Unit Happenings – November 2024

Unit 8 September Gathering

Alisa Moore

The ladies of Unit 8 visited one of their favorite Asian restaurants for their September outing, Eest Asian Bistro, where the soups, entrees, and desserts all meet with approval! Ladies in Unit 8, full-time or visiting for shorter stays, are welcome to join us, as are houseguests! Jane’s granddaughter joined us at this eventshe was a delight! Please contact Jane Holdcroft at [email protected] for additional information.

Unit 20 Ladies’ Lunch

The ladies of unit 20 met on Oct. 8 at Old Pueblo Cafe for lunch and conversation. We enjoyed seeing each other again and welcomed a few neighbors back from their summer in cooler parts of the country. Looking forward to getting together again in November! Thanks to Rosemary DeAngelo for making the arrangements. (Photo by Peggy Pase)

Unit 44 and Friends Enjoy Bunco

Jean Harris

With a slight break in the heat and snowbirds returning, Unit 44 and our FUN Friends (Friends of UNit 44) regrouped for monthly Ladies Bunco on Sept. 19th. From left to right: Jean Merkel, Laurie Jamieson, Karen Robbins, Linda Doud (in back), Jane Barnhart, Jean Harris, Deb Fahey, Deborah Crabtree and Debbie Baron (in back), Jody Hoff, Carol Adkins, and Cathy Olson.

Party at the Oasis for Unit 44

Jean Harris

The hot, end-of-summer temperatures did not stop Unit 44 from getting together for the start of the fall social season. Hosts Donna and Wayne Thomas provided a beautiful spread at the Oasis Pool on Sept. 27, with neighbors adding to the food and fun. The group took time to catch up with each other and some took a dip in the pool to cool off while watching a lovely sunset.

Unit 44 Golden Bachelorette Viewing Event

Dan Harris

Unit 44 friends gathered at the home of Jean and Dan Harris on Sept. 25 to watch the second episode of The Golden Bachelorette. While the gathering was filled with the usual lively conversations and plenty of wine, this event featured something new: displeasure balls! Whenever someone on the show became too unpleasant or cheesy, viewers threw the balls at the TV. Thankfully, the TV didn’t take it personally. Fellow viewers weren’t off the hook either; they sometimes got pelted for cracking a bad joke or for rooting for the wrong contestant. There’s no ball-tossing bias here! In front of the sofa, we have Jody Hoff (holding a ball and ready to throw), Suzanne Gudelj, Jean Harris, and Dan Harris (photographer). Behind the sofa, from left to right, are Don Paxton, Larry Weber, Nancy Preston, and Laurie Eichkorn, who are all looking suspiciously innocent and pretending they had nothing to do with the barrage of flying balls!

Left to right: Gayle Tissel, Jody Hoff, Debbie Baron, Nancy Preston, Jean Harris, Gwen DeBernardi, Donna Thomas and Deborah Crabtree.

Snowbirds Return to Unit 44

Jean Harris

A group of Unit 44 ladies gathered in October for a cozy lunch and to welcome back a few of our snowbird neighbors. Afterward, the group was joined by Kathy Clark and Deb Fahey (not pictured) for a social committee meeting to plan more fun activities for our fun unit.

Unit 44 Men Return to Monthly Breakfasts

Dan Harris

After monthly summer lunches, the men of Unit 44 resumed meeting for breakfast on Oct.2. Conversation centered around the latest activities in PebbleCreek. One man said his pantry is ready for the longshoremen’s strike that started the day before, to which another member responded that his liquor cabinet is stocked for the long haul as well. Attendees agreed to visit the latter in case of supply-chain disruptions. Eight men attended (clockwise from lower left): Doug Kirkpatrick, Ken Russo, Dan Harris (photographer), Spike Razem, Don Paxton, Darrell Livingston, Rick Labasky, and Jim Miller. After breakfast, a couple of the men immediately dashed off to play pickleball before the temperature got too hot because summer is lasting longer than usual!

Unit 44 and Friend Tour the Arizona Biltmore

Jean Harris

On Sept. 20, Unit 44’s Deborah Crabtree, Debbie Baron, and Jean Harris were joined by FUN friend (Friend of UNit 44) Carolyn Strecha for an informative tour of the historic Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. After lunch at the hotel’s McArthur’s restaurant, the ladies were led by docent Robert E. Clair (like the pastry, as he says) for a tour of the building, including the Mystery Room and tidbits about the rich and famous who have stayed at the landmark property. History buffs might note that Frank Lloyd Wright had his hand in the building’s design. For those who wish to tour, be sure to ask for Robert, who can possibly offer group discounts.

Unit 44 Ladies Enjoy an Evening at the Hale Theater

Jean Harris

On a beautiful September day, a few Unit 44 ladies attended a play, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (which even featured a goat). Deb Fahey, Jody Hoff, Jean Harris, and Debbie Baron drove to the Hale Theater in Gilbert to share in watching a comical, fun stage production that was definitely really somethin.’ With smiles and laughs, we applauded the cast, and drove off into the night, agreeing it was all a delight.

Susan and Ed Kopecky assembling the whiskey and wine gift baskets

Unit 46 Supports Creative Arts

Spike Razem

As most PebbleCreekers know, the Creative Arts Center is in the process of a much needed expansion.

This fall’s fundraiser, “High Rollers Casino Night,” will feature a fun evening of gambling in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom on Wednesday, Nov. 20. A total of $2,000,000 is needed for this project and the Creative Arts membership has committed to raising $200,000.

Based on the leadership of Susan and Ed Kopecky, our Unit 46 neighbors have donated two special gift baskets for the evening’s big raffle. The Unit 46 Men are donating a basket of exciting whiskeys; and, the Unit 46 Women are donating a basket of delicious white and red wines.

The Creative Arts Center is a huge asset to our community and neighborhood. Thanks to all for attending and participating at the big Casino Night event. And, thanks especially to Susan and Ed, and all who donate to this very worthy cause. PebbleCreek amenities continue to thrive and improve partly because of the amazing generosity of its residents.

Unit 51 Ladies’ Lunch

Janet Miazga

The Unit 51 October Ladies’ Lunch was attended by 14 gals, some of whom we hadn’t seen since spring. It was so nice to get together again and catch up! Jennifer Yelvington was our hostess this month, and she chose one of our new Goodyear restaurants, The Stillery, where she decorated our tables in lovely fall decor and provided each guest with a plastic pumpkin filled with candy. We all enjoyed delicious meals with great service. Now that our friends and neighbors are returning to the ‘hood, we’re looking forward to more fun times together!

Unit 54 Men’s Breakfast

Mike Strong

It’s time to welcome cooler weather and get back to our monthly unit 54 men’s gatherings. Pictured from left to right are Art Solorio, Jack Fink, Steve Domholt, Mike Strong, Steve Kunkle, Harold Rathman, Jack Klepinger, and Peter Chimicles.

Left to right: Al Williams, Bill Mooberry, Ken Moorefield, Rick Island, Alan Krob, Terry Ernst, George Bohl (not shown, Charles Lowe)

Unit 58 Men’s Breakfast Group

Ed Raker

The men’s breakfast group of Unit 58 convened on Sept. 18. This time our venue was TJ’s Homestyle Restaurant in Avondale. There we were greeted with warmth, and their management had prepared a private space in their dining room using a divider. This provided for a wonderful atmosphere as well as the best acoustics we have ever had, important for those of us who don’t have the best hearing in the world. As always, the food was great and the service prompt. TJ’s remains one of our group’s favorites.

Seated in front from left to right: Barb Downey, Pat Gonzales, Joanne Wrout, Dale Scanlon, Marilyn Newcomer, and Lynn Banks. Standing behind them are, from left to right, Cathe Pruyn, Mary Geraghty, Marilyn Coates, Jackie Bachmann, Laurie Wyman, Julie Greenbank, Janelle Watts, Janet Henson, Wendy Langhals, and Paula Hupka.

62A September Shenanigans

Toni Erickson

Our wonderful hostess, Julie Greenbank, once again opened her home for our annual mid-year Christmas party. This year’s event, titled “September Christmas Shenanigans,” has been known in the past as “Jingle Bell June” or “Christmas in July.” The ladies of Unit 62A each bring five gift-wrapped items from the Dollar Tree (a must!) to exchange. We aim for useful gifts, but when in doubt, funny or gag gifts are always welcome. With treats and beverages provided, it’s always a fun and festive evening enjoyed by everyone!