By Barb Zanetti
Photos by Dennis Zanetti
The Second Annual Christmas program for disadvantaged children faced many obstacles.
Its Santa, a driving force, died in August. The weather for the morning of Dec. 17 was accurate: high winds, chilly temperatures, and rain. And the planning group had had only three weeks to prepare for an anticipated 200 children and their parents.
By Herb Moering
Hundreds of residents along with Winter Texans turned out on a perfect night, Friday, December 9, for Alamo’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting plus stage entertainment.
Bill and Jean Snyder, from Carroll, Iowa said “this parade rocked.” “It was very good,” Jean said. “I loved the (PSJA High School Memorial) band and cheerleaders.”
The couple, who were attending their third or fourth parade and ceremony, have been coming down to the Valley for 12 years and currently stay at Winter Ranch RV Resort in Alamo. Their main pleasure is the sunshine, quite a difference from an Iowa winter Bill indicated.
Winter Texans celebrate the holidays
Over the years we have had the pleasure to share how our readers celebrate the holidays. We have so much to do in the Valley during the holidays, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
Winter Texans love celebrating with others. You love to have get-togethers. You love to have parties. You love to have dinners. And you love to go places together.
By Henry Miller
Apparently, grandma did get run over by reindeer.
She ended up at the Seven Oaks Resort Illuminated Golf Cart Parade over the weekend, still sprawled on the ground with her walker cast aside, and other evidence strewn atop a trailer pulled by a golf cart.
Yeah, that last part wasn’t in the song – just at Seven Oaks.
The holiday season is that time of year when we all like to go above and beyond to help our neighbors in need. When Pastor Mark McDonald and his wife Stacy of Christian Resort Ministries and Mission West Church, which is located inside of beautiful Mission West Resort RV Park in Palmview, spearheaded and kicked off the 2022 Holiday Food Drive to benefit the Food Bank RGV they quickly found out just how true that is.
Well, it looks like we are in for a cold Christmas. Doesn’t look like a white one, but it will be a bit chilly out there. It looks like most of the outdoor Christmas celebrations are done and parks and cities chose the right weekends to have parades and other activities before this run of cold weather. There are several cities that still have their Christmas events happening – McAllen, Brownsville, and Hidalgo – throughout the end of the month. Be sure to check them out if you have time.
I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas! I hope you have a blessed time with family and/or friends.
Sunday, December 18th, La Hacienda Estates in Alamo had their Christmas party. Those attending brought a toy for the Alamo Police Department Toy Drive. Several gift cards were also donated. Everyone enjoyed the party and felt good about giving back to the community. Pictured with the toys are Santa (Karri Bjerke), Party Director Dell Engrisch, and helper Marge Morris, all from Minnesota.
River Ranch RV Resort was busy this past week delivering their toys to the city and to the children. Along with passing out toys, helpers were able to have a small parade and presentation at the Hidalgo Municipal building. They had many people help them out through the process. Sorters of the toys were Maggie Heaps, Maggie Rogers, Linda Christiansen and Carol Babbitt. Oscar Friedrich and Melodie Gaffney helped deliver the toys to the police station. Lindell Graham and Babbitt were Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Helpers that helped hand out toys were Ken and Kim Yates, Alan and Carolyn Will, Oscar Friedrich, Kathy Peterson, and Maggie Rogers. Parade Wranglers with their golf carts were Bill and Ruth Mill, Darrell and Tine Snow, Charlie and Maggie Heaps, and Jim and Steve Rogers.
The Red Hatter Queens met this month with more than one goal in mind – they also collected toys for the Border Patrol. The queens gather every month to go over important news items, like the annual Festival of Tables, and go over any other important news items. Discussed at this month’s meeting was the festival along with ideas for places to take their groups to lunch. The Festival of Tables will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with the luncheon at noon. Entertainment will be provided by Justin Terry. Tickets are $25 per person. Space is limited. For more information and where to send your payment for tickets, call Marge Hamburg at (815) 494-5159.
Food Bank RGV is asking for the community's help in supporting families and individuals in need this winter and into the new year.
In response to the growing need for assistance in the community, the Food Bank RGV reports that its warehouse shelves are becoming bare. With 275 partner agencies across the Rio Grande Valley, the Food Bank RGV provides food and resources to those at risk of hunger.
