Unit Two Happy Hour
BK Koch
Unit Two had a happy hour at the Agave on Oct. 24, which was attended by approximately 20 residents. Each time we have these, we get to know each other just a little bit better. It is so nice to meet and greet and talk. Don’t forget, we also can wine and dine either during or afterward. It was Fish Night, and I ordered the baked Alaskan cod. It was melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Our next Agave happy hour is on Thursday, Nov. 13. Come on down and join the fun.
See ya there!
That Amore, Unit 6 Style!
Lorie Gregor
Unit 6 came together to learn how to play bocce and enjoy an Italian-themed potluck dinner party on Oct. 14! This was our first event after our bimonthly happy hours, which were all well attended, at the RR Grill over the summer months. About 35 folks came out for the festivities, 24 of whom played bocce. Most agreed that it was a pretty fun sport to learn. As always, the camaraderie was top-notch!
Our next get-together will be over the holidays. More to come on that.
Flaming Heart Food Truck Fires Up for Unit 14
Karen Gille
More than 70 residents from Unit 14 in SaddleBrooke took to the streets to enjoy BBQ sandwiches, burgers, and crab cakes served up by Flaming Heart Food Truck. Everyone said their food was fantastic.
The theme for the night was “Wear Your Team Colors.” Many NFL teams and a few college teams were represented.
It was a perfect night, with light cloud cover and great ‘70s music.
In November, Unit 14 will host a Casino Night, and in December, a Christmas dinner and dance.
If you would like information about Unit 14 activities, please contact Betsy Clark at bk.clark@hotmail.com.
Unit 15 Hosts Lively ‘Appy Hour’ with a Side of Jenga
Kelli Beasley
On Sept. 27 some members of Unit 15 gathered for a delightful evening of food, fun, and friendship during their much-anticipated “Appy Hour,” hosted at the stunning home of Jeri Voyles. With 22 attendees bringing a wide array of delicious appetizers, the evening was a feast not only for the palate but also for the soul.
As guests arrived with trays in hand, the living room soon turned into a hub of laughter, thanks in part to a spirited game of Jenga. One thoughtful guest brought the classic game, and it quickly became the center of attention. With each shaky move and inevitable crash, bursts of hysterical laughter echoed through the house, drawing curious smiles from those enjoying the tranquility of the outdoor patio.
Those seated outside were treated to more than just good conversation. The backdrop of the majestic mountains provided a serene contrast to the lively energy indoors. The breathtaking view, paired with perfect weather, made the evening even more memorable.
Pictures from the night tell the full story. As the old saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” but for those who were there, the memories are priceless.
Unit 21 Annual Golf Scramble
Dana Eckhardt
On Sept. 14 the annual Unit 21 Golf Scramble started on the Catalina course. All 28 players went to their assigned hole and proceeded to best ball play. In the end, hosts Dede and Doug Crowder awarded four prizes to the winners. They also invited non-players to the after-party for fun, food, and prizes.
My apologies, but the exact names of the winners were not available. I do know that it was an amazing time, and I can’t wait to enjoy it again next year.
Golder Ranch Fire Department presentation to Unit 27: Fire Extinguisher table (photo by Ron Talbot)
Unit 27 Activities
Sue Case
Unit 27 was privileged and honored to host employees of the Golder Ranch Fire Department (GRFD) as part of the Oct. 14 unit meeting. They presented some of the services they offer by breaking attendees into groups, with interactive presentations on CPR and defibrillators, tourniquets, fire extinguishers, and firefighting gear. They also brought along hand-out materials on fire protection, insurance considerations, how to prepare for wildfires, ambulance service plans, safety tip sheets, and more.
Those residents in attendance were uniformly enthusiastic and praised the GRFD for the useful presentation, including the interactive, hands-on demonstrations. As a token of appreciation, Unit 27 gave the presenters a large gift bag of goodies.
After two different households had to back out of hosting the September Snack and Chat, Steve Sanchez agreed to host the September event on Sept. 27. Steve has agreed to step in as substitute host on more than one occasion, and we thank him for his willingness on behalf of the unit. The turnout was somewhat low, which may have resulted from the late announcement of the event or perhaps unit residents seeking cooler locations out of the area. However, those who did attend enjoyed their conversations in Steve’s welcoming environment.
Janie and Rick Grinstead hosted the October Snack and Chat on Oct. 18. The weather was nice, and many people took advantage of that and spent their time outside in their expansive patio area, although many others remained inside, which worked well for space. Everyone must have had Halloween on their minds, because the food table had a distinctive orange glow. Our neighbors from “Up North” are starting to return, and it was great to see and talk with them again.
We hope they bring more moderate temperatures with them! Thanks, Janie and Rick.
Spooky Snacks and Stunning Views: Unit 36 Orange Block Happy Hour Breaks Records
Helen Amelsberg, Social Chair
Unit 36 Orange Block brewed up a spectacular evening for their monthly happy hour on Oct. 16 with a record-breaking 32 neighbors in attendance! The spread was a treat for all, featuring Halloween-themed cupcakes, homemade brownies, savory dips, juicy meatballs, and cheesy quesadillas, plus plenty of wine and beer to keep everyone in high spirits.
A huge thank you to host Vicky Graham whose beautiful garden set the perfect scene for the gathering. Guests sipped, snacked, and took in breathtaking views of the Catalina Mountains while enjoying great conversation and laughter.
Mark your calendars for the next happy hour on Thursday, Nov. 20. Unit 36 Orange neighbors, check your email for details, and if you’d like to host a future happy hour, reach out to Unit Rep Kathy via email at unit36orange@gmail.com.
Here’s to delicious bites, festive fun, and the unbeatable company of your neighbors!
Unit 42 Cornhole Competition
Tim Gaule
Twenty residents from Unit 42 enjoyed a friendly competition at the cornhole courts on Oct. 10. Fortunately, the rain held off until after play was over. Venita and Dennis Ransom were the lucky winners of a SaddleBrooke TWO gift certificate. Afterwards, the players gathered for an enjoyable dinner in the MountainView East Room.
There are plans for a potluck dinner at the SaddleBrooke One Activity Center on Friday, Dec. 12.
Cul-de-Sac Party
Mike Oberski
Residents of Unit 43, along Desert Sky and Mount Lemon Lane, got together to meet our new neighbors and enjoy the company of those we know, along with our returning snowbirds. Shared appetizers were brought by all. We all enjoyed the simple and joyful late afternoon get-together in our glorious fall weather..
Unit 44A and Friends Block Party
Laurie Valaer
Unit 44A held their annual fall block party on Oct. 19. It was great to see so many familiar faces in attendance—current residents of 44A, friends from nearby units, and even former 44A residents who’ve moved but stayed in touch! The weather was beautiful, and everyone contributed so many delicious options to the potluck. Forty-five people enjoyed jalapeño cheddar meatballs, Italian sausage and peppers, beef tenderloin bites, ham and cheese sliders, and so much more! And, oh, the desserts—just fabulous!
It was so nice to catch up on everyone’s summer adventures, and the “Save Ferris” crew not only provided an interesting conversation starter, but plenty of entertainment! We were only sorry that it got dark so soon!
The 2025 block party was a success—fun was had by all! The unit is now getting ready for their annual Bocce Ball Tournament in November and are signing up for several Gaslight Theatre events, as well as the Community Circle Players performance. Our unit is very active!
Unit 46 Celebrates Oktoberfest with Food, Fun, and Dancing!
Denise Cashmore
Unit 46 Social Co-chairs Joan Brookhart and Carla DeWolf did it again by organizing another fun-filled event. The outdoor event, held on Oct. 17 at McHaney Court, had plenty of help from unit members, a raffle basket, and music provided by the Bouncing Czechs. A great turnout of more than 60 friends, many in dirndls (a Bavarian dress) and lederhosen, attended. After a delicious dinner of brats, sauerkraut, potato salads, and German chocolate cake, guests worked off dinner by bouncing to polkas and joining in for a rousing “Chicken Dance.” Thanks to all who help to make this such an inviting unit to live in. And congratulations to Kerry Griebenow for winning the raffle basket full of yummy goodies!