The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and CASA of Hidalgo County are currently hosting its inaugural Gingerbread CASA Competition. The organizations welcome citizens, the business community and professionals to participate in the event. All submissions must be turned in to the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Historic Depot at 602 W. University Drive by 4 p.m. Dec. 20. Winners of the competition will be announced and awarded on Dec. 21 at 3…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
The International Museum of Art & Science presents a community Holiday Market to kick off this year’s annual Christmas Tree Forest “Christmas in the RGV” Dec. 5. The artisan market takes place from 1-5 p.m. In addition to the local artists, the Valley Symphony Orchestra and the McAllen Creative Arts Incubator will participate in the event this year. The community may support these local artists and artisans and then visit…
Growing up, Cristina Martinez witnessed her mom’s financial struggle and her resilience every day. Martinez’ mom did not graduate from high school, and yet, as a single mother with three children, she had to find a way to provide for them. “She worked as a custodian for many years to be able to provide,” Martinez said. In January 2020, Martinez, a resident of Pharr, was earning $10.50 an hour working…
The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for the 2022 National Small Business Week Awards. The NSBW Awards recognize the achievements of SBA-assisted small businesses as well as the contributions they have made to their communities and the nation’s economy. The deadline for nomination submission is 3 p.m. EST Jan. 11, 2022. Award presentations will take place during the NSBW Awards ceremony in the first week of May…
The Office of Hidalgo County Commissioner Everardo “Ever” Villarreal is currently collecting donations of new unwrapped toys to distribute to children 12 years of age or younger. The new toy collection will continue through Dec. 6. All toys collected will be distributed to children throughout the Precinct 3 community on Dec. 10. “We know some families are having a tough time and the need for Christmas assistance is even greater…