Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans FromMission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Vol. 36, No. 9 © 2022 www.wintertexantimes.com Wednesday, December 14, 2022 INDEX Reunions p 4 Events Calendar p 6 Parks Calendar p 8 WintertainersTM p 8 “On the road with Jo” p 12 Taste of the Valley p 15 Business Guide p 21 Classifieds p 21 Coupon Index p 22 Rina’s Ramblings See RAMBLINGS pg. 17 It is so much fun seeing what all of you are doing for your communities this holiday season. We have received information from several parks about what their residents are doing and hope we can share some of it with you. If you have something you are doing in your park, collecting food, jackets, toys, books, whatever it is, we would love to see it and share it with our readers. Seeing what you are doing for others makes my heart happy and I am sure it gives Santa’s Helpers busy at River Ranch Resort The McAllen Heritage Center, museum of history and culture, is pleased to announce a visit from the friendly McGrinch on Saturday, December 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The McGrinch will be in the La Placita Park adjacent to the museum to meet and greet visitors, young and old. The event will also be a great photo opportunity. Live performances and holiday McGrinch to visit MHC When you’re at the top, there’s a misconception that the only place you can go is down. However, Stuart Place just keeps setting the bar higher. The 2,742-yard 9-hole par-36 golf course scored an ace in six of the seven categories in the annual Winter Texan Times Favorite Golf Course contest. Last year the quaint and pleasant course captured five of the seven categories. It’s clear the golfers, and Winter Texans in general, love Stuart Place. FromFavorite Hole (No. 9) to Favorite Amenities and Favorite Menu Item (the See GOLF pg. 13 Stuart Place: King of the Hill See MCGRINCH pg. 18 Last week ladies at River Ranch Resort were bustling about the recreation hall wrapping gifts that residents had donated for children of Rio Hondo. The park has been working with Chief Bilokury, Rio Hondo Public Safety Director, for about four years. This year is the first time the park has also worked with the city and a local church. Together, they hope to help 500 children of the community. Tables were filled with gifts See HELPERS pg. 18 Happy Holidays! Stuart Place Golf Course Photo by Anastasia Brunson Photo by Carina Brunson
DECEMBER 14, 2022 www.wintertexantimes.com 2 WINTER TEXAN TIMES MOBILE HOME INSURANCE We Also Insure PARK MODELS • TRAVEL TRAILERS MOTORHOMES • GOLF CARTS • “CASITAS” 5TH WHEELS • AUTOS • MOTORCYCLES Galvan Insurance Agency, Inc. 1101 East Business 83 Donna, TX 1 1/2 milesWest of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com *Premium subject to carrier underwriting. Rate subject to change. Plan Covers: Fire, Lightning, Explosion, Smoke, Wind (Hurricane, Tornadoes), Hail, Riot & Civil Commotion, Land & Air Vehicles... Also Includes $100,000 Liability Coverage. Flood Coverage Available Call or Come See Us 956-464-2886 Budget-Minded Rates Winter Texan Times: Looking back 35 years Parks share their news When you look through our first few years of the paper, you see some really good stuff. I am loving taking this look back and seeing what we have done before, how we have changed, but also how we have kept to our purpose – of getting the news out to you. In our younger years we included a lot of highlights from parks. These were mainly submissions by the activity director or manager at the park. We still do that today when a park sends in their news too. In those younger years though, submissions, or parks, had some snazzy standing heads they used. Like… Jottings from Oleander Acres; Snowflakes in the Sun (Snow to Sun); Morningside Hi-Lites; Magic Valley News; Split Rail ‘Corral Notes’; Ranchero Village Happenings; Ramblings from Restful Valley; Newsy Notes (Southern Comfort Resort); A Bit O’ This – and a Bit O’ That (Bit-O-Heaven); Adobe Wells Droplets; The Crowing Rooster (Bentsen Palm RV Park); Fiesta Village Potpourri; Swingin’ On the Green Gate Grove; T r a d e w i n d s Breeze; Trophy Topies (Trophy Garden RV Resort); Living it up at Citrus Valley; Howdy Y’all from Casa Del Sol; Pine to Palm Platter; Quidnunc From Bentsen Grove; and Trails End Tattler. And then there were others with just their park name at the top. These entries included anything from a new enSee LOOKING BACK pg. 24 Green Gate Grove Dulcimer Jam Photo by Henry Miller
3 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 14, 2022 WE TRADES WE PAY CASH FOR RVS DONNA • 956-464-4403 655 Ron Hoover Drive NEW BIGGER STORE LARGEST SELECTION • OVER 12 ACRES OF RVS • OVER 1000 TO CHOOSE FROM Utility And Cargo Trailers No Credit Needed Newly Expanded Body Shop • Mobile Service • 23 Service Bays Rv Parts & Hardware Store The Only McAllen Harlingen Ron Hoover Equipment Ron Hoover RV & Marine Center
DECEMBER 14, 2022 www.wintertexantimes.com 4 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Supply &Hardware Mobile Home Special Orders Available Ask about our daily Manager Specials! PETECO, INC. 2911 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. San Juan, TX 78589 956-787-2847 petecotransport@gmail.com We Do Tie-Down Certification SAVE 10% OFF Your Entire Purchase When You Bring In This Ad *Conditions apply, see store for details. Offer expires March 31, 2023. TRANSPORT • Sales & Installations • Vinyl Skirting & Tie Downs • Custom Steps made of Wood & Metal • Door & Windows • Plumbing & Electric • Used Mobile Homes Sales Financing Available petecotransport@gmail.com Ph: (956) 787-2847 or (956) 787-0413 We Buy Mobile Homes 2911 N Cesar Chavez Rd. San Juan, TX 78589 Family Owned & Operated Over 30 Years Annual Fayette County, IA Reunion Fayette County, Iowa residents will meet Thursday, January 19 at Mr. Gatti’s, 4100 N. 2nd St., McAllen, at 11 a.m. For more information, call Violet (319) 230-2746. 3M Retirees and Friends Welcome 3M Retirees and Friends will meet on Wednesday, December 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Victoria Palms Restaurant in Donna. Call Louise at (612) 916-9236 or Hartley at (956) 289-8261 for information. (This will be held the third Wednesday through March). Model Rail Roading & Railroaders Model Rail Roading & Railroaders have started getting together. Anyone interested in joining the group can join them Monday through Friday at the Hidalgo Pumphouse. Call Red at (313) 532-8549 for more information. RGVWoodcarvers The Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers have begun their seasonal meetings. The woodcarvers are meeting at the Nomad Shrine Club, 1044 W. Nolana Blvd., in Pharr. The Carvers meet weekly on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. through March. Everyone is welcome to come and visit and join the club. After a third visit, you will be asked to become a member with annual dues. More information can be found online at www.rgvwoodcarvers.org. Get ready to build/carve for the Woodcarvers Show in January. Senior Ambassadors The Senior Ambassadors is looking for singers to join their chorus. Senior Ambassadors is composed of men from the Valley and Winter Texan community. They perform choral music from sacred and semi classical, to pop and country. Practice sessions are held each Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bentsen Grove Help place wreaths in Harlingen The Veterans Memorial Project Committee is proud to announce an opening ceremony to place wreaths on Veterans graves as part of the Wreaths Across America. It will be held at 11 a.m. on December 18. The ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial at Pendleton Park, 1425 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen, before heading to the Harlingen Cemetery on F Street. A brief ceremony will be held at the cemetery by local youth groups before placing wreaths on Veterans graves. Each Veteran will be greeted, called by name, and thanked for their service as the wreaths are placed. Volunteers are welcome and appreciated. You can personally purchase wreathsbefore theopeningceremony from 8 to 11 a.m. or by visiting their website at http://www.harlingenveterans.com/wreaths-across-america. Purchases online need to be made before December 17, and picked up Resort (1645 S. Bentsen Rd.) in Mission. They perform 10 to 12 times each season at various venues in the RGV. For more information, call Paul Hunter (956) 310-9515. Reunions are a great time to catch up with friends, old and new. Here we will feature reunions and meetings that are happening throughout the Valley. We hope that if you are having such a meeting, you will send the information to us so we can help you spread the word. If you have a great photo from your reunion or meeting, we would love to see that too. We love seeing photos of Red Hatter groups and others as they gather at local restaurants to catch up and share what’s new. You can send your information to news@wintertexantimes.com. See WREATHS pg. 17
5 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 14, 2022 @Sharyland Dental Care www.sharylanddentalcare.net Richard A. Young D.D.S. 2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. – Mission, TX - 956-581-2773 GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE Since 1982 Now Accepting Allwell from Superior Healthplan We’re All About Smiles Invest in your smile, and change your life. Your smile and your health deserve the best in decision making!!! • For dental care you can trust and have confidence in • Come See Us At Sharyland Dental Care d e e y e p m g s o Submitted by Arleen Bier The residents of La Floresta Park near Mercedes enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey and dressing and all the trimmings. But what do you do with all of that leftover turkey? We had Turkey Soup Night. Heather Hocken (Guelph, Ontario, Canada) is Activities Director at La Floresta. She was assisted by Connie Kolynchuk (Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada) and many others over several days as the soup was made, simmered, and served. Following dinner, we decorated the big Christmas tree in the clubhouse. What to do with leftover turkey McAllen Chanukah Festival to be held Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad RGV. Enjoy hot latkes; a kosher hot dog stand; rides and games for the kids and more. The event will feature a giant Menorah lighting with Mayor Javier Villalobos. The annual Chanukah Concert and Festival will be celebrated Tuesday, December 20 at Archer Park in downtown McAllen. The festival begins at 4:30 p.m. and a concert starring Jewish Israeli singer Yoel Sharabi will begin at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Chanakuh, or Hanukkah, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the Second Century B.C. This year, Chanukah is celebrated from the evening of Sunday, December 18 until the evening of Monday, December 26. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for “dedication.” The history of the holiday is tied to the time when Israel was struggling for existence. It is believed that after a successful revolt against a tyrannical monarch, the victorious Jewish community could find very little pure olive oil to light the Menorah, only enough for one day. However, the oil lasted for eight days, long enough to purify more oil. Jewish people light a candle on each of the eight evenings in remembrance of God’s provision. The eight cups that hold the Hanukkah candles are arranged in a row, one for each night of the holiday. Every menorah has one additional cup, a ninth cup, which is located in the center or to one side and is usually slightly elevated. The ninth candle is called “the shammash,” or, “one who serves.” Jewish tradition says the purpose of the shammash is that “Judaism gives light to the world.” Come celebrate the holiday tradition in McAllen. Dickie Hlady (Bonne Terra, MO) serves up some Turkey Soup, while Vicki Thurman (Bonne Terre, MO) and Bob Kinash (East St. Paul, Manitoba, Canada) look on.
DECEMBER 14, 2022 www.wintertexantimes.com 6 WINTER TEXAN TIMES GREAT UPHOLSTERY RATES 956-266-1369 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED For Your Health & Ours We Are Following CDC Guidance Including Wearing Masks & Gloves $25 per room in your house or mobile home NIKKY’S CARPET CLEANING Professional Cleaning Services Winter Texan Special Any size RV or Park Model $75 $10 OFF Any Service $75 or More RioValleyEstates@gmail.com | www.RioValleyEstates.com Rio Valley Estates See Ranchero Village’s (Our Sister Park) Activities Ad On Page • Concrete Pad Sites • Full Hookups • Wide Paved Streets • Gated Community • Shower Facilities • Laundry Facilities • 1 FREE High Speed Internet Modem with WiFi • 1 FREE Spectrum TV Cable Box • Swimming Pool & Hot Tub • Recreation Hall • Shuffle Board Rio Valley Estates (Sister Park to Ranchero Village) 715 N. Westgate Dr. • Weslaco 956-968-2708 Expwy 83 Business 83 W Pike Blvd Panther Dr Westgate Dr RVs at EVENTS CALENDAR December 1-30 – Christmas Extravaganza Christmas Tree Exhibit is open at Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum. Approximately 40 Christmas trees and decorations are displayed inside the galleries, outside courtyards and museum buildings. The museum is located at 2425 Boxwood St. Call (956) 216-4901 for more information. December 2-17 – Skate-A Palooza Ice Rink will open at the Cameron County Amphitheater. The amphitheater is located at 53550 Dolphin Cove. December 3-17 – The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) will host their Christmas market featuring original art for sale created by local artists. The market will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. UVAL is located at 921 East 12th St. in Mission, next to Speer Memorial Library. Call (956) 591-0282 for more information. December 13-17 – Quinta Mazatlan Illumina Fest is back for five nights with timed entrances from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Over 3,000 Luminarias will light the forest trails. Tickets can be purchased at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com. They must be purchased in advance. Call (956) 681-3370 for more information. December 14-17 – Sharyland High School present Matilda Jr. the Musical. Shows will be held at 7 p.m. through the 16th and 3 p.m. on December 17. Doors open an hour before. Tickets are $8 for adults 60+ and $10 for adults under 60. The theatre is located at 1216 N. Shary Rd. To purchase tickets in advance, call (956) 457-0069. December 14-17 – The Pharr Community Theater presents Magica, a children’s Christmas play for the entire family. Shows are held at 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Advance tickets for $8 can be purchased at www. pharrcommunitytheater.com or $10 at the door. The theater is located at 213 W. Newcombe Ave. in Pharr. For more information, call (956) 4751476 or (956) 655-9308. Now-January 1, 2023 – The Holiday Village in Brownsville will be on display at Dean Porter Park. It will be lit daily from 6 to 10 p.m. Entertainment will be held as well nearly every evening. For a full schedule of events visit holidayvillagebrownsville.com. An Elf on the Shelf contest is also being held. Find Fritter the Elf and post on your Facebook or Instagram tagging Holiday Village Brownsville to be entered to win prizes. More information can be found on their website. Now – January 8, 2023 – The Museum of South Texas History will feature the Bishop Emeritus Raymundo Pena Nativity Scene Collection displaying 120 nativity scenes. MOSTH is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 North Closner Blvd. Call (956) 383-6911 For more information. December 15 – Brownsville Performing Arts Academy presents Weihnachtskonzert, a German Christmas Concert, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 543 E. 11th St. Tickets are $25 per person. The program features a variety of Christmas favorites, the great German composers, and a reception with wine and German Christmas treats. Call (956) 931-7408 for tickets or information. December 16 – Enjoy musical performances with a Patsy Cline tribute and other country tribute artists at SPI’s Country Christmas at the Cameron County Amphitheater. The amphitheater is located at 53550 Dolphin Cove. December 17 – St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church will host their December Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2310 N. Stewart Rd., in Mission. Call (956) 585-5005 for more information. December 17 – Broadway McAllen presents Illusionists Magic of the Holidays at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. You can order tickets, and season tickets, at LiveinMcAllen. com. For more information visit the website or call (956) 450-1929. December 17 – Cameron County Amphitheater will host the Starfish Jubilee. The amphitheater is located at 53550 Dolphin Cove. December 20 – The McAllen Wind Ensemble will perform “A Visit to the South Pole of Texas” at the McAllen Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the ticketmaster website or at the center. A season pass to all four of their concerts is $40. Ticket prices usually range from $7 to $17.
7 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 14, 2022 Chase Bank Tower Dallas Ave. Fresno Ave. Pep Boys Exp. 83 S. 10th St. Chicago Ave. Civic Center N. BUENA VISTA OPTICAL That is the feeling you will have after you leave our optical. 521 S. 10th St., McAllen 631-3002 Designer Frames Available: • Oakley • DKNY • Versace • COACH • Ray-Ban • bebe • Michael Kors • Calvin Klein • LACOSTE & Many More We Accept Most Insurances Including: Medicare, Medicaid, VSP, Ambetter, EyeMed, Molina, Superior star plus, Spectera, Cigna Healthspring, Superior Vision buenavistaoptical.org • Eye Exam $35 / $25 with Eye Glasses Purchase • Contact Eye Exam $60 / $50 with Contact Lens Purchase • 1 Pair Single Vision - $40 • 1 Pair with Line Bi-focal - $60 • 1 Pair No-Line Progressive - $100 FREE TINT With Ad TERRY PHYSICAL THERAPY • Arthritis/Tendonitis • General Weakness • Knee & Hip Injuries • Back, Neck, Foot Pain or Surgery • Muscle, Joint and Nerve Pain • Auto & Personal Injuries • Shoulder Injuries • Vertigo/Dizziness • Carpal Tunnel • Rehab after General, Arthroscopic & Joint Replacement Surgery CHANGE THE WAY YOU APPROACH PAIN. (956) 583-2995 1918 E. GRIFFIN PKWY MISSION, TX (956) 766-7133 101 BUENA VISTA STREET PENITAS, TX McAllen Wind Ensemble presents Christmas concert The McAllen Wind Ensemble, formerly the McAllen Town Band, is excited to continue its 2022-2023 concert season and celebrate this most festive season. The band’s second concert of the season, their holiday program “A Visit to the South Pole of Texas,” will take place on Tuesday, December 20, 7:30 p.m. AVisit to the South Pole of Texas celebrates the holidays at the official South Pole of Texas, McAllen, with some of your favorite traditional songs and explores new contemporary holiday pieces. The weather in South Texas might not always match the lyrics of our favorite holiday songs, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be cozy inside for the annual holiday concert which will also feature a traditional Christmas sing-a-long to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Join the McAllen Wind Ensemble and break out those ugly Christmas sweaters, sip some hot chocolate, and enjoy our favorite time of the year with A Visit to the South Pole of Texas. This concert features a few special promotions: BOGO when presenting a ticket to the McAllen South Pole Illuminated Festival (beginning at 5 p.m nightly at the McAllen Convention Center)- maximum of 3 free tickets per family; BOGO for military veterans who present military ID at the box office; and middle school and high school band students can request vouchers for tickets through their band director. Tickets start at $10, including fees, and can be purchased in-person at theMcAllen PerformingArts Center Box Office or by calling 1-800745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster. com. Reserved seating is available. Season tickets are available as well and offer reserved seating. As a nonprofit organization sustained by the community’s support, the organization also seeks to partner with local businesses who wish to advertise or sponsor programs. For more information, please contact info@mcallenwindsemble.org. About the McAllen Wind Ensemble After visiting towns in Mexico and seeing the role of community bands, a group of music enthusiasts created the Town Band Association in 1974. The all-volunteer group of musicians currently performs a series of four ticketed concerts and several community performances each year under the name the McAllen Wind Ensemble. The organization continues its mission to improve the quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley and promote a greater appreciation of music through regular public concerts. For more information, visit www.mcallenwindensemble.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. Christmas Bird Count dates are set Up for the count? Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count dates are set. Valley residents, Winter Texans, visitors, birders, and those just getting interested in birding are invited to join a team in the count areas for the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. The CBC is a one-day event per area within established count circles. The local counts are listed below with contact information for those interested in joining a team. December 14, Coastal Tip, naturalist@spibirding.com December 17, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, jd.mckee@outlook.com December 22, Weslaco, john.yochum@tpwd.texas.gov December 27, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, txlacbc@ flanwr.org December 30, Anzalduas-Bentsen, roy.rodriguez@tpwd.texas.gov See COUNT pg. 16
DECEMBER 14, 2022 www.wintertexantimes.com 8 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.ontheriver.net • 214 E. Chimney Rd • Mission, TX Sundays 1:30-5:30pm Live Music Steven May & The Southern Knights Come Try Our TEXAS Size Pork Tenderloin Wed 11am-8pm Thurs 11am-8pm Fri 11am-8pm Sat 11am-8pm Sun 11am-8pm OPEN NOW HIRING All Positions! 1 Hour River Tours Wed 1:00pm Thurs 1:00pm Fri 1:00pm Sat 1:00pm Relax Outside By The Rio Grande River • • • • • • • • • Seniors - $12 Adults - $14 Child - $10 SINCE 1982 Through Our Doors & Hearts Pass Some of the Finest People Our Customers, Our Friends, Our Family. Thank You!! Johnny & Jennifer Hart (956) 581-1033 Riverside In-MissionTx Cash Only Price Incl. Tax Riverside Event Center Covered Cushion Seating Enclosed Windows & Heating RIVERSIDE DREAMER River Tours Call (956) 581-4477 2HourRiverToursStart inJanuary Reservations Suggested Additional Tours Added As Needed Private Tours Available LargeGroupsWELCOME! BlueBonnet RV Resort Get Ready For A Good Time! ENTERTAINMENT CHURCH SERVICES 3366 N. Bentsen Palm Rd. Mission, TX. 78574 Phone:(956)598-6004 Every Sunday • 4pm Suzy & Greg York of Lovelight Ministries Welcome You! A Division of Wi lder Corporat ion Saturday, Dec. 17 • 7-9pm Rusty Rierson “Male Vocalist AwardWinner” • $9 Saturday, Dec. 31 • 8pm-12am Night Ryder Band Celebrate New Year’s Eve • $12 Friday, Jan. 6 • 7-9:30pm South Texas Ramblers Come Enjoy! • $8 Friday, Jan. 13 • 7-9pm Pat Davison & Tess Don’t Miss It! • $8 BIT O HEAVEN RV & MOBILE HOME RESORT 1051W Bus Hwy 83 • Donna,TX 78537 SUSANTHOMAS, ACTIVITY DIRECTOR 603-396-2786 FRIDAYS • DANCES • 7-10PM Dec 16 • Steven May & Southern Knights • $8pp Dec 23 • Sweetwater • $8pp Soda, water, popcorn, and snacks for sale, free ice/cups, 50/50 door prizes. TUESDAYS • HAPPYHOUR • 3-5PM PASS THE HAT Diego, 1st Tues, 3:30-5pm Dec 20 • Regan James Dec 27 • The Hitman-Tim Dirth Soda, water, popcorn, and snacks for sale, free ice/cups, BYOB, 50/50 door prizes. WEDNESDAYS Jam Lunch • 12pm Menu and price varies Jam Session • 1-3pm All welcome, BYOB SHOW 7 PM • Dec 21 • Brenda Coin • $9 BYOB, snacks SUNDAYS • KARAOKE • 5PM THURSDAYS • SOUPSUPPER • 4:30PM $4 All You Can Eat • Dessert for sale Bring your own table service & beverage 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 Friday noon, the 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 14 Breakfast - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7:30-9am, Biscuits & gravy or breakfast pizza. All You Can Eat Breakfast - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7:30-9am, $8pp. Flea Market - Fiesta Village, Mission, 8am-Noon, Lunch will be served from 10:30am to noon. Craft Sale - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 8am-Noon, Lunch served at 11:30. Dominos - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 10am. Improver Line Dance - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 10am. Lunch/Dinner - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11:30am-7pm, Menu available at Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Lunch/Jam - Alamo Rec-Veh Park, 11:30am-1:30pm, Esquires. Burger Fry - Chimney Park, Mission, 11:30am, $6pp. Open Jam follows at 1:00 pm, all jammers and audience are welcome! 4224 S. Conway Ave. Jam Session Lunch - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, Noon, Menu and price varies. Music Jam - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 12:30-2:30pm, Gate is open, lunch is available for purchase 11:30 am - 2:00 pm. Musicians and listeners welcome! Rec Hall, 1900 Grace Ave. Jam Session - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 1-3pm, Come and play, sing or just listen. All welcome. BYOB. Big Band Jam - Valley View Estates, Mission, 1-3pm, Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the music. To play in the band is by invitation only. 2100 Vernon 319-521-6095. Acoustic Jam - Park Place Estates, Harlingen, 1:30-3:30pm, Setups available. Happy Hour - Winter Ranch RV Resort, Alamo, 3-5pm, Rick McEwen. Social Hour Dance - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 3-5pm, Rico Cantu, pass the hat. Happy Hour - Sleepy Valley Ranch Resort, Mission, 4-6pm, Rotating schedule of live entertainment, pass the hat. Handmade pizza available from 5-7. Various food items available from 5-6. BS Bar Open - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 4-9pm, Serving beer, wine, soft drinks. Happy Hour - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 4-6pm. Swing Dancing Lessons - Park Place Estates, Harlingen, 4-5:30pm, Donations accepted, no partner necessary. Supper - Big Valley Trailer Park, Donna, 4:30-6pm, Serving all you care to eat pancakes, sausage gravy & biscuits, sausage patties, scrambled eggs, applesauce, and coffee. $7pp. Pulled Pork Bird Benefit Dinner - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 5pm, $8pp. Meal - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 5-6pm. Music/Dance - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 6-8pm, Regan James. Pre-Rounds with the Baldwins - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 6:30-7pm, Ron & Jan Betzelberger, $5pp. Tampico Hall. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Entertainment - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7pm, Razz Ma Tazz, donations. Dance - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 7-10pm, Steven May & Southern Knights, $7pp. Dinner & Show - Texas Trails RV ReFor more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM CALENDAR PARKS
9 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 14, 2022 ENTERTAINMENT • 7PM ROCK & ROLL JAM DANCES EVERY FRIDAY 7-10PM SINGLES ARE WELCOME Saturday Dec 17 • Retro Rockers • $10 Friday Dec 23 • Rewind • $10 Every Thursday • 12:30pm - 2:30pm HOMEMADE CAKE DONUTS Dec 21• Order Ahead (956) 585-0703 Plain, Chocolate, Or Blueberry With Choice Of Vanilla Or Cinnamon Glaze $1 Each, $5.50 for 6, $10 for 12 Wednesday Breakfasts each week, Donuts every other week • 7:30am - 9am Thursday Lunches - Burgers & More • 11am - 12:30pm Monday Night Meals • 4:30pm - 6pm PAY AT DOOR UNLESS NOTED Dec 14 • Razz Ma Tazz • Donation MEALS 956-585-0703 1645 S Bentsen Palm Drive • Palmview Paula McSpadden Activity Director ALL EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Entertainment Pre-New Year’s Dance Bluegrass Jam Ron & Jan Easter • $7 Sun. Dec. 18 • 7-9:30pm Howlers • $8 Fri. Dec. 30 • 7-10pm Tuesdays • 1:30-3:30pm 1201 N. Main Street La Feria, TX 956-797-1851 Cynthia Cavazos - Activity Director Kenwood Rv Resort . Enjoy Life. Enjoy it here. 1048 N. Alamo Rd. • Alamo, TX 78516 • Office: 956-783-5008 SATURDAY DANCES Texas Wheels • 7 - 10 pm • $8 New Years with Texas Wheels Tickets on sale now • $20 LINE, ROUND, & SQUARE DANCES Mon., 10 am • Beginners Line Dance Tues., 10 am - Noon • Round Dance Wed., 10 am • Improver Line Dance Thurs., 10 am • Line Dance Boot Camp Fri., 10 am - Noon • Square Dance With Joel Saltel ENTERTAINMENT Fri. Dec. 16, 2 - 4 pm Curt James • Pass the hat Fri. Dec. 16, 7 pm Razz Ma Tazz • Pass the hat CHURCH SERVICE Sundays • 9 am PICKLEBALL MIXER Thursdays • 9 am - Noon • $2 NEW YEARS DANCE Texas Wheels • Sat. Dec. 31 • Tickets on sale now • $20 COMING IN JANUARY The Cruisers | Gatos Locos | Nu Blu sort, Pharr, 7pm, Edinburg N.H.S. Mariachi, $13pp. MS & Plus Square Dance With Rounds - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 7-9pm, Ron & Jan Betzelberger, $5pp. Casual attire. Tampico Hall. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Dance - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 7-10pm, The Fabulous Cruisers, $12pp. Event Center. Christmas Show - Chimney Park, Mission, 7pm, Rusty Rierson, $8pp. Rusty is an International Singer/Songwriter, Nashville Recording Artist, and the RGV 2019 and 2022 “Male Vocalist of the Year”. 4224 S. Conway Ave. Entertainment - McAllen Mobile Park, 7-9pm, Curt James, Male Vocalis of the Year, $8pp. Open to all. 4900 N. McColl Rd. Thursday, December 15 Breakfast - Lamplighter Park, Palmview, 7:30-9am, Biscuits & gravy. Bluegrass Jam - Lamplighter Park, Palmview, 9am. All You Can Eat Pancakes - The Grove Subdivision, San Juan, 9-11am, Pancakes, eggs, sausage, waffles, and endless cups of coffee. Bring your own table service. Hwy 83 & Stewart Rd., 605 E. 7th St. Pickleball Mixer - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 9am-Noon, $2. Country Jam - El Valle Del Sol, Mission, 10am-Noon, Free coffee. Line Dance Boot Camp - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 10am. 3rd Thursday Market - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 11am-3pm. Public Meal Country Jam Lunch - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 11:30am-1pm, Full meal available prior to our Country Jam which follows at 1pm. Lunch/Dinner - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11:30am-7pm, Menu available at Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Lunch & Jam - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, Noon, $8pp. Rock & Roll Jam - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 12:30pm. Country Jam - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 1-3pm, Free. Open to public and jammers. Lunch available at 11:30. 50/50. Jam Session - Dixieland MH Park, Harlingen, 1-3pm, Free admission. Dance - Tropic Star RV Resort, Pharr, 3-5:30pm, Steven May, pass the hat. Concessions available. 1401 S. Cage Blvd., 956-787-5773. Happy Hour - Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 3-5pm, CJ Fedora. Happy Hour Dance - Pine to Palm Resort, Weslaco, 3-5pm, Bruce Boudreau, pass the hat. BYOB, pop & water available for sale, free ice. Bible Study - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 3:30pm. Happy Hour - Country Sunshine, Weslaco, 3:30-5pm, Curt James. BS Bar Open - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 4-9pm, Serving beer, wine, soft drinks. Golf Cart Parade - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 4pm, Families with Needs. Dinner - Eldorado Acres RV Park, Palmview, 4-6pm, Pork chop, scalloped potatoes, green beans, carrot cake. Loteria (Mexican Bingo) - Sleepy Valley Ranch Resort, Mission, 6-8pm. Acoustic Jam - Palm Gardens, Harlingen, 6-8pm, Fiesta Hall, free admission. 50/50 drawing and refreshments by donation. 3401 W. Bus. 83. Game Nite - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 6pm. Karaoke - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 6:30-9pm, Soda and water available. Complimentary popcorn. Over 40,000 different songs available to sing. Big Band Jam - La Hacienda Estates, Alamo, 6:30-8:30pm, 309-337-8711. Bingo - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-9pm. Entertainment - Ranchero Village, Weslaco, 7-9pm, Razz-Ma-Tazz, $5pp. All proceeds go to the school. Concession open. Dance - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 7-10pm, Route 66 - Howard Bedient. Main Hall. Comedy Show - Alamo Rec-Veh Park, 7pm, Redneck Revival, $7pp at door. Friday, December 16 Craft Show - Mission West RV Park, Palmview, 8am-Noon, Breakfast: biscuits & gravy. Lunch: Sloppy joes & hotdogs. Park Sale - Monte Cristo RV Community Park, Edinburg, 8am-2pm, In clubhouse, 3730 Dante Drive. No admission. Square Dance with Joel Saltel - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 10amNoon. Line Dancing - San Juan Gardens, 10am-Noon, Beginners at 9:30am. $3 fee. Lunch/Dinner - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11:30am-7pm, Menu available at Cafe For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM See PARKS pg. 10
DECEMBER 14, 2022 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 TicketsGoOnSale January2023 FEB. 15 • 1 - 4 PM Lunch Available 12 - 1 PM Mission Bell Resort 1711 E. Bus. 83 - Mission BringingYou SixGreat WintertainersTM SAVE THE DATE Valley Star AWARDSSHOW 11thAnnual F E B 15 2023 Grande, meal price varies. Garza Produce - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 11:30am, Outside Club House. Country Jam - Tropic Winds MH & RV Resort, Harlingen, 12:30-2:30pm. Country “Opry” Jam - McAllen Mobile Park, 1-3pm, Free, hosted by National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Elaine Nelson. Great country music like Nashville USED to do! Listen, sing, clap your hands, tap your toes, smile a smile and remember when! Snacks and drinks. Life’s a song...sing it! Jam - Casa del Sol, Donna, 1-3pm. Variety Jam - Bentsen Palm RV Park, Mission, 1-3pm, Come play along or just come to listen and visit. Clog Dancing - San Juan Gardens, 1-3pm, Beginners at 12:30. Come and learn to clog dance, it’s great exercise. $3 fee. Entertainment - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 2-4pm, Curt James, pass the hat. Happy Hour - Ranchero Village, Weslaco, 3-5pm, Helen Russell & Company, pass the hat. Concession open, BYOB. BS Bar Open - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 4-9pm, Serving beer, wine, soft drinks. Fish Fry - Mission West RV Park, Palmview, 4:30-5:30pm, Fish, slaw, & french fries. Steak Nite - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 5pm, RSVP required. Karaoke with Bobby Jack - Sleepy Valley Ranch Resort, Mission, 5:30-9pm, Karaoke following supper. Menu varies from week to week, $8pp. Fish fry, $9pp. Country Music Jam - Hidden Valley Ranch RV & MH Park, Mission, 5:30pm, All welcome. Jean Closson, 717-8778375. Fish Fry - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 5:30-6:30pm, Fish Fry $13, Choice of Baked or Fried Fish, Choice of French Fries or Baked Potato, Cole Slaw, Roll, Beverage (1 beer per ticket). Advanced ticket purchase required. Tickets available in Activities Office. Rec Hall, 1900 Grace Ave. Country Jam - Tradewinds RV Resort, Mission, 6-8pm, Free. Tradewinds Hall. Open to public and all jammers. 50/50. Dance - Fiesta Village, Mission, 6-9pm, Chamberlins, $7pp-$10pp. Christmas Program - Rio Valley Estates MH & RV Resort, Weslaco 6:30pm, Cleckler Elementary School Children’s Choir, $8pp. Money goes to school program. For information, call 816-616-8320 or 815-289-0916. 715 N. Westgate Dr. Dance - Eldorado Acres RV Park, Palmview, 6:30-9:30pm, Midnight Mustangs, $8pp. BYOB. Setups, ice & popcorn available. Dance - Tropic Winds MH & RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Carlos Canas, $8pp advance, $10pp at the door. Friday Night Dance - Fun N Sun Resort, San Benito, 7pm, Texas Wheels, $8pp door. Dance - Casa del Sol, Donna, 7-10pm, Route 66, $8pp. Dance - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 7-10pm, Steven May & Southern Knights, variety, $8pp. Soda, water, popcorn, snacks for sale, free ice/cups, 50/50 door prizes. Dance - Alamo Rose RV and MH Resort, 7-10pm, Regan James, $7pp. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Please no bills larger than $20. Ice and set-ups available. Dance - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 7-10pm, Southern Vibes, $7pp. Dance - Winter Ranch RV Resort, Alamo, 7-10pm, Diego & Edith, $8pp. Country & Big Band Jam - Palm Shadows RV/MH Park, Donna, 7-9pm, Pizza & dogs available from 4:30-6:30. No outside beverages permitted. Musicians by invitation only. Dance - Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 7-10pm, Rewind, $10pp. Dance - Country Sunshine, Weslaco 7-10pm, Rusty Rierson, $9pp. Dance - Park Place Estates, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Leslie Blasing, $7pp. Setups available, BYOB. Entertainment - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 7pm, Razz Ma Tazz, pass the hat. Saturday, December 17 Craft & Patio Sales - Hidden Valley Ranch RV & MH Park, Mission, 8amNoon, Refreshments and lunch available. Interested vendors can call 956-580-4477 between 8am and 11am Monday-Friday or chairperson at 918-742-0177. 7600 Long Dr. Craft Show - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 8am-Noon. PARKS From pg. 9 For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM
11 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 14, 2022 • Lower Back Pain • Foot/Heel Pain • Muscle Weakness • Dizziness, Vertigo Are You Experiencing: We Have A Genuine Commitment To Your Health Dr. Frank Garza CEO, PT, DPT Dr. Amy Garza COO, PT, DPT, MTC, NPCP Dr. Laura Saenz, PT, DPT Dr. Jonathon Martinez PT, DPT Dr. Matthew Garza, PT, DPT LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! 5413 N. 23RD ST. McAllen, TX 78504 SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! (956) 994-8880 Ruben Alvarado, PTA Joseph Ruiz, PTA Jaqueline Ramirez, PTA • Total Hip Replacement • Total Knee Replacement • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Pain Management • Shoulder Pain • Neck Pain • Post Surgical Procedures • Chronic Pains • Balance and Fall Prevention • Traumatic Brain Injury 1810 E. 8TH ST. Weslaco, TX 78596 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 Breakfast - Paradise Park, McAllen, 8-9am. Saturday Morning Breakfast - El Valle Del Sol, Mission, 8-9:30am, Pancakes or sausage gravy or egg bake, $5pp. Free coffee. Breakfast - Alamo Rec-Veh Park, 8-9:30am, Pool hall/shuffleboard sponsored, $7pp. Breakfast - Alamo Paradise Acres, 8-9:30am, 1513 West Crockett. Craft Fair - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 8am-Noon, Gates open, in Friendship Hall. Pancakes and Sausage Breakfast available for purchase in Rec Hall from 7:00 - 10:00 am. 1900 Grace Ave. Park Sale - Monte Cristo RV Community Park, Edinburg, 8am-2pm, In clubhouse, 3730 Dante Drive. No admission. Coffee Clutch - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 9am. Breakfast - AmeriCana RV Park, Palmview, 9am. Yahoo - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 10am. Country Jam Lunch - Green Gate Grove, Palmview, 11:10am-Noon, We will be serving lunches before the Country Jam. Lunch/Dinner - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 11:30am-7pm, Menu available at Cafe Grande, meal price varies. Open House - Magic Valley Park, Weslaco, Noon-4pm, Come check out some brand new homes and all the amenities we have to offer in a newly refurbished community! Country Jam - Green Gate Grove, Palmview, 12:30pm, Everyone is invited to this jam to either play or listen to country music. Questions call 956-540-8463. 2135 S. Bentsen Palm Dr. Jam - Big Valley Trailer Park, Donna, 12:30pm, Curly Klaphake, donation. Everyone welcome. Rock & Roll/Big Band Jam - McAllen Mobile Park, 2-4pm, Come get your rock and roll or big band fix. Jams are Saturdays from 2-4 thru December. Musicians and vocalists are by invitation only. There will be room for dancing and a great dessert table. See you there. BS Bar Open - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 4-9pm, Serving beer, wine, soft drinks. Happy Hour - Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club, Mercedes, 5-7pm, Tim Dirth (Hitman), pass the hat. Event Center. Bingo - Pharr South Park, Pharr, 6:309:30pm, Snacks and refreshments available for purchase. No outside food or beverages. Dinner is served 5-6pm. Menu varies weekly and you must sign up prior at Pharr South. Entertainment - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7pm, Retro Rockers, $10pp. Dance - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 7-10pm, The Fabulous Cruisers, $12pp. 50/50. Dinner available 6pm, BYOB. Advance tickets and table reservations call 956-585-4833 ext. 1062. Entertainment - Fiesta Village, Mission, 7pm, Helen Russell & Co., $8pp- $10pp. Entertainment - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-9pm, Doc Wesson Show, $9pp. Dance - McAllen Mobile Park, 7-10pm, Put your dancin’ boots on and come two-steppin’ with The Texas Ramblers, $8pp. Drinks, snacks, set-ups, giveaways. Dance - Sleepy Valley Ranch Resort, Mission, 7-10pm, Gatos Locos, $10pp. Handmade pizza for sale 5-7pm. Entertainment - MissionWest RV Park, Palmview, 7pm, Ralph Kuster Christmas Show, $8pp. Christmas Party & Show - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 7-9pm, Dale & Gayle, $8pp. Dance - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 7-10pm, Texas Wheels, $8pp. Entertainment - Bluebonnet RV Park, Mission, 7-9pm, Rusty Rierson, $9pp. Dance - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 7-10pm, Time Machine, $10pp. Doors open at 6:15pm. Snack bar open. Dance - Eastgate RV & MH Park, Harlingen, 7pm, Juan Garza, $7.50 single, $15 couple. Bring your own drinks, popcorn provided. For more information call 956-423-3137. Dance - Palm Gardens, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Rewind, $10pp. Dance - El Valle Del Sol, Mission, 7-10pm, Route 66, $7pp. BYOB. Dance - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Diego & Edith. Friendship Hall, 1900 Grace Ave. Gate and doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets in advance in Activities Office. Entertainment - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 7-10pm, Jealous Heart, $7pp. Rec Hall. Christmas Show - Wagon City North, Mission, 7-9pm, Winnie Brave, $8pp. 2905 N. Conway. Dance - River Ranch Resort, Rio Hondo, 7-10pm, Southern Blend, $10pp. BYOB. Dance - Aladdin Villas, Mission, 7-10pm, Southern Vibes, $8pp. Free popcorn & ice. Sunday, December 18 Worship Service - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 8:15am, Non-denominational. Church Services - Hidden Valley Ranch RV & MH Park, Mission, 8:30am, Fellowship: 8:30am. Service: 9am. Cowboy Church - Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 8:30-9:30am. Church Service - San Juan Gardens, 8:40-9:40am, Non-denominational service. Everyone welcome. See PARKS pg. 19
DECEMBER 14, 2022 www.wintertexantimes.com 12 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Lic# TACLB00114391E 10 Year Parts and Labor Warranty Mobile Home Installations 2022 Winter Promotion A/C Replacement 2 Ton - $3,500 3 Ton - $3,800 4 Ton - $4,500 5 Ton - $4,700 Free Installation Rio Grande Valley Call 830-399-0177 Text 956-304-8110 Find someone to give to this holiday season DECEMBER – What a beautiful month. December is a time for giving, a time for sharing, a time for remembering. December is a good time for cooking all those wonderful dishes from family recipes that have been handed down for generations. Memories are made – never to be forgotten. Giving and sharing brings pleasure to those who give and happiness – especially to the youngsters when they receive the toys and clothes you may have donated. If you don’t already have a favorite charity that will receive and deliver your gift, why not consider Toys for Tots. The impressive history of Toys for Tots is very interesting. For over 70 years Toys for Tots has distributed toys to in-need children whose parents are unable to provide holiday gifts. Major Bill Hendricks and his wife Diane established Toys for Tots in 1947 when Diane could not locate an organization involved in giving Christmas toys to less fortunate children. Diane and Bill did not stop there. They just started their program. That first year Hendricks and his fellow Marines distributed 5,000 toys to local children. After such success in their local community, all Marine Reserve Sites were directed to start a Toys for Tots campaign. Toys for Tots continues to this day. They distribute an average of 18 million toys to seven million less fortunate children annually. Local communities join in, drop boxes are located conveniently across cities to receive donations from locals. The Toys for Tots program would not be possible without the generous donations of local citizens and business owners. Even Walt Disney who was a friend of Major Hendricks joined the drive when he designed the famous logo of the little three car train featuring a giving Santa Claus. The Marines begin their toy collections in October, continuing through November and into December. Toys are collected that are suitable for newborn up through 12 years of age. If you have new toys to donate, call Marine Reserves to find the closest collection place, or if you would like for the Marines to do the shopping, a check would also be welcomed. You can also go online to find locations near you – www.toysfortots.org. Another idea for perhaps a more personal celebration of giving is to organize a Baby Jesus birthday party. What fun that could be with a birthday cake and a manger scene as a party favor for each little child to take home. Special occasions like that build everlasting memories. Once, an older couple who still wanted to capture that magical feeling of Christmas organized a very special party for the children of their housekeeper. Cake, cookies, and fruit punch along with games and special little gifts made for a festive occasion to be continued year after year. That party brought to all who attended that special feeling that only the gift of sharing brings to all of us. As this year comes to a close, I wish you a Merry, Merry Christmas form the bottom of my heart! And now for my favorite, time honored saying, “Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat. Please put a penny in an old man’s hat. If not a penny, a half penny will do. If not a penny, God bless you.” Merry Christmas! Roadrunner RV Park started off the month of December with their gift giving. “What a wonderful opportunity to help our community and give during the holiday season!” Residents contributed $1,000 to the Salvation Army and $1,000 for Toys for Tots. Pictured are Chief of Police Richard Ozuma, Fire Chief Roy Contreras, and Salvation Army Major Gabriel receiving the donations last week. Photo by Timothy Norris
13 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com DECEMBER 14, 2022 Serving Valleywide for 35 years Sales • Parts • Rentals • Service Drive Around In Your Brand New Golf Cart Today! ezridegolfcars@sbcglobal.net www.easyridegolfcars.com 2508 W. Interstate Hwy 2 Mission, TX 78572 TREAT YOURSELF To The New 2023 Evolution Electric Vehicle •2 Year Warranty• •Street Legal• •Lithium Battery• (5 Year Warranty) Easy Ride Golf Cars 956-580-3370 Dealer From Our Family To Yours Elliott’s Custom Golf 712 N 77 Sunshine Strip #20 Harlingen, TX 78550 (877) 428-5448 • elliott@customclubs.net SKYTRACK LAUNCH MONITOR Improve your game and receive instant and real-time 3D shot analysis and ball-flight data. Identify strengths, weaknesses & dispersion • Bag Mapping to select the right clubs on the course • Wedge Matrix to master short game Five Star Customer Ratings - Google Reviews COMPUTERIZED CUSTOM CLUB FITTING Stuart Place all beef hot dog – with a cold beer running right behind in second), the course, open to the public, has turned the favorite course contest into a best golf experience with the complete package from the time a golfer enters the grounds until well after they’re home reminiscing about their day. Winter Texans also made it clear that they loved so much more about the Harlingen course, as Stuart Place won Favorite Amenities, Favorite Putting Green, Favorite Pro Shop and Favorite 19th Hole. Voters were even more specific when they mentioned that customer service, friendly people and staff were all part of the amenities they so much loved. Tony Butler, the city of Harlingen’s public course, won Favorite Driving Range. The range, which has more than 20 stations at each tee, is 300 yards long and, obviously, maintained for large numbers of golfers who want to hit a few balls before their round or just to take up an hour or so practicing. “It’s completely grass, and we are constantly introducing new range balls to hit. Not a lot of places do that,” General Manager Jeff Hart said. “There are a lot of people who come out regularly to use it. We sand it often, so the divot holes heal much quicker. “The course is easily accessible where we are located, and Winter Texans are our lifeline when they come to play and practice here.” From the first to the last impression, Stuart Place has upped its game every year. It seems like just a few years ago, they were known as “that other course” in Harlingen. Now, they are “The Course in Harlingen,” where fun, laughter and a golf course that challenges all skills come together for what Winter Texans have said is their favorite golf course with the greatest golfing experience. And don’t forget to grab a scrumptious hot dog and icy cold beverage while you’re there. GOLF From pg. 1 Tony Butler Golf Course Courtesy Photo Stuart Place Golf Course Photo by Anastasia Brunson
DECEMBER 14, 2022 www.wintertexantimes.com 14 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Texas Master Naturalist certification program registration deadline nears Registration is open through December 17, to join the 2023 South Texas Border Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist training class. Hidalgo, Starr and Cameron County residents over the age of 18 and Winter Texans are welcome. Texas Master Naturalist is a unique educational volunteer program sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Sea Grant Program and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 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. Students attend weekly virtual classes Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning January 10 through March 28. Attendees will need internet access, a computer, iPad or Android pad. Using a smartphone is not recommended. Field trips are a required element of training that will provide unique access and learning opportunities. Special field trips will be held in person following current county and departmental public health guidelines. Trainees may join volunteer teams with other chapter members and work among local partners in activities at federal, state, and local wildlife parks, coastal naturalist programs and other public entities. Texas Master Naturalists train as docents and nature guides at local wildlife preserves; learn about native plants and habitat and help develop public native gardens; join citizen science projects; present nature programs to organizations; and learn about the Gulf and beach inhabitants and trends. Class size is limited. The cost is $150 and includes textbook, fees, t-shirt, name tag, and one-year membership. Scholarships of $100 are available. Scholarship requests are due by December 17. To apply for the class and to view the special in-person field trip schedule, follow the instruction sheet on the new class webpage link at https://www.stbctmn.org/ the-next-class. To request a scholarship application or if you have other questions, please contact the new class directors, Anne Mayville, at nurse_anne@msn.com or Jim Gerry at jimgerry@gmail.com. Check out the chapter website at https://www. stbctmn.org/. The South Texas Border Chapter has monthly guest speakers the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are currently virtual and are free and open to the public. Follow the chapter’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stbctmn to be notified when meetings are broadcast live. Beyond Van Gogh: The immersive experience is now open Imagine being completely immersed in more than 300 of the greatest works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh. Now imagine experiencing all of this art liberated from its two-dimensional limitations into a three-dimensional experience that exhilarates every sense and brings to life one of the most influential artists the world has known. It’s all part of Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which has sold over three million tickets globally making it one of the most popular current traveling exhibitions. The sensory extravaganza produced by Paquin Entertainment Group is now open in McAllen at the McAllen Convention Center. Open for a limited engagement, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience was created by French-Canadian Creative Director Mathieu St-Arnaud and his team at Montreal’s world-renowned Normal Studio. As the paintings ebb and flow into each other, guests will be engulfed in a 3-dimensional experience of the paintings—allowing them to not only observe his genius but to actually become a part of the paintings. Using music and Van Gogh’s own words, thoughts and dreams to drive the experience as a narrative, guests move along projection-swathed walls wrapped in light and color that swirls and dances as it focuses and refocuses into the flowers, cafes and landscapes of his iconic artworks that have been freed from their frames. Van Gogh’s art comes thrillingly to life flowing across multiple surfaces, appearing and disappearing, heightening guests’ senses and allowing them to become one with his brush strokes. The exhibit uses over four trillion content pixels in the multi-dimensional projections. While journeying through Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience guests witness more than 300 iconic masterpieces, including such instantly recognizable classics as “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” and “Café Terrace at Night,” as well as many revealing self-portraits. Prices start at $39.99 for adults and $23.99 for children (ages 5-15), plus ticketing fees. Tickets, which will sell out quickly, are onsale to the general public at www. vangoghmcallen.com. “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience gives a new appreciation of this tortured artist’s stunning work. Unsurprisingly millions of people all over the world credit Van Gogh with enhancing their relationship with art. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will only strengthen that connection,” says Justin Paquin, co-producer, Paquin Entertainment Group. The exhibit will be on display at the McAllen Convention Center (700 Convention Center Blvd.), until January 12. The hours of operation are Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed on Mondays. The exhibit is open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Last allowed entry is one hour before closing. Tickets and more information can be found at www.vangoghmcallen. com. Photo by Timothy Norris
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