Talk of the Town: Desert Divas celebrate a decade of friendship

The Desert Divas Newcomers group believes in the saying, “Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.” These women are a shining example of the power of friendship. In the fall of 1999 at the annual Newcomers coffee, a group of Green Valley women met for the first time. Their group immediately bonded and they dubbed themselves the Desert Divas. According to member Mary Millar, they embraced their new community and one another and have spent the last 10 years exploring the area together.

The Desert Divas formed two book clubs, and have groups for bridge, hiking and golf.

Celebrations have always been a part of this dynamic, energetic circle of women and their husbands, dubbed the “Diva Dons.” Birthdays, holidays, and parties for anniversaries, have been joyful events.

“But the real power of friendship has blossomed through support during, not just life’s celebrations, but in difficult times,” Millar says. “Every member knows the tremendous outpouring of caring she will receive should she need help after surgery, rides to the doctor, or comfort after losing a loved one.”

On Nov. 5, the group celebrated its 10-year anniversary in grand “diva” style and hired a limousine to transport members to Hacienda del Sol in Tucson for dinner together, toasting their warm and unique bond of friendship.

The current Desert Divas are: Mabel Acri, Barbara Bader, Kathleen Benish, Donna Dowdy, Marleah Edgar, Jane Gabrielson, Pam Harris, Betty Hulderman, Sue Lehman, Phyllis Martin, Mary Millar, Joanne Mrkonjich, Sally Pegg, Barbara Plummer, Nancy Quinn, Lee Reid, Verla Robinson, Kay Rylance, and Carol Wilhelms.

Original members who have moved from Green Valley are Jane Hemphill, Doey Hehner, Mary Nichols, Denise Sherren, and Carol Brown, and remembrance will always be of Elaine Mauseth and Jean Phillips, who passed away.

Millar says, “If indeed, friendships are the most important ingredient in the recipe of life, the Desert Divas have created a friendship feast.”

The Green Valley Elks Lodge No. 2592 awarded first-, second- and third-place ribbons for the Drug Awareness Poster Contest. The theme this year is “I’ve better things to do than drugs” and was discussed at the various school assemblies. There were 120 students who participated from Continental School, Sahuarita Intermediate School and Sopori Elementary School. From the 120 participants, 15 received awards for their artistic Drug Awareness theme interpretation.

Sopori School student Maro Georgiades had a winning poster in the South District category and his poster was sent to the Arizona State Drug Awareness competition for judging.

rford@gvnews.com