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El Paso, Texas (May 24, 2024) — This summer, The Salvation Army will host the 6th Annual Music & Arts Conservatory for children ages 8-14.

Many children have talent that will never be developed because their parents can’t afford lessons, instruments, or other supplies. Their passion for music can be developed at this summer program. Aside from a $30 registration fee, the program is free. Students receive free loaner equipment and curriculum materials and participate in a variety of classes to broaden their fine arts horizons.

“Our program improves children’s confidence and creativity,” said Major Eloisa Estrada, Commanding Officer. “Music education today can lead to success tomorrow.”

Studies show that schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate, compared to 72.9% at schools without music programs. Students who participate in band or orchestra have the lowest levels of current lifelong use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs among any group in our society.

The Music & Arts Conservatory will be from June 10 to July 7, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students will perform at a graduation concert held on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at The Salvation Army Citadel located at 4900 Hercules Ave.

Call 915-544-9811 to register your child for the Music & Arts Conservatory. The program begins June 10, and space is limited. Register today!

To learn more about The Salvation Army’s music program, or to make a donation, visit salvationarmyelpaso.org.

Members of the military admitted free for Military Days, May 24-27

GALVESTON, Texas (May 24, 2024) ­– To honor those who serve our country, Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark today announced it will provide free admission to members of the military this weekend. During Military Days, May 24-27, 2024, members of the U.S. military and veterans will receive free admission to the park and an opportunity to bring family and friends at a deeply discounted price.

The following receive free admission:

• Active U.S. military
• Retired U.S. military
• Veterans
• Reserves
• National Guard

Members of the military simply present a valid U.S. Military ID for free admission at the front gate turnstiles any one day, May 24-27. Up to six additional admission tickets for family and friends may be purchased for just $34.99 each, which is a savings of up to $44.00 per ticket off the main gate price. These special tickets must be purchased online in advance with proper verification.

“The bravery, commitment and true patriotism that each member of the military displays cannot be appreciated enough,” said Schlitterbahn General Manager Rick Belhumeur. “These individuals protect us and our country every day, and we are proud to show our gratitude by offering these heroes a day of fun with friends and family at Schlitterbahn.”

Family and friends with a paid ticket can upgrade to a 2024 Season Pass for a small upgrade fee while at the park. Season Passes are on sale for just $99.00 plus applicable taxes and fees, now through May 27, at which time the price increases. More information about Military Days and other discounts for member of the military are available Schlitterbahn.com. Schlitterbahn Galveston is now open daily.

About Schlitterbahn Galveston

Schlitterbahn is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. Schlitterbahn Galveston is a 26-acre oasis of thrilling waterpark adventures. Located just outside Houston on beautiful and historic Galveston Island, the park features more than 26 attractions. The waterpark is home to the record-breaking water coaster, MASSIV, and the next generation, award-winning Transportainment® river system that combines three unique rivers into one endless floating adventure. Whether you’re looking to relax or seeking a thrilling adventure, there is something for everyone at Schlitterbahn Galveston.

About Cedar Fair

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world, is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive, and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites.  Cedar Fair’s parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario.

Members of the military admitted free for Military Days, May 24-27

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (May 23, 2024) ­– To honor those who serve our country, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark today announced it will provide free admission to members of the military this weekend. During Military Days, May 24-27, 2024, members of the U.S. military and veterans will receive free admission to the park and an opportunity to bring family and friends at a deeply discounted price.

The following receive free admission:

• Active U.S. military
• Retired U.S. military
• Veterans
• Reserves
• National Guard

Members of the military simply present a valid U.S. Military ID for free admission at the front gate turnstiles any one day, May 24-27. Up to six additional admission tickets for family and friends may be purchased for just $34.99 each, which is a savings of up to $47.00 per ticket off the main gate price. These special tickets must be purchased online in advance with proper verification.

“The bravery, commitment and true patriotism that each member of the military displays cannot be appreciated enough,” said Schlitterbahn Vice President and General Manager Darren Hill. “These individuals protect us and our country every day, and we are proud to show our gratitude by offering these heroes a day of fun with friends and family at Schlitterbahn.”

Members of the military are also eligible for a 10% discount off rooms at The Resort at Schlitterbahn. Those with little ones may also wish to take advantage of the Kids Stay and Play Free resort package during their visit to Schlitterbahn when they book by May 24.

Family and friends with a paid ticket can upgrade to a 2024 Season Pass for a small upgrade fee while at the park. Season Passes are on sale for just $99.00 plus applicable taxes and fees, now through May 27, at which time the price increases. More information about Military Days and other discounts for member of the military are available Schlitterbahn.com. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is now open daily.

About Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark has been voted World’s Best Waterpark for 25 years. Located on the banks of the spring-fed Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas, Schlitterbahn has 45 attractions in a unique natural setting on over 70 acres. Schlitterbahn has a staggering variety of river rides, waterslides, and adventures from mild to wild. Every section has a swim-up bar, areas for kids, and unique signature attractions. Any single section of Schlitterbahn is as large as most regional waterparks.

About Cedar Fair

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world, is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive, and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites.  Cedar Fair’s parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario.

El Paso County, Texas – The Office of Commissioner Iliana Holguin is excited to invite the community of Fabens to the unveiling ceremony of Wildcat Nation Street, formerly known as 5th Street. This event will take place on Wednesday, May 22nd at 5:00pm at the intersection of NW G Avenue and the newly named Wildcat Nation Street.

The renaming of this street is a celebration of community spirit and pride, reflecting the vibrant and unified identity of Fabens. Commissioner Holguin extends a warm welcome to all residents, local businesses, and community leaders to join in this historic moment.
Wildcat Nation Street was chosen by the community and students at Fabens High School during a special meeting that involved a nomination process and election by QR Code for all to participate in. To honor the spirit of the community, embodying the pride, unity, and resilience that define Fabens, Wildcat Nation was chosen. This renaming not only pays tribute to the local heritage, but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride among the residents, symbolizing the strong and cohesive community that Fabens represents.

“This street renaming honors the enduring strength and unity of our community. We are proud to celebrate our local heritage and the spirit of our Wildcats,” said Commissioner Iliana Holguin. The event will feature remarks from Fabens ISD Superintendent Martin Torres, Fabens High School Principal Dr. Daniel Aguayo, Commissioner Iliana Holguin, community parent Olga Orozco, the Fabens marching band and cheerleaders, followed by the official unveiling of the new street sign.

www.ilianaholguin.com

El Paso, Texas, May 15, 2024 – El Paso Community College (EPCC) Nursing Program recognizes the outstanding work of Assistant Professor Maria O’Toole Corey, who has been with the college since 2020 and has had a powerful impact with EPCC nursing students.
In April 2024, she wrote an article “My Old Stethoscope” for the recognized American Nurse Journal; this article is about saying goodbye to an old friend is important even if a stethoscope is only a tool, for her it was more than that.

Ms. O’Toole has been a Registered Nurse (RN) for over 40 years, stating that her mother was her inspiration as she lived with chronic severe mental illness and epilepsy. Her care taught O’Toole about seeing the person, not the illness.

After retiring from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Maria decided to join EPCC as part-time nursing faculty. Then in 2023, she became an Assistant Professor.

“I spent a few months at home and was flunking retirement. I was venting to another VA Nurse retiree, Christine Aguirre, who started working for EPCC and told me O’Toole, you know we are not the types to just stay at home and she encouraged me to apply,” Ms. O’Toole said.

EPCC has been a huge impact in Ms. O’Toole career as a Nurse, currently she has been teaching Foundations in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. She is persistent in teaching the students to take nursing school one day at a time and encouraging them to face their fears and go for it.

“EPCC has many resources like the Teaching Seminar which I attended last year to support my encore career as nursing faculty and I like how the faculty and students are working for the purpose of promoting the nursing profession,” Ms. O’Toole said,
EPCC is proud to have wonderful professors like Ms. O’Toole that help our students to their path to success in the field.

Read My Old Stethoscope article at: https://www.myamericannurse.com/382161-2/

Photos Courtesy: Rudy Gutierrez/EPCC

Student Bianca Hernandez and O’Toole Corey.

Armando Sosa, Joyce Lieb, Maria O’Toole-Corey, Christine Sambrano, and Helen Carmona.

The Nylia Ballet Academy delights in providing high quality technical training to all those who feel called to learn the art form. Yet, they realize that training has historically been inaccessible to low income, marginalized, and BIPOC groups. Thus, to fulfill their mission, and to reach as many students as possible, the Nylia Ballet Academy is proud to award two scholarships and three partial tuition waivers to current and prospective students.

The Aurora Piñon Memorial Scholarship, the ADA Family Scholarship, and the ADA Tuition Fund will be presented to five recipients during their June production of Cinderella. The scholarships will waive monthly tuition for the span of one year beginning from July 2024 to July 2025, and will waive the annual registration fee in January 2025. Whereas the tuition waiver will partially waive monthly tuition running from the span of one year from July 2024 to July 2025.

Guidelines, and the application can be found the on the Nylia Ballet Academy’s website under their scholarship tab or at https://www.nyliaballetacademy.com/scholarships/ .

For further questions please email the Academy at jazmine@nyliaballetacademy.com or contact us via direct message on Instagram at @nyliaballetacademy.

To commemorate one year since opening, the Nylia Ballet Academy will be hosting an anniversary party, Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at 13350 Solen Rd, El Paso Texas, 79938. This event will reflect on the accomplishments of the Academy, look forward to the future, and highlight local creative and performing groups.

In addition to performances from the Academy, the event will feature performances from the PIE Sisters, The Dream Crew K-Pop Dance Group, and Capoeira El Paso. The El Paso Barbed Wire Series will host signature verse and harmony open mic for interested poets and musicians who wish to share their craft. The art group, Flux Collective, will provide activities for party goers as well as create live art. El Paso Chess Nerds will host matches. There will be games, jumping ballons, karaoke, vendors, food trucks, and a complimentary outdoors pilates session.

All are welcome. The Academy invites the El Paso Community to please join them in their celebration.

Park hosts a night of celebration for Lemonade Day Participants in Galveston County

GALVESTON, Texas (May 9, 2024)—Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark is preparing for an epic celebration to support young entrepreneurs. The park will host participants who completed the Lemonade Day curriculum in Galveston County. Spirit Night at Schlitterbahn will kick off today at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate after a successful Lemonade Day event.

Spirit Night at Schlitterbahn is the award ceremony and celebration of participation in Lemonade Day within Galveston County. Lemonade Day is a fun and educational program for kids to learn how to operate their own business by conceptualizing and implementing individual lemonade stands. More than 800 children were registered to participate in Lemonade Day in the region.

“Spirit Night at Schlitterbahn Galveston is a way we support young people in the community,” said General Manager Rick Belhumeur. “It’s about believing in their potential to change the world and empowering them to turn their dreams into reality.”

This BAHNtastic night will kick off with kid-friendly games, snacks, dancing and an appearance from the beloved Schlitterbahn mascot, Schatze. During the event, active participants of the program who completed the “business results” page from the curriculum will receive tickets to the award-winning waterpark for the 2024 season.

Awards will be presented at Spirit Night by the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for exceptional participation in categories such as “Business of the Year,” “Fan Favorite” and “Most Creative Stand.” During this time, 15 individual awards will be presented.

Schlitterbahn Galveston has partnered with the Galveston Chamber of Commerce since 2012 to encourage youth, ages five to 18, to register for the event and complete the associated curriculum. Schlitterbahn is committed to encouraging initiative and innovation among young people.

About Schlitterbahn Galveston

Schlitterbahn is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. Schlitterbahn Galveston is a 26-acre oasis of thrilling waterpark adventures. Located just outside Houston on beautiful and historic Galveston Island, the park features more than 26 attractions. The waterpark is home to the record-breaking water coaster, MASSIV, and the next generation, award-winning Transportainment® river system that combines three unique rivers into one endless floating adventure. Whether you’re looking to relax or seeking a thrilling adventure, there is something for everyone at Schlitterbahn Galveston.

About Cedar Fair

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world, is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. Focused on its mission to make people happy by providing fun, immersive, and memorable experiences, the Company owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites.  Cedar Fair’s parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) is celebrating two Commencement Ceremonies this spring. 2,177 degrees and Certificates of Completion will be granted.

What: EPCC Spring 2024 Commencement
When: Friday, May 10, 2024
2:00 P.M. – Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Certificates of Completion
6:00 P.M. – Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching
Where: Don Haskins Center
Who: EPCC Graduates, President, Board of Trustees, Administrators, Faculty, Staff and families.

Master of Ceremonies will be Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President, the Commencement Speaker will be Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex.

El Paso, Texas, May 3, 2024 – El Paso Community College is celebrating National Nurses Week May 6 – May 12, and throughout May. For 2024, The American Nurses Association has selected the theme “Nurses Make the Difference” to honor the varying roles of nurses and their positive impact on our lives. Nurses make a difference as trusted advocates who ensure individuals, families, and communities receive quality patient care and services.

Today, the EPCC Nursing Division celebrated the upcoming Nurses Week with an appreciation luncheon at the Rio Grande Campus, honoring faculty for their outstanding work.

“Join us in recognizing the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. Whether you’re a health care professional, a patient, or simply someone who appreciates nurses’ dedication,” said Dr. Hafid Guerrero, Dean of Nursing at EPCC.

Established in 1972, EPCC’s nursing program is the oldest nursing program/school in our community. EPCC graduates approximately 175 nurses per year from off of our programs, with 65 full-time and part-time faculty, and will be graduating our 50th class in 2025. “Our graduates work in many roles in our community and beyond, from direct patient care to administration, research, and higher education,” added Guerrero.

National Nurses Week is celebrated yearly, between May 6, which is National Nurses Day, and May 12, which is the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This week is celebrated in healthcare facilities, nursing schools, and anywhere where nurses work.

The American Nurses Association has set the celebration’s theme for the year as “Nurses Make the Difference,” to “Honor the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting.”

National nurse week was first observed in 1954, marking the 100-year anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. In February 1974, President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation marking a week in May as National Nurse Week, May 12th being Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Apply now for the Golden Chile Awards 

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) invites all participants of New Mexico Grown, a program that works with local farmers, ranchers, and food businesses, to apply for the Golden Chile Awards. Awards are given for a variety of activities such as establishing edible gardens, serving locally grown food in meals and snacks, providing gardening lessons and nutrition education, offering culturally appropriate lessons, and engaging staff, families and/or communities in NM Grown programming. Last year, state officials and the NM Grown coalition recognized 67 participants.

“New Mexico Grown is an important program that nourishes New Mexico school-age children, older adults, and families with fresh, locally produced food,” said Secretary Patrick Allen for NMHealth. “We are proud to be able to recognize the great work of the local farmers, ranchers, food producers, food hubs, state agencies, and food banks that participate in the program.”

Applications are open through May 31 for the 4th annual awards recognition program that honors institutions and growers for connecting students and seniors statewide to locally grown food. This year’s award applications can be found at the following links:

• Food Producer Application (for Farmers and Ranchers)
• Food Hub Application
• Early Care and Education Application
• K-12 Application
• Senior Center Application

The Golden Chile Awards are open to all local farmers, food hubs and food producers who participate in the NM Grown program as well as schools, preschools and senior centers that serve locally grown food in their nutrition programs.

The NM Grown Coalition, a network of public institutions, community-based organizations and individuals working together to strengthen community food systems across New Mexico, will announce winners in August and host an in-person ceremony Oct. 24.

For more information about NM Grown, visit newmexicogrown.org. For questions about applications, contact Gabriel.Gaarden@doh.nm.gov.

Albuquerque, NM – Opening just in time for the celebration of all things Star Wars on May the Fourth, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) is excited to welcome a new traveling exhibition that explores the real-life science behind some of the most famous science fiction stories! On loan from the New Mexico Museum of Space History (NMMSH) in Alamogordo, Sci-Fi & Sci-Fact opens during the first weekend of May on the museum’s first floor.

“While many of us enjoy a good science fiction story, we often don’t stop to consider the real science and technology that influences them,” said NMMNHS Executive Director Dr. Anthony Fiorillo. “Sci-Fi & Sci-Fact explores the way science and fiction interact with one another, with help from costumes and props from some of our favorite stories.”

Sci-Fi & Sci-Fact explores the ways that science fiction and scientific fact overlap and help create our modern world. Learn how Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has helped save lives. Discover how a guy named Hugo laid the groundwork for virtual reality and wireless technology in the early 1900s. And explore the stories that laid for inventions ranging from earbuds to iPads, and rocket ships to credit cards. The exhibition presents these stories of scientific advancement alongside a number of costumes and props from popular science fiction stories like Star Wars, Stranger Things, Firefly, and Galaxy Quest, including a full-size replica of R2-D2!

Sci-Fi & Sci-Fact first opened at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in December 2023, quickly becoming a favorite with sci-fi lovers. The exhibition then traveled to the Governor’s Mansion Gallery, which hosts a rotating assortment of artworks on view across the state, earlier this Spring. On view in the NMMNHS Space Science wing on the museum’s first floor, the new exhibition dovetails with museum-facilitated research on Venus, Mars, and other elements of our Solar System.

The new exhibition will be open through the end of 2024 and is included with museum admission. More information about Sci-Fi & Sci-Fact is available at nmnaturalhistory.org/exhibits.

About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Trustees of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, through the generous support of donors. Established in 1986, the mission of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is to preserve and interpret the distinctive natural and scientific heritage of our state through extraordinary collections, research, exhibits, and programs designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. The NMMNHS offers exhibitions, programs, and workshops in Geoscience, including Paleontology and Mineralogy, Bioscience, and Space Science. It is the Southwest’s largest repository for fossils and includes a Planetarium and a large format 3D DynaTheater.

BEDFORD, Texas (April 29, 2024) – Josh Abbott and DQ® restaurants in Texas do it again with another exciting collaboration. The two Texas icons have come together with the Josh Abbott Meal featuring the country singer’s favorite childhood meal which kicks off April 29 and runs through May 26 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas.

“I am from a little town called Idalou outside of Lubbock, Texas and Dairy Queen was always my go to spot growing up,” reminisced Josh Abbott, lead singer of the Josh Abbott Band. “Whether I was heading to Dairy Queen after a basketball or football game, or going to Dairy Queen with my Grandpa, I have a lot of great memories with the brand.”

The Josh Abbott Meal features a 4-piece Steak Finger Country Basket, a mini M&M’s® Milk Chocolate Blizzard® Treat, a refreshing Iced Tea, and a collectible limited-edition Josh Abbott cup, available at participating restaurants while supplies last.

When it comes DQ, Josh said he gravitated to the steak finger basket growing up because it was unique. “You can go to a lot of places with burgers or chicken, but Dairy Queen has the variety, and I loved the steak fingers.”

“Texans work hard and play hard, and when they are hungry, they come to DQ restaurants in Texas for their favorite Treats & Eats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “We have enjoyed working with Josh the last couple of years who brings his nostalgia and passion for Dairy Queen into this new initiative.”

The two Texas icons joined forces in 2022 to create a fresh new sound for DQ restaurants in Texas with one of the most recognizable jingles in the Lone Star State, “That’s What I like About Texas.” The country music star brought his distinctive style to the jingle which has been a staple for the past two decades.

Today, Josh is building DQ memories with his own kids. He and his family recently visited a DQ location where he introduced his children to the Blizzard Treat. “Watching their faces, that sugar rush and the joy was a really cool moment! We filmed it and I am so glad we have that on camera now,” said Josh.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about DQ Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Josh Abbott
Josh Abbott founded the Josh Abbott Band (JAB) in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University. The seven-piece group cut its teeth as a hard-touring act with hooky melodies that deliver real-world stories. The Josh Abbott Band released their seventh studio LP Somewhere Down The Road in January 2024. Produced by Dwight A. Baker (Flatland Cavalry), the new album is their first full-length since 2020 and is the first featuring a newly reconfigured lineup. The band is currently on tour across the country. Visit joshabbottband.com for tour dates.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council
There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas.