with the Adult Transition Program at Desert Hot Springs High School, led by ORPS resident Kent Jackson. What began as a $250 purchase of student-made dog treats grew into over $10,000 in community support — helping students with disabilities develop vital vocational and life skills. We are proud of what this partnership represents and look forward to building on it.
Green Rocks will be available for donation!
For those who haven't yet joined the Society — good news! Additional green rocks will be available this fall for anyone who would like to display one. It's a wonderful way to let your neighbors and their furry friends know that yours is a pet-friendly, pet-safe zone. Looking Ahead PAWS remains committed to supporting responsible pet ownership, fostering community engagement, and expanding our outreach. We are grateful for the continued support of the Board of Directors and our incredible community of pet-loving residents. Here's to another great season ahead — for residents and their beloved four-legged family members alike! — The PAWS at ORPS Team
Member Services & Dog Park
PAWS continued to serve residents in meaningful ways
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Over one hundred and forty members attended the FMCA End-of-Season Dinner on March 10th and enjoyed an evening of margaritas, tacos and friendship.
The slate of officers for the 2026-27 Season were introduced and approved unanimously by the membership. Officers for next season include: Suzanne Strauss - President Patricia Herrington – Vice-President
Terri Gottenbos – Secretary Linda McClain – Treasurer Debbie Price – Past-President Michele Joiner – Volunteer Coordinator Ty Rollins – IT Coordinator
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A Vote by private ballot was also taken at the Business Meeting that evening to change the club ’ s affiliation with the National FRVA organization. A Proposal was presented to the membership to disassociate our FMCA ORPS Chapter from the National FRVA organization, allowing members the ability to choose individually whether or not they want to continue their membership with the national organization. The Proposal passed with a vote of 56 in favor of the change and 12 opposed. A NEW CLUB will be created within our Resort, now known as the ORPS RV CLUB. The Club will be applying to become a Sanctioned Club here at ORPS, pending approval by the ORPS Board of Directors. The general purpose of the ORPS RV Club is to support owners and renters at ORPS who share an interest in the RV lifestyle. The Club will serve as a community hub for RV enthusiasts – providing education and resources on living in an RV (5th Wheels, Motorhomes, and Travel Trailers) and create camaraderie and social activities that enhance the RV experience at our resort. The ORPS RV Club plans to continue providing Member Assistance to those in need, providing assistance and resources to members who require support related to their RVs and Lot, including connecting these members with relevant contacts or services. We welcome ALL our previous FMCA Members and New Members to become members of The ORPS RV Club next season. Feel free to message one of our Officers if you would like to be added to our membership list and receive e-mails/ updates of Club Events and Activities
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69411 Ramon Road Cathedral City, California 92234
760-328-3834
Admin Office
Ext.
GM
244 241
Accounting Front Desk
301/302
Community Standards
246
Gate/Security
260
La Palma Clubhouse Communications
252 255 256 293
Mailroom
La Palma Cafe
Maintenance Dispatch
El Saguaro Clubhouse Lifestyle Manager
270
Lifestyle Office
271
Mailroom
272 277
Lifestyle Coordinator
Golf Shack
Attendant
280
Beauty Salon
760-328-0007
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