Jim Lucas, a new volunteer on both Senior Village’s Helping Hands team and Home Technology team, moved to SaddleBrooke just a little before last Christmas.  Are we ever lucky he did.  What an impact he has had in a few months.  Skilled, friendly, and eager to serve, Jim has already filled more than 50 “work orders” for Senior Village members, including one for me. 

Most of us think about preventing falls, but there is another important question: If you fall, do you know how to get up safely?

When I first volunteered with Senior Village at SaddleBrooke in 2019, I had no idea where that simple decision would lead or how much it would come to mean to me.

Mark your calendars! Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is bringing one of the community’s favorite bands to the stage for what promises to be one of the season’s most popular events.

Imagine calling 911 because your spouse is having a heart attack. Emergency responders arrive quickly—but they can’t get into your home.

Senior Village is often asked for recommendations regarding service providers and community resources. Because we are committed to remaining neutral and avoiding even the appearance of endorsing commercial entities, Senior Village does not provide referrals or recommendations. However, we do pay attention to programs and organizations that may be of value to residents of our community. In that spirit, we would like to make readers aware of several resources that may be helpful.

After Jaci Nissen’s husband passed away in early 2019, feeling overwhelmed with the basic home repairs and maintenance she was now facing alone, she made her first call to Senior Village requesting assistance.

Do you wait until tax time to make a charitable donation? Have you considered establishing monthly gifting? One of the easiest and most meaningful ways to support Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is through recurring giving.

Senior Village member, Karen Appelwick, has been a member for four years. She has used Senior Village’s Going My Way transportation services for rides to important appointments as far as 45 minutes away. She describes the rides as more than a lift — they were a source of encouragement.

A simple ride can make a meaningful difference.
Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is inviting volunteers to take part in a flexible, once-a-month opportunity that helps neighbors stay connected and engaged. For those who enjoy a short drive within the community and the satisfaction of helping others, this is an easy and rewarding way to give back.

Wendie and Greg, her husband of 55 years, moved to SaddleBrooke 22 years ago, from the snowy landscapes of Minnesota. Soon after settling in, they took up square dancing, where they met and befriended Gary and Ann Hammond. When Gary shared his vision of creating an organization of neighbors helping neighbors, Wendie and Greg knew instantly it was the perfect fit.

The snowbirds have flown for the summer. Therefore, Senior Village is looking for fun energetic volunteers who enjoy meeting people and driving.

Are you a new pickleball player who has taken a class? Then you’ve probably met Greg Nelson. Did you know that in addition to teaching the 1.0 level classes on the court, Greg is a volunteer for Senior Village on the Going My Way team? He has been a volunteer for both the Helping Hands team and Going My Way team since 2016.

With her cheery personality and wonderful phrases, Senior Village Going My Way team volunteer Mary Richling is a real joy to interview. While born in Minnesota, she spent most of her life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduating from St. Mary’s School of Nursing which was then affiliated with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

If you are 73 or older, the IRS requires you to withdraw each year from certain retirement accounts, including traditional IRAs. This is called a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and is considered taxable income unless you designate all or part of it as a qualified charitable donation (QCD). In that case, you do not pay tax on the amount you donate.

Who is going to take care of me late in life with physical and mental challenges?

Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is guided by a seven-member Board of Directors, all of whom are SaddleBrooke residents. Each director brings a deep commitment to thoughtfully steering Senior Village in ways that reflect and respond to the evolving needs of our community.

The room was full of laughter and joy as thirty-one people came together to celebrate Senior Village’s members’ birthdays. This bi-monthly event hosted by Carol Mueller and Linda Stillwell is known for bringing out the giggles and this month was no exception.

The distraught husband repeated over and over: “That’s not what she wanted.” Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) were kneeling next to his wife, administering life-saving procedures. Her husband tried futilely to make them stop. He showed them her Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will. She did not want to be resuscitated. The responders did not stop. They attempted to resuscitate her and took her to the hospital.

Senior Village at SaddleBrooke is delighted to share the news of a wonderful addition to our office grounds—a beautifully crafted bench generously donated by the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke. Made entirely from recycled soft plastics, the bench is not only sturdy and comfortable, but also a testament to community partnership and environmental stewardship.

Much to my disappointment, I thought it would take much longer—much, much longer—to get this old. But here I am, a vulnerable geezer nearing 80, proudly a descendant of parents from the Greatest Generation, living the dream in SaddleBrooke.

Is going your way!
Jeff Brown is well-equipped for his job as a volunteer for Senior Village. He started driving his own Freightliner cross-country as an independent contractor for Atlas Van Lines in 1980 with his brother Steve.

In early November, Senior Village at SaddleBrooke mailed Compassion in Action to all 5,200 households in our community. The booklet was created as a guide to giving in all its forms—from simple gifts like TisBest charity cards to Arizona Tax Credit donations and larger considerations such as RMDs, stock gifts, family trust distributions, and planned giving options. Based on the feedback we’ve received, many residents found it to be a helpful and easy-to-understand resource.

Senior Village at SaddleBrooke celebrated two milestones with an Open house on November 7– its 10th anniversary and the first anniversary in its office at 16460 N. Oracle Road. More than 100 hundred guests joined the celebration and were warmly greeted by the Senior Village Board of Directors and Staff.

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Senior Village at SaddleBrooke launched a year-long celebration marking 10 years of service to the SaddleBrooke community. The special Pathfinder Event honored the dedicated volunteers and generous donors who helped shape the organization from its earliest days.

Arizona residents have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact right here in SaddleBrooke — while receiving a direct credit on their state taxes. By donating to Senior Village at SaddleBrooke, a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO #20990), you can support local seniors in need and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit off your Arizona income taxes.

     Few people know as much about reading caveats and fine print in long-term care policies as Don Burkhead.  For the past several years, the Senior Village Forms and Documents team has utilized Don’s extensive knowledge to interpret these policies for members. 

While we haven’t experienced monsoons like we used to, it only takes one storm or power surge to wreak havoc with your home’s electronic devices. A lightning strike or power outage can confuse electronic devices. While it can feel overwhelming, there are a few simple steps you can try before calling Senior Village or a professional for help.

Senior Village at SaddleBrooke’s co-founder Gary Hammond is a SV Pathfinder who keeps on contributing.  When his co-founder Dick Fleming said, “I have an idea I want to discuss with you,” he got Gary’s attention.  The idea was neighbors helping neighbors.  Fleming, who unfortunately died six months later, knew that if he wanted to get something done, Gary was the person to call. 

The Open House marks the kickoff of the organization’s 10th anniversary celebration. Over the past decade, Senior Village has become a vital part of the SaddleBrooke community, offering services that help residents age in place with confidence, dignity, and connection.

Panic. Full-on, total panic. The kind that makes your heart skip a beat. The kind that puts your life on hold.

These were the emotions that assaulted Connie Wortman when she learned that she needed heart surgery, and it couldn’t be put off.

Senior Village at SaddleBrooke has been deeply enriched by the generous efforts of many dedicated volunteers. Among them, one individual stands out for her lasting impact, heartfelt service, and tireless commitment: Mardie Toney.

Research has consistently shown that loneliness and social isolation have profound negative effects on health, mental health, and mortality, particularly for older adults. One quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.

New experiences are exciting and inspiring. Senior Village is thrilled to welcome four new volunteers to different teams within the organization. If you’re looking for a stimulating and rewarding experience, join our family of over 400 volunteers who brighten the days of residents of SaddleBrooke each day with their smiles and expertise.

New to SaddleBrooke? New to lockboxes? Here are some helpful tips you may not have considered.
If you have recently purchased a home with an existing lockbox, you must have the correct house key in the lockbox.

Carol Levine loved her 30 years of teaching high school English in New Jersey and after she retired, she found she really missed it.  Fortunately for Senior Village when she became one of our early volunteers in 2016, she brought that passion with her and it continues to this day.

Senior Village “Pathfinder” Andrea Molberg describes serving others as “part of my DNA.” Growing up in a family of ministers, nurses, social workers, and other caring professionals, Andrea was expected to contribute and make a difference.

Insurance policies protect you when a disaster hits your home or your car is involved in an accident, but what protects you when you have a medical catastrophe and cannot ask for help or communicate?

Raised in Michigan with parents who instilled the value of volunteerism, Shawne lives by the motto of “Pay it Forward.” Shawne Cryderman began her volunteer experience with Senior Village nine years ago.

The temperature is rising. Are you ready for the hot days of summer? It is important to be safe while enjoying the outdoors. Heat exhaustion symptoms are no joke. Be aware of the signs of overheating and how to avoid it.

Senior Village at SaddleBrooke, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit powered by volunteers, proudly recognizes the outstanding leadership of its Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in ensuring the smooth governance and continued success of services that support residents in aging in place.

“I’ve got your back.” “You’re not alone.” “Let me help you.” What comfort it is to hear these words in stressful situations.
The twelve volunteer advocates on the Senior Village Forms and Documents Team “have your back” when it comes to organizing your estate documents, helping you prepare applications or getting through the first months of widowhood.

To help keep SaddleBrooke informed, Senior Village presented two highly informative seminars addressing important topics related to safety and preparedness. Both seminars offered practical takeaways that could be immediately applied.

Tim Moransi heard about the plan to create a Senior Village when it was just a dream.  As a busy retiree, Tim was very involved in volunteer work and enjoyed working with his hands. This new organization seemed like a natural fit for him as Tim was looking for other ways to flexibly spend his time.  As one of Senior Village’s “Pathfinders”, he has volunteered at Senior Village since its conception.  Ten years later, Tim Morsani has found so much more.

Educators have a giving nature in their DNA that is easily seen in Karen Jahn. Karen came to SaddleBrooke in 2006 from Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO, via Washington. Having taught for eighteen years, Karen continued to work with children, volunteering with Kids Closet …

Or maybe both of the above! Looking for new ideas to serve the Senior Village mission of serving as a resource to the greater SaddleBrooke community, Gary Hammond came up with the idea of a Men’s Social Hour in 2019. Originally limited to only Senior Village members and volunteers, the group now includes…

Volunteering offers more than just lending a helping hand. It’s a path to personal growth and community impact. Senior Village makes an impact right in our own backyards. Our volunteers have given a total of 18,485 hours of their time and driven 65,930 miles in 2024…

Meet Lois Violanti a pathfinder volunteer at Senior Village.

While most people in SaddleBrooke were cozily ensconced in their homes on a rainy winter day, members of the Neurological Support Group braved the puddles to attend a mini-course on estate planning and healthcare directives presented by…

The answer to this question is a firm “yes.” A properly functioning smoke detector is the first line of defense against potentially devastating home fires, providing early warnings that give occupants a chance to evacuate safely.

As the unmistakable signs of spring make their appearance, residents are gearing up for the eagerly awaited annual tradition of spring cleaning.
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Electronics & Hazardous Waste Recycling Event hosted by Senior Village on Saturday, March 30

Get ready to shake off the winter blahs and step into a tropical paradise as Senior Village brings you Beach Bash 2024 on April 6th. Beyond just an evening of entertainment, this event is a unique opportunity to bask in the warmth of community while contributing to a greater cause.

At the heart of Senior Village, you’ll find an experienced board of directors who are charting the organization’s course towards a sustainable future. The board sets the strategic direction of Senior Village and ensures accountability, transparency and sustainability along the way.

Senior Village invites you to make SaddleBrooke cleaner and greener by responsibly clearing out hard-to-dispose-of items. Mark your calendars for March 30 and head over to the MountainView Clubhouse lower parking lot from 9 am to noon to take advantage of the annual Electronics & Hazardous Waste Recycling Event.

As tax season approaches, there’s a silver lining for Arizona residents looking to make a positive impact on their community. You have until April 15, 2024, to donate to Senior Village at SaddleBrooke and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your 2023 Arizona state tax return.

Embark on a musical journey as SaddleBrooke’s own acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Deborah Prischmann Gryniewicz, takes center stage in a free concert on January 15 at 2 pm in the SaddleBrooke MountainView Ballroom East.

Imagine finding an extra $2,000 in your pocket—what would you do with it? Senior Village is offering one lucky person the chance to ponder that question, thanks to their upcoming cash raffle as part of the 2024 Beach Bash.

As the winter chill wanes and signs of spring emerge, the residents of SaddleBrooke will gear up for an annual spring-cleaning ritual. Helping to foster a cleaner and greener community, Senior Village will present the 2024 Electronics & Hazardous Waste Recycling Event …

On December 7, residents at the DesertView Performing Arts Center witnessed an informative seminar titled “Smart Devices for Christmas,” jointly presented by Senior Village and the Patrols of HOA1 and HOA2. The event

In the thrilling world of firefighting portrayed on our favorite TV and movie screens, we witness brave men and women forcefully busting down doors to reach the heart of the blaze. Did you know that there is a practical tool that can save precious minutes and minimize damage in an emergency fire situation? The lockbox.

When you say “hello” to Senior Village for the first time, it’s the Membership Team that greets you. There are currently 27 volunteers on the team with two co-leaders. One of them will be your first personal contact with Senior Village.

The monthly Music Matinees, hosted by Senior Village, have become a SaddleBrooke favorite. Local performers share their considerable talent with SaddleBrooke. What a treat!

Senior Village will once again be present at the annual SaddleBrooke Health Fair on October 14, 9 am – Noon.  Visit the exhibit at the MountainView clubhouse.

The Senior Village Book Club recently read The Widow Clicquot. We took this book and made it our own!