Winter Texan Times

Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans FromMission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Vol. 35, No. 8 © 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com Wednesday, December 8, 2021 INDEX Parks Calendar p 8 WintertainersTM p 8 “On the road with Jo” p 13 Taste of the Valley p 15 Medical Services p 17 Events Calendar p 19 Business Guide p 19 Reunions p 20 Classifieds p 21 Rina’s Ramblings See RAMBLINGS pg. 18 See SYMPHONY pg. 6 Rainbow Room seeks donations This month seems to be going by fast. Before we know it, the new year is going to be here. While we wait for that to come, it’s nice driving around and seeing all the lights around town. Lighted Christmas parades have become a huge thing over the years. I hope you have been able to go out and enjoy one or two near you. Many have already taken place but are keeping their city park lights Under the direction of Maestro Peter Dabrowski, the Valley Symphony Orchestra will present “A Touch of Frost,” its annual holiday concert sponsored by Frost. The performance will take place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. on December 10. The 75-member Symphony will perform holiday classics such as Sleigh Ride, Feliz Navidad, selections from “The Nutcracker,” Handel’s “Messiah,” and Latin favorites “Besame Mucho” and “Conga del Fuego Nuevo.” The Rainbow RGV Community Partners are seeking the help of the community. They are seeking toys, coats and blankets. You can even choose to sponsor an entire family. The group sponsors the Rainbow Rooms located in McAllen, Edinburg, Weslaco, Harlingen and Brownsville. Rainbow RGV Community Partners is a non-profit organization operated by volunteers whose mission is to form a partnership with Child Protective Services and the community. They help supply Quilters fulfill a need in Penitas See QUILTERS pg. 12 Dee Pemberton sat in her corner, on her own, just plugging away at sewing quilts. “Then we found out what she was doing,” Catherine Raftery said. “And we joined her immediately.” Pemberton was using donations of fabric from members at her church to make quilts to donate for the children living in the Tent City in Brownsville. Last December, Raftery, Pemberton and the remainder of quilters from the Aladdin Villas in Mission, donated 72 quilts to the organization Mateo 25:35. Valley Symphony presents “A Touch of Frost” See DONATIONS pg. 14 Happy Holidays!

DECEMBER 8, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 2 WINTER TEXAN TIMES A Tejano Christmas Carol is back in Pharr It was the night before Christmas and a distasteful Rio Grande Valley Attorney by the name of Ezequiel Codos, played by 18-year-old Frankie Hooton, from Weslaco, was working late in his office while his overworked and underpaid employee Pablo Gomez, played by 16-yearold Raul Ceron fromMcAllen, typed away the water right contracts for Mr. Codos before heading home that Christmas Eve. Suddenly a charity worker comes in and Codos runs him out with snarls and complaints. He also throws out his nephew Beto who stops by to invite the old miser to Christmas dinner…and so goes the familiar story but with a twist of characters. This contemporary version set in the Rio Grande Valley, includes the appearance of Tejano singer Selena, as one of the three spirits, played by 12-year-old Brooklyn Dillard from Weslaco, and plenty of other tweaked characters that make-up the south Texas setting for this classic Dickens tale. “This play returns for its 5th year in a row,” said Pharr Community Theater Co. Producer, Pedro Garcia. “But this time all the roles, except two parts, will be played by teenagers and children making it fun, animated if you will, for the entire family.” All the y o u n g s t e r s in this quick, two-act play, in English, are under the guidance of director Seres Jaime Magaña from McAllen. “I’ve directed the play the last two years with adults and children, but this time the challenge was with a younger cast, and I was up for it”, said Magaña, a 30-year-old UTRGV graduate, husband and father of four. “I love the voices of the kids and their demeanor in these roles. They add a new dimension to spirit, while keeping true to their interpretation. Everyone is going to have a blast”. This time at the helm, playing the role of Codos is Frankie Hooton, who is also the president of his student council at IDEA Weslaco Pike College-Prep High. “Frankie has been in this play a couple of times in the past, playing other parts, and in several other PCT productions.” added Garcia. “He’s one of our young veterans and has improved each time as an actor. He’s entering college soon but before he does, he’s taking on his biggest role yet, and he’s going to be delightful,” said Garcia. “Playing the role of Codos takes a lot of time and emotion, conveying this incredibly, stingy, hateful man who detests holidays, especially Christmas… because of choices and things that happened in his past, and then showing his transformation, turning a new leaf is taxing, and it takes time to get it right, it’s challenging, but I’m enjoying the experience”, added young Hooton. “There are nearly 18 youngsters involved in the telling of the story, each adding their embellished personality, and some doubling parts. It’s an experience of a lifetime for them,” concluded Garcia. The play runs from December 14 through December 19 including two outdoor shows and three indoor shows, all in Pharr. Tickets will only be sold at each show starting one hour before curtain. At the outdoor shows, donations will be accepted as your admission, pay whatever you wish to give. At the indoor shows, tickets will be $5 per person and/or two tickets for $5 for those under thirteen or $3 each. Here’s the performance schedule: Tuesday, December 14, Downtown Pharr Amphi-Theater (Outdoors); 118 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr; 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 15, Pharr Vanguard Nature Center (Outdoors); 1025 S. Richmond Dr., Pharr; 7 p.m. Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18, DRC Center (Indoors); 850 W Dicker Rd./Las Milpas, Pharr; 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 19, Pepe Salinas Auditorium; 1011 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr; 3 p.m. For more information, please visit the Pharr Community Theater Co. Facebook page or text (956) 6559308. Eighteen-year-old Frankie Hooton from Weslaco rehearses the role of Ezequiel Codos in Pharr Community Theater’s play, A Tejano Christmas Carol. Standing is Brooklyn Dillard & Frankie Hooton, while sitting are Carolina & Alejandro Rivera carefully practicing their parts in A Tejano Christmas Carol. Leah Longoria, Azura Murad, Camila Rivera & Jeremias Martinez sit at the dinner table in rehearsals for A Tejano Christmas Carol, playing at four different locations in Pharr from December 14-19, 2021.

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Edinburg Mayor Robert Molina was on the city’s float and paused briefly to give a few comments about the “Night of Lights” parade. Besides the many school, commercial and community floats, there were the high school marching bands, dance groups, a dozen motorcycles, customized autos, cheerleaders and a couple high school athletic teams. And one of the best aspects to the night were all the lights on the entries, plus many of the floats had holiday music to add to the fun of the evening. Of course, the one person just about everyone was looking for was that jolly old fellow, Santa, who arrived in the traditional mode, on the Edinburg aerial ladder truck. Judging of business, civic and school divisions were held just before the start of the parade, with trophies and awards chosen for the first three places in each category. During the parade the jumbotron screen at the reviewing stand carried messages about other Edinburg events, such as the free “Holiday on the Promenade” now running through Jan. 2 and the Police Blue Santa drive-through toy giveaway at 9 a.m. Dec. 18. Holiday at the Promenade The City of Edinburg is bringing back the joy of the holiday season with several fun-filled events. Last week they held their Lighting of the Tree where all the city’s light displays were lit up in the city’s downtown promenade. The tree and lights will remain lit for the entire month of December. With the light displays at the promenade, the city invites visitors to enjoy the Holiday at the Promenade, with a self-guided tour of the holiday displays throughout the City Hall Promenade that extends from University Drive near 4th Street all the way to 9th Street and around the Edinburg Food Truck Park (Promenade Courtyard) and the Edinburg City Hall. Enjoy the lights all month long with friends and family; the Promenade Courtyard lights will not be available on December 10th due to a private event. Then join the city for the Edinburg Christmas Market happening Saturday, December 11th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the City Hall Courtyard and Promenade. The Christmas Market will feature unique vendors selling all sorts of Christmas gift ideas and décor. To learn more, call (956) 3836246.

5 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 8, 2021 Fiesta de Nochebuena returns to MOSTH The Museum of South Texas History presents Fiesta de Nochebuena, a borderland-spirit holiday event featuring traditions, crafts and Cowboy Santa, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. The popular “Posada Por Tiempo” will take guests through the museum’s signature Rio Grande Legacy exhibition while acting through song of the biblical story of Joseph and Mary seeking lodging for the birth of baby Jesus. This “Posada Por Tiempo” performance is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The talented Edinburg North High School Mariachi de Oro will perform classic songs at 2:30 p.m. in the Grand Lobby. Before and after the mariachi performance, guests can participate in the “Holiday Karaoke” fun in the Grand Lobby from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Be sure to practice those favorite holiday tunes. Families and visitors are invited to enjoy fun make-and-takehome activities, which are included with the regular museum admission fee. Museum staff will showcase on how to make “Memory Ornaments,” “Paper Poinsettias” and “Reindeer Ornaments.” Practice lasso skills to “Wrangle Reindeers” in the Will Looney Legacy Park followed by the breaking of a piñata at 4 p.m. Meet Cowboy Santa in the upstairs galleries and share favorite Christmas memories with him. Free photos with Cowboy Santa will take place between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Keepsake Polaroids are available for purchase at the Museum Store. Additional crafts, art and jewelry will be on sale by vendors Sew Young Embroidery, Zoquitl Studio and Iba Sisters Handmade Jewelry & Accessories. Come hungry and bring some extra cash to enjoy classic Mexican dishes such as tamales, pozole and champurrado. For dessert, the Boy Scouts will sell pan dulce, aguas frescas and sodas. To pair with the pan dulce, La Catrina Coffee will sell ethically sourced roasted coffee beans and provide free, small coffee samples. Admission fees for Fiesta de Noche Buena are $9 for adults (ages 18+); $6 for seniors with ID (ages 62+), active military and students with ID (ages 13+); $5 for children (ages 4 to 12) and free for children ages three and younger. FRIENDS of MOSTHistory are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDship and must provide an active FRIENDship card at admission. For more information on the event or becoming a FRIEND, please call (956) 383-6911 or visit mosthistory. org. About Museum of South Texas History The Museum of South Texas History is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 N. Closner Blvd. on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. Hours of operation are Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday– Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Founded in 1967 as the Hidalgo County Historical Museum in the 1910 Hidalgo County Jail, the museum has grown over the decades through a series of expansions to occupy a full city block. In 2003, following the completion of a 22,500 square foot expansion, the museum was renamed the Museum of South Texas History to better reflect its regional scope. Today, the museum preserves and presents the borderland heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico through its permanent collection and the Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives and exhibits spanning prehistory through the 20th century. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and find us on YouTube or call (956) 383-6911.

DECEMBER 8, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 6 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Call today to schedule a free consultation and let us show you how professionally designed marketing materials with clear and consistent messaging can elevate your brand. You Only Get One Chance To Make A First Impression Make It Count With Promos & Prints On Your Side Sales@promosandprints.com (956) 580-7800 1217 N Conway Ave, Mission, TX A Division of Nexus Publishing LLC Join Mission Historical Museum as Dr. Russell Skowronek presents a capt iva t ing lecture on S a t u r d a y , D e c e m b e r 11th at 11 a.m. at the MHM. Admission is free to the public. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. A faculty partner in the Spanish Land Grants holding, Russell Skowronek (Ph.D. Michigan State University) is Professor of Anthropology and History at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where he also serves as the founding Director of the Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools. A research associate of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, he has spent the past three decades studying the Spanish colonial world. He is the author or editor of dozens of articles, reports and several books including X Marks the Spot: The Archaeology of Piracy (with Charles Ewen-2006), HMS Fowey Lost… And Found! (with George Fischer-2009), Beneath the Ivory Tower: the Archaeology of Academia (with Kenneth Lewis-2010) all with the University Press of Florida, and Situating Mission Santa Clara de Asís: 1776-1851, Documentary and Material Evidence of Life on the Alta California Frontier with the Academy of American Franciscan History (2006). The Mission Historical Museum is located at 900 Doherty Avenue, in Mission. The museum is open Wednesday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information on this program or any upcoming events contact the museum office at (956) 580-8646, visit their website at www.missionmuseum.org, or follow us on Facebook. MHM Lecture Series this weekend For the first time since 2019, the Valley Symphony Chorale will join the Orchestra and will perform several pieces a capella. The Chorale is made up of 45 vocalists from UTRGV and the broader community and performs under the direction of UTRGV’s Dr. Sean Taylor. The concert will feature Dr. Taylor performing a solo vocal selection, and Symphony musicians Lindsey Gamble (Assistant Concertmaster) and Patrick Hopkins (Assistant Principal Cello) performing a movement from Vivaldi’s Concerto for Violin and Cello. The concert will be presented without intermission and masks are optional for those who are vaccinated. “Holiday music is some of the very best music there is,” said Maestro Peter Dabrowski. “We love playing it just as much as our audiences love hearing it, and it is a joy to be celebrating with music once again after Covid.” Tickets for “A Touch of Frost” are currently on sale and can be purchased online at www.valleyorchestra.org or by visiting the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office, M-F 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or calling them at (956) 681-3800. SYMPHONY From pg. 1

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DECEMBER 8, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 8 WINTER TEXAN TIMES For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM NOW BOOKING 2022-23 • 417-230-8198 ralphkuster@sympatico.ca - www.ralphkuster.net NEWYEAR’S DINNER&DANCE FRI, DEC 31 • 6PM-12AM – SUNSHINE RV RESORT Harlingen (956) 428-4137 BROADWAY & THEMOVIES WED, JAN 5 •7PM – WINTER HAVEN RESORT Brownsville (281) 352-5060 RELAX, LAUGH, & SING ALONG Featuring a newCountry & Traditional Christmas... and somuchmore! Christmas in the Rio Grande Valley CHRISTMAS SHOWS • VIDEO FOR EVERY SONG SUN, DEC 12 • 7PM – VALLEY VIEW ESTATES Mission (319) 210-2021 WED, DEC 15 • 7PM – PARADISE RESORT ESTATES Pharr (956) 787-1521 FRI, DEC 17 • 7PM - BENTSEN PALM VILLAGE RESORT Mission (208) 521-9389 SAT, DEC 18 • 7PM - FIESTA VILLAGE RESORT Mission (956) 585-9264 SUN, DEC 19 • 6PM - ALAMO PALMS RECREATIONAL CLUB Alamo (956) 787-7571 TUES, DEC 21 • 7PM - TROPIC STAR RESORT Pharr (856) 787-5773 WED, DEC 22 • 7PM - BIT O’ HEAVEN RESORT Donna (603) 396-2786 THUR, DEC 23 • 7PM - PARK PLACE ESTATES AND RESORT Harlingen (512) 431-0733 Dec. 11 • Paradise Park • McAllen Dec. 17 • Winter Green Estates • Mission Dec. 29 • Lemon Tree • Mission Dec. 31 • Posada Del Sol • Harlingen Jan. 5 • Bentsen Grove • Palmview Jan. 7 • Lakewood Lodge • Harlingen Jan. 8 • Tropical Winds • Harlingen Jan. 9 • Valley View Estates • Mission Jan. 12 • VIP La Feria • La Feria Jan. 24 • Aladdin Villas • Mission Feb. 14 • Paradise Park • McAllen Feb. 20 • Pharr South • Pharr Feb. 21 • Casa Del Sol • Donna For Bookings Call (417) 849-4170 www.bobandalta.com PastorPudge@CenturyLink.net @pastorpudgeredneckrevival Bob & Alta Courtney REDNECK REVIVAL WINTER TOUR SCHEDULE Available For Shows And Dances! CALENDAR PARKS www.ontheriver.net • 214 E. Chimney Rd • Mission, TX Enjoy the Texas Weather On Our Covered Deck & Patio Sundays 1:30-5:30pm Live Music Dec. 19 & 26 Steven May & Leon Mann Come Try Our TEXAS Size Pork Tenderloin 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 Dec. 12 Renaissance Rockers 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, December 8 All You Can Eat Breakfast - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7:309am, $6pp. 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. Weekly Jam - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 1:30-3pm, Food court $. Big Band Jam - Valley View Estates, Mission, 2-4pm, Musicians by invitation only. Happy Hour - Southern Comfort Resort, Weslaco, 3-4:30pm, Diego, pass the hat. Public Meal - Big Valley Trailer Park, Donna, 4:30pm, All you care to eat: sausage gravy and biscuits, pancakes, sausage patties, scrambled eggs, applesauce and coffee. Bring own table service. Karaoke - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 5:30pm, Hynes Event Center. Music Jam - Heritage Square, Mission, 5:30pm, Hosted by Don McGhghy. Food available 4 to 5:15 pm. 300 S. Bryan Rd. For info: 563-340-6493. Pre-Rounds - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 6:30-7pm, In Tampico Hall. Bring snacks to share. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Dance - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 7pm, Sweetwater, $8pp. 1341 West Highway 83. Entertainment - McAllen Mobile Park, 7-9pm, Elaine Nelson and Friends, $8pp. Welcome Back Dance - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 7-9pm, With Ron Betzelberger. In Tampico Hall. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Thursday, December 9 Craft Show - Alamo Rec-Veh Park, 8am-Noon, 1320 West Frontage Rd. Interested vendors call 605-216-6703. Lunch will be served. Holiday Craft Fair - Paradise South RV Park, Mercedes, 8am-Noon, Open to the public, everyone is welcomed! There will be vendors and small businesses, door prizes and lunch plates. 9099 N. Mile 2 West. If any small businesses or vendors are interested in participating please call Paradise South Activities 956-376-3798 or email paradisesouth_rec@equitylifestyle.com. Lunch - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11am-2:30pm, Cafe Grande. Menu available @ Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Thursday Lunch - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 11am-12:30pm, Served by Ace’s BBQ. Menu chang-

9 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 8, 2021 For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM Harlingen Elks Lodge #1889 Upcoming and Ongoing Events Elks and Guests Welcome! (956) 423-4290 1426 S. Commerce St. • Harlingen, TX Friday Dinner Dec. 10 • Spaghetti • $8 Sweet Water Band Dec. 17 • Kay’s Ribs • $13 Southern Vibes Bingo • 7pm-9pm Kitchen Open At 6pm Dec. 9 • DJ Roland Music & Karaoke • 8pm-12am Dec. 11 • DJ Chenzo Dec. 16 • DJ Roland Music & Karaoke • 8pm-12am Dec. 18 • The Click Events Dec. 14 • I-69 Band • 5:30pm-7:30pm December Birthday Bash Dec. 15 • House Committee Meeting • 6:30pm Custom Hand Made Boot Giveaway DANCES EVERY WEDNESDAY Texas Wheels • 7-10pm (BYOB) • $7 Singles Mixer • 6-7pm (BYOB) 1048 N. Alamo Rd. • Alamo, TX 78516 • Office: 956-783-5008 PICKLEBALL MIXER Every Thursday • 9am-12pm • $2 PATIO SALE Dec. 11 • 8am-12pm ENTERTAINMENT Dec. 13 • Curt James • 3-5pm Pass The Hat ROCK & ROLL JAM Dec. 14 • Maude Squad Back • 7-9pm Snack Social Hour • 5:30-6:30pm DANCES • 7 - 10PM MEAL EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT • 7 - 9PM 1415 Aladdin Villas W Mission, TX 78572 (956) 581-1288 Breakfast Brunch • 8 - 9:30am • $6 Dec 18, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 12 New Year’s Eve • 8pm - 12am Dec 31 • Jealous Heart Band Brunch • 10pm • $20 Jan 8 • Dance With Kai • $8 Jan 15 • The Lockhart’s • $8 Jan 22 • Regan James Hired Hand • $8 Dec 27 • Rick McEwen • $8 Jan 3 • The Baker Family • $9 Jan 10 • Jason Coleman • $8 Jan 17 • Roger Despard an Illusionist/Magician• $8 Entertainment Pass Reserved Tickets: $88 • General Admission: $85 For Dance/Entertainment Ticket Questions Call Lori (320) 492-6415 es weekly. Contact Activity Office for menu items 956-585-0703. Orders due by Tuesday at noon. Lunch & Jam - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 11am-3pm, Lunch served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome. For more information call 956532-4649. Rock & Roll Jam - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 12:30-3pm. Big Band Jam - La Hacienda Estates, Alamo, 1-3pm. Jam - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 1-3pm, Lunch available 11:30 am - 1 pm. Mission Bell Ballroom. 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. Meal - Eldorado Acres RV Park, Palmview, 4pm, Hamburger or chicken patty dinner, $7pp. Cheeseburger or chicken patty with cheese, $8pp. Includes potato or baked beans. Soup Supper - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 4:30pm, $4pp. Homemade, various varieties. BYOB/TS (Bring Your Own Bowl/Table Service). Drinks and dessert for sales. All You Can Eat Fish Fry - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 4:30-6:30pm, Hynes Event Center, $9.75pp. Acoustic Jam - Palm Gardens, McAllen, 6-8:30pm, Bring your own instrument to our Acoustic Jam (no instrument amplifiers). Show your talent or just sit and listen. Karaoke - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 6:30-8:30pm, Doors open 6:00 pm. Snack bar open. Singers should arrive early so songs may be downloaded to computer. Entertainment - Tropic Winds MH &RVResort, Harlingen, 7-9pm, Lindley Creek Christmas Show, $10pp advance, $12pp at the door. Prayer and Praise - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm. Bingo - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-9pm, $0.50 a card; popcorn/soda available. Dance - Pine to Palm Resort, Weslaco, 7-10pm, Regan James, $8pp. Doors open at 6:30 pm, BYOB, ice, pop and popcorn available. Door prizes. Dance - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 7pm, Leslie Blasing, $8pp. Dance - McAllen Mobile Park, 7-10pm. Friday, December 10 Breakfast Buffet - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 7:30-10:30am, Cafe Grande, $8pp. Craft Fair - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 8am-Noon, Open to public; you must sign up with Activity Director. Indoor and outdoor spaces available. Food Fair - Palm Shadows RV/MH Park, Donna, 8am-Noon, Vendors needed! Contact Sue McKeehan, 605519-8191. Lunch - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11am-2:30pm, Cafe Grande. Menu available @ Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Winter Jam - Casa del Sol, Donna, 11:30am-2pm, Lunch for a nominal fee served from 11:30 am-12:30 pm, music from 12:30-2:00 pm. 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! Variety Jam - Bentsen Palm RV Park, Mission, 1-3pm, Homemade goodies and beverage provided, 50/50, great music. Country Jam - Split Rail RV Park, Mission, 1-3pm, Come enjoy great music with friendly Winter Texans. There will be singing and dancing. Or you’re welcome to just listen. Regardless, a good time will be had by all. We’ve made homemade cookies! Don’t miss it. RC Track - Kenwood RV Park, La Feria, 1:30pm. Free Square Dance Lessons - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 2pm, MisSee PARKS pg. 10

DECEMBER 8, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 10 WINTER TEXAN TIMES CRAFT SHOW HOMEMADE CAKE DONUTS ENTERTAINMENT • 7PM ROCK & ROLL JAM All EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Paula McSpadden, Activity Director 956-585-0703 DANCES EVERY FRIDAY 7-10PM SINGLES ARE WELCOME 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) Every Thursday • 12:30 - 3:00PM Dec 11 • 8AM - 12PM Breakfast & Lunch Served From Ace’s BBQ Dec 15 & 29 • Order Ahead (956) 585-0703 Plain, Chocolate, Or Blueberry With Choice Of Vanilla Or Cinnamon Glaze $1 Each, $1.50 for 2, $4 for 6, $7 for 12 PAY AT DOOR UNLESS NOTED Jan 1 • Baker Family Show • $9 Jan 5 • Redneck Revival Show • $8 Jan 16 • Nu-Blu Show • 3-5pm • $10 1645 S Bentsen Palm Drive Palmview • 956-585-0703 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 For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM sion Bell Ballroom. Caller-Robert Ferguson. Friday Night Fish Fry - Mission West RV Park, 4:30-5:30pm, Full order (3 pieces) with french fries, coleslaw, tea/coffee for $9pp. We also have half orders (2 pieces) for $7pp and extra fish for $2 each. Fish Fry - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 5:30-6:30pm, Advance tickets $11pp, at the door $12pp. Country Jam - HiddenValley Ranch RV & MH Park, Mission, 5:30pm. Happy Hour - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 6pm, With Texas Storm. Hynes Event Center, bar available, pass the hat. Dance - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 7-10pm, The Rovers - variety. $8pp. BYOB and snacks. Dance - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7-10pm, Day of the Dead dance with the Howlers, $8pp. Dance - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 7-10pm, Curt James, $6pp. Mask recommended but not required. Dance - Paradise South RV Park, Mercedes, 7-10pm, Smokin’ Gun, $7pp. Pay at the door. Paradise South Hall, kitchen is open, BYOB. Dance - Valley View Estates, Mission, 7-10pm, High Country, $7pp & $8pp. Dance - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 7-10pm, Diego & Edith “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere”, $7pp. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Door prizes, raffles & more. Call SRV Office (956) 969-3740 for tickets. Tickets available at the door, but possibly may be limited. Big Band/Classic Country Jam - Palm Shadows RV/MH Park, Donna, 7-9pm, Musicians by invitation only. Lounge open 3-9 pm serving pizza, hot dogs, chili dogs, and chili corn dogs. Entertainment - Eastgate RV & MH Park, Harlingen, 7-9pm, Ron & Jan Easter, $8pp. 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, PARKS From pg. 9 Lazy Palms Ranch, it’s what life is all about. Where the sound of silence is still heard and where the country’s natural splendor has no bounds. Lazy Palms Ranch is the R.V. Ranch you’ll want to call home for a day, a week or for the season. 50 Acre RV Park ACTIVITIES: Shuffleboard • Horseshoes • Bocce Ball • Card Games • Live Entertainment Bake and Craft Sales • Pot Lucks • Dominoes • Poker • Pool Tables • Bingo 35100 Lazy Palm Dr. Edinburg, TX, 78541 www.lazypalmsranch.com manager@lazypalmsranch.com (956) 383-1020 FEATURES: Large Rv & Park Model Sites • Bird/Natural Life Year Round • Game Room Pool Tables • Walking Trails • Exercise Equipment • Pet Friendly Church Services on Sundays • Pool & Spa • Stocked Fishing Pond 50+ Park Community Come Check Us Out! Spacious Country Living At It’s Best! rock, country, gospel and comedy. Saturday, December 11 Saturday Morning Breakfast - Chimney Park, Mission, 7-9am, Menu varies. $5pp. 4224 S. Conway. Community Wide Garage Sale - Paradise South RV Park, Mercedes, 7am-Noon, Open to the public, gate will open at 7am. 9099 N. Mile 2 West. Patio Sales - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 8am-Noon, Open to public. Patio Sales - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 8am-Noon. Park Wide Yard Sale - Dream Valley Ranch, Mission, 8-11:50am, No early birds! Patio Sale - Split Rail RV Park, Mission, 8am-Noon, 513 N. Los Ebanos Road. Come see us! Craft Show - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 8am-Noon, Breakfast and lunch served from Ace’s BBQ. Park Wide Patio Sale - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 8am-Noon, Free admission. Craft Show - Eastgate RV & MH Park, Harlingen, 9am-2pm, Enjoy a fun time shopping for yourself or Christmas gifts. Lunch offered for sale at 10 am. Open Jam - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 11am-1pm, BYOB, come sing, play or just listen. All welcome. Meal - Eldorado Acres RV Park, Palmview, 11:30am, Chicken noodle soup with grilled cheese sandwich, $7pp. Jam - Big Valley Trailer Park, Donna, 12:30pm, Curly Klaphake, donation for refreshments. Please join us, you are welcome to sing, play an instrument or listen to an afternoon of good music. Country Jam - Green Gate Grove, Palmview, 12:30pm, Lunch at 11:00 am. Country Jam - La Hacienda Estates, Alamo, 1-3:30pm. Rock &Roll/Big Band Jam - McAllen Mobile Park, 1-3pm, Join us for the best Rock n Roll/Big Band Jam in the Valley. Everyone is welcome. We offer a great dessert table. Musicians are by invitation only. Dance - Bluebonnet RV Park, Mission, 6-9pm, Southern Harmony, $8pp. Hall 2, concessions will be available. Hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, etc. BYOB. Bingo - Pharr South Park, Pharr, 6:30-9:30pm, Card sales from 6:30-

11 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 8, 2021 7pm, bingo 7-9pm. Snacks and refreshments available for purchase. No outside food or beverages. Come early for dinner, served 4:45-6pm. Dance - Southern Comfort Resort, Weslaco, 7-10pm, Hot Rodz, $8pp. Dance - Trophy Gardens, Alamo, 7pm, Steven May, $7pp. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Dance - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Rick McEwen, $6pp. In the Friendship Hall. Dance - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-10pm, Vinyl Spin, $8pp. Open to the public. Dance - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 7-10pm, The Agency, $10pp. Doors open at 6:15 pm. Snack bar open. Advance ticket sales. Email craigclampitt@msn.com for info on sales. Dance - Eldorado Acres RV Park, Palmview, 7-10pm, The Lockharts. Dance - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 7-10pm, With Leslie Blasing, $8pp. Hynes Event Center, out of park residents may purchase tickets Monday prior to the dance. Sunday, December 12 Church Service - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 8:30am, Non-denominational, with Pastor Jesse Hernandez. Bible Study follows the service. Church - Fiesta Village, Mission, 9am, In the Main Hall. Church - Tradewinds RV Resort, Mission, 9am. Church Service - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 9-10am, We invite you to join us as we enjoy time with God in Worship and Fellowship. Refreshments following the service. Church Service - Rio Valley Estates MH & RV Resort, Weslaco, 9am, In Friendship Hall. All welcome, non-denominational, led by Pastor Johnie McDaniel. 715 N. Westgate Drive. Church Service - Big Valley Trailer Park, Donna, 9am, Pastor Jerry Hunter. Donation, non-denominational service. Communion served the first Sunday of each month. Church - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 9:30am. Church - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 10-11am. Church Services - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 10-11:30am. Church Service - Palm Shadows RV/MH Park, Donna, 10am, Services by Pastors Charles & Bev Wolff. Worship - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 10:30am, Chaplain Dr Larry Windle Jam - Eldorado Acres RV Park, Palmview, 2-4pm. Dance - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 3-5pm, Tiny Hill. 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! Entertainment - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 6-7:15pm, Kai, country/ Hawaiian, $8pp. Arrive 5:45pm. 1341 W. US Highway 83. 618-973-3595. Dance Party - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 6:30-8:30pm, PH II, III, & IV RD Dance Party. In Tampico Hall. Bring snacks to share. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Worship - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm, Chaplain Dr Larry Windle Movie - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 7-9pm, Snack bar opens at 6:00 pm. Free movies. Please visit website, rgv.activities.com, for title of movie each week. Show - Valley View Estates, Mission, 7-9pm, Ralph Kuster, $8pp & $10pp. Monday, December 13 Dance/Workshop - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 2-4pm, PH II-III RD dance/workshop. In Tampico Hall. Bring snacks to share. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Square Dance - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 2pm, Mission Bell Ballroom. Mainstream/Plus. Caller: Robert Ferguson. Monday Night Hamburgers - Mission West RV Park, 4:30-5:30pm, Join us for the best burger in the Valley. Hamburger (with all the fixins), fries, tea/coffee - $6pp. We also have cheeseburgers and grilled chicken. If you prefer, we’ll cook your burger on our inside grill. Monday Night Dinner - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 4:30-6pm, Served by Ace’s BBQ. Menu changes weekly. Contact Activity Office for menu items 956-585-0703. Orders due by Friday at noon. Monday Dinner - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 5pm, A Taste of Italy, $13.50pp. Hynes Event Center, doors open at 4:30 pm, ticket deadline 12/9. See PARKS pg. 21

DECEMBER 8, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 12 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Call Today For Your Free Estimate Call Mark Anytime At 956-357-1048 WE WANT TO BUY YOUR TRUCK•CAR•SUV•VAN RVTRAVELTRAILER•5THWHEEL•MOTORHOME•BUS CARGO OR FLATBEDTRAILER•ATV•MOTORCYCLE•BOAT MINI-MOTOR HOME•CAMPERVAN•TOYHAULER •GOLF CART WE WANT TO BUY YOUR RV 27146 McLelland Road., Harlingen, TX 78552 (956) 423-1446 Lower Valley / 956-664-1446 Upper Valley www.gowithjo.com Eagle Pass Gambling (2 Days) Jan. 11, 25; Feb. 8, 15, 22 .......................$TBA 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 - Go all the way through the Canyon .................. $TBA Monarch Butterflies (6 Days) Feb. 4, 9 meals .................................................. $TBA Monterrey Tres (3 Days) ...................................................................................... $TBA San Miguel de Allende (5 Days) ...................................................................... $TBA (Prices are per person, double occupancy) Hidalgo Festival of Lights (1 Day) Dec. 14, Incl. Early Dinner.......................$71pp 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 .......$95pp 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! Let’s Travel! “She was just on her own, not telling any of us what she was doing,” saidRaftery, who organizes theAladdin Villas quilting group. “She was just making quilts and making more quilts. Eventually we found out what she was doing and joined her. “We handed 72 quilts for these babies and some of the children were just hugging their quilts.” After donating those quilts, the group began working on quilts for this year. They just didn’t have a place to donate too. They reached out to Colette Walsh, a Mission resident who is a liaison between many who want to give and many who are in need. She connected with Proyecto Desarrollo Humano and Sisters Caroline and Fatima in Penitas. The community, Walsh said, lives below the poverty line and, if one visits the area “you’ll see kids getting washed with the water hose outside. They aren’t doing it out of fun, but necessity,” she said. “They’ve done amazing things out there and it has a been a very meaningful organization for me,” Walsh said. “They have a thrift store out there where the residents can go and buy things they need – like nice Levi’s for maybe $2. They sell it to give the families ownership in their community, the pride of ownership and that ability to provide for others.” So, when there’s a need, it’s the thrift store’s director Libby who is, as Walsh called her, “the connector.” “She knows so many people out there,” Walsh said. “She’s the connector.” And now all of them are a makeshift assembly line that begins with the 12 ladies who form the Aladdin Villages sewing/quilting group. Raftery and her husband moved from Ireland to South Texas nine years ago. Not a stranger to sewing, Raftery would create costumes during Halloween for her children and once those children reached high school she would make the costumes for the characters of the high school play. “I’ve been sewing all my life and always had a sewing machine but never did anything like this,” she said. “There’s a peacefulness to it. Sometimes it’s aggravating when you’re doing something complicated, but for the most part it’s just relaxing and gives you something to focus on.” A room filled with beautiful quilts, blankets and other projects is a tell-tale sign of the commitment the group has while working to serve the local community for those in need, along with working on some of their own personal projects. “That first round of blankets were made with love,” Raftery said. “We all have so much but we’re always in pursuit of more.” For more information on Proyecto Desarrollo Humano, you can find them on Facebook. QUILTERS From pg. 1

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