Submitted by Ruth Filz
Residents of Palm Gardens RV Park in Harlingen routinely take the following words of the popular Christmas song Do You Know It’s Christmas to heart, and especially during the holidays.
And in our world of plenty
We can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time.
Submitted by Margaret Bergen
The community of Eastgate RV & MH Park, 2801 Harrison Ave. in Harlingen, collected 55 bags of food for Child Protective Services and the Food Pantry in 24 days using a Reverse Advent Calendar.
Tears of happiness and joy were shed as CPS Program Director Joanna Garcia, Adela Gonzalez (Case worker), Edgar Quintanilla, Yesenia Guerrero and staff, came to pick up their bags. Pastor Hector Perez, the pastor of The Fathers House on Morgan Blvd. in Harlingen, also arrived to give a beautiful blessing for the food as we all gathered around. His parish also donated mittens, gloves, and hats. A resident, Steve Fawley, made and gave a number of blankets. Another resident, Terry Romanchuk, made little ornaments from paracord.
Seven Oaks RV Resort Veterans and other residents joined scouts and other community members on Saturday, December 15, in the laying of wreaths at the Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Through the help of the community and Wreaths Across America, all Veterans graves were able to receive a wreath in remembrance of their sacrifice.
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.
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.
Last week ladies at River Ranch Resort were bustling about the recreation hall wrapping gifts that residents had donated for children of Rio Hondo. The park has been working with Chief Bilokury, Rio Hondo Public Safety Director, for about four years. This year is the first time the park has also worked with the city and a local church. Together, they hope to help 500 children of the community.
Submitted by Arleen Bier
The residents of La Floresta Park near Mercedes enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey and dressing and all the trimmings. But what do you do with all of that leftover turkey? We had Turkey Soup Night.
Roadrunner RV Park started off the month of December with their gift giving. “What a wonderful opportunity to help our community and give during the holiday season!” Residents contributed $1,000 to the Salvation Army and $1,000 for Toys for Tots. Pictured are Chief of Police Richard Ozuma, Fire Chief Roy Contreras, and Salvation Army Major Gabriel receiving the donations last week.
Winter Texans love to play
Whether it’s cards, shuffleboard, pickleball, dominoes, or billiards, Winter Texans love to play. They love to compete too.
We have been to many different events throughout the last 35 years where Winter Texans have been playing all sorts of games. Winter Texans make games too, or they bring games from their area or heritage and share them with the parks.
Submitted by Arleen Bier
Even though we have been coming here for many years, we still find new things to do, new festivals to attend, new restaurants to try, and many treasures at flea markets and park sales. We appreciate the warm welcome we receive every year when we return to the Rio Grande Valley.
Submitted by Phyllis McGroarty
Golf View Estates is hosting Festival of Trees this season. The dates are Monday, November 28th through Saturday, December 3rd. You can stop in at the rec hall any day between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to view the trees and to place your bid.
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.
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.
