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Published: Tuesday, 19 January 2021 13:49
The Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Training application deadline is today. The classes will be presented by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and will be a combination of online and in person training.
This class series is for those who want to volunteer for the Texas AgriLIFE County Extension Service. Master Gardeners provide educational programs for community groups and schools regarding horticulture. They are also involved in plant research and provide educational booths at festivals & events. Classes are typically held annually.
Read more: Gardener Training application deadline is today
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Published: Tuesday, 19 January 2021 13:46
Oh boy, it has gotten busy around here.
Last week I was able to attend the first Entertainers Showcase and was impressed with the new talent that is ready to entertain. Jamie Layton, Todd and the Two-Tars, Larry’s Little Brothers, Lasting Impressions, and Johnny Moroko were some of the new ones for me to see and hear. Some of the regulars that we all love performed as well – Rick McEwen, Helen Russell & Co., Diego & Edith, The Piano Man, Festus, Kai, Redneck Revival and Mario.
I am looking forward to this week’s showcase to see some more great entertainment. I tell ya, there are some great Wintertainers™ that just love to come down here and play for you all. It makes me kind of jealous that I do not get to enjoy these privileges. Hopefully next year we can get out more and enjoy more shows together.
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It has been fun to work on these Valley city history stories for the paper this year. I hope to continue next season with some of the smaller, less visited cities. It has been rewarding to drive through the cities and see things I have not seen before, or haven’t paid attention to on a previous visit.
Take Pharr… I think the last time I had been in that downtown area was in 1992 – And a LOT has changed since then. I remember going to the El Centro Mall with my parents back in the mid 80’s when Montgomery Wards was there and hanging out with friends there nearly 15 or so years ago to go dancing or see a movie.
Pharr has revitalized that mall/shopping area to something people want to go now. There is something there for everyone.
There were buildings downtown that I wish I knew more about – like the Texan Hotel and a building that looks like it may have been an old theater.
I still have a few more cities planned before the season is over and look forward to finding more treasures that we might not always see.
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Published: Tuesday, 19 January 2021 13:43
The Lone Star Jubilee is making their stop in the Valley this coming week. With just three concerts to catch them at, you will want to plan to be at one. From Branson, the group focuses on bringing great music, comedy, and fun for the whole family.
The Texans, who have performed for 48 years in the Rio Grande Valley as both The Texans and Lone Star Jubilee, are looking forward to entertaining the crowd.
Sam Ray and the Texans are not only entertainers, but they are also missionaries who strive to spread the word of God through their deeds throughout the world.
Read more: Inspiration, fun and music
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Published: Tuesday, 19 January 2021 13:36
The year 2021 started off as no other in our memories. Still reeling from the effects of the Corona pandemic, astonished and saddened by the breach at our Nation’s Capitol, we were left wondering what possibly could happen next. Almost overnight the world's attention was focused on the Rio Grande Valley when our nation's president announced he would visit Alamo to dedicate a section of "The Wall" that had been completed or repaired during his term.
This would be his second visit to the Valley during his four-year term. Many were overjoyed and some were fearful that there could possibly be another confrontation between opposing factions. That certainly was not the case.
Read more: Making more history in the Valley
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Published: Tuesday, 12 January 2021 14:33
While McAllen has seen a growth in business in the last 20 years, it has also seen a growth in what it offers for outdoor activities.
The entire Rio Grande Valley is a huge birding hub. McAllen has not been left out in the birding area. McAllen features one of the World Birding Center’s at its historic Quinta Mazatlán.
Read more: Enjoy the outdoors in McAllen
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Published: Tuesday, 12 January 2021 14:28
The Texas Citrus Fiesta (TCF) will host their annual Product Costume Show this week, Saturday, January 16. The event will be held at the Mission Event Center, 2425 Ruby Red Blvd., from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Each year, the Fiesta chooses a theme that participants carry on in their costumes. This year’s theme is Let Your Dream Blossom. Participants then walk the runway showing off their handmade creations.
Read more: Product Costume Show this week
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Published: Tuesday, 12 January 2021 14:23
Learn to draw with IMAS. Learn sketching techniques as they demonstrate how to quickly draw images from real life. This kit includes a sketchbook, sketching pencil set, and sharpener all in a travel case. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up. The Workshop will be held online on Wednesday, January 20 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Tune in every third Wednesday of the month for a new art workshop that you can follow along with at home. A limited number of supply kits are available each month for registration. Kits are picked up at the museum via curbside delivery.
Visit theimasonline.org and go to the Explore tab to register. Kit pickup is every Saturday prior to workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
Share your work with IMAS using #IMASArtist and #ExploreIMAS for a chance to be featured on IMAS social media.
Previous workshops are available for viewing.
The International Museum of Arts and Sciences is open and has several exhibits on display and programs taking place. The IMAS galleries are open weekly Wednesday through Saturday with modified hours and scheduled admission tickets. Currently admission is $1 for guests four and up, and IMAS members and children under four receive free admission. Visit theimasonline.org for the most up to date visitor information. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave in McAllen.
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Published: Tuesday, 12 January 2021 14:17
January 5 celebrated National Bird Day. The International Museum of Arts and Sciences had presented a lesson on creating your own backyard bird log on their website. Just because the day has past, does not mean you still cannot make one. The information is still on their website and available any time.
In 2002, Born Free USA, a non-profit focused on wildlife conservation, activism, and education, in collaboration with the Avian Welfare Coalition, launched the first annual National Bird Day to promote awareness of birds every January 5th. Many nature and bird lovers observe National Bird Day.
Read more: Bird watching in your own backyard
There is a whole lot of feathered fun happening on January 23rd at Quinta Mazatlan. The Center for Urban Ecology is hosting the first Hobbies in Nature session of 2021, “Begin to Birdwatch”. The one-hour program invites guests into the world of birds, where they will be amazed by the beautiful colors, fascinating behaviors, and incredible diversity of birds found all around us. 
Wild Bees, an exhibition showcasing the works of Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman, is a collection of stunning macro photographs depicting the world of America’s native bees. The exhibit is on a national tour of prominent museums, botanical gardens, and galleries. Originally set to end in October, the exhibit is still buzzing through February 7 at IMAS.
