NOVEMBER 11, 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 While many people in our communities are silently battling hunger, homelessness and hardship, we can find hope in the fact that giving is a source of joy for all. The Salvation Army’s national campaign encourages people to Give With Joy and uplift families in need by helping provide shelter, food, bill assistance and more. Your generosity offers joyful reassurance that even during our most challenging times, we are not alone. “Since its humble beginnings in 1891, when a Salvation Army Captain used a crab pot to collect funds in San Francisco, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown to become one of the most recognized charitable initiatives worldwide,” said Major Frankie Zuniga of The Salvation Army in McAllen. “The funds raised through the red kettle will serve as a lifeline in our community, offering essential assistance such as nourishment, shelter and vital social services to those in their greatest time of need.” From the beginning of November until Christmas Eve, red kettles will be stationed outside various stores and local businesses in McAllen from Monday to Saturday. Last year, The Salvation Army successfully raised $105,000 through the campaign, and this season, they are aiming to raise $150,000 to support the community. “We are immensely grateful for the spirit of giving in our community and the unwavering support we receive from our generous donors and corporate partners,” added Major Frankie Zuniga. “The red kettle reminds us how easy it is to bring joy to our community, igniting hope and providing support to those in our community who are in the most need. Every dollar you give to The Salvation Army today brings joy to JOY From pg. 1 someone in need. Help people eat well, sleep easier or keep the power on. You’ll feel joy come right back to you.” The Salvation Army is also seeking volunteers to ring the bells at the red kettle locations. Those interested can sign up by visiting SalvationArmyVolunteer.com or by calling (956) 682-1468. To donate or learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army this Christmas, please visit www.salvationarmymcallen.org. “We’ve already seen organizations make improvements to their cybersecurity practices based on our recommendations, and some have even requested additional training for their employees,” Hinojosa said. “A cyberattack can do more than cause financial losses or disrupt operations. It can damage a business’s reputation and the trust of its customers, which can be very difficult to rebuild.” Now working with its second cohort of students, the clinic hopes to reach even more residents, businesses and organizations across the region through its free services and educational outreach. “We want our students to see that what they’re learning goes beyond the classroom. They’re working with real people, addressing real challenges and making a difference in their own communities,” Hinojosa said. “They’re not just preparing for their future careers; they’re already putting their skills to work where they’re needed most.” For more information about STC’s Cybersecurity Clinic or to request free services, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/cybersecurity/clinic.html. CYBERSECURITY From pg. 6
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTczOTk5Mg==