Throughout life, we all make choices. We also face barriers on the way to goals. As Stephanie Johnson looks back on the point where she turned her life around, she sees the two intersecting. “I made choices that put barriers in my way,” said Johnson. Born in Minnesota, Johnson and her family moved around the Midwest throughout her childhood, making their way to Texas when she was 10, first to…
With the soaring summer temperatures Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans enjoy time outdoors safely. Last year, 47 state parks reported 141 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Since Jan. 1, 77 heat-related incidents have already been reported, compared to 64 reported by this time last year. Here are the top seven heat hacks recommended for park visitors: Hydrate – It’s important to drink at least…
The three-day MXLAN Festival 2023 returns this month from July 28-30, celebrating Latino influence on popular culture. Hosted by the City of McAllen and city partners, the art and music festival is expected to draw more than 65,000 attendees with 18 unique experiences. New experiences this year include a Gala to kick off the festivities on July 27 with proceeds benefiting the newly formed McAllen Performing & Cultural Arts Foundation,…
The National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions has awarded a $199,838 grant to the UTRGV Center for Teaching Excellence’s Students as Learners and Teachers program. The SaLT program encourages collaboration between trained students in teaching with instructors who teach undergraduate core mathematics coursework, which could assist in retention and student success efforts. This innovative teaching approach also could enhance high-quality, equitable instructional practices in undergraduate mathematics classes. The grant, set to…
The City of McAllen Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of police officer. Applicants must submit their applications to the City of McAllen Civil Service Department at McAllen City Hall (1300 Houston Ave.) no later than Aug. 9 by 5 p.m. Candidates can also obtain further information and the application form by visiting the City of McAllen’s website at www.mcallen.net/jobs or by contacting the Civil Service Department…
Yolanda Feldstein’s two decades-long career in the technology and computing industry largely met her career aspirations. She had risen to management positions at a large San Antonio tech firm. There were no real reasons to look elsewhere for work opportunities other than the leisurely thoughts that drifted into her mind during visits to South Padre Island. The Island is where her husband Zack proposed to her. It has always been…
Bags checked? Done. Boarding pass and identification ready to show at the gate? Yep. Cell phone? Check. A good book to read on the flight? Got it. Then you get through security, find a seat near your gate, and take out that book, only to realize you left your reading glasses at home. Airport concessions to the rescue. Travelers at the McAllen International Airport can find an assortment of reading glasses at…
A supply store’s vintage red sign has been a Harrison Avenue mainstay for decades even as old retailers like Sears and classic H-E-B stores have come and gone from one of Harlingen’s long-standing thoroughfares. The white letters on a red backdrop that say “Valley Barber & Beauty Supply” had faded over the decades but they have recently received a new shine. The over 100-year-old business had seen its outdoor signage…
Jason Martinez’s career in retailing was taking off in the early 2000s as the Mercedes native returned to the Rio Grande Valley with the recent opening of a Foley’s department store at La Plaza Mall. The McAllen mall went into another gear in that era after landing a big department store from a renowned regional chain with Houston roots. It was in those years that Martinez graduated with a business…
William Steele imagined a better way of communication beyond the chatter and noise of social media that vents anger but leads nowhere when it comes to solutions and collaboration. He began to form the outlines of a civic media platform that could link citizens to their elected officials in discussing and analyzing issues. Steele’s wishes soared with ambition and with an idealism he wanted to apply to a new kind…