Winter Texan Times

September programs at Bentsen-RGV State Park

Fun and informative programs for all ages are always available at Bentsen-RGV State Park. Scheduled programs are free with park admission. Reservations required for some programs (marked with an *). All programs will meet at the tram turnaround at park headquarters unless otherwise specified. Please call ahead to confirm program schedule and details at (956) 584-9156. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is located on 2800 South Bentsen Palm Drive in Mission, Texas.

Benefit Comedy show at Pharr Community Theater, July 29.

BenefitShow Austin Vidalez Recalled Productions, a local comedy troupe and comic promotions venture, will host a benefit comedy show to raise funds for the medical expenses of 8-year-old Austin Vidales from La Feria, TX.

“Austin is a boy with eyes as bright as his smile,” says his loving mom.

He enjoys fishing with his family, MOD Pizza, and Super Mario. Austin has two favorite stuffed animals, boxy and foxy, both of whom go on silly adventures documented by his mom and dad through photographs they capture on their phones.

Wreaths Across America kicks off Giving in July 2023

GIJ General Support COLUMBIA FALLS, ME – June 28, 2023 – Today, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announces the kickoff to its annual Giving in July campaign! For WAA, this is a month dedicated to celebrating local groups and individuals who participate in the organization’s $5 pay-back Sponsorship Group Program. Through this unique program supporters ‘Do Good Twice’ through each $17 sponsorship made. Not only will every sponsorship honor our nation’s servicemembers with the placement of a veteran’s wreath on National Wreaths Across America Day, but local nonprofits, civic groups and organizations will receive $5 back from each sponsorship made for their program or other efforts throughout the year.

Seven tips to stay safe during the summer heat

Heat stroke triggers AUSTIN— The dog days of summer have certainly arrived, and with the soaring temperatures Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans enjoy time outdoors safely. Last year, 47 state parks reported 141 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Since January 1, 77 heat-related incidents have already been reported, compared to 64 reported by this time last year.

Here are the top seven heat hacks recommended for park visitors:

Tejano/Conjunto painter Roel Florez at Pharr Memorial Library, May 27

Pic 2 Cotton Fields by RF The Pharr Memorial Library is proud to present an exhibit and short talk with Roel Florez on his portraits and paintings that focus on Conjunto and Tejano music and Migrant work. Florez will also have copies for sale of his self-published book, based on his memoirs, entitled “La Ultima Pesada”/The Last Weigh-In, by Robert Longoria. (66 pages)

Artist shares vault of comic strips published in Russia

Jose Alaniz 2023 The Museum of South Texas History will host the online Sunday Speaker Series presentation, “The Compleat Moscow Calling,” featuring author José Alaníz at 2 p.m. on May 28 on Facebook Live.

Alaníz’s “Moscow Calling” is the first ongoing American comic strip in Russia, appearing in the English-language newspaper The Moscow Tribune. The comic strip is a 1990s epic of expat life in Russia. Innocent abroad Pepe Pérez finds himself in a vibrant post-Soviet Moscow of colorful personalities, extreme contrasts and a “mafiya” boss after his head. Worst of all, there’s no Mexican food. “The Compleat Moscow Calling” gathers and concludes the strip along with additional material, including the unfinished sequel “Cassie’s Turn” and the novella “Moscow ‘93.” Copies of the comic books can be purchased at the Museum Store.

The Rio Grande Valley Humane Society over capacity, seeks community's help

The Rio Grande Valley Humane Society (RGVHS) dog kennels are over capacity at both Mission and Harlingen locations. RGVHS is asking the community to help find foster or forever homes for our canine friends. Dogs will be at risk of euthanasia if we cannot make space through adoption or foster.

Thanks to the support of our community, for over three years, RGVHS has not had to euthanize a single animal for space. With the severe weather on Friday evening, we have seen a massive influx of lost animals roaming the streets and anticipate heavy intake in the coming days. Lives are at risk and we need your help today.

All adoption fees for dogs are completely waived. All adopted pets will go home up to date on vaccinations, dewormer, on preventatives for fleas/ticks/heartworms, microchipped and either already spayed/neutered, or with an appointment for spay/neuter at no cost to the adoptive family. Anybody interested in adopting a dog should head to the shelter as soon as possible.

Fostering a pet is always free and incredibly rewarding. RGVHS 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.

Kick-Off for Food Bank RGV’s Empty Bowls Season June 3

The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport will host the Food Bank RGV’s Empty Bowls Paint Party Kick-off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 3, at 2721 S. 10th St, McAllen.

Food Bank RGV invites the public to participate in this family-friendly event and help paint bowls for the Food Bank RGV. The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport will provide a hotdog and hamburger BBQ, D.J., door prizes, and more to celebrate the Empty Bowls season kick-off. To take part in this event, there is a $10 donation per person to cover the costs of paints and supplies for the Food Bank RGV.

Bird Banding with Dr. Timothy Brush at Quinta Mazatlan

Tim Brush w Green Jay Quinta Mazatlan welcomes Presenter Dr. Timothy Brush on Thursday, June 1st from 6-7 p.m. Green jays and clay-colored thrushes are tropical birds that many visiting birders love to see. While they are often seen at nature centers and refuges, they are also readily seen in towns and cities as well.

Dr. Timothy Brush has been conducting a bird-banding study of these birds since March 2018 to better understand their lives in our area. Bird banding is a federally regulated process which requires extensive training to ensure the safety of the birds.

McAllen Public Library holds gardening program

Join the McAllen Public Library for a free gardening program on, "Garden Herbs," to be held on May 20, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. at 4001 N. 23rd St. in McAllen. This class is part of the Texas Master Naturalist series where speaker, Bill Rich, will present "Six Herbs From My Garden: Thyme, Parsley, Cilantro, Oregano, Dill, and Basil."

Learn how to preserve and cook with herbs, and how to chiffonade basil leaves. A food recipe will be demonstrated. Participants will receive a free herb plant, while supplies last. Registration required at 9(956) 681-3000.