From Your ONA President

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A picture perfect day provided the backdrop for the ONA Chili Cook-off on Saturday, November 3^rd. A pet parade featuring seven canines in various costumes kicked off the event. “Top Dog” honors went to “Beemer” Thompson who sported a biker outfit complete with hat and goggles.

Beamer Thompson

"Winner Front View"

Beamer Thompson

"Winner Side View"

Ringo Engler

"Just Happy to Be Here"

Games of “Who Am I”, a cake walk and a candy toss game got the Oakridge residents on their feet and moving around to win various prizes ranging from baked goods to gift certificates and gift bags. Kristen Wange and Sofia Villamil were winners in the children’s candy game. “Guess the number of beans in the jar” generated a lot of interest with Debra Pandak guessing closest number to the beans in the jar. Debra won a gift certificate from Goldmine Restaurant. Lois Golbeck won a Mary Kay gift bag donated by Rebecca Chanez. Starbuck’s provided bags of coffee to game winner Vince Golbeck and Carol Garrison.

The main event featured seven pots of chili entered by six teams. All chili entries were tasty with various degrees of “heat.” The judge’s panel of District 7 Councilman Rick Williams, Courtney Flatt editor of Garland ’s NeighborsGo publication and Felisa Conner of the City of Garland Revitalization Department declared a tie between Neta Rohr’s “Butt Good Chili” and the Oakridge COP’s “Running Code Chili.” A coin toss determined “Butt Good Chili” the winner. Other chili entries included “E&C Chili” by Carol Garrison and Eric Morse; “Jeff’s Chili Chili” by Jeff Morse; “Road Kill Chili” by Joe Fagin; “Matthew’s Raider Chili” by Sharon Parrish and “Beer Belly Chili” by Oakridge COP.

If you missed the chili cook-off in person maybe you caught the highlights on the 10:00 pm KTVT newscast. A CBS news photographer filmed much of the event’s activities thanks to a call from ONA Mike Dollar.

The goal of this ONA sponsored activity was certainly fulfilled with an afternoon of fun and most of all Oakridge neighbors meeting neighbors. There are many volunteers to thank for this event from those who donated baked goods to those who helped set up and then tear down at the end of the event. I would like to personally thank committee members Margaret Fowler, Tom and Libby Morse, Sharon Parrish and Martha Dollar.

Carol Garrison

Neta Rohr’s “Butt Good Chili”

The COP Chili

The Judges

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About a dozen Oakridge residents enjoyed “Oakridge Night Out” at the Parlour Café and Wine Bar on Saturday, October 13^th. This full service eclectic restaurant located at The Shire in Richardson features American Cuisine with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients. The wine list cover a little bit of something for everyone. The staff will eagerly make suggestions based on your taste in wine.

Julie Bonk Trio provided smooth jazz sounds at a volumne that allowed Oakridge residents to visit with one another. Julie Bonk is an accomplished pianist and former music instructor of Norah Jones. Joe and Beth Fagin along with Keith and Karen Engler offered wine tips to our table which included Diana Edwards and Debra Pandek. Roger and I shared a decadent chocolate dessert called “in-flight.” Sharon Parrish enjoyed an appetizer of mussels. Her husband David and son enjoyed the music along with Jim and Delaine Jerkin while Monica Evans made a great food choice with the seafood cakes. As always Margaret Fowler sees other acquaintances dining.

At the end of the evening all agreed it was a wonderful evening. And best of all home, was only a few minutes away. A special “Thanks” to Margaret Fowler for organizing this event. If you have a suggestion for an “Oakridge Night Out” please call me at 972-496-5454 or email me at srutherford72@tx.rr.com.

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Andrew Honas, a member of Troop 145 in Garland, achieved his Eagle Rank on August 28th, 2007. For his Eagle project, Andrew collected food and supplies for the Second Chance SPCA where he and other scouts donated a day of caring for the animals.

Andrew is 16 years old and is a Junior at North Garland High School. He is on the drumline in the NGHS Marching Band where he plays the snare drum. Besides band and scouting, Andrew enjoys playing football, baseball and basketball.

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Oakridge Residents, Shirley and Grosse Mohler celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary in June with their family who joined them on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale , FL. Three generations gathered from many locations to honor them on this occasion.

Their five children include Colette Singleton, of Belle Plaine, Ks; Adette Irish and her husband, Kent from St. John, US Virgin Islands; their children Carody from Kansas City, Mo, and Brandon, from Johnson City, Tenn; Alan Mohler and his daughter, Chutney, from St. John, USVI; Rick Mohler from San Antonio; and Tami Monroe and her husband, Mark, and their children, Hunter and Case from Garland. This reunion observed the occasion with a wonderful time together - lots of fun, and sun with good food and good memories.

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Oakridge residents, Don and Janice Schadegg, who were married June 8, 1957 in Des Moines , Iowa , recently celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. In honor of the occasion their son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Cris Schadegg, hosted a Dinner Dance at The Oakridge Country Club. Following their celebration, which was attended by numerous friends, the couple departed on a trip to Hawaii . Their trip included several days in Honolulu and an inter-island cruise where they renewed their wedding vows.

The Schadeggs are back home now, but they have many new experiences, memories and pictures to add to the story of their lives together … past, present and future.