WINTER
RANCH WRANGLER
Welcome to
the first edition of our newsletter. Your comments and suggestions
are requested. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep everyone
informed of some of the less well-known aspects of living here at
Winter Ranch. Let us know what you'd like to see included. If you
have something you'd like to see here, please write it down and give
it to Donna Hulsey (Lot 10).
Wizard of
Oz on November 11th at the State Farm Arena was
awesome. We had a straight-on view of the stage and were close to
the bathrooms and beverages. There is an elevator to take you to the
top floor, if walking all those stairs is too much for you. To be
able to see a Broadway show for only $36 is absolutely phenomenal and
then to get a free ride there! Thanks to Lynn for setting it up.
November
flew by and now we're looking at some December fun. There are 4 bus
trips scheduled for the Festival of Lights in Hidalgo. Be
sure to check the board and get signed up. Guaranteed to get you in
the Christmas mood, the lights are awesome and change every year. $3
pays for a trolley ride around the city and it's well worth it. By
the way, the City of Hidalgo is reaching out for some help this year.
They need volunteers for ticket selling, selling souvenirs and
acting as a guide to the lights. They will provide a script for you
to follow. One night would help them out a lot.
December 7th
is your chance to go on a Mystery Trip. These trips have
included museums, saloons with Karaoke, and nature trips in the past.
The bus fills up fast, so get to the Activity office and sign up.
Other December trips include the Border Patrol, always fascinating,
the Symphony and something new this year – the Glory Bells, a hand
bell concert.
Mannheim
Steamrollers will be at the State Farm Arena on December 30th.
Group rates are $49.50. If twenty people sign up and pay in
advance, WR will provide a bus. Make your decision by December 5th.
Wanda Wheeler is working on a ticket package, so it could be
cheaper.
A bus is
planned for the Christmas Regatta (boat parade) in Port Isobel on
December 3rd. People who attended last year said it was
well worth the trip. Dinner will be at the White Sands
Restaurant,
which is located right behind the Judges' Stand, so you should be
able to get a good look at all the boats decorated in their Christmas
best.
SOCIAL
HOUR AROUND THE POOL
Don't forget
the social hours around the pool on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 to 5
PM. The concession stand is open for snacks to soak up the adult
beverages. Bring your lawn chairs and beverage of choice. Sometimes
there will be live entertainment, sometimes just records. The
November Tuesdays were a great success, so join your neighbors at the
pool. In case of inclement weather, the festivities will move
indoors; check the schedule for time change.
December
also marks the first Craft Sale of the season, the first Saturday Jam
and the re-opening of most of the crafts and classes. Check your
park calendars for details. Take your vitamins, cuz it's fixin' to
get crazy around here!
New to the
Ranch? Are you wondering how to meet people? Volunteering is the
quickest and best way I know of, and it's fun too. When you see a
sign-up sheet on the board for anything that interests you, put your
name down. You get into the dances and entertainment free and the
work is easy. Besides that, you never know who might be taking your
picture.
Christmas is
coming and the Valley needs our help. There is a box by the Activity
Office door for your toy donations. We will also be involved with
the ARISE program again, with the Christmas stockings and Angel Tree.
See Barb DeGaramo if you're interested in helping to make stockings.
A list of preferred gifts will be posted near the Activity Office.
Most of us have been blessed throughout our lives with good jobs and
enough money for the extras. Here in the Valley many people are
struggling just to provide food for their families. We can help them
have a Merry Christmas in the true spirit of the holiday. Thanks to
Barb and all the other quilting volunteers who help with this
project.
One of our
past Christmas families suffered the loss of their home by fire in
June. Gerry Rezac (Lot 586) and Lloyd Buchholz (Lot 608) are
coordinating volunteers to assist in finishing the inside. Right now
it's a hollow shell with curtains around the bathroom area. Please
see one of these fine gentlemen if you can wield a paint brush, dry
wall, or any of those other things that go into finishing off a
house. They will probably need some volunteers to provide lunch for
the workers as well. Since we won't be having any more yard sales
here, maybe you want to donate some of those unwanted items to the
family?
MONDAY POT
LUCKS
Bring a dish
to pass that will serve 10-12 people at 5 PM on Mondays. This is
another good chance to meet new people and enjoy the diversity of
favorite dishes from all over the US.
FRIDAY NIGHT
DANCES
Come on out
to the dances on Friday nights. They are tailored for us “seniors”
- starting at 7 PM and ending at 10 PM. The concession stand is
open, providing ice buckets, popcorn, soda and other refreshments.
Bring your favorite adult beverage, enjoy the music, dance, visit
with your friends and neighbors. This is another opportunity for you
to volunteer too. Shirley Ress is our dance coordinator, so if you
hear a good band around the Valley, let her know. She tries to make
everyone happy, with the different types of music.
NOTICES
Don't
forget the water restrictions in the Park. If your lot number is
even, your days to water are Thursday and Sunday. Odd numbers are
Wednesday and Saturday. If water is running into the street YOU ARE
OVER-WATERING. Look in your packet for a complete listing of the
watering policy.
Remember
to see Shirley Snell after the meeting on Wednesday to make your
appointment to have your picture taken for the new picture directory.
It is a great way to put names to some of those faces you see around
the park. Mine is well-worn. NO, not my face, my directory! Well,
maybe my face too. Thanks, Shirley, for taking care of this.
Speaking
of the Wednesday meetings, if you haven't been attending them, think
about doing so. This is another good way to keep abreast of what's
going on, including coming events, bus trips and volunteering
opportunities. Plus, you get a chance to win some money at 50/50.
The various organizations take turns selling the tickets. Half the
ticket money goes to the organization, and half to the lucky ticket
holder. Even if you don't win, the money goes to a worthy cause.
A
reminder to all you speed demons – slow down! The speed limit in
the park is 10 MPH. Stop signs are not just a suggestion – they
mean STOP. That includes all vehicles, bicycles and golf carts as
well as cars and pick ups. We send enough sympathy and get-well
cards around here – we don't need to add more to that list.
Check
the activity lists for times for Horseshoes and Bowling. Pool
tournaments are on Thursdays starting at 8:30 AM.
