Parks celebrate their Veterans
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- Published: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 13:45
This past week many parks celebrated the Veterans in their parks. Tropic Winds and Sunshine RV were just two of the many parks that held events to honor Veterans for their service and sacrifice.
The Veterans Day Celebration at Tropic Winds was held to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of the veterans in the community. To start the ceremony, the Harlingen High School Color Guard presented the colors. Then each branch was called forward, and their respective armed forces medley was played as everyone sang along. As a token of appreciation, a coin was presented to each Veteran in attendance, as well as a complimentary meal following the ceremony. There were around 75 people in attendance, with around 26 Veterans honored. During the event, the spouses of the military members were also acknowledged.
We talk about this every year – how the food pantries kick up their game during the holidays. They put out their need to help their communities for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The food pantries try to give the families they support a traditional meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Rio Grande Valley Red Hat Queens Council presents the Festival of Tables on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The event gives Red Hatters, and other ladies, the opportunity to gather and have fun – and to eat dessert first. As always, the tables will be beautifully decorated by themes chosen by members of the RGV Red Hat Queens Council.
There’s never a wrong time to support a cause and this summer, residents at Aladdin Villas found a charity to connect with. Earlier this summer, Tom Hollan from Aladdin Villas wanted to give back to the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), but he sought a local chapter. Previously, residents would collect pop tabs and make monetary donations but would return the donations to a chapter up north.
Every year we enjoy sharing what parks and other Winter Texan residents do for the communities they reside in while visiting the Valley. Winter Texans collect food, make crafts, sew, quilt and more. By the end of the year many have donated dozens of blankets, books, meals, hats, and more to those in their parks and to the communities around them.
Magic Valley P.E.O. Retirement Group met at the home of Julianne Carlson on Tuesday, March 25, for one of their last meetings of the season. The group brought items for donating to Aurora House Foundation in Weslaco. 
This season is ending, and I hate to see it go. We always enjoy your time with us, and our time with you, and we sure are going to miss it while you are gone.
Rita Norlander, a long-time resident of the Trails End Winter Park, was honored on March 19 as she threw out the first pack for the annual Rita Nolander Shuffle Tournament.
Larry and Susan DeBuse, formerly of Greengate Grove in Palmview, were honored at the Larry DeBuse Invitational Golf Tournament, held at Shary Municipal Golf Course on March 5. The DeBuse family has returned to their home in Bella Vista, AR, as Larry continues his fight against Parkinson’s Disease.
Bonham’s Bears gave away 400 teddy bears to organizations that help children. Based at Green Bay South, the group gives bears to Valley organizations every year. Each year, they share their stories to show who they are and how their organization uses the bears they are gifted. 
La Floresta RV Resort near Mercedes had a couple of fun events. On February 26th we had our final day of the Men's and Ladies Championship Tournament. Frank Hartin and Darla Strait were the winners. On March 8th we had our Shuffleboard tournament. Rickey Henderson and Jean Vanderville were the champs! Milt Krainbill and Hal Sunday were our runner ups. (Submitted by Darla Strait)
Royal Palms MH Park celebration of St. Patrick's Day on Monday was ruled over by the royalty of residents King Herb Moering and Queen Doris Tabor.
Tropic Star had a great season with a wide variety of entertainment with many different shows, happy hours and dances. The park has over 75 different activities each week for their guests to take part in.
As they say at Tropic Star, you can’t be bored if you live at Tropic Star.
By Carina A. Brunson
By Herb Moering
