March 2nd

RVE CLUB MEETING – Chair Judy Nordquist called meeting to order. We recited “Pledge to the Flag” & sang “God Bless America”. Meeting closed by singing club song, ”We Love Our Valley Home”.

Accompanist –
Invocation – Bev Telfor “We have a lot to be thankful for in RVE. Don’t sweat the small stuff” and prayer
Secretary Report – Maxine Topel
Treasurer Report – Gordon Amos

MANAGEMENT REPORT: None today. Website for park is riovalleyestates.com

Kathy from SkyMed spoke briefly about services they offer, will return to talk with residents next Monday AFTER morning meeting. Sky Med is an emergency transport company, inexpensive, $1 or less per day for year-round protection. It covers air, ground, helicopter. Rate will not change once you join. Donuts will be provided.

Board Members -- Properties – Ron Zoeller, Lynn Stamp, Mark Probst; Finance – Sandy Novak, Gordon Amos, Sandy Olson. If you have issues you’d like to present or discuss, you may contact them.

Treasurer Gordon Amos gave his report & it was approved.

Mark Probst gave Properties report. Chairs have been ordered, should arrive in 2-3 weeks. Those from Sam’s Club were no longer available, so getting from the company & chairs are a grade higher. They carry 12 yr. warranty on frame, 3 yr. warranty on seat & back.

Committee member Ron Zoeller read names of RVE residents nominated for 3 yr terms on board. Nominated: George Morgan & Chuck Gonnerman, Properties; Vicki Davis &, Nancy Gonnerman, Finance. Election will be by written ballot next Monday.

Dance chair Craig Daves said there was a wonderful turn out last Monday, could use larger hall but that’s not going to happen. 😊 Craig reports tonight’s music is “Country Roland Jr.”. Tickets $7 pp. Free popcorn, soda pop, 50-50 draw.

Residents might want to come to Friendship Hall today at 2 p.m. A new band will be here to practice. Floor cleaning will be done earlier so you can come. Craig might get them for a dance next season.

FREE MOVIE this week is “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner. “If you build it, he will come”, said Iowa farmer Ray Kinella (Coster). Kinella was inspired by a voice he can’t ignore to pursue a dream he can believe. On Aug. 13 the NY Yankees will be playing the Chicago White Sox in a new field right next to the field in Dyersville, Iowa, the field used in the movie. Movie begins 7 p.m. There will be popcorn, variety of ice cream treats, sodas & water for sale before & during intermission.

Come to potluck before Thursday movie, 5:30 p.m. says Denise Cheek. Potlucks continue through March.

Entertainment chair Marylyn Mason announced this Friday’s show is Kai, $7 pp. It’s our last show of the season. Showcase has introduced him as “Mr. Energy”. 50-50 draw, ice cream treats at intermission. Popcorn available!!

Donna Gabbert puts up cards in office area for your signature. If you know of someone needing card due to illness or death in family, call her at 956-968-6684. Cards up this week: Dianna McFarland, serious health issue; Norm/Catherine Gibbs, his uncle died; Dean/Mille Ricke, son in serious accident; Glen/Glenda Warren, her mother died; Dave/Mar Hicks, her mother died; Jim/Donna Goodwin, daughter very ill.

Donna Gabbert keeps us informed with a blog. Find it at www.donnasramblingsatrve.blogspot.com Her email is bodogabby@aol.com.

Club website by Judi DeKoning is RVEWTC.com .. for “members only”, the password is riovalley.

News editor is Mary Lou Benson, 956-532-9665. Please give her WRITTEN notes at Monday meetings or deliver to #103. Some may be edited for content & size.

Janie Maxwell wanting to borrow car seat for 20 mo. old child.

Needs it by this Thursday. Contact Janie at #164.

Upcoming Events:

March 4 – Iowa Noon potluck dinner, Friendship Hall, Carolyn Thomson/Gene Maurer chair. Doors open at 11.
March 6 – Park Patio Sale, 8 a.m. to noon
March 6 – Band & Music Concert at Center Church in Pharr (see article on back side of newsletter) 7 p.m.
March 8 – Orange Street Block Party, Friendship Hall, 2-6 p.m.
March 9 – Rep from Sky Med will speak to those interested AFTER morning meeting
March 11 – Blood Profile Test results, Friendship Hall, 1 p.m. Dave Almquist will be with us.
March 13 – ROPA Style Show, 1 p.m., $1 pp at door, Pat Printy chairs…need more models.
March 18 – MN Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Jalisco’s, Juanita Fisher contact person

Dave Johnson #93 has the new park directories you may purchase for $2 each.

Activity Calendars are posted by Judi DeKoning. Names of chairmen are shown on front page of newsletter. Changes may be given to Judi or Mary Lou.

John Norris has updated the digital directory. Throw away the directory you received earlier via email as there are some errors. A printed one will not be done this season as only 11 additions were made. John has some copies leftover from last season. John’s email is Jdnorris811@att.net.

Thanks to Janice Williams who has volunteered to be our Librarian.
“My brother Norm Gibbs sent me a copy of the sympathy card folks at RVE signed when our brother passed away. Thanks so much to all of you.” – Venita Lingle (former RVE resident)

Bill Jones reminds residents of 52 Card Bingo 2 p.m. on Sundays. Remember when we had two tables at Western Days in the “Olden Days”? It was popular! Bring quarters.
Come Shuffle at 3 p.m. on Mondays, says Agnes Messner.
Give greeting cards to June Ingamels at #175. She makes bookmarks for children at Airport Elementary School. There are 700 kids there & they love these.
The Mexican Fiesta held on Thursday was fun for all who attended! Everything from the authentic meal to mariachi music by Donna High School students made for a wonderful evening. Winners in the table decorating contest were: 1st Sally Hejlik & her RVE mariachi group, 2nd Norm/Catherine Gibbs, 3rd (tie) Patty Shellito & Sally Dunlap tables. Kathy & Dave Cochran have chaired these theme parties for the past six years and we thank Kathy & her entire crew! Kathy announces they are stepping down so a new chair & committee will be needed next season. A date has been reserved in February 2021. These events are well received at RVE. Fred Goldsberry who has played for this party plus all 10 sock hops announces he also is retiring. “Thank you to all who helped in any way these past 6 years. You don’t do anything without a committee…plus real men wash dishes. RVE always comes through!” says Kathy.

We voted to donate $100 to the Donna High School mariachi group who entertained at Thursday’s fiesta. Kathy said the mariachi commented we were a great audience with lots of energy. That’s Rio Valley Estates for you!!

This week:

Carolyn Thomson/Gene Maurer chair March 4 Iowa Dinner. This is a noon potluck in Friendship Hall, everyone welcome. BYO table service & a dish to share.

There will be Happy Hour Wednesday in big hall 4 p.m. Bring your own beverage & snacks to share.

Don’t forget this Friday (March 6) Patio Sale held in your front yard, 8 a.m. to noon! It’s a chance to sell your valuable items & buy what you can’t live without. Bargains everywhere!

We are in for a treat on March 6 according to Del Hickey who plays in RGV Concert Band of 45-60 retirees. The band along with Magic Valley Chorus, Men of A Chord & Sr. Ambassadors will combine for a concert at Center Church, 4801 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr. Event is at 7 p.m.

Orange Street Block Party will be held 2-6 p.m. in Friendship Hall on March 8 according to Mary Norby.

Looking Ahead:

Results from the Blood Profile Tests have been rescheduled for March 11 in Friendship hall, 1 p.m. Dr. Dave Alquist will be with us to give results.

The ROPA Style Show will be held in Friendship Hall Friday, March 13, 1 p.m. More models are needed. ROPA Queen & chair Pat Printy at #219 has clothing in various sizes if you’re willing to model. Contest will be “most creative use of plastic bags”. Entries should be in hall by noon so attendees can vote as they arrive. Pat says, “There’s still time for a ROPA run!”

Minnesota Luncheon is March 18, 11:30 a.m. at Jalisco’s on N. Westgate across from Home Depot. Any questions, call Juanita Fisher 218-784-8496.

Next Season:
Mary Norby announces residents should look forward to the Sock Hop in 2021. Theme will be the Kentucky Derby scheduled on Jan. 21. Get your ideas during the off-season when you are home. Sounds like there will be horse racing!

Miscellaneous Announcements

Park Breakfast is at Fiesta Tex-Mex Thursdays, 8 a.m.