VBR

“Beginner’s Luck: My First Year of Birding” With Avrel Seale
2022-03-17 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Avrel Seale
Looking to begin birdwatching? Join Avrel Seale for “Beginner’s Luck: My First Year of Birding” at 6 p.m. March 17 at the Nature Speaker Series at Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center.
A Valley native living in Austin, Seale is the author of 10 books and a writer for the University of Texas at Austin. The youngest son of Jan Seale and the late Carl Seale, he is also the brother of Erren and Ansen, all of whom have been heavily involved with Quinta Mazatlán over many years. Seale began filming and photographing birds during the catastrophic winter storm of February 2021 and never stopped. His presentation will include a video highlighting the best captures of his first year of birding. Nearly all of his subjects were filmed in Texas, including at Quinta Mazatlán, Estero Llano Grande State Park near Weslaco and South Padre Island.
For Seale, the challenge of photography is greater due to a major stroke four years ago. Seale can use only his left hand, and camera shutter releases are almost exclusively on the right. Despite this hurdle Seale persevered and picked up tips and tricks on how to capture stunning images of birds. He utilized a mix of tools to build his bird knowledge, including traditional field guides and Facebook groups, as well as apps such as Merlin, eBird and iNaturalist.
Beginning Birding
Capturing images of nature does not require an advanced professional camera. Nature photography can begin with your own cell phone camera. In addition to digital photography, Seale uses a cell phone and a spotting scope. This captures slow-motion video revealing extraordinary details of bird behavior too quick to notice in real time.
The benefits of birding include improving physical and mental health by staying active and reducing stress. Birders engage with community and other birders while providing a positive economic impact on the community. Birding can happen almost anywhere from a local park to a back yard. It also does not require any extras to begin. As long as you have an interest, it’s never too late or too early to begin your birding journey.
“They say youth is wasted on the young, and I was woefully disinterested in birds for all those years I lived in the Valley,” Seale mused. “I guess I had to move 350 miles away before I realized that my hometown is basically the center of the birding universe.”
Tickets are $5 per person. Pre-purchased tickets recommended. Tickets available for purchase at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

Harlingen State of the City Address 2022
2022-03-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Harlingen Convention Center, 701 Harlingen Heights Drive, Harlingen, TX, 78552, United States
The Rotary Club of Harlingen and City of Harlingen present the State of the City Address on March 18 at 11:30 a.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. This is a non-partisan event.
For more event details or table sponsorships, contact Pamela Leverett.

Food Park Unplugged
2022-03-18 20:00 - 22:00 | McAllen Food Park, 10 N. Broadway, McAllen, 78501, United States
Food Park Unplugged takes place March 18 at McAllen Food Park.
Every third Friday of the month, enjoy the sounds of local crooners while feasting on dishes by Food Truck chefs. Take a stroll and do some shopping from local craft and collectibles vendors. This event is family- and pet-friendly.
Free admission into the park.

QuickBooks Roundtable
2022-03-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Online, TX, United States
Learn how to get the most out of your QuickBooks software with this no-cost virtual roundtable March 22. Meet with other small business owners to trade tips and get your questions answered.
QuickBooks ProAdvisor Mark Martinez will discuss creating custom reports, common set up problems, understanding chart of accounts, bank register, bank reconciliation and flow of transactions. This opportunity will help attendees polish their QuickBooks skills and increase its ease of use.
Brought to you by UHV SBDC in partnership with the South-West Texas Border SBDC Network.
Register online.

Hiring Best Practices
2022-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Online, TX, United States
Hiring is not just about recruiting employees – it is about sowing the seeds of your reputation. If you want your hiring process to be more than simply finding a warm body to fill a spot, you need a clear hiring strategy and focused processes.
This session reviews best practices for developing an effective hiring strategy: from creating the job description to developing recruiting skill sets – from the interview through the onboarding process. Business owners and managers will be led through a series of questions to help them meet compliance standards while customizing practices to suit their culture. We will also consider best practices for virtual/remote hiring issues.
Deirdre Pattillo, project manager with the UTSA SBDC COVID Business Recovery Accelerator, will present this webinar.
This webinar is hosted by the UTRGV SBDC with promotional support from area resource partners: Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Public Library, RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce, Starr County Industrial Foundation, and Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.
Register online.

8(a) Business Development Program + Procurement Technical Assistance Center Services
2022-03-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the UTRGV Procurement Technical Assistance Center present the 8(a) Business Development Certification Program + PTAC Services online workshop on March 24.
The federal government uses special programs to help small businesses win at least 23 percent of all federal contracting dollars each year.
To help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development Programs.
The UTRGV PTAC will also present on services they offer the community.
Discover and Learn:

If Government Contracting is for you?
What are the benefits of being an 8(a) certified firm?
If you qualify for the 8(a) program?
Steps on How to do Business with the Federal Government.

Register online.

Payroll Compliance
2022-03-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Online, TX, United States
Are you planning to hire employees?
Hiring employees involves more than just signing a paycheck. Before hiring employees, business owners must understand and prepare for the additional obligations that come with being an employer. This workshop sheds light on the compliance requirements of payroll.
Webinar Highlights:

Steps to meeting general State and Federal requirements
Laws and types of payroll taxes business owners must pay
Contact information for the different agencies that govern payroll taxes
Helpful resources

Register online.

17th Brownsville Guitar Festival
2022-03-25 - 2022-03-26 | TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Avenue, Brownsville, TX, United States
The Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts presents the Brownsville Guitar Festival on March 25 and 26. The event features performances by some of the best, most inventive acoustic guitarists in the world today.
Berta Rojas, “guitarist extraordinaire”, nominated three times for Latin Grammy Awards, brings her vibrant and uniquely popular style to the stage while Xavier Jara displays talents that won him the world’s most prestigious solo guitar competition.
Created by Dr. Michael Quantz in 2001, the festival was designed to benefit students and music programs of all levels studying music on the guitar. Ensembles from more than 50 cities across the United States and Mexico have participated in the festival. Some of the greats in the classical guitar world have performed and taught for us including Grammy winners David Russell, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Jason Vieaux, and Los Romeros.

Texas Onion Fest
2022-03-26 | Downtown Weslaco, Texas Blvd., Weslaco, United States
The Texas Onion Fest celebrates the development of the world famous Texas 1015 Onion which was developed in Weslaco. The name of the 1015 onion came from the suggested planting date, Oct. 15.
The festivities include live entertainment on two stages, the exciting Onion Eating Contest, food, commercial booths, kiddie rides, two performances by the Dancing Horses at the Charro Arena, 1015 Market, Car Show, cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Center and more.
Gates open Saturday at 10 a.m. Parking and admission for 2022 are free.
For more information, call the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce.

Brownsville Chamber Connect +
2022-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce March 28 for Chamber Connect + to learn more about what the local chamber of commerce can do for you. Members can also receive a refresher on membership benefits.
Learn how to:

Take advantage of your membership benefits
Join a committee
Stay connected with your members-only online portal
Set up your membership profile

This event is free and open to the community.
For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber.

Tax Tips For Your Business
2022-03-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, 602 W University Drive, Edinburg, TX, 78539, United States
Join the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce April 5 for the “Tax Tips For Your Business” seminar. Accounting experts from CAS CPA LLC will answer questions regarding taxes.
Topics discussed will include:

100% Meal Deduction
PPP Loan Forgiveness
Donation Deduction
Expired Tax Cuts & Jobs Acts Provisions
Employer Retention Tax Credit
Optimizing Business Tax Deductions

For more information on this event, call 956-383-4974.
RSVP online.

GMCC Lunch and Learn: Business Tax Compliance Workshop
2022-03-30 11:30 - 13:00 | Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED), 801 North Bryan Road, Mission, TX, 78572, United States
Join the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce March 30 for a Lunch and Learn session on business tax compliance.
Business tax compliance requires, like individuals, for all businesses to pay taxes on the money that they report as income each year. Determining business income and expenses can be complicated, so it is important for small business owners to have a basic understanding of tax requirements.
This session and lunch are free for GMCC members. Non-members are $15.
To register for this event, email amanda@missionchamber.com.

Monarch Fest
2022-04-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Each spring, Monarch Butterflies migrate north and east around March or April. On April 2, Quinta Mazatlan hosts the annual Monarch Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in McAllen, with the Bug Parade at 11 a.m.
Family activities include live music, dance, vendors, arts & crafts, migration path, speakers, garden tours, food and other activities. The main stage features cultural dances and performers throughout the festival. Quinta Mazatlan encourages festival goers to wear orange and wings.
Children of all ages will enjoy the Bug Parade with an invitation to dress as a pollinator and walk in the parade. The Bug Parade is led by the famous McHi Drumline, Butterfly Stilt Walkers and more entertainers. Kids can also meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar along the route.
Ambassador animals will be on display with presentations by Gladys Porter Zoo and Animal Contacto. Boy Scouts can work on fulfilling badge requirements including Grow Something, In the Wild, Feathers-Fur-Fins and the Insect Badge. Girl Scouts can work to complete Outdoor Art Petal, Animal Habitat, Garden and Bug Badges.
Adults will enjoy the live music, garden tours, native plant sale, vendors, food and monarch/gardening speakers. The streets of “Mazatlan” will feature educational booths hosted by UTRGV Entomology, Estero Llano Grande, Resaca de las Palmas, McAllen Recycling & Composting, McAllen Fire Station, McAllen Police Department, McAllen Library, McAllen Public Utility, One Up Mushroom, Santa Ana NWR, Texas Master Naturalists and more.
Festival sponsors are the Radisson Hotel, Med Care EMS, Whataburger and many educational organizations and volunteers.
Festival admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children, and children ages 2 and under are admitted free.
Tickets are available online at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

McAllen Cruise Night
2022-04-02 13:00 - 19:00 | McAllen Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
Join the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for the second annual “McAllen Classic Car Cruise Night” in McAllen April 2 from 1-7 p.m. Admission is free.
The chamber invites all car enthusiasts to come out for a family-friendly event while strolling down memory lane viewing the different decades of automobile history. The event promises to be fun and enjoyable, with a special guest appearance by the Green Ghost. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed.
The classic car cruise will start at the McAllen Chamber led by the Green Ghost. It will then work its way North on Main Street to The Old Church and then back to the McAllen Chamber. Judging will take place at the McAllen Chamber. The announcement of winners will take place in the latter part of the afternoon.
“We’re excited to have the Green Ghost sponsor the event,” stated Blanca Cardenas, Interim President & CEO. “Attendees will have an opportunity to meet and greet and take photos with Charlie Clark, star of the Green Ghost and the Masters of the Stone, which will premiere in select theaters on April 29.”
For more information about the McAllen Classic Car Cruise, contact Wally or Maritza at 956-682-2871.

TSC Ruby Gala
2022-04-02 18:30 - 23:59 | Oliveira Student Services Center, 2nd Floor, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX, United States
Texas Southmost College continues its celebration of its 95th anniversary April 2 with its Ruby Gala.
The night will include a string quartet and live music by Rockstar Denied. Online and live auctions will include sport, spa and restaurant packages as well as art pieces and jewelry from local donors. The evening also includes a surf and turf dinner.
The gala takes place from 6:30 p.m. to midnight on the second floor of the TSC Olivera Student Services building. This is the third celebratory event honoring the college’s 95th anniversary held over the past year.
All proceeds from donors and auction purchases will benefit the TSC Foundation’s student scholarships.
TSC Foundation scholarships help hundreds of students each year. Most recently, they have also provided full scholarships to TSC’s Workforce Training students in programs such as Welding, Scaffolding and Insulation. These programs lead to immediate employment with companies that offer great pay and benefits.

LAUNCHPAD - Managing Your Money
2022-04-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Brownsville Public Library – Main Branch, 2600 Central Blvd., Brownsville, TX, United States
Join STARSociety April 3 to build foundational knowledge in budgeting and financial planning that will prepare you for your future educational journey.
LAUNCHPAD is an initiative between the South Texas Astronomical Society (STARS) and Brownsville Public Library System. It aims to facilitate access to STEAM resources and opportunities for students and families in the Brownsville/RGV area.
Career Pathways sessions are focused on college readiness and the exploration of potential career pathways. These sessions are led by STARS Director of Education, Maria Fernanda Martinez.

RGVHCC Manic Mixer
2022-04-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Costa Messa, 4013 W. Expy 83, McAllen, TX, United States
The RGV Hispanic Chamber hosts its monthly Manic Monday April 4 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The evening includes appetizers and beverages.
Come meet and greet members, and network with new prospective members who wish to use the benefits that the RGVHCC offers.
This event is open to all. Attendees may bring a door prize for a chance to talk about their businesses.

Mission Member Spotlight Mixer: Cano Logistics LLC
2022-04-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Cano Logistics LLC, 503 W. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX, 78577, United States
Mission Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce hosts its Member Spotlight Mixer April 7, honoring the expansion of Cano Logistics LLC.

Weslaco Job Fair
2022-04-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Weslaco Business Visitor and Event Center, 275 S. Kansas, Weslaco, TX, 78596, United States
More than 30 employers will conduct on-site interviews at the Weslaco Job Fair April 8 at the Weslaco Business, Visitors and Event Center. Dress interview ready.
Sponsors for the fair are the Weslaco EDC and the City of Weslaco and in partnership with Workforce Solutions Weslaco.

2022 Causeway Run & Fitness Walk
2022-04-09 07:00 - 11:00 | Port Isabel Community Center, 213 Yturria Street, Port Isabel, TX, United States
The Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce hosts its 38th Annual Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk on April 9. The 5K Walk and 10K Run features 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 start promptly at 7 a.m. at the Port Isabel Community Center at 213 Yturria Street in Port Isabel. Walkers will start approximately 15 minutes later. Only the outside lane of the westbound side of the causeway will close for the run and it will reopen as soon as the last walker clears the bridge.
With more than 2,400 participants in 2020, run organizers say they are expecting a great turnout this year.
“Everyone participating in the event will receive a custom medal commemorating the run and walk,” said Chamber President Betty Wells. “Our medals have a stained glass look and have been very popular.”
The first 1,500 registrants to check in also receive an event t-shirt, although sizes are not guaranteed.
Entry fees for the Run & Walk start at $25 for students and military personnel with ID, $35 for walkers, and $40 for runners. Late registration is Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Port Isabel Community Center and from 5:30-6:30 a.m. at the Community Center on Saturday.
Online registrations are open, or participants may download a registration form.

Community Family Health Fair
2022-04-09 10:00 - 13:00 | McAllen Public Library, 4001 North 23rd Street, McAllen, TX, 78504, United States
McAllen Public Library hosts a Community Family Health Fair on April 9 at the Main library. Attendees can “Get on Track with your Health” by taking advantage of free health screenings and visiting many informational stations. Families can enjoy free mini train rides, jump rope and hoola hoop contests, a bubble dance-a-thon more. The Health Fair will take place inside the library lobby and outside, in front of the facility.
Dr. Martin Ekoumou and UTRGV-UT Health Rio Grande Valley students will be onsite providing free health screenings. These include blood pressure checks, BMI testing, diabetes screening and cholesterol testing.
Agencies such as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Hammond Vision Center, McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic, Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association, Endeavors, South Texas Health System, Power of Why Studio, Vitalant, McAllen Metro and many others will share information about their services to our community.
The Community Family Health Fair is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact the library or visit its website.

Sunset Live
2022-04-09 18:00 - 21:00 | McAllen Convention Center Oval Park., 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
After a brief pause for two years, McAllen’s Sunset Live outdoor music festival returns in its full capacity April 9 with a Tex-Mex Country R&B musical celebration.
Admission and parking to the concert is free and is open to the whole family, including pets.
The lineup for Saturday is as follows:

6-6:45 p.m. – Yoga class with Quiet Mind Yoga
6:30 p.m. – STAARZ, R&B Pop from Brownsville
7 p.m. – Lizzie Astorga, Mexican &American Pop from Brownsville
8 p.m. – Ricky J & Desert Bloom, Country from McAllen
9 p.m. – Darius Jackson, Blues musician from Austin

About Sunset Live
Sunset Live includes three concerts in the spring and three concerts in the fall. Each concert takes place the second Saturday of the month. The series focuses on promoting the arts and giving up-and-coming artists and musicians a different type of exposure outside of the local bar scene.

IDEA Public Schools Operations Job Fair
2022-04-12 17:00 - 19:00 | IDEA Sports Park Gym, 6650 Old Alice Road, Brownsville, TX, United States
Rio Grande Valley IDEA Public Schools hosts an Operations Job Fair April 12. Positions range from transportation to food services. Click on the event flyer to the right for available positions information.
For more information, email cynthia.aguilar@ideapublicschools.org.

Fair Labor Standards Act Webinar
2022-04-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes that supporting entrepreneurship is a team effort. “Fair Labor Standards Act” on April 15 is the seventh workshop in a series of 10 specifically developed with the local entrepreneur in mind.
The 10-part series addresses a variety of subjects and connects participants with experts from federal, state and local business resources. Did you recently start a business or planning to start one? While starting a business is an exciting venture, it can be overwhelming and daunting to navigate without proper planning, understanding and execution.
Owning a small business brings many responsibilities, including compliance with various federal labor and employment laws. Employers must comply with both federal and state laws. As a business owner, you have the responsibility to pay your employees properly, maintain certain records, adhere to certain requirements if you employ minors, provide eligible workers with unpaid family or medical leave and to notify your employees of their rights in the workplace.
This session presented by the U.S. Department of Labor-Wage and Hour Division will teach participants the importance of complying with rules and regulations covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Discover and Learn:

Policies under minimum wage, overtime provisions, and tip credit for “tipped employees”
Child labor provisions and employment regulations for youth dependent on the age and type of work
Who is eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act and what does it cover?
Enforcement of Violations, who can report violations and what happens next

Register online.
For more information, contact Veronica Z. Ortega.

Food Park Unplugged
2022-04-15 20:00 - 22:00 | McAllen Food Park, 10 N. Broadway, McAllen, 78501, United States
Food Park Unplugged takes place April 15 at McAllen Food Park.
Every third Friday of the month, enjoy the sounds of local crooners while feasting on dishes by Food Truck chefs. Take a stroll and do some shopping from local craft and collectibles vendors. This event is family- and pet-friendly.
Free admission into the park.

Mission Citrus Golf Classic 2022
2022-04-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Shary Municipal Golf Club, 2201 North Mayberry Street, Mission, TX, 78572, United States
The Mission Citrus Golf Classic 2022 takes place May 6, benefiting the Mission CISD Education Fund.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. tee-off. Registration is $500 for a team of three and includes course fees, golf cart, gift bags, breakfast and lunch.
To pre-register or for sponsorship information, call 956-585-2727 or email vicepresident@missionchamber.com.
Registration is also available online.

Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce Meet and Greet
2022-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Alton Recreation Center, 349 W. Dawes, Alton, TX, United States
Attend the Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce Meet and Greet event April 22 to learn about the benefits of becoming a chamber member. Attendees may also voice the type of resources and support they would like to receive from the chamber. The evening provides an opportunity to meet other members of the business community.
RSVP by contacting Susana Ruiz.

Spring Migration Celebration
2022-04-23 - 2022-04-24 | South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary, 6801 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Experience the spectacle and colors of spring bird migration through South Padre Island at the Spring Migration Celebration April 23-24.
The weekend includes birding workshops and presentations and a native plant sale. Also on the schedule are Island golf cart birding tours and kids’ activities.

Second Annual Laguna Vista Autism Hero Walk/Run
2022-04-23 08:00 - 12:30 | Roloff Park, Laguna Vista, 122 Fernandez Street, Laguna Vista, TX, 78578, United States
Calling all autism heroes! Join the Laguna Vista Autism Hero Walk/Run April 23 help spread awareness and acceptance of individuals with autism. Proceeds to benefit BiG Heroes, Inc.
The day includes a fun run, 5K and 10K. Participants can attend in person or virtually. Participants who cross the finish line will receive a medal. Festivities include door prizes, activities and information booths.
Registration is $15 for the 5K Walk and includes an event t-shirt. The 5K run is $20 and includes an event shirt, and medals for top 10 men and top 10 women. Registration for the 10K is $25 and includes an event t-shirt, and medal for top 10 men and top 10 women. The 1-Mile Fun Run is free for kids under the age of 12 (the first 100 registered will receive a free cape).
Register online.

Brownsville Chamber Connect +
2022-04-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce for Chamber Connect + April 25 to learn more about what the chamber can do for you. Members can also receive a refresher on member benefits.
In this event free and open to the public, attendees will learn how to:

take advantage of membership benefits
join a committee
stay connected with your members-only online portal
set up a membership profile

For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber team.
