Author Archives: VBR

Leadership Mid-Valley Now Recruiting

Leadership Mid Valley, a program of the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce, will host a recruitment mixer Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m. This event will give individuals the chance to talk to LMV alumni and ask questions about the program. The Weslaco Chamber is currently accepting applications for the next class that will begin in September. Applications for Leadership Mid-Valley are due Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. Leadership Mid Valley…

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New Park Coming to Weslaco

Weslaco park groundbreaking

The City of Weslaco held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 23 for a new 45-acre park off of FM 88 and Mile 11 Road. This project will feature a one-mile park trail and additional nature trails, a fitness equipment station. Other athletic amenities will include tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts and youth soccer fields. Kids will be able to enjoy a splash pad, while entertainment will have a…

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McAllen Hosts Festival & Events Conference 

The McAllen Holiday Parade is one of many local festivals and events Texas Festival & Events Association Annual Conference attendees can learn from. (photo McAllen Holiday Parade)

The City of McAllen is hosting this year’s Texas Festival & Events Association Annual Conference August 9-11 at the McAllen Convention Center. With more than 450 member festivals and events, organizers are expecting attendees from Texas and beyond. Attendees also hail from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and even Mexico. McAllen is the first city in the organization’s 26-year history to host two years in a row. This year’s conference…

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STC Nursing Receives Equipment Grant

South Texas College will be the recipient of a $75,000 grant by Texas Workforce Commission for its Associate Degree of Nursing program. South Texas College is one of 27 institutions to receive the JET grant totaling $5,718,073.

South Texas College is the recipient of a $75,000 grant by Texas Workforce Commission for high-demand job training in its Associate Degree of Nursing program. The grant provides funding for equipment to eligible educational institutions for developing programs. These programs can be career and technical, leading to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree. The Jobs and Education for Texans grant is part of an initiative by TWC. It supports TWC’s efforts…

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McAllen ISD Hosts Educator Event

TECHnovate

McAllen ISD will be at the center of the fifth annual TECHnovate Aug. 9. The all-day event for educators focuses on creativity, social collaboration and engagement. It also explores compelling ways schools integrate technology into their classrooms. The event is open to all teachers, not just McAllen ISD. There will be presentations on 100 topics. This includes15 Tools for Digital Readers, Deepening Learning with Digital Portfolios and Promoting Engagement and Classroom Culture through…

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STC Receives More Than $1 Million in Grants

Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez, Workforce Solutions Strategy and Engagement Director Arcelia Sanchez, Workforce Solutions Boardmember Sonia Falcon, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and South Texas College President Shirley A. Reed at the formal check signing ceremony Aug. 1.

Ceremonies took place at South Texas College Aug. 1 to announce a $1 million Skills Development Fund from Texas Workforce Commission and DHR Health. The funds marked the 27th SDF grant for STC from TWC. It also marks the second grant in partnership with DHR. The grant will provide customized training through a variety of healthcare areas. Additionally, it will benefit an estimate of 4,000 new and existing employees of DHR Health.…

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Startup? Speak at 1 Million Cups McAllen

1 Million Cups McAllen is currently seeking local startups to present their companies to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors and entrepreneurs. The group meets the second Wednesday of every month, engaging entrepreneurs in the McAllen community. Each month, 1 Million Cups offers two local startups an opportunity to present. In turn, speakers expand business reach and receive feedback from McAllen city leaders. The program is a simple way to engage entrepreneurs in…

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Using Science to Craft Beer

Steve Padilla, UTRGV legacy alum, and owner of Big River Brewery. (photo, Paul Chouy, UTRGV)

It’s not about the type of beer that fills your glass; it’s all about the process. Just ask Steve Padilla. Owner of Big River Brewery in Pharr and alumnus of UTRGV legacy institution UT Pan American, Padilla says that whether you prefer stouts, lagers or seasonal sours, his authentic Valley brews came from ideas fermented in the science classroom. Padilla got a degree in nursing in 2008. As a nurse and anesthetist,…

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Grant Provides Cybersecurity Career Pathways

STC is the recipient of a $700,000 grant from the Perkins Reserve Fund. The funds will help convert one the college’s classrooms into a state-of-the-art cybersecurity lab. (photo STC)

Viruses that corrupt software. Ransomware that holds data hostage. Foreign adversaries that hack into private and public accounts. Our reliance on computers has spawned many new fields in digital technology. And the challenge of protecting those computers and the data they transmit thus falls on experts in cybersecurity.  “Because these issues are in the news, everyone is aware that the security of our computer networks and data is vital,” says…

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RGV Food Bank to Supply Free Produce

free produce

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will provide veterans with free fruits and vegetables Aug. 1. The produce distribution takes place via a drive-thru behind the McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic. From 8:30 a.m. – noon, veterans may receive the free fruits and vegetables while supplies last by presenting a valid VA identification card. This is necessary to confirm veteran status and receive free produce. Veterans should follow the signs and use the northeast entrance…

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