News: Texas

The Nor-Tex Travelers were hosts for our April 2010 Texas W State Meeting at the Mineola Civic Center in historic Mineola, TX. A total of 53 rigs were on the ground.

Hosts and hostesses arrived as early as Monday and set up impromptu cookouts of hot dogs on Monday and steaks on Tuesday. Getting there early was beneficial to many because they did take advantage of various premeeting activities, such as the Mineola Nature Preserve, an Amtrak Railway Trip to Dallas, Tiger Creek Big Cats Rescue, a great historic downtown area, a museum, and lots of shopping.

Thursday meant to be a sign-up day, became "practice day" by the looks of all the games already going. A potluck dinner, with serving tables loaded with all delicious foods, was followed by card bingo and then table games.

Opening ceremony on Friday officially opened the meeting. Linda Rauska gave a most interesting talk on the history of Mineola. A fantastic hospitality table was set up by the hosts and hostesses. It was truly a feast for a mid-morning brunch. Crafts by Henrietta was enjoyed by many ladies.

However, one of the highlights of the whole meeting was a brown-bag lunch. As we ate, Sue Hernandez from Nor-Tex Travelers told us how she developed heart disease which eventually led to the need for a heart transplant for survival. Sue was fortunate to receive a heart in 2006, sixteen months after she went on the transplant list. A young boy, Matthew, who was her heart donor, was killed in an auto wreck. About two years after Sue's successful transplant, she and the donor family met and they have all become very close. Matthew's mother was present and told about Matthew, his death, and the decision for him to be a donor. Needless to say, there were no dry eyes in the audience. Matthew's grandmother was also present. Sue and Matthew's mother stressed the importance of being a donor. The purpose of this presentation was to encourage everyone to sign up as donors. Information was available at this meeting, but if anyone in any state is interested in being a donor, simply contact the Organ Donation Registry in the state in which you live.

Games were afternoon activities, followed by a chicken spaghetti dinner catered by the Mineola Civic Center. Delicious.

Another highlight occurred on Friday evening, members of Nor-Tex Travelers had all contributed items for an auction and had a "real life" auctioneer. When the auction was over, a total of $1,257 had been raised for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. What a tremendous love offering! Many thanks to Nor-Tex for thinking of children in need.

Saturday started with a great breakfast, a general meeting, and a return to the game matchups. In addition, that afternoon there was a Pampered Chef demonstration and the most-loved ice cream social. Dinner was followed by a program by The C, a one-man act. This young man loved music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, as we all did. He danced and sang these oldies and the audience joined him in dancing and singing. His performance was enjoyed by all.

Sunday our Chaplain, Steve Ferguson, gave an inspiring message.

Although it was sad to say goodbye, we will meet again October 14 - 17 at the Lake Conroe KOA in Montgomery, TX, and the hosts will be the Bluebonnet Travelers.

This is a long report, but in Texas, we have a tendency to do things in a big way!

Lone Star Travelers
Local Chapter
By Mary Kerr

The Lone Star Travelers met at the Llano River RV Park near Mason, TX, March 18 - 21, with eight coaches on the ground. Friday morning several of the group drove to Brady, 38 miles to the north, pretty much for the same reason the bear went over the mountain - to see what they could see. They had not been to Brady before. Others explored Mason and, especially, the collection of "Texas" topaz displayed in one of the stores there. These topaz crystals, which are found in the Mason area, range from a very light blue to nearly colorless and are made into beautiful and expensive jewelry. That night we enjoyed a delicious fish fry, a very special treat prepared for us by Jackie Sadler.

Saturday we painted and decorated wooden name plaques for our coaches. In the afternoon, we had the choice of viewing a horse-roping exhibition in Mason or going to a country music festival in Brady. The weather had turned so cold and blustery, however, that we chose, instead, to stay warm in the clubhouse and play games.

Martha Hall 512-923-4085

Red River Wrangers
Local Chapter
By Vera Lowrey

In May, six rigs from our chapter met in Shawnee, OK to attend the OK State Rally.

One of our chapter members, Betty Smith, participated in the horse race and came in second place. Everyone had a great time with great food. In addition, the entertainment on Saturday night was wonderful. It is always fun to be at the OK Rally.

Sunday everyone said their goodbyes and headed back to Texas. If you are on the road, have a safe trip. See you at GNR.

Winnebago-Itasca Travelers