STC Theatre and Dance invites the community to join us for another year of fun and quality entertainment. All productions will be held at STC’s Cooper Center for Performing Arts, located at the Pecan Campus, 3200 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.
The season starts on November 9, with Matt Cox’s play Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. In Puffs, Wayne Hopkins is a regular boy who finds out he's a wizard and goes to school in England where he makes two best friends and has adventures. This perhaps sounds familiar. But Wayne is sorted as a Puff, he and the other Puffs simply want to learn how to be wizards, make it through a magic school that proves to be dangerous for children, and avoid attacks by evil wizards.
Read more: STC announces 2023-2024 season productions
LA GRANGE — Two groundbreaking exhibits of quilts will be on display at the Texas Quilt Museum through December 23.
First, we’ll pay tribute to the wildly popular series of books by James Herriot as well as the recent smash PBS series with the animal-themed juried show “All Creatures Great and Small.” And we’ll also dip into the amazing archives of quilt collectors and dealers Mary and Joe Koval with “Antique Quilts from the Koval Collection.”
Read more: Texas Quilt Museum has stunning exhibits
To Celebrate 100 years, Texas Parks and Wildlife has been having a photo contest celebrating Texas parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wrapped up the summer portion of the Texas State Parks Centennial Photo Contest, choosing a winner from more than 740 entries. The winning photo for the “Keepin’ it Cool at Texas State Parks” summer theme was taken by Heather Averill and features an otherworldly underwater view of Balmorhea State Park’s spring-fed pool.
Read more: Texas Parks calling for entries in contest
The McAllen Wind Ensemble is celebrating 50 years of bringing music to Valley communities. Roger Olivarez, who has been conducting the ensemble for 10 years, says this is a testament to the community’s love of music and to the commitment of the musicians as well.
“It’s the golden anniversary, we’re very excited,” he said.
Read more: 50 Years: It’s about bringing music to others
Looks like things are happening all around the Valley. We are seeing submissions for park activities coming in and fall and Christmas events plans are already being made. It’s an exciting time of year – the beginning of the season.
We love this time of year for multiple reasons. But a big reason is seeing what you all are up to in the parks and your community. This time of year, we see Halloween parades and costume contests and dances. In fact, we get to attend one next week. We always get to see the photos, but now we get to have some fun with you.
We love seeing those photos too. So, if you have a costume contest at your park or decorating contest, send some photos in with your information. We would love to share them.
I know many of you hold Veterans Day activities for your residents. If you are holding an event or would like to share photos of your event, send them our way.
Read more: October 25, 2023 - Rina's Ramblings
A big, big Welcome Home! We have missed you…. And you missed a hot, hot summer. In fact, we had record-breaking heat and very little rain. When the temperature dropped below a hundred it was like a cold snap and were we ever relieved.
Now the weather is just perfect for enjoying an early morning walk or a golf outing or a game of shuffleboard with your friends. In fact, the weather is just right.
Our Winter Texans contribute so much to the Valley. I know economically. You help us out. And we appreciate that. But you offer so much, much more to us and you do it with so much love and understanding.
You are a pleasure and a great benefit to us. We will never be able to tell you how much we appreciate your sharing your talents, your experiences, and your loving nature with us – The most wonderful thing is that you are willing to share with us. Thanks!
Some of you may drive a little slower than some of the others who are always in a hurry to get to their destination. But I drive a little slower than I used to also. You may not see as well as you used to, but then I don’t either. But why not go a little slower. Let’s enjoy this paradise.
Read more: Welcome home and enjoy this paradise
The Valley Symphony Orchestra recently announced the 2023-2024 masterworks concert season, “Musical Mystique.” The five-concert series will take place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, and all concerts will be conducted by Maestro Peter Dabrowski.
“These five concerts are packed with an incredible variety of music,” said Katy Coy, VSO executive director. “We’re starting the season with Beethoven, Harry Potter is back by popular demand, and some beautiful works like Scheherazade and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” are also featured. There’s something for everyone this year.”
Read more: VSO announces concert schedule
McAllen Public Library (MPL) announces the 10th Annual South Texas Book Festival (STBF), a milestone event celebrating the rich literary heritage of the Rio Grande Valley while engaging readers of all ages in a diverse array of activities. The festival’s anniversary logo showcases Marty, the endearing mascot cat of MPL, eager to extend a paw of invitation to the entire community for this extraordinary celebration!
The festival will kick off with an event tailored for adults, Stellar Verse: An Evening of Cosmic Poetry, on Thursday, October 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at CommonSpace Coffee Shop, located at 2901 N. 10th St. in McAllen.
Read more: 10th annual award-winning event celebrates culture, imagination
The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is celebrating Veterans Day with a Benefits Fair, BBQs, and prize giveaways. The events are open to Veterans and the community.
The events will be held at the Harlingen Health Care Center, 2601 Veterans Drive, on Friday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the McAllen VA Clinic, 901 East Hackberry, on Thursday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
VA staff and other organizations will provide information and resources available to Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Hot dogs and light refreshments will be served.
For more information about this event, contact Lilia Garcia at (956) 291-9093. For information about future events, follow VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System on Facebook.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is excited to get their busy season underway. Thomas Riddle, park interpreter, said they had a great turnout for their eclipse viewing and are starting up their seasonal walks and other activities.
