Hostess honored at fishing derby

Just a few more days and the Topaz Lake Fishing Derby will be over for another year. There are still plenty of "big ones" tagged, worth "big bucks" out in the lake just waiting for your lucky hook to reel them in.

Last weekend "The Rat Pack," all 80 some odd of them, a group of avid fishermen mostly from California, made their 12th annual trek to Topaz Landing and Marina, (located directly below Topaz Lodge and Casino at the very end of Topaz Lane), for a cold, blustery and sometimes snowy weekend of fishing, to participate in the Topaz Derby and to have a private little annual derby of their own.

Monday afternoon, Chuck and Linda Fields, owners of The Landing, hosted a tri-tip barbecue award dinner for the group with first-, second- and third-place cash awards for the biggest fish caught at their private event along with a raffle drawing of more than 40 wonderful prizes; everything from fishing poles, reels, catch nets and tackle boxes to special donations from Topaz Lodge and Casino of gift certificates for dinner for two at the Steakhouse and one-night stays at Topaz Lodge and Casino, which were donated, compliments of Rick Ross, manager of the lodge, and his wonderful staff. The highlight of the evening came when "The Rat Pack" wanted to show their appreciation and love for their hosts during the evening's events.

Linda is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatments, and was still feeling the effects of the most recent one. She didn't let that slow her down or cloud her fantastic sense of humor. She was out there, presenting awards, joking with this great group of guys and overseeing the details of the dinner being served that evening.

To show their appreciation, the group, led by Bill Madison, passed the hat to collect funds to help with some of the extra costs the Fields have faced with Linda's treatment program. Even as the couple stood in front of the crowd and protested that they were doing just fine and didn't need the money, no one heard the protests as the hat continued to pass among the men. Linda was moved to tears by all the love and generosity shown to her and received hugs from Madison. All and all, it was a great evening, a great group of guys and two wonderful people that we all in the Topaz area think so much of.

I think I'm speaking for everyone when I say, we are all here for you Linda and I can't think of a single person in this world that deserves it more than you. You're fighting, gracious spirit is something we all need to set as a personal life example for ourselves and learn from.

Topaz Sagehens annualrummage and bake Sale

Topaz Sagehens, a local, non-profit service group, is organizing its 30th Annual Rummage and Bake Sale, which will take place May 6-7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park Building. They are accepting donations now and the collection point is in a new location this year.

The Blue Sage Storage, unit 96, (way in the back), located just off Highway 208 on the right heading east towards Wellington, is the collection point for any items you may wish to donate to the fundraising event. All the proceeds from this sale go to fund community charities and civic organizations like the TRE and Topaz Lake volunteer fire departments and the Douglas High School Scholarship Fund as well as many other worthy causes in the area.

The weekend's events will include chili dogs and delicious desserts for hungry shoppers and the added bonus of fantastic raffle prizes for all the bargain hunters. Get there early as the best always goes first. For more information contact Sagehen President Micki Joye at 266-1025.

Until next time, "Keep on Keepin' on." Thanks, Carol Pomeroy, I love that saying ...

n Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com