OCTOBER 21, 2026 www.wintertexantimes.com 10 WINTER TEXAN TIMES BRING US ALONG, & THERE’S ALWAYS MORE TO SEE, MORE TO DO Thanks for coming to Texas! Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Vol. 39, No. 22 © 2026 www.wintertexantimes.com Wednesday, March 25, 2026 By Barb Zanetti Photos by Dennis Zanetti Joining forces with others, Elaine Snyder helped Alamo Palms Resort and its Classy Quilter group become one of the top in the Valley – one quilter at a time. Many say it’s her welcoming efforts and those of other experienced quilters that are responsible for more than tripling the number of park quilters to 65. Elaine believes the projects the park’s experienced quilters choose and the way they teach it makes all the difference. “I like offering classes for beginners to experts,” Elaine says about the 10 different one’s seasoned quilters led this year. She says if she teaches them to make a special block, the quilters have choices of how and what they’d like to do with them such as creating a starter project like a wall hanging or a table runner. However, the key to getting and keeping so many new quilters interested is that Elaine never wants them to feel alone or that they’re “not good enough.” She insists that INDEX Coupon Index p 3 Events Calendar p 9 Reunions p 9 Parks Calendar p 10 WintertainersTM p 11 Business Guide p 16 Classifieds p 21 Taste of the Valley p 23 As it is with every season, it eventually must come to an end – and we hate to see it end, but we know we have next season to look forward to. We always enjoy your time with us, and our time with you, and we will surely miss you while you are gone. We know you are coming to the Valley for the community, the weather, the value and so much more. We also know you are coming because of the welcomeness you receive, but it is also your warmness that makes us love seeing you each year. As you will see in this issue, and you have seen in previous issues, you do so many things while in the Valley. You go dancing, participate in activities, continue your hobbies, and so much more. Most of all, you have fun. You also participate in your community. You find charities and people to bond with. And together, you contribute and donate so much time, and so much of yourself. Whether you make quilts, teddy bears, read a book, fundraise, or collect food items – you find something in your community to love, and they love you back for everything you do. See THANK YOU pg. 4 Thank you so much for a wonderful season A Classy Hobby or a Life Changer? A ‘Classy Quilter’ Teacher Who’s Making a Difference See QUILTING pg. 18 Six students from PSJA High School in Alamo stand next to one of Alamo Palm’s fastest quilters, Julie Perry, who created the quilts they’ve wrapped around their shoulders. She says she does her best to make quilts that will appeal to teens, especially boys. (Photo compliments of Julie Perry) We enjoyed visiting with Winter Texans from all over the Valley at this year’s Winter Texan Fiesta. (Photo by Carina A. Brunson) 956.580.7800 1217 N CONWAY, MISSION Follow us on Facebook.com/ wintertexantimes www.WinterTexanTimes.com Call or Email ads@wintertexantimes.com FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES IN PRINT, ONLINE ON ANY DEVICE YOU WILL WANT TO TAKE IT WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO delivered to your inbox Never Miss an issue with the Winter Texan times subscribe to receive the weekly edition in your inbox at www.WinterTexanTimes.com/Newsletter remarkable natural events. Families are encouraged to come in costume and spend the day enjoying a native plant sale, live music, local vendors, face painting, sandcastle building, a butterfly habitat tour and planting session, snacks and other activities. “Fall is a wonderful time to visit South Padre Island, and the Hallowings celebration takes full advantage of that,” said Kelly deSchaun, Chief Executive Officer of Visit South Padre Island. “Families can enjoy Halloween fun while also experiencing the incredible migration of monarch butterflies and birds that pass through the Island each fall. Our location along a major migratory corridor gives visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a way that is both entertaining and educational.” Hallowings is part of a full slate of October activities at the Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary celebrating fall, wildlife and migration. Visitors can also enjoy a special Spooky Sunset on the Boardwalk as part of the Center’s fall Sunset on the Boardwalk series. The evening program offers an opportunity to experience the wetlands and wildlife as the sun sets over the Laguna Madre, adding a Halloween twist to one of the Center’s signature fall experiences. For dates, times and additional information about Hallowings, the Spooky Sunset on the Boardwalk and other programs, visit the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary Events Hub, www.spibirding.org. HALLOWINGS From pg. 6 al heritage. The exhibit provides an opportunity for participants to share their cultural traditions, photographs, and meaningful objects while celebrating the enduring connections to those who have passed away. The exhibit is in the Mission Historical Museum’s Annex Building at 200 E. Tom Landry St. Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public. As part of the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to take part in the museum’s “Remember Me Room,” an interactive area where guests can add the names of loved ones to a shared space of remembrance. The room offers visitors a quiet opportunity to reflect and to remember those close to them. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, please contact the Mission Historical Museum at (956) 580-8646. About the Mission Historical Museum The Mission Historical Museum is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, which first opened its doors in 2002, and serves the community of Mission and visitors to the area. Via donations, the Mission Historical Museum is able to offer free admission. The Museum maintains both permanent and temporary exhibits and presents a variety of events and programs for all ages. Our interpretation goal is to inspire the citizens of our community through the presentation of our exhibits. ALTAR From pg. 5
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