Toes Were Tapping at the Senior Village Spring Birthday Party!

Laura Anderson

Toes were tapping as the SaddleBrooke Coyote Country Cloggers entertained Senior Village members at the March/April birthday celebration held at the SaddleBrooke One tennis pavilion. The ladies’ group danced and sang, teaching the audience some of their steps. The routines were captivating as well as a delight for all to see.

The party was hosted by Senior Village volunteers Bonnie Barazani and Irene Pierce. Twenty-two members and their guests enjoyed delicious cupcakes baked by Peggy Rash and Bonnie Barazani. The gathering was organized by Debbie McGeehan, Mona Sullivan, and Marcia Kovac. Sally Teush and Chelsy Brougher brought the laughter with games and get-to-know-you greetings.

We learned wonderful and interesting facts about our members. For example, members Ron and Kay McNutt celebrated Ron’s birthday with Senior Village in the past and returned because they had so much fun. But the intriguing story for these two is they have known each other since the first grade! They have been married for 62 years this coming August. Our eldest attendee turned 96 in April.

Senior Village prides itself on providing services to its members. Little did we know that we could help a member rehome her husband’s collection of Caterpillar model tractors. Member Carole Smania shared that her husband, Dick, was a civil engineer and loved his Caterpillar models. He collected them from all over. After Dick’s passing, Carole “had no idea who would want them.” During a visit from a Helping Hands volunteer, she was connected to the right person. The Senior Village volunteer mentioned knowing someone who might be interested, and Carole was able to sell the collection to an enthusiast. These serendipitous encounters don’t happen all the time, but this one stands to the motto of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. You never know how one can be of service.

If you are interested in being of service to your neighbors, please contact Mary Toth at Mary.toth@seniorvillage.org or visit our website at seniorvillage.org for more information.

Senior Village Has Officially Entered the 21st Century!

Laura Anderson

Stop the presses… sound the alarms… alert the grandchildren…

Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is now on Facebook and Instagram!

Yes, it’s true—after years of phone calls, newsletters, bulletin boards, and word-of-mouth over coffee, we have officially entered this century of communication. You can now find us online, keeping up with the times one post at a time.

Follow us to:

* See upcoming events and activities

* Learn about volunteer opportunities

* View photos from around SaddleBrooke

* Share in the fun and community spirit that makes Senior Village so special

Find us here: Facebook: Senior Village at SaddleBrooke. Instagram: @seniorvillagesb

Whether you’re a social media expert or someone still wondering what a “hashtag” is, we invite you to join us online and help spread the word.

Who knows? TikTok may be next. (No promises.)

Thank you for being part of our wonderful community. We look forward to connecting with you—now both in person and online!

Summertime Drivers Needed

Laura Anderson

The snowbirds have flown for the summer. Therefore, Senior Village is looking for fun energetic volunteers who enjoy meeting people and driving. The Going My Way team for Senior Village provides members with rides to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, hair and nail salons and other errands in SaddleBrooke and the surrounding areas. You chose how far and how often you’d like to drive. All volunteers are vetted and drivers are required to complete a driving test prior to providing services.

This team provides a much-needed service in SaddleBrooke. Get to know your neighbors and other members of the community by giving them a lift. Raise their spirits as well as your own through this rewarding volunteer opportunity.

Contact Mary Toth at Mary.toth@seniorvillage.org to learn more about becoming a volunteer with Senior Village.

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, socialize, attend seminars, and more. Read on for events and activities coming up in the next few months. For more information, visit www.seniorvillage.org/calendar

June Music Matinee featuring Sonoran Sisters.

June 12, 2 p.m. DesertView Performing Arts Center, Free.

The Sonoran Sisters are a trio of professional singers who enjoy pre-World War I through the 50’s. Sylvia Munsen, Gloria Day, and Anne Grines all have music education backgrounds ranging from children’s choirs to university level classes. This performance is timely for Flag Day.

Friday Fun Game Day

June 26, 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 Game Day. This free activity is all about enjoying great company and

having a fun time together playing a variety of board and card games. We’d love to see you! This event takes place on the fourth Friday of each month. RSVP: Events@seniorvillage.org. Transportation is available for members.

Senior Village is now operating on summer hours.

We are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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 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 Earns a Gold Star from a New SaddleBrooke Resident

Laura Anderson

New SaddleBrooke resident, PJ Cathey, boasts that Senior Village was “instrumental” in her decision to move here last November. Having lost her husband of 46 years and having no family except her cat, Boo, the comfort of knowing Senior Village’s services and programs were available was the impetus for relocating to SaddleBrooke.

PJ and her late husband had rented in SaddleBrooke eight years ago and she loved it here. Yet, the time was not right then to make a permanent move. Once on her own, she explains, “I knew where to go.” She had learned of Senior Village then and trusted she would receive the support she would need to be on her own.

Once PJ moved in, she called Senior Village and scheduled a membership visit. Pat, a volunteer on the membership team, spent time with PJ going over all the teams and services available. Immediately following, she scheduled a Helping Hands visit to finalize a few things to be settled in. “I couldn’t believe everything I heard came true,” she enthusiastically shared. “I had the lights changed in my 12-foot ceilings, I had art hung up on the walls that was too heavy for me, and lastly, the refrigerator filter needed changing. Anything and everything I asked for was done!”

PJ went on to express her gratitude for receiving rides to eye appointments. The treatments require her to have a driver. “I have no one to ask. I give Senior Village a gold star. I may not need them in the next three to six months, but I know in the goodness of my heart, they will be there and I will be OK.”

As a new resident to SaddleBrooke, PJ has also had her lockbox installed and her file of Life Card updated including directions for Boo if the need arises. She has attended Music Matinee performances and Game Days held at the Senior Village office. PJ has also joined some clubs offered in the community. She loves her new home and feels at ease knowing Senior Village is a phone call away.

Welcome to SaddleBrooke PJ!

Lori Hill is Part of the SV Transportation Lifeline

Andrea Molberg

Senior Village’s Going My Way (GMW) volunteers serve as a vital transportation network, helping members get around within SaddleBrooke and beyond. The team provides rides to doctors, dentists, grocery stores, hair salons, and even tax services. Colonel Lori Hill, a retired aircraft maintenance officer at the Pentagon who moved with her husband to SaddleBrooke knowing no one, has been part of this team for five years. She recently drove a member to a great time at a Senior Village birthday celebration.

Lori wants to make sure no one is stranded without support. Some residents need help temporarily while using walkers, while others have stopped driving altogether. The dependable GMW lifeline helps members remain in their SaddleBrooke homes. Lori can’t recall a single transportation request that hasn’t been met.

While some volunteers drive more frequently, Lori usually helps out two or three times a month. She appreciates both the flexibility of this volunteer opportunity and how much the members value it. “Members are always ready!” she says of her pickups.

How does the process work? Members typically submit requests at least five days in advance, which are then posted on the Going My Way calendar. Volunteers receive email notifications or check the calendar online, select a request, and receive a follow-up email with details such as distance, timing, and whether help getting in or fastening a seatbelt is needed. The message also includes a call button that connects the volunteer and member through Senior Village, so that the call doesn’t come from an “unknown caller.”

Volunteers can easily indicate when they’re unavailable, such as during the summer or when traveling, and can also choose to be contacted for emergency needs. If a member has a lengthy appointment, the driver can run an errand while waiting to return the member to SaddleBrooke.

Interested in helping out? Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back and stay active like Lori. In addition to driving for SV, she schedules pickups for the Golden Goose, and every March she finds lodging for 103 golfers participating in the MountainView Women’s Collegiate Golf Tournament.

Ignite your retirement! Senior Village has many volunteer opportunities. Contact Mary Toth at mary.toth@seniorvillage.org to inquire or visit our website at seniorvillage.org to learn more about our services and volunteer positions.