News

Palm Gardens raises money by auctioning pies

Submitted by: Ruth Filz

Who would have thought that selling a rhubarb pie for $55 dollars in 2015, would lead to selling an apple pie for $250 and raising $2,580 for charities in 2023!

In 2015, Phyllis Tillotson asked Vonnie Jones if she would bake a rhubarb pie to sell at Palm Gardens RV Park’s annual park auction. It was the first time a pie was sold at the auction. There was a bidding war for the pie between Phyllis and Roger Jacobs. Roger ultimately got the pie with a $55 bid. As events were planned for the following year, it was decided to add a Pie Auction to our calendar and donate the money to local charities.

Big Valley Quilters Club honors Veterans with quilts

20230222 Big VAlley Quilters Honor Veterans DSC 0016 web Members of the Big Valley Quilters Club recently presented patriotic themed lap quilts to 29 Veterans of Big Valley at its annual Veterans Appreciation Program. The Veterans represented all branches of our military and span from WWII through the gulf conflicts.

Stuart Place Hole in One

20230222 QM Tour Guide Jessica Santana web Linda Saunders, a Winter Texan, got a hole-in-one on Hole #9 at Stuart Place Country Club on Monday, February 13.

Foraging for Native Edibles Tour at Quinta Mazatlan

20230222 QM Tour Guide Jessica Santana web Do you enjoy putting together meals with fresh and savory plants to make up a colorful dish full of robust flavor and energy? Quinta Mazatlan invites you to join them on their one-hour guided tour, Foraging Forests, to get you started foraging native edibles and herbs safely and ethically in your garden.

Mission Chamber present Winter Texas Fiesta

2022 Winter Texan Fiesta Rick and Curt CAB PREFERRED PAge One web Hundreds of Winter Texans look forward to city fiestas that are held in February and March just before they pack up their bags and go back north. They look forward to the great entertainment, vendors, and food. One of the favorites coming up is Mission Chamber’s Winter Texan Fiesta. It’s Mission Chamber’s way of saying “Thank you” to the Winter Texans that make the Valley their home during the winter season.

Canyon Lake residents build homes with a mission

By Carina A. Brunson

The residents of Canyon Lake have a secret, or not so secret, mission of building homes for needy families in Progreso, Mexico. This mission, Mabel’s Building Mission, was started in 1992 by a resident named Mabel Clare.

Mabel was in the Valley with her sister for rehabilitation for an injury. It was then when a hurricane struck the area and wreaked devastation on the small town of Progreso. After seeing such devastation, Mabel and her sister first started a clinic, built a school, and provided clothing and food for those in the area. Next, was to provide housing for the poor – and Mabel’s Building Mission was established.

Mother inspired to get son back after benefit concert

20220209 Tim Hadler web By Carina A. Brunson

During a benefit show last year at South Padre Island, Tim Hadler made an impression on a mother in the audience. It was that impression that led Judy to reconnect with her son, and it was the GUMI Camp that brought her son back to her. Something Hadler said touched her and made her want to act.

Tim Hadler, a native of Washington State, grew up on a farm with a love of music. Hadler moved to Nashville shortly after graduating to pursue a career in music – little did he know at the time that his music would lead him to other things.

Gid-R-Done continues to raise money

Gid R DOne 2022 Band picture web The Rio Grande Valley Gid-R-Done Bluegrass Band is continuing to support St. Jude’s Research Hospital by entertaining throughout the Valley. The band donates their time, supplies, transportation, and entertainment to the organization.

In the seven years the group has been donating to the organization, they have almost reached $50,000 that they have helped raise for St. Jude’s. At a recent event, the group just reached over $48,000, and they still have several more events.

Santa Maria holds grand finale

20230215 kevin Loyo Matador 2023 2 web In all my 60 years of bullfighting activities, I have never witnessed a bullfight as good as the bullfight on January 22nd, said Fred Renk of his last show.

The talent and bravery of the matadors, Cayetano Delgado and “El Breco,” along with the bulls, was non-stop. The bulls never stopped charging and the matadors never gave in. This is what makes a great show for the fans, he added.

53rd Annual Pow Wow event planned

Picture4 web The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas invites you to their 53rd Annual NDE DAA (Spring) Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Homecoming Pow Wow on Saturday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Alton Community Center, 349 Dawes Ave. in Alton. Dancing and presentations will be held throughout the day. The event is free.

Celebrate and experience American Indian culture, history, drumming, singing and dancing from tiny tots to seniors. Vendors will be selling Native food, art, crafts, jewelry, supplies and wares. There will also be raffles and cake walks. There is something for everyone.