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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

January 21st Wednesday Morning News


We grew from 767 to 801 residents this week!

Notes any changes will be in red.  
There have been some since the meeting!

The sun came out and so our residents came out to play and party this week.

We were back to enjoying the pool!

We were outside riding bikes!

                     And we were partying at the Hippie Party!

 Welcome to our New Residents


Karen and Eldon Clary 
Lot 233
From McComb, Michigan


Tom and Terry Griffith
Lot 732
From Lakeville, Minnesota


Bill and Suzy Hare
Lot 476
From Illinois



Nina and Larry Magnuson
Lot 742
From Cheyenne, Wyoming
 


Lena and Wayne Schuck
Lot  460
From Des Moines, Iowa

Thank Yous:

1st Responders:  Cathy thanked everyone for the wonderful participation at the 1st Responders Dinner.  She thanked the 1st Responders for all they do for the residents in this park and for all that Rita does throughout the Valley.  We are very blessed to have the care that we have here at Winter Ranch!  And, she was so impressed that we had Specialists in the medical field here to talk to us and answer questions.  That is a real blessing!

Jam Volunteers:  Lynn gave a big thank you to all the people who have been volunteering for the jam luncheons.  She said without you guys they would be in the kitchen together and it wouldn’t be good! Lol

Important News:

Hippie Party:  Cathy was impressed with costumes and she thought some of them looked pretty authentic!  She also saw the brownies with the green stuff on top and thought she wouldn’t ask!  It was a great party!!

Advisory Board Nomination Forms will be in your mail shortly.  The top of the form tells what the Board does so you might want to keep that somewhere where you can refer to it.  We have three seats to fill:  Indoor/Outdoor Sports, Music and Dance and one at large position.  You may nominate yourself or someone else.  If you nominate someone else, they need to sign the form that they agree to take the position.  Ballots will be sent out later.  These aren’t difficult positions.  The Board meets once a month during the season.  The main thing that they do at the meeting is to vote on capital expenditures from the Activity Fund. 

The Alamo Parade will be held on March 1st.  Winter Ranch has participated in this event for many years and we’ve come home with lots of trophies.  Sometimes we are half of the parade.  It’s been a lot of fun.  This year the theme is Super Heros and here at Winter Ranch we are expanding that meaning to include our military,  our veterans, 1st Responders, police, firemen, etc.  If you are interested in learning more about this parade or being involved, contact Don DeKeyrel. 

Canadian Quarters:  Please don’t put Canadian quarters in the washers and dryers.  They stick in the machines and we have to have them removed and it costs $80 to get them out!

Fruit and Veggie Cart:  Will be here again on Thursday from 9AM-10:30 AM on Doggie Row between Trophy and Winter Ranch.

The Photo Directory is in production now and we hope to have them by the end of January.

Watch your Calendars, The Winter Ranch Activities Blog or The Winter Ranch Facebook Page.  There are over 60 activities going on in the park during January and February.  If you aren’t a computer person, we try to post what is happening including changes on the boards in the two halls.  We try to keep you informed but you have to do your part. 

Golf Cart Parking:  We are now at the very busy season so please do not use car parking areas for the golf carts.  There is golf cart parking behind the hall and in front of Devenny’s Lot 515 across the street from the Small Hall.    This is especially necessary on Friday nights for the dances and on Thursdays and Sundays when we have entertainment. 

Ice:  The price of ice is going from $1.25 to $1.50.  This is the first increase in years.

Dairy Queen Bingo:  The game has resumed at the Dairy Queen in Alamo.  It is Mondays at 6 PM.  Just note that there will not be Bingo on January 19th.  Otherwise, come on and play!

Activity Room #3 has internet available to anyone in the park when the room is not being used for some other purpose.  The password to the internet is posted on the wall in the room.

Texas Holdem is on Fridays at 1 PM in the Large Hall.

Yoga is going on in the loft area even though Pam Hoppe has not arrived here in the park yet. 

Morning Exercises/aerobics are every weekday morning in the Large Hall at 8 AM.

Dominoes – Sunday night at 6:30 PM.  They play Mexican Train.

Short/Short Bike Rides have resumed.  These rides will not be more than 4-5 miles Round Trip.  They are on Tuesday Mornings at 8:30 AM.

Car Show Discount Coupons  for this weekend are available in the Activities Office.

Greeting Card Classes are held after the Wednesday Morning Meetings in the Arts and Crafts room.  Signup sheets are put up the week before in the Arts and Crafts room.

Sew4Fun has classes scheduled.  There is limited seating so sign up in the Arts and Crafts Room as soon as possible.  There is also a standby sheet.  If enough people sign it, another of the same class will be scheduled.  Please be sure to have your prep work done before you arrive at the class.  They cannot delay the class waiting for you to get that done during class time.

Golden Olympics – Marsha Fabricus will again be coordinating our participation in these events. This is a two month long event that has tons of different categories at various times during the two months for your to participate in.   There is a newspaper flyer available in the Activities Office for anyone wanting to participate or see what all the categories are.  You can be a contest for baking, golfing, walking, biking, any card game you can name, jig saw puzzles, etc. etc.  There are also park participation events where you can Walk and Talk or Bike Ride.  If you register for those and participate, Winter Ranch gets participation points.  The park with the most participants wins those events.  I know we can all walk and talk and a lot of us ride those bikes.  We don’t want our sister park winning again this year, do we???  Let’s get out and participate in the total Rio Grand Valley Event.  

Billiards Cue Raffle – The Billiards Group will again be raffling a $300 cue.  The tickets are 1 for $3 or 5 for $5.  The raffle will be drawn on February 16th at the Pool Tournament.  You do not need to be present to win.

Lynn is starting to put together the Activities Calendar for the 2015-2016 so please obtain a Green Activity Sheet to get your activity on the calendar for next year.  If the office is closed just put the sheet into the door slot. 

On January 21st and 22nd, there will be Beginning Card (cribbage, euchre, pinochle, 500, and pitch)  and Maj Jong Lessons classes in the Large Hall from 1 to 3 PM.  Bridge is not included in the card games as you can learn bridge on Thursdays at 1 PM.  Donna Ironsides needs to know if you are interested in learning or teaching the games.  There are signup sheets for classes and instructors on the board near where you sign up weekly for games in Friendship Hall.  If she doesn’t get enough people interested in playing or in teaching, then the classes won’t be available. 

The Farnum Family will appear here on January 22nd at 7 PM. From Galena, Missouri, they are a six-piece family band that plays a lively blend of bluegrass, folk, gospel, Irish, novelty and old-time western music. They love to perform tunes that will have you tapping your foot and singing right along, or take you down memory lane. And a few songs may make you laugh out loud!

Bob Ross Art Class - All you artists or would-be artists will want to know that the next Bob Ross class is on January 23rd. One class of 10 from 9 to Noon and one from 1 to 4 PM. $45 per person.  Register soon in the Activities Office.  We have eight seats available. The instructor, Larry Weirs, provides everything you will need to complete a painting except for a roll of paper towels and wet wipes.  Specifics are on the Bulletin Board across from the Post Office.   There are a few seats left.

Winter Ranch Garage Sale that is open to the public will be held on January 23rd in the Large Hall from 8 to Noon.  If you want a table for this, see JD in the Activities Office.

The swimwear sales lady will be at Winter Ranch on January 23rd from 9 AM to Noon in the Library.

The Dance on January 23rd at 7 PM will be Route 66.  They are a great new country western band although they can play other music too if it is requested!

January 24th Jam Menu: 

·        Hot pork sandwiches, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dessert. 
·        Brats
·        Chicken Salad Sandwiches
·        Potatoe Bacon Soup

January 24th Jam at Noon in the Large Hall
January 24th from 3 to 6 PM Karaoke in the Large Hall
January 24th 6:30 PM Bingo in the Large Hall

January 24th Bus to Hello Dolly will leave at 6 PM instead of 6:30PM.  Please pass the word on this.

January 25th Church at 9 AM (Fellowship at 8:30 AM)

January 25th Bernie and Red perform at 3 PM.  $6.  Bernie and Red are a British husband and wife comedy team who perform throughout North America in venues large and small and around the world via their cruise ship engagements.  Tickets can be purchased in the Activity Office or at the door.  Doors open at 2 PM.

January 25th Sunday Ice Cream Social will be at 5:30 or after the Bernie and Red performance.

The Minnesota Potluck will be on January 25th from
11:30 to 1:30 PM.  See the Bulletin Board near the Rest Rooms in the Large Hall for details.  The date and time have changed so please read this if you are a Minnesotan!!

50/50 Lottery will be on Monday, January 26th at 10 AM in the Large Hall.  If you are one of the 20 activities that do 50/50’s at the morning meetings, make sure you are represented!

Quilters:  The Winter Ranch Annual Quilt Show sill be on Tuesday, January 27th, 2015 from 8 to 1 PM.  They are still in need of quilts and quilted items.  Need to have them registered by tomorrow.  There will be home-made cookies and a drink.  We would love for you all to come out and see the work done by our quilters. 

The Fabulous 50’s Dance on January 30th is sold out. 

Iowa Pot Luck will be held on February 1st in the Large Hall from 11 AM to 1:00 PM.

Entertainment addition this season.  David Church will entertain for us on February 1st at 2 PM in the Large Hall.  $10 per ticket. David Church has been featured on "Midwest Country" for over five years. His popularity throughout the US, Canada, and now Europe continues to soar as he makes regular appearances on the show and tours throughout the world. David has been featured in numerous major country music magazines.   His wife, Terri Lisa performed with the popular gospel group, "The Kings Heirs," throughout Northern Indiana. She started a variety group in the mid-90's called, "Joyful Noise," featuring gospel, country, 50/60's and pop music

Margarita Party tickets are now on sale.  The party is scheduled for February 3rd    
from 3:30 to 5 PM. $8 per person.  The theme this year is Hawaiian.  There will be prizes for the best costumes.  There will be music, a meal, and drinks.  Only 350 tickets will be sold!

The Missouri Potluck will be held on February 6th from Noon to 2 PM in the Large Hall.

The Activity Office is selling Texas Lions Club Benefit Concert Tickets.  The Concert will be on February 6th at 7 PM.  Tickets are $7 and are on sale in the Activity Office.

The Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia Potluck will be held on February 8th at Noon in the Large Hall.  No invitations will be sent out so please mark it on your calendar.  Meat will be provided.  Bring a generous dish to share and your own table service.  If you have a door prize to offer, please see Cathy in the Business Office.

The Mystery Theater Dinner/Play is “The PolterHeist” this season.   The Dinner Theater will be held February 8th at 5 PM in the Large Hall.    This performance if Sold Out.

The February Ladies Luncheon will be held in the Large Hall on February 9th in the Large Hall. Entertainment will be provided by Phylis Hummel who does a tribute to Kitty Wells. Lunch: Lasagna, salad, bread, tea and dessert. Cost is $8.

The Variety Show Rehearsal is February 10th from 1 to 3 in the Large Hall. 

Roundup (Social Hour) with Carlos on February 10th from 3:30 to 5 PM.

Can/AM Golf Tournament will be held on February 11th.  The parade will be at 8:45 AM.  Golf at 10 and lunch to follow.

Matinee Mystery Theater  on February 11th at 1 PM in the Large Hall.   This year their will be a Matinee performance of the play for those that weren’t able to get the dinner tickets.  The Matinee version without dinner will be $5.  There is no limit on the Matinee.  You can still get tickets to the Matinee in the Activity Office.

Selections and Timing of the various acts for Razzle Dazzle will be held on February 12th at 9 AM in the Large Hall. 

Trophy Gardens/Winter Ranch Bridge Tournament will be held on February 12th from 11AM to 4 PM at Trophy Gardens.  Please sign up on the board by the Mail Room in the Large Hall.

Auntie Kreamsaugen, Comedy Entertainment on February 12th at 7 PM.  Tickets are $6.  You can purchase tickets in the Activity Office or at the door. 

AARP Driver Safety Program (4 hours) will be on February 13th   from 8 to Noon.  Register in the Large Hall across from the Mail Room.  Must be registered by February 10th.  Change in date since the meeting.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the Activities Fund will be held on February 13th at 4:30 PM in the Large Hall.  Tickets are on sale now for $7 each.

The Pet Parade will be held at Doggie Row on February 14 from 10 AM to 11 AM.

Valentines Dance with Jealous Heart on Saturday, February 14th at 7 PM.  Tickets are available in the Activity Office. (No Bingo, Karaoke or cards on the 14th)

The 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for February 15th from 2 to 4 PM in the Large Hall.  Lynn will be putting up reservations sheets on the Bulletin Boards by the Mail Room this week.  There are three DIFFERENT sheets. Please be diligent about what sheet you register on.   One sheet is for those that are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.  One is for those that have been married for over 50 years and the third is for guests.  Please make sure you sign on the right form so that we don’t have a mixup.  We REALLY need to know who is celebrating 50 years so we have things prepared.  Same goes for those married over 50 years The cut off date for signing up is February 9th.

Call of the States:  The Call of the States will be at the morning meeting on February 18th.  Cathy needs flag bearers that will report at the Large Hall at 8:30 AM so Larry can show you where to line up.  If you would like to participate, see Cathy in the office.  She needs someone for every flag in the Union and for each Canadian Province so that is a lot of volunteers!

 
Full Dress rehearsal for Razzle Dazzle will be on Saturday, February 21st from 7 to 9 PM in the Large Hall.

The Winter Ranch Variety Show “Razzle Dazzle” will be held on February 22nd at 7 PM.  Mark your calendars.  Lee Clement and JoAnn Sullivan are the Coordinators of the event.  They have posted a sign-up sheet to be in the show on the Bulletin Board by the Arts and Crafts Room.  They REALLY need to know as soon as possible who is going to participate. 

The Memorial Service will be held on February 24th at 1:30 PM in the Large Hall.  We will be remember the residents who passed away during 2014.  There is information on it on the Church Bulletin Board in the Large Hall.

Roundup (Social Hours) on February 24th at 3:30 to 5 PM with Dave Lopez.  Chuck Wagon will beopen.  Dave has done some work in the park but on the side he has a band. 

Wilder Parks Shuffleboard Tournament will be held on February 27th  at Trophy Gardens with overflow here and on February 28th .  See the Activity Office for time and details.

The Alamo Parade will be on Saturday, March 1st.  Mark your calendars.  Even if you aren’t participating, you can attend the parade and support all our Winter Ranch people that will be participating.

Choir Concert – Mark your calendars for March 1st at 6 PM in the Large Hall.
 
Computer Classes  (Sign up for these classes on the Bulletin Board across from the Mail Room:
Android Systems / Ron Doerschug, Instructor / Activity Room #3

Thursday
January 15
9-Noon





Survive Windows 8 or 8.1/Ron Doerschug, Instructor/Activity Room #3
Thursday
January 15
1-4 PM





iPad for Beginners / Donna Ritchie, Instructor / Activity Room #3
Monday
January 19th
1:30-3:30 PM

Monday
January 26th
1:30-3:30 PM





Iphone Tips and Tricks (Iphone 4 and 5 NOT iPhone 6) / Donna Ritchie, Instructor / Activity Room #3
Monday
February 2nd
1:30-3:30 PM

Monday
February 9th
1:30-3:30 PM





Exploring APPS for iphone and ipads / Donna Ritchie, Instructor / Activity Room #3
Monday
February 16th
1:30-3:30 PM





Iphone Tips and Tricks / Donna Ritchie, Instructor / Activity Room #3
Monday
February 23rd
1:30-3:30 PM





iPad Tips and Tricks / Donna Ritchie, Instructor / Activity Room #3
Monday
March 2
1:30-3:30 PM


Trips: 

Gail Fields announced that there is still room on the New Orleans Trip.   This will be the last year that Gail leads this trip and she is very familiar with the area.   Gail has enough couples for the trip but there is still room to join this 6-day  trip that includes 2 casinos and 7 tours in the city.    The Itinerary and information about this trip is on the Tour Board.  Call Gail with questions.  She needs FINAL PAYMENT by today!

There will be a Houston Rodeo Trip.  It will be two days and includes 1 meal.  Cost is $269 per person.  It is a PRCA Rodeo with a 2.4 Million Dollar Purse.  The dates are to be announced.  They have requested tickets for March 7th (Alan Jackson) or Tim McGraw (March 10th).  Gail will know the dates and the entertainer by Saturday, January 17th, 2015.  Gail would like you to sign up on the board for information about this trip.

Gail is working on new casino trips for February and March.  Put you name on the signup board in the Large Hall by the stairs.  Remember you pay $80 and get $40 back in playing money.

Gail has five new trips posted on the board in the Large Hall by the stairs.

Contact Gail for more information - see Bulletin Board near the steps in Friendship Hall. 

Bus Trips:

On February 13th, There will be a Shoot Out at the Killer Bees Game between Trophy Gardens and Winter Ranch.  Stop in the Activities Office to get more information and to let them know if you would like to participate.  We need 5 people from Winter Ranch and 5 from Trophy Gardens.  JD will be setting up the bus for this.

Sign up for these trips in the Activity Office
Jan 22
8:45 AM
Hilltop Gardens Guided Tour
$8 WR/TG
Jan 26
9 AM
Birding Nature Center
$10 WR/TG
Jan 29
9 AM
Beach and Dirty Al’s
Lunch on your own WR/TG
Jan 31
6:00 PM
Killer Bees Hockey Game
$7 WR/TG
Sign up for these trips on January 28th at 11:00 in the Large Hall
Feb 1

Kite Festival


Schlitterbahn waterpark
 Note:  If you have an idea for a bus trip, let JD know.  He’ll see what can be arranged.  More trips will be announced after Christmas!

Volunteers and/or Donations Needed: 

Jeanine Helmer is looking for UPC and Box Top Labels.  They are used by the Children’s Haven International Mission in Pharr.  The Pharr location serves as the main headquarters.  It has a thrift store which sells donated items to raise money for the orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico.  They are using the box tops to purchase a van and are half way there.  Take your box tops to Jeanine at Lot 503.

JD needs guys to setup for the Garage Sale on January 23rd and to get re set up for the dance that night. 

Cathy will be needing flag bearers for the Call of the States.  She’ll have a definite date by next week.  She will need lots of flag bearers.

Computer Group is looking for instructors in are area of expertise including Smart Phones, Tablets, and Laptops.  Contact Ron Doerschug.

Dale Loerch will again be collecting furniture or household goods for the needy in the Little Mexico section of Alamo.  He will be collecting large items such as appliances for furniture on Wednesdays.  Small items can be delivered to him at any time at their lot which is Lot 438.  If you have large items, give him a call so he can schedule picking up your items.  He is currently helping one of the families we adopted for Christmas and an elderly woman who had a house fire.  If you have anything that would be useful, please give him a call – anything from dishes and bedding to furniture.

The Quilters for the Needy are in need of people to iron, sew or knot.  If you want to help out, just come to the Large Hall from 9 to 3 on Thursdays.





Calendar of Events:
(Unless otherwise noted the event will be held in Friendship Hall aka The Large Hall)
All additions/changes/cancellations will be in red
Jan 21
1 -3 PM
Beginning Card Playing Lessons

Jan 22
8:45 AM
Bus: Hill Top Gardens Guided Tour WR/TG
$8
Jan 22
1 -3 PM
Beginning Card Playing Lessons

Jan 22
7 PM
Farnum Family - Entertainment
$6
Jan 23
8-Noon
Garage Sale in Large Hall Stage End

Jan 23
9 – Noon
Bob Ross Art Class – Arts and Crafts Room
$45
Jan 23
9 – Noon
Swimwear Sales

Jan 23
11-1 PM
Wisconsin Potluck

Jan 23
1 – 4 PM
Bob Ross Art Class – Arts and Crafts Room
$45
Jan 23
7 PM
Dance to Route 66 
$5
Jan 25
11:30-1:30 PM
Minnesota Pot Luck

Jan 24
6:00 PM
Bus:  Hello Dolly (note change in time)
SOLD OUT
Jan 25
3 PM
Bernie and Red - Entertainment
$6
Jan 26
9 AM
Birding Nature Center WR/TG
$10
Jan 26
10 AM
50/50 Date Lottery in Large Hall

Jan 27
8 – 1 PM
Quilt Show – NO ROUNDUP

Jan 29
9 AM
Beach and Dirty Al’s for Lunch WR/TG – Lunch on your own

Jan 29
7 PM
Greg Jones - Entertainment
$6
Jan 30
7 PM
Dance to Fabulous 50’s
SOLD OUT
Jan 31
6 PM
Killer Bees Hockey WR/TG
$7
Feb 1
11AM-1 PM
Iowa Pot Luck – Note Change in Times

Feb 1
2 PM
David Church Entertainment
$10
Feb 3rd
3:30-5 PM
Margarita Party – No Roundup
$8
Feb 5th
7 PM
Lindley Creek - Entertainment
$6
Feb 6th
7 PM
Texas Lions Benefit Concert (info and tickets in Activity Office)
$7
Feb 6
?
Ingra Health Screening

Feb 6
Noon-2 PM
Missouri Potluck

Feb 6
7 PM
Dance to Sweet Water
$5
Feb 8
Noon-2 PM
Michigan/Ohio/West Virginia Potluck

Feb 8
5 PM
Mystery Dinner Theater “The Polter Heist” Seating limited to 80 pre-sale tickets
$10 SOLD OUT
Feb 9
Noon
Ladies Luncheon
$8
Feb 10
1-3 PM
Variety Show Rehearsal

Feb 10
3:30-5 PM
Roundup with Carlos Canas (singer)
Pass the Hat
Feb 11
1 PM
“The Polter Heist” Mystery Theater Matinee (seating is open by ticket)
$5 OPEN SEATING
Feb 12
9 AM
Timing and Selections Practice for the Variety Show in Large Hall

Feb 12
11-4
Trophy Gardens/Winter Ranch Bridge Tournament at Trophy

Feb 12
7 – 9:30 PM
Auntie Kreamsaugen (Comedy) - Entertainment
$6
Feb 13

NO DANCE

Feb 13
8 to Noon
AARP Drivers Safety Class in the Large Hall – change in date

Feb 13
4:30 PM
Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser for the Activity Dept
$7
Feb 14
10:00-11:00 AM
Pet Parade at Doggie Row Pet Walk West

Feb 14
7-10 PM
Valentine’s Dance with Jealous Heart/No Bingo, Karaoke or Cards today

Feb 15
2-4  PM
50th Anniversary Celebration

Feb 17
4 PM
Quilters’ Dinner/No Roundup

Feb 18
9 AM
Call of the States/Provinces at the Wed Morning Meeting

Feb 19
1-4 PM
Dress Rehearsal for Variety Show

Feb 19
7 – 9:30 PM
The Terry Smith Band – Entertainment
$6
Feb 20
9-Noon
Bob Ross Art Class- Arts & Crafts Room
$45
Feb 20
1 -4 PM
Bob Ross Art Class- Arts & Crafts Room
$45
Feb 20
7 PM
Dance to Swing Tyme
$5
Feb 21
7 PM
Full Dress Rehearsal for Variety Show

Feb 22
Noon-2 PM
Canadian Potluck

Feb 22
7 PM
Variety Show/All other activities in Big Hall cancelled from 5 PM on
Pass the Hat
Feb 23
7 PM
Razz Ma Tazz - Entertainment
$5
Feb 24
1:30-3 PM
Memorial Service

Feb 24
 3:30 PM
Roundup with Dave Lopez
Pass the Hat
Feb 26
Noon-2 PM
Ladies Golf Luncheon

Feb 27

Wilder Park Shuffleboard Tournament at Trophy

Feb 27
7 PM
Dance to Sweet Water
$5
Mar 1

Alamo Parade
Free
Mar 1
6 PM
Choir Concert
Free
Mar 3
4:30-6 PM
Woodshop Dinner/No activities in Large Hall until after cleanup from the Woodshop Dinner

Mar 6
7 PM
Dance to Jealous Heart
$5
Mar 10
8 – Noon
Craft Show/No Roundup

Mar 13
7 PM
Dance to Diego
$5
Mar 17
Noon-2 PM
Lunch – St. Patrick’s Day
TBD
Mar 20
7 PM
Dance to Sweet Water
$5