October 29, 2015 Progress Times by Progress Times

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

INSIDE

National Butterfly Center sunken gardens completed

McAllen-Mission ranked high in places to retire

La Joya ISD folklórico and mariachi concerts planned

UTRGV To Telecast Basketball Games

World Birding Center Sites Offer Diverse Wildlife

UTRGV Vaqueros Season Opener Nov. 13

13 19

Calendar of Events

Kathy’s Top Ten

UTRGV has new Performing Arts Center

About The Cover Butterfly expert Mike Rickard (center) leads one of his guided butterfly walks at the National Butterfly Center. Each Saturday, weather permitting, Rickard leads a group of butterfly enthusiasts through the trails and gardens at the National Butterfly Center in search of butterflies, caterpillars and dragonflies. Photo by Luciano Guerra

The Winter Texan

38th Annual - Fall Edition 2015 Published by the Progress Times 1217 N. Conway • Mission, Texas 78572 • (956) 585-4893 news@progresstimes.net • www.ptrgv.com

Publisher: Jim Brunson Articles: Kathy Olivarez, Luciano Guerra Advertising: Dee Rendon, Maria Smith Graphic Design: Leah Lowman

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

National Butterfly Center sunken gardens completed

By Kathy Olivarez Since the inception of the National Butterfly Center (NBC) 20 years ago, the dream of a national center dedicated to

Black Swallowtail on Zinnias

preservation of butterflies and their hab- NABA (North American Butterfly Assoitats has grown bigger each year. NBC ciation), who loved butterflies as a child. got its start under the direction of Dr. Jef- It was a love that never left him. frey Glassberg, founder and president of Glassberg was one of the original discoverers of DNA, a discovery that has made major changes in the field of criminology. He had a laboratory where he conducted some of the original research, but he soon found the field to have such a large scope, he sold his research to the FBI that had the resources to develop the use of DNA for use in criminal justice cases. With the funds from the sale of his company, he was free to dedicate himself to another of his passions: the preservation of butterflies. He wrote a couple of books on identifying butterflies, and in 1992 he founded the North American Butterfly Association by sending newsletters to about 200 people. Today NABA has thousands of members in many chapters all over the United States. But he wanted more. He wanted to assure the survival of the beautiful creatures he loved so much by creating a special place for them that provided the food sources and habitat they needed. Glassberg could have started the butterfly center in New Jersey where he lives, but South Texas gets many more butterflies than the east coast. About 300 of the 700 known species found in the United Grey Hairstreak

States migrate through the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. And approximately 150 of those species can be seen no further north than the Rio Grande Valley. While on a trip to the Valley he passed St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Novitiate in south Mission, close to the Rio Grande River, and noticed hundreds of butterflies on the grounds. After doing research, he met with Viola Espinosa, who was then the CEO of the Mission Chamber of Commerce. She thought he had a great idea. At first he wanted to use the grounds of the Novitiate, but that did not work out. Later, an agreement was worked out with Rhodes Enterprises to develop 100 acres of land along the banks of the Rio Grande River near the newly established World Birding Center. Approximately 80 acres of land were donated to NABA to establish the center. Plans were made for the development of the Butterfly Center. The first step was to plant a demonstration and experimental garden to see if the concept would work. The plants used were not selected for their beauty. They were chosen because they were important plants for butterflies. Either they were a food source for the butterflies, or they were a host plant that nourished and protected the See GARDENS pg. 18

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

La Joya ISD folklórico and mariachi concerts planned

For an opportunity to see and hear some of the best folkloric dance and mariachi music presentations in the Rio Grande Valley, make plans to attend the annual fall concerts of the three La Joya high schools: La Joya High School, Palmview High School and Juarez-Lincoln High School at the La Joya ISD Performing Arts Center. This is the only chance to see the talent from all three schools on stage together. The schools include La Joya High School’s Mariachi Coyote and Folkloric Dance Grupo Tabasco, Palmview High School’s Mariachi Los Lobos and Folkloric Dance Grupo Ozomatli, and Juarez-Lincoln High School’s Mariachi Grupo Sol and Folkloric Dance Grupo Sol Azteca. These mariachi and folkloric dance groups are well known across the state for their high level performances that rival a professional show. La Joya Independent School District pioneered a folkloric dance and maria-

chi program more than 35 years ago under the direction of Rolando Rodriguez, who is now at Palmview High School. Imitations of the program La Joya ISD started can now be found in

schools with large Hispanic populations across the country. While they enjoy performing for the entire community, they have also had many travel adventures as a result of this program. In

1987, when the program was new, the mariachi and folkloric dancers from La Joya High school were invited to France to participate in the Cannes Festival. No one had expected such an invitation and the community was thrilled. Though it was a small community, the people pulled together and raised the funds to send the students. Rodriguez said the travel was an eye-opening experience for the students. The program had been started to keep students from dropping out of school by providing something they could relate to since most were immigrants from Mexico. Every one of those students not only finished high school but went on to college as well. Through the years there have been many honors. The Palmview Mariachi group has placed first in state competition for the past two years. The Palmview folkloric and mariachi students have placed first, second or third at the International Festival in Houston for the past five years. One of the greatest honors received by Palmview High School was being asked to represent the state of Texas at the 2013 inauguration of President Obama. Stu-

Bienvenidos, Winter Texans!

Palmview City Hall - (956) 432-0300 400 W Veterans Blvd. Palmview, TX 78572

Gerardo Perez Mayor

www.CityofPalmview.com

Joel Garcia, Jr. Ricardo Villarreal Mayor Pro-Tem Councilman

Ramon Segovia - City Manager

Gracie Flores Councilwoman

Arlando Nacianceno Councilman

Joselito Hernandez Councilman

David Nacianceno -Assistant City Manager

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

dents rode a float in the parade, dancing and singing the entire way. Rodriguez said two years ago the group was invited to go on a 10-day trip to China to perform, but the school board had some safety concerns and decided not to approve that trip.

The Mariachi and Folkloric Dance Program at LJISD is well known all over the country. Every year students want to try out for the program because of the opportunities it gives them. But only 20 couples can be selected. Rodriguez states he is glad there are now three LJISD high

schools because it means more students can participate in the program. La Joya ISD is now in its 32nd year of presenting shows for the general public to enjoy, Rodriguez said. See FOLKLORICO pg. 10

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

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From pg. 9 According to Velma Cisneros, Events Coordinator for La Joya Performing Arts Center, the fall show, called “Three Schools, Once Voice” is a combination of mariachi and folkloric dance students from La Joya’s three high schools. Each dance group will perform for about 30 minutes doing two dances from Mexico or Costa Rica. In between presentations while the dancers are leaving the stage and the next group is getting ready, the mariachi students from each school will give a 10-minute presentation. The fall show is a taste of what will come in the spring when each high school is given a weekend to perform its own show. At that time they will perform the dances and songs they have mastered, presenting a show an hour and a half long. Those shows will start in mid-February and run into March. Groups performing in this show include La Joya’s High School’s Grupo Folklorico Tabasco and Mariachi Los Coyotes. Palmview High School’s Grupo Folklorico Ozomatli and Mariachi Los Lobos will participate. And Juarez-Lincoln High School’s Folklorico Sol Azteca and Mariachi Sol will also perform. Grupo Folklórico Ozomatli has participated in many concerts and national folklórico festivals. Various members of the dance group have received scholarships

to the University of New Mexico and some graduating members are now part of professional dance ensembles around the United States. The concert will be performed three times on Nov. 7 and 8 at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of La Joya High School located at 604 N. Coyote Drive in La Joya. On Saturday, Nov. 7 there will be performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 8 there will be a 2 p.m. performance. All seats are general admission and tickets are $8. For tickets, call 956-580-5160 early to make arrangements.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

Calendar of Events

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

festivities and see all the little “spooks” in their Halloween costumes. The zoo is located at 500 Ringgold Street, Brownsville. Call (956) 546-2177 for information. For those simply wishing to visit the zoo on another day, the zoo opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are $10 and $8.50 for seniors. Group rates and memberships are available.

October

IMAS Exhibit Oct. –Nov. 29 -- International Museum of Science & Art, 1900 Nolana, McAllen will present “Through a Transcendent Lens” a collaborative exhibit by Sculptor Dewane Hughes and Painter, Alexis Serio. IMAS is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors 55+. Call (956) 682-0123 for information.

South Texas Indian Powwow The fall South Texas Indian Pow Wow will be held Oct. 23-24 at the Lark Community Center in McAllen. Robert Soto, vice-chairman of the Lipan Apache tribe officiates. Those participating will be in costumes representing Native American

culture. While dancers will be available during the day, the grand finale parade and show will be held Saturday night beginning at 7 p.m., where traditional dances from several Indian tribes in native costumes will be demonstrated.

Boo at the Zoo Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville will sponsor its annual Boo at the Zoo Halloween celebration on Oct. 30-31 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event offers 60 carnival-style games, treat stations and a spectacular haunted house. Admission is $3.50 and Winter Texans are welcome to join in the

Texas Butterfly Festival The 20th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival will be held Oct. 31 through Nov. 3 at the National Butterfly Center, located at 3333 Butterfly Park Drive in Mission. Festival participants will spend three days exploring prime butterfly spots across the Rio Grande Valley and attending seminars to learn more about butterflies. Because the festival takes place during the butterfly primary migratory season, those who participate can expect to see as many as 100 different species of butterflies. To get registration information on the festival or the National Butterfly Center call (956) 583-

5400. Park hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 for Winter Texans. Group tours and educational sessions may be scheduled for Winter Texan groups by calling the center at (956) 5835400.

November

Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival The 22nd Annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival will be held Nov. 4 - 8 in Harlingen at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, 1204 Fair Park Blvd. It will include field trips, seminars, a trade show and special guest speakers. Go to www. rgvbf.org to register and see the schedule of available events.

World’s Greatest Shrimp Cook-off Port Isabel will hold its annual World’s Greatest Shrimp Cook-off on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. where professional and amateur cooks compete to determine who is the best shrimp chef. Contestants are judged on appearance, See EVENTS pg. 14

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

EVENTS

From pg. 13 aroma and taste of their dishes. Samples are available for a small fee. There will also be live music, an arts and crafts sale and sale of gifts and collectibles. The shrimp cook-off will be held in Port Isabel in the parking lot in front of Bealls store on Highway 100. Call the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-5276102 for more information. Mexican Art Expo McAllen Chamber of Commerce Nov. 6-8 -- A Mexican Art Expo will be held at the McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N. Main Street, McAllen, featuring works from artists from all over Mexico. They will be exhibiting a variety of artistic works including clothing, crafts, and candies. Some crafts will include handcrafted Talavera tiles, textiles, oil painting and silver jewelry. Admission is free. The show opens at noon and runs to 8 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Veterans War Memorial of Texas Nov. 11 -- On Veterans Day at 11:11 a.m. (the exact time of the signing of the armistice of World War I), the Veterans War Memorial of Texas, located at the intersection of 29th and Galveston Streets in McAllen, will hold its annual service honoring the 1.4 million American men and women who have lost their lives in service to their country in all wars. Located on 3.5 acres, the Veterans War Memorial of Texas is divided into war sites including World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and all other wars. Sculptures and granite walls tell the stories of each of the conflicts where American soldiers have been involved. A special wall honors Medal of Honor recipients. Resaca de la Palma Battlefield Memorial On Nov. 14 a Memorial Illumination will be held at Resaca de la Palma Battlefield from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Approximately 8,000 candles will be lit honoring the U.S. and Mexican veterans of the 1846 battles near the Rio Grande. The event begins with a living history program with costumed performers. It will be followed by a memorial ceremony. Visitors are invited to bring a lighter to assist with the lighting of the candles. Admission is free. The battlefield

is located at 1024 Paredes Line Road in Brownsville. For information call (956) 541-2785 ext. 333.

Christmas Holiday Village For a bit of holiday cheer don’t miss the annual Christmas Holiday Village to held in Dean Porter Park, 501 E. Ringgold Street, Brownsville. Festivities begin Nov. 23 and run through Jan.1. It is a delight to children on all ages (including Winter Texans) as it features the activities preparing for Christmas in the cottages of Santa’s helpers. Some of the 25 cottages that can be viewed include the Village Diner, Santa’s Hunting & Fishing Lodge, the Historic Stillman House and the Village Sleigh Shop. Cottages can be viewed throughout the day but will be lit from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Jackson Street Markets Days First Saturday of each month -- On the first Saturday of each month Harlingen’s historic Jackson Street shuts down between 4th Street and Commerce Avenue for a street market that is very popular with Winter Texans and residents alike. Vendors offer all sorts of items for sale including food, arts and crafts, fresh produce, antiques and many other items. Live bands provide music. The event, which lasts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is free to the public. Harlingen Walking Tours Walking tours of Downtown Harlingen starts at 9 a.m. on Saturdays (except the first Saturday). Tours are one-and-ahalf hours, and are free and open to the public. They start at the Java Café, 204 E. Jackson Street. Call (956) 261-4910 for more info. Free Admission. Harlingen Art Night Harlingen Art Nights will be held on the last Friday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in downtown Harlingen. The shows are held on Jackson Street and streets nearby. Maps will be provided. Admission is free. For more information call Beyond Arts Gallery at (956) 230-2859 for info.

December

Hidalgo Festival of Lights Though details are not yet available on the entertainment schedule, the annual Hidalgo Festival of Lights is planned for Dec. 1-31. Check the Winter Texan Times for updates as the time draws near. Port Isabel Lighted Boat Parade

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

Dec. 5 -- The annual Port Isabel Lighted Boat Parade will be held at 6 p.m. Visitors can take lawn chairs and sit along the coastline from the marina where the boats will start their trek across the water to South Padre Island. Pearl Harbor Day Veterans Memorial of Texas Dec. 7 -- A special event will be held commemorating Pearl Harbor Day at 10 a.m. Speaker will be Mayor Beto Salinas of Mission. There will be a special honorary service for those who died Sept. 11, 2001, the other attack on American soil. It will feature Valley Police and Fire Department personnel. Spike’s Birthday Party National Butterfly Center Dec. 12 -- The National Butterfly Center, 3333 Butterfly Drive in Mission, will celebrate Spike’s Birthday from 10 a.m. to noon. Spike is an African Spurred Tortoise who resides at the center after being rescued by animal control and relocated to the park. He will be celebrating his 13th birthday. There will be Beauty and the Beast photos with Spike that make great souvenirs to share with grandchildren, arts and crafts, and fun in the garden.

Palo Alto National Historic Site Ranger Walks giving guided tours of the Resaca de la Palma Battlefield will be held Thursdays at 2 p.m. beginning Dec. 1 and running through March 31. Call (945) 541-2785 ext. 333 for information. Living history demonstrations will begin Dec. 5 and run through May 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (956) 541-2785 ext. 324 for information. The park is located at the intersection of FM 1847 (1024 Paredes Line Road in Brownsville) and FM 511/ FM 550 near the city of Los Fresnos. Fort Brown Ranger led walks through old Fort Brown will be held Tuesdays at 11 a.m. beginning Dec. 1 and running through March 31. The fort is located at 300 River Levee Road behind the UTRGV campus.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

GARDENS

From pg. 7 eggs and the larvae. The second step was to build a visitor’s pavilion, completed in 2010. Nearby, a grass-roofed palapa was provided for educational and entertainment purposes. Classes were begun to teach school children why butterflies are important and the diversity of butterflies found in the RGV. Due to the abundance of butterflies in the Mission area, the Mission Chamber of Commerce launched the Texas Butterfly Festival in 1995. This year the festival, now hosted by the National Butterfly Center, celebrates its 20th anniversary. The festival dates are Oct. 31 to Nov. 3,

Gulf Fritillary on Zinnia

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

2015. Seminars on butterflies and field trips to prime butterfly locations across the Rio Grande Valley will take place during the festival. For more information on the upcoming festival call (956) 583-5400. What started with just a handful of people attending the festival has grown exponentially. In 2014 there were 140 participants from 18 different states and up to 2000 local visitors for community day. The exhibit hall near the front of the NBC site was completed in 2010. The exhibit hall is open for displays, meetings, seminars and other events. There are displays of butterflies, larvae, and chrysalis and other butterfly related items in cases in the exhibit hall. The front of the building is landscaped with native wild grasses and wildflowers that come alive with butterflies during the spring and fall migratory seasons. The latest project completed at NBC is a sunken garden, terraced garden and species demonstration garden adjacent to the exhibit hall. Each section of the garden is planted with a different host food and habitat for butterflies found in the area. Finished in 2015, the garden is now open for viewing. The NBC is now the largest botanical garden in the United States focused on native plants showcased in wildscapes and formal settings. Through the years, NBC has done

Queen on Mistflower many innovative things. They established this time. bat houses to attract bats to the center. A second birding area featuring a One bat can eat up to 600 mosquitos a stream and bird blind for viewing and day and that cuts down on the number of photography has also been added this mosquitos in the center. NBC has a “bat season. The number one food for for micondominium” that will hold up to 600 gratory birds is caterpillars. For that reason the NBC has a bird list of almost 400 Mexican Free Tail bats. Hackberry Trail was installed in one species. There are still plans to fill in the acres area of the Butterfly Center so persons with disabilities can enjoy parts of the in between the original visitors pavilion center. Much of the center and gardens and exhibit hall with growing areas and are wheelchair accessible if weather perSee GARDENS pg. 29 mits. There are no specific ADA trails at

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

Kathy’s Top Ten

By Kathy Olivarez Following is a list of my personal favorite places to visit in the Rio Grande Valley. Most are based on the special uniqueness of each location. Brownsville Historic Association Walking Tours Brownsville was founded in the 1840’s when the Texas Revolution made it impossible for American businessmen like Charles Stillman who worked in Matamoros to stay on the Mexican side of the river. It has a rich history of smugglers, soldiers stationed at Fort Brown (including Buffalo Soldiers), yellow fever epidemics, and being a thriving port city from steamboat days to the present. It was also the site of the last battle of the Civil War. It was Brownsville that requested the Cavalry of Christ, Oblate Fathers who rode the river from Brownsville to Roma bringing Christianity to those living on the ranches. The Brownsville Historical Association conducts a number of walks featuring different facets of Brownsville history. Watch the Winter Texan Times for a listing of the different walks to be offered or call (956) 541-5560 for information. Gladys Porter Zoo Rated as one of the top ten small zoos in the nation, Gladys Porter Zoo, located at 500 Ringgold Street in Brownsville has one of the most successful breeding pro-

grams for endangered animals on any zoo in the country. It has achieved this success because the semi-tropical climate is similar to the climate where many exotic endangered animals live. The zoo is divided into island separated by moats that allow the animals to live in a cage-free environment. The zoo opened in 1971 with this innovative concept and many zoos across the country have remodeled to have a similar concept. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8.50 for Winter Texans. Call (956) 5467187 for more information.

La Lomita Chapel The work of the Oblate Priests who came from France to answer the call for priests to Christianize the native people of the Rio Grande Valley is a very important part of the history of the Valley. “The Cavalry of Christ” as the priests were called,

rode the Rio Grande Valley from Brownsville to Roma. Mission was approximately half way and La Lomita Chapel was founded on a ranch owned by a fellow Frenchman, Rene Guyard, who offered shelter to the priests along the way. The chapel, which is open seven days a week, is typical of the small chapels found on ranches throughout the area. Turn South on Conway Avenue in Mission and look for the signs for the chapel, which is located at 3601 E. Military Parkway. Admission is free. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the grounds of the park. Call 956) 585-2727 for additional information.

Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Winter Texans with an agricultural background will enjoy visiting the old pumphouse built in 1909 using steam pumps. It was one of several pump houses that transformed the land along the Rio Grande River into an agricultural paradise in the 20th century. These steam pumps

are unique; there are no others like them in the country. The Pumphouse is located at 902 S. Second Street and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for senior citizens. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park One of the Valley’s newer attractions the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park marks the site of the first battle of the U.S.-Mexican War. During the season the park offers re-enactments of that battle. This was the first war where Americans fought on enemy soil. Because of its rugged terrain, the birds of the Rio Grande Valley consider it to be great habitat and many birders enjoy the park for that reason. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission is free. It is located at 7200 Paredes Line Road in Brownsville. Call (956) 541-2785 for information. Port Isabel Lighthouse The only lighthouse open for view in the state of Texas is the Port Isabel Light House located on a square block of Port Isabel near the Queen Isabella Causeway. Built in 1852 under the direction of President James K. Polk, it provided protection for Fort Pole, located where Port Isabel now sits. It is a great way to get a view of the Laguna Madre and Santiago Pass, opening to the Gulf of Mexico. It is open See TOP TEN pg. 20

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition TOP TEN From pg. 19

daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults are $4, and Senior are $2. Rio Grande City Trolley Tour For those who love history, this tour tells a great story of Rio Grande City’s role beginning in 1848 with the establishment of Fort Ringgold after the Mexican-American War during the days when steamboats plied the Rio Grande River and the city was the head of navigation for the larger boats. Learn about Union Army Cornel Robert E. Lee in the days before he led the Union Army to lead the Confederate Army. There is a special museum dedicated to Lee on the Rio Grande City ISD school grounds. With advance planning it can be included on tour day. It is a story of smugglers, and hardships for the peo-

ple lived there during the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn about the priests and nuns who served the area, the tunnels used by smugglers, the cavalry soldiers who were stationed at Fort Ringgold and more on this two-hour tour. Call Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation. The tour is $10 per person and is free for veterans with proper ID. Call (956) 4873476 to set up a tour date for a group from your park. Santa Maria Bullring While I am not a great fan of traditional bullfights, this bullfight is the only public bullring in the United States where the bulls are not killed as they are in Spain and Latin American countries. Fans of bullfighting will tell visitors a bullfight should be compared to a ballet, rather than considered to be a sport. The matadors must learn a number of intricate moves with his cape in order to be able to subdue a bull at get the rose that is placed on what would ordinarily be the “kill spot” on his back.

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The fun starts when a bull that is let into the ring does not know that he is supposed to be doing a ballet dance, and comes out charging at the matador. A bit scary at times, it is still a unique experience that cannot be found in a public arena anywhere else in the United States. Located in La Gloria, it is a bit of a drive as La Gloria is about 45 miles northwest of Mission. Call Fred Renk at (956) 481-3300 on how to get there and to reserve tickets. Bullfights are held in January and February. Texas Gulf Trawling Shrimp Boil and Tour This is a private tour offered by Zimco Marine located at the Port of Brownsville. Look for advertisements in the Winter Texan Times to know when the tours begin. While participants do not actually go to sea and catch the shrimp, they learn how and where the shrimp are caught and prepared for sale. They tour a shrimp boat permanent anchored dockside and at the end of the tour, wild-caught boiled shrimp are served. Anyone interested in learning more about the Texas shrimping industry will enjoy this tour. Tours run mid-January to mid-March and cost $15 in 2015. Call (956) 831-7828 to book a tour or get more information. Veterans War Memorial of Texas Located in McAllen Veterans War Memorial of Texas is a powerful memorial to veterans of all wars. Five different sections honor those who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

all other wars. The grounds feature marble walls listing dead soldiers from the Rio Grande Valley in recent wars, and sculptures of famous military officers such as General Hollingsworth (WWII) and Patrick Henry (American Revolution). The services of the WACS and WAVES are also told. The center is a 105-foot block marble spire. The memorial is open seven days a week at no charge. It is located at the intersection of Galveston and 29th Streets just east of the McAllen Convention Center. On Armistice Day, Nov. 11, there is a memorial service honoring veterans at 11:11 a.m. the time where the World War I Armistice was signed. Another ceremony commemorates Pearl Harbor Day on Dec. 7, also usually at 11 a.m. Those who died in Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 9-11 tragedy are also honored with police and firemen from all over the RGV taking part.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

McAllen-Mission ranked high in places to retire

A recent CBS News survey named McAllen, Texas as one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. Harlingen also was named in the same survey, signifying that the cost of living anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley is a real bargain compared to other areas of the United States. Just a few months earlier, Wallet Hub listed Mission, Texas as the fastest growing small city in the U.S. Mission was chosen, not just because of population growth, but also for growing the local economy with new businesses and new jobs and rising incomes. McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez affirmed that the cost of living is lower in the McAllen-Mission area. “Those who are retired and living on fixed incomes can stretch their dollars further than in other cities of the same size across the nation,” he explained. Rodriguez said because McAllen is a local shopping hub with many restaurants, and several medical centers, many Winter Texans residing in smaller surrounding towns come to McAllen to shop or seek medical care, thus impacting the city’s economy. Other factors Rodriguez said led to naming McAllen as one of the best places to retire in the United States include the friendliness of the people and business owners, its proximity to Mexico, the tropical climate and the abundance of things to

do during the winter months when many would be shut in by snow at home. People in the Rio Grande Valley realize tourism is a big part of the economy and go out of their way in businesses to make the Winter Texans feel welcome. “We love ‘em,” Rodriguez summed up the community feeling McAllen has toward Winter Texans. Mission Welcomes Winter Texans Next door to McAllen, sharing city limits, is the city of Mission, whose low cost of living mirrors that of McAllen. Mission has been Winter Texan-friendly since the 1970s when Mission, as a small town of less than 20,000 residents, offered favorable zoning and incentives for development of mobile home subdivisions throughout the city. Many of these were developed with recreational halls, swimming pools and other amenities to enhance the Winter Texan retirement lifestyle. Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas said the population of Mission swells by 30,000 Winter Texans who live in RV and mobile home resorts as well as 55+ retirement subdivisions with site-built homes designed for our winter visitors. Nature-friendly RV Living Winter Texans wintering in the RGV now enjoy even greater reasons to come back year after year. In addition to the low cost of living, the friendly people, and the warm winters, the Valley now abounds

with many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including birds and butterflies in great abundance. While the Rio Grande Valley had always enjoyed an abundance of wildlife, faced with shrinking habitat due to expansive farming and urban growth, efforts have been made over the years to carve out wildlife sanctuaries and a wildlife corridor along the Rio Grande to preserve habitat and encourage environmental awareness and conservation. When the World Bird Center Headquarters opened at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and

later the National Butterfly Center opened just down the road, Mike Rhodes, the developer who donated the land for both of these nature centers, brought a new kind of RV park to south Mission. Located right across the road from the World Birding Center on Bentsen Palm Road is Bentsen Palm Village RV Resort. This RV resort is nestled adjacent to thousands of acres of state, federal, and city parks and preserves, much of which is within walking distance and connected See BEST PLACES pg. 28

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

UTRGV To Telecast Basketball Games

EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced plans to telecast up to 22 home men’s and women’s basketball games live throughout Texas on Time Warner Cable (TWC) SportsChannel during the 2015-16 season. This is the first time in the history of NCAA Division I athletics in the Rio Grande Valley that a live regional television package has been in place. “This is a historic moment for the department and the timing couldn’t be better,” UTRGV Director of Athletics Chris King said. “This television deal provides our supporters the ability to be a part of the action in most of the state, from Harlingen to Brownsville up to Dallas and over to El Paso. One of our goals with UTRGV is to expand our reach, and this broadcast agreement helps us to accomplish that goal in part by giving the students, faculty and staff at our other UTRGV campus locations the opportunity to watch UTRGV basketball compete when they can’t make it to the games in person. As the largest university in the Rio Grande Valley, being televised live across the Valley helps us move forward together as one.” All 13 men’s basketball and nine of

the 11 women’s basketball regular season home games are currently scheduled to air on TWC SportsChannel. The number of games is subject to change based on TWC SportsChannel’s previously existing agreements, as well as UTRGV and the Western Athletic Conference’s (WAC) agreements concerning the WAC Digital Network and American Sports Network. “We’re excited to be shown around the state. We’ve got kids from different parts of Texas with family in those cities and it’s great for people to be able to see us,” UTRGV men’s basketball head coach Dan Hipsher said. “It’s also great for our recruiting to be able to tell kids that if they have family and friends in other parts of the state, they don’t have to drive down to every game, they can catch us on TV.” Out of the 23 NCAA Division I institutions in Texas, UTRGV is currently one of just four with plans to telecast all of its men’s basketball home games. Additionally, UTRGV is expected to have the third highest percentage of women’s basketball home games on TV at 81.82 percent. Overall, UTRGV is currently set to have the third highest percentage of total home basketball telecasts at 91.67 percent, behind only Texas and Texas A&M, who

are at 100 percent. Despite accounting for just 3.67 percent of all of the men’s and women’s basketball home games in Texas, UTRGV will be responsible for up to 13.50 percent of the telecasts. “Being broadcast live on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel will lead to endless opportunities to promote our program and the new UTRGV brand,” UTRGV women’s basketball head coach Larry Tidwell said. “Recruiting has taken on an entirely new meaning as we will be coming to a multitude of viewers across the talented and tradition rich state of Texas. Given the chance to be seen, I think that people will like what they see as we continue to build our program.” TWC SportsChannel is available to TWC customers in both standard and high definition on channel 323 throughout Texas, including markets such as the Rio Grande Valley, Dallas, Austin/Central Texas, San Antonio, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Wichita Falls, the Golden Triangle, and Laredo. “This is a huge step for our athletic department and exciting news for our sponsors and business partners as well,” UTRGV General Manager of Corporate Sales and Sponsorships Lance Morgan

said. “Most of our signage, logos and promotions will now be visible across the state. Everything we offer our corporate partners just saw a major increase in exposure and value. I recently met with Sergio Perez of Church’s Chicken, and he is thrilled about what this means for their sponsorship and on-court logos. This is one of the first steps in becoming the premier partner for sports marketing in all of South Texas.” This is an expansion of the existing agreement between UTRGV Athletics and TWC SportsChannel, as the department’s See VAQUEROS pg. 27

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

World Birding Center Sites Offer Diverse Wildlife

One of the most diverse experiences available in the Valley is the opportunity to observe many different species of birds during their seasonal migration. The Rio Grande Valley is at the convergence of two major migration pathways as birds move south for the winter. As a result, over 500 of the estimated 700 species found in the United States can be seen in the Rio Grande Valley at one time or another. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park For that reason Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park was selected as the World Birding Center headquarters, located at 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Road (FM 2062) on the west side of Mission. The World Birding Center includes eight additional satellite sites around the Valley. Each provides a different habitat or ecosystem the attracts different birds, such as shore birds at South Padre Island, or water fowl at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. The WBC Headquarters in Mission is a 760-acre park, adjacent to 1700 acres belonging to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Reserve. Bentsen is a favorite place to find many birds, some of which, like the Green Jay, can only be found in the Rio Grande Valley in the United States. The land in the park is considered to be a rich

alluvial plain that supports plants such as Cedar Elm, Sugar Hackberry, Rio Grande Ash, Texas Ebony and Anacua trees. Birds that favor this park include Plain Chachalacas, Ferruginous Pygmy-owls, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulets, Clay-colored Thrush, Hook-billed Kites and Gray Hawks. Doves, woodpeckers, kiskadees, kingbirds and several varieties of owls also call this park home at one time or another during the year. Facilities at the headquarters include bird feeding stations, bird blinds, observation decks, a two-story ADA-accessible hawk tower, a bird exhibition hall and a variety of other amenities. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The park store is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tram service runs 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $5. Call (956) 584-9156 for information. Edinburg Scenic Wetlands The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, located at 714 Raul Longoria, features some of the same birds such as kingfishers, but also is home to Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Muscovy Ducks, Mallards, Blue-winged See BIRDING pg. 33

VAQUEROS

From pg. 24 weekly television program, V Nation, currently airs on TWC SportsChannel every Wednesday at 6 p.m. This is the thirdstraight year that TWC SportsChannel has carried the department’s show. About The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas Rio Grande

Valley was created by the Texas Legislature on Dec. 7, 2012, in a historic move that combined the resources and assets of UTPA and UTB, and, for the first time, made it possible for residents of the Rio Grande Valley to benefit from the Permanent University Fund. The institution will also be home to a School of Medicine. UTRGV enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine will open in 2016.

Complete TWC SportsChannel Schedule Day Date Monday 11/16/15 Wednesday 11/18/15 Friday 11/20/15 Sunday 11/22/15 Tuesday 11/24/15 Sunday 12/6/15 Friday 12/11/15 Wednesday 12/30/15 Saturday 1/2/16 Thursday 1/7/16 Saturday 1/9/16 Thursday 1/14/16 Saturday 1/16/16 Thursday 1/21/16 Saturday 1/23/16 Thursday 2/4/16 Saturday 2/6/16 Saturday 2/13/16 Thursday 2/18/16 Saturday 2/20/16 Saturday 2/27/16 Saturday 3/5/16

Sport Opponent Time Women’s Basketball Concordia 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball Texas Lutheran 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Texas A&M Kingsville 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Portland State University 2 p.m. Men’s Basketball Southeast Missouri State 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Angelo State University 2 p.m. Men’s Basketball Tennessee-Martin 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball Evangel University 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Our Lady of the Lake 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball Grand Canyon* 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball Utah Valley* 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Chicago State* 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Missouri-Kansas City* 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball CSU Bakersfield* 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball Seattle U* 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Utah Valley* 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball Grand Canyon* 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball Missouri-Kansas City* 1 p.m. Men’s Basketball Seattle U* 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball CSU Bakersfield* 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball Chicago State* 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball New Mexico State* 7 p.m.

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition BEST PLACES

From pg. 22 by hike and bike trails. The community’s amenities include a clubhouse, pool and spa, fitness center, dog agility course, woodshop, craft room, and miles and miles of hike and bike trails. They also provide free use of bicycles, canoes and kayaks. More and more Winter Texans are becoming “converted Texans.” Instead of staying in the Valley four to six months, they stay eight to ten months and return home to see their families in the summer. On the economic side Salinas said both McAllen and Mission have low tax rates. McAllen’s is $0.47 per $100 valuation while Mission’s is $0.49 per $100 valuation. The tax rate is often the first

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thing homebuyers ask about when deciding where to live. Plus, there is no state income tax in Texas. Salinas said Mission’s old central fire station is now home to 22 state troopers and their offices, part of the drive started last year to secure the border. Today, there is a very visible presence of law enforcement all along the border area, providing security for local residents and visitors. Additional troopers from other parts of the state have been brought in, making Mission and McAllen a still safer place to live. With all of the factors – low cost of living, low taxes, semi-tropical climate, friendly people, special activities and ecotourism – its no wonder McAllen and Mission are now considered to be among the top places in the United States to retire and “live the good life.”

GARDENS

From pg. 18 egreenhouses, and more host plants for the sbutterflies. d Current CEO Marianna Wright invites eWinter Texans to come out and enjoy the -NBC and see the abundance of butterflies gthat make their home there, or who mi.grate through the area. Some of them are erare finds, like the Silver Emperor, which -was first spotted in the United States at .NBC during a Texas Butterfly Festival fyears ago. But they laid eggs and now are ,regularly seen at NBC. - “We continue to expand our inventory -of native plant species to support a greateer variety of butterflies. Winter Texans dare welcome to bring a picnic and stay for the day. Check out a pair of close focus binoculars to get a better view of these beautiful and fascinating creatures,” added Wright. One of the major outcomes of the dream started in the 1990s by Dr. Glassberg and Viola Espinosa has been the increased awareness and interest in preserving what is a Rio Grande Valley ecological treasure. All throughout the Valley, from the Gladys Porter Zoo to all nine of the World Birding Center satellites, city halls, libraries and many other municipal and privately owned buildings, are landscaping with butterfly gardens and providing butterfly fountains to nourish the many species of butterflies

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

that visit the Rio Grande Valley. But none have such a wide variety of habitat for different species of butterflies as can be found at NBC. The National Butterfly Center is located at 3333 Butterfly Park Drive in Mission. From Expressway 83 it can be accessed from Inspiration Road by turning west on Military Parkway or from Bentsen Palm Drive by turning east on Military Parkway.

Our Mass at La Lomita in honor of Fr. Peter Keralum, O.M.I., the “Lost Missionary”, is on November 22, 2015 at 2:30pm. This is our “Bienvenida” Welcome Home for our Winter Texans and Migrants!

MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday (English) ..............................................................................4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) .............................................................................7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) ...............................................................................7:30 A.M. Sunday (English)................................................................................9:00 A.M. Sunday (English) ..............................................................................10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass ............................................(Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) ...............................................................................5:30 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex)...............................6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex).............................................................................7:00 P.M.

CONFESSIONS

Thursday ........................................................................................ 6:00 P.M. Saturday......................................................................................... 3:00 P.M. “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses, confessions and at the office too.” “The coldest air conditioning, the coolest dogs, and the warmest welcome in town!

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

UTRGV Vaqueros Season Opener Nov. 13

EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics recently announced the men’s basketball team will play 29 games leading up to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament, including 13 at home, starting on Fri., Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the University of Miami. The Vaqueros then face North Florida before returning to the UTRGV Fieldhouse for their first home game on Fri., Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. against Texas A&M-Kingsville. The schedule includes 10 games against 2015 postseason participants, including four against NCAA Tournament participants New Mexico State, North Dakota State and North Florida, one against NIT participant UTEP, two against CBI participant Seattle U, and three against CIT participants Grand Canyon and Tennessee-Martin The Vaqueros will play host to Tennessee-Martin on Dec. 11, Grand Canyon on Feb. 6, Seattle U on Feb. 18, and New Mexico State on March 5. After opening their first home stand against Texas A&M-Kingsville, the Vaqueros play host to Portland State on Nov.

22 and Southeast Missouri State on Nov. 24. The Vaqueros then visit Houston and Lamar before returning home to face Angelo State on Dec. 6 and Tennessee-Martin five days later. The Portland State and Angelo State games are scheduled for 2 p.m. All other home games will begin at 7 p.m. The Vaqueros play their next six games away from home, starting with Texas State on Dec. 13. Then, after a break for finals, the Vaqueros return to action Dec. 21-23 at the Utah State’s tournament against the host Aggies, North Dakota State, and Idaho State. The Vaqueros visit UTEP on Dec. 29 before closing out the non-conference slate against Our Lady of the Lake on Jan. 2. “This schedule allows us in the non-conference to challenge our kids in preparation for the WAC,” Vaqueros head coach Dan Hipsher said. “It is a nice balance of games against Texas rivalries, traditional basketball powers, and opponents from conferences that are similar to the WAC. We also have mixed in a few games that get our players back near home to play in front of their family and friends.

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We are excited about the challenge.â&#x20AC;? The Vaqueros open up WAC play with a trip to Grand Canyon and Utah Valley Jan. 7-9 before returning home to face Chicago State and Missouri-Kansas City on Jan. 14 and 16, respectively. After a conference season-high threegame trip through CSU Bakersfield, Seattle U and New Mexico State, the Vaqueros play five of their final seven games at home, including games against Utah Valley on Feb. 4 and CSU Bakersfield on Feb.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

20. The Vaquerosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; only road games during that time are at Missouri-Kansas City on Feb. 13 and Chicago State on Feb. 27. The WAC Tournament runs March 1012 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The WAC Tournament Champion earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Vaqueros can begin full team practices on Oct. 2. They will play a single exhibition before the regular season begins, hosting Texas A&M International on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

UTRGV has new Performing Arts Center

On April 23, 2015 the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the University of Texas-Pan American (now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) opened with a gala performance to a packed audience. The new modern facility is just what is needed to complement the changes in the university status created by combining the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses under one administration to become a larger university offering more subjects and facilities, including a new medical school being phased in. The premier performance included students from UTPA and University of Texas Brownsville together in concert for the first time. It included performances from the UTPA’s award-winning Mariachi Aztlan and the UTPA Ballet Folklorico along with musical performances ranging from

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symphony to guitar ensembles. The audience was wowed by the high level of the performances, which was but a start for much more to come as UTRGV’s fine arts program gets underway. The new $42.7 million Performing Arts Center has a state-of-the-art auditorium capable of seating 1000 people for performances and features a balcony level above the main floor to accommodate patrons. The construction project that began in 2011 also included renovations for Buildings B and C that added 14,500 square feet of space for the expanded fine arts program. The space will accommodate an additional 450 music and dance majors and 44 faculty members. Building A, which houses the new performance hall, also includes a large lobby, four new rehearsal halls and dressing rooms. Building B expansion included

faculty offices, a piano lab, and a dance studio. Building C was expanded so there are now 40 practice rooms. It also includes music analysis and listening labs. Student art will be displayed in the two art galleries in the complex and in the performance hall lobby. The new complex will add a great deal to the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine arts programs. While the university is still settling into the new fine arts quarters and not all performance schedules are available at this time, once the dust has settled and everyone is ready with their new performance schedule, UTRGV will have one of the best performance venues to be found among American universities. Look for the following fall performances: Edinburg Performing Arts Center UTRGV University Choir, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. UTRGV Orchestra, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m. Mariachi Aztlan Friday, Dec. 4 (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday, Dec. 5 (3 p.m.). Brownsville Texas Southmost College Arts Center UTRGV Master Chorale, Wed, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. Bravo Opera, Nov. 14-15, Saturday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.) UTRGV Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday, Nov. 17 and Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. Home for the Holidays Scholarship Concert, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition BIRDING From pg. 27

Teal, Pied-billed Grebes and Neotropic Cormorants. Herons, doves, barn swallows, mockingbirds and egrets also make visits to ESW. ESW was built around an endangered wetland area by creating a 40-acre oasis for birds right in the middle or an urban area. Overlooks, observation decks and winding paths provide plenty of opportunities for Winter Texans and birders to see these water-loving species. ESW is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors over 55. Call (956) 381-9922 for more information.

WELCOME WINTER TEXANS!

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF MISSION

The City of Mission welcomes our Winter Texans back to our community. The City staff is ready to assist in making your stay as enjoyable as possible. Below is a brief description of the City Departments as well phone numbers. POLICE – CRIME PREVENTION - 1200 E. 8th St. The Mission Police Department employs over 181 employees and has a 24 hour operating patrol bureau. Mission Police Officers are committed to serving the public to safeguard every citizen’s life and property and to maintaining the community as a safe and friendly place to live, work and play. The Mission Crime Stoppers program has also been an effective tool in crime prevention and consists of having a 24 hour a day telephone line which is available to the public who want to report suspicious/ criminal activity at any hour of the day. MUNICIPAL COURT - 1200 E. 8th St. The Municipal Court is the local branch of the judicial system, which enforces criminal laws, traffic laws and municipal ordinances within the court’s jurisdiction. The court’s office hours are Monday through Friday 8 am. to 5 pm, Saturday 8am. to 12pm (Except holidays). Payments are taken 8am to 4:30pm. The court remains open throughout the lunch hour to better serve the community. FIRE-FIRE PREVENTION – 415 W. Tom Landry The Mission Fire Department consists of 66 career firefighters and a Fire Chief as well as volunteer firefighters. The Fire Department responds to calls that include vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, heart attacks, strokes, building fires, structural fires, vehicular fires and brush fires. The Mission Fire Department is divided into three (3) divisions: administration, fire prevention and operations. The Fire Prevention Division educates the public about safety and fire prevention tips. WATER SERVICES – City Hall Water tapping and connections may be arranged with the Water Department. New accounts require a deposit and service fee. SOLID WASTE & BRUSH PICK-UP – 105 Abelino Farias St. The City of Mission Sanitation Department furnishes reliable and efficient residential solid waste and brush collection services. The Department’s goal is to provide excellent customer service and a safe and economical waste collection, processing and disposal service, Commercial and roll-off services are provided by BFI waste services, the City’s contractor. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PARKS AND RECREATION – 721 N. Bryan The Parks and Recreation Department consists of four divisions: Parks, Recreation, Aquatics and Facility Maintenance. The Parks and Recreation Department has the responsibility of developing and maintaining 25 City Parks, 2 pools and 35 facilities in the most cost effective manner possible. In addition, Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for city-wide graffiti removal, right-of-way mowing and pruning of trees, new construction/improvement projects, special events, recreational activity, etc. PLANNING DEPARTMENT – City Hall The Planning Department guides the orderly development of the city using several primary ordinances. It is divided into the following divisions: Inspections Division, Planning Division, Code Enforcement Division. This Department can provide information on the City’s requirements for building permits, new subdivisions, zoning classifications, set-backs, new construction, additions or remodeling. The Code Enforcement Division ensures the compliance of all ordinances including weedy lots, junked vehicles as well as health code compliance. ANIMAL CONTROL – 2801 N. Holland This City Division promotes and protects public safety and animal care through sheltering, pet placement programs, education and animal law enforcement. LIBRARY SERVICES – 801 E. 12th St. The Speer Memorial Library has over 250 computers and laptops available for public use 7 days a week and provides free WiFi access. In addition to books, magazines, newspapers, music CDs, DVDs and study rooms, the Library also provides free E-book services. We have programming year round for adults and children including Book Club Discussions, Arts & Crafts, Story Time, and more. Hours of operation are M-Th 8 am - 9 pm, Fri & Sat 8 am – 5 pm, and Sun 12 noon – 5 pm. For more information contact the visit our website www.mission.lib.tx.us. GOLF COURSE – 2201 N. Mayberry St. Shary Municipal Golf Course is a 27-hole golf course with a full service driving range that is open every day, except for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Daily green fees are competitively priced. The Golf Shop offers a complete selection of golf equipment and golf attire for men and women. Other services provided are golf handicaps and a lighted driving range. The clubhouse also has a full service snack bar and Pro Shop. HISTORICAL MUSEUM – 900 Doherty Ave. The Mission Historical Museum collects, preserves, exhibits and promotes the history of Mission and western Hidalgo County. Its many exhibits and programs focus on the images and artifacts which showcase the area’s rich history. Housed in the 1939 John Shary Building, a designated Texas Historical Landmark, and the 1940 Mission Post Office, museum exhibits explore the area’s ranching and agricultural heritage, the development of Mission, the city’s remarkable contributions to professional sports, and the ongoing involvement of Mission citizens in military service to our country. Temporary and seasonal exhibits bring additional variety to the Museum’s programming. Museum hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

CITY OF MISSION “Home of the Grapefruit”

Listed below are the phone numbers of the various departments of the City. We suggest that you clip this list and keep it for future reference. Please feel free to contact the staff with any concerns or questions. We are here to serve the citizens of Mission.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DIRECTORY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES Switchboard Mayor & City Manager’s Oﬃce Executive Department City Secretary Vital Statistics Finance Human Resources Purchasing CDBG – Housing Assistance Risk Management/Safety Utility Billing Tax Inquiries

580-8650 580-8662 580-8662 580-8668 580-8664 580-8684 580-8681 580-8667 580-8643 580-8716 580-8660 318-2157

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS Police & Fire Emergency Calls Non-Emergency Calls Police Department Police Chief Civil Service Fire Department Fire Marshal Municipal Court Public Works

911 311 584-5000 584-5101 451-0303 580-8705 580-8711 584-5150 580-8780

Health Department – Animal Control Planning Parks and Recreation Speer Memorial Library Mission Historical Museum Shary Municipal Golf Course Sanitation Dept. (Debris/Brush Disposal)

580-8741 580-8761 580-8760 580-8750 580-8646 580-8770 583-2564

For concerns with : Water Breaks, Sewer, Street, Street Signs, Traﬃc Signals, Mosquito Spraying, Street Light Outages

The Winter Texan - 2015 Fall Edition