It’s the first day of 2025, and I know it’s going to be a great year! I am already excited to see what the year has in store, and knowing several months of it will be spent with all of you makes me even more certain.
As many of you know, I went through surgery recently. You haven’t seen me out and about because of the recovery process— from the surgery, as well as from the non-stop pace I’ve been keeping for several years. I’m not going to lie; recovery can be both a struggle and a much-needed break.
While I had to slow down, I couldn’t get my mind to do the same. The wheels were spinning and spinning, and I can’t wait to present all of my ideas to the WHRGV Team and see where they take us.
Let’s head into 2025 with positive vibes and an attitude of gratitude and fun. The Winter Texan Expo is only 20 days away, and I know you’re as excited about that as I am.
Happy New Year! See you all soon!
Clowning Around at Tropic Star
by Eryn Reddell Wingert Photos courtesy of Tropic Star Clown Troupe
In 1996, Velma Seutter came up with an idea to cheer up residents of Tropic Star RV Resort in Pharr. Gathering up a group of friends, she created a clown troupe.
The troupe started with about six performers, gradually growing to more than 25. They expanded from visiting anyone who was sick within the park to performing out in the local community, taking part in parades; visiting schools, retirement homes, hospitals, and veterans homes; and even crossing the border into Reynosa to entertain orphans.
Georgette McGuire shared this history she garnered from two books filled with photos of troupe performances
from over the years. The last notated entry was “November 13, 2010-11.”
That was until about seven years ago when McGuire says another resident, Wayne Blindaur, revived the troupe, motivated by a personal connection to clowning.
According to McGuire, Blindaur’s mother was a clown with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. His idea was presented at a park meeting in 2017. It was approved, and soon he had a list of participants originating from the Midwest and Canada.
Soon after its revival, McGuire says fellow winter visitor Darlene Kraven knocked on her door and asked if she wanted to be a clown.
Kraven already had a costume ready for her. McGuire’s clown name: Miss Dot.
A few years ago, Blindauer passed the leadership torch to McGuire.
The troupe performs two skits a year--around the holidays and in the spring--for park residents. McGuire, a former educator, relies on her good imagination to draft each script with troupe member input.
“It’s just a bunch of weird ideas I come up with,” she says. “I’m just lucky it always works.” McGuire started with a take on the show Dragnet for a spring performance, which included clowns accused of “crimes” within the park.
The skits are put on during park meetings. During this particular skit, two deputies escorted a row of clowns--tethered by a long rope--in front of the residents to the Dragnet theme song.
219 W Nolana McAllen, TX 78504
Each clown was accused of a crime against the park-stealing a bathing suit, cheating at cards, and one clown, “Dolly,” was charged with impersonating Dolly Parton. Chuckling, McGuire said, “The chest of her costume was stuffed to her chin with t-shirts!”
The following spring, the troupe continued to spoof classic investigative television shows, incorporating elements from Mission Impossible, Magnum, P.I., Colombo, and Get Smart. Picture a group of clowns, all answering their “shoe phones.”
The December 2024 performance, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, included the song “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
Since the pandemic, the troupe
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has refrained from performing beyond Tropic Star. That changed in late 2024, with a visit to The Gardens at Brook Ridge, a senior-living community in Pharr.
The current Tropic Star clown troupe is made up of eight performing clowns, some in their 80s, and an official troupe photographer. McGuire shared that they also help distribute the Tropic Star monthly calendar and participate in the Christmas, Valentine, and Mardi Gras golf cart parades, keeping to its original intention of spreading cheer. •
KKeep McAllen Beautiful Meet the Artist
eep McAllen Beautiful (KMB) introduces the artists behind the irrigation pipe masterpieces through their Meet the Artist series. Welcome Home Winter Texan reached out to Chris Lash, KMB program manager, and asked for permission to share the series. She readily agreed. Look for Meet the Artist in our issues throughout the 2024 – 2025 season.
Chris Lash has been employed by the City of McAllen, for 23 years. She currently serves as the program manager for Keep McAllen Beautiful (KMB). Her responsibilities include establishing projects and events that will help achieve KMB’s mission to expand awareness about littering and recycling and to promote beatification and preservation in McAllen.
Growing up I always loved everything related to art and history. My biggest joy is sharing my talents with those around my community. Art has always been an outlet to get away from reality and explore endless possibilities. I hope to inspire the young generation of artists to explore their talents and give art a change in one way or another.
- Renata Cruz.
Chris Lash is retiring effective this Friday, January 3. We thank Chris for her years of service to the City of McAllen and its residents and her commitment to beautifying the city. The WHRGV Team wishes her happiness, adventure, and relaxation in her retirement. •
Spotted In The RGV
Weslaco, TX
By Eryn Reddell Wingert
The Cortez Hotel in Weslaco, now Villa de Cortez, opened New Year’s Eve 1928. At one point in its 97-year history, it was almost condemned and replaced with a parking lot. This is all according to villadecortezweslaco.com. The website is home to a gem of a video that not only speaks to the origin, decline, and revitalization of the Cortez, but also expands on the history of the Rio Grande Valley, dating back to the arrival of Spanish explorers. The Cortez sits at the corner of S. Texas Blvd and E. Highway 83 and serves as an event center and office space, as well as a monument to Weslaco’s interesting history.
Villa de Cortez
Hello Travel Friends,
Hello Travel Friends
Land and Sea With a Group of New Friends
I just got back from our first Land & Sea Tour. Although I’m tired, I can’t stop smiling. It’s the good kind of tired, when you need a vacation from your vacation because you had too much fun! Our group had a blast traveling around Galveston for two days and then hopping on a Royal Caribbean cruise and enjoying five more nights together at sea. It didn’t take long for our group to make new friends and start making memories together. We had a blast on the road, laughing, watching movies, snoozing, and relaxing. It makes the time pass so quickly, and all the while we were getting to know each other a little better. Once we were in Galveston, the weather wasn’t what we ordered, but the rain and cold made us all laugh and feel a little more like Christmas. We bundled up and bonded in the cold and have so many fun photos to show for it.
While we were cruising on the Mariner of the Seas, I got such a kick out of finding little groups of people eating breakfast together, having a drink at a bar in groups, or sitting out by the pool with new friends. As tour directors, we never know if our travelers will connect, but we try our best to give everyone a chance to pair up and meet new people. Little did we know we would end up helping some of our travel friends find new besties, and they would start planning together for future trips. We had two sets of sisters we paired together in the dining room who ended up being the life of the party together. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of those four-together.
Our new travel friends came along, excited about the itinerary and vacation as a whole. However, the fact that they left with a bus full of new friends and shared memories is another huge benefit to traveling in a group. If you’re ever feeling like you want to travel but aren’t sure who to go with, come along with Welcome Home RGV. It’s not only a great value and an outstanding vacation experience, but it’ll also provide you with an opportunity to make budding friendships and new travel friends.
Whether you’re interested in a day trip or a week-long vacation, we can help you enjoy your time and come home with photos, memories, and new pals. Check out our website at welcomehomergv.com to see what’s new in tours and travel this season.
~Sarah
Denzer, tour manager •
Open House Highlights
What’s New at Eldorado Acres
by Anne Marie Martin
Wow! We are so happy and thankful to say we had over 200 excited Winter Texans join us for last week’s fun at the Open House for Eldorado Acres RV Park. Curt James did an amazing job kicking off the season, keeping the dance floor full, and opening the newly renovated Rec Hall. Rick and Jeremiah Martin, a local father-son duo, have owned Eldorado Acres for 20 years and have been in and around the Winter Texan business since the early 80s with the Martin Valley Ranch Parks.
“We saw the need for a bigger space for our residents last season and decided it was time to make it happen,” said Jeremiah. The summer was spent knocking down walls; painting walls and ceilings; installing lights; adding a gym, a library, and a newer, bigger dance floor.
The season has just begun, and it is so nice to see the residents enjoying all the updates. Whether you are looking for a place to stay during the winter or year-round or you’re just looking for a great place to catch a dance on the weekends or a delicious Saturday morning breakfast, come by and check out Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N. FM 492 in Mission. We would love to have you as part of our Winter Texan Family. •
For our booth at the Winter Texan Expo Jan 21 & 22 in
McAllen and Jan 23 in Brownsville
South Padre Island Market Days A Shopper’s Paradise Returns
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
The South Padre Island Market Days are back, bringing a weekend of shopping, entertainment, and fun to the South Padre Island Convention Center. This much-anticipated event is the perfect opportunity to explore unique finds, support local vendors, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of South Padre Island. Mark your calendars for January 24, 25, and 26. Can’t make it? Don’t worry! South Padre Island Market Days will return in February from Wednesday, February 21, through Friday, February 23.
The event hours are convenient for all-day browsing, with doors open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first two days and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the final day. Admission is just $1 per person, and with free parking and hourly door prizes, it’s an experience worth every penny.
Discover a variety of goods offered by talented vendors, including jewelry, clothing, fragrances, artwork, home décor, gourmet food, and more. This is your chance to support local businesses, connect with other shoppers, and find unique treasures you won’t see anywhere else. Enjoy live music as you browse, making it a festive outing for all.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, a treat for yourself, or just a fun day out, South Padre Island Market Days is the place to be. To learn more, visit sopadre.com/events. •
SPI Lighted Boat Parade
Oh, What Fun!
by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Photos courtesy of Stella Riester
Tours by Welcome Home accompanied over 150 adventurers to take part in South Padre Island’s annual Lighted Boat Parade aboard Breakaway Cruises’ festively decorated and illuminated parade entries. The annual event features boats of all sizes, with participants waving to throngs of cheering holiday revelers watching from the Island’s bayfront. This is an annual tour, so keep watch in Fall 2025 for information on how you can take part. •
Taking Care of You Know the Signs of Stroke, Call 9-1-1 to Save Brain Cells
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Strokes, also known as brain attacks, are a leading cause of long-term disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. However, a large percentage of the population doesn’t know if they are at risk for stroke, and many people don’t know what to look for as far as a warning sign or a symptom of stroke.
To save lives and to save your loved ones from potentially tragic disabilities, Winter Texans are urged to learn the signs and symptoms of stroke and to act quickly by calling 9-1-1 when a brain attack occurs.
Health-care professionals are available at Mid Valley Urgent Care in Mercedes and at The Clinic Family Practice and Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco to help patients in the Mid-Valley become more aware of their risk of stroke. For example, one of the major causes of stroke is high blood pressure, and controlling blood pressure is critical to reducing a person’s risk of suffering a stroke or developing heart disease. In addition, many people are at greater risk of stroke because of high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes.
At Knapp Medical Center, a “clot-busting” medication called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) is used--when medically indicated--to possibly reverse a stroke. In many cases, this medication has been shown to help improve a patient’s chances of surviving a stroke without permanent disability or to minimize the severity of disabilities.
However, the medication is most effective if it is administered as soon as possible after symptoms of a stroke start and no later than three to four-and-a-half hours after the onset of a stroke.
Because of this tight time window, it is important to call 9-1-1 immediately whenever a loved one (or any person) shows the following warning signs of stroke:
“B” - BALANCE: Is the person suddenly having trouble with walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination?
“E” - EYES: Does the person have sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes?
“F” - FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
“A” - ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
“S” - SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the person’s speech slurred or strange?
“T” – TERRIBLE HEADACHE: Is the person suffering from a sudden, severe headache with no known cause?
“T” - TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. For more information about prevention of stroke and other health conditions, please contact The Clinic Family Practice in Weslaco at 956-565-2727 or Mid Valley Urgent Care in Mercedes at 956-825-3749 and visit www.stroke.org.
Always remember to call 9-1-1, without delay, when a person shows signs of a possible stroke. •
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Make-Along 2025 Students and Seniors Passing on Stories
Happy New Year, Everyone! That means Make-Along fun is on the way!
This is our fifth year, and it’s going to be another fun one. It has been such a treat over this past year seeing all the fun color combinations coming into the Donation Chest. Wow. This is just one way to inspire a few new ideas as y’all make hats and other items to donate to those we serve. The past year’s themes have had a great variety of birds, flowers, and butterflies, some of them making the journey south, right along with our Winter Texan friends. Our native butterfly- and bird-attracting plants we have in our gardens here at The Lamb’s Loom are doing wonderfully. Many days, you can see butterflies all over the flowers in the beds at our back entrance and other pretty, flitting friends while sitting in our outside Sit-n-Knit area, Peggy’s Porch. The hummingbirds really are enjoying the front flower hedge, too. So during our Yarn Tasting, beginning the week of January 8, we will announce our theme for Make-Along 2025. As we have been doing, every month on our website, you can find the new theme. We will try to use as many as possible from our native habitat and others just because they’re beautiful. On each post, we will give a description and a little helpful South Texas info. We have loved hearing that many of you are enjoying learning about the beautiful things flitting and flying by, and you now are recognizing them in your own yards.
Join us and make your favorite project--like a hat, scarf, blanket, or shawl for our Donation Chest this year. You are welcome to purchase your yarn here (which supports our mission, too!) or dive into your own stash and find something fun that works with the theme. We’re adding every contributor’s name to our list and, as a way of thanks, drawing for some fun prizes during Yarn Tasting.
Speaking of Yarn Tasting, that begins Wednesday, January 8. Come on over for our 11th Annual Yarn Tasting. This is a great time of yarn fun and celebration for all that has happened over the past year. We always begin with the announcement of the total number of items added to the Donation Chest the previous year. Come drop by for a little yarn fun.
We hope you will join us in this new year as we #stitchitforward together! We are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lamb’s Loom is located at 1102 W. Tamarack Ave. in McAllen. Additional parking is available in the rear via Upas Avenue. Updates and other information are available on our website at thelambsloom.com ~ Prayers ‘n Purls! •
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Deb Bowen and her husband, Don, enjoy the RGV during winter months. As director of a nonprofit, Understanding Works, Deb works with kids preserving history in a unique way. It’s an intergenerational storytelling project that started 20+ years ago, meeting with WWII veterans, Holocaust survivors, and others. Today, there are over 100 A Book by Me books written and illustrated through the eyes of a child.
Caring people and family foundations are sending book sets to senior-living complexes that invite students from local schools to come and share the books by reading aloud with residents. For classrooms that have volunteer requirements, this time with a “community grandparent” fulfills those hours. Youth ask their new friends about their own lives and take notes. After a semester of meeting weekly or bi-weekly, they type up their notes for their teacher and to give to the seniors for their own families. Some of these stories may become an A Book by Me storybook. Another project, Write to a Hero, allows young and old to pen a letter to someone in the WWII generation. Ken Cole from rural Illinois told his young author, Elijah Norton, that the Korean War was the forgotten war. The illustrator, Aaliyah Naff, drew an image of Kenny; we call it “Pancake Kenny” and invite teachers from all 50 states to print this off our website and make Ken’s day With letters and this artwork from kids, Ken isn’t forgotten. This book about Ken, The Life & Legacy of Kenneth Cole, was sponsored by Illinois Humanities. Hearing stories from someone who actually lived the experience is powerful. We’re proud of the outcomes from the students who participate in the project and their readers, both young and old. Pancake Kenny and friends, plus many book sets can be found at understandingworks.org. Deb Bowen is in the Rio Grande Valley this winter and would love to speak to your group. Email her at abookbyme@gmail.com. •
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
Adobe
Wagon City South, Mission
$21,900
$69,900
$145,000
This desirable corner property includes lots 58 and 59 and is adjacent to the 18-hole par 3 private golf course and includes utility connections. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
This 2012 unit is spacious, very well maintained and move in ready. The kitchen has beautiful maple colored wood cabinets, a food pantry, all major appliances and a gas stove top. A bonus 7x9 laundry room with a large storage closet, washer and dryer included! The exterior shed is also included! Bonnie Dominguez, MHSLSP00045160, (956) 434-6112
Retama Village, Mission
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
$75,000
Location, location. location! This RV Casita has one of the most coveted locations in the community. Lots of extras -- pergola, storage sheds, whole house 18 kw Generac generator and gutters making it better than new! All appliances convey. FHU for your RV, but you do not have to have an RV to enjoy this fabulous home. Carol Kerr Welch, TREC540183, MHSLSP00048089, (956) 900-8487
Looking for a diamond in the rough? Your search is over! This lovely 2 bedroom 2 bathroom mobile home, located in the esteemed 55+ community of Wagon City South is perfect for you! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
Wagon City South, Mission
$93,500
$16,500
Have I got the PERFECT place for YOU!! This 1 bedroom/1 bathroom built in 2000 is fully furnished and 100% turn key ready and even includes plate ware, glassware, and silverware! The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy warm South Texas breezes with neighbors and friends. Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
Looking for a well-maintained mobile? Located in the friendly 55+ community of Quiet Village II, this 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home is a must-see! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
$437,000
$225,000
This freshly painted RV porthome in Retama Village features 4 bedrooms, 2 bonus spaces, a 2-car garage, and covered RV port with hookups. Enjoy an open floorplan, high ceilings, a private backyard oasis, and community amenities. HOA covers landscape maintenance. Call to see your dream home! Carol Kerr Welch, TREC540183, (956) 900-8487
GOTTA SEE this large 1665 sqft 2 bed/2 bath home in Alamo Country Club. This home is located on the golf course witha wonderful view of the 4th hole. Primary has room for king bed and both bedrooms have new tile flooring. An updated kitchen with breakfast nook with bay windows and a screen in porch round out the upgrades. Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
FANTASTIC 2 bed/2 bath 2014 Oak Creek 1300 sqft Home located in McAllen Mobile park. This home is FULL of upgrades including: new roof, new carport, porcelain tile flooring, Safe-Step Walk-in jetted tub/ shower combo, double panes storm windows, 8” insulated walls, new A/C, new washer/dryer, and a 5-stage reverse osmosis water system. A Must See!!! Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
Live your retirement dreams in this 3BR (or 2BR + office) home in Retama Village features an open floorplan and courtyard for indoor/outdoor living. Enjoy a spacious garage with HVAC, a pergola-covered courtyard, and solar panels with low electricity bills. HOA covers landscape maintenance. Carol Kerr Welch, TREC540183, (956) 9008487
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
$339,000 $110,000
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
$179,900
Are you tired of seeing the same old thing? This 2019 2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home will check everything off your list and more! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
Come and check out this 1 bedroom 1 bathroom 2004 Oak Creek (16 x 48) Energy Star home.The home includes a Kinetico water softener, Reverse Osmosis, a natural gas Generac and a new Carrier HVAC system. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
RV Porthome recently remodeled inside & out with large, fenced yard. Large 2 story storage area/ workshop with an additional 12x18 storage building for plenty of storage. Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, (816) 916-5583
This must-see home is located in Wagon City South, a friendly 55+ community. This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home comes furnished and is movein ready. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
$77,000 $268,900
Retama Village, Mission
Restful Valley Ranch, Mission
Come check out this cozy mobile home located in Restful Valley Ranch. This 14x42, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom home sits in the center of the 3 lots. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
You will love this home! The open floorplan lives much larger than the square footage. Updated paint inside and out, roof, windows, irrigation and landscaping. A mini split HVAC was also added to the garage. Enjoy worry free living in this beautiful home. Carol Kerr Welch, TREC540183, (956) 900-8487
$129,900
$145,000
This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on an oversized corner lot with so much to offer, all conveniently located in Wagon City South a active 55+ community. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
This updated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom furnished mobile is located in an active 55+ guarded gate community. Walk into this beautiful home and fall in love! Features updated from 2021/2022 include a renovated kitchen (Painted cabinets and walls, new granite countertops, sink, faucet, disposal, dishwasher, and fridge) a fresh coat of paint in the living room, flooring, 2 mini splits, water heater, water softener, and even exterior features like the screened in porch, extended concrete, and northside fencing with gate. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
$76,000
$118,500
Looking for an energy-efficient home? The home comes fully furnished with all kitchen appliances, a dishwasher included, and a custom-built Murphy bed. RV lot with full hookups. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
Searching for a gated 55+ community to settle down in? Then stop and check out this 2 bedroom 1.5 bath mobile home. Step inside and experience the bright and airy front living space and the lovely eat-in kitchen that provides the perfect combination of functionality and comfort. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
Interested in finding a new place to call your own? This 14 x 66 SCHULT 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a corner land and is a must see! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
Location, Location, Location! Own an RV and looking for a great place to park? Come check out this property, located in the 55+ community of Llano Grande Resort, where you own your lot! RV pad hook-ups included 30 amp and 50 amp services and a storage shed with 220vac connection. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
Wagon City South, Mission
$110,000 $189,000
$58,500 $115,000
Located in a active 55+ community of Wagon City South, this well-preserved 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a corner lot and is fully furnished and is move-in ready. The open-concept living and dining space is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing alone. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
Beautiful 2 bed/2 bath in Alamo Country Club with Texas Room, screened back patio including mini-dog park, large primary bedroom, 2 living spaces on the golf course! Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
Retama Village, Mission
Retama Village, Mission
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
Alamo Country Club, Alamo
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
Quiet Village ll, Donna
Retama Village, Mission
Wells, McAllen
Wagon City South, Mission
Wagon City South, Mission
Alamo Country Club
Perspectives
What is Three Kings Day?
by Chaplain Dennis Key
Three Kings Day is widely celebrated all across the RGV. It is a traditional holiday to enjoy with family and friends around the King’s Cake, which acknowledges the three kings’ search for Baby Jesus. Inside the cake is a plastic baby figure representing Baby Jesus. As the cake is cut and served, everyone is searching for the Baby Jesus in their piece of cake.
In religious circles, this day is called Epiphany, which means a revealing or awakening, specifically referring to Jesus being revealed to the gentile kings who were searching for Him. They were searching for the newborn King of the Jews. When they found Him in Bethlehem, they brought gifts to worship Baby Jesus and pay Him homage. This story is found in Matthew 2: 1-12, and I found some interesting facts, as I read it.
The Bible doesn’t say there were three of them; we don’t really know how many there were. Nowhere does it say they were kings, either. The Bible refers to them as Wise Men (Magi) who traveled from the east…and implies a long way. The Greek word for “wise men” is Magos, coming from the Babylonian language and meaning astrologer or interpreter of dreams.
These wise men saw a special, spectacular star that gave them inspiration to go see a newborn child they believed was to be a king to the Jews. The Bible doesn’t mention that the star led them the whole way to Bethlehem, and unlike most men, they even stopped to ask directions in Jerusalem as to where this Baby King would be born.
This upset King Herod, and he asked his advisers what about this? They found in the scriptures where it reads, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘BUT YOU, BETHLEHEM, IN THE LAND OF JUDAH, ARE NOT THE LEAST AMONG THE RULERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”
They then started toward Bethlehem, and the star reappeared. The wise men rejoiced upon seeing the star again; that led them to the Baby Jesus, our Lord and Savior. They brought him gold, frankincense, and myrrh, expensive gifts, for sure, but given from the heart as a way to worship Him. It was the light of the star that led them to Jesus, and they were so glad to find Him. They celebrated and rejoiced because of their encounter with Jesus!
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus is the Light of the world. Let us show forth the light of Jesus in this dark world by how we act, what we say, and how we deal with others. Let the light of Jesus in your life shine bright this new year. May you be a shining star who will lead others to Jesus, too. •
Chaplain Dennis Key serves at Winter Ranch RV Resort in Alamo. He is with Christian Resort Ministries, which provides non-denominational worship services in RV resorts throughout the RGV. You may contact Dennis at offdkey@yahoo.com. You may also contact Christian Resort Ministries at crmintl.org regarding opportunities to serve in your
We Have a Mission in Mission, Texas
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
As a child, Nancy Taylor dreamed of being able to sing and entertain. Fast forward a few decades, and now she has become a well-liked entertainer in the Rio Grande Valley. She performs with Regan James, The Lady and The Outlaw and with Barbara Jean Sundberg as The Valley Girls. In addition, she performs solo shows and hosts karaoke at El Barrilon Bar & Grill in Mission.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to sing and enjoy all of the activities that our 55+ communities have to offer while making new friends and enjoying the beautiful weather. Living in the Valley is like living in Paradise! I really hope that everyone loves Kart Karaoke!” Taylor said. “I feel that music is therapy and it’s all about enjoying the atmosphere created by good friends, music, dancing, and socializing. We have a lot of great singers in the Valley, so I’m hoping they will join us while we ride around offering a new karaoke experience--which will come right to your doorstep, including providing karaoke at private parties and community halls.”
Starting every Monday in January, look for Taylor and her mother, Sharon Graham Swiggum, as they ride their golf cart around various 55+ communities, singing harmonies like they have since Taylor was a child, and allowing others to enjoy the joy of singing and fellowship in the interest of raising funds for animals in need.
There certainly are many homeless dogs and cats that need food and proper care. Taylor learned this while helping Winter Texans in an effort last spring to save a family of stray dogs that had been living behind the La Joya ISD police department. The story was featured on KRGV News. Seven dogs remain and now live in La Villa with a Good Samaritan who definitely needs funds to continue caring for the dogs. They have but been forgotten, and they are growing. They are about 10 months old now.
Shelters and rescues throughout the nation are overwhelmed and underfunded. This effort to raise funds to help is much needed. Every little bit helps. We are in a crisis of overpopulation of homeless animals, and our community can make a difference if we get enough people and businesses involved. Taylor and her mother have two adopted/rescued dogs and post about life with them on their Facebook page, MinnieMoo aka Mooch & Uncle Yogi. They also share tips about training and care and advocate for homeless pets found roaming the Valley. For more information or to request a private karaoke party, call Nancy Taylor at 616-430-6743. You may also find information on Facebook under The Lady and The Outlaw and The Valley Girls Facebook pages. •
Winter Ranch Spreads Love in Alamo
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Winter Ranch “Chaos Coordiantors” Bob and Sandy Coakley and their fellow Winter Ranch residents collected coloring books, crayons, toothbrush, toothpaste, Barbies, snacks, Ramen noodles, toys, hats, and Stuffies to create 280 jampacked stockings for young children and 20 stockings for infants. These were transported to ARISE Adelante in Alamo. The Coakleys and their fellow chaos members also collected “over a ton” of dry goods, including rice, beans, flour, and masa for the ARISE pantry. At the end of the season, when Winter Ranch residents prepare to leave for the summer, they collect food items
they don’t want to haul back to their summer homes and donate those, as well. To learn more about ARISE Adelante, visit ariseadelante.org. It’s all about spreading love. •
Freemasonry and Family Pets
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Masonic Bodies from around the Rio Grande Valley, including Hidalgo Commandery No. 94 KT, Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 AF & AM, Harlingen Chapter No. 641 OES, Edinburg Chapter No. 473 OES, Hidalgo Lodge No. 1036 AF & AM, and Harlingen Lodge No. 1132 AF & AM, got together and had a Christmas Toy Drive for dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are part of the family, too.
Masonic Brothers and Sisters got together and wrote a letter to the Claus Family, urgently requesting assistance with a very special group. Emphasis was made that it is OK toys are given to wonderfully behaved boys and girls; however, we must not neglect and forget our well-behaved family pets. This request should not be an inconvenience because we can spread more Toys for Joy. Santa Claus responded swiftly and got his rock-n-rolling elves to work. The Masonic Brothers and Sisters from across the Rio Grande Valley gave Claus North Pole Toy Manufacturing suggestions on which type of toys would be needed. To everyone’s surprise, even Hermey the Elf pitched in at Santa’s Warehouse to gather the toys. Mrs. Claus rode Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and hand-delivered the necessary Christmas gifts herself. The Knights Templar from Hidalgo Commandery No. 94 in Weslaco, Order of Easter Star from Harlingen Chapter No. 641 and Edinburg Chapter No. 473, and Ancient Free & Accepted Masons from Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 in Brownsville and Hidalgo Lodge No. 1036 from
Edinburg got dressed up in the Christmas spirit December 8 and finished delivering the Christmas gifts to the dogs and cats in the City of Harlingen Animal Shelter at 1106 Markowsky Ave. Ho Ho Ho! •
DANCES ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
Looking for something to do here in the Rio Grande Valley? Our calendar of events has been the go-to source for our retirees to check out the lighter side of the Valley. For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email calendar@welcomehomergv.com. The deadline for submission is Fridays at 5:00pm.
Wednesday • Jan 1, 2025
Riverside Dreamer River Tour 1:00 PM Riverside Club Mission (956) 581-4477 $13
Dance w/Steven May & The Southern Knights 7:00 PM Tip O Texas RV Resort Pharr (956) 787-9959
Thursday • Jan 2, 2025
Craft Show 8:00 AM Tropic Winds RV Resort Harlingen (956) 423-5484
Pancake Breakfast 9:00 AM The Grove San Juan (608) 317-7829 Varies
Thursday Lunch 11:00 AM Bentsen Grove Resort Palmview (956) 585-0703
Jam Lunch 11:30 AM Pharr South Pharr (956) 787-7839
Jam Session 1:00 PM Leisure World Weslaco (956) 968-8412
Riverside Dreamer River Tour 1:00 PM Riverside Club Mission (956) 581-4477 $13
Acoustic Bluegrass Jam 1:30 PM VIP La Feria RV Park West La Feria (940) 453-0196
