Linda Shannon-Hills If you’ve driven along Oracle Road, you may have noticed a curious-looking bridge that doesn’t seem to lead anywhere. But this is no ordinary overpass—it’s part of a wildlife corridor designed to protect animals and drivers alike. Thanks to the work of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, this bridge and a companion…
Generals, July 2025
Unit Happenings – July 2025
Unit 6—Third Annual Redneck Party and Fundraiser At the end of May, Unit 6 celebrated the start of the summer season with a redneck themed block party. Neighbors and friends showed up in all manner of redneck and hillbilly attire. The best decorated Male, Female, and Couple were awarded funny prizes and some Starbucks gift…
Sports, July 2025
SaddleBrooke and Ranch Senior Softball Action!
Fred Mitchell Well, SaddleBrooke and Ranch Senior Softball fans, here’s the past and future in the action-packed world of SB softball. Memorial Day Tournament Yep, softball aficionados, the SSSA Memorial Day Tournament will be in the books when this paper hits your mailbox. More on that in the next edition, but considering past Memorial Day…
Clubs & Classes, July 2025
And Is It FUN?
Christianne Dettmann In an ever-changing world, Rotarians, as noted on the website rotary.org, envision one in which “…people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” Clubs everywhere use the Four-Way Test, developed in 1932 by Rotary Club of Chicago member Herbert Taylor, to evaluate the things…
July 2025, Features
Word of the Month: Cudgel
David Zapatka Friend and fellow bridge player, Susan, writes, “I recently read a new word, ‘cudgel.’ Would you research this word for your column?” Cudgel—cud·gel noun: A short, thick stick used as a weapon. verb: To strike or beat with a cudgel; metaphorically, to forcefully apply or exert something, such as pressure or influence Origin…
Generals, July 2025
Mahjong Maniacs Presents a Robson Communities Mahjong Tournament at PebbleCreek
Come join us for a fun-filled day with your fellow Robson Communities Mahjong players. This event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the PebbleCreek Tuscany Falls Clubhouse (16262 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear, AZ 85395). Entry fee is $60, which includes a catered lunch (your choice of Cobb…
July 2025, Generals
SaddleBrooke Community Outreach Happenings – July 2025
Is Your House a Candidate for the SBCO Home Tour? Nancy McCluskey-Moore Each year SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) hosts a tour of remodeled homes designed to show SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch residents changes that may inspire their own home improvements. This event helps SBCO inform both communities about its food, clothing, enrichment, and educational programs…
July 2025, Clubs & Classes
Democratic Club Hosted Visit by Common Defense
M.C. Nelson The Democratic Club of SaddleBrooke Ranch hosted a visit by Common Defense—the largest grassroots membership organization of progressive veterans standing up for our communities against the rising ride of racism, hate, and violence. They vow to organize together against those who seek to divide us so systems can not be rigged for economic…
Features, July 2025
In Passing – July 2025
Richard Lee Gillaspie Richard Lee Gillaspie was born on Jan. 14, 1954, to Jack and Betty (Walbrecht) Gillaspie. He passed away on June 6, 2025, at the age of 71, surrounded by his wife and daughter, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Rick was born and raised in Corvallis, Ore., graduating Corvallis High School in…
Clubs & Classes, July 2025
Wine Club News and Happenings
Jerri Wunder Summer is such a fabulous season here at Saddlebrooke Ranch (SBR). The SBR Wine Club kicked off the season in great style with a sold-out patio mixer, “Summer Sips Chilling and Grilling,” in May. It was coordinated by Debbie Chapman and Marilyn Heasley. Next up on the Summer agenda was Movie Night on…