Pat Broers and Bob Stocks enjoy the evening at Unit 21’s second annual Poker Run.
Unit 21 holds 2nd annual Poker Run
Bill Brown
The only thing missing from Unit 21’s second annual Poker Run on Wednesday, October 15 was Kenny Rogers singing, “Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.” Most of you probably don’t know what a poker run is so here’s a brief description.
Seven households volunteer to be dealers. Participants then traverse the Unit, usually in golf carts, visiting the seven dealer homes and at each location they receive a playing card in a sealed envelope.
After collecting seven envelopes, participants then proceed to HOA 1’s Roadrunner Grill and turn in their envelopes. Poker officials then unseal the envelopes and the best poker hand is constructed using only five of the cards.
While awaiting the judges to tally the results, the 58 participants feasted on a buffet of burgers with all the trimmings, baked beans and potato salad.
There were 10 bottles of wine for prizes awarded to the top five males and top five females. The top prize for men went to Loren Steinbrink who had four jacks and a queen. The top woman was Lynn Simon with a full house consisting of three nines and two fours. Other winners were John Sowizel, Bill Brown, Jim Willets, Gary Averett, Dee Zellinger, Linda Barr, Sheila Clarkin and Delores Root.
The event was organized by Ron Morris and Delores Root.
Caroline Whitt and Linda Scott; photo by Eric Peffer
Unit 23 Oktoberfest
Linda Thomas
This year’s Unit 23 Oktoberfest, held at the home of Holly Lyon and Linda Thomas, was a great event! Although it had stormed the day before, the day of the party was beautiful and the well over 100 people were on hand to enjoy it. We had beer grilled brats with onions and peppers, a couple of homemade German salads, pretzels from Beyond Bread, brotchen and German chocolate cake bars for dessert.
Of course, one of the highlights was our keg of Paulaner Oktoberfest beer and this year the keg went back to the store empty! Unit guests enjoyed German music and lots of wonderful camaraderie while sampling the delicious cuisine.
Oktoberfest has long been a Unit 23 tradition and with the success of this year’s party it is sure to continue for many years to come!
Two blonds at the Striefs’ Halloween Party; photo by Ron Talbot
Unit 27 activities
Sue Case
Every day a few of our snowbirds and other intrepid travelers return from their summer retreats only to find that we are still experiencing summer weather. However, the unit has had a few activities to make them feel at home and take their minds off the heat. Rich LaRosa has organized the Bocce games again and both Ladies and Couples Bridge groups are continuing as they have throughout the summer.
The monthly Snack and Chat hosted by Karen and Roger Spalter on Saturday, September 27 found Lennie and Greg Good back from their summer home and Peg and Jim Fetrow back from a 5,000 plus mile RV trip to various national and historic parks. Carol and Dwight Shupe attended as Dwight found some time to escape from his hectic church schedule.
Dave and Vicki Strief hosted the October Snack and Chat on Friday, October 24 and made it a Halloween party. Vicki is the consummate hostess and Dave her admirable assistant and partner. The house, both inside and out, was decorated for the theme and everyone felt very festive. The turnout appeared to have set a record for the largest attendance and the food tables were commensurately filled with all sorts of savories and sweets. At Vicki and Dave’s invitation, many of those attending came in costume, some of which were completely hilarious! In addition to the hosts, special costume kudos go out to the recently returned Goldbergs, Dolejs’ and Anne Doyle, the Talbots, Chuck Aurand and his friend Carol, the Ericksons, Melody Branstrom, Janie Grinstead and others too numerous to mention. It was a special treat to see Bonnie and Jim Barker as well as Bud Smith and Joyce Robbins who haven’t attended for a long time. Thanks and howdy!
Left to right: Barbara Van Brunt with Pat Broeren and Dan and Shirlyan Hurt join others in line at Baked Potato Night.
Unit 32 Baked Potato Night
Barb Williams
A capacity crowd turned out on October 17 to the SaddleBrooke Activities Center for the fall annual event, Baked Potato Night. Three tater organizers, Joan Brinton, Margaret Falkowski and Debbie Ogle and seven potato bakers produced a tasty buffet of spuds with all the trimmings. Gerry Autry contributed her chili topping; not too spicy, but just right. Two classic desserts, apple pie and a four layer chocolate cake were a fitting food finale.
Who’s the hostess with the mostest? Vikki Williams opened her stunning hacienda on October 12 for an Appetizer Party. Unit 32 folks shared small fall talk as they feasted on hearty appetizers. Vikki’s amazing ambiance always puts everyone in a great mood. Gracias!
Zinburger Restaurant claims, “Few things in life are better than a tasty milkshake and a great certified Angus burger.” The Café 32 ladies met down at (where else?) Zinburger on September 17 to check out this statement. Thanks to Margaret Falkowski for this trip to carbohydrate heaven.
Quality dining called on October 22 as the Café 32 ladies visited elegant Wildflower Restaurant. Gracias to Mary Lou Watkins for making arrangements for this perennial favorite. The original in the Fox Restaurant Concepts group, it still provides imaginative cuisine with attentive service.
“Lightning and thunder and monsters. Oh my.” (Arizona Daily Star, October 26, 2014). That’s what fifteen brave folks experienced at the Arizona Repertory Theatre production of Victor Gialanella’s play, Frankenstein. The play included strong performances from the students, especially Micah Bond who portrayed the creature with conviction and vulnerability. The spooky special effects and the period costumes transported us to a scarier place during the 1800’s. Thanks to Margaret Falkowski who arranged for tickets on the Post-Show Discussion date of October 26. Jerry Hogle, a University of Arizona Distinguished Professor and an internationally known expert on English Romantic and Gothic literature, led the informative discussion session after the performance.
Don Roberson, after an excellent roll, with Jim Bevan and Sue Roberson looking on.
Unit 49 Bocce Ball Party
Ken Wong
The HOA 1 bocce ball courts were the venue for the September 27 Unit 49 social event. Over fifty residents, most of whom had never played the game, ventured onto the courts and had a fun time learning and playing amidst friendly competition. Following the games, we retreated to the shade of the tennis pavilion to enjoy a meal of brats and burgers that were grilled by Chef Shawne Cryderman with the assistance of Ken Wong. Social Committee Special Events Coordinator Sue Roberson planned this event which promises to be repeated in the future due to the overwhelmingly positive response received.