Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans FromMission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Vol. 35, No. 9 © 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com Wednesday, December 15, 2021 INDEX Parks Calendar p 8 WintertainersTM p 8 “On the road with Jo” p 13 Taste of the Valley p 17 Medical Services p 21 Events Calendar p 22 Reunions p 23 Business Guide p 23 Classifieds p 25 Rina’s Ramblings See RAMBLINGS pg. 24 See ALAMO pg. 16 Students project supports foster kids Hello readers! If you don’t pay attention to our header on our paper each week, you wouldn’t know…. We have been publishing the Winter Texan Times since 1987. So, we are celebrating 35 years this season. What started as a bi-weekly paper by June Brann and Jim Brunson, has grown to a weekly paper during the Winter Texan season – October through March. By Herb Moering The nippy, breezy weather didn’t deter spectators lining the route Saturday night for the City of Alamo’s lighted Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. While most of those watching the 43 entries pass by were bundled up in sweaters and coats, Del Engrisch skipped the extra coverings since she had arrived that day leaving behind 16 inches of snow and the accompanying cold in Minnesota. Her husband, Warren, missed the snowstorm because he had arrived three The idea came to the duo of Emma Zamora and Jaelin Lopez last spring during their junior year at Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS). With the return of in-person instruction and the start of their senior year this year, the team has worked their idea into a community service project for their DECA organization. Zamora and Lopez discovered that children in unfortunate situations to include foster care and safe homes often struggle in school and getting the materials they need to be Stuart Place: Like Cheers, but it’s Golf See GOLF pg. 14 Golf is not just a game to enjoy. It’s an entire experience to be a part of, especially at Stuart Place Country Club and Shary Municipal Golf Course. At least that’s what the voters decided in the annual Winter Texans Times Favorite Golf voting. Stuart Place, a nine-hole course, located at 155 Highland Dr. in Harlingen, won five of the seven categories that people could vote on. Those categories include Favorite Hole (No. 9), Favorite Amenities (the clubhouse), Favorite Putting Winter Texans enjoy Alamo Parade See STUDENTS pg. 7 Happy Holidays! Stuart Place Country Club
DECEMBER 15, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 2 WINTER TEXAN TIMES MOBILE HOME INSURANCE CAMERON COUNTY Call or Come See Us 956-464-2886 Galvan Insurance Agency, Inc. 1101 East Business 83 Donna, TX 1 1/2 milesWest of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com Basic Plan Covers: Fire, Lightning, Smoke, Wind (Hurricane, Tornados), Hail, Riot & Civil Commotion, Land & Air Vehicles, $100,000 Liability Coverage. Basic Coverage Sample $ 10,000 $ 0 $ 100,000 $ 397.67* $ 406.07* $ 470.08* Dwelling Contents Liability Harlingen Area Rate San Benito Area Rate Brownsville Area Rate Flood Coverage Available We Also Insure PARK MODELS • TRAVEL TRAILERS MOTORHOMES • GOLF CARTS • “CASITAS” 5TH WHEELS • AUTOS • MOTORCYCLES *Premium subject to age of home, distance to coast and carrier underwriting. Rate subject to change. Artists, performers, food, fun in illuminated forest The third annual Illumina Fest is a five-night event from December 14 to 18, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlán. At this year’s Illumina Fest, enjoy artists who have created installations for the night trails. The event will proudly feature amazing local and regional artists and performers every evening. Quinta Mazatlán will be lighting over 3,000 luminaria bags. The word Luminaria means “festival lights” and traditionally people lit small bonfires to welcome visitors over the holidays. The Southwestern custom of using Luminaria bags is thought to have originated with Spanish merchants who discovered paper lanterns on their travels to China. The one-way half mile illuminated trail guides visitors past light shows, art installations, community performers and holiday treats. Artist San Juanita Garcia has painted over 100 Spirit Sticks to be lit with neon lights. Enjoy street art by Wendy B Lara titled “Angel Statue”. Take a selfie at the new mural of wings painted by artist Celerino Castillo III. Be amazed by the Lighted Bronze Statues created by sculptor Douglas Clark. Enjoy different performances every evening from groups such as Indigo Creative, School of Rock, South Texas Fuzion, McAllen Golden Larks, RGV Tuba Christmas, Deborah Case Dance Academy, Perez Elementary Choir, Dance Mission, Rolando Pacheco Dance Studio, Las Palmas Ballet Folklorico, Poet - Kelley Sweeney, DJ Queen Killah Bee and more. Walk the trails and munch on holiday snacks from vendors in the courtyard preparing kettle corn, spicy candy, elote in a cup, candied pecans, beef jerky and make your own s’mores. The historic adobe home will feature an exhibit titled “Nature at Night” with artists Amanda De La Garza, Vanessa Alvarado, Celerino Castillo, Gaby De La Fuente, Agustin J. Villarreal, Jessica Monroe and more. Come dressed in lights and help spread the holiday spirit enjoyed around the world. Art installations will honor Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Diwali, Native American Traditions and Nature at Night. Timed entry tickets are available only online at www.ticketleap.com. Search for “Quinta Mazatlan-Illumina Fest.” Adult tickets are $10, children $5 and tots two and under are free. Please call Quinta Mazatlan at (956) 681-3370 for more information. Enjoy Illumina Fest and celebrate the light of the world.
3 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 15, 2021 WE TRADES WE PAY CASH FOR RVS DONNA • 956-464-4403 101 Expressway 83 (Southside) McAllen Harlingen Ron Hoover RV & Marine Center NEW BIGGER STORE LARGEST SELECTION • OVER 12 ACRES OF RVS • OVER 1000 TO CHOOSE FROM ONLY INDOOR SHOWROOM IN SOUTH TEXAS Newly Expanded Body Shop • Mobile Service • 23 Service Bays Rv Parts & Hardware Store The Only
DECEMBER 15, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 4 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 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 Holiday activities this month It’s December, and with that, there are many holiday activities that continue throughout the month. We thought it would make it easier if they were all located in one spot … So here is what we know of so far. Through December 31 Hidalgo Festival of Lights celebrates 30 years with a drive-thru event at the Payne Arena. Admission must be purchased online prior to event. Event will be held 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Dash passes, general admission tickets, train tickets, and special ho l i day /weekend tickets are available. Visit hidalgofestivaloflights.com for tickets and more information. Through January 1, 2022 Brownsville Holiday Village will be on display at Dean Porter Park. Houses will be lit up at 6 p.m. every night. There will be entertainment throughout the period and Santa will be available for pictures on the weekends. Visit http://www. holidayvillagebrownsville.com/ for their full schedule of events. Through January 2, 2022 McAllen will have their South Pole of Texas illuminated. There will be different events of entertainment, food, and more each weekend in December. The event is at the McAllen Convention Center Oval Park. ********** The City of Edinburg will have their light displays available for self-guided tours at the 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. Through January 16, 2022 SPI will have their Holiday Light Show with synchronized festive music that is played in 15-minute intervals, daily from 6 to 9 p.m. at the SPI Convention Center. Through January 22, 2022 The Brownsville-SPI International Airport will host the photography exhibit “Women in Aviation and Space History.” This exhibit celebrates the accomplishments by women since the early days of aviation, to space exploration to recent commercial space flights. It consists of 35 images and is a project organized in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and others. Exhibit will be on display on the second floor of the airport. It is located at 700 Amelia Earhart Dr., in Brownsville. Photo courtesy Hidalgo Festival of Lights Facebook Brownsville Holiday Village
5 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 15, 2021 A Christmas Celebration Join us for an evening of music that will make your holidays festive and bright! Join us on Friday, 12/17 @ 7:30pm • McAllen Performing Arts Center • www.McAllenWindEnsemble.org To Purchase Tickets, SCAN ME McAllen Wind E N S E M B L E Deadline approaching The opportunity to learn about the amazing habitat of the Rio Grande Valley and how to help preserve it comes along once a year. December 17 is the deadline to apply for the January 2022 training. The South Texas Border Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist invites residents over the age of 18 and Winter Texans in Hidalgo, Starr and Cameron County to join this unique educational volunteer program to become a certified Texas Master Naturlist. Texas Master Naturalist is sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Sea Grant Program and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Students attend weekly virtual classes each Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning January 4 through March 22. Attendees will need internet access, a computer, iPad or Android pad. Using a smartphone is not recommended. In addition, field trips are a required element of training that will provide unique access and learning opportunities. Field trips will be held in person following current county and departmental public health guidelines. Classes are taught by local university professors and other field experts, including those from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and U.S. Department of Agriculture. There are hundreds of local opportunities available to volunteers from helping develop public native pollinator gardens, training as docents and nature guides at local wildlife preserves, to undertaking citizen science projects, and joining programs about bird migration and bird counts to studying shore birds, the Gulf and beach inhabitants and trends. With social distancing, trainees will be able to join volunteer teams with other chapter members and work among local partners in activities at federal, state, and local wildlife parks, coastal naturalist programs, cities, schools, and other public entities. The chapter has monthly guest speakers the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are currently virtual but are still free and open to the public. Follow the chapter’s Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/stbctmn to be notified when our meetings are broadcast live. The cost to attend the certification program is $150 and includes textbook, fees, t-shirt, name tag, and one-year membership. Full scholarships are available. Requests for scholarships are also due by December 17. To apply for the certification class, follow the instruction sheet on the New Class webpage at https://www. stbctmn.org/the-next-class. To request a scholarship application, or if you have other questions, please contact the new class director, Anne Mayville, at nurse_anne@msn.com. Check out the chapter website at https://www.stbctmn.org/. Photo courtesy of South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalist Facebook. 2019 trainees at the National Butterfly Center.
DECEMBER 15, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 6 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 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 (956)566-1157 Activity directors sponsor Food Bank Posada The Food Bank RGV is excited to announce its first Christmas Posada: Calditos, Conchas y Cafecitos, will take place onsite at the beautiful and historic Valley Fruit Co. building on December 16. The Christmas Posada is the Food Bank RGV’s newest community event and aims to raise funds to provide even more holiday meals for the community this season. “Hunger does not take a holiday and unfortunately, we are currently seeing more families reach out for help this season. We know that having children home during the holiday vacation will put a strain on already tight family finances—we just want to make sure children are fed and that no one has to go without a meal,” said Libby A. Saenz, Food Bank RGV CEO. The Food Bank RGV’s inaugural Christmas Posada will feature local restaurants that will showcase their traditional caldos and soups (pozole, menudo, fideo, caldito talpeno, frijoles charros, chili) while local coffee shops and bakeries display their best holiday pastries and warm seasonal drinks. Guests will enjoy live entertainment from local mariachi bands and folklorico dance teams while they shop a winter wonderland variety of boutiques and local artisan vendors. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on the various silent auction items, with proceeds supporting the holiday meals campaign. The Food Bank RGV would like to thank the RGV Activity Directors Association for supporting the Christmas Posada at the Silver Reindeer sponsorship level. This support will enable the food bank to provide 12,500 meals for the community this season. The Food Bank RGV’s Inaugural Christmas Posada will take place December 16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Food Bank RGV located at 724 N. Cage Blvd in Pharr. The cost to attend is $25 per person and includes tastings from all participating restaurants, bakeries, and café shops. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of the posada or in advance online at www.foodbankrgv.com For more information, contact Philip Farias, Manager of Corporate Engagement & Special Events, at (956) 904-4513 or by email at pfarias@foodbankrgv.com. Also, visit www.foodbankrgv.com at any time for information regarding other programs and events. Photo (L to R): Olivia Lucio, Food Bank RGV Director of Development and Donor Services; Libby A. Saenz, Food Bank RGV CEO; Linda Miller, RGV Activity Directors Association President; Robert Ferguson, RGV Activity Directors Association Former President; Billie Ferguson, RGV Activity Directors Association Vice President; Connie Ramos, Food Bank RGV CEO; Philip Farias, Food Bank RGV Manager of Special Events.
7 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 15, 2021 100% MircoCIC (Completely-in-Canal) Retail Price $1990 $995 Now EACH 100% Digital CIC (Completely-in-Canal) Retail Price $1490 $795 Now EACH 100% Digital BTE (Behind-the-Ear) Retail Price $1290 $695 Now EACH Covid-19 has affected the Hearing Impaired more than anyone else. You may no longer be able to read lips with the Covid-19 mask ordinance. Relying on your ears to help you communicate, will make your hearing get worse. Safe distancing is also a detriment to hearing and understanding. You could already be suffering from high frequency hearing loss and not even realize it! But you can find out for yourself with this simple speech test. Ask your spouse or a friend to cover their mouth and randomly read these words: PATCH TEACH CHIEF PASS SEAT PASTE SEEP PATH PASS FEET CEASE FACE SAFE FAST PATH TASTE CHEAP PEACH CHAT TAP Pharr - Mike Pruneda 300 E. Interstate 2 - Ste. 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Performance levels 5 7 3 sDemo Uncompromising Audiological Performance – Signia Nx technology is clinically improve the most common communication issues. • 80% improvement in acceptance of a wearer’s own voice with Own Voice Proc • 25% better speech recognition in noisy environments for Signia wearers over normal hearing with Narrow-Directionality (offer your patient “better than nor • 60% reduced listening effort in demanding environments lessening wearer fa • Contemporary design with clean surfaces • Portable rechargeability ο 3 hour full charge resulting in up to 19 hours daily use ο 30 minute fast charge resulting in 5 additional hours use ο 3 full charges on the go • Most natural own voice and best speech understanding in noise with Signia Nx platform • Robust fixed receiver and IP68 rated† for unmatched reliability • Size M receiver (60/119) available in lengths 2 & 3 Styletto Features & Benefits Exceptional style SLIM RIC hearing instrument you wear w Portable rechargeability Recharging case for easy handling and l A natural hearing experience Signia Nx for the most natural own voice every situation Practice differentiation Offer the proven solution that patients p touchControl App and miniPocket To enhance its discretion, Styletto is remotely controllable via the touchControl App and the miniPocket. A new s that pro for you Reques Styletto prior to origina Styletto. The world’s first rechargeab that combines style with hig Performance levels 5 7 3 sDemo Uncomprom improve the • 80% impro • 25% better normal hea • 60% reduce • Contemporary design with clean s • Portable rechargeability ο 3 hour full charge resulting in u ο 30 minute fast charge resulting ο 3 full charges on the go • Most natural own voice and best s noise with Signia Nx platform • Robust fixed receiver and IP68 rat • Size M receiver (60/119) available While Wearing A Mask You Experience A 12% Decrease In Speech Quality! 9:45 AM 100% iPad 9:45 AM 100% iPad FREE TABLET FOR HEARING IMPAIRED Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. STUDENTS From pg. 1 successful in school. To help meet that need, the two started Learning for the American Dream. They have been raising awareness of the issue amongst their campus and elsewhere, while also raising money to buy books and school supplies for children. “As economic status plays a huge part in the development of children,” their story behind the project says. “The only way for us to directly aid the children impacted is by supplying them with needed materials so they can f rge their own academic life.” Often, with the overcrowding in these homes and safe houses, there aren’t enough resources for each individual. Their purpose is to p ovide these children with the proper tools they need to prosper in school. Materials such as books, notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, journals, coloring materials, and packs of paper. “Our main goal is to bring awareness to the community, and to provide school supplies to children that are in tough situations, so that they can use schools as an outlet to pave the way toward a better life,” says their website. To date, their efforts have resulted in a donation of over 200 books and school supplies to the Children’s Advocacy Center in Mission. They are continuing their fundraising efforts with the hopes of making a large school supply purchase in January. They created a GoFundMe page to make the collection of donations easier, and als a webpage to learn more about their project and the resulting donations of books and school supplies. You can find the Learning for the American Dream webpage https://learningfor-the-am rican-dream7.webnode. com/. Donations can be made in s pp rt of their efforts through their GoFundMe page, https://gofund. me/3a509876. Pictured are Emma Zamora and Jaelin Lopez during a recent school supply drop off for the Children’s Advocacy Center. What to do with Leftover Turkey! Happy Holidays! Following a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner at La Floresta RV Park in Mercedes, left vers were frozen and pulled out on Decemb r 8th f r the traditional “Turkey Soup Night". Irene Gill, from Jerseyville, Illinois, has been making homemade Turkey Soup for La Floresta residents for the past 25 years with love and a lot of help. Assisting her were Lynda Howe (Winnipeg, Canada), Paula Henderson (Blairsville, GA), and Bev Bohuslav, Manager at La Floresta. Pictured is Irene Gill and Bev Bohuslav.
DECEMBER 15, 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 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 Jan. 2 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 Jan. 9 & 23 Renaissance Rockers 956-585-5551 • 511 E Loop 374, Palmview, TX 78572 FISH DINNER Every Friday January, February and March - $9.00 NEW YEARS’ EVE DANCE Randy Webb 8pm to Midnight $14 Per Person Light Meal Served Advanced Tickets Required - Now On Sale! Friday, December 31st CALENDAR PARKS 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 15 Craft Sale - Country Sunshine, Weslaco, 8am-Noon. Bluegrass Jam - Bentsen Palm RV Park, Mission, 9-11am, 50/50, coffee, homemade goodies. New jammers welcome. 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. Mercedes High School Christmas Program - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 2pm, Hynes Event Center, pass the hat. Happy Hour - Southern Comfort Resort, Weslaco, 3-4:30pm, Curt James, pass the hat. Happy Hour - Chimney Park, Mission, 3-5pm, With The Lockharts. Public is invited. Snacks & set-ups available to purchase. Social Hour - Paradise Park, McAllen, 3:30-5pm, Brenda Coin. 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. Singles Mixer - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 6-7pm, BYOB. 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. Entertainment - Country Palms RV Park, San Juan, 6:30-8:30pm, Joanie & Richard Ware. Entertainment - McAllen Mobile Park, 7-9pm, Ron and Jan Easter, $8pp. Entertainment - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 7-9pm, Ralph Kuster, $7pp. Christmas and variety show. Doors open at 6:15 pm. MS/Plus Square Dance - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 7-9pm, With Ron Betzelberger. In Tampico Hall. Bring snacks to share. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Entertainment - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 7-9:30pm, Rusty Rierson Holiday Show. Soft
9 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 15, 2021 For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM 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 ROCK & ROLL JAM Every Tuesday • Maude Squad Back • 7-9pm Snack Social Hour • 5:30-6:30pm COUNTRY JAM Every Saturday • 7-9pm Snack Social Hour • 5:30-6:30pm ralphkuster@sympatico.ca - www.ralphkuster.net NOW BOOKING 2022-23 417-230-8198 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 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. 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! See PARKS pg. 10 drinks, popcorn and ice cream available. Doors open at 6 p.m. Entertainment - Lakewood RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-9pm, Curt James, $9pp. Doors open at 6:30. Entertainment - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 7-9:30pm, Rusty Rierson, Songs of the Holiday Season, $9pp. Soft drinks, popcorn and ice cream bars available. Dance - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 7-10pm, Texas Wheels, $7pp. BYOB. Thursday, December 16 Pickleball Mixer - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 9am-Noon, $2pp. 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 changes weekly. Contact Activity Office for menu items 956-585-0703. Orders due by Tuesday at noon. Lunch & Jam - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 11:30am-3pm, Lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome. For more information call 956-532-4649. 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, Two beef or chicken tacos, refried beans, rice and dessert, $7pp. 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. Prayer and Praise - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm. Entertainment - Casa del Sol, Donna, 7pm, Kai, $8pp. Enjoy authentic Hawaiian entertainment. Kai is high-energy and brings great music, lots of laughs, and interactive fun! Bingo - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-9pm, $0.50 a card; popcorn/soda available. Dance - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 7pm, Texas Wheels, $7pp. Dance - McAllen Mobile Park, 7-10pm. Concert/Dance - Dream Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-9pm, The Howlers, $7pp. BYOB, meal provided. Friday, December 17 Breakfast Buffet - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 7:30-10:30am, Cafe Grande, $8pp. 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,
DECEMBER 15, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 10 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 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 Activities: 574-361-2947 stay@missionbellrvresort.com RV & MH RESORT MISSION BELL TRADE WINDS Mission Bell - 1711 E Business Hwy 83 ~ MISSION, TX ~ Tradewinds RV Resort - 1005 N Stewart Rd DANCES • 7PM-10PM All Dances held in MB Ballroom Dec 16 • Texas Wheels • $7 ENTERTAINMENT Dec 18 • Winter Wonderettes Christmas Musical 7-9pm • Pass the hat Dec 25 • Country-Christmas Concert 6-8pm • Pass the hat FREE SQUARE DANCE LESSONS Fridays 2pm • Mission Bell Ballroom NEW YEARS EVE • 8PM-12AM Dec 31 • Poison Ivey Band • $15 per person Light Breakfast Served At 10pm (Tables of 8 Can Be Reserved) SQUARE DANCE Mondays 2-4pm • $6 • Mission Bell Ballroom Caller, Robert Ferguson CRAFT SHOWS • 8AM-12PM Dec 18 • Mission Bell Ballroom Dec 20 • Tradewinds Hall Coffee, Donuts & Lunch Served JAMS Thursdays 1-3pm • MB Ballroom Lunch Available • 11:30am-1pm Fridays 6pm • Tradewinds Hall Homemade Snacks At Break 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 17 • The Agency • $10 Tickets On Sale: 11/29/21 Dec 24 • Christmas Eve (NO DANCE) Dec 31 • Hot Rodz (New Years Eve) • $25 Box Lunch • 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 Every Thursday • 12:30 - 3:00PM 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 (Disciples of Christ) McAllen, TX FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH See You Sunday! Traditional Worship Service 10:30am Rev. Jan Ekstedt, MDiv., Pastor FCC’S Got Talent Musical Variety Show Jan 15th • 2 - 4pm 1201 East Fern Ave. (Between McColl & Jackson) McAllen, TX 78501 Church Phone • (956) 687-8519 PARKS From pg. 9 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, Mission Bell Ballroom. Caller-Robert Ferguson. Dance - Ranchero Village, Weslaco, 3-5pm, Helen Russell & Company, pass the hat. 2020 “Entertainer of the Year” Valley Star Award Winner. Popcorn and soda available for purchase. Masks optional. 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. Happy Hour - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 5pm, With Ron Moshier. Hynes Event Center, bar available, pass the hat. 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. Dance - Fiesta Village, Mission, 6-9pm, The Lockharts. In the parking lot or Main Hall. $7pp. Jam - Tradewinds RV Resort, Mission, 6pm, Homemade snacks at break. All are welcome. 1005 N. Stewart Rd. Entertainment - Winter Green Estates, Mission, 6:30pm, Redneck Christmas Revival, $7pp. Dance - Tropic Winds MH & RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-10pm, The Howlers, $8pp advance, $10pp at the door. Dance - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 7-10pm, Dixon Company Band - country. $8pp. BYOB and snacks. Dance - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7-10pm, The Agency, tickets on sale starting 11/29/21, $10pp. Dance - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 7-10pm, Texas Storm, $6pp. Mask recommended but not required. Dance - Paradise South RV Park, Mercedes, 7-10pm, Regan James, $8pp. Pay at the door. Paradise South Hall, kitchen is open, BYOB. Dance - Country Sunshine, Weslaco, 7-10pm, Jeff Gordon, $8pp. 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. Christmas Concert - Eastgate RV & MH Park, Harlingen, 7-9pm, Greg and Suzie York, donation. This Country Christmas Concert is hosted by Eastgate Community Church. Saturday, December 18 Saturday Morning Breakfast - Chimney Park, Mission, 7-9am, Menu varies. $5pp. 4224 S. Conway. Breakfast - Paradise Park, McAllen, 7:30-8:45am. Craft Sale - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 8am-Noon, Items for sale by many talented crafters. Craft & Patio Sale - Hidden Valley Ranch RV & MH Park, Mission, 8amNoon, 7600 Long Dr. Refreshments and lunch will be available. Interested vendors can call 918-741-0177. Craft Show - Tradewinds RV Resort, Mission, 8am-Noon, Donuts, coffee & lunch available. Breakfast Brunch - Aladdin Villas, Mission, 8-9:30am, Pancakes, eggs, sausage or biscuits and gravy, coffee, orange juice, water. $6pp. 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, Spaghetti with meatballs, $7pp. Jam - Big Valley Trailer Park, Donna, 12:30pm, Curly Klaphake, donation for refreshments. Please join us, you are welcome to sing, play an in-
11 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 15, 2021 Mexi-Cocina Omelette Eggs, Ham, Spinach, Mushrooms, Bellpeppers, Cheese, Almonds, Hashbrown & Fruit $899 $899 Janie Is Back! Famous For Her Yellow Gravy! Winter Texan Deluxe Plate Chicken Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Toast & Salad w/Tea Daily Specials • Breakfast (All Day) • Lunch • Dinner Mon - Sat 7am-7pm • Sun 7am-5pm 711 Alameda St., Suite A • San Juan 956-510-6868 Mexican • American • Seafood & Event Center Re-Grand Opening Dec 17 SPECIALS BELOW! Karaoke Fridays • 5pm - Book Your Event • In/Outdoor Seating Event Center Available For Private Events! Ample Parking Front & Back Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 6:308:30pm, 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. Entertainment - Kenwood RV Park, La Feria, 7-9pm, Rick McEwen. Monday, December 20 Craft Show - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 8am-Noon, Donuts, coffee & lunch available. Country Jam - Countryside RV Park, Donna, 1-3pm, Join us at our jam, everyone welcome. Backed up by a professional band on stage. Serving lunch from 11am to 12:45pm. 100 N. Valley View Rd. 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. 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, Pancake Supper, $7pp. Hynes Event Center, doors open at 4:30 pm, ticket deadline 12/16. Burgers - Paradise Park, McAllen, 5-6pm. 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! Entertainment - Casa del Sol, Donna, 7pm, Rusty Rierson, $8pp. Rusty Rierson sings a Country Christmas. Rusty has sung in all 50 states and toured internationally, but he’ll make you feel like you’ve known him his whole life. Dance - Alamo Rec-Veh Park, See PARKS pg. 21 , e y d , , , e , h , strument 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. Jam - Val Verde RV Park, Donna, 6-8pm. Bingo - Pharr South Park, Pharr, 6:30-9:30pm, Card sales from 6:307pm, bingo 7-9pm. Snacks and refreshments available for purchase. No outside food or beverages. Come early for dinner, served 4:45-6pm. Entertainment - Fiesta Village, Mission, 7pm, Ralph Kuster. In the Main Hall. $8-10pp. Dance - Trophy Gardens, Alamo, 7pm, SweetWater, $7pp. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Saturday Dance - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Curt James will be providing the music. Dance - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 7-10pm, Howlers, $8pp. Doors open at 6:15 pm. Snack bar open. Entertainment - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 7-9pm, The Winter Wonderettes, pass the hat. A nostalgic musical about four friends who call themselves “The Wonderettes”. More information: Robert Ferguson 574-361-2947. 1711 E. Bus. 83. Entertainment - Wagon City North, Mission, 7pm, Rick McEwen Christmas Show, $8pp. Dance - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 7-10pm, With The Fabulous Cruisers, $10pp. Hynes Event Center, out of park residents may purchase tickets Monday prior to the dance. Dance - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-10pm, Time Machine, $9pp. Dance - Bluebonnet RV Park, Mission, 7-10pm, Ruthi Rock-N-Country, $8pp. Hall 2, concessions will be available. Hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, etc. BYOB. Dance - Eastgate RV & MH Park, Harlingen, 7:30-10:30pm, The Beers, $7.50pp. Sunday, December 19 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, Non-denominational service with Scot Swafford. 1005 N. Stewart Rd. 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, Non-denominational service with Pastor Wayne McNair. 1711 E. Bus. Hwy 83. 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. Non-Denominational Church Service - River Ranch Resort, Rio Hondo, 10-11am. Worship - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 10:30am, Chaplain Dr Larry Windle Jam - Eldorado Acres RV Park, Palmview, 2-4pm. Entertainment - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 3-5pm, Tiny Hill Orchestra. 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, Ralph Kuster, Christmas Show - tribute to country music, $8pp. Arrive 5:45pm. 1341 W. US Highway 83. 618-973-3595. Entertainment - Pharr South Park, Pharr, 6:30-8:30pm, Helen Russell & Company. A high energy show with comedy, country, bluegrass, gospel, and classic rock music of the 50’s to the 80’s. Refreshments served during intermission. Christmas Round Dance Party -
DECEMBER 15, 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com 12 WINTER TEXAN TIMES • 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 You can help report wintering Monarchs Submitted by Monarchs Across Georgia Committee We asked and, thankfully, you answered. Now we need your help again. Last winter, volunteers from across the Southeast and Gulf states provided more than 5,800 observations of monarch butterflies. This winter, the partnership of universities, agencies and other organizations called Monarchs Overwintering in Southeastern States is requesting the public’s continued involvement in reporting sightings. Sonia Altizer, a University of Georgia ecology professor and director of Project Monarch Health, said the information can help scientists determine if these iconic but declining butterflies “can overwinter as non-breeding adults in the southern U.S. and how this might affect future population numbers.” The monitoring will also help document how winter-breeding activity might be affecting the annual migration to Mexico. Understanding migration and overwintering behavior is crucial to conserving monarchs, a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Thousands of monarchs stream across the South each fall on their way to wintering grounds in central Mexico. In the spring, this eastern population of the butterfly returns to the U.S. and Canada to breed. But not all monarchs migrate to Mexico. Volunteer observations over the past two decades have helped scientists better understand how and why some monarchs breed throughout the winter in the southern U.S. Scattered reports also suggest that some monarchs can overwinter in coastal regions in a non-breeding state, similar to their wintering behavior in Mexico. The goal this winter is to collect more data for a growing partnership that has expanded to include organizations such as Florida Natural Areas Inventory and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Gabriela Garrison of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said the monarch is a species of greatest conservation need in North Carolina’s Wildlife Action Plan, as in the action plans of many other states. “So monitoring overwintering populations and learning more about their behavior is critical.” The public is encouraged to report monarch sightings from Dec. 1-March 1 in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Observations are entered in Journey North’s online data portal, where they are transformed into real-time mapping visualizations of monarch migration and breeding. Journey North is an organization designed to engage people across North America in tracking wildlife migration and seasonal change. Program coordinator Nancy Sheehan said the public has a long history of being a part of scientific discoveries. “Journey North is excited to provide a platform for engaging citizen scientists in this targeted monitoring effort.” Susan Meyers, co-chair of Monarchs Across Georgia agreed. “Volunteers are vital to this effort. If you enjoy being outdoors and exploring your local ecosystem, this is an easy activity that can be done alone or with your family.” Wildlife biologist Anna Yellin of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said project partners are grateful to all who reported sightings last winter. “When we come together as a community as we have with this effort, we stand a better chance of protecting the monarch butterfly for future generations.” How to take part • Step 1: Create a free account at journeynorth.org/reg. • Step 2: Learn how to report monarch sightings at journeynorth. org/monarchs. • Step 3: From Dec. 1-March 1, submit monarch observations at journeynorth.org/sightings. The Fishers are at it Again Winter Texans Jean and Steve Fisher delivered toys to Lone Star National bank on South Padre Island. Bank president Martin Infante accepted the toys. The Fishers were told that the bank would match the toys donated. Over 150 toys were donated by the Fishers. This is the Fisher’s 33rd year of giving to under privileged families. After growing up in foster homes in upper New York Jean said she is blessed for being able to give back. The Fishers home base is in Northern Iowa and have been coming to the Island for six years enjoying the beach and warm weather. Next week they are buying gifts for 25 special needs children in two different elementary schools. The Fishers said they can’t wait to see the expressions on their faces. They were invited by Mr. Infante to join him and his son who will be playing Santa Claus. One of the elementary special needs classes is taught by his wife. “We are fortunate to be blessed and have a friend in bank president Martin Infante. Merry Christmas to all.”
13 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 15, 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 • $315.58 2 Full Size Beds PLEASE MENTION AD FOR SPECIAL! 27146 McLelland Road., Harlingen, TX 78552 (956) 423-1446 Lower Valley / 956-664-1446 Upper Valley www.gowithjo.com Eagle Pass Gambling (2 Days) Jan. 11, 25; Feb. 8, 15, 22 .......................$TBA 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) 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! Celebrate Las Posadas All of our days should be special days. But if you are observing today as it is observed in Mexico, then this is a very, very special day. It is the day that most families in Mexico begin to celebrate Las Posadas. The word "posada" in Spanish translates to "inn" in English. Las Posadas then is the reenactment of Joseph and Mary searching for an inn where the Child Jesus could be born. Every night from December 15 until Christmas Eve, neighborhoods throughout Mexico will be celebrating Las Posadas. Fortunately, we live in a multi-cultural area where many of the families with roots in Mexico continue to carry on the tradition of celebrating Las Posadas. Traditionally, Las Posadas was celebrated for ten consecutive nights. In the United States, Las Posadas is sometimes celebrated only on one given night. Celebrating a posada is a neighborhood affair...a tradition in which the young and the old participate. The youngest often has a special perch riding on the shoulders of his daddy as family and neighbors walk behind Mary and Joseph. An angel may be leading the entire group. If a donkey is available Mary may be seated on the donkey that is led by Joseph. A special song is sung in Spanish by the participants as they walk from house to house asking for lodging. Time after time they are refused. Finally at a predetermined house they are admitted. Once admitted, the party begins - most often hot chocolate, cookies and tamales are offered to all. Perhaps for the young ones there will be a pinata filled with candies and treats. Hopefully you will be invited to participate in a Posada. Consider it an honor if you are invited to this special Christmas celebration. The experience will open your heart to the true meaning of Christmas.
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