Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg Ruminating. Pondering. It’s what we do when we want to make the world a better place. To wit … have you ever wondered why: • No one has ever come up with a better way to open an 8-ounce package of cream cheese? • Paper and plastic bags are not yet…
Category: July 2025
July 2025, Features
We’re Buddy Walkin’
Dick Hardy Side by side, in morning’s grace, Steppin’ in sync, a gentle pace. Hummin’ softly, hearts aglow, Through the dawn, together we go. We’re Buddy Walkin’ We’re Buddy Walkin’ We’re Buddy Walkin’ We’re Buddy Walkin’ Shoulders brush and our butts sway, Sunlight dances through our day. on a mission, and all can see…
July 2025, Sports
Debra Miller’s State Farm 8-Ball Open Winner Tony ‘The Snake’ Cardillo
Joe “Fast Eddie” Giammarino The Pool Players of The Brookes’ Billiard Club (PPB) hosted an 8-Ball Singles Tournament on June 20 and 21 in the SaddleBrooke One Catalina Recreation Center (CRC) Billiards Room, sponsored by Debra Miller and State Farm. Debra Miller is the PPB’s latest tournament sponsor, and we gratefully thank Debra for her…
Sports, July 2025
2025 Men’s Niners Summer Cup Tournament
Steve Kotke The SaddleBrooke Men’s Niners (SBMN) held their annual Summer Cup Tournament this June. The three-day format of the Summer Cup is very similar to the Ryder Cup, with two teams of 10 members and match play rounds. The first round on June 11 was an alternate shot match, on June 14 it was…
July 2025, Sports
Play Your Best Pool: Things to Consider When Buying a New Cue Stick or Shaft
Johnny Henson, Professor Pool Over the years cue sticks have evolved a lot. In 1978 I was playing with house sticks in the local pool hall in Big Spring, Texas, when the owner encouraged me to order a cue from a friend of his in Colorado Springs, Colo. His name was Bill Stroud, the owner…
July 2025, Sports
Lights, Cornhole, Action!
Christine Schmitz After HOA board approval, Cornhole members quickly fundraised to have outdoor lighting installed at the DesertView courts. Everyone can now take advantage of the lower evening temps and play cornhole. The lights are on from 7 to 9 p.m. nightly. Each Saturday night, Drop-In Play will begin to organize around 6:45 to 9…
July 2025, Sports
SaddleBrooke and Ranch Senior Softball Action!
King Mitch Well, SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch Senior Softball fans, here it is June 25 and Progress deadline time. Just a couple games left on the spring season schedule, and then the softballers will be taking a break until the second week in July. Let me tell ya, there are more than a couple of…
July 2025, Sports
Senior Softball Action
Frederick King Mitchell, Jr. Well, SaddleBrooke and Ranch Senior Softball fans, here it is June 12 and Saddlebag Notes deadline time. Here’s the past and future in the action-packed world of SB softball. Tournament Action—May 26 (Memorial Day) Yep, softball aficionados, the SSSA Memorial Day Tournament is in the books. The tournament was appreciatively sponsored…
July 2025, Sports
Relishing Pickleball: The Art of Blocking
David Zapatka Last month we discussed how to beat the bangers. Blocking at the kitchen line was a key strategy. This article will pick up with that focus. Consider these strategies to improve your blocking skills. 1. You know the hard shot is coming. Be prepared, knees bent, relaxed, eyes on the ball, paddle out…
July 2025, Sports
SaddleBrooke Women’s Golf Classic 2025
Denise Cashmore The SaddleBrooke Women’s Golf Classic was held at MountainView Golf Club on May 13 and was co-chaired by MPWGA members Karen Erickson and Sharon Marchione. Special thanks to the event sponsors Wildfire Wing Company, Weathersby Windows, and Sonora Investment Management. Early May had its share of Red Flag Warnings, due to gusty winds.…