When Hazel Peterson moved to Rio Verde in the mid-1970s, she practically knew everyone’s name in the community.

That’s because she sorted mail, becoming the community’s first postmistress. A make-shift post office operated under Scottsdale’s facility in the rear of a small grocery store on the property grounds.

Peterson said it was not her personality to sit around after 33 years employed as a secretary with General Mills and Travelers Insurance.

Several founding members and newer residents over the last few decades will honor Peterson on her 100th birthday, Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Country Club.

The evening will begin with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Attire is “dressy.” Peterson requests no gifts, only cards filled with memories.

The deadline for reservations is Oct. 10. The price is $35. Call 471-0963.

“I’m lucky I can still get around,” said Peterson in a recent interview. “I never tire of that view,” she said as she sat in front of her living room picture windows.

She drives her 1992 Lincoln town car that she calls “my baby” to shop for groceries and apparel, prepares her own meals and dates a younger man.

She attributes her good health to playing golf for 30 years and walking three miles a day, four days a week in her younger years.

Originally from Duluth, Minn., Peterson said she and her husband Dick moved to Arizona from Connecticut because a son, Del, lived here. He died four years ago.

Hazel and Dick were staying in an apartment near Arizona State University when they learned about a new development under construction.

“We heard on the radio that Ray King, also from Duluth, and Ray Scott, a football announcer, advertising Rio Verde.”

“My husband said we have to go out there to see what’s going on,” Peterson recalled.

She remembers traveling the unpaved road and the long distance from any community.

“I said ‘No way am I going to live out there. I want to be where the bright lights are.’”

The couple met acquaintances from Duluth and felt welcomed to the developing community. In 1974, they bought a house overlooking Quail Run golf course and mountains, and over the years they expanded the footprint of the original home.

Frequent entertainers, Peterson said they enjoyed the social contacts: “We had a ball. The entire town would be invited in those days to our parties.”

Her husband passed away in 2002. A daughter, Susan, lives in Phoenix and a son, Gary, recently moved from Desert Highlands to Vail, Colo. She has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A founder of the Verdes Art League, her art adorns the walls of her home. League members said Peterson encourages fellow artists and her exemplary life has helped others. She also is an avid bridge player.

“I’m sort of a one-person Chamber of Commerce,” said Peterson. “I love it here. I have loved it every single day I’ve been here and I don’t ever want to leave.”