Port Isabel Yacht Club has colorful history

By Kathy Olivarez

During the Prohibition Era of the 1920s, private clubs called speakeasies sprang up all across the country. In the Rio Grande Valley, the Port Isabel Yacht Club became one of those speakeasies, where drinking was allowed as long as the police did not find out about it.

The old building has an elegance not found in many buildings in the Valley. Built in Mediterranean-style architecture with stucco exterior walls, the club was an 18,000-square-foot building with a red and orange tile roof. Inside, the rooms featured hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and elegant furnishings. The double front doors once graced a ship and have real portholes. Several nationally prominent people were responsible for construction. Perhaps the most famous was E.G. Mayer of Metro Golden Mayer movie productions. One share sold for $150.

The club was not called the Port Isabel Yacht Club in the early days. Instead, it was known as “The Pearl of Isabel.” Drinking and gambling were encouraged at the club.

In the early days, the upstairs was a large casino used for gambling. The tower on top was a lookout where employees kept a watch out for any signs of an impending raid. Liquor was also stored on the third floor, away from the view of most people. There was also an upstairs garden on the roof.

Because the club did not sit exactly on the shore there was always time to clear out any signs of illegal activities before the federal officers were able to get inside.

“Besides,” laughs present-day owner John Hiller, “the corrupt South Texas politicians were more than willing to protect the club and keep its operation away from the federal government’s eyes. The club was never raided.”

In 1927 and 1928, regattas were held outside on the nearby Laguna Madre. Many wealthy people brought their yachts to participate in these regattas. As many as 10,000 people were said to gather on the bluffs overlooking the Laguna Madre to watch the yachts race through a five-mile course. The yachts in the competition came from a tri-state area along the Gulf of Mexico.

The subtropical climate of the Rio Grande Valley had been discovered by the country’s elite, the rich and famous who considered themselves the free thinkers of the Roaring Twenties. Many of them came to Port Isabel for a vacation getaway, and often spent a week in the Valley where the anti-drinking rules of the Prohibition Era were seldom enforced.

Hiller has a 1929 picture of a giant sea turtle brought into the yard for children to ride. Unfortunately, the 1929 crash of the stock market plunged the United States into a great Depression and the regattas came to a halt, as fortunes were lost.

The Depression did not stop people from seeking alcohol. It became even more popular as federal officers managed to shut down imports coming through Canada. It was relatively easy to smuggle liquor through Mexico. Tequila was always plentiful, along with the liquors manufactured in the Caribbean Islands.

This brought some infamous people to visit. Most notable was Al Capone, whom Hiller says was as rich as Bill Gates because he did not pay any taxes on his illegal money. Capone is known to have visited the club at least twice to make illegal purchases of alcohol and arrange for it to be shipped across the Gulf of Mexico and up the Mississippi River to Capone’s interests.

As the Depression continued, fewer people had the money to spend at a speakeasy, and eventually the yacht club was sold to John H. Shary, known as the Father of the Texas Citrus Industry. He bought the club in 1931 and turned the speakeasy into a club for his land development company. A total of 20 guest rooms were built, most on the second floor where the casino once existed, making the yacht club a hotel.

Shary called the facility the John Shary Yacht Club. While it was no longer a private club, Hiller said, “You still had to know somebody to get in.” Only Shary’s most prestigious clients got invitations to his club. Shary would try to sell clients fingers of land in the Laguna Madre for their own private development. Some of those who visited Shary’s Club were Ernie Pyle, a famed journalist in World War I, Samuel Ensel and Dale Carnegie.

During Shary’s ownership a group of rich college dropouts, who traveled around living the good life while many did not have jobs, came to Shary’s Club. One of those who came was Olga Mae Keyhorn, daughter of iron mogul Theodore Keyhorn. Olga and her friend, Mary Slidell, were with the group that came to watch a powerboat regatta planned by the club. Mary had a crush on Telly Kingston, a young man who was to race in the powerboat regatta.

One evening shortly before the race was to be held, Olga, Mary, Telly and some friends were on his boat drinking cheap gin that gave Olga a severe headache. Olga returned to her room, while Mary remained with the others and continued drinking. Sometime after midnight, Mary, Telly and others decided to take the boat out into the bay. They managed to get the boat through the Santiago Pass and into the Gulf of Mexico, but because there were high winds and water swells, they were unable, in their drunken state, to handle the boat. Someone tripped over a flailing line and broke an oil lamp spreading flames across the deck of the boat engulfing the boat in flames. The glow from the burning ship could be seen as far as way as Matamoros.

Two bodies were found, but those of Telly and Mary were not found. However, they were allegedly seen at the yacht club 24 hours after the boating accident. Unable to sleep, Olga got up at 5 a.m. and went downstairs where she heard their laughter. They told her everything was alright and they would explain later. Olga turned away a moment when she heard a noise, and when she turned back they were gone.

People thought she might be having a nervous breakdown, but her sighting was confirmed by the night clerk who spotted the two young people himself and saw them fade before his eyes. Through the years, many guests have allegedly encountered two young people dressed in the garb of the Roaring Twenties who appeared to be laughing and having a good time. Sometimes they speak to guests before fading from sight.

In spite of the tragedy, the incident was hushed up to keep federal officers from investigating the club and the race went on as planned.

After Shary’s death in 1943, the building was vacant for 10 years before someone bought and reopened it. At some point it was renamed the Port Isabel Yacht Club. Between Shary and Hiller there were a series of owners who left their mark on the facility.

Hiller loves the history of the club and would like it to remain a show point for Port Isabel. “If I had pictures of what it looked like in the early days, I would make it look exactly like it did when it was built,” he laments. “But I don’t.”

Today, Hiller has renovated the building to resemble an old-fashioned gentleman’s club with a collection of stuffed animals in the drawing room. His “animal garden” includes sheep, goats, javalinas and other wildlife. There are animal heads mounted around the walls.

He removed at least 20 layers of paint in his renovation. All of the rooms have either been painted or wallpapered. He has added a dance floor and a small stage for entertainment next to the restaurant that was built in the 1980s. There is also a grand piano in the drawing room for entertainment.

The stucco dining room and bar are decorated with fish caught in the Laguna Madre. He has added a large bar made of cherry wood to the dining room and a surround sound system so the entertainment can be heard all over the dining room and drawing room.

Today the Port Isabel Yacht Club is a destination many use for special occasions. Most people still dress up when they come for dinner, although Hiller says the club does not have an official dress code requiring them to do so. All the seafood served comes fresh from the dock; nothing is frozen. He also serves local Santa Gertudis beef to support the Texas cattle industry.

Chef Louie, who was trained at the Kerrville Country Club, often comes out of the kitchen to talk with patrons to see how they like the food.

Hiller invites Winter Texans to consider dinner at the yacht club for their special occasion. He is currently without a musician, but hopes to have one soon, providing entertainment. To make reservations call (956) 943-1301.

Genealogist creates historical quilt

By Grace E. Guido

Recording history on quilts has been a tradition for generations in the family of Shirley Reed, a Winter Texan from Michigan who lives in San Benito.

Beginning in 1883, each of Shirley’s grandmothers’ grandmothers made a quilt embroidered with a family tree. One of these quilts was put to use, but the others were stored safely, then passed down through generations of girls.

When Reed discovered that quilt tops stitched by her grandmothers were never completed, she decided to finish them herself. She also inherited scrapbooks made by these elders. Her mother made a quilt. Tradition dictated that each daughter was to make a quilt and to inherit a quilt.

This genealogist started her own version of the Family Quilt in 1994. She’d been exploring family history and writing down facts and stories in several books. As she made each quilt block, she also documented – with photographs and computer records – the genealogy that it contained.

She says, “I figured out how to represent facts in different ways as I went through the process: a state flower, a grove of trees, a herd of cows, a pear tree, a log cabin or a church shows something about the life of each branch of the family. ” She embroidered, appliquéd and quilted squares sitting in the back seat of her car during trips with her husband, she explains, “because there was not enough room to spread it out in the front seat.” Reed never quilted before she began this work of art, so she found it challenging to make such small stitches.

Items on Reed’s queen size quilt date back to 1635, when her first immigrant ancestors arrived on ships from England; they continue to the most recent 21st century family births. A central “title page square” summarizes all names connected to the family. Names are color-coded to show continuity; quilt blocks are arranged from east to west, north to south, to depict the geographical spread of the family. Its original members lived along the East Coast: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. An exponential spread of historical branches pioneered into Nebraska and South Dakota between 1700 and 1900, as settlement continued west. The quilt not only documents the heritage of Reed’s family, but also the history of the United States.

Reed says her grandchildren get excited when they see themselves on her quilt. They also appreciate reading one of the children’s books she writes – from the perspective of a pet stuffed armadillo Arny – during each summer’s exploration of more historical facts and places.

Recently, Reed discovered a new set of ancestors in her genealogical research. She states that she will need to change one part of the quilt. Her love of accuracy and precision is evident as she speaks. But this senior has a dilemma: since Reed had two sons but no daughters nor granddaughters, she now is wondering how to keep her quilt preserved in the future.

Reed displayed her quilt on Dec. 9, at the Genealogy Club of Fun N Sun RV Park. The meeting included presentations by many members of means available for passing down family heritage. The group offers classes for newcomers and residents at the RV resort; it has more than 40 participants – each exploring unique ways of recording their own family history.

Jane McPherson, a Winter Texan from New York, brought a sweat shirt, printed with a family tree. “This is my way of carrying my genealogy with me; it takes up less room,” stated this woman who lives in a small park model home.
George Falk, Carolyn Ross and Del Thomas all discussed how the electronic age changes maintenance of family history records. Internet information sites are rapidly increasing: Roots Television, Family Tree-Maker, Facebook, Photo Detective and others all offer assistance to genealogists looking for facts. Spreadsheets allow them to “paste together” years of research. There is even the option to create exciting new quilts, using antique and current photographs of family members reprinted on fabric.

SPI World Birding Center now open

The newest of the World Birding Center satellite centers located on South Padre Island is now open. According to center director Cate Bell, the 10,000-square foot building, located next to the South Padre Island Convention Center, officially opened Sept. 26.

The five-story tower building overlooks walkways over the marshlands along the Laguna Madre. An elevator inside the building takes people to the observation deck on the fifth floor where they can get a great view of the wetlands along the Laguna Madre, which are home to many species of birds and marine life. On the north side of the tower visitors can view the development that is occurring, while on the east side of the tower they can look at the beaches and out into the Gulf of Mexico. To the south they can look down Padre Boulevard toward the Queen Isabella Causeway.

On the first floor there is a lobby, a museum gift shop, and a meeting room where future presentations on nature will be held. Visitors can view a 12-minute film by Valley nature expert Richard Moore that talks about the birds and wildlife of the area.

An outside deck is equipped with Wi-Fi where visitors can come, bring their breakfast or lunch, (coffee is available), and watch birds. They can even take digital pictures with their cameras and send them to birding friends back home without leaving the birding center.

The boardwalks start from the deck and stretch to the north running between the SPI WBC and the convention center. There is nearly a mile of boardwalks, according to Bell.

Guided bird walks along the boardwalks are held each Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Groups of six or more who wish to schedule a guided walk on a different day should call (956) 243-8179 to make arrangements. The center has been getting a number of school groups and guides will not be available if school tours are there.

On the second floor of the building there is an exhibition hall that teaches visitors about the seven different ecological habitats found on South Padre Island. They include the Salt Marshes and Mangroves, which serve as a nursery for many birds and marine life. The Salt Marshes include slightly less than 10,000 acres running along the Laguna Madre and are home to giant crabs, mollusks and roseate spoonbills.

The Bayside Mudflats form lakes during the wet seasons. Other wildlife includes the Gulf Coast Toad, a variety of beetles, dragonflies and Kangaroo Rats.

The Back Dunes have long rows of vegetation along the low ridges and dunes that are formed.

The Fore Dunes are covered with Sat Oats, Texas Sunflowers and Morning Glories. These help stabilize the ground and protect the secondary dunes from wind, sea spray and storm tides.

The Dry Beach running along the coastline is the place to see many shore birds including the Long-billed Curlew.

The Fore Shore beach, which is the area exposed between low and high tides is home to mole crags, olive snails, sea pansies, surf crabs and a host of other marine life.

The Surf is the area just below the low tide mark where sand dollars, sea stars, auger snails and many other tiny marine animals live in burrows below the ground.

Bell emphasized visitors will see different birds and different marine life in each habitat. Birds that can be seen at SPI WBC include the roseate spoonbill, which was selected as the logo for the center. Other birds include brown and white pelicans, ibis, herons, egrets, gulls and terns. Others include sandpipers, plovers and many other shorebirds.

“I can guarantee anyone who visits will see birds. Many people come to see the Clapper Rails, which are not as common throughout the Valley. The day of our grand opening, we spotted all three types of rails, the King, the Clapper Rail and the Virginia Rail here.”

“Two birds spotted here are on the endangered list: the piping plover and the least tern,” continued Bell. “We also see the Peregrine Falcon during migration. This falcon only came off the endangered list this year.”

“If people want to see unusual birds, this is the place to do it,” added Bell. “This is really a lovely facility,” Bell added. “On a clear day it is possible to walk down the boardwalks over the coast and see marine life in the water. One day I saw a school of manna rays floating by, gliding through the water by tipping their wings to move them in the right direction. It’s fascinating.”

While visiting the SPI World Birding Center, please leave all pets at home. Bell asked that this article state that no dogs are allowed inside or outside at the facility. “We know many Winter Texans have dogs and take them to some of the other WBC sites when they are visiting. But the SPI facility does not have any grounds to walk on. It consists mainly of boardwalks over marshlands. There is no room for a dog to run and play or “take care of business.”

And it goes without saying that no fishing, netting or casting is allowed from the SPI WBC boardwalks. Before leaving, visit the center’s gift shop to find nature-related items. For visiting grandchildren, a seascope, which can be inserted in the water along the shoreline so the children can follow the movements of little marine animals living in the surf, might make an excellent gift.

The South Padre Island World Birding Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors. Call (956) 243-8179 for information.

Upcoming Events

On Jan. 14 Dr. Eric Linder of the University of Texas-Brownsville will speak at 5:30 p.m. on the “Wintering Shore Birds of the Laguna Madre.” Then on Friday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. Keith Hackland will present “Optics for Birding.” Anyone wanting to purchase binoculars or scopes for birding will learn what works best. Hackland will also have items for sale during the presentation.

Mission Chamber welcomes Winter Texans

The Welcome Winter Texan Day hosted by the Mission Chamber of Commerce drew over 500 people attending the event, according to Arlene Rivera, CEO of the Mission Chamber. The event was held at the Leo Pena Plazita in downtown Mission.

Entertainment included Cactus Willie and Boxcar Bob who crooned Willie Nelson’s, “You Were always on My Mind.” They also sang a song of their own creation about a man who lost his passport and was stuck in Nuevo Progeso because he could not get back across the border. The song was to the tune of the old favorite, “The Man Who Couldn’t Get off of the Train.” The crowd enjoyed their rendition.

The next group was “Sweet Nothin’s” with Vee and Ronnie Hernandez, a new group in the Valley, who sang old country western favorites.

Tom Wayne was very popular with the crowd as he bounced up through the stands and sang old favorites.

No event would be complete without an Elvis impersonator and Bill Brooks is simply one of the best. He sang favorite songs sung by Elvis and also sang Christmas carols.

Robert Ferguson acted as emcee and also entertained the audience by singing his Sinatra style songs.

Between acts, drawings were held for prizes that were given away to lucky people in the audience.

Guests were treated to empanadas, crackers, cookies, popcorn and soft drinks.

Everyone had a good time and was happy to know that the new Welcome Winter Texans event would not take the place of the traditional Winter Texan Fiesta that occurs each March. The chamber assured them that the Fiesta will be held again in March, as usual.

Odd and interesting bird behavior

Sometimes carefully observing a bird can be more fascinating than watching a long list of birds. Find out what birds really mean when they squawk, harass, or peck at each other during the “Silly Things Birds Do” presentation at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. Mary Gustafson, coordinator for the Rio Grande Valley Joint Venture, will discuss the odd and interesting behaviors of birds that help them find mates, establish personal space, or find comfort.

According to Gustafson, “birds do all sorts of displays and postures that convey information if you know what to watch out for.” This presentation is a perfect start to learn how to observe bird behavior and find out why birds do what they do.

Mary Gustafson’s interest in birds began at the early age of six largely due to her grandfather’s influence. She began to actively seek out birds when Robert Segedi of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History got her interested in the scientific side of birding. Gustafson’s interest in birds has led to her to live and work in Ohio, New Jersey, Ontario, Washington, Maryland, and Texas. Before working for the Rio Grande Valley Joint Venture, Gustafson worked for many years at the Birding Banding Laboratory at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland.

“Silly Things Birds Do,” the December installment of the “Friday Night with a Naturalist” series, will take place on Friday, Dec. 18 at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. “Friday Night with a Naturalist” is a free, fun, and educational family program held on the third Friday of each month. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. Space is limited, so call ahead to reserve seats. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria (in the Edinburg Municipal Park) in Edinburg. For more information, call (956) 381-9922.

Valley celebrates Christmas

As December gets underway, the Rio Grande Valley abounds with many Christmas celebrations that Winter Texans can enjoy. Following is a list of festivities coming your way soon.

Brownsville

The first annual Green Christmas will be celebrated Dec. 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Resaca de la Palma State Park World Birding Center, 1000 New Carmen Blvd. Events include the lighting of a native tree, Christmas carolers, tram rides, a talent show with prizes, and kids’ crafts and activities. Admission is $4 for adults. For information call (956) 350-2920.

Edinburg

The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) will sponsor a Fun Day on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Edinburg Methodist Church Bell Choir will stir the Christmas spirit at 2 p.m. with a concert. Quartetto Zyraib will perform holiday music on the classical guitar.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand in the Will Looney Legacy Park, weather permitting. A wagon and saddles will be set up with native landscaping for South Texas pictures.

The family will enjoy MOSTH’s newest exhibit of “Nativity Scenes from Around the World.” The collection is a private collection belonging to Most Reverend Bishop Reymundo J. Pena, Fifth Bishop of Brownsville. He has collected nativity scenes for 32 years in his travels around the world and now has 200 nativity scenes from 15 different countries.

Traditional South Texas holiday treats such as tamales, hot chocolate, rascas de los tres reyes and other sweets will be available to enjoy at the museum or take home.

The museum’s gift shop will have an array of specialty items for that person who is hard to please on the Christmas list.

Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots Drive. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors. Call (956) 383-6911 for additional information.

Harlingen

The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood, will display its annual “Christmas Tree Extravaganza” through Jan. 13. The exhibit is free to the public.

Hidalgo

The Festival of Lights will continue through Dec. 31. The dinners and special performances in front of Hidalgo City Hall will continue through Dec. 19. (The annual Posada will be held Dec. 16 instead of a program.) Tickets for dinners and programs can be purchased at Dodge Arena only. The Christmas lights and the live reindeer display will continue through Dec. 31. Trolley rides and horse-drawn wagon tours will be available every night except Dec. 16, 24 and 25. Tickets for rides are sold at Hidalgo City Hall, 704 E. Texano Dr., where the rides start.

The Christmas Village display at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse will continue through Jan. 13.

McAllen

The Rio Grande Valley Ballet will present “The Nutcracker” at the McAllen Civic Center, 1300 S. 10th Street, on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec.13, at 2 p.m. For tickets call (956) 681-3800. Tickets are $10 to $20.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented by the Dance Conservatory of McAllen at the McAllen Civic Center, 1300 S. 10th Street, on Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. Admission is $4.99. They are available at www.dcofm.com.

The First Baptist Church of McAllen will hold its annual Christmas Pageant on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 to $10 per person.

The Winter Texan Orchestra will have a Christmas concert on Dec. 16 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran School, on the corner of Pecan and Second Street in McAllen. A second concert will be held Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the church.

The Rio Grande Valley Band will host its 12th Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 3 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1105 West Fern Avenue, in McAllen.

The Christmas tree display at the International Museum of Art and Science will continue through Dec. 31.

Mission

The Mission Historical Museum will host its annual Christmas Tea/Luncheon, on Dec. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum Annex, 200 E. Tom Landry (the old post office building). Lunch tickets are $12 and may be purchased at the museum or from volunteers.

The Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Leo Pena “La Plazita” Park across from H-E-B in downtown Mission will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. The Christmas lights will be turned on, Santa will visit and vendors, music and entertainment will be provided.

Port Isabel

The City of Port Isabel has rescheduled its Christmas celebration and annual tree lighting which had been postponed due to inclement weather . The new time is Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. It will take place in front of the historic Champion Building. Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Chorus will perform traditional Christmas music. The community is invited to participate in Christmas caroling and Christmas karaoke.

On Dec. 11, the Port Isabel Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum will host a Christmas Open House. The museums will be decorated in holiday trimmings and open to the public for viewing with no admission fee from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A “Christmases of the Past Postcard” display will be open through Dec. 19. Antique postcards depict popular images of the Rio Grande Valley community through the years. The Museum’s Gift Shop is open and is offering a variety of unique gifts for the history of collectible buffs on this year’s Christmas list.

San Benito

A Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and concert will be held at the W.H. Heavin Amphitheatre, 705 Bowie Street on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Students from local elementary schools will perform new and traditional Christmas carols. Afterwards, Mayor Joe Hernandez will flip the switch to illuminate the tree near the amphitheater, officially kicking off the Christmas season.

The lighting of the tree will be followed by a Tunes of the Trail Christmas show. Performers include several individuals and groups. Carlos Canas, Natalie Hernandez, Jean-Luc Canas, the Garcia Family Singers, the Trevino Family Singers, Ethel Bucanan, Natalie Montez and the Malibu Band, Flor Loera, 512 Madrid and Boomerang will all perform at the event.

A Christmas Festival and Bazaar will be held Dec. 11 and 12 at Plaza at San Benito, 210 E Heywood. Call 956-399-5321 for information.

The City of San Benito and Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas Open House in the San Benito Municipal Building, located at 401 N. Sam Houston Blvd., Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A Christmas parade will be held in downtown San Benito on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. The parade will proceed on Sam Houston Blvd.

A Christmas candlelight celebration, sponsored by the churches of San Benito, will be held Thursday, Dec. 24, at the W.H. Heavin Amphitheatre. For information call 956-399-2187.

San Juan

The City of San Juan will host “Noche de Paz” on Saturday, Dec. 12, on Nebraska Street between first and Fourth Streets from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The annual parade will start at 6:30 p.m. beginning on Ridge Road and moving north on Nebraska Street and ending at the festival. There will be entertainment, crafts, food, rides, music and snow for the kiddies beginning at 5 p.m. and lasting until it melts.

South Padre Island

On Friday, Dec. 11, the Island Holiday Parade will be held from Mars Street to Campeche at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, Dec. 31, a New Year’s Eve fireworks display will be held in Laguna Madre bay at midnight to welcome the New Year.

On Friday, Jan. 1, the annual New Year’s Polar Bear Dip will take place at Boomerang Billy’s Beach at noon.

Weslaco

Due to inclement weather, the Mid-Valley Lighted Parade, which was to be held Dec. 5, will now be held Dec. 17. The parade, “A Rock Band Christmas,” will begin at 6 p.m. and proceed along Texas Blvd. between Pike Blvd and 6th Street. The parade will feature marching bands, antique cars equestrians and, of course, Santa Claus.

Christmas shoe drive to help needy children

?A Love Thy Neighbor Shoe Drive began in the Rio Grande Valley on Dec. 7 and will continue through Dec. 18. The project is an outgrowth of Shoes for Orphan Souls, a Buckner Ministry, which has provided 1.8 million pairs of new shoes and socks to children in 68 countries since its beginning in 1999.

According to Monica Skrzypinski of Buckner Ministries, the Valley receives approximately 10,000 pairs of shoes from this ministry each year. The shoes are distributed through Buckner’s Colonia Program in the Valley.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley and Buckner Ministries, the project goal is 2,000 donated pairs of shoes Valleywide.

Collection locations across the Valley include all Lone Star Bank, International Bank of Commerce, International Bank, and First National Bank locations. In addition, 68 Catholic parishes across the Valley will collect donations.

Those wishing to make a financial donation can find a donation form online at www.rgvshoes.com. For more information, call 956-289-3045 or 956-583-2041.

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