News

Texas Parks calling for entries in contest

Details: Published: Wednesday, 01 November 2023 16:20

IMG 8027 web To Celebrate 100 years, Texas Parks and Wildlife has been having a photo contest celebrating Texas parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wrapped up the summer portion of the Texas State Parks Centennial Photo Contest, choosing a winner from more than 740 entries. The winning photo for the “Keepin’ it Cool at Texas State Parks” summer theme was taken by Heather Averill and features an otherworldly underwater view of Balmorhea State Park’s spring-fed pool.

50 Years: It’s about bringing music to others

Details: Published: Wednesday, 01 November 2023 07:16

MWE saxophones web The McAllen Wind Ensemble is celebrating 50 years of bringing music to Valley communities. Roger Olivarez, who has been conducting the ensemble for 10 years, says this is a testament to the community’s love of music and to the commitment of the musicians as well.

“It’s the golden anniversary, we’re very excited,” he said.

October 25, 2023 - Rina's Ramblings

Details: Published: Wednesday, 25 October 2023 17:43

Looks like things are happening all around the Valley. We are seeing submissions for park activities coming in and fall and Christmas events plans are already being made. It’s an exciting time of year – the beginning of the season.

We love this time of year for multiple reasons. But a big reason is seeing what you all are up to in the parks and your community. This time of year, we see Halloween parades and costume contests and dances. In fact, we get to attend one next week. We always get to see the photos, but now we get to have some fun with you.

We love seeing those photos too. So, if you have a costume contest at your park or decorating contest, send some photos in with your information. We would love to share them.

I know many of you hold Veterans Day activities for your residents. If you are holding an event or would like to share photos of your event, send them our way.

Welcome home and enjoy this paradise

Details: Published: Wednesday, 25 October 2023 17:42

20210202 SPI SPI Convention Center CAB 5630 web A big, big Welcome Home! We have missed you…. And you missed a hot, hot summer. In fact, we had record-breaking heat and very little rain. When the temperature dropped below a hundred it was like a cold snap and were we ever relieved.

Now the weather is just perfect for enjoying an early morning walk or a golf outing or a game of shuffleboard with your friends. In fact, the weather is just right.

Our Winter Texans contribute so much to the Valley. I know economically. You help us out. And we appreciate that. But you offer so much, much more to us and you do it with so much love and understanding.
You are a pleasure and a great benefit to us. We will never be able to tell you how much we appreciate your sharing your talents, your experiences, and your loving nature with us – The most wonderful thing is that you are willing to share with us. Thanks!

Some of you may drive a little slower than some of the others who are always in a hurry to get to their destination. But I drive a little slower than I used to also. You may not see as well as you used to, but then I don’t either. But why not go a little slower. Let’s enjoy this paradise.

VSO announces concert schedule

Details: Published: Wednesday, 25 October 2023 17:36

20181128 Touch of Frost VSO w Chorale web The Valley Symphony Orchestra recently announced the 2023-2024 masterworks concert season, “Musical Mystique.” The five-concert series will take place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, and all concerts will be conducted by Maestro Peter Dabrowski.

“These five concerts are packed with an incredible variety of music,” said Katy Coy, VSO executive director. “We’re starting the season with Beethoven, Harry Potter is back by popular demand, and some beautiful works like Scheherazade and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” are also featured. There’s something for everyone this year.”