Issuu

GOLF ANYONE?

Tee Time in the RGV features La Floresta RV Park & 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 3.

See calendar on page 5.

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • November 18, 2015

Try her recipe on page 27.

WINTER TEXAN

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

Honoring and Remembering Our Veterans at Chimney RV Resort Special to Welcome Home RGV

American Legion Post 93 (Mission) paid tribute to Veterans with a It’s

an exciting time across the Rio Grande Valley! As we prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we also find ourselves preparing for the next big wave of Winter Texans to join us in resorts across the RGV. For those of you who don’t know, the season officially starts for many of us November 1. We love to see those of you who decided to head on south a little early – this year we were surprised at how many of you chose to do it in September! With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, I gather you will be pulling out your favorite recipes. I love recipes. Well, rather I like to read recipes. Getting them from paper to the dinner table is the challenge – but nonetheless, I love to read them. And I don’t discriminate, whether it is the perfect crock pot dinner to the most divine dessert, I like to read them all! You will find in our weekly newspaper that we have recipes and restaurant reviews – because we know that food is a hot topic. I’d like to ask you to send me your favorites, we’d love to include them in our next newspaper. I know that food, and the fellowship that results when we break bread together, is an integral part of being a Winter Texan. So send me your favorites, and let’s start cooking! • We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

ceremony at Chimney RV Resort. Prisoners of war were also remembered at the social hall’s wall of honor. WHRGV knows freedom isn’t free, and we offer our most sincere gratitude to those who have served our nation and all who are serving today.

Grand Marshal and Stars Confirmed for McAllen Holiday Parade Special to Welcome Home RGV

Actor Esai Morales, serving as Grand Marshal, will lead a line-up of showbiz stars in the McAllen Holiday Parade presented by La Plaza Mall December 5. The celebrities were revealed at a press conference hosted by the City of McAllen November 12 at the mall. Disney star Laura Marano, telenovela superstar David Zepeda, talk show personality Guillermo Rodriguez, telenovela actress Ana Brenda Contreras, Disney star Olivia Holt, Suelta La Sopa personality Jorge Bernal, and radio personality Eduardo “Piolin” Sotelo are also confirmed for the giant, new parade that will be the largest illuminated parade in Texas. In addition to the celebrities who will ride the route procession, the McAllen Holiday Parade will feature

60 illuminated floats and a large array of giant helium-filled balloons similar to those seen in the biggest parades around the country. The new route will begin at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium and will run south on Bicentennial Blvd. to Business 83. Presenting the 2015 McAllen Holiday Parade stars: • Esai Morales: Morales’ credits include the film La Bamba, Bad Boys, and Spare Parts. as well as the Emmyaward-winning series NYPD BLUE, Criminal Minds, and Miami Vice. • Laura Marano: Marano stars as the lead, Ally, in the international hit Disney Channel television series Austin and Ally. This past year, Laura was named UNICEF’s 2013 Trick or Treat Ambassador, joining the ranks

of previous ambassadors Heidi Klum, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Selena Gomez. • David Zepeda: Zepeda is an actor who is best known for his roles in various telenovelas, as well as some film roles. In 2007, he worked in Acorralada, an Azteca production, with Sonya Smith and Alejandra Lazcano. • Guillermo Rodriguez: Guillermo is a Mexican-American talk show personality who rose to fame while working as a parking lot security guard at the Hollywood Blvd. studios for American late night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! • Ana Brenda Contreras: Contreras is a well-known Mexican soap opera actress. She starred in Salvador McALLEN HOLIDAY PARADE CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 >>

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

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

UTRGV Athletics to Take Part in Season of Giving

On the Spot

• • •

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The University of Texas Rio Grande

Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Tuesday that it will be participating in Student Involvement’s Season of Giving, during its home games on Nov. 16, 18 and 20 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Season of Giving is a campus-wide initiative intended to collect canned food and coat donations for families in need of assistance from Nov. 16-20. UTRGV Athletics will be collecting canned food and coat donations at the women’s basketball game against Concordia on Nov. 16, the women’s basketball game against Texas Lutheran on Nov. 18, and the men’s basketball game against Texas A&MKingsville on Nov. 20. Fans can accumulate incentives for donating over the course of the three games. Donating once can get nonstudents free admission to the game or a free concession item for UTRGV students, donating a second time will get fans a free t-shirt, and donating a third time will get fans an exclusive

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

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UTRGV novelty item. Punch cards will be given at the UTRGV ticket office to those who donate. Incentives for donating are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Limited numbers are available. All food donations from the three games will go to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and all coat donations will go to Tim’s Coats, a nonprofit organization started by KRGV-

TV Chief Meteorologist Tim Smith, in conjunction with the Southwest Dry Cleaners Association. Tim’s Coats will distribute all donations to the needy throughout the Rio Grande Valley. For more information, please contact Assistant Athletic Director for Ticket Operations & Sales David Riggs at (956) 665-3747 or by email at david.riggs@utrgv.edu. •

Carole, a Winter Texan from Michigan, spends the season at the La Copa Inn on South Padre Island with her husband and 43 other Winter Texan couples. When WHRGV met her, we gave her a copy of the paper. She loved it, and we just had to capture this pic. Cheers!

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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Tee Time in the RGV:

An Introduction to Valley Golf Courses

Cooking Up Some Nostalgia Special to Welcome Home RGV

with Arnold Palmer

La Floresta RV Park & Golf Course: Large Enough for Fun, Small Enough to Feel Like Family Special to Welcome Home RGV

Chili Salsa • 5 Lbs. Tomatoes • 2 Lbs. Chili Peppers • 1 Lb. Onions • 1 Cup Vinegar • 3 Tsp. Salt • 1/2 Tsp. Pepper Use rubber gloves to handle chili peppers. Wash and dry peppers, slit the side of each pepper for steam to escape. Place in oven at 400 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Allow peppers to cool and remove skins and seeds and throw away. Chop the peppers. Skin tomatoes and coarsely chop tomatoes. Combine tomatoes and chili peppers with remaning ingredients and bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

golf is your game, or if you just want to learn, you will love La Floresta RV Park & Golf Course, a private 10-acre executive course. Golf fees are paid by the month or by the season. You have unlimited opportunities to golf, except when they have organized golf. Each week at La Floresta, they have Men’s Golf, Ladies’ Golf, and Mixed Scrambles. A number of tournaments are held each year, including championship and handicap tournaments, a couples’ tournament, a Valentines’ Day Tournament, a St. Patrick’s Day tournament, and an annual American Cancer Society Tournament. Prizes and trophies are presented to winners, along with Hole-in-One trophies.

La Floresta is located north of Mercedes, out in the country. It is a family-owned-and-operated facility located on the grounds of an old

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. •

4140 La Floresta Mercedes, TX 78570

956-566-6314 1929 country estate. It is a quiet, peaceful 18-acre setting with tropical landscaping of palms, orchid trees, and flowering shrubs complemented by native plants of yucca, cacti, and wild flowers. Peacocks roam freely on the property. La Floresta has a club house and a heated swimming pool and hot tub, and they also have numerous planned activities for their residents. It is a small park with 92 lots--large enough to offer as many activities as you might want to participate in and small enough to give you that comfortable feeling of “family.” For more information on La Floresta, the park can be reached by calling 956-565-6314. •

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.

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

RGV Concert Band Begins Concert Season Special to Welcome Home RGV

A Christmas concert at Our Savior

Lutheran Church in McAllen gets the Rio Grande Valley Concert Band off to a “merry, Merry Christmas” and a fun concert season for 2015-16. The December 13 concert at 1105 Fern in McAllen at 3:00 p.m. is a “Thank You” to Our Savior Lutheran Church for allowing the band to practice there each Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. The concert will feature selections of favorite holiday music. Included are new arrangements of Christmas classics as featured in the Twentieth Century Fox Television Series GLEE. “Do You Hear What I Hear” and a holiday mash-up featuring “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock” are two of these selections. The band will also play the crowd-pleaser, “Twas The Night Before Christmas” with narration. There is no charge for the concert,

and the public is invited. A free-will offering will be taken. After Christmas, the RGV Band will grow to around 60-plus members. Seven concerts will be given during the next three months. They are as follows: Jan. 10: 3:00 p.m. Tip-O’ Texas, Pharr Jan. 24: 3:00 p.m. Rio Valley Estates, Weslaco Feb. 7: 3:00 p.m. Alamo Palms, Alamo Feb. 21: 3:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Mission Mar. 4: 7:30 p.m. Trinity Worship Center, Pharr Mar. 6: 3:00 p.m. El Valle Del Sol, Mission Mar. 13: 3:00 p.m. Paradise Park, Mission

People with experience in band are invited to join the RGV Band. We are looking especially for players of clarinets, flutes, and percussion instruments.. If you are interested, please contact Director Gene Goede at 956-682-9225. •

Pickleball: What is Pickleball? Special to Welcome Home RGV

Trophy

Gardens put in one in-door pickleball court for the upcoming season. Lynn & JD Murray, managers, weren’t sure if the residents would like the game. It had never been played at Trophy Gardens before this year. As Activity Directors at Winter Ranch we know it was very popular. Winter Ranch has had courts for 7 years and Alamo Mayor Dianna Martinez serving the ball! have a large pickleball group. Within 2 weeks of our residents trying the If you are a Winter Texan, you know game they were asking for another what pickle ball is and probably have court! Now they can play indoors no played it at your Resort. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry matter what the weather brings. 2015 Participant On Tuesday, Nov. 10th, Trophy Association’s Gardens RV Resort, Division of Report, pickleball participation is Wilder Corp., hosted a pickleball 2.46 million and is played in all 50 “play date” to try out pickleball. states. Several of the resorts in the Winter Ranch, Alamo Palms, and Valley have pickleball courts for their Trophy Gardens played pickleball residents. The sport is low impact and along with Alamo Mayor Dianna multigerational. The whole family Martinez, Commissioner Maria Del can play it. Many physical education Pilar Garza, Arnoldo Robles and classes throughout the country play Steven Vela, Department of Parks in middle and high school. It is and Rec. participated too. Mayor played on 1/3 the size of a tennis Martinez had such a great time she is court and is very similar to tennis. now an official member of the Trophy You use a paddle and wiffleball. It Gardens pickleball group. The City of can be played indoors and outdoors Alamo is certified as “playful city” on a 20’X44’ court. If you want to and is looking at adding courts to the learn more check out USAPA the national pickleball association. • city.

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEEK OF

November 18 - November 24, 2015 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 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. 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 956-5811871. 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

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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. •

Electricity or any other IMAS exhibit, 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 218-525-5807. 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. 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. Entertainment w/Ron O’Neil, A Party of One, 11:00 AM, Don-Wes Flea Market, 208 N. Victoria Road, Donna For information call 989773-3586. Jam, 1:00 PM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Avenue, Harlingen For information call 956423-3137. 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. Happy Hour w/Lynn Dvorak, 3:30 PM, Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N. Mile 2 West Road, Mercedes For more information call 402-6404739. Spaghetti & Meatballs Dinner, 4:00 PM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N. FM 492, Mission Served with mixed green salad and garlic bread $7.00. For information call 956-581-6718.

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, Lark Branch Library, 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 956-565-1506. Homemade Spaghetti, 5:30 PM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. Border Avenue, Weslaco $7 per plate, comes with the works. For information call 956-968-7115. Jr’s Country, 5:30 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Avenue, McAllen

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >>

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. RazzMa-Tazz (Razz) is the premiere mixed show choir at Rowe High School, and they get rave reviews wherever they perform. For more information about Razz-Ma-Tazz, call 956-632-5152.

Park Dates 11/29 12/1 12/4 12/5 12/6 12/6 12/7

Paradise South 7pm Winter Ranch 7pm Victoria Palms 7pm Applebee’s Fundraiser 7pm Country Sunshine 7pm Valley View Estates 7pm Tip O Texas 7pm

12/8 12/11 12/12 12/13 12/13 12/14 12/15

Lone Star Bank Casa Del Valle Bentsen Grove Alamo Rose Llano Grande Palm Shadow Tropic Star

6pm 7pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Rowe High School Choir Presents

Rowe High School Auditorium January 15, 18, 19, 21, & 22 at 7:30 p.m. January 16, 17, & 23 – Matinee at 2:00 p.m. Admission $12 **Senior Citizens $10 **Senior Citizen discount available only for performances underlined above

Tickets on sale beginning Monday, November 30 at 8:00 a.m. For ticket information, call (956) 632-5152

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

SALES

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Spaghetti Nite, 5:30 PM, American Legion, 417 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr Spaghetti & Side Garlic Bread - $7.00, Extra Garlic Bread - $.50, Music by Robert & Joe. For information call 956-787-7451. Bingo, 7:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission FREE Admission For information call 956-581-1871. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 7:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr $5.00 pp Dance w/Ron E. Band, 7:00 PM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Road, Mission $5.00 pp For information call 956-585-9264. Entertainment w/Carlos Canas, 7:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Road, McAllen $5.00 pp, for information call 956682-3304.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 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!! 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. Buckets of Fun - Forest Feast, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am Ages: 2 to 5 Fee: $3 adult, $2 participating child Note: Large groups, please register in advance. For information call 956-681-3370. 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. 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. 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. Dance Lessons w/Bob Battaglia, 10:30 AM, Mission West 3805. W Highway 83, Mission 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. 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, 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 956423-1170. 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. Happy Hour w/Lynn Dvorak, 3:00 PM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S International Blvd., Weslaco Doors open at 2:30 pm. BYOB. Donations for ice and popcorn. Pop available. For information call 956968-5760. Family Fun Night Activities, 4:00

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS PM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen Join us every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. where you can enjoy $1 general admission! Additionally, take part in our Family Fun Night Activities from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an additional cost of $2 per person, supplies included. *Family Fun Night Activities are not included in the price of general admission. Limited seating. For information call 956-682-0123. Jam Dinner, 4:00 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission Jam from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, For information call 616-2048067. Loaded Tators, 5:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen Jam, 5:30 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission For information call 616-204-8067. Meat Draw Nite, 5:30 PM, American Legion, 417 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr Reg. Chicken Wings - $5.00, Spicy Wings - $5.00, Fried Hot Dog $3.00, all orders come with fries or onion rings. Karaoke from 7:0011:00 PM, for information call 956787-7451. 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. A Worldwide Travel Guide to Sea Turtles: Melissa Gaskill, 6:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Explore nature Thursday evenings with great speakers about everything from birds and Butterflies to culture and art of the Rio Grande Valley. Happening every Thursday evening in the fall to spring starting in October 2015 - April 2016 Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Grief Support Group Workshops, 6:30 PM, McAllen Medical Center The UT Health Science Center Allograft Resources Bereavement Support Department invites the community to attend monthly grief support workshops, which focus on helping families that need support after losing a loved one or friend. The workshops are free and open to anyone in the community. You are asked to register in advance by

calling 956-365-8650. Alfresco Weslaco Music & ArtWELCOME BACK WINTER TEXANS, 6:30 PM, Downtown Weslaco, 345 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco Enjoy the Mid-Valleyâ€™s official WINTER TEXAN NIGHT with your family & friends in historic downtown Weslaco as you listen to live music by the Latin Beat Band with a very special performance by the South Texas College Jazz Ensemble, grab a bite from one of our delicious food vendors, shop our local stores and arts & crafts vendors, view the fine art displayed in the art tent, take a stroll near the classic car display, and join Miss Weslaco, Celeste Tamez, as she raises awareness for America Recycles Day and introduces her Green is the new Black project initiative. FREE ADMISSION. For more information call 956.969.0838. Big Band Jam, 6:30 PM, La Hacienda Estates, 1018 El Paseo Drive, Alamo Located 1 mile south of Business 83 on Tower Road, coffee and cookies available for a donation, soda & ice cream for sale. For information call 956-683-5160. Dance w/Diego, 7:00 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission $6.00 pp For information call 319-795-8101. Karaoke, 7:00 PM, American Legion, 417 South Cage Boulevard, Pharr

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 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

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in the state of Texas. Hear about the tales of the families that built and lived at Quinta Mazatlan for a total of 60 years before the City of McAllen purchased the estate and opened it in 2006 as a mansion with a mission. Every Friday in the fall until Spring 2016. For Group of 15 or more please call to reserve a private tour! Tours are included in general admission $2 seniors (65+) & $3 Adults. For information call 956-681-3370. Friday Fish Fry, 11:00 AM, Riverside Club Bar & Grill, 214 E. Chimney Road, Mission Catfish, Cod, Shrimp or Combo Dinners with Baked Beans, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw and French Fries. For information call 956-5811033. 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.

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Open Country Jam, 1:00 PM, Split Rail RV Park, 513 N. Los Ebanos Rd, Mission Come join us for all the good music, fellowship, and fun! Cookies and coffee served. For more information call: 956-585-8135 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 956565-1506. Chicken Fried Steak, 5:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen Friday Fish Fry, 5:30 PM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. 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,

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >>

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

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 coffee or tea. For information call 956-968-7115 Friday Night Dinner, 5:30 PM, American Legion, 417 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr Shrimp, Fish, or Chicken Basket $5.50, Fish Plate - $7.00, Shrimp Plate - $8.00, Chicken Tender $7.00, Combination - $8.00, Small FF - $2.00, Small Onion Rings $1.50, Large Onion Rings - $2.50, all plates include cole slaw, french fries, or onion rings. For information call 956-787-7451. Hamburger Night & Karaoke, 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 956581-1871. Dragonflies w/John Yochum, 6:00 PM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Road, Edinburg John Yochum, Estero Llano SP Ranger. This familyfriendly speaker series happens on every third Friday from September through May at 6:00-7:00 pm.

Topics range from odd bird behavior to global climate change! Be sure to check out the topic for this month! This program is completely FREE! Space is limited, so please call ahead to reserve your spot. For information call 956-381-9922. Karaoke at Tip O’ Texas, 6:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Road, Pharr $1.00 participation fee, Al Barnes Hall, For information call 956-787-6461. Dance w/Diego, 7:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo $5.00 pp For information call 956-783-4587. Dance w/Leslie Blasing, 7:00 PM, Victoria Palms Inn & Suite, 602 North Victoria Road, Donna. $8.00 pp. Concessions available. BYOB. Call for information 956-782-3263 Dance w/Steven May & The Southern Knights, 7:00 PM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park, 1051 W. Business Hwy 83, Donna. $6.00 pp BYOB, Popcorn & Soda for sale. For information call 956-464-5191. Dance w/Walter Plant, 7:00 PM,

Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. $5.00 pp, for information call 956-585-0703. Music & Dance, 7:00 PM, Roadrunner RV Park, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Road, Alamo. For information call 956-787-8047. Entertainment w/Jealous Heart, 7:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen 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 21, 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 956581-6718. 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 956-585-5061. Park Wide Sale, 7:00 AM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Road, Donna Enter into the community off Victoria Road For information call 956-7823263 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. Craft and Patio Sale, 8:00 AM,

Hidden Valley Ranch, 1900 Long Drive, Mission Refreshments and lunch available. Any interested vendors or for information call 956-580-4477. Craft Show Sale, 8:00 AM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Avenue, Harlingen. Breakfast available at Wagon Wheel Cafe. Jerry Swarts 956-357-7274 swartsjerry@gmail. com Fall Flea Market, 8:00 AM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S. International, Weslaco. Coffee and donuts served for a minimal fee. For information call 956-246-8375. Park Wide Sale, 8:00 AM, Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club, 3101 North Kenyon Road, Edinburg For more information contact the activity director, Kathy Schwanke. Patio Sale, 8:00 AM, Victoria Palms Inn & Suites, 602 North Victoria Road, Donna. Call for information 956-782-3263 Biscuits and Gravy, 8:30 AM, Roadrunner RV Park, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Road, Alamo. For information call 712-259-2222. 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 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! Students, earn your service hours at Quinta Mazatlan! We are also a site certified for Texas Master Naturalist hours. Dates: Every Wednesday & Saturday

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS 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. FREE Walking Tours, 9:00 AM, Java Cafe, 204 E. Jackson Avenue, Harlingen Downtown Harlingen announces free walking tours on Saturday mornings* this fall and winter, beginning November 14, 2015, and continuing through March 26, 2016. The walking tours depart from Java Café, 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 for the weather, and come prepared to have fun. For more information, contact Cheryl LaBerge, Downtown Manager, at (956) 216-4910. 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 on FM 907 about 1/4 mile east on Hwy 281. Brownsville Farmers Market, 9:00 AM, 6th St & Harrison, Brownsville Brownsville has its own farmer’s market each week, across the street from Gladys Porter Zoo. http://www. brownsvillefarmersmarket.com/ 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 *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, 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. 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. S.A.L. Food, 3:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen 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. There is a bountiful harvest being sold every week here - come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Overeaters Anonymous, 5:00 PM, McAllen Heart Hospital, 1900 S. D Street, 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. 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. Dance w/Albert Mikesh Band, 7:00 PM, Tropical Valley Acres, 1240 E. Bus 83, Mission For information call 956-583-5582 Dance w/Diego, 7:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo $5.00 pp For information call 956-783-1003. Dance w/Duck Dynasty Theme, 7:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito. $5.00 pp, For information call 956-399-5800. Dance w/Lynn Dvorak, 7:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 North International Boulevard, Weslaco. $5.00 pp BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. Contact information sdubach52@gmail.com Dance w/Phil Burnette Band, 7:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe Street, Mission. $6.00 pp,

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BYOB & Snacks, soda and water for sale. For information call 956-5198597. Dance w/SweetWater, 7:00 PM, Llano Grande Lake Resort, 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes. $6.00 pp, BYOB, Free popcorn and ice. For information call 956-565-1506. Dance w/Texas Country Band, 7:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Road, Alamo. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-783-5008. Entertainment w/Chambers Show, 7:00 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission For information call 956-519-8650. Entertainment w/Rovers, 7:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 East Jasmine Avenue, McAllen, TX, United States Karaoke, 7:00 PM, American Legion, 417 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr. For information call 956-787-7451. Port Isabel Historic Ghost Tours, 8:00 PM, Port Isabel Light House Every Saturday evening at 8 pm. One hour walking tour begins at the Port

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Isabel Lighthouse. Cost, $10 per person. Tickets available at the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and Museums of Port Isabel. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 943-2262.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015 Park Wide Sale, 8:00 AM, Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club, 3101 North Kenyon Road, Edinburg For more information contact the activity director, Kathy Schwanke. Church Service, 8:30 AM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. Non-denominational services. For information call 956585-0703 Church Service, 8:45 AM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway Avenue, Mission. For information call 262-497-4241. Church Service, 8:45 AM, Winter Haven Park, 1015 W. Sam Houston Boulevard, Pharr. Nondenominational service. Service

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>

DANCE

Every Saturday FREE Popcorn and Ice Dance w/SweetWater November 21 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Diego November 28 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/The Cruisers December 5 • 7:00 PM $10.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Route 66 December 12 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB

HAPPY HOUR Happy Hour w/Ron O’Neil December 3 • 3:00 PM Pass the Hat • BYOB

JAM

Every Friday November 20 • 2:00 PM November 27 • 2:00 PM December 4 • 2:00 PM December 11 • 2:00 PM

KARAOKE

Every Wednesday Karaoke w/Harry & Judy November 25 • 5:00 PM December 2 • 5:00 PM BYOB

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

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 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, Alamo Palms Mobile Park, 1341 W. Business Hwy 83, Alamo. Nondenominational, Pastor Brian Dent. For information call 956-787-7571. 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, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Avenue, Harlingen. Non-denominational, Pastor David Squire, Communion for Sunday of each month, everyone welcome. For information call 956-423-3137. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission. For information call 956585-5061. 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, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Road, Mission. For information call 956-585-9264. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Hidden Valley Ranch, 1900 Long Drive, Mission. Coffee and refreshments available at 8:30. Services with Pastor Cameron Gillette. Church Service, 9:00 AM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 State Hwy 495, Alamo. Pastor Frisby Worship Leader. Fellowship at 8:30. Coffee, cookies and desserts. Village Chapel Church Service, 9:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr. For information call 956-787-6461. Church Service, 9:15 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission For information call 956581-1871. Church Service, 10:00 AM, Paradise

Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr. For information call 956-787-1521. Entertainment w/Lynn Dvorak, 11:00 AM, Don-Wes Flea Market, 208 N. Victoria Road, Donna. For more information call 402-6404739 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 Gospel Jam, 1:30 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview. Concessions Available. For information call 956-585-5551. Ice Cream Social, 2:30 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview Gospel Jam, 5:30 PM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway Avenue, Mission. Root Beer floats served at halftime for $1.00. For information call 956-585-9093.

BBQ & Potluck, 5:30 PM, American Legion, 417 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr. Football, BBQ, Free Pot Luck, for information call 956-787-7451. Country Jam, 6:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission FREE Admission For information call 956-581-1871. Dance w/Texas Country Band, 7:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Road, McAllen. $5.00 pp, for information call 956-682-3304. 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 23, 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,

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DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS 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 quiet afternoon playing Yahoo with your friends. For information call 956581-1871. ZUMBA Class, 2:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Road, Mission FREE Admission, Enjoy a ZUMBA class with certified instructors, Pierre and Sylvie For information call 956-581-1871. Square Dance, 3:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Road, Harlingen. For information call 956423-1170. Happy Hour w/Diego, 3:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 N. International Boulevard, Weslaco. Pass the Hat, BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. For information call 620441-1173. Dinner, 4:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. $6.50 pp, check each

week for menu! For information call 956-585-0704. Hamburger Nite, 5:30 PM, American Legion, 417 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr. 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, for information call 956-787-7451. Country Jam, 6:00 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview Concessions Available. For information call 956-585-5551. 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 24, 2015 Craft Sale, 7:30 AM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr. Vendors interested in

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participating should contact Pat Keln 507-351-5246. 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. 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. Come and see what’s been showing up at the Wetlands throughout the week! These programs are free with paid admission or membership. Tours are available in English or Spanish. For information call 956-381-9922. Square Dance Plus w/Butch Danielski, 9:30 AM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S. International Blvd., Weslaco

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$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. Wisconsin Retired Teachers Assoc., 11:00 AM, Ann’s Restaurant, San Juan. WI Retired Teachers Association monthly meeting 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-

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>

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

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 259-2222. 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 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 262-497-4241

Happy Hour w/Lynn Dvorak, 3:00 PM, Snow to Sun, 1701 N. International Blvd., 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 956-519-8597. Legion Jr’s Chicken Divan, 5:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen Country Jam, 5:30 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe Street, Mission. For information call 956519-8597. Taco Nite, 5:30 PM, American Legion, 417 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr. 3 Taco Plate - $6.50, Taco Salad $7.50, Chalupa - $2.50 each, Extra

Taco - $2.50, Extra Sour Cream $.50, for information call 956-7877451. Country Jam, 6:00 PM, Canyon Lake RV Resort, 4770 N. Mayberry Road, Mission. For information call 956580-4545.

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 956884-9909

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ROCKIN’ THE RGV

The Brits Are Coming by Bernie Crawley

For those who enjoy British popular

culture, this is an exciting time. A new James Bond movie is in theatres now for the 24th time, with Bond protecting the Western World from the forces of evil. The finale of Downton Abbey seems bound to leave its fans in floods of tears, and we’ll soon be celebrating the 125th birthday of a woman who has sold between two and four billion books worldwide. (Only Shakespeare and the Bible have sold more books than …….. you guessed it, Agatha Christie.) The Beatles are still comfortably the most successful musical group of all time. The Lord of the Rings is the second bestselling novel ever written. No children’s hero has ever sold more books than Harry Potter. The Bond movies are the world’s longest running film series, and Coronation Street is the longest running soap opera. To put it simply, no other country, relative to its size, has contributed more to the modern imagination than Britain.

However, for much of Britain’s history, foreign observers would have laughed at the idea that the UK could be a global cultural powerhouse. German critics were particularly scathing in their comments, one calling Britain “the land without music” while another said, “Nothing on earth is more terrible than English music, save English painting.” The turning point came in the early 60s, and the key moment was The Beatles’ conquest of America. By April of 1964, the band held the top five places in the Billboard singles chart, and in the next two-and-ahalf years, 30 British-made singles reached the No. 1 spot in the U.S. Great though it is, the success of The Beatles is only one aspect of a wider story. In the past four years, Britain has sold more than 600 TV shows abroad. Sherlock is watched in more than 200 countries, and Downton Abbey in more than 250. And it’s not just the selling of the

Bernie and his wife, Red

TV shows. How about the franchising and licensing? The following were all originally British shows: All in the Family, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, The Weakest Link, Dancing with the Stars, (franchised in over 40 countries), America’s (Britain’s) Got Talent (franchised in 58 countries), American Idol, Antiques Roadshow. House of Cards, and many more. And all of this from a country with

a population which is only one fifth of the U.S. and an area in square miles that would fit into Texas almost three times! Anyway ……. The kettle’s boiling; it’s time for tea, hot buttered crumpets, and the latest episode of Downton Abbey. Cheerio. • Bernie Crawley is one half of the comedy and music duo Bernie & Red, who perform throughout the Valley every January.

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

PARK NEWS

Tip O’ Texans Danced the Night Away on Halloween Special to Welcome Home RGV

he annual Halloween party was held October 31 at Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, and everybody had such a great time this year! Along with the requisite candy, cupcakes, and other Halloween favorites, there were costume prizes and dancing as well. After a hearty meal of “Ghoul-ash,” the Tip O’ Texans enjoyed trivia and a little junk food and even learned some new dances! Kudos to the volunteers and event planners on a job well done. See you next year! •

Park-Wide Sale at Monte Cristo

RV Community HOA November 20-21 Special to Welcome Home RGV

here will be a park-wide garage/ rummage sale Nov 20-21 starting at 8 a.m. at Monte Cristo RV Community. Monte Cristo RV Community is located in Edinburg. Driving on Monte Cristo, go to Kenyon Road, and follow the signs. (2919 N. Kenyon Road). The Monte Cristo Park-Wide Garage/ Rummage Sale has been held for 16 years. Don’t miss the fun! •

Tour the RGV Via Segway

Special to Welcome Home RGV

inter Texans from RV resorts in Harlingen, San Benito, and Weslaco rolled through historic Downtown Harlingen November 11, enjoying the first Segway tour of the 2015-16 fall/winter season. To schedule a tour for your group, and to find information on fees and schedules, visit www.segvalleytours.com. •

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Winter Showcase Concerts Love the RGV? Join Valley Proud! Mariachi Announcing performances in Brownsville and Edinburg Special to Welcome Home RGV

Valley Proud Environmental Council

(VPEC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 by visionary conservationist James R. Matz, who along with a small group of individuals, wanted to motivate people to recycle and conserve space in our rapidly filling landfills. Valley Proud Environmental Council is a dynamic and innovative, regional and bi-national project-oriented organization which addresses a broad range of local needs from responsible waste disposal to reforestation to litter control on our beaches. With the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, it has grown into one of the most successful regional nonprofit organizations in the United States. Valley Proud’s efforts have been recognized with 13 major state and national awards. Valley Proud has year-round region-wide projects and campaigns in collaboration with surrounding communities. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in and/ or sponsor any of these events in collaboration with VPEC. Donations to support our mission of addressing the RGV’s future today, can be made at valleyproud.org/sponsors.php More information on each event can be found on ValleyProud.org. Join us! •

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley invites the public to celebrate the pageantry and beauty of the Mariachi tradition. The University’s School of Music presents the mariachi ensembles within the mariachi program, including the nationally award winning Mariachi Aztlán, which has captured first place in numerous national competitions and has performed with renowned symphony orchestras and opera companies. The concerts will feature folk harp virtuoso Ivan Velasco performing music from Veracruz. Mariachi Winter Showcase Concerts 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 1 TSC Arts Center in Brownsville

Since 1994, VPEC has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to recruit volunteers to plant hundreds of thousands of native seedlings, trees, and shrubs and restoring native habit. So far, Rio Reforestation has resulted in the planting of 670 acres with about 235,000 seedlings!

7:30 p.m. Friday, December 4 3 p.m. Saturday, December 5 Performing Arts Complex in Edinburg Tickets for all performances are $10 at the door and will be available at the theater’s box office one hour before the shows. Patron of the Arts members may enter free with a patron pass. About the UTRGV Mariachi Program The UTRGV Mariachi program was founded by UTRGV College of Fine Arts Interim Dean Dr. Dahlia Guerra and is directed by Francisco Loera, a faculty member of UTRGV’s School of Music. Since 1989, the Mariachi Aztlán has traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada as ambassadors

representing the beauty of Hispanic music and cultural traditions, and creating a bridge of cultural understanding between countries. The mariachi’s other accolades include performances with the Chicago Lyric Opera and winning Grand Champions on five different occasions at the Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque national competition. The mariachi has also performed with the Houston Grand Opera, at the Hollywood Bowl, at the Smithsonian Folk life Festival, and at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. About UTRGV Patron of the Arts For over 30 years, Rio Grande Valley residents and visitors have enjoyed excellent artistic programs made possible through Patron of the Arts. Through a diverse offering of student ensembles, faculty recitals, and guest artists, the Patron series offers affordable access to musical performances in Brownsville and Edinburg. Membership to the series provides the most affordable way to experience the full season while simultaneously supporting the growth and development of the arts in South Texas. For more information about Patron of the Arts memberships and events, call (956) 8827025 (Brownsville events) or (956) 6653881 (Edinburg events) or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/utrgvpatron. •

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

BOOT CAMP 2015

Boot Camp Continues with Riverside Club Tour Welcome Home RGV spent the weekend on the coast as part of our Boot Camp activities

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Riverside

Club, located in Mission on the Rio Grande River, was one of the Welcome Home RGV Boot Camp destinations this year. Twenty-two of our parks were represented on the trip on the river aboard the Riverside Dreamer. The narrated tour took us up to the Anzaldua Dam, where we were able to see both the Anzalduas Park on the American side of the river and the public park on the Mexican side. During the flood in 2010, the Rio Grande River cut a new path. Now when on the river, the American park is on the south side and the park in Mexico is on the north. After touring down river to the parks, we toured up river past Chimney Park Resort and then all the way to the sugar cane fields along the Rio Grande. There are many private areas along the river, as well as a wildlife refuge. Following the tour, the Riverside Club treated us to a great sampling of their menu items. Their Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Fried Green Beans and Texas Toothpicks were among the selections. The weather was fantastic, and everyone had a great time. •

Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

weekend kicked off with a day in Port Isabel on the fishing pier at Pirate’s Landing enjoying a fried chicken lunch. Activity directors had the opportunity to walk the pier and explore local shops on the square. Some participants hopped on the local bus for a quick tour of the area. The group then met at Marcello’s Italian Restaurant for appetizers, music, and happy hour. The food was prepared by Chef Bettina and included artichoke dip, eggplant dip, popcorn shrimp, and the most amazing flat bread we’ve ever had! Saturday was also a real treat, with a private lunch at the Sea Ranch Restaurant on South Padre Island. We had a lovely lunch of fried shrimp and fish, along with the perfect atmosphere and great conversations. After lunch, we boarded a boat with The Original Dolphin Watch for a Port of Brownsville Tour. If you have never had the opportunity to take that tour, we assure you it is well worth it! After the tour, we finished the day at Louie’s Backyard for a fabulous buffet dinner with all-you-can-eat crab legs, fried shrimp, and a whole lot more. For more information on these tours, call the WHRGV office at 956-687-5115 or ask your activity director how you can have as much fun as we did! •

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Celebrating Diabetes Month in a BIG Way Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) is celebrating Diabetes Month in a BIG way. We held our first event November 14 in honor of World Diabetes Day, RGVDA provided free screening and blood pressure checks to the general public at Wal-Mart and at local restaurants. Wednesday, November 18, RGVDA will host a Panel of Experts at The Monitor, located on the corner of Jackson and Nolana, starting at 6 p.m. The panel is made up of

local diabetes specialists who will be available for your questions in regards to living with or preventing diabetes. This event is open to the general public and is free of charge. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call our office at 956-782-1900. The RGVDA is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent diabetes and its complications through educational services, early detection, and

STC Theatre prepares to light up the stage with The Miss Firecracker Contest Special to Welcome Home RGV

South Texas College (STC) Theatre

is ready to light some fireworks with their November 2015 production of Beth Henley’s comedy The Miss Firecracker Contest. The production will run November 19 – 21, starting at 8:00 p.m., with an additional Sunday, November 22 matinee performance starting at 2:00 p.m. All performances will take place at STC’s Cooper Center for Communication Arts Main Stage, located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Set in Brookhaven, Mississippi, just days before the Fourth of July, Carnelle Scott, A.K.A. “Miss Hot Tamale,” is rehearsing furiously for the Miss Firecracker Contest in the hopes of salvaging her tarnished reputation and leaving town in a blaze of glory. When her cousin Elain and eccentric brother Delmount come home for a visit, their pasts and secrets catch up to them, causing all kinds of challenges for Carnelle. The hilarity begins when everyone rallies to help Carnelle win the pageant while trying to escape their problems. “I fell in love with this play the first time I saw it when I was in college,”

says Miss Firecracker Director Joel Jason Rodriguez. “Carnelle’s desire to be accepted and what she learns about herself by trying to make that happen is the reason I love this play so much. This play is filled with so many hilarious situations and off the wall characters. I think we can all identify with them at some level.” General admission tickets cost $10. Student, faculty, military, and senior citizen are $5. The play contains some strong language and mature themes. Parental discretion is advised. The November 22, matinee production will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Ticket cash purchases can be made one hour before the performance at the box office or in advance online using a credit or debit card at https://secure.touchnet.com/ C20193_ustores/web/store_main. jsp?STOREID=13. For additional information about the show or for group rates, call (956) 872-2301 or email namaro1@ southtexascollege.edu or jrodriguez@ southtexascollege.edu.•

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 worst-afflicted areas in the country. Type 2 diabetes is preventable and manageable through a healthy regimen of exercise and diet. •

McALLEN HOLIDAY PARADE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 >>

Mejía Alejandre’s telenovela Lo Imperdonable alongside Iván Sánchez. • Olivia Holt: In 2011, Olivia got her break out role as Kim Crawford, a confident martial artist and the only girl in the dojo who can go toe-to-toe with the boys in the Disney XD comedy series Kickin’ It. • Jorge Bernal: Bernal is best known as Mr. Check It Out, and he also hosts popular Telemundo show Suelta La Sopa. • Eduardo “Piolin” Sotelo: Radio personality Piolin has hosted his own SirusXM show and provided voicing for Ice Age: Continental Drift and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. •

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From the Inside, Out by Marge Flados

consider myself a very tolerant person. I am a good listener, (or I used to be), and I don’t really give a rat’s tail if people agree with me or not. Usually. But there are some things that make me want to take out an ad in the local newspaper offering a class on how not to do silly stuff. First among them: In each kitchen sink is a metal basket that covers the drain hole and is there for the purpose of catching food stuff so we can lift it out and empty it into the disposal drain. How nice is that? Along comes about half of the people I know and what do they do with this magnificent system? They wash their dishes, drain out the dishwater, clean the strainer basket, then…are you ready for this? They turn the basket on its side and place it on the sink ledge by the faucets. Horrors, I say. Now we have a drain with a few wellspaced cross bars that will keep your glasses, hearing aid, or the cap from your aspirin bottle from falling down the drain. BUT if you drop a contact lens, a gemstone from a ring, a pill, or a small button down it, it goes into the gooseneck 14 inches below your sink. All the while, the basket sits high and dry on the sink ledge. Now a plumber’s tool is needed to open the gooseneck and drain the nasty stuff that remains there, with the hope of finding what you dropped. Since it is now dripping and in your hands, of course you must clean out the malodorous stuff in the gooseneck. An uncontrollable desire to clean the gooseneck of your drain is the only justification for ever leaving the basket up and out of the drain opening. Secondly. We have kitchen cupboards in which we store our cups and drinking glasses. Many of my relatives and friends turn them upside down inside the cupboard. Why? I know that during the dust storms of the 1930s, everyone turned things upside down to keep the dust out of things, including cups (and especially drinking glasses). It kept us from feeling dust between our teeth when we drank the Kool-Aid. I well remember, for I was a child of the dirty 30s. But here we are, 80 years

Marge Flados

later, with air conditioned, weatherstripped, insulated houses containing cupboards with doors, and we are still turning our glasses upside down. This makes no sense at all. I keep thinking if a stray cockroach or a fly just happens to leave a skid mark on the cupboard shelf (after all we do live in buggy ‘ol Texas), you are tipping the rim of your glass onto any mess that just may have been deposited there. Thirdly. This may fall into the category of rare and eccentric behavior, but I think anyone who wears a belt and suspenders has an anxiety problem. Or maybe it is a selfimage or self-esteem problem, but he is afraid of something! Fourthly. Please let’s lose the word “got.” It is an ugly, unnecessary word. When people say I have got to blah, blah…..it is an “unpretty” fingernail scratching on the blackboard of my life. I have never found a sentence that required the word “got.” Never will. Fifthly. Anyone who is unable to pronounce the profession in which he/she earns a living. Case in point: Realtor. Most people I know pronounce it Real-a-tor. It is Re’ al tor. Why is this? Sixthly. Washingtonian Palms have not earned the privilege of being called a tree. They cannot shed their own foliage, birds won’t nest in them, and they give no shade. Cockroaches and rodents live in them, and if a spark hits them, they can catch fire and explode like a rocket. I like to view them from a distance but would never plant one! Is this nit-picking? Perhaps, but now that I have written about it, I dare say, I do believe I have closure! • 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

Love That

Dish

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!” •

19 Celebrate Family with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg www.welcomehomergv.com

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Boys

& Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV is hosting the 24th Annual Celebration of Family Thanksgiving Fest & entertainment Monday, November 23, from 6-8 p.m. at The Legacy Center, located at 702 Cullen St., (Rogers & Expressway 281) in Edinburg. Families are welcome to join us. This FREE dinner will feature a traditional holiday meal of smoked turkey, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberries, pie, and beverages. Plus, there will be a festive family

celebration for everyone, which will include musical entertainment; face painting for the kids, and more! For more details on how you can be involved in the fall festival, please contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV at 956-383-2582. â€˘

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Hernia in the Elderly Population. Should it be Fixed and How? by Mario del Pino, MD FACS

Approximately

600,000 inguinal or groin hernia repair operations are performed annually in the United States on patients of all ages, according to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. As America’s elderly population grows, hernia repair in older patients has become much more common. Studies reveal a significant rise in the percentage of elderly patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair since the 1990s. Some hernia repairs are performed by the conventional “open surgery” method in which the surgeon makes a large incision to repair the tissue. Some are performed using a small telescope known as a laparoscope. But the most modern method is using the da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgical system. What is a Hernia? A hernia is a gap or space in the strong tissue that holds muscles in place. A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. The inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. Then a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue pushes into the sac. Hernias are easy to recognize as the bulge is typically visible under the skin. The hernia can cause discomfort, severe pain, or other serious problems that could require emergency surgery. Common causes of a hernia in the elderly include lifting heavy objects or straining during urination or a bowel movement. They can also be the result of injury or general weakness and part of the aging process. Hernias

benefit significantly. Elderly patients experience less pain and have a faster recovery with this technique. Also, there is a low chance of having to convert the small incision operation to an open one with a large painful cut through several layers of muscle. In fact, I have been able to complete all groin hernia surgeries with the robot, even in patients with large hernias. For an elderly patient, avoiding a large incision means going home the same day versus having to stay in the hospital for one or more nights and the need for strong narcotic pain medications with the associated side effects.

Mario del Pino, MD FACS

can strike both men and women, and they do not get better over time or go away without treatment. Common areas where hernias occur are in the groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical), a site of a previous operation (incisional), and the hiatus (hiatal hernia) when the stomach slips up into the chest through the diaphragm. Are You a Candidate for Inguinal Hernia Repair? Only after a thorough examination can your surgeon determine whether hernia repair is right for you. The procedure may be done under local, spinal, or general anesthesia. Patients who have symptoms caused by a hernia should have it repaired to avoid complications. If you have a hernia but no symptoms, it is up to you as to whether to repair it. About 50 percent of patients without symptoms become symptomatic within a year. The problem is that we don’t know who will develop a symptomatic hernia.

If the patient is in good health, I usually recommend repair. We only get older with time, and it is much safer to have an elective, planned operation when you are in good shape instead of an emergency operation when you are very sick or already have a complication. When bowel tissue gets stuck in a hernia, the tissue can lose function due to lack of circulation and require resection which may lead to a colostomy bag. Robotic Surgery for Hernia Repair Robotic surgery is done through small incisions. The surgeon controls the robotic arms that are connected to tiny instruments that facilitate the operation. The robot allows the surgeon to see better and to be more precise and dexterous, which translates to less bleeding, less pain, and faster recovery. As of today, no studies have been published about the use of the daVinci robot on older patients, but based on my experience, patients

The most advanced technology for robotic-assisted minimally-invasive surgery is located at Edinburg Regional Medical Center. •

Dr. Mario del Pino is a board certified general surgeon with fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery from the University of Pittsburg. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the American Hernia Society and the Robotic Surgery Society. He is also the director of a Center of Excellence Bariatric Surgery Program in McAllen. Dr. Mario del Pino performs surgery with the Da Vinci Xi system at Edinburg Regional Hospital, the most modern platform available. Other surgeries he performs with the Da Vinci Robotic system include umbilical, incisional and hiatal hernia, reflux surgery, colon surgery, gallbladder removal, and weight loss surgery. His office number is 956631-8155. Dr. del Pino’s office is located at 110 E Savannah Ave A-202 in McAllen.

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

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Non-Profit Spotlight: Brownsville Literacy Center Special to Welcome Home RGV

Nonprofit Name: Brownsville Literacy Center Address: 245 E. Levee Street, Brownsville Email: brownsvilleliteracy@yahoo.com Phone Number: 956-542-8080 Website: www.brownsvilleliteracycenter.org Contact Person’s Name: Emily Younger Who is the Executive Director? Victor Rivera How and when did your organization begin and who does it serve? The Brownsville Literacy Center (BLC) is a private, nonprofit adult and family literacy provider established in 1986 in response to the profound, unmet literacy needs of the Brownsville community. The center is funded by private charitable and corporate donations, and by the United Way of Southern Cameron County, a Community Development Block

Grant (CDBG) and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Where is your organization located and what are the hours of operation? 245 E. Levee Street in Brownsville Office Hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30a.m.-12 p.m. and 1p.m.-6:30 p.m. What kind of donations does your nonprofit organization need? books, dictionaries, thesauruses, dry erase markers, dry erase board erasers, copy paper, colored paper, manila folders What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have for Winter Texans, Valley retirees, and others in our community? ESL instructors, ESL instructor assistants, office volunteers, Symphony in the Park volunteers

Do you have any upcoming events you would like Welcome Home RGV readers to know about? 7th Annual Purse Sale and Fashion Show - December 5 from 6-9 p.m. at Brownsville’s Historic Market Square

18th Annual Symphony in the Park - May 7, 2016 at Texas Southmost College •

www.welcomehomergv.com

Creative Tools for Creating Pleasant Holidays Memories Special to Welcome Home RGV

Project Insight offers H.O.P.E.: The ONLY weekly Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Support Group in the RGV

The holidays are coming up quickly.

Are you planning to join a group of family members or friends for the occasion? Historically, you may have shied away from committing to an invitation in FEAR of what could or would happen when you are amongst a certain group of friends. Dr. Marsha Nelson will provide you with tools for not only “surviving” the gathering, but even better, for enjoying your time with the group. Project Insight’s Third Thursday Potluck Speaker, Marsha Nelson, Ph.D,. is the co-founder of the Creative Journal Expressive Arts & Visioning® Certification Training Programs (www.LuciaC.com), the executive director of Project Insight, and owner of El Rocio Retreat (www.elrocioretreat.com) She will be offering a hands-on activity using Visioning® with the Creative Journaling method in order to pique the right hemisphere of the brain into discovering new opportunities for pleasant experiences. Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. the public is invited to this free session. No reservations are needed; just

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Each

Marsha Nelson, PhD

bring a food item to share with the group. It’s a great place to meet wonderful people who enjoy learning a variety of creative skills for the body, mind, and soul. For directions to El Rocio Retreat, please visit www. elrocioretreat.com, call El Rocio at 956.584.7432, call Marsha at 956.802.9993, or send her an email at marshanelson@rgv.rr.com This meeting is sponsored by Project Insight, a 501(C) 3 nonprofit organization (www.project-insight. net). According to Marsha, “Our mission is to empower individuals by promoting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through the offering of creative and educational tools.” •

Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, everyone is invited to Conference Room B at the McAllen Public Library, located at 4001 N. 23rd Street, for the H.O.P.E. (Helping Other Patients Emotionally) Cancer Survivor gatherings. No reservations are needed, and no fees are charged. Warning: This IS NOT a death and dying group!!! Participants are led by Creative Journal Expressive Arts certified workshop facilitators. (www. LuciaC.com) There are activities offered each week, which help the participants deal with their emotions and mental functioning during times of their, or their loved ones’, recovery from cancer or any other life-threatening disease. Wednesday, November 26 at 10 a.m., H.O.P.E. has planned a Thanksgiving Celebration of Life luncheon. The public is invited to join. Just bring a food item to share and meet some RGV survivors of cancer and other diseases. For details, please contact Mr. Izzy Torres, H.O.P.E. coordinator, at 956.624.3840 or by email at

Mr. Izzy Torres, cancer survivor, joining in on a H.O.P.E. activity

createyourlife@consultant.com H.O.P.E. is sponsored by Project Insight, a 501 (c ) 3 nonprofit whose mission is to empower individuals by promoting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through the offering of creative healing and educational tools to the public. (www. project-insight.net) For additional information regarding Project Insight, please contact, Marsha Nelson,Ph.D. at marshanelson@rgv.rr.com or at 956.802.9993. •

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

The CacheTones Introduce New Music Genre Meet the musical group making waves November 22 at 2 p.m. Special to Welcome Home RGV

The

Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory), a museum chronicling the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, introduces The CacheTones for a distinctive musical Sunday Speaker Series experience Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. The CacheTones is a vibrant duo that performs a new genre of music, “Rhythm & Bliss,” in several community events in the region. Before departing to Nicaragua in February of 2016, band members Rich Heart and Ernesto Vergara will perform an exclusive show in the Grand Lobby at the Museum of South Texas History. Experience a new wave of salsa, reggae, and cumbia with the support of keyboards, congas, and rhythm instruments, such as the cowbell. The duo will be available for comments and questions pertaining

to the music genre, which reflects their experiences, both physically and musically, in the Rio Grande Valley. Bring family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of spirited music that celebrates the joys of living. Sunday Speaker Series is included in the fee for regular admission. FRIENDS of the Museum are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDship.

This program is made possible with generous support from the Carmen C. Guerra Endowment. Mrs. Guerra was deeply committed to supporting educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley. This named endowment was created at the museum by her family to honor her memory and to continue her commitment to providing opportunities for education to the community. •

About Museum of South Texas History 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.

www.welcomehomergv.com

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

Enjoy Savings. Maximize Life.

COUPON

CONNECTION

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

SEE YOUR COUPON HERE!

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

Pumpkin Risotto Serves 6

4 cups low (or no) sodium chicken stock, plus extra, as needed 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 4 slices thick apple wood smoked bacon, diced

1 1/2 cups Arborio rice 2/3 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 sweet (like Vidalia) onion, diced 2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

6 ounces coarsely crumbled goat cheese

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.

Whisk together the broth and the pumpkin in a medium saucepan and simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low to keep the pumpkin broth warm. In a large, heavy saucepan, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain and set aside for garnish. In the same heavy large saucepan, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the diced onion and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Cook until almost tender (do not brown), 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in the thyme. Add the rice and stir for 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer, stirring constantly, until completely absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the pumpkin broth and stir until almost completely absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes. Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to absorb

before adding the next. Cook until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite, and the mixture is creamy, 20 to 25 minutes, adding additional warm broth by 1/4 cup-fuls if risotto is dry. Mix in the Parmesan, 1 tablespoon of the parsley, the remaining salt, pepper and nutmeg. Remove from the heat. Add more salt to taste. Divide the risotto among 6 shallow bowls. Sprinkle each with the bacon, goat cheese and remaining parsley and serve. Chef’s Tips: 1) When cooking with wine, always use wine that is good enough to drink. Taste it first, if it has turned, and does not taste good, it will not taste good in the food either. 2) If you really don’t care for goat cheese, it is perfectly fine in this recipe to substitute with feta. Have fun and enjoy!

Bon Appetit!

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

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