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MHM calls for antique quilts for Turning of the Quilts

Last years event webThe Mission Historical Museum is now accepting quilt entries for its Turning of the Quilts program, set to take place on February 7. The museum is looking for antique, vintage, or unique quilts to be featured in a special presentation, where each quilt will be revealed and celebrated individually. A knowledgeable presenter will provide historical context and details about each quilt's story.

Quilts can be dropped off at the Mission Historical Museum at 900 Doherty Ave., Mission, from now to January 31, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed January 1).

Read more: MHM calls for antique quilts for Turning of the Quilts

IMAS exhibits ending soon

Villareal Johanna Ugly MJAS 2023 Winner 2 webThe International Museum of Arts and Science (IMAS) has two exhibits you might want to catch before they are gone. The Fourth Annual Members’ Juried Art Show will be on display until January 5. Rompiendo el Cielo will be on exhibit through January 19.

The Members Juried Art Show is an opportunity for the community to professionally display their art at IMAS. IMAS members were able to enter up to two pieces of art, where at least one piece would be on display. Art pieces were judged and given awards during the opening ceremony in October. Awards were given for best of show, second place, third place, and three honorable mentions.

Read more: IMAS exhibits ending soon

Registration for Edinburg run/walk open now

Get ready to lace up those sneakers! With a new year just around the corner, the City of Edinburg is excited to announce that the 43rd Annual David Chavana 10K Run/Walk will return to the Four-Time All-America City on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

The Rio Grande Valley’s largest 10K, to be held at the Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department, will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Fun Run at 10 a.m.

Race participants will also be able to enjoy a health and wellness expo, hosted in conjunction with the 10K, at the Parks and Recreation Wellness Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday January 31. Following the David Chavana 10K Health Fair, the Parks and Recreation Department will host the 10th Annual Miracle Mile at 6 p.m. at Richard R. Flores Stadium, an inclusive and inspiring walk/run with the special needs community.

Registration for the events is open online now through Wednesday, January 29, at 11:59 p.m. In-person registration will continue through Friday, January 31. To register in person, visit Parks and Recreation staff at 315 Mark S. Pena Drive Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

To register online, access the registration forms, and learn more about entry fees for the 10K Run/Walk and Fun Run, visit ActiveEdinburg.com or https://cityofedinburg.com/active_edinburg/. Participation in the Miracle Mile is free of charge.

Valley museums share the festive spirit

20191205 Harlingen Harlingen Museum Christmas Trees CAB 0664 webOur Rio Grande Valley museums supply arts, history and culture to their visitors throughout the year. But during the Christmas season, they also share creativity and bright lights.

Several museums have Christmas tree exhibits. They get the community to bring and decorate a tree, usually to a certain theme. You can be sure to see lots of color and lights as organizations pick a theme that represents them, the city, or their heritage.

Read more: Valley museums share the festive spirit

Mission Historical Museum accepting quilt entries

20190118 MHM Quilt Show Courtesy 8299 webMission Historical Museum would like to remind readers that they are celebrating their 19th Annual Quilt Show and are now accepting entries for this beloved community tradition. Quilt enthusiasts are invited to participate by submitting their best work in three categories: Bed Quilts, Wall Hangings, and Other.

Entry forms and quilts will be accepted at the museum beginning Tuesday, December 3. The submission deadline is Friday, January 3, 2025.

Entries can be delivered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. The Mission Historical Museum advises early registration, as space is limited, and entries will be capped if capacity is reached before the deadline.

Read more: Mission Historical Museum accepting quilt entries

Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count has begun

Green Heron Photo by Anita Westervelt webValley residents, Winter Texans, visitors, birders and those just getting interested in birding are invited to join a team in the count areas for the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count.

The CBC is a one-day event per area within established count circles. This year’s count is already in progress and will run through January 5, 2025. Local counts are listed below with contact information for those interested in joining a team.

Read more: Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count has begun

There is still time to send joy overseas

Christmas Shoe box webArea volunteers are celebrating the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes that will send a message of joy to children around the world.

Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items. The global Christmas project will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Each shoebox is an opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and bring hope to children in need around the world.

Read more: There is still time to send joy overseas

Red Kettle donations help all year round

Little Girl Donating 2012 9 24 webDuring this holiday season, The Salvation Army staff and volunteers are diligently working to raise much needed funds to support those most in need this Christmas, and beyond. This year, The Salvation Army seeks to raise $175,000 to meet the growing demand for essential services in the McAllen community and is falling behind its goal.

Every year, The Salvation Army of McAllen provides shelter, meals, emergency financial assistance, clothing vouchers, food boxes, disaster assistance and more to individuals and local families. The holiday season can be especially difficult for many, and donations are crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind during this time of year.

Read more: Red Kettle donations help all year round

Time running out to adopt angels

20241211 AngelTreeTagsLeft webSupport needed to fulfill Christmas wishes for children in our community

With two days left for all Angel Tree gifts to be returned, The Salvation Army still has about 150 angels yet to be adopted. There is still time to help.
“We still have angel tags hanging on the Angel Trees and are praying all will be taken by the last day for adoption on Thursday, December 12,” said Major Jan Zuniga of The Salvation Army of McAllen. “We often see a late rush in adoptions and have staff and volunteers ready at the Angel Trees ready to help those who would like to take an angel and provide Christmas for a child in need.”

Read more: Time running out to adopt angels

VA holds blood drives

Blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished. According to the American Red Cross, one in seven patients entering a hospital needs a blood transfusion.

In partnership with Vitalant Blood Center, VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is hosting a series of blood drives. This is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to address the on-going need for blood.

Two Valley VA clinics will hold blood drives. The McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic will hold their blood drive on Friday, December 13 from 9 a. m. to 1 p.m. The clinic is located at 901 E. Hackberry Ave. On Tuesday, January 14, the Harlingen VA Outpatient Clinic will hold a blood drive from 9 a.m. to noon. The clinic is located at 2106 Treasure Hills Blvd.

“We are a proud member of the Rio Grande Valley community and are doing our part to meet the constant need for blood and blood products.” said Public Affairs Officer Hugo Martinez. “We ask Veterans, family members, and all members of the community make the time to donate blood.”
ID is required. Scheduling an appointment is recommended. Walk-in donations will be accepted.

For more information or to register, visit https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa. For future events, check https://www.va.gov/texas-valley-health-care/events

Enjoy events at Bentsen-RGV State Park

20241127 Bentsen Park Picture1 webFun and informative programs for all ages are being held at Bentsen-RGV State Park. Events are free with park admission.

The park holds bird walks every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. There will be a Bentsen Holiday Fun Day on Saturday, December 14, at 10:30 a.m. This event will meet at La Familia Nature Center near the park entrance.

Read more: Enjoy events at Bentsen-RGV State Park

Mission Historical Museum to Host 19th Annual Quilt Show

20241127 quilt show photo webThe Mission Historical Museum is excited to announce the 19th Annual Quilt Show and is now accepting entries for this beloved community tradition. Quilt enthusiasts are invited to participate by submitting their best work in three categories: Bed Quilts, Wall Hangings, and Other.

Entry forms and quilts will be accepted at the museum beginning Tuesday, December 3. The submission deadline is Friday, January 3, 2025. Entries can be delivered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. The Mission Historical Museum advises early registration, as space is limited, and entries will be capped if capacity is reached before the deadline.

Read more: Mission Historical Museum to Host 19th Annual Quilt Show

PSJA ISD theatre groups present musicals

PSJA ECHS Wizard of Oz web

The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) Fine Arts Department has announced the upcoming performances of its award-winning theatre groups who will showcase their skills this fall during their annual children’s shows.

Three of PSJA ISD's high schools are gearing up to showcase children's musicals this fall, following PSJA Memorial High School's earlier production of Charlotte’s Web last month. PSJA Early College High School, PSJA North Early College High School, and PSJA Southwest Early College High School will each present their production, highlighting the district’s dedication to providing fine arts opportunities for all students.

Read more: PSJA ISD theatre groups present musicals

The joy of giving during the holiday season

Two Boys with Toys 1 scaled PRINT webThe joy of giving can be found during any time you choose to give. But, during the holiday season, make that joy even brighter. It is a time when we get to really see the fruits of our labor. Whether we are giving presents to the less fortunate, donating books to a school, helping an organization with meals, or volunteering at the food bank.

We have already mentioned a few places to give to during this holiday season. The shoebox drop offs are wrapping up this year, but there are still ways to give online. You can visit the Operation Christmas Child at www.samaritanspurse.org and find out how you can still pack a shoebox online to give to a child this holiday season. If you have sent a box, there are ways to follow where your box went as well. And there are directions and tips on how to host your own party so you can start prepping for next year.

Read more: The joy of giving during the holiday season

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