By Herb Moering
Once again residents of River Ranch RV Resort recognized military personnel during a special Veterans Day ceremony at the River Ranch RV Resort in Rio Hondo.
This was the second extended Veterans Day event, this time thanking more than two dozen park residents for their service, who participated in a flag ceremony and then were honored during a homemade lasagna dinner that followed.
Winter Texans gather near and far
Looking through our past issues we find snippets that parks have sent in about their activities, what they did during the summer, and what they are doing now. Not much has changed since 1987. Many Winter Texans still feel the same way about the Valley, and about getting together with friends.
“We, Winter Texans are like a lot of snowflakes descending upon the sunny south,” said Jeanette Thornton of Snow to Sun in 1987. She went on to say, when we left northern Indiana before daybreak on November 20 it was snowing. When we arrived Sunday, November 22, the sun was warm and welcome.
Such nice weather this past week – and it’s continuing. We have been able to enjoy some cool weather with some rain here and there, and a day of warmth in between. It’s finally feeling like a South Texas Winter, and right in time for the holidays.
We have been enjoying getting out visiting with some of the activity directors and with our advertisers. Food speaks to a lot of us, and our advertisers have some great food. The management at our Taste of the Valley advertisers really appreciates your patronage. We have not been disappointed yet with the service and food from the places we have had a chance to visit so far.
The weather is great for a round of golf. It pretty much is nearly all year in South Texas. Therefore, we come to you to ask you what your favorite golf course, amenities, golf hole and more are each year. Valley golf courses know the value of our Winter Texans and have continually made upgrades to keep you coming back.
This week, and the next two, you will find the first impressions, and more, of most of the golf courses the Valley has to offer you.
Be sure to fill that out and send it in, or fill out our online version at www.wintertexantimes.com, by December 7. By submitting your favorites, you will be eligible to win free rounds of golf, dining, and more.
By Jo Liston
Welcome home. It is that time of year when our friends from the North are coming South! We missed you during the summer. We are glad that you have chosen the Rio Grande Valley for your Winter Home. We appreciate all that you do to help us. Anyone from outside the Valley who comes to visit even for a day helps us economically and many of you stay much longer than a day.
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many families and children are giving thanks and giving back—to children in need around the world through Operation Christmas Child.
Shoebox gifts prepared by generous donors and filled with toys, hygiene items, and school supplies may be dropped off now during National Collection Week, November 14 - 21. More than 4,500 drop-off sites are now open. The Samaritan’s Purse project will collect its 200-millionth shoebox this year.
Read more: Drop-off sites open for Operation Christmas Child
Submitted by Donna Wright
Winter in South Texas is anticipated this time of year. As Winter Texan residents are returning to the Valley for the winter, here at Lakewood RV Resort that means time to prepare for our 29th Christmas for the Children project. We are providing Christmas for more than fifteen less fortunate families from a local elementary, where many of our Lakewood RV Resort Winter Texans spend time mentoring the students over the years. This all started with our Worship Committee several years ago.
Mission West Resort RV Park honored their veterans with an appreciation ceremony at the park flagpole on Veterans Day. Following the opening prayer, a brief history of the day was shared. Then all in attendance joined together in the singing of our National Anthem and God Bless America. Pastor Mark McDonald of Mission West Church presented each Veteran who attended with a special star taken directly from a decommissioned American Flag courtesy of the Warrior 180 Foundation.
Military personnel were recognized for their service at the Alamo Veterans Day program Friday, who were joined by city commission members.
The Food Bank RGV is in dire need of monetary donations to help feed people at risk of hunger this season.
Rising costs are responsible for many people turning to the food bank for emergency food assistance, many for the first time. Due to the increase in need, higher costs, and supply chain issues, the food bank is working harder than ever to meet the growing needs of the community.
