JANUARY 17, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 2 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 1217 N. Conway Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-7800 © Copyright 2023-2024 by Nexus Publishing LLC, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. The Winter Texan Times is not responsible for errors or omissions in advertising. In the event of an error in an ad or omission of an ad, the newspaper’s financial liability is limited to the cost of the ad in questions. The newspaper is not responsible for any other damages, tangible or intangible. Typically a make-good ad or re-rescheduled ad is considered to sufficiently meet the newspaper’s responsibility. Dan Brunson Publisher dan@wintertexantimes.com Carina Brunson Editor carina@wintertexantimes.com Anastasia Brunson Office Manager anastasia@wintertexantimes.com Published by Nexus Publishing LLC Parks Calendar: Items must be open to the public activities in the parks only and must be submitted by park owners, managers, or activity directors. We do not accept listings for reviews, workshops, lessons, or dance classes. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., 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. News: We are always looking for news about events, organizations, exhibits, fundraising, and more, from parks, chambers, cities, museums, and other venues. You are welcome submit your news items, photos of recent park activities, or news story ideas about your park or park residents. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to news@wintertexantimes.com. Events Calendar: Items must be open to the public. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to news@wintertexantimes.com. Reunions: We 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. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to reunions@wintertexantimes.com. By Herb Moering Several thousand Winter Texans took advantage of nice weather to inspect the latest in RV fifth wheels, motor homes, boats and 4-wheelers on opening day, Jan. 11, of the 17th annual Ron Hoover RV & Marine Center Open House in Donna. Visitors were treated to free hotdogs and soft drinks along with chances to win door prizes and a grand prize in a drawing at the end of both afternoons of the open house. The grand prizewinners were Luis Lopez, who chose the four-wheeler; and Dan and Sherry Zirnhelt from Forman, North Dakota, who chose the enclosed utility trailer. Not only did the event continue to support the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association with donations and vendor entry fees, but they also granted a wish this year through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They were able to send a young girl and her family to Disney World. While some Winter Texans came to see the latest trailers, Sharon Eck, from Paradise South RV Park in Mercedes, said she and her husband, Dave, were looking to upgrade to a new fifth wheel. The couple was on their first visit to the Hoover center. This is the couple’s second season in the Valley, and they were loving it. The Ecks came in 2022 from Duluth, MN because of friends being here, “which is nice to have someone you know.” She’s found people to be open and easy to know. They enjoy the music opportunities with happy hours and concerts. They bike, but haven’t done much, except for a ride on South Padre Island. Sharon said she did the “polar plunge” at the Island, but only up to her ankles. This is the first season of venturing out more than just their park activities. Steve Sellnow and wife, Connie Henry, were also first-time visitors to the open house. The couple staying at Paradise Park Inc. in McAllen came from St. Cloud, MN in 2019. Steve said he enjoyed winter activities up north like snowmobiling and ice fishing. He said they played pickleball in Minnesota and they are trying it out here. Connie said she enjoys the social activities. Steve said there is a lot of fellowship to be enjoyed along with card playing and Bible studies. Dean and Kathy Mennen, from Medford, MN, and Dave and Pat Snyder, from Kearney, NEB, were neighbors at Trophy Gardens RV Resort in Alamo, which led to their friendship. This was the second year for the Mennens to come to the open house. They first came south in 2018, visiting some cousins in the Valley for a week and then two months the next year. They found the people friendly, Kathy said, and welcoming. They pretty much like everything, including the Santa Anna Wildlife Refuge. The Snyders, who had been to the open house for the past three years, Ron Hoover Open House continues to be a success Some neighbors from Trophy Gardens RV Resort, (from left) Dave and Pat Snyder and Dean and Kathy Mennen, took time to check out some fifth wheel trailers at the open house on Thursday. Photo by Herb Moering See HOOVER pg. 20
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