Issuu

GOLF ANYONE?

Tee Time in the RGV features Stuart Place Golf Course!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

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

RECIPE CONNECTION!

Executive Chef Bettina Tolin shares another one of her recipes!

Welcome Home See review on page 18.

See calendar on page 7.

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 3 • November 4, 2015

Try her recipe on page 27.

WINTER TEXAN

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

The Rio Grande Valley Out of the Darkness Walk Scheduled for November 14 Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

season has officially started! It’s time to get this party started, and I can’t think of a better way to do so than to kick it off with activity directors and resort managers from RV resorts across the Rio Grande Valley. Each year, we plan a trade show specifically for activity directors and resort managers. This event allows them the opportunity to learn all about the Valley and all it has to offer our Winter Texan friends. From museums to golf, from health care to retail, and from South Padre Island to Rio Grande City, we connect them with first-class establishments for just about anything all of you may want to know about! We feel responsible for keeping you entertained and up to speed on events, attractions, and fun things to do while you’re here, and what better way to help do that than to educate your resort managers and activity directors on what’s new and exciting and to remind them of things they may have forgotten about? Working with your activity directors-the ones who plan your events and activities--and with your resort managers--who take care of your home away from home--is such a privilege. They work so hard throughout the season (and the off-season) to make sure you have a good time while you’re here. This week, let’s raise our glasses to the managers and party planners. Let’s get this party started! • We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

Suicide is the tenth leading cause

of death in the United States, yet suicide is preventable. More than 750 people from throughout the Rio Grande Valley are expected to participate in the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk at 8:00 a.m. November 14 at Edinburg Municipal Park. This fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s local and national programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025. “We walk to support those who suffer from mental health conditions and raise the money for research and prevention programs that will save lives,” said Melissa Hinojosa- Zamora / AFSP Local Walk Chair The RGV Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 360 Out of the Darkness Community Walks being held nationwide this fall. The walks are expected to unite more than 100,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Speakers at the RGV Out of the Darkness Walk will include Claire Idell, Texas Regional Director for the AFSP. “These walks are about turning hope into action,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “Suicide is a serious problem, but it’s a problem we can solve. The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight, the science is only going to get better, our culture will get smarter

about mental health, and we’ll be able to save more people from dying from depression and other mental health conditions.” Local AFSP sponsors for the RGV Out of the Darkness Community Walk include South Texas Behavioral Hospital, HEB, Corporate Solutions, Cigna Health Springs, and Reyna Home Health.

For more information about the RGV Out of the Darkness Community Walk, contact Melissa HinojosaZamora at 956-369-7306 or by email at afsprgv@gmail.com. •

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention leads the fight against suicide. We fund research, offer educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 75 local chapters with programs and events nationwide. Review our Annual Report to learn more about AFSP’s life-saving work. Join the national conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

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

Texas Coasts—Find Your Perfect Beach Special to Welcome Home RGV

Summer

may be over, but it’s always the right time to find your perfect Texas beach. That’s why we’ve created the Texas Coasts app. It takes everything you’ve always loved about the Texas Beach & Bay Access Guide and puts it at your fingertips and in your pocket. You can find it at txcoasts.com. Every day, your Texas General Land Office preserves and protects the Texas coast. Whether it’s the 367 miles of Gulf beaches or more than 3,300 miles of bays and estuaries, the General Land Office makes sure our shared inheritance of the Texas Coast is cared for. While we carry on the tradition of preserving Texas’ coasts, it’s just as important that you carry on the tradition of enjoying them. Now, instead of leafing through the booklet hoping to stumble upon the right campsite, beachgoers can customize their search criteria to find the perfect place for their picnic, vacation or fishing trip. Looking for a good boat ramp? You can filter your

Welcome Home

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

agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins

colie@welcomehomergv.com

Sales & Marketing Cheryl Palacios

cheryl@welcomehomergv.com

Marie Sanchez

marie@welcomehomergv.com

1st Responder Coordinator Rita Huether rita@welcomehomergv.com

Activity Coordinator Fran Adams

fran@welcomehomergv.com

Contributing Writer Chris Ardis

news@welcomehomergv.com

Graphic Design Jenny R Carpenter silentBYTES design

artwork@welcomehomergv.com

Welcome Home

rio grande valley

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

956-687-5115 www.welcomehomergv.com

© Copyright 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.

search by that. Looking for the best place to go kayaking? You can filter by that, too. Looking for someplace you can shower off after a long day? Texas Coasts has you covered. Users can also search for their perfect weekend getaway by filtering for boat docks, camping, hiking, canoeing, mooring, restroom and RV access, wildlife viewing, ADA compliance, bacteria levels in the water and swimming opportunities. “Texas Coasts is the one-stop digital app for anyone who wants to enjoy Texas’ amazing coast,” Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said. “It’s a great app for families, fishermen, spring breakers, anyone anywhere who wants to find the right Texas beach or boat ramp for their summer fun. Texas Coasts is also an economic development tool, since the coast is one of our state’s top economic engines.” If you’d rather search by location, Texas Coasts offers you a locationenabled mapping and search function. Just scroll along the coast

and click the interactive icon of whichever beach catches your eye. You’ll see all the amenities offered along with turn-by-turn directions to get you there. Each icon also offers information about any fees and recent photos of the beach. Texas Coasts brings you a responsive design that is fully integrated to work seamlessly across all platforms for a quick and easy user experience whether you’re on your desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone. So whether you grew up going to

Volunteers are a Blessing Special to Welcome Home RGV

Weekly e-Blasts 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!

Karen

Macking and Kathy Whitney have been volunteering at Aurora House for several years. They come one day out of the week to cook for the patients, the patients’ families, and the staff. We are grateful that they use their cooking talents to prepare these meals. This is just one of the many ways volunteers can help assist Aurora House meet our everyday responsibilities to the patients and their families. At Aurora House, we realize that each of us has different God-given talents. We would like you to use those talents to assist Aurora House in fulfilling our mission in the ways you feel most comfortable. We are always in need of volunteers. Below are just some of the areas where you can assist with when volunteering: • Help with the feeding of the residents and/or help in the kitchen • Help wash, dry, fold, and store laundry • Help with cleaning of the kitchen • Check the bathrooms and clean them, as needed • Help with baking cookies and cake or make pudding or Jell-O • Help with mopping the floors • Provide hospitality to family and friends of residents • Get our patients a cup of tea/coffee • Read aloud to a resident • Sing or hum to the patient • Talk, and especially LISTEN, to residents and family members • Sit by a resident.....JUST BEING

the coast with your family or you’re thinking of going for the first time, Texas Coasts makes it easier than ever to find your perfect Texas beach. •

THERE IS IMPORTANT Visit our website for an application and other information on how to become a volunteer, or come by our house. All volunteers are expected to: • Provide a loving, supportive, concerned presence to residents, visitors, and other volunteers • Follow Aurora House policies, including Confidentiality Policy, Security, Infection Control, and Emergency Procedures • Attend a one-hour volunteer training, if possible, prior to volunteering Come and use your God-given talents at Aurora House. Aurora House is a licensed Special Care Facility that provides a residence with compassionate end-of-life care at no cost to the patient. This special house offers love and compassion through trained community volunteers and a staff of nursing assistants. Quality care is provided in a home-like atmosphere with clean and comfortable, private rooms. *2646 W. 18th Street *Weslaco, Texas 78596 *956-973-9690 *www. Aurorahouse.org •

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

Cooking Up Some Nostalgia Special to Welcome Home RGV

with Charlie Daniels

Wonderful Sugar Cookies • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar • 1 cup butter • 1 egg • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar Mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Divide in half and roll out one half at a time. Roll thin - 1/4 to 1/8 inch. Use seasonal cookie cutters. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, either white or colored sugar if desired. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes. This is a recipe that we’ve made at Christmas time with our son every year for 30 years. A real family tradition! Of course, you can make them at any holiday and use the appropriate cookie cutters for the occasion.

Editor’s Note: In 1999, Broadway Hardware, a popular Valley store, planned

to create a cookbook. They contacted both local and national/international stars for recipes. With the permission of the former owners of Broadway Hardware, we are sharing those recipes with you. We think you’ll like the recipes and the memorabilia the stars sent with those recipes. •

Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association: Teaching You How to Prevent/Manage Diabetes

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) would like to invite you to attend our monthly diabetes lectures and cooking classes. The classes are held in Edinburg at the RGVDA office, 420 S. Closner Blvd., and in Weslaco at John Knox Village, located at 1300 S Border Ave. Cooking classes are every second Tuesday of the month, and the lectures are held the third Tuesday of each month in both Edinburg and Weslaco. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, there will be either a cooking class or a lecture. If you would like more information, or to reserve your seat for one of these classes, please call 956-782-1900. Space is limited.

The RGVDA is a local nonprofit organization. We are dedicated to the prevention of diabetes and its complications through educational services, early detection, and awareness. The RGVDA’s focus is to bring attention to a growing health epidemic that affects one out of every four people in Hidalgo County, making it one of the most afflicted areas in the country. Type 2 diabetes is preventable and manageable through a healthy regimen of exercise and diet, and we’re here to teach you how. •

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

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Non-Profit Spotlight:

Pharrmers Market Grand Reopening November 5 Special to Welcome Home RGV

Mid-Valley folks will again have Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. more access to fresh fruits, veggies, Special to Welcome Home RGV

Non-Profit Name: Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. Contact Person’s Name: Omar Rodriguez Address: 724 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr Contact Person’s Email: omarir@foodbankrgv.com Phone Number: 956-904-4514 Website: www.foodbankrgv.com Who is the executive director? Terri Drefke How and when did your organization begin and who does it serve? It was incorporated in 1986, and it serves Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties. Anyone needing food assistance can get help via our 250 partner agencies across the Valley. Where is your organization located and what are the hours of operation? We are located at the old Valley Fruit Company in Pharr. We are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We sometimes have volunteer

opportunities on Saturdays, too. What kind of donations does your nonprofit organization need? Monetary donations go a long way as every $1 donated can help us feed five healthy meals for children. Nonperishable canned foods like tuna, stews, and peanut butter are great items, as well. What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have for Winter Texans, Valley retirees, and others in our community? We have a variety of jobs, including food sorting, office work, and community garden work! Do you have any upcoming events you would like Welcome Home RGV readers to know about? `Our Pharrmers Market will reopen November 5 and continue throughout Spring of 2016. The Pharrmers Market will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday (unless we have a major holiday). •

and handcrafted items at the grand reopening of the Pharrmers Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. November 5, 2015, at the Food Bank RGV, located at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr. The new hours will give health-minded people another lunchtime option in the Pharr area. The Pharrmers Market will be entering its third year at the Food Bank RGV! The market is always seeking vendors selling organic and natural produce that will help the Food Bank RGV promote a healthy lifestyle and increase the access of food for lowincome, food insecure households. As always, expect to be surprised with special events at the market during the 2015-2016 season. “The Pharrmers Market has always drawn a diverse crowd,” Terri Drefke, Food Bank RGV CEO, said. “We expect a lot more attendance now that we will be having a great variety of foods during the lunch hour. Foodies are going to be flocking to the market every Thursday!” For more information, contact Chris Bueno, Community Garden Manager, at 956-904-4525 or

Chris Bueno, community garden manager at the Food Bank RGV, and Ruby Martinez, marketing and social media manager at the Food Bank RGV

at chbueno@foodbankrgv.com. •

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran.

www.welcomehomergv.com

Help Us Share Joy this Christmas in Nuevo Progreso Special to Welcome Home RGV

Since 1990, the volunteer group

Amigos de los Ninos de Mexico has provided a Christmas fiesta for the children of Nuevo Progreso, Mexico, every year on Christmas morning The Amigos estimate that more than 73,000 children have attended this annual event since the first one in 1990. Several of the original attendees now bring their grandchildren! The first planning meeting of 2014 will be held November 10, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church 228 South Main Street Donna, Texas Each year, about 300 people (mostly Winter Texans) share the joy of sharing with the less fortunate. You are most welcome to be a part of the joy and excitement. For more information, call the president of Amigos de los Ninos de Mexico, Dick Druse, at (956) 342-6970. â€˘

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

From the Inside, Out by Marge Flados

a young adult who felt invulnerable and immune to the frailties that accompany the aging process, I made some decisions that have since turned out to be, well, impossibly naïve. I am wiser now and in light of the reality of today, let me share the evolution of my footwear. When I was 30-something, my friend, Joanne, and I occasionally drove from Huntsville, Texas, to Houston to shop for the entire day. We assumed we would receive better service in any upscale store if we wore “proper clothes” and looked like we could afford to buy anything we wanted. So we dressed up, wore gloves, hose, and shoes with stiletto heels and pointy toes. Our feet did not complain, mainly because we both wore Tweedie (brand name) shoes that were very comfortable. Since our budgets prohibited our buying very much, we did more looking and fondling the merchandise than actual shopping. It was about this time that I made a vow to never, but never, stop wearing high-heeled shoes. They made my legs look good, and why would I ever walk about in ugly shoes like those worn by many older women--low heels with uppers that almost cover the whole foot. Not for me! I continued to wear my tallheeled shoes until I began to fall off of them. This did my ankles no favors. By about the third fall off my shoes, I shortened my heels to

Marge Flados

two inches, then to one inch, then to as close to the floor as possible. That is where I glide today--as close to the floor as possible. At the age of 35, I didn’t know squat about twisted ankles or brittle bones. Now I know about both. I have kept some of my elegant high, stiletto-heeled shoes with the pointy toes…Tweedies, to be sure….and once in a while I take them out of their boxes and gaze at them in wonder. How did I ever walk around shopping all day in these shoes?!!! When I look down at my comfortable, sensible shoes, I remember the time about 15 years ago when my dear shopping friend showed up at my doorstep wearing black sandals. I said, “Nice shoes!” Her response was, “Take a long last look at my toes. You will never see them again, for the time has come that they must go under cover. These sandals hurt my feet. We are both sensible enough to accept the inevitability of soft, sensible shoes.” I made margaritas and we drank toasts to our pretty feet of yesteryear. • M. Flados is a resident of Harlingen and can be reached at nflados@rgv.rr.com

Join Proyecto Juan Diego

to World Diabetes Day Event in Brownsville Special to Welcome Home RGV

royecto Juan Diego is inviting families from Brownsville and the surrounding areas to World Diabetes Day 2015. The event will be held Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 2218 Carlos Ave. in Brownsville. There will be free health screenings, including daily glucose, BMI, weight, and blood pressure checks, cooking demonstrations, health information, and resources from exhibitors. We will have games for all ages. Attention

artists: There will also be a T-shirt Design Contest using this diabetes logo. Take advantage of free health screenings, have fun, and celebrate World Diabetes Day! •

www.welcomehomergv.com

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEEK OF

November 4 - November 10, 2015 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015 Volunteer Mornings, 8:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, 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. Dates: Every Wednesday & Saturday 8:30 am to Yoga Class, 9:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission Come enjoy the call and peace. Yoga is a good way to get the peace and relaxation you are looking for. For information call 956-581-1871. Exhibit Display: Electricity, 9:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen Electricity will be on display from October 3, 2015 to January 6, 2016. For more information on Electricity or any other IMAS exhibit,

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

SALES

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

go-to source for our retirees to check out the lighter side of the Valley by listing entertainment events, dances, meals, jam sessions, meetings, and even garage sales. For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email calendar@welcomehomergv.com. The deadline for submission is Mondays at 5:00pm. •

please visit www.imasonline.org or call (956) 682-0123. Bluegrass Jam, 9:00 AM, Bentsen Palm RV Park, 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission Home made goodies and coffee served. For information call 218525-5807. Project Insight Support Group, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library (Classroom 2), McAllen, TX This is an ongoing, weekly support group for survivors, caregivers and anyone else dealing with cancer. http://project-insight.org/ Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, 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. Garden Talk & Walk, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen Drop in to Chat and walk with a garden expert. Novice and advanced

Annual “Welcome Party” Held at VIP La Feria RV Park Special to Welcome Home RGV

gardeners will enjoy the themed Pass the Hat, BYOB. Wine and beer garden walks with interesting stories sold at bar. Free ice. For information about plants and gardens. Each call 620-441-1173. month the topic will change based Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 4:00 on the season in the valley! $3.00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel Every Wednesday from 4-6 pm in Adults, $2.00 Seni 22nd Rio Grande Valley Birding The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Festival, MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s 1204 Fairpark Blvd., Harlingen Held in Warm and affordable Landing for Farmers’ Market Harlingen, TX, for over 20 years the customers. For more information Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival and vendor opportunities, call 956has been providing the best birding 433-9675. experience available at any festival Overeaters Anonymous, 5:00 PM, Lark Branch Library, 2601 Lark anywhere. Jam, 1:00 PM, Eastgate MH & RV Avenue, McAllen Park, 2801 E Harrison Avenue, Are you having problems with food? Come join us for an informative Harlingen For information call 956-423-3137. support group on how to help control Entertainment w/Jack Kay - Lost in your cravings. Pat 956-874-5041 Time, 1:30 PM, American Legion Karaoke w/Harry & Judy, 5:00 PM, Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Avenue, Llano Grande Lake Resort, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes McAllen BYOB, For information call 956Sloppy Joe’s & Drink Special. For information call 956-682-7841. 565-1506. Happy Hour w/Brenda Cohn, 3:00 Homemade Spaghetti, 5:30 PM, PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 North Weslaco Elks Lodge, South Border Avenue, Weslaco International Boulevard, Weslaco SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >>

Rockin’ the RGV at Llano Grande Resort Special to Welcome Home RGV

IP La Feria RV Park held their annual “Welcome Party” to meet and greet the new and returning residents and staff who have arrived on October 29th, 2015. The residents had the opportunity to roast their own wieners, win great prizes donated by various area businesses and others and catch up with their friends or get acquainted with the first-time residents to our park. This is an annual event that takes place in the park the latter part of October. This year they were encouraged to wear costumes or their work attire (from days gone by) and some of them were given prizes or participating in this event. Walgreens from West Tyler in Harlingen donated all of the bottled water for the gathering.

alloween costume dance to The Cruisers. The first dance of the season with many more to come!

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 7 $7 per plate, comes with the works. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 7:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Road, Pharr $5.00 pp Dance w/Golden Era, 7:00 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission $5.00 pp for information call 956585-0703. Entertainment w/Ragan James, 07:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Road, McAllen $5.00 pp, for information call 956682-3304.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2015 Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, 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. 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 Every Thursday we will have our Pharrmers Market excluding Holidays and rainy days!! Square Dance Lessons, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. Bird Walk, 10:00 AM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Road, Edinburg Join the EWBC Naturalist for weekly Bird Walks. No level of experience is required. Com 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 Spanis Dance Lessons w/Bob Battaglia, 10:30 AM, Mission West 3805. W Highway 83, Mission, TX Cost for Admission Lessons included. Country western two step, waltz, swing and cha cha. Lessons can be joined at any time. November through March. For more information

contact Bob at 972-220-9285 Water Aerobics, 11:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission Come join us for a great time. Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 Great way to relax, exercise and meet people. For information call 956-581-1871. Park Wide Yard Sale, 12:00 PM, Wagon City North, 2905 N. Conway, Mission For information call 956-583-4532. Country Western Jam, 12:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information call 956-585-0703. 22nd Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM 1204 Fairpark Blvd., Harlingen Held in Warm and affordable Harlingen, TX, for over 20 years the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival has been providing the best birding experience available at any festival anywhere. Square Dance Lessons, 1:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. Happy Hour w/Andy & Brenda Coin, 3:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 North International Boulevard, Weslaco Pass the Hat, BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. For information call 620-441-1173. Happy Hour w/Diego, 3:00 PM, Llano Grande Lake Resort, 2215 E West Blvd, Mercedes Pass the Hat. BYOB, For information call 956-565-1506. Taco Night, 4:00 PM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N. FM 492, Mission Taco Night/Make your own, 3 meat tacos, fresh vegetables, salsa and cheese for $6.00 additional tacos $1.25. For information call 956581-6718. Kiskadee of Death: Author Jan Dunlap, 6:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Jan Dunlap unveils her newest mystery book! Explore nature Thursday evenings with great speakers about everything from birds and Butterflies to culture and art of the Rio Grande Valley. US Too Prostate Cancer Support Group, 7:00 PM, Texas Oncology, McAllen

US TOO Prostate Cancer support group, Spouse/partner are welcome to attend. 956-687-5150

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015 Park Wide Yard Sale, 8:00 AM, Wagon City North, 2905 N. Conway, Mission For information call 956-583-4532. Yoga Class, 9:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission Come enjoy the call and peace. Yoga is a good way to get the peace and relaxation you are looking for. For information call 956-581-1871. Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, 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. Square Dancing, 10:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Road, 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. Mexican Artisan Expo, 12:00 PM, McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N. Main Street, McAllen The “Vibrant Heritage” Mexican Artisan Expo will be taking place at the McAllen Creative Incubator (the old Main St. Library at 601 N. Main St.) on November 6-8, 2015. More than 60 artisans from various states in Mexico such as Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi 22nd Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM 1204 Fairpark Blvd., Harlingen Held in Warm and affordable Harlingen, TX, for over 20 years the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival has been providing the best birding experience available at any festival anywhere. Country Jam, 1:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N McColl Road, McAllen Dessert table will be provided. For

musician information, call Ralph Boyd 612-202-7358. Variety Jam, 1:00 PM, Bentsen Palm RV Park, 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission Home made goodies and coffee served. For information call 218585-5807. Friday Fish Fry, 5:30 PM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 South Border Avenue, 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 McAllen Artwalk @ Archer Park, 6:00 PM, Archer Park, Main St., McAllen, TX Arts and craft vendors, plus the live outdoor music series Music After Hours, every month. Free and open to the public. http://www.mcallen. net/residents/arts.aspx “Real Women Have Curves” Play, 7:00 PM, City of Edinburg Auditorium, 415 W. University Drive, Edinburg $10.00 pp, Edinburg Arts will kick off its first theatre season Friday November 6th and Saturday November 7th with the Camille Players in a touring production of the award winning stage comedy Real Women Have Curves! Join us as we welcome director Eric Ve Dance w/Diego, 7:00 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission $6.00 pp, for information call 956585-0703. Dance w/Texas Country Band, 7:30 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito $5.00 pp. Call for information 956-399-5800

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015 5K Sweet Run, 7:00 AM, Edinburg Municipal Park, 714 S. Raul Longoria Road, Edinburg 3rd annual STJDA 5K run and 3K fun walk to celebrate Diabetes Awareness Month. Our event will be a family friendly event for runners and non-runners. This includes a timed 5K Run and a 3K fun walk for kids and adults.

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Acres Big Breakfast, 7:00 AM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N. FM 492, Mission Pancake (plain or blueberry), bacon, or sausage, 2 eggs, biscuit with sausage gravy, hash brown potatoes, OJ and coffee for $7.00, Ala Carte: 2 eggs + toast - $2.00, Biscuit w/ sausage gravy - $1.25, Any above sides -$1.25, OJ - $1.25, Coffee - 75 cents. Breakfast, 7:00 AM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission $3.00 pp, Menu rotates. For information call 616-204-8067. Patio Sale, 7:00 AM, Leisure World, 400 E 18th Street, Weslaco For information call 956-447-3821. Saturday Breakfast, 7:30 AM, Paradise Park Inc, 100 E. Hackberry Avenue, 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 Breakfast, 7:30 AM, Aladdin Villas, 1415 Aladdin Villas Blvd. West, Mission $3.50 pp. Your choice of: Ham or Sausage, pancakes or waffle or French toast w/applesauce, hot coffee and water. For information call 956-581-1288. Songbird Stroll, 8:00 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 Park Wide Yard Sale, 8:00 AM, Wagon City North, 2905 N. Conway, Mission For information call 956-583-4532. Park Yard Sale, 8:00 AM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information call 956-585-0703. Patio Sale, 8:00 AM, Palm Shadows RV Park, 200 N. Val Verde Road, Donna For information call 956-464-3326. Bird Walks @ Resaca de la Palma, 8:30 AM, Resaca de la Palma, 1000 New Carmen Blvd.

Travel by foot or on our new and amazingly quiet electric trams to reach our destinations. We have many different trails to venture onto that are relatively flat and ADA accessible. With 1,200 acres of lush, riparian woodlands we will also be birding by Volunteer Mornings, 8:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Join our volunteer coordinator for a fun morning of work and learning in our native gardens! Santa Ana Nature Walk, 9:00 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 Farmers Market, 9:00 AM, 6th St. & Harrison, Brownsville,

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MEALS

Texas Brownsville has its own farmer’s market each week, across the street from Gladys Porter Zoo. http://www. brownsvillefarmersmarket.com/ Jackson Street Market Days, 9:00 AM, Downtown Harlingen, Jackson Street, between 4th & Commerce, Harlingen FREE Admission, This event is held outdoors on Jackson Street, which has long been Harlingen’s Main Street. It stretches 5 blocks, from 4th Street to Commerce. Mexican Artisan Expo, 10:00 AM, McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N. Main Street, McAllen The “Vibrant Heritage” Mexican Artisan Expo will be taking place at the McAllen Creative Incubator (the old Main St. Library at 601 N. Main St.) on November 6-8, 2015. More than 60 artisans from various states in Mexico such as Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi Senior Saturdays, 10:00 AM,

SALES

International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, 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 Lessons, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. The Market @ McAllen, McAllen Public Library, 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, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission Lunch is served from 11:00 am 12:00 pm. For more information

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

SALES

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 call 956-581-2932. 22nd Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM 1204 Fairpark Blvd., Harlingen Held in Warm and affordable Harlingen, TX, for over 20 years the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival has been providing the best birding experience available at any festival anywhere. Come find out for yourself just why this premier nature event is held in. Big Band/Rock & Roll Jam, 1:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Road, McAllen Dessert table will be provided. Musicians are by invitation only, for information call Pat Arguello 956874-5041. Karaoke, 3:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo FREE Admission, For information call 956-783-4587. Harlingen Farmer’s Market, 3:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen The Market location is on ‘A’ Street between Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Round Dance Lessons w/The Ski’s, 6:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. Blues and/or Classic Rock, 7:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Avenue, McAllen Buckets of bottle beers only $10.00, For information call 956-682-7841. Dance w/Diego, 7:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo $5.00 pp For information call 956783-1003. Dance w/Furytones, 7:00 PM, Llano Grande Lake Resort, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes $6.00 pp, BYOB, Free popcorn and ice. For information call 956-5651506. Dance w/SweetWater, 7:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 North International Boulevard, Weslaco, TX. $5.00 pp, Contact information sdubach52@gmail.com Dance w/Texas Country Band, 7:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Road, Alamo $5.00 pp For information call 956783-5008.

Port Isabel Historic Ghost Tours @ Port Isabel Light House, 8:00 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.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2015 Park Wide Yard Sale, 8:00 AM, Wagon City North, 2905 N Conway, Mission For information call 956-583-4532. Church Service, 8:30 AM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission Non-denominational services. For information call 956-585-0703 Church Service, 8:45 AM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S Conway Avenue, Mission For information call 262-497-4241. Church Services, 8:45 AM, Winter Haven Park, 1015 W Sam Houston Boulevard, Pharr Non-denominational service. Service starts at 8:45 am. Pastor Robert Kracht. Communion first Sunday of each month. Everyone Welcome. For information call 956-781-7881. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. Hwy 107, McAllen, TX Pastor Jim Troutman Communion service 1st Sunday of the month. For information call 956-383-8189. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Avenue, Harlingen Non-denominational, Pastor David Squire, Communion fir Sunday of each month, everyone welcome. For information call 956-423-3137. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo Non-Denominational Service with Pastor Darrel Hardy For information call 956-783-1003. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Alamo Palms Mobile Park, 1341 W. Business Hwy 83, Alamo Non-denominational, Pastor Brian Dent. For information call 956787-7571.

Church Service, 9:00 AM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S Stewart Road, Mission For information call 956-585-9264. Church Services, 9:00 AM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 State Hwy 495, Alamo Pastor Frisby Worship Leader. Fellowship at 8:30. Coffee, cookies and desserts. Church Services, 9:00 AM, Hidden Valley Ranch, 1900 Long Drive, Mission Coffee and refreshments available at 8:30. Services with Pastor Cameron Gillette. Village Chapel Church Service, 9:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. Mexican Artisan Expo, 10:00 AM, McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N. Main Street, McAllen The “Vibrant Heritage” Mexican Artisan Expo will be taking place at the McAllen Creative Incubator (the old Main St. Library at 601 N. Main St.) on November 6-8, 2015. More than 60 artisans from various states in Mexico such as Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi Fried Chicken Dinner, 10:00 AM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 South Border Avenue $10.00 a plate. Includes 3 pieces of chicken. Green beans, Mashed potatoes, Cole slaw, Tea or coffee. Dessert for a fee. Information call 956-968-7115 Farmer’s Market @ The Shores, 11:00 AM, The Shores, 8500 Padre Blvd, SPI Fresh produce, fresh eggs, fresh seafood! Healthy shopping for healthy foods. Located at ‘The Shores’ north of SPI Convention Centre. Every Sunday 11am-1p 22nd Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM 1204 Fairpark Blvd., Harlingen Held in Warm and affordable Harlingen, TX, for over 20 years the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival has been providing the best birding experience available at any festival anywhere.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2015 Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, 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. Happy Hour w/Diego, 3:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 North International Boulevard, Weslaco Pass the Hat,BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. For information call 620-441-1173. Dinner, 4:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission $6.50 pp, check each week for menu! For information call 956585-0704. Magic Valley Chorus Of Sweet Adelines International, 7:00 PM, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen Shirley 956-661-9926. Janet 956682-8245. Practices held every Monday 7-10 pm @ St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2015 Songbird Stroll, 8:00 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 & Bird Walk, 8:30 AM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Road, Edinburg Join the EWBC Naturalist for weekly Bird Walks. No level of experience is required. Com 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 Spanis Shuffleboard Tournament, 9:00 AM, Leisure World, 400 E. 18th Street, Weslaco Lunch will be served 11:00 am 1:00 pm Tournament will continue through out the day until everyone has played. For information call

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS 956-447-3821. Backyard Habitat Steward Workshop, 9:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen $60.00 pp. Learn everything you need to know to create your own backyard habitat! Topics will include ecosystems & soil, tree identification & maintenance, backyard birds & butterflies, water & xeriscaping, native plants and landscapes design. Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, 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. FREE Zumba Classes, 10:00 AM, South Padre Island KOA, 1 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island For information call 956-761-5665. Shuffle Tournament Luncheon, 11:00 AM, Leisure World, 400 E. 18th Street, Weslaco For information call 956-463-8225. Magic Valley Retirement P.E.O. Meeting, 12:00 PM, Echo Hotel & Conference Center, South Closner Boulevard, Edinburg Lunch will be served at 12:15 pm followed by meeting and program. For reservations call Lynne Kephart 563-419-1619. Diabetes Management Class, 1:00 PM, 3rd Floor, McAllen Medical Center Every Tuesday, 1 p.m. East Classroom, 3rd Floor, McAllen Medical Center Classes are provided in English and Spanish every other week. For more information, please call Mary Escaname at 956-971-5850. Round Dance Lessons w/The Ski’s, 1:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. Jam w/Ray & Gynger, 1:00 PM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway Avenue, Mission Oleander’s Famous Cake served at half time!! For information call 262497-4241 Planning Meeting for “Amigos de los Ninos de Mexico”, 1:30 PM, First United Methodist Church, 228 S. Main Street, Donna

Since 1990, The volunteer group “Amigos de los Ninos de Mexico” have provided a Christmas fiesta for the Children of Nuevo Progreso, Mexico every year on Christmas morning. The Amigos estimate that in excess of 73,000 children have attended this annual event. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, 2:00 PM, First United Methodist Church, 4200 N. McColl Road, McAllen For persons with PD and/or their caregivers. For information call 956686-3784. Happy Hour w/Lynn Dvorak, 3:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 North International Boulevard, Weslaco Pass the Hat, BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. For information call 620-441-1173. Jam Dinner, 4:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe Street, Mission Variable choices each week such as sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs,

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MEALS

soups etc. For information call 956519-8597. Country Jam, 5:30 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe Street, Mission For information call 956-519-8597. Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 PM, Unity Church, Pharr Texas Are you having problems with food? Join us for an informative meeting on how to control your cravings. Carmen 956-884-9909 RGV Chapter Texas Master Naturalist Meeting, 6:30 PM, Cameron County Annnex Building, 1390 W. Expressway 83, San Benito FREE Admission A schedule of speakers is posted at www.rgvctmn. org For information call 314-3745889.

SALES

Want to advertise your upcoming event?

Call today

956-687-5115

DANCE

Every Saturday FREE Popcorn and Ice Dance w/Furytones November 7 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Fred Goldsberry November 14 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/SweetWater November 21 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Diego November 28 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB

HAPPY HOUR Happy Hour w/Diego November 5 • 3:00 PM Pass the Hat • BYOB

JAM

Every Friday November 13 • 2:00 PM November 20 • 2:00 PM November 27 • 2:00 PM

KARAOKE

Every Wednesday Karaoke w/Harry & Judy November 4 • 5:00 PM November 11 • 5:00 PM November 18 • 5:00 PM November 25 • 5:00 PM BYOB

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South Texas Health System: ER Just Got Easier Special to Welcome Home RGV

South

Texas Health System’s emergency rooms treated 83,401 patients in 2014. With only two months left in 2015 during the busiest time of year, the system has already reached 97 percent of last year’s volume. A major reason for the growth in ER visits has been the construction of two new, freestanding emergency rooms – one in Weslaco and the other in Mission. The STHS ER at Weslaco opened in early January 2015 and the STHS ER at Mission opened in March 2015. More than 15,000 people have received treatment here this year to date. These two emergency rooms help relieve overcrowding in hospitalbased emergency rooms, fill gaps in underserved communities, and reduce wait times. However, our patients report that above all else, ER

care is now more convenient. Winter Texans played a major role in the early success of these emergency rooms. Over the past year, we have been listening to the feedback, and here is what they’ve told us: • The Weslaco and Mission ERs are easy to find and get in and out of because they are located directly off the expressway frontage roads. • Whether coming in for a minor

emergency or a major one, like a heart attack, the staff is well trained and able to respond. • Our patients like the quiet, community atmosphere of the ER but still like that they are connected to a wider network of major hospitals with trauma and specialty services. • If a patient needs to be admitted to a hospital, having a direct admission to a room saves time and reduces red tape. • Having ER wait times posted online and the ability to use ER Reserve to request an appointment for minor emergency care are tools that help our patients make the choice in where to seek treatment. The freestanding ERs, combined with ER Reserve and wait times

online, are all part of our aptly named “ER Just Got Easier” Program. We know that reducing patient wait times increases patient satisfaction. By requesting a time to be seen, patients needing care at one of our emergency rooms can wait in the comfort of their own home (or wherever they prefer) until it is time to be medically evaluated by a healthcare provider. We aim to respect our patients’ time. Today with the available technology, we are streamlining how our community can receive emergency care. ER Just Got Easier is all about making emergency care faster, less stressful, and more convenient for patients and their families. Thank you for trusting us with your care – in McAllen, in Edinburg, in Weslaco, and in Mission. •

Hand-Painted Porcelain Exhibit by Miriam Smith Special to Welcome Home RGV

and-painted porcelain exhibits are not common in South Texas; therefore, we are proud to present Miriam Smith, a porcelain painting artist whose studio is in the McAllen Creative Incubator. Smith is part of International Porcelain Artists and Teacher (IPAT) and has created an array of art pieces for display at her first exhibition this year. Miriam has also studied art in California alongside distinguished artists like Barbara Jensen, Jene Harpor, Celee Evans, and Birget Porter, who is a porcelain painter who studied at the Royal Palace in Germany. “Porcelain painting is a beautiful way of displaying art in your home or office,” explained Smith. “A personally created art piece can be passed on from generation to generation, adding invaluable worth to it as the years go by. People should consider taking the classes I offer because the uncommon practice of this art is slowly disappearing, eventually making the porcelain painting technique nonexistent.” Miriam offers classes at her studio, on a flexible schedule, to a small number of students, making the instruction one-to-one. For more information contact Smith at 559381-8094. There will be several attractions during Art Walk November 6 from

Discover History: Experience the MOSTHistory

By Lisa K. Loebl, Marketing & Public Relations Officer at MOSTHistory

Miriam Smith

7-9p.m. We will have invited artists, along with the Mexican Artisan Expo (More than 60 artisans from various states in Mexico such as Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Oaxaca, Tamaulipas, Distrito Federal, Guanajuato and Veracruz, among others, will showcase some of the best in clothing, crafts, and candies Mexico is renowned for.). And don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Miriam Smith’s art exhibition on display in the Gallery of the McAllen Creative Incubator. The Incubator is located at 601 N. Main Street in McAllen, Texas. For further information or to learn how you can exhibit your art at the Incubator, contact Laura Robles at 956-687-2787. •

tug of the wrought iron horsehead door handle and heavy mesquite doors open to the sunlit Grand Lobby of the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory). As one takes the first steps inside, a train whistle blows in the near distance, and a double staircase leads to exhibits shrouded in shadow and sounds of a prehistoric world. One quickly realizes that an experience at a history museum like no other awaits. MOSTHistory provides a best first stop for tourists to learn about this historic borderland culture and heritage and its largely untold story. To help tell the story, MOSTHistory offers year-round programs and seasonal special events providing

living history lessons. Ready to experience the MOSTHistory for yourself? TripAdvisor’s number one ranked attraction in Edinburg and 2015 winner of The Monitor’s Readers’ Choice Award for favorite museum awaits. MOSTHistory is located in Downtown Edinburg at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. For more information about MOSTHistory, visit MOSTHistory.org, like them on Facebook/MOSTHistory, follow them on Twitter/MOSTHistory, connect on LinkedIn/Museum of South Texas History, find on Google+/+MOSTHistoryOrg, or call +1-956-383-6911. •

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PARK NEWS

Robert and Amanda McMasters: Not Your Typical Activity Directors Special to Welcome Home RGV

obert and Amanda McMasters have taken up the challenge of planning activities for all of the extremely active residents at Tip O’Texas RV Resort. While not entirely new to the position (they started in March of this year), they are definitely excited for their first full season here in the RGV. Originally from East Lansing, Michigan, Robert McMasters has lived all over the place in the U.S. and abroad, so now he can happily add the “Tip O’ Texas” to his list of “homes away from home.” After high school, Robert attended Westworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri and then transferred to Central Missouri State University in Detroit, Michigan. He has three younger brothers. Amanda graduated from the University of Richmond in 2005 and then joined the U.S. Peace Corps where she met Robert, and they have been together ever since. Amanda has an older

brother. They have no children. Robert and Amanda served as Peace Corps volunteers in Moldova, a small European country tucked between Romania and Ukraine. After completing their service in 2007, they moved to Norfolk, VA where they worked in schools and then in a university. At the very beginning of 2010, they decided to move to Romania and try their hand at making a life there. Eventually, they both found meaningful work teaching English. While Robert continued to teach English, Amanda accepted the position of donor care coordinator at Habitat for Humanity in Bucharest. In November of 2014, Robert and Amanda decided it was time to come back home. They searched for jobs that were advertised online for positions where they would be able to work together. One of the few organizations very interested in the couple was Tip O’ Texas. After

Robert and Amanda McMasters, Tip O’ Texas Activity Directors

some correspondences with the park manager, they were very charmed by how friendly everyone at the park was and decided to give it a shot Eight months later, they’re still here! Both Amanda and Robert are interested in owning their own business, eventually. It is a longterm goal for both of them. They are

both obviously into traveling and will go almost anywhere at the drop of a hat. Amanda enjoys doing home improvements, pet sitting, and being at the beach. Robert spends a lot of time exercising, teaching, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (a martial art similar to judo or wrestling). •

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PARK NEWS

Stephen and Charlotte Welch:

Making Eldorado Acres a Fun Place to Be

Trophy Gardens Hosting Pickleball Demo Special to Welcome Home RGV

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Stephen

and Charlotte Welch are the new activity directors for Eldorado Acres RV Park in Palmview, Texas. The Welches are from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Charlotte had a housecleaning business and ran a single’s group. She planned many fun things for them to do. Charlotte and Stephen Welch Stephen worked at the Air Force Academy and joined the swimming pool and hot tub. single’s group. Two years later, they When the Activity Directors were no longer in the single’s group. position became available, they They sold their home and went on applied and got the job. They enjoy the road to see the country. planning fun things to do and already They came to the “Texas Valley” have some tours planned. They are for the winter and fell in love with making Eldorado Acres a fun place Eldorado Acres. The park people are to live! • so friendly, and they love the indoor

Hi All,

Set aside November 10, 2015, Tuesday, 5:30 pm to play! Trophy Gardens is hosting a Pickleball Demo and open house. We will have residents playing Pickleball and an open court for you to play too. Refreshments will be provided. Bring tennis shoes if you would like to try it, or have fun watching the games. If you know of anyone else who would like to play, bring them along. See you there! • 800 Hwy 495 between Alamo Rd. and Tower Rd., Alamo Lynn Murray 956-787-7717

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Meet You Soon with

ell, everyone, we just had a great lunch at Pepper’s At Uptown. We decided to dine inside, but if dining alfresco is your thing, they have a great outdoor patio. I am a great lover of Cobb salads, and theirs is over-the-top delicious. Lots of blue cheese, chicken, veggies, and dressing. My lunch companion decided on a burger, and the verdict was fantastic--cooked just the way it was ordered. We decided to have iced tea, but they have reasonable prices on wine and beer, too. They actually offer a wide variety of drinks. The service was excellent, and our server could not have been more attentive to our needs. If you would rather go for dinner, they have a wonderful pistachio-crusted salmon, served with roasted corn risotto and sautéed spinach, Vodka Crab Linguini, and a generous menu of other tempting dishes. We will definitely be heading back to Pepper’s at Uptown for dinner. Fellow diners also raved about the Pepper’s pizza. I can’t wait to try the Margherita pizza! Pepper’s at Uptown is conveniently located at 4620 N. 10th Street in McAllen. If you would like to call, the phone number is 956-618-5533.

Paul Chilton

They are open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. They are closed on Sunday. For your drinking pleasure, Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 2-7 p.m., featuring $2 domestic pints and $5 margaritas! Every Wednesday, select bottles of wine are on special. On Thursdays, martini lovers will find all flavors at Pepper’s for $5. There’s always something going on at Pepper’s at Uptown! Whether you want just a bite and a drink or you’re dining out for a special occasion, Pepper’s is your place. For great food, service, and bargains (Be sure to look for the value coupon in this publication!), try Pepper’s. You will not be disappointed. Rather, you’ll keep going back. Meet you soon!!! • Paul Chilton is a Winter Texan who hails from Naperville, Illinois. He and his wife enjoys dining out and tasting different dishes the Valley has to offer. He looks forward to sharing his love for food and his experiences meeting others through this weekly article.

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

Tee Time in the RGV:

An Introduction to Valley Golf Courses Golf, Eat, and Swim at Stuart Place Golf Course Special to Welcome Home RGV

Stuart

Place Golf Course in Harlingen is a nine-hole, public course located inside a 55+ community. The course was originally built as a Par 3. Then, in the 90’s, with change in ownership, it was rebuilt and is now a nine-hole, Par 36. Half of the course is played among the homes, with narrow fairways and a number of water hazards. The other half is in the open, with generous fairways (although there are trees and doglegs to keep you on your toes). There are no sand traps. The fairways are common Bermuda grass, and the greens are a mix of Bermuda and Tif. The course has four sets of tees with three rated for men and one for women. For men, the blue tees at 2742 yards are rated 66.2/106, the white tees at 2523 yards are rated 63.6/101, and the yellow tees at 2101 yards are rated 61.8/99. The red tees are 1971 yards and rated for women at 64.7/93.

Cart rental is available, or you may bring your own and pay a trail fee. After your golf game, stay and enjoy hot dogs and other great eats at the clubhouse and then go for a swim in their pool, which is also open to the public. You may call the Pro Shop for tee times at 956-428-2000. Make it a day at Stuart Place! •

STUART PLACE GOLF

COURSE

111 N. Stuart Place Road Harlingen, TX 78552

956-428-2000

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.

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Free Amputation Prevention Education

Mustang Market:

HO HO HO, It’s the Mustang Market Holiday Expo

Special to Welcome Home RGV

EducateRGV

is organized by a public health student and supported by specialists in the Valley to educate the community on how to reduce your risk of amputation. Organized through a master’s degree program, our emphasis will be placed on continuing to serve as a nonprofit organization next year. We have organized tables during health fairs, conducted 15-minute presentations at local adult day cares, and organized a PowerPoint presentation and a web site. Our main goal is to educate the community that amputation is not the only solution for diabetic ulcers, painful limbs, or nonhealing wounds. Over 80 percent of amputations have been reported as unnecessary (due to lack of education) . How does EducateRGV differ from any other organization? We emphasize that PREVENTION is key. We have an email: educatergv@gmail.com We have a website: educatergv.com We have a direct telephone number: 956-438-8855 •

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Be ASI Value

Interpretation

Recommendation

Greater than 1.4

Calcification/Vessel Hardening

Refer to vascular specialist

1.0 - 1.4 0.9-1.0 0.8 - 0.9 0.5-0.8 Less than 0.5

Normal None Acceptable Some Arterial Disease

Treat risk factors

Moderate Arterial Disease

Refer to vascular specialist

Severe Arterial Disease

Refer to vascular specialist Stanford Medicine 25

sure to stop by McAllen Memorial High School this weekend. On Saturday, November 7, the MHS Student Council will be hosting the 2nd Annual Mustang Market Holiday Expo! Entrance fee is $3 ($2 for senior citizens, and free for children 12 and under). Mustang Market will have a variety of local vendors, food, and services available to the public. Some of the vendors include Pampered Chef, for all your kitchen and cooking needs, Younique and Mary Kay, showcasing beautiful cosmetics, and a variety of jewelry vendors such as Origami Owl, Jenna Bella Boutique, and She is

Jo-niC, for stylish gifts for others or for yourself. There will be children’s clothing vendors like Royal Feather and Kiddos Kouture. Mustang Market will also have several handcrafted items from vendors like Toro Couture and Prayers for Paraguay. If you’re looking for a little extra love and fluff in your life, Palm Valley Animal Shelter will be bringing their mobile adoption unit! Hidalgo County Health Services is also bringing their mobile vaccination unit. Flu shots and other vaccines will be available. \ There’s so much more to see at Mustang Market! Don’t miss out! We are so excited to see you there! •

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New Type of Hip Surgery Performed at Valley Baptist in Brownsville “Anterior Approach” hip replacement being performed by new Orthopedic Surgeon in Brownsville, Dr. Mario Quesada Special to Welcome Home RGV

new type of hip replacement surgery is now being performed at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville by Dr. Mario Quesada, a new orthopedic surgeon in Brownsville. Dr. Quesada said the “anterior total hip arthroplasty replacement” is a different way for the surgeon to operate on patients who have pain from arthritis or another medical condition and need hip replacement surgery. Under the anterior approach, the surgeon performs the surgery from the front of the patient, rather than from the back. “Anterior total hip arthroplasty is an alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery,” Dr. Quesada said. “It is a less-invasive hip replacement option during which the doctor replaces the patient’s hip while working around the muscles and tendons, which spares the muscles from being cut during the procedure. In many of my patients, this method has reduced the risk of complications, such as hip dislocation, and resulted in a more-pleasant recovery period. ” Dr. Quesada said the most common reason patients might consider anterior total hip arthroplasty is if they are suffering from a form of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. “Anterior total hip arthroplasty may also be recommended for people with osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue caused by poor blood supply) or for those with severe and persistent hip pain that interferes with their daily life,” Dr. Quesada added. Dr. Quesada said the surgery can be done with a smaller incision – four to seven inches -- as compared to many hip replacement surgeries done in prior years. With the anterior surgery, the incision is made in the thigh, right

Dr. Mario Quesada

below the pelvis. “With many of my patients, this procedure has required fewer postoperation restrictions, so many of my patients have been able to be released from the hospital sooner and free to return to their daily lives faster,” he added. “I’ve seen many patients who are able to walk without assistive devices, such as canes, in a shorter period of time.” Dr. Quesada said he sees the biggest difference in his patients during the early part of their recovery periods. “Doing the hip replacement this way makes no difference a year after the procedure, compared to the traditional posterior surgery,” he added. “But right after the surgery, I’ve seen many of my patients wake up and say ‘I don’t have any pain.’ They will say that their skin ‘burns’ where the incision is made, but that they do NOT feel a deep pain in the hip area.” Prior to coming to the Valley, Dr. Quesada said he performed more than 1,000 anterior hip replacements over the past seven years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and in Las Vegas. He added that Brownsville and the Valley appealed to him and his wife, Ettiana, as a good “family-friendly” location in which to raise their four sons, Mario, Aydden, Ethan, and Alijah.

Dr. Quesada said Valley BaptistBrownsville has added a special new surgical table specifically tailored to the anterior hip replacement surgery. On this table, the patient lies on his or her back during surgery, instead of being on his or her side, such as during the traditional “posterior” surgery. In addition, the surgical table has no metal, so X-rays can be taken through the table while the patient is on the table. “Valley Baptist has made an investment to bring the surgical suite of the future to Brownsville,” Dr. Quesada added. Dr. Quesada is fellowship-trained in joint reconstruction. He completed his fellowship with Dr. Michael Mont at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as a residency in orthopaedics at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, where he served as chief resident. Dr. Quesada also served as an orthopedic resident at King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles and as a surgical intern at the University of Florida Shands Jacksonville Hospital. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of California in Santa Barbara. Dr. Quesada has written articles

that have been published in national orthopedics medical journals and was named to “Who’s Who Among Latino Medical Doctors.” His hobbies include water skiing, camping, hunting, cooking, golf, football, and reading. In addition to hip replacements, Dr. Quesada also performs knee and shoulder replacements using computer-guided navigated arthroplasty surgery techniques. For more information on anterior hip replacement surgery, consult your physician, call 1-888-902-5433, and visit www.ValleyBaptist.net. **** Valley Baptist Health System is an 866-bed faith-based regional health system located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It is focused on helping people achieve health for life through compassionate service inspired by faith. Valley Baptist extends many of its services beyond its facilities and into local communities, offering free screenings for the community, support groups, and numerous educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.ValleyBaptist. net (and www.FaceBook.com/ ValleyBaptistMedicalCenter). •

Dr. Mario Quesada, orthopedic surgeon at Valley Baptist, checks on Concepcion Lozano of Brownsville, who was the first patient to receive a new type of anterior hip replacement surgery performed by Dr. Quesada.

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Golden Corral Restaurants Salute America’s Heroes with 15th Annual Free Dinner on Military Appreciation Night Gary Sinise and Collective Soul Help Salute Our Nation’s Heroes

show support for our veterans. For more information on Military Appreciation Night, please visit http://www. goldencorral.com/ military/.

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Wednesday, November 11, for the

15th consecutive year, Golden Corral will once again thank thousands of active duty and retired United States military personnel for their service with a free dinner buffet and beverage, while also raising donations for the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). A tradition started 14 years ago to celebrate our nation’s heroes, Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night has served more than 4.4 million complimentary meals to military personnel and has generated more than $10.2 million dollars in guest contributions to support communitybased service initiatives for veterans. “The entire Golden Corral system is very passionate about supporting our military service men and women, and we believe thanking them with a free dinner buffet is one way to show our immense appreciation for their service to our country,” said Lance Trenary, president and chief executive officer of Golden Corral. “We are very honored to have raised more than $10.2 million for the DAV over the years and look forward to adding to that total again this year.” Golden Corral has enlisted Gary Sinise, celebrated actor/ humanitarian, and Collective Soul, the platinum-award-winning band, to record public service announcements for Military Appreciation Night. Sinise and Collective Soul are actively involved in supporting active duty and retired military personnel

through a variety of organizations and initiatives including tours to military installations overseas. “This is the 11th year I’ve had the pleasure to partner with Golden Corral in supporting our troops, past and present, through Military Appreciation Night,” said Sinise. “The number of meals given away and amount of money donated in the past 14 years really distinguishes Golden Corral’s commitment to the military. I’m proud and happy to help raise awareness for Golden Corral Military Appreciation Night.” Golden Corral will serve free dinner buffets with a beverage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. November 11 to any person who is or has served in a United States Military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves. State and local DAV representatives will be on-site at all Golden Corral locations coordinating the collection of donations from customers. While only current and former military qualify for the free meal, everyone is encouraged to come out and

About Golden Corral Corporation: Founded in 1973, privately held Golden Corral Corp. is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. Lance Trenary serves as its president and chief executive officer. Golden Corral currently has 491 restaurants in 41 states. The company’s vision is to be the leader in the family restaurant segment by making pleasurable dining affordable for every guest, at every restaurant, every day. Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Golden Corral helped raise more than $1.4 million dollars for the DAV in 2014 as part of its annual “Military Appreciation” initiative. Golden Corral is the founding sponsor of Camp Corral, a free “week of a lifetime” summer camp for children of wounded,

disabled or fallen military families (www.campcorral.org). For more information on Golden Corral, visit www.goldencorral.com. About DAV (Disabled Veteran Americans): DAV empowers veterans to lead highquality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; connecting veterans and their families with employment resources and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non– profit organization with 1.2 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. For more information, visit the organization’s website at www.dav.org. •

Our Passion is Pets: What Causes Heartworm Disease? Special to Welcome Home RGV

Heartworm

disease, or dirofilariasis, is a serious and potentially fatal disease. It is caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis. Adult heartworms are found in the heart and adjacent large blood vessels of infected dogs. The life cycle of the heartworm is complicated; the parasite requires the mosquito as an intermediate host before it can complete its life cycle in the dog. In most cases, a simple blood test will diagnose heartworm disease. The only proven and labeled treatment for heartworm disease

in dogs is through injections of an expensive medication called Immiticide. The dog must be kept very quiet during, and for a couple of months after, treatment. There is no treatment for cats. Thus, the best way to avoid heartworm disease in your pet is prevention! You can prevent your dog from getting heartworms by using a monthly heartworm preventive. With the safe and affordable heartworm preventives available today, no pet should ever have to endure this dreaded disease. •

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November 7: Friendship Festival at CHI Orphanage in Reynosa Special to Welcome Home RGV

his is going to be a wonderful opportunity to interact with our children in Reynosa! As in years past, we hope to have lots of volunteers to run simple carnival-type booths. Booth “sponsorships” are available for $25/individuals and $50/couples; we’ll supply everything, and you get to have all the fun. We’ll also be joined by parents and siblings of our elementary students who live off campus. The Festival runs from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We plan to leave our U.S. headquarters, located at 400 E. Minnesota Rd in

Pharr, at 9:00 am. This will allow time to set up, and we hope to be back by around 5:00 p.m. The event will be held outdoors in the soccer area, so wear your sneakers! A hot dog lunch is included, and you will be able to purchase additional food or drink tickets. All proceeds will go to benefit the CHI elementary school program, which is serving approximately 135 students this year. Please call the Children’s Haven International office at (956)7877378 ASAP to sign up and save your seat in the van! •

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Llano Grande Lake Park wins state award Special to Welcome Home RGV

at the state convention of the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association, which was held in San Antonio August 14 - 17. Each year, RV resorts and parks submit applications and are judged by their peers. Park of the Year awards are based on customer s e r v i c e , association involvement, excellence in operations, community service, park growth and Shown above are Llano Grande representatives Jim and Karen Nantz innovations, with TRVA President J.T. Bowyer.

lano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club in Mercedes won the 2015 Large Park of the Year award

and visual appeal. There are three categories for submission: small, medium, and large park, based on the number of RV sites. Llano Grande entered the large park (501 RV sites and above) with over 1100 sites. Llano Grande has been an active member in the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of TRVA. This is the second time Llano Grande has won this prestigious award. They also won in 2010. Llano Grande, a gated community, boasts a number of great amenities that keep their residents coming back year after year. Just a few of those amenities include: Spacious RV sites, mobile homes, cottages, park models

and fully furnished apartments, a championship, 6700-yard, 18-hole golf course, 3 heated swimming pools, 2 with hot tubs, 4 lighted tennis courts, 4 lighted pickleball courts and 18 shuffleboard courts. The newest addition to Llano Grande is a 25,000 square foot event center which is scheduled to open this fall and host a wide variety of activities and top-notch entertainment for Llano residents. Llano Grande is located at 2215 East West Boulevard in Mercedes. For more information or to make a reservation for the 2015-2016 season please call (956) 565-2638. •

The Lamb’s Loom: Giving Shawls and Expecting Nothing in Return Special to Welcome Home RGV

ou can’t go much further south in the U.S. than McAllen, Texas. On the Rio Grande River about 70 miles west of the Gulf of Mexico, McAllen is home to a unique group of ladies who have created a nonprofit organization called The Lamb’s Loom. The members of The Lamb’s Loom refer to themselves as the “KnitWits” (Knitting a witness for Christ) and knit beautiful shawls to send abroad. As they knit the shawls, they pray for the recipients. When the shawls are given out, the giver explains to the recipients that the ladies who made the shawls have been praying for them. It is a powerful way to connect with people across the world. Peggy Sperling, GPiH’s Director of Women’s Connection, has had a long connection with The Lamb’s Loom. They have partnered for 17 trips to China! Time and time again, this group of ladies has sent numerous prayer shawls to China, where they have helped open hearts and build relationships. In mid-August Peggy drove to McAllen with her husband Jon from their home in Denver to visit The Lamb’s Loom. They picked up Hope Zhang on their way there. Hope, an employee of GPiH and a native of China, is a student at Baylor’s Truett Seminary. Hope shared with KnitWits about the power of these shawls to

lay the foundation for the work of Women’s Connection. Hope told them that before any Women’s Connection session in China begins, she explains the story behind these shawls and the women who make them and pray for the recipients. According to Hope, in China it’s not customary to give without getting something back. “But here you come and give us things and don’t want anything back,” Hope told The Lamb’s Loom. “You made them for us and care about us. This prepares the hearts of the women at each training.” Hope also explained to The Lamb’s Loom members some of the needs that Chinese women have. “Women in China are forgotten,” Hope explained. “They are caring for elders, they are caring for their children, they are working, and no one understands their struggles or tries to meet their needs. No one even asks them what their needs are, what their heartbreaks or concerns are. They have no resources like you have here. They can’t go see a counselor like here and can’t gather in a group to share their experiences. There just aren’t any.” “Because of this, they think they’re on their own and that no one else has these struggles,” she said. “They are very isolated.”

Women’s Connection works to meet these needs, and the shawls made by KnitWits help pave the way for those needs to be addressed. Another special moment came when Hope brought out a special shawl the KnitWits had made specifically for her. Peggy recalled that the first time she traveled to China when she met Hope and gave her a prayer shawl. Hope loved the shawl but recognized that there were others who needed it more, so she gave it away. This became a pattern, of Hope being blessed with a shawl and choosing to pass on the blessing by giving it away. Eventually the KnitWits decided they wanted to create a shawl specially for Hope, so one member of the group would knit one foot of a shawl, work in a little wooden heart bearing her name, then pass the shawl on to the next member. They did this until each member had contributed. This custom-made shawl is one of Hope’s treasured possessions, and she was able to show the shawl to the women who made it during her visit. “To be able to hear Hope talk about what the shawl meant with The Lamb’s Loom was very special,” Peggy said. “There were lots of tears.” “I knew some of the unique needs of Chinese women, but to

Terri Zavaleta with Hope

hear Hope share how those needs were being met by the KnitWits and Women’s Connection was especially encouraging,” she said. “It was just fabulous to see these women,” Peggy said. “One woman told me ‘sometimes I’ll see the photos you post and I’ll notice a mistake in a shawl. I don’t think I’ll be thinking about that any more now. I’ll be thinking that it really made a difference in a woman’s heart.’” The Lamb’s Loom is located at 1209 Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Their phone number is 956- 607-6855. You can find them on Facebook, too! They’re always looking for more KnitWits at The Lamb’s Loom. •

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV Garden to Table Grand Opening Special to Welcome Home RGV

fter six months of toil and hard work, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV unveiled a new garden space. The garden was a joint project between HEB, United Way of South Texas, and Edinburg Rotary Club. These entities provided $50,000, $10,000 and $2,500, respectively, to get the project started. More than 40 residents and community members turned out for the official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. It took more than 100 volunteers, including Boys & Girls Club members, board & staff, AmeriCorps, Hidalgo County Homer Salinas residents, HEB, Ross Dress for Less, UT-RGV, City of Edinburg’s Parks and Recreation department employees, Edinburg & McAllen city foresters, master gardeners, UT-RGV students, Texas Chef Association, Food Bank of the RGV, community residents, and Boys Scouts to complete the garden build. “This was a beautiful example of what people working together can accomplish,” said Ricardo Ramirez Garcia-Rojas, project manager for the garden. “This is the kid’s garden, and over time, bit by bit, we will see the completion of a very large, seemingly impossible, but well thought-out nutrition and culinary program that will

be a source of food, education, and joy for years to come.” The garden is the first step in the Garden to Table project. Club members and their families will become experienced in gardening. The food grown will be passed on to those club members who are in the culinary program. The culinary participants will be taught to cook nutritional meals and learn job skills and will obtain their food handling certification. “It takes a lot of time and commitment from Club leaders to make such wonderful things happen,” said Board members Jesse Deleon. Deleon worked closely with the garden committee to develop the plan. “Our Club is up to

something BIG and can be a model for other organizations to follow.” The Garden to Table project currently has seven raised beds, including three handicapped-accessible beds for fruits and vegetables, herbs, and native Texas plants. In the center, there is a web and keyhole garden. In addition, there is a large outdoor classroom, which will be used for educational purposes. Some of the beds’ future produce has already been designated for the Food Bank of the RGV Farmers Market. “I think for our club kids, it’s a place they will be able to gather and feel safe,” said Sabrina Walker Hernandez, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. “They can garden here, grow food to

take home to their families, or donate to others in need. We hope this project will bring our kids more together in service to the community.” If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00. A one-time donation of $5.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Donor must be 18+ years of age, and all donations must be authorized by the account holder (e.g. parents). By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the “BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF EDINBURG RGV” by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Message and Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code “20222”; text HELP to “20222” for help, or visit www.hmgf. org/t. Message and data rates may apply. Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

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RV QUICK TIPS

Easy RV Hacks: Ten More Tips in Improving Your RV Lifestyle By Carrie Todd

What a mess. Another plate broke. Whether you

are relocating or settling in for a summer at your favorite RV park, there are things you can do to make your life easier, cleaner, and overall happier. Many of these tricks were learned the hard way, through trial and error. What if, instead of learning from your mistakes, you can pick up these simple RV hacks? Check out the ten more tips of the 40 tips that will follow in our “Easy RV Hacks” series. Save these tips or commit them to memory, then share them with other RVers to make their life easier, as well.

Fix warped veneer with a syringe.

These IKEA LED lights will run on a camper’s 12-Volt

Makeover Hacks

Replace current floors with vinyl plank flooring. Preglued, and waterproof, they are easy to install.

If you don’t like to sew, use this method to re-upholster your RV cushions.

Install floor mats to the bottom of your bunks. They provide insulation and comfort.

Makeover your RV by sprucing the plastic parts, faded by the sun, with a bit of spray paint.

system.

Use a ½-cup of Calgon Water Softener and a cup of Borax detergent to make your own cleaner for the waste tank.

Keeping Clean Hacks

Propane attracts wasps. Place cut up flea collars in compartments to avoid wasp infestations.

Eliminate mice with a bar of Irish Spring soap. They hate the smell. Bounce fabric sheets are reputed to do this as well.

Keep flies away by wiping down awnings, tables, and counters with a 50/50 solution of Pine-Sol and water.

“This piece is brought to you courtesy of RVshare.com. RVshare helps RV owners earn up to $30,000 a year renting their RV when they aren’t using it.” http://blog.rvshare.com/rv-hacks-2/

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Enjoy Savings. Maximize Life.

COUPON

CONNECTION

Looking for ways to SAVE right here in the Rio Grande Valley? Our weekly coupon section will help you SAVE while you’re here, enjoying life in the Valley. •

SEE YOUR COUPON HERE!

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

White Bean Chicken Chili For the Chili: 2 Tbls Pure Olive oil

3 medium yellow onions, small diced 2 cloves minced garlic 2 red bell peppers, seeded and large diced

For the Chicken: 4 split chicken breasts, bone in, skin on Olive oil Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.

Season generously with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, until just cooked. Let cool slightly. Separate the meat from the bones and skin; cut or shred into 3/4-inch pieces. Set aside. Chef’s note: Tip: If you are pressed for time, it is perfectly fine to use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, rather than roasting the chicken.

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.

2 yellow or orange bell peppers, seeded and large diced 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp dried red pepper flakes, or to taste 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste 2 tsp kosher salt 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, un-drained 1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves 1 (15-ounce) can white cannellini beans, un-drained

Sauté the onions in the oil over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 additional minute (taking care not to burn the garlic). Add the bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 1 minute. Crush the tomatoes by hand and add to the pot with the basil. Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the beans and cooked chicken to the chili and simmer, uncovered, for another 20 minutes. Serve with the toppings. Toppings for serving: Diced red onions, blue tortilla chips, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream.

Bon Appetit!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This Week’s Recipe is Brought to You By:

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