I’m already starting to feel it. The start of March does it every time. I feel my days with all of you winding down for the season, and I’m just never ready to send you on your way, back to your northern homes.
But what I’ve learned over the years is that there’s still a lot happening in March you don’t want to miss. As you know, South Padre Island is my place of peace—and fun! Every week in Welcome Home Winter Texan, you can read about the latest and greatest events happening on good ol’ SPI.
The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes runs from March 6 through March 16. Pull on your favorite cowboy boots and enjoy the rodeo, live music, students showing their animals, delicious food, and a wide range of vendors. And don’t forget the Texas Onion Fest in Weslaco March 22. I can almost smell those blooming onions as I type this. Speaking of food, McAllen bids farewell to the month with Taste of McAllen March 30 at magical Oval Park at the McAllen Convention Center. Over 25 local restaurants offer attendees a taste of their signature dishes.
This is just a sample of the adventures awaiting you. I sure hope I see you at some of them!
We’re just connecting the dots…
WINTER TEXAN
Aviation Club Shares Love of Flying
by Ric Cavazos
The sounds of vintage World War II planes flying over his boyhood home in Harlingen inspired a love of aviation for a young Pat Reilly.
They were the prime years of the Confederate Air Force era at the Harlingen airport in the 1960s and 1970s. Reilly, his home located near the airport, took it all in. He grew up to become a pilot, fostering a love for flying. All these years later, Reilly has given up his days of being in a cockpit, but that doesn’t mean he has lost his appreciation for aviation. Reilly is, today, the president of an organization of aviation enthusiasts who enjoy flying model airplanes controlled by a remote control and powered by electricity. He calls it “a big hobby,” and with its accessibility and relative ease--as compared to past years--Reilly says “anyone can do it.”
Ready To Fly
The origins of the Small Model Aircraft Society of Harlingen go back to 1985.
It is billed on its website as being an organization “to enjoy the fellowship of others who share our love for the sport of model aviation.” Its acronym is SMASH, and it utilizes two main airfields in the Rio Grande Valley. The primary flying space is found in Rio Hondo on South Arroyo Boulevard, in close proximity to the city’s lift bridge. The second air space has ties to the old CAF in that it is found in Mercedes at the original headquarters of the legendary organization and is located on Mile 2 E Road.
It is at these flying spaces where SMASH members
and anyone at-large who loves planes gather for picnics to see the models take flight. These days, the electronic-powered planes are called “foamies,” Reilly says, and are largely ready-to-fly, upon purchase. Radio equipment is built into the foam model planes. From there, it’s a matter of practice and patience when learning how to maneuver the planes skyward.
“It’s not like learning to ride a bicycle,” Reilly said. “These foamies have electronics that help you keep the wings level. It’s something you have to work at.”
From Wooden Planes to Foamies
Reilly recalls the years of his youth when old-school planes were made of balsam wood and were handlaunched.
The wooden planes glided without a power source and were guided by wind currents. They were, as a result, vulnerable to the elements, and crashes were
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Photos courtesy of Small Model Aircraft Society of Harlingen
The SMASH airfield in Rio Hondo near the city’s arroyo lift bridge features an 800-foot runway.
common. It meant going back to start over again from scratch to build a new model. The foamies have left those days far behind and led to a great diversity of models and designs, with Reilly saying, “They come in all shapes and sizes.”
From vintage planes to modern jets, the world of models is wide-ranging these days. Reilly says the majority of hobbyists who enjoy flying model planes lean toward an older demographic. He would like to see younger generations enjoying the hobby as he and many others have for years.
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Kristi Collier kristi@welcomehomergv.com
Content Creator/Photographer
Eryn Reddell Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com
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Administration
Amie Gray agray@welcomehomergv.com
Colette Brookins calendar@welcomehomergv.com
Event Manager
Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com
“Sometimes we’ve gotten away from it, but we always come back and enjoy it like we always have,” Reilly said. “What we all share is love of airplanes and flying.”
The Small Model Aircraft Society meets monthly in Harlingen. There is a model-of-the-month segment, when members can share their “latest creation,” Reilly said. All that is required is a love of airplanes and flying. Go to smashrc.com for more information.
219 W Nolana McAllen, TX 78504
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Calendar Submissions!
For more information on submitting your events and activities, please e-mail: calendar@welcomehomergv.com
The deadline for submision is Fridays at 5:00 p.m.
Weekly E-Blasts
Kristi’s e-Blasts are sent weekly October-March to our subscribers. Find out what’s happening across the Valley. These e-Blasts include helpful links and fliers for Featured Events.
Find on Youtube Channel “Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley”
An aviation enthusiast shows delight and pride in displaying a model airplane.
Two SMASH members compare planes and get ready to fly at the airfield in Rio Hondo.
Picnics and events hosted by SMASH bring together aviation enthusiasts to enjoy their love of airplanes.
ENCORE CONCERT SERIES
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3/5/2025
1900 Grace Ave, Harlingen (956) 428-4137
SOUTHERN COMFORT 3/6/2025
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FUN-N-SUN RV RESORT
3/8/2025
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VICTORIA PALMS HOTEL & RV RESORT
3/9/2025
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Krendl’s comedy magic show is manic with a twist of mischief. Krendl is able to deliver an experience that is truly ‘magical’ by combining the power of thought, the magic of the mind, and the connection of the heart
Meet the Artist Spotted in the RGV
by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Keep McAllen Beautiful (KMB) introduces the artists behind the irrigation pipe masterpieces through their Meet the Artist series. Look for Meet the Artist in our issues throughout the 2024 – 2025 season.
Esmeralda Benitez
Esmeralda Benitez, artist and retired art teacher, describes herself as a contemporary realist or a contemporary expressionist. Either way, nature is most often her subject of choice.
“I just think nature--or natural objects--says it best,” explains Esmeralda. “I do like to explore a wide variety of subjects, styles, and themes. But still, I gravitate to nature.”
Esmeralda resides in McAllen with her husband, David. She has two adult sons, two amazing daughters-in-law, and three beautiful grandchildren.
You can see Esmeralda’s masterpieces on Yucca Avenue and 2nd Street, Violet Avenue and 2nd Street, and Bicentennial and Nolana. •
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is not your average community building; it’s a converted railway station. The former Southern Lines Pacific Depot was built in the late 1920s during a building boom in Edinburg, according to the Chamber’s website (edinburg.com). The City of Edinburg purchased the Spanish-Colonial-style building at 602 W. University Drive and refurbished it as part of a statewide transportation enhancement program. The Depot is home to the Edinburg Economic Development Center and serves as a visitors center.
Across town, another historic Edinburg landmark, built in the 1920s, Sacred Heart Catholic Church (215 N. 16th Ave.).
According to an issue of Edinburg Business Roundup, the church was built in 1924 and is home to “beautiful murals, towering stained glass windows, and a grand pipe organ still used to accompany the choir during Mass.”
Another Hole in One at La Floresta
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Another hole in one has been recorded at La Floresta RV Par 3 Resort in Mercedes. Kris Kowalski got one February 11 on the 86-yard hole #2. Everyone who wants to participate in a chance to win some money on a hole in one contributes $1. Kris won $59 and a trophy that was presented by Rodger Vanderville. Congratulations, Kris! •
Hello Travel Friends
Fredericksburg Tour: Come for the Wine, Stay for the Charm
Dear Travel Friends,
What would you say if I told you that last week, on a tour to Fredericksburg, we learned the two-step in Luckenbach, sampled 15 different wines, and met a rhino named Blake? Well, it’s all true! This three-day bus trip to Fredericksburg turned out to be one of the most fun trips Tours by Welcome Home RGV has taken yet! One traveler said, “This trip was well-planned and organized. Sarah and Stella go above and beyond to make the trip the best.” Let me fill you in on how it all went.
Monday morning, we all got on our RGV Tours charter bus and rode in style up to the Texas Hill Country. Before long, we were pulling into our hotel, just a block from Main Street in downtown Fredericksburg. We were within walking distance to darling shops and delicious food. Our first group stop was to the Fredericksburg Brewing Company, where we had a delicious German buffet in a private party room, with picnic tables and Texas charm. After filling up on schnitzel, potatoes, peach cobbler, and more, we grabbed our dancing shoes, turned on Waylen Jennings, and headed to Luckenbach. We had a private dance lesson in the Luckenbach Dance Hall, where we learned the two-step. Some of our group grabbed a beer and watched, some of the group shopped and listened to live music, and others danced the night away. I may have even found myself on the dance floor learning for the first time!
The next morning, we started our wine tour with a visit to Sandy Road Vineyards. We were greeted with a cozy, tented outdoor area filled with fire pits and a gorgeous view of their acres of grape vines. This family-owned-and-operated winery showed us a great time, with five different wine tastings.
Our next stop was Pontotoc Vineyard Picnic Table. This charming, little, roadside stop was a 1950s gas station that has been restored and
decorated to perfection. You can’t help but smile when you head inside. On the survey given after the trip, this visit earned the most 5-star reviews from everyone. The couple that runs this vineyard has the perfect combination of passion and hospitality. Not only did we sample four different wines but also a homemade sangria that may have been the hit of the week! This experience peaked when everyone was served a memorable lunch of homemade pimento cheese, sour dough bread, candied nuts, locally made sausage, and the most decadent brownies you can imagine. The hospitality this place offers is unmatched! After packaging up everyone’s wines and sangria bottles, we hit the road for our third winery.
Our last winery stop was another unique experience for our group. The owners of the Rhinory combined their love of wine with their passion for rhino conservation. Not only did we have five more wine samples here, but we also got to meet Blake, the rhino, and see him show off. I’m not kidding! He was like a giant puppy dog rolling around in the mud and snuggling up with his cute little face so everyone could see. What a ham!
We had some downtime and relaxed or shopped the rest of the evening…and woke up to snow! There were snow flurries in Fredericksburg, and it made the trip even more memorable for us all. Our morning consisted of a tour of the NIMITZ museum, where we learned all about the Pacific War. After a wonderful few hours at the museum, we took off and made our way to Kerrville for lunch. We stopped at Mamacita’s and had an
outstanding Mexican buffet with fresh tortillas, enchiladas, fajitas, and all the fixings. I may have even seen a few margaritas make their way out of the bar.
On our way home to the Valley, we watched movies, won some prizes, and stopped for ice cream at DQ.
“Every trip with Welcome Home is top notch!” Don Robertson told us on the last day of the trip. Marilyn Shrader said, “I encourage everyone to travel with Welcome Home. These girls know how to do it!”
This trip was such a hit! It will for sure be back on the tour schedule next season. If you’re interested in this or any other tours, visit welcomehomergv. com to see what we have available, and book quickly before they fill up! •
~Sarah
Denzer, tour manager
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Get ready to dig in. South Padre Island’s Crawfish Festival is back! April 12, the South Padre Island Convention Center will transform into a seafood lover’s paradise, bringing together the bold flavors of Louisiana-style crawfish, lively entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. This year’s festival promises a day packed with mouthwatering bites, highenergy performances, and fun for the whole family. The main stage will feature 7 Summers, a Morgan Wallen tribute band, with more acts to be announced soon. Between sets, attendees can explore a variety of food vendors, play interactive games, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that makes this event a can’t-miss experience. What your ticket gets you:
• Entry to the festival
• Live music
• Access to food vendors
Savor the Flavor at Crawfish Festival 2025
• Each general admission ticket ensures you a pound of fresh crawfish and sides
• A complimentary koozie
• A bib
Tickets are on sale now for $45 at crawfishfestivalspi.com. Mark your calendar and bring your appetite. It’s going to be a shell-cracking good time! Stay tuned to our channels for future announcements and accommodations, and plan your weekend for the perfect SPI beach getaway.
Things I Have Learned A somewhat random and reckless look at life from a fairly old guy
Wired for Joy
by Bill Ward
Today’s Wisdom: Well, I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine. No offense to you, don’t waste your time because I’m happy. Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth. ~Pharrell Williams, “Happy” lyrics
Way back in the days when I was managing a senior housing facility, one of our tenants took a fall. She was uninjured but just could not stand back up on her own. No problem, I thought. I can help her back up.
Well, I underestimated both my own leg strength and hers. Or maybe she had a few pounds packed in there someplace I didn’t notice. Whatever the reason, the end result was me sitting on the ground on my derriere with her on my lap. It must have been a frightening sight.
She could have been mad or frightened or both. What I heard instead was laughter. We both had a good chuckle from the experience. As I think about it today, of course laughter would have been her natural response because happiness was her natural state.
I knew her well, and she had every excuse in life to be bitter, angry, sullen, or forlorn. She wasn’t any
of those at any time I saw her. She was always happy and quick to laugh and smile,
One of the things I think I have learned is that happiness--or at least peacefulness--seems to be our natural state. I knew many people in my professional work who suffered loss of health, mental acuity, mobility, finances, family members, and more. Yet, once they worked through the initial grief and shock, they reverted back to their normal state--happiness.
Of course I also knew some exceptions. However, in each case I can recall, there was something that blocked their return to their natural state. Addiction, dementia, and mental illness were the big three.
I believe we were created to be happy. I think it is pre-programmed into our wiring. For those not able to attain that state, my heart goes out. It must be difficult living in an unnatural condition. For folks in that situation, I know there are many avenues of assistance. I also know one can’t buy it, build it, chase after it, or hoard it; you need to find it naturally. And when you do, you get to share it.
I’m just sayin’. •
Bill Ward is a retired health-care administrator from Minnesota and a regular columnist, author, and untalented rock ‘n’ roll musician, playing with the band Night Ryders. He winters at Casa Del Sol in Donna. You can contact Bill by email at bwward@charter.net.
Victoria Palms RV Resort, 600 N. Victoria Road Donna TX is a premier age quali ed RV resort and manufactured housing community nestled in the tropical Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Open to guests 55 and up, this beautiful Texas RV resort features a tropical pool and outdoor spas, tness center, full restaurant, two-story craft center and more. Enjoy our convenient, central location near shopping, medical facilities and other major amenities.
Perspectives Are You Prepared?
by JJorgen Johnson
Disaster is something we are hearing a lot about these days. We see it happening all over: through floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, fires, plane crashes, and more. These things cause us to FEAR = terror. The Bible tells us to FEAR the Lord, which means deep respect, awe and reverence for God’s power and authority. We need to seek the things that last.
September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene moved inland after hitting the Florida peninsula, heading across Georgia, Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. A cold front from the north caused it to stall over the alreadyrain-soaked Appalachian Mountains for a couple of days, which made for catastrophic flooding. It caught everyone by surprise, most people not having flood insurance. Flooding in the mountains? Impossible! But flood it did!
Three families in our church lost everything. One couple went to get groceries, and when they returned to their motorhome, it was in four feet of water. As they watched, the rushing torrents flipped it on its side and took it down the river. Another family lost their whole farm--their livestock, their barn, and their house--down the strong current of the river. They are praising God that they are still alive and have each other.
At last count, over 230 confirmed people lost their lives, with many still unaccounted for. Many families and other people were living in tents until recently. It is estimated the damage will exceed $200 billion. Sections of interstates 26 and 40 were washed away; also, the town of Chimney Rock, N.C., is totally gone.
Tammy and I live in Greene County, Tennessee, which gets its water source from the Nolichucky River. It crested about 29 feet above flood stage and destroyed the pumps that provide water for all of Greene County. We were fortunate that we suffered no damage from the hurricane, even though
the whole county was temporarily without water. Because of that, we decided to come to our home in Texas earlier than planned. It will take months to totally repair the pumps.
So many times, the simple things we all take for granted, we are now praising God for-like flipping a switch for lights to come on, turning the faucet handle for water to come out, and all of the appliances working. We have food to put on the table, a roof over our heads, and a good place to sleep. We thank the Lord for all the blessings we have received. We stand firm with Isaiah 54:17—”No weapon fashioned against us will prosper!” Food, water, things/stuff, and even our lives can be gone in a matter of seconds, but our relationship with the Lord will never end. Do you have that special relationship with Him so you are prepared for anything? If you’re not sure, contact a pastor or chaplain near you for that blessed assurance. Going to church won’t get you there. A true relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the one thing that lasts forever.
Are you prepared?
Jorgen and Tammy Johnson serve with Christian Resort Ministries (crmintl.org) at Paradise South RV Resort in Mercedes. You may contact them by email at phjorgen@gmail.com. •
Become a Savvy Saving Senior
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
re you looking to protect yourself from scams and plan for your future?
The Dustin Sekula Memorial Library is proud to host Savvy Saving Senior, a FREE three-part series designed to empower you with essential knowledge!
Learn about:
• Scams and Fraud Prevention: Learn to recognize and avoid common scams targeting seniors, protect your finances, and understand the latest fraudprevention techniques.
• Identity Theft: Understand the risks of identity theft, how to protect your personal information, and what steps to take if you become a victim.
• Taking Care of Tomorrow - Estate Planning: Gain valuable insights into estate-planning basics, including wills, trusts, and other important documents to secure your legacy.
Join us each Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
• March 11: Scams and Fraud Prevention
• March 18: Identity Theft
• March 25: Taking Care of Tomorrow: Estate Planning
These free programs are a valuable opportunity to safeguard your well-being and plan for a secure future. Don’t miss out!
We look forward to seeing you at the Dustin Sekula Memorial Library, 1906 S. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. •
Upper Valley Art League Announces
Journey Through the
Lens
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Journey Through the Lens, this year’s Upper Valley Art League exhibition, will showcase various styles of photography, ranging from traditional to digital and mobile, created by UVAL members. According to Cyndee Galindo, curator for the 2025 exhibit, “I believe, as visual artists, it is imperative that we strive for creative growth and be exposed to different mediums, genres, methods, and techniques to expand our personal vision and push photography into a new era of expression. Photography has evolved, and it’s time we embrace it.”
The Journey Through the Lens exhibit will be on display through March 29. This event is free and open to the public.
Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Upper Valley Art League is located at 921 E. 12th Street in Mission, next to Speer Memorial Library.. •
Gladys Porter Zoo Hosts Annual Ocelot Run and Ocelot Conservation Day
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
The Gladys Porter Zoo is back with its annual 5K and 1-mile fun run to support ocelot conservation. The Ocelot 5K Run will take place March 8 starting at 7:30 a.m., and the 1-Mile fun run will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Gladys Porter Zoo. The run will begin in the Zoo’s parking lot.
The 5K route will take guests through some of the most popular areas around the Mitte Cultural District before leading you into the scenic Gladys Porter Zoo for the final stretch. The 1-mile route will take guests on a fun and colorful run around the Zoo.
The 5K run will be chip-timed. Runners will receive a timing chip, which will record each runner’s time. A link will be provided on the Zoo’s website to access the results, a certificate, and your digital photo finish. Although all participants will receive a medal at the finish line, additional distinctive medals will be awarded to the top three runners in each age group and to the top three overall males and females.
The cost to participate in the Ocelot Run is only $35 for the 5K and $30 for the 1-mile fun run. This cost covers a limited edition Dri-FIT ocelot shirt, a race bib, a race medal, and admission to the Zoo.
Runners of all ages are encouraged to participate in ocelot attire or costumes. Registration for the Ocelot Run is now open on the Zoo’s website, with limited spots available.
Proceeds from this event directly benefit the Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and their efforts toward ocelot conservation. Packet pick-up will take place March 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Meadows Room at the Gladys Porter Zoo.
The general public is also invited to visit the Zoo Sunday, March 9, for the annual Ocelot Conservation Day hosted by the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Ocelot Conservation Day teaches about ocelots and the threats they face. There will be fun activities for kids, including games, ocelot crafts, and raffles. Additionally, there will be a variety of informational tables, exhibits, and presentations featuring ocelot conservation. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be held throughout the Zoo grounds.
For more information about the Ocelot Run and ocelot conservation, please visit gpz.org. •
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
$174,900
Alamo Country Club
Retama Village, Mission
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
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
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
$115,000
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
WOWSA - This large renovated and remodeled 2 bd/2bath mobile home in Adobe Wells Country Club in McAllen comes fully furnished with a golf cart and features Generac whole home generator. This active 55+ community has golf, pool, billiards and more... Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
Valley View Estate, Mission
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
Stop by and look at this centrally located property, near restaurants and shopping centers. The split bedroom concept, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, plus Texas Room mobile home comes fully furnished. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
$159,000
$239,900
Spacious 3 bed/2bath 1900 sqft home in Alamo Country Club. This home is move-in ready with everything you need for a Winter vacation home! It comes fully furnished INCLUDING the golf cart! Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
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
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
$339,000
$114,500
Looking for something unique to call your own? Located in Hidden Valley Ranch, this 1 bedroom, 1 bath offers an attached casita elevating the space to a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home. 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
$324,900
$16,500
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) 900-8487
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
$145,000
updated
Looking to own your lot? This 2 bedroom, 1-bath mobile is perfect for you! The colorful open-concept living and eat-in kitchen are bright with natural light. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
and
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
Alamo Country Club, Alamo
Wagon City South, Mission
$225,000
$129,900
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
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
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
Wagon City North, Mission
Restful Valley Ranch, Mission
$59,900
This furnished 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath includes a front carport, a large rear access garage (396 sqft), and even a spacious storage room (294 sqft). Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
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
Wagon City South, Mission
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
$76,000
Priced to sell, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom has much to offer. Partially furnished with a centered living and almost private eat-in kitchen space with split bedroom concept. 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
Discover 4109 Mallard Drive in Mission, TX—a modern RV lot featuring a sleek bathroom, Murphy bed, and sunlit living space. Enjoy the spacious patio amidst palm trees, just steps from the clubhouse and pool. Seller financing available. Carol Kerr Welch, TREC540183, (956) 900-8487
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
$65,000 $110,000
Wagon City South, Mission
Wagon City South, Mission
$58,500 $115,000
Ready to settle down in a cozy community? Check out this 2 bedroom 2 bathroom home in Wagon City South, a friendly 55+ community. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
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
Retama Village, Mission
Retama Village, Mission
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
This
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom furnished mobile is located in an active 55+ guarded gate community. Walk into this beautiful home
fall
Alamo Country Club
Adobe Wells, McAllen
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
Retama Village, Mission
DANCES ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
Calendar of Events
Wednesday • March 5, 2025
Sunshine’s 77 Corner Store 7:00 AM Country
Sunshine RV Resort Harlingen (956) 425-7448 $
Wednesday Breakfast 7:30 AM Bentsen Grove Resort Palmview (956) 585-0703
Craft Fair 8:00 AM Paradise South RV Resort
Mercedes (956) 367-3798
Quinta Park Tours 9:00 AM Quinta Mazatlan McAllen (956) 681-3370 $3/$2
“Journey Through the Lens” Exhibit 10:00 AM Upper Valley Art League Mission 956) 591-0282
Plus Square Dance 10:00 AM Tropic Star RV Resort Pharr (956) 874-8264
2 Hour Riverside Dreamer River Tour 10:30 AM Riverside Club Mission (956) 581-4477
Burgers & Fries 11:30 AM Chimney Park MHC Mission (956) 585-5061 $8
Acoustic Jam 12:30 PM Quiet Village II
Subdivision Donna Jam Session 12:30 PM Trails End Resort Weslaco (956) 968-5051
Music Jam 12:30 PM Sunshine RV Resort Harlingen (956) 425-7448
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.
Big Band Jam 1:00 PM Valley View Estates
Mission (956) 580-0428
Jam Session 1:00 PM Heritage Square Mission (651) 249-3129
Open Music Jam 1:00 PM Chimney Park MHC Mission (402) 630-0492
Riverside Dreamer River Tour 1:00 PM Riverside Club Mission (956) 581-4477 $13
Jam Session 1:30 PM Park Place Estates RV Resort Harlingen (956) 428-4414
The Warman Trio 7:00 PM Leisure Valley Ranch Mission (956) 529-1878 $10
Friday • March 7, 2025
Sunshine’s 77 Corner Store 7:00 AM Country
Sunshine RV Resort Harlingen (956) 425-7448 $ All Park Garage Sale 8:00 AM Fiesta Village Mission (956) 585-9264
Park Wide Yard Sale 8:00 AM Dream Valley Ranch Mission (956) 519-3339
Rummage Sale 9:00 AM First Christian Church McAllen
“Journey Through the Lens” Exhibit 10:00 AM Upper Valley Art League Mission 956) 591-0282 Soup for the Children Fundraiser & Bake Sale 11:00 AM Lakewood RV Resort Harlingen (956) 423-1170
Winter Texan Fiesta 12:00 PM Leo Pena Placita Park Mission (956) 585-2727 Free
