The Sonoran Singers doing what they do best
Join Senior Village at DesertView Performing Arts Center for These Upcoming Free Music Matinees
Nov.6 at 2 p.m.
Senior Village is proud to announce Deborah Gryniewicz as our November Music Matinee performer. Deborah’s vocal stylings will take you on a melodic journey through pop, jazz, Broadway, and classical songs to thrill your heart, and she will be joined by “piano man” Tom Barrett, both residents of SaddleBrooke.
Deborah’s singing career spans opera, oratorio, off-Broadway in New York, and the Philly Pops Orchestra. She is currently the president of the National Association of the Singing Southern Arizona Chapter, with a private voice studio in SaddleBrooke.
Deborah is the pianist and soloist for Catalia First Baptist Church, as well as the founder of Jubilant Voice Ministries. She performs her original “Women of the Bible” programs at the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene and holiday concerts for venues such as All Seasons and The Watermark. She currently has four CDs of original music available.
Bring a friend or neighbor to the theater and enjoy the talents of these performers. All shows are free and open to all residents of SaddleBrooke. Performances begin at 2 p.m.
Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
A free holiday/Christmas concert is awaiting you! Mark your calendars for Thursday, Dec. 4, as your Sonoran Singers bring this season alive in the DesertView Performing Arts Theater. The lights, the music, the songs, the skits, the special surprises—you shouldn’t miss them! The fun begins at 2 p.m.
Sonoran Singers, a choral group comprised of devoted and talented, experienced female vocalists, began in SaddleBrooke 24 years ago and has performed over 200 volunteer performances! Sonoran Singers attend weekly rehearsals, working on music and vocal arrangements and technique with the director—always in an atmosphere of fun!
Director Cora Peters, whose patience and enthusiasm bring out our best, plus accompanist JayeAnn Smith, with her versatile and humble style, while displaying their passion for music, completes our musicale.
When you take your theater seat, you will be happy you had the chance to get that warm feeling of the holidays nearing, from the time the curtain opens until the last notes are sung/played. The enthusiasm of every singer and performer will encourage you to sing along with your favorite holiday song. Come early to get your good seat. We know you will be glad you came!
Senior Village volunteer Don Burkhead confers with member Rosalie Forgues to explain her long-term care policy.
Don Burkhead: Specialist in Long-Term Care Policies
Stephanie Thomas
Few people know as much about reading caveats and fine print in long-term care policies as Don Burkhead. For the past several years, the Senior Village Forms and Documents team has utilized Don’s extensive knowledge to interpret these policies for members.
Before moving to SaddleBrooke in 2013, Don and his wife Jeanne lived in Southern California where he worked as an independent contractor for companies like General Electric, John Hancock, and Met Life. Don explains the passion that drove him to be so successful: “I was trying to help people find a path to relieve the burden of cost, emotionally and financially, for long-term care.”
It did not take Don long when he moved to SaddleBrooke to find a volunteer niche that allowed him to continue what he most enjoyed about his notable career: helping people understand the benefits of their long-term care policies. Once members retrieve their policy, Don takes the policy home with him where he pours over the details. When finished, he writes a comprehensive review for the members, which includes daily benefits for long-term care, how to activate their policy, important riders, possible spousal benefits, and requirements of the elimination period.
Policy holders often ask Don what to do about rising premiums. Should they decrease benefits to lower annual fees? Should they pay the increase or even drop their policies? Don’s answer is simple: “Choose the premium option least likely to affect your lifestyle.” If you can afford to pay the increase, do so. You will be thankful in the long run. Even decreased benefits are a better option than dropping your policy. Don reminds policy holders that “70% of the population will need this type of long-term care during their lifetime.”
If you own a long-term care policy and are now in need of additional care, Don advises initiating benefits sooner rather than later. Become informed about how to activate your policy. Many policies require you pay the first 90 days of care at home or in a facility. Other policies carry “riders” that avoid this out-of-pocket expense.
Don encourages people in their 50s to consider one of the new versions of long-term care policies that include life insurance. Called “hybrid” policies, these flexible versions can be more affordable and allow you to use the policy for long-term care expenses or leave a death benefit for heirs.
The Forms and Documents team is looking for someone to serve as a back-up to Don and help with policy reviews. This qualified person might have sold long-term care policies or been similar to a financial advisor who dealt with policies when counseling clients. If you or someone you know has this background and would like to join the Forms and Documents team, please contact Senior Village Volunteer Coordinator Mary Toth at 520-314-1042.
Please 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.
Men’s Social Hour
Nov. 17, 4 to 6 p.m. (new date for holiday schedule), 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. 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.
December Music Matinee Featuring Sonoran Singers
Dec. 4, 2 p.m., DesertView Performing Arts Center, Free
Join the Sonoran Singers for this free Christmas Concert. The Sonoran Singers are a choral group that started in SaddleBrooke 24 years ago. These vocalists, along with director Cora Peters and accompanist JayeAnn Smith, will get you in the holiday spirit with their enthusiasm and passion for music. Come and sing along to your favorite holiday songs! Enjoy the lights, music, skits, and special surprises these ladies have in store for you.
Men’s Social Hour
Dec. 15, 4 to 6 p.m. (new date for holiday schedule), 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. 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.
Holiday Closures
Please note that the office will be closed for the following dates:
Nov. 27 and 28, 2025
Dec. 25 and 26, 2025
Jan. 1 and 2, 2026
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.
Karen Smith, Mary Lou Worthy, and Nancy Wyllie are all smiles.
September Birthday Party Celebration
Laura Anderson
Another successful celebration is in the books for the 14 Senior Village members who celebrated their August and September birthdays in style with singing, games, and delicious, sweet treats. Senior Village volunteers Marcia Kovac, Mona Sullivan, and Debbie McGeehan hosted this month’s event.
Thanks for the Memories, Irene Pierce and Mike Rutt, SaddleBrooke favorites, came to entertain the members with not only a special happy birthday song but traditional favorites that enticed everyone to join in. Attendees sang, played ball toss, and enjoyed chocolate peanut butter cupcakes and spice cupcakes made by Senior Villages volunteers Mona Sullivan and Debbie McGeehan.
A special thank you goes out to Linda Russell, Senior Village volunteer, who receives all the RSVPs for these exciting celebrations. Linda picked up member Louise Byrd who needed a ride to the party. Linda’s actions are a perfect example of Senior Village’s motto of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, ensuring that Louise made it to the party.
Senior Village volunteer Chelsea Brougher did a fantastic job of engaging the crowd and having them share a little bit about themselves. It is such a wonderful experience to learn more about the people in our community. One Senior Village member celebrated his 92nd birthday! Congratulations!