On the radio the other day, a suggestion was given regarding Thanksgiving. “Consider overindulging in gratitude,” the program host said.
It’s easy to overindulge on turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, pumpkin pie, and all of the other delicious Thanksgiving dishes that day and for days afterward. But what a great idea to feast on gratitude, too.
My list starts with my husband, Kevin, my daughter, Kirby, her fiancé, Sterling, and my mom. Then I add great friends, which includes many of you. I can easily overindulge on the gratitude I feel for finding my purpose because it has brought me a creative, energetic, and relentless team that never says no to new ideas, new company divisions, events, and trips. Every event and trip Welcome Home RGV hosts is worth all of the work because we get to spend more time with our treasured Winter Texan friends while also making new friends. This, alone, is quite a feast.
Another great thing about overindulging in gratitude is that it never results in tighter jeans or the need for antacids.
This Thanksgiving, I will definitely enjoy our feast, but my focus will be to overindulge on gratitude.
WINTER TEXAN
Your Connection to the Rio Grande Valley
Inaugural Fall Fun Cruise in the Books
by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Two busloads of vacationers excitedly rolled out of the Rio Grande Valley in early November for the inaugural Welcome Home RGV Fall Fun Cruise.
Passengers hailed from RV parks and resorts across the Valley, including Pharr, Alamo, Mission, Mercedes, Donna, Raymondville, and Harlingen.
After an overnight hotel stay in Sugar Land, Texas, the group was transported to the Royal Caribbean Port in Galveston for an eight-night, sun-filled cruise.
Aboard the Harmony of the Seas, the cruisers--94 in total--took advantage of all the ship had to offer: karaoke competitions, the Love & Marriage Game Show, live entertainment, dinners, dancing--including
The Macarena--cocktail parties, and theme nights. And don’t forget the ultimate relaxation: napping on deck chairs.
The ports of call included the Bahamas and Mexico, where those who went ashore enjoyed sunny skies with sparkling coastal views.
The trip was navigated by Welcome Home RGV resident travel agent “Travel Kristy” Meyer, Colie Brooks, Fran Adams, and Curt and Stella Riester. The group shared photos and videos of all the fun everyone had during this adventure--to the delight of Welcome Home’s social media followers.
It’s a pretty good testament when 45 of the Fall Fun cruisers have traveled with Welcome Home before and 20 have also signed up for the Land & Sea Christmas Cruise and Cruise with Kristi 2025.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
While Welcome-Home-led trips are popular among Winter and Converted Texans, “In regards to cruising,” says WHRGV CEO Kristi Collier, “we can help with any travel plans. Whether it’s a cruise with us, with your families, or with any group.”
The WHRGV Travel Division can also help plan and customize vacations and bucket-list adventures for anyone interested in venturing beyond South Texas, any time of year.
For more information on trips and tours, call 956-687-5115 or visit welcomehomergv.com. •
219 W Nolana McAllen, TX 78504
956.687.5115 www.welcomehomergv.com
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.
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
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
KKeep McAllen Beautiful –Meet the Artist
eep McAllen Beautiful (KMB) introduces the artists behind the irrigation pipe masterpieces through their Meet the Artist series. Welcome Home Winter Texan reached out to Chris Lash, KMB program manager, and asked for permission to share the series. She readily agreed. Look for Meet the Artist in our issues throughout the 2024 – 2025 season.
Chris Lash has been employed by the City of McAllen, for 23 years. She currently serves as the program manager for Keep McAllen Beautiful (KMB). Her responsibilities include establishing projects and events that will help achieve KMB’s mission to expand awareness about littering and recycling and to promote beatification and preservation in McAllen.
Artist Pyer F. Malca is now serving in the U.S. Army. He loves to express himself through art and completed several art projects in high school and in college. Pyer wants to share his art with the world so people can enjoy the colors, designs, and textures of his work. He also accepts commissioned work. He is the owner of Michel Cute Stickers.
See Pyer’s masterpieces on Ware Road and Xenops, Auburn and 25th, and at the McAllen Youth Baseball Complex at 8201 N. 29th St. •
Spotted In
The RGV
Edinburg Music Walk to Fame
Winter Texan Spotlight
How to be a Part of the McAllen Holiday Parade
Story by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Have you ever watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and thought how fun it would be to take part? Roda Grubb of McAllen had that exact inclination, so when the opportunity to volunteer at the McAllen Holiday Parade presented itself, she jumped at the chance.
Grubb, 74, has been volunteering as a balloon handler since 2020. We’re talking giant helium balloons, showstopping characters, dozens of feet tall, like Santa Claus and Puff the Magic Dragon. “It’s so much fun!” she says.
Each year, the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department calls for volunteers-specifically groups--to help handle balloons or carry banners (which is less taxing). The Parade route is one-and-a-half miles long, starting at the McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, circling the track, and then heading south on Bicentennial Boulevard to Business 83.
Here’s how you can take part: Send an email to pardvolunteers@mcallen.net to request a group volunteer waiver, fill it out, and return to the same email address. Once received, a volunteer packet detailing what to expect, where to go, and how to prepare (like wearing comfortable shoes, parking (carpooling is encouraged), shuttle information, and practice time). Civic organizations, RV parks and resort groups, and clubs are encouraged to take part. Each balloon and banner requires a number of people to manage it. “You bond so quickly,” shares Grubb. “You’ve got to be a team; there’s no independence.”
Of note for volunteers: You have to wait and stand around beforehand, but once it starts, the excitement builds. One of the highlights for Grubb is entering the Stadium and seeing the rest of the Parade move around the track before heading out to Bicentennial. “There’s something really magical about it all,” she says.
The route itself is an incredible experience--thousands of people lining the street to witness the illuminated floats, marching bands, dance teams, and giant character balloons. “Seeing the looks on people’s faces…” Grubb says, then pausing with a deep sigh, reflecting on the moments she has experienced.
“As long as I can do it, I’m just so grateful,” she says with palpable enthusiasm for the opportunity evident in her voice. “It’s just an awe-inspiring kind of event.”
The McAllen Holiday Parade takes place Saturday, December 7. Volunteer groups are encouraged to apply as soon as possible in order to complete the application process and receive pertinent information in time.
For more information on the parade, visit mcallenholidayparade.com. •
By Eryn Reddell Wingert
Edinburg, Texas
A sculpture of Tejano music legend Jose Roberto Pulido overlooks the Edinburg Music Walk of Fame. The city’s native son was immortalized by artist Richard Hyslin. The statue is posed on a pedestal behind Edinburg City Hall, surrounded by a path laden with state and regional music legends, including San Benito native Freddy Fender. The Edinburg Music Walk of Fame is located on 7th Street, north of University Drive.
Photos courtesy of Roda Grubb
Hello Travel Friends The Great Salt Lake…of South Texas
Igrew up going to Salt Lake City every year for spring break to ski--and in the summers to visit my grandparents. One of the must-do activities in that area is visiting the Great Salt Lake. After living here in the Valley for a few years, I heard about La Sal Del Rey, a natural salt lake not far from my house. If you’re interested in natural history or you’d enjoy a unique hike, I recommend taking a short drive north to check it out.
The lake gets its name from the 1700s when, under Spanish law, all mineral resources were owned by the Crown. This is where “La Sal Del Rey” comes from: The King’s Salt. Miners would dig salt from the lake for trade with the northern territories for decades. During the Civil War, the Confederacy traded salt and transported it to ports in Brownsville and Matamoros using camels. Here, they would load the salt onto foreign ships for transport.
La Sal Del Rey is one of several natural lakes along the coastal plains of South Texas and is sitting on an estimated four million tons of salt. Guess what that
means? Here, you can walk on water! If you have grandkids coming to town this season to visit, this could be a fun little outdoor adventure. I took my kids a few years ago, and they got a kick out of the lake looking like an ice skating rink.
La Sal Del Rey is located about 20 miles north of McAllen, right off US-281. It’s only about a 35-minute drive. Once you arrive, there are a few places to park, and both require a bit of a walk to make it to the lake. The walk to the lake will end up being close to a mile from either parking option. The walk is very flat, but it’s not paved, so you’ll be on an uneven surface. Make sure you’re prepared with water, a little snack, and maybe some bug spray if the mosquitos are still hanging around. If taking a hike is what you enjoy doing, this one needs to go on your list. When you finally make it to La Sal Del Rey, you’ll see the large, open, white lake. Along the side, you’ll notice a pretty pink hue the salt deposit gives off. Bring your camera and snap some photos. It always amazes me when things this interesting are right around the corner from me and I don’t even know it. Go check it out, and if it makes you want to see the real one in Utah, give me a call for some tips!
~Sarah Denzer, tour director •
Happy Hugs~giving to Everyone
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
We want to send out hugs of thanksgiving to all who have come alongside this ministry and have given in so many different ways. Thanks to y’all, we experience Thanksgiving every day!
Over the last 10 years, we have been blessed by all of you who bring in bags of hats, shawls, and blankets when you arrive back to your South Texas home. Throughout the year, we receive boxes and boxes of handmade items in the mail from friends all over the country to add to the Donation Chest; thank you! These sweet boxes of gifts always come with a card of encouragement that touches everyone’s hearts. And what’s more, many continue to send financial donations to support the shop. Those help keep the lights on and the needles going.
Believe us when we say, things are going and growing around here in so many ways. Last year, over 5500 items were sent out with 26 different mission groups all over the world. As a small nonprofit, with your gifts and God’s direction, we are able to help thousands--here and around the world--get a bit of “love in every stitch” we send out. It is a beautiful variety of gifts, and their common thread is the love and care they contain. They also allow the receivers to know that another person used precious time and talents so they could receive that gift. Perhaps it is hats for the homeless in McAllen, or blankets going to warm a few souls in the mountains of Mexico, or hats and dolls arriving in the Appalachians. Thanks to your lovely, warm gifts, we are also blessed to be able to provide some temporary warmth to locals without housing or who do not have access to a home with any heat. Hugs~giving happens!
So, Happy Hugs~giving everyone! Give each other a hug from all of us and enjoy your turkey day. We are thankful for all of you! 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 at thelambsloom.com
~ Prayers ‘n Purls! •
Celebrate a Magical Holiday Weekend on South Padre Island
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
This holiday season, South Padre Island invites you to celebrate in style with a weekend packed full of festive, family-friendly events. From the sparkle of the first holiday lights to breakfast with Santa himself, it’s the perfect chance to make unforgettable holiday memories on the Island.
Start the festivities November 25 with the Holiday Light Show at the South Padre Island Entertainment District every day during the holiday season. The show starts at 6 p.m. daily, and you can watch the Island come alive with shimmering lights and holiday spirit, setting a magical tone for the season. This dazzling display is just the beginning of a series of celebrations.
The Island community gathers at the South Padre Island Visitor Center December 5 for the SPI Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join us at 5:30 p.m. as we illuminate the town tree, a tradition that brings locals and visitors together in the holiday spirit.
December 6, find your spot along Padre Boulevard for the SPI Christmas Street Parade at 6 p.m. The route stretches from Mars Street to Acapulco Street, and you can expect to see festive floats, holiday music, and plenty of Christmas cheer. This parade is a wonderful chance for families to get into the holiday mood with friends and neighbors.
The South Padre Island Lighted Boat Parade brings an unforgettable
spectacle to the water December 7. Local boaters and businesses go all out, decorating their vessels with dazzling lights, holiday decor, and festive themes that create a floating holiday show like no other. Join the crowd along the Entertainment District and cheer on these brightly lit boats as they glide along Laguna Madre Bay. The night ends with a breathtaking fireworks display, lighting up the sky to celebrate the holiday spirit.
Just a stroll away, Winter Wonderland at The Green at Jim’s Pier brings the magic of the season, with cozy holiday scenes, local vendors, and kid-friendly activities from 5 to 9 p.m. With twinkling holiday lights and festive music, it’s the perfect spot for families to immerse themselves in seasonal joy, grab a hot cocoa, and even get a keepsake photo with Santa Claus.
Breakfast with Santa will be held at the South Padre Island Convention Center from 9 to 11 a.m. Kids can share their holiday wishes with Santa, pose for photos, and enjoy a delicious breakfast. It’s the perfect way to end a weekend of holiday cheer on South Padre Island.
With so many back-to-back events, South Padre Island offers an ideal holiday escape to relax, celebrate, and create lifelong memories with loved ones. Join us for an unforgettable holiday weekend. Check out sopadre.com for all of the details. •
Getting Ready for the Fall Bird Migration
(Editor’s Note: This story and accompanying photos first appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of edible, Rio Grande Valley. You can see the entire issue at edibleriograndevalley.com.)
Story by Erica Barrera
Photos by Horacio Martinez
Putting out food and water for the Rio Grande Valley’s spectacular bird life is always a win-win but especially during migration periods. The Valley is deeply important for birds and bird lovers. In fact, birders from all over the world travel to glimpse our birds, many of which Valley residents enjoy from the comfort of our own backyards. Why? Our location is key, along a migratory corridor where two major bird flyways converge. Plus, we are next to the Gulf of Mexico and relatively near the Tropics.
As a result, about 50% of all the bird species in the U.S. can be found right here at some point in the year. And some can only be found in the Valley’s subtropical habitats, like the Altamira Oriole and plain chachalaca, while the green jay’s northern range ends in Deep South Texas.
Fall is a Special Time
Our bird watching is exceptional year-round, but fall migration (roughly August through mid-November) is when millions upon millions of birds will be flying into, out of, or through the Valley. They will be looking for extra energy and nutrients to help them complete or recover from their journeys. During migration, your backyard bird feeding can make a real difference. (Pro Tip: Use the BirdCast Migration Dashboard at dashboard.birdcast.info to see photos of each day’s most common species in the area, so you know what to look for.)
Birds Are Good for Us
Mental health: Research shows birdsong reduces anxiety and irrational thoughts, and that seeing or hearing birds can boost wellbeing for up to eight hours.
Plants and crops: Many bird species spread seeds in their droppings, and some even pollinate flowering plants.
Pest control: Many birds eat various species of insects, and some even eat mosquitoes.
The economy: Wildlife-watching Americans, the majority being bird watchers, spend billions on their trips.
You Can Help
Creating A Bird Feeder
Did you know the Valley Land Fund estimates that “less than 5% of the original native habitat remains” here? You can help turn that around. Here’s how:
Dial Up Your Bird Curb Appeal
You do not need a large yard or even a lot of money to make your home--or workplace-an inviting stopover for birds.
Small Budget
Stick half an orange on a tree branch to feed orioles, or smear peanut butter on tree bark for woodpeckers.
Find instructions online from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department or other reputable sources to make feeders from old milk jugs, jars, or spare wood.
Small Spaces
Some hummingbird and seed feeders can stick to a window or glass door with suction cups.
Hang a feeder from a wall, post, deck, or balcony using a bracket or hanger arm with a hook.
Choose a suet feeder if you want to avoid spilled seed.
Going Bigger
If you can, create one or more bird-feeding stations. Add a water source, such as a birdbath or water feature, to help mitigate our scorching summer heat. Then visit local nurseries that specialize in native plants because many birds and insect pollinators rely on native plants, trees, and shrubs. Also, natives are typically easier to maintain--another win-win.
Find these items at specialty wild bird feeding stores, feed stores, hardware stores, and the like.
The Basics
Your main feeder: Look for a hopper or a tube feeder that fits several birds at once, holds enough seed for two to three days, is easy to fill and clean, and is durable. Shepherd’s hook: Use a tall, sturdy shepherd’s hook to hang your feeder in a spot you can see and access easily, with 10 feet of clearance all around to prevent window strikes and deter squirrels and cats. Birds prefer having trees/shrubs or a fence nearby for cover or perching. (You can also place a feeder within three feet of a window, where birds generally won’t pick up enough speed to get hurt.)
All-purpose bird food: A blend of sunflower, safflower, and peanuts will attract a variety of birds.
Birdbath or fountain: Water helps sustain and attract birds, especially if it is moving (which also prevents mosquitoes).
Next Level
Tray/platform feeders: These are fun for watching birds going for special foods like peanuts or mealworms.
Suet feeders: These cages hold blocks or balls of high energy that give migrating birds a needed boost, but also attract birds year-round.
Hummingbird feeders: Choose one with red accents and that’s built to deter insects. Specialty feeders and feed: These can help attract--or deter--certain birds. For example, weight-sensitive feeders close off
to pigeons and squirrels. Finch feeders are designed to hold the tiny Nyjer seeds they love.
Squirrel baffles: These prevent squirrels from climbing up a pole or leaping onto a feeder.
Pro Tip: Read Seed Ingredients — Avoid Fillers
Stay away from bargain seed blends, which often use milo (sorghum), red millet, flax and wheat to fill up the bag. Birds generally kick that stuff to the ground, which leaves a mess, attracts rodents and wastes your money. If the seed is moldy, do not buy or use it.
DIY Hummingbird Nectar
Simply dissolve one part white table sugar into four parts hot water. Cool before using, then refrigerate the rest. Discard after a week or so. Replace the nectar in your feeders every couple of days to prevent bacteria and mold. Don’t add red dye (natural nectar is clear) or extra sugar, and don’t use honey, raw sugar, or sugar substitutes. During fall migration, your feeders may attract ruby-throated hummingbirds, rufous hummingbirds, black-chinned hummingbirds, or even rarer species.
More
Ways
to Help Valley Birds
Turn off or dim outside lights to avoid confusing birds, most of which migrate at night.
Wait until spring to cut back plants. These can provide perches or cover for birds, while seed heads can be food sources. Clean feeders and change birdbath water regularly to prevent disease.
Learn how to prevent bird strikes on your windows. Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, and consider attaching a small bell or cat bib to its collar.
Don’t miss out on the Valley’s spectacular fall bird migration this year. With a few simple steps, you can help support our amazing bird life and bring more color and joy to your backyard.
Erica Barrera is a birdwatcher and lives in McAllen. She is the owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store in McAllen, which is a locally owned national franchise that brings people and nature together through bird feeding, native gardening, birdwatching and community outreach. •
Proud sponsor of the Arroyo Colorado Audubon Society
Humming Your Way to Health
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
by Alden “Ace” Moore, Winter Texan
The recent COVID pandemic has had a profound effect on our daily lives. It has led to widespread changes in how people work, learn, and socialize with each other. The pandemic also underscored a global interdependence and the need for collective efforts to address health challenges.
At Palm Resaca Park in Brownsville, we have discovered a simple technique that will eliminate many of life’s ailments and help you lead a fuller, healthier, and more satisfying life. It simply involves humming. It has been shown that humming at a certain hertz level can produce nitrous oxide in the body. NO, commonly known as laughing gas, can lead to a feeling of euphoria and laughter. Humming decreases stress levels, triggering a relaxation response in the body. It stimulates the release of “feel good” hormones, which lead to an improved mood and a sense of well-being. It also helps control breathing, which can promote better respiratory function, increase lung capacity, and improve oxygenation in the body. It simply promotes a sense of calming in our bodies and allows us to focus on the present moment and alleviate anxiety. It’s advisable to start with a comfortable pitch and adjust it based on how it feels for you. Think of your body as a video game. Images in a video game refresh themselves at a rate of 120 times within a single second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more realistic the motion within a game or video appears. You want your body to achieve this same level of smoothness. Be careful, though. Humming above the recommended level might turn you into a human dog whistle, attracting confused canines and strange stares from your neighbors. If you hum at too low a level, you could be mistaken for a distant foghorn. This might be great for maritime emergencies but not so much for a calming meditation session. Find your sweet spot and stick to it. Don’t be worried about how others feel about your constant humming. You’ll improve your overall quality of life. I’ve heard from coffee groups in the area that several Parks in the valley have picked up on the value of humming and are thinking of starting group humming lessons. They could teach each participant the correct mouth posture, what part of the throat is best to use, how to tilt the head, and other associated physical moves. They would teach each resident how to achieve the optimal Hz level to maximize their humming experience and achieve the maximum health benefits. I am sure there must be some government funding out there that would help us set up humming clubs, especially if they know it will help improve the health and life expectancy of seniors. •
Things I Have Learned A somewhat random and reckless look at life from a fairly old guy
Just Normal Life
TODAY’S WISDOM:
You never realize what a good memory you have until you try to forget something ~Franklin P. Jones
by Bill Ward
OK, tell me if this is normal life for old folks. My wife and I recently attended a potluck-type event two blocks from our house. She left the house a few minutes early to walk to the Hall, telling me to bring the cheese plate when I came and that she was taking her ticket and leaving mine by the door near my required name tag.
A few minutes later, I headed up to the Hall myself. A block from home, I remembered the cheese plate. Back I went. I found no cheese plate in the refrigerator, so I looked everywhere around the kitchen. No cheese plate. I grabbed my cell phone to call her but noticed her phone lying on the counter. So I headed back to the Hall with no cheese plate.
At the Hall, I found her sitting with our friends, and right in front of her was the missing cheese plate. Mystery solved. However, as I sat down, I noticed all the name tags on the other folks. “Oh shoot! I forgot my name tag.”
Then, as the host took the microphone, I noticed people pulling out their tickets. “Oh shoot! I forgot my ticket.” That was a problem, so back to the house I walked to get my ticket that was lying by my name tag near the door. I managed to make it back before our table was called. As I sat down, now properly equipped
with my ticket, “Oh shoot! I forgot my name tag.”
Judging from conversations I have had with others, my story may just be more a part of normal life that most of us want to admit. Many of us tend to live by the rule, “Why do something in one trip when you can do it in two (or three)?” At least we get some exercise.
A quick online search tells me that mild forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. Most of us have stories like mine. Thank goodness I can still nail the three-word memory test at my Medicare physical. As long as we keep a good attitude about it, at least these events make for good stories. One thing I have learned is to enjoy life, and I do enjoy telling a good story. 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.
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
Retama Village, Mission
$21,900
Alamo Country Club
$160,000
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
This freshly painted RV porthome in Retama Village features 4 bedrooms, 2 bonus spaces, a 2-car garage, and covered RV port with hookups. Enjoy an open floorplan, high ceilings, a private backyard oasis, and community amenities. HOA covers landscape maintenance. Call to see your dream home! Carol Kerr Welch, TREC540183, (956) 900-8487
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
$75,000
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
Looking for an energy-efficient home? The home comes fully furnished with all kitchen appliances, a dishwasher included, and a custom-built Murphy bed. RV lot with full hookups. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
Monte Cristo, Edinburg
$179,900
MUST SEE!! This charming 1 bedroom, 1-bathroom mobile home is located in a 55+ community, just minutes from the Monte Cristo’s 18 hole golf course. 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
This 2 Bed/2 bath home is perfectly located on the golf course in Alamo Country Club. Spacious primary bedroom & suite. Both bedrooms have access to the screened in backyard patio. 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
Winter Green Estates, Mission
$52,000
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
Looking for a cozy home to make your own? Look no further than this cute one-bedroom mobile that provides all you need for your home away from home—located in Wintergreen Estates, an active 55+ community. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
Retama Village, Mission
Restful Valley Ranch, Mission
$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 with abundant activities and amenities. Carol Kerr Welch, TREC540183, (956) 900-8487
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
$61,900
$16,500
Have I got the PERFECT place for YOU!! This 1 bedroom/1 bathroom built in 2000 is fully furnished and 100% turn key ready and even includes plate ware, glassware, and silverware! The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy warm South Texas breezes with neighbors and friends. Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
WOW - Please check out this 2018 Palomino Columbus 5th Wheel. Features 1 bd/1 bath with spacious kitchen and living areas! It also has loads of storage space inside and out! Outdoor wetbar w/ fridge & cooktop! Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
$145,000
$145,000
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 for a diamond in the rough? Your search is over! This lovely 2 bedroom 2 bathroom mobile home, located in the esteemed 55+ community of Wagon City South is perfect for you! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
Quiet Village ll, Donna
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
$76,000
$93,500
Looking for a well-maintained mobile? Located in the friendly 55+ community of Quiet Village II, this 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home is a must-see! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
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
$189,000
$225,000
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
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
$45,500
$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
Own an RV and looking for a great place to park? Come check out this 42 wide by 72 long pull through RV lot, located in the 55+ community of Llano Grande Resort, where you own your lot! Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, (956) 271-3683
Wagon City South, Mission
Wagon City South, Mission
$115,000
$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
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
Alamo Country Club, Alamo
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
Casa Del Valle, Alamo
Alamo Country Club
Wagon City South, Mission
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
Perspectives Good Medicine
by Janette Bridgeman
2016 was what many would call a very bad year for me. Early that year, I was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer that had metastasized to my abdominal wall, bladder, and colon. Obviously, I had a big decision to make…was I going to sink into depression and let this news crush my spirit? Or was I going to put up my dukes and fight? Clearly, I’m here now to say I won my battle!
But how do you do it, you may ask? The answer is I laughed! Having a joyful heart, full of gratitude, is the key to being an overcomer. In the Bible it says, “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 Amplified version)
You may not have to fight a battle with cancer, but we all often face battles of all kinds…a bickering family, not enough money to go around, or sickness of some sort. How you choose to respond to it will often determine the outcome. One of my oncologists at the cancer treatment center once told me, “The only ones who make it out of here alive are those who stay positive.” I quickly learned how much I still had to be thankful for. I am grateful for so many things I had taken for granted for so long. Nowadays, I purposely say things like, “Well, I woke up this morning and was able to breathe. I got out of bed and was able to walk. I went into the kitchen and found plenty of food to eat. Thank God I have shelter to keep me warm and dry. I have clothes to wear, a car to drive, and best of all, God loves me! I’m alive! Hahaha! I’m ALIVE!”
Something we commonly do in our church services at the RV park is take time for praise reports. We find it is so encouraging to take the time to allow people an opportunity to voice their gratefulness out loud in front of others. If nobody speaks up, we challenge them to think of something. We ALL have something we can be thankful for. Just think about it. Start with something small. Challenge yourself to list every little thing you can think of. I believe you might be surprised how easily a little gratitude can turn into a smile, a chuckle, or an outright cackle of laughter.
Laughter and a positive, thankful outlook can make all the difference. It’s good medicine for ALL that ails you. •
Mark and Janette Bridgeman serve with Christian Resort Ministries (crmintl.org) at various RV resorts in the RGV.
You may contact them by email at markandjanettebridgeman@gmail.com.
Santa Says Don’t Forget the Winter Green Estates Flea Market
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Winter Green Estates, 500 N. Bryan Road 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. Over 200 volunteers will participate in the sale, so you will be able to see for yourself who has the ugliest sweater. Feel free to wear yours, too!
The Holiday Flea Market benefits Winter Green Estates residents and is put on strictly by volunteers. Shoppers will find a wide variety of items, including Christmas decor, sofas, end tables, recliners, dining tables/chairs, beds/frames, stools, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, television sets, sheets, blankets/comforters, brand-name clothing, pots and pans, toasters, fine and everyday dishes, electronics, lawn and garden items, floor and table lamps, vacuums, luggage, golf clubs/bags, and assorted power and hand tools. The sale will be conducted inside and outside the Hall. Golf cart shuttles will be available both to and from the hall.
The Winter Green Estates Cafe will be open, with breakfast starting at 7 a.m. and lunch being served until 12:30 p.m. Those with a sweet tooth will be able to purchase a wide variety of homemade baked goods, including cookies, cakes, pies, bars, breads, rolls, and fudge.
There will be no outside vendors, but the event is open to the public.
For more information, call or text Mark Horngren, chairperson, at 218-310-3064 or Roy Thompson, co-chairperson, at 254-3943361. •
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 27, 2024
Wednesday Breakfast 7:30 AM Bentsen
Grove Resort Palmview (956) 585-0703
Burger’s & Fries 11:30 AM Chimney Park MHC Mission (956) 585-5061 $7
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
Red Hat Meeting 12:00 PM Split Rail RV Park Mission (956) 585-8135
Jam Session 1:00 PM Roadrunner RV Resort Alamo (763) 229-5318
Happy Hour w/Bruce Boudreau 3:00 PM Bit-O-Heaven RV and MH Resort Donna (603) 396-2786 PTH
Pat Davison’s Comedy Magic Circus! 3:00 PM Alamo Rose RV Resort Alamo (956) 783-2600
Happy Hour w/Julia Lane Cooper 3:30 PM Park Place Estates RV Resort Harlingen (956) 428-4414
Radioactive Karaoke 6:00 PM Victoria Palms RV Resort Donna (956) 464-7801
Free
Wednesday • Dec 4, 2024
Wednesday Breakfast 7:30 AM Bentsen Grove Resort Palmview (956) 585-0703
Bake Sale – Golf View Estates Festival of Trees 9:00 AM Golf View Estates Mission Cash & Carry: Festival of Trees Country Store Sale 9:00 AM Golf View Estates Mission
Silent Auction: Golf View Estates Festival of Trees 9:00 AM Golf View Estates Mission
Burgers & Fries 11:30 AM Chimney Park MHC Mission (956) 585-5061 $7
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
Jan & Ron Easter 7:00 PM Eastgate RV Park Harlingen 956-423-3137 $9
Karaoke 7:00 PM Tip O Texas RV Resort Pharr (956) 787-9959
Shuffleboard, Friday Night Lights 7:00
PM Alamo Palms RV Resort Alamo (956) 787-7571
BFiesta de Nochebuena Returns to MOSTHistory
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
ack by popular demand, the fiesta continues at MOSTHistory! Fiesta de Nochebuena, a holiday featuring South Texas traditions, returns Sunday, December 8, from 1 to 5 p.m.
This year’s Fiesta de Nochebuena will feature some familiar favorites, including Posada Por Tiempo, a walk through the River Frontier and River Highway galleries, in which a volunteer group will sing the traditional “Pedir Posada” song. Maryel Monrreal, a Museum volunteer, will share the significance of the song and its tradition in the borderlands between verses and throughout the galleries.
Visitors can make-and-take holiday crafts, such as writing a reflection of the year on a piece of paper and placing it in a clear Christmas tree ornament.
If you’re hoping to shop for the holidays early, visit The Museum Store for a variety of unique items reflecting the spirit of the borderlands, such as Cappadona Ranch mesquite bean coffee, religious crosses, and books. Artisan vendors will set up and sell customized glass tumblers and jewelry.
The Courtyard Gallery will be filled with traditional Mexican and holiday tunes featuring the Robert Vela High School mariachi and conjunto groups, the Canterbury Instrumental Knights, the Cano/Gonzalez Elementary Guitar Club, the Travis Music Choir, and the Magee Mariachi. A special performance by the Matachines from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in McAllen is scheduled at 2 p.m. This will be the Matachines’ debut at MOSTHistory.
Cowboy Santa will be available for photos, posing with those wishing to capture their MOSTHistory memory. Visitors can purchase a Polaroid ornament of their photo with Cowboy Santa for $5.
What’s a posada without a piñata? Children (and those young at heart) can take turns hitting not one, but two, traditional sevenpoint piñatas. The piñatas will have surprise treats.
Admission is $6 for seniors and students ages 13 and older and $5 for children ages four to 12. Mark your calendar and join us for this festive holiday event. •
