Issuu

McALLEN EXPANSION!

City of McAllen has been awarded a grant for the Veterans War Memorial!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

SOME LIKE IT HOT!

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

Junior League of McAllen, Inc. shares a secret to a magnificent margarita!

Welcome Home See article on page 2.

See calendar on page 8.

Try their recipe on page 6.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

May 2016

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

Doves of the Rio Grande Valley by John Brush

Doves and pigeons are some of the I

blinked, and April came and went! The month of May will also be a flurry of activity for us at Welcome Home RGV as we gear up for the summer months ahead. Most people think we close the office while we wait for our Winter Texans to return in early fall. Quite the contrary! The off-season brings with it a slower pace and allows us to get caught up on dreadful things like paperwork. But it also allows us time to define new opportunities, to strategize, and to give careful consideration to our goals and objectives for the upcoming season. On a personal level, I’m afraid I’ll blink, and it will be June. I am preparing myself for my only daughter’s high school graduation. It will be a whirlwind month of parties, celebrations, and, more than likely, tears. I am thankful to have work to keep my mind preoccupied because otherwise my thoughts inevitably turn to her leaving. I am also grateful for the slower pace of summer so I can spend some extra time with my daughter before she spreads her wings and leaves in August for the University of Texas at Austin. (Hook ‘em!). I hope you enjoy the pages that follow, and I want you to know our team values YOUR readership and support as much as we appreciate our Winter Texan friends’. We’ll work just as hard to keep you entertained and informed throughout the summer months as we do during the “on-season.” Wish me luck on my daughter’s graduation. Go Bulldogs! • We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

most familiar species of birds in the world. They are commonly hunted, bred as a hobby, kept as pets, and frequently seen in towns and cities. There are eight species found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, making our area one of the most dove-diverse regions in the United States. Let’s go through the line-up! We have two species of pigeons in the Valley: Rock Pigeon and Redbilled Pigeon. Note that “dove” and “pigeon” are sometimes used interchangeably, but typically birds called pigeons are larger than those called doves. Due to the many feral populations established in towns and cities, Rock Pigeons (a Eurasian species) are one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, and are spread across almost all of the Americas (where they were introduced in the 1600s). The Red-billed Pigeon is not a cosmopolitan species, as they are only found in Mexico and Central America. Though common in much of Central America, these purplemaroon plumaged pigeons are only found in the United States—in Texas-between Laredo and Rio Grande City. This species is one of the most sought-after by visiting birders and often leads to excited whoops and hollers when seen. There are four medium- to largesized doves that inhabit the Valley:

Pic 1: Common Ground-Dove by Erik Bruhnke--The Common Ground-Dove is the smallest dove in the LRGV and is just a little bit bigger than a House Sparrow. Pic 2: Eurasian Collared-Doves by Derek Iden-Eurasian Collared-Doves were accidentally released in the Bahamas about 40 years ago, and they have spread across the United States at a rapid rate. Pic 3: Inca Dove by Michelle Hockaday Summers-The small Inca Dove looks like it is covered in fish scales and has an easily identifiable call: “WHIRL pool, WHIRL pool.” Pic 4: Mourning Dove by John Brush--Mourning Doves can often be seen perched on wires, along fences, or between telephone poles with their long, pointed tails sticking out behind and below them. Pic 5: Red-billed Pigeon by Tripp Davenport-- The beautiful Red-billed Pigeon can only be found in the United States between Laredo and Rio Grande City. Pic 6: Rock Pigeon by Jason Allan Jakymowycz--Rock Pigeons have had a variety of names and nicknames over the years: Rock Dove, Feral Pigeon, Domestic Pigeon, Homing Pigeon, War Pigeon, and Flying Rat. Pic 7: White-tipped Dove by Erik Bruhnke-- Whitetipped Doves are one of the largest dove species found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. They are usually found under feeders (here with an Inca Dove) or running away to the safety of the woods.

Mourning Dove, Eurasian CollaredDove, White-winged Dove, and White-tipped Dove. Mourning Doves are common across the United States and are readily identified by their long tail and black spots on their wings. The Eurasian Collared-Dove is another non-native species that has successfully invaded North America. They established a population in Florida in the 1980s, and have quickly spread over most of North America. Their three note “coo-COOcoo” is now a regular sound in urban areas across the Valley. DOVES OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 >>

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

May 2016 • • • Welcome

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

City of McAllen Awarded Quarter-Million-Dollar Grant Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Veterans War Memorial of Texas is about to get a facelift. The City of McAllen was recently awarded a $250,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The proposed development from the City of McAllen includes the installation of a Children’s and Ceremonies Plaza, which will model an outdoor classroom and allow students the opportunity to learn about and experience patriotism. “The City of McAllen is extremely appreciative of this funding to expand the Veterans War Memorial,” said Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., McAllen city manager. “This landmark is a wonderful tribute to honor our American heroes who gave their lives in service to their country. We must never forget their sacrifices.” The Plaza will include the construction of 24 walls that will showcase 48 short stories etched in granite and written by Texas schoolchildren. In addition to the plaza, the funds will provide for the construction of a parking lot, lighting, perimeter

Welcome Home

WINTER TEXAN

your official connection to the rio grande valley

Publisher Kristi Collier

fencing, landscaping, and drainage and irrigation systems, as well as the installment of Wi-Fi, security cameras, and a sound system. As vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was instrumental in the

Accounting Sharon Flores

sharon@welcomehomergv.com

Administration Amie Gray

agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins

colie@welcomehomergv.com

Sales & Marketing Cheryl Palacios

• Welcome the approximate 500,000 annual attendees from throughout Texas, the United States, and Northern Mexico who visit the McAllen Convention Center District •

• Complete the final elements of the Veterans War Memorial of Texas site • Complement the soon-to-becompleted Performing Arts Center at the McAllen Convention Center District

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at 2nd Street Bistro May 5 Special to Welcome Home RGV

Monthly e-Blasts 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

Join Food Bank RGV donors, board,

and staff at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the 2nd Street Bistro (inside the DoubleTree Suites), 1800 South 2nd St. in McAllen, May 5. Join us for food, drinks, and great networking opportunities! There will be a $10 donation, which will benefit the Food Bank RGV. For more information or to RSVP, contact Philip Farias, FBRGV

kristi@welcomehomergv.com

legislature’s decision to appropriate $90 million to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission for critical park repairs and new projects for city and county parks across the state. When completed, this project will:

manager of corporate engagement and events, at pfarias@foodbankrgv. com or by phone at 956-904-4513. •

cheryl@welcomehomergv.com

Welcome

Communications Director Matt Davis

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! •

matt@welcomehomergv.com

1st Responder Coordinator Rita Huether rita@welcomehomergv.com

Activity Coordinator Fran Adams

fran@welcomehomergv.com

Editor Chris Ardis

news@welcomehomergv.com

Graphic Design Jenny R Carpenter silentBYTES design

artwork@welcomehomergv.com

Welcome Home

rio grande valley

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

956-687-5115 www.welcomehomergv.com

© 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.

Pictured: Fernando Rocha, food and beverage director, DoubleTree Suites; Alvaro Marquez, executive chef, DoubleTree Suites; Michelle Zamora, FVP, commercial lender, Inter National Bank; Andrea Rodriguez, director of sales and marketing, DoubleTree Suites; and Edward Lopez, general manager, DoubleTree Suites.

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

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • May 2016

GLO Launches New Beach Safety Web App

Texas Beach Watch helps families make sure the water at their beach is clean Special to Welcome Home RGV

If you’re taking your friends and

family to a Texas coast, it’s important to know they’re safe and the water is clean. So Commissioner Bush called on the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to update methods of sharing this important information and create a web-based app to help Texans get all the information they need wherever they are. “Texas Beach Watch is a tremendously valuable service provided by the General Land Office,” Commissioner Bush said. “Whether you’re already at the beach, planning your next trip, or in the car on the way there, this is a great app for families, fishermen, surfers, spring breakers, and anyone who loves our Texas coasts. At the GLO we nourish our beaches, we remove abandoned vessels, and we rebuild important coastal marshes, all while preparing for the next big storm. Texas Beach Watch is a great tool for all Texans who want to take advantage of the coastal work done at the General Land Office.” Texas Beach Watch monitors water cleanliness all along the vast Texas coastline. Its responsive design fully integrates across all platforms for an

easy user experience. Whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, this app is for you. Texas Beach Watch also allows searches by geographic region and monitoring station and displays the most up-todate information available on water conditions up and down Texas’ 300mile coastline. Commissioner Bush has committed to making government more efficient and bringing new technology and ideas to the General Land Office. Web-based apps like Texas Beach Watch, an update to the former Texas Beach Watch web site, take a more mobile world into account while allowing Texans to monitor regularly updated conditions at their favorite beaches. Find Texas Beach Watch at www. texasbeachwatch.com. •

2nd Annual Port Isabel Bay Classic Scheduled for May 13-14 Special to Welcome Home RGV

Port Isabel is proud to be the home port of the Port Isabel Bay Classic. This one-day fishing tournament is open to anglers of all ages and includes social activities, great food, and a tournament goodie bag. Cast your lines for redfish, trout, and flounder and enjoy the fun, dockside, at Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier. Registration is limited to the first

50 boats or 200 anglers, so sign up today! For more information, email director@portisabel.org or call 956-943-2262. •

May 2016 • • • Welcome

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

How to Make a Rain Barrel and Valley Native

and Adapted Plants Workshops May 7 Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Texas A & M AgriLife Extension horticulturist and master gardeners have been busy planning and conducting events for spring. We have one day of events remaining— May 7. May 7, there are two programs: Valley Native and Adapted Plants and How to Make A Rain Barrel. Programs are free and will be held at the educational garden in San Juan. At 9:00 a.m., Master Gardener Max Ganser will teach you about collecting rain water and how to make a rain barrel. If you want to

NATIVE PLANT & RAIN BARREL WORKSHOPS

FREE! construct a rain barrel to take home, the cost is $40.00. At 10:00, Master Gardener Robert Vanderveer will walk you through the Valley Native and Adapted Plant Garden while identifying and discussing the native plants and trees. Class size is limited, so you must preregister by calling 956-383-1026. •

McAllen ISD Orchestra Students’ String Fling May 7

9:00 a.m. - How to Make a Rain Barrel

Max Ganser, Master Gardener, will teach you about collecting rain water and how to make a rain barrel. Program is free; however, if you’d like to construct and take home your rain barrel, cost is $40.00

10:00 a.m. - Valley Native / Adapted Plants & Trees

Please join Robert Vanderveer, Master Gardener, as he discusses drought-tolerant native and adapted plants & trees, their care, and how to use them in your landscape.

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Class size is limited. To sign up for these events, call the Hidalgo County Extension Office at 956/383-1026.

About

1,000 McAllen ISD orchestra students will perform at the 2016 all-city String Fling at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the McAllen Convention Center. Violin, viola, cello, and double bass students from all of McAllen’s middle schools and high schools will celebrate this year’s concert theme, “Animation!” The String Orchestras will play music that evokes cartoons, video games, comicbook heroes, and film. The concert is

Saturday, May 7, 2016

South Texas Master Gardener Education Garden North San Juan Park - Precinct 2 509 Earling Road • San Juan, TX 78589

free and open to the public. Come and hear why the National Association Of Music Merchants has awarded McAllen a “Best Community for Music Education” for four straight years. Call 956-632-3171 for more information. •

MHDBRK00003552

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

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

Lance Conn Bernie Ohlhauser Rafael Adame (956) 245-9969 (303) 204-6028 (956) 570-3423

MHSLSP00042265 lconn1968@yahoo.com

MHSLSP00043116 amobmo1@gmail.com

MHSLSP00043952 radame@wthsinc.com

Ginny Hirsch (956) 532-7434

MHSLSP00041251 ginnyhirsch@aol.com

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

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

Linda Giesen Tim Hoffman (956) 929-1961 (956) 873-9550 MHSLSP00042363 lgiesen@wthsinc.com

MHSLSP00043078 thoffman@wthsinc.com

www.wthsinc.com

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • May 2016

Road Trip

by Anita Westervelt, Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist

Designers of the “Don’t Mess with

Texas” anti-litter slogan may not have been thinking of Texas Prickly Pear when developing the catchy phrase, but the native cactus is nothing you want to tangle with. That said, it’s time to load up some friends and take a road trip through the eastern portion of Cameron County looking for the spectacular blooms on these not-so-friendly native plants. Texas Prickly Pear, Opuntia engelmannii, say Texas, loud and clear, and are popping out their canary-yellow blooms everywhere, but if you want to see them sporting a dozen other colors, head east. Colors can range from red to peach, pink, maroon, tan, orange, and colors inbetween. The easiest viewing is along the south roadside on state Route 100 between Los Fresnos and Laguna Vista at the far edge of the road rightof-way. Slow down and enjoy miles of the changing palette of colors. Then, keep driving and enjoy lunch in Port Isabel or South Padre Island. If you stop along the road to take photos, do so cautiously. Other travelers may have different destinations than appreciating this once-a-year Lower Rio Grande Valley Texas show. Wear sturdy shoes and consider bug spray if you get out of your car for a closer look, but beware the cacti’s heavily barbed and numerous brittle,

Texas Prickly Pear by Anita Westervelt

sharp spines. Even the shorter, innocent-looking spines are barbed. The beauty and color variety of the flowers are worth the risk of a close encounter but more sensibly from the safety of a vehicle with a close-up lens on your camera. Fruits, known as tunas, will begin to ripen midsummer to a deep red color. They produce a very sweet, red-purple juice, a treat for rabbits, tortoises, ground squirrels, rats, raccoons, skunks, opossum, coyotes, deer, and birds. Seeds that pass through the wildlife help to readily increase the cacti. Juice from the tunas has a high vitamin C content. The pads, or nopales, are rich in vitamin A. Both the tunas and nopales are a food source for humans, as well as wildlife, but it’s safer to purchase them from the grocery store where they are grown from a spineless prickly pear variety. Even very small spines from the wild prickly pear can cause tongue and throat inflammation. •

Kentucky Derby Day at Lone Star Downs Special to Welcome Home RGV

In March, Winter Ranch celebrated

Kentucky Derby Day at our horse races. We had special food for lunch: ham and Swiss sliders, and fruit salad or chicken salad on croissants with chips and a delicious mint julep dessert. Ladies wore their hats, and there were prizes for the Best Dressed Man and the Best Dressed Woman. And, of course, we all enjoyed the races. •

Brenda Grange dressed fit to kill.

David & Joyce Cox and Jerry & Betty Hecker.

The horses are at the gate and the betting line has formed.

Arnie and Rita Huether dressed in their finery.

Darlene Onken, Lois Green, Deb Kanne, and Brenda Nolte

Time to Register for the 2nd Annual

Summer Causeway Run and Walk June 4 Special to Welcome Home RGV

2nd

Annual Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk will be held Saturday, June 4. Run or walk to Port Isabel across the beautiful Queen Isabella Causeway. The event route starts on South Padre Island and finishes across

the Causeway in Port Isabel. The 10K Causeway Run starts at 7:00 a.m. and the 5K Fitness Walk starts at 7:30 a.m. For more information or to register, call 1-800-527-6102 or 956-943-2262. •

Everyone Loves a Parade Downtown Harlingen Opens Exhibit of Historic Photos Special to Welcome Home RGV

In honor of National Preservation

Month, Downtown Harlingen announces a special exhibit titled Everyone Loves a Parade! Historic Photos of Harlingen Celebrations. This nostalgic display captures the pomp and circumstance of numerous 20th Century celebrations against an ever-changing backdrop of Jackson Street storefronts. It will be on view at D’Arte Centre, 115 E. Jackson in Downtown Harlingen, from May 5 through June 4. D’Arte Centre, which is run by the nonprofit Harlingen Art Forum, is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Some of the oldest photos capture the prosperity, patriotism, and heady energy of the roaring twenties, with spectators perched on rooftops and leaning from second-story windows as elaborate floats and out-oftown bands prance down Jackson Street. In shots of mid-century celebrations, crowds press forward to glimpse high-strutting twirlers and beauty queens, children eagerly await Santa’s arrival, and soldiers pass in solemn review. More recent images, from the 1980s and 1990s, capture families with pets in patriotic attire and adults dressed as lovable

mascots and superheroes. Beyond capturing the antics of participants and the excitement of viewers, parade photos also document changes in the built environment and show how the community has evolved. “Parade photos taken Downtown over the years are some of the best images we have of the buildings on Jackson Street,” said historian Norman Rozeff. “They are extremely important and helpful to historical research.” Since the 1970s, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has celebrated National Preservation Month in May and encourages state historical societies, local museums, downtown revitalization organizations, and others to organize tours, exhibits, and activities to increase awareness of America’s historic places and to stimulate more preservation efforts. For more information, contact the Harlingen Downtown office at 956-216-4910 or email cheryllaberge@myharlingen.us. •

May 2016 • • • Welcome

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

McAllen ISD Choirs Present Gloria May 21 Special to Welcome Home RGV

The combined McAllen ISD varsity choirs will perform John Rutter’s Gloria at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the McAllen High School auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. Call 956-618-6085 for more information. •

Picnic Possibilities: Great Food to Take Outside

This easy, easy way to caramelize onions

works so well, and they top a grilled burger or steak wonderfully. Use those big yellow onions for a more robust flavor than the sweet whites. •

by Sandy Olson

Slow Cooker

Caramelized Onions

Texas Fiesta Soup

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! •

Butter the inside of your slow cooker (size of the cooker is whatever you own and how many onions you want to make). Fill the cooker to the very top with peeled and sliced yellow onions. Place a stick of REAL butter (no margarine, please!) on top of the onions. If you are using a giant cooker, use 1 ½ sticks of butter. Cover and cook on low for 15-18 hours. No, that’s not a misprint. You might want to do this outside on the porch or in the garage. Otherwise your house will smell like onions for days! Occasionally stir them up as they cook down. You will end up with about 1/3 of the cooker filled with deliciously browned onions you can use to make French onion soup, freeze for later use, or pile high on the burger or steak of your choice. Very yummy for onion lovers such as I! Sandy Olson, lifelong foodie, restaurant reviewer, cooking teacher. Summer Iowan; Winter Texan. You can contact Sandy at midwestfoodie@gmail.com.

Texas Fiesta Soup

4 servings

• 1 Winter Sweetz™ Grapefruit, segmented • 2 Texas oranges, segmented • 1 cup plum tomato, chopped • ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped • ¼ cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped • ½ cup tomatillo, chopped • 2 tablespoons purple onion, chopped • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • ½ cup tomato juice • ¼ cup chicken broth • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 1 teaspoon Tabasco • Salt and pepper Coarsely chop grapefruit and orange sections and place in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients; stir, cover, and chill 4 hours before serving. Winter Sweetz™ Grapefruit is “surprizingly sweet with a hint of zing.”

Red Hat Queens’ Council

Taco Soup

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Red Hat Queens’ Council Taco Soup

Serves 4 - 6 • 1 dissolved beef bouillon cube • 1 ½ lb. browned ground beef • 1 15 oz. can of whole kernel corn • 2 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes • 1 pack of taco seasoning • 1 finely chopped small onion • 2 15 oz. cans of ranch style beans Add all these ingredients together and cook them in your crock pot for about 8 hours.

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

Magnifico Margarita Serves 4 • Ice • 1 (6 oz.) can frozen limeade concentrate • Salt • Freshly sliced limes or whole green olives (optional) • 3 ounces tequila • 3 ounces Cointreau or Triple Sec Fill blender with ice; add can of limeade and equal portions of tequila and liqueur. Blend to desired consistency. Dip the top of serving glass in the blended mixture; roll in salt before filling. When ready to serve, top with fresh lime slices or green olives. 1. Add a spoonful of sugar or sugar substitute to blender if you prefer a sweeter drink. 2. If blended mixture is too thick, add a little water. 3. If you have no margarita glasses, champagne or sorbet glasses work well for serving. 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.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • May 2016

“Best Neighbors Ever” Chooses South Texas Health System as Partner Special to Welcome Home RGV

South

Texas Health System is proud to announce an agreement with Neighbors Health System, the Pearland-Texas-based company known as the “Best Neighbors Ever.” Neighbors Health System, which opened the Neighbors Emergency Center in North McAllen April 9, has chosen to execute a hospital transfer agreement with South Texas Health System. Under this agreement, a patient may be transferred to a South Texas Health System facility for admission or to receive a higher level of care beyond what Neighbors Emergency Center in McAllen can provide. South Texas Health System acute care facilities that are part of the transfer agreement include McAllen Medical Center, McAllen Heart Hospital, Edinburg Children’s Hospital, and Edinburg Regional Medical Center. The North McAllen center is the third freestanding emergency center opened by Neighbors Health System in the Rio Grande Valley. Neighbors Health System currently operates 23 freestanding emergency centers in Texas. In addition to the transfer agreement, Neighbors Emergency Center in McAllen has contracted

(Pictured, left to right): Lupe Silva, clinical manager; Anne Gregory; Evelyn Aguado, RN; Alejandra DeLeon, RN; Caroline Aguino, RN; Delia, unit clerk; Mari Carr; and Judy Baston.

Oleander Acres 1st Responders Toy Donation Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

with South Texas Health System for certain laboratory tests beyond the scope of emergency care. “We welcome our ‘neighbors’ to McAllen,” said Lance Ames, associate administrator at McAllen Heart Hospital and administrator for South Texas Health System’s two freestanding emergency departments. “The expansion of

freestanding emergency rooms operated by physicians, hospitals, and entrepreneurs alike creates competition that makes each one of us better at delivering healthcare. We are pleased that Neighbors Health System has chosen South Texas Health System as a partner.” •

1st Responders of Oleander Acres held their annual fundraiser in March. The men of the park served biscuits and gravy to 100 of the residents and guests. They also raffled a homemade quilt. The money raised goes to support the 1st Responder Program and also made possible a gift of toys and books to the pediatric unit at McAllen’s Rio Grande Regional Hospital. The gifts were presented by Mari Carr, Anne Gregory, and Judy Baston March 17. •

May 2016 • • • Welcome

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

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MONTH OF

May 1 - 31, 2016 SUNDAY, MAY 1, 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.

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

SALES

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

been the go-to source for our retirees to check out the lighter side of the Valley 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. •

RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito.

MONDAY, MAY 2, 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, MAY 3, 2016

Songbird Stroll, 08:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Join an expert birder on a one hour bird walk for all skill levels! Over 200 species have been seen in the park since 2006! For information call 956-681-3370. 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 04:00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel. Every Wednesday from 4-6 pm in The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing for Farmers’ Market customers. For more 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, MAY 5, 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

OPEN

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 for more information!

TRY OUR PORK TENDERLOIN RIVERSIDE DREAMER RIVER TOURS

Call for Tour Days and Times

MAY 2016

SHOWS ON SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Boomerang Billy’s

Every Saturday and Sunday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Palm Street Pier

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

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Sailing out of Galveston

Louie’s Backyard

CASH ONLY Reservations Suggested 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

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Every Thursday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (except May 19)

John Knox Village (Weslaco) Thursday, May 19 7:00 PM

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 • • • May 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS include weeding, watering, planting, raking, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Pharrmers Market, 10:00 AM, The Food Bank of the RGV, 724 N Cage Blvd, Pharr. Excluding Holidays and rainy days. We will have a great variety of healthy food options, arts & crafts, and personal care items. For information call 956-904-4541. 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, 06:00 PM, Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. 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. SaberStagers’ Cabaret - Musical Revue, 07:00 PM, Roberto Pulido Performing Arts Center, 801 E Canton, Edinburg. $5.00 pp. Come enjoy a night of MUSICAL THEATRE in our brand new performing arts center. Presented by Robert Vela High School! For information call 956-289-2650.

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Open Country Jam, 01:00 PM, Split Rail RV Park, 513 N Los Ebanos Rd, Mission. Come join us for all the good music, fellowship, and fun! Cookies and coffee served. For more information call 956-585-8135. 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, 7:00 pm, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Bakersfield, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Yoga in the Park, 07:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. You do not have to be flexible or fit to do yoga! Night Hike, 08:15 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy an evening with the creatures of the night! Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and wear closetoed shoes. We’ll look for spiders, bats, frogs, toads, scorpions, and nocturnal birds. DON’T FORGET A

FLASHLIGHT! For information call 956-681-3333.

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2016

Songbird Stroll, 08:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Join an expert birder on a one hour bird walk for all skill levels! Over 200 species have been seen in the park since 2006! For information call 956-681-3370. 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. Santa Ana Nature Walk, 09:00 AM, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, 3325 Green Jay, Alamo. $3.00 pp, a volunteer led nature walk through the trails at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Directions: The refuge and visitor center are 7 miles south of Alamo on FM 907 about 1/4 mile east on Hwy 281. 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. Living History, 10:00 AM, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, 7200 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville. FREE Admission, See demonstrations of U.S.-Mexican War era weapons, tactics, and soldier life. Program features live musket and artillery demonstrations. Program is dependent upon weather. For information call 956-511-2785. The Market @ McAllen, McAllen Public Library, 10:00 AM, 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. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street. The Market is on Jackson

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

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. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Bakersfield, 06:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Dance w/Diego, 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, MAY 8, 2016

Rio Valley Church of Nazarene, 10:45 AM, Rio Valley Church of Nazarene,

SALES

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. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Bakersfiled, 12:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call (956) 761-4347. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito.

MONDAY, MAY 9, 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.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>

May 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 9

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016

Songbird Stroll, 08:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Join an expert birder on a one hour bird walk for all skill levels! Over 200 species have been seen in the park since 2006! For information call 956-681-3370. 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2016

Master Naturalist hours. For more information call 956-681-3370. Project Insight Support Group, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library (Classroom 2), McAllen. This is an ongoing, weekly support group for survivors, caregivers and anyone else dealing with cancer. http://project-insight.org/ Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 04:00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel. Every Wednesday from 4-6 pm in The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing for Farmers’ Market customers. For more 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, MAY 12, 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. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

Open Country Jam, 01:00 PM, Split Rail RV Park, 513 N Los Ebanos Rd, Mission. Come join us for all the good music, fellowship, and fun! Cookies and coffee served. For more information call 956-585-8135. Fiesta De Mayo, 06:00 PM, Edinburg City Hall Courtyard, 415 W University Dr, Edinburg. 4th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration entitled “Fiesta de Mayo” done in conjunction with the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen. In celebration of the event, we will have approximately 60 Mexican Artisans showcasing and selling their wares. For information call 956-383-6246. Dance w/Jealous Heart, 7:00 pm. Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Yoga in the Park, 07:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. You do not have to be flexible or fit to do yoga! Night Hike, 08:15 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy an evening with the creatures of the night! Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and wear closetoed shoes. We’ll look for spiders, bats, frogs, toads, scorpions, and nocturnal birds. DON’T FORGET A FLASHLIGHT! For information call 956-681-3333.

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 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. RGV Quilt Guild Meeting, 09:00 AM, South Texas College, Weslaco. Guild 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 members admission to monthly meetings. Spring Coin & Collectibles Show, 09:00 AM, Nomad Shrine Club, 1044 W Nolana Loop, Pharr. $3.00 pp. Come buy, sell or trade coins and paper money. www.hidalgocoinclub.com. For information call 956-566-3112. Santa Ana Nature Walk, 09:00 AM, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, 3325 Green Jay, Alamo. $3.00 pp, a volunteer led nature walk through the trails at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Directions: The refuge and visitor center are 7 miles south of Alamo on FM 907 about 1/4 mile east on Hwy 281. 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. SPI Birding & Nature Center Guided Nature Tour, 09:30 AM, SPI Birding & Nature Center, 6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island. $3 plus admission. Kite Day, 10:00 AM, Las Palmas Community Center, 1921 N 25th St, McAllen. $2.00 pp, Celebrate the sky with kites! Enjoy some fun flying kites while learning about their rich history and stunning artistry. Bring your own kite or create one on site. The Market @ McAllen, McAllen Public Library, 10:00 AM, 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen. Local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs. Fiesta De Mayo, 11:00 AM, Edinburg City Hall Courtyard, 415 W University Dr, Edinburg. 4th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration entitled “Fiesta de Mayo” done in conjunction with the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen. In celebration of the event, we will have approximately 60 Mexican Artisans showcasing and selling their wares. For information call 956-383-6246. 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.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • May 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS 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! 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.

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 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. Fiesta De Mayo, 12:00 PM, Edinburg City Hall Courtyard, 415 W University Dr, Edinburg. 4th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration entitled “Fiesta de Mayo” done in conjunction with the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen. In celebration of the event, we will have approximately 60 Mexican Artisans showcasing and selling their wares. For information call 956-383-6246. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito.

MONDAY, MAY 16, 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. Songbird Stroll, 08:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Join

an expert birder on a one hour bird walk for all skill levels! Over 200 species have been seen in the park since 2006! For information call 956-681-3370. 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

Volunteer in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

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. Alfresco Weslaco Music & Art, 06:00 PM, Downtown Weslaco, Weslaco. FEATURING: Marshall Law. Enjoy an evening of live jazz music, art displays, delicious food, sidewalk sales. and vendor booths in the heart of Downtown Weslaco on Texas Blvd. 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. The workshops are free. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Grand

SALES

Canyon, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 PM, John Knox Village, 1300 S Border Ave, Weslaco. For more information call 956-761-4347.

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Open Country Jam, 01:00 PM, Split Rail RV Park, 513 N Los Ebanos Rd, Mission. Come join us for all the good music, fellowship, and fun! Cookies and coffee served. For more information call 956-585-8135. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Grand Canyon, 06:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Friday Night w/a Naturalist, 06:00 PM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Road, Edinburg Topics range from odd bird behavior to global climate change! Be sure to check out the topic for this month! This program is completely FREE! Space is limited, reserve your spot. For information call 956-381-9922.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>

May 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 Dance w/Marshall Law Band, 7:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Yoga in the Park, 07:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. You do not have to be flexible or fit to do yoga! Night Hike, 08:15 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy an evening with the creatures of the night! Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and wear closetoed shoes. We’ll look for spiders, bats, frogs, toads, scorpions, and nocturnal birds. DON’T FORGET A FLASHLIGHT! For information call 956-681-3333.

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016

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. Santa Ana Nature Walk, 09:00 AM, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, 3325 Green Jay, Alamo. $3.00 pp, a volunteer led nature walk through the trails at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Directions: The refuge and visitor center are 7 miles south of Alamo on FM 907 about 1/4 mile east on Hwy 281. 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. The Market @ McAllen, McAllen Public Library, 10:00 AM, 4001 N 23rd St,

McAllen. Local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Grand Canyon, 12:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. 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. 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/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.

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016

MONDAY, MAY 23, 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, MAY 24, 2016

Songbird Stroll, 08:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Join an expert birder on a one hour bird walk for all skill levels! Over 200 species have been seen in the park since 2006! For information call 956-681-3370. 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2016

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • May 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS THURSDAY, MAY 26, 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. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. 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.

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

Open Country Jam, 01:00 PM, Split Rail RV Park, 513 N Los Ebanos Rd, Mission. Come join us for all the good music, fellowship, and fun! Cookies and coffee served. For more information call 956-585-8135. Dance w/Diego, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Yoga in the Park, 07:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. You do not have to be flexible or fit to do yoga! Night Hike, 08:15 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy an evening with the creatures of the night! Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and wear closetoed shoes. We’ll look for spiders, bats, frogs, toads, scorpions, and nocturnal birds. DON’T FORGET A FLASHLIGHT! For information call 956-681-3333.

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2016

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. 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. Santa Ana Nature Walk, 09:00 AM, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, 3325 Green Jay, Alamo. $3.00 pp, a volunteer led nature walk through the trails at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Directions: The refuge and visitor center are 7 miles south of Alamo on FM 907 about 1/4 mile east on Hwy 281. 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. SPI Birding & Nature Center Guided Nature Tour, 09:30 AM, SPI Birding & Nature Center, 6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island. $3 plus admission. The Market @ McAllen, McAllen Public Library, 10:00 AM, 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. 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

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

SALES

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/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.

Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island. For more information call 956-761-4347. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito.

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2016

MONDAY, MAY 30, 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, MAY 31, 2016

May 2016 • • • Welcome

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

Enjoy Savings. Maximize Life.

COUPON

CONNECTION

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Dr. Edieberto Palacios

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DOVES OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

White-winged Doves were historically a species that occupied the southwestern United States with their densest populations here in South Texas. However, they, too, have spread and are now seen further northward. They are perhaps the most abundant dove in the Valley, and their “who-cooks-for-you?” calls are often the first thing you hear on a hot summer morning and the last thing you hear before the sun sets. Similarly named, the large Whitetipped Dove is a much shyer bird than the White-winged Dove. They prefer to be in thick forests and, unless they venture out to a bird feeder, are typically seen running to the safety of the woods. Found from South Texas down into South America, Whitetipped Doves give a call that sounds like someone blowing across the top of a bottle. Last, and least in size, are the two smallest doves in the Valley-the Common Ground-Dove and the Inca Dove, measuring in at around 6.5 and 8.5 inches respectively. The Inca Dove is a longer bird because of its long tail, a feature that helps distinguish it from the shorter-tailed Common Ground-Dove. Inca Doves are also much more likely to be found in urban areas than are Common Ground-Doves, which tend to be in more rural and open brush land habitats. While many doves and pigeons in the

White-winged Dove by Michelle Hockaday Summers-All birds in the family Columbidae (doves and pigeons) have the ability to drink by sucking or pumping water into their throats. This is certainly convenient on a hot day when all you want to do is stick your whole face in a cool pond.

Valley are quite common, aside from the Red-billed Pigeon, that should not mean they are underappreciated. The subtle differences in color, the various shades of blue skin around the eyes, and the generally calming coos of all of our doves make them one of my favorite bird groups. I hope you will take time to look closer at the next dove that visits your yard, and enjoy the subtleties they offer. Join us at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center every Tuesday and Saturday morning from 8 -9:30 a.m. for a Songbird Stroll. We recently found seven species of doves during the walk, as well as spring migrants. 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. •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • May 2016

D From the Inside, Out D by Marge Flados

Memorial Day

M emorial Day brings back special

memories to me--memories growing up when it was known as Decoration Day and was observed in special ways. Customarily, veterans’ organizations sold poppies in memory of their fallen comrades. When I was a little girl, I sold poppies. I don’t remember where the poppies came from or who delivered them, but there was always an ample supply. I remember spending hours approaching anyone who came to our local Spink grocery store, asking them to buy a poppy in remembrance of service men who gave their lives for our country. The poppies cost 10 cents, which seems like such a small amount, but it was the middle of the Great Depression and money was scarce. Most people willingly bought my poppies, knowing the money would be donated to a veterans’ organization.

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I shall always remember selling poppies at the Spink store. Oddly, I don’t remember having anyone else with me at the time, but I must assume other children sold poppies, as well. Store customers and my parents’ friends and neighbors dug into pockets and purses for a dime and walked away with a crepe paper poppy stuck through a button hole or into a breast pocket. The 1930s were but 15 years removed from the Armistice that ended World War I, and there were local veterans who came home from the war with damaged lungs as a result of mustard and chlorine gas that the Germans used on the battlefields of France and Belgium. Decoration Day was first observed in 1868 as a day to remember and decorate the graves of the Civil War dead. It was in May, 1915, during the 2nd Battle of Ypres in Belgium during World War I, that a young Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed by an exploding artillery shell. Major John McCrae, a military doctor and artillery commander was asked to conduct the burial service for Alexis because the chaplain had been called away on another duty. That evening after the burial, John McCrae wrote his famous poem, In Flanders Fields, which received world recognition. Everyone was familiar with that poem and school children memorized it, as did

Marge Flados

I. The poppy became the Memorial flower from then on. In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead, Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. During my two trips to the World War II battlefields of Belgium, our tour bus was met at Henri Chappelle National Cemetery by a Belgian named Edgard Pots. We were told he always stood at the entrance to the cemetery holding an American flag flying from a pole twice as tall as he and greeted the battlefield tour groups, predominately former soldiers and their wives. He greeted us with the words, “I am here to thank you for our freedom.” Ever since that time we first met in 1991, Edgard sends an email three times a year: On Memorial Day, on Veterans’ Day, and on the 15th of December, which is the day on which the German army attacked the Allied positions in the Ardennes Forest in 1944. His messages are beautiful. He usually relates his sympathy for those whose fallen sons and husbands will remain in Belgium forever. Then he promises to decorate a grave each holiday (which he does). And then he promises the Belgium people will never forget the sacrifices made by the American soldiers. He ends his messages in big red letters: “THANK YOU FOR OUR FREEDOM.” I asked Edgard if the poppies really did bloom in Flanders fields, and he said that in late spring, they bloomed in profusion. I liked knowing that. • M. Flados is a resident of Harlingen and can be reached at nflados@rgv.rr.com

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