Thanks for coming to Texas! Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Vol. 38, No. 23 © 2025 www.wintertexantimes.com Wednesday, March 19, 2025 INDEX Events Calendar p 4 Reunions p 6 Parks Calendar p 8 WintertainersTM p 8 On The Road p 16 Taste of the Valley p 17 Coupon Index p 20 Classifieds p 21 Business Guide p 21 Rina’s Ramblings See RAMBLINGS pg. 17 The 36th Annual Texas Onion Fest is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, in downtown Weslaco, from 10:15 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. There will be live music, onion eating contests, a car show, and more. The Texas Onion Fest celebrates the development of the world-famous Texas 1015 Onion which was developed in Weslaco at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in 1983. It is also the state vegetable of Texas. The name of the 1015 onion came from the suggested planting date, See WESLACO pg. 17 Celebrate the 1015 Onion in Weslaco this Saturday The car show is just one of the highlights of the annual Texas Onion Fest in Weslaco. Courtesy photo By Herb Moering After Ed Martens threw out the ceremonial first pitch, it was all business as the Division A USA Team garnered the bragging rights for the coming year and its name engraved on the beautiful trophy with a win over the Canadian Team in Friday’s International Senior Softball Tournament. Team USA regained the trophy after the Canada team won it in 2024. In fact, Canada has had its name on the trophy for four of the last seven years of the CanAm senior’s tournament. The USA DiSee SOFTBALL pg. 24 Team USA regains bragging rights The Division A USA Team reclaimed the beautiful trophy at the end of its game, which had been won last year by the Canadians. Photo by Herb Moering I can’t believe the season is almost over. The last few months seem to have gone way too fast. I have enjoyed seeing all the activities you have been participating in around town and in your parks. I am going to miss seeing those smiling faces and the fun photos. We still have a few exciting things happening just before the majority of you start packing up and heading back north. You will see some of those events in this week’s paper. One that seems to be enjoyed by many is the Texas Onion Festival held in Weslaco, where the 1015 onion was developed. They celebrate the success of the onion with a huge celebration. The other big event is Tourist Day that will be held on March 21. This event is also held yearly to thank the many tourists that cross the border. Progreso and Rio Bravo throw out the red carpet for their winter visitors each year with entertainment and tons of fun.
MARCH 19, 2025 www.wintertexantimes.com 2 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-7800 www.wintertexantimes.com © Copyright 2024-2025 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. www.wintertexantimes.com Teddy Bears bring comfort to the sick, needy, and distraught Bonham’s Bears gave away 400 teddy bears to organizations that help children. Based at Green Bay South, the group gives bears to Valley organizations every year. Each year, they share their stories to show who they are and how their organization uses the bears they are gifted. Here are their stories. 484th Juvenile District Court, Honorable Judge Adela Kowalski-Garza. Juveniles processed into the Texas justice system are stripped naked, observed during their shower, and given medications for life. But they are also offered second and even third chances. After successfully finishing a boot camp, they are given a teddy bear, and they might say “for a bad boy like me?” We want the kids to know that they are not their past. I have a free library from which I give family members books (coloring books and adult books), and they get teddy bears, too. Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas. Miriam Gelman said their philosophy is that a sick child is a sick family. The first Ronald McDonald House was founded in 1974; there are now over 380 houses around the world. We recognized a need to provide families of patients with a place to be near their children, instead of sleeping on floors, eating from vending machines, skipping showers, or often driving miles back-and-forth to see their children. Last year alone in South Texas, 5,000 family members used a Ronald McDonald House or Family Room equipped with kitchens and showers and “home-like” settings for the families to normalize their experience. For the Rio Grande Valley, our See BEARS pg. 18 Bonham’s Bears Volunteers. Harlingen Fire Department. Loaves and Fishes.
3 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com MARCH 19, 2025 1101 East Business 83 • Donna, TX 1 1/2 miles West of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com *Premiums subject to carrier underwriting. Rates subject to change. *$284.00per year. Conditions Apply. As Low as Call or Come See Us 956-464-2886 MOBILE HOME INSURANCE Basic and Comprehensive Plans MOBILE HOME Basic and Comprehensive Plans Flood Coverage & Mexico Auto Insurance Available Park Models Motor Homes “Casitas” Travel Trailers Autos Golf Carts 5th Wheels Motorcycles And more... 1101 East Business 83 • Donna,TX 1 1/2 milesWest of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com * Premiums subject to carrier underwriting. Rates subject to change. Call or Come See Us 956-464-2886 per year. As Low as *$284.00 Conditions Apply HIDALGO COUNTY We Also Offer Coverage For: MOBILE HOME INSURANCE Basic and Comprehensive Plans Flood Coverage & Mexico Auto Insurance Available Park Models Motor Homes “Casitas” Travel Trailers Autos Golf Carts 5th Wheels Motorcycles And more... 1101 East Business 83 • Donna,TX 1 1/2 milesWest of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com * Premiums subject to carrier underwriting. Rates subject to change. Call or Come See Us 956-464-2886 per year. As Low as *$284.00 Conditions Apply HIDALGO COUNTY We Also Offer Coverage For: Park Models Motor Homes “Casitas” Travel Trailers Autos Golf Carts 5th Wheels Motorcycles And more... Basic and Comprehensive Plans Flood Coverage & Mexico Auto Insurance Available Park Models Motor Homes “Casitas” Travel Trailers Autos Golf Carts 5th Wheels Motorcycles And more... 1101 East Business 83 • Donna,TX 1 1/2 milesWest of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com * Premiums subject to carrier underwriting. Rates subject to change. per year. As Low as Conditions Apply We Also Offer Coverage For: Flood Coverage & Mexico Auto Insurance Available La Floresta RV Resort enjoys winter sports La Floresta RV Resort near Mercedes had a couple of fun events. On February 26th we had our final day of the Men’s and Ladies Championship Tournament. Frank Hartin and Darla Strait were the winners. On March 8th we had our Shuffleboard tournament. Rickey Henderson and Jean Vanderville were the champs! Milt Krainbill and Hal Sunday were our runner ups. (Submitted by Darla Strait) Royal Palms royalty leads St. Patrick’s Day Parade Royal Palms MH Park celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on Monday was ruled over by the royalty of residents King Herb Moering and Queen Doris Tabor.
MARCH 19, 2025 www.wintertexantimes.com 4 WINTER TEXAN TIMES EVENTS CALENDAR Now through March 29 – The Upper Valley Art League hosts its annual showcase, (Journey Through the Lens), exhibiting various styles of photography created by UVAL members. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Upper Valley Art League is located at 921 East 12th Street in Mission, next to Speer Memorial Library. March 20 – McAllen Community Concerts will be featuring The Century of Swing with Good Shot Judy. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Concerts are held in the McAllen Performing Arts Center, 801 Convention Center Blvd. Single concert tickets available at the box office range from $25 to $50. For more information and tickets, visit http:// mcallenconcerts.com/. March 22 – The Brownsville Farmers Market will be held at 9 a.m. at Linear Park, E. 6th St. and E. Ringgold St. The event is held every Saturday. March 22 – Firemen’s Park in McAllen will host the Growing Growers Farmers Market at 9 a.m. The park is located at 201 N. 1st St. The event is held every Saturday. March 22 – The McAllen Farmers Market will be held at the McAllen Public Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is held every Saturday. The library is located at 4001 N. 23rd St. For more information visit mcallenfarmersmarket.com. March 22 – A night tour will be held at Bentsen-RGV State Park at 7:30 p.m. The event requires reservations. Call (956) 584-9156 for reservations and confirmation of time and details. The park is located at 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive in Mission. March 22 – Estero Llano Grande State Park will host a Discovery Night tour which may include stargazing, owls, scorpions, tarantulas, alligators, frogs, bats and more. The event will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. The park is located at 3301 International Blvd., in Weslaco. March 23 – Buena Vida Farmers Market will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday, at Bannworth Park, 1822 N. Shary Rd., in Mission. Pre-orders can be made online at BuenaVidaFarmersMarket.com. For vendor info, call (512) 554-9713. March 24-April 4 – UTRGV Visual Arts Building Gallery will host Navigating Beauty Standards by Mandy Wilson. Admission is free. There will be an opening reception on March 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located at 2412 Closner in Edinburg. March 24-April 4 – The UTRGV Rusteberg Gallery in Brownsville will host the Brenton Hamilton Solo Exhibition. The gallery is located at 65 Gorgas Dr. March 26 – The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will host a Pop-Up Market from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 202 W. Tom Landry, Mission. March 28 – The UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr in Edinburg, present The Second City. The Second City Touring Company is a group of comedians and improvisers based in Chicago. They travel performing a mix of sketches, original material, and improv. March 29 – The Brownsville Farmers Market will be held at 9 a.m. at Linear Park, E. 6th St. and E. Ringgold St. The event is held every Saturday. March 29 – Firemen’s Park in McAllen will host the Growing Growers Farmers Market at 9 a.m. The park is located at 201 N. 1st St. The event is held every Saturday. March 29 – The McAllen Farmers Market will be held at the McAllen Public Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is held every Saturday. The library is located at 4001 N. 23rd St. For more information visit mcallenfarmersmarket.com. March 29 – Estero Llano Grande State Park will host a Discovery Night tour which may include stargazing, owls, scorpions, tarantulas, alligators, frogs, bats and more. The event will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. The park is located at 3301 International Blvd., in Weslaco.
5 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com MARCH 19, 2025 Book by John Michael Tebelak ‘GODSPELL’ is produced with performance rights and provided by special arrangements with Music Theatre International (MTI) HARLINGEN COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Conceived and Originally Directed by John Michael Tebelak Based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew APRIL 2025 10th, 11th, 12th & 13th Thursday & Friday 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday 2:30pm ADULTS $25 - CHILDREN $10 1209 FAIR PARK BLVD. HARLINGEN, TEXAS WWW.HCTVALLEYSTARS.ORG TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE WWW.HCTVALLEYSTARS.ORG Relatives of RGV natives from around the world presented by Joey Santore In Variations on a Theme, Joey will take us on a journey beyond the Rio Grande Valley to see how related plants in the same genera and families have evolved in dramatically dierent environments across the globe. Discover the unexpected connections between our local ora and their distant relatives and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of plant life. From Outside magazine about Joey: “An ex-punk and former train engineer who is self-taught in the sciences, Joey Santore does not t the mold of the stereotypical botanist. He has lots of tattoos and no college degree... Joey’s YouTube channel, Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, has more than a quarter-million subscribers … he’s getting … many di erent kinds of people to geek out on plants.” Joey describes himself and his work: “Joey is a freight train driver turned self-taught botanist who has traveled the world studying plants through the lens of ecology and natural selection. Aside from occasionally teaching Intro to Botany as an adjunct professor at Sul Ross University, Joey has avoided any commitment to academia like the plague.” His view on Plants: “A view through the “bigger picture” of ecology and evolution rather than what they can “do” for us (as if holding up the biosphere isn’t enough) - can provide us not only with an awareness and context for our part in the intricate web of life Enjoy Tourist Day on Friday The Municipal Government of Rio Bravo invites Winter Texans to the 49th anniversary of Tourist Day in Nuevo Progreso. The event will be held on Friday, March 21 at 10 a.m. on Main St. The event will be filled with live entertainment, Mr. Tourist Tom Torkelson, and King and Queen David Wayne and Gina Marie. There will also be food, drinks, and many more surprises. This is a day that the city honors and welcomes all tourists visiting their beautiful border community. Experience a day filled with hospitality, culture, and more as they celebrate the vibrant connection between the communities. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning friend, the city is excited to see you and have a great day of fun. “Let’s come together to share the beauty of our border and the importance of tourism in our community.” Many Winter Texans attend the Tourist Day each March. Photo by Herb Moering See RGV pg. 20
MARCH 19, 2025 www.wintertexantimes.com 6 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 1 Month Free Lot Rent With any Home purchase Planned Activities • Best Facilities Free Wired Internet & Cable Ranchero Village 1900 S. Bridge Ave., Weslaco (956) 968-6223 Homes by Ranchero Sales, License #MHDRET00001830 Website: www.RancheroVillageTX.com March Special Top Community *New 2025 Fleetwood Now Available As Pictured 5% Financing Available New 16’x66’ 2025 Fleetwood* $89,900 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 have 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. You can send your information to news@wintertexantimes.com. 3M Retirees and Friends Welcome 3M Retirees and Friends will meet on Wednesday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Victoria Palms Restaurant in Donna. Call Louise at (612) 916-9236 for information. Submarine Veterans The Submarine Veterans will meet for lunch at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, (every third Thursday of the month through April) at Junction Café, 115 Cage Blvd., in Pharr. For more information, call Larry at (715) 305-0401. Magic Valley Retirement P.E.O. Meeting The Magic Valley Retirement P.E.O. meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25, at 11:30 a.m., at the home of Julianne Carlson, 417 Scorpio, Aladdin East, Mission. Please bring paper products to donate to Aurora House. Please call Connie Garrels, (402) 6410125, if you have any questions or to RSVP for the meeting. Magic Valley Retirement P.E.O. Meeting The Magic Valley Retirement P.E.O. meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8, at Nana’s in Weslaco at 11:30 a.m. Please call Connie Garrels, (402) 641-0125, if you have any questions or to RSVP for the meeting. Submarine Veterans The Submarine Veterans will meet for lunch at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, (every third Thursday of the month through April) at Junction Café, 115 Cage Blvd., in Pharr. For more information, call Larry at (715) 305-0401. RGV Woodcarvers The RGV Woodcarvers welcomes any new and experienced carvers every Thursday at Kamova Events, 2711 S. 23rd St., McAllen, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Any questions, call President Pam Horstman (816) 590-6521. For more information, visit their website at www.rgvwoodcarvers.org. Meeting location subject to change. Al-Anon Meetings Not Alone AFG-Al-Anon meetings are held at the Frist Presbyterian Church, 709 S. Iowa, in Weslaco every Monday and Friday at 7 p.m. Family, friends, and observers are welcome to attend. For more information, call (314) 7751089 or email smithbrother50@ yahoo.com. If services are needed closer to you, you can visit www. texas-al-anon.org. 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. Ed Marten’s Senior Softball League Ed Marten’s Senior Softball League is taking some time off for the summer but will be starting back up in the fall. They are looking for seniors, 55 and over, both men and women players. They take all levels of play that will be divided into two leagues in January. Games take place at the City of McAllen West Side Park on S. Ware Rd., across from the McAllen Convention Center, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Practices start in fall, they hold a special banquet, and the big game of Canada versus USA at the end of the season. Call Fred Esqueda (956) 897-6961 or Mike Brower (734) 834-0128 for more information.
7 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com MARCH 19, 2025 3201 E. EXP. 83 • DONNA, TX 78537 (956) 464-3378 of Donna Clayton Homes Doug Fowler www.claytonhomesdonna.com Lic. # rbi3356 2 beds | 1 bath | 832 sq ft • Wrap Around Porch • Furniture Included • Decor Included • Upgraded Insulation • Dealer Repossession • Save Thousands - One Left Tired of living in that old mobile home? Is that old home falling down around you? What if we took the old home in on trade? We can take your trade and use it towards the down payment of your new home, even if you still owe a balance. LET US SHOW YOU WHAT YOUR TRADE CAN DO FOR YOU AT CLAYTON HOMES OF DONNA! CLAYTON HOMES OF DONNA CAN TAKE YOUR TRADE SKYLINE COME BY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS CUTE 2 BR WITH FRONT WRAP AROUND PORCH DEALER REPO Valley Symphony Orchestra wraps up the season The Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) brings its 2024-25 Masterworks season to a grand finale with Romantic Reflections on Friday, April 4, at 8 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. This enchanting program will feature some of the most passionate and timeless orchestral works, promising an unforgettable evening of music and artistry. From Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring world-renowned piano soloist Andrey Ponochevny, to Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian,” this concert promises to take us back to our symphonic roots. And as we wrap up another wonderful year of music and community, the celebration continues with Bravo! VSO, the Symphony’s annual fundraising gala, on Thursday, April 17, at 6 p.m., at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom. This elegant evening will honor the City of McAllen as the 2025 Cultural Leaders of the Year. This celebration will feature a cocktail hour, a gourmet threecourse dinner, silent and live auctions, and a one night only VSO performance under the direction of Maestro Peter Dabrowski. Join us in celebrating another season of extraordinary music and supporting the future of symphonic excellence in the Rio Grande Valley. For Romantic Reflections, purchase tickets at the MPAC box office, at Ticketmaster or contact VSO Patron Services at (956) 8033036. Sponsor tables and single tickets are available for the VSO Gala. Reserve your spot today at bit. ly/bravovso25 or call (956) 6611615. You can learn more about the Valley Symphony Orchestra by visiting their website at www.valleysymphony.org/. PSJA Golf Classic to benefit student scholarships The inaugural PSJA Superintendent’s Scholarship Golf Classic will take place on Saturday, March 29, at Tierra Del Sol Golf Club in Pharr, with registration beginning at 7 a.m. The event aims to raise funds for student scholarships through the PSJA Education Foundation. The event will feature three-person teams in an 18-hole format, with a tee-off time of 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as for the longest drive and closest to the pin. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit educational scholarships for graduating seniors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those interested in supporting PSJA ISD students. For more information or interview requests, please contact PSJA Communications Department at (956) 354-2027. Tierra Del Sol Golf Club is located at 700 E. Hall Acres Rd. VSO Performance. Courtesy photo
MARCH 19, 2025 www.wintertexantimes.com 8 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Thursdays Saturdays Fridays Sundays March 23 & 30 1:30pm-5:30pm Steven May & Southern Knights Live Music No Cover Charge RIVERSIDE DREAMER River Tours Call (956) 581-4477 Open Tuesday-Sunday • 11:00am-8:00pm (956) 581-1033 Riverside In-MissionTx Friday Fish Fry Live Music 3:00pm-7:00pm White Fish or Shrimp Dinner $13.99 Combo Dinner $14.99 Coleslaw, Baked Beans, French Fries, Hush Puppies Reserve Now for Current Week Only Additional Boat Rides Added as Needed Covered Cushion Seating/ Enclosed Windows & Heating No Outside Beverage/Food Allowed Private Tours Available Cash Only (Price Includes Tax) 1 Hour River Tours Tues • 1:00pm Wed • 1:00pm Thurs • 1:00pm Fri • 1:00pm Sat • 1:00pm Seniors - $13 Adults - $15 1:00pm-5:00pm The Lady and The Outlaw 1:00pm-5:00pm Live Music March 22 1:00pm-5:00pm Live Music Large Groups Welcome! Get Your TEXAS Size Pork Tenderloin! www.ontheriver.net • 214 E. Chimney Rd • Mission, TX ENTERTAINMENT • 7PM DANCES • 7-10PM Mar 22 • The Fabulous Cruisers • $12 Tickets On Sale 2/28 Mar 28 • Time Machine • $10 Tickets On Sale 3/7 Monday Dinner • 4:30 - 6pm Last Dinner 3/24 Wednesday Breakfast • 7:30 - 9am Last Breakfast 3/19 Thursday Lunch Burgers • 11:30am - 1pm Last Lunch 3/27 Mar 26 • The Warman Trio • $11 advance $13 at door - Tickets On Sale 3/5 MEALS Sundays • Templo Nueva Vida 1111 N. Showers Rd. CHURCH SERVICE • 9AM 956-585-0703 1645 S Bentsen Palm Drive • Palmview Paula McSpadden Activity Director ALL EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC MUSIC JAM Mar 27 • 1 - 2:30pm KARAOKE Mar 23 • 6 - 8pm TWO STEP LESSONS Mar 27 & Apr 1 • 1pm • $2 BIT O HEAVEN RV & MOBILE HOME RESORT 1051 W Bus Hwy 83 • Donna,TX 78537 SUSAN THOMAS, ACTIVITY DIRECTOR 603-396-2786 TUESDAYS • HAPPY HOUR • 3-5 PM PASS THE HAT Mar 25 • Curt James Apr 1 • Bruce Boudreau Apr 8 • Curt James Apr 15 • Curt James & Bruce Boudreau Soda, water, popcorn, and snacks for sale, free ice/cups, BYOB, 50/50 door prizes. BYOB. All welcome. Last Karaoke March 30 SUNDAYS • KARAOKE • 5 PM FRIDAYS • DANCES • 7-10 PM Mar 21 • Vinyl Spin • $10 Mar 28 • The Agency • $12 Apr 4 • Jealous Heart • $10 Apr 11 • Les Canto Band • $10 Soda, water, popcorn, and snacks for sale, free ice/cups, 50/50 door prizes. SUMMER ACTIVITIES Summer Activity Director Mike Sannes, 701-269-1045 Happy Hours • Tuesdays, 3-5 pm • PTH Dances • Thursdays, 7-10 pm • $8 Annual Hippie Dance Apr 24 • Vinyl Spin & Ron Moshier • $12 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 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. Wednesday, March 19 Sunshine’s 77 Cafe - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7am1:30pm, Cafe open for breakfast and lunch in Rec Hall. 1900 Grace Ave. Wednesday Breakfast - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7:309am. Craft Show - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 9am-Noon, Main Hall. Wednesday Burger Fry - Chimney Park, Mission, 11:30am12:30pm, The very best ½ lb. burgers and 1/4 lb. all beef hot dogs & corn dogs. All the toppings (grilled onions, raw onions, tomatoes, lettuce jalapenos, cheese, pickles), egg washed French fries, sweet potato fries, & southern ranch homemade baked beans. 956-585-5061. 4224 S. Conway Ave. Country Jam - Quiet Village II, Donna, 12:30-3:30pm. Jam - Heritage Square, Mission, 1-4pm, Refreshments at 11 a.m. Bluegrass Jam - Posada del Sol RV Park, Harlingen, 1-3pm. Open Music Jam - Chimney Park, Mission, 1pm, Homemade cake on the break. 956-585-5061. 4224 S. Conway Ave. Jam Session - Park Place Estates, Harlingen, 1:30-3:30pm, Our free Acoustic Jam Session is open to the public. Come to listen or come to play! Everyone is welcome. Karaoke - McAllen Mission RV Resort, Mission, 3-6pm, Hall-2. Music: country, old time rock. Chef Joann meals served $. Snacks, ice cream, and drinks available. BYOD. Come and sing, visit, or relax. 956-585-7630. 3366 N. Bentsen Palm Dr. Meals - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 5:30-7:15pm, Hot dogs, burgers, polish sausages, concessions. 101 E. Sioux Rd. 956-7876461. Square Dance - MS & Plus with Rounds - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 6:30-9pm, Tampico Hall, East & West. Show - Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 7-9pm, The Warman Trio, $10pp. Ballroom. Thursday, March 20 Sunshine’s 77 Cafe - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7am1:30pm, Cafe open for breakfast and lunch in Rec Hall. 1900 Grace Ave. Craft Sale - Aladdin Villas, Mission, 8am-Noon, For more info or to rent tables, contact Celinda 956360-7692 or Gloria 218-252-6616. Breakfast and lunch available. CALENDAR PARKS For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM
9 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com MARCH 19, 2025 1ST ANNUAL ACTIVITY DIRECTOR CONFERENCE Mar 25 • Call for info CHURCH SERVICE Sundays • 9:30am Last Church Service March 23 Activities: 956-585-4833, Ext. 3 RV & MH RESORT MISSION BELL TRADE WINDS Mission Bell - 1711 E Business Hwy 83 ~ MISSION, TX ~ Tradewinds RV Resort - 1005 N Stewart Rd DANCES Mar 20 • Ron Moshier 7pm • $10 JAMS Thursdays • 1pm Mission Bell Last Jam March 20 Fridays • 6pm Tradewinds Last Jam March 21 1048 N. Alamo Rd. • Alamo, TX 78516 • Office: 956-783-5008 SATURDAY DANCES Texas Wheels • 7 pm OPEN PICKLE BALL Thursdays • 9 am - 12 pm CHURCH SERVICE Sundays • 9 am SQUARE DANCING Fridays • 10 am TRAIL DANCING LESSONS Fridays • 1 - 3 pm ROUND DANCING Tuesdays • 9:30 am LINE DANCING WITH KEITH Thursdays • 10 am 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 All You Can Eat Pancakes - The Grove Subdivision, San Juan, 9-11am, Pancakes, eggs, sausages, waffles and a hot cup of coffee. Bring your own table service. Hwy. 83 & Stewart Rd., 605 E. 7th St. Open Pickle Ball - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 9am-Noon. Line Dance - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 10am. Line Dance - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 10am. Thursday Lunch Burgers - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 11:30am-1pm. Jam - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 1pm, 1711 E. Bus. Hwy. 83. Jam - Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 6-9pm, Free. Ballroom. Contact: David Hatcher, 512-5298145. Acoustic Music Jam - Palm Gardens, Harlingen, 6-8:30pm, Contact Wayne Suter, 567-201-8157. 3401 W. Bus. 83. Karaoke - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 6:30-8:30pm. Church Services - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm, 956-787-2024. 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Dance - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 7pm, Ron Moshier, $10pp. 956-585-4833. 1711 E. Bus. Hwy. 83. Bingo - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 7pm. Friday, March 21 Sunshine’s 77 Cafe - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7am1:30pm, Cafe open for breakfast and lunch in Rec Hall. 1900 Grace Ave. Garage Sales - Green Gate Grove, Palmview, 8am. Rummage Sale - Roadrunner RV Resort, Alamo, 8am-Noon, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Square Dancing - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 10am. Country Jam - Casa del Sol, Donna, 10:30am, Jam from 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. Come for a delicious lunch served before jam, then enjoy this popular country jam. Relax and enjoy the music or come to sing. All are welcome. 956-4649024. 400 N. Val Verde Rd. Yahoo - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 1pm. Trail Dancing - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 1-3pm, Free lessons. Rock Jam - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 1-3pm, Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone welcome. RC Dirt Devil Track - Kenwood RV Park, La Feria, 1:30-3:30pm, 956-797-1851. Fish Fry Night - Mission West RV Park, Palmview, 4:30-5:30pm. Karaoke - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 5-6:50pm, Tampico Hall. Country Jam - Hidden Valley Ranch RV & MH Park, Mission, 5:30pm, 717-877-8375. Dance - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 6-9pm, Fabulous Cruisers, $12pp. Reserved seating only. Jam - Tradewinds RV Resort, Mission, 6pm, 1005 Stewart Rd. Dance - Fiesta Village, Mission, 7-10pm, Wally Garza, $10pp. 205 S. Stewart Rd. Karaoke - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 7-9pm, 101 E. Sioux Rd. 956-787-6461. Dance - Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 7-10pm, Time Machine, $10pp. Ballroom. Dance - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 7-10pm, Vinyl Spin, $10pp. 1051 W. Bus. Hwy. 83/ Hook Ave. Dance - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 7pm, Ron Moshier, $8pp. 501 W Owassa Rd. Dance - Fun N Sun Resort, San Benito, 7-10pm, Steven May and the Southern Knights, $8pp at the See PARKS pg. 10 For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM
MARCH 19, 2025 www.wintertexantimes.com 10 WINTER TEXAN TIMES (956)566-1157 • 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 door. Dance - Park Place Estates, Harlingen, 7-10pm, CanAm, $10pp advance/$12pp door. 2024 Valley Star Duo of the Year Winners will be playing country & rock classics! Setups are available. Saturday, March 22 Breakfast - Golf View Estates, Mission, 7:15-8:45am, $8pp. Yummy breakfast features biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, various meats, pancakes, homemade rolls and more! Everyone welcome! 7424 Couples Circle. Public Meal - Breakfast - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco 8-9:30am, $8pp. Main Hall. Open to the public. Host: Ronda Howell. Office: 956-969-3740. 2712 S. International Blvd. Garage Sales - Green Gate Grove, Palmview, 8am. Saturday Breakfast - Chimney Park, Mission, 8-10am, Come and enjoy a full breakfast at Chimney Park. Along the beautiful Rio Grande River. 956-585-5061. 4224 S. Conway Ave. Saturday Breakfast - El Valle Del Sol, Mission, 8-9:30am, Peppermint Palace. 2500 E. Bus. Hwy. 83. Breakfast - Sun Valley Acres, Harlingen, 8-10am, Scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and sausage gravy and peaches served weekly. Hash browns, pancakes and egg bakes vary by weekend. Every Saturday in March. $8 donation. 25850 Maples Dr. Park Wide Patio Sale - Big Valley Trailer Park, Donna, 8am-1pm, Gate will open at 8 a.m. 109 W. Bus. Hwy. 83. Rummage Sale - Roadrunner RV Resort, Alamo, 8am-Noon, 1222 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Yard Sale - 1015 RV Park, Weslaco 8am-2pm. Craft Fair - Fun N Sun Resort, San Benito, 9am-Noon. Country Jam - Green Gate Grove, Palmview, 12:30pm, Lunch 11 a.m. Jam 12:30 p.m. Everyone invited. Dance - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 6-9pm, Ron Moshier, $10pp at the door. Food available 4-6 p.m. Dance - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 7-10pm, Sweetwater Band, $9pp. Bring your friends and join us for the last dance of the season. Kitchen open, free ice. Open to the public. Host: George & Linda Boddy, 660-7231536. Office: 956-969-3740. 2712 S. International Blvd. Sock Hop Dance - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7-10pm, The Fabulous Cruisers, $12pp. Tickets on sale 2/28. Saturday Night Bingo - Pharr South Park, Pharr, 7-9pm. Dance - Trophy Gardens, Alamo, 7-10pm, Diego & Edith, $8pp. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. BYOB, set-ups, concessions. 956-6855300. 800 State Hwy. 495. Dance - Eastgate RV & MH Park, Harlingen, 7pm, DJ Tristan, $7.50pp. Music and dancing. 956423-3137. 2801 Harrison. Saturday Night Dance - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Vinyl Spin Band, $9pp in advance or at the door. Friendship Hall. Gate will be open. 1900 Grace Ave. Dance - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 7pm, Texas Wheels. Sunday, March 23 Church Service - Fiesta Village, Mission, 8:30am, 205 S. Stewart Rd. Church Services - Quiet Village II, Donna, 9-10am, Non-denominational services. Pastor Mary Chamberlin. Worship Service - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 9-10am, Winter Church. Open to the public. Office: 956-969-3740. 2712 S. International Blvd. Bible Studies - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 9am, 956-787-2024. 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Church Service - Alamo Palms PARKS From pg. 9
11 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com MARCH 19, 2025 27146 McLelland Road., Harlingen, TX 78552 (956) 423-1446 Lower Valley / 956-664-1446 Upper Valley Visit us at www.gowithjo.com for complete itineraries New Mexico Faith Based Pilgrimage (7 Days) June 14, 2025 ���������������������$TBA (Prices are per person, double occupancy) Mexico City Pilgrimage (5 Days) Apr. 24, 2025; Bus and Plane �������������������������������$1,400 Mexico City & Puebla Pilgrimage (7 Days) June 26, 2025; Bus and Plane �����������$TBA (Prices are per person, double occupancy) U.S. TOURS MEXICO TOURS Go...With Jo! Tours & Travel We Take Care of You! Call Us With Your Requests OVER-SEAS TOURS & CRUISES MH & RV Park, 9-10am, Main Hall. Church Service - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 9am, Templo Nueva Vida, 1111 N. Showers Rd. Worship Service - Rio Valley Estates MH & RV Resort, Weslaco, 9-10am, Non-denominational. Open to the public. 715 N. Westgate Dr. Lutheran Christian Services - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 9-10am, Coffee hour at 8 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Church - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 9am. Sunday Worship - Pharr South Park, Pharr, 9:30am. Church Service - Lakewood RV Resort, Harlingen, 9:30-11am. Church - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 9:30am. Church Service - Bentsen Palm RV Park, Mission, 10am, Rec Hall. 3501 N. Bentsen Palm Dr. Worship Service - Eastgate RV & MH Park, Harlingen, 10am, Non-denominational church services. Please come join us in celebrating Sunday worship in the South Hall. 956-423-3137. 2801 Harrison. Sunshine Church - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 10-11am, Friendship Hall, gate is open. 1900 Grace Ave. Church Services - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 10-11am, Non-denominational church services. Pastor Marv Odegaard. Church - Oleander Acres, Mission, 10am, 2421 S. Conway Ave Church Services - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 10:30am, 956-787-2024. 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Karaoke - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 5pm, BYOB/snacks. All welcome. 1051 W. Bus. Hwy. 83/Hook Ave. Karaoke - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 6pm. Bingo - McAllen Mission RV Resort, Mission, 6-8pm, Snacks are available, bring your dobbers, bring your hubby. Karaoke - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 6-8pm. Church Services - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm, 956-787-2024. 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Monday, March 24 Sunshine’s 77 Cafe - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7am1:30pm, Cafe open for breakfast and lunch in Rec Hall. 1900 Grace Ave. Vegetable Sale - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, Noon-1pm, Garza (Veggie Man) produce Sale. Parking lot. 1900 Grace Ave. Jam - Yellow Rose RV,La Feria, 1pm, Musicians by invitation only. 1609 N. Main St. Happy Hour - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 4-5:30pm, Power Lounge, pass the hat. BYOB. 101 E. Sioux Rd. 956-787-6461. Monday Dinner - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 4:30-6pm. Monday Night Jammers - Mission West RV Park, Palmview, 5:30-7:30pm. Loteria - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 6pm. Tuesday, March 25 Sunshine’s 77 Cafe - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7am1:30pm, Cafe open for breakfast and lunch in Rec Hall. 1900 Grace Ave. Men’s Prayer & Bible Study - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 8am, 956-787-2024. 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Women’s Prayer & Bible Study - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 9:30am, 956-787-2024. 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Round Dancing - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 9:30am. Lunch and Jam - Roadrunner RV Resort, Alamo, 11am, Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Jam 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lunch - Oleander Acres, Mission, 11am-12:30pm, Burgers. 2421 S. Conway Ave. Trail Dance Lessons - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 11am, 11 a.m. Beginners. 12 p.m. Intermediate. 7300 Monroe. Jam Session - Lakewood RV Resort, Harlingen, 1-3pm. Happy Hour - Bit-O-Heaven RV See PARKS pg. 20
MARCH 19, 2025 www.wintertexantimes.com 12 WINTER TEXAN TIMES We Have Your New Home For Fun In The RGV With Top Notch Hospitality & Amenities At Victoria Palms, Country Sunshine, & Southern Comfort (956) 782-3263 Homestead by Clayton 3br/2ba For Sale $110,900 Homestead by Clayton 2br/2ba For Sale $104,900 1601 S Airport Dr, Weslaco Homestead by Clayton 3br/2ba For Sale $110,900 Homestead by Clayton 2br/2ba For Sale $104,900 1501 S Airport Dr, Weslaco Woodlands by Clayton 3br/2ba For Sale $146,900 600 N Victoria Rd, Donna Homestead by Clayton 3br/2ba For Sale $110,900 REDUCED PRICE Spring Golf Edition Stuart Place wins Winter Texans’ favorite golf course What once was the best kept golf secret in the Rio Grande Valley, a diamond in the rough, has turned into a dynasty and is once again the Winter Texans favorite golf course not just in the mid-Valley but across the entire Rio Grande Valley. The course has now captured the top spot four times in the past five years. However, for those who have played and visited the course, it’s not just the quaint course that’s challenging, but forgiving, peaceful yet haunting and plays with all your senses until you get to the clubhouse, it has that certain “it,” that immeasurable feeling that the course gives itself to you, a complete and fun experience. Its golfers are the utmost loyalists and want to make sure that it is recognized for all that is good. Over the years, Stuart Place has won other honors such as favorite hole (No. 9), favorite pro shop, favorite 19th hole, favorite putting green and favorite amenities – the popcorn and the people. A place everybody seems to know everybody’s name. The course is located at 155 Highland Dr. in Harlingen. Llano Grande tied for second place in the mid-Valley along with Tony Butler and Tierra Santa. Hidden from plain view, Llano Grande Resort and Country Club is an 18-hole championship golf course with a beautiful layout that is both challenging and varied with its terrain. You can play nine or 18 holes, and you will be glad you found this quiet gem of a course, located at 2215 East West Boulevard in Mercedes. In fact, this course has way more to offer than golf – it offers living in a peaceful manner with pools, tennis courts and the Double Bogey Grill Stuart Place. Photo by Henry Miller
13 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com MARCH 19, 2025 956-580-3370 Serving Valleywide for 35 years Sales • Parts • Rentals • Onsite Service Easy Ride Golf Cars Drive Around In Your Brand New Golf Cart Today! linnetezride@gmail.com www.easyridegolfcars.com 2508 W. Interstate Hwy 2 Mission, TX 78572 COME IN & MAKE AN OFFER Inventory reduction on all used and new cars Used Yamaha Drive 2 EFI $5,700 New Yamahas $8,800.00 Here’s a little tip – you may want to play here as quickly as you can – it’s not a secret anymore, and it used to hold the best chili-cooking competition maybe across the entire Valley. Tony Butler is new and history-laden at the same time. Named after the famous golfer, the city has invested so much that you may not recognize it. The challenges are different, the beauty has increased, and the course truly has a new face. This 27-hole course has always been a popular municipal course, but now its bursting at the seams with golfers who want to see if they can master it – good luck with that. The course is located at 2640 Golf Course Dr. in Harlingen. Tierra Santa Golf Course in Weslaco gives golfers all the positives of a wonderful lifestyle, from the clubhouse to the grill and pro shop – and maybe the most spectacular and challenging course in South Texas – it’s just that beautiful. Every hole is a different challenge, every green you hit makes you feel like a champion. Tierra Santa is located at 1901 Club de Amistad in Weslaco. Put this course on your bucket list – go play it and put it back on that bucket list. Winter Texans’ favorite Upper Valley Course is Champion Lakes, 2701 S. Ware Rd., in McAllen, formerly known as Palm View. Tierra del Sol and Ebony Hills were selected as second and third respectively. Champion Lakes is one of the most illustrious municipal courses anywhere, never resting on its laurels. It seems to always have some type of project going on to make it part of the community. Recently it built lockers for the University of Texas-RGV golf teams, it added maybe the longest and best lighted driving range in the Valley, it holds the Valley’s most prestigious golf tournament – the McAllen City Amateur where golfers come from all over the state and Winter Texans make it happen with all of their volunteer hours. But that’s how McAllen Director of Golf Carlos Espinosa runs his course – his concern is for those who play there and he’s always gathering input from local golfers and has been known to go to Winter Texan parks to see what they are interested in. It’s a beautiful course and the South Texas wind also calls it home – so be ready for that as well. With all the issues Tierra del Sol (700 E. Hall Acres Rd., Pharr) once had, the city breathed new life into it not once, but twice and the course is in the best condition it has been in years. Several of its holes are wide open – feel free to grip it and rip it. Don’t get too carried away however, because some require an assassin’s aim. There are plenty of shortcuts on this course that will bring golfers mega rewards. But there are also risks. Its clubhouse is quaint and friendly – and has the best breakfast tacos around – just those make it a must play (or at least must eat) course. Ebony Hills remains open – is a survivor – and thriving. It has a simple layout with very few obstacles in your way, making it a dream course for any level of golfer to attack the greens aggressively and practice shots one wouldn’t dare try on a tougher layout with all sorts of hazards. One reminder though, like its sister golf course Los Lagos, the wind can do dastardly deeds to your golf ball, and your round. The 9-hole par-35 course is located at 300 W. Palm Dr. in Edinburg. It’s the course you play if you want to just clear your mind and have a good time. River Bend Golf Course took first place in the Lower Valley with Brownsville Golf Center, Long Island Village, and Valley International all tying for second place. River Bend Golf Course and Country Club (4541 US-281, Brownsville) was once the best kept secret golf course in the Rio Grande Valley. Since then, however, ownership has not only marketed the course to Winter Texans inside and out of the country club, but they’ve also added a touch to make the challenging, but fun course, a more memorable event. In the past few years, the course has removed trees and cleaned out the holes that run along the Rio Grande, providing golfers with a view that is enough to bring them back to the course. River Bend opened as a ninehole course in 1983 and quickly expanded to 18 holes just two years later. Thirty years later, in 2015, the Barnard family, owners of Coastal Realty and long-time Brownsville residents, bought River Bend and the new strategic marketing plan was put in place. That strategy included improvements for residents and letting golfers know that River Bend golf course was no longer a secret place – its doors opened See GOLF pg. 14 Champion Lakes Courtesy photo
MARCH 19, 2025 www.wintertexantimes.com 14 WINTER TEXAN TIMES @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 Cigna Medicare Advantage 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 RioValleyEstates@gmail.com • www.RioValleyEstatesTX.com Whether Your Ideal Location Includes • Pool & Spa • Rec Hall • Shopping • Dining • Fun Activities, Entertainment & Dancing Where You Call Home Makes All The Difference 715 N. Westgate Dr. • Weslaco • 956-968-2708 Expwy 83 Business 83 W Pike Blvd Panther Dr Westgate Dr Location! Location! Location! Only 2 Blocks Off I-2, And Beyond To The Entire RGV Within 5 Blocks Of All You Need Has The Location You’re Looking For! Rio Valley Estates widely and welcomed all. No. 5 ranks as one of the most scenic holes in the entire Valley. From there one can see the entire river and take a deep breath to enjoy their surroundings. Long Island Village golf course (33840 S. Garcia St., Port Isabel), an 18-hole par-3 course where most holes are less than 100 yards, seems at first like a quick pit stop on the way to the Island. It’s much more than that. One thing is guaranteed, you won’t be too many holes in before you realize that this could be the most challenging course you’ve ever played. Those little half-swing 100-yard holes sometimes take a 200-yard swing to get them just to the green as the infamous South Texas wind takes its anger out on anyone with a golf club. Golfers have claimed that the wind is a knock-down wind; others say they’ve seen it blow in two different directions, all within the time a ball is hit from tee to green. Golf has a long history in the Rio Grande Valley and very few courses have had a greater impact than that of Valley International Country Club, 301 McFadden, in Brownsville. Great names blazed a path on this course and not just the best from the Valley, which include Al Escalante and Tony Butler, but also Jimmy Demaret and Hall-ofFamer Ben Hogan. The championship course is demanding but tries to offset that with four sets of tees to ensure beginners can enjoy their round. The short course allows golfers to work on their short game and have a quicker round. Its signature – and No. 1 handicap hole – is a 421-yard par-4 dogleg right. The fairway is tight so you can make or break your score right from the tee box. You also have to hit it far enough to make GOLF From pg. 13 sure the pine tree forest is cut off from being in the way for your approach shot. Anything but perfection and you might need a calculator to keep track of your score – or an eraser on the end of your pencil. Brownsville Golf Center, located at 1800 W. San Marcelo Blvd., is a simple – not necessarily easier – course, but you still have to survive it. Even after a great round in the blistering sun and hairdryer-like heat, you still have to persevere with the massive 580-yard par-5 No.18 that awaits you before you can be set free. You’ll not only need to be physically capable of getting to the green in three (maybe two depending on whether or not the wind is blowing in your face – isn’t it always?) but you also need your mental toughness. The hole is a dogleg left and the key is to draw around the dogleg and cut off a few yards. Hit your tee shot too long and straight, and the hole is longer. Draw it nicely and you could leave yourself 250 yards out for a long, but possible second shot onto the green. There’s water on the left, houses on the right so do the “simple” thing, go long and straight down the middle. River Bend Golf Course. Photo by Henry Miller
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