Canadian retirees drawn to area homes

"We were enthralled with the climate," says Roger Waldman, who along with his wife, Elizabeth, moved to SaddleBrooke in 2005.

Canadian retirees drawn to area homes

Arizona's economy historically relied on five C's: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate.

SaddleBrooke Singers raise their voices

The SaddleBrooke Singers performed in an April 2012 concert. They will sing again on April 5 and 7.

SaddleBrooke Singers raise their voices

The SaddleBrooke Singers succeed with numbers. The massive, retiree-filled choir has about 80 members, staging concerts with between 65 and 70 singers belting out songs to crowds of more than 300.

Cowboy poetry, music put saddle in Saddlebrooke

Dave Stamey sings songs of the lonesome trail at the Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering at the DesertView Performing Arts Center in SaddleBrooke. It was Stamey's third year playing at the show, which was Saturday.

Cowboy poetry, music put saddle in Saddlebrooke

An enthusiastic crowd welcomed the performers. Performers also included poet Randy Rieman and singer R.W. Hampton. This was the event's third season.

Cowboy poetry, music put saddle in Saddlebrooke

Pickleball sweeps SaddleBrooke

Laurie Buffer, left, returns a volley as partner Estelle Cangeme watches from backcourt during a pickleball match at the Ridgeview Pickleball Courts in SaddleBrooke.

Pickleball sweeps SaddleBrooke

Several hundred SaddleBrooke residents are spurning the stereotypical retirement-age sports of golf and shuffleboard in favor of something that requires more athletic ability and direct competition.

Dance academy spreads the cheer

The Tucson Dance Academy performs "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." This scene was from the academy's 2011 show at Centennial Hall.

Dance academy spreads the cheer

If you can't leave Tucson to get to Broadway, bring Broadway to Tucson.

Giving girls a chance to dance

Tehya Hornby, 6, center front, and Damaris Zatarain, 7, right, hold a position during a beginning ballet class taught by Gerda Turner. Turner is a former professional ballet dancer who lives in SaddleBrooke and teaches ballet classes to youth at Catalina Community Services, 3535 E. Hawser St.

Giving girls a chance to dance

Gerda Turner receives hugs from her students after class. She says of the group hug: "It's the best."

Giving girls a chance to dance

Teacher Gerda Turner helps her students become ballet butterflies with a gentle but firm touch.

SaddleBrooke pair provides sweet treats for troops

Tammy Stoller works at her mixing station making thousands of cookies to send to troops. Stoller says her mother taught her everything she knows.

SaddleBrooke pair provides sweet treats for troops

Stoller said she burned out her old "indestructible" KitchenAid blender making cookies and recently bought another.

SaddleBrooke pair provides sweet treats for troops

These cookies were made by Dave Cathcart and Stoller. The cookies will be packaged and stored in the freezer.

SaddleBrooke pair provides sweet treats for troops

Stoller's family recipes are used to make the peanut butter, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and sugar cookies. Stoller said her mom's chocolate chip cookies are her favorite.