Team Member Highlight – Lois Pape

The overwhelming consensus among her coworkers is that Lois is the glue that holds Nino Homes together. With Nino Homes since 2005, Lois has the universal respect of all who work with her, from project superintendents and subcontractors to city planners, engineers and other officials.

Some of her extraordinary skills include forecasting and planning, working and thinking ahead to keep the many facets of building neighborhoods of homes moving forward efficiently and on time. She’s the person people call when they need something done but aren’t sure who can do it. Lois will figure it out.

Her responsibilities span a wide range including working with cities on permits and necessary applications; helping Mike gather tract maps for city approval; preparing presentations to City Councils; keeping an eye on the company website; managing insurance coverages; creating public reports required by King City and Greenfield; and tracking down needed information. “I’m just one part of the team who does all this, it’s not just me,” she says with characteristic humility. “I do a little bit of everything. Whatever needs doing.”

“I love the variety of work I do here,” says Lois. “No two days, or even two hours, are the same. Mike and Tracy are very supportive of us and our families. A major benefit is that we are all treated like members of the Nino Homes family.”

Lois and Greg, her husband of 40 years, have two grown children, two young grandchildren and a “very active” Lab named Jethro. In her leisure time, she enjoys walking, hiking, and playing the role of sous chef while cooking with Greg.

Looking for a giving opportunity this holiday season? Sarah Nino has some ideas.

Sarah Nino, daughter of Mike and Tracy, is currently living at Rancho de Los Niños, an orphanage in El Porvenir, a small village about an hour and a half south of the U.S border. Rancho spreads out across nearly five acres with more than 115 people living on the property. About 85 kids, from infants to young adults, call Rancho home.  There are multiple houses on the property where the children live based on their age and gender. All the homes are watched over and ran by house parents who live in small apartments inside the homes.

“I am currently living in one of the dorm apartments right in the center of the property,” says Sarah. “I really enjoy waking up every day to the sounds of little voices running around and being in the center of the action. I am currently working with the 5^th and 6^th graders alongside a young woman named Lee. She speaks English, French and Spanish and is quite a hoot.”

Rancho de Los Niños exists through the support of generous communities and individuals, near and far. And now you can help.

“Many people have asked how they could support the kids that are a part of my amazing journey,” she says. “After observing and talking with employees at the orphanage, I put together an Amazon Wish List that includes some of the major needs at this time.”

Find the list at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3L3FVZT0ANCZZ?ref_=wl_share

“When you purchase from the list, the items will be sent directly to my parents, Mike and Tracy  in Hollister,” says Sarah. I’ll pick up donations each time I’m home. Your support will do a world of good for these awesome children.”

If you’re cleaning out your closet, clothing donations are always welcome and needed. The Nino family has set up drop-off locations at their sales centers in King City and Greenfield. Call in advance. You can also call Nino Homes in Hollister, at 831-635-0745 for other drop-off options.

King City Sales Center
636 Spreckels Rd., King City 93930
Phone: 831-902-9945

Greenfield Sales Center
12 Thirteenth St., Greenfield, CA 93927
Phone: 831-902-9985

Try a little Christmas craft this holiday season

Bring the sights and scents of Christmas to your holiday table with this DIY centerpiece. Nothing inspires the yuletide spirit like fragrant sprigs of pine. Top with pine cones of different shapes and add splashes of color with a few stems of berry branches. You’ll feel accomplished and have some bragging rights by creating it yourself. If natural materials are hard to find, just pick up some beautiful replicas at a craft store and add a candle in the center to provide the scent.
For more details and easy-to-follow instructions, visit www.julieblanner.com/pinecones-berries-diy-christmas-centerpiece/

Sol Treasures Children’s Christmas Showcase

Sol Treasures in King City will once again present the Children’s Christmas Showcase. Four performances will feature children ages 6 to 17 singing and dancing in celebration of the holidays. For more information, visit www.soltreasures.com/event/ or call 831–386-9809.

Thursday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.,
Heritage Foundation Polenta Feed at King City Fairgrounds, free admission, dinner available for purchase.

Saturday, December 4, 12:00 p.m.,
Sol Treasure’s Market/Open House, free admission.

Friday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.,
Christmas Parade at Town Square.

Saturday, December 18, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.,
“Streets of Bethlehem” at Casey’s Redtail Ranch Barn. Donations accepted.