Winter Texan Times

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Toss your Christmas tree and go green

Details: Published: Tuesday, 02 January 2024 20:25

20231127 Tree Farm MM 257 Texas AM AgriLife photo by Michael Miller web As the holiday season winds down, the City of Edinburg invites residents to join in the environmentally friendly tradition of recycling Christmas trees. The Tree Recycling Program encourages residents to transform their festive evergreens into valuable mulch at designated drop-off locations.

Starting January 1 through January 26, residents can drop off their bare Christmas trees at the following locations: Resource Recovery Center, 3102 S. Business 281; Edinburg Regional Landfill, 8601 N. Jasman Rd.; and Edinburg Nature Trail Park, 1300 N. Doolittle Rd.

RGVHS to relocate

Details: Published: Tuesday, 02 January 2024 20:11

This holiday season has arrived with many surprises and unexpected changes for the Rio Grande Valley Humane Society (RGVHS). The Harlingen shelter will be going through a transition period in the weeks to come.

The City of Harlingen will no longer be in partnership with the Rio Grande Valley Humane Society.

The RGVHS at Harlingen will relocate to 2729 N Expressway 77, Harlingen. This new location will host RGVHS’ low-cost community clinics, spay/neuter clinics and be the main location for our Harlingen foster programs.

VA improves healthcare access

Details: Published: Tuesday, 02 January 2024 20:09

Veterans living in the Rio Grande Valley/Costal Bend Area, who need transportation to and from medical appointments, now can get a ride via VA Uber Health Connect.

"The VA Uber Health Connect Initiative bridges the transportation gap by ensuring Veterans have reliable transportation for their health care needs,” said National Lead of VA Uber Health Connect Indra Sandal, Ph.D. “By offering ridesharing as an additional means of transportation, VA is helping Veterans access the best and soonest possible care — while still achieving cost savings.”

McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Run right around the corner

Details: Published: Tuesday, 02 January 2024 20:07

In exactly one month, McAllen will see thousands of runners take to the streets for the McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Run, taking place on Saturday, January 20, 2024. All races, including the marathon, half-marathon, relay marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Final Mile will be held that day, starting from the McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd., with runs starting at 7 a.m.

Anyone wanting to participate in this Boston Marathon qualifier should register online now and up until January 19, by visiting www.mcallenmarathon.com.

Soar into 2024 with a First Day Hike

Details: Published: Wednesday, 27 December 2023 16:43

20170415 Palmetto State Park 16 web AUSTIN— As the year ends, so does Texas State Parks’ Centennial Celebration, but the fun doesn’t stop when the clock strikes midnight. Kick off your resolution to explore the outdoors in 2024 with a First Day Hike at a state park, which will host ranger-guided and self-guided walks, bike rides, paddling trips and polar plunges in honor of the national initiative aimed at getting people outdoors.

Setting your poinsettias up for success

Details: Published: Wednesday, 27 December 2023 16:39

From Texas A&M AgriLife Horticulturists

Poinsettias and their classic red and white holiday color will soon be abundant in homes, grocery stores and nurseries. If you want your poinsettia plants to last throughout the holiday season, here are some pointers to help keep your plants happy.

These gorgeous holiday plants, native to Mexico, are the No. 2 dollar-valued potted plant in the U.S. behind orchids. McKinley said poinsettias were introduced domestically by Joel Poinsett in the 1800s and have since been bred to maximize the colors and varieties of the plant.

Darris and Judy Hable honored

Details: Published: Wednesday, 20 December 2023 13:30

Darris Hable 353 n web Darris and Judy Hable were honored on Tuesday, December 12 at the Welcome Winter Texan Celebration in Progreso, Mexico. The couple was presented with the Key to the City, the first time it has been done in several years. The couple was also named Ambassadors to the Winter Texans. In March, the couple was named King and Queen during the city’s Tourist Day where they have a big celebration to thank the Winter Texan visitors that visit.

Masonic Winter Texan Reunion planned

Details: Published: Wednesday, 20 December 2023 13:18

GM Berg Pic web For over four decades, MN Masons have been spending their winters in South Texas and gathering with their fellow Masons from all over the country.

The 43rd Annual MN/TX Masonic Reunion will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Rio Grande Valley Shrine Club, 13415 E Expressway 83 in La Feria, Texas. The social hour will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $15.00.

Visit festive sandcastles at SPI

Details: Published: Wednesday, 20 December 2023 13:17

Willie Elfson carved by Joris Kivits web The Sandcastle Village at South Padre Island is always changing, but this time of year, you can find a big sand chair to take selfies on while visiting the Holiday Sandcastle Village. The village showcases the incredible talent of some of the best sand sculptors in the world.

IMAS hosts UTRGV traveling exhibition

Details: Published: Wednesday, 20 December 2023 12:58

Ancient Landscapes Reception UTRGV web The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is proud to partner with the UTRGV Community Historical Archeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) to host its traveling exhibition “Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight”.

This exhibition explores 50 million years of geological history and 15,000 years of cultural history in South Texas. Residents and visitors of the Rio Grande Valley may step over millions of years of history that included volcanic eruptions, 27-million-year-old petrified logs, 42-million-year-old giant oyster shells, and projectile points used by humans for over 12,000 years. “Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight” illuminates the unique landscape and helps curious minds to understand the natural processes that formed South Texas.

Bentsen State Park plans January activities

Details: Published: Wednesday, 20 December 2023 12:58

Bentsen State Park Picture1 web Bentsen State Park has programs for all ages. Scheduled programs are free with park admission. Reservations are required for some of the programs. All programs will meet at the tram turnaround at park headquarters unless otherwise specified.

Please call ahead to confirm the program schedule and details at (956) 584-9156. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is located at 2800 South Bentsen Palm Drive in Mission.

Airport has nonstop service to Austin

Details: Published: Wednesday, 20 December 2023 12:40

McAllen Airport Picture1 web Delta Air Lines has started its ticket sales to provide three daily nonstop service from McAllen International Airport (MFE) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) beginning April 22, 2024.

In Delta’s recent announcement, Joe Esposito, Delta’s S.V.P. – Network Planning, states, "This expansion not only creates an access point to diverse opportunities for business, leisure, and cultural exploration spanning Texas and beyond but also solidifies Delta’s commitment to being a key player in Austin’s evolving landscape. Austin is growing rapidly, and this 20% increase in capacity mirrors that growth as we look to provide our customers with unparalleled convenience in the region.”

Winter Texans enjoy the holiday parade in Alamo

Details: Published: Tuesday, 12 December 2023 22:13

DSC 0975 web By Herb Moering

“Alamo has a nice little parade,” said converted Texan Charlie Akins, before the start of the city’s lighted Christmas parade on Friday. But he and his friends with him from Alamo Rec-Veh Park were in for a surprise as the city had its largest parade ever with more than 50 entries according to Alamo City Manager Robert Salinas.

Akins, who grew up in Happy, Texas, said he and his wife, Bev, have been full time RVers for 18 years with the latest winters at Alamo Rec-Veh. And many of those years they have been at the parade.

Weslaco parade draws large crowd

Details: Published: Tuesday, 12 December 2023 22:03

20231213 Weslaco Parade 2 web Winter Texans joined thousands of people along the street in anticipation of the 2023 Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade.

Near perfect weather made it even more exciting for those in attendance. Knowing what one of the alternatives is around the country made it even more special.

“This is the type of weather to watch a Christmas parade,” said Chris Clark, who along with his wife and a group of five others all hailing from Wisconsin and one rabble-rouser from Arkansas. “This is my first time at this parade.”

Nativity scene collection on exhibit this holiday season

Details: Published: Tuesday, 12 December 2023 21:55

IMG 6155 1 web The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) will feature the “Bishop Emeritus Raymundo Peña Nativity Scene Collection,” a spotlight exhibit displaying 120 nativity scenes until Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Born in 1934 and ordained as a Catholic priest in 1957, Father Raymundo Peña was named Bishop in Diocese of Brownsville in 1976. On his passing in September 2021, the Bishop willed his collection of nativity scenes to the Museum of South Texas History and to the Historic Brownsville Museum.