Editorial: Want to get involved? Look no further than GVR

What makes Green Valley such a unique place to live?

The diverse backgrounds and the wonderful weather certainly have something to do with it, but it’s the spirit of togetherness that helps Green Valley take the step from “loosely organized retirement area” to “tightly knit community.”

There are countless residents who tirelessly donate their time and efforts to making this place great.

For those who want to volunteer but don’t know quite where to start, Green Valley Recreation needs you.

As you may have heard, the GVR Board of Directors is seeking to fill four vacancies for 2009. Qualified candidates must be GVR property owners with their name listed on the title.

The qualifications listed on the GVR web site (www.gvrec.org) include “being open-minded, fair, possessing pro-active leadership skills, practicing communication and listening skills, and being a team player with a vision for the future of a great organization.”

GVR provides nearly 13,000 households — or roughly 24,000 residents with leisurely activities — everything from swimming pools and tennis courts to movies, lectures, concerts and dances.

Let’s not forget the organization’s wonderful annual athletic event — the Green Valley Senior Games. Each March, between 700-800 athletes from across Southern Arizona meet in Green Valley to compete in everything from bocce to basketball to swimming to cycling to card games and everything in between.

President Altie Metcalf has done a remarkable job spearheading GVR’s initiatives during her presidency. Vice President Eddie Peabody Jr., Secretary Roberta Konen, Treasurer Leon Lies and Assistant Secretary Gunnar Bonthron have contributed a great deal during their three-year tenures on the Board of Directors, and they leave behind some mighty big shoes to fill.

The dozen individuals that make up the GVR Board of Directors exhibit a selflessness that goes a long way toward making Green Valley what it is today.

Wednesday’s first board candidate reception (covered on A1 in today’s edition) drew a great deal of attention. With two more meetings scheduled (Oct. 1, 5 p.m. at the Canoa Hills Saguaro Room and Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. at Madera Vista Recreation Center), the board hopes to find the candidates with the qualifications and personalities necessary to thrive in these positions.

All the application information can be found on www.gvrec.org. If you or someone you know sounds like a perfect fit for the GVR Board of Directors, point them toward the web site and get an application filled out prior to the Nov. 3 deadline.