Unit 4 Putting Contest and Burger Night
Unit 4 enjoys a tasty dinner in Vistas following the putting contest. (Photo by Craig Griffin)
Connie Kotke, Deputy Unit Rep
On May 11 nearly 40 residents from SaddleBrooke One, Unit 4, enjoyed a putting contest and dinner in Vistas Restaurant. This has become an annual spring event, and we were grateful for the glorious weather—with only a light breeze in the late afternoon.
Dick Zenko, co-coordinator of the event, blew his whistle to start the putting contest at 4 p.m. Pairs of players courageously tackled challenging holes in less than an hour. The first-place winners (with a cash prize of $30) were Skip and Janet Robinson. Second-place winners (with a cash prize of $20) were Craig and Heather Griffin. And third-place winners (with a cash prize of $10) were Ron and Cindy Romac.
The putters were joined by many other Unit 4 residents for a lively and scenic dinner in Vistas. Although the mountains were not yet pink, it was certainly time for a cold, refreshing beverage. The burgers were flying out of the kitchen, and several people ordered other items off the menu. Many thanks to the servers and cooks for handling our large crowd so efficiently!
Also, special thanks go to Bill Kahle, who partnered with Dick Zenko to organize the evening, and to Stan Fly, Steve Kotke, and others who helped set up and take down the putting equipment.
Unit 7’s First Annual Kentucky Derby Party!
Kathie Garman
There’s something about horses, food, drink, and pretty hats that just screams for a celebration! On Saturday, May 6, residents of Unit 7 gathered for just that. Hosted by Ron and Janet Blake and Dwight and Kathie Garman, attendees bet on their favorite horses for win/place/show positions.
Instead of a 50/50 raffle, wagers were made on the horse that would “bring up the rear,” so to speak.
Fixings for mint juleps and Kentucky Oaks Lily cocktails were enjoyed, along with great food and conversation.
Ladies and gents did a great job decorating hats, with Barb Radke and Karen Brooker tying for the winning ladies’ hat and Dwight Garman winning the gents category!
Start planning your hat decorations for next year, and mark your calendars for the first Saturday of May!
Get Ready for Summer at 8A
Ken Larsen
Unit 8A residents celebrated an Appetizer Party at the home of Kathleen and Richard Dunbar. More than 50 guests enjoyed the spring weather and looked forward to the next party, an Ice Cream Social, in July.
Unit 9 Annual Ladies Salad Luncheon
Martha Baker
It was a bright and beautiful morning when 32 ladies from Unit 9, SaddleBrooke One, converged at Karla Kincaid’s lovely home for the annual Salad Luncheon. Everyone brought a salad or dessert to share and, my oh my, there was a sumptuous spread to behold! Top it off with just-right iced tea and lemonade and the perfect touches of table décor for a springtime boost. The salads, both savory and sweet, were a treat for the eyes and taste buds, and the desserts were a perfect end to a glorious event. A big thank you to Karla Kincaid and her helper crew and everyone who participated. It was maaaavelous!
Unit Nine Spring Happenings
Unit Nine Happy Hour
Scott A. Baker
Unit Nine had a busy spring this year with three events for its members. The monthly Happy Hour was welcomed by the staff at the MountainView restaurant who provided a special menu, a room and the patio for our monthly gathering. The food there is excellent!
We also had a cocktail party at the home of Martha and Scott Baker, followed by attending the Talent Show at the DesertView Performing Arts Center. More than 40 members attended and had a wonderful time enjoying the talent of the people of SaddleBrooke.
With the RoadRunner Grill closed for renovation, the Unit Nine Men’s Breakfast has moved to the Agave Lounge. Ten members showed up for a great breakfast in April.
Unit 17 Spices Up Cinco de Mayo
Residents of Unit 17 enjoyed gathering for the annual Cinco de Mayo party at the home of Ginny and Kevin Shockey.
Barbara Barr Bengen
Residents of Unit 17 really know how to spice up Cinco de Mayo. There were all kinds of tasty appetizers and sweet treats with a Mexican flair at the annual event. This year’s party was graciously hosted by Ginny and Kevin Shockey.
Our next event is our traditional Summer Salad and Dessert Party on June 30. This party is always a favorite every June, so you don’t want to miss it!
Unit 25 Hot Dog/Baseball Party
Photo by Ron Mazurek
Ron Mazurek
The folks at 25 cranked it up again at their Second Annual Hot Dog/Baseball Party on April 22. Ron and Sheila Mazurek once again hosted the baseball-themed affair, offering Cracker Jack, hot dogs, Coney sauce, kapusta-style kraut, other toppings, coleslaw, potato salad, and spaghetti salad—with lots of assorted cookies for dessert!
The crowd was entertained by the vintage 1960s jukebox, and then came the “7th Inning Stretch” where Ron recited the poem “Casey at the Bat,” followed by everyone singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” A 50/50 ticket winner was then drawn and won by Doug Anderson, who graciously donated his winnings back to the Unit for future fun affairs! Everyone left with smiles, already looking forward to the next get-together!
Unit 27 Activities
Enjoying the Dine Around at Whisky Roads (photo by Ron Talbot)
Sue Case
The end of “the season” in Unit 27 kicked off with the annual Block Party held April 15. Marty and Glenn Fisher chaired the event planning with help from Eileen and Jeff Depka and others. The weather was perfect, the food to share was tasty—especially the traditional margaritas prepared in the super-duper blender by Joe and Lynda Dolejs, and the games were lots of fun. Bingo winners were Dave Strief and Don Erickson. Team Trivia, directed by the Depkas, was held between dinner and cleanup. The first-place team, consisting of the Weilers, Drakes, and Websters (Chris/Shirley), won prizes. The last-place team also won prizes. They were the Gills and Merlinis. Everyone had fun, and the last-place prize didn’t look too shabby either! Many thanks to the Fishers, Depkas, Dolejs, and all the others who planned this successful and fun event.
Fira Stout organized a Dine Around at Whisky Roads in the Foothills Mall on April 26 and suggested that attendees could wear their cowboy/cowgirl boots. Although Foothills Mall is undergoing a major transformation, Whisky Roads is somewhat away from the main mall and seems a world apart. The food is “down home,” and the staff is friendly. All-in-all, it was a good opportunity to enjoy friends and food. Thanks again to Fira.
Steve Sanchez hosted the May Snack and Chat on May 13 with the able assistance of his dog Bogey. Considering the time of year, he had a nice turnout. Again, the weather was in his favor and allowed for those attending to be inside, outside, or both. The lucky ones made a beeline for the big red umbrella in the backyard. Thanks, Steve.
A dry, hot summer is forecast this year. Wear your sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, and drink lots of water! Be safe.
Unit 46 Parties on with Seis de Mayo Celebration
Serving team (right to left): Carla DeWolf, Joan Brookhart, Georgia Smith, Lin Shovan, and Judy Kendall (photo by Linda Greenough)
The Cinco de Mayo spirit just kept flowing—along with the margaritas—on Seis de Mayo when more than 90 Unit 46 revelers gathered at the SaddleBrooke One tennis ramada for food and fun. The wind that blew all afternoon during set-up died down in time for everyone to stay cool and enjoy the all-you-could-eat chicken and cheese enchiladas, rice, refried beans, chips, salsa, and churros. Mariachi music added a festive touch.
Kudos to Maria Blong and her volunteers for making this event so enjoyable!