VA is working to eliminate food insecurity among veterans and their families with a free drive-thru food pantry on Dec. 14 at Harlingen Health Care Clinic. The drive lasts from 9-11 a.m., or while supplies last, at the clinic’s location at 2601 Veterans Drive. Veterans must be enrolled in health care at the VA Texas Valley Costal Bend Health Care System and present a valid VA identification card to confirm their veteran status.…
Quinta Mazatlan invites the public to experience the spirit of the season at the “Holiday Night Shopping” with music and local artists selling their works inspired by nature on Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m. The one-night free event features the award-winning South Texas artist Jessica Monroe known for her oil paintings inspired by the natural world. Her paintings bring awareness of environmental issues and celebrate the beauty of nature. Monroe…
The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation has relaunched its small business matching grant program, Revitalize Harlingen. An incentive grant, Revitalize Harlingen provides up to $10,000 for facade improvements made by eligible commercial businesses or property owners. The program first began in January of 2023 as the brainchild of Mayor Norma Sepulveda and the City of Harlingen to rejuvenate targeted areas in the city. The program encourages reinvestment by small businesses to…
In partnership with leadership from South Texas College and STC’s Dual Credit Programs, Roma Independent School District launched its first-ever early college academy this week. Two years in the making, the new academy will enable students to earn at least 40 hours of college credit once they graduate high school, the equivalent of taking their core classes before they even graduate. “For the students, I want to be sure they…
Andrew Garza spent over a decade in the fast-food industry, rising to management positions at Chick-fil-A and Pizza Hut. He enjoys working in teams and helping to lead them. Garza figured there was another industry where his experience would prove valuable. “The green energy field is growing, here in the Valley and around the world,” Garza said. “I see really good opportunities in wind energy technology. Hopefully, at some point,…
SpaceX has more than gained a foothold in southern Cameron County with its imposing rockets looming over Boca Chica Beach. More than 2,000 employees work at Starbase, a production and launch site just across the Laguna Madre from South Padre Island. Keeping such a large operation going as it pursues audacious goals related to space travel requires vast amounts of skill and know-how from its teams of employees. South Texas…
Holidays in the Rio Grande Valley involve a lot more than your average Christmas tree, a lighted menorah, wrapping and unwrapping gifts, and eating too much turkey. The Valley is in Texas, where everything is big, including holiday events in McAllen. The city will host everything from parades to shopping events and holiday music from an orchestra and a wind ensemble to “The Nutcracker.” Dream Land Then there’s the South…
Normally a 10 year old would be considered a child; however, at the age of 10, Diego Medina saw himself as a young man when his parents divorced. He began working in the fields and mowing lawns on the weekends to assist his mother with their household bills. Over the years, Medina had countless setbacks, and he found it more and more difficult to get ahead. In his early 30s,…
The International Museum of Art & Science hosts its annual Holiday Market at the Museum on Dec. 9 with an array of local artisans, a gallery talk from a guest curator, Gingerbread Challenge workshops and the annual Christmas Tree Forest community exhibition. IMAS says the Holiday Market at the Museum will be a haven for both art enthusiasts and holiday lovers. Admission is included with a discounted general admission price…
The Salvation Army of Harlingen has kicked off its annual Angel Tree program, with “angels” available for adoption. The program provides toys and clothing to children whose families are facing financial difficulties. Organizers say that with the generosity of the community, 400 children will experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning. “The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides toys and clothing to children and families who might be…