Issuu

EXPERIENCE CULTURE!

IMAS presenting a new exhibition and celebrates an Indian festival!

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 sweet treat for you to try!

Welcome Home See article on page 4.

See calendar on page 5.

Try her recipe on page 16.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

April 2016

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

Grace Heritage Ranch: A Self-Sustaining Homestead Right Here in the RGV Special to Welcome Home RGV

Originally It’s hard to believe the Winter Texan season is coming to an end. I sure am going to miss all of you until you return to us in the fall. As I’ve mentioned many times, just because our friends from up north go home, that doesn’t mean the world comes to a screeching halt. Quite the contrary. Summer is full of activities, events, and opportunities to keep those who are still here busy. The only real difference is the temperature (and that we miss our Winter Texan friends, of course)! We’ve had such an overwhelming response to our weekly newspaper that we decided to continue our paper on a monthly basis throughout the summer. We want to stay in your lives, celebrating our local retirees and Converted Texans who have chosen to call the Valley your permanent home. As you flip through the pages that follow, please remember that we welcome your comments, suggestions, and ideas to make this paper the best it can be. We want to hear from you. I hope to see you over the summer! •

We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

from Wisconsin, United States Air Force Veteran Brian Schalk and his wife, Mary, have lived in Texas since 1984, except for a fiveyear departure to Fallon, Nevada. In 2010, Brian, Mary, and three of their six children moved to 160 acres of beauty and solitude located about one hour north of the Brownsville / Mexico border. Their green pastures and dense brush land sit in the southeast corner of Willacy County, deep in South Texas near the quiet little town of Santa Monica, 20 minutes east of Lyford. This is home, and they call it Grace Heritage Ranch. So what do you think of when you hear the word “grace”? How about “heritage”? As Christians, “grace” reminds the Schalks of God’s grace toward them--His amazing grace, if you will. “God’s Grace” was also their first donkey and the ranch’s namesake. Grace was adopted shortly after the Schalks moved to the ranch. She was blind and sick with cancer, but neither of these things defined her. She was a deeply loved family member, remembered for her patience, intelligence, love, gentle spirit, and, above all, her gracious ways. In spite of her challenges, she worked faithfully, protecting the family’s animals from predators and raising her little foal, Mercy. Sadly, they lost their amazing “God’s Grace” to cancer early in 2012. “Heritage” conjures up thoughts of a by-gone era and simple, oldfashioned ways of doing things. The Schalks believe that these ways are full of wisdom from our forefathers and are still quite applicable to us today. At Grace Heritage Ranch, the goal

Mary and Brian Schalk

is a sustainable homestead, and so, greater self-sufficiency is their way of life. To them, homesteading includes making intentional choices to improve the quality of life for their family. It’s about learning practical life skills, such as gardening, composting, using simple hand tools, soap making, and food preservation, as well as naturally pasturing, breeding and birthing their animals. The focus here is on improving the quality of the eggs, meat, milk, and vegetables produced without overburdening the ranch, while the techniques used constantly improve the fertility of the land. That’s the idea of sustainability--only putting on the ranch what it can reasonably support. This prevents stress on the plants, animals, and soil so they don’t need to use any harmful chemicals, fertilizers, or destructive methods. Wise stewardship of God’s provision is part of their plan and lifestyle. “Heritage” also refers to the breeds of animals they raise. To be considered “heritage breeds,” they must be old, established breeds, usually from before the 1800s but up to the early 1900s. They are more compact, are easy keepers, thrive on available forage, are easy birthing,

and hardy. They are generally raised for multiple uses, not for one specific purpose. Because these breeds are not suited to industrial use, they have fallen out of favor. Most are listed as critically endangered, with numbers as few as 600 worldwide. Grace Heritage Ranch has established careful breeding programs with all their animals in order to enhance the bloodlines and benefit the conservation of these endangered livestock breeds. Newborn animals are raised to improve the ranch’s own flocks and herds or are sold to augment other breeding programs, both zoological and private, nationwide. The heritage animals of Grace Heritage Ranch include American Milking Devon cattle, Nigerian Dwarf goats, San Clemente Island goats, Jacob sheep, Bourbon Red and Chocolate turkeys, Buff Orpington and Silver Gray Dorking chickens, Embden geese, and, not to be forgotten, their honeybees! All are GRACE HERITAGE RANCH CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 >>

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

April 2016 • • • Welcome

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

It’s a Palo Verde Tree -- or is it Retama? by Anita Westervelt, Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist

Remember

those ghastly college essay tests where you had to compare and contrast? They were confusing and annoying; the concept seemed redundant -- until this week. In Harlingen’s Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Palo Verde, Parkinsonia texana, and Retama, Parkinsonia aculeate, are blooming across from one another in Ebony Loop. While learning plant identification, I’d been told the flowers of these two trees were similar. To me, they seemed identical. The more I thought about it, the more it bothered me because I thought Mother Nature was more creative than that. And she is. With the two species in such close proximity, I had the opportunity to distinguish subtle differences. I ran back and forth, studying one intricate bloom and then the other before realizing I could take pictures with my phone camera and compare them, side-by-side, at my computer. While trying to memorize the flowers, I suddenly realized I was comparing and contrasting. I still think “list the differences” would have been easier

Welcome Home

WINTER TEXAN

your official connection to the rio grande valley

to comprehend on those long-ago tests. Compare and Contrast Flowers At first glance, the trees give an eyeful of orange and yellow. Flower shape and size are very close. Both have flowers with five yellow petals. On Retama, one of those petals may be orange or have an orange blush. Palo Verde petals have a more frilly edge. The anther (top of the stamen) of Palo Verde flowers are larger and more vibrant orange than those of the Retama flower, giving both trees an equal illusion of yellow-to-orange ratio. Similarities: • Same family -Fabaceae (Leguminosae: Caesalpinoideae) • Green bark; brown on older trunks • Shed leaves in winter Differences: • Palo Verde, moderate growth, more drought-tolerant; Retama, fastgrowing, likes wooded areas near rivers and resacas • Palo Verde blooms spring and summer; Retama, most of the year • Palo Verde has insignificant spines;

Palo Verde by Anita Westervelt

Retama, vicious thorns • Palo Verde is denser with zig-zag branches; Retama, airy graceful droop The big tell: The leaves. Palo Verde has small round, compact leaflets.

Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley Monthly e-Blasts

Grants a Wish-of-a-Lifetime for Oscar by Lynette Montalvo, Make-A-Wish Volunteer

Publisher Kristi Collier

March 15, Oscar Galvan and his

kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Accounting Sharon Flores

sharon@welcomehomergv.com

Administration Amie Gray

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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

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Editor Chris Ardis

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Graphic Design Jenny R Carpenter silentBYTES design

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Welcome Home

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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.

Retama leaves are alternate and widely spaced on broad, flattened, 12-inch-long rachis. Compare and contrast finally makes sense. •

family returned from a trip to Disney World, where he enjoyed his first adventure in the Magic Kingdom. Arriving at the Valley International Airport, Oscar had a big smile and showed his excitement as he talked about his experience. The 10-year-old Brownsville resident received the free, week-long trip to Orlando from Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley Chapter, part of a national nonprofit that grants wishes to children 2 1/2- 18 years of age with life- threatening medical conditions. Oscar said the trip will be something he will never forget. His favorite part, he said, was going on all of Disney’s attractions. “I got to ride on all the rides,” Oscar said. “I went on some of them a lot, too,” he said with a big smile. Oscar’s family members also saw how delighted he was to have gone on the trip. “He really enjoyed his time at Disney, and I’m very happy,” Karla, Oscar’s mom, said. “Oscar’s wish came true, and I can see it on his face.” All details had been prearranged, and the trip went off without a hitch. “The whole idea of granting this wish was to give Oscar and his family a break from worrying about his leukemia and to give Oscar the

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

Welcome

strength, hope, and joy he deserves.” Ava Sandlin, executive director of Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley said. “It’s a stress on the whole family, and getting to grant wishes is what I love about my job!” The Make-A-Wish Foundation believes wishes are an important part of the overall care and treatment of children and that each wish offers the opportunity for a joyous, lifechanging experience, as stated on the organization’s website. For more information on how to make wishes come true, call the Make-A-Wish office at 956-686WISH (9474). •

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 • • • April 2016

A Proactive Approach to Diabetic Retinopathy by Yu Tang “James” Su, MD

Diabetic

retinopathy is the most common eye disease in American adults under the age of 60, causing vision loss in 85 percent of this population. It is a complication of diabetes that develops from the deterioration of the small blood vessels in the retina due to chronic elevation of the blood sugar level. Two distinct stages of diabetic retinopathy can form--nonproliferative and proliferative. Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the earlier stage of diabetic retinopathy. In this stage, tiny blood vessels within the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, leak blood or fluid. This leaking fluid causes the retina to swell or to form deposits called exudates. Many people with diabetes have mild NPDR, which usually does not affect their vision. Although the changes are visible during an eye exam, the patient may

not experience any symptoms and will often retain normal vision at this stage. It is important for all diabetic patients to have regular dilated eye exams to ensure that retinopathy is detected before any symptoms occur. When vision is affected, it is the result of macular edema, ischemia, or both. Macular edema is swelling or thickening of the macula, a small area in the center of the retina that allows us to see fine details and is essential for central vision. This swelling is an inflammatory response caused by the accumulation of fluid leaking from retinal blood vessels. Permanent vision loss is likely to occur in diabetic patients who are left untreated. Specialized eye laser and medical treatment may reverse the damage caused by these inflammatory responses. Macular ischemia occurs when small blood vessels close. This

GRACE HERITAGE RANCH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

kept safe under the watchful eyes of their guardian donkeys. With the ultimate goal of a selfsustaining homestead, becoming more self-reliant, and instilling in their children the wisdom and perseverance of past generations, Brian and Mary Schalk work hard to maintain a backto-the-land lifestyle by learning and utilizing skills and techniques of the past. The children work hard, too. They help with keeping bees, tending the orchard of fruit trees, cultivating the large organic garden of heirloom fruits and vegetables, caring for and loving on the animals, as well as keeping up with their schoolwork. They consider it a great achievement to keep their large family together in one cohesive unit. All six children (Amanda, Joshua, Jacob, Caleb, Matthew, and Joseph), daughter-in-law Yenifer, and grandson Ezra have different interests and areas of expertise, but they love each other and their homesteading lifestyle. They have learned to look at their differences as strengths, and so support each other’s endeavors and work together solving problems and helping each other in their daily activities on the ranch. The joy comes from accomplishing the objective together, even if they’re not always thrilled with the ride. This attitude defines their family-run ranch. However simple, homesteading does not mean an easier life.

“There is no way to sugarcoat hard work; it is simply part of our daily life. Many people romanticize life on a homestead, but it’s not like the movies,” their daughter Amanda says. In December of 2013, the Schalks opened Grace Heritage Ranch as an educational outreach to anyone who wants to learn about and experience an agrarian homestead. The Schalks will explain organic gardening, animal husbandry, and hard work ethics. Through either a 2 ½-hour guided interactive tour or individual bookings, they communicate to individuals and groups valuable lessons from the past. The tours are not just educational. They are full of handson experiences, sometimes making new memories and sometimes digging up old ones, but always fun. You can milk a goat or cow and also feed and interact with the cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, and donkeys. Beyond the animals, you’ll have a chance to check out their organic garden and try your hand tilling with an old-fashioned wheel hoe. After seeing how cotton is processed from the plant to yarn, guests can use a replica of the first cotton gin to remove the seed from the cotton boll, then card and spin it into yarn with old-fashioned tools. You’ll see a working Texas oil well and learn a bit of the historical significance of the area and the road on which the ranch GRACE HERITAGE RANCH CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>

causes vision to blur because the macula no longer receives sufficient blood supply. There are no effective treatments for macular ischemia. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) develops when retinal blood vessels become so damaged that they close off. At this stage, the growth of new blood vessels is triggered. These new blood vessels are abnormal with thin, fragile walls. If they leak blood, severe vision loss and even blindness can result. Bleeding caused by abnormal blood vessels can cause a vitreous hemorrhage. A small amount of blood will cause dark floaters, while a larger hemorrhage might block all vision, leaving only light and dark perception. New, abnormal blood vessels can also cause scar tissue to grow. When this scar tissue shrinks, it can wrinkle and pull on the retina and distort vision. If the pulling is severe, the macula may detach and cause irreversible vision loss. Laser surgery may be used to shrink the abnormal vessels and reduce the risk of bleeding. If the vitreous hemorrhage does not clear within

a reasonable amount of time, or if a retinal detachment is detected, a surgery called a vitrectomy can be performed. During this surgery, the eye surgeon removes the hemorrhage and any scar tissue that has developed and performs laser treatment to prevent new abnormal vessel growth. People with PDR sometimes have no symptoms until it is too late to treat them. The retina may be badly injured before there is any change in vision. If you have diabetes, regular follow-ups with your family doctor, diet, and exercise are essential for controlling your blood glucose. This, in conjunction with yearly visits to your ophthalmologist, can significantly lower your risk of developing the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. Although more frequent medical eye examinations may be necessary after its diagnosis, early detection is the best protection against diabetic retinopathy and subsequent vision loss. •

Yu Tang “James” Su, MD is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists, and a member of the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Ophthalmological Association.

April 2016 • • • Welcome

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

Experience the Futuristic Art of Light and Color

IMAS exhibition Gisela Colón: PODS!

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Third Enchanted India Festival at IMAS April 23 Special to Welcome Home RGV

conjunction with the India Association of the Rio Grande Valley, International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) Cultural Series celebrates the Enchanted India Festival, Saturday, April 23, from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. with a number of traditional activities and customs. The event seeks to highlight the rich diversity of the Rio Grande Valley’s Indian community. This year’s lineup of events will offer visitors of all ages the opportunity to learn more about India’s rich culture by tasting traditional foods, learning about Indian languages, seeing your name written in six languages, observing traditional dancing and customs,

meditating under the moon, learning about henna, making your own bangles, and much more! IMAS would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the India Association of the Rio Grande Valley for their support and partnership in the planning of this event. The festival is included in the price of general admission. General admission is FREE for IMAS members; $7 for adults, $5 for senior and students with an ID, and $4 for children (4-12). Ask us about our Museums for All program. For more information, please call 956682-0123 or visit www.imasonline. org. •

The

International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is pleased to present Gisela Colón: PODS by the Los-Angeles-based abstract artist, on display at IMAS April 14 through August 7. The exhibition features over a dozen sculptures made from blow-molded acrylic plastic and iridescent and fluorescent pigments. Colón’s work offers a unique and innovative development in the Light and Space movement, which began in California in the 1960s. Colón’s GloPods emanate light from the inner core, and through her iridescent, reflective pigments allow the viewer to experience pure color and form in space. To create her Glo-Pods, Colón begins with a drawing and then determines form, color, and other qualities in a highly deliberate process. Finally, each piece is fabricated by an

industrial manufacturer in several steps in order to ensure that it comes out exactly as originally envisioned. Light and color is embedded into the piece through a proprietary process. Colón considers her work a “synthesis of two diverse and distinct influences: Latin American modern abstract art and North American aesthetics that are seminal to the West Coast region.” The exhibition is organized through Katharine T. Carter & Associates. Join us for all our new programs and activities! General admission is FREE for IMAS members; $7 for adults, $5 for senior and students with an ID, and $4 for children (412). Ask us about our Museums for All program. For more information, please call 956-682-0123 or visit www.imasonline.org. •

The International Museum of Art & Science is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers. The mission of the International Museum of Art & Science is to promote a deeper appreciation of the arts and sciences through exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs; and to preserve, expand, and display its permanent art and science collections. The museum is located at the intersection of Bicentennial Way and Nolana Avenue. Monday: Closed; Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.. SUMMER HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. IMAS provides $1 general admission to the public every Thursday evening from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Log onto http://www.imasonline.org or call (956) 682-0123 for more information.

GRACE HERITAGE RANCH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

is located. The Schalks currently work with several schools groups and Boy Scout troops for field trips. “It’s exciting for us to bring these students to our outdoor classroom!” says Mary. Some people come to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Many Winter Texan groups also come out during their winter stays in South Texas. “They love the nostalgia,” says Brian. “They want to remember how life was in their past and relive a small portion of it.” At Grace Heritage Ranch, you can see how they truly take what was inherited from the past and maintain it in the present to bestow it for future

benefit. Their tours have been said to inspire and delight both young and old. For tours of and visitor information about Grace Heritage Ranch, visit www.GraceHeritageRanch.com or their Facebook page www.Facebook. com/VisitGHR. Call toll free at 1-844-VISIT-GHR (844-847-4844) for a recorded message. So git yer boots ‘n jeans on and head over to GHR! •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • April 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MONTH OF

April 1 - 30, 2016 FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016 Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! Bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars are available free of charge. Donation are to purchase native plants for the park. For information call 956-681-3333. History Tour of Quinta Mazatlan, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. $3.00 pp. Tour one of the largest adobe homes in the state of Texas. Hear about the tales of the families that built and lived at Quinta Mazatlan for a total of 60 years before the City of McAllen purchased the estate and opened it in 2006 as a mansion with a mission. For infor-

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. •

mation call 956-681-3370. Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N Abram Rd, Mission. Come have a great time walking. Indoors in the Clubhouse. Walk for fun, to take the pounds off, enjoy the fellowship of others. For information call 956-581-1871. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. 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. Sipping Seniors, 02:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. An activity for old friends to enjoy and an opportunity to make

new friends. This is a fun afternoon for those who think they can’t paint and those who want to learn some new techniques. For information call 956-249-3534, BYOB or enjoy a glass of wine on the house. Hamburger Night & Karaoke, 05:30 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N Abram Rd, Mission. $6.00 pp, Hamburger, chips, soda and dessert, serving at 5:30. Karaoke follows. For information call 956-581-1871. 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. www.mcallen.net/residents/arts.aspx Karaoke at Tip O’ Texas, 06:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. $1.00 pp, Al Barnes Hall. For information call 956-787-6461.

Sunset Yoga, 06:30 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. If it is raining class will be cancelled. For information call 956-681-3333. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. New Mexico State, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Night Hike, 08:00 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 close-toed shoes. We’ll spend an hour slowly covering about 1/2 mile of trails, carefully and quietly looking for anything we might see along the path. For information call 956-681-3333.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >>

April 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 5

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 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. With 1,200 acres of lush, riparian woodlands we will also be birding by ear. For information call 956-350-2920. 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. Tai Chi in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen

Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. This FREE program by instructor Sophie Wang! Tai Chi has positive effects on balance control, fitness and flexibility. Elderly and people with disabilities can also work within their limits. Wear comfortable clothing and flexible shoes, and bring water. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Family Nature Walk, 10:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business

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 E3 : Balcony Stateroom $1305/pp

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

83, McAllen. A new topic each week! Join us for fun family exploration. All public programs are provided free of charge. All donations are used to purchase native plants for the site. For information call 956-681-3333. Senior Saturdays, 10:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. $5 General Admission Includes: FREE Coffee FREE IMAS Guided Tour *Closed on major holidays and special occasions. For information call 956-682-0123. 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, 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. Yoga Under The Oaks, 11:00 AM, 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. Relay for Life of Upper Valley, 12:00 PM, Sharyland High School, 1106 N. Shary Road, Mission. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. For information call 956-682-8329. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission. Lunch is served from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. For more information call 956-581-2932. Mindfulness and Meditation, 12:30 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Learn how mindfulness and meditation can provide a sense of peace among the hectic lifestyle that most of us live! For information call 956-681-3333. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street The Market is Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents freshest lo-

cally grown food, come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Environmental Novel Read - Aloud, 04:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy a chapter from an environmental writer, such as Sigurd Olson, Aldo Leopold, Join Muir, Rachel Carson and others, followed by a short discussion. Don’t miss out on this relaxing and inspiring program. This program is targeted towards teens and adults. For information call 956-681-3333. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. New Mexico State, 06:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Dance w/Sipe & The Country Playboys, 07:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St, Mission $5.00 pp, BYOB and snacks, water and soda for sale, ice provided. For information call 956-874-8674. Dance w/Ron & Nancy, 07:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 N International Blvd, Weslaco $5.00 pp, BYOB, free ice. For information call 956-968-0322. Dance w/Diego, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway 495, Alamo. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 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. Church Service, 09:15 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N Abram Rd, Mission. For information call 956-581-1871. Church Service, 10:00 AM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E Hall Acres Rd, Pharr. For information call 956-787-1521. 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. Our Sunday venues include Sunday School and Morning Worship. 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. Every Sunday 11:00 am-1:00 pm. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. New Mexico State, 12:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To pur-

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • April 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS chase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Max’s Grill, 01:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E Jasmine Ave, McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito. Power Walking in the Forest, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join a staff member for a brisk walk on the trails. We walk a 1/2 mile loop. Join us for one or two loops, or all of them! For information call 956-681-3333. Living Green, 03:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. It’s easy being green! Join us at the picnic tables for an open discussion about greener, healthier living, and simple ways to make a difference in both the environment and in your life. For information call 956-681-3333.

MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. 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. UTRGV Wind Symphony, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville $5.00 pp. For information call 956-882-7025.

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 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. Overeaters Anonymous, 06:00 PM, McAllen Heart Hospital, 1900 S D St, McAllen. Are you having problems with food? Come join us for an

informative support group on how to help control your cravings. For information call Carmen 956-475-3791. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Incarnate Word, 06:30 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 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. Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! Bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars are available free of charge. For information call 956-681-3333. Quinta Mazatlan Garden Walk, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Drop in to Chat and walk with a garden expert. Novice and advanced gardeners will enjoy the themed garden walks with interesting stories about plants and gardens. Each month the topic will change based on the season in the valley! For 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/ Native Plant Tour, 11:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Free Admission, Join a staff naturalist for a walk on the trails and through the native plant gardens, exploring the benefits of native plants. The walk will be tailored to the participants’ interests in edible plants, backyard gardening, wildscaping, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. Yoga Under The Oaks, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business Hwy 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. Bring a yoga mat or exercise

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mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. 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 information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675. UTRGV Flute Choir, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville The UTRGV Flute Choir, under the direction of Dr. Cristina Ballatori, is active in the community, regularly performing in venues across South Texas. They have been selected as featured performers at three National Flute Association Conventions (2015, 2014, 2013), the Texas Music Educators Association Convention (2016, 2014), and the Texas Flute Festival (2012). $5.00 pp. For information call 956-882-7025.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 Volunteer in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAl-

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len 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. 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. Nature Speaker Series: Caterpillars and Butterflies, 06:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Explore nature Thursday evenings with great speakers about everything from birds and Butterflies to culture and art of the Rio Grande Valley. $3.00 per person. For more information call 956-681-3370.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >>

April 2016 • • • Welcome

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

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 US Too Prostate Cancer Support Group, 07:00 PM, Texas Oncology, McAllen US TOO Prostate Cancer support group, Spouse/partner are welcome to attend. 956-687-5150.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016 Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! Bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars are available free of charge. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. Sipping Seniors, 02:00 PM, Art Studio

by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. An activity for old friends to enjoy and an opportunity to make new friends. This is a fun afternoon for those who think they can’t paint and those who want to learn some new techniques. For information call 956-249-3534. BYOB or enjoy a glass of wine on the house. Karaoke at Tip O’ Texas, 06:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. $1.00 pp, Al Barnes Hall. For information call 956-787-6461. Sunset Yoga, 06:30 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. If it is raining class will be cancelled. For information call 956-681-3333. Night Hike, 08:00 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 close-toed shoes. We’ll spend an hour slowly covering about 1/2 mile of trails, carefully and quietly looking for any-

thing we might see along the path. For information call 956-681-3333.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 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. Tai Chi in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. This FREE program by instructor Sophie Wang! Tai Chi has positive effects on balance control, fitness and flexibility. Elderly and people with disabilities can also work within their limits. Wear comfortable clothing and flexible shoes, and bring water. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. 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. With 1,200 acres of lush, riparian woodlands we will also be birding by ear. For information call 956-350-2920. 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 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 (from January 1-December 31) entitles members admission to monthly meetings which includes a program. 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.

Queen Isabella Market Day, 09:00 AM, Port isabel Lighthouse, 214 E Queen Isabella Blvd, Port Isabel. Hosted by the Museums of Port Isabel. Vendors & music. Free family fun! Family Nature Walk, 10:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. A new topic each week! Join us for fun family exploration. All public programs are provided free of charge. All donations are used to purchase native plants for the site. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Yoga Under The Oaks, 11:00 AM, 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission. Lunch is served from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. For more information call 956-581-2932. Mindfulness and Meditation, 12:30 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Learn how mindfulness and meditation can provide a sense of peace among the hectic lifestyle that most of us live! For information call 956-681-3333. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street The Market is Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents freshest locally grown food, come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Environmental Novel Read - Aloud, 04:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy a chapter from an environmental writer, such as Sigurd Olson, Aldo Leopold, Join Muir, Rachel Carson and others, followed by a short discussion. For information call 956-681-3333. Dance w/Jealous Heart, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway 495, Alamo. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300. Kenneth Grant, Clarinet & Jim Walker, Flute, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville $15.00 Adults, $10.00 Seniors, $5.00 Students. Kenneth Grant and Jim Walker appear in concert as a partnership of the South Texas Flute and Clari-

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • April 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS net Festival and Patron of the Arts Guest Artist Series. For information call 956-882-7025.

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 Church Service, 10:00 AM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E Hall Acres Rd, Pharr. For information call 956-787-1521. 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. Every Sunday 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Power Walking in the Forest, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join a staff member for a brisk walk on the trails. We walk a 1/2 mile loop. Join us for one or two loops, or all of them! For information call 956-681-3333. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito. Living Green, 03:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. It’s easy being green! Join us at the picnic tables for an open discussion about greener, healthier living, and simple ways to make a difference in both the environment and in your life. For information call 956-681-3333. PROJECT Trio, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville. $15.00 Adults, $10.00 Seniors, $5.00 Students. PROJECT Trio is a high energy chamber music ensemble comprised of three virtuosic composer/performers from Brooklyn, NY with a unique combination of flute, bass and cello. For information call 956-882-7025.

MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2016 Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. 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. Student Percussion Ensembles, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center,

Brownsville $5.00 pp, for information call 956-882-7025.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 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. Overeaters Anonymous, 06:00 PM, McAllen Heart Hospital, 1900 S D St, McAllen. Are you having problems with food? Come join us for an informative support group on how to help control your cravings. For information call Carmen 956-475-3791. UTRGV Master Chorale, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville. The Master Chorale, conducted by Sean Taylor, presents Felix Mendelssohn’s masterwork Elijah. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-882-7025.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 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. Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! Bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars are available free of charge. For information call 956-681-3333. 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

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with cancer. http://project-insight.org/ Quinta Mazatlan Garden Walk, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Drop in to Chat and walk with a garden expert. Novice and advanced gardeners will enjoy the themed garden walks with interesting stories about plants and gardens. Each month the topic will change based on the season in the valley! For information call 956-681-3370. Native Plant Tour, 11:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Free Admission, Join a staff naturalist for a walk on the trails and through the native plant gardens, exploring the benefits of native plants. The walk will be tailored to the participants’ interests in edible plants, backyard gardening, wildscaping, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. Yoga Under The Oaks, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business

SALES

Hwy 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. 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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 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. Pharrmers Market, 10:00 AM, The Food Bank of the RGV, 724 N Cage

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>

April 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 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. Nature Speaker Series, 06:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Explore nature Thursday evenings with great speakers about everything from birds and Butterflies to culture and art of the Rio Grande Valley.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! Bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars are available free of charge. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. Sipping Seniors, 02:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. An activity for old friends to enjoy and an opportunity to make new friends. This is a fun afternoon for those who think they can’t paint and those who want to learn some new techniques. For information call 956-249-3534, BYOB or enjoy a glass of wine on the house. Friday Night Coin Show, 06:00 PM, St Mark United Methodist Church, 301 Pecan Blvd, McAllen. Come buy, sell or trade coins and paper money. www.hidalgocoinclub.com. For information call 956-566-3112. Sunset Yoga, 06:30 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. If it is raining class will be cancelled. For information call 956-681-3333. Karaoke at Tip O’ Texas, 06:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. $1.00 pp, Al Barnes Hall, for information call 956-787-6461. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. North Dakota, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Night Hike, 08:00 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 close-toed shoes. We’ll spend an hour slowly covering about 1/2 mile of trails, carefully and quietly looking for anything we might see along the path. For information call 956-681-3333.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 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 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. Tai Chi in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. This FREE program by instructor Sophie Wang! Tai Chi has positive effects on balance control, fitness and flexibility. Elderly and people with disabilities can also work within their limits. Wear comfortable clothing and flexible shoes, and bring water. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. With 1,200 acres of lush, riparian woodlands we will also be birding by ear. For information call 956-350-2920. Santa Ana Nature Walk, 09:00 AM, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, 3325 Green Jay, Alamo. $3.00 pp, a volun-

teer 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. Family Nature Walk, 10:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. A new topic each week! Join us for fun family exploration. All public programs are provided free of charge. All donations are used to purchase native plants for the site. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Teamsters Reunion, 10:00 AM, Ann’s Restaurant, 221 Business 83, San Juan. Come for the monthly Teamsters Reunion at Ann’s Resturant on Bus. Hwy. 83, Ernie 262-749-4001. Relay For Life of Willacy County, 10:00 AM, Lyford High School, Bulldog Blvd, Lyford. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. For information call 956-245-8485. Yoga Under The Oaks, 11:00 AM, 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission. Lunch served at 11:00 am. For more information call 956-581-2932. Mindfulness and Meditation, 12:30 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Learn how mindfulness and meditation can provide a sense of peace among the hectic lifestyle that most of us live! For information call 956-681-3333.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • April 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street The Market is Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents freshest locally grown food, come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Environmental Novel Read - Aloud, 04:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy a chapter from an environmental writer, such as Sigurd Olson, Aldo Leopold, Join Muir, Rachel Carson and others, followed by a short discussion. For information call 956-681-3333. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. North Dakota, 06:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Dance w/SweetWater, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway 495, Alamo. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016 Church Service, 10:00 AM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E Hall Acres Rd, Pharr. For information call 956-787-1521. 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. Every Sunday 11:00 am-1:00 pm. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. North Dakota, 12:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Power Walking in the Forest, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join a staff member for a brisk walk on the trails. We walk a 1/2 mile loop. Join us for one or two loops, or all of them! For information call 956-681-3333. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito. Living Green, 03:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. It’s easy being green! Join us at the picnic tables for an open discussion about greener, healthier living, and simple ways to make a difference in both the environment and in your life. For information call 956-681-3333.

MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2016 Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. 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, APRIL 19, 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. Overeaters Anonymous, 06:00 PM, McAllen Heart Hospital, 1900 S D St, McAllen. Are you having problems with food? Come join us for an informative support group on how to help control your cravings. For information call Carmen 956-475-3791. 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, APRIL 20, 2016 Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! Bring binoculars if you have them. Loaner binoculars are available free of charge. All donations are used to purchase

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

native plants for the park. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Quinta Mazatlan Garden Walk, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Drop in to Chat and walk with a garden expert. Novice and advanced gardeners will enjoy the themed garden walks with interesting stories about plants and gardens. Each month the topic will change based on the season in the valley! For 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/ Native Plant Tour, 11:00 AM, McAllen

SALES

Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Free Admission, Join a staff naturalist for a walk on the trails and through the native plant gardens, exploring the benefits of native plants. The walk will be tailored to the participants’ interests in edible plants, backyard gardening, wildscaping, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. Yoga Under The Oaks, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business Hwy 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. 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.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>

April 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 For more information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675. Taste of the Northside, 05:30 PM, The Club At Sonterra, 901 E Sonterra Blvd, San Antonio. $85.00 pp, get ready for the best Fiesta experience you could ask for!

THURSDAY, APRIL 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. 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. 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. Nature Speaker Series, 06:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Explore nature Thursday evenings with great speakers about everything from birds and butterflies to culture and art of the Rio Grande Valley. 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 and open to the community. Register in advance by calling 956-365-8650.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016 Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! Bring binoculars if you have them. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies, for information call 956-249-3534. Sipping Seniors, 02:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. An activity for old friends to enjoy and an opportunity to make new friends. This is a fun afternoon for those who think they can’t paint and those who want to learn some new techniques. For information call 956-249-3534, BYOB or enjoy a glass of wine on the house. Sunset Yoga, 06:30 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. If it is raining class will be cancelled. For information call 956-681-3333. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Sacramento State, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Night Hike, 08:00 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 close-toed shoes. We’ll spend an hour slowly covering about 1/2 mile of trails, carefully and quietly looking for anything we might see along the path. For information call 956-681-3333.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 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! No experience necessary, and loaner binoculars are available. 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. With 1,200 acres of lush, riparian woodlands we will also be birding by ear. For information call 956-350-2920. Tai Chi in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. This FREE program by instructor Sophie Wang! Tai Chi has positive effects on balance control, fitness and flexibility. Elderly and people with disabilities can also work within their limits. Wear comfortable clothing and flexible shoes, and bring water. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Earth Day in the Dirt, 09:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Come be part of our Earth Day Team and help us restore our part of nature. Projects include planting, mulching, weeding, and more. Call to reserve your “piece of dirt”! All who work a session will receive a “Day in the Dirt” shirt! Bring your lunch! Admission is free. 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. Family Nature Walk, 10:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. A new topic each week! Join us for fun family exploration. All public programs are provided free of charge. All donations are used to purchase native plants for the site. For information call 956-681-3333. 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.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • April 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Yoga Under The Oaks, 11:00 AM, 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. Relay for Life of South Cameron, 11:00 AM, Brownsville Sports Park, 1000 Sports Park Blvd, Brownsville. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. For information call 956-245-8485. Enchanted India Festival, 12:00 PM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen. $7.00 pp, join IMAS and the India Association of the RGV for the annual Enchanting India Festival. For information call 956-682-0123 Mindfulness and Meditation, 12:30 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Learn how mindfulness and meditation can provide a sense of peace among the hectic lifestyle that most of us live! For information call 956-681-3333. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission. Lunch is served from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. For more information call 956-581-2932. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street The Market is Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents freshest locally grown food, come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Environmental Novel Read - Aloud, 04:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy a chapter from an environmental writer, such as Sigurd Olson, Aldo Leopold, Join Muir, Rachel Carson and others, followed by a short discussion. For information call 956-681-3333. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Sacramento State, 06:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. Dance w/Steven May., 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway 495, Alamo. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300. Bravo Opera: “Street Scene” by Kurt Weill, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville. “Street Scene” is an American opera by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Langston Hughes.

opened on Broadway and is a fusion of music theater, jazz, blues, and traditional opera. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-882-7025.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 Church Service, 10:00 AM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E Hall Acres Rd, Pharr. For information call 956-787-1521. 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. Every Sunday 11:00 am-1:00 pm. UTRGV Men’s Baseball vs. Sacramento State, 12:00 PM, Edinburg Baseball Stadium, 920 N Sugar Rd, Edinburg. To purchase tickets contact 956-665-3747. Power Walking in the Forest, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join a staff member for a brisk walk on the trails. We walk a 1/2 mile loop. Join us for one or two loops, or all of them! For information call 956-681-3333. RC Racing, 02:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Zillock Rd, San Benito. Living Green, 03:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. It’s easy being green! Join us at the picnic tables for an open discussion about greener, healthier living, and simple ways to make a difference in both the environment and in your life. For information call 956-681-3333. Bravo Opera: “Street Scene” by Kurt Weill, 03:00 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville. “Street Scene” is an American opera by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Langston Hughes. opened on Broadway and is a fusion of music theater, jazz, blues, and traditional opera. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-882-7025.

MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2016 Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. Magic Valley Chorus Of Sweet Adelines International, 07:00 PM, St. Mark’s

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

United Methodist Church, McAllen. For information call Shirley 956661-9926 or Janet 956-682-8245.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 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.

SALES

Overeaters Anonymous, 06:00 PM, McAllen Heart Hospital, 1900 S D St, McAllen. Are you having problems with food? Come join us for an informative support group on how to help control your cravings. For information call Carmen 956-475-3791. Brownsville Sinfonia, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville. The Brownsville Sinfonia, under the direction of Betul Soykan, performs their spring concert featuring Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-882-7025.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 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. Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 >>

April 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 13 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! For information call 956-681-3333. 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/ Quinta Mazatlan Garden Walk, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Drop in to Chat and walk with a garden expert. Novice and advanced gardeners will enjoy the themed garden walks with interesting stories about plants and gardens. Each month the topic will change based on the season in the valley! For information call 956-681-3370. Native Plant Tour, 11:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Free Admission, Join a staff naturalist for a walk on the trails and through the native plant gardens, exploring the benefits of native plants. The walk will be tailored to the participants’ interests in

APRIL 2016

SHOWS ON SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Boomerang Billy’s

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

Palm Street Pier

Every Wednesday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Every Saturday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Coral Reef

Thursday, April 7 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

edible plants, backyard gardening, wildscaping, and more. For information call 956-681-3333. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. Yoga Under The Oaks, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business Hwy 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. WRRH Stroke Support Group, 03:00 PM, Weslaco Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, 906 S James St, Weslaco. FREE Admission, Weslaco Regional Rehabilitation Hospital and Knapp Medical Center invite stroke survivors and their families to join us for a free uplifting support group. Come gain support, education and encouragement from others who know just what you are going through. To RSVP, please call 956-969-2222. 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. Juan Pablo Andrade, Piano, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville. $10.00 Adults, $5.00 Seniors, $5.00 Students. Respected and feared by pianists, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 is perhaps the most technically challenging of the genre. Works by Bach, Brahms and Debussy. For information call 956-882-7025.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 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. 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. Nature Speaker Series, 06:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Explore nature Thursday evenings with great speakers about everything from birds and Butterflies to culture and art of the Rio Grande Valley. Valley Transplant Support Group @ McAllen Medical Center, 06:30 PM, 4th Floor, HBO Waiting Room, 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, please call 956-9715726 or email monica.sanchez-lucio@ uhsrgv.com. Mariachi Aztlán, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville. Celebrate the pageantry and beauty of the Mariachi tradition! $10.00 pp. For information call 956-882-7025.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 Bird & Nature Walk, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Join Tiffany Kersten for a 1/2 mile walk to explore birds, butterflies, plants, and whatever else happens to cross our path! Bring binoculars if you have them. For information call 956-681-3333. Art Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. $35.00 pp, join us for a fun art class! Price includes supplies. For information call 956-249-3534. 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. Sipping Seniors, 02:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N Main St, McAllen. An activity for old friends to enjoy and an opportunity to make new friends. This is a fun afternoon for those who think they can’t paint and those who want to learn some new techniques. For information call 956-249-3534, BYOB or enjoy a glass of wine on the house. Relay for Life of North Cameron, 06:00 PM, La Feria High School, 901 N Canal Street, La Feria. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end

cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. For information call 956-245-8485. Sunset Yoga, 06:30 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. If it is raining class will be cancelled. For information call 956-681-3333. Night Hike, 08:00 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 close-toed shoes. We’ll spend an hour slowly covering about 1/2 mile of trails, carefully and quietly looking for anything we might see along the path. For information call 956-681-3333.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 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. Great Texas Birding Classic Big Sit, 08:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Come cheer on the QM Birding Classic team “Quinta Mas-Sit-Lawn” as they compete with other teams across the state to see who can spot the most birds in a 24 hour period from a specific area. Free with general admission. For more information call 956-681-3370. 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. With 1,200 acres of lush, riparian woodlands we will also be birding by ear. For information call 956-350-2920. Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 AM, Quin-

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • April 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

ta 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. Tai Chi in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. This FREE program by instructor Sophie Wang! Tai Chi has positive effects on balance control, fitness and flexibility. Wear comfortable clothing and flexible shoes, and bring water. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Family Nature Walk, 10:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. A new topic each week! Join us for fun family exploration. All public programs are provided free of charge. For information call 956-681-3333. 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. Yoga Under The Oaks, 11:00 AM, 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. Bring a yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket, water. For information call 956-681-3333. Relay for Life of Mid Valley, 12:00 PM, RGV Livestock Showgrounds, 1000 N Texas Ave, Mercedes. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled can-

EducateRGV Hosting Limb-Loss-Awareness

cer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Please join us and take action against a disease that has taken too much! 956-245-8485. Mindfulness and Meditation, 12:30 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Learn how mindfulness and meditation can provide a sense of peace among the hectic lifestyle that most of us live! For information call 956-681-3333. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission. Lunch is served from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. For more information call 956-581-2932. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street The Market is Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents freshest locally grown food, come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Environmental Novel Read - Aloud, 04:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W Business 83, McAllen. Enjoy a chapter from an environmental writer, such as Sigurd Olson, Aldo Leopold, Join Muir, Rachel Carson and others, followed by a short discussion. For information call 956-681-3333. Relay for Life of North Cameron, 06:00 PM, La Feria High School, 901 N Canal Street, La Feria. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Please join us and take action against a disease that has taken too much! For information call 956-245-8485. Dance w/Hot Rodz, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Highway 495, Alamo. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300. Kevin Bobo, Marimba, 07:30 PM, TSC Arts Center, 90 Arts Center, Brownsville. $15.00 Adults, $10.00 Seniors, $5.00 Students. Since 2007, Kevin Bobo has served as professor of music (percussion) at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Prior to his appointment at IU, he was assistant professor of percussion at the University of Kansas (2003-2007). For information call 956-882-7025. •

MEALS

SALES

Screening and Health Fair April 22 Special to Welcome Home RGV

EducateRGV

is a public health initiative started by a master’s of public health student and several specialists and medical professionals in the Rio Grande Valley who saw an increase in lower-limb amputations. From unhealthy diets and lack of exercise to genetics, several risk factors may raise the risk for amputations. As a result, EducateRGV was organized to conduct free, 15-minute educational presentations, to create a PowerPoint presentation to be emailed out, as needed, and to organize a network of low-cost or free services in the Rio Grande Valley that will assist in our attempts to reduce the risk of amputations. In order to service the community, on April 22, EducateRGV will host a free screening and health fair at 909 N. Jackson Rd. in McAllen. Screenings provided will be the Ankle Brachial Index(ABI), which is a pain-free and fast test to measure

circulation in lower limbs, and blood glucose screenings. Several other organizations will be available to share their services, including wellness centers, community event organizers, fitness centers, and those sharing healthy eating options. There will also be healthy cooking demos. Please mark your calendars for Friday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We will be happy to assist you and help you reduce lower-limb pain due to swelling, open wounds, varicose veins, surgeries, and other causes by educating you on treatments. Educate yourself before our event by visiting educatergv.com. If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Luna at 956-438-8855 or email her at educatergv@gmail.com. •

April 2016 • • • Welcome

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Picnic Possibilities:

Great Food to Take Outside Randy Hoelscher: The Border Cook Good desserts for a picnic are those that Let’s Make Pineapple Empanadas don’t need refrigeration, don’t get soft in by Sandy Olson

Special to Welcome Home RGV

I saw how to make these on a TV show on the Cooking Channel, and since

my ‘official tasters’ have been asking for a dessert, I whipped some up, and they are very good. An empanada is a pastry found in Latin America, the Southwestern United States, Latin Europe, and parts of Asia. It is made by rolling out dough that is cut in circles and then folded around fruit, meat, vegetables, cheese, etc. - sort of a universal dish. Some areas in Mexico trace them back to Cornish pasties brought over by miners. If you are from Michigan or other hard-rock mining areas, you may be familiar with them. I have to admit that this recipe needs a little bit of work. They are good, however, and when I perfect it a bit more, I’ll update the recipe on our web site – thebordercook.com. Now there are numerous ways of making the pastry itself. Just Google “empanada dough recipes.” There are recipes for sweet or dessert dough, as well as for breakfast or dinner empanadas. Some recipes use pre-made pie crusts. I opted for frozen puff pastry dough. There is no real recipe--things you have to measure--just a few ingredients to throw together. Enjoy! Buen Apetito! •

Pineapple Empanadas • 1 package of frozen puff pastry dough (two sheets) Thaw until you can unfold it, but work the dough while it is still cold. Roll the puff pastry out thin on a flour-dusted surface. Try to double the size of the sheet of dough. Use a bowl for a pattern, and cut rounds out of the dough. (Here was problem number one. I tried using a tuna can first, but that left little room for filling, and it was difficult to seal. So for the second batch, I used a plastic, 5-inch-diameter storage bowl for a cutter. That worked better since there was more room for ingredients, and it was easier to seal the folded dough.) • Caramel sauce Add a teaspoon or two to the center of the dough circle. (Here was problem number two. I was looking for Mexican Cajeta caramel sauce but did not locate it, so I used Smucker’s sauce; good stuff, but when room temperature, it is thin and ran off the dough before I could seal it. I think it would work if it was cool. It would just be harder to distribute on the dough.) • Pineapple Cut in small slices that fit the folded dough circle. I used canned slices. You could use fresh. Add about half a canned pineapple ring to each empanada. • Melting cheese Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of shredded melting cheese - Monterrey Jack or Mexican melting cheese - on top of the fruit and caramel. Mix one egg with a couple tablespoons of water and use a pastry brush to apply the mixture to the edges of the dough. Carefully fold the dough circle and press the edges. Try to keep the fruit, cheese, and caramel inside the folded shell. It will make clean-up a lot easier. Use a fork to crimp the edges together better. Spray a cookie sheet lightly with cooking oil. Arrange the empanadas on the sheet and brush the tops with a little more egg mixture. Optional – sprinkle top lightly with Turbinado Sugar – or Demerara sugar. Optional – make apple empanadas using thin slices of a Granny Smith apple sprinkled with a little sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 – 30 minutes until nicely browned. 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.

the heat, and can be eaten without much mess. These cookies fill the bill! •

Gumdrop Cookies

Ingredients: • 1 cup unsalted real butter, softened • ½ cup white sugar • ½ cup brown sugar • ¾ teaspoon salt • 2 large eggs, room temperature • ½ teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon real vanilla • 2 cups quick-cooking oats • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (NOT instant oatmeal) • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 ½ cups chopped gumdrops Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the dry ingredients and mix. Stir in the oats and the gumdrops. Drop by tablespoons full, about 2” apart, onto a parchment-covered cookie sheet. Bake for about 11 minutes, watching to see that they don’t brown too much. Cool (on the pan) for 2 minutes; then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling. Store in an airtight container.

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

Lemon Cake

Serves 12

• 1 3-oz. package lemon gelatin • ¾ cup boiling water • 1 box lemon supreme cake mix Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• 4 eggs • ¾ cup oil • 1 tablespoon lemon extract

Grease pan. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Cool. Combine the cake mix, eggs (beating well after each egg), oil, and lemon extract. Add the lemon gelatin and beat well with mixer. Pour batter into pan and bake for 4050 minutes. Remove cake from oven and take out of pan. Prick top with toothpick and spoon glaze over top of cake. Glaze: • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar Mix ingredients together and spoon over top of warm cake. 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 • • • April 2016

PARK NEWS

The Winter Ranch Players Delights Audiences with The Dirty Dredge of Cedaredge Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Seven Oaks Resort Goes Green for St. Patrick’s Day Special to Welcome Home RGV

A great time was had at Seven Oaks Resort’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner. The wearin’ of the green was done proud! •

Winter Ranch Players, the theater/drama group at Winter Ranch RV Park in Alamo, presented a hilarious melodrama in March. The Dirty Dredge of Cedaredge included a villain, several heroes, and a few couples sharing tender moments. The poster girl, Sherrye Elkins, cued the audiences with signs reading, “BOO!” “CHEER!” and “AWWWW!” The story line involved young Toby (played by Doug Elkins) being sent to town by his Ma and Pa (played by Kathy Liebig and Doyle Stratton) to buy barbed wire. He encounters the vamp, Velvet (played by Carol Earley), the dastardly Snidely (played by John Barnes), the sheriff (played by Dianna Drake), and young Claudia (played by Sue Woodard) who was sent to town by her Momma (played by Rita Hecker) to visit her cousin. Claudia eventually gets together with Toby after a brief engagement to

money-hungry Snidely, using a ring stolen from Velvet and another ring bought with money stolen from Pa, who had to bring it to town because Toby forgot it. After months of rehearsals, there were two performances--a dinner theater February 28 and a matinee March 2. The play was directed by Marcia Fabricius. Audiences totaling nearly 300 people enjoyed the show. •

Winter Ranch Takes Second Place at the Alamo Parade Special to Welcome Home RGV

was a beautiful day for the Alamo Parade March 5. The theme of this year’s parade was “Sports.: Flo Reed, Dody Anenson, and Pat Cullett coordinated the event and got all the different sport groups, of which there are many, to participate in the parade. We had over 100 people in the Alamo Texas Independence Day Parade, and we were awarded the 2nd Place trophy! •

April 2016 • • • Welcome

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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. •

Final Production of UTRGV Theatre April 20-24 Special to Welcome Home RGV

The final mainstage production for

UTRGV’s 2015-2016 theatre season is La Gringa by Carmen Rivera. It will be performed April 20-23 at 7:30 p.m., with a final 2:00 p.m. matinee April 24. All performances are in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre in the Arts & Humanities Building (ARHU) on the

UTRGV Edinburg campus. For reservations, special accommodations, and more information, you may call the University Theatre box office at 956665-3581 or email Elva Galvan at elva.galvan@utrgv.edu. •

5th Annual Trophy Gardens vs. Winter Ranch Golf Tournament Benefitting 1st Responders Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

5th Annual Trophy Gardens vs. Winter Ranch Golf Tournament was held Saturday, March 12, at the Winter Gardens Golf Course. This is a yearly match-play event between the two parks. There were 45 entrants from each park, with 10 players on each hole, and the entry fee was $2 each. After the event, the entry fee monies were presented to the 1st Responder units at both parks. Janet Yeley (from Indiana) was captain for Trophy Gardens and Dick De Garamo (from Illinois) was captain for Winter Ranch.

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

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

Lance Conn (956) 245-9969

MHSLSP00042265 lconn1968@yahoo.com

MHDBRK00003552

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!

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

www.wthsinc.com

It was a pleasant and surprising outcome, with the two teams ending up in a tie. Everyone had an enjoyable morning, and both teams are looking forward to the rematch in 2017. •

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

Tim Hoffman (956) 873-9550

MHSLSP00043078 thoffman@wthsinc.com

Linda Giesen (956) 929-1961

MHSLSP00042363 lgiesen@wthsinc.com

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • April 2016

Sun Over Mazatlan: Signs of Spring by Carol Goolsby, Quinta Mazatlan

So many signs of spring will greet

you if you take a stroll through nature. Finding the quintessential “sign of spring” can raise a bit of debate, however. Perhaps it should just be nature’s show of flowers. Every year at this time, as the sun progresses northward toward its summer solstice, it triggers an age-eternal response in “angiosperms” (the flowering plants) to begin growing flowers. As hungry bees, butterflies, and other insects emerge from their wintertime “sleep,” plants respond by producing nectar near their pollen. The flower petals and scents we humans enjoy so much in spring are truly meant to be invitations for pollinators to stop by for a meal. Some particularly spectacular floral blooms are found on our native cacti. The Horse Crippler, Strawberry Pitaya, Mammalaria, and Rainbow Cacti have all recently begun blooming in shades of purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows. Their rich petal colors are as mesmerizing as the intricate arrangement of their pistils and stamens inside the bloom. Out in the meadows and other sunny areas, wildflowers are now blooming. Prickly poppy, Verbena, Bladderpod, Cowpen Daisy, Lazy Daisy, and Tiny Tim have recently bloomed. Their sudden emergence in Quinta’s Ebony Grove looks like they’ve been invited to an annual “Sun over Mazatlan” plant gala. Once the eyes have finished dancing with the flowers, the heart turns its attention to other compelling signs of spring in the LRGV. This time of year, migratory birds begin their journeys back to raise their young in proteinrich grain fields up north. Quinta staff ornithologist Erik Bruhnke saw 500 turkey vultures flying overhead one week in March. “Be on the lookout for scissortail flycatchers this time of year,” he mentioned. Over 500 bird species have been seen in the LRGV, many of which migrate through here during spring. When they stop through the forest at Quinta Mazatlan, their chorus of birdsong can trip one’s “heart spring.” But the “quintessential” sign of spring for me is the sudden, very

Description for pictures shown above:

Pic 1: The honey-scented springtime blooms on Guajillo trees lure in pollinators, such as this native hairstreak butterfly. Pic 2: A meadow of wildflowers, including the bright yellow “Cowpen Daisy,” celebrates springtime at Quinta Mazatlan’s Ebony Grove. Pic 3: The inside of a Rainbow Cactus’ flowers can be as mesmerizing as the purple-pink hues of its petals. Pic 4: Spring Mist flower and Texas Lantana recently began blooming in Quinta Mazatlan’s butterfly gardens. Pic 5: Horse Crippler blooms in spring, with pink to red-orange flowers, in the Quinta Mazatlan native cactus garden. Pic 6: Named for its heart-shaped leaves, the 2” scarlet flowers of the Heart-leaf Hibiscus bloom in late spring. Pic 7: The striking Spanish Dagger (Palma Pita) is hard to miss in spring with its beautiful towering white flowers.

subtle transformation of a browngray landscape into a vibrant forest of green. Trees suddenly seem to come back to life, displaying fresh new leaves in various shades of light green. There is no more impressive example of this than the long, limegreen leaves of the Honey Mesquite Tree. It is during this time of year when Mesquite trees seem happiest. Together with the experience of feeling the softness of the new green leaves of the Montezuma Baldcypresses, or marveling at how the Black Willow leaves sway over Ruby Pond, or being fascinated with how the Night-blooming Cereus cacti stalks go from dark green to light as they grow new tips (like multicolored green popsicles might look), the walk out to Ebony Grove to see the Mesquite trees this time of year is simply therapeutic. Or, perhaps, is it that the quintessential sign of spring in the LRGV is the impact of nature’s beauty on the human spirit? The sun only passes over this earth in this way for a short window of time every year. Just go outside and watch what happens to you! Join us at Quinta Mazatlan for a Songbird Stroll on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., for a Garden Walk every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., at our Thursday Speaker Series at 6:00 p.m., and on our History Tours every Friday at 10:00 a.m. For more information, please visit www. quintamazatlan.com. •

D From the Inside, Out D Old Age Can Be Interesting

by Marge Flados

begin the aging process the moment we draw our first breath. It is a beautiful, miraculous progression from childhood to adulthood to our inevitable departure from this earth. Normally a young person doesn’t spend much time worrying about dying because it seems so far into the future and life is fun and interesting. If we are blessed, we have food, water, shelter, and security, all of which are easily taken for granted, although a large percentage of the world’s population does not. I am very thankful that I live in a free nation of laws that protect our right to study, work, and worship as we please. My life journey has been interesting, satisfying, and fun. Thank you, Lord, for that. I began to face my own mortality at about the same time I couldn’t skip or hop down from high places, such as a patio step. A defining moment. It is at this time that you notice changes around you. Your children turn up with gray hair on their heads and a wrinkle or two here and there. Gad! How can this have happened to our beautiful babies? They are middleaged and don’t seem to know it! It is just as well; I don’t tell them. What one notices about one’s self is even more startling. What was light, turns dark in spots, what was dark turns white, and what was up hangs down. What was in is now out, what was out is now in; what was warm is now cold; what was wet is now dry, what was dry is now wet, what was firm is now soft, what was straight is now bent, and what was fast is now slow. And your back itches. No matter that you scrub it regularly with a luffa on a handle, your back will itch. Some of this is just not fair. But life never has been--fair, that is. I really haven’t minded the aging process because I have enjoyed good health and a minimum of tragic situations with which to contend. Truth be known, I have paid the aging process little mind. I continued to do what I liked to do: laugh, work, read, travel, and enjoy my family. On the sunny side of really old, I suddenly became driven to get all my estate ducks in a row, finish my latest book, and do everything to make

Marge Flados

my passing as easy as possible for the surviving members of my family. Suddenly, it was quite interesting to work in my “after I croak” folders. I even wrote my own obituary and made it more interesting than I ever was. My kids can add the true story when I am no longer here to edit it. My plans are to have everything lined up and complete so things move along tickety-boo--no fuss, no unanswered questions, and no hard feelings. EVER! So what bothers me about becoming really old? Listen up! I love big costume jewelry, beautiful, colorful clothes that shimmer, shine, dingle, dangle, sparkle, flow, glitter, and stream after me as I walk. When one is pushing a walker, using a cane, or sitting in a wheelchair, that type of clothing becomes a safety hazard. Hems fall under your shoes in front and scrooch up to your calves in the back. Safety hazard. Those long earrings catch in your wig, your rings won’t slip over your knuckles, and if they do, they have to be sawed off, and your bracelets are just too heavy to lug around. That is really what I truly dislike about growing old. So I will make the best of the whole, sorry process. The humor of life will never leave, whether I can wear those big loop earrings or not. It happens to all of us. It will happen to my wonderful family, and there is some satisfaction in knowing that I won’t have to watch my beautiful grand and great grandchildren lose their physical beauty. God is good. I will be going to someplace even better, and they will all have to stay here! • M. Flados is a resident of Harlingen and can be reached at nflados@rgv.rr.com

April 2016 • • • Welcome

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