The New Care Connect Program Strengthens Support for Senior Village Members
Linda Hampton
Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is pleased to announce an exciting new service designed to support the safety, independence, and peace of mind of our members. Coming soon, care connect will offer a simple, reliable way for a small number of selected members to check in each day using voice-activated technology.
With an easy command such as “Check in with Senior Village,” members can quickly confirm that all is well—no phone calls or complicated steps required. For those who do not already have compatible technology in their home, the necessary equipment will be provided, along with personalized training to ensure comfort and confidence in using the system.
Care connect is designed with both independence and connection in mind. If a daily check-in is not received by a designated time, trained Senior Village volunteers will follow up to make sure everything is okay. This added layer of support provides reassurance not only for members, but also for their families and loved ones.
The program will begin with a small group of selected members as part of a pilot phase, allowing us to refine the service and ensure it meets the highest standards of care and reliability before expanding more broadly.
This innovative program is made possible through the generous support of the Lisa Bayless Team with Long Realty, whose commitment to community well-being continues to make a meaningful difference.
For more information about care connect, please contact the Senior Village program manager Amy Vega at 520-314-1042.
We look forward to bringing this valuable new service to our members and continuing to enhance the ways we support one another in the SaddleBrooke community.
Senior Village volunteer Lori Hill drives member Maryann Cram (photo by Ron Bower)
Summertime Drivers Needed
Laura Anderson
The snowbirds have driven away for the summer. Therefore, Senior Village is looking for fun energetic volunteers who enjoy meeting people and driving. The Going My Way team for Senior Village provides members with rides to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, hair and nail salons and other errands in SaddleBrooke and the surrounding areas. You chose how far and how often you’d like to drive. All volunteers are vetted and drivers are required to complete a driving test prior to providing services.
This team provides a much-needed service in SaddleBrooke. Get to know your neighbors and other members of the community by giving them a lift. Raise their spirits as well as your own through this rewarding volunteer opportunity.
Contact Mary Toth at Mary.toth@seniorvillage.org to learn more about becoming a volunteer with Senior Village.
Please Join Us for Upcoming 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, socialize, attend seminars, and more. Read on for events and activities coming up in the next few months. For more information, visit www.seniorvillage.org/calendar.
Senior Village’s Annual Report is now available for viewing on our website.
May Music Matinee Featuring Irene Pierce and Mike Rutt
May 21, 2 p.m. DesertView Performing Arts Center, free.
Mike Rutt and Irene Pierce both moved to SaddleBrooke in 2020 joining the SaddleBrooke Singers. They put their talents together and are known as “Thanks for the Memories.”
Irene has been singing all her life. She has written and directed several musicals in Florida. She loves seeing the audience smile. Mike has been singing since he was three— singing in church and playing piano. He is also a member of the Men’s Barbershop Group.
Friday Fun Game Day May 22, 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 game day. This free activity is all about enjoying great company and having a fun time together playing a variety of board and card games. We’d love to see you! This event takes place on the fourth Friday of each month. RSVP: Events@seniorvillage.org . Transportation is available for members.
On May 25, the office is closed for Memorial Day holiday.
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.
New Summer Hours
Beginning Tuesday, May 26, through Tuesday, Sept. 8, our office will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Senior Village member Joni Campbel tells why she appreciates being a member.
Celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Month
Linda Hampton
Senior Village Honors Its Volunteers
The spirit of service and community was on full display at the Senior Village volunteer appreciation luncheon held on April 7. Fittingly taking place during national volunteer appreciation month, the event offered a special opportunity to recognize the incredible individuals who give their time and heart to support our members. Nearly 100 of our 280 dedicated volunteers gathered in the SaddleBrooke TWO ballroom, filling the room with warmth, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose.
Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch while reconnecting with fellow volunteers and staff. The highlight of the event came as several members took the microphone to share their personal stories. We’d like to thank Joni Campbel, Rosalie Forgues, Harriet Pearson, Don LaSalle, and Eric Sensiba for describing their experiences. Their heartfelt remarks painted a vivid picture of the real impact our volunteers have—enhancing lives, fostering independence, and even stepping in at just the right moment to help someone out of a jam. Whether it was a ride to an important appointment, help with technology, or a friendly visit, each story underscored how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
These testimonials served as a powerful reminder that volunteering with Senior Village is not just about providing services—it’s about building relationships and strengthening our community. Volunteers were visibly moved by the appreciation expressed and inspired by the stories shared.
As we celebrate national volunteer appreciation month, we are especially grateful for each and every volunteer who makes Senior Village such a vibrant, caring community. All of SaddleBrooke can share in our expressions of appreciation by sending a thank you card to Senior Village volunteers. Cards may be mailed to P.O. Box 8584 Tucson, AZ 85738, or dropped off at our office at 16460 N. Oracle Road between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays. They will be displayed in our office on Oracle Road.
Wendie Nelson is one of Senior Village’s original pathfinder volunteers. (Photo by Sylvia Kirk)
Wendie Nelson: The Perfect Fit
Wendie and Greg, her husband of 55 years, moved to SaddleBrooke 22 years ago, from the snowy landscapes of Minnesota. Soon after settling in, they took up square dancing, where they met and befriended Gary and Ann Hammond. When Gary shared his vision of creating an organization of neighbors helping neighbors, Wendie and Greg knew instantly it was the perfect fit. They signed up as volunteers—and, as Wendie says, the years have flown by. “It’s amazing how Senior Village has built itself up,” she reflects.
With a background in nursing and a lifelong commitment to serving others, Wendie naturally gravitated toward volunteering at Senior Village. Back in Minnesota, she worked for Kandiyohi County as an advocate for children navigating the court system due to abuse, neglect, or difficult divorces. Her work required close collaboration with teachers and social workers to ensure each child’s needs were understood and supported.
At Senior Village, Wendie began volunteering with both the going my way and helping hands teams. She regularly drives members to appointments and partners with Greg for two-person helping hands tasks. Together they flip mattresses, replace hard-to-reach lightbulbs, and tackle the little jobs that make a big difference. Greg proudly calls her his “right hand” on these assignments.
When asked why she continues to volunteer after ten years, Wendie’s answer comes easily: “I really like it. I like meeting people and having one-on-one conversations with them. There are so many interesting life stories here in SaddleBrooke. Members who live alone need someone to talk to. It makes me feel good.”
One of her favorite volunteer routines is driving members to Retina Associates. “I drop them off for their appointment and usually have about an hour,” she shares with a smile. “I love doing my errands nearby. I like going to Trader Joe’s.”
Wendie and Greg raised two children and now enjoy four grandchildren. Their son, Jeff, lives in Bloomington, Ind., and their daughter, Kim, lives in Westminster, Colo. When she isn’t volunteering, Wendie loves playing pickleball and biking with Greg. They’ve even traded in their line dancing shoes for country two-step.
If you’re looking for the perfect fit—a way to give back, meet wonderful people, and end each day feeling good—look no further than Senior Village. Visit SeniorVillage.org to learn more about volunteering opportunities or becoming a member.