December 16, 2020 Winter Texan Times Vol. 34, No. 6 by Winter Texan Times

r e t n Wi n a x e T

TIMES

CHRISTMAS

Historic downtown Mercedes

UTSA Boot Again, the weather has been pretty good this past week. We are finally seeing some cooler temperatures that require light jackets. Take some time to enjoy the outdoors this season. It is a great time to take advantage of the nice weather and scenery we have in the Valley. Last week I had some time to spend in Mercedes. It was fun traipsing around town getting pictures of the over five-foot boots. Check them out next time you visit downtown Mercedes and the surrounding areas. ********

In one of our previous golf stories, we had published that Alamo CounSee RINA’S RAMBLINGS pg. 3 INDEX Parks Calendar p7 “On the Road” Column p9 Events Calendar p 12 Taste of the Valley p 13 Business Guide p 17 Classifieds p 17 Next issue date: December 23

Old Mercedes City Hall

A drive through downtown Mercedes can take you back in time. There are many buildings on S. Texas Ave. and the nearby streets of downtown that still show the architecture from eras past. Some buildings have been restored for newer purposes but have still maintained the historic architecture of their original build. Take the old First National Bank on S. Texas Ave. for instance. Built in the early 1900s, it was pretty run down before someone decided to buy the piece of property and restore what they could. According to a blog post about the building, the roof and back wall was falling in and it was filled with junk leftover from a previous business. The post goes on to mention, Calixtro Gomez, who rebuilt the building to what it is today. The outSee MERCEDES pg. 2

Alamo welcomes Christmas season

By Herb Moering No virus pandemic was going to stop the City of Alamo from welcoming in the Christmas season on Saturday, Dec. 12. However, the traditional parade for “Lighting Our Way into 2021” was impacted to some degree with a shift to just decorated and lighted vehicles, with bands and other marchers eliminated and fewer spectators lining the route. The lighting of the large Christmas tree in Central Park at the end of the parade also was a bit different with social distancing asked for as Miss Alamo hit the connection following the countdown. The 2020 pageant winner, See ALAMO pg. 4

Miss Alamo 2020, Gianna Salinas (3rd from left) had the honor of turning on the lights of the city’s Christmas tree in Central Park. With her were (from left) Alamo Princess Amaya Rhodes, Mayor Diana Martinez, Salinas, Santa Claus (Tripp Wright), Duchess Christnah and Commissioners Robert De La Garza and Pete Morales.

DECEMBER 16, 2020

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WINTER TEXAN TIMES MERCEDES From pg. 1

side still maintains much of the orig- for all of us to do some history diginal architecture, and they kept most ging on. of the same architectural design inWhile driving around Mercedes, side as well. They reused bricks from visitors will notice tall boots at many the falling wall to build a courtyard. intersections and businesses. MerThe bank is now a cedes is a hidden ballroom, adequately boot capital and named First National they have celebrated Ballroom. that history with an There are a few art project of boots other historic buildthroughout the town. ings just on this One of the boot street alone, like the stores, Rios of Merold theatre next door. cedes, can trace its The theatre features roots to 1853 when murals of movies the Rios family befrom its heyday. gan to make boots in Over by the MerGeneral Teran, Mexcedes Chamber of ico. This company Commerce and Ecoeventually moved to nomic Development Mercedes. office you will find According to a not only the new blog post recognizmunicipal building, ing Camargo Boots but also the old Merand Rios of Mercedes City Hall that Boot in front of old city hall cedes, Mercedes was built in 1928. Its uses the boot as a historical medallion proud symbol ‘of the says the ‘two-story legacy and tradition gothic style buildof the past, symboling’ was constructed izing the hard-workof red brick, ‘featuring cowboy spirit.’ ing a copper cupola Boots are part of the designed to house culture and history of the fire alarm, cast the town, so why not stone detailing and have boots as a piece a gabled roof.’ The of artwork. second floor served The five-andas a town meeting a-half foot custom room and firemen’s boots are made of dormitory. It housed aluminum and are the town’s municipal painted with logos offices and fire staof local colleges and tion. It served as the universities as well Camargo’s Western Boots Mercedes City Hall as other Texas unifor nearly 50 years. versities. The architect, Newell Waters, also Rios of Mercedes and Camargo designed Mercedes High school and Boots are well known throughout the auditorium and the Llano Grande world as two of the top boot makers. Clubhouse. What he designed in Mer- Their boots can be pieces of art and cedes only shows a few of his talents. custom made. Boots have been a part He designed many other buildings of western lifestyle for generations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. and the boots you can find in MerWhen traveling the downtown area, cedes are made with that hard-workyou will see the Christmas decorations ing mentality and pride. and crowns. Mercedes is known as the Also, boots are ideal to represent the Queen City of the Valley. Founded city known for the Rio Grande Valley in 1907, it is one of the oldest towns Livestock Show and Rodeo. The livein the Rio Grande Valley. There are stock show has a history of over 80 many theories as to why the town was years. The show was organized as a called the Queen City, but none of project of the Mercedes Chamber of them are historically accurate accord- Commerce and has been at its current ing to websites containing the history See MERCEDES pg. 6 of Mercedes. Maybe that is something

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RINA’S RAMBLINGS From pg. 1

try Club was a semiprivate club. They called and let us know that they are a private golf course. We go into doing these stories the best that we can, gathering information from any source we can get in touch with, but we do make mistakes.

ners, so there are quite a few things to give away.

********

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Our first golf contest just ended, so that means we will be drawing some prize winners soon. We are still collecting some gifts to give away from our advertisers and community part-

We will also be having more contests and drawings throughout the rest of the season. You can be entered into these drawings by participating in surveys when we have them and by signing up for our email newsletter.

DECEMBER 16, 2020

season and occasionally during our off season if we think there might be something of interest happening in the area or some news that would be beneficial to you. Good luck and stay tuned for winner announcements and future prize drawing opportunities.

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WINTER TEXAN TIMES ALAMO From pg. 1

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Gianna Salinas, had her court on hand children. Like many others, the pandemic including Princess Amaya Rhodes, Duchess Christnah Cruz and Ambas- knocked out their plans to go to the D.C. area with just about everything sador Daniela Zapata. They were joined by Alamo’s City closed down in Virginia. They didn’t Commission members, led by May- get to see the grandkids, but they have or Diana Martinez with Santa Claus plans to go this next summer if things of course, Tripp Wright, from Alamo open up. Among the floats, Disney characRec-Veh Park. Actually, a number ters were popular. of residents from Ella Maldonado that park particicame dressed as a pated driving their “Frozen” character, decorated, lighted Anna, and Emily golf carts, includGarza was Elsa. The ing Mrs. Santa, two juniors from Wright’s wife, MarVanguard Academy tha. in Alamo frequentPart of Rec-Veh’s ly dress those charcontingent includacters and carefuled Mark Norman ly visit hospitals, in his first parade, nursing homes, and who came dressed other schools in adlike the Christmas dition to doing an Grinch and riding occasional birthday his three-wheel, party. decorated motorAmong others cycle. He has been Two juniors at Vanguard Acadriding bikes since emy in Alamo brought a couple in the parade were Memorial he was 16 back in Disney characters to life with Ella PSJA Missouri. “I like it Maldonado, left, as Anna, and Early College High School Dazzlers (this bike) in partic- Emily Garza as Elsa. team, the high school ular,” he said. “It’s cheerleaders, City nice to ride out in the country.” He and his wife are full-time RV- Public Works Department employees, ers, spending six months in the “Val- IDEA School, 2019-2020 Teacher of ley” for the past six years. The couple, the Year Mr. De Leon and lots of fire who hail from Missouri originally, engines and police vehicles. To view the parade and see the spend the other six months traveling, usually to the East Coast around the Christmas tree being lit, visit the City D.C. area to see their son in the Navy, of Alamo website. daughter in the Marines and grand-

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Natural holiday season

DECEMBER 16, 2020

Over 30 Art Installations along the trails at Quinta Mazatlán celebrate the light of the world including bronze and natural sculptures.

By Colleen Hook, Executive Director, Quinta Mazatlán Amazing things happen in nature in the wintertime, and everyone senses that change is coming. Many cultures around the world have winter festivals that involve celebrations of light, including Christmas with tree lights, Hanukkah with the ninebranched Menorah, Kwanzaa with the seven-candle Kinara, Las Posadas with children lighting the way with candles, and many more.

Winter marks the coldest time of the year, but it’s also the warmest time of the year with cultural traditions, storytelling, food and gifts. Many have also passed down traditions of giving back to the natural world— Mother Earth. Perhaps this year, plan on planting seeds or a tree to connect the family to nature and all the things that matter most to us. Winter is a time of feeding the spirit, feeding people, feeding wildlife See NATURAL pg. 8

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location since 1949. The show grows landscape of shallow lake, woodlands each year and serves as a fundraising and thorn forest. These terrains offer opportunity for Future Farmers of a wide variety of birds that visit the America and 4-H participants. As we area and include it on their migratory all know, agriculture played an im- pattern. portant role in the life and evolution Not to leave it out, Mercedes also of the Valley – with livestock, citrus, features a top golf course, Llano cotton, and more – and the livestock Grande Country Club. Built in 1925, show promotes it is one of the that history. oldest golf coursThe show also es in the Valley. promotes agriculIt is a par-72 18tural education, hole golf course leadership develthat challenges opment and comgolfers at any levpetition. It is a el. Amenities infamily affair held clude the historic in March of each RGV Livestock Show entrance club house, dinyear. What began ing room, driving as a small show range, pro shop, held in tents has now grown into an club rentals, snack bar and a pro on event that houses an exhibition room, staff. It features tropical foliage, bunseveral covered pen buildings, an en- kers, water hazards and Bermuda fairtertainment hall, a museum, and a ro- ways. deo arena. For more about the City of MerWe cannot forget to talk about cedes, visit their Facebook pages or some nature in Mercedes. Although their websites at www.mercedesnot quite in Mercedes, Estero Llano chamber.com. The blog mentioned Grande State Park is in its neighboring can be found at http://cityofmercity, Weslaco. The park has a varied cedestx.blogspot.com/.

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PARKS

CALENDAR

EDITOR’S NOTE: Items for the Parks Calendar must be open to the public activities in the parks only and must be submitted by park owners, managers or activity directors. Listings must come from the park and are to be submitted on the Winter Texan Times Parks Calendar Submission Form. Request this form from the Winter Texan Times office. Multiple activities may be submitted on the park’s letterhead, provided the same information is provided in the format of the Submission Form. We do not accept listings for reviews, workshops, lessons or dance classes. Submission deadline is Wednesday noon, one week prior to the publication date. Send to: Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to parkscal@wintertexantimes.com or fax to 956-580-7898. Wednesday, December 16 John Autry Scramble - Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club, Edinburg, 2pm.

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Happy Hour - Leisure World Community, Weslaco, 3-4:30pm, With Diego and Edith. $5pp, tickets available from Merri Jo Schanafelt, enloemj@ msn.com. No tickets will be sold at the door. Entertainment - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 7pm, Rusty Rierson Christmas Show, $9pp. Bring your own drinks and snacks, ice cream bars for sale. Please wear your masks. Thursday, December 17 Soup Supper - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 4pm, $5 per 32 oz prefilled container; four flavors. Drive thru only, pick up and take home. Friday, December 18 Fish Fry - Lamplighter Park, Palmview, 4-5:30pm, Drive-thru, no need to exit your vehicle. Enter on Lampshire to get started. Served 4-5:30pm or until gone. Hope to see you!! Fish Fry - Mission West RV Park, 4:30-5:30pm, Fish dinner - 3 pieces, fish served with coleslaw and fries, $8pp. Serving from 4:30-5:30 pm.

Drive thru only. Saturday, December 19 Open Jam - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 11am-1pm, Microphone will have fresh cover with each performer. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Please wear your masks. Entertainment - Mission West RV Park, 7-9pm, Come enjoy a great show with Kai. Concessions available. $7pp. We have plenty of room for social distancing. Masks will be required. Sunday, December 20 Church Service - Mission Bell Resort/ Tradewinds, Mission, 9:3010:30am, Will be held in the Mission Bell Hall, with Pastor Jim Maxson. Plenty of room for social distancing, please wear a mask. Church Service - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 10:30-11:30am, Church Service is held in Clubhouse Rec Hall. Bingo - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 7-9pm, Bingo is held in the Clubhouse Rec Hall.

Monday, December 21 Monday Night Hamburgers - Mission West RV Park, 4:30-5:30pm, Please note time change: Serving our famous Monday Night Hamburgers ($5pp) and Cheeseburgers ($6pp) from 4:30-5:30 pm. Both are served with french fries and all the ‘fixins’. Drive Thru only. Tuesday, December 22 Weekly Jam - Leisure World Community, Weslaco, 11am-2pm, Located at 400 East 18th Street in Weslaco. Lunch served 11am-12pm, $5pp, Jam from 12-2pm. Open to the public. Mask requested. Wednesday, December 23 John Autry Scramble - Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club, Edinburg, 2pm. Saturday, December 26 Open Jam - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 11am-1pm, Microphone will have fresh cover with each performer. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Please wear your masks.

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See PARKS pg. 14

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WINTER TEXAN TIMES NATURAL From pg. 5

and feeding the Earth. Regardless of temperate climate of the Rio Grande our spiritual or cultural heritage, we Valley is a welcome blessing as we all live on the same Earth. Plant seeds experience our mild winter. this year for a simpler and more natuTake a walk in the woods at Quinral holiday season and consider a bird- ta Mazatlán in McAllen and enjoy feeder to help our feathered friends. Illumina Fest from December 16th A quote to the 19th. Ilfrom a Nalumina Fest is tive Amerpresented by ican Elder: SpawGlass and “Honor the advance timed sacred. Hontickets are reor the Earth. quired at www. Our Mothticketleap.com, er. Honor search for Quinthe Elders. ta Mazatlán, $5 Honor all per person with with whom two and under we share free. the Earth: Termed the eighth wonder of the world, Israel’s Guests are Four-leggeds, 500 million migratory birds are represented at asked to keep Fest with White Stork sculptures visittwo-leggeds, Illumina in small groups, ing the holy land. winged ones, wear masks and swimmers, practice social crawlers, plant and rock people. Walk distancing. Upon completing the luin balance and beauty.” minaria trail, families will leave the Particularly this year, as we are park in order to allow for the next advised to avoid indoor groups of group of visitors. people, the opportunity to enjoy NaEnjoy the light of the world this ture is a welcome call. The amazingly natural holiday season.

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Remarkable exhibits at BHM

The Brownsville Historical Museum has a wonderful display to delight

young and old and all those in between. Not only is this an outstanding museum, but each year for the Christmas Season they have a special exhibit of a miniature village. Filling stations, houses, stores and even a S t a r b u c k s Old Switchboard will all be displayed in miniature. The collection is so realistic that there is even a car being pushed out of the snow. True snow

is very rare in the Rio Grande Valley, but it does happen every so often. And for sure, very few of us who live here year-round know how to drive on icy roads so we might all need a push. The display was donated to the museum by the Gloor Family upon the death of June Gloor who kept the village set up yearround in a special room in her home. If you have never visited this museum now is the time. You will be able to

review the history of Brownsville and a chance to see this miniature village. The museum also displays a pump organ from the mid 1700's. The Oblate Priests moved this organ by wagon from ranch to ranch as they visited the mission churches located on Highway 281. Even the engine of the small train that moved supplies and troops from Port Isabel to Fort Brown in Brownsville is on display. Years ago, when I first visited the museum, you were allowed to pull the whistle on the train. I suggest you check to see if this is still allowed. Another interesting piece of antiquity is the telephone switchboard with all its incoming lines. Our modern cell phone users won't believe what they are looking at. Operating one of those switchboards was one of my first jobs when I was in college. The museum is located at 641 E. Madison St., Brownsville. There is an entrance fee of $6 for Seniors and $4 for children 12 and under. Entry fee includes the Miniature Village. Hours are 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m. with special hours on Sunday. Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced. For more information or to arrange a group narrated tour, call (956) 5481313

DECEMBER 16, 2020

In conjunction with the museum is the Old City Cemetery. All the Brownsville original settlers and those ranchers who had homes in Brownsville are buried in the Old Cemetery. This is another bit of history that can prove remarkably interesting especially if you wonder why the Kenedy plot moved all of the family other than one to the newer Buena Vista Cemetery. But that is a whole different story! An interesting book - Petra's Legacy - gives a little more insight into possible reasons why this lone member of the family was never re-interred. And how are you doing on your New Year's Resolutions? Remember we were going to consider making a positive resolution instead of a negative one. Instead of giving up something, let's add something positive to our lives like the please and thank you and a hello to everyone we meet. Well, I think I have mine, but it is going to be a little more difficult, a little more time consuming than just the smile. But the reward will be just as great or greater...perhaps not for you nor for me, but definitely for the person who receives my positive resolution. Good luck as you resolve to add something positive to your life.

DECEMBER 16, 2020

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It’s not just the golf

Long Island Village dominated the voting for “Best of” winning Favorite Hole (Number 7), Favorite Amenities - Clubhouse, Favorite Putting Green, Pro Shop, Golf Pro Grant Lewis, 19th Hole and menu item - Nachos. Golf is an experience Sure, there are nine or 18 holes to play, a challenge in itself. But there is so much more than just the fairways, greens and actual game – even though

that’s what draws people to the course. But when one goes out to hit the fairways, there is usually a ritual that takes place. Some people arrive early, grab some breakfast, hit the putting

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South Texas. We found out that there were a lot of other enjoyable aspects of a round that are necessary to complete a day at the golf course. A few years ago, Long Island Village was not even a blip on many golfers’ radar screens. In recent years, however, the tiny golf course that could has become the tiny golf course that can, and its popularity has soared. Golfers are truly passionate about this course, located at 900 S. Garcia St. in Port Isabel. The course is an 18-hole par-3 course that consists of holes ranging from 44 to 146 yards, with most holes being less than 100 yards. The design incorporates a few water hazards, and the course is more than just a solid challenge when the wind is blowing off the Gulf. That’s when Long Island Village is at its best, and most unpredictable. One reviewer wrote “It is the toughest par three course I have ever played! Lots of water and trick shots. It will really improve your short game.” Others mentioned how friendly of a staff the course has.

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green or the driving range and then start their round. Others will just hang back in the clubhouse and spend a day just putting, chipping, eating, watching television, and chatting with other golfers as they begin, or put an end, to their ritual, which oftentimes includes a burger or nachos and a cold adult beverage – maybe more than one to either celebrate a good round or to try and forget a bad round. In any case, while the round is the feature presentation, it is not the only thing. It is like going to a movie – sure, the flick is the reason you’re there, but it’s the popcorn, candy, pizza, beverage…. and the previews or behind the scenes clips, that complete the movie experience. Winston Churchill once said, "Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose." Readers and golfers from across the Rio Grande Valley participated in the Winter Texan Times “Favorites” golf contest, to see what they enjoyed – golf and not golf – at courses across

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DECEMBER 16, 2020 11

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Long Island Village dominated the courses that have stayed on top of ev- mention along with the clubhouse art Place in Harlingen and Grant Lewvoting for best of, winning Favorite ery aspect of their course, especially sandwich at Tierra Santa in Weslaco. is at Long Island Village, were named Hole (Number 7), Favorite Ameni- in the past six to eight years. Playing The nachos at Long Island, however, favorite golf pros, another key categoties (Its clubhouse), Favorite putting golf at any of those courses is like dominated the culinary scene among ry in the complete golf experience. green, pro shop, golf pro, 19th hole getting the best of public and country voters. This was a popular category, South Padre Island, which is climband menu item. ing back toward its distinction So, if you still do not know as one of the most elite golf much about Long Island Vilcourses in South Texas, was also lage you at least know there is among the favorites in multiple a lot to know about it. categories, winning favorite The 71-yard hole number driving range, followed by Palm 7 sounds simple, but it is not. View’s lighted driving range Those 71 yards could play like and Shary Municipal Course’s 40, but more likely could play range. SPI also received honorlike 140 – or more. Combined able mention nods for favorite with a scenic view, golfers putting green, favorite pro shop said this was their favorite hole and favorite 19th hole, thus fillin the Rio Grande Valley, foling out categories that complete lowed by the 158-yard island a full golf experience. par-3, No. 17 hole at RiverShary Municipal Golf Course bend Golf Course in Brownsin Mission and Stuart Place also ville and the 335-yard dogleg received honorable mentions, right No. 5 at South Padre Isbehind Long Island Village, land Golf Course, a hole with when it came to favorite 19th water all along its right side. holes. And what better way to SPI Golf Course took several honorable mentions and won Favorite Driving Range. Clearly those who go to the end a round of golf than at the local courses have their favor19th hole, sharing the good, the ite clubhouses and staff in the Rio club-like courses every time you ar- confirming how much the total ex- bad and everything else about the full Grande Valley, emphasizing how im- rive. perience matters to a day on the golf experience of a day at the golf course. portant those amenities are. FollowTierra Del Sol, which has promot- course as people also enjoyed hamBecause, as Hall of Fame golfer ing Long Island Village was Tierra ed its breakfast as one of the best in burgers and drinks at multiple sites. Chi-Chi Rodriguez once said, “Golf Del Sol in Pharr and Palm View Golf the RGV golf scene, received justifiGetting a little more personal with is the most fun you can have without Course in McAllen, two municipal cation by being named an honorable the contest Marilyn Anderson at Stu- taking your clothes off."

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WINTER TEXAN TIMES

EVENTS

CALENDAR If you have an event coming up, please submit to news@wintertexantimes.com. Please include contact information, social distancing requirements and any additional information that would be helpful to the community. Now through January 1 Brownsville’s Holiday Village will premiere their Virtual Village that will be accessible anytime and anywhere. The village will include 31 cottages for visitors to explore. They will also have coloring pages, games and other activities. And, as always, Fritter will arrive on Thanksgiving night and hide in a different cottage each day. The Virtual Village will be updated throughout the holiday season, so be sure to visit the page often. You can find information from previous years at www.holidayvillagebrownsville. com and their page on Facebook. Now through December 30 The Festival of Lights “Season of Hope” will feature a two-mile drive-

through attraction with millions of lights, castles, tunnels and hundreds of illuminated displays. Tickets start at $20 per vehicle, plus applicable fees, and include a four-pack of 20 oz. Coca Cola. Guests can purchase a Dash Pass for $40 and skip the lines. Tickets are available for purchase at www.hidalgofestivaloflights.com. December 16, 18 and 20 As part of their fall concert series, the Valley Symphony Orchestra presents A Touch of Frost, featuring the VSO Holiday Brass and Harp. VSO will be having a LIVE concert on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the in-person concert are on sale now at www.valleyorchestra.org. They can be purchased in advance only and patrons should note that all public health protocols, including mask wearing, will be followed at the event. The concert premieres on Facebook December 18 at 7 p.m. Broadcast will be on KRGV – Channel 5 December 20 at 11 a.m. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more, join the VSO’s mailing list at www.valleyorchestra.org or call the VSO at (956) 661-1615.

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noticed this strange phenomenon. Whenever Victoria Palms’ Chef Marcus Arevalo cooks up something for you to eat, it is go-

DECEMBER 16, 2020 13

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ing to be absolutely terrific. Such was the case once again as I visited the Handmade Tortillas • Traditional Mexican Recipes restaurant with no idea of what I wanted. The chef Free Coffee came out to say hello and I asked him for his opinEvery Wednesday from Open to Close ion to help cure my clueless dilemma. His first recommendation was the blackened tilapia, followed Open Everyday by the fried whitefish. from 6am to 3pm Being hungry, as always, I chose both. My server, Elizabeth Andrade chimed in after (956) 565-9966 she asked what I ordered and said she especially loved the blackened tilapia, an encouraging pre151 1/2 N Texas Ave, Mercedes, TX 78570 view of what was to come. The tilapia arrived and before even a bite was taken, it looked and smelled absolutely mouth-watering. The fish, with the mixed spices, came out blackened as advertised and the spices on top glistened, giving amazing contrast to the snow-like whiteness of the fish. I have been playing a little in recent weeks with Coupon Good For blackening food and found how easy it is – for me Buy 1 Entree Get 2nd 1/2 Price (Of Equal or Lesser Value) at least – to end up with a product that is over blackHappy Hour ened, the power of the pepper dominating the flavor. This was not the case with this tilapia as Chef Tuesday - Saturday 4pm - 7pm $2 Margaritas / $1 Off Bottled Beer Marcus created an amazing piece of fish, the black$2 Off Selected Menu Items ened flavor deliciously combining with a fish that (1 Coupon Per Table Expires 12/31/20) was cooked perfectly, flaky yet firm and not rubbery. A stunning combination of flavors. Elizabeth (956) 276-4995 • 2301 Bus Highway 77 San Benito, TX was spot on when she promoted this dish. The fried whitefish was another dish that tick711 N 77 Sunshine Strip, led the taste buds. The first bite brought about two Harlingen • (956) 230-5050 distinct flavors and an interesting mixture of the crunchy outer layer of breadcrumbs and other seaWinter Texan sonings, and the delicate inner fish. There were also two distinct flavors – from the batter and the fish -- and, my favorite part, is that it was probably 85% All Food Items fish and 15% batter, unlike so many places that Drinks Not Included seem to flip-flop those percentages, making you Expires March 31, 2021 search for a glimpse of the fish. It was yet another five-star victory for Chef Marcus. I cannot wait to go back to Victoria Palms Restaurant, hungry and without a clue… as usual. I Do Your Mouth A Flavor! know I will be in good hands.

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DECEMBER 16, 2020

www.wintertexantimes.com PARKS

WINTER TEXAN TIMES

From pg. 7

Sunday, December 27 Church Service - Mission Bell Resort/ Tradewinds, Mission, 9:3010:30am, Will be held in the Mission Bell Hall, with Pastor Jim Maxson. Plenty of room for social distancing, please wear a mask. Church Service - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 10:30-11:30am, Church Service is held in Clubhouse Rec Hall. Bingo - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 7-9pm, Bingo is held in the Clubhouse Rec Hall. Monday, December 28 Monday Night Hamburgers - Mission West RV Park, 4:30-5:30pm, Please note time change: Serving our famous Monday Night Hamburgers ($5pp) and Cheeseburgers ($6pp) from 4:30-5:30 pm. Both are served with french fries and all the ‘fixins’. Drive Thru only. Tuesday, December 29 Weekly Jam - Leisure World Community, Weslaco, 11am-2pm, Located at 400 East 18th Street in Weslaco. Lunch served 11am-12pm, $5pp, Jam from 12-2pm. Open to the public.

Mask requested. Wednesday, December 30 John Autry Scramble - Monte Cristo Golf & Country Club, Edinburg, 2pm. Thursday, December 31 Dance - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 8-12am, The Rovers, New Years Eve Dance, $15pp. Refreshments provided, hats, horns, etc. You may bring your own drinks and snacks. Please wear your mask when necessary. Soup Supper - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 4pm, $5 per 32 oz prefilled container; four flavors. Drive thru only, pick up and take home. New Years Eve Dance - Leisure World Community, Weslaco, 8-12am, New Years Eve Dance with Country Pickin, $10pp. Tickets are available from Merri Jo Schanafelt, enloemj@ msn.com. No tickets willbe sold at the door. Sunday, January 3 Church Service - Mission Bell Resort/ Tradewinds, Mission, 9:3010:30am, Will be held in the Mission Bell Hall, with Pastor Jim Maxson. Plenty of room for social distancing, please wear a mask. See PARKS pg. 17

Go...With Jo! Tours & Travel Welcome Back Winter texans!

Dear Traveler,

In accordance with the recommendations of the CDC, we will be observing social distanceing on all of our tours. Therefore the number of passengers on buses, trains and planes will be reduced. Consequently, tour prices have increased in order to cover the expenses. Help us to win our battle against this pandemic by wearing a mask and observing the social distancing. Let’s get back to normal! Jo

U.S. TOURS Eagle Pass Gambling (2 Days) Future Dates: To be announced! 1 nt. hotel.. $TBA Big Bend Adventure (6 Days) Feb. 5, 7 Meals, 2 nts. In the chisos Basin ........$939 (Prices are per person, double occupancy)

MEXICO BUS TOURS Monarch Butterflies (7 Days) Feb. 17, 1 nt. San Miguel + meals ................... $1,019 Monterrey Tres (3 Days) Dates: To be announced soon .................................... $TBA (Prices are per person, double occupancy)

ONE DAY BUS TOURS King Ranch (1 Day) Jan. 27; Feb. 10; Mar. 3, Incl. BBQ Lunch ....................... $109pp Peace & After - A Link to the Past (1 Day) Jan. 28; Feb. 11, 25; Mar. 4, Incl. Lunch......$79pp Farm Tour (1 Day) Feb. 17; Mar. 10, Incl. Lunch...................................................$95pp King Ranch Farm Tour (1 Day) Feb. 24, Incl. Lunch + Feed Lot & 12 mile loop rd. $119pp 27146 McLelland Road., Harlingen, TX 78552 (956) 423-1446 Lower Valley / 956-664-1446 Upper Valley 1-800-999-1446 / www.gowithjo.com

WINTER TEXAN TIMES

Battlefield Trail extension opens

Battlefield trail extension opens with ribbon cutting BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS— Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and leaders from the City of Brownsville, the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, and across Cameron County, Texas, marked the opening of the Historic Battlefield Trail Extension at a private ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Palo Alto Battlefield last month.

DECEMBER 16, 2020 15

www.wintertexantimes.com

The 1.8-mile extension of the City of Brownsville’s Historic Battlefield Trail—funded by a $2 million grant from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation—is the first phase in a plan to connect Brownsville with Los Fresnos by trail and is the first among six catalyst projects designed to accelerate completion of the Caracara Trails—a 428-mile regional network of multi-

use trails, U.S. Bicycling Routes and paddling trails. The development of the trail network is expected to generate a 22% increase in physical activity and an annual health-care cost savings of as much as $12.3 million. Construction of the trail network is expected to deliver a total economic impact of more than $173 million. “When we hosted the groundbreaking for the Battlefield Trail Extension in January, we knew that the public health and economic benefits of the region’s trails would be infinite for decades, but we had no idea that it would serve so much critical purpose in the short-term as the region and country works to stay healthy in a pandemic,” said Rose M.Z. Gowen, M.D., Brownsville city commissioner and a board member of RTC. “The trail extension is a significant step forward in building a sustainable future in Cameron County that will position our city and our region as a leader in tourism based on a strong economy that is driven by ensuring the health of the local residents and community.” At the private ribbon-cutting ceremony, RTC, the City of Brownsville and the Palo Alto Battlefield—

joined by the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, the City of Los Fresnos, CDCB, the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization and UTHealth—outlined the opportunities that the completion of this trail segment moves forward. This includes immediate next steps with the Brownsville to Los Fresnos Connect project, a 2.5-mile trail project funded by a federal Transportation Alternatives grant, and the 1.1-mile Los Fresnos Hike and Bike Trail, funded by the Legacy Foundation and a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant. The 428-mile Caracara Trails network is an RTC TrailNation™ project that is being developed in partnership with the Legacy Foundation; UTHealth; the cities of Brownsville, Harlingen, Combes, Los Fresnos, Los Indios, Port Isabel, Rio Hondo, San Benito and South Padre Island; the towns of Laguna Vista and Rancho Viejo; and other nonprofits and public agencies. The Caracara Trails will ultimately connect the Lower Rio Grande Valley by trail. Learn more about the Caracara Trails and the Lower Rio Grande Active Plan at caracaratrails.org.

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DECEMBER 16, 2020

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WINTER TEXAN TIMES

McAllen asks community to share #TrailMoments

The City of McAllen, in conjunction with the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, is encouraging residents to take advantage of the many hike and bike trails in the community and to post the information on their social media, utilizing the hash tag #TrailMoments. The effort is part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy Trail Moment initiative, in hopes to capture moments of joy, solitude, exercise and self-care. According to the website, www. RailstoTrails.org, “Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, millions of people have flocked to the outdoors. Spending time outside is one of the safest things we can do. As people seek out spaces near their homes to be active at a safe physical distance, trails have proven to be so important to so many—spaces to play, commute, walk, bike, run and explore.” The McAllen Hike and Bike Trails feature the 2nd Street Hike and Bike Trail, the Bicentennial Blvd. Hike and Bike Trail and the Bentsen Hike and Bike Trail. All trails run north to south in McAllen and are seven miles; six

miles; and 1.25 miles respectively. The public service announcements highlight how getting out on the trails will help keep everyone healthy and safe. When out on the trails, participants are asked to snap a selfie and post the pic with a brief explanation of what their special trail moment means to them and don’t forget to add the hash tag. Additionally, residents can fill out a brief survey on the trail, by clicking on a QR code that will be posted on signs along the trail or on the City of McAllen’s social media pages. McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, an avid cycler, was really excited to participate in the PSA, especially as it shows off a great feature of McAllen and encourages everyone in the community that it is free and easy to do. “It’s important that during this time of so much change and anxiety brought on by COVID-19, that we all do our best to stay healthy with the entire family. These PSAs showcase just how easy it is.” Marlen Garza, director for the Traffic Operations division of the City of

(956)566-1157

WINTER TEXAN TIMES PARKS From pg. 14

Church Service - Mission West RV Park, 10-11am, Everyone welcome to join us for our non-denominational church service every Sunday at 10am. We will have social distancing and masks will be required throughout the service. Our address is 511 E Loop 374, Palmview, TX 78572. Church Service - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 10:30-11:30am, Church Service is held in Clubhouse Rec Hall. Dance - Mission Bell Resort/ Tradewinds, Mission, 3-5pm, Come dance to Dan Steven’s and his Orchestra. Free admission. Bingo - Pleasant Valley Resort, Mission, 7-9pm, Bingo is held in the Clubhouse Rec Hall. McAllen and represents McAllen as a member of the RGV MPO, highlighted how this initiative is being promoted in both Hidalgo and Cameron County.

DECEMBER 16, 2020 17

www.wintertexantimes.com

Monday, January 4 Monday Night Hamburgers - Mission West RV Park, 4:30-5:30pm, Please note time change: Serving our famous Monday Night Hamburgers ($5pp) and Cheeseburgers ($6pp) from 4:30-5:30 pm. Both are served with french fries and all the ‘fixins’. Drive Thru only. Tuesday, January 5 Weekly Jam - Leisure World Community, Weslaco, 11am-2pm, Located at 400 East 18th Street in Weslaco. Lunch served 11am-12pm, $5pp, Jam from 12-2pm. Open to the public. Mask requested. Parks Calendar submissions can be sent to parkscal@wintertexantimes.com If you have story ideas – send them to news@wintertexantimes.com

“By working together, we are building trails that connect one community to another, and that in the long run is a great benefit of the RGV-wide partnership.”

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WE BUY MOBILE HOMES, trailer houses, RV’s, 5th wheels, park models. We pay cash, any year, any condition, old or new. Call Ms. Davis anytime at 956-545-1118. I PAY CASH FOR your travel trailers, park models, fifth wheels, mobile homes and cars. I’ll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956-929-3842.

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2019 REFLECTION 230RL FOR SALE This 150 Series RV by Grand Design is fully loaded and newer half-ton towable! Plus other extras, too! Must see! $29,900. 612-770-9622. 2016 COLUMBUS 340RK 5TH Wheel, $40,000, 972-214-4772. WE PAY TOP CASH for your RV’s, travel trailers, 5th wheels, park

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ALPACA JACKETS, 6-PIECE BEDSHEET sets, 100% leather goods, jewelry, USA states military flags, caps, stickers, and MORE. Main Street Indoor Market-McAllen, Ron-Nancy, 956-532-4259. VA MOTOR SCOOTER, PORTABLE oxygen on wheels, walker with seat, Jazzy Select GT mobile chair, and Honda 3000 generator. Heritage Square 300 S. Bryan Rd., Unit F-4, Mission. 956-566-1702.

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For Rent WINTER TEXAN WATERFRONT RENTAL One bed, one bath, private waterfront home on Lake CC in Mathis, fully furnished. 361-2291156, rent day, week, month. SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX Gulf Side 2/2. Five minute walk to nearest beach access plus private communal pool (gulf side condo), two bedrooms plus sofa bed, two baths (sleep six). Guests are sure to enjoy a memorable vacation in this fully furnished beach condo. 646-373-0156.

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WINTER TEXAN TIMES

Help Wanted

email trumppetter@gmail.com, or call 830-832-9893.

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Homes For Sale

OWN YOUR RV LOT in Wintergreen Estates in Mission. Large concrete pad, landscape rock border, new RV canopy with finished Texas Room. $35,000. 612-7709622.

REDUCED HERITAGE SQUARE LOT E-14 52x24 house and lot, two baths, two bedrooms, laminated floors throughout, updated kitchen appliances, front load washer dryer, new metal roof, attached shed, double doors, golf cart included. 615-405-3545. I PAY CASH FOR your travel trailers, park models, fifth wheels, mobile homes and cars. I’ll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956-929-3842. MOBILE HOME INCLUDES LAND 16x70 two bed, two bath, large rooms, shed, awning, landscaped, new furnace and air, leaf guards, move in ready. 55 park, Green Bay South, clubhouse and pool. $56,500, 309-530-1161. SKYLINE, 16X48, 2BR, 1BATH, 8x12 shed, carport, washer, dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water filter, furniture, refrigerator. Lots of cement. Alamo Rec #194, Alamo, 712-830-8333.

HIRING PART TIME GOLF cart delivery driver capable of pushing carts onto trailers. If interested, call 956-580-3370.

TWO BEDROOM TWO BATH home, 4016 Pelican Way, Mission, TX in highly sought after Retama Village. New roof, kitchen and bathrooms recently remodeled. See on Zillow. Call 956-501-3100. FOR SALE BY OWNER Brick stick, two bedroom, two bath, with den. See more on Zillow. com, 1003 La Costa Drive, Alamo. Contact owner through Zillow site. Shown by appointment only. 956340-5393. 212 DIANA DR ALAMO TX, located within 55+ golf community. $149,900, two bedroom, two bath, two car garage. 2,365 sq ft or $63 a sq ft. Send text message 360977-1459. LUXURY FOR $45/SF https://www. mhvillage.com/homes/2368592,

Manufactured Homes WE BUY MOBILE HOMES, trailer houses, RV’s, 5th wheels, park models. We pay cash, any year, any condition, old or new. Call Ms. Davis anytime at 956-545-1118.

Miscellaneous

WE BUY MOBILE HOMES, trailer houses, RV’s, 5th wheels, park models. We pay cash, any year, any condition, old or new. Call Ms. Davis anytime at 956-545-1118. HIGH COUNTRY BAND IS playing every Tuesday at Tipsy Monkey, 3700 E. Exp. 83, Weslaco, from 3pm to 7pm. Good food,

For Your Health & Ours We Are Following CDC Guidance Including Wearing Masks & Gloves

NIKKY’S CARPET CLEANING Professional Cleaning Services Winter Texan Special

Any size RV or Park Model

per room in your house or mobile home

$10 OFF

Any Service $50 or more

GREAT UPHOLSTERY RATES

956-266-1369 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

WINTER TEXAN TIMES

Park Models

I PAY CASH FOR your travel trailers, park models, fifth wheels, mobile homes and cars. I’ll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956-929-3842.

Services RAIN KING ROOFING & GUTTERS, new roofs, gutters, siding, soffits, fascia, painting. Overall handyman. I service and install new down spouts. All installation

DECEMBER 16, 2020 19

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and repairs guaranteed. Call Rich at 956-322-2318.

Travel Trailers WE PAY TOP CASH for your RV’s, travel trailers, 5th wheels, park models, mobile homes, and cars. We’ll leave your lot clean. 956867-2366. I PAY CASH FOR your travel trailers, park models, fifth wheels, mobile homes and cars. I’ll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956-929-3842.

Want To Buy

WE BUY MOBILE HOMES, trailer houses, RV’s, 5th wheels, park models. We pay cash, any year, any condition, old or new. Call Ms. Davis anytime at 956-545-1118.

Wanted

WANT TO BUY CAR dependable, four door, auto, cold air. Call 319350-9200. WE BUY MOBILE HOMES, trailer houses, RV’s, 5th wheels, park models. We pay cash, any year,

any condition, old or new. Call Ms. Davis anytime at 956-545-1118. I BUY FILM CAMERAS Looking for film cameras - Nikon, Minolta, Leica, Rolleiflex, Rolleicord, German made. Also, folding cameras. Email pics pinoshah@gmail.com. WANTED YAMAHA GOLF CART 2007 or newer, electric or gas. Would like a quiet tech model. 515-491-3982. I PAY CASH FOR your travel trailers, park models, fifth wheels, mobile homes and cars. I’ll make you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956-929-3842.

DONNA ALUMINUM PRODUCTS OVER 38 YEARS OF E EXPERIENC

CARPORTS & PATIO COVERS

COUPON $AVING$

SPECIA L PR ON A ICES PRODULL CTS

LIMITED TIME

Special Prices on Second Roo fs

METAL 2ND ROOFS

Insulated Patio Covers • Screen Rooms Carports • Patio Covers Window Awnings • 2nd Roofs

956-793-8602 956-464-2228

Coupon Index

Air Control A/C & Heating Inc. American Discount Hearing Cabo Bar Grille Denny’s Franky Flav’s Freddy’s Los Comales Nikky’s Carpet Cleaning Matt’s Building Materials Peteco Rancho Viejo RGV DME Studio 6 The Griffin Grill Tint-on-Wheels Victoria Palms Restaurant

pg. 17 pg. 6 pg. 13 pg. 13 pg. 13 pg. 13 pg.13 pg. 18 pg. 9 pg. 8 pg. 11 pg. 15 pg. 6 pg. 13 pg. 17 pg. 13

Published by Nexus Publishing LLC Publisher: Dan Brunson dan@wintertexantimes.com Office: 956-580-7800 Editor: Carina Brunson carina@wintertexantimes.com Office: 956-580-7800 News Desk news@wintertexantimes.com Advertising ads@wintertexantimes.com Account Executive: Alma Chavez alma@wintertexantimes.com Upper Valley Cell: 956-533-7500 Account Executive: Pete Luna pete@wintertexantimes.com Lower Valley Cell: 956-617-2900 Advertising Assistant: Anastasia Brunson ads@wintertexantimes.com Office: 956-580-7800 Parks Calendar: parkscal@wintertexantimes.com Classified Ads: classifieds@wintertexantimes.com Graphic Design: Guadalupe Chapa Winter Texan Times 1217 N. Conway • Mission, Texas 78572 Tel. (956) 580-7800 • Fax (956) 580-7898 News: news@wintertexantimes.com Advertising: ads@wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com

© Copyright 2019-2020 by Nexus Publishing LLC, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. The Winter Texan Times is not responsible for errors or omissions in advertising. In the event of an error in an ad or omission of an ad, the newspaper’s financial liability is limited to the cost of the ad in questions. The newspaper is not responsible for any other damages, tangible or intangible. Typically a make-good ad or re-rescheduled ad is considered to sufficiently meet the newspaper’s responsibility.

DECEMBER 16, 2020

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