Harvey Clark introduced our speaker - Judy Lutes of the Arizona Winter Visitors Association. The AWVA was formed in 1992 by a group of 100 winter visitors so this is their 25th year of existence. It is an all-volunteer organization. Judy said she spends 30-40 hours a week on AWVA business. Their office is at 861 W. Superstition Blvd. in Apache Junction and they are open from 9-12 am M-F.
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The organization works for the benefit of winter visitors by providing information, goods and services via a network of local businesses, publications, handouts, etc. They also have a travel network, an insurance network, a Canadian Health Care network, and offer help with Medicare, help with Health Care Directives, reduced rates to the Arizona Republic, etc.
They are hosting a 25th Anniversary "Welcome Back Bash" on December 4th at Barleens' Arizona Opry at 9 am. There will be lots of door prizes.
They are also selling tickets to win a restored 1974 Harley Davidson golf cart.
There are an estimated 70,000 winter visitors in the Mesa, Apache Junction and Gold Canyon areas each year. But the AWVA has a statewide reach and has even received inquiries from Mexico wondering about visits across the border.