RGV Life

April Showers and May Flowers in 2013

2013-05-01T23:10:00.001-05:00

The old saying is "April showers bring May flowers." Things didn't quite turn out that way for us this year. April did bring in some last minute showers at the end. They were good rains; but, they just weren't enough to help with the water restrictions being set by cities in the Rio Grande Valley.

Even with the dry weather, it seems like nature isn't having any of it. Our native vegetation goes with the flow and flowers anyway.

From overheard discussions, the thinking is that we need a good hurricane to drop some water over Texas so we can recover from the drought conditions. That's a tough one. We do want rain; but, a hurricane is maybe a bit much too fast.

Unfortunately, we aren't likely to get a rainy season that would replenish our wells, rivers, and lakes.

Let's hope that May kicks in the rain that April shirked.

RGV Life Now With More Interaction

2013-04-18T15:36:00.000-05:00

Google has announced, today, that they have enabled a feature that allows comments on Blogger posts to use Google Plus. This means that bloggers no longer have to do double the work of checking comments on both the blog and Google Plus....and the other social media outlets.

This means that +RGV Life and this blog are one and the same for interaction. This is a welcome change as posts from this blog, in recent years, have seen fewer comments now that readers are able to comment on Facebook and Google+.

We have enabled the feature and look forward to the changes.

Mariachi 7 Leguas In Concert

2013-01-31T17:48:00.000-06:00

The Award-winning Mariachi 7 Leguas will perform in concert at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance on March 2, 2013 at 7 pm.

Tickets to see the internationally recognized mariachi perform are available at Hermes Music or at Top Box Tickets.

2nd Annual Grapefruit Pie Bake-Off Contest

2013-01-30T09:03:00.000-06:00

Fly Fishing Instruction by McAllen Parks and Rec

2013-01-30T08:37:00.002-06:00

Beginning and Intermediate anglers can learn fly fishing this Saturday at the Town Lake at Firemen's Park in McAllen. The class starts at 8 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. Dr. Reynaldo Ramirez, will be leading the class. He is a certified casting instructor.

You can pre-register for the class by calling Assalia Belmares at 681-3333. The class is targeted at anglers ages 10 and older.

source

El Valle Films Casting Notice

2013-01-29T18:46:00.000-06:00

CASTING NOTICE:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Production title: "Warrior Within - Feature"

Union / Non-Union: Non-Union

Production Type: Independent /Non-Paying

Project length: Feature Narrative (60 - 90 Minutes)

Project format: 16:9 HD

Production location: Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Production Company: El Valle Films

Company website: http://www.facebook.com/ElValleFilms

Director: Mickey Lee Garcia

Producer: N/A

Casting Director: Mickey Lee Garcia

Audition Location: TBA

Shooting Location: Multiple Locations (Edinburg, South Padre, Harlingen, Brownsville)

Email: casting@elvallefilms.com

Compensation: No Pay | Simple Lunch Available | Carpool Available if applicable

KEY DATES

Auditions:

Wednesday, January 30th 2013, 5p-10p

Location: The Hop Shop, 923 S 7th St, Harlingen, TX 78550 on the corner of Commerce and 7th.

Auditions will be cold readings from the script.

You can also send resume and headshot to casting@elvallefilms.com

or find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ElValleFilms

Call Backs: February 10th 2013

Shooting Starts: March 4th 2013

Shooting Ends: March 22nd 2013

Shooting schedules will only be weeknights and weekends.

Majority shooting will run from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM on weekends and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm weekdays.

Please only serious inquiries requested.

This is a nonpaying venture but will be marketed in social media so it can be great for exposure and strengthening one's portfolio.

This will be a quality video shot in the Rio Grande Valley using and promoting local artists.

Synopsis:

A young man, by the name of Carlos Garcia, feels he is destined for greatness but has no way of reaching his long lost goals he had earlier in his life of boxing. He has a girlfriend and six year old son, whom give no support or tolerance to his dream of being a fighter. His life is at a downward spiral. He is then determined to change his life around but again falls short of his goal. Carlos finds a self-help book in a garbage can with no cover, no title, just a name of an author. The book teaches life lessons, power of the mind, and focus he incorporates in his life and in the ring. He is induced into a new reality, using his mind and body as one. Along his new journey, he enacts the help of his old coach, who is a raging alcoholic, and a few other friends willing to support him in his training. They begin to see what he can do and believe anything is possible, ultimately becoming the warrior within.

"True victory is to strike down and destroy the mind of doubt and conflict within you. Unless it is put into practice, you are no different than anyone else. Through practice this power and ability is added unto you." ~ Morihei Ueshiba.

Characters:

Multiple men and women of various ages will be cast. Multiple speaking roles as well as extras will be cast.

Crew:

Makeup Artist: Need assistance with aging make up.

University of Phoenix Entrepreneur Workshop

2013-01-29T18:33:00.000-06:00

The University of Phoenix McAllen campus will be hosting an Entrepreneur Workshop on February 12, 2013. The workshop is geared towards helping aspiring entrepreneurs to launch their business.

The workshops will include sessions with Ruby Red Ventures, which has $100,000 at their disposal to invest in local businesses as venture capital. In addition, there is a session that explores creative ways to fund your startup. Another workshop teaches how to develop your business plan. To round off the event, there will even be a small business expo featuring lenders, chambers of commerce, and other important resources for small business.

For more information, contact Yadira Rodriguez at 519-5803; or visit http://www.phoenix.edu/startup for more details.

3rd Annual MLK Day of Service

2013-01-22T02:09:00.004-06:00

Photos from the 3rd Annual MLK Day of Service event at Cine El Rey in McAllen, Texas.

McAllen Considers Food Truck Ordinance

2013-01-17T08:56:00.001-06:00

Deluvian Days in the RGV

2013-01-08T07:26:00.002-06:00

I woke up last night around 2 am after it started raining. It was pouring down in buckets. In addition, the sound of hail pelting the air conditioning window units made a slight clatter.

Of course, none of this was a surprise. We've been seeing weather reports for days warning us that some heavy storms were on the way, with possible tornadoes.

According to those people who talk about weather all the time, they are expecting wet, warm weather this week. Then it will transition to cold, gloomy weather next week.

The only reason I mention this is that we have a tendency to get the occasional storm that knocks down branches and floods neighborhoods on occasion. It might happen, it might not. Whatever. Just aware we may have the occasional nasties.

New Year's Eve RGV on G+

2012-12-31T10:48:00.001-06:00

Add the New Year's Eve RGV event to your calendar by clicking "Yes" on the "Are You Going" option. When the party starts, check in, and then post your photos, videos, and comments.

We can do this vallleywide. We can post our celebrations together.

What if you miss it? You can still add photos and comments later.

The New 17th Street New Years Ball Drop McAllen

2012-12-21T20:35:00.001-06:00

Leadership Mid-Valley explores area healthcare and social service facilities

2012-12-20T22:16:00.003-06:00

Leadership Mid Valley Class VII held its healthcare and social services session on Thursday, December 13, which included a visit to the Aurora House Special Care Facility in Weslaco.

Leadership Mid Valley Class VIII held its healthcare and social services session on Thursday, December 13. Sponsored by the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Mid-Valley is a nine-month program which seeks to identify and motivate emerging leaders and develop their potential for community leadership by exposing them to the realities, opportunities and problems of the community. The healthcare and social services session allows class participants to get a firsthand look at all the Mid Valley has to offer in these areas.

The first stop for the group was the Holy Family Birthing Center, one of the oldest birthing centers in the state of Texas. The group then received a tour of Knapp Medical Center and was treated to a presentation by CEO James Summersett.

The afternoon included visits to De La Garza Family Dental, Aurora House, a hospice care facility in Weslaco and retirement/assisted living facility John Knox Village. The class also received a presentation on the health care reform impacts on insurance agencies from Kevin Bloomquist, Devout Insurance.

Class participant Luis Reyes, Magic Valley Electric Co-Op, was particularly impressed with all that Weslaco has to offer the community in healthcare and social services, particularly the care that is available at the Aurora House.

“The Aurora House staff are heroes that provide compassionate care of their residents who are in the last phase of [life],” remarked Reyes. “We have exceptional healthcare and social services available here in Weslaco.”

Laura Espinoza, Marketing Director

Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce
956.968.2102 office

956.968.6451 fax

www.weslaco.com

McAllen Bikers In The Holiday Spirit

2012-12-13T16:45:00.001-06:00

MEDIA RELEASE
12/13/2012
CONTACT: Jeremy Mullvain
(956) 432-1218
jeruejm@yahoo.com

SAN BENITO (Dec. 18, 2012) — The Entrale MC, motorcycle club of McAllen will deliver Christmas gifts to the underprivileged children of Sunny Glen Children's Home in San Benito at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18.

The club began taking donations in early December. Generous people from throughout the Rio Grande Valley contributed so much that each child at Sunny Glen will receive three gifts each.

For more than 70 years, Sunny Glen Children's Home has provided neglected and forgotten Valley children with warm beds, good food, educational opportunities and a Christian home with love and support. Visit www.sunnyglen.org to learn more about the organization.

Entrale MC members cordially invite the local media to be present at this joyful occasion. For more information, contact Jeremy Mullvain at (956) 432-1218.

IDEA Public Schools Wellness 2nd Annual 5K & Health Fair!

2012-12-05T12:20:00.001-06:00

Join us for the 2nd annual 5K Run/Walk, 1K Kids' Fun Run and Health Fair exhibiting available health resources and programs in the RGV! All proceeds will go towards supporting IDEA Public Schools' Wellness Program. Our mission is to improve the health and wellness of our students and their communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley!

The First 200 to register for the 5K Run/Walk will receive an event t-shirt! All Kids' Fun Run participants will receive a finisher's award!

When: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Where: Harlon Block Sports Complex, Weslaco, TX

5K Run/Walk: 8:00am
1K Kids' Fun Run: 9:30am
Health Fair: 8:00am - 10:00am

To register, visit www.ideapublicschools.org/5k

Registration Rate:
5K Run/Walk: $10
Team/Club Rate for 5K (group of 10+, Each person must register and coach/sponsor must mail all forms in together): $7
1K Kids' Fun Run: $5
Late registration: The registration rate will increase by $5 for each race on the day of the event.

McAllen's 30th CandleLight Posada Parade December 8

2012-11-29T07:42:00.001-06:00

Pharr Chamber: Ribbon Shooting for PointBlank

2012-11-28T17:10:00.001-06:00

Join the Pharr Chamber in celebrating yet another "First In Pharr" on December 6th from4-9 PM at:

 
PointBlank
407 N. Jackson
Pharr, Texas 78501
(Next to The Home Depot, between Dollar Tree & Staples)
(956) 992-8799

http://www.pointblanksg.com

The multi-event will be a Shoot For A Cause and Grand Opening to Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr.

Register to win a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 AR (Armalite), a Free Deer Hunt, Memberships, and more! Raffle tickets are $20 each, available at the door.

 
THE PHARR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR PRIORITY
www.pharrchamber.com
www.facebook.com/pharr.chamber
(956) 787-1481

Pharr Christmas Fiesta & Lighted Parade

2012-11-21T12:02:00.003-06:00

The City of Pharr, Texas is holding the Christmas Fiesta on December 1, 2012 starting at 4 pm. There will be a Lighted Parade starting at 6 pm. Following at 7 pm will be a lighting of the city's official Christmas tree.

Anybody interested in entering a float in the parade should contact Iselda Garza at 702-5335. For food booth registration, call Stephanie Leal at 781-5437.

Add to your Calendar.

Valley Symphony Orchestra Chorale: Touch of Frost

2012-11-20T13:49:00.000-06:00

The Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorale presents "A Touch of Frost" on November 29, 2012 at 9 pm at the McAllen Civic Center Auditorium.

The program will also include a performance by the Mariachi Azatlan.

Tickets are available at the VSO office or online at http://www.valleyorchestra.org .

Pharr Chamber: Ribbon Cutting Event for Security First Credit Union

2012-11-20T07:20:00.001-06:00

Tuesday, November 20th - 10:00am - 12:00pm

1300 S. Cage Blvd Pharr, Texas

Pharr Chamber cordially invites you to join us and show your support in welcoming Security First Credit Union at their new In-Store location (inside H-E-B Plus on Cage and Ridge). Ribbon cutting event to be at 10:15 a.m.

The Chamber offers ribbon cuttings and grand openings to all new businesses. Existing Investor Partners and Community Associates celebrating anniversaries or those who have relocated, renovated, or expanded are also invited to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Book your event now. We will be glad to assist you with outstanding service and take care of your business needs.

For more information, or to RSVP, call the Pharr Chamber of Commerce at (956)787-1481 or email frontdesk@pharrchamber.com.

Pharr Chamber: Income Tax Tips for 2012 Workshop

2012-11-20T07:17:00.001-06:00

The Pharr Chamber of Commerce together with Swissforce Consulting Group, LLC is offering an Income Tax Tips for 2012 Workshop Luncheon at The Pharr Chamber of Commerce Conference Room located at 308 W. Newcombe (Park) Ave. in Pharr. Fee to attend this workshop is $10.00 per Investor Partner and $15.00 for Non-Investor Partner. Who will benefit?

The Pharr Chamber wants you to prepare for the upcoming tax season in advance. Learn from the pro's. James A. Downing and Roland Keller will discuss all about 1099's and W2's for all organizations, such as Self-Employed, Small Businesses and more.

Other topics of discussion are tax tips on what you can claim, deduct and a better understanding of those complicated tax return forms. Join Downing and Keller for this important workshop where Swissforce Consulting Group, LLC. will be "Bringing Order to Chaos" on all your income tax needs.

General Format

The workshop luncheon will include a 1 1/2-hour session in the morning with lunch provided at noon and a continued 1 1/2-hour workshop session in the afternoon.

For more information or to register for this workshop, contact The Pharr Chamber of Commerce at (956) 787-1481 or email frontdesk@pharrchamber.com.

Don't miss this great professional development opportunity. Make your reservation early. Seating is limited.

Rain!

2012-10-18T19:21:00.001-05:00

This was a surprise storm. It came out of nowhere, it seems.

Pharr Veterans Day Parade November 10, 2012

2012-10-18T16:19:00.002-05:00

For more information, call The Pharr Chamber of Commerce at (956) 787-1481 or email frontdesk@pharrchamber.com.

Hispanic Tea Party Meeting - October 2012

2012-10-06T23:34:00.001-05:00

The Hispanic Tea Party met this past Thursday at 7 pm at Abundant Grace Community Church. The program included meet and greets with Republican candidates Raul Torres, who is running for Texas Senate, and Miriam Martinez, who is running for State Representative.

More photos at https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/c4pm31svv8at06hsd1cf5omo890

5th Annual Iron Chef Food Fight

2012-09-25T22:59:00.001-05:00