UPCOMING EVENTS!
GOLF ANYONE?
Check out our weekly listings of what’s happening in the RGV!
Tee Time in the RGV features Los Lagos Golf Club!
RECIPE CONNECTION!
Executive Chef Bettina Tolin shares another delicious pasta dish!
Welcome Home See calendar on page 5.
See review on page 28.
VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 17 • February 17, 2016
Try her recipe on page 39.
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WINTER TEXAN
• • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •
MMA to Hold Iwo Jima Parade February 19 Special to Welcome Home RGV
W
hat a fun week celebrating our Winter Texans! The Mega Winter Texan Fiesta was a wonderful event and brought thousands to the City of Mission for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and great entertainment. I had such fun visiting with everyone, especially the gentleman who stopped to visit about how much he loves the Rio Grande Valley and why he came here in the first place. It’s no secret that most of you are here because you had a friend or family member who told you how great our winters are in the Valley. Word of mouth is the number one reason people find out about wintering in Texas. But my question is, what’s the second reason? I’d like to ask for your help. Do YOU have an idea about how we can spread the word in an affordable, effective manner? The Valley wants to be home to Winter Texans for generations to come, so if you have any ideas about how we can market the Rio Grande Valley “back home,” please let me know. You can email me directly at kristi@welcomehomergv.com. I look forward to hearing your ideas! Why keep this winter paradise a secret? • We’re just connecting the dots,
Kristi
Marine
Military Academy will hold its annual Iwo Jima Parade Friday, February 19, at 4:00 p.m. on the MMA parade grounds. This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Open to the public, this event is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice made by The Greatest Generation to preserve freedom around the world. Because of the subtropical climate of South Texas, MMA is the only organization in the country that holds a battalion-sized parade on the actual anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima (February 19, 1945). Last year, more than 350 people attended this event. There will be special, reserved seating for Iwo Jima survivors in front of the parade stand, which directly faces the historic Iwo Jima Monument. During the parade, the Iwo Jima survivors will join the MMA superintendent for the ceremonial pass in review. Event-goers are encouraged to stop by the Iwo Jima Museum & Gift Shop before 3:00 p.m. to watch a video depicting the Battle of Iwo Jima. They are also encouraged to view the Iwo Jima Monument and the gravesite of Cpl. Harlon Block before or after the parade. Since April 1982, MMA has been home to the Iwo Jima Monument. The magnificent statue depicts five Marines and one Navy Corpsman raising the American flag February
23, 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Block, the Marine depicted at the base of the flagstaff, was a native of Weslaco. For more information on the Iwo Jima Parade, call 956-421-9225 or e-mail atkinson@MMA-TX.org. •
Marine Military Academy is a college-preparatory boarding school for young men in grades 8-12 with an optional post-graduate year. Since 1965, MMA is the only private school in the world based on the traditions and values of the U.S. Marine Corps. Located in Harlingen, MMA has been home to thousands of sons from across the world and is quarters to the historic Iwo Jima Monument. To learn more about MMA, visit MMA-TX.org. MMA is located at 320 Iwo Jima Blvd.
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