Every time you walk through the doors of The Dutch Clubhouse & Pool Pavilion, you’re greeted with a smile — and that’s thanks to our Ambassadors. They’re here to welcome you, help you access the amenities, keep things looking their best, and most importantly, bring the joy that makes The Dutch feel like the heart of Blossom Rock.
To help you get to know them a little better, we asked our Ambassadors a few fun questions. Here’s what they had to share:
What brought you to The Dutch, and what made you want to be an Ambassador here?
I have been a Hospitality professional for 25 years with a focus on restaurants I was looking for a job that would be beneficial to my family allowing me less stress and more time with my kids. My husband is a corporate chef for Thompson Golf Group and my restaurant schedule was not beneficial to his necessary travel and events and need for babysitters. I knew being an ambassador would allow for me to be hospitable and make connections with community. I also knew my attention to attention to detail would be appreciated. Details build an experience, consistency creates an atmosphere, and hospitality makes everyone feel welcome.
How would you describe your role in welcoming residents to the community?
Candace Oehlerking
I would describe the ambassador role within the community at Blossom Rock as setting the tone for a secure, fun, welcoming atmosphere for residents, their guests, and potential buyers. It is important for everyone to feel structure and fairness within the community and amenities offered. Sometimes we have to enforce the rules and doing that in a tactful, welcoming manner is can be an art. Bringing fun to the day though contagious smiles and friendly conversation is important to me, too. I want the residents — whether they are children or stakeholders — to be confident when they see me, I have their best interest in mind.
Outside of The Dutch, what are some of your hobbies or favorite pastimes?
I love my garden, and sharing that experience with my kids. Getting dirty and exploring what the earth has to offer is very grounding and peaceful to me. When I am not at the Dutch and the kids are in school, a cup of coffee in the garden with some healthy desserts is the way I like to spend my quiet mornings . I am slightly addicted to work, so I keep my foot in food in beverage by selling healthy desserts with Love Love Sweets at the Uptown Farmers Market and wholesale throughout the valley. I am working on my personal business, Frolicking Food. I no longer offer hotdogs but instead my goal is to build community around food having conversations that help reflect a grateful and forgiving experience.
Any words of welcome you’d like to share with the residents?
Be the positive change you want to see in the world. Lead by example, starting with your immediate surroundings.
What’s your favorite part about greeting neighbors as they come into The Dutch?
I love showing neighbors all that we have to offer and love watching how excited they get about all the amenities.
Do you have a favorite spot at The Dutch or around Blossom Rock?
I love the lake, it’s so nice to walk around and everyone who’s there is always friendly! But honestly what’s not to love about Blossom Rock in general.
What’s the best part of working in a place that feels like the heart of Blossom Rock?
Barbara Daniels
Being an ambassador here and being part of such an incredible team is so fulfilling. Everyone here is always happy to be here and help a resident or coworker.
What’s your favorite part about greeting neighbors as they come into The Dutch?
I love being a smiling face when people enter their community center. I love hearing about what brought them Blossom Rock. We could be anywhere in the world and we all chose to live here, that’s special in itself.
Do you have a favorite spot at The Dutch or around Blossom Rock?
I love walking around and noticing new things around our community. From the ping pong tables to the swinging chairs to the trails. I love discovering and enjoying every corner!
Any words of welcome you’d like to share with the residents?
Sara Flake
Be bold and talk to your neighbors, say hi, wave. We are all here together with many walks of life. Everyone deserves a smiling face and kindness so let’s be a welcoming community!
What brought you to The Dutch, and what made you want to be an Ambassador here?
I love meeting new residents, sharing what I know about The Dutch, and making new friends along the way.
What’s your favorite part about greeting neighbors as they come into The Dutch?
I enjoy meeting people face to face and sharing about my role as an Ambassador, our community, and how beautiful it is.
Any words of welcome you’d like to share with the residents?
Steve Akhbari
Hi and welcome to the community! Feel free to say hello and wave anytime to me or your neighbors. You’ll always be met with a smile.
What brought you to The Dutch, and what made you want to be an Ambassador here?
I love learning about people in all different walks of life. Every time a resident walks through the entrance to the Dutch it is a new opportunity for me to experience, learn, and impact someone’s life. As an Ambassador, I want to help nurture this community and grow with it.
Do you have a favorite spot at The Dutch or around Blossom Rock?
The view from my desk here at the Dutch is beautiful. The Superstition Mountains framing the stream flowing into the lake will never dull for me, especially with Harold the Heron perching upon the stones. It is refreshing how Blossom Rock’s environment has such an emphasis on nature.
Mavis Erwin
Any words of welcome you'd like to share with the residents?
It is important to me that you feel comfortable and included while living in Blossom Rock, so please call or visit the Dutch if you have any questions. It is my pleasure to help you however I can, and I always enjoy the company! Thank you for being a part of this community; I cannot wait to meet you if I haven’t already!
What's the best part of working in a place that feels like the heart of Blossom Rock?
There is nothing better than making a warm, helpful, kind and welcoming first impression. We have the ability to make someone’s day a little brighter with our attitude and I love knowing that I can make a difference!
Do you have a favorite spot at the Dutch or around Blossom Rock?
My favorite spot at Blossom Rock is the dog park! I love meeting new residents, locals there and most of all I love watching the dogs interact and run around. Everyone knows a tired dog is a good dog at the end of the day.
My second favorite place is here at the Dutch meeting our new residents!
Mimi Webb
Any words of wisdom you'd like to share with the residents?
Don’t be shy! Say hello and smile often. You never know who your next best friend may be! Come to our events, start a club, come enjoy the Dutch and our gourmet coffee! Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, questions, compliments and concerns with us.
I love being an ambassador for Blossom Rock and want to make this a thriving and welcoming community for us all!
Blossom Rock’s Ambassadors are excited to meet you, share a smile, and help make every visit to The Dutch a warm and memorable one. So the next time you stop by for a swim, a workout, or just a moment to relax, be sure to say hello — they can’t wait to connect with you.