GOLF ANYONE?
Tee Time in the RGV features Meadow Creek Golf Club!
UPCOMING EVENTS!
Check out our weekly listings of what’s happening in the RGV!
RECIPE CONNECTION!
Executive Chef Bettina Tolin shares another delicious recipe!
Welcome Home See review on page 24.
See calendar on page 5.
Try her recipe on page 31.
®
WINTER TEXAN
VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 8 • December 9, 2015
• • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •
Winter Texan Expo presented by South Texas Health System
Special to Welcome Home RGV
Welcome Home! I hope this paper finds you knee-deep in everything! It’s no secret that while you’re in the Rio Grande Valley, if you’re bored, it’s your own darn fault! With so much to see and do, inside and outside of your resort, I sure hope you got plenty of rest over the summer months. For me, this time of year is always hectic, to say the least. Balancing work life and home life can be....well... interesting this time of year. Luckily, I have a husband who likes to cook. That takes the pressure off of cooking most days of the week. Thanks to the wonderful weather in the RGV, most of his cooking is done outside, so the clean up isn’t bad, either! Food is something we all have in common, whether we like to prepare it or just to eat it. I’ve had such fun hearing your comments on our recipes. Thank you to all of you who have submitted your own favorites, too! We look forward to publishing them throughout the season for everyone’s enjoyment. I will have to pass them along to my husband to test them. (I’ll happily do the dishes!) • We’re just connecting the dots,
Kristi
Shown above are (L to R): Gerardo Ramos, Associate Administrator for Edinburg Regional Medical Center/Edinburg Children’s Hospital; Colette Brookins, Program Coordinator for Welcome Home RGV; Eladio Montalvo, COO of McAllen Medical Center; Sharon Flores, CFO for Welcome Home RGV; Douglas Matney, Regional VP Central Region UHS; Amie Gray, Volunteer Coordinator for Welcome Home RGV; Lance Ames, Interim CEO at McAllen Heart Hospital; Jennifer Garza, CEO at Edinburg Regional Medical Center and Edinburg Children’s Hospital; Rita Huether, Program Coordinator for Welcome Home RGV; Cari Lambrecht, Public Relations Coordinator for South Texas Health System; and Kristi Collier, Publisher and CEO for Welcome Home RGV
What
could be better than free health screenings combined with vendor giveaways and great door prizes? The Winter Texan Expo & Health Fair, of course!!! This year, the 23rd Annual event will be held January 19 and 20, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center. Although it’s called the “Winter Texan” Expo and Health Fair, all seniors are welcome! Admission is free. The health screenings are free. The giveaways
and door prizes are free. AND, the entertainment (a lineup that can’t be beat) is also free! The Winter Texan Expo is bringing you top notch entertainers to include Bernie & Red, Freddy & Shiela, Goldwing Express, Jeff Gordon, John Sager, Leslie Blasing, Lindley Creek and Southern Anthem. New to the Expo this year will be dancing in the ballroom! Line dancing, square dancing and your favorite country and western dancing! Stay tuned for more information.
The Expo is presented by South Texas Health System and sponsors include Amazon Camperforce, City of McAllen, Green Mountain Energy, Gulf Coast Eye Institute, HEB, Mercedes Benz of San Juan, Texas Regional Bank, United Blood Services and Weslaco Regional Rehabilitation Hospital. For more information, visit www. wintertexanexpo.com. Be sure to SAVE THE DATES! See you at the Expo!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
Catch the Holiday Spirit in Downtown Harlingen Special to Welcome Home RGV
The
garland is strung from the lampposts with care, in hopes that Winter Texans soon will be there! Where? In Downtown Harlingen, of course! If you’re done with your shopping, or just looking for a fun outing, come take part in a free and fun Holiday Word Game. Collect the letters on Holiday Word Game posters displayed in store windows in Downtown Harlingen, solve the puzzle, and you will be entered into a drawing for prizes. No purchase is necessary. Prizes are gift certificates to delicious, locally-owned Downtown Harlingen restaurants. Details, entry forms, and a map are available at www.downtownharlingen. com (click on Events) and at the 51 participating businesses. The entry deadline is January 3, 2016. For more information, call the Harlingen Downtown office at 956216-4910. •
Welcome Home
®
WINTER TEXAN
your official connection to the rio grande valley
ELVES NEEDED!
Santa’s Stopping by the National Butterfly Center Special to Welcome Home RGV
Publisher Kristi Collier
kristi@welcomehomergv.com
Accounting Sharon Flores
sharon@welcomehomergv.com
agray@welcomehomergv.com
Colette Brookins
colie@welcomehomergv.com
Sales & Marketing Cheryl Palacios
Welcome
cheryl@welcomehomergv.com
Marie Sanchez
marie@welcomehomergv.com
rita@welcomehomergv.com
Activity Coordinator Fran Adams
fran@welcomehomergv.com
Contributing Writer Chris Ardis
news@welcomehomergv.com
Graphic Design Jenny R Carpenter silentBYTES design
artwork@welcomehomergv.com
Welcome Home
®
rio grande valley
219 W. Nolana, Ste A • McAllen, Texas 78504
956-687-5115 www.welcomehomergv.com
© Copyright 2015 Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic means without written permission from Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley, LLC.
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!
Follow Us on Facebook!
Administration Amie Gray
1st Responder Coordinator Rita Huether
Weekly e-Blasts
Saturday, December 19, from 10-
11 a.m., Santa will be visiting children in the care of the Rio Grande Valley Children’s Home. You’re invited to “adopt” a child this Christmas andto be a part of this festive celebration! We have a job for anyone wishing to volunteer as one of “Santa’s Helpers.” If you cannot donate a present for one of the 20 children we will be serving, please consider donating homemade cookies for decorating or helping with crafts. Call 956-583-5400 to sign up or email Angie@nationalbutterflycenter.org. We hope to see you, here, to spread home good cheer! . The National Butterfly Center is committed to ‘Growing Connections’
between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. We do this through educational and environmental initiatives that cultivate meaningful understanding of the processes that create sustainable ecosystems. The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week. To learn more about our mission and how you can join us, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956-583-5400. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of Deep South Texas. •
Home RGV has three ways to join the conversation on Facebook. Our WHRGV page is dedicated to community events and information that will appeal to people of all ages. Our Winter Texan page is more specific to our Winter Texan target market. Finally, our latest addition is our Winter Texans RGV group. Member parks and business partners can send event fliers to us at news@welcomehomergv.com, and we will be happy to post them on our social media sites any time! Perks for Partners! •
www.facebook.com/whrgv www.facebook.com/wintertexan www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
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Camarata Cellista in Concert Cooking Up Some Nostalgia at the McAllen Heritage Center
Special to Welcome Home RGV
with Dave Thomas
Special to Welcome Home RGV
The
McAllen Heritage Center, a museum of McAllen history and culture located at 301 S. Main St. in the historic “La Placita” building, invites the public to visit the museum during December. The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 1p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This holiday season, MHC will close at 4 p.m. December 24 and will be closed Christmas Day, December 25, through Friday, January 1, 2016. We will re-open Saturday, January 2, 2016. Saturday, December 19 at 1:30 p.m. we are hosting Camarata Cellista concert in the south park, adjacent to the museum. Camarata Cellista is organized for the charitable and educational purposes of holistically educating cello students of the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas to become lifelong learners and patrons of the arts through a program of technical and musical development, performance, and community service. This is the second holiday concert performance by Camarata Cellista at the museum. Our LIFE! The Joy of Life art exhibit by talented local portraitist, Linda Jean, remains on display, and her work is also available for purchase. Linda Jean excels in capturing a fleeting moment of emotion in her work, which makes a lasting impression. One of her vibrant canvases would make an extra special gift this season. During Saturdays in December, parents are invited to bring the kids in to enjoy making fun holiday crafts
and coloring projects or to watch a classic holiday movie. Our “Kids Book Nook” will be open, too, and any child expressing interest in a book will be allowed to take one home! The MHC is the place to be this holiday season! Enjoy our McAllen history exhibits and shop for historic and other small gifts at La Tiendita! There is no admission fee; however, donations at the door will be gratefully accepted. We are also seeking new or gently used children’s books to replenish our “Kids Book Nook” throughout the holiday season. Please call 687-1904 for more information about the events planned, or email us at mcheritage@att.net. •
Trophy Gardens Bike Club Bikes for Breakfast Special to Welcome Home RGV
The Trophy Gardens Bike Club biking for breakfast. This club bikes on
Monday morning and Thursday morning each week. They take a short bike ride on Thursdays and a long bike ride for breakfast every Monday.
Dave’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 4 rounded tablespoons flour • A pinch of salt • 2 cups milk • 2-3 tablespoons melted butter • Sprinkles of nutmeg Mix sugar, flour, and salt together. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Then pour 1 cup of milk and mix with fingers. Add another cup of milk or enough to fill pie and again mix. Last add butter on top and sprinkle with a little nutmeg. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Then bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until it bubbles up good. Don’t overbake.
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. •
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
Texas Master Naturalist Certification Program Opens for Class of 2016 Special to Welcome Home RGV
Ever
wonder how nature guides know so many interesting facts? If they are members of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist, they got their training right here in the Valley. Texas Master Naturalist is a volunteer educational program of the Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Sea Grant. It is designed for people who want to learn about, and help sustain, the Lower Valley’s native resources. There are chapters throughout Texas. Local advisor is Texas AgriLife’s extension agent Tony Reisinger. Javier de León is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advisor. “Rio Grande Valley Texas Master Naturalists learn the whole gamut of our unique ecosystem,” said Reisinger. “The three-month training encompasses coastal and marine life, birds, butterflies, reptiles, mammals, geology, weather – myriad elements native to the Rio Grande Valley.”
Training is region-specific and taught by local university professors, field experts from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and noted authors, photographers, and other local professionals. “Chapter members continually train in their areas of interest,” Reisinger said. “Throughout the year, volunteers are offered a network of workshops, lectures. and advanced training opportunities not generally open to the public.” The Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist is open to residents of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties, including Winter Texans. Applications are now being accepted for the annual training. Weekly evening classes are offered at the Cameron County Annex Building in San Benito each Wednesday beginning January 13 and running through mid-April. Training includes customized field
trips and hands-on work through mentored volunteer opportunities at area nature centers and other TMN partners. The line-up of Saturday field trips for the 2016 class includes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather station in Brownsville, private local ranches, and University of Texas— Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Lab at South Padre Island. Exclusive guided programs are scheduled at area wildlife centers, including Resaca de la Palma State Park, Sabal Palm Sanctuary, South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, Sea Turtle Inc., Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Estero Llano Grande State Park, and Valley Nature Center. Graduates will be certified at the end of the training and will have the opportunity to become involved in charitable, scientific, and educational outreach within the Rio
Grande Valley. Visit www.rgvctmn.org and select “Our Next Class” under the “Join Us” tab for more information and to register. The cost is $150. Limited scholarships are available. The site is PayPal friendly. You may also contact Carolyn Cardile via email at p42339@aol.com. •
McAllen Nature Center Announces December Program Schedule Special to Welcome Home RGV
The
McAllen Nature Center is offering the following weekly programs running through December 31. Programs run one hour unless otherwise noted. Park admission and programs are free. Mondays: Mindfulness & Meditation, 9:30 a.m. After a brief intro, spend 20 minutes on a mindful walk and 20 minutes in a seated, guided meditation. Nature, Fitness & Teamwork for Homeschoolers, 11:00 a.m. Join us for some learning, which infuses nature with healthy living and cooperative tasks. Tuesdays: Volunteers in the Park, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a quiet
morning in the park, assisting us with weeding, watering, trail maintenance, and more. Tasks vary by day. Art in the Park, 11:00 a.m. A new project each week, from painting to sketching and more. Wednesdays: Bird & Nature Walk, 8:30 a.m – 10:00 a.m. No experience necessary, and all ages welcome. Join a staff naturalist for a leisurely stroll along the trails, investigating everything that crosses the path! Butterflies for Beginners, 11:00 a.m. Join a staff naturalist on a one-hour search for these beautiful, winged wonders. Bring a camera. if desired.
Loaner binoculars available free of charge. Thursdays: Volunteers in the Park, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Native Plants, 11:00 a.m. Join a staff naturalist to explore the beauty and benefits of native plants. Topics include edible plants, backyard gardening, and more. Fridays: Bird & Nature Walk, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Yoga for Resilience, 4:45 p.m. Any person, regardless of fitness or flexibility, can benefit from yoga. Bring a yoga or exercise mat and water. Night Hike, 5:45p.m. Enjoy an evening adventure with the creatures of the night! Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and wear close-toed shoes. Saturdays: Tai Chi, 8:00 a.m. Also known as “moving meditation,” Tai Chi has positive effects on balance control, fitness, and flexibility. Wear comfortable clothes and flexible shoes and bring water. Yoga for Resilience, 10:00 a.m. Family Nature Walk, 2:00 p.m. A new nature topic each week; all ages welcome. Sundays: Yoga for Resilience, 10:00 a.m. Mindfulness & Meditation, 11:00 a.m. Social Walkers, 2:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy our trails while meeting
new people. The McAllen Nature Center is open Monday –Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (through April). It is located at 4101 W. Business 83 between Bentsen Road and Ware Road. The park features 3/4 mile of ADA=accessible trails which meander through native habitat. Park admission and programs are free. For more information on the McAllen Nature Center, contact the City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department at 956-681-3333. •
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEEK OF
December 2 - December 8, 2015 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 Christmas Craft Sale, 07:00 AM, Country Omelette Restaurant, 3420 N. 10th St., McAllen. I will be selling my handmade personalized Christmas ornaments and other Christmas décor including nativities, other artwork and sports logos. I will be selling DAILY from 7:00am-3:00pm from NOVEMBER 20 thru DECEMBER 20. For information call 956-225-4915. Craft & Tailgating, 07:30 AM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S Stewart Rd., Mission Will provide rolls & coffee beginning at 7:30 am and lunch at 10:30 am with a large selection. For information call 956-585-9264. Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 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. Upper Valley Home Owner Association, 09:00 AM, Twin Lakes RV Park, 301 N. Shary Rd., Mission Exhibit Display: Electricity, 09:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Ave.,
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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. •
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. Bluegrass Jam, 09:00 AM, Bentsen Palm RV Park, 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. Home made goodies and coffee served. For information call 218-525-5807. Winter Texan Orchestra, 09:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, East Sioux Rd., Pharr.If you play a musical instrument found in a Symphony Orchestra you are invited to consider the Winter Texan Orchestra. We rehearse on Wednesday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Percussion and strings are especially needed but all are welcome. We welcome local musicians to join us for the season. Bob Seymour, Conductor at 317-626-6512 or 956-607-2696 or visit a rehearsal. McAllen Mission Garden Club, 09:30 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. This is an ongoing, weekly support group for survivors, caregivers
and anyone else dealing with cancer. Newmar Owner’s Luncheon, 11:30 http://project-insight.org/ AM, Harold’s Country Kitchen, 2111 Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley E. Business Highway 83, Donna. For Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Newmar RV owners. For information Come have a great time walking. call 603-396-2786. Indoors in the Clubhouse. Walk for Line Dance, 12:30 PM, Casa del Valle, fun, to take the pounds off, enjoy the 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For fellowship of others. For information information call 956-783-5008. call 956-581-1871. Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Sunshine RV Line Dancing w/JoAnn, 10:00 AM, Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 State For information call 956-425-7448. Hwy 495, Alamo. $3.00 pp, Beginners Music Jam, 12:30 PM, Paradise Resort at 10:00 am, Intermediate at 10:30 Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr am. For information call 956-783- Free admission, lunch served at 4587. 11:30, all musicians welcome. For Quinta Mazatlan Garden Walk, 10:00 information call 956-787-1521. AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, RC Racing, 01:00 PM, Penitas RV Park, McAllen. Drop in to Chat and walk 304 19th St., Penitas. 1/10 scale with a garden expert. Novice and electric stadium trucks and Corr 2w/d. advanced gardeners will enjoy the Beginners and spectators welcome! themed garden walks with interesting No dues or fees, for information call stories about plants and gardens. Each 956-585-2284. month the topic will change based on Line Dance, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV the season in the valley! $3.00 Adults, Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. $2.00 Seniors. For information call For information call 965-428-7116. 956-681-3370. Round Dance, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV Country Two Step, Waltz & Swing w/Judy, Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. 11:15 AM, Winter Ranch RV Park, For information call 956-423-1170. 600 State Hwy 495, Alamo $6.00 per Jam, 01:00 PM, Eastgate MH & Couple, basic footwork at 11:15, turns RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Ave., and moves at 11:45. For information Harlingen. For information call 956call 956-783-4587. 423-3137. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >>
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS
JAM SESSIONS
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SALES
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 ZUMBA Class, 02:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N Abram Rd., Mission FREE Admission, Enjoy a ZUMBA class with certified instructors, Pierre and Sylvie, for information call 956581-1871. Overeaters Anonymous Serenity Group, 02:00 PM, Harlingen Library, 410 76th Drive, Harlingen. Are you tired of the Yo-Yo of diets? No dues, fees or weigh-ins, we welcome all who desire to stop eating compulsively. 419-6512901 or 956-202-5281. Acoustical Jam, 02:00 PM, Park Place Estates, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. Free Admission, refreshments available, musicians by invitation, open to the public. For information call 956-412-0375. Beginning Round/Trail Dance, 03:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956783-5008. Happy Hour w/Brenda Cohn, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pass the Hat, BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. For information call 620441-1173. Happy Hour w/Carlos Canas, 03:30 PM,
Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N Mile 2 West Rd., Mercedes. Pass the Hat, BYOB, Hamburgers and hot dogs may be purchased. For information call 956-825-9509. Maxan Street Farmers’ Market, 04:00 PM, The Garden, Port Isabel. Every Wednesday from 4-6 pm in The Garden on Maxan St. in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square. Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing for Farmers’ Market customers. For more information and vendor opportunities, call 956-4339675. Hamburger Night, 05:00 PM, Pleasant Valley Resort, 7320 Expressway 83, Mission. $5.00 pp. Hamburger, Chicken sandwich or 1/4 lb Hot Dog including chips, drink and dessert. *Karaoke Follows* For information call 956-580-8454. Taco’s & Chalupas, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Entertainment w/Jack & Jackie, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Homemade Spaghetti, 05:30 PM,
Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. Border Ave., Weslaco. $7 per plate, comes with the works. For information call 956-968-7115. Spaghetti Nite, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Spaghetti & Side Garlic Bread - $7.00, Extra Garlic Bread - $.50, Music by Robert & Joe. For information call 956-787-7451. Line Dance Lessons, 06:00 PM, Fun-NSun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Rd., San Benito. $2.00 pp. For information call 269-838-9519. Entertainment w/Carlos Canas, 06:30 PM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park, 1051 W Business Hwy 83, Donna. $6.00 pp, popcorn, soda & ice cream bars for sale, for information call 956464-5191. Karaoke, 06:30 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. Free admission, doors open at 6:15 pm, snack bar open. For information call 956-787-1521. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. $5.00 pp. Dance w/Dixon & Company, 07:00 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop
374, Palmview. $6.00/person. Free popcorn, concession available. Dance w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 PM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna $8.00 pp. Concessions available. BYOB. Call for information 956-782-3263. Dance w/Sipe & The Country Playboys, 07:00 PM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S Stewart Rd., Mission $5.00 pp, for more information call Jerry Russman @ 402-651-6666. Square & Round Dance, 07:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen For information call 956-423-1170. Entertainment w/4 His Glory, 07:00 PM, Park Place Estates, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. $6.00 pp, for information call 956-412-0375. Entertainment w/Blue Wolf Duo, 07:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Rd., McAllen. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-682-3304. 2 Step & Waltz Lessons, 07:30 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Rd., San Benito. $2.00 pp. Must have a partner. For information call 269838-9519.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. Hwy 107, McAllen. Lunch Available. For tables contact: Carol Case 517-862-4011 Craft Show, 08:00 AM, Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N. Mile 2 West Rd., Mercedes. For information call 956825-9509. Peppermint Palace Country Jam, 09:00 AM, El Valle Del Sol/Luna, 2500 E. Business 83, Mission. For information call 956-585-5704. Bible Study, 10:00 AM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. For information call 956423-5484. Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Come have a great time walking. Indoors in the Clubhouse. Walk for fun, to take the pounds off, enjoy the fellowship of others. For information call 956-581-1871. FREE Zumba Classes, 10:00 AM, South Padre Island KOA, 1 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island. For information call 956-761-5665. Pharrmers Market, 10:00 AM, The Food Bank of the RGV, 724 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Excluding Holidays and rainy days. We will have a great variety of healthy food options, arts & crafts, and personal care items. For information call 956-904-4541. Ballroom Dance, 10:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N Alamo Rd., Alamo For
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS information call 956-783-5008. Country Dance Lessons, 10:00 AM, Mission West RV Park, 511 East Loop 374, Palmview. $6.00/person, couples may start at any time. Square Dance w/Dorty Plus Dance, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Randy Dougherty 602-617-1841. Bird Walk, 10:00 AM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Rd., Edinburg. Join the EWBC Naturalist for weekly Bird Walks. No level of experience is required. Come and see what’s been showing up at the Wetlands throughout the week! For information call 956381-9922. Buckets of Fun - Decorate a Nature Tree, 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 RailRd. Crossing, 101 E. Jackson, Harlingen. The jam sessions are free and open to the public. Country, folk, bluegrass, gospel, etc. Musicians who are interested in participating should arrive with their instruments, at least 30 minutes before the session begins. Pancake Breakfast, 11:00 AM, The Grove Park, 612 E. Business 83, San Juan. Welcome back Winter Texans. Come out and enjoy your choice of pancakes, eggs, sausages, waffles and all the coffee you can drink. The best pancakes in the valley! Country Western Jam, 12:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. For information call 956-585-0703. Jammin’ on Jackson Street w/Vance Greek & Friends, 01:00 PM, The RailRd. Crossing, 101 E. Jackson, Harlingen. The jam sessions will be held inside The RailRd. Crossing, a model railRd. clubhouse and family event center. The jam sessions are free and open to the public. Country, folk, bluegrass, gospel, etc. Musicians who are interested in participating should arrive with their instruments, at least 30 minutes before the session begins. RGV Bounders of America Chapter Meeting, 01:00 PM, Martha’s Taqueria, Val Verde Rd., Donna. For information call Howard Wooley 609-628-2460, a short business meeting will be held after lunch, all owners of Bounders are invited to attend. Dance Lessons, 01:00 PM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. $6.00/person, couples may start at any time Country Jam, 01:00 PM, Bluebonnet
RV Resort, 3366 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. For information call 956-585-7630. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, W & I Resort, 206 S. Stewart Rd., Mission. Cookies, bars and popcorn will be served. All jammers and listeners are welcome. For information call 956-585-6594. Square Dance w/Dorty C2 Review/ Workshop, 01:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Randy Dougherty 602-617-1841. Peckers Bar & Grill, 03:00 PM, 1600 N. Westgate, Weslaco. No cover charge. Square Dance, 03:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Entertainment w/Dixon & Company, 03:00 PM, Pecker’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, 1600 S. Westgate Drive, Weslaco. For information call 956226-3433. Happy Hour w/Andy & Brenda Coin, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pass the Hat, BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. For information call 620-441-1173.
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Can/Am Dance, 03:30 PM, Sunshine 682-7841. RV Resort, Grace Ave., Harlingen. For Jam, 05:30 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130W Expressway 83, Mission. For information call 956-425-7448. Jam Dinner, 04:00 PM, Restful Valley information call 616-204-8067. Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Meat Draw Nite, 05:30 PM, American Mission. Jam from 5:30 pm - 7:30 Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., pm, For information call 616-204- Pharr. Reg. Chicken Wings - $5.00, Spicy Wings - $5.00, Fried Hot Dog 8067. Thursday Night Dinner, 04:00 PM, - $3.00, all orders come with fries or Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N FM onion rings. Karaoke from 7:00-11:00 492, Mission Grilled 1/3 lb Black PM, for information call 956-787Angus hamburger. Grilled Chicken 7451. Breast, or Pork Loin sandwich, French “Last Battle of the Civil War”, 06:00 Fries or Potato Wedges, Lots of Fixins, PM, Tip O’ Texas RV Resort. Pharr Free ice Tea or Lemonade $5.50, Community Theater presents the Play Dessert available. For information call “Last Battle of the Civil War” at Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, 101 Sioux Rd, 956-581-6718. Pancake Dinner, 04:30 PM, Lemon Pharr, 7pm, $5 admission, doors open Tree RV Inn, 1740 E. Business 83, at 6pm. Tickets available at the door Mission. BYOTS, For information call or in advance at Tip O’ Texas activity office (956-787-6461) or through 262-395-3509. Soup Supper, 04:30 PM, Bit-O-Heaven Bob Watson, Pharr South, lot 197 RV & Mobile Home, 1051 W. Business (612-812-6430). 83, Donna. $2.00 pp all you can eat, Mauricio Saenz: Of Islands and Unicorns, bring your own table service, dessert 06:00 PM, International Museum for sale. For information call 956-464- of Art & Science, 1900 West Nolana Ave., McAllen. Admission is $5.00/ 5191. Loaded Taters, 05:00 PM, American person. Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave, Chicken Fried Steak Dinner, 06:00 PM, McAllen. For information call 956- Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. Border SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >> A Wilder Corporation Park CHURCH SERVICE
Every Sunday Village Chapel Church Service 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
DANCE
Every Wednesday Bottomline Band 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM $5.00 • BYOB • Singles Welcome
ENTERTAINMENT
December 17 Winter Texan Orchestra 7:00 PM • Admission: Donation December 31 New Year’s Eve Dance w/Bottomline Band featuring Scott Randolph Dancing, food, prizes & reserved seating Tickets sold in advance $15
LESSON
Square Dancing w/Dorty Dancing Thursdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Saturdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Round Dance by the Ski’s Tuesdays 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Saturdays 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM • 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
KARAOKE
Every Friday Al Barnes Friendship Hall 6:30 PM • $1.00
THEATER
December 10 Pharr Community Theater presents “The Last Battle of the Civil War” 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
956-787-6461
101 E. Sioux Road Pharr, Texas 78577 ActivitiesOffice@TipOTexasRV.com
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December 9, 2015 • • • 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 Ave., Weslaco. $9.00 a plate. For information call 956-968-7115. Christmas Concert in the Park, 06:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen. $5.00 pp, Explore nature Thursday evenings with great speakers about everything from birds and Butterflies to culture and art of the Rio Grande Valley. Entertainment w/Louis Long & The Drifters, 06:30 PM, Alamo Rec Veh Park, 1320 W. Frontage Rd., Alamo. $5.00 pp. Advance Tickets Available. For information call 956-783-5440. Big Band Jam, 06:30 PM, La Hacienda Estates, 1018 El Paseo Drive, Alamo. Located 1 mile south of Business 83 on Tower Rd., coffee and cookies available for a donation, soda & ice cream for sale. For information call 956-683-5160. Dance w/ Lynn Dvorak, 07:00 PM, Palmdale RV Resort, 30910 Texas 100, Los Fresnos. $6/person, BYOB and snacks, doors open at 6 PM, music starts at 7 PM. Dance w/Swing Street Big Band, 07:00 PM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. $7.00 pp. Concessions available. BYOB. Call for
information 956-782-3263 Dance w/Texas Country Band, 07:00 PM, Mission Bell RV Resort, 1711 E. Bus. 83, Mission. For information call 956-585-4833. Entertainment w/Butch Danielski Christmas Benefit, 07:00 PM, Casa Del Sol, 400 Val Verde Rd., Donna $3.00 pp, for information call 956-4649024. Island Party w/The Castaway, 07:00 PM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, 802 S. International Blvd, Weslaco. $5.00 pp. BYOB. Doors open at 6:30pm. Door prizes, Donations for ice and popcorn. Soda available. For information contact dson224@mts.net.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 Pancake Breakfast, 07:30 AM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Rd., Mission. For more information contact Larry & Cheryl Meier @ 319-4290523. Craft Fair, 08:00 AM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park, 1051 W. Business 83, Donna. For information call 956-4645191. Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Palm Shadows
RV Park, 200 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. Rolls & Coffee in AM, Full Lunch Served 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, For information call 956-464-3324. Advanced Line Dance, 09:00 AM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. For information call 956-423-5484. Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Come have a great time walking. Indoors in the Clubhouse. Walk for fun, to take the pounds off, enjoy the fellowship of others. For information call 956-581-1871. Night Club 2, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Bob Battaglia 972-220-9285. Night Club Dance Lessons, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 East Sioux Rd., Pharr. $6.00/person, couples may start at any time Square Dancing, 10:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. History Tour of Quinta Mazatlan, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. $3.00 pp. Bring your Friends and tour one of the largest adobe
homes in the state of Texas. Hear about the tales of the families that built and lived at Quinta Mazatlan for a total of 60 years before the City of McAllen purchased the estate and opened it in 2006 as a mansion with a mission. For Group of 15 or more please call to reserve a private tour! For information call 956-681-3370. West Coast Dance Lessons, 11:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 East Sioux Rd., Pharr. $6.00/person, couples may start at any time. West Coast Swing, 11:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Bob Battaglia 972-220-9285. Friday Fish Fry, 11:00 AM, Riverside Club Bar & Grill, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. Catfish, Cod, Shrimp or Combo Dinners with Baked Beans, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw and French Fries. For information call 956-5811033. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Trails End RV Resort, South Texas Blvd., Weslaco Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:15 PM. Everyone welcome! Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Casa Del Sol, 400 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. For information call 956-464-2272. Round Dance, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Country Jam, 01:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Rd., McAllen. Dessert table will be provided. For musician information, call Ralph Boyd 612-202-7358. Open Country Jam, 01:00 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. Polka Jam, 01:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. Refreshments available at intermission. For information call 956-519-8597. Rock N Roll Jam, 01:00 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. For information call 636-4595458 or 319-795-8101. Variety Jam, 01:00 PM, Bentsen Palm RV Park, 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. Home made goodies and coffee served. For information call 218-585-5807. ZUMBA Class, 02:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. FREE Admission, Enjoy a ZUMBA class with certified instructors, Pierre and Sylvie, for information call 956581-1871. Happy Hour w/Ken Thompson, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pass the Hat, BYOB, Wine and beer sold at bar.
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Free ice. For information call 620441-1173. Happy Hour w/Rio Duo, 04:00 PM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956425-7448. Jam Session, 04:30 PM, Hidden Valley Ranch, 7600 Long Drive, Mission Refreshments at 4:30, Jam session at 5:30. For information call 956-5804477 Friday Porkloin, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Friday Fish Fry, 05:30 PM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 S. Border Ave., Weslaco. Cod combo $10.00 pp, Catfish combo $10.00 pp, Shrimp combo $10.00 pp. Plates include French fries, Hush puppies, Cole slaw, coffee or tea. For information call 956-968-7115 Friday Night Dinner, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Shrimp, Fish, or Chicken Basket - $5.50, Fish Plate $7.00, Shrimp Plate - $8.00, Chicken Tender - $7.00, Combination - $8.00, Small FF - $2.00, Small Onion Rings $1.50, Large Onion Rings - $2.50, all plates include cole slaw, french fries, or onion rings. For information call 956-787-7451. Hamburger Night & Karaoke, 05:30 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. $6.00 pp, Hamburger, chips, soda and dessert for $6.00, serving at 5:30. Karaoke follows. For information call 956-581-1871. City of Weslaco Tree Lighting, 06:00 PM, Weslaco City Hall, 255 South Kansas Ave., Weslaco. Edinburg Arts Presents La Pastorela: A Shepard’s Play and Holiday Bazaar, 06:00 PM, 415 W. University Dr., Edinburg. There will be music, holiday piñatas, food vendors, artists, and artisan vendors. The play will begin at 7:00 PM. Karaoke at Tip O’ Texas, 06:30 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. $1.00 participation fee, Al Barnes Hall, For information call 956787-6461. Dance w/ Leslie, 07:00 PM, Tropic Star RV Resort, 1401 South Cage Blvd., Pharr. Doors open at 6:15. Dance w/Diego, 07:00 PM, Park Place Estates Resort, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. $6.00 pp, for information call 956-412-0375. Dance w/Dixon & Company, 07:00 PM, Quiet Village II, 215 S. Valley View Rd., Donna. For information call 956226-3433. Dance w/Lynn Dvorak, 07:00 PM, Palmdale RV Resort, 30910 Texas 100, San Benito. For more information call 402-640-4739.
Dance w/Pelican West, 07:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo. $5.00 pp. BYOB/ Concession Open, Free popcorn. For information call 956-783-4587. Dance w/Ralph & The Cruisers, 07:00 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. $10.00 pp, ticket sales begin November 11th, for information call 956-585-0703. Dance w/Smoking Gun, 07:00 PM, Country Sunshine RV Resort, 1601 S. Airport Drive, Weslaco. $6.00 pp, for information call 956-638-3158. Dance w/Texas Country Band, 07:00 PM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Rd., San Benito. $5.00 pp, Call for information 956-399-5800 Dance w/Travis Country, 07:00 PM, Bentsen Palm RV Park, 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission. $5.00 pp, BYOB, ice & soda available. For information call 956-585-5807. Dance w/Walter Plant, 07:00 PM, BitO-Heaven RV & MH Park, 1051 W. Business Hwy 83, Donna. $5.00 pp, BYOB, Popcorn & Soda for sale. For information call 956-464-5191. Music & Dance, 07:00 PM, Rd.runner RV Park, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-7878047. Entertainment w/Ambassadors of Grace, 07:00 PM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen. $5.00 pp, Advance ticket sales: Wednesday - Friday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Doors open at 6:00 pm. For information call 956-423-3137. Entertainment w/Jul & Chrome Wheels, 07:00 PM, Winter Green Estates, 500 N. Bryan Rd., Mission. $5.00 pp, For information call 989-708-0921. Entertainment w/Peyote Hill, 07:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Entertainment w/Razz Ma Tazz, 07:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. $5.00 pp, For information call 956-783-5008. Big Band/Rock & Roll Jam, 07:00 PM, Palm Shadows RV Park, 200 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. For information call 507-273-3895.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015 Acres Big Breakfast, 07:00 AM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N. FM 492, Mission. Pancakes $2.50, Eggs, Hash browns, Toast $2.50, Meat $1.00 more, Biscuits & Gravy $2.50 and up. Hash browns, sausage and ham available. Free Coffee with meals. Bring your own table service. For information call 956-581-6718. All You Can Eat Pancakes, 07:00 AM, Alamo Paradise Acres, 1513
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W. Crockett Ave., Alamo. Pancakes you can eat French Toast & Pancakes” $2.50, biscuits & gravy $3.00. For For information call 956-560-8454. information call 956-283-1771. Saturday Morning Breakfast, 07:30 Breakfast, 07:00 AM, Restful Valley AM, El Valle Del Sol/Luna, 2500 E. Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Business 83, Mission. All you can eat Mission. $3.00 pp, Menu rotates. For pancakes. Choice of ham or sausage. information call 616-204-8067. Biscuits and Gravy. Free Coffee. Saturday Morning Breakfast, 07:00 Please bring your own table service. AM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 For information call 956-585-5704. S. Conway, Mission. $4.00 pp, for Songbird Stroll, 08:00 AM, Quinta information call 956-585-5061. Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Join Parkwide Patio Sale, 07:00 AM, an expert birder on a one hour bird walk Ranchero Village Mobile Home Park, for all skill levels! Over 200 species 1900 South Bridge Ave., Weslaco. For have been seen in the park since information call Kerry 269-599-6845 2006! No experience Necessary, and Pancake Breakfast, 07:30 AM, loaner binoculars are available. Note: Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Large groups, please call in advance. Harlingen. For information call 956- $3 adults, $2 students & seniors. For 425-7448. information call 956-681-3370. Saturday Breakfast, 07:30 AM, All Park Wide Yard Sale, 08:00 AM, Paradise Park Inc, 100 E. Hackberry Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Ave., McAllen. Serving: Pancakes, Acres Rd., Pharr. For information call sausage or ham, applesauce or grits, 956-781-4297. biscuits and gravy, eggs and toast Craft & Bake Sale, 08:00 AM, 1015 are also available. Donations. For RV Park, 1402 S. International Blvd., information call 96-682-8081. Weslaco. Vendors Welcome, call Jan at Saturday Breakfast, 07:30 AM, Pleasant 630-896-3737. Valley Resort, 7320 Expressway 83, Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Palm Gardens Mission. $3.50 pp, Sausage patty, RV Park, 3401 W. Business 83, scrambled eggs, fruit cup. Plus, “All Harlingen. Everyone is welcome to SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>
DANCE
Every Saturday FREE Popcorn and Ice Dance w/Route 66 December 12 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/The Jets December 19 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Sweet Water December 26 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Agency December 31 • 7:00 PM $17.00 pp • BYOB
ENTERTAINMENT
Razz-Ma-Tazz December 13 • 7:00 PM $5.00 pp
HAPPY HOUR
Happy Hour w/Fred Goldsberry December 17 • 3:00 PM Pass the Hat • BY
JAM
Every Friday December 11 • 2:00 PM December 18 • 2:00 PM January 1 • 2:00 PM January 8 • 2:00 PM
KARAOKE
Every Wednesday Karaoke w/Harry & Judy December 9 • 5:00 PM December 16 • 5:00 PM BYOB
SPECIAL EVENT
Patio Sale December 12 • 8:00 AM
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December 9, 2015 • • • 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 9 attend, for unique gift ideas. Vendors are also welcome. Please contact Diane for more information at 956425-9323. Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. For information call 956585-0703. Craft Sale, 08:00 AM, Port Isabel Park Center, 702 Champion Ave., Port Isabel. Coming into Port Isabel on Hwy 100, turn south (right) onto Champion Ave. (at Hino Gas Station). Our park is at the end of the Rd., turn right into Gate A and parking will be immediately on your left in front of the Rec Hall. For information call 956943-7340. Craft Show, 08:00 AM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. Concession - Coffee & Donuts, Vendors openings available for December. For information call 956-782-3263. Park Wide Sale, 08:00 AM, Alamo Rec Veh Park, 1320 W. Frontage Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-2792698. Patio Sale, 08:00 AM, Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH, 1051 W. Business 83, Donna. For information call 956-464-
5191. Patio Sale, 08:00 AM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956-425-7448. Patio Sale, 08:00 AM, San Juan Gardens RV Resort, 900 E. Business 83, San Juan. For information call 956-781-1081. Bird Walks @ Resaca de la Palma, 08:30 AM, Resaca de la Palma, 1000 New Carmen Blvd., Brownsville. 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. For information call 956-350-2920. Volunteer Mornings, 08:30 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. RGV Quilt Guild Meeting, 09:00 AM, South Texas College in Weslaco, Texas 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. FREE Walking Tours, 09:00 AM, Java Cafe, 204 E. Jackson Ave., Harlingen. The walking tours depart from Java Café, 204 E. Jackson, at 9:00 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and come prepared to have fun. The tour also includes stops at several larger-than-life-size murals and the city’s smallest park. Even locals will be amazed and entertained by what they learn. For more information, call 956216-4910. Growing Growers Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, Firemen Park, 201 N. First St., McAllen. Year Round Farmers Market with all local vegetables, fruits, herbs, 100% Certified Grass-fed Beef, Gulf Caught Shrimp, Artisan Goat Milk Cheese, Eggs, Honey, Jams, Jellies, and Fresh Baked Goods, including baked items for those on special diets. Located under a protected pavillion, with restrooms and kitchen for demonstrations. For information call 956-330-6410. Santa Ana Nature Walk, 09:00 AM, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo. $3.00 pp, Every Saturday, a volunteer led nature walk through the trails at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Directions: The refuge and visitor center are 7 miles south of Alamo TX on FM 907 about 1/4 mile east on Hwy 281. Brownsville’s Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, Ringgold St. & E. 6th St., Brownsville. Brownsville has its own farmer’s market each week, across the street from Gladys Porter Zoo. For information call 956-882-5896. Craft Sale, 09:00 AM, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, 1400 Zillock Rd., San Benito in Rec Hall. For information call 956357-3320. SPI Birding & Nature Center Guided Nature Tour, 09:30 AM, SPI Birding & Nature Center. $3 plus admission. Isaiah’s Christmas Story - A Musical, 10:00 AM, Bibleville Main Auditorium, 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo. Traditional Christmas story from the viewpoint of the prophet Isaiah who had much to say about the birth of Jesus, hundreds of years before it occurred. It has many of our favorite Christmas carols in it too! For information call 505-690-2548. Senior Saturdays, 10:00 AM, International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Ave.,
McAllen. $5 General Admission Includes: FREE Coffee FREE IMAS Guided Tour *Closed on major holidays and special occasions. For information call 956-682-0123. Square Dance w/Dorty Plus Dance, 10:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Randy Dougherty 602-617-1841. Toddler Tales & Trails w/Santa, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen $3.00 pp, Please RSVP by calling 956-681-3370 so Santa can prepare! Santa visits from 9:30 am to 11:30 am bring your camera/phone! Park admission Fee is $3 adults, $2 children & seniors. 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. HEB 2015 Feast of Sharing, 11:00 AM, Joan of Arc Parish Hall, 200 S. Illinois Ave., Weslaco. Wonderful meal inside the Hall and great entertainment outside the Hall. We need volunteers to help with this event. Please contact Howdy Smith at 956-973-1673 or howdysmith@msn.com. San Juan Noche de Paz Festival and Parade, 11:00 AM, Downtown San Juan on Nebraska Ave. For more information call 956-223-2350. Country Jam Lunch, 11:00 AM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 St. Hwy 495, Alamo. For information call 956-7834587. La Joya Christmas Parade, 12:00 PM, Begins on Expressway 83 and South Leo Ave., for more information call 956-581-7002 and ask for Oceaon. Country Jam, 12:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo Join us for lunch at 11:00 am. For information call 956-783-4587. Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. Lunch is served from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. For more information call 956-581-2932. Jam Session, 12:30 PM, Weslaco Trailer Park, 600 S. Bridge Ave., Weslaco. Lunch will start December 12th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. For information call 956968-3474. Big Band/Rock & Roll Jam, 01:00 PM, McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Rd., McAllen. Dessert table will be provided. Musicians are by invitation only, for information call Pat Arguello 956-874-5041. Jambalia, 01:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956682-7841. Isaiah’s Christmas Story - A Musical,
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS 02:00 PM, Bibleville Main Auditorium, 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo The traditional Christmas story from the viewpoint of the prophet Isaiah who had much to say about the birth of Jesus, hundreds of years before it occurred. It has many of our favorite Christmas carols in it too! For information call 505-690-2548 Round Dance w/The Ski’s Phase 2-3, 03:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E Sioux Rd., Pharr For information call Bob or Kay 956-460-7520. Karaoke, 03:00 PM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 Hwy 495, Alamo FREE Admission, For information call 956783-4587. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Downtown Harlingen, ‘A’ St. The Market location is on ‘A’ St. between Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli. Producers supply residents of Harlingen and surrounding communities with the freshest locally grown food available. There is a bountiful harvest being sold every week here - come take advantage of the best Harlingen has to offer! Saturday Dinner, 04:00 PM, Aladdin Villas, 1415 Aladdin Villas Blvd. W, Mission. 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 our awesome dessert while it lasts. $5.00. 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For information call 956581-1288. Overeaters Anonymous, 05:00 PM, McAllen Heart Hospital, 1900 S. D St., McAllen. Are you having problems with food? Come join us for an informative support group on how to help control your cravings. Pat 956874-5041. Hamburger/Karaoke Nite, 05:00 PM, Restful Valley Ranch, 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission. 5:00 pm sign up sheet for burgers, $5.00 pp. 6:00 pm Karaoke begins. For information call 616-204-8067. Dinner Dance w/Keys, Strings & Harmonies, 05:30 PM, Pleasant Valley Resort, 7320 W. Expressway 83, Mission. $8.00 pp. For information call 956-580-8454. City of Alamo Parade and Tree Lighting, 06:00 PM. The parade will start at HEB and continue South on Alamo Rd. to Central Park, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 7:00 PM. Round Dance w/The Ski’s Phase 3-4, 06:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Bob or Kay 956-460-7520. Country Music Jam, 06:00 PM, AmeriCana RV Resort, 721 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. Open Country Jam. Everyone welcome. Light lunch served for donation. AmeriCana RV
Resort is south of business 83 on Bentsen Palm Dr. 956-581-2334. Dance w/Country Roland, 07:00 PM, Leisure Valley Ranch, 1920 E. Bogey Drive, Mission. $6.00 pp. Doors open at 6:00 pm. For information call 956566-4883. Dance w/Dixon & Company, 07:00 PM, Twin Lakes RV Park, 301 N. Shary Rd., Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-585-9982. Dance w/John Kujda Band, 07:00 PM, Tropical Valley Acres, 1240 E. Bus. Hwy 83, Mission. For information call 956-583-5582. Dance w/Ken Thompson, 07:00 PM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N FM 492, Mission $5.00 pp, BYOB & Snacks for tables. For information call 956-581-6718. Dance w/Louis Long & Drifters, 07:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-428-7116. Dance w/Lynn Dvorak, 07:00 PM, Gateway RV & Mobile Home Park, 400 Farm to Market 3168, Raymondville. For more information call 402-6404739. Dance w/Manuel Rivera, 07:00 PM, Cottonwood Country Club, 1001 Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen $6.00 pp, BYOB, For more information call 218234-6411 or 956-438-6232. Dance w/Renaissance Rockers, 07:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission $10.00 pp Advance tickets available in the resort office. Advance tickets recommended. Please call the park office at 956-6811871. Dance w/SweetWater, 07:00 PM, El Valle Del Sol/Luna, 2500 E. Business 83, Mission. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-585-5704. Dance w/Hired Hand, 07:00 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. $5.00 pp. Doors open at 6:15 pm, snack bar open. For information call 956-787-1521. Dance w/Texas Country Band, 07:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-783-5008. Dance w/The Agency, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo. $8.00 pp. For information call 956-783-1003. Dance w/Travis Country Band, 07:00 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview. $5.00 pp. Concession available. Dance w/Walter Plant, 07:00 PM, Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N. Mile 2 West Rd., Mercedes. $5.00 pp. For information call 956-825-9509. Entertainment w/Lindley Creek, 07:00 PM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. $7.00 pp. For
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information call 956-425-7448. E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information Entertainment w/Razz-Ma-Tazz, 07:00 call Bob or Kay 956-460-7520. PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. Pass the SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 Hat. For information call 956-5850703. Church Service, 08:30 AM, Bentsen Entertainment w/Rolando Christmas Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Show, 07:00 PM, Kenwood RV Resort, Drive, Mission. Non-denominational 1201 N. Main St., La Feria. For services. For information call 956information call 956-797-1875. 585-0703. Karaoke, 07:00 PM, American Legion Church Service, 08:30 AM, Victoria Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Palms Inn & Suites, 602 North Victoria For information call 956-787-7451. Rd., Donna. Call for information 956Dance w/Beers, 07:30 PM, Eastgate 782-3263 MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Ave., Church Service, 08:30 AM, Trails Harlingen. $5.00 pp, BYOB.Popcorn End RV Resort, 2001 S. Texas Blvd., & Ice provided. For more information Weslaco. Deacon Bob Waters, in call 815-494-5159. the park library. All Welcome. For Port Isabel Historic Ghost Tours, 08:00 information call 956-968-5051. PM, Port Isabel Light House. Every Church Service, 08:45 AM, San Juan Saturday evening at 8 pm. One hour Gardens RV Resort, 900 E. Business walking tour begins at the Port Isabel 83, San Juan. Pastor Len Mitchell, Lighthouse. Cost, $10 per person. public is welcome to attend. For Tickets available at the Port Isabel information call 956-781-1082. Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and Church Service, 08:45 AM, Oleander Museums of Port Isabel. For more Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway information, contact the Chamber Ave., Mission. For information call office at 943-2262. 262-497-4241. Round Dance w/The Ski’s Phase 4-5-6, Church Services, 08:45 AM, Winter 08:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 Haven Park, 1015 W. Sam Houston SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>
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December 9, 2015 • • • 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 11 Blvd., Pharr. Pastor Robert Kracht. For information call 956-781-7881. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. Hwy 107, McAllen. Pastor Jim Troutman. For information call 956-383-8189. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Chimney Park RV Resort, 4224 S. Conway, Mission. For information call 956585-5061. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Alamo Palms Mobile Park, 1341 W. Business Hwy 83, Alamo. Pastor Brian Dent. For information call 956-787-7571. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Eastgate MH & RV Park, 2801 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen. Pastor David Squire. For information call 956-423-3137. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Fiesta Village RV Park, 205 S. Stewart Rd., Mission. For information call 956585-9264. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo. Non-Denominational Service with Pastor Darrel Hardy. For information call 956-783-1003. Church Service, 09:00 AM, Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1501 S. Airport Drive, Weslaco. For information call
956-638-3158. Church Services, 09:00 AM, Winter Ranch RV Resort, 600 State Hwy 495, Alamo. Pastor Frisby Worship Leader. Fellowship at 8:30. Coffee, cookies and desserts. Church Services, 09:00 AM, Hidden Valley Ranch, 1900 Long Drive, Mission. Coffee and refreshments available at 8:30 AM. Services with Pastor Cameron Gillette. Village Chapel Church Service, 09:00 AM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call 956-787-6461. Church Service, 09:15 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. For information call 956581-1871. Church Service, 09:30 AM, Pharr South, 1402 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Dr. Gerald Parrott. Coffee fellowship to follow service. For information call 956-358-1089 or 956-781-2715. Church Service, 09:30 AM, Country Palms RV Park, 600 E. FM 495, San Juan Pastor Tom Shouse. For information call 956-787-0680. Church Service, 09:30 AM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499,
Harlingen. For information call 956423-5484. Church Service, 09:30 AM, Casa Del Sol RV Park, 400 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. For information call 956-4642272. Church Service, 10:00 AM, AmeriCana RV Resort, 721 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. Pastor Lee Tracy. Coffee social following the service. For information call 956-581-2334. Church Service, 10:00 AM, Sunshine RV Resort, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen. For information call 956425-7448. Church Services, 10:00 AM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. For information call 956-7871521. Fried Chicken Dinner, 10:00 AM, Weslaco Elks Lodge, 201 South Border Ave., Weslaco. $10.00 a plate. Includes 3 pieces of chicken. Green beans, Mashed potatoes, Cole slaw, Tea or coffee. Dessert for a fee. Information call 956-968-7115. Entertainment w/Lynn Dvorak, 11:00 AM, Don-Wes Flea Market, 208 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. For more information call 402-640-4739 Farmer’s Market @ The Shores, 11:00 AM, 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-1pm. Gospel Jam, 01:30 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374, Palmview. Concessions Available. For information call 956-585-5551. Jam, 01:30 PM, Eldorado Acres RV Park, 610 N FM 492, Mission Cake & coffee served, for information call 956-581-6718. Shuffleboard Tournament, 02:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. Max’s Grill open 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. For information call 956-682-7841. Live Music!, 02:00 PM, Riverside Club Bar & Grill, 214 E. Chimney Rd., Mission. For information call 956581-1033. Entertainment w/Myra Green-Mary’s Christmas Story, 02:00 PM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway Ave., Mission. Free Will Donation. For information call 262-497-4241. Entertainment w/Razz Ma Tazz, 02:00 PM, Alamo Rose RV Park, 938 S Alamo Rd., Alamo. $6.00 pp. Concessions Available. For information call 956783-2605. Round Dance, 02:30 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Ice Cream Social, 02:30 PM, Mission West RV Park, 511 E. Loop 374,
Palmview. BBQ & Potluck, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Football, BBQ, Free Pot Luck, for information call 956-787-7451. Entertainment w/Route 66, 06:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Country Jam, 06:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. FREE Admission. For information call 956-581-1871. Gospel Jam, 06:00 PM, Bluebonnet RV Resort, 3366 N. Bentsen Park Drive, Mission. For information call 956585-7630. Jam Session, 06:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr FREE Admission. For information call 956-787-6461. Entertainment w/Carlos Canas, 06:30 PM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W State Highway 107, McAllen. For information call 715-928-2347. Entertainment w/Lindley Creek Christmas Show, 07:00 PM, Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1501 S. Airport Drive, Weslaco. $7.00 pp, for information call 956-638-3158. Entertainment w/Positively Country, 07:00 PM, Paradise South RV Resort, 9099 N Mile 2 West Rd., Mercedes. $5.00 pp. For information call 956825-9509. Free Movie, 07:00 PM, Paradise Resort Estates, 301 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr. Free admission, for information call 956-223-9359. Listing of movies available on website, pharrparadisepark.sharepoint.com. Snack bar open.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2015 Craft/Patio Sale, 08:00 AM, Pleasant Valley Resort, 7320 W. Expressway 83, Mission. Serving breakfast and lunch. For information call 956-5808454. Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Come have a great time walking. Indoors in the Clubhouse. Walk for fun, to take the pounds off, enjoy the fellowship of others. For information call 956-581-1871. Beginning Line Dance, 11:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. Jam Session, 11:00 AM, Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1501 S. Airport Drive, Weslaco .Lunch served at 11:00 am. Jam starts at 12:00 pm. For information call 956-638-3158. Jam Lunch, 11:30 AM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. Variable menu each week. For information call 956-519-8597.
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Line Dance, 12:30 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. Yahoo, 01:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Come enjoy a quite afternoon playing Yahoo with your friends. For information call 956-581-1871. Beginner Line Dance Class, 01:00 PM, AmeriCana RV Resort, 721 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. Beginning line dancing with basic steps fully explained and directed. For information call 956-591-2334. Dance Lessons, 01:00 PM, Leisure Valley Park, 1920 East Bogey Drive, Mission. $6.00/person, couples may start at any time. Jam, 01:00 PM, Winter Haven Park, 1015 W. Sam Houston Blvd., Pharr. Jam sessions are directed by Glenn “Buddy” Collins. Jammers by invitation only. Free admission, cookies available. Everyone come and enjoy music and social time. For information call 956-781-7881. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Alamo Palms Resort, 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo. Main Hall. Everyone welcome. For information call 956-787-7571. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Wagon City North, 2905 N Conway Ave., Mission All Jammers & Listeners are welcome. For information call 515-802-9421. Come have a good time! Rock & Roll Jam, 01:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. For information call 956519-8597. Newbie Clogging!, 01:15 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. $4.00 donation. Each session is progressive, come when you can and stay as late as you want. For information call Jim: 956-781-2275. ZUMBA Class, 02:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. FREE Admission, Enjoy a ZUMBA class with certified instructors, Pierre and Sylvie, for information call 956581-1871. Experienced Clogging!, 02:15 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. Each session is progressive, come when you can and stay as late as you want. $4 donation. Info: Jim: 956-781-2275. Square Dance, 03:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Happy Hour w/Diego, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco Pass the Hat, BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. For information call 620441-1173. Hamburger Night, 03:30 PM, Mission West RV Park Charbroiled Hamburgers $3.50. Charbroiled Cheeseburgers
$3.75. Charbroiled Grilled Chicken Sandwich $5.25, French Fries $1.75, Onion Rings $2.25, Pies $1.25. Entertainment w/Ed-Vern, 04:00 PM, Palms II Lounge, 600 E. 9th St., Mission. Great food, no smoke, BYOB. Dinner, 04:30 PM, Bentsen Grove Resort, 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. $6.50 pp, check each week for menu! For information call 956585-0704. Spaghetti Dinner, 04:30 PM, American Legion Post 439, 219 E. Commercial Ave., La Feria. $8 pp. 956-797-3701 Burgers, 05:00 PM, Paradise Park Inc., 100 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-8081. Hamburger Nite, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., 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, 06:00 PM, The Grove, 612 Business 83, San Juan. For information call 507-219-0579. Country Jam, 06:00 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, 07:00 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. Entertainment w/Razz Ma Tazz, 07:00 PM, Palm Shadows RV Park, 200 N. Val Verde Rd., Donna. $6.00 pp, For information call 956-464-3326.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2015 Songbird Stroll, 08:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset, McAllen. Join an expert birder on a one hour bird walk for all skill levels! Over 200 species have been seen in the park since 2006! No experience Necessary, and loaner binoculars are available. Note: Large groups, please call in advance. $3 adults, $2 students & seniors. For information call 956-681-3370. Craft & Yard Sale, 08:00 AM, Bluebonnet RV Resort, 3366 N. Bentsen Park Drive, Mission. Breakfast and lunch will be served, for Craft Tables call 956-585-3188. Chip-O-Texas Woodcarvers, 08:30 AM, Park Place Estates, 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen. Friendship Hall, come join us! For information call 956-3996660. Bird Walk, 08:30 AM, Edinburg WBC, 714 Raul Longoria Rd., Edinburg. Join the EWBC Naturalist for weekly
JAM SESSIONS
MEALS
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Bird Walks. No level of experience is 10:00 AM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. required. Com and see what’s been Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information showing up at the Wetlands throughout call 956-783-5008. the week! These programs are free with Dance Lessons, 10:00 AM, Victoria paid admission or membership. Tours Palms Inn & Suites, 602 North Victoria are available in English or Spanish. Rd., Donna. $6.00/person, couples For information call 956-381-9922. may start at any time. Beginning Line Dance, 09:00 AM, Intermediate Line Dance, 10:00 AM, Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop Tropic Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen. For information call 499, Harlingen. For information call 956-423-5484. 956-423-5484. Square Dance Plus w/Butch Danielski, Water Aerobics, 11:00 AM, Sleepy 09:30 AM, Pine To Palm Resort Park, Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., 802 S. International Blvd., Weslaco. Mission. Come join us for a great time. $4.50 pp, Rounds at 9:30 with Marge Great way to relax, exercise and meet Scherrill. Square Dance at 10 am. people. For information call 956-581Contact information call 956-973- 1871. 8335. Women’s Bible Study, 11:00 AM, Tropic Power Walk, 10:00 AM, Sleepy Valley Winds RV Resort, 1501 N. Loop 499, Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. Harlingen. For information call 956Come have a great time walking. 423-5484. Indoors in the Clubhouse. Walk for Open Jam, 11:00 AM, Leisure World, fun, to take the pounds off, enjoy the 400 E. 18th St., Weslaco. 11:00 fellowship of others. For information 12:00 Lunch Served, 12:00 - 2:00 call 956-581-1871. Music. For information call 956-447FREE Zumba Classes, 10:00 AM, South 3821. Padre Island KOA, 1 Padre Blvd., Diabetes Management Class, 01:00 South Padre Island. For information PM, 3rd Floor, McAllen Medical Center call 956-761-5665. East Classroom, 3rd Floor. Classes are Countrycising - Line Dance + Exercise, provided in English and Spanish every SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 >>
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December 9, 2015 • • • 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 13 other week. For more information, please call Mary Escaname at 956971-5850. Winter Haven Resort Chess Club, 01:00 PM, Winter Haven Resort, 3501 Old Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville. 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm chess training and then play from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The members range from beginners to experienced players. The club meets in A-2 of the clubhouse. Please call to let us know you are coming so that we can leave word at the gate. 956-5218635. Round Dance w/The Ski’s 4+Figures, 01:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Bob or Kay 956-460-7520. Country Music Jam, 01:00 PM, J-5 RV Park, 3907 N. Taylor Rd., Mission. Host: Marion Price, Coffee & cookies served. For information call 956-6827495. Jam, 01:00 PM, Paradise Park Inc., 100 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen. Lunch available 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. For information call 956-682-8081. Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Rd.runner RV Park, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Rd., Alamo. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m., for information call 712-259-2222.
Jam Session, 01:00 PM, Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen. For information call 956-423-1170. Jam w/Ray & Gynger, 01:00 PM, Oleander Acres RV Resort, 2421 S. Conway Ave., Mission. Oleander’s Famous Cake served at half time!! For information call 262-497-4241. Bluegrass Jam Session, 01:30 PM, Kenwood RV Resort, 1201 N. Main St., La Feria. For information call 956797-1875. Country Music Jam, 02:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. For information call 956-783-5008. Round Dance w/The Ski’s 3+Figures, 03:00 PM, Tip O’Texas RV Resort, 101 E. Sioux Rd., Pharr. For information call Bob or Kay 956-460-7520. Happy Hour w/Lynn Dvorak, 03:00 PM, Snow to Sun RV Resort, 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco. Pass the Hat, BYOB. Wine and beer sold at bar. Free ice. For information call 620441-1173. Country Jam Dinner, 04:00 PM, Canyon Lake RV Resort, 4770 N. Mayberry Rd., Mission. For information call 956-580-4545. Jam Dinner, 04:00 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St.,
Mission. Variable choices each week such as sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, soups etc. For information call 956-519-8597. Lasagna Dinner, 05:00 PM, American Legion Post 37, 1305 E. Jasmine Ave., McAllen. For information call 956-682-7841. Country Jam, 05:30 PM, Enchanted Valley Ranch, 7300 Monroe St., Mission. For information call 956519-8597. Taco Nite, 05:30 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr 3 Taco Plate - $6.50, Taco Salad $7.50, Chalupa - $2.50 each, Extra Taco - $2.50, Extra Sour Cream - $.50, for information call 956-787-7451. Live entertainment w/Jim Staton. Valley’s H.O.P.E. Stroke Support Group, 06:00 PM, Valley Baptist Medical Center in the Woodward Conference Room. The H.O.P.E. (Haven Offering Patient Encouragement) Stroke Support Group meets monthly in Harlingen, TX, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in the Woodward Conference Room from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information call 888-9025433. Country Jam, 06:00 PM, Canyon Lake
RV Resort, 4770 N. Mayberry Rd., Mission. For information call 956580-4545. Dance w/Arnie Wolf Band, 07:00 PM, Casa del Valle, 1048 N. Alamo Rd., Alamo. $5.00 pp for information call 956-783-5008. Dance w/Jealous Heart, 07:00 PM, Green Gate Grove, 700 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission. $7.00 pp. For information call 319-795-8101. Dance w/Leslie Blasing, 07:00 PM, Victoria Palms RV Resort, 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna. $8.00 pp. Concessions available. BYOB. Call for information 956-782-3263. Square Dance, 07:00 PM, Tropic Star RV Resort, 1401 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Doors open @ 6:15 pm. For more information call 956-283-7581. Entertainment w/ Razz Ma Tazz, 07:00 PM, Tropic Star RV Resort, 1401 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. Doors open @ 6:15 pm. Entertainment w/Lindley Creek Christmas Show, 07:00 PM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram Rd., Mission. $7.00 pp. For information call 956-5811871. Karaoke, 07:00 PM, American Legion Post 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr. •
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
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ROCKIN’ THE RGV
The Top Five Richest Songs in the World
by Bernie Crawley
Since
pop music became a global industry, a handful of songs have outshone, outperformed, and outlasted all of the others. These songs have sold more copies, had more cover versions, and been played more often and in more places than any other songs in the world. In the December 2, issue, I shared “Richest Songs #6-10.” Here are the songs that made it into the Top Five: Song #5, Unchained Melody, was written by Alex North (music) and Hy Zaret (lyrics). It was originally recorded and featured in the movie Unchained. In 1954, four different versions of this song reached the top 10 in the US and in the UK. In 1965, the Righteous Brothers had a huge hit with the song and had a hit again in the 80s when it was used in the movie Ghosts. To date, there are 650 cover versions of this classic. This song is also one of the most popular Karaoke numbers and …….Yes, you guessed it--Karaoke firms also have to pay a licensing fee to record a song. Every time it’s sung, a royalty is paid, resulting in earnings to date of $27
million. Song #4 is Yesterday, written by Paul McCartney, although credited to Lennon and McCartney. Although credited to The Beatles and released on the Help album, George, John and Ringo did not perform on the recording. Yesterday is the most-covered pop song in history, with almost 3,000 existing versions! To date, this song has earned $30 million. You may have noticed something of a theme with these best-selling songs--either they are Christmas numbers or they are slow songs of sadness. Apparently, slow, sad songs are disproportionately favoured among women, and women create big hits because women buy records. Song #3 is You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, written by husband-and-wife team Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, along with Phil Spector. You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling could probably be considered the Mount Everest of heartbreak songs. Everything came together with this Righteous Brothers hit. Great song, excellent performance, great producer, and
Bernie and his wife, Red
excellent recording. In 2001, it was declared the most performed song of the 20th Century. To date, this song has earned $31.5 million. Song #2 is White Christmas, written by Irving Berlin. This song is the topselling single of all time, the Bing Crosby version alone having sold 50 million copies. Recordings by other artists have sold 100 million units, and it has been translated into countless languages, including Swahili! To date, this song has earned $37 million. And finally, are you ready for this-the number one richest song in the world? Song #1 is Happy Birthday, written
by Patty and Mildred Hill. Patty and Mildred were sisters and kindergarten teachers who sang a song to their students, Good Morning to You, which morphed into Happy Birthday, although nobody seems to know how or when. It started appearing (uncredited) in films in the 1930s, and after Western Union used it as a stunt in their first ever “singing telegram” two years later , the third Hill sister, Jessica, took a stand, went to court, and secured the copyright of Happy Birthday in 1934. Since then, whenever it’s played, they’re paid, whether it’s on a Casio keyboard or a musical birthday card. The publishing rights were bought in 1988 by Warner/Chappel for a reported price of $25 million, and if you want to use this song in a movie or TV show, plan on paying $25,000 for the rights. To date, this song has earned $46 million. Footnote: There is an ongoing lawsuit regarding the Warner/Chappel copyright. It was ruled as public domain, but of course Warner/Chappel is contesting that and, as I write this, it is still before the courts. •
Bernie Crawley is one half of the comedy
and music duo Bernie & Red, who perform throughout the Valley every January.
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
PARK NEWS
Canyon Lake Memorial Rock & Roll Jam for Daryl and Heike Schuller Scheduled for December 17
Special to Welcome Home RGV
First, a few reflections written by
Daryl and Heike’s friends: Their home was in Alberta, Canada, where their business was Storage Facilities. I heard him say that each year when they went home, they would build another one. Their daughter ran the business for them. They also travelled to Saskatchewan in the summer where they had a house, and were very active in the music scene in that area. A few years ago, we went with them over to Progresso to take their van full of non-perishable food items, which he had encouraged all our residents to help with by bringing items. While we were there, we went to one of the pharmacies, and Daryl paid for insulin for a year in advance for Gloria, the lady who helped by distributing the food to those who needed it. But first and foremost, Daryl and Heike were musicians - they both sang, Daryl played guitar, and Heike played drums. When we first met them, Heike was playing bongo drums but then later graduated to
electronic drums that were easier to carry around. They started playing and singing back in the 70s in Canada. I remember Daryl telling us they would sing while they were on the road to their next engagement. Since they were in the USA on Visitor Visas, they were not allowed to get paid for any of the dances we played for, so the distribution of the money we received was divided among the other musicians. One of their great contributions to the park was having thousands of dollars’ worth of sound equipment that they furnished for the dances we played for and also the Thursday Night, by invitation only, Rock ‘n Roll Jams. For weeks, they had travelled around the Valley going to jam sessions at various parks, and from those, they recruited the best-of-thebest for our Thursday night Rock ‘n Roll Jams. This was soon evident since we had over 300 people each week. Unfortunately, by the time it was all organized, we only had three weeks before the end of the season.
Daryl and Heike Schuller met through music and were married over 50 years, with music as a center point of their lives. Their love of music carried them all over the RGV, playing for various events. Outside of Canyon Lake RV Resort, their home park, they played rock-and-roll and German music. They took the lead in starting the Rock ‘N Roll Jams at their home park, Canyon Lake RV Resort. Every year before they left to go north, they collected non-perishable food to take to the families that Mable’s Building Mission built homes for. The tips and donations given to them during the winter were used to buy insulin for Gloria, the organizer of the Mexican families who were selected to receive a home built by the volunteers of Mabel’s Building Mission. They did this for many years. April 6, 2015 on their way home to High River, Alberta, Canada, from a winter in the RGV, they were killed instantly in a head-on collision when a car slammed into their RV near Tahoka, Texas. As we all gather back
in the RGV for another winter, we wish to remember them with a Memorial Rock & Roll Jam at their home park, Canyon Lake RV Resort. The jam will be December 17, 2015. It will start at 6:00 p.m. with the traditional hamburger meal beforehand starting at 4:30 p.m. There is a charge for the meal, but the jam is free, and we wish to welcome all who knew Daryl & Heike to join the Canyon Lake Family as we remember them on this evening. •
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
PARK NEWS
Winter Texans Keep Easter Seals Children Warm Red Hat Club
Tours Marine Military Academy
Special to Welcome Home RGV
Winter
Texan volunteers have been providing valued support to Easter Seals Rio Grande Valley for many years. Their tradition of giving continues as Nancy and Don Hudgins made the year’s first delivery of handmade quilts November 13. Our Texas Home Visiting Program distributed the quilts just in time for the region’s first cold snap. In addition to the beautiful quilts, a knitter’s group has joined the cause by providing blankets and caps for the Easter Seals babies. This highly talented quilting/knitting group from Winter Ranch RV Resort in Alamo has annually donated over 200 quilts/blankets that have helped to keep Valley children warm during the winter months. The children and their families cherish these special keepsakes and thank the special Winter Texan volunteers for providing them warmth and comfort as they bundle up and prepare for the winter ahead. Easter Seals is the leading nonprofit provider of services for individuals
Special to Welcome Home RGV
N
with disabilities and those at risk of delays or disabilities. At the heart of Easter Seals are the programs and services that help individuals address life’s challenges and achieve independence. We are committed to implementing new and innovative approaches to meet the needs of people living with disabilities in our community. For further information, please visit www.easterseals-rgv.org or contact shipsher@easterseals-rgv. org. •
ovember 16, the Split Rail RV Park Red Hat Club and their guests toured the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. After meeting at the Iwo Jima Monument, they were given a tour of the Academy campus. They were able to see some of the cadets in their classrooms. After the tour, they were escorted to the campus dining hall and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. An enjoyable time was had by all. •
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
From the Inside, Out
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley Special to Welcome Home RGV
The
by Marge Flados
The
custom of exchanging Christmas card greetings has come under attack in recent years by many who consider it a meaningless gesture, a waste of money, time consuming, and not cool. Especially critical are those who consider themselves sophisticated or who write newspaper columns. So why do people send Christmas greetings to others? Let me count the ways. Our population is a mobile one, and by the time a person is mature and gainfully employed, chances are he/ she has moved more than once and has met and learned to know people from other parts of the country. There are those with whom we shared a friendship or someone who left an imprint on our lives. Christmas is a time to remember those for whom we feel a fondness, and a small gesture, such as a Christmas greeting, will satisfy our desire to keep in touch. Cards come in varieties of construction. There are cards that have an interesting, attractive design, a printed greeting and printed names of the sender(s) on the bottom of the inside page: John And Mary. These cards are indeed a feeble gesture at best. Then there are the cards that are professionally printed, beautiful, and expensive and include a short, handwritten message: We are all well and happy. We hope you are too! John and Mary. Though this card will not warm the cockles of your heart, at least the sender cared enough to take pen in hand and write a small personal message. The true saints, (the world has always been so short of those), write a newsy personal letter and enclose it inside a printed or a handmade card. These people must spend hours, days, or weeks writing those individual, heartfelt greetings. The time involved in sending this type of greeting resulted in the advent of the computer-generated newsletter. Like them or not, they are coming your way during the holiday season. I do prefer
•••
Love That
Dish
’Tis the Season for Scams
Marge Flados
receiving them in an envelope with my name on the front, but there is an indication that the cost of postage stamps will eventually result in bypassing the post office entirely and sending them via e-mail. It is only a matter of time! Printed newsletters can be a delight to read, or they can be a grim account of illnesses, death notices, disappointments, and motor trips. They can be brag sheets that drone on about family triumphs unlimited or accounts of happenings during the past year that friends and relatives will find interesting. Hearing of marriages, births, (yes, deaths), and special events that brought joy or sadness to those we have known will indirectly warm or sadden our hearts for having learned they happened. And the pictures. I love the pictures! These are the next best thing to a long, newsy, personal letter. So Ann Landers to the contrary, I say let the Christmas letters keep coming and in abundance! How else can we learn that the little boy we once knew many years ago in another time and place, a son’s former playmate, is now a Lt. Colonel flying jet airplanes in the Air Force? How else can we know that Sam and Nell spent the past summer in Europe and enjoyed it so much they plan a return trip?! (And Sam, such a tight wad, the ol’ boy must be mellowing! Knowing this allows us to be happy for them.) Christmas is a great time for remembering, so let us not disparage those who make sending and receiving personal greetings a special part of the holiday season. • 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!” •
holidays are upon us, which means it’s a time for family, food, joy and shopping. It’s also an occasion to be aware of fraudulent acts like fake charities and credit card scams, many of which target older persons. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, Americans gave $358 billion to charities last year. Unfortunately, there are some fake charities that misuse the name of genuine organizations or make up their own group names. “It’s good practice to stay vigilant to protect yourself from losing your hardearned money,” said AARP Texas Director Bob Jackson. “Tragically, the holiday season is often one of the busiest times of year for scammers.” To guard against scams, you should only donate to charities with which you are familiar. If a new charity piques your interest, be sure to verify it through the Better Business Bureau. And if you get a request by phone, call the charity back and ask if they can send you material about themselves to your address. Also, don’t donate cash or use a wire transfer. Inclement winter weather may keep many at home and on their computers looking for online holiday deals. But not everything online is as it may seem. That’s because this time of year, scammers launch copycat websites of well-known retailers. Sometimes, they create websites offering popular or previously “sold-out”
merchandise at crazy discounts. Don’t forget that if there is a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many shoppers buy gift cards thinking it is a safer way to make purchases, but that may not always be the case. According to an AARP Fraud Watch Network survey, 58 percent of people will purchase gift cards this holiday season. Unfortunately, gift cards are also a great way for scammers to steal your hard-earned money and leave your loved one with a stocking full of coal. Staying clear of store gift card racks may be the thing to do. That’s because fraud experts say thieves sometimes hit those racks, secretly writing down or electronically scanning the numbers off the cards. They then check online or call the toll-free number to see if someone has bought the cards and activated them. Once a card is activated, scammers drain the funds. So, by the time you try to use the same card, the money is long gone. Considering the risks, the rule of the season is to be vigilant because someone out there may be trying to target your hard-earned money. To learn more on what you can do to keep from becoming a victim of fraud visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network online at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. • AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities, and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities, and protection from financial abuse.
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
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Indulge in Guacamole Potluck Possibilities: by Randy Hoelscher, Pharr South Park
Guacamole is easy to make, and
a tasty dip for tortilla chips and a fine complement to fajitas. There are many recipes on the web for guacamole. This one is better than grocery store guacamole, and it’s easy to make. It is important to taste your guacamole as you make it. Avocados vary in size, and limes can be juicy or dry, so sample your guacamole as you blend the ingredients. Enjoy! •
Guacamole • 4 small ripe avocados - seed removed and scooped from the skin. Avocado sizes vary quite a bit; the ones we’re buying are small. If larger, use only two. • 2 Roma tomatoes - seeds and webs removed and finely diced • Juice of 1 fresh lime • 2 Tbsp. diced sweet onion. • 1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper--seeds and web removed, diced finely, to taste • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. salt - to taste. • 1/3 cup loosely-packed and finely chopped fresh cilantro We like the avocado more chunky than completely mashed. Do this by cutting the avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the seed and use a knife to dice the avocado in the skin before scooping it out. (Make length-wise and cross-wise cuts down to the skin.) Mash the avocado with a fork, squeeze the lime, and combine with remaining ingredients. Don’t mash it too much.
by Sandy Olson
Great Food To Share
On
a well-laden potluck table, the variety of dishes is sometimes overwhelming….casseroles and vegetable concoctions, plus desserts galore. I’ve noticed, however, that other than dinner rolls or an Italian loaf, few people bring bread. This fruit-and-nut quick bread is a nice addition. The recipe uses basic ingredients, and, of course, the cook can bake multiple loaves depending upon the size of the dinner crowd. Just mix up the loaves separately; don’t try to double or triple the ingredients in one bowl.
Raw Apple Bread • 1 cup sugar • 2 eggs • 2 cups flour • 1/2 cup buttermilk • 1 cup chopped, peeled raw apples • 1/4 cup chopped nuts, optional
Sandy Olson, lifelong foodie, restaurant reviewer, cooking teacher. Summer Iowan; Winter Texan. You can contact Sandy at midwestfoodie@ gmail.com.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/2 cup shortening • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix 1 cup of sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, shortening, baking soda, flour and apples. Put into greased bread pan. Mix 1 teaspoon sugar and cinnamon. Spread on top before baking. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30-45 minutes.
Save the Date for the 5th Greater Rio Grande Valley Stamp and Coin Show January 23, 2016 Special to Welcome Home RGV
You are invited!
Come see a piece of Texas Rocket Mail History! The McAllen Stamp Club and the Magic Valley Stamp Club are hosting the 5th Greater Rio Grande Valley Stamp and Coin Show. The Stamp and Coin Show is January 23 and is being held at the Cultural Arts Center, 576 76 Drive in Harlingen. The Cultural Arts Center is next door to the Harlingen Public Library. There is ample off-street parking in the parking lot. On exhibit will be a crash cover from the First International Rocket Mail Flight from McAllen, Texas to Reynosa, Mexico, flown July 2, 1936! The rocket carrying it flew into the U.S. Bar in Reynosa, Tamps. Mexico. The 2016 show is commemorating the 80th anniversary of this event. Come learn the rest of the story! The 5th Greater Rio Grande Valley Stamp and Coin Show is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $1 per person or $3 for a family. Scouts and Scout leaders, in uniform, are admitted FREE. American Legion members with ID
cards are also admitted FREE. At the show, you may view, buy, sell, and trade U.S. and worldwide postage stamps and coins for collecting. Knowledgeable stamp dealers and collectors and coin dealers and collectors will be available to answer questions about stamp collecting, coin collecting, how to start a collection, care of your collectibles, and any other questions you may have. A few tables for sellers may still be available. For more information, please visit http://stamps.org/McAllen-StampClub-Calendar, call 956-380-2930, or contact someone via email at skirpes@hiline.net. •
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
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Inpatient Rehabilitation Services Available at Valley Baptist in Harlingen
Special to Welcome Home RGV
An Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen is benefitting patients who are recovering after a stroke, joint replacement surgery, hip fracture, heart surgery, brain injury, or amputation, as well as those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions. “The Rehabilitation Unit focuses on intensive therapy and restorative care, with the goal being to increase patients’ level of functioning before they return home,” said Rosie Aguilar, RN, BSN, program director for the rehab unit. On the 18-bed unit, which features all-private rooms and a therapy gym, patients are assisted by an interdisciplinary team that includes physicians, physical and occupational therapists, speech/ language pathologists, specially trained nurses, social workers, and other specialists, as needed. “This unit is designed for patients who need intensive rehabilitation therapy -- at least three hours a day of physical, occupational and/ or speech therapy,” Aguilar said. “We are committed to helping our patients regain their sense of wellbeing and independence and to reach their highest level of functioning. Patients are treated by a group of highly trained professionals who work as a team to assist our patients in preparing to return to a normal life.” Family members are encouraged to bring the patients’ own clothing. Patients follow a customized schedule during the day in order to complete their therapy. They go to the dining room for their meals and enjoy social interaction, such as movie night. Care of patients in the Valley Baptist Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit is coordinated by a physiatrist, a physician who specializes in rehabilitation and physical medicine. The physiatrist coordinates care with the patient’s personal physician, who may continue to follow the patient’s progress. Dr. Rachel Martin, DO, physiatrist, serves as medical director of the Valley Baptist Inpatient Rehab Unit.
Charles Reginald Coats, a Navy veteran, receives intensive rehabilitation at the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen for an injury Assisting Mr. Coats, from the left, are Elijah Gonzalez, physical therapy assistant; Marty Villarreal, DPT, Physical Therapist; and Dacia Veloz, RN, BSN, nurse with the Inpatient Rehab Unit.
Physicians are assisted by specially trained rehabilitation nurses who provide patients with around-theclock personal care and support. “Our nurses help explain what is happening to the patients, so they know what to expect when it comes to their treatments, progress, and potential challenges,” Aguilar said. “The nurses are available to the patient 24 hours a day – and, of course, we have the on-site back-up of the largest hospital in Cameron County for patients with emergency needs.” Other key members of the rehab team include physical therapists who evaluate and educate patients on improving their mobility through the use of assistive devices, such as a walker, cane, or wheelchair. Physical therapists also work with the patients on improving their overall strength, balance, and endurance through therapeutic exercises. In addition, occupational
therapists are available to evaluate and assist patients with maximizing their independence with self-care skills such as eating, dressing, and bathing, as well as basic home management skills so patients are prepared to return home safely. Occupational therapists also address limitations patients may have with overall arm and hand strength, coordination, and endurance. For patients needing evaluation and treatment for their ability to communicate, problem-solve, and reason, speech therapists are available at the Valley Baptist Rehab Unit. Speech therapists also help address problems patients may have with swallowing. Other members of the rehab team may include dietitians, pharmacists, an orthotist (who designs and fits braces), and a prosthetist (who creates and fits artificial limbs). The Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Valley Baptist-Harlingen recently
received the “Reader’s Choice Award” for “Best Rehabilitation Facility” during the Valley Morning Star’s annual survey of newspaper readers in the Harlingen area. Valley Baptist also offers outpatient rehabilitation in a separate building, the Round Outpatient Rehabilitation Pavilion, across the street from the Emergency Room. For more information on rehabilitation services, please consult your physician, call (956) 389-1550, or visit www.ValleyBaptist.net/medicalservices/rehabilitation
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Non-Profit Spotlight: The Salvation Army of Cameron County
Special to Welcome Home RGV
Nonprofit Name: The Salvation Army of Cameron County Nonprofit’s Address: 201 East Monroe, Harlingen, TX 78550 Nonprofit’s Phone Number: 956-423-2454 Nonprofit’s Web Site: http://salvationarmytexas.org Nonprofit’s Executive Director: Major Guy Watts Executive Director’s Email: guy.watts@uss.salvationarmy.org How and when did your organization begin and who does it serve? The Salvation Army opened February 18, 1928, at which time the first meetings were conducted in Harlingen, San Benito, and Brownsville. We have been in Cameron County for over 87 years! The Salvation Army dedicated our newest building, located at 119 East Monroe Ave, in 1974. Frank Boggus, Advisory Board member, purchased this building for The Salvation Army. Geographic areas served are Harlingen, San Benito, La Feria, Rio Hondo, Brownsville, Santa Rosa, Port Isabel, South Padre, and Raymondville. What are the hours of operation? We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. We are closed for lunch from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. What kind of donations does your nonprofit organization need? Here are the top 10 items our food pantry needs: canned meat, canned soups, dry noodles, dry beans, rice, boxed meals, canned vegetables, canned fruits, and peanut butter and jelly. Many people are grateful
to receive what we give them. Please consider having a canned food drive for needy Cameron County residents. Making sure each child has some supplies to return to school is really important. We try to supply them to the neediest families in Cameron County. The Women’s Ministries group works hard to put these backpacks together so we can distribute them to needy children. In 2015, we gave out a little over 400 backpacks. Our goal for 2016 is 1000 backpacks with school supplies! Please consider donating school supplies for needy children in Cameron County. The Salvation Army has opened its cooling station to ensure the poor, the homeless, and the elderly have a safe place to stay during the extreme heat. The cooling station is located inside The Salvation Army at 201 East Monroe. The air-conditioned cooling center provides: A cool place to sit during the day, ice-cold water for hydration, and hot-weather survival tips. The Salvation Army will keep its cooling station open from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekdays only during the months of June, July, and August. Please consider donating a case of water to keep Valley residents cool. Each year, hundreds of children and adults receive a warm coat for those cold fronts that sneak their way into the Valley. In conjunction with Tim’s Coats and Channel 5, hundreds of coats were given out to needy families. Please consider donating coats for children and adults who are not used to this cold weather. More families are finding it difficult to buy basic clothing needs for their
families. Your donations of gently used clothing assist us to ensure that these items reach the most inneed within our community. Last year alone, The Salvation Army gave away 3,600 articles of clothing to needy families whose children were going back to school, families who had a fire and lost everything they owned, and to individuals joining the workforce. Our thrift store is located at 114 East Jackson (Downtown Harlingen). To schedule a pick-up, call (956)4232454. Please consider donating gently used clothing, furniture, or bric-a-brac for needy Cameron County residents. Lack of adequate income prevents many families from providing Christmas gifts for their children. The Salvation Army’s Christmas
Assistance Program depends on generous gifts and contributions from caring individuals. The week before Christmas, parents come to the center to pick up their donated gifts. The Salvation Army provided close to 1000 angels with Christmas joy in 2014! Please consider holding a toy drive or selecting an angel (child) from our angels trees located at Valle Vista Mall and Wal-Marts in Harlingen and San Benito. What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have for Winter Texans, Valley retirees, and others in our community? At present, we are in need of bell ringers to volunteer to ring the bell at various business locations in Cameron County. We are also in need of canned food, coat, and toy drives. •
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
Volunteers Needed at the Did You Know? Boys & Girls Club of Pharr The Explanation of FM 495
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by Fran Adams
Special to Welcome Home RGV
The
Boys & Girls Club of Pharr is looking for individuals who are willing and able to volunteer your time to our nonprofit organization! This opportunity is for the afterschool program from 3-9 p.m. Monday through Friday. The afterschool program focuses on balancing academics, recreational activities, arts & crafts, and leisure. The role as a volunteer would primarily be to assist children with their homework and tutoring time, alongside staff members. Subjects of study include: reading, math, science, history, and more for grades kinder through 12th. This is an opportunity to make a difference by helping the children of our community in their educational learning, as well as enhancing the lives of tomorrow’s generation. Volunteers are expected to interact with club members in a manner that coincides with the overall club goal: making a positive impact on children and encouraging them to succeed. A volunteer applicant must: • Meet with program staff for your area of interest (current demand is
Traveling for homework/tutoring assistance). • Successfully complete a Volunteer Application which includes a background check and sexual offender check The Boys & Girls Club of Pharr offers the community a place where members can have fun, be safe, make friends, and create positive memories. If you wish to volunteer with the organization, we ask that you contact us as soon as possible at 956-7815437. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! • The Boys & Girls Club of Pharr is located at 1026 S. Fir Street in Pharr, Texas. The Boys & Girls Club of Pharr is a United Way of South Texas Agency and a proud City of Pharr Partner.
down the streets and roads in the Rio Grande Valley can be very interesting. I have been coming to the Valley since the early ‘80s, and I have seen a lot of change. There use to be a little country between the towns; today, there isn’t. If you travel from the east going west along what used to be FM 495, you find a lot of changes. It is now State Highway 495 and is approximately one mile north of Expressway 83 at the east end, which starts at Val Verde Road. You drive west through Alamo and San Juan, and the street signs, as well as the GPS, still show FM 495. I guess the state forgot to tell them they changed the designation. While traveling west, you come to Alamo Road (or the sign might have the new name, which is Rudy Villarreal Road). Then you come to Raul Longoria, which is also known
as FM 1426. Traveling further, you come to the city of Pharr, and SH495 becomes Ferguson. That is at the crossroads with “I” Road, which now has been changed to Veterans Blvd. It isn’t far until you come to Highway 281, which is also Cage Blvd. So try not to get confused. Once you leave Pharr at Jackson Road, you enter McAllen, and 495 is no longer Ferguson; it becomes Pecan. It remains Pecan until you enter Mission at Taylor Road, and then 495 becomes Griffin Parkway. It remains Griffin Parkway through Mission and into Palmview at Breyfogle Road. I got tired and turned around. It is no wonder our Global Positioning Systems (GPS) don’t always take us where we want to go. They are just as lost as we are. It is just way too confusing. •
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
Tee Time in the RGV:
An Introduction to Valley Golf Courses Meadow Creek Golf Club Relax on the Front Nine While You Prepare for the Back Nine Special to Welcome Home RGV
Ring in Christmas with the
Rowe High School Christmas Concert Special to Welcome Home RGV
Meadow
Creek golf course is a public course in Mission. The course opened in 1988 as Seven Oaks Golf and later became Meadow Creek Golf Club. It is an 18-hole course with two different nines. The front nine lets you relax because there is no water, but get ready for the back, which has eight lakes and plenty of water play. Hole number 16 has a pond in the middle of a dog-leg left fairway, which makes it the hole to watch out for. The fairways and greens are Bermuda. The course has three sets of tees. They are 6059 yards rated for men at 69.5/116, 5488 yards rated for men at 66.4/108 and rated for women at 72.3/121and 4747 yards rated for women at 68.3/112. Otis Hesteness is the general manager, and Luis Salmon is the
The Rowe High School Choral Department is proud to present its annual Christmas concert Thursday, December 10, at 7 and 8 p.m. The junior varsity choirs will perform first at 7 p.m., followed by the varsity choirs at 8:00. Admission is free. •
1300 Circle Dr. Mission, TX 78572
956-581-6262 director of golf for this facility. They have a ballroom available for special events. Meadow Creek is located at 1300 Circle Drive. The Pro Shop number is 956-581-6267, and the Clubhouse number is 956-5816262. •
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.
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
Capture the Spirit of Christmas at Under the Starry Sky Special to Welcome Home RGV
Calvary
Baptist Church has announced their new Christmas musical! For two performances only, Calvary Choir and Orchestra will be presenting their greatly anticipated dramatic musical, Under the Starry Sky. The story begins with Melody, a girl faced with challenges and crises in her life. As she sets out to find the true meaning of Christmas, Melody encounters new friends along the way who point her toward the Promised One. This modern retelling of the Christmas story is full of heart and humor, truly capturing the spirit of Christmas. This presentation of the Christmas
story combines music and theater for the enjoyment of all ages. Directed by Chuck Olson and presented by the Calvary drama team, dance group, and 40-voice choir and orchestra, this special Christmas event is sure to thrill! There will be two performances— Friday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 13, at 4:30 p.m. You are invited to an evening you won’t soon forget! Under the Starry Sky will be presented at Calvary Baptist Church, 1600 Harvey Drive in McAllen. For more information, contact Calvary Baptist Church at 956-686-4364 or visit www. calvarymcallen.org. •
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Carol Thorson Artwork on Display in Port Isabel Special to Welcome Home RGV
Laguna
Vista artist Carol Thorson will be displaying her artwork at the Port Isabel Library during the month of December. Thorson, a member of the Laguna Madre Art League in Port Isabel and the Leech Lake Arts League in Walker, Minnesota, paints a variety of subjects, including scenes from the Midwest and the Laguna Madre area. Landscapes, birds, boats, and flowers are among her favorite subjects. She paints in watercolors and in oils. Thorson’s work is in private collections in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, and Texas. She credits her skills to workshop presenters she has studied with, as well as Art League members who
Carol Thorson
have encouraged her and shared their knowledge of art with her. Recently, Thorson was in a show at the House of Frames in Harlingen. If you didn’t get to see her work there, you have the opportunity this month to see it at the Port Isabel Library at 213 Yturria St. The display is free and open to the public. •
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
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On the Road with Welcome Home RGV…San Antonio or Bust
Special to Welcome Home RGV
Nineteen park representatives set
out for San Antonio Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 a.m. with Francisco Gallegos from the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. We arrived at our hotel at approximately 11:30 a.m., checked into our rooms, and then we were off to see the sights. We were met in the lobby by Sissie Henges, a certified tour guide, who was with us throughout the weekend. Our trip started with lunch at Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery, which is located in Market Square. Mi Tierra, along with four other eating establishments in Market Square, are owned and operated by the Cortez family. Pete Cortez, from Guadalajara, Mexico, moved to San Antonio and married Cruz Llanes, and they started their first restaurant, a three-table café, in1941 to preserve the Mexican culture. The Cortez family is still very present at the restaurants with grandchildren, cousins, and other family members working daily. Then it was off to Fiesta Winery at Market Square, which is one of the tasting rooms for the winery located in Lometa, Texas. This is also a family-owned-and-operated business that was established in 2010 in the heart of Texas along the Colorado River. Naturally, we did a lot of tasting and a little purchasing before touring more of the Market District.
Then we were back on the bus to go to the Tower of Americas. Elevators took us to the Observation Deck of the 750-foot-tall Tower of Americas. We were able to walk around the deck and see the spectacular view of the Alamo City for miles. We were then off to an evening at the Alamo. This was a private afterhour’s tour by an Alamo historian and a living-history experience presented by a specialist dressed as a presidio
soldier. He talked about their work defending the mission against Indian raids, as well as ensuring that the Camino Real was safe and useable. He then fired a Spanish miquelet in the garden behind the shrine. We then were treated to dinner at the Liberty Bar, which is located in the King William District in a beautifully restored Benedictine convent. They bake all of their own breads, and all desserts and ice creams are “housemade.” The food was very authentic, and it was a fabulous meal. Following dinner, we were bussed back to our hotel for some much-needed rest before we begin our Saturday tours. Saturday morning, we were met by Francisco and Sissie and taken to breakfast at Bakery Lorraine in the Pearl District. The owners, Jeremy and Anne, met while working in Bouchon Bakery in Napa Valley, California, and have been baking together ever since. They moved to San Antonio and opened Bakery Lorraine in 2011. Every item on their menu is handmade with utmost care and attention to detail. We then enjoyed a walking tour of Pearl. Pearl is a neighborhood that has a rich history that is upheld by the many people who have ties to the place. This neighborhood has no family homes. They do have over 300 residential apartments, 15 restaurants and cafes, 13 retailers, and 18 resident-businesses, as well as a twice-weekly Farmers’ Market. The neighborhood is always full of life and activity. We then toured The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. It is in the heart of the city along the river banks. The historic Municipal Auditorium, with its original façade preserved, has been transformed into a world-class venue. The Tobin Center features a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose 1,738-seat (2,100seat with flat-floor configuration) performance hall, a 240-seat studio theater, and an outdoor performance plaza connected to the Riverwalk with a permanent 30-foot video wall and water taxi portal. After a very enjoyable morning, it was time to eat lunch at Augie’s Barbed Wire BBQ Restaurant. It was in a country-like setting located in the heart of San Antonio. It was true Texas pit-smoked BBQ, along with fresh, homemade sides. The BBQ is made fresh daily and is NEVER reheated! We ate in the covered, outdoor beer garden, which was unique with crooked flooring, and some of the tables even leaned so you really felt the country setting. Then we were off to the Bodies
Revealed exhibit at the Witte Museum. Bodies Revealed features real human bodies donated for public education and then preserved, dissected, and respectfully and artistically displayed. They present major systems of the body: skeletal, respiratory, reproductive, muscular, digestive, nervous, and circulatory. On the grounds of the Witte Museum is a large treehouse and other items for the children who visit the museum. We then had about two hours of free time. Some members of our group returned to the hotel while others visited the Riverwalk, along with some of the famous pubs. We all met up again to attend the Diwali Festival of Lights. It is a city-sanctioned event that draws 15,000+ people from all over the State of Texas. It is a celebrated Indian festival, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. This free event is held once a year at La Villita. We enjoyed watching the various Indian dances performed by the dancers. The dance that most of us recognized was the Bollywood. Following the festival, we met for dinner on the River Barge. Boudro’s provided dinner as we cruised down the San Antonio River and took in the sights and sounds. We had a choice of prime rib or fish (both were delicious), along with wine, beer, or margaritas. Following dinner, we went onto the street and watched The Saga. This 7,000-square-foot projection with custom-choreographed music in surround sound narrates the historical discovery, settlement, and development of San Antonio. It is projected on the historic San Fernando Cathedral. The artist, Xavier de Richemont, is a renowned French artist. It is his first outdoor video art installation in the United
States. This installation will be a main feature of the destination for the next 10 years. Sunday morning we met in the lobby of the hotel with our bags packed as this was our last morning in San Antonio. We then enjoyed a fantastic breakfast at the Guenther House in the King William District. We ate in an outdoor venue that was very nice. It was chilly that morning, but there were heaters burning for our comfort. They also have an indoor restaurant that reflects the Art Nouveau style of the 1920s, characterized by the use of stained glass. Constructed between 1915 and 1918, the room reflects the miller’s trade, with plaster bundles of corn and wheat used as supports for the mantel and wall buffet. Following breakfast, we walked through the King William district. The neighborhood has very large, old homes that were built years ago and have been restored and are now family homes. The district has properties that have been recognized for their historical significance. They have guided tours for some of the properties. The owner and founder of HEB has a home here. There are some underground tunnels that run through the district. Our final destination before departing for the Valley was Traders Village. It is definitely a Texas-sized marketplace. It features over 1,000 vendors selling virtually anything and everything. It is a swap meet, treasure hunt, shopping complex, county fair, and festival attraction all rolled into one. There are highflying midway rides, as well as an Allan-Herschell-designed antique carousel and much more. We were given an hour to shop and then it was homeward bound. •
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
The Lamb’s Loom:
Season of Thankfulness (Part 2)
Special to Welcome Home RGV
Last
week, we got to share with you a little about how The Lamb’s Loom began and some of what we are up to. Now, we’d love to highlight a few of the wonderful ministries we are so thankful we get to work with all year!
We have been working with Pastor Mike for almost ten years now! He is the director of Charity Rescue Mission in Durango, Mexico. He has been faithfully serving these people for many years and we are privileged to be a small part. This group flies in several times a year with medical supplies and other items to work in these villages. Last year they completed construction on a building in Chupaderos that can house volunteers, hold services, and serve as a wonderful meeting place in that area.
Elijah Ministries serves several communities along our border. One of these is a group of people who live on the city dump in Reynosa, Mexico. It is affectionately referred to as the Dump Church. We have been working with Melody Durant and her husband, Nathan, for just over three years now. This past year, with the creation of The Lamb’s Loom, we have been able to do so on an ongoing basis throughout the year to help them. An example is our basket, where people can bring their leftover salt and pepper packets from a takeout dinner, and we pass it on to Melody. Seems simple, and it is, but every little bit we can all pool together can go to help these dear people whose dinner comes from others’ trash. In addition to knitted hats for all of the kids at Christmas this year, we are in the process of making Story Scarves for them, too. The colors of these scarves help in sharing THE story of Christ.
Pastor “Matthew” and his wife
Over the last ten years, we have sent thousands of hats, along with shawls and scarves, with Pastor Mike every year at Christmas time when he flies his little plane into the mountains of Durango. He has been invited to visit more schools in the Sierra Madre Mountains this year!
Pictured L to R: Barbara Trussell, Ingrid Duff, Melody Durant, Terri Zavaleta, Carol Smith and Caroline Moore
Women Connect in China is headed up by our friend Peggy Sperling. This is an amazing ministry that helps lead in teaching others solid Biblical applications to life. Peggy has led 17 trips to Beijing over the last six years and has had prayer shawls tucked away in space bags taken on every trip. God is doing wonderful things in China and we are so encouraged that He chose to send our prayers to the other side of the world to help open doors and show that these lovely ladies are not walking life alone. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to help in this incredible journey!!! Happy Thanksgiving, every day, all year! Everyone is welcome to join in! The Lamb’s Loom is located at 1209 Pecan in McAllen, just inside JacLin’s Florist. We are a 501(c)(3). You can also find us on Facebook or give us a call at 956-607-6855. •
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
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Opening Reception for Mauricio Saenz at IMAS Richard Lubben Presents at IMAS in McAllen: Human Rights Art Exhibition: Works from the Permanent Collection at South Texas College
Special to Welcome Home RGV
Special to Welcome Home RGV
The
International Museum of Art & Science is holding an opening reception featuring Mauricio Saenz’s Of Islands and Unicorns Thursday, December 10, from 6 -8 p.m. Mauricio Saenz, originally from M a t a m o r o s , Mexico, creates conceptually elegant work addressing the concepts of impossibility and paradox and the blurring of contradictory forces. “Of Islands and Unicorns” juxtaposes mixed-media sculpture and video installation to explore the idea of the utopic island, non-existent except in our dreams, much like the unicorn. Saenz has an MA in artistic production from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain, and in 2011 received the Purchase Award from the Yucatan Biennial in the Video Art category. He has participated in solo and group shows in the United States, Mexico, Spain, Germany, France,
December
Columbia, Ecuador, and Cuba. This opening reception is included in the price of general admission and is FREE for IMAS members. General admission is: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (+55) or students with an I.D., and $4 for children (4-12). For more information, please contact IMAS at 956-682-0123, visit www.imasonline.org, or visit the IMAS front desk. The International Museum of Art and Science is located at 1900 W Nolana Avenue in McAllen. •
10, 2015, it is our honor to have Dr. Richard Lubben present at the International Museum of Art & Science to speak about the Human Rights Art Exhibition: Works from the Permanent Collection at South Texas College that currently is exhibited at IMAS. The Human Rights Art Exhibition is comprised of a growing collection of more than 50 pieces of artwork that are part of the college’s permanent collection. The STC Art Department developed the permanent collection over the last 10 years from generous donations by participating artists who exhibit in their Annual Human Rights Art Exhibition each spring. This exhibit serves as an educational tool and addresses global and regional human rights, social justice, and environmental issues. Through the collection’s conceptually and aesthetically unique pieces, artists hope to connect with viewers on an emotional and personal level while bringing awareness to human rights issues and to encourage contemplation, refection, and activism. For more information on the Human
“Home is Where”, Margi Weir. Digital Print, 2013 Annual Human Rights Art Exhibition
Rights Art Exhibition: Works from the Permanent Collection at South Texas College or any other IMAS exhibits, please visit www.imasonline.org or call 956-682-0123. International Museum of Art & Science is located at 1900 Nolana in McAllen. •
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December 9, 2015 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley
Meet You Soon: In a Little Corner... with
W
or chicken. In addition, there is Paul Chilton have the Orzo “Tabouli” Salad consisting of seafood baby spinach, mixed greens, cucumbers, a healthy selection of fresh sides. For the
ell, friends, I just got back from a Mediterranean cruise! At least I thought I did. Lunch at Zoës was that kind of experience! The Grecian food was as light as a breeze off the sea. My luncheon companion and I decided to have salads. My friend had a Quinoa Salad, consisting of quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, broccoli, green onions, and olives vinaigrette topped with feta and served over a bed of greens. I elected to
cherry tomatoes, and feta with a lemon vinaigrette dressing and a little protein (chicken) thrown in for good measure. A side of pita bread with both completed our salad fare. We both felt fulfilled but light as a feather with these unique and flavorful entree salads. But, with sandwich offerings like Chicken and Slaw Pita, Greek Chicken Pita, Mediterranean Tuna Pita, Club Pita, and Lean Turkey Pita, it was hard not to have a sandwich, too. There are wonderful appetizers, as well. Some are all veggie and some come with
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kids, there is a complete children’s menu. A fresh take-out menu for your athome enjoyment is available, along with Mediterranean Family Meals. Who needs to cook when meals like this can be purchased at reasonable prices? We had to have a home-baked chocolate chip cookie and YAYA’s handmade chocolate cake. Both are baked in-house and are scrumptious! Yes, my fellow food lovers, the dishes are great, but the service is fabulous. Second to none! A friendly, contemporary atmosphere awaits you. Management
cannot do enough to help you enjoy your dining experience. Zoës is located at 3400 West Expressway 83, Suite 700. Their phone number is 956-618-3728. Their motto is “LIVE MEDITERRANEAN. Live Zoës!” Meet you soon in a little corner of Greece at Zoës. • Paul Chilton is a Winter Texan who hails from Naperville, Illinois. He and his wife enjoy 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.
www.welcomehomergv.com • • • December 9, 2015
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• • • RECIPECONNECTION with Executive Chef Bettina Tolin • • • • • • • •
Ravioli
with Artichoke Sauce
4 servings 1 9 -ounce package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and coarsely chopped 1 cup half-and-half 1 clove garlic, smashed 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes Kosher salt 1 cup frozen peas (do not thaw) 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 pound refrigerated cheese ravioli 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
Combine the artichokes, half-andhalf, garlic, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook until the artichokes are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the peas and continue to cook, covered, until tender, about 5 more minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice. Discard the garlic clove.
cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta and transfer to the skillet with the sauce.
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.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and
Bon Appetit!
Add the parmesan cheese to the skillet and gently stir until the pasta is coated. Thin the sauce with some of the reserved cooking water. Stir in the basil. .
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This Week’s Recipe is Brought to You By:
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley