Although the holidays bring stress with them, they also bring family, friends, sparkling lights, and a whole lot of great food. As Thanksgiving approaches, I feel the excitement all of this brings.
One of the great things about Welcome Home Winter Texan is that it gives me and my WHRGV Team the opportunity to share events, “the rest of the story,” and even more with you each week. We’re having fun telling you about the artists behind the standpipe transformation throughout McAllen. It’s also a joy to bring you fascinating stories about our Winter Texans, like Rich Kleinberg and his induction into the Iowa Rock N’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame.
Traveling can be quite hectic during the holidays, but one of the greatest things about the Rio Grande Valley is that we have a beautiful island that offers a coastal twist on Thanksgiving and other holidays. Our tour manager, Sarah, offers ideas (and tours!), helping you find new ways to celebrate the holidays in the Valley--or just a short drive away.
Do you have a favorite holiday tradition or recipe you want to share?
I hope you’ll go to our Winter Texan by Welcome Home RGV Facebook page and share those with us. Get ready! The holidays are coming! ~We’re just connecting the dots…
WINTER TEXAN
Your Connection to the Rio Grande Valley
Tourney Gives RGV International Exposure
Story by Ric Cavazos
The 41st World Shuffleboard Championship at Fun-N-Sun RV Resort in San Benito was serious business, with more than a little fun and camaraderie mixed in.
With over 80 participants from five countries, a first place Golden Cue was the big award sought, and it would have to be earned.
Each player had four games a day to play in a tournament that drew players from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Germany, and the Netherlands. The competition started with an October 28 opening day ceremony at the San Benito RV park. It concluded November 1. It was a long time coming for Ann Engell and other tourney organizers. Fun-N-Sun was scheduled to host the event five years ago.
Then COVID-19 came along and changed everyone’s plans. It was worth the wait, Engell said, as she scanned the indoor courts, seeing 84 participants shove weighted pucks across playing surfaces.
“We finally got it here,” she said. “It has been really good having people from all over the country and the world coming to visit the (Rio Grande) Valley. It has been good for us, too, in bringing everyone here together at the beginning of the season.”
Once everything was said and done, Mark Mallat of the United States was the men’s division champion, with Evan Engell of Canada the runner-up. Dev Baal, an American, finished first in the women’s division, and Megan Grabski of the United States placed second. For the Valley, said one participant, the event went beyond just a sporting competition.
“It has been great exposure for the Valley,”
said Joe Blumenkemper Jr., a Winter Texan from St. Louis. “Think of it like this--a younger player visiting here could be a future Winter Texan.”
Focus and Strategy
Shuffleboard is a game with origins dating back hundreds of years to its start in Europe.
It is said to have been a favorite of King Henry VIII of England, whose reign covered the early 1500s. Shuffleboard has similarities to other sports, such as curling and air hockey. It has long been seen in the United States as a game for retirees. In more recent years, however, there has been a surge of younger generation enthusiasts who live in large urban areas. That was evident at the World Shuffleboard tournament played in San Benito, with participants coming from Brooklyn and Chicago.
“I think it’s terrific,” Blumenkemper said of the younger players. “Having them here reinvigorates the game.” So does competing against players from other countries. Garth Bakke of Saskatchewan, who winters in Weslaco, said going against players from
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Joe Blumenkemper Jr., a Winter Texan from St. Louis, lines up a shot at the shuffleboard championship tournament. (Photo by Ric Cavazos)
other nations means making adjustments.
“This game is a gentleman’s sport where you get to meet great people,” Bakke said. “At the same time, you want to win. You have to focus and use different strategies because you’re facing competitors who play a whole different game than what you’re used to seeing.”
One of those international players at the San Benito tournament was Stefan Stadtmueller of Germany. He’s a seasoned traveler in the world of international shuffleboard tournaments. Stadtmueller’s country will host the World Shuffleboard Championship in 2025. He wanted to get a
look and feel for the level of competition in the 2024 world tournament.
“It’s my first time in Texas,” Stadtmueller said. “I’ve enjoyed the games. People are very friendly here, and being from Germany, we are loving the warm weather.”
Gets People Out and Moving
Shuffleboard has taken a back seat to pickleball in recent years at RV parks as the tennis/badminton-like sport has taken off. Pickleball is a sport that requires greater physical exertion and is proving to be more popular with younger retirees, Engells said. It has become essential, she said, for RV parks to offer pickleball courts to attract
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residents.
Shuffleboard, however, remains a mainstay activity for many Winter Texans. There are weekly tournaments across the Valley during the tourist season. The game continues to provide gathering points for friends to meet and compete in a sport described by its enthusiasts as being strategic and one about placement of pucks across the large triangles where scoring and points are determined.
“Shuffleboard still gets people out and moving,” Engells said.
As it did at the 41st World Shuffleboard Championship.
The 2024 event played with a RGV flavor in San Benito, Texas. •
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The 41st World Shuffleboard Championship drew players from around the world to San Benito, including this participant from Brazil. (Courtesy photo)
Scores go up on chalkboards at the World Shuffleboard Championship played at Fun-NSun in San Benito. (Photo by Ric Cavazos)
Garth Bakke, a Canadian and a Winter Texan, made in-game adjustments when competing against international players. (Photo by Ric Cavazos)
Keep McAllen Beautiful –Meet the Artist Winter Texan Spotlight
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.
Brittney Luna was born and raised in McAllen. She began college at the University of Texas – Pan American (now The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), gaining experience in marketing and sales. In 2014, she made the decision to go back to school and change her major to art. Brittney is a 2018 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, with a Bachelor of Arts in Art. Brittney has been working as an artist since 2014 for the Painting with a Twist franchise. She previously taught art at Memorial Middle School in La Joya ISD. Brittney’s work has been featured in several exhibitions in South and Northern Texas. She wants to continue developing her passion for the arts and hopes to spread that passion to others through teaching. You can see Brittney’s masterpieces on 23rd and Dove at the Walmart Neighborhood Market and on 2nd and Harvey (3 pipes). •
Bit-O-Heaven Home to Iowa Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame Inductee
Story by Eryn Reddell Wingert
courtesy of Rich Kleinberg
Richard “Rich” Kleinberg has been singing as long as he can remember. It’s a talent that just came naturally, he says, with no formal training. But his baritone singing voice landed him in the Iowa Rock N’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame.
As a child, Kleinberg willingly obliged when relatives asked him to perform on demand. Once, after singing at a party, he was invited by one of the guests to sing at the local radio station--any time he wanted.
He did, becoming part of a shtick. Radio personality Red Norris would perform a comedic routine during a live broadcast. Then Kleinberg would stand up in the audience and say something along the lines of, “That wasn’t so hot.” Norris’ reply: “Well, if you can do any better, why don’t you come on up here and try.”
The audience response was positive, says Kleinberg, who also acknowledged that being a cute little kid of about 10 or 11 probably helped.
Kleinberg was discovered again as an adult while singing “Al di la” at a company Christmas party. He was approached and asked if he would be interested in joining a rock band. “I said, ‘Sure, I really would,’” he shares. “From that, everything happened.”
Later, he became the lead vocalist for the Sha-Dels, based in his hometown of Sioux City, Iowa.
The group won a Battle of the Bands contest, and the prize was a recording contract. That album, he says, recently sold for $135.00 on eBay.
A moment that sticks out from that time in the 1960s was experiencing screaming fans clamoring for a lock of his hair as the group signed autographs at local record shops. “To look at me today,” he jokes, “you’d think they got a lot of it!”
His son, Todd, is a big fan, too. Nominating his dad as a singer for the Iowa Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame. When the call came that he was an inductee, “I was just overwhelmed. It’s such a great honor.”
Kleinberg spends half the year in Sioux City and the other half at Bit-O-Heaven RV and Mobile Home Resort in Donna. “I am loving it so much; it’s wonderful.” While he doesn’t perform much anymore, he says he is constantly singing.
It’s almost impossible, after a lifetime of singing, to pick a favorite song or artist, but Kleinberg says he enjoys slower songs, Teresa Brewer being one of his inspirations.
Over the recent Labor Day weekend, Kleinberg--along with family and friends from his two home states-gathered in Arnolds Park, Iowa, for the induction ceremony.
Once again, Kleinberg took to the stage. He sang a slow favorite, Buddy Holly’s “True Love Ways.” When asked if he ever gets nervous performing, he says, “Oh, yeah. My heart is beating 50 miles an hour. But once you get on stage, that all kind of leaves you.”
Editor’s Note: To hear Rich Kleinberg sing, visit bit.ly/ShaDels_Suddenly and bit.ly/ShaDels_HandJive online. •
Photos
Hello Travel Friends Christmas Fiesta in San Antonio
Hello, Travel Friends, Down here in South Texas, we love our warmer weather and lack of snow. However, for a week or two in December, I start to miss the sweaters and chilly temperatures that make the season feel more like Christmas. Now that I’ve lived in the Valley for over 10 years, I’ve been able to find some fun things that make the holiday season here unique and special. One of my favorite places to spend a few days in December is San Antonio.
The world-famous River Walk of San Antonio is a great place to visit year-round. Starting the week of Thanksgiving, the area is transformed into a twinkly light wonderland. One of my family’s favorites is to take a riverboat ride through the sparkly lights. During December, they offer specialty river cruises that include hot cocoa and wonderful Christmas music. It’s the perfect festive activity to get you in the holly-jolly mood.
Another great stop for Christmas lights is the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Their twinkling light display, called Illuminate, is a self-guided walk through their gorgeous facility. It will take you around 90 minutes to complete, but you’re welcome to take as much time as you need. You’ll see hundreds of handcrafted art-piece lanterns shaped like butter-
flies, flowers, bees, and other nods to nature. This charming journey will take you through glowing tunnels, thousands of twinkling lights, and other light installations that highlight the beauty of nature. This exhibit is open from November 29-January 12, and tickets need to be purchased in advance on their website.
Something a little more unique to do in San Antonio during the holidays is to either drive or walk around the King William Historic District. This neighborhood, south of downtown, features historical homes maintained to perfection. Here you’ll find Victorian, Queen Anne, Neoclassical, and other styles of architecture. During the holidays, this area is even more charming, as the impeccably well-maintained homes feature wreaths, tasteful holiday lights, and beautiful Christmas trees. Before or after your stroll through this darling neighborhood, think about stopping by for a bite to eat at The Guenther House. Not only is the ambiance and service excellent here, but the food does not disappoint. Products from the famous Pioneer mill nearby is featured on their menu, with delicious fluffy pancakes, gigantic cinnamon rolls, and other freshly baked treats. This historic location
even has a darling little gift shop with local jams, honey, and chatskies. This would be the perfect way to start your day before heading out to do some holiday shopping.
Whether you miss the cold this time of year or live for the warmer temperatures, stopping by San Antonio for a few days during the holidays is the perfect way to ring in that festive spirit. When you’re planning your holidays, think about taking that quick four-hour drive up to experience some new holiday offerings.
~Sarah Denzer, tour director •
Perspectives Where is Your Focus?
by Sheila Freeland
At the beginning of this summer, we were in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico buying some supplies for a project we were working on in Nuevo Progreso. A pastor friend who was with us asked if we had time to meet with an old friend and pastor of his. Of course we did. He took us to a country village, just outside the city. We were introduced to an old man who seemed to be very weathered by the harsh environment and lifestyle. My husband asked him if there was anything he needed. He did not answer him but instead asked if we wanted to see his church. We were led across the street to a woman’s house. We were guided around the house to the back yard. There was a tree and a solitary pew. At this point, we were thinking he was going to have a grand ask for a church building or even ask for more chairs. My husband asked him again, “Sir, what do you need?” He slowly reached up and tugged on a limb from the tree and said, “Sombra.” We looked at our translator because we didn’t understand. Our translator said, “Pastor, he is asking for shade.” Shade?!
“The carpet isn’t the right color.” “The children are too loud.” “Did you see what she was wearing?” Or, “The music isn’t what I like.” How often do we hear these types of complaints in church today? We focus on so much that is of no importance in life. This church didn’t have four walls, a roof, enough seats, bibles, hymnals, music equipment, or a coffee station.
I find when you live in abundance, you can lose your focus on what’s important; when you live without, you can only see what’s important. Within a couple of weeks, we were able to build two metal roof structures, one for when they feed the children and the other for church.
Ask yourself “Where is my focus?” Dios le Bendiga (God Bless You) •
Pastor Branden and Sheila Freeland serve as pastors at Fig Tree RV Resort and Park Place, both in Harlingen, through Christian Resort Ministries. They are also missionaries to Mexico through their ministry SONshine Ministries. Contact them by email at brandenfreeland@sonshineministries.net, or to learn more, go to SONshineMinistries.net.
Spotted In The RGV
The Plain Chachalaca
By Eryn Reddell Wingert
The plain chachalaca is found in only one region in the United States, right here in South Texas. Like its name, it is rather plain in appearance, but its size--comparable to a chicken--and its sounds distinguish it from other birds found here. iNaturalist.org describes its distinct call best: “raucous RAW-pa-haw or cha-cha-LAW-ka,” and references some interpretations as “mimicking a bunch of men arguing.” The chachalaca can be seen and heard in yards with established native landscape and at local nature centers, including the National Butterfly Center in Mission.
South Texas, Chachalaca Territory
Give Thanks With a Coastal Twist: Thanksgiving on South Padre Island
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
This Thanksgiving, picture your family gathered--not only around a feast but by the warm shores of South Padre Island, where the Gulf breeze mingles with laughter and the joys of holiday tradition. You’ll find the perfect balance between relaxation and family connection, creating a memorable holiday that celebrates the season with a twist. Local restaurants on the Island offer an array of Thanksgiving buffets and dinners, with options ranging from traditional turkey and sides to gourmet takes on holiday favorites. Dining out becomes an experience in itself, allowing you to savor the holiday meal with stunning ocean views as the backdrop. Whether you prefer a cozy, family-friendly spot or a fine-dining experience, there’s a perfect place to give thanks together.
Beyond the meal, extend family time into an entire weekend of coastal adventure. Morning beach walks, sunset cruises, paddleboarding, and fishing charters turn the holiday into a full-fledged Island experience. For those looking to explore, horseback rides along the shore, visits to nature reserves, and scenic birding excursions offer unique ways to connect with the Island’s beauty. And if holiday shopping is on your list, local shops and Island boutiques are filled with one-of-a-kind gifts to kick-start the season. On South Padre Island, Thanksgiving is more than a meal. It’s a chance to unwind, connect, and make lasting memories together. Spend this Thanksgiving basking in the sun, sharing special moments, and embracing a Thanksgiving celebration like no other. To plan your holiday getaway, visit sopadre.com. •
See Ugly Christmas Sweaters at Winter Green Estates Flea Market
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Winter Green Estates, located at 500 N. Bryan Rd. in Mission, will hold its annual Holiday Flea Market, Saturday, December 7, from 7 a.m. until noon. The theme for this sale is The Ugly Christmas Sweater. Wearing their best (or worst) ugly Christmas sweat ers, over 200 volunteers will participate in his sale. This sale is strictly put on by our volunteers and benefits our residents. Golf cart shuttles will be available both to and from the sale in our Hall and outside areas. Along with the sale, our cafe will be open, serving breakfast starting at 7 a.m. and lunch until 12:30 p.m. Along with the sale, a wide variety of homemade baked goods will be available, in cluding cookies, cakes, pies, bars, breads, rolls, and fudge. We do not use outside vendors, but the event is open to the public. We feature a wide variety of items. The sale is conducted inside and outside the Hall. For more information, call or text Mark Horngren, chairperson, at 218310-3064 or Roy Thompson, co-chairperson, at 254-394-3361.
Registration Open for Annual Texas Master Naturalist Training
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Registration for the 2025 Texas Master Naturalist Program training session is open through December 15. Weekly classes are scheduled January 9 through March 27, 2025. Registration is open to Winter Texans and residents of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr counties over the age of 18 to join the South Texas Border Chapter that meets in Pharr.
Texas Master Naturalist is a unique educational volunteer program sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Sea Grant Program. “Texas Master Naturalists are volunteers with diverse interests. They receive in-depth training about the wildlife and natural resources of the Rio Grande Valley’s unique ecosystem,” said Javier de Leon, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department park superintendent and chapter advisor. “Volunteers work with community partners in approved activities and help educate others about the special land in which we live and how to help sustain it.”
Students attend weekly Thursday classes from 6 to 9 p.m., at St. George Orthodox Church Hall, 704 W. Sam Houston in Pharr. Special field trips are arranged for trainees, providing unique access and learning opportunities.
Classes are taught by local university professors, and other field experts, including those from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Trainees join volunteer teams with other chapter members and work among more than 60 local partners that include the chapter’s special projects, federal and local wildlife parks, coastal naturalist programs, cities, schools, and other public entities. Hundreds of opportunities are available to volunteers, from studying wildlife to taking part in university studies, developing public native gardens, learning about native plants and habitat, creating citizen science projects, and receiving training on bird migration, shore birds, and Gulf and beach inhabitants and trends.
Class size is limited. The cost is $150 and includes your textbook, fees, T-shirt, name tag, and one-year membership. Scholarships of $100 are available; a completed form is due by December 15. To apply for the class or to request a scholarship, follow the instructions in the pdf icons on our new class web page at stbctmn.org/the-next-class. If you have questions, please contact the new class director, Jim Gerry, by email at jimgerry@gmail.com or by phone at 630-464-4622.
Check out the chapter website at stbctmn.org/.
The South Texas Border Chapter meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month, except December, with a guest speaker. Meetings are at St. George’s. They are free and open to the public. •
Rio Valley Estates
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
$21,900
Retama Village, Mission
$16,500
$89,000
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
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
$75,000
Looking for a place to call your 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
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
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
Retama Village, Mission Heritage Square, Mission Retama Village, Mission $268,900
$179,900
Interested in owning a lot? Stop by and take a look at this stunning property, fully equipped RV pad, this coach house is truly a mustsee! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
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
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
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
Leisure Valley Ranch, Mission
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
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
Restful Valley Ranch, Mission
Hidden 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
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
Spacious 2 bed/2 bath on owned lot. Large primary and living spaces. Beautiful outdoor deck with patio furniture and lots of storage space!
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
City South, Mission
$145,000
$82,500
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
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
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
Wagon City South, Mission
$76,000
$110,000
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
$89,000
$225,000
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
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
Retama Village, Mission
$239,900
$58,500
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
Stop this is the perfect find, you must check out this 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom casita! Not only is it visually pleasing with its modern architecture and professional landscaping, it’s also functional, including an RV pad with full hook-ups. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
Wagon City South, Mission
Wagon City South, Mission
$77,000
$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
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
Retama Village, Mission
Retama Village, Mission
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
Alamo Country Club, Alamo
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
Wagon City North, Mission
Adobe Wells, McAllen
Wagon
11th Annual A Season of Hope Arts Festival: Celebrating Education, the Arts
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Art Village on Main, 800 N. Main St, in McAllen, welcomes the community to join in our festivities as we celebrate the 11th Annual A Season of Hope Arts Festival. This McAllen holiday tradition celebrates visual and performing arts education and artists in the Rio Grande Valley. In addition, it encourages young people in our community to explore and appreciate the Arts.
This year, the Festival will be a two-day event. The festivities begin Friday, November 22, with music provided by students of Creative Arts Studio at 5:30 p.m. Creative Arts Studio is a collective of local artists empowering our communities through fine arts education. The evening continues with Lighting of the Tree and Art at the Village from 6:00-9:00 p.m. In addition, 97.7 The City radio station, will provide holiday music and livestreaming throughout the evening. The City’s focus is to encourage kids to become involved in the media arts through radio classes and on-air experience. Local artists will have their work on display and be on hand to show and sell their original work.
The Festival continues Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m.5p.m. Support your local artist by shopping at an assortment of professional artists’ booths. They will exhibit their masterpieces of jewelry, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and other media. All the works of art that are for sale at A Season of Hope Arts Festival are original, handcrafted pieces. Most are one-of-a-kind.
Participating artists have been carefully selected to participate in this annual event. Proceeds from the artists’ application and booth fees provide scholarships for Valley students. Students studying drawing, painting, photography, dance, music, and voice are eligible for these scholarships.
For further information about A Season of Hope Arts Festival, contact Yoli Cantu at 956-687-8682. •
IMAS Announces Dinosaurs Among Us Exhibit
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
The next time you dodge a pigeon on the sidewalk, watch a sparrow eat from a feeder in a back yard, or order chicken for dinner, know that you just had an encounter with a modern dinosaur. Dinosaurs never really vanished from Earth. Most did go extinct, but their evolutionary legacy lives on all around us--in birds. The exhibition Dinosaurs Among Us will highlight the unbroken line between the charismatic dinosaurs that dominated the planet for about 170 million years and modern birds. The exhibit panels feature large-scale color illustrations of familiar and newly discovered extinct dinosaur species as they would have looked in life. Organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, with support from North Museum of Nature and Science, United States; Philip J. Currie Museum, Canada; Museo de Ciencias, Universidad de Navarra, Spain; and Universum Museo de las Ciencias de la UNAM, Mexico, Dinosaurs Among Us explores the practically obsolete boundary between the animals we call birds and those we traditionally called dinosaurs. Dinosaurs Among Us opened at IMAS November 16.
Living birds belong to a group, or clade, called the Dinosauria. It includes the extinct dinosaurs and all their living descendants, which is why most scientists now
agree that birds are a kind of dinosaur, just like we are a kind of mammal. The more comparisons we make between birds and their closest nonbird relatives, the more connections we find. Using paleontological and biological evidence, audiences learn about the links between dinosaurs and birds by examining their reproduction and physical structures and the evolution of flight, demonstrating that birds truly are the Dinosaurs Among Us.
This edition of Dinosaurs Among Us is curated by Dr. Akinobu Watanabe, research associate at the American Museum of Natural History and assistant professor of anatomy at New York Institute of Technology. It is adapted from the Museum’s original exhibition of the same title, curated by Mark Norell, curator emeritus in the Division of Paleontology. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a Smithsonian Affiliate, IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave. in McAllen. The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5:00 p.m. For more information on admission, events, and programs, visit theimasonline.org or call 956681-2800. •
This feathered dinosaur, Anchiornis huxleyi, lived in what’s now China about 161 million years ago. It embodies the gradual transition from non-avian dinosaurs to birds. Its skeleton wasn’t built for powerful flapping, but its feathered limbs could have provided enough lift to run or jump up to high perches and flap or glide back down. Zhao Chuang; courtesy of Peking Natural Science Organization
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 • Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Breakfast 7:30 AM Bentsen
Grove Resort Palmview (956) 585-0703
Veterans Breakfast 10:00 AM Split Rail RV Park Mission (956) 585-8135 $8
