Good news from Topaz Lodge and Casino. Because of the employees who have dedicated so many labor-intensive hours to the cleanup job left from the April 3 fire, General Manager Rick Ross is optimistic about a Memorial Day weekend reopening.
"I want to thank everyone for working so hard and so many hours," Ross said. "We wouldn't be where we are at right now if it weren't for all the work everyone did.
"It is really going to look great when everything is finished," he added.
The other great news is that, even with the casino and restaurants closed for repairs, the hotel part of the lodge has been busier than ever. According to Cheryl, who works in housekeeping, she has never been as busy as she has been the last few weeks and it looks like this weekend will be no exception.
-- Speaking of cleanup, Ole Chavez has been busy coordinating the upcoming TRE/Holbrook cleanup day. According to Jay Hoogestraat, code enforcement officer for Douglas County Community Development, Douglas Disposal has donated the Dumpsters for the volunteer community cleanup day is planned for June 2. Volunteers are asked to meet 7 a.m. at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park Building. Several Dumpsters will be located in the parking lot for free community dumping. Dump space will be limited so first come, first serve until the dumpsters are full. Large trash items (furniture, washers, dryers, etc.) will be accepted from TRE residents only. They can be dropped off at the park building the starting the morning of the cleanup day.
Volunteer cleanup will include our streets as well as parts of Minnihaha Canyon. Gloves, pokers (trash pickum' uppers), water, etc. will be provided if needed. Come out and show your support for your community, have some fun and meet your neighbors.
-- The Sagehen annual rummage sale will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park Building at the end of Carter Way. There is still time to do some closet cleaning and donate useful things someone else might think is a real treasure. Donations will be accepted at the park building through this afternoon. For more information contact club president, Janice Roberts, 266-1076.
-- There will also be an additional rummage sale next door to the park building hosted by the Topaz Community Open Bible Church to help raise money for their building fund. Their sale will be Saturday only from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Nanci Carter, 266-0020 or Donna West, 266-4129.
-- Something yummy to look forward to. According to Daryll Mobely, the VFW Topaz Post 3630 is planning on serving a monthly pancake breakfast at the Topaz Ranch Estates Park Building at the end of Carter Way. A great place to get together with friends, make new friends and have a terrific breakfast, all at the same time. For more information contact Daryll Mobely at 266-3636 and keep an eye on the calendar in The Record-Courier for times and dates.
A lot to do in our community during the next few weeks so until next Friday, just keep on keepin' on.
-- 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
