The mind-body connection is vital for overall health because your thoughts, emotions and behaviors directly influence physical health, and your physical state affects mental well-being.
Read more: STHS Behavioral to highlight importance of mind-body connection at webinar
AUSTIN – Celebrate the beginning of a new year and the start of America’s semiquincentennial (America 250) with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park.
Read more: Kick start 2026 with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park
There are many upcoming programs at Bentsen-RGV State Park to enjoy this January. Several programs are continuing, and there will be a double dose of the speaker series. There will also be two birding tram tours offered in addition to the regular bird walks. Thomas “TC” Riddle, park interpreter/volunteer coordinator at the park says they are hoping to add even more programs, so keep an eye on the park website or Facebook page for the latest updates on programs.
You cannot miss Port Isabel. Especially if you are going to South Padre Island. Port Isabel is a welcoming small town with little shops, a museum, piers, and a beautiful lighthouse. Lots of history sits in the little square just before the Queen Isabella Causeway.
Charlotte Underwood
The Mission Historical Museum (MHM) is now accepting submissions for its Turning of the Quilts program. The museum is looking for antique, vintage, or unique quilts to be featured in a special presentation, where each quilt will be revealed and celebrated one by one. A knowledgeable presenter will provide historical context and details about each quilt's story.
Read more: MHM calls for Antique Quilts for "Turning of the Quilts"
McALLEN – As the year comes to a close, The Salvation Army invites the community to Give With Joy and make a lasting impact on neighbors in need. Your generosity helps provide food, shelter, emergency assistance and hope, not just during the holidays, but all year long.
The City of McAllen’s Public Works Department encourages residents to keep the holidays clean and green by recycling properly and taking advantage of convenient local recycling services. By following a few simple guidelines, residents can help reduce contamination, protect local resources, save landfill space, and support the creation of new products from recycled materials.
Read more: Reduce holiday waste and make recycling easy, convenient, and impactful
I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas. I also hope that whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, that you are blessed and happy. This is the time of year that memories are made, that we fill our moments with good times, and usually our favorite people.
Christmas has come and gone for those of us who live in the Rio Grande Valley. But some of the world is still waiting for that special day. For some countries gifts are exchanged on January 6 or Three Kings Day for that is recognized as the day that the Wise Men arrived with their gifts for the Christ Child. All countries seem to have their own customs.
The Valley is full of the festive holiday spirit during the Christmas and December holidays. While I am sure you have enjoyed many events at your park, other parks, or maybe around town somewhere, there are still a few activities that you can visit to partake in the Christmas spirit.
In Brownsville you will find the Holiday Village. The Holiday Village is in its 16th season at Dean Porter Park. For those who may not know, the Holiday Village at Dean Porter Park in Brownsville is a collection of cottages, each one measuring about 10’ wide, 8’ deep and over 11’ tall, which are adorned inside and out with the most whimsical and adorable holiday trimmings. The Village is set up in the park every November, free and open to the public, and runs from the Monday before Thanksgiving through the first of the year.
Read more: Many Christmas activities are still ongoing in the Valley
