Randall Dighton
You Are Invited to a Special House Concert
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
November is the perfect time of the year to sit on a patio, have wonderful hors d’oeuvres, sip on an adult beverage, and listen to Randall Dighton perform music from popular movies and Broadway musicals. With more than 60 years of performing, Randall brings his amazing voice and guitar skills to entertain and charm his audiences.
Randall has over 400 songs in his repertoire, including 50 from popular movies and Broadway musicals. If you enjoy the likes of “If Ever I Would Leave You” (Camelot), “Edelweiss” (The Sound of Music), “Memory” (Cats), or “Music of the Night” (Phantom of the Opera), you will enjoy this evening of reminiscing. In fact, you will be transported back to the time in your life when you first heard the iconic songs that Randall will be performing. We hope that you can join us!
This wonderful House Concert will be held on Nov. 6, with beverages and hors d’oeuvres served at 4:30 p.m., at the home of Marjorie and Tom Herrmann (hosts), 61879 E. Sandlewood. This House Concert is being co-sponsored by Barry and Mary Jo Swartzberg, and Randall and Linda Dighton.
This concert benefits the Oracle Schools Foundation. The price of the ticket is $60 per person. Note: Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided by members of the Catalina Chorale, of which Randall is the director.
To purchase tickets, go to: oracleschoolsfoundation.com.
Into the Future—Dates to Save in 2026
Ann Vernon
Recently a friend asked me why I plan things so far in advance. Good question! The answer is that there is lots going on in SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch, so we have to plan ahead in order to make time for things we don’t want to miss. Although it is “into the future,” 2026 is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss these two fabulous events sponsored by the Oracle Schools Foundation: The Spring Fling Gala, which will be held on Sunday, March 15, and the Benefit Concert featuring the Tributaries, which will be held on Monday, April 13.
If you have never attended these events, let me tell you a bit about them. They both raise money for the preschool program at the Mountain Vista School in Oracle. Because the state of Arizona doesn’t provide funding for pre-K programs, the Oracle Schools Foundation’s main priority is to help fund this program because we strongly believe that future academic success starts with a sound educational program that prepares students for kindergarten. In addition, we help fund other educational programs as deemed important by the school district.
For the past several years we had record attendance at the Gala/auction, filling the HOA TWO ballroom to capacity and offering an incredible array of silent auction gift certificates/services, fixed–price events that are held throughout the year, and live auction items. The fixed-price events have become our “cornerstone” and include great events such as house concerts with food and beverages. SaddleBrooke and Ranch residents volunteer to host a concert and we are very fortunate to have talented local musicians donating the entertainment. We also appreciate local residents who host theme dinners, a wine tasting event by local wine makers, a spring tea, an Asian cooking class, a Greek party, and so many more fun events! Residents throughout SaddleBrooke and the Ranch mix and mingle and not only enjoy the event, but also meet new people. We also have outstanding live auction items such as: time-shares, bed and breakfast stays, and golf packages.
In addition to the Gala/auction, our other major fundraiser is a benefit concert featuring the Tributaries. This group rocked the house four years in a row to sold-out audiences. You won’t want to miss this concert that will be held at DesertView, where tickets will be on sale.
To make these events successful, we need your help:
* Attend the events—bid and buy!
* Volunteer to be part of the coordinating committee (contact me at vernonann47@gmail.com) or the solicitation team.
* Buy gift certificates to local establishments and donate them to the auction—or solicit donations.
* Host a fixed–price event at your home.
* Contribute to the silent auction by offering a “service” such as baking made-to-order desserts, doing alterations, or whatever your talent is.
* Donate to the live auction.
Check our website for updates about the Gala and the concert at oracleschoolsfoundation.com.
Asian Dinner Extraordinaire
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
Asian food can be described as a mélange of culinary traditions and dishes from all regions of the Asian continent, highlighting an array of ingredients, flavors, and unique cooking techniques. A large part of Asian cuisine focuses on the use of fresh and local ingredients, as well as interesting and varying spices and herbs.
Eight lucky people experienced the aura of Asian cuisine on May 10 at the home of Jeff Luftig and Barbara Lawton, where Mr. Luftig created magic with his Asian creations. He was assisted by family friend and neighbor Wanda Green.
Over the course of the evening, Mr. Luftig served several small plate tastings, including pork egg rolls with duck and plum sauce and plum wine. The small plates were followed by spicy hot and sour soup. The pièce de résistance, however, were the tastings of Asian beef short ribs, honey soy pork tenderloin, and cashew chicken. Stir fried Chinese noodles, white rice, and a refreshing red chili and cucumber salad brought the Asian dinner to a refreshing climax. The evening was topped off by mango ice for dessert. White wine and Saki were also served with the eclectic meal.
Thank you, Chef Luftig for your creativity—a good time was had by all.
The Asian dinners were purchased at the Oracle Schools Foundation 2025 Gala, through one of the Fixed Price items offered during the evening. The Asian dinner quickly sold out!
The Oracle Schools Foundation 2026 Gala will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Further details regarding the Gala will be forthcoming. Learn more at oracleschoolsfoundation.com.