Kathleen Ripley Leo
The November meeting of the PebbleCreek Italian American Club was jam–packed with fun and winners! Fourteen members won free olive oil, panettone, and DJ raffles, in addition to the 50/50 raffle.
Eighty-seven members in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom first pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and then enjoyed Sylvana Smidt’s impressive video and facts about olive oil. Question: How much olive oil did Italy produce last year? 289,000 tons (not bottles), with the region of Puglia producing the most. Five delicious bottles were raffled off.
After the business meeting, members partook of wine thanks to Platinum Sponsor Donna Strand, and desserts thanks to Mary Ann Fusco and Susan Sands’ committee of Sherri Caputi, Suzette DeSalvo, Kathy Dolan, and Sylvana Smidt.
Bob Marchese led DJ Dave in DJ Bingo with three winners. Then an additional five gorgeous panettone breads were given away for either Thanksgiving or Christmas tables or just plain good eating. And the 50/50 raffle rounded out the winners’ circle.
Most of all, people join the PebbleCreek Italian American Club for happy camaraderie in relaxed events and the gusto that is the basis of good living here in our beloved community. Our next event was the Poinsettia Ball celebrating the Royal Reindeer on Dec. 5, 2025. Check out our public website at pciacaz.org for past events’ photos, articles, and online new member registration.