January 2014 reporter

Volume 7, No. 1 • January 2014

4410 Fairway Boulevard • Wichita Falls, TX 76308 • P: 940.692.2211 • F: 940.692.2214 www.nthba.com

General Membership Meeting January 9, 2014 Kemp Center for the Arts 1300 Lamar 11:30 A.M. Program: Award golf tournament proceeds to Children’s Aid Society, Faith Refuge, Patsy’s House, and Straight Street.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16

Dates to Remember • Our February General Membership Meeting will be Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Craig Estes will be the guest speaker.

• NAHB International Builder Show will be February 4-6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

• TAB Winter Board Meetings will be February 26-27, 2014 in Austin, TX • Please do not forget the deadline for Parade Home Entries is March 1, 2014.

• Parade of Homes Kick-Off Lunch will be Friday, June 6, 2014 at Sikes Lake Center. (Sponsored by Landmark Title) • 2014 Parade of Homes is scheduled for June 7-15, 2014.

•Sunbelt Builders Show will be July 23-24, 2014 in San Antonio, TX • TAB Summer Board Meetings will be July 23-25, 2014 in San Antonio, TX

From the President

Renewals Classic Builders....................................Gary Broyles First National Bank........................Wayne Pharries State National Bank............................Sandy Stroud

Thanks for Renewing!

JanuaryBirthdays Alan Hinson....................................................01 Chuck Vergauwen..........................................01 Johnny McClane............................................02 Lance Howard...............................................10 John Ahearn....................................................11 Randy Schaffner..............................................12 Charles Barr....................................................18 Cindy David....................................................25 Don Wright...................................................27 Bobby Rowland............................................30 Charles Vergauwen......................................31

Happy Birthday!

Dear Members, Recently John Harmon, Jose Garcia, and I attended the Texas Association of Builders Fall Conference in Austin.

This being my first time in attendance was a very exciting time. We met with several of our state leaders, including our area Vice President Tim Jackson, and TAB Director Scott Norman.

What I take away from several meetings, is our fellow builders are having the same issues in their area as we have here in North Texas. Membership is a challenge, subcontractor base is shrinking, and laws are causing more money to be spent which has to be passed on to the consumer, just to name a few.

I felt a since of pride in the learning process of all this, I am now on the Bylaws Committee, as well as, the Finance Committee and John Harmon is a member of the Codes and Standards Committee. Jose Garcia is our State Director.

Next we were exposed to HOMEPAC. This entity represents our industry at the State level while BUILDPAC represents us in Washington at the National level; these PAC’s are supported by member donations.

In our Area Caucus Meeting, we announce that Wichita Falls had exceeded our donation goal at the state level by over 33%, being ahead of both Dallas and Fort Worth in overall percentage above goal.

Overall I would like to thank John Harmon and Jose Garcia for the time they have taken to support the association, attending the meetings, and their input.

Finally, I would like to state that Wichita Falls was “Put on the Map” at this session in Austin. People know who we are, and what we are doing. Our officers will continue to make the North Texas Home Builders Association active and known not only locally but State and National recognition.

Sincerely, Barney Brock President

2

Calendar of Events New Year’s Day......................................................January 1, 2014 Office Closed.....................................................................................

General Membership Meeting...........................January 9, 2014 .............................................................................................11:30AM Membership Meetings &...................................January 14, 2014 Education Committee Meeting.....................................10:00AM Publications and Communications................January 14, 2014 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM Parade of Homes & Special..............................January 15, 2014 Events Committee Meeting...........................................10:00AM Scholarship Committee....................................January 15, 2014 Meeting...............................................................................11:00AM Government Affairs............................................January 16, 2014 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM Budget & By-Laws Committee........................January 21, 2014 Meeting.................................................................................9:15AM

2013 /2014 Officers & Directors President - Barney Brock Vice President - John Harmon Associate Vice President - Johnny McClane Treasurer - Martin Litteken Secretary - Tim Sawyer Immediate Past President - Steven Hinson Builder Directors David Bedingfield - 1yr Steven Klasse - 1yr Bobby Rowland - 2yr Troy Thompson - 2yr

Assoicate Directors Larry Park - 1yr Sharon Tucker - 2yr

Board of Directors Meeting.............................January 22, 2014 .............................................................................................11:00AM

State Director - Jose Garcia Alternate State Director - Steven Hinson Life Director - Chuck Dennis

Government Affairs Meeting............................January 27, 2014 with City...............................................................................9:00AM

Executive Vice President - Teri Gibson

Continues on page 4

3

Meet Your Members CITY CONCRETE City Concrete, Inc. is a ready mix concrete and building material supplier based in Wichita Falls, Texas. With over 60 years of experience in the ready mix concrete industry, and some of the best employees in the industry, we are a full service quality ready mix concrete supplier to a large area of North Central Texas.

Total Customer Service – Although this phrase is much maligned, if not totally dismissed in our industry, Customer Service is not a department at City Concrete, Inc. Every decision we make, from production, to sales, to equipment purchase, to quality control is based on our ability to provide the absolute best service in any market in which we are engaged. It must also be said, our greatest asset is our employees, some of whom have over forty years under their belts.. We have scores of customers, some that have been with us for 50+ years that will agree that we go the extra mile in this area. There are plenty of companies that sell concrete, but very few sell service. We believe that our mission is to sell service – before and after the sale. Contact Time Foley at 766-3291 or drop by 1204 28th Street, Wichita Falls, TX. 76302 Continues on page 7

Continues on page 5

4

SANDY STROUD President

4301 Jacksboro Hwy. Wichita Falls, TX 76302 www.snbt.net

The Choice Is

Yours.

(940) 763-2265 Fax (940) 763-2200 sstroud@snbt.net

Serving Archer, Clay and Wichita Counties

1920 Elmwood North Ave • Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 720-5200 • (940) 691-3199 Fax

Jean Taylor, CESA

Vice President / Escrow Officer jeant@archertitle.com

Bobby Faulkner

Escrow Officer bobbyf@archertitle.com

"The 97%" End of the year and your books look like this: 1.

97% of your business was lost 2.

97% of your accounts did not pay their bills 3.

97% of your employees are not concerned 4.

97% of 2014 looks like you'll be in the RED Oh, you work for somebody and it's not a concern?

1.

97% of your building industry accounts had the above happen to them 2.

You just lost 97% of your salary/commissions 3.

You have had your benefits slashed by 97% 4.

Your 401K just lost 97% of its value Unless you have a very wealthy family and not a care in the world, you are going to be out of business and out of a job. Either way, things will not be good. I guess my question to you is very simple; could you afford any of the above to take place and be successful with your business?

The 3% I left you with can't accomplish anything. I know what you're thinking; "this guy Mike Kurpiel is nuts! 97% is a ridiculous failure rate and his scenarios are totally unrealistic." You're probably right, after all, no one person or company can have any success with 97% failure rate.

If you are reading this, you are most likely earning a living in the building industry. The above, as harsh and improbable as it may seem, actually is needed to shine a very bright light on the 97%. This is the exact percentage of NAHB members who do not invest in political fundraising campaigns designed to protect your jobs and companies at the federal level. Only 3% of our membership actually makes the financial investment to support the political machine needed to keep housing efforts as protected as possible. Arguably the most regulated and legislated industry in the United States is the housing industry and in the effort to keep the playing field level for our members, in the political grand scheme of things, we need more members investing in their industry which in turn means they are investing in their livelihood.Yes, we are a special interest group. Why? Because we have a special interest in providing for our families and our future.

My ask of you is direct but needed; please consider political investments when your association is asking.

Call your local executive officer, and ask how you can Continues on page 6

American National Bank

Mortgage Loans

Home Loans From Your Home Town Bank

anbhomeloan.com

397-2333

(940)

Martin Litteken, Jr., P.E.

2406 Kell Boulevard Wichita Falls, Texas 76309-5326 Phone: (940) 322-6450 Fax: (940) 723-6006

BEST ELECTRIC COMPANY

DON WRIGHT - President Cell: (940) 636-5641 2606 GRANT STREET WICHITA FALLS, TX 76309 Tel: (940) 696-2758 fax: (940) 691-3757

&RPPHUFLDO ,QGXVWULDO 5HVLGHQWLDO %XFNHW 7UXFN ³$IWHU +RXUV´ (PHUJHQF\ 6HUYLFHV /LFHQVHG %RQGHG

Let Us Check Your Shorts

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Commercial/Residential Plumbing, Builder Sales, Appliances, Lighting

1300 Hatton Road Wichita Falls, TX 76301 Phone: (940) 767-2506

Fax: (940) 761-5563 (888) 266-1387 www.ferguson.com

2801 Kell East

Phone (940) 692-5734

Wichita Falls

Fax (940) 692-0391

Texas 76308

Lane Landes, Owner

tco@wf.net

5

Continued from page 5

help. Money has been tight for the past several years, most all can agree on that. However, the HBAs made do with what they could to help with the protection of housing but it's wearing down those that keep stepping up to the plate, the 3%. This 3% has been financing the future of the 97%. Isn't it time to really have a heart to heart with yourself and say “self, it's time you took ownership in this industry and help financially." Yourself may balk and even grab your hand as you reach for your wallet, but you'll do the right thing because you care.

I'm not talking thousands of dollars. $25-$50 to our PACs (political action committees). That's less than 1-2 dollars a week out of your check book.

The more we can decrease the 97% the better we, as an industry, could be doing to protect our world.

If you'd like to know more about protecting your future, send me an email at mkurpiel@universalsupply.com... I would be very happy to open the door for you and bring you in as an investor for our industry defense.

Submitted by Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP

Commercial Services

3301 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308

THE

EmberShop Stone Age

Vanguard

4101 McNiel Avenue Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Monessen Mendota Town & Country Isokern

Majestic

Wood Burning & Gas Wood & Cast Stone Mantels Outdoor Kitchens JOHNNY McCLANE

Fireplaces by Xtrordinair

John Thompson Mike Sharp Mark Miller

Golden Blount

Serving Texas & Oklahoma since 1971

Service and Installation

www.TheEmberShop.com

The Original Since 1921

o 'BY

Commercial/Residential Sales, Service, Installation

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF WICHITA FALLS 601 Central Freeway East Wichita Falls, Texas 76302

Phone (940) 767-7788 Fax (940) 687-3677

The North Texas Home Builders Association Thanks each of you who contributed to HOMEPAC in 2013.

Always Remember do Business Association Members!

We exceeded our goal of to $2500.00 to becomewith a 100% giving office. The focus of the NTHBA Government BRYAN WAGGONER Affairs committee has just begun by getting involved at the state level. We really hope you will consider what 3907 Kell BoulevarG ‡ WLFKLWD )DOOV ‡ Texas 76308 is being said in this article and let’s see if we can do the (940) 691-3641 same at the national level. It only takes every member Continued on pg 12 )D[ ‡

giving $25.00 annually to reach the state goal set for E-Mail bryanl@waggonercarpetone.com our HBA. You can become a BUILD PAC club member for as little as $20.00 annually. State and National Lobbyist have saved the home building industry over $49,000.00 per home from legislation they have either TITLE COMPANY fought for or against.

Your title needs handled promptly $45.00 is a small investment for this rate of return.

(XUHND &LUOFH ‡ :LFKLWD )DOOV 7;

You may be saying to yourself this doesn’t affect me, I’m not a builder. Think again. Anything that affects the cost of building is going to affect everyone either directly or indirectly. Start your new year off with good intentions.

Intend on getting involved and giving to protect your livelihood. For more information about HomePAC or to donate visit www.texasbuilders.org. For more information about BuildPAC or to donate visit www.nahb.org.

LANDMARK

6

Continued from page 4

STATE NATIONAL BANK On May 14, 1932 Iowa Park’s two banks, the First National Bank and the First State Bank, were consolidated and renamed the State National Bank of Iowa Park Texas. The State National Bank was established to help meet the financial needs of the people and businesses of Wichita County and particularly of the town of Iowa Park.

In 1994, the bank opened its first branch location and chose the north side of the city of Wichita Falls in Wichita County, on Old Iowa Park Road, as the site of its first expansion efforts.

Since that time State National Bank has consolidated with the Electra State Bank & Trust and the Windthorst National Bank, and renamed the bank “State National Bank of Texas”. Through these mergers the bank acquired locations in Electra, Windthorst, Archer City and Holliday, adding Archer County to our service community.

A new location was built on the south side of Wichita Falls in 1999, on Jacksboro Highway, to further service our entire community. In 2009, a new full service location was built and opened in Vernon Texas. Due to these expansion efforts, SNB now strives to meet the financial needs of Wichita, Archer, and Wilbarger County residents.

State National Bank of Texas is committed to our communities and to the customers we are honored to service. We pride ourselves on integrity in relationships and superior personal customer service.

State National Bank of Texas is your hometown bank no matter where you call home. Contact Sandy Stroud at 763-2264 or come by 4301 Jacksboro Highway, Wichita Falls, TX 76302 and he will be happy to assist in all your banking needs.

Here is another reason to recruit new members and support both the State and National PAC’s.

Clean Water Act Rulemaking Could Leave Builders High and Dry In a move that would have far-reaching effects on builders seeking stormwater and wetlands permits, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are expected to unveil a proposed rule in the coming weeks that would greatly expand federal regulatory jurisdiction over wetlands under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

For the first time ever, the rule would specifically define ditches as jurisdictional tributaries. Moreover, any other man-made conveyance that drains or connects would also likely qualify as a tributary.

Further, the proposed rule claims jurisdiction over desert areas in the arid West that are only wet during infrequent rainfall events and asserts that wetlands can be jurisdictional even if they are many miles away from jurisdictional waters.

The rulemaking is in response to Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 limiting federal CWA permitting authority over isolated wetlands and bodies of water without a "significant nexus" to traditional navigable waters such as lakes, rivers or harbors.

The proposed rule would dramatically increase the number of isolated wetlands, ephemeral streams and "other waters" (a term that has not been defined) that would require federal wetlands permits.

A Huge Economic Impact The regulatory consequences of this expanded jurisdiction are staggering. Allowing roadside, irrigation and stormwater ditches to be classified as waters of the United States obliterates state authority over land and water, which runs contrary to the CWA. Under the strict terms of the CWA, any discharge into a waterbody covered under the act is illegal unless the property owner gets a permit. By expanding jurisdiction to features like ditches, EPA and the Corps will exert federal control over large tracts of state and private lands, requiring CWA permits from anyone who wants to do anything on that land.

Under the CWA, federal agencies issue permits frequently used by builders. The EPA or responsible state authorities issue permits under the Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program, while the Corps issues Section 404 dredge-and-fill permits for construction and other development projects.

Drastically extending the regulatory reach of the U.S. Continues on page 11

CHRI6 DOCKMA1 COMPANY 2071 FM 171 Wichita Falls, Texas 76305 Phone & Fax (940) 767-9710 Cell (940) 704-3471 Jerry Fillmon, Owner/Manager

940-782-3805

8011 Se\PRXU +Z\ q Wichita Falls, TX 76310

7

BUILDER ALERT

from the Texas Association of Builders

BUILDERS: Please read the following carefully and update your company’s Hazard Communication Program, a part of your company’s safety plan, to meet OSHA’s current standards.

OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and published it in the Federal Register in March 2012 (77 FR 17574).

Two significant changes contained in the revised standard require the use of new labeling elements and a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). The new label elements and SDS requirements will improve worker understanding of the hazards associated with the chemicals in their workplace. To help companies comply with the revised standard, OSHA is phasing in the specific requirements over several years (December 1, 2013 to June 1, 2016).

Employers must have trained their workers on the new label elements and the SDS format by December 1, 2013.

(Note: Be sure to document the training you provide to your employees.)

If you are using TAB’s Model Construction Safety Program & Jobsite Safety Standards PackageŠ CD (Model Safety Plan), you have been provided with the information you need to easily update your company’s safety plan.

For more information or to purchase TAB’s Model Safety Plan that includes OSHA’s revised HCS, visit TexasBuilders.org. Login as a member, scroll down the home page to “Featured Packages� and click on the link TAB’s Model Construction Safety Program and Jobsite Safety Standards Package.

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8

"The Local HBA Cycle for Success" The power of 3 comes in many forms and today's blog may be obvious to some and a complete mystery to most. If the article helps to clear the fog about the real reason you joined your local HBA I would hope you share with your employer, employees and building industry peers who are not yet members.

All hail the power of 3. And why shouldn't we? Some of the best things in life come in threes. For example; 1. birth 2. experience of life 3. eternal happiness (if you have faith) 1.

2.

3.

dating marriage family

1.

2.

3.

good health sharp mind great attitude

NTHBA REPORTER MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES AD SIZE FULL PAGE AD...................................................$300.00 HALF PAGE AD..................................................$150.00 QUARTER PAGE AD...........................................$75.00 3 1/2 X 3..................................................................$50.00 3 1/2 X 2 1/2............................................................$45.00 3 1/2 X 2.....................................................................40.00 3 1/2 X 1 3/4.............................................................$30.00 3 1/2 X 1..................................................................$20.00 1 3/4 X 1..................................................................$15.00

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!

We always have room for more ads!

Please contact NTHBA 692-2211 to set up your ad.

I'm sure if you look at other parts of your life or career you would find a lot of threes. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.

Our home builders association (HBA) world is similar with good things coming in threes; 1. a vibrant local HBA 2. active state HBA (or an attitude of team spirit with state-wide initiatives within states that have no state HBA) 3. a grass roots member awareness and understanding of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) which leads to a healthy and much needed HBA unity across the country There is another HBA 3 that I would like to highlight and those 3 are......

Continues on page 9

2525 Kell Blvd., Suite 100 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 940.763.2100 (main line) 940.763.2101 (fax) lcannedy@fidelitybankwf.com

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Continue to pray for our members’ health, WINDOWS, DOORS AND MORE! families, and businesses as well as the 522 Beverly Drive armed forces, our leaders, and our country.

723-1436 Wichita Falls, Texas 76309 We ask for special prayer for Doug McCulloch, Dorothy Rhone, and Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!

George Medlen, BRYAN WAGGONER

Continues on page 11

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9

Continued from page 9

The HBA Membership Cycle for Success

Helping Build Our Community Since 1907

(My opinion – Mike Kurpiel)

1.

Builders need a viable HBA for its watchdog efforts in protecting the advancement of the home building industry as well its “strength in numbers voice.”

2.

Associates need builders to actually build in order to stay in business.

3.

The local HBA needs active members to help keep the local financially healthy which helps the local be the industry watchdog. Since close to 90% of all non-dues revenue comes from associates, as well as over 60% dues revenue, it is safe to say that the HBA needs the associate member to be successful in sales.

The cycle starts at number 1 and cannot be broken or interrupted. The builder's business would be hampered enormously without the HBA and the ability to produce homes would be affected. If a builder is affected, the associate will be affected. And if members in general, associates in particular, are affected then the HBA becomes affected. We three need each other, always have and always will.

Some may disagree with my opinion and others may have not quite envisioned the above cycle until reading this blog.

If you are a member directly impacted by "all things housing," or have at least 50% of your business relying on a healthy building industry, I would ask that you just consider the above cycle as having some merit.

I would ask you to think about something else; without the HBA Cycle for Success you would have a weakened state and national association because all members are local. All association volunteer leaders come from the local level. All dues come from the local level.

We are finally seeing a recovery from the Great Building Industry Depression and the survivors are beginning to reinvest in their infrastructure as business opportunities grow. The Local HBA Cycle for Success needs an infusion of time, talent and treasurer as well and the below three suggestions will greatly help the continuation and strengthening of the cycle; 1. Builders; now is the time to reinvest in your associate members and engage them in business. Make sure that those who you give checks for product or service are investing in the association, at the very least, in dues.

Attending HBA functions would be a great way to help the local by establishing business opportunities for all members for those attending as well.

Continues on page 11

10





Member FDIC

703 E. Scott Wichita Falls, TX 76308

1204 28th Street Wichita Falls

(940) 766-3291

ACME BRICK COMPANY (940) 691-9679 office (940) 691-2560 office (940) 691-9678 fax hnewton@acmebrick.com

Harold Newton Branch Manager

6701 Seymour Hwy. Wichita Falls, TX 76310

Continued from page 10

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2. Associates; now is the time to invest or return to investing in your local HBA. Those sponsorships provide net profits for operating expenses so the locals can thrive. Your time as a volunteer on a committee would be of great help to the local and you would expand your business network by making new contacts or growing established ones.

3. Local HBA; keep being the eyes and ears of our industry and rally all the voices to speak as one to protect building as well as working towards general membership meetings and special events that provide substantial value and entertainment for your members. Make sure you incorporate updates and initiatives from all levels of membership, not just local.

From the ashes grows a sapling, a new start and so it is for the cycle as our building industry continues.

Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP

(940) 691-4212

Delinda Dodd Mortgage Team Member

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Continued from page 7

NTHBA Member since 1972

Long Name.

Big On Service.

1300 Tenth StrFFU t

May you achieve what you aspire and may all yhour dreams come true.

Happy New Year!

government over most bodies of water will result in a substantial economic impact.

Clean Water Act permits can take years to obtain and cost thousands of dollars or more. The proposed rule would require more permits for activities in or near wetlands and bodies of water and further strain a federal system that is already struggling with processing a backlog of permitting applications.

Sounding the Alarm NAHB continues to meet with key members of Congress and engage with the Obama Administration to convey the message that EPA and the Corps should not be allowed to contradict recent Supreme Court cases that have placed limits on CWA jurisdiction.

Only Congress reserves the authority to make such a sweeping change to the Clean Water Act. In meetings with lawmakers, NAHB is hammering home the point that the proposed rule would impede the fragile housing recovery and dramatically increase the cost and time needed to obtain a wetlands permit prior to home construction. It would also interfere with the ability of individual landowners to use their property, and thus negatively impact economic growth.

For more information, email Courtney Flezzani at NAHB Continues on page 11 or call her at 800-368-5242 x8459.

11

Scavenger Hunt Lots of Fun for Entertainment at Annual Christmas Party If you weren’t able to attend this year Association Christmas Party December 12, 2013 at the Elks Lodge you missed a fabulous evening. The evening started with Shrimp Cocktail, salsa and chips with many members visiting with one another while the Elks Lodge cooks prepared a mouthwatering rib-eye steak dinner. The room was filled with laughter and fellowship until dinner was served. As everyone finished eating President Barney Brock gave the association announcements and then presented the Wichita Falls Fire Department volunteers with toys for Operation Santa. The opportunity to give so many gifts to the area fire departments for Operation Santa was a joyous occasion. Operation Santa chairman Randal Reel along with his wife Sheri, Kathy Bazil, Chance Culley and Kara Kirkpatrick where in attendance to accept the gifts on behalf of the Wichita Falls fire departments. Randal expressed their gratitude and explained due to the economy they are constantly adding new families in need to their distribution list and without the generosity of people and associations as the North Texas Home Builders it would not be possible to supply these needs and many area children would go without having a Christmas.

We are blessed to have so many in our association who reach out to help the community.

After the presentation everyone listened to member Sharon Tucker of Atmos Energy give directions on the evening scavenger hunt event. Each table was asked to be a team and pick one person to be the team leader. The team leader was asked to come to the front of the room where 18 Christmas bags were set up with a stack of instructions and clues in front of each bag. The first instruction was to take wrist bands and band each member of the team together leaving two members at each end of the train with a loose hand. After they went back to their table and banded everyone together the team was to return to the front to receive a clue to find the first item on a list of seven items. Not every team’s first clue was the same item. The team would have to go find the item from that clue, bring it back and put it in their sack then take the next clue until they found each item. Scurrying and laughter filled the room as teams dashed to and fro and in out and out of the building following clues to their next item. Each item was donated by one of six new members for 2013 and their name and company was attached to that item. The final rules for the hunt were to list the name of the person and the on the final page. The teams to turn theirs in correctly first would be the winners. It was a blast watching everyone pulling their team members along, finding an item and trying to get through the crowd to get to their next clue. Many teams were finished finding their items but didn’t quite understand they were supposed to list the member on the item and not list their team members on the final page. Unfortunately this was the defeat for some teams that could have taken first place. After Barney announced the winning teams and each one received their treasures it was time to draw for door prizes. As the person with the wining ticket would come to receive their prize they would draw for the next lucky recipient. It was truly an enjoyable evening of fun.

We were also grateful to have Maj. Ulmer and his wife Heather along with MSgt. Cheryl Broom and her husband Lloyd from our adopted squadron attending as part of our extended family. It has been a pleasure having the special relationship we’ve developed with the 363rd “Sidewinders” Training Squadron.

The Association says thank you to each of you for participating by bringing gifts for Operation Santa as well as ABC Supply, Archer Title, Sunspot Tanning, Christmas In Action, Guarantee Title, Lowe’s, Lantern House, The Ember Shop, Union Square Federal Credit Union and United Supermarket for donating the door prizes and United Supermarket for donating the Christmas Bags for the scavenger hunt.