Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Newsletter, Nov. 8th

 RVE CLUB MEETING – Chair Sharon Sprague 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 – Cathy Probst

Invocation – Pam Brustkern –

“God is the source of all our blessings”

Secretary Report – Dana Daves

Treasurer Report – Sandy Olson

Welcome back to everyone who just arrived this week!

MANAGEMENT REPORT: There was no report today. Website for park is riovalleyestates.com

Treasurer Sandy Olson gave report & it was accepted.

Mark Probst gave Properties report thanking John Norris & Dan Laurence for finding space under stage for chair storage. Do we need sprayer in south sink of kitchen? Mark said there are items including four wheelchairs, shower chair, commode, crutches, walkers behind stage & wondered if it’s necessary we keep all of them. We decided to keep only one of each item; the rest could be put on upcoming park patio sale. He announced he will not be available to haul recycling items during Dec.; said his truck is available at #54 if someone wishes to do this. He requests NO plastic bags & said be careful when you use HEAVY tailgate of truck.

Wear your RVE name tags. This will help you meet new residents & remember their names! If you do not know them, they probably don’t know you either. Make them feel welcome!

Donna Gabbert puts 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. No cards this week.

Dana Daves, dance co-chair, reports all bands booked have agreed to come .. with first dance on Jan. 3.

Marylyn Mason, Friday entertainment co-chair, said the kids from Cleckler Elementary School have agreed to come. Date may be changed due to scheduling. Volunteers are needed for candy bag packing.

Both Dana and Marylyn said they understand some folks, even those who are vaccinated, may still be concerned about spread of Covid. They cannot ask if you’re vaccinated .. but if you are concerned feel free to wear mask. Please come support park activities!

Craig Daves, dance co-chair, has checked with the fellow who has done floor cleaning in Friendship Hall in the past. He will do this at cost of $50 per event. We voted to have him clean floor before Thanksgiving dinner & early in Dec.

Sharon Sprague is known as our “popcorn lady” .. she’d like volunteers to help with this.

Thanks to Patty Lamp & Phyllis Branstetter who served coffee & donuts prior to meeting today. There is a sign up sheet if you wish to provide in honor of special occasion. If no one signs up, club will pay. Bring donuts by 8:15 a.m.

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.

Upcoming Events: Nov. 25 – Thanksgiving Dinner

Dec. 3 - Park Patio Sale, 8 – noon

Discussion was heard about whether to elect club chair for 2 months .. or for entire season. Entire season would basically be 6 months Nov. through April. Would we also want term limits? It appeared most felt entire season with no term limits would work. Judy DeKoning will create what would be a change in by-laws, to be presented at next Monday meeting….then more discussion before we vote per by-law rules.

For residents’ information, code to unlock all doors is 7157. Last one out locks up.

Dan Bryant has agreed to crush cans .. but asking for volunteers to help him.

Dave Johnson & Jose Ponce have agreed to work with sound system at activities this season. We give a big thank you to Bill Hamlett for doing this in the past.

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

After so many things were cancelled during the pandemic, activities are picking up for this season. We’re glad to be back to near normal again. Let’s have a fun season!!!

Dave Johnson chairs Shuffling Tuesday, Wed., Friday, 8:30 a.m. New shufflers needed. It’s a great way to get acquainted. Anyone who has ideas for new games/activities should suggest them.

Dave Johnson at Lot #93 needs your name & phone numbers for the next park directory.

Don’t forget to sign up for Thanksgiving dinner on sheet in hall. Thanks to Pam Brustkern who has volunteered to chair Thanksgiving dinner. Co-chair is Ken Barnhart. Sign up if you will be attending .. so turkeys can be purchased. Turkey, dressing & mashed potatoes will be provided .. looking for a volunteer to make good gravy from the turkey drippings. Remainder of meal is potluck.

There will be regular Happy Hour this Wednesday & the day before Thanksgiving in card room, 4 p.m. Bring your own beverage & snacks to share.

Happy Hour on Nov. 17 will be HOT DOGS, cost $2 pp. For that Wed. only, get together is in Friendship Hall. Tickets will be sold at door & includes dogs, buns, onions, condiments. There is a sign up sheet in back to get count.

Park Patio Sale will be held outside units on Friday, Dec. 3, 8 a.m. to noon. This is your chance to make big $$$ .. so you can spend $$$ on other items you can’t live without.

The Kentucky Derby Party has been cancelled due to Norby’s health situation. It had been planned to be held January 20.

News editor Mary Lou Benson requests WRITTEN notes for any articles or items you wish printed in newsletter. There is a clip on the front of steps if no one is home. She’s at Lot #103, phone 956-532-9665. Keep in mind due to space .. some items may be edited for content & size.

Your printed newsletter (with any luck!!) is available mid-afternoon on Mondays Find it by the backdoor in card room..

***********

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.

Take naps. Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water & lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around & wag your entire body.

No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing & pout. Run right back & make friends.

Eat with gusto & enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.

***********

GAME RESULTS: Place scores, winner names, complete info on dates & name of game in plastic container back of Friendship Hall. WRITE LEGIBLY!

BEAN BAG –

BOWLING – Pins & Cues

CANASTA – Table of 4 –

CRIBBAGE –

DOMINOS – Mexican Train –

DUMMY RUMMY – Nov. 6 -

1st – Kathryn Ratliff 288 2nd – Denny Argo 295

3rd – Mary Lou Benson 319 4th – Darlene Bryant 327

EUCHRE -

GOLF – Executive –

PINOCHLE – Single Deck –

SHUFFLING –

TEXAS HOLD'EM POKER –

TIC – Nov. 3 –

1st – Donna Gabbert 160 2nd – Dana Daves 173

3rd – Sandy Lenius 189 4th – Mark Probst 192

“In the blink of an eye, everything can change. So forgive often and love with all your heart. You may never know when you may not have that chance again.” -- Anonymous


Have a great week everyone !!






Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Newsletter

 RVE CLUB MEETING – Chair Person Sharon Sprague called the meeting to order at 9 o’clock. We recited “Pledge to the Flag” & sang “God Bless America”. Meeting closed by singing club song, ”We Love Our Valley Home”.

Accompanist – Cathy Probst

Invocation - Darlene Bryant

Secretary Report – Dana Daves

Treasurer Report – Sandy Olson

MANAGEMENT REPORT: Jan and Dan introduced the new Assistant Mgrs. Bil and Annie Perkins.

Mgr. Dan said their mission is to establish a safe, secure, comfortable, fun place for us! Also that Spectrum is being installed and hopefully by the first of the year we will have free internet and basic cable, and if you choose to upgrade you will pay extra for that.

Website for park is riovalleyestates.com

Board Members -- Properties – George Morgan, Lynn Stamp, Mark Probst; Finance – Vicki Davis, Gordon Amos, Sandy Olson. If you have issues you’d like to present or discuss, you may contact a board member. They sit in a group up toward the right front of Friendship Hall prior to Monday meetings.

Wear name tags. This will help us meet new residents .. and help us remember their names! Mgr. Jan said they will be ordering badges for people.

Donna Gabbert asks you to call 956-968-6684 when you know of someone needing card due to illness/death in family. Cards to sign are in office area. If you call Donna, leave message & name. She will return calls if she knows who called. Donna made 56 cards for folks this last year and a half

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.

This is the FIRST park newsletter of the season. Editor is Donna Gabbert 956-968-6684, until Mary Lou returns, Mary Lou Benson, 956-532-9665. Please give her WRITTEN note of item you wish printed. Some may be edited for content/size. Give notes to Mary Lou at Monday morning meetings or you may deliver to her at Lot #103. There is a clip on the front of steps if no one is home.

If you wish something printed Valley-wide of an activity OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, give note to Mary Lou as well. Some news media (Winter Texan Times in particular) will only take items for winter Texan calendar from ONE person in the park. Mary Lou has done this for many years .. but if anyone else wishes to do this, jump right in, let Mary Lou know! 😊

New folks to the park, Pam Bruskern lot 3, from Iowa Harry & Deb Olshewski, D-9, from Canada, Harold & Shirley Mack, 157 from S.Dakota, Dan & Julie Laurance, 233, from Iowa

Miscellaneous Announcements

Some activities have begun Some include TIC tournaments on Wed. evening, Dummy Rummy tournaments on Sat. morning. Mexican Train, new time, 6:00

Dave Johnson chairs Shuffling Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30 He encourages new shufflers to come see what this is all about. New shufflers needed! See schedule of activities on 1st page left of this weekly newsletter. If you’re new to the park, don’t be afraid to “jump in”. It’s a great way to get acquainted. Rio Valley Estates is known as the FRIENDLIEST park in the Valley! Anyone who has ideas for new games/activities should suggest them.

Dave Johnson #93 does park directories, he will need your name and phone nos. for the next park directory

Activity Calendars are posted by Judi DeKoning. Editor thanks Judi for putting these up. Between that & what editor “remembers” from last season, names of chairmen are shown in left column, front page of newsletter. Let Mary Lou or Judi know of changes or corrections please! If you wish a copy as they update send an email to judideke@gmail.com, include your name and put Calenders in the subject line.

A big thank you to the gals who have decorated the dog park area with plants , a statue etc, very nice!

Several of the entertainers have cancelled this year, the gals are workimg on it.

We will have a Christmas program hopefully the little children from Cleckler Elementery school will return

Besure to sign-up if coming to Thanksgiving Dinner, there's a sign-up sheet in the hall.

Remember Church starts at 9:00 now

Al Lenius says Dummy Rummy starts Sat. at 9:00 a.m. , bring a dollars worth of dimes !!!

A Chairman is need fort Thanksgiving Dinner , you will get lots of help so don't be shy about volunteering!
 

Mark Probst says our icemachine is running ok now, thanks to George for fixing it, but the warranty has expired, hopefully we won't have any problems with it. Mark says the new chairs are too large to put under the stage so finding a place to store them is a problem, may have to put them somewhere in the back room. The new chairs cost $31.50 each , the old chairs were all sold.
 


Dances Craig and Dana Daves Chairs the dances and said all the entertainers for dances are all coming 1st dance is Jan. 3rd

Monday, October 18, 2021

Great News





 Okay Folksies as my buddy Aloyce would say,  We will have our first  meeting Monday November 1st at 9:00 a.m. with Donuts furnished by the Club at 8:30. Sharon Spague will Chair and Dana Daves will be our acting Secretary.

We will have a great Winter Season and lots of fun making up for last year. 

Are you all ready? Well, then come on down!


Sunday, October 17, 2021

October 17th

 



A beautiful sunrise this morning. A cold front came in Friday night late, and this  morning it was a chilly 59 degrees. I believe yesterday it was a cool 57, but warmed up to near 80 as it will today!We've been waiting for a cool down for a long time, it hasn't been this cool since April!

Spectrum has been in the park, burying cable, I guess the cable has to go under each of those new concrete pads, and all through the 99's, quite an undertaking!! 

We've been enjoying the pool and jacuzzi, finally. The park looks very very nice.

Hoping our borders open for Mexico and Canada!!!The restrictions are supposed to be lifted some time in November, for vaccinated people to enter.


Friday, October 8, 2021

October 8th

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Friday Coffee and Donuts was well attended, Diane Bernier furnished them. Thanks also to Danny Bryant for making the coffee for all of us!

It was a beautiful morning , upper 60"s and last night was absolutely beautiful. Nice and cool.  but am afraid our cooler weather is not going to last too long, atleast for the next 7 days or so. Then back up to warmer temps. but one thing, those real hot temps won't last long with Fall just around the corner.

Wednesday evening Happy Hour going real good, some playing cards after. Also Wednesday "Tic" tournament has been most fun, only 3 tables but a fun way to spend an evening.

I was surprised to see the huge Spectrum trucks in the park. Hopefully that means we will  be getting our free internet and cable service soon. 

The pool looks so inviting, espeically when it's been closed for awhile!!! But I heard the Jacuzzi will be up and running and pool ready, possibly Monday. not sure of that yet tho.

Getting a little line dancing in on Tuesday mornings, we are all a little rusty. But starts coming back after a few times doing the different line dances.

Thanks to Judy Dekoning for putting up a temporary schedule for us. 

Elks Famous fried Chicken dinners start Oct. 24th. Their Sat. nights have been busy this Summer with excellent entertainment. Entertainers, Ron Mosher, Curt James, and Steven May. Each taking turns. On the 28th of Oct. all 3 will be entertaining with a German fest type meal. 

That's about all I know from our beautiful Rio Valley Estates Park

Donna


Thursday, September 23, 2021

Sept. 23rd

 Good news, we now have new assitant Mgrs. Bill and Annie Perkins. We met them this last Friday. They will really be an asset to our park and great help to Dan & Jan.

Our former Assistant mgrs. Jim and Joyce are moving back to Oklahoma due to health reasons, Jim is in Rehab at this time.


This morning was the coolest morning since last April, well it seems like it,  we have had he hottest Summer I can remember and the most humid and lots of rain. We had  61 this morning and it got up to 88. The rest of the week mainly low 70's and highs low  90's and the best part of the lower temps is the lower humidity.

Very sorry to hear that Gary Schisel from Garner,Ia. passed away, they lived at 299. They had sold several years ago.






Tuesday, September 14, 2021


 Getting all the Palms trimmed up! They are doing a great job this time!!


Our hot tub is being worked on, They found lots of problems beneath the ground. 

Haven't started on the pool yet. 

We only got a little over .42 inches of rain from the storm that came close to the gulf. Mostly Cameran County and Padre Island got quite a bit of rain and some winds, we were very lucky.

Of course Football games going on across the street, enjoy hearing them. 

People still wear masks in stores here.