Winter Texan Times

Birding Has Blossomed

by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas

An old saying tells us that if a bird poops on your head, it’s a sign of good luck. Well, lucky or not, Texans have a higher chance of this occurrence than most.

Birding has really taken flight in our great state, and April in particular is the perfect time to spot one of the 640 species of birds that dwell in the various regions of Texas.

If you’re new to the hobby, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, High Island, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and Trinity River Audubon Center are just a few of the well-known birding hot spots in the Lone Star state. Corpus Christi has even been named “America’s Birdiest City” for ten consecutive years.

Around 67% of U.S. bird species interact with the Texas Coast alone, but you can spot birds virtually anywhere, from the Cattail Marsh Wetlands in Beaumont all the way to Big Bend in far west Texas. You may find yourself surprised by how many feathered fowls inhabit the trees and brush near your own home.

Preservation Week Panel, a Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation

EDINBURG, Texas — The Museum of South Texas History will host the Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation, “Saving History: Preserving Community Archives,” featuring Manuel Hinojosa, Eduardo Martinez and Gabriel Sanchez at 2 p.m. on April 25 on Facebook Live.

This presentation is to kick off Preservation Week. During the presentation panel members will discuss their experiences as community archivists. The museum will share information from each panelist throughout the week through the social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

According to ala.org, every year the American Library Association (ALA) encourages libraries and other institutions to use Preservation Week to connect communities through events, activities, and resources that highlight what can be done to preserve collections. The 2021 theme for Preservation Week is “Preserving Community Archives.” Community archives are organized by members of physical or self-identified communities—specifically those marginalized by traditional collecting institutions—and are focused on documenting and interpreting their own histories.

Zoo Hosts Virtual Party for the Planet

The Gladys Porter Zoo is excited to host a virtual Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 24. In addition to the virtual event, we will have a pick-up component on Thursday, April 22, 2021 (Earth Day) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. where the public can drive by the Zoo and pick up their Pollinator Rescue Kit, so they can lend a hand to pollinators. Kits are limited to one per child while supplies last. On Saturday April 24th, everyone is invited to join us live on Facebook or YouTube at 10 a.m. to celebrate Earth Day.

Party for the Planet is a day set aside each year to celebrate Earth Day and teach the public about the many ways they can take action to help protect the Earth. During our virtual Party for the Planet, the Zoo will spotlight the conservation of the Earth’s natural resources with lessons and activities. Various members of the community will be participating by presenting these lessons.

Edinburg Chamber to Host Outdoor Market on April 22

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Member Market from 11 A.M. - 4 P.M. April 22 at the Edinburg Chamber Depot, 602 W. University Dr. Edinburg, TX

The chamber’s Member Market allows attendees to discover new products and services from different members of the Edinburg Chamber.

As an added value, Edinburg Chamber members can display their goods and services free of charge.“This is just one of the many perks of being a chamber member. We normally give our small business owners different opportunities to display their products throughout the year. This is just one way to give them a platform to do so.” said Ronnie Larralde, Executive Director of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

Remembering the Survivors

20210415 Remembering survivors The Music Department at South Texas College plans to unveil a completely new composition detailing the harrowing experience of the Holocaust by its survivors.

Faculty at STC are planning to perform excerpts from a new work in progress composed by Dr. Michael Gersten on the clarinet that follows the stories of three women, one of whom is his grandmother, he said.

The composition intends to represent the women’s experiences as they sought to survive the Holocaust, taken from the same area in southern Poland and sent on the same death march. The performance is set to take place as the City of McAllen holds its Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony this month.

Care for spring flowering bulbs

By Melinda Myers

Bright yellow daffodils, colorful tulips and fragrant hyacinths brighten our spring gardens. Give them the care they need to extend their spring display and keep them coming back for years.

Sales Tax Holiday for Emergency Supplies, April 24-26

With the potential for severe weather approaching, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds Texans they can purchase certain items tax-free during the state’s sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 26.

“While we can’t know when the next flood, tornado or hurricane may strike, we can make sure our families, homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these and other emergencies,” Hegar said. “This tax holiday can help Texans save money while stocking up for emergency situations.”