When to Stop Driving: Senior Village Offers a Safe Alternative
As we age, our ability to drive safely can diminish due to declining vision, slowed reaction times, and other age-related changes. Recognizing when it’s time to stop driving can be a challenging decision, but it’s a crucial one for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are 15 questions that can help with decision-making.
1. Can you see road signs, traffic signals, and other vehicles clearly?
2. Do you have difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions?
3. Have you experienced changes in your vision, such as blurriness or blind spots?
4. Can you hear horns, sirens, and other sounds while driving?
5. Do you have physical limitations, such as limited range of motion or weakness?
6. Do you have a medical condition that may impair your driving ability?
7. Are you able to react quickly to unexpected situations on the road?
8. Are you taking medication that may affect your ability to drive safely?
9. Have you experienced lapses in memory, confusion, or disorientation while driving?
10. Are you able to follow directions and make decisions quickly and accurately?
11. Have you been involved in recent accidents or near-misses?
12. Have you received traffic citations or warnings for unsafe driving?
13. Have family members or friends expressed concerns about your driving ability?
14. Do you still enjoy driving, or does it cause anxiety or stress?
15. Are you comfortable driving in various weather conditions, traffic, or unfamiliar areas?
The decision to stop driving can be daunting, especially for those who have relied on their cars for years. Senior Village can help make this transition as smooth as possible by offering rides to members. Whether you need to go to the grocery store, hair salon, or doctor’s office, Senior Village volunteers are ready to roll. In 2023 Senior Village volunteers spent 2,417 hours on the road and covered 37,323 miles. All volunteer drivers are thoroughly vetted and insured to ensure passenger safety.
Senior Village members should follow these steps when requesting a ride:
• Ensure all service requests are made with at least five days of lead time. The earlier, the better!
• Call 520-314-1042, press option 2, and leave details, including your name and callback number and the date, time, and location of your destination.
• A volunteer will confirm and call you to finalize details. Please answer unknown calls after submitting your request, as it may be us. Also, remember to check your voicemail, as information may be waiting.
• If you need to cancel, please do so at least 24 hours in advance.
Knowing when to stop driving is a significant milestone in the lives of many seniors, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of independence. With the support of Senior Village, members can stay safe on the road.
Become a member of Senior Village by emailing [email protected] or by calling 520-314-1042, pressing option 2, and leaving a message with your callback number. An annual membership costs $60 for an individual or $96 for a household.
Please Join Us: Upcoming Senior Village Events
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.
Men’s Social Hour
June 24, July 22, and Aug. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the MountainView Bar & Grill, East Patio Room (Free)
Join us for Senior Village Men’s Social Hour where genuine conversations flow freely in a laid-back atmosphere. On the fourth Monday of each month, community members come together to talk and connect on a deeper level. No need to RSVP. Simply show up and enjoy some great company. It’s the ideal opportunity to unwind, share experiences, and cultivate new friendships. For more information, contact David Bull at [email protected]. Food and drinks are available for purchase, adding to the relaxed and enjoyable ambiance.
Music Matinee: Dan Bergquist
June 20 at 2 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom (Free)
Attention piano enthusiasts! Get ready to experience the musical talents of SaddleBrooke’s very own Dan “Mr. Piano” Bergquist. Dan is known for his captivating medleys and innovative mashups in which different genres and styles of music are blended into harmonious pieces. (Imagine a classical piano tune with an unexpected twist.) Dan’s delightful interplay of melodies is always an audience favorite. As one of Senior Village’s first Music Matinee performers, this talented pianist’s repertoire spans from classical masterpieces to beloved showtunes and modern hits. For more details about Music Matinees, please email questions to [email protected].
Music Matinee: John McAlister, JoAnn Wilbour, and Irene Pierce
July 18 at 2 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom (Free)
If you appreciate a variety of musical genres, this event is an absolute must, as it features three talented SaddleBrooke performers in one free concert.
Join us and enjoy the soulful sounds of John McAlister whose free-form Native American flute music is inspired by the beauty of nature and the native people who developed this unique sound. With expertise spanning flute, piccolo, and bassoon, John’s masterful playing of the Native American flute promises to take listeners on a soul-stirring journey.
At the piano, JoAnn Wilbour will charm with her repertoire of classics and beloved favorites, infusing each piece with heartfelt expressiveness. As the Senior Village Music Matinee coordinator, JoAnn shares her own musical talents and orchestrates these free monthly concerts.
Adding yet another musical dimension, vocalist Irene Pierce will captivate listeners with her lively renditions of cherished hits. With a background in musical theater and a talent for crafting unique arrangements, Irene always puts on an engaging performance.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience three concerts within this one captivating event!
A Novel Idea: Senior Village Book Club
A Novel Idea is a Senior Village Book Club in which members gather monthly to explore a variety of literary genres, from science fiction to historical novels, and biographies to nonfiction. Each book is selected by the group. Sharing impressions, comments, and opinions is highly encouraged and fosters lively conversations. Members are encouraged to have read the book beforehand to actively engage in the discussion. If you have a passion for books and reading, we’d love for you to join us. For more information, please contact Melanie Einbund at [email protected] or Carol Backstrom at [email protected].
Living Solo? Senior Village’s Helping Hands Team Has Your Back
As renowned actress Elizabeth Taylor once quipped, “Growing old is not for the faint of heart.” This sentiment rings especially true for those doing life solo. While independence brings its own joys of financial control and spontaneity, the reality of managing a home alone can feel daunting, particularly with the passage of time.
When the thought of climbing a ladder to change a kitchen light bulb or moving patio furniture inside for the winter seems overwhelming, having a support system is invaluable. This is where Senior Village can step in and offer a helping hand.
Senior Village has a Helping Hands Team that is comprised of nearly 50 dedicated volunteers who enjoy performing minor home repairs and maintenance tasks for members in need. These vetted volunteers are just a phone call away and are available to help with:
• Changing light bulbs that require a ladder
• Moving patio furniture, planters, and boxes
• Simple plumbing issues, i.e., replacing toilet seats, tightening hoses, replacing water filters, checking jammed garbage disposals, repairing toilet flushing mechanisms, and installing shower heads
• In-yard electrical problems, i.e., landscape lighting timers and repairing solar/low voltage lighting
• In-yard plumbing assistance, i.e., repairing simple irrigation leaks and resetting timers
• Repotting plants
• Lifting and moving items such as flat-screen TVs, turning and flipping mattresses, moving furniture or boxes that are less than 50 pounds, and hanging pictures and mirrors that weigh less than 30 pounds
• Maintenance tasks, i.e., greasing doors and hinges, painting mailboxes, adjusting sliding screen doors, and repairing curtain rods and blinds
• Miscellaneous projects, including replacing propane tanks in outside grills and firepits, relighting pilot lights, simple household chores post-hospitalization, and replacing HVAC and water filters
While these Senior Village volunteers are eager to help, it’s important to recognize limitations of the services they provide. Tasks beyond their scope include replacing circuit breakers, handling high-voltage wiring, installing grab bars, unclogging drains, performing ladder work higher than 12 feet, and tackling projects that will take more than two hours to complete.
To request a service, Senior Village members should call 520-314-1042, press option 2, and leave their callback number. Callers should be sure to keep the phone nearby to answer the return call.
Those interested in learning more about or joining Senior Village should email [email protected] or call 520-314-1042 and press option 1. Our membership volunteers will do an intake visit and sign you up. The annual cost of membership is $60 for an individual or $96 for a household. Learn more at www.seniorvillage.org.
Recognizing Our Volunteers at Volunteer Appreciation Event
Anne Quinn-Diment
During National Volunteer Appreciation Month, Senior Village hosted an event to honor and celebrate the extraordinary dedication of the volunteers who make the organization a valuable resource for members and the wider SaddleBrooke community.
On April 18 more than 100 volunteers gathered in the MountainView ballroom for this afternoon of recognition and appreciation. Led by Linda Hampton, executive director; Carol Kiker, board chair; and Mary Toth, volunteer coordinator, the event was a heartfelt tribute to the selfless contributions of Senior Village volunteers. Additionally, Senior Village will honor the volunteers who deliver SaddleBag Notes each month in late May.
Special recognition went out to 20 volunteer team leaders, co-leaders, and backup team leaders who oversee 13 specialized teams, each dedicated to a specific function within the organization. These exceptional individuals direct, train, and problem-solve for their respective teams, leading by example with their unwavering commitment and dedication.
• Admin Team: Mona Sullivan
• Communications Team: Anne Quinn-Diment
• Dispatch Team: Shawne Cryderman, leader, and Karen Pearce, backup
• Friendly Connection Team: Carol Levine
• Forms & Documents Team: Stephanie Thomas and Dick Schroeder, co-leaders
• Going My Way Team: Silke Bender, leader, and Jay Lyons, backup
• Helping Hands Team: Randy Zimmerman, leader, and Greg Poling, backup
• Home Technology Team: Seth Rosenblum, leader, and Bill Lunquist, backup
• Lockbox Team: Ken Powers
• Membership Team: Betty Crawford and Jaci Nissen, co-leaders
• Moving On Team: Liz Levaro, leader, and Jeanne Lloyd, backup
• Support Team: Sandy Morse, leader, and Jean Bieraugel, backup
In a nod to Senior Village’s beginnings, Volunteer Coordinator Mary Toth also expressed profound gratitude to 42 original volunteers, or pathfinders, who are still volunteers today. Their commitment and dedication serve as an inspiration to all who follow in their footsteps.
Pathfinders who attended the event included Robert Alvarez, Silke Bender, Gail Bohlman, Tom Borkovec, JoAnn Bosworth, Pam Corrigan, Shawne Cryderman, Bente Fongemie, Diana Giljohann, Esta Goldstein, Carol Levine, David Loendorf, Andrea Molberg, Sandy Morse, Nancy Odson, Paula Pike, Jeanne Ragan, Mary Richling, Linda Russell, Stephen Scanlan, Mona Sullivan, Stephanie Thomas, Mardie Toney, and Pam Wakefield. Pathfinders who were not in attendance included Bonnie Barazani, Fred Barazani, Chuck Best, Patricia Broers, Larry Brungardt, Judy Cummings, Laurie Foster, Bill Grinonneau, Gary Hammond, Karen Jahn, Richard Martin, Timothy Morsani, Greg Nelson, Wendie Nelson, Ann Patterson, Donald Prasek, Sven Sandblom, Kevin Schick, and Lois Violanti.
While enjoying offerings from the delightful ice cream sundae bar, volunteers were treated to the soulful melodies of John McAllister whose masterful Native American flute performance added to the ambiance of the occasion. While listening to McAllister’s music, volunteers savored the sweet treats and socialized with good friends and new connections.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, with accolades all around for the volunteers’ steadfast dedication and invaluable contributions. For more information about volunteering for Senior Village at SaddleBrooke, visit www.seniorvillage.org or call 520-314-1042.
Senior Village Birthday Social: A Heartwarming Party
Anne Quinn-Diment
On April 17 Senior Village hosted a special celebration for our members to mark their 80th and older birthdays. It was an event filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie, leaving lasting memories for everyone involved.
With 12 members and four special guests in attendance, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as old friends reconnected and new connections blossomed. The social was organized and staffed by dedicated Senior Village volunteers.
Talented guitarist David Wemmer set the tone for the festivities with classics like “Happy Birthday,” “Margaritaville” and “Sweet Caroline,” filling the room with joyous melodies and nostalgic vibes. This music provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration, eliciting smiles and tapping toes.
Of course, no birthday social is complete without delectable treats. Dedicated bakers Joni Campel and Maggie Crayton outdid themselves with an array of irresistible cupcakes in chocolate, lemon, and spice flavors. Their culinary creations were a big hit, satisfying sweet cravings and spreading smiles with every bite.
Behind the scenes, Senior Village volunteer Linda Russell worked diligently handling RSVPs and arranging rides for members needing assistance. Her efforts, alongside the support of volunteers like Sally Teusch leading games and Nancy Hunter serving refreshments, ensured that every guest felt welcome and cared for throughout the social.
Despite the absence of one hostess, Chelsy Brougher, the team rallied to create a fun atmosphere with interactive games and lively conversation. Sally’s infectious energy and charming costume added an extra layer of entertainment to the proceedings, while Nancy’s willingness to step in exemplified the true spirit of community and support.
Senior Village Volunteer Coordinators Debbie McGeehan and Mona Sullivan were humbled by the outpouring of joy and camaraderie at the event. Seeing the members share stories, laughter, and cupcakes reminded all attendees about the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate life’s milestones, big and small.
The collective effort of all involved made the April 17 Senior Village Birthday Social a resounding success. To our volunteers, guests, and members, we extend heartfelt thanks for making this event a cherished memory for years to come
For more information about Senior Village, visit www.seniorvillage.org.