Have you ever secretly wished you were an Olympian? Well, now’s your moment to give it a go! In addition to all the sunshine and socializing, the City of McAllen gives Winter Texans, Converted Texans, and our local retirees the chance to become champions--AND earn the Texassized bragging rights that come with it.
If you like to play pool, there’s a category for that. Prefer baking? Absolutely! Bring your best. darts, bridge, bowling, puzzles, pingpong, and--of course--the wildly popular pickleball…and the list goes on. Whatever your hobby, there’s likely a friendly competition waiting with your name on it.
I’ve had the honor of judging the bake-off more than once, and let me tell you; it’s serious business wrapped in a whole lot of fun. You can feel the excitement as people compete, cheer each other on, make new friends, and reconnect with folks they haven’t seen in ages.
The Rio Grande Valley is full of opportunities to play, participate, and enjoy the season. What events are on your must-do list? I’d love to hear your favorites! Who knows? You might just inspire someone to go for the gold this year.
We’re just connecting the dots
Are You a Golden Age Olympian?
You Can Be!
by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Won the Winter Texans RGV (by Welcome Home RGV) group Facebook page: Have you participated in the Golden Age Olympics?
It was a multiple-choice question, and here are the results: Yes: 26% No: 41%
What is the Golden Age Olympics? 16%
We also had two write-in responses: Didn’t know anything about it: 9% I am this year: 8%
The Golden Age Olympics are hosted annually by the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department, with the sole purpose of fostering friendly competition.
The program dates back to around 1980, based on archived newspaper accounts.
A Letter to the Editor written by Dick Ogle of San Benito that appeared in The Monitor in 1997 praised the Golden Age Olympics organizers. “This all convinces me that McAllen has a side to humankind that defies definition,” the letter read.
The Olympics started as a five-day event open to people 55 and older. Today it spans two months, is open to ages 50 and
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up, and includes multiple activities and the participation of RV parks and resorts across the Valley.
Categories have included shuffleboard, track and field, contact bridge, pinochle, cornhole, bake-off, cribbage, bicycling, darts, billiards, walk and talk, pickleball, and bowling…to name a few.
Whatever the category, Sarai Garcia, deputy director of programs for McAllen Parks & Recreation, says the emphasis is always on “friendly competition.”
In 2026, Garcia says the Olympics will include birdwatching, a McAllen scavenger hunt, and archery, taking advantage of
the City’s newest outdoor space, Camp McAllen.
Individuals, doubles, and teams-depending on the category--can register in December when the Department releases the list of activities. Competition begins in early January, and medals are awarded in March.
Garcia also invites winter visitors to take part in all the Parks & Rec Department has to offer, including Zumba classes, dominoes, the Ed Martens Senior Texan Softball League, and more. “There’s so much to do!” she says.
Visit mcallenparks.net or follow the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for more information. •
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
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.
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Sarah Denzer, Tour Manager
Hello Travel Friends,
Hello Travel Friends
Let’s Support Our Valley Kids!
I don’t know about you, but I love a great night out at the theatre! Nothing beats some catchy tunes and great dance numbers--along with a cute storyline. One of my favorite things to do is to get out and see the talent of our local kids. If you haven’t seen a high school production from the schools in the Valley, you’re missing out. The ambition and talent these kids have is incredible. Plus, you can’t beat the great ticket prices.
I recently had a chance to go catch the end of a rehearsal at Pioneer High School in Sharyland ISD. They are preparing for an upcoming performance of Mamma Mia! The day I attended, they were learning the choreography for “Money, Money, Money,” one of the hit ABBA songs in the show.
“Being in these big shows teaches you how to work with all types of people, build work ethic, and gain confidence,” explained Bianca Betancourt, a senior playing Donna in the show. These students are involved in so many different activities while trying to keep up with grades, community service hours, sports, teams, and more. It can be a lot to balance--and they still perform well.
“We put a lot of time and love into our shows. When it comes to the ‘choreo,’ repetition is the key, and it just takes time,” Shanai Daligerman, who is a sophomore playing Sofie, said. Musicals like Mamma Mia! are fun for the whole family. There are big dance numbers, with songs everyone knows and can enjoy. Along with the fun is a great message of acceptance and taking ownership of one’s mistakes or shortcomings.
“There’s a lot of beauty in having a community behind you. That’s one of the messages in the play,” said Juan Serano, a senior who plays Bill in the show. He goes on to say, “Theatre is such an important art form. It allows people to express ideas that might otherwise have no platform.”
At the end of the day, being involved in something like this is a huge learning experience and a great opportunity. I have a little extra excitement about this show because it’ll be my daughter Shelby’s first high school musical. I can’t wait to see the show and support her and all her classmates. Since we’re travel friends, if you want to join me, I’ll be at the December 13, 6:30 p.m. show, and I’d love to see you all there.
You can always take a look at our calendar at welcomehome.com to see what shows and local student entertainment are going on. Let’s get out there and support our local community kids. Cheering them on makes a huge impact!
Don’t miss this show at Pioneer High School December 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 6:30 p.m. and December 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 2:30 p.m. Senior tickets are only $5, and you can purchase them at the door. •
A Treasure Trove of Classical Literature: Read Online with Jimmy
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Reading with Jimmy and the Reading with Jimmy YouTube channel have grown to 332 videos and over 200 hours of content, bringing the classics to life by showing the text and reading the text with comprehensive, out-loud analysis for each one. Covering a wide gamut of English, Greek, Russian, American, and French literature, the platforms now enjoy a robust, growing audience.
Nowakowski, a former English teacher turned successful businessman, saw the need for reading to grow. “Being in business for over 30 years, I witnessed firsthand the dumbing down of America and decided the problem is not being able to read, generally, and not knowing how to read classical literature, specifically.” Nowakowski taught “underachievers” for 10 years before starting his successful business, and when he taught, he used reading out loud to engage his students.
“The problem is always understanding versus appreciation,” he explains. “You think you don’t know how to read, but that’s just nonsense. Reading is hard work, but I make it fun!”
Jimmy believes there’s a big difference between understanding and appreciation. “You can understand something and not appreciate it, but you can never appreciate anything without understanding it. Appreciation takes time. Imagination. And knowledge. It doesn’t happen overnight, but reading out loud is the beginning of it.”
He created these platforms, and for the past two years has been filling them up with content — with language charged with meaning, as Ezra Pound said.
A Simple Plan
Jimmy only reads classics, to find out how other people lead their lives in order to learn how to lead our own. Each novel or story he selects is read entirely. Then it is analyzed. The analysis of literature is how you develop appreciation, not just understanding. “Sometimes the analysis is longer than the story,” he points out with a smile. “The joy of language is that it should be read aloud,” he says.
The authors selected so far are numerous: Dostoevsky, Chaucer, Lewis Carroll, Guy de Maupassant, Hemingway, John Cheever, Thoreau, Edgar Allan Poe, Marcus Aurelius, and many more.
“These authors bring language to life, including the translators of the foreign classics,” he says. “But it’s not just the reading of the piece: it’s the analysis that’s the key.”
Nowakowski includes in-depth analysis of every classic to help readers appreciate and understand the literature, which he considers essential. He walks you through the piece of literature, bringing in real-life examples of relevance. “The beauty of a classic is you can read it over and over again and walk away enriched more than you did before,” he says. “You don’t do that with today’s literature.”
Current Reading List
The current reading list--332 videos and over 200 hours of readings--includes: A Duel; A Farewell to Arms; A&P; Alice in Wonderland; An Old Man; Art of War; Atalanta; Beowulf; Boule de Suif; Civil Disobedience; Daedalus and Icarus; Diary of a Madman; Fall of the House of Usher; Five Forty Eight; Hamlet; Johnny
Bear; Lysistrata; Meditations; Minister’s Black Veil; Most Dangerous Game; Notes from Underground; Novel in Nine Letters; Rust; Self Reliance; The Lottery; The Canterbury Tales; The Devil; The Hand; The Horla; The Jewels; The Mask; The Matter with Andre; The Piece of String; The Prince; The Signal; To Build a Fire; Travel Is So Broadening; Two Friends.
QuickTakes
Each classic includes a 10-minute “QuickTake,” a short introduction for readers to sample the classic before reading the entire work. These QuickTakes are divided into easy-to-understand sections, including the plot overview, what makes the author unique, the themes found in the piece, and why the work matters today.
“You’d be surprised how relevant classical literature is for today’s world,” Nowakowski adds. “Very surprised.”
See (and hear) for yourself at readingwithjimmy.com or on his YouTube channel, Reading With Jimmy. •
Create, Learn, Unwind on the Island
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
The Island isn’t just the place for vacationing under the warm sun on Texas’ Best Beach; it’s the place to learn a new skill while on vacation. The Island is the place to take a skill-cation!
Discover your artistic side at the SPI Art Business Incubator. From jewelry to gift wrapping to painting and so much more, these hands-on classes are a must during your next trip to the Island.
The SPI Art Business Incubator offers a range of classes to develop various creative skills. These classes are guaranteed to help you explore your creative side and discover your hidden talents and hobbies.
Beach Day Acrylic Painting Workshop
Be inspired by the beauty of creation around you and capture it in an artistic way. Using acrylic paint, artist Karina Torres will teach you how to use color theory and simple tricks to create a compelling piece of art. Your painting will be the perfect gift or commemorative piece from your time on the Island.
Creative Gift Wrapping
Just in time for the holidays, this year, take your gift wrapping to the next level by turning every present into a piece of art. In this playful workshop, you’ll learn how to transform simple boxes and bags into one-of-a-kind gifts with a personal touch. Explore wrapping techniques, bow creation, embellishments, and more. Bring some of your holiday purchases ready to wrap!
Seashell Mug Clay Workshop
Create your own unique clay mug, inspired by the sea, in this class led by Sarah Smith. Learn hand-building techniques and choose a glaze color to make it uniquely yours. All materials are included. Please note that pieces will be ready 3-4 weeks after the class, and shipping is available upon request.
Resin Jewelry Workshop
Embark on a hands-on introduction to resin jewelry making, where you’ll learn how to layer, cure, and design one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces. All material is provided, and you’ll get to leave with several finished pieces to wear or gift!
Set Your Stone Workshop
Learn how to craft your own sterling silver ring from start to finish. Choose your gemstones and let artist Joel Garza guide you through the art of silversmithing. From shaping the silver to setting the stone, you’ll learn traditional techniques and leave with a stunning ring you created yourself.
Build new skills and unforgettable memories on South Padre Island, Texas’ Best Beach. To stay up to date on all the SPI Art Business Incubator classes dates, times, and prices, check out visitsouthpadreisland.com/events. •
Hidalgo County Judge’s Office Releases Volume 5
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
In honor of Veterans Day, the Office of Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez announces the release of Volume 5 of the Hidalgo County Veterans Resource Guide, an updated and expanded publication dedicated to supporting the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“With deep gratitude, we recognize that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off,” said Judge Cortez. “Many of our local veterans continue to strengthen our communities through leadership, mentorship, and public service. Volume 5 of the Resource Guide reflects both our appreciation for their sacrifice and our ongoing commitment to ensure every veteran has the information to access the support and opportunities they have earned.”
The Hidalgo County Veterans Resource Guide offers a comprehensive collection of
local, state, and national resources, including information on education, health care, employment, mental wellness, housing, and financial assistance. It also provides direct links to organizations and programs designed to assist veterans and their families in navigating available benefits.
The Guide was officially released during the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court meeting Monday, November 10, as part of the county’s Veterans Day proclamation. Veterans and their families are encouraged to connect with the Hidalgo County Veterans Service Office for personalized assistance in accessing services and benefits.
For more information, visit Judge Cortez’ website at hidalgocounty.us/2121/ County-Judge.
•
Perspectives Be Ready to Lend a Hand
by Larry Q. Allen
Iwas packing up, getting ready to start my trip from Wisconsin Dells back to the Rio Grande Valley. We had quite the journey planned. We were going to head out to Colorado, head into Arizona, return east through New Mexico, and finally enter West Texas and make our way to the Valley. Along the way, we would visit some friends, see eight national parks, and attend the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. We had been looking forward to the trip for some time. But it was not to be.
I had just loaded some things into the shed. I was carefully stepping the step-and-a-half from the shed down to the ground. I was holding onto the door frame as I stepped down with my left foot, then the right. When I let go of the door frame, there was a loud pop in my left ankle; a sharp pain shot up my shin. I hobbled into the house to my recliner and waited for my wife to come home.
The next day, we went to the Emergency Room and found that my ankle was fractured.
A couple of days later, I had surgery. The surgeon put a plate and several screws in my ankle to secure the fracture. His instruction afterward was that I could put absolutely no weight on the ankle for at least 12 weeks.
I’m a big guy. Learning to get along on one leg while dragging a non-working one has been a real adventure.
They outfitted a walker with a knee sling. It is a contraption that hangs over the side of the walker with the bad leg. It has a “sling” that you rest your knee in while walking. The problem is that it puts a terrible strain on that side of the walker. On the first walker, the wheel broke. The next three walkers had bent legs. Some of the guys in our park in the Dells got together and, like Tim the Toolman Taylor, souped up a walker for me. My current walker contains parts from an old walker, a fire pit, and a lawn mower!
We use a five-gallon bucket and a cushion to go up and down steps. It’s actually quite clever. When some guys in our park here saw us come in the park model, they immediately built an alternate set of steps to help us get in and out without a bucket!
People here were concerned about how I could get into-and get around inside--our motorhome. Then a woman in our park who doesn’t come down until the end of December offered to let us use her park model. Then someone else offered the use of a golf cart. I never approach a door without someone opening it and holding it open as I enter on my knee scooter.
I have been learning to get around. But a more important lesson I have been reminded of is that many people are ready to lend a hand when needed. •
Larry and Mary Allen serve as chaplains with Christian Resort Ministries (crmintl. org) at Sunshine RV Resort in Harlingen. Larry is also the chairman of the Board with CRM.
The weather is cooling down, and that must mean all of our Winter Texas friends are heading south. As “winter” has just begun, what fun we are having! Everyone is enjoying seeing our friends returning and making new friends around the Sit-n-Knit area every day.
For those who have never stopped by, come on over! The coffee is on, and the Sit-n-Knits are ready. That’s right! We have THREE open Sit-n-Knit spaces. All are welcome. If you have a group of fiber friends and would like to come over, just give us a call, and we will make sure to have a space ready for you…and some cookies, too!
Lambs Loom ‘Tis the Season
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
At the front door, you will see our Donation Chest. The Lamb’s Loom currently serves over 20 mission groups around the world. We distribute a variety of items: shawls, blankets, hats, and more. What a blessing these lovingly created, handmade gifts are to so many people around the world. These items that are given are the tangible gifts of caring for another. Everyone is welcome to join us in the journey of spreading a little joy around our world. You don’t have to knit or crochet, either. We have Stuffing Parties for the Knitted Knockers and can teach you to loom knit a hat in no time! Just subscribe to our
newsletter, via our website, to receive our upcoming events.
Y’all know we just couldn’t do what we do without all of our Winter Texan friends. Your encouragement, laughs, and hugs brighten our days when you are “home” in Texas. So many of you have now joined our ministry and given of your time and talents, and we are so very grateful. There’s just nothing better than a room full of friends stitching it forward together. ‘Tis the season!
We do hope you will join us this winter season and #stitchitforward with us! We are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and we’re 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, Friends!
SSpecial to Welcome Home Winter Texan
tep back in time and experience the magic of the holiday season during our Victorian-era-inspired Christmas celebration at the beautifully decorated Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, 317 S. Fulton Beach Rd. in Rockport, Texas. Explore the grandeur of the first floor on a self-guided evening tour, where each room sparkles with seasonal splendor, period-appropriate greenery, and warm candlelight touches that reflect how Christmas was celebrated in the late 1800s.
Enjoy a festive night filled with hands-on holiday crafts for children and families, steaming cups of hot chocolate, and photos with Santa Claus set against a charming historic backdrop. Don’t miss our dramatic reading of The Night Before Christmas--a timeless tradition sure to stir the imagination of young and old alike.
This free event Thursday, December 11, from 6 – 8 p.m. is open to all ages and promises old-fashioned fun, heartwarming cheer, and a glimpse into a Victorian Christmas as the Fultons may have enjoyed it. Come make holiday memories with us! Victorian Christmas Discover many other events and historical sites to explore at thc.texas.gov. •
Calvary Baptist Church Presents Behold,ASavior!
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas! Calvary Baptist Church 1600 Harvey St. in McAllen will present the Christmas cantata Behold, A Savior! featuring a 30-member choir--with piano and orchestra--under the direction of Dr. Bill O’Neil. The concerts will be presented twice--Friday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 13, at 3:30 p.m.
Dr. O’Neil is in his third year as Calvary Choir director and brings decades of musical experience to the choir. He has been on faculty at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly University of Texas Pan American) as professor of clarinet since 1992. He is currently co-principal clarinetist with the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Bill grew up in Winnipeg and is delighted to live in the RGV.
Dr. Daniel Cather will accompany on piano, as he has done for the past 11 years of service as a worship leader at Calvary Baptist Church. He is chair of the Music Department at South Texas College and has served as an assistant professor of music since 2008. Several other professional musicians will complete the orchestra at these two presentations.
The Calvary Choir has been an integral part of worship in the church for over 60 years. Today’s Choir continues that tradition, with heartfelt love for God and singing to His glory. The choir sings every Sunday, directed by Bill O’Neil and accompanied by Dan Cather, at the 9:30 a.m. service.
The concerts are free, and the public is cordially invited to attend. Join us for this highly anticipated annual event and let your heart be lifted and filled with joy at the coming of Jesus, the Messiah!
For more information, contact Calvary Baptist Church at 956-686-4364. •
Girls Cruise Girls Cruise
April 8 - April 13, 2026 April 8 - April 13, 2026
Round trip transportation from the Rio Grande Valley
Round trip transportation from the Rio Grande Valley
Sweet treats on the bus
Sweet treats on the bus
1nt pre-night Galveston with Breakfast
1nt pre-night Galveston with Breakfast
Shopping on the Strand
Shopping on the Strand
A fine dining dinner experience in Galveston
A fine dining dinner experience in Galveston
Galveston Historical Tour
Galveston Historical Tour
4 night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas
4 night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas
Stop at Cozumel, Mexico
Stop at Cozumel, Mexico
Port charges, taxes and gratuities
Port charges, taxes and gratuities
$1299.00- Interior *per person
$1299.00- Interior
$1549.00 - Ocean View Window *per person
$1 9.00 - e n ie in o *per person
$1 29.00- on *per person
$1729.00- Balcony *per person
$220,000
Alamo Country Club, Alamo
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
Newly updated 2/2 ranch-style home with office in GOLF VIEW ESTATES. Includes RV space with 50 AMP, water, sewer hook-ups. New LVP flooring and kitchen countertops, INCLUDES a Golf Cart. Curt Riester, Realtor (956) 455-4195
$249,900
Alamo Country Club, Alamo
$119,000
Country Club,
Alamo
$199,000
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
Retama Village, Mission, Mission
$89,900
$239,900
Wonderful 3/2 in Alamo CC, split bedroom floor plan, granite counter tops, new A/C, new (recent) roof, on the Golf course, low maintenance rock yard, wonderful 55+ community Curt Riester, Realtor (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
Retama Village, Mission, Mission
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
Spacious RV lot with easy access and effortless backing for large rigs. Includes a well-appointed coach house and full hook-ups, plus soft water to RV hookup. Appliances—washer, dryer, fridge, range, microwave, and water softener—convey. Enjoy privacy with HOA amenities: heated pool, pickleball, bocce, clubhouse, fitness center, and more for $130/month, including landscape maintenance. Carol Kerr Welch, Realtor (956) 900-8487
Restful Valley Ranch , Mission
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission $21,900
$279,000
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
$49,900
$16,500
HIDDEN GEM - 2/2 Oak Creek home in the wonderful 55+ community, Alamo Country Club. FULLY FURNISHED home features split bedroom floor plan w/ spacious living room. This home has been updated and remodeled extensively since 2023. A MUST SEE!! Curt Riester, Realtor (956) 455-4195
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
Village, Mission, Mission
$339,000
Dream 2-bed, 2-bath home in a gated 55+ community! Open floor plan, tile floors, hickory cabinets, solar panels, Tesla charger, screened porch, pool, fitness center, and endless activities.
Carol Kerr Welch, Realtor (956) 900-8487
Grande Resort, Mercedes
$65,000
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
Retama Village, Mission
You’ll love this 14×40 cozy mobile home with many updates!
Heather Escobedo, Realtor (956) 271-3683
$59,900
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
$145,000
Discover 4109 Mallard Drive in Mission, TX—a modern RV lot featuring a sleek bathroom, Murphy bed, and sunlit living space. Enjoy the spacious patio amidst palm trees, just steps from the clubhouse and pool. Seller financing available. Carol Kerr Welch, Realtor (956) 900-8487
Restful Valley Ranch, Mission
$59,900
Experience resort-style RV living in this coach house featuring a cozy living area, washer/dryer, and mini-split HVAC. Enjoy high ceilings, French doors, and a spacious pad in a vibrant 55+ community near parks and trails. HOA fee includes landscape maintenance.
Carol Kerr Welch, Realtor (956) 900-8487
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
Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission
Hidden Valley Ranch, Mission
$74,900
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
$76,000
Stop your search and come see this 2-bedroom, 1-bath furnished mobile home in the friendly Enchanted Valley Ranch community!
Heather Escobedo, Realtor (956) 271-3683
Wonderful 2/2 home in Alamo Country Club. FULLY FURNISHED bedrooms, tile flooring, spacious living room, large patio, and Sun Room with Golf Course view of #2. Indoor laundry room and extra space for office. Curt Riester, Realtor (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
$89,900
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
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
Wagon City South, Mission $225,000
Whether you’re escaping the cold or looking to settle into a lowmaintenance lifestyle, this lovely home offers comfort, space, and convenience in a welcoming 55+ community.
Heather Escobedo, Realtor (956) 2713683
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
$105,000
$58,500 $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
Uniquely designed with rustic, cabin-style charm, this cozy onebedroom, one- bathroom mobile home plus an insulated Texas room offers comfort and character on two spacious lots.
Heather Escobedo, Realtor (956) 271-3683
Alamo
Alamo
Golf View Estates, Mission
Retama
Wagon City South, Mission
Restful Valley Ranch , Mission
Retama Village, Mission
Retama Village, Mission
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen
Llano
Alamo Country Club,
Why 55+ Buyers and Sellers in Texas Should Always Use a Title Company
by Carol Welch, Broker, Real Estate by Welcome Home
Carol Welch, broker, TREC540183, can be reached on our website at realestatebywelcomehome.com or by calling 956-687-5115.
If you’re buying or selling property in Texas--especially in a 55+ community--it might be tempting to handle things yourself, especially when dealing with someone you know or doing a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) transaction. But even the most straightforward real estate deals can get complicated fast. That’s why working with a title company is not just a smart move; it’s a crucial one.
What Does a Title Company Do?
A title company acts as a neutral third party to handle the legal and financial details of your real estate transaction. Their primary roles include:
• Title Search: They research the property’s ownership history to ensure there are no hidden issues--like unpaid taxes, liens, or ownership disputes-that could derail your purchase or come back to haunt you after the sale.
• Title Insurance: They offer a policy that protects you from future claims against your ownership, even after closing.
• Escrow Services: They safely hold and distribute money and documents, according to the terms of the sale.
• Legal Compliance: They ensure all paperwork complies with Texas law and local requirements, giving both parties peace of mind.
Why It’s Especially Important for the 55+ Community
• Protecting Your Nest Egg: For many in the 55+ age group, this transaction involves retirement savings or the equity from a lifelong home. There’s too much at stake to take unnecessary risks.
• Preventing Scams: Unfortunately, seniors are frequent targets of real estate fraud. Title companies help prevent fraud by verifying the identities of all parties and making sure all documents are legitimate.
• Clarity on Ownership: In Texas, it’s common to live in communities where properties might include shared amenities, HOA obligations, or even land-lease agreements. A title company ensures you fully understand
what you’re buying or selling.
• Ease and Convenience: The title company handles all the back and forth, explains the legal jargon, and helps schedule a smooth, coordinated closing. That’s especially helpful if you’re relocating or out of town during the process.
What If You’re Buying or Selling FSBO?
Using a title company is just as important--if not more so--in a For Sale by Owner transaction. Without real estate agents guiding the process, the title company becomes your safeguard. They’ll draft the necessary documents, hold earnest money in escrow, and ensure both parties fulfill their obligations under the contract.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re downsizing, moving closer to family, or investing in your retirement lifestyle, using a title company helps protect your interests every step of the way. In Texas real estate, peace of mind is worth every penny, and a good title company will make sure you sleep well at night.
Tip: Ask your real estate agent (if you’re using one) for a recommendation, or look for a local title company experienced in 55+ community transactions. It’s your property--and your future. Make sure both are protected. •
DANCES ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
Calendar of Events
Wednesday • Dec. 3, 2025
Y-Cook Breakfast 7:30 AM Bentsen Grove Resort Palmview (956) 585-7011
Craft Fair 8:00 AM Paradise South RV Resort Mercedes (956) 565-2044
Craft Fair 8:00 AM Canyon Lake RV Resort Mission (515) 402-0363
Golf View Estates Festival of Trees 9:00 AM Golf View Estates Mission (573) 873-5545
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.
