Units 5 and 11 Join for a Pre-Souper Bowl Party
Super Bowl football squares winner Mike Maxwell
Ken Marich and Ric Nicholson
SaddleBrooke Units 5 and 11 joined together in a pre-Super Bowl social gathering on Feb. 9, sharing a potluck of culinary delights, including “souper” soups, chilis, stews, salads, breads, and desserts. Nearly 60 attendees enjoyed breaking bread and meeting friends, new and old. A highlight of the evening was the filling of the Super Bowl football squares pool, followed by the random drawing of the square numbers, first for Kansas City and then for San Francisco (all random). Following the Chiefs vs. 49ers Super Bowl game, the big winner was Mike Maxwell who was delighted to have his winnings ($200) delivered on Monday. What are the odds of one person winning all four quarters? Mike bought 20 squares out of 100 squares and won Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. Unbelievable! If anyone can figure out the odds, please email me at [email protected]. The grand prize was literally presented to Mike Maxwell in Publishers Clearing House fashion with balloons, cash, and the actual betting board. Everyone also enjoyed the 50/50 raffle, which was won by Bob Tibor of Unit 5.
An icebreaker “Get Acquainted and Meet New People” challenge was provided by Stephanie Cady of Unit 5. Mike Sachse (Unit 11) played on the piano those famous old team songs for everyone to sing: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” for 49ers fans and “Kansas City” for Chiefs fans. It was an enjoyable evening.
Unit 17 Lets the Good Times Roll for Mardi Gras
Barbara Barr Bengen
Residents of Unit 17 let the good times roll this Mardi Gras. The home of Linda Gray and her brother John Hart became Fat Tuesday Central for this special day. Residents brought an amazing assortment of fattening foods and desserts for the event. Linda’s Mardi Gras decorations were ahhhhhh-MAY-zing!
Unit 17 revelers enjoyed the party games. There was a pop the balloon and a bead tossing contest. It was good times, good food, and good fellowship. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Our next event is a St. Patrick’s Day Party on Sunday, March 17, at the home of Bill Bengen and Barbara Barr Bengen. The party will be held at their home in Unit 6 where there is a putting green. In addition to a potluck of Irish foods, appetizers, and desserts, there will be putting and billiards. You don’t have to have ever played golf to join in on the putting fun. All are invited to play, and there will be prizes!
Stay tuned for more fun and frolic in Unit 17!
Unit 21 Friendly Fridays
Dana Eckhardt
Friendly Fridays are back! On Friday, Feb. 16, many of Unit 21’s finest convened at Linda and John Ansay’s home for a wonderful event. All were encouraged to bring an appetizer to share, plus their beverage of choice. The Ansays’ home is a warm and inviting place, with a backyard that is amazing and includes a koi pond that is so serene. Friendly Fridays is a fabulous way to meet, greet, and reunite with all of our wonderful neighbors.
Our next Friendly Friday is on March 15 at Dana Eckhardt’s home, followed by April 19 at Barbara and Michael Donaldson’s home. We are still in need of hosts for May 17 and June 21. Please add these dates to your calendar and come and enjoy your community. See you there!
If you would like to be a host for one of these wonderful evenings from 3 to 5 p.m., please email Linda Ansay at [email protected].
Unit 27 Activities
Glenn and Rob enjoying the chilly evening at the Depka Snack and Chat (photo by Ron Talbot)
Sue Case
Fira Stout organized a unit Dine Around at Nonna Maria’s in Oracle on Jan. 30. Despite the unpredictable weather, approximately 30 hungry diners showed up and were amply and happily fed with pizzas, pastas, and other Italian dishes. No matter the venue that Fira picks for the group, the service has always been very good and the food varied and enjoyable. And that is why so many unit residents sign up for her dinners. Thank you very much, Fira!
Eileen and Jeff Depka welcomed Unit 27 residents to the January Snack and Chat at their house on Feb. 17. Despite the somewhat cool weather, several groups sat outside in various areas of the backyard and patio—at least until it got too cold. However, those indoors had quicker access to a veritable groaning board of food, both savory and sweet. More than a few diners were seen going back for seconds and thirds, and there was something for everyone.
Most folks congregated in groups, sitting at tables and on the couch or just standing. For entertainment, the TV played a seemingly endless loop of the video documentary of Ron Talbot’s birthday party, with a little bit of Weird Al Yankovic and some cartoon characters thrown in for fun. It definitely caught the attention of those who looked up while walking by. We thank everyone willing to host the monthly Snack and Chat events, and this month we thank Eileen and Jeff who stepped up when no one else had volunteered.
Preserve Unit 43 Residents Attended Their Bi-Monthly Appetizer Party
Raymond H. Goettsch
Unit 43 in The Preserve held its bi-monthly party on Jan. 30 at the home of Linda and Brooks Bartholow. Fifty residents attended the party and brought appetizers and beverages of their choice. The attendees enjoyed the view from the patio, as one could see forever—well, all the way to Costco.