Unit 20’s winter celebration
Cathy Howard
On Saturday, January 13, 2018, SaddleBrooke One Villa residents welcomed back their snowbird neighbors and friends at their annual Winter Celebration.
The festivities began at 5:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour. Guests were greeted by Jan Deschamp and Cathy Howard where everyone was offered the opportunity to purchase tickets for a 50/50 raffle, as well as, drawings for bottles of wine and SaddleBrooke One gift cards. Jan Deschamp was proven to be such a good salesperson that the villas had not only one, but three cash drawings that evening. The lucky winners were Pierre Fabinski, Nancy Horvat, Linda and Paul Schwinn, Bill Howard, Doris Bickel, Denny Lien, Sue Schliepsiek and Ron Tuxbury. Sue Schliepsiek was having a really lucky night since she took home two prizes, although Doris Bickel was the most lucrative winner taking home the largest cash prize.
Ed Sand was the emcee for the evening. Ed not only welcomed the new owners, renters and guests, he also dazzled us with his quick wit and humor.
After Ed’s stand-up routine attendees dined on a buffet prepared by Chef Dave. The buffet for fifty guests was tender beef brisket, garden salad, carrots, mashed potatoes, rolls and butter. If that did not fill you up then the ice cream sundae bar consisting of both chocolate and caramel sauce with so many toppings should have. No-one should have gone home hungry that night and I am pretty sure they went home content. For those who were not able to attend, we missed you and hope you can make it next year.
The event could not have happened without the help of many Villa residents. Jan Wycoff was great to handle the financial collection, Jan Deschamp in selling those raffle tickets and Don and Joan Ebbeson who donated wine. A special thanks to all the people who purchased those raffle tickets since those sales allow us to host the annual Villa potluck at the SaddleBrooke One activity center in March.
Unit 27 activities
Sue Case
The unit activities kicked into gear at the end of January, with a Snack and Chat on January 26 and a Dine Around on January 30.
Anne and Phil Doyle hosted the January Snack and Chat on a cool evening; and many residents were in attendance. Luckily, the Doyles have a large house as well as an outdoor fire pit, with lots of seating. Therefore, people could stay indoors or out. Actually, almost everyone had to venture outdoors at one time or another, as Anne and Phil had strategically placed the beverage table, aka Bar, outside. Many attendees bring much food—and much variety. It is always interesting to see what little bites people come up with to share. One highlight of the evening was the chance to meet our newest Unit 27 residents, Marty and Glenn Fisher.
The January Dine Around was held at Bob’s Steak and Chop House at the Omni Tucson resort. The steak lovers report being more than satisfied by their food; and those not ordering steaks also enjoyed the evening. Fira Stout hosted the event; she and former Unit 27 resident, Janie Grinstead, are to be commended for their good and varying choices in 2017.
Don’t forget to mark Saturday, April 21, on your calendars. That’s the date of our Unit 27 Block Party, hosted by Anne and Phil Doyle, Eileen and Jeff Depka, and Julie and Rob Smith. It will run from 1:00-8:00 p.m., and include various types of activities as well as ample food. There will be a nominal charge; but the fun will be well worth the cost! More details and sign up information to come.