Issuu

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020

We’re just connecting the dots.

VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 6 • November 18, 2020 • • • your official connection to the rio grande valley • • •

hello FROM KRISTI

hat a roller coaster we’ve been on over the last six months! Who knew the hugs, high fives, and close conversations we had back in February might be our last...for a while, anyway. The season ended abruptly, but luckily, it was on the tail end of what was--in my opinion--the best one yet. This season may be near the bottom of that list, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the worst. As we all adapt to what we can and cannot do, we need to remind ourselves that the rules and protocols are designed to keep us safe so we may enjoy a much better season next year!

The historic adobe home located at the Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset Dr., McAllen, is open to visitors.

Quinta Mazatlan: Preserving Nature and History

I know; not being able to do things the way we want, when we want, is a real drag. But things are different everywhere, so no matter where we are, they won’t be like they were this time last year. Regardless, if you’re here in South Texas, the good news is we STILL don’t have to shovel snow! •

Story and photos by Eryn Reddell Wingert

We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

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estled off 10th Street in South McAllen, beyond La Plaza Mall and just west of the McAllen International Airport, is a quiet nature preserve known as Quinta Mazatlan. The formerly private mansion and grounds are rich in history and utilized as tools to educate and inspire visitors of all ages about the beauty and wonder of local wildlife. In the heart of the park sits a bright

The aptly named Bougainvillea Lane is the pathway from the park entrance gate to the mansion.

QUINTA MAZATLAN CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>

November 18, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

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

New and Notable on South Padre Island Special to Welcome Home RGV

or our Winter Texan visitors joining us on the little sandbar we call home (and to those of you that may be first-time visitors), we would like to fill you in on what’s new and notable on South Padre Island. From attractions to restaurants and lodging, there’s plenty to see and do on your island. South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary Nestled along the wetlands of the Laguna Madre Bay, the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary features exhibits on the Island’s flora and fauna, along with a five-story viewing tower, viewing blinds, and boardwalk nature trails. The Center offers one-of-akind birding opportunities through its daily guided bird walks, led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers. The exciting new addition to the Center is the Alligator Sanctuary. Here you can learn all about the incredible American alligator with a “Gator Talk” and meet “Big Padre,” a rescued 12-foot, male American alligator, as well as other juvenile rescued alligators. Cameron County Beach Improvements Over the past several years, Cameron County has been undergoing a concerted effort to revamp much of its park system, focusing on the

popular county beach accesses at Isla Blanca, E. K. Atwood, and Andy Bowie. Improvements include new pavilions, an amphitheater, restrooms, beach boardwalks, rinse stations, lighting, and parking. The result? An even better visitor experience at our stunning coastal parks. Josephine’s Kitchen Josephine’s Kitchen is the newest dining establishment on South Padre Island, offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Owned by the same restaurant family as Liam’s Steak House & Oyster Bar, Daddy’s Seafood & Cajun Kitchen, and Señor Donkey, the vibrant yellow building is warm and inviting, and Josephine’s Kitchen has an eclectic menu, sure to please everyone in your party. Williedean Bagels Picking up the torch for what used to be BadaBing Bagels, Willidean Bagels serves up New-York-style bagels and features tropical-art murals. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, and don’t forget to save room to try Willidean’s sweet treats! Margarita’s Beach Bar & Grill Located next to the Padre South Hotel, Margarita’s Beach Bar & Grill opened this past spring. Margarita’s NEW AT SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 >> 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

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.

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020

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Rio Grande Valley has an impressive list of sons and daughters who have served in the military. We are home to countless who have made us proud. Harlon Block is one of our most famous. While you may not recognize the name, you’re familiar with him. Killed in Iwo Jima at the age of 21, Harlon became part of one of the most recognizable symbols of the Greatest Generation--the Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington. No need to go to Virginia to see it; we have the original right here at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, along with his gravesite. One of six children, Harlon was born in Yorktown, Texas, some 200 miles north of the Rio Grande Valley. His father, Edward Frederick Block, was a World War I veteran. Hoping for a better life, the dairy farmer moved his family south to Weslaco, where the children attended a private Seventh-day Adventist school. As a freshman, Harlon was expelled from the school for not ‘snitching’’ on his classmates for vandalizing the school. Harlon turned that little mishap into a big win for his hometown. The tenacious young man simply took his natural athletic talent with him to Weslaco High School. There, he led the Panthers football team to the Conference

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Championship and was honored as “All South Texas End.” Friendships forged on the football field gave birth to the locally historic ‘Weslaco Eight.’ One afternoon, Harlon and seven of his teammates thought it was a good idea to skip school. All eight of them ended up enlisting in the Marine Corps. Because the boys joined before they graduated, the school held a special early ceremony for the ‘Weslaco Eight’ in January 1943. Within weeks of the special celebration, Harlon was at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego. Fast forward two years later, and Cpl. Block has landed on Iwo Jima. His rifle company was part of the SOUTH TEXAS’ FAMOUS WWII HERO CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >>

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>> QUINTA MAZATLAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

white, 1930s adobe house with wrought-iron window frames, a claytiled roof, and decorative blue-andwhite-tiled windowsills. According to the quintamazatlan.com website, since being purchased by the City of McAllen in 1998, it is a “mansion with a mission.” That mission is to restore native habitat one backyard at a time. When the city acquired the property, the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department went to work on the grounds, bringing back native plants, allowing thorn brush to grow, and creating rustic, yet thoughtful, pathways designed to help further Quinta Mazatlan’s mission. At every turn along the trails, life abounds, with rock-climbing lizards, scurrying rabbits, and entire families of Chachalacas--large birds from Mexico that can only be found in the United States right here in the Rio Grande Valley--brazenly walking right across the path, in front of visitors. (Of note: The incredibly unique mating call of the chachalaca can be quite startling if you are not familiar with their unique vocal stylings.) Quinta Mazatlan is one of nine parks and preserves across the Rio Grande Valley that make up the World Birding Center. For example, green jays--the official bird of the City of McAllen-dart overhead and can be spotted hopping in and out of the ‘Bird Cafe’ feeding station located on one of the trails. Butterflies and hummingbirds add to the wonderful mix of wildlife readily visible and have even brought national recognition to the park. In 2017, the green-breasted mango hummingbird caused quite a stir when it was spotted at Quinta Mazatlan. According to an article in The Monitor in December of that year, the bird had not been seen in the U. S. since 2009, and word of its arrival brought birders from as far away as Alaska to catch a glimpse of this little visitor. Quinta Mazatlan utilizes every advantage to educate each visitor on the importance of native landscaping and habitat. The trails boast descriptive signs explaining what is visible from the trails, from plant types to animal species. Art is also utilized to further the mission, with the installation of 38 bronze sculptures along the pathways depicting indigenous wildlife. In addition, the park offers year-round educational and entertaining programs. •

The mission of Quinta Mazatlan is to educate visitors about local wildlife and how you can attract birds and butterflies to your yard.

The trails and pathways surrounding the mansion are well maintained and offer seating along the routes.

The entryway to the backyard patio features a wrought-iron gate, and the adobe wall is accented with scenic tiles.

A cross-adorned arch holds a bell above an old cistern made of brick, imported from Mexico.

The influence of Spanish-style architecture is evident not only at the mansion but also on the grounds of the park.

Thirty-eight bronze sculptures showcasing regional wildlife, such as this family of roadrunners, line the trails at Quinta Mazatlan.

Unique blue-and-white tile make up the decorative exterior-windowsill features of the house.

Quinta Mazatlan is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday nights until dark. Stop by the mansion to pay admission before hitting the trails.

To dig deeper into the history of Quinta Mazatlan and to learn how to attract native bird and butterflies to your neck of the woods, check out the video interviews with Quinta Mazatlan’s executive director, Colleen C. Hook, and urban ecologist John Brush on the Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley YouTube channel.

www.welcomehomergv.com

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November 18, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

>> SOUTH TEXAS’ FAMOUS WWII HERO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

28th Marines amphibious assault, landing at the southern part of Iwo Jima. Their mission was to capture Mount Suribachi. It is here that Cpl. Block and his Marine brothers raised the historic second flag on Iwo Jima. Block’s life ended a few days later when he was killed by mortar blasts, but not before his special moment was immortalized forever by photographer Joe Rosenthal. The photo is what inspired the statue at The United States Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) in Arlington. The memorial was dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775. Thanks to Harlon, we have the original statue right here at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. Standing in front of it, one can’t help but feel small and heavy hearted, knowing what was sacrificed for our freedoms. Adjacent to the magnificent monument you’ll also find the well-kept gravesite of Cpl. Harlon Block. His remains were brought home from Iwo Jima and laid to rest here in 1995. It’s worth noting that Cpl. Block is also the 18th man in Rosenthal’s well-known “Gung Ho” photo. Although Block’s face is not visible, the top of his head is seen directly

Weslaco Hospital in Top 10 Percent in Nation for Orthopedic Surgery Special to Welcome Home RGV

behind Sgt. Hansen, who wears a soft cap. Block is also featured in the 2006 Clint Eastwood film, Flags of Our Fathers. •

The Iwo Jima Memorial is open to visitors. The site is also home to a gift shop filled with all things patriotic. Iwo Jima Museum & Gift Shop Hours Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

956-421-9234

napp Medical Center has been named in the top 10 percent in the nation for orthopedic surgery and patient safety and has been recognized for 5-star care for hipfracture treatment, gastrointestinal s u r g e r y , appendectomy procedures, labor and delivery, and gynecologic surgery. The recognition from Healthgrades, a national company specializing in information about healthcare, is the latest accolade for Knapp, which serves as the only acute-care hospital in the Mid-Valley area, with 227 beds. Knapp’s recognition includes being named a 5-star recipient for performing hip-fracture treatment for the ninth year in a row, as well as receiving the Healthgrades 2020 Patient Safety Excellence Award™. Knapp’s recognitions from Healthgrades include the following:

Named Among the Top 10 Percent of Hospitals in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services (2021) Recipient of the Healthgrades 2021 Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ 5-Star Recipient for Hip-Fracture Treatment for Nine Years in a Row Named Among the Top 10 Percent in the Nation for Patient Safety in 2020 Recipient of the Healthgrades 2020 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ O r t h o p e d i c surgeons on Knapp’s medical staff include Dr. Michael Sander, Dr. Vishwas Patil, Dr. Ross Chapel, and Dr. Jose Cobos. For more information on hospital care in the Mid-Valley, please contact Knapp Medical Center at 956-968-8567 or visit KnappMed. org and www.FaceBook.com/ KnappMedicalCenter . •

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020

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The Calendar has 365 Days,

•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020

but My Heart Says It Is So Much Longer by Stuart Haniff, CEO, Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc

hen I first walked through the doors of the Food Bank RGV November 18, 2019, the world was a very different place. Masks were for Halloween, “social” referred to media, and hand sanitizer was only a good idea and not a necessity. One year ago, I was much different, as well. I had never heard of--or had-a raspa, a colonia was something I only knew of from history, and I had never been to a concert or movie in my car. I became CEO with a vision of doing more than simply giving out food but rather moving people from hunger to health through nutrition. My goal was to focus on outcomes rather than output, to shorten lines, and, ultimately, to break the cycle of hunger and poverty. You know what they say about the best-laid plans… Two months into my tenure, the world, our nation, and eventually, the Rio Grande Valley would be in the stranglehold of something the likes of which none of us has ever seen and, hopefully, never will again, the global pandemic of Covid-19. For a long time, South Texas lived a charmed life, as we remained relatively unscathed. When the coronavirus hit, though, it hit hard and it hit often. We rolled out a Resource, Readiness, and Response Campaign to be prepared and not scared. We quickly realized there was NO playbook for what we were experiencing; we were writing the playbook. In the months of the health and financial crisis, we saw demand for

emergency food assistance rise as high as nine-fold year over year; we have grown from feeding 64,000 men, women, children, and seniors (counted separately) per week to as many as 142,000. Quite a learning curve during my first year on the job. I’ve learned many things leading our Food Bank. I am a firm believer in silver linings, and if this pandemic has provided any, it is that our community, our nation, and the world have learned about the necessity of food banks--what we have done and do every day. To be the CEO of a food bank, you must understand many technical and nuanced things: logistics, supply chain, fundraising, and finance, but it is even more important to understand people, those inside and outside of your walls. Over the last year, I have attended far too many funerals, yet in the grip of despair, I have been part of more celebrations than ever before. The Food Bank RGV is much more than a building. It is a team 65 strong with thousands of volunteers, a dedicated Board, and 275 agency partners. While I have only been here for a year, Food Bank RGV now enters its 35th season. What a way to break me in; this has been some kind of opening act. While I would not have chosen a pandemic to mark my first year, it taught me, perhaps, my most valuable lesson. The heart, generosity, and resiliency of the RGV is greater than any crisis, larger than any disaster, and bigger than any outbreak.

We survive so our community can be successful, and what was once extraordinary is now referred to as “the new normal.” The laughter and the tears say it has been much

longer than a year. Had I known what lay ahead when I was selected as CEO, I’m not sure I would have come a year ago. I would have tried to get here much sooner. •

a block away from Highway 281, giving you convenient access to the best attractions nearby, including

Port Isabel and South Padre Island, both of which boast world-class beaches. •

We Shall Overcome Special to Welcome Home RGV

ip O’ Texas RV Resort is open!! Our Winter Texans are slowly arriving, and we have our positive hats on, believing by working together we can make this 2020-2021 season one of our fondest memories! Our residents enjoy having their meals together, but due to the pandemic, we are not having meals in our Main Hall. Rather, we are serving curbside meals. We had our first Wednesday curbside lunch, Frito chili pie, last week and are now having requests for it to be weekly. We shall see about that. Our first Saturday curbside breakfast, pancakes, sausage, and bacon was Saturday, November 14. We honored our Veterans November 11 with a curbside lunch of hot

dogs, chipss, and a drink and then a parade. The residents decorated their golf carts with a patriotic theme to form the parade; they were beautiful. After the parade, we had a ceremony hosted by the Workampers, and Ace and Karen Minch. Ace shared an emotional tribute to “Old Glory,” our beautiful American flag. Karen followed with an amazing and interesting history recap about the beginning of this Veteran’s Day tradition. It was awesome. Surrounded by citrus groves and located in the beautiful, subtropical Rio Grande Valley, Tip O’ Texas Home Away from home. It is ideal for anyone trying to escape the North’s cold, snowy winters. Located in sunny Pharr, Tip O’ Texas is just

November 18, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

THROUGH

ERYN’S LENS Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV Photos: Eryn Reddell-Wingert

Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen

November 2020

he quiet thorn-brush-lined trails of Quinta Mazatlan provide incredible inspiration for a photographer. From the Mexico-embossed bricks that provide foundation for the backyard patio to the lush, blooming Bougainvillea draped over an adobe wall to the great kiskadee that appears to pose for the camera, Quinta Mazatlan is a naturephotographer’s paradise. •

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020 11

City of McAllen Debuts Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show and Theatre Special to Welcome Home RGV

he City of McAllen recently unveiled details of this year’s newly reimagined Christmas celebration, with the South Pole Illuminated Drive and Theatre Experience. This event will transform the McAllen Convention Center District into an enchanting, one-mile drive-thru holiday show of millions of dazzling lights and sound for the entire McAllen and Rio Grande Valley community to enjoy. The South Pole Illuminated Drive and Theatre Experience will open its holiday door starting December 1 and continue throughout the month of December, starting at $10 a ticket (per vehicle, not per person). “It has been a year of canceled events, but one thing was for sure; the City of McAllen was NOT going to cancel Christmas,” said Mayor Jim Darling. “I am so happy that we are going to provide this wonderful holiday experience so everyone can experience the magic of Christmas.” Guests will travel through a 280foot tunnel with a surround-sound serenade of favorite holiday tunes, all in the comfort and safety of their own vehicle. This state-ofthe-art visitor experience will take about 25 minutes to drive through

and will take guests throughout the McAllen Convention Center District, capping off with Holiday Movies in the Park. Winding through the holiday spectacle, attendees will be surrounded by more than 50 Christmas trees, including a massive 64-foot tree and millions, yes millions, of lights throughout the illuminated displays. And no holiday celebration in McAllen would be complete without festival food and beverages, including hot chocolate, s’mores, and funnel cakes, for sale. According to McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., the McAllen Convention Center District has been the premier entertainment site for over a decade; in fact, for the past 10 years, the location has been a focal point for the holidays. The facility has hosted dozens of events each holiday season, including Christmas-tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday concerts, The Nutcracker Ballet, Valley Symphony Orchestra Christmas programs, and New Year’s Eve parties. Last year, the

McAllen Convention Center hosted Frio!, a 40-day indoor and outdoor event that drew more than 250,000 attendees. “We are proud to showcase the premier entertainment district in South Texas to host this magical, Christmas experience in a safe environment that everyone in the family can enjoy safely and in the spirit of the season,” said Rodriguez. “We are excited to provide an event that not only adheres to all health and safety protocols, but also is the perfect holiday celebration to end the year.”

Tickets to South Pole Illuminated Drive and Theatre Experience start at $10 per vehicle. Additionally, VIP experiences are also available, which include fast passes and private holiday trains for the entire family. Hours of operation are 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday throughout the month of December. For more information, visit www. SouthPoleofTexas.com. Tickets are also available at www.Ticketmaster.com. •

November 18, 2020 • • • Welcome

Home WINTER TEXAN • • • www.welcomehomergv.com

Presents with Purpose

from the BaaBaa Boutique in McAllen Special to Welcome Home RGV

ave you finished making all of your Christmas gifts or shopping for them? Are you running out of time? This year has changed just about everything we all do. So many are shopping online, with a click here and a click there. So if you’re looking for something special--with no clicks involved--stop by and see what is in our Lambs Loom boutique. The Lamb’s Loom BaaBaa Boutique is full of unique gifts of handmade soaps, dolls, toys, clothing, jewelry, project bags, shawls, scarves, and so many other fun things. Our peeps are adding items all the time, so you never know what beauty you will find. We like to call them “Presents with a Purpose” because when you shop here, you are contributing to this ministry. If you have done what so many of our friends have done and cleared out closets and have items to donate but do not know where to take them, our donation chest would greatly appreciate the contribution. This year, we are still collecting handmade blankets, shawls, hats, and scarves. We also have a special request for dolls for a group just across the border and a request for cloth “shopping bags” (not plastic) from a group that serves the homeless. This is the time of year for our largest distribution of all the donated items we have collected throughout the year to give to various groups around the world. These are gifts of love for someone desperately in need of warmth and a touch of love. Many of the recipients feel blessed that someone they don’t know--and will never meet--has sent them a gift to demonstrate an appreciation of God’s love and provision. So many

of us are immeasurably blessed, and this is an opportunity to pass on some of those blessings. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted in order to pay the costs for shipping these gifts and for overhead expenses. We do hope you’ll come join in with us and become a PEG! Pray, Encourage, Give. Remember, The Lamb’s Loom is not just a yarn shop; it’s a ministry and a mindset. The Lamb’s Loom is located at 1102 Tamarack in McAllen. We are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional parking is available in the rear via Upas Avenue. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and our website, thelambsloom.com •

#loveineverystitch #LambsLoomFun #purchasewithpurpose

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020 13

>> NEW AT SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

boasts a beautiful Gulf view with beach access, as well as fresh seafood, mixed drinks, and live music. Liam’s Steak House & Oyster Bar While not a new restaurant, for those of you returning to the Island, you may be confused when you find Josephine’s Kitchen in the building where Liam’s Steak House & Oyster Bar used to be. Don’t fret! Liam’s is still an institution. They just moved to 202 W. Tarpon Street, a bayfront property in the Entertainment District. The Steak House is serving the same great food but in a beautiful new space with an even better view of our Texas-sized sunsets. Courtyard by Marriott This full-service, beachfront hotel is now open and features over 10,000 square feet of meeting space and 205 large guest rooms. The hotel also features a beachside

Brownsville, Texas

restaurant, Bar Louie, with a worldclass bar (including service out to its beachside pool).

Attn Brand New RVer’s:

For more information on South Padre Island, please visit sopadre. com. •

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• Community Hall • Outdoor Heated Pool • Hot Tub • Billiard Room • Mail Center • Shuffle Courts • Fishing/RC Boating on the Resaca • 2 Pickleball Courts • Library • Dances • Cards • Bingo/Games • Dinners • Breakfasts & more! * Due to the uncertainty caused by Covid restrictions, some events may have to be modified or rescheduled. Inquire at office for more information.

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Come See what South Texas Living is all about!

November 18, 2020 • • • Welcome

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• • • Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV

JOIN THE FUN!

PARK YARD SALE

Saturday, November 21st 8:00 AM to NOON

*Social Distancing and Masks Required*

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Terry Miller • Activity Director

CAPTURES

Green Gate Grove Palmview, Texas November 2020

Photos by Ron Kowalczyk

This week, Ron Kowalczyk captures the landscape--showing its true colors--at Green Gate Grove RV Resort in Palmview. •

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•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020 15

• • • sp tted RGV

Exclusive to Welcome Home RGV

in the

IMAS Folk Art Gallery

with Chaplain Jerry Hunter

Not Where You’ve Been-- • • It’sIt’s Where You’re Going

There are many places to go in

this world, and these days, you can get to the other side of this world in a matter of hours. Today, most people live their lives for themselves. They may go to Paris, London, New York City, or even the Rio Grande Valley. How far in advance do you plan your travels--days, weeks, months, or years? Have you planned for eternity? Have you heard of Jesus? Do you know Jesus? Perhaps you have forsaken Jesus in your life. There is a parable that Jesus told about the 99--Matthew 18:12-14 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not find it? Assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” I had left the 100, and Jesus left the 99 to come and find me. I had deserted Him, and I am so glad He came to find me. I was gone for way too long, and I have been greatly blessed by Him since I came back to Him. Over the years, God has blessed me greatly in keeping me healthy and safe. I owe Him so much, and I believe He has kept me healthy and safe so I can fulfill His plan for my life. God makes us complete to do His will--Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace, who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the

Photo by Eryn Reddell Wingert

McAllen

The International Museum of Art and Science, located at 1900 W. Nolana Avenue in McAllen, showcases items from its permanent collection of Mexican and Latin American folk art. Pieces are on display year-round at the IMAS and include masks, textiles, pottery, and sculpture. For more information, visit theimasonline.org. •

Chaplain Jerry Hunter and his wife, Kim, are starting their first year as chaplains at Big Valley RV Park in Donna. We anticipate they will have an awesome first year and that you will be seeing more articles from Jerry in the weeks ahead. If you’re in Donna and near Big Valley any Sunday at 9:00 a.m., stop by and get acquainted.

sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Do you follow Jesus, and, more importantly do you know where you will spend eternity? Listen for His call if you have forsaken Him. If you don’t know Jesus, be aware; He is knocking at your door. Let Him into your life. Jesus says you if you follow Him, He will lead you. He will always be with you, right by your side. If you give your life to Him, you will be with Jesus in Heaven for all eternity. •

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saving you more!

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Our weekly coupon section will help you SAVE while you are

here. Visit our website www.welcomehomergv.com for more printable coupons. •

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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

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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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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020 17

Sign up for our E-Newsletter today to stay connected to life in the RGV. www.facebook.com/welcomehomergv www.facebook.com/wintertexan

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For more information, contact our office: 219 W. Nolana • McAllen, Texas 78504 • (956) 687-5115

November 18, 2020 • • • Welcome

DELICIOUS RECIPES

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ZESTY BITES

RECIPE CONNECTION

INSTANT MEALS

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

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

I found a couple of little, dip-sized slow cookers at a thrift store, and they

really come in handy for appetizers events. The “better” ones have two heat settings; the low setting is what is needed for this recipe. Otherwise, just stir the dip occasionally so it doesn’t dry out. •

Midwest Reuben Sandwich Dip • 1 jar (16 oz.) sauerkraut OR a bag of fresh kraut from the store’s refrigerated section • 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened…Philly® is best • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese • 2 cups shredded deli corned beef. Use a sharp knife to make thin shreds • ¼ cup Thousand Island salad dressing • Cocktail rye bread Spray the inside of a small slow cooker with non-stick spray. Drain the kraut and rinse. Chop it a bit so there aren’t long strands in the dip. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Put the mix in the slow cooker, cover, and let it cook for about 45 minutes on LOW setting or until the dip is hot and the cheese is melted. Stir occasionally while cooking. Serve with slices of cocktail rye bread.

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 Stuffed Tenderloin

NOTE: Thank you to our astute reader who noticed something odd with this recipe in our November 4 issue. (Did someone say “sausage”?) Here it is again, minus the sausage intro!

hese are perfect “distance” snacks. They are tasty, individual balls of cheese with a pretzel handle. The entire thing is edible, so no toothpicks will be scattered around. Put them all on a large platter, and allow people to come one at a time to help themselves to several since they are small. •

Ham and Cheese Pretzels • 2 packages (8 oz. each) good cream cheese, softened • 2 cups chopped deli ham • 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish • 1 teaspoon dry mustard • 1 cup finely chopped pecans • 96 thin pretzel sticks Combine all of the ingredients except the pretzels. Stir gently to make sure everything is well mixed. Chill for about 30 minutes. Remove from the fridge and form into little balls, about 3/4-inch in diameter. Cover with plastic wrap and return to the fridge for several hours. Just before serving, remove from fridge and insert a pretzel stick into each one as a “handle.” Makes a lot of good snacking. NOTE: If you prefer dried beef over the deli ham, just substitute it. •

•••

The Border Cook

Charro Beans

•••

Submitted by Randy Hoelscher, The Border Cook

Charro Beans, or frijoles charros, are a staple of

NOTE: You can make the dip ahead of time in the microwave and then keep it warm in the little slow cooker for serving. •

•••

APPETIZING DELIGHTS

•••

Submitted by The Junior League of McAllen, Inc.

Serves 6-8 • ½ cup butter • ¼ teaspoon pepper • ¾ cup finely chopped mushrooms • 3 cups white bread cubes • 1 (4-6 oz.) package ham, diced • 2 tablespoons water • ½ cup minced green onion • 1 (2½ lb.) tenderloin, slit • ¼ teaspoon salt Preheat boiler. Melt butter over medium heat; add mushrooms, ham, onions, sat, and pepper. Cook until tender. Add bread crumbs and water; toss gently. Fill slit in tenderloin with this mixture. Tie; broil 15 minutes on each side. Drain, reserving liquid. Sauce: • 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes • 1 tablespoon brandy • 4 tablespoons butter • ½ teaspoon pepper • 2 tablespoons flour • ½ teaspoon meat extract paste, optional • 1 (13¾ oz.) can beef broth • ¼ teaspoon salt Finely chop tomatoes. In a saucepan, melt butter and blend in flour. Cook 1 minute; stir in beef broth, tomatoes, and the reserved liquid, brandy, pepper, meat paste, and salt. Cook and stir. Serve over meat. • 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.

Mexican cooking, and they are good for you. In this recipe, I again relied on my trusty Quick pressure cooker. You can make them on the stove or in a slow cooker, but it will take significantly longer. (See notes in the instructions.) • 1 pound dried pinto beans • 12 oz. bacon – chopped • 1 small yellow onion – chopped • 1 jalapeño pepper – seeded, deveined, and minced • ½ bell (green) pepper - chopped • 4 garlic cloves - minced • 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted, diced tomatoes without garlic • 4 cups chicken broth – I use granulated bouillon • 2 cups water • 2 tsp. chili powder • 2 tsp. ground cumin • ½ tsp. ground black pepper • 1 tsp. ground dried oregano – preferably Mexican • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro • Salt, to taste (after cooking) Rinse the beans in a bowl of cold water, removing any junky or damaged beans that float to the surface. Drain in a colander and set aside. Chop the bacon, onion, garlic, and cilantro. Set the cooker to sauté and add the chopped bacon. Fry the bacon until nearly crisp; then pause the cooking and use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon. Spoon out all but a couple tablespoons of the bacon fat. Resume the sauteing process, cooking the onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper until the onions are translucent but not browned, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Cancel the sauté function. Add the beans, bacon, tomatoes (with the juice), chicken broth, and water. Stir in the spices. Place the lid on the cooker, and set it to the ‘sealing’ mode. I cooked the beans using the ‘soup’ setting and high temperature for 45 minutes. Turn off the cooker and let the pressure release naturally; it should take about 30 minutes. Season with salt, to taste. Serve with your favorite toppings--cilantro, jalapeños, or maybe even a shreddedcheese blend or queso fresco. To cook in a slow cooker or on the stove, you will want to soak the beans in water overnight. Sauté the onion, peppers, and garlic in a sauté pan. Combine all the ingredients in your cooker or pan. Simmer until the beans soften to your liking. (I have not done it, but plan on at least a couple of hours.) Enjoy! • 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.

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•••

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • November 18, 2020 19

bon appetit! with

Executive Chef Bettina

Tolin

Classic Pot Roast

This week we turn to a classic comfort food, just like Mom used to make.

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956-761-PIER (7437) www.Pier19.us 1 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island

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Pot Roast. It starts with a cut of beef that, on its own, is rather tough. But through the braising technique (cooking in liquid, low and slow) is transformed into tender fall-apart yummy goodness. Together with fall’s root vegetables, this dish is classic comfort on a Sunday afternoon. On a side note, the renovations at Marcello’s are going well but a little slower than we had hoped. We will be open as soon as humanly possible and I promise you will be delighted with the fresh new look and changes! We are very excited to share our new home with you, our special guests & friends. Bon Appétit! • • 3 pound boneless beef chuck roast • Kosher salt and ground black pepper • 3 tablespoons canola oil • 4 tablespoons butter • 2 medium red onions, cut into quarters • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces • 8 cremini mushrooms, halved

• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 8-10 peeled garlic cloves (equivalent to one garlic head) • ¾ cup tomato paste • 2 bay leaves • 3 sprigs rosemary • 1 ½ cups red wine, preferably cabernet • 4 cups low or no salt beef stock

• • •

Preheat oven to 340 degrees. Season meat generously with salt and pepper. On the stove top, heat oil in a large Dutch oven, or other heavy roasting pan with a lid, over medium-high heat. Sear the meat until a dark crust forms, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove meat to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. Melt the butter and add the garlic and vegetables, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pot, until the vegetables start to color, 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly, about 5 minutes. Add bay leaves, rosemary and wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to a thick gravy consistency, 5 to 7 minutes. Return meat to the pot. Add stock, then cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 hours 20 minutes. Let roast sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Remove meat to a cutting board to slice. Discard bay leaves and rosemary stems. Taste the cooking liquid and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve slices of meat in shallow bowls along with the vegetables and a generous amount of sauce ladled over 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: Pier 19 Restaurant and Bar

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