Unit Four Summer Ladies Luncheon

Connie Kotke

The Ranch Grill was the setting for the SaddleBrooke Unit Four Ladies Luncheon on Wednesday, July 1. More than 20 ladies traveled to SaddleBrooke Ranch and admired the beautiful landscape and fountains in the ponds that led up to the Grill where the luncheon was held.

As we entered the beautiful foyer, we were ushered to a private event room that was already set up with menus to order our lunch of choice. The check-in table and three dining tables featured beautiful rose floral arrangements creatively done by Susan Morrison Cluley, chair of the Unit four Social Committee.

Connie Kotke, Unit Representative, thanked LaVonne Ashwood for spearheading the planning of this event. She also shared information about activities taking place over the 4th of July holiday weekend and discussed the implications of SaddleBrooke becoming a certified FireWise community. Meanwhile, our waitress efficiently took orders and kept our beverages refilled while we chatted with friends old and new.

Lydia O’Connor was the lucky recipient of our drawing for a $25 gift card to SaddleBrooke One. She will put it to good use in her regular visits to the RoadRunner Grill for breakfast!

There are three events already scheduled for the Unit this fall; watch for details in Unit emails:

* Dick and LaVonne Ashwood are excited to return to their garage “porch” to celebrate Play Music on the Porch Day on Saturday, Aug. 29, starting at 6:30 p.m. This international event started as an idea: “What if, for one day, everything stopped and we all just listened to the music? Together, we show the world the power that music holds.”

* Our annual Welcome Back Event will be Saturday, Nov. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the shaded pavilion adjacent to the Desert View lap pool. Enjoy a few rounds of cornhole followed by a delicious potluck buffet.

* The 2026 Holiday Party with Optional Cookie Exchange will be Saturday, Dec. 5.

Unit Eight A:“Splish, Splash, I Was Taking a Bath…”

Michelle Kouri

Oh, wait. Those Bobby Darin lyrics from 1958—”Splish, Splash, I Was Taking a Bath”—still haven’t left my brain. What a great flashback, though!

But on Tuesday evening, June 23, it was the residents of Unit Eight A who were doing the splish, splashing in the SaddleBrooke One pool—although they definitely weren’t taking a bath! Other party-goers relaxed poolside in the shade, enjoying the warm evening, plenty of laughter, and great conversation. Kudos to the Roadrunner Grill staff for their early-evening service for our party goers. The pizza, wings, and beverages were great.

Our Unit Eight A get-together was scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m., but thanks to the wonderful atmosphere and engaging neighbors, many stayed well beyond the planned hours.

The evening also gave us an opportunity to welcome our newest neighbors, Mark and Twyla, and Rick and Grace, who have both moved into Unit Eight A within the past few months. Rick and Grace relocated from Illinois, while Mark and Twyla came from upstate New York after living and traveling in many places around the world.

Long-time residents welcomed both couples with open arms, and we hope they continue to enjoy the many activities Unit Eight A has planned throughout the year. We were especially impressed that, despite the busy and often chaotic process of unpacking and settling into their new homes, they took time to relax, meet their neighbors, and become part of the “hood.”

Our next gathering will be in Aug., although several neighbors will be escaping the summer heat for cooler destinations and exciting travels. We’ll look forward to welcoming everyone back and hearing about their adventures.

Stay tuned!

Unit 14 Rocks Trivia

Karen Gille

Almost 40 residents showed up on July 23 for a very hot night of Trivia hosted by Unit 14 at The Preserve patio. Temps soared over 100 but with fans, misters and a few cool drinks we persevered.

Gary and Betsy Clark served as emcees for the fun evening with Gary coming up with some really unique trivia questions. covering everything from sports to Barbie Dolls. Everyone picked a random number assigned to six different tables and you were not allowed to sit with your spouse. It was a great opportunity to get to know new neighbors and have some good laughs.

If you live in Unit 14 and would like to be invited to unit activities including an upcoming block party with a food truck, and a festive Holiday dinner dance, please email Betsy Clark at: bkclark@hotmail.com.

Unit 27 Activities

Sue Case

The summer of 2026 has been a mixed bag of an early hot spell followed by a slight cooling and sporadic Monsoon rains that raise our hopes for more water. But always, the heat!

Many of our fellow residents have left town for the summer; many others come and go sporadically, if only for a short relief from the heat. For those remaining at home, several generous residents have hosted Snack and Chat events for the neighborhood.

Jan and Ron Talbot hosted a Snack and Chat on a nicely warm, but not too hot Saturday evening, May 2. Although attendance was somewhat sparse, the temperature allowed attendees to spend the evening on the patio, enjoying the great scenery as well as each other’s company. It was a relaxing introduction to our early Southwest Summer.

Summer’s heat was in full swing by the time Melody Branstrom hosted the Snack and Chat on Saturday, June 27. Much too hot and windy to be outdoors for any length of time, the surprisingly large number of attendees all stayed indoors for the event. Melody, who is an accomplished horsewoman, has furnished her house in a western theme, which helped generate conversations when guests ran out of golf stories.

Thanks to the Talbots and to Melody for helping us to stay in touch and to weather the season!

Unit 28 Ladies Luncheon

Joyce Wainscott

What a delightful afternoon! Twelve ladies gathered at the home of Marilyn Ginther on July 14 to enjoy good food, great conversation, and plenty of laughter. The table was overflowing with an impressive assortment of homemade salads—everything from tried-and-true favorites to creative new recipes. There was certainly no danger of anyone leaving hungry!

Despite the tempting menu, the group’s wild side stopped well short of the “Hard Mike’s.” Bottled water won by a landslide, proving that sometimes staying hydrated is all the excitement you need!

The luncheon turned out to be more than just a chance to share a meal. It was a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to catch up, welcome newer faces into the conversation, and get to know one another a little better. New friendships were started, plenty of stories were exchanged, and laughter filled the afternoon.

Then, right on cue, Arizona’s monsoon season reminded us who’s really in charge. The distant rumble of thunder was all it took to send everyone gathering purses, sharing quick good-byes, and making a cheerful dash for home before the skies opened up. After all, around here, when the monsoons start talking, it’s best to listen!

Unit 44B Happy Hour Smiles

Laura Littell

On July 11, Unit 44B gathered to enjoy happy hour on the Patio at the Preserve. Neighbors enjoyed warm conversation, discovering shared interests and experiences and much laughter. Some reconnecting with familiar faces, others introducing themselves for the first time. It was an evening that turned neighbors into friends. Cheers to many more.