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A FAMILY TRADITION!

Welcome Home RGV recognizes a family with a long history with RGV!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Check out our monthly listings of what’s happening in the RGV!

SOME LIKE IT HOT!

Junior League of McAllen, Inc. shares a delicious recipe for pan de polvo!

Welcome Home See message on page 2.

See calendar on page 8.

Try their recipe on page 6.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

June 2016

• • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •

ummer is officially here! Summer in the Rio Grande Valley means an even more relaxed state of mind. For those of you who’ve endured a Valley summer, you know to get up and at ‘em earlier than usual so you can beat the heat, either indoors or poolside, while you wait for the sun to go down. What most people who head north for the summer don’t understand is that while it gets hot--really hot--during the day, once the sun goes down, we can enjoy the evenings with the ‘cool’ breeze the coast provides. While I have to admit I’m quite jealous of all my winter friends who post photos of their lake houses and summer activities, I have to weigh the dog days of our summers against the winters up north. I would much rather sweat all summer than have to worry about shoveling snow! I guess one adapts to the pros and cons of every situation. I love the Rio Grande Valley, and after 45+ years of living here, I still don’t mind the heat. It’s the people who make your surroundings bearable, and the friendliness of the people here in the Valley make our home second to none. We’re all in it together, so let’s try to stay cool this summer. Be still, and know that ‘winter’ will be here before we know it. • We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

Summer Movies

at the Port Isabel Lighthouse

Dragons Invade IMAS!

Here Be Dragons Exhibit Landed May 28

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

International Museum of Art & Science is hosting the origins, symbolism, and cultural significance of the dragon through the Here Be Dragons! Exhibit May 28-September 5. Here Be Dragons explores the myth of dragons through culture, literature, folklore, religion, paleontology, history, science, and live animals. Featuring 4,000 square feet in Discovery Pavilion at IMAS, the Here Be Dragons exhibit is designed to delight, engage, and inspire all ages by making connections between living, breathing dragons and those of fanciful folklore, literature, mythology, and legend. A variety of living “dragon” species from around the world is included in this comprehensive exhibit. The Here Be Dragons exhibit features 20 real-life lizards, including Frilled Dragons, Basilisks, and Monitor Lizards (plus many more).

Through a variety of hands-on interactive stations, visitors will explore human-dragon cultural and historical connections by traveling back to medieval times, across continents to Asia, and through time with paleontology digs. Experience the thrill of a medieval catapult, become a paleontologist in the Dino Dig box, create a magical world through puppets, and experience much more. In addition, visitors will be able to see the “real-live dragons” of today and learn what they eat, how they survive in the wild, who their natural predators are, and the challenges to their survival! Learn how you can play a vital part in preserving “dragons” and their habitats. Here Be Dragons is organized by the Potawatomi Zoo and produced by Build 4 Impact Inc. Be sure to mark the exhibition dates on your calendar! This exhibition is not included in

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Lighthouse Establishment Cinema will begin Season 12 June 3. Nine movies are scheduled and will run every Friday in June and July starting at 9:30 p.m., just after the South Padre Island fireworks display over the Laguna Madre bay. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, and friends and family members for a memorable evening on the grounds of the historic Port Isabel Lighthouse. There is no admission charge. Concessions are available on-site. For more information, please contact the Museums of Port Isabel at 956943-7602 or email Jeannie Marie A. Flores, museum administrator, at jrivera@copitx.com. • general admission. There is a $5.00 additional entrance fee for this exhibit, except for Family Premium and higher members. Ask us about our Museums for All program. For more information, please call 956-682-0123 or visit our website at www.imasonline.org. •

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

June 2016 • • • Welcome

Home RIO GRANDE VALLEY • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

Birds and Their Nests by John Brush, Quinta Mazatlan Naturalist

One of the pleasures of birdwatching-

-or any other sort of nature viewing--is experiencing the changing of seasons. Spring has sprung in the Valley. The huisache trees have been in bloom, the mesquites have burst out with the vivid green of new leaves, and the spring migration of birds has begun. However, even now, as shorebirds, hawks, and songbirds pass through, some of our resident birds are beginning to build nests. This affords us a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into where and of what birds build these crucial aspects of their lives.

Common Pauraque will lay their eggs directly on the ground, making nothing more than a slight depression or scrape in leaf litter.

Welcome Home

WINTER TEXAN

your official connection to the rio grande valley

Publisher Kristi Collier

kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Accounting Sharon Flores

sharon@welcomehomergv.com

Administration Amie Gray

agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins

colie@welcomehomergv.com

Sales & Marketing Cheryl Palacios

cheryl@welcomehomergv.com

Communications Director Matt Davis matt@welcomehomergv.com

1st Responder Coordinator Rita Huether rita@welcomehomergv.com

Activity Coordinator Fran Adams

fran@welcomehomergv.com

Worldwide, birds build a diverse array of nests, ranging from the intricate communal nests of the African Sociable Weavers (truly impressively sized, multi-chambered nests) to the massive mound nests of the Australasian megapodes. (They literally bury their eggs to be groundincubated). Many types of nests are represented here in the Rio Grande Valley, so let’s take a tour. The simplest types of nests barely qualify. Some birds, such as the Common Pauraque (a favorite of many birders here at Quinta Mazatlan), will lay their eggs directly on the ground, making nothing more than a slight depression or scrape in leaf litter. The camouflage of the adult pauraques as they take turns incubating is the only protection the eggs have. Fortunately, their camouflage is excellent. Some birds will make use of burrows; most of the time, these are dug by the bird itself (as opposed to utilizing burrows dug by other animals). The Green Kingfisher, the smallest kingfisher in the United States, will

It can take up to three weeks for the female Altamira Oriole to weave her long hanging nest.

use its bill to dig a tunnel about three feet in length. The kingfisher’s partially fused toes help to push loose dirt behind as they dig into steep riverbanks. Similarly, in regards to excavation, are the cavity-nesting habits of many

Graphic Design Jenny R Carpenter silentBYTES design

artwork@welcomehomergv.com

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rio grande valley

219 W. Nolana, Ste A • McAllen, Texas 78504

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© Copyright 2016 Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic means without written permission from Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley, LLC.

BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 >>

Spending Winters in the RGV: A Family Tradition

Monthly e-Blasts

A Welcome Home RGV Message to Donna Stang

Welcome

Recently,

news@welcomehomergv.com

species. Primary cavity nesters, such as the Golden-fronted Woodpecker, are capable of making their own nests, while secondary cavity-nesters must rely on preexisting cavities. Dead palm trees are some of the most popular nesting sites for the Golden-fronted Woodpeckers. These old palms turn into bird condominiums, as other cavity-nesting species will come in to use the old woodpecker holes. Green Parakeets will quietly poke their heads out, or perhaps the raucous squawking of a Red-crowned Parrot will announce another cavity-nester. The classic bird nests--the ones frequently depicted in animated

The Buff-bellied Hummingbirds build tiny nests made from spider webs, lichen, and other fine materials.

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Editor Chris Ardis

Golden-fronted Woodpeckers will carve out nesting cavities in telephone poles and fence posts, as well as in dead palm trees.

we received a message on our Facebook page from Donna Stang, a Winter Texan at Trails End RV Resort. For her family, coming to the Rio Grande Valley is a tradition dating back almost 70 years. Her mother began the tradition by visiting Weslaco Trailer Park in 1947 and proceeded to spend over 30 winters here. Her mother passed away recently at just over 100 years old, but Donna and her brother have taken up the tradition and now spend their winters at Trails End in Weslaco. Donna--we were touched by your message, and we hope you and your family will keep coming to the Rio Grande Valley for the next 70 years and beyond.•

Kristi’s e-Blasts are sent monthly April - September 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

Home RGV has three ways to join the conversation on Facebook. Our WHRGV 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. Finally, our latest addition is our Winter Texans RGV group. Member parks and business partners can send event fliers to us at news@welcomehomergv.com, and we will be happy to post them on our social media sites any time! Perks for Partners! •

www.facebook.com/whrgv www.facebook.com/wintertexan www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • June 2016

Don’t Miss the 1st Annual Ridley Rush June 11 at the Gladys Porter Zoo Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Gladys Porter Zoo invites everyone to join the 1st Annual Ridley Rush 1-Mile Walk/Run Saturday, June 11, at 9:00 a.m. This family fun-run aims to raise awareness for the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. This run will kick off the 6th Annual YappoPalooza Sea Turtle Festival, which will be taking place at the zoo for the first time. The Ridley Rush route will take you through the beautiful and scenic Gladys Porter Zoo as you experience what a baby sea turtle must endure on its rush to the ocean. Sea turtle costumes are encouraged. The cost to participate is $12 for adults and children. This covers admission to the zoo, a medal, and entrance to the YappoPalooza Sea Turtle Festival family event on the zoo grounds from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All proceeds for these

events will go the Kemp’s Ridley Bi-National Conservation Program. Registration is required, and space is limited. For more information, please visit www.yappopalooza.net or www.gpz.org or call 956-546-7187. •

Fun with Carefully Selected Non-Native Plants by Anita Westervelt, Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist

The mornings and evenings are still Come visit Mustre Dental Clinic - the people’s favorite dental office in Nuevo Progreso.

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Friendly and Professional Service. With over 30 years in town, we have become one of the most, if not, the most trusted dental office. All of our dentists are certified and highly qualified to do dental work that you will be satisfied with. We welcome you to our office Monday-Saturday from 8:00am to 6:00pm and Sundays from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Stop by today or give us a call for more information.

lovely enough to have morning coffee outdoors with the birds. I hope you’ve read some of my other stories and acted on easy ways to attract birds and butterflies to your little garden spot with maintenance-free native plants. A refreshing ice-cold drink in the evenings also can be shared with butterflies and hummingbirds, depending on what you’ve planted. As a Texas Master Naturalist, I do subscribe to planting native plants, for a number of reasons. They have proven their stamina and have survived hundreds of years through some really tough weather conditions: drought, floods, freezing, wind. I also am broad-minded and enjoy non-native plants. Aesthetically, there are some plants offered for sale in local nurseries that I just can’t live without. Before you agree with me and rush out to buy some of the beautiful exotic plants that grow well here, a word of caution. They generally need a lot more water than drought-resistant native plants. During your travels recently through residential areas of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, you may have noticed the Royal Poinciana trees blooming. The Royal Poinciana is listed as one of the top five most beautiful trees in the world. I don’t recommend planting a Royal Poinciana tree near your RV. However, it has a smaller “cousin,” the Poinciana bush, Caesalpinia pulcherring. It has many names: Dwarf Poinciana, Pride of

Anole in Poinciana by Anita Westervelt

Barbados, Peacock Flower, and Flamboyant-de-jardin. The shrub is not native to North America, although its range is South Florida, Tip-of-Texas, and along the California coast and into southwest Arizona. It loves the climate here and will grow in full sun to partial shade. It isn’t soil-proud, establishing in clay, sand, loam, acidic or alkaline, as long as it is well drained. For a nonnative, it has high drought tolerance. In December, cut it back to about four feet. The vibrant orange and yellow, intricately designed, nectarrich flowers have brought me nearly 50 different species of butterflies, hummingbirds, hummingbird moths, and even a surprise or two. I captured a photo of an anole using the branches as a jungle gym. •

June 2016 • • • Welcome

Home RIO GRANDE VALLEY • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Nonprofit Spotlight: Christian Resort Ministries Special to Welcome Home RGV

Nonprofit Name: Christian Resort Ministries Mailing Address: 2186 Jackson Keller Road #2094 San Antonio, TX 78213 Phone Number: 970-420-9525 Email: chaplainbob46@gmail.com Website: www.crmintl.org Who is the director? Chaplain Bob Ruesch (Chaplain Bob Ruesch is a senior chaplain with Christian Resort Ministries, which places qualified and trained chaplains in RV resorts under Workamper® status. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Evergreen, Colorado, and travel six months a year in their Class C MinnieWinnie®. If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact Chaplain Bob at the email above.) How and when did your organization begin? Christian Resort Ministries (CRM)

was founded over a cup of coffee in the lobby of a hotel in San Antonio in 2002 when two couples sat down and recognized the need for chaplains, worship services, and other related religious activities in RV resorts across the U.S.A. We realized the Baby Boomers were starting toward retirement and would be traveling to warmer climates in the winter. Statistics show that around 8,000 people would retire each day for the next 10 years, which will comprise close to 30 million people (and this figure doesn’t count Generation X-right behind the Baby Boomers)! Where is your organization located and who does it serve? We are located in the Rio Grande Valley with chaplains serving from Los Fresnos to Mission. Our qualified, ordained, and dedicated chaplains serve in a non-denominational capacity. Some of the resorts we are serving have as many as 1200 RV

sites, while others have as few as 50. It matters not the size of the resort; what matters is being able to serve and bring the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ to those who know and don’t know Him. CRM is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) religious organization. Chaplains serve in how many resorts in the Rio Grande Valley? CRM is serving in over 30 RV resorts in the Rio Grande Valley. Last season, CRM chaplains held worship services for approximately 40,000 people in three southern states, with the greatest number of resorts in the Rio Grande Valley. We also serve resorts in Florida and Arizona. For some reason, the chaplains aren’t too keen on serving in the northern states in the winter. What opportunities for volunteers do you have in the Rio Grande Valley? That is a great question. Many

Chaplain Bob Ruesch and his wife, Barbara of our chaplains, who reside in the RV resort, are stretched to their appointment limits with home and hospital visits, It would be great to have couples who are willing to come and work with the chaplain to help in this area. Other opportunities are – and this is the kicker – to consider becoming a chaplain in a resort. There are many, many resorts that don’t have worship services, Bible studies, or Family Movie Nights, and CRM can supplement the activity directors’ schedules with these and other programs. Becoming a chaplain is a calling. It isn’t a job; it’s a ministry. Many of CRM’s chaplains are lay CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>

MHDBRK00003552

Lance Conn (956) 245-9969

MHSLSP00042265 lconn1968@yahoo.com

Bernie Ohlhauser (303) 204-6028 MHSLSP00043116 amobmo1@gmail.com

We are the #1 Broker of new and pre-owned manufactured homes, with 201 homes and over $4,000,000 in sales for 2015. Serving the Rio Grande Valley from South Padre Island to La Joya. Contact any agent to find out how we can market your home for sale or assist you in finding your new Winter Dream Home!

Rafael Adame (956) 570-3423

MHSLSP00043952 radame@wthsinc.com

Ginny Hirsch Linda Giesen Tim Hoffman (956) 532-7434 (956) 929-1961 (956) 873-9550

MHSLSP00041251 ginnyhirsch@aol.com

MHSLSP00042363 lgiesen@wthsinc.com

MHSLSP00043078 thoffman@wthsinc.com

602 N. Victoria Rd. #3000 • Donna, TX 78537 (956) 782-3587

Cindy Jalife (956) 532-9024 MHSLSP00042704 cindyj@wthsinc.com

Lela Mary Weber (956) 367-2231 MHSLSP00042920 lweber@wthsinc.com

Craig Gilley (956) 500-4333 MHSLSP00043489 cgilley@wthsinc.com

www.wthsinc.com

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • June 2016

>> CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

people who taught Sunday school, served as elders at their home church, or now feel the hand of our Lord guiding and directing them into ministry in the winter at an RV resort. CRM has chaplains from all walks of life--electricians, retired military personnel, oil field welders, even retired medical doctors, over-theroad truck drivers, custom kitchen designers, and missionaries. God calls individuals from all walks of life to serve in a new career. If you are interested in volunteering as a chaplain, where do you apply, and what is the procedure? That’s easy--by going to CRM’s web site (www.crmintl.org), clicking on the Christian Resort Ministries logo, and scrolling down to the Chaplain Interest Form. Once you submit the interest form, you will be contacted by our administrative coordinator for a phone interview. CRM also requires a background check, reference checks, and a week of orientation and classes in October. Then the chaplain will be generally assigned to a resort. But we don’t just place the chaplain in a resort and leave them alone; we assign them a mentor who is close by in another resort, a chaplain who has been in the field for a while who can

give advice and direction, as needed. Monthly meetings are held with other chaplains during the season (November until the end of March), which helps the chaplain keep up on items of interest and information (while enjoying a great meal and fellowship). In the summer, most chaplains travel, visit family, and get a good dosage of “grandchildren medicine” before returning to the Valley to serve another season. We don’t ask for any contract with the RV resort or the chaplain, and after the first year, we request that the resort and chaplain verbally commit to three to five years of service. We look for the commitment so resort residents know the chaplain will be returning and serving in a consistent manner year after year. Of course, if the chaplain wants to stay for a longer time, that is really OK. Bottom line--CRM is a ministry that brings the love of Jesus to those who know Him and don’t know Him; you see Jesus didn’t send an email to the lepers and ask them to meet Him at a coffee shop to discuss their medical condition. He went there and served; CRM uses this as the model for the chaplain RV ministry. •

Let’s Get Together and Volunteer Special to Welcome Home RGV

Would

you like to have fun, support a great cause, keep busy for six weeks in the mornings, and get paid a small stipend? First Presbyterian Church, in partnership with Victor Fields Elementary School in McAllen, is sponsoring a Summer Reading Program for students, and they need volunteers. The SOS Club (Securing Our Success Capturing the Library’s Unexplored Books) program will focus on kindergarten through fifth grade students, utilizing a proven curriculum targeting children who have been assessed to determine their reading levels and personal interests and geared especially toward students in the Rio Grande Valley. Volunteers will assist struggling readers with reading individually, vocabulary skill training, dramatizations, art, writing, and ways to use music. Different strategies and a wide variety of activities and lessons will be utilized. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 104 South 12th Street in Downtown McAllen. To volunteer for the SOS Club, or for

more information, please call Fields Elementary at 956-971-4344 and ask for Rosey Guerra, principal. •

Oscar Sotelo, MD

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June 2016 • • • Welcome

Home RIO GRANDE VALLEY • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

Picnic Possibilities: Great Food to Take Outside

by Sandy Olson

Oriental Coleslaw • • • • • • • •

1 small package sliced almonds 1 package chicken-flavored Ramen noodles 1 large bag coleslaw mix 3 green onions, chopped ½ cup peanut oil ½ cup cider vinegar 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (can use the low-sodium version) ¾ cup sugar • ¼ cup sesame seeds

Toast the almonds in a heavy, dry skillet over medium-high heat, shaking and stirring so they don’t burn. Cook until they are golden brown and fragrant. Break the noodles into small pieces and set aside the seasoning packet. Put the noodles, almonds, green onions, and coleslaw in a very large bowl. Whisk together the remaining ingredients, including ½ of the seasoning packet, until well combined. Taste to check the seasonings; you may want to add the remaining seasoning packet if you like your salad salty. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Sandy Olson, lifelong foodie, restaurant reviewer, cooking teacher. Summer Iowan; Winter Texan. You can contact Sandy at midwestfoodie@gmail.com.

Some Like It Hot with Junior League of McAllen, Inc. Special to Welcome Home RGV

Pan De Polvo Yield: 5-7 dozen • 2 pounds flour (use premeasured size) • 2 cup sugar • 1 pound shortening

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans • 1 egg (add an extra egg if mixture appears too dry)

(use premeasured size)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use an ungreased cookie sheet. Combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening; add pecans. Beat egg and add to flour mixture. Knead in a bowl and separate into six balls. Work each ball individually. Roll to ¼-inch thickness and cut with tiny cookie cutters. Bake 10-12 minutes. (Cookies will look pale.) Roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. The Junior League of McAllen, Inc. envisions significantly improving the quality of life of the children and youth of our community by preserving the innocence of childhood, encouraging responsibility, and promoting a safe environment. Cookbooks can be purchased through the Junior League website at www.juniorleaguemcallen.org, as well as at Barn White and Quips & Quotes in McAllen.

Pharr Community Theater Presents Shakespeare Special to Welcome Home RGV

Not skipping a beat after its recent

successful run of The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit by Ray Bradbury, The Pharr Community Theater Co. (PCT) has launched rehearsals for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged opens June 23 and runs through July 2 with three actors under the direction of Isidro Lerma, who is also chairman of the board for PCT and one of its artistic directors. Assisting him with direction will be Rise Morris. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged is a play where three actors, who play all of the characters, perform all of William Shakespeare’s plays in fewer than two hours.

Isidro Lerma, chairman of the board and artistic director for the Pharr Community Theater

William Shakespeare

“We perform all of his plays in a very unconventional way from a rap of Othello to a cooking show of Titus Andronicus,” said Lerma. “If you know the plays of William Shakespeare, this will be a delight to see. If you don’t know the plays, then you will learn the basic storyline of every play and still be totally entertained. It’s a hilarious romp on the Bard of Avon, and it’s very fitting that this year marks the 400th anniversary of his passing. No play is forgotten as we pay homage to one of the greatest playwrights in theatre history, William Shakespeare!” For more information on Shakespeare at the Pharr Community Theater, please call 361-461-2874.•

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • June 2016

Save the Dates: Summer Nights at the Museum A Family Adventure in a Three-Night Series Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory), a museum chronicling the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, announces its sixth annual Summer Nights at the Museum to be held June 9, June 30, and July 14 at 7:00 p.m. The museum will come to life with costumed interpreters, handson activities, and outdoor fun. Each night will focus on one of the three galleries of the Rio Grande Legacy exhibition, providing a new adventure each night. Start off any of the three nights with a lively puppet show featuring characters from the Rio Grande Legacy galleries. Following the puppet show, children can participate in the Find Me If You Can game, which motivates participants to find costumed interpreters or objects inspired by the puppet show characters. A nightly prize will be drawn from entrants who complete the game. Guests who attend and play the Find Me If You Can game all three Summer Nights at the Museum will also have a chance to win a grand prize. Once the sun goes down, guests can participate in outside activities that encourage everyone to have a great time at the museum.

Admission to Summer Nights at the Museum is the regular admission price, passes and coupons excluded: Adults (ages 18+) $7--seniors (ages 62+) and students with ID (13+) $5--children ages 4 to 12, $4--children ages 3 and under are free. As a participating museum in the Blue Star Museums, all active-duty military personnel and up to five family members receive free admission to all three Summer Nights at the Museum. Become a FRIEND of the museum to attend all three Summer Nights at the Museum – and more – for FREE. This summer, spend your nights at the museum and learn more about the borderland heritage and history of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico through hands-on activities, games, crafts, and entertainment. •

About Museum of South Texas History

The Museum of South Texas History is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is located in Downtown Edinburg at 200 N. Closner Blvd. on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. Hours of operation are from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday. Founded in 1967 as the Hidalgo County Historical Museum in the 1910 Hidalgo County Jail, the museum has grown over the decades, through a series of expansions, to occupy a full city block. In 2003 following the completion of a 22,500 square foot expansion, the museum was renamed the Museum of South Texas History to better reflect its regional scope. Today, the museum preserves and presents the borderland heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico through its permanent collection and the Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives and through exhibits spanning prehistory through the 20th Century. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a Friend, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook, follow on Twitter, connect with us on LinkedIn, and find us on Google+ or call us at 956-383-6911.

June 2016 • • • Welcome

Home RIO GRANDE VALLEY • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MONTH OF

June 1 - 30, 2016 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Join our volunteer coordinator for a fun morning of work and learning in our native gardens! Students, earn your service hours at Quinta Mazatlan! We are also a site certified for Texas Master Naturalist hours. For more information call 956-681-3370. Gisela Colon: PODS, 09:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. The exhibition features over a dozen sculptures made from blow-molded acrylic, plastic, iridescent and fluorescent pigments. For information call 956-682-0123. Here Be Dragons, 09:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. “Here Be Dragons!” exhibit! For information call 956-682-0123. Indigenous Weaving: Native Objects from Taiwan, 09:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900

JUNE 2016

Every Saturday and Sunday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Weather Permitting)

W Nolana Ave, McAllen. “Indigenous Weaving” featuring 40 native weavings from Taiwanese indigenous people. For information call 956-682-0123. Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 04:00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel. The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing. For information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp, BYOB. For information call 956-787-6461.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

Volunteer in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. All equipment is provided; gloves are limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work

11:00AM - 8:00PM Wednesday - Sunday ENTERTAINMENT

Live Music

Sundays 2:00PM - 6:00PM Available for Large or Small Events Weddings, Parties & Meetings

Call 956-581-1033

Every Tuesday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

TRY OUR PORK TENDERLOIN

Palm Street Pier

RIVERSIDE DREAMER RIVER TOURS

for more information!

Call for Tour Days and Times

Available for private parties, dances, and functions at all RV Resorts in the Valley throughout the summer months!

gloves. Projects include weeding, watering, planting, raking, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Unique Open Mic Jam, 03:00 PM, Heritage Square, 300 S Bryan Rd, Mission. Free admission, music, comedy & poetry, no food available, for information call 563-340-6493. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 05:00 PM, Sun City, Georgetown, TX. For more information call 956-761-4347. Family Summer Nights: LIVE Reptiles Adventures, 07:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, bring the family for an evening of entertainment. Generously sponsored by Freels Orthodontics. For information call 956-681-3370. US Too Prostate Cancer Support Group, 07:00 PM, Texas Oncology, McAllen. US TOO Prostate Cancer support group, Spouse/partner are welcome to attend. For information call 956-687-5150.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016

Country Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Casa Del Sol, 400 N Val Verde Rd, Donna. Lunch available. For information call 956-464-2272. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Sun City, Georgetown, TX. For more information call 956-761-4347. McAllen Artwalk @ Archer Park, 06:00 PM, 101 N. Broadway, McAllen. Arts and craft vendors, plus the live outdoor music series Music After Hours, every month. Free and open to the public. http://www. mcallen.net/residents/arts.aspx Dance w/SweetWater Band, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Lighthouse Establishment Cinema Movie Screening, 09:30 PM, Lighthouse of Port Isabel, 317 E Railroad Ave, Port Isabel. FREE Admission! Season 12 of the Lighthouse Establishment Cinema. Bring your blankets, chairs, snacks and settle in for an evening of family friendly fun! Movie titles to be announced. For information call 956-943-7602.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2016

Sun City (Georgetown, TX) June 2 • 5:00 PM June 3 • 6:00 PM

SALES

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 the third Monday of each month by 5:00pm. •

Louie’s Backyard

Every Wednesday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Every Saturday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

MEALS

Looking for something to do here in the Rio Grande Valley? Our calendar of events has been the

OPEN

SHOWS ON SOUTH PADRE ISLAND Boomerang Billy’s

JAM SESSIONS

Reservations Required Passenger Minimum for Departures: 15 for 1 Hour • 25 for 2 Hours Boat Enclosed Weather Protected

PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE CALL TODAY 956-581-4477 956-581-1033 • www.ontheriver.net 214 E. Chimney Rd. • Mission X Riverside in-MissionTx

in our native gardens! Students, earn your service hours at Quinta Mazatlan! We are also a site certified for Texas Master Naturalist hours. For more information call 956-681-3370. Brownsville’s Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, Ringgold Street & E 6th St, Brownsville. Brownsville has its own farmer’s market each week, across the street from Gladys Porter Zoo. For information call 956-882-5896. Creature Features: Nature at the Beach, 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, visit the Discovery Museum for a presentation each month for a special creature feature. For information call 956-681-3370. The Market @ McAllen, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library, 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen. Local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission. Lunch served at 11:00 am. For more information call 319-795-8101. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Santa Ana Nature Family Fun Day, 01:00 PM. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Center, 3325 Green Jay Rd, Alamo. Food truck, archery, kayaking, exhibit tables, scavenger hunt, seed bombs, face painting and so much more fun!! For information call 956-784-7500. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street. The Market is on Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents the freshest locally grown food, come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Sunset Live!!, 05:00 PM, McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen. Live music, unique food options offered by a variety of food trucks, a selection of craft beers and wine, and an artisan market with hand crafted items. Admission is free and the event is pet-friendly. Dance w/SweetWater, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway 495, Alamo $5.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • June 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2016

Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market, 09:00 AM, Beulah Lee Park, W Queen Isabella Blvd, Port Isabel. First Sunday March through October. Beulah Lee Park. Highway 100. 956-455-6798. Free admission. Vendor fees apply. Rio Valley Church of Nazarene, 10:45 AM, Rio Valley Church of Nazarene, 1400 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. Please visit our website rvcnaz.org for more information. We are a mixed congregation including Spanish Speaking, as well as Winter Texans. Pastor Kevin Sheese. Farmer’s Market @ The Shores, 11:00 AM, 8500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island. Fresh produce, fresh eggs, fresh seafood! Healthy shopping for healthy foods. Located at ‘The Shores’ north of SPI Convention Centre. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Live Music!, 02:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E Chimney Rd, Mission.` For information call 956-581-1033. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito.

For information, call 956-969-3558 or 952-200-8646. Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 04:00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel. The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing. For information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp, BYOB. For information call 956-787-6461.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2016

Volunteer in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. All equipment is provided; gloves are limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves. Projects include weeding, watering, planting, raking, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Unique Open Mic Jam, 03:00 PM, Heritage Square, 300 S Bryan Rd, Mission. Free admission, music, comedy & poetry, no food available, for information call 563-340-6493. Stars & Skies Mysteries Party, 04:00 PM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. $7.00 pp, IMAS Stars & Skies encourage our community learn space science & technology through special activities. For information call 956-682-0123. Family Summer Nights: Dinosaur George, 07:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, bring the family for an evening of entertainment. Generously sponsored by Freels Orthodontics. For information call 956-681-3370. Creatures of the Night, 08:00 PM, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, 714 Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg. $2 for members, $4 for non-members. Have you ever wondered what animals might be wandering around the EWBC gardens after the sun has set? Join the EWBC staff on a fun night hike to see what nocturnal creatures are lurking on the trails. For information call 956-381-9922.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2016

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

Magic Valley Chorus Of Sweet Adelines International, 07:00 PM, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen. For information call Shirley 956661-9926 or Janet 956-682-8245.

Country Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Casa Del Sol, 400 N Val Verde Rd, Donna. Lunch available. For information call 956-464-2272. Dance w/Jealous Heart, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Lighthouse Establishment Cinema Movie Screening, 09:30 PM, Lighthouse of Port Isabel, 317 E Railroad Ave, Port Isabel. FREE Admission! Season 12 of the Lighthouse Establishment Cinema.

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

Bring your blankets, chairs, snacks and settle in for an evening of family friendly fun! Movie titles to be announced. For information call 956-943-7602.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2016

Bird Walks @ Resaca de la Palma, 08:30 AM, 1000 New Carmen Blvd, Brownsville. Travel by foot or on our new and amazingly quiet electric trams to reach our destinations. We have many different trails to venture onto that are relatively flat and ADA accessible. Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Join our volunteer coordinator for a fun morning of work and learning in our native gardens! Students, earn your service hours at Quinta Mazatlan! We are also a site certified for Texas Master Naturalist hours. For more information call 956-681-3370. Brownsville’s Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, Ringgold Street & E 6th St, Brownsville. Brownsville has its own farmer’s market each week, across the street from Gladys Porter Zoo. For information call 956-882-5896. RGV Quilt Guild Meeting, 09:00 AM, South Texas College, Weslaco. Guild

SALES

meeting is held in Room 191--turn right at the first hallway. The RGV Quilt Guild is open to anyone at any skill level interested in quilting. The annual dues of $25 entitles them to monthly meetings. Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild, 09:00 AM, Llano Grande Resort & Country Club, 2215 E West Blvd, Mercedes. Membership required. $25.00, new location. For information call 956-648-4833. The World of Jan Brett Exhibition, 09:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. $7.00 pp, IMAS is pleased to announce the opening of the World of Jan Brett Traveling Exhibition,the exhibition runs from June 11 to August 29. For information call 956-682-0123. Creature Features: Nature at the Beach, 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, visit the Discovery Museum for a presentation each month for a special creature feature. For information call 956-681-3370. The Market @ McAllen, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library, 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen. Local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>

June 2016 • • • Welcome

Home RIO GRANDE VALLEY • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 unique food options offered by a varicommunity desperately needs. Book Signing: The World of Jan Brett, ety of food trucks, a selection of craft 11:00 AM, McAllen Convention Center, beers and wine, and an artisan market 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen. with hand crafted items. Admission is FREE Admission, meeting room 103. free and the event is pet-friendly. Dance w/Diego, 07:00 PM, Trophy For information call 956-682-0123. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Dr, Mis- 495, Alamo. $5.00 pp. For informasion. Lunch served at 11:00 am. For tion call 956-685-5300. more information call 319-795-8101. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Palm St, South Padre Island. For more Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. information call 956-761-4347. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2016 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street. Rio Valley Church of Nazarene, 10:45 The Market is on Jackson and Mon- AM, Rio Valley Church of Nazarene, roe, behind Grimsells and in front 1400 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. Please of New York Deli. Producers supply visit our website rvcnaz.org for more inresidents the freshest locally grown formation.We are a mixed congregation food, come take advantage of the including Spanish Speaking, as well as best Harlingen has to offer! Winter Texans. Pastor Kevin Sheese. Opening Reception: The World of Jan Farmer’s Market @ The Shores, SPI, Brett, 03:00 PM, International Muse- 11:00 AM, 8500 Padre Blvd, South um of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Padre Island. Fresh produce, fresh Ave, McAllen. $7.00 pp, exhibition eggs, fresh seafood! Healthy shopreception with special guest Jan Brett. ping for healthy foods. Located at ‘The For information call 956-682-0123. Shores’ north of SPI Convention Centre. Sunset Live!!, 05:00 PM, McAllen Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 Convention Center, 700 Convention PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Center Blvd, McAllen. Live music, Blvd, South Padre Island. For more

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

information call 956-761-4347. Live Music!, 02:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E Chimney Rd, Mission.` For information call 956-581-1033. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito.

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2016

Magic Valley Chorus Of Sweet Adelines International, 07:00 PM, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen. For information call Shirley 956661-9926 or Janet 956-682-8245.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Join our volunteer coordinator for a fun morning of work and learning in our native gardens! Students, earn your service hours at Quinta Mazatlan! We are also a site certified for Texas Master Naturalist hours. For more information call 956-681-3370. Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 04:00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel. The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing. For information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp, BYOB. For information call 956-787-6461.

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

SALES

Mission. Free admission, music, comedy & poetry, no food available, for information call 563-340-6493. Stars & Skies Mysteries Party, 04:00 PM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. $7.00 pp, IMAS Stars & Skies encourage our community learn space science & technology through special activities. For information call 956-682-0123. Grief Support Group Workshops, 06:30 PM, McAllen Medical Center, McAllen. The UT Health Science Center Allograft Resources Bereavement Support Department invites the community to attend monthly grief support workshops, which focus on helping families that need support after losing a loved one or friend. Family Summer Nights: Magic Dork, 07:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, bring the family for an evening of entertainment. Generously sponsored by Freels Orthodontics. For information call 956-681-3370.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

Country Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Casa Del Sol, 400 N Val Verde Rd, Donna. Lunch available. For information call 956-464-2272. Dance w/Route 66, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Lighthouse Establishment Cinema Movie Screening, 09:30 PM, Lighthouse of Port Isabel, 317 E Railroad Ave, Port Isabel. FREE Admission! Season 12 of the Lighthouse Establishment Cinema. Bring your blankets, chairs, snacks and settle in for an evening of family friendly fun! Movie titles to be announced. For information call 956-943-7602.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2016

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • June 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Creature Features: Nature at the Beach, 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, visit the Discovery Museum for a presentation each month for a special creature feature. For information call 956-681-3370. The Market @ McAllen, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library, 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen. Local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission. Lunch served at 11:00 am. For more information call 319-795-8101. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Nesting Birds, 02:30 PM, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, 714 Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg. Regular admission, Members Free. Summer is the breeding season for a lot of birds. Join us for a presentation on the types of nests made by various species, their building techniques and site preferences. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street. The Market is on Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents the freshest locally grown food, come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Dance w/Route 66, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway 495, Alamo $5.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2016

Rio Valley Church of Nazarene, 10:45 AM, Rio Valley Church of Nazarene, 1400 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. Please visit our website rvcnaz.org for more information.We are a mixed congregation including Spanish Speaking, as well as Winter Texans. Pastor Kevin Sheese. Farmer’s Market @ The Shores, 11:00 AM, 8500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island. Fresh produce, fresh eggs, fresh seafood! Healthy shopping for healthy foods. Located at ‘The Shores’ north of SPI Convention Centre. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Live Music!, 02:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E Chimney Rd, Mission.` For information call 956-581-1033. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito.

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016

Magic Valley Chorus Of Sweet Adelines International, 07:00 PM, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen. For information call Shirley 956661-9926 or Janet 956-682-8245.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016

Volunteer in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. All equipment is provided; gloves are limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves. Projects include weeding, watering, planting, raking, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Diabetes Management Class, 01:00 PM, 3rd Floor, McAllen Medical Center. East Classroom, classes are provided in English and Spanish every other week. For information call Mary Escaname at 956-971-5850. Valley’s H.O.P.E. Stroke Support Group, 06:00 PM, Valley Baptist Medical Center in the Woodward Conference Room. The H.O.P.E. (Haven Offering Patient Encouragement) Stroke Support Group meets monthly in Harlingen at Valley Baptist Medical Center in the Woodward Conference Room. For more information call 888-902-5433. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 PM, Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Join our volunteer coordinator for a fun morning of work and learning in our native gardens! Students, earn your service hours at Quinta Mazatlan! We are also a site certified for Texas Master Naturalist hours. For more information call 956-681-3370. Social Hour w/Diego, 03:00 PM, Siesta Village, 2712 S International Blvd, Weslaco. Chili, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and soft drinks available. For information, call 956-969-3558 or 952-200-8646. Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 04:00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel. The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing. For information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp, BYOB. For information call 956-787-6461.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

Volunteer in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. All equipment is provid-

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

ed; gloves are limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves. Projects include weeding, watering, planting, raking, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Unique Open Mic Jam, 03:00 PM, Heritage Square, 300 S Bryan Rd, Mission. Free admission, music, comedy & poetry, no food available. For information call 563-340-6493. Stars & Skies Mysteries Party, 04:00 PM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. $7.00 pp, IMAS Stars & Skies encourage our community learn space science & technology through special activities. For information call 956-682-0123. Family Summer Nights: Superheroes in the Forest, 07:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, bring the family for an evening of entertainment. Generously sponsored by Freels Orthodontics. For information call 956-681-3370.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016

Country Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Casa Del Sol, 400 N Val Verde Rd, Donna. Lunch available. For information call 956-464-2272.

SALES

Dance w/Diego, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Lighthouse Establishment Cinema Movie Screening, 09:30 PM, Lighthouse of Port Isabel, 317 E Railroad Ave, Port Isabel. FREE Admission! Season 12 of the Lighthouse Establishment Cinema. Bring your blankets, chairs, snacks and settle in for an evening of family friendly fun! Movie titles to be announced. For information call 956-943-7602.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016

Spectacular Saturdays!, 08:00 AM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Dr, Edinburg. The weather is enjoyable and wildlife are arriving by the day. Throughout the day there will be puzzles, crafts, games, and guided nature hikes upon request. Binoculars are available free of charge. For information call 956-381-9922. Bird Walks @ Resaca de la Palma, 08:30 AM, 1000 New Carmen Blvd, Brownsville. Travel by foot or on our new and amazingly quiet electric trams to reach our destinations. We have many different trails to venture onto that are relatively flat and ADA accessible.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>

June 2016 • • • Welcome

Home RIO GRANDE VALLEY • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

SALES

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Join our volunteer coordinator for a fun morning of work and learning in our native gardens! Students, earn your service hours at Quinta Mazatlan! We are also a site certified for Texas Master Naturalist hours. For more information call 956-681-3370. Brownsville’s Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, Ringgold Street & E 6th St, Brownsville. Brownsville has its own farmer’s market each week, across the street from Gladys Porter Zoo. For information call 956-882-5896. Creature Features: Nature at the Beach, 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, visit the Discovery Museum for a presentation each month for a special creature feature. For information call 956-681-3370. The Market @ McAllen, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library, 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen. Local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more

information call 956-761-4347. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street. The Market is on Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents the freshest locally grown food, come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Dance w/Steven May, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway 495, Alamo $5.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347.

Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Live Music!, 02:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E Chimney Rd, Mission.` For information call 956-581-1033. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Rio Valley Church of Nazarene, 10:45 AM, 1400 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. Please visit our website rvcnaz.org for more information. We are a mixed congregation including Spanish Speaking, as well as Winter Texans. Pastor Kevin Sheese. Farmer’s Market @ The Shores, 11:00 AM, 8500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island. Fresh produce, fresh eggs, fresh seafood! Healthy shopping for healthy foods. Located at ‘The Shores’ north of SPI Convention Centre.

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Magic Valley Chorus Of Sweet Adelines International, 07:00 PM, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen. For information call Shirley 956661-9926 or Janet 956-682-8245.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

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1601 E. Expressway 83 | Mission, TX 78572 (Exit 494 or Bryan Rd)

Call Today for Information!

956-585-4481

parking at Pirate’s Landing. For information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp, BYOB. For information call 956-787-6461.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Volunteer in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. All equipment is provided; gloves are limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves. Projects include weeding, watering, planting, raking, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Unique Open Mic Jam, 03:00 PM, Heritage Square, 300 S Bryan Rd, Mission. Free admission, music, comedy & poetry, no food available. For information call 563-340-6493. Stars & Skies Mysteries Party, 04:00 PM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. $7.00 pp, IMAS Stars & Skies encourage our community learn space science & technology through special activities. For information call 956-682-0123. Valley Transplant Support Group, 06:30 PM, 4th Floor, McAllen Medical Center, 301 W Expressway 83 McAllen. The Valley Transplant Support Group’s goal is to educate and help patients have an understanding of the challenges that may arise before and after transplantation and the resources available to assist them. For information call 956-971-5726. Family Summer Nights: LIVE Animal Contacto, 07:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp, bring the family for an evening of entertainment. Generously sponsored by Freels Orthodontics. For information call 956-681-3370. •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • June 2016

>> BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market June 5 Special to Welcome Home RGV

Find summer deals Sunday, June

5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market. The market is held at Beulah Lee Park on Highway 100. There are dozens of dealers and thousands of deals! The Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market is held from March – October on the first Sunday of the month and from November – February on the first and third Sunday of the month, always from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact Gloria Bates at 956-455-6798. •

Green Parakeets use old woodpecker cavities instead of carving out a new one.

films--are typically cup nests. These nests are smoothly rounded, with the interior of the cup being woven of fine, soft materials to accommodate the eggs. Cup nests can be placed almost anywhere, from the ground up to the tree canopy. A good example of a cupnester in the Valley is the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, which builds tiny nests made from spider webs, lichen, and other fine materials. Large, domed nests, such as those of the Great Kiskadee, are distinguished by having a side entrance, as opposed to being open to the air from above. Great Kiskadees defend their nests vigorously, dive-bombing and screeching loudly in any intruder’s ear. Perhaps the most impressive nest

Curve-billed Thrashers build their cup nests from sticks and grass deep inside patches of thorny vegetation like prickly-pear cactus.

in the Valley belongs to an equally impressive bird. The long hanging nest of an Altamira Oriole, swaying in the summer breeze, is a welcome sight for birders. It can take more than BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 >>

June 2016 • • • Welcome

Home RIO GRANDE VALLEY • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

Texas Grapefruit and Avocado Tortillas

Recipe compliments of Lone Star

Compliments of Lone Star Citrus Growers

Citrus Growers--surprizingly sweet with a hint of zing. Be sure to visit and like their Winter Sweetz Facebook page, where you’ll find more great recipes and lots more! •

Texas Grapefruit

and Avocado Tortillas

10 servings

• 6 six-inch flour tortillas • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted • 3 Winter Sweetz™ grapefruit, sectioned • ½ yellow bell pepper, stemmed and seeded • 2 avocados, peeled and pitted • Juice of one lime • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 small jalapeno peppers, sliced into rounds Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush tortillas with butter and cut each into eight triangles. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Set chips aside. Cut yellow bell pepper lengthwise into 1/8-by-1-inch julienne and set aside. In a medium bowl, mash avocados with a fork until softened but with some small pieces. Mix in lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Heap about two teaspoons of avocado mixture on each chip. Place a grapefruit section on top and garnish with a yellow bell pepper slice and a jalapeno slice. Serve immediately.

Winter Sweetz™ Grapefruit is “surprizingly sweet with a hint of zing.”

Enjoy Savings. Maximize Life.

COUPON

CONNECTION

Looking for ways to SAVE right here in the Rio Grande Valley? Our weekly coupon section will help you SAVE while you’re here, enjoying life in the Valley. •

Dr. Edieberto Palacios

217 W. Nolana Suite 25 • McAllen, TX 78504 • 956-404-4666

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Sailing out of Galveston

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Chuck & Enid Olsen

will be joining Kristi, from Welcome Home RGV on this exciting cruise!

ALL cruises to be booked through

CHUCK OLSON TOURS & CRUISES 3827 N. 10th St, Suite 203 McAllen, TX 78501 956-664-2916 800-568-9890

• Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay (Evening Meal & Breakfast Included) • Round Trip Transporation from the Valley • Stateroom and all Cruise port fees & taxes • $100 On-Board Ship Credit per Stateroom • Group get-together with Kristi

PACKAGE PRICING per person

Cat Q : Inside Stateroom $1095/pp Cat I : Oceanview Stateroom $1223/pp Cat E1 : Balcony Stateroom $1457/pp

*Prices are subject to change based on availability and are based on double occupancy. ***All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • June 2016

D From the Inside, Out D Whistles

Randy Hoelscher: The Border Cook by Marge Flados whistles. I have been whistling How to Make a Chimichanga oneI love way or another all my life. Making

Special to Welcome Home RGV

I have always liked chimichangas and have often wondered how to make

them. It turns out it isn’t so very hard! The recipe below has not been tested – mainly because my official tasters have returned to the North country, and we have moved out East – to North Carolina--for several months. That being said, I discovered a Mexican cookbook (that was published in 1977) in a thrift shop, and it had a recipe for a beef ‘chimi’ that sounded good. So here it is. This recipe makes 12 chimichangas. Enjoy! Buen Apetito! •

Chimichangas

For the filling: • 2 lbs. beef stew meat • 1½ cups water • 2 cloves garlic – minced • 2 Tbsp. chili powder • 1 Tbsp. vinegar

• 2 tsp. dried crushed oregano • 1 tsp. kosher salt • 1 tsp. ground cumin • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper

For the shells: • 12 – 10-inch flour tortillas

• Cooking oil for frying

For garnish: • 2 cups shredded lettuce

• 2 cups guacamole

In a medium saucepan, combine the meat, water, garlic, chili powder, vinegar, salt, and cumin and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about two hours or until the meat is very tender. Uncover and return to a hard boil for about 15 minutes until the water has almost evaporated. Stir during the last few minutes to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and use two forks to shred meat (very fine). Wrap the tortillas in foil and place in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Take about ¼ cup of the meat mixture near the edge of a tortilla and roll the near-edge over the meat mixture until covered. Next fold the sides inward like an envelope. Roll the tortilla until it forms a roll around the filling. Use a toothpick or two to hold the roll together. Heat a half-inch of cooking oil in a deep sauté pan to about 375 degrees. Carefully place a chimichanga in the oil for about a minute on each side, until golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 300-degree oven while frying remaining tortillas. Serve with the lettuce and guacamole or any other favorite toppings, such as cheese, cilantro, etc. Randy Hoelscher is a transplanted Texan and half-time RGV resident. A long-time cooking enthusiast, he enjoys being “The Border Cook,” spreading the word about Mexican and Tex-Mex Cuisine on his web site - TheBorderCook.com - as well as on social media.

a whistle using a blade of grass held tightly between one’s thumbs was something most children could do at an early age. My dad was good at making a whistle from a willow branch by cutting and notching and hollowing out the stem, which was tricky but necessary for the whistle to work. The thumb and pinkie finger in the mouth makes a great sound. Some use two pinkie fingers, thumb and pinkie, thumb and pointy finger, or some pucker up their tongue and lips and get the same result. One of my kids could clack his tongue against the roof of his mouth so loudly it would make your ears ring. He still receives requests from younger generations to do “the clacker.” Every day, our town of Elk Point, South Dakota, population 1400, blew a very loud siren that hit one’s eardrums each day at noon. The town also blew a siren whistle when there was a fire, a necessity since the fire department was all-volunteer, and it served as a summons to come help fight the fire. The whistle heralded happy events, such as the end of a war, as well as sad ones. Growing up, I took comfort in knowing it would blow for all the right reasons. I never lost my respect and love for whistles and own several that I treasure, particularly a Vietnamese water whistle in the shape of a bird. When water is instilled through a hole in its tail, depending on the level of the water, it makes a most unusual trilling sound. Except for me, it annoys my whole family. My handmade wooden train whistle sounds like the trains of yesteryear, and it is very loud. No one in my family shares my love for whistles, and if and when I blow them within earshot of my sensitive-eared progeny, I am subject to complaints. Big complaints. My experiment with using whistles to call the family at mealtime was an utter failure. I considered it was an improvement over yelling, “Dinner!” I thought. But at the time, my oh-so-

Marge Flados

smart teenagers reminded me they were “not dogs.” I had to remind them they acted like dogs occasionally. But I digress. (They turned out to be really decent adults.) Whistles have an interesting history. Those made of wood and bone have been around for thousands of years. They were used for entertainment, as well as for practical and religious reasons. The boatswain’s pipe is used aboard U.S. naval vessels when welcoming visitors of importance aboard. “Piping aboard” dates back to the ancient time of Greek and Roman rowing galleys. The whistle was first used in the sports arena in 1878 when an English toolmaker, who was fascinated with whistles, made one that was put to use in a soccer match at Nottingham Forest Soccer Club. That was followed by the “pea whistle,” which has a pea or bead in it and creates a trilling sound. The policeman or referee whistle is an example of a “pea whistle.” Whistles are found everywhere-on key rings, around necks, and in pockets, and most people carry one close at hand because they can be used to keep people safe at whatever age. So let’s give the whistle its due. I will continue to blow mine once in a while in the privacy of my home, and if I can’t resist the urge to blow one when the family is around, I will continue to request that they just close their ears. • M. Flados is a resident of Harlingen and can be reached at nflados@rgv.rr.com

>> BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

three weeks for the female to weave the nest, patiently working from top to bottom. They often place their nests on the northwestern side of trees to avoid the strong southeastern winds we experience in our area. Bird nests are marvelous examples of engineering, efficiency, and how a bird’s habits fit its lifestyle and environment. The nesting season seems an almost intimate way to get to know our bird community. It offers a new perspective into the lives of birds,

and I hope we all get to appreciate the beauty and process of this annual phenomenon. Join us at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center every Tuesday and Saturday morning from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. for a Songbird Stroll. Quinta Mazatlan is located one block south of La Plaza Mall in McAllen at 600 Sunset Drive. For more information, visit www.quintamazatlan.com or call 956-681-3700. • All photos by John Brush

The Green Kingfisher uses its bill to dig a tunnel on a riverbank, about three feet in length, to use as a nesting burrow.

June 2016 • • • Welcome

Home RIO GRANDE VALLEY • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley