Once Again, Ladies Who Lunch

2007 Surviving Spouses Luncheon

What a crowd, 165. What fun. What memories and friendships are made of. The 2007 Surviving Spouses Luncheon has come and gone and preparations are already in the making for next year.  We could not have had the success if it weren’t for the generous support of the following.

Chantal and Rudi Lechner hosted a fund raiser in October that brought in over $14,700.

Dorothy and Don Weaver, Brookhollow Florist, once again donated the  centerpieces.  The assortment of springtime colored roses was beautiful.  Clarice Belcher, Lottie Clark, Patti Cullar, Darolyn Langhorn, Charlotte Long; Nettie Nix, Joyce Pohl, Gloria Redden, Susie Smith, Vernetta Walker, and Hattie Weirich were just some of the very happy ladies that took home one of the 25 vases full of roses.

Jane and Al Thiel, Pasadena Printing, printed  bookmarks with the HPROA logo and the prayer to St. Michael on them.

Jackie Lee, Jj Alterations, once again made the  fabric roses. These navy blue shirts were worn by a sergeant  working at the Pistol Range.

The HPD Honor Guard consisted of Sergeant Bruce Johnson, Sergeant C. D. Lockett, Officer E. Byrd, Jr., Officer R. Sanchez, Officer D. J. Maki, and Officer E.J. Williams.  Sergeant Cynthia Miller, once again sang the National Anthem. 

HPD Chaplain Monty B. Montgomery gave the blessing for this treasured time.

Our secret pals once again made a donation to the luncheon.  This time, in memory of Lieutenant Douglas Larry Smith.

Humorist Morris Eickenhorst once again showcased his talents and then  introduced fellow humorist and attorney,  Earnest Coker, Jr.  This dynamic duo brought with them a lot of laughter. 

Dorothy and Jim Ashby made some very unique luncheon badges for all to wear.

Neal and I, once again donated the door prizes and party favors.  Dorothy Holmes was the lucky winner of the vase, which is a traveling art project.  Marybeth Salvaggio was the lucky winner of the diamond bracelet.  Margaret Kniggee  was the lucky winner of the ceramic baby doll.  Lois Chancey was the lucky winner of the pearl, cross necklace. Louise Burke was the lucky winner of The Ultimate Sacrifice book.  Congratulations and enjoy! 

Rolando Olivo, Jr., Art Teacher - Harlingen High School - Harlingen, TX, donated the ceramic vase that he made.  This vase was won by Dorothy Holmes and will grace her home until next year.  This will be a traveling art project and will be passed on at the 2008  festivities.  Rolando’s father is a Patrol Officer with the City of Los Fresnos and his mother is an Investigative Assistant with Immigration & Customs Enforcement under The Department of Homeland Security.

Jody and her staff at the Walden Yacht Club once again served up a delicious salad, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed squash/zucchini/green beans, hot rolls, and cheese cake.

Cathy Buckles, our office Secretary, once again had everything organized at the check in table.  Cathy arrives ready to work and never gets flustered with all the preparations. 

To all the extra worker bees that worked behind the scenes to make this luncheon such a success, a very BIG THANK YOU.  

Myrna and D.A. Miller survived their very first luncheon as Entertainment Chairmen.  Ike and JoAnn Eickenhorst once again provided us with the entertainment.  Doug and Mae Bostock once again went above and beyond with their many tasks.     

From all of us, thank you again for supporting and participating in the 2007 Surviving Spouses Luncheon.  Whether this was your first or eighth time to attend, please know you will always be a part of a very special family, the Houston Police Retired Officers Association.

                                                                                                            Stefanie Leonard