David Loendorf, center, receives a donation check from tournament directors Joe Giammarino and Dominic Borland. (Photo by Barbara Wilder)
Racking Up Appreciation
Marly Mora
The Pool Players of the Brooke were so impressed with the COVID-19 vaccination clinics held in SaddleBrooke they wanted to find a way to thank the many Senior Village volunteers. How did they choose to honor over 500 volunteers who gave of their time and energy to help coordinate the drive-thru clinics? By having some fun, of course.
On June 26, they gathered at the Catalina Recreation Center to play a 16-player double elimination 8 Ball Tournament, raising $6,000 in donations for Senior Village of SaddleBrooke. From the first break, strong competition was in the air. Jack Hoverer battled through the loser’s bracket to face undefeated Phelps L’Hommedieu in the championship game. Phelps took home the honored first place prize, a bottle of 8-Ball Chocolate Infused Whiskey.
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, directors Dominic Borland and Joe Giammarino worked tirelessly, coordinating the tournament and selling raffle tickets for the prizes donated by local merchants. They sold $5,500 in tickets, and a generous anonymous donor contributed $260 to make their donation to Senior Village $6,000.
Thank you, Pool Players of the Brooke, for your hard work and generosity of spirit. Your efforts will help Senior Village fulfill our mission of “neighbors helping neighbors” live independently.
For information about Senior Village programs, or to become a member or volunteer, call 520-314-1042 or visit www.seniorvillage.org.
Senior Village Volunteers Offer Unique Services
Marly Mora
After 35 years in law enforcement and dealing with what he calls a “toxic environment,” Bob Easton decided to spend his retirement where he could meet nice people and spend his time helping them. He enthusiastically chose Senior Village and became a volunteer in May of this year.
One of Bob’s first services was helping Village member Jane Beck regain her mobility after a hip implant. Having experienced two new hips himself, Bob understood what Jane was going through. For two weeks, he visited her often, even twice a day, to go on circular walks through the rooms in her house. By holding onto Jane’s chest strap, Bob made sure that she would not fall as she used her cane to strengthen her stride.
Jane was surprised to learn that there were Senior Village volunteers available to help with her walking rehab. She commented, “I didn’t know if they would do it, but I thought I would call and find out.” Several volunteers on the Friendly Contact team offered to assist Jane through her second month of recovery. Bob jumped right in saying, “Put me down for as many times as you need.” Friendly Contact volunteers also deliver meals for members after a hospital stay, make social phone calls or home visits, and provide audio book players. These services all enable Village members to enjoy living independently in their homes.
Bob and his wife, Betsy, moved to SaddleBrooke in April 2020, and it was not a long-distance transition. They had lived for 14 years down a dirt road just east of Miraval Resort off Lago del Oro. Their acreage included a horse for Betsy and 110 trees that Bob tended, everything from oak to elm to maple and cottonwood.
Being a volunteer comes naturally for Bob. In the past, he has contributed his time and talent to St. Luke’s Hospital and a battered women’s shelter, as well as other groups. Besides being on the Friendly Contact team for Senior Village, Bob also volunteers as a Village driver.
Volunteers with Senior Village share Bob’s enthusiasm when he says, “It makes my day to help somebody. It’s a pleasure dealing with people in a positive way.” To learn more about Village opportunities or to register as a volunteer, go to www.seniorvillage.org. For membership, call 520-314-1042.