There’s a little patch of green on Texas Boulevard in downtown Weslaco. The morning sun lights up a beautiful courtyard that’s lush and green with oak trees and a small playhouse with hanging plants. It’s the sort of place of calm and reflection that Yvonne Reyes seeks in bringing her patients for therapy. Reyes, an occupational therapist, works to improve the focus, motor skills and sensory perceptions of her patients.…
The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Weslaco Chamber Awards Program. Each year the chamber recognizes and celebrates the achievements of member companies through a series of awards programs. New categories this year include Ambassador of the Year, Rising Star, Unsung Hero and Educator of the Year. This is in addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Man or Woman of the Year, and Business…
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville is launching Census Sundays in an effort to bolster census participation in areas that are still undercounted. In addition to announcements to parishioners, certain area churches will host drive-through events every weekend through Sept. 27. “A vital part of the mission of the Church is to care for the people of God – all people – Catholic or not,” states a release from the Diocese.…
The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce has kicked off its Love Local campaign through Nov. 27. The weekly drawing will reward those supporting Weslaco businesses by making purchases of at least $20. In order to be eligible for drawings, customers must send the chamber a photo of their receipt(s) through Facebook messenger. The more people shop, the more entries they receive. Customers may also receive extra entries by uploading a picture…
South Texas College’s enrollment centers at Starr, Mid Valley and Pecan campuses are open on all Saturdays throughout August to help students with registration for the fall semester. Both enrollment centers and financial aid areas will be open for students by appointment only. Students can sign up for an appointment online, or by downloading the Qless app and searching for South Texas College. Enrollment centers will be open from 10…
Eddy Berges earned medical degrees and training in his native Dominican Republic and then in Puerto Rico. A major goal still lay ahead and Berges pursued it by applying to several medical schools in the United States. Berges’ goal was to be accepted into a residency program. He found one in the Rio Grande Valley, and a program barely getting off the ground. Berges and five other physician residents from…
Cynthia Duran is gearing up to start another school year – in whatever form that may take – but she’s always teaching. The Weslaco school district art educator has navigated through an interesting summer at her Busy Bristles Art Studio. The downtown Weslaco business also had its COVID-19 ups and downs. The enthusiasm for art never waned. The interest of children and adults to get before a canvas again ran…
For the first time ever, South Texas College’s Mid Valley Campus is adding courses in both music and culinary arts for the fall semester. STC will open a new piano lab that will allow both music majors and others to register for piano. Guitar instruction is also available. “As the Music Department continues to grow, it’s become obvious we are now in a position to strengthen our presence on another…
The Weslaco Economic Development Corporation has awarded 37 local businesses with financial assistance from its small business loan/grant program. The program was announced in early May to help small businesses cope with the fallout of COVID-19 hardships. The EDC said the loan/grant program helps with payroll, mortgage, rent, utilities and basic operation costs. “The growing economy in Weslaco has based its success on the traditions set by our small business…
Adam Shidler stayed busy in the two weeks his Weslaco business was closed. Government-mandated shutdowns due to COVID-19 kept his downtown coffee shop temporarily shuttered. Shidler used the time to do maintenance and upkeep at Weslaco’s Daily Grind. Working in his shop, customers would see him inside and knock on windows and wave hellos. Weslaco’s Daily Grind’s customers missed their coffee shop – and the feelings were mutual. “Our friends…