Unit Happenings – March 2015

March Unit Rep meeting to feature new golf director

The March 9 Unit Rep meeting will feature Jason Whitehill, our new Director of Golf. Jason has been with PebbleCreek since December 2014 and is already making a positive impact on PebbleCreek’s Golf program. The meeting is scheduled for March 9 at 9:00 a.m. in the Chianti Room in the Tuscany Falls Clubhouse.

Jason is a class A PGA member and has over 18 years of experience working at a multi-course community similar to PebbleCreek. Jason enjoys the people aspect of golf and developed a number of programs at his former site which targeted every level of player. Customer service and promoting “the enjoyment of golf” are his priorities. If you have had any interaction with our pro shops recently you may have noticed that his infectious smile and energetic demeanor are reflected by both golf staff and golfers.

The opportunity for everyone to experience the enjoyment of golf is one of Jason’s top priorities. Jason plans to discuss his background as well as his visions and plans as they pertain to playing golf at PebbleCreek. A question and response session will follow his presentation. Jason is always interested in residents’ ideas and comments. Residents are welcome to attend Unit Rep meetings. Please mark your calendar; this is a meeting you do not want to miss.

When you are coming to the meeting, come a little early and enjoy a cup of coffee, latte, hot chocolate, juice, warm pastry baked fresh daily or a breakfast sandwich at the Portifino Coffee Bar. Meetings end promptly so you can enjoy the LifeLong Learning Monday Morning Lecture which takes place down the hall at 10:00 a.m. in the Renaissance Theatre.

We are always looking for new Unit Reps and attending Unit Rep meetings is a good way to find out more about what we do and how we do it. We look forward to welcoming you to our meeting.

PebbleCreekers of Unit 27A visit Butterfly Wonderland.

PebbleCreekers of Unit 27A visit Butterfly Wonderland.

Unit 27A

Cyndee Krause

Have you ever been surprised by a butterfly kiss? You may receive a real butterfly kiss at the Butterfly Wonderland!

On January 14, Unit 27A and friends (21 folks) formed a car caravan journey to the Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale. Upon arrival the group enjoyed a hearty pre-arranged group lunch in the Café and had a chance to meet and chat with neighbors. Lunch was followed by a 3D feature film titled Flight of the Butterflies in the state-of-the-art theater. It was enlightening to follow the colorful monarch butterflies as they migrate from Canada across the U.S. to their remote overwintering sanctuaries in Mexico. The amazing butterflies fluttered everywhere off the screen right toward us!

To the Native American Indians the butterfly is a symbol of change, joy and color. Everyone oohed and ahhed as they observed the most dynamic stage of the butterfly-metamorphosis in the Butterfly Emergence Gallery. We witnessed many butterflies poke out of their chrysalis (“Not a cocoon,” the volunteer guide reminded everyone). The beautiful new butterflies are then transferred to the Conservatory, a dramatic, glass enclosed atrium which is the home to thousands of butterflies. The area is a lush tropical rainforest where the butterflies fly and feed off flowers and fruit. “Watch where you walk,” we were warned “and don’t touch the butterflies if they land on you!” People wearing bright colors had many encounters with our new flying friends! Everyone marveled at their beauty and enjoyed the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the Conservatory. “Make sure you don’t have any hitchhikers on the way out,” we were reminded as we exited through a holding area in between two doors.

Of course, few could resist the butterfly theme gift shop filled with many unique souvenirs not found in any other store—any butterfly kisses during the visit were free!

Unit 40

Unit 40

Unit 40

Diane Passafiume

White Chocolate Restaurant in Scottsdale was the location for our Unit 40 ladies luncheon. It was a beautiful day and the food and setting made it well worth the drive. It is always a wonderful day when we gather with neighbors and friends no matter what the location. Thanks to Arlene Silverman for organizing. We all look forward to our next afternoon out.

Unit 43A

Unit 43A

Unit 43A

Unit 43A residents celebrated their first Big Game Party at the home of Marty and Pat West. The group included, left to right: Pete Sattig, Doug Ginter, Nancy Dean, Roberta Ginter, Adrienne Bock, Diane Seeber, Genie Stoll, Ruth Clark, Denny Stoll, Constance Angus, Pat d’Auguster, John Angus, Sumiko Sober, Candy Rickard, Ron Sober, Steve Rickard, Marty West, Susie Unklesbay, Dan Unklesbay, Tom Peterson, Connie Peterson, Loren Norgaard, Pat West, Jerry McLeod, John d’Auguster, Diane Norgaard, Les Dean and Allen Cornelius. A great time was had by all!

Unit 51

Unit 51

Unit 51

Carol Adkins

The Unit 51 ladies have been busy already this year! In January we enjoyed an excellent lunch at Eagle’s Nest hosted by Linda Campbell and Jane Wiederhold. That event included a guest speaker, Christy O’Gara, one of PebbleCreek’s fitness instructors and daughter of Jane. Christy challenged the group with some interactive activities and provided advice on a fun and healthy lifestyle. We left with good New Year resolutions!

Unit 51

Unit 51

Unit 51

Our February luncheon was held in a private dining room at Haymaker Restaurant on Litchfield Road on February 12. Hostess Lynn Lucas decorated the tables with Valentine hearts and delicious candies. Those attending enjoyed welcoming a new neighbor, Pam Harper, and catching up on what’s been happening in the unit.

Unit 52 Ladies who Lunch enjoyed a festive welcome to the New Year at Arriba Mexican Grill

Unit 52 Ladies who Lunch enjoyed a festive welcome to the New Year at Arriba Mexican Grill

Unit 52

Liz Gibson

40 Unit 52 Ladies who Lunch enjoyed a festive welcome to the New Year on Wednesday, January 14 at the Arriba Mexican Grill. The private dining room was buzzing with everyone catching up after the holidays and meeting our newest residents Barbara Grimm and Peggy Taylor, whose house will be completed in February.

Sonja Shaddox was the hostess with the mostest who made the arrangements for this smooth running event. Our busy Social Committee, which now is 12 members, will be underway soon to plan the upcoming parties for the year which include the annual St Pat’s, Cinco de Mayo, Oktoberfest and the December Holiday Dinner.

The Social Committee also organizes numerous other activities, including Mahjongg, a book club, pickleball and golf. We also have special evening events throughout the year, among them the popular pub night at Augie’s Sports Bar and karaoke and other venues at Eagle’s Nest. Yes, we are busy and do have fun!

Liz Gibson

Twenty seven ladies from Unit 52 met Wednesday, February 11 for a delicious luncheon and social time at Bella Luna. Hosted by Liz Gibson, a lot of PebbleCreek activities were among the hot topics discussed, including the positive feedback on our new Dog Park.

In addition to our monthly luncheons upcoming events include a Spring Event at Waddell’s, the annual May Cinco de Mayo party, the annual Oktoberfest street event and December Holiday Party. We are also investigating attending a Diamondback game in June plus several special Pub nights.

A few of the other Unit activities include Mah Jongg, a book club and pickle ball. The men of Unit 52 have a number of their own activities, including a Turf Paradise outing organized by Ken Minichiello and several golf groups who also do lunch.