Unit Two Happy Hour
BK Koch
On Nov. 13 approximately 55 Unit Two residents swarmed the Agave in a Welcome Back happy hour. Conversation was flowing like a bubbling brook as friends and neighbors reconnected. It was a fun time for all. A raffle was held again, and the amount collected was split with the winner. (I was having too much fun to write down the amount and the winner’s name.) Terry McCollom, Unit Two Rep, greeted each neighbor as they came in, and we made sure to have name tags. There is talk to order a unit name tag for each person for a minimal cost. More on that later, so watch your email from Ms. Jennifer Williams, Unit Two Deputy.
The next event is the Unit Christmas Party on Dec. 17 with Units 16, 18, and 19. There will be a delicious menu and music by Chuck Moses.
See ya there!
Everyone got into the spirit of the game! (Photo by Ron Bower)
Unit 4 Welcomes Snowbirds with Cornhole and Potluck Dinner
Connie Kotke
On Nov. 8 more than 50 friendly neighbors from SaddleBrooke One Unit 4 took part in the annual Welcome Back event. The unit hosts this popular event to help snowbirds get resettled in the community and to extend a warm welcome to new residents who joined the unit in the past year.
This year we tried something new by reserving the entire cornhole court—a beautiful facility right behind DesertView Performing Arts Center. That reservation also allowed us to host a potluck dinner on the shaded patio area nestled in between the cornhole court and the competitive lap pool. The afternoon featured a lively competition with the bean bags (including a short tutorial from Cornhole Club President Doug Springer), great food and beverages, and drawings for prizes.
Linda Holt won the 50/50 raffle. She graciously donated that money back to the unit treasury to help fund the annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 5.
Special thanks go to the Unit 4 Social Committee and its helpers who made this event a success: Tom and Susan Cluley, Randy and Peg Asmus, Ron and Lisa Bower, Linda Holt, LaVonne Ashwood, Debbie Bornmann, Janet Robinson, and Connie Kotke.
Unit Nine’s Halloween Party
Scott Baker
Unit Nine’s annual Halloween Party was once again a frightfully good time! This year’s event was hosted by Tom and Gretchen Houston whose home, decked out in their trademark over-the-top Halloween decorations, set the perfect spooky scene.
With Sky Blue Court’s cul-de-sac providing plenty of room, 62 costumed partygoers mingled, laughed, and enjoyed a delicious spread of shared hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and BYO beverages. Even a four-legged guest in costume joined in the fun!
A big thank you goes out to Tom and Gretchen for their warm hospitality and for making this year’s gathering another howling success!
Units 15 and 17 gather on Desert Moon Count to celebrate Howl-o-ween!
Units 15 and 17 Have a Ghoulish Howl-o-ween!
Barbara Barr Bengen
Desert Moon Court was the scene of the annual Halloween celebration. Residents of Units 15 and 17 enjoyed amazing appetizers and decadent desserts, brought by friends and neighbors. All enjoyed the incredible Arizona weather, along with the warm conversations and hearty laughter of old and new friends.
Our next gathering will be our annual holiday party. This year, we will be celebrating our lives in SaddleBrooke at the RoadRunner Grill with our annual “Mingle and Jingle.” Watch for more information. Reservations are required!
Unit 16 Annual Block Party
Carolyn McLean
It was a perfect, sunny Nov. 2 afternoon in Unit 16 with more than 50 neighbors attending our annual fall party. We were dancin’ in the street to our favorite band WildRide who provided hours of toe-tappin’ music. It was a great way to welcome back unit residents who had been away for the summer, and we had a good time getting to know some of our new neighbors. Once again, our favorite hostess, Joyce Garcia, opened her garage, setting up tables to display the delicious potluck specialties and the dessert treats. The costumes were warm at times, but the spirits stayed willing, and, of course, we had to shout out, “Where’s the salt?” to Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.” Our social event coordinator Carri Johnson has more fun activities planned as we celebrate the upcoming holiday season.
Unit 25 Gets Really Scary!
Ron Mazurek
Halloween and great weather set the stage for the latest fun-filled party in Unit 25 at the home of Ron and Sheila Mazurek. This party featured fabulous hors d’oeuvres from guest kitchens, and a lot of folks got into the “spirit” of things with a wide variety of costumes worn! With 26 folks in attendance, there was no lack of lively conversation, and it was so nice to have some newer faces show up, even if it was tough to recognize them!
Unit 25 continues to throw a variety of casual get-togethers that allows us to visit and be friends with folks living close by. Up next is the annual Christmas Cookie Exchange and in January, our new year Kick-Off Potluck Party where we will throw around ideas for parties in 2026.
It was warm and dry inside the Merlini house. (Photo by Sue Case)
Unit 27 Activities
Sue Case
Phil Doyle once again organized the very popular Unit 27 Golf Mixer/Scramble. The November event was a hit, as always, with golf, followed by a party hosted by Phil and his wife Anne. As reported by Phil, the weather was perfect and the camaraderie was even “perfecter.” New neighbors Patty and Jay Johnson attended and got to know everyone. This monthly event is for both golfers and non-golfers who become “designated putters” and pay less. Those attending past events have had only positive things to say about this activity, and Phil encourages everyone to consider joining in the fun.
On Nov. 22, which did not offer perfect weather, Carol and Richard Merlini hosted the monthly Snack and Chat. Although the weather was wet and cool outside, the atmosphere both inside and out on the patio was dry, warm, and friendly.
One never knows who will venture out on such a night; however, quite a few residents showed up. There was ample food for all, and everyone supplied their own drinks. The only one who was probably somewhat miserable was the UPS driver who quietly left some packages at the doorstep during the party. Thanks for your warm hospitality on such a night, Carol and Richard.
‘Tis the season to be busy! But take a deep breath and be thankful for the opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and neighbors in our beautiful mountain view community.
Unit 36 Orange Block Social Committee: A Year of Fun, Friendship, and Ideas!
Helen Amelsberg
If you’ve been enjoying the growing buzz and camaraderie around Unit 36 Orange Block, you have the Social Committee to thank! This dedicated team, Helen Amelsberg (chair), Kathy Hampton (unit rep), Deena Bentley, Janet Clark, Craig Eaton, Karen Hop, Elaine Pearson, Joanne Smyth, and Christine Schmitz and Elisabeth Wheeler (special projects), have been working together for almost a year, spending countless hours brainstorming, planning, and organizing events that bring our neighbors closer together. Their mission? To make life in Unit 36 Orange Block more vibrant, social, and fun for everyone.
Over the past year, the committee has launched a variety of memorable activities exclusively for Unit 36 Orange Block residents. From a fascinating trip to the GEM Museum where neighbors explored stunning art and historic treasures, to a colorful downtown Tucson mural tour that combined sightseeing with laughter and great conversation, the committee has consistently created experiences that connect people. And let’s not forget our much-loved monthly happy hours—a chance to unwind, enjoy a drink, and catch up with friends and neighbors in a relaxed, welcoming setting. These events have become a staple of block life, and residents are already looking forward to the next ones!
One of the highlights of the year was a chocolate and wine evening, which was wonderfully well attended. Committee member Janet Clark wowed everyone with her handmade chocolates, perfectly paired with a variety of wines selected for the occasion. The event was a true feast for the senses, with neighbors enjoying sweet treats, sipping wine, and sharing plenty of laughter and conversation.
To show appreciation for all the energy, creativity, and dedication the committee members bring, a special champagne tasting was hosted at the home of Social Committee member Craig Eaton (thank you, Craig!). Members brought an assortment of champagne and sparkling wines, along with delicious appetizers to share. The evening was full of laughter, lively conversation, and plenty of bubbly—a perfect way to celebrate the past year’s achievements and toast to what’s ahead. And, of course, as often happens when a great group of people gathers, even more ideas for future Unit 36 Orange Block events emerged.
The Social Committee encourages everyone in the block to get involved. Whether you have a small idea for a casual gathering, a suggestion for an outing, or a fun event you’ve always wanted to try with neighbors, your input is welcome and valued. The committee thrives on creativity, enthusiasm, and community participation, and the more people contribute, the more vibrant life in Unit 36 Orange Block becomes.
Keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming event announcements. There’s plenty to look forward to! And if inspiration strikes or you’d like to share an idea, please reach out to your unit representative Cathy Hampton. Here’s to another year filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable moments within Unit 36 Orange Block. Cheers to community, friendship, and fun. Let’s make year two even brighter than the first!
Unit 46 November Appetizer Party
Unit 46 Has an Appetite for Fun!
Denise Cashmore
Many thanks to Maria and Tom Blong for hosting the Unit 46 November Appetizer Party. It was a doozy. Neighbors pulled together and dropped off chairs, tables, and tablecloths for this big event. The gorgeous evening attracted about 80 neighbors, featuring an abundance of delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere for all, including new-timer John Pyrbylski. John was lucky enough to draw the winning ticket for a 50/50 raffle! Also attending were new residents Dani and Sarah Kacer who have graciously accepted the contact role for Unit 46 Outreach (Adopt-A-Family). Richard and Lori Snead were honored for their years of dedication to the Outreach program, which has helped many families.
Also in November, the men headed down to Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers for their monthly dinner, and the Unit Divas got together at Mi Tierra in Catalina para un almuerzo delicioso.
Want to join in the fun? Check your emails, contact the Unit 46 Reps, or ask your neighbors about upcoming events.