Issuu

GOLF ANYONE?

Tee Time in the RGV features Alamo Country Club 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 6.

See calendar on page 7.

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 4 • November 11, 2015

Try her recipe on page 27.

WINTER TEXAN

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

WHRGV Kicks Off the Season with Another Successful Boot Camp Special to Welcome Home RGV

Each What a wonderful week celebrating

the beginning of a new Winter Texan season with resort managers and activity directors from across the Rio Grande Valley. The week started off with our annual Connection Fair, a trade show specifically for activity directors, tour directors, and resort managers. The purpose of the Connection Fair is to connect these critical park/resort personnel with area attractions, resources, and vendors who can make your winter season a memorable one. We connect them so they can connect you. From South Padre Island to Rio Grande City, the Valley has so much to offer. Whether history, outdoor activities, shopping, dining, or all of the above, there is so much to see and do here in South Texas. We feel it is our responsibility at Welcome Home RGV to keep you informed of events and activities to make your time with us as exciting as possible! We want to be sure there’s never a dull moment (unless, of course, you’re exhausted from all the fun and just need to rest for a bit). Throughout the pages that follow, you will see a wide variety of events and activities. If there is something special going on that you would like to share with others, please let us know! I look forward to sharing the season with you and seeing you out and about! This is going to be fun! • We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

year, WHRGV organizes an annual Activity Director Boot Camp. The purpose of the boot camp is to familiarize activity directors with area attractions, venues, and services they may not be aware of. The Boot Camp began seven years ago, and each year it gets better. “We choose a variety of different events and activities each year so the format stays fresh,” said Kristi Collier. “The Valley has so much to offer our Winter Texans, and we believe that by educating the activity directors, the information will trickle down to residents of their RV resorts.” To kick off the 2015 Boot Camp, activity directors from resorts across the RGV gathered for a McAllen Mystery Tour. The starting point was the McAllen Public Library, where city departments from the McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau, the McAllen Miller International Airport, the McAllen Public Library, the McAllen Convention Center and the McAllen Parks & Recreation

Department gave brief presentations on their programs, events, and services. The group then boarded a trolley and departed for lunch and a tour of the Palmview Golf Course, which hosts Winter Texan golfers throughout the season. The last stop was the McAllen Holiday Parade float warehouse, where activity directors

had the opportunity to see production of the floats that will be “parading” down the streets of McAllen at the 2nd Annual Holiday Parade December 5. Now we can hardly wait for the parade. We jumped back on the trolley and then headed back to the library. What a great McAllen mystery adventure! •

Pharrmers Market to Host Health Fair November 12 Special to Welcome Home RGV

The Pharrmers Market will be hosting a health fair and clinic from 10 a.m.to 1p.m. Thursday, November 12, at the Food Bank RGV, located at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr. Several healthcare providers will be on hand to screen visitors and give recommendations on leading a healthy life. The new hours will give health-minded people another lunchtime option in the Pharr area.

The Pharrmers Market is 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 an increase the access of food for low-income, food insecure households. As always, expect to be surprised with special events at the market during the 2015-2016 season.

For more information, contact Chris Bueno, Community Garden Manager, at (956) 904-4525 or via email at chbueno@foodbankrgv.com. •

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

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

McAllen Tamale Fest is Back! Save the Dates: It’s a 2-Day Event! Special to Welcome Home RGV

The Boys & Girls Club of McAllen

(BGCM) is gearing up for its 3rd Annual McAllen Tamale Fest sponsored by H-E-B. This year’s festival will be a 2-DAY EVENT as BGCM continues to partner with the City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for “Christmas in the Park,” featuring McAllen Tamale Fest and Candlelight Posada. The McAllen Tamale Fest is the signature event for the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen and has proven to be a success since its inauguration in 2013. This festival celebrates tamales, traditions, and family. The McAllen Tamale Fest consists of a tamale-tasting competition, tamalemaking classes, and the popular tamale-eating contest. You can also find live entertainment, children and family activities, artisan booths, tamale and food vendors, and a beer tent. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, which serves more than 11,000 Club members. FUN WITH A PURPOSE is our aim for all members who come through our door

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

for afterschool services, sports and summer camp programs. BGCM is currently seeking the following: tamale vendors, other food vendors, pan dulce vendors, and artisans and sponsors to assist with this event. If interested, please contact Daisy H. Hinojosa and Ana Garces at 956-682-5791. Save the date! We hope you and your family will join us Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, at McAllen Municipal Park, located near the intersection of Bicentennial and Tamarack in McAllen. •

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!

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! •

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.

www.facebook.com/whrgv www.facebook.com/wintertexan www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv

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Cooking Up Some Nostalgia Special to Welcome Home RGV

with Troy Aikman

Smothered Steak • 1/4 cup butter or bacon drippings • 2 lbs. round steak, about 1” thick • Flour • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 cup beer • Bouquet garni (1 bay leaf, sprig of parsley & 1/4 tsp. leaf thyme tied in cheesecloth) • Salt & freshly ground pepper Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Heat butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge meat in flour and brown quickly on both sides. Remove meat and set aside. Add onion to skillet and saute until softened. Remove half of onions and spread remaining onions evenly in skillet. Place meat on top of onions in skillet and top with reserved onions. Pour in beer and add bouquet garni and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and bake 2 hours until fork tender. Remove bouquet garni before serving.

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. •

Boot Camp Fun in Port Isabel Special to Welcome Home RGV

Activity

Director Boot Camp continued Friday, November 6, with an afternoon in Port Isabel. The group started out with a fried chicken dinner on the Pirate’s Landing fishing pier. Did you know you can spend an afternoon (or an evening) fishing on the pier? The group spent some time wandering the shops that line the square. Historical segway tours were offered to those who wanted to participate. From there, the group spent some time networking at the Bar on the Piazza at Marcello’s Italian Restaurant with music, appetizers, and fellowship. If you’d like more information on how to put together a tour like the ones offered during the WHRGV Activity Director Boot Camp. Please ask your activity/tour director or call the WHRGV office at 956-687-5115. •

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

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Non-Profit Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley Special to Welcome Home RGV

Nonprofit Name: Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley Contact Name: Jeanette Acosta Nonprofit Address: 412 W. Ash Ave. in McAllen Phone Number: 956-686-7455 Website: www.habitatrgv.org Who is the executive director? Wayne Lowry How and when did your organization begin and who does it serve? Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley has built affordable homes in partnership with families who do not qualify for conventional market mortgages. Supported by private donations, volunteer labor, “sweat equity” of homeowners, and sponsorship, homes are sold to low-income families at no profit with zero interest mortgages. Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley has been dedicated to the ideal that all people deserve to own a home that is both comfortable and affordable. Working in partnership with God, Habitat changes lives by enabling people who live in substandard housing to become responsible homeowners.

Where is your organization located and what are the hours of operation? We now have two locations in the Rio Grande Valley. Our ReStore is located at 412 W Ash Ave in McAllen. Our main office is located inside the store. Our second ReStore is located at 1305 Oklahoma St. in Harlingen. Our business hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. What kind of donations does your nonprofit organization need? We accept donations of household goods, furniture, appliances, and building materials. All these donations go to one of our local ReStores. All the proceeds are used to build homes and hope in our community. We also have sponsorship opportunities that go directly toward the construction of a simple, sustainable, and affordable home in one of our exciting projects.

organization enormously. Help us build homes, use your expertise in construction, or get skills in building a home at our construction site. You don’t have to lift a hammer to help. We have volunteer opportunities at the ReStore, too! Help us price merchandise, maintain our warehouse, or sort inventory. These dedicated men and women are the core of our volunteer labor force.

What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have for Winter Texans, Valley retirees, and others in our community? Our volunteers do meaningful work at our ReStore and house builds. Regular weekday volunteers help our

Be the Life of the Party with a Uke by Bernie Crawley

The

ukulele is enjoying a renaissance with people as diverse as Paul McCartney, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), and Meghan Trainor (“All About That Bass”) championing this little instrument. As a consequence, sales of ukuleles are at an all-time high. Between 2010 and 2012, ukulele sales nationwide jumped from 581,000 to more than one million, according to the National Association of Music Merchants. The attraction is easy to see. Ukuleles are inexpensive, very portable, anyone with basic guitar skills can soon find his/her way around the uke, if you have no musical skills at all, the four strings of the uke make for a fairly simple learning curve, and the nylon strings are very easy on the fingers! No callouses here. The popularity of the ukulele has been one of peaks and valleys since it was first introduced to the mainland U.S. in the early 1900s. During the

20s, it was the instrument of choice among college students. This was also the heyday of such ukulele masters as Roy Smeck and Ukulele Ike, (Cliff Edwards.). The 50s saw a resurgence due to the efforts in part of TV’s Arthur Godfrey, who even gave basic instruction during his TV show. In the 60s, Tiny Tim Tiptoed Through the Tulips to the accompaniment of his ukulele. The last quarter of the 20th century was something of a wasteland for the uke, but that all changed in the new millennium, mainly due to the efforts of two native Hawaiians. Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow was a big hit and turned up on countless movie soundtracks and TV commercials, and Jake Shimabakuro’s version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps was a YouTube sensation with over 13 million views! So…if you decide to give it a try, how much do you need to invest? Well, the

sky’s the limit; however, you can get a very serviceable uke for well under $200. A gig bag is a good investment at $20 or so, and be sure to get a digital tuner. At only $25, it’s probably one of the best investments you’ll ever make, musically, that is. Then head on over to YouTube and take your pick from the literally hundreds of tutorial videos, from beginner to advanced. Find an instructor you like, and off you go. At the next pot luck or family picnic, you’ll be the life of the party. • The Uklele magazine. http://www.ukulelemag.com Jake Shimabukuro playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps www.youtube.com/ watch?v=puSkP3uym5k IZ playing Over the Rainbow www.youtube.com/ watch?v=w_DKWlrA24k

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Don’t Miss the Mid-Valley’s Official Welcome Back Winter Texan Celebration Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco would like to invite the entire Rio Grande Valley Winter Texan community to Alfresco Weslaco Music & Art on the Street Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. as we host the Mid-Valley’s Official Welcome Back Winter Texan Celebration in historic Downtown Weslaco with live music

by the Latin Beat Band and the South Texas College Jazz Ensemble, arts and crafts vendors, food and spirits vendors, a Fine Arts tent, and a classic car display. Admission and parking are FREE. For more information, visit facebook. com/AlfrescoWeslaco or call 956969-0838. •

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

Tee Time in the RGV:

An Introduction to Valley Golf Courses Alamo Country Club Golf Course: Accept the Challenge Special to Welcome Home RGV

This week’s course is a nine-hole,

private course located in Alamo. It is nestled in amongst the homes in Alamo Country Club. If you are a resident of the Country Club, you are privileged to play golf on this very challenging course. The course was built in 1982 by designer Lonnie Sommers. It has Bermuda grass fairways and Mini Verde grass greens with two sets of Tees. The back Tees are 2216 yards, with a rate of 31.7 and a slope of 112. The forward Tees are 1881 yards, with a rate of 31.7 and a slope of 98. Par for nine holes is 35. Although this is a short, nine-hole course, it is very challenging for the residents and their guests. Accuracy is a must on this course. The holes meander through the housing addition; therefore, each hole is bordered with out-of-bounds. Bring plenty of golf balls since six of the

nine holes have water hazards. Sand traps bordering some of the greens keep golf interesting. It is truly a challenging course for the residents and their guests. For additional information, contact the Alamo Country Club at 438 Country Club Drive or call 956-787-0907. •

438 Country Club Drive Alamo, TX 78516

956-787-0907

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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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEEK OF

November 11 - November 17, 2015 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 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 12:00 noon (Year Round) Ages: All ages welcome (14 and under with the supervision of a parent or guardian only) Fee: Free for Volunteer Work. 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 956-447-3821. Upper Valley Home Owner Association, 9:00 AM, Twin Lakes RV Park, 301 N. Shary Road, Mission Exhibit Display: Electricity, 9:00

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. •

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, please visit www.imasonline.org or call (956) 682-0123. Veteran’s Day @ IMAS, 9:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen FREE Admission All Veterans* are invited to enjoy free general admission at IMAS. *All Veterans must present a valid I.D. at the time of admission. Applies only to veterans. For information call 956682-*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. McAllen Mission Garden Club, 9:30 AM, Mission Historical Museum For more information, please contact

Donna at 956-668-7510 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. Quinta Mazatlan Garden Walk, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen Drop in to Chat and walk with a garden expert. Novice and advanced gardeners will enjoy the themed garden walks with interesting stories about plants and gardens. Each month the topic will change based on the season in the valley! $3.00 Adults, $2.00 Seniors, For information call 956-681-3370. Shuffle Tournament Luncheon, 11:00

AM, Leisure World, 400 E. 18th Street, Weslaco For information call 956-463-8225. Veteran’s Day Early Bird Dinner, 12:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen, TX Jam, 1:00 PM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Avenue, Harlingen For information call 956-423-3137. Happy Hour w/Brenda Cohn, 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. MMA TO HOST VETERANS DAY PARADE NOV. 11, 4:00 PM, Harlingen, Texas Marine Military Academy will host its Veterans Day Parade Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. on the MMA Parade Ground. Veterans from all military branches are encouraged to attend, as they will be honored at this occasion and asked to join the MMA superintendent for the pass in review. Nearly 100 veterans were honored at last year’s parade. The public is not only welcome but

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >>

Save the Dates for Rowe High School Choir Performances

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Razz Ma Tazz Show Choir Announces Performance Dates

Razz Ma Tazz, the McAllen James “Nikki” Rowe High Show Choir, will take its show on the road in November and December. The show choir will perform at parks and other places on the following dates and times: Paradise South, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.; Winter Ranch, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Victoria Palms, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.; Applebee’s Fundraiser, Dec. 5, 8 a.m.; Country Sunshine, Dec. 6, 2 p.m.; Valley View Estates, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; Tip O’ Texas, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.; Lone Star Bank, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.; Casa Del Valle, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.; Bentsen Grove, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; Alamo Rose, Dec. 13, 2 p.m.; Llano Grande, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Palm Shadow, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.; Tropic Star, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. For more information, call 956-632-5152.

Rowe Choir to Present Musical Comedy

McAllen James “Nikki” Rowe High Choir will present the musical comedy How to Succeed in Business without really Trying in January. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30. Tickets are $12 each ($10 for senior citizens). The shows will be at 7:30 p.m. January 15, 18, 19, 21 and 22. There will be 2 p.m. matinees Jan. 16, 17, and 23. The senior citizen discount only applies to Jan. 16, 17, 18 and 19 shows. For ticket information, call 956-632-5152.

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 encouraged to attend this event. MMA’s battalion-size parades are always held in front of the historic Iwo Jima Monument, a symbol of American pride for veterans, Marines and civilians alike. Although bleacher seating is available, paradegoers may bring lawn chairs. MMA is located at 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., off Loop 499 and next to Valley International Airport in Harlingen. For more information on the Veterans Day Parade, call (956) 421-9225. Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 4:00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel Every Wednesday from 4-6 pm in The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing for Farmers’ Market customers. For more information and vendor opportunities, call 956433-9675. Overeaters Anonymous, 5:00 PM, 2601 Lark Avenue, McAllen Are you having problems with food? Come join us for an informative support group on how to help control your cravings. Pat 956-874-5041 Karaoke w/Harry & Judy, 5:00 PM, Llano Grande Lake Resort, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes BYOB, For information call 956565-1506. Homemade Spaghetti, 5:30 PM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, South Border Avenue, Weslaco $7 per plate, comes with the works. Jr’s Country, 5:30 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen, TX Dance w/Bottomline Band, 7:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr $5.00 pp Entertainment w/Bob’s Brass Band Show, 7:00 PM, Victoria Palms Inn & Suites 602 North Victoria Road, Donna Call for information 956-782-3263 Entertainment w/Southern Reign, 07:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Road, McAllen $5.00 pp, for information call 956682-3304.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015 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 956-447-3821. 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!! We will have a great variety of healthy food options, arts & crafts, and personal care items. Help us get Pharr Healthy! The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is the Valley Grapefruit Historical landmark building. For information call 956-904-4541. 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 Spanish. For information call 956-381-9922. Jammin’ on Jackson Street w/Vance Greek & Friends, 10:30 AM, The Railroad Crossing, 101 E. Jackson, Harlingen Downtown Harlingen announces the fourth season of the popular free music series, “Jammin’ on Jackson Street with Vance Greek & Friends,” to be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays* of each month this fall and winter, beginning in November 2015 and continuing through March 2016. For more information, contact Cheryl LaBerge, Downtown Manager, at (956) 216-4910 or cheryllaberge@myharlingen.us.

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 Shuffle Tournament Luncheon, 11:00 AM, Leisure World, 400 E. 18th Street, Weslaco For information call 956-463-8225. Country Western Jam, 12:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information call 956-585-0703. Jam Session, 1:00 PM, 1015 RV Park, 1401 S. International Blvd, Weslaco For information call 817-240-5598. Jam Session, 1:00 PM, W & I Resort, 206 S. Stewart Road, Mission Cookies, bars and popcorn will be served. All jammers and listeners are welcome. For information call 956-585-6594. Square Dance Lessons, 1:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. Square Dance, 3:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Road, Harlingen For information call 956-423-1170. 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. Jam Dinner, 4:00 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission Jam from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, For information call 616-204-8067. Texas BBQ Pork Ribs Dinner, 4:00 PM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N. FM 492, Mission Texas BBQ Pork Ribs, served with homemade egg & potato, salad, mixed green salad and bread. $8.00. For information call 966581-6718. Loaded Tators, 5:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave, McAllen, TX 78501 Jam, 5:30 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission For information call 616-204-8067. Chicken Fried Steak Dinner, 6:00 PM,

Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. Border Avenue, Weslaco $9.00 a plate. For information call 956-968-7115. Birds & Buds: Richard Moore, 6:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Richard Moore presents his newest video “Birds of South Texas” on the big outdoor screen!! $5.00 pp Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Campfire Naturalist - Bats, 6:00 PM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Drive, Edinburg Join us as we sit by the fire and learn about the fascinating animals that come out at night. We’ll make campfire snacks as we explore the incredible world of night dwellers including bats, spiders, moths, and nocturnal mammals. Sit under starry skies, learn and share stories of these fascinating creatures that we encounter after the sun sets. Fee: $3 members, $5 non-members. For information call 956-381-9922.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 Patio Sale, 7:00 AM, Dream Valley Ranch Inc, 2401 North Abram Road, Mission For information Kathinken302@ yahoo.com Garage Sale, 9:00 AM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information call 319-795-8101. 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. Tours are included in general admission $2 seniors (65+) & $3Adults. For information call 956-681-3370. Country Jam, 1:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Road, McAllen Dessert table will be provided. For

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS 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. Jam Session, 2:00 PM, Llano Grande Lake Park, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes For information call 956-565-1506. Chicken Cordon Bleu, 5:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen, TX 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 Hamburger Night & Karaoke, 5:30 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission $6.00 pp, Hamburger, chips, soda and dessert for $6.00, serving at 5:30. Karaoke follows. For information call 956-581-1871. Dixon & Company Dance, 6:30 PM, McAllen Elks Lodge No. 1402, 3500 Jordan Road, McAllen, TX Open to public Dance w/Diego, 7:00 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission $6.00 pp, for information call 956585-0703. Entertainment w/Route 66, 7:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen, TX Dance w/Texas Country Band, 7:30 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito $5.00 pp. Call for information 956399-5800

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015 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. For information call 956-

581-6718. Breakfast, 7:00 AM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission $3.00 pp, Menu rotates. For information call 616-204-8067. Morning Breakfast, 7:00 AM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission $3.50 pp For information call 956585-5061. 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. 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 & seniors For information call 956-681-3370. All Park Yard Sale, 8:00 AM, Snow to Sun , 1701 North International Boulevard, Weslaco Contact information sdubach52@ gmail.com American Legion BazaarFest, 8:00 AM, American Legion Post 101 Hall, 417 S. Cage, Pharr Call Lupita at 956-223-6533 for Vendor Space. Craft Fair, 8:00 AM, Victoria Palms Inn & Suites, 602 North Victoria Road, Donna Call for information 956-782-3263 Craft Show, 8:00 AM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Road, Donna Concession - Coffee & Donuts Adjoining Resturant open December, January, February & March for breakfast and lunch. Vendors openings available for November & December. For information call 956782-3263. Park Wide Sale, 8:00 AM, Alamo Rec Veh Park, 1320 W. Frontage Road, Alamo For information call 956-279-2698. 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

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amazingly quiet electric trams to reach our destinations. We have many different trails to venture onto that are relatively flat and ADA accessible. With 1,200 acres of lush, riparian woodlands we will also be birding by ear. You are encouraged to bring scopes and binoculars so that you can really reach into those dense areas where birds take advantage of abundant shelter and food. We offer binocular rentals at our gift shop for your convenience should you not have your own, and sell insect repellant, hats, hiking sticks as well as other items you may need. Ending times vary depending on trails taken, but tours are usually 1-1/2-hours long. 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! Every Wednesday & Saturday 8:30 am to 12:00 noon (Year Round) Fee: Free for Volunteer

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Work. RGV Quilt Guild Meeting, 9:00 AM, South Texas College in Weslaco, Texas Guild meetings are held the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9-noon. Guild meeting is held in Room 191--turn right at the first hallway. The RGV Quilt Guild is open to anyone at any skill level interested in quilting. The annual dues of $25 (from January 1-December 31) entitles members admission to monthly meetings which includes a program. Please complete the form on website RGVQG.com and mail with your check to RGVQG, P.O. Box 32, Weslaco, TX 78599-0032. FREE Walking Tours, 9:00 AM, Java Cafe, 204 E. Jackson Avenue, Harlingen The walking tours depart from Java CafĂŠ, 204 E. Jackson, at 9:00 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. The tours are free and open to the public. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 for the weather, and come prepared to have fun. For more information, contact Cheryl LaBerge, Downtown Manager, at (956) 216-4910. *No tours the first Saturday of each month, which is Jackson Street Market Days. Tours for groups also may be scheduled by appointment. Call (956) 216-4910 for info. 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, TX Brownsville has its own farmer’s market each week, across the street from Gladys Porter Zoo. http://www. brownsvillefarmersmarket.com/ Garage Sale, 9:00 AM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information call 319-795-8101. SPI Birding & Nature Center Guided Nature Tour, 9:30 AM, SPI Birding & Nature Center $3 plus admission Senior Saturdays, 10:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen $5 General Admission Includes: FREE Coffee FREE IMAS Guided Tour For information call 956-6820123. Square Dance Lessons, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. Scenic Arts Festival, 10:00 AM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Road, Edinburg Edinburg Arts and the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center present the “Scenic Arts Fest” Art Demo’s & Exhibits, Arts & Crafts, Music and Dance Performances Food and Drink For information call 956-381-9922. The Market @ McAllen, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library Every Saturday the community will now have access to local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style

changes our community desperately needs. Country Jam, 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 call 956-581-2932. 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. Migration Celebration, 2:00 PM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria, Edinburg The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center (EWBC) hosts its annual Migration Celebration on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 2 - 9 p.m. For more information call (956) 381-9922 or (956) 3815631. Children’s Arts and Literacy Festival, 3:00 PM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen FREE Admission. For information call 956-682-0123. Round Dance Lessons w/The Ski’s, 3:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-6461. Karaoke, 3:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo FREE Admission, For information call 956-783-4587. Max’s Grill, 3:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen, TX 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. As many of our regular clients already know, the Harlingen Farmers Market is now into its third year of operation. On Saturday January 14th, we celebrated our 100th market! Imagine.... 100 afternoons of hard-working farmers and producers supplying residents of Harlingen and surrounding communities with the freshest locally grown food available. There is a bountiful harvest being sold every week here - come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Memorial Illumination at Resaca de la

Palma Battlefield, 4:30 PM, Resaca de la Palma National Battlefield, 1024 Paredes Line Road, Brownsville FREE Admission Event begins at 4 p.m. with living history programs. Interpreters in U.S. - Mexican War era uniforms will demonstrate camp life, weapons, and drills. The memorial program begins at 5 p.m. followed by a short ceremony to remember veterans of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. Luminaria lighting will follow at sunset. The public is invited to bring a grill lighter and participate in the lighting. Visitors over the age of 12 can assist with the lighting. For information call 956-541-2785. 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. San Benito Elk’s Lodge, 6:00 PM, San Benito Elks Lodge No. 1661, 251 North Reagan Street, San Benito, TX Member’s and Guests (Be my guest!) For more information call 402-6404739 Dance, 7:00 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr $5.00 pp, doors open at 6:15 pm, snack bar open. For information call 956-787-1521. Dance w/Andy & Brenda Coin, 7:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 North International Boulevard, Weslaco, TX. $5.00 pp Contact information sdubach52@gmail.com Dance w/Fred Goldsberry, 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/Jealous Heart, 7:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo $5.00 pp For information call 956783-1003. Dance w/Keys & Strings Duet, 7:00 PM, Leisure Valley Ranch, 1920 E. Bogey Drive, Mission $6.00 pp, for information call 956424-1858. Dance w/Ruthi, 7:00 PM, Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N. Mile 2 West Road, Mercedes $6.00 pp, for information call 956656-2044. Dance w/Sipe & The Country Playboys,

7:00 PM, Twin Lakes RV Park, 301 N. Shary Road, Mission $5.00 pp For information call 956585-9982. Dance w/Texas Country Band, 7:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Road, Alamo $5.00 pp For information call 956783-5008. K.L.S. Rock-N-Roll, 7:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen, TX 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. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 943-2262. Craft Sale, 8:00 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information call 956-585-0703.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2015 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, 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, 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, Alamo Palms Mobile Park, 1341 W.

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Business Hwy 83, Alamo Non-denominational, Pastor Brian Dent. For information call 956787-7571. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission For information call 956-585-5061. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Road, Mission For information call 956-585-9264. 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 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. Church Services, 10:00 AM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr For information call 956-787-1521. Farmer’s Market @ The Shores, SPI, 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 Jam Session, 1:00 PM, 1015 RV Park, 1402 S. International, Weslaco, TX For more information call: 956-9687516 Gospel Jam, 1:30 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview, TX 78572 Concessions Available Dance w/Renaissance Rockers, 2:00 PM, Riverside Club Bar & Grill, 214 E. Chimney Road, Mission For information call 956-581-1033. Ice Cream Social, 2:30 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374,

Palmview, TX 78572 Entertainment/Variety Show, 7:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito, TX For more information call 402-6404739 Free Movie, 7:00 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr Free admission, for information call 956-223-9359. Listing of movies available on website, pharrparadisepark.sharepoint.com. Snack bar open.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015 Hamburger Nite, 12:00 AM, American Legion, 417 South Cage Boulevard, Pharr, TX Hamburger - $7.00, Cheeseburger - $7.50, Extra Patty - $3.00, Large FF - $2.50, Small Onion Ring $3.50, Extra Cheese - $.50, Small FF - $2.00 Auction Consignment, 9:00 AM, Bentsen Grove RV Resort, 810

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Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information call 956-585-0703. 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. Yahoo, 1:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission Come enjoy a quite afternoon playing Yahoo with your friends. 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. Hamburger Night, 3:30 PM, ??????LOCATION????? Dinner, 4:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission

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$6.50 pp, check each week for menu! For information call 956585-0704. Country Jam, 6:00 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview, TX 78572 Concessions Available 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 17, 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 & seniors For information

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 call 956-681-3370. 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 Spanish. For information call 956-381-9922. Auction Consignment, 9:00 AM, Bentsen Grove RV Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information call 956-585-0703. 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. Pre-registration required.

For information call 956-681-3370. Square Dance Plus w/Butch Danielski, 9:30 AM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S. International Blvd, Weslaco $4.50 pp Rounds at 9:30 with Marge Scherrill. Square Dance at 10 am. Contact information call 956-973-8335. Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N Abram 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. 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

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Every Saturday FREE Popcorn and Ice

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

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

KARAOKE

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

call 956-581-1871. Open Jam, 11:00 AM, Leisure World, 400 E. 18th Street, Weslaco 11:00 - 12:00 Lunch Served 12:00 - 2:00 Music For information call 956-447-3821. Jam, 11:30 AM, Roadrunner RV Park, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Road, Alamo For information call 712-259-2222. 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 956-9715850. 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

Want to advertise your upcoming event? Call today

956-687-5115

Oleander’s Famous Cake served at half time!! For information call 262497-4241 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. Country Jam Dinner, 4:00 PM, Canyon Lake RV Resort, 4770 N. Mayberry Road, Mission For information call 956-580-4545. Jam Dinner, 4:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe Street, Mission Variable choices each week such as sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, soups etc. For information call 956519-8597. TACO Tuesday, 4:00 PM, Aladdin Villas, 1415 Aladdin Villas Boulevard W., Mission TACO Tuesday,…..Your choice of beef or chicken….. 2 good sized tacos or taco salad…..and with hot coffee or Ice tea or water…..and don’t forget your awesome dessert while it lasts…..$5.00……4 to 6pm For information call 956-581-1288. Legion Jr’s Chicken Divan, 5:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave, McAllen, TX 78501 Country Jam, 5:30 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe Street, Mission For information call 956-519-8597. Valley’s H.O.P.E. Stroke Support Group, 6:00 PM, Valley Baptist Medical Center in the Woodward Conference Room The H.O.P.E. (Haven Offering Patient Encouragement) Stroke Support Group meets monthly in Harlingen, TX, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in the Woodward Conference Room from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information call 888-902-5433. Country Jam, 6:00 PM, Canyon Lake RV Resort, 4770 N. Mayberry Road, Mission For information call 956-580-4545. Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 PM, Unity Church, Pharr Are you having problems with food? Join us for an informative meeting on how to control your cravings. Carmen 956-884-9909 •

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ROCKIN’ THE RGV

Musician Vance Greek Leads the Jams in Downtown Harlingen Special to Welcome Home RGV

Downtown

Harlingen announces the fourth season of the popular free music series, Jammin’ on Jackson Street with Vance Greek & Friends, to be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month this fall and winter, beginning in November 2015 and continuing through March 2016. (Due to holidays in November and December, a few dates have been changed.) The jam sessions will be held inside The Railroad Crossing, a model railroad clubhouse and family event center located at 101 E. Jackson in Downtown Harlingen. The jam sessions are free and open to the public. Well-known musician Vance Greek

and friends will host the jam sessions, during which a variety of musicians participate. The music will be mostly country, folk, bluegrass, and gospel. Musicians who are interested in participating should arrive, with their instruments, at least 30 minutes before the session begins. Two

sessions are planned on each date, one beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the other at 1:00 p.m. Each is expected to last approximately 45 minutes. Seating will be on a first-come, firstserved basis, with the facility cleared after each show. There is plenty of free parking in Downtown Harlingen, on the street and in the large public parking lot directly behind the facility. For more information, contact Cheryl LaBerge, downtown manager, at (956) 216-4910 or by email at cheryllaberge@myharlingen.us. • The Railroad Crossing 101 E. Jackson Downtown Harlingen

2015-2016 Schedule Sessions will be held on the following dates:

November 12, 2015 November 19, 2015 December 10, 2015 December 17, 2015 January 14, 2016 January 28, 2016 February 11, 2016 February 25, 2016 March 10, 2016 March 24, 2016

Show times:

10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m

SaberStagers Present In The Heights Special to Welcome Home RGV

Robert

Vela High School’s SaberStagers proudly present their 4th annual fall musical, In the Heights. A Tony Award winner for Best Musical, In the Heights centers on a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights, on the northern tip of Manhattan. At the center of the show is Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after the aging Cuban lady next door, pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighboring beauty salon, and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina, a childhood friend of Usnavi’s, has returned to the neighborhood from her first year at college with surprising news for her parents, who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighborhood get a dose of what it means to be home.

Día de los Muertos Altar Exhibit In the Heights’ ebullient songs paint a panoramic portrait of a New York neighborhood filled with Spanish-speaking dreamers of American dreams, nervously eyeing their futures from a city block on the cusp of change. This musical marks Robert Vela High School’s SaberStagers second main stage production for the 20152016 school year. The production will include a cast of 40+ actors, singers, and dancers. We are very excited to present this production in the new Roberto Pulido Performing Arts Center. • Show Information December 3rd – 5th at 7:00 p.m. December 5th & 6th at 2:00 p.m. Admission: $7 PRE-SALE TICKETS GO ON SALE NOVEMBER 16!! CALL 956-289-2650 to be sure you get yours! Robert Vela High School Performing Arts Center 801 E. Canton, Edinburg, TX 78539

Community members honor loved ones Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Museum of South Texas History (“MOSTHistory”), a museum chronicling the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, invites the public to view our special community-made exhibit, “Día de los Muertos Altar Exhibit.” Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition that many still observe and participate in here in South

Texas. This living history can be seen inside the Courtyard Gallery through Saturday, Nov. 14. The community is invited to view eight communitymade altars that honor those who have passed – family and friends alike. MOSTHistory’s mission is to preserve and present the borderland heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico. •

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

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PARK NEWS

Winter Ranch Pumpkin Dessert Contest Port Isabel Park Center Kicks off Season Special to Welcome Home RGV

Halloween morning, was a full day of events starting with a golf tour, scavenger hunt and pot-luck luncheon with an opportunity to sample the pumpkin desserts that were entered in the dessert contest.

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Photo of our first breakfast of the season and our annual Halloween event. We open the gates so the families can park and let the children walk our safe streets!

Judges, Dick Larson, Arnie Huether, Nora Minor, Josie Fehring and Bill Knecht go through the line to fill their plates with samples of each dessert.

Debbie McDaniels won Karen Hockmeier won 1st Karen Larson won 1st Place 1st Place for her Pumpkin place for her Pumpkin for her Pumpkin Bars Parfaits Praline Pie

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PARK NEWS

A Fall Feast and Informational Gathering at Waterford Gardens Special to Welcome Home RGV

October

28, Waterford Gardens hosted Winter Texans and several local ambulance companies, to a Fall Feast held in their lovely gardens at 1522 E. Griffin Parkway in Mission. The festive Halloween holiday decorations and landscaped gardens around the fountain provided a lush background for the luncheon, consisting of roasted chicken, cornbread dressing, candied yams, green beans, rolls, and homemade desserts by their chef. Owner Lucille Cavazos spoke to the guests about their services for assisted living and a checklist of information to assist in deciding when people need assistance. Additionally, temporary services are available for post-op patients after hip replacement, for example. Waterford Gardens is for those residents who need someone to assist after surgery until they are able to live on their own or when an elderly spouse can only provide limited assistance. It’s a wonderful option until they can return to their winter homes. Waterford Gardens also provides a much-needed service to yearround residents of the resorts. In the summertime, if they need someone to check in on them from time to time,

making sure everything is alright, the staff at Waterford Gardens does this. This service is free of charge. Lucille and her staff are qualified to do evaluation/assessments of patients and to help get them the care they need and the paperwork handled for transfers to assisted living. These are resources that could be invaluable to many of the resorts. She is available to speak to the residents of your community resorts by contacting her at 956-5841984, or see their website at www. waterfordgardensassistedliving.com to learn more. Tours of their gardens are available for bus or groups from your resorts to enjoy the lovely Christmas holiday decorations, hot apple cider, and chili dinners! Please call for reservations as these tours fill quickly. Door prizes, coolers, and information were provided by Waterford Gardens for the guests. A hearty thank you to our hosts for inviting all of us to attend, tour, and meet their staff. Guest speakers were Dr. Tim Chowdhury, MD from the Center for Pain Management. He provided information on his medical history and his practice-concerning chronic or acute pain

and the various advanced procedures available to manage pain after surgery, auto accidents, strokes, brain injuries, decreased circulation, arthritis, cancer, and diabetic pain, as well as pain caused by headaches, shingles, osteoporosis, myofascial, fibromyalgia and CRPS. The Center for Pain Management provides epidural steroid and trigger point injections, nerve and facet blocks, radio frequency denervation and implantation, and intrathecal pain pumps. Often, Winter Texan residents can not take oral pain medications due to conflicts with other medications or other medical conditions. The amount of medication needed through these advanced procedures is 300% less then oral medication dosages. For

more information, call the Center for Pain Management at 956-631-9041 or visit their website at www.cfpm.net. Victoria Villela spoke about The Vein Treatment Center and varicose vein treatments on behalf of Dr William P. Kalchoff. Victoria shared information about varicose and spider veins, what medicare covers, and how the procedures are done. For more information, please contact their office at 956-631-9041 and review their website at www.justveins.net. MedCare EMS Ambulance Service training officer Tomas Martinez spoke to the group concerning ambulance protocol and patient care for a typical WATERFORD GARDENS CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 >>

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

MAKING CONNECTIONS P R ESEN T ED BY

Welcome Home RGV held its 5th Annual Connection Fair, presented by Amazon Camperforce, Tuesday, November 3, at the McAllen Convention Center. This event is for resort managers and activity and tour directors so they can see, first hand, what’s new and exciting in the Rio Grande Valley and then share what they learned with their residents. The event kicked off with speed networking, giving the attendees a snippet of what many vendors were going to offer at the full show. All in all, it was great fun, and we estimate over 300 managers and directors attended, with over 80 resorts represented. Welcome Home RGV -- Connecting YOU to the RGV.

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

From the Inside, Out by Marge Flados

grew up before Kleenex was invented. We used handkerchiefs, but we always called them “hankies.” I didn’t use the word handkerchief until I was an adult. All women used them, and men used them on Sunday and when they went visiting, or “went away,” as it was called when they dressed up to go visiting. Other times nostrils were emptied by holding one nostril closed with a pointy finger and blowing forcefully in the opposite direction from which the wind was blowing. There were sleeves and coattails to take care of any residual. Miss Ringsrud, my first grade teacher, kept a supply of hankiesized sections of a bed sheet, torn into squares. These were kept in a drawer of her desk. These sheet hankies were offered to children in our one-room schoolhouse for use when we had colds or runny noses. Some children did not have access to the luxury of a hankie. She always had a plentiful supply, so I assume she took them home and laundered them herself to avoid looking out over a room full of snotty noses. Even after the advent of Kleenex, my mom never used them. She said, “A Kleenex doesn’t hold anything!” That had a two-fold meaning. One, they were good for one blow, whereas a hankie could be used time after time. Secondly, hankies were used to carry things safely. Our Sunday School offering, usually a nickel, was tied into the corner of our hankie. If someone wanted to protect a ring, it was tied into the corner of their

•••

Love That

Dish

Marge Flados

hankie. Sometimes they were used to pad our bras just a tiny bit at the top if we didn’t fill it out. Interestingly when my mother washed clothes, she would always soak the hankies first, rinse them, and then boil them in a copper tub she used for boiling her laundry. I appreciated that. It was customary to have “everyday” hankies and Sunday hankies, which were prettier and finer. If she had a plain white hankie, my mom would crochet around it to make it pretty or embroider something in the corner to make it unique. Some hankies were made to carry but never used because they were too fragile or too beautiful to withstand laundering. Today, hankies are seldom seen and rarely used. Recently, I was shocked to learn that men no longer carry them, either. What a pity. They have all those pockets that can hold them. I will not give up carrying a handkerchief! There are times one must stand strong to protect worthwhile traditions. (However, I must admit I carry Kleenex so my hankie will stay neat and clean.) • M. Flados is a resident of Harlingen and can be reached at nflados@rgv.rr.com

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

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Holiday Market Days November 14 in Brownsville

Special to Welcome Home RGV

host its annual Holiday Market Days Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Galaxy Bowling, 3451 Pablo Kisel in Brownsville. ADMISSION IS FREE!! We invite you to get ahead with your holiday shopping and sample some goodies. Holiday Market Days will feature scented candles, jewelry, holiday decor, accessories, health and beauty products, and more!! All of our Holiday Market Days vendors are local! Come and shop and meet Santa Claus! Tip of Texas Family Outreach (TOTFO) was formed from an idea developed by Mrs. Gloria Hughes, a former nurse and member of the Cameron County Child Welfare Board who was a special advocate for children. She decided to make her vision for Brownsville, “the prevention of child abuse,” a reality. In

Make it to Market Square Sunday at Holy Spirit Special to Welcome Home RGV

The Market Square at Holy Spirit

Tip of Texas Family Outreach will

January of 1987, TOTFO was formed by a volunteer steering committee, which consisted of future volunteers who wanted to make a difference in the community. Family Outreach opened its doors to the public in March of 1989. •

is the Catholic Daughters of the Americas local chapter’s largest annual fundraiser. Expect to find a “maze of handcrafted items” and one-of-a-kind pieces. You will find jewelry, wreaths, Christmas gifts, and more. A special visitor will be on hand, too, though he won’t be coming down a chimney. It’s SANTA CLAUS. Locally, several programs are funded through the fundraising efforts of the local CDA chapter. A large portion of the monies raised go toward educational scholarships for students in the Rio Grande Valley. In addition, the CDA promote literacy through the Read Across America program. Education of the youth in the Rio Grande Valley and supporting various programs with the guidance of Bishop Daniel Flores and Msgr. Louis Brum of Holy Spirit Catholic Church are a huge component of the CDA’s

efforts in our area. The CDA strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow, or sickness.” The program includes concerns of today’s church and society, as well as issues that affect the well-being of women and children. At the national level, many other programs are funded through local chapters’ fundraising efforts, such as Habitat for Humanity, Smile Train (which helps the 170,000 children born each year in the developing world with cleft lip and/or palate-most can’t afford surgery), The Disaster Relief Fund, and other Catholic Charities For more information on the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, please visit http://www.catholicdaughters. org, and for information on the Market Square at Holy Spirit, please contact Rose Ann Ramon at 956252-4597 or Maria Luisa Guerra at 956-648-0233. •

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

Evolution of the City of Alamo Special to Welcome Home RGV

Chamber of Commerce 803 Main St. 956-787-2117 www.alamochamber.com City Hall 420 N Tower Rd 78516 956-787-0006 www.alamotexas.org Fire Department 956-781-2004 Police Department (Non-Emergency) 956-787-1454 History Alamo is on U.S. Highway 83, nine miles southeast of McAllen in southern Hidalgo County. Between 1902 and 1909, Peter Ebenezer Blalock and George T. Hawkins accumulated 32,000 acres of land surrounding the townsite and extending fifteen miles north of the Rio Grande. By 1908, they had laid out the town, built shipping pens, and named the railroad depot Ebenezer. The site became known as Camp Ebenezer when a community of prospective buyers housed in temporary dwellings developed. In 1909, the land was sold to the organizers of the Alamo Land and Sugar Company, which moved the town from Camp Ebenezer to higher, better-drained ground. The Alamo Townsite Company was formed by C. H. Swallow and Rentfro B. Creager, who promoted the site to prospective settlers. In 1909, a post office was established. The town was reportedly first called Forum and later Swallow. It may have been

subsequently named for the mission in San Antonio. In 1919, the Alamo Progressive Club was formed; it later became the chamber of commerce. The First State Bank of Alamo opened in 1920. After incorporation in 1924, the town grew steadily, and its population was reported at 200 in 1925. In 1936, Alamo had 1,018 residents and 50 businesses. During the 1940s and 1950s, the town served mainly as a shipping point for vegetables and citrus fruits. The population was 1,944 in 1940 and 3,017 in 1950. In 1990 it was 8,210 and grew to 14,760 in 2000. (Taken from http://www.tshaonline. org/handbook/online/articles/hfa03) Another version comes from the Alamo Chamber of Commerce at alamochamber.com. (Click on City of Alamo and then on History.) The Alamo area was originally known as “Agostadero de Alamo” (Pasture of the Cottonwood Trees). A part of Mexico, it was administered from Reynosa, and was rich in wildlife. Karankawa Indians lived here and in the 1700s Spanish land grant recipients started cattle ranching. The land was cleared in the 1920s and Alamo was incorporated in 1924. Thousands of newcomers moved in, mostly farmers from the Midwest and Mexico. Many Alamo families have lived here for three generations. The mix of immigrants from north and south of the Rio Grande has created a unique, enjoyable blend of customs and cultures.

Spanish moss drapes from trees and noisy chachalacas welcome the morning dawn as a malachite butterfly floats out from the shadows. Step into a rare tropical world at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Leopardus Pardalis: The ocelot is a small, spotted cat with a long tail. Visitors often confuse this wild cat with another commonly seen on the refuge -- the bobcat. The ocelot’s range in the United States used to extend from South Texas up into Arkansas and Louisiana. Today, it is only found in the most southern tip of Texas where it is highly endangered due to loss of habitat.

Attractions Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge: www.alamotexas.org Demographics Learn all about Alamo demographics at www.city-data.com/city/AlamoTexas.html Events Keep up with events in Alamo at www.alamotexas.org (Click on Events Calendar.)

A spectacular Green Jay. Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Meet You Soon: Stirring Up Memories at Corner Bakery in McAllen with

Paul Chilton

When

I was a boy, my mother would give me money to run down to the corner bakery to purchase baked goods. I still remember how good those sweet treats tasted. Well, McAllen is lucky to have a Corner Bakery of its own. Here you can purchase many delicious sweets, such as individual bundt cakes in many flavors, luscious brownies, sweet rolls, and many other great products. Their signature cake is Cinnamon Crumb Cake. It is to die for! You might say it is my favorite!

The best news? Wonderful breakfast items are offered at Corner Bakery. Egg scramblers, plates of eggs and cafe potatoes, and meat items are available. The breakfast menu is quite extensive. What a great way to start the day. They also serve wonderful hot

and cold sandwiches, as well as wonderful soups and salads. The Trio is a combo of three of their Specialty Salads so you can sample them all! Their no-wait policy is unique. You order what you desire, and they bring it to your table. It is a welloiled machine. I have been going to Corner Bakery for quite some time, and I have loved every selection I’ve ordered. The prices are great, too! They have a friendly staff, always eager to assist you. You will get many greetings from them before you leave. The location at 4021 N. 10th St. (956-278-8270) is warm and cozy, with lots of wood and a patio with comfy chairs and couches. Their newest location at 3100 Expressway

83 in McAllen (956-800-6279) is open and bright and also has a patio. Whether for a yummy breakfast, a luscious lunch, or just a wonderful dessert, I sure hope to meet you soon at the Corner Bakery. • 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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PSJA ISD 37th Annual Children’s Shows to Bring Magic, Fun to the RGV Area Special to Welcome Home RGV

is now tradition, the Fine Arts Department at Pharr-San JuanAlamo ISD (PSJA ISD) has kicked off the 37th annual Children’s Show season. This year’s live musical theater productions at all four district comprehensive high schools include Disney’s Peter Pan Jr., High School Musical Jr., Rodger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Seussical Jr. The PSJA ECHS Thespians, the PSJA North ECHS Theatre, the PSJA ECHS Wolverine Theatre, and the PSJA Southwest ECHS Theatre productions include students singing, dancing, and acting, as well as support from a behind-the-scenes technical crew of teenage aficionados. According to Jon Taylor, PSJA Fine Arts director, the shows provide a very special experience for families in the PSJA and surrounding communities. Each year the shows draw in thousands of people throughout the Rio Grande Valley, something rare in high school theatre, according to Gilbert Zepeda PSJA North ECHS drama director. “An hour before the show starts, there’s a line in the parking lot of people who want to see these shows with their families,” shared Zepeda who has been with the program since its very first children’s show in 1979. “That’s very unusual for a Hispanic community, especially high school theatre.” This year, PSJA ISD kicked off its shows with Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. at the PSJA Southwest Early College High School Oct. 29. As part of their efforts to bring something new each year to their audiences, the production included special effects by ZFX Flying Effects. In addition to evening performances open to the general public, the high school productions are performed during the day for PSJA second through fifth grade students. The PSJA theatres’ success is due to district-wide collaboration with high schools and elementary schools and the support from various leaders, according to Gilbert Zepeda. “We have the whole community and the district’s support,” said Zepeda. “This involves all elementary schools, their principals, and the support of the superintendent.” Due to the high interest of the community in the shows each year, ticket prices are kept low at $5 to $7 so entire families can afford to attend the magical shows, even if they have limited means. In addition to the locals, the plays have also become an attraction for Winter Texans. According to the directors, the high school students performing in the children’s shows inspire younger students to try to follow in their

footsteps. “The heroes for our kids in this community are our kids,” smiled Zepeda. “We create the heroes and villains on stage. In this district, it’s a big deal for the little kids to get the autographs of all the actors, and they aspire to get to high school to get into these productions.” While at many school districts theatre is often an extracurricular activity, at PSJA ISD, children’s shows are part of Theater Production, a class that is now offered during the evenings to allow students with conflicting class schedules to participate. Although Theater Production gives students the opportunity to unleash their creativity, students are required to pass all of their classes in order to participate. Participating in Theatre Productions while maintaining their grades teaches PSJA students to be responsible, to manage their time wisely, and to communicate effectively—skills that make them valuable when applying for colleges. The class attracts a diverse group of students as even cheerleaders and football players audition and often get casted. “Colleges aren’t just looking for students who have advance credits but kids who did something else,” said Taylor. “Whether it’d be participating in the theatre program, athletics, or whatever it might be.” Already, the PSJA theatre program is seeing the fruits of their labor as numerous students have gotten accepted into colleges each year and several have even made it into Hollywood. Some prime example of students who serve as inspiration to the school district are Cristela Alonzo, who became the first Latina to create, produce, and star in her own original sitcom, Cristela, on ABC and David Barrera who’s appeared in numerous television shows, including The Bridge, NYPD Blue, The Big Bang Theory, and The Wizards of Waverly Place. “Over the last 37 years, we have become one of the biggest shows in Texas,” said Zepeda. with a smile. “We’re really happy to be doing it.” This year, community members and students can enjoy nights of magic and fun as the PSJA high school theatres will perform their productions on the following dates: • Rodger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella by PSJA Memorial ECHS (Nov.16 – Dec. 5) • High School Musical Jr. by PSJA High ECHS (Nov. 19 - Dec. 13) • Seussical Jr.by PSJA North ECHS (Dec. 3 – 18) For a complete list of times and schedules, please visit psjaisd.us or the district’s Facebook page for updates. •

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Comfort House Services to Host Community Service Day Special to Welcome Home RGV

November is Hospice Month!

November

is Home Care and Hospice Month, and to commemorate the efforts of many who serve patients and families and the power of caring, Comfort House Services invites everyone to attend Community Service Day Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Comfort House, 617 Dallas Ave. in McAllen. This is a family event where we invite the community to stop by our facility to meet our board of directors, caregivers, and staff. We also encourage you to bring donations such as staple items used for patient care and direct upkeep of our home. And while you’re there, enjoy some refreshments and hot dogs, courtesy of the Comfort House. Our wish list includes household items, such as laundry detergent, bleach, hand sanitizer, white vinegar, paper towels and plates, plastic ware, plastic or foam cups, trash bags, and Lysol air fresheners. And some suggestions for food items that may also be donated are ground beef, chicken, fruit, frozen vegetables, bottled water, juices, tea bags, cake, brownie and pudding mixes, and pastas. Monetary donations and gift cards from HEB, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or Lowes are also appreciated. Comfort House Services’ mission

Join us for a day of service to support our mission of love and compassion. • Drop off your donations • Volunteer • Enjoy hot dogs & refreshments

Ladies from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 37 deliver donations to Comfort House Services. Join the rest of the community as it comes together to support the efforts of Comfort House with donations of household and food items.

is to provide a homelike environment to our residents so they may pass peacefully, pain free, and with loved ones by their side. We provide a 10bed residence with 24/7 care from compassionate, loving caregivers at no cost to the residents or their families. Comfort House Services relies solely on donations and is hosting this event as an opportunity for the community to learn more about our efforts and offer their support by delivering items or monetary donations. For additional information or questions, please contact Lyana Benavidez, administrative/marketing liasion, at 956-687-7367. •

Donation Wish List Household Items

• 8 oz Foam Cups • Paper Towels & Plates • Plastic Ware • Dish Soap • Laundry Detergent • Fabric Softener • Bleach • Antibacterial Wipes • Hand Sanitizer • White Vinegar • Lysol Air Freshener • Fabuloso Cleaner • Multipurpose Cleaners • Trash Bags (13 gallon) **Gift cards from Walmart, HEB, Home Depot, Lowes, Costco, Sam’s Club, and/or Office Depot are also welcomed**

Food Items

• Ground Beef • Chicken • Bread • Frozen Vegetables • Fruit (fresh / canned) • Bottled Water / Juices • Tea Bags • Coffee • Sugar & Creamer • Cake / Brownie / Pudding Mix • Pastas & Noodles • Rice • Cookies

Thank you for your generosity and support towards our mission of love and compassion!!

• Meet our Statf • Meet our Caregivers • Meet our Board of Directors

Comfort House Services’ mission is to provide a homelike environment to our residents so they may pass peacefully, pain free and with loved ones by their side. Our home relies solely on donations. We encourage you, your family, employees, coworkers and friends to donate hosusehold items, food, and/or gift cards from our donation wish list. Monetary donations are also welcomed.

Buds and Birds at Quinta Mazatlan Special to Welcome Home RGV

Join

us for BUDS & BIRDS Thursday evening, November 12, at 6 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen. L&F Distributors is providing the BUDweiser. Quinta Mazatlan is providing the BIRDS! Richard Moore, nature reporter, is showing his newest documentary, Birds of South Texas, to be shown on the HUGE LED Outdoor Screen on the North Lawn! Spread the word—

bring your friends--$5 at the historic gates! www.quintamazatlan.com. •

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The Lamb’s Loom: Dottie’s Lap Blanket Turned Afghan Special to Welcome Home RGV

There’s always room for more! Old

friends, new friends, and all things YARN! It’s always better when you have someone to share and laugh with throughout a project. We just love doing that! Needle knitting, loom knitting, and crochet are shared by all….from generation to generation! When our friend, Dottie, heard about our new adventure of opening a yarn shop to help grow our prayer shawl ministry, she jumped right in! Dottie and a couple of other friends signed up for our first loom class last October. She took to it like a natural and in no time was making hats and scarves. Coming up with new projects daily was super fun! Well, Dottie decided it was time to go for it all and make a lap blanket for her sister, who was undergoing cancer treatment at the time. Her sister is an avid needle knitter, and over the years has encouraged Dottie to try, but she just didn’t take to it. Now, though, seemed like a good time to encourage her sister with a knitted gift of her own. So, we got out the long looms and away Dottie went! She picked out two beautiful colors of HomeSpun yarn

reports from the docs and is on the mend! The Lamb’s Loom is a non-profit prayer shawl ministry. It is just people and stories like Dottie that keep us going. She is friend, a loomer, and an integral part of the team. She’s a PEG. •

Dottie showing her recent work

and decided to alternate the colors on the panels. In no time, Dottie had THREE panels that were just over six feet long!!! So, needless to say, the lap blanket grew into an afghan. The afghan needed a border of some sort, so yes, this is when Dottie also learned to crochet! When her sister received the blanket, she was soooo happy and very proud of her “big sister’s” work. It has hugged her through her treatments, and we’re happy to say she has received good

Pictured above L to R are Lisbet Hardison, her mother, Ruth, and daughter, Gigi… three lovely generations!

Pictured L to R are Mary Garza, Patti Torres, and Angela Almaguer

WATERFORD GARDENS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

heart attack and stroke patient. He mentioned the areas they serve and answered questions from the audience. Two of their medics were also present to network with those resorts within their service area. Tomas Martinez’s number is 956-661-4100 for more questions. Tomas explained that each city within the upper and mid RGV contracts an ambulance service provider, for their city over a specified time period. Raul Alvizio, from Pro-Medic EMS (956-702-7577), also spoke about the areas they cover and how reciprocal agreements work between the services if an ambulance is busy with an overload of calls or delayed at the hospital ER. Raul explained that ambulances provide the best care for the patients, taking them to the most appropriate hospital for their condition, and how Air Evac assists with specific conditions and serious patients. Further information was provided concerning the Free Standing ER and how they are beneficial to our Winter Texans who do not have established doctors. Air Evac emergency service was also discussed, as was their site plans for the RGV community resorts, with membership coverage over the entire RGV. They also explained what all is covered, as far as transfers. For more information, contact Brice Calahan at 956-635-0671 or at Edward.Calahan@amgh.us.3. •

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RV QUICK TIPS

Easy RV Hacks: Last Ten 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 last ten 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.

Keeping Clean & Comfort Control Hacks

Use non-slip liners to line drawers and shelves. This keeps items in place when traveling.

Don’t dirty up a bowl. Scramble the eggs in a salad shaker or empty water bottle.

Hang using hooks

curtains command

Use bubble wrap to cover the RV windows and insulate your space during cold weather.

A vent cushion is a great way to reduce heat loss.

Make awning track hangers from para-cord.

Although many campgrounds provide wireless Internet, the signal is not always strong. Improve the Wi-Fi reception in your RV with a booster.

Protect your head from hitting the metal awning strut, by slitting foam swimming noodles and slipping them over the struts.

You can hang your clothes while they’re damp, if you place a suspension rod in the shower.

Stock up on free condiments from fast-food restaurants. They’re free, and they take up less space than regular ones.

In Conclusion Ensure your glassware doesn’t break. Get the most out of your storage. Keep your home-on-wheels free from pests. Simple tricks like these take all of the guesswork out of enjoying your motorhome. Try them yourself, and do your friends and family members a favor, by sharing with them. Many of these clever RV hacks are so useful, your friends will thank you, even if they don’t travel. • “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/

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

Enjoy Savings. Maximize Life.

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

Frittata

with Asparagus, Tomato, and Fontina Serves 6 6 large eggs

1 tablespoon butter

Preheat the broiler.

2 tablespoons whipping cream

12 ounces asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces

Whisk the eggs, cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend. Set aside. Heat the oil and butter in a 9 1/2-inch-diameter nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Raise the heat to mediumhigh. Add the tomato and a pinch of salt and saute 2 minutes longer. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus mixture and cook for a few minutes

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tomato, seeded, diced Salt 3 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded

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.

until the eggs start to set. Sprinkle with cheese. Reduce heat to mediumlow and cook until the frittata is almost set but the top is still runny, about 2 minutes. Place the skillet under the broiler. Broil until the top is set and golden brown on top, about 5 minutes. Let the frittata stand 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, loosen the frittata from skillet and slide the frittata onto a plate.

Bon Appetit!

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