VSA ballots are rolling in

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Published: Thursday, 30 January 2025 17:00

Ballots for the Valley Star Awards are rolling in – make sure your voice is heard and vote for your favorite Wintertainer™. There are ten categories in which we ask you to vote. Categories are Male Vocalist of the Year; Female Vocalist of the Year; Duet Musical Group of the Year; Family Group of the Year; Vocal Group or Choir of the Year; Individual or Small Band Act of the Year; Novelty, Comedy, or Variety Act of the Year; Gospel Group of the Year; Rock N Roll Band of the Year; and Country Band of the Year.

Then there is the most coveted award – the write in – Entertainer/Group of the Year. This one is totally up to you, our readers, because you have the chance to write in your favorite among all of those you have seen perform in the Valley.

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Things you learn when you travel

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Published: Thursday, 30 January 2025 16:49

I am sure the golfers are all wishing the weather would co-operate. It is just too, too cold to be out on a golf cart. In fact, it’s been too cold to be out.

Since our editor has asked me to write about some of my experiences related to travel, I will have to tell you about the time I decided to learn how to play golf. I had participated in many sports but never had I tried golf. So why not? At one time I had played intramural sports at the University of Texas, I had been runner up champion in a table tennis tournament, I had played intramural tag football, I broke my little finger trying to catch a fly baseball. Surely, I could master that game of golf. Why I had even been knocked out on the basketball court. Surely, I could learn to play golf. And it all happened because of traveling. So here goes.

I called the Harlingen Country Club and spoke with the pro as I wanted to sign up for lessons. The beginners group consisted of several other women. That pro had his hands full. I listened attentively to all the instructions as to the grip, the stance and thought surely, I could master everything. Then it came my turn to hit that little ball, and I gave it my all. And sure enough, that little white ball went sailing off into the wild blue. Even I was in awe.

But then several of the women began to oh and awe at how great I was. To tell you the truth I was quite proud of myself. But not for long. The pro - apparently trying to encourage the other women - made the comment, “Well, ladies, she is just naturally athletic.”

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January 29, 2025 - Rina's Ramblings

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Published: Thursday, 30 January 2025 16:48

Well, here I am getting a little closer to y’all. I turned another year older yesterday – the big 5 0. So almost there where I can stay in a park and be having as much fun as y’all are – on a daily basis. Believe me, I do think I would take advantage of the activities your parks have, or neighboring parks have.

There is so much going on at the parks this time of year.

There are dances, entertainment, happy hours, dinners, dances, pool, pickleball, sewing groups, reading clubs, and so much more.

We love seeing photos on Facebook of all the activities y’all are participating in. It makes me want to be out there more often.

This week, I had the chance to go to the Gospel Extravaganza at Winter Ranch. I went last year and enjoyed it, but had to go again because one, it was on my birthday, and two, to not only catch up with Bob and Alta, but also see Scott, who I haven’t seen since he performed at a Valley Star Awards years ago with Absolutely Country, Definitely Gospel.

It’s a yearly event where proceeds are donated to local charities. Different performers join Bob and Alta each year. If you didn’t catch it this year, be sure to watch next season for next year’s dates.

I look forward to these yearly events and catching new Wintertainers™ and seeing familiar faces as well.

Do you have any special events you look forward to each year?

Any reunions, special dances, a certain Wintertainer™?

Share what you look forward to each year. You can send what you love about the RGV to news@wintertexantimes.com.
~ Rina

La Floresta RV Resort announces Couples Par 3 Golf Tournament winners

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Published: Thursday, 30 January 2025 16:47

On January 18, La Floresta RV Resort near Mercedes had a couples Par 3 golf tournament. There were two categories - gross score and net score. If it was the first time playing in this tournament, the couples had to sign up for gross score as they haven't had a handicap established. If they had a handicap, they could choose which category they wanted to play in. If you chose net score, you would subtract your handicap from your 18-hole score. They had two new winners this year. The winner of the lowest gross score runs the tournament the following year and receives a plaque which was donated by last year's winners, Jim Monier and Darla Strait. The gross winners were Murray and Pat Pratt. The net score winners were Dan Streff and Bonnie Kadell. Photos submitted by Darla Strait.

Tim Hadler bring his George Strait show to the Island

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Published: Thursday, 30 January 2025 16:46

Tim Hadler will be bringing his George Strait show – Strait to Branson – from Branson to South Padre Island next month at the Holiday Inn Resort on February 1, 8, 22 and March 8. He will also perform a Valentine Walk Through the Decades dance on Thursday, February 13 at the resort.

Tim was born as the youngest of nine children and raised on a farm in the foothills of the volcano Mount St. Helens. He often jokes that his first audience was the cows he used to sing to on the farm. Since those days of farming, he’s always loved to sing and dreamed of someday taking his talent to Nashville and beyond. It was never so much to be a star, but to be able to help those in need because he could, something that was instilled in him by his parents.

Read more: Tim Hadler bring his George Strait show to the Island