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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020
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We’re just connecting the dots.
VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 5 • November 11, 2020 • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •
hello FROM KRISTI
I
t should come as no surprise that I love the Rio Grande Valley. While each of our Valley cities are very different from one another, there is one thing we all have in common; we all love and appreciate our Winter Texan friends. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate Zoom meetings with our local city officials and our park managers and activity directors. We are all in agreement--we want to keep you safe and have fun at the same time! It has been great to hear some of the out-of-the box thinking about events and activities in the parks. Who would have ever thought of a rolling happy hour or golf-cart icecream ‘trucks’? Sure, it might be a different season, but I will say it again. It will be different no matter where you are, and we are so glad you chose to winter here, where different can still be so much fun. Pandemic or no pandemic, here in the Rio Grande Valley, we are always grateful for each and every one of you! • We’re just connecting the dots,
Kristi
THANK YOU TO OUR
2020-2021
SEASON SPONSORS
H H H H H H H H H H H HHHHHHH
Veteran’s Day - The RGV Honors All Who Served H H H H H H H H H H H HHHHHHH Story by Eryn Reddell Wingert H Photos by Anne Marie Ellis Martin and Eryn Reddell Wingert
“The Rio Grande Valley is a very
proud, patriotic community and has a long history of military service,” is written on the missiontexas.us website. This statement is further
supported by the various sites and events held each Veteran’s Day across the Valley, dedicated to honoring those who served in the United States military. While the
traditional gatherings are either on hold or are being held virtually, here is a look at a few of the sites and events across the Valley dedicated
VETERAN’S DAY CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>
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November 11, 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
Ed & Cathy Hurley by Rocio Villalobos
Donna Couple Uses Newfound Passion for Photography to Bring People Together S
ince stepping up to act as Bit- Apart from photography, the O-Heaven RV & Mobile Home Park’s Hurleys also had to learn how to use photographers, Ed and Cathy Hurley social media in order to share the have come to learn just how much photos with the Park’s online pages. photos can connect people. The This lets the residents know what’s converted Texans from Nebraska are going on and allows their friends and present at all of the Donna park’s family back in their home states see what they are up to. major activities- “Another such as the weekly big thing we try to golf-cart parades, “We’ve never been do is post birthdays allowing residents treated so nice in our and anniversaries,” to have fun together Ed said. “After safely--to document lives as we have here being here 12 the memories being in the Valley. years, every year made and share your circle of them with the rest It just makes you friends gets bigger of the community. feel like home.” and bigger.” “The neat thing They say is people who used • Ed Hurley • their favorite things to come here but to shoot are the can’t any more still feel like they’re part of the family,” 17 events making up the Park’s Ed said. “They just take a look at Olympics and its quarterly car races. the photos and visualize what’s When they’re not taking pictures, happening. We get emails all the the Hurleys enjoy traveling in their time saying how great it is still RV. Last year, they reached 49 states living the life of being in the Valley they have visited (every state but Hawaii). Though the pandemic has because of the pictures.” The pair shoot both photos and prevented them from traveling this videos on their smartphone, a year, the Hurleys were not bored Samsung Galaxy 108 megapixel. and instead spent time visiting their Though they did not have previous favorite spots in the RGV, including photography experience, they were wildlife parks, local restaurants and eager to help fill the Park’s need South Padre Island. and say their skills have greatly “We’ve never been treated so nice in our lives as we have here in the improved. “You have to take lots of pictures Valley,” Ed said. “It just makes you to get some good ones,” Cathy said. feel like home.” •
If you have someone you’d like to nominate for Winter Texan of the Week, please visit our website, welcomehomergv.com/wintertexanoftheweek, and complete the application. We’ll be in touch with you if your nominee is selected.
Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com
calendar@welcomehomergv.com
The deadline for submission is Mondays at 5:00pm. •
Business Development
Stacy Madden sales@welcomehomergv.com Curt James Riester curt@welcomehomergv.com
Weekly e-Blasts
Kristi’s e-Blasts are sent weekly October - March to our subscribers. Find out what’s happening across the Valley. These e-Blasts include helpful links and fliers for “Featured Events.” Sign up today at:
Travel Division
Kristy Meyer travel@welcomehomergv.com Stella Riester stella@welcomehomergv.com
info@welcomehomergv.com
Accounting
Follow Us
Anna Talbert accounting@welcomehomergv.com
on Social Media!
Editor
Chris Ardis news@welcomehomergv.com
Graphic Design
Welcome Home RGV has several ways to join the action on social media. Our WHRGV Facebook page is dedicated to community events and information that will appeal to people of all ages. Our Winter Texan page is more specific to our Winter Texan target market. Finally, our latest addition is our Winter Texans RGV group. Member parks and business partners can send event fliers to us at:
Jenny R Carpenter artwork@welcomehomergv.com
Social Media / Photographer Eryn Reddell-Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com
Promotional Division
Elizabeth Seal elizabeth@welcomehomergv.com Sarah Scott sarah@welcomehomergv.com Sabina Adames sabina@welcomehomergv.com
news@welcomehomergv.com
Perks for Partners! •
www.facebook.com @whrgv @wintertexan www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv
Activity Coordinator
Fran Adams fran@welcomehomergv.com
www.youtube.com Find on YouTube Channel “Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley”
1st Responder Coordinator Rita Huether rita@welcomehomergv.com
www.instagram.com @welcomehomergv @wintertexans
Logistics
www.twitter.com @welcomehomergv
Tom Stocker tgstocker@gmail.com
Welcome Home
®
rio grande valley
219 W. Nolana • McAllen, TX 78504
956-687-5115
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© Copyright 2020 Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic means without written permission from Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley, LLC.
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020
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Get Away to South Padre Island Holiday Sandcastle Village and Light Show
Special to Welcome Home RGV
T
reat yourself to a South-Padre-Island holiday getaway, where twinkling lights reflect on warm, tropical waters and delicious culinary delights and abundant shopping options help make for a festive and memorable experience for all ages. Without a doubt, you’re sure to find plenty to do, see, and celebrate this holiday season. South Padre Island is a unique holiday destination, where you can experience the magic of the holidays, island-style. South Padre Island hosts a number of islandfriendly holiday activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. With sandcastles being one South-Padre-Island brand of local art, it comes naturally to create holiday-themed sandcastles. Preparation for South Padre Island’s 3rd Annual Holiday Sandcastle Village has begun. Each year, the Village is filled with unique holiday sand sculptures built by incredibly talented sand artists from all over the world. Visitors and locals alike will
enjoy Sand-ta sculptures, sand(snow)man, and so much more. One of last year’s highlighted sculptures was a nine-foottall Christmas tree filled with sand ornaments and topped with a mermaid. In conjunction with the Holiday Sandcastle Village is a holiday light show with music. The show will be projected in 15-minute cycles so viewers can watch from start to finish. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular display from the comfort of their vehicles. The Holiday Sandcastle Village and Light Show opens November 23 and runs through the second week of January. The Village is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located in front of Gravity Park and Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island. The light show is located directly in front of the entrance to the Village and runs daily from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information on events and things to do on South Padre Island, be sure to visit sopadre.com/events •
Welcome Home Winter Texans!
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Proudly serving the Rio Grande Valley for over 70 years
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For All of your Automotive Needs!
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www.markhamsautomotive.com
Your Safety is our business. God Bless America.
• Suspension Specialist • Complete Spring Shop - U Bolts • Brakes • Oil Changes • Radiator - Engine - Transmission • Flushes • Tuneups • Balancing • Alignments on Cars, Trucks, RVs, Trailers, Motor Homes
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November 11, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
>> VETERAN’S DAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
to honoring those who have served: • The Veteran’s War Memorial of Texas is located in McAllen, next to the McAllen Convention Center, at 3129 Galveston Ave. The site’s centerpiece is a 105-foot-tall spire, The American Spire of Honor. The five-acre site honors Texans lost serving their country. It includes statues representing members of each branch of the U.S. military and granite walls etched with the names of service members, including those considered M.I.A. and K.I.A. • Up the road, Harlingen participates each year in Wreaths Across America. The program aims to “remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom,” according to the website wreathsacrossamerica. org. This year’s event will take place December 19, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Pendelton Park, 1425 Morgan Boulevard. • The City of Mission is home to the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 S. Inspiration Road. According to the missiontexas. us website, 45,000 veterans live within the Cemetery’s service area. The site also notes that its inception happened because “Texas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 7, which authorized the use of assets from certain Texas Veterans Land Board funds for the operation of state cemeteries for veterans and their eligible dependents.” Burials began at the site in December of 2006. • The Hidalgo County Veterans Memorial wall originally stood to the east of what is known as the ‘old Hidalgo County Courthouse.’ The granite wall, etched with names and flanked by a granite American flag design, was removed from the site temporarily and will be replaced once the new courthouse (currently under construction) is complete. • The City of Edinburg will host a virtual Veteran’s Day Parade Wednesday, November 11. The event will be broadcast on Facebook. To watch, visit www.facebook.com/ CityOfEdinburgGovernment. • Watch a video tribute to veterans on the Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley YouTube channel. •
Tune into
Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley YouTube channel.
This Veteran’s Day, November 11, Welcome Home RGV and Welcome Home Winter Texan recognize our United States veterans. We are deeply grateful for your service, and we thank you! This collage of photos is from past events held in Valley cities and resort communities to honor our veterans and is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served our country.
www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020
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November 11, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
THROUGH
ERYN’S LENS Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV Photos: Eryn Reddell-Wingert
Stockholm
Hidalgo-Willacy County Line 2020
M
innesotans have been coming to South Texas for over a century, if not longer. The Texas Historical Marker that stands sentry at a tiny cemetery on the Willacy-Hidalgo County Line reads: Located on the HidalgoWillacy County Line, Stockholm was a Swedish community promoted by the Wallin Johnson & Matson Land Co. of Minnesota. The Swedes who settled here between 1912 and 1914 were attracted by the area’s abundance of inexpensive fertile farmland. They formed a farm club to share information and problems and raised cotton, grain and corn. Some were dairy farmers. Stockholm, also known as Turner Tract, had churches, a school, grocery store, and cotton gin. Near this site is the Stockholm Cemetery, one of the few physical reminders of the ghost town.”
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020
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Community Altars Celebrate Día de los Muertos at IMAS Special to Welcome Home RGV
JOIN THE FUN!
PARK YARD SALE
Saturday, November 21st 8:00 AM to NOON
*Social Distancing and Masks Required*
DANCE
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7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tickets $9.00
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877-550-7961
Terry Miller • Activity Director
T
he International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) invites the community to celebrate Día de los Muertos by visiting the altars exhibit honoring individuals of color who led the way in art and science fields. Community members are also invited to submit photos of their own altars to be featured in a virtual exhibit. The community altar exhibit includes seven colorful ofrendas on display at the IMAS through November 14. Six partnering organizations were invited to create an altar to honor the life and career of important creators and experts. UTRGV Center for Latin American Arts created an altar for iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, with hand-painted skulls by UTRGV MFA alumna Angelica Rodriguez. The Boys & Girls Club of McAllen honored prolific artist Frida Kahlo with a vibrant display. Mission Historical Museum’s altar is a tribute to the famous Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. McAllen Public Library’s electric display is dedicated to the inventor of the color television transmission system, Guillermo González Camarena. African-American chemist Alma Levant Hayden is
honored by McAllen Public Utility (MPU). Valley Symphony Orchestra recollects Huapango with their altar for conductor and composter José Pablo Moncayo. IMAS is honoring fallen astronaut Dr. Kalpana Chawla. She was the first Indian-born American astronaut, and our altar brings her legacy to life. She was lost too soon, having perished during reentry on Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. “The IMAS education team wanted to honor a female scientist of color to call attention to the lack of diversity in science fields,” said Claudia Martinez Gray, IMAS director of education. “How many female scientists can you name? It is important to have representation so our future scientists, RGV children who visit IMAS, can imagine themselves having these careers, that they know it is possible.” Steve Shih, associate administrator of NASA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, said, “Our success in science, technology, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS AT IMAS CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 >>
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Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020
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Texas Master Naturalist Training Classes Go Virtual for 2021 Registration open for both Valley chapters Special to Welcome Home RGV
The
Rio Grande Valley supports two chapters of Texas Master Naturalist, and both chapters are taking applications for the new class training that will begin January 7. The deadline to register is December 18. For the 2021 training session, the chapters will join efforts and provide virtual training; attendees will need a computer, iPad, or Android tablet. (Using a smartphone is not recommended.) In addition, field trips are a required element of training and will be online or in person, depending on current county and departmental publichealth guidelines. In-person field trips will require appropriate masks and social distancing. Residents over the age of 18 and Winter Texans are welcome to join either of the chapters, despite residential location. The Rio Grande Valley chapter generally covers Cameron and Willacy counties; the South Texas Border chapter
supports Hidalgo and Starr counties. The chapters share Cameron and Hidalgo counties. Texas Master Naturalist is a unique educational volunteer program sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Sea Grant Program, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Both chapters share sponsors: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Tony Reisinger in San Benito and Javier De Leon, park superintendent at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco. “Texas Master Naturalist is a citizen-volunteer program whose members have diverse interests and who become involved in myriad activities to learn about, work with, and help educate others about the special habitat and ecology of the Rio Grande Valley,” said Reisinger. “When nature is left to itself, a unique ecosystem develops -- after hundreds of years. Today, that unique ecosystem is what Texas Master Naturalists learn about and help sustain: the Rio Grande Valley’s
native habitat and the critters that depend on it.” Classes are taught by local university professors, and other field experts, including those from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Students attend classes every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., January 7 through March 25. Special field trips provide unique access and learning opportunities. Even with the social-distancing mandates, trainees will still be able to join volunteer teams with other chapter members and work among the hundreds of local partners in activities at federal, state, and local wildlife parks, coastal naturalist programs, cities, schools, and other public entities as restrictions lessen and more opportunities are again available. Volunteering options for chapter members and trainees may include studying ocelots and other
mammals, joining cutting-edge university studies, developing public native gardens, learning about native plants and habitat, citizen science projects, bird migration and shore birds, Gulf and beach inhabitants and trends, docent positions, and native field guides. The cost is $150 and includes a textbook, fees, a t-shirt, and a one-year membership. Full scholarships are available. Requests for scholarships are also due by December 18. Note that scholarships are chapter specific. To apply for the class, find scholarship information, and to pay visit these links: Rio Grande Valley Chapter, www. rgvctmn.org at the New Class 2020 link. South Texas Border Chapter, www. stbctmn.org at the New Class link. Across the state, since its inception in 1997, more than 13,000 people have been trained in TEXAS MASTER NATURALIST CLASSES CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 >>
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November 11, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com • • • Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV
Green Gate Grove Palmview, Texas CAPTURES
November 2020
Photos by Ron Kowalczyk
This week, Ron Kowalczyk shares the bounty of fruit appearing at Green Gate Grove. He reports that oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, tangelos, figs, avocados, bananas, lemons, and pecans are all growing in the Park. •
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020 11
FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? HOUSE SETTLING? L
Weslaco Hospital Recognized for Care of Stroke, Special to Welcome Home RGV Diabetic Patients K
napp Medical Center in Weslaco has once again received a Gold Plus Award for care of stroke patients from the American Heart Association. To achieve this award, hospitals must be recognized for two or more consecutive years of 85 percent or higher adherence on achievement measures set by the American Heart Association, as well as 75 percent or higher adherence with additional quality measures when treating stroke patients. In addition, Knapp received a Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll™ Award. To earn this award, hospitals must be able to demonstrate at least 90 percent compliance for 12 consecutive months on an “overall diabetes cardiovascular initiative composite score” as measured by the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association has listed its awards for hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Hospitals” issue. In congratulating Knapp Medical Center for its awards, the American Heart Association thanked Knapp “for your exemplary leadership in delivering evidence-based care, improving the outcomes for stroke patients in your community.” Knapp Medical Center serves as the only Advanced Primary Stroke
Center in the Mid-Valley area. The hospital’s Stroke Center is certified by the Joint Commission, the national accrediting organization for health-care organizations. Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to the brain and the blood vessels within the brain. A stroke occurs when an artery that carries oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, and that part of the brain starts to die. At Knapp Medical Center, a clotbusting medication is used when medically indicated to possibly reverse an underlying stroke. However, the medication is most effective if it is administered as soon as possible when symptoms of a stroke start and no later than three to four-and-a-half hours after the onset of a stroke. Because of this tight time window, it is important to call 9-11 immediately when a loved one or another person shows symptoms of a ‘brain attack.” For more information on awardwinning medical care in the MidValley, please contact Knapp Medical Center at 956-968-8567 or visit the hospital online at KnappMed.org. • 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.
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November 11, 2020 • • • Welcome
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The VSO percussion ensemble rehearses before recording Melody and Rhythm.
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020 13
The VSO woodwind ensemble rehearsing recently.
Valley Symphony Fall Concert Season Continues November 20 with Melody and Rhythm Special to Welcome Home RGV
T
he Valley Symphony Orchestra continues its fall digital season with Melody and Rhythm, its next online concert premiering November 20 on Facebook. At a time when concerts and in-person events have been postponed because of concerns over public-health risks, the Symphony has reinvented its delivery model with a series of specially produced chamber concerts that are presented for all to enjoy, thanks to generous donor and sponsor support. Celebrating 20 years this season as the music director and conductor of the Valley Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Dabrowski embraced the opportunity to prepare a program of concerts outside the norm for the Symphony. “The biggest challenge for us was
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how to continue bringing music to the community when we all need it most,” Dabrowski said. “Even though we cannot gather, we still need a way to connect and to stay strong in a time of difficulty.” Melody and Rhythm will premiere live on Facebook Friday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m. followed by an encore broadcast on KRGV Channel 5 the following Sunday morning, November 22, at 11:00 a.m. The concert will be available to all, thanks to the generous support of Kenneth and Carolyn Landrum, Clark Chevrolet, and Clark-Knapp Honda. Other major fall-season supporters include Mrs. Wanda Boush, Drs. Tawhid and Mihaela Shuaib, Mrs. Trudie Elmore Abbott, and Frost Bank.
“We all wish we could be in the concert hall, but trying something new has been exciting and refreshing,” said Executive Director Katy Coy. “Every section of the orchestra has its own distinctive sound and character. Audiences have really been enjoying the ability to follow the music much more closely than ever before.” During this concert, listeners will take a tour of the sounds of the marimba, djembe, xylophone, and more as the VSO percussion section performs two dynamic selections (Alejandro Viñao’s Estudios de Frontera and Dave Hall’s Escape Velocity). Then, the VSO woodwind sextet performs Francis Poulenc’s
VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 >>
Things I Have Learned While Watching by Bill Ward
T O D AY ’ S W I S D O M
“We’re all stories, in the end.” Steven Moffat
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
I
recently attended a meeting that featured a speaker. I had never heard his name before. I just knew he came from a long way away and was apparently viewed by others as someone worthy of keynoting their program. I had nothing invested in that program and was not planning to become involved. Then he told his story, and everything changed. We hear stories all the time. This one was in front of a large audience. Other times they are in the coffee shop, the lobby at church, the park hall, the social gathering, or in the
car driving down the road with a companion. Stories are just a normal and routine element of life. One thing I have learned is that our stories are a big part of who we are. Without the ability to tell our stories, the people around us are handicapped in their ability to get to know us. Without that audience, we exist in a vacuum, our exploits and adventures lost to the quiet of our own mind. Everyone is diminished when there are no stories. One of the reasons this column exists is to stimulate discussion. It is my hope that each topic we explore continues in a life of stories around supper tables, family gatherings, and visits from grandparents. When everyone puts down the cell phones
Melissa Vaughan, VSO principal clarinetist, preparing for the Melody and Rhythm concert.
A somewhat random and reckless look at life from a fairly old guy
I Love to Tell the Story and engages in storytelling, it opens up a whole world where real people-with real adventures, feelings, defeats, and victories--live. Stories, with all their good and bad outcomes, are where we learn to do life. They are how we come to know and appreciate other people. And when we graciously invite those stories to be shared, we both value and validate others. There is actually a lot of science about the psychology of storytelling. I don’t really care about how stories affect my body chemistry. I just know I enjoy both hearing and telling them. Next time the conversation goes quiet around your dinner table, just say, “Tell me about….” It might change everything. I’m just sayin’. •
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020 15
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November 11, 2020 • • • Welcome
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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020 17
>> VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
with Chaplain Robert N. Ruesch
• Cross Wall • We have a cross wall in our home,
and several crosses in our RV that we have collected and been given over time. Every day--but especially during the Easter season--the crosses display a greater depth of meaning as we become more sensitive to the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for our sins. I cannot imagine the abject pain Jesus knew would be coming and then experienced. I cannot even fathom the agony, the sorrow, the commitment, even unto death Jesus endured for us. As parents, we commit our lives to raising our children. We are willing to risk and do anything and everything for them from their birth to our demise. When God breathed the breath of life in Adam and created Eve, he continued with the miracles he was called to do. Then the world started turning away from His gifting. The world became morally, spiritually, and ethically darker and darker until the Lord could not look with favor on what He created. Noah, with his family, was chosen to survive, along with the earth’s animals; the rest of the world was destroyed by a flood, not seen ever again. The Old Testament starts with Genesis 1:1, the incredible story of God reaching out to us. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The chapter goes on to describe how God created everything, nothing from evolution-everything from creation. John, in the New Testament, continues the same theme. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with
Sextet for Woodwinds and Piano and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Quintet for Woodwinds and Piano, among other favorites. Tune in on Facebook November 20 or on KRGV Channel 5 November 22 to experience the sounds of these instruments in an intimate chamber setting. The percussion section includes Philip Johnson, Virginia Davis, Mauricio Castellano, Moses Simon, Adan Rosa III, and Eduardo Treviño. They will be joined by Zynahia Banda (flute), Yingching Jeter (oboe), Melissa Vaughan (clarinet), Art Gonzalez (bassoon), Gabriel
Hernandez (French horn), and Linda Chavez (piano). The fall concert series kicked off with The Symphony Strings October 23 and will conclude with A Touch of Frost, featuring the VSO holiday brass and harp, on Facebook December 18 at 7:00 p.m. and in an encore broadcast December 20 at 11 a.m. on KRGV Channel 5. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more, join the VSO’s mailing list at valleyorchestra. org or call the VSO at 956-6611615. •
Chaplain Robert N. Ruesch is the author of two books and CEO of Christian Resort Ministries. He and his wife traveled for over 340,000 miles in their motorhome. They now reside in Evergreen, Colorado, and travel to the Rio Grande Valley when they can.
God.” (John 1:1) Isn’t it interesting how the 66 books of the Bible do not contradict? In a world void of word processors, spell check, and even, I would venture to say, editors, all the Holy Bible books weave a complete tapestry of truth. Today it isn’t easy to believe everything you hear and read. But know this: you can believe every single word of the Bible; the book is timeless, eternal, like God, Who sent His only son to bear all the sins of the world by willingly going to the cross so we may be as eternal as He and His Father by accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. Our cross wall has the symbol of His sacrifice; I hope and pray my heart reflects His love, and I am a symbol for His glory. •
Phil Johnson, VSO principal percussionist, rehearses.
>> DIA DE LOS MUERTOS AT IMAS FROM PAGE 7
engineering, and math depends on a diversity of contributions and benefits everyone, so this means we must make it inclusive.” A virtual altar exhibition will include photographs of altars from the community. Photos of altars can be submitted at theimasonline.org/ altars-exhibit and will be included in the virtual exhibit on the IMAS website and Facebook page @ imasMcAllen. The IMAS is located at the
intersection of Bicentennial and Nolana Avenue at 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen. Modified hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. are reserved for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Current admission is $1 (ages 4 and up). Please check our website at theimasonline.org or call 956-6812800 for more information. •
>> TEXAS MASTER NATURALIST CLASSES FROM PAGE 9
the Texas Master Naturalist program, 6.2 million hours of service have been valued at more than $150 million, 2,230 miles of trails have been developed and maintained, and 229,000 acres of native habitat have been enhanced in the state. “Virtual classrooms this year may
open the opportunity to those who, in the past, have been hesitant to join this organization,” said De Leon. “It is our hope to encourage more Valley residents to take advantage of this unique learning experience and volunteer opportunity.” •
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November 11, 2020 • • • Welcome
SAVORY TREATS
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com
SWEET CRAVINGS
RECIPE CONNECTION
• • • sp tted RGV
Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV
in the
Photo by Eryn Reddell Wingert
Turkey Vulture (McAllen)
Looking for that amazing treat that will satisfy your craving! Each week we will
2020
offer you a variety of recipes that you can try from those who truly enjoy food and want to share! •
The turkey vulture could be considered a Winter Texan as it, too, travels from Canada to the southern United States--and even further south--to spend the winter. While not considered the most attractive or colorful bird to visit the Rio Grande Valley, its wing feathers appear gold in the early evening sun. •
Entertaining at a Distance • • • with Sandy Olson • • •
These wonderful, spicy bites are easy to make and different from
most appetizers you’ll be serving. Since they are all individual cups, guests can pick up one or two and find their socially distanced chair and eat out of their hands. There might be crumbs! •
Southwestern Wonton Cups • 1 pound spicy sausage, such as hot Italian or chorizo • 1 can chopped green chiles, hot or mild, your choice • 1 small can chopped, ripe olives OR chop them yourself, about ½ cup • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese • 1 package wonton wrappers OR cut egg roll wrappers in half • Ranch dressing, bottled or homemade. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the sausage and crumble it, draining away the drippings. Combine the sausage with the chiles, olives, and cheese. Add enough ranch dressing to moisten, at least ½ cup. Mix everything well but gently. Place a wonton wrapper in each cup of a muffin pan--or two, depending upon how many cups you get from the package of wrappers. Bake them just until they are a bit brown. Remove from the oven. but leave it on. Divide the sausage/cheese mixture evenly among the cups. Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until bubbly. 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 Pumpkin Bread
Free legal help available for eligible Texas Veterans Special to Welcome Home RGV
•••
Submitted by The Junior League of McAllen, Inc.
Serves 24 • 2/3 cup water • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 cup vegetable oil • 1½ teaspoons salt • 4 eggs • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin • 1 teaspoon nutmeg • 3 cups sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3 1/3 cups flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 3 9x5 loaf pans. Mix water, oil, eggs, pumpkin, and sugar. Blend well; add remaining ingredients. Pour into prepared pans. Bake for 1 hour. Remove from pans to cool. • 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.
T
exas Access to Justice Foundation and legal-aid programs across the state, together, form the Texas Legal Aid Veterans Coalition. “As the pandemic continues to impact Texas communities, our veterans need us now more than ever,” said Betty Balli Torres, executive director of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation. “We are grateful for the Texas Legislature for its continued funding of legal services that help our veterans improve their lives and the wellbeing of their families.” Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the nation. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual survey of homeless and formerly homeless veterans, legal issues account for five of the top 10 unmet needs of homeless veterans. Obtaining access to free legal services can be critical for veterans to get the benefits and support they need for themselves and their families. The Texas Access to Justice Foundation provided $3.3 million in grants last year to 13 nonprofit
Serve warm. •
•••
Texas Veterans Legal Aid Coalition Creates Video Project Targeted at Veterans organizations that provide free legal services to veterans. Each year legalaid organizations provide free legal services to more than 8,000 Texas veterans. Legal-aid organizations and pro-bono lawyers are able to provide legal representation to veterans with civil legal problems, including: Denial of critical medical care Problems receiving benefits Legal issues related to disabilities Family law matters arising from deployment Other issues that may arise due to a veteran’s absence from home during military service This year, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Texas Veterans Legal Aid Coalition created a video project targeted at veterans that aims to solve the challenges of outreach during COVID-19. Starting November 13, the first of five videos will be released covering the topic of benefits for veterans. Visit texaslawhelp.org to view the videos. Assistance is also provided at a statewide hotline for veterans: 1-800-622-2520, option 2. •
The Texas Access to Justice Foundation, created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1984, is the largest statebased funding source for the provision of civil legal aid in Texas. The organization is committed to the vision that all Texans will have equal access to justice, regardless of their income. The Foundation administers a variety of funding sources, which are earmarked to assist nonprofit organizations in providing legal aid to more than 150,000 Texas families each year. For more information, please visit: www.tajf.org.
www.welcomehomergv.com
•••
Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 11, 2020 19
bon appetit! with
Executive Chef Bettina
Tolin
Lobster Mac and Cheese
I am often asked for this decadent recipe, so I wanted to share it here
again. Sometimes decadent can mean “complicated” but in this case, this dish is not difficult to make at all. You will have fun preparing it and your friends & family will love its rich and luscious texture. If you can’t find Cavatappi pasta (the cork screw), you could also use elbow macaroni or penne. Don’t use bow-tie pasta though because it will tear under the pressure of the lobster. Bon Appétit! • • Kosher salt • 1 pound Cavatappi pasta • 1 quart whole milk • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup Cognac (optional) • 12 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (4 cups)
• 8 ounces extra-sharp white cheddar, grated (2 cups) • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg • 1 1/2 pounds cooked lobster meat • 1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (a day old baguette in a food processor works well)
• • •
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well. Gently heat the milk in a small saucepan. In a separate large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter and add the flour. Cook, stirring with a whisk, over low heat for ~ 2 minutes. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook, stirring, for a minute or two, until thickened and smooth. Add the cognac (if using) and simmer for 1 minute. Turn off the heat, add the Gruyere, White Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, the pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked pasta and lobster and stir well. Place the mixture in 6 to 8 individual gratin dishes. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.
• • • • • • • 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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November 11, 2020 • • • Welcome
Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com