Carol Levine
Carol Levine Loves What She’s Doing
Sinclair Browning
Carol Levine loved her 30 years of teaching high school English in New Jersey, and after she retired, she found she really missed it. Fortunately for Senior Village, when she became one of our early volunteers in 2016, she brought that passion with her, and it continues to this day.
After retiring, Carol and her husband took road trips to find the perfect place to move. At the time, they were both active runners, and they purposefully traveled during the least desirable months to California, Phoenix, and even Florida in the summer (which they found too humid for their active lifestyles). After her husband read an article not only listing SaddleBrooke as one of the 20 best places to retire but that some people who were below retirement age were allowed in, they visited Southern Arizona and were smitten.
After moving here, Carol ran nine full marathons, along with a number of half-marathons, 10ks, and 5ks. Now her hobbies include playing bridge (she’s played with the same people for years), canasta, and Mah Jongg and being an active member of the same book club she started years ago.
Today she’s the team leader for Friendly Connections–a busy group that makes cheery birthday calls every month for those celebrating an 80th birthday–does home visits, and if you’re alone and just home from the hospital, she will appear at your door with four or five prepared meals.
Last month 12 volunteers, from a group of 18 to 20 who call, made 131 birthday calls. “It’s a lovely job,” Carol says, “because people are always so thrilled.” Volunteers call from their own telephones, and if the phone isn’t picked up because the number isn’t recognized or for whatever reason, they’ll leave a birthday message. “People who call love doing it,” she says, “because they feel as though they’re helping someone have a better day than they would have had if they hadn’t called.” Some volunteers also make birthday cards or help with birthday parties, which fall under a different Senior Village team.
Another 12 to 15 volunteers do home visits, usually lasting an hour, that help members stay in touch and socialize. People who request the non-medical visits must be mentally and physically healthy. As with all of the Senior Village teams, a call will begin with a member calling the central number and will then receive a call back from a volunteer to schedule a time for the service. The conversation for home visits usually begins with a simple question: “What do you like to do?” The visit might entail just sitting and talking or playing a game.
Carol offers this sage advice on volunteering with Senior Village: “You shouldn’t be afraid to try. Forget the fear of doing something wrong. You’re going to make someone happy and will be part of the positive, wonderful feedback we get from the community,” she says. “And you’re not only helping people, but you’re helping yourself!”
SaddleBrooke Cloggers
Senior Village Celebrates Members’ June Birthdays
Laughter and smiles filled the tennis patio at SaddleBrooke One last month as 22 Senior Village members and guests celebrated their birthdays in style. This gathering, coordinated by Senior Village volunteers Mona Sullivan, Marcia Kovac, and Debbie McGeehan, brought Mike Rutt and Irene Pierce to entertain the crowd with music from the ‘40s and ‘50s.
Scrumptious cupcakes made by Joni Campel and Louise O’Donald were enjoyed by all as Sally Teusch and Chelsy Brougher engaged the group with games and memories of mothers in recognition of Mother’s Day. Mothers from the war era were hard-working and faced many challenges. The heartfelt stories touched all. Sally also had the group guessing “jingles” from commercials and advertisements. The eldest birthday celebrated this past month was 95! Happy Birthday to all Senior Village members.
Right to left: Jeff Brown, Going My Way; Linda DeWitt, Forms & Documents; Robert Dicks, Home Technology; Mindy Richards, Membership
Senior Village Welcomes Volunteers
Laura Anderson
New experiences are exciting and inspiring. Senior Village is thrilled to welcome four new volunteers to different teams within the organization. If you’re looking for a stimulating and rewarding experience, join our family of over 200 volunteers who brighten the days of residents of SaddleBrooke each day with their smiles and expertise. “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is our mantra, and we support those who might live next door to you! We are pleased to welcome Jeff Brown, Linda DeWitt, Robert Dicks, and Mindy Richards.
We are looking to expand our Membership Team with people who can share the wonderful services that Senior Village provides to new members, along with growing our Going My Way team with drivers to take members to appointments and errands.
Perhaps staying in your neighborhood is more up your alley. How about becoming a unit captain for the Saddlebag Notes Delivery Crew? Unit 10 is looking for a delivery team member. This volunteer opportunity occurs on the last Thursday of each month and takes only a few hours to complete. The unit captain organizes neighbors to deliver the paper at the end of the month. You don’t have to live in the unit to deliver the paper.
Lastly, Senior Village is having a Silent Auction on Feb. 13, 2026, at the MountainView ballroom. If you love to organize events, work with others, and have a great time, this is the position for you. This planning committee will meet monthly beginning in the fall to procure auction items from units, SaddleBrooke’s resident artists and craft makers, as well as community members.
Call Senior Village at 520-314-1042 to inquire about a team you’re interested in or visit our website at seniorvillage.org.
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.
Friday Fun Day
Aug. 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 with Friends. This free activity is all about enjoying great company and having a fun time together playing cards or board games. We’d love to see you! This event happens on the fourth Friday of each month. RSVP to Events@seniorvillage.org.
Men’s Social Hour
Aug. 25, 4 to 6 p.m. 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—just 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.
September Music Matinee Presenting Catalina Chorale
Sept. 25, 2 p.m., DesertView Theater, Free
The Catalina Chorale is a group of SaddleBrooke residents, led by Randall and Linda Dighton, that began in 2021. This group loves to sing while Randall plays classical guitar. The chorale sings twice a month at retirement, assisted living, and memory care facilities. They enjoy caroling at local businesses and Golder Ranch fire stations during the holidays. If you are interested in joining, they meet on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. at Dighton’s home.
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 by 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 at seniorvillage.org.
Join the Senior Village Technology Team and Make a Difference!
Janet Daly
Are you passionate about technology and helping others? If you have experience with computers, smartphones, or just enjoy learning new things, we’d love to have you on our Community Technology Team! We’re seeking volunteers in SaddleBrooke to support fellow residents with everyday tech challenges, from setting up devices to helping with online safety. As technology has become an essential part of daily life, many in our community need assistance navigating it. That’s where you come in!
What Volunteers Do:
• Assist with emails, video calls, social media, and apps
• Help set up or troubleshoot smart devices
• Teach basic tech, how to book airline tickets, or use Ring & Blink
• Work as a team to keep our neighbors’ lives running smoothly
No tech expertise is required! Whether you’re comfortable using devices or eager to learn, your time will make a difference. Just an hour or two a week can help a neighbor stay connected and confident.
Why Join?
• Stay mentally sharp and engaged
• Meet new people and build community
• Empower others by sharing your tech knowledge
• Learn alongside a supportive team
Technology is constantly evolving, but with your help, we can make sure no one in our community gets left behind. Training will be provided to match you with tasks that fit your skills and comfort level. Interested? Join us at our website Seniorvillage.org and sign up to volunteer, get vetted, and join an orientation, or call 520-314-1024 for more details. Let’s make technology work for everyone!
Senior Village September Music Matinee
Mark your calendars for this wonderful performance by the Catalina Chorale at DesertView Theater on Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.
The Catalina Chorale is a group of SaddleBrooke residents who sing twice a month at retirement and assisted living homes, as well as memory care facilities, with a lot of sing-along music to get everyone involved. During the holidays, you will find them caroling at local businesses and the Golder Ranch fire stations, as well as the homes of SaddleBrooke residents who can’t get out to their regular concerts. They are a unison chorus, with harmonies ad-libbed. The repertoire ranges from ‘20s to ‘90s folk tunes to musical theater. The accompaniment is with a classical guitar and some percussion. They welcome new members, with rehearsals on Thursday mornings.