Honoring George Blake

One of the "Snowbirds" here in the park, George Blake, is one of the few remaining living survivors of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. George was a 19 year old soldier in the US Army stationed in Pearl at the time.
Last evening we, the residents of the park hosted a special surprise program to honor George. We announced it as an event to honor all of the former service men here in the park so little did he know that the main focus of the evening was for him. The Lake Havasu City VFW sent a color guard and the local newspaper sent a reporter to cover the event. We presented him with a special custom made shirt, photos, flowers for his wife, Helen and showed a short video produced by Brenda Bauldic, a talented videographer here in the park. I wrote the following special poem for the occasion and read it as part of the ceremony. At the conclusion we had all of the former servicemen stand and announce their branch and dates of service. We even have one resident, now living in Canada, who served in the British Army.

The program:

HONORING THE MILITARY PROGRAM

Havasu Falls RV Resort, Lake Havasu City, AZ

Jan 14^th, 2010

6:30 PM Honor Guard…….………....Don Dingman

Invocation & Pledge……….……........Carol Dingman

Introduction of George Blake.….…..Pat Schumacher

Presentation of Gifts to George Blake

Presentation of Flowers to Helen Blake

Poem: "Out of the West They Came"…....…Larry Page

Video Presentation………………........Brenda Bauldic

Retire Colors

Conclusion………...…Recognition of past servicemen

Following the retiring of the colors we had a social hour with cake and ice-cream.

Christmas 2009

We celebrated Christmas 2009 with a grand Christmas buffet in the clubhouse. Ham and turkey were provided and the park residents bought dishes to pass. I, of course, made my famous "Spanish Deviled Eggs Supreme" and Teddy prepared her favorite, butternut squash.
Ham that I am, I read the following poem to the assemblage which I had written for the occasion and folks seemed to enjoy it.

 Havasu

Merry Christmas to all of you

Who’ve come to camp at Havasu.

Folks from Ontario & Minnesota

From the Puget Sound to  North Dakota

From Alberta and Idaho

Where the snow makes drifts and the cold winds blow

We all are known as “Land Yacht Sailors;

In our motor homes and fifth wheel trailers.

Guests of Ron and his brave crew;

Don’t miss your payment when rent is due.

Just pull right in and set up camp

Plug your cord into fifty amp.

And make real sure your sewer’s tight

And your water don’t drip, ‘cause that ain’t right;

Now here’s a word, I’m sure you’ve heard

You’ve now become a real Snowbird.

Snowbirds one and snowbirds all,

Avoiding Decembers winter squall;

We’re free of ice and blowing snow

Freedom from temps of 30 below.

Free from winter’s slushy sleet,

Arizona sun is hard to beat;

And now we’re gathered for buffet treats

Of salads, casseroles and tasty meats.

So get your plates and line right up,

Don’t forget your coffee cup;

And when you’re done…and if you’re able,

Belly up to the dessert table.

And tonight as you lie upon your bed,

When day is done and prayers are said;

On your lips a smile may play,

As you look back upon this day.

Larry Page 12/25/09

Following the dinner we had music and dancing which lasted well into the evening.