Issuu

GOLF ANYONE?

Tee Time in the RGV features River Bend Resort & Golf Club!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

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

RECIPE CONNECTION!

Executive Chef Bettina Tolin shares another delicious pasta dish!

Welcome Home See review on page 28.

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 16 • February 10, 2016

See calendar on page 5.

Try her recipe on page 39.

WINTER TEXAN

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

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Presents the Mega Winter Texan Fiesta Special to Welcome Home RGV

t’s a LOVE-ly time to be in the Rio Grande Valley! February is by far my favorite month of the season. With all the trade shows behind us, and the frenzy of all the new arrivals, February brings a less hectic pace with it. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, hopefully it will give me time to stop and smell the roses (hint, hint Dear Husband!). In all honesty, I have told my husband more often that not that I’d rather have new towels or kitchen utensils than flowers. After 21 years of marriage, I guess I’m just practical. Now that doesn’t mean I don’t love surprise gifts, flowers, or candy by any stretch. I just don’t like to see people stress over finding that perfect gift to remind the person they love that they care about them. I think Valentine’s Day should be every day – shower the ones you care about with love throughout the year and you don’t need to go overboard one day of the year. All Winter Texans are my Valentines. I hope you see our love for you throughout the year and know how very special you are to us here in the Rio Grande Valley.... on Valentine’s Day and every day! •

We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

The

Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the upcoming Mega Winter Texan Fiesta. The Annual Mega Winter Texan Fiesta is a special way to celebrate and recognize Winter Texans staying in Mission and throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The festivities will take place over two days--Friday, February 12, and Saturday, February 13. The two-day event kicks off Friday at 8:00 a.m. at the Shary Municipal Golf Course, located at 2201 N. Mayberry St. in Mission, with a “Fiesta on the Golf Course” SixPerson Texas Scramble. The cost for an 18-hole division is $40, which includes food and beverage. Payment must be made at sign-up, starting Monday, February 8. All Shary Golf Course and GoMission Deal Card Members will receive a discount. For more information about the “Fiesta on the Golf Course,” please call 956580-8770. The Mexican Artisan Market at the Mission Historical Museum, located at 900 Doherty Ave., will

take place Friday from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a vast array of Mexican artisan vendors from throughout Mexico with many traditional products, as well as some cultural musical performances. On Saturday, February 12, enjoy an afternoon full of good food from local vendors, live entertainment, and a Classic Car Show sponsored by Spikes Ford. A complimentary meal will be provided by Ace’s BBQ. Attendees must pick up their meal ticket in advance at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, located at 202 W. Tom Landry in Mission starting Monday, February 8, at 8:30 a.m. More tickets will be distributed Friday, February 12, at the Mission Historical Museum during the Mexican Artisan Market. These will be the only opportunities to receive the limited number of free meal tickets, and this is only while supplies last. MEGA WINTER TEXAN FIESTA CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 >>

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

Give that Special Someone the Gift of IMAS this Valentine’s Day Special to Welcome Home RGV

Looking for a truly special addition

to your Valentine’s Day celebration? Impress your valentine with an unforgettable day at IMAS! If you like to discover and explore with your loved one, become an IMAS member and share an IMAS membership with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. Individual membership purchased on Valentine’s Day is just $30, family is $65, family premium is $135, and Smithsonian is $150. There are many benefits your beloved one will enjoy for the whole year, including unlimited FREE general admission for one full calendar year, free general entrance into Association of Science & Technology Centers Travel Passport Program, a reduced rate on ticketed events, exhibits, educational programs and activities,

a 10 percent discount at the IMAS Gift Shop, a discount on facility and birthday rental, an IMAS newsletter subscription, email notifications on events and classes, and invitations to exhibit openings, receptions, and other special events. After you purchase your membership, stick around to enjoy

special STEAM Valentine’s Day activities in our hands-on labs that are fun for you and your sweetheart. Make a heart-shaped circuit valentine for the special someone who “lights up” your life. Get your heart racing and check your vital stats before you explore our new exhibit Eat Well, Play Well. In the Art Studio, keep

on moving with an action painting activity. Dribble, splash, and smear paint in a sweet Valentine’s Day shape. And there’s so much more! The IMAS Gift Shop features unique, handcrafted and one-of-a-kind pieces making gift-giving both easy and convenient. Enjoy 14 percent off your entire purchase on Valentine’s Day. We want to express our sincere gratitude to our members for your continued support by giving you an additional 10 percent off your entire purchase. Drop by today to take advantage of the special offer. Please call IMAS at 956-682-0123 or email info@imasonline.org with questions or for additional information. IMAS is located at 1900 Nolana Ave. in McAllen. •

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. 31 million visitors. ACM provides leadership, professional development, advocacy, and resources for its member organizations and individuals. To learn more about ACM and to find an ACM-member children’s museum near you, visit www.ChildrensMuseums.org.

Welcome Home

Weekly e-Blasts

WINTER TEXAN

your official connection to the rio grande valley

Publisher Kristi Collier

kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Accounting Sharon Flores

sharon@welcomehomergv.com

Administration Amie Gray

Still Keeping the Beat

Special to Welcome Home RGV

agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins

With their first two concerts “just a

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

news@welcomehomergv.com

Graphic Design Jenny R Carpenter silentBYTES design

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Welcome Home

rio grande valley

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

956-687-5115 www.welcomehomergv.com

© Copyright 2015 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.

Jerry Cook and Gene Goede playing a part of history,” the Rio Grande Valley duet on a smaller version of the trumpet Concert Band, under the direction of called a “pocket trumpet.” Retired band Gene Goede and Gary Meidt, looks directors Gary Meidt, Marlyn Krueger, forward to their February and March and Gene Goede all love the trumpet and will be playing a special arrangement of concerts. Since 1998, the RGV Concert Band “Bugler’s Holiday.” This was arranged has been making music in Valley 55+ and will be directed by another retired parks. They also join forces with the band director, Ernie Broenimen, a tuba Senior Ambassadors, Men of A-Chord, player with the band. The crowd will be and the Magic Valley Chorus in a semi- unable to sit still when the saxophones annual Combined Band and Choral are featured in a selection called “Glenn Miller in Concert.” Concert. Each concert includes a variety of We invite you to watch this allmusical types, ranging from The Beatles volunteer band of around 60, ranging in to Mozart to polkas and marches. During age from the 40s to 80+! The concerts the next two months, audiences will be are open to the public. The admission treated to a trombone solo with band fee is determined by the host park and accompaniment featuring Jack Cook is usually $3.00. The Combined Concert of Casa Del Sol in Donna. He will be is slightly more but is a full evening of playing a concerto by Rimsky-Korsakov. entertainment. Future concert dates Another special selection will include and locations are listed below: Feb. 21 First Presbyterian Church Mission 3:00 p.m. Mar. 4 Combined Band and Choral Concert Pharr 7:00 p.m. (Trinity Worship Center) Mar. 6 El Valle Del Sol Mission 3:00 p.m. Mar. 13 Paradise Park Estate Resort Pharr 3:00 p.m.

Kristi’s e-Blasts are sent weekly October - March to our subscribers. Find out what’s happening across the Valley. These e-Blasts include helpful links and fliers for “Featured Events.” Sign up today!

Welcome

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 • • • February 10, 2016

Over 50 Lower RGV 1st Responders Tour STEC 911 Dispatch Center and Golden Palms Special to Welcome Home RGV

January

12, over 50 Lower RGV 1st Responders met at the STEC 911 Dispatch Center in Harlingen for a tour of the facility. Pete Moreno, South Texas Emergency Care and Valley Air Care director of support services and training, demonstrated the use of an automated CPR device that efficiently provides lifesaving chest compressions for emergency care of patients. Unfortunately for us, he informed us the cost of this impressive piece of equipment is approximately $16,000. STEC has 16 of these devices they use for their ambulance service covering Cameron County. Additionally, Moreno shared newer technology for starting IV fluids for those serious emergency patients who require advanced access. Discussion followed concerning defibrillation, EKG, and 12-lead monitoring equipment pertaining to quick access from our automated external defibrillators to their equipment. This tour concluded with a view of their different types of STEC ambulances and equipment and information on their capabilities. Following this informative tour, Golden Palms hosted us for dinner and a tour of their Retirement and Healthcare Center, which is a facility providing independent or assisted living, as well as short-term rehabilitation. The rehabilitation can start as inpatient and continue as outpatient for those who require further physical, occupational, or speech therapy. The lower RGV 1st Responders toured the facility, including the skilled nursing area, rehab, library, choices of dining areas with menu options offered in beautiful dining rooms, such as the Chandelier Room. During dinner in the Texas Room, located on the sixth floor with a lovely view, an informative presentation was provided concerning care and assessment of geriatric patients, plus medications

Lower Rio Grande Valley 1st Responders at Cameron County 911 STEC Dispatch Center

Golden Palms hosts Lower RGV 1st Responders to dinner in their Texas Room

RGV 1st Responders Ambulance Service

tour

STEC

contraindicated due to adverse reactions. This multi-level facility offers many amenities for assisted, as well as independent, living, accommodating Winter Texans and others, with a choice of 1-3 bedroom apartments. For more information, please contact Golden Palms at 956430-3100 or visit their website at www.goldenpalmsretirement.com. For more information on 1st Responders, please contact Rita Huether. We welcome 1st Responders or potential 1st Responders to join us at these meetings. Please contact the Welcome Home RGV office at 956687-5115 to speak with Rita. •

Detailing Services Available in the Rio Grande Valley

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Ron Bergquist 940-241-1430

Cleans • Polishes• Protects

ronandbarb@cleanwithoutwateronline.com

And there is a business behind the bottle!

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• Single flush formula • Non-toxic and biodegradable • Keeps liquid level sensors clean • No harsh chemicals or formaldehyde • Digests proteins, oils and leaves a clean, fresh smell • For use in all septic systems and black and gray water tanks

See us also for all your

Septic needs.

Pete Moreno, director of support services/ training for South TX Emergency Care and Valley Air Care, shares 12-lead AED medical monitoring equipment and all medications used for patient care in emergencies.

Cameron County 911 Dispatch Tour

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Nonprofit Spotlight:

Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas Special to Welcome Home RGV

Nonprofit Name: Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas Address: 202 E. Madison, Harlingen, TX 78550 Phone Number: 361-883-3611 Website: http://gsgst.org Who is the executive director? Lea Peacock How and when did your organization begin and who does it serve? We’re 2.7 million strong—1.9 million girls and 800,000 adult volunteers who believe girls can change the world. It began over 100 years ago with one woman, Girl Scouts’ founder Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, who believed in the power of every girl. She organized the first Girl Scout troop March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, and every year since, we’ve made her vision a reality, helping girls discover their strengths, passions, and talents.

Girl Scout Daisies at their cookie booth For their Silver Award Project, Girl Scout Troop 289 makes reading fun for elementary students by using puppet literacy kits.

Today, as we did yesterday, we continue the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs for girls from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to do something amazing. What are the hours of operation? Our office hours are MondayThursday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Girl Scouts getting ready for cookie season at a Cookie Kick Off event

What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have for Winter Texans, Valley retirees, and others in our community?

Troop Leader/Co-Leader: Work with a group of girls and mentor them as they make new friends and develop connections that will last a lifetime. We also have Camp/Seasonal Volunteer opportunities: Help the girls explore nature and find the fun outdoors.

Do you have any upcoming events you would like Welcome Home RGV readers to know about? It’s that time again! The Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas 2016 Cookie Sale has begun, and it will continue until March 20. Girl Scouts and cookie booths can be found all over the area, but if you need help finding a troop or for other information, call 1-800-477-2688 or visit our website at gsgst.org •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEEK OF

February 10 - February 16, 2016

JAM SESSIONS

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 Mondays at 5:00pm. •

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 native plants for the park. For infor- eryone. Lots of door prizes. All You Can Eat Breakfast, 07:00 AM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. For breakfast menu call 956-874-8674. Craft & Tailgating, 07:30 AM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Rd., Mission Will provide rolls & coffee beginning at 7:30 am and lunch at 10:30 am with a large selection. For information call 956-585-9264. Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Alamo Palms Mobile Park, 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo. For information call 956-252-5873. 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

MEALS

mation 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. Upper Valley Home Owner Association, 09:00 AM, Twin Lakes RV Park, 301 N. Shary Rd., Mission. Yoga Class, 09:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Come enjoy the calm and peace. Yoga is a good way to get the peace and relaxation you are looking for. For information call 956-581-1871. 3rd Annual In Park Vendor Fair, 09:00 AM, Aladdin Villas, 1501 Aladdin Blvd West, Mission. Free Admission. Over 40 exhibitors. Something for ev-

ter Texan Orchestra. We rehearse on RGVSA/TSSA Shuffleboard Tournament, Wednesday mornings from 9:00 am 09:00 AM, Llano Grande Lake Park to 11:00 am. Percussion and strings Resort & Country Club, 2215 E. West are especially needed but all are welBlvd., Mercedes. Mixed doubles tourna- come. We welcome local musicians ment. $6.00 entry fee per team. Free to join us for the season. Bob Seyadmission for spectators. Three day mour, Conductor at 317-626-6512 event with amateurs playing on Feb 9, or 956-607-2696 or visit a rehearsal. experts on Feb 10, and finals on Feb 11. McAllen Mission Garden Club, 09:30 For information call 306-500-5422. AM, Mission Historical Museum. For Line Dancing-Beginners & Advance, more information, please contact 09:00 AM, Park Place Estates, 5401 Donna at 956-668-7510. W. Business 83, Harlingen. $2.00 pp. Project Insight Support Group, 10:00 For information call 956-412-0375. AM, McAllen Public Library (ClassBluegrass Jam, 09:00 AM, Bentsen room 2), McAllen. This is an ongoing, Palm RV Park, 3501 N. Bentsen weekly support group for survivors, Palm Dr., Mission. Home made good- caregivers and anyone else dealing ies and coffee served. For informa- with cancer. http://project-insight.org/ tion call 218-525-5807. Boone County, IA & Surrounding Areas ReWinter Texan Orchestra, 09:00 AM, union, 10:00 AM, Golden Corral, 1301 Tip O’Texas RV Resort, E. Sioux Rd., W. Jackson Ave., McAllen. Boone CounPharr. If you play a musical instru- ty Iowa and surrounding areas reunion ment found in a Symphony Orchestra 10AM at Golden Corral McAllen. For you are invited to consider the Win- more information call 515-230-4753. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >>

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

SALES

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 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. “New Quilts from an Old Favorite 2015Nine Patch”, 10:00 AM, Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood St., Harlingen. The 18 finalist & winning quilts from the annual contest sponsored by National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. The exhibit is brought to HAHM by the RGV Museum Association & sponsored by Janome America, Inc. and MODA Fashions. For information call 956-216-4901. Art Classes, 10:00 AM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N. Main St., McAllen. Weekly art classes opened to public. Classes offered in Painting, Drawing, Pottery Wheel and more. Call 956249-3534 for information or visit www.artstudiobydesign722.com. Business hours are 10AM - 5:30PM. Line Dancing w/JoAnn, 10:00 AM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 State Hwy 495, Alamo. $3.00 pp, Beginners at 10:00 am. Intermediate at 10:30 am. For information call 956-783-4587.

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! $3.00 Adults, $2.00 Seniors, For information call 956-681-3370. Buchanan County Iowa Luncheon, 11:00 AM, Peter Piper Pizza, 4100 N. 2nd St., McAllen. All past and present Buchanan County residents are invited. For information call 319-290-8437. Coachmen Texan Retiree Luncheon, 11:00 AM, Gatti’s Pizza, 4100 N. 2nd St., McAllen. This is a Dutch Treat. Please contact Galen Froelich at 1-956-584-2924, 1-330-309-0145, or 888-422-2582. 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. Country Two Step, Waltz & Swing w/ Judy, 11:15 AM, Winter Ranch RV Park, 600 State Hwy 495, Alamo. $6.00 per Couple. Basic footwork at 11:15, turns and moves at 11:45. For information call 956-783-4587. Alcoa Retirees Luncheon, 11:30 AM, Gatti’s Pizza, 4100 N. 2nd St., McAllen. For more information call Pat @ 563-249-1235. Jam Lunch, 11:30 AM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission. Jam Lunch 11:30 am -12:30 pm. Jam from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. For information call 956-585-5061. Line Dance, 12:30 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956-425-7448. Music Jam, 12:30 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. Free admission. Lunch served at 11:30am. All musicians welcome. For information call 956-787-1521. Euchre, 01:00 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. RC Racing, 01:00 PM, Penitas RV Park, 304 S. Main St., Penitas. 1/10 scale electric stadium trucks and Corr 2w/d. Beginners and spectators welcome! No dues or fees. For information call 956-585-2284. Beginners Photoshop Classes, 01:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N. Main St., McAllen. Beginners Photoshop Classes Wednesdays 1:00 PM 3:00 PM. If you can’t draw or paint but would love to learn how to create with your mind come and join us. Beginners classes. No experience needed. For information call 956-249-3534. Line Dance, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 965-428-7116. Live Music w/The Roger Kenaston Band, 01:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 Chimney Rd., Mission. For information call 956-581-1033. Round Dance, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, 204 Palm St., South Padre Island. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission. For information call 956-585-5061. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-3137. Music Jam, 01:00 PM, Alamo Paradise Acres, 1513 W. Crockett Ave., Alamo. Coffee and Lunch available. For information call 956-283-1771. Overeaters Anonymous Serenity Group, 02:00 PM, Harlingen Library, 410

76th Dr., Harlingen. Are you tired of the Yo-Yo of diets? No dues, fees or weigh-ins, we welcome all who desire to stop eating compulsively. 419-651-2901 or 956-202-5281. Acoustical Jam, 02:00 PM, Park Place Estates, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. Free Admission, refreshments available, musicians by invitation, open to the public. For information call 956-412-0375. Beginning Round/Trail Dance, 03:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. Dance w/Ruthi, 03:00 PM, Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd., South Padre Island. FREE Admission. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the bar overlooking the bay. For more information call 405-326-3829. Happy Hour w/Brenda Cohn, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pass the Hat, BYOB. Free ice. For information call 620-441-1173. Happy Hour w/Diego, 03:00 PM, Siesta Village, 2712 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pass the Hat. Popcorn, hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos and sodas available. For information call 317-417-9398. Happy Hour w/South Texas Whiskey, 03:00 PM, Country Sunshine RV Resort, 1601 S. Airport Dr., Weslaco. Pass the hat. For information call 956-638-3158. Happy Hour w/Carlos Canos, 03:30 PM, Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N. Mile 2 West Rd., Mercedes. Pass the Hat. BYOB. Hamburgers and hot dogs may be purchased. For information call 956-825-9509. 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. Biscuits & Gravy Dinner, 04:30 PM, Big Valley Trailer Park, 109 E. Business Highway 83, Donna. For information call 989-424-1299. Pork Chop Dinner, 04:30 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. Hamburger Night, 05:00 PM, Pleasant Valley Resort, 7320 Expressway 83, Mission. $5.00 pp. Hamburger, Chicken sandwich or 1/4 lb Hot Dog including chips, drink and dessert. *Karaoke Follows* For information call 956-580-8454. Happy Hour & Taco & Chalupa Dinner, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Entertainment w/Jack & Jackie, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 05:30 PM, Marcellos Italian Restaurant, 110 N. Tarnava St., Port Isabel. Homemade Spaghetti, 05:30 PM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. Border Ave., Weslaco. $7 per plate, comes with the works. For information call 956-968-7115. Spaghetti Nite, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Spaghetti & Side Garlic Bread - $7.00, Extra Garlic Bread - $.50, Music by Robert & Joe. For information call 956-787-7451. Line Dance Lessons, 06:00 PM, FunN-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Rd., San Benito. $2.00 pp. For information call 269-838-9519. Circle T Jam, 06:00 PM, Circle T RV Park, 1820 W. Clay Tolle St., Mission. For information call 920-905-3241, Chili dogs, hot dogs, and ice cream served from 4:30 to 5:45. Jam starts promptly at 6:00. Everyone is welcome. Coffee & cookies served. Country/Gospel Jam, 06:00 PM, Siesta Village, 2712 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. Musicians and listeners welcome. For information, call Gene, 956-447-9906. Entertainment w/Goldwing Express, 06:30 PM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park, 1051 W. Business Hwy 83, Donna. $6.00 pp. Popcorn & Soda for sale. For information call 956-464-5191. Karaoke, 06:30 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. Free admission. Doors open at 6:15 pm. Snack bar open. For information call 956-787-1521. Dance w/Arnie Wolf & Gang, 07:00 PM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S Stewart Rd., Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-585-9264. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6461. Dance w/Dixon & Company, 07:00 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview. $6.00 pp. Free popcorn, concession available.For information call 956-585-5551. Square & Round Dance, 07:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Entertainment w/Adam Pope, 07:00 PM, Paradise Park, Inc., 100 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen. $Donation. For information call 956-682-8081. Entertainment w/CrossStrung, 07:00 PM, Park Place Estates Resort, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-412-0375. Entertainment w/Dave & Daphne, 07:00 PM, Pine To Palm Resort Park 802 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. $5.00 pp. Doors open at 6:00 pm.

For information call 204-482-4408. Entertainment w/Gordy & Debbie, 07:00 PM, Ranchero Village Mobile Home Park, 1900 S. Bridge Ave., Weslaco. $10.00 pp. Popcorn, soda, water and ice cream drumsticks for purchase. For information call Kerry 269-599-6845. Entertainment w/Gregg Jones, 07:00 PM, Countryside RV & MH Park, 100 N. Valley View Rd., Donna. $6.00 pp. For information call 918-916-0541. Concessions available. Entertainment w/Manilow & Midler Tribute, 07:00 PM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. $12.00 pp general seating, $15.00 pp preferred seating. For information call 956-425-7448. Entertainment w/Men of A-Chord, 07:00 PM, San Juan Gardens RV Resort, 9000 E. Business 83, San Juan. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-781-1082. Entertainment w/Southern Anthem, 07:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Rd., McAllen. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-682-3304. 2 Step & Waltz Lessons, 07:30 PM, FunN-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Rd., San Benito. $2.00 pp. Must have a partner. For information call 269-838-9519.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 Wood Carver’s Club, 08:00 AM, Nomad Shrine Club, 1044 W. Nolana Loop, Pharr. For information call 956-781-1986. Craft & Yard Sale, 08:00 AM, Circle T RV Park, 1820 W. Clay Tolle St., Mission. Vendors please call 715-223-2209. Lunch served, sloppy joe’s & baked goods. Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. Highway 107, McAllen. Lunch Available. For tables contact Carol Case 517-862-4011. Craft Show, 08:00 AM, Alamo Rec Veh Park, 1320 W. Frontage Rd., Alamo. Lunch served at 11:15 am. Openings for Vendors. For information call 956-279-2698. Craft Show & Sale, 08:00 AM, Rio Valley Estates, 715 N. Westgate Dr., Weslaco. Lunch served at noon, all tables are handmade items, for information call 952-237-9717. RGVSA/TSSA Shuffleboard Tournament Finals, 08:30 AM, Llano Grande Lake Park Resort & Country Club, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes. Mixed doubles tournament. $6.00 entry fee per team. Free admission for spectators. Three day event with amateurs playing on Feb 9, experts on Feb 10, and finals on Feb 11. For information call 306-500-5422. Volunteers 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 in-

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clude weeding, watering, planting, raking, and more. Groups of 10 or more may call to schedule an afternoon or weekend volunteer day. For information call 956-681-3333. Peppermint Palace Country Jam, 09:00 AM, El Valle Del Sol/Luna, 2500 E. Business 83, Mission. For information call 956-585-5704. Bible Study, 10:00 AM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. For information call 956-423-5484. 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. “New Quilts from an Old Favorite 2015Nine Patch”, 10:00 AM, Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood St., Harlingen. The 18 finalist & winning quilts from the annual contest sponsored by National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. The exhibit is brought to HAHM by the RGV Museum Association & sponsored by Janome America, Inc. and MODA Fashions. For information call 956-216-4901.

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Art Classes, 10:00 AM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N. Main St., McAllen. Weekly art classes opened to public. Classes offered in Painting, Drawing, Pottery Wheel and more. Call 956249-3534 for information or visit www.artstudiobydesign722.com. Business hours are 10AM - 5:30PM. FREE Zumba Classes, 10:00 AM, South Padre Island KOA, 1 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. For information call 956-761-5665. 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. Ballroom Dance, 10:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. Country Dance Lessons, 10:00 AM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview. $6.00pp. Couples may start at any time. For information call 956-585-5551. Line Dance-Beginner, 10:00 AM, Aladdin Villas, 1501 Aladdin Blvd West, Mission. $4.00 pp. In the ballroom.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 For information call 956-607-1376. Square Dance w/Dorty Plus Dance, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Randy Dougherty 602-617-1841. Buckets of Fun: We Love Feeding Birds, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen. Preschool children and their parents or grandparents will have BUCKETS OF FUN with hands-on, nature-inspired lessons filled with song, discovery, socializing, movement, and exploration! Please dress for outdoor activities. $3.00 per adult, $2.00 per child. For more information call 956-681-3370. Jammin’ on Jackson Street w/Vance Greek & Friends, 10:30 AM, The Railroad Crossing, 101 E. Jackson, Harlingen. The jam sessions are free and open to the public. Country, folk, bluegrass, gospel, etc. Musicians who are interested in participating should arrive with their instruments, at least 30 minutes before the session begins. Caterpillar Retiree Reunion, 11:00 AM, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, 4100 N. 2nd St., McAllen. No Reservations needed, door prizes and fun. For information call 309-251-0875. Ladies Tea & Luncheon, 11:00 AM,

Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. $6.00 pp, purchase tickets at 1810 Jefferson Street in the park, ticket sales end February 4th. For information call 956-874-8674. Water Aerobics, 11:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Come join us for a great time. Great way to relax, exercise and meet people. For information call 956-581-1871. Pancake Breakfast, 11:00 AM, The Grove Park, 612 E. Business 83, San Juan. Welcome back Winter Texans. Come out and enjoy your choice of pancakes, eggs, sausages, waffles and all the coffee you can drink. The best pancakes in the valley! BYOTS! Native Plant Tour, 11:00 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W. Business 83, McAllen. 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. Native plants are adapted to our climate, soil ecology, and seasons of drought! For information call 956-681-3333. Boat Ride/River Tour, 12:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission.

For information call 956-581-1033. Country Western Jam, 12:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. For information call 956-585-0703. Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Pharr South, 1402 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Lunch served at 11:15 am. For information call 956-787-7839. Boat Ride/River Tour, 01:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. $19.00 pp. For information call 956-581-1033. SPI Art Space Open Clay Class, 01:00 PM, Art Space, 1817 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. $30 for the first hour. Any additional time is $5 per hour including the time spent glazing the item. Firing is free. For more information call 956-761-2112. Jammin’ on Jackson Street w/Vance Greek & Friends, 01:00 PM, The Railroad Crossing, 101 E. Jackson, Harlingen. The jam sessions will be held inside The Railroad Crossing, a model railroad clubhouse and family event center. The jam sessions are free and open to the public. Country, folk, bluegrass, gospel, etc. Musicians who are interested in participating should arrive with their instruments, at least

30 minutes before the session begins. Dance Lessons, 01:00 PM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. $6.00 pp, couples may start at any time. For information call 956-968-5760. Line Dance-Intermediate, 01:00 PM, Aladdin Villas, 1501 Aladdin Blvd West, Mission. $4.00 pp. In the ballroom. For information call 956-607-1376. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, The Coral Reef Lounge, 5401 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. Live Music w/Al Mikesh, 01:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. For information call 956-581-1033. Country Jam, 01:00 PM, Bluebonnet RV Resort, 3366 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. For information call 956-585-7630. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Val Verde RV Park & Apartment, 1400 W. Expwy 83, Weslaco. For information call 515-681-9561. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, W & I Resort, 206 S. Stewart Rd., Mission. Cookies, bars and popcorn will be served. All jammers and listeners are welcome. For information call 956-585-6594. Yoga, 01:30 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres, Pharr. For information call 956-252-7568. Square Dance w/Dorty C2 Review/Work-

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS shop, 01:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Randy Dougherty 602-617-1841. Square Dance, 03:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Entertainment w/Dixon & Company, 03:00 PM, Pecker’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, 1600 S. Westgate Dr., Weslaco. For information call 956-226-3433. Happy Hour w/Regan James/Hired Hand, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pass the Hat. BYOB. Free ice. For information call 620-441-1173. Can/Am Dance, 03:30 PM, Sunshine RV Resort, Grace Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956-425-7448. Good Sam Rendezvous, 04:00 PM, Peter Piper Pizza, W. Expressway 83, Alamo. For information call 402-733-8972. Jam Dinner, 04:00 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission. Jam from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. For information call 956-519-8650. Thursday Night Dinner, 04:00 PM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N. FM 492, Mission. Grilled 1/3 lb Black Angus hamburger or Grilled Chicken Breast or Pork Loin sandwich, Potato Wedges, Lots of Fixings, Free ice Tea or Lem-

onade $5.50, Dessert available. For information call 956-581-6718. Pancake Dinner, 04:30 PM, Lemon Tree RV Inn, 1740 E. Business 83, Mission. BYOTS. For information call 262-395-3509. Soup Supper, 04:30 PM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & Mobile Home, 1051 W. Business 83, Donna. $2.00 pp. All you can eat. Bring your own table service, dessert for sale. For information call 956-464-5191. Hog Trough Dinner, 05:00 PM, Country Palms RV Park, 600 E. FM 495, San Juan. $7.00 pp. The meat and veggies are cooked in 10 gallon milk cans and dumped in a homemade “trough’ lined with a vinyl table cloth) BYOTS and your appetite. For information call June, 816-830-2315. Loaded Tators Dinner, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Jam Session, 05:30 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission. For information call 956-519-8650. Meat Draw Nite, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Reg. Chicken Wings - $5.00, Spicy Wings - $5.00, Fried Hot Dog -

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$3.00, all orders come with fries or on- cookies available for a donation, soda ion rings. Karaoke from 7:00-11:00 PM. & ice cream for sale. For information For information call 956-787-7451. call 956-683-5160. Entertainment w/Terry Smith, 06:00 PM, Dance w/Keys & Strings Duet, 07:00 Val Verde RV Park & Apartment, 1400 W. PM, Casa Del Sol MH/RV Park, 400 Expressway 83, Weslaco. Pass the hat. N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. $6.00 pp. For information call 515-681-9561. For information call 956-464-9024. Entertainment w/Vance Greek, 06:00 Dance w/Renaissance Rockers, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 PM, Alamo Palms RV Park, 1341 W. Hwy 495, Alamo. $6.00 pp. For in- Business 83, Alamo. For information formation call 956-685-5300. call 956-787-8870. Chicken Fried Steak Dinner, 06:00 Dance w/Texas Country Band, 07:00 PM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. PM, Mission Bell RV Resort, 1711 E. Border Ave., Weslaco. $9.00 a plate. Bus 83, Mission. For information call For information call 956-968-7115. 956-585-4833. Valentine’s Concert in the Park, 06:00 Entertainment w/Bill Chrastil, 07:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr., PM, Carefree Valley Resort, 4506 N. McAllen. Described as “dynamic, full of Business 77, Harlingen. $5.00 pp. energy, and engaging”, Kupira Marim- For information call 402-432-1707. ba creates an experience that will WOW Entertainment w/Cross Strung, 07:00 audiences. $5.00 per person. For more PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentinformation call 956-681-3370. sen Palm Dr., Mission. $6.00 pp. For Entertainment w/4 His Glory, 06:30 information call 956-585-0703. PM, Alamo Rec Veh Park, 1320 W. Entertainment w/Dave & Daphne, Frontage Rd., Alamo. Free Will Offer- 07:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, ing. Advance Tickets Available. For 600 Hwy 495, Alamo. $10.00 pp. information call 956-279-2698. For information call 956-783-4587. Big Band Jam, 06:30 PM, La Hacien- Entertainment w/Diego, 07:00 PM, da Estates, 1018 El Paseo Dr., Al- Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S. amo. Located 1 mile south of Busi- International Blvd., Weslaco. $5.00 ness 83 on Tower Rd., coffee and pp. BYOB. Door Prizes. Doors open SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 at 6:30 pm. Door Prizes. Donations for ice and Popcorn. Soda available. For information call 204-482-4408. Entertainment w/Folkloric Dancers, 07:00 PM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission. Pass the hat. Dancers of all ages perform folkloric dances of Mexican culture. What a Group! Support them by attending! Call Park Office for more information, 956-585-5061. Entertainment w/Folklorico Dancers, 07:00 PM, Holiday Village, 1501 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-787-9493. Entertainment w/Gomer & Patsy, 07:00 PM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-782-3263. Entertainment w/Johnny Ray Gomez, 07:00 PM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-423-5484. Entertainment w/Kenny Hess, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W. Owassa Rd., Pharr. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Entertainment w/Manilow & Midler Tribute, 07:00 PM, Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1501 S. Airport Dr., Weslaco. Advanced tickets on sale. $14.00 pp,

$12.00 pp, $15.00 at the door. For information call 956-638-3158. Entertainment w/Shake, Rattle & Roll, 07:00 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres, Pharr. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-283-8035. Entertainment w/Winter Texan Orchestra & Choir, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. Donations. For information call 956-787-9959.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016 Craft, Flea & Bake Sale, 07:00 AM, Weslaco Trailer Park, 600 S. Bridge Ave., Weslaco. Coffee & rolls for sale. Craft Fair, 08:00 AM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park, 1051 W. Business 83, Donna. For information call 956-464-5191. Craft & Bake Sale, 08:00 AM, Dream Valley Ranch, Mission. 8 am - 12 pm. Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Palm Shadows RV Park, 200 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. Rolls & Coffee in AM, Full Lunch Served 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. For information call 956-464-3324. 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. Admission and public programs are provided free of charge. A donation box is available. All donations are used to purchase native plants for the park. For information call 956-681-3333. Yoga Class, 09:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Come enjoy the calm and peace. Yoga is a good way to get the peace and relaxation you are looking for. For information call 956-581-1871. Advanced Line Dance, 09:00 AM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. For information call 956-423-5484. SPI Art Space Watercolor Yin and Yang w/Duane Beard, 09:30 AM, Art Space, 1817 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. Duane Beard’s watercolor classes are always fun and interesting. The cost will be $70 for nonmembers and $59.50 for members. Some materials will be included. For more information call 956-761-2112. Bible Study, 10:00 AM, Palm Gardens RV Park, 3401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. Coffee & Donuts served 9:15 am until 10:00 am. Rev. Don Hickman, BA&M. Div. Chaplain. 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. “New Quilts from an Old Favorite 2015Nine Patch”, 10:00 AM, Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood St., Harlingen. The 18 finalist & winning quilts from the annual contest sponsored by National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. The exhibit is brought to HAHM by the RGV Museum Association & sponsored by Janome America, Inc. and MODA Fashions. For information call 956-216-4901. Art Classes, 10:00 AM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N. Main St., McAllen. Weekly art classes opened to public. Classes offered in Painting, Drawing, Pottery Wheel and more. Call 956249-3534 for information or visit www.artstudiobydesign722.com. Business hours are 10AM - 5:30PM. Night Club 2, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Bob Battaglia 972-220-9285. Square Dancing, 10:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. History Tour of Quinta Mazatlan, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. $3.00 pp. Bring your Friends and 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 Group of 15 or more please call to reserve a private tour! For information call 956-681-3370. 2016 Winter Walking Tour: Fort Brown, 11:00 AM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington St., Brownsville, The annual winter walking tour with a tour of historic Ft. Brown. This tour is being led by Mr. Javier Garcia. Visitors will visit Ft. Brown and its buildings many of which are still in use today. The program admission includes coffee and refreshments after the tour. Spaces are limited for the walking tours, so pre-registration is highly suggested for these popular tours. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. West Coast Swing, 11:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Bob Battaglia 972-220-9285. Friday Fish Fry, 11:00 AM, Riverside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. Catfish, Cod, Shrimp or Combo Dinners with Baked Beans, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw and French Fries. For information call 956-581-1033. Style Show, 11:30 AM, Paradise Park Inc, 100 E Hackberry Ave., McAllen/ “ROMANCING THE “BLING” IN PARADISE.” Doors open @ 11:30 am. Lunch @ 12:00pm. For information call 956-682-8081. Country Jam Session, 12:00 PM, Casa Del Sol, 400 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. Lunch available. For information call 956-464-2272. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Trails End RV Resort, S Texas Blvd., Weslaco Lunch served from 11:30am - 12:15pm. Everyone welcome! For information call 956-351-5701. Overeaters Anonymous, 01:00 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. Pat 956-874-5041. Live Music w/The Hitman, 01:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. For information call 956-581-1033. Round Dance, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen For information call 956-423-1170. Country Jam, 01:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Rd., McAllen. Dessert table will be provided. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. For information call 956-423-5484. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo. For information call 956-685-5300. Open Country Jam, 01:00 PM, Split

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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. Polka Jam, 01:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. Refreshments available at intermission. For information call 956-519-8597. Rock N Roll Jam, 01:00 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. For information call 636-459-5458 or 319-795-8101. Variety Jam, 01:00 PM, Bentsen Palm RV Park, 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. Home made goodies and coffee served. For information call 218-585-5807. Sipping Seniors, 02:00 PM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N. Main St., McAllen. Sipping Seniors. An activity for old friends to enjoy and an opportunity to make new friends. This is a fun afternoon for those who think they cant 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 Jam, 02:00 PM, Llano Grande Lake Park Resort, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes . Happy Hour w/Ken Thompson, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pass the Hat, BYOB, Free ice. For information call 620-441-1173. Happy Hour w/Gayle & Dale, 04:00 PM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956-425-7448. Jam Session, 04:30 PM, Hidden Valley Ranch, 7600 Long Dr., Mission. Refreshments at 4:30pm. Jam session at 5:30pm. For information call 956-580-4477. Fish Fry, 04:30 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. Historical Happy Hour: Valentine’s Day, 05:00 PM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 W. Washington Street. Join us for this month’s Historical Happy Hour. Enjoy some good times with good friends. This event is open to the public for adults 21 years old and older only. This program is made possible by L & F Distributing. $5.00 donation to BHA required. Porkloin & Dressing, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Sunset Yoga in the Park, 05:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W. Business 83, McAllen. Yoga for Resilience is a yoga program designed to provide any person with the benefits of yoga practice. Yoga has immense benefits beyond the mat- intentional breathing relieves stress and tension

mation call 956-681-3333. Dance w/Steven May, 07:00 PM, TexDance w/Andy & Brenda Coin, 07:00 PM, as Trails RV Resort, 501 W. Owassa Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1501 S. Rd., Pharr. $5.00 pp. For informaAirport Dr., Weslaco. $5.00 pp. For in- tion call 956-787-6538. formation call 956-638-3158. Dance w/SweetWater, 07:00 PM, Dance w/Classic Rock & Roll, 07:00 Pharr South RV Park, 1402 S. Cage PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bent- Blvd., Pharr. $5.00 pp. Doors open sen Palm Dr., Mission. $5.00 pp. For at 6:00 pm. Door information call information call 956-585-0703. 956-787-7839. Dance w/Diego, 07:00 PM, Park Dance w/Texas Country Band, 07:00 Place Estates Resort, 5401 W. Busi- PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 ness 83, Harlingen. $6.00 pp. For Zillock Rd., San Benito. $5.00 pp. information call 956-412-0375. Call for information 956-399-5800. Dance w/Dixon & Company, 07:00 PM, Music & Dance, 07:00 PM, RoadrunQuiet Village II, 215 S. Valley View ner RV Park, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Donna. $5.00 pp. For informa- Rd., Alamo. For information call tion call 956-464-7275. 956-787-8047. Dance w/Keys & Strings, 07:00 PM, Valentine’s Day Dance w/Country RoBentsen Palm RV Park, 3501 N. land Jr., 07:00 PM, Bit-O-Heaven RV Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. $5.00 pp. & MH Park, 1051 W. Business Hwy Prize drawings, ice & soda available. 83, Donna. $7.00 pp. BYOB. PopFor information call 956-585-9981. corn & Soda for sale. For information Dance w/Renaissance Rockers, 07:00 call 956-464-5191. PM, Ranchero Village MH Park, 1900 Valentine’s Day Dance w/Lynn Dvorak, S. Bridge Ave., Weslaco. $8.00 pp. 07:00 PM, Green Bay South RV Park, BYOB. Ice, mix and popcorn available. 13951 Club Ave., La Feria. For more For information call 956-351-5856. information call 402-640-4739. Dance w/Shake, Rattle & Roll, 07:00 Entertainment w/Adam Pope, 07:00 PM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. PM, Llano Grande Lake Park, 2215 Highway 107, McAllen. $5.00 pp. E. West Blvd., Mercedes. $7.00 pp. For information call 970-222-6031. For information call 956-565-2228. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>

within the body and mind while the physical movement increases circulation and range of motion in a gentle and gradual way. What to bring: -A yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket - Water. For information call 956-681-3333. Friday Fish Fry, 05:30 PM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. Border Ave., Weslaco. Cod combo $10.00 pp, Catfish combo $10.00 pp, Shrimp combo $10.00 pp. Plates include French fries, Hush puppies, Cole slaw, coffee or tea. For information call 956-968-7115. Friday Night Dinner, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Shrimp, Fish, or Chicken Basket - $5.50, Fish Plate - $7.00, Shrimp Plate - $8.00, Chicken Tender - $7.00, Combination - $8.00, Small FF - $2.00, Small Onion Rings - $1.50, Large Onion Rings - $2.50, all plates include cole slaw, french fries, or onion rings. For information call 956-787-7451. Hamburger Night & Karaoke, 05:30 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N Abram Rd., Mission. $6.00 pp. Hamburger, chips, soda and dessert for $6.00, serving at 5:30. Karaoke follows. For information call 956-581-1871. Friday Night Coin Show, 06:00 PM, St Mark United Methodist Church, 301 Pecan Blvd., McAllen. Friday Night Coin Show - Once a month from Jan. to Oct. 2016. Come buy, sell or trade coins and paper money. Just 3 hours. Check our web site for the next Friday Night Coin Show. www.hidalgocoinclub.com. For information call 956-566-3112. Entertainment w/JC Bullock, 06:00 PM, Val Verde RV Park & Apartment, 1400 W. Expressway 83, Weslaco. Pass the hat. For information call 515-681-9561. Jam Session, 06:00 PM, Penitas RV Park, 304 Main St., across from Walmart, Penitas. For information call 956-581-9719. Entertainment w/Dave & Daphne, 06:30 PM, 1015 RV Park, 1402 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. $5.00 pp. For information call 870-240-5598. Karaoke at Tip O’ Texas, 06:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. $1.00 participation fee, Al Barnes Hall. For information call 956-787-6461. Night Hike, 06:30 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4010 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. We’ll look for spiders, bats, frogs, toads, scorpions, and nocturnal birds. DON’T FORGET A FLASHLIGHT! For infor-

MEALS

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February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Entertainment w/Bill Chrastil, 07:00 PM, Circle T RV Park, 1820 W. Clay Tolle St., Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 402-432-1707. Entertainment w/David Church, 07:00 PM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen. $10.00 pp. Advance ticket sales: Wednesday - Friday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Doors open at 6:00 pm. For information call 956-423-3137. Entertainment w/Jealous Heart, 07:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Entertainment w/Lindley Creek, 07:00 PM, Rio Valley Estates, 715 N. Westgate Dr., Weslaco. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-968-2708. Entertainment w/Manilow & Midler Tribute, 07:00 PM, Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N. Mile 2 West Rd., Mercedes. For information call 956-825-9509. Entertainment w/Southern Anthem, 07:00 PM, Winter Green Estates, 500 N. Bryan Rd., Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 989-708-0921. Entertainment w/Terry Smith, 07:00 PM, Roadrunner RV Park, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-8047.

Big Band/Rock & Roll Jam, 07:00 PM, Palm Shadows RV Park, 200 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. For information call 507-273-3895.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2016 Healthy Hearts 5K, 07:00 AM, McAllen Heart Hospital, 1900 South D St., McAllen. REGISTER ONLINE AT www.mcallenhearthospital.com/ healthyhearts5K , A family-friendly fun run and walk to bring awareness to heart disease prevention and treatment benefitting the American Heart Association, hosted by the McAllen Heart Hospital and The Heart Clinic. Time: 7 a.m. Health Expo and 8:30 a.m. Walk/Run Start, Location: Start and Finish at McAllen Heart Hospital, 1900 S. “D” St., McAllen, Fees: Individual - $15 early/$20 late, Couple - $25 early/$35 late (each person receives shirt and medal), Kids Aged 5 to 12 - $5 early / $10 late, Early Registration Deadline is Friday, February 5 at 11:59 p.m., Online Registration ONLY, except for event day. Cash and check will be accepted by an American Heart Association representative on the day of the event.

Children under age 5 do not require registration (unpaid children will not receive a shirt or medal unless there are extras) PACKET PICK UP: Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on race day. We encourage early packet pick up to ease congestion on the day of the event. 100 percent of proceeds benefit the American Heart Association. T-shirts will be given to the first 400 paid registrants and finishers medals provided to all paid participants. Call 956-388-2020 for more information. Acres Big Breakfast, 07:00 AM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N FM 492, Mission Pancakes $2.50, Eggs, Hash-browns, Toast $2.50, Sausage $1.00 more. Biscuits & Gravy $2.50 and up. Hash-browns, bacon and ham available. Free Coffee with meals. Bring your own table service, For information call 956-581-6718. All You Can Eat Pancakes, 07:00 AM, Alamo Paradise Acres, 1513 W. Crockett Ave., Alamo Pancakes $2.50, biscuits & gravy $3.00. For information call 956-283-1771. Breakfast, 07:00 AM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission. $3.00 pp. Menu rotates.

For information call 956-519-8650. Saturday Morning Breakfast, 07:00 AM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission. $4.00 pp. For information call 956-585-5061. Breakfast, 07:30 AM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. Check website for weekly menu. pharrparadisepark.sharepoint. com, cost varies with menu. For information call 361-230-4383. Pancake Breakfast, 07:30 AM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956-425-7448. Saturday Breakfast, 07:30 AM, Pleasant Valley Resort, 7320 Expressway 83, Mission. $3.50 pp. Sausage patty, scrambled eggs, fruit cup. Plus, “All you can eat French Toast & Pancakes.” For information call 956-560-8454. Saturday Breakfast, 07:30 AM, Paradise Park, Inc., 100 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen. Serving: Pancakes, sausage or ham, applesauce or grits, biscuits and gravy, eggs and toast are also available. Donations. For information call 96-682-8081. Saturday Morning Breakfast, 07:30 AM, El Valle Del Sol/Luna, 2500 E. Business 83, Mission. All you can eat pancakes. Choice of ham or sausage.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Biscuits and Gravy. Free Coffee. Please bring your own table service. For information call 956-585-5704. 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. Note: Large groups, please call in advance. $3 adults, $2 students & seniors. For information call 956-681-3370. All Park Craft & Yard Sale, 08:00 AM, Resaca Bend RV Park, 251 Line 17 Rd., San Benito. Sale in clubhouse and individual sites. For information call 815-269-2282. Arts & Craft Show and Sale, 08:00 AM, Winter Haven of Brownsville, 3501 Old Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville. For information call 956-831-7755. Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Port Isabel Park Center, 702 Champion Ave., Port Isabel. Coming into Port Isabel on Hwy 100, turn south (right) onto Champion Ave. (at Hino Gas Station). Our park is at the end of the road, turn right into Gate A and parking will be immediately on your left in front of the Rec Hall. For information call 956-943-7340. Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Bentsen Grove

Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. For information call 956-585-0703. Craft Show, 08:00 AM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. Concession - Coffee & Donuts, Vendors openings available for December. For information call 956-782-3263. Garage Sale, 08:00 AM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 SH 495, Alamo. Park-wide Patio Sale, 08:00 AM, Llano Grande Lake Park Resort, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes. For information call 956-565-2228. Patio Sale, 08:00 AM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956-425-7448. Patio Sale, 08:00 AM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH, 1051 W. Business 83, Donna. For information call 956-464-5191. Patio Sale, 08:00 AM, San Juan Gardens RV Resort, 900 E. Business 83, San Juan. For information call 956-781-1081. Wapello County IA Breakfast, 08:30 AM, Junction Cafe, 11 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. For information call 641-954-2453 or 641-777-7819. Bird Tours, 08:30 AM, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, Paredes Line Rd., Brownsville. Palo Alto Battlefield NHP is now offering bird tours at the park. Tours will be

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led by park volunteer and Master ta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr., McAlNaturalist, Larry Culp. Bird tours will len Join our volunteer coordinator for start and end at the eBird kiosk in a fun morning of work and learning the visitor center. The park will pro- in our native gardens! Students, earn vide a viewing scope. Visitors may your service hours at Quinta Mazatlan! also check out a pair of binoculars. We are also a site certified for Texas Tours are held rain or shine. For infor- Master Naturalist hours. For more information call 956-681-3370. mation call 956-541-2785. Bird Walks @ Resaca de la Palma, 08:30 RGV Quilt Guild Meeting, 09:00 AM, AM, 1000 New Carmen Blvd., Browns- South Texas College in Weslaco, Texville. Travel by foot or on our new and as Guild meeting is held in Room amazingly quiet electric trams to reach 191--turn right at the first hallway. our destinations. We have many differ- The RGV Quilt Guild is open to anyent trails to venture onto that are rel- one at any skill level interested in atively flat and ADA accessible. With quilting. The annual dues of $25 1,200 acres of lush, riparian wood- (from January 1-December 31) entilands we will also be birding by ear. tles members admission to monthly meetings which includes a program. For information call 956-350-2920. Tai Chi in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAl- Affair of the Heart - Gift Fair, 09:00 AM, len Nature Center, 4101 W. Business St. Mark United Methodist Church, 83, McAllen. This FREE program by 301 W. Pecan Blvd., McAllen. Afinstructor Sophie Wang! Tai Chi has fair of the Heart includes more than positive effects on balance control, 40 vendors selling a large variety of fitness and flexibility. Elderly and items from jewelry, home décor, perpeople with disabilities can also work sonalized crafts, handbags, children’s within their limits. Wear comfortable clothing, crosses and more. There is a clothing and flexible shoes, and bring silent auction featuring over a hundred water. Please be prompt. This pro- items including vacation opportunigram is provided free of charge. For ties out of state and at Padre Island. Door prize is a 55 inch Vizio Smart information call 956-681-3333. Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 AM, Quin- TV. Enjoy lunch at our tea room and SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 >>

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 entertainment by the Men of A-Chord and the Magic Valley Chorus. Like us on Facebook at Affair of the Heart. For information call 956-330-5102. FREE Walking Tours, 09:00 AM, Java Cafe, 204 E. Jackson Ave., Harlingen. The walking tours depart from Java Café, 204 E. Jackson, at 9:00 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and come prepared to have fun. The tour also includes stops at several larger-than-life-size murals and the city’s smallest park. Even locals will be amazed and entertained by what they learn. For more information, call 956-216-4910. Growing Growers Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, Firemen Park, 201 N. First St., McAllen. Year Round Farmers Market with all local vegetables, fruits, herbs, 100% Certified Grassfed Beef, Gulf Caught Shrimp, Artisan Goat Milk Cheese, Eggs, Honey, Jams, Jellies, and Fresh Baked Goods, including baked items for those on special diets. Located under a protected pavillion, with restrooms and kitchen for demonstrations. For information call 956-330-6410. Great Backyard Bird Count, 09:00 AM,

Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen. Stop by Quinta Mazatlan to help us add birds to the 19th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, and learn how you can do the same at home! Free with general admission. For more information call 956-681-3370. Santa Ana Nature Walk, 09:00 AM, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo $3.00 pp, Every Saturday, 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, TX on FM 907 about 1/4 mile east on Hwy 281. Brownsville’s Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, Ringgold St. & 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. A Sweet Taste of History: Lecture Series, 09:30 AM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington St., Brownsville. This is the second installment of the series and will focus on the early pioneers of South Texas. Each participant will receive a copy of Tidbits. We want to thank Krispy Kreme Doughnuts of Brownsville for sponsoring this series. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers.

YOUR PARK CAN ADVERTISE HERE!

Feb 9 Tropic Star • Pharr, TX 7:00pm • Call 956-787-5773 Feb 12 Eastgate • Harlingen, TX Call 956-423-3137 Feb 21 Snow to Sun • Weslaco, TX 7:00pm • Call 956-498-3834 Feb 22 Border Theater • Mission, TX 3:00pm • Call 740-974-9885

SPECIAL SHOW!

COUNTRY ROOTS & BRANCHES

CLASSIC COUNTRY & ROCKABILLY

Including ADAM POPE & DAVE PHINNEY Feb 24 Casa Del Valle • Alamo, TX 7:00pm • Call 956-783-5008

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956-687-5115

SPI Art Space Alternative Firing w/ Marcia Selsor, 10:00 AM, Art Space, 1817 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. Marcia Selsor will be leading us through the exciting processes of raku, foil sagar, obvara, and horsehair and feather firings. Students will need to prepare their pottery during Open Clay in January. This class costs $125 for nonmembers and $106.25 for members. For more information call 956-761-2112. SPI Art Space Open Paint Class, 10:00 AM, Art Space, 1817 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. Cost is $10 for two hours. You may also weave, knit, scrapbook or whatever art you want to do. There will be no formal instruction but artists are available. For more information call 956-761-2112. “New Quilts from an Old Favorite 2015Nine Patch”, 10:00 AM, Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood St., Harlingen. The 18 finalist & winning quilts from the annual contest sponsored by National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. The exhibit is brought to HAHM by the RGV Museum Association & sponsored by Janome America, Inc. and MODA Fashions. For information call 956-216-4901. Art Classes, 10:00 AM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N. Main St., McAllen. Weekly art classes opened to public. Classes offered in Painting, Drawing, Pottery Wheel and more. Call 956249-3534 for information or visit www.artstudiobydesign722.com. Business hours are 10AM - 5:30PM. In Concert w/The Chuck Wagon Gang, 10:00 AM, Bibleville Conference Grounds, 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo. With 75 years of history, the current Gang presents old favorites in a contemporary style. For information call 956-787-2024. 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. Square Dance w/Dorty Plus Dance, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Randy Dougherty 602-617-1841. 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. A donation box is available. 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. Every Saturday the community will now have access to local farmers, ranchers,

chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs. Country Jam Lunch, 11:00 AM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 St. Hwy 495, Alamo. For information call 956-783-4587. Yoga in the Park, 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. Yoga has immense benefits beyond the mat- intentional breathing relieves stress and tension within the body and mind while the physical movement increases circulation and range of motion in a gentle and gradual way. What to bring:-A yoga mat or exercise mat, towel or small blanket-Water. Weather Cancellation Policy: If the temperature is below 50 degrees or it is raining class will be cancelled. For information call 956-681-3333. Freeborn County MN Reunion, 11:30 AM, Riverside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. For information call 507-373-1981. Penitas Challenge, 12:00 PM, Penitas RV Park, 304 S. Main, Penitas Take the challenge, come race with us Saturday Feb. 13th!! 1/10th scale Stadium trucks, 2 W/D Coor, & 4W/D Coor Electric only. Track open for practice 10:00 Racing @12:00. Drivers will be grouped by skill level. (expert, open, novice ) $10.00 first class -- $5.00 all others. Hamburger & Hot Dog stand open for your dinning pleasure. For information call 956-369-1972. Country Jam, 12:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo. Join us for lunch at 11:00 am. For information call 956-783-4587. 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. Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Big Valley Trailer Park, 109 E. Business Highway 83, Donna. For information call 989-424-1299. Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Weslaco Trailer Park, 600 S. Bridge Ave., Weslaco. Lunch will start at 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. For information call 956-968-3474. 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 amongst the hectic lifestyle that most of us live! We’ll spend a few minutes talking about the purpose and benefits of mindfulness, walk the trails slowly for about 20 minutes (walking meditation), and finish with about 20 minutes of stationary meditation in nature under the shade of our beautiful native trees. For

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS information call 956-681-3333. The Sons of Norway Meeting, 01:00 PM, Junction Cafe, 11 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Join the group for lunch and fellowship. For information call 956-585-5846. 2016 Winter Walking Tour: Old City Cemetery, 01:00 PM, Old City Cemetery, E. 5th St., Brownsville. Old City Cemetery tours are led by Cemetery Coordinator Gene Fernandez. The program admission includes coffee and refreshments after the tour. There will be a limit of 30 people per tour, be sure to register call the BHA at 956-541-5560. Live Music w/Solitaire, 01:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. For information call 956-581-1033. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd., South Padre Island. Weather Permitting. German Day w/Jolly Huntsman Band, 01:00 PM, Riverside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. For information call 956-581-1033. In Concert w/The Chuck Wagon Gang, 02:00 PM, Bibleville Conference Grounds, 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo. With 75 years of history, the current Gang presents old favorites in a contemporary style. For information call 956-787-2024. Karaoke, 03:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo. FREE Admission. For information call 956-783-4587. Max’s Grill, 03:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ Street The Market location is on ‘A’ Street between Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents of Harlingen and surrounding communities with the freshest locally grown food available. There is a bountiful harvest being sold every week here 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. Chicken Fried Steak Dinner, 04:30 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. Laguna Madre Art Gallery 4th Anniversary, 05:00 PM, Laguna Madre Art Gallery, 405 E. Maxan St., Port Isabel. The Laguna Madre Art Gallery will

celebrate its 4th anniversary. The Art Gallery is a local fine arts co-operative of 21 area artists members, as well as the home of El Paseo Arts Foundation and Laguna Madre Art League. All the member artists volunteer on a rotating basis to work in the gallery. Each month the gallery has a different theme display in the front as you walk in and this also corresponds to the the decor of the monthly window displays. The individual artist members each display in the rear area of the Gallery. The artists will be on hand to welcome guest during the anniversary celebration and answer questions about their creative art making process. You will see a wonderful display of jewelry, pastel, oil, watercolor, acrylic, woodwork and photography in a beautiful gallery setting. Please plan to join us for this festive evening of adult beverages and finger foods as well as non-alcoholic drinks. We will once again have entertainment furnished by the “Happy Band” of S.P.I. Come celebrate with us. Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance w/Carlos Canas, 05:00 PM, Siesta Village, 2712 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. $10.00 pp. Pork tenderloin (bbq and plain) dinner, BYOTS. Purchase tickets by February 8. For information, call Mike/Cookie, 920-787-2630. Karaoke, 06:00 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance w/Leslie Blasing, 06:00 PM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. $15 per person. Cocktails at 6:00, dinner at 7:00pm. Dance from 8:00pm10:00pm. Call 956-428-4137 to purchase tickets. Country Music Jam, 06:00 PM, AmeriCana RV Resort, 721 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. Open Country Jam. Everyone welcome. Light lunch served for donation. For information call 956-581-2334. Karaoke, 06:30 PM, Park Place Estates, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. Open to the Public. For information call 956-428-4414. UTRGV Women’s Basketball vs. Kansas City, 07:00 PM, UTRGV Fieldhouse, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg. Dance w/Albert Mikesh Band, 07:00 PM, Tropical Valley Acres, 1240 E. Bus Hwy 83, Mission. For information call 956-583-5582. Dance w/Gatos Locos, 07:00 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 319-795-8101. Dance w/Gordy & Debbie, 07:00 PM, Leisure Valley Ranch, 1920 E. Bogey Dr., Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-424-1858.

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Dance w/Kenny Hess, 07:00 PM, Par- Dance w/The Castaway, 07:00 PM, adise South RV Resort, 9099 N. Mile Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham 2 West Rd., Mercedes. $7.00 pp. For Rd., Harlingen. $6.00 pp. For inforinformation call 956-825-9509. mation call 956-428-7116. Dance w/Manuel Rivera, 07:00 PM, Dance w/The Jets, 07:00 PM, TropCottonwood Country Club, 1001 ic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop Ed Carey Dr., Harlingen. $6.00 pp. 499, Harlingen. $6.00 pp. For inforBYOB. For more information call mation call 956-423-5484. 218-234-6411 or 956-438-6232. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Country Roland Dance w/Ralph & The Cruisers, 07:00 Jr., 07:00 PM, Palm Shadows RV Park, PM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 200 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. $7.00 pp. N. Victoria Rd., Donna. $10.00 pp. For information call 956-464-3326. For information call 956-782-3263. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Diego, 07:00 Dance w/Renaissance Rockers, 07:00 PM, Llano Grande Lake Park Resort, PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes. For Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. $10.00 pp. information call 956-565-2228. Advance ticket sales. For information Valentine’s Day Dance w/Greyrock call Nicole 956-283-8035. Doors Band, 07:00 PM, Canyon Lake RV open at 6:15 pm. Snack bar open. Resort, 4770 N. Mayberry Rd., MisDance w/South Texas Whiskey, 07:00 sion. $8.00 pp. For information call PM, Twin Lakes RV Park, 301 N. 956-580-7654. Shary Rd., Mission. For information Valentine’s Day Dance w/Lynn Dvorcall 956-585-9982. ak, 07:00 PM, Palmdale RV Resort, Dance w/Texas Country Band, 07:00 30910 Texas 100, San Benito. For PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo more information call 402-640-4739. Rd., Alamo. $5.00 pp. For informa- Valentine’s Day Dance w/Mario, 07:00 tion call 956-783-5008. PM, Winter Green Estates, 500 N. Dance w/The Agency, 07:00 PM, Tro- Bryan Rd., Mission. $6.00 pp. BYOB. phy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy For information call 989-708-0921. 495, Alamo. $8.00 pp. For informa- Valentine’s Day Dance w/Midwest Beltion call 956-685-5300. lows & Brass, 07:00 PM, Valley View SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 >>

DANCE

Every Saturday FREE Popcorn and Ice Dance w/Diego February 13 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Pelican West February 20 • 7:00 PM $7.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/The Agency February 27 • 7:00 PM $8.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Route 66 March 5 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Route 66 March 12 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB

HAPPY HOUR

Happy Hour w/Diego March 17 • 3:00 PM Pass the Hat • BYOB

ENTERTAINMENT

Adam Pope Band February 12 • 7:00 PM $7.00 pp Gordy & Debbie February 19 • 7:00 PM $7.00 pp Good Vibrations: Celebration of the Beach Boys February 26 • 7:00 PM $20.00 pp

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Every Friday February 12 • 2:00 PM February 19 • 2:00 PM

KARAOKE

Every Wednesday • BYOB Karaoke w/Harry & Judy February 10 • 5:00 PM February 17 • 5:00 PM

PARK WIDE PATIO SALE

February 13 • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Estates, 2100 Vernon St., Mission. In advance $5.00 pp, at the door $6.00. For information call 916-813-9635. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Mission West Jammers, 07:00 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview. $5.00/person, concessions available, for information call 956-585-5551. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Pelican West, 07:00 PM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission. Dance the night away with Pelican West Band! Setups and snack available, BYOB and join the fun. $8.00 pp. Call 956-5855061 Park Office for more information. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Sam Travis, 07:00 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-519-8650. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Swing Tyme Band, 07:00 PM, El Valle Del Sol/Luna, 2500 E. Business 83, Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-585-5704. Valentine’s Day Dance w/The Classics, 07:00 PM, Aladdin Villas, 1415 Aladdin Villas Blvd West, Mission. $5.00 pp. BYOB. Concessions available. For information call 956-581-1288. Entertainment w/Adam Pope, 07:00 PM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Rd., Mission. $5.00 pp. Ice Cream & Ticket Sales begin at 6:00 pm. For

information call 507-259-7160 or 763-772-2363. Musical Variety, Old & New + Humor. Entertainment w/Amber Waves, 07:00 PM, Wagon City North, 2905 N. Conway Ave., Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-342-4437. Entertainment w/Comedy Magic Circus Show, 07:00 PM, Kenwood RV Resort, 1201 N. Main St., La Feria. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-797-1875. Entertainment w/CrossStrung, 07:00 PM, Pasada Del So, 28513 S. Palm Court Dr., Harlingen. $5.00 pp. Entertainment w/Dave & Daphne, 07:00 PM, Seven Oaks Resort, 801 S. Inspiration Rd., Mission. For information call 956-581-0068. Entertainment w/Dirty River Band, 07:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Entertainment w/Gregg Jones, 07:00 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-585-0703. Entertainment w/JC Harrisson, 07:00 PM, Mission Bell RV Resort, U.S. 83 Business, Mission. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-585-4833. Entertainment w/Manilow & Midler Tribute, 07:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort,

1400 Zillock Rd., San Benito. Advance Tickets on Sale, $12.00, $13.00 & $14.00, $15.00 at the Door. For information call 956-399-5800. Entertainment w/Rolando Reyes, 07:00 PM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway Ave., Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 262-497-4241. Entertainment w/Southern Anthem, 07:00 PM, Lemon Tree Estates, 1510 E. Business Hwy 83, Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 419-733-6384. Karaoke, 07:00 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. For information call 956-787-7451. Dance w/Jim Staton, 07:30 PM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen. $5.00 pp. BYOB, Popcorn & Ice provided. For more information call 815-494-5159. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Gilbert, 07:30 PM, Palm Resaca MH Park, 100 Tangerine Blvd., Brownsville. $5.00 pp. BYOB. Popcorn and ice will be supplied. For tickets and entry to the Park, call Al Larrett at 956-280-5581. Port Isabel Historic Ghost Tours, 08:00 PM, Port Isabel Light House. Every Saturday evening at 8 pm. One hour walking tour begins at the Port Isabel Lighthouse. Cost, $10 per person. Tickets available at the Port Isabel

Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and Museums of Port Isabel. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 943-2262.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 Church Service, 08:30 AM, Rio Valley Estates, 715 N. Westgate Dr., Weslaco. Leader Tom Cassidy, non-Denominational Service, All are Welcome. For information call 956-968-2708. Church Service, 08:30 AM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. Call for information 956-782-3263. Church Service, 08:30 AM, Trails End RV Resort, 2001 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco. Deacon Bob Waters, in the park library. All Welcome. For information call 956-351-5701. Church Service, 08:30 AM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. Non-denominational services. For information call 956-585-0703. Church Service, 08:45 AM, San Juan Gardens RV Resort, 900 E Business 83, San Juan. Pastor Len Mitchell, public is welcome to attend. For information call 956-781-1082. Church Service, 08:45 AM, Winter Haven Village, 1015 W. Sam Houston Blvd., Pharr. Pastor Robert Kracht.

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS For information call 956-781-7881. Church Service, 08:45 AM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway Ave., Mission. For information call 262-497-4241. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Siesta Village, 2712 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pastor Ralph Hunt. For information call 956-969-3558. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen. Pastor David Squire, For information call 956-423-3137. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Hidden Valley Ranch, 7600 Long Dr., Mission. Coffee and refreshments available at 8:30am. Services with Pastor Cameron Gillette. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission. For information call 956-585-5061. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Alamo Palms Mobile Park, 1341 W. Business Hwy 83, Alamo. Pastor Brian Dent. For information call 956-787-7571. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo. Non-Denominational Service with Pastor Darrel Hardy. For information call 956-685-5300. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. Hwy 107,

McAllen. Pastor Jim Troutman. For information call 956-383-8189. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Rd., Mission. For information call 956-585-9264. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1501 S. Airport Dr., Weslaco. For information call 956-638-3158. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 State Hwy 495, Alamo. Pastor Frisby Worship Leader. Fellowship at 8:30am. Coffee, cookies and desserts. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Leisure World, 400 E. 18th St., Weslaco. For information call 956-968-8412. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Big Valley Trailer Park, 109 W. Bus. Hwy 83, Donna. For information call 989-424-1299. Village Chapel Church Polka Service, 09:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call 956-787-6461. Church Service, 09:15 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. For information call 956-581-1871. Church Service, 09:30 AM, Country Palms RV Park, 600 E. FM 495, San Juan Pastor Tom Shouse. For information call 956-787-0680. Church Service, 09:30 AM, Pharr

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South, 1402 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Church Service, 10:00 AM, AmerDr. Gerald Parrott. Coffee fellowship iCana RV Resort, 721 N. Bentsen to follow service, For information call Palm Dr., Mission. Pastor Lee Tracy. 956-358-1089 or 956-781-2715. Coffee social following the service. Church Service, 09:30 AM, Tropic Winds For information call 956-581-2334. RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlin- Fried Chicken Dinner, 10:00 AM, gen. For information call 956-423-5484. Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. BorChurch Service, 09:30 AM, Quiet Vil- der Ave., Weslaco. $10.00 a plate. lage II, 215 S. Valley View Rd., Don- Includes 3 pieces of chicken. Green na. Pastor Curt Bentham & Pastor beans, Mashed potatoes, Cole slaw, Mary Chamberlin. Coffee and fellow- Tea or coffee. Dessert for a fee. Inforship begin at 9:00 am. For informa- mation call 956-968-7115 tion call 956-464-7275. Church Service, 10:15 AM, Park Church Service, 09:30 AM, Penitas Place Estates, 5401 W Business 83, RV Park, 1900 Regan St., Mission. Harlingen Pastor Dave Tabler, for inPastor James L. Gebhart. For infor- formation call 956-428-4414. mation call 956-585-1555. Church Service, 10:30 AM, Bibleville Church Service, 09:30 AM, Casa Del Sol Conference Grounds, 1346 N. Cesar RV Park, 400 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. Chavez Rd., Alamo. Dr. Larry WindFor information call 956-464-2272. el, President and faculty member at Church Service, 10:00 AM, Paradise Re- RGBI, former missionary in Bolivia. sort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. For information call 956-787-2024. For information call 956-787-1521. Mindfulness & Meditation, 11:00 Church Service, 10:00 AM, Palm Gar- AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 dens MH & RV Park, 3401 W. Business W. Business 83, Mission. Learn how 83, Harlingen. Coffee & Donuts served mindfulness and meditation can profrom 9:15 am until 10:00 am. Rev. vide a sense of peace amongst the Don Hickman, BA & M.Div., Chaplain. hectic lifestyle that most of us live! Church Service, 10:00 AM, Sunshine We’ll spend a few minutes talking RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. about the purpose and benefits of For information call 956-425-7448. mindfulness, walk the trails slowly SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 >>

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 for about 20 minutes (walking med- 1402 S. International, Weslaco. For itation), and finish with about 20 more information call: 956-968-7516. minutes of stationary meditation in Fiesta Village Jam, 01:30 PM, Fiesta nature under the shade of our beau- Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Rd., tiful native trees. Free admission. For Mission. No Charge. Old time and Country music. For information call information call 956-681-3333. Farmer’s Market @ The Shores, 11:00 763-242-7214. AM, 8500 Padre Blvd., SPI. Fresh pro- Gospel Jam, 01:30 PM, Mission West duce, fresh eggs, fresh seafood! Healthy RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview shopping for healthy foods. Located at Concessions Available. For informa‘The Shores’ north of SPI Convention tion call 956-585-5551. Jam Session, 01:30 PM, Eldorado Centre. Every Sunday 11am-1pm. “New Quilts from an Old Favorite 2015- Acres RV Park, 610 N. FM 492, MisNine Patch”, 01:00 PM, Harlingen sion. Cake and coffee available. For Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Box- information call 956-581-6718. wood St., Harlingen. The 18 finalist Open House, 02:00 PM, Siesta Village, & winning quilts from the annual 10150 International Blvd., Weslaco. contest sponsored by National Quilt For information call 969-3740. Museum in Paducah, KY. The exhib- Shuffleboard Tournament, 02:00 PM, it(1-12-16 to 3-5-16) is brought to American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. HAHM by the RGV Museum Associ- Jasmine Ave., McAllen. Max’s Grill ation & sponsored by Janome Amer- open 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. For inforica, Inc. and MODA Fashions. For mation call 956-682-7841. Entertainment w/4 His Glory, 02:00 information call 956-276-0027. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 PM, Ranchero Village Mobile Home PM, Boomerang Billy’s, 2612 Gulf Blvd., Park, 1900 S. Bridge Ave., Weslaco. South Padre Island. Weather Permitting. $7.00 pp. Popcorn, soda, water and Live Music!, 01:00 PM, Riverside ice cream drumsticks for purchase. For Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. information call Kerry 269-599-6845. For information call 956-581-1033. Country Jam, 02:00 PM, Carefree Valley Jam Session, 01:00 PM, 1015 RV Park, Resort, 4506 N. Business 77, Harlingen.

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Free admission, refreshments served. For information call 956-425-2540. 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. Social Walkers, 02:00 PM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W. Business 83, McAllen. A little bit of exercise, a little bit of chatting, a whole lot of fun! A very informal program for people of any age and ability to come out and enjoy our nature and our trails with others. All of our trails are ADA accessible. McAllen Nature Center admission and programs are free of charge. For information call 956-681-3333. Round Dance, 02:30 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Ice Cream Social, 02:30 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview. For information call 956-585-5551. 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. Weekly topics include eating organic, pesticide alternatives, composting, vermiculture, essential oils, container gardening, and more! For information call 956-681-3333. Hamburger Dinner, 04:30 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. Ribeye Dinner, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Valentine’s Day Dinner/Dance w/Leslie Blasing, 05:30 PM, Isla Grand Beach Resort, 500 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. Doors open at 5:30pm, Dinner 6 – 7:30pm, Dancing 6:30 – 9:30pm Dinner Buffet includes a Full Italian Buffet with Red Velvet Cake for dessert $25 per person. BBQ & Potluck, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Football, BBQ, Free Pot Luck. For information call 956-787-7451. Dinner & Entertainment w/John Sager, 06:00 PM, Casa Del Sol MH/RV Park, 400 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. $14.00 pp. For information call 956-464-9024. Entertainment w/Kenny Hess, 06:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-685-5300. Entertainment w/Solitaire, 06:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Sunday Entertainment, 06:00 PM, Alamo

SALES

Palms RV Resort, 1341 W. Bus 83, Alamo. For information call 956-787-7571. Country Jam, 06:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. FREE Admission. For information call 956-581-1871. Gospel Jam, 06:00 PM, Bluebonnet RV Resort, 3366 N. Bentsen Park Dr., Mission. For information call 956-585-7630. Jam Session, 06:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. FREE Admission. For information call 956-787-6461. Karaoke, 06:00 PM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH, 1051 W. Business Hwy, Donna. For information call 603-396-2786. PH II, III & IV Round Dance Party, 06:30 PM, Alamo Palms, 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo. Tampico Hall. For information call 765-661-0612. Entertainment w/Faith’s Journey & Friends, 06:30 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-428-7116. Entertainment w/Jenny Casey, 06:30 PM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. State Highway 107, McAllen. For information call 715-928-2347. Church Service, 07:00 PM, Bibleville Conference Grounds, 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo. Dr. Larry Windel, President and faculty member at RGBI, former missionary in Bolivia. For information call 956-787-2024. Dance w/Big John & His Spare Parts, 07:00 PM, W & I Resort, 206 S. Stewart Rd., Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-585-6594. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Keys & Strings Duet, 07:00 PM, Paradise Park, Inc., 100 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-628-8081. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Pelican West, 07:00 PM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. $10.00 pp. For information call 956-782-3263. Valentine’s Day Dance w/The Agency, 07:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo $15.00 Couple, $8.00 Single, BYOB, Snacks will be available. Advanced Ticket Sales for Reserved Seating begins January 14th, call 956-783-4587, Watch Out for the Kiss Cam! Valentine’s Day Dance w/The Castaway, 07:00 PM, Dixieland MH & RV Park, 1325 Dixieland Rd., Harlingen. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-425-6707. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Willie Knight, 07:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. BYOB & Snacks - Soda and water for sale.For more information call 956-519-8597. Valentine’s Dinner Dance w/Lynn Dvorak, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For more information call 402-640-4739. Entertainment w/Adam Pope, 07:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Rd., McAllen. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-682-3304.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Entertainment w/Dave & Daphne, 07:00 PM, Valley View Estates, 2100 Vernon St., Mission. Advance tickets $5.00 pp. At the Door $6.00 pp. For information call 916-813-9635. Entertainment w/Debby & Gordy, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W. Owassa Rd., Pharr. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Entertainment w/Johnny Ray Gomez, 07:00 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-585-0703. Entertainment w/Lindley Creek, 07:00 PM, Big Valley Trailer Park, 109 W. Business 83, Donna. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-464-4159. Entertainment w/Louie the Clown and Alvira, 07:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. For information call 956-519-8597. Entertainment w/Ron & Jan Easter, 07:00 PM, Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N. Mile 2 West Rd., Mercedes. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-825-9509. Entertainment w/Southern Anthem, 07:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco $6.00 pp. For information call 956-756-4958. Free Movie, 07:00 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. Free admission. For information call 956-223-9359. Listing of movies available on website, pharrparadisepark. sharepoint.com. Snack bar open. Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance w/Mario, 07:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. $13.00 pp. For information call 956-783-5008. Valentine’s Day Dance w/Sipe & The Country Playboys, 07:30 PM, Split Rail RV Park, 513 N. Los Ebanos Rd., Mission. For information call 956-585-8135.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2016 Consignment Auction, 09:00 AM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. For information call 956-585-0703. Mainstream/Plus Dance, 09:30 AM, Park Place Estates, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. With Rich & Carolyn. For information call 956-412-0375. Mindfulness & Meditation, 09:30 AM, 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! We’ll spend a few minutes talking about the purpose and benefits of mindfulness, walk the trails slowly for about 20 minutes (walking meditation), and finish with about 20 minutes of stationary meditation in nature under the shade of our beautiful native trees. This program is provided FREE of charge! For information call 956-681-3333. 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, 10:00 AM, Art Studio by Design, 722 N. Main St., McAllen. Weekly art classes opened to public. Classes offered in Painting, Drawing, Pottery Wheel and more. Call 956249-3534 for information or visit www.artstudiobydesign722.com. Business hours are 10AM - 5:30PM. Beginning Line Dance, 11:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. Jam Session, 11:00 AM, Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1501 S. Airport Dr., Weslaco. Lunch served at 11:00 am. Jam starts at 12:00 pm. For information call 956-638-3158. Jam Lunch, 11:30 AM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. Variable menu each week. For information call 956-519-8597. Line Dance, 12:30 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. Open Variety Jam, 12:30 PM, Alamo Rec Veh Park, 1320 W. Frontage Rd., Alamo. Lunch is served at 11:00 am every Monday. Menu varies each week. For information call 956-783-5440. Euchre, 01:00 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. Wisconsin (Formerly Walworth County) Reunion, 01:00 PM, Harold’s Country Kitchen, E. Business 83, Donna. Come visit and enjoy your Wisconsin neighbors. For information call 262-749-4001. Yahoo, 01:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Come enjoy a quiet afternoon playing Yahoo with your friends. For information call 956-581-1871. Beginner Line Dance Class, 01:00 PM, AmeriCana RV Resort, 721 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. Beginning line dancing with basic steps fully explained and directed. For information call 956-591-2334. Dance Lessons, 01:00 PM, Leisure Valley Park, 1920 E. Bogey Dr., Mission. $6.00 pp. Couples may start at any time. For information call 956-424-1858. Square Dance, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Country Western Jam, 01:00 PM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. Hwy 107, McAllen. MC Al Lawson. For information call 765-653-0590. Country Western Jam, 01:00 PM, Alamo Palms Resort, 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo. Main Hal. Everyone welcome. For information call 956-787-7571. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Winter Haven Village, 1015 W. Sam Houston Blvd., Pharr. Jam sessions are directed by

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Glenn “Buddy” Collins. Jammers by $4 donation. Info: Jim: 956-781-2275. invitation only. Free admission. Cook- Happy Hour w/Diego, 03:00 PM, Snow ies available. Everyone come and en- to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N Internajoy music and social time. For infor- tional Blvd., Weslaco Pass the Hat, mation call 956-781-7881. BYOB. Free ice. For information call Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Wagon City 620-441-1173. North, 2905 N. Conway Ave., Mis- Hamburger Night, 03:30 PM, Mission sion. All Jammers & Listeners are West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, welcome. For information call 515- Palmview. Charbroiled Hamburgers 802-9421. Come have a good time! $4.50, Charbroiled Cheeseburgers Rock & Roll Jam w/Ed Murray, 01:00 $4.75. Charbroiled Grilled Chicken PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Sandwich $5.25, French Fries $1.75, Monroe St., Mission. For information Onion Rings $2.25, Pies $1.25. call 956-519-8597. Beginner Lessons, 04:00 PM, Alamo Newbie Clogging!, 01:15 PM, Tip Palms, 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo. O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., For information call 765-661-0612. Pharr. $4.00 donation. Each session PH II Workshop, 04:00 PM, Alamo is progressive. Come when you can Palms, 1341 W. Business 83, Alaand stay as late as you want. For in- mo. Tampico Hall. For information formation call Jim: 956-781-2275. call 765-661-0612. Yoga, 01:30 PM, Paradise Resort Es- Entertainment w/Ed-Vern, 04:00 PM, tates, 301 E. Hall Acres, Pharr. For Palms II Lounge, 600 E. 9th St., Misinformation call 956-252-7568. sion. Great food, no smoke. BYOB. PH III Round Dance/Workshop, 02:00 Dance w/Mona & Larry Beers, 04:30 PM, Alamo Palms, 1341 W. Business PM, San Benito Elks Lodge No. 1661, 83, Tampico Hall. For information 251 N. Reagan St., San Benito. For call 765-661-0612. information call 956-399-1351. Experienced Clogging!, 02:25 PM, Tip Dinner, 04:30 PM, Bentsen Grove ReO’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., sort, 810 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. Pharr. Each session is progressive, come $6.50 pp. Check each week for menu! when you can and stay as late as you want. For information call 956-585-0704. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 >>

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Spaghetti Dinner, 04:30 PM, American Magic Valley Chorus Of Sweet Adelines Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial International, 07:00 PM, St. Mark’s Ave., La Feria. $8 pp. 956-797-3701. United Methodist Church, McAlBurgers, 05:00 PM, Paradise Park len. Shirley 956-661-9926. Janet Inc, 100 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen. 956-682-8245. Practices held every For information call 956-682-8081. Monday 7-10 pm @ St. Mark’s UnitDinner Show w/Mario Rosales, 05:30 ed Methodist Church, McAllen PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Texas Master Naturalist Meeting, Zillock Rd., San Benito. $15.00 pp. 07:00 PM, Texas A&M Health SciFor information call 956-399-5800. ence Center, 2101 S. McColl Rd., Hamburger Nite, 05:30 PM, American McAllen. Guest Speaker Buford LessLegion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., ley, to talk on the Rescas of the LowPharr. Hamburger - $7.00, Cheeseburg- er Rio Grande Valley. For information er - $7.50, Extra Patty - $3.00, Large call 956-664-9036. FF - $2.50, Small Onion Ring - $3.50, Dance w/Barefoot Becky, 07:00 PM, Extra Cheese - $.50, Small FF - $2.00. Mission Bell RV Resort, 1711 E. Bus For information call 956-787-7451. 83, Mission. For information call Country Jam, 06:00 PM, Mission West 956-585-4833. RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palm- Dance w/Hitman, 07:00 PM, Rio Valview. Concessions Available. For in- ley Estates, 715 N. Westgate Dr., formation call 956-585-5551. Weslaco. $5.00 pp. Set-ups availCountry Jam, 06:00 PM, The Grove, able, free popcorn. For information 612 Business 83, San Juan. call 956-968-2708. Gospel Jam, 06:00 PM, Carefree Val- Entertainment w/Gregg Jones, 07:00 ley Resort, 4506 N. Business 77, PM, Palm Shadows RV Park, 200 N. Harlingen. Free Admission. For infor- Val Verde Rd., Donna. $TBD pp. For mation call 956-425-2540. information call 956-464-3326. Entertainment w/JC Harrisson, 06:30 PM, Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park, 1051 W. PM, Lemon Tree RV Inn, 1740 E. Business Hwy 83, Donna. $7.00 pp. Business 83, Mission. $6.00 pp. For For information call 956-464-5191. information call 262-395-3509.

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Entertainment w/Manilow & Midler Tribute, 07:00 PM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. $14.00, $13.00 & $12.00 pp. For information call 956-782-3263. Entertainment w/Terry Smith Band, 07:00 PM, Hidden Valley Ranch, 76 Long Dr., Mission. $6.00 pp. Traditional Country and Humor. For information call 956-580-4477 Entertainment w/Wade Bentsen Landry, 07:00 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 319-795-8101.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 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! No experience Necessary, and loaner binoculars are available. Note: Large groups, please call in advance. $3 adults, $2 students & seniors. For information call 956-681-3370. Craft & Yard Sale, 08:00 AM, Bluebonnet RV Resort, 3366 N. Bentsen Park Dr., Mission. Breakfast and lunch will be served. For Craft Tables

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call 956-585-3188. Craft Sale & Luncheon, 08:00 AM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Rd., McAllen. Coffee & rolls will be available for purchase from 8am-10am, and lunch will be available from 11am-Noon. For information call 956-682-3304. Chip-O-Texas Woodcarvers, 08:30 AM, Park Place Estates, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. Friendship Hall, come join us! For information call 956-399-6660. Nebraska Breakfast, 08:30 AM, Nomad Shrine Club, 1044 W. Nolana Loop, Pharr. For information call 956-781-1986. Bird Walk, 08:30 AM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Rd., Edinburg. Join the EWBC Naturalist for weekly Bird Walks. No level of experience is required. Come and see what’s been showing up at the Wetlands throughout the week! These programs are free with paid admission or membership. Tours are available in English or Spanish. For information call 956-381-9922. Volunteers in the Park, 08:30 AM, McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W. Business 83, McAllen. All equipment is provided; gloves are limited.

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves. Projects include weeding, watering, planting, raking, and more. Groups of 10 or more may call to schedule an afternoon or weekend volunteer day. For information call 956-681-3333. Auction, 09:00 AM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. For information call 956-585-0703. RGVSA/TSSA Shuffleboard Tournament, 09:00 AM, Ranchero Village MH Park, 1900 S. Bridge Ave., Weslaco. Mixed doubles tournament. $6.00 entry fee per team. Free admission for spectators. Three day event with amateurs playing on Feb 16, experts on Feb 17, and finals on Feb 18 (8:30 am to 12:00 noon). For information call 956-968-6223. Beginners Line Dancing, 09:00 AM, Park Place Estates, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. $2.00 pp. For information call 956-412-0375. Beginning Line Dance, 09:00 AM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. For information call 956-423-5484. Backyard Habitat Steward Workshop, 09:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen. Learn how to

support the ecosystem by providing a patch of habitat at YOUR home or business. Best speakers in the valley will present on: Butterfly Gardens, Backyards for Birds, Native Plants & Trees, Landscaping for Wildlife, Valley Soils & Ecosystem, Water-wise Gardening, Water Conservation, Mulch & Compost, and More! Fee: $60 per person, Advance Registration Required. For information call 956-681-3370. Round Dance, 09:30 AM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Square Dance Plus w/Butch Danielski, 09:30 AM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. $4.50 pp. Rounds at 9:30 with Marge Scherrill. Square Dance at 10 am. Contact information call 956-973-8335. 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. Pioneer Women of South Texas Exhibit, 10:00 AM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington St., Brownsville. As March is both Texas

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Heritage Month and Women’s History Countrycising - Line dance + exercise, Month we at the Brownsville Histori- 10:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. cal Association have put together an Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information exhibit that combines both. We are call 956-783-5008. telling the story of 6 truly courageous Intermediate Line Dance, 10:00 AM, pioneers in their fields. Free with Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. For informapaid museum admission. “New Quilts from an Old Favorite 2015- tion call 956-423-5484. Nine Patch”, 10:00 AM, Harlingen Women’s Bible Study, 11:00 AM, TropArts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Box- ic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop wood St., Harlingen. The 18 finalist 499, Harlingen. For information call & winning quilts from the annual 956-423-5484. contest sponsored by National Quilt Open Jam, 11:00 AM, Leisure World, 400 Museum in Paducah, KY. The exhib- E. 18th St., Weslaco. 11:00 - 12:00 it is brought to HAHM by the RGV Lunch Served, 12:00 - 2:00 Music. For Museum Association & sponsored information call 956-447-3821. by Janome America, Inc. and MODA Art in the Park, 11:00 AM, McAllen Fashions. For information call 956- Nature Center, 4101 W. Business 83, McAllen. Join a staff artist for a fun 216-4901. Art Classes, 10:00 AM, Art Studio by project under the oak trees. Projects Design, 722 N. Main St., McAllen vary from painting a reusable cloth Weekly art classes opened to public. grocery bag, to sharpie markers on ceClasses offered in Painting, Drawing, ramic tiles, to watercolors, sketching Pottery Wheel and more. Call 956- and more. Ages 15 and up only. No 249-3534 for information or visit exceptions. McAllen Nature Center www.artstudiobydesign722.com. admission and programs are free of Business hours are 10AM - 5:30PM. charge. A donation box is available. FREE Zumba Classes, 10:00 AM, All donations are used to purchase South Padre Island KOA, 1 Padre native plants for the site. *Some Art Blvd., South Padre Island. For infor- in the Park programs may offer an optional fee for upgraded materials. For mation call 956-761-5665. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 >>

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 information call 956-681-3333. week. For more information, please call Kentucky Reunion, 11:30 AM, Country Mary Escaname at 956-971-5850. Pancake House, 4325 N. Cage Blvd., Boat Ride/River Tour, 01:00 PM, RivPharr. All current and former Ken- erside Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., tucky residents welcome! RSVP to Mission. $19.00 pp. For information call 956-581-1033. 270-906-6440 or 586-337-1789. Winnebago & Worth Counties, IA & Fari- Cribbage, 01:00 PM, American Lebault County, MN Reunion, 11:30 AM, gion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, 4100 N. 2nd St., Ave., La Feria. For information call McAllen. Please wear your park badge. 956-797-3701. Winter Haven Resort Chess Club, 01:00 For information call 806-683-2816. Taco Tuesday, 11:30 AM, Sleepy PM, Winter Haven Resort, 3501 Old Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville. 1:00 pm Mission. $5.00 pp. All you can eat to 2:00 pm chess training and then tacos and homemade charro beans! play from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The For information call 956-581-1871. members range from beginners to exBoat Ride/River Tour, 12:00 PM, River- perienced players. The club meets in side Club, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. A-2 of the clubhouse. Please call to let us know you are coming so that we can For information call 956-581-1033. Jam Session, 12:00 PM, Bit-O-Heav- leave word at the gate. 956-521-8635. en RV & MH, 1051 W. Business Hwy Suntide I Party w/Leslie Blasing, 01:00 83, Donna. Lunch for sale at 11 am, PM, Suntide I, 1912 Gulf Blvd., menu varies, popcorn/soda for sale. South Padre Island. For information call 603-396-2786. Country Music Jam, 01:00 PM, J-5 RV Country Music Jam, 12:30 PM, Casa Park, 3907 N. Taylor Rd., Mission. Host: del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. Marion Price. Coffee & cookies served. For information call 956-783-5008. For information call 956-682-7495. Diabetes Management Class, 01:00 Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV PM, 3rd Floor, East Classroom, McAl- Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. len Medical Center. Classes are provid- For information call 956-423-1170. ed in English and Spanish every other Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Paradise Park,

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Inc., 100 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen. Lunch available 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. For information call 956-682-8081. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Roadrunner RV Park, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. For information call 712-259-2222. Jam w/Ray & Gynger, 01:00 PM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway Ave., Mission. Oleander’s Famous Cake served at half time!! For information call 262-497-4241. Open Jam, 01:00 PM, Magnolia Park, 3707 E. US Highway 83, Donna. For information call 414-640-0994. Orphan Train Riders, 01:30 PM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Rd., Mission. $5.00 pp. Buy your tickets at the park or call 956-585-9264. Bluegrass Jam Session, 01:30 PM, Kenwood RV Resort, 1201 N. Main St., La Feria. For information call 956-797-1875. Happy Hour w/Lynn Dvorak, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N International Blvd., Weslaco Pass the Hat, BYOB Free ice. For information call 620-441-1173. Happy Hour w/Diego, 03:30 PM, BitO-Heaven RV & MH, 1051 W. Business Hwy 83, Donna. Popcorn/soda for sale. Donations taken. For information call 603-396-2786. Baked Potato Night, 04:00 PM, Aladdin Villas, 1415 Aladdin Villas Blvd W, Mission. $7.00 pp. Potato topped w/hamburger gravy or not and more toppings of your choice, coleslaw & a dessert, coffee or ice tea. Advance tickets only 320-894-8857. Country Jam Dinner, 04:00 PM, Canyon Lake RV Resort, 4770 N. Mayberry Rd., Mission. For information call 956-580-4545. Jam Dinner, 04:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. Variable choices each week such as sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, etc. For information call 956-519-8597. Rib Dinner, 04:30 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. USA Dinner Dance w/George Heroux, 05:00 PM, Llano Grande Lake Park Resort, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes. For information call 956-565-2228. Lasagna Dinner, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Taco Nite w/Jim Staton, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. 3 Taco Plate $6.50, Taco Salad - $7.50, Chalupa - $2.50 each, Extra Taco - $2.50, Extra Sour Cream - $.50, for information call 956-787-7451. Country Jam w/Ed Murray, 05:30 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. For information call

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956-519-8597. SPI Art Space Painting Party, 05:45 PM, Art Space, 1817 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. Peacock painting. Art Space provides all materials. The cost is $40 for members and $34 for nonmembers. For more information call 956-761-2112. 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, TX, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in the Woodward Conference Room from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information call 888-902-5433. Country Jam, 06:00 PM, Canyon Lake RV Resort, 4770 N. Mayberry Rd., Mission. For information call 956-580-4545. Karaoke, 07:00 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. For information call 956-797-3701. Dance w/SweetWater, 07:00 PM, Alamo Rec Veh Park, 1320 W. Frontage Rd., Alamo. $5.00 pp. Advance tickets available. For information call 956-783-5440. Square Dance, 07:00 PM, Tropic Star RV Resort, 1401 South Cage Blvd., Pharr Doors open @ 6:15, for more information call 956-283-7581 Entertainment w/Amber Waves, 07:00 PM, Trails End RV Resort, 2001 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco. $6.00 pp. For more information call 956-351-5701. Entertainment w/Gordy & Debbie, 07:00 PM, Alamo Rose RV Park, 938 S. Alamo Rd., Alamo. $7.00 pp. Concessions Available. For information call 956-783-2605. Entertainment w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 PM, Tropic Star RV Resort, 1401 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Doors open @ 6:15pm. For information call 956-787-5773. Entertainment w/Razz Ma Tazz, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, 501 W. Owassa Rd., Pharr. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-787-6538. Entertainment w/Terry Smith, 07:00 PM, Quiet Village II, 215 S. Valley View Rd., Donna. For information call 956-464-7275. Entertainment w/The Gomer & Patsy Show, 07:00 PM, Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1501 S. Airport Dr., Weslaco. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-638-3158. Karaoke, 07:00 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

ROCKIN’ THE RGV

Bernie’s Valentine’s Day Tips By Bernie Crawley

Saint

Valentine, officially known as Saint Valentine of Rome, is a third-century Roman saint widely celebrated February 14 and commonly associated with “courtly love.” Although not much of St. Valentine’s life is reliably known, it is highly agreed that St. Valentine was martyred and then buried on the Via Flaminia to the north of Rome. The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, and it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as valentines). While the custom of sending cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts originated in the UK, it has, of course, now travelled to every corner of the world. In the United States, the first massproduced valentines of embossed paper lace were produced and sold in the mid-1800s, but since then, handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the U.S., and when the valentine exchange cards made in school activities are included, the figure goes up to 1 billion, and teachers become the people receiving the most valentines. The average Valentine’s spending has increased every year in the U.S, from $108 a person in 2010 to $131 in 2013. (I hope you’re paying attention here, guys.) Now what about Saint Valentine? Is he still, or was he ever, the patron saint of lovers? Of course! And he’s a very busy man because he is also the patron saint of beekeepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plagues, travellers, and young people. Or at least he was; but in 1969, the Roman Catholic Church removed St. Valentine, along with St. Christopher, from the General Roman Calendar, mainly because so little is reliably known about him. However, the church still recognizes him as a saint, listing him in the February 14 spot of Roman Martyrology. There are a dozen towns in the U.S. named Valentine, and here in Texas, we have our very own Valentine in Jeff Davis County. There is also a Romance in Missouri and a Love in Texas and, of course, Loveland in Colorado. In addition, you have Romeo, Michigan, and where would

Romeo be without Juliette, Georgia? We leave Texas for Arizona each year in early February and make a point of travelling through Valentine on Hwy. 90 (about 40 miles south of Van Horn) and mailing our Valentine cards to our grandkids from there, ensuring that their cards bear the postmark “Valentine.” You can do the same, without travelling. Just mail your cards, pre-stamped in an envelope to The Postmaster, Valentine, TX 79854, and the postmaster will postmark your envelope, “Valentine, Texas.” As many as 18,000 are postmarked by hand each year, and children from a local school help design a unique postmark annually. It’s not just the Valentine Post Office that offers this service; all of the other romantic-sounding towns will do the same and……wait for it ……… Juliette, Georgia, and Romeo, Michigan, have a special, joint postmark. Send requests for it to Romeo and Juliette Valentine Postmark, Juliette, GA, 31046 or to Romeo, MI 48065. So what are you waiting for, you romantic devil? Get those cards in the mail NOW! Post Script: You can own a piece of history. The building which houses the Valentine, Texas, U.S. Post Office and the old adobe firehouse, which was the original Catholic Church in Valentine, are for sale. In addition to the post office building, this complex includes an adobe store and gas station and a motor court, which has been converted into living/guest quarters. This is believed to be the only adobe post office in Texas. It is for sale for just $390,000. • Bernie Crawley is one half of the comedy and music duo Bernie & Red, performing in the Valley until February 2. You can contact him at bernie@bernieandred.com.

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

PARK NEWS

Notes from Seven Oaks Resort Encore Games Set for Competition Special to Welcome Home RGV

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

If you aren’t at Seven Oaks Resort,

you have been missing the fun, big time! The highlights of the week of January 25 are many, with a variety of activity levels. We are waiting on photographs so you can better visualize the good times. Meanwhile, a quick recap of the best. Hamburger Nite was it usual delicious success. The crew in the Hamburger Shack has it down to a science. The 6th Annual Italian Nite was another gourmet delight presented in an atmosphere that would do Italia proud. Decorations by Wilma, Judy, Leanna, and Alma with Carline furnishing live violin music. Jack and his 15 cooks and wait staff provided a wonderful five-course Italian meal that would be the envy of any Trattoria.

Saturday evening we rocked the house with Goldwing Express. These three boys, along with their father, are one of the best bluegrass, old country and gospel you will ever hear anywhere. Couple this with the satirical humor of the father, and it was an evening full of entertainment. Now, if you survived all that and wanted to take advantage of Sunday’s absolutely spectacular weather, then you joined the Seven Oaks Resort Cruisers for a catamaran cruise. Since the story of this will be best told with pictures we will add more soon. •

2016 Encore Games have started in the Rio Grande Valley. Teams have participated in Horseshoes, Egg Toss, Slow Bike, Swimming and Bocce Ball. There are 10 Encore parks that compete against each other in 16 events.

The Encore games can be seen February 8 at Sunshine for Table Tennis, February 9 and 10 at FunN-Sun for Shuffleboard and 8-Ball, February 11 at Victoria Palms for Pickle Ball, and February 12 at Tropic Winds for Texas Hold’em. •

Wisconsin Reunion February 15 in Donna Special to Welcome Home RGV

The Wisconsin (formerly Walworth

County) Reunion will be held at Harold’s Kountry Kitchen on Business Highway 83 in Donna at

1:00 p.m. Monday, February 15. For more information, please call 262-749-4001. •

Fundraiser at Oleander Acres RV Park for Meadowlark Ministry Special to Welcome Home RGV

This year’s 5th Annual Meadowlark Ministry fundraiser at Oleander Acres RV Park was a huge success. The event was hosted by Ray and Ginger Burton, and The Cross Creek Opry Band entertained a packed house. They played gospel, country, blues, and other crowd-pleasing tunes to mostly Winter Texan residents of Oleander Acres in Mission. Meadowlark Ministry is a faithbased organization that provides school materials, food, and other services to needy children and their families. Jolene Babcock has served as the administrator for more than 30 years, with help from her husband, Tim, and son, Jessie. They run 10 learning centers in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico, with donations from fundraising events and other contributions from Winter Texans. Their generosity keeps the centers open with school supplies, food, and services for families who would otherwise do without. Meadowlark Ministry also offers Bible classes and

Party at the Beach with the Red Hat

Dazzling Dolphins of South Padre Island Special to Welcome Home RGV

The Red Hat Dazzling Dolphins of

other instruction to enhance social skills. Thanks to Ray and Ginger Burton, Dan and Jan Jaspers, Tom and Dottie Conners Don Swendrud. and Tim Babcock for the lively entertainment and to the generous people in attendance. The event brought in numerous large sacks of flour, rice, and beans, as well as tables full of other nonperishable food items. A handmade quilt was donated and raffled. Money from the raffle and other money donations brought in $2,500. Meadowlark Ministry and the children they serve are most appreciative. •

South Padre Island are hosting their Beach Party Tuesday, February 23, at the Schlitterbahn Shrimp Haus, located at 100 Padre Blvd. on South Padre Island. The Beach Party is open to all chapter members. Doors open at11:00 a.m. The theme this year is Rhinestone Cowgirls, and tickets are $15.00

per person. Checks should be made out to Schlitterbahn and mailed to Shirley Hawkins, Dazzling Dolphins, 33174 State Park Road 100, South Padre Island, TX 78596-6409. For further information, please call 417-538-2877. Come party with the Red Hat Dazzling Dolphins! •

3M Retirees from McLeod and Meeker Counties in Minnesota—Let’s Meet Up Special to Welcome Home RGV

reunion luncheon of 3M Retirees from McLeod and Meeker counties in Minnesota will be held Wednesday, February 17, at 11:00 a.m. at Victoria Palms in Donna.

For more information, please contact Louise at 612-916-9236 or Hartly at 956-289-8261. Everyone is welcome! •

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Perspectives If

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

with

Chaplain Bob Ruesch

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

we were so fearfully and wonderfully made, why is this RV so frustratingly and questionably manufactured I wondered as I worked on yet another repair project. I was trying to fit into a space that would cause a child to be claustrophobic, and that was not a lot of fun. Sometimes repairing an issue or doing the predictable maintenance can be more than challenging, at best. Which got me to thinking… God works on us with each and every heartbeat. He molds us in the large and the small spaces of our heart, crafting, directing and pruning, as needed. His omnipresence in each one of us is a continual building and rebuilding process that He is willing to continue to do. Unlike our RVs, which have no choice but to be repaired, we have the choice to accept His work within us, and then we have the opportunity to see the results of His grace and mercy in the paths he takes us down as we travel with Him. Sometimes we do have a nut

loose that needs to be adjusted or tightened. Often we are traveling on a road that is dangerous and, at best, unproductive to bringing our Lord closer to our hearts. He is there to show us the right path to travel. The repair was completed, and I twisted my way out of a cramped space. I gathered my stuff and thought about how sore my body would be in a few hours and praised God for His willingness to continually work and repair me with His tools of grace and mercy. Somehow the task didn’t seem as frustrating as it was a few hours ago. •

PRAYER: Thank you Lord, for your willingness to continually mold, repair, and prune us so we may be more effective serving you. Your commitment to our direction is a blessed grace we don’t deserve but willingly accept. Keep us continually on the road to serve you in all that we may do. AMEN.

Chaplain Bob Ruesch is a senior chaplain with Christian Resort Ministries, which places qualified and trained Chaplains in RV Resorts under Workamper® status. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Evergreen, Colorado, and travel around six months a year in their Class C MinnieWinnie®. If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact Chaplain Bob at chaplainbob46@gmail.com

Celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Art Space with Featured Artist Michael Clark Special to Welcome Home RGV

We are FIVE years old!! South Padre

Island Art Space is proud to announce our celebration of five years of classes: potting and painting, sewing and sandcasting, and doodling. Art Space has been a gathering place where local artists have a studio in which to create. It is a community where members visit and share ideas and support. It has provided workshops for countless visitors from the North who are welcomed upon their return year after year. The Space has items for sale made by the members, supporting both the artists and Art Space. We have taught children’s classes both in the Space and in the community. The artists we have brought in for workshops and classes have been outstanding. Some are members, some are local artists, such as Carol Plumb, who have had ongoing classes and have raised the art skills of so many. Valley artists such as Marilyn Brown, Mark Clark, and Marcia Selsor from Brownsville and Duane Beard from Harlingen add to our experienced artist group. One wellknown artist from Corpus Christi, Guy Morrow, was with us from the beginning, not only teaching us painting but also supporting us as we organized and grew. We have had others more recently, such as Cliff Welty from Galveston, Daniel Adams from Buchanan Dam, Texas, and Michael Clark from Colorado who have

extended our offerings in wonderful ways. For our anniversary celebration, we are spotlighting Michael Clark, a landscape artist who is seen in galleries all over Colorado and who was featured as “an artist to watch” in Southwest Art magazine. We will be having an Open House Wednesday, February 17, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at SPI Art Space, 1817 Padre Blvd. on South Padre Island. Michael will do a painting demonstration. This is free and open to the public, so please celebrate with us and take advantage of this opportunity to see Michael. The next three days, he will be teaching a class in oil painting at Art Space. Please see our website, spiartspace. com or our Facebook page for more information. You may sign up online or come in to the Space. Michael has graciously offered to take a group plein air painting for free Sunday. Time will be announced later. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have provided scholarships and supported us financially. They include: El Paseo Arts, The Laguna Madre Art League, Gretchen Minnotte, and many others who have given of their time and talent. •

Attention Mississipians! Special to Welcome Home RGV

all Mississippians--whether you are a transplant or by birth, a “Get Together” is being planned for the end of February. We would like for y’all to come out and join in the fun. It is necessary to know the number of people attending, so if you would please contact us, it would be appreciated. Please contact Mary Ann Small at

956-578-1776 or 956-777-4294 or email me at merlot.927@mail.com. You can also message me on Facebook. Looking forward to meeting and greeting all you home folks, so come on out and let’s have some fun. So whether it be “Hotty Toddy” or Bulldog or Mississippi College fans or one of the many others, please call me. •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

See You at Affair of the Heart Special to Welcome Home RGV

St.

Mark’s Methodist Church in McAllen presents its annual Affair of the Heart Saturday, February 13. The event includes more than 40 vendors selling a large variety of items--jewelry, home décor, personalized crafts, handbags, children’s clothing, crosses,and more. There is also a silent auction featuring over 100 items, including vacation opportunities, out of state and at Padre Island. Door prize for the event is a 55-inch Vizio Smart TV. Enjoy lunch at our tea room and entertainment by the Men of A-Chord and the Magic Valley Chorus. Like us on Facebook at Affair of the Heart. The event is from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. St. Mark’s is located at 301 West Pecan Ave, in McAllen. For information, please call 956-330-5102. •

Mabel’s Free Clinic: Winter Texans

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty along the Border

Calling All Artists for ARTRAGEOUS! Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Edinburg Arts Foundation is calling all artists and seeking sponsors for the 3rd Annual Artrageous Art Show to be held at the Edinburg

Conference Center at Renaissance (118 Paseo del Prado) April 29-30. For more information, contact Vivian Martin at 956-330-8594. •

Primary Fundraiser Scheduled for February 18 in Weslaco Special to Welcome Home RGV

Mabel’s Clinic, an organization run

by Winter Texans, provides medical, dental, and vision care for indigent residents of Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Our primary focus is to keep children healthy so they can attend school and break the cycle of poverty along the border. Our work began with Mabel Proudley, who served along the border with the Red Cross following hurricane Beulah. In l987, when she met Dr. Keith Routley, a Canadian dentist and Winter Texan, they began working together to provide dental services in a donated room in Nuevo Progreso. The first Mabel’s Free Clinic building was constructed in l998 by Winter Texans from 41 local parks. An addition to the clinic was completed in 2005. On the clinic grounds, you will also find a ropa store and a playground for the neighborhood children. Twice a month, long lines form hours in advance for the opening of the ropa store. Volunteers from Nuevo Progreso and Weslaco staff the ropa, providing an orderly process for the distribution of clothing, household supplies, and food. Open daily, the clinic staff, including a Mexican doctor and a Mexican dentist, provides service to local citizens, as needed. The dentist evaluates the teeth of children in the schools so they can be brought to the clinic for help. A team of Winter Texans checks the vision of school children at all of the schools in Nuevo Progreso. Those who need further care are transported to the clinic in the clinic van and evaluated by a volunteer ophthalmologist. Used eyeglasses are repurposed, when possible, and for others, new lenses are ground. Other volunteers do blood pressure testing, diabetes testing, diabetes education, eyeglass evaluation and fitting, van driving, and other supportive services.

Children at the Veracruz school in Nuevo Progreso are receiving sunglasses donated by the clinic.

Winter Texans are welcome to visit the clinic, to attend board meetings, to volunteer, and to donate to the clinic work. Representatives from each park are needed to serve on the clinic board. Lots of skills can be utilized, including medical, dental, nursing, computer, and management expertise. The clinic manager is Dick Turner of Victoria Palms. He can be reached at 956502-3700. Mabel’s Free Clinic is a 501(C)(3) organization, so all contributions are tax deductible. Donations may be sent to Mabel’s Free Clinic, 1501 S. Airport Dr. #211, Weslaco, TX 78596. The primary fundraiser for the clinic is Mabel’s Free Clinic Breakfast, served from 7-10 a.m. Thursday, February 18, at Southern Comfort Resort Park, l501 S. Airport Dr. in Weslaco. Sausage gravy and biscuits are served with coffee and orange juice, while local musicians entertain and clinic volunteers share stories of clinic work. An NFL-themed quilt will be raffled at the breakfast, and a large silent auction will be held. Donations of items for the silent auction can be left at Southern Comfort, Lot 171. •

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

Tee Time in the RGV:

An Introduction to Valley Golf Courses Golfing in a Tropical Setting: River Bend Resort & Golf Club Special to Welcome Home RGV

Workshop with Melinda Bula at the Rio Grande Valley Quilt Show on South Padre Island

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Join

River Bend Resort

& Golf Club in Brownsville was founded in 1983 and features an 18-hole championship golf course. The name is derived from the huge bend in the Rio Grande River that borders the resort and provides the property with a lush, tropical setting. There are numerous plants and birds that can be seen on the property that you don’t see elsewhere in the United States. The course was built and designed by Lou Falley. The greens are Miniverde grass, and the fairways Bermuda 419. The grounds are manicured and feature 25-yearold oak trees. With the Rio Grande River as a border, there are numerous holes that water comes into play. New owners, Mark and Jimmy Barnard, have revitalized the 30-year-old course with many improvements, including a complete rebuild of 16 green. There are four sets of tees, with three sets rated for men: 6735 yards rated 123/73.4, 6276 yards rated 121/71.1, and 5663 yards rated 113/68.2. Two sets of tees are rated for women. 5663 yards

4541 Military Highway 281 Brownsville, TX 78520

956-465-1141

rated 122/73.5 and 4986 yards rated 109/69.7. This course has always been open to the public for play, but now they are also open to the public for membership play. All memberships include unlimited golf, advance tee-time booking, unlimited use of practice facilities (including range balls, handicap records and access to special events), clinics, tournaments, etc. For more information, contact employees at the course at 4541 Military Highway 281 in Brownsville or by phone at 956-465-1141. •

The Rio Grande Valley is blessed with great weather, as well as great golf courses. There is a course for every player, from beginners to accomplished golfers. There are more than twenty 18hole courses throughout the Valley and almost as many nine-hole courses. Some of the nine-hole courses are Par 3s, which are perfect for the beginner and for our older citizens who still enjoy the game but are unable to play a larger course. Some of the courses are public and some are private. In each publication, Welcome Home RGV will highlight one of the Valley’s great golf courses.

•••

Love That

Dish

Is there a dish served at a restaurant in the RGV that you can’t wait to have when you come back HOME to us? If there is, please send an email to us at news@welcomehomergv.com and tell us the name of the restaurant, the Valley city where it is located, the name of the dish, and why you love it so much. We can’t wait to hear why you LOVE THAT DISH!” •

us at the Rio Grande Valley Quilt Show February 20-21 for a fabulous workshop and Trunk Show with Melinda Bula. Melinda lives in California and has been sewing since she was a young girl. Her Fabulous Fusible Flowers quilts are unique. With the wonderful look of a painting, she uses fabric and thread to create beautifully artistic quilts. She has been lecturing and teaching, both in the United States and internationally, which she really loves, and she has been featured on The Quilt Show. Creating and designing is an obsession with Melinda, and whether it is fabric, wallpaper, or quilts, it is her passion. You can learn more about Melinda on her web site at www.melindabula.com Melinda’s workshop will be held Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00

p.m. Melinda will teach you how to create a beautifully artistic Bird of Paradise quilt with fabric and thread. No machine is needed. Visit the RGV Quilt Guild web site for information on the materials you will need. The cost for the class is $75 if you are not a guild member and $45 if you are a member. The $75 includes a guild membership. Melinda’s Trunk Show will begin Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The Rio Grande Valley Quilt Show will be held at the South Padre Island Convention Center, located at 7355 Padre Blvd. on South Padre Island, February 20-21 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For additional information, please visit our website at www. RGVGQ.com. •

MEGA WINTER TEXAN FIESTA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce wishes to express our thanks and gratitude to the following corporate sponsors of this year’s event: Bert Ogden Auto Group, Mission E c o n o m i c Development Corporation, R o y a l Te c h n o l o g i e s , Bentsen Palm Development, Wonderful Citrus, Spikes Ford, Kamper Investments, PlainsCapital Bank, South Texas Health Systems ER at Mission, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mission. Sponsors and vendors will be presenting door prizes throughout the day. Saturday from 1:00-4:00 p.m., there will be live entertainment at the Leo Peña Placita Park in

Downtown Mission, across from the H-E-B located at 807 N. Conway. The show’s producer, Rich Bellert, will emcee the event and recite his legendary Cowboy Poetry throughout the day. This year’s entertainers will feature classic country music sprinkled with comedy. Entertainers include Bob Dolle & Friends, Lindley Creek, Jay and Tammy Roy, the South Texas Whiskey Band, Wade Benson and Teresa Bowe, and Terry Smith. For more information about the event or for sponsorship opportunities please contact the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce at 956-585-2727 or at events@missionchamber.com. •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

Come Show Support for Health Awareness in Upcoming Walk-A-Thon for Aurora House Special to Welcome Home RGV

Aurora

House, a home for the terminally ill, will hold its 7th Annual Walk-A-Thon for Health on Saturday. February 20, 2016, at Harlon Block Park located at 18th and Westgate in Weslaco. The house is supported solely by donations and grants. It provides care for more than 100 patients per year. With the help of Dr. Rafael Rodriguez, we also teach healthcare providers the tools necessary for working with terminally ill patients and their families. The Walk-A-Thon is a noncompetitive awareness walk to familiarize the community about the importance of health and wellness, as well as the services of Aurora House. Participants can raise money by collecting donations or pledges for walking. Walkers will receive a free t-shirt with a minimum of $40 in pledges. The walk will begin with a fun and energetic warm-up and will

conclude at the park pavilion with fun activities. Aurora House is not affiliated with or related to any hospital, hospice care service, or religious organization. Aurora House does not receive money from Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or any other governmental resource. Instead, it relies on the goodwill of its residents and their families, the community and charitable organizations for support. We would love to have your support and involvement with the Aurora House and this exciting event. It would be great to have your sponsorship funds -or at the very least -a challenge to your employees. Attached is the flyer for our WalkA-Thon event. If you have any questions. please feel free to contact Aurora House at 956-973-9690 or the persons listed below. Again, we appreciate your support in this very worthy cause. Thank you and have a blessed day!

Kindest Regards,

Jose Soto

Yolanda Salinas

7th Annual Walk-A-Thon Chairperson 956-969-0120

Aurora House Foundation Board Member

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

Eleanor Seabrook

Karol Tucker

Laguna Madre Art League News

Works of Karol Tucker and Eleanor Seabrook on Display at Port Isabel Library Special to Welcome Home RGV

Throughout February, two Laguna

Madre Art League members will display their art at the Port Isabel Library. In this exhibit, Karol Tucker and Eleanor Seabrook share their enthusiasm for the interesting people and landscapes they have encountered during their painting careers. Some of these scenes will be very familiar to you – the beaches of South Padre Island, the streets and architecture of Port Isabel, and the picturesque harbors of the Laguna Madre. You may have met the artists as they worked in the area. Karol Tucker is an internationally recognized artist who specializes in portraiture, although she has also painted many delightful oil paintings of the Port Isabel area. Karol is a Winter Texan from Durham, North Carolina. She and her husband (her high school sweetheart) have a winter home in Laguna Vista. Karol graduated with a Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and taught elementary and high school art before raising a family and managing the family business. Her main passion is portraiture and

figurative work, but she also enjoys “plein air” landscape painting. Karol won the 2001-2002 Durham Arts Council’s Emerging Artist Grant and is the recipient of many local and international awards, including first and third place in oils and the Clara Ely Founders Award in 2013 at the Brownsville Museum’s 42nd International Art Show. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, Women Painters of the Southeast, and the Durham Art Guild. Eleanor Seabrook is a Canadian artist who is primarily a “plein air” painter. She is now a resident of South Dakota, but Eleanor and her husband enjoy their winters in Texas, where they have a home near Bayview. After retiring from a long teaching career, Eleanor travelled across Canada, the United States, and Mexico painting the landscape and architecture and the many friendly people she encountered. She works in acrylics. Her work has been displayed in Ottawa and Southampton, Ontario. •

Valentine’s Day at Gladys Porter Zoo: Animal Play Day Special to Welcome Home RGV

Stop

by the Gladys Porter Zoo Sunday, February 14, for our Valentine’s-Day-themed Animal Play Day. Watch our animals interact with special treats and enrichment items provided by our zookeepers. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain our zoo inhabitants. These enrichment items are a vital component to the health and wellbeing of our animal collection. Play Day will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Gorilla Island. Our keepers will then extend the play to the surrounding

Experience a New Kind of Love at MOSTHistory in Edinburg

Sunday Speaker Series with Jan Seale February 14

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory), a museum chronicling the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, welcomes the community to enjoy a special Sunday Speaker Series featuring fun activities and great poetry reading by Texas 2012 Poet Laureate Jan Seale at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 14. Doors open at 1:00 p.m., and visitors are invited to start the visit by writing a love letter to the museum and posting it on the “love board” or decorating a letter/poem for that someone special. Visitors can also tour the exhibits and vote for their favorite exhibit gallery: River Frontier, River Highway, or River Crossroads. Author and poet Jan Seale will perform the poetry reading at 2:00 p.m. while guests enjoy complimentary coffee and cookies. Following the presentation, guests can purchase any number of Seale’s books at the Museum Store, and Seale will be pleased to add her

personalized autograph. Jan Seale is the author of nine volumes of poetry, the latest being The Parkinson Poems, published by Lamar University Press. Seale has authored two books of short fiction, three volumes of non-fiction, and nine children’s books. Other published works can be read nationally in The Yale Review, Texas Monthly, and Newsday. Seale is the recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Creative Writing. She has led memoir and creative writing workshops both in the Rio Grande Valley, where she currently resides, and nationwide. • This program is made possible with generous support from the Carmen C. Guerra Endowment. Mrs. Guerra was deeply committed to supporting educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley. This named endowment was created at the museum by her family to honor her memory and to continue her commitment to providing opportunities for education to the community.

About Museum of South Texas History

exhibits throughout the day. This event is free with the purchase of general admission. The Gladys Porter Zoo is located at 500 Ringgold Street in Brownsville. For additional information, please call the zoo office at 956-546-7187 or visit www.gpz.org. •

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

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

Save the Date for the 26th Annual Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day Celebrate Pioneer and Ranching Heritage at MOSTHistory Feb. 20

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory), a museum chronicling the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, invites the community to celebrate Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day February 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This community tradition began 26 years ago and continues to offer a day filled with entertainment and demonstrations that illustrate the crafts and traditions of early farming and ranching in South Texas and Northeastern Mexico. Visitors can expect to discover something new and rediscover many favorite family activities from previous years. This year’s theme will include the role of leña (firewood) and la cerca de leña (mesquite fence) in the lives of early settlers of the region. Experience the history

of live ranch-style cooking and craft demonstrations with music and dance performances. Mark your calendars for fun activities and much more! The Pioneer & Ranching Crafts Day event is included in regular museum admission: $7 for adults (ages 18+); $5 for seniors with ID (ages 62+) and students with ID (ages 13+); $4 for children (ages 4 to 12); free for children ages three and younger. FRIENDS of the Museum are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDship. For more information on the event or becoming a FRIEND of the Museum, please call 956383-6911. The Museum of South Texas History is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square in Downtown Edinburg. •

About Museum of South Texas History

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

Potluck Possibilities: Great Food To Share

It seems that sweets disappear quickly

at my park potlucks, and when a new dessert shows up, there’s a race to get to it! This cake is delicious, easy, and filled with tart-sweet lemon flavor. •

by Sandy Olson

Lemon Meringue Cake • 1 package good quality lemon cake mix • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind • 4 egg whites • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar • ½ cup white sugar Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions except use 2 tablespoons fewer of water and add the lemon juice instead. Stir the grated lemon rind into the batter, mixing in well. Bake in a sprayed or greased 9x13-inch pan. Baking time will be 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar until stiff peaks form. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes. Then spread the meringue over the top. Make sure it completely covers the top of the cake, and make a lot of peaks and valleys to form an attractive topping. Return the cake to the oven for 12-15 minutes or until meringue is golden. Let cool completely before serving. Sandy Olson, lifelong foodie, restaurant reviewer, cooking teacher. Summer Iowan; Winter Texan. You can contact Sandy at midwestfoodie@gmail.com.

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

Bill’s Adventures in the RGV

Bill Lang

So Much to See on the Mission Hike and Bike Trail By Bill Lang

The Mission Hike and Bike Trails

are located south of town on South Conway Rd., Inspiration Rd., and South Bentsen Palm Drive. They traverse through a wooded area between Conway and Inspiration Roads. The paved trail is a fivemile Hike and Bike Trail, which is an asphalt-covered trail. A 2.5-mile section passes through the wooded area while the other 2.5-mile section travels along the roads. The eastern entrance is located on South Conway Road, while the western entrance is located at the south end of South Bentsen Palm Drive at the BentsenRio Grande Valley State Park. This trail is one of the best in the area because of the many different places one can visit. There are many species of birds and butterflies, along with wild animals, such as coyotes and javelina that can be viewed while cycling or hiking this area. One can spend a few hours or all day exploring the different places along this trail. I like to park at Bentsen Palm Community Park, located on South Inspiration Road. This is a regional park, which includes 12 picnic

shelters, a two-acre pond with a pier, four lighted baseball/softball fields, restrooms, a playground, basketball courts, shuffle board courts, three lighted tennis courts, and a twomile walking trail. On weekends, this park can be quite busy. It is located about one mile north of the Mission Hike and Bike Trail. Going south on Inspiration Road from Bentsen Palm Community Park is the Rio Grande State Veterans Cemetery. This is a very nice cemetery for you to stop and pay tribute to those who have served, protecting our freedom. Just keep in mind that this is a cemetery, not a recreation park. At the west end of the trail is BentsenRio Grande Valley State Park. This is a state park, and there are entrance fees. This is a world-class destination for birdwatching. The Visitor Center has an exhibit hall, a gift shop, a meeting room, and administrative offices, all surrounded by butterfly gardens and hummingbird feeders. Visitors can take the tram shuttle, ride bikes, or walk through the park. A two-story Hawk Observation Tower with a 210-foot-long wheelchair-

Connecting the Letters Word Search •••••••••••••••••••••••

Fun in the Valley

T J S C J A W B S K H X E F G B E U T K Q I I D X N A H M H Y N K R O K V F R O D F I E B D T L R I Y G J I G F Y H X Q T E W N A V B S B O R B S I W J R G N E M J A M S U H N C K O T S Z V B A E X T G M U O G Y A P H P X C E T B N Q S N G Y I C L L A B E L K C I P N S W N O I D M R P N F B W I K H D M K P T F R N W Q Q C O H C E E P N L R F R I E N D S N C L N L I U L U L J A D N T Z V A T E W O C E S D E R U T A N B S W G W V K F C K A I Z M E BIKING BYOTS ENTERTAINMENT GOLF NATURE

BIRDS CITRUS FLEAMARKET JAMS PICKLEBALL

BUTTERFLIES DANCING FRIENDS MEXICO SUNSHINE

Casa del Valle Bicycle Club cycling south on Inspiration Road.

Casa del Valle Bicycle Club cycling on the Mission Hike and Bike Trail through the wooded area.

accessible ramp gives visitors a bird’seye view of the canopy, as well as a peek into Mexico. Two enclosed bird blinds and a birding wall allow visitors to see birds up close and watch their behaviors. Over eight miles of trails with bird feeding stations and water features offer a variety of opportunities to encounter wildlife inside the park. About one-half mile east of the state park on Old West Military Road is the National Butterfly Center. This 100acre native plant botanical garden and wildlife preserve has live animals and plants in wild and cultivated settings, with educational exhibits to

enhance human understanding and appreciation. There is also a visitors’ pavilion. There are entrance fees here, too. Many cyclists and hikers will travel one way on Old Military Road between Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and Inspiration Road. Traffic is light and the road passes through a different type of landscape. • Bill Lang is a Winter Texan living at Casa del Valle RV Park in Alamo and is an avid cyclist who tours by bicycle everywhere in the Rio Grande Valley. Bill can be reached at w5Lang@yahoo.com.

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

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D From the Inside, Out D Announcing the RGV Ping Pong History of St. Valentine’s Day

by Marge Flados

Championship March 19 in Mission Special to Welcome Home RGV

Valentine’s

Day is celebrated in many western nations of the world for reasons most of us have never explored. Nor have I, until today. Valentine’s Day evolved from a pagan fertility festival called the Lupercalia Festival in Ancient Rome hundreds of years B.C. The early Christians transformed the Festival of Lupercalia into a holiday to honor the saint of romantic causes, St. Valentine. His efforts in support of romance cost him his life. Valentine, a cleric, lived among the small group of early Christians in Rome, around 270 A.D. The reigning emperor of the Roman Empire was Claudius II (a rotten little man). Claudius decided that unmarried men made better soldiers than married men with families so decreed that young men soldiering for the empire, and everyone had to, could not marry. What a bummer! Valentine secretly married young lovers against the will of the emperor, and, of course, this was brought to the attention of Claudius, who promptly caught and executed Valentine. But during his time in jail, Valentine healed his jailer’s daughter of a serious eye problem, which made him seem saintly in the eyes of the early Christian community. Legend has it that before he was executed, he wrote a note to this young woman and signed it, “From your Valentine.” And so that phrase became a part of the love language of Valentine’s Day. Red roses were the favorite flower of Venus, the goddess of love, and Cupid was the god of desire, affection, and erotic love. Do you see this coming together? Lastly, the symbol of the heart…history gets fuzzy here, but it is thought to have sprung from the shape of a plant, silphium, popular in that day, which is shaped like a heart.

Do you consider yourself the best

Marge Flados

There you have it: Cupid shooting his bow into a heart, and the roses and hearts are all red, the color that signifies strong feelings. Valentine’s Day is okay with me, whether its beginnings were paganrelated or not. Whenever we feel an urge to show feeling of love and appreciation for someone, I think we should, even if it isn’t Valentine’s Day! Please be aware that historical research differs, and there is not total agreement among the scholarly accounts. I liked this one. I am reminded of a time in grade school when I received a homemade valentine from a classmate named Donald. I knew he had a crush on me. So what did he do? He sent me a card that read:

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Rain on the Roof, Reminds me of You. Drip, Drip, Drip Some guys really need help. Next week I will share my definition of What I Think Love Isn’t. • Source: Internet: The Bible Study Site

M. Flados is a resident of Harlingen and can be reached at nflados@rgv.rr.com

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ping pong player in the city? Maybe champion in your neighborhood? Or perhaps you are you the best player in your own garage? Here is your chance to find out how you measure up in the Rio Grande Valley! The Mission Table Tennis Club and Bert Ogden Mission are excited to announce the RGV Ping Pong Championship being held Saturday, March 19, to be held at the Mission Parks and Recreation Center at 721 North Bryan Road. This exciting event offers events for Men, Women, Kids under 12,Teens under 18, and a variety of Senior events for anyone Over 65, Over 75, and Over 85. Medals, trophies, and $1000 in cash prizes are being offered. The entry fee to play is small, and the bragging rights if you win are large! It’s free for family and friends to watch and cheer, and you may even want to bring a camera along. Some real champions are scheduled to show their skills! Champions planning to participate or play include the Texas Men’s Sr. Table Tennis Champion, the 2015 US Ping Pong Champion, the 2015 US Men’s Table Tennis Champion, the 2015 Huntsman Women’s Over 55 World Table Tennis Champion, and the 2015 Huntsman Women’s Over 85 World Table Tennis Champion. Yep… we are talking some of the best players you have ever seen. Go ahead and challenge any of them, but you may want to bring your paddle and a few Band-aids® for your ego!

Gloria Cadavid and Patricia Thomas

Two of these amazing senior women table tennis athletes are Gloria Cadavid and Patricia Thomas. Gloria won four gold medals in the 55-59 age bracket, while Patricia won two golds and one silver in the 85-89 age bracket at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah. Pat has competed in these World Games for 16 consecutive years. Both Gloria and Pat are active members in their Table Tennis clubs. Email stevec@stic.net for more information about the March 19 RGV Ping Pong Championship to be held at the Mission Parks Recreation Center at 721 North Bryan and sponsored by Bert Ogden Mission. Oh… and be sure to ask about the new Mission Table Tennis Club (MTTC) right here in the RGV! You can find our MTTC group on Facebook. •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

Randy Hoelscher:

The Border Cook

Special to Welcome Home RGV

This

Chicken Tortilla Soup!

recipe is a clear winner. Of my 10 tasters, five of them had eaten tortilla soup before, and all five said this recipe was better than any tortilla soup they had eaten before. The average rating was 9.6 on a scale of 1 to 10. It would be hard to beat this rating. Plus, it is really easy to make! There are many recipes online for chicken tortilla soup. This recipe was inspired by a recipe for Sopa Azteca by celebrity chef, restaurant owner, and cookbook author Rick Bayless. All ingredients are available at HEB grocery stores in the Rio Grande Valley. Of special interest is a dried pepper called the chili Pasilla (or chili negro) pepper, so named because they are almost charcoal black when roasted. It is a rather long (6-8inch) pepper, which has a wonderful aroma and is mild to medium in heat – similar to a poblano pepper. It is the dried form of Chilaca chili. If you cannot locate Pasilla chilis, you might enjoy experimenting with other dried peppers, such as the chili Ancho, a dried poblano pepper, or possibly a couple of dried chili Cascavel - Guajillo peppers.

A word about using dried chilis. Since they are dried in the open or outside, many people recommend washing them. You can wipe them off with a damp paper towel, or you can rinse them under running water. In preparing them, you will almost always toast them and sometimes rehydrate them in hot water. If you rehydrate them in hot water, that would be the same as washing. The other interesting ingredient is a spice called Epazote – available as a fresh herb in the produce department at HEB. It is sometimes called Mexican tea. If unavailable as a fresh herb, dried Epazote is available online and can also be used. If not available, do not worry. The soup is tasty enough, and sprinkling some diced cilantro on it when servicing would be great. I think you will really enjoy this! If you have not made your own tortilla chips, I recommend you try it. It’s easy, and these hearty chips go well with the tortilla soup. We provide instructions for making your own tortilla chips on our web site – TheBorderCook.com. Buen apetito! •

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.

Macaroni Casserole Recipe Submitted by Kristi Collier

This recipe was given to me by my

best friend’s mother, Carol Burns. She made this for us with love every chance she got. Now we make it in

Macaroni Casserole Recipe

her memory. RIP Carol Burns, you are missed but will never be forgotten! I have cooked this macaroni casserole for the last 6 years on the bbq pit at Smokin’ on the Rio. Great to make ahead and put in aluminum pans and put on the grill. •

• 1 large package large elbow macaroni • 1 large box Velveeta cheese • 1 16 ounce bacon (I use the peppered bacon) • 1 large onion, chopped • 3 stalks celery chopped fine • 2 cans Rotel tomatoes (if you want to take away the heat used plain diced tomatoes) Directions: Cook macaroni. Drain. Fry bacon, drain, and chop. Save drippings. Put a little of the bacon dripping in the pan you cooked the macaroni in and saute the onion and celery. Mix sauteed onions and celery with macaroni – add ALL the bacon drippings and stir in tomatoes and chopped bacon. Put all the mixture in a casserole 9 x 12 pan, slice cheese into chunks to cover the top. Bake at 325 for 30- 40 minutes until melted. Do not let burn. Notes from Carol: ‘Wa-la, fat city – men love it, and always splurge on good bacon’.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients – serves 4 to 6 people: • 1 large dried Pasilla (chili negro) pepper, washed, roasted, stemmed and seeded (See instructions!) • 1 15-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (I used the ones without garlic) • 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil or vegetable oil • 1 medium white onion, chopped • 3-4 garlic cloves – peeled and coarsely chopped • 32 ounces chicken broth • 1 large Epazote sprig - leaves, chopped (recommended, but not essential) • 1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken breast pieces • 1 large avocado – pitted and the flesh diced into ¼-inch pieces • 1½ cups (about 6 oz.) grated Mexican melting cheese, such as Chihuahua cheese. If unavailable, substitute grated Monterey Jack or mild Cheddar cheese • 4 cups tortilla chips – purchased or homemade • Mexican Crema or sour cream – a dollop (a heaping tablespoon) per bowl • 1 lime, cut into wedges Instructions: Poach the chicken breasts in water with a teaspoon of Kosher salt until cooked through. Set aside to cool. Wipe the pepper off with a damp paper towel and toast the Pasilla pepper – either by holding it with tongs a few inches over an open flame on a gas range or heating it in a dry frying pan at low to medium heat while pressing down on it with a spatula. Heat until the pepper aroma is noticeable, but do not burn the pepper. After toasting, cool, cut off the stem, split the pepper, and remove the seeds and webbing. Break the toasted pepper into pieces and place in a blender. Add the diced tomatoes, with their juice, to the blender. Puree the peppers and tomatoes and leave in the blender. Add the oil to a 4-quart kettle and bring to medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Using a slotted spoon, remove the onion and garlic from the oil, straining out as much oil as possible. Place the onion and garlic in the blender with the tomato and pepper mixture, and puree until smooth. Pour the mixture from the blender into the kettle and raise to mediumhigh heat. Stir the mixture constantly until it reduces the consistency to nearly that of tomato paste. Add the chicken broth, the Epazote (if used), and 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste). Stir, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Before serving, shred the poached chicken breasts, add to the broth, and heat for about 5 minutes – until very hot. To serve, divide the cheese and avocado into the bowls and ladle the soup into the bowls. Sprinkle on a few tortilla chips and add a dollop of Crema or sour cream to each bowl; sprinkle with fresh, diced cilantro and lime juice, if desired.

February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley

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. •

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • February 10, 2016

• • • RECIPECONNECTION with Executive Chef Bettina Tolin • • • • • • • •

Chicken Florentine Pasta

Pasta dishes don’t have to be heavy and rich to be delicious and satisfying. Here is a favorite of mine that incorporates some fabulous light and bright vegetables. I love this recipe – it’s a classic with the use of shallots, garlic, dry white wine and stock as a basis for the sauce. Truth be told, you can make a glorious, glossy sauce from just about any pan drippings with the union of those four ingredients. 1 pound Farfalle (Bow-tie pasta) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 shallot, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup low or no-sodium chicken stock 1 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio 2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise 1 6 oz bag baby spinach 6 ounces shaved Parmesan Toasted pine nuts (toast in a dry sauté pan over medium heat, tossing until lightly golden brown) Bettina Tolin is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas. She has cooked in the kitchens of the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Florida. She is currently the Executive Chef and General Manager at Marcello’s Italian Restaurant and Bar in Port Isabel, Texas.

Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over high heat. Add the chicken, cooking undisturbed to allow the chicken to brown, stirring to brown and cook thoroughly. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, and using the remaining chicken drippings, lower the heat to medium. Add the shallot and sauté for 1 -2 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to avoid burning. After about 30 seconds, immediately add the wine to deglaze the

skillet. Raise the heat to medium-high and reduce to half. Add the stock and continue to cook until liquid is reduced again. Mixture should be bubbling and beginning to thicken. Remove pan from the heat. Add the tomatoes, chicken, cooked pasta and 4 ounces Parmesan shavings to the skillet. Toss to combine; add the spinach, which will wilt as you toss. Add the pine nuts and remaining Parmesan – serve and enjoy!

Bon Appetit!

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February 10, 2016 • • • Welcome

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