Text Size

Country Jammin’ at McAllen’s Paradise Park

Paradise Park 02 webOn Tuesday, January 23, I entered this amazing 55+ park’s recreational hall to be greeted by nearly 200 lovers of country and gospel music who warmly welcomed me to Paradise Park (100 E. Hackberry). I was also welcomed by Dolly Mireles, activity director, Rosemary, the office manager, and Andy Anderson, the manager of the jam/stage band and one of the lead guitarists and vocalists.

This jam is one of the more popular music jams according to the jammers who were interviewed. A large amount of the credit, according to the jammers, is due to the members of the stage band. Along with Andy Anderson, there is Ed Augstein, tenor sax; Claude Babin, keyboard; Al Cully, bass guitar; Larry Lange, lead guitar and vocals; Rich Rohrback, pedal steel guitar and vocals; and Dean Schilling on trumpet and vocals. The jam also has a master of ceremonies, David Harston, who announces each musician and recites poems.

Paradise Park 03 webIn addition to the stage band, this jam had 32 jammers. They were John Bennett, guitar; Bart Bergquist; Ed Blac; Dwight Blackman; Ann Butler; Randy and Sharon Calendar; Richard Daniel; Lenny Falcone, guitar; Sandy Grady; Ralph Hartnicker; Jane Heinen; Billy J Hicks; Charles Josephes, guitar; Jane Kumor; Gilles LaFlamme, Guitar; Elaine Nelson, guitar; Judy O’Hair; Joy Padgett; Bob Powell; Gary Rene; Rusty Rierson, guitar; Carole Robinson, guitar; Deral Rogers, guitar; Al Schulz, guitar; Susie Q Schutz; Peggy Soucek, guitar; Wally Sternberg, banjo; Carolyn Sternberg, accordion; Bill Swatz, guitar; Betty Thomes; and Marilyn.

Read more: Country Jammin’ at McAllen’s Paradise Park

Making a difference by sharing your talents

You know, we are never too old to learn. And I just learned something wonderful. It’s all about love. What is love?

All of my adult life, I have always volunteered – as an Outreach person for my church while I was in college, as a Girl Scout Leader for over 20 years after I became a mother, and as a volunteer chairman for a money-making endeavor for my local church. When I started Go …. With Jo Tours, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to share what I had learned while traveling to a foreign country.

When I plan a tour for you, I try to imagine what I would want if I were buying that tour. As I plan a tour, I try to share with you the beauty, history, and culture of our world. For instance, the Monterrey Tour, the Painted Churches, or any of the tours – what can I share with you so that you too can enjoy the experience?

But recently, I decided I could do more. I decided to follow the example that so many of you have set for us. I wanted to contribute more. I wanted to make a difference. So, I offered my services as a one-on-one reading tutor at the Boys and Girls Club in one of the local schools. I am brand new at tutoring, but since my background is in teaching and counseling, I thought surely that I could make a difference.

Read more: Making a difference by sharing your talents

Fundraiser for RMHC planned

Ship Shape is hosting their annual Fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities on Tuesday, February 20, at Louie’s Backyard in South Padre Island. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased in advance at Ship Shape located 5212 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island.

The event will have live music, food, giveaway prizes, and exclusive shopping discounts at Ship Shape. They will also be hosting a pop tabs and Ronald McDonald House wish-list drive. All proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Texas.

For more information, please visit Ship Shape on Facebook or call them at (956) 761-2111.

4th annual South Texas Irish Fest comes to McAllen

image000004 webThe fourth annual South Texas Irish Fest (STXIF) will be held Saturday, February 24, from 12 to 7 p.m. It will be held at the Cambria Hotel (701 S. Ware Rd.) at McAllen Convention Center, with gorgeous facilities, an on-site restaurant and bar, a discounted room rate for visitors, and plentiful parking close to all the amenities. There will be a vendor market, featured dishes and drinks, whiskey tasting, all-day entertainment, pop-up exhibits, and family activities.

Read more: 4th annual South Texas Irish Fest comes to McAllen

Creative Quilters hold annual quilt show

The Creative Quilters at Casa Del Valle will be holding their 19th annual quilt show on Tuesday, February 20. The Bright World of Quilting is the theme for this year’s show.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be an entry fee of $2 which includes the opportunity to win door prizes throughout the day.

During the show, there will be vendors, scissor sharpening and a “New To You” shop. In addition, Creative Quilter will be giving demonstrations.

Read more: Creative Quilters hold annual quilt show

Honoring an Era at WinterFest and Expo

20240207 20220208 Winter Fest IMG 7046 webLeslie Blasing Productions present “Honoring an Era at the WinterFest and Expo to be held Monday, February 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, February 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the South Padre Island Convention Center.

There is no entrance fee to the event, but Blasing is highlighting the local food pantries by collecting canned goods. Donations are not required either but are encouraged and greatly appreciated.

Read more: Honoring an Era at WinterFest and Expo

Take a musical journey through the diversity of animation

20190320 McAllen Wind Ensemble Group 92Q webThe McAllen Wind Ensemble is excited to announce its 50th Anniversary season. Their next concert, titled “Animation,” is Tuesday, February 13, 7:30 p.m., at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Animation spans generations of styles, genres, and cultures.

From the earliest days of moving pictures, animation captured the hearts of audiences, often due to engaging music. Classic childhood cartoons often had a backdrop of classical music to add both gravitas and humor. The band will perform one of the most hummable examples of this in an arrangement of Rosini’s Barber of Seville. Modern composers draw on the memory of these classics and the band will perform one of the most creative adaptations with Russell Stanbridge’s Animation (Episode 1: WABBIT!).

Read more: Take a musical journey through the diversity of animation

  • Default
  • Title
  • Date
  • Random
load more hold SHIFT key to load all load all

Login