Submitted by Arleen Bier
The residents of La Floresta Park near Mercedes enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey and dressing and all the trimmings. But what do you do with all of that leftover turkey? We had Turkey Soup Night.
Roadrunner RV Park started off the month of December with their gift giving. “What a wonderful opportunity to help our community and give during the holiday season!” Residents contributed $1,000 to the Salvation Army and $1,000 for Toys for Tots. Pictured are Chief of Police Richard Ozuma, Fire Chief Roy Contreras, and Salvation Army Major Gabriel receiving the donations last week.
The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) will feature the “Bishop Emeritus Raymundo Peña Nativity Scene Collection,” a spotlight exhibit displaying 120 nativity scenes.
Born in 1934 and ordained as a Catholic priest in 1957, Father Raymundo Peña was named Bishop in 1976. On his passing in September 2021, the Bishop willed his collection of nativity scenes to MOSTH and to the Historic Brownsville Museum.
I can’t believe it is already December. Time is flying by. Good thing is it keeps us busy here at the Winter Texan Times. Wintertainers™ are arriving and in full force. Now we get to have some fun and visit parks to enjoy them and spend time with y’all.
This past week I was able to go out to Golf View Estates and listen to Leslie Blasing. There is no doubt why she has won Female Entertainer of the Year and a Heritage Award from the Valley Star Awards. She has an amazing voice and can entertain the whole room.
Entertainment fills Valley parks
The Winter Texan Times has highlighted entertainers, or as we now lovingly call them Wintertainers™, throughout its 35 years. This is something that has been constant among Winter Texan parks.
As a line from a movie states, “You build it, they will come.” If you live in a Winter Texan Park, you are bound to see at least a handful of Wintertainers™ throughout the season. They are here to provide music and entertainment for dances, happy hours, special events, and entertainment nights at the parks.
What a magical time of year. This is a time when traditions are born, and memories are made. It is a time of giving, a time of sharing, a time of remembering. Maybe your memories go back a long, long time before we had rural electricity and all the lights and glitter that make Christmas come alive. Houses and yards are decorated with lights and inflated figures to delight us all. Why not take a nighttime ride through some of the neighborhoods to enjoy the decorations. And while we are enjoying the lights a little history might be added to the entertainment.
By Bill White, Texas Medicare President
Humana
As 2023 quickly approaches, many Rio Grande Valley-ians may start to consider their New Year’s resolutions. If exercising more, eating healthier, losing weight, and living more economically are on your list, you’re not alone. In fact, a survey found those were among the top five resolutions for 2022.
For those 65 or older or individuals eligible for Medicare due to disability, it may be easier than you think to choose a healthcare plan that aligns with these goals, as many Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage and benefits to help you live a healthy, active life.
While selecting a Medicare plan that suits your individual needs can feel overwhelming, it’s an important task since the plan you select by the December 7 Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan deadline is the plan, you’ll likely have for all of the coming year. Whether you are new to Medicare or re-evaluating your plan options, I urge anyone who is eligible to enroll to conduct a personal assessment to identify the type of plan that’s best suited for your unique health needs.
The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) is excited to announce the opening of their 2022 Christmas Market with a reception December 3. The market features original art for sale, created by local artists offering a great variety of unique gifts for the holiday season. The Christmas theme will showcase paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fiber art, jewelry, Christmas ornaments and more.
The public is invited to enjoy the Holiday theme of the Christmas Market opening reception Saturday, December 3 from 7 to 9 p.m.
If you are looking for ways to start celebrating Christmas early, look no further. Cities throughout the Valley are turning on their lights and welcoming you to come in and join the fun. Some cities are having full weekend celebrations, some are even having month-long celebrations. Here are a few that we are aware of that we would like to share. I am sure there are a few more we don’t know about as well. Keep a watchful eye to see what your city is doing this holiday season.
Winter Texans love to play
Whether it’s cards, shuffleboard, pickleball, dominoes, or billiards, Winter Texans love to play. They love to compete too.
We have been to many different events throughout the last 35 years where Winter Texans have been playing all sorts of games. Winter Texans make games too, or they bring games from their area or heritage and share them with the parks.
