NOVEMBER  2004 REPORT

OCTOBER  2004 REPORT

SEPTEMBER  2004 REPORT

AUGUST  2004 REPORT

JULY  2004 REPORT

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

JUNE  2004 REPORT

June has arrived, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) is already well into the 2004 melodrama season. The first three performances of the play, A Dirty Work On The Trail,@ or A Go Slow With The Pony Express.@ were held on Memorial Day weekend - May 28, 29 & 30, and two more will be held on Western Roundup weekend - June 18 & 19. The time for all performances is 7:30 pm, and the Zenith Park Pavilion is the location. Admission is free - just watch out for our money collector, Gloria Wood, who passes the hat and will not accept A no@ for an answer. Come join us, throw popcorn at the villain, and applaud the hero. It's a lot of good, clean fun for the whole family!

The second melodrama will be a Heaven Help The Po' Taters @ Three performances will be held on Fourth of July weekend, and there will be two more on each of the following two weekends, for a total of seven performances. They will again be at the Zenith Park Pavilion at 7:30 pm. Dave Venable will direct the play, and the cast includes Irish Tater, played by Pat Rand; his wife, Etta, played by Charliss Randall; their children - Sweetpea, Chip, and Lyonnaise - played by Becky Winkles, Quinn Winkles, and Megan Gordon; and neighbor Tilda Fields, played by Shirley Sonnamaker.

Other characters include Ida Hoe, played by Bethani Sellers; Cher Kropper, played by Glenda Daniels; Dick Tater, played by Terry Winkles; Carmen Tater, played by Trisha Zendel; Emma Tater, played by McKenzie Ponder; Ory Gunn, played by Larry Drake; Marshal Art, played by Gary Wood; Candide Yam, played by Sheila Gordon; Spud Farmer, played by Rich Penner; Pastor Salt, played by Kris Creed; Noah Count, played by Dave Venable; Sue Duse, played by Shannon Flood; Maitre D', played by Arlan Ponder; and Widder Tater, played by Gloria Wood.

Two different Lodge Murder Mysteries are scheduled for November 5, 6, and 7, 2004 and on the following weekend - November 12, 13, and 14. There will be a third mystery on January 28, 29 and 30, 2005. If you are interested in attending any of these mysteries, contact the Lodge at 682-2566 to make your reservations. You are guaranteed to have a good time even if you aren't able to solve the crime.

The two seniors at Cloudcroft High School who were winners of the CLOC college scholarships were Megan Gordon and Nathaniel Smith. This is a very worthwhile project that CLOC has taken on and, next year, a third student will be added to the scholarship list. Congratulations to Megan and Nathaniel!

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at Dave's Pine Cone Café, beginning at 6 pm. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and learn about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate. Dues are only $10 per year per person, so come see what CLOC is all about.

If you want more information on CLOC, there is a website - www.cloudcrofttheatre.com where you can check on upcoming dates, photos and information on past performances, copies of the monthly CLOC reports, and all sorts of other information. Marty Ware has really put a lot of effort in setting up the site, and has done a wonderful job.

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

MAY  2004 REPORT

It is May already, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) is ticking into its first melodrama of the 2004 season. It will be held in the Zenith Park Pavilion and is entitled, A Dirty Work On The Trail,@ or A Go Slow With The Pony Express.@ There will be three performances on Memorial Day weekend - May 28, 29 & 30, and two more on Western Roundup weekend - June 18 & 19. The play is directed by Patricia Drake, assisted by her husband Larry.

The setting is a Pony Express station in Carson City, Nevada. Characters include Widow Mentary, played by Marty Ware; Melba Loveless, played by Sheila Gordon; Ella Mentary, played by Sandi Lawrence; Ned Sterling, played by Mark Swalley; Foghorn Redburn, played by Pat Rand; Astabula Hugankiss, played by Bethani Sellers; Annie, played by Linda Carter; Pugsley Moonquake, played by Dave Venable; Felicia Da Flea, played by Shannon Flood; Pony Bill/Pony Bob, played by George Mitchell; Sourdough Sam, played by Ed Carlton; and Palomino Pete, played by Quinn Winkles. Understudy and general handyperson will be Sara Krycho.

Times for all performances will be 7:30 pm, and admission is free - just watch out for our money collector, Gloria Wood, who passes the hat and will not accept A no@ for an answer. Come join us, throw popcorn at the villain, and applaud the hero. It's a lot of good, clean fun for the whole family!

The second melodrama will be AHeaven Help The Po' Taters.@ Three performances will be held on Fourth of July weekend, and there will be two more on each of the following two weekends, for a total of seven performances. Dave Venable will direct the play. The cast has not yet been finalized, but will be completed by Dave soon, and will be announced in the May CLOC article.

Two November Lodge Murder Mysteries are scheduled for November 5, 6, and 7, 2004 and on the following weekend - November 12, 13, and 14. There will be a third mystery on January 28, 29 and 30, 2005. If you are interested in attending any of these mysteries, contact the Lodge at 682-2566 and make reservations for one of them. You are guaranteed to have a good time even if you don't solve the crime.

At the April CLOC meeting, members voted to continue with the two college scholarships for seniors at Cloudcroft High School and to add a third one for the coming year. This is a very worthwhile project for CLOC, and the selected students will be announced at graduation in May.

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at Dave=s Pine Cone Café, beginning at 6 pm. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and learn about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate. Dues are only $10 per year per person, so come see what CLOC is all about.

If you want more information on CLOC, there is a website - www.cloudcrofttheatre.com where you can check on upcoming dates, photos and information on past performances, copies of the monthly CLOC reports, and all sorts of other information. Marty Ware has really put a lot of effort in setting up the site, and has done a wonderful job. Thanks, Marty!

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

APRIL  2004 REPORT

April is here, Spring has sprung, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) is preparing to tick through its first melodrama of 2004. It will be held in the Zenith Park Pavilion and is entitled, A Dirty Work On The Trail,@ or A Go Slow With The Pony Express.@ It begins with three performances on Memorial Day weekend - May 28, 29 & 30, and two more on Western Roundup weekend - June 18 & 19. The play is in two acts and involves a cast of twelve. It will be directed by Patricia Drake, assisted by her husband Larry. The setting is a Pony Express station in Carson City, Nevada in the days of the Wild West. The characters include Widow Mentary, who runs the station, played by Marty Ware; Melba Loveless, a scorned woman, played by Sheila Gordon; Ella Mentary, the widow=s lovely daughter, played by Sandi Lawrence; and Ned Sterling, a young cowboy in love with Ella, played by Mark Swalley.

Other characters include Foghorn Redburn, a stagecoach driver, played by Pat Rand; Astabula Hugankiss, a wealthy society matron, played by Bethani Sellers; Annie, Astabula's servant, played by xxx xxxx; Pugsley Moonquake, a clever cad with clean fingernails but dirty deeds, played by Dave Venable; Felicia Da Flea, Pugsley's beautiful but dangerous sister, played by Rebecca Sheriff; Pony Bill/Pony Bob, twin Pony Express riders, played by George Mitchell; Sourdough Sam, who doesn't play the ponies - he sells them, played by Ed Carlton; and Paloma Palomino, a female Pony Express rider, played by Shannon Flood.

Times for all performances will be 7:30 pm, and admission is free - just watch out for our money collector, Gloria Wood, who passes the hat and will not accept A no @ for an answer. Come join us, throw popcorn at the villain, and applaud the hero. It's a lot of good, clean fun!

The second melodrama will be a repeat of the hilarious play that was last performed by CLOC in July of 1995 - A Heaven Help The Po' Taters.@ Three performances will be held on Fourth of July weekend, and there will be two more on each of the following two weekends, for a total of seven performances. There will be a large cast of 21 people involved, and Dave Venable will direct the action. The cast should be announced by Dave at the CLOC April meeting.

The two November Lodge Murder Mysteries are scheduled for November 5, 6, and 7, 2004 and on the following weekend - November 12, 13, and 14. There will be a third mystery on February 4, 5, and 6, 2005. CLOC members play the parts of the suspects, and guarantee that you will be totally confused by the clues thrown at you. If you are interested in attending any of these mysteries, contact the Lodge at 682-2566 and make reservations for one of them. You are guaranteed to have a good time.

Remodeling the sound booth and the concession area at the Zenith Park Pavilion will done later this spring before the first melodrama performances. The portable electric signboard to advertise the melodramas should also be installed by that time. In addition to the planned construction, the sealing of all the exterior wood surfaces at the pavilion, repairs and repainting of the picnic tables, plus general cleanup, should also be done before Memorial Day.

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at Dave=s Pine Cone Café, beginning at 6 pm. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and learn about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate. Dues are only $10 per year per person, so come see what CLOC is all about.

If you want more information on CLOC, there is a website - www.cloudcrofttheatre.com where you can check on upcoming dates, photos and information on past performances, copies of the monthly CLOC reports, and all sorts of other information. Why not check it out!

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

MARCH  2004 REPORT

March has arrived, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) has ticked through the February Lodge Murder Mystery, which was held on the weekend of February 6, 7 and 8. It was entitled "One Flew Out Of The Bird House," and was written by the quartet of Rebecca and Tice Sheriff, Marty Ware and George Mitchell. Rebecca was also the director and Pat Rand was her assistant. The mystery involved retired movie stars who are past their prime and living in a nursing home. The characters and the CLOC members that played the parts included Humphrey Bogard, played by Larry Drake; Charliss Randall was Gloria Swansen; Jimmy Stuart, played by George Mitchell; and Marty Ware playing Cate Hepbum.

Others included Rebecca Sheriff playing Grace Kellie; Robert Wright was Orsin Wells; Leo Bernard played Dr. Marcus Wellbie; Patricia Drake was Nurse Ida Scratchit, Orderly Gym, the nurse's aide, played by Kris Creed; Rich Penner was Attorney Perry Maison; and Viola Penner was his secretary, Delia Streat. Ingrid Berkman was played by Glenda  Daniels; Detective Hercule Pierow was played by Tice Sheriff; Pat Rand was Sean Conery; Ed Carlton played W.C. Feels; and Bethani Sellers played Barbara Strisand.

Also involved in the mystery were Gwen Carlton and Shirley Sonnamaker, who expertly handled the reception table. There was a full house at the Lodge, and everyone had a wonderful time - both guests and CLOC participants. Reading of the two "Booby Prize" winners brought gales of laughter. There will be two more excellent mysteries in November, so you had better be thinking about it now, since reservations are always filled up early.

Two 2004 melodramas will be held in the Zenith Park Pavilion. The first one, entitled, "Dirty Work On The Trail," begins with three performances on Memorial Day weekend - May 28, 29 & 30, and two more on Western Roundup weekend - June 18 & 19. This play is in two acts and involves 12 parts. It will be directed by Patricia Drake, assisted by her husband Larry. The second melodrama will be a repeat of the hilarious play that was last performed by CLOC in July of 1995 - "Heaven Help The Po' Taters." Three performances will be held on Fourth of July weekend, and there will be two more on each of the following two weekends, for a total of seven performances. There will be a cast of 21 people involved, and Dave Venable will direct the action.

The two November Lodge Murder Mysteries are scheduled for November 5, 6, and 7, 2004 and on the following weekend - November 12, 13, and 14. There will be a third mystery on February 4, 5, and 6, 2005. If you are interested, contact the Lodge at 682-2566 and make reservations for one of the upcoming ones. You are guaranteed to have a good time. Remodeling the sound booth and the concession area at the Zenith Park Pavilion will done later in the spring before the first melodrama performances. The portable electric signboard to advertise the melodramas should also be installed by that time. In addition to the planned construction, the sealing of all the exterior wood surfaces at the pavilion, repairs and repainting of the picnic tables, plus general cleanup, should also be done this spring. 

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at Dave's Pine Cone Cafe, beginning at 6 pm. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and learn about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate. Dues are only $10 per year per person.

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

FEBRUARY  2004 REPORT

THE CLOC UPDATE By Pat Rand

It is now February, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) has ticked through the first meeting of the organization for the new year. At the January CLOC meeting, schedules for the various activities in 2004 were established. There will be a February Lodge Murder Mystery, entitled "One Flew Out Of The Bird House," which was written by the quartet of Rebecca and Tice Sheriff, Marty Ware and George Mitchell. Rebecca will also be the director. It involves retired movie stars who are past their prime and living in a nursing home, where one of them commits a murder - but which one did the dirty deed? The dates for the mystery will be February 6, 7, and 8, 2004.

Two 2004 melodramas will be held in the Zenith Park Pavilion. The first one, entitled, "Dirty Work On The Trail," begins with three performances on Memorial Day weekend - May 28, 29 & 30, and two more on Western Roundup weekend - June 18 & 19. This play is in two acts and involves 12 parts. It will be directed by Patricia Drake, assisted by her husband Larry. The second melodrama will be a repeat of the hilarious play that was last performed by CLOC in July of 1995 - "Heaven Help The Po’ Taters." Three performances will be held on Fourth of July weekend, and there will be two more on each of the following two weekends, for a total of seven performances. There will be a cast of 21 people involved, and Dave Venable will direct the action.

Two more Lodge Murder Mysteries are scheduled for November 5, 6, and 7, 2004 and on the following weekend - November 12, 13, and 14, plus a third mystery on February 4, 5, and 6, 2005. These mysteries are a lot of fun for both the CLOC participants and the Lodge guests. They are also not too expensive, so contact the Lodge at 682-2566 and make reservations for one of the upcoming ones. You won’t regret it.

Plans are underway for remodeling the sound booth at the Zenith Park Pavilion to provide space for video equipment, and also to enclose it with plexiglass for heat and sound control. The concession area will also be remodeled to provide space for a refrigerator which could handle up to ten cases of soft drinks. The space between the two areas will be closed off to the public to provide new stairs to the sound booth and extra storage for concessions.

Hopefully, this work will be done before the first melodrama performance. The portable electric signboard to advertise the melodramas should also be installed by that time. In addition to the planned construction, the sealing of all the exterior wood surfaces at the pavilion, repairs and repainting of the picnic tables, plus general cleanup, will be done in the spring.

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4^th at Dave’s Pine Cone Café, beginning at 6 pm. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and learn about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate. Dues are only $10 per year per person.

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

JANUARY  2004 REPORT

January, 2004 has arrived, CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) has ticked through the two November Lodge Murder Mysteries, and is planning for the next one, which will occur in February. If it is as successful as the November mysteries, CLOC will have started off a great year.

At the December CLOC meeting, schedules for the various activities in 2004 were established. There will be a February Lodge Murder Mystery, to be written by the trio of Leo Bernard, Bethani Sellers and Rebecca Sheriff. The dates for the mystery will be February 6, 7, and 8, 2004.

Two 2004 melodramas will be held in the Zenith Park Pavilion - the first one beginning with three performances on Memorial Day weekend and two more on Western Roundup weekend. This play has not yet been selected, but should be picked by the next CLOC meeting. The second melodrama will be a repeat of the hilarious play that was last performed by CLOC in July of 1995 - "Heaven Help The Po' Taters." Three performances will be held on Fourth of July weekend, and there will be two more on each of the following two weekends, for a total of seven performances.

The sound booth at the Zenith Park Pavilion will be remodeled to provide space for video
equipment, and will also be enclosed with plexi glass for heat and sound control. The concession area will be remodeled to provide space for a refrigerator which could handle up to ten cases of soft drinks. The space between the two areas will be closed off to the public and will be used for new stairs to the sound booth and extra storage for concessions. This work will be done in early spring. The portable electric signboard to advertise the melodramas has been delivered to the pavilion and will be installed soon.

Some person or persons spray-painted graffiti on the dressing room doors at the Zenith Park Pavilion, but Tice Sheriff has cleaned this off, and now they are ready for repainting. This work, plus the sealing of all the exterior wood surfaces at the pavilion, plus general cleanup, will be done in the spring. Also, the storage and dressing room has been straightened up by Rebecca Sheriff. What would we do without this couple?

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 7<sup>th at Dave's Pine Cone Cafe,
beginning at 6 pm. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and leam about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate. Dues are only $10 per year.

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.</sup>

DECEMBER  2003 REPORT

THE CLOC UPDATE By Pat Rand

December is here, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) has ticked through two Lodge Murder Mysteries, which were held on the first two weekends of November. The first mystery, which was held on Friday, October 31^st through Sunday, November 2^nd, was named "Who Killed Victoria’s Secret?" An actual wedding took place at the Lodge on that Saturday afternoon, November 1^st, and the bride’s name was Victoria. Get the connection? The mystery revolved around the bride’s and groom’s families - the de Hermans and the Sandovals - and their long-lost relatives from the hills of Kentucky, who had been feuding for hundreds of years and came to Cloudcroft to try to stop the wedding. Unfortunately, someone got killed. As usual, the parts of the suspects were filled by CLOC members. Dave Venable wrote the script and directed the mystery.

The second mystery weekend was on Friday, November 7^th, through Sunday, November 9^th. It was called "Murder on Clown Alley," and revolved around the competition for being the Center-Ring Clown at the circus - even to the point of murder. This mystery was also written and directed by Dave Venable. Both mysteries were well attended, and the guests complimented all the CLOC members for their participation.

At the November CLOC meeting, the newly-elected officers for 2003-2004 took over their duties, and schedules for 2004 were established. There will be a February Lodge Murder Mystery, which will be written by Leo Bernard, Bethani Sellers and Rebecca Sheriff. The exact date for the mystery has not been established. Two 2004 melodramas will be held, the first one beginning with three performances on Memorial Day weekend and two more on Western Roundup weekend. This play has not yet been selected. The second melodrama, will be a repeat of "Heaven Help The Po’ Taters," a hilarious play that was last performed by CLOC in July of 1995. Three performances will be held on Fourth of July weekend, and there will be two more on each of the following two weekends, for a total of seven performances.

In other business, it was decided to remodel the concession and sound booths at the Zenith Park Pavilion, to provide space for video equipment in the sound booth, and to install a refrigerator which could handle up to ten cases of soft drinks in the concession area. The space between the two areas will be closed off to the public and will be used for new stairs to the sound booth and extra storage for concessions. Also, a portable electric signboard will be purchased to advertise the melodramas, and either walkie-talkies or head-sets will be ordered to provide communication between the sound booth and back-stage.

The last item of business discussed was the repainting of the storage and dressing room doors that had graffiti painted on them, plus the sealing of all the exterior wood surfaces at the Zenith Park Pavilion. This work plus general cleanup will be done in the spring.

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 3^rd,at Dave’s Pine Cone Café, beginning at 6 pm. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and learn about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate.

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

NOVEMBER  2003 REPORT

THE CLOC UPDATE By Pat Rand

November is here, Cloudcroft has celebrated Oktoberfest and the annual Aspencade, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) is ticking into the two Lodge Murder Mysteries, which are being held on the first two weekends of this month. The first mystery is on Friday, October 31^st through Sunday, November 2^nd, and is named "Who Killed Victoria’s Secret?" An actual wedding takes place at the Lodge on that Saturday afternoon, November 1^st, and the bride’s name is Victoria. The mystery revolves around the two families - the Sandovals and the de Hermans. Unbeknownst to the bride and groom, family members from the hills of Kentucky, who have been feuding for hundreds of years, have come to Cloudcroft to try to stop the wedding. As usual, the parts of the suspects will be filled by CLOC members.

The de Herman members of the Kentucky clans are represented by Gary Wood, who plays the part of Clyde de Herman, their patriarch; Patricia Drake, who is Lulubelle de Herman, the matriarch of the clan; Rich Penner, who acts as Bubba de Herman, their not-too-bright oldest son: and Bethani Sellers, who is Clemmy de Herman, their not-too-bright oldest daughter. Aunt Sissy de Herman, the gossip and know-it-all of the clan, is played by Sandi Lawrence; Uncle Pudgy de Herman, Clyde’s brother who is married to Sissy, is played by Mark Swalley; Ophelia de Herman, Clyde’s spinster sister, is played by Shannon Flood; and Kris Creed plays the part of Jed Knutwynder, a family friend who came along to help fight the Sandovals.

The Sandovals are equally represented by Pat Rand, playing the part of Jedadiah Sandoval, leader of the Kentucky Sandovals. Sophie Sandoval, Jedadiah’s wife and matriarch of the clan, is played by Gloria Wood; Bo Sandoval, Jedadiah’s and Sophie’s not-too-bright oldest son, is played by Andy Hospodar; Rebecca Sheriff plays Thalia Sandoval, their very bright oldest daughter; Burton "Big Belly" Sandoval, Jedadiah’s brother, is played by Robert Wright; Pansy Mae Sandoval, the man-chasing sister of Jedadiah, is played by Sheila Gordon; Larry Drake plays the part of Buford Lee Petty Sandoval, the not-too-bright second-oldest son of Sophie and Jedadiah; and Prudence "Pruddy" Sandoval, Jedadiah’s straight-laced sister, is played by Trisha Taylor. Officer Otto Buttkick, who investigates the murder, is played by Tice Sheriff.

The second mystery weekend is on Friday, November 7^th, through Sunday, November 9^th. It is called "Murder on Clown Alley," and revolves around the competition for being the Center-Ring Clown at the circus - even to the point of murder. The characters include Miss Binky Boo, played by Viola Penner; Mr. Pickle Chips, played by Larry Drake; Burphy, played by Robert Wright; and WahWah, played by Sheila Gordon. Andy Hospodar plays Uncle Fuzzyface; Rebecca Sheriff plays the part of Tunk-Tunk; Zippy Shorts is played by George Mitchell; Gloria Wood plays Aunt Pudgy; Jimmy Snorts is played by Rich Penner; Mark Swalley plays Mr. Twiddles; Peachy Poo is played by Shannon Flood; Wally Wiggle is played by Gary Wood; Marty Ware plays Snuggle Buggle; Whizzy is played by Dave Venable; Ed Carlton plays the part of Phinias T. Blarney; and Taffy Goodbody is played by Rhonda Salyer. The investigating officer is Chief Buster Chops, played by Tice Sheriff.

Both of these crazy mysteries were written by newly-elected CLOC president - and noted mystery author - Dave Venable. The first mystery is already underway, and reservations for the second weekend are almost gone, so if you would like to attend, you should call The Lodge, at 1-505-682-2715, or at 1-800-395-6343, and have them save you a place for a fun weekend.

At the October CLOC meeting, the election of officers for 2003-2004 was held, and the new positions include the following: President - Dave Venable, Vice-President - Glenda Daniels, Secretary - Pat Rand, and Treasurer - Viola Penner. Congratulations to the new officers! The meeting was a pot-luck affair, and there was plenty of great food for all who attended.

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 5^th, at Dave’s Pine Cone Café, beginning at 6 pm. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and learn about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate.

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

OCTOBER  2003 REPORT

THE CLOC UPDATE By Pat Rand

October has arrived, the air is cool and crisp, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) is ticking into its fall schedule. Two Lodge Murder Mysteries will be held on the last of October and the early part of November. The first mystery will be on Halloween weekend - Friday, October 31^st through Sunday, November 2^nd. A real wedding will take place at the Lodge on that Saturday afternoon, November 1^st, and the wedding party, which will be coming down from Albuquerque, will be a part of the mystery. Since the bride’s name is Victoria, the name "Victoria’s Secrets" has been suggested as being appropriate for the weekend. As usual, the parts of the suspects will be filled by CLOC members, but people in the wedding party might sneak in as suspects also.

The second mystery weekend will be on Friday, November 7^th through Sunday, November 9^th. It will be called, "Murder on Clown Alley." Both of the mysteries are being written by former CLOC president - and noted mystery author - Dave Venable. Reservations for both of these weekends are filling up rapidly so, if you would like to attend, you should call The Lodge, at 1- 505 - 682-2715, or at 1-800-395-6343 and have them save you a place for a fun weekend.

Many people have asked when the next CLOC Melodrama will be held, thinking there would be one this fall. Unfortunately, due to commitments by various CLOC members on other aspects of their lives, there weren’t enough people to fill the cast for a play at this time, considering the many hours of rehearsals required to put one on - despite the appearance sometimes that none had taken place. There will definitely be one in the spring - probably about Spring-Break time. CLOC does appreciate the continued interest by the community in its activities.

At the September CLOC meeting, the nominating committee made its recommendations for 2003-2004 officers, and nominations from the floor were made. The election will be held at the October meeting. Names on the ballot will include the following: for President - Andy Hospodar and Dave Venable, for Vice-President - Glenda Daniels and Jan Richards, for Secretary - Sandi Lawrence and Pat Rand, and for Treasurer - Viola Penner. It is hoped that all CLOC members - and this means those who are current with their dues - will attend and let their votes count.

The next CLOC meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 1^st, at Dave’s Pine Cone Café, beginning at 6 pm, and will be a pot-luck affair, with each member bringing a meat, vegetable, salad, or dessert dish. If you are not a CLOC member, but are interested in our activities - either on stage as an actor, or behind the scenes with wardrobe, props, makeup, or set construction - you are invited to attend our next meeting and learn about the organization and the people who are already members. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to participate.

If you should have any questions, comments, or suggestions about CLOC, please call Pat Rand at (505) 682-3317, or write to CLOC at P.O. Box 1166, Cloudcroft, NM 88317.

SEPTEMBER  2003 REPORT

THE CLOC UPDATE By Pat Rand

September is here, school has started, and CLOC (The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company) is ticking into its fall schedule. Two Lodge Murder Mysteries will be held on the last of October and the first part of November. The first mystery will be on Halloween weekend - Friday, October 31^st through Sunday, November 2^nd. A real wedding will take place at the Lodge on that Saturday afternoon, November 1^st, and the wedding party, who will be coming down from Albuquerque, will be a part of the mystery. Since the bride’s name is Victoria, the name "Victoria’s Secrets" has been suggested as being appropriate for the weekend. As usual, the parts of the suspects will be filled by CLOC members, but people in the wedding party might sneak in as suspects also.

The second mystery weekend will be on Friday, November 7^th through Sunday, November 9^th. It will be called, "Murder on Clown Alley." Both of the mysteries are being written by former CLOC president and noted mystery author Dave Venable. Reservations for both of these weekends are filling up rapidly so, if you would like to attend, you should call The Lodge, at 1- 505 - 682-2715, or at 1-800-395-6343 and have them save you a place for a fun weekend.

The "Trails and Treasures" magazine, which is published by REDTT - The Rural Economic Development Through Tourism Organization - featured the Murder Mystery Weekends as a great getaw