Unit 3 South
Bob and Penny Rauzi — nuestros anfitriones — our hosts
A patio party was hosted by Bob and Penny Rauzi on April 25 with 50 people in attendance. Mexicano bufe (buffet) was served (catered by Sammy), followed by Texas Sheet Cake (baked by chefs Dottie Shaffer and Anne Marie Strubel).
Bob and Penny owned a home in the HOA 1 Villas and moved to Unit 3S about two years ago. Bob, always trying to improve his golf game (to avoid three putting), has installed a putting area next to the patio. Hope I didn’t spill the beans to his competitive golfing partners.
Conversation was lively centering on National and Arizona politics (plenty of material) and summer trips being planned. One neighbor noted that he could still ice fish on Lake Michigan if he left now. Don Fowler and Nancy Eggert won the 50-50 drawing (fix-fix). Unit 3S held a Happy Hour Party at the Agave Lounge on May 26. Tener un buen verano.
Unit 7
Neil and Nancy Macdonald
Truth be told, Harriet and Alan certainly know how to throw an excellent unit party. All of us were delighted by a goodly supply of fresh made welcoming mimosas, a warm late April afternoon sun and a wonderful garden patio to meet and greet our neighbors. Then came the salads, an extravagant assemblage of deli sandwiches provided by the Schultzes followed by a plethora of desserts and cookies. Waist lines forgotten, we dug in, conversed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
One of the best things about our unit’s monthly neighborhood get togethers is the opportunity for all Seveners to visit, get better acquainted and to reach out and to get to know each other. Swapping tales is but one of the good things we all enjoy. The camaraderie and meeting new neighbors is another. It is quite amazing what we learn from listening to the experiences our neighbors have had during their lifetimes. This can only be enjoyed because we have lived a good bit longer than so many other people.
It was truly a terrific April party that was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us. Thank you, Harriet and Alan.
Unit 12
The ladies of Unit 12 have had successful luncheons each month of this year. Some of the restaurants we ate at were Amarsi, Dove Mountain Café, Vivace’s and Giuseppe’s with more to follow. The happy hour at the Agave Lounge is also a monthly occasion for all.
We had a large turnout to our happy hour on March 6 with 22 members and four guests. This was not just a regular monthly occasion but also one of our favorite members was celebrating her ninety first birthday and we made sure it was a great birthday with song and a huge birthday cake. I think everyone had a piece of the delicious cake; it was hard to turn down. Thanks, Elaine and Donna, for providing the cake. Happy birthday B.J. and many more.
On March 27 Unit 12 had a progressive dinner. There were delicious appetizers at one house where all attended and then we split up for the main entree at several separate homes. All reunited at the one house for coffee, spirits, punch and lots and lots of different desserts. It always seems like a lot of work for the hosts and hostesses. Thanks to the members for opening their homes for this occasion. Thanks again, Karen, for putting this all together and making it a success.
Unit 12 has an annual Kentucky Derby party and this year was no exception. As is custom at the derby we had our colorful hats, lots to drink and lots to eat. Money was put down on the winners, first, second and third, so when the race was on there was a lot of laughing if they had a winner or groaning when the horse was behind. This year California Chrome clearly won the race. This was the favorite with two to one odds and he definitely lived up to his reputation. Thanks, Donna and Elaine, for an enjoyable day.
Our charity brunch was held on May 17 at the home of Mike and Chris Havnaer. Approximately $1,800 was raised to help the Tri-K Community Food Bank. The ladies of our unit outdid themselves by making special dishes to assist in making the brunch the most attractive ever. Our resident bachelor helped with the brunch by supplying three dozen donuts. It was an enjoyable occasion and very beneficial for the food bank.
Unit 14
There’s no slowing these 80 year olds thanks to our active lifestyle, left to right: Ron Cohen, Diane Juncosa, Donny Thomas, Leo Esterl and Gladys Lujan, all residents of Unit 14’s Rose Crest Court; photo by Diane Y. Aaron
Unit 14’s Rose Crest Court recently honored five Court members as they celebrate 80th birthdays this year.
The honorees include: Diane Juncosa. Born in Massachusetts, Diane was one of seven children and a descendant of the Mayflower pilgrims. Raised in California, she has four children and several grandchildren. She and her late husband, Bob, used to sail the seas on their vacations but chose to move here from California. She is a founder of the On Our Own Club.
Next in line is Donny Thomas, a relatively Rose Crest Court newcomer, who moved here with his wife Kendall from the San Diego area. Born in Minnesota, he is known as a respected pilot, check pilot and instructor in the 747s. He was also a big game hunter; he keeps fit biking, walking, playing tennis and making and painting model airplanes.
Leo Esterl was born in Augsburg, Germany. He started work as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Germany before coming to this country when he was just 22 years old. A retired optomechanical engineer, he has turned his engineering skills to repairing antique clocks for the Golden Goose; not unusual for a Bavarian! He too, is part of the California exodus and enjoys traveling with his special friend Norma.
Gladys Lujan was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and if you listen carefully you can still hear that eastern accent. She was one of four children, all raised by her single mother after her father died when she was just two years old. As a Foreign Service officer, she traveled the world with many exotic assignments including Algeria, Haiti and Chile, where her two sons were born. A linguist, she is an avid reader, bridge player and pianist. Gladys and her husband Jerry were among the first residents of Unit 14 where she served as its first Unit Rep. Ron Cohen was born in Baltimore, served in the U.S. Army in Germany and moved here from Baltimore with his wife Libby looking for warm weather and an opportunity to play golf more frequently. Before retirement he was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Pfizer. He has one brother and two children. He and his wife enjoy traveling, especially spending time in Hawaii and Boston. Also honored was Dick Porazynski who will be turning 84 this year and is the Court’s elder statesman. He served in the U.S. Air Force and is a retired aeronautical engineer. He has two sons and a daughter, deceased, plus grands and greats. He and his late wife Betty built a home in a redwood filled canyon in California, but always wintered here.
The 80th birthday party was held in MountainView’s East Room and attended by over 20 Rose Crest Court residents.
Unit 21
From left: Pat Broers, Craig MacPherson, Benith MacPherson and Midge Mollenkoph enjoy the cocktail and appetizer hour of Unit 21’s Cinco de Mayo celebration at the HOA 1 tennis pavilion.
Bill Brown
The only thing missing from Unit 21’s Cinco de Mayo party was a Mariachi Band. Seventy five unit residents participated in the annual Cinco de Mayo multi-course dinner on May 5.
Cinco de Mayo is mistakenly believed to be a celebration of Mexican Independence which occurred on September 16, 1810. In actuality, it is commemorated to the Mexican win over the French in the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the United States today it is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
The evening began with all gathering at the HOA 1 tennis pavilion at 5:00 p.m. for appetizers and cocktails. Ten persons or couples were assigned to provide the appetizers for all participants and everyone was asked to bring their beverage of choice.
Seven couples volunteered to host the dinner course at their homes and were assisted by seven co-hosts. The host and co-hosts were free to prepare the menu of their choice and included tacos, enchiladas and Sonoran hot dogs, etc.
Everyone ventured back to the tennis pavilion at 8:15 p.m. for the dessert course which was provided by 11 persons or couples.
The event was planned and coordinated by Pat Broers and Nancy Hannah.
Unit 27
Joe and Rich operating the Magnificent Margarita Machine; photographer Ron Talbot
Sue Case
The March/April Snack and Chat was hosted by Melody and Jim Branstrom on Friday, April 11. The weather was perfect for the occasion and most attendees stayed outside, venturing in only for the bar and the buffet tables. Jim was the consummate host and bartender, making sure that everyone had a glass for their drinks. Outside, the patio was set up so that everyone could sit or stand as they wished.
Rather than the traditional Block Party with elaborate all day activities followed by a unit dinner, the unit this year elected to have an old fashioned potluck dinner. Once again, Cindy and Phil Sheckler graciously agreed to house the buffet tables in their squeaky clean garage. A good thing because, in accordance with tradition, the evening was windy. Joe and Lynda Dolejs once again supplied margaritas made with Joe’s hand crafted margarita mixer. One has to see (or hear) it to believe it!
A big thank you to Susie Arnold who coordinated the event along with Lynda Dolejs and neighbors in the cul-de-sac.
The snowbirds have drifted away for the summer and many of those remaining in the unit are taking the opportunity to get away on trips of varying lengths. We hope that everyone has a wonderful summer, no matter where the road takes them.
Unit 32
Left to right: (background) Mike Newman, Trisha Newman, Sandy Fortense, (foreground) Jean Hoffman, Jack and Irene Marley plus Marlyn and Walter Friend wait for the music to begin at the Great American Theater.
Barb Williams
Unit 32ers rock and rolled down to the SaddleBrooke Variety Show on March 27. This year the show was set during a 50th high school reunion, an event to which many of us can relate! The songs of the 1960 to 1964 era as well as dance numbers kept our hands clapping and toes tapping. Unit residents’ drama duo, Leah and Ron Kari, had us laughing with their comedy routine. Many started reclaiming memories earlier with dinner before the show at the newly remodeled MountainView dining room. Thanks to our Unit 32 prom queen, Jan Eder, for organizing this enjoyable event.
As the weather warms, Cafe 32 ladies yearn to lunch outside. Where better to enjoy some al fresco munching while enjoying dreamy views than Blanco’s at La Encantada? Summer plans were swapped over cheese crisps and other delicious menu items, many with a south of the border influence. Gracias to our busy Jan Eder who made this April 5 event possible, too.
Rack ‘em up! Unit 32ers took the cue and refined their pool skills as Martin and Margaret Falkowski opened their beautiful hacienda, including their pool room, for a unit appetizer party on April 12. Many new residents met the not so new as all enjoyed the abundant hearty appetizers and desserts on their spacious patio area.
Could there possibly be a prehistoric musical comedy? Unit 32ers were curious about this so decided to check out Quest of the Cavemen at the new Great American Theater. On April 25 they enjoyed the play at the new home of Oro Valley musical melodrama. Lots of old time laughs mixed with upbeat music combined to make a fun outing. We’re giving star billing to our own, Irene Marley, the organizer and implementer of the outing. Bravissimo!
In May the unit action continued as Mark and Betty Kunnen hosted the appetizer party at their lovely home with scenic views of the mountains. While the hospitable Kunnens made guests feel comfortable, delicious appetizers and desserts disappeared almost as quickly as served. Plans for the upcoming Golf Scramble were discussed. Soon it will be tee up time!