Linda Hampton, executive director of Senior Village at SaddleBrooke
Three Great Reasons to Donate
Linda Hampton, Executive Director, Senior Village at SaddleBrooke
Donating to Senior Village at SaddleBrooke, a Neighbors Helping Neighbors 501(c)(3) organization, offers several compelling reasons beyond the immediate impact on the community. Here are three key reasons why supporting this cause is good for your neighbors and good for you:
Firstly, donating to Senior Village can provide significant tax advantages. Arizona residents can benefit from the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, which allows individuals to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against their state taxes for donations made to qualifying charitable organizations like Senior Village. This credit can reduce your state tax liability, effectively making your donation cost less out of pocket.
Secondly, donations made with a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from a retirement account can be tax exempt. By directing your RMD to Senior Village, you can fulfill your distribution requirement while potentially avoiding taxable income, thus maximizing the impact of your donation.
Thirdly, every donation, regardless of size, makes a meaningful impact. Whether you contribute a little or a lot, your support helps Senior Village provide essential services and programs to seniors in need, fostering a sense of community and support that is invaluable.
In the words of J. R. Miller, “Nothing else in life is such a maker of joy and cheer as the privilege of doing good.” Giving and helping not only benefits those in need but also brings a sense of fulfillment and happiness to the giver. By supporting Senior Village at SaddleBrooke, you’re not just making a financial contribution. You’re enriching lives and strengthening the bonds of compassion within our community.
Please consider making a secure donation on the Senior Village website at www.seniorvillage.org/donate or by mailing a check to Senior Village, P.O. Box 8584, Tucson, AZ 85738. As always, we recommend consulting your tax preparer or financial advisor before making any donation decisions.
Members Celebrate July Birthdays Together
Anne Quinn-Diment, Senior Village
On July 16 the SaddleBrooke One Activity Center offered a cool respite from scorching triple-digit heat for Senior Village members who were born in July. These monthly Birthday Socials, exclusively for members aged 80 and older, provide a chance to connect and celebrate together. For some older adults, distant family or health limitations prevent them from celebrating their birthdays, but these gatherings serve as one remedy for loneliness.
Invitations were sent to all Senior Village members over the age of 80 with July birthdays. For astrology enthusiasts, July babies—whether Cancer or Leo—are known for their optimism, compassion, and creativity. Their birth flowers, the larkspur and water lily, symbolize affection and divinity. The attendees showed evidence of all these traits. Celebrants included Marjorie and David Eisenhauer, Susi Fantin, Frederick Flanagan, Rosalie Forgues, Gary Hammond, Bob Kalinske, Ken Marich, Carol Odell, Billy Price, Eileen Rakita, Carol Robrecht, Shirley Selk, Glenna Sheerin, Doris Smith, Ginny Schneider, Lester Wallace, and William Willis.
In Room 4, Chelsy Brougher and Diane Rutkowsky engaged attendees with entertaining group games and infectious humor, drawing everyone into lively conversations. The favorite party game was Tennis Ball Toss Challenge where members attempted to throw tennis balls into a basket. If the volunteers kept score, a couple of birthday celebrants would have earned three points.
This month’s entertainment featured Red Dirt Crossing, a SaddleBrooke band specializing in Americana and country music. Karen Karnofski, Lou Doganieri, and Calvin Saulsbury had toes tapping to the lively fan favorites. Attendees were fortunate to have this talented band perform at the party.
Of course, no birthday gathering is complete without delectable treats. Attendees enjoyed delicious cupcakes baked by volunteers Rita Bolty and Karen Schroeder, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of Senior Village volunteers worked tirelessly to coordinate logistics. Volunteers Marcia Kovac, Debbie McGeehan, and Mona Sullivan managed decorations, refreshments, and overall organization, while Linda Russell handled RSVPs and coordinated rides for those needing transportation.
As the clock struck 1:30 p.m., the party ended with many heartfelt smiles. These are the moments that underscore the feeling of community that defines Senior Village.
Senior Village follows the motto “neighbors helping neighbors,” pairing volunteers who wish to be of service with members who need assistance. The organization offers members monthly Birthday Socials, home visits and phone calls to combat loneliness, rides to appointments and grocery stores, help with home projects, tech gurus who troubleshoot home technology snafus, expert assistance in planning for the future, and more. Learn more about Senior Village membership at www.seniorvillage.org or by calling 520-314-1042.
Senior Village member Garrett Clapp celebrated his milestone 100th birthday this summer. (Photo by Terry Heggy)
Garrett Clapp: His First 100 Years
Liz Levaro, Senior Village at SaddleBrooke Volunteer
He was 20 years old and on a ship, sailing east across the Atlantic toward Liverpool, England. Today, such a voyage would be the start of an exciting adventure. But back in March of 1943, it was a very different story for young Garry Clapp and his comrades. When a torpedo was launched from a nearby German submarine, the ship nearest Garry in the convoy was hit and sank in just seven minutes. That act was the beginning of his experience of World War II. Three months later, just seven days after D-Day, he was on his way to France. A year later, he experienced VE-Day in Paris, and a year after that, he found himself back home in Ohio again.
This year in July, Garry reached the remarkable age of 100 and says that getting this old has been the biggest surprise of his life. “I never imagined I would live this long. I never thought I would get out of World War II alive. I never expected to see 21,” he says. “So, I’ve had a lot of bonus years!” September 22 is National Centenarian Day, a day to honor those who’ve celebrated 100 birthdays or more. Senior Village currently includes just one other member who is 100, and three more will be hitting the century mark this year. Nationwide, an estimated 108,000 people are centenarians, and of those, approximately 60 to 70 of them are supercentenarians who have reached the age of 110!
As other older adults frequently note about their lives, time sped up for Garry once he was home from the war. At one of his first jobs after college graduation, he met his wife, and the love of his life, Marge Kavka. Following many years of being “friends,” he and Marge realized they were much more than that. They married in 1965 and left the next day to start a new life in California where Garry was embarking on a new leadership position with his company. After Garry’s retirement 21 years later, they moved to Indian Wells near Palm Springs where Garry could better pursue his longtime passion of golf. Garry became a charter member of PGA West where four golf courses were under construction. He achieved his best-ever score in golf there, a 72 on the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West.
In 1993 Garry and Marge moved to SaddleBrooke where they continued living together happily and well until Marge’s death in 2012. Garry reports that although he was absolutely devastated at the time, remembering a pact he and Marge had made with each other has continued to help him move forward: Whichever of them became the survivor should be thankful for their many years together and do everything possible to fully enjoy whatever time was left. Honoring that pact, Garry pursued the peak years of yet another lifelong passion: freshwater fishing. He found the first-class fishing lodge of his dreams in Northwest Ontario and spent five seasons making the annual 5,000-mile round trip to enjoy “unbelievably good fishing” with the help of a full-blooded First-Nation guide and friend with whom he spent a total of 17 weeks fishing.
Thinking back over his very long life that included both good times and bad, Garry closed our conversation with, “I have learned many lessons during my 100 years of life, but I think the most important is that whenever things get so bad that it seems hopeless, you should never give up, because there will always be good days ahead to enjoy.”
Assets owned by your revocable living trust are not protected from creditors.
Should Your Trust Own Your Car?
Stephanie Thomas, Senior Village at SaddleBrooke Volunteer
When you formed your living trust, your attorney probably advised transferring ownership of your assets into the name of your trust, except for retirement plans and annuities. Questions often arise about whether vehicles should be transferred to a living trust. Consider these situations:
Imagine that you park your car in front of your friend’s home and it catches fire, through no fault of your own, and damages your friend’s home. Their recourse would be to sue the owner of the car: your trust. You may prefer not to involve your trust in such a lawsuit.
In another scenario, if you transfer a car into a revocable living trust and later cause an accident resulting in the death or serious injury of another driver, the driver or their family could sue the trust for damages indirectly by suing you as the trustee. It is important to note that assets owned by your revocable living trust are not protected from creditors.
Another issue to consider is insurance coverage. Your insurance company could deny coverage, as they insured you as the owner, rather than your trust. While you can notify your insurance company to add your trust to the policy as an additional insured, they may require a higher premium or a copy of the trust. You, as the trust creator, might object to these requirements.
One of the goals of creating a living trust is to avoid probate after you pass away. Assets titled solely in your name without a surviving joint tenancy owner or designated beneficiary may be subject to probate. Arizona offers two simple ways to transfer vehicle ownership before or after death to further reduce the risk of probate.
If you are the sole (not joint) owner of a vehicle, Arizona law provides a beneficiary form to transfer your vehicle title upon your death. This form, found in the Senior Village handbook Planning Ahead for Those You Love or available from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as form 96-0561 at www.azdot.gov/mvd, enables you to designate a beneficiary for your car, including your trust. The form does not need to be notarized or submitted to the Motor Vehicle Department before you die. Simply keep it with your title or estate planning documents.
Even if no beneficiary is named before your death, the vehicle may still avoid probate. The beneficiaries of your estate may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit to transfer title without opening probate if the total value of your vehicle and other personal assets (excluding real property) in your estate does not exceed $75,000.
If you have questions about estate planning, such as powers of attorney and healthcare directives, the Senior Village Forms & Documents Team provides information to members. You may also want to discuss these topics with your attorney. To request an appointment with a team volunteer or to become a member of Senior Village, call 520-314-1042. For more information about Senior Village, visit www.seniorvillage.org.
Please note that while Senior Village provides general information, it does not offer legal advice. Always consult a legal professional for guidance on decisions regarding your trust.
Upcoming 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 www.seniorvillage.org/activities.
Annual Electronics & Hazardous Waste Recycling Event
March 29, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon in the MountainView clubhouse lower parking lot, cost TBD
Save the date! Mark your calendars now and plan to drop off hard-to-dispose-of items, including electronics, batteries, computers, TVs, pesticides/fertilizers/house cleaning chemicals, and more. Check www.seniorvillage.org in February and March for details, including costs.
Beach Bash: A Dinner Dance Fundraiser for Senior Village
April 6, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom, cost TBD
Save the date for this lively fundraising event that helps enable Senior Village to provide many useful services for members and serve as a resource to the greater SaddleBrooke community. Event tickets will go on sale in February. Check www.seniorvillage.org/events in 2025 for more information.
New! Friday Fun With Friends (Members)
Sept. 27, 2024, 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 now and come to our new monthly social event, Friday Fun with Friends. This free activity is all about enjoying great company and having a fun time together. Whether you’re into board games, crafts, trivia, or just want to connect, we’d love to see you. At this first gathering, we’ll ask for input on future activities. Don’t miss the chance to connect with fellow members. If you are a member and want to join the fun, RSVP to 520-314-1042, press 11.
Men’s Social Hour
Sept. 23, Oct.28, and Nov. 25, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the MountainView Bar & Grill, East Patio Room
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 show up and enjoy the company. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, share experiences, and cultivate new friendships. For more information, contact David Bull at [email protected]. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Music Matinee: JoAnn Wilbour and “Thanks for the Memories,” with Irene Pierce and Mike Rutt
Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom East
Join us for a free Senior Village Music Matinee on Sept. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom East. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane with tunes from the fabulous ’50s and ’60s! The entertainment will kick off with JoAnn Wilbour at the piano playing tunes from the ’50s and ’60s that are sure to take you back in time. JoAnn has delighted audiences at assisted living facilities and the MountainView Lady Putters’ monthly luncheons. As Senior Village’s Music Matinee coordinator, she has been organizing these monthly concerts since the Summer of 2022.
Following JoAnn, get set for a blast from the past with “Thanks for the Memories,” featuring vocalists Irene Pierce and Mike Rutt. These cool cats have been singing individually for their entire lives and together since 2022. They regularly bring joy to residents of Splendido at Rancho Vistoso, Sun City, and All Seasons Oro Valley. In SaddleBrooke, you’ll find them livening up unit parties, the MountainView clubhouse dining room, and Senior Village Music Matinees, as well as the SaddleBrooke Singers. Mike also shares his talents with the SaddleBrooke Barbershop Chorus. Their nostalgic “sock hop” style performance will transport you back to the days of jukeboxes and poodle skirts with hits from the ’50s and ’60s. Come and enjoy an afternoon filled with feel-good melodies and great vibes!
New Volunteer Orientation
Sept. 4 and Oct. 2
New Senior Village volunteers will attend an orientation to familiarize themselves with our organization and the range of services offered to members and the SaddleBrooke community. During orientation, attendees learn about our 13 volunteer teams, which include Helping Hands and Going My Way, and can sign up for the team(s) that best align with their interests. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Mary Toth at [email protected] or 520-314-1042, press 4. For more information about Senior Village, visit www.seniorvillage.org.
Page Turners Book Club
The Page Turners Book Club is a new book club recently launched by Senior Village volunteers! Created for passionate readers yearning for captivating tales and lively exchanges, this club will take its members on a voyage through popular bestsellers. Join us on the third Thursday 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.
Saddlebag Notes Deliveries
Despite high temps 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!
Volunteers Needed
Are you seeking a meaningful way to give back and support your SaddleBrooke neighbors? Join our team of more than 400 dedicated Senior Village volunteers who proudly live the motto “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Senior Village is currently in need of volunteers in these areas: event coordination, home technology, photographers, and writers. For more information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Mary Toth at [email protected] or 520-314-1042, press 4. Learn more about Senior Village at www.seniorvillage.org.
Visit www.seniorvillage.org/calendar to find out about upcoming events and activities.