President’s Report – By Max Perry

I've been asked to bring everyone up to date on our ramada project. I'm happy to because I firmly believe that it will be a great addition to our neighborhood and will make gatherings more enjoyable for everyone all year. Even with Green Valley's "perfect" weather it seems attendance is often held down by wind, cool temperatures or, of course, the hot sun. When the ramada is complete we will have a covered patio equipped with roll down shutters, fans and heaters. With nearly 3000 square feet under roof, we will have a space that everyone can enjoy.

So, where are we on the project? We cleared one hurdle last week when the Pima County Board of Adjustment granted us two variances from set back requirements. These variances will allow us to maximize our space by building literally wall-to-wall. We will cover all the existing patio, except in front of the two gates. This will necessitate the loss of the two shuffleboard courts. We know there are shuffleboard players who will miss the courts, and we hope we can relocate them in the future. But, it would have made little sense to spend the time, energy and money to build a shelter over only half the patio.

The next hurdle to be cleared is to receive good estimates of the cost of the project. You might ask, "Shouldn't we have known this sooner?" Well, we have always had a working figure provided by our architect. That amount, which was provided last July, is $85,000. We are now getting estimates from the people who would actually build the project. These are not firm bids, but they're close. After we see the estimates, we'll be able to tweak the plans if necessary and make decisions on what will be contracted, subcontracted or provided by "sweat equity", that is volunteer labor. Once we're over that hurdle, and we hope that will be next week, we'll be ready to request formal bids. Then, it's a matter of awarding bids and getting permits. The plan is still to begin demolition of the old ramada in June with the hope we'll be done by August.

That leaves only one hurdle to get over. How are we paying for this project? The answer is simple. We're paying for it in the conventional way with a bank loan. We have a commitment from Bank of America for a ten year note at 6% with a 20% down payment.

The down payment will come from reserves and the debt service will be budgeted annually. This year's debt service was budgeted without an increase in membership dues. We hope that will be possible each year, but every new year brings new costs and new Board members and no one can foresee the future.

That's everything I know about the ramada. As I learn more I will pass it along, usually in the Monday Morning Memo. If I haven't explained something well enough or have not addressed your questions or concerns, please contact me by email, mbperry@cox.net, or phone, 331-2973.

Common Areas – By Ken Miller & Tom Cooke, Chairs

There are no real problems being experienced in the common areas. All routine maintenance is being accomplished in a timely fashion. We were pleased to experience the approximately one inch of rain we have had in the two storms in recent weeks, as it will help our flora greatly. Much of it had begun to show signs of the stress of the long drought.

We want to thank Bill Milne & George Paddleford for their work trimming the palms near the opening of the Bridge Park wash. Bill does this for us every year, and we are very appreciative.

We also want to thank George Paddleford & Gary Chelseth for their work on the bridge crossing the wash across from the pool ramada. The bridge is now safely usable for persons needing to cross this wash to reach the pool or the ramada. The bridge was also recently painted by Ron Stone, son of Florence and the late Harold Stone, at whose instance the bridge was originally constructed about 20 years ago. It was completely rebuilt by volunteers in 2002.

Heavy equipment work in the Bridge Park wash was recently completed, finishing off another phase of this ongoing project. The wash itself was widened, straightened, and had a good deal of sand removed from it. Also, considerable rubble contained in the wash was used to fill two dry wells, thereby removing it from sight. The two new wells should absorb considerable rainwater before it can run down onto Portillo.

The EE Volunteers have begun design work on the construction of an entrance-type sign for EE, to be located on Portillo, at the south end of the subdivision. There is presently no indication that one is entering EE when driving north on Portillo, except the "no soliciting" sign, which really doesn’t send the message very well that you are entering Esperanza Estates. It is hoped this can be completed next year.

They are also working on plans for an improved entrance monument for the existing one on Esperanza Blvd.

Both will be valuable additions to EE, and will be constructed entirely through the efforts and with the funding of the Volunteers.

As always, if you have or observe problems in the common areas, please call Ken Miller at 393-1914, or Tom Cooke at 399-0455.

Green Valley Directories – By Sheila Bennen

GVCCC has arranged for the Lion's bin to recycle the old Directories. Please remove the front and back cover and drop them off at the bin. If you are unable to do this please drop them off on the counter of the Hospitality area at the pool and Mary Beth Wallace will transport them for you. You can also recycle old phone books the same way. Good time to get rid of all of this stuff.

New / Former Owners – By Sheila Bennen

New: Concetta D. Deodati
1010 Calle del Regalo
Former: Lois Jean Rexer

New: Douglas E. Lee and Denise L. Jackson
1201 Calle Excelso
Former: Marvis Rodriques

New: Michael and Mary S. Conway
900 Circulo Napa
Former: William Steffen

Enhancement Committee – By Tess Ewing

This past season has been a very productive one. In January Bev Brow coordinated a successful Garage Sale which was held at Ellingson's garage. As a fun addition to this event, Sheila Bennan and her team set up their coffee and muffin stand at the Ramada. The bell arch at Sunset Park was enlarged to accommodate 8 inch black letters denoting "Esperanza Estates". Thank you to Ben Sheffield, Lance Ewing and Bill Duncan for the great job of installing the letters and to Lance and Vince Brow for lighting the area. Now the name of our subdivision is clearly visible at night. Marval Barnard organized a successful Golf Tournament on March 1 and donated the proceeds to our committee. Thank you Marval and golfers. Our Annual Auction was held on March 18 at the Ramada. The hardy people who "braved" the wind gusts were treated to some delicious cheese and wine , excellent auction items and a delightfully funny auction "spiel" by Lillie Sheehan. Thank you Ben Sheffield for coming up with a system that made the "checking out" process run smoothly. Also, thanks to Eric Ellingson for his creative computer work and to our guys who are always available to help at our various projects.

Thanks to a very compatible and hardworking committee. Jane Ellingson, our gardener, who keeps Sunset Park looking beautiful and to Eric Ellingson and Lance Ewing who installed a new irrigation timer system all deserve a pat on the back. Special thanks to Bev Brow and Jane Ellingson for their Garage Sale work and to Lois Blacker, our Secretary/Treasurer and cashier. Mary Zindrick and Jane Ellingson for their typing skills. Joan White and Mary Zindrick for handling some of the correspondence. Mona Sheffield for coordinating the wine and cheese for the Auction. Good show Team!

Finally, thank you to all our supporters who donated in any way to our projects. Our fund raisers would not be possible without your generosity.

Lance and I are heading back to British Columbia and our family and, as always, it will be exciting to return in the Fall. Hope you have a Healthy and Happy Summer.

Neighborhood Watch Report for Periodico
– By Melodye Cooke, Chair

The Neighborhood Watch program is in full swing here in Esperanza Estates, and is working fine. Newcomers are reminded they should try to learn the names of their Block Captains, and keep them in mind should problems arise. Please remember, the program cannot work unless we are all vigilant.

We were disappointed to learn the "no solicitation" rules within the subdivision are not enforceable, which means it is the duty of all residents who don’t desire solicitors coming to their doors to post an individual sign on their gate. We are advised the Board will be making these available in the near future, and an announcement will be made.

Persons needing further information about the Neighborhood Watch program should contact Melodye Cooke at 399-0455.

Hospitality Committee – By Norma Stanley, Co-Chair

Upcoming Hospitality Happenings:

• Next Hamburger Nite: Thursday, April 6 --4:30 PM
• May 5--Cinco de Mayo: --4:30 PM Potluck--Bring your favorite Mexican dish!
• June--Hospitality Committee "vacations."
• July 4 Picnic--4:30 PM-- Grilled sausages, hotdogs, potato salad, baked
beans $5.00 per person
• August--Hospitality "vacations" AGAIN!
• September 4--Labor Day-- 4:30 PM Potluck-- Bring your favorite dish !

It is with regret that we accept LaVonne Corral's resignation from the Hospitality Committee because of duties that prevent her from serving. We welcome any and all who wish to serve on our committee. Please call Chairs, Scottie Blum at 399-0955 or Norma Stanley at 393-6100 if you would like to participate. We promise to put you right to work! We will continue to need Sam Barnard’s good cooking when he returns each season.

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EEHOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2006

President* Max Perry 1136 Circulo del Norte 331-2973

Vice-President* Thomas Cooke 840 W. Circulo Napa 399-0455

Secretary*/Treasurer* Sheila Bennen 155 Camino Holgado 399-0501

Ben Sheffield 201 Circulo Napa 625-3797

Steve Brown 743 Circulo Napa 648-7235

Ken Miller 949 W. Calle Regalo 393-1914

Thomas Cooke 840 W. Circulo Napa 399-0455

Joan Moreaux 737 W. Circulo Napa 648-7515

Gary Chelseth 775 W. Calle Regalo 399-1027

* The Bylaws require that these Officer’s positions be filled with Directors

Board Committee Chairs

Architectural Control Steve Brown 743 Circulo Napa 648-7235
Ken Miller 949 W. Calle Regalo 393-1914

Common Area Maintenance Thomas Cooke 840 W. Circulo Napa 399-0455
Ken Miller 949 W. Calle Regalo 393-1914

Capital Projects Ben Sheffield 201 Circulo Napa 625-3797

Neighborhood Relations Joan Moreaux 737 W. Circulo Napa 648-7515

Recreational Facilities Gary Chelseth 775 W. Calle Regalo 399-1027

Standing Committee Chairs

Neighborhood Watch Melodye Cooke 840 W. Circulo Napa 399-0455
Hospitality Scottie Blum 1106 W. Calle Excelso 399-0955
Sam Barnard 1124 Calle Excelso 648-5925
Enhancement Tess Ewing 780 Calle del Ensalmo 625-7353

Other Personnel

Periodico Production Bob Fallon 167 Circulo Napa 399-3185
Periodico Distribution Charl Petry 1106 Circulo del Norte 648-2541
Community Directory Charl Petry 1106 Circulo del Norte 648-2541
GVCCC Representative Sheila Bennen 155 Camino Holgado 399-0501

Board Meetings

1:30 p.m. at the Bank of America Community Room, LaCanada at Continental

April 17 * May15 * June 19
July/August: no meetings
September 18* October 16 * November 20 * December 18