Vol.
1, Edition 7
Here
we go again. Are you all geared up for another great season here at
the Ranch? For those who like to stay busy, there is always
something going on. If you are here to relax after a long and
stressful work career, you can do that too.
We
have classes in ceramics, woodworking, stained glass, oil painting,
quilting, hardanger, line dancing, zumba for seniors, computers, tap
dancing and jewelry-making. There is square dancing, water
volleyball, pickleball, morning exercise and water aerobics, for
those who like a little physical activity. We have Bingo twice a
week, (Weds and Saturdays), card games of all kinds, dominoes,
entertainment, Friday night dances, Saturday jam sessions, and
karaoke after the jam. There is a craft sale once a month, and an
ice cream social every Sunday, not to mention the Tuesday afternoon
Social Hour in the hall with entertainment. We have a library with
books of all kinds, as well as a video room with dvd's to rent at a
very reasonable price. Whew, I get exhausted just listing all this
stuff!
Winter
Ranch also is part of the Wilder Corporation chain, and we have a
retired Greyhound bus to take us to various events. Tonight the bus
is gone to Hidalgo for the lights. This is an amazing sight to see
and just what you need to get you in the holiday spirit. We have two
drivers – Jack Hulsey and Bob French. Some of the other parks in
the chain have no drivers, so we are very lucky.
Here's
just a little taste of what you will see at the Hidalgo lights.
I
encourage all new residents to attend the Wednesday park meetings at
9 a.m. This is where you are able to sign up for the bus trips and
find out other things that are happening in the area. Gail Field
will be there to tell you about some other bus tours that are
available. If you miss a meeting, you can find out what happened by
checking the blog, kept up to date by Mary Benfield.
I
also urge you all to volunteer – this is a great way to get
acquainted around the park and find out all those little secrets.
It's fun and you get a little red VIP heart to put on your name
badge. We couldn't have nearly the activities that we have if we
didn't have volunteers. Don't make the same people do them all the
time!
Ah,
the name badges – I have talked to people who really hate having to
wear them, and unfortunately I do forget mine from time to time. The
fact is that we are all getting older and don't always have the
greatest memory. I find the badges helpful when I recognize a face,
but can't put a name to it. And I actually have a pretty good
face/name recognition – I used to be a bartender.
I
have been trying to remember some of the questions I had our first
year here. Coming from WI we were accustomed to going out for a
Friday fish fry. That's not so easy to do down here. (You'd think
it would be with all these Catholic Hispanics, wouldn't you?) The
best place to find out good eating spots is in the swimming pool. A
lot of people like going to the Elks Club in Weslaco. We went once
and it was good, but everything is fried, which doesn't work well
with my perpetual diet.
Another
favorite for a lot of people is Felix' Burgers, west on 495. It
underwent a complete remodeling last year. Prices are very
reasonable, and the food is good. They have a burger special on
Wednesdays and breakfast specials every day. They also have a
Channel 4 Clean Dining sticker from July, 2012 on their door!
My
favorite Mexican restaurant is Costa Messa. Great Margaritas and
wonderful food every time! They usually have a coupon in one of the
Winter Texan magazines, which helps, but so far this year we haven't
seen one. The one we go to is on 11th, off 495, in
McAllen. I noticed there is a new location on North 10th
St.
If
anyone has ideas about what the newsletter should consist of, please
let me know. I am open to suggestions. My email address is
mcleff58@gmail.com, or just
stop over to our site, lot #10.
The
sign up sheets for Christmas dinner tables are posted.
If
you are in temporary need of crutches, wheel chairs, canes, etc.,
check out Cathy's Closet in the office.
A
reminder from Cathy that although we love our Canadians, their
quarters do NOT work in the washers or dryers. They jam the machine
and it cost her $75 recently to get one machine working again.
PLEASE
turn off your cell phones during the meetings and other group events.
Remember the days when our phones stayed at home and people called
back if they didn't get an answer the first time?
I
survived those days just fine, didn't you? I miss them too.
Most
all of the classes/activities have started this month. Check all the
lists and sign up where ever you are interested. Zumba Gold (for
seniors) started last Monday. I tried it, but between my bad knees
and my
bad back I only lasted 15 minutes. Its a lot of fun, and you get to
shake your hips like you probably haven't done in years! I will be
going back though, and hopefully I can last a few minutes longer each
time. Just wish it wasn't followed by pickleball!
As
of today's meeting (December 12) our bus is not out of the repair
shop. Trips are being canceled on a day to day basis. If you have
paid for anything, be sure to go back to the office and get your
refund.
REMINDER:
Did you get your picture taken last season for the picture
directory? JD says he has a bunch of pictures in the activity office
that are waiting to be collected. Remember, you did pay for this in
advance, so go help “un-clutter” the Activity Office.
One
last reminder about lot improvements. You need to get everything,
right down to what shrubbery you plant, approved by the main office!
Take
an after-dark drive around the park and enjoy the Christmas
decorations. Some people have gone to great lengths to commemorate
the season and they have succeeded. It's beautiful.
BOAT
PARADE started out a little shaky – there was no room in the
restaurant for our bus people. Driver Bob French took the initiative
and drove over to Louie's Backyard, where everyone enjoyed the
seafood buffet, and the great view of the Christmas Boat Parade.
Think Louie's might have our business every year?
 |
| South Padre Lighted Boat Parade |
 |
| Lee & Mary Benfield |
For
those of you who have asked, or are wondering, here is how to get on
the Winter Ranch blog:
http://www.winterranchactivities.blogspot.com/
MEET
YOUR STAFF
It's
easy to take the people working in the office and around the grounds
for granted. If you are new here, you might even wonder who's who.
I
know I did when we first got here in 2007. Here is a bit of
information about the office staff and cleaning ladies. I'll finish
up next month with the maintenance and gate security staff.
 |
| Larry Chapin |
 |
| Cathy Chapin |
Here are our park
managers – Larry and Cathy Chapin. They have been married to each
other for 45 years. They have three children and two grandchildren.
Originally from Union Lake, MI, they have worked at Winter Ranch for
ten years and are now full time here. Cathy says they took the job
because she doesn't do crafts or golf and she got bored. She hasn't
been bored since!
 |
| Mary Snead |
 |
| Wally Snead |
Assistant
park managers Mary and Wally Snead have been married for 31 years.
They have five children, 12 grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren. They came to Winter Ranch eight years ago from
Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Mary says she can be bribed with chocolate
and Wally is not as quiet as people think. (I know from experience
that he has a very dry sense of humor!)
 |
| Lynn & JD Murray |
Jim
(JD) and Lynn Murray are the park's Activity Directors. They have
been married 40 years and have three kids and seven grandchildren.
They are in Clear Lake, MN when they are not here. They have been at
Winter Ranch for three years; this is their second year as Activity
Directors. When the job came up, Lynn wanted to take it; Jim wasn't
so sure. Lynn promised him that he wouldn't have to do a thing!
Last year Jim quit every single day. Lynn says it's better this year
– now he's only quitting once or twice a week. Pleasing 800-plus
people with different interests and different cultures is no easy
task. They welcome suggestions, but like any of us, they don't
appreciate being yelled at. Present your case, but refrain from
abuse.
 |
| Patty Cuellar |
Patty
Cuellar is a familiar face in the office. She has been married for
20 years to George, who works in our maintenance department. They
have three children and live in Donna, TX. Patty has worked here for
three years. Patty says she loves her job and enjoys coming to work
every day. Patty and George are available in their off-hours for
washing your rig or park model.
 |
| Sherri Melvin |
Shari
Melvin has worked in the office for the past three years. She is
married to Jim, who works security on the gate. They have been
married for 42 years and have two children and eight grandchildren.
They come from New Richmond, WI, and currently live in Somerset, WI
when they are not here. Shari says she loves the Valley and every
day at Winter Ranch is a new and different experience.
 |
| Elena Mata |
 |
| Becky Mejia |
Above is Becky
Mejia. Becky and Eddie have been together for 13
years. Becky has worked here for about five years. She has four
kids and eight grandchildren. Becky also likes watching her
grandchildren in sports. She has a granddaughter who dances so she
is also very busy in her “off” time. Becky and Eddie live in
Donna too.
If
you need help cleaning your park model, these ladies hire out after
their regular work-day, which ends about 3:30 P.M.
Editor
