Winter Texan Times

McAllen's Sunset Live outdoor music series - Must go on

MCALLEN, TX- In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the adaption to our “new” reality, the Sunset Live Music Series has joined a number of concerts and artist who have taken the approach of the show must go on-line.

Sunset Live Music Series main objective for this season is to support the local music community who are among those affected by the spread of COVID-19 and continue to spread the happiness of music and health through livestreaming services in the comfort of your own home.

Texans Helping Texans

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

During tough times like these, I’m always inspired by the generosity of my fellow Texans.

Just like we saw in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, people are coming together to help their neighbors and friends weather this virus.

Right now, when extending a physical hand is one of the worst things you can do, there’s still plenty of good to appreciate in our great state.

Spring Bouquet of Flowers in the Valley

Wild Olive Tree on River Written by Colleen Hook, Quinta Mazatlán

Flowers bring joy—and your backyard can deliver flowers to you daily when you plant a Wild Olive tree, also known as the Anacahuita (pronounced ANA-COW-EAT-A). The citizens of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, honor this beautiful tree as their state flower.

Respect nature, property, others when taking wildflower photos

Editor's Note: For when you are able to get out and about, there might still be some wildflowers to take pictures of. We wanted to share this with hope that our shelter-in-place orders don't last too long that we still get to enjoy Spring and what Mother Nature has given us to enjoy. These are guildelines to follow when taking pictures of wildflowers. Always remember to respect nature and, if you are out and about, social distancing.

By Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M Agrilife Communications

With wildflowers sprouting up all over roadsides throughout Texas during springtime there are ample opportunities to take photos. But shutterbugs should be careful, as well as respect private property and nature, when trying to find the right spot for that perfect shot, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

Mission Animal Shelter waives adoption fees

20200325 Mission Animal Shelter The kennels at Mission Animal Shelter are nearly full, and with more animals coming in daily, adoption fees are being waived until further notice. More than 40 cats and dogs are available for adoption now.

“We are reaching out to our community to help us find homes for the many deserving animals waiting to be adopted because our shelter is at capacity,” Ernie Zapata, Health Department Supervisor said. “Right now with so many people home during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, it’s a great time to add a pet to their family. We have more dogs and cats coming in every day and need the support of animal lovers and all citizens.”

HCA looking forward to 2020-2021 season

20200325 mandy barnett Next year you can enjoy Celtic, 50’s, Patsy Cline and more music during Harlingen Concert Association’s 2020-2021 season. The season is packed with talent and enjoyment for all audiences.

Their first concert will be on November 19. The concert will feature Vinyl Radio. Vinyl Radio is a vocal power with a righteous regard for the great Rock-n-Roll music classics. They perform music from The Eagles, America, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, The Doobie Brothers and more. Vinyl Radio delivers the harmonies and melodies of classic 70s radio.

Exploring nature around our homes

By John Brush, Center for Urban Ecology at Quinta Mazatlan

Many of us are facing restricted movement and changes in our routines due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, yet there are still ways we can explore and enjoy nature from around our homes. One way is with the City Nature Challenge and iNaturalist.

The City Nature Challenge, started by the California Academy of Sciences and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, invites people around the world to make observations of nature in urban areas. The event has two phases: (1) making observations from April 24 – April 27, and (2) identifying other people’s observations from April 28 – May 4.