Unit Happenings

Unit 3 Neighborly Holiday Celebration

Linda Babcock

Unit 3 neighbors celebrated the holiday season in the 155th Lane cul-se-sac which was all dressed up for the festive occasion. There were lights and trees and Santas, oh my! There were fire pits to warm up and twinkling lights to enjoy. Neighbors got together on the 11th of December to enjoy the evening with a holiday meal complete with appetizers, ham, potatoes, veggies, salads, and delicious desserts. Christmas carols were sung, presents exchanged, and prizes awarded for guessing the number of Hershey kisses in the jar and counting the number of Santas on display. There were 19 Santas to be found and, to what our wandering eyes, a real Santa (making the actual count 20) was in our midst to wish a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. The successful evening was due to lots of hard work and planning by our social chairwoman Shonnie Harrison and her team of elves, who worked eagerly to make this a holiday social to be remembered long into the new year.

Unit 18 Double Trouble in December

John Fox

As the holidays approached, members of Unit 18 celebrated the season with two events.

On Dec. 15, Karen and Chris Peterson opened their home for an evening of food, drinks, barbecue, caroling, and a visit from Santa. Playing at the piano, Karen led the caroling while Sue Higgins and Chris Peterson brought their Christmas spirit to the songs. Santa made a surprise visit and delivered gifts to all who attended. I’m not sure I’ve seen my friends and neighbors laugh as hard as they did that night.

Karen and Chris—thank you!

Less than a week later, Unit 18 rode again! On Dec. 20, 31 of Unit 18’s hardiest souls braved the bitter Arizona winter chill (it started out around 50 degrees Fahrenheit) to share a moment of holiday magic as we toured Eagle Nest’s holiday lights. Fifteen decorated golf carts created a conga line with Christmas music drifting through the air. As we joined up, Santa Claus (aka Bob Higgins) met and shared Xmas chocolates (filled with a liqueur of choice) with the seasonal celebrators.

While enjoying the decorations and lights, we encountered more than a few evening walkers who wondered if they’d missed something in the eGroup or why Unit 18 seemed to have so much fun.

Tim and Jenny Munson researched the best homes to view and led the convoy to enjoy the best of Eagle Nest’s holiday lights. A simple experience shared among friends made this holiday season a time to remember.

Wishing you all the best in 2023!

Unit 20 Ladies’ December Luncheon

On Dec. 20, 17 ladies of Unit 20 embraced the spirit of the holidays with a lovely luncheon in the Eagle’s Nest alcove. Everyone was so happy to see all their neighbors, especially those who have just moved in. The luncheon was hosted by Peggy Pase. There was also a collection of gifts that were delivered to the New Life Center. Even though this article is in the February issue, the warmth and good feeling the group left with will be felt for a long time.

Unit 26 Luncheon

Gena Wikstrom

On Jan. 6, the ladies of Unit 26 got together at Wong’s to celebrate the new year. Colleen McMaster arranges for the group to meet monthly at various restaurants throughout the West Valley.

Unit 43B Holiday Party

Susan Knox Wilson

PebbleCreek Villas Association (Unit 43B) neighbors gathered in the Chianti Ballroom to celebrate the holidays and enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet from PebbleCreek Catering.

Sandy Horvath, Villas 43B V.P. and landscape manager, got the party off to a rousing start when he announced the Villas’ remarkable achievement of reducing 2022 (vs. 2021) water consumption by almost 2 million gallons—a cost savings of almost $10,000. What a wonderful way to end the year!

Unit 44’s Golf Cart Caravan

Spike Razem

Gathering at sunset on Dec. 7 near the mailboxes on Catalina Drive were 18 golf carts displaying festive holiday decorations. Most had very creative elaborate lights, colors, and ornaments. All were competing for the coveted “best decorated golf cart” prize.

As we were lining up to depart, neighbors shared holiday greetings, beverages were consumed, and of course, we got together for a group photo (or two). Thirty-one people participated, most dressed in their best red and green outfits (one, John Arpan, proudly displayed his two bright red jingle balls). All braved chilly temperatures and enjoyed the 45-minute tour to view some amazingly decorated homes in PebbleCreek. We beeped our horns, blasted our Christmas music, and even traveled through the dark tunnel under PebbleCreek Pkwy.—Hooray!

Upon returning to Unit 44, we continued the fun with our DOTD (drinks on the driveway) at Jack and Judy Campbell’s well-stocked garage. We enjoyed delicious appetizers/snacks along with special celebratory beverages, one of which included Point Lager, smuggled in from Stevens Point, Wis.

The Best Decorated Golf Cart prize was unanimously awarded to Don Paxton and girlfriend Nancy Preston (who had to collapse their 6-ft Christmas tree to get through the tunnel). Also, in the seasonal spirit of giving, neighbors brought a generous supply of non-perishable goods comprising a full trunkload, which was donated to St. John Vianney’s Food Pantry—very much needed and appreciated by those less fortunate than us.

Thanks much to Jack and Judy for hosting and all residents who participated. It definitely resulted in a fun, worthwhile, and successful Unit event.

Unit 44 Ladies’ Ornament Exchange

Spike Razem

Decorating for the Christmas season is always fun. On Dec. 13, many of the Unit 44 ladies gathered at the beautifully decorated home of Jean (and Dan) Harris to enjoy nice conversation and share some holiday cheer.

Everyone brought a delicious appetizer or dessert along with a special wrapped ornament or home decoration to exchange.

Jean provided various festive beverages, including an exquisite refreshing champagne cocktail. Then everyone began the fun exchange game and eventually returned home with a new ornament for their Christmas tree, along with a surprise glass flower arrangement, which they found in a hidden location.

Thanks again to Jean Harris for hosting, and the 17 ladies who attended this enjoyable holiday event.

Unit 48 Celebrates the Holidays

Shoray Wolfe

Unit 48 celebrated the holidays with a dinner and dance in the Chianti Room on Dec. 20. A great time was had by all, and the DJ kept everyone on the dance floor the entire evening. In attendance were John Ahalt, Guido Gabriel, Judy and Dave Altmaier, Brenda and Todd Bakken and Brenda’s parents, Vicky and Kim Ballow, Karen and Randy Bigos, Diane and Art Bone, Jean and Jim Carpenter, Janice and Jim Churchill, Nancy and Harry Cushing, Margaret and Thomas Dlouhy, Ginny and Mario Fucinari, Lynn and Hoot Gibson, Linda Heintz, Tom O’Reilly, Gina and Rob Hernandez, Julie and Paul Humbles, Teri and Fred Jacques, Laurie and Larry Jamieson, Renee and Duane King, Susan and Gary Lauria, Kathleen and Vic Leo, Lana and Jim May, Sheryl McCalman, Charla and Michael McGue, Sue and Dennis Newby, Joanie and Mike O’Neil, Jean O’Reilly, Ron Demshar, Cheryl and Marc Olson, Sandra and John Pirghabi, Susan and Eugene Postma, Tito and Mary Real, Diane and Bill Santille, Judy and Mike Smith, Peggy Speight, Brad, Russell, Karen and Ed Stadjuhar, Ronna and John Todd, Natalie and Jeff Wagoner, Julie and Brien Wentz, Shoray and Dale Wolfe, Kelly and John Wood, and Kathy and Maury Wulbrecht. Special thanks to Renee King, Judy Altmaier, and Charla McGue for planning and decorating and Linda Heintz for creating the Christmas music playlist.

Unit 53 Christmas Lights Tour

Sandy Stephens

Jeff and JoAnne Braun hosted a Christmas lights tour of PebbleCreek on a chilly Thursday evening, Dec. 15, that was a big success. Jeff took about 30 neighbors in 15 golf carts and cars on an hour-long tour through both Tuscany Falls and Eagle’s Nest. Just as everyone was starting to get really cold, the tour ended at Jeff and JoAnne’s home and everyone warmed up with hot drinks and yummy food that JoAnne and neighbors provided. Their home was festively decorated for Christmas inside and out with the fireplace outside keeping those on the patio warm.

Unit 53 Christmas Eve Get-Together

Sandy Stephens

Tim and Susan Donlan hosted a get-together for Unit 53 neighbors Christmas Eve in their driveway. About 30 braved the cold and warmed up with Mexican hot chocolate, along with lots of choices to spice it up, and munchies. Neighbors stood around their portable fire pit to mingle and wish each other a Merry Christmas. Tim and Susan are already planning to repeat again this year.

Unit 54 Men’s Breakfast

After a long hiatus, Unit 54 Men’s Breakfast is back. On Jan. 9, we got together at Eagle’s Nest and had a good time with a wonderful breakfast. Pictured from left to right are: Mike Hurst, Harold Rathman, Rob Klein, Jack Fink, Paul Rubsam, Brad Gray, Steve Kunkle, Peter Chimicles, Fred Biancardi, Jack Klepinger, Richard Vitale, Fred Kettlewell, Richard Raugust, John Abercrombie, Roger Douglas, Mike Strong, and Steve Domholt.

Unit 54 Ladies’ Lunch

Ladies of Unit 54 enjoyed their first 2023 get-together for lunch at Zeta’s Grill in Avondale on Jan. 5. Catching up from last year while enjoying lamb and chicken kabobs, tabbouleh salads, and gyros were, from left to right, Mary O’Neal, Sheri Spirek, Sherry Trefz, Barb Dunson, Diane Rottman, Nancy Bartusch, Kathy Cheek, Julie Kemper, Julie Douglas, Cindy Hurst, Cindy Klein, and Helen Limjoco.

Unit 62A My Favorite Things Party

Toni Erickson

Unit 62A ladies celebrated their annual My Favorite Things this past Dec. 14, at the beautifully decorated home of Laurie Wyman. Each guest brought their “favorite item” of approximately $20 value wrapped up traditionally for Christmas. Some trading (actually stealing!) took place, and each person brought a unique gift home that was a favorite of someone else’s. Some of those favorite items included: battery operated candles, a wooden bowl, packing cubes, an apron, a scarf, hand and foot masks, and Rumchata to name a few! What are your favorite things?

Unit 62B Holiday Lights Tour

The evening of Dec. 15 was clear, cool, and invigorating. Heavily clad and enthusiastic residents of Unit 62B—Let it Be—gathered at the Tom and Renee Ward home to enjoy hot beverages and holiday goodies before departing on the 5th annual Holiday Lights Tour. Twenty-four brightly lit and decorated carts and four automobiles staged in two caravans embarked on a glittering route of PebbleCreek light displays. Brian and Deb Bernhardt served as marshals for caravan 1, with Kurt and Cindy Goss as navigators and Ron (Santa) and Patrice Chatterton as sweeps. Steve and Deb Smedley marshaled caravan 2, with Peggy Coon and Kevin Robe as navigators and Tom and Bev Pliska serving as sweeps. Other contributors included Henry Porter (cart coordinator/megaphone master) and Cindy Zaklan (cookie professional), and of course Tom and Renee Ward, gracious hosts. Thank you to the 62B Holiday Lights committee (Sandy Angus, Nancy Moore, Patti Rice, Susan Riley, and Renee Ward) for another fantastic holiday gathering. The residents look forward to next year and the 6th annual event!

Unit 64 Mailbox Decorating

Unit 64 again shined both day and night during their annual Mailbox Project, decorating their mailboxes during the holiday season. While this was the last year judging was done, the event will go on. This year’s winner was the Zemans with an “oven” filled with cookies. Over 500 cookies were baked and enjoyed by those passing by. This is probably the reason they were selected over the other winners, Pihl’s tree farm display and Sorenson’s lighted village. Unit 64 hopes more PebbleCreekers will decorate their mailboxes next year for the enjoyment of all.