Max and Stephanie
Unit Two Game Night
BK Koch
On Sept. 13 Unit Two gathered for Game Night. Stephanie and Max provided the Pets Against Humanity game. Lots of fun, good conversation, and snacks were shared.
The next event is the Halloween Party at the tennis pavilion on October 31. Watch your email for more information as the date gets closer.
See ya there!
Unit 4 ladies pause for a photo before their delicious lunches are served. (Photo by Marie Anderson)
Unit 4 Late Summer Ladies Luncheon
Marie Anderson
The Ranch Grill was the setting for the SaddleBrooke Unit 4 Ladies Luncheon on Sept. 5. Eighteen ladies from the unit traveled to SaddleBrooke Ranch and admired the beautiful landscape and fountains in the ponds that led up to the Grill where the luncheon was held.
As we entered the beautiful foyer, we were ushered to the side event room, which was already set up with menus to order our lunch of choice. The tables were adorned with several amber vases of beautiful white roses, which Susan Morrison Cluley put together.
It was fun seeing friends whom we may not have seen in a while, and conversation was lively. Our waiter did an excellent job of taking orders and delivering the lunches we had all ordered, and he kept our water and tea choices regularly filled. The food was presented nicely and was delicious.
As we waited for our lunches, our unit representative Connie Kotke held a drawing for a door prize. Marly Milks was the lucky winner of a $20 gift card to use at any SaddleBrooke One restaurant.
All the ladies enjoyed the luncheon and the venue of the Ranch Grill.
Fall is in the air! The next unit event is our annual Welcome Back Party on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Lucky winners split half the pot.
Last Summer Happy Hour for Unit 6
Lorie Gregor
A quick rain shower passed through as the sun shone on the happy faces of Unit 6 on the patio of the RoadRunner Grill. It’s been a great tradition to set for the full-timers over the hot summer months, gathering to see one another, tell some jokes, and revel in our community within SaddleBrooke! We are looking forward to Oct. 21 for the Unit 6 fall potluck and bocce event.
Units 15 and 17 Gather for a Blast from the Past!
Barbara Barr Bengen
Echoes of laughter and friendly conversations rang through Unit 17 as Linda Gray and John Hart hosted the ‘60s Party. Buddies and neighbors from Units 15 and 17 dusted off their Birkenstocks and suited up in tie-dyed clothing for the occasion. Who knew we would be able to find so many relics from that time period?
As usual, the incredible cooks from the two units defied gravity again. The appetizers and desserts were off the charts. In addition to a wide selection of tasty treats, there were a number of old favorites from back in the day. There was homemade pizza, pigs in blankets, brownies, and homemade cookies we enjoyed in bygone days. We used the app Perfect Potluck to help everyone sign up. It’s so nice to be able to know what everyone is bringing!
The tail end of the monsoon teased the guests on and off during the evening. But a few gusts of wind and sprinkles didn’t interfere with the good times and Jenga games. We were all cool and had a blast! Of course! What else would you expect from one of our unit parties?
Front (left to right): Louise O’Donald, Rosalie Forgues, Carol Nickal, Kay Waneka, Marge White, Carolyn McLean; back (left to right): Carri Johnson, Julie Swarts, Reba Johnson
Unit 16
Carri Johnson
On Aug. 25 nine ladies from Unit 16, the “Saucy 16ers,” had lunch at Olive Garden in Oro Valley. The staff led us to a private room, and we were promptly greeted by a very attentive waitress. We all enjoyed the never-ending salad bowl and several different lunch choices, and we chatted throughout lunch.
Future events include an outing to The Gaslight Music Hall to see Barnaby and the Butcher band. Then more fun is planned at our annual Dancing in the Street party with our favorite band WildRide.
A special thank you to our Unit 16 event coordinator Carri Johnson for all her efforts to keep the fun in Unit 16.
Neighbors toast to bring on the rain at Pat Morris’ dining table. Pictured (left to right) are Pat Morris, Debbie Grafmiller, Pamela Partrick, Lynne Donovan, Carol Levine, Joyce Wainscott, and Maureen Spence.
Unit 28 Ladies Bring on the Rain—You’re Welcome!
Jennifer Citron
Tired of the summer heat, the ladies of Unit 28 decided that an “end this summer” brunch was in order. Ten determined gals gathered on Sept. 11 at the home of Pat Morris on Skyline Drive to share delicious food and drink and defy the summer doldrums with excellent company. There were some moments of somber reflection as the memory of Sept. 11 2001, was honored. Trips taken, from the east coast of the U.S. to the west coast of Maui, were rehashed. Gardening and landscape maintenance challenges were a hot topic, and the combined power of all these determined women swirled into the desert sky. Lo and behold, that evening, the heavens darkened, the clouds parted, and rain poured down.
Unit 29 Ladies Luncheon
Debbie McGeehan
It was a beautiful day to enjoy a delicious lunch at The Highlands Bar & Grille. It was a new experience for most, which involved a 30-minute easy and scenic drive, but well worth it!
We were able to get a round table for nine right by the big windows in the restaurant. The view of the golf course and mountains was outstanding. The menu offers a nice variety of food options at reasonable prices. Our waiter Kevin did an amazing job, with lots of patience and a smile! The prime rib sandwiches au jus, salads, and sandwiches were enjoyed by all, with some left for take-home!
Conversation is always good, as you would not doubt with a bunch of ladies! We discussed beauty and make-up tips, latest renovations, “husbands,” and, of course, doctor visits and medical issues!
Our small unit of more than 80 homes enjoys a ladies luncheon every second Tuesday of the month. Joanne Valentino serves on our Social Committee. She has a volunteer assigned each month to plan a lunch at a destination of their choice. It’s always a surprise as to where they may go, but it never seems to disappoint!
Unit 36 Orange September Happy Hour a Hit!
Helen Amelsberg, Social Chair
Cheers to another fabulous Unit 36 Orange Happy Hour! On Sept. 18, 24 neighbors gathered at the beautiful home of Jeanne Heyerick (thank you, Jeanne!) for an evening filled with food, laughter, and plenty of good cheer.
The buffet table was overflowing with delicious bites: shrimp, cream cheese rolls, pepper jelly tarts (so popular the recipe was requested multiple times!), cheesy quesadillas with hot sauce, and even a meringue pie and Irish Cream Oreos. Add in a great selection of beers and wine, and it’s no wonder the conversations and laughter flowed for several hours.
As a surprise bonus, a guest from a local bank stopped by to share helpful tips on spotting and preventing security fraud—proof that Happy Hour can be both fun and informative!
Unit 36 Orange Happy Hours are always a wonderful way to meet neighbors, make friends, and share some joy. If you haven’t joined us yet, consider this your invitation. Come raise a glass with us next time. The only caveat is that you must live in our unit area.
Mark your calendars: The next Happy Hour is Thursday, Oct. 16 (details to follow). Hope to see you there!
And remember, we’re always looking for our next home to host Happy Hour. How about yours?
Unit 36 Orange Explores the Gem & Mineral Museum
Helen Amelsberg
On Aug. 5 a group of six Unit 36 Orange neighbors enjoyed a fascinating outing to the Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum located at the University of Arizona. The museum is home to one of the most impressive collections in the Southwest, showcasing sparkling gemstones, rare minerals, fossils, and exhibits that highlight Arizona’s rich mining history.
The group was led by a knowledgeable docent, Jordan, who guided everyone through the displays with enthusiasm and expertise. Along the way, neighbors learned about the state’s mining heritage and how gemstones are prepared and even got a peek inside the museum’s glittering jewelry vault.
After the tour, neighbors strolled across the street to enjoy a casual lunch at Street Taco, wrapping up the morning with delicious food and good company.
It was a gem of a day (pun intended!) and another wonderful example of how Unit 36 Orange neighbors come together to learn, laugh, and share experiences. A big thank you to Christine Schmitz for organizing this fabulous event.
Keep a lookout for future Unit 36 Orange events. You won’t want to miss out on the fun!
Unit 45 Holds Ice Cream Social
R. Maxim
On Sept. 7 Unit 45 held its annual Ice Cream Social. Thirty neighbors gathered at Robin and Charlie Maxim’s poolside for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and Jelatis. It proved to be a perfect evening for the sunset and laughter.