Starry Starry Night
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
It was a perfect clear and cool evening, very conducive for the Starry Starry Night stargazing event, which benefited the Oracle Schools Foundation (OSF) on Nov. 1.
Chris Mobley and Terry Joyce, amateur astronomers and members of the SaddleBrooke Skygazers, collaborated in order to provide stargazing for more than 30 individuals.
Through the use of three large (up to 18-inch) telescopes and assorted binoculars, attendees were able to be “transported” to the planets, the stars, and beyond in the dark skies over SaddleBrooke, provoking the unanswerable question, “What’s up there?”
Hearty hors d’oeuvres with assorted libations were provided by those who sponsored the evening.
The proceeds from the event benefited the Oracle Schools Foundation, which funds preschool (kindergarten prep) and other much-needed educational programs.
Our Oracle Schools Foundation 2025 Gala will be held on Saturday, March 15, at the MountainView ballroom.
You can help contribute to the Foundation in several ways:
• Attend our Gala and bid on live and silent auction items and/or sign up for our wonderful Fixed Price events.
• Purchase gift cards or solicit financial donations to donate to OSF.
• Donate to OSF directly or donate a theme dinner at your home. Donate your time for a how-to-do event (think making fresh pasta!), pet sitting, or custom-made foods (think casseroles, soups, or desserts).
Check the OSF website at www.oracleschoolsfoundation.com for more information and to register for the Gala.
For questions, contact Ann Vernon at vernonann47@gmail.com or call 520-405-2622.
Also, mark your calendar for the outstanding Tributaries concert on Sunday, March 23, at the DesertView Theater!
John and Joyce Faulkner
Ringing in the Holidays!
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
It is a labor of love decorating for the holidays at the John and Joyce Faulkner home. And on Dec. 6 more than 20 people were present to see firsthand the beautiful holiday decorations that adorned their home. There were amazing decorations and sparkling holiday glitter everywhere for the marvelous event called Ringing in the Holidays, which benefited the Oracle Schools Foundation (OSF).
Joyce and John go all out to beautify their lovely home at holiday time. This herculean decorating effort begins two weeks before Thanksgiving!
Joyce indicated that their home holiday beautification includes, but is not limited to 19 Santas, 31 Christmas trees, and seven large wreaths.
In addition, there are numerous strings of lights inside and outside of the holiday Faulkner home.
Generous hors d’oeuvres and libations, including John’s famous eggnog, were served. The Catalina Chorale, under the direction of Randall Dighton, provided the holiday music for the evening.
The Ringing in the Holidays event was part of the Fixed Price events offered at the Oracle Schools Foundation 2024 Gala, which raised $77,000 in 2024. The Oracle Schools Foundation funds preschool (kindergarten prep) and other much-needed educational programs.
Our Oracle Schools Foundation 2025 Gala will be held on Saturday, March 15, at the MountainView ballroom.
You can help contribute to the Foundation in several ways:
• Attend our Gala and bid on live and silent auction items and/or sign up for our wonderful Fixed Price events.
• Purchase gift cards or solicit financial donations to donate to OSF.
• Donate to OSF directly or donate a theme dinner at your home. Donate your time for a how-to-do event (think making fresh pasta!), pet sitting, or custom-made foods (think casseroles, soups, or desserts).
Check the OSF website at www.oracleschoolsfoundation.com for more information and to register for the Gala.
For questions, contact Ann Vernon at vernonann47@gmail.com or call 520-405-2622.
Also, mark your calendar for the outstanding Tributaries concert on Sunday, March 23, at the DesertView Theater!
The Tributaries Are Returning to DesertView in a Benefit for the OSF on March 23
Tickets are going fast, so do not miss your chance to see and hear this awesome group! Last April, the Tributaries rocked the DesertView Theatre, playing to a sold-out auditorium for over two hours in a benefit concert for the Oracle Schools Foundation. This talented group had an enthusiastic audience dancing in their seats and in the aisles, singing along, tapping their feet, and clapping to the music! The concert ended with an energetic crowd giving the band a well-deserved standing ovation.
The band will be playing an all-new concert consisting of a medley of songs from the many Tributaries shows they perform, such as Woodstock; the Eagles; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Linda Ronstadt; Simon & Garfunkel; and Good Morning Vietnam. (Mindy Ronstadt, niece of Linda Ronstadt, is part of this talented group.)
In addition to their great vocals and mesmerizing guitar work, the band pays homage to the artists and bands they are showcasing by sharing interesting bits of trivia about them. So, even if you have attended one or more of their shows at the Gaslight Music Hall or elsewhere, this will be an experience you won’t want to miss!
Tickets are now on sale for this March 23 concert. You can now purchase them in person at the SaddleBrooke TWO Administration building, online through the DesertView website saddlebrooketwo.showare.com, or by calling 818-1000, Ext 4.
This concert benefits the Oracle Schools Foundation, which helps fund the preschool and other educational programs at the Mountain Vista School in Oracle to ensure that these students have unlimited opportunity to succeed.