The Winter Texan - Appreciation Edition, Spring 2015 by Progress Times

Progress Times photo by Doug Young

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

From the publisher

Thanks for coming! A

nother winter season has come and gone and it’s time to say farewell to all our Winter Texan friends who will soon be heading north. Before you go, we want to tell you how much we appreciate you choosing the Rio Grande Valley as your winter home. We appreciate the vitality you bring in so many ways. We respect and deeply appreciate your patriotism and your high regard for your fellow man. Although you may be “retired” you are a generation of great, stabilizing influence for this nation. The values of your generation create a firm foundation for our society. Many of you devote hundreds and thousands of hours volunteering your time and talents in a myriad of ways to bless the lives of those less fortunate. Yet, your influence extends far beyond the service you render in this way. When you stand up for that which is right and good, you help this nation stand a little taller and become a little stronger. But you’re here to enjoy your golden years, and we are happy to help in any way we can. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that Winter Texans know how to have fun! One of the best parts of being a Winter Texan is being part of a community in your favorite RV or mobile home resort. Let your friends know about all the new friends you’ve made here, and all the fun you have at your park’s activities. We had a good time seeing many of you at many special activities this year. Thousands of you came to the Winter Texan appreciation events held by local communities, including the Mission Winter Texan Fiesta (over 4,000 attendees), Harlingen Winter Texan Fiesta, and Edinburg’s Hasta la Vista Appreciation Day. We put on these special events to let you know that our communities really do care about Winter Texans and what you bring to the Valley. Have a safe and healthy summer. Take a copy or two of this paper or the Winter Texan Times with you to share with your friends back home. And when you return, bring a friend with you. Then you can show them how much fun it is to stay in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Jim Brunson Publisher

The Winter Texan

Spring Appreciation Edition Published by Progress Times

© 2015 Mission Publishing Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. Publisher & Editor: Jim Brunson Reporter: Kathy Olivarez Advertising: Dee Rendon & Maria Smith Graphic Design: Sean Downey & Leah Lowman Photography: Jim Brunson, Doug Young & Kathy Olivarez 1217 North Conway, Mission, Texas 78572

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

Mega Winter Texan Fiesta draws huge crowd By Julie Silva and Kathy Olivarez

n estimated 4,000 Winter Texans flocked to downtown Mission on Saturday, February 14, for the Mission Chamber of Commerce hosted event – the Mega Winter Texan Fiesta. Danya Nuzum, of Iowa, has been coming to the Valley for six years, staying at Fiesta Village. It was her second year at the Winter Texan Fiesta, and she said her favorite part was the music. “The Punch Family was wonderful,” she said. “It took me back to my teen years, and I could sing along with practically every song.” The Punches stuck to Oldies but Goodies, and “The Twist” had many out of their seats and dancing. This year’s fiesta was turned into a three-day event teeing off with a golf tournament Friday. Saturday, live music was enjoyed at the park, a classic car show was parked next door and Saturday and Sunday a Mexican Artisan market was held at the Mission Historical Museum. The museum plans to bring back the market again next year, which included arts and crafts from around Mexico, as an annual event. Nuzum said she always has a good time, and when her stepdaughters ask her

why she enjoys coming to Texas so much, she said, “It’s plum full of mid-westerners.” Judging from the license plates of vehicles lining up to the park – Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska – Nuzum was right. “I think it’s just wonderful to be outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather that we’re having,” she said. “How can you beat old people listening to old people?” Bentsen Grove residents, the Schumakers and the Gorsts, arrived late to the party, missing the free food, but still had a good

time, taking silly pictures with their Whataburger swag. Originally from Wisconsin, the foursome soaked up the sunshine, knowing that it was 10 below 0 in their hometown. It’s the third year the Schumakers have come to the Valley, and they’re looking for a place to buy. “With the weather in Wisconsin right now, this is no commitment,” Bob Schumakers said. “(In Wisconsin), it’s beautiful in the summertime, into the fall, even late fall, but once December comes

and January, adios.” “I want to thank you for the wonderful Winter Texan event! I was amazed at the amount of work that went into this. It was an enormous job and yet it went off seamlessly, so organized and extremely well done. My husband and I were both so impressed. We are first time Winter Texans but this will not be our only time. We will be back again next year. Our reservations have already been made!” Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce CEO George Myers read the words of this thank you card received by the chamber of commerce after the Mega Winter Texan Fiesta to the Mission City Council in their Feb. 23 meeting, as a way of telling how well the Mega Winter Texan Fiesta was received. He estimated over 4,000 people attended the annual event. Myers went on to say Winter Texans loved the barbecue sandwiches provided for lunch. They enjoyed the “Shine & Show” classic car show located in the parking lot behind the pavilion at Leo Pena La Placita Park in downtown Mission where the entertainment was held. “Many people commented on how great the entertainment was this year,” Myers said. “Winter Texans were very pleased with the variety of entertainment See FIESTA pg. 19

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

MISSION WINTER TEXAN FIESTA

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

Winter Texans love to jam O By Kathy Olivarez ne of the most popular jams in Hidalgo County takes place weekly at Bentsen Palm RV Park on Bentsen Palm Road, near Mission. It opens at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays and runs to 11 a.m. or later. Marcie Swenson, activity director at Bentsen Palm, says that each week the jam attracts more and more people. There were over 100 people on the day the Winter Texan Times visited. On that day, the jam’s band consisted

of Roy Strubble and Larry Peterson on fiddle, Ron Ramer on dobro, Leon Hampton on mandolin, Bill Spatz and Bob Lloyd on guitar, Betty Lloyd on bass and Max Davidson on banjo. There were other jammers in the audience playing along with those on stage. The first jammers up were Jim and Lou Connell, who reside at Bluebonnet RV Park, but they come every Wednesday to participate in the Bentsen Palm jam. Lou sang “Remember the Heart You Have Broken,” while Jim sang along and played his guitar.

They also sang a second song, “Pick Me Up on Your Way Down.” Verna Funk followed with “Dust on the Bible.” She was also accompanied by Jim Connell. George Dush was next on the stage. He sang “Footprints in the Snow” and also played his fiddle during parts of the song. Dush stayed on stage to join the two other fiddlers as the band played the instrumental version of “Golden Slippers.” Larry Peterson on fiddle and Bill Spatz on guitar were lead instrumentalists for the next song, “Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine.” Max Davidson, playing banjo, was the leader for “Santa Claus.” Ron Ramer came next playing dobro, and singing, “Be Quiet As Willie Walks By,” a poignant song about a troubled war veteran who saved the lives of some of those near him. Leon Hampton on mandolin led a lighter tune, “Get Along Cindy.” Bob Lloyd on guitar and Betty Lloyd on bass followed with “Oh My Little Georgia Rose.” In the back of the room, Terry Freese and Verna Funk decided to dance to the lively tune. Bob Lloyd and Leon Hampton then played “Amazing Grace.” The jam ended with everyone joining the band in singing “In the Garden.” Sing-

ing was led by Lou Connell, while Jim accompanied on guitar and Judy Minden sang harmony and played her mandolin. Lamplighter Jam Another very popular jam takes place at Lamplighter RV Park on Thursday Mornings. Primarily a gospel jam, it does have a bit of variety. People who love jams participate in several so it was no surprise to find some of the same people at the Lamplighter Jam as at the Bentsen Palm See JAMS pg. 9

JAMS

From pg. 8

Village jam. When we arrived Jim and Lou Connell were singing “Forty Miles for Popular Bluff.” Next up were Bob Gales and Dennis Salo who were accompanied by Wade Leggett on dobro. Leggett is a former professional musician who is a member of the Gatesville, Texas Hall of Fame and a member of the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame in Anito, Iowa. Gretta McCune sang “The Deepening Snow” accompanied by her husband Willie. To the side, fiddlers John Blevins and Larry Peterson played along. Several joined together to play “Worried Ma’s Blues.” They included Wade

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

Leggett, Leon Hampton, Jessie Green and Dennis Salo. David Laing followed singing “Life’s Railroad to Heaven.” Marion Stroud followed with “Lord of the Dance.” Verna Funk sang “If Teardrops were Pennies” followed by Brue Dodds who sang “Nine Pound Hammer.” The jam was still going strong when we left to cover another event. Wanda Sanders and her husband Jim, act as emcees for the weekly event that attracts many musicians and listeners from the nearby area. The jam starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 11 a.m. or later. There are jams all over the Rio Grande Valley playing all kinds of music so there is sure to be a jam that plays music for everyone’s taste.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

Muesum adds Mexican Artisan Market to Fiesta activities T Many Winter Texans came to see the many displays of wares by Mexican arhe year’s expanded Mega Winter tisans set up as an outdoor market in the Texan Fiesta added the new Artisan courtyard of the Mission Historical MuseMarket Days featuring artisans from um Feb. 13-15. A trolley provided conseveral different regions of Mexico. venient transportation across the highway

By Kathy Olivarez

LEFT: Elena Gonzalez, from Oaxaca, Mexico displays her brightly colored wares. Progress Times photo by Doug Young. ABOVE: A 3D artist paints on the street. Progress Times photo by Jim Brunson

Saturday from La Placita park downtown where live entertainment was provided during the traditional Winter Texan Fiesta to the Artisan Market at the museum. In addition to the artisans, those who visited the Artisan Market discovered there was more live entertainment there. On Saturday beginning a 1 p.m. a fourhour presentation of skits entitled “Pancho Villa y Sus Dorados,” presenting information on the life of Pancho Villa, Mexican revolutionary, was performed by Oscar Martinez. It was performed on a small stage, built to resemble a Mexican hacienda. Several skits that told about different parts of Pancho Villa’s life and the events that led up to the Mexican Revolution were interspersed with entertainment from the bands, mariachis and folkloric dancers. Ralph & the Cruisers and Norteno provided music for the event. Also performing with Pancho Villa were several actors in the character of liberadores, or liberators. The men were dressed in the typical clothing worn by those in the Mexican Revolution include white pants and shirts with leather straps crossing the chests filled with ammunition. Of course they also wore boots and western style hats with brims. The women who participated in the revolution were See ARTISANS pg. 19

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

Visitors to the Mexican Artisan Market were greeted by a variety of colorful, wares from multiple booths. Progress Times photo by Doug Young

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

Winter Texan Golf Tournament returns to Mission

he annual Winter Texan Golf Tournament has returned to Shary Municipal Golf Course in Mission with a new name: “Fiesta on the Greens.” The first annual Fiesta on the Greens tournament added another dimension to this year’s Mega Winter Texan Fiesta, which also included the traditional live

performances by popular musical groups at La Placita in downtown Mission, plus the new Mexican Artisan Market at Mission Historical Museum. The tournament was a huge success, said Shary Municipal Golf Course Pro Mario Flores. “The weather was in the 70s – perfect weather for playing golf.” Flores

Shary Golf Director Mario Flores, Leona Butchart, Billy Roullier, Sue King, James Taylor (Mission), Arlene Twait, Creta Wilson (Canton, IL and Alladin Villas).

added. “The six-man teams were ready to play.” Approximately 96 Winter Texans participated out of a possible 108 players. Play started at 8 a.m. and ended by 1 p.m. Players were served a taco breakfast prior to the start of the tournament. They were also given hot dogs to go to enjoy

while playing. At the end of play participants were served a lunch of fajitas and margaritas. They were also given caps and golf towels. After all the tallying was done, the winning team consisted of Dennis Garness, See GOLF TOURNAMENT pg. 13

Arlene Twait from Mobile Gardens Park, Mission puts while others watch on. Progress Times photos by Doug Young

GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

From pg. 12 Leroy Kloch, Don Schnell, Dick Wakeford and Art and Georgette Johnson. Flores said everyone had a great time and he anticipated the tournament would be bigger and better next year, as the Mega Winter Texan Fiesta grows even bigger.

ABOVE: Kerry Jackson, Wagon City North. LEFT: Keith Wyatt. BELOW: John Farris, Van Buren Arkansas, El Valle del Sol.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

Aladdin Villas has 30th annual style show

By Kathy Olivarez laddin Villas held its 30th annual style show Feb. 26 in the recreation hall. The room was filled with ladies wanting to see the latest fashions from the local participating stores. There were quite a few men present also, serving as waiters and helping the models get up and down the stairs. Guests were served a lunch of Asian Chicken salad with a croissant roll and chocolate flan for dessert. Music for the event was provided by pianist Sandra Talley. Six local stores provided the fashions that were modeled. The first group of models included Anna Marie Evans modeling a casual jacket with a blue design over a blue undershirt with casual white pants. She was followed by Trudy Johnston who a printed tunic of printed chiffon and comfortable white pants. Joyce Yazel wore a brightly colored shirt of turquoise, red and yellow featuring rolled sleeves over a turquoise undershirt with green pants. Other models wearing fashions from local dress and boutique shops included Lorraine Bardo, Kathy Loe, Gloria

Youngquist, and Helen Reinhardt, who modeled a coral jacket over a black undershirt and pants. Sharon Rost modeled white pants with a gray top featuring ruffled edge made of crinkled knit fabric, while Pat Dobarro modeled an asymmetrical tunic of white cotton eyelash material with denim leggings. Grace Goretzka, Judi Elliott, Karen Ives, Madeline Acker, Anita Kloch and Bev Hussong also modeled outfits. Model Kathy Holst wore a black pants suit featuring embroidery on the front, back and down the sleeves, while Donna Snyder wore Boyfriend Capri pants with a light blue tunic featuring a high-low hem and rolled tab sleeves with Brighton jewelry. Kathy Pendergrass, Marge Otto, Lee Kurth, Julia Jackson,Vicky Krattenmaker, Marlys Mulivan also modeled casual fashions. The models returned a second time dressed in formal wear. Again appearing on the runway were Anna Marie Evans, Trudy Johnston, and Dorys LaMothe. See STYLE SHOW pg. 15

Donna Snyder

Ana Maria Evans

Julia Jackson

Madeline Acker

Anita Kloch

Gloria Youngquist

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

STYLE SHOW

From pg. 14 Joyce Yazel modeled a formal turquoise lace dress with silver accessories. Lorraine Bardo wore a glittering red cardigan knit tank and jacket over a pencil slim skirt and leggings, accented by popcorn pearls. Appearing next were Kathy Loe, Gloria Youngquist, and Helen Reinhardt. Modeling for a different story, Sharon Rost wore a diagonally stripped tunic in shades of purple, blue and black over black pants. She was followed by models Pat Dobarro, Grace Goretzka, and Judi Elliot. Modeling western wear, Karon Ives donned white pants and a purple crystal-dyed blouse and cape, while Madeline Acker modeled a lime green top and long-sleeved shirt featuring rhinestones in vertical rows over black pants. Anita Kloch followed wearing a turquoise tunic, and Bev Hussong wore a turquoise and black sequined top and a black skirt with fringe. Introducing another store’s fashions, Kathy Holst wore a scarf poncho top in shades of blue and purple over black chacha pants. She was followed by Donna Snyder, Kathy Pendergrass and Marge Otto. The last set of models were Lee Kurth, Julia Jackson, Vicky Krattenmaker, and Marlys Mulivan.

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

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The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition

ditional candies of Mexico, while others ARTISANS were selling crosses and religious icons. From pg. 10 For those who love the comfortable called Adelitas. They wore long skirts Mexican clothing there were all sorts of and blouses or dresses and the same am- apparel including blouses and shirts, emmunition-filled leather straps across their broidered dresses and shawls. chests. Flamenco dance artist, Mario Aleman performed for those who came to the art show on Sunday. Another highlight of the event was the chalk artists who came from Francisco, Madero and Allende, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. They created the pictures by drawing on the pavement of Doherty Street in front of the museum. One of the artists created 3-D drawings where the characters appeared to rise up out of the ground. “It was amazing,” said Mission City Councilman Armando O’Cana, when describing the artwork. “The artist told me to kneel on the ground so he could draw me. When he was finished it looked like a mirror effect with me looking at myself in 3-D. The pictures the artists drew were incredible.” In addition to these special shows there were artisans from all across Mexico selling their wares, which included paintings, ceramics, jewelry and colorful pots. Several Mexican vendors offered the tra-

FIESTA

From pg. 06 offered.” Michelle Gallegos brought a group of dancers from her dance studio, Grupo Folkloric Rio Grande Valley, ranging from children to adults who performed folkloric dances from different parts of Mexico wearing brightly colored costumes. There was a mixed genre of entertainment included the “Going Back Rock N Roll Band,” a Winter Texan group, which played classic Rock N Roll. “Louie Long and the Drifters” are known for their country western music. Southern Anthem Gospel, another popular group that performs in the RV resorts, performed gospel and country western music. The Punches Family was a real crowd

pleaser, playing old time rock n roll, singing the songs most Winter Texans grew up with. They also threw in a little bluegrass and featured the children with their special talents singing and playing guitar. And Bob Dollie & Friends, a Big Band group, made up of Bob Dollie and Winter Texans, played the music from the Big Band Era in the 40s and 50s. Dollie is a professional musician who has been inducted into four different swing halls of fame – two in Texas, one in Oklahoma and one in Washington. Winter Texans also enjoyed the performances of Veterans Memorial High School Mariachi. And of course, no Winter Texan Fiesta would be complete without the cowboy poetry of Rich Bellert, who plans the entertainment for the event each year.

The Winter Texan - 2015 Spring Edition