Issuu

www.welcomehomergv.com

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020

We’re just connecting the dots.

VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 3 • October 28, 2020 • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •

hello FROM KRISTI

he question of the day seems to be...what are we going to be able to do this winter during the pandemic? It certainly will be a different season, with limitations on events and activities--and some downright canceled. For me, there was no question as to whether or not to cancel our events. Keeping you all safe is our topmost priority. As your activity directors and park management navigate these new waters, please know they, too, have your safety in mind! It will be a different winter everywhere, but I will say I’d rather spend it here than anywhere else! We’ve got so many things to keep you busy, and maybe this will be a new opportunity for you to explore some of our hidden treasures you have not yet discovered. This season, our priority is to show you all of these hidden treasures across the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley has hidden gems here, there, and everywhere you can explore, all the while staying safe. From South Padre Island to Rio Grande City and countless points in between, get ready for a fabulous treasure hunt with us! • We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

THANK YOU TO OUR

2020-2021

SEASON SPONSORS

Welcome to Harlingen’s Downtown mural, created by Chris Valdez in 2005, located on the rear wall of the Downtown Harlingen (ffice at 207 W. Jackson.

Downtown Harlingen:

An Installation of Art and History Story and Photos by Eryn Reddell Wingert

The mosaic planter-art installations are located throughout Downtown and were designed and created by Harlingen art students.

day spent in historic Downtown Harlingen is well spent according to Downtown Director Alexis Alaniz. The historic markers and artful installations--not to mention the decorative shop windows--make a walk down any block in the area a true visual treat. “The more murals we have, the better!” Alaniz is referring to the 20plus murals located on the exterior walls of restaurants and businesses in the historic area. The mural collection in Downtown Harlingen dates back to the 1940s

and 50s, with newer installations being incorporated today, such as the music-themed mural showcasing Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Jimi Hendrix, with plans for more musical legends to join them. Most of the murals were created by local artists and commissioned by area businesses and the city. Murals not only line the streets and alleyways; they can also be found inside some of the businesses, such Girl of All Trades Tea & Coffee, which is home DOWNTOWN HARLINGEN CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>

October 28, 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

Teresa Stoffel by Rocio Villalobos

Full-time RVer Working with Parks, Entertainers to Create Bridges

eresa Stoffel may have retired “just to talk about being positive 10 years ago, but she is no less busy about this season because we know now than she was then. Stoffel and there won’t be as many people down her husband are living their dream, with the border closed,” she said. traveling around the country as full- “Everyone keeps saying we’re all in time RV inhabitants. For the last this together, and it’s true.” 12 winter seasons, the Missourian Meetings cover how to sanitize couple has come down to Mission’s equipment and common areas to Eldorado Acres RV Park, discovering keep everyone safe and healthy and the area based on their son-in-law’s include brainstorming ideas about how entertainers can attract a wider recommendation. Since COVID-19 kept them from audience. traveling too far this summer, Stoffel “People 50-something are here, spent her time helping manage local and everyone seems to be ignoring that,” she said. entertainers and “I’m coming from working to bridge “Everyone keeps saying a different era. the communication They’re all in their divide between we’re all in this and 80s and performers and together, and it’s true.” 70s aren’t thinking park activity about what we directors. • Teresa Stoffel • can do to attract “There’s one side younger people.” and then the other side, and they don’t always know Coordinating these meetings, how to work together,” she said. working directly with entertainers “Entertainers are creative people. and managing several Winter-Texan They just kick back and enjoy life.” Facebook groups keeps her busy Stoffel said her goal with this is -and she does it without pay. Her to help these groups partner more payment comes in a different form. effectively. And though she does Stoffel has an autoimmune disease not have a marketing background, requiring weekly chemotherapy Stoffel has had proven results, treatments, and she said helping leading more people to reach out others brings her joy. for her assistance. Now, Stoffel is “For me, it takes the focus off helping coordinate monthly Zoom being ill because I have something meetings for both parties to have else to focus on,” she said. “At that an open line of communication and point, I start to feel better. It’s just a to brainstorm ways to improve park healthy thing, and as long as I can, I’ll continue to do it.” • residents’ experience. Stoffel is urging activity directors

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

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.

www.welcomehomergv.com

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020

Create a Día de los Muertos Home Altar with MOSTHistory Special to Welcome Home RGV

Oscar Sotelo, MD

BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

SRT-100 TM by

A State-of-the-Art Non-Surgical Skin Cancer & Keloid Treatment

F No Cutting F No Scarring F No Pain F No Downtime It has been said that innovation is the mother of modern medicine. Every day new and exciting treatments and technologies keep the U.S. leading the world in health care. In dermatology, we have seen the same progress as new and better treatments become available in the treatment of skin cancer. SRT is a doctor and patient friendly treatment that requires no anesthetic, cutting, or stitching. It leaves minimal scarring and no disfigurement. With a cure rate of over 95%, it compares favorably to Moh’s surgery. Call Dr. Sotelo’s office for more information. WE ACCEPT MEDICARE, UNITED HEALTHCARE, SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE, BCBS, AETNA, IMS, WELLMED, HUMANA, PFFS AND TEXAS HEALTH SPRING

6900 N. 10th Street Ste #3 • McAllen, TX 78504 956-682-1591 • Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

ot sure how to set up a Día de los Muertos altar? Learn about the traditional elements of an altar with Create a Día de los Muertos Home Altar presentation featuring museum staff René Ballesteros and Anna GarrigosHervert at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, on Facebook Live. This presentation is in partnership with Día de los Muertos: Los Muertos Bailan, a two-week program hosted by the City of Edinburg and the Museum of South Texas History. The home altar is a staple of Día de los Muertos celebrations, and it includes several elements, such as water, flowers, and photographs. Museum staff will provide key elements and their origins and significance. To provide visual context, the museum’s Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives staff will present the Mystery Altar, which incorporates the message of photograph preservation as an example. This featured altar is

dedicated to unidentified individuals of South Texas whose photographs are preserved in the archives’ photograph collection and highlights the importance in documenting family genealogy and history. The presentation will be broadcast at facebook.com/MOSTHistory/live and will also be recorded and posted for public access on the Museum’s Facebook page and website at mosthistory.org. For more information, please visit mosthistory.org/events or call the museum at 956-383-6911. •

The Museum of South Texas History is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse Square. Hours of operation are Sunday 1–5 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Founded in 1967 as the Hidalgo County Historical Museum in the 1910 Hidalgo County Jail, the museum has grown over the decades through a series of expansions to occupy a full city block. In 2003, following the completion of a 22,500-square-foot expansion, the museum was renamed the Museum of South Texas History to better reflect its regional scope. Today, the museum preserves and presents the borderland heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico through its permanent collection and the Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives and exhibits spanning prehistory through the 20th century. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook and Instagram, follow is on Twitter, find us on YouTube, or call 956-383-6911.

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

>> DOWNTOWN HARLINGEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to a large peacock mural and blue ombre angel wings. There are art and history around every corner. Harlingen students contributed to the creation of vivid mosaic planters, the city utilizes available storefronts as art galleries to further showcase local talent, and each block holds incredible history, all of which contribute to the designation as a Texas Main Street District by the Texas Historical Commission. The Texas Main Street Program is dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of historic downtowns. Downtown Harlingen is a prime example of these efforts, the most recent being the fully refurbished Baxter Building at the corner of S. A Street and Jackson Avenue. At nine stories, it is the tallest building in Harlingen and has been part of the skyline since 1927. The building is now known as the Baxter Lofts, providing affordable housing in a vibrant downtown setting. This development project is one of five finalists for the Texas Downtown Association 2020 President’s Award in the Design category for Best Renovation/Rehabilitation/ Restoration in the “over 50k” population group. The Baxter Lofts was one of 180 entrants from across Texas. The winner is scheduled to be announced this week. The Baxter Lofts stands on one of the oldest avenues in Downtown Harlingen. Twinkle lights adorn the palm trees that line Jackson Street, known for hosting the popular Jackson Street Market Days and Harlingen Art Nights--both of which are temporarily on hold. In the meantime, the downtown area has plenty to offer visitors. Alaniz recommends a self-guided mural tour before visiting the boutiques and antique shops, “Let’s just say we’re the antique capital of the Rio Grande Valley!” She goes on to share a list of unique businesses, from collectible shops and boutiques to restaurants like Colletti’s Italian

CAPTURES

Photos by Ron Kowalczyk

The History of Mexico and Mankind design is made up of 905 handcrafted ceramic tiles. It was created by artist Raul Esparza Sanchez in 1975 at Centennial Park, 101 S. West Street.

Palm trees line Jackson Street in Downtown Harlingen. The trees are lit up at night with white twinkle lights.

The History of Mexico and Mankind is located at Centennial Park, 101 S. West Street, and was created by artist Raul Esparza Sanchez in 1975.

The Rio Grande Grill is home to the Longhorn Skull, 417 W. Van Buren, and was created by Chris Demise in 2007.

One of Harlingen’s newest artistic murals focuses on music legends, such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Jimi Hendrix.

Tropical Rio Grande Valley was created by Benjamin P. Varela and Celeste Luna in 2007 and is located on the east wall surrounding the property at 213 W. Monroe.

Vanessa Blue is by Leo Rivera, 2009, and is located on A Street, which is a Harlingen art corridor.

The Tropical Rio Grande Valley mural was created primarily by fingerprint painting and depicts images unique to the border region.

Restaurant and Cork and Craft, known for live musical entertainment. Referring to how vibrant Downtown Harlingen has become, Alaniz says, “Yes! That’s what we’re about.” The Downtown Harlingen office is located in the historic 1918 Planters Bank building at 209 W. Jackson. For more information visit downtownharlingen.com. •

Ron Captures Palmview Palmview, Texas October 2020

FOR MORE: Downtown Director Alexis Alaniz shares more about historic Downtown Harlingen on the Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley YouTube channel. • • • Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV

Ron Kowalczyk shares photos of flora taken around the Palmview area in mid-October. Ron and his wife, Sue, hail from Minnesota. They are back in the Valley for their eighteenth season as winter visitors, where they call Green Gate Grove home.

www.welcomehomergv.com

Celebrate the Health of Your Skeleton at Quinta by Colleen Hook, executive director, Quinta Mazatlán

ith Halloween around the corner, spooky skeletons are seen everywhere except at Quinta Mazatlán. The opening of the Sticks & Bones Trail shows the not-so-spooky side of skeletons. Bring the family to this outdoor educational exhibit, through the woods, from now until November 14. Families will learn through signage, fun outdoor exhibits, and a scavenger-hunt sheet. Remember your small gift bag upon completing the hunt, and remember to dress for the season and laugh outdoors. Do you know how to make a skeleton laugh? The Sticks & Bones Trail begins with health tips on ways to strengthen your bones. Upon entering the Thornforest, enjoy meeting the invertebrates and a photo opportunity with Spiderman. Travel down the trail and meet the five vertebrate families featuring reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish, and birds. Be surprised along the way with some of our guest star skeletons, including Willie Nelson, Jack Skellington, Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf, Waldo, Batman, and more.

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020

FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? HOUSE SETTLING? L

AS SEEN ON TV

Mazatlán

Enjoy beautiful skull art outdoors along the trail. Take a picture with the larger-than-life calavera sculpture, titled She’s Smiling, created by artist Rene Lopez. Enjoy another grand photo opportunity with the Butterfly Lady created by artist Cele Castillo. Quinta Mazatlán would also like to recognize our exhibit partners, including video artist Jaime Villarreal, free-style dance artist Wavy Chico, and McAllen Public Utility, for providing the awesome gift bags for the kids. The Sticks & Bones Trail is up through November 14 during park hours, Tuesday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday nights until 7:30 p.m. Follow Quinta Mazatlán on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube @QuintaMazatlan to learn more about programs and our natural and cultural heritage in the Rio Grande Valley. For more information, please call 956-681-3370, and thank you for keeping our community safe by following health-and-well-being practices in the Park. •

3 Licensed / Bonded / Insured 3 Slab Repair / Wood Frame 3 Now Offering Solar Panels / Installation 3 Mobile Home Repairs / Service 3 FREE Estimates / 30 Years Experience

RATED IN THE

RGV AREA

BIG DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

( MI CASA ES SU CASA ) Serving Harlingen, McAllen, Brownsville

(956)382-1035

www.aztechouseleveling.com

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

www.welcomehomergv.com

McAllen Public Library Announces Virtual South Texas Book Festival Sessions for Adults

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020

Special to Welcome Home RGV

cAllen Public Library is kicking off its seventh annual book festival with an exciting addition. For the first time ever, the South Texas Book Festival will go virtual and include literary sessions for adults. Adults are invited to Poetry & Wine: An Evening of Literature with two celebrated poets from South Texas Thursday, October 29, at 7:00 p.m. Participants can enjoy a favorite beverage at home while listening to 2020 Texas Poet Laureate Emmy Perez and Jose Antonio Rodriguez read from their books of poetry. The following evening will showcase South Texas Reads!, a citywide literary event that encourages members of the SouthTexas community to read the same book at the same time and then hear a live Q&A session with the author October 30, starting at 7:00 p.m. This year’s book is Your

Hidden Superpower, written by Adrienne Bankert, a national news correspondent with ABC News who has won two Emmys for her work as an interviewer, reporter, and weekend entertainment anchor on Good Morning America. In fact, there’s still time to pick up a free copy of this year’s book and submit a question that may get addressed on the broadcast by the author! Both of these sessions will be streamed on the McAllen Public Library Facebook page at facebook. com/mcallenlibrary. For more information, visit the MPL website at southtexasbookfestival.com or contact the McAllen Public Library at 956-681-3000. •

News from Pickpocket Gene Pickpocket Gene is a certified identity-theft risk-management specialist. He helps people reduce their risk of becoming a victim.

Fake Emails

Special to Welcome Home RGV

This week, Gene discusses fake emails designed to get your personal information

e all hate the daily spam and phishing emails. Just like in fishing, the bad guys are out to “hook” us, to “lure” us into a false sense of security. They want us to “click a link” or “open the attachment” to their email. Have you received an email from what looks like PayPal, Netflix, your insurance company, Amazon, or eBay that seems legitimate? It reads that your transaction failed, your account needs updating, or that attached is your statement, invoice, or other information you need to review. If you open the attachment, you may open up your computer to all sorts of nasty things. Doing so might allow the hackers to download programs onto your computer (like a program that logs every keystroke). In the case of the keystroke catcher, if you go online to do banking, the first thing you type in is the name of the bank, credit union, credit-card company, or account you are trying to access. You then type your login information, followed by your password. The thieves now has everything they need to log into your accounts. If they gain access to your email account, they now have access to a lot of information they can use for evil purposes. Always go directly to your contact information for that company. Use

the number or website you have on file, not the one they provide in the email. Remember that just as phone numbers can be spoofed, thieves can make an email look like it comes from the actual company, and the email address looks legit, too. Sometimes, the thieves will create the email address or website they send to you just one letter off from the real company. Realize that a “v” followed by another “v” can look like a w. Don’t click any link. Look up the company and type in the correct link or call the company (not from this email) and ask if they sent the email. Once again--for emails with just a link or emails with any link in them, never click on those links. They can be used to break into your accounts online. Always look up the correct link and use it. Never cut and paste the link they provide if you are not sure it is legitimate. Bottom line--don’t give out your personal information when you can’t be sure who the sender is, don’t click on suspicious links, and don’t use the phone number in the email to call the company. Next week, we will cover Medicare, lottery, and inheritance scams. Be aware! Be safe! And don’t become a victim! •

The IMAS Ofrendas in an annual exhibit of community altars in celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Community altars will be on display through November 14.

H-E-B Supports IMAS Art and Culture Special to Welcome Home RGV

he International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, has been awarded a $15,000 grant from H-E-B Helping Here, supporting art and culture, removing the financial barrier for unique informal, family learning experiences. Leading up to the Día de los Muertos Celebration, view our community altar exhibit, take part in a live Workshop Wednesday on papel picado, and visit the museum on free-admission days, thanks to the support of H-E-B Helping Here. IMAS general admission is free from October 29 through October 31. Daily hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Admission is also free Wednesday, October 28, for a sensory-friendly experience from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The virtual Día de los Muertos Celebration will be held Sunday, November 1, through fb.com/ imasmuseum and https://www. youtube.com/user/IMASmuseum. Free celebration bags will include sugar-skull decoration kits and art

supplies for families participating online at home. Register in advance for these limited free kits on the IMAS website (https:// theimasonline.org). Curbside pickup for kits will be at IMAS October 29-31 during operating hours. Workshop Wednesdays feature monthly videos on art techniques, artists, and art movements. Viewers will also have the option of picking up a free supply kit for the workshop at the museum beforehand. Visit theimasonline.org for program-kit registration throughout the year. Workshop Wednesday art activities include papel picado (October), cornhusk wreaths (November), papiermâché animal masks (December), still-life sketching (January), kinetic sculpture (February), women artists (March), zentangle art (April), DADA poetry collage (May), cubism portraits (June), and optical art (July). IMAS cultural programs are supported in part by a grant from Humanities Texas. •

Alamo Palms Resort

Special to Welcome Home RGV

ere are the pictures of our newest park amenity for our little fur residents at Alamo Palms Resort!

The quality of work, precision, and talent put into this project are greatly appreciated by all! •

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

How Y’all Doing? Really! Greetings from The Lamb’s Loom

Special to Welcome Home RGV

a know, we all keep hearing the phrase “social distancing” used everywhere. Wanted to let y’all know we are NOT social distancing around here. But before you panic-we ARE physically distancing. We have rearranged the shop to offer more space, everyone is wearing masks, and surfaces are sprayed and cleaned regularly, just like we have always done. But as for the “social” part, we are all in. We were never meant to live in a vacuum…our mental and emotional well-being depends on our interaction with others; it feeds our souls. So, how are you doing? Really. ★ First, and foremost, need prayer? We gotcha! Send us your prayer request or praise, and we will join you in prayer over your situation. ★ Want a little Zoom Sit-n-Knit time? Email us and sign up to receive the link to our weekly Wednesday morning Sit-n-Knit. We start at 10:00 a.m. and go until 11:30 or so. Feel free to jump in and join for a bit. ★ Not able to leave your home? We are doing virtual shopping via WhatsApp, and we continue to ship and have curbside pickup.

★ The indoor Sit-n-Knit area is closed right now, but current plans are to open up our outside Sit-n-Knit as soon as a few cool mornings blow in. Keep in touch, and we will let you know as soon as we begin so you can make your reservation. ★ And, of course, always feel free to share your pics and projects with us. We would love to see what you’re working on and share with others. Post your own pics and tag us or send them to us, and we will share on our Instagram and Facebook pages. We firmly believe joy and celebration are contagious, too! Our Lamb’s Loom family of friends is growing, and we all miss the physical aspect of being together. But that doesn’t mean we have to lose contact all together. So please jump in wherever and whenever you can; let’s stay knit together. 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 and Instagram and on our website at thelambsloom.com. • #loveineverystitch #LambsLoomFun

Let my passion for life be restored, tasting joy in every breakthrough You bring me. ~Psalm 51:12a

www.welcomehomergv.com

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020

by Ace Moore, Winter Texan

issouri has long been famous for its paranormal activities, which have been reported happening in barns, caves, cemeteries, and even the governor’s mansion. The most notable account comes from the “Exorcist House” in St. Louis. The book/movie, The Exorcist (1973), was inspired by events that reportedly transpired there. Winter Texans Gary and Judy Sherlock live in Maryville, Missouri, just 25 miles from the Oregon Trail and have some spine-chilling tales to tell. Weird things happened as soon as their house was being built. One night when Judy and her three little girls came to check on the progress of the construction, they heard unusual noises coming from the basement. “It sounded like people were having a party down there,” said Judy. When she went down to inspect. she found no one there. Feeling very uneasy about all of this, Judy took the girls and quickly left. She eventually dismissed what happened. One night after they had moved in, loud noises were again heard coming from the basement. They also heard knocking on the walls and mumbling sounds coming through the heating vent. Weird things continued to happen regularly. While doing laundry, Judy kept hearing sounds like the closing of cabinet doors. A ball would appear “out of nowhere” and bounce across the kitchen floor. One day, Judy found two shiny coins on the bathroom floor. One was from 1700 Newfoundland and the other was an early silver dollar. Even their dog reacted to strange occurrences in the house, at times hunkering down in fear and looking around as

if searching for something. One night, their older daughter, Laurie, saw a little boy with blond, shoulder-length hair and wearing knickers. “I could see right through him,” she exclaimed. Two-year-old Brad was in a crib in the basement, and it sounded like he was talking to someone. When asked who he was talking to, he replied, “David!” and told his dad David had disappeared through the wall. One night while watching TV, Staci told her nephew, Matthew, to go to bed. When Matthew ignored her, she stood up and realized she could see right through him. Strange noises and activities continued. Doors were shutting and rocking chairs were rocking on their own. “It felt like something was trying to force us out of our home,” declared Judy. Visual contact with the unexplained was more noticeable whenever their grandchildren were in the house. Young Jacob reported seeing an apparition that looked just like him. “It must have been Jumanji,” he said. Three-year-old Connor ran to Judy one night saying there was a “nightmare” in his room, and it took his toy. Another time, while playing hide and seek, Matthew suddenly appeared to materialize in the middle of the room. Later, when one of the kids reported seeing a monster in bed with baby Julia, Tim, Julia’s dad, grabbed a crucifix and some holy water and went all around the room sprinkling the water. Eventually. the Sherlocks contacted a psychic, who told them NOISES IN THE DARK CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >>

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

www.welcomehomergv.com

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020 11

Q & A with Padre Island Brewing Company Owner

Special to Welcome Home RGV

ou may know South Padre Island as Texas’ tropical paradise, with miles of sandy beaches and endless outdoor activities, but did you know South Padre Island is also home to the second oldest brewpub in the state of Texas? We sat down with the owner and brewmaster at Padre Island Brewing Company, Mark Haggenmiller, to get the rundown on this local Island staple. Q: How did you end up becoming a brewer? A: My dad was actually a brewer. He worked for Hamm’s Brewery in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was enthralled by what he did from my visits to the brewery when I was a kid. We actually traced our heritage back another generation making beer, when a bottle was excavated from the sewers of St. Paul-the bottle was from a great uncle of mine. The historical society cited him as having a saloon where he brewed porter and had oysters. It’s really neat that I’m carrying it on into the third generation. Q: What is your production process like, and where does it all take place? A: It starts with four basic ingredients: malted barley, hops, water, and yeast. It all takes place in-house. Upstairs we have a grain room, and I grind the full

kernel malted barley to a grist paste. Then it’s gravity-fed down into a copper kettle where it’s hydrated and the malt breaks down the starch into sugar. You drain the water to get a sticky, sweet liquid called wort, which you boil and then add your hops and other flavors to. From there, it goes into the fermenting vessel where the yeast is added. Once the brew is ready, it gets piped through a system under the floor directly to our taps at the bar. Q: Do you bottle or can any of your beer? A: We don’t really bottle or can anything here; we sell to-go growlers instead. We’re thinking about an expansion project here that would enable us to can and do draft kegs in the future. Q: How is your beer connected to the Island? How does it fit the Island lifestyle? A: I think all of the names reflect that we’re really connected with the Island. We do a couple of beers where we give back to organizations here on the Island, like the Kemp’s Ridley Bock with Sea Turtle, Inc. As of today, we’ve brewed 27 different varieties--all tied to the Island--and we always have five on tap. When we were planning the business, we looked at several potential sites

around the Valley, but I just thought the Island was a natural fit, especially since it’s so tourist-driven. We get a lot of repeat tourists, especially the Winter Texans, but we’re a hangout for the locals. as well. Q: What’s the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever used in one of your beer recipes? A: I made a winter ale one of the first years we were open that had clove, cinnamon. and nutmeg. I’ve used blood orange, grapefruit, blackberries, raspberries…our fruit beers are really popular. We gear those toward the summer months. Q: Which of your beers would you recommend to someone who doesn’t really drink beer? Do you have one that would make them “cross over to the dark side,” so to speak? A: You can’t go wrong with the flight; that way you can sample a little bit of everything. We sell almost three to one our blonde ale, which is our lightest beer, over everything else. So, I would say that’s a safe bet for someone like that. PADRE ISLAND BREWING COMPANY Q&A CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 >>

Estero Llano - Let’s Go! by Gretchen Losi

Cooler days are approaching, which

has Mother Nature calling many of us to get out and explore. Listen carefully and you might get the calling to “Estero Llano.” The name loosely translates into ‘swamp land’--but don’t be fooled. This 230-acre state park is home to countless alligators, snakes, native flora and fauna, marshes, ponds, and, of course, over 340 species of birds, making it one of the three crown jewels of the World Birding Center network. Currently, the trees and shrubs are alive with color from migrating butterflies and red-crowned parrots ready for guests to come and enjoy. Guided tours are on hold until further notice, but that’s OK. You’re in luck. My husband, Joe, and I happened to be in Weslaco on New Year’s Day, so we popped in for a peek. Some four hours later, we emerged after an enchanting hike in the rain. Ranger John Yochum and his friendly volunteer sidekicks took a group of us out to show us where many of the Park’s hidden treasures can be found. It won’t take long for you to spot some. We were greeted at the entrance’s little brick pathway by a rose-bellied lizard who escorted us toward the Visitor’s Center. He ate a few ants along the way, without offering us any, but we were OK with that. Whatever clearly marked path you decide to take, be sure to keep looking up. In the tall palms, you might spot horned owls. Two graced our presence that afternoon, and we will never forget

it. Keep looking toward the sky at the tall branches. There you will likely spot predators, including Harris Hawks and Mississippi Kites. Watch some of the spindlier native trees to find dainty hummingbirds and lively butterflies doing a territorial dance among leaf beetles and orb weavers. Now look down. If you’re fortunate and have a good eye, you’ll spot a Pauraque, burrowed and camouflaged, nesting in the leaves on the ground. They value their peace, so as with all the parks feathered, furry, or rooted residents, the park kindly asks, ‘Do Not Disturb.’ The highlight of the day came when an armadillo trotted in front of us as if to say, “Happy New Year!” It was just a surreal moment watching him waddle out of the grass onto the path that held about 10 of us. A volunteer smiled and stated, “He will realize he’s not alone—jump--and run.” He did just that. With a whimper and a jump, he quickly scurried off, leaving everyone delighted. We learned firsthand that day how armadillos are nearly blind and deaf. While the park is not currently offering guided tours, they are hoping it won’t be much longer. Once they do open to the public, I hope you can go for one. The perks of a guided tour are priceless. The rangers and volunteers seem to truly enjoy offering their sage wisdom with guests. They also somehow ESTERO LLANO - LET’S GO CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 >>

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Open daily 8 a.m. -5 p.m. with limited restrictions Good dogs welcome What to know: • Face coverings are required inside state buildings, including restrooms. • We are not accepting cash or checks; credit cards only. • In most cases, groups larger than 10 are not allowed, except for families or people living in the same household. • Some parks are taking group reservations. Capacity may be reduced due to local COVID-19 regulations. Call the Group Desk at 512-389-8920 for information. • Maintain at least a six-foot distance from people not in your group. • Most park headquarters, visitor’s centers, and stores are open. • We are not renting or loaning equipment. • In-person events will have limited capacity. • Park hours may be adjusted. Be sure to check park hours before you visit. Contact the park for the gate code during regular hours, if you will be arriving after hours to camp. • Check travel restrictions before you go.

Admission $5 for ages 12 and older • Annual Passes Available 3301 S. International Blvd. (FM 1015), Weslaco • 956-565-3919 Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com >> NOISES IN THE DARK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

they had three others in the house-David, Chris, and a lady. “They want to be part of your family,” the psychic told them. “This is their house too! Chris probably drowned in the water behind the house. David was probably killed in the Civil War, and the lady is their mother.” Things became even scarier after the house burned down and was rebuilt. A tall black streak began appearing and was seen by many family members. The plumber was so agitated by noises in the house that he refused to work there unless someone was with him. The cleaning lady refused to return to the house because a little, brown, furry animal kept stalking her. Other family members saw this “animal” in other parts of the house. One night while Gary was out of

Ghost of the Rio Grande on Facebook Live October 31 Special to Welcome Home RGV

ave you ever heard or shared a spooky story that took place in the Rio Grande Valley? Guest speaker Dr. David Bowles will present his haunting book, Ghosts of the Rio Grande, Saturday, October 31, at 6:00 p.m. as part of the Día de los Muertos: Los Muertos Bailan programming presented by the Museum of South Texas History and the City of Edinburg. Bowles will share chilling historic events, as well as folklore passed down from generation to generation, from the historic Fort Brown to Fort Ringgold locations along the Rio Grande. He will also retell a fictional story about a haunting at the Museum of South Texas History. South Texas native Bowles is an award-winning author and a professor at the University of Texas. He is the author of several titles,

including Pura Belpré Honor Book, The Smoking Mirror, and Border Lore: Folktales and Legends of South Texas. Bowles’ writing has been published in the Translation Review, Metamorphoses, Asymptote, Rattle, Axolotl, Huizache, Concho River Review, Border Senses, Langdon Review of the Arts in Texas and more. The presentation will be broadcast on facebook.com/MOSTHistory/live. Guests are encouraged to interact with the presenter by posting questions and comments on the live chat. The presentation will be recorded and posted for public access on the Museum’s Facebook page and website. For more information, please contact the museum at 956-383-6911 or visit mosthistory.org/events. •

town, Judy’s cell phone rang. The display indicated the call originated from their own house phone. No one was on the line. Now, whenever Gary is out of the house, Judy leaves the house well-lighted. Judy wonders if there is another dimension through which these manifestations travel. “Maybe we’ve built our house on a doorway to this dimension,” she ponders. Gary says, “Yes, there is something here, but there has never been an incident where someone has been harmed, so I am prepared to live with it for now. I’m afraid if we attempt an exorcism, it might not work out and things might even get uglier.” Strange things do happen in odd places. It just depends how much you are willing to put up with. •

www.welcomehomergv.com

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020 13

Fiesta de Palmas, Presented by Reliant, Celebrates McAllen’s First Major Public Event Together at a Distance Special to Welcome Home RGV

oday, the City of McAllen and the McAllen Convention Center Facilities announced the City’s first major public event will be celebrated in a reimagined “new normal.” Fiesta de Palmas, presented by Reliant, will be celebrated Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, at Oval Park at the McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Boulevard. The event will feature socially distanced, drive-through, curbside and virtual activities. “At Reliant, we love the rich, cultural heritage that makes McAllen special, and we’re honored to be part of that by helping bring Fiesta de Palmas to the community,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of Reliant. “We want to thank the City of McAllen and everyone who helped reimagine the festival to offer a safe option to celebrate local Mexican and Tejano culture.” Other sponsors of Fiesta de Palmas, which aims to promote an appreciation for international culture and, especially, McAllen as an international city, include Budweiser, PepsiCo, T-Mobile, Metro McAllen, and the City of McAllen. “The City of McAllen prides itself on the quality of life it provides for its residents and visitors,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “Since the start of the pandemic, we had to put a pause on all of our great community events, festivals, celebrations, concerts, presentations, shows, and performances. With this new plan for getting together at a distance, we can safely celebrate the great cultures of McAllen in the newly reimagined Fiesta de Palmas, presented by Reliant.” The fun starts at 12:00 p.m. each day with a drive-through food-truck festival, ending at 9:00 p.m. There is no cost to drive through – except the cost of food – but attendees must stay in their vehicles. Once food is selected and ordered, it will

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

be delivered by a person wearing personal protective equipment. The on-site festivities kick off Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and continue through 9:00 p.m. that evening with Ride & Dine on Mexican trajineras (boats) that will float in the Oval Park Pond. Ticket prices are $100 per couple and $50 for each additional person; each boat will have a fourperson maximum. Ticket price includes authentic Mexican cuisine paired with your choice of margarita or beer. Another on-site event includes Fiesta Live, which starts at 5:00 p.m. and runs to 9:00 p.m., providing festival goers with the fun of the Fiesta de Palmas festival but sociallydistanced. A limited number of pods--with each pod fitting up to eight people--are available for $40 and include an artisan cheese board. Vendors will be on site with additional food, drinks, and art for sale. For those wanting to sample the world, the Fiesta Beer Box and Scavenger Hunt gets underway at 6:00 p.m., ending by 9:00 p.m. For just $35 a person, beer aficionados will get to sample beer from around the word and play the Loteria Scavenger Hunt with gift-voucher prizes from local businesses. Sunday’s festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. with the drive-through food festival, virtual concerts, and educational exhibits featuring local bands, local dance performances, educational activities, and cooking classes. For tickets, visit the McAllen Convention Center/McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. or online at www. ticketmaster.com. Artisan and food truck vendors who want to participate should contact Linda Gonzalez at 956-681-3800 or via e-mail at lgonzalez@mcallen.net. •

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

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

www.welcomehomergv.com

THROUGH

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020 15

ERYN’S LENS

Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV Photos: Eryn Reddell-Wingert

McAllen Hike-and-Bike Trail Irrigation Pipe Public Art Project October 2020

Irrigation pipes along McAllen’s Bicentennial Blvd and 2nd Street/ Col. Rowe hike-and-bike trails are getting a colorful makeover. The project is an initiative of Keep McAllen Beautiful to inject more art into the community with local artist involvement. There are over 200 irrigation pipes located around the city. An open call for artists is currently underway. For more information visit keepmcallenbeautiful.org.

•••

Things I Have Learned While Watching by Bill Ward

T O D AY ’ S W I S D O M

“As for me and my house, we are going to serve iced tea and sit on the porch.” Unknown

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

sn’t it interesting how we often take nouns and turn them into action verbs? The one I hear the most today is “Google it.” I just found a new one to add to my collection: “Front porchin’.” A lot of older folks will have great memories of an old front porch. In more recent years in our communities, front porchin’ has been hard to do because most folks don’t have one to do it on. However, the popularity of front porches is coming back, and a fair portion of new homes being constructed now have them. I see a

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

The View from My Front Porch

lot of them here in our Valley parks. We built our home in our city in 1996, and we included a front porch. In retirement, front porchin’ is now one of my favorite pastimes. It is a great spot to read, pick a little guitar, chat with my wife, watch a summer thunderstorm, or just sit quietly and wait for a hummingbird to appear. My frustration with the front porch, though, is that too many people grew up never learning how to work with them. The whole idea is that they are a place for people connections. There are a few who get it, and I always enjoy it when my friend spots us from his bike and pulls in to chat. But most folks just walk on by, with maybe a polite, but bashful, “Hi” as they pass.

I grew up in a small town where there were at least 30 kids within a three-block radius. My sisters and I were raised by a dozen different mothers, depending on at whose house we were playing. We didn’t get away with anything, and we didn’t need to because it was a great place to live at that age, just doing legal stuff. No one had front porches, but they all had continuous open houses, which was even better. Today, I really don’t know many of my neighbors. None of them are into “porching.” I see them drive by most days. Some wave. None stop. They don’t know what they are missing. Life is nice here on my porch--me, a cool drink, and my hummingbirds. I’m just sayin’. •

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

saving you more!

COUPON

CONNECTION

DOLPHIN WATCH & ECO TOURS SUNSET ur weekly coupon section will help youCRUISES SAVE while you are here. Visit our website www.welcomehomergv.com for NATURE more TOURS PORT OF BROWNSVILLE printable coupons. • DEEP SEA FISHING - RED SNAPPER BAY FISHING

DOLPHIN WATCH & ECO TOURS SUNSET CRUISES PORT OF BROWNSVILLE NATURE TOURS DEEP SEA FISHING - RED SNAPPER BAY FISHING

3 $ 00 3 $

ANY ACTIVITY (Not valid with any other offers.) Expires 3/31/2021

956.761.2764 956.761.4752 www.islatours.com Find us on Facebook

www.welcomehomergv.com

•• • sp tted RGV in the

McAllen

Photo by Eryn Reddell Wingert

with Chaplain Criss Hastings

South Texas has enjoyed a vibrant hummingbird migration. The arrival of various species of hummingbirds to local gardens and feeders means our The beloved Winter Texan visitors will soon follow. •

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020 17

Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV

(September 2020)

•••

• The Helper •

gospel works by leading people to change this world and experience God’s glory. The Lord is constantly working around us in our lives, our homes, and our workplaces to advance his kingdom. God has empowered his people with unique gifts and abilities that strengthen believers in their calling. This is not in any way a reflection of a person’s spiritual maturity or holiness as much as it is a gracious sign and pointer to the glory that is from God. Believers have been gifted and encouraged to press forward in the calling he has given. The Holy Spirit empowers us to persevere in difficulty and provides all that is needed to be faithful, no matter where we are in life. We have not been left to ourselves, but we have been “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). This power from God is not something we can earn or conjure up on our own, but it is available freely and daily to those who are in Christ. We have been empowered by God so that we may taste his glory and goodness and so others may, as well. Whenever we mistake God’s power for our own ability, we can become a hindrance to God’s gracious work. We often face moments in our lives when we feel inadequate, overwhelmed, and incapable. In these moments of anxiety and stress, we can look to ourselves or to others to find a reason to press forward. But when we turn exclusively to these options, we forfeit the grace that was

Criss Hastings serves alongside her husband, Chaplain Jeff Hastings, in Paradise Park RV Resort in Harlingen. The Hastings invite you to join them on Sunday mornings for an uplifting, non-denominational worship service starting at 9:00. Come and join them!

given to empower us. God has given us HIS Spirit (Jn 15:26-27) “I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me. And you will tell people about me, too, because you have been with me from the beginning”) so that we may endure the trials and challenges laid before us, both big and small. God’s power is felt in many ways. You may feel strength and encouragement from within yourself or feel energized and find we have more stamina to finish what we started. This does not mean God gives us everything we want or ask for. Rather, it means he is faithful to give us whatever we need when we need it. •

>> PADRE ISLAND BREWING COMPANY Q&A CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Q: You said you’ve seen a lot of changes in We actually feature guest beers from a the industry. Can you elaborate on that? brewery in McAllen. A: There was kind of a lull up until Q: What advice would you give to an 2007 or 2008, and then things started aspiring brewer? ramping up. As laws changed by state, A: The smaller you start, the better, allowing breweries to sell on premise-- because there’s always room for as well as distribute their beer--that was expansion. Quality over quantity is key. kind of the impetus for a lot of these For more information on the Padre breweries to start. The growth of the Island Brewing Company and more market has just been insane; they’re things to do on South Padre Island, visit even starting to pop up in the Valley. sopadre.com. • >> ESTERO LLANO - LET’S GO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 manage to lug around a professional- delightful because it gave us a closer, grade telescope, ensuring every guest more intimate, connection to the park gets a turn. Their love for the park and and its residents, both feathered and on all its wonders is evident in their energy wheels. and excitement. Speaking of wheels--they also have Got questions? No problem. The bicycle paths and hope to be offering volunteers are happy to stay back tram tours again soon. and answer questions as the rest of Tell Ranger John “Hi!” for us. • the group journeys ahead. This was

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

DELICIOUS RECIPES

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

ZESTY BITES

RECIPE CONNECTION

INSTANT MEALS

APPETIZING DELIGHTS

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

Entertaining at a Distance • • • with Sandy Olson • • •

A bowl of dip with a plate of dippers is well suited for distance

entertaining. It might be a good idea to have plates set up with the chips/veggies/crackers so people don’t dive into the common bowl. Give everyone a spoon to serve the cheese dip for herself/himself.

•••

The Border Cook

•••

Shrimp Diablo, Devil Shrimp or Camarones Diablo

Take Your Pick

–

Submitted by Randy Hoelscher, The Border Cook

Texas Star Sausage Dip The sausage in this dip is a matter of your personal preference. Try regular pork sausage, chorizo, Italian sausage—either hot or sweet-or any other ground sausage you enjoy. • • • • • • •

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chiles 1pound good sausage of your choice ½ cup beef broth, low salt preferred 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese. NOTE: Use Philly; it never disappoints.

This shrimp dish it delicious, and it need not set your scalp on fire. This recipe

Variation: ¼ cup of dairy cream may be substituted for the powdered coffee creamer.

packs medium heat and is quick and easy to make. We eat at the Red Snapper in Nuevo Progresso quite often, but I have always been a little scared to order the Shrimp Diablo after watching a friend down a bowl. I decided to research the dish and make it at home. We loved it and will make it again. The only thing we would do differently is to serve it on a bed of rice in order to make the best use of the wonderful sauce. This recipe serves two. • 3 dried pasilla chilis • 2 Tbsp. olive oil • ½ yellow onion, chopped fine • Salt and pepper • 2 fresh, minced garlic cloves or 1 tsp. prepared, minced garlic • 1 Tbsp. minced, canned chipotle chili in adobo sauce • 1 tsp. dried oregano, preferably Mexican • 4 ounces tomato sauce • 2 cups water • 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined • ¼ Cup chopped, fresh cilantro • 1 Tbsp. lime juice First prepare your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, if using fresh. Remove one chipotle chili from the can and mince it. This is where the heat in this recipe comes from, so if you want serious heat, use an extra chili and more of the sauce. Use a damp paper towel to wipe off the pasilla peppers. Toast the peppers in a dry frying pan or over an open flame until they begin to blister. Cool the chilis; then split them with a knife and remove the seeds and webbing. Heat two cups of water to boiling and then remove from heat. Place the chilis in the water and let them soak for about 10 minutes. Remove the chilis and reserve the water. When cool, tear the chilis into ½-inch pieces. Heat the oil in a sauté pan on medium high. Add the onion and ½ tsp. salt and cook until softened--about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chipotle, and oregano and cook until fragrant--about 30 seconds. Add the tomato sauce and 1 cup of the reserved water. Simmer a couple of minutes to combine. Transfer the mixture to a blender and add the chilis. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Return the sauce to the sauté pan and cook until the sauce is about the consistency of barbecue sauce, not thick but not thin. You want it to coat the shrimp nicely. If needed, add more water. Add the shrimp. Cover and cook over medium low heat until the shrimp are completely opaque and cooked through. Add the lime juice and cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the shrimp in bowls, spooning on the sauce. It can also be served over rice. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro, if desired. 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.

In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil and sauté the sausage and diced onion until browned. Pour off any extra grease. Stir in the tomatoes, beef broth, and minced garlic. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or so, covered so it doesn’t dry out. If it does look too thick, add a bit more broth. Cut the cream cheese into small squares and stir into the pot. Gently combine, over low heat, until the cheese has melted. Pour into a small slow cooker to keep warm and serve with corn chips, sturdy crackers, or veggies, such as celery, carrots, or green pepper. • 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

•••

Sunshine Special

Submitted by The Junior League of McAllen, Inc.

Serves 6 • 1 cup gin or vodka • 3 tablespoons powdered coffee creamer • 2 cups fresh orange juice • Juice of 3 large lemons • 1 cup sugar (approximately 9 tablespoons) • 3 eggs

Mix all ingredients in a pitcher with 6-7 ice cubes. Blend about half of this mixture at a time in a blender. Serve very cold.

www.welcomehomergv.com

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • October 28, 2020 19

October 28, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com