Rita Norlander, a long-time resident of the Trails End Winter Park, was honored on March 19 as she threw out the first pack for the annual Rita Nolander Shuffle Tournament.

Rita hails from Wisconsin and moved to Texas over 28 years ago. She was originally in the Weslaco Trailer Park before moving to the Trails End Park.

Rita shuffled for 28 years and is well known throughout the Valley due to participating in many, many tournaments – and her great personality.
In 2023 she was inducted into the RGVSA Hall of Fame which honors individuals who have demonstrated superior performance in the RGVSA shuffleboard activities over a period of time. To be nominated, a player must have achieved four years as an active expert player and earned 200 lifetime points which is quite an achievement as Rita began shuffling at the age of 70!

The 2023 Hall of Fame dinner was one of the biggest they have ever had and was attended by at least 28 family members from Wisconsin and the surrounding area.

Nominees must also have provided outstanding service to their park and/or the Valley which Rita accomplished in part by many, many, hours of working in the kitchen, helping with meals and making homemade pies for the tournaments.

She is not only superbly skilled in the game but also brings her sense of humor to the courts.

Her favorite words were always “I didn’t mean to do that” after she put the opponent’s disc in the kitchen - which were done with accuracy and frequency!

You can always find Rita close to the shuffle courts, for a fun game and a little talk.

Darlene King, of Trails End, said she is very much loved by everyone at the park, and it shows with these two poems.

Rita Norlander

She’s a very special lady
That we’re all blessed to know
Who came to this great Valley
Nearly 30 years ago.
She shuffles all the time
Except when it’s too cold
Cuz we make her stay inside
And NOT because she’s old.
She always has a smile
And kind words for everyone
Even when she’s won the game
The visit isn’t done
Rita’s a great shuffler
She loves to play the game
And we’re proud that she’ll be part of
The Rio Grande Shuffle Hall of Fame.

And …

Rita says,” Let’s have a game of shuffle
And a little chat.”
“Oh, I’ve put you in the kitchen,
I didn’t mean to do that!”
“It’s pretty windy here
So, hold on to your hat.”
“Oh, I’ve put you in the kitchen,
I didn’t mean to do that!”
“Now the wind is getting stronger
It blew away your hat.”
“Oh, I’ve put you in the kitchen,
I didn’t mean to do that!”
Now the game is almost over
I’ve enjoyed our little chat
Then I’ll say, “I’ve put you in the kitchen
And, yes, I meant to do that!”

We wish to congratulate Rita on a job well done!

Stories and photo submitted by Darlene King

CAPTIONS
Rita Norlander throws out the first puck at the shuffle tournament which is named after her.

Rita Norlander holding her certificate from the RGVSA Hall of Fame.