Submitted by Arleen Bier
The Tommie Brixey Memorial Tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society was held March 7, at La Floresta RV Park in Mercedes. Tommie Brixey owned and operated the La Floresta RV Park and Golf Course for 30 years. She passed away in 2021 after a long fight with cancer.
The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds (RGVLS) in Mercedes are going to be full of animals, people, food vendors, and more as they open their doors this week. The RGVLS celebrates 84 years this year. The events start on March the 9th and run through March 19th.
The event, supporting youth education and highlighting the Valley’s agriculture and students that participate in growing animals, will feature rodeos, concerts, exhibits, and discount days.
By Herb Moering
Another 24 armed services Veterans were honored Sunday, March 1 by quilters at Tropic Star RV and MH Resort in Pharr.
The afternoon ceremony began with a flag presentation of the U.S. and service branch flags carried by park Veterans. Emcee Patty Hoerr offered a few comments after the Pledge of Allegiance, noting she had never been in the military, but that wouldn’t stop her from saying “thank you” for the Veterans’ service to the country. She reminded the large audience that those who served in any capacity “went where they were told to go.”
By Ruth Filz
On Saturday, February 25th, the Henry Roberts Memorial 32nd Annual Jalapeno 100 bike ride took place in Harlingen. It is a fun ride benefiting the Harlingen Boys & Girls Club. For the last few years, the ride has seen over 500 riders from across the state and the country, as well as from Canada and Mexico.
Submitted by Maple Frye
On March 6, Bonham’s Bears sponsored a teddy bear give away at the Green Bay South Clubhouse in La Feria. First responders and organizations that help children in crisis were invited to light refreshments and free teddy bears. We gave 450 teddy bears to eight organizations. A ninth organization, Loaves and Fishes, was dealing with health issues and asked to pick up their teddy bears later.
During 2022, we also gave away 274 pet pillows to the Rio Grande Valley Humane Society under our Scraps for Scruffy Project. Bonham's Bears is an all-volunteer organization based at Green Bay South, but we have volunteers from Park Place, Rio Valley Estates, and Citrus Village.
Read more: Bonham’s Bears gives bears to local organizations
By Arleen Bier
Let’s Shuffle! The 10th Annnual Shuffleboard Tournament at La Floresta was held February 18th. It was so much fun. We had 64 participants who competed throughout the day. The event was organized by Bill Hocken, with assistance from Jerry Mason and Wilf Trudeau and others. The Preliminary Round began at 9 a.m.; the Championship Round started at 1 p.m. with 32 players and 16 rounds. First Place went to Jim Woods and Kevin Halvorson.
Submitted By Darrell Roberts
Larry and Susan DeBuse, formerly of Greengate Grove in Palmview, were honored at the Larry DeBuse Invitational Golf Tournament, held at Shary Golf Course on March 1. The DeBuse family has returned to their home in Bella Vista, AR, as Larry continues his fight against Parkinson’s Disease.
