Greetings from the Board – April 2026
Greetings from the Board:
Congratulations to Jacqueline Lasher (new to the board) and Joe Affinati (re-elected to the board). Also a big thanks to Oscar Miranada, Vince Roberts and Alan Miklofsky for running for the single family positions on the board and I hope they join one of our committees to stay involved in the running of Rancho Vistoso. The other than single family representative is Craig Golden and the commercial representative is Rob Feltes.
I hope everyone who participated in the Rancho Vistoso yard/garage sale on April 11th enjoyed themselves. We have one in the April and one in October every year.
Oro Valley’s Path Forward
The Town of Oro Valley’s planning department presented the final draft version of the 10-year plan at an open meeting on April 7th at the CDO High School and on April 14th at the Planning and Zoning meeting in council chambers. Town Council will consider adopting the plan at their May 6th meeting. Residents are the ultimate decision makers as part of the November elections. https://www.ovpathforward.com
Oro Valley’s Trails Connect
You may also be interested in the O V Trails connect presentation: https://www.ovtrailsconnect.com
And finally, the Town Council approved going forward with the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve pond on Vistoso Highlands Drive………..thank you!
Matt Wood – VCA President
Snapshot – April 2026
Barbara Daoust
General Manager
First Service Residential
At the March 26, 2026 Board of Directors Annual meeting the Board of Directors Election results were presented as well as a summary of the VCA accomplishments over the last year.
Click HERE to download a PDF of the presentation.
The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for April 30, 2026.
2026-Annual-Meeting-PowerPoint-Final-03.2026Did You Know – April 2026
April is known for spring’s arrival (renewal, flowers, rain), April Fools’ Day (pranks), Earth Day (environment), major holidays like Easter/Passover (when they fall), and various awareness/appreciation months (Jazz, Autism Acceptance, Stress, etc.), plus historical events and sports like the Boston Marathon, all marking transformation and new beginnings.
Seasons & Nature
- Spring (Northern Hemisphere) / Autumn (Southern Hemisphere): A time of growth, blooming flowers, and “April showers”.
- Renewal: Symbolizes new life, personal growth, and connection to nature.
Key Holidays & Observances
- April Fools’ Day (April 1): A day for practical jokes and hoaxes.
- Earth Day (April 22): Focuses on environmental protection.
- Easter/Passover: Major religious holidays often falling in April.
- World Health Day (April 7): Promotes global health awareness.
- World Book Day (April 23): Celebrates reading and literature.
Awareness & Appreciation Months (US)
- Jazz Appreciation Month: Celebrates jazz music.
- Autism Acceptance Month: Promotes understanding and inclusion.
- Stress Awareness Month: Focuses on mental well-being.
- Arab American Heritage Month: Honors the Arab American community.
Historical/Cultural Notes
- The Titanic: Sank on April 15, 1912.
- Boston Marathon: Held on the third Monday of April.
- Origin of Name: From Latin aperire, meaning “to open,” referencing spring’s blossoming.
For April 2026 in Oro Valley, expect seasonal favorites like Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch (ending April 2026 with shorter hours), potential arts festivals such as the Spring Festival of the Arts, outdoor events like the MOVE Across 2 Ranges hike, and cultural happenings like the Taste of Oro Valley and the anticipated Oro Valley Fine Art & Wine Festival, all centered around community, arts, and the beautiful desert landscape.
Recurring & Seasonal Events:
- Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch: Continues through April 2026, featuring the Farmers Market, Makers Market, concerts, and historic tours, with hours shifting to 8 AM–12 PM in April.
- Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts: Hosted by SAKA, expect local artists, interactive art, and community spirit at the Marketplace.
- Taste of Oro Valley (Rotary Club): A culinary event at Steam Pump Ranch with local food, wine, music, and auction items, supporting community causes.
Arts & Culture:
- Oro Valley Fine Art & Wine Festival: A new juried event showcasing art, wine, food, and music against the mountains.
- Off the Vine Arizona Wine Festival: Expect details on this popular wine event near Medella Vina Ranch, often held mid-April.
Outdoor & Active:
- MOVE Across 2 Ranges: A challenging hike/run event starting in the Tortolita Mountains, benefiting parks and recreation.
Critter of the Month for April 2026
Desert Color in Motion
Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly on a Mexican Bird of Paradise
A Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly pauses on the vivid blooms of a Mexican Bird of Paradise, creating a striking contrast of color and motion. Known for its iridescent blue wings, this butterfly adds a touch of elegance to the desert landscape. Moments like this highlight the beauty that thrives in our own backyards.
Pipevine Swallowtails get their name from their caterpillars’ preferred food, the leaves of the Pipevine (genus Aristolochia). Many of the pipevines that I’ve run across in the Tucson area have at least a few Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars feeding on them. The leaves contain a toxic substance that the caterpillars concentrate in their bodies. That protects them against predators who have learned to avoid feeding on the caterpillars.
Click HERE to read more about the Pipevine Swallowtail.
Do you know an exceptionally cute critter in your community? Share the love and give your furry, feathered, or scaled friend the spotlight they deserve. Submit a photo of a critter whether it’s your personal pet or a wild animal you’ve observed on the trail. Please attach a photo and a brief description of your critter to askvca@ranchovistosohoa.com with the title ‘Critter of the Month’ for a chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter
A Friendly Reminder Regarding Wildlife
We live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert and share our neighborhoods with the wildlife that has been here long before our homes. Coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and birds of prey can pose a danger to humans and their pets. We must be aware of our surroundings and avoid confronting these animals. Maintain your distance and do not behave in a threatening manner. If you encounter a rattlesnake, please call 311 immediately to have it removed. Also, do not feed or supply water to wild animals since they may become more brazen.
OV Path Forward – Final Resident Recommended Draft
Final Resident Recommended Draft
| CREATED BY OV RESIDENTS, FOR OV RESIDENTS |
Great work, Oro Valley residents! Thousands of Oro Valley residents shared their time and voice to produce the Final Resident Recommended Draft of the community’s next 10-year action plan. Resident voices were at the forefront of every step of the way. Since October 2023, Oro Valley residents:Contributed over 10,700 comments.Participated in numerous discussions, meetings, and community events.Reviewed and improved every draft to ensure it aligned with community values, priorities, and expectations. |
| GUIDE FOR THE OV’S FUTURE |
The plan sets many goals, policies, and actions that will guide the Town over the next 10 years. It reflects residents’ vision for the Town by:Maintaining resident values like safety, outdoor recreation, views, and the natural environment.Prioritizing resident expectations to have more gathering spaces, restaurants, retail, and park amenities.Balancing various perspectives and needs of a diverse community. Click the link to read the Final Resident Recommended Draft OVPathForward.com |
AAA Landscape – Tips and Tricks for April 2026
Click Here to Download the AAA Flyer
04-91498-AAA-Flyer-April