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STC Mid-Valley Campus launches gift card drive

STC Gift Card Picture1 USE THIS ONE webBy Veronica Salinas

The South Texas College (STC) Mid-Valley Campus is taking action to support students facing food insecurity through a new $20 gift card drive, led by Social Work faculty member Noel Ysasi, Philosophy faculty member Debby Hutchins, Ph.D., and the STC Social Work Club.

The initiative began in response to the recent government shutdown, which temporarily delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans.

Read more: STC Mid-Valley Campus launches gift card drive

Statewide historic sites ring in holidays with Texas flair

AUSTIN, Texas — With winter holidays on the horizon, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) announces family-friendly events hosted at historic sites statewide. The holiday events will meld modern traditions with historical customs.  

The Texas Historical Commission celebrates the rich tapestry of Texas history by adding a nostalgic touch to winter festivities. 

Read more: Statewide historic sites ring in holidays with Texas flair

Give a piece of historic Texas this holiday season

THC Cookbook webAUSTIN, Texas—With holiday shopping in full swing, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) has launched its online store TexasHistoryGifts.com featuring unique offerings available for purchase online and at historic sites across the state.  

The highlight of the season is “A Culinary Journey Through Texas History: A State Historic Sites Cookbook.” Edited by Hal Simon, the THC’s chief interpretive specialist, the cookbook takes professional and home chefs alike on a culinary journey that will inspire them to cook with passion, experiment with flavor, and taste the history of Texas. 

Read more: Give a piece of historic Texas this holiday season

National Wreaths Across America events planned

20220614 Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetary CAB 0013 webVolunteers across Texas are joining the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) to prepare for National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 13.

This year, 453 participating locations across the state will participate in the annual event, which honors every interred American veteran with a live balsam wreath. This December, 744 local WAA Sponsorship Groups have registered. They are working to raise the funds needed to place wreaths on the graves of the more than 574,600 service members resting in these participating cemeteries.

Read more: National Wreaths Across America events planned

Brownsville is rich with history

20201111 Brownsville Fort Brown CAB 4113 webWhen talking about Brownsville museums, you can’t talk about just one. Brownsville has the Heritage Museum, Stillman House Museum, the Historic Brownsville Museum, Costumes of the Americas Museum, and the Laureles Ranch House Museum.

The Brownsville Historical Association has a wonderful fold out map of the City of Brownsville. Through visiting areas on the map, you will learn its history and the importance of many buildings in the city. You can discover a lot of Brownsville’s history, heritage and culture that the Brownsville Historical Association is preserving in downtown Brownsville.

Read more: Brownsville is rich with history

The Salvation Army seeks volunteers

20241211 AngelTreeTagsLeft webWhile many are just beginning to think about holiday decorations, The Salvation Army has been preparing for Christmas for months—ensuring that families in need across McAllen can experience the joy and hope of the season. As red kettles begin to appear outside stores and Angel Trees are set up in local businesses, volunteers are urgently needed to help bring the spirit of Christmas to life.  

The Salvation Army of McAllen is calling on the community to Give with Joy by volunteering for its Red Kettle campaign and Angel Tree program – two beloved traditions that make a real difference for thousands of individuals and families.

Read more: The Salvation Army seeks volunteers

The magic and chemistry of fall foliage color 

Fall Leaves webCOLLEGE STATION, Texas – The transition of trees’ colors from lush green to a variety of warm tones annually marks the changing of seasons, often inducing strong anticipation for a chance to catch a glimpse of the magic.

The chemistry

While fall colors appear as magic to our eyes, it is really a product of color and chemistry.

Trees’ leaves contain pigments that play critical biological roles while also reflecting colors like green, yellow, orange and even brown.

Read more: The magic and chemistry of fall foliage color 

Edinburg to Host Edinburg Cares Food Drive

Edinburg Cares Food Drive 2025 webWith the holidays right around the corner, the City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department is working to ensure that residents across the city can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal without worry with the help of the 14th Annual Edinburg Cares Food Drive.

City staff, in collaboration with the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District and H-E-B, will distribute 1,000 turkeys and 1,000 food baskets on Saturday, November 22, to pre-selected families in Edinburg. The Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department will host a kick-off ceremony at 9 a.m. at 315 Mark S. Pena Drive before crews begin their deliveries.

Read more: Edinburg to Host Edinburg Cares Food Drive

Texas Tropical Trail to visit Monte Alto, Hargill November 18

20251112 Texas Tropical Trail IMG 4361 webHARGILL – Texas Tropical Trail Region invites the community to its 227th Partner Event in Monte Alto-Hargill area at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, beginning at Rio Farms, Inc.

Partners will start the tour by meeting at Rio Farms located at 25601 FM 88, Monte Alto. Light refreshments will be provided. Partners will then receive a short tour of Rio Farms facilities and citrus orchards. A representative from Delta Lake will present on the history of the lake and its importance to the Delta Area communities. Before heading over to Hargill, Partners will visit Delta Lake to view its landscape.

Read more: Texas Tropical Trail to visit Monte Alto, Hargill November 18

STHS Heart named among top three hospitals in Texas

Driven by an aging population, rising rates of cardiovascular disease related to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, sedentary habits and high stress, and the growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the United States, there’s an increasing demand for cardiovascular services.

Each year, more than 51 million people receive services related to the heart and blood vessels across the country, according to 2023 Medicare data, including electrocardiograms, stress tests, medication management and treatment for conditions like heart failure and arrhythmia. 

Moreover, approximately 1.2 million angioplasties were completed in 2023, according to a study by iData Research, while more than 900,000 cardiac surgeries are performed annually.

Read more: STHS Heart named among top three hospitals in Texas

Weslaco Museum is full of history, culture, and tradition

20210127 Weslaco Weslaco Museum CAB 5435 webWeslaco loves its history, and one visit to the Weslaco Museum is all it takes to see how proud the city is of its rich history full of culture and tradition. The museum is conveniently located downtown, amid the beautiful architecture from decades ago. It’s a downtown area I wouldn’t mind walking around while peeking into the store fronts.

There are even more unique buildings on side streets if one decides to venture around the area. An intriguing building is the beautiful fire department and old city hall off of South Texas Blvd. and 5th St. (120 E. 5th St.). The fire station is located on part of a Spanish land grant known as Llano Grande. It features some great architecture and additions to the building, including the city hall, have kept that colonial Spanish architecture.

Read more: Weslaco Museum is full of history, culture, and tradition

Give with joy, volunteer to ring a bell

20181121 Salvation Army PR 4794 webThe Salvation Army invites the community to Give with Joy this Christmas season as its iconic Red Kettle Campaign returns to McAllen. More than just a holiday tradition, the red kettle is a symbol of hope, compassion, and generosity — supporting vital programs that serve thousands of individuals and families in need throughout the year.

While many people in our communities are silently battling hunger, homelessness, and hardship, we can find hope in the fact that giving is a source of joy for all. The Salvation Army’s recently released national campaign encourages people to Give with Joy and uplift families in need by helping provide shelter, food, bill assistance and more. Your generosity offers joyful reassurance that even during our most challenging times, we are not alone.

Read more: Give with joy, volunteer to ring a bell

Free trees to be distributed while supplies last

2025 Texas Arbor Day Celebration 04 webIt’s time to paint Edinburg green. In recognition of Texas Arbor Day, the City of Edinburg is encouraging the community to attend its tree adoption event on Saturday, November 15. The Texas Arbor Day Celebration kicks off at 8 a.m. at Promenade Park, located at 202 N. 10th Avenue.

Thanks to a grant in partnership with Region One, city staff will be distributing more than 100 free trees to residents while supplies last. In addition, city crews and volunteers will plant 10 new trees on-site, further enhancing the park’s natural beauty. The Texas A&M Forest Service will also join the celebration, offering even more trees and resources to help residents contribute to a more sustainable Edinburg.

Learn more about the importance of planting trees and help grow a greener city. For more information, please call (956) 388-1822.

Agriculture program turns barnyard waste into manure giveaway

Mission CISD Ag Farm 1 webMission CISD’s Agriculture Program is kicking off a community-wide, green-thumb initiative: free manure giveaways on the last Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., while supplies last.

The nutrient-rich manure is ideal for gardens, lawns, and flower beds. Community members are encouraged to bring their own containers, buckets, or trailers for easy pick-up.

Read more: Agriculture program turns barnyard waste into manure giveaway

The Valley pays tribute to Veterans

20191109 Mission Veterans Day Parade and Fun HMoering 0101 webThe Rio Grande Valley, as do many areas across the country, go out of their way to pay tribute to Veterans on, or around, Veterans Day. Veterans Day honors all who have served in the United States Armed Forces acknowledging their sacrifice, courage, and dedication to the country.

While its origin lies in Armistice Day, which commemorated the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, recognizing the cessation of hostilities, was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. It is now a celebration of everyone who has worn the military uniform, regardless of whether they served in wartime or peacetime. While Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died in service, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served, with a particular emphasis on thanking living Veterans.

Read more: The Valley pays tribute to Veterans

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