Day: July 1, 2021

SAY Sí student receives globally competitive Adobe Design Circle Scholarship

San Antonio resident Jonathan Rodriguez selected as one of ten students from around the world. Photo: google

SAY Sí is thrilled to announce that recent high school graduate and SAY Sí alum, Jonathan Rodriguez, has been awarded the Adobe Design Circle Scholarship, a globally competitive design scholarship. To help reach untapped youth communities and foster diversity in the design industry, Adobe’s Design Circle Scholarship awards 10 annual college scholarships – up to $25,000 per year, for each year of the recipient’s undergraduate education (up to four years or $100,000). Rodriguez’ application was selected as one of 10 students from around the globe and will be applied toward his studies in UX Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) this fall, which intersects with his web design background and passion for creativity, technology and leadership. (SAY Sí, 2021)

As an industry underrepresented by Latinos, Rodriguez believes he will make a difference in driving UX Design innovation of products, services and systems inclusive of his culture, which will help to be made possible by this generous scholarship.

“This award means I will be able to do what I love doing, which is being a creative professional. I was so happy when I found out that I called my mom right away and messaged my two SAY Sí Instructors, Stevan and Ned. I will be studying UX Design at SCAD, and with the Adobe Design Circle Scholarship Program, I will have the opportunity to job shadow and be mentored by creatives at Google, Adobe and many other companies. This is a life-changing award and sets a new standard and path forward.”

scholarship recipient and SAY Sí alum, Jonathan Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is one of SAY Sí’s studio liaisons, acting as an ambassador for the nonprofit arts organization. SAY Sí’s mission is to support and amplify the voices of young artists, regardless of their socioeconomic status by providing hands-on training in digital and tech-based work, visual arts and new media. Rodriguez credits SAY Sí for encouraging and helping him to achieve his goals and hopes his success story will inspire others to do the same.

Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.

Project Pollo’s Fourth of July event

This Fourth of July, Project Pollo is offering 1,000 free Smart Dogs, tasty menu samples, a chance to shop local vendors, and a hot dog eating contest to support local nonprofits. Photo: Project Pollo, used with permission.

This is a July Fourth celebration that is going to the dogs—hot dogs, that is. On Sunday, July 4, from noon to 4p.m., San Antonio’s only vegan chicken fast food restaurant chain invites the public to its 303 San Pedro location, where 1,000 Vegan Lightlife Smart Dogs will be given away. The free dogs are part of a day filled with food, philanthropy, and doggone fun designed for both the plant-based and plant-curious diners alike. (Project Pollo, 2021)

Project Pollo has been disrupting the fast-food industry with its vegan chicken concept since opening its doors in the fall of 2020 and it shows no signs of slowing down. With five new restaurants throughout San Antonio, nine more scheduled to open across Texas by the end of the year, and a long range plan of 100 locations in the U.S. by the year 2024, the locally based restaurant is committed to making plant-based options affordable, accessible, and most of all, delicious.

FOOD
Smart Dogs are not the only thing on the holiday menu. Guests will be able to try FREE samples of some of Project Pollo’s newest items, including the decadent double chocolate cookie or creamy strawberry shortcake milkshakes made with Oatly Milk. In addition, the full menu, complete with the signature Original Project Chickn sandwich, the loaded Papas smothered in Credo Cashew Queso, and the vegan Mac n Cheese will be available for purchase. It is the perfect time to exercise your freedom to explore just how good plant-based eating can be.

PHILANTHROPY
What is a Fourth of July party without an eating contest? Project Pollo is inviting representatives from local nonprofits to participate in a “dog-off.” For every Smart Dog consumed, $25 will be donated to the organization. The grand prize winner will walk away with a $500 donation. A supply drive will be held for supporters to drop off donations and show their support for the participating organizations. It is all part of Project Pollo’s “people over profits” philosophy that extends to the community year-round. Through the “People Project,” charitable initiative, Project Pollo donates two additional sandwiches for the sale of every $5.50 People Project Crispy Strip sandwich. This effort allows the company to give away a minimum of 1,000 sandwiches on a designated day each quarter to those in need. In addition, for those who cannot afford the $5.50 cost, a “pay what you can” option is available, making it easier for everyone to enjoy sustainable foods.

FUN
Ate too many Smart Dogs? Walk it off as you browse local vendors who will be showcasing their wares during the Fourth of July event. Artists, plant sellers, and other merchants will be on hand with unique items to purchase. Shop, snack, and support local.

Established in 2020 by vegan entrepreneur Lucas Bradbury, Project Pollo gives a cluck about the planet and the people who inhabit it. The first of its kind plant-based fast-food chicken concept, Project Pollo is built on bold flavors and bolder principles, including fair wages, sustainability, and people over profit. The scratch-made menu offers delicious vegan chicken sandwiches, wraps, and strips, as well as plenty of mouthwatering sides, including crispy Papas, smothered in cashew queso, and Mac N Cheese. Project Pollo is committed to changing the face of the fast-food industry by offering affordable, delicious, convenient access to quality, plant-based options that everyone from the veteran vegan to the curious carnivore will enjoy. With locations across Texas (some drive-thru), Project Pollo hopes to spread its wings to 100 stores by 2024.

Summer Speaker Series at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. Photo: google

As a history enthusiast, I enjoy visiting historical sites and learning all I can about them. Unknown to some residents, this area has an extensive amount of history, historical markers, and parks. One example is the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park preserves the site of this battle and examines the causes, events, and consequences of the U.S./Mexican War. (Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, 2021)

This park is hosting a Summer Speaker Series to educate and inform the public about the Battle of Palo Alto and related topics. I have attended the previous two lectures and sincerely appreciate the effort put through by the volunteers and speakers to bring us these events. These presentations are very interesting and appeal to local history buffs. They are held in the visitor center at 10a.m. and seating is limited to 25. Below is a brief synopsis of each.

Saturday June 19 Riverboat Trade
Joe Matthews, a valley native, presented the discussion about riverboats of the Mexican-American War, including the history of riverboats and the people involved. As a visual aid, Aurelio Romo brought in his 7ft. replica of Bessie, a shallow-draft boat, which he put together during the COVID quarantine. Riverboats like these were first used mostly by ranchers and small businesses to move supplies. During the Mexican-American War, they were used to move troops up and down the Rio Grande River. Back then, the river was so much wider and ferries were commonly used. Some of the earlier traders included Charles Stillman, who came from Europe at the age of 18 and was instrumental in setting up the riverboats. After the war, the riverboats were used mostly for trade and during the Civil War, they helped smuggle cotton into the South by “Confederate sympathizers” who most likely were only interested in making money.

Highlight: General Zachary Taylor developed a reputation as an outstanding man, known for upholding treaties with the native people and often stated “we’re at war with the Mexican army, not the people.”

Saturday June 26 – Texas Rangers, Scouts, Spies of the U.S. Mexican War
Wade Marcum, a teacher, presented the discussion about the early Texas Rangers in three parts: ranger history, ranger descriptions, and a show and tell/Q&A. Visual aids included several pistols, rifles, and revolvers as well as two different horse saddles.

Most of the early Texas Rangers were volunteers, which was Stephen F. Austin’s idea. Their reputation was that they “ride like a Mexican, trail like an Indian, shoot like a Tennessean, and fight like the devil.” They took the best from each culture that they came across. In 1846 with the Mexican/American War looming, these volunteers operated under the Law of Retaliation because they had scores and grudges to settle with the Mexican people.

The introduction of horses in the area made a difference in how Indians did battle and a revolution in firepower came with the invention of the Colt 5 shot revolvers by Samuel Colt. Captain Jack Hays bought them for this troops in the Texas Navy but when it disbanded, Colt was out of luck. He later met with Samuel Walker up east and designed the 6 shot .44 caliber revolver.

Coming up next: Saturday July 3 Grenadiers in the Mexican Army

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
7200 Paredes Line Road
Brownsville, TX 78526
(956) 541-2785

  • Palo Alto Battlefield visitor center
  • canon
  • An overview of the war
  • Bessie
  • visual aids
  • close up of firearms

First impression: Worthy Nutrition & Energy

Worthy Nutrition & Energy. Photo: Sandra Cruz

It is encouraging to see more restaurants offering healthier options in the Brownsville area.  Most are small, locally owned businesses and Saturday it was time for me to finally visit Worthy Nutrition & Energy on Alton Gloor Blvd. I usually drive through this area but seldom have time to slow down and take a closer look. They had been advertising their Customer Appreciation Day all week so this was the perfect opportunity to stop by.

Being that it was close to noon, the place was already buzzing with activity. I was greeted by Mariah and automatically felt welcomed and appreciated; like I was among friends. As you are coming in, to the right they have a seating section made up of two chairs and a couch that has a cushion with the stitching “sit & stay awhile” proudly welcoming people to hang out. To the left there is a staging section with a half outline of balloons and  the words “You Are Worthy” written on the wall that is meant for pictures and sure enough, most customers were taking pictures with it to post online. For the promotional day, they had pastries, a vegetable tray, and other goodies for customers to enjoy.

Since this was my first time there, the extensive menu seemed a little intimidating but Mariah explained all my options. I ordered the Twisted Apple Tea and it turned out so delicious, energizing, and refreshing for these South Texas hot days. They had a specialty menu for their Customer Appreciation Day which included the Twisted Apple Tea. It came festively decorated with a mini umbrella and I was pleasantly surprised to see they use paper straws. Big plus! I have my eye on the iced coffee with protein, maybe next time because I will definitely be back. With every purchase, customers had the option to sign up for a raffle that they were going to have at the end of the day. Sadly, I did not win.  The prizes looked so nice.

Classified as a smoothie and juice bar, Worthy Nutrition & Energy is an outstanding place to hang out and get a healthy drink along with tasty baked treats. If you are not in a hurry, stick around and chill, there are many sitting options and the staff is so friendly and helpful. Thanks to Mariah as well as Ricky and Alex, the owners, for taking the time to talk to me and answer my questions. As Mariah mentioned, they strive to provide area residents with healthier options, especially during these COVID times when it is important to stay healthy. So remember, shop small, shop local, and maybe I will see you there the next time around.  

“Worthy Nutrition & Energy is a place for high energy, good vibes, and a hub for a healthy, active lifestyle! We serve delicious protein shakes, energizing teas, iced coffee and so much more!” (Worthy Nutrition & Energy, 2021)

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Price Range: $$

Worthy Nutrition & Energy
1501 E. Alton Gloor Blvd.
Brownsville, TX 78526
(956) 667-1771

Business hours:
Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 6p.m.
Saturday 9a.m. to 4p.m.
Sunday CLOSED

  • Twisted Apple Tea
  • Customer Appreciation Day
  • Ready for pictures
  • One of the stations
  • One of the seating areas