Unit 2 Events

BK Koch

On Feb. 18, approximately 15 Unit Two residents attended the Happy Hour at the Agave. A raffle was held and the amount collected ($25) was split with the winner, Liz McCollum. Terry McCollom greeted everyone and provided name tags. Carol and Larry Jones as well as several others enjoyed those terrific hamburgers. I had the baked potatoes which were very good and quite filling. We had several Squash Blossom residents this time: Laura and Paul, Patrick and Evelyn, John, Ivah and Mark Randall and Patty Fields. Fred and Muriel stopped by to say hello on their way to dinner. It was, as always, a good time. This time, I, again, forgot to take photos but Ivah did not! So, don’t forget our monthly 3rd Thursdays Happy Hour each month, We will be looking forward to seeing you there.

On Feb. 21, 30 residents attended the Neil Simon play “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” at the Gaslight Music Hall. I’m not sure I was a fan of the play; however, the pizza and beer were great. If we do this again, we will look for a musical and seating in the middle of the room! Being in the first row was a little close I think. But, we learn and we will do better.

If one would like to have a custom name tag, several options exist online. Jennifer Wilkin, Unit two, 425-478-9535, can take orders/assist you. We will always have the self-adhesive ones available. See ya next time!

Unit 8A Social Committee Is on a Mission

Michelle Kouri

In March 2025, my husband and I were house hunting for a year-round home in SaddleBrooke. After inspecting other homes, 8A was our last stop.

What initially caught our attention upon turning onto Canyon View Drive were not the picturesque houses, but rather the sign inviting Unit residents to a get-together at a resident’s home. Our immediate thought was: this is a great way to socialize, meet your neighbors, and forge new friendships. So we bought a home in 8A.

Since our arrival in August 2025, we have had the pleasure of attending three events, two of which were at the homes of our neighbors. These events included a Halloween party, a Christmas party, and a Unit 8A pot luck in the SaddleBrooke One Activity Center. Throughout these gatherings we have met neighbors and cultivated new friendships.

The new volunteer Social Committee’s mission is: To facilitate interaction among SaddleBrooke Unit 8A residents by providing a variety of inclusive enjoyable events, to foster camaraderie, friendship, and attain a sense of community.

Initially, the Committee considered organizing a traditional “field trip” for lady residents in late Feb. However, we soon realized that a more appealing idea would be a “restaurant trip.” Eighteen enthusiastic and eager women gathered at Victoria Cocina Mexicana for a delightful meal and engaging conversation. The Social Committee will be announcing periodic luncheons and gatherings within Saddlebrooke and at off-site locations throughout the year.

Our next event is the Spring Fling, scheduled for March 31 in the Canyon View cul-de-sac. Flaming Heart BBQ will be offering a variety of food selections. Corn hole, music, and camaraderie will be the order of the day.

The efforts of Sheli, Karen, Ann, Julie, Karen, Fran and Michelle will be instrumental in organizing activities throughout the year. Their dedication aims to inspire residents to meet their neighbors and join in the festivities. We may even cause snowbirds to be a bit reluctant to leave for their home states or to eagerly anticipate their return next winter to experience the exciting entertainment that awaits them in Unit 8A.

Units 15 and 17 Let the Shenanigans Begin!

Barbara Barr Bengen

Twenty-five residents of Units 15 and 17 dressed in green and gathered at the home of Linda Gray and John Hart to bring in all the shenanigans of St. Patrick’s Day! New and old friends mingled with appetizers and dessert, challenged one another in Minute to Win It games, and participated in a $25 raffle—won by Cindy Burnside.

A good time was had by all. One guest commented, “If I were writing the article for the papers, I would say that Units 15 and 17 enjoyed meeting with each other again, and especially meeting new people and discovering common interests. The games were a hoot! The outfits were a hoot, too! And always, the variety of food is fun to see and taste. Some people know how to party.”

Unit 21 Friendly Friday

Dana Eckhardt

March in SaddleBrooke is supposed to be winter, but not this year! Even though the temperature was 100 degrees on March 20, Unit 21 still proceeded to have their Friendly Friday. It was held at Barb Lawton and Jeff Luftig’s home; they made the afternoon delightful by having their mister system running at full blast. Over 40 people came with all sorts of goodies for all to enjoy. As always, Unit 21 is one of the nicest and most inclusive groups around. Thanks again to Barb and Jeff for their hospitality and cooling system See you next time.

Unit 27 Activities

Sue Case

Unit 27 is fortunate to have among its residents many SaddleBrooke leaders. One of them is Phil Doyle, a man of many talents. One of his talents is a working knowledge of “Robert’s Rules of Order.” As president of The Old Pueblo Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians, he shared some of that knowledge with 30- plus SaddleBrooke residents at a two and a half-hour seminar held at the MountainView Ballroom on March 2. He began the class with an offering of wine and cheese, which was as well-received as the class itself. Even Darren Shaw, SaddleBrooke TWO’s chief operating officer, dropped in for a visit. Phil says that the attendees are now well-versed in proper meeting protocol; but that the most important thing that everyone learned was that “Respect is the cornerstone of excellent meetings, and Robert’s Rules of Order shows all of us the way.”

Aside from this special presentation, Unit 27 has continued its regular activities, including Phil Doyle’s popular monthly Unit Golf Challenge, Couples’ Bridge, Ladies’ Bridge, and Ladies’ Book Club. The unit Bocce Ball gathering wasn’t doing too well as a monthly event; but now that it is played weekly it appears to be attracting a larger and more diverse group of residents. Perhaps for all of us old folks it’s easier to remember a weekly appointment than a monthly one. Thanks, Eileen and Jeff, for the idea as well as its execution.

Anne and Phil Doyle hosted a Unit 27 Snack and Chat on Feb. 21. It was a night with competing events, and the resulting turnout was relatively small. Nevertheless, those attending enjoyed themselves. The evening was somewhat cool, but attendees were equally divided between the Doyle’s patio with beautiful golf course and mountain views and the spacious inside. Thanks, Anne and Phil.

Thanks to all our Unit 27 residents that give back to the unit and to the greater community. Your effort is what makes this small unit so special.

Sunshine, Sips & Ping Pong Showdowns!

Helen Amelsberg

Unit 36 Orange Block brought the neighborhood together in style on March 29, with a lively and memorable gathering at Marsha Roubidoux’s beautiful home. With 27 neighbors in attendance, the event was the perfect blend of relaxation, connection, and just the right amount of competition.

Thanks to unseasonably warm weather, guests took full advantage of Marsha’s stunning garden, which overlooks the golf course and provided a picturesque backdrop for the afternoon. Laughter and conversation filled the air as friends—both new and familiar—mingled outdoors and soaked up the sunshine.

For those feeling a bit more energetic, the ping pong table quickly became a hub of activity. What started as casual play soon turned into spirited singles and doubles matches, with plenty of competitive fun and good-natured cheering from the sidelines.

Of course, no Unit 36 gathering would be complete without an impressive spread of food and drinks. Guests enjoyed a delicious array of homemade dishes, from savory dips to indulgent desserts, all complemented by a steady flow of beverages. The sense of community and generosity was evident in every bite.

As the afternoon turned into evening, it became clear no one was in a hurry to leave. Despite a planned wrap-up time of 6 p.m., many guests lingered well beyond, a true testament to the warm atmosphere and great company.

Adding to the excitement, the Orange Block proudly showcased their brand new Happy Hour event sign—another fun touch that highlights the growing spirit and identity of the group.

Events like this are what make Unit 36 so special. The team is always looking for new homes to host future Happy Hours. Interested in opening your home? The group is happy to help with set up and clean up—making it easy and stress-free to be part of the fun. Just email our unit rep, Kathy Hampton: unit36orange@gmail.com

Here’s to more sunshine, laughter, and great company in the months ahead!

Unit 36 Yellow Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

Marlyce Randall

On March 15, residents of Unit 36 Yellow celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at the SaddleBrooke One Tennis Pavilion. No corned beef or cabbage, but there was an amazing potato bar with lots of toppings along with chili, cheesy broccoli soup and pulled pork sandwiches. It was a great time socializing with our neighbors and learning where they were from and how they ended up in the SaddleBrooke community. Thank you to our unit social committee for planning this fun event. Our next event is Sunday, April 12, with the Flaming Heart BBQ food truck parked in the Valley Crest Court cul-de-sac. We are joining with our neighbors in unit 36 orange to celebrate. Come join us for some fun, laughter, and delicious food.

Unit 46 Hosts St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer

Kerry Griebenow

Green was the color of the day at Unit 46’s monthly appetizer party hosted on St. Paddy’s Day at the home of Marian and Kerry Griebenow. Over 50 people enjoyed the beautiful weather, a plethora of tasty hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and wonderful views of the Catalina Mountains from the backyard of the Griebenow’s lovely home. The 50/50 raffle was won by Chris Nelson, who certainly had the luck of the Irish upon him, as he won the pot last month as well, and graciously donated the winnings back to the unit 46 pot-of-gold treasury.

Unit 46 Men’s Dinner and Drinks

Kerry Griebenow

The unit 46 men had a smokin’ good time at their monthly dinner and drinks evening with a visit to Brother John’s Beer Bourbon and BBQ. The group of 19 guys enjoyed a family-style spread of BroJo’s house salad, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, burnt end pit beans, mac and cheese and fire-roasted butter corn. Plus,it was $2 Tuesday, so their entire huge selection of brews were only $2 per glass!  All returned to unit 46 safely and overly stuffed!

Unit 48 Murder Mystery Mingle

Jane Perry and Dick Hardy

Unit 48 turned the SaddleBrooke One Activity Center into a scene straight out of a detective novel on March 6, hosting a wildly entertaining Murder Mystery Mingle that drew more than sixty eager sleuths. Residents signed up to join unit 48 Murder Clubs, ready to test their wits and crack the case.

Twelve talented unit 48 actors stepped into character as the colorful movers and shakers of the fictional Pinehorn City, bringing drama, intrigue, and plenty of suspicious behavior to the room. The rest of the attendees were divided into investigative teams, each racing to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together the truth behind the “crime.”

Guests arrived with dishes to share, turning the event into a lively social feast, and donated canned and boxed goods to support the Tri-Community Food Bank in Mammoth, Ariz., adding a generous spirit to the night’s mischief.

As the mystery unraveled, laughter filled the room, alliances formed, and theories flew. In the end, prizes were awarded to the sharpest detectives, while the evening’s standout performers took home well-deserved “Oscars” for their acting and costumes.

It was an unforgettable night of community, creativity, and just the right amount of chaos—Unit 48 at its best.