Past Presidents Sue Harrison, Bari Cavallo, Linda Migliore, and Joan Schield (founder of the club in 2004)
Jenna Ridgeway
In 2004, 34 residents of PebbleCreek banded together for a common cause and began what has become the strong and vibrant 833-member Republican Club. First Club President, Joan Schield, and Treasurer, Rosalie Gunnlaugsson, had lived in the community less than a week, when they ran for office and within 6 months, the club had 200 members. Sheriff Joe Arpaio spoke at their first meeting.
These charter members and past presidents were honored in a special ceremony on Dec. 5 at the club’s Holiday Party celebration, with dancing and appreciation of our 20th Anniversary.
Installation of President Patricia Moore and Treasurer Barbara Kamm opened the evening followed by honoring the attending Charter Members, Frank Castillo, Inge Chapman, Jim DeCarlo, Diane DeCarlo, Betty Garner, Lloyd Garner, Rosalie Gunnlaugsson, Elaine Johnson, Sandra Smith, Wendell Smith, John Parsons, and Prema Carune Parsons. Of special note in attendance were the Past Presidents who have helped bring the club to its current status: Sue Harrison, Bari Cavallo, Linda Migliore, and Joan Schield.
A side note of history—the AZGOP awarded our club for the first time in 2013 as Best Republican Club in AZ, under President Sue Harrison. Our club again won the award in 2015 and 2016 under President Linda Migliore. Then in 2020 under President Doug Krause, we were again awarded the Best Republican Club in AZ, the last time this award was given.
Vice President Vicki Streeter reminded everyone that the club chose U.S. Vets-Phoenix for our Holiday Charity Giving Project. This organization is a nonprofit providing housing and support services to homeless and at-risk veterans. U.S. Vets-Phoenix has helped more than 10,000 at-risk vets with transitional housing, life skills, mental health, and career development. Vicki shared that anyone can donate and receive Arizona tax credit. The three ways to donate are: Personal check to U.S. Vets-Phoenix (write PCRC in memo); online at usvets.org/locations/phoenix (make note it’s from PCRC), or for no tax credit you can donate a gift card.
To add further fun to the evening, a 2004 trivia contest was played with tables of 8 competing against each other. Then 128 current members were entertained by the talented “Big Dogs” band with dancing commencing with the “Trump Dance.”