The annual Women of Purpose Social Mixer on March 4 hosted by IBC Main in McAllen was even more special than past years. Keynote speaker Dalia Martinez, IBC executive vice president, spoke from the heart about overcoming challenges to earn mentorship status. Adrian Villarreal, IBC McAllen president and CEO, also spoke. But the evening belonged to Dora Brown. It was a retirement party. After years of doing what she loves,…
A few weeks ago, I walked into my high school alma mater to talk with member of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program. The JAG program is designed for young adults going through tough times in high school and seeing that college is not in their immediate plans. JAG teaches these students about life outside of high school without a college path. Courses are taught on budgeting, interviewing and other…
Counties and cities across the Rio Grande Valley moved quickly on Tuesday to enact new measures to encourage social distancing and limit the number of people allowed in public places to counter the dangers and potential outbreak of the coronavirus. Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez issued a disaster declaration due to a public health emergency after conferring with leaders of the county’s 22 cities. The declaration became effective Tuesday and…
The International Museum of Art & Science presents its annual fundraiser, the 12th annual Night at the Brew-seum April 4. Brew-seum showcases specialty and craft beers from across Texas. It also brings together more than 25 restaurants and food trucks from the RGV who donate their time, talents and fare. The event takes place at the museum from 7-11 p.m. with VIP guests early access at 6 p.m. Brew-seum will…
March 17 update: The 2020 South Texas All Hazards Conference has been postponed until the August-September time frame. The eighth annual South Texas All Hazards Conference takes place March 25-26 at the McAllen Performing Arts Center and McAllen Convention Center. It is the second largest training conference of its type in the state of Texas. More than 3,000 individuals from public health, public safety, public works, incident and emergency management…
American Express is teaming up with Main Street America to give 10 small business owners $10,000 each to help their businesses innovate in this evolving retail landscape. The American Express Future of Shopping Small Grant Program celebrates small businesses across the country. The program supports small businesses that demonstrate new approaches to traditional business strategies. It also looks to help those looking to try out creative techniques, while also helping…
For a week in early February, McAllen businessman and City of McAllen Public Utilities Vice Chairman Tony Aguirre spent countless hours at Edinburg Regional Medical Center where his mom was a patient. He watched TV with her and sang conjunto songs playing on his phone’s Pandora app with her. He monitored her vitals while she slept and had conversations with all of the medical professionals treating her. One of the…
The first cohort of students are now making their way through South Texas College’s Dual Credit Cybersecurity Program. The program provides students from partnering area high schools the opportunity to pursue a certificate in the field of cybersecurity. Students participating in the Career and Technical Education pathway are on track to complete their Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate. Completion will come by the end of their senior years in high school.…
Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez is now part of the the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee in Austin. His oath of office took place Feb. 19 with Presiding Officer Donald “Dee Margo” at CPRIT’s meeting. “I am honored to be a part of this committee and am especially proud to join my colleagues as we lead the statewide effort to cure cancer. With my background as…
Nocturnal animals have many interesting adaptations that give them huge advantages to survive in their dark world. The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist invite the public to learn about these local creatures March 10 with “Creatures that Come out at Night.” The talk will feature nocturnal animals and how you can see them for yourself. Attendees will discover native spiders, bugs, bats, birds and other animals that you…