Dog Racing with Nature's

Via Ian:

 

As I mentioned this morning, I have assembled a group of 20 from the Nature's Park to go to Valley Dog Park for greyhound races on Wednesday, January 18th.

 

The races begin @ 1:00p.m.and we will be having the buffet lunch in the dining room for $14, which includes tax, but not gratuity.

 

I would like to fill a bus to make the cost of transportation cheaper, so would welcome members of Sandpipers to join us. The cost of the bus is ~$600 RT, not including gratuity.

 

The buffet lunch gets reserved seating in the dining room.

 

Please let me know ASAP so we can get the tables reserved during this limited time opportunity.

 

Thank you so much for your assistance.

Anyone interested should respond to Patty directly.

Patty Hooley"

 

Thank you,

Ian

 

Follow our blog @ www.markandpattyrv.blogspot.com !

Patty

 

Boxes, Need Boxes!

 

The kids of our dear departed friend's Barry & Joey,

 need boxes to pack up household and personal items..

 

Xmas is a great time to collect extra boxes (clean please) that are a good size, so pretty please, if you have some leave them on Jon & Donna's (lot #36) unlocked porch towards the center of the room (they are xmas visitng kids in Wisconsin).

We'll let you know when they have enough so don't stop collecting just 'cause Xmas is over.

 

Questions?  Ask H-Less via email or in person when they return.

 

 

 

Traditional wine class

Save the date! 

 SPR is going to have a traditional wine class on

Sunday, January 15th at 3:00 p.m. in Flip Flopz. 

 

Tom and Louise (Lot 44) will do a class on the wines of

 New Zealand and Australia.

 

  You will enjoy 7 or 8 different wines, a little cheese and crackers to clear the palate, and learn something about the wines of these two geographically close but very different countries. 

 

The class has a maximum of 40 people.  There will be a $10 charge per person to cover the cost of the wine. 

 

 Please bring the money and sign up at the Butlers at Lot 44. 

 Fun fact # 1: the name “Butler” was given to the wine steward in grand houses of England. 

Xmas Open House Reminder

A reminder to all of Sandpipers.  Join your friends and neighbors Wed. Dec.14, 4-6 PM for Holiday Cheer at

 John & Sue's Holiday House (#37). 

 

 I have heard that ugly Xmas sweaters, Elf clothing,  Santa hats and more... are all encouraged.

 

You are all invited to a

Christmas Open House

at John and Sue's fantastically decorated house-#37

Wed. December 14,

4-6pm

 

Do NOT bring chairs,

(circulate, drink a little, find the mistletoe,

 flit from one goodie tray to the next.)

 

Do BYOB,

 

Do break out your special recipes

(it's Christmas!) to impress and amaze.

 

This is a holiday meet and greet for all Sandpeeps

 to wish a Very Merry to one and all.

 

As for the parking...remember the NovemberFest parking rules?  Park on the side of the road, do not even consider parking on the grass or Santa will leave a lump of coal in your stocking! 

 Don't block the road.

 

So save the date, mark your calendar, enter into your iphone:

 

Wed. Dec. 14, #37, 4-6pm

Bring your holiday cheer!

 

Funnel Cake Foolishness

Chefs Jon, Bob , and Richie will be dumping their dough into hot oil to titillate your taste buds with their version of funnel cakes.

 

BYOB and chairs to Richie's site #424, 4 pm on Dec. 13. 

 

 Plates and napkins will be provided.
 

This is a resort wide event and EVERYONE is invited!

Joker Fun

Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed Joker Wed. night.

 

We had 18 folks at JAKZ and several new players to learn the fun game of Joker and Marbles.

 

Thanks to Karen for supplying the snacks.

 

Everyone had a great time.

 

Same time 7 PM next Wed.

 

Couples and singles are welcome and no problem

 if you have never played before.

 

Come on down and enjoy good company and good fun.

 

Bob N.



IMAS Happenings

TOP STORY

Winter Blast Members Party Dec. 9, 2016 Imas 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen, TX

IMAS is gearing up with fun activities to beat the winter weather.　Don't forget to shop at the IMAS Gift Shop for your scientists and artists or pick up one of a kind jewelry from artisans in the RGV and members receive 10% off your purchase.　 　 Want to give the gift that keeps on giving. Purchase a gift membership for your family and friends. Membership grants you access to art & science exhibitions, hands-on activities as well as receive discounts on purchases in the IMAS Gift Shop.

Exploring Mexican Folk Art

Art After Dark Masquerade Dec. 15, 2016

Perfect for a night out with friends or a one of a kind date night,　Art　After　Dark　allows guests 21+ the unique opportunity to explore various　art　techniques and scientific fields while enjoying your favorite beer or wine. 　 　 December theme is Masquerade on Thursday, December 15. Join us to explore the traditions of Mexican folk　art　and learn about mask making and create your own mask to wear throughout the night. It　begins at 7:00 P.M.　$15 for members and $20 for non-members.　BYOB

Non-stop Fun!

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 17 8-10 AM Members...adults $8.00, child $5.00 Non-members ...adults $15.00, child, $12.00 Limited space available

What would the holiday season be without a visit with Santa? Santa's making a special trip to IMAS to eat breakfast with you and your family on Saturday, December 17th　from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. Join us for a scrumptious buffet style meal and a visit by the jolly guy himself - Santa Claus! In addition to food, guests will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa, make holiday crafts, play holiday games, and much more!　Santa is waiting. More info:956-682-0123

　

Sunday Night Bingo

 

SUNDAY NIGHT BINGO

7 PM AT JAKZ

STARTING THIS SUNDAY THERE WILL BE A PROGRESSIVE COVERALL JACKPOT WORTH AT LEAST $50.

$4.50 PER CARD WILL INCLUDE 10 GAMES OF BINGO, THE COVERALL JACKPOT AND THE PROGRESSIVE COVERALL JACKPOT.  

THE PROGRESSIVE COVERALL JACKPOT WILL CONTINUE TO GROW EVERY WEEK UNTIL THERE IS A WINNER.

COME OVER TO JAKZ ON SUNDAY NIGHT FOR SOME BINGO FUN

Holiday Dance Party

Blue Santa!

 

Barb (lot 10) and Frankie (lot 104)

have joined together with the Edinburg Police Department

 for their annual

 Blue Santa Christmas Toy Drive.

 

The goal every year is to be able to distribute toys to under privileged children in our community.

This years event is scheduled on Dec. 19th, 9 am,

 at the Edinburg Police Department.

 

If you would like to participate, your toys, for either gender and up to age 12, may be dropped off at Barb's (#10) or Frankie's (#104) by Friday, Dec. 16.

 

Thanks to all who can help make a child's Christmas a little brighter.

 

Joker Invite!

Starts this coming Wednesday, Dec 7, 2016

 

 

And another message:  All the leftover beer from the Nov. BeerFest is now gone, drunk, finished...so no beer to accompany your Joker play!

One more bike ride schedule change

Our Tuesday bike ride schedule conflicts with Book Club! 

 To avoid this, we will move the December 13 bicycle ride to December 6, next week. 
There will be no bike ride on December 13.

The bicycle ride on December 6 is the Bicentennial Boulevard bike trail in McAllen.  We will park at the International Museum of Art and Science(IMAS) on Nolana and Bicentennial Boulevard. 

 We will ride on bike paths along Bicentennial crossing a few roads at traffic lights. 

 The ride is on level paved surfaces and we ride at a leisurely pace. 

 

 Following the ride we'll spend some time at the IMAS which currently has a display of Christmas Trees

decorated by local organizations. 

 The theme this year
is a historic event from the last 50 years! 

 Something most all of us
can relate to...

One of the fun things about bicycle rides is learning about the local
community.  If you are new to the park

 or new to the Rio Grande Valley,
there is no better way to learn your way around

 than traveling with our group.

We will load our bikes at the IMAS following the ride and assemble at the Corner Bakery and Cafe on 10th Street at Nolana, next to the Barnes an Noble Bookstore. 

 Following lunch, we disburse to return to the park
on our own.

The current forecast for Tuesday, December 6 is for sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 70's. 

 Just what you need following a period of
four or five days of cloudy cool, possibly rainy weather.

Tom and Louise Butler

Lot 44

SUPER HAPPY HOUR & BAR CHRISTENING! ! !

ED & CLAUDIA ARE INVITING EVERYONE TO COME BY

FOR A SUPER HAPPY HOUR & BAR CHRISTENING! ! !

　

DECEMBER 7^{TH @ 4 PM on Lot # 9}

　

Ed & Claudia heard that if you build it, they will come. So they built a bar and hope you will join them for its unveiling.　

As usual, please bring your own chairs. Bringing a snack to share will be appreciated but not required.

　

Although you’re welcome to bring your own beverages, they’ll have a limited supply of beer, wine, margaritas and various spirits to choose from as well.

　

They look forward to seeing you all on the 7th!!

 

Ladies Day Out in Harlingen Market Days

Sat, December 3, 8:30am – 3:00pm

Harlingen Market Days, Jackson Street, Harlingen, Tx

 FOR LADIES DAY OUT

 RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE

ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE!

 

Call Karen at 412-848-3305. Or visit me at site 434. I will put information on radio 2 weeks before reservations are needed. I was asked last season to do something different I hope you will join me for a great time with great friends.

We are going to First Saturday Market Days in Halingen.

 

  We will meet at the pavilion parking lot to carpool at 11am and head to Jackson Street Market days.

 

We will enjoy a late lunch at 3pm, because

 we will be enjoying the venders, music, and art that make Harlingen's Market day so enjoyable.

 

We will lunch at Colletti's Italian restaurant

at 202 South First Street, at 3pm.

 

Parking is at restaurant and across the street. One block from Jackson.   I want Ladies Day Out to be an opportunity to enjoy our lovely RIO Grande Valley. So come on OUT.   Thank you!  

 

 CALL KAREN 434 at 412-848-4305 by November 28.

Grill Night...Tuesday, Nov. 29

 

Grill Night

Tuesday, Nov. 29

5:30pm

 

Bring a Yummy to share!



Christmas Open House Invitation

 

You are all invited to a

Christmas Open House

at John and Sue's fantastically decorated house-#37

Wed. December 14,

4-6pm

 

Do NOT bring chairs,

(circulate, drink a little, find the mistletoe,

 flit from one goodie tray to the next.)

 

Do BYOB,

 

Do break out your special recipes

(it's Christmas!) to impress and amaze.

 

This is a holiday meet and greet for all Sandpeeps

 to wish a Very Merry to one and all.

 

As for the parking...remember the NovemberFest parking rules?  Park on the side of the road, do not even consider parking on the grass or Santa will leave a lump of coal in your stocking! 

 Don't block the road.

 

So save the date, mark your calendar, enter into your iphone:

 

Wed. Dec. 14, #37, 4-6pm

Bring your holiday cheer!

 

RGV Naturist Memorial Golf Tournament

On Monday December 12, 2016 we will hold the first RGV Naturist Memorial Golf Tournament. There will be two winners, one for the men’s division and one for the women’s division. For those of you wishing to play, we ask for an established handicap*. We will be honoring the following people:

2012 – Joe Miller – Sandpipers

2013 – Bob Charleston – Natures

2015 – Mike Vandiver – Natures

2015 – Mel Brown – Natures

2016 – Joey Noel – Sandpipers

We will have a two plaques made that will be displayed at each club and will show the winners of the tournament. Of course we expect to play the tournament annually. There will be a $10 entry fee (to cover the cost of the plaques) plus your green fees. We are also considering adding a fee that would cover a lunch at the course following the tournament (your input would be appreciated on this).

* Handicap can be obtained by playing with our group for at least 3 rounds or submitting scores from at least 3 rounds that we may input into our records to establish a handicap for you. If you have an established handicap from another league, we will accept that.

 

If you are interested in playing, please contact either:

Tom Cooper – trosscoop2@att.net – 830-534-7626 – text ok

Annie Waugh - waughab@yahoo.com – 612-501-4636 – text ok

Salute to Sandpiper Vets, part two

 

I now have a list of Sandpiper Vets and their contributions to the Court of Honor.

 

As we approach Thanksgiving lets include them and all Vets in our prayers areound our bountiful tables.

 

First: A huge thank you to Jay and Karen for their continued support.

 

Here is a list of Vets who made substantial contributions to the Court of Honor.

 

Barry, Mike, Stanley, Gary, Rich, Bob Evans,

Chris, Joe, Clint, Sue Ross

 

Here is a list of Sandpeeps who also made significant donations toward the Court of Honor, including the Memorial Bell: 

 

 Cher Collection, Jaccie & Ken, Donna & Jon, Barry & Carol, Mike &  Sharon, Ton & Louise, Dale & Arinda, Brad, Ron & Donna, Gary & Lissette, Karen & Bill, Sue Ross, Duanne & Gerry, Bill & Annie, Ann & Bob, Stanley & Dona, Cher, Roy & Kathy, Jack & Linda

And last but not least! A list of Vets here at Sandpipers

 as of March 2014.

 

If you are a Vet and not on the list contact me or Barry to get added.

 

Stanley A. USAF, Jim B. USAF, Gary B. USA, Les B. USMC, Bob B. USA, Tom B. USA, S. Caster ANG, Cris C. USN, Stan C, USMC, Duane D. USN, Dick G. USA, Bill G. USAF, Larry G. USN, Karon J. USN, Steve J. USAF, Tony J. USMC, David J. USN, Don K. USA, Lowell L. USAF, Vinne L. USA, Skip L USN, Mike L. USA, Jack Mc, USMC, Clint Mc. USA, Dennis Mc, Can. Army, Rich M. USA, Bill M. USAF, John P. ANG, Rick S. USA Hilton R. USN, Irwin S. ANG, Larry S. USA, Barry W. USMC, Jim Z. USN, Roy Roby, Patriot

 

Seriously....let us know if you've been missed.  Our Vets need our Thanks and recognition.

Wine Tasting

Alice Fans!

Bicycle ride cancelled today.

Winds are 20 mph here and forecasted to be up to 25 mph out ot the southwest at the coast. Our ride is a north/south ride of some distance with nothing to stop the wind so we are cancelling the ride. We will try to reschedule the ride at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge later this year.

Tom

Sandpiper Bowlng

 

Sandpiper bowling league will start Friday Dec. 2nd. At the Flamingo Bowl on 23rd St in McAllen.

 

Warm up at 9:00 AM. 

 

 We have 12 teams returning, but will be looking for Subs through out the season. 

 

Everyone is encouraged to invite new guests in the park to join in the fun.   

For more information, call Bill or Laura 605-660-1200

or 605-665-5674  or stop by Lot 25.

Bicycle Riders Alert!

 

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Loop is still open for bicycle rides.  The weather looks good for next Tuesday, November 22.  So put this on your calendar. 

 

 This is one of our premium rides.

 

  We leave Sandpipers Gate at 9:00 a.m. and will caravan to the refuge office north of Port Isabel.  After paying our admission fee $3.00 per vehicle if you don't have a pass, we will unload our bicycles and ride the loop.  The entire ride is about 14 miles and we will stop along the way for lunch at an overlook on Laguna Madre (the inland waterway between South Padre Island and the mainland) and the grounds of the National Wildlife Refuge. 

 

 You can expect to see some wildlife, birds, snakes, feral hogs, Nilgai, deer and other creatures have all be seen on one or another of our trips.

About half the distance is on paved road and the remainder is gravel.  We ride at a leisurely pace and stop

frequently to observe the scenery. 

 

 Bring sun lotion, bug spray, water and lunch.  This is a bag lunch stop, no restaurant is available. 

 The ride lasts for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours.  The current forecast calls for early morning temperatures in the low 70's with a high in the mid 80's.  Wind can be a factor as we are right along the shore of Laguna Madre for about half the ride with the remainder just inland a mile or so. 

We will have a chance to see wildlife so bring a pair of binoculars and a camera if you are interested in getting the very best look at any animals we see.  Tune your bike up for best performance and come join us for this enjoyable bicycle ride!

Questions?  Call Tom Butler 314-374-5889 or stop by lot 44

Thank You to our Vets

Sandpipers has a wonderful tradition of honoring our vets several times a year.  These ceremonies are produced and coordinated by volunteers.  Not every vet gets the honors they deserve but all are in our hearts and minds.

 

Did you know the Court of Honor was conceived and paid for by a handful of vets?  Some have passed on but all are remembered.

 

Did you know that the ceremonies are put together with little knowledge of just how many vets are here?

 

No one person or group has the info needed to honor everyone.  Please know vets, you are in our thoughts, prayers and memories.

 

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Sandpipers Bike Ride - Tuesday, November 15 - South Padre Island

The bicycle ride is definitely on! 

 

 Weather forecast looks great at this
time.  It should be sunny with a high in the mid-80's

here at Sandpipers. 

 

The forecast for South Padre Island calls for mid-60's in
the morning with temperatures in the low 70's by ride time.

 

  By 2:00 p.m. they are forecasting the high 70's.  

Winds should be 10 to 15 MPH
out of the north so that should keep it comfortable as the temperatures rise.

We will leave here in caravan style about 9:00 a.m.

We make a short stop
at the visitors center in Harlingen for a restroom break. 

 

 We should be arriving about 10:30 or so at the convention center.

  If you are planning to make the trip to the island on your own,  if we don't arrive exactly on time, be patient.

 

  The convention center is located near the
north end of the hotels and business development

on the west side of the island. 

We usually park near the main street rather than near the building.

My phone number is 314-374-5889

 if you have concerns about our arrival time.

Tom Butler

November BeerFest 2016

November BeerFest 2016

 

Saturday, Nov. 19, 4PM

Sites 36 & 37

Everyone is invited! The whole park-tell your friends!

*1. Bring 2 unusual, unique, or foreign beers (per person).

 

*2. Bring your own chairs. Apartment dwellers-chairs will be reserved for you!

*3. This is a Super Happy Hour so bring incredible and delicious food...from appetizers to main dishes, even desserts! (electricity is available for crock pots).

*4. Parking golf carts is limited so park only on left or right side of the road leaving a car pass-thru...and for Heaven's sake, don't park in the field or you'll disappear forever!!!!!

Tasting of all beers will be in 2 oz. cups while you acquire vast amounts of skilled beer tasting knowledge.

Veterans Day Ceremony

LADIES DAY OUT

memo from Karen 434)

 

FOR LADIES DAY OUT

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE

ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE!

 

Call Karen at 412-848-3305. Or visit me at site 434.

...

I will put information on radio

2 weeks before reservations are needed.

.....

 

November 17th

at 9AM we will go to McAllen stained glass to do a fuzed glass project cost $35.

We learn to fuze glass and bring home a work of art

that we made ourselves.

 

Web site McAllen Stained glass.

 

For lunch we will walk over to Los Cazadores at 90I Main street. Lunch will be at 1pm,

if you just want to do lunch, you are welcome.

.........

December 3 Meet at 8:30 and head out for Harlingen Market Days,

 Jackson Street, Harlingen.

 

 We will browse the booths and stores and lunch at 12PM at Colletti's Italian restaurant 202 S 1st street, Harlingen. 

 

I was asked last season to do something different I hope you will join me for a great time with great friends.

 

Thank you

Karen 412-848-3305.

Halloween Dance.

RGV Naturist Memorial Golf Tournament.

On Monday December 12, 2016 we will hold the first RGV Naturist Memorial Golf Tournament.

 

There will be two winners, one for the men’s division and one for the women’s division. For those of you wishing to play, we ask for an established handicap*.

 

  We will be honoring the following people:

2012 – Joe Miller – Sandpipers

2013 – Bob Charleston – Natures

2015 – Mike Vandiver – Natures

2015 – Mel Brown – Natures

2016 – Joey Noel – Sandpipers

We will have a two plaques made that will be displayed at each club and will show the winners of the tournament.

Of course we expect to play the tournament annually.

There will be a $10 entry fee (to cover the cost of the plaques)

 plus your green fees.

We are also considering adding a fee that would cover a lunch at the course following the tournament

(your input would be appreciated on this).

* Handicap can be obtained by playing with our group for at least 3 rounds or submitting scores from at least 3 rounds that we may input into our records to establish a handicap for you. If you have an established handicap from another league, we will accept that.

 

If you are interested in playing, please contact either:

Tom Cooper – trosscoop2@att.net – 830-534-7626 – text ok

Annie Waugh - waughab@yahoo.com – 612-501-4636 – text ok

Water, Must Have Water.....

This just in:

 

 City of Edinburg announces the water closure

 on October 25, 2016 from 10 am to 5 pm

due to a waterline replacement.

 

The area affected is along North Seminary Road.  That's us!

Balloons from Pam P.

Hi Sue -

 

While you were enjoying the fall colors in New England, we were enjoying New Mexico's famous Balloon Fiesta. 

 

 It was one of the most impressive things

we've ever seen in our journeys. 

 

 I highly recommend it to our fellow Peeps!

Pam

 

50th aniversary pic!