13 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 27, 2023 TRANSPORT • Sales & Installations • Vinyl Skirting & Tie Downs • Custom Steps made of Wood & Metal • Door & Windows • Plumbing & Electric • Used Mobile Homes Sales Financing Available petecotransport@gmail.com Ph: (956) 787-2847 or (956) 787-0413 We Buy Mobile Homes 2911 N Cesar Chavez Rd. San Juan, TX 78589 Family Owned & Operated Over 30 Years Supply &Hardware Mobile Home Special Orders Available Ask about our daily Manager Specials! PETECO, INC. 2911 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. San Juan, TX 78589 956-787-2847 petecotransport@gmail.com We Do Tie-Down Certification SAVE 10% OFF Your Entire Purchase When You Bring In This Ad *Conditions apply, see store for details. Offer expires March 31, 2024. done in her “two-movie” timeframe because she ordered at night while watching her Christmas favorites on her computer. Before purchasing anything, she chose her themes: board games and stuffed animals. “A lot of the board games stimulate their creativity, their minds,” she said. “You can always play a board game; you don’t need electricity or batteries. It’s hands-on. Plus, children are communicating with other kids when they play. It’s a win-win.” According to Colleen, she had no doubt the children would love the stuffed critters. “At the party, I saw a couple of girls who really liked the cat plushies,” she said. “They were hugging them! Even the boys seemed to like those. They laid their heads on them.” As one of the elves assigned to bring the age-appropriate gift bags to Santa, Tripp’s wife Maggie said, “I was amazed and pleased at how excited and appreciative the kids were.” She noted, too, that everyone there was in a good mood, even the adults. After Visiting Santa Children had much to do to keep them happy and busy. Organizers said rides on the train, which kept running throughout the event, and cookie decorating were two of the busiest activities that day. A third favorite was introduced by Winter Texan Peggy Fleming. She donated many colored and iridescent beads (some with letters on them) and special accessories, as well as clasps and plastic string so children could make colorful necklaces, hair clips, key chains, and friendship bracelets with the help of volunteers. Milly said that next year she plans to add a second large “beading” table because the children really loved creating their own jewelry. Many other choices were available for children to fill their time at the three-hour event. They could play a variety of games, create Christmas cards and tree ornaments, work on a variety of craft projects, and enjoy a hot dog lunch, complete with chips and juice or hot chocolate with their “creatively decorated” cookie for dessert. After the Party Volunteers said they have fond memories of the day. Many noted that the children’s smiles and excitement were reward enough for the hours they invested. Peggy said that she still giggles remembering the young boy who slid off Santa’s lap, after sharing what he wanted for Christmas. As the youngster began walking away, she said, he stopped. Turned. And then sprinted back to Santa, holding up one finger, saying excitedly, “Oh, Santa, one more thing!” “Then the boy went to play a game, but before long he headed back toward Santa,” she said. “Almost there, he was holding up his finger again, saying, ‘And one more thing!’ as he shared his final wish with the jolly old man.” The Tripp Effect When Maggie heard this story, she said it would have tickled Tripp. Some said they regret not getting to know Tripp. To them Milly said, “all they had to do was look around while at the party.” See TRIPP pg. 20 Taking a train ride was one of the special activities that Elk’s Exalted Ruler Tino Ordaz and Terry, an Elk member, arranged for children attending “Tripp’s Christmas Village.” Tino vowed that he would work to make next year’s event even more entertaining for children.
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