Motown Potluck for Unit 6
Lorie Gregor
The Social Divas, Unit 6’s brand-new social committee, hosted their first event of the year for the neighbors of Unit 6 on March 7! Despite the pouring rain, 50 brave souls gathered to celebrate with friends old and new. The Activities Center was decked out with the best of Motown décor, complete with streaming the best hits of Motown! Oh, yes indeed, the dancing shoes came out, with play and laughter right on its heels (no pun intended)! Song broke out, and we were all young again! Is there ever too much fun? We don’t think so! The evening continued with some great questions: identifying who’s lived here the longest and who’s newest to the community. Who’s traveled the farthest to stay here, and who’s got the most grandkids! We got to know each other a little better, and so many folks said they had a great time and it was a fabulous party!
Our next event will be our Poor Man’s Cul-de-Sac Party on Tax Day, April 15.
In attendance for the discussion and fellowship were Beth Molberg, Loree Edwards, Mary Ellen Hill, Lorie Gregor, Helen Kingman Fisher (guest of honor), Bobbi Nichols, and Sandy Frank
Unit 6
Sandra Frank
Friends and neighbors of the author-in-residence met Helen Kingman Fisher at the Frank residence. Helen Kingman Fisher is a historical fiction writer, a longtime Colorado resident who shares her SaddleBrooke home with her husband Fred Fisher and their dog Murphy. Helen is a former chair of the Colorado Historical Society and holds a doctorate in history.
The novel The Ring of a Bell, the book club’s choice, is set in America’s Gilded Age at the time of Alexander Graham Bell’s invention. The novel’s protagonist Herb Andersen shares a love of technology, innovation, and science. While working with Bell, Herb is poised for his own self-discovery and a new life in the West.
St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans, great food, and warm fellowship abounded at the Unit 17 party.
Unit 17 Lets the Shenanigans Begin!
Barbara Barr Bengen
Unit 17 celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a potluck as we toasted the luck of the Irish with great food, laughter, and community spirit! This fun-filled gathering took place at the home of Linda Gray and John Hart. Whether Unit 17 residents have Irish roots or just love the holiday, everyone had an amazing time!
Residents brought a favorite dish to share, including some traditional Irish recipes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and shepherd’s pie. Partygoers wore their best green or St. Patrick’s Day duds to get into the spirit!
Unit 17 made this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember with delicious food, good company, and plenty of Irish cheer! Sláinte!
Save the date: Mark Monday, April 28, on your calendar. That’s the date of our Casino Night at the Activity Center from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your favorite appetizer, salad, or dessert. Be sure to RSVP by April 23. Spaces are limited to 60, so get your name on the list quickly! Turn in your reservation and $10 per person to Brenda Seaman at 35999 S. Golf Course Drive. Brenda can be contacted at 970-227-6315 or BrendaSeaman@gmail.com.
Left to right: Lynn Simon, Barbara Donaldson, Dana Eckhardt, Carol Haga, Alisa Fenstermacher, Mary Floerke, Glenn Fenstermacher, Dolores Root
Unit 21 Poker Run and Chili Cookoff
Dana Eckhardt
On March 6 the residents of Unit 21 had their Poker Run and Chili Cookoff. Players went to the seven different houses of the dealers to pick up their cards and enjoy a snack or libation. There was a variety of goodies to be had, from pudding shots to charcuterie cups. Thanks to our dealers: the Crowders, the Dumas, the Whitings, the Bentons, the Yoders, the Hagas, and the Floerkes. After that, all the players made their way to the casino, Dana Eckhardt’s house, where their cards were unveiled by our officials, Jason, Lisa, Nachel, and Gus, in hopes of getting a winning hand. The winners were Barbara Donaldson, Dolores Root, Glenn Fenstermacher, and Lynn Simon. The chili cookoff came next, with five delicious options to choose from, and the winners were Mary Floerke, Carol Haga, and Alisa Fenstermacher. Honorable mention to Lori and Dana.
This event is always a hit, but this year just seemed to outdo itself. And a big thanks to all who dressed up in this year’s theme, Rat Pack Vegas, Baby! See you next year.
Birthday girl Marge Leathem being introduced at the Stauffer Snack and Chat (photo by Ron Talbot)
Unit 27 Activities
Sue Case
Deb and Dennis Stauffer hosted the Snack and Chat on March 15. Other activities were occurring that night in SaddleBrooke as well, but the turnout for this event was quite good considering the competition. Fira Stout brought her grandson and introduced him to the attendees. It’s always nice to integrate the old folks with a youthful touch. The biggest hit of the night, however, was celebrating Marge Leathem’s 93rd birthday! Despite some recent medical issues, she is still enjoying the social scene in Unit 27 and is as feisty as ever! A belated Happy Birthday, Marge! And thank you, hosts Deb and Dennis.
Stay tuned for the continuing adventures of Unit 27.
Unit 36 Yellow Valentine Gathering
Laura Anderson
Unit 36 Yellow gathered for some Valentine’s Day cheer at the home of Mardie and John Roberts. Having the unit divided into three sections allows for easier planning and hosting of events. The turnout was good, and the fellowship was grand. Thank you to all who joined us. We look forward to future get-togethers.
Unit 46 Welcomes Spring!
Linda Greenough
Unit 46 welcomed spring with two fun events that took advantage of our good weather. On March 5 seven Divas visited St. Anthony’s Monastery in Florence. The weather was perfect for enjoying the Greek Orthodox monastery’s grounds and chapels, and since the tour is self-guided, the group toured at their own pace. Because it is an active monastery and religious retreat, conservative attire, particularly for women, is required to tour the grounds. Clothing is provided for visitors who are not appropriately dressed to visit. The peaceful setting, beautiful religious icons and artwork, and unique wood-carved chapels more than made up for the required attire. After touring the monastery, the group enjoyed lunch in Florence at Mount Athos Restaurant & Café. Everyone agreed to keep the restaurant in mind when traveling between SaddleBrooke and Phoenix on Route 79.
Forty unit members celebrated the arrival of spring on March 20 at an appetizer party held at the home of Jess and Cathy Siglow. Many of the group sat outside enjoying the warm weather, and the party was crashed by five coyotes that dashed by in the wash behind the Siglows’ home. As always, wonderful appetizers and desserts were enjoyed by all.