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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • December 30, 2020
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We’re just connecting the dots.
VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 11 • December 30, 2020 • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •
hello FROM KRISTI
T
his is the time of year when I love to sit back and reflect on all of the good things that have happened. 2020 has been a challenge, for sure, but it’s also brought a number of blessings and realizations; for that, I am grateful. The opportunity to spend more time (OK, A LOT more time) with my family has been a gift. Having a little more time to tackle some of the home-improvement projects relegated to the bottom of the list for more years than I care to admit has also been a blessing. I have to admit, as a general rule, I don’t sit still very well. This time has allowed me to continue to moving fast but on the things I haven’t had as much time to address in years past. But now, I’ve done just about everything I needed to do...well, the garage could use another day, and I don’t think I’ll ever want to tackle the junk drawers, but I feel content about what I’ve been able to accomplish, and I’m ready to tackle 2021 (safely, of course)! We have big plans for Welcome Home RGV, and we are taking you with us! Cheers to 2021! • We’re just connecting the dots,
Kristi
THANK YOU TO OUR
2020-2021
SEASON SPONSORS
T
he Welcome Home RGV and Welcome Home Winter Texan team reflects fondly on the moments from the past season and the past year. The highlights of the 2019-2020 Winter Texan season included a trip to Mexico to witness thousands of monarch butterflies in their winter mountain home, boat rides and socializing during the Activity Director Boot Camp, a get-away Cruise with Kristi, and another record-breaking Winter Texan Expo at the McAllen Convention Center. But the moments that stand out the most, especially through 2020 hindsight (pun intended), are the one-on-one encounters with our beloved Winter and Converted Texan
friends. It is with you in mind that Kristi Collier and her team reach out to you, every chance we get, even if it has to be from a distance and are already focusing on the memories we will make together in 2021. In the meantime, Kristi and her team wish you a safe and lovely holiday and a happy and healthy new year! Let us know how you are celebrating the coming year by engaging on the Welcome Home RGV and Winter Texan pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Share your pics. We would love to see them! We look forward to seeing you all very, very soon! • YEARBOOK CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
WINTER
TEXAN • • • OF THE • • • WEEK
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
Jan Herbert by Rocio Villalobos
Harlingen Park Residents Bringing People Together Through Fun of Theater W
hen Jan Herbert first came down “I put the idea together and like to to Tropic Winds from Illinois 10 years see how people have fun with it,” she ago, she knew she wanted to get said. “The thing I really enjoy is when involved with a group, but it took her a someone sticks up their hand and says, ‘OK. I’ll try that,’ and they try it and while to find what best suited her. “I thought I would get involved discover they had a talent all along they didn’t know about.” with a recycling program Apart from the acts because that’s something themselves, Herbert I’m passionate about, “It’s cohesive; said people have fun but someone was already doing it,” she said. “I eveyone contributes getting creative with their wardrobe, and a looked around; there is also a community-service something, even if costume struggle has even led them to discover group that makes quilts, so for a couple of years, I it’s the littlest thing a resident’s talent. “If they can’t find was involved with that.” you can imagine.” anything, they’re out She even spent time looking at local thrift helping improve the • Jan Herbert • stores,” Herbert said. park’s library and setting “There was a bride’s it up in a newer building. dress needed for one Herbert has enjoyed all these projects, but it was just three of the shows, and it turns out there’s Then. years ago that she took on an activity a seamstress at the park. Suddenly. there was a bride’s dress.” she has really helped soar--theater. “It’s really the sort of organization, The theater group has revealed many and bringing it together, that is my park residents’ skills, from running sound to building sets to filming the expertise,” she said. Since becoming director of the park’s shows to video editing to documenting theater group--which she runs in the the acts through scrapbooking. six months of the year she spends in “It’s cohesive; everyone contributes Harlingen--Herbert has helped get something, even if it’s the littlest thing more people involved, both in plays you can imagine,” she said. “It’s a great reward to stand back and say, and in the annual variety show. “It’s whatever you can come up ‘Well, I had a little something to do with,” she said. “We have some people with bringing that forward. That’s my who can sing. Last year one of the acts reward--to make it work and watch was a group of gals that did a routine them have fun.” with their walkers, making fun of Herbert and other theater members themselves. It’s just some humorous have their next variety show planned for January, which will imitate a radio bits.” Herbert prefers a more hands-off show. Previous performances can be approach, offering ideas and letting viewed on the park’s YouTube channel, the individuals make their characters “TW Theater.” • and bits their own.
If you have someone you’d like to nominate for Winter Texan of the Week, please visit our website, welcomehomergv.com/wintertexanoftheweek, and complete the application. We’ll be in touch with you if your nominee is selected.
Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com
calendar@welcomehomergv.com
The deadline for submission is Mondays at 5:00pm. •
Business Development
Stacy Madden sales@welcomehomergv.com Curt James Riester curt@welcomehomergv.com
Weekly e-Blasts
Kristi’s e-Blasts are sent weekly October - March to our subscribers. Find out what’s happening across the Valley. These e-Blasts include helpful links and fliers for “Featured Events.” Sign up today at:
Travel Division
Kristy Meyer travel@welcomehomergv.com Stella Riester stella@welcomehomergv.com
info@welcomehomergv.com
Accounting
Follow Us
Anna Talbert accounting@welcomehomergv.com
on Social Media!
Editor
Chris Ardis news@welcomehomergv.com
Graphic Design
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:
Jenny R Carpenter artwork@welcomehomergv.com
Social Media / Photographer Eryn Reddell-Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com
Promotional Division
Elizabeth Seal elizabeth@welcomehomergv.com Sarah Scott sarah@welcomehomergv.com Sabina Adames sabina@welcomehomergv.com
news@welcomehomergv.com
Perks for Partners! •
www.facebook.com @whrgv @wintertexan www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv
Activity Coordinator
Fran Adams fran@welcomehomergv.com
www.youtube.com Find on YouTube Channel “Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley”
1st Responder Coordinator Rita Huether rita@welcomehomergv.com
www.instagram.com @welcomehomergv @wintertexans
Logistics
www.twitter.com @welcomehomergv
Tom Stocker tgstocker@gmail.com
Welcome Home
®
rio grande valley
219 W. Nolana • McAllen, TX 78504
956-687-5115
Check out our website! www.welcomehomergv.com •••
© Copyright 2020 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.
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•••
Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • December 30, 2020
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Oscar Sotelo, MD
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S
outh Padre Island is hatching a very special sea turtle on the Sea Turtle Art Trail at Beach Resort South Padre Island. Painted by local muralist and artist Christina Salazar, Liberty is a stunning tribute to the dedication and service of first responders and frontline health-care workers. A heartbeat is painted on her shell, and the overall theme takes on the feeling of the flag in red, white, and blue elements throughout. “It only seemed appropriate to highlight the true, everyday heroes that not only serve our community but also strive to make us stronger and safer during these challenging times,” said Daniel Gomez, general manager for Beach Resort. “We felt fortunate to have an opportunity to showcase our appreciation and admiration in a way that was both personal and in line with our island community.” Liberty is Salazar’s second turtle on the trail. In addition to the heartbeat, the turtle features the caduceus, a symbol used in health care, as well as elements from the American flag. “We have followed Christina’s work for years,” said Gomez. “She exudes such passion into her work; we knew immediately she would be perfectly suited for this project.” Salazar tracked the progress, from miniature sculpture to full-size turtle, on her Instagram account. She has a long history on the Island and one with a passion for capturing
sea turtles. She has been one of the three artists who contributed murals that grace the tanks of Sea Turtle, Inc. Salazar wanted to be an artist since she was a young child, later attending the Glassell School of Art, part of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. South Padre Island is renowned for being one of the world’s foremost spots for the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Liberty tops off the lineup for 2020 of the City of South Padre Island and the South Padre Convention and Visitors Bureau Sea Turtle Art Trail. These lovingly created sculptures serve as an ideal stop on an island that celebrates, rescues, and works together to protect sea turtles. All turtles on the Trail are arranged for ease of both social distancing and selfies. “Our community continues to salute our frontline workers, and having a turtle on the Trail dedicated to these incredible individuals in our community is one way to make sure we never forget their efforts,” said Ed Caum South Padre Island’s Convention and Visitors Bureau director. “With Beach Resort as our first hotelier with a turtle, we can add traffic to this newly renovated property, too!” For more information about the Sea Turtle Art Trail and more activities on South Padre Island, please visit sopadre.com. •
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
>> 2019 - 2020 YEARBOOK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • December 30, 2020
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • December 30, 2020
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JOIN THE FUN!
New Year dance
Texas Storm Band
D E L L E C N A C $14.00 per ticket
Thurs., December 31st 9:00 PM to midnight BYOB * Snack Bar Available * No outside food
WAKE UP AND CELEBRATE!!
Your choice Pajamas & Slippers to Top Hats & Heels Cant wait to see what YOU decide??? *Social Distancing • Masks Required Temperatures taken at door* Subject to change depending on Covid guidelines
HAPPY HOUR
! o G s ’ t Le
La Lomita Chapel
by Gretchen Losi
O
LA LOMITA CHAPEL Located three miles south of Expressway 83 on FM 1016. The chapel is open from dawn to dusk daily. 956-580-8760
ne of our new favorite pastimes is taking a drive along the border. Let us loose on Military Highway and we’ll spend an entire day exploring every nook in that corner. No destination. Just peace of mind we’re going to discover something new and exciting in-between taqueria stops. This is how we stumbled upon La Lomita Chapel, a tiny white gem nesting atop a ‘little hill’ or La Lomita in Spanish. This treasure was a special find for me. I remember my grandparents fondly talking about the chapel years ago--and it didn’t disappoint. The structure immediately brings you to another era. Sandstone walls that endured the test of time. Handmade wooden pews that have quietly supported parishioners for generations. A handful of homemade wooden crosses tucked under an old tree. And a traditionally built beehive oven. This is all that remains. But all are worth seeing. La Lomita has been around pretty much since the border’s conception. After the Mexican-American War, the Catholic church needed a way to maintain a presence along the new U.S. border, so it built a series of missions. La Lomita was among them. At one time, the property was
bustling with life and activity. This included a five-room residence with a three-room guest house, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and stables used mostly by the missionaries and Wells Fargo, which used it as a station on the line between Laredo and Brownsville. According to the Oblate School of Theology, there were also at least a dozen thatch-roofed huts used by the vaqueros who worked the land. The chapel served as the anchor for this small community until a hurricane devastated the area in 1933. It wiped out all of La Lomita’s structures except for the mission and the community beehive oven. We went on a Friday morning but wished it had been a bit later in the day to catch the evening mass. We had no idea it was a working mission, at the time. We hope to go back one evening and be a part of such a special moment. If you are interested in experiencing mass while visiting this special corner of the world, we were told the chapel holds them regularly. Otherwise, the chapel is open daily to welcome those looking for a moment of solace or prayer. There are also park facilities and picnic tables just off in the distance to make your stay even more memorable. •
Kai Thurs., January 7th LLEPMD CtoE7:30 PM AN C6:00 Pass the Hat
BYOB * Snack Bar Available * No Outside Food *Masks Required • Temperature taken at door*
4770 N. Mayberry Road Mission, TX 78573
956-580-4545
Terry Miller • Activity Director
WE ARE OPEN!
Wednesday ............... 11am - 8pm Thursday .................. 11am - 8pm Friday ...................... 11am - 8pm Saturday................... 11am - 8pm Sunday..................... 11am - 8pm SOCIAL DISTANCE SEATING
Plenty of outside seating on our covered deck and patio. Relax outside by the Rio Grande River. Social distance seating. Face Mask required.
*Event Center Available for Park Gatherings*
LIVE MUSIC
Sundays • 1:30PM - 5:30PM Steven May & Leon Mann Limited Seating. Face Mask Required. • Only 15 couples on the dance floor at a time. • You are only allowed to dance with who you came with or someone sitting at your table. • No mingling allowed
TRY OUR TEXAS SIZE PORK TENDERLOIN
Riverside Dreamer RIVER TOURS
CALL TODAY 956-581-4477 *** RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED *** 1 HOUR RIVER TOUR
Wednesday ............1:00pm Thursday ...............1:00pm Friday ...................1:00pm Saturday................1:00pm
SENIORS $12
FACE MASK REQUIRED
• Covered Cushion Seating • Enclosed Windows & Heating
$ CASH ONLY $
PRICE INCLUDES TAX
No Outside Beverages / Food Allowed Passenger Minimum for Departures: 15 for 1 Hour
PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE
956-581-1033 • www.ontheriver.net 214 E. Chimney Rd. • Mission Riverside in-MissionTx
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
• • • Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV
Green Gate Grove Palmview, Texas
Lakewood RV
Resort Residents
Make the Holidays Merrier for Local Families Special to Welcome Home RGV
W
ednesday, December 16, on behalf of Lakewood RV Resort residents, Donna Wright delivered Christmas cards with generous gift cards to a local teacher for 13 needy families at her school. •
CAPTURES
December 2020
Photos by Ron Kowalczyk
Ron Kowalczyk shares more festive decorations from Green Gate Grove. In two of the images, one or more elusive Big Foot appears, and in the third, you can just make out the palm-tree skyline in the distance. •
www.welcomehomergv.com
••• sp tted RGV
•••
Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • December 30, 2020
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Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV
in the
Photo by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Tropic Star RV Resort Pharr
Golf carts decorated in honor of the holiday season are a trend we enjoy seeing each year! This trio, which includes an adorable snowman, a glistening Christmas tree, and a haul of festively wrapped packages, were recently spotted at Tropic Star RV Resort in Pharr. •
Food Bank RGV CEO Stuart Haniff and his executive assistant, Gabriela Parra, share some holiday cheer.
Food Bank RGV Holiday Appeal to Meet Growing Need Special to Welcome Home RGV
Eye Physician & Surgeon Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Services Provided by Buena Vista Optical team
• Glaucoma Evaluations & Treatment • Cataract Evaluations & Cataract Surgery • Routine Eye Exams for glasses & contacts • Eyelid Surgery
• Diabetic Retinopathy Evaluations & Treatment • Dry Eye Treatment • Huge Optical including Designer frames, budget frames, contact lenses with an on site optical lab
Serving the valley since 1994 Thank you for making us 2019 Readers’ Choice “Best Ophthalmologist”
A
s our families gather together to celebrate the holidays, we are reminded of what is most important-things like having a job that gives us dignity, stability, and the certainty to support ourselves and put food on the table for our family. It is often those things that are easily taken for granted. There are no guarantees of everyday blessings like these, which, unfortunately, too many of our neighbors in the Rio Grande Valley know firsthand as they struggle with hunger each day. It is because of you that the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is a lifeline for those less fortunate. There is no greater gift we can give those facing food insecurity than to provide hope, love, and joy through nutritious food, especially this holiday season. We thank you for faithfully giving to help us overcome hunger in our community. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge us every day, we are meeting and overcoming that challenge. The statistics are still devastating when you consider that over a third of our Rio Grande Valley neighbors still
face some form of food insecurity this holiday season. It does NOT have to be this way! Just $25 provides up to 125 meals for a child or family. Double that gift to $50, and you help provide up to 250 meals for a parent desperately battling to keep food on their table. A generous gift of $100 can help feed a family of four for over six weeks. At any level, your gift will immediately impact families, children, veterans, seniors, and everyone in need of help. In fact, 98 cents of every dollar goes directly toward our hunger-relief efforts and remains right here in the Rio Grande Valley. When you enjoy this holiday season and reflect on gifts given and received, please know that your support is blessing our neighbors in need with food through the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Your gift will ensure that desperately needed food will reach those who need it most this holiday season. •
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Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
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Tommy Saenz Captures South Padre Island’s 2020 Lighted Boat Parade Special to Welcome Home RGV
S
outh Padre Island’s annual Lighted Boat Parade was Saturday, December 12. Tommy Saenz captured these fabulous photos of the event. •
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
Toys and Cosmetics Bring Joy in Brownsville Submitted by Steven Fisher
J
ean and I made an appointment at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville to deliver a pick-up load of toys for the children and cosmetics for the first responders. They had no objections to nerf guns, unlike the Santa in the mall who told the little boy he couldn’t have a nerf gun for Christmas. The only toys they said they couldn’t receive were stuffed animals of any kind as they are unable to wipe them off to make
them germ-free. As of now, they can only have six children in their care. They said they would be able to give gifts to children for the rest of the month. They were having their staff Christmas party that Friday, so they decided to hand out the cosmetics to the staff. Once again, it was fun shopping and giving to a great cause for people who are worthy of receiving the gifts. •
Killer Bees in the Rio Grande Valley Special to Welcome Home RGV
W
ere you in the Rio Grande Valley in 1990? Do you remember the fear over a new insect introduced to the area? The Museum of South Texas History presents “Killer Bees! The Panic over Africanized Honeybees in the Rio Grande Valley” featuring Dr. Jamie Starling, a Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation to be held at 2 p.m. January 10 on Facebook Live. In October 1990, Africanized honeybees arrived in the Rio Grande Valley after decades of anxiety over the spread of this subspecies from Brazil to the U.S. - Mexico borderlands. This presentation examines the origins of the “KillerBee panic,” the dreaded arrival of the bees in Hidalgo County, and the unexpected outcomes of this event. Starling will discuss more on the destructive, but less noticed, invasive pest that had far more devastating consequences for honeybees and agriculture in North America during this period. Starling is an associate professor of history at the University of Texas
Rio Grande Valley and an affiliate in the Mexican American Studies Program. He has published articles on the Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, and New Mexico on topics ranging from the colonial period through the Civil War. He also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on American history, with a focus on Texas, the American Southwest, and Borderlands. The presentation will be broadcast at facebook.com/MOSTHistory/live. Guests are encouraged to interact with panelists through questions and comments posted on the live chat. The presentation will also be recorded and posted for public access on the Museum’s website at mosthistory.org. This program is made possible by the generous support of the Carmen C. Guerra Endowment. Guerra was committed to educational causes in the Rio Grande Valley. This named endowment was created by her family to honor her memory and to continue providing educational opportunities for the community. •
The Museum of South Texas History is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook and Instagram, follow us on Twitter, find us on YouTube or call 956-383-6911.
www.welcomehomergv.com
with Chaplain Robert N. Ruesch
• The Problem with Pebbles •
I
read once that a small pebble can cause a mechanical dolly or a rolling lift to stop in its tracks. Now think about this. The pebble doesn’t weigh even an ounce, yet, when it catches the device’s wheel… crunch…the load doesn’t progress any further. The device is designed to carry loads far heavier than a man could carry; that is why we use these dollies and lifts. But a small pebble halts progress. I believe this is also true with life, in many ways. Each of us carries a heavy load. We do this to ourselves. We are burdened with emotions like doubt, anger, and frustration-to name a few. Our lives are heavy as we see no need not to carry the burdens of life ourselves. Like the young child who says, “I can do it myself,” we think and believe, with all our being, we can “do it ourselves.” There is a poem--perhaps you have read it; the title is “Footprints in the Sand” (Author Unknown). The writer talks about all the life trials, challenges, difficulties, losses, and wins. Then the writer reflects, stating at times there was only one set of footprints in the sand (the author’s life’s journey). Here is the reply: But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.” He whispered, “My precious child,
Chaplain Robert N. Ruesch is the author of two books and CEO of Christian Resort Ministries. He and his wife traveled for over 340,000 miles in their motorhome. They now reside in Evergreen, Colorado, and travel to the Rio Grande Valley when they can.
I love you and will never leave you; Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.” Remember that pebble? Sometimes it can seem like a boulder in our shoe. We limp along, trying to shake the stone out but to no avail. Back to, “I can do it myself,” but we cannot. We need Jesus Christ; we need Him to help carry us when there is trouble, strife, anger, sorrow. Without His grace, mercy, love, support--where would we be? We would be stuck on that pebble, walking with a boulder in our shoe. Remember as you look at life, there are times there is only one set of footprints. Allow His eternal love to carry you through those dark, dark times. •
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
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THROUGH
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • December 30, 2020 15
ERYN’S LENS Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV Photos: Eryn Reddell-Wingert
La Feria 2020
L
a Feria is a little town with big monuments and murals! At the corner of West Commercial Ave. and North Main St. stands an impressive veterans and P.O.W. memorial, which includes a black onyx centerpiece, engraved pavers, and memorial benches. Further south of downtown on Main Street is a small park with kiosks at each corner showcasing virtues, in both English and Spanish. Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy represent ‘Trustworthiness/Honradez’.’ A mural of American pop icons like Maryilyn Monroe and James Dean is featured on the wall of a local business; and on another, a tribute to the hometown football legend, James “Jim” Hudson, who played for La Feria High School, and later for the New York Jets. •
•••
Things I Have Learned While Watching by Bill Ward
T O D AY ’ S W I S D O M
“Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” Gordon B. Hinckley
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
B
efore I retired, I had an opportunity to invite one of the vice presidents of the company I worked for out for a day of bass fishing. We were having a pleasant day of it; he was actually out-fishing me somewhat from his spot in the front of the boat. All was going well when an errant cast by my companion landed and stuck on a dock. I maneuvered the boat up to the dock, where he then tried to reach the lure, now firmly stuck just out of his reach. I watched as he stepped one foot on the dock to stretch out just a bit further. With somewhat of an engineering aptitude, I suddenly
A somewhat random and reckless look at life from a fairly old guy
Love Those Goofy Moments
noticed a problem. While the foot on the dock was on solid footing, the one in the boat was slowly moving out to sea, away from the dock. It was a case of slow-motion splits. From my position at the motor end of the boat, there was absolutely nothing I could do to fix the rapidly developing situation. I could see in his eyes that he was also aware of the problem. He, too, was powerless to change the outcome. Then he was wet. This is the spot where regular readers might expect me to muse on about how we are sometimes powerless to help someone we see in a self-destructive situation. But no. To the contrary, one of the things I have learned is that some things are just funny. I like that about life. I liked that
both of us, that day, chose to see the hilarity of the moment when we could have gotten all bent out of shape. We had a good laugh. We had an even better laugh a few weeks later at a corporate staff meeting when somehow the story leaked out. It gave him a human moment to share with the team. He wasn’t just one of the corporate suits. He was the guy who fell in the lake. He was one of us. It is good to experience life with others. Those goofy moments are the good memories that punctuate life. I spent many hours working with this fellow on work stuff. I barely remember any of it. But, for the rest of our lives, we will both remember the day he fell in the lake. I think some of us need to fall in the lake more often. I’m just sayin’. •
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
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800 S Cage 956-787-0502
One coupon per person per visit at Shipley Donuts stores listed above. 1/20 cent cash redemption value. Offer not valid in combination with any other Shipley Donuts offer. Please present coupon when ordering. Expires 5/31/2021.
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • December 30, 2020 17
A sign inside the gym at the Laguna Madre Youth Center makes it clear: “It’s all about the kids!”
Palm Resaca Park in Giving Spirit for Laguna Madre Youth Center
by Shelley Willard, Winter Texan from Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
“Y
Palm Resaca Park residents at the Giving Tree, with over 50 gifts for the kids at the Laguna Madre Youth Center.
Linda and Darrell Rogalsky from Palm Resaca Park delivering donations to Marcella Hancock, chief operating officer at the Laguna Madre Youth Center.
Welcome Home Winter Texans!
MARKHAM’S WHEEL ALIGNING Wheel Aligning & Spring Shop
Proudly serving the Rio Grande Valley for over 70 years
Cars • Trucks • RVs • Trailers • Motor Homes
For All of your Automotive Needs!
513 W Business 83 • McAllen, TX • (956) 686-7661
www.markhamsautomotive.com
Your Safety is our business. God Bless America.
• Suspension Specialist • Complete Spring Shop - U Bolts • Brakes • Oil Changes • Radiator - Engine - Transmission • Flushes • Tuneups • Balancing • Alignments on Cars, Trucks, RVs, Trailers, Motor Homes
es, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” is a line from the editorial “Is There a Santa Claus?” The editorial appeared in the September 21, 1897, issue of The (New York) Sun and has since become part of popular Christmas folklore in the United States. In Brownsville, at Palm Resaca Park (PRP), if the resident has been nice, perhaps Santa Claus popped in December 25; however, until then, Santa’s elves were amongst us! This Christmas season is not like any other many of us have ever experienced. Yet the spirt of the season is upon many of us. The festive essence starts at Thanksgiving, when Christmas decorations and lights appear throughout the Park. The mobiles are gaily lit, and the nativity scene greets everyone at the entrance. The Park is bright, and the residents shine their giving light, too. For the past few years, many of the folks at PRP have rallied for the kids at the Laguna Madre Youth Center (LMYC) during their annual Christmas fundraising event. The Laguna Madre Youth Center provides after-school care, along with snacks and meals, from
Monday to Friday. Currently, due to Covid-19, the Center is closed yet still provides for the kids wherever possible. December 22, the staff and volunteers organized a drive-by gift-giving event for every one of the kids they have served this year. The giving attitude at Palm Resaca Park continues this season as residents provided toys, their time, and monetary donations to help with the \event. The Laguna Madre Youth Center is a fun and safe place, where young people between the ages of six and 17 in grades 1-12 can go to enjoy themselves and to be with their friends. The Center, housed in Port Isabel, was founded in 1989. Their mission is to provide a safe place for children to go after school, where they receive healthy snacks and help with learning skills, participate in sports, interact in positive ways, and learn to be responsible members of the community. For more information, go to lagunamadrekids.org. We also invite you to check out Palm Resaca Park in Brownsville at palmresacapark. org. Our wishes are for everyone to have a safe, healthy, and happy 2021! • Rick W Bassett, M.D.
To all our patients and people who need care for their knee and hip pain. We are still here to service you! Using special precautions and ultra clean rooms, we have seen more than five hundred patients at our clinic in the past four months. With laminar air operating rooms and minimally invasive surgery, ninety percent of our patients have gone home in 12 hours, walking after a knee replacement or hip replacement. Same day surgery (outpatient). Those patients who need to stay in the hospital have a private room. Not one person has had an infection. Thank you, Rick W. Bassett, M.D.
(956) 421-2663
1601 Treasure Hills Blvd. | Harlingen, Texas 78550
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
DELICIOUS RECIPES
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
ZESTY BITES
RECIPE CONNECTION
INSTANT MEALS
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! •
Entertaining at a Distance • • • with Sandy Olson • • •
APPETIZING DELIGHTS
Wonton wrappers are not usually on my grocery list when I shop.
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The Border Cook
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Mexican Rice
Submitted by Randy Hoelscher, The Border Cook
They are thin sheets of a pasta-like material that crisps up well when fried or baked. Think egg rolls or crab Rangoon. In this recipe, you use them in a totally different way. •
Tex-Mex Wontons • ½ pound lean ground beef • ¼ cup chopped onions • ½ of a 15-oz. can refried beans • ¼ cup Mexican-blend shredded cheese • 1 tablespoon taco sauce, hot or mild.
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin • 4 dozen wonton skins • Oil for “deep” frying • Taco sauce, sour cream, guacamole
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is brown and onions are tender. Drain off any excess fat and crumble the meat. Stir in the beans, cheese, taco sauce, and spices, mixing well. Place a wonton skin on the counter with a point facing you. Spoon a generous teaspoon of the meat filling onto the center of the skin. Fold the bottom point over the filling, tucking it under. Fold the side corners over, forming an envelope shape. Roll it up toward the remaining corner. Moisten that point with a bit of water on your finger and press to seal. Repeat with all 48 of the wonton skins, taking your time to make sure they are sealed. Heat some oil in a deep, heavy pan to 375 degrees on a thermometer. It should be about 2-inches deep in the pan. Fry a few wontons at a time for about 1 minute per side. Take them out with a slotted spoon when nicely browned and place on paper towels. Allow the oil to return to 375 before frying a few more. Keep them warm in a 250-degree oven on baking sheets. Serve warm with taco sauce, sour cream, and guacamole as garnishes. • Lifelong foodie, restaurant reviewer, cooking teacher, and summer Iowan, Sandy Olson spends the Winter-Texan season at Palm Shadows RV Park in Donna. This season, Sandy will be sharing recipes for appetizers you can serve your guests while entertaining and social distancing. You can contact Sandy at
midwestfoodie@gmail.com.
Some Like It Hot Ensalada Especial •••
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Submitted by The Junior League of McAllen, Inc.
Serves 6-7 Salad:
• 1 head lettuce, torn in chunks • 3 medium tomatoes, cut in small cubes • 1 cup slivered onions • 1 large cucumber, seeded and sliced • 6 strips crisp bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup sliced radishes • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated • 2 large avocados, sliced • 1 (4¼ oz.) can sliced black olives • Slices of dill pickle to garnish
Combine all salad ingredients in a salad bowl. Dressing:
I decided I needed a Mexican rice recipe since it is often served with every
meal in Mexico and South Texas, so the search was on. After reviewing dozens of recipes, I made this Mexican rice dish for a group. It got great reviews. First, a little about rice. Most rice you find in the grocery store is longgrain “enriched rice,” which is just fine for our purpose. There is, however, a problem with it. To bring the nutritional value of the milled-rice product up to that of whole grain (brown) rice, enriched rice is coated with thiamine, niacin, and iron, and is additionally fortified with folic acid. This coating makes the rice sticky. You can rinse the rice under running water for a minute or two before using it to remove the stickiness, if you wish. This step is optional: Rice gets more flavorful if you toast it. If you rinsed the rice, drain it really well and melt a tablespoon of butter in your pan. Add the rice and increase the heat gradually until the rice dries. Stir almost constantly until it becomes lightly browned. Then add the broth and other ingredients. • 1¼ cup rice • 1 can diced tomatoes • 1 Tbsp butter (for toasting the rice – optional – see above explanation) • 1 tsp. chili powder • 1 tsp. paprika • ½ tsp. oregano – preferably Mexican • ½ tsp. ground cumin or comino (cumin) seeds • ½ tsp. minced garlic • 1 cup water with a chicken bouillon cube or, optionally, 1 cup chicken broth
Combine all dressing ingredients; mix well. Pour over salad; toss gently. •
Bring water to a boil; add all other ingredients. Return to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes until rice is cooked. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes and fluff with a fork before serving. Enjoy! Buen apetito! •
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.
Randy Hoelscher is a transplanted Texan living in the Rio Grande Valley. He enjoys being “The Border Cook,” spreading the word about Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine on his website, TheBorderCook.com, as well as on Facebook: The Border Cook.
• 6 ounces extra virgin olive oil • 3 teaspoons Maggi seasoning • 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ teaspoons dry mustard • 8 tablespoons fresh lime juice • ½ teaspoon celery salt
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • December 30, 2020 19
bon appetit! with
Executive Chef Bettina
Tolin
Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes
Pancakes are often the superhero of the breakfast table, and with lots of family
and guests in town for the holidays, who doesn’t need a little help from a superhero? Pancakes, done right, can often be described as perfectly satisfying - a little salty, a tad bit of sweet. They are just enough indulgent and yet somehow still appropriate first thing in the morning. This recipe is near fool-proof, helping you to get them right every time, leaving more time to enjoy your relaxing, weekend morning. Bon Appétit! • • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 3 tablespoons sugar • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 ½ cups buttermilk • 2 large eggs • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries • Vegetable or canola oil for the cooking pan
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Heat the oven to 275 degrees. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and kosher salt together in a bowl. Using the whisk, make a well in the center. Pour the buttermilk into the well and crack eggs into buttermilk. Pour the melted butter into the mixture. Starting in the center, whisk everything together, moving towards the outside of the bowl, until all ingredients are incorporated. Do not overbeat (lumps are fine). Let the batter rest for ~ 10 minutes to allow the buttermilk to do its magic. The batter can also be made in advance and refrigerated for up to one hour. Heat a large nonstick griddle or skillet, preferably cast-iron, over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Turn heat up to medium–low and using a measuring cup, ladle 1/3 cup batter into the skillet. Quickly drop eight to ten frozen berries onto each pancake. If you are using a large skillet or a griddle, repeat once or twice, taking care not to crowd the cooking surface. Flip pancakes after bubbles rise to surface and bottoms brown, about 2 to 4 minutes. Cook until the other sides are lightly browned. Remove pancakes to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet, and keep in warm oven until all the batter is cooked and you are ready to serve. Enjoy these pancakes with warmed maple syrup, and hickory bacon, or sausage.
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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 owner of Marcello’s Ocean Grille & Spirits overlooking the historic lighthouse in Port Isabel, Texas. Marcello’s Ocean Grille & Spirits was recently written up in Texas Monthly magazine as the new trending restaurant for dinner and brunch in the South Padre Island area.
This Week’s Recipe is Brought to You By: Pirate's Landing Restaurant
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December 30, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com