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We thank you

Details: Published: Tuesday, 31 December 2019 15:50

It seems as though 2019 has come to a close way too fast. We are just about halfway through our season and it has been great getting to know you better. It has been a pleasure working with you to help serve you and get the news you want to read.

This holiday season I have seen parks go out of their way to make sure others have a nice holiday. It has been eye opening in seeing how many of you are so willing to give to the communities you reside in while in the Valley.

Fun N Sun preparing for 40th International Shuffleboard Championship

Details: Published: Saturday, 28 December 2019 16:13

20191226 Fun N Sun Shuffleboard Ann Engell is a world-class competitor. Talking to her leaves no doubt.

When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the athlete who played baseball, volleyball and pickle ball, started preparing for the future. But the competitive spirit hasn’t changed... in fact, it may be greater now than ever.

Alamo celebrates Christmas with Candy Land

Details: Published: Saturday, 28 December 2019 16:12

20191226 DSC 0357 alamo The transition with directors went just as planned as several hundred spectators enjoyed the City of Alamo’s Christmas celebration in “Candy Land” the evening of December 14.
With Parks and Recreation Department Director Arnold Robles retiring earlier this month, the task of organizing the 10th annual illuminated parade, tree lighting ceremony and on-stage entertainment fell to Steve Vela, the recently named interim agency director.

On the Road with Jo - The day after - What will you resolve to do?

Details: Published: Saturday, 28 December 2019 16:07

WEB On The Road Header It's the day after the day we have been waiting for. Such anticipation to have the family together for such a grand celebration. And then very quickly, it is all over. Of course, the house is a mess. Stockings are scattered all over the floor and gifts are stacked in the corners ready to be put away. Empty boxes filled with wrappings and ribbons need to be destroyed or carefully stored to be recycled next year.

Men of A-Chord announce schedule

Details: Published: Saturday, 28 December 2019 16:01

20191226 men chord The Men of A-Chord will be giving several concerts this season. The group is known for their music sung acappella in four-part, barbershop style harmony. The group enjoys blending their voices together to create beautiful sounds.

Texas A&M University Singing Cadets to perform

Details: Published: Saturday, 28 December 2019 16:00

The Senior Ambassadors Men’s Chorus will welcome the Texas A&M Singing Cadets to the Rio Grande Valley on Thursday, January 9, 2020 for a performance at the Center Church (Formerly Trinity Worship Center) located at 4801 N. Cage Blvd., in Pharr.

Internationally known as the “Voice of Aggieland,” the Singing Cadets are Texas A&M University’s premier men’s chorus. The Singing Cadets celebrated their 125th anniversary in 2019. David L. Kipp is the 13th and current director of the 75-member men’s choral group. Under his leadership the Singing Cadets remain true to their traditionally crisp military style and diverse selection of music. The Cadets will perform American, military, sacred and Aggie-themed numbers.

TCF Float entry deadline January 21

Details: Published: Saturday, 28 December 2019 15:58

20191226 TCF Citrus Fiesta Parade GU IMG 4690 The Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission is an event to look forward to every year. Each year the parade has a different theme and floats in the parade that are all decked out according to that theme using lively decorations and Valley products. This year’s theme is Space Odyssey Adventure to celebrate the anniversary of space exploration.

MHM accepting entries for ‘Turning of the Quilts’

Details: Published: Friday, 27 December 2019 20:27

20191226 MHM Quilt The Mission Historical Museum is accepting entries for its “Turning of the Quilts” program to be offered January 17. The museum is looking for antique, vintage, or just plain interesting quilts for this program. The quilts are presented stacked on a bed. As each quilt is shown, it is turned down to reveal the next quilt, until all have been presented. A knowledgeable presenter will talk about each quilt as it is shown.

Harlem Globetrotters bring “Pushing the Limits” tour to Edinburg

Details: Published: Friday, 27 December 2019 20:26

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their new “Pushing the Limits” World Tour to Edinburg at Bert Ogden Arena on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 7 p.m. Globetrotters’ fans will experience even bigger moments and memories, including a live world record attempt at each game. Plus, many markets will feature a glow in the dark performance.

Winter Texan quilts comforting families of organ donors

Details: Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2019 12:00

20191218 img 4212 quilt Quilts made by the Winter Texas Grandmas at Casa del Valle are providing valuable comfort to families when their loved one becomes an organ donor at hospitals across the Rio Grande Valley. Since starting a partnership with Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the organ procurement organization that provides organ donation and recovery services for families in Central and South Texas, 20 donor families have received a hand-made quilt.

Seven years ago, Don Uecker of Wisconsin was making funeral arrangements for his wife, Darlene, when he asked family and friends to consider making a financial donation in her honor to the Texas Grandmas group. Years later, his relationship with the group and his volunteer work with TOSA led him to connect the two groups to provide something special for grieving families.

“I know she would have liked this,” Uecker said as the Winter Texans worked around him.

The group collects their fabrics from donations, often times even material from families within the park. The size of the group varies as Winter Texans start returning to the Valley for the season, but often the crafts room has about a dozen people working inside on a variety of tasks to complete a quilt.

Each week the group meets and can complete about 300 quilts in an individual season. They donate their quilts to a number of organizations, but say no matter where they go, they’re happy to know they can bring comfort to families.

“It’s nice for us to have a community for us to serve,” said Sandra Johnson of Ontario, Canada. “It’s good for us to hear how they’re used and know they’re needed.”

TOSA recently was gifted another eight quilts to use for upcoming donor cases. Families often drape the quilt over their loved one and take it home with them once the organ recovery is completed. For many families, the personal touch of the quilts provide them solace that feels like home, which is difficult to come by in the hospital setting.

“They’ve been generous enough to make and donate quilts that are given to families of organ donors,” said Edwina P. Garza, TOSA senior communications coordinator.

Texans are encouraged to register at the Texas Department of Public Safety or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For information on organ donation, community initiatives or to register online, visit TOSA1.org.

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), founded in 1975, is one of 58 federally-designated Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) in the United States. TOSA is committed to a mission of saving lives through the power of organ donation by providing organ donation and recovery services to Central and South Texans wishing to donate, and to those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.