Welcome Home Winter Texan by Kristi Collier

BOOT CAMP 2014!

VOLUNTEER TODAY!

RESTAURANT REVIEW!

See information on page 13.

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See review on page 14.

Check out the fun you can have in the Rio Grande Valley!

You can be a member of Kristi’s crew!

Read what is said about Corner Bakery Café!

Welcome Home

WINTER TEXAN

• • • the official connection to the rio grande valley • • •

People often ask me how Welcome

Home, Rio Grande Valley came to be. It’s a story I never tire of telling. In 2006, I started a coupon book company. While the majority of our sales were for school fundraisers, I found that Winter Texans enjoyed purchasing the books for additional savings during their time in the Rio Grande Valley. As a small business owner, I didn’t have much of a marketing budget, so I decided to look for ways to maximize my time and resources to market efficiently and effectively to the Winter Texan market. I searched extensively for a way to get ‘in’ to talk to the decision makers at the RV parks but without much success. I found that the only way to do that was to hit the road and start introducing myself and my product to the hundreds of parks across the Rio Grande Valley. Years later, I found myself with solid relationships with the parks, and marketing my coupon books became easy. But it took years to develop those relationships. Most businesses don’t have the luxury of spending years developing

these close relationships, and with over 300 RV parks from Mission to South Padre Island, developing a plan of action can be overwhelming. (Not to mention that every business is different, so what works for one might not work for another.) That’s when it hit me in February of 2008: Why not help local businesses develop marketing plans for the winter market that will successfully fit their individual needs? Fast forward to present day. Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley now has a variety of products and services to help businesses of all shapes and sizes market their products and services, not only to the winter market but to all retirees. We pride ourselves on offering affordable marketing solutions that work. We know that every business is different and that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution. We’ve also identified niche markets within the market, which offer even more targeted solutions. At Welcome Home RGV, we’re more than a weekly newspaper. We go beyond the printed page to provide you with a variety of opportunities to promote your business. As you flip through the pages that follow, you will find samples of our new weekly newspaper, each article telling the Welcome Home RGV products and services story. You will also read testimonials from our customers who are YOUR current and potential customers, too. I’d like to invite you to spend a winter with Welcome Home RGV and to tap into the $700 million our Winter Texans spend in the Valley each year. We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

Winter Texan Expo Under New Ownership By Staff Writer

Welcome Home RGV announced in

January that they purchased the rights to the Winter Texan Expo & Health Fair from Holly Smith at Southmost Promotions. Welcome Home RGV has always been committed to providing marketing solutions to the Winter Texan Market, and the purchase of the Winter Texan Expo will allow us to increase our impact by providing our customers with another opportunity to market to the 100,000 plus Winter Texans that flock to the Rio Grande Valley each year. The Winter Texan Expo & Health Fair is a fun-filled, two-day event held each January. The 23rd Annual Winter Texan Expo & Health Fair will be held at the McAllen Convention Center January 19 and 20, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. “We are excited about what this

means for our Winter Texans and vendor partners who have enjoyed our products over the last eight years. We are looking forward to a successful show for everyone involved. In addition to offering top entertainment, we are also featuring free admission, free health screenings, free information and plenty of Door Prizes. We not only welcome our Health Community to participate in our show, we also welcome area businesses and restaurants that provide goods and services to our over-50 crowd. We are planning an Expo that caters to all of our attendees’ needs,” said Kristi Collier, President and CEO of Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley. For sponsorship or information on becoming a vendor, please call Welcome Home RGV at 956-687-5115 or visit www.wintertexanexpo.com. •

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2014-2015 SEASON SPONSORS

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

Let Us Connect the Dots Advertising Information for the Weekly Welcome

Welcome Home RGV Goes Weekly

By Staff Writer

or the past five years, Welcome Home RGV has produced a monthly magazine. Now, according to Kristi Collier, WHRGV president and CEO, the company is moving to a weekly newspaper. Winter Texans, Converted Texans, and Homegrown Texans in the Rio Grande Valley follow Collier’s weekly column in The Monitor throughout the Winter Texan season. Now readers will be able to enjoy her column on Wednesdays, too, in the Welcome Home Winter Texan. “We are excited about providing our readers, our business partners, and our

Welcome Home

WINTER TEXAN

member parks with a weekly product,” Collier said. “Our newspaper will allow us to share stories about Welcome Home RGV outreach programs, like 1st Responders, to showcase our member parks, to publish stories and pictures of the incredible volunteer work our Winter Texans perform throughout the Valley, and to provide our business partners with more opportunities to advertise everything they have to offer our seniors.” One of the highlights of the weekly publication will be guest columns and photographs by Winter Texans and seniors in our community. If you

Important Dates and Deadlines for our New Weekly Newsletter

the official connection to the Rio Grande Valley

Publisher Kristi Collier

sharon@welcomehomergv.com

Administration Amie Gray

agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins

colie@welcomehomergv.com

Sales & Marketing Cheryl Palacios

cheryl@welcomehomergv.com

1st Responder Coordinator Rita Huether rita@welcomehomergv.com

Activity Coordinator Fran Adams

fran@welcomehomergv.com

Contributing Writer Chris Ardis

news@welcomehomergv.com

Graphic Design Jenny R Carpenter silentBYTES design

artwork@welcomehomergv.com

Welcome Home rio grande valley

219 W. Nolana, Ste A • McAllen, Texas 78504

956-687-5115 www.welcomehomergv.com

© Copyright 2015 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.

Publication Date

Ad Copy Deadline

October 21, 2015 October 28, 2015 November 4, 2015 November 11, 2015 November 18, 2015 November 25, 2015 *December 2, 2015 December 9, 2015 December 16, 2015 *December 23, 2015 *January 6, 2016 January 13, 2016 January 20, 2016 January 27, 2016 February 3, 2016 February 10, 2016 February 17, 2016 February 24, 2016 March 2, 2016 March 9, 2016 March 16, 2016 *March 23, 2016

October 13, 2015 October 20, 2015 October 27, 2015 November 3, 2015 November 10, 2015 November 17, 2015 *November 17, 2015 December 1, 2015 December 8, 2015 *December 15, 2015 *December 15, 2015 January 5, 2016 January 12, 2016 January 19, 2016 January 26, 2016 February 2, 2016 February 9, 2016 February 16, 2016 February 23, 2016 March 1, 2016 March 8, 2016 *March 8, 2016

Wednesdays

kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Accounting Sharon Flores

are a writer interested in penning feature stories, restaurant reviews, or columns on specific topics, or if you have a special talent for photography, send Welcome Home RGV an email at news@welcomehomergv.com to learn more. Moving from a monthly magazine to a weekly newspaper presents a challenge Welcome Home RGV gladly accepts. “Over the past five years, we have mastered our monthly product,” Collier said. “There has been a demand for us to provide a weekly publication, and we are ready to meet that demand.” •

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Home RGV presents you opportunities to get your voice heard! We are a dedicated team in helping our community come together and enjoy life. We offer advertising space within our weekly newsletter to help you reach out and connect to each other. Below are the advertising specifications for our weekly paper and within this issue see our sample layouts to show what we offer you. For more information in advertising with us or becoming a member of our network, call today at 956-687-5115. We look forward to hearing from you!

••• Premium Full Page 9.75”W x 11.667”H Full Page 9.25”W x 10.75”H Half Page (Vertical) 4.6”W x 10.75”H Half Page (Horizontal) 9.25”W x 5.35”H Quarter Page 4.6”W x 5.35”H Eighth Page

4.6”W x 2.65”H

ENTERTAINMENT SECTION Eighth Page Quarter Page

2.25”W x 5.35”H 4.6”W x 5.35”H •••

All layout dimensions are given at actual size.

Tuesdays

*Please note that our December 2, December 23, January 6 and March 23 have an early ad deadline. Thank you.

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.”

Weekly Drawings Each week, Welcome Home RGV has a door prize drawing. Winners are selected randomly and win a wide variety of items donated by our business partners. Rudy’s BBQ bucks, Tony Roma’s gift cards, and dolphin watches with the Original Dolphin Watch are just a few examples of what we’ve given away. Each week we announce what the prize will be. This is a great (and easy!) marketing tool for your business. Contestants must register with us each week, so you know they are interested in your product or service. If you would like to donate an item or service for our weekly drawing, please call our office at 956-687-5115.

www.welcomehomergv.com

WHRGV Website Gets a Facelift By Staff Writer

guess you could say even websites need a facelift, and our website got one during the 2014-2015 season. Now you can click directly on the Calendar link to see all activities and events or click on the subdivided sections if you’re looking for something specific, from meals to sales to jam sessions. Peruse our wonderful recipes, find products and services offered by our business partners in the site’s directory, look through our classifieds (or submit one yourself), and check out our news, reviews, and blogs. Next season, we will be introducing you to some new Winter Texan reporters who inter Texans look forward to To view the 2014–2015 annual directory, visit www.welcomehomergv.com/ will write for our weekly newspaper receiving their annual Welcome products or to advertise call 956-687-5115. and/or for our web site! • Home directory. Each year 40,000 directories are printed on high quality, glossy, magazine-style ••• paper, and distributed throughout Live Area 7.875”W x 10.375”H the Rio Grande. Directories are Full Page (Bleed) 8.875”W x 11.375”H delivered to RV resorts in October Actual Size 8.375”W x 10.875”H so that they can be inserted in each Full Page (No Bleed) 8.375”W x 10.875”H park’s welcome bags. Welcome Half Page 7.375”W x 4.875”H Home RGV also distributes Quarter Page 3.625”W x 4.875”H directories throughout the season at the Don-Wes Flea Market, travel Eighth Page 3.625”W x 2.313”H information centers, the many Coupon 3.625”W x 1.753”H events that we participate in, and All layout dimensions are given at actual size. www.welcomehomergv.com Winter Texan “hot spots.”

Reserve Your Space Now

for the 8th Annual Welcome Home RGV Area Directory

Advertising Specs for Annual Directory

In-Park Expos By Staff Writer

HRGV connects its business partners with retirees across the Valley by assisting activity directors with their in-park expos and health fairs. This is particularly helpful if a business is located near an RV resort. At these expos, our partners are able to market one-on-one with retirees who are highly likely to visit their establishments. Generally, there is no charge to participate in these expos, and prior notification of these events is included as a WHRGV Perks for Partners. During the 2014-2015 season, we assisted with over 15 in-park expos. •

Llano Grande in Mercedes always puts on a great show!

~Marie Howard, PPL Motor Homes

A highlight of the Winter Texan season is the annual Community Day at Alamo Palms in Alamo.

If there is an in-park expo, expect to see Osprey Cruises there. They take full advantage of their WHRGV membership perks! ••• “I have worked with Welcome Home since I first started as property manager for Casa del Valle in Alamo. I work for PPL Motor Homes now and do the in-park expos, and these have been so good to meet with the people from all the parks, finding out their needs and how we, as a business, can help them. We are excited that Welcome Home will be weekly next year and know this will help our business in the coming year.”

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

Don-Wes Flea Market!

By Staff Writer

There’s

never a dull moment at this Donna landmark. Every season, especially during the winter months, thousands of visitors and locals make their way to the Don-Wes Flea Market to buy souvenirs and trinkets and have a bite to eat. WHRGV has a booth each season to use as our information center. In our booth, we provide information about area attractions, coupons, literature, and upcoming

event information to everyone at DonWes. Winter Hours: October through April, the Don-Wes Flea Market is open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers man the information booth at the Don-Wes Flea Market and answer questions on everything from the Valley’s best restaurants to our best dry cleaners! •

“I really enjoyed working with Welcome Home RGV this past year. It was my first time working with them, and they exceeded all of my expectations. It was not just a membership; it was much more. Being able to network with the activity directors at the trade show and attend the in-park expos was an amazing way to be able to speak to Winter Texans and Converted Texans about the benefits of pain management. It also gave us opportunities to be invited to speak at many of the parks. I really appreciate what Welcome Home RGV is doing for the Rio Grande Valley!”

“A little over a year and a half ago my wife and I did a Segway tour and fell in love with the machines. We quickly recognized the possibilities they could present in the Rio Grande Valley. Our thoughts were that we could sell and service them as well as offer tours of many beautiful locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. We started our business in the fall of 2013 and partnered with Welcome Home RGV as our sole source of marketing. With a product that has to be seen and tried in order to convince people of any age how fun and easy they are to ride, being present in front of large groups of tourists was exactly what we needed to jumpstart our business. As a member of Welcome Home RGV, we have access to so many RV parks at one time and in one location that would have taken us months to cover on our own, as well as access to park owners and activity directors. In addition to this, the parks that are members of Welcome Home RGV give us on-site opportunities to reach their residents directly through in-park expos. At these expos, we are able to teach people how to ride the Segways, which in turn brings us a multitude of tour business. As with any new business, the first few years are spent trying to reach your target market, but through Welcome Home RGV and the park expos they set up for their members, we were able to do in a few short months what would have taken us years to accomplish. It was definitely the best business decision we ever made and an excellent return on investment for our marketing dollars.”

~Victoria Villela, Center for Pain Management

~Brian R. Bunton, Segway of South Texas

Membership: Partner Perks “Because the Brownsville CVB has been a part of Welcome Home RGV, we have managed to reach Winter Texans from the Upper Valley and have had many field trips from various RV parks visit the attractions and hiking trails in Brownsville.” ~Felix Espinosa, Brownsville Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, Inc.

JOIN THE WELCOME HOME RGV

NETWORK! ••• Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley is a marketing company that is dedicated to promoting best practices in the Rio Grande Valley to the retirement community. Our target market is all retirees, not only the Winter Texans that we serve, but all Senior Citizens and retirement communities. Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley is membershipdriven and provides our members with advertising, marketing, and networking opportunities directly to our target market. Welcome Home, RGV has identified several outreach areas within our target market, which allow for more direct exposure. These outreach areas include Winter Texans, Retirement Community Activity & Tour Directors, Property Managers, First Responders, and Converted Texans. We have designed comprehensive programs for each of our outreach areas listed. Our products include our member network, annual directory, seasonal weekly magazine, website, and event-specific and/or outreach sponsorship and participation. Our additional outreach methods include our informational booth at the Don-Wes Flea Market (Donna), social media, seasonal weekly column, bi-weekly e-newsletters, as well as event sponsorship and participation at events across the Valley.

“Welcome Home RGV is a key ingredient in our marketing plan. Kristi Collier’s business has grown by leaps and bounds, connecting the dots for Winter Texans, newcomers, RV Park Managers and local businesses. For Clark Chevrolet and Clark Knapp Honda, Welcome Home RGV is like having an in-house, dedicated marketing team for this vital consumer segment.“ Michele Sparks Marketing Director Clark Chevrolet, Clark Knapp Honda

•••

WELCOME HOME FEATURED PARTNER “PERKS PROGRAM” • Includes name, address, phone number, link to website, logo, long business description on website • Standard listing in annual directory for up to three locations of the same business • Priority invitation to participate in Welcome Home sponsored events • Literature distribution at Don Wes Flea Market • Member exclusive discount on weekly print product and e-Blast promotions • Invitations to in-park expos

Join today and seize the opportunity to tap into the spending patterns of the Winter Market.

www.welcomehomergv.com

Announcing Welcome Home RGV’s Connection Fair: Connecting Your Business to the Winter Market By Staff Writer

Welcome Home RGV is once again

planning our annual Activity Director Trade Show, but after five years of hosting individual trade shows for activity directors and park managers, WHRGV announces we are combining the two events! According to Kristi Collier, the company’s president and CEO, “We believe we will add value to both the vendors and the attendees by combining the event.” Originally known as the Activity Director Trade Show,

this year’s combined event will be called the Connection Fair: Connecting your Business to the Winter Market. This trade show provides a platform for our partner businesses to connect with park managers and activity directors regarding area attractions, non-profits, tour companies, service providers, and all the Valley has to offer. This event is recognized as a ‘One-Stop Shop,’ allowing park and resort managers and activity directors to schedule activities ON THE SPOT.

Last year’s speed networking was such a success that it will definitely be on the agenda again. As far as the venue is concerned, Collier says, “We are ecstatic about moving the event to the McAllen Convention Center.” SAVE THE DATE! The Connection Fair will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2015. For more information or to get involved, please call the WHRGV office at 956-687-5115. •

What Did Our Business Partners Like Most about the WHRGV Trade Show? “Giving us the opportunity to meet as many park residents as possible in a relatively short amount of time, time saver, gas saver, etc.” ~Cris Sifuentez, Quinta Mazatlan

“The speed networking was terrific! Count us in for next year!” ~Diana LeBlanc, PPL Motor Homes

“The traffic was of higher caliber and seemed to be interested in improving their parks.”

••• ~Gary Wages, Time Warner Cable “Really enjoyed this year’s changes. Having the speed networking at first helped me find vendors related to what I was there for, and it also helped me recognize some vendors I might have just passed by who had products I could use, too. Great job by you “Speaking with everyone and making new and your staff, as always!” contacts is always a plus for our business. ~Sandra Moravitz, Alamo Country Club, Alamo Thank you for inviting Costco Wholesale!” “This was fantastic, as always. I really appreciate the Trade Show because it helps me to get into contact with vendors I may not ~Sally Perez, Costco Wholesale normally know about.” “I don’t know where to start. We liked ~Debbie Stout, Paradise South, Mercedes everything. The hall was set up great, your “It was great being able to talk with the managers of the parks face-to-face. Our chaplain also said it was great being next to Corner help was outstanding, the other vendors Bakery; he loved the chocolate chip cookies.” were very friendly, and we felt that we ~Barbara Ruesch, Christian Resort Ministries seriously accomplished a lot.” ~Mike Todd, Los Fresnos Rodeo

SAMPLE WEEKLY HALF PAGE Horizontal Spec 9.25in W x 5.35in H

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

COMMUNITIES

Record Number of Member Communities ALAMO

Alamo Country Club 438 Country Club Drive Alamo, Texas 78516 956-787-0907 www.myalamocountryclub.com Alamo Palms Mobile Home & RV Park 1341 W. Business 83 Alamo, Texas 78516 956-787-7571 • 800-780-7571 www.alamopalms.com Alamo Rose Mobile Home & RV Resort 938 South Alamo Road Alamo, Texas 78516 956-783-2600 www.alamoroserv.com Casa Del Valle RV Resort 1048 N. Alamo Road Alamo, Texas 78516 956-783-5008 www.sunrvresorts.com/casa_del_valle Trophy Gardens RV Resort 800 State Highway 495 Alamo, Texas 78516 956-787-7717 www.trophygardens.com Winter Ranch 600 State Hwy 495 Alamo, Texas 78516 956-781-1358 www.winterranchrv.com

BROWNSVILLE

Breeze Lake RV Campground 1710 N. Vermillion Ave. Brownsville, Texas 78521 956-831-4427 • 877-296-3329 www.breezelakervcampground.com Palm Resaca Mobile Home Park, Inc. 100 Tangerine Blvd. Brownsville, Texas 78521 956-546-7423 • 800-667-6881 www.palmresacapark.com Paul’s RV Park 1129 N. Minnesota Ave. Brownsville, Texas 78521 956-831-4852 • 800-352-5010 www.paulsrvpark.com Winter Haven Resort 3501 Old Port Isabel Road Brownsville, Texas 78526 956-831-7755 www.winterhavenresort.com

CASTROVILLE

Alsatian Resort 1581 County Road 4516 Castroville, Texas 78009 830-931-9190

DONNA

Big Valley Trailer Park 109 W. Business Highway 83 Donna, Texas 78537 956-464-4159 Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park 1051 W. US Hwy 83 Donna, Texas 78537 956-464-5191 www.bit-o-heaven.net Palm Shadows RV Resort 200 N. Val Verde Road Donna, Texas 78537 956-464-3324 • 800-221-0987 www.palmshadowsrvpark.com Victoria Palms RV Resort 602 N. Victoria Road Donna, Texas 78537 956-464-7801 • 800-551-5303 www.victoriapalms.com

V parks and retirement communities invest in Welcome Home RGV just like local businesses do. Our community membership has more than doubled in the past two years, with a record number of 79 participating parks and retirement communities! These communities have a slightly different benefit structure than our business partners but enjoy many of the same great opportunities. •

EDINBURG

Bridges Assisted Living 5208 S. Sugar Road Edinburg, Texas 78539 956-782-9882 Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club 2919 N. Kenyon Road Edinburg, Texas 78541 956-342-0034 www.playgolf4life.com

HARLINGEN

Golden Palms Retirement & Health Center 2101 Treasure Hills Blvd. Harlingen, Texas 78550 956-430-3100 www.goldenpalmsretirementliving.com Lakewood RV Resort 4525 Graham Road Harlingen, Texas 78552 956-423-1170 • 877-570-2267 www.rvonthego.com Palm Gardens Resort 3401 W. Business 83 Harlingen, Texas 78552 956-423-7670 • 888-960-7256 www.palmgardensresort.com Paradise Park RV Resort 1201 N. Expressway 77 Harlingen, Texas 78552 956-425-6881 • 800-425-1201 www.rvonthego.com Park Place Estates 5401 W. Business 83 Harlingen, Texas 78552 956-428-4414 www.parkplaceestatesrv.com Sunshine RV Resort 1900 Grace Avenue Harlingen, Texas 78550 956-428-4137 www.rvonthego.com/Sunshine-RV-Resort Tropic Winds RV Resort 1501 N. Loop 499 Harlingen, Texas 78550 956-423-4020 • 800-458-6086 www.rvonthego.com/texas/ tropic-winds-rv-resort

LA FERIA

Kenwood RV Resort 1201 N. Main St. # 1 La Feria, Texas 78559 956-797-1851 • 888-427-1042 www.kenwoodrv.com VIP La Feria RV Park 600 E. Expressway 83 La Feria, Texas 78559 956-797-1041 www.viplaferia.com

McALLEN

Adobe Wells 4901 Daffodil Ave. McAllen, Texas 78501 956-686-8801 www.adobewells.com Citrus Valley RV Park 2901 W. State Highway 107 McAllen, Texas 78504 956-383-8189 • 866-383-8180 www.citrusvalleyrvpark.com Heritage Village 2105 S. Cynthia Street McAllen, Texas 78503 956-631-4422 Homestead Ranch 400 N. McColl McAllen, Texas 78501 956-686-3164

McAllen Mobile Park 4900 N. McColl McAllen, Texas 78504 956-682-3304 • 800-847-6055 www.mcallenmobilepark.com

Lemon Tree RV Inn 1740 E. Business 83 Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-6861 www.lemontreervinn.net

Paradise Park Inc., McAllen 100 E. Hackberry Ave. McAllen, Texas 78501 956-682-8081 www.paradiseparkinc.com

Martin Valley Ranches 7400 W. Expressway 83 Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-2131 • 800-257-4497 www.martinvalley.com

The Homestead 2701 N. McColl McAllen, Texas 78501 956-682-5392 www.nodelparks.com

Mission Gardens Resort 930 W. Expressway 83 Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-5671 www.missiongardensresort.com

MERCEDES

Mobile Gardens 1901 N. Glasscock Road Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-9829 • 886-585-9829 www.mobilegardenscommunity.com

Llano Grande Resort 2215 E. West Blvd. Mercedes, Texas 78570 956-565-2638 • 800-656-2638 www.llanogranderesort.com Paradise South RV Resort 9099 N. Mile 2 West Mercedes, Texas 78570 956-565-2044 • 877-362-6736 www.rvonthego.com/Paradise-South

MISSION

Aladdin Villas 1415 Aladdin Villas Blvd. West Mission, Texas 78572 956-581-1288 www.aladdinvillas.org Bentsen Grove Resort 810 Bentsen Palm Drive Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-7011 • 866-585-7011 www.bentsengroveresort.com Bentsen Palm Village 2500 S. Bentsen Palm Drive Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-5568 • 877-247-3727 www.bentsenpalm.com/ bentsen-palm-village-rv-resort Bridges Alzheimer’s Assisted Living 1201 St. Claire Blvd. Mission, Texas 78572 956-519-9800 Canyon Lake RV Resort 4770 N. Mayberry Road Mission, Texas 78573 956-580-4545 • 877-550-7961 www.canyonlakervresort.com Chimney Park RV Resort 4224 S. Conway Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-5061 www.chimneyparkresort.com Dream Valley Ranch 2401 N. Abram Road Mission, Texas 78572 956-519-3339 El Valle Del Sol 2500 E. Business 83 Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-5704 www.inspirecom.com Enchanted Valley Ranch 7300 Monroe Street Mission, Texas 78572 956-519-8597 www.evrmission.com Fiesta Village 205 S. Stewart Road Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-9264 www.fiestavillagetx.com Leisure Valley Ranch 1920 E. Bogey Drive Mission, Texas 78572 956-424-1858 www.martinvalley.com

Pharr South 1402 S. Cage Blvd. Pharr, Texas 78577 956-787-7839 Texas Trails RV Resort 501 W. Owassa Road Pharr, Texas 78577 956-787-6538 www.texastrailsrv.com Tip O’ Texas RV Resort 101 E. Sioux Rd. Pharr, Texas 78577 956-787-9959 www.tipotexasrv.com Tropic Star RV Resort 1401 S. Cage Blvd. Pharr, Texas 78577 956-787-5957 www.tropicstarrv.com

PORT ISABEL

Oleander Acres 2421 S. Conway Avenue Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-9093 • 800-880-9093 www.oleanderacres.com

Port Isabel Park Center, Inc. 702 Champion Port Isabel, Texas 78578 956-943-7340 www.piparkcenter.com

Pleasant Valley Resort 7320 W. Expressway 83 Mission, Texas 78572 956-580-2940 www.pleasantvalleyresort.com

La Jarra Ranch 700 FM 3168, Suite 7 Raymondville, Texas 78580 956-689-1860 www.lajarra.com

Retama Village 2500 S. Bentsen Palm Drive Mission, Texas 78572 956-380-6500 ext 726 www.bentsenpalm.com/retama-village Rollin Home MH Park 3131 N. Conway Mission, Texas 78572 956-581-4482 Seven Oaks Resort 801 S. Inspiration Road Mission, Texas 78572 956-581-0068 • 800-581-9353 www.sevenoaksresort.com Sleepy Valley Ranch 2301 N. Abram Road Mission, Texas 78572 956-581-1871 www.sleepyvalleyresort.com Split Rail RV Park 513 N. Los Ebanos Road Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-8135 • 888-581-2410 www.splitrailrvpark.com

RAYMONDVILLE

RIO HONDO

Hummingbird Cove RV Park 32637 FM 2925 Rio Hondo, Texas 78583 956-245-1544 www.hummingbirdcovervpark.com

SAN BENITO

Fun N Sun RV Resort 1400 Zillock Road San Benito, Texas 78586 956-399-5125 • 800-399-5127 www.funnsunrvresort.com

SAN MARCOS

Pecan Park Riverside RV and Cabins 50 Squirrel Run San Marcos, Texas 78666 512-396-0070

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

South Padre Island KOA 1 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, Texas 78597 800-562-9724 www.southpadrekoa.com

WESLACO

Waterford Gardens 1522 E. Griffin Parkway Mission, Texas 78572 956-584-1984

Country Sunshine RV Resort 1601 S. Airport Road Weslaco, Texas 78596 956-969-1557 • 877-570-2267 www.rvonthego.com

Winter Green Estates 500 N. Bryan Road, E-1 Mission, Texas 78572 586-255-7379

John Knox Village of the Rio Grande Valley 1300 S. Border Avenue Weslaco, Texas 78596 956-968-4575

PALMVIEW

Leisure World 400 E. 18th Street Weslaco, Texas 78596 956-968-8412 877-693-5563 www.leisureworldrvresort.com Snow to Sun RV Resort 1701 N. International Blvd. Weslaco, Texas 78596 956-968-0322 • 888-256-4430 www.sunrvresorts.com/snow_to_sun Southern Comfort RV Resort 1501 S. Airport Drive Weslaco, Texas 78596 956-968-3140 • 800-459-4525 www.rvonthego.com Trails End MH & RV Park 2001 S. Texas Blvd. Weslaco, Texas 78596 956-968-5051 • 877-488-8354 www.trailsendrvresort.com

Eldorado Acres 610 N. FM 492 Palmview, Texas 78574 956-581-6718 • 800-257-4497 www.eldoradoacres.com

PHARR

Brook Ridge Retirement Community 1301 W. Ridge Road Pharr, Texas 78577 956-787-3933 Holiday Village 1501 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, Texas 78577 956-787-9493 • 1-800-400-6580 Paradise Resort Estates, LLC 301 E. Hall Acres Road Pharr, Texas 78577 956-787-1521

www.welcomehomergv.com

We Wintenrs! Texa www.w

elcomeho

mergv.co

Volunteer Corner:

Become a Member of Kristi’s Crew By Staff Writer

making new friends at every event. Shown on the left is a tailgate party prior to a RGV Vipers game! Interested in volunteering? Join Kristi’s Crew! WHRGV has over 50 volunteers from RV parks across the Valley. Volunteers are an integral part of the Winter Texan lifestyle. WHRGV volunteers assist with office work, provide information in our booth at the Don-Wes Flea Market, and help at WHRGV events and activities throughout the season. Kristi’s Crew is also called upon to work at other It’s not all work and no play with festivals and events across the Valley. WHRGV. Each season, we have a For more info, call the Welcome Home variety of fun events for our volunteers RGV office at 956-687-5115. • to both work and mix and mingle, ur WHRGV volunteers kicked off the 2014-2015 season with a breakfast meeting at Rudy’s BBQ in Pharr. During this breakfast, volunteers signed up to work at various events throughout the Winter Texan season.

SAMPLE WEEKLY QUARTER PAGE 4.6in W x 5.35in H

Welcome Home RGV has three ways

to join the conversation on Facebook. Our WHRGV 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 news@welcomehomergv.com, www.facebook.com/whrgv and we will be happy to post them on www.facebook.com/wintertexan our social media sites any time! Perks www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv for Partners! •

Workshop for Activity Directors an Outstanding Success

By Staff Writer

Before

the 2013-2014 season, WHRGV created an Activity Director 101 Workshop, designed to aid and assist first-year directors. We created this workshop after noticing that the turnover rate for activity directors can be relatively high. This 2013-2014 workshop, held at Palm Shadows (Donna) was led by Fran Adams. Fran joined the WHRGV team in 2014 after serving as activity director at Trophy

Gardens (Alamo) for seven years. Fran’s workshop was a big hit, with over 100 directors in attendance. It included a panel of new, experienced, current, and retired activity directors from parks of all sizes across the RGV who had invaluable information to share. The format consisted of an overview of resources available to activity directors.

••• “I took lots of notes! The format was well planned, there was time for Q & A, and details were provided when needed. We heard good examples of past problems and fixes from other attendees. All around, I appreciated all the effort and planning put into these events. I’m not just saying this to make you feel good, but I don’t have any suggestions for improvement! Looking forward to the next one.” ~Susan Thomas, Bit-O-Heaven RV and Mobile Home Park, Donna

“Wow! Cannot believe all of the information we received today! Thank you so much for all you do and for the advice you have for all the activity directors and assistants at the RV parks! I am looking forward to the next workshop!” ~Liz Howard, Paradise South Resort, Mercedes

“We especially appreciated the comments from the past activity directors. We have a checklist and will be assessing our performance as activity directors on how we can or are using the principles they outlined for us. It was good to communicate and compare notes with others in the same situations. We got lots of useful information!” ~Lorna Bywaters, Palm Shadows, Donna

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

PARK NEWS Parks can submit their articles and event happenings to news@welcomehomergv.com. Articles must include a contact name and phone number and are

limited to a 750-word maximum. Articles are subject to editing and will be run according to available space. Remember that the early bird often gets the worm (or the space, in this case). The deadline for submission is Tuesday at noon.

del Valle Appointed Advocate-at-Large Mabel’s Building Mission at Canyon Lake RV Park Bill Lang from Casa for Winter Texan Community

Mabel’s Building Mission was started in Canyon Lake RV Park in 1992 by a retired minister and his wife who ran it until 2012. They retired, and Bill Kunzman and his wife, Phyllis, took over. Since its inception, Mabel’s Building Mission has constructed 430 homes with 20 being built during the winter of 2013-14. At present, the cost of construction is $1400, which covers a 12x16 house with two windows and a door on a concrete slab. Normally, only residents of Canyon Lake can participate in building the house, but we happily allow others to help build if they donate money for the house. Each homeowner also receives a box of food, which is larger this year because of the economy, blankets for each member of the family, a small bench, a table, a Spanish Bible, pots and pans, silverware, clothing for each family member, bicycles, toys, and any furniture or carpet we can

find around the campground. When someone replaces a chair, mattress, or hide-a-bed in the park we grab the gently-used item for the mission. The family must own, lease, or be in the process of buying the property where the house will be built. The property owner must have a job. Mabel’s Building Mission verifies that each family is indeed in need. When family members help build the house, we provide them with a hammer and nails. Most of our fundraising is through churches up North or by individuals. Mabel’s Building Mission is a federal tax-exempt organization known as Mabel’s Free Clinic. There are no “middle men” or paid executives. One hundred percent of all monies donated are used for the group’s projects. Contact Bill or Phyllis Kunzman if you would like more information about Mabel’s Building Mission.

Fruit and Vegetable Derby at Fiesta Village

CONGRATULATIONS to William (Bill) R. Lang of Casa del Valle RV Park in Alamo, who has been appointed to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee of the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization as an advocate-at-large representing the Winter Texan community. The HCMPO is a federally-funded program that works with Hidalgo County communities and the Texas Department of Transportation to plan for the county’s future transportation needs, including the needs of cyclists and pedestrians. Bill can be contacted at w5lang@yahoo.com. Shown above is Bill crossing the finish line after riding a cumulative of 500 miles.

Casa del Valle Hosts Cookie Exchange

The 1st Annual Fruit and Vegetable Derby was held at Fiesta Village in Mission. Contestants gathered around to see which entry would walk away with both the grand prize and bragging rights.

Aladdin Villas Donates to Boys and Girls Club of Mission Aladdin Villas’ activity president, Tom Fairclough, went to the Boys and Girls Club in Mission December 22, 2014 to make a donation from the park’s community amounting to $500. Tom also delivered chocolate cookies and a few gallons of punch. Residents of Aladdin Villas collected cans during their social hour gatherings and cashed them in. In addition, this year at their Christmas Program, residents took up a collection for the Boys and Girls Club. When Tom arrived at the club with the cookies and punch, the kids were so excited!

Want to advertise in our weekly or got news to share? Call today 956-687-5115

Renie Stinson chooses cookies while Shirley Johnson watches. Casa Del Valle had their first cookie exchange in their park today. Several park residents asked if they could have a cookie exchange, and everyone was glad a couple of the gals got together to pull it off. There were about 21 gals and guys who took part in this fun event. Case Del Valle put four people at a table with numbers at each place setting. They drew numbers one to four, and when a person’s number came up, he/she could get two cookies each time until they had as many cookies as they brought. A Christmas story was told, along with several funny jokes. Punch and coffee were available, and there was lots of good talking. Residents of Case Del Valle want to do this again, so let the planning begin.

New Jam Director at Paradise Park: McAllen

Glen “Buddy” Collins is the new Jam Director for Paradise Park in McAllen. Glen began his singing career riding in the back of his sister’s car. Every Sunday afternoon they would go for a drive with Glen serenading to all of Elvis’ songs. Glen played the guitar, but it wasn’t until he was in the service in the Philippines that he actually had lessons from an Army buddy who was a music teacher. In 1965, at Travis AFB in California, Glen formed his first band, Buddy Collins and the Western Swingers. His band was booked to open for Bob Wills in Napa Valley and also for Freddy Hart as a back-up band.

In 1972, Glen had his own TV show on KTUL, a leading channel in Muskogee, OK. He has made guest appearances at the Ozark Country Music Opry and The Little O’ Oprey in Arkansas. The last few years, Glen has been playing bass guitar with his band, Levy Country. In August 2013, Glen was honored by being inducted into the Northwest Western Swing Music Society at Auburn Eagles in Auburn, Washington. We look forward to another great year with Glen as our variety jam director. Please plan to attend our jams every Tuesday at 1:00 pm at Paradise Park, Inc. at 100 E. Hackberry in McAllen.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SAMPLE CALENDAR Week of March 11, 2015

DANCE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015 Intermediate Line Dancing 9:00 AM Park Place Estates 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen $1.00 pp For information, call: 956-428-4414 Square Dance 10:00 AM Tropic Star RV Resort 1401 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr For information, call: 956-787-5773 Ballroom Dance Classes by Grethe Sullivan 11:00 AM Victoria Palms RV Resort 602 N. Victoria Road, Donna Professional experienced teacher. Beginning level and intermediate level. Clyde Janssen: cnkdancers@yahoo.com Beginner Line Dance 1:00 PM Bit-O-Heaven RV & Mobile Home 1051 W. US Hwy 83, Donna $30.00 for 10 lessons Susan Thomas: 956-464-5191 Country Dance Lessons 1:00 PM Pine to Palm Resort Park 802 S. International $5.00 pp Singles are welcome but need a partner. For more information, call Bob: 972-220-9285 or 956-566-5786 Line Dance 1:00 PM Lakewood RV Resort 4525 Graham Road, Harlingen Donations / Non-Residents $2.00 pp For information, call: 956-428-7116

Looking for something to do here in the Rio Grande Valley? Our calendar of events has been the go-to source

for our retirees to check out the lighter side of the Valley by listing entertainment events, dances, meals, jam sessions, meetings, and even garage sales. For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email calendar@welcomehomergv.com. The deadline for submission is Tuesday at noon. • Dance w/Hear Jazz Here 1:30 PM Country Side MH & RV Park 100 N. Valley View, Donna FREE Admission For information, call: 918-916-0541 Intermediate Line Dance 2:30 PM Bit-O-Heaven RV & Mobile Home 1051 W. US Hwy 83, Donna Susan Thomas: 956-464-5191 Social Hour Dance w/Diego 3:00 PM Siesta Village, Weslaco Pass the Hat For more info, call Ron 317-417-9398 Line Dance 6:00 PM Fun-N-Sun Resort 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito For information, call: 956-399-5800 Dance w/Bottomline Band 7:00 PM Tip O’Texas RV Resort 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr $5.00 pp. Setups and snacks available. Steve & Sue Graham: 956-787-6461 Dance w/Diego 7:00 PM Leisure World 400 E. 18th Street, Weslaco $5.00 pp Jim Staton: 620-229-4197 Farewell Dance 7:00 PM Alamo Palms MH & RV Park 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo For information, call: 217-737-5677 Old Time Dance w/Al Mikesh 7:00 PM Fiesta Village RV Park 205 S. Stewart Road, Mission For information, call: 956-585-9264

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015

Square Dance 10:00 AM Tropic Star RV Resort 1401 S. Cage Boulevard, Pharr For information, call: 956-787-5773 Workshop Review 12:30 PM Park Place Estates 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen For information, call: 956-428-4414 Square & Round Dance w/Nick & Shirley 3:00 PM Lakewood RV Resort 4525 Graham Road, Harlingen For information, call: 956-428-7116 Pool Party w/The Castaway 4:30 PM Alamo Country Club 438 Country Club Drive, Alamo For information, call: 956-787-0907 Dance w/Jealous Heart 7:00 PM Alamo Palms MH & RV Park 1314 W. Business 83, Alamo $5.00 pp For information, call: 956-787-7571 Dance w/Ralph & The Cruisers 7:00 PM Pine to Palm Resort Park 802 S. International Blvd., Weslaco $10.00 pp. Singles welcome. BYOB. Dance w/South Texas Whiskey 7:00 PM Magnolia Park 3707 E. Hwy 83, Donna $4.00 pp. BYOB. For information, call: 414-640-0994 Dance w/Swing Street Band 7:00 PM Victoria Palms RV Resort 602 N. Victoria Road, Donna For information, call: 956-782-3263

Intermediate Line Dance 9:00 AM Tropic Winds RV Resort 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen For information, call: 956-423-5484 Night Club Dance Lessons 10:00 AM Tip O’Texas RV Resort 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr For more information, contact: Bob 972-220-9285 West Coast Swing Dance Lessons 11:00 AM Tip O’Texas RV Resort 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr For more information, contact: Bob 972-220-9285 Mainstream Workshop 12:30 PM Alamo Palms MH & RV Park 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo For information, call: 217-737-5677 Square Dance Plus Workshop 12:30 PM Alamo Palms MH & RV Park 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo For information, call: 217-737-5677 Round Dance w/Shirley 1:00 PM Lakewood RV Resort, 4525 Graham Rd., Harlingen For information, call: 956-428-7116 Square Dance Class 1:00 PM Park Place Estates 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen For information, call: 956-428-4414 •

Christmas for the Needy at Alamo Palms

Red Hat Queens Council

Each year, the residents of Alamo Palms spend countless hours fundraising, shopping, wrapping, and organizing for their Christmas for the Needy project. These are the boxes waiting to be filled with food and gifts. Over 100 volunteers filled sacks with towels, quilts, soaps, dental needs, books, and caps. Merry Christmas, indeed!

The Red Hat Queens Council met for an end-of-season luncheon at Mr. Gatti’s in McAllen. Queens and vice queens from parks across the Valley attended this fun event. For more information on the Queens Council, contact Sharon Newcomer at 956-973-0976.

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015 Dixon & Company 3:00 PM Ice House Bar & Grill - Outdoor Patio 815 Francisco Avenue, Mission No cover charge. Beer, wine & set-ups. For information, call: 956-226-3433. Entertainment w/Wildside 5:30 PM American Legion Post 101 417 S. Cage, Pharr For information, call: 956-787-7451 Entertainment w/Jeff Hunt 6:30 PM Bit-O-Heaven RV & MH Park 1051 W. US Hwy 83, Donna Susan Thomas: 956-464-5191 “The Tribute” Billy Joel & Elton John 7:00 PM Sunshine RV Resort 1900 Grace Avenue, Harlingen $12.00 pp. Advance tickets for sale. For information, call: 956-425-7448 Entertainment w/Dixon & Company 7:00 PM Country Side MH & RV Park 100 N. Valley View Road, Donna $5.00 pp For information, call: 918-916-0541

Entertainment w/John Sager 7:00 PM Paradise Park RV Resort 1201 N. Expressway 77, Harlingen $10.00 pp For information, call: 956-425-6881 Entertainment w/Mario 7:00 PM Paradise Resort Estates 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr $6.00 pp For information, call: 956-329-8770 Entertainment w/Sherwin & Pam Linton Show 7:00 PM Gateway RV & Mobile Home Park Farm to Market 3168, Raymondville For information call 763-786-8535. Entertainment w/Susan Carmen 7:00 PM Bentsen Grove Resort 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission $6.00 pp For information, call: 956-585-0703

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 Entertainment w/Dixon & Company 3:00 PM Pecker’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 1600 N. Westgate, Weslaco Entertainment w/Denim & Diamonds 6:00 PM Trophy Gardens RV Resort 800 State Hwy 495, Alamo $6.00 pp. Tickets sold in advance. Last minute tickets sold at the door. For information, call: 956-783-1003

“The Piano Man” Billy Joel and Elton John 7:00 PM Southern Comfort RV Resort 1501 S. Airport Drive, Weslaco $12.00 pp in advance • $15.00 pp at door For information, call: 956-638-3158 Entertainment w/Southern Anthem 7:00 PM Bentsen Palm RV Park 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission $5.00 pp. Tickets sold at the door. For information, call: 956-585-5807

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 Entertainment w/Jack Kay “Lost in Time” 5:30 PM American Legion Post 101 417 S. Cage, Pharr For information, call: 956-787-7451 Concert w/Piano Man 7:00 PM Paradise South RV Resort 9099 N. Mile 2 West Road, Mercedes $12.00 pp in advance • $15.00 pp at door For information, call: 956-825-9509 Entertainment w/Denim & Diamond 7:00 PM Tropic Winds RV Resort 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen twactivities@gmail.com 956-423-5484 Entertainment w/Sherwin & Pam Linton Show 7:00 PM Country Palms RV Park 600 E. FM 495, San Juan For information, call: 763-786-8535

Entertainment w/Southern Anthem 7:00 PM Circle T RV & MH Park 1820 Clay Tolle Street, Mission For information, call: 956-783-5440 Entertainment w/Winter Orchestra 7:00 PM Enchanted Valley Ranch 7300 Monroe Street, Mission $4.00 pp For information, call: 605-321-5627

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015 Jolly Huntsmen Duo Polka Music 1:00 PM Riverside Club 214 Chimney Road, Mission For information, call: 956-638-1545 Entertainment w/Country Kickin 7:00 PM Roadrunner RV Park 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Road, Alamo $5.00 pp For information, call: 712-259-2222 Entertainment w/Country Kickin 7:00 PM Roadrunner RV Park 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Road, Alamo $5.00 pp For information, call 712-259-2222 Entertainment w/Jim Kenney 7:00 PM Fiesta Village RV Park 205 S. Stewart Road, Mission Tickets up to $7.00 pp 763-772-2363 or 507-251-0172 •

FUN N SUN RV RESORT DANCE

Couples 2 Step/Waltz Every Wednesday • 7:30 PM Line Dance Every Wednesday • 6:00 PM Classic Rock Dance March 21 • 7:00 PM

SAMPLE WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT ABBA Fab ENTERTAINMENT March 7 • 7:00 PM Luau EIGHTH with Ralph andPAGE The Cruisers March 9 • 4:30 PM LAYOUT The Piano Man March W 14 x • 7:00 PM H 2.25in 5.35in

JAM

Open Variety Jam Every Wednesday • 1:00 PM

SALE

Craft Show : Exhibition Only March 7 • 8:00 AM Arts & Craft Show March 14,28 • 8:00 AM

956-399-5125

1400 Zillock Road San Benito, Texas 78586

SAMPLE WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT EIGHTH PAGE LAYOUT

2.25in W x 5.35in H

SAMPLE WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT QUARTER PAGE LAYOUT 4.6in W x 5.35in H

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JAM SESSIONS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015 Bluegrass Jam 9:00 AM Bentsen Palm RV Park 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission FREE Admission For information, call: 956-585-5807 Musical Jam 12:30 PM Paradise Resort Estates 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr All musicians welcome. For information, call: 956-223-9359 Open Jam 12:30 PM Sunshine RV Resort - Recreation Hall 1900 Grace Avenue, Harlingen Jerry Swarts: 956-357-7274 swartsjerry@gmail.com Open Variety Jam 1:00 PM Eastgate MH & RV Park 2801 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen For information, call: 956-244-5138 Open Variety Jam 1:00 PM Fun-N-Sun Resort - Recreation Hall 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito Dianne Tanner: 956-399-5800 Acoustical Jam 2:00 PM Park Place Estates 5401 W. Business 83, Harlingen FREE Admission - Open to the Public Musicians by invitation Charlie: 308-379-4586 Big Band Jam 2:00 PM Valley View Estates 2100 Vernon, Mission 50/50 tickets . No charge. By invitation. Circle T Jam 6:00 PM Circle T RV Park 1820 W. Clay Tolle Street, Mission Everyone is welcome For information, call: 920-905-3241

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 Rock n’ Roll Jam 11:30 AM Enchanted Valley Ranch 7300 Monroe Street, Mission For information, call: 605-321-5627

Country & Western Jam 12:30 PM Bentsen Grove Resort 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information, call: 956-585-0703 Dulcimer Jam 1:00 PM Texas Trails RV Resort 501 W. Owassa Road, Pharr For information, call: 956-782-7886 Jam Session 1:00 PM W & I Resort 206 S. Stewart Road, Mission For information, call: 956-585-6594 Jazz Jam Big Band 1:00 PM Alamo Palms MH & RV Park - Main Hall 1341 W. Business 83, Alamo Free Admission • Performers: Invite only For information, call: 712-310-9615 Open Country Jam 1:00 PM Bluebonnet RV Park 3366 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information, call: 956-585-3188 Big Band Jam 1:30 PM Dream Valley Ranch, Inc. 2401 N. Abram Road, Mission Pass the Hat For information, call: 660-464-0118 Rock & Roll Jam 6:00 PM Canyon Lake RV Resort 4770 N. Mayberry Road, Mission For information, call: 512-938-3308 Rock n’ Roll Jam 6:00 PM Alamo Rec Veh Park 1320 W. Frontage Rd., Alamo FREE Admission Jam Host: Daryl & Heike Schueller For information, call: 956-279-2698 Big Band Jam 6:30 PM La Hacienda Estates South Tower Road, Alamo Myra Almen: 956-783-2557

Country Jam 1:00 PM McAllen Mobile Park 4900 N. McColl Rd., McAllen Dessert table, donations are accepted. Friday Jam 1:00 PM Trails End MH & RV Park 2001 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco Frank Vande Graaf, President Jam Session 1:00 PM Tropic Winds RV Resort 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen twactivities@gmail.com 956-423-5484 Jam Session 1:00 PM Split Rail RV Park 513 N. Los Ebanos Road, Mission FREE Admission Gary Legrid, Jam Leader. Come join us for good music and dancing. Cookies and coffee will be served. Jam will continue until everyone gets to play!! Variety Jam 1:00 PM Bentsen Palm RV Park 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission FREE Admission Coffee & homemade goodies For information, call 956-585-5807 Jam Session 2:00 PM Llano Grande Lake Park Resort 2215 E. West Blvd., Mercedes Donna Farrell: 956-565-1506

Jam Session 4:30 PM Hidden Valley Ranch 7600 Long Drive, Mission Refreshments available at 4:30 PM Jam starts at 5:30 pm 956--580-4477 Friday Night Jam Session 6:00 PM Fountain At Penitas RV Park 304 19th St., Penitas Donations Accepted Big Band Jam 7:00 PM Palm Shadows RV Park 200 N. Val Verde Road, Donna Musician/Vocalists by request ONLY. For more information, contact: Judy Mason 956-998-9199

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 Lunch & Country Jam 11:00 AM Winter Ranch RV Resort 600 Hwy 495, Alamo For information, call 956-783-4587 Country Jam 12:30 PM Green Gate Grove 700 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission Lunch served at 11:00 am For information, call 319-795-8101 Jam 12:30 PM Big Valley RV Park 109 W. Bus Hwy 83, Donna For information, call 319-330-7724 •

Off-Season Meetings with Managers By Staff Writer

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 Jam Session 12:30 PM Casa Del Sol RV Park 400 N. Val Verde Road, Donna FREE Admission Harvey Girard: 956-464-9024

Shown above are park managers from across the Rio Grande Valley. This meeting was held at Trails End Resort in Weslaco and sponsored by Coba Systems.

SAMPLE WEEKLY EIGHTH PAGE 4.6in W x 2.65in H

ost people think that when the Winter Texan season is over, everyone gets to relax, but that’s when the real work begins. Property managers spend the majority of their summers working on capital improvements – from re-surfacing the swimming pools to painting the rec hall and polishing the floors just in time for the next season. Throughout the summer, WHRGV facilitates

networking luncheons for property managers to get together and discuss topics of interest, such as marketing, Wi-Fi, and rising property taxes. The meetings are held at different parks and tours are offered so they see what other amenities parks have to offer. Meeting sponsorships are available. For more information please call 956-687-5115. •

Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

MEALS

SAMPLE WEEKLY HALF PAGE Vertical Spec 4.6in W x 10.75in H

Fish Dinner 4:30 PM Paradise Park, Inc. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015 100 E. Hackberry Avenue, McAllen Buy Tickets in Advance Biscuits & Gravy For information, call: 956-661-0269 7:00 AM Fish Fry, Breaded Shrimp or Chicken Bentsen Grove Resort 5:00 PM 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission For information, call: 956-585-0703 McAllen Elks Lodge No. 1402 Pancake Breakfast 3500 Jordan Road West, McAllen 7:00 AM $9.00 pp Enchanted Valley Ranch For information, call: 956-686-3902 7300 Monroe Street, Mission Shrimp/Fish Dinner & Dance w/DJ Big Daddy $3.00 pp. BYO table service. 5:00 PM For information, call: 605-321-5627 Siesta Retirement Village Ham Ball Dinner 2712 S. International Blvd., Weslaco 4:00 PM $15.00 pp Restful Valley Ranch Tickets must be purchased by March 9. 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission For information, call: 956-351-5393 $7.00 Advance. BYO table service. Fish, Shrimp & Chicken Strip Dinner For information, call: 815-590-1301 5:30 PM Hamburger/Hotdog/Chicken Meals American Legion Post 101 5:00 PM 417 S. Cage, Pharr Pleasant Valley Resort For information, call: 956-279-2698. 7320 W. Expressway 83, Mission Friday Fish Fry $5.00 pp Yvonne & Jack Krostag, Activity Directors: 5:30 PM 956-580-2940 Weslaco Elks Lodge No. 2057 Homemade Spaghetti Night 201 S. Border Avenue, Weslaco 5:30 PM COD $9.00 per plate Weslaco Elks Lodge No. 2057 CATFISH $8.00 per plate 201 S. Border Avenue, Weslaco SHRIMP $8.00 per plate $6.00/plate. COMES WITH THE Plate includes choice of fish, french fries, WORKS!! hush puppies cole slaw, coffee or tea. Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce & Salad 5:30 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015 American Legion Post 101 Breakfast 417 S. Cage, Pharr For information, call: 956-787-7451 7:00 AM Restful Valley Ranch THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 7130 W. Expressway 83, Mission Burgers & More $3.00 pp 11:00 AM For information, call: 815-590-1301 Bentsen Grove Resort Breakfast Served 810 Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission 7:00 AM For information, call: 956-585-0703 Alamo Rec Veh Park Thursday Lunch 1320 W. Frontage Road, Alamo 11:00 AM Menu varies each week. The Grove For information, call: 956-783-5440 613 E. Business 83, San Juan Saturday Breakfast! For information, call: 651-249-5068 7:00 AM Ladies Luncheon w/Greg Jones Chimney Park RV Resort 12:00 PM 4224 S. Conway, Mission Sunshine RV Resort - Friendship Hall $3.50 pp. BYO place setting. 1900 Grace Avenue, Harlingen $10.00 pp Call 956-585-5061 for more information Burgers before Jam Show & Tell, Pancakes & More 4:00 PM 7:00 AM Canyon Lake RV Resort Aladdin Villas 4770 N. Mayberry Road, Mission 1415 Aladdin Villas Blvd., Mission For information, call: 512-938-3308 $3.50 pp Soup Supper-BYOBOWL Call Nancy 956-369-2994 4:00 PM Breakfast at Pleasant Valley Resort Bit-O-Heaven RV & Mobile Home 7:30 AM 1051 W. US Hwy 83, Donna 7320 W. Expressway 83, Mission Susan Thomas: 956-464-5191 $3.00 pp. BYO tableware. Meat, Draw & Wings Yvonne & Jack Krostag, Activity Directors: 5:30 PM 956-580-2940 American Legion Post 101 Breakfast 417 S. Cage, Pharr 7:30 AM For information, call: 956-787-7451 Paradise Resort Estates 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015 For information, call: 361-230-4383 Friday Lunch Breakfast is Served! 11:30 AM 7:30 AM Trails End MH & RV Park Lakewood RV Resort 2001 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco 4525 Graham Road, Harlingen Mary Ellen Swartz: 956-428-7116 • Frank Vande Graaf: 956-968-5051

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BOOT CAMP 2014

A Week at Boot Camp for Activity Directors By Staff Writer

So often, activity and tour directors

haven’t had the chance to see the myriad opportunities for exploration and fun the RGV has to offer. How can they promote a tour or attraction if they haven’t experienced it themselves? After asking ourselves that question, we developed the WHRGV Boot Camp, allowing activity

directors an opportunity to familiarize themselves with different attractions and to network with fellow directors. Over the last five years, the WHRGV Boot Camp has taken these directors to see and to experience the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory), the International Museum of Art

and Science (IMAS) in McAllen, the museums in San Benito, the Museums of Port Isabel, the Confederate Air Force Museum, the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, Estero Llano Grande State Park, the National Butterfly Center, Fireman’s Park, Quinta Mazatlan, the Tierra del Sol golf course, the McAllen Recycling

Center, Hilltop Gardens, a Port of Brownsville Cruise, a South Padre • Island Dolphin Watch, Pirate Ship, the SPI Birding Center, Downtown Harlingen, the Gladys Porter Zoo, the Los Fresnos Rodeo, and Rio Grande City Trolley tours. •

••• “Thank you for the opportunity to participate and learn from the Boot Camp! It was “Loved the Boot Camp...I’m not from the area, so getting the opportunity to see some very informative, as well as entertaining. The meals were also excellent. As a first year of these sites I’ve heard about and to get good info to take back is a plus.” activity director, I will certainly recommend these activities to our residents at Paradise ~Angela Riley-Blanchard, Port Isabel Park Center, Port Isabel South.” ~ Liz Howard, Paradise Park, Mercedes

Rio Grande City Trolley Tour

National Butterfly Center, Mission

“The Rio Grande City tour was a great experience. Food was terrific and it was great to be introduced to a new place. So much history and fun facts! It is always enjoyable when you have a chance to spend time with the city officials. You learn even more about the city/ community than you ever would from a tour. This is valuable information when promoting a tour to that area as we can often answer questions that in turn perk up interest.” ~Peter Loring, Seven Oaks Resort, Mission

“What a beautiful place. It is a little jewel on the border, a very safe place to see some of Mother Nature’s beautiful creatures. I don’t think many Winter Texans realize what a special place the National Butterfly Center is. I can’t wait to go back.” ~ Judi Elliott, Aladdin Villas, Mission

Downtown Port Isabel

Museum of South Texas History, Edinburg

“The Port Isabel Event Center and the Sea Life Center were an addition and very good. Glad you were able to get them in the schedule. The Museums of Port Isabel were very informative and worthwhile. The thriller boat was an experience for those who have never been—and Pirate’s Landing for lunch is always a treat.” ~Karen Price, Sunshine Estates, Harlingen

“My husband and I would like to thank you for the wonderful reception that we received at the activity director gathering at the Museum of South Texas History on Wednesday evening. We enjoyed the tour, the food and the fellowship. Thank you for this time at the museum. We will definitely let our residents know about group tours.” ~Sharon Lance, Fiesta Village, Mission

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

SALES

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Craft Fair Sale 8:00 AM Bit-O-Heaven RV & Mobile Home 1051 W. US Hwy 83, Donna Susan Thomas: 956-464-5191 Craft Sale 8:00 AM Palm Shadows RV Park 200 N. Val Verde Road, Donna Activity Director’s office: 956-464-3326 Park Wide Sale 8:00 AM Dream Valley Ranch 2401 N. Abram Road, Mission For information, call: 660-464-0118 Garza Produce 10:00 AM Pleasant Valley Resort 7320 W. Expressway 83, Mission For information, call: 956-580-8454

Craft Sale 8:00 AM Paradise South RV Resort 9099 N. Mile 2 West Road, Mercedes For information, call: 956-825-9509 Craft Sale 8:00 AM Citrus Valley RV Park, McAllen 2901 W. Hwy 107, McAllen Activity Director: 712-249-0116 Craft Show 8:00 AM Alamo Rec Veh Park 1320 W. Frontage Road, Alamo For table & information, call 956-783-5440 Craft Show & Yard Sale 8:00 AM Circle T RV Park 1820 W. Clay Tolle Street, Mission Pharrmers Market 4:00 PM Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley 724 N. Cage Boulevard, Pharr Come enjoy an evening of music, fresh vegetables locally grown, arts and crafts, and an array of baked goods.

Community Garage Sale 7:00 AM Cottonwood Country Club 1001 S. Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen For information, call: 641-485-8615 Garage Sale 7:00 AM Southern Comfort RV Resort - Main Hall 1501 S. Airport Drive, Weslaco For information, call: 956-638-3158 Parkwide Patio Sale 7:00 AM Ranchero Village 1900 S. Bridge Ave, Weslaco For information, call: 269-599-6845 All Park Yard Sale 8:00 AM Snow to Sun RV Resort 1701 N. International Blvd., Weslaco For information call 620-441-1173 All Park Yard Sale 8:00 AM J-5 RV Park 3907 N. Taylor Road, Mission For information, call: 306-746-8069

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015 Craft Sale 8:00 AM Alamo Palms MH & RV Park 1314 W. Business 83, Alamo For information, call: 956-787-7571 Craft Show 8:00 AM Fiesta Village RV Park 205 S. Stewart Road, Mission For information, call: 585-975-0068 Maxan Street Farmers’ Market 4:00 PM The Garden, Port Isabel Maxan Street For more information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675.

American Legion BazaarFest 8:00 AM American Legion Post 101 Hall 417 S. Cage, Pharr Vendor space, call: Lupita 956-223-6533 Arts & Craft Show 8:00 AM Fun-N-Sun Resort 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito Dianne Tanner: 956-399-5800 Craft Show 8:00 AM Victoria Palms RV Resort 602 N. Victoria Rd., Donna Activities Office: 956-782-3263

Park Wide Sale 8:00 AM Paradise Resort Estates 301 E. Hall Acres Road, Pharr For information, call: 956-781-4297 Brownsville Farmers Market 9:00 AM 6th St. & Harrison, Brownsville www.brownsvillefarmersmarket.com Patio Sale 10:00 AM Palm Resaca Mobile Home Park 100 Tangerine Boulevard, Brownsville Terry Scott: 956-546-7423 •

Winter Texan 101 Workshop

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

Shown above are participants in our Winter Texan 101 Workshop, which was sponsored by Blue Onion Restaurant in McAllen.

New to market to Winter Texans or need a refresher course? This two-hour

workshop will get you ready to rock-and-roll in no time. An overview of the season and the niche markets within the Winter Texan community will teach you how to best utilize your time and energy to maximize your return each season. A workbook and materials are included. The Winter Texan 101 question and answer session provides additional valuable information. Sessions will be held in September and October of 2015. •

Restaurant Review: Corner Bakery Café by Sandra Olson

e all know eating in the RGV is an adventure! There is a vast selection of wonderful food, some of it available all day. Eating healthy in this land of abundance may not be something Winter Texans have considered. My first attempt at making good choices came during a visit to Corner Bakery Café in North McAllen (4021 N. 10th St., Suite C-4). General Manager Curt Riester and his very friendly staff stand ready to provide tasty food to all customers. no matter what their food selection mindset may be. Their menu has calorie counts listed

for most items, which makes it easy to choose wisely. In addition, they have not sacrificed flavor for low calorie count; the food here is delicious! Near the front door is a huge sign that really spoke to me. It listed 100 combos with 600 calories or less; how convenient for my mission. There are choices of sandwiches, salads. and soups. It was noted that ‘side items’ are not included in the calorie count, so you need to decide whether to eat them or not. I ordered the Uptown Turkey Sandwich combo with roasted tomato soup. It was accompanied by a small bag of chips. (I gave most of them to my husband, Gregg, but a few found their way onto my plate.) The 1/2 sandwich was piled high with thinly sliced white turkey, lettuce, tomato, avocado and a slice of

applewood smoked bacon. ($7.99). YUM! The tomato soup was thick and meaty with croutons floating on top. The two items were more than enough for a hearty lunch. I didn’t feel I was eating light, and at 600 calories, it was a hearty meal. Gregg enjoyed the Anaheim Panini, which consists of scrambled eggs, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, avocado and cheddar served on grilled sourdough bread ($4.89). The menu is large and covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus lots of fun extras. The restaurant itself is conducive to friendly interactions, with a conversation pit near the selfserve coffee bar. Free WiFi is available in case you are dining alone and want some electronic company. The Corner Bakery Café caters, has

call-up/pick-up service, and offers a web site that will answer all of your questions about the menu (www. cornerbakerycafe.com). Knowing the calorie count of anything you might order, from a small edamame salad at 90 calories to a large chicken carbonara at 1,180 calories will make healthy food decisions both convenient and delicious. Their baked goods are excellent, too, but they will have to wait for next season for this Winter Texan. • Sandra Olson is a proud Winter Texan from Iowa and a lifelong foodie. She loves living in the Valley (Palm Shadows, Donna) for a number of obvious reasons: weather, friendly locals, and scads of shopping opportunities. But the reason she can’t wait to arrive each winter has to be the food!

www.welcomehomergv.com

1st Responders: Saving Lives Across the Rio Grande Valley By Staff Writer

2nd Annual Communities on Parade Wraps up

By Staff Writer

WHRGV

created a Volunteer 1st Responder Leadership Program in 2011. This program is open to all volunteer 1st responders from RV resorts across the Valley. 1st responders often act as a bridge between residents and healthcare providers by assisting residents in seeking further medical attention. They do this by responding to resident emergency calls, providing immediate medical assistance, when needed, and gathering medications and important documents prior to the arrival of paramedics. 1st responders also secure the residence and notify emergency contacts. The 1st Responder Leadership Program also provides a monthly educational and networking program for the leaders of organized 1st Responder programs across the RGV and for those communities that would like to form a program of their own. Most volunteer 1st Responders have some sort of medical background, such as retired nurses, physicians, and EMTs. Meetings are held monthly in Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen. The 1st Responder Leadership Program is sponsored in Cameron County by Valley Baptist Health System (Harlingen and Brownsville) and in Hidalgo County by South Texas Health System.

The Rio Grande Valley has numerous

retirement communities, RV resorts, and subdivisions, each with its own personality. Welcome Home RGV was proud to host the 2nd Annual Communities on Parade, a Valleywide event that allows retirees to visit our participating properties, walk the grounds, see the many amenities they have to offer, and to take advantage of many specials and incentives they may be offering. Here’s what some of our park and resort managers had to Established in 2011, the program say about it: has grown by leaps and bounds. Rita Huether, who joined WHRGV in 2012 ••• as our 1st Responder coordinator, is “Hi Kristi – We feel the Parade was a success. We had a very favorable response. We passionate about her job. Rita and appreciate your suggestions and tried to implement them all. We had folks start coming her 1st responders are making a out right after the Parade book came out. We loved the advertisement and appreciated difference in the health and safety of the chance to showcase our park.” Winter Texans across the Valley! ~Randy & Mary Luplow, Managers, Seven Oaks Resort, Mission On average, approximately 260 volunteer 1st responders are trained in “Our residents loved this and they came out in droves to volunteer. We had 22 visitors, CPR and First Aid annually as a result made three reservations (one for this year and two for next year). Pretty good odds, I’d of their participation in this program. say! We learned a lot and have ideas for next year.” Since the program’s inception, Rita ~Judy Mason, Manager, Palm Shadows, Donna has assisted over 30 RV resorts in developing and building their “Kristi, you are doing a great job! Eight people came in yesterday and two today. I think programs from Brownsville to Mission. the weather has kept most people in; not much to be done about that. This will build For more information or to get over time and parks will really get into it. This was worthwhile.” involved, please call 956-687-5115 ~Kirsten Taylor, Resort Manager, Alamo Palms Mobile Home & RV Park, Alamo or visit www.welcomehomergv.com/ 1stresponder •