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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgiving Potluck at the Ranch



The Thanksgiving Potluck started at 1 PM but some of us were there by noon.  What else is new.  It seems that everyone arrives early for everything here!


Teri Thurston, Kathy and Scott Maynard
Getting Things Set Up

Mary Hazlett, Dave and Teri Thurston and Mary Benfield

Dianna Drake and Faye Campbell

All the women at Table 3

Almost all the men at Table 3 - Where did Scott hide?

Lot of Yummy Food!
As you can tell, we all had a lot of wonderful food!

A
Another table set up for the potluck

John and Joan Seiler and Jim and Sam Applebury

Table Centerpiece

Another Decorated Table

And Another One

Lots of Visiting Going On!




Mary and Lee Benfield



Kathy Loerch, Charlie Minor, Patty Ellison, Jack Leach, 
Richard Bender, Nora Minor and Mary Stanek

Miriam Hight and Faye Campbell

Jim Stallwitz and Mickey Hazlett

Chuck and Janet Galligan

Sam and Jim Applebury

Jim and Phoebe Farr

Charlie Minor, Jack Leach and Richard Bender

Judy and Buddy Wiggins

Shirley Birlingmaier and Mary Benfield

Char Leach, Marsha Bender and Linda Mc Kelvey

Gene Brown and Ken Stanek
Marilyn and Gene Brown

Bill and Marie Siglin

Another table getting ready to eat

Don Mueller and Jerry Rezac

Jim Stallwitz and Jim Peterson filling their plates

Mary Hazlett and Ruth King

Lonnie and Carolyn Sommers and Kathy and Dale Loerch

Pat Bishop, Brenda Bierwirth and Janet Galligan

Brenda Granger and her son, Jeff Goss

Roy and Lois Hansen and John and Joan Seiler

Chuck and Pat Pierson

Don Axelson, Jerry Rezac, Joella and Lloyd Buchholz

Bob Moody, Rosie Ewald, Kay Schultz, Donna Stewart, Ron Dutcher, Pat Banowetz, and Maggie Moody

Ray Banowetz and Maggie Moody

Della Rae Orndorff and Betty Smith

Dale and Kathy Loerch

Al and Miriam Hight and Gary and Faye Campbell

Margo and Jim Peterson and Carol and Jim Stallwitz
I saw several people walking or on bikes later on in the afternoon trying to work off all that wonderful food!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

November 27th Wednesday Morning News


*Information in red was obtained after the Morning Meeting.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We grew from 365 to 397 residents in the park this week.  Welcome home Winter Ranch residents!


Important Information:
Thanksgiving Dinner starts at 1 PM in Friendship Hall.  Setting up tables can begin after Bingo tonight.  Please wait to start setting up until Bingo is over.
Water Restrictions – Cathy thanked the people that have been following the water restriction policies that are in place.  She has noticed that a lot less water has been going down the street.  She hopes everyone will follow suit.  The information on water restrictions in the valley are in your Welcome Packet.  The main things to remember is that we can use water on Mondays and Thursdays for your sprinkling systems or to wash your house, rig or vehicle.  Washing your car, shed, rig or house is limited to once a month.  If you want it done more often, there are services available that will come in and bring their own water.  There is a list of these places available in the Business Office.  Hand watering of plants or grass can be done any day or time.  Just don't let the water overflow into the street and waste it.

Bring a Friend Campaign is going on now.  If you bring a friend that stays at Winter Ranch at least one month, you can earn $50.  The rules are in your Winter Ranch Welcome Packet.  This is for people that are brand new to Winter Ranch or who haven’t been here for at least three years.

If you are planning on doing any enhancements to your site including:  cement work, installing rock, planting trees or bushes, you need to check with Larry first.  Don't put yourself in the position where you need to remove what you just put in because you did not check!    
Our Manager, Larry Chapin, enforcing the rules!
Jerry Ritchie, 
You better watch out
You better not pout  
You better not let that RV hang over your site
Larry Chapin is out and about!!

Driving in the Park – Remember that the speed limit for ALL moving vehicles on the park roads is 10 MPH.  This includes cars, trucks, golf carts, scooters and bicycles.  We have a lot of people in the park now and we don’t want anyone hurt.
 
Breakfasts will no longer be offered on Wednesday mornings.  We will continue to serve donuts and/or rolls in the morning.   Unfortunately, it was a money losing situation.
The Alamo Prayer Breakfast was a tremendous success.  We had over 100 people attend including a lot of Winter Ranchers. 
Veterans – If your picture is not on the Veterans’ Board on the stage end of Friendship Hall, please get your picture to Donna Ritchie at Lot 689.  Donna Ritchie will see that it is placed on the board.
Rio PropaneRio comes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  This information was incorrect in some of the information handed out.
The Large Hall will be decorated for the Christmas Season on December 2nd.  It is a big job and we have a lot of people helping out.  Please give them some leeway as they need space to get the place decorated.  You may be asked to move for a short period so they can get something up.  Please be courteous and let them get their work done!
Coffee Area – We are not doing a very good job of cleaning up after ourselves at the coffee area.  We don’t have any maids here so you need to clean up after yourselves.  Our housekeepers clean the large hall, the small hall, the Activity Room and the flower gardens.  They do not get back to the hall often enough to clean up the coffee area.
Communications – We have had people tell us that they miss out on stuff because they don’t know it is happening.  We do our best to keep you informed.  We have the Wednesday morning meeting.  There are many displays around the hall and on the Bulletin Boards announcing what is happening.  We also have the Winter Ranch Activities Blog which is very thorough and up-to-date.  These are the methods for obtaining information so please make use of those opportunities.  There is a lot going on in this park!
Swimming Pool – Please rinse off before entering the pool or the hot tub.  This takes off lotions and body oils that affect the pool filters and the quality of the water.
Caring for Others Project -  Cathy has Knights of Columbus car magnets on sale for $5 in the Business Office.  The $3 in profit for these magnets goes to food for the needy.  The food will be dispersed within a five mile radius of Alamo.  The car magnets are white with black trim depicting a Nativity Scene and they say “Keep Christ in Christmas”.
Wilder Parks has a real estate agent that is authorized to work with you whether you are buying, selling or renting.  Her name is Donna Schroeder.  They will show your park model or mobile home for you, put the information on the internet and it will be advertised in the Monitor.  If you want to get in touch with her, her information is available in the Business Office.

Thank Yous:
Cathy thanked Diana Mollerus and  Patty Ellison for setting up the Angel Tree in Friendship Hall. (See Volunteers and Donations Needed Section at the Bottom of this page)
General News: 

The Winter Texan Insert in the Monitor -  They are looking for articles to put in the Winter Texan.  If you have something that you would like to contribute, please see
Lynn in the Activities Office.

Symphonic Band tickets are now on sale in the Business Office.  The Christmas Symphony “Tis The Season” will be on December 17th.  Tickets are $5 each.  You can purchase tickets  in the Business Office.  The bus is full and there is a waiting list for people that cancel on the bus, however, you can drive over.  It will held at The Trinity Worship Center and they have a lot of parking available.

Social Dance Classes will be offered beginning December 6th from 1 to 3 in Friendship Hall.  The classes will be taught by Steve and Gail Larner.  They have been competition dancers.  The charge is $5 per person per lesson which is REALLY reasonable.  There is a signup sheet in Friendship Hall across from the Mail Room.  We will start out with the Country Two Step and the Rumba as we feel these two dances will offer you the most opportunity with the bands we have this season.  As the class progresses, the class can help the instructors decide what to try next.  This is a great time to start.  Everyone will be starting out and it will be new to all of you.  If you ever have wanted to take dance classes this is your time!

Golfers, you can join us for Co-Ed Golf at Village Executive Golf Course on Highway 1015 South of Weslaco.  This will be Thursdays at
11:00 AM.  We'll meet at their Big Hall.  Sign up on the Bulletin Board in Friendship Hall.

Event News:

Ladies' Luncheon will be held in Friendship Hall on Monday, December 9th at
noon.  Lunch will be Maui Chicken, Brocolli Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Salad and Dessert for $8.  Myra Green will be our entertainment.  She puts on a one-woman musical play.  You can sign up after the Wednesday morning meetings.  There will also be someone in the Small Hall selling tickets this week Wednesday through Friday.  A box for donations to the Christmas Stocking Project will also be available at the luncheon.  As usual, donated door prize gifts are greatly appreciated.  See info in the Volunteer/Donations Section below.

Men’s Luncheon – The Video Group is sponsoring a Men’s Luncheon on December 3rd.  They will be serving a pork roast dinner with scalloped potatoes, green beans, jello, a roll, dessert and a beverage.  All for $6.00.  They will be selling tickets in Friendship Hall after the Wednesday Morning meeting and in the small hall most days.  Signup ends on November 27th. 

Blood Drive –We will have a blood drive on December 12th from 9 AM to 1:30.  Our goal is 35 units of blood which takes 50 people to sign up.  If we get more than 50, we'll extend the hours.

New Year’s Dance - Tickets and reserved tables for the New Year’s Dance are available in the Activities Office.  The reserved tables are going fast!  208 people have already reserved their seats.

Christmas Lighting Contest - Remember to plan on a Christmas Lighting Contest again this season.  There is information on the wall in Friendship Hall as well as a page here on the blog.  Anyone interested in participating needs to sign up in the Activity Office by
noon on December 12.  Prizes will be awarded in several categories:
Silent Night, Holy Night (most religious display)
Martha Steward Would Be Proud (most elegant display)
Charlie Browniest (most whimsical display)
Clark Griswold (most lights display)
Making Spirits Bright (most festive RV – motor home, trailer or fifth wheel only)
Life After Loss Workshop – People who have lost loved ones are invited to attend a Life After Loss Workshop on December 19th from 10-12 in the Loft.  There are people that went two years ago and really enjoyed it.  They can attend again if they desire.  There will be a follow-up session in January.  See Rita Huether, Lot 258 for more information.
Calendar Updates:
The first Craft Show will be December 10th at 8 AM.  A volunteer signup sheet is posted on the easels in Friendship Hall.
Video Rentals start on Monday.
Horseshoes – start on December 2nd.  Ladies is Monday and Wednesday at 10 AM and Men’s is Monday at 1 PM and Thursday at 9:30 AM.
The Life After Loss Group will have a Christmas Eve Gathering in Activity Room #3 on December 24th.  Please see Dianna Mollerus at Lot 508 or Bobby Louge at Lot 526.
Sunday Sundae will be served this Sunday evening at 5 PM in Friendship Hall.  Bring your own bowl and spoon.  It is $1 per scoop and toppings will be provided.
AARP Drivers Safety Class – will be held on January 23rd from 8 AM – 10 AM in Friendship Hall.  The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.  Another session will be scheduled later.  See information on the boards in Friendship Hall.

Craft Class will be held on December 4th from
10-12 AM in the Arts and Crafts Room.   Brenda Granger is the Coordinator and we will be making a Reindeer,  You will need to bring $1 and a towel and washcloth.  Signup sheet is on the door of the Arts and Crafts Room.

Craft Class will also be held on December 11th from
10-12 AM in the Arts and Crafts Room.  Rita Huether is the Coordinator and we will be making a Christmas Ornament Wreath.  Signup sheet is on the Bulletin Board across from the Mail Room.  A supply list can be obtained in the Activity Office..

Billiards Double Shots will be on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month starting at
2 PM.  This is one man and one woman per team taking alternate shots. 

Dance to Wild Side on November 29th at
7 PM.  Tickets are purchased at the door.   We still need kitchen helpers for the evening.
Dance to Sweet Water on December 6th at 7 PM.  Tickets can be purchased at the door.  There is a signup sheet for volunteers on the bulletin board across from the mail room.
Bingo on Wednesdays has started.  Bingo on Saturdays will start in December. 

No Roundup on December 3rd!

The Roundup on December 10th will be Karoake. Tamales will be available at the Chuck Wagon.

The next Roundup will be on December 10th.  On December 17, the Roundup will be a Taste of the Valley.  You can come on over and sample foods from various places in the Valley.  We'll have the Chuck Wagon open also.

Bus Trips:

Saturday, November 30th - Greyhound Racing in
Harlingen on South Ed Carey Drive - The Bus will leave at 11AM and will return after the last race about 5 or 6 PM. $2 at the gate plus what you bet.  We have filled our seats for this trip but Trophy has some seats left so stop in the Activity Office if you are interested.

December 6th, Killer Bees Hockey Tickets $10 each.  The bus will leave at
6 PM and return after the game.  There are still some seats left.,

December 9th -
Hidalgo Lights and Dinner, Cost $12 per person.  Bus will leave at 4:30 PM and return around 8:30 or 9 PM.  Information on the trip is on the wall outside the Activity Office.  Sign up and pay in the Activity Office.
Tuesday, December 3rd  - Mercedes Shopping Mall The bus will leave and 11:00 AM and return at 3:30 PM.  Lunch is on your own.
Wednesday, December 4th Hidalgo Lights (no meal).  The bus will leave at 5:30 and return at 8:30 PM.
Saturday, December 7thSouth Padre Lighted Boat Parade.  The bus will leave at 4 PM and return after the parade is over.  We will be watching the parade and having dinner (on your own) at Louie’s Back Yard. 
Thursday, December 12thMystery Bus Trip (free).  The bus will leave at 9 AM and return at 2 PM.  Lunch is on your own.
Tours and Cruises:
Gail Field is our Coordinator for Tours and Cruises.  She has posted a booklet on the Travel Board as well as a page of Go with Jo Tours.  Get in touch with Gail for more information or to sign up for one of the trips.  I don’t post phone numbers on the blog but hers is on the Travel Board in Friendship Hall. 
There are a lot of new cruises available out of Galveston.

Gail has tickets for an over-night trip to the Kickapoo Casino on Thursday, January 9th.  The cost is $90 per person and you get $25 back in casino money when you arrive.  12 people from Trophy are signed up and we need 20 to have the bus pick us up in the park.  Please see Gail before Fridayl  She is on Lot 300 in Trophy Gardens.

Volunteers and/or Donations Needed:  
Angel Tree - The Angel Tree has tags on it for children on South Tower Road that are very needy.  Take a tag or two off the three and purchase a gift ranging from $5 to $10 for the child.  We will get information out later on when to bring in the gifts.
Good Samaritan Program – You received an envelope for this project with your Welcome Packet.  Two families have been selected by the local school for our park.  They are chose because of their needs.  We will post pictures of these families on the Church Bulletin Board shortly. 
Christmas Stockings Project –  Barb DeGaramo is the Coordinator for the Christmas Stockings Project.  The Christmas Stockings are given to the ARISE organization and sometimes these are the only gifts these children get at Christmas.  Barb says she can use school supplies, small match box cars, small dolls, and Christmas Stockings from the Dollar Store.  They do also make some of the stockings.  They would like to make 300 this year.  Last year we donated 200 stockings but they ran short so we will be increasing our efforts this Christmas.  There is a donation box for this project by the Activities Office.  These children are 8 years and younger. 

Ronald McDonald House - If you have any soaps and shampoos from hotels, you can donate those to this project until after the stockings are delivered.  After that we can still use the shampoos and soaps.  We donate them to the Ronald McDonald House.  
A Salvation Army Coordinator for bell ringing at Walgreens is needed as the person who did it last year won't be here in time this season.  See Lynn in the Activity Office.
Ironing and Putting Up New Drapes Lynn is looking for volunteers to help iron and put up new drapes behind the stage in Friendship Hall.  We’ll put these up on Friday around 9:30-10:00 AM.  We’ll use the irons in the Arts and Crafts Room.
Ice Cream Scoopers and Cashiers are needed for the Sunday Ice Cream Social.  Please sign up on the Bulletin Board across from the Mail Room.
Playing Cards are needed.  If you are going to visit a casino, see Lynn in the Activity Office and get her begging letter.  Hopefully, we can get more playing cards for the park.

Door Prize Donations for the Ladies Luncheons - If you have something that you would like to donate as a Door Prize for one of the Ladies' Luncheons, please take them over to Marsha Bender at
Lot 592 or Kathy Loerch at Lot 438.  Please get them there a week ahead so they know if they need to buy any.
 
Sound System Operators are needed.  Dave and Jody Nunn are leaving us after 14 years and we need some volunteers to step up.  We can train you!!! We need sound system people to cover for the jams and other events that use the system.  See Lynn and JD in the Activities Office.

Exercise Classes - Pam Hoppe and Judy Teply are looking for a couple of people to act as their alternates to lead the Exercise Classes in the morning.  Contact one of them if you are interested.

Bikers Escort Needed - Flo Reed is looking for some drivers to  excort the bikers.  Please contact Flo if you are interested.  You will be reimbursed for mileage.

********


The 50/50 Drawing this morning raised $65  for the Shuffleboard Group.  Kathy Loerch won the drawing.

Friday, November 22, 2013

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST



                     LIGHT THE LIGHTS!

 




1.     Light the lights and decorate your site in the spirit of the season. 

2.     Sign up in the Activities Office as a participant in the lighting contest by Noon on December 12th. 

3.     The judging will be from December 14-20.  During judging, please keep your lights on until at least 9 p.m. so everyone can enjoy the lights around the park.

4.     Prizes will be donated by various Winter Ranch Groups and will be awarded in the following categories:

·        Silent Night, Holy Night (most religious) Display
·        Martha Stewart Would Be Proud (most elegant) Display
·        Charlie Browniest (most whimsical) Display
·        Clark Griswold (most lights) Display
·         Making Spirits Bright Display (Most Festive RV -Motor Home, Fifth Wheel or Trailer only)

5.     All residents of Winter Ranch will receive a Judging Sheet in their mail box around December 14th.  Then you can walk or drive around the park and pick your favorites.  There will be a bucket near the Activity Office where you can drop off your ballots.   Ballots must be dropped in the bucket by Noon on December 20th.

6.     The winners will be announced at the Christmas Party on December 24th.  



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

November 20th Wednesday Morning News

*New Information since the meeting is in red

November 20th Wednesday Morning News


We grew from 318 to 365 residents in the park this week.  Welcome home Winter Ranch residents!


Important Information:

Water Restrictions - We still have water restrictions in the valley and your Welcome Packet had information about them.  The main things to remember is that we can use water on Mondays and Thursdays for your sprinkling systems or to wash your house, rig or vehicle.  Washing your car, shed, rig or house is limited to once a month.  If you want it done more often, there are services available that will come in and bring their own water.  There is a list of these places available in the Business Office.  Hand watering of plants or grass can be done any day or time.  Just don't let the water overflow into the street and waste it.


Bring a Friend Campaign is going on now.  If you bring a friend that stays at Winter Ranch at least one month, you can earn $50.  The rules are in your Winter Ranch Welcome Packet.  This is for people that are brand new to Winter Ranch or who haven’t been here for at least three years.

If you are planning on doing any enhancements to your site including:  cement work, installing rock, planting trees or bushes, you need to check with Larry first.  Don't put yourself in the position where you need to remove what you just put in because you did not check!    


Golfers, the course has been dethatched and we are starting to water it now.  There was a problem with the water system which has now been fixed.  The jugs of water will also be on Hole 6 now.

Breakfasts will no longer be offered on Wednesday mornings.  We will continue to serve donuts and/or rolls in the morning.   Unfortunately, it was a money losing situation. 

 General News: 

The Winter Texan Insert in the Monitor -  They are looking for articles to put in the Winter Texan.  If you have something that you would like to contribute, please see Lynn in the Activities Office.


Ron Hoover RV is now selling park models for those interested.

Symphonic Band tickets are now on sale in the Business Office.  The Christmas Symphony will be on December 17th.  Tickets are $5 each.  You can purchase tickets  in the Business Office.  The bus is full and there is a waiting list for people that cancel on the bus.

The Alamo City Prayer Breakfast will be held here at Winter Ranch on November 21st at 7 AM and Pastor Frisbee will be the speaker.  The breakfast is free.

Picture Days (early session) at Winter Ranch will be November 19-22 – We have a new company, Life Touch, doing our pictures and Directory this year.  Shirley Snell will again be registering us for pictures in Friendship Hall after the morning meeting and on Thursday and Friday from 9 to 10 AM in the Small Hall.  Thank you, Shirley!  You can have up to six people in a picture and pets.  By having your picture taken you get a free Picture Directory and a $20 coupon toward any pictures you decide to order.  You can order the pictures you want directly from Lifetouch over the internet and they will be mailed directly to you.  Also, if you bring a non-perishable food donation to the studio when you have your picture taken, you will receive $5 off your Lifetouch portrait order.  Bags for the food donation may be picked up in the Activities Office.  There are still some times available for this early picture taking session.


Social Dance Classes will be offered beginning December 6th from 1 to 3 in Friendship Hall.  The classes will be taught by Steve and Gail Larner.  They have been competition dancers.  The charge is $5 per person per lesson which is REALLY reasonable.  There is a signup sheet in Friendship Hall across from the Mail Room.  We will start out with the Country Two Step and the Rumba as we feel these two dances will offer you the most opportunity with the bands we have this season.  As the class progresses, the class can help the instructors decide what to try next.  This is a great time to start.  Everyone will be starting out and it will be new to all of you.  If you ever have wanted to take dance classes this is your time!

Golfers, you can join us for Co-Ed Golf at Village Executive Golf Course on Highway 1015 South of Weslaco.  This will be Thursdays at 11:00 AM.  We'll meet at their Big Hall.  Sign up on the Bulletin Board in Friendship Hall.

Event News:

Ladies' Luncheon will be held in Friendship Hall on Monday, December 9th at noon.  Lunch will be Maui Chicken, Brocolli Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Salad and Dessert for $8.  Myra Green will be our entertainment.  She puts on a one-woman musical play.  You can sign up after the Wednesday morning meetings.  There will also be someone in the Small Hall selling tickets this week Wednesday through Friday.  A box for donations to the Christmas Stocking Project will also be available at the luncheon.  As usual, donated door prize gifts are greatly appreciated.  See info in the Volunteer/Donations Section below.

Men’s Luncheon – The Video Group is sponsoring a Men’s Luncheon on December 3rd.  They will be serving a pork roast dinner with scalloped potatoes, green beans, jello, a roll, dessert and a beverage.  All for $6.00.  They will be selling tickets in Friendship Hall after the Wednesday Morning meeting and in the small hall most days.  Signup ends on November 27th. 

Blood Drive –We will have a blood drive on December 12th from 9 AM to 1:30.  Our goal is 35 units of blood which takes 50 people to sign up.  If we get more than 50, we'll extend the hours.

Thanksgiving Table Signup has begun.  Signup on the board on the easel in Friendship Hall.  For newcomers, the lead couple (No. 1 and 2) will get the group together to decide on table decorations and who is bringing what.  Just pick a table and you’ll be filled in about everything closer to Thanksgiving.  Turkey money is now available in the Activities Office.

New Year’s Dance - Tickets and reserved tables for the New Year’s Dance are available in the Activities Office.  The reserved tables are going fast!

Christmas Lighting Contest - Remember to plan on a Christmas Lighting Contest again this season.  More info on it will come closer to the season.


Calendar Updates:

Choir starts this week. 

Ice Cream will be served this Sunday evening at 5 PM in Friendship Hall.  Bring your own bowl and spoon.  It is $1 for a large dip.


Craft Class will be held on December 4th from 10-12 AM in the Arts and Crafts Room.   Brenda Granger is the Coordinator and we will be making a Reindeer,  You will need to bring $1 and a towel and washcloth.  

Craft Class will also be held on December 11th from 10-12 AM in the Arts and Crafts Room.  Rita Huether is the Coordinator and we will be making a Christmas ornament. 

No Roundup Thanksgiving week or on December 3rd!   

The next Roundup will be on December 10th.  On December 17, the Roundup will be a Taste of the Valley.  You can come on over and sample foods from various places in the Valley.  We'll have the Chuck Wagon open also.

Billiards Double Shots will be on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month starting at 2 PM.  This is one man and one woman per team taking alternate shots. 

Dance to Diego on November 22nd at 7 PM.  Tickets are purchased at the door.   We still need kitchen helpers for the evening.

Dance to Wild Side on  November 29th at 7 PM.   They are our resident group so come out and enjoy the dance.  Tickets can be purchased at the door.  There are volunteer signup sheets on the wall across from the Mail Room for this dance.  

Bingo on Wednesdays has started.  Bingo on Saturdays will start in December.


Bus Trips:

Saturday, November 30th - Greyhound Racing in Harlingen on South Ed Carey Drive - The Bus will leave at 11AM and will return after the last race about 5 or 6 PM. $2 at the gate plus what you bet.

 December 6th, Killer Bees Hockey Tickets $10 each.  The bus will leave  at 6 PM and return after the game.

December 9th - Hidalgo Lights and Dinner, Cost $12 per person.  Bus will leave at 4:30 PM and return around 8:30 or 9 PM.  Information on the trip is on the wall outside the Activity Office.  Sign up and pay in the Activity Office.


Tours and Cruises:


Gail Field is our Coordinator for Tours and Cruises.  She has posted a booklet on the Travel Board as well as a page of Go with Jo Tours.  Get in touch with Gail for more information or to sign up for one of the trips.  I don’t post phone numbers on the blog but hers is on the Travel Board in Friendship Hall. 

There are a lot of new cruises available out of Galveston.

Gail attended a meeting for DNS Travel.  Royal Caribbean will be offering a cruise to Rolton, Belaise and Cozumel on February 23rd.  It will be on a newly renovated Navigator of the Seas.  They have spent $45 million redoing the ship.  Those rooms without a window are now equipped with virtual balconies that show what is going on outside at all times.  Gail has brochures.  Call them for pricing.   They will need $50 down by this Thursday.  
Volunteers and/or Donations Needed:  


A Salvation Army Coordinator for bell ringing at Walgreens is needed as the person who did it last year won't be here in time this season.  See Lynn in the Activity Office.

Door Prize Donations for the Ladies Luncheons - If you have something that you would like to donate as a Door Prize for one of the Ladies' Luncheons, please take them over to Marsha Bender at Lot 592 or Kathy Loerch at Lot 438.  Please get them there a week ahead so they know if they need to buy any.


Welcome Committee - Cathy would like to revive a committee that was once in existence to welcome new residents to the park.  If you would be interested in assisting or leading this group, see Cathy in the Business Office.  
 
Sound System Operators are needed.  Dave and Jody Nunn are leaving us after 14 years and we need some volunteers to step up.  We can train you!!! We need sound system people to cover for the jams and other events that use the system.  See Lynn and JD in the Activities Office.

Christmas Stockings Project –  Barb DeGarmo is the Coordinator for the Christmas Stockings Project.  The Christmas Stockings are given to the ARISE organization and sometimes these are the only gifts these children get at Christmas.  Barb says she can use school supplies, small match box cars, small dolls, and Christmas Stockings from the Dollar Store.  They do also make some of the stockings.  They would like to make 300 this year.  Last year we donated 200 stockings but they ran short so we will be increasing our efforts this Christmas.  There is a donation box for this project by the Activities Office.  These children are 8 years and younger. 

Ronald McDonald House - If you have any soaps and shampoos from hotels, you can donate those to this project until after the stockings are delivered.  After that we can still use the shampoos and soaps.  We donate them to the Ronald McDonald House.  

Decorating Committee - Nora Minor needs volunteers for decorating the hall for Christmas.  There is a signup sheet on the bulletin board across from the Mail Room.  They will be decorating on December 2nd starting at 9:30 AM.

Exercise Classes - Pam Hoppe and Judy Teply are looking for a couple of people to act as their alternates to lead the Exercise Classes in the morning.  Contact one of them if you are interested.

Bikers Escort Needed - Flo Reed is looking for some drivers to  excort the bikers.  Please contact Flo if you are interested.  You will be reimbursed for mileage.


********


The 50/50 Drawing this morning raised $62 for the Billiards Group.  Shirley Snell won the pot.  

                                                     Respectfully Submitted,
                                                 
                                                           Mary Benfield

                                                     WR Blog Administrator