www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 20, 2021
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We’re just connecting the dots.
VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 14 • January 20, 2021 • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •
Thomas George “Tom” Stocker June 28, 1947 - January 9, 2021
A Tribute to Tom Stocker N
• • • Story by Eryn Reddell Wingert • Photos Courtesy of Welcome Home RGV staff • • •
early everyday that Tom Stocker arrived to work at Welcome Home RGV his co- workers wondered if he wouldn’t simply drive straight through the front window. But, once he safely parked, he’d saunter in carrying his favorite flavor of Delia’s tamales jalapeño and cream cheese - to share with the staff. Tom would start most days chatting up office staff, sharing anecdotes, jokes, and stories about growing up in the Valley.
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The conversations almost always included new photos of his beloved grandchildren. In return, Tom showed genuine interest in the children of his co-workers. He never failed to ask what was going on their lives or how they were getting along in school. And when kids were present either in the office or at an event, he quickly won them over with his sense of humor. He had a long honed habit of truly caring about people. Colie Brookins
recalls she first met Tom in the early 2000’s at All Pro Contractors, “He always took care of me. He taught me things about the construction business that I would never have known.” Tom continued to do so years later, Brookins says, when their paths crossed again at Welcome Home RGV and the Texas International Fishing Tournament (T.I.F.T.). Many of those morning rap sessions included Tom sharing his knowledge,
experience, and advice. “He would always come to my office and share stories about life. He had a story for everything,” shares Anne Marie Martin who manages events. She credits Tom with showing her the ropes when she first started her job. “Tom was such a tough guy on the outside,” she says, “But, deep down he was the softest most caring man. TRIBUTE TO TOM STOCKER CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
WINTER
TEXAN • • • OF THE • • • WEEK Jack and Joyce Smith by Rocio Villalobos
Couple of 50 Years from Missouri Helping Introduce New, Safe Activities to Park J
ack and Joyce Smith made their One new thing they learned this year first trip to the Rio Grande Valley three is how to cook for almost 100 people. years ago and quickly fell in love with The pair enjoys helping out wherever it, immediately getting involved with they’re needed, and this season that all the activities Mission’s Split Rail RV was in the kitchen for holiday dinners. Though they didn’t arrive until midPark and Resort has to offer. Although they were anticipating a November, they jumped right to work by helping cook and serve slower season this year, Thanksgiving meals. the Missouri couple “We miss being able ventured down anyway “We miss being able to get together and have and have dedicated their to get together and potlucks, but we’ve done time to helping around have potlucks, what we could so we can the Park and creating new still enjoy the food,” Jack activities for everyone to but we’ve done what explained. enjoy. we could so we can The normally “The first two years, still enjoy the food. communal meals were we did a lot of crafts-We used to have offered via takeout or painting, playing cards, ice cream every Sunday delivery, and through and swimming,” Joyce these methods they said. “This year, we’ve night, so now we go are also able to adapt done things like judging around and deliver it and continue another Christmas lights and to all the Park. tradition: ice-cream caroling.” While there is less to do, We’re just finding different socials. things to do outside.” “We used to have Jack said it was still worth ice cream every Sunday coming, if just for the • Jack & Joyce Smith • night, so now we go climate. “A lot of people around and deliver it to don’t think of Texas as all the Park,” Joyce said. having a tropical area to go to; I’ve never been to the tropics, “We’re just finding different things to but I’d imagine it would be like this,” do outside.” Jack said. “Everything is so green, and Other things the Smiths enjoy you see many different types of flowers. about the RGV is the closeness and prioritization of family, along with We love it down here.” After so much time together, they the community’s welcoming attitude still enjoy each other’s company and toward visitors. The Smiths will be working on the same activities and returning home in April and say they look forward to picking back up to projects. “He’s pretty good to go along with, normal in the upcoming season, but are still glad to have found good use for whatever I do,” Joyce said. “We’ve been married 50 years now their time by helping others. • and, boy, did that go fast,” Jack said.
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
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 • • • January 20, 2021
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South Padre Island Celebrates January 23
National Cook-Your-Catch Day
Special to Welcome Home RGV
J
anuary 23 is once again being celebrated as National Cook-YourCatch Day by the avid anglers and cuisine fans of South Padre Island. With Island restaurants renowned for their fish recipes and great redfish and trout in the bay, South Padre Island is the perfect Gulf-to-table experience. In 2020, the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau named January 23 National CookYour-Catch Day. South Padre Island is a hub for dedicated anglers and is home to talented chefs who know how to bring out the best in fresh fish. From redfish to flounder to snapper to shrimp and more, this Texas fishing mecca is renowned for both talented fishing guides and a number of locally owned, chef-driven restaurants that will take freshcaught fish from hook to plate. January and February are great times to go fishing on South Padre Island. Not only is the Island beautiful, but fishing itself is a great
way to de-stress after the holidays. Fish are light and healthy. Together, fishing and enjoying freshly prepared fish is the perfect way to increase both your mental and physical health. “Fishing is the perfect outdoor activity. With our great winter weather and smaller crowds this time of year, it’s a perfect time to get out on both the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay,” said South Padre Island CVB executive director Ed Caum. “Best of all, even if you don’t land that big one, there are multiple restaurants here with fresh fish on the menu every day.” For information on things to do on South Padre Island, visit sopadre. com. • Rick W Bassett, M.D.
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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
>> TRIBUTE TO TOM STOCKER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Tom showed he cared by sharing his knowledge. Curt Riester recalls the first time he and Tom went on a delivery together. Riester knows the exact date: February 9, 2019. He says on that date Tom found a 1919 penny and gave it to him stating it was only going to grow in value. Riester took the penny home, taped it to a piece of paper and wrote, ‘Tom’s Penny’ and the date. “I googled it and he was right,” Says Riester, “It was worth .35 cents. But, it’s now priceless to me.” Tom was also a doer. Tom did anything and everything he was asked, even if he questioned an idea. He would work all day setting up for events, as well as delivering newspapers across the Valley. He structured his deliveries so that he would end up close to South Padre Island on a Friday in order to go fishing as soon as possible. He was always ready to go fishing, as was evident by his self-styled uniform: fishing shirt, shorts, and ball cap emblazoned with either a Welcome Home RGV or T.I.F.T. logo. “I always enjoyed riding with Tom,” says Riester, “He called me the ‘muscle’ and said I was the ‘young stud muffin’ out to steal his job.” But Tom was irreplaceable. “He made everyone feel welcome,” says Kristy Meyer, Travel Director for Welcome Home RGV. She also says while he was sarcastic and blunt, “he was just a fun, lovable, good ol’ guy.” By all accounts Tom was the life of the party, and he wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and relax, especially after a hard day’s work. “I met Tom when he came to work at Welcome Home,” says Fran Adams, who assists with events, “We hit it off right away. We both enjoyed sharing a few beers after a long work day.” As much as he enjoyed fishing or
a cold one, and despite technically being retired, Tom was not one to sit still. He got things done. Owner Kristi Collier has the honor of calling Tom a lifelong family friend. Her favorite story about Tom was during her wedding reception when tom found our her husband, Kevin, forgot to pick up his dry cleaning before the wedding; which included all of his clothing for their honeymoon trip. Tom immediately called his brother who owned the dry cleaning business, arranged to pick up the items and delivered them during the middle of the on-going wedding reception. He even took to the stage, dry-cleaning in hand, to offer advice to the newly wed husband, never to forget again. While Tom was exceptional at offering support and solving problems, he was not without his charming faults. His driving, for example. Collier recalls the time he was tasked with delivering centerpieces to an event in Mercedes and didn’t realize along the way the he was leaving a trail of brand new, bright yellow, artificial sunflowers behind him. “Tom has added more color, more laughter, and more shenanigans that I ever thought possible,” shares Kristi. Tom left an indelible impression on the Welcome Home RGV family. “He was truly a reminder to shine some good into this world,” shares graphic designer, Jenny Carpenter. The space he filled with his humor; wisdom; antics; sarcasm; bluntness; bear hugs; good-natured jabs to the shoulder; and laughter can never be filled. We are simply left with how his support and friendship made us feel. As Stella Riester says, echoing the sentiment of everyone at Welcome Home, “I feel blessed to have known such a good man.” •
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 20, 2021
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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com Se Habla Español
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 20, 2021
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D
id you know the Midwest is home to several beautiful cathedrals? If you have not stepped foot inside one of these beautiful places, I’d encourage you to do so. There are no fees to visit, and I have found that they have always been open to visitors during the day. A short drive off of Kansas I-70, east of Hays, will take you to a stunning cathedral. The Cathedral of the Plains is in Victoria, Kansas. It is the first basilica in Kansas and the 78th in the United States. Note that the official name of this cathedral is The Basilica of St. Fidelis. It is also the largest church in Kansas and seats 1,100 people. The incredible towers are 141 feet tall. The Italian marble altar is a sight all its own. Private tours are available, and you can call 785-735-2777 to schedule one. Right off of I-80 in Dyersville, along I-80, you can visit the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, a Catholic treasure in rural Iowa. In 1999, the church and rectory were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sixty-four stained-glass windows and transoms have stories and art that will inspire you. You can
see several statues and sculptures throughout the cathedral. When you are in the altar area, look back toward the balcony and observe the 1959 rose window. St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, Kansas, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and is off the beaten path yet extremely beautiful. This beacon on the plains will warm your soul as you travel Main Street. With fewer than 150 residents in town, this cathedral is a shining star of the community. Perryville, Missouri, is home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. This cathedral is modeled after the Vincentian Motherhouse chapel in Rome, Montecitorio. Once you set foot in this cathedral, you will feel as though you are in Europe and not the United States. This attraction is a short hop off of I-55 in Missouri. This is a small glimpse of the beautiful cathedrals we have in the heart of America. Plan to spend 30 minutes in each of these stunning CATHEDRALS OF THE MIDWEST CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 >>
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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
1910 Jail Exhibit Behind the Scenes Special to Welcome Home RGV
T
he city-block complex of the Museum of South Texas History was once housed in the 1910 jail, an artifact that has captured the attention and curiosity of the community. The jail, which was closed between 2012 and 2020, is the oldest standing historic structure in the city of Edinburg. It will open in 2021 with all-new permanent and temporary exhibits. Hear more about the renovation of the building and installation of the exhibits during the Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation, The 1910 Jail: Behind the Scenes, at 2:00 p.m. January 24 on Facebook Live. The museum closed the 1910 jail building to the public in 2012 due to structural problems. After a successful capital campaign, Austin-based Pony Allen Studios was hired to assist museum staff design, construct, and install the new exhibits, such as “The 1910 Jail: An Arresting Artifact” and “Faces de la Frontera.” During the presentation, viewers will have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at exhibit developments that feature hidden treasures. Pony Allen, owner of Pony Allen Studios, is a museum-exhibition designer with more than 25 years
of experience in museum-exhibition development, design, lighting, and project management. Pony Allen Studios specializes in creating engaging exhibits that inspire learning and enjoyment for visitors. The presentation will broadcast at facebook.com/MOSTHistory/live. Viewers are encouraged to interact with panelists by posting comments and questions on the live feed. 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. •
www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 20, 2021
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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 20, 2021 11
Start Your Birdwatching Hobby Saturday at Quinta Mazatlán Special to Welcome Home RGV
Photo Credit: Quinta Mazatlán
T
here is a whole lot of feathered fun happening January 23 at Quinta Mazatlán. The Center for Urban Ecology is hosting the first Hobbies in Nature session of 2021, Begin to Birdwatch. The one-hour program invites guests into the world of birds, where they will be amazed by the beautiful colors, fascinating behaviors, and incredible diversity of birds found all around us. After a fun-filled introduction, guests will be introduced to the tips and tricks of birdwatching, from how to use binoculars to practicing bird identification using the 5 Keys of Bird ID. “One of the greatest joys of birdwatching is learning to recognize the birds around you,” said urban ecologist John Brush. “It’s like getting to know your neighbors.” If birds are neighbors, then the Valley is a wonderfully diverse neighborhood; more than 515 species of bird have been documented in the Valley’s fourcounty region, helping to make it one of the best-known birding areas in the United States. Come fly by Quinta Mazatlán and get birdy Saturday, January 23, from
Enjoy the wild (sometimes-wacky) birds of Quinta Mazatlán Saturday, January 23 from 10 – 11 a.m. for Begin to Birdwatch, an outdoor program with McAllen’s urban ecologist, John Brush.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. for birdwatching fun. The Hobbies in Nature series is designed for adults and older youth. Admission is $5 per person. As outdoor class size is limited due to health protocols, please book in advance at quintamazatlan. ticketleap.com. Please follow current Covid-19 safety guidelines while in the park. Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen, one block south of La Plaza Mall on 10th Street. For more information, call 956-681-3370 and follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media. •
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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
with Chaplain Jerry Hunter
In
• Who Do People Say You Are? •
Matthew 16:15 and Mark 8:29, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter promptly and correctly answered and identified Jesus as the Christ, the son of the living God. My question to you today is, “Who do people say you are?” The Word of God says in Acts 4:13: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Are you a Christian? Who would your friends, neighbors, or relatives say you are? Can people who know you, are related to you, or just observe you, identify you as a Christian? Does your walk and talk, and do your actions stand out as someone different in our society and culture? Do you know our culture is one of a Christian’s worst enemies? A Christian is to stand firm, stand tall, and be different from the culture. That is why much of the world looks down on and despises Christians. Those in the world do not want their sins exposed or condemned. I posted in a neighborhood blog a few years back for people to come to a Bible study I was starting. One lady responded to my post, and we began a little discussion. In our correspondence, the woman told me she was a Christian, but she believed there were many ways to Heaven. Folks, this lady called herself a Christian, but she was not. If she were, she would understand the Bible verse where Jesus says in
Chaplain Jerry Hunter is serving his first year as chaplain at Big Valley RV in Donna. He and his wife, Kim, invite you to come and visit them any time.
John 14:6 (NKJV): “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The sad thing to me is there’s a large number of people in the world like the lady I mentioned who call themselves Christians and have no idea what a Christian really is. Perhaps their parents took them to church or said prayers before meals, but far too many have never really understood what a Christian is or should be. True Christian exemplify the life of Christ in their walk, talk, and actions in public and in private. A true Christian must first adhere to the Words of Jesus in John 3:3 where Jesus told Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Being “born again” is giving your life to Jesus Christ, totally. Living your life for Him. And after you are “born again.” a Christian will follow the commands of Jesus. Jesus says in John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” And the true Christian will always walk in the footsteps of Jesus. •
www.welcomehomergv.com >> CATHEDRALS OF THE MIDWEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
architectural spaces. Most of these cathedrals are handicap accessible, with signage near the main entrance. These cathedrals are often listed on signage along the roads, inviting you to take a break from your road trip and explore the beauty they have to offer. •
Sara Broers is a travel enthusiast who resides in North Iowa. She is the CEO of Travel with Sara and the coowner of the Midwest Travel Network. When Sara is not traveling by car, ship, plane, or train, you may find her in an Iowa cornfield. She is one of the authors featured in Midwest Road Trip Adventures, a book that showcases all 12 Midwest states. Sara wrote the Iowa chapter and colleagues wrote the other chapters. You can be inspired through travelwithsara.com.
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Make Your Reservation Now for Yarn Tasting 2021 Special to Welcome Home RGV
Y
ou just never know what we’re up to around here. Last year, just before our Yarn Tasting, we had a Yarn-Fun day of yarn-bombing around the shop. It is always great to get a little yarn wrapped around the world to brighten things up. We know this has been a difficult year for us all, and we will not be congregating like before, but we do want to help keep the Yarn Fun going! Currently, we are open for receiving donated items, shopping, and outdoor Sit-n-Knit (by reservation) and we are offering a few one-on-one classes. Feel free to call the shop to see what’s being offered for classes, and we can get you set up. And, of course, we always love to see what y’all are up to, so feel free to stop by for a little show-n-tell with your current projects, too! This year, our Yarn Tasting will be taking place January 27 - 30. We always have a fun theme, door prizes, and yarn fun everywhere. Pick the day you want to join in some Yarn Fun and call to reserve your time now! There will be plenty of fun every day for everyone. We do hope you’ll join in with us throughout the year and become a PEG! Pray, Encourage, Give.
Remember, The Lamb’s Loom is not just a yarn shop; it’s a ministry and a mindset. 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). Our phone number is 956-607-6855. • #loveineverystitch • #LambsLoomFun
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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 20, 2021 17 Bit-O-Heaven RV and Mobile Home Resort
1051 W. Bus Hwy 83 Donna, TX 78537
www.bit-o-heaven.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*
Keep McAllen Beautiful to Begin
Annual Paint McAllen Beautiful Project Special to Welcome Home RGV
Keep
McAllen Beautiful (KMB) is proud to announce its annual Paint McAllen Beautiful project, whereby KMB volunteers paint homes throughout McAllen to help beautify the neighborhood. Qualifying McAllen applicants are being sought to be selected for this year’s program. The qualifying criteria include that applicants must (1) be a McAllen resident, (2) own the home, (3) be low income, and (4) be 60 years of age or older or any age with a permanent disability. Through a generous grant from Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep McAllen Beautiful will be able to fund paint and supplies for this year’s project. “Although the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted our volunteer projects, we plan to move forward with our house painting while implementing safety measures such as minimizing the size of volunteer groups per home, social distancing, and mandatory use of masks and gloves,� said Chris Lash, Keep McAllen Beautiful program coordinator. “If you are a McAllen resident who is low income and elderly or disabled, and you would like to obtain an application to be considered for the project, please contact Keep McAllen Beautiful.�
The project, with qualified applicants. will continue until funds have expired. “I encourage everyone in the community who qualifies for this amazing program to apply so that, together, we can help keep McAllen beautiful,â€? said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “Or, if you would like to volunteer, this is a great outdoor project anyone can do and still make a difference in our city.â€? Paint McAllen Beautiful will be coordinating with businesses, civic organizations, college groups, and religious organizations to volunteer in a collaborative effort to improve and beautify the community. Keep McAllen Beautiful is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to developing and expanding awareness regarding litter prevention, proper waste disposal, recycling, beautification projects, and preserving the natural beauty of McAllen. Applications may be picked up at McAllen City Hall or McAllen Chamber of Commerce or may be obtained through the KMB website at keepmcallenbeautiful.org. For more information or for volunteer opportunities, please contact KMB at 956-681-4562. •
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
EVERY TUESDAY : HAPPY HOUR NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC
EVERY WEDNESDAY
ENTERTAINMENT • 7:00PM Ice cream bars for sale/BYOB MASKS REQUIRED • THANK YOU
Feb. 3 • Lindley Creek • $10.00 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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
STREET DANCE FRIDAY : OUTSIDE/DAYTIME 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM • OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BYOB, Snacks; Popcorn and soda for sale MASKS REQUIRED • THANK YOU
Jan. 22 • Diego & Edith • $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
JOIN THE FUN!
HAPPY Hour
Diego and Edith
Thursday, January 21st 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Pass the Hat
BYOB * Snack Bar Available * No outside food *Social Distancing and Masks Required* *Temperatures taken at door*
Redneck Revival
Friday, January 29th 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Pass the Hat
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
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2020 SILVER DOLLAR CITY performers Branson, Missouri 2021 RGV Schedule
Jan. 26 - 7 PM Sleepy Valley - Mission Feb. 1 - 7 PM Hidden Valley Ranch - Mission Feb. 3 - 6:30 Bit-o-Heaven - Donna Feb. 8 - 7PM Palm Shadows - Donna Feb. 11 - 7 PM Fig Tree - Harlingen Feb. 14 - Dinner Show - Casa Del Sol - Donna Feb. 21 - 3 PM Paradise South - Mercedes Feb. 28 - 7 PM Leisure World - Weslaco www.LindleyCreek.com
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January 20, 2021 • • • 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
This old favorite takes a bit of time to cook, but they’re worth the
wait; they are different and delicious. •
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The Border Cook
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Cowboy Soup
Submitted by Randy Hoelscher, The Border Cook
Rumaki • 1 can (8 oz.) whole water chestnuts • 12 oz. good bacon, thin-sliced
• ½ cup sugar • 1/3 cup ketchup
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Drain the water chestnuts and
dry with a paper towel. Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap one half around each chestnut. Secure with a toothpick. Bake on a metal rack over a parchment-covered cookie sheet for 1 hour. Remove from the oven, but leave the oven on. Mix the sugar and ketchup, combining thoroughly. Dip each water chestnut into this mixture and place back on the baking rack. Bake for an additional hour. Serve warm or at room temperature. NOTE: For a different taste, substitute ¾ cup of a favorite sweet, smoky barbeque sauce for the sugar/ketchup dip. •
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 • • • Nectarine Red Onion Salad •••
Submitted by The Junior League of McAllen, Inc.
Serves 4
Salad: • 1 avocado, sliced • 1 large head of red-tip lettuce (or ½ red tip and 1 head of Boston lettuce) • Seasoned salt to taste • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced • 2 nectarines, unpeeled and cut into small wedges Toss avocado, onion, nectarines, and lettuce in a large bowl. Dressing: • ½ cup olive oil, extra virgin • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • Cracked black pepper to taste • 1 tablespoon raspberry wine vinegar Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, raspberry vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well. When ready to serve, pour dressing over salad. Diced, grilled chicken may be added, if desired. • 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.
I have seen quite a few recipes for cowboy soup. I am not sure if this was ever popular with real cowboys, but I know for a fact that it is a real good, hearty, comforting soup. It is also easy to make, with little preparation required. The recipe serves six. • 1 Tbsp. olive oil • 1 lb. ground beef or ground chuck • ½ cup yellow onion – diced • 6 cups beef or chicken broth (I use granulated.) • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if you like a little smokey flavor) • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste (I use ketchup.) • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce • ½ tsp oregano – preferably Mexican • ½ tsp. dried basil • ½ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional) • ½ to 1 tsp chili powder • 1 can mixed vegetables – drained • 2 cups elbow macaroni • Salt and pepper to taste
Add olive oil to a stock pot and heat to medium. Add the onion and ground beef. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions become translucent. Drain off the fat and discard. Add the broth, tomatoes, and spices and bring to a boil; simmer for 5 minutes. Add the vegetables and macaroni and simmer an additional 8 minutes until the macaroni is tender. Serving options: Add shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeño slices, taco chips, or avocado. Note: If desired, the macaroni can be cooked separately and drained and the soup added to the amount of macaroni desired. This method will allow you to re-heat the soup without overcooking the macaroni. • 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.
www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • January 20, 2021 19
bon appetit! with
Executive Chef Bettina
Tolin
Shrimp and White Beans with Pancetta
In addition to being rather tasty, this dish is ideal because it’s quick
and comes together with one pan only. My gentleman friend calls this “dish management”, which I have recently come to appreciate. The browning pancetta or bacon adds richness to the tomato sauce, and all of it plays nicely with the sweetness of the shrimp and the creaminess of the beans. Enjoy with thick slices of garlic-rubbed toasted baguette and a lovely glass of Pinot Noir! Bon Appétit! • FOUR SERVINGS
• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 4 ounces pancetta or thick cut bacon, diced • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with their juices • 1 pound wild jumbo shrimp, cleaned, peeled and deveined • 1 (15-ounce) can white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed • ½ cup roughly chopped fresh herbs, such as Italian parsley and basil
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In a deep and large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Add the onion to the pan and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red-pepper flakes, and cook until the garlic begins to soften and becomes aromatic, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and their juices. Fill the tomato can a third of the way up with water, whirl it around and add the liquid to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook on medium-low, allowing the flavors to come together, about 15 minutes. Turn heat back to medium, stir in the shrimp and cook until just pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the beans and the cooked pancetta and cook until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Divide among bowls, top with the herbs and drizzle with a bit more olive oil, if desired. •
• • • • • • • 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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January 20, 2021 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com