New Look for a New Season

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In case you missed it, in a recent article, George Igualt, head of the company that manages The Resort, had glowing comments about the park’s new manager, Susan York. Here’s an excerpt:

You’ll remember that Susan was Activities Director the season before last. She’s back this season, but as the park Manager, and George explained why he’s so glad to have her back: “I’ve hired a lot of people for a lot of jobs and I’ve learned that while you can train someone to do a job, what you can’t train them to do is to care. Susan lives at The Resort. She’s led the Activities team. She cares about the people and the park. She cares.” George pointed out that one way that passion has already expressed itself in her new role as Manager has been with the park office: “Susan came to me and suggested that redo the office area. She just took it on. Turns out, her secret passion is interior design and she showed me photos from what she’s done, and wow is she good. Plus, she is super-resourceful. She’s adding new art – original art by her – and it’s amazing the transformation that’s taking shape.”

And, with that as an introduction, we get to hear from Susan…

AN UPDATE FROM MANAGER SUSAN YORK

“He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist.” Francis of Assisi

The Resort has had many artists working this summer to make the future look bright. Many heads worked to lay out a plan, many hands completed tasks to inspire you and our hearts went into improving your experience this coming season.

Starting at the front gate, you will notice new illuminated signage. To continue to keep us safe, we have registered with the City of Mesa Police Department and several notices have been posted to deter intruders. The front of the office a lighted curb and bumpers were added. In between, an improved irrigation system along the perimeter was implemented and 383 trees were artfully trimmed.

When you check in at the offices let your eyes take in the many changes from the bottom to the top. With heart-filled enthusiasm the palette was changed as walls were painted, carpet replaced, brighter lighting installed, cabinets assembled and colorful décor hung. Speaking of the top, you will now find the yoga studio located above the office.

A SNEAK PEAK AT THE CHANGE:

BEFORE

& AFTER

The artistry continued around the pool area as paintbrushes were flying. Many door jams were refreshed with more to come, the balcony was recoated, the kitchen was repainted, the party room was spruced up, and the ballroom was given a new facelift. The ballroom flooring work has started and will be stripped down to the bare wood and built back again. The ballroom restrooms were painted, higher stools installed and handrails added. More comfortable tables and chairs were purchased and risers were assembled for the choir. Soon the pool deck will be repainted.

All these safety features, improvements and aesthetic were added for your enjoyment as the crews continued to maintain their daily responsibilities. Life at The Resort is your canvas so we hope the fresh look inspires you to bring out your enthusiasm for life, creative style and your colorful talents. We are looking to a fun-filled season.

THE UPCOMING SEASON OF SHOWS/EVENTS

A Conversation with Rose

When we asked Activities Director Rose Hilgedick which of the upcoming new season’s shows or events she was most looking forward to, there was a long pause before she said, “Gosh, we’ve got so many… there’s a magician I can’t wait to see, and a comedian, plus the Johnny Cash show and the Beatles show…” and eventually Rose named just about all of events, concluding with “I’m so excited about this year – it’s going to be so fun!”

Then, however, as we talked more, we sensed that Rose was particularly enthused about two of the events: “This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday and we’re having a luncheon with dueling pianos. And then there’s the big Veteran’s Day lunch — that’s so, so popular.”

So when does it all get started? The Activities Office will officially open on October 1^st. Judie Bricker will be back as Assistant and there will be a new fulltime person for ticket sales. (Rose explained that the new online system requires someone to specialize.)

The first event on the calendar will be a Welcome Back Pool Party. “We did a pool party last April,” Rose said, “and it was so successful we concluded, ‘That’s the way to go.’ We’ll have a live band and food trucks.” She added, “But the season really gets underway with the Halloween Party – I can’t wait to see what our residents come up with.”

Looking Back

Although we wanted to hear about the upcoming season, we also asked Rose to reflect back on last season, her first in the role as Activities Director. When we met with her a year ago, Rose described her first task after accepting the new role as AD: “I started picking brains – I was asking everyone, ‘What would you like to see in the park?’ I came into the job with optimism: There’s going to be something for everyone.” Rose then lit up as she listed the new acts she has signed for entertainment events and describing the expanded schedule for dances. As for the latter, she tells us that she’s working on a wider variety of music, part of her ‘something for everyone’ theme.”

Misson accomplished. She summed up last year’s experience by saying, “I’m still reveling in how successful the season was. It came off better than I could have hoped. And now this year we want to be even better.” Rose added, “I love coming to work.”