Winter Texan Times

March 17, 2021 - On the Road with Jo

Go With Jo Monarch When you were younger, did you ever play the game with your siblings where you chose an animal that you felt most represented a member of your family? I only played it once as it seems that my siblings did not like the fact that I felt my mother was like a mother dog. With five youngsters to look after, I considered that a compliment as mother dogs are very protective of their young. Not only are they good care givers but they are also good trainers - training their young to be loyal and to defend their care givers. Now as I look back, if I were to choose what animal I would like to be, I personally would choose for myself to be an insect - a Monarch Butterfly. They are beautiful creatures.

March 17, 2021 - Rina's Ramblings

The season is ending soon, and it just seems to have flown by so fast. While we were able to attend a few activities this year, we missed the yearly expos and other events where we get to meet and talk to you.

We have also missed some entertainment this year. Last year we were able to attend quite a few shows and activities before the season was put to a close by the virus, so we were really hoping for some similar fun this year.

I am thrilled that we did get to go on with the showcases and the Valley Star Awards and some other events. It was nice to get out there and mingle as much as we could.

It was also nice to just get outside this year. While I was working on the city stories, I was able to walk the downtowns of several Valley cities, walk in some of the nature parks, and put my feet in the sand. While it was all work, it sure did feel nice to experience the Valley in a whole new way.

If you have not had the chance to get out and explore, do some before you head back north, you will not regret it.

The history of the Big Squeeze competition presented at MOSTH

Sarah Rucker 600px The Museum of South Texas History will host the Sunday Speaker Series Online panel discussion, “Conjunto and Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze in the Rio Grande Valley” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, on Facebook Live.

This presentation will feature researcher and historian Evaliza Fuentes, musician and Los Fresnos High School Conjunto director Juan Longoria and Texas Folklife Program Director Sarah Rucker.

Zoo welcomes sharks to exhibit

Since the Gladys Porter Zoo opened in 1971, it has never been the home to nurse sharks, which can grow up to 13 feet. The Zoo is excited to announce that they have added two males to their collection last month. These two male nurse sharks were brought from the Mississippi Aquarium and are now living in the 30,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico tank found in the Russell Aquatic Ecology Center. The sharks are about five feet long and are definitely larger than any other species the zoo has ever housed.

Purchase of Model T leads to museum donation

By Herb Moering

Running a business, especially a large operation, is not without complications in these times. Bob and Dana Huck’s Tropical Star Nursery in Alamo is just one example.

The couple was slated to be recognized at a City of Alamo Museum reception on Feb. 25 for the donation of vintage women’s dresses from the era of the 1900s to the 1920s. Wouldn’t you know it, a business emergency cropped up requiring the Hucks to transport 15,500 seedlings of watermelon, tomatoes, and cabbage to Houston truck farmers when their normal hauler couldn’t guarantee delivery due to the huge backlog caused by the winter storm.

Celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month at Quinta Mazatlán

irish month 01 Quinta Mazatlán is celebrating Irish Heritage Month by hosting Champion Irish Dancer and Director of McAllen Irish Arts, Angelika Eleni Ruiz on Thursday, March 18th, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on The Back Porch at Quinta Mazatlán—located at 600 Sunset Drive. Angelika will discuss the history of Irish dancing, the different styles of dance, and will conclude with a cultural dance lesson.

With over 25 years of experience in competitive dancing, Angelika Ruiz is as spirited as the music she so passionately dances to. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Ruiz had the opportunity live in Dublin, Ireland to finish her postgraduate studies at Trinity College before moving to Florianopolis, Brazil. Ruiz now calls McAllen, Texas home and has launched ‘McAllen Irish Arts’ out of the Creative Incubator.

Looking Forward

WEB On The Road Header 600px It seems to me that the best thing we can do right now is to look forward. Certainly, looking back at what we have gone through this season does not bring us too many happy memories. If we look outside, all those dead plants do not present a very pretty picture either. But it is going to get better!

Certainly, we have had plenty of time to reevaluate and I have good news for those of you who have requested the Painted Churches. As I looked at some of the tours and routes, I realized why not? Why not - for the Winter Texan Season - combine the Painted Churches with the Waco Magnolia Silos Tour. That should have been a no brainer all along. It is a straight shot up Highway 77 to Schulenburg, home of the famous Painted Churches. Not only that, but there is a perfect place for lunch in Schulenburg.