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…
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…
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…
On Dec. 7, the Ryan and Brian Real Estate Team hosted its annual Christmas drive “Operation Christmas.” This year, the team decided to team with 5×5 Brewing Co. to host the event. During the celebration, the team accepted brand new unwrapped toy and/or a $10 donation. The event this year was in honor of Heroes on the Water. The veteran’s charity serves veterans, active-duty, first responders and their families through…
On Dec. 7, the City of McAllen held its annual McAllen Holiday Parade, the largest illuminated holiday parade in Texas. Presented by H-E-B, the parade featured 39 giant balloons and 55 illuminated floats all set to celebrate McAllen as the official South Pole of Texas. The parade began at the McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium with a route following Bicentennial towards Business 83. Parade viewing was free along the route, with…
More than 1,400 law enforcement officers have trained at South Texas College’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence since January. The numbers come from RCPSE interim Chief Administrator Sgt. Jose Moroles, who spoke recently at STC’s President’s Advisory Council Committee. STC is the first border community college in the nation to establish integrative training for local, state and federal professionals in law enforcement. This also includes those in public safety,…
Faculty in the UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration have been awarded a $1.2 million grant for Project PLEASE, a collaborative initiative to help grow leaders in special education administration. “Project PLEASE is a personnel training grant that will give scholarships and stipends to 14 vetted candidates to complete their doctorate in education in special education administration,” said Hsuying Ward. Ward is an associate professor of Human Development and…
South Texas College is starting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, according to officials at a special event Nov. 25. Among those in attendance were the inaugural cohort of student nurses clad in green scrubs. Dr. Christie Candelaria serves as program chair of both the Associate Degree Nursing Program and the new BSN program. “I would treat this just like having a family,” Candelaria said about the start…
The 2020 U.S. Census will go out to a nation that’s more technologically wired than ever. Census Bureau officials expect the nation’s official population count to be the first of its kind. A solid majority of respondents will do so online. “The fact we’ve moved beyond paper only makes us more relevant to the American people,” said Timothy Olson, the associate director of field operations for the U.S. Census Bureau. …
Robert “Bobby” Calvillo is the board chairman of the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. He began his service on the Weslaco Chamber board in 2015. For the last 23 years, Calvillo has served as executive director of Affordable Homes of South Texas Inc. AHSTI is one of the largest non-profit housing producers in the country. It serves as a subdivision developer, builder and mortgage company…