Wednesday, February 29th, Meeting News

We went from 931 to 904 residents in the park this week.  Our numbers are on the way down.  REMINDER:  When we leave we need to leave some labels so that our mail can be forwarded.  This will save our mail volunteers a lot of work!!!  You can get labels for this if you need them through the Computer Group.  You can contact Charles Kroll or just let the Business Office know that you need them.  There is a small fee for the labels.


Cathy wished all the Leap Year Birthday Babies a Happy Birthday and asked them how old they are now! 

Bird House Drawing will be held at next week's meeting.  Raffle tickets can be purchased in the Activities Office.  Proceeds go to the Media Center.   The bird houses were donated by Paul Kitt in Lot 133.


3 Doorprizes were given away at the meeting today to people in Lots 508, 520 and 665.  


Pat Snook won the $114 for the 50/50 and donated his prize back to the church.


LOST AND FOUND:  A part from a Cannon Camera was found by the pool.  We believe it is a Lens Sun Shade.  It will be in the Business Office if you want to claim it. 


SCHEDULED TIME AND LOCATION CHANGES:

• Winter Ranch and Trophy Gardens will have the St. Patrick's Day Doggie Parade on March 16th, Friday, at 10:00 AM at Doggie Run.  Dress those doggies or other pets up in their St. Patrick's Day duds.  Lynn just gave a word of caution - don't use jello to dye your dog's fur.  They had one that did that and it didn't grown out until August!  
• Jewelry Ladies - Time is moving to 1 PM during March.  After the 23rd of March, you'll be on your own! 
• Pinochle - Will be near the stage end of the Big Hall on Monday nights from now on.  
• Friendship Hall Scheduling Change:  The Big Hall will not be available for anything other than entertainment on Thursday afternoons from 3 PM until the end of the entertainment in the evening.  That way we will avoid any clashes and the entertainment will be able to set up and do what they need to do in order to provide us with our entertainment.

ACTIVITY SCHEDULING FOR NEXT SEASON:  The Activities Office still has not heard from several of the activities on scheduling for next year.  If you want to make sure you have the time and date that you want or have had, a green form must be submitted to the Activity Office.  Lynn has not yet heard from Stained Glass, Paper Crafting, Water Exercises, Horseshoes or "31".  If you have an activity that you want scheduled, then please get those sheets in as soon as possible.

Crafting - On March 7 from 12 to 1 PM, we will be making Lighted and Decorated Wine or Other Bottles.  Signup sheets were out after the meeting.  If any spaces are left, the signups will be on the craft room door.  Supply list is available.  Anyone that is registered for the class can have Darrell Luster drill the bottles for you. 


Congratulations to Don Hoppe, Ron Frandle and a SOP (person from Some Other Park) who came in 1st Place at the Chamber of Commerce sponsored Golf Tournament at Short Shot Golf Course this last week.  Don also got a hole in one on the 9th hole! 


Marlene Miska thanked everyone in the park for their prayers and support during Lee's illness.  Lee is now in remission for his cancer and they are working on other problems that have been diagnosed.  She told us that she received so much support from the park from people she didn't even know.  She wanted us to know how wonderful that was and to make sure we keep it up for others in need.  She also gave big thank-yous to Vicky and the 1st Responders!


The Computer Club is selling the Annual Directory for the 2011-2012 season for $2.  You can buy them in the Business Office.  The Computer classes are winding down, however, we are still continuing to have the open help sessions in Activity Room #3 after the Wednesday morning meetings (except for the first Wednesday of the month when the Church Board uses the room).


Winter Ranch Resident Appreciation Day will be held on March 24th from 6-8 PM.  Razz Ma Tazz will perform and then we'll have ice cream afterwards.  JD explained that they chose not to have a dinner so that all of the residents can enjoy the celebration and not have to volunteer for that time.   


JD thanked all the volunteers at the park who keep things going.  He said that over 1000 people attended the last three events -The Red Head Express Show, the Friday night dance and the Margarita Party.  That could not happen without all our volunteers!


The Second Annual Winter Ranch/Trophy Gardens Golf Tournament will be held next Wednesday, March 7th, at 9 AM.  Tickets are $2 per person and are being some after the meeting at the Golf Shack.  


The Variety Show will be held on March 4th at 7 PM in Friendship Hall.   Penny Vollrath, Lot 310 is the Variety Show Coordinator.  The show is scheduled to last 1 1/2 hrs with a 10 minute break in the middle.  Next year Penny hopes to start the show at 6 PM.  They will also be having a 50/50 to help pay for the Media center.


The March Ladies Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, March 15th, at noon.  The meal will include Chicken Portofino, steamed vegetables, and white rice.  There will also be a Fashion Show.  Tickets are available from February 27 to March 12 (weekdays only) in the Small Hall from 10AM to 11 AM.  


The Decorating Committee will be redecorating the Big Hall on Friday afternoon at 2:30.  If you would like to help, meet them there.


Mike Ownes, Veterans Advocate, from Trophy Gardens, invited veterans and their friends to a BBQ dinner and Music at Rancho El Charco.  It will be on March 6th and the bus will be leaving here at 2:30 PM.  Unfortunately, the second bus is under maintenance so you would need to follow the bus over.  The Dinner and music is $15 and tickets can be purchased at the Trophy Gardens Activity Office.  If you want to take a tour, you would need to go early and pay an extra amount for the tour.  There are 60 people going from Trophy and the special price is good if they have 100 people going.  There will also be $1 drafts and $3 margaritas.  There will also be a presentation on quarry rock structures.  Bring your questions.  If you stump the VA Advocate, you will win a door prize (questions must be reasonable!). 

THE ALAMO TEXAS INDEPENDENCE PARADE is an annual event which is celebrated the first Saturday of March at 11:00 AM  It starts at HEB and goes South on Alamo Road and then East on Business 83 to Central Park.  This year the theme is Mardi Gras and Alamo invites people that are interested to participate in the parade.  There is a group in the park that is doing a float.  There is a signup sheet in the hall if you would like to join them.  They are taking donations for candy and beads to throw.  The donation jar is in the Activities Office.  We have at least 25 people who are participating including a float, carts and trucks. 


JD has $5 tickets for the Killer Bees for next Wednesday and there will be a bus.  See bus schedule below.


1ST RESPONDER INFO: 


Workshop with Marsha Nelson, PhD in the Winter Ranch Big Hall Loft, Thursday, March 8th from 10 to 11:30 AM.  Dr. Marsha Nelson is a life coach who has presented the Creative Journaling Expressive Arts:  Life after Loss, as well as the Cancer Survivor & Caregiver Workshops at Winter Ranch.  She was a medical presenter at our WR health fair as well as the Bus Tour held at El Rocio.  This is the last scheduled Workshop to be presented at Winter Ranch.  Please make plans to attend.  For further questions, please contact Rita Huether. 

Rita Huether, 1st Responders gave us an invitation to the Rio Grande Valley's only Prostate Cancer Support, Education and Advocacy Group's 5th Anniversary Celebration and free Dinner.  It will be held on April 5, 2012 from 6-8 PM at the Texas Oncology McAllen Community Room at 1901 South Second Street in McAllen, Texas.  The guest of honor and speaker will be the Honorable Richard Cortez, the Mayor of McAllen and fellow cancer survivor.  For more information you can contact Bob Wright - Prostate Cancer Survivor at 956-457-9378.

A few weeks ago Letty Sanchez spoke about a Free Service called Caregiver SOS By WellMed.   They offer complimentary programs designed to support family and caregivers with one-on-one assistance, education, emotional support and training, wellness activities and more.  Caregiver SOS serves caregivers with loved ones impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions such as stroke, cancer, COPD etc.

70% of their calls are from Alzheimer caregivers at the crisis stage. She would prefer that people contact them early in the disease in order for them to assist in all the stages early to late.  There are member screening tests, which are a free service as well.  She provided information on what to do in the event of a silver alert, much like the amber alerts which flash along the roads to notify us of missing children.  Letty's phone number is 956-683-7180.  The address is 5401 S McColl Road in Edinburg.  The website is  www.wellnessmedicalgroup.com 

Yesterday Rita, Jean and Gary toured the Orthopedic Surgery Center and Sports Medicine in Edinburg including the open MRI and physical therapy areas.  Dr. Marquez spoke about many new and improved techniques for treating joint conditions caused by arthritis and osteo diseases or injury. He discussed surgical and non-surgical methods including physical therapy. Dr Marquez was very interesting and informative about all the types of surgery and treatment on knees, hips, shoulders and the spine.  He noted that early intervention is best on torn tendons and ligaments for the best outcome, rather then waiting until damage is harder to correct or permanent.

They have a fantastic Interactive Education web site with extensive orthopedic procedures covered in detail.  Rita encouraged you to visit their website at www.drraulmarquez.com.  The facility works with Veterans as well.  The most important question he answered for me was how long it would take to get an appointment at their facility.  He guaranteed 24 hrs and Rita now has resources to share with all of you in the orthopedic area as well.

They also toured the Cornerstone Hospital where surgery is completed in a very impressive facility. The Cornerstone hospital nurse to patient ratio is excellent with some of the best ratings in the country.  They are especially proud of their ratings in the area of infection control, which is very important with any surgery of the bones and joints.

BUS TRIP INFORMATION: 

Mar 1	4:30 PM	Wink’s	Free	Buffet is $10
Mar 2	9 AM	Basilica Tour	Free	Lunch on your own at Basilica
Mar 3	9:30 AM	Border Fest, Hidalgo
Mar 7	6 PM	Killer Bees	$5	SEATS STILL AVAILABLE
Mar 8	12:30-4PM	Border Patrol	Free	SEATS STILL AVAILABLE
Mar 15	6:30 PM	Cirque du Soleil	$48
Mar 25	6 PM	Killer Bees	$10
Mar 27		McAllen Symphonic Band (Tickets on sale in the Business Office)	Free Bus Ride

Wednesday, February 22, Morning Meeting News

We went from 945 to 931 residents in the park this week.  Our numbers are on the way down.  Cathy reminded us that when we leave we need to leave some labels so that our mail can be forwarded.  The Computer Group can make labels for you if you wish.  Just let the business office know that you need them.

The meeting started this morning with the CanAm Golf Group making an appearance and singing both the Canadian and the American National Anthems.  

Advisory Board Nominations:  We asked for nominees for 3 open positions and we received three nominations.   The newest members are:


Kitchen - Wanda Wheeler
Arts and Crafts - Herman Baughman
Woodshop - Charles Duran


Thanks were given to the outgoing members of the Board, Donna Lewis, Pat Bishop and Dick Devenny and the rest of the Board for their service to the board and the park.  New Board members will start serving us next season but are welcome to attend the rest of this year's meetings. 

BOARD MEETING - There will be a Board Meeting after the park meeting next week in the Video Room.  The Video Room will be closed during that time.  We appreciate your understanding.

The Computer Club is selling the Annual Directory for the 2011-2012 season for $2.  You can buy them in the Business Office.  The Computer classes are winding down, however, we are still continuing to have the open help sessions in Activity Room #3 after the Wednesday morning meetings (except for the first Wednesday of the month when the Church Board uses the room).


MEDIA SYSTEM:  Progress on purchasing a Media System this year is being made. Donations thus far come from:


$    46 - The Karaoke Group
$  365 - From the proceeds of the Valentine's Dance
$  160 - 50/50 for the Stained Glass Group 
$  100 - The Iowa Potluck
$  360.50 - The Exercise Group
$1436.75 - Contributions 
$2468.25 TOTAL THUS FAR

We are at 40% of goal.  This project was initiated as a request by residents.  It has been researched and meets all the needs we have and the system can be updated as time went on so it would not become obsolete in the next couple of years.  If you have not yet contributed, please send in your envelope as soon as you can.  This is a worthwhile and beneficial project

Don Mueller talked to the group in response to questions generated about the Media System.  The main question was why didn't Wilder pay for it.  Wilder provides the facilities, the buildings, pool and roads.  Wilder does not provide the tables, chairs, tools, or kitchen equipment.  All of these types of items are purchased by the residents of this park, past and present.  

Money for all our activities comes from various sources:  the jam sessions, entertainment, dance, craft sales, and 50/50's.  Our volunteers are who keep our activities going and we applaud all of you for your contributions to this park. 

Don stated that there are over 40 different activities at this park and Lyn and JD do a great job of providing for what we all need. 


Here are some things you might want to know about the Activities budget.  Did you know that of the $5 you spend for the Spaghetti Dinner, 42 cents of it goes to pay taxes to the State of Texas.  Also, in order to provide entertainment, we must have a license that is a major expense.


A list of various type of expenses that the Activities Group has expended has been posted in both the large and small halls.  The expenses listed are above and beyond the daily expenses. Coffee, for instance, costs $37 a can or $148 for a case of 4.  Over the season that comes to $3400 that we spend on coffee alone.

Entertainment:

• Red Hat Express will be the entertainment on February 23rd, Thursday night, at 6 PM in Friendship Hall.  Cost is $6.  Remember, the proceeds from this will go toward the media system!  Mike Fultz gave an enthusiastic endorsement of the group.  He said the family has 7 children.  The four young ladies want to sell a million records before they sign a contract in Nashville with a big time producer.  He has grown to know and like the family very much and hopes we all get to see their performance this week.  
• The Young Family will be the entertainment on February 26th at 6 PM.  This will be the last of the scheduled entertainment for the season.

SOCIAL HOURS:  The entertainment for the Social Hour on February 28th is the Old But Breathing Band.   CANCELLED

POTLUCK:  There will be no potluck this Monday!


ICE CREAM SOCIAL:  This Sunday will be the last time we change the time for the Ice Cream Social for the season.  It will start at 4 PM.  The Young Family will be performing at 6:00 PM on Sunday.  After this Sunday, the Ice Cream Social time will go back to 5 PM.


The Variety Show will be held on March 4th at 7 PM in Friendship Hall.   Penny Vollrath, Lot 310 is the Variety Show Coordinator. She is still looking for one guy who can walk across the stage and chew gum.  Anyone interested, contact Penny.  The show is scheduled to last 1 1/2 hrs with a 10 minute break in the middle.  Next year Penny hopes to start the show at 6 PM.

A Celebration of Life Service for the 25 residents of Winter Ranch who passed away from January 2010 through January 2012 will be held on February 28th at 1:30 PM.  There will be refreshments after the service.  Please check the listing of residents of Winter Ranch who passed away during 2010 and 2011 that is on the Church Bulletin Board.  If we have missed a resident, please let Jeanine Helmer in Lot 503 know.  We really want to make sure that we don't miss anyone.   

Volunteers are needed for the dance this Friday night.  Please sign up on the sheet on the board across from the Mail Room.


DATE CHANGE:   Winter Ranch and Trophy Gardens will have the St. Patrick's Day Doggie Parade on March 16th, Friday, at 10:00 AM at Doggie Run.  Dress those doggies up in their St. Patrick's Day duds. 

The Billiards players are hosting a fund raiser for new equipment.   A Margarita Party will be held on February 27th at 4 PM.  There is limited seating so please buy your tickets early.  They will be on sale in the Small Hall from 10 to 11 AM each weekday morning.   

The March Ladies Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, March 15th, at noon.  The meal will include Chicken Portofino, steamed vegetables, and white rice.  There will also be a Fashion Show.  Tickets are available from February 27 to March 12 (weekdays only) in the Small Hall from 10AM to 11 AM. 

 Potlucks:

• Canada on February 26th at 11:30 AM.

BUS TRIP INFORMATION:

February 22, 9:00 AM - National Butterfly Museum - $5 admission fee and lunch on your own.
February 23, 12:30-4 PM, Border Patrol
February 24, 9:00 AM - Market Days in Brownsville 
February 24, 6 PM - Mariachi Concert at the Basilica - $5 donation
Februrary 27, 10:15-10:30 AM, Port of Brownsville
February 28, Killer Bees Hockey, $10 (still have a few seats left)

THE ALAMO TEXAS INDEPENDENCE PARADE is an annual event which is celebrated the first Saturday of March at 11:00 AM  It starts at HEB and goes South on Alamo Road and then East on Business 83 to Central Park.  This year the theme is Mardi Gras and Alamo invites people that are interested to participate in the parade.  There is a group in the park that is doing a float.  There is a signup sheet in the hall if you would like to join them.  They are taking donations for candy and beads to throw.  The donation jar is in the Activities Office.

Wednesday, February 15th, Morning Meeting News

We went from 956 to 945 residents 

in the park this week.  

The meeting started this morning with the 6th Annual Call of the States Ceremony.  Flags were carried for every state of the union and province.  

Cathy Chapin gave us the totals for the residents of  the top 10 states:

Iowa - 174

Illinois - 172

Missouri - 125

Texas - 106

Michigan - 100

Minnesota - 86

Wisconsin - 61

South Dakota - 41

Ontario - 36

Kansas - 31

North Pole - 2 (surprise guest this morning) 

Look out Iowa Illinois is catching up fast!

Next Season's Reservations: All RV residents (non permanent RV's) who are planning to be back next year should have already come in to the office to put down a deposit for next season.  The switching process has begun.  Residents who stay the longest time getting to switch first.   The following is the schedule.

• Tuesday - 6 month reservations (done)

• Wednesday - 5 month reservations

• Thursday - 4 month reservations

• Friday - 3 month reservations

• Saturday - reservations are open to the public

Advisory Board Nominations:  We asked for nominees for 3 open positions and we received three nominations.  We will announce the new board members on February 22nd.  


Directory Pictures:  Shirley Snell will be available in the Video Room from 10 AM to 11:30 AM during the week to register people who have not yet registered to have their pictures taken for the Directory.  Picture will be taken again on the 24th of this month.  Also, the pictures that were taken in December are available for pick up.  Stop in the Video Room today after 2 or from 10 AM to 11:30 AM during the week.  

The Computer Club is selling the Annual Directory for the 2011-2012 season for $2.  You can buy them in the Business Office.

Notice to Activity Coordinators:  There are several activities that have not yet turned in their green Activity Forms to the Activities Office.  These need to be turned in or your activity will not be on the calendar next year and your time slot will be up for grabs.   

MEDIA SYSTEM:  Progress on purchasing a Media System this year is being made.  The media system will be a permanent installation in Friendship Hall and will have a large automatic retractable screen and high definition (1080 pixel) projector.  You should have received an envelope for donations in your mailbox.    If every resident gave $5, we could get the job done.  Thus far we have received the following in donations:


$ 46 - The Karaoke Group

$365 - From the proceeds of the Valentine's Dance
$160 - 50/50 for the Stained Glass Group 


The totals from the resident donations will be totaled today and we'll update you with the status.  JD said to plan to attend the Red Hat Express as the proceeds from that will also go to the cause.

Entertainment:

• The Alaska String Band will be the entertainment on February 16th at 6 PM.  Cost is $6.

• Red Hat Express will be the entertainment on February 23rd, Thursday night, at 6 PM in Friendship Hall.  Cost is $6.  Remember the proceeds from this will go to pay for the media system!

SOCIAL HOURS:  The entertainment for the Social Hour on February 28th is the Old But Breathing Band.  There is no Social hours on February 21st due to other scheduled activities.


The Variety Show will be held on March 4th at 7 PM in Friendship Hall.  If you would like to be included in the show, there are signup sheets on the Board near the Mail Room.  Penny Vollrath, Lot 310 is the Variety Show Coordinator.  She is still looking for some more talent.  Please sign up on the board in Friendship Hall.  Penny would also like to borrow a 6 x 8 tarp for the show.  If you have one you can loan her, please get in touch with her.

A Celebration of Life Service for residents of Winter Ranch who passed away from January 2010 through January 2012 will be held on February 28th at 1:30 PM.  There will be refreshments after the service.  Please check the listing of residents of Winter Ranch who passed away during 2010 and 2011 that is on the Church Bulletin Board.  If we have missed a resident, please let Jeanine Helmer in Lot 503 know.  We really want to make sure that we don't miss anyone.  




Winter Ranch and Trophy Gardens will have the St. Patrick's Day Doggie Parade on March 17th at 10:00 AM at Doggie Run.  Dress those doggies up in their St. Patrick's Day duds.  

The 50th Anniversary Celebration was held on February 12th.  There were 15 couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year and 126 couples who were celebrating more than 50 years or marriage.  It was a great event!  Thanks to Jan and Paul Wilson, the Chairpersons for the event and all the volunteers who made it such a success.


The Billiards players are hosting a fund raiser for new equipment.   A Margarita Party will be held on February 27th at 4 PM.  There is limited seating so please buy your tickets early.  They will be on sale in the Small Hall from 10 to 11 AM each weekday morning.   

The Woodshop Spaghetti Dinner is scheduled for February 21, Tuesday, at 4:30 PM.  Bring your own table service.  Tickets are on sale in the small hall from 10 to 11 AM each weekday morning.


Also, please note that dinner tickets are sold by the sponsoring groups and are not available in the Activities Office.  


The Choir Concert will be held on February 19th, Sunday, at 6 PM in Friendship Hall.


The 2nd annual Charity Golf Scramble will be held on February 17th at 9 AM.  There are still 11 openings.  Signup will be in the Small Hall from Monday through Friday.  Cost is $5 and includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch.  The proceeds from the event will go to the Heart Association.  PLEASE WEAR SOMETHING RED! The contact person for this event is Vicki Miller at Lot 520.  A Dodge Durango (compliments of Burt Ogden) worth $47,000 will be given to the person who makes a hole in one on the 3rd hole!!  If that isn't incentive, we don't know what is.

CanAm Golf  will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd at 10 AM sharp at the Winter Gardens Golf Course.  There will be a total of 45 players from Winter Ranch (23 Americans and 22 Canadians.  (Trophy Gardens will sign up separately.)  With the Trophy Gardens players, we will have a total of 90 players.    Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available. There will also be some "cash prizes" awarded!  Some of the entry fee will go toward new benches for the golf course. If you have questions, contact Dick Degarmo at Lot 26 or Jim Wilson at Lot 341. 

The Can/Am Golf Tournament Parade will start at 8:30 AM and will meet on Coyote Run Street.

The Cowley Sugar House Growers will be presenting a video on February 20th at 9 AM in Friendship Hall.  They will also have a representative available to answer any questions you may have.  There will also be another presentation on March 1st.

State Potlucks:

• Canada on February 26th at 11:30 AM.
• Iowa on February 19th at noon.

BUS TRIP INFORMATION:

February 16, 8:30 AM  Iwo Jima Memorial

February 17,  9AM, Rancho El Charco
February 18, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM Pioneer Ranching Crafts Day in McAllen.  There is a $5 entry free and lunch is on your own.
February 21, 8:45 AM - Resaca de la Palma State Park - There is a $6 park fee and a lunch for $7.
February 22, 9:00 AM - National Butterfly Museum - $5 admission fee and lunch on your own.
February 23, 12:30-4 PM, Border Patrol
February 24, 9:00 AM - Market Days in Brownsville (all day)
Februrary 27, TBD, Port of Brownsville
February 28, Killer Bees Hockey, $10

On Monday, bus trips will be posted for another Winks trip and a basilica trip. 


There are 10 free tickets to the Vipers Game on February 16th that are compliments of Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley.  Please see JD or Lynn in the Activities Office.  It is also possible that there will be some free stock car tickets on Friday.  If they do become available, we will spread the word.

THE ALAMO TEXAS INDEPENDENCE PARADE is an annual event which is celebrated the first Saturday of March at 11:00 AM  It starts at HEB and goes South on Alamo Road and then East on Business 83 to Central Park.  This year the theme is Mardi Gras and Alamo invites people that are interested to participate in the parade.  There is a group in the park that is doing a float.  There is a signup sheet in the hall if you would like to join them.  They are taking donations for candy and beads to throw.  The donation jar is in the Activities Office.

FROM YOUR VOLUNTEER BLOG ADMINISTRATOR:  

I had a lot of requests for a calendar with EVERYTHING on it.  Well, you got it!  There are too many activities to print the whole thing in a calendar format, but you can print it out in Agenda format.  You can choose to look at the full calendar or four other calendars within the total calendar. 

I have also included links to other Winter Ranch park websites and sites that might be of interest to a Winter Texan under the calendar.  

The Wrangler Newsletter is now also available on this blog.  To find the newsletters or older posts on this blog, see the Archives on the left column of this blog.  

I will be offering some classes on using the blog for those that might want them.  Since I've been updating and revising the blog, new directions for using the blog are being printed today and will be available in the Small Hall.


If you have any information that you want to share or pictures for the blog, just e-mail me at blogwinterranch@yahoo.com

Thanks, 

Mary

Wednesday, February 8th, Morning Meeting News

We went from 952 to 956 residents 

in the park this week.  Welcome home 

Winter Ranch residents!

Next Season's Reservations: All RV residents (non permanent RV's) who are planning to be back next year need to come into the office to put down a deposit for next season.  This needs to be done by Sunday or your space will be up for grabs.  Starting Monday the site switching begins.  Residents who stay the longest time getting to switch first.   The following is the schedule.

• Tuesday - 6 month reservations

• Wednesday - 5 month reservations

• Thursday - 4 month reservations

• Friday - 3 month reservations

Advisory Board Nominations:  We asked for nominees for 3 open positions and we received three nominations.  We will announce the new board members on February 22nd.  


Directory Pictures:  Shirley Snell will be available in the Video Room from 10 AM to 11:30 AM during the week to register people who have not yet registered to have their pictures taken for the Directory.  Also, the pictures that were taken in December will be available after 2 PM today.  Stop in the Video Room today after 2 or from 10 AM to 11:30 AM during the week.  

Volunteers Needed:  Our Activity Directors are looking for an ambitious woodshop person to cut one of the wooden chair racks in half so that there would be two of them.  One to be used in the Small Hall and one in Activity Room #3.  See JD.  More volunteers are needed - see the Volunteer Page to the right. 

Our Activity Directors reminded us again that Becky and Elena are not our maids.  They have plenty to do already so heed the old advice "Your mother doesn't live here so clean up after yourself."  That means put the tables and chairs back the way you found them and clear your tables of trash.  

MEDIA SYSTEM:  In response to a Petition signed by 60 residents, the Activities Board has been exploring the possibility of purchasing a Media System which would include a large automatic retractable screen and high definition (1080 pixel) projector for Friendship Hall.   The Activities Board would like to proceed with the purchase at a cost of $6000.  In order to proceed with this purchase this year, the Board is seeking voluntary donations.  If every resident gave $5, we could get the job done.  Look for something in  your mailboxes.  Pat Bishop reminded us that we are like renters.  We rent a place that is unfurnished and what you have at Winter Ranch now has been paid for by the work of those that went before us.  We make improvements every year so all of us and future residents can enjoy their use.  Several people made comments on how a new Media system could be used.  The following suggestions were made:

• Movie Nights
• Tail Gate Parties
• Slide or Travel Log Presentations - the Cowley Sugar presentation that is coming up is a good example of how it could be used.  
• The exercise group (the people who started the petition) have such a gang of participants that a large screen is necessary so that everyone in the group can see or hear.  

The Karaoke Group donated the proceeds from this Sunday's Karaoke session toward the purchase of the Media System.  If you have not attended one of the Karaoke sessions, they are on Saturday from 3 PM to 5:30 PM in Friendship Hall.  We have a lot of great singers here at Winter Ranch.

The Variety Show will be held on March 4th at 7 PM in Friendship Hall.  If you would like to be included in the show, there are signup sheets on the Board near the Mail Room.  Penny Vollrath, Lot 310, needs two more guys to be involved in a funny skit.  You don't have to talk. 

A Celebration of Life Service for residents of Winter Ranch who passed away from January 2010 through January 2012 will be held on February 28th at 1:30 PM.  There will be refreshments after the service.  Please check the listing of residents of Winter Ranch who passed away during 2010 and 2011 that is on the Church Bulletin Board.  If we have missed a resident, please let Jeanine Helmer in Lot 503 know.  We really want to make sure that we don't miss anyone.  

Quilt Show - The Quilters for the Needy will host a Quilt Show on February 10th from 9AM-1PM in Friendship Hall.  Admission is $2.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE THE QUILTER'S PAGE ON THE RIGHT.

The Quilting dinner tickets are sold out! 

SOCIAL HOURS:  The entertainment for the Social Hour on February 28th is the Old But Breathing Band.  There is no Social hours on February 14th or the 21 due to other scheduled activities.


The 6th Annual Call of the States Ceremony will be held at the Wednesday morning meeting on February 15th. Flag-bearers need to be in Friendship Hall stage end by 8:30 AM on the 15th.  


The 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on February 12 at 2 PM in Friendship Hall.  This is to celebrate the anniversaries of people who have been married 50 years or more.  Signup is closed now for anyone celebrating 50 years years, however, signup sheets for people who want to help these couples celebrate are available on the boards in Friendship Hall across from the Mail Room. 
Those people that are celebrating 50 years or more should arrive by 1:30 PM for pictures.  Chairpersons for this event are Jan and Paul Wilson in Lot 602.

The Billiards players are hosting a fund raiser for new equipment.   A Margarita Party will be held on February 27th at 4 PM.  There is limited seating so please buy your tickets early.  They will be on sale in the Small Hall from 10 to 11 AM each weekday morning.  


A Valentine's Dance is scheduled for February 14th at 7-10 PM.  Jealous Hearts will be performing.  There will be lots of prizes and favors.  Cost is $10 per couple and $6 for a single.  Tickets are on sale now in the Activities Office.   Make sure you sign the back of your tickets so you will be eligible for door prizes.

The 2nd annual Charity Golf Scramble will be held on February 17th at 9 AM.  Signup will be in the Small Hall from Monday through Friday.  Cost is $5 and includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch.  The proceeds from the event will go to the Heart Association.  PLEASE WEAR SOMETHING RED! The contact person for this event is Vicki Miller at Lot 520.

CanAm Golf  will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd at 10 AM sharp at the Winter Gardens Golf Course.  Signup for this event is on Friday during the signup for the regular Friday morning Scramble.  All persons must sign up personally.  The fee is $2 per person.   There will be a total of 45 players from Winter Ranch (23 Americans and 22 Canadians.  (Trophy Gardens will sign up separately.)  With the Trophy Gardens players, we will have a total of 90 players.    Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available. There will also be some "cash prizes" awarded!  Some of the entry fee will go toward new benches for the golf course. If you have questions, contact Dick Degarmo at Lot 26 or Jim Wilson at Lot 341.

The Cowley Sugar House Growers will be presenting a video on February 20th at 9 AM in Friendship Hall.  They will also have a representative available to answer any questions you may have.  There will also be another presentation on March 1st.

State Potlucks:

• Canada on February 26th at 11:30 AM.
• Iowa on February 19th at noon.

The Computer Group has a computer help session right after our meetings in Activity Room #3.  The only exception is the first Wednesday of the month when the Church Board has the room. 


Another IPad and IPhone class is scheduled for today at 1 PM.  You don't have to have been at the first one to attend the next one.  If you want help transferring information from your IPad/Phone to your laptop, bring the laptop with you and they will help you with it.
 
The Business Office is selling tickets to McAllen Symphonic Band presentation of  "Hollywood Goes To War" which will be held on February 14th at 7 PM at the Trinity Worship Center at 4801 N Cage Boulevard in Pharr.  The tickets are $5.  There is no bus to this event.  


Wellness Screening will be offered February 13th at 7:00 AM.  Able Almquist,  Lab Director from Rio Grande Regional Hospital spoke on  the benefits of blood screenings.  The hospital is offering various lab tests for $20 and others at a reduced cost.  See the information posted on the bulletin boards in Friendship Hall across from the Post Office.  They have the results the same day and will call if there is something that needs immediate attention.  Able will also go over your results with you and even offer some tools and home remedies that may help improve your results.  The hospital brings in an army of people to do the testing so you will not be in line for hours.  Fasting is required after dinner the night before. 

BUS TRIP INFORMATION:

February 16, 8:30 AM  Iwo Jima Memorial
February 18, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM Pioneer Ranching Crafts Day in McAllen
February 21, 8:45 AM - Resaca de la Palma State Park
February 22, 9:00 AM - National Butterfly Museum
February 24, 9:00 AM - Market Days in Brownsville

The Basilica tour is being rescheduled. 
The Killer Bee Bus tour is full. 


THE ALAMO TEXAS INDEPENDENCE PARADE is an annual event which is celebrated the first Saturday of March at 11:00 AM  It starts at HEB and goes South on Alamo Road and then East on Business 83 to Central Park.  This year the theme is Mardi Gras and Alamo invites people that are interested to participate in the parade.  There is a group in the park that is doing a float.  There is a signup sheet in the hall if you would like to join them.  They are taking donations for candy and beads to throw.  The donation jar is in the Activities Office.

FROM YOUR VOLUNTEER BLOG ADMINISTRATOR:  

I had a lot of requests for a calendar with EVERYTHING on it.  Well, you got it!  There are too many activities to print the whole thing in a calendar format, but you can print it out in Agenda format.  You can choose to look at the full calendar or four other calendars within the total calendar.  There are directions to the right of this page on using it, under Current Info,  the last item "Directions to Use The Calendar."  

I have also included links to other Winter Ranch park websites and sites that might be of interest to a Winter Texan under the calendar.  

The Wrangler Newsletter is now also available on this blog.  To find the newsletters or older posts on this blog, see the Archives on the left column of this blog.  

As soon as we have internet available in Activity Room #3, I will be offering some classes on using the blog for those that might want them.  Since I've been updating and revising the blog, new directions for using the blog are being printed today and will be available in the Small Hall.


If you have any information that you want to share or pictures for the blog, just e-mail me at blogwinterranch@yahoo.com

Thanks, 

Mary

Wednesday, February 1st Morning Meeting News

We went from 927 to 952 residents 

in the park this week.  Welcome home 

Winter Ranch residents!

ATTENTION ALL RESIDENTS:  

Next Season's Reservations:  Our Park Manager, Cathy Chapin, reminded us that we will be able to reserve for next year in a week or so.  At that time we will need to put down a deposit for next season.  The process is first to reserve your lot for next year.  Then there will be a time for switching lots before lots are opened up to the outside.  

Lot Improvements:  Cathy requested that any improvements to our lots (sheds, concrete, carports, awnings) need to be approved through Larry Chapin.  Also, all park models that are to be brought in need to be approved by Larry.  


Advisory Board Nominations:  It is time to nominate people for three positions (Kitchen, Arts & Crafts, and Woodshop) on the board.  You may nominate someone but they must sign the form that we received in our mailboxes yesterday.  It is a two year term and there is normally one meeting a month.  This board makes decisions on the capital expenditures for the park.  The Board will be announced on the 22nd of February at the morning meeting.

The Directory Proof Sheets are in your mail box for the contact information for all Winter Ranch residents.  Please review and verify that your information is correct.  The proof sheets need to be returned by Saturday in order to start printing the Directory.  The contact person is Jeanne Seligmann in Lot 659.

Directory Pictures:  Shirley Snell will be available in the Video Room from 10 AM to 11:30 AM during the week to register people who have not yet registered to have their pictures taken for the Directory.  The spaces for February 22 and 23 are full, however, she will be opening a new date for people to get theirs taken. 

Calendar Corrections:  The Choir Concert will be held on February 19th at 6:00 PM.  The Ladies Luncheon will be held at noon on the 16th of February.  The bus trip to Winks will leave at 4:30 instead of 5:30 PM.

Ice Cream Social this week is at 5 PM.


NOW ON TO OTHER NEWS: 

Please give your congratulations to Judy Blanc and Pete Timko who made Holes in One on the Golf Course last Monday!  Congratulations Judy and Pete!

Congratulations to the 1st Responders who served 553 people at their dinner on the 26th of January.  

A special Thank You was given to Dale Loerch for for canvassing the area and collecting all the wonderful give-aways that we have been enjoying at morning meetings and other events.  Thanks, Dale!!


A Celebration of Life Service for residents of Winter Ranch who passed away from January 2010 through January 2012 will be held on February 28th at 1:30 PM.  There will be refreshments after the service.  Please check the listing of residents of Winter Ranch who passed away during 2010 and 2011 that is on the Church Bulletin Board.  If we have missed a resident, please let Jeanine Helmer in Lot 503 know.  We really want to make sure that we don't miss anyone.  

The Veterans Appreciation Celebration will be held on February 1st at 3:00 PM in Friendship Hall.  H. B. Hulsey is the Veterans Advocate and contact.  He is in Lot 599.  There will be three guest speakers, a video on the Washington DC memorials and on WWII.  The Color Guard from Donna will also be present at the event.

Quilt Show - The Quilters for the Needy will host a Quilt Show on February 10th from 9AM-1PM in Friendship Hall.  Admission is $2.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE THE QUILTER'S PAGE ON THE RIGHT.

The 6th Annual Call of the States Ceremony will be held at the Wednesday morning meeting on February 15th. Flag-bearers need to be in Friendship Hall by 8:30 AM on the 15th.   The office still needs a few people to carry flags. You can sign up in the Business Office.


The 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on February 12 at 2 PM in Friendship Hall.  This is to celebrate the anniversaries of people who have been married 50 years or more.  All are welcome to attend.  Signup sheets for the people celebrating 50 or more years of marriage are available in Friendship Hall.  Chairpersons for this event are Jan and Paul Wilson in Lot 602.

The Billiards players are hosting a fund raiser for new equipment.   A Margarita Party will be held on February 27th at 4 PM.  There is limited seating so please buy your tickets early.  They will be on sale in the Small Hall from 10 to 11 AM each weekday morning.  

Medical Mission Presentation:  Dale Loerch announced that on February 18th, he and Kathy will be leaving for a three week mission trip to a children's orphanage in Honduras.  On Friday, February 3rd, he will be doing a presentation in Activity Room 3 on the last medical mission that they took. 


Labels from Campbell Soups and General Mills products can be placed in the red containers in the Small Hall.  These are collected to help the Children's Haven International.

The Crocheting and Knitting Group meets on Mondays from 9 to 11 in the Friendship Hall loft.  Any of you who knit or crochet are welcome to join them.  Also, if you have yarn or books on knitting or crocheting that you are not using, you can donate them to this group.  They make donations of their crafts in the Valley.


A Valentine's Dance is scheduled for February 14th at 7-10 PM.  Jealous Hearts will be performing.  There will be lots of prizes and favors.  Cost is $10 per couple and $6 for a single.  Tickets are on sale now in the Activities Office.   

The 2nd annual Charity Golf Scramble will be held on February 17th.  More information will be given next week. The contact person for this event is Vicki Miller at Lot 520.

CanAm Golf  will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd at 10 AM sharp at the Winter Gardens Golf Course.  Signup for this event is on Friday during the signup for the regular Friday morning Scramble.  All persons must sign up personally.  The fee is $2 per person.   There will be a total of 45 players from Winter Ranch (23 Americans and 22 Canadians.  (Trophy Gardens will sign up separately.)  With the Trophy Gardens players, we will have a total of 90 players.    Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available. There will also be some "cash prizes" awarded!  Some of the entry fee will go toward new benches for the golf course. If you have questions, contact Dick Degarmo at Lot 26 or Jim Wilson at Lot 341. 

A Surprise Social Hour will be held next Tuesday, February 7th at 3:30 PM. Hint:  Wear your poodle skirts!

The Cowley Sugar House Growers will be presenting a video on February 20th at 9 AM in Friendship Hall.  They will also have a representative available to answer any questions you may have.  There will also be another presentation on March 1st.

State Potlucks:

Canada on February 26th at 11:30 AM.
Colorado on February 5th at 11:30 AM
Iowa on February 19th
Missouri on February 3rd.
 
The Business Office is selling tickets to McAllen Symphonic Band presentation of  "Hollywood Goes To War" which will be held on February 14th at 7 PM at the Trinity Worship Center at 4801 N Cage Boulevard in Pharr.  The tickets are $5.  There is no bus to this event.  

A Cancer Survivor Workshop will be held on February 2, 2012   10-11:30 a.m. in the Big Hall, Upstairs Loft.  It will be presented by Dr Marsha Nelson, Life Coach, PhD.  She recently co-wrote the Creative Journal for Cancer Survivors & has provided powerful workshops to TX Oncology for 6 mos. in 2011.


Wellness Screening will be offered February 13th at 7:00 AM.  Able Almquist,  Lab Director from Rio Grande Regional Hospital spoke on  the benefits of blood screenings.  The hospital is offering various lab tests for $20 and others at a reduced cost.  See the information posted on the bulletin boards in Friendship Hall across from the Post Office.  They have the results the same day and will call if there is something that needs immediate attention.  Able will also go over your results with you and even offer some tools and home remedies that may help improve your results.  The hospital brings in an army of people to do the testing so you will not be in line for hours.  Fasting is required after dinner the night before. 

BUS TRIP INFORMATION: 


February 16, 8:30 AM  Iwo Jima Memorial
February 17, 9:00 AM  Basilica
February 18, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM Pioneer Ranching Crafts Day in McAllen
February 21, 8:45 AM - Resaca de la Palma State Park
February 24, 9:00 AM - Market Days in Brownsville


These trips will be posted for signup on Monday at 8 AM.

The bus trip to Winks tomorrow will leave at 4:30 PM. 

February 4th South Padre Kite Festival Bus Trip:  Folks that are signed up for this can bring a lunch or snacks, a chair, and a windbreaker or coat.  Any beverage should be in plastic containers.  You can get fined if you take glass.

LONGER TRIPS INFO:


There are two seats left on the Alan Jackson trip.


This is the last call for the Mardi Gras trip.  Need your reservation today or tomorrow.  See Gayle Fields at Trophy Gardens at Lot 300 after 2 PM.  Her phone number is 504-473-4435.


A King Ranch Tour bus trip is being offered on January 25th by Fritz Tours.  The bus will be leaving around 7-7:30 AM for a one day excursion.  Information and signup is on the bulletin board in Friendship Hall.  The tour is $65 and includes lunch, transportation and a guide.  There are a few seats left.  





FROM YOUR VOLUNTEER BLOG ADMINISTRATOR:  

I had a lot of requests for a calendar with EVERYTHING on it.  Well, you got it!  There are too many activities to print the whole thing in a calendar format, but you can print it out in Agenda format.  You can choose to look at the full calendar or four other calendars within the total calendar.  There are directions to the right of this page on using it, under Current Info,  the last item "Directions to Use The Calendar."  


I have also included links to other Winter Ranch park websites and sites that might be of interest to a Winter Texan under the calendar.  

The Wrangler Newsletter is now also available on this blog.  To find the newsletters or older posts on this blog, see the Archives on the left column of this blog.  

As soon as we have internet available in Activity Room #3, I will be offering some classes on using the blog for those that might want them.  Since I've been updating and revising the blog, new directions for using the blog are being printed today and will be available in the Small Hall.


If you have any information that you want to share or pictures for the blog, just e-mail me at blogwinterranch@yahoo.com

Thanks, 

Mary

February 2012 Wrangler

February 2012 Vol. 1, Edition 3

Now we've got all the holiday doings out of the way and we can get down to the business of doing our regular “stuff”. As of Feb 1 meeting we have 952 residents.

The New Year's Eve dance was fun. We got together with a few hundred of our favorite people – had some adult beverages and snacks, even danced a little. A little disappointed that the band didn't know Auld Lang Syne, but we've probably all heard it enough times in our lives. A good time was had by all and we got to enjoy the panorama of fireworks around the Valley from the fence, bringing 2012 in with a bang – literally!

What about New Year's Resolutions? Anyone out there make any? Anyone out there NOT broken them yet? I looked around and found a couple of brave people who would admit to making one. Kathy Maynard of Grand Rapids, MI, says she is trying to be a calmer person this year. Scott, her husband,just smiled when I asked if she was succeeding. Most people I talked to said they don't bother with resolutions anymore since they know they won't keep them anyway. Gordon Glock from Lincoln, NE made the best resolution I've ever heard – he resolves to eat more, and his wife, Jolene says he definitely will keep it.

HALBROOK FAMILY DINNER THEATER was a bus trip in January. What can I say about them?

OH, the chicken dinner was delicious. And if you were a Hee Haw fan, or liked the Chicken Opry, you will love this show. Bluegrass is alive and well in Alamo and only a short bus ride away.

LADIES LUNCHEON on January 16^th was a big hit, as always. Regency Caterers did a great job with the food and the entertainment, Magic by Paula, was sensational. (That's Paula Sheridan from Pekin, IL., in real life.)

COUNTRY JAMS on Saturdays feature local singers and musicians, 50/50 drawings, and delicious food from Donna Lewis' kitchen. As always, volunteeers keep everything running smoothly. You notice how much fun the volunteers are always having? Big smiles and laughing all the time. Do they really even work? Guess you'll have to join them to find out.

WINK'S SALOON AND CALF ROPING, was a bus trip in January. They all had such a good time, the bus is headed back there on Feb. 2^nd. I understand the band was good, and you could order a meal off the menu, or partake of the delicious buffet they had set up for only $10.00. I'm definitely going to the next one. Ask Betsy about her horseback ride. (She says it wasn't really a ride – it was more “hanging on for dear life”.) You can find her, along with a bunch of other fun-seekers, in the hot tub almost every evening around 7 P.M.

You may recognize him as the “guy who gets the free stuff for us”; he gets donations from local businesses for the park's many activities. Now he needs our help. His name is Dale Loerch and his church (Clearwater United Baptist) back in Piedmont, MO has a mission. They sent a group to the Honduras back in May to help out after a big earthquake that occurred three years ago. At that time they went to three small villages and gave medical assistance.

Dale is going back there on Feb. 18^th and staying until March 10^th. They will be rebuilding one of the dormitories at Faith Home, (a children's orphanage) as well as teaching the older boys how to make wooden bowls and other wooden items, such as wooden benches for the churches. If you are interested in learning more about this humanitarian project, be present on February 3^rd in Activity Room 3 at ll:15 a.m., when Dale will be doing a presentation with film and information.

The area is poverty-stricken and even though it has been three years since the earthquake, the rebuilding goes slowly. Everything that is needed has to be donated. The cost to rebuild the dormitory is $42,000 and everything is done with manual labor – there are no concrete mixers or other large machinery to do the work. The first week that Dale is there he will be working alone; the last two weeks two construction groups from Indiana will be there. All of the volunteers stay in one of the dormitories on the Faith Home campus. Winter Ranch has shown its generosity in the past, and Dale is hoping to tap into it now. Donations to help cover his costs will be much appreciated. Contact Dale at Lot #438, mailbox #1269, or phone him at 314-541-5422 if you would like to be a part of this project.

MEMORIAL SERVICE CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held on February 28 at 1:30 PM in the big hall, honoring residents who have passed away between January 2010 and January 2012. Check the list on the bulletin board and if you know of anyone who is not listed there, please let the office know. If you keep track during the summer while you are gone from WR, as we do, you will know that we lost many many good friends this past year. (This is another area where that picture directory is invaluable.) In addition, so many of our number had a rough summer, health-wise. Thank you, Charles Kroll, for keeping us informed, and we are praying for your swift recovery as well. For more information about the service, contact Jeanine Helmer at 956-783-6421.

The sixth annual FLAG DAY is February 15^th. All the states and provinces will be recognized, so extra flag bearers will be needed. Let Cathy in the office know if you would like to carry a flag. This is always an impressive ceremony and it's an honor to be a part of it. More flag bearers are needed, as of Feb. 1 meeting.

FANTASY TOURS hosted a presentation on Alaska tours, complete with wine and cheese, on January 12^th, and I missed it, darn it. Hope you didn't forget, and had a good time.

GOSPEL CONCERT on January 22, with Joe Stice, Carol Earley, Kathy Loerch and Ron Berg doing the singing honors, was beautiful. Hope they will do it again. We got a little preview in the morning, as they rehearsed before our Wisconsin potluck. Admission was a food item for the food bank and 170 pounds of food was collected. Way to go! We have so much talent in this park it's hard to comprehend sometimes.

DAVID CHURCH show had 491 paid attendance. You missed a terrific entertainer if you weren't there.

1^st RESPONDERS fundraiser dinner was a sell-out as usual. 553 dinners were served. Everyone wants to help support this worthy cause because we never know when we're going to need their services. Besides, the food is pretty darn good too. 
 

CAN-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT sign up day is Friday, Feb. 3. The tournament will be Feb. 22^nd. This tournament has been going on for 13 years. It is a hard-fought battle for bragging rights. There are always 45 Americans and 45 Canadians, from Trophy Garden and Winter Ranch. See Dick DeGaramo here in WR if you want to participate. Everyone always has a great time and the winning country leads a golf cart parade around the two parks. The Canadians won in 2008 and 2010.

VIDEO ROOM is open Monday and Weds from 10 A.M. - 11 A.M., and Fridays until 11:30. For a 50 cent donation you can check out a dvd for two days. The film library is growing all the time and they have many recent releases, including The Help and The Ides of March, both nominated for Oscars this year. If you still have a VHS player, they do have a few movies on VHS left that you can have for free. See Rosie Ewald if you have questions.

VALENTINE'S DAY DANCE is February 14^th. The band will be Jealous Heart, so bring your sweetheart and spend a romantic night together. Tickets are $10 a couple or $6 each.

50^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY celebration is Sunday February 12 at 2 P.M. Janet and Paul Wilson are in charge of details. If you have been married longer than 50 years, please contact them before the party.

CHARITY GOLF SCRAMBLE will be Feb. 17. See Vicki Miller for more information.

MARGARITA PARTY fundraiser for the pool hall will be on February 27^th, starting at 4 P.M. Tickets are $6.00 in advance and will be sold every week day in the small hall from 10 to 11 A.M. It will be held out by the swimming pool, so a limited number of tickets are being sold. Admission includes brats, kraut, beans and 2 margarita drink tickets. Blooming Onions will also be available for an additional $7.00. 

KITE FEST bus is going on Saturday. Bring your lawn chairs and a lunch, and remember, NO glass is allowed on the beach.

SOME OF THE FEBRUARY BUS TRIPS include National Butterfly Center, Feb 7; Iwo Jima memorial, Feb. 16^th; Basilica, Feb. 17^th; Pioneer Ranching Days, Feb. 18^th; Resaca de la Palma State Park Birding Center, Feb. 21; Market Day, Feb.24; and Brownsville Channel on Feb. 27. See JD and Lynn in the Activity office for times and costs.

REMINDERS:

Speed limit in the park is still 10 mph! And stop signs mean stop! For ALL vehicles on wheels. I confess that I don't always come to a full stop at stop signs when I'm on my bicycle, but I'm trying to do better. It's those Rio Propane, concrete mixers and UPS trucks that scare me the most – they have the pedal to the metal and don't stop at any stop signs.

GOLF COURSE is closed on Tuesdays until 3:30 P.M. Please remember to wear your name badges when on the golf course. The caretaker is trying hard to get the course back in shape, so do your part by replacing your divots.

IMPROVEMENTS on your lot, such as concrete, planting, or bringing in a park model, all require the approval of the office. See Larry Chapin if you have something in mind.

SUGAR CANE GROWERS ASSN will be here Feb. 20^th at 9 A.M for a presentation. There will be no bus trips there, since all they do is show a film. It's a very interesting process, so try to attend.

SUNDAY ICE CREAM SOCIAL will be at 4 PM on Feb. 5^th and 26^th because of entertainment.

SPOTLIGHT ON QUILTERS

We've all seen the quilters working their little fingers to the bone on Thursdays in the big hall. We've all heard about their donations to the 1^st Responders when someone gets taken to the hospital in an ambulance; each patient gets a quilt to keep them warm in the ER. What we all may not know is all the other donations they make.

Last season 371 quilts were donated to various organizations, including the needy, McAllen Medical Center, Easter Seal in McAllen, San Antonio Veterans Hospital, plus the 1^st Responders. In addition, they made ten or eleven other quilts to sell for fundraisers. They have also checked with the Veterans Nursing Home in Mission to see if lap quilts are needed for the wheelchair-bound vets. They are waiting to hear back about that.

ANNUAL QUILT SHOW is the biggest fundraiser for the quilters. This year that event will be on Friday, February 10^th from 9 A.M. To 1 P.M. in Friendship Hall. Tickets are $2.00, which includes the show itself and coffee, tea and cookies. Proceeds will go towards the Quilting for the Needy project.

Residents of Winter Ranch are invited to participate in the quilt show by submitting quilts and quilted items. (All will be returned after the show.) Categories include Modern and Antique quilts, Wall hangings, Quilted Art, Quilted Clothing and Household Items, Baby Quilts, along with works in progress, such as quilt tops. Holidays Throughout the Year will be a special category this year.

In addition to the quilts, the Craft Room is available to many other sewing projects. It is in there that Swedish Weaving and Hardangering are taught. The room is also used by the watercolor and oil painters.  Check the schedule on the door to see what is being done and when. Many beautiful creations have come from the Craft Room.

Even if you are not a quilter, you should try to attend the Quilt Show on the 10^th. There will be a variety of quilts and quilted objects and you will be impressed at the creativity presented. Besides, there will be cookies and door prizes! How can you go wrong?