Nebraska
The Nebraska state party was held March 5 at the home of Jon and Susan Jackson. Approximately 60 Cornhusker faithful dressed in red gathered for appetizers and cocktails. Old and new friends connected over conversation and football trivia prizes were awarded.
Guests were greeted by the University of Wisconsin mascot Bucky Badger.
Wisconsin
Pat Jensen
It was 20 years ago that Zita Wessa had an idea. She thought it would be fun to have a party for all the people living in PebbleCreek that had a Wisconsin connection. That first party was held in what is now the Activities Center on the Eagle’s Nest side. About 25 people attended and all the food was potluck. Over the next few years the party was held at Estrella Park and then Sunset Park. The food was still prepared and brought by the attendees. One year Zita made pulled pork overnight in her garage. The smell was so strong she had to leave the door open. Brats were usually on the menu. The party moved indoors to the Eagle’s Nest ballroom as the group grew and the weather became unpredictable. The party is now held in the Tuscany Ballroom and 210 people attended this year. This year’s celebration was a toast to Zita for starting it all. We are the only state to claim 20 years of consecutive parties.
Over the years there have been many highlights including egg tosses, accordion players, violinists, gospel singers and speaker Craig Culver of Culver’s Restaurants. This year the guests were greeted by Bucky Badger, the University of Wisconsin mascot.
On the menu were Wisconsin beers, grilled brats, fried trout, cheese curds and Culver’s fabulous custard for dessert. The Culver’s Restaurant in Avondale has graciously donated the dessert for the past five years and the cheese curds for three years. They also donate a raffle prize. We are so lucky to have them.
Games were played and raffle and 50-50 tickets were sold. There were 10 beautiful baskets and a great grand prize to choose from. A voluntary donation collected for the Agua Fria food bank came to $1,100. A big thank you to all the committee members and everyone else that helped in some way. There are too many to list here but you know who you are.
We are looking for new committee members to help plan next year’s party. Contact Pat Jensen at [email protected] if you would like to help. We hope to see everyone at next year’s event.
Save the Date: Sunday, February 25, 2018
Ohio
Carol Adkins
Although it has been a while since Ohio neighbors have had a state party, on February 21 over 50 Buckeyes met to reminisce about our cities and towns and of course, our sports teams! Many folks even sported shirts and gear from their favorite team. It also moved one Ohio neighbor, Jim Roberts, to compose a poem!
Ohio Buckeyes Gather at Haymaker by Jim Roberts
The piercing sound of O-H fills the air followed by I-O from those that are there.
They’re Buckeyes you know from the State of Ohio, gathered at the Haymaker for libation and fare.
Connie and Gene Simon arranged this get-together of PebbleCreek Buckeyes here for the weather.
Over 50 Buckeyes showed up to munch and sup, most from northern Ohio where sun is almost never.
The room at the Haymaker was grand.
Manager Candace Dutler had things well in hand.
Server Kristin Schmidt was half the super staff,
along with Danielle Mendoza the service was manned.
The job was superb and we felt right at home,
as we dined on fish and chips and ribs falling off the bone.
It was good being together with Ohioans from wherever,
and we didn’t see anyone playing with their phone.
We talked of future gatherings and what we might do,
maybe gather to watch Ohio State stomp a rival or two.
One thing is for sure, we’d like to get together more,
and shout O-H and I-O with fellow Buckeyes, so true!