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Harlingen preserves its past at museum

20201118 Harlingen Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum CAB 4243 webYou could make a day of it by visiting the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum and then, just a hop, a skip, and a jump away, is the Iwo Jima Monument and Museum at the Marine Military Academy.

The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum in the Rio Grande Valley. The museum houses three historical buildings on its ground. When you visit the museum, you will also be able to look at the original home of Lon C. Hill, Harlingen’s town founder; the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn; and Harlingen’s first hospital.

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Lots to do at Bentsen State Park

NOrthern Cardinal TPWD David Garcia webThere is lots to do at Bentsen State Park this coming month. The park has continuous fun and informative programs for all ages throughout the busy season. Please note, that reservations are required for some programs.

Bird walks are scheduled every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. There will be a special Bentsen Holiday Fun Day on Saturday, December 6 from 1 to 4 p.m.

All other programs during the month of December require reservations. Reservations open on the first of the month.

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Angel Trees make Christmas wishes Come True

20241127 Angel Tree Workers webThe Salvation Army of McAllen is excited to kick off its annual Angel Tree program, with a heartfelt invitation to the community to Give with Joy this holiday season. Through this cherished tradition, children in need will receive toys, clothing, and the joy of knowing someone cares.

Thanks to the generosity of local donors, more than 2,800 children will wake up to gifts under the tree this Christmas—gifts that represent hope, dignity, and love.

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Keep an eye out for this cadet in Alamo

20251126 Keep an eye out 1000007787 webBy Herb Moering

Winter Texans tend to enjoy what children are about doing in the Valley, whether it be dancing, presenting a concert, working on a civic project to better a community, giving time to help someone or marking a special achievement.

Olivia Flores, an eighth grader at Austin Middle School in San Juan, is one of those high achievers as a cadet member of Girl Scout Troop 3000. She has been in Girl Scouts for the past nine years and during that time earned all the scout badges offered. The lower half of the back of her vest contains all of the badges of a remarkable career in scouting.

Read more: Keep an eye out for this cadet in Alamo

STC Mid-Valley Campus launches gift card drive

STC Gift Card Picture1 USE THIS ONE webBy Veronica Salinas

The South Texas College (STC) Mid-Valley Campus is taking action to support students facing food insecurity through a new $20 gift card drive, led by Social Work faculty member Noel Ysasi, Philosophy faculty member Debby Hutchins, Ph.D., and the STC Social Work Club.

The initiative began in response to the recent government shutdown, which temporarily delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans.

Read more: STC Mid-Valley Campus launches gift card drive

Statewide historic sites ring in holidays with Texas flair

AUSTIN, Texas — With winter holidays on the horizon, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) announces family-friendly events hosted at historic sites statewide. The holiday events will meld modern traditions with historical customs.  

The Texas Historical Commission celebrates the rich tapestry of Texas history by adding a nostalgic touch to winter festivities. 

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Give a piece of historic Texas this holiday season

THC Cookbook webAUSTIN, Texas—With holiday shopping in full swing, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) has launched its online store TexasHistoryGifts.com featuring unique offerings available for purchase online and at historic sites across the state.  

The highlight of the season is “A Culinary Journey Through Texas History: A State Historic Sites Cookbook.” Edited by Hal Simon, the THC’s chief interpretive specialist, the cookbook takes professional and home chefs alike on a culinary journey that will inspire them to cook with passion, experiment with flavor, and taste the history of Texas. 

Read more: Give a piece of historic Texas this holiday season

National Wreaths Across America events planned

20220614 Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetary CAB 0013 webVolunteers across Texas are joining the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) to prepare for National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 13.

This year, 453 participating locations across the state will participate in the annual event, which honors every interred American veteran with a live balsam wreath. This December, 744 local WAA Sponsorship Groups have registered. They are working to raise the funds needed to place wreaths on the graves of the more than 574,600 service members resting in these participating cemeteries.

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Brownsville is rich with history

20201111 Brownsville Fort Brown CAB 4113 webWhen talking about Brownsville museums, you can’t talk about just one. Brownsville has the Heritage Museum, Stillman House Museum, the Historic Brownsville Museum, Costumes of the Americas Museum, and the Laureles Ranch House Museum.

The Brownsville Historical Association has a wonderful fold out map of the City of Brownsville. Through visiting areas on the map, you will learn its history and the importance of many buildings in the city. You can discover a lot of Brownsville’s history, heritage and culture that the Brownsville Historical Association is preserving in downtown Brownsville.

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The Salvation Army seeks volunteers

20241211 AngelTreeTagsLeft webWhile many are just beginning to think about holiday decorations, The Salvation Army has been preparing for Christmas for months—ensuring that families in need across McAllen can experience the joy and hope of the season. As red kettles begin to appear outside stores and Angel Trees are set up in local businesses, volunteers are urgently needed to help bring the spirit of Christmas to life.  

The Salvation Army of McAllen is calling on the community to Give with Joy by volunteering for its Red Kettle campaign and Angel Tree program – two beloved traditions that make a real difference for thousands of individuals and families.

Read more: The Salvation Army seeks volunteers

The magic and chemistry of fall foliage color 

Fall Leaves webCOLLEGE STATION, Texas – The transition of trees’ colors from lush green to a variety of warm tones annually marks the changing of seasons, often inducing strong anticipation for a chance to catch a glimpse of the magic.

The chemistry

While fall colors appear as magic to our eyes, it is really a product of color and chemistry.

Trees’ leaves contain pigments that play critical biological roles while also reflecting colors like green, yellow, orange and even brown.

Read more: The magic and chemistry of fall foliage color 

Edinburg to Host Edinburg Cares Food Drive

Edinburg Cares Food Drive 2025 webWith the holidays right around the corner, the City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department is working to ensure that residents across the city can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal without worry with the help of the 14th Annual Edinburg Cares Food Drive.

City staff, in collaboration with the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District and H-E-B, will distribute 1,000 turkeys and 1,000 food baskets on Saturday, November 22, to pre-selected families in Edinburg. The Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department will host a kick-off ceremony at 9 a.m. at 315 Mark S. Pena Drive before crews begin their deliveries.

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Texas Tropical Trail to visit Monte Alto, Hargill November 18

20251112 Texas Tropical Trail IMG 4361 webHARGILL – Texas Tropical Trail Region invites the community to its 227th Partner Event in Monte Alto-Hargill area at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, beginning at Rio Farms, Inc.

Partners will start the tour by meeting at Rio Farms located at 25601 FM 88, Monte Alto. Light refreshments will be provided. Partners will then receive a short tour of Rio Farms facilities and citrus orchards. A representative from Delta Lake will present on the history of the lake and its importance to the Delta Area communities. Before heading over to Hargill, Partners will visit Delta Lake to view its landscape.

Read more: Texas Tropical Trail to visit Monte Alto, Hargill November 18

STHS Heart named among top three hospitals in Texas

Driven by an aging population, rising rates of cardiovascular disease related to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, sedentary habits and high stress, and the growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the United States, there’s an increasing demand for cardiovascular services.

Each year, more than 51 million people receive services related to the heart and blood vessels across the country, according to 2023 Medicare data, including electrocardiograms, stress tests, medication management and treatment for conditions like heart failure and arrhythmia. 

Moreover, approximately 1.2 million angioplasties were completed in 2023, according to a study by iData Research, while more than 900,000 cardiac surgeries are performed annually.

Read more: STHS Heart named among top three hospitals in Texas

Weslaco Museum is full of history, culture, and tradition

20210127 Weslaco Weslaco Museum CAB 5435 webWeslaco loves its history, and one visit to the Weslaco Museum is all it takes to see how proud the city is of its rich history full of culture and tradition. The museum is conveniently located downtown, amid the beautiful architecture from decades ago. It’s a downtown area I wouldn’t mind walking around while peeking into the store fronts.

There are even more unique buildings on side streets if one decides to venture around the area. An intriguing building is the beautiful fire department and old city hall off of South Texas Blvd. and 5th St. (120 E. 5th St.). The fire station is located on part of a Spanish land grant known as Llano Grande. It features some great architecture and additions to the building, including the city hall, have kept that colonial Spanish architecture.

Read more: Weslaco Museum is full of history, culture, and tradition

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