It’s Fiesta Season! THROUGH ERYN’S LENS!
Capturing some South Texas events throughout the Rio Grande Valley! See photos on page 11.
• • • January 30, 2019 UPCOMING VALLEY EVENTS! www.welcomehomergv.com BON APPETIT! Check out this week’s listings of what’s happening in the RGV! See calendar starting on page 26.
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Executive Chef Bettina Tolin shares a fun and “decadent” dish for you to try! Try this recipe on page 43.
VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 15 • January 30, 2019 • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •
hello FROM KRISTI
If
there’s one thing I know, it’s that Winter Texans like to be on the move! Quite frankly, it’s hard for us to keep up with most of you! Whether you’re out playing pickleball, sightseeing, or cooking dinner (aka eating out), it seems like there’s never a dull moment in the life of a Winter Texan. Over the last few months, we’ve seen so many of you out and about at events across the Rio Grande Valley. There’s one more thing I know; the Rio Grande Valley wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for you. As we roll into February (and, hopefully, even better weather), I encourage you to get outside and soak in the sunshine. And don’t forget to take pictures along the way to take home and show your friends who are probably shoveling snow as we speak. Without a doubt, the Rio Grande Valley has had some negative publicity recently, so I’ll ask for your help in letting your friends and family back home know that you’re doing just fine, and feel free to add that, periodically, you’re even breaking a sweat. • We’re just connecting the dots,
Kristi
THANK YOU TO OUR
2018-2019
SEASON SPONSORS
Llano Grande explores new athletic venture: by J. Edward Moreno
At
Llano Grande Lake Park Resort, everyone knows weekday mornings are for pickleball. On a pleasant January morning, 30 men and women scattered across the pickleball courts at the Mercedes park for their weekly round-robin tournament. Some players are routine attendees, and others are trying out the game for the first time. The youngest player that day was 16 years old, and the oldest was 86. Very few sports allow for that diverse of a group. The paddle sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It takes place on a 44-by-20-foot court, which can often be drawn inside of a regular
tennis court. It’s the same size as a badminton court; the net is two inches shorter than in tennis. The paddle is about the same as in table tennis, only a bit sturdier, and it’s played with a plastic Wiffle ball. Like in all three sports, it can be played either in doubles or in singles. The sport has gained popularity in recent years, especially among Winter Texans, mostly because of its accessibility. Unlike the three sports off of which it’s modeled, pickleball is both easy to pick up and easier on the body. Players move shorter distances, reducing the risk of injury, while still getting in exercise. LLANO GRANDE PICKLEBALL CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>