Dick and LaVonne Ashwood warming up for their annual Play Music on the Porch Day event (photo by Connie Kotke)
Unit 4 and Friends Celebrate the 10th Annual Play Music on the Porch Day
Connie Kotke
Since 2017, the International Play Music on the Porch Day has been an annual, worldwide event held on the last Saturday in August. The event features musicians playing outdoors on their own porches or in front of area businesses and restaurants. It’s a celebration to help people find common ground through music, regardless of their differences.
On Saturday evening, Aug. 31, Dick and LaVonne Ashwood once again hosted their neighbors from Unit 4, plus many friends from the SaddleBrooke community, for a fun evening of playing, mixing, and mingling. Dick strummed his electric guitar and showcased his extraordinary vocals, with tunes ranging from old standards and country to modern pop. His friend Caryl Dowell entertained the gathering with lively polkas and other tunes on her accordion.
Guests were invited to bring snacks and beverages to enjoy during the concert. For the second year in a row, we dodged a few raindrops and rumbles of thunder, but nothing can stop the Ashwoods from putting on a great event!
Unit Nine members enjoying the happy hour
Unit Nine Monthly Happy Hour
This month’s happy hour was held in the backyard of Jim and Karla Kincaid. Thirty-eight members brought a wide selection of tasty hors d’oeuvres, ranging from simple cheese and crackers to deviled eggs, meatballs, taquitos, and pork loin sliders provided by Jim Kincaid. Of course, the deviled eggs were the first to go. The dessert was a delightful double-chocolate Bundt cake with chocolate frosting. Everyone brought their own beverages, and all spent a wonderful evening with mild temperatures under a cloudless sky.
Hello Unit 14
EJ Snearly
Unit 14 has been meeting for Happy Hours for five months without a reporter to publish articles. Hello, my name is Eileen (EJ) Snearly. I’ve been in Unit 14 for almost eight years now. I know several of you from putters, golf, or at the many Happy Hours I attended.
The five Happy Hours were well attended, and many stayed for dinner at either MountainView or The Preserve. With the help of Matt, our drinks were delivered quickly and correctly.
Unit 14 has many new members, including five on my cul-de-sac. It is fun meeting new people in the neighborhood.
Three special members have been instrumental in having these get-togethers. Doris Cardillo, Betsy Clark, and Barbara Turner work well together to make Happy Hours a success.
Midge Mollenkopf, Jason Weisler, Bonnie Westra, and Jamie Kempf
Unit 21 Golf Tournament
Dana Eckhardt
On Sept. 15 the annual golf tournament for Unit 21 was held on the Catalina course. There were six teams of four who competed for the high honor and bragging rights of winner! Dede and Doug Crowder were the hosts with the most, because not only did we play a round of golf, they put on a fun party afterwards, which included drawings for the non-players and awards for the winners. This year’s Top Dog team was Midge Mollenkopf, Jason Weisler, Bonnie Westra, and Jamie Kempf. Congratulations!
Unit 21 Ladies September Luncheon
Dana Eckhardt
The ladies of Unit 21 had an amazing lunch at the beautiful Tohono Chul Gardens and Bistro on Aug. 26. Fifteen wonderful ladies had a great time dining in the lovely atmosphere, which was hosted by Karen Pachis. Be sure to look for next month’s gathering, as they are always fun.
Unit 35 and 35A
Residents of Units 35/35A enjoyed an outing at Harvest Restaurant, hosted by the SaddleBrooke Villas II Social Committee, on Aug. 17. The food was delicious and plentiful. The Social Committee sponsors various activities throughout the year for its residents. These are events where individuals can enjoy some great food and opportunities to socialize.
Unit 46 Divas Go Italian!
Linda Greenough
Eight Unit 46 Divas enjoyed lunch at Bottega Michelangelo on Sept. 12. The food was delicious, and the conversation was lively!
Unit 47 Men’s Club
Tom Drake
The Unit 47 Men’s Club enjoyed the monthly breakfast on the Bar and Grill patio. The club was started by Jack Forgues and Tom Drake 17 years ago.