News

Lamplighter Jams ignite passion for classic music

Details: Published: Wednesday, 18 January 2023 11:15

20230118 Lamplighter Jam TonyOzark 01 web Lamplighter Mobile Home Park located at 2240 S. Bentsen Palm Dr. in Palmview is a senior community that hosts three jams each week featuring either bluegrass, country, or gospel music. I recently attended their Country Jam that is held on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., December through March.

Prior to the jam, park volunteers prepare and serve delicious dinners for a nominal price starting at 4 p.m. Then, at about 6:30 p.m., these same volunteers provide free cookies, cakes, and other treats to all those attending the jam.

During my visit to this jam, there were 27 performers who sang classic country hits from the 40’s or earlier through the 60’s.

Why do they sing these older songs versus today’s country? Simply stated, “So that they will not be forgotten. Once we are gone from this earth, these songs may not be remembered. We want to keep them alive for everyone.”

Winter Texans enjoy some competitive 8-ball

Details: Published: Wednesday, 18 January 2023 11:06

Maurice Parent’s father died while he was in school and his mother worked to provide for the family.

While his friends were being paid allowances, Maurice wasn’t. Well, that’s not totally true. More often than not, Maurice won some of his friends’ allowances, beating them on one of 15 or 16 pool tables, actually snooker tables, set in the basement of a game hall.

“I let them win sometimes,” Maurice joked prior to the McAllen Parks and Recreation 43rd annual Golden Age Olympics men’s 8-ball competition at Fast Eddies in McAllen. “I didn’t get an allowance so I would take theirs.”

Maurice started coming to the Valley in 2006 and resides at Citrus Valley RV Park in McAllen. When he was in high school “earning” his allowance, they played snooker, a game similar to billiards but played with 22 balls, including a cue ball, 15 red balls and six other balls, called the "colours."

Winter Texan Times: Looking back 35 years

Details: Published: Wednesday, 18 January 2023 10:56

Winter Texans participate in Texas Citrus Fiesta

Although participation isn’t as abundant as it was years ago, Winter Texans still have fun at the Texas Citrus Fiesta. This year’s Texas Citrus Fiesta Parade will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 12 p.m. in Mission. There will also be a fun fair on Saturday, January 28, and Sunday, January 29 beginning at 10 a.m. on both days. The parade usually runs on Conway Ave. in Mission, from 495 to downtown Mission.

Lunar New Year Festival at IMAS

Details: Published: Wednesday, 18 January 2023 10:21

20230118 IMAS LNY games 2019 web Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) on Sunday, January 29, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The 11th annual Lunar New Year Festival will feature traditional Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese crafts, games, and more.

Special performances and activities are scheduled throughout the event for visitors to soak in the cultural celebration that welcomes the arrival of Spring. The community can tap their feet to K-pop dancing by Illusion Dance Team, and “K-Stars” featuring Echo Effect and Levanter Dance Team. Enjoy the sounds of the Lord’s Church McAllen Choir and musical pieces by local violist Young Sin Choi. UTRGV Korean Language students will perform a traditional samulnori,(percussion), poetry reading, and singing. Lastly, Torres Taekwondo Academy will showcase martial arts with a lively demonstration.

VMHS VITA program opens doors to the community

Details: Published: Wednesday, 18 January 2023 10:05

Veterans Memorial High School Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) students are offering local families the preparation of their 2023 income tax return. This is a free service available for families that have a household income of $60,000 or less annually.