It's a Party!!
It's been too quiet in EE this summer, with many residents on vacation or estivating (spending a hot, dry period in a state of torpor or dormancy). But thanks to the Hospitality Committee, that's about to change. They'll be hosting a cocktail party at the Ramada on September 5th, starting at 5:00 p.m. The committee will supply the wine, beer and soft drinks, but attendees are asked to bring an appetizer to share. It's a great chance to catch up with friends and neighbors.

They're Still Out There
A resident reported a close encounter with a denizen of the desert (a 3 foot diamondback) while walking on the trail next to Vereda Calma. Keep your eyes peeled when taking your stroll. Snakes have perfected the art of camouflage.
Another resident reported finding a young rattler trapped in a glue strip (the ones used to catch insects) in his garage last week. Although they are smaller, young rattlers can be more dangerous than adults because they tend to inject more venom.

Hazardous Waste Helpers Wanted
Joe McCalpin, our GVC rep, has volunteered to chair the semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste drive this fall. The date is October 19th and lasts from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon in the Valley Presbyterian Church parking lot. Joe has asked Pat Sharpe to assist him in recruiting about 80 volunteers needed to log in cars, unload vehicles, and sort waste by category. The March 2013 drive was a huge success. They processed 865 vehicles and collected 23, 208 lbs. of hazardous waste, including 7-1/2 tons of paint, 3 tons of electronics recycling, 2 tons of shredding, and 140 lbs. of disposed medications. Because so many of the spring volunteers were snowbirds and will not return until later in the fall, the committee is hoping to get some new volunteers--hopefully some from EEHOA. A 2-hour training session is required. If you'd like to volunteer, email Joe at bmccalpin@cox.net or Pat at pasharpe2002@yahoo.com. Or you can call Joe at 867-8067 or Pat at 625-7716.

In Memoriam
Diane Carlson (former EE resident) passed away on July 24. Our condolences to her family and friends.

Rainwater Harvesting
Making the best use of the desert's scarce water isn't just about rain barrels anymore Well planned landscaping can maximize moisture potential. Want to learn more? Author Brad Lancaster will be at the Green Valley library from 2-3:30 pm on Saturday, August 31 to discuss his book Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond. It's just in time for fall garden planning, too.

What's Happening?
Apparently very little is happening in Green Valley. The "What's Happening" feature of the August 25, Green Valley News included upcoming events through September 20. Guess we'll have time to line those shelves this week.

You Know It's Summer in Green Valley...
when you hunt for a sweater for that morning walk and leaf through soup recipes--because the week's forecast promises highs in the low 90's.