NOVEMBER 4, 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 Hundreds of athletes are prepping to get active and go green Looking for something fun to do on the morning of Saturday, November 7, 2026? The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department and Keep McAllen Beautiful (KMB) invite you to come out and support athleticism and the environment. Located at 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd., the McAllen Municipal Park and McAllen Municipal Pool will serve as the host setting for a morning of fitness, family and environmental stewardship. The community is invited to be part of the first-ever McAllen Triathlon Challenge alongside the 15th Annual Arbor Day Celebration, with activities for athletes and families alike. Beginning at 7 a.m., 300 athletes will take on a 250-meter swim, a 20-kilometer cycling course and a 5-kilometer run. The top three male and female finishers will receive cash prizes and a Champion Tri Top. And every athlete will receive a commemorative finisher medal. Once across the finish line, the excitement continues at Athlete Village, where participants and athletic organizations connect with fellow competitors while enjoying music and games. As the triathlon gets underway, the community can join the free Arbor Day festivities beginning at 8 a.m. at the McAllen Municipal Park, with more than 1,000 people expected to attend. Attendees can enjoy free tree adoptions, local vendors, educational booths, food and music. Children ages 12 and younger can partake in a Kids Fun Run at 9 a.m., followed by the popular Trashion Show at 10 a.m., featuring original fashion designs made with at least 75% recycled, repurposed or reusable materials. “We’re excited to bring residents together through fitness, family and environmental stewardship as we continue building a healthier and greener community where today’s residents can flourish and future generations can thrive,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “I am proud to lead a city where residents understand that the future of their community is something they help create,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Every time someone chooses to live a healthier life, takes steps to protect our environment or shows up to make a difference, they are helping shape the kind of city we will become. The McAllen Triathlon Challenge and Arbor Day Celebration may focus on different aspects of our community, but both remind us that progress begins with people who care enough to take action. We are creating a legacy of health, responsibility and community pride for generations to carry forward.” Whether you’re ready to put your endurance to the test or looking to learn more about caring for our environment, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy on November 7. For event details, visit McAllenMarathon.com for the McAllen Triathlon Challenge and KeepMcAllenBeautiful.org for the Arbor Day Celebration.
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