The scent of coffee is noticeable as you walk through the door of this bright, colorful and modern-looking open space. There’s a kitchen area with inviting bar-height seating and a pair of large stainless refrigerators. A popcorn maker and top-of-the-line coffee machine both sit on the countertop. People in business casual attire meander from there to one of the three high-tech meeting rooms, their own office areas or what are…
On Aug. 8, I received this Facebook message from Susan Valverde, a close friend who lives in McAllen but is the chief franchise operations officer for Sylvan Learning’s corporate offices in Maryland: “Hey Chris – are you familiar with clear the list Texas? It is an effort to help teachers with their back-to-school supplies list and has gained a lot of traction. A teacher can set up an Amazon wish…
The Rio Grande Valley of the post-World War II era was still new and open for possibilities. The four-county region as it is known today was less than 50 years old in its collective identity. Two young architects – Alan Taniguchi and John York — came to the Valley in that era, the late 1940s to early 1950s. They would then leave their imprint on the region over the next…
Eighty years ago, the Rio Grande Valley was a rural, agriculturally based economy with little growth happening. Fast forward to 10 years ago, and the RGV was quickly becoming a thriving metropolitan area as development intensified. Today, the region has completely transformed economically. It has become an area developed by improving and increasing commercial, retail, industrial, entertainment, medical and higher education institutions. Education In 2013, the transformation of the RGV’s…
If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie in the RGV and love supporting local restaurants, there’s a possibility that you’ve already had Qweenie RGV a number of times. What is Qweenie RGV? Qweenie is a food truck that is the creation of Valley natives Kimberly Avila and Bryan Nunn. Specializing in gourmet hot dogs that are out-of-this-world, this phenomenon opened up in 2018. Qweenie just celebrated its first birthday in July. The…
AMIkids Rio Grande Valley is a one-of-a-kind program rehabilitating young felons. At the same time, it gives them the chance to become certified welders. The program has been in operation in eastern Cameron County for quite some time. AMIkids Rio Grande Valley is the only one in the Lone Star State and one of 44 AMIkids programs nationally. The organization works with at-risk youngsters ages 15 through 18. With roots in…
McAllen native Rafael Sepulveda received his bachelor’s in advertising from Boston University then attended photography school in Atlanta. Upon completing those courses and receiving Professional Photographers of America certification, he opened up two destination photography businesses. During his time as a destination wedding photographer in Atlanta, he discovered that he really enjoyed teaching other photographers that assisted him on his shoots. Establishing direction Sepulveda established RGV Photography Workshops in McAllen…
J.J. Serrano Jr. can look out his office windows and see his alma mater across the way on Panther Drive. “It’s crazy,” said Serrano, the facilities leader of H-E-B’s Weslaco Retail Support Center on 1100 Panther Drive. “That’s my high school over there.” Weslaco High School is in his front view, but behind Serrano’s office is a cavernous 408,000-square-foot distribution and transportation center. It serves as the nerve center for…
The weekend is fast approaching and if you’re looking for a leisurely, family-friendly Sunday afternoon, Tres Lagos Farmers’ Market should be on your list. The Tres Lagos Farmers’ Market takes place from Sept. 1 from 2-5 p.m. at 4350 Tres Lagos Blvd. in McAllen. There’s live music playing as you walk the market, which features roughly 30 different vendors to shop from. The market also offers a wide variety…
For the rest of the month of August, The Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center and Palm Valley Animal Center are hosting a “Clear the Shelter” event. With more than 100 dogs, and over 60 cats and kittens who need their forever homes, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the $10 adoption fee. The $10 adoption fee includes the first series of vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, microchip, rabies shot, ID…