And just like that, this is the last Welcome Home Winter Texan of the season! It has been a wonderful winter, and we have enjoyed sharing it with you!
••• your official connection to the rio grande valley •••
your official connection to the rio grande valley •••
’ m ready for 2024! This season was off to a rocky start for me…so much to do and just not enough time. Long days and nights at the office are overrated, but you already know that!
And just like that, this is the last Welcome Home Winter Texan of the season! It has been a wonderful winter, and we have enjoyed sharing it with you!
And just like that, this is the last Welcome Home Winter Texan of the season! It has been a wonderful winter, and we have enjoyed sharing it with you!
And just like that, this is the last Welcome Home Winter Texan of the season! It has been a wonderful winter, and we have enjoyed sharing it with you!
I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to stick around, to extend your stay for a few days, weeks, months... or even indefinitely! The fun keeps coming; we keep dancing, dining, and having fun all summer long, and we’d love to have you join us.
I’m eager to get out and have some fun, and January promises to do just that. We kick off the New Year with the Entertainer Showcase, a two-day music festival, where entertainers from all across the country come to perform in hopes that they will get booked for this season and next. We’ve opened the event to the public, so if you’re in the mood for some new acts, the Entertainer Showcase is where you want to be.
I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to stick around, to extend your stay for a few days, weeks, months... or even indefinitely! The fun keeps coming; we keep dancing, dining, and having fun all summer long, and we’d love to have you join us.
I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to stick around, to extend your stay for a few days, weeks, months... or even indefinitely! The fun keeps coming; we keep dancing, dining, and having fun all summer long, and we’d love to have you join us.
I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to stick around, to extend your stay for a few days, weeks, months... or even indefinitely! The fun keeps coming; we keep dancing, dining, and having fun all summer long, and we’d love to have you join us.
If you feel you must go, I’d like to invite you to help us spread the word about South Texas to everyone you meet along the way and those you see every day back home. Invite them to join you next season! We would love to have them join us. The more the merrier!
Next, we have not one, but two, Winter Texan Expos--two days in McAllen, January 16-17, and a new bonus day in Brownsville, January 18. Admission is free for all three! We have an incredible entertainment lineup, tons of vendors…and did I mention it’s free?
If you feel you must go, I’d like to invite you to help us spread the word about South Texas to everyone you meet along the way and those you see every day back home. Invite them to join you next season! We would love to have them join us. The more the merrier!
If you feel you must go, I’d like to invite you to help us spread the word about South Texas to everyone you meet along the way and those you see every day back home. Invite them to join you next season! We would love to have them join us. The more the merrier!
If you feel you must go, I’d like to invite you to help us spread the word about South Texas to everyone you meet along the way and those you see every day back home. Invite them to join you next season! We would love to have them join us. The more the merrier!
This September, we will host our second, not so annual (thanks to the pandemic), Winter Texan Reunion Tour, so we’d also like to invite you to join us at one of our stops. Stay tuned as we announce our travel plans.
We close out January on the 24th at our Bayside Music Festival at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island. This event sells out every year, so get your tickets before they’re gone, and join us for a day of music, fun, great seafood, and yet another stellar music lineup.
This September, we will host our second, not so annual (thanks to the pandemic), Winter Texan Reunion Tour, so we’d also like to invite you to join us at one of our stops. Stay tuned as we announce our travel plans.
It has been a real pleasure to serve you this year. We will work throughout the summer months on all of our programming so next season will be even better than this one!
I hope you’re ready for 2024, too. Let’s have some fun!
New Year, New Events!
Story and Photos by Eryn Reddell Wingert
T
This September, we will host our second, not so annual (thanks to the pandemic), Winter Texan Reunion Tour, so we’d also like to invite you to join us at one of our stops. Stay tuned as we announce our travel plans.
This September, we will host our second, not so annual (thanks to the pandemic), Winter Texan Reunion Tour, so we’d also like to invite you to join us at one of our stops. Stay tuned as we announce our travel plans.
he new year brings new and exciting things for visitors from the team at Welcome Home RGV (WHRGV).
Special
“Winter Texans bring cooler weather; I’m really excited about that.” says WHRGV owner Kristi Collier. “They also bring cheese!”
It has been a real pleasure to serve you this year. We will work throughout the summer months on all of our programming so next season will be even better than this one!
It has been a real pleasure to serve you this year. We will work throughout the summer months on all of our programming so next season will be even better than this one!
It has been a real pleasure to serve you this year. We will work throughout the summer months on all of our programming so next season will be even better than this one!
enjoy the show at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium for a ticketed price.
~We’re just connecting the dots. •
Safe travels, Y’all! •
Safe travels, Y’all! •
Kristi
We’re just connecting the dots, Kristi
“We service the entire Rio Grande Valley. Not everyone from Brownsville can trek to McAllen,” says Collier. In a mountain-to-Muhammad move, the Expo will extend to January 18 and be held at the Brownsville Event Center. from kristi
We’re just connecting the dots, Kristi
Cheese aside, Collier says she’s excited about this season’s events--traditional and new. First up on the agenda: the Entertainer Showcase. This is the second year WHRGV will host the Showcase, providing entertainment acts, nine minutes each, over two days--January 9 and 10--to win over bookers for local RV parks and resorts.
It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the long-awaited return of so many of our friends. Now, here we are bidding you farewell and safe travels. All of us at Welcome Home RGV look forward to your return. Plans are Special to Welcome Home RGV
Next up: the Winter Texan Expo will include an additional date and location. The Expo is a free, twoday event showcasing vendors and entertainment acts at the McAllen Convention Center, coming up January 16 and 17.
It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the long-awaited return of so many of our friends. Now, here we are bidding you farewell and safe travels. All of us at Welcome Home RGV look forward to your return. Plans are
It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the long-awaited return of so many of our friends. Now, here we are bidding you farewell and safe travels. All of us at Welcome Home RGV look forward to your return. Plans are Special to Welcome Home RGV
It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the long-awaited return of so many of our friends. Now, here we are bidding you farewell and safe travels. All of us at Welcome Home RGV look forward to your return. Plans are
We’re just connecting the dots, Kristi
We’re just connecting the dots, Kristi
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023-2024
THANK YOU TO OUR 2021-2022 SEASON SPONSORS
Safe travels, Y’all! • FAREWELL WINTER TEXAN SEASON CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
FAREWELL WINTER TEXAN SEASON CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
The public, once again, is welcome to come and
FAREWELL WINTER TEXAN SEASON CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
Safe travels, Y’all! • FAREWELL WINTER TEXAN SEASON CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
THANK YOU TO OUR 2021-2022 SEASON SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR 2021-2022
THANK YOU TO OUR 2021-2022
•••
FROM KRISTI
FROM KRISTI
••• your official connection to the rio grande valley •••
FROM KRISTI
••• your official connection to the rio grande valley •••
FROM KRISTI
Now, vendors will have three days to reach visitors from across the Rio Grande Valley.
If that wasn’t enough fun for one month, the Bayside Fiesta will be back January 24 at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island. If you haven’t taken part in this outdoor concert featuring amazingly talented acts while being served beverages and delicious fish baskets with a view of the Laguna Madre, this is your sign!
February 24, WHRGV is revving up for the inaugural Ride the Wave Motorcycle Rally, which will travel from Mission to South Padre Island with pick-up stops along the route.
In the midst of the winter season, WHRGV will also invite visitors to partake in an economic-impact study in an effort to put a punctuation mark on what Collier and her team have been bragging about over its 16-year history.
Publisher
Kristi Collier kristi@welcomehomergv.com
Administration
Amie Gray agray@welcomehomergv.com
Event Manager
Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com
Business Development
Leigh Woolridge leigh@welcomehomergv.com
Chris Leadbetter chris@welcomehomergv.com
Travel Division
Kristy Meyer travel@welcomehomergv.com
Sarah Denzer sarah@welcomehomergv.com
Stella Riester stella@welcomehomergv.com
Accounting
Angela Blanchard accounting@welcomehomergv.com
Editor
Chris Ardis
news@welcomehomergv.com
Graphic Design
Affinity Media Consulting LLC
Content Creator / Photographer
Eryn Reddell Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com
Promotional Division
Elizabeth Seal elizabeth@welcomehomergv.com
Cristi Klostermann promotions@welcomehomergv.com
Sabina Adames sabina@welcomehomergv.com
Activity Coordinator
Fran Adams fran@welcomehomergv.com
We Winter Texans! Calendar Submissions!
For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email: calendar@welcomehomergv.com The deadline for submission is Fridays at 5:00pm the week prior. •
Weekly
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 today at: info@welcomehomergv.com
Welcome Home RGV has several ways to join the action on social media.
Our WHRGV Facebook page is dedicated to community events and information that will appeal to people of all ages. Our Winter Texan page is more specific to our Winter Texan target market.
www.facebook.com @whrgv @wintertexan
www.youtube.com
Find on YouTube Channel “Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley”
www.instagram.com @welcomehomergv @wintertexans
W. Nolana • McAllen, TX 78504 956-687-5115
“Winter Texans are vital to our local economy and an incredible asset to our community,” says Collier. Finally, Welcome Home RGV will wrap up the 2023-24 Winter Texan season by calling for nominations for Winter Texan of the Year, a person or couple who embodies what it means to be an asset to the community Nominations will open January 22, and the deadline to submit is February 16. The winner(s) will be
announced in March.
Then, Welcome Home RGV will celebrate Winter Texans who take the plunge to “Converted Texan” by reciting the Texas Pledge of Allegiance at the Converted Texan Corral, April 11 at Victoria Palms in Donna.
Information on all of these events-and a whole lot more--are available on the newly revamped WHRGV website at welcomehomergv.com or by calling 956-687-5115. •
‘Tis the Season
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
D ennis Archambault, a resident of Mission West, sent us this adorable picture he titled “’Tis the Season.” •
SUNSHINE RV RESORT
CONCERT SERIES 2024
1900 Grace Ave, Harlingen (956) 428-4137
Total Country- 1/17/2024 the best of 1990s country hits
ABBAFab- tribute to the music of ABBA
Project Presley Beyond ‘77- what if Elvis had lived on?
1/31/2024
2/14/2024
December ‘63- Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons tribute 2/28/2024
Arizona Highwaymen- tribute to The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristo erson, Waylon Jennings) 3/13/2024
Voyager- tribute to the music of Journey
COUNTRY SUNSHINE RV RESORT
1601 S Airport Dr, Weslaco (956) 969-1557
3/20/2024
Winterhaven Residents Double as Santa’s Elves
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Established in 1973, Avance is a national nonprofit organization that creates a pathway to economic mobility through innovative, culturally responsive, two- generation programming. Avance has been helping children in the Rio Grande Valley and their families since 1995.
• For the past six years, Winterhaven MHP of Pharr has been
Project Presley Beyond ‘77the best of 1990s country hits what if Elvis had lived on?
Total Country- 1/18/2024
2/15/2024
ALAMO PALMS RV RESORT
1341 W Bus Hwy 83, Alamo (956)787-7571
the best of 1990s country hits
Total Country- 1/19/2024
ABBAFab- tribute to the music of ABBA 2/2/2024
December ‘63- Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons tribute 3/1/2024
FUN-N-SUN RV RESORT
1400 Zillock Rd, San Benito (956) 399-5125
Total Country- 1/20/2024 the best of 1990s country hits
ABBAFab- tribute to the music of ABBA 2/3/2024
Project Presley Beyond ‘77- what if Elvis had lived on? 2/17/2024
December ‘63- Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons tribute 3/2/2024
3/16/2024
Voyager- tribute to the music of Journey
VICTORIA PALMS HOTEL & RV RESORT
602 N Victoria Rd, Donna (956) 782-3200
3/23/2024
Total Country- 1/21/2024 the best of 1990s country hits
ABBAFab- tribute to the music of ABBA 2/4/2024
Project Presley Beyond ‘77- what if Elvis had lived on? 2/18/2024
Arizona Highwaymen- tribute to The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristo erson, Waylon Jennings)
December ‘633/17/2024
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons tribute 3/3/2024
Arizona Highwaymen- tribute to The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristo erson, Waylon Jennings)
Voyager- tribute to the music of Journey
SOUTHERN COMFORT
matinee 3-5 pm available
1501 S Airport Dr, Weslaco (956) 968-3140
3/24/2024
donating Christmas gifts to children in the Avance program. Residents have provided gifts to approximately 600 children during this time. Each year, Winterhaven is given names of children--with their age (from newborn to three years old) and clothing size. Each one is placed on the Park’s Christmas tree in the Rec Hall, and residents pick one or more children to bless with gifts. By Thanksgiving, all names are spoken for. Residents go out shopping and return gifts to the Rec Hall and place them around the Christmas tree with the child’s name on a tag. Once all gifts have been placed around the tree, the Winterhaven “elves” take a trip to Avance in Alamo to deliver them. Avance then hosts a drive-by holiday event for the children to receive their gifts. Winterhaven MHP may not be at the North Pole, but Santa’s elves abound there. •
ABBAFab- 2/1/2024
December ‘63tribute to the music of ABBA Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons tribute 2/29/2024
Voyager- tribute to the music of Journey 3/21/2024
Concerts are from 7-9pm
Arizona Highwaymen- tribute to The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristo erson, Waylon Jennings) 3/14/2024 matinee 3-5 pm available Contact each venue
Thursday, January 11th - Friday, January 12th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Yarn Tasting 2024
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Let the New Year begin! Yepperz! It is time for our TENTH Annual Yarn Tasting, and y’all are invited to join us the week of January 10 to kick things off.
Over the years, our Yarn Tasting has been a wonderful celebration, and we just cannot believe that this is the tenth one. Time flies when you’re just stitching along!
This year, our 10th Annual Yarn Tasting will be held over four days-Wednesday, January10, through Saturday, January 13. It’s a four-day yarn party! During the week of Yarn Tasting, there will be all kinds of fun around our theme, Mission Morsels. There will be displays of hats made this past year from people who joined our 2023 Make-Along-themed Birds in the Rio Grande Valley , displays of some of our new and favorite yarns, plus our “winter” class schedule options. A few of our mission friends have also sent pictures of your items and stories to share of where some of these gifts have gone. It is always amazing to hear of the encouragement and provision one
little hat can be or the warmth and hug a shawl gives to another.
We hope you all will join us this year as we take a look back over the years and peek into upcoming plans. We always kick off the Yarn Tasting with the announcement of the final Donation Chest count for the previous year. Our Donation Chest has been “working” pretty hard this year, thanks to all of you, and we are all very excited for the increase in people we are able to serve.
During this past year, we added a couple more mission groups and another clinic for the Knitted Knockers. Your contributions and support have blessed us over the last nine years, and your giving hearts continue to inspire others to lend their talents to serve in helping others--wherever they are.
There will be coffee and cookies and friends here. We hope you will join us for fun and fiber during Yarn
Tasting 2024; every morsel counts!
During your time in the RGV, we hope you will come and join The Lamb’s Loom in person at 1102 Tamarack in McAllen. 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
Let’s continue to #stitchitforward together. We’re putting #loveineverystitch. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. ~Psalm 34:8. •
by Sarah Denzer, Tours by Welcome Home tour manager
In 2022, over 34 million people visited San Antonio, and tourism there continues to be on the rise. Tours by Welcome Home RGV recently took a bus tour up north to take some folks on an adventure.
“This was a really well-thought-out trip, and we enjoyed it,” said Anne Marie Mooney. “There was a great balance of leisure time and scheduled activities.”
The tour group stayed downtown on the Riverwalk at the Drury Plaza Hotel. Guests were incredibly happy with the hotel choice. The rooms were beautiful, and the location couldn’t be beat; it is within walking distance to many famous attractions and the Riverwalk steps are just outside the hotel doors.
Many people visit the Alamo every year, but on this tour, attendees were able to see the other four missions included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour guide, Melvin, with MOV Tours, shared the history of these locations with theatrics, humor and a touch of scandal.
“He was a great guide. He made history entertaining and engaging,” said Annette Schulz. All participants
Avoid FOMO! Sign up now with Tours by Welcome Home RGV
had headphones to clearly hear all of the fascinating details and follow along on the tour.
“My favorite part of the trip has to be the Riverwalk boat ride. It was just gorgeous,” Joan Jennette explained.
The group took a Christmas river cruise on the first night on the tour.
The lights were sparkling along the Riverwalk, setting the mood for the perfect holiday backdrop. There were Christmas carols playing on the boat, and everyone had a cup of hot cocoa to enjoy on the ride.
One unique stop the group made was to visit Garcia Glass.
Here, the group watched as artists demonstrated their handblown glass masterpieces.
“That was a truly unique experience that I really enjoyed. I never would have seen that if Sarah didn’t bring me here,” one tour attendee said. Everyone on the tour even took home a handmade, heart-shaped paperweight as a souvenir of the trip.
When you tour with Welcome Home RGV, everything from the movie and games on the bus to the unique itinerary are taken care of completely. Making sure people
know they’re in good hands is something Tours by Welcome Home RGV takes very seriously.
Next time there’s a tour to San Antonio or anywhere else, don’t wait! Sign up at welcomehomergv.com, and join in the fun!
NOTE: For those who don’t know, “fomo” stands for “fear of missing out.” •
Valley Tradition Shopping Extravaganza Coming to SPI
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
T
he 27th Annual SPI Market Days will be held on South Padre Island January 26-28 and February 23-25. This indoor event will take place at the South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd. Event hours are Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is only $1, and children 12 and under are free.
This unique venue will host vendors with original art, handmade jewelry, gourmet food and drink mixes, a variety of specialty booths, health and beauty products, pet items, home décor and goods, custom handcut metal art, textiles, tools, wine products, handbags, fashionable clothing, shoes and hats, as well as local restaurants and businesses offering their goods and services.
Visit and shop among a large collection of artisans--in one location. Some vendors are local and others are from all over the U.S., bringing you their best quality items. Hourly door prizes, live music by Brooks Ausborn, food, fun, and lots of shopping. Bring a friend and come get your dose of “vitamin sea” while you shop!
For more information, please visit spimarketdays.com • .
ENTERTAINMENT • LIVE MUSIC • DOOR PRIZES
MCAllen Convention Center
Brownsville Event Center
January 17 & 16, 2024
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
700 Convention Center blvd (CORNER OF WARE & EXPRESSWAY 83)
January 18, 2024 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
1 Event Center, Paredes Line Rd. (BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS)
Bluebonnet RV Resort Makes Wishes Come True Winter Texan Expo Entertainer
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
Bluebonnet RV Resort adopted children from Juan de Dios Salinas Middle School in Mission and bought items on their Christmas wish lists. Mrs. Garcia, a counselor at the school, dropped by Bluebonnet to thank residents and pick up the items.
Yes, Rio Grande Valley, there is a Santa Claus.•
C.W. Sturgeon – It all Started With his Daddy
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
C
.W. Sturgeon has been performing since his Daddy taught him bass and put him on stage at the age of nine. In his 20s, he was a founding member of a bluegrass band, Cadillac Sky. Playing in that band gave Sturgeon the opportunity to play and sing at places like the Grand Ole Opry (with bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs), the Ryman, the Station Inn, and many others that are on most musicians’ bucket lists.
In the summer of 2020, Sturgeon recorded his first country album, Blues On Parade. Sturgeon is currently touring and bringing his classic country sound to many covers from his favorite artists, as well as his own compositions.
"It's a lot of work, and the road can be hard, but when I
hear the first notes of that steel guitar, every night I know I am right where I am supposed to be,” Sturgeon says.
McAllen is right where Sturgeon is supposed to be Wednesday, January 17, at 1:45 p.m. as he entertains the Winter Texan Expo audience. The Expo is at the McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd. •
by Rich Harmsen Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
L
enses…I’ve been thinking about this for a few days--perhaps even a few weeks. With lenses, we see various things: things like how we view people, our cities, our nation, our country, or our church. Today, God wanted to talk to me about how you and I view people. Often, a doctor will prescribe corrective lenses to help someone see clearly at a distance or enable them to do tasks that require close-up vision. Blue lenses are for those who find that screen time affects their sleep, while yellow lenses block UV rays and help with depth perception. I am reminded of an old song that talked about seeing clearly. Does anyone remember the song, “I Can See Clearly Now”? Here are some of the lyrics:
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sun-shiny day.
Perspectives I Can See Clearly Now
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone All of the bad feelings have disappeared Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for It’s gonna be a bright (bright) bright (bright) sun-shiny day.
Great song! It is going to be a bright, sun-shiny day, but we first have to remove the wrong lenses that are causing us to be blind or causing us to view people wrongly. How we view people--and the lenses we see them through--affect our expectations of them and, in turn, influences how we treat them. It doesn’t matter who it is. Our assumptions have extreme significance upon what we give them of ourselves. If I misdiagnose who a person is and their place before God, I will mistreat them. In the natural world, we know that if a disease is mistreated, and the problem is not cured, oftentimes an additional problem will occur as a result. However, when I have the correct lenses on, through the Word of God, biblical assumptions set a correct course that brings the best
out of the people we love and serve. Heaven’s culture is to influence our values so deeply that our perspective on people and their potential is to mirror the reality of that kingdom. Today, is God asking you to examine your lenses? If the lenses you are seeing people through are blurred, it’s time to take them off and put on the clear vision of God, through the Word of God. Ask him to remove those blurred lenses and to replace them with His vision.
Repeat after me: God, I repent for not seeing people the way you want me to see them. I ask that You forgive me for that. I ask that You would give me Your lenses so I can see others through Your eyes. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Let’s all see people through Kingdom lenses!
Rich and Tammy Harmsen are chaplains at Encore Tropic Winds RV Resort in Harlingen. Feel free to reach out to them at richharmsen@ aol.com or tammyharmsen63@ gmail.com . They are with Christian
Resort Ministries, which provides non-denominational worship services in RV resorts throughout the RGV. You may also contact Christian Resort Ministries at crmintl.org regarding opportunities to serve in your community. •
Nature Meets American Sign Language
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
T he South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary (SPIBNC&AS) is extremely excited to introduce Elena Garcia as our sign language interpreter for our deaf/hard of hearing guests.
ASL interpretation is scheduled once a month. Garcia is working with The SPIBNC&AS staff members presenting the 1:30 p.m. Gator Talk. She is a non-certified sign language interpreter who has 41 years of experience in signing in various educational and public settings. Her years of experience include being an ASL instructor at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, an interpreter for the Deaf for the Brownsville Catholic Diocese, and an educator of the Deaf for Brownsville Independent School District.
The SPIBNC&AS is aware of the importance of helping bridge the communication gap between hearing and hearing-impaired individuals. By providing this service, we are opening our door to a more diverse clientele who can help us further our mission of educating the public about the nature of the Laguna Madre Area.
The SPIBNC&AS considers the additional service Garcia is offering for the hearing impaired to be a winning feature in helping everyone feel welcomed and included in the many wonders of nature and wildlife.
In addition, to expand on this wonderful opportunity, The SPIBNC&AS will have a video recording of a Gator Talks presentation available seven days a week in the Exhibit Hall for individuals unable to attend the once-a-month live session. •
Sunset Palms RV & MH Park
$94,900
A MUST SEE! Brand New 2 bed 2 bath 2022 Legacy Home (1050 sqft per Mfr Specs). So much room for entertaining or just enjoying life on your covered porch. This home is in the active, gated 55+ community of Sunset Palms RV & MH Park. Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
Alamo Country Club, Alamo
$175,000
BEAUTIFUL 2 bed/2 bath home! Partially furnished home featuries wood laminate floors, water softener system, and view of the 8th green. Large kitchen with granite counter tops. Rear entry golf cart garage. Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
Retama Village, Mission
$299,900
Turnkey, open floor plan, fully furnished 2BD/2BA RV Port Home has everything you’re looking for. Granite countertops, custom cabinetry, SMART appliances, tile floors, professional landscaping (HOA maintained), new sprinkler system, new dual stage air co Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
Fall in love with this well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home with an attached 2 car garage located in Wagon City South, a 55+ community. This 1,344 sq ft home comes fully furnished and is move-in ready. Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
Gorgous RV Port Home remodeled inside & out. Covered RV Port area 58 ft. in length + added parking space. Landscaped fenced yard (HOA maintained). Large 2 story storage area/workshop with an additional 12x18 storage building for plenty of storage. Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, (816) 916-5583
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen $125,000
2000 Cavo Desert Rose Park Model in McAllen Mobile Park (55+) community. Homeowner has taken this home to another level by adding a screenedin sitting area, Texas Room, AND a Golf Cart Storage/Landry addition. There are no short cuts on the quality in Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
This home was built with extreme attention to detail. Everything was thought through and the floorplan was modified to maximize the living area and storage. Come see how great life can be in this terrific RV Porthome. Carol Kerr Welch, TREC540183, MHSLSP00048089, (956) 900-8487
A MUST SEE! Brand New 2 bed 2 bath 2022 Legacy Home (1050 sqft per Mfr Specs). So much room for entertaining or just enjoying life on your covered porch. This home is in the active, gated 55+ community of Sunset Palms RV & MH Park. Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
Llano Grande Resort & Golf Club, Mercedes
Turnkey, open concept home encompasses everything you need (+). 3 Bd, 2 Ba. Spacious rooms with lots of natural lighting, Walk-in Closets, Fully Furnished, Large Carport/Patio, Air-Conditioned Workshop with Storage. Welcome Ho Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
$38,500
Beautiful, 1 bed/1bath with Texas Room and separate laundry room. New gas stove, new seamless gutters, and it’s FULLY FURNISHED and in immaculate condition! ALAMO PALMS is a wonderful and active 55+ Community Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
$94,900
A MUST SEE! Brand New 2 bed 2 bath 2022 Legacy Home. So much room for entertaining or just enjoying life on your covered porch. Home sits on an oversized lot in the active, gated 55+ community of Breeze Lake MH & RV Campground Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
Llano Grande Resort, Mercedes
$119,000
This updated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom furnished mobile is located in an active 55+ guarded gate community. Features updated from include a renovated kitchen, a fresh paint in the living room, flooring, 2 mini splits, water heater Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
Wagon City South
Retama Village, Mission
Retama Village, Mission
Sunset Palms RV & MH Park
Alamo Palms
Breeze Lake MH & RV Campground
Spotted in the RGV Cameron County
by Eryn Reddell Wingert
This Texas Historical Commission marker sits along Military Highway southeast of La Feria. It chronicles the Alonso de Leon Expeditions against French usurpation of Spain's claim on Texas in the late 1600s. In 1687k de Leon crossed into present-day Roma and later led a successful military operation against the French adventurer Rene La Salle's Fort St. Louis settlement. In 1690, according to the marker, de Leon's expedition into Southeast Texas established the area's first Spanish mission and the eventuality of "Spain's great enterprise of colonizing Texas."
For more information on Texas historical markers, visit thc.texas.gov. •
28th Annual Winter Wildlife Expo on South Padre Island
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
S ave the date for the 28 th Annual Winter Wildlife Exp being held at the Hilton Garden Inn on South Padre Island February 9-11. Admission fee is $10 per day.
Enjoy guest speakers, live animal shows, vendors, exhibitors, guided tours, and much more. The Expo is a great way to learn about the special nature of the Laguna Madre area. A greater number of field trips are planned, too, so you can enjoy some of the best nature the coastal area has to offer.
Visit spibirding. com for speaker and tour schedules and information about the youth and adult photo contests. •
Country Music Jam, 1:00 PM, Heritage Square Mission (956) 580-3530
Open Jam Session, 1:00 PM, Bit-O-Heaven RV and MH Resort Donna (603) 396-2786
Riverside Dreamer River Tour, 1:00 PM, Riverside Club Mission (956) 581-4477
Rock & Roll Jam, 1:00 PM, Wagon City North Mission (956) 683-5888
PH III, IV RD Dance/WS, 2:00 PM, Alamo
L ooking 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 by listing entertainment events, dances, meals, jam sessions, meetings, and even garage sales. For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email calendar@welcomehomergv.com. The deadline for submission is Fridays at 5:00pm the week prior. •
Palms RV Resort Alamo (956) 787-7571
Happy Hour w/Curt James , 3:00 PM, Leisure World Weslaco (956) 968-8412
Happy Hour w/Helen Russell & Company, 3:30 PM, Paradise South RV Resort
Mercedes (956) 565-2044
Biscuit/Sausage Gravy & Pancake Supper, 4:30 PM, Big Valley RV Park Donna (956) 464-4159 $7
Happy Hour w/Diego & Edith 5:00 PM, Llano Grande RV Resort Mercedes (956) 565-2638 BS Bar
Gospel Sing, 6:00 PM, Southern Comfort
RV Resort Weslaco (956) 968-3140
Anthony Hernandez Illusions, 7:00 PM, Pine to Palm Resort Park Weslaco (956) 968-5760
Dance w/Steven May & the Southern Knights, 7:00 PM, Tip O Texas RV Resort Pharr (956) 787-9959 $8
Island's Holiday Light Show, 7:00 PM, South Padre Island Entertainment District South Padre Island
The Baker Family , 7:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park McAllen (956) 682-3304 $9
Regan James, 3:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort Weslaco (956) 968-0322 PTH The Hollow Buck Band, 3:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort Palmview (956) 585-7011 PTH
Happy Hour w/Sandra Harmon 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM, Llano Grande RV Resort Mercedes (956) 565-2638 BS Bar Jam Session, 6:00 PM, Victoria Palms RV Resort Donna (956) 464-7801
Root Beer Floats, 6:00 PM, Split Rail RV Park $2 Show with AH Illusions, 6:15:00 PM, Park Place Estates RV Resort $12 Big Band Jam, 6:30 PM, La Hacienda Estates Alamo (254) 449-4568
The Baker Family, 7:00 PM, Tropic Winds RV Resort Harlingen (956) 423-4020 $10 adv/$12 door
Dance w/Muzik, 7:00 PM, Alamo Palms RV Resort Alamo (956) 787-7571 $8 Helen Russell & Company, 7:00 PM, Big
DANCE JAM SESSIONS MEALS SALES ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
Valley RV Park Donna (956) 464-4159 $10
Island's Holiday Light Show, 7:00 PM, South Padre Island Entertainment District South Padre Island
Paint a Lighthouse on a Poured Canvas, 10:00 AM, Laguna Madre Art Gallery Port Isabel (956) 943-1407 $50 PH 2-4 Waltz/Foxtrot Teach, 10:00 AM, Tropic Star RV Resort Pharr (956) 787-5773
Island's Holiday Light Show, 7:00 PM, South Padre Island Entertainment District South Padre Island Mayham Comedy, 7:00 PM, Country Sunshine RV Resort Weslaco (956) 969-1557 $9 Naomi Bristow, 7:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort Harlingen (956) 357-5498 $9
DANCE JAM SESSIONS MEALS SALES ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
Rick McEwen, 7:00 PM, Casa Del Sol
Donna (956) 464-2272 $10
Ron Moshier, 7:00 PM, Rio Valley Estates Weslaco (956) 968-2708 $8
South Padre Island Farmers Market, 11:00 AM, The Shores South Padre Island Abundance Quartet , 1:00 PM, Bit-OHeaven RV and MH Resort Donna (603) 396-2786 $10
Jam Session, 1:00 PM, Fiesta Village Mission (956) 585-9264
Justin Terry to perform at Winter Texan Expo, 11:00 AM, McAllen Convention Center McAllen (956) 687-5115 FREE Admission! Lunch, 11:30 AM, Paradise Park Inc.
McAllen McAllen (956) 682-8081
Jam Session, 12:00 PM, Leisure World Weslaco (956) 968-8412
Wayward Gypsies to perform at Winter Texan Expo , 12:15:00 PM, McAllen Convention Center McAllen (956) 6875115 FREE Admission!
Jam Session, 1:00 PM, The Grove San Juan Jam Session, 1:00 PM, Oleander Acres RV Resort Mission (956) 585-9093 Jam Session, 1:00 PM, Paradise Park Inc. McAllen McAllen (956) 682-8081
Marie & The Country Gents , 1:00 PM, Fiesta Village Mission (956) 585-9264
PLUS Review, 1:00 PM, Tropic Star RV Resort Pharr (956) 787-5773 $5
Country Jam Lunch, 11:00 AM, Siesta Retirement Village Weslaco (956) 969-3740 $8
Country & Gospel Jam & Lunch, 11:30 AM, Pharr South Pharr (956) 787-7839
Country Jam Session, 1:00 PM, Siesta Retirement Village Weslaco (956) 969-3740
Jan 20 Jason Whorlow $9
Jan 23 Fabulous Feud Game Show
Cra & Tag Sale
Jan 18 8:00 - Noon The Piano Man The Chamberlin’s
JUSTIN TERRY - Dance
$8 pp 7-10 PM
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Entertainment
JASON WHORLOW
$8 pp 7-9 PM
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
NAOMI BRISTOW
$8 pp 7-9 PM
Thursday, January 18, 2024
MARK MERCHANT
$9 pp 7-9 PM
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL
$9 pp 7-9 PM
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
AUTOMOTIVE
2021 Imagine by Grand Design RK2250 Extremely clean 2021 Imagine 28’ travel trailer. Clean title. Only one owner, used very seldom, less than 2000 road miles. $28,900 Verna Terrell (956) 607-2330
Class A Motorhome For Sale 2003 National Tradewinds Class A Motorhome. 39 ft. Excellent condition. 73420 mi. Generator, AC (2) New Batteries, W/D combo. Many Extras. Contact 360-5804149. Alamo, TX $75,500.00
I'LL PAY CASH.. For your mobile home, travel trailer, park model, fifth wheels. Call Jerry 956-929-3842. "I'LL MAKE YOU A GOOD DEAL!" $ Klaryssa (956) 432-5325
RV Rental On-site RV Rentals. Units are Permanently set up on Large Lots and Are Move-in Ready. Short and Longterm Rentals Available. 33' to 37' Travel Trailers w/slides. Floorplans vary. $1,100 (956) 585-7630
Very Nice 2018 Rockwood 2604 WS TT - 30' This 30 foot camper is the perfect size for two people and a pet but it will easily sleep 4. Strengthened rear bumper, upgraded A/C unit to run on 110 $26,996 Gregory Ellis (937) 564-9284
HOMES, LOTS & LAND
Alamo Country Club (55+ Community) Furnished! On golf course! New quartz countertops complement white kitchen cabinets. New plank-style floors. 2Brm/2Baths. Big MBrm. Tom 651.703.7154 $198,000 shanahan.tom@gmail.com
Alamo Country Club, Alamo BEAUTIFUL 2 bed/2 bath home! Partially furnished home 1400 sqft wood laminate floors, water softener system. Large kitchen granite counter tops. Rear entry golf cart garage. $175000 Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
House & Apartment Rental House: 2 bed, 1 bath, Living room, dining room, garage, laundry room. $50/day, no electricity charge. Apartment: 1 bed, 1 bath, Living Room, laundry room. $25/day, no electricity charge. $350 (956) 585-7630
Recently remodeled RV Porthome! 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. $339,000 Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, (816) 916-5583
Build your Winter get-away! 6,250 square foot lot in Alamo Country Club. $30,000 Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
MANUFACTURED HOMES
14 x 48 Mini Mobile Home This 14 x 48 mini mobile is 2 bed/1 bath, fully furnished and move in ready! Flooring replaced, central air conditioning and heat, new laminate flooring and carpet. $18,500 Bonnie Dominguez, MHSLSP00045160, (956) 434-6112
14x52 Mobile Home For Sale Countryside MH Park, 55+ in Donna. 2-bdrm, 1-bath. Recently remodeled doors, windows, flooring and new water lines. Exterior painted, insulated underbelly. Includes carport, 10x13 shed. $40,000 (641)295-5063 or (956) 464-3834
Adobe Wells, McAllen 2 bed/2 bath 1278 sqft, large primary w/ private bath. Living room, nice front bay windows. Large Texas Room PLUS separate workshop/storage area! Assumable VA loan! $89,000 Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
Breeze Lake MH & RV Campground New 2022 - 2/2 Legacy Home. Open floor plan, forward living room, rear master. Full washer/ dryer hookup, refrigerator, dishwasher, range w/over range microwave. Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583 $94,900
El Ranchito 55+ Community, Harlingen FURNISHED 2 bed/1 bath home in Harlingen. This 834 sqft home completely updated. Separate laundry and workshop $75000 Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
Green Gate Grove, Palmview 55+ gated community. Turn key ready, furnished, this well-maintained 1 bed/1 bath mobile home front living. $69900 Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683 (956) 271-3683
Immaculate Updated & Partially Furnished Two bed/2 bath with an 11x26 Texas room, an 11x19 workshop and portable shed. Fully fenced. Own the land! $125000 Diana Martinez (956) 456-6103
Lemon Tree Estates 55+Lemon Tree Estates. 3 bed/1.5 bath comes fully furnished and is move-in ready! $74900 Heather Escobedo, TREC686290, MHSLSP00048506, (956) 271-3683
MOBILE HOME FOR SALE (2 BDRM/2 BATH) 2006 mobile home located on rented lot in Rio Valley Estates, Weslaco. 2/2, large kitchen, bar and table eating areas, spacious living room. 14’ X 60’ carport awning with new sun screening, small porch/deck, 8’ X 10’ storage shed. Fully furnished and move $69,500 Debbie Williams 830-613-0078
Siesta Retirement Village 2/2 mobile home, 1540 sq ft. 2 living areas and dining. Own your land! $87500 Tami Smith, TREC713591, MHSLSP00044829, (956) 274-9161
Sun Valley Retirement Village Own your land! Updated 1/1 mobile home. New plumbing, wiring and flooring. Tankless water heater, screenedin patio. $69900 Tami Smith, TREC713591, MHSLSP00044829, (956) 274-9161
Sunset Palms RV & MH Park 2/2 2022 Legacy Home (1050 sqft). Covered porch. 55+ community Brownsville. $94900 Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
MANUFACTURED HOMES
Texan Mobile Park 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath (1972) 12X46 Skyline Waco Buddy. Great home for the right handy man. Partially furnished. $10500 Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
Used Manufactured Home 1/1 840 square feet MH. 20x30 Bonus room, 2 double carports, large workshop. Central AC/Heat. Comes with some furniture, a refrigerator, stove washer and dryer. $420 (956) 585-4833
Wagon City South 2 Bed/2 Bath home on corner lot in Wagon City So. New Double Pane Windows, flooring, Generac Gas Generator. $130,000 Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
PARK MODELS
Alamo Palms RV Resort 1 bed/1bath w/Texas Room, separate laundry room. New gas stove, seamless gutters, FULLY FURNISHED, Alamo Palms. $38500 Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
Fully furnished & Turn-Key Ready! 1 bed/1 bath built in 2000. Fully furnished and includes plate ware, glassware, and silverware! Outdoor patio. $16500 Curt Riester, TREC771832, MHSLSP00047858, (956) 455-4195
McAllen Mobile Park, McAllen 2000 Cavo Desert Rose Park Model. Screened-in sitting area, Texas Room, Golf Cart Storage/Laundry addition. Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583 $46,500
Split Rail RV Park & Resort 1 Brm, 1 Bath 1985 Carri Lite Park Model with Texas Room, Car Port & Shed 924 sq. ft. of living space. 2 A/C units, new Refrigerator & Stove. Split Rail RV Park. $12,000 Gail Gallagher, TREC797370, MHSLSP00048999, (816) 916-5583
SERVICES
Repair RV 4 Button Thermostat or Aqua Hot Controller Repair service for Dometic 4 Button Thermostat or Webasto Controller box. CALL Jim at 308-440-5154 to discuss. www.FrerichsElectronics.com $ Jim Frerichs (308) 440-5154
MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER
Brothers Innvois 6000D embroidery machine Brothers does it all embroidery machineLots of accessories: arm, hoops, discs, thread, books etc $1500 barbara schuhmacher (612) 282-8052
WANTED
Now Hiring - Servers Bartenders and kitchen help. Part-time/full-time, Sundays only. Riverside Club, 214 East Chimney Road, Mission. Call Jennifer (956) 581-1033
Trophy Gardens Craft Vendors Wanted Trophy Gardens taking applications for an in-park Craft Show Jan 27 and/or Feb 24 . $12 tables. Contact Angela (956)685-5300 for info. Angela 956-685-5300
Heart of the Valley Farmers Market Vendor The Heart of the Valley Farmers Market is looking for vendors for monthly farmers market in Donna. Email donnafmmarket@gmail.com
Landscaping, housekeeping Work Campers needed in landscaping and housekeeping areas (956) 585-0541
Housekeeping General housekeeping duties for resort. Public buildings, restrooms and seasonal upkeep. 956597-6900, ext 1
NOW Hiring all positions NOW Hiring all positions 956-336-0905
Looking to buy or sell? Need a volunteer, a job, or part-time help? Or are you looking for a way to promote your business? Let us connect the dots, add your classified on our website at welcomehomergv.com or scan the QR code below.
Publisher’s notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Equal Housing Opportunity. For more detailed information, photos and more on classifieds, visit our website. A $7 fee must be paid weekly.
