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About Us:

The PebbleCreek Italian American Club provides an opportunity for any and all community residents to learn about Italian traditions, history and customs.

Many Italian traditions and customs are learned and experienced through planned social activities and functions throughout the year. Highlighted by our annual “must attend event, the Poinsettia Ball held in early December. Our monthly meetings consist of a short business meeting followed by an “After Social” where members get together for the purpose of visiting with each other and, at the same time, enjoying some wine, dessert and coffee in a relaxed environment.

Events:

The PCIAC Events and Communications Committees proudly announce these calendar events for our coming year. The events are made public on a rolling 90-day basis to help with your calendar planning. The goal is to make these events fun, and at the same time, create interest and increase participation from our General Membership.

Ken Minichiello
President
President@pciacaz.org
(419) 356-4010

David Carnevale
Webmaster
Webmaster@pciacaz.org
(858) 335-3799

Recent Club Events

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY IS "IN THE BOOKS"

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Italian American Club celebrated the 151st Kentucky Derby. The Derby winner was Sovereignty and Journalism took second place. Seven Club Members took home prize money by winning a raffle based on having correctly selecting the horses for Win, Place and Show. The Mint Juleps flowed and the Southern picnic buffet was delicious!

Before the race, members were treated to speeches and videos that outlined the event's storied history, famous people, red roses and of course hats! Everyone dressed in their Derby finest including straw hats, seersucker clothing and piles and piles of toile, flowers and feathers! Rosemary Holmes won for best ladies hat and Alex Potapoff won for best mens hat.

After the Derby, there was a "surprise" ... Speeches and videos about the famous Italian horse race ... The Palio! Tables selected Contrade flags and were led in a merry parade around the room by Bob "Mario Manicotti" Marchese!

Guests were treated to a video of a Palio de Siena and the table that selected the winning horse/contrada were all given prizes AND once again were paraded around the room led by "Mario".

There was a lot of good socializing and member camaraderie throughout the afternoon!

A big thanks to the Derby "Dream Team": Bob Marchese & Kay Skripka, Sy Rosenthal & Judy Freidman, Jay & Sally Ward, Marchello & Sherrie Caputi, Mary Ann Fusco, Cheryl Neel, David & Shelly Carnevale (Committee Chairperson)

The Derby Photo Album is here: Kentucky Derby Party

The April 17 Putt ‘n’ Eat Event was a Huge Success

Despite the windy day, from start to finish, the afternoon ran smoothly, and the efforts of the Event Committee were front and center. The course was amazing, fun and challenging.

The camaraderie among the 60 golfers was terrific with more seasoned putters assisting newcomers to the game.

The Chianti Room dinner tables had the perfect blend of Italian and American golf themed centerpieces, and a table favor was available to all attendees. Everyone enjoyed an Italian Buffett with All-American Apple Pie for dessert.

A big thank you to the Event Committee and all the volunteers! Want more details? More … See photo album? … Photos

Italian American Club’s Silver Anniversary Celebration

The PebbleCreek Italian American Club (PCIAC) celebrated its 25^th Silver Anniversary at Tuscany Ballroom March 12th. 155 members enjoyed a cocktail-attire served dinner and were regaled with their club’s storied past. The first meeting in 2000 numbered 71 members, and original member Jane Cook Biggs read that meeting’s minutes. Over the years, objectives have remained true: learning what extraordinary impact Italian history and culture have had on the world, plus you don’t have to be Italian to join. With monthly meetings and many events, members have grown closer to neighbors living in PebbleCreek, enjoying events and camaraderie for 25 years. Membership today stands closer to 300 ... Silver Anniversary Celebration Article ... 25th Jubilee Silver Anniversary Event Photos

Fun at the Spring Training Game!

By: Ken Minichiello

Members of the Italian American Club had a great time at the Cleveland Guardians vs. Diamondbacks baseball game at Goodyear Ballpark…... in spite of a somewhat cool night.

The event was held at the Party Patio and, upon the arrival of club members, each were welcomed with a bag of Peanuts and a box of Cracker Jacks to start the fun activities. Members were then expected to play a lively game of “Fun Watching Baseball” that is played simultaneously with the actual baseball game…...a chance to “play” along with the pros! The game is played with “Play Cards” in which each member received cards with specific events such as “stolen base,” “batter hits a double,” etc. that occur during a baseball game. As the baseball game progressed, members were soon competing with each other for the coveted prizes awarded during the innings and at the end of the “Play Card” game.

Even though the competition was fierce, everyone was somehow able to win an Ed’s Dog prize that included a hot dog, fries & drink. However, only eight members were fortunate to win the coveted prize of a Monopoly 10X lottery ticket at the end of the “Play Card” game…… Unfortunately, no big lottery winners but still it was a whole lot of “Fun Watching Baseball” for all!

February Membership Meeting Valentine

February 12 meeting celebrated Valentine’s Day with the first “That’s Italian” minute by Sylvana Smidt. St. Valentino, martyred Feb 14, 269AD in Umbria, Italy, is the namesake for our current St. Valentine’s Day. After our short business meeting, wine stewards Joe Witherup and Bill Frustaglia kept glasses filled, Vic Leo and Keith Martino sold 50/50 tix, and delicious refreshments from Lynn Havens, Laurie Biagini, Dottie Palamara and Suzette De Salvo graced the tables. Then, the Pebble Rock Band led a “Name that Tune” contest with prizes given out. See you next month. Photos

Members Do-si-do and Allemande Grand at January 8^th Meeting

Grab your partner! Dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls all had a great time. Do-si-do and Allemande were just two of the moves square dance caller Griff taught us at our January 8th meeting, resulting in partners having a grand time in squares of four couples. Meeting also included desserts thanks to Mary Ann Fusco, Susan Sands, and their committee, decorations courtesy of Kay Skripka, Teri Schoephoester and Sally Ward, wine courtesy of realtor Donna Strand, poured by Joe Witherup and Steve Fafoglia and 50-50 raffle by Vic Leo and Keith Martino ... Yee-hah! ... More ... Membership Meeting Photos

Poinsettia Ball Heralds the Christmas Season for Pebble Creek

The Italian American Club’s Poinsettia Ball is a sell-out premiere event in Pebble Creek and this year’s was over the top. Ladies and gentlemen in black tie and cocktail-formal attire were treated to delicious food both in the Chianti room for appetizers, and the ballroom for a served dinner of surf and turf, accompanied with trimmings. Dancing ensued with surprise visits from Elvis, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin! Shelly Carnevale and her committee outdid themselves this year! It’s a super beginning to the Christmas season. Merry Christmas! ... Photos