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Welcome Home Winter Texan : Vol 4 Issue 1 : October 17, 2018

Page 1

It’s Fiesta Season! THE RGV! EXPLORING

Featuring a new column exclusive to Welcome Home Winter Texan! See column on page 3.

UPCOMING VALLEY EVENTS!

BON APPETIT!

See calendar starting on page 10.

Try this recipe on page 19.

Check out this week’s listings of what’s happening in the RGV!

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Executive Chef Bettina Tolin shares a hearty recipe to kick off the season!

VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 1 • October 17, 2018 • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •

hello FROM KRISTI

It has been a long, hot summer, and I know I speak for everyone when I say we’re ready for the change in temperature. And that ever-so-slight change in temperature means the return of our Winter Texans! This is the most hectic time of year for us at Welcome Home RGV, as we put the finishing touches on all our events, activities, and outreach programs because once November hits, it’s GO-TIME! At Welcome Home RGV, serving the Winter- and Converted-Texan markets is our priority. Last year you were with us as we celebrated 10 years of service. We look forward to taking you with us on our next chapter as we blaze the trail for new and exciting ways to serve you. Over the next 22 weeks, we’ll share stories and have more fun than we could have ever imagined. This newspaper is for you. It’s our labor of love to show you just how much you mean to us. • We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

THANK YOU TO OUR

2018-2019

SEASON SPONSORS

Bob Wilson, Curt Benson, Dallas Hoffman, Tom Benson, Cliff Benson, and Charlie Bauder. Photo courtesy of Darlene Julian.

Russ Belya at Boca Chica Beach. Photo courtesy of Shelley Willard.

by Alden Moore, Winter Texan from Sundridge, Ontario, Canada who winters at Palm Resaca Park

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alm Resaca Park has a small but enthusiastic crew of fishermen. Brothers Cliff and Curt Benson are from Sterling, Colorado, and have been fishing in the Brownsville area for nearly 40 years. They began fishing for brook trout back home, where they would go up into the mountain streams after their harvest of dry land wheat was finished. Sometimes Cliff would go with his good friend, Charlie Bauder. Charlie can remember one time when their wives made them chicken and a cherry pie to take with them. They ate the chicken before they even got to their fishing spot. A week later, when they were returning home, they smelled something funny in the truck. The cherry pie had been shoved under the passenger seat for safekeeping and was

still there. Charlie didn’t know what else to do, so he pitched the pie out the window. What he didn’t realize was that their wives, Sylvia and Naioma, were returning from a shopping spree and were driving shortly behind them. The ladies saw the pie on the side of the road. When they got home, they asked the boys if they liked the pie. Needless to say, the boys felt a little sheepish. Cliff had a small boat with an electric motor on it that he used on the Resaca at Palm Resaca Park. He caught blue gill, bass, and grass carp. The carp keep the vegetation down in the Resaca, so he would release them after catching them. He also caught tilapia, which he says he hooks by the top fin (not the mouth) and then has to “play”

them for a long time or they’ll throw the hook off. He was once surprised to see a six-foot gar hanging in a tree to dry out because it was too long to lie on the ground. Cliff once caught a 30-pound catfish in the Resaca using a six-pound test line. That one took a long time to haul in. Cliff loves to pull good-natured pranks on unsuspecting fellow fishermen. He was once able to tie a dead possum to the end of the line of someone who was fishing in our Resaca. The unsuspecting fisherman actually thought he had caught the possum and was quite excited to tell everyone he met about his fascinating catch. Another time, he surreptitiously hooked a full string of Christmas lights on the end of the line of this same person. When this person commented that he was going to plug the lights in, the boys had to persuade him otherwise. FISH TALES CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >>


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October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

It’s Fiesta Season!

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

Welcome Home

We Winter Texans!

®

WINTER TEXAN

your official connection to the rio grande valley

Publisher

Kristi Collier kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Administration

Amie Gray agray@welcomehomergv.com Colette Brookins colie@welcomehomergv.com

Calendar Submissions! For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email:

Event Manager

Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com

calendar@welcomehomergv.com

The deadline for submission is Mondays at 5:00pm. •

Business Development

Lucy Ann Wolthoff lucyann@welcomehomergv.com Curt James Riester curt@welcomehomergv.com L-R: Liz Suarez, Airport Director; Chris Ardis, Airport Advisory Board member; Kristi Collier; Roy Rodriguez, McAllen City Manager; Fabricio Cojuc, Director of Strategy for Aeromar, Martin Cobian, Gerente de Análisis del Negocio for Aeromar; and Armando Salinas, Airport Advisory Board member.

McAllen International Airport Celebrates Aeromar’s 5th Anniversary Special to Welcome Home RGV

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 at:

Travel Division

Kristy Meyer travel@welcomehomergv.com

Accounting

Matt Davis matt@welcomehomergv.com

info@welcomehomergv.com

Editor

Chris Ardis news@welcomehomergv.com

T

he City of McAllen celebrated Aeromar Airlines’ 5th Anniversary at McAllen International Airport Friday, September 21. Aeromar provides service to Mexico City with a non-stop flight six times a week. Aeromar’s route from McAllen to Mexico City began in March of 2013. Since its inception, passenger boardings have increased by 54 percent. City leaders credit the great working relationship with the airline for its success.

Follow Us

Graphic Design

on Social Media!

Jenny R Carpenter artwork@welcomehomergv.com

Social Media / Photographer Eryn Reddell-Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com

Welcome Home RGV has several ways to join the action on social media. Our WHRGV Facebook 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:

Promotional Division

Elizabeth Seal elizabeth@welcomehomergv.com Sarah Scott sarah@welcomehomergv.com Sabina Adames sabina@welcomehomergv.com

“When you offer value and easy connectivity to a destination like Mexico City, It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Activity Coordinator

Fran Adams fran@welcomehomergv.com

news@welcomehomergv.com

1st Responder Coordinator

• Jim Darling • “We’re excited about celebrating our partnership with Aeromar Airlines for the past five years,” said Jim Darling, mayor of McAllen. “Aeromar provides the only non-stop air service to a destination in Mexico from the Rio Grande Valley. We are glad they have selected McAllen International Airport as their partner to offer this important service. “When you offer value and easy connectivity to a destination like Mexico City, it’s a win-win for everyone.” Aeromar has been successful connecting families, as well as the

Weekly e-Blasts

Perks for Partners! •

Rita Huether rita@welcomehomergv.com

www.facebook.com @whrgv @wintertexan

Logistics

Tom Stocker tgstocker@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv

www.instagram.com @welcomehomergv @wintertexans

Contributor

DeeOnda Ahadi deeonda@welcomehomergv.com

business and world traveler looking for a cultural and historic destination to and from the United States to Mexico. “We attribute the last five years of success to a strong working relationship between Aeromar and the City of McAllen,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “We continue to affirm our commitment to this partnership and work alongside the airline to continue to look for opportunities to serve our community.” •

Contributor

www.twitter.com @welcomehomergv

Andrea Gutierrez andrea@welcomehomergv.com

Welcome Home

®

rio grande valley

219 W. Nolana • McAllen, TX 78504

956-687-5115

Check out our NEW website! www.welcomehomergv.com •••

© Copyright 2018 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.


It’s Fiesta Season!

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

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• exploring the rgv • WITH

ANDREA GTZ

Celebrating Arts and Culture in Harlingen Special to Welcome Home RGV

Harlingen is often referred Andrea Gutierrez is a local teacher and traveler who grew up in the RGV. Read more about her Valley adventures each month and on our welcomehomergv.com blog.

• • • • • • •

Exploring the RGV I

with Andrea Gtz

am a travel junkie. The two best things about traveling, in my opinion, are meeting new people in order to learn more about their culture and eating amazing, interesting food. This past summer, I had the opportunity to travel around the Rio Grande Valley for the first time since my family moved here in 1999, and although I did not have to travel far, my summer getting to know the Valley was one of my favorite vacations of all time. Each month, I will share my favorite Hidden Treasures of the RGV one city at a time. Through this series, I hope to inspire you to go out and explore our unique, friendly region while learning about the rich history and culture of our borderland. Get ready to go out and explore the RGV, meet new people, and eat some of the most amazing food we have to offer. •

• • • • • • •

to as the “Crossroads of the RGV.” Not only do two major highways intersect in the middle of town, but Harlingen sits right in between the Upper and the Lower RGV. Don’t let the traffic on the expressway fool you; Harlingen is an easy-going town full of culture and history that is sure to please all sorts of visitors. Whether you’re in the area to spot rare birds along the Arroyo Colorado or in the mood for some live music, Harlingen has a wide variety of activities and sites that will draw you in. Recently, I traveled to Harlingen to experience what it had to offer, and I left delighted and surprised by the community’s unique qualities. Here is a glimpse at what I did during my visit and my recommendations for visiting the area. Read more about these places and other events coming up in Harlingen on our website, welcomehomergv.com.

Things to Do:

Downtown Harlingen Take a stroll down Jackson Avenue in the heart of Downtown Harlingen and visit the antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries that line the street. As you visit the stores, take some time to speak to the owners and get to know the history of the community. On the weekends, be sure to visit the various markets and special events that take place in the area. Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum Outside of the downtown area, you will find the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum. Their permanent collection features three of Harlingen’s most significant historical buildings – the original Harlingen Hospital, the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn, and the former home of the city’s founder, Lon C. Hill. Visit their rotating exhibits and cultural events throughout the year dedicated to celebrating the EXPLORING THE RGV CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 >> Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum. Photo Courtesy : Andrea Gutierrez

Jackson Street, Downtown Harlingen. Photo Courtesy: Andrea Gutierrez


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October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

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

It’s Fiesta Season!


It’s Fiesta Season!

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

5

Community Volunteers Audition Performers at Live on Stage Conference in Nashville Special to Welcome Home RGV

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ver wonder how Valley venues find such great entertainment for the WinterTexan season? Well, in the case of the nonprofit Harlingen Concert Association (HCA), which produces six shows at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, it means an annual trip to the Live on Stage National Conference and Talent Showcase in Nashville. There, professional musicians and entertainers from across the country and around the world audition for bookings in small and mid-size communities throughout the United States. Seven of HCA’s volunteer board members undertook this fun assignment in August, paying their own way to Tennessee for the conference and auditions. HCA President Bonnie Brown and board members Susan Johnson, Cheryl LaBerge, Gene Morgan, Julie Ng-Castillo, Paul Quintana, Jr., and Naomi Urbina were impressed by the variety and quality of artists presented. A total of 27 performers/groups were featured in the Talent Showcase this year. They included Americana folk trio Burlap to Cashmere, who resurrect the Greenwich-Village scene of the 1960s, the extraordinary Sons of Serendip quartet, finalists on Season 9 of America’s Got Talent, and award-winning tenor Ben Gulley. Other exciting groups included M5 Mexican Brass, pianist Jason Lyle Black, the Maxwell Quartet, based in Glasgow, Scotland, and Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Review. The HCA volunteers also visited with, and auditioned, new acts by artists who have performed in Harlingen previously, including the high-energy country/rock band Savannah Jack and

•••

HCA board members, and the spouse of one member, heading to auditions after dinner

the celebrated Three Redneck Tenors. The 30-member HCA board is now narrowing its selections to six artists/ performances for their 2019-2020 season. For a taste of the Nashville auditions, visit the HCA website at HarlingenConcert.com. There you’ll find short videos of the six groups coming to Harlingen this fall and winter, most of which were recorded at the Talent Showcase last summer. All of the HCA shows this season are at the 1515-seat Harlingen Municipal Auditorium at 1204 Fair Park Boulevard. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The lineup is as follows:

Things I Have Learned

Vocal Trash (Like Glee meets Stomp!) Thursday, November 29 The Malpass Brothers (Classic Country) Friday, January 25, 2019 Cadence (Contemporary A Cappella Artistry) Saturday, February 9, 2019 Five Sax (Modern Saxophone Quintet) Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Sergei Teleshev (Accordion Virtuoso) Saturday, March 9, 2019 Beginnings: the Ultimate Chicago Tribute Band Thursday, March 21, 2019

A somewhat random and reckless look at life from a fairly old guy

Coffee-Time Thoughts

by Bill Ward

T O D AY ’ S W I S D O M

“Do you know how helpless you feel when you have a full cup of coffee in your hand and you start to sneeze?” Jean Kerr

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Bill Ward is a retired healthcare administrator from Minnesota and a regular columnist, author, and untalented rock n’ roll musician. He winters at Casa Del Sol in Donna. You can contact Bill by email at bwward@charter.net .

You may purchase season tickets through the HCA website, guaranteeing a reserved seat at all of these performances. Season subscriptions are very affordable, ranging in price from $70-$90 for all six shows, plus modest processing fees. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale two weeks prior to each performance for $35 each, if any seats are available. For more information, contact the Municipal Auditorium box office at 956-216-5990. The box office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. •

n a recent road trip, we stopped at a convenience store in a small town in rural Iowa. There were four booths along one wall inside; every seat was occupied, and there were more people standing around in small clusters. The noise level was high, with lots of conversations, and it was evident that everyone knew each other.

The other thing I noticed was that they were all men, mostly older fellows, and every guy there was holding a cup of coffee. Now I have tried coffee, and I just don’t see the attraction. I know some people actually like it, and to each his own I guess. But I am struck by the ritual of our drinking coffee in groups, a ritual that repeats over and over in every small American town. You can make coffee at home for a fraction of the price. So what makes people drive to town, purchase a cup of coffee at a premium, and hang out in a building drinking it when there is work to be done elsewhere? I’m thinking maybe this all has nothing to do with coffee. Imagine that same scene in that convenience store with all those guys clustered around

and no one holding any coffee. You can’t, can you. It would never happen. It would be too weird. I don’t believe those guys cluster for the coffee. They cluster for the fun and comradery of hanging out with other guys, being men together and talking guy stuff. It would be odd to admit, as older men, that we just want to go out and play with our friends. Few of us would confess to the desire for guy time, so we “go for coffee.” Take out the coffee and you take away the excuse. I haven’t had a cup of coffee in 40 years, but when I leave the house, I tell my wife I am going for coffee. She knows I’ll be the only guy there drinking orange juice. But I’ll be there. I’m just sayin’. •


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October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

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

It’s Fiesta Season!

>> FISH TALES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Photo courtesy of wreathsacrossamerica.org

Wreaths Across America Coming

to Harlingen to Honor Our Veterans Special to Welcome Home RGV

name, rank, and branch of service with reaths Across America is coming the local cemetery where he or she to the Harlingen area. The Veterans’ has been laid to rest, along with grave Memorial Project Committee, in location, row, and number. conjunction with the City of Harlingen, Our goal is to raise enough funds to the Veterans’ advisory boards from place wreaths on the headstones of both Harlingen and San Benito, and all the local heroes laid to rest here, several other partners, is sponsoring to ensure the individuals who served this program. Several neighboring to protect the freedom of our country communities are also participating, are never forgotten, and to bring including La Feria, Los Indios, and the community together in patriotic Weslaco. This is a labor of love and commemoration. an ongoing process Volunteers in its early stages. are invited to assist. While we Families, especially appreciate that the of interred veterans, City of Mission has are cordially invited the Rio Grande Valley to participate. State Cemetery, Harlingen and San many local veterans Benito, as of now, are interred at other will be working local cemeteries, and toward collecting 11:00am we want to recognize funds locally for them. Therefore, we the remembrance Veterans Memorial have partnered with wreaths to be the Harlingen City placed on veterans’ at Pendleton Park Cemetery at F Street, graves in all of Ashland, Heavenly participating 1425 Morgan Blvd. the Grace, Restlawn, cemeteries. Harlingen Mont Meta, Highland Memorial Parks, SB Remembrance City Cemetery, and wreaths can be Las Rucias Cemetery in Los Indios. purchased for $15.00 each. For Wreaths Across America is a 501 more information, contact Lenore (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded Combs at 956-245-1276 or by to continue and to expand the annual email at LJCombs44@gmail.com. wreath-laying ceremony in December Sponsorships and optional donations at Arlington National Cemetery in toward this project will be appreciated Washington, D.C., that began in 1992 and vigilantly managed. The cut-off when businessman Morrill Worcester date is Veteran’s Day, November 11. To had an abundance of wreaths and learn more, go to myharlingen.us/page/ delivered them to Arlington. The mission veterans.home and click on “Wreaths statement of the organization is to Across America.” REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those Harlingen will have an Opening who serve, and TEACH our children Ceremony at Veterans Memorial the value of freedom. This mission is at Pendleton Park, 1425 Morgan carried out, in part, by coordinating the Boulevard, Saturday, December 15, at wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington 11 a.m. San Benito is also planning a National Cemetery with thousands of ceremony. The free event is open to all. other locations. The Harlingen area is Organized volunteers will then proceed included in the LRGV chapter. to their assigned participating cemetery To ensure no veteran is forgotten, we for the wreath-laying ceremony. There plan to place a remembrance wreath may be other areas that have a similar on every veteran’s grave. We have a program, such as Los Indios. challenge here because our cemetery More details can be found on the data does not include sufficient Welcome Home RGV website at www. information on grave locations. You can welcomehomergv.com/blog or visit help us by submitting your veteran’s www.wreathsacrossamerica.org •

W

OPENING CEREMONY

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Cliff has an ongoing contest with our to avoid being bitten. They have also head custodian, Mike, about who can caught some rather large stingrays catch the (up to three biggest or feet). Their the most fish tails can be out of our quite deadly, Resaca. If and you have Cliff makes a to take every good catch, precaution he will tell w h e n Mike about releasing it; then Mike them back will go down into the ocean. after work They have and do his also caught dandiest to eels, which try and best can also be Cliff’s catch. very difficult One time Cliff Benson fishing at the Resaca del la Guerra at Palm Resaca to release and when Mike Park. Photo courtesy of Darlene Julian. can leave a was trying hard to catch a bigger fish sore spot on your body if they contact than Cliff, Cliff was able to get ahold you. of Mike’s lure and cut the prongs off. Curt’s son, Tom, can remember when Needless to say, Mike didn’t catch he was a young boy of 11 coming anything that day and was the subject down in the summertime to visit his of some good-natured joshing. grandparents at Palm Resaca Park. Cliff and Curt will often go to Boca Both his grandparents loved to fish Chica Beach with their good friend, and would take him back into the port Bob Wilson. They have had some channel, along some of the old trails memorable catches. They have caught leading off the South-Padre-Island red drum and black drum measuring highway. One day while driving in, over 40 inches. It they accidentally ran was quite a struggle over a diamondback to bring them in. The “Fishing is really something rattler. It was so to do here while we’re big they couldn’t guys always wager on who will get the first at the park. I used to golf, see its head or tail. fish in the cooler. Tom’s eyes lit up Usually it’s Cliff who but now I fish and I really as he recalled his catches the first-childhood memories enjoy it. We have a lot and the most--fish. with his of fun together, get to pull fishing “For some reason, grandparents. he just seems to have some pranks on each other, “It was the knack of pulling and have an otherwise pretty awe inspiring,” them in,” said Bob. he said, “seeing One time they enjoyable day at the beach.” these big ships • Bob Wilson • caught about 100 and shrimp boats, whiting and spent catching some really over an hour cleaning them on the large fish. And grandpa could recognize beach. They attracted a swarm of the country of every flag flying from the seagulls and pelicans and even a blue different ships. It’s no wonder I got to heron. It took the birds only a couple love fishing so much.” of minutes to clean up all the scraps. Russ Belyea is another one of our They threw hardheads to the heron park’s fishing legends. Besides being and watched as it swallowed the fish an excellent fisherman, Russ has turned whole. During slow times, they would the laborious chore of filleting into an find ways to amuse themselves. They art form, and it’s absolutely fascinating put two small fish on the opposite ends to watch him work. Russ has fished of a piece of string and watched as two in the St. Lawrence River, the Great seagulls battled with each other to fly Lakes, and New Brunswick, where he off with their fish. The birds get even first started fishing with his grandfather with them, though, because every once when he was six. Russ’ biggest catch in a while they will zoom in and steal at Boca Chica was a 55-pound black one of their sandwiches. drum. He has caught many red drums The boys have caught a variety of that weighed over 30 pounds. Russ is fish in the Gulf. The ideal conditions one of those uncharacteristic fishermen for fishing in the Gulf are when the who likes to fish but doesn’t like to eat water temperature is 70-80 degrees, his catch. However, his park neighbors the water is clear, and the wind is calm are grateful for this because he will enough that there is very little surf. invite them for a fish fry every now and Besides the usual drums, whitings, then. pompano, sea trout, and the odd shark, Russ explains the key to surf fishing the boys have also caught puffer fish. in the gulf. The crashing surf makes These fish have very sharp teeth, and ever-changing troughs on the sea you have to remove the hook with pliers FISH TALES CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 >>


It’s Fiesta Season!

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

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Razz Ma Tazz Show Choir Ready to Hit Special to Welcome Home RGV

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cAllen Rowe High School’s Razz Ma Tazz ensemble is the Rio Grande Valley’s premier show choir. This season, the ensemble is pleased to present 11 performances throughout the Valley. Razz Ma Tazz offers a variety of traditional Christmas songs and popular holiday tunes, such as Holiday Road, Someday at Christmas, and many more. You will find that Razz Ma Tazz is a talented group of young men and women who add their own personal style and flair to make every performance memorable.

the Holiday Road

Join us for our first performance at the Welcome Home RGV Connection Fair to be held at the McAllen Convention Center November 6. Razz Ma Tazz will be performing at 1:00 p.m. Make sure to join us as we will be selling exclusive pre-sale tickets to Rowe’s musical, Anything Goes. Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, November 26. Be sure to take advantage of this exclusive offer as a token of our appreciation to our wonderful Winter Texans! •

You’re Never Too Old to Learn by Fran Adams

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obert Randolph, a 93-years-young resident of Kenwood RV Resort in La Feria, was basically forced into coloring at the age of 90. An artist friend, Ruthie, decided to buy him his first adult coloring book because she was sure he had potential. She was definitely correct. It took him about three months to decide to tackle the intricate designs in that book. He got some colored pencils but decided he needed finer points, so he got some colored ballpoint pens. That was better, but the colors weren’t bright enough, so he got some gel pens and some finetip markers. Soon he had finished his first design. He was pleased with his work and showed some of his friends, who were equally amazed and encouraged him to keep on coloring. Coloring takes a lot of patience and a desire to create. “Sometimes when I sit down to color a design,” Robert said, “it just doesn’t feel right, so I go to another, easier, more fun, design. When I am frustrated, I cannot produce anything I like. There are some designs I never finished because they just didn’t feel

right, so they weren’t inspiring at all, or, I must admit, some were just too difficult for me to struggle with, so I dismissed them and went on to a design that inspired me. The reward in the end is a sense of accomplishment and pride. Like everything in life, you experiment, test, and compare and maybe even quit. So far I like the challenge and plan to continue.” Coloring is very challenging, and Robert likes challenge. At the age of 60, he taught himself how to use the computer with the aid of Computers for Dummies books. Learning the computer was very useful when he went to work for the city of Fort Worth at the age of 74. He retired six years later after gaining publicity as the oldest employee of the city. Robert enjoys coloring and believes anyone can. He likes to encourage newbies and loves to show off what can be done. He lives a full life and participates in many of the activities in his park. He also likes to read, and in the evening, you can find him visiting with the park people while riding in his golf cart with his boxer, Charlie. •

Have a Spooktacular Good Time while Helping Prevent Child Abuse Special to Welcome Home RGV

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he Spooktacular Piano Bar is an annual fundraising event for the Tip of Texas Family Outreach, a nonprofit organization in Brownsville established to help strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.

When: Friday, October 19 Where: Venezzia, the Venue 5 Event Center Drive, Brownsville Time: 8 p.m. to midnight Cost: $55 per person (includes food and spirits) Must be 21 or older to purchase a ticket

For more information, contact Alma Herrera at 956-459-5755 or 956-541-5566.

This event promises to be lots of fun, featuring Howl 2 Go dueling pianos, great food, a Halloween costume contest, and a small silent auction. So dress up in your favorite character costume, grab some friends, and join us for a Spooktacular good time! •


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October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

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

It’s Fiesta Season!


It’s Fiesta Season!

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

9

The Latino List: Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders at the International Museum of Art & Science Special to Welcome Home RGV

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Turlington Burns • Raúl Yzaguirre Timothy GreenfieldSanders’ portraits are in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum, The Whitney Museum, and The National Portrait Gallery, among others. As one of America’s foremost contemporary portraitists, Greenfield-Sanders (American, born 1952) has explored constructions of identity and community throughout his career. His works invite viewers to ask questions about how we participate in groups, both self-defined and defined by others. Is there Timothy Greenfield-Sanders (American, born 1952), Eva Longoria, 2010 an essential communal Pigmented inkjet print, 58 x 44 in Portrait ©Timothy Greenfield identity? At the same Sanders, promised gift of Hiram Butler and Andrew Spindler-Resole the San Antonio Museum of Art in honor of Museum Trustee time, his candid portraits to Banks R. Smith celebrate the individual characters of their sitters. Previous Award for Best Long-Form Video. series include The Black List (2008), The exhibition is included in the a collection of contemporary African- cost of General Admission and is free American sitters; Injured Soldiers for IMAS Members. The Latino List is (2008); About Face (2012), portraits generously funded by Inter National of female models; The Women’s List Bank, Vantage Bank Texas, the (2015); and The Trans List (2017). Loring Cook Foundation, the James Greenfield-Sanders has also made W. and Kathleen C. Collins Family award-winning documentaries that Foundation, Hector Guerra, Katherine similarly explore community and and James McAllen, and Steven and biography, including Lou Reed: Rock Stephanie Block. • and Roll Heart, which won a Grammy

n loan and organized by the San Antonio Museum of Art, The Latino List: Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders presents 31 portraits of influential Latinos who span the worlds of culture, business, politics, and sports. From professional golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez to rapper Pitbull to Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, renowned photographer and director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders documents the vibrant culture of Hispanic America. The Latino List is the major fall exhibition for the International Museum of Art & Science in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Texas is particularly well-represented in the series, which features former mayor Henry Cisneros, writer Sandra Cisneros, and SouthTexas actress Eva Longoria. The Latino List: Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders is scheduled to be on view at the International Museum of Art & Science from September 18, 2018, to January 6, 2019. The Latino List Volume 1, a documentary directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders that originally aired on HBO, will also be shown in the exhibition. The documentary presents a series of video portraits of Latinos in America reflecting upon their backgrounds, their philosophies, and their experiences living in a society where new opportunities abound but challenges still exist. “We’re pleased to be given

the opportunity to present this extraordinarily relevant and timely exhibit from the San Antonio Museum of Art,” said IMAS President and Executive Director Serena Pandos. “We know it will resonate with our community well and will continue to encourage an important dialogue about the Latino experience here in America.”

>> FISH TALES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Nikki Rowe Theatre Welcomes You Back with Noises Off

bottom. The fish like to swim in these troughs looking for food. You have to estimate how wide a trough is, then throw your line just right so it’ll land in a trough. It takes a lot of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can reap the rewards of your accuracy. Dallas Hoffman and Russ Wetherbee are a duo who surf-fish the gulf on a regular basis. They both cautioned about using a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get into the tight spots on the beach. Unless you’re fortunate to run into a fellow fisherman who will pull you out, you could be stuck with a hefty towing bill because sometimes even AAA won’t come out to help you. Bob Wilson summed it up best when he said, “Fishing is really something to do here while we’re at the park. I used to golf, but now I fish and I really enjoy it. We have a lot of fun together, get to pull some pranks on each other, and have an otherwise enjoyable day at the beach.” There you have it—fish tales from Palm Resaca Park. •

“We know it will resonate

with our community well and will continue to encourage an important dialogue about the Latino experience here in America.” • Serena Pandos •

The full list of portraits included in the exhibit is as follows: • Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch • Henry Cisneros • Sandra Cisneros • César Conde • Victor Cruz • Ralph de la Vega • Emilio Estefan • Gloria Estefan • Giselle Fernández • José Fernández • America Ferrera • Nely Galán • Maria Hinojosa • Dolores Huerta • John Leguizamo • Eva Longoria • George Lopez • Robert Menéndez • Dr. Marta Moreno Vega • Janet Murguía • Soledad O’Brien • Pitbull • Judy Reyes • Chi Chi Rodríguez • Anthony D. Romero • Jon Seda • Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo • Sonia Sotomayor • Julie Stav • Christy

Special to Welcome Home RGV

N

ikki Rowe Theatre is back in full swing this year, starting with our hilarious fall production, Noises Off. Our company has been working very hard since September to bring this comedy gold classic to you this year. Referred to as “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Doors slamming on and off stage intrigue, and an errant herring also figures in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play.

Darcy Rios and Mauricio Castillo rehearsing for the production.

Noises Off will be performed November 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and November 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets

are $5.00 for general admission. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call 956-632-8861. •

Darcy Rios, Chantell Gonzalez, Belinda Zuniga, Karla Santillana, Sara Echeagaray, and Samantha Gilbert rehearsing.


10

October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

It’s Fiesta Season!

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

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEEK OF

October 17 - 30, 2018

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

SALES

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2018

Beginner/Improver Line Dance, 10:00 AM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo. 1048 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Pass the hat. For information call 904-612-9351. Karaoke w/John & Marie, 01:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr. 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. Free admission, come sing, listen & dance. Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig, 06:30 PM, South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd, SPI. Lucero and the Giants by Eric Wiley, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South, 1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg. Alamo Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Casa Del Valle, 1408 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Dance w/Steven May & The Southern Knights, 07:00 PM, Tip O’ Texas, Pharr, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr.

Healing in Nature, 09:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 progrAM, fee. Buckets of Fun, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Fall Leaves Fabric Coloring & Thread Painting Class, 10:00 AM, A Block Away Quilt Shop. 16th Annual “Taste of Harlingen”, 06:00 PM, Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood St, Harlingen. For information call 956-216-4901. BBQ At Central Park, 06:00 PM, Alamo Central Park, 800 E Main St, Alamo. Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig, 06:30 PM, South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd, SPI. Capable Kids Foundation Havana Nights, 06:30 PM, Pharr Event

Center, 300 N Cage, Pharr. Lucero and the Giants by Eric Wiley, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South, 1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg. Noches de serenata con el Trio Tres en Punto Hacienda San Miguel, 08:00 PM, 6101 N. 23rd St, McAllen. For information call 956-862-6763.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018 McAllen Volunteering Opportunities!, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. McAllen History Tour, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. 19th Annual Wild In Willacy, 10:00 AM, Raymondville Chamber of Commerce, for information call 956-689-1864. Friday Night Fish Fry, 04:00 PM,

Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 602 N Victoria Rd, Donna. Los Fresnos 26th Annual Conjunto Festival, 05:00 PM, Memorial Park, 900 N Arroyo Blvd, Los Fresnos. Karaoke w/Dorothy Phillips, 06:30 PM, Tip O’ Texas, Pharr. 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. Lucero and the Giants by Eric Wiley, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South, 1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg. Dance w/Steven May & The Southern Knights, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr. 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. Concession opens at 6:00 pm. Serenata Romantica con el trio Tres en Punto, 07:30 PM, Margaritas Mexican Grill, 3505 TX-107, Edinburg. For information call 956-862-6763. The Venue Spooktacular Piano Bar, 08:00 PM, Venezzia, 5 Event Center Blvd, Brownsville.

Bit-O-Heaven RV and Mobile Home Park

1051 W. Bus Hwy 83 Donna, TX 78537

www.bit-o-heaven.net EVERY TUESDAY

STARTS NOVEMBER 6 Country Jams 12:00-2:30pm • FREE

**** FRIDAY DANCES **** listed ALL DANCES 7:00PM-10:00PM unless otherwise Singles are Welcome

STARTS DECEMBER 6 $3 All You Can Eat/BYOTS

Nov 9 Time Machine RGV....................$7.00 Nov 16 Karaoke w/Millie & Ray (7:00-9:30PM).Donations Nov 23 Diego........................................$6.00 Nov 30 Chamberlin’s & Southern Express...$7.00 Dec 7 Renaissance Rockers...............$10.00 Dec 14 Karaoke w/Paul (7:00-9:30PM)....... Donations Dec 21 The Cruisers............................$10.00 Dec 22 Gatos Locos (Saturday Night).........$8.00 Dec 28 Regan James Hired Hand...........$6.00 Dec 31* Rewind...................................$15.00 *New Year’s Eve Dance 8:30PM-12:30AM (w/late lunch) Jan 4 Daddy D Three..........................$8.00 Jan 11 Swing Street Big Band.............$10.00

EVERY FRIDAY : DANCE

**** ENTERTAINMENT ****

Coffee & Cookies at break • Popcorn & Soda for sale

Happy Hour w/Diego 3:30-5:00pm • Pass the Bucket for Donations BYOB • Popcorn & Soda for sale

EVERY WEDNESDAY ENTERTAINMENT • 6:30PM

Popcorn/Soda/Ice Cream Bars for sale

Dec. 19 • The Chamberlins • $6.00 Dec. 26 • Carlos Canas • $6.00

EVERY THURSDAY : SOUP SUPPER Dessert for sale

7:00pm - 10:00pm BYOB & Snacks / Popcorn & Soda for sale

Nov. 23 • Over the Hill Gang • $6.00 Nov. 30 • George and the • $7.00 Texas Outlaws

EVERY SUNDAY : KARAOKE

STARTS NOVEMBER 11 5:00 PM • Come to Sing or Just Listen

CRAFT FAIR

Second Friday Every Month (Nov - Mar) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM • Breakfast for sale

PATIO SALES

Second Saturday Every Month (Nov - Mar) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pick up map in North Hall

Susan Thomas 603-396-2786 ACTIVITY DIRECTOR

ALL ENTERTAINMENT 7:00PM Pay at the Door (unless otherwise noted) Dec 9 Dec 11 Dec 19 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 12 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 24

Razz Ma Tazz............................Donations Lindley Creek Christmas Show.... $8.00 Pharr Community Theater Show.. $7.00 Goldwing Express.................... $10.00 Absolutely Country..................... $7.00 4 His Glory............................... $7.00 Adam Pope & Rebel Roots......... $7.00 Helen Russell & Company.......... $7.00 Lawless & Mae Show................. $8.00 Bill Chrastil Show...................... $7.00 Punches Show.......................... $7.00 Kai Show.................................. $7.00

1645 S. Bentsen Palm Drive Palmview, TX 78572

956-585-0703

Peggy Creach • Kathy Tyler Activity Directors

WELCOME BACK TO THE VALLEY! stated FRIDAY DANCE • 7PM • $6 unless otherwise

Oct. 19 Steven May & Southern Knights Oct. 26 Sweetwater Nov. 2 Steven May & Southern Knights Nov. 9 Sweetwater Nov. 16 Smokin’ Gun Nov. 23 Sweetwater Nov. 30 Jack Nelson & County Line stated ENTERTAINMENT • 7:00PM unless otherwise

Dec. 18 Lindley Creek $8 pp 1-2:30 pm Dec. 30 Texas Ramblers

(Big Band Dance) Pass the Hat 3-5 pm

Jan. 6 Ruthie Hedge $7 pp Jan. 15 Lindley Creek $8 pp Jan. 27 Texas Ramblers Pass the Hat 3-5 pm

WELCOME BACK TO THE VALLEY!

ENTERTAINMENT

All Shows 7:00pm unless otherwise noted

Jan. 10 | Goldwing Express | $10 Jan. 14 | Red Head Express | $10/$12 Red Head Express is only appearing at a few parks this year, please call ahead for tickets.

Feb. 21 | Gene Turner | $8 Mar. 7 | Fabulous Vegas Guys | $8

DANCE

Every Saturday at 7:00pm November 3 - March 23 Texas Wheels | $6

UPCOMING CRAFT SHOWS

Join Us for Burgers & Fries • 5:30pm | $7

Jan. 5, 2019 • Feb. 2, 2019 • Mar. 2, 2019

CRAFT SALE & LUNCHEON

Saturdays • 8:00AM to Noon

UPCOMING JAMS IN 2019!

Big Band (Jan. 5, 2019 thru Mar. 9, 2019) Every Saturday • 2:00PM to 4:00PM Country Jam (Jan. 7, 2019 thru Mar. 25, 2019) Every Monday • 1:00PM to 3:00PM Dulcimer Jam (Jan. 3, 2019 thru Mar. 28, 2019) Every Thursday • 1:00PM to 3:00PM

Line Dance Class • 6:00pm

8:00am - 12:00pm Dec. 8 | Jan. 12 | Feb. 9 | Mar. 8

VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION Nov. 11 • 2:00pm

600 St. Hwy 495 • Alamo, TX 78516

956-782-7886

956-781-1358 To see our entire season lineup,

www.texastrailsrv.com

www.WinterRanchActivities.com

501 W. Owassa Rd.• Pharr, TX 78577

check out our Activity Blog at


It’s Fiesta Season!

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2018 Casimiro Tijerina Memorial Bike Ride/ Run or Walk Raymondville Veterans of Foreign Wars, 07:00 AM, 741 S 3rd St, Raymondville. For information call 956-377-9768. Mission Regional Medical Center 9th Annual Mission Pink 5K Run/Walk, 08:00 AM, 900 S Bryan Rd, Mission. 5th Annual Goodwill Cook Off, 08:00 AM, Valley Race Park, 2601 S. Ed Carey Dr, Harlingen. For information call 361-446-0550. McAllen Fall Feathers Bird Walk, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Hugh Ramsey Nature Park Guided Native Plant Walks, 09:00 AM, 1000 TX-499 Loop, Harlingen. Brownsville Farmer’s Market, 09:00 AM, Linear Park, Brownsville. Located in Linear Park across from the Zoo. Fireman’s Park Growing Growers Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, 201 1st St, McAllen. EWBC Guided Butterfly Walks, 10:00 AM, 714 Raul Longoria Rd. Join

EWBC naturalist staff on guided butterfly walks. Regular admission, members free. 19th Annual Wild In Willacy, 10:00 AM, Raymondville Chamber of Commerce, for information call 956689-1864. McAllen Farmer’s Market, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library, McAllen. Local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs. Mission Country JAM, Lunch!, 11:00 AM, Green Gate Grove, 2135 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Palmview. McAllen Discovery Days, 11:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. McAllen Nature Tots, 11:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Mission Country Jam, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, 2135 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Palmview. Sew Days #5-Card Case Class, 01:00 PM, A Block Away Quilt Shop. Genealogy at the Library, 02:30 PM, McAllen Public Library, McAllen,

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

4001 N 23rd St, McAllen. Los Fresnos 26th Annual Conjunto Festival, 03:00 PM, Memorial Park, 900 N Arroyo Blvd, Los Fresnos. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Harlingen CVB, Harlingen City Hall parking lot, 201 E Madison Ave, Harlingen. Lucero and the Giants by Eric Wiley, 07:00 PM, Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South, 1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg. Dance w/Jealous Heart, 07:00 PM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo, 1401 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Dance w/Texas Wheels, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, Alamo. 800 State Hwy. 495, Alamo. $6.00 pp. Kate Flum, flute, 07:00 PM, UTRGV Performing Arts Complex Auditorium, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg. Murder, Mystery, Mayhem Tour, 08:00 PM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E Washington St, Brownsville. Romo Santos, 08:00 PM, Bert Ogden Arena, 4900 S I-69, Edinburg. Tickets available at bertogdenarena. com & HEB Park box office. For

11

SALES

information call 956-562-7362.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2018 San Juan Gardens Church Service, 08:45 AM, 900 E Business Hwy 83, San Juan. South Padre Island Farmers Market, 11:00 AM, The Shores, South Padre Island. Lucero and the Giants by Eric Wiley, 02:00 PM, Edinburg Liberal Arts Building South, 1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg. Begin Quilting Class, 02:00 PM, A Block Away Quilt Shop, 2706 N 10th St, McAllen. 26th Annual Conjunto Festival, 04:00 PM, Memorial Park, Los Fresnos, 900 N Arroyo Blvd, Los Fresnos.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2018 Beginner/Improver Line Dance, 10:00 AM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo, 1048 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Pass the hat. For information call 904-612-9351. JAM Session, 01:00 PM, Citrus Valley

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>

Visit our spacious Hynes Event Center

- the place to party in the RGV!

Purchase tickets online at hyneseventcenter.com (for upcoming shows only)

DANCE / ENTERTAINMENT

Hynes Event Center • Doors Open 6:00PM Bar & Concession Available

Halloween Dance with the Texas Wheels

Wednesday, October 31 7:00 PM • $7.00 pp !!! Costume Contest !!! Non-park residents: Tickets available 1 week prior to event

HAPPY HOUR

Pass the Hat • Hynes Event Center (Bar and Concession Available)

Happy Hour w/ Leslie Blasing October 23 3:00 PM -5:00 PM

KARAOKE DINNER $7.50 pp

October 17 • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Rec Hall

King Ranch Chicken Breast, Wild Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Iced Tea or Coffee

October 24 • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Hynes Event Center

Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Vegetables, Iced Tea or Coffee

KARAOKE

with Harry and Judy

Bar and Concession Available

October 17 • 5:00 PM Rec Hall October 24 • 5:00 PM Hynes Event Center


12

October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

It’s Fiesta Season!

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 RV Park, 2901 W. Hwy 107, McAllen. For information call 956-383-8189. Fused Glass Jewelry Workshop, 06:00 PM, McAllen Stained Glass, 800 N Main St, McAllen.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018 EWBC Guided Bird Walks, 08:30 AM, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands; World Birding Center, 714 Raul Longoria Rd. Join EWBC naturalist staff on guided bird walks. Regular admission, members free. High Beginner Line Dance, 10:00 AM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo, 1048 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Pass the hat. For information call 904-612-9351. McAllen Garden Tour, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $2 Seniors/$3 Adults. 11:00 AM, Rio Grande Regional Hospital Balance Exercise Support TeAM, (B.E.S.T.) 101 E. Ridge Rd, McAllen. Taco Tuesday, 11:30 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram, Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-581-1871.

Winter Haven Resort Chess Club, 01:00 PM, Winter Haven Resort, Brownsville, 3501 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville. Winter Haven Resort Chess Club, 02:00 PM, Winter Haven Resort, Brownsville, 3501 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville. Valley Roots Series: Tell Your Spooky RGV Tale, 06:00 PM, McAllen Public Library, McAllen. 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen. Fused Glass Lamp Workshop, 06:00 PM, McAllen Stained Glass, 800 N Main St, McAllen. FREE Dance w/RGV Rusty Rockers, 07:00 PM, Aladdin Villas, Mission. 1501 Aladdin Villas Blvd, West, Mission. Master Chorale Fall Concert, 07:00 PM, UTRGV Performing Arts Complex Auditorium, TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave, Brownsville. $5.00 tickets. For information call 956-882-7025. Flashlight Nights, 07:30 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018 Stepping Stones to Quilting Your First Quilt, 09:00 AM, A Block Away Quilt Shop. Beginner/Improver Line Dance, 10:00 AM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo. 1048 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Pass the hat. For information call 904-612-9351. Karaoke w/John & Marie, 01:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr. 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. Free admission, come sing, listen & dance. Stand-up Longarm Machine Quilting Basics, 01:00 PM, A Block Away Quilt Shop. “Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour”: Downtown Brownsville, 06:30 PM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1326 E Washington St, Brownsville. Dance w/Bottomline Band, 07:00 PM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo. 1408 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Dance w/Steven May & The Southern Knights, 07:00 PM, Tip O’ Texas, Pharr, 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. Benjamin McIlwain, trombone, 07:00 PM, TSC Performing Arts Center, TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave, Brownsville. $5.00 senior/

student tickets and $10.00 general admission tickets. For information call 956-882-7025. “Shades of Haunted History Walking Tour”: Downtown Brownsville, 08:00 PM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E Washington St, Brownsville.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018 Healing in Nature, 09:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 progrAM, fee. Buckets of Fun, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Noches de serenata con el Trio Tres en Punto, 08:00 PM, Hacienda San Miguel, 6101 N. 23rd St, McAllen. For information call 956-862-6763.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 McAllen Volunteering Opportunities!, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. History Tour, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Friday Night Fish Fry, 04:00 PM,


It’s Fiesta Season!

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS Victoria Palms Resort, Donna. 602 N Victoria Rd, Donna. Historical Happy Hour: “Stranger Things” Halloween Costume Party, 05:00 PM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E Washington St, Brownsville. BOO Bash Movie Night, 06:15 PM, South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd, SPI. Free and open to the public. Santa Fe Wine Classic, 06:30 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Karaoke w/Dorothy Phillips, 06:30 PM, Tip O’ Texas, Pharr. 101 E Sioux Rd, Pharr. 2nd Annual Winged Gala, 06:30 PM, South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, 6801 Padre Blvd, SPI. For information call 956-761-6801. Dance w/Rewind, 07:00 PM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo. 1408 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Dance w/Sweetwater, 07:00 PM, Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr. 501 W Owassa Rd, Pharr. $6.00 pp. Harlingen Art Night, 07:00 PM, Harlingen CVB, Downtown Harlingen, Jackson Street.

Killer Bees vs Laredo Bucks, 07:00 PM, State Farm Arena, 2600 N 10th St, Hidalgo. For tickets call 956-313-1112. Serenata Romantica con el trio Tres en Punto, 07:30 PM, Margaritas Mexican Grill, 3505 TX-107, Edinburg. For information call 956-862-6763. A Harry Potter Halloween Concert, 08:00 PM, McAllen Performing Arts Center.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2018 Spooktacular Stroke Awareness 5K Run/Walk, 08:00 AM, Rio Grande Regional Hospital, 101 E. Ridge Rd, McAllen. Fall Feathers Bird Walk, 08:30 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. HalloWings Festival, 09:00 AM, South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center, 6801 Padre Blvd, SPI. For information call 956-761-6801. Brownsville Farmer’s Market, 09:00 AM, Linear Park, Brownsville. Located in Linear Park across from the Zoo. Growing Growers Farmers Market, 09:00 AM, Fireman’s Park, 201 1st St, McAllen.

JAM SESSIONS

MEALS

EWBC Guided Butterfly Walks, 10:00 AM, 714 Raul Longoria Rd. Join EWBC naturalist staff on guided butterfly walks. Regular admission, members free. McAllen Farmer’s Market, 10:00 AM, McAllen Public Library, McAllen. Local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs. Country JAM, Lunch! 11:00 AM, Green Gate Grove, Mission. 2135 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Palmview. Discovery Days, 11:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Nature Tots, 11:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. Country JAM, 12:30 PM, Green Gate Grove, Mission. 2135 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Palmview. Octubafest, 03:00 PM,UTRGV Performing Arts Complex Auditorium. 1201 W. University Dr. Edinburg. $5.00 senior/student tickets and $10.00 general admission tickets.

13

SALES

For information call 956-665-3881. Harlingen Farmers Market, 03:00 PM, Harlingen CVB, Harlingen City Hall parking lot, 201 E Madison Ave, Harlingen. Laredo Paranormal Research Society, 04:00 PM, McAllen Public Library, McAllen. 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen. St. Paul’s 55th Annual Fall Festival, 04:00 PM, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 300 W Pecan Blvd, McAllen. For information call 956-682-2345. Scarecrow Trail Fest, 06:00 PM, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands; World Birding Center, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center, 714 Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg. For info call 956-381-9922. Dance w/Sweetwater, 07:00 PM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, Alamo. 800 State Hwy 495, Alamo. $6.00 pp. Black Sheep Percussion Quartet, 07:00 PM, TSC Performing Arts Center, TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave, Brownsville. $5.00 senior/student tickets and $10.00 general admission tickets. For information call (956) 882-7025.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 >>


14

October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

It’s Fiesta Season!

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 Hallo Flute Concert, 07:00 PM, UTRGV Performing Arts Complex Auditorium. 1201 W. University Dr. Edinburg. $5.00 senior/student tickets and $10.00 general admission tickets. For information call 956-665-3881. Murder, Mystery, Mayhem Tour, 08:00 PM, Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E Washington St, Brownsville. Comedian George Lopez, 08:00 PM, Bert Ogden Arena, 4900 S I-69, Edinburg. Tickets available at bertogdenarena. com and HEB Park box office. For information call 956-562-7362.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2018 San Juan Gardens Church Service, 08:45 AM, 900 E Business Hwy 83, San Juan. South Padre Island Farmers Market, 11:00 AM, The Shores, South Padre Island. Sunday Speaker Series: Benito Trevino on Native Plants, 02:00 PM, Museum of South Texas History, Edinburg, 200 N Closner, Edinburg. Begin Quilting Class, 02:00 PM, A Block Away Quilt Shop, 2706 N 10th St, McAllen. Frankenstein: The Woman, the Man, the

Myths, and the Monsters, 05:00 PM, McAllen Public Library, McAllen. 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2018 Beginner/Improver Line Dance, 10:00 AM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo. 1048 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Pass the hat. For information call 904-612-9351. JAM Session, 01:00 PM, Citrus Valley RV Park, 2901 W. Hwy 107, McAllen. For information call 956-383-8189.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2018 EWBC Guided Bird Walks, 08:30 AM, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, World Birding Center, 714 Raul Longoria Rd. Join EWBC naturalist staff on guided bird walks. Regular admission, members free. High Beginner Line Dance, 10:00 AM, Casa Del Valle, Alamo. 1048 N Alamo Rd, Alamo. Pass the hat. For information call 904-612-9351. McAllen Garden Tour, 10:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $2 Seniors/$3 Adults. Balance Exercise Support TeAM,

(B.E.S.T.), 11:00 AM, Rio Grande Regional Hospital, 101 E. Ridge Rd, McAllen. Taco Tuesday, 11:30 AM, Sleepy Valley Resort, 2301 N. Abram, Mission. $6.00 pp. For information call 956-581-1871. Winter Haven Resort Chess Club, 01:00 PM, Winter Haven Resort, Brownsville. 3501 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville.

Winter Haven Resort Chess Club, 02:00 PM, Winter Haven Resort, Brownsville, 3501 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville. Fused GlassNapkin/Mail Holder Workshop, 06:00 PM, McAllen Stained Glass 800 N Main St, Ste. 400, McAllen. Flashlight Nights, 07:30 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen. 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen. $3.00 pp. •


It’s Fiesta Season!

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

15


16

October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

DELICIOUS RECIPES

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

ZESTY BITES

RECIPE CONNECTION •••

INSTANT MEALS

It’s Fiesta Season!

APPETIZING DELIGHTS

Looking for that amazing treat that will satisfy your craving! Each week we will offer you a variety of recipes that you can try from those who truly enjoy food and want to share! •

Quick Cookin’ with Sandy Olsen

•••

It’s Not Your Mother’s Pressure Cooker Submitted by Sandy Olsen

Slow cookers are wonderful; they are effortless in many cases and don’t heat up the kitchen on hot, Texas days.

But there is now another exciting kitchen helper--the electronic pressure cooker. The most popular brand seems to be the InstantPot®, but there are several other high-quality brands, as well. This is not your mother’s pressure cooker; it is totally programmed, electronically, to provide safe and easy cooking. It’s NOT instant; you do have to wait until the pressure in the cooker gets to the right level before cooking actually starts, but after that, it’s a real time and energy saver. No worries about the pot exploding, as long as you follow simple instructions and keep the seal and pressure valve clean. Also, please remember that steam is extremely hot; don’t put your hands or face anywhere near the valve when steam is being released. This season we’ll explore lots of recipes, from soup to desserts cooked in the electronic pressure cooker, most of which are “set and forget” until it’s time to remove the food from the pot. Come along for the ride and enjoy the fruits (and veggies and meats) of your labors.

Hard-Cooked Eggs

This sounds so basic, but one of the huge benefits of cooking eggs in an electronic pressure cooker is that they are so easy to peel. I know people who have said it’s a pretty expensive way to get hard-boiled eggs, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. It’s also one of the first things new pressure cooker owners do…and love! I use the 6-6-6 method, and it’s never failed me. Put 1½ cups of water into the pressure cooker and place the rack that comes with it inside the pot. You can also buy (which I highly recommend) a two-tiered rack that will hold a dozen eggs. Place room-temperature eggs on the rack above the water, as many as will fit on whatever rack you are using. Close the cooker and set the pressure valve to “sealing.” Use the manual, high setting for six minutes. When that time is up, let the pressure naturally release for another six minutes. While you’re waiting, prepare a bowl of cold water with ice. When the cooker reaches six minutes of pressure release (the time will start to count up when it’s done cooking to tell you the time that has passed), quick-release the remaining pressure. Take the eggs carefully out of the cooker and plunge into the ice water for another six minutes. After that, let them cool, and you’ll find the shells almost drop off. No little pieces to pick off and no wasted egg.

Sandy Olson--lifelong foodie, restaurant reviewer, cooking teacher, Summer Iowan, and Winter Texan, she spends the season at Palm Shadows RV Park in Donna. You can contact Sandy at midwestfoodie@gmail.com.

Tomato Bisque Soup

• 1 medium onion, diced • 1/4 cup heavy cream or Half & Half • 4 cloves of garlic, minced (you can use less) • 4 cups chicken stock • 2 cans (14 oz. each) fire-roasted, diced tomatoes • 3 tablespoons flour • 2 tablespoons unsalted real butter (No margarine!) • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning • 1 teaspoon celery seed • 4 tablespoons tomato paste • 2 teaspoons sugar • Salt/Pepper to tast

Set the pressure cooker on sauté mode and cook the onion and garlic in the butter. Mix in the flour until it is well incorporated. Cancel the sauté feature. Drain the canned tomatoes and add them to the pot, along with the chicken stock, sugar, tomato paste, parsley flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your own taste. Using the manual pressure setting on high, set the cooker for 15 minutes. Be sure the pressure valve is set to “seal” and not to “vent.” Use rapid-release when cooking is complete. Put the cooker on “keep warm.” Using an immersion blender right in the pot, blend until smooth, adding the cream in small amounts as you blend. If you do not have an immersion blender, put the soup into a blender and process until smooth. Add the cream. Pour into a bowl and process the second half of the soup; don’t add any more cream. Pour it all back into the cooker to heat through.

I am most familiar with the InstantPot®-brand cooker. Other brands work about the same but may have different settings or terms for using them. The electronic pressure cooker has made formerly long-cooking meals, such as pot roast, stew, chicken broth, and more, much quicker to get on the table. Clean up is easy, especially with the pots that have a nonstick coating. A good cookbook is very valuable. Get one from the maker of your pot so it has detailed instructions. There are also many, many recipe sites and blogs online for pressure cooking. Have a good time with this new toy and watch for more recipes and hints as we get into the Winter-Texan season. •

saving you more!

COUPON

CONNECTION

Our weekly coupon section will help you SAVE while you are

here. Visit our website www.welcomehomergv.com for more printable coupons. •


It’s Fiesta Season!

SAVORY TREATS •••

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www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

• • • Puzzle

SWEET CRAVINGS

The Border Cook

•••

We are so happy our Winter friends are back! This season

North to South

Easy Blender Tomato Salsa Submitted by Randy Hoelscher, The Border Cook

Fun

we are offering our readers Puzzle Fun! Here is the first word search to kick off our new year with celebrating thehttps://mywordsearch. states that you call your home. Enjoy! •

North to South

NORTH TO SOUTH

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his is a quick and easy recipe for tomato salsa made in a blender. You can make up a batch in just minutes. The inspiration for this salsa came from a restaurant in Kanab, Utah, this summer. We really liked the salsa and decided the taste we liked resulted from using fire-roasted tomatoes. We went to work on duplicating the recipe. Our goal was to duplicate the flavor and make it super easy to make by substituting canned ingredients for fresh to reduce the prep time. See the recipe notes for the ‘from scratch’ version of the recipe. This recipe makes about a pint of salsa.

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U H W E J W C T • 1 – 14.5-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes with garlic – drained; juice reserved • ¼ cup onion – coarsely chopped X V F K R O N R • 1 Tbsp. canned diced jalapeño peppers (not the pickled ones) P U D R F X K F • ½ cup fresh cilantro – leaves and thin stems roughly chopped • 2 Tbsp. bottled lime juice • ½ tsp. kosher salt – more if needed, to taste. • ½ tsp. oregano – Mexican preferred • ¼ tsp. cumin ARKANSAS • Optional – add ¼ tsp. or more of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce if you CANADA like spicier salsa. ARKANSAS KANSAS

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CANADA KENTUCKY Place all ingredients in a blender. Pulse the blender to combine the ingredients. ILLINOIS Only pulse the blender 4 to 6 times so you end up with salsa that has some COLORADO LOUISIANA INDIANA body. Too much, and you will have a paste. If the salsa is thicker than you like, ILLINOIS MICHIGAN IOWA add a little of the reserved tomato liquid. INDIANA

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KANSAS Notes: IOWA MISSOURI SOUTH DAKOTA To make this salsa from scratch, make the following substitutions: Instead of canned jalapeños – use one fresh pepper, seeds and webbing ••• ••• removed, finely diced. Instead of bottled lime juice – use the juice from one fresh lime. 1 of 1 10/11/ Instead of garlic flame-roasted Submitted by The Junior League of McAllen, Inc. tomatoes – use regular flame-roasted tomatoes and add 1 or 2 finely diced Yield : 100 - 150 appetizers garlic cloves. A tasting note – we felt the salsa, served • 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, • 1 cup mayonnaise thawed and well drained • 1 jar bacon bits (not imitation) cold, exhibited a ‘tangy’ or perhaps • 1 cup sour cream ‘brighter’ flavor. When warmed up, it • 6 green onions, chopped • 1 package ranch-style salad dressing mix • 10 large flour tortillas seemed more ‘earthy,’ and the cumin flavor was more noticeable. Try it both Mix together spinach, onions, dressing mix, mayonnaise, bacon bits, and sour ways and see what you think. cream. Spread on tortillas; roll to enclose filling. Place on cookie sheet, seam side down. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill overnight. Slice into bite-size pieces, Enjoy! Buen apetito! • about ½ inch. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Some Like It Hot

Spinach Tortilla Bites

Randy Hoelscher is a transplanted Texan and halftime RGV resident. A long time cooking enthusiast, he enjoys being “The Border Cook” and spreading the word about Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine on his website, TheBorderCook.com, as well as on social media.

The Junior League of McAllen, Inc. envisions significantly improving the quality of life of the children and youth of our community by preserving the innocence of childhood, encouraging responsibility, and promoting a safe environment. Cookbooks can be purchased through the Junior League website at www.juniorleaguemcallen.org, as well as at Barn White and Quips & Quotes in McAllen.


18

October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

It’s Fiesta Season!

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

Upland Plants Turn into Upscale Cuisine at the Quinta Mazatlán Prickly Pear Social Special to Welcome Home RGV

I

t’s time to celebrate Texas Native Plant Week at Quinta Mazatlán’s Prickly Pear Social Saturday, October 20, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The event cuisine is centered around incredibly diverse local foods, including vegan options, which are sure to satiate any appetite while educating us on the importance of native plants. In 2018, we chose to recognize the Prickly Pear Cactus--the great state plant of Texas! Chris and Michelle Breeden own Serendipity Jelly, a pepper-jelly company that has been producing tasty combinations of jellies and jams for almost 40 years. Mesquite Bean Jelly and Prickly Pear Jelly will be sold at the event to highlight the versatility and palatability of genuine native plants growing right here in South Texas. Serendipity Jelly will have over 20 flavors of jelly from which to choose, with a great SouthTexas “kick” of flavor. Chris will also demonstrate how to turn the beautiful Prickly Pear cactus fruits (known as tunas) into amazing jams and jellies!

Greens and Lemons will cater the event with some delectable menu options, including chicken cactus tamales, croissant prickly pear chicken salad, cactus-stuffed cucumbers with nopal salad, mini lamb gyros, tomatoand-mozzarella cactuspesto kabobs, plus much more. Lebby Salinas, the Fooducator, will provide p r i c k l y - p e a r- c a c t u s infused desserts and a variety of healthy juices. This all-inclusive event will be a scrumptious celebration of a South-Texas icon! Nature lovers of all kinds will enjoy cactus-inspired art, prickly-pear-infused cocktails, sip and painting sessions, cooking demos, local vendors, tapas cuisine, live music, a native-plant sale, and more. The Prickly Pear Social is sponsored by Texas Regional Bank and Art by Dalice. Call Quinta Mazatlán at 956-681-3370 or visit us at quintamazatlan.com for more information. Advance tickets are required. Hope to see you at the Prickly Pear Social. •

Courtesy photos (3)

>> EXPLORING THE RGV CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

community’s heritage and culture.

Places to See:

Iwo Jima Memorial and Museum at Marine Military Academy. Photo Courtesy : Andrea Gutierrez

Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum The towering Iwo Jima Memorial located on the Marine Miliatry Academy Campus in Harlingen is the original plaster structure constructed by Dr. Felix de Weldon that was used to cast the bronze monument that stands in Arlington, Virginia. The museum near the monument pays tribute to those who fought and sacrified their lives in WWII and during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Harlingen Murals Scattered mostly throughout the downtown area, you will find dozens of murals created by local artists that celebrate the city’s vibrant culture. You can take a guided tour of the

murals by contacting the Downtown Harlingen office.

Where to Eat:

Rio Grande Grill Be sure to arrive early to this popular BBQ spot near downtown in order to taste one of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints in the state. The Rio Grande Grill serves traditional BBQ plates, as well as Tex-Mex favorites with a smoky twist. Carlito’s Wine House Whether you’re in the mood to sit on a big leather couch playing a board game or sit outside to watch the traffic go by, Carlito’s is the perfect place to wind down (or wine down) in the Downtown Harlingen area. The sandwiches and cheeseboards pair perfectly with a glass of your favorite beverage. •


It’s Fiesta Season!

www.welcomehomergv.com • • • October 17, 2018

Bon Appetit!

19

with

Executive Chef Bettina

Tolin

Corn Chowder with Turkey and Bacon

This

is a hearty soup you can prepare now for a football party or a weeknight family dinner. This recipe is truly a treat, especially for fall days. With Thanksgiving quickly coming up next month, this soup is a perfect complement to your leftover turkey. You have ample time to put this meal into practice! This recipe also works well with your basic rotisserie chicken. Bon Appétit! • • 6 slices thick-cut bacon (~ 4 ounces) • 1 medium yellow onion, diced • 1 medium carrot, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (halved lengthwise if large) • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and medium diced • 1/2 medium jalapeño, seeded, finely diced, plus more to taste • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • cups (48 ounces) low or no sodium chicken stock

• 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes • Two 4-ounce cans mild diced green chiles, drained • 2 teaspoons dried oregano • 2 dried bay leaves • 4 cups shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken • 10 ounces frozen corn, thawed • 3/4 cup half-and-half, plus more to taste • Sliced green onion, for garnish • Chopped parsley, for garnish

• • •

In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel and crumble into small pieces and set aside, reserving the fat in the pot. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat, return the pot to medium heat, and add onion, carrot, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes more. Add jalapeño and cumin and cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Add stock, sweet potato, chiles, oregano, and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Cook until sweet potato is tender, about 10 minutes. Add the turkey or chicken and corn and cook until warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and half-and-half. Continue to cook until just warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve chowder topped with crumbled bacon, green onions, and parsley. •

• • • • • • • 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 on the Piazza in Port Isabel, Texas

This Week’s Recipe is Brought to You By: Pirate’s Landing


20

October 17, 2018 • • • Welcome

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

It’s Fiesta Season!


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Welcome Home Winter Texan : Vol 4 Issue 1 : October 17, 2018 by Kristi Collier - Issuu