Join the Technology Team and Make a Difference!
Janet Daily
Are you passionate about technology and helping others? If you have experience with computers, smartphones, or just enjoy learning new things, we’d love to have you on our Community Technology Team! We’re seeking volunteers in SaddleBrooke to support fellow residents with everyday tech challenges, from setting up devices to helping with online safety. As technology has become an essential part of daily life, many in our community need assistance navigating it. That’s where you come in!
What Volunteers Do:
• Assist with emails, video calls, social media, and apps
• Help set up or troubleshoot smart devices
• Teach basic tech, how to book airline tickets, or use Ring & Blink
• Work as a team to keep our neighbors’ lives running smoothly
No tech expertise is required! Whether you’re comfortable using devices or eager to learn, your time will make a difference. Just an hour or two a week can help a neighbor stay connected and confident.
Why Join?
• Stay mentally sharp and engaged
• Meet new people and build community
• Empower others by sharing your tech knowledge
• Learn alongside a supportive team
Technology is constantly evolving, but with your help, we can make sure no one in our community gets left behind. Training will be provided to match you with tasks that fit your skills and comfort level. Interested? Join us at our website Seniorvillage.org and sign up to volunteer, get vetted, and join an orientation, or call 520-314-1024 for more details. Let’s make technology work for everyone!
Join Us for Upcoming Senior Village Events
All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Visit our website for up-to-date information.
Throughout the year, Senior Village offers an array of opportunities for SaddleBrooke residents to attend free concerts and seminars, socialize, and more. Read on for events and activities coming up in the next few months. For more information, visit www.seniorvillage.org/calendar.
September Music Matinee Featuring The Catalina Chorale
Sept. 25, 2 p.m. at DesertView Performing Arts Center, Free
The Catalina Chorale is a group of SaddleBrooke residents who sing twice a month at retirement, assisted living, and memory care facilities, with a lot of sing-along music to get everyone involved. During the holidays, you will find them caroling at local businesses and the Golder Ranch Fire Stations, as well as the homes of SaddleBrooke residents who can’t get out to their regular concerts. They are a unison chorus with harmonies ad-libbed. The repertoire ranges from ‘20s to ‘90s folk tunes to musical theater. The accompaniment is with a classical guitar and some percussion. They welcome new members with rehearsals on Thursday mornings.
Friday Fun Day
Sept. 26, 1 to 3 p.m., Senior Village Office, 16460 N. Oracle Road, Free
Looking for a fun and friendly way to spend a Friday afternoon? RSVP to attend our monthly social event, Friday Fun with Friends. This free activity is all about enjoying great company and having a fun time together playing cards or board games. We’d love to see you! This event happens on the fourth Friday of each month. RSVP to Events@seniorvillage.org. Transportation is available for members.
Men’s Social Hour
Sept. 29, 4 to 6 p.m., Free
New Location: SaddleBrooke One Bobcat Room (Downstairs)
Unwind and enjoy genuine conversations in a laid-back setting at Men’s Social Hour. At this monthly event, community members gather for some real talk and an opportunity to connect. No need to RSVP—just show up and be ready to enjoy great company. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, share experiences, and forge new connections. For more details, contact John O’Brien at john.obrien@seniorvillage.org. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Senior Village Volunteer Opportunities
If you are looking for a rewarding way to get involved in your community and give back, look no further than Senior Village. Join our team of 425 dedicated volunteers who proudly live the motto “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” For more information, email Mary Toth, our volunteer coordinator, at mary.toth@seniorvillage.org or call 520-314-1042, press 4.
Learn more about Senior Village and upcoming events online at seniorvillage.org.
Catalina Chorale
Senior Village Music Matinee for September
Laura Anderson
Mark your calendars for this wonderful performance by the Catalina Chorale at DesertView Theater on Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.
The Catalina Chorale is a group of SaddleBrooke residents who sing twice a month at retirement, assisted living, and memory care facilities, with a lot of sing-along music to get everyone involved. During the holidays, you will find them caroling at local businesses and the Golder Ranch Fire Stations, as well as the homes of SaddleBrooke residents who can’t get out to their regular concerts. They are a unison chorus with harmonies ad-libbed. The repertoire ranges from ‘20s to ‘90s folk tunes to musical theater. The accompaniment is with a classical guitar and some percussion. They welcome new members, with rehearsals on Thursday mornings.
Pathfinder Series: Mardie Toney
Senior Village at SaddleBrooke has been deeply enriched by the generous efforts of many dedicated volunteers. Among them, one individual stands out for her lasting impact, heartfelt service, and tireless commitment: Mardie Toney.
Mardie and her husband Chris moved to SaddleBrooke from Newport News, Va., 21 years ago. Drawn by the promise of beautiful surroundings and the opportunity to be closer to their eldest daughter and two grandchildren, the couple embraced retirement in SaddleBrooke. Their family circle grew quickly with their second daughter moving to Tucson. Now, all four of their grandchildren live nearby.
Mardie’s journey with Senior Village began nearly a decade ago and has been as inspiring as it is multifaceted. After reading about the organization in the Saddlebag Notes in 2016, she reached out and met with founder Gary Hammond. Mardie quickly became immersed in the mission, attending workshops to learn more, and from that point forward, she never looked back.
Her initial volunteer role was with the Membership Team where her leadership talents soon led her to head the team. She also contributed to the Moving On Team, offering support to members navigating major life transitions. As her involvement deepened, Mardie was invited to join the board of directors. She recalls, “At that time, we were small enough that board members could also be team leaders.” But by 2018, the organization was expanding rapidly, and Mardie turned her full attention to board service.
One of her most impactful contributions came during the height of the pandemic. In 2020 and 2021 Mardie organized a team of volunteers to run a vaccine clinic for the community. The event became a major milestone for both Senior Village and SaddleBrooke. “People wanted to join just to support Senior Village during such an uncertain time,” she recalls. “It really grew during and after that.” And the numbers tell the story: Membership rose from 793 in 2019 to 1,736 by 2022, while the volunteer force expanded from 173 to 318.
Beyond logistics and leadership, Mardie also brought joy to the community. She helped organize the beloved Music Matinees with JoAnn Wilbour. What began in the space between SaddleBrooke One’s Agave Lounge and the restaurant soon drew such enthusiastic crowds that it moved to larger venues—first SaddleBrooke TWO meeting rooms, then the ballroom, and, finally, DesertView Theater where it remains today.
Mardie served on the board of directors for six years, holding the role of chair for the last two. “That was my most memorable time with Senior Village,” she says. “We grew not just in numbers, but in our responsibilities to our members. The board evolved to meet the needs of a growing community.” From writing protocols to serving as a driver with the Going My Way program, Mardie has had a hand in nearly every aspect of Senior Village’s growth.
“Senior Village is such an important part of SaddleBrooke,” Mardie emphasizes. “You never know when you’ll fall off your bike or be unable to drive. It’s never too early to join. Being a member helps support the organization. You don’t have to volunteer to be a member, and you don’t have to be a member to volunteer. It’s a good mix.”
Even after stepping down from the board, Mardie continues to give her time and energy. She creates name tags, drives members to appointments, and assists with volunteer training. She and Chris also deliver the Saddlebag Notes in their unit—a small act with a big impact.
When asked what keeps her involved, her answer is simple and heartfelt: “Senior Village is a good place to be involved in a good community.”
Come Have Fun with Friends!
Laura Anderson
Research has consistently shown that loneliness and social isolation have profound negative effects on physical health, mental health, and mortality, particularly for older adults. One-quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.
Senior Village’s Fun with Friends team engages members in a variety of activities and invites you to join them for Friday Fun Day, held at the Senior Village offices at 16460 Oracle Road. Come and play board games, Mexican train, and various card games and enjoy socialization and camaraderie. Friday Fun Day is currently on the fourth Friday of each month. Join other members and volunteers for game day on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. or on Oct. 24. Transportation is available for members.
Senior Village’s Fun with Friends team does more than just game day to allow members to get out of the house and engage socially. This team’s volunteers contribute their time and creative skills to host birthday celebrations for members 80 and over. The birthday parties are held at SaddleBrooke One and include entertainment and delicious, sweet treats made by volunteers.
In addition to the birthday celebrations, Senior Village volunteers make phone calls to members 85 and older, wishing them a joyous day. These special calls to our eldest members range from simple birthday greetings to engaging conversations, which spark enthusiasm in the volunteers who make them. This simple gesture becomes crucial, as some members have no family nearby and few friends, and the phone calls help to fill that gap. These social connections can help boost moods by reducing isolation and loneliness while providing volunteers with a meaningful activity and sense of purpose.
Senior Village is dedicated to providing activities for its members, as well as residents of SaddleBrooke, to combat the effects of loneliness. Monthly Music Matinees are held at DesertView Performing Arts Center. The Fun with Friends team also organizes the Men’s Social Hour held at SaddleBrooke One on the last Monday of every month. There are two different women’s book clubs sponsored through Senior Village: Page Turners and A Novel Idea, as well as a Men’s book club. We hope to see you at one of these events.