Welcome Home RGV

Powering through change

Sometimes you have to trim the trees in order to foster growth. Life is like that at times. That’s the way I feel at Welcome Home RGV. We’re always changing and growing. As soon as things get relatively “normal,” we add something new or decide to take the plunge with a challenging software package or a completely new website design. And sometimes we do it all at one time!

Last season saw a lot of change for us. Entering the season, I was anxious (as I always am). In retrospect, I’m glad I didn’t know what was about to change, or I may have run away from home. During our busiest time, which starts in October, we brought our coupon book back, started a promotional division, AND opened a travel agency.

It was a chaotic season, but it was also filled with excitement–a different kind of energy, a whole lot of moving things around, and the adventure of discovering our new normal. We powered through the changes and utilized the slower summer months to adjust and to implement strategies that would streamline and strengthen not only our new ventures but our current products and services, as well.

I never dreamed at this time last year we’d be where we are today. Perhaps because the changes were such a natural addition for us, it really doesn’t seem like all that much has changed. The exciting thing to me is wondering what opportunities will present themselves this season and where we’ll be at this time NEXT year.

A huge thank you to all of you who have had a hand in Welcome Home RGV. From our staff, working tirelessly to make the thoughts that flip through my mind come to life, to our followers, our ever-loyal customers, and our faithful volunteers–it’s because of you that we continue to grow, change, and thrive through it all.

We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

Kristi Collier is a McAllen native who loves to share her passion for the area with others. Her company, Welcome Home RGV caters to the Winter & Converted Texan market through their events, activities, special interest publications and more. For more information, call the Welcome Home RGV office at 956-687-5115, visit www.welcomehomergv.com or visit on facebook at facebook.com/whrgv and facebook.com/wintertexan.

One hundred thousand Winter Texans can’t be wrong.

In case you missed the memo, the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas is the place to winter this year…and every year after that. This Valley girl might be a little biased (with McAllen having been my home for…ouch…more than 40 years), but I assure you that once people come to the Rio Grande Valley, they’re hooked.

I’ll admit, it’s a drive, and once you get south of San Antonio, it’s a bit dull at that. But when you start seeing palm trees dotting the expressway, you know you’re close. And trust me, it’s well worth the drive. The difference between South Texas and other winter destinations is that WE want you here. In addition to the palm trees, you’ll see signs that read ‘Welcome Home Winter Texans.’ We hate to see you leave and can hardly wait for you to get back.

We have welcome parties, discounts, special interest publications, and websites dedicated to making your winter experience a great one. In a focus group with Winter-Texan participants a few years back, equally as important as our warm weather and low cost of living is the friendliness of our people. Again, it’s because WE want you here! The Winter-Texan community has made us who we are, and we are forever grateful for your support of our region and your significant impact on our economy.

Sure, there are a number of destinations from which to choose every winter. But I challenge you to find one as accommodating, friendly, and affordable as South Texas.

Let us show you some real Texas hospitality this winter!

We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

Brew at the Zoo!

There’s something brewing at the Zoo! Raise your glass for animal conservation as the Gladys Porter Zoo and Brownsville Beer Fest invite you to Brew at the Zoo, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20^th. Quench your thirst and support your Zoo by sipping on specially selected premium and craft beers paired with delicious food tastings from amazing chefs and restaurants. Only a few of the top Rio Grande Valley restaurants will be participating in this year’s “Feast with the Beasts.”

Plus, take part in fun games such as Jumbo Jenga and a Beer Pong Tournament. This is a 21+ event. Zoo members can purchase a Brew at the Zoo ticket for $20.00 pre-sale or $25.00 on the day of the event. Non-members can purchase a ticket for $25.00 pre-sale and $30.00 on the day of. Tickets will be available in the front office or online at www.gpz.org. For more information please call (956)546-7187.

What: Brew at the Zoo

When: September 20^th – 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Where: Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. Brownsville, Texas

Caring Resources Ministries International Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) announced today the accreditation of Caring Resources Ministries International (CRMI) of San Antonio, TX.

ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising.

CRMI joins a growing number of Christ-centered churches and ministries across America, supported by over 27 million donors, that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal. When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability.

“We are pleased to accredit a ministry committed to serve to increase the kingdom of God,” said Dan Busby, president of ECFA.

Founded in 2002, Caring Resources Ministries International (https://www.crmintl.org) through its division known as Christian Resort Ministries (CRM), accomplishes their mission by placing qualified and trained chaplains in RV resorts across the US; working with owners, managers, and leaders in the RV industry to present quality programs for resorts and campgrounds; sharing their mission with churches, mission committees, and pastors; and offering the opportunity to industry leaders.

ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA Standards pertaining to financial accountability, fundraising, and board governance. For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit www.ECFA.org or call 1-800-323-9473.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer chaplain with CRM, you can contact the organization at 970-420-9525 or visit the website: https://www.crmintl.org

CRM currently has over 35 chaplains serving in the ministry.

Pharr Community Theater presents, Tales of the Hidalgo Pumphouse.

“After all these years, there is something magical about the huge old building with it’s aluminum exterior, some of it brown from years of baking in the hot sun and from weather aging, sitting tall, strong and mysterious,” said Pedro Garcia who co-wrote the script, Tales of the Hidalgo Pumphouse, and is Artistic Director for the Pharr Community Theater Co. and Co-Producer. “The high, white concrete smoke stack that touches the clouds and the deep pits inside the building where huge and heavy Corliss and Hamilton engines rest on top of strong cement beds are still there, as well as the gigantic furnaces where mesquite wood was once burned to help create the steam that would pump millions of gallons of water from the Rio Grande every day for crop irrigation. I grew up in Hidalgo and I have fond memories of my childhood and coming of age around the Pumphouse with my friends.”

Lucio G. Rivera who co-wrote the story and also grew up in Hidalgo said, “My grandfather Bartolo worked there before I was born and my uncle Luis for nearly 50 years up until he retired when the old pump house shut down in 1983.”

Luis Rivera who worked at the Pumphouse for more then 50 years is a character in the play, played by Gustavo Saucedo, as well as his wife Paula, played by Atenea A. Garza, who once baked a small tortilla where the face of Jesus appeared. Another real life character in the play is Rufus Wisdom, played by Larry Weinreich, who was a long time foreman with nearly 40 years working at the Pumphouse.

“It was our public swimming pool and fishing hole of sorts,” added Rivera. “Water that was stored in the huge receiving basins before heading out through the canals became a fun place for swimming and fishing for me and the other boys growing up there, including the Wisdom family.”

The play tells of Luisito, played by Gilberto Castro, Jr., and his buddies as they come of age and search for a hidden treasure while the girls are writing a historical-report about the old Pumphouse and practicing an ancient dance in honor of the Rio Grande (River). The story is also about the parents and ancestors who worked and lived around the Pumphouse since it was built in 1909 and closed in 1983.

Today the old Pumphouse still stands in the same place and has become a Texas Historical marker and a Museum and World Birding Center open to the public.

The tale is laced with history, folktales and adventure including the creepy and sometimes funny fantasmas/spirits such as, La Llorona/The Weeping Woman, played by Rhiannon Garza, La Lechuza/The Witch Owl, played by Alma I. Izaguirre, La Muerte/Death, played by Francisco Crisanto, and El Hombre Sin Cabeza/The Headless Man, played by Sergio Luna. Together the youth and adults with help from a historian named Mrs. Stonewall, played by Connie Garza, and a magical Pirate named Hidalgo, played by Cielo Barrios, save the Old Pumphouse from destruction.

The story is bilingual, predominately told in English with nearly 23 local cast members, including ten adolescents, who have been in rehearsals since early June.

Director Seres Jaime Magaña who is a local poet and writer, from McAllen, TX, says directing a play is a fresh start for him in having to adapt a story into a visual form, “A lot of the approach is letting the story tell me where it wants to go and then me being able to show that and to translate it, Not only is it a historical and fun play for the whole family, it’s also got a lot of heart,” added Magaña.

Thirteen year old Arianna Compean from Edinburg, TX, plays Janie in the play and attends Barrientes Middle School. “I do theater because I listen to broadway tunes and it’s a dream for me to perform there one day. This play has helped me learn about the Rio Grande, about where you live and about remembering childhood stories.”

Later this year, authors Rivera and Garcia plan to publish the entire play in a book of the same name to share with everyone and in hopes that other theater companies and institutions may want to produce the play as well.

Showtimes:
The Play opens August 22-26, 2018 at the Elva and Kieth Michal’s Performing Arts Center (Pharr Community Theater) at 213 W Newcombe Ave., Pharr, TX. The show runs Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $6 kids under 12; $8 seniors, veterans and students and $10 general admission. (Seating is limited to 60 persons per show)

For advanced tickets call 956-239-0412. Tickets will also be sold at the door, starting one hour before curtain upon availability. The show has a viewer rating equivalent to a PG movie.

H-E-B to Present McAllen’s 90th Annual Independence Day Celebration

Texas-based grocer will host, honor veterans and current serving military

With people making plans for the summer, the City of Mcallen is preparing for the 90^th Annual Independence Day Celebration, this year, proudly presented by H-E-B. The City of McAllen and H-E-B are proud to celebrate the nation’s birthday in one of the largest community events held in the city and together, to honor all veterans and current serving military for their service.

“H-E-B is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s 90^th Annual Independence Day Celebration,” said Linda Tovar, H-E-B Senior Manager of Public Affairs. “We are honored to celebrate this Fourth of July with the City of McAllen, and to pay tribute to the many men and women of our military.”

Kicking it Off

The annual Independence Day Celebration will kick off with an early morning patriotic program, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Parade Grand Stand at Archer Park, 101 N. Main Street. The 4^th of July Main Street Parade begins at 9:00 a.m., heading north along Main Street, starting at Houston Street and concluding at Cedar Street at Archer Park. Freedom Festival, a family-friendly festival will be held at Archer Park immediately following the parade until 2:00 p.m. Music, food, games and artisans will be some of the highlights of the event.

Make Waves & Stay Cool

For those who wish to celebrate the 4^th of July by making waves, enjoy Aquatica Extreme at the Municipal Park Pool, 1921 N. Bicentennial Boulevard, from 1:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. While this event does have an entry fee of $2.50 a person, there will be games, contests, crafts, music and more to help keep everyone entertained. Make sure to stick around for the Concert in the Sky Fireworks Extravaganza at Municipal Park, where games, food and entertainment pick up the celebration at 7:00p.m. and culminate with a sizzling fireworks musical display at 9:00 p.m. that enchants everyone in attendance.

Join the Festivities

The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting entries for this year’s festivities. Businesses, civic and youth groups, and nonprofit organizations, and especially, veterans and veterans’ groups are invited to participate in the parade and other festivities. All entries should feature a patriotic theme. The deadline to submit applications has been extended to Friday, June 22, at the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department, located at 100 S. Ware Rd.

Watch

The parade will be carried live on the McAllen Cable Network, now found on Spectrum Channel 1300, as well as on the City of McAllen website and Facebook Live. Additionally, the fireworks show is set to music; listen to the patriotic line-up on KURV-AM. For more information, please contact (956) 681-3333 or visit www.mcallenparks.net.

What is a Converted Texan, anyway?

After working with Winter Texans for 10+ years, I’ve found that there are so many unique niche groups within the Winter-Texan market. From golfers to quilters to 1^st Responders to Red Hatters to singles, every time I turn around, I find a group of you who share similar interests.

My first year in the ‘business,’ a group of folks at Tip O’ Texas asked me to have dinner with them…in May. I thought, aren’t you supposed to be home by then? My curiosity was piqued, and I went on my first, of several, ‘Thirsty Thursday’ dinner outings. I came to find out that many of our Winter Texans decide they really like it in South Texas and decide to call the Rio Grande Valley their permanent home. Often times, our Converted Texans get lumped into the same boat as our Winter Texans, but even though they started out that way, they are the first to tell you they are NOT Winter Texans, that they live here permanently.

When you stop to think about the economic impact of our Winter Texans, it makes you stop to think about the impact our Converted Texans have on our community. They shop here year round. They support our schools, nonprofits, and churches. They are involved in the community at a higher level than someone who might be here for just a month or two. So I find it important–very important–to recognize these folks for all they do for us in the Rio Grande Valley.

We coined the phrase, ‘Converted Texan’ in 2010 to give these folks the recognition they deserve. We’re taking it one step further this year and having our ‘not so annual’ Converted Texan Corral April 10 at Llano Grande Resort. This is a party to celebrate this unique bunch and to hopefully entice some of our current Winter Texans to go through the ‘conversion’ process. Oh, what fun we have planned! Leslie Blasing will be performing, lunch will be served, and we’ll even have a swearing-in ceremony to make their status ‘official.’ We’ll make them raise their right hand and pledge allegiance to all things Texan and issue official Converted-Texan certificates!

Everyone is welcome, whether you are a Converted Texan or not. Just come and join the fun to celebrate this wonderful bunch. Advance tickets only! Please call 956-687-5115 to reserve yours today.

We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

We’re on a first name basis

And sometimes we are even lucky to even get that right, aren’t we? Name tags, are a wonderful thing. Not only do they help with introductions, they help jog the old memory on where we might have possibly met each other in the first place. Some name tags are bigger than others, take for instance Betty Emmons from Casa del Valle, who’s badge reflects over 20 seasons in the Valley, dates back to 1986. 1st Responders and in most cases are easily identified by their name tags. The Tropic Star cheerleaders can be easily spotted by the dangle on their badge. I’ve seen some that say everything from ‘manager’ to ‘activity director’ to line dancer’ and ‘single’. If our badges could talk, I wonder what kind of stories they might tell. What do you call those things that dangle from your badge? Badge bangle-dangles?

I also think it is great that not only do our badges reflect where we are, but also where we come from. I like to look at the badges and see the silent story that they tell, and for me, badges are often conversation starters.

Over the last five years I’ve learned a lot about you, and the way you operate. For instance, each and every one of you is very different, you come from different areas and backgrounds, you have different interests, hobbies and there is simply no way to ‘categorize’ our Winter Texans. You don’t all like to do the same things. There are a few things that are pretty common across the board though, you all like warm weather in February, you enjoy life to the fullest, and you have a hard time remembering certain things. Like last names, the day of the week, what you had for dinner and minor details.

I absolutely love when I visit a park and hear “hey Kristi” throughout the halls. I was just at Texas Trails for the Bernie & Red fundraiser for St. Baldrick’s and so many of you greeted me by my first name, and I loved every minute of it. I still use my last name (it’s Collier by the way), but I’d rather you spend your time remembering good times, good friends and great weather than last names.

I hope you’ll join me for our 3rd annual Welcome Home happy hour on Friday, February 22nd at the Mercedes Livestock Showgrounds from 1 – 4 pm. We’re going to have a happy hour like none other with entertainment by Leslie Blasing, John Sager and Jeff Gordon! Free admission and free parking, we’ll pass the hat, have beer, wine and setups available and we’d love to have you join us. Bring your lawnchairs and celebrate the season with us, and we’ll have you home in time for dinner.

We’re just connecting the dots,

Kristi

Let’s paint a picture

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are touched by this column and how many of them aren’t even Winter Texans. A friend recently told me she felt she had “a window to my soul.” (That can give a person writer’s block in a hurry.) I write from the heart and about what’s on my mind. Sometimes it relates to Winter Texans, and sometimes it doesn’t. Continue reading “Let’s paint a picture”

What’s next?

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. It’s been a busy time, and I kept thinking I will get to it when things slow down a bit. Since it doesn’t look like that is going to happen any time soon….here we go!

Believe it or not, this is Welcome Home RGV’s ninth season! It’s because of the faith and support of so many people that we have been able to make it this far. A lot has changed over the years. People have come and gone, and we’ve had great ideas, good ideas, bad ideas, and even a few downright terrible ones. But every day, we dust ourselves off, learn from our mistakes, and constantly try to improve our process.

It was February, 2008, when I had a vision, and that vision has become a reality. It didn’t happen overnight, thank goodness. We’ve learned the hard way and put in the sweat equity to prove it. And that is what makes us better and stronger than we ever realized we could be.

What started out as a ‘little coupon book for Winter Texans’ has turned into so much more. We’ve grown by leaps and bounds–from adding an annual directory and a weekly newspaper to purchasing the Winter Texan Expo to hosting our own signature events and activities. It does boggle the mind at times, yet somehow we all have managed to juggle it all. But what keeps us grounded is that our vision is centered around one thing: Winter Texans are such an integral part of our lives here in the Rio Grande Valley.

But that isn’t the exciting part. I’m excited about what the future holds for our company, where we’ll grow from here, and where we’ll be ten years from now. The winter market is changing, that’s for sure, but we aren’t afraid of change. We welcome it and will be there amidst it all to offer support, guidance, and solutions to those who need it and a lot of fun for everyone!

That vision in February 2008 was a gift, and we continue to be guided in the right direction. It’s our responsibility to watch, listen, learn, and adapt so we can keep this very important demographic protected.

I look so very forward to seeing all of your smiling faces this winter…and for many more to come!