Julie Greenawalt and Tim McCormick
The Robson Ranch Republican Club celebrated the holidays with their inaugural Christmas Gala held on Dec. 6 in the clubhouse ballroom, which was elegantly decorated by the Special Events Committee.
Esteemed Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth was the emcee for an evening of roasting and toasting of Sheriff Tracy Murphree for all the wonderful things he has graciously done in making this a great community and keeping order. Special guests to celebrate his latest, greatest, and often most profound happenings were shared by some of Denton’s own most notorious players: County Judge Andy Eads, County Commissioner Dianne Edmondson, Constable Danny Fletcher, Captain Orlando “Hino” Hinojosa, Judge Susan Piel, and State Representative Lynn Stucky. The stories were humorous, heartwarming, and often shared an element of human compassion. And, of course, there were embarrassing moments from his past that they all felt compelled to mention!
The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception for guests mingling among some of our own prominent local Republicans, with music provided by Thomas Burchill and Kyp Green. Photography was available for guests, and spontaneous photos were also taken throughout the evening. Photos can be viewed by going to the Republican Club website, rrrepublicanclub.com/gallery.php?id=16.
Robson Ranch catered a spectacular meal consisting of roasted chicken in a white wine mushroom velouté, London broil, roasted potatoes, sauteed green beans with pancetta, and Bundtinis for capping off a delicious meal. Some of the prominent local Republican leaders and candidates who assisted with sponsoring included the following: Gold Sponsors: Rep. Dr. Lynn Stucky, HD64; Judge Jim Johnson, 431st District Court; Rodney’s Landscaping Services; Candidate Chris Abel for 393rd District Court; Candidate Scott Armey, Congressional District 26; Candidate Rob Altman, Denton County Tax Assessor; and Candidate John Huffman, Congressional District 26. Silver Sponsors: Sheriff Tracy Murphree; Senator Tan Parker; Judge Susan Piel; Candidate Andy Hopper, HD64; Dream Vacations, Barbie Gibson; Realtor Lisa Dyer; Brent Hagenbuch; and Greg G’s Landscaping. Bronze Sponsor: Altamira Benefits Advisors. We thank these sponsors for making this event the spectacular event that it was!
Sheriff Tracy Murphree was able to wrap up the roast by getting the last words in—be they comical, appreciative, or wacky—on our gracious storytellers, thanking them for their input to our community, region, and nation over the past few years!
The event concluded with the awarding of prizes by Laurie Wiginton, chair of the Special Events Committee, to the guests from a raffle/drawing. Prizes included dinners, meals, and numerous items from local establishments. Some were donated by Marty B’s, Hillside, and 407 BBQ.
We encourage all Robson Ranch Republicans and other interested parties to join the club and stay abreast of current political happenings. Membership can be found at the Robson Ranch Republican Club website, rrrepublicanclub.com. Annual dues are only $10 per person, and meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m., in the clubhouse main ballroom.
The Robson Ranch Republican Club hopes you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!