Join Us for Senior Village Events and Activities
Throughout the year, Senior Village offers SaddleBrooke residents a variety of opportunities to enjoy free concerts, socialize, recycle electronics, and more. Check out the upcoming events and activities below. For more information, visit seniorvillage.org/calendar.
Page Turners Book Club
Thursday, Jan. 16, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Page Turners Book Club was created for passionate readers yearning for captivating tales and lively exchanges. This book club will take its members on a voyage through popular bestsellers. Join us on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. and dive into gripping sagas of all kinds. Don’t miss out on the chance to join this new book club! Email [email protected] for more information.
Men’s Social Hour
Jan. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m., MountainView Bar & Grill, East Patio Room (Free)
Join us for Senior Village Men’s Social Hour where genuine conversations flow in a laid-back atmosphere. On the fourth Monday of each month, community members come together to connect on a deeper level. No need to RSVP—just come and enjoy the company. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, share experiences, and cultivate new friendships. For more information, please email [email protected]. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Senior Village Music Matinee
Jan. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m., MountainView Ballroom (Free)
Featuring a group known as The Key of C, this group has been playing in SaddleBrooke and the surrounding area for approximately six years. Current players are Colleen Halverson, a snowbird from Oregon, and Cathy Cowley, a snowbird from Washington State. They play electronic accordions and a wide variety of music to include country, bluegrass, folk music, old-time songs, and dance music (waltzes, two-steps, schottische, and, of course, polka!) They are regular performers at the International Accordion Celebration in Leavenworth, Wash.
The January event also features the SaddleBrooke Barbershop Chorus. They are a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society and a sanctioned club in SaddleBrooke since 1998. Their mission is to sing barbershop music the best they can, to have fun doing so, and to enjoy the comradeship of fellow singers. The chorus is currently a small group but has members with a wide range of barbershop experience, from two years to more than 65 years. Our program will include several barbershop standards, a few jokes, and special barbershop arrangements of music from the 1920s through the 1960s.
Saddlebag Notes Deliveries
Jan. 23
Despite bad weather and busy schedules, more than 100 dedicated volunteers trek across SaddleBrooke on the fourth Thursday of each month to deliver Saddlebag Notes on behalf of Senior Village. Be sure to wave hello the next time you see them hard at work!
Save the Dates:
Annual Electronics and Chemicals Recycle Event on Saturday, March 29
Fourth Annual Beach Bash Dinner, Dance, and Silent Auction on Saturday, April 5
Senior Village Volunteer Opportunities
Are you searching for a meaningful way to give back and support your SaddleBrooke neighbors? Join our team of 425 dedicated Senior Village volunteers who proudly live the motto “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Senior Village is currently in need of volunteers in these areas: home technology as well as photographers and writers for the Journalism Team. For more information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Mary Toth at [email protected] or 520-314-1042, press 4.
Learn more about Senior Village and upcoming events at www.seniorvillage.org.
Shining a Light on the Board of Directors at Senior Village
Linda Hampton
At Senior Village in SaddleBrooke, we often celebrate the nearly 400 volunteers who generously give their time to assist those in need. These compassionate individuals deliver the Saddlebag Notes and provide transportation, companionship, and countless other services to support the community and members of our Senior Village. However, today we want to shine a spotlight on a special group of volunteers who often work behind the scenes: the Senior Village Board of Directors.
This dedicated group includes David Bull, Diane Demeroutis, David Eisenhauer, Carol Kiker (chair), Kurt McMillan, John O’Brien, Greg Poling (vice chair), and Bonnie Westra. Additionally, Mardie Toney, a former chair, continues to serve as an emeritus member. Together, they embody the heart of leadership at Senior Village, working tirelessly to guide the organization and ensure its success.
The board of directors meets monthly, taking on the critical responsibilities of overseeing the financial health of Senior Village, setting staff priorities, and developing thoughtful policies that steer the organization forward. Their work requires foresight, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the Village’s mission. While their contributions may not always be visible, their impact is immeasurable. By creating a strong organizational foundation, the board ensures that Senior Village can fulfill its mission of matching volunteers with neighbors in need.
Board members often work without fanfare or recognition, but their efforts make it possible for Senior Village to thrive. They tackle complex issues, make tough decisions, and provide invaluable support to the executive director who deeply appreciates their wisdom and guidance.
“It’s an honor to work with such a committed and talented group,” says the executive director. “Their dedication to our mission and their willingness to volunteer their expertise and time inspire everyone involved with Senior Village.”
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our board members, past and present: Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and your unwavering belief in the power of community. You are the backbone of Senior Village, ensuring its mission endures and grows stronger with each passing year.
If you see one of these board members around SaddleBrooke, take a moment to thank them. Their leadership is a testament to the spirit of volunteerism that makes Senior Village such a special part of our community.
How Senior Village Learned about Email Spoofing
As technology continues to play a larger role in our daily lives, it’s important to stay informed about common cyber threats. Two terms you might encounter are “email spoofing” and “hacking.” While both can involve unauthorized access to your personal information, they are quite different in how they operate.
Email spoofing occurs when a malicious person sends an email that appears to come from someone you know or a trusted organization. The goal of spoofing is usually to deceive you into opening the email, clicking on a link, or providing personal information. The email address may look legitimate, but it is forged. For example, you might receive an email that looks like it’s from your bank asking you to verify your account. If you follow the instructions, you could be giving your details to a scammer.
Senior Village at SaddleBrooke learned more about spoofing the hard way. Recently, a leader in the organization had her name used in emails that appeared to be coming from her, but they were not from her. Spoofing emails might ask you to purchase gift cards or make monetary donations to meet an urgent need. Please remember, Senior Village does not solicit funds in this manner.
Spoofing relies on trickery and deception. The hacker doesn’t need to gain access to your email account but simply mimics the sender’s address. The best defense against spoofing is to always be cautious when opening unexpected emails, especially those that ask for personal information or contain urgent requests.
On the other hand, hacking is when a person or program gains unauthorized access to your email account or computer. This can be done through various methods, such as guessing passwords, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or phishing scams. Once a hacker has access to your account, they can steal sensitive information, read private messages, or even send emails pretending to be you. Hacking is typically more damaging, because it provides direct control over your personal accounts.
While email spoofing is often about manipulation and trust, hacking involves breaking into your systems. It’s important to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and stay vigilant to protect yourself from both. When in doubt, simply delete the email.
The Home Technology team of Senior Village helps members with issues involving computers, smart devices, televisions, cell phones, and other technological devices in your home. Members may request this assistance by calling Senior Village at 520-314-1042.