The 2025 Rockin’ Red Ranchers in all their polka dot glory
Celia Hall
The 2025 Rockin’ Red Ranchers Membership Breakfast on Jan. 23 was held at the clubhouse with the fitting theme Polka Dots: Life’s Colorful Journey. True to the theme, polka dots were everywhere, from decorations to attire, as members embraced the simple yet powerful symbol of life’s moments. Each dot represented a memory or a connection, and together they form a beautiful pattern of life experiences.
Queen Carla Baldassero opened the event with a recap of the previous year’s accomplishments, expressing heartfelt gratitude to her board for their support, which she said made her role a joy. She then passed the crown to the new queen, Sandy Hestes, who graciously assumed leadership and introduced her vice queen, Linda Kotzur. She also announced the return of the entire board. Three new members were introduced by their sponsors, adding fresh faces to the Ranchers’ vibrant circle.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the group. Mala Bowdouris was the first queen and spoke about founding the group as a younger alternative to the Red Hats group that already existed. Several original members and former queens were in attendance and were recognized.
Guests enjoyed a delightful breakfast buffet and a sweet surprise—mini bundt cakes crafted by Arlene Stotts, which revealed colorful polka dots inside! The fun continued with four lively rounds of Life’s Journey Bingo, echoing the theme of interconnectedness and personal experiences. Each guest left with a keychain from the Friendship Tree, symbolizing the bonds that make the Rockin’ Red Ranchers such a special group. The breakfast was a beautiful start to a new year, full of friendship, laughter, and the promise of more colorful memories ahead.