END HUNGER IN THE RGV!
Most popular fundraiser Empty Bowls is just around the corner!
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 spinach quiche!
Welcome Home See details on page 2.
See calendar on page 10.
Try their recipe on page 14.
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RIO GRANDE VALLEY
September 2016
• • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •
Valley Parks Win Big at the TRVA Annual Convention Special to Welcome Home RGV
The T
here’s a saying that “there are only a few things in life that are guaranteed... death and taxes.” While that may be true, I have to add ‘change’ to the list. Over the last few months, I’ve seen a whole lot of change. As I adjust to being an empty nester, I find myself dealing with a whole lot of changes. Some things that changed were a given – the grocery bill being cut almost in half, the laundry room not only staying neat but also being available any time I need it, and my personal favorite---where in the world did all the dirty dishes go? And then there are those things that hit me even harder than I expected, like the silence of an empty house and finding out just how much I miss making lunches in the morning. But I’m also enjoying some unexpected changes. Phone calls before my daughter left were reminders and discussions about errands to run or things to do. Now we actually have conversations. (And they aren’t ALL pleas for money.) We talk about her day, the people she’s met, the classes she’s taking. I find myself talking to an adult, not a teenager. I’m sad, I admit, but the joy of knowing she has an exciting future ahead of her outweighs the sadness ten to one. I’m excited about the things to come and embracing the changes in my life with a sense of calm, knowing we’re all going to be just fine. Change may be guaranteed, but how we respond to it can make all the difference. • We’re just connecting the dots,
Kristi
Texas Recreational Vehicle Association (TRVA) held their annual convention in Austin August 12-15. For years, one of the highlights of the convention has been the naming of the “Park of the Year” winners for small, medium, and large RV parks throughout the state of Texas. This year, the Rio Grande Valley swept the competition, bringing home the “Park of the Year Award” for all three categories! Congratulations to the managers, staff, and residents of Oleander Acres of Mission, VIP La Feria of La Feria, and Llano Grande Lake Park Resort & Country Club of Mercedes. This is the third time VIP La Feria has won and the second year in a row that Llano Grande brought home the title. The awards are based on 1) Customer Service/Reviews, 2) Association Involvement, 3) Excellence in Operations, 4) Park Promotion, 5) Management Skills and Relationships, 6) Community Service, 7) Park Growth and Innovations, and *) Visual Appeal of the Park and
Upkeep. Each park must submit three copies of their entry with supporting documentation, which may include, but is not limited to, photos, newspaper clippings, letters of recommendation or commendation, user reviews, customer testimonials,
and any other information the park(s) think would be of benefit. Thank you to all of our parks, whether you’ve been recognized or not, for continuing to make the Rio Grande Valley the best winter destination in Texas! •
McAllen and Pharr among 23 Texas Cities to Earn Prominent Scenic City Certification in 2016 Special to Welcome Home RGV
A total of 23 Texas municipalities
have been awarded Scenic City Certification through the Scenic City Certification Program, a project of Scenic Texas. The Scenic City program supports and recognizes cities for commitment to high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces. Nine cities are now certified for the first time and 14 are recertifying or upgrading existing
certification status, bringing the total certified cities in Texas to 66. The Scenic City Certification Program is the first in the United States to incorporate a comprehensive set of model standards for design and development of public roadways and public spaces into one program.
Cities apply to the program for a rigorous evaluation and scoring of existing municipal standards against the model. Those with the highest SCENIC CITY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
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