Volume 11, No. 8: March 2007

The Sound Man

            “Talk directly into the mike, it’s not going to bite you,” said the head, barely visible above the control booth built in the back of the Activity Center.  “But don’t talk to loud or I’ll cut you off,” he teased. A few minutes later, as the crowd began to break up, the head rose up, giving the audience the opportunity to see it was attached to a body that, when added together, stood some 75 inches tall. (That’s close to 6’3” to all you folks who aren’t smarter than a 5^th grader)

            His name is Jack Mitchell, who once was a law enforcement officer with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s office. He’s got some good tales about some of his run-ins with folks who liked to live on the wild side and, come to think of it, some good tales about those who liked to lived on the safe side.

            Now, you might hear some folks call him “Catfish,” or “Catfish Jack,” or maybe just plain “Jack,” but, don’t worry… he’s all the same person. If you ever get the chance to taste his world famous fried catfish, you’ll then understand he earned his “cowboy” name. Just ask any of the boys who have had the opportunity to savor his servings at a breakfast.

            It’s never difficult to find him whenever there is a “doin’s” in the park’s Community Center. “How many hours a week do you spend down here?” someone once asked.  “I don’t know,” he answered, “As much as needed.”  And that seems to be his motto. He’s there whenever he is needed, and for as long as the program, whatever it might be, lasts. But, keep in mind, like any law enforcement officer, he’s a straight talker. He says it like he thinks it.  No “political correctness” with the Catfish, just plain, straight words.

            And he gets all the support he needs from the 5’ lady with the straight cut graying hair and the continuous smile, and has been at his side for 50 years. Her name is Maggie. She doesn’t have a “cowgirl” name.

            Anytime you are at an event in the Community Center, glance up at the control center, wave, and give “The Catfish” a big “Howdy.”  And remember, if he weren’t there, it would be really difficult to hear what was being said on the stage.

College student to her roommate

"How was your blind date?"

“Terrible! He showed up in his 1932 Rolls Royce."

"Wow! That's a very expensive car. What's so bad about that?"

"He was the original owner."

Things aren't always what you expect.

Jim, the Manager

            Jim Mashek, the newly hired manager of Sunscape RV Park, was standing outside the Club House, talking with a Sunscape resident. Jim had been in the park for a little over one week, but he was beginning to get a grasp on just how the park operated.

            “Hey,” Jim said, “ I don’t take anything personal and I hope you don’t.” With that comment the park resident smiled, shook Jim’s hand and walked away.

            Jim folded the piece of paper, which contained some 10 complaints the resident had given him, turned and walked into his office. “I’ll get back to him as soon as I can clear up all, or at least most of his complaints,” he said.

            Twelve years ago he moved from Iowa to Texas, settling in Weslaco where he sold insurance, owned and rented 150 family dwellings, and owned and rented 300 storage units. He also participated in running a park in Weslaco that is similar in many ways to Sunscape; except that, in the Texas park, the residents owned their lots rather than leasing them from a cooperative, and the board dealt with only common areas.

             When his mother, who lives in Arizona, became ill, he started searching for a job in this locale, and found the manager’s position in Sunscape open.

He is originally from Rochester, Minnesota.  He was married for 32 years and has four daughters, three in Minnesota and one in Iowa.  He has 11 grandchildren, all living in Minnesota.

            “I’m learning a lot real quickly,” he said “I’ve never seen a more dedicated Emergency Response Team. We had an emergency call the other night and the entire team, including the fire truck, was on the scene in less than 5 minutes,” he said.  “I’m sad to say it was a prank call,” he continued. “If anyone out there has any idea who is making these calls, or why, please let me know. But we can all be proud of our Response Team!!”

            And that’s a quick look at the new manager, who is  getting informed and acquainted with the residents and with the park.

 Comment from Winter Visitor

Let me tell you:

            The Emergency Medical at Sunscape Resort are very professional and prompt to answer a call. After I dialed the numbers, it might have been five minutes …  a knock on the door … they all came in … at least six to eight people … the nurse took my vital signs. Next thing I knew,  I was on my way to the hospital.  They helped me into the hospital and stayed with me for a time. After a 15-hour stay, I made a call and someone came to take me home.  Thank God for people who will volunteer.

Thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!

Noel in 370 WI

The Desert Oasis . . .

“And who knoweth but that thou art come to (Sunscape) for such a time as this.”  Esther 4:14.

            Our God in His infinite wisdom and knowledge is continually aware of the needs of people; and in that same “wisdom and knowledge” He has chosen to work through people to help with those needs. The key word is “chosen.”  John 15:16 says, You have not chosen me, but I have chosen  you.”

            What a privilege to be chosen by the Lord to help meet the needs of “The People of Sunscape.”Who knoweth but thou art come to the kingdom (Sunscape) for such a time as this.”

            Let’s keep on keeping on.

                        Love ya!   G. H.

Seen it all, done it all, can’t remember most of it!

            Benevolence!  What does it do?  How does it work?  Who does it benefit?

            These are some of the most often asked questions since Sunscapers are becoming aware of this recently installed program, which was initiated by the people of “The Sunscape Christian Fellowship.”

            Benevolence is plain and simple, “The spirit of people helping people.”  Through the generous giving, including time, talent and money,  of people and organizations, the folks of Sunscape are gathering resources with which to help others.  The only requirement is “need,” which will be evaluated by a committee.

            If you have, or know of someone who has a need, please contact Pastor G. H. or any of the committee members:  Emmett Thompson, 104 IL; Marilyn Cornish, 31 MN; Madeline Moore, 226 AL; Jim Maddick, 311 IN;  Gert Scramstad, 102IL

From the Desk of Sunscape Sunny

Advice Columnist

Dear Sunscape Friends,

Well, the time has come to close the books on another season of friendship, meetings, evening gatherings with “good cheer,” cards, pool, swimming, walking and hiking, Red Hat events, morning coffee, and a slew of other activities. The park is beginning to clear out as folks head home for the summer months. Me, too. I’ll miss you all. Sorry I haven’t answered all of your comments or questions.  I did enjoy getting your little notes and hope you continue to send me your little missiles next season.  Please understand that my Editor won’t give me the space to answer each and every one.   The best way to get your notes to me is through the Editor.

     Each of you have a good and enjoyable summer. And, remember, it’s not the size nor the number of fish you catch, but the size and number in the stories you tell that really counts.

                                                              Ole Sunny

If you’re too open-minded, your brains will fall out.

Remember when?

Do you remember the year 1957? 

            I do:  My second child was born; George, who worked on commission, was trying desperately to gross $100 a week, but that seldom, if ever, happened. 

             My sources tell me that these are some comments you might have heard in 1957, and they help me realize how we survived on our income.

·       I’ll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it’s going to be impossible to buy a week’s groceries for $20.

·       Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?

·       When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon.  We’d better leave the car in the garage.

·       I read the other day where some scientist thinks it’s possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it.

·       Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball?  It would surprise meif someday they’ll be making more than the president.

·       I never thought I’d see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric.  They are even making electric typewriters now.

·       I’m just afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.

·       There is no sense going to Kansas City any more for a weekend.  It costs nearly $15 a night to stay in a hotel.

·       No one can afford to be sick any more, $35 a day in the hospital is too rich for my blood.

·       If they think I’ll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it.

America is a land of untold wealth,

some of it untold around April 15^th.

             The last Nearly New Newly Wed Game of the season to a “full house” was a hoot!   We are realizing that “we the people” can put on interesting entertainment.  We appreciate the ideas and enthusiasm that Arlene has brought, and we are looking forward to next season.

            Pardon me:My face was red when I realized I had put the First Park Party in 1979. (My proof reader sure missed that one.) I have heard much discussion about both the month and the year.  However, let me confirm that according to “The Sunscaper” in that year, the “first” party was on Saturday, March 22, 1997.  By the way, the ’96-’97 season was the first season for the sunscapers.

            It’s time to wrap up the last issue of this season.  Seems like Sunny has said it all.  What would we do without Sunny to give us a smile or two?  I’d be lost without his candid humor.  So, for all of us, I say, “Thanks.”

            Let me remind you to check on our websites for news about the park.   www.sunscapervresort.com and www.sunscapervresort.info.

            You all have a great summer.

            Sunscapers are a lot like crayons:  some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and some are different colors…but we all have  to learn to live in the same box.