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National Museum of the Pacific War launches revamped Society of Sons and Daughters of WWII Veterans

20250523 National Museum of the Pacific WarSubmitted by Haley Hull, Marketing Director, National Museum of the Pacific War

Fredericksburg, TX – The National Museum of the Pacific War is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Society of Sons and Daughters of WWII Veterans, a revitalized version of a long-standing program dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of those who served during World War II.

First established years ago to recognize descendants and families of WWII veterans, the Society has been restructured to provide a more streamlined and accessible experience. The revamped program now features a secure online portal where members can create and manage individual profiles for their veterans, upload photographs, share personal stories, and organize service records. These improvements address previous limitations in the application process and archival management, enhancing the Society’s ability to preserve these histories for future generations.

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McAllen’s Veterans War Memorial committee to host Memorial Day Ceremony

20061026 Veterans War Memorial JMB 3894 webThe McAllen Veteran's War Memorial committee will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m. The memorial is located next to the McAllen Perofrming Arts Center at 801 Convention Center Blvd.

“On Memorial Day, we remember those brave heroes who died in service to our great nation,” said Mayor Villalobos. “We are proud that our Texas Veterans War Memorial has their names of those soldiers from McAllen, the Rio Grande Valley and throughout South Texas inscribed here forever, for us to honor and thank them.”

Texas Game Wardens issue safety reminder ahead of busy Memorial Day weekend

TGW20patrol20Lake20TravisAUSTIN – As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Texas Game Wardens are gearing up for a busy summer on lakes, rivers and coastal waters to keep boaters safe.
With more than 560,000 registered boats and an estimated 359,000 unregistered paddlecraft on Texas waterways, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging boaters to make wearing life jackets, sober operation of boats and common-sense safety their top priorities. Operators of personal watercraft should also be aware that these vessels have unique safety laws, including always wearing a life jacket and operating in daylight hours only.

Read more: Texas Game Wardens issue safety reminder ahead of busy Memorial Day weekend

Tips to safely share the beach with nesting shorebirds

Red Knots and other shorebirds Photo by Michael JSubmitted by the American Bird Conservatory

Memorial Day in the U.S. marks the unofficial end of spring bird migration and beginning of summer. While millions of people flock to beaches and parks with rivers or lakes for recreation, many shorebirds like the Least Tern, Piping Plover, Snowy Plover, Wilson's Plover, and Black Skimmers have begun to nest and raise their young along the shore.

Long before people were using beaches for various forms of recreation, they were productive nesting areas for generations of shorebirds along with other types of wildlife.

With many shorebird species in decline, American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has the following tips for mindful beachgoers.

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STC Cosmetology students provide complimentary services

CosmetologyServices5 webBy Joey Gomez

South Texas College Cosmetology students say the program is giving them the opportunity to prepare for their future dream careers while promoting a culture of service and a spirit of giving back to the community.

Under the guidance of faculty, students can perform complimentary services such as updos, pedicures, haircuts, facials and much more for visitors.

Services are available to the public Monday through Thursday at the college’s Cosmetology Center located on the second floor of the Shah Eye Center at 1506 E. Griffin Pkwy. in Mission.

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Team USA regains bragging rights

DSC 0268 webBy Herb Moering

After Ed Martens threw out the ceremonial first pitch, it was all business as the Division A USA Team garnered the bragging rights for the coming year and its name engraved on the beautiful trophy with a win over the Canadian Team in Friday’s International Senior Softball Tournament.

Team USA regained the trophy after the Canada team won it in 2024. In fact, Canada has had its name on the trophy for four of the last seven years of the CanAm senior’s tournament. The USA Division B Team also won its game with Canada. The trophy is housed by the City of McAllen.

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PSJA Golf Classic to benefit student scholarships

The inaugural PSJA Superintendent’s Scholarship Golf Classic will take place on Saturday, March 29, at Tierra Del Sol Golf Club in Pharr, with registration beginning at 7 a.m. The event aims to raise funds for student scholarships through the PSJA Education Foundation.

The event will feature three-person teams in an 18-hole format, with a tee-off time of 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as for the longest drive and closest to the pin.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit educational scholarships for graduating seniors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those interested in supporting PSJA ISD students.

For more information or interview requests, please contact PSJA Communications Department at (956) 354-2027. Tierra Del Sol Golf Club is located at 700 E. Hall Acres Rd.

Relatives of RGV natives from around the world presented by Joey Santore

In Variations on a Theme, Joey will take us on a journey beyond the Rio Grande Valley to see how related plants in the same genera and families have evolved in dramatically different environments across the globe. Discover the unexpected connections between our local flora and their distant relatives and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of plant life.

From Outside magazine about Joey: “An ex-punk and former train engineer who is self-taught in the sciences, Joey Santore does not fit the mold of the stereotypical botanist. He has lots of tattoos and no college degree... Joey’s YouTube channel, Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, has more than a quarter-million subscribers … he’s getting … many different kinds of people to geek out on plants.”

Read more: Relatives of RGV natives from around the world presented by Joey Santore

Hawk Watch and more at Bentsen State Park

Bentsen Moth webExciting programs are taking place at Bentsen-RGV State Park next month. For bird lovers, Hawk Watch continues, as does the weekend bird walks. For the healthy minded, there are the Wild Wellness classes.

There are fun and informative programs for all ages. Scheduled programs are free with park admission. Reservations are required for some programs. All programs meet at the tram turnaround at the park headquarters unless otherwise specified.

Read more: Hawk Watch and more at Bentsen State Park

McAllen Chamber launches March Foodie Tour

FOODIE TOUR webThe McAllen Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of McAllen and Visit McAllen, launched the McAllen Foodie Tour—a month-long celebration of the city’s vibrant culinary scene. The tour kicked off on Friday, March 7, bringing together restaurant owners, city officials and food lovers to highlight the importance of McAllen’s restaurants.

Recognized by travel magazines and critics for its equally diverse and delicious cuisine, the City of McAllen is showcasing everything from homegrown favorites to renowned restaurant groups, giving the community and visitors a taste of the best the city has to offer.

Throughout March, McAllen residents and visitors will explore new restaurants, uncover secret menu items and participate in exciting social media challenges. By following Visit McAllen’s social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook, food lovers can discover new featured restaurants and earn chances to win prizes, including thousands of dollars in gift cards, hotel stays and discounts.

Read more: McAllen Chamber launches March Foodie Tour

Tips for adventures at Texas State Parks

20101001 FWT Bentsen State Park hawk tower platform E webAUSTIN – You can enjoy spring too, at any of Texas’ State Parks. If you’re not into visiting during the month of March, there is plenty of time to visit on your way back up north. Texas State Parks still have day-use and overnight availability for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure.

“Spring is a special time to get outside, with warmer temperatures and blooming wildflowers — parks are perfect places to experience both,” said Tara Humphreys, director of interpretation for Texas State Parks. “We are excited to welcome visitors and showcase our parks and encourage every Texan to ‘take a walk on the wild side’ and visit a Texas State Park.”

Read more: Tips for adventures at Texas State Parks

Go west for a change

DSC 0144 webAs a Winter Texan, you know you can’t stay cooped up in your RV park all the time so when you want to venture out for a day it usually means passing Freddy Fender’s water tower with a trip to Brownsville or South Padre.

Haven’t you heard the expression, “Go West, Young Man, Go West”? So, if you have not followed the Valley to the west, here is a little help. Forget the bypass, there is little to see. Stay on Business 83 and go through Penitas and La Joya. Look for the small highway sign that points you to Los Ebanos, take that side trip for five minutes and you can see the rope drawn ferry across the Rio.

Read more: Go west for a change

IMAS unveils Destino Sur exhibit

IMAS CarlosLimas 10 webThe International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) announces Destino Sur, a solo photography exhibition by acclaimed artist Carlos Limas, on exhibit now, and running through June 22. This exhibition, supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) - Center for Latin American Arts, and South Texas College (STC), takes visitors on a visual exploration of Peru’s rich cultural and geographical landscapes.

Read more: IMAS unveils Destino Sur exhibit

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