62B Residents Win Again
Over 50 neighbors participated in the second Unit Poker Run on March 29. In perfect weather, the caravan of 25 vehicles, led by Ron and Marie Shubin, made five stops within PebbleCreek, where residents drew cards to build their poker hands.
At the draw stops, participants could play games managed by Sandy and Jerry Sobocinski, Patrice and Ron Chatterton, and Mary and David Cornwell in an attempt to win more cards and improve their odds of getting a good hand. It was hilarious watching everyone flip cups, spin the wheel, whistle, coyote howl, moonwalk, throw cornhole bags, and roll kiddie’s bocce balls trying to win extra cards. At the Veterans Memorial Plaza, stop #3 managed by Nancy Moore, we remembered our departed veteran neighbors who served and have honor bricks there. A boxed meal catered by McAllister’s Deli was enjoyed at the last stop, Sunrise Park, while waiting for the judges to declare the winning hands and award the cash prizes.
The best poker hand was a sweet full house (Kings and 5s) won by Tom and Tamie Burkart. Second place went to Bob and Linda Wainman also with a full house (10s and 3s), and third was won by Terry and J Wittmus with a straight. The honor of having the lowest hand went to Julius and Diana Armstrong.
As we concluded a fun day of neighborly socializing, we drove home with happy smiles watching as the sun set on our beautiful community.
Unit 15 Pasta Night
Brenda Scarbrough
It was a wonderful Friday evening for the Pebble Creek 15ers … with great food, beautiful weather, fabulous neighbors, and tons of fun. Pictured from left: Julie Schneiter, Todd Schneiter, Helene Rodway, Dolly Fontanetta, Frank Stofa, Gary Fontanetta, Cathie Futernick, Billy Londino, Kelly Basham, Mary Jo Loeb, Mary Lu Weidner, Margaret Vellon, Jim Loeb, and kneeling Scott Miller with bashful Nikko. The neighborhood cannot wait for the next 15ers’ gathering. Next time we promise to get a picture including everyone.
Units 22 and 25 Spring Gathering
Maureen Plate
On March 23, 30 residents of Units 22 and 25 spent a lovely afternoon social hosted by Jude and Dennis Holdorf on their patio. Tasty snacks and great conversations were enjoyed by all at our first spring gathering.
Unit 26 Gathers for Happy Hour
Gena Wikstrom
Unit 26 neighbors gathered for our monthly Happy Hour on March 27. Hosted by Charlie and Cindy Whiffen, those attending delighted in the weather and friendship on the Whiffen’s lovely patio, nibbling on appetizers and enjoying shared beverages. With so many new neighbors, the monthly gathering has proven to be a nice way to meet and greet those in our vast neighborhood.
Unit 40 March Ladies’ Lunch
DeeDee Fast
Our March luncheon was hosted by Cynthia Garolis at Red Allen Bar and Grill at the Wigwam. It was a beautiful warm day to lunch on the patio. We enjoyed a delicious meal and the pretty view.
Unit 40 Spring Training
DeeDee Fast
In spite of brisk weather, a great group of friends and neighbors of Unit 40 enjoyed a day at the Goodyear Ballpark together watching the Guardians play the Mariners. We had reserved two suites, which included food and drinks along with a great view of the game. We had such a good time that we hope to do it again next year.
Cabi Clothes Luncheon for Unit 44 Ladies
Jean Harris
Gwen DeBernardi hosted a special luncheon for her Unit 44 neighbors in March. Gwen’s friend and Cabi Clothing sales rep, Jeannie, was in town to show the brand’s spring collection, much to the joy of a few in need of wardrobe updates. Following delicious salads and a mimosa or two, the ladies tried on clothes, delighting in the fit and fabrics. From left: Jody Hoff, Gwen DeBernardi (styled in Cabi clothes), Debbie Baron, Barbara Kamm, Suzanne Gudelj, Jeannie, and Judy Campbell.
Left to right: Jim Schultz, John Riley (Jim’s friend), Al (Maury’s visitor from Boston), Bob DeSalvo, Dan and Jean Harris, Maury Wulbrecht, Larry Clark, and Dennis Whitish
Day Trip to Chino Valley for Unit 44 Classic Car Lovers
Jean Harris
March 20 was a beautiful day for a road trip, as several Unit 44 neighbors and their friends found their way to Chino Valley, Ariz., to the home of Jean Harris’s uncle, Jim Schultz. Jim has an amazing collection of classic cars, almost 50 of them and predominantly Oldsmobile. Not only was our group treated to Jim’s Rocket Ranch “car barn,” we also got to see his friend Dan Flanagan’s unique collection of classic cars, toy trucks (mainly Tonka), and antiques. You can find more information about Jim and his cars at hemmings.com/stories/jim-schultz.
Unit 44 Lets the Good Times Roll
Jean Harris
New Orleans came alive in PebbleCreek on a (thankfully) rain-free Saturday in March for the fun-loving Unit 44 neighbors and friends. Jody Hoff elevated the night by bringing in the very talented, incredible vocalist Vince Calvanese (vince-calvanese.com) who played favorites and had everyone dancing in the street. The group did a Second Line dance, tasted Mardi Gras deviled eggs, muffulettas, jambalaya, and other delicious foods, desserts, and drinks. Definitely a group effort—Team Mardi Gras let the good times roll!
St. Patrick’s Day Bunco Fun for Unit 44
Jean Harris
Irish green was the theme for Unit 44’s March Bunco gathering at Deborah Crabtree’s. Green hats, green shirts, green beads, and shades of green and gold in the delicious snacks. Gwen DeBernardi was the night’s big winner and beaded bracelet gifts were for everyone. Unit 44 neighbors and friends are blessed to have each other and another fun night proved that point! Left to right, seated: Deborah Crabtree, Judy Gorski, Jody Hoff, Janice Kobe, Jean Harris; standing: Marilee White, Peggy Hayner, Judy Campbell, Gwen DeBernardi, Joy Leber, Debbie Baron, and Cindy Klein.
Unit 44 at Goodyear Ballpark
Jean Harris
On March 10 at Goodyear Ballpark, a large group of Unit 44 neighbors and friends gathered to watch the Chicago Cubs defeat the Cleveland Guardians, 7-4. A fun annual event, the group once again took over the covered Terrace section, enjoying a buffet lunch and catching up with each other on a gorgeous spring day. A highlight was having a foul ball land in the Terrace and happily given to the youngest guest, Theo, 3-year-old grandson of Jerry and Jeri Johnson. Theo also won the award for most cookies consumed and sweetest of our group.
Our rowdy party group from Unit 46: Back row—Roger White, Robin White, Peter Kirby, Julie Kirby; Middle row—Chuck Hakkarinen, Dennis Gildea, Vicky Ferraresi, Sally Coon, Susan Gildea; Front row—Spike Razem, Dawn Razem, Bette DeGraw, Hank Jones, Woody Ameel
Unit 46’s St. Patty’s Day at the Ballpark
Spike Razem
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than to party-hearty at a Spring Training game!
Sporting our green double-shamrock headgear, 14 residents from Unit 46 enjoyed the excellent weather and especially the Cleveland Guardians battle the Cincinnati Reds in a well-pitched, low-scoring game at Goodyear Ballpark. And, the first 1,500 fans received a free pint beer glass—Hooray!
The Guardians prevailed in a 3–0 victory highlighted by Carlos Santana’s 2 run double and Tanner Bibee’s spectacular 1 hit shutout pitching.
Thanks much to Susan Gildea, who organized this fun event and provided our festive shamrock bopper headpieces. The only lowlights were that the concession lines were long (we “lost” Chuck Hakkarinen for 3 innings), and some people sitting behind us complained that our headgear blocked their view of the game … ugh.
Overall, despite the adversity, we all behaved relatively well and avoided any fisticuffs that are associated with hard-drinking Irishmen. Our Unit coordinator, Vicky Ferraresi, who sat strategically in the middle of our group, kept everyone in line. And, by all reports, despite our festive drinking, we all managed to make it home safely that night.
So, ultimately there were no jail times, just FUN times with neighbors in Unit 46!
Unit 48 Bocce Event
Rochelle Zuckerbrow
On April 5 Unit 48 had almost 50 residents for an afternoon of bocce ball. We enjoyed pizza and then hit the courts. A big thank you to Lisa Bagshaw for organizing the event. Her team The Bocce Bunch helped with judging the games.
Unit 48 at the Ballpark
Rochelle Zuckerbrow
On March 14 Unit 48 spent the day at the Goodyear Ballpark for a spring training game. We had a private party out on the terrace. We watched the Cleveland Guardians vs. the Seattle Mariners. During the 5th inning we got a big shout–out on the Jumbotron!
Unit 51 April Ladies’ Luncheon
Janet Miazga
Jackie Vandenberg hosted our Unit 51 April Ladies’ Luncheon by taking us to Abuelos Mexican Restaurant in Peoria. Twelve gals gathered, including Dee Blount’s daughter, Diane, who was visiting and our newest unit resident, Christy Hoffman. Jackie gave each of us a cute pink plastic bunny egg filled with jelly beans. We all enjoyed the delicious large servings and great service while talking about our spring and summer plans. We are looking forward to restarting our luncheons in the fall.
Unit 51 Ladies Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Janet Miazga
Twenty–one lovely ladies attended our Unit 51 Ladies’ Luncheon on March 13 at Papa Paul’s in Litchfield Park. Our hosts, Carol Adkins and Mary Lacy, had the tables all decorated in festive green for St. Patrick’s Day and gave each guest shamrock beads and a leprechaun cookie. Quite a few of the gals wore green to celebrate the holiday. As always, we enjoyed our time visiting with our friends and neighbors and look forward to our monthly gatherings.
Unit 54 Men’s Lunch
Mike Strong
PebbleCreek Unit 54 men met for lunch at Eagle’s Nest on April 3. Pictures from left are Richard Cameron, Harold Rathman, Jack Klepinger, Pete Schultheiss, Jack Fink, Richard Raugust, Brad Gray, Fred Kettlewell, Peter Chimicles, Steve Kunkle, Clair Martin, Steve Domholt, and Ken Jarvi. Ken, welcome to the neighborhood. Absent from the photo was Steve Lookabaugh.
Unit 54 Ladies’ Lunch
On March 12, Papa Paul’s in Litchfield Park was the setting for a delicious ladies’ luncheon meal with various salads, wedding soup, sandwiches, and brochette. In attendance were Patty Klepinger, Patti Vitale, Barb Dunson (host), Cindy Hurst, Sheri Spirek, Cheryl Kunkle, Sandy Schaefer, Sherry Trefz, Joette Lookabaugh, Judy Kettlewell, Helen Limjoco, Debi Strada, and Hiromi Bayshore. Shamrock cookies for dessert were made by Kathy Worwa.
Unit 57 Guys Getaway
Richard Johnson
The Unit 57 Guys Getaway (GG57) met at the Harkins theater to view “Last Breath,” a story about a deep sea rescue (not about congestive obstructive pulmonary disease). After the movie, the group (Al, Robin, Mark, Bob, and Rick) enjoyed lunch at the Tavern, where a competition of sorts arose regarding who had the most significant medical issue. Robin thought he would come in first because of his recent bilateral hip replacement surgeries. But Al Nokes was the clear winner, having just completed 28 (yes, twenty-eight) rounds of radiation therapy. He now glows in the dark. Congratulations, Al.
Our next tentative viewing was for “The Accountant 2” in April. If you’d like to join us for a future film, call or text Rick at 231-350-8867. See you at the movies!
Unit 58 Ladies’ Lunch at Bubba’s 33
Brenda Deckard
On March 25, Unit 58 held a ladies’ luncheon at the new Bubba’s 33 restaurant on Bullard Ave. Everyone enjoyed the food, and they took excellent care of us. We always enjoy sharing a meal to get to know each other more. Great neighbors are a blessing, and friendships are priceless! Those in attendance were: Connie Mylak, Ruth Price, Brenda Deckard, Barb Grant, Barb Miller, Vicky Lynch, Beverly Kearsley, Susan Hunt, Pat Stair, Angela Bartels, Ann Godfrey, and Vicky Roelker.
Clockwise from the center foreground: Frank Grady, Charlie Hunt, Frank Rodgers, Bill Grant, Terry Ernst, Ed Raker, Bill Mooberry, Al Williams, and Ken Moorefield (photo by Jess of the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant)
Unit 58 Men’s Breakfast
Ed Raker
The men’s breakfast group of Unit 58 gathered again on March 19. We meet each month. There’s no agenda. As a matter of fact, it’s usually the opposite of an agenda once the camaraderie begins. The teasing, taunting, and insulting that takes place could be confused with hostility, but that too is the opposite. And there’s a certain gratitude for the chance to assemble and enjoy the wonderful service that the restaurant staff always offers us. So, we just keep doing it.
Unit 60 Ladies’ Lunch
Sherri Hille
The Unit 60 ladies’ lunch occurred on March 28. Wally Campbell, Vice Mayor of Goodyear and a PebbleCreek resident, was the speaker. She spoke on Goodyear’s growth and answered questions.
Unit 60 Men’s Gathering
Sherri Hille
The Unit 60 men’s lunch was on March 10 at Dillon’s Bayou Restaurant on Lake Pleasant. They enjoyed a leisurely meal with good fellowship and lake views.
Unit 60 Food Drive
Sherri Hille
Unit 60 broke their previous donation record by donating 3,000 pounds of food and $420 in cash to the Valley View Community Food Bank! Thanks to all who participated!
From left to right around the table sat Jackie Bachmann, Janelle Watts, Toni Erickson, Laurie Wyman, Barb Downey, Judy Meservey, Mary Geraghty, Lynn Banks, Cathe Pruyn, and Patti Trapp.
Unit 62A Ladies’ Brunch
Toni Erickson
On March 15 the ladies’ lunch turned into a ladies’ brunch at Copper & Sage in Goodyear Square, located off McDowell and 150th Drive. The ladies of 62A decided to give it a try, as it’s a relatively new spot in the area. The restaurant easily accommodated our large group, and we were impressed with the variety of options available for breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. The diverse menu gave us plenty to choose from, and we left “pleased and full” with the experience.