The Winter Texan Appreciation Edition - Spring 2017
Mama’s Wranglers
entertains thousands at Mission’s Mega Winter Texan Fiesta Published by Progress Times, Mission, TX © 2017 Mission Publishing Company
Texas Division Wilder Corporation
Photo by Jim Brunson
“Don’t Hibernate - Migrate” If you are looking…. We are looking for you!
RV Resorts Wilder Corporation
Come Join Our Rio Grande Valley RV Communities “Choose from 8 different RV parks ”
Reserve Your 2017-2018 Space.
Visit us at www.rvresorts.com
2
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
The City of Mission Says... Thank You Winter Friends for Choosing Mission as Your Winter Home We hope that your stay here in Mission has been pleasant and that you will make plans to return next fall. Extend an invitation to friends and family to visit Mission, Texas...the best place not only to spend the winter months, but to also call home. Something for everyone.... • Golfing • Biking Trails • Nature Walks at the World Birding Center (400 + species) National Butterfly Center (200 + species) • Fiestas & Traditions • History, Culture & Arts • Delicious Variety of Foods • Shopping • Friendly locals
Have a safe trip and we’ll see you all next season!
Norberto Salinas Mayor
Norie Gonzalez Garza Mayor Pro-Tem
Jessica Ortega-Ochoa Councilwoman
Ruben Plata Councilman
www.missiontexas.us
Dr. Armando O’Cana Councilman
Martin Garza, Jr. City Manager
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
3
From the publisher
Thanks for coming! A
s we approach the end of another winter season, it is time to say farewell to many of our Winter Texan Friends who will be leaving soon. Before you go, we want to thank you for choosing the Rio Grande Valley as your winter home. We are always delighted to see so many of you come to the Valley each year to enjoy the warm weather, the friendly people, the modest cost of living and the many, many activities and entertainers here to make your stay all the more enjoyable. We enjoy having you here as our guests so much that we want to invite more Winter Texans to come down next season. And we’d like to invite you to become a Winter Texan Ambassador. The job description is pretty simple. Just tell your friends back home how much you enjoyed your stay in the Rio Grande Valley and invite them to come down with you next fall – even if it’s for just a week or two. Once they experience how much fun Winter Texans have, they’ll want to come back, year after year. So, pick up some extra copies of the Winter Texan Times and this Winter Texan Appreciation Edition to take home with you to share with your friends. And be sure to tell them about the fun activities you enjoy in your park, such as jam sessions and professional entertainers, craft sales and pancake breakfasts, dinners and ice cream socials, movie nights and special park activities. Did I mention dances? Country dances, variety dances, square dances, round dances. You name it and you can find it – if not in your park, then there’s probably another park just down the road that offers just what you like. Depending on the park or resort where you stay, you may have some great park amenities to enjoy such as a swimming pool, billiards, wood working shops, RC racetracks, and yes, even shuffleboard. We keep hearing from folks that they’ve been to Arizona and Florida, but they love coming to the Rio Grande Valley because the people are more friendly, the cost of living is less expensive (especially the great entertainment at bargain prices), and the short distance to neighboring park activities makes it really convenient and easy to enjoy many different shows and events. So, tell your friends back home about all these great reasons for coming to the Valley. Of course, one of the best parts of being a Winter Texan is making new friends here who share much in common, and becoming part of the community in your favorite RV or mobile home resort. So, let your friends know about all the friends you have made here and how much fun it is to enjoy these activities together with good friends. On behalf of the RV resorts, mobile home parks, local businesses and cities and towns all across the Rio Grande Valley, we want to let you know how much we appreciate “our” Winter Texans. You are important to us and we hope we have made you feel welcome. You are our good friends, and we will miss you when you leave. So, have a wonderful summer. Be safe! And we look forward to your return in the fall. Don’t forget to take some extra copies of the Winter Texan Times with you to share with your friends up north. Warm regards,
Jim Brunson Publisher
The Winter Texan Spring Appreciation Edition Published by Progress Times
© 2017 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 Reporters: Kathy Olivarez, Henry Miller Advertising: Dee Rendon , Maribel Perez 1217 North Conway, Mission, Texas 78572
progresstimes Your hometown newspaper serving Mission and Western Hidalgo County Since 1972
956-585-4893
Email: news@ptrgv.com
www.ptrgv.com
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
4
Winter Texans love the RGV lifestyle By Henry Miller When Anne and Steven Howell first came to the Rio Grande Valley, it was just for a quick visit with Anne’s brother and family who lived in Green Gate Grove RV Park in Mission. The Howells were scheduled just for a three-day, in-and-out trip before heading back to their home in Ogden, Utah. But the Valley – commonly referred to as the “Magic Valley” in the early to mid-1900s - can put quite an impression on first-time visitors, especially when they trek through these parts in the dead of winter. Temperatures reaching the 80s and 90s in late February is much more appealing than Ogden’s normal winter temperature on Feb. 27 of 45 as a high and 31 as a low. And Ogden had a Winter Weather Advisory for the week with temperatures as low as 16 and up to a 70-percent chance of snow, ice, or rain. At the time, the Howells were closing in on retirement age and, even though this wasn’t exactly a scouting mission to South Texas, the trip left the couple with positive vibes – so they kept coming back to visit. With children around the country in Utah, Missouri and Arizona, the Howells
had already looked at a more centrally located area – a mountainous region with big pine trees, elk and deer running around. But something was pulling at the couple. That was the Rio Grande Valley. “[Arizona] ended up being our second choice,” said Steven, who attended – and tries to attend each year – the annual Mega Winter Texan Fiesta, sponsored by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce in February. “Being from Utah, where there’s lots of snow in the winter, it’s nice down here.” The Mega Winter Texan Fiesta is a weekend festival with crafts and wares made in Mexico, food, giveaways and plenty of entertainment. The Howells were just getting settled in at Leo Peña Placita Park prior to Elvis impersonator Bill Chrastil took center stage to the enjoyment of his audience. Chrastil, named the 2017 Entertainer of the Year by the Winter Texans at the Valley Star Awards, is one of the highly popular entertainers performing shows at Winter Texan RV parks all across the Valley during the winter season. “The Winter Texans are a huge part of See RGV LIFE STYLE pg. 7
Bill Chrastil performed his Elvis routine to the delight of Winter Texans at the Mission Winter Texan Fiesta.
Transforming Lives...
La Joya ISD
Transforming Communities!
Welcoming New Members! Howling Trails Golf Course would like the opportunity to offer you 10% off of golf memberships for all new members in 2017.
For any questions please call Raul Gutierrez.
Hope to see you soon! Hours of Operation: Mon.-Sun. 7am - 6:30pm
7400 W. Expressway 83 • Mission, TX • 956-585-6330
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
MISSION
WINTER TEXAN FIESTA
THANKS FOR COMING. SEE YOU IN THE FALL.
5
6
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
Located right in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley,
Come Discover
Mission, Texas! • Beautiful birds - over 400 species • Colorful butterflies - over 200 species • Mouthwatering grapefruit and oranges • Historical sites • World Birding Center at Bentsen State Park • National Butterfly Center • Butterfly Gardens • Luscious Golf Greens • Flavorful Mexican Cuisine • Fiestas & Traditions • Texas Citrus Fiesta • Texas Butterfly Festival • Friendly locals & so much more...
www.missionchamber.com 202 W Tom Landry St., Mission, TX 78572 • (956) 585-2727
RGV LIFE STYLE
From pg. 4 the economy here even if they are only here seasonally,” said Josh Stockel, President and CEO at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. “We want to make sure from the tourism standpoint that we are always accommodating to them, appreciate them and that they are welcome. This event is to do just that, to let them know the city of Mission is excited to have you here and we want you to come back.” While the event is a thank you specifically to the winter visitors who live in the Mission area, it is a general appreciation
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
weekend to all of them. “From what we heard it was one of the better ones we had in a long time,” Stockel said. The chamber gave away 3,000 barbeque sandwich dinners, an annual thank you gift. This year, the chamber had 3,000 T-shirts printed up highlighting some of the area’s popular attractions such as the World Birding Center and National Butterfly Center. It was very popular among those at the event. “We had heard and seen that the Winter Texans pick up and wear a lot of RGV area T-shirts but we really hadn’t seen any that had a Mission theme,” Stockel said. “So we made and gave away those shirts as an-
other thank you. It was a great event with perfect weather and the entertainment was just fantastic.” The fiesta had entertainment suited for an eclectic taste, from Chrastil and his high-energy Elvis singing and dancing to Johnny Ray Gomez’s entertaining style of humor and accordion playing. There was plenty of country music on hand as well with Mama’s Wranglers, Richard Lynch and Regan James, Terry Smith, described as a country music singer and a prolific “songwriter with a different touch” also performed. Smith wrote the song “Far-Side Banks of Jordan,” which was sung by June Carter
7 Cash in the end of the opening scene of Robert Duvall’s “The Apostle” and is on the film’s soundtrack. According to his website, Terrysmith.us, the song “was also recorded by the Cox Family and Alison Krauss on their 1995 Grammy-winning project, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.” The Howells, like many winter visitors, are an active couple. Within their own parks, they say it’s like family. They also have friends from other parks that they mingle with on a regular basis. Often, residents from one park are found in other parks, socializing and checking out See RGV LIFE STYLE pg.18
MARCH MADNESS 60 DAYS FREE LOT RENT
WHEN YOU BUY A HOME LISTED WITH RANCHERO SALES OFFER EXPIRES AT MIDNIGHT ON MARCH 31ST, 2017 • VALID AT RANCHERO VILLAGE & RIO VALLEY ESTATES
Rio Valley Estates 715 N. Westgate Dr., Weslaco 78596 (Sister Park to Ranchero Village)
RioValleyEstates@gmail.com RV & Manufactured Home Park for 55+ “Winter Texans” and full time residents!
956-968-2708
Amenities include:
• Swimming Pool & Hot Tub • Recreation Hall • Shuffleboard Courts • Gated Senior Community • Laundry Facilities • Shower Facilities • Full Hookups Available • Weslaco to Rio Valley Estates
Free!!! With Purchase of a New Model Home: Free Lot Rent – (For One Year!) Free Concrete Drive Free Skirting Free Carport Full Hookups Available
Homes by Ranchero Sales, License #MHDRET0035769 Website: www.RioValleyEstates.com
8
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
Winter Texans from Germany love the wide open spaces of Texas
By Kathy Olivarez Mike and Renate Richardson of Hameln, Germany have been traveling to the United States since 1989 on vacations and have now settled in Southern Oasis retirement community in Mission for the winter season. We love the wide open spaces and warm weather found in Texas,” says Renate. “In Germany there is very little open space.” Renate is a German native while Mike is originally from England and speaks “the King’s English” which gets him teased by his golfing buddies. Hameln, Germany is the town where the fairy tale of the Pied Piper of Hamlin originated. Renate says that during the summer each year plays depicting the fairy tales are put on for tourists visiting the village. When the celebrations are going on, the bakers in town make a special loaf of bread in the shape of a rat. Hameln is located in a part of Germany referred to as Fairy Tale Road. The castle where Sleeping Beauty once lived is not far away. They are also less than 100 kilometers from the forest where Hansel and Gretel found the witch. Renate is unsure whether there is a gingerbread house trimmed with candy located in the forest. But the origins of many German fairy tales are close by so tourists can drive the Fairy
Tale Road while visiting Germany. “In Germany there are many little villages one after another, and very little open space. While we do have some interesting sights such as the Haemelschenburg Castle built in 1588 during the Renaissance, that could not be seen in the United States, Mike and I prefer to visit the wide open spaces of Texas. Their first trip to the United States was in 1989 when they visited their neighbor’s daughter, who married an American serviceman and now lives here. On that trip they also journeyed to Yellowstone and into Montana. They were impressed by the friendliness of the people. They met a man in a bar who invited them to stay overnight in his home in Wolf Point, Montana, a rustic rural area of the state. Because of their accents, people everywhere were inquisitive and wanted to know where they were from. The man from Montana sent them to visit his sister, who lives on a ranch in South Dakota where they watched a branding round-up and saw what active ranch life was like. “You can’t see those sorts of things or have those kinds of experiences staying on a Dude Ranch,” states Renate. In 1990 they decided to return and flew See OPEN SPACES pg. 9
J&D
COLLISION
580-2810
AUTO COLLISION REPAIR A FULL SERVICE BODY SHOP
Serving Mission Since 198 5
1015 KIKA DE LA GARZA • MISSION TX
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
Martin Valley Ranches
OPEN SPACES
From pg. 08 into Los Angeles where they rented a car and spent seven weeks traveling throughout the west. They saw Death Valley, went to Las Vegas, came through the southwest and zigzagged down to Harlingen where they rented an old trailer and spent three weeks. “We were exotic and the people in the park accepted us and showed us around. We saw the Los Ebanos Ferry, fell in love with the old Pepe’s, and South Padre Island. They became friends with a couple from South Dakota. We hated it when we had to leave.” When we came back in 1994 we bought an old 22-foot Winnebago to travel in. They crossed the Mexican border at Tecate and traveled into Baja California before coming to the Valley and staying in San Benito. They loved the time they spent traveling in Mexico while staying in Texas in winter and regret it is no longer safe to travel in many parts of Mexico. When asked what their favorite part of the United States was, Mike said his was the Arches National Park in Utah. He loves the beauty of nature. Renate recalled one year when they came in winter. She stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon in bitterly cold weather and looked across its beauty and felt as if she were at the beginning of creation. There is nothing to compare to it in Europe.
9
Family Owned and Operated By The Martin Family!
Howling Trails Public Golf Course Next Door
Leisure Valley Ranch
55+ Retirement Community
RV & BRICK HOME LOTS FOR SALE!
Why rent? Buy your RV lot 40 x 75 Mike and Renate Richardson of Hameln, Germany
“America is so blessed to have two oceans, mountains and everything in between,” Renate states. “There is so much incredible scenery in the outdoors. We love traveling here.” Although they love nature, they have also traveled to places like New Orleans and Branson, Missouri. One summer they did Alaska. One year they visited the east coast and saw New England and Plymouth Rock. Although Mike was born in Wales, it was because his mother had been evacuated from England during World War II. When it was over they returned to their home in PlymSee OPEN SPACES pg. 10
for $9,500 - $8,500
With your floor plan or ours built to suit. Owner financing to fit your income schedule, ask for details.
$149,500
Custom Build the Home of your Dreams at Martin Valley & Leisure Valley Ranches
SPEC HOMES ON DISPLAY 24 RV lots and 9 home lots left.
FOR MORE INFORMATION COME VISIT OR CALL (712)389-2935
7400 W. Exp. 83 • Mission, Tx • 956-585-2131
Safe Travels, Winter Texans!
400 W Veterans Blvd. Palmview, TX 78572
www.CityofPalmview.com
POLICE DEPT. (956) 432-0303 FIRE DEPT. (956) 432-0308 CITY HALL (956) 432-0300 MUNICIPAL COURT (956) 432-0327 PARKS & REC. (956) 432-0310 REPULIC SEVICES(Trash) (956) 423-7316 AGUA SUD (Water) (956) 585-2459 AEP (Electricity) 1-800-277-2177
Gerardo Perez Mayor
Joselito Hernandez Mayor Pro-Tem
Ricardo Villarreal Councilman
Ramon Segovia - City Manager
Javier Ramirez Councilman
Joel Garcia Councilman
Linda Sarabia Councilwoman
David Nacianceno -Assistant City Manager
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
10
OUR PALM SUNDAY MARCH ON April 9, 2017 TO LA LOMITA AND 'DIA DEL CAMPO' PICNIC IS OUR 'HAPPY TRAILS' CELEBRATION 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!
PADRES OBLATOS THE FATHERS: † FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY († MAGNA, † SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, † CHUNKLY, † GIRLY, VALENTINE, NEWLY, BENDITO, CANTINA, & CHARLOTTE)
THE MISSIONARY CATECHIST OF THE POOR: SR. LUPITA DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZABETH, SR. BIBIANA & SR. MADONNA † DEACON AYALA, DEACON CASTANEDA
620 Dunlap, Mission, TX • 585-2623
one Block WesT of conWaY on Magna Drive (6Th sT.)
OPEN SPACES
From pg. 09 outh, England. Now he has seen both Plymouths. Mike joined the military at age 15. During his military years he traveled to Singapore, South America, Russia, France and other military destinations. He spent eight months at the Horn of Africa and visited Yemen before being sent to duty in Germany where he met Renate at a German Mardi Gras party. They have had a number of adventures in their travels. One time in Mexico they were driving an old van in a pitch black night when it broke down in the middle of nowhere. They were really scared. A man came by on a bicycle and they gave him $40 to go buy the part they thought they needed, not knowing if he would or not. Nobody had the part but a man came back in a truck and towed them to a little town where his shop was not much more than a shed with a few tools. The part was unavailable but through some “fancy mechanics” he was able to get the vehicle started but told them not to turn it off until they got somewhere they could get help. They drove all the way to Tucson without turning the vehicle off. Once it was turned off, it never started again. When they decided to retire in the states and spend their winters here, they considered Florida but decided on Texas instead because it was in the middle of the country and they could travel east or west from the
Valley. Also the cost of living was less in the Valley. They can play two rounds of golf in Texas for what it costs to pay one in Florida. They spent one Christmas at Chimney Park with friends and decided they liked the Upper Valley the most. Eventually, they bought a home in Southern Oasis in Mission where they stay for six months a year, and travel on occasion to other locations. They travel back and forth to Europe on cruise ships. They arrived in Tampa, Florida in 2016 when the cruise ships were being brought back from Europe. They will return to Tampa in April and take the ocean cruise to Barcelona and travel back to Germany from there. They sold their home in Germany, so while spending summers in Europe, they often travel to exotic locations like Africa where they visit the sights such as Kenya and Gambia. They have made trips to Dubai, India and China where they have seen the Great Wall of China. “It is much more economical to fly in Europe than it is in the United States,” say Renate. The one place she has not been in Europe that she would like to go is Venice. “People ask us if we are not afraid to travel so much to foreign lands,” says Renate. “But we seldom feel unsafe anywhere we go. If something happens while we are in a foreign land – well that is just our destiny. We are not going to let fear stop us from traveling. It is a passion we share.”
Thank You Winter Texans! Medicaid • Medicare • Workman’s Comp • Chips • Private Insurance
We Specialize in: • Diabetic Shoes • Nebulizers • Prescription Drugs • Wheelchairs • Adult & Children’s Diapers • Diabetic Supplies • Full Line DME Supplies • Specialty Compounding Available • We Carry Relano Diabetic Shoes • Free Pickup & Delivery of Prescriptions
Checks Welcome
Alberto Vela, R. Ph. 956.583.2700 1242 E. Bus. 83 #7 • Mission Fred Morón, R. Ph. 956.581.5499 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy. • Mission
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
11
See You Next Fall! ears in Business!! Y 5 3
Thank You Winter Texans! Safe Travels!
COUPON
10 Off
$
a/C OR BRakE SERvICE w/coupon Exp. 3-31-17
COUPON
3 Off
$
OIl CHaNgE WITH
FREE
15-POINT INSPECTION w/coupon Exp. 3-31-17
COUPON
Bring your TLC Pharmacy Bottle and Receive
5 Off
$
aNY SERvICE w/coupon Exp. 3-31-17
E ith FREfries w ut rger. e c h fres any buark Badg P ow
*Sh
1015 S. Intnl. Blvd #1 Weslaco, TX (956) 351-5533 409 N Bryan Rd. Mission, TX #2 956-205-2940 Like us on Facebook
12
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition 704 E. Griffing Pkw. Mission, Texas Mon. - Fri. 11am - 3pm 956-519-5151 ALL YOU CAN EAT SOUP & SALAD BUFFET ONLY $8.99
10% Off With This Ad WWW.SEABREEZESOUPNSALAD.COM
Museum announces winners of annual quilt show
By Kathy Olivarez The Mission Historical Museum held an awards ceremony Friday, Feb. 10, at announce the winners of the 11th annual Mission Quilt Show, sponsored by the Winter Texan Times. The largest group of quilters the museum had attend an awards ceremony was present with museum personnel estimating a crowd of 70 people. Winners were as follows: In the Wall Hanging Division first place went to Ethel Skulmoski with “Butterflies and Pansies.” Second place went to Fran Wessel with “Mexican Wedding.” And third place went to Pat Cooper with “Broke Hearts,” In the machine-quilted bed quilts, Joyce Sauter won first place with “Lost at Sea.” Carla Mewhiwney earned second place with “Ruby Sparkler.” Lynne Benson won a third place ribbon with “Moroccan Tiles.” Joyce Sauter’s “Lost at Sea” be quilt also captured the Best of the Show award. This award is selected by the quilt show judges, who examine many fine details of the quilts, such as the stitching, as well as the artistic design. In the Hand-Quilted Bed Quilts Shirley Corpe won first place with “Kiko’s Kimono.” Second place went to Sandra New-
land with “Double Wedding Ring.” And third place went to Pauline Bales with “Yoyo Quilt’ and sham. Viewers’ Choice, selected by those who visited the quilt show and voted for their favorite quilt, went to Lynn Baxter with “One Block Wonder.” Following the presentations, Nancy Lenz, local quilting expert, gave a presentation on several older quilts and some antique quilts, that were not entered into competition but had an interesting story to tell. The first quilt was a patchwork sample. According to the information provided by the owner, her mother made the quilt for a demonstration for a patchwork class she taught in Denver, Colorado. The quilt took four years, from 1978 to 1982 to complete. It was pieced and quilted by hand and used several different quilt patterns in the square. In spite of severe arthritis in her hands, she continued to quilt until the last year of her life at the age of 91. The second quilt was made with the pattern Philomena’s Cross. The quilt has a feed sack backing and was quilted by the owner’s grandmother, who raised 15 children and quilted before her death in 1948. See QUILT WINNERS pg. 13
Fast-Reliable-Affordable
ALL INSURANCE WORK IS WELCOME We specialize in collision repair, so you can count on us for quality work at a great price.
• State-of-the-art frame straightening • Custom color matching • Dents and dings removed
We Repair RVs We work with all RV Insurance
956-580-1999 300 W. Exp. 83 • Mission, TX 78572
Conveniently located on the Expressway
QUILT WINNERS
From pg. 12 Each of the 15 children had their own quilt. While her mother’s was used by the nine children in her family, the owner inherited the quilt on display from her Aunt Margaret. The third and fourth quilts had no information provided. One was a double wedding ring pattern. The owner said he found them in a box inside a shed on the property he bought. When he attempted to use the quilt to cover plants during the cold weather, he “received a severe scolding from the quilter next door,” who convinced him of their value. When he saw the article in the Winter Texan Times asking for old quilts for the program, he decided to bring the quilt and see if he could learn something about it. The other was made in an “Old Stars” pattern. The owner said she bought it at a thrift shop for $5 and did not know its history. The next quilt was a variation of the Log Cabin quilt that was originally owned by Fredricka Dayloff Glawe, who was born in 1870 and died in 1923. It was passed down from a daughter to a grandson. The top of the quilt was dated to the late 1800s and quilted in 2007-2008 by the Square Quilters of the Rio Grande Valley. A crazy quilt came next. It was inspired by a pattern in Woman’s Day magazine in 1964. It was pieced in 54 blocks, embroidered and then assembled. The owner got
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
help with the quilt from a neighbor, who was a fabric salesman and gave her his samples free of charge when the fabrics he was selling changed. A crazy quilt is not quilted, just lined. Another quilt, had no pattern name, but was created in 1929 by the owner’s aunt who gave it to her. A second quilt with no pattern name was made by Evangelina Zuniga with polyester materials from the 1970s. The last five quilts were owned by the same collector and purchased at different locations. The first was a Bird, Flower and State Quilt with each block representing a different state. The second was a patchwork, the third a string of beads, the next one was another patchwork and the last one was a fan quilt.
Joyce Sauter created the first place quilt in the Machine-quilted Bed Quilt category, titled “Lost at Sea.”
13
Shirley Corpe’s “Kiko’s Kimono” won first place in the Hand-quilted Bed Quilt category.
Ethel Skulmoski won first place in the Wall Hanging category with her “Butterflies & Pansies” cre- Lynn Baxter’s “One Block Wonder” won the Viewers Choice Award. ation.
SHARYLAND DENTAL CARE
I am so appreciative and grateful to have a Dentist who focuses on me, the patient when I visit Sharyland Dental and Dr. Young. The staff is always so friendly, informative and strive to make sure my time with them is a comfortable and pleasant experience. Any time I have a dental emergency, Dr. Brann and the staff at Sharyland Dental make every effort to see me as soon as possible. I know that I will receive the best care, knowledge and services when in their hands. Yes, dental work in Mexico is less expensive but I have experienced the downside to low cost dental work. Trying to find a cheaper dentist ultimately cost me a lot more money to repair and a lot more pain to endure. So I make sure to refer Sharyland Dental to all my friends and family because I know they too will be met with the most friendly and professional care that I have. Jennifer Alvarado, Betancourt CPA Firm, Staff Accountant
GENERAL DENTISTRY
EXCEPTIONAL CARE Since 1982
2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. – Mission, TX Timothy W. Brann D.D.S.
956-581-2773
Richard A. Young D.D.S.
14
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
Festival of Tables attracted Red Hatters from all over RGVTP
956.202.0122
30 yrs. Experience in the Construction Business
Bonded and Insured • Electrical - A/C - Plumbing Free estimates on: • Roofing - Siding - Carpentry - Flooring-Decks -Patios-Fencing Local Mission Business 1821 N Glasscock Rd. Mission TX 78572
Salvador Vela Mayor
By Kathy Olivarez There were red hats galore at the biggest Red Hat event of the season, the Festival of Tables held at the Nomad Shrine Hall in Pharr on Jan. 31, attracted approximately 250 ladies from Red Hat Society groups all over the Rio Grande Valley. Jan Bergman and Margie Peart were co-hostesses for the event. Different groups set up tables with decorations of all kinds for the ladies to look at and get ideas for entertaining. Themes ranged from holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Valentine’s Day to other themes including Texas and Las Vegas. There were tables dressed for the Netherlands and for Scotland. Some tables had sports themes like the Minnesota Vikings, and the Chicago Cubs. There were specialized themes like Mardi Gras, Sioux Indians, a bridge table, an angel theme, a Red Hat Ladies theme and even a ladybug table. Don’t forget the chocolate table of the summer picnic table. One table was quite unique bearing a statue of three Red Hat Ladies with a gentleman. The hostess told the Winter Texan
Arturo R. Galvan Jr. Mayor Pro-Tem
Ricardo Garza Commissioner
H Times her nephew had it commissioned as a gift for her sister. The three Red Hat Ladies were three sisters and the gentleman sitting with them was their brother. When her sister died, she inherited the statue and was quite proud of it. It was a lovely work of art and a thoughtful gift on the nephew’s part. Though there was no hat contest this time, Shirley Hawkins of the Dazzling Dolphins had a special red hat bearing a giant butterfly she purchased at a convention in Branson. It was quite dazzling. There were several other elegant hats on the ladies as well. The ladies walked around the room taking in the theme of each table and getting ideas for themselves. Then they went to the table where their tickets said they should sit and met ladies from groups around the Valley who attended and discussed some of the thing going on in their groups. After lunch, French Canadian J.C. Harrisson entertained the ladies for an hour with songs from George Strait like “Write
Richard Arevalo Commissioner
City of Alton
See RED HATTERS pg. 15
Emilio Cantu Jr. Commissioner
Thank you, Winter Texans. We’re proud to have you as neighbors and friends. See you next Fall!
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
I started Loving You Again,” and “Waltz Across Texas.” From pg. 14 The tables were elegant, the food was This Down,” and Merle Haggard like “I’m good, and the ladies loved the entertainProud to be an Okie from Muskogee.” ment. It was a good day for Red Hatters He sang a variety of songs like, “Today, across the Valley.
RED HATTERS
15
1954 - 2017 In Our 63th Year of Service
A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS SINCE 1954
In 1954, Mission businessman Ben Cavazos opened Mission Auto Electric, Inc. Now, M.A.E. Power Equipment, we have a reputation for selling top quality products and having excellent service. M.A.E. Power Equipment is an Onan, and Generac generator service center.
CERTIFIED ONAN R/V GENERATOR SERVICE
SCAG
®
eXmark
®
®
ONAN
GENERATORS Certified Onan R/V Generator Service
915 West Business 83 • Mission Tel. (956) 581-7433
HAVE A SAFE TRIP! SEE YOU IN THE FALL! We are here to meet your nursing and rehabilitation needs. Our services are aimed at returning you to living the life you love.
“We Sell The Best And Service The Rest” 1013 S. Bryan Rd. • MIssion, TX
(956) 580-2100 Mission
EXP. 83 MISSION HOSPITAL
BRYAN RD.
Sheila Durham was the hostess for this table using a Red Hat Dolls motif.
McAllen
MISSION NURSING HOME
BOTTOM L TO R: Sylvia Gonzalez, BOM; Tanya Carrillo, HR; Sandra Naranjo, Medical Records; Sarah Omoso, RN, MDS Coordinator; Isabel Flores, Administrator; Gaye Springer, LVN, Supervisor; Elisa Larson, RN, MDS Coordinator; Lisa Garcia, Admissions Coordinator. BACK L TO R: Gian Mira, AIT; Jorge Hinojosa, LVN, Supervisor; Clarence Suento, DON; Rogelio Fuentes, Dietary Manager; Carl Zayas, Social Worker.
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
16
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.
Prompt, Professional Service Reasonable Rates Get ready for the days ahead with our specially priced Fall air-conditioning service. “Quality Services All Year ‘Round” Owner: EDDIE ALEJOS
Mission, TX 78572 Office: (956) 585-9675 • Mobile: (956) 605-7752
Coil Wash • Low Overhead • Lower Prices
50 Off Indoor Coil Wash $
Exp. 3/31/17
Licensed & Insured • TACLB15529E
Convenient Access
Fully Fenced, Key Entry
Spring Air Conditioner
55
No Deposit Required!
Low Monthly Rates
Now Accepting Credit Cards
Ed’s Air Conditioning Service Check Up $
Move in Special for Winter Texans!
Gates Open 7 Day a Week Boat & Trailer Storage Available
ARK STORAGE 1210 U.S. 83 Business, Palmview, TX (956) 584-5788
www.arkstorage.net
& MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO. HOSPITAL BEDS • COMPUTERIZED PRESCRIPTIONS • I.V. NUTRITION WHEELCHAIRS • OXYGEN & RESPIRATORY THERAPY EQUIPMENT DIABETIC SHOES
Open 7am to 12 am - 7 Days a Week* (South Store Only) * 1901 S. 1st • McAllen
7 a.m. - Midnight • 7 days a week
686-3716
630-5500
5120 N. 10th St. • McAllen 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Mon. - Sat.
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
17
Jesus Saenz, R.Ph.
Spring into one of our many convienient locations!
PRIVATE PARAFFIN SPA
Open: Mon. - Sat. 8:30am - 5:00pm
L to R: Esmeralda, Pam, Mary, and Gen
Specializing In:
• Shampoo & Set • Haircuts • Perms • Tinting • Basic Steam Facials • Specializing in Foils • Manicures & Pedicures
216 N. Mayberry • Mission • 585-1287
212 Lindberg • McAllen • (956) 630-6465 6900 N. 10th St. #6 • McAllen • (956) 928-0911 1200 E. Ridge Rd #13 • McAllen • (956) 630-2500 801 E. Nolana Loop #22 • McAllen • (956) 687-2500 2821 Michael Angelo Dr #103 • Edinburg • (956) 618-4500 2121 E Griffin Pkwy. #18 • Mission • (956) 519-6500 3201 W. Epx. 83 #1 • Peñitas • (956) 585-2704
saenzpharmacy.com
Safe Travels!
VA L L EY M E M O R I A L For more information please call:
956-994-1238
Part of the DIGNITY MEMORIAL network
Bring this Ad & Receive
$2 Off a Bucket * Valid one coupon per customer
Expires: April 30, 2017
A BETTER VALUE for Valley Memorial Families AT-NEED DIRECT CREMATION SERVICES ONLY
790
$
00
SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATE
*Includes basic service of Funeral Director and Staff, transfer of Remains to the Funeral Establishment, transfer to and from crematory and the crematory fee. One Coupon per cremation service and cannot be combined with other offers. expires 5/31/17
www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
18
Valley-Wide
I’ll Pay Cash... for your MOBILE HOME Travel Trailer, Park Model Fifth Wheels & Cars Call: Jerry Garcia 956-929-3842
I’ll make you a good deal!”
RGV LIFE STYLE
From pg. 07 what new things they have to offer. That’s something else the Howells enjoyed and weighed in on their decision making. “The Winter Texans are very active down here; they’re playing shuffleboard, golf, pickle ball, tennis, going to events like this,” Steven said. “There is a lot to do and many places to visit. The lifestyle is excellent.” Gisele and Ed Hache have been returning to the Pleasant Valley Resort in Mission for 21 years, coming from New Brunswick, Ontario, Canada – a mere 2,600-plus miles north of the Rio Grande Valley. They’re not 100 percent excited about all of the growth, especially the traffic on the expressway, but that’s a minor concern compared to concerns in other areas they may have moved to. “Everything else is just great,” Ed said. “The people, the temperature, the cost of living. You can’t beat it. There’s a lot to do all year round and you don’t have to worry about snow and freezing weather. There’s a lot of good things here but the people are the best. They’re really friends; they welcomed us with open arms. They get an A-plus.” Steven Howell echoes those sentiments. While they only visited the Val-
ley for a couple days on the first trip, that home-away-from home feeling had already begun to settle in. “Once you get down here, you just kinda settle in real quick and want to come back,” said Steven, whose status turned to permanent resident two years ago. “We used to come for four months, now we’re here permanently. We just fell into the Valley.” The Howells were scheduled to compete in the Golden Age Olympics, directed by the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department the week they were interviewed for this article. A six-week event at several sites with dozens of events and competitions, the Golden Age Olympics will have hundreds of Winter Texans register and compete for championships in sports like shuffleboard, petanque and the latest craze, pickle ball. “It’s nice that we have the same sport we love to play,” Steven said. “And this is the Golden Age Olympics pickle ball week. You just don’t find these types of things everywhere and so accessible, like this event. It’s great entertainment and just a terrific way to meet more people and enjoy another day.”
ays Make sure it s
AL NATIOPN RESS LUBE EX’s Fast
“America NUTE Lube Team”
ANGE
ube Express. m”
0 M-F, 8-5 Sat.
2
OVER
MILLION VEHICLES SERVED
ATIONS VALLEY-WIDE
na • McAllen -2249 h • McAllen -5823
917 E. University • Edinburg 383-1334 Exp 83 & Conway • Mission
581-5823
ica • Brownsville 1708 W. Griffin Pkwy • Mission -5823 580-1444 s. 83 • Weslaco 602 S. Jackson • Edinburg 381-6457 -7659
Exp. 281 & Nolana • Pharr 782-5823
No Appointment Needed Mon.-Fri. 8:30am to 6pm Sat. 8am - 5pm
10 Locations Valleywide 2217 Nolana St 917 E. University Dr 3065 Boca Chica McAllen, TX 78504-4126 Edinburg, TX 78539-3633 Blvd (956) 631-2249 (956) 383-1334 Brownsville, TX 78521-3507 503 N 10th St 602 S. Jackson Rd (956) 541-5823 McAllen, TX 78501-4511 Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 631-5823 (956) 381-6457 119 E.US Highway 83 Mission, TX 78572 (956) 581-5823
102 W Nolana Rd Pharr, TX 78577-9655 (956) 782-5823
1708 W. Griffin Parkway Mission, TX 78572 (956) 580-1444
1519 W. US Highway 83 Weslaco, TX 78596-5654 (956) 968-7659
NEW LOCATION!
1704 S. Sugar Rd. Edinburg TX, 78539 (956) 720-4095
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
19
Texas Division Wilder Corporation
Don’t Hibernate - Migrate
We want to make 2016/2017 a year for recognizing our Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters. With proper ID we will offer special daily and weekly rates for them.
CHOOSE FROM 8 DIFFERENT RV PARKS IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
RV Resort 5401 Bus. 83 • Harlingen, TX 78552 956-428-4414 www.parkplaceestatesrv.com
Free WiFi
Alamo Rose RV Resort S. Alamo Rd. • Alamo, TX. 78516 956-783-2600 www.alamoroserv.com Trophy Gardens Leave your coat and bring your swimsuit RV Resort 800 FM 495 Alamo, TX 78516 956-787-7717
501 W. Owassa Rd. • Pharr, TX 78577 956-787-6538 www.texastrailsrv.com
101 East Sioux Rd. • Pharr, TX 78577 956-787-9959 www.tipotexasrv.com
www.trophygardens.com
1401 S. Cage Blvd. • Pharr, TX 78577 956-787-5957 www.tropicstarrv.com
Adult Retirement Community
Winter Ranch RV Resort 600 FM 495 • Alamo, TX 78516 956-781-1358 www.winterranchrv.com
Blue Bonnet RV Park 3366 N. Bentsen Palm Dr. Mission, TX 78574 • 956-585-7630 www.bluebonnetrvpark.com
Come down to the WARM Rio Grande Valley of Texas
20
The Winter Texan - 2017 Spring Edition
Lone Star Legacy Club
™
An Exciting Club for Folks Who Are “50 Years Young” Visit any one of our Lone Star National Bank locations throughout South Texas and open your Lone Star Legacy Club™ checking account today to start enjoying the benefits of being a member.
Club Features:
As a Lone Star Legacy Club™ member you will enjoy many features such as: • Legacy Express e-newsletter designed especially for Lone Star Legacy Club™ members. • Membership meetings with special topics of interest. • Adventurous and exciting trips, tours and cruises are accessible to all Lone Star Legacy Club™ members. To start planning your next getaway call 1-800-568-9890.
1-800-580-0322 www.lonestarnationalbank.com