Photo by Maria
Unit 20 news and events
Shawnee Robison
On March 3, 2016, a lovely day, waitress Maria met 16 members of PebbleCreek’s Unit 20 at the door of the Macaroni Grill! She escorted us to our tables where we each found an emerald green gift bag full of magically delicious treats and handy little items for our pocketbooks! Our Unit Hostess Anna Thomas, who had painstakingly prepared all the darling baggies, was already there to greet us!
After Maria took our orders, we munched on the delightfully fresh and hot herb-garlic loaf, which we dipped in their traditional olive oil and Balsamic vinegar! Mmmm-mmmm!
Dinner was just as satisfying and we all agreed, well worth it! Thank you, Macaroni Grill and Maria!
Anna brought our attention to selecting next month’s meeting place and Hostess as we finished our meal and said our good-byes! Until next month, Unit 20 bids you “Top ‘o the mornin’” to ye!
Unit 27A trip to Turf Paradise
Pat Chernow
On Tuesday, February 23, 29 members of Unit 27A and their guests made their way by a car-caravan to spend a day at the Turf Paradise Race Track.
After enjoying a bountiful buffet in the Turf Club Restaurant (including a scrumptious dessert table), everyone was eager for the 12:55 p.m. Post Time!
Whether they pressed their luck by placing their bets using the pretty color of the horse, the favorite color of the jockey’s silks or the recommendations listed in the professional printed race form, the tableside TV monitors gave a great view of the track’s finish line and made for some resounding “hoorays” or “better luck next race!” Who knew you could bet on more than just the simple Win, Place or Show — as simple as first, second or third? For the more sophisticated bettors, there was also the “Exotic” wager (select the first two, three or four horses in order); the “Pick” wager (select the winners of the three, four, five or six consecutive races) and the “Advanced” wager which involved boxing horses for the Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta and Supertrifecta.
A highlight of the day was the third race named in honor of our PebbleCreek group shown in lights on the track tote board! Many of our group were escorted to ground level to watch the race trackside; Sunday Dawn was the winner. The photograph with our winning horse and jockey was a great souvenir!
After the eight races, whether or not anyone went home with extra money, it was a winning day for our neighborhood friends!
The luncheon celebration of St. Patty’s Day proved to be a very enjoyable get-together for all. Those in attendance were (top row, left to right) Arleane Dufray, Janell Jenson, Diane Buchanan, Janice Gerhardt, Esther West, Sharon Easton, Jo Thorsen and Judie Harden; (seated) Elna Friesen, Josie Montgomery, Janice Adamek and Linda Rouillard.
Unit 34 celebrates St. Patty’s Day
Esther West
A lunch gathering at Toscana’s private dining room was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the upcoming St. Patty’s Day with the “wearin’ of the green” and a bit of blarney. Catching up on the latest with neighbors and friends, in perhaps the last opportunity, before snowbirds begin to fly the coop for homes all over the country. Not only was the conversation enjoyable, but the lunch was delicious and the service prompt and gracious. The hostess chose Toscana’s private dining room since she has attended several lunches there and never had a bad meal, poor service or any problem there. She would certainly recommend it to others looking for a good meal at a reasonable price in an attractive dining space serving up to 16 people.
Front row: Loretta Brenneman, Marsha Lisle, Linda Grabau, Rosemary Eaton, Suzan Simons, Claudia Tiger, Vel Helton, Averill Swenson, Janet Veidt; back row: Andi Lewis, Judy Ashley, Kathy Tobin, Mary Jo Graff, Barb Sullivan, Norma Lazano, Karen Sweet, Debbie Drinovsky, Catherine Seaman, Verna Eason, Jackie Able and Judy Quattrone. Photographer Peggy Wilkerson
Unit 37 Ladies celebrate Leap year
Linda Grabau
Four years ago, in 2012, we held our first Unit 37 Leap Day Brunch and we all said that we would be looking forward to the 2016 Leap Day Brunch. Well, time flies when you are having fun living in PebbleCreek and the 2016 Leap Day Brunch was already here! So once again, Peggy Wilkerson and her co-host Barb Sullivan, invited all Unit 37 Gals to this extra day of 2016 fun. Twenty-two ladies from Unit 37 gathered on Peggy Wilkerson’s patio to socialize and greet new and old neighbors on Leap Day, February 29, 2016. As the guests entered the front courtyard the bartender served them a Mimosa or Coconut Bellini. What a great way to start off the Leap Day Brunch! It took two large tables to display all the tasty entrees that each guest brought to share. After enjoying the array of delicious food, each one shared where they had grown up, where they lived in Unit 37 and other interesting tidbits of their lives. We had two new gals join us, Judy Ashley and Norma Lazano. Judy and her mother Shirley have lived in Unit 37 for almost a year now. Norma has only been in PC for one month so we were glad she took time out from unpacking to have some Unit 37 fun. We are all looking forward to Saturday, February 29, 2020, for our next Leap Day Brunch. We are also glad that we have many more Unit 37 events planned between now and 2020!
Unit 40 holds wine tasting party
Diane Passafiume
A large table of hearty appetizers greeted the residents of Unit 40 as they entered the classroom of Total Wine for a fun and educational wine tasting experience. Matt and the staff outdid themselves with the selection of fine wines they presented to our group. Matt is very knowledgeable and has had a lot of personal experience visiting the wineries of the wines that were served. Whites, reds, dry and the sweet selection seemed endless. Thanks to the coordinators and hosts of the event Diane and Keith Passafiume.
Sandra Adams presented Janet Miazga with a coveted Burger King crown and official CEO name tag.
Unit 51 parties
Carol Adkins
Unit 51 revived the tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day with a party on February 14 at Augie’s Sports Grill. Augie’s patio was decorated with red heart-shaped balloons, various Valentine decor and candy. Over 40 people attended and we had the opportunity to meet and welcome new neighbors. Even though the Unit Rep Committee has been dissolved, Janet Miazga has continued to lead our social committee, plan events and communicate unit information. As an added surprise, Sandra Adams awarded Janet with the new title of Unit CEO (Community Entertainment/Education Organizer). Sandra presented Janet with a coveted Burger King crown and an official CEO name tag.
Carol Adkins
Twenty Unit 51 ladies headed over to the Scottsdale Quarter for the February 11 ladies luncheon at Brio Tuscan Grill. Thanks to our hostess, Jennifer Yelvington, for making the arrangements at a venue where we could combine good food, great neighbors and shopping!
Carol Adkins
Have you ever wondered about your personal strengths and challenges? On March 10, seventeen Unit 51 ladies met on Toscana’s Patio for the Unit Luncheon and to find out more about themselves and each other. Our March lunch hostess, Nancy MacKellar, arranged the event. After a delicious lunch Nancy, a certified DiSC Trainer, guided us through a DiSC Behavioral Styles questionnaire and explained the various high and low aspects of the four behavioral patterns. Many of the ladies had taken similar tests throughout their careers and it was interesting how some expressed that their profiles had changed since they have entered retirement!
The ladies who lunch at Claim Jumper in March.
Unit 52 luncheon
Liz Gibson
Some of the ladies who lunch in Unit 52 enjoyed the usual delicious menu at Claim Jumper on March 9. Hostess for the luncheon was Judy Romano and our thanks to her for setting up this delightful get-together.
Unit 52 held its first party of 2016 on March 19 at Goodyear Field with the Chicago Cubs vs. the Cleveland Indians. This was the first joint party with the men’s golf and luncheon group. The next event will be at Sunrise Park on Wednesday, April 20; an early farewell to the snowbirds.
Unit 53 happy hour
Sandy Stephens
Tony and Liz Poblete graciously hosted our Unit 53 February Happy Hour. Their home was bursting at the seams with all the neighbors that wanted to join in on the fun and food that has evolved over time from simple snacks to dinner fare. Entertainment was provided by the Unit 53 neighbors who were brave enough to take advantage of the karaoke machine Tony and Liz provided. There were some new faces and visitors that got to experience the camaraderie of Unit 53.
Villa residents gathered for a potluck block party.
Villas Block Party (43b)
On February 29, 2016, the Villa residents (82) gathered and participated in a potluck block party. The main focus of the event was a safety and security presentation by Sergeant Eric Webster and Officer Jamie Benker of the Goodyear Police Department. Topics of discussion included elements of neighborhood watch with residents having opportunity to gain information on a variety of issues from home safety to golf cart precautions. The officers fully acknowledged that PebbleCreek is one of the safest communities of Goodyear.
One of the fun activities included residents having an opportunity to be designated as king or queen of their respective street on the following day. Based on their participation, the selected Kings for a Day were Bill Simmons on 163 Drive, Paul Alex on 163 Lane, Sandy Horvath on Piccadilly Road and Tim Mohler on Amelia Drive. The Queen for the day of 164 Drive was Sharon Biutz.
To conclude the event, Doug Groves earned the coveted block party prize based on his analytical skills.