Category Archives: Community

“Read to your Bunny” With Rosemary Wells

Two girls admire the six original artworks from Max and Ruby.

On Jan. 11, the McAllen Public Library hosted free to the public “Read to Your Bunny.” The educational talk and discussion featured Rosemary Wells, author and illustrator of “Max & Ruby.” During the event, Wells signed copies of “Twin Trouble,” the most recent “Max & Ruby” children’s book. During the event, a talk was also held between Wells, parents and caregivers. Wells reiterated to the audience the importance and impact…

Read More

Los Fresnos Makes Donations to Matamoros Firefighters

Gene Daniels talks about the equipment Los Fresnos FD/EMS donated to the Matamoros FD.

The Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department made history this week by donating thousands of dollars in equipment to their counterparts from Matamoros, Mexico. Representatives of the two departments met Thursday night in the year-old LFFD/Emergency Medical Services. Here, all witnessed the generosity from a department that has 35 volunteer firefighters. Chief Gene Daniels estimated the equipment at some $40,000. It includes a brush truck, the jaws of life, boots, tanks…

Read More

Leadership Mid Valley Celebrates 15 Years

This year marks the 15th year of Leadership Mid Valley. (photo Weslaco Chamber)

The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce‘s Leadership Mid Valley is celebrating 15 years. The eight-month program seeks to both identify and motivate emerging leaders. It also develops potential for community leadership by exposing participants to the realities, opportunities and issues the community may face. Leadership Mid Valley consists of monthly meetings that focus on one particular industry or topic. These include agriculture, history, healthcare, economics, media and more. In addition,…

Read More

Public Invited to Design New Community

Killam workshops

Killam Development is inviting the public to participate in a series of design workshops the week of Jan. 13-17 to help plan a new community near Sharyland Plantation. In a unique, hands-on design experience, people of all ages will help make decisions about quality of life issues. This includes walking and biking trails, park space, access to entertainment and more. Consultants from Able City and Dover, Kohl & Partners will…

Read More

Students Create Environmentally Sustainable Fashion Line

Model Hannah Grace Vaughan poses in “Newsflash” of the Modern Chaos series.

Local high school seniors recently began an environmental conversation by using their artistic creativity and passion for fashion design and photography to advocate for ecological sustainability within the world.  International Baccalaureate Programme at Lamar Academy students Gisselle Costa and Denisse Damken are the designers of a fashion line completely made out of recycled materials. The project raises awareness of environmental conservation.  “The name of our project, Modern Chaos, illustrates what…

Read More

New McAllen Website Promotes Encourages Health

livewellmcallen.com

The McAllen Mayor’s Wellness Council has officially launched its website livewellmcallen.com as a one-stop shop resource for health and wellness information.  The city’s health and well-being council is part of the city’s efforts to change the perception of McAllen as an obese and unhealthy community, One active feature of livewellmcallen.com is a calendar listing of health-related activities. Additionally, anyone hosting a wellness activity of any kind may submit their event…

Read More

McAllen Library to Host “Max & Ruby” Author

Rosemary Wells

Rosemary Wells, the creator of the ever-popular Max & Ruby children’s show and books, will present at the McAllen Public Library on Jan. 10 to more than 600 school children from throughout the Rio Grande Valley.  Classes were selected based on teacher video submissions telling why their students should meet the author and illustrator. Public event Jan. 11 The public may also attend a special event, “Read to Your Bunny,”…

Read More

Building Some Holiday Fun

Artist Emerson Wierenga Schreiner creates Santa's workshop from a large block of sand. (Courtesy)

South Padre Island is no stranger to sandcastle building, but the Holiday Sandcastle Village steps up the festivity. The village brims with holiday sand sculptures from talented artists from all over the world.  It started last year as a joint effort between city leaders and local sand artist Lucinda Wierenga, also known as Sandy Feet. South Padre Island is the self-proclaimed Sandcastle Capital of the Universe. The city thus felt…

Read More

EMS Students Go Hands On With Extrication Day

TSTC EMS Extrication Day

It was quite an experience for Pedro Casillas and more than 40 of his peers as they helped save lives in a mock two-vehicle accident. It was part of Texas State Technical College Emergency Medical Services program‘s recent Extrication Day. “This was a great opportunity to practice what I’ve learned in the classroom,” said Casillas. “It was exciting to be able to showcase our skills to the local first responders who…

Read More

Unique Projects Trains Future Alzheimer’s Caregivers

An STC OTA student explains the layout inside of the Activities of Daily Living apartment to peers at STC’s Nursing and Allied Health campus. (photo STC)

It might seem unusual to see drawings of utensils or constant safety reminders around the home. Yet, these can be beneficial when caring for a loved one or patient with Alzheimer’s. These helpful visual cues can make the difference from a patient. Photos and other reminders can aid a patient in completing a task instead of experiencing frustration or confusion. South Texas College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program students recently had…

Read More