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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021
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We’re just connecting the dots.
VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 13 • January 13, 2021 • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •
hello FROM KRISTI
I
can’t believe we’re halfway through January. It’s also hard to believe we had a Texas snow storm last weekend. I’m sure our Winter Texan friends driving through on their way here wondered if they were in the wrong state! My daughter lives in Austin, and she sent me photo after photo of snowball fights, snowmen, and her cats experiencing snow for the first time. All I have to say is I’m glad I was in South Texas, even if it was just an anomaly! The snow remained north of us, but some cold air blew in. A burst of cold weather every now and then is OK with me, but weeks or months of it? No, thank you. I don’t care for layering; winter jackets are bulky, and I get grouchy when I have to wear socks. I’m sure all of you get a real kick out of watching us locals bundle up in parkas when it gets below 65. Sunshine beats snow every day of the year, in my book. Who in the world would choose shoveling snow over strolling along the beach at South Padre Island, enjoying a day of golf anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, or walking out the door most “winter” days in short sleeves and flip flops? Not me! • We’re just connecting the dots,
Kristi
THANK YOU TO OUR
2020-2021
SEASON SPONSORS
Mission’s
New Food-Truck Park:
Chief Executive Officer Daniel Silva
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Story by Eryn Reddell Wingert • Photos courtesy of M.E.D.C.
ast fall, a new food-truck park opened in Mission. The Mission Economic Development Corporation (M.E.D.C.) and 5x5 Brewing Co. created the weekend dining and entertainment destination. The idea had been mulled over in the past, said M.E.D.C. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Silva, but was pushed through last fall as a way to help not only the craft-brewery business and small businesses, but also the community.
“This park brings the community together. Sundays, the Winter Texans come out to line dance. It’s amazing to see!”
A Weekend Destination
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, up to 10 food trucks span the parking lot in front of 5x5 and Jitterz Coffee Bar, located at the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) building. “No two trucks offer the same core product,” says Silva. The vendors serve up specialty dishes, including BBQ, ramen noodles, brisket fries, and burgers, MISSION’S NEW FOOD TRUCK PARK CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
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WINTER
TEXAN • • • OF THE • • • WEEK Kathy and Lou Dewaele by Rocio Villalobos
Pharr Winter Texan Activity Directors Keeping Guests Engaged K
athy and Lou Dewaele make a and Lou helped with the delivery.” great team. The couple, from Montana, For certain projects, they work has served as Pharr’s Texas Trails RV together, but each has different Resort activity directors for three years, strengths. working a combined 70 hours a week “She’s really strong on advertising sales and organizes our two craft shows, during the Winter Texan season. This season, the pair arrived at and the year before last, we started a health fair, and she runs the end of September, that,” Lou said. “I deal quarantined for two “It’s a challenge, more with entertainment, weeks, then got right to work. While many of the but people are accepting bringing in the shows and scheduling activities activities couldn’t be what we’re doing. and locations around the offered this year, they When you get support resort.” have made the best of the from your guests, “He’s a lot more situation. Kathy “We had a whole list of that makes it a lot easier.” detail-oriented,” added. ideas before we started • Lou Dewaele • Another big hit they this season,” Kathy said. started this year is an ice“We got a big blowup screen to do drive-in movies and cream cart. Since the hall is closed and accommodate people who have golf ice cream socials are on pause, they carts. We do drive-up bingo, and for got creative. people who don’t have golf carts, we “We got ourselves a little John Deere set up tables and chairs for them and trailer and sprayed it lime green and took a small freezer from the kitchen make sure they get sanitized after.” Although there are fewer activities and sprayed it hot pink and put ice feasible, the workload has not changed, cream on top,” Kathy said. “We got and Kathy has even taken on a new the bells and music going, and people role in the kitchen. The park does have been liking the idea of ice cream not currently have a kitchen manager, coming around just like the old days.” leaving Kathy and a work camper to the Apart from the safe activities they have introduced, Kathy and Lou task. “Neither one of us has experience have more in store that they plan to working with large crowds, but we’ve reveal, little by little, to keep residents been doing it,” she said. “We work engaged. One way they brainstorm is by communicating with activity directors really good in the kitchen together.” They provide a few weekly meals, from sister parks to share ideas. with the largest-scale dinner so far “It’s a challenge,” Lou said. “That’s the way I look at it. It’s a challenge, being Thanksgiving. “Her and I cooked a whole meal for but people are accepting what we’re 99 people, all made from scratch,” doing. When you get support from your Kathy said. “They were all appreciative, guests, that makes it a lot easier.” •
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.
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
calendar@welcomehomergv.com
Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com
The deadline for submission is Mondays at 5:00pm. •
Business Development
Weekly e-Blasts
Stacy Madden sales@welcomehomergv.com Curt James Riester curt@welcomehomergv.com
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
Follow Us
Accounting
on Social Media!
Anna Talbert accounting@welcomehomergv.com
Editor
Chris Ardis news@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:
Graphic Design
Jenny R Carpenter artwork@welcomehomergv.com
Social Media / Photographer Eryn Reddell-Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com
news@welcomehomergv.com
Perks for Partners! •
Promotional Division
www.facebook.com @whrgv @wintertexan
Elizabeth Seal elizabeth@welcomehomergv.com Sarah Scott sarah@welcomehomergv.com Sabina Adames sabina@welcomehomergv.com
www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv
www.youtube.com Find on YouTube Channel “Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley”
Activity Coordinator
Fran Adams fran@welcomehomergv.com
www.instagram.com @welcomehomergv @wintertexans
1st Responder Coordinator
www.twitter.com @welcomehomergv
Rita Huether rita@welcomehomergv.com
Welcome Home
®
rio grande valley
219 W. Nolana • McAllen, TX 78504
956-687-5115
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© 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 • • • January 13, 2021
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FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? HOUSE SETTLING? L
Santa, along with Marcella Hancock, chief operating officer at the Laguna Madre Youth Center, Emery Nino, a Center staff member, and Nancy Martinez, a member of the LMYC Board of Directors.
Santa and His Elves Bring Cheer to Our Children
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uesday, December 22, from 1 3 p.m. at the Laguna Madre Youth Center in Port Isabel, a drive-thru gift-giving event took place. Over 100 Center members received a donated gift provided by a variety of individuals, groups such as residents from Palm Resaca Park in Brownsville, the Port Isabel Fire Department, and others. Marcella Hancock, chief operating officer, along with staff and the Center’s board of directors organized this event and created a safe environment. The kids, ranging in age from five to 17, remained inside their cars as their parents and others drove up to the front entrance of the LMYC. There, they were greeted by Santa and his helpers and were provided with candy canes and a gift. Blake Willard, a Winter Texan from Okotoks, Canada, transformed into Santa for the kids at the LMYC. He wanted to bring them a bit of Christmas magic. His message was to remind them to be good, do good, and stay safe, plus to always wear their seatbelts. Blake, a.k.a. Santa, is a retired captain from the Calgary Alberta Fire Department, and this year was his ninth season as a Winter Texan in the Rio Grande Valley. He expressed the highlight of the drivethru gift-giving event for him: “It’s wonderful to see their faces light up and a squeal of delight when they see Santa! It did my heart good to interact with these little ones, especially during these trying times. It was an honor and a privilege to bring a bit of joy to these children’s lives, even for the briefest moment.” Along with the LMYC staff and a few board members, two other Winter Texans, Shelley Willard and Linda Rogalsky, both from Canada, dressed up as elves to welcome the kids as they arrived. They also lent a
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www.aztechouseleveling.com Elf Linda Rogalsky, Santa (Blake Willard) and Elf Shelley Willard, Winter Texans from Canada, prepare for the drive-thru gift-giving event.
Oscar Sotelo, MD
BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST
SRT-100 TM by
Vehicles carrying youth members of the Laguna Madre Youth Center line up, waiting to greet Santa and his helpers.
helping hand by ringing bells, waving hello, and racing out for more candy canes and gifts. At the end of the event, Linda said, “Even though I was wearing a mask and the kids couldn’t see my face, I smiled the entire time, and I’m still smiling.” As Winter Texans, being able to lend a helping hand at local events such as this one gives us much joy. We hope the spirit of the season continues to be in our hearts throughout this coming year and during these different times. Thinking about those kids will help do just that. For more information and volunteer opportunities at the Laguna Madre Youth Center, go to lagunamadrekids.org. •
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
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>> MISSION’S NEW FOOD TRUCK PARK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
not to mention a variety of taco He further shares how the park has dishes, including cochino, a become a popular destination for Mexican street taco made with pork. biker groups breaking up a weekend Outdoor seating is provided, and to ride and Winter Texans looking to add to the atmosphere, local bands dance. “Sundays, the Winter Texans are brought in each day the park is come out to line dance. It’s amazing to see!” open. Since opening the “The weekend-only week in November, hours offer people The Mission Food Park first the park has also hosted something to look Hours of Operation: specialty events, such forward to,” says Silva. While entertainment, Thursday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. as a Christmas at the Park market day and craft beer, and 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. Pets at the Park. Plans specialty foods are Friday the draw, safety is the Saturday 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. are underway to include focus of the food park. Sunday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. additional food trucks, Silva says each truck regularly scheduled has a sanitation station, picnic market days, and seasonal activities tables are spaced apart, and visitors and to add games, such as corn hole are required to wear masks when and pickle ball. The outdoor space, Silva shares, is even large enough to moving about the park. “We’ve received a lot of good safely accommodate a concert. response since opening,” says Silva. The Mission Food Truck Park He goes on to say the visitors have is located at 801 N. Bryan Road come from across the Valley and Mission. For more information, visit as far away as San Antonio. “This missionfoodpark.com or call the park brings the community together. M.E.D.C. at 956-585-0040. •
Participating Food Trucks: Pineapple Ninjaz Motoramen Taco Geeks Smokey Moe’s BBQ Quesomidilla Mi Cocinita Air Wings Ranch House Chuckwagon Brick Fire Pizza Sahadi’s
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
Bentsen Grove Resort Shines with Christmas Light Contest
And the winners are:
Those earning honorable mention:
Special to Welcome Home RGV
R
esidents of Bentsen Grove Resort displayed their Christmas spirit by participating in a Christmas Light Contest. Curt and Stella Riester served as judges. Enjoy these pictures of the winners and those earning honorable mention. •
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021
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Turkey Vulture
In Celebration of Birds
by John Brush, urban ecologist, Quinta Mazatlán, City of McAllen
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he falcon, aglow with the evening’s golden light, banked sharply over the onion field. In response, the seemingly inactive rows suddenly propelled into motion as pipits burst into flight, alarm calls ringing out in warning. After just seconds of the birds whirling together, the falcon flew away, empty-taloned, wheeling to the west, and the field returned to its visual dormancy. This time, however, I knew that the pipits were there in the bunches of onions, perhaps trying for one last insect snack before going to roost. This sort of observation, though fleeting and happenstance, serves as a reminder of the world of bird interactions that hides in plain sight; birds-to-birds, birds-to-plants, birdsto-insects, and so on. In an ecosystem, there are an endless number of these relationships that keep the system functioning, helping to cycle nutrients and energy over time for generations of organisms, including humans. Ultimately, an organism’s function in an ecosystem is tied to what and how it eats. From the human perspective, some of these functions are particularly beneficial, and we call them ecosystem services. Examples of important services include plants producing oxygen through photosynthesis or microorganisms decomposing organic matter in the soil that our crops use to produce food. Birds, like the falcon and the pipits, provide a variety of these services. Many birds are predatory on other animals, including those that can cause economic or environmental damage when left unchecked. A single barn owl may eat 4-5 mice per day. Multiply that by 365 days per year, and it equals highly effective rodent control. The vast majority of songbirds (vireos, warblers, thrushes, etc.) feed their young insects,
Northern Mockingbird
White-eyed Vireo
particularly caterpillars of moths and butterflies, which can be some of our troublesome pests. One of the most underappreciated providers of ecosystem services are vultures, which help dispose of tons of animal carcasses and reduce the spread of disease to us and our domestic animals. Even when birds aren’t eating other animals, they still help keep our ecosystem functioning and healthy. Frugivorous birds--those that eat fruits and berries--help spread and propagate plants. Some plants have much better germination rates after they have gone through a bird’s digestive system. Those plants can then grow into the trees that shade us, the wetland species that help filter water and mitigate flooding, and the plants that provide energy for the IN CELEBRATION OF BIRDS CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 >>
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THROUGH
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ERYN’S LENS Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV Photos: Eryn Reddell-Wingert
Standpipe Monarch Art Project
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McAllen
ities across South Texas are finding creative ways to incorporate art into the Valley landscape. In McAllen, seven irrigation standpipes showcase the metamorphosis of the monarch butterfly through beautiful mosaic-tile designs. The art installation lines Bicentennial Boulevard, south of Trenton Avenue, and is sponsored by Keep McAllen Beautiful. For more information, visit keepmcallenbeautiful.org. •
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Things I Have Learned While Watching by Bill Ward
T O D AY ’ S W I S D O M “The richest person in the cemetery is the one who left the most happy memories.” Matshona Dhliwayo
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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
s a researcher for my local historical society, I have had many opportunities to scrounge through our cemetery on a quest for specific graves. I have gotten to know the place pretty well. One of the things that jumps out at me there is the wide variation in gravestones. On one front corner, there is a tall, elaborate marker that obviously memorializes an important person. On the top is a carving of a capitol dome. The marker belongs to a former U.S. senator. In contrast, filling the bulk of the cemetery are hundreds of small markers containing just a name and
two dates marking birth and death. I know what the senator did in his life. What about all those other folks marked by just two dates? What was between those dates? Some of those people I knew in life. I know what was between their dates. Others are just names on stones. I don’t have a clue. I think it would be neat if there was a little technology built into each gravestone. We could push a button and watch a short video with photos and narration of the person. I can see it now; people all over the cemetery on a Sunday afternoon pushing the buttons and watching videos. We could put out some picnic tables, maybe sell cool drinks and nachos. What a great opportunity to explore the history of our towns. I know the technology exists. Any of
A somewhat random and reckless look at life from a fairly old guy
Life Between the Lines my kids could hook it up in about ten minutes. And yet, no one is doing it. I wonder why? Perhaps I know why. When I am exploring the cemetery, I am usually the only one there. Clearly, it isn’t a popular place to visit and hang out. Maybe it is supposed to be that way. Life moves forward, not backward. Exploring history is fun, but it isn’t our real day-to-day life. We all have work to do and other places to be. Maybe the dead are supposed to rest in peace. Being retired, though, I have learned that peace is overrated. I want some company. I am going to have my kids install that equipment. You can push my button any time. Say hello when you stop in. Bring coffee. We will talk awhile--at least while the equipment works. I’m just sayin’. •
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
with Chaplain Leila Preuss
• Patience •
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently
for Him. How hard is it to be patient? It is a true test of your faith if you truly trust the Lord with patience. I know it is often very difficult for me. I am the type of person who wants to get things done quickly and efficiently, often not waiting for God’s perfect timing. I really have to concentrate on patience. Do we really understand what waiting patiently for the Lord means? Lazarus’ family called for Jesus to come because Lazarus was dying, yet Jesus stayed two more days before going to where Lazarus was in Bethany. He even told his disciples Lazarus was dead (John 11:14). When Jesus arrived at the home of Lazarus, he found out Lazarus had been in the tomb four days already, past the time when a body starts to decompose. Mary, Lazarus’ sister, told Jesus if He would have come sooner, Lazarus would not have died. Many of the mourners felt Jesus could have saved Lazarus from dying if He had been there. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, not for His own glory, but for the glory of His Father. This past year has really been a trying one for most of us--first the COVID-19 virus, and then the closures, especially our places of worship and our shelter-at-home orders. All of this has tried our patience…and still is. We know God has a plan for us, as well for our world. It is difficult to be patient-waiting for a vaccine for the virus, waiting to be able to shop again like we used to, waiting to be able to worship as we did before the virus, and, in some cases, waiting for a
Virtual Open House www.RVOpenHouse.info
Chaplain Leila Preuss works with her husband, Chaplain Fred, serving in Alton. Their ministry, located in Alamo, is a part of Christian Resort Ministries, which places chaplains in RV parks around the Rio Grande Valley. The Preusses have servants’ hearts to help those less fortunate who have a great need for physical, as well as spiritual, food. See more about this ministry or to make a donation go to our website at crmintl.org.
business to reopen so people can get back to work. As young children, we waited patiently for Christmas, all the excitement building up for days. And what joy we had when it finally arrived! Just imagine our own joy and excitement when the Lord comes again, as we patiently wait for that to happen, either in this world or the next, for we know then everything will have happened for the glory of God. Pray for daily patience to let God take the lead and let everything in your own life be done for God’s glory and not your own. Be patient, wait on the Lord, and find peace in His presence. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ~James 1:2 •
RV Lots, Casitas, RV Porthomes and Houses For Sale or Rent. Call to schedule an in-person showing!
Carol Kerr Welch, Realtor
956-900-8487
Carol@MovingWithCarol.com
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”
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021 11
Santa Makes Appearance at 4 Seasons Golf Cart Christmas Parade Special to Welcome Home RGV
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ot a creature was stirring at 4 Seasons RV Park. But that certainly changed when Jolly Old Saint Nicholas and his precious wife, Mrs. Claus, made a special guest appearance at the Park during their Golf Cart Christmas Parade Sunday, December 20. Rudolph and his reindeer friends also showed up, pulling Santa’s twin. (Full disclosure: A group of Park residents, dressed as reindeer and tethered together with garland, pulled this Santa, riding a threewheel bicycle.) Many residents decorated their golf carts for this wonderful parade through the Park. The fun did not end there. After the parade,
residents enjoyed caroling, hot cocoa, cookies, and door prizes, all while following CDC guidelines for social distancing and mask-wearing. Oh, what fun it is to ride… •
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
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CAPTURES
YouTube Top 10 Special to Welcome Home RGV
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ere are some great YouTube channels, all produced right here in the RGV. We urge you to click on “SUBSCRIBE” so you will be notified when new videos are added to the channel. If you “Ring the Bell,” you will get notified immediately when a new video is posted and if the channel goes LIVE! 10. City of Mission, TX Learn about the City’s massnotification system, watch a Mission PD pinning ceremony, visit the Mission Historical Museum Military Room, and discover much more about the City of Mission. 9. IMAS International Museum of Art & Science Art exhibits, craft lessons (They’re not just for kids!), and Workshop Wednesdays are just a few of the things you’ll find on this channel! 8. Museum of South Texas History Enjoy MOST History’s Sunday Speaker Series, learn how to Create a Dia de los Muertos Home Altar, and much more on their YouTube Channel. 7. FoodBankRGV The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is passionately committed to improving lives through food assistance, nutrition education, and access to community services. Keep up with them on their YouTube channel! 6. UTRGV Patron of the Arts Patron of the Arts is the performance and membership series of the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley School of Music. The series
includes more than 100 ticketed events each season as well as a number of performances that are free and open to the public 5. Valley Symphony Orchestra Sit back and relax while listening to the sounds of the renowned VSO! 4. McHi Mariachi This channel features the sixtime-State-Champion (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020) McAllen High School Mariachi Oro! 3. City of McAllen City Hall Ghostly Encounters, McAllen Quick Video Tour, and the 2021 It’s Time Texas Community Challenge are just a few of the informative and fun videos you’ll find on the City of McAllen’s channel. 2. Visit SPI We all know how peaceful and playful South Padre Island is. Subscribe to this YouTube channel to learn what you don’t want to miss next time you head over there. 1. Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley All about the Rio Grande Valley-things to do, places to go and what’s happening all across South Texas. A few of the most recent videos feature The Riverside Club, The Lamb’s Loom (Curt even learns how to loom knit!), and Quinta Mazatlan. And there’s so much more!
January 2021
Photos by Ron Kowalczyk
This week, Ron Kowalczyk shares images of blooming bougainvillea from Green Gate Grove in Palmview. (We suspect resorts all across the Valley are also enjoying the colorful plants this time of year!) Ron explained that bougainvillea is a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees and is native to eastern South America from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina. He also notes that because of their long, sharp thorns, the park uses them as a security fence, and they are a nightmare to trim and prune! •
Do you have suggestions for YouTube channels we should add to our “What’s Trending on YouTube” list? Send them to us at news@ welcomehomergv.com. 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
Green Gate Grove Palmview, Texas
1601 Treasure Hills Blvd. | Harlingen, Texas 78550
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
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
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••• sp tted RGV in the
Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV Photo by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Cabbage La Feria
Cabbage is one of the many traditional crops spotted along rural roads in the Rio Grande Valley. Texas farmers supply multiple varieties of cabbage for distribution across the U.S. and Canada. Crops are planted in late summer and early fall and take 120 days from seed to harvest before they are handpicked. The large leaves that surround a head of cabbage are used to protect the vegetable during transport. (Source: TexasAgriculture.TexasFarmBureau.org) •
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021 15
With over 35 years of experience, Colair, Inc is your trusted source for Air Conditioning and Heater Services.
Second Annual Reverse Advent Calendar Breaks Donation Record By Susan Thomas, Bit-O-Heaven activity director
B
it-O-Heaven RV and MH Resort residents in Donna like to help out the local community, when possible. This season, we held our Second Annual Reverse Advent Calendar event for charity. The concept is to buy the food item on the list for each day of the month of December to have a basket of food ready to deliver to a needy family by Christmas. It is really easy to do, and most residents just buy all the recommended items at one time and fill two tote bags per family. You can usually purchase all of the items at Dollar Tree for $25$30. Last season, we donated to 10 families. This season, we increased the donations and were able to donate enough food for 22 families! We also included coats, jackets, and blankets. Kristi Collier of Welcome Home RGV happily approved my request for 50 donated bags, as it usually takes two bags per family, and we were shooting for 25 families. Kristi donated plenty of bags, so we had enough for many other items. We also had two large decorated boxes in our activity hall for donations of toys, stuffed animals, school supplies, and toiletries. Our contact for the Donna area was Henry Satterfield of JJ Construction. Henry does a lot of renovation work in our park and is highly recommended. He is associated with Brothers in Christ, and he gladly picked up all of the food and toy donations. It took two pick-up trucks to gather it all. Sunday, December 20, several park residents followed Henry and his many volunteers and pick-up trucks and flatbed trailers filled to capacity to the neighborhoods he had determined would be the recipients of the donations. Henry also received many toy and blanket
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donations from other businesses, but our Resort was the only one to provide the food donations. It was really wonderful to see the kids run out to see Santa as he handed out age-appropriate, unwrapped toys and food bags to the families. This season, we had a successful event, and I thank our Bit-O-Heaven family for being so generous to help those in need. Next season, we will start over again and hopefully beat our record this season. •
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
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Applications Being Accepted for
•••
Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021 17
2021 Master Gardener Volunteer Training
Attn Brand New RVer’s:
Special to Welcome Home RGV
When: Online classes will be held live every
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Thursday at 9:00 a.m. beginning January 28 and ending April 1; recordings of live presentations can be viewed at any time.
tours. In addition to the 55 hours of instruction, participants must also complete 50 hours of volunteer service to earn certification as a Master Gardener.
Where:
Cost:
A total of 35 hours of instruction will be given online; most classes will be live presentations with Q&A time afterward. Presentations will be recorded and posted online for participants to view at their leisure. To address regional growing conditions and native plants, 20 hours of the training will be completed locally, in person.
What:
Online topics will cover general and broad information that is applicable across the state, such as Earth-Kind Gardening, Plant Growth and Development, Soils, Water, Lawns, Pests, Disease, Fruits, and Vegetables. Local hours will include a combination of outdoor, hands-on workshops and private
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For more information in Cameron County, contact Jennifer Herrera, county extension agent – horticulture at 956-361-8236 or via email at jherrera@ag.tamu.edu. Deadline to submit your online application and payment is Wednesday, January 20. Limited spots are available. Submit your application for both Cameron and Hidalgo counties at https://hidalgo.agrilife.org/ horticulture/gardentraining/2021master-gardener-volunteer-trainingapplication/ •
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Yarn Tasting Kick-Off 2021 at The Lamb’s Loom January 27 Special to Welcome Home RGV
C
ome celebrate with us as we kick off another great year at The Lamb’s Loom. Your generosity over the last year has been amazing! Even though it seemed the world was shut down, we continued to receive donated items in the mail and notes of encouragement and support. All of this continues to encourage us in our mission efforts here. In 2019, we surpassed the donations received by over 1000, which means over 4300 handmade knitted and crocheted items were given to those in need in 2019! We want to extend a special thank you to everyone who comes in and adds so many lovely items to the Donation Chest. You are a blessing to so many. We are excited to see what this year holds and are grateful for your participation in what is ahead. We will begin 2021 with our Seventh Annual Yarn Tasting. At this event, we will announce the final DonationChest count for 2020. If you’ve never been to our Yarn Tasting, you really should join us for some yarn fun beginning Wednesday, January 27, and continuing through Saturday, January 30. Every year promises to be a fun time with friends, and this year won’t be any different. We will have all of the physical distancing set ups and sanitation stations available. And let’s not forget the door prizes and drawings. Each day, the event begins at 11 a.m. and will continue through the afternoon to 3 p.m., so mark your calendars. To ensure plenty of
shopping space, we will be taking shopping reservations for Wednesday and Saturday. A blessed 2021 to you all. May your knots be few, your purls be many, and your stitches continue to be blessed to share God’s love throughout the world. The Lamb’s Loom is located at 1102 Tamarack in McAllen. We are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional parking is available in the rear via Upas Avenue. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and our website (thelambsloom.com). •
#loveineverystitch #LambsLoomFun
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021 19
• • • News & Views in Valley Parks and Resorts • • •
Chimney Park Look What They Caught!
Texas Trails RV Resort Special to Welcome Home RGV
Special to Welcome Home RGV
T
his happened, spontaneously, on afternoon at Chimney RV Park, as chronicled by Winter Texan Paul Johnston, Jr. •
Ruth Anderson, far right, points out things floating near the water’s edge.
The Treat Truck at Texas Trails RV Resort. Yes, please!
Ruth tries to “rope” the paddle.
She got it!
Smile of victory.
Judy Kolisch tries snag a hat with a stick.
The stick broke.
She got it!
>> IN CELEBRATION OF BIRDS FROM PAGE 7
entire food chain. Birds provide more than just quantitative benefits, however. As I write this at Quinta Mazatlán, I hear a mockingbird loudly affirm its claim of an anacua tree, defending the fruiting crown against intrusive neighbors. A White-eyed Vireo bubbles complex phrases of song from a patch of Barbados cherry; I could look for minutes and not see it. Inca doves flutter between the cover of a Coma and the bird seed at my office feeder, weighing brief excursions for free food against the danger of a roaming hawk. I could try to measure the services of these species to figure out what pests the vireos eat or how many tree seeds a mockingbird spreads and then how much they grow and replenish the Valley’s lungs. But right now, the benefit that resonates most is the joy and comfort of simply existing with these feathered beings, marveling at how some of life’s most beautiful snippets are encapsulated in daily activities with companions you love. •
McAllen Tree Advisory Committee Selected to Advocate for Trees in Public Spaces Special to Welcome Home RGV
Keep
McAllen Beautiful and the City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department have recently brought together several board members to be the inaugural board of a newly established Keep McAllen Beautiful Tree Advisory Committee. The Tree Committee’s mission will include coordinating and promoting Arbor Day activities, creating a five-year plan to plant and maintain trees on City-owned properties, promoting public awareness and education programs related to trees, reviewing City of McAllen department concerns relating to tree care, submitting an annual report to the McAllen City Commission, applying annually for a Tree City USA designation, and developing a list of recommended native trees for planting on City of McAllen properties. “We were already doing a lot of these initiatives,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “The establishment
of the Keep McAllen Beautiful Tree Committee just formalizes our activities to be able to direct them to advocate for the planting and care of native tree species and to receive the designation as a Tree City, which has both environmental and economic benefits for our community.” Trees provide an essential benefit to the community as they help improve air quality, provide shade, help decrease temperatures, and reduce air pollutants by intercepting many airborne particles. Urban trees reduce the potential of city heat islands created by solid, impervious surfaces that change weather patterns, resulting in a decreased
heat index. Trees provide wildlife habitat. Trees also help to increase property values. The Tree Committee will also focus on tree plantings to help increase McAllen’s tree canopy and educate the public on tree care and maintenance. “The proper planting of--and care for--trees, especially native species in McAllen and other cities, provide health, aesthetic, and financial benefits that greatly exceed their cost,” said Mike McClure, chairperson for the KMB Tree Committee. Members of the Keep McAllen Beautiful Tree Committee include Mike McClure, chair, Linda Calderon, vice chair, Marie Perez, Normalynda Zepeda, Patty Lopez, Carlos Lopez, Mary Gonzalez, Art Lopez, Claudia Gutierrez, Ernesto Sepulveda, Chelsea Howell, Gloria Doyle, Luis Lopez, Carlos Garza, and Melanie Watson. •
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
SAVORY TREATS
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
SWEET CRAVINGS
RECIPE CONNECTION
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 • • •
T
he friendly town of Gruene (pronounced Green) is located in the Texas Hill Country, one of the nicest parts of the state. This recipe is pure Texan. •
Texas Caviar Balls O’ Fire • 1 jar of jalapeño-stuffed green olives • 1 teaspoon salt (optional) • 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • ½ cup real butter, not margarine, softened • 1 cup finely chopped pecans • 1 cup all-purpose flour Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove the olives from the brine and dry on a paper towel. Blend the cheese and butter together until well combined. Sift the flour with the salt and cayenne. Work this mixture into the cheese/ butter. Add the nuts. Use one tablespoon of this dough to cover each olive; wrap the dough around the olive as evenly as possible by rolling the olive between the palms of your hands. If the olives are jumbo, it might take a bit more dough to cover them. Repeat until all of the dough or all of the olives are used. (Sometimes it doesn’t come out even!) Place on a parchment-covered cookie sheet and bake until golden brown. • 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 • • • Sage-Stuffed Mushrooms •••
Submitted by The Junior League of McAllen, Inc.
Serves 40 • 1 (10 oz.) package bulk sage sausage • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened, cubed • 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley • 40 medium mushrooms • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1/3 cup butter, melted • ¼ teaspoon pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown sausage in a medium skillet until it crumbles; drain. Add onion, parsley, pepper, and garlic. Add cream-cheese cubes to the sausage mixture. Remove mushroom stems and discard. Place mushrooms in shallow baking dish. Brush with melted butter. Stuff mushrooms with sausage mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly. • 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.
Four Tastes That Define South Padre Island Special to Welcome Home RGV
W
ith over 40 places to grab some grub, foodies have a literal Smörgåsbord of bold, tropical flavors to try on South Padre Island. The tastes that define this Texas paradise are a mix of coastal cuisine and authentic Mexican dishes. Prepare your taste buds. 1) Red Snapper and Mahi Mahi and Black Drum, oh my! Fish, fish, and more fish. Surrounded by the waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico, a variety of fish are literally in our back yard and available yearround, thanks to our mild weather. Most restaurants on the Island serve some sort of fish, whether it’s grilled, blackened, fried, in a taco, on a bun, or in things like ceviche (more about that later). If you happen to go fishing while you’re here, several restaurants will cook your catch. Island Insider Tip: Looking for seafood with a creole spin? Check out Daddy’s Seafood & Cajun Kitchen. 2) Taco ‘bout it, taco ‘bout it, taco ‘bout it, taco ‘bout it… No matter what kind of tacos you’re into, we’ve got you covered here on the Island (and over the Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel, too!). Fresh tortillas (corn or flour) are a staple here, filled with barbacoa, carnitas, blackened fish or shrimp, or even eggs and bacon. You’ll find some type of taco on most menus; feel free to try them all, Island Insider Tip: Hit up Pier 19 for blackened0fish tacos and Chilitto Pikin for tacos pastor, and head over the Causeway into Port Isabel for the biggest (and best) breakfast tacos at Manuel’s. 3) “Shrimply” irresistible Long before the City of South Padre Island was established, the neighboring community now known as Port Isabel was a prominent fishing village. With commercial fishing and shrimping beginning as early as the late 1800s, the area has
long been known for its abundance of fresh shrimp. Like fish, shrimp is served at most restaurants in some fashion. Whether you like it grilled, blackened, fried, covered in coconut, or in a taco or po’ boy, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Island Insider Tip: If you want to try several kinds of shrimp in one sitting, check out the Painted Marlin. 4) Cómo se dice, ceviche? One dish you absolutely must try while you’re on South Padre Island is ceviche. “What is ceviche?” some of you may be asking. Traditional ceviche recipes consist of seafood (usually shrimp or a white fish like Mahi Mahi), which “cooks” in the acidity of a citrus marinade, as opposed to being exposed to heat. Throw in some cilantro, tomato, onion, and spices and there you have it. You can eat it with tortilla chips, crackers, or just a fork (it’s that good). Island Insider Tip: Ceviche Ceviche lets you customize your ceviche, from the spice level to add-ons like avocado, fruit, and extra veggies. Don’t forget to try their signature sauces to kick it up a notch. Find more about places to dine on South Padre Island at sopadre.com. •
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•••
Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021 21
bon appetit! with
Executive Chef Bettina
Tolin
Winter White Bean & Tortellini Soup
Baby it’s cold outside! And I’m looking for easy, stress-free and fun winter dinners. This soup fits the bill perfectly. And it features one of my favorite pastas ever – tortellini. They are so cute and also delicious with their yummy cheese perfectly tucked inside – what is not to love!? And if you have not yet thought to put them in soup, here is your chance! Bon Appétit! • FOUR SERVINGS
• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 4 ounces hot or mild Italian sausage, removed from casings • 1 onion, diced • 1 medium rib celery, diced • 1 medium carrot, diced • One 15-ounce can white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained • One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes • 2 cups no or low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock • One 8 to 9 ounce package of refrigerated tortellini • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1/4 cup prepared pesto • Grated Parmesan, for serving
• • •
Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Add the onions, celery and carrot and continue to cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, stock and 4 cups water and increase the heat to medium-high to bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer, adjusting the heat if necessary, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the tortellini and continue to cook until they are tender, about 7 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls and garnish with a dollop of pesto and a bit of grated Parmesan. •
• • • • • • • 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: Marcello’s Ocean Grille & Spirits
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
www.welcomehomergv.com Bit-O-Heaven RV and Mobile Home Resort
1051 W. Bus Hwy 83 Donna, TX 78537
JOIN THE FUN!
DANCE
Curt James
Saturday, January 16th 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Ticket $8.00
BYOB * Snack Bar Available * No outside food
Door opens at 6:30 PM
*Social Distancing and Masks Required* *Temperatures taken at door*
SHOW
Absolutely Country Definitely Gospel Sunday, January 17th 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Ticket $8.00
BYOB * Snack Bar Available * No outside food *Social Distancing and Masks Required* *Temperatures taken at door*
4770 N. Mayberry Road Mission, TX 78573
956-580-4545
Terry Miller • Activity Director
www.bit-o-heaven.net EVERY TUESDAY : HAPPY HOUR NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC
EVERY WEDNESDAY ENTERTAINMENT • 7:00PM Ice cream bars for sale/BYOB MASKS REQUIRED • THANK YOU
Jan. 20 • "Festus Lives On" • $8.00 by Mark Staggs
EVERY THURSDAY : SOUP SUPPER 3:30 PM • DRIVE THRU ONLY $5 FOR PRE-FILLED 32 oz Container You get 1st and 2nd in one tub! Dessert pies for sale $1
EVERY FRIDAY : DANCE
Daytime • BYOB & Snacks • Popcorn/Soda for sale NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC • PARK ONLY! MASKS REQUIRED • THANK YOU
STREET DANCE FRIDAY
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM • OUTSIDE • Open to the Public MASKS REQUIRED • THANK YOU
Jan. 15 • Steven May • $8.00
EVERY THIRD FRIDAY • 11:00AM R/C TRACK RACING
$10 Entry fee first car; $5 each additional car Fee includes lunch; lunch available for $4 for spectators Bring a chair and watch the races; free admission Sponsored by COBA Internet Systems, New Sun Racing & RGV Raceway Cash prizes and trophies
EVERY SATURDAY : JAM SESSION : OUTSIDE BYOB & Snacks MASKS REQUIRED • THANK YOU
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Come and sing or play or just listen
CRAFT FAIR
Second Friday Every Month (Nov - Mar) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Breakfast for sale/Bake sale Items MASKS REQUIRED • THANK YOU
PATIO SALES
Second Saturday Every Month (Nov - Mar) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM • Pick up map at Front gate MASKS REQUIRED • THANK YOU
Susan Thomas, A C T I V I T Y
DIRECTOR
603-396-2786 / fulltimers@earthlink.net
WE ARE OPEN! TRY OUR TEXAS SIZE PORK TENDERLOIN Wednesday ............... 11am - 8pm Thursday .................. 11am - 8pm Friday ...................... 11am - 8pm Saturday................... 11am - 8pm Sunday..................... 11am - 8pm SOCIAL DISTANCE SEATING
Relax outside by the Rio Grande River. Plenty of outside seating on our covered deck & patio. Plenty of inside dining area as well. 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
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
•••
Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 13, 2021 23
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January 13, 2021 • • • Welcome
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