Pathfinder Series: Karen Jahn Giving Outside Oneself

Laura Anderson

Educators have a giving nature in their DNA that is easily seen in Karen Jahn. Karen came to SaddleBrooke in 2006 from Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo., via Washington. Having taught for 18 years, Karen continued to work with children, volunteering with Kids’ Closet until she decided to do something different, which led her to Senior Village.

Having read about Senior Village in the newspaper, Karen started her new volunteer career as a Going My Way driver. Shortly thereafter, she met Judy Cummings from the Membership team, igniting a new passion for Karen to work directly with the members of Senior Village in SaddleBrooke. The one-on-one meetings resonated with Karen, and she volunteered on the Membership team for a year and a half before becoming team leader.

Karen recalls the challenges faced by Senior Village in 2020 during COVID-19. The vaccination clinic offered to all residents of SaddleBrooke created an influx of new members for Senior Village. As team leader, Karen connected with residents interested in joining Senior Village, setting up intake visits and completing the registration process. After three years in her volunteer leadership role, Karen transitioned to a Senior Village staff position as member coordinator.

Karen works with Senior Village’s Support, Moving On, and Forms and Documents teams, collaborating on services for members they share. She also works closely with Friendly Connections for check-ins and inquiries. She reaches out to members 85 years and older, ensuring their needs have not changed. Karen’s team of 12 volunteers for the Second Time Around program makes one-on-one visits with members who joined Senior Village between 2016 and 2019. During these visits, they update information, provide current details on Senior Village services, and verify any emergency contact information, phone numbers, and potential changes.

Karen’s compassion for members of Senior Village and the wisdom she demonstrates in support of the most fragile among us make her a valued member of the Senior Village team. When asked why working with Senior Village is rewarding after almost 10 years, Karen shared, “It is so beneficial for any person to do something outside themselves, as it reminds you how worthwhile it is to volunteer and give back to your community.”

 

Senior Village Safe and Convenient Way to Recycle

Linda Hampton

Who doesn’t have old computer monitors and printers lying around? We are always looking for the appropriate way to recycle these. And don’t even get me started on batteries and paint. What is safe to put in the trash and what must be recycled? Fortunately, Senior Village provides the answer with the annual Electronics and Hazardous Waste Recycle event, which was held on March 29 in the parking lot of SaddleBrooke TWO.

SaddleBrooke responded enthusiastically, with about 360 residents delivering their goods to the event, which is supported annually by Suburban Miners, Tucson’s premiere recycling company. For a small fee, Senior Village volunteers helped unload vehicles, and Suburban Miners hauled away more than five tall pallets of unwanted paint, pest control chemicals, and cleaning supplies in addition to old computers, printers, TVs, small kitchen appliances, and orphaned cords.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event possible and to Suburban Miners for their expertise.

 

Spring Birthdays Celebrated

The Fun with Friends team planned another engaging birthday celebration for members of Senior Village on March 19 at the SaddleBrooke One Arts and Crafts Room. Volunteers Mona Sullivan, Marcia Kovac, and Debbie McGeehan collaborated with Sally Teusch and Chelsy Brougher for laughter, singing, and games. Twenty attendees sang along with David Wemmer and Susie Payne as they performed Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and the Beatles tune, “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

Sally Teusch gathered insight into the process of aging, along with background on the members. One attendee celebrated his 93rd birthday with his wife of 73 years. Noteworthy advice shared with the group was to take one day at a time, be proactive, and not to worry, as it just brings unnecessary stress. A member shared his gratitude for good parenting, which resulted in a strong work ethic and a good life, while another member shared that he has traveled around the world several times. Lastly, after moving to SaddleBrooke and volunteering as a driver for the Golden Goose, this member is celebrating his “paper route,” as he now volunteers for Senior Village, delivering Saddlebag Notes to his unit.

Everyone enjoyed the celebration and the stories shared. The cupcakes were delicious, and we thank Lia Foy and Karen Gille for baking. Thank you to Ron Bower for taking photographs.

Please Join Us for Upcoming Senior Village Events

Laura Anderson

Throughout the year, Senior Village offers an array of opportunities for SaddleBrooke residents to attend free concerts, socialize, recycle electronics, and more. Read on for events and activities coming up in the next few months. For more information, visit www.seniorvillage.org/activities.

March Music Matinee: Thanks for the Memories, with Mike Rutt and Irene Pierce

May 22 at 2 p.m. in the DesertView Performing Arts Center (New Location) (Free)

Join this duo as they pay tribute to Doris Day and Dean Martin. Mike and Irene have been singing together in SaddleBrooke since 2020. Come and enjoy this fabulous show and travel back in time to memories of Doris and Dean.

Friday Fun Day

May 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Senior Village Office, 16460 N. Oracle Road

Looking for a fun and friendly way to spend a Friday afternoon? RSVP to come to 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 karen.jahn@seniorvillage.org. Members who need transportation may call 520-314-1042 and request a ride.

Men’s Social Hour

May 27 in the MountainView Bar & Grill, East Patio Room (Free)

Please note that this is on Tuesday, May 27, due to the Memorial Day holiday.

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.o’brien@seniorvillage.org. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Men’s Book Thinkers

June 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Senior Village Conference Room, 16460 N. Oracle Road

Please join Michael Leesley for a casual gathering of fellowship, discussing books you have enjoyed and would like to suggest to others. There is no specific book that needs to be read for this group.

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 online at seniorvillage.org.

 

Senior Village Forms and Documents Team: Advocating for You

Stephanie Thomas

“I’ve got your back.” “You’re not alone.” “Let me help you.” What comfort it is to hear these words in stressful situations.

The 12 volunteer advocates on the Senior Village Forms and Documents team “have your back” when it comes to organizing your estate documents, helping you prepare applications, or getting through the first months of widowhood.

With experience in banking, financial planning, long-term care insurance, and settling family estates, these team members ease anxieties when they explain financial and legal terms to Senior Village members. Team volunteers participate in several orientations and ongoing workshops to prepare for meetings with Senior Village members. They competently provide information, although their function does not include giving advice or helping with tax forms. Major decisions require a professional consultant.

Once a Senior Village member requests help from the Forms and Documents team, an advocate calls to arrange a home visit. Most often, members want the advocate to explain the Planning Ahead handbook. This useful guide provides pages to insert personal information needed to settle an estate, as well as a step-by-step chapter for widowed spouses. At the end of the home visit, the volunteer drafts an email memo to the member summarizing topics discussed and possible actions to consider. As a member commented recently, “We learned a lot from our visit and will start to whittle away at the list provided. We sure do appreciate your expertise.”

Forms and Documents advocates have visited more than 350 SaddleBrooke homes in the past three and a half years. Co-team leaders Dick Schroeder and Stefanie Williams organize appointments for advocates Peggy Albrecht, Kris Konecny, Barb Schaepe, Stephanie Thomas, Jim Thompson, Kathy Volpe, and Cindy Witt. Retired professional consultants on the team include estate attorney Stewart Fleisher, veterans’ benefits Joe O’Connor, and long-term care insurance specialist Don Burkhead.

To request a visit from the Forms and Documents team, phone Senior Village at 520-314-1042. We are here to support you, to help you make decisions. We are your advocates.