Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans FromMission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Vol. 35, No. 3 © 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com Wednesday, November 3, 2021 The symphony returns November 12 Valley Veterans get ready to play some softball INDEX “On the road with Jo” p 9 Parks Calendar p 10 WintertainersTM p 10 Taste of the Valley p 13 Events Calendar p 15 Reunions p 15 Medical Services p 15 Business Guide p 16 Classifieds p 17 Rina’s Ramblings See VETERANS pg. 2 See SYMPHONY pg. 6 See RAMBLINGS pg. 16 See UTRGV pg. 7 UTRGV presents Student Performance Series It’s interesting to see the emails that come through my desktop each day. A lot of it is political, and we don’t tend to share that in our paper. We like our of-interest news items. Sometimes I really have to weed through things to find something of newsworthy to you, our readers, and some days I have just what I need. This week I received another news report about a previously mentioned survey done by Storage Café. Storage Café had previously published an article about top destination for ‘Snowbirds,’ or Winter Texans. The last article they sent out listed McAlSUNDAY November7 Showcasing the immense talent and dedication of UTRGV students, the Student Performance Series features performances by UTRGV School of Music students. Ranging from studios to medium and large ensembles, this series includes concerts from various areas such as voice, percussion, low brass, orchestra, woodwind, and many more. Upcoming performances include The Valley Symphony Orchestra will take the stage for the first time in nearly two years on Friday, November 12. The 70th anniversary season will begin with Antonin Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, a masterful staple of the Symphonic repertoire. Maestro Peter Dabrowski will conduct the full orchestra onstage at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The piece is also known as the “New World Symphony,” and Dvořák wrote it to herald the coming of a new era – a most appropriate selection for the beginning of this season. The Symphony was composed in 1893 while Dvořák was the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America and premiered in NewYork City on December 16, 1893. The work is among the most popular and most frequently performed symphonies around the world and weaves together melodies from Native American music and traditional African American spiritual songs. It has been said that Dvořák was inspired by the “wide open spaces” of America, such as Curt Mecklenburg has competition flowing through his veins. It’s a part of his DNA. From swimming to softball to card games he is fierce, but friendly. “I’m also a poor loser,” the Minnesota native joked. “But competition is good.” But that competition is also enjoyable for him, a way of life since at a young age, and one of the most enjoyable times is when Mecklenburg and others from different branches of the military get together for infield and batting practice as they prepare for the second All-Veterans Photo courtesy Valley Symphony Orchestra
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 2 WINTER TEXAN TIMES ONTHEWEB www.palmharbor.com/model-center/donna/ Palm Harbor Homes 3200 Expwy. 83 Donna, TX 78537 CALL TODAY (800) 880-3412 • (956) 461-4800 • Dream Homes • Site Work • Easy Financing Options • Top $$ For Trades • Industry’s Best Service Plan We Provide We Have Your DreamHome! VETERANS From pg. 1 Senior Softball game set for Saturday, Nov. 13 at Brewster Elementary in Linn, Texas. The concept was born out of an idea by Army veteran Fred Esqueda. AMission native, Esqueda saw a call for softball players in the newspaper one day. After calling for more information, he found out that he would not be able to play because he was still working, and games were taking place during the day. “As soon as I retired, though, at age 62 I called right away and signed up to be in the senior league,” he said. “I signed up right away and now it’s been 11 years that I’ve been playing. I really enjoy it. The friendships, the camaraderie and just having fun playing ball. “I was just sitting around and was wondering if I could get enough people to have two full softball teams and we did it.” Esqueda said he is still looking for veterans to fill out the two squads that will face each other at 9 a.m. on game day and the winner will play a second game against a non-veteran team. Requirements include being 55 and older and be a veteran. Those who are interested can call Esqueda at (956) 897-6961. “Two years ago, we started slow but by the time game day came we had enough to put a full 14 players on each team,” Esqueda said. “We have some guys who can hit the ball out of the park.” But you don’t have to be a slugging all-star to be a part of the fun that will take place at Brewster Elementary. Esqueda said everyone is thankful that the school and the community invited them to have an all-veterans softball game and he’s hopeful that the event will become an annual one. Mecklenburg, who has lived in Sharyland Villas, has been playing softball for 23 years, many of those years as a pitcher. Born in Washington, but raised in Minnesota, Mecklenburg was in the Air Force for four years as a tower operator and working with radar. After the military, he went into teaching for 26 years before creating his own business – taking care of homeowner’s properties along some of the beautiful Minnesota lakes. “I liked the diversity of it and I’m pretty good with my hands,” he said after doing some infield practice at Westside Park in McAllen. “The good thing was I had three kids and during their high school years they all worked with me. We would, for example, finish putting shingles on a roof, then we’d go to the homeowner’s dock, jump in and cool off. It was a good time.” Mecklenburg spends six months in the Valley and six months back north. He said he enjoys everything that takes place at the Sharyland Villas. “I like to use the pool and I like to play cards, pretty much everything,” he said. “I took a class once where the teacher was anti-competition, and I was the only competitive one in the class. “I ended up with a D in that class.” For more information on the All-Veterans Softball Game, call Fred Esqueda at (956) 897-6961.
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Learn about mushrooms at Quinta Mazatlan Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center is honored to host, Mycological Solutions LLC (One Up Mushroom Products), on Thursday November 4th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a presentation on “Fungi: History, Usage, and Health Benefits” on the Thursday Night Live series at Quinta Mazatlán. Mycological Solutions LLC (One Up Mushroom Products) is a start p company in the Rio Grande Valley dedicated to the wonderful world of mushrooms. One Up cultivates and distributes gourmet mushrooms to local restaurants. They also manufacture mushroom derived foods and supplement products. The One Up team is comprised of childhood friends Ramiro, Jose, and Andres. Originally founded as The Mushroom Source in 2018, the trio has grown a passion for mushrooms and the potential applications and benefits they have to offer. The Thur day night program will focus on the fungi kingdom and their role within the environment and health benefits for humans. The mushroom products will be available for sale at Quinta Mazatlán following the program. Fungi are one of the earliest living organisms to grow on Earth but have been misunderstood for most of their existence. Up until the 1960’s fungi were classified as plants, today they are rightfully grouped in their own kingdom and have a dedicated study in the branch of natural sciences called mycology. Research in mycology has shown fungi’s imperative role to the overall balance of a healthy ecosystem. Their ability to recycle nutrients back to an ecosystem is a major driving force responsible for the ecological succession of biological communities. Thanks to fungi, we have more biodiversity, and more biodiversity means healthy functional ecosystems that support wildlife and humanity. Much like the mushrooms they cultivate, growing and enriching the environment around them, the One Up team has created a communal network in the Rio Grande Vall y by providing fresh high quality mushrooms, donating substrate to the Agroecology Department at UTRGV, sharing education and awareness of fungi, and supporting an overall healthy and sustainable way of life. “Our mission as a business is to spread awareness of the benefits that mushrooms have on human health and the environment, and to provid nutritional and therapeutic solutions for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Mycology in general has enormous potential to help our communities with many of the problems we face today, and so we seek to develop and empower ourselves through the study of mycology.” -One Up Mushroom Products Tickets are $3 per person. Pre-purchased tickets are recommended at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com. Follow current COVID-19 Safety Guidelines while in park. For more information, contact Quinta Mazatlán at (956) 681-3370 and follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media. Mycological Solutions LLC (One Up Mushroom Products)
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 4 WINTER TEXAN TIMES TACLA006249C •Extended Service Plans Available •Worry-free Installation •No Hassle Satisfaction Guarantee •Free NO Obligation Quote •We Service All Models 956-255-8900 ColairInc.com Proudly Serving the RGV for over 35 years! Breathe Easy with Colair Frontera Fest is back Weslaco hosts new farmer’s market Edinburg Chamber accepting parade entries Fronter Fest is back at Frontera Audubon. The event will be celebrated Saturday evening, November 6, on the back lawn of the Skaggs House, starting at 7 p.m. There will be food, d r i n k s , games, a photo booth, and lots of camaraderie. Two gift bundles will be raffled off – one for the men and one for the women. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at the Frontera Visitors’ Center, Valley Trophies, and the Boocha Bar and Taproom. For more information, or tickets, call (956) 968-3275. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for details. Weekly events If you can’t make it to Frontera Fest, you can still come by to enjoy the park during some of their weekly events. Join experienced naturalist Angelina Vasquez for a walk through the thicket. She will focus on birds, but if something else cool catches your eye, that will be checked out too. Half of the species found in the entire United States have been spotted in the Valley. Rarities in recent years have included the Blue Bunting, Crimson-collared Grosbeak, and others. The walks are held every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Entrance free is free for members, $5 for non-members. On Thursdays, visitors can join Brittany for Yoga on the lawn. Conclude your day with a gentle and relaxing vinyasa flow while surrounded by beautiful scenery. Let the natural serenity surrounding you guide you into a blissful state as Brittany Castro leads a beginner’s series applicable for all levels. This is an open, understanding environment that warmly welcomes one and all and together can strive for peace and progress. The classes are held Thursdays at 6 p.m. for a cost of $8. Class will be moved indoors in rainy or cold weather. Frontera Audubon is located at 1101 S. Texas Blvd. in Weslaco. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors 65 and over. For more information about the park, follow their page on Facebook or visit their website at http://fronteraaudubon.org/. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and City of Edinburg proudly present their Annual Night of Lights Parade. The parade will take place on Friday, December 3, at 7 p.m. in the Edinburg Downtown District. Organizations, schools, marching groups, businesses, and community groups are now welcomed to submit a parade entry by November 19. All entries are encouraged to participate in this year's theme “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” Participants of the parade must design their floats inspired by different genres of music and/or decades of music. Trophies and awards will be given to first, second, and third place winners in the business, civic, and school divisions. Those interested in participating can download the form on www.edinburg.com or stop by the Edinburg C h a m b e r , 602 W. University Dr. Compl e t ed forms can be submitted to information@edinb u r g . c o m or mailed to Edinburg Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 85, Edinburg, Texas 78540 We look forward to your participation in this grand event. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Chamber staff at (956) 383-4974 or information@edinburg.com. Photo courtesy of Edinburg Chamber The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce has begun hosting “La Cebollita” Mid-Valley Farmers Market. The event will be located downtown Weslaco at 501 S. Kansas Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the last Saturday of each month. The next one will be held on November 27th. La Cebollita Mid Valley Farmers Market is a monthly market with local homegrown products including produce, unique artesian items, specialty goods and more. There will be live entertainment and a comfortable environment to enjoy with family and friends. The name La Cebollita, which also means little onion, is a homage to the Weslaco Sweet 1015 onion. Be sure to go out and visit local vendors. Features will be present each month. October featured a pet costume contest, candy, and live music by Carlos Canas. For more information about this event, contact the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce at (956) 968-2102 or visit www.weslaco. com.
5 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 3, 2021 We Love Our Winter Texans! Thank you for making us your home away from home • Nightly, Weekly, and Monthly Rates Available • Fully Equipped Kitchens • Free Wi-Fi • Outdoor Pool • Small Pet Welcome (with fee) • Guest Laundry Service Walking Distance to the La PlazaMall and several restaurants. For Reservations 956-668-7829 www.mcallen-studio6.com 700 Savannah Ave. McAllen, TX Lock In Your Rates For This Winter - Now! $1000.00 * * Minimum stay of 31 days mo. Winter Texan Weekly Specials (W/Tax) $275.31 Queen Bed • $315.58 2 Full Size Beds PLEASE MENTION AD FOR SPECIAL! (956)566-1157 The 28th Annual Shrimp Cookoff & Seafood Festival is scheduled to be held on site in the parking lot of Sutherlands in Port Isabel on Saturday, November 6. Dozens of professional and amateur chefs will be preparing their favorite recipes for thousands of festival attendees at a modest fee. Each contestant’s recipe will be judged on appearance, aroma, and taste by a select panel of judges. Live entertainment by The Agency, vendors and exciting new challenges will be featured at the 2021 event. Gate fee is $5 per adult and children 12 and under are free. Hours of the festival are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with winners announced in both divisions at 4 p.m. Hungry shrimp lovers who don’t get their fill on site can visit each participating restaurant over an extended six-day period from November 7-12. A list of restaurants available during this period will be provided as well as a site map for those who want to extend their experience at the home restaurants of participating chefs. The event will also feature the Port Isabel Antique and Flea Market. Vendors are invited to setup a 10x10 space on the grounds of the Shrimp Cookoff. Booth fee is $50. You must bring your own tent, tables and chairs. Call (956) 943-2262 for more information including availability and setup/tear down times. A limited number of spaces are available. Live music will be provided by The Agency throughout the day. Comfortable seating will be provided under a big tent and convenient parking will be available to attendees. More information can be found online at the Port Isabel Chamber website portisabelchamber.com and their Facebook www.facebook.com/ portisabeltx/. You can also call the chamber at (956) 943-2262 or email info@portisabel-texas.com. The event will be held at the intersection of Hwy. 100 and 48 (Sutherlands). 2021 Shrimp Cookoff and Seafood Festival this weekend RGV Red Hatters events planned The Rio Grande Valley Red Hatters are ready to get together for their events this year. Their first big event is planned for November 8. The Red Hatters will be getting together on Monday, November 8, at 11:30 a.m. at Arturo’s in Weslaco (2303 W. Expwy. 83). Games will be played, and all are invited to share what has happened in their lives over the last 18 months. Those wanting to attend are asked to RSVP by text or call Sandy (Finny) at (608) 432-1440 by Friday, November 5. The group will get together again on Monday, December 6 at 11 a.m. at Lin’s Super Buffet in Weslaco (1402 W. IH 2). This will be their Christmas get together and will include a $10 White Elephant gift exchange. RSVP by text or call at (309) 251-0875. The Festival of Tables is set for Wednesday, February 23, 2022, with limited set up on Tuesday after 8 p.m. at Trophy Gardens (800 SH 495, Alamo). Confirm, or change your RSVP, with Jan Bergman at (956) 532-1223. At last count there were 25 tables. Thirty tables have been the goal for the event. More table settings are available, but more hostesses and themes are needed.
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 6 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Check us out at pine2palm.com or call 956-968-5760 for an appointment to tour the park and the available sites. We would love to hear from you. 802 S International Blvd, Weslaco, TX 78596 Looking for a change of scenery? New shuffle courts? Pickleball? Only 9 lots left. Act fast and you can be a part of our wonderful community. Move your approved Park Model and We’ll Pay Half Your Concrete and Give you your 1st Year Lease FREE On newly serviced and paved streets Pine to Palm Resort Park is a 55+, shareholder owned, pet free retirement community in Weslaco. MOSTH hosts closing reception The Community Altar Exhibit at Museum of South Texas History closes Sunday, November 7, and will conclude with a Sunday Speaker Series reception from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are welcome to enjoy one last look at the exhibit, which was built by 10 community organizations and individuals. This exhibit honors and celebrates departed loved ones with favorite items, photographs and the traditional offerings such as salt and cempasuchiles known as marigolds. Each altar was built by a family friend, relative or a community organization. During the reception the following community altar builders will be present to answer any questions: The Pan American Round Table of Edinburg, honoring founder Florence Terry Griswold; the San Antonio Eye Bank, honoring those who donated organs for others to see; St. John’s Episcopal School from McAllen; McAllen Memorial Mexican American Studies, honoring long time coach Alfredo “Boxer” Hernandez; the RGV Families & Friends of Murdered Children Inc.; Edinburg C.I.S.D. Longoria Middle School art students, honoring family pets; and family altars for Lupe Hernández and Evangelina Betancourt Martínez. The centerpiece of the exhibit is an altar built by the staff at the Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives at MOSTHistory. The altar features vintage photographs of unidentified individuals that were found within the museum’s photograph collection. The altar honors these nameless individuals and carries a preservation message about the importance of documenting family photographs. This program is made possible by the generous support from the Carmen C. Guerra Endowment. Mrs. Guerra was committed to educational causes in the Rio Grande Valley. This named endowment was created by her family to honor her memory and to continue providing educational opportunities for the community. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook and Instagram, follow on Twitter, find on YouTube or call (956) 383-6911. Valley cities to hold Veterans events Cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley will be honoring their community Veterans. Here are just a few of the events that will be taking place next week. The City of Mission will be hosting a Veterans Appreciation Barbecue on Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Mission Event Center (2425 Ruby Red Blvd). At the event, Veterans are invited to take a short drive through “Honors Lane” at the event center and pick up a delicious Texas Style BBQ chicken plate with trimmings in appreciation of your services. The Rio Grande Valley State Veteran’s Cemetery, 2520 Inspiration Rd., will be open for visitation on Wednesday, November 11. Shary Municipal Golf Course will be letting Veterans, military ID required (100 golfer limit), have one free round of golf during the entire month of November. For more information, call (956) 580-8662. This year, the City of Edinburg will continue to honor our Veterans by hosting the 13th annual Veterans Day Parade on November 6th, in person and will also stream live at 10 a.m. on Spectrum 1300 and the City of Edinburg Facebook page. The parade will commence at Richard R. Flores Stadium on 1800 S. Stadium Dr. and Palm Dr. to end on Closner Blvd. and Loeb St. On Saturday, November 13, at 1 p.m., 5X5 Brewing will have their Loud and Clear Veteran Music Festival. This is a free community event. The event will feature veteran musicians from across Texas playing Country, rock, Tejano, and Americana. Some of the lineup includes Adam Berry, Brothers Teague, Nick Starling, Jack Nelson and Chris Marshall. 5X5 Brewing is a Veteran owned and operated business and is located at 801 N. Bryan, Ste. 174, in Mission. Check with your community if there are any events planned for the Veterans in your area. We honor those that have served and are currently serving. prairies he may have seen on his trip to Iowa in the summer of 1893. The program also includes Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 6. The concert will take place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online anytime or in person at the McAllen Performing Arts Center box office (801 E. Convention Center Blvd.). For further assistance, patrons can call the VSO office at (956) 661-1615. For more information, visit their website at https://www.valleyorchestra.org/. Their website also include links to last year’s virtual performances. SYMPHONY From pg. 1
7 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 3, 2021 Homes by Ranchero Sales, License #MHDRET0035769 Website: www.RioValleyEstates.com Rio Valley Estates Amenities include: • Swimming Pool & Hot Tub • Recreation Hall • Shuffleboard Courts • Gated Community • Laundry Facilities • Shower Facilities • Full Hookups Available Free!!! With Purchase of a New Model Home: Free Lot Rent – (For One Year!) Free Concrete Drive Free Skirting Free Carport Free Cable and Internet Full Hookups Available 715 N. Westgate Dr., Weslaco 78596 (Sister Park to Ranchero Village) RioValleyEstates@gmail.com RV & Manufactured Home Park for 55+ “Winter Texans” and full time residents! 956-968-2708 Playground For Retirees Ranchero Village • 14,000 Sq. Ft. Rec Hall • Free Cable and Internet • Exercise Room • 24 Shuffle Board Courts • 30’ Wide Streets • Gated Community • Ceramic Studio • Stained Glass Studio • Billiards, Cards, Crafts • Wood Carving Studio • Swimming Pool & Oversized Spa • R/C Race Track Homes by Ranchero Sales, License #MHDRET00001830 Website: www.RancheroVillageTX.com RancheroVillage@outlook.com (956) 968-6223 1900 S. Bridge Ave, Weslaco, TX 78596 (Sister Park to Rio Valley Estates) • Free Lot Rent – (For One Year!) • Free Concrete Drive • Free Skirting & Carport • 1 Free Spectrum Cable TV box • 1 Free Internet Modem • Free Smart TV • Free Washer & Dryer • Free Storage Shed Amenities include Free!!! With Purchase of a New Model Home Speer to host book discussion By William Renner, reference librarian Speer Memorial Library in Mission invites you to join them on Tuesday, November 16, for a discussion of Girl with a Pearl Earring in the Library’s Community Room and online via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish and 6:30 p.m. in English. A link will be sent to those who wish to attend via Zoom. For 2021, we are providing an added incentive to participate in the Morton’s Book Club. Speer Memorial Library was the recipient of the Texas Reads Grant and will make free copies available, while supplies last, to people who sign up for the book discussions. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Girl with a Pearl Earring The story begins in 1664 in Delft, a town in the Netherlands, where 16-year-old Griet must leave home so she can work to help support her family. Griet’s father, a tile painter by trade, has been blinded in a workplace accident and can no longer work. So, through the artists’ guild, employment is found for Griet as a maid in the home of a local artist, a painter named Jahannes Vermeer. As Griet becomes more settled in her role – cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing, and caring for the children – she also grows increasingly fascinated with her master’s paintings. He notices her appreciation for art, and soon she is helping him, running errands and mixing paints. But as their relationship grows closer, it begins to arouse suspicion within the household, especially with his wife. Written by Tracy Chevalier and first published in 1999, Girl with a Pearl Earring is a historical novel inspired by the famous painting of the same name by the renowned 17th century Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer. Letting her imagination fill the void left by the scarcity of evidence about Vermeer’s life, the author attempts to answer the question, who was the girl with the pearl earring? For more information, or to sign up for the book discussion, please call the Reference Desk at (956) 5808754, or send an email to reference@ missiontexas.us (please include your name and telephone number). The title is also available in English as an e-book and e-audiobook and in Spanish as an e-book at ebook. yourchildlibrary.com/library/HidalgoCountyLS. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika de La Garza in Mission. The library is open (except for holidays) Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. The library’s homepage can be accessed for more information at www. mission.lib.tx.us. Stay up to date with the latest events going on at the library by joining our Facebook page at facebook.com/speermemoriallibrary. The UTRGV Band on Wednesday, November 3; Fall Trumpet Musical Harvest on Thursday, November 4; UTRGV Opera Theater on November 13 and 14; and other specialty concerts. Take a look at all upcoming Student Performance Series performances on their website, utrgv.edu/patron/series/student-performance-series. All events through the end of 2021 are free of charge. For questions, email patron@utrgv. edu or call (956) 882-7025 or (956) 665-3881. UTRGV From pg. 1 r e e . t
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 8 WINTER TEXAN TIMES GREAT UPHOLSTERY RATES 956-266-1369 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED For Your Health & Ours We Are Following CDC Guidance Including Wearing Masks & Gloves $25 per room in your house or mobile home NIKKY’S CARPET CLEANING Professional Cleaning Services Winter Texan Special Any size RV or Park Model $75 $10 OFF Any Service $75 or More Altar honors threatened, endangered animals and plants Free entrance to Texas State Parks Nov. 14 In Mexico, “Dia de los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead” is a celebration and a reunion of the departed with their families. On this day, an altar with an ofrenda, a Spanish word for “offering,” is prepared to remember and celebrate departed loved ones. The belief is that during the Day of the Dead, the loved ones come to visit their living relatives. The ofrenda altar helps the dead observe, smell and taste. The most common ones have three levels, which represent heaven, earth, and the underworld. The six most common objects found on alters include: calaveras (skulls), cempaxuchil (marigold flowers), papel picado (perforated paper), pan de muerto (bread of the dead), salt to quench the thirst of souls, and photographs of the loved ones that have passed. The Outdoor Ofrenda at Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen honors its animal and plant species that are threatened or endangered. These animals could become extinct in the near future without the help and protection of people. The loss of land in its natural state is the number one cause for species to decline and disappear. Some of the endangered species in Texas include the ocelot and jaguarundi. These cats need large spaces of Thornforest to survive: tracts of at least 100 acres of dense brush. Large birds that are endangered include the stately Whooping Crane, which is five feet in height, and the Eastern Brown Pelican with a 6-foot wingspread. Highly prized falcons that are endangered include the Northern Aplomado Falcon and the Peregrine Falcon. Other threatened species known in the Rio Grande Valley are the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle and the Texas Horned Lizard. There are also many plants that are endangered, like the beautiful Star Cactus and the Black Lace Cactus. “Why should we care about endangered species? Our ecosystem is like a spider web. It is held together by all the plants, animals, water, air, and nutrients, each being a thread in the web,” said Colleen Hook, Manager, Quinta Mazatlan. “When threads are removed, other threads are weakened until the entire web collapses. So when animals and plants disappear from an ecosystem, it is an indication that the area is becoming less habitable for all animals, including people.” Enjoy the fall season and take time to honor and remember ancestors, both animals and plants. The Sticks & Bones trail through the woods at Quinta Mazatlán, sponsored by the McAllen Orthodontics Group, is open through November. The trail is free with park admission, $3 adults, $2 children, 2 and under free. Please follow current COVID-19 Safety Guidelines while in park. For more information, contact Quinta Mazatlán at (956) 681-3370 and follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media. In honor of both active and retired military, daily e n t r a n c e fees at Texas State Parks will be waived for all day-use visitors Sunday, Nov. 14. “The dedication, sacrifice and service displayed by the women and men that serve in our country’s military is unparalleled and is a source of pride throughout the country,” said Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks. “Their commitment to service undoubtedly inspires us at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. To celebrate their service, Texas State Parks would like to once again invite everyone to spend the day at any one of our beautiful State Parks for free. I am glad that we are able to encourage families to get outside in honor of our veterans.” Anyone planning a trip to a Texas State Park is encouraged to reserve their day passes in advance since some parks are expected to reach their capacity limit. Day passes can be reserved online though the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or over the phone by calling (512) 389-8900. When purchasing a hunting and fishing license, buyers can add a donation of $1, $5, $10 or $20 to help support the Veterans Commission’s Veterans Assistance Fund. Donations to the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) program provides grants to veteran service organizations and nonprofit charitable institutions that assist veterans and their families at the community level throughout Texas.
9 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 3, 2021 • 12 Colors Vinyl Siding • Complete Building Supplies • Patio Covers & Carports • Window Awning Parts • Exterior Vinyl Shutters • Phifer Solar Sun Screens • Custom Aluminum Fabrication • MH & RV Accessories The SIDING SOURCE “Lets Build a Deck”....Composite Decking/Vinyl Deck Railing DUTCH LAP VINYL SIDING (12 COLORS IN STOCK) MOBILE HOME SKIRTING (6 COLORS IN STOCK) CLASSIC RIB METAL ROOFING THE SIDING SOURCE 705 BUS. 83 • ALAMO, TX • (800)-567-3311 90 YEARS OF TRUSTED SERVICE Planning a Project? We Give Expert Advice on all Products and Projects Check us out at www.KautschTV.com FREE ESTIMATES VALLEYWIDE DELIVERY SAVE 10% OFF Your Entire Purchase When You Bring In This Ad *Conditions apply, see store for details. Offer expires March 31, 2022. 2911 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. San Juan, TX 78589 956-787-2847 petecotransport@gmail.com RGV full of festivals and other events I continue to be amazed at how many things there are to see and do in the Rio Grande Valley. It seems that every town has a festival or a special day to celebrate. There is the Butterfly Festival in Mission, the Birding Festival in Harlingen and another in McAllen, the Citrus Festival in Edinburg, the Festival of Las Palmas in McAllen and not to be missed the Festival of Lights in the small town of Hidalgo. Even Kingsville joined in with the Saturday before Thanksgiving celebrating ranch life with the Ranch Hand Breakfast. You name it, we've got it. And then we have the Parades - July 4th, Veterans Day and Christmas Parades as well as the Port Isabel Boat Parade just to name a few. In addition to Festivals and Parades most towns set aside special days to offer special events. There are Market Days at least once a month with some towns offering market days only during the growing season where garden fresh fruits and vegetables are sold. I urge you to take time to go to South Padre Island on Turtle Release Day. It is such fun to see those tiny little turtles not much bigger than a silver dollar as they scurry to the water. Now how do they know which way the water is? Your church may even have an altar set up to celebrate The Day of the Dead. You won't lack for something to do in the Rio Grande Valley. So, enjoy! True, the celebrations mentioned above are somewhat sedentary, but you can choose to be more active. Why not join one of the walkathons or a bicycle or motorcycle club that will organize special days for excursions. Or take part in one of the Christmas Tree Forests often organized by a local museum or your Chamber of Commerce. One of the most cleverly decorated trees that I have seen was decorated with swags of lace highlighted with a collection of teacups and saucers. Decorating a tree is work - but it is a lot of fun. I personally have entered a tree twice - once the tree was decorated with a Micky Mouse collection and another with a collection of dolls from around the world. A little more exciting for some might be a rodeo. The Los Fresnos Rodeo is generally in February so watch your paper for the dates. Mercedes is home to a Livestock Show and Rodeo during mid-March. That rodeo is so popular with the students who have entered show animals that the public schools decided to celebrate Spring Break the same week as the Show and Rodeo...otherwise classrooms would be virtually empty. Surely, there are other Festivals that could be organized. A Coyote Festival? Renowned Texas author J. Frank Dobie wrote about Brother Coyote. Armadillos? Austin, Texas has a music hall inspired originally by the Armadillos. That put Austin on the map as the music capitol of Texas. So why not a Pelican Festival? Or how about a Bob Cat Festival? Maybe even a cactus festival would be fun. Surely, there is another festival or special day we can celebrate.
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 10 WINTER TEXAN TIMES ENTERTAINMENT • 7PM All EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Paula McSpadden, Activity Director 956-585-0703 DANCES EVERY FRIDAY 7-10PM SINGLES ARE WELCOME Nov 5 • Dance Social & Games • FREE Nov 12 • Renaissance Rockers • $10 Nov 19 • Curt James (Glow Stick Dance) • $8 Nov 26 • Diego & Edith • $7 Dec 3 • Time Machine • $8 Dec 10 • Howlers (Day of the Dead) • $8 Dec 17 • The Agency • $10 Tickets On Sale: 11/29/21 Dec 24 • Christmas Eve (NO DANCE) Dec 31 • Hot Rodz (New Years Eve) • $25 Tickets On Sale: 12/3/21 Jan 1 • NO DANCE Jan 8 • Rewind (Rip Roarin’s 20’s) • $10 (Saturday Dance) • Tickets On Sale: 12/17/21 PAY AT DOOR UNLESS NOTED Dec 1 • Lindley Creek Christmas • $10 Jan 1 • Baker Family Show • $9 Jan 5 • Redneck Revival Show • $8 Jan 16 • Nu-Blu Show • 3-5pm • $10 Jan 19 • Rusty Rierson Show • $8 Jan 23 • Winter Texan Orchestra • Pass The Hat 1645 S Bentsen Palm Drive Palmview • 956-585-0703 For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM For more information call: 956-580-7800 email: ads@wintertexantimes.com Make sure your events are like... THIS!! HOW? Advertise in the Valley’s #1 Winter Texan Paper CALENDAR PARKS 27146 McLelland Road., Harlingen, TX 78552 (956) 423-1446 Lower Valley / 956-664-1446 Upper Valley www.gowithjo.com Eagle Pass Gambling (2 Days) Nov. 2, 16; Dec. 7.............................................$165 San Antonio Christmas (3 Days) Dec. 12, 3 meals..........................................$399 Big Bend Adventure (6 Days) Feb. 10, 7 meals.............................................$985 (Prices are per person, double occupancy) Copper Canyon ................................................................................................... $TBA Monarch Butterflies (6 Days) Feb. 4, 9 meals .................................................. $TBA Monterrey Tres ..................................................................................................... $TBA San Miguel de Allende (5 Days) ...................................................................... $TBA (Prices are per person, double occupancy) King Ranch Hand Breakfast (1 Day) Nov. 20, Incl. Breakfast........................$75pp King Ranch (1 Day) Dec. 27; Jan. 20; Feb. 3; Mar. 10, Incl. BBQ Lunch ...........$95pp Surf & Turf - A Link to the Past (1 Day) Feb. 25; Mar. 4, Incl. Lunch .......$79pp Farm Tour (1 Day) Feb. 17; Mar. 10, Incl. Lunch...................................................$75pp King Ranch Farm Tour (1Day) Feb. 24, Incl. Lunch + Feed Lot & 12 mile loop rd...$105pp U.S. TOURS ONE DAY BUS TOURS MEXICO BUS TOURS Go...With Jo! Tours & Travel Welcome Back Winter Texans! EDITOR’S NOTE: Items for the Parks Calendar must be open to the public activities in the parks only and must be submitted by park owners, managers or activity directors. Listings must come from the park and are to be submitted on the Winter Texan Times Parks Calendar Submission Form. Request this form from the Winter Texan Times office. Multiple activities may be submitted on the park’s letterhead, provided the same information is provided in the format of the Submission Form. We do not accept listings for reviews, workshops, lessons or dance classes. Submission deadline is Wednesday noon, one week prior to the publication date. Send to: Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to parkscal@wintertexantimes.com or fax to 956-580-7898. Wednesday, November 3 Lunch - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11am-2:30pm, Cafe Grande. Menu available @ Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Karaoke - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 1-3pm, In the Chuckwagon Room of the Friendship Hall. Please use parking lot at the south side of the building, enter through the swimming pool doors and take the first door on the right past Coke machine. Mask required when not singing, please. Karaoke - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 5:30pm, Hynes Event Center. Thursday, November 4 Covid 19 Vacc Clinic - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 10am-Noon, Harlingen Health Department will administer vaccinations. Anticipated Pfizer, Moderna, J&J available. Call Activities Office 956-425-7448 for sign-up. Lunch - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11am-2:30pm, Cafe Grande. Menu available @ Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Social Hour - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 4-7:30pm, Food to purchase 4 to 5:30 pm with music from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Pass the hat. All You Can Eat Fish Fry - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 4:30-6:30pm, Hynes Event Center, $9.75pp. Prayer and Praise - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm. Bingo - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-9pm, $0.50 a card; popcorn/soda available. Entertainment - Casa del Sol, Donna, 7pm, Joe Compton Live. Pass the hat, concessions available. 400 N Val Verde Rd. Friday, November 5 Breakfast Buffet - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 7:30-10:30am, Cafe Grande, $8pp. Park Wide Patio Sale - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 8am-Noon, Open to the public. Lunch - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11am-2:30pm, Cafe Grande. Menu available @ Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Country “OPRY” Jam - McAllen Mobile Park, 1-3pm, Country and gospel like Nashville USED to do with some occasional old-time RockN-Roll. Hosted by Elaine Nelson, National Country Music Hall of Famer. Play a tune, sing a song, tap your feet, sing along...remember when... bring a smile and bring a friend! Y’all come!!! Everyone is welcome! Happy Hour - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 5pm, 5th Wheel Daddies, Hynes Event Center. Bar available, pass the hat. DJ Dance - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 7-10pm, 50’s Dance with Richard Kline. Wear your 50’s outfits! BYOB and snacks. Pass the bucket for donation. Dance - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7-10pm, Social and games, free admission. Dance - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 7-10pm, South Texas Ramblers, $6pp. Mask recommended but
11 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 3, 2021 For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM www.ontheriver.net • 214 E. Chimney Rd • Mission, TX Plenty of Outside Seating On Our Covered Deck & Patio Relax Outside Sundays 1:30-5:30pm Live Music Steven May & Leon Mann Come Try Our TEXAS Size Pork Tenderloin By The Rio Grande River Wed • 11am-8pm Thurs • 11am-8pm Fri • 11am-8pm Sat • 11am-8pm Sun • 11am-8pm Open (956) 581-1033 Riverside In-MissionTx NOW HIRING All Positions! Wed • 1:00pm Thurs • 1:00pm Fri • 1:00pm Sat • 1:00pm RIVERSIDE DREAMER River Tours Call (956) 581-4477 Reservations Suggested December 12th • Renaissance Rockers Friday Night Dances • 7 - 10pm Dec. 3 • Diego • $7 Dec. 10 • Regan James • $7 Dec. 17 • SmokinGun • $7 Dec. 31 • SouthernHarmony • $TBD NewYear’s Eve Jan. 7 • High Country • $7 Entertainment • 7 - 9pm Dec. 7 • Lindley Creek • $10 Christmas Show Jan. 18 • Naomi Bristow • $7 Feb. 15 • Mario • $7 RV RESORT Ice and Set-ups available Please NO BILLS larger than a $20 Randy & Nancy Zuleger, Act. Dir. 938 S. Alamo Road, Alamo, TX 956-783-2605 Craft Show VendorsWanted December 18, 2021 January 15, 2022 February 19, 2022 March 19, 2022 1900 Grace Ave Harlingen, TX 78550 Contact Activities Office (956) 425-7448 See PARKS pg. 14 not required. Saturday, November 6 Park Wide Garage Sale - Palm Shadows RV/MH Park, Donna, 8amNoon. Park Wide Patio Sale - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 8am-Noon, Open to the public. Park Wide Patio Sale - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 8am-Noon, Free admission. Dance - Trophy Gardens, Alamo, 7pm, Steven May, $7pp. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Entertainment - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-9pm, Billy James Show, tickets at the door $6pp. Open to the public. Dance - Aladdin Villas, Mission, 7-10pm, Regan James Hired Hand, $8pp. Dance - Leisure Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-10pm, The Chamberlins, $8pp. Dance - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 7-10pm, Diego & Edith, Hynes Event Center, $8pp. Out of park residents may purchase tickets Monday prior to dance. Sunday, November 7 Church - Fiesta Village, Mission, 9am, In the Main Hall. Church - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 10-11am. Worship - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 10:30am, Chaplain Dr Larry Windle Gospel Jam - Lamplighter Park, Palmview, 5:30pm, After evening meals, meals served 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Come and have a wonderful meal and great entertainment! Worship - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm, Chaplain Dr Larry Windle Monday, November 8 Monday Dinner - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 4:30pm, ATaste of Poland, Hynes Event Center, $12.50pp. Doors open at 4:30 pm, dinner served at 5:00 pm. Country Jam - Lamplighter Park, Palmview, 5:30pm, After evening meals, meals served 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Come and have a wonderful meal and great entertainment! Tuesday, November 9 Men’s Prayer and Bible Study - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 8am. Women’s Bible Study and Prayer - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 9:30am. Lunch - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11am-2:30pm, Cafe Grande. Menu available @ Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Happy Hour - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 3-5pm, Curt James. BYOB and Snacks; Pass the bucket for donations. Twisted Tuesdays with Garza Produce - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 5:30-7:30pm, Live music or DJ every week, Garza Produce Truck, free event. Food available for purchase, pass the hat. Bring a chair, BYOB. 7320 W. Interstate 2. Bingo - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 6:30-9pm, Open to the public. Wednesday, November 10 Lunch - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11am-2:30pm, Cafe Grande. Menu available @ Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Karaoke - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 1-3pm, In the Chuckwagon Room of the Friendship Hall. Please use parking lot at the south side of the building, enter through the swimming pool doors and take the first door on the right past Coke machine. Mask required when not singing, please. Happy Hour - Southern Comfort Resort, Weslaco, 3-4:30pm, Diego, pass the hat. Karaoke - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 5:30pm, Hynes Event Center. Thursday, November 11 Lunch - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11am-2:30pm, Cafe Grande. Menu available @ Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Social Hour - Restful Valley Ranch,
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