Fire department barbecue earns $4,000

Another week and the middle of June already. Where is the year going? The Topaz Ranch Estates Volunteer Fire Department had their fundraising barbecue June 3 at the TRE Community Park Building, serving the crowd excellent steaks, donated to the event by Topaz Lodge and Casino for a dinner with all the trimmings. The Motifs, a band that entertains all over Douglas County, played for an appreciative audience. Every year the group donates its time to the event and then performs the same evening at Topaz Lodge and Casino. There was a raffle with wonderful prizes and the line for ticket sales stretched out the front door of the Community Park Building. Coreen Hutchison was excited to announce the final outcome of the day's events.

"I finally have the amount of what we made," she said. "We cleared over $4,000."

That money will go a long way in providing necessary equipment and supplies to help the volunteers better serve the community.

n On May 23, the Kochs, Chris and A.J., lost their home to a fire. Friends and neighbors as well as Topaz Lodge owners and employees were there to support and help them through the days that followed. One good Samaritan even provided a motor home they could put on their property to live in until they can replace their home. Everything was falling into place and they were getting things taken care of until they ran into a brick wall. In order to place a new home on their property, they have to clear away the burned out remains of the previous modular. If it was just a case of pulling it off the property there would be no problem, but because it has been burned down to the frame, they can't find anyone to do the job. It will require someone who can come in and totally dismantle the structure and load the pieces into a dump truck to haul it away. The Kochs have insurance to help cover the cost of the job, but they have yet to find someone to do the job. If anyone knows someone who can help them in the removal of the burned remains, call the Kochs at 266-3121 or leave a message at Topaz Lodge and Casino.

n Topaz Lake Volunteer Fire Department is still collecting donations for Relay for Life in honor of Linda Fields. Relay for Life celebrates cancer survivorship and helps raise money for the American Cancer Society. This overnight event will take place at Lampe Park in Gardnerville, Aug. 26-27. Anyone wishing to donate money to the TLVFD for the Cancer fundraiser, contact Dave Thomas at 266-4864. No amount is too small. It all adds up to a good thing.

n Father's Day is Sunday and a time to get the boat, jet-ski, barbecue, good friends and family together and head for Topaz Lake for a day of super summer fun. The weather is supposed to be warm and wonderful. Remember to keep it an enjoyable day by also keeping it a safe day. Also, keep in mind while traveling in the southern end of the lake, the water level is still high and the Walker River, where it enters the lake, looks more like the wide Missouri. Don't let the appearance of all that water fool you as it is certainly not very deep. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office boat patrol officers, as well as the boat patrol from Mono County are there to help you and keep Dad's day "kick-back" and relaxing. Show your appreciation for the great job they do with a friendly wave and a smile as they pass by.

Have a great week and, until next week, just keep on keepin' on.

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