Don't Forget...

The much anticipated From the Heart Auction is this afternoon  (Sat, Jan 31st) from 3-4 in the pavilion.   Great stuff being offered!  Bid high, bid often!   Following the auction...well, at 7-10:30pm...is the pre-super bowl party at Pub Night.   And     Next Saturday, Feb 7, is Crafts & Stuff, in the pavilion...new time-8:30-10:30am. See Irwin at site 332 for more info and to sign up for a table.

A Crikey Reminder!

Save the Date: Friday, January 30th starting at 4:00 p.m.

 

Crikey!

  Tom and Louise Butler (Lot 44) are planning a traditional Super Happy Hour and Open House to celebrate the one year anniversary of their trip to Australia and New Zealand. 

 

Everyone in the park is invited to join us at Lot 44

(Yes, we will spill onto the street, grass, neighbors...

onion field...who knows. But don't park on the grass, according to management.)

 

 Barbeque sandwiches, paper plates, napkins

and cutlery will be provided by the hosts. 

 Please bring your own chair and drinks. 

If you want to bring a dish to share, good on ya, mate.

 

There will also be a prize awarded to the person who comes closest to guessing the total number of photos

 Tom took on the trip

(including the Fiji Nude Cruise that finished the vacation).

  E-mail your guess to louisebutler@earthlink.net.

 

We can't wait to see you on Friday, Jan. 30th.

 

From the Heart Adopt A Family Auction

Below is a list of just some of the items donated for the 2015 Adopt a Family Auction which will be held at the Pavilion on Saturday January 31^st starting at 3:00pm.

 

Beach hike with lunch, a couple of baskets of kitchen goodies and one with cheese & wine, pies, maple syrup, a mobile or motorhome wash, massage, ice cream and sorbet, Czech pastries, note cards, handmade scarves and an afghan...and dinners!  Italian, Indian, Mexican, Steak, Shrimp, a Cajun boil...and more, so much more!!!!

Bid high and bid often!!

 

This auction will support our efforts to ensure that needy families in our area will enjoy a Christmas that without our help would go without.

Come and join us on Saturday at 3:00pm and help support our efforts. 

See you there, 

Mary & John (Lot 5)

 

Ladies Day for Feb.

Ladies day for next month is on February 26. 

 Meet at gate 11:00am.

We will have lunch at the New York Deli. 

 

 And don't be surprised if there is a bit of shopping afterward!

 

 

 Reservations must be made by Feb 19TH. 

 

Call or email Karen Hazlett

412-848-3305.

 hazlettk05@gmail.com

 

 

Surprise!

 We are going to have a Surprise Flash Mob

for "J" at Lot 401 on Monday, January 26, at 4 PM sharp.

 

 Come by and sing Happy Birthday.
No gifts, No cards, No Problems!

We are trying to keep it a surprise

so please don't mention it to "J".

Thanks,

Bob and Carma

Bike Ride Report...From Tom & Louise!

Today we rode our bicycles through the Solar System!

On today’s bike ride on the bike trail next to Bicentennial Boulevard in McAllen we were discussing the solar system. 

 There is a really great scale model of the solar system just south of Nolana on Bicentennial Boulevard. 

 It turns out that the evening sky is reinforcing some of the things we were talking about.  You can see all four of the rocky inner planets this evening in the sky.  Look to the west just above where the setting sun is fading and you will notice Venus first, then as the sky darkens you may be able to see Mars and Mercury in the positions shown on this diagram of the sky. 

The sky is shown for January 21 so on the 21^st you will see the Moon next to Venus.  Each night the Moon climbs higher in the sky.  On the 22^nd it will be next to Mars and on the 23^rd it will be above all the other planets.  Mercury will not be visible for more than a few nights so if you miss it now it will be several months until it reappears in the morning sky.  Mars will be slowly sinking in the sky in the next few weeks and Venus meanwhile is rising higher each evening.

By the way, I mentioned only three planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars.  Look down at your feet and there is Earth!

The commentary below this diagram is from Sky and Telescope Magazine, the source of this information.  There is a link in the message below if you want to read more.

CPR & AED (defibrillator) Course

Hello: 

We are organizing a CPR & AED (defibrillator) course

to be held on Wednesday, January 28th at 4PM in Flip Flopz.

This will be be approximately 2 hours long

 at a cost of $30 per person. 

 

 If interested, please contact Paul or Judy at Lot #404

to sign up and pay for the course before Monday January 26th. 

 Thank you. 

   Paul & Judy Kelly

The Art Forgers and Starry Nights!

We had a great time at the Tipsy Canvas in McAllen yesterday.  The instructor was very patient with us and the food was great.  I wasn't allowed to taste the wine since I was a designated driver.  When Steve saw my painting he was impressed and offered to frame it.  (Don't you love supportive partners?)

 

  Can't wait to do this again.

 

Karon

From John & Mary, Adopt A Family

Sometimes sitting in our cozy environment we don’t always get to see the results of our efforts and the affect it has on the families that we support.

 

We are attaching a copy of a letter received today from our school contact (Diane) which is self-explanatory. Our Auction and the support of the SPR family helped this family have a joyful holiday season.

 

 

 

Jan. 13 Bike Ride Cancelled.

Due to a forecast for temperatures

 in the low to mid 50's with 15 to 20
MPH winds from the north

and a 30% chance of rain for Tuesday,

the bike ride scheduled for Tuesday, January 13 to Port Isabel is canceled.
We will all hope for better weather soon.

Tom Butler

Don't Forget Ladies Day Out...

Christmas house Falfurrious 

(it has a Web page if you have questions)  http://santastxworkshop.blogspot.com/ 

 

Jan 22, 8:30 meet at gate
IHOP for breakfast

Reservations must be made by 16th
Call Karen Hazlett at 413-848-3305

From The Heart Auction Info

Reports from our elementary school contact are that the five families and 13 children who benefitted from the unselfish support of the residents of Sandpipers Resort are still talking about the gifts and clothes that they received.  

But the simple fact is that it takes money to do what we do. Yes, we have volunteers that shop, wrap and deliver what you the residents have purchased. 

In order to continue our work we have scheduled a

 “From the Heart” Auction

 for Saturday January 31st at 3:00pm at the Pavilion.

 

 We are seeking donations to be auctioned. The program is “From the Heart” which means donations that come from you that you make, do, cook, knit, paint, sew and bake. Something that is a part of the donor. It may result in sharing a meal or working with someone new or old to SPR that you have not had the opportunity to socialize with. We have a few items already which includes meals, a wreath suitable for any occasion, some knitted items and other items made or will be made by a donor. 

We need the support of each of you. Please email, call, visit or send a carrier pigeon to Mary or John at Lot 5. Our phones and emails are listed in the directory. If you don’t have a directory stop us on the street, at HEB or wherever you see us and tell us what you plan to donate so we may put together a catalog for the auction. The aim is to have the donations catalog ready to be printed by January 26^th.

 And of course come to the Pavilion on Saturday January 31st at 3:00pm and bid, bid, bid and win!

Broadway to Hollywood Update.

Update for the upcoming concert

Broadway to Hollywood,

Sat. January 31st, 2015 at 8:00 p.m.

Anyone interested please contact

Bill or Jocelyne Lot 326

or ph#(956) -319-8766 

by Wednesday afternoon, Jan 14th, 2015.

Ticket price $12.00 per person, a great group rate.

Tipsy Canvas Update

Hello, ladies. 

 Good news, we have lots of ladies planning on joining our painting party at the Tipsy Canvas on

Friday, Jan. 16 from 3-6. 

 

I made a dry run to the Tipsy Canvas last Friday and the place is great.  It is located in a lovely business area in the heart of the Art District.  The studio is roomy and attractive with lots of elbow room for the painting and a long buffet bar for, "to eat" and wine. 

 

 The canvases look to be about 12 x 18. 

 If we reach 25 people they will add a second instructor

 at no charge. 

 

So far we have three people (me, Karon J. & Laura) who have offered to act as designated drivers so if you need a ride (or are willing to drive) just let me know.

 

 I will start collecting the $35/person at book club,

(cash or check made out to me is fine) but I can take the money right up to the day of the class.

We have several people coming to paint who don't usually come to book club, so be sure to extend an invitation to someone you think would enjoy the afternoon.

 

  I am looking forward to discussing, The Art Forger, with all of you.  Maybe we can add some sunshine to this damn cold, dreary weather! 

 

 Hugs around, Louise B.

Casting Call Error...

So sorry everyone....I sent Sue the wrong file. 

 

The casting call is today at 10 am and Wednesday at 2 pm.

 

  If you are interested in becoming a member of the Sandpiper Players troupe and cannot make one or the other of those times, please text me a message indicating your interest to 540-420-1002. 

 

I am so sorry for this error.

 

Thanks for your tolerance,

B

Be a Hero!

FIND THE HERO IN YOU

 

 

     Sandpipers will sponsor a Blood Drive here at the park  on Thursday, February 05, 2015 from 8:30 - 12:10.

 

 Please see Barb Lot 10, to sign up at a time convenient for you or if you have any questions.  Giving blood is one of the most important, rewarding and compassionate things a person can do. 

 

 Each donor will get a free cholesterol screening!!

 

Thanks,

Barb Chase

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crikey!

Save the Date: Friday, January 30th starting at 4:00 p.m.

 

Crikey!

  Tom and Louise Butler (Lot 44) are planning a traditional Super Happy Hour and Open House to celebrate the one year anniversary of their trip to Australia and New Zealand. 

 

Everyone in the park is invited to join us at Lot 44

(Yes, we will spill onto the street, grass, neighbors...

onion field...who knows).

 

 Barbeque sandwiches, paper plates, napkins

and cutlery will be provided by the hosts. 

 Please bring your own chair and drinks. 

If you want to bring a dish to share, good on ya, mate.

 

There will also be a prize awarded to the person who comes closest to guessing the total number of photos

 Tom took on the trip

(including the Fiji Nude Cruise that finished the vacation).

  E-mail your guess to louisebutler@earthlink.net.

 

We can't wait to see you on Friday, Jan. 30th.

 

The 2014 Annual Sandpipers Tour de Donut and More Info!

The 2014 Annual Sandpipers Tour de Donut was a success! Three riders made the trip into Edinburg for an exploration of donut shops.  Jim, Wendy and Tom departed the Sandpipers gate shortly after 9:00 am.  The temperatures were cool but perfect for bicycle riding.  We stopped on Business 281 in North Edinburg at a bakery and discovered a nice shop just south of the High School.  Further to the south we stopped at the Echo Hotel for breakfast.  Then we rode Trenton to the Wal-Mart on McColl before returning to Sugar Road.  After a short stop at a liquor store (it was New Year’s Eve eve after all), we rode Seminary Road back to the park.  Shortly after our return, it began to rain.  For us the ride was entirely on dry roads.  If you didn’t join us this year, put this annual event on your calendar for next year, the last Tuesday in December.

 

Now, here is the bike ride schedule for January and February 2015.  All bike rides depart the Sandpipers gate at 9:00 a.m.  Cancellation policy for bike rides:  If no one shows up to meet the leaders at the gate the ride is canceled.  If you are willing to ride, we will ride. 

 

January 6, 2015 – Mission Bike Trail.  This is a dedicated bicycle and walking trail.  It is paved though rough in a few spots on our ride last spring.  The trailhead has undergone significant development and I’m hoping that the trail will show the same improvement.  The trail has several hills, not steep but not flat either.  We will ride through the native thorn scrub and cactus and along an irrigation canal.  The ride length can vary depending on weather.  The short version is about 5 miles out and back on the same trail. The long version is about 4 miles longer.  That extension is virtually flat.  After the ride we will load our bikes and travel to McAlister’s Deli in McAllen for lunch.   

 

January 13, 2015 – Port Isabel.  We will depart the gate at the regular 9:00 a.m. departure time.  There will be a short rest stop at the Texas Visitors Center at US 83 and US 77 in Harlingen.  We’ll arrive in Port Isabel about 10:30 a.m. for those who wish to travel independently and meet us at the parking lot just east of the lighthouse.  From there we will ride through some of the neighborhoods in Port Isabel.  We get some nice looks at the Laguna Madre and the homes along that coast.  We’ll ride over a unique side-swing draw bridge and see the shrimp fleet in dock from a distance.  Following the ride we’ll load our bicycles and drive a short distance to Dirty Al’s Seafood for lunch. 

 

January 20, 2015 – Bicentennial Boulevard Bike Trail.  This is a dedicated bicycle and walking trail that parallels Bicentennial Boulevard.  It is under development to the north of Nolana and we may explore some of that area.  To the south the trail crosses Bicentennial several times.  There are lights at the crossings.  The trail is flat and is paved along its entire route.  We will park at the IMAS, International Museum of Art and Science, and ride as much of the trail as the weather and time permit.  This ride could be 6 to 8 miles long if weather permits.  If the ride is shorter and the group wishes, we can visit the IMAS (Admission is $5 for seniors) before loading bicycles and driving to the Corner Bakery Café for lunch.   

 

January 27, 2015 – Delta Lake.  This is a Hidalgo County Park located to the north and east of Sandpipers.  Admission to the park is $2.00 per vehicle.  We will ride several circuits through the park on paved park roads on the levee and through the park.  This is a short ride with the only hills being short climbs onto and off of the levee.  Following the ride we will load the bicycles and drive into Raymondville for lunch at the Boot Company Restaurant. 

 

February 3, 2015 – Estero Llano Grande State Park.  Estero Llano Grande State Park is a World Birding Center site.  This is a ride through the state park on park trails.  With the exception of the levees this is a level ride on well-maintained gravel trails.  Estero is a wildlife rich park with many water birds and if warm, butterflies also.  We will ride through an abandoned RV park which has been annexed by the park and is being returned to the wild.  The park is the closest to Sandpipers which has alligators.  We’ll park our bikes and walk to the alligator pond to see if any are active and visible the day of the ride.  Admission to the park is $5.00 per person but several of us usually have a Texas State Park Pass so we can usually get at least one person per couple in with the pass.  Following the ride, we will load our bikes and drive to Fat Daddy’s Barbeque for lunch.  For those interested in a trip to Progresso, Mexico, Estero Llano Grande State Park is just a few miles from the parking lot for the bridge. 

 

February 10, 2015 – Hidalgo Pump House.  The grounds of the Hidalgo Pump House are another World Birding Center site.  We will ride a trail that takes us up to the Rio Grande River and along a holding lake for water being sent north in the irrigation system.  The ride is on a mix of pavement and gravel.  We will ascend the levee.  Once on the levee, the ride is level.  The total distance of the ride is less than four miles.  Following the ride we will load the bicycles and drive to BJ’s Brewhaus in McAllen for lunch.  Admission to the museum is $2 per person. 

 

February 17, 2015 – McAllen Bike Trail.  The McAllen Bike Trail is a paved level bicycle and walking trail that parallels 2^nd Street, Col Rowe Boulevard.  We will ride 8 to 10 miles on the trail and through neighborhoods in North McAllen.  The trail is generally well landscaped with features of the irrigation system evident along the way.  It crosses a number of side streets, most have lights and crosswalk signals.  We can vary the length of the ride depending on the weather.  We will stop at Gatti’s Pizza Buffet on the ride.  Bring a bicycle lock for the lunch stop.  The Butlers will be out of town on this date and a substitute leader is needed for this ride.  Volunteers should contact Tom and Louise Butler, Lot 44. 

 

February 24, 2015 – Bentsen State Park.  Bentsen State Park is a World Birding Center site.  We ride about 8 miles on the level paved trail through the park making several stops at bird feeders.  A short walk takes us to the Hawk Tower which provides an excellent view of the surrounding territory.  If we are lucky, this time of year we may see a few hawks.  Following the ride we will load the bicycles and drive to the Republic of the Rio Grande for lunch.