Volume 10 Issue 2 October 23, 2024

Page 1


WINTER TEXAN

Your Connection to the Rio Grande Valley

One of the great things about being a Winter Texan is that you can use South Texas as your springboard to other destinations. Whether you want to spend a weekend in San Antonio, go on a cruise out of Galveston, hit the beaches of Mexico--or all of the above--it’s so easy to plan a quick getaway.

That is one of my favorite things about my job. We get to help you plan your next adventure. In addition to all there is to see and do in the Rio Grande Valley, I have had so much fun over the years planning--and attending--group trips by both land and sea. While I love domestic travel, I always have the itch to see a bit more of Mexico and am excited about the direct flight to Cancun, another destination on my bucket list I find it hard to believe I haven’t been to yet.

Who wants to go with me?

~We’re just connecting the dots.

McAllen International Airport Partners with Volaris to Launch 4th New Nonstop Destination in 2024 Cancun,

Mexico

McAllen International Airport has partnered with Volaris, the Mexican ultra low-cost airline that operates in Mexico, the United States, and Central and South America to announce its newest nonstop route to Cancun, Mexico. Already on sale, this new partnership connects two key destinations for tourism and business. It started July 3 with two weekly departures (Wednesday and Saturdays).

“McAllen’s newest partnership

with Volaris to launch air service to a world-class destination like Cancun reinforces our commitment to develop strong economic ties with Mexico and beyond. We value these strong partnerships and will continue to make key investments in the McAllen International Airport to foster new travel opportunities for our entire region.” said Javier Villalobos, McAllen mayor.

As one of the top 10 busiest airports in Texas, McAllen In-

ternational Airport’s commercial airline traffic has led the region in 2023 with 45% of the RGV’s commercial air service market share. It is also the only airport in the region to provide year-round international air service to top destinations like Cancun.

“In addition to strengthening our international connectivity network between Mexico and the world’s leading outbound tourism market, this new route between Cancun and McAllen

Photos Courtesy of McAllen International Airport
Story and Photos Courtesy of McAllen International Airport

will not only connect two popular destinations but also opens a unique opportunity to encourage binational economic and social exchange, contributing to economic growth and strengthening commercial ties between Mexico and the United States,” said Enrique Beltranena, president and CEO of Volaris. “We expanded our international air service to Cancun in time for summer vacation,” said McAllen International Airport Director of Aviation Jeremy Santoscoy. “Volaris offers our travelers low-cost fares to a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, culturally significant

sites, resorts, and natural attractions. With our ever-expanding portfolio of nonstop travel options, McAllen International Airport is committed to going above and beyond for our travelers.”

With this addition to its route network, Volaris continues to fulfill its commitment to provide affordable and convenient travel alternatives across a wide range of international and domestic destinations.

Those interested in purchasing tickets for this new route may do so on the following itineraries:

219 W Nolana

McAllen, TX 78504

956.687.5115 www.welcomehomergv.com

Publisher

Kristi Collier kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Content Creator/Photographer

Eryn Reddell Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com

Accounting

Angela Blanchard angela@welcomehomergv.com

Administration

Amie Gray agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins calendar@welcomehomergv.com

Event Manager

Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com

Editor Chris Ardis news@welcomehomergv.com

Graphic Design

AIM Media Texas, LLC

Activity Coordinator

Fran Adams fran@welcomehomergv.com

Business Development

Chris Leadbetter chris@welcomehomergv.com

Travel Division

Kristy Meyer travel@welcomehomergv.com

Sarah Denzer sarah@welcomehomergv.com

Stella Riester stella@welcomehomergv.com

Wednesdays and Saturdays

• Departing Cancun at 12:15 p.m., arriving in McAllen at 2:33 pm

• Departing McAllen at 4:05 pm, arriving in Cancun at 6:08 pm

Volaris recommends buying early, through all available official sales channels: official website at volaris.com, the Volaris app, and authorized travel agencies. Follow McAllen International Airport on social media for new partnership developments.

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. Sign up at: info@welcomehomergv.com

Follow Us on Social Media!

www.facebook.com @whrgv @wintertexan

www.youtube.com

Find on Youtube Channel “Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley”

www.instagram.com @welcomehomergv @wintertexans

Keep McAllen Beautiful –Meet the Artist Winter Texan Spotlight: World Shuffleboard Championship

Keep 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.

I am Cheryll Anderson of Edinburg, TX, an Arkansas transplant of 13 years (in the RGV). I have a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. I have been an artist most of my life, but the “time of COVID” gave me a vision for mural painting and a new lust for life. I will paint on wood, cement, metal, canvas…you name it! The most interesting work I have done recently has not been put on a wall yet. I love doing work that is intensely researched, methodically planned, and seemingly complex. My emotional pull to the subject keeps me interested and motivated to do my best work. I love working with local flora and fauna--or local history--as my content. Color study and color mixing are some of my favorite aspects of artmaking. I think of myself as more of a collage artist than a painter, due to the technological aspects of the mural design process. I love doing public-funded, accessible art.

San Benito will welcome shuffleboard players from all over the world later this month. Encore Fun N’ Sun RV Park will serve as home base for the International Shuffleboard Association’s 41st World Championship Tournament.

The tournament is scheduled for Sunday, October 27, to Friday, November 1.

Thirty-six women and 48 men from across the United States, Canada, Germany, Brazil, and the Netherlands will take part, including nine players from the Rio Grande Valley. Players range in age from the early 2’s to over 80 years old.

Spectators are welcome to watch the Parade of Nations during the Opening and Hall of Fame Ceremonies Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Park’s Dance Hall. “We have a big shuffleboard

family here in the Valley,” says tournament chairperson Ann Engell. “They’ll come out to watch and support.”

The awards banquet will be Friday at 7 p.m. and is also open to the public.

Volunteers are needed to help support the event, setting up tables and serving refreshments. To take part, contact Engel by emailatisa2024Texas@gmail.com or by phone at 519-428-5771.

Note: If you have an interesting park resident or know of a program that speaks to the broader Winter Texan community, email your idea to news@ welcomehomergv.com. In the meantime, we look forward to sharing the stories of people and places that enrich the winter visitor experience and enhance visits to the Rio Grande Valley.

Spotted in the RGV

Visit the Keep McAllen Beautiful Facebook page to learn more about Cheryll. •

Blink, and you will miss Las Rusias/Rucias, Texas. It was a small colonia, big on historic battles. According to the Texas State Historical Society, two significant battles were fought here: the first between U.S. and Mexican forces, which started the Mexican War of 1846; the second, between Confederate and Union sides in 1864. The Las Rusias historic marker is located in Cameron County, south of Harlingen on Highway 281, just east of Rangerville Road. • Las Rusias,TX•

Story by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Story by Eryn Reddell Wingert

The RGV Killer Bees Legacy: On and Off the Ice

Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan

The Museum of South Texas History presents the latest spotlight exhibit, The RGV Killer Bees Legacy: On and Off the Ice, which closes Saturday, October 26.

What made the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees electrifying wasn’t hockey culture but rather the team engaging fans into learning a new sport through a mascot and community nights. The Killer Bees prided itself on being active participants in the community by creating a welcoming environment for fans through its mascot, Sir Sting A Lot, who rallied the crowd at every single home game. The beloved mascot, who won several Mascot of the Year awards, shared the love of hockey through staged stunts and acts that not only highlighted the rules of the game but sportsmanship, as well. Even those who didn’t understand the hockey rules knew any game would be a memorable experience. The mascot’s awards will be featured in the exhibit, highlighting Sir Sting A Lot’s contributions to the game and its fans.

Some of the players recall the Valley as the best of both worlds because they could still play hockey in the temperate climate, which was appreciated. The Killers Bees was comprised of two leagues: junior and minor. On display, there will be game-worn jerseys from the minor and junior leagues from players Nick Sucharski, who wore #23 as part of the Central Hockey League; Brandon Campos, who wore #10 as part of the Central Hockey League; and Marcus Ericsson, who wore #3 as part of the North American Hockey League. This spotlight exhibit is included in the regular Museum admission fees. Museum hours for Saturday, October 26, are 5 to 11 p.m.

EXPLORE, PROTECT, EDUCATE

For more information about the exhibit, please contact the curator of exhibits at 956-383-6911 or jbautista@mosthistory.org. •

Travel Friends U.S. History in Corpus Christi

Hello

Travel Friends,

Just a little over two hours away is a coastal city with a lot to offer. Corpus Christi is known for its beaches, museums, and historical sites. I’m sure you’ve heard of the USS Lexington and the museum it has become. This carrier was built during World War II for the U.S. Navy and spent 21 months in combat during the war. There are some impressive firsts the USS Lexington holds that may surprise you. It was the first aircraft carrier in the Navy to have women on board as crew members. What’s even more shocking is that this wasn’t until August 1980. This carrier was the first to establish a seagoing high school in 1967 and was also the first carrier to deploy air-to-surface missiles. These are only a few of the impressive facts about this famous carrier. Now that the ship is decommissioned and has been turned into a museum, you can take your time to explore and learn onboard. You’re able to take your own adventure through any of six tour routes, showing you everything from the bunks and captain’s quarters to the dentist’s office and mess hall. It’s basically a mini city, all below deck. Be sure to take some time to check out the flight deck on top, as well. Among the 78 aircrafts on deck, you’ll find the F-14 Tomcat from the original Top Gun movie.

Entrance to the museum is available every day and you can visit and explore on your own. If you want to have a more unique experience, check out the Corpus Christi tours I’ve scheduled this season. On these trips, you’ll be able to tour the USS Lexington in a small group, with a docent who will provide you with extra knowledge and stories. You’ll also be able to ask questions and make the tour as personal as you’d like. The VIP experience doesn’t stop there. You’ll also enjoy a private, catered lunch on the fan tail with our group. The fun doesn’t stop at the Lexington, either. We’ll also be visiting the Texas State Aquarium to see all of the sea life and to say hello to the dolphins. This day trip--and others--are available on our website at welcomehomergv.com, or you can always call and talk to me if you have questions about tours and travel 956-687-5115. Come along on an adventure-filled day trip, and I’ll show you some of the fun Corpus Christi has to offer.

$160,000

This2Bed/2bathhomeisperfectly locatedonthegolfcourseinAlamo Country Club. Spacious primary bedroom & suite. Both bedrooms have access to the screened in backyard patio. Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956)455-4195

Adobe Wells, McAllen

$89,000

Spacious 2 bed/2 bath home has 1278 sqft and features large primary w/ private bath. Spacious living room with nice front bay windows. Large Texas Room PLUS separate workshop/storage area! Assumable VA loan for qualified buyers! Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195

Wagon City South, Mission

$85,000

Looking to own your lot? Then head on over to Wagon City South, a popular 55+ community, and take a look at this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home! Heather Escobedo,TREC686290, (956)271-3683

Retama Village, Mission

Live your retirement dreams in this 3BR (or 2BR + o ce) home in Retama Village features an open floorplan and courtyardforindoor/outdoorliving.Enjoy aspaciousgaragewithHVAC,apergolacovered courtyard, and solar panels with low electricity bills. HOA covers landscape maintenance. Carol Kerr Welch,TREC540183,(956)900-8487

Heritage Square, Mission

Lookingforaplacetocallyour own? Stop by and check out this 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath with Texas room addition perfect for entertainment. Heather Escobedo,TREC686290, (956)271-3683

Wagon City South, Mission

This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on an oversized corner lot with so much to o er, all conveniently located in Wagon City South a active 55+ community. Heather Escobedo,TREC686290, (956)271-3683

$425,000

This upgraded Santa Maria floorplan home is perfect for discerning buyers. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, a spacious butler’s pantry, guest room with ensuite, a separate studio, expanded garage, and low-maintenance landscaping. Located in Retama Village, a premier 55+ community withabundantactivitiesandamenities.Carol KerrWelch,TREC540183,(956)900-8487

Valley Ranch, Mission

$129,900

Interested in something cozy and unique? Come and take a look at this Spanish-inspired 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom casita. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956)271-3683

Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission

$88,000

Interested in eliminating your lot rent? Come check out this lovely 2001 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom mobile home located in the esteemed 55+ community of Hidden Valley Ranch! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290,(956)271-3683

$89,000

Spacious 2 bed/2 bath on owned lot. Large primary and livingspaces. Beautifuloutdoor deck with patio furniture and lots of storage space! Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 4554195

Quiet Village ll, Donna

$98,500

Looking for a well-maintained mobile?Locatedinthefriendly 55+communityofQuietVillage II,this1bedroom,1.5bathroom home is a must-see! Heather Escobedo,TREC686290, (956)271-3683

Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission

$99,900

Come down and take a look at this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile located in the gated 55+ communityofHiddenValleyRanch. The interior features a front-facing eat-inkitchenwithamazingcabinet space and updated flooring. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683

Retama Village, Mission
Wagon City North, Mission
Alamo Country Club
Leisure

Experience the Magic of Monarch Migration at HalloWings

Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan

As fall graces South Padre Island, the Island bursts into life with cooler temperatures and the vibrant bloom of nectar plants, setting the stage for the monarch butterfly migration. The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, & Alligator Sanctuary invites you to celebrate this incredible spectacle at HalloWings Sunday, October27,from11a.m.to5p.m.

Families can enjoy free admission for a day filled with learning about the wonders of the monarch migration. Explore beautiful butterfly gardens on guided tours and learn how to support monarch migration at home by purchasing native plants during the event’s plant sale. Kids and families will love the variety of fun, hands-on activities, like face painting, sandcastle lessons, and even costume contests. The event will also feature live music and local vendors, providing a lively atmosphere for all visitors.

The Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide educational opportunities for visitors to learn more about South Padre Island’s natural environment and wildlife. Visitors can freely tour the premises between the observation tower, reptile house, and boardwalk. HalloWings promises to be a fantastic celebration of the season and the wonders of migration. For more information, visit sopadre.com •

Come to Kingsville and Sip, Shop and Spook at HalloWine Walk

Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan

It is Wine Walk Season in Kingsville again, and guests are invited to celebrate a frightfully fun wine-and-beer-tasting tour while visiting merchants and vendors in our Kingsville Main Street District Saturday, October 26. Enjoy live music and entertainment and dress up for an opportunity to win great prizes in the costume contest. Furry friends are invited, too, for a festive howl-o-ween photo shoot with Animal Rescue Kleberg.

When you check in at Kingsville’s historic 1904 Train Depot, volunteers will take a group photo, issue you a keepsake, silicone wine cup and a Kingsville Wine Walk Passport that will guide you through about 30 stop shops, where you can collect stamps for opportunities to win hundreds of dollars in prizes.

The Wine Walk Passport comes packed with special savings that extend well past the event. There are several dining discounts offered to wine walkers. There are 14 varieties of wine on hand and some craft beer and domestic options, as well as a Mocktail Passport. Come early and snag a free charcuterie bag, available while supplies last.

South Texas Haunts will also be in attendance, giving Paranormal Investigation Tours at the city’s downtown Municipal Building and Ol’ Girls Kitchen. Tours will be in small groups and are expected to sell out. Guests who reserve their passports early will get a code for a discount on these after-hours tours!

If you’re looking for a girls’ getaway or a romantic escape, look no further! A handful of Kingsville hotels are offering a Wine Walk VIP Experience that comes complete with a pair of passports in your room at check-in, a special flower arrangement, a bottle of wine, and some exclusive Kingsville gifts. Call the Kingsville Visitors Center at 361-592-8516 for participating properties and booking assistance.

Passports are not needed to attend this spooktacular Wine Walk, but they are required for beer and wine sampling. Purchase your passport in advance at KingsvilleTexas.com to save $5. Passports come filled with special savings and coupons. Proceeds for this event benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Kingsville.

Check-ins start at the 1904 Historic Train Depot at 3 p.m. and sipping takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Paranormal Investigation Tours are at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Stay overnight and enjoy the Kingsville Farmers Market Saturday morning or perhaps a tour on the Legendary King Ranch.

Get more information on these events and all upcoming fall events at KingsvilleTexas.com. •

Perspectives

He Didn’t Know My Name

Growing up in Southern California in the 60s and 70s, I got to experience one of the greatest college basketball dynasties of all time, John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins career. How could you not be a fan? He had 10 national championships, four perfect seasons, and seven titles in a row! I couldn’t wait to play for the blue and gold.

However, being vertically challenged, I had to settle for being an avid fan. One of my favorite players had to be Bill Walton. I really became a fan of his. I knew everything about this 6’11”, redhaired center from La Mesa, California. Walton set a record at Helix High, where he led them to an undefeated 33-0 state championship, shooting an incredible 78.3% (still the all-time national record), and was awarded the Collegiate Player of The Year award three years straight. Added to this, he had one unbelievable night, making 21 out of 22 shots in the 1973 championship game against Memphis State.

There was not much I didn’t know about Bill Walton. It was like we were close friends. Several years later, when I was in my late 30s, I was on a business trip to Oregon. I had to change planes in Sacramento. As I was walking through the terminal, there he was, all 6’11” with that red hair, standing off to the side by himself. Before I knew what I was doing, I called out, “Bill!” I am unsure exactly what I was expecting in return. (I wish I would have thought my response through.) He gave me a quick thumbs up and turned his back and continued doing whatever he was doing. He didn’t know my name or who I was. I was a stranger to him. Even though I knew everything about him, he had no clue who I was. I didn’t have a relationship with him.

Unfortunately, the same is true for many people today when it comes to Jesus Christ. So many people know everything ABOUT Jesus. They have heard all the stories, perhaps even read some of “the book.’ They may even feel like I did about Bill Walton...Jesus is my friend. The truth is, they don’t really know Him because they never spent time getting to know Him intimately. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Then in verse 23, He follows with this, “I never knew you; depart from me.”

Let me just encourage you right now: if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, stop whatever you are doing and really get

to know Him. The Word says, in Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” and in Romans 10:13, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Our time here on this earth is short, and we are running out of opportunities to accept His gift of eternal life. Build that relationship with Jesus Christ, starting today. None of us ever wants to hear those words, “Depart, I never knew you.”

Rich Harmsen and his wife, Tammy, are chaplains at Encore Tropic Winds Park in Harlingen. •

DANCESENTERTAINMENT & 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 • Oct 23, 2024

Dance w/Steven May & The Southern Knights 7:00 PM Tip O Texas Resort Pharr (956)787-6461 $8

Thursday • Oct 24, 2024

Nature Series: Spiders of the RGV 2:00 PM McAllen Main Library (956) 681-3061

Happy Hour w/Randy Webb 4:00 PM

Leisure Valley Ranch Mission (956) 5291878

STVT Pumpkin Patch Night 4:00 PM

South Texas Vo-Tech McAllen

Dance w/Ron Moshier 7:00 PM Bit-OHeaven RV and MH Resort Donna (701) 269-1045 $8

Halloween Dance w/The Lockharts 7:00 PM Valley View Estates Mission $10

Friday • Oct 25, 2024

Knitted Knocker Stuffing Party 1:00 PM

The Lambs Loom McAllen (956) 607-6855

The Camille Playhouse presents: THE CRUCIBLE 7:00 PM Camille Lightner Playhouse Brownsville $20 (956) 542-8900

Dance w/Steven May & The Southern Knights 7:00 PM Snow to Sun RV Resort Weslaco (956) 968-0322 $8

Dance w/Sweetwater 7:00 PM Texas Trails RV Resort Pharr (956) 787-6538 $8

Halloween Costume Ball w/Curt James 7:00 PM Ranchero Village Resort Weslaco (956) 968-6223 $8

Saturday • Oct 26, 2024

Park Yard Sale 8:00 AM 1015 RV Park Weslaco (956) 968-7516

54th Annual Dakee Si Fall Powwow 10:00 AM Alton Community Center Alton (956) 432-0790 Free

The Camille Playhouse presents: THE CRUCIBLE 2:00 PM Camille Lightner Playhouse Brownsville $20 (956) 542-8900

Knitted Knocker Stuffing Party 1:00 PM The Lambs Loom McAllen (956) 607-6855 HalloWine Walk 5:00 PM Downtown Kingsville (361) 592-8516

Spooktacular Market & Trunk-O-Treat 5:00 PM Barbershop 62 McAllen (956) 620-0012

The Camille Playhouse presents: THE CRUCIBLE 7:00 PM Camille Lightner Playhouse Brownsville $20 (956) 542-8900

HalloweenDancew/Diego&Edith 7:00 PM Trophy Gardens Alamo (956) 7877717 $8

Halloween Dance w/Vinyl Spin 7:00 PM Enchanted Valley Ranch Mission (956) 519-8597 $10

Halloween Dance w/Michael Flores 7:00PM Canyon Lake RV Resort Mission (956) 580-4545 $8

JAM SESSIONSSALES

Sunday • Oct 27, 2024

HalloWings 11:00 AM South Padre Island

South Padre Island (956) 761-8398

The Camille Playhouse presents: THE CRUCIBLE 2:00 PM Camille Lightner Playhouse Brownsville $20 (956) 542-8900

HojalataCalaveras-AdultArtWorkshop

2:00 PM International Museum of Art and Science $25 ($20 for IMAS Members) (956) 681-2800

Tuesday • Oct 29, 2024

Happy Hour w/Texas SweetHearts

3:00 PM Bit-O-Heaven RV and MH Resort

Donna (701) 269-1045 PTH

Happy Hour w/The Lockhart’s 4:00 PM Enchanted Valley Ranch Mission (956) 519-8597 PTH

Vida Verse: A Celebration of South Texas Poets 6:00 PM McAllen Public Library McAllen (956) 681-3000

McAllen Memorial High Orchestra Fall Concert 6:30 PM 1015 RV Park Weslaco (956) 632-5201

MEALS

Halloween Dance w/The Brothers

Three 7:00 PM Tropic Star RV Resort Pharr (956) 787-5957 $15

Wednesday • Oct 30, 2024

McAllen Memorial HS Mariachi Fall Concert 6:30 PM McAllen Memorial High School

South Texas Book Festival Un Cafecito withtheAuthors 6:30 PM McAllen Public Library McAllen (956) 681-3000

Dance w/Steven May & The Southern Knights 7:00 PM Tip O Texas Pharr (956) 787-6461 $8

Thursday • Oct 31, 2024

SouthTexasBookFestivalTrickorTreat Trail 5:00 PM McAllen Public Library McAllen (956) 681-3000

Dance w/The Chrome Wheels Band 7:00 PM Victoria Palms RV Resort Donna (956) 464-7801 $10

Dance w/The Night Howlers 7:00 PM Enchanted Valley Ranch Mission (956) 519-8597 $10

Halloween Costume Dance w/Curt James 7:00 PM Bit-O-Heaven RV and MH Resort Donna (701) 269-1045 Free Halloween Dance & October Birthday Bash 7:00 PM Siesta Retirement Village Weslaco (608) 628-4555 $8

Halloween Dance w/Burnin’ Ember 7:00 PM Snow to Sun RV Resort Weslaco (956) 968-0322 $9

Halloween Dance w/Jealous Heart 7:00 PM Aladdin Villas Mission (956) 580-0428 $9

Halloween Dance w/Texas Wheels 7:00 PM Llano Grande Resort Mercedes (956) 565-2638 $10

Halloween Dance w/Time Machine 7:00 PM Greengate Grove Palmview (956) 5408463 $10

Spooktacular Halloween Party w/ Ron Moshier

7:00 PM Winter Ranch RV Resort Alamo (956) 783-4587 $10

Event Calendar

View the complete season calendar on our website! Includes detailed event information, directions and more! Scan the QR Code below.฀

There’s Something for Everyone at McAllen’s Famous Library

This is the story of the little library that could and did, in a big way.

The McAllen Public Library (MPL) originally opened downtown in 1950. The 40,000-square-foot, mid-century-style building boasted three floors, an atrium, and wallto-wall books.

It was the only local library around for a period of time, so if you grew up in an adjacent city, you probably visited during a school field trip and had your own library card. Multiple generations from various communities grew up with the McAllen Public Library until surrounding cities began opening their own.

Fast forward to today. The McAllen Public Library is a community gathering space on a broader scale, once again. In 2011, the City of McAllen--after converting a former Walmart building--opened the new 123,000-square-foot library, the largest single-story library in the nation.

Surprisingly, the collection of books

for both entities is comparatively the same: The “Old Main Library” had over 330,000 and the new location nearly 356,000.

But the McAllen Public Library is more than just a library, according to reference supervisor Claudia Villarreal-Quiroz. It’s a fundamental staple of the community.

“We try to have a lot of different programs and services,” she says. That they do, hosting cultural events, book clubs, computer literacy classes, poetry writing, nature-oriented presentations, art exhibits, wellness and volunteer programs, and a weekly farmers market. They even partner with AARP, come tax season, to assist with filing taxes.

Speaking of seasons, “We have an active community of people. When Winter Texans come in, we see an increase in our attendees,” says Villarreal-Quiroz, attributing the influx to the library’s welcoming environment. Plus, all library programming is free to the public, unless otherwise stated.

But, back to books, coming up at the

end of this month, MPL will host its annual South Texas Book Festival (southtexasbookfestival.com), October 29 to November 2. Scheduled events include Vida Verse: A Celebration of South Texas Poets, Un Cafecito with the Authors (ticketed), and Author Book Signing.

Unlike during the last century, the MPL now has an app that connects readers to electronic and audio books. “We see a lot of people who want to download eBooks,” says Villarreal-Quiroz, who goes on to say the staff will help set-up the app on your iPad, Kindle, or eBook reader.

How to keep up with all this giant library has to offer? Follow their social media sites and sign up for the monthly newsletter via the website (mcallenlibrary.net) or stop by 4001 N. 23rd Street. You’re bound to find something of interest.

“Libraries enrich the lives of our community members,” says Villarreal-Quiroz. “There’s something for everyone.” •

Knitted Knockers are happening at The Lamb’s Loom. Yep, they’re a thing! We have two Stuffing Parties happening this week. We will be stuffing Knockers Friday and Saturday, October 25 and 26,

Knitted Knocker News

beginning at 1 p.m. Y’all are welcome to come join us as we stuff away. Knitted and crocheted “knockers” are made to provide an option to the heavy--and very hot--prosthetics someone may currently be using. A Knitted Knocker is lighter and made with breathable fibers so heat rash and other complications can be lessened.

First, yarns are tested by the international organization, Knitted Knockers, for comfort and fit before becoming an approved yarn and then stuffed with Poly-fil. The approved-yarn list indicates they have been tested to ensure the yarn is soft and non-abrasive to the skin and made of a breathable fiber. Knockers are given at no cost to each person who

needs them, which serves as a gift of encouragement and helps those who may not be able to afford other prosthetic options.

At The Lamb’s Loom, we carry five of the approved yarns. There is now a separate donation chest just for all of the donated Knockers brought in. Then, every month or so, we have a Stuffing Party, and friends gather to sort, stuff, and prepare these to go out to a local clinic. Once there, women are aided by their medical team to be fit for just the right Knocker.

The Lamb’s Loom is privileged to be a designated collection point for Knitted Knockers! Knitted Knockers is dedicated to supplying breast prosthetics to women who have undergone mastectomies. We are so blessed to add the Knitted Knockers organiza-

tion to the many ministries we serve.

As a recognized collection point for Knockers, please help us to spread the word to anyone who would like to join in this outreach. You can make a Knocker, come to a Stuffing Party, donate Poly-fil, and most definitely pray for all the recipients. We currently serve three local clinics and a clinic just south of San Antonio. Remember, Lamb’s Loom fun is happening in person at 1102 Tamarack in McAllen. Come join us as we #stitchitforward together. We are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional parking is available in the rear via Upas Avenue. Updates and other information are available on our website, thelambsloom.com.

~Prayers ‘n Purls! •

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