GVR holds first forum to find new directors

About half a dozen potential board members asked questions and shared ideas Wednesday afternoon with Green Valley Recreation directors and staff members.

GVR is enlisting candidates to run for four of the seats on next year’s 12-member board.

Chairman of Wednesday’s event, Mike Banks, said in his first remarks he wanted to welcome all who attended, especially those “who are putting a toe in the water to see if you’d like to run or maybe to serve on a committee.”

There will be two more candidate forums — 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Canoa Hills center and 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Madera Vista recreation center.

Board member Roberta Konen told the gathering of about two dozen that serving as a director has been an uplifting experience.

She said sometimes her actions as a board member run afoul of sentiment in her homeowners’ association, but she said directors need to focus on what’s good for the overall organization.

Besides serving on the board, the members also chair the committees that wrestle with and settle some of the issues that face the association.

Banks, chair of Wednesday’s event, said the board is “looking for open-minded people who have a sense of humor and are problem solvers.”

GVR has about 24,000 individual members.

The board oversees a $6.5 million budget and is ultimately in charge of 13 centers, including the new one at Canoa Ranch.

GVR also sponsors member clubs, entertainment and classes.

Terms are expiring at the end of the year for Konen, Leon Lies, Gunnar Bonthron and Eddie Peabody Jr.

Answering unasked questions, Director Linda Sparks says she spends about five hours a week on GVR business, and member Chuck Catino estimated he puts in about 40 to 50 hours a month.

Looking at some of the visitors, Catino then said, “We’d like your help.”

GVR’s office is at 1070 Calle de las Casitas, just east of the West Center, behind the Continental Shopping Plaza. Phone is 625-3440.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749