TOPS

The TOPS Minnesota Chapter 979 announces its October and November winners.

Division winners were Betty Hanson, Shirley Schuster, Pat Sorenson, Loretta Wacholz, Deanne Kuchera and Darlene Kenison.

Four-week loss winners were Schuster and Lois Goodnature.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a nonprofit weight-loss support group. There is no diet plan but support with others on the journey to health and wellness.

TOPS MN 979 meets at 9 a.m. on Thursdays at the Senior Center in the Skyline Plaza to weigh-in and learn about healthy lifestyles.

 

F.R.O.G

On a cold Saturday with 5 above zero temperatures, 48 people got on a coach bus and headed for a warmer climate south of the border. At the helm was the great driver Marilyn Matson. Each person was given a Christmas by the Lake flier at random. Each flier was numbered between one and 48 with the direct personal phone number of Santa. (951-262-3062)

“Deal or No Deal” for prizes was played on the way south. A prize was shown and a number between one and 48 was drawn. If a person’s number matched the number drawn, they had a choice of deal or no deal. If they said “deal” they received the prize and their number was no longer eligible. If they said “no deal” the prize was sold for a cash prize later plus any other prizes including KFC leftovers from the KFC buffet. Later, the number was placed back with the eligible numbers.

Thirteen drawings were held for prizes. Winners were Roger Jemming, Rhonda Jacobson, Stacey Jacobson, Marie Carlin, Erica Truesdell, Gerri Gilbertson, Bob Hanson, Lori Shaunce and Carol Miller. Cheryl Schnarr was the cash drawing winner.

Food coupons were given to each person on the bus: Perkins from the Clear Lake Chamber, Dairy Queen from the store VIP in Albert Lea and KFC shaped like a Christmas stocking from the store VIP in Albert Lea.

The group arrived at their destination and Matson parked the bus such that the lighted Christmas parade and fireworks could be seen from the bus. There was about an hour to partake in the various activities including horse drawn rides, strolling Dickens characters, trained geese, a petting zoo, chestnuts roasting by an open fire and shopping.

The lighted Christmas parade at 5 p.m. was followed by excellent fireworks shot from the ice on the lake. The fire ball with a loud blast at the end was so loud and long that many people claimed their teeth rattled. By now, readers should have figured out this took place south of the border in balmy Clear Lake with a temperature of 11 above and no wind. The sky was clear with a partial moon above the fireworks; an excellent evening for outside viewing. It was also an excellent evening for long johns and cuddle-duds.

From the lake the group took the bus to KFC in Clear Lake. The manager and the other staff treated the group royally with an all you want to eat buffet. The manager even sent leftover buffet food containers that were raffled off on the bus.

As the group departed Lowell Elmer gave a candy cane to all nine of the KFC staff. Bill Groskreutz led the group in singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” to the staff as they gathered to leave. Just as they finished singing, the KFC staff sang the same song back. Needless to say, it was most touching.

The evening concluded with the bus being met by the Rev. Vern Harris as it drove through the live Nativity at New Life Christian Church on Marshall Street in Albert Lea. It was the church’s 20th annual live Nativity.

The next planned F.R.O.G activity is a Valentine’s Day party with pizza, pop and ice cream bars with Norweigian bingo on Feb. 8 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church.

The Christmas by the Lake bus trip in 2014 is scheduled for Dec. 6.

 

Wa Tan Ye Service Club

The December meeting was called to order by President Dorothy Wedge. The roll call was taken, and all the members were present. Minutes were read by Secretary JoAnn Holstad. Alice Petersen gave the treasurer’s report. Both were approved and placed on file. The group will give $41 to the food shelf.

Correspondence was read. The service club luncheon will be on Dec. 13. The club decided not to take part in the Festival of Trees this year.

The club is still looking for some way to make money.

Marie Querna is celebrating an anniversary of 62 years as a member of the Wa Tan Ye Service Club.

The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be on Jan. 6.

Bev Head and Sharon Jahnke were the hostesses for the Christmas meeting.