Our visit to Mercedes starts with the exploration of the historic downtown area at the old First National Bank of Mercedes building (currently undergoing rehabilitation for adaptive reuse as a ballroom and event venue incorporating the adjacent former State Theater). Located at 334 South Texas Avenue, the building has now been repurposed as the First National Ballroom. Calixto (Cal) Gomez, Manager shared a brief history of the building and the project to save it.

“First National Bank” tile work at the street entrance.

The First National Ballroom.

Balcony ironwork inspired by original architectural designs.

Bridal changing room.

View from the balcony to the ballroom.

Seating area upstairs.

The adjacent State Theater offers additional floor space.

Courtyard.

First National Bank Original Vault Room Safe Door.

First National Bank.

State Theater.

The State Theater, located next door to the First National Bank building was used to expand the First National Ballroom project.

“Welcome Texas Tropical Trail!”

Former Temple Beth Israel (present site of Christian Science Society Building). Temple Beth Israel, the first synagogue in the Rio Grande Valley, was founded in Mercedes in the 1910s. 402 West 10th Street (corner of South Texas Avenue and 10th Street).

TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL. During the 1910s, several Hidalgo and Cameron County families founded a small Jewish congregation. the Temple lacked a permanent Rabbi; lay readers led most services, while a student Rabbi was hired to lead High Holy Day services. The group first worshipped in rented space, but in 1935, Temple Beth Israel (House of Israel) was designed by Weslaco architect Newell Waters and was erectd at 402 W. Tenth Street. Members of the congregation represented surrounding business communities as clothing and furniture merchants, newspaper publishers and jewelers. By the late 1940s, the growth of McAllen and Harlingen reduced the congregation’s size, and in 1948, the membership voted to dissolve, with members joining congregations in the two neighboring cities.

Christian Science Society Building, former home of Temple Beth Israel.

Original Aron haKodesh on the east wall of the Christian Science Society Building. Still visible, the Stars of David outlined in the woodwork.

Interior of the original Temple Beth Israel.

Marlou Levine welcomes group to the Historical Landmark Temple Beth Israel.

Rosalie Weisfeld, board member of the Texas Jewish Historical Society and a member of a Rio Grande Valley pioneer Jewish family addresses group.

Rosalie Weisfeld share family photos.

Stuart Klein, a founding board member of the Texas Jewish Historical Society, and also from a member of a Rio Grande Valley pioneer Jewish family, shared memories of his Bar-Mitzvah held at Temple Beth Israel during the 1940s.

Fran Isbell, Hidalgo Historical County Commission member, talks about architect Newell Waters contribution to the original Synagogue desigh.

a board member of the Texas Jewish Historical Society, Rosalie Weisfeld, and also from a member of a Rio Grande Valley pioneer Jewish family, Stuart Klein, who will share memories of his Bar-Mitzvah held at Temple Beth Israel during the 1940s
Christian Science Society Building, former home of Temple Beth Israel.

Author, historian and Cameron County Historical Commission member, Norman Rozeff provides educational program, “Jewish Immigration to the Rio Grande Valley”

Texas Tropical Trail Executive Director, Cynthia Martin, “The Who, What & Why of the Texas Tropical Trail Region”.

Left to right front row: Norman Rozeff, Stuart Klein, Raul Montemayor (Monterrey businessman and member of Temple Emanuel in McAllen “The Conversos in South Texas and Northern Mexico during Spanish Colonization”). Back row, left to right: Rosalie Weisfeld, Marlou Levine, Nancy Deviney, Cynthia Martin.

Lunch at Al’s Diner, 735 West 2nd Street, Business 83 (West Business 83 and Washington Street).

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Partner Event/Board of Directors Meeting

Al’s Diner 735 W. Second Street/Bus Hwy 83 Mercedes, Texas

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

_______________________________________

10:00 – 10:15 am – Welcome & Refreshments – First National Ballroom – 334 South Texas Avenue (please park in lot across the street)

10:15 – 10:45 am – Guided Tour – First National Ballroom – Calixto (Cal) Gomez, Manager

10:45 – 11:00 am – Drive to the Historical Landmark of Temple Beth Israel, now the Christian Science Society Building – 402 West 10th Street (corner of South Texas Avenue and 10th Street)

11: 00 – 11:45 am– Tour and Presentations by Rosalie Weisfeld and Stuart Klein – Christian Science Society Building (formerly Temple Beth Israel)

11:45 – 12 noon – Drive to Al’s Diner – 735 West 2nd Street/ Business 83 (West Business 83 and Washington Street)

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Private Dining Room – Al’s Diner

Menu Choice:

Grilled boneless chicken breast served with French fries, salad and hot roll

Or

Mexican Deluxe Plate – 2 enchiladas, 1 beef taco, 1 chalupa, 1 chicken envueltos served with rice, refried beans & corn or flour tortillas

Both plates also include small soup, drink and dessert.

Cost per person will be $13.50 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:15 pm – Educational Program – “The Conversos in South Texas and Northern Mexico during Spanish Colonization” – Raul Montemayor – Monterrey businessman and member of Temple Emanuel in McAllen – Al’s Diner

1:15 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – “Jewish Immigration to the Rio Grande Valley” – Norman Rozeff – author, historian and member of the Cameron County Historical Commission – Al’s Diner

2:00 – 2:15 pm – Educational Program –“ The Who, What & Why of the Texas Tropical Trail Region” – Cynthia Martin – Executive Director of the Texas Tropical Trail Region – Al’s Diner

2:15 – 3:45 pm –Business Meeting – Private Dining Room at Al’s Diner (the public is welcome to attend)

Business Meeting

Board Development (Nancy Deviney, Chair)

Approve Minutes – January 17 Zapata meeting

Review and Approve January 2012 Financial Reports

Update on Map Project – Valerie Bates

Executive Director’s Report – Cynthia Martin

FY 12 Scope of Work Updates

Implementation of 2011/12 Partner Participation Program – Wanda Greenhill

- Partner Donations Update

Manage & Acknowledge Financial and In-Kind Resources – Toni Nagel

Advocate for Legislative Support – Bart Wales

Plan diverse and dynamic monthly meetings – Nancy Deviney

- March – possible joint Partner Event with Independence Trail Region & Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council – March 20 – Goliad/Refugio

- Laredo- April 17

Provide Logistical Assistance for THC Workshops – Nancy Deviney

Promotions/Marketing – Valerie Bates

Quarterly Newsletter – 2nd quarter Winter issue will publish early March – deadline for articles is February 29

Website/Social Media Development – Valerie Bates

Maintain sustainable alliance with tourism marketing entities in our Region

Other Business

- Update – Display at Texas Travel Information Center – Cynthia

- Update – 6th annual Coastal Bend Travel Fair – January 25 in Aransas Pass – sponsored by TCBRTC – Cynthia

- February 22 Jean Block Seminar – Bart/Cynthia

- Jean Block Seminar expenses – Bart/Cynthia/Nancy

- Update – Executive Director’s 90 day evaluation – February 16 – Nancy

- Update – HT Statewide Meeting – Kingsville – June 5-7 – Nancy

- Other

3:45 pm – Adjourn

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TEXAS TROPICAL TRAIL REGION HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM

February 21, 2012 – Partner Event and Business Meeting – Mercedes, Texas

You are cordially invited to attend Number Seventy-eight (78) in a series of monthly Partner Events, including Tours and Educational Presentations, celebrating the heritage of South Texas. This informative gathering of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program will be held in Mercedes, Hidalgo County, Texas on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. Please let me know if you will be joining us for lunch and your meal choice (see below).

Our visit to Mercedes will allow us to explore the historic downtown area as well as the Jewish heritage of the Rio Grande Valley. We will begin our day at the old First National Bank of Mercedes building (currently undergoing rehabilitation for adaptive reuse as a ballroom and event venue incorporating the adjacent former Empire Theater).

From there, we’ll drive to the former Temple Beth Israel (present site of Christian Science Society Building). Temple Beth Israel, the first synagogue in the Rio Grande Valley, was founded in Mercedes in the 1910s. While there, we will hear from a board member of the Texas Jewish Historical Society, Rosalie Weisfeld, and also from a member of a Rio Grande Valley pioneer Jewish family, Stuart Klein, who will share memories of his Bar-Mitzvah held at Temple Beth Israel during the 1940s.

Our final stop of the day will be Al’s Diner in Mercedes where we will enjoy lunch and three educational programs. First we will hear from Raul Montemayor of Monterrey, Mexico as he tells us about “The Conversos in South Texas and Northern Mexico during Spanish Colonization”. (Conversos were those who were formerly Jewish and converted to Catholicism.)

Next we will hear from Norman Rozeff, local historian, author and member of the Cameron County Historical Commission, as he tells us about Eastern European Jewish immigration to the Rio Grande Valley.

Our final program will be presented by Cynthia Martin, Executive Director of the Texas Tropical Trail Region. Her program will be “The Who, What and Why of the Texas Tropical Trail Region”.

First National Ballroom

The day will begin in historic downtown Mercedes at 10:00 am at the very elegant First National Ballroom, formerly the First National Bank of Mercedes, located at 334 South Texas Avenue in Mercedes. From the outside, it looks like the stately bank of yesteryear, but step inside to enjoy the ambiance of intimate ballrooms, one with a 7 ft Swarovski crystal chandelier hanging in the center, plus an open patio.

The First National Bank of Mercedes was founded in 1920 and this building was erected in 1923. A state historical marker, submitted by the Hidalgo County Historical Commission, is currently pending. The conversion from bank to ballroom, including the adjacent former Empire Theater, has incorporated some of the original architectural details including original doors flanked by columns, wooden windows and barrel vault. Lobbies of the bank and ballroom have been converted into the ballrooms. Mexican film star Cantinflas filmed a movie there, and you’ll want to be on the lookout for the mural in the former Empire Theater that features Rhett Butler.

Calixto (Cal) Gomez, building manager, will be our tour guide at the First National Ballroom.

Temple Beth Israel

The first Jewish congregation in the Rio Grande Valley was a joint Brownsville-Matamoros community. In 1876, according to a letter by Mayor Benjamin Kowalski of Brownsville, a Hebrew Benevolent Association was formed and “feast and fast days” were celebrated in Matamoros.

In the early 20th century, most Jews in the upper Valley lived in Mercedes and Pharr, the two largest cities. They rented a building in Mercedes for services until 1935 when the first synagogue in the Rio Grande Valley, Temple Beth Israel, was built in Mercedes. By the 1940s, growth of neighboring cities reduced the congregation, and they voted to dissolve with members joining congregations in Harlingen and McAllen. In 1948, the property was purchased by the First Church of Christ Scientist and is now owned by the Christian Science Society of Mercedes.

On hand to greet us at this site will be Rosalie Weisfeld, a board member of the Texas Jewish Historical Society and a member of the RGV Jewish community. Her family members were pioneers in the produce industry. She will tell us about the impact of the Jewish community in the retail businesses and professional fields as well as the citrus and other agricultural producers in the Valley.

Stuart Klein (Rosalie Weisfeld’s uncle) will also join us to share memories of his Bar-Mitzvah at Temple Beth Israel during World War II. Mr. Klein is the owner of S. Klein Galleries in McAllen and a member of a pioneer Jewish family in the area.

Educational Programs

Our after-lunch educational programs will be:

- “The Conversos in South Texas and Northern Mexico during Spanish Colonization” – Raul Montemayor – Monterrey businessman and member of Temple Emanuel in McAllen

- “Jewish Immigration to the Rio Grande Valley” – Norman Rozeff – author, historian and member of the Cameron County Historical Commission

- “The Who, What & Why of the Texas Tropical Trail Region” – Cynthia Martin – Executive Director of the Texas Tropical Trail Region

Our sponsors and hosts for this day will be the Weslaco Museum and Guild, First National Ballroom, Hidalgo County Historical Commission and Al’s Diner.

Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program

The Texas Tropical Trail Region (TTTR) heritage tourism program is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation developed in conjunction with the Texas Historical Commission and organized in February 2005 with an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors, a salaried Executive Director and over 700 partners in tourism throughout the 20 county South Texas area known as the Texas Tropical Trail Region. The first public “partner” meeting was held in March 2005 at the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, Texas.

This Region covers over 23,000 square miles and is home to over 1.7 million people. Four sub-regions or Byways (the Gulf Coast Byway, the Rio Grande Byway, the Wild Horse Desert Byway and the Brush Country Byway) are located within the Region.

Kingsville is the home of the Texas Tropical Trail Regional office located in the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce office building at 635 E. King Avenue, Suite 102.

It is the intent of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors to showcase the heritage, natural beauty and diverse culture of South Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of Texans and travelers. To achieve this goal, the Board must first join hands with our tourism partners, community leaders, and state and local entities to identify, preserve and interpret our natural, historical and cultural resources.

These monthly meetings/educational presentations are the workshops to help make this goal a reality. These meetings are open to the public, and you are urged to encourage folks in your city and county to join us.

Schedule of Events.

10:00 – 10:15 am – Welcome & Refreshments – First National Ballroom – 334 South Texas Avenue (please park in lot across the street)

10:15 – 10:45 am – Guided Tour – First National Ballroom – Calixto (Cal) Gomez, Manager

10:45 – 11:00 am – Drive to the Historical Landmark of Temple Beth Israel, now the Christian Science Society Building – 402 West 10th Street (corner of South Texas Avenue and 10th Street)

11: 00 – 11:45 am– Tour and Presentations by Rosalie Weisfeld and Stuart Klein – Christian Science Society Building (formerly Temple Beth Israel)

11:45 – 12 noon – Drive to Al’s Diner – 735 West 2nd Street/ Business 83 (West Business 83 and Washington Street)

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Private Dining Room – Al’s Diner

Menu Choice:

Grilled boneless chicken breast served with French fries, salad and hot roll

Or

Mexican Deluxe Plate – 2 enchiladas, 1 beef taco, 1 chalupa, 1 chicken envueltos served with rice, refried beans & corn or flour tortillas

Both plates also include small soup, drink and dessert.

Cost per person will be $13.50 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:15 pm – Educational Program – “The Conversos in South Texas and Northern Mexico during Spanish Colonization” – Raul Montemayor – Monterrey businessman and member of Temple Emanuel in McAllen – Al’s Diner

1:15 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – “Jewish Immigration to the Rio Grande Valley” – Norman Rozeff – author, historian and member of the Cameron County Historical Commission – Al’s Diner

2:00 – 2:15 pm – Educational Program –“ The Who, What & Why of the Texas Tropical Trail Region” – Cynthia Martin – Executive Director of the Texas Tropical Trail Region – Al’s Diner

2:15 – 3:45 pm –Business Meeting – Private Dining Room at Al’s Diner (the public is welcome to attend)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An RSVP is necessary so that we can be adequately prepared with seating arrangements and lunch.

Please respond to Nancy Deviney at nancydeviney@yahoo.com as soon as possible but no later than Friday, February 17, 2012.

Directions are available to the various sites.

We hope you will join us for this educational and informative day. No fees or membership are required. There will be a $13.50 charge, per person, (including tax and gratuity) for lunch.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues but remind them that an RSVP is necessary.

Thank you.

Nancy Deviney

Chairman, Board of Directors, Texas Tropical Trail Region (www.texastropicaltrail.com) and (www.thetropicaltraveler.com)

Nancy Deviney

nancydeviney@yahoo.com

361 547-8033 – home

361 701-0555 – cell

361 394-5672 – fax

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Our visit to Zapata took us to the new Zapata County Museum of History located on Highway 83 a block or so north of the Zapata County Courthouse and to The Seedeater Inn Bed & Breakfast. When Falcon Lake Dam and the 35-mile long lake behind it were created in 1954, several communities along both sides of the Rio Grande River were submerged including the original town site of Zapata.

Many of the buildings escaped destruction and were moved to the present day town site. The Seedeater Inn, originally the Volpe family home built in the late 19th century, was the last building to be moved out of old Zapata before it was flooded by the waters of Falcon Lake.

During our after-lunch educational programs, we learned more about the displacement of homes and families when the original town site was flooded and also about today’s tourism industry, Falcon Lake and the important role it plays

Zapata County Museum of History.

Zapata County History

The day began at the new, state-of-the-art Zapata County Museum of History, located at 805 Main Street/N US Highway 83. Museum Director and former Texas Tropical Trail board member Hildegardo Flores were on hand to greet us.

In 1746, Don Jose de Escandon, Count of Sierra Gorda, was commissioned by the Viceroy of New Spain to command the exploration and settlement of a large land area known as Nuevo Santander. Present day Zapata County was a small part of that province. Escandon requested a fellow explorer, Captain Miguel de la Garza Falcon, to accompany him on this mission.

To attract settlers to this area, tracts of land (porciones) were granted to men and their families in order to form colonies. After many name changes, in 1898 the name of the largest community was permanently changed to Zapata in honor of Colonel Antonio Zapata, a local rancher and military man who became one of the leaders of the federalist movement to found the Republic of the Rio Grande, which began in 1839. The first headquarters of this movement was in Zapata County. Two military posts, Camp Drum and Camp Harney, were located at Zapata in the early 1850s to combat border disturbances and Indian attacks.

Texas proudly relates its history of having been under six flags – France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the United States. Zapata County and the surrounding area can add a seventh flag – that of the Republic of the Rio Grande.

Zapata boasts of being the “Home of Falcon Lake”, the largest fresh water lake in Texas. Falcon Lake was voted the number one fishing spot in Texas by the Bass Fishing Clubs. Falcon Lake’s 87,300 acres along the Rio Grande River entice men and women around the country to take part in the year-round fishing of black bass, white bass, crappie, stripers and monster-size catfish.

Zapata County Museum of History.

Zapata County Museum of History.

Ceiling in the foyer of Zapata County Museum of History.

Hildegardo Flores, Museum Director, leads tour of Zapata County Museum of History.

Zapata County Museum of History.

Colonial dress display. Zapata County Museum of History.

Oil and gas history exhibit. Zapata County Museum of History.

Drill bits in the Oil Industry exhibit. Zapata County Museum of History.

Falcon Lake exhibit. Zapata County Museum of History.

History of Zapata exhibit. Zapata County Museum of History.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn

The Seedeater Inn is owned by Dr. Leticia M. Volpe and her husband John Williams of Weslaco. The Volpe family moved from Italy to the area around Mexico’s Guerrero Viejo in the late 1800s and became cattle ranchers. Eventually the family purchased additional lands across the Rio Grande and some of the family settled in Zapata County following the Mexican revolution of 1910.

The Seedeater Inn gets its name from a small, rare finch-like bird, the white-collared Seedeater that makes its home in and around Zapata County.

The home was originally built for Leticia’s grandmother near the end of the 19th century. With the creation of Falcon Lake in 1954, this historic family home was moved from the original town site to what is now modern Zapata. Today the completely renovated historic home is operated as a bed & breakfast. In keeping with the family’s continuing desire to create and preserve native habitat, the grounds have been planted with species indigenous to the area. Local birds and other native animals frequent the yard and use the various feeding stations.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Ceiling of wrap around porch. The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

History of Zapata/Displacement of Residents when Falcon Lake was created – Belinda Bravo, local historian and community leader.

Steakhouse Restaurant. Zapata.

Tourism Update and Falcon Lake’s Impact on Zapata Tourism – Paco Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsors and hosts: Zapata County Museum of History, the Seedeater Inn, the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce and the Steakhouse Restaurant.

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Partner Event/Board of Directors Meeting
Steakhouse Restaurant 111 S. US Highway 83 Zapata, Texas

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

10:00 – 10:15 am – Welcome & Refreshments/Tour of Museum Grounds– Zapata County Museum of History – 805 Main Street/N. US Hwy 83

10:15 – 11:00 am – Guided Tour – Zapata County Museum of History – Dr. Hildegardo Flores, Museum Director

11:00 – 11:15 am – Drive to The Seedeater Inn – corner of 14th and Kennedy Streets

11:15 – 11:45 am– Tour – The Seedeater Inn

11:45 – 12 noon – Drive to The Steakhouse Restaurant – 111 S. US Hwy 83

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Private Dining Room – The Steakhouse Restaurant

Menu Choice:

Mexican Plate including enchiladas and tacos

Or

Chicken Fried Steak with French fries and gravy

Cost per person will be $13 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – History of Zapata/Displacement of Residents when Falcon Lake was created – Belinda Bravo, local historian and community leader – The Steakhouse Restaurant

1:30 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – Tourism Update and Falcon Lake’s Impact on Zapata Tourism – Paco Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce – The Steakhouse Restaurant

2:00 – 3:30 pm –Business Meeting – Private Dining Room at the Steakhouse Restaurant (the public is welcome to attend)

Business Meeting

Board Development (Nancy Deviney, Chair)

Approve Minutes – December 20 Corpus Christi meeting

Review and Approve December 2011 Financial Reports

Update on Map Project – Valerie Bates

- Payment of invoice

Executive Director’s Report – Cynthia Martin

FY 12 Scope of Work Updates

Implementation of 2011/12 Partner Participation Program – Wanda Greenhill

- Partner Donations Update

Manage & Acknowledge Financial and In-Kind Resources – Toni Nagel

Advocate for Legislative Support – Bart Wales

Plan diverse and dynamic monthly meetings – Nancy Deviney

- February 21 – Mercedes

- March – possible joint Partner Event with Independence Trail Region & Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council – date & site tba

- Laredo- April 17

Provide Logistical Assistance for THC Workshops – Nancy Deviney

Promotions/Marketing – Valerie Bates

Quarterly Newsletter -

Website/Social Media Development – Valerie Bates

Maintain sustainable alliance with tourism marketing entities in our Region

Other Business

- TTTR Display at Texas Travel Information Center – Cynthia

- McAllen International Travel Show – January 4-5 – Cynthia

- 6th annual Coastal Bend Travel Fair – January 25 in Aransas Pass – sponsored by TCBRTC – Nancy

- Door Prizes needed for Coastal Bend Travel Fair – Nancy

- February 22 Jean Block Seminar

- Executive Director’s 90 day evaluation

- Other

3:30 pm – Adjourn

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TEXAS TROPICAL TRAIL REGION HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM

January 17, 2012 – Partner Event and Business Meeting – Zapata, Texas

You are cordially invited to attend Number Seventy-seven (77) in a series of monthly Partner Events, including Tours and Educational Presentations, celebrating the heritage of South Texas. This informative gathering of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program will be held in Zapata, Zapata County, Texas on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Please let me know if you will be joining us for lunch and your meal choice (see below).

Our visit to Zapata will take us to the new Zapata County Museum of History located on Highway 83 a block or so north of the Zapata County Courthouse and to The Seedeater Inn Bed & Breakfast. When Falcon Lake Dam and the 35-mile long lake behind it were created in 1954, several communities along both sides of the Rio Grande River were submerged including the original town site of Zapata.

Many of the buildings escaped destruction and were moved to the present day town site. The Seedeater Inn, originally the Volpe family home built in the late 19th century, was the last building to be moved out of old Zapata before it was flooded by the waters of Falcon Lake.

During our after-lunch educational programs, we will learn more about the displacement of homes and families when the original town site was flooded and also about today’s tourism industry, Falcon Lake and the important role it plays

Zapata County History

The day will begin at 10:00 am at the new, state-of-the-art Zapata County Museum of History, located at 805 Main Street/N US Highway 83. Museum Director and former Texas Tropical Trail board member Hildegardo Flores will be on hand to greet us.

In 1746, Don Jose de Escandon, Count of Sierra Gorda, was commissioned by the Viceroy of New Spain to command the exploration and settlement of a large land area known as Nuevo Santander. Present day Zapata County was a small part of that province. Escandon requested a fellow explorer, Captain Miguel de la Garza Falcon, to accompany him on this mission.

To attract settlers to this area, tracts of land (porciones) were granted to men and their families in order to form colonies. After many name changes, in 1898 the name of the largest community was permanently changed to Zapata in honor of Colonel Antonio Zapata, a local rancher and military man who became one of the leaders of the federalist movement to found the Republic of the Rio Grande, which began in 1839. The first headquarters of this movement was in Zapata County. Two military posts, Camp Drum and Camp Harney, were located at Zapata in the early 1850s to combat border disturbances and Indian attacks.

Texas proudly relates its history of having been under six flags – France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the United States. Zapata County and the surrounding area can add a seventh flag – that of the Republic of the Rio Grande.

Zapata boasts of being the “Home of Falcon Lake”, the largest fresh water lake in Texas. Falcon Lake was voted the number one fishing spot in Texas by the Bass Fishing Clubs. Falcon Lake’s 87,300 acres along the Rio Grande River entice men and women around the country to take part in the year-round fishing of black bass, white bass, crappie, stripers and monster-size catfish.

The Seedeater Inn

The Seedeater Inn is owned by Dr. Leticia M. Volpe and her husband John Williams of Weslaco. The Volpe family moved from Italy to the area around Mexico’s Guerrero Viejo in the late 1800s and became cattle ranchers. Eventually the family purchased additional lands across the Rio Grande and some of the family settled in Zapata County following the Mexican revolution of 1910.

The Seedeater Inn gets its name from a small, rare finch-like bird, the white-collared Seedeater that makes its home in and around Zapata County.

The home was originally built for Leticia’s grandmother near the end of the 19th century. With the creation of Falcon Lake in 1954, this historic family home was moved from the original town site to what is now modern Zapata. Today the completely renovated historic home is operated as a bed & breakfast. In keeping with the family’s continuing desire to create and preserve native habitat, the grounds have been planted with species indigenous to the area. Local birds and other native animals frequent the yard and use the various feeding stations.

Educational Programs

Our educational programs will be:

- History of Zapata/Displacement of Residents when Falcon Lake was created – Belinda Bravo, local historian and community leader

- Tourism Update and Falcon Lake’s Impact on Zapata Tourism – Paco Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce

Our sponsors and hosts for this day will be the Zapata County Museum of History, the Seedeater Inn, the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce and the Steakhouse Restaurant.

Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program

The Texas Tropical Trail Region (TTTR) heritage tourism program is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation developed in conjunction with the Texas Historical Commission and organized in February 2005 with an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors, a salaried Executive Director and over 700 partners in tourism throughout the 20 county South Texas area known as the Texas Tropical Trail Region. The first public “partner” meeting was held in March 2005 at the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, Texas.

This Region covers over 23,000 square miles and is home to over 1.7 million people. Four sub-regions or Byways (the Gulf Coast Byway, the Rio Grande Byway, the Wild Horse Desert Byway and the Brush Country Byway) are located within the Region.

Kingsville is the home of the Texas Tropical Trail Regional office located in the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce office building at 635 E. King Avenue, Suite 102.

It is the intent of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors to showcase the heritage, natural beauty and diverse culture of South Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of Texans and travelers. To achieve this goal, the Board must first join hands with our tourism partners, community leaders, and state and local entities to identify, preserve and interpret our natural, historical and cultural resources.

These monthly meetings/educational presentations are the workshops to help make this goal a reality. These meetings are open to the public, and you are urged to encourage folks in your city and county to join us.

Schedule of Events.

10:00 – 10:15 am – Welcome & Refreshments/Tour of Museum Grounds– Zapata County Museum of History – 805 Main Street/N. US Hwy 83

10:15 – 11:00 am – Guided Tour – Zapata County Museum of History – Dr. Hildegardo Flores, Museum Director

11:00 – 11:15 am – Drive to The Seedeater Inn – corner of 14th and Kennedy Streets

11:15 – 11:45 am– Tour – The Seedeater Inn

11:45 – 12 noon – Drive to The Steakhouse Restaurant – 111 S. US Hwy 83

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Private Dining Room – The Steakhouse Restaurant

Menu Choice:

Mexican Plate including enchiladas and tacos

Or

Chicken Fried Steak with French fries and gravy

Cost per person will be $13 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – History of Zapata/Displacement of Residents when Falcon Lake was created – Belinda Bravo, local historian and community leader – The Steakhouse Restaurant

1:30 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – Tourism Update and Falcon Lake’s Impact on Zapata Tourism – Paco Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce – The Steakhouse Restaurant

2:00 – 3:30 pm –Business Meeting – Private Dining Room at the Steakhouse Restaurant (the public is welcome to attend)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An RSVP is necessary so that we can be adequately prepared with seating arrangements and lunch.

Please respond to Nancy Deviney at nancydeviney@yahoo.com as soon as possible but no later than Friday, January 13, 2012.

Directions are available to the various sites.

We hope you will join us for this educational and informative day. No fees or membership are required. There will be a $13 charge, per person, (including tax and gratuity) for lunch.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues but remind them that an RSVP is necessary.

Thank you.
Nancy Deviney
Chairman, Board of Directors, Texas Tropical Trail Region (www.texastropicaltrail.com) and (www.thetropicaltraveler.com)

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Our visit to Corpus Christi took us to Heritage Park located in the city’s Museum District and site of 12 Victorian-era  homes – the oldest dating to 1851,  the Art Museum of South Texas -  the cultural center for fine arts located on Corpus Christi Bay and Old Bayview Cemetery – the oldest federal military cemetery in Texas. And, in keeping with the holiday spirit, we also enjoyed a visit to the annual Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum.

We learned about Daniel P. Whiting, 19^th century Army infantry officer who served under Brigadier General Zachary Taylor during the Mexican War and had the opportunity to experience a mini-version of the “Old Bayview Cemetery Walk” featuring historical reenactors in period costumes.

Heritage Park

The day began at 10:00 am at Heritage Park, located at 1581 N. Chaparral in the Museum District.  Twelve Victorian homes are located in Heritage Park, all moved there from their original locations.

Our welcome and refreshments at French-Galvan House included a brief history of Heritage Park and the homes therein provided by Anita Eisenhauer, president of the Nueces County Historical Commission.

Originally located at the corner of Waco and Comanche Streets, the French-Galvan House is a colonial revival home built in 1907-08 for the family of Asa Milton and Frances Garrett French.  Mr. French was a native of New Hampshire, surveyor and civil engineer.  He settled in Corpus Christi in 1882 after working on the construction of the Texas-Mexican Railroad and became an active civic leader.

The home was acquired by Rafael Galvan in 1942.  Galvan was a Corpus Christi policeman for 20 years and a founder and charter member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).  A prominent businessman as well, he also opened a popular ballroom in Corpus Christi.  The home remained in the Galvan family for 40 years.

Old Bayview Cemetery/Voices of South Texas & the story of Daniel P. Whiting

From Galvan House and Heritage Park, we drove a short distance to Old Bayview Cemetery located at the corner of W. Broadway and W. Waco Streets. Bayview Cemetery is the oldest federal military cemetery in Texas.

Bayview Cemetery was laid out by US Army Engineers while Brigadier General Zachary Taylor was encamped in Corpus Christi on the eve of the Mexican War in 1846.  After Taylor’s army left, the cemetery became the community burial ground.  Here are graves of pioneer settlers and of veterans of the War of 1812, Texas War for Independence, Mexican War, Indian campaigns, Civil War and later conflicts.

While at the cemetery, we had the opportunity to experience a mini-version of the “living history” Cemetery Walk & Voices of South Texas historical reenactment by the South Texas Historians re-enactor group.  This Walk is a project of the Nueces County Historical Commission and is coordinated by Karen Howden, Commission member.

Ms. Howden also spoke to us in more detail later in the day about the history of the cemetery and the Cemetery Walk.

Local businessman, author and historian Jim Moloney addressed our group with a book review of “A Soldier’s Life – Daniel P.Whiting” after lunch.  Corpus Christi Caller-Times columnist and author Murphy Givens was introduced to Whiting’s original diaries by Herb Canales, director of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries in 2002.

The Whiting project, so named by Mr. Givens, sat on the back burner for several years but has recently been edited and published by Mr. Givens and Mr. Moloney.

Daniel P.Whiting was a loyal officer in the US Army for three decades during the middle of the 19^th century. As an infantry officer, he seemed to be in the thick of every crisis ~ he was in Florida during the Seminole wars, he was in Indian Territory in today’s Oklahoma, he was in Corpus Christi when Texas became a state and in the bombardment of Fort Brown when the Mexican War began.  Whiting was with Zachary Taylor at Monterrey and Winfield Scott at Vera Cruz.  He was in Utah Territory during the Mormon troubles and was on garrison duty out West when the Civil War began.

In between all this, he managed to father seven children.  Whiting wrote his autobiography during the last years of  his service and retired during the Civil War.  You won’t want to miss this story of a true-life Forrest Gump!

View of the Corpus Christi Port Bridge from Old Bayview Cemetery.

Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum of South Texas

Our next and final stop was be the Art Museum of South Texas located at 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard.

The Art Museum had its origins in 1945 when the City of Corpus Christi turned its Centennial Museum over to a group of local organizations.  By the 1960s, the Museum was outgrowing its space.  A group of civic leaders and philanthropists begin a private sector movement to fund a new art museum along the Corpus Christi Bayfront.  Completed in 1972, the Museum was designed by internationally renowned architect Philip Johnson.

For several years, it has been a tradition at the Art Museum to host the annual Christmas Tree Forest, a partnership between the Art Museum, HEB and the Junior League of Corpus Christi.  The 2011 theme is “Christmas Around the World” with each tree representing the holiday symbols and celebrations of a specific country.  This year 30 schools have decorated trees.

Educational Programs

-          History of Heritage Park – Anita Eisenhauer – President, Nueces County Historical Commission

-          Historical Reenactment at Old Bayview Cemetery – South Texas Historians

-          Book Review – “A Soldier’s Life – Daniel P. Whiting” – Jim Moloney- local businessman, author & historian

-          History of Old Bayview Cemetery/Voices of South Texas Cemetery Walk – Karen Howden – retired American History teacher & Nueces County Historical Commission member

Our sponsors and hosts for this day: City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department, Galvan House, Nueces County Historical Commission and the Art Museum of South Texas.

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Fall 2011 Newsletter: http://thetropicaltraveler.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tttr-2011-fall-newslettersm.pdf

Get the rest of the story… http://thetropicaltraveler.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tttr-2011-fall-newslettersm.pdf!

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Tuesday December 20, 2011 Corpus Christi, Texas

Art Museum of South Texas

Partner Event/Board of Directors Meeting 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard

_______________________________________ ___________________________________________

10:00 – 10:30 am – Welcome & Refreshments– Galvan House – Heritage Park – 1581 N. Chaparral

10:30 – 10:45 am – Educational Program – History of Heritage Park – Anita Eisenhauer, President of the Nueces County Historical Commission – Galvan House

10:45 – 11:00 am – Drive to Old Bayview Cemetery – corner of West Broadway Street & West Waco Street

11:00 – 11:30 am– Educational Presentation – South Texas Historians Historical Reenactment Group

11:30 – 11:40 am – Drive to Art Museum of South Texas – 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard

11:40 – 12 noon – Tour Christmas Tree Forest – Singer Gallery, Art Museum of South Texas

12 noon – Welcome by Joe Schenk, Director of Art Museum of South Texas – Bayview Room

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Bayview Room – Art Museum of South Texas

Lunch will be served buffet style and will feature an assortment of quiches ~ Monterrey (Canadian bacon, green chilies, Monterrey Jack cheese and green onions), Café Classic (chicken, broccoli, onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese) and Devonshire (spinach, Swiss & ricotta cheese topped with Roma tomatoes)

The menu will also include fruit salad, green salad, tea & water.

Cost per person will be $12 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – A review of the book “Daniel P. Whiting – A Soldier’s Life” – Jim Moloney, local businessman, historian & author – Bayview Room

1:30 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – “History of Old Bayview Cemetery” & “Old Bayview Cemetery Walk/Voices of South Texas” – Karen Howden, retired American History teacher & Nueces County Historical Commission member – Bayview Room

2:00 – 3:30 pm –Business Meeting – Art Museum of South Texas Bayview Room (the public is welcome to attend)

Business Meeting

Board Development (Nancy Deviney, Chair)

Approve Minutes – November 15 Donna meeting

Review and Approve November 2011 Financial Reports

Update on Map Project – Valerie Bates

Executive Director’s Report – Cynthia Martin

- Questions/Discussion regarding December 12 ED Conference Call

FY 12 Scope of Work Updates

Implementation of 2011/12 Partner Participation Program – Wanda Greenhill

Manage & Acknowledge Financial and In-Kind Resources – Toni Nagel

Advocate for Legislative Support – Bart Wales

Plan diverse and dynamic monthly meetings – Nancy Deviney

- January 17 – tba

- February 21 – Mercedes (tentative)

- March – possible joint Partner Event with Independence Trail Region & Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council – date & site tba

- Laredo- April 17

Provide Logistical Assistance for THC Workshops – Nancy Deviney

Promotions/Marketing – Valerie Bates

Quarterly Newsletter -

Website/Social Media Development – Valerie Bates

Maintain sustainable alliance with tourism marketing entities in our Region

Other Business

- Resignation of Board Member – recruitment of new board members – Nancy

- Special Called Workshop Board Meeting – Thursday, January 12 – Raymondville – Bart/Wanda/Nancy

- THTP Statewide Dec 1-2 San Angelo meeting Update – Nancy/Cynthia

- THTP Statewide June 2012 Meeting in Kingsville – Nancy

- TTTR Display at Texas Travel Information Center – Cynthia

- McAllen International Travel Show – January 4-5 – Nancy

- 6th annual Coastal Bend Travel Fair – January 25 in Aransas Pass – sponsored by TCBRTC – Nancy

- Door Prizes needed for Coastal Bend Travel Fair – Nancy

- 2012 Mountain Plains Museum Association Meeting – Corpus Christi – Rick

- Chisholm Trail designation as National Historic Trail – Rick

- Other

3:30 pm – Adjourn

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TEXAS TROPICAL TRAIL REGION HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM

 December 20, 2011 – Partner Event and Business Meeting – Corpus Christi, Texas

You are cordially invited to attend Number Seventy-six (76) in a series of monthly Partner Events, including Tours and Educational Presentations, celebrating the heritage of South Texas.  This informative gathering of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program will be held in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.  Please let me know if you will be joining us for lunch.

Our visit to Corpus Christi will take us to Heritage Park located in the city’s Museum District and site of 12 Victorian-era  homes – the oldest dating to 1851,  the Art Museum of South Texas -  the cultural center for fine arts located on Corpus Christi Bay and Old Bayview Cemetery – the oldest federal military cemetery in Texas. And, in keeping with the holiday spirit, we will also enjoy a visit to the annual Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum.

We will learn about Daniel P. Whiting, 19^th century Army infantry officer who served under Brigadier General Zachary Taylor during the Mexican War and have the opportunity to experience a mini-version of the “Old Bayview Cemetery Walk” featuring historical re-enactors in period costumes.

 Heritage Park

The day will begin at 10:00 am at Heritage Park, located at 1581 N. Chaparral in the Museum District.  Twelve Victorian homes are located in Heritage Park, all moved there from their original locations.

Our welcome and refreshments at French-Galvan House will include a brief history of Heritage Park and the homes therein provided by Anita Eisenhauer, president of the Nueces County Historical Commission.

Originally located at the corner of Waco and Comanche Streets, the French-Galvan House is a colonial revival home built in 1907-08 for the family of Asa Milton and Frances Garrett French.  Mr. French was a native of New Hampshire, surveyor and civil engineer.  He settled in Corpus Christi in 1882 after working on the construction of the Texas-Mexican Railroad and became an active civic leader.

The home was acquired by Rafael Galvan in 1942.  Galvan was a Corpus Christi policeman for 20 years and a founder and charter member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).  A prominent businessman as well, he also opened a popular ballroom in Corpus Christi.  The home remained in the Galvan family for 40 years.

Old Bayview Cemetery/Voices of South Texas & the story of Daniel P. Whiting

From Galvan House and Heritage Park, we will drive a short distance to Old Bayview Cemetery located at the corner of W. Broadway and W. Waco Streets. Bayview Cemetery is the oldest federal military cemetery in Texas.

Bayview Cemetery was laid out by US Army Engineers while Brigadier General Zachary Taylor was encamped in Corpus Christi on the eve of the Mexican War in 1846.  After Taylor’s army left, the cemetery became the community burial ground.  Here are graves of pioneer settlers and of veterans of the War of 1812, Texas War for Independence, Mexican War, Indian campaigns, Civil War and later conflicts.

While at the cemetery, we will have the opportunity to experience a mini-version of the “living history” Cemetery Walk & Voices of South Texas historical reenactment by the South Texas Historians re-enactor group.  This Walk is a project of the Nueces County Historical Commission and is coordinated by Karen Howden, Commission member.

Ms. Howden will also speak to us in more detail later in the day about the history of the cemetery and the Cemetery Walk.

Local businessman, author and historian Jim Moloney will address our group with a book review of “A Soldier’s Life – Daniel P.Whiting” after lunch.  Corpus Christi Caller-Times columnist and author Murphy Givens was introduced to Whiting’s original diaries by Herb Canales, director of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries in 2002.

The Whiting project, so named by Mr. Givens, sat on the back burner for several years but has recently been edited and published by Mr. Givens and Mr. Moloney.

Daniel P.Whiting was a loyal officer in the US Army for three decades during the middle of the 19^th century. As an infantry officer, he seemed to be in the thick of every crisis ~ he was in Florida during the Seminole wars, he was in Indian Territory in today’s Oklahoma, he was in Corpus Christi when Texas became a state and in the bombardment of Fort Brown when the Mexican War began.  Whiting was with Zachary Taylor at Monterrey and Winfield Scott at Vera Cruz.  He was in Utah Territory during the Mormon troubles and was on garrison duty out West when the Civil War began.

In between all this, he managed to father seven children.  Whiting wrote his autobiography during the last years of  his service and retired during the Civil War.  You won’t want to miss this story of a true-life Forrest Gump!

Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum of South Texas

Our next and final stop will be the Art Museum of South Texas located at 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard.   The Art Museum had its origins in 1945 when the City of Corpus Christi turned its Centennial Museum over to a group of local organizations.  By the 1960s, the Museum was outgrowing its space.  A group of civic leaders and philanthropists begin a private sector movement to fund a new art museum along the Corpus Christi Bayfront.  Completed in 1972, the Museum was designed by internationally renowned architect Philip Johnson.

For several years, it has been a tradition at the Art Museum to host the annual Christmas Tree Forest, a partnership between the Art Museum, HEB and the Junior League of Corpus Christi.  The 2011 theme is “Christmas Around the World” with each tree representing the holiday symbols and celebrations of a specific country.  This year 30 schools have decorated trees.

The Art Museum will also be the site of our lunch, educational programs and business meeting.

Educational Programs

-          History of Heritage Park – Anita Eisenhauer – President, Nueces County Historical Commission

-          Historical Reenactment at Old Bayview Cemetery – South Texas Historians

-          Book Review – “A Soldier’s Life – Daniel P. Whiting” – Jim Moloney- local businessman, author & historian

-          History of Old Bayview Cemetery/Voices of South Texas Cemetery Walk – Karen Howden – retired American History teacher & Nueces County Historical Commission member

Our sponsors and hosts for this day will be the City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department, Galvan House, Nueces County Historical Commission and the Art Museum of South Texas.

Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program

The Texas Tropical Trail Region (TTTR) heritage tourism program is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation developed in conjunction with the Texas Historical Commission and organized in February 2005 with an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors, a salaried Executive Director and over 700 partners in tourism throughout the 20 county South Texas area known as the Texas Tropical Trail Region.  The first public “partner” meeting was held in March 2005 at the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, Texas.

This Region covers over 23,000 square miles and is home to over 1.7 million people.  Four sub-regions or Byways (the Gulf Coast Byway, the Rio Grande Byway, the Wild Horse Desert Byway and the Brush Country Byway) are located within the Region.

Kingsville is the home of the Texas Tropical Trail Regional office located in the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce office building at 635 E. King Avenue, Suite 102.

It is the intent of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors to showcase the heritage, natural beauty and diverse culture of South Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of Texans and travelers. To achieve this goal, the Board must first join hands with our tourism partners, community leaders, and state and local entities to identify, preserve and interpret our natural, historical and cultural resources.

These monthly meetings/educational presentations are the workshops to help make this goal a reality.  These meetings are open to the public, and you are urged to encourage folks in your city and county to join us.

Schedule of Events.

10:00 – 10:30 am– Welcome & Refreshments– Galvan House – Heritage Park – 1581 N. Chaparral

10:30 – 10:45 am – Educational Program – History of Heritage Park – Anita Eisenhauer, President of the Nueces County Historical Commission – Galvan House

10:45 – 11:00 am – Drive to Old Bayview Cemetery – corner of West Broadway Street & West Waco Street

11:00 – 11:30 am– Educational Presentation – South Texas Historians Historical Reenactment Group

11:30 – 11:40 am– Drive to Art Museum of South Texas – 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard

11:40 – 12 noon – Tour Christmas Tree Forest – Singer Gallery, Art Museum of South Texas

12 noon – Welcome by Joe Schenk, Director of Art Museum of South Texas – Bayview Room

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Bayview Room – Art Museum of South Texas

Lunch will be served buffet style and will feature an assortment of quiches ~ Monterrey (Canadian bacon, green chilies, Monterrey Jack cheese and green onions), Café Classic (chicken, broccoli, onions, mushrooms and swiss cheese) and Devonshire (spinach, swiss & ricotta cheese topped with Roma tomatoes)

The menu will also include fruit salad, green salad, tea & water.

Cost per person will be $12 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – A review of  the book  “Daniel P. Whiting – A Soldier’s Life” – Jim Moloney, local businessman, historian & author – Bayview Room

1:30 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – “History of Old Bayview Cemetery” & “Old Bayview Cemetery Walk/Voices of South Texas” – Karen Howden, retired American History teacher & Nueces County Historical Commission member – Bayview Room

2:00 – 3:30 pm–Business Meeting – Art Museum of South Texas Bayview Room (the public is welcome to attend)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An RSVP is necessary so that we can be adequately prepared with seating arrangements and lunch.

Please respond to Nancy Deviney at nancydeviney@yahoo.com as soon as possible but no later than Friday, December 16, 2011.

Directions are available to the various sites.  Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

We hope you will join us for this educational and informative day.  No fees or membership are required.  There will be a $12 charge, per person (including tax and gratuity) for lunch.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues but remind them that an RSVP is necessary. 

Thank you.

Nancy Deviney
Chairman, Board of Directors, Texas Tropical Trail Region (www.texastropicaltrail.com)

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