Welcome Home Winter Texan : Issue 1 : October 21, 2015

GOLF ANYONE?

Tee Time in the RGV features South Padre Island Golf Club!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Check out our weekly listings of what’s happening in the RGV!

RECIPE CONNECTION!

SPI’s Executive Chef Bettina Tolin shares one of her recipes!

Welcome Home See review on page 10.

See calendar on page 8.

ISSUE 1 • October 21, 2015

Try her recipe on page 21.

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WINTER TEXAN

• • • the official connection to the rio grande valley • • •

Save the Dates for the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival November 4 – 8, 2015

By Chris Ardis

Welcome Home, Winter Texans!

For those of you who have just arrived, I want to wish you a big South Texas welcome. For our Converted Texans, I’m happy we made it through another hot summer!

The season is off to an exciting start, especially for us at Welcome Home RGV. This is the first issue of our now-weekly publication. For the last five years, we have served you, monthly, with our entertainment and event schedules, but now we look forward to bringing you park news, events, and much, much more on a weekly basis. We hope you enjoy our new format, and we especially hope that you are as excited as we are about it!!!

Throughout the long, hot summer we worked on this labor of love, and it is so much fun to see it all coming together. I’d love for you

to drop me a note or give us a call with your thoughts, suggestions, and comments. This paper is for YOU, so we want to make sure it reflects your interests and your hobbies. But, most of all, we want it to highlight the fun and friendships that abound in the Rio Grande Valley every October through April. We also know that food is an important piece to the puzzle, so inside you will find recipes, restaurant reviews, and, of course, coupons to Valley eateries. And please don’t miss where we ask YOU to let us know about the Valley dish YOU love!

It is an honor to serve our retirement community, whether you are a Winter Texan, a Converted Texan, or an RGV native. Please let us know what you think about the paper. Let’s raise our glasses to an exciting winter season! • We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

The

22nd Annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, being held November 4-8, will offer several activities that should interest Winter Texans, even if you are not active birdwatchers. The event will be held at Harlingen’s Municipal Auditorium, located at 1204 Fairpark Boulevard.

Friday, Nov. 6, at 10:30 a.m., a free GET STARTED BIRDING program will be presented. Learn about the local Rio Grande Valley Birds or learn how to choose and use binoculars from Eagle Optics representative Ben Lizda. Among the guest speakers will be authors Jan Dunlap (Birder Murder Mysteries) and Jim Foster (Birding Trails). Great DOOR PRIZES, too!

Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11:00 a.m., enjoy a free EXTREME RAPTOR SHOW featuring birds of prey like

you’ve never seen them before, with eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.

This show hosts the largest travelling tour group of raptors in the world.

Additional shorter raptor shows will be held daily in the Trade Show at 1 and 3 p.m.

There’s something to see every day. Go to RGVBF.ORG for more information. •

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSORS

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

Sit-n-Knit at The Lamb’s Loom: Sharing Love and Fun

By Chris Ardis

Did

you know McAllen has a yarn shop? Well, YES it does!!! The Lamb’s Loom is a 501 (c)(3), nonprofit prayer shawl ministry, and the yarn shop has been opened as an extension of this ministry to help fund all that goes on around here.

The Lamb’s Loom works with various missionaries around the world to provide prayer shawls, hats, and scarves to those who need them.

This all began about ten years ago when friends got together to learn to loom knit, knit, and crochet prayer shawls and caps to send around the world with missionaries and to make gifts and things for friends and family. They called themselves the KnitWits, short for Knitting a Witness for Christ.

After all this time of yarn and looms in the back of cars, boxes stuffed under beds and filling closets, they “kinda outgrew” what they could accomplish. They just knew there was more. So, a few members of the group formed a non-profit to help

Welcome Home

®

WINTER TEXAN

the official connection to the Rio Grande Valley

Publisher Kristi Collier

projects for show-and-tell and to just, in general, have fun!

The shop portion is growing daily, with shipments of yarn and notions.

They also have handcrafted gifts for sale by some very wonderful consignment friends.

The Lamb’s Loom thanks you for all of your support for their shop. This helps fund the prayer shawl ministry, sending hugs and prayers around the world! Drop on by and sit-n-knit.•

fund and grow this ministry. That is how The Lamb’s Loom was born.

The Lamb’s Loom specializes in FUN! Their “sit-n-knit” room is available for y’all to come by and chillax! They also give classes in loom knitting, needle knitting, and crochet. Everyone loves to bring

Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Weekly e-Blasts McAllen Seniors

By Chris Ardis

kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Please join the City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department for a

Accounting Sharon Flores

sharon@welcomehomergv.com

Administration Amie Gray

agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins

colie@welcomehomergv.com

Sales & Marketing Cheryl Palacios

pancake breakfast fundraiser to benefit the Senior Activity Fund. The breakfast will be held Saturday, October 24, at Las Palmas Community Center (1921 N. 25th Street) in McAllen from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Dine in or carry out. Tickets are just $4 and include two pancakes, hash browns, sausage, and eggs with your choice of coffee or juice. Tickets must be purchased in advance at any one of the McAllen Community Centers. For more information, call 956-681-3350. •

rita@welcomehomergv.com

Activity Coordinator Fran Adams

fran@welcomehomergv.com

Contributing Writer Chris Ardis

news@welcomehomergv.com

Graphic Design Jenny R Carpenter silentBYTES design

artwork@welcomehomergv.com

Shown above, promoting the breakfast, are members of the McAllen Senior Advisory Board.

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rio grande valley

219 W. Nolana, Ste A • McAllen, Texas 78504

956-687-5115 www.welcomehomergv.com

© Copyright 2015 Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic means without written permission from Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley, LLC.

Follow Us on Facebook!

Welcome

cheryl@welcomehomergv.com

1st Responder Coordinator Rita Huether

Welcome Home

Kristi’s e-Blasts are sent weekly October - March to our subscribers.

Find out what’s happening across the Valley. These e-Blasts include helpful links and fliers for “Featured Events.” Sign up today!

Want to advertise in our weekly or got news to share?

Call today 956-687-5115

Home RGV has three ways to join the conversation on Facebook. Our WHRGV page is dedicated to community events and information that will appeal to people of all ages. Our Winter Texan page is more specific to our Winter Texan target market. Finally, our latest addition is our Winter Texans RGV group. Member parks and business partners can send event fliers to us at news@welcomehomergv.com, and we will be happy to post them on our social media sites any time! Perks for Partners! •

www.facebook.com/whrgv www.facebook.com/wintertexan www.facebook.com/groups/wintertexansrgv

www.welcomehomergv.com

Aurora House Foundation

Seeking Volunteers

By Chris Ardis

Aurora House Foundation, a special care facility for end-of-life care located in the Mid-Valley, is looking for volunteers.

“At Aurora House Foundation, we realize that each of us has different God-

given talents. We would like you to use those talents to assist Aurora House in fulfilling our mission in the ways you feel most comfortable,” said Diana Gonzalez, volunteer coordinator.

Residents’ needs are always their priority. Here are some of the ways volunteers can assist Aurora House: • Feeding residents • Helping in the kitchen • Washing, drying, folding, and storing laundry • Emptying and re-lining trash containers • Mopping the floors • Watering the plants, both indoors and out • Providing hospitality to family members and friends of residents • Getting our residents a cup of tea, coffee, or water • Reading aloud to residents • Talking, and especially LISTENING, to residents and/or their family members • Sitting by residents—sometimes just being there is what’s important All Aurora House volunteers are expected to: • Help the organization provide a loving, supportive, concerned presence to residents, visitors, and other volunteers • Follow Aurora House policies, including confidentiality, security, infection control, and emergency procedures • Attend a one-hour volunteers’ training, if possible, prior to beginning your volunteer service Aurora House Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Diana Gonzalez, volunteer coordinator, at 956-973-9690 or drop by Aurora House at 2646 W. 18th St. in Weslaco. Their website is www.aurorahouse.org. •

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Cooking Up Some Nostalgia

By Chris Ardis

Update on Betty White:

Betty White’s career experienced a revival in the 2000’s. She joined the cast of soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful in late 2006, playing Ann Douglas. She appeared on the show approximately 22 times over the next three years.

From 2005-2008, White had a recurring role on Boston Legal. She appeared in the 2009 film, The Proposal, with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds and co-starred in the 2010 film, You Again, with Kristen Bell.

During the 2010 Super Bowl, White appeared in a Snickers commercial with Abe Vigoda. That commercial won the number one slot on the USA Today “Super Bowl Ad Meter.”

Fans campaigned heavily for White to host a production of SNL

(Saturday Night Live), and NBC responded by naming her as the host for the May 8, 2010 show. At 88, she became the oldest person to host the show. This appearance earned her a 2010 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, her seventh Emmy.

In June 2010, White accepted the role of Elka Ostrovsky on TV Land’s sitcom Hot in Cleveland. Then in 2011, she was named host and executive producer of Betty White’s Off Their Rockers, a show where senior citizens played practical jokes on younger people.

Over the years, White has received numerous awards, has done guest appearances on countless TV shows and commercials, and has written several books.

On a personal note, Betty White married television host (Password) Allen Ludden in June of 1963. They met when she appeared as a guest on the show two years earlier. He died of stomach cancer in 1981. She never married again, saying, “Once you’ve had the best, who needs the rest?” While she and Allen Ludden had no children of their own, she is stepmother to his three daughters.

On January 17, 2016, Betty White Ludden (born Betty Marion White) will celebrate her 94th birthday. •

Crunchy Pie Beat three (3) egg whites until stiff.

Add 1 teaspoon baking powder.

Fold in 1 scant cup granulated sugar.

Fold in eleven (11) single graham crackers (crushed).

Fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts Put in greased pie plate and bake in 350 degree oven 1/2 hour.

Let cool and top with whipped cream or ice cream.

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

Children’s Haven International: Providing Loving Christian Care to Needy Children

• Runs year round, entirely by volunteers • 100% proceeds go to benefit needy children in Reynosa • Incredibly low prices, great bargains • Items available: clothing, household items, electronics, toys, furniture, craft supplies, etc.

By Chris Ardis

For

over 40 years, Children’s Haven International has run one of Reynosa’s oldest, largest, and most reputable children’s homes around.

Friends from across the border have always played a key role in the Home’s development and continued support.

• Volunteer opportunities on both sides of the border: construction, woodworking, clerical, sewing, baking, cleaning, sales, etc.

• Donations of material items: to be used for our children, sold in the thrift store to create added revenue or to be shared with sister organizations in the Valley and in the “Colonias” Mexico’s poorest communities.

• Participation in Fundraising Events - visit our website or Facebook for scheduled activities.

• Invitations to speak at park meetings, church service, and civic clubs.

• Become a “Child Sponsor” for as little as $25 a month.

CHI provides home and refuge to 60+ Mexican children from broken, abusive, or impoverished families.

Our children range from toddlers to some in college who have grown

From the Inside Out

By Marge Flados

Welcome home, Winter Texans! I

will be a feature writer for Welcome Home RGV this season, and I am looking forward to sharing some of my thoughts and commentary with you.

I was raised in South Dakota, married a Texan after World War II, and have made Texas my home for a very long time. Many of my multi-generational family members live right here in the Rio Grande Valley, within hugging distance.

I have had my foot in both worlds: the upper Midwest and here, about as far south as you can get without leaving the boundaries of our nation.

I love both worlds.

Initially, first-timers to our Valley may feel culture shock, but as you adjust and look around, you will find so much to appreciate about this wonderful part of the world. For those of you who are returning because you already know this, we are glad you are back.

I am told by Winter Texans that they feel genuinely welcome here. That is because we know and appreciate the impact of your presence. I am not referring to the infusion of money into the economy; I am talking of your contributions to our communities,

Charity Thrift Store

whether working with the Host program, volunteering in various segments of our cities and towns, or as a couple I know who each year during Christmas season dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and visit schools and institutions. You generously give back, and that is appreciated by those of us who make the Valley our permanent home.

So stay tuned, and watch for my column, “From the Inside Out,” in future editions of Welcome Home. I am convinced there is a connection between laughter and wellness, and I hope my commentary on the events of everyday experiences will provide a laugh or two along the way. • M. Flados is a resident of Harlingen and can be reached at mflados@rgv.rr.com

up with us! Visitors are welcome to travel across the border with us to see this fine work for themselves and to meet the dear children we serve.

• Tours of our beautiful 14-acre facility can be arranged, upon request, with pick up at a location of your choice (groups) or at our office (individuals).

Please call or visit our U.S. Headquarters for more details: (956) 787-7378 400 E. Minnesota Rd. Pharr, TX 78577 E-mail: chii@childrenshaven.org Website: www.childrenshaven.org Facebook: Children’s Haven International: Official Facebook Page

Basically anything and everything!

New Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM • Donations needed, all tax deductible • We’ll even pick up

Located at 400 E. Minnesota Rd. Pharr, TX 78577 For more information Call (956) 787-7378

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www.welcomehomergv.com

Storytelling Capital of Texas Hosts 27th Annual Storyfest Special to Welcome Home RGV

Since

1989, people have come from near and far on the first Saturday in November to celebrate the art and tradition of storytelling around the Live Oak County courthouse square in downtown George West, the Storytelling Capital of Texas. On Saturday, November 7, George West Storyfest will celebrate twenty-seven consecutive years of presenting professional and local storytellers to audiences appreciative of listening to good stories.

People who attend Storyfest not only enjoy the stories told by the traditional storytellers but also the stories told through music, history, and dance. The Storyfest stage hosts live music from a variety of genres— country, gospel, blues, and Tejano, to name a few—as well as cloggers and other dance groups, alternating with the storytellers on three outdoor stages.

Featured storytellers for the 27th annual Storyfest are Appalachian storyteller Suzi Whaples, nationallyrenowned storyteller Barbara McBride-Smith, and Texas funny man Larry Thompson. The list of storytellers this year also includes Donna Ingham, who recently

was recognized by the National Storytelling Network with an Oracle Award for Regional Excellence; British-born storyteller Bernadette Nason; and Choctaw Indian teller Tim Tingle; among others. Musical entertainers include the awardwinning Lonestar Bluegrass Band, the ever-popular 50’s and 60’s rock band Riptide, and Chano Cadena y Sus Conjunto; and others. Cowboy Poet Lanny Joe Burnett and the Cowboy Music duo Miss Devon and the Outlaw will be among those taking part in the Johnny Campbell Cowboy Gathering.

On the courthouse lawn as this year’s Living History, Traylor Livery will

exhibit and discuss life on the prairie while Gilbert Hernandez will tell the story of his ancestor, Tejano Santiago Tafolla, who lived an exciting life in the 1800’s. Stories can be heard— and created—at the Classic Car Show, in the Children’s Area, and around the food and arts & crafts booths.

Of course, the tales spun during the Texas State Liars’ Contest© generate uproarious laughter from the audience. This year visitors will also enjoy the latest Storyfest attraction: a Motorcycle Show.

And all of the entertainment during the day on Saturday is FREE! Storyfest is a non-gated event, ensuring everyone

the opportunity to experience performing arts and learn about history. Local and area nonprofit groups provide food booths and children’s games as a means of fundraising for their particular groups. Quality arts & crafts vendors rent space to sell their wares, just in time for some early Christmas shopping.

After the Ghost Stories in the evening, The Tejas Brothers will take the stage at the Street Dance.

Admission to the dance this year is FREE! For those interested in physical fitness, we have a 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk early Saturday morning.

Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2015, for the 27th annual George West Storyfest. To learn more about George West Storyfest, visit the website at www.georgeweststoryfest.com and follow on Facebook. •

Alberto Garza, Jr. Performing Arts Center Johnny G. Economedes High School 1414 N. Alamo Rd. • Edinburg, Texas 78542

2015-2016 Schedule of Events Date

Organization Event

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015

Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 Saturda,y Nov. 21, 2015

JEHS Choir JEHS Orchestra Memorial MS Wildcat Choir

Fall Concert Fall Concert Fall Concert

6:00pm 6:30pm 6:00pm

Grupo Folklόrico Jaguar Grupo Folklόrico Jaguar Grupo Folklόrico Jaguar

$Un Viaje A México 2015 $Un Viaje A México 2015 $Un Viaje A México 2015

7:00pm 2:00pm 7:00pm

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015 Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015 Wednesday Dec. 16, 2015 Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

JEHS Mariachi Memorial MS Band JEHS Band JEHS Orchestra Memorial MS Theatre Memorial MS Theatre JEHS Choir Memorial MS Choir JET Theatre JET Theatre JET Theatre

Fall Performance Christmas Concert Christmas Concert Winter Concert Fall Production Fall Production Winter Concert Winter Concert Fall Production (for ECISD Staff) Fall Production Fall Production

6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 2:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm

Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016

Friday, March 4, 2016 Saturday, Mar. 5, 2016 Saturday, Mar. 5, 2016 Friday, Mar. 11, 2016 Saturday, Mar. 12, 2016 Saturday, Mar. 12, 2016

EHS, ENHS, JEHS & RVHS Dance Co. ECISD Joint Dance Production

2:00pm

JET Theatre JET Theatre JET Theatre Grupo Folklόrico Jaguar Grupo Folklόrico Jaguar Grupo Folklόrico Jaguar

One Act Play Production One Act Play Production One Act Play Production $Un Viaje A México 2016 $Un Viaje A México 2016 $Un Viaje A México 2016

6:30pm 2:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 2:00pm 7:00pm

Friday, May 6, 2016 Tuesday, May 10, 2016 Friday, May 13, 2016 Monday, May 16, 2016 Tuesday, May 17, 2016 Friday, May 20, 2016 Monday, May 23, 2016

JEHS Dance Department JEHS Orchestra JEHS Mariachi Memorial MS Band JEHS Band JEHS Choir Memorial MS Choir

$Spring Dance Recital Spring Concert Fall Performance End of the Year Final Concert Spring Concert Pops Concert Spring Concert

6:00pm 6:30pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm

Administration Principal Dr. Anthony Garza Assistant Principals Antonio Ballesteros Sylvia Casso Mark Gordon Juan Martinez, Jr. Juan Saavedra Alma Cavazos, Dean of Instruction

Time

Fine Arts Administration Asst. Superintendant Student Services Ronaldo J. Cavazos Fine Arts Director Nelinda Villarreal Assistant Fine Arts Director Tomas Peña, Jr. PAC Managers Juan Garza, Jr. Rodrigo Leal

For more information or special accommodations, please call (956) 289-2450 ext. 7049.

It is the policy of Edinburg CISD not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, handicap, religion, race, color, or national origin in its educational programs. Es poliza del Distrito Escolar de Edinburg el no discriminar por razones con base en genero, edad, religion, raza, color origen nacional, ni discapacidad dentro de sus programas educacionales.

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

Meet You Soon: Introducing Food Critic Paul Chilton B

eing a resident of a Chicago suburb (Naperville, IL), one cannot help but be in love with good food and eating. Before retiring from a large furniture store where I helped customers decorate their homes, I was an executive in the transportation industry. Both positions kept me in constant contact with folks loving and enjoying good food. I arranged many parties for the sales division of a major railroad, and food was a very important part of these affairs.

I have always enjoyed restaurant dining, and my wife and I have been to many “fine cuisine” and “everyday good old food” establishments! As

Love That Dish • • •

Is there a dish served at a restaurant in the RGV that you can’t

wait to have when you come back HOME to us? If there is, please send an email to us at news@welcomehomergv.com and tell us the name of the restaurant, the Valley city where it is located, the name of the dish, and why you love it so much. We can’t wait to hear why you LOVE THAT DISH!” •

Julia Child often said, “There is no such thing as gourmet--just good cooking.” I could not agree more! I recommend food and service, based on years of dining out and acquiring a taste and feel for what is good.

There are countless wonderful places to dine in the RGV, and being a Winter Texan, I have tried many.

My daughter introduced a number of these terrific places to me because she lives in McAllen year-round. I am truly looking forward to visiting new and old places and giving you my opinion. We can have fun together!

In closing I have one thing to say: “Meet You Soon” and happy dining!•

EDINBURG HIGH SCHOOL

Ciro L. Trevino Performing Arts Center 2600 E. Wisconsin Rd., Edinburg, TX 78542 • 956-289-2400 ext. 6617

2015-2016 Schedule of Events

DATE Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015 Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 Monday, Nov. 16, 2015 Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015 Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015 Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015 Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 Monday, Jan. 11, 2016 Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016 Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 Wed., March 23, 2016 Thursday, March 24, 2016 Monday, March 28, 2016 Tuesday, March 29, 2016 Wed., March 30, 2016 Thursday, March 31, 2016 Thursday, April 14, 2016 Friday, April 15, 2016 Saturday, April 16, 2016 Saturday, April 23, 2016 Sunday, April 24, 2016 Thursday, April 28, 2016 Wed., May 4, 2016 Friday, May 6, 2016 Tuesday, May 10, 2016 Thursday, May 19, 2016 Friday, May 20, 2016 Thursday, May 26, 2016 Friday, May 27, 2016 Saturday, May 28, 2016

ORGANIZATION EVENT EHS Orchestra Orchestra Fall Concert Mariachi Orgulloso Mariachi Concert EHS Big Red and Blue Band Band Fall Concert Mariachi/Folkorico Mariachi/Folkorico Concert EHS Dance Hypnotic Dance Concert All City Band All City Band Concert EHS Hypnotic Dance Co. Hypnotic Dance Concert EHS Hypnotic Dance Co. Hypnotic Dance Concert EHS Orchestra Winter Concert Edinburg Dancenter “The Nutcracker” Edinburg Dancenter “The Nutcracker” Edinburg Dancenter “The Nutcracker” Edinburg Dancenter “The Nutcracker” EHS Bobcat Band Winter Concert EHS Choir Winter Christmas Concert EHS Hypnotic Dance Co. Hypnotic Dance Concert EHS Hypnotic Dance Co. Hypnotic Dance Concert EHS Dramaticats TBA EHS Dramaticats TBA EHS Dramaticats TBA EHS Dramaticats TBA EHS Dramaticats TBA Barrientes Middle School Dance Barrientes Dance Concert Barrientes Middle School Dance Barrientes Dance Concert ECISD Solo and Ensemble ECISD UIL Solo and Ensemble ECISD UIL Orchestra ECISD UIL Orchestra Pre-Contest TMEA Jazz TMEA Jazz Festival TMEA Jazz TMEA Jazz Festival EHS Jazz EHS Jazz Festival EHS Jazz EHS Jazz Festival EHS Choir Choir Solo and Ensemble EHS Choir Choir Solo and Ensemble EHS Choir Pre-UIL Concert EHS Choir Pre-UIL Concert EHS Mariachi/Folklorico Mariachi/Folklorio Concert EHS Dance Dept.

Dance Concert EHS Dance Dept.

Dance Concert EHS Sergeanettes Sergeanette Dance Concert EHS Sergeanettes Sergeanette Dance Concert EHS Orchestra Orchestra Spring Concert EHS Bobcat Band Band Spring Concert EHS Jazz Band Jazz Festival EHS Hypnotic Dance Co. Hypnotic Spring Dance Concert Cano Gonzalez Elem. Drama Musical TBA Cano Gonzalez Elem. Drama Musical TBA EHS Choir Dept.

Choir Spring Show EHS Choir Dept.

Choir Spring Show EHS Choir Dept.

Choir Spring Show

TIME 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm TBA TBA TBA TBA 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm TBA TBA 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm TBA

Administration Yesenia Molina, Principal Assistant Principals Ana M. Cruz, Pablo Martinez, Dominic Pena, Roel O. Rodriguez Dean of Instruction Litsa L. Galvan PAC Directors Thomas Green, Lauro S. Hinojosa Fine Arts Administration Ronaldo J. Cavazos, Nelinda Villarreal, Jason Rogers Nondiscrimation Statement:

It is the policy of Edinburg CISD not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, handicap, religion, race, color, or national origin in its educational programs. Es poliza del Distrito Escolar de Edinburg el no discriminar por razones con base en genero, edad, religion, raza, color origen nacional, ni discapacidad dentro de sus programas educacionales.

www.welcomehomergv.com

Free Downtown Harlingen Walking Tours

Saturday Mornings Throughout the Fall and Winter

By Chris Ardis

Downtown

Harlingen announces fre e w a l k i n g t o u r s S a t u r d a y mornings* this fall and winter, beginning November 14, 2015 and continuing through March 26, 2016.

The walking tours depart from Java Café, 204 E. Jackson, at 9:00 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes.

The tours are free and open to the public. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and come prepared to have fun.

Tour participants will hear about frontier days, mid-century boom times, and modern Harlingen. The tour guide will provide insight on the city’s past nicknames--“Rattlesnake Junction,” “Six Shooter Junction,”

amazed and entertained by what they learn.

For more information, contact Cheryl LaBerge, Downtown Manager, at (956) 216-4910. • *No tours the first Saturday of each month, which is Jackson Street Market Days. Tours for groups also may be scheduled by appointment.

Call (956) 216-4910 for info.

and “Howlin’ Gin,”-- and will explain how ice made Harlingen famous.

Participants learn which Jackson Street buildings were the mortuary, the Woolworth’s store, the Piggly Wiggly, and more. The tour also includes stops at several largerthan-life-size murals and the city’s smallest park. Even locals will be

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WEEK OF

October 21-27, 2015

Looking for something to do here in the Rio Grande Valley? Our calendar of events has been the go-to source

for our retirees to check out the lighter side of the Valley by listing entertainment events, dances, meals, jam sessions, meetings, and even garage sales. For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email calendar@welcomehomergv.com. The deadline for submission is Tuesday at noon. •

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015

FREE Zumba Classes 10:00 AM South Padre Island KOA 1 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island For information call 956-761-5665.

Buckets of Fun - Let’s Look for Hollows 10:00 AM Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset, McAllen Dance Lessons w/Bob Battaglia 10:30 AM Mission West 3805 W. Highway 83, Mission Cost for Admission Lessons included.

Country western two step, waltz, swing and cha cha. Lessons can be joined at any time. November through March.

For more information contact Bob at 972-220-9285 Draw Nature Outdoors Made Easy 6:00 PM, Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen

Exhibit Display: Electricity 9:00 AM International Museum of Art & Science 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen New Exhibit at IMAS to Spark Visitor’s Imagination Habitat Tram Tours 9:00 AM Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge 22688 Buena Vista Blvd., Los Fresnos Open Variety Jam 12:30 PM, Casa Del Sol 400 N. Val Verde Road, Donna Refreshment available at Break.

For information, call 956-464-2272 Plantas Nativa - Native Plant Festival 6:30 PM Quinta Matazlan 600 Sunset, McAllen

Volunteer Mornings 8:30 AM Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Exhibit Display: Electricity 9:00 AM International Museum of Art & Science 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen New Exhibit at IMAS to Spark Visitor’s Imagination Project Insight Support Group 10:00 AM McAllen Public Library (Classroom 2) This is an ongoing, weekly support group for survivors, caregivers and anyone else dealing with cancer. http://project-insight.org/ Garden Talk & Walk 10:00 AM Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset, McAllen Entertainment w/Jack Kay - Lost in Time 1:30 PM American Legion Post 37 1305 E. Jasmine Avenue, McAllen Sloppy Joe’s & Drink Special For information call 956-682-7841.

Maxan Street Farmers’ Market 4:00 PM (Every Wednesday) The Garden on Maxan Street in Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square.

Additional parking at Pirate’s Landing.

For more information and vendor opportunities, call 956-433-9675.

Overeaters Anonymous 5:00 PM McAllen Public Library: Lark Branch 2601 Lark Avenue, McAllen Are you having problems with food?

Come join us for an informative support group on how to help control your cravings. Pat 956-874-5041 Homemade Spaghetti 5:30 PM Weslaco Elks Lodge, South Border Avenue, Weslaco $7 per plate, comes with the works.

Dance w/Bottomline Band 7:00 PM Tip O’Texas RV Resort 101 E. Sioux Road, Pharr $5.00 pp

TROPHY GARDENS

A Wilder Corporation Park

DANCE

Dance Every Saturday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM October 24 • Diego October 31 • Sweetwater Halloween Dance & Costume Contest

ENTERTAINMENT

Sundays & Thursdays 6:00 PM Starting December 20 Walter Plant Christmas Show

CRAFT SHOW AND SALE November 28 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

We Love Our Winter Texans and Welcome Back to the Valley!

David & Marilyn Nickerson, Activity Directors

Email:

activityoffice@trophygardens.com

956-783-1003

800 St. Hwy 495 Alamo, Texas 78516

MEALS

SALES

DANCE

Every Saturday FREE Popcorn and Ice

A Wilder Corporation Park

DANCE

Dance Every Friday 7:00 PM Starting with Diego on November 20th

ENTERTAINMENT

Starting in December Sundays • 3:00 PM Thursdays • 7:00 PM

Dance w/Furytones November 7 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Fred Goldsberry November 14 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/SweetWater November 21 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB Dance w/Diego November 28 • 7:00 PM $6.00 pp • BYOB

HAPPY HOUR

JAM

Happy Hour w/Diego November 5 • 3:00 PM Pass the Hat • BYOB

SALE

Every Friday

Lunch & Country Jam Every Saturday • 11:00 AM Starting on December 12th Craft Sale & Luncheon Dec 8, Jan 12, Feb 9, Mar 8 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Welcome Back to the Valley!

Lee & Mary Benfield, Activity Directors To see our entire lineup of events this season, check out our Activity Blog at:

www.WinterRanchActivities.com

956-783-4587

600 St. Hwy 495 Alamo, Texas 78516

JAM

November 13 • 2:00 PM November 20 • 2:00 PM November 27 • 2:00 PM

KARAOKE

Every Wednesday Karaoke w/Harry & Judy November 4 • 5:00 PM November 11 • 5:00 PM November 18 • 5:00 PM November 25 • 5:00 PM BYOB

www.welcomehomergv.com

DANCE ENTERTAINMENT & SHOWS

JAM SESSIONS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015

Port Isabel Historic Ghost Tours 8:00 PM Port Isabel Light House Every Saturday evening at 8 pm. One hour walking tour begins at the Port Isabel Lighthouse. Cost, $10 per person. Tickets available at the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and Museums of Port Isabel. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 943-2262.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015

TUESDAY OCTOBER 27, 2015

Church Service 9:00 AM, Trophy Gardens RV Resort, 800 Hwy 495, Alamo Non-Denominational Service with Pastor Darrel Hardy For information call 956-783-1003.

Participate in our Yearly Christmas Tree Forest Exhibit!

9:00 AM International Museum of Art & Science 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen The IMAS Guild Presents the 2015 Christmas Tree Forest. This years theme for the 2015 Christmas Tree Forest is Christmas in Toyland.

For more information visit our monthly calendar at www.imasonline.org Habitat Tram Tours 9:00 AM Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge 22688 Buena Vista Blvd,. Los Fresnos Farmer’s Market @ The Shores 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Every Sunday) The Shores 8500 Padre Blvd., SPI Fresh produce, fresh eggs, fresh seafood!

Healthy shopping for healthy foods.

North of SPI Convention Centre.

Dance w/Jealous Heart 2:00 PM Riverside Club Bar & Grill 214 E. Chimney Road, Mission For Information, call 956-581-1033 Riverside Dreamer Cruise 4:00 PM, Riverside Club 1 hour river tour 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Departs from Riverside Club 214 E. Chimney Road, Mission Seniors $10.00 Call 956-581-1033 for information

Songbird Stroll 8:00 AM Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset, McAllen Backyard Habitat Steward Workshop 9:00 AM, Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset, McAllen FREE Zumba Classes 10:00 AM, South Padre Island KOA 1 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island For information call 956-761-5665.

Diabetes Management Class 1:00 PM (Every Tuesday) McAllen Medical Center East Classroom, 3rd Floor Classes are provided in English and Spanish every other week. For more information, please call Mary Escaname at 956-971-5850.

Winter Haven Chess Club 1:00 PM, Winter Haven Resort, 3501 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville We meet to play chess each week and the club is made up of players at a wide variety of skill levels (ranging from first time players to experienced to “I haven’t played in years”). Everyone is welcome.

We meet in A-2 in the club house (let the gate host know you are here for the chess club).

For information call (956) 521-8635 Overeaters Anonymous 6:30 PM Unity Church, Pharr Are you having problems with food?

Join us for an informative meeting on how to control your cravings.

Carmen 956-884-9909

Songbird Stroll 8:00 AM Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset, McAllen Volunteer Mornings 8:30 AM Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen Bird Walks @ Resaca de la Palma 8:30 AM Resaca de la Palma 1000 New Carmen Blvd Habitat Tram Tours 9:00 AM Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge 22688 Buena Vista Blvd., Los Fresnos Plantas Nativa - Native Plant Festival 9:00 AM, Quinta Matazlan 600 Sunset, McAllen Santa Ana Nature Walk 9:00 AM Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo Brownsville Farmers Market 9:00 AM 6th St. & Harrison, Brownsville Brownsville has its own farmer’s market each week, across the street from Gladys Porter Zoo. www.brownsvillefarmersmarket.com Senior Saturdays 10:00 AM International Museum of Art & Science 1900 W. Nolana Avenue, McAllen $5 General Admission Includes: FREE Coffee • FREE IMAS Guided Tour *Closed on major holidays and special occasions.

For information call 956-682-0123.

The Market @ McAllen Public Library 10:00 AM Every Saturday the community will now have access to local farmers, ranchers, chefs, and artisans each contributing to the healthy life style changes our community desperately needs.

Country Jam 12:30 PM Green Gate Grove 700 N. Bentsen Palm Drive, Mission Lunch served from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM For information call 956-581-2932.

Harlingen Farmer’s Market 3:00 PM Downtown Harlingen The Market location is on ‘A’ Street between Jackson and Monroe, behind Grimsells and in front of New York Deli.

Dance w/Diego 7:00 PM Trophy Gardens RV Resort 800 Hwy 495, Alamo $5.00 pp For information call 956-783-1003.

Blues and/or Classic Rock 7:00 PM American Legion Post 37, McAllen Buckets of bottle beers only $10.00 1305 E. Jasmine Avenue, McAllen 956-682-7841

MEALS

9

SALES

Magic Valley Chorus Of Sweet Adelines International 7:00 PM St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen Shirley 956-661-9926.

Janet 956-682-8245.

Practices held every Monday 7-10 pm @ St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen

Want to advertise your upcoming event?

Call today

956-687-5115

UPCOMING SCHEDULE November 2015 Saturday, November 14 Paradise South Mercedes 7-10 pm Dance

December 2015 Thursday, December 3 End Of The Trail Donna 3-7pm Saloon Thursday, December 10 End Of The Trail Donna 3-7pm Saloon Saturday, December 12 Palm Garden Harlingen 7-10pm Dance Thursday, December 17 End Of The Trail Donna 3-7pm Saloon Friday, December 18 Palm Resaca Brownsville 7-10pm Dance Thursday, December 31 Gateway Park Raymondville 8-12:30pm New Years

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

Tee Time in the Rio Grande Valley: An Introduction to Valley Golf Courses

Nature Meets Golf at the South Padre Island Golf Club

By Fran Adams

Our course this week is located in

Laguna Vista and is rightly named the South Padre Island Golf Club. This course is surrounded by nature and is located along the Laguna Madre Bay. It is a public course that you must play in order to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of nature along the bay.

The South Padre Island Golf Club course was built in 1996 by Landmark Land Company. The fairways are Bermuda grass and the greens are Champion Bermuda. The course is complete with sand traps, water hazards, and natural borders of wildlife corridors that run from the property into the bay.

The course has four sets of tees, so the golfer has a choice. Par for the course is 72. Men’s tees are rated 73.5/129 from 6931 yards, 69.3/125 from 6291 yards, and 66.6/120 from 5542 yards. The shorter tees at 5406 yards are rated for women at 69.5/121.

#1 Golf House Road Laguna Vista, TX 78578 956-943-5678 956-943-GOLF Chris Meade General Manager PGA Golf Professional

Authorized Mizuno Club Fitter

cmeade@spigolf.com

The Oak Tree Grill, located on the property, serves breakfast and lunch during the season from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. It also has a full-service bar with great daily Happy Hour specials on food and drinks.

Chris Meade, a 16-year member of the PGA, is the general manager and head golf professional. He can be found at No. 1 Golf House Road

HARLINGEN

COUNTRY CLUB

*Pay and Play Card $

19900

5 rounds of golf with cart and range usage

*Pay and Play Round

ONLY $4200

18 holes with a cart and range usage

You can become a member as a non-resident for only $

24000/mo

Must reserve a tee time by calling

956-412-4100 x100 CLOSED MONDAY

in Laguna Vista or by calling 956-943-4653. For lesson information, email Chris at cmeade@spigolf.com. Tee times can be made online at spigolf.com or by phone. • The Rio Grande Valley is blessed with great weather, as well as great golf courses. There is a course for every player, from beginners to accomplished golfers. There are more than twenty 18hole courses throughout the Valley and almost as many nine-hole courses. Some of the nine-hole courses are Par 3s, which are perfect for the beginner and for our older citizens who still enjoy the game but are unable to play a larger course. Some of the courses are public and some are private.

In each publication, Welcome Home RGV will highlight one of the Valley’s great golf courses.

www.welcomehomergv.com

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Winter Texans Provide Economic Impact to the RGV

By Chris Ardis

kicked off the next afternoon. One hundred and forty Winter Texans spent the day socializing and enjoying the tunes being played by musicians. Most of these musicians spend their winters at Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club in Mercedes. A potluck dinner sated their appetites, and the party lasted into the evening. Organizers are already planning next year’s reunion, which will be held July 6-7, 2016. Of course they are expecting the number or attendees to continue to rise.

For further information about the Winter Texan Reunion, contact 956.565.2638. •

According to Winter Texan: 2013-

2014 Survey, a report published by the Business Tourism and Research Center at the University of TexasPan American, the estimated direct economic impact of Winter Texans on the Valley economy for 2013-2014 was $710 million. This survey also found that 14.4 percent of our Winter Texans live in Canada the remainder of the year. Of those, the largest group, 49.5% , hail from Ontario.

The economic impact on the Rio Grande Valley is definitely something to celebrate, but we should talk more about the friendships that develop during our Winter Texan season. For many Winter Texans, the summer was too long to be away from their friends.

In 2014, several Winter Texans came together to organize a Winter Texan Reunion with approximately 70 Winter Texans in attendance.

Word spread about how much fun attendees had at the 2014 event, as this year the attendance number doubled to 140. The 2015 Winter Texan Reunion was held at the Barrie KOA in Craighurst, Ontario, July 8 and 9, 2015. Winter Texans

Shown above are the participants in the 2nd Annual Winter Texan Reunion held in Craighurst, Ontario

from Kansas, Michigan, Florida, and Saskatchewan joined their Winter Texan friends from Ontario for this fun event.

“Many came and camped or stayed in the cottages for two nights,” said Jayne Wilson, one of the Llano Grande residents who helped organize the

event, “while others stayed in local hotels and resorts.” The group held a Meet and Greet Wednesday, July 8. Approximately 60 Winter Texans attended. After the Meet and Greet, Winter Texans sat around campfires and talked for hours.

The official Winter Texan Reunion

We Winter Texans!

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

PARK NEWS

Resort Managers Come Together for Season Kick-off

By Chris Ardis

Welcome Home RGV had a meeting

with over 100 resort managers at Casa del Sol in Donna on October 8.

Thanks to all the managers who took time to come and visit about all the plans we have for our Winter Texans this season. Special thanks to Casa del Sol for their hospitality! •

Lee and Mary Benfield:

Planning Lots of Fun for Winter Ranch Residents

By Mary Benfield

Lee and Mary Benfield are the new

activity directors for Winter Ranch RV Resort. The Benfields are originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they raised four children.

Lee retired from the Iowa Department of Transportation in 2006 after 28 years. He was the district planner for District 6, which included 12 counties in East Central Iowa.

Mary was a corporate trainer for Alliant Energy until she left the company after 20 years of service to take care of her ailing parents. When they passed away, Mary waited very impatiently for Lee to retire so they could travel the United States.

When Lee retired in September of 2006, they became full-time RVers.

Since retirement, they have spent their summers camping in different areas of the country for two or three days a week and then touring and enjoying the countryside. They have visited all of the lower 48 states and plan to spend a summer in Alaska in

Lee and Mary Benfield

the near future. They don’t believe that the RV will make it to Hawaii, so they may just fly over there! They both love photography and could bore you with thousands of pictures they’ve taken while traveling.

In their travels, they have spent seven winters in the Rio Grande Valley and have been residents of Winter Ranch five of those. They love Winter Ranch and volunteered as dance coordinators and blog administrators (www.winterranchactivities.com) prior to this new position. They are eager to get the season rolling with new activities and plenty of parties.•

www.welcomehomergv.com

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PARK NEWS

Look What’s Brewing Did you know Winter Ranch Resort

and Trophy Gardens are sister resorts in Alamo, Texas. Our two Wilder Corporation Resorts share activities during the summer months and Halloween “Spooktacular” Festivities October 31.

Halloween is always a “scream”

By Mary Benfield Activity Director, Winter Ranch

at the resorts. There is a full activity schedule from morning until night, including “The Great Pumpkin” Dessert Contest, a golf tournament, the Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt through the two parks, a potluck lunch, the Bean Bag Baseball Tournament, and the Golf Cart Parade (with a prize for the best-decorated cart). This season, the festivities will conclude at Trophy Gardens with a “BooBall” Dance with SweetWater and a costume contest. The dance starts at 7 p.m. on Halloween and is open to the public.

As sister resorts, we are very competitive, and the Bean Bag Baseball Tournament is always a big hit. The teams play for the coveted Squash Trophy, which goes back and forth between the resorts, depending on who wins. Last season, Donna Rohrschneider made the winning homerun for Winter Ranch in the bottom of the 11th inning! The final score was Winter Ranch 4 and Trophy Gardens 3. This year, Trophy Gardens hopes to reclaim the prize, but it

might be “witchful thinking!”

The Halloween Golf Tournament takes place at Winter Gardens, our shared 9-hole golf course.

The Halloween game is “frightfully” different and takes a lot more finesse.

Each hole requires a different club.

On one hole, it may be a hammer. On another, everyone uses a left-handed putter, and a broom might be used on another. There are prizes awarded to the “terror-ific” winners.

As activity directors at Winter

Ranch, we want our residents to go home singing, “Fangs for the Memories!” • “Feel like a kid again at a Wilder Resort in the Rio Grande Valley”

Cake and Coffee at Texan Mobile Park— And YOU’RE Invited!

Special to Welcome Home RGV

Welcome back, Winter Texans! We at the Texan Mobile Park were hard at

work while you were away all summer. Come visit and check out our many new improvements and upgrades. Please join us for cake and coffee October 28 from 2:00-3:00 in Jaeger Hall.

Residents loved our ice cream social last month, and we know you will have a blast this October. We hope to see you soon at the Texan! We are located at 2917 W. U.S. Highway 83 in McAllen. (On Business 83 between Ware Road and 29th Street) You can also give us a call at 956.686.3872. •

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

Friends of IB Hosting

Marketplace at Lamar November 7

Special to Welcome Home RGV

November 7, the Friends of IB are hosting the Marketplace at

Lamar. A variety of vendors and food trucks will be on campus to help raise funds for McAllen ISD’s Lamar Academy. Here is how you can help. As part of this event, we will be holding our annual Fall Garage Sale. You can help by donating items for the sale.

You can also help by bringing your families to do a test drive of Lincoln cars that will be brought to the campus. For every test drive, our school earns $20. (One driver per family.) So come out, donate, shop, eat, listen to music, and help out with a test drive. Thanks for your help. It’s all for our school. •

www.welcomehomergv.com

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

www.welcomehomergv.com

Proyecto Juan Diego:

Empowering Families in the Lower Valley

By Chris Ardis

Proyecto

Juan Diego’s story began in 2003 when Sister Phylis Peters, Daughter of Charity, founded the project. Sister Phylis spent 10 years in Ethiopia, and when she returned, she wanted to dedicate her work to the most impoverished within the Hispanic community and in an interdenominational setting. The organization is located in the community of Cameron Park in Brownsville, a border city located along the Rio Grande River. Cameron Park is one of the poorest colonias of its size in the nation.

The mission of Proyecto Juan Diego is to empower low-income families to be healthy and self-sufficient community members through free and integrated preventive health, family, and educational programs.

Proyecto Juan Diego relies on the support of the Brownsville community and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley.

One of the venues to obtain funds is to have fundraising events. This year, Proyecto Juan Diego will host the 2nd Annual Conference-Luncheon, and all of the proceeds will benefit Proyecto Juan Diego’s programs.

Proyecto Juan Diego would like to invite all sectors (e.g. public, nonprofit,

businesses, and philanthropic) from across the Rio Grande Valley and outside, to their conference, which centers around Collective Impact. Collective Impact has been defined as “the commitment of a group of actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a special social problem, using structured form of collaboration.” This collective approach is more successful than when attempting to solve issues through traditional methods.

Proyecto Juan Diego has invited Ms. Liz Weaver, world-renowned speaker on Collective Impact, as the keynote speaker. Ms. Weaver is the vice president of Tamarack--An Institute for Community Engagement--in Canada.

The conference will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2015, at the Brownsville Event Center. Registration and a silent auction will be held from 11 a.m. to noon.

Doors open at noon, and the conferenceluncheon will be held from 12:00-1:45 p.m. Donation is $40 per ticket. For more information, please call 956-5422334 or visit http://www.proyecto-jd.org. `The people of Proyecto Juan Diego have seen so many lives transformed in the past 12 years and want you to be a part of this transformation. They look forward to seeing you at the conference. •

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A Garden of Wild Delights Special to Welcome Home RGV

Visit the National Butterfly Center

in Mission, Texas, to experience a garden of wild delights. From colorful migratory birds to an abundance of seasonal butterflies and other South Texas specialties, you’re invited to discover why we say, “You never know what you will see at the NBC!” Open 7 days a week, this native plant botanical garden offers walking trails, photography blinds, wildlife watching areas, guided tours, volunteer opportunities, and programs designed to enhance your enjoyment of the Rio Grande Valley.

For a map and more information, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org or call 956-583-5400. •

DALE PATRICK McNALLEN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Edinburg North High School 3101 N. Closner Blvd. • Edinburg, TX 78541

2015-2016 Schedule of Events Day/Date

Time

Organization

Event

Tuesday, November 3rd Friday, November 6th Saturday, November 7th Friday, November 13th Saturday, November 14th Monday, November 30th Thursday, December 3rd Friday, December 4th Saturday, December 5th Tuesday, December 8th Thursday, December 10th Friday, December 11th Saturday, December 12th Monday, December 14th Tuesday, December 15th Wednesday, December 16th Thursday, December 17th Tuesday, January 12th Thursday, January 28th Tuesday, February 2nd Tuesday, February 9th Saturday, February 13th Friday, February 26th Saturday, February 27th Friday, March 4th Saturday, March 5th Thursday, March 24th Monday, April 4th Thursday, April 28th Saturday, April 30th Thursday, May 5th Friday, May 6th Saturday, May 7th Thursday, May 12th Friday, May 13th Monday, May 16th Tuesday, May 17th Saturday May 21st Tuesday, May 24st Thursday, May 26th Friday, May 27th Saturday, May 28th

6:00pm 7:30pm 2:00pm,7:30pm 7:30pm 2:00pm,7:30pm 6:00pm 12:00pm 7:30pm 1:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 2:00pm,5:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 9:00am 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:00pm 3:00pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 10:00am 10:00am TBA 6:30pm 12:00pm 7:30pm 6:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 7:30pm 1:00pm

ENHS Orchestra ENHS Theatre ENHS Theatre ENHS Theatre ENHS Theatre Mariachi Oro Ritmo Dorado ENHS Theatre ENHS Theatre BL Orchestra ENHS Choir ENHS Fine Arts ENHS Fine Arts BL Band ENHS Band Longoria Band ENHS Orchestra Library Services BL Orchestra ENHS Band ENHS Orchestra Ritmo Dorado ENHS Theatre ENHS Theatre Mariachi Oro Mariachi Oro ENHS Choir ENHS Band Ritmo Dorado ENHS Theatre Mariachi Oro Ritmo Dorado Ritmo Dorado BL Orchestra ENHS Choir BL Band ENHS Band ENHS Choir ENHS Percussion Longoria Band ENHS Theatre ENHS Theatre

Fall Concert Esparanza Rising Esparanza Rising Esparanza Rising Esparanza Rising Fall Concert Fall Recital Fall Showcase Fall Showcase Winter Concert Winter Concert Holiday Spectacular Holiday Spectacular Winter Concert Winter Concert Winter Concert Winter Concert 27th Annual District Spelling Bee Pre-UIL Concert Pre-UIL Concert Pre-UIL Concert Valentines Day Showcase One Act Play One Act Play Mariachi Competition Mariachi Competition Pre-UIL Concert Pre-UIL Concert Spring Recital Freshman One Act Play End of Year Concert Dia de los Madres Concert Dia de los Madres Concert End of Year Concert End of Year Concert End of Year Concert End of Year Concert Alumni Concert End of Year Concert End of Year Concert Spring Showcase Spring Showcase

Administration

Principal Mark Micallef Assistant Principals Jose Chapa Yvonne Garcia Laura Garza Cheryl Kanipe Lisa Murillo Juan Viaz

Fine Arts Administration

Assistant Superintendant Student Services Ronaldo J. Cavazos Fine Arts Director Nelinda Villarreal Assistant Fine Arts Director Chad Dempsey

PAC Managers John Castilleja Mario Gomez

For more information or special accommodations, please call (956) 289-2500 ext.6787 It is the policy of Edinburg CISD not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, handicap, religion, race, color, or national origin in its educational programs. Es poliza del Distrito Escolar de Edinburg el no discriminar por razones con base en genero, edad, religion, raza, color origen nacional, ni discapacidad dentro de sus programas educacionales.

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Non-Profit Spotlight: American Cancer Society Special to Welcome Home RGV

What does The American Cancer

Society do?

PREVENT: We search for new ways to prevent cancer or find it at its earliest, most treatable stage, and we help people take steps to stay healthy.

CARE: We do the most to help people with cancer, reaching every community.

Each year, the American Cancer Society helps nearly 1 million people touched by cancer get the help they need, when and where they need it.

We’re available all day, every day, whenever you need us to provide reliable cancer information that helps patients and families understand their diagnosis and make decisions about treatment. You can reach us online at cancer.org and by phone at 1-800-227-2345.

CURE: We find cancer’s causes and cures through groundbreaking research.

We are the largest private, nonprofit funder of cancer research in the US, contributing to nearly every major cancer research breakthrough in recent history.

ADVOCATE: We fight cancer as much through public policy as we do in the laboratory.

Together with our nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN), we have helped: • Enact policies that prevent cancer, such as smoke-free laws and others that prevent and curb cigarette smoking.

• Educate lawmakers on policies that provide access to quality and affordable health care, including lifesaving cancer screenings and treatments.

• Encourage increased federal investment in cancer research.

What is the mission of this organization?

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Where is your organization located?

The local office is at 5413 South McColl in Ednburg.

American Cancer Society 5413 South McColl • Edinburg, TX 78539 Contact Person: Tammie Risica (956) 682-8329 tammie.risica@cancer.org Website: www.cancer.org If applicable, what are your hours of operation?

Our office hours are Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - noon. We are losed for lunch from noon - 1 p.m. and open again 1:00-4:30 p.m.

Who are key individuals within the organization folks in the Valley should know and why?

Thelma Lopez Coordinator Division Office and Event Support Tammie Risica Sr. Market Manager Community Engagement Aida Moreno, Development Manager, Distinguished Events (Cattle Baron’s Ball, Dining By Design and Third Party Events) April Chapa, Community Manager, Relay For Life (Upper Valley Relay For Life, Mid-Valley Relay For Life and Starr County Relay For Life) Cathy Weaver, Community Manager, Relay For Life (North Cameron County Relay For Life, South Cameron Relay For Life and Willacy County Relay For Life) Ana Leonard, Health Systems Manager, Primary Care What are your immediate NEEDS (as far as donations are concerned) and how can people get involved in helping you meet those needs?

While the American Cancer Society is making progress toward a world without cancer, only with your dedication and fundraising efforts can we finish the fight against the disease. The American Cancer Society puts these donations to work, investing in groundbreaking research in every type of cancer and providing free information and services to cancer patients and their caregivers.

With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Help save lives by donating today.

Relay For Life participation - Each Relay For Life event is special, but the movement’s true power lies in the combined commitment of thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer.

At Relay For Life events, our community comes together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds you raise truly make a difference in the fight against cancer – just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!

Call our local office and ask how you can get involved in one of our Relay For Life events today at (956) 682-8329 What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have for Winter Texans and for others in our community?

Event volunteers - Relay For Life Reach to Recovery Volunteers - The American Cancer Society’s Reach To Recovery® program matches trained, volunteer breast cancer survivors with those facing a breast cancer diagnosis to provide free, one-onone support. They talk with patients, giving them and their families an opportunity to express feelings, talk about fears and concerns, and ask questions. Volunteers are survivors at least one year out of active treatment.

Road to Recovery Volunteers - The core of our Road To Recovery program utilizes volunteer drivers to provide free rides to cancer patients who have no way to get to and from treatment.

Licensed Cosmetologists - To conduct our Look Good, Feel Better classes

Do you have any upcoming events you would like to publicize? If so, please provide the who/what/when/where/ why.

4/2/16 Relay For Life: Upper Valley at Sharyland Football Stadium 4/16/16 Relay For Life: Willacy County at Lyford Stadium 4/23/16 Relay For Life: South Cameron County at Brownsville Sports Park 4/29/16 Relay For Life: North Cameron County at LaFeria Stadium 4/30/16 Relay for Life of the Mid-Valley at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Grounds •

www.welcomehomergv.com

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Welcome Home WINTER TEXAN • • • the official connection to the rio grande valley

Enjoy Savings. Maximize Life.

COUPON

CONNECTION

Looking for ways to SAVE right here in the Rio Grande Valley? Our weekly coupon section will help you SAVE while you’re here, enjoying life in the Valley. •

www.welcomehomergv.com

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• • • RECIPECONNECTION with Executive Chef Bettina Tolin • • • • • • • •

Chicken Orzo Soup Serves Four

I’ve noticed that the common cold seems to already be going around. The season is changing and we become susceptible to illness. I adore a solid homemade chicken noodle soup and believe in its healing powers without a doubt. Here is a simple and delicious variation on it that will deliver the same result (I think) but with kicked up flavor and fanciness.

You can make your own stock and cook the chicken if you like - if you have time. It is always best that way. However, here is a

perfectly yummy and acceptable alternative that cuts preparation easily in half. Here, we make use of quality store bought stock and a rotisserie chicken!

If you‘re not nursing a cold, this soup pairs beautifully with a crisp, medium-bodied white wine such as La Crema Pinot Gris, Monterey, California, one of our amazing offerings at Marcello’s Italian Restaurant & Bar on the Piazza.

Don’t forget that all bottles of wine are half-off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Cheers!

Enjoy and Bon appétit! •

1 Tbs. unsalted butter 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, thinly sliced 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced 2 Tbs. minced fresh thyme leaves (removed from stems) 8 cups no or low sodium chicken stock 3/4 cup orzo (a small oval shaped pasta) 6 oz. fresh baby spinach, stems removed 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 1/2 cup freshly grated ParmigianoReggiano cheese

First begin by sautéing the vegetables.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and thyme leaves and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes more. Add the stock, increase the heat to medium-high and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Add the pasta to the simmering soup and cook until the pasta is al dente, 3 to 4 minutes, or according to the package instructions. Add the spinach and chicken and cook, stirring, until the spinach has wilted and the chicken is warmed through, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with some of the cheese.

Serve immediately with remaining cheese at the table.

Bettina Tolin is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas. She has cooked in the kitchens of the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Florida. She is currently the Executive Chef and General Manager at Marcello’s Italian Restaurant and Bar in Port Isabel, Texas.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This Week’s Recipe is Brought to You By:

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Easy RV Hacks: First Ten Tips in Improving Your RV Lifestyle

By Carrie Todd

What a mess. Another plate broke.

Whether you are relocating or settling in for a summer at your favorite RV park, there are things you can do to make your life easier, cleaner, and overall happier. Many of these tricks were learned the hard way, through trial and error. What if, instead of learning from your mistakes, you can pick up these simple RV hacks?

Check out the first ten of the 40 tips that will follow in our “Easy RV Hacks” series to come in following weeks. Print them or commit them to memory, then share them with other RVers to make their life easier, as well.

3. To save space, use a collapsible laundry basket as a wastebasket when camping. They can be collapsed between uses and stored out of the way.

Transportation RV Hacks

1. If you’ve ever broken your wine glasses or juice glasses while traveling, this one is for you. Slide koozies over them, and place them back in the cabinet. If they knock together, they won’t break.

2. Protect your wine bottles, as well.

Slide plastic mesh sleeves over the wine bottles.

4. Most people realize the benefit of keeping duct tape in their rig, but what about clothespins? They can be used for laundry, chip clips, and securing the trash bag

5. For that matter, keep some clothesline handy as well. You can use it to assist with laundry, hang wet towels and swim suits, and tie cabinets closed when in transit.

6. Another option to keep cabinets closed, while traveling, is to secure them with bungee straps. The 3-inch loops with a ball end are useful for cabinet doors, and ones with hooks on the ends are great for drawer handles.

7. Dry erase boards have many uses.

Magnetic ones can be hung on the refrigerator.

Along with emergency information, you can post a checklist of things to do before heading out, a grocery list, or the Wi-Fi password.

8. Name tag holder clips can be used to hang lights from the awning.

9. Hold bath products in place with a towel rod.

10. Use pantyhose to tie a bar of soap to the water spigot. This makes hand washing easy. • “This piece is brought to you courtesy of RVshare.com. RVshare helps RV owners earn up to $30,000 a year renting their RV when they aren’t using it.” http://blog.rvshare.com/rv-hacks-2/

www.welcomehomergv.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV Hosts the 23rd Annual Fall Festival and Halloween Carnival and Calls for Volunteers Special to Welcome Home RGV

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg

RGV is hosting the 23rd Annual Fall Festival and Halloween Carnival, scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2015, from 6 to 9 p.m. The festival will take place at The Legacy Center, located at 702 Cullen St, (Corner of Rogers and Expressway 281) in Edinburg. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV will ensure a safe and secure Halloween experience for your family as well as bring you the most exciting celebration for your family this Halloween.

Families are welcome to join a spectacular night of great entertainment, concessions, and an opportunity for some wholesome family fun.

You can always depend on us to provide a community service event that gives families a place to come and enjoy Halloween night in a safe and secure environment.

You’ll appreciate our attention to safety and, at the same time, the care taken to ensure your family

has a fun night.

The Club will again feature the all-time favorite kiddie-carnival. Of course we’ll continue to bring you free candy for the kids, costume contests, dance contests, and a full line of concessions. To further enhance your family experience, we have included family entertainment, music, a silent auction, a prize bingo and many prize giveaways.

For more details on how you can be a part of this event as a booth vendor, participant, or volunteer, please contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV at 956-383-2582. •

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