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It’s been busy around here

20240207 Mike Leichner IMG 1500 webWhile we have been gearing up for the Valley Star Awards, we have also been busy trying to get out to some events. Last week I was able to attend a couple of events and had a great time visiting with you and enjoying your entertainment.

We first went to Pastor Pudge’s Gospel Music Extravaganza last Tuesday. The Winter Ranch rec hall was practically full of Winter Texans listening and singing along to some great gospel music. It was a lovely afternoon.

Tuesday evening, I went out to Fun and Sun to see Brett Marshall and his group perform. I had never heard them before and was pleasantly surprised. I loved the sound that was a mix of big band and jazz. He covered a lot of familiar tunes. Fun N Sun’s hall was full as well.

20240207 Breatt Marshall Band IMG 1600 webI also had the opportunity to eat out at Victoria Palms. I had their hamburger steak with mushrooms and gravy, some mashed potatoes, and sauteed veggies. It was nicely done and was the perfect thing for the beautiful day it was outside.

Read more: It’s been busy around here

Hidalgo Watercolor Society exhibit opens

UVAL Hidalgo WatercolorSociety 2022 Best of Show Sew What by Dennis Grover webHidalgo Watercolor Society presents "Water Works" with an opening reception Saturday, February 3, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Upper Valley Art League Gallery, 921 E. 12th St, Mission.

The annual HWS watercolor exhibit runs February 3 to February 24. Come vote for the People’s Choice award.

UVAL Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The UVAL Gallery is free and open to the public. (956) 591-0282.

UTRGV Ballet Folklorico set to kick off Alegria 2024

UTRGV Alegria Courtesy of UTRGV webBy Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa, UTRGV

The UTRGV Ballet Folklorico is inviting the community to Alegría 2024 with shows starting in early February.

Led by Miguel Angel Peña Caballero, director of the UTRGV Ballet Folklórico, Alegría is an annual folklórico performance that brings life to Mexico’s art of folk dance. The fast-paced show has a cast of 40 dancers and 15 musicians dressed in colorful costumes, performing lively choreographies supported by theatrical lighting and music.

Read more: UTRGV Ballet Folklorico set to kick off Alegria 2024

Dave Williams to perform at PCT

PCT Pic1 Dave Williams webThe Pharr Community Theater Co. (PCT) is proud to continue presenting intimate concerts with local talent for entertainment and fundraising for the theater, which is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization since 2008. Since its inception, PCT has produced, non-stop, three to four main stage plays each year and basic acting workshops, with support from the City of Pharr. Recently the theater has incorporated music and comedy acts on their stage as another venue for local talent to perform.

Read more: Dave Williams to perform at PCT

GAO events coming up

Here’s what’s coming up during the next two weeks at the Golden Age Olympics:

On-site registration will not be accepted, and participants must register a week in advance prior to the event. In-person signups are held at the following sites:

Lark Community Center
2601 Lark Ave (956) 681-3340
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Las Palmas Community Center
1921 N. 25th Street (956) 681-3350
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Palmview Community Center
3401 Jordan Road (956) 681-3360
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Online registration can be found at Mcallenparks.net.
Or by mail to: McAllen Parks and Recreation; ATTN GAO 2023; P.O. Box 220, McAllen, TX 78505.

Wednesday, Jan. 31
Movie Show
10 a.m.
McAllen Public Library

Thursday, Feb. 1
Contract Bridge
10 a.m.
Las Palmas Community Center
Bean Bag Toss Men
10 a.m.
Palm View Community Center

Friday, Feb. 2
Shuffleboard Doubles
9 a.m.
Casa Del Sol RV resort
Bean Bag Toss Women
10 a.m.
Palm View Community Center

Saturday, Feb. 3
Bake Off
Dessert Dropoff 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Judging 12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
Pickup 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Las Palmas Community Center
Bean Bag Toss Mixed
10 a.m.
Palm View Community Center

Monday Feb. 5
Shuffleboard Mixed Doubles
9 a.m.
Casa Del Sol RV Resort

Tuesday, Feb. 6
Bowling Team
1 p.m.
Flamingo Bowl

Wednesday, Feb. 7
Euchre
10 a.m.
Palmview Community Center

Thursday, Feb. 8
Poker Men and Women
10 a.m.
Palmview Community Center
Duplicate Bridge
10 a.m.
Las Palmas Community Center

Friday, Feb. 9
Shuffleboard Mixed Doubles
9 a.m.
Casa Del Sol RV Resort
Volleyball
1 p.m.
Lark Community Center

Saturday, Feb. 10
Volleyball
10 a.m.
Lark Community Center

Monday, Feb. 12
Shuffleboard Mixed Doubles
9 a.m.
Casa Del Sol RV Park

Mexico, Butterflies, and King Ranch

Go With Jo Monarch webI missed seeing you at the Winter Expo. There was some misunderstanding as I generally am there in person. However, this year I decided that I would rather do a personal presentation in the parks or at the club meetings of retirees or those who are ready to travel. So, if you are interested in a personal presentation, just give me a call. A few days have already been reserved, but I am sure we can find an open date for you.

I will be guiding some of the tours which I am really looking forward to. One of my favorites is the three-day trip to Monterrey with one already requested for the end of February. Another favorite is the Monarch Butterfly. If you are driving in the Rio Grande Valley during the month of October, you will probably recall how those beautiful little creatures smashed into your radiator and made a terrible mess. I am not sure how many of the butterflies die in that manner, but others die from pesticides and from people stepping on them as they hike the trails in Mexico.

Read more: Mexico, Butterflies, and King Ranch

January 31, 2024 - Rina's Ramblings

Valley Star Awards is creeping up fast and the votes are coming in. It’s exciting to see the Wintertainers™ sharing their names, calendars, and vote for me posts. We can tell these people that come to entertain you are loved and they love what they are doing.

This week we will start featuring the entertainers that will be performing at the show this year. We are excited to see everyone and know that we will have a great show for you. We are always thrilled to see it in action on the day of the show. We never know how it is truly going to be received until we are right there in the thick of it all.

Continue to vote and buy tickets if you haven’t already. It’s a great way to see six top entertainers in the Valley – all in one place.

Alamo police and fire departments caught speeding at raceway

RC Car Article 3 webStory and Photos by Linda Sauer

Alamo City Police and Fire Departments weren’t chasing speeding and wrecked vehicles recently; they were chasing and wrecking each other at a radio-controlled racetrack in Alamo.

Winter Gardens Raceway in Winter Ranch RV Resort was blessed with sunny skies and warm balmy breezes on Saturday, January 13 as Raceway club members again hosted the Alamo City Police and Fire Departments in a competition with radio-controlled cars. Race cars were provided courtesy of New Sun Racing and several Raceway club members. Adding a unique touch to the day’s races were two custom trucks; one a red truck with Alamo Fire Department decals; the other a blue truck with Alamo Police Department decals.

Read more: Alamo police and fire departments caught speeding at raceway

Volunteering, travel, warmer days ahead

I read each publication of the Winter Texan Times from cover to cover and vicariously join all the parks in their activities. And do you ever stay active. Not only do you have so many fun things, but you somehow find the time to contribute to our communities by volunteering. I especially liked the headlines of one of the stories – “It’s better to give than receive.”

And how true that is. Just this past Wednesday I reported for my first tutoring session with the Boys & Girls Club at Bonita Park in Harlingen.

The girl who was assigned to me was the younger sister of the teenager that I helped with her Christmas shopping. They young lady even came over to tell me hello. What a sweetheart! And so when I left the hour long tutoring session, I felt happy. I felt fulfilled. And yes, it is better to give than receive.

If you have not volunteered, why not look around you – someone out there needs your help. It may be just changing a ceiling light bulb – not everyone can still climb on a ladder. It may be with sharing a recipe or taking a shut in or an ill friend a hot soup for lunch. Or it could be a child who needs an extra attention and help with reading or math.

For those of you who are ready to travel, please continue to be patient. My e-mails into Mexico and overseas are often misdirected – both incoming and outgoing. Consequently, I do not have my hotel nor transportation costs in place. It is taking longer than usual, but hopefully the situation will improve. My local tech support person has spent almost two full days here working on my computer. We think we have the problem corrected. Just please be patient while we work through this problem.

In the meantime, stay warm. Although our winters seem colder than usual, remember those cold snaps generally don’t stay around too long and soon the days will be more pleasant and we can all be out and about again… the beach is waiting, the golf clubs and fishing poles have been neglected. Soon it will be time to enjoy our Rio Grande Valley again.

Have Fun!

Helping Hands Quilting Group plans quilt show

20240124 Alamo Rec Veh Quilt Show webThe Helping Hands Quilting Group of Alamo Rec. Veh. Park presents their 23rd Annual Quilt and Hobby show “When Life Give You Scraps, Make a Quilt.”
The event will be held on Thursday, February 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be door prizes, raffle baskets, demonstrations, and fabric vendors.

A quilt was sewn by Helping Hands members Arlene Fuller and Coral Cox for a door prize. A donation of $2 is asked for admission. All proceeds benefit the Helping Hands Quilting Group.

Alamo Rec Veh Park is located at 1320 W. Frontage Rd., in Alamo.

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