As we did last year - we be serving a pulled pork sandwich dinner during the fundraiser.  The meal will be served out of the Jaycee Pavilion on Saturday, June 25th.  If you wish to pre-order tickets (which is helpful for making sure we have enough food), please email - teamvogel@hotmail.com.  If you wish to sell tickets - which is TRULY appreciated, please email teamvogel@hotmail.com to get tickets.

If you have an order of 5 or more - we would be more than happy to deliver.  please email teamvogel@hotmail.com to arrange this.

TEAMS NEEDED -
6 teams for Men's Softball
1 team for Women's Softball
8 teams for Co - Ed Kickball

1.  Men’s and Women’s Softball Tournaments, Kickball Tournament, and Homerun Derby - Dale – dbartelson@hotmail.com
(Contact Dale with any questions, if you wish to register, or if you are interested in helping with the tournaments.)

2.  Silent Auction – Brian – bbergler@hotmail.com
(Please contact Brian if you are willing to donate an item to the silent auction or if you have any questions about the silent auction.)

3.  5K / 1 mile Race – Amanda – amandaweifenbach@live.com
(If you would be willing to help stuff race packets, hand out race packets on June 25th – or want to be involved in the race – please contact Amanda.)

4.  Food – Mike and Julie – mikeandjuliebiggs@gmail.com
(If you would be willing to work a shift, with friends / family, serving meals or working the hotdog stand – please take a moment to let Julie and Mike know.)

5.  Bake Sale – Mary – teamvogelmerchandise@hotmail.com
(Please get in touch with Mary if you would be willing to bake an item for the bake sale.)

Rach's Thoughts for the Week...

My mind is spinning in 100 directions - excitement of the fundraiser and seeing everything fall into place again...fixing up the bathroom in the house...being able to be outside and enjoy the sunshine...friends...family... life...  So I am going to share this with you today -  

Life is not a race - but indeed a journey.
Be honest.  Work hard.  Be choosy.  Say, "Thank you",
"I love you", and "great job" to someone each day.
Go to church (or find your inner peace somewhere), and take time for prayer.
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh.  Let your handshake mean
more than pen and paper.  
Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental - search for 
your purpose and do it as best you can.  
Dreaming does matter.  It allows you to become that which you inspire to be.  
Laugh often.  Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.
Some of the best things really are free.  Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming.  Forgive, it frees the soul.  Take time for yourself - plan for longevity.  Recognize the special people you've been blesses to know.
Live for today, enjoy the moment.

By - Bonnie Mohr (and a little addition by me)

Love, hugs and hopes for a peaceful week -
Rach

As Team Vogel continues to "Pay It Forward", I would like to announce the 10 families that have been selected to receive funds raised, along with Gundersen Lutheran and Franciscan Skemp, from our 2011 fundraising efforts.

It is an honor to meet each of these families (by phone and in person).  I wish our paths did not cross for this reason, but your strength and determination is overwhelming.  Team Vogel and everyone out there - meet the families.

Team Vogel Updates:

June 1st is sneaking up on us fast - we invite you to participate in the Chula Vista Gives Back event.  If you can't make it for lunch, mid-lunch / almost dinner, snack or dinner - call in and get carry-out.  We hope to see you there.

Team Vogel would not be without the support of the community and the willingness of others to pay it forward.  I urge all of you take a moment and get involved - spread the word, attend an event, register for the race, get a team together for one of the tournaments...

Teams still needed -
7 Men's Softball Teams
2 Women's Softball Teams
10 Kickball Teams
(Click on the event to see the registration form and more info.)

Who to contact if you wish to get involved-

1.  Men’s and Women’s Softball Tournaments, Kickball Tournament, and Homerun Derby - Dale – dbartelson@hotmail.com
(Contact Dale with any questions, if you wish to register, or if you are interested in helping with the tournaments.)

2.  Silent Auction – Brian – bbergler@hotmail.com
(Please contact Brian if you are willing to donate an item to the silent auction or if you have any questions about the silent auction.)

3.  5K / 1 mile Race – Amanda – amandaweifenbach@live.com
(If you would be willing to help stuff race packets, hand out race packets on June 25th – or want to be involved in the race – please contact Amanda.)

4.  Food – Mike and Julie – mikeandjuliebiggs@gmail.com
(If you would be willing to work a shift, with friends / family, serving meals or working the hotdog stand – please take a moment to let Julie and Mike know.)

5.  Bake Sale – Mary – teamvogelmerchandise@hotmail.com
(Please get in touch with Mary if you would be willing to bake an item for the bake sale.)


Thoughts for the week -

My thoughts are few this evening.  I just returned home from a wonderful weekend in Chicago. I lived, laughed and relaxed.  Now - I need to unpack :).

Love and hugs -
Rach

Saturday was wonderful.  

As we arrived at the golf course to set up, the weather was looking a little dreary…I thought to myself, “Joe – hope you have been good up there, for we are going to need a little help with the weather today.”…

While 28 teams of 4 loaded into their golf carts – the rain turned to drizzle and then stopped when the carts took off.  When the last few carts were arriving back at the clubhouse (at the end out the event) – the rain began again.  I guess he is behaving himself up there. 

Thank you to all the golfers and supporters who braved the cooler temperatures and made the outing a success.

To Jeff Hubbard – Thank you for coordinating this event and all your organization.  You are an amazing person and I know why Joe considered you such a great friend.

To Cedar Valley – Thank you for helping us run an amazing outing.  The service and professionalism shown was exceptional.  Thank you Rod for dealing with all my special details.

To the Hole Sponsors – Thank you for BELIEVING in Team Vogel!
Fastenal
LineDrive
Edward Jones – Stacey Bartelson
GOJO Industries
McDonald Eye Care Associates
Chula Vista
Lakeview Drive Inn
Fastenal Safety Team & Fleming Safety
RTP
Roccos Pizza
Rainbow International
Miller Scrap
Fifth Street Liquor
Frito Lay

To the Hole Workers – Kathy, Jenny, Nikki, Kelly, Kirsten, Jane, Cassie, and Katie -Thank you for doing this with a smile (I hope you have thawed out.)

And now for the results (Prizes were awarded for 1st, 10th, 20th and Last Place)…

Coming in 1st place with a score of 60 – Seth Bonow, Bill Bonow, Bob Bigelow, and Bob Prenot

Finishing in 10th place with a score of 66 – Brad Berzinski, Josh Bergler, Brian Bergler, and Bob Barth

Taking 20th place with a score of 71 – Dale Bartelson, Chris Kroder, Darrell Bates, and Rob Prosser

And finishing with all smiles (last) with a score of 80 – Bill Wissman Sr., Bill Wissman Jr., Isaac Kosidowski, and Nick Kosidowski

...and one of Joe's biggest fans.

To see all team photos please click HERE and scroll all the way to the bottom.

As we continue to make our way toward the 2nd Annual Team Vogel vs. Cancer Fundraiser, on June 25th and 26th, we invite and encourage everyone to become involved.  Here are the contacts for different areas if you wish to donate an item, some of your time, or your talents…

1.  Men’s and Women’s Softball Tournaments, Kickball Tournament, and Homerun Derby - Dale – dbartelson@hotmail.com
(Contact Dale with any questions, if you wish to register, or if you are interested in helping with the tournaments.)

2.  Silent Auction – Brian – bbergler@hotmail.com
(Please contact Brian if you are willing to donate an item to the silent auction or if you have any questions about the silent auction.)

3.  5K / 1 mile Race – Amanda – amandaweifenbach@live.com
(If you would be willing to help stuff race packets, hand out race packets on June 25th – or want to be involved in the race – please contact Amanda.)

4.  Food – Mike and Julie – mikeandjuliebiggs@gmail.com
(If you would be willing to work a shift, with friends / family, serving meals or working the hotdog stand – please take a moment to let Julie and Mike know.)

5.  Bake Sale – Mary – teamvogelmerchandise@hotmail.com
(Please get in touch with Mary if you would be willing to bake an item for the bake sale.)

Last Couple Notes –

TEAMS NEEDED – We are still in need of teams for the 2nd Annual Team Vogel vs. Cancer Fundraiser.  We need –

10 Kickball Teams

8 Men’s Softball Teams

2 Women’s Softball Teams

and all the Runners and Walkers in Winona for the 5K or 1 mile run / walk :)

I started to create a Resource portion for the Team Vogel website.  This page will evolve with time and I invite anyone with resources to share – please email them to teamvogel@hotmail.com, so they can be included.  If we can help one person / family find a way, an outlet, for additional support…  

And what would be a post without a thought from me…Meet the newest family members – June, Alice and Sue Ellen (possibly Satnly Edward).

Love and Hugs...and Oh What a Weekend!
Rach

Golf Outing (It is finally here!!):

Just a reminder – we ask that all golfers check in at the clubhouse at 12:15 pm.

Cedar Valley Golf Course
25019 County Road 9
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 457 – 3129
www.cedarvalleymn.com

If you have any last questions, please email Jeff at teamvogelgolf@hotmail.com

We are so excited for the 1st Annual Team Vogel Golf Outing.  I can’t wait to share pictures and stories next Sunday.

Thoughts for the evening…

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas, aunts and fabulous women out there who have helped shape the lives of another individual.

Joe and I would often discuss how lucky we were.  We have the best mom’s in town.  Our mom’s have stood by both of us throughout everything - they’ve cried with us, laughed with us, had a few beers with us … they have never let us down.  Now there is me here and Joe there and these two women continue to be my rock. 

To my two mom’s – I thank you for everything and couldn’t imagine my life without the two of you in it.  I know Joe is sending his love…

Here’s to all the fabulous mothers out there!

Love - Rach

Golf Outing Updates:
 1.  To keep things running on time – we ask that all golfers arrive around 12:15 pm.  This will allow plenty of time for chatting, registering and getting ready for the shot – gun start at 1 pm.

2.  Cedar Valley Golf Course
     25019 County Road 9
     Winona, MN 55987
     (507) 457 – 3129
     www.cedarvalleymn.com

3.  Thank you to all the teams and hole sponsors that have signed.  If you have not paid – please send one check written out to Team Vogel to:

Mail to:
Jeff Hubbard
262 E. Mark St.
Winona, MN 55987

If you have any questions - please email Jeff at teamvogelgolf@hotmail.com.

Team Vogel vs. Cancer Fundraiser – June 25th and 26th –

Many people are wondering how they can help and who to contact.  Here is a break-down of all the events that will be held on Saturday, June 25th (and some on Sunday, June 26th).

We are so appreciative of all the support and help we have had in the past and know – Team Vogel would not be what it is without the support of all of you.  If you wish to become involved, volunteer, or donate an item – please contact the given individual(s) below.

1.  Men’s and Women’s Softball Tournaments, Kickball Tournament, and Homerun Derby
Dale – dbartelson@hotmail.com
(Contact Dale with any questions, if you wish to register, or if you are interested in helping with the tournaments.)

2.  Silent Auction – Brian – bbergler@hotmail.com
(Please contact Brian if you are willing to donate an item to the silent auction or if you have any questions about the silent auction.)

3.  5K / 1 mile Race – Amanda – amandaweifenbach@live.com
(If you would be willing to help stuff race packets, hand out race packets on June 25th – or want to be involved in the race – please contact Amanda.)

4.  Food – Mike and Julie – mikeandjuliebiggs@gmail.com
(If you would be willing to work a shift, with friends / family, serving meals or working the hotdog stand – please take a moment to let Julie and Mike know.)

5.  Bake Sale – Mary – teamvogelmerchandise@hotmail.com
(Please get in touch with Mary if you would be willing to bake an item for the bake sale.)

If I missed anything or you have further questions – please email – teamvogel@hotmail.com

Rachel’s Weekly Thoughts –

This past Friday (Joe’s Birthday) was one of my toughest days.  It amazes me how I can live each day, truly having many good moments, and then get hit with overwhelming grief all at once. 

It took my breath away – it is a feeling I cannot describe and wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy.  I find when this happens – I must stay busy.  After talking with Joe’s mom, she does the same.  So on Friday, I decided to run a ½ marathon (which I had been training for) alone with Joe and Mary washed windows (inside and out).  It doesn’t make the pain go away, it doesn’t make it easier to breath – it doesn’t even stop the tears…It is a way to pass the time and make it through.

I want to share with you a poem that was given to me.  It is a perspective I try to embrace.

Little by Little

I’m letting go.  Little by little, but I am.
It sometimes hurts. I sometimes cry.
I sometimes erase it all
And sometimes I try and I can’t.
But I’m letting go. I am.
That’s just the way I am.
I can’t help it anymore.

My mind races.
Unlike the hare
Who had patience to compete.
I’m racing to defeat myself.
It’s torture in a shell
My heart has been to hell
I’m letting go.
Little by little, but I am.
I learned that now I can.

Sometimes it’s good.
Sometimes it’s sweet.
There are times too
That I never meet a standard,
Where questions flow unanswered
And it’s okay in itself.
I’m taking down the shelf of expectations
Crowded by imitations
I learned that now I can.

I’m letting go.  Little by little,
But I am.

-Lady Lee Adams

Although I am learning to let go – I will never forget or stop loving a person who brought me joy, laughter, love and true friendship everyday.

(Here are a few pictures I found from back in the day.)

Love and Hugs - Rach