I would bet most of you have read the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Since initiating our Travel and Tour divisions, the Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley Team has had so many adventures.
I’ve shared with you before that when the idea of a Cruise with Kristi first came up, I experienced a bit of fear that Kevin and I and my team would be the only ones in our group. Instead, the reservations kept coming in, and for several years now, it has been sold out!
Having “Travel Kristi” Meyer on the team as our resident cruise expert has allowed us to expand our WHRGV cruise lineup while also allowing you to book your personal cruises through her. And Sarah Denzer, our tour director, is the perfect person to create, arrange, and lead our tours. Not only is she well-traveled, but she also happens to be extremely organized and lots of fun. Be sure to check out her Travel Friends columns in Welcome Home Winter Texan. She shares information on upcoming tours, great travel tips, and information on how your park or resort can set up a bucket-list tour with her.
Come along with us. Oh, the places you’ll go!
We’re just connecting the dots…
We’re just connecting the dots
WINTER TEXAN
Your Connection to the Rio Grande Valley
Tours and TravelPassionate Planning is Key
by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Sarah Denzer’s love of travel was instilled in her by her grandparents, from cruises to big family reunions and relaxing beach vacations to exploring America. As an adult, she garnered experience in public relations and hospitality and tourism industries.
When Denzer began helping her grandparents plan cruises and vacations, she homed in on important considerations, like budget and accessibility--wheelchair access and walking distance. “Limitations don’t mean limiting fun,” she says.
Denzer is the person behind Tours by Welcome Home RGV, drawing from her experience to meticulously craft enjoyable, stress-free experiences.
Denzer likes to create “wow” moments. When planning her own family vacations, she begins to research a destination--food, accommodations, attractions--months in advance. She says sometimes off-the-beaten-path makes for the most memorable vacations.
Denzer applies the same tenacity as Welcome Home RGV’s tour director. Since its inception, the Tours Division has hosted a multitude of opportunities. “We have something for every budget and ability,” Denzer says, referring to day trips like the historic King Ranch, coastal Corpus Christi, the informative Texas Gold Shrimp Co., and the illuminating Gelman Stained Glass Museum, as well as multi-day trips, like Fredericksburg, nestled in the Texas Hill Country.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Gordon and Marjorie Larsen, Sarah Denzer’s inspiration for travel, wearing matching shirts during a visit to Yellowstone. Welcome Home tour director Sarah Denzer (right) poses with an alpaca while accompanying a tour of Alpaquita Ranch.
With popular cruises and tours under its belt, Tours by Welcome Home is now broadening its horizons by adding true bucket-list opportunities: glaciers in Alaska and a fall foliage cruise in the northeast…for starters.
Tours are open to all travelers--locals, winter visitors, and even family and friends from outside the area.
“The benefit of having someone who
is passionate navigate the ins and outs for you,” says Denzer, “is you’re getting the most out of the experience with the least amount of hassle.”
Denzer has a scratch-off map in her office; swing by and she’ll show you. She likes to pick places and scratch them off for her own family trips. She’s already making notes, pinning ideas, and researching travel tips for a future getaway.
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
Denzer puts the same effort, due diligence, and devotion into her job. “We never just show up somewhere, hoping it’s going to be great. We already know; we have everything worked out.”
To learn more about current and upcoming tour opportunities, visit welcomehomergv.com or call 956-687-5115. •
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
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Welcome Home tour director Sarah Denzer (pictured front row, second from right) with her family, including her grandparents, on a camping trip.
Sarah Denzer and her husband, Nick, pose in front of Big Ben in London.
VIP tour of the Gelman Stained Glass Museum. Welcome Home tour director Sarah Denzer is in the front row, in orange.
Keep McAllen Beautiful –Meet the Artist Wreaths Across America December 14 at Veterans
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.
Jimi Keirn is a self-taught artist from McAllen. He paints feelings using color and motion. Every experience and every moment of every day comes with feelings. For years, Jimi suppressed and ran from those feelings. He was unsure what they meant, didn’t like how they felt, and inevitably ran from them. Avoiding his feelings led to loneliness and isolation, stunting his emotional and spiritual growth. But then he found art. Painting allows Jimi to set those emotions free. It lets him put onto canvas what he can’t put into words. Jimi’s hope is that his art connects to everyone, on some level.
Jimi has shared this hope by painting nine standpipe masterpieces in McAllen. See them at this location: Two on Bicentennial between Sprague and 107, Cynthia and Expressway 83, Fern and North K Center, 23rd and Auburn, 2nd and Yucca, 2nd and Wisconsin, 2nd and Gardenia, and 2nd and Trenton. •
Memorial at Pendleton Park
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
The Rio Grande Valley will take part in Wreaths Across America Day Saturday, December 14. The event will begin at the Veterans’ Memorial at Pendleton Park, 1425 Morgan Blvd. in Harlingen, beginning at 11 a.m. Wreaths will be available for pickup, as well.
After the introduction, the crowd will precede to the Harlingen City Cemetery at 1401 S. F St.to place wreaths on Valley veterans’ graves. To learn more about Wreaths Across America, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Spotted In The RGV
Historical Home in SB San Benito, Texas
By Eryn Reddell Wingert
This historical home sits at the intersection of North Sam Houston Boulevard and West Adele Street, just north of downtown San Benito. It belonged to Col. Sam Robertson (1867 - 1938) and his wife, Adele. According to the Texas Historical Association, Robertson founded San Benito, expanded railroad and canal systems, served as the first postmaster and elected Cameron County sheriff—twice, helped pursue Pancho Villa, and served in the military in Europe (promoted to full colonel in 1919). To read more visit tshaonline.org. The Texas Historical Commission marker outside the home reads the house “was built with thick walls and high windows; it served as a fortress against marauding bandits.”
Hello Travel Friends Fresh From the Gulf: Why Eating Local Makes a Big Difference
Who doesn’t love sitting on the coast eating a delicious plate of coconut shrimp or some tasty shrimp tacos? The closer you are to the coast, the more enticing those shrimp become. Would you be surprised to know there is a shrimping-industry crisis happening right here in the Texas Gulf?
The main problem the shrimping industry faces is imported shrimp. A recent study showed that the amount of shrimp the average American eats has gone up from two pounds to almost six pounds per year. That may sound like a great statistic, but it’s all about where those shrimp are coming from. Can you believe, 94 percent of that shrimp is imported? A large percentage of imported shrimp is coming from India, with other countries like Indonesia, Ecuador, and Argentina on the list, as well.
imported shrimp, which makes it very easy to get these harmful chemicals to your tabletop.
If your shrimp is cheaper coming from one of these countries, you may think that is a positive thing. However, almost all of the shrimp comes from shrimp farms that breed and grow the shrimp in less-than-ideal conditions, resulting in some pretty nasty practices. An investigation in 2015 found that a majority of shrimp from Ecuador and India that were tested contained dangerous bacteria, antibiotics, and drug residues. The FDA is only testing .7 percent of
Eating locally sourced shrimp from Texas Gulf Shrimp is not only a better option, but it tastes so much better. Texas Gold Shrimp is a local shrimping company that offers tours so you can see exactly how the shrimping industry works. The company’s tour includes interesting facts, a tour of the shrimping boat, and so much more. After the tour, you’ll be the shrimppeeling expert and be able to show your friends your skills. You’ll even get a chance to sample some of the “merchandise” while on this tour.
There are several dates available for this fun and educational tour, and we would love to see you there. Support local shrimping and get your tour tickets at welcomehomergv.com.
~Sarah Denzer, tour director •
Set Sail for Holiday Magic at the South Padre Island Lighted Boat Parade
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
South Padre Island invites you to experience the coastal magic of the annual Lighted Boat Parade. December 7, as the sun dips below the horizon, the Laguna Madre Bay will transform into a twinkling wonderland, where boats decked out in holiday lights glide across the water, illuminating the night with festive colors, creativity, and cheer. This unique Parade promises a night of unforgettable sights and holiday spirit, perfect for friends and family.
The Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. along a scenic route from the Sea Ranch Marina, up the bay. At the Entertainment District, you’ll find some of the best viewing spots--along the shoreline and at local restaurants. Arrive early to grab a prime seat and settle in for a close-up view of the passing boats. Many nearby restaurants will offer special viewing areas and holiday menus, so you can enjoy a seasonal meal while watching the Parade light up the bay. The night will end with a breathtaking fireworks display over the water, filling the sky with vibrant colors and festive holiday spirit.
The Lighted Boat Parade truly celebrates the season, bringing together locals and visitors for an enchanting night of lights, community, and coastal joy. It’s an event for everyone, perfect for
families with children, couples seeking a romantic evening, and friends gathering for a night of holiday fun.
The Lighted Boat Parade is just one part of a weekend brimming with holiday festivities on South Padre Island. Come early to catch the SPI Christmas Street Parade December 6, explore the Winter Wonderland festivities before or after the boat parade December 7, and don’t miss Breakfast with Santa December 8. These back-toback events make it easy to turn your visit into a holiday getaway, experiencing everything the Island offers in a single, fun-filled weekend.
With dazzling lights, coastal charm, and plenty of festive cheer, South Padre Island’s Lighted Boat Parade is an unforgettable way to celebrate the holidays by the sea. Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and prepare for a magical, joy-filled holiday night. This event will leave you with memories that sparkle all season long. For more information, visit sopadre.com/boatparade. •
Perspectives
Ready? Set. Go!
by Suzie York
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:1-18 (NLT)
“He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good. so be good for goodness sake.” These lyrics to a popular children’s Christmas song intended to “encourage” good behavior. Children’s songs often have a resemblance of truth in their messages. But God’s Word is the gospel truth.
I used to think I had no need for the things of God, that God just wanted to point out all my faults. I also used to think that if I didn’t get involved with all that “church stuff,” it didn’t pertain to me. But I didn’t know God. I had based all my ideas about him on things like the words of children’s songs…threats and warnings. Finally, I became thirsty for truth. Who is Jesus? How is he connected to Christmas? Why do people say, “God loves me”? Why would He love me? How does someone get to Heaven? Is it possible that I’d be allowed to go there someday? God knew how to answer all of my questions. He knew if I would experience His love, He would capture my heart. And that’s what He did. He loved me to Himself. Then I asked His forgiveness, repented of all my sins, and received His salvation for my soul.
Scripture teaches that Jesus came from Heaven to be born as a baby and live on earth. His birth is what we celebrate at Christmas. It also teaches that God is allknowing. He knows our thoughts and actions even before we think or act on them. He formed us in our mother’s womb. He knew us before we were born. His whole purpose in creating us was so we could each know His love and have a loving relationship with Him. He gave us His Word, the Bible, also because of His great love for us. The Bible is intended to equip us with God’s wisdom and guidance, to instruct and lead us through our everyday situations. I’m grateful that, “for my sake,” God was patient, that Jesus didn’t come back to gather up the church the day before I believed and received that gospel truth and became a part of the family of God. For your sake, won’t you receive His gift today?
Heavenly Father, it’s Your desire for all to “Get Ready, Set, Go” to Heaven with You for all of eternity. God, be patient…for their sake. May they receive your precious gift of salvation this Christmas. In Jesus’ name. Amen. •
Suzie and her husband, Greg York, minister songs and sermons as Lovelight Int’l Ministries. They also serve as chaplains at McAllen Mission RV Resort in Mission. They are music ambassadors with Christian Resort Ministries (crmintl.com). You may
It’s a Wonderful Life
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
by Alden “Ace” Moore, Winter Texan
In the 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, it took George Bailey the entire movie to realize the most important things in life. No, it’s not how much money you have but rather having quality connections with family, friends, and your community. Building and nurturing meaningful relationships provides support, love, and a sense of belonging and contributes to your overall sense of wellbeing, fulfillment, and inner peace.
Palm Resaca Park’s Beverly Dressell is a wonderful person who exemplifies those qualities. She has maintained a positive attitude her entire life. “No matter what happens, I laugh a lot, and that’s good for the soul,” she told me.
Beverly was born in Hawaii and had to move to California to live with her maternal grandparents when her parents split up. Every summer, she spent time with her paternal grandparents on a farm in Colorado. She would ride with her grandfather or uncle on the farm machines, enjoying the beautiful landscape while watching the golden wheat wave in the wind. It was a much slower pace of life than California. “It was a great experience,” she said. “Even the long train ride to get here was a fun experience.”
After graduating from high school, Beverly went to Mexico with a group of teenagers to paint a fence. “It gave me a very good feeling, helping others like this,” she said. “It was fun and rewarding.”
After she got married, Beverly did a lot of volunteer work. “Church was our whole life when we grew up,” she explained. “We were there almost every day.”
Beverly held down two jobs. Most of her life, she worked for All State Insurance. In the evening, she taught classes to adults in a town two hours away. When her husband, Marty, died suddenly, she was on the brink of going into a funk. However, a girlfriend of hers asked her to go to Africa with her. There, she taught in a school with no electricity. It took two days by jeep to reach the village; then she had to walk another mile to the school. They had to watch out for mambas and other wild animals. “It was quite an eye opener,” she said. “The people had their heads shaved because of lice problems.” However, she found the people friendly, humble, and kind. They were very happy and content, even though they had nothing. They lived in a group hut, with a fire in the middle. Later, when she went to Madagascar, she experienced the “Ugly American” stereotype because she wore a bathing suit on the beach while all the locals were fully clothed. After that, she went to Burma and Nepal. “Burma was the poorest country I have ever seen,” she said. In Nepal, Beverly worked in a hospital high up in the mountains. She lost 40 pounds while subsisting on a diet of white rice and lentils. She found a sewing machine and sewed hundreds of
to coloring books.
Finally, Beverly returned home to California, where she continued to do volunteer work.
She visited her cousin, Naioma Benson, at Brownsville’s Palm Resaca Park. When Beverly left the park two weeks later, she realized she had enjoyed her time so much and had “just met a hundred new friends,” so she bought a unit in the park. Eventually, Beverly met Larry Klaus, originally from Hays, Kansas. Larry was a computer programmer and worked for Cessna Aircraft for 30 years. “We just seemed to get along so well together,” explained Beverly. “When I first saw him, a warm aura came over me. It’s like a connection,” she explained. Beverly finally bought herself a Porsche. You can tell she and Larry are serious because Larry is the only other person she will allow to drive her car. Beverly has encouraged Larry to become more outgoing. “We both like to travel and experience new things,” explained Larry. “We are very involved in our park and like to socialize with friends; play board games and card games; play darts, billiards, and ping pong; and go bowling.” “We’re having such an enjoyable time in this wonderful park,” explained Beverly. “There’s so much to do here, and now I don’t have to do it alone.”
Ultimately a good life is subjective and varies from person to person. It’s about finding a harmonious balance based upon your individual values, priorities, and circumstances. “No matter what happens, you just have to keep a positive attitude,” explained Beverly. “That way you will stay happy and realize that yes, it really is a wonderful life.” •
garments for the kids. She also introduced the kids
Batter Up! Play Ball!
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
It’s senior slow pitch softball time once again in the RGV. The Ed Marten’s Senior Texan Softball League is back for its 30th year. The League is open to all local Texans, as well as Winter Texan senior men and women aged 55 years and older. Our youngest player last year was 57, and our most experienced player was 85. Last year, over 110 seniors played in our League, and this year we hope to top that.
Maybe you can’t run as fast as you could 20 or 30 years ago. Maybe you can’t throw and catch like you once did. But it really doesn’t matter. A few of our past new players never even played softball before, but it didn’t matter. We have two different divisions for our senior men and women players based on individual skill levels-not on age. Maybe you don’t have a glove or a bat anymore? No problem! We have equipment we will lend you.
Our League practices have already started at McAllen’s West Side Park, located on S. Ware Road, directly across from the McAllen Convention Center. Our A Division practice is every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m., and our B Division practice is every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. Our practices run now through December. The first week of January, we will “draft” our players onto teams, attempting to make each team as equal as we can.
Rio Valley Estates
Why don’t you call us or stop by to see if senior slow pitch softball might be right for you. We have plenty of bleachers, if you want to just sit and watch. We also invite you to join us on the field and throw the ball around and hit a few.
For more information, contact Fred Esqueda at 956-897-6961 or Mike Brower at 734-834-0128 or by email at mbrower@umich.edu. •
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
$21,900
Retama Village, Mission
Wagon City North, Mission
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) 9008487
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
$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
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
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
Leisure Valley Ranch, Mission
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
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 $339,000
Restful Valley Ranch, Mission
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
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
$89,000
$16,500
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
Wagon City South, Mission
$82,500
$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 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
$110,000
$76,000
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
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
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
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 move-in 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
Adobe Wells, McAllen
‘Tis the Season Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
The holidays are here, and we have so much to be thankful for. One of those things is that we get to spend another beautiful “winter” season with y’all! Yes, South Texas winter, where the temps go below 80°F almost every day, and all the birds are chirping away.
For The Lamb’s Loom, that means we get to go outside and enjoy our two Sit-n-Knit areas. The yarn fun never stops around here, so please know you are always welcome to join us out on Peggy’s Porch for a little Sit-n-Knit time and a cup of warm tea. It has been a blessed year, and we are finishing up strong. We are so happy to see all of the handmade items continue to come in for our Donation Chest. There are still a few of our mission groups in need of items for the cold nights here. We know it isn’t very cold for most of you, but when over 90°F is your norm, as these cooler nights approach, it can be hard in a home without heat or living out on the street. So, thank you for adding to the chest every day.
Another way to support this ministry is in our BaaBaa Boutique. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift this year, stop in and see our gift area. There are all kinds of handmade things to choose from, if you don’t have time to make it yourself. We have shawls and scarves and bags and baskets, all handmade and ready for giving.
We do pray your winter season here is a joy-filled one, and we hope you will join us at The Lamb’s Loom as we stitch it forward together. We are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lamb’s Loom is located at 1102 W. Tamarack Ave. in McAllen. Additional parking is available in the rear via Upas Avenue. Updates and other information are available on our website at thelambsloom.com ~ Prayers ‘n Purls! •
Dance Into 2025 With Rick McEwen
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Ring in the new year at Siesta Retirement Village with an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Rick McEwen will provide live entertainment, playing a variety of music to keep the party going Tuesday, December 31, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
This year’s theme is Time Capsule, so put on your best formal attire and join us for an elegant night of dancing. The celebration will feature champagne and delicious charcuterie board snacks to make the evening even more special.
Tickets are $25 per person. (All sales are final). The event is hosted by Robyn Minifie and Jane Carter. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Robyn at 519-379-0711.
The event is open to the public, so come and celebrate with us! •
YOUR VACATiON COTTAGE AWAiTS!
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 • 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
“How Should a King Come” 7:00 PM Calvary Baptist Church McAllen (956) 686-3464
Holiday Village has “Something for Everyone”
by Ric Cavazos
Holiday Village Brownsville is whimsical, with all of the trappings and decorations of Christmas interspersed with historical representations of its host city. For six weeks every holiday season, Dean Porter Park comes alive with nearly three dozen cottages filling the green space between the Camille Lightner Playhouse and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville. The cottages are eight-to-10 feet at their base and go up to 14 feet high. Lights of the classic holiday colors twinkle on little roofs and picture windows display dolls, Santas, and elves, with miniature Christmas trees adding the just-right touch.
Brownsville history is included within the Village, with one cottage representing the home of Brownsville’s founder, Charles Stillman, and another featuring Mercy Hospital, the city’s first medical center. In 2010, the Holiday Village’s first year, there were 10 cottages. There were 34 cottages standing during the 2023 holiday season, with two more planned for 2024. The cottages are sponsored by local businesses and families.
“We have something for everyone,” said Laurie Ray, chairperson for the committee overseeing the Holiday Village. “Some (cottages) are very nostalgic and others are modern. It lights up the park and brings a lot of people to Brownsville from all over the Valley.”
Upwards of 150,000 visitors enjoy Christmas at Dean Porter Park every holiday season via the colorful cottages making up a mini-community between the Playhouse and Museum--and just across the street from the Gladys Porter Zoo. From the Monday before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, the Holiday Village comes alive, and there is no admission charge to see the cottages during daytime hours and the more festive and colorful evening hours.
The Village lights twinkle up to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s an all-volunteer effort and project that is actively supported by the City of Brownsville. The city provides security services and storage space for the many cottages, in addition to transporting the little houses every year from an airport-area warehouse to the Park.
A local architect, Roberto Ruiz, provides cottage designs at no charge. A local nonprofit, YouthBuild, does the construction work. Ray says Holiday Village visitors predominately come from Brownsville and Cameron County, but a growing number hail from the upper Rio Grande Valley area. Many Winter Texans visit the collection of holiday cottages while enjoying the season in South Texas.
“We love having Winter Texans come,” Ray said. “They are as likely to show up during the day as the evening hours.”
Food vendors are located in the Holiday Village for visitors needing a bite to eat or a hot chocolate or coffee to keep warm on chilly nights. Combine a trip to the Village with a play at Camille Lightner or an outing at the Zoo, and it’s easy to see holiday enthusiasts having a great time in Brownsville. •
Nearly three dozen Christmas cottages fill the green space between the Camille Lightner Playhouse and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville.
The Holiday Village Brownsville attracts 150,000 visitors a year to Dean Porter Park in Brownsville.
YouthBuild, a nonprofit in Brownsville, constructs the holiday cottages displayed every holiday season at Dean Porter Park.
