2018 Spring Winter Texan

The Winter Texan Appreciation Edition - Spring 2018

Published by Progress Times, Mission, TX © 2018 Savy Publishing Company

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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The City of Mission Says...

Thank You Winter Friends for Choosing

Mission as Your Winter Home

Something for everyone....

We hope that your stay here in Mission has been pleasant and that you will make plans to return next fall.

Extend an invitation to friends and family to visit Mission, Texas... the best place not only to spend the winter months, but to also call home.

• Golfing • Biking Trails • Nature Walks at the World Birding Center (400 + species) National Butterfly Center (200 + species) • Fiestas & Traditions • History, Culture & Arts • Delicious Variety of Foods • Shopping • Friendly locals & WARM sunny days

Have a safe trip and we’ll see you next season!

Norberto Salinas Mayor

Norie Gonzalez Garza Mayor Pro-Tem

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa Councilwoman

Ruben Plata Councilman

Dr. Armando O’Cana Councilman

www.missiontexas.us

Martin Garza, Jr. City Manager

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

2018

Calendar of Events

March 23: The next performance in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Distinguished Performers Series features cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus. Finckel and Han rank among the most dynamic and influential forces in classical music today. Not included in season membership, tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. For questions, call 956-665-3881.

March 23: Sign up is underway for the Tom Landry Golf Classic hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. It will be held at Cimarron Country Club, 1200 S. Shary Rd. in Mission. Tournament day registration begins at 7 a.m. for the 8 a.m. tee-off. Registration for teams of three is $500, and includes course fees, golf cart, gift bags, breakfast and lunch. For $20, players can purchase two mulligans. Proceeds benefit the GMCC, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the annual Mission C.I.S.D. Back-to-School Bash to buy school supplies for students in need. To become a tournament sponsor, or to pre-register, call 956-240-4047 or email events@missionchamber.com.

March 24-25: Based on a true story, the Harlingen Community Theatre presents Always…Patsy Cline. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students under age 18. Tickets are sold one hour before show time, and seating begins 30 minutes prior to the curtain time. The theater is located at 1209 Fair Park Blvd. Call 956-412-7529 for information or email playhousefairpark97@gmail.com.

March 25: UTRGV will hold its Cello Festival concert at 4:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, located at 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. Admission is free.

April 6: The final concert of the Valley Symphony Orchestra season will feature the Valley Symphony Chorale and guest vocal-

ists Heather Phillips – soprano, Brian Yeakley – tenor, and Lee Poulis – bass, in Forbidden Pleasures of Carmina Burana at 8 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Single tickets for all concerts are currently on sale and range in price: orchestra, $58; front of the house, $48; and back of the house, $38. For tickets, visit valleyorchestra.org or stop by the McAllen Performing Arts Center box office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 7-8, 14-15: Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) will offer two additional public hunts for exotic species including nilgai antelope, feral hogs and fallow deer. Forty permits will be issued for each hunt, available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Refuge Office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

March 5 through 9, or until all permits are sold, whichever comes first. Permits will be $60 each, payable by cash only. Hunters will be limited to purchasing one permit per person.

Their office is located at 22817 Ocelot Rd, Los Fresnos. Phone 956-748-3607 for info.

April 11-14: The UTRGV Department of Theatre’s spring Studio production presents “Theatre People,” an original play by Eric Wiley, set to run April 11 to 14 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on April 15. Performances are held in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre and the Studio Theatre in the Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South (ELABS) at the corner of University Drive and Sugar Road. For subscription information or tickets, school matinees, groups and special accommodations, contact Elva Galvan, University Productions Box Office, at 956-665-3581, or email her at elva.galvan@utrgv.edu.

April 21: Celebrate Earth Day in the dirt at Quinta Mazatlan. Volunteers can give back to nature in a community service event from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Groups must register in advance. Quinta Mazatlan is at 600 Sunset in McAllen. Call 956-681-3370 for information.

3

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The Winter Texan Spring Appreciation Edition Published by Progress Times

© 2018 Savy Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher.

progresstimes Your hometown newspaper serving Mission and Western Hidalgo County Since 1972

1217 North Conway, Mission, Texas 78572

956-585-4893

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

4

From Buntings to Kites, rare birds flock to the Valley

By Luciano Guerra What once was called bird watching is now called birding and while the terminology may have changed, the viewing and photographing of birds is still one of the most popular outdoor activities enjoyed by Winter Texans here in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV). With approximately 450 different species of birds having been recorded in both Hidalgo and Cameron counties over the years, this should not come as a surprise to anyone that has spent any time at all outdoors in south Texas. From the iconic and oftentimes vociferous Plain Chachalaca to the emerald-green bodied and sapphire-blue headed Green Jay, the Valley is home to many tropical bird species found nowhere else in the United States.

While many of the birds commonly found here in the LRGV would be considered rare in other parts of the state and the country, there have been several birds reported across the Valley this winter that are considered rare even here; birds such as the Audubon’s Oriole, the Blue Bunting, the Hook-billed Kite, the Gray Hawk and the Painted Bunting. Here we will

look at when and where each of these rare species has been seen and provide some pertinent information about each one.

When it comes to being brightly colored, few birds anywhere rival the Painted Bunting. The male of this species not only has a blue head and a bronze-green back, but its bright red eyering, rump and underparts make it as visually striking as any bird found in the U.S.; if not more-so.

While Painted Buntings are more uncommon than rare across the state of Texas in the summertime, having one anywhere in the U.S., other than southern Florida, during the wintertime is extremely rare.

That is because it is a migratory species that is supposed to over-winter in central and southern Mexico, southern Florida and Cuba. Therefore the fact that a male Painted Bunting was first reported at the

National Butterfly Center in mid-January of this year, and was still being reported over two months later, had birders from near and far flocking to Mission in hopes of seeing, and possibly photographing, what some have called the Rainbow Bird.

Fortunately for most of those birders, this particular bird was not at all camera shy making it one of the most photographed birds ever at the National Butterfly Center. The fact that Painted Buntings are primarily seed and insect eaters meant that it was often seen and photographed foraging along the ground for seeds and insects along the edges of the flower beds.

Another rare bird that overwintered at the National Butterfly Center this year was an Audubon’s Oriole. Unlike the Painted Bunting, whose range at different times of the year extends across several U.S. states, the Audubon’s Oriole’s range is limited to a narrow strip that runs from central Texas south along the Gulf of Mexico through the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Veracruz, Hidalgo and Queretaro.

See RARE BIRDS pg. 7

Thank you, Winter Texans.

We’re proud to have you as neighbors and friends.

See you next Fall!

City of Alton Salvador Vela Mayor

Arturo Galvan Jr Mayor Pro Tem

Ricardo Garza Commissioner

Richard Arevalo Commissioner

Emilio Cantu Jr Commissioner

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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By Henry Miller There are four words that are the most famous words spoken in auto racing around the world – Gentlemen, start your engines.

Now, while they don't do exactly that in the Rio Grande Valley, car racing – remote control car racing – is a fast and furious activity that is quickly speeding it way up the charts in Winter Texan popularity. There are 10 parks across the Valley that have built race tracks in the past few years and others are looking seriously into following suit, knowing that if it's popular, it's also an attractive recruiting tool.

On a recent sunny afternnon, fans sat in the stands watching RC “driver” whip their cars around oval track at Alamo Palms RV Resort.

Opened last November, the “facility” is more than a track. The mainstay is an oval track with a figure eight track in the middle. There's a booth for the “drivers,” to run their cars from and they have added technology that would make any RC fan excited. Behind those who are controlling the cars there is a television screen that is showing data from sensors around the track. Each driver knows how quick their car has made it around the track and are provided more data that prepares them for competition.

“When we created this track, we did it with the intention of being the leader of remote control racing in the Valley,” said Park Director Rocky Ramirez. “This is the

future for the new group of Winter Texans.

It's a different demographic coming and this is exciting and low impact and anybody can do it.”

The park made sure anybody could compete by building handicap accessible ramps to get to the RC control booth. The park also has RC cars and truck for rent so anybody can give it a chance before deciding to invest in the activity.

Not only does the racing grounds have the technology with the sensor – and plans to place cameras around the track so they can livestream races - but they also have a “garage” area where car owners can tinker with their vehicles, fixing them or making adjustments. There are also air hoses and water hoses to remove debris that can't be reached by hand.

“We want to continually innovate and give our residents and those who come to race in our park everything that they need,” said Ramirez, who thought he held the track record at 8.6 seconds around the oval until veteran RC driver Tarry Freeman told him about his 7.9-second record that now stands.

“Wow,” Ramirez said. “I'm gonna have to get that back.”

Ramirez said that Encore RV Resorts and Thousand Trails Campgrounds, the park's parent company, sent out a manual to all of its locations and used Alamo Palms' blueprint as how to start and maintain a racetrack facility.

See R/C RACING pg. 10

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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From pg. 4 The Audubon’s Oriole is a large Oriole with yellow-green upperparts, a black hood extending onto its upper breast, and lemon-yellow underparts. While other Orioles, such as the Altamira, are fairly common across the LRGV, the Audubon’s Oriole is most definitely a chase bird (species that birders are willing to travel to see).

First reported at the National Butterfly Center in early November, 2017, this bird’s tendency to visit the bird feeding area, made it a fairly easy bird to see and photograph; especially for those birders that practiced a little patience and persistence.

Another rare species of bird that was reported by multiple birders in Hidalgo County this winter was the Hook-billed Kite. Unlike the Painted Bunting and the Audubon’s Oriole, which were single birds reported at a single location, the fact that this species was reported at two different locations in the county means that there was most likely at least two of these birds in the area. Even so, its extremely limited range makes the Hook-billed Kite one of those birds that only very few bird-

ers across the U.S. ever get to add to their life lists.

The two Hidalgo County locations this species was reported at were Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, south of Alamo.

The Hook-billed Kite is an unusual tropical kite with long paddle-shaped wings. It is rarely seen perched, so its wing shape is critical in identifying this species as it soars overhead in flight. It occurs in two morphs, gray and black (very rare to Texas). Its hooked bill allows this kite to break open the shells of tree snails, which along with insects, frogs and salamanders, make up the majority of its diet.

Not quite as rare as the Hook-billed Kite, the Gray Hawk is nonetheless rare.

The fact that its range in the U.S. is limited to southeastern Arizona and New Mexico, southwestern Texas and extreme south Texas makes it one bird that only the luckiest of birders ever get to see. Here in the LRGV, the only place in the U.S. where it can be found year-round, it was reported as far west as La Joya and as far east as South Padre Island this past winter. However, the majority of sightings were in Hidalgo County with Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park being the two hot-spots for this species. In addition, a pair of Gray Hawks has been known to nest at the National Butterfly Center in Mission.

The Gray Hawk is a small tropical hawk with uniformly pale gray upperparts and fine white barring on underparts. Its tail is thickly banded black-and-white. Its diet includes lizards, small birds and rodents. Gray Hawks are extremely fast and agile fliers that capture their prey either on the ground or snag it from branches.

See RARE BIRDS pg. 8

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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From pg. 7 Last but not least in this listing of LRGV rare bird sightings this past winter is the Blue Bunting which was first reported at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen in late December of 2017.

The Blue Bunting is a small, stocky bird that is an extremely rare visitor anywhere in the U.S. It is so rare that even here in the LRGV, where it has had more sightings than anywhere else in the U.S., it has been seven years since one was reported anywhere other than Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (2015) and its

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current sightings at Quinta Mazatlan.

The male of this species, which is what was being seen at Quinta Mazatlan, is deep blue overall with a black face and upper breast. It is often seen foraging on the ground for seeds and insects much like the Painted Bunting does.

While there were several other rare bird sightings across the LRGV this past winter, the five species listed here are among some of the rarest. Anybody wanting to know if any of these birds are still in the area should contact the nature center, or centers, mentioned here as the location(s) for each species for more information.

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BACK L TO R: Gian Mira, AIT; Jorge Hinojosa, LVN, Supervisor; Clarence Suento, DON; Rogelio Fuentes, Dietary Manager; Carl Zayas, Social Worker.

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

Winter Texan Entertainment

By Henry Miller Every year, Nashville recording artists, Las Vegas entertainment, acts from Branson, Mo and elsewhere all make their way to the Rio Grande Valley. It's almost a reunion of sorts.

But it's not really a reunion. They make the trek every winter to not only escape the cold of where they reside, but to entertain the thousands of Winter Texan residents that make this their home during those cold and snowy months back north.

Kevin Williams of Williamson Branch drove his wife and three daughters nine hours the first time they came to the Valley. They were heading to one of two Showcases held each year where activity directors, or park managers attend to hear 60-70 different groups perform and decide who they are interested in booking the following year.

“We drove nine hours, got our nine minutes and turned around to head back,” Williamson said. “It was quite an experience.”

Nashville-based, Williamson Branch, is a high energy, high stepping’ show that features a fine-tuned variety of bluegrass, gospel and country music, accentuated by

world class Appalachian clog dancing.

The Pinecastle recording artists fill every performance with memorable moments of love and laughter.

“It's a lot of time on the road,” Williamson said earlier this year. “But we really enjoy coming to the Valley and being able to bring our children with us everywhere.”

Several different family groups including Lindley Creek and Southern Anthem have become fan favorites across the Winter Texan parks. But that's not all the entertainment available.

Two-time Valley-Star Awards Male Entertainer of the Year Bill Chrastil fills the rec halls while doing his impersonations of great artists such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. He started his career doing Elvis tributes but as the years have passed, his musical repertoire has just grown.

“I never really thought that my entire career would be to entertain others,” Chrastil said. “I've been extremely blessed to do that. It really hasn't been a day of work over these year – that's how much I've enjoyed it.”

Kelli Marie performs Dave Salyer during the Valley Star Awards Kelli Marie, a phenomenal 14-yearold singer who sings Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and others, is somewhat of a newcomer to the Winter Texan performing scene, but not new to performing. When not performing, she and her dad spend much of their time doing medical missions in Mexico. She has taken the Valley by storm however.

“The quality of music in the Valley gets better and better each year,” said Robert Ferguson, president of the activity directors association and creator of the showcases. “It's not the secret down here it once was. Entertainers tell other entertainers and word passes along.”

See ENTERTAINMENT pg. 12

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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From pg. 6 “That's a pretty big deal for us,” Ramirez said. “It tells us we are doing it right.”

The park was part of a racing series this year with two other parks, Alamo Rec and Victoria Palms. Ramirez said he wasn't sure how many more parks would be part of the series in the future but said several parks had visited Alamo Palms to check out the facility – and of course take their turns on the track.

The park has close to 30 RC car owners and Alamo Palms had about 65 competi-

tors during the racing series hosted there.

There is more than just the oval track however, there's also a crawler track.

A crawler tracks is similar to an obstacle course. Instead of speed, toughness, strength and durability are used, usually

by RC trucks, to climb over rocks, run up ramps with boards and other obstacles set to cause problems and other barriers.

“Again, it's being innovative and making the most out of our racing facility,” Ramirez said. “We also are looking in the near future to remove the figure eight in the middle and use that for tractor/truck pulls and mud races.”

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HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Thursday, March 29th: Holy Thursday 7:00 P.M. ....................................................................Mass Of The Last Supper Washing ............................................................................................. Of The Feet “Pan Bendito” ................................................................................................. Adoration until 10 P.M. 9:00 P.M. ....................................................................................................Confessions Friday, March 30th: Good Friday 3:00 P.M. ............................................................................................ Way of the Cross 7:00 P.M. ....................................................................................................Confessions 8:00 P.M. ........................................................... Rosary of the Broken Hearted Mother of Christ and our Mother Saturday, March 31st: Holy Saturday 10:00 A.M .......................................................................... Last Chance For Confessions 8:30 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. ........................................................................ Easter Vigil Mass Easter Sunday, April 1st 7:30 A.M. ...................................................................................................Easter 9:00 A.M. ...................................................................................................Easter 10:30 A.M. .................................................................................................Easter 12:30 P.M. ..................................................................................................Easter No 5:30 p.m. Mass Easter Sunday

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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ALEJANDRO “ALEX” H. SAENZ PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March

26-28 2018 Middle School Theatre Festival

All Day

April April April April April April April April

7 2018 8 2018 18 2018 19 2018 20-21 2018 25 2018 26 2018 30 2018

Juarez Lincoln HS HS Mariachi / Folklorico - Public Performance Juarez Lincoln HS HS Mariachi / Folklorico - Public Performance Juarez Lincoln HS Dance Recital La Joya HS Orchestra Concert TMEA Region Mariachi Clinic/Concert Saenz MS Dance Recital La Joya HS Cluster Band Concert La Joya HS Classical Guitar Concert

2pm & 7pm 2pm 6pm 6pm TBD 7pm 5:30pm 6pm

May May May May May May May May May May May

1 2 3 10 14 17 18 21 22 23 24

La Joya HS Mariachi Concert La Joya ISD School Board Meeting Cesar Chavez MS Choir Concert Cesar Chavez MS Theatre Spring Show Palmview HS Band Cluster Concert Juarez Lincoln MS Band Concert Irene Garcia MS Band Concert Palmview HS Band Concert La Joya HS Band Concert Juarez Lincoln HS Band Concert La Joya HS Choir Concert

6pm 2pm – 10pm 6pm 6:30pm 4pm – 7pm 7pm 7pm 6pm 7pm 7pm 6:30pm

2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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From pg. 9 Rusty Rierson came all the way from Witchita, Kansas when the temperature was zero degrees at home – and his car's heater broke down on the way. The Nashville recording artist said it was a much longer drive than it should've been since he had to stop to “thaw out” a couple of times.

He booked some shows for the next season even before his performance at the showcase based on his CDs and videos from his website.

The showcase, which gives performers just nine minutes to give the “booking agents” peak into what they can do, can be a pressure-filled event, especially for first timers.

“You really need to give people a variety of things you can do in those nine minutes – we learned that the first time we came down here for a showcase,” Williamson said. “Once you figure that, you just perform how you normally perform and hope for the best.”

After their performance at the showcase, they had a line of 20 or more park and/or activity directors waiting for them to book for next year and fill in some openings they still had for this season.

The duo Dave and Daphne come from

Dave and Daphne perform at the Valley Star Awards

Nashville. Dave was formerly a lead guitar player for Barbara Mandrell and she sang gospel with The Gaithers Homecoming Show. Country legend Roy Clark said Dave Salyer is “one of the most fabulous guitarists on the planet.”

Daphne Anderson has performed with some of the greatest Southern Gospel Groups of all time, including the Bill Gaither Group, the Florida Boys, The Cathedrals, Rex Nelson and more. The Southern Gospel Music Association voted her their Female Vocalist of the Year.

“This is the quality that is coming to the Valley more and more,” Ferguson said.

“It's just going to keep happening too.”

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

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Illusionist RogerWayne and his “basket snake” attempt to guess the card that a Winter Texan volunteer pulled from the deck.

Illusionist Roger Wayne mystifies audience at Bentsen Grove

By Henry Miller His voice wasn’t one made for the stage, but when he talked about a snake everyone could clearly hear him.

“I will clear this entire room out if there’s a snake in there,” the audience volunteer said. “I promise you that I will.”

Up until that point, the laughter had been wholehearted as the volunteer and the illusionist threw barbs back and forth at each other – each outdoing the other

with one-liner after another. But, this was the illusionist’s show – and when he mentioned the snake (and boy did he lay it on thick), it caught everyone’s attention.

So when the clearing out the room quote came out, there may have been the slightest touch of nervousness – from the volunteer to those in the audience. Granted, everyone knew that there wasn’t going to be a snake but what if….

See ILLUSIONIST pg. 14

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A/C or Brake Service

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956-585-0115 1418 E. Bus. 83 • Mission (Between Bryan Rd. & Stewart Rd.)

& MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO. HOSPITAL BEDS • COMPUTERIZED PRESCRIPTIONS • I.V. NUTRITION WHEELCHAIRS • OXYGEN & RESPIRATORY THERAPY EQUIPMENT DIABETIC SHOES

Open 7am to 12 am - 7 Days a Week* (South Store Only)

* 1901 S. 1st • McAllen

7 a.m. - Midnight • 7 days a week

686-3716

630-5500

* 1901 S. 1st • McAllen

7 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Mon. - Sat.

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

14

JACKSON PEST CONTROL We leave your home armored!

FREE INSPECTIONS - VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES! Bee

Roaches

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Termites

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Spiders

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ILLUSIONIST

From pg. 13 Illusionist Roger Wayne, of course, kept moving forward with the show, putting a golden hat and green robe on the Winter Texan who, though quite sure he wasn’t going to be calling out a snake with the “magical” flute he was given, made it clear that snakes were on his “do not like at all” list.

“The only good snake is a dead snake,” his wife said afterwards.

Well, the mechanical snake that came out of the basket really couldn’t be classified as a bad snake – or even a snake, but more of a Muppets-like stuffed animal that happened to carry the card that was plucked from the deck by the volunteer.

Thus was an enjoyable evening of magic, comedy and fun with Roger Wayne at Bentsen Grove Resort in Mission. An audience of between 150-200 people enjoyed, or became part of the 90-minute show.

Another volunteer, a 14-year-old girl who was with her mom visiting her grandma, came on stage and held onto one side of a table while Wayne held the other side. The table then mysteriously started to float.

“I didn’t do anything there – I don’t have any idea how that happened,” the girl said.

“It was like I wasn’t holding onto anything at all and it really was doing it by itself.”

Wayne is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. He has traveled through more than 30 states for more than three decades entertaining audiences of all ages.

Wayne has worked with headliners such as Ed McMahon, Bozo’s Circus and has been featured on many other radio and television shows.

At Bentsen Grove he created an orchestra of ladies, hilariously found difficulty making the fastest disappearing flower disappear and unwittingly misunderstood banana with bandana during a “how-to” skit. His opening act with live colored doves captivated the audience and his audience participation and comedy kept them laughing.

Thank You Winter Texans. See You Next Fall!

Timothy W. Brann D.D.S.

GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE

Richard A. Young D.D.S.

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. (FM 495) & Shary Rd. Mission • 956-581-2773

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

15

Iwo Jima Museum has new exhibit

One of the popular places for Winter Texans, especially veterans, to visit is the Iwo Jima Museum on the grounds of Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. It is located in a small building opposite the drill field where the statue of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima is located.

A collection of Morse code keys, like those used by the Navajo Code talkers in World War II, were given to the museum by the grandfather of a Marine Military cadet, Lorenzo Casso. He used the keys during World War II. The grandfather also used the Morse code keys again during Hurricane Katrina when all other forms of communication were down.

One of the Morse code keys was actually used at the Battle of Iwo Jima and was picked up off the ground by a soldier who was there after the battle ended.

Gerardo Perez Mayor

Javier Ramirez Mayor Pro Tem

Joselito Hernandez Councilman

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

Ricardo Villarreal Councilman

Joel Garcia Councilman

Leo Olivares - Interim City Manager POLICE DEPT.

FIRE DEPT.

MUNICIPAL COURT AEP

(956) 432-0308

(956) 432-0300

PARKS & REC.

REPULIC SERVICES

AGUA SUD

(956) 423-7316

(956) 585-2459

(956) 432-0310

(Trash)

(Water)

(956) 432-0327 (Electricity)

See IWO JIMA MUSEUM pg. 18

Safe Travels Winter Texans!

See You Next Season!

CITY HALL

(956) 432-0303

An article on the wall discusses who the Navajo Code Talkers were and how important they were in winning the war.

Museum Director Gloria Boling says the exhibit will be expanded in January when a Winter Texan plans to present to the museum with a picture of Navajo Code Talker Ira Hayes riding horseback.

Another exhibit that may be new to some visitors is an exhibit from James B. Armstrong, a World War II fighter pilot. It includes his bomber jacket, helmet, the wooden propeller from his plane, his medals and other military items he had saved.

1-800-277-2177

400 W Veterans Blvd. Palmview, TX 78572

www.cityofpalmview.com

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

16

Shary Municipal GOLF COURSE

The Valley’s Friendliest Public Golf Course

Winter Specials

18 Hole Green Fee & 1/2 Carts: $25 - After 1:00 p.m.

9 Hole Green Fee & 1/2 Cart: $15 - After 2:00 p.m.

• 27 Exciting Golf Holes • 19th Hole Snack Bar • Full Stocked Pro Shop

Special is good starting October 2017 thru March 2018

We’re On getting b ly ett er !

• Annual Green Fee: $900 • 3 Months Membership: $500 • 18 Hole: $22 • 18 Hole $24 per cart • Senior 60+ $800 • Daily Green Fee: 9 Hole: $16 • Rental Carts: 9 Hole $14

60 New Golf Carts 2201 Mayberry Rd. • Mission, Texas Tee Time Reservations: (956) 580-8770

Safe Travels!

VA L L EY M E M O R I A L For more information please call:

956-994-1238

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Jesus Saenz, R.Ph.

Spring into one of our many convienient locations!

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saenzpharmacy.com

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

17

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

Move in Special for Winter Texans!

No Deposit Required!

Convenient Access Low Monthly Rates Fully Fenced, Key Entry Gates Open 7 Day a Week Boat & Trailer Storage Available

ARK STORAGE 1210 U.S. 83 Business, Palmview, TX (956) 584-5788

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The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

18

Welcome Aboard

Manuel Morin!

Mr. Manuel Morin has joined Rio Script Pharmacy and the Apple Pharmacy Family. Manuel brings a vast knowledge and experience from over 43 years of service in Hidalgo County. We are fortunate to have such an experienced pharmacist on board.

IWO JIMA MUSEUM

From pg. 15 Among the standing exhibits in a replica of the island of Iwo Jima showing how the fight took place, a picture of the USS Arizona, the ship that replaced the ship sunk at Pearl Harbor and took part in the Battle of Iwo Jima. One showcase houses a variety of World War II rifles and weapons.

There are also items that came from the battle, such as the Japanese officer’s sword and Japanese flags signed by those who took the island. Around the walls of one gallery are pictures of the 17 Medal of Honor recipients who were honored for their heroic action during the battle.

The museum also has a display of the creation of the Iwo Jima monument outside and how it was used by sculptor Felix

Your Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacy

* Free Valley Wide Delivery

de Weldon to create the bronze statue on display in Washington, D.C. A 32-minute documentary created by a local television station tells the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima, which was the largest Marine battle in the war. It is available for viewing upon request.

Boling said that outside there is a new black granite bench donated by the Harlingen Lion’s Club near the grave of Harlon Block that has been refurbished. Block, who was from Weslaco, was one of the six men seen in the statue planting the flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

Boling said on February 19 there will be a march on the drill field honoring old veterans. Last year there were nine veterans of Iwo Jima who participated. The march is always on Feb. 19 unless it is a Sunday because that was the day the battle started.

Thank You Winter Texans!

• Immunizations available year round – no appointment needed • 10 Minute Prescription Refills – By phone or in person • Specialty Compounding Available!

• Full Line DME supplies and wheelchairs • Free Delivery Valley Wide ( now serving Rio Grande City and Roma) • All insurance welcome (Medicaid/medicare/workman’s comp/chips/private pay) • 90 day prescriptions available!

Specializing In: • Shampoo & Set • Haircuts • Tinting • Perms • Basic/Steam Facials & Extractions • Specializing in Foils • Manicures & Pedicures • Private Paraffin Spa

Rio Script Pharmacy

Apple Pharmacy #1 2501 N 23rd St B, McAllen 956-627-6652

Apple Pharmacy #2 810 E Veterans Dr. Palmview 956-352-6485

Apple Pharmacy #3

RioScript Pharmacy 2308 Expressway 83, Penitas • 956-271-1064

(formerly Paloma’s Pharmacy)

909 Buss. Park Dr, Mission 956-424-6268

Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm • Sat. 9am-1pm

Picture (l to r): Irma, Gen, Karla and Mary.

Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm

216 N. Mayberry • Mission 956-585-1287

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

19

The Gold Standard of the RGV

Wilder Resorts a g t n i I v i t ’ s L t B r o e s e s t!

R Make your plans now for the 2018/2019 Season!

Drop by one of our Resorts listed below for a visit and tour.

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800 FM 495 Alamo, TX 78516

600 FM 495 Alamo, TX 78516

501 W. Owassa Road Pharr, TX 78577

101 E. Sioux Road Pharr, TX 78577

5401 Business 83 Harlingen, TX 785552

3366 N. Bentsen Palm Dr. Mission, TX 78574

1401 S. Cage Blvd.

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956-783-2600

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NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR 2018-2019 SEASON!

20

The Winter Texan - 2018 Spring Edition

Lone Star Legacy Club

™

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