Winter Texan Times

A three hour tour, history and dolphins

Details: Published: Thursday, 27 February 2020 11:19

By Herb Moering

Local history is what passengers received during a day aboard ship on a Breakaway Cruise out of South Padre Island on Feb. 19.

The 64 mostly Winter Texans on the three-hour excursion learned about the Port of Brownsville’s thriving industries, watched dolphins leaping out of the waters, saw pelicans and seagulls and enjoyed a shrimp boil lunch.

The group was a hardy bunch under the overcast skies, with a brisk breeze and slowly falling temperatures, heralding the arrival of a cold front in the Valley. But the cool conditions didn’t seem to faze them, with lots of conversation as those aboard became acquainted with new people.

Activity Director Appreciation Day is coming

Details: Published: Thursday, 27 February 2020 10:26

It’s time to show your activity director some love. March 1 each year has been designated as Activity Appreciation Day, but this year we will celebrate on Monday, March 2.

The Rio Grande Valley Activity Directors Association (RGVADA) will host an Appreciation Party for area activity directors at Mission Bell ballroom beginning at 11 a.m. on March 2. Lunch will be provided along with door prizes and entertainment.

Annual pet show raises money for HSH

Details: Published: Wednesday, 19 February 2020 08:48

By Herb Moering

It was a dog lovers paradise with obedience demonstrations, races, potential adoptions and fundraising all wrapped up in the 2nd Annual Pet Fun Match Dog Show held Feb. 11 at the Sunshine RV Resort in Harlingen.

The two-hour free event, organized by resort resident Sharon Battocletti, is aimed at benefitting the Humane Society of Harlingen (HSH). The society operates a non-profit shelter and adoption center, which annually provides care to 6,000 homeless animals turned over by municipal control officers or given up by local residents.

The show was as big a hit this time as last year, again drawing about 200 spectators and dog owners from the resort and a few nearby RV parks.

‘Bowling’ making a comeback?

Details: Published: Wednesday, 19 February 2020 04:42

20200219 WiiBowling IMG 0869 It was probably 10 years ago that I stepped onto a bowling lane and had the greatest game of my life.

My team was in the semifinals of our league tournament and I was horrible, barely managing a 120 average for the season.

On this day, however, for one game, I came through. Out of nowhere everything lined up and fell, as they were supposed to. When we were done, I had rolled a 268 and we were moving onto the semifinals.

Reality is cruel, however, and it took me two games to surpass the 268 I had bowled in that one game. My passion for bowling was struck down for good.

Read more: ‘Bowling’ making a comeback?

Charro Days – A fiesta since 1937

Details: Published: Wednesday, 19 February 2020 02:45

There is something for everyone in the Rio Grande Valley so you should never be bored. Do you like to quilt? Then how about a visit to the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum located at 2425 Boxwood St. There is no entry fee, but donations are appreciated. Or better yet, why not visit the museum and be inspired to join in a mosaic art glass that will teach one how to make Turkish lamps. The class will be taught by Marco Antonio Martinez, an artist from Matamoros, Mexico. On display now at the museum is a beautiful mosaic and tile sphere that was created by Mr. Martinez. The sphere and a nearby bench are covered with flowers and plants native to our local area. Call the museum at (956) 216-490l for more information regarding the classes to be offered.

Tip O Texas Fundraiser Feb. 21

Details: Published: Friday, 14 February 2020 08:23

Tip O Texas sewing group will have their Wedding Gowns of the Decades Style Show and Luncheon next week on Friday, February 21 from 12 to 3 p.m. The event is $8 per person and must be purchased in advance. Monies raised go to their Sewing Room Charities group.

Tip O Texas has a large endeavor with their sewing room charities organization.

On Thursday’s the group has a charity sew where they make blankets for children in different places. On the second Thursday of every month, they make comforters for Ronald McDonald patients at Edinburg Children’s Hospital. Marcia Albers from Iowa and Jackie Hood from MI are in charge of that group.

La Floresta Derby Held in Mercedes

Details: Published: Thursday, 13 February 2020 08:24

By Arleen Bier

Tommie Brixey, owner of LaFloresta Park in Mercedes, reported that the first annual La Floresta Derby was held the first Saturday in February at La Floresta Downs. It drew quite a crowd as Winter Texans arrived in large, extravagant hats; had Mint Julep jello shots; and cheered as the horses “raced” by.

Excitement mounted during the weeks preceding the race, as teams were created to decorate the horses and choose a jockey. The six horses, among the best of the best, were all first-time participants at La Floresta Downs. The jockeys were Winter Texans who came from all over the United States and Canada to participate in this prestigious race in the Rio Grande Valley.