Well, it looks like we are in for a cold Christmas. Doesn’t look like a white one, but it will be a bit chilly out there. It looks like most of the outdoor Christmas celebrations are done and parks and cities chose the right weekends to have parades and other activities before this run of cold weather. There are several cities that still have their Christmas events happening – McAllen, Brownsville, and Hidalgo – throughout the end of the month. Be sure to check them out if you have time.
I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas! I hope you have a blessed time with family and/or friends.
Read more: December 21, 2022 - Rina's Ramblings
Sunday, December 18th, La Hacienda Estates in Alamo had their Christmas party. Those attending brought a toy for the Alamo Police Department Toy Drive. Several gift cards were also donated. Everyone enjoyed the party and felt good about giving back to the community. Pictured with the toys are Santa (Karri Bjerke), Party Director Dell Engrisch, and helper Marge Morris, all from Minnesota.
River Ranch RV Resort was busy this past week delivering their toys to the city and to the children. Along with passing out toys, helpers were able to have a small parade and presentation at the Hidalgo Municipal building. They had many people help them out through the process. Sorters of the toys were Maggie Heaps, Maggie Rogers, Linda Christiansen and Carol Babbitt. Oscar Friedrich and Melodie Gaffney helped deliver the toys to the police station. Lindell Graham and Babbitt were Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Helpers that helped hand out toys were Ken and Kim Yates, Alan and Carolyn Will, Oscar Friedrich, Kathy Peterson, and Maggie Rogers. Parade Wranglers with their golf carts were Bill and Ruth Mill, Darrell and Tine Snow, Charlie and Maggie Heaps, and Jim and Steve Rogers.
The Red Hatter Queens met this month with more than one goal in mind – they also collected toys for the Border Patrol. The queens gather every month to go over important news items, like the annual Festival of Tables, and go over any other important news items. Discussed at this month’s meeting was the festival along with ideas for places to take their groups to lunch. The Festival of Tables will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with the luncheon at noon. Entertainment will be provided by Justin Terry. Tickets are $25 per person. Space is limited. For more information and where to send your payment for tickets, call Marge Hamburg at (815) 494-5159.
Food Bank RGV is asking for the community's help in supporting families and individuals in need this winter and into the new year.
In response to the growing need for assistance in the community, the Food Bank RGV reports that its warehouse shelves are becoming bare. With 275 partner agencies across the Rio Grande Valley, the Food Bank RGV provides food and resources to those at risk of hunger.
Read more: Food Bank in dire need of donations
It’s time to turn the heat back on in cooler parts of the country and the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region urges families to safely heat their home and protect your pipes to prevent them from freezing.
All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and items that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heating equipment.
Read more: Safely heat your home as cold weather sets in