SOCIALIFE MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1 2026

PrioritizeYour Mental Health This Year

A healthier you in 2026 starts with your mental and emotional wellbeing. South Texas Health System® Clinics offer close-to-home support for behavioral health at our Mental Wellbeing Clinic in Edinburg.

Services available include:

• Family counseling

• Mental health evaluations

Conditions treated include:

• Anxiety

• Bipolar Disorder

• Depression

• Grief and Loss

• Individual counseling for adults, adolescents and children

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Substance Use Disorder

• And more

If you are experiencing a behavioral health challenge, make your good health a priority by scheduling an appointment today.

South Texas Health System Clinics – Mental Wellbeing

4001 S. Sugar Rd. | Suite B | Edinburg, TX 78539

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To make an appointment, call 956-515-2233, schedule online at sthsclinics.com or scan the QR Code

RANSON

Sergio Arriata

Wallace Octavio Garcia Nayeli Zenteno

Dr Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

Dr Ruben Castro

Dr Kimberly Selber

Colleen Hook, Quinta Mazatlan

Alyssa Cerroni, Yaqui Animal Rescue

Sandy Pollock, Museum of South Texas History

UTRGV CHAPS Program Team

Wedding Wedding Registry Registry

Let Oh Kay’s help you create the wedding registry of your dreams—from your table to your home. Make an appointment today and let our specialists guide you in selecting beautiful, timeless pieces that reflect your style and help you begin your new chapter in elegance.

HappyNew Year! As we step into 2026, I’m excited to share a fresh look for SOCIALIFE— starting with our new cover, which sets the tone for a bold year ahead.

This month, we’re featuring MXLAN, a cultural festival that captures the creativity, diversity, and pulse of the Rio Grande Valley. It’s the perfect way to open a year filled with moments that bring people together.

At the close of 2025, we introduced our inaugural SOCIALIFE Community Champion, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Their impact reaches far beyond meals, strengthening families

and communities across our region through compassion and action. It’s meaningful work that changes lives—and it deserves recognition.

I’m also excited to welcome new readers, partners, and advertisers to the SOCIALIFE family. Whether you’re new to these pages or have been with us from the start, thank you for being part of what makes this magazine possible.

And the calendar is already full. From January through April, we’re looking ahead to a season packed with events and galas we’re proud to support—including McAllen Chamber’s 100th

anniversary celebration, Sea Turtle, Inc., Puppy Love, the American Advertising Awards (ADDYs), MXLAN, Texas Fashion Awards, and many others. Around here, celebration and community go hand in hand.

Cheers to a prosperous 2026!

Friday, April 17th

6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

EDINBURG SHINES BRIGHT AT ANNUAL NIGHT OF LIGHTS PARADE

Edinburg ushered in the holiday season with sparkle and celebration on Dec. 5, 2025, as the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce hosted its beloved Night of Lights Parade, one of the city’s most anticipated holiday traditions. The event transformed Closner Boulevard into a glowing spectacle, drawing families, friends, and visitors eager to experience an evening filled with festive cheer and community pride.

More than 100 illuminated floats dazzled spectators along the parade route, joined by marching bands, community organizations, and pageant queens who added music, color, and elegance to the night. The parade stepped off from Richard R. Flores Stadium at 7 p.m., traveling north along Closner Boulevard as crowds lined the streets, many bringing lawn chairs and settling in early to claim the perfect viewing spot.

Organized by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the Night of Lights Parade once again lived up to its reputation as a holiday highlight, celebrating the spirit of the season while showcasing the vibrant organizations and traditions that make Edinburg shine.

Join

Nominations close on January 16, 2026

Justice & Legal Advocacy

Healthcare Champion

Emerging Leader

Financial Leadership

Community & Social Leadership

STEM & Digital innovation

Educational Innovation

Environmental & Agricultural

Media & Journalism

Diversity & inclusions

EDINBURG CHAMBER: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Photographed by Octavio Garcia

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce kicked off the holiday season with its annual “Home for the Holidays” Holiday Brunch, bringing members and community leaders together at the Historic Southern Pacific Depot for a celebration full of festive cheer and nostalgia. This year’s event embraced a playful Home Alone theme, delighting guests with whimsical décor, delicious brunch fare, and plenty of laughter. The gathering provided the perfect backdrop to reconnect, celebrate the year’s accomplishments, and strengthen the bonds that make Edinburg’s business community so vibrant—proving that there truly is no place like home for the holidays.

DISTINGUISHED BY SERVICE: ERNIE

ALISEDA RECOGNIZED FOR A LIFE OF LEADERSHIP

Photography by Nayeli Zenteno

The Distinguished Citizen Award is presented annually by the Boy Scouts of America Rio Grande Council to honor individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the Rio Grande Valley. This year’s honoree, Ernie Aliseda, Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen, exemplifies the character, integrity, and civic responsibility this award represents. Through decades of public service—including judicial leadership, military service, and higher education administration— Aliseda has earned the respect and esteem of colleagues and the community alike. His life and work reflect the values Scouting seeks to instill in youth: good citizenship, moral strength, and a commitment to causes beyond self-interest.

SAVE THE DATE

15th Annual Catholic Charities of the RGV Gala

With hearts full of hope, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley invites you to join us for an unforgettable evening of compassion, community, and celebration.

JAMIE-LYNNE BROWN ROSAS Hope Award SABRINA WALKER HERNANDEZ † Cariño Award

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Embassy Suites Convention Center 800 Convention Center Blvd. McAllen, TX 78501

6:30 P.M.- 10:00 P.M.

This year’s gala will shine a light on the growing needs in our region and honor the unwavering generosity that defines the people of the Rio Grande Valley.

100% of the funds raised will go directly to support families in need, because when we come together, we change lives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (956) 702-4088 EXT 123

Trauma Care AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL

SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM® MCALLEN HAS BEEN VERIFIED AS A COMPREHENSIVE LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTER BY BOTH THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS AND THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES

With these designations, STHS McAllen helps position the South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute as the largest and most comprehensive trauma and critical care provider in the Rio Grande Valley with 11 emergency rooms across the region.

If you’d like to schedule a trauma-related educational seminar, such as STOP THE BLEED® or Mental Health First Aid, or learn more about our Trauma Survivors Network support group, please call 956-632-4929.

Learn more at southtexashealthsystemmcallen.com

A Life in Full Color: Remembering Dr. Lawrence Gelman

Dr. Kimberly Selber

Some people leave behind a life well lived. Others leave behind institutions, ideas, and places where light continues to pour through long after they are gone. Dr. Lawrence Richard Gelman belonged firmly to the latter group. Physician, visionary, collector, commentator, and unapologetic thinker, Gelman lived a life animated by conviction.

Dr. Gelman passed away on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his family, in the McAllen community he had called home for nearly four decades. He was 74. What remains is not silence, but resonance: in hospitals where he healed, in students he mentored, in airwaves where he challenged, and in stainedglass windows that still glow in the home he built to hold them.

Born in Chicago on October 22, 1951, to Sidney Gelman and Zina Adler—both Holocaust survivors—Lawrence Gelman was shaped early by history’s darkest lessons. His parents instilled in him an unshakable reverence for liberty. Freedom, for Gelman, was not an abstraction.

That worldview shaped nearly every chapter of his life.

A gifted anesthesiologist and critical care specialist, Dr. Gelman earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his residency in Lubbock, Texas. He treated countless patients and mentored generations of physicians, modeling a standard of excellence rooted in preparation, decisiveness, and moral clarity.

Yet medicine was never the sum of him.

While studying medicine, Gelman met Maria Esperanza in Monterrey, Mexico. They married and shared 46 years marked by partnership, mutual respect, spirited debate, and deep devotion. They raised four children—Alexander, Zina, Rachel, and Sharon—building their careers and, later, choosing McAllen so Maria could remain close to her family. The Rio Grande Valley, in turn, became the place where Gelman’s ambitions, beliefs, and creativity found room to expand.

Opportunities, as he often said, had a way of presenting themselves. One of the most consequential came in the 1990s, when he became involved with an outpatient center that would later become Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. Working within hospital administration—and confronting the growing business pressures shaping medicine—marked a turning point. Gelman began to question not only healthcare systems, but the expanding reach of regulation and centralized authority.

His entry into public commentary was never about ambition or affiliation. He famously bristled at the label “political activist.”

“I don’t belong to anything. I hate politics,” he once said. “My involvement wasn’t intentional—it was self-defense.”

That self-described “self-defense” evolved into a mission: to educate, provoke, and warn. By the early 2000s, Dr. Gelman was a regular commentator on 710 AM KURV, where his command of constitutional history and unfiltered delivery set him apart. That work expanded into Talk Back with Dr. Lawrence Gelman, a program that took on abortion, healthcare, foreign policy, energy, and the first principles of American governance. At its peak, the show’s reach extended beyond South Texas, with purchased airtime carrying his voice to audiences as far away as New York.

His goal was simple—and uncompromising: to educate those who did not yet know.

That same drive carried him into publishing and filmmaking. In 2014, he authored The Fall From Grace, a critique of what he viewed as the erosion of constitutional limits and the growth of government power. In 2017, he wrote and produced The Hoax of Man-Made Global Warming, a documentary challenging prevailing climate narratives and the political

agendas he believed lay behind them. Whether one agreed with him or not, few could deny his intellectual rigor—or his willingness to stand alone.

But to focus only on Dr. Gelman’s ideological pursuits would be to miss one of the most luminous aspects of his legacy: his role as a preserver of beauty.

More than 30 years ago, Gelman purchased a small stained-glass window for his home, thinking it would be a single acquisition. Instead, it became the beginning of what he later called an “accidental” calling. A phone call from an auction house led him to a dusty Los Angeles warehouse and a rare Louis Comfort Tiffany window—an encounter that left him awestruck. Soon after, churches began calling: congregations closing or struggling, searching for someone who would treat their windows not as commodities, but as sacred artifacts.

Gelman answered that call again and again.

Over three decades, his collection grew to more than 140 stained-glass church windows—one of the most extensive

collections of its kind in the United States. He understood these works not merely as art, but as vessels of prayer, history, and devotion. Preserving them was, to him, an act of stewardship.

In 2018, that stewardship found a permanent home with the opening of the Gelman Stained Glass Museum in San Juan, Texas, just steps from the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. Designed in the shape of a Latin cross and inspired by Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the museum is a place where light refracts into reverence. Visitors often remark on the silence that falls naturally upon entering—a cathedral without pews, a sanctuary built from color.

Dr. Gelman understood the improbable alignment that made the museum possible. The land, the artisans, the craftsmen—all seemed to arrive through a chain of timely encounters. He believed projects of true value often feel larger than their creators. This one certainly did.

Creation mattered deeply to him. Whether building institutions, shaping arguments, or assembling collections, Gelman wanted to leave behind something lasting—something that

served the greater good. That impulse also found expression in his sponsorship of the Gelman Constitutional Scholars program, which encouraged students to engage deeply with the principles of the U.S. Constitution through scholarship and writing.

At home, he was a devoted husband, an intensely proud father, and a delighted grandfather. Those who knew him best will say his greatest pride was not in achievements or titles, but in family gatherings, long conversations, and shared faith.

Dr. Gelman will be remembered for his love of God and family, his generosity to friends and strangers alike, his sharp wit, and brilliance. He was strong-willed and relentless, sometimes polarizing, always sincere. He did not shrink himself to fit the moment. He enlarged the moment instead.

In the end, Dr. Lawrence Gelman’s legacy may be this: he refused to live in grayscale. He believed life should be examined, argued over, preserved, and illuminated. And like the stained glass he so carefully saved, he leaves behind a world made richer, more colorful.

MCALLEN CHAMBER MARKS 100 YEARS WITH A LANDMARK MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION

Photographed by Jacqueline Wallace

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosted nearly 500 members of the community at the annual Man & Woman of the Year Gala on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center.

Honorees for the evening included founding members of the City of McAllen, Salome Balli McAllen and John McAllen - representing all of the founding families, and individuals who share a commitment to community.

In attendance to receive the Man & Woman of the Year honors were descendants of Salome and John McAllen.

This year’s sold-out event also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, including a McAllen Through the Decades exhibit.

MxLAN: These are Our Roots,

We are the Flowers

Everything feels different when you’re young: the thrill of seeing something for the first time, the fascination of discovering new music, and the joy of trying new foods with friends. It’s a feeling that can’t be recreated or chased, only inspired.

That feeling is why leaders in McAllen created the first MXLAN Festival in 2019 and why we’re so proud to be a part of MXLAN 2026. MXLAN 2026 is the only festival that celebrates young Latino arte, música, y cultura, and the only time where Texas’s next generation gets to take center stage at the McAllen Convention Center, March 6th through 8th.

The beauty of MXLAN is that you don’t have to be young to feel young when you’re at the festival. MXLAN guests see young artists create, discover new music, see the newest styles and fashions, taste new foods and drinks, and feel free to live in the moment among people with a positive perspective of their culture and future.

The spirit of the festival is easy to understand and even easier to catch, whether you’re a young adult looking for new experiences or a young family hoping to share the beauty of your culture with the next generation. For some young people, the MXLAN Festival is the first time they’ll see their cultural roots presented as a source of inspiration to better themselves and their communities.

The heart of MXLAN is music. This year, Latin Grammy winner 3BallMTY, along with Obed Padilla, Archer Oh, Daphne Michelle, LUEME, and other rising Latino artists, will play nightly on the MXLAN Breakthrough Stage. Since all concerts are included with the price of admission, be sure to arrive early to get the best view.

2026 is a breakthrough year for the MXLAN Festival, with a fresh slate of events and representatives from international, national, and local Latino communities to share their talents and traditions with the world.

Guests can watch young local artists create, contribute to community art projects, or craft and paint masks. Craftspeople from across Texas and Mexico will open an Artisan Mercado under the stars each night of MXLAN, while everyone is welcome to walk in the Oaxacan-style calenda.

MXLAN 2026 is also the debut of MXLAN’s new laser and fire

show on the water. Fireworks, flames, and light will dance across the McAllen Convention Center’s oval pool each night of MXLAN 2026. This Vegas-style show is a first for the festival and South Texas.

Active guests can start MXLAN weekend by competing in the MXLAN Neon Nights 5K, a race that’s as fun or competitive as you choose. Entrants will run a course at the McAllen Convention Center on a cool spring evening illuminated by the stars, neon lights, and glow gear. MXLAN’s Neon Nights 5K runs Friday, March 6, at 8:30 pm.

MXLAN Lucha Libre is the ultimate rush for guests looking for high-flying action. Guests will watch legendary luchadores take on dangerous challengers ringside at the McAllen Convention Center. The action kicks off on Sunday, March 8, at 7 PM.

MXLAN 2026 is possible through the combined energy of community leaders, young creatives, and the people of McAllen. MXLAN is also made possible through the support of the City of McAllen, McAllen International Airport, H-E-B, Reliant Energy, L&F Distributors, and Whataburger.

Carina Jimenez, Director of Special Events for the City of McAllen, shared, “As one of the people working to make MXLAN 2026 an unforgettable weekend, I can say that everyone who’s part of this project has a deep love of our culture and community. I see people free to contribute their ideas, their experiences, and their skills to give a new generation a vision of positivity and shared history. I welcome everyone to see what we’re creating at MXLAN 2026, and hopefully, feel a little bit of that special feeling young people feel when they discover something good.”

MXLAN 2026 is the weekend of March 6, 7, and 8 at the McAllen Convention Center. Tickets to premium events like the MXLAN Breakthrough Stage, MXLAN MXLAN Lucha Libre, and the MXLAN Neon Nights 5K run are on sale now at mxlan.com

march 6-8, 2026

What We CarryForward

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TEEING UP THE FUTURE

Photography by Jaqueline Wallace

The City of McAllen honored hometown golf standout Abraham Ancer during a special ceremony at Champion Lakes Golf Course, celebrating both his professional achievements and his lasting commitment to the community. Declared “Abraham Ancer Day” by city leaders, the event recognized Ancer’s $100,000 donation toward a new short-game practice area that expanded access to golf and youth development opportunities in McAllen.

Surrounded by hundreds of supporters, Ancer was honored with a commemorative plaque acknowledging his impact on local recreation and the future of the sport. Born in McAllen and raised in Reynosa, Ancer reflected a full-circle moment for the course he once attended as a child. City officials, including Mayor Javier Villalobos, praised his generosity and leadership, noting that his investment strengthened Champion Lakes while inspiring the next generation of golfers across the Rio Grande Valley.

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS

Give the gift of hope.

A n E v e n i n g I n V e n i c e GAL A

MCALLEN CONVENTION CENTER FEBRUARY 21ST, 2026 6 :00 P M - 10 P M

Attend. Sponsor. Make a lifesaving impact.

Deep Roots, Lasting Canopy Celebrating 20 Years of Quinta Mazatlán

By Colleen Hook, Executive Director of Quinta Mazatlan

Planting Seeds for a Greener Tomorrow

Every day at Quinta Mazatlán, we are planting seeds for ambitious goals, guided by deep roots and inspired by a lasting canopy of hope. We envision a future where every home has a Native Garden, every school has a Schoolyard Forest, and every neighborhood has a Tiny Forest. As those seeds take root, it is just as important to pause at meaningful milestones and give “thanks.” Our 20th Anniversary honors the leaders, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and visitors who believed in the vision and helped grow this urban sanctuary by showing up every day.

History as Our Compass

Our past has always guided our future. Quinta Mazatlán continues to enhance education, eco-tourism, and the environment for the health of all. From its founding family to the City of McAllen, Quinta Mazatlán reflects a shared commitment to nature in the heart of a growing city. As we celebrate 20 years, we are also excited to open the Center for Urban Ecology in 2026, a new chapter in our commitment to education, conservation, and community.

Roots and Vision: The Matthews Family

In the 1930s, Martha and Jason Matthews purchased five acres for $2,400 and built an adobe home from the very soil beneath their feet. They called it the “crossroads of the Western Hemisphere” and named it Quinta Mazatlán. Quinta means “country house” in Spanish, and Mazatlán is an Indigenous word meaning “where the deer roam.” From the very beginning, the home was a place rooted in nature, vision, and a deep sense of belonging.

Growing the Legacy: The Schultz Family

The second family of Quinta Mazatlán, Marilyn and Frank Schultz, purchased the home in the 1960s for $24,000 and expanded the property to eight acres, continuing to protect the surrounding forest. In 1985, the home earned a Texas Historical Commission marker, recognizing it as one of the largest adobe homes in the state.

The City Takes the Helm

In 1998, the City of McAllen became the third family of Quinta Mazatlán, purchasing the property at auction for $1.4 million for the community. In 2006, Quinta Mazatlán opened as a World Birding Center site, adding a Discovery Center that now serves more than 10,000 school students annually. Additional land became Ebony Grove, expanding vital habitat for wildlife.

Looking Ahead in 2026

Starting in 2016, City of McAllen leadership and the non-profit Friends of Quinta Mazatlán worked steadily for a decade on a grand vision: to double the green footprint to 25 acres and create a Center for Urban Ecology (CUE). Opening this year, the CUE will elevate STEM learning through a partnership with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

With deep roots in history and a lasting canopy for generations to come, Quinta Mazatlán remains your home in the woods.

The Rotary Club of Edinburg will mark the close of its 100th year of service with the Fourth Annual Bayou Brewfest, to be held Saturday, March 28, at the Edinburg Promenade Courtyard. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Now a celebrated tradition, Bayou Brewfest combines craft beer , live music, and community fellowship, with proceeds supporting local and international Rotary projects. This year alone, the club is set to distribute $100,000 in charitable funding,

benefiting Bank of the ECISD S Student of the Month, Tim s Coats, and more.

Pre-sale tickets are available for $100.

Ticket information may be found via the QR Code or at EdinburgRotary.org.

Sponsorship inquiries may be directed to Arlina Larson (956-648-1880) or Marco Perez (956-607-9039).

A SHARED VISION FOR SOUTH TEXAS TAKES SHAPE IN WESLACO

City leaders from across South Texas gathered in Weslaco for a regional policy discussion hosted by Mayor Adrian Gonzalez as part of the South Texas Alliance of Cities. Municipal officials discussed shared legislative priorities affecting communities and strengthened collaboration among local governments. The meeting highlighted Weslaco’s economic progress, with remarks from Steve Valdez, Executive Director of the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, and Barbara Jean Garza, President and CEO of the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce. State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez and State Representative Terry Canales served on a guest panel moderated by Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, emphasizing coordination between local leadership.

POLICY, PROGRESS, AND PARTNERSHIP AT HARLINGEN’S STATE OF THE STATE

The Greater Chamber of Harlingen hosted its annual State of the State Luncheon, welcoming a sold-out audience for an engaging conversation on statewide priorities and issues impacting the local and regional business community. The event featured thoughtful insights from distinguished legislators Adam Hinojosa, Janie Lopez, and Erin Gamez, who shared perspectives on policy, leadership, and the future of Texas. The luncheon underscored the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue between business leaders and elected officials while strengthening connections across the region. The Greater Chamber of Harlingen extended its appreciation to all attendees and sponsors whose support contributed to another successful and impactful event.

DID YOU KNOW

that African American soldiers served as US Colored Troops in the Rio Grande Valley during and after the US Civil War?

By Rosann Bacha-Garza, CHAPS Program at UTRGV

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, was enacted by President Abraham Lincoln utilizing his presidential war powers to liberate the enslaved individuals in the Deep South and in regions under the control of the Union army. As the US Civil War witnessed much carnage across battlefields, Abraham Lincoln noted that “the colored population” could be utilized as a significant military resource to swing momentum in favor of the Union. By March 1863, the War Department issued General Order No. 143, which sanctioned the creation of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and thus provided over 200,000 soldiers to the Union forces.

US COLORED TROOPS SERVED ALONG THE US-MEXICO BORDER

Three regiments of the US Colored Troops (USCT) arrived in the Rio Grande Valley in the fall of 1864 and remained in segregated encampments at Brazos Santiago for the rest of the war. The 62nd Regiment of the USCT, for example, mustered into service in Missouri in December 1863, arrived at Brazos Santiago in the fall of 1864, and fought the Confederates at the Battle of Palmito Ranch on May 12-13, 1865. The Confederates, led by Col. John S. “RIP” Ford, pushed the Union Army back six miles toward Brazos Santiago. The last shots of this battle occurred at sundown at nearby White’s Ranch on May 13, 1865. Present for the Union Army were the 62nd USCT, the 34th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and the 2nd Texas Cavalry. A Texas Historical Commission marker honoring the USCT was installed at that spot in April 2025.

BATTLE STRATEGIES IN A LANDSCAPE THAT DID NOT PROVIDE MUCH COVER

Two battles occurred at Palmito Ranch during the course of the US Civil War. One in September 1864 and the other in May 1865. Also known as Palmetto Hill, this ‘hill’ was the tallest point between Boca Chica Pass and Brownsville. The 1865 Battle at Palmito Ranch took place one month after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia and is known to be the last land battle of the US Civil War (the last naval engagement was in June of the same year in Alaska). Although the Confederates won this battle, it mattered not as their president, Jefferson Davis, was captured in Georgia a few days prior, and thus their hope of regrouping Confederate forces south of the border and reigniting the war was thwarted.

Palmito Ranch/Hill Battlefield, a view from the observation platform that includes wayside interpretive panels, has been largely undisturbed since 1865. Note the hill in the background as the highest point between Boca Chica Pass and Brownsville.

Texas Historical Commission marker written by Naomi Carrier of the Texas Center for African American Living History (Houston) was placed at White’s Ranch site in April 2025. Thousands of US Colored Troops marched past this spot while encamped at Brazos Santiago in 1864 and 1865. See SpaceX / Starbase facility in the background, 1.8 miles to the east.

THOUSANDS OF US COLORED TROOPS SERVED IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY

President Lincoln did not free all the slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation. This did not apply to states like Missouri, Maryland, or Kentucky. It applied to the states that had already seceded. Other African American troops served throughout the Rio Grande Valley in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, and Webb Counties. These regiments of formerly enslaved men originally enlisted at Camp Nelson in Kentucky and included the 114th, 116th, 117th, and 118th US Colored Infantries. Once the war was over, the USCT remained along the US-Mexico border as an army of occupation tasked to rebuild the military forts along the Rio Grande, such as at Fort Brown in Brownsville, Ringgold Barracks in Rio Grande City, and Fort McIntosh in Laredo.

WHERE TO SEE PALMITO RANCH BATTLEFIELD AND WHITE’S RANCH

Palmito Ranch Battlefield is located on Texas Highway 4 and Palmito Hill Road as you drive toward Boca Chica Beach. There is a wayside exhibit and Texas Historical Commission marker at Palmito Hill Road, and a viewing platform with interpretive panels, a short drive into the site. White’s Ranch, located 6 miles to the east at the intersection of Richardson Road, was a key location at the time as it had a steamship landing at a bend in the Rio Grande. The Palmito Ranch Battlefield boundary was identified in 1993 on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), which included a battlefield core area at White’s Ranch. The Palmito Ranch site remains mostly unaltered since the US Civil War. A National Historic Landmark (NHL) designation followed in 1997.

USCI flag from a regiment that fought at White’s Ranch. Courtesy of the Behring Center, Smithsonian Institution. Note: Per the National Park Service, several US Colored Infantry units that served in this region consolidated in 1864/65 to form new regiments or were redesignated.

Scan this QR code to watch a short documentary titled “A letter from Roma: African American Troops on the Rio Grande 1864-1867.

For more information about the service of US Colored Troops in the Rio Grande Valley, go to UTRGV CHAPS’ dedicated webpage to the Rio Grande Valley Civil War Trail project. Special thanks to our collaborators Dr. W. Stephen McBride, Dr. James Leiker, and Dr. Stephen Cure. https://www.utrgv.edu/civilwar-trail/civil-war-trail/colored-troops/index.htm

A TIMELESS LEGACY RETURNS TO MISSION

On January 13, the City of Mission gathered for a heartfelt and symbolic moment as the historic City Hall clock was officially unveiled and rededicated, returning a cherished landmark to its rightful place. Once a familiar presence for generations of residents, the clock now stands restored, connecting Mission’s past with its future.

Originally gifted to the community by Leadership Mission Class 22, the clock represents more than a way to tell time—it reflects the spirit of civic pride and leadership that defines Mission. After years of damage caused by natural disasters, the clock was removed and placed in storage at the Mission Historical Museum, quietly waiting for a second chance.

That opportunity came through the dedication of Mission resident Ned Sheats. After noticing the clock had disappeared, Sheats began searching for answers and soon learned of its condition. Wanting to give back to a city that had given so much to him, he volunteered to restore it himself. With no formal clock-making background but armed with technical expertise and determination, Sheats invested nearly 400 hours of meticulous work, repairing each piece and even consulting with experts in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the clock was originally manufactured.

The rededication ceremony served as a celebration of community, history, and the power of one individual’s commitment. As the clock once again keeps time outside City Hall, it stands as a lasting reminder that Mission’s story continues—guided by leadership, service, and pride that never fades.

Saturday March 007, 2026

6:00pm - 11:30pm

Mission Event Center

us G A L A

Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Mission Event Center

Join us for a special evening celebrating 35 years of impact with Teach For America Rio Grande Valley.

Join us for cocktails, dinner, celebratory programming, and more as we honor the leaders, partners, and students who have shaped our journey.

Educational Champion

Dr. Guy Bailey

Institutional Catalyst

Harlingen C.I.S.D

Alumni Leadership

In celebration of 35 years of impact across the Valley, we will be recognizing all of our 1,600+ Alumni leaders.

Alex Cantu Faith. Family. Service.

Alejandro “Alex” Cantu is a husband, father, and lifelong public servant. Guided by faith and grounded in strong family values, he has dedicated his life to uplifting others.

A graduate of the Texas Department of Public Safety Academy and Texas A&M–Kingsville, Alex served as a DPS officer before becoming a teacher and coach in La Joya ISD. In 2010, he and his wife Victoria opened their first early childhood center. Today, their centers serve families across the region and provide meaningful jobs for local educators.

Since 2016, Alex has served as a municipal judge, where he brings fairness, accountability, and compassion to his work.

He also serves on the Advisory Board for the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union and the Hidalgo County Subdivision Advisory Board Committee. In addition, he has served as a school board trustee and community volunteer, bringing experience, integrity, and care to every role he takes on.

Alex will ensure the Treasurer’s Office operates with the efficiency, integrity, and transparency that the public deserves. With a lifelong commitment to service and a reputation for trust and teamwork, Alex is prepared to bring professionalism, organization, and care to one of the county’s most important financial offices.

Technology

to remind them just how amazing they are and the great potential they have ! To make sure they know all the awesome careers involved in STEM ; the track of our future ! Whether it 's coding , engineering , medicine or e ploring the wonders of other sciences and arts ; their creativity and passion can change the world ! They need to be inspired to keep pushing boundaries , asking uestions , and to never be afraid to innovate ! Thank

Engineering

The Heartbeat of the Valley for 30 Years

Did you know that one of the nation’s first freestanding healthcare facilities dedicated to cardiac care is right here in the Rio Grande Valley? South Texas Health System® Heart opened its doors in 1996, and in the three decades since, we’ve forged ahead with ever-expanding services to help keep hearts strong and healthy.

It’s your heart: why quality and expertise matter

The heart is like the engine of your body, pumping blood that carries oxygen and nutrients to keep muscles and organs healthy and functioning. When this heavy-lifting muscle needs some TLC, it’s reassuring to know that South Texas Health System Heart is nationally recognized as a leader in cardiac care.

In fact, Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals, recently named STHS Heart one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for coronary intervention in 2026, with the facility ranking among the top three in Texas for coronary interventional procedures.

It’s the highest achievement Healthgrades offers across the cardiology service line, and it conveys our dedication to specially trained teams, advanced treatment protocols, and leading-edge technology.

When treatment can’t wait, we’re right here

In a cardiac emergency such as a heart attack, the faster treatment happens, the better the chances of preserving heart muscle and long-term health.

When minutes matter, be assured we’re here for you, offering:

• Heart attack and chest pain treatment: Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI for treatment of heart attacks and chest pain

• Stroke care: Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center

• Emergency care: Level IV Trauma Center

We also meet the community’s needs with services to help prevent, manage, and treat heart disease, including:

• Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Center

• Women’s heart health

• Congestive heart failure program

• Cardiac rehabilitation

• Robotic surgery

• Heart disease prevention and management education

As STHS Heart marks our 30-year milestone, we invite you to recognize the lifesaving difference that specialized care can make.

ETIQUESTIONS

What are the etiquette rules about declining invitations to parties? The holiday season provided so many opportunities to attend parties that I simply could not attend them all. How do I respond when I can’t attend?

When you receive an invitation to a gathering, but you cannot accept, it’s essential to respond graciously by responding promptly, expressing gratitude, providing a brief explanation of why you cannot attend, and suggesting future alternatives to meeting or gathering More than anything, you want to be grateful for the invitation and convey disappointment for not being able to attend

I am never sure how to handle workplace gift-giving. Whether it is for the holidays or birthdays, I simply don’t know when or how to give gifts at work. Help?

Gift giving at work can be tricky First, keep it professional Consider giving neutral gifts that are suitable for a professional setting For example, gift cards, office treats, etc , are good ideas . Secondly, make sure there is no company policy regarding gift-giving at work Some workplaces limit this activity or the value of the gifts . Finally, write a thank you note for any gifts you receive at work .

It is a new year, and I have resolved to communicate better with my family, friends, and colleagues. What do you suggest?

Enhancing communication is a great goal for 2026! I recommend starting with Active Listening Focus on truly hearing what others are saying without interrupting . This shows respect and fosters better communication Next, I always recommend that people pay attention to how their tone can affect the message A positive, friendly tone can help convey warmth and approachability . Finally, I encourage people to practice clarity . Try to express your thoughts clearly and concisely Avoid jargon unless it’s appropriate for the audience you are addressing

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Building Community, Culture and Connection in the Rio Grande Valley

In a world where so many of us are searching for belonging, Village in the Valley (ViVa) stands as a reminder that community still matters. Founded on the belief that every person has something valuable to contribute, ViVa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating and uniting the Black community while connecting cultures in the Rio Grande Valley through service, culture, and collaboration.

What started as a vision to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and welcomed has grown into a powerful movement. ViVa brings residents together through yearround initiatives that strengthen families, celebrate diversity, and open doors of opportunity. At its heart, the organization champions three pillars—Community, Culture, and Commerce—each one designed to uplift and unify the people who call the RGV home.

ViVa hosts several signature programs that have become staples in the region. Its Community Closet serves individuals and families experiencing crisis or hardship, offering clothing, household essentials, and compassionate support. The organization’s commitment to education and empowerment is reflected in scholarship partnerships, youth engagement, and its ongoing collaboration with local school districts, colleges, and nonprofits.

One of ViVa’s most beloved traditions is the annual

Juneteenth Perfecting Unity Celebration, a vibrant gathering that honors history, culture, and the spirit of togetherness. ViVa also supports local initiatives— food pantry donations, senior meal distributions at Thanksgiving, children’s toy donations, and a monthly First Friday.

Networking Mixer at the Vineyard Wine Co—each one fueled by dedicated volunteers who believe in making the RGV stronger one act of kindness at a time.

Through every event, partnership, and program, ViVa continues to create a space where people from all walks of life can connect, thrive, and feel at home. The organization is powered by local visionaries, committed board members, and generous sponsors who share one purpose: to serve the community with excellence, dignity, and heart.

Village in the Valley is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement of people choosing to uplift each other. And in the Rio Grande Valley, that choice is changing lives every single day.

956-278-0873 rgvviva@gmail.com 2208 Primrose Ave., Unit J-1 McAllen, TX 78504 linktr.ee/vivargv

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COLD SNAPS IN THE RGV: WHAT YOUR DOG WANTS YOU TO KNOW

By Dr. Ruben Castro

If you live in the Rio Grande Valley, “cold weather” can feel a little dramatic until it actually happens. When temperatures dip into the 40s (or lower), many dogs notice the change before we do. While our winters are short, they can still affect your dog’s comfort, health, and daily routine. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pup happy during these chilly spells.

Not All Dogs Feel Cold the Same Way

Dogs with short coats, low body fat, or smaller frames, such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and seniors, lose body heat faster than large or double-coated breeds. If your dog starts shivering, lifting their paws off the ground, or hesitating to go outside, that’s not stubbornness; it’s discomfort. A lightweight sweater or jacket can make outdoor potty breaks much more pleasant.

Shorter Walks, Smarter Timing

Cold snaps often bring brisk winds in the RGV, which can make it feel colder than the thermometer indicates. Consider shorter walks during the coldest parts of the day and aim for late morning or early afternoon when the sun provides some warmth. If your dog is used to longer walks, add indoor enrichment like food puzzles or short training sessions to keep their brain busy.

Paws Need Protection Too

Cold pavement can irritate paw pads, especially when temperatures drop overnight. Check your dog’s paws for dryness or cracking, and wipe them down after walks. If your dog is sensitive, booties, or at least limiting time on cold surfaces, can help. Moisturizing paw balm can also prevent painful splits.

Indoor Comfort Matters

Many dogs that happily sprawl on tile floors in August will suddenly seek out blankets in January. Provide a warm sleeping spot away from drafts, especially for older dogs or those with arthritis. You may notice your dog curling up more or sleeping longer; both are normal responses to cooler weather.

Watch the “Winter Hunger” Myth

Some dogs do burn more calories staying warm, but most RGV dogs don’t need extra food during short cold spells. Keep meals consistent unless your vet advises otherwise. Weight gain can sneak up quickly when outdoor activity decreases.

A Final Thought

Cold weather in the Valley may be brief, but it’s a real change for our dogs. Paying attention to small signals, shivering, slower movement, or clinginess, helps us respond with empathy rather than frustration. With a few simple adjustments, your dog can enjoy winter just as much as they enjoy our long, sunny summers, blankets and all.

Dr. Castro is a proud Catholic who is a husband, father, and educator born and raised in the RGV. He is a graduate of Northcentral University with a doctorate in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Master of Science in Sociology from the University of Texas-Pan American and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Castro’s current research focuses on Education, Crime and Deviance, and Race and Ethnicity. He is also the owner of the K&B Dog Learning Cener, Inc. www.kbdoglearningcenter.com

A LITTLE LOVE GOES A LONG WAY

By Alyssa Cerroni

Make your New Year’s resolution one that genuinely makes a difference—save a life. This year, Yaqui Animal Rescue is inviting our community to commit to fostering one pet in 2026. A foster home provides temporary care for animals while they wait for adoption or transport to another rescue. Foster families offer a safe, loving space where pets receive food, care, and attention during a critical transition in their lives. Every foster home opens the door to saving another animal in need.

Many dogs and cats cannot go directly into adoption or transport, making foster homes essential to their survival. Some animals stay with rescues only briefly, but even a short time in a home allows them to experience love, routine, and comfort. This time in a foster environment helps pets decompress, build confidence, and become more adoptable.

Fostering has countless benefits, but the greatest is simple: it saves lives. It allows people to enjoy the companionship of a pet without a lifetime commitment, which is ideal for those who cannot adopt permanently. Some foster families enjoy helping animals recover from illness or injury, while others find fostering brings healing, purpose, and joy during challenging times. Fostering shows animals they are worthy of love and trust and helps reduce euthanasia by creating space for more animals to be rescued.

Beyond helping pets, fostering can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family, including children and existing pets. It encourages an active lifestyle through walks, playtime, and daily care, and it connects you with a compassionate community of fellow

animal lovers. Yaqui Animal Rescue provides guidance and support every step of the way, making the process simple and rewarding. And while saying goodbye can be emotional, it’s ultimately a joyful moment knowing your foster pet is heading to a safe, loving, and permanent home.

Animals of all kinds need foster homes, including dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. No matter how long you foster, your role is vital in giving an animal a second chance at a happy life. Most of our foster animals have already been tagged by rescues out of state, meaning they have a scheduled transport date and only need a temporary home to prepare for their journey. In most cases, fostering lasts just one to two months.

Ready to learn more or apply to foster? Visit www.yaquianimalrescue.com/consider-fostering/

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January 13

Man & Woman of the Year

McAllen Chamber of Commerce

McAllen Convention Center

6:30 PM - 10 PM SL

January 15

State of the State

Greater Harlingen Chamber of Commerce

TSTC Cultural Arts Center

11:30 AM

January 17

McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Run City of McAllen

McAllen Convention Center

7 AM

January 21

State of the 956

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Edinburg ACE Center

11:30 AM SL

January 31

2nd Annual Enchantment Under the Sea Gala

Sea Turtle Inc

Hilton Garden Inn SPI

6:30 PM SL

February 6

Star Wars + Four Hands

Valley Symphony Orchestra

McAllen Performing Arts Center

8 PM

February 17

JumpStart Career Expo

McAllen Chamber of Commerce

McAllen Convention Center

9 AM - 1 PM

February 18

Buenas Tardes Luncheon

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce

Mission Event Center

11 AM - 1 PM

Mrs Doubtfire: A New Musical Comedy

McAllen Performing Arts Center

7 PM

February 19

Hands of Hope Gala

Catholic Charities

Embassy Suites

6:30 PM SL

February 21

Puppy Love

Palm Valley Animal Society

McAllen Convention Center

6PM - 10 PM SL

4th Annual Bowling Tournament

McAllen Education Foundation Flamingo Bowl SL

February 26

The WickAD Ball

American Advertising Awards

American Advertising Federation RGV

Embassy Suites McAllen

6 PM SL

March 5

State of Real Estate Forum

Edwards Abstract

Region One ESC

9 AM - 11:30 AM

Hats Off to Women of Distinction

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Mission Event Center

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM SL

March 6

The Beatles & Rutter Soul Valley Symphony Orchestra

McAllen Performing Arts Center

8 PM

March 7

The Golden Eye Gala

Make-A-Wish RGV

Mission Event Center

6 PM - 11:30 PM SL

March 28

2026 Honor Roll

Teach for America

Mission Event Center

6:30 PM SL

Bayou Brewfest

The Edinburg Rotary Club

Edinburg Promenade Courtyard

6:30 PM SL

April 9

Moon Over Mazatlan

Quinta Mazatlan

6 PM SL

April 10

Legacy of Sound

Valley Symphony Orchestra

McAllen Performing Arts Center

8 PM

April

Night at the Brewseum

International Museum of Art & Science

6 - 11 PM

April 17

Bravo! VSO

Valley Symphony Orchestra

McAllen Convention Center

6 PM

Santa Fe Wine Classic

Santa Fe Steakhouse

Quinta Mazatlan

6:30 PM - 10:30 PM SL

May 5

Clue: Live on Stage

McAllen Performing Arts Center

7 PM

May 12

STEM NATION

RGV Philanthropic Foundation

Bert Ogden Arena

9 AM - 1:30 PM SL

May 14

Noche De Gala Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

June 3

Hadestown

McAllen Performing Arts Center

7 PM

June 26

LGBTQ+ Business Conference & Expo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

August 26

Luna Awards Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

September 11

Latina Leadership Conference Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

November 5

MANual for Success - Men’s Conference Hispanic Chamber of Commerce