5 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com JANUARY 14, 2026 1101 East Business 83 • Donna, TX 1 1/2 miles West of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com *Premiums subject to carrier underwriting. Rates subject to change. *$284.00per year. Conditions Apply. As Low as Call or Come See Us 956-464-2886 MOBILE HOME INSURANCE Basic and Comprehensive Plans MOBILE HOME INSURANCE Basic and Comprehensive Plans Flood Coverage & Mexico Auto Insurance Available Park Models Motor Homes “Casitas” Travel Trailers Autos Golf Carts 5th Wheels Motorcycles And more... 1101 East Business 83 • Donna,TX 1 1/2 milesWest of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com * Premiums subject to carrier underwriting. Rates subject to change. Call or Come See Us 956-464-2886 per year. As Low as *$284.00 Conditions Apply HIDALGO COUNTY We Also Offer Coverage For: MOBILE HOME Basic and Comprehensive Plans Flood Coverage & Mexico Auto Insurance Available Park Models Motor Homes “Casitas” Travel Trailers Autos Golf Carts 5th Wheels Motorcycles And more... 1101 East Business 83 • Donna,TX 1 1/2 milesWest of Don-Wes Flea Market www.galvaninsuranceagency.com Call or Come See Us 956-464-2886 per year. As Low as *$284.00 Conditions Apply HIDALGO COUNTY We Also Offer Coverage For: Park Models Motor Homes “Casitas” Travel Trailers Autos Golf Carts 5th Wheels Motorcycles And more... per year. As Low as Conditions Apply Flood Coverage & Mexico Auto Insurance Available Pickleball on Padre – More than just a tournament For John Raschilla (JR) Pickleball on Padre is more than just a tournament, and he hopes it is for all of those that attend as well. It’s a weeklong celebration of the sport and the island. The event includes free open play at the SPI Convention Center, clinics and lessons for beginners, daily social mixers, vendor booths, and giveaways. Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone – especially Winter Texans. Pickleball on Padre will be held at the South Padre Island Convention Center and Isla Grand Resort from January 26 through February 2. Hosted by the RGV Pickleball Association, full details can be found on their website at rgvpickleball.org. The Pickleball on Padre event is hosted by the RGV Pickleball Association, something JR has been pivotal in forming along with others in the Valley that realized there was a need to bring structure, support, and access to the sport of pickleball across the RGV. He said what started as small local meetups quickly revealed a much larger demand – not just from seasoned players, but from schools, families, and community centers looking for a positive, healthy outlet. “We realized that if we wanted to grow this sport responsibly and inclusively, we needed an organized effort to make sure all communities – especially youth and seniors – had the opportunity to play, learn, and benefit,” said JR about forming the organization. He is more than just one of the founding members, he is an ambassador, a level 2 certified instructor, and a national pickleball champion. When Pickleball on Padre began, there were maybe 15 people in a single tournament, said JR. “Last year, we had more than 250 participants – and thousands more showed up just to watch” Through events like Pickleball on Padre, the organization has hosted clinics, provided free gear, and even helped Isla Grand Resort convert two of its tennis courts into permanent pickleball courts to accommodate the demand. The Pickleball on Padre event is their most exciting event. For the first time, they will be hosting a dual-sanctioned tournament. The indoor tournament will be sancSee PICKLEBALL pg. 18 The pickleball courts at Casa del Valle. (Photo by Daniel Brunson)
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