Growing up, Donna resident Mariana Lozano watched how hard her parents worked and yet how they struggled just to make ends meet. As she watched, she made plans. Her plans were to finish college so she could help them as her family’s first college graduate. “A friend told me I needed to apply to VIDA,” Lozano said. VIDA is the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. The nonprofit organization was…
McAllen Public Library invites children, teens and adults to sign up for the 2022 Winter Reading Challenge. Children can complete a fun Winter Break Reading Challenge. This program runs from Dec. 17 to Jan. 4. Children may complete the challenge by by filling up an image of a hot cocoa mug by logging reading hours with marshmallows. Visit the Children’s area of any branch of the McAllen Public Library to…
The 38th annual Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk is rescheduled for April 9, 2022, and registration is now open. The Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce hosts the 5K walk and 10k run for thousands of participants starting in Port Isabel and crossing the causeway. Walkers will end at the Padre Balli statue on the Island while runners will continue to the finish line at Louie’s Backyard. The run will…
Kristina Boburka measures the durability and defenses of South Padre Island’s dune system as the city’s shoreline director. The city of South Padre Island does annual surveys to assess beach erosion and the wear-and-tear of wind and waves inflicted on the dunes. Fortifying the barrier island’s natural defenses has become even more important in an era Boburka describes as being one of “rising seas and intensifying storms.” The information gathered…
South Texas College, in partnership with international ground transportation leader Trancasa, has set in motion a new commercial driver’s license program that will address a growing demand for drivers in the industry. “This is a classic example of South Texas College reskilling and upskilling through education and training to meet regional and local labor demands,” said South Texas College president Dr. Ricardo J. Solis who brokered the partnership with Trancasa.…
It was around 4 a.m. Nov. 14. Army veteran Juan Gonzalez and his wife Ana woke up with barely enough time to exit their home of 49 years that had been engulfed in flames. In reeling in the tragedy, the Donna family has also found hope. The community and the South Texas Builders Alliance are helping them rebuild from their ashes. But rebuilding is no small feat, so the organization…
UTRGV once again has been recognized as one of the best and most affordable public universities in the United States and Texas. Washington Monthly recently released its annual national 2021 College Guide and Rankings, and ranked UTRGV high in the following categories: First in Texas and second nationally among public universities for lowest net price of attendance for students whose household income is below $75,000. First in Texas and third nationally…
South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce‘s “Shop the Island” initiative is back through Dec. 20. For every $20 spent with any Island businesses, shoppers may register for a $500 shopping spree. Every dollar spent locally also ensures a healthy and growing South Padre Island economy. Original receipts may be dropped off at the following SPI Chamber member businesses: Padre Island Brewing Co. Renee’s of South Padre Ship Shape Sea Turtle…
The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual Awards Luncheon at the Memory Blvd. Event Center in downtown Weslaco. During the luncheon, the chamber awards local businesses, organizations and individuals who have demonstrated leadership and made substantial contributions to the city. Receiving Woman of the Year for 2021 is Sandra Charlton. Charlton currently serves on the Economic Development Corporation board as treasurer. She is also an active ambassador and…
Illumina Fest begins Dec. 14 at Quinta Mazatlán, showcasing a unique light show in the woods through Dec. 18. The festival features more than 2,000 luminarias on the trail, light art installations, live performers, live music and food. The five-day evening event features more than 30 art installations using nature as the canvas while featuring the talents of many Valley artists and performers. Illumina Fest celebrates the season of light with…