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Val's Kountry Corral
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January 4, 2010
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Editor: Reid Brenan |
Arriving at the Park by the first week of December sure makes Christmas come fast! We hardly had time to get any decorations up. We really didn't plan it this way . it was the doctors' idea. There is so much to do when you first get here, such as clean the trailer inside, run the sweeper, wash the windows (still haven't been washed outside), get the outdoor chairs, table and BBQ out of the shed, check outdoor lights, reset timers for outdoor lights, rake leaves that have covered the gravel area of our yard, and . these are just the things Mary takes care of ! Unfortunately, there is not enough space to list all the things I do.
We start thinking about Texas come September, and usually by the end of October we are here. So, this has been quite a change for us. We are just happy to be here with old friends, and some new friends who have made Val's Kountry Corral their Winter home. To those of you here for the first time, we welcome you and hope you will consider this your new Winter home. ... Editor
FIVE WHO HAVE LEFT US FOREVER
We have lost five residents since last season. All had been residing in the Park for many years. They are: Don Smith, lot 94, Darlaine Smart, lot 85, Ken Smith, lot 93, Marilyn Payeur, lot 20, passed away this last summer at her home in Canada. Her husband, George passed away about four weeks ago here in the Park.
New Activity Directors
Due to health problems, Tom and Judy Luebke had to give up this position. The new directors are Ken and Lyn Huybers. They have been very active over the past four years in this area of the operation. The next time you see them take a few minutes and introduce yourself. They are currently on lot 61.
While I am on this topic I would like to report that there was $610.00 in the Activity fund at the beginning of this season. The December sale of 50\50 tickets has added $140.00 to that total. Add another $132.00 from profits of the Pancake Breakfast and food sold during the Park Sale. The following items were purchased this past summer. Large coffee urn: $ 40.00. Puzzles: $110. Solar Reel for pool cover: $200.00 (total cost was $600.00). Tile Floor in Rec Hall: $300.00 (total cost was $800.00).
50/50 Winner for December
The 50/50 winning ticket was drawn at the Christmas Dinner and the winner was Barb Johnson, lot 89. The total amount sold was $280.00, the winner receiving one half. Congratulations, Barb! Thanks to the ten folks who were out there selling tickets. It couldn't happen without you.
Ninety-Eight Folks Enjoyed Christmas Dinner
This was one of the biggest turnouts we have had for our Christmas Dinner in the hall. The family we donated food items, clothing and money to were invited to eat with us; mother, father and two boys (one 15 the other one 10). Thanks to all of you who contributed to make their Christmas a little better.
Christmas Gift Exchange
This is a fun thing we have been doing for a number of years. If you missed this year, plan on attending the next one. There were approximately 65 in attendance. ( There will be pictures in the photo album.)
Residents Rules & Info Packet
Folks, please take time to read these four or five pages. This info is not just for the new people. Each year there will very likely be some changes that you should be aware of. So, this should be read by all. I mention this because Management has told me that some of you are not complying in some areas. PLEASE take a few minutes and read through this.
NOTICE: Speed Limit has not Changed
At times I think my street is a drag strip! Just a few minutes ago while I was writing this, a white pickup, belonging to one of the Dish companies went flying up the street at what had to be at least 35 mph, turned around and came back down doing the same speed. I realize he is not a resident, but let me assure you that some of you have been observed doing more than the 5 mph speed limit. There is no reason for any of us in the Park to exceed the speed limit. I have talked many times in past Newsletters why it should be observed. But, maybe it is time to do that again. Many of us use the road to walk. It might be to go to the Rec Hall or maybe to the garbage bins. Many of us are not as agile as we once were. And, some of us do not hear as well as we used to. It would be a very sad thing if someone was hit by a car here in the Park. Please obey the speed limit.
Volunteers Needed
There are many activities that go on in the Park during the season. With exception of only three or four, each activity must be "chaired" by somebody. Things such as the pancake breakfast, St. Patrick's Day dinner, Hot Dog Day. Horseshoes, Park Sale, Crafts, Bingo, Sunday Ice Cream, Saturday Coffee and Donuts don't just happen. Someone has to make it happen. Most of these things take very little of your time. If it is a big activity, such as a Valentines dinner or St. Patrick's Day dinner, then two of you can go together and "chair" the activity. Getting people to help you is the easiest part of the job! There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board indicating where help is needed. Please give this some very serious thought, folks. Otherwise, many of these things will no longer happen.
Bulletin Board for Resident Use
Something new has been added. There is now a bulletin board for residents to post notes, such as items for sale, trips to gambling cities, thank you notes, etc. Remember to take a look at this when you are viewing the activities on the other boards. This board is the last one on your right as you stand looking at them.
December Pancake Breakfast
This was one of the best crowds we have had. The count was 52. The Activity Directors, Ken and Lyn, along with Joe and Jeanne Andrews and Star were responsible for this activity.
Thanksgiving Dinner
This is one we missed. Probably the first time in many years. From what I heard, there was turkey and ham, along with all the "goodies" you all bring. Ninety people enjoyed the dinner.
Year-end Party.March '09
One hundred plus people showed up for the annual year-end party. This is always a very enjoyable event and this year was certainly that. Not only did we have good music to listen to, but Big Bird made an appearance!! It took awhile to figure out just who it was inside that big yellow costume. Wally did a super job impersonating the "bird". Lots of pictures were taken with people and Big Bird. (The photo album will have many.)
Walkabout Wally
"Walkabout" is a Winter visitor to the park. He likes to visit with as many of us as he can during his stay. He is a dog. But, not a large dog. And, you do not have to feed him. You see, Walkabout is a metal dog that resembles a "hound" dog. He has been visiting with us for many seasons. Here is what you do if you find him on your yard some morning. Let him stay and visit for about five days and then, some evening move him to another lot. There are two lots that are off-limits. They are lots 8 and 23. Please do not leave him at either one. This is a tradition that started many years ago. The first thing to make the rounds, years ago, was a fish. We even had a funeral for it!! That's a story for another time.
Christmas Decoration Winners
There were some very nice yard and unit decorations this year. Here were the judges' choices: First place: Lot 16, Ken and Sharon Cromwell. Second place: Lot 90, Orville and Arlene Lieders. Third place: Lot 96, Joe and Jeanne Andrews. Congratulations folks.
This and That ..
If there are any new horseshoe pitchers in the Park, we invite you to come down to the pits Wednesday mornings starting at 9:00. There will be a Super Bowl pool going around the Park sometime in January. Usually a week before the game. See Al Yrjo, lot 11 or Reid Brenan, lot 100.
Bet you didn't know.. There are, or will soon be 15 new families in the park this season!
One more thing. I know there are several ways to treat a bee sting. I received an e-mail from a friend several months ago with the following remedy. As quick as you can after being stung, put a penny over the area and fasten it down with a band-aid. Within 20 minutes you will no longer feel the sting. Leave it on for several hours.three or four. You will not even be able to see where the bee stung you when you take it off! I have tried this twice and it works like a charm. A chemist told me that it has something to do with the copper in the penny. So, always be sure you have a penny and a band-aid handy!
January Calendar
All of you should have a calendar for the month of January. There are a lot of things going on this month. Water aerobics will be each Monday at 1:00 P.M. Something new..each Monday at 9:30 am there will be a computer question and answer session at the Rec Hall.
Check out the bulletin board re: the Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Jan. 14.
Line dancing will be each Friday at 10:00 am.
If you want an evening of really good entertainment, be sure and hear Double D-Light, Sunday, the 17th at 7pm in the Hall.
Another new eating venture.Sloppy Joes, Jan. 19, 5:00 pm.
A mystery lunch will be served on the 28th at 1:00 pm.
Be sure to attend the Round Table Discussion conducted by Park Management Sat. 23rd, following the Pancake & Sausage breakfast. This will replace the annual yearly meeting we normally have in January.
New Years Party
35 people attended. The music was good and a good time was had by all.
….’til next Season
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