The City of McAllen has once again partnered with the Juneteenth community leaders, this time, to participate in a month-long list of activities in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. They started celebrations on Monday, January 18, and are continuing through Black History Month.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. was truly an inspirational man,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “In light of recent events, the celebration of MLK’s non-violent methods of protest are more important than ever, as is this quote by him: ‘We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.’”
This year’s observation will feature events throughout the Rio Grande Valley, celebrating the theme “Building a Stronger CommUNITY Through Service.”
Read more: McAllen celebrates Black History Month
AUSTIN – The Texas Center for the Book is continuing its the #TXBookChat series with a third lineup of virtual literary events for spring 2021. This online program from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission launched in 2020. The #TXBookChat series offers brief discussions and programs with authors, librarians, and literary professionals. These informal “coffee chats” last about 30 minutes and offer a quick look into different aspects of the state’s literary world. The #TXBookChat series seeks to bring together diverse voices and perspectives.
Read more: TX Book Chat series continues
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) presents Max Vityk’s Warriors of Light. The exhibit is on display in the Main Gallery through March 28.
Warriors of Light is part of the figurative series of the artist Max Vityk. In this series Vityk investigates the narrative elements and figures of ancient rock engravings and mythological and folk symbols.
“The emotional vulnerability of the Warriors of Light fuels their plea for change; it is something akin to going into battle naked… a certain nakedness protected only by an unfaltering conviction of ideals. Vityk’s work feels less like a personal enterprise and more like an ode, or an act of adulation to the spirit of change — a spirit plagued by credulous hope for something better… something happier,” stated Nahla Samaha, Cairo, about the exhibit.
Read more: Warriors of Light by Max Vityk
The Humane Society of Harlingen dog kennels are at capacity. HSH is asking the community to step up as adoptive and foster parents for canine friends.
For a limited time, all adoption fees for dogs over six months old are donation based, meaning the adopter can choose how much to leave as a donation. All adopted pets will go home up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, on preventatives for fleas/ticks/heartworms, microchipped and either already spayed/neutered, or with an appointment to spay/neuter at no cost to the adoptive family.
Puppies under six months old have a $100 adoption fee, except during Puppy Power Hour (3 p.m. to 4 p.m. every day) when their adoption fees become donation based as well. Anybody interested in adopting a dog should head to the shelter as soon as possible. All adoptions are done on a first come, first serve basis, curbside.
Fostering a pet is always free and HSH will provide foster parents with everything they will need to care for the pet, including food, toys, and other care items. Foster families can customize the length of foster to meet their availability, with foster periods lasting a few hours to a few months.
To see an updated list of available dogs, visit hshtx.org/dogs. This list is updated live with all the animals in our care. Clicking on photos of the pet will take the viewer to a pet profile, which contains more photos and information about the pets age, breed, sex, size/weight, and a short bio. For more information, contact the Humane Society of Harlingen at (956) 425-7297 or by email at info@hshtx.org.
While the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) art galleries continue to exhibit exquisite collections and artwork and remain open for a comfortable socially-distanced experience, the museum has also further enhanced its online programming. The museum invites the community to access a variety of virtual exhibits and educational resources on its website, and to participate in hands-on programs at home. From adult art workshops to afterschool programs, the IMAS offers safe ways to engage with art, science, and culture. Many of these programs are accessible for no cost to the public while some are paid workshops and discounted for IMAS members.
Read more: IMAS announces 2021 programs
Sixteen years, and still going strong, the Rio Grande Valley Coastal Expo comes to you once again, this time virtually. Texas Parks and Wildlife, the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center invites elementary students, parents, and educators to participate in this one-of-a-kind event.
On February 15th -19th, 2021, experience Coastal Ecology, South Texas Wildlife and Outdoor Adventure in a brand-new format. Explore the wonders of our natural world. See wild animals up close. Virtually experience fishing, rock climbing, kayaking and other adventure sports firsthand. Learn about the amazing places and adventures available across the Rio Grande Valley.
This year’s event will feature a mix of downloadable activities, live virtual events, interactive game shows, and a range of engaging pre-recorded videos that can be incorporated into classroom curricula.
Read more: RGV Coastal Expo registration open
The City of Pharr has seen a lot of growth and revitalization in recent years. As seen in other downtown areas I have been in this season, Pharr’s downtown is welcoming and features its history. Its historic buildings add to the character while newer buildings are revitalizing the area and making room for more commerce and entertainment. If you travel the Valley along Business 83, you will likely see the epicenter of each of the Valley’s cities.
Read more: Visit Pharr for food and fun
If you drive around the City of Mission you might notice something a little special. Every once in a while, you might just see a beautiful butterfly sculpture. Being home to the National Butterfly Center, it just seemed fitting for there to be butterflies of giant size around town to celebrate. These butterflies represent some of the 200 or more species that can be found in the area.
Read more: Look for the butterflies
The city-block complex of the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) was once housed in the 1910 Jail, an artifact that has captured the attention and curiosity of the community. The jail, which was closed between 2012 and 2020, is the oldest standing historic structure in the city of Edinburg. It will open sometime in 2021 with all-new permanent and temporary exhibits. Hear more about the renovation of the building and installation of the exhibits during the Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation, “The 1910 Jail: Behind the Scenes,” at 2 p.m. on January 24 on Facebook Live.
Read more: 1910 Jail exhibit premiers online
Mission Historical Museum will host their 15th Annual Mission Quilt Show online this year. The exhibit opened on Monday, January 18 and is available for viewing until January 29th.
Read more: MHM hosts quilt show
The City of McAllen has once again partnered with the Juneteenth community leaders, this time, to participate in a month-long list of activities in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. They started celebration on Monday, January 18, and are continuing through Black History Month.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. was truly an inspirational man,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “In light of recent events, the celebration of MLK’s non-violent methods of protest are more important than ever, as is this quote by him: ‘We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.’”
This year’s observation will feature events throughout the Rio Grande Valley, celebrating the theme “Building a Stronger CommUNITY Through Service.”
According to Dr. Ray Howard, one of the organizing members of the celebration, the activities will focus on the historical roots of the African-American community in the Rio Grande Valley, the cultural contributions throughout the country, as well as examining the political impact of MLK and its relevance today.
Read more: McAllen celebrate MLK Day with community activities
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.
********
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.
UTRGV Patron of the Arts has several performances planned this season. The performances are held virtually. They also have a YouTube channel to view previous shows.
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.
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.
