by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

11-12-25

Sammie Magee, the creator of Sammie’s Toy Drive will be coming to Uvalde this Saturday, November 15th from 2PM to 5PM at El Progreso Memorial Library for the 3rd Annual Sammie’s Toy Drive.

07-30-25

By Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

The Uvalde Hesperian Uvalde Walmart Market Manager Market 88 George Herrera Wednesday morning following the $250,000 check presentation to El Progreso Memorial Library accepted by Director Tammie Sinclair.

The funds will go toward the library’s planned remodeling project which will begin this fall. Herera said the grant was provided by the Walmart foundation and made possible by the Uvalde Walmart.

Over 20 Walmart managers and associates attending the presentation and summer library reading program event.

Press Release 

Donation to Support Literacy and Celebrate Local Children with a Day of Stories, Magic, and Community Fun

UVALDE, TX – Magic is in the air! Walmart is helping the community wrap up summer on a high note with a $250,000 donation to El Progreso Memorial Library, to be presented during the library’s Summer Reading Program Finale on Wednesday, July 30.

  Families can expect a full day of fun, imagination, and community celebration — from story time and prize drawings to balloon art and a magical performance by ventriloquist Joe Libby. Walmart Store Manager Frank Gonzales and local associates will join in the festivities and lend a helping hand as volunteers.

  The $250,000 donation will support much-needed renovations to El Progreso Memorial Library’s current building and the creation of new, dynamic spaces — including a soundproof recording studio, a dedicated teen room with a makerspace, an updated museum, bookstore, expanded archival and cultural heritage areas, and upgraded security, technology and infrastructure. These improvements will ensure the library remains a vibrant hub of learning, creativity, and community connection for generations to come.

  The grant is part of Walmart’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and literacy in communities across Texas. Elected officials, media, and local leaders are invited to attend and celebrate this milestone moment alongside the children and families of Uvalde.

When:        Wednesday, July 30, 2025

                   Program begins at 10:00 AM

EVENT SCHEDULE:

• 10:00 AM – Grant Presentation & Remarks
• 10:30 AM – Story Time
• 11:30 AM – Summer Reading Prize Drawing
• 12:00 PM – Performance by Ventriloquist & Magician Joe Libby
• 1:00 PM – Face Painting & Balloon Art with Jody & Mariesa

From El Progreso Memorial Library

07-18-25

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, harmony, and hometown pride! Join us this Saturday, July 19 at 7 PM for the Annual Summer Serenade — one of the season’s most anticipated events, and it’s completely FREE!

Curated by the talented Toni Kay Hull, this year’s show is packed with local stars, surprise duets, and heartwarming performances:

Kicking things off with energy and fun, Katie and the Boys — featuring Katie Cabralez, Steve Cox, Paul Kimble, and Greg Knapp — will have the crowd singing along with their lively take on “Barbara Ann” and more.

John and Cheryle Juhasz will melt hearts with their rendition of Brad Paisley’s heartfelt hit, “New Again,” and the timeless anthem “Lean on Me”. Then, brace yourself for a saxophone sensation as award-winning San Antonio artist Luke Williams commands the stage with “Rock Around the Clock” and a soulful “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.”

For a classical treat, Uvalde City Manager Vince di Piazza will join forces with Gary Horn for a stunning viola and cello duet. Valerie Redus, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Alondra on clarinet, will enchant the audience with the dreamy classic, “Blue Moon.”

David and Paula Seydel will delight with the version of “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You” and “Have You Ever Been Lonely?”.

Olgui Urso will bring depth and emotion with her performance of “Sunrise, Sunset”.

Also gracing the stage: the ever-talented Lee Milstead will sing “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys: and “I Needed You”. The night will include powerful vocals and piano flair with Jason Schlicting delivering a show-stopping performance of “Folsom Prison Blues” and “The Impossible Dream.”

The Chili Peppers will assist as hostesses for the reception following the performance.

Submitted by El Progreso Memorial Library

07-03-05

 Ongoing Weekly Events:

• Children’s Storyhour – Every Wednesday at 10:30 AM, featuring Miss Martha and special guests (in-person and on Facebook Live).
• Crafter-noons – Every Wednesday, 4:00–5:30 PM (Sewing with Alicia Ramirez on July 9 and Art w/Alicia Aguilar on July 30). * No Crafter-noon this week (July 2)
• Game Night – Every Thursday from 5:00–8:00 PM, including Dungeons & Dragons and classic board games.
• Family Film Fridays – Every Friday at 11:00 AM. Cool off with free, family-friendly movie screenings. Popcorn donated by Henson Theater.

 July Highlights:

• Tiny Art Show & Artist of the Month Exhibit – Featuring local talent throughout the month.
• Community Artist Reception – Friday, July 18 at 12:00 PM.
• Cupcake Decorating Night (Adults) – Monday, July 21 from 6:00–7:30 PM.
• Createful Paintings (Adults) – Thursday, July 24 from 6:00–8:00 PM.
• Smart & Art Workshop – Saturday, July 12 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.
• Cooking Book Club Potluck – Friday, July 25 at 12:00 PM.
• Music on Main – Saturday, July 19 at 7:00 PM.
• Chess Club – Tuesday, July 15 at 4:30 PM.
• Brick Stacks Lego Club (All Ages) – Monday, July 7 from 4:30 – 5:30 PM.

 Special Event:

• Summer Reading Program Finale – Wednesday, July 30 at 10:30 AM. Enjoy a special Storyhour, Magic Show w/Ventriloquist, Face Painting, Balloon Art, Snow Cones, Prize drawings, and Celebration for our young readers! More to come….

 Community Resources:

• Tech Tuesday (for Seniors 55+) – Tuesday, July 29, 1:00–2:00 PM.
• TLSC Uvalde Co. Legal Aid Clinic – Thursday, July 3, 2:00–4:00 PM via virtual kiosk (registration required).

 Visit us at 301 W. Main St. or online at www.elprogreso.org for full details.

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

06-16-25

Note: The Uvalde Hesperian blurred the face of the person pictured in the top photo

 At approximately 9 AM this morning, two individuals were seen sleeping separately on the front porch of El Progreso Memorial Library about one hour before the opening hour of 10 AM.  At the same time, there were two others who were awake sitting on the opposite side of the porch along with some personal items.

  A few minutes before 10 AM the sliding glass doors of the library opened, and a library employee shouted at the two figures lying prone on the concrete stoop telling the two to get up and “it’s time to go.”

  El Progreso Memorial Library Director Tammie Sinclair said, “We have had homeless people before, but in the last week have had people try to put up a tent. We are working with Uvalde PD to help them relocate. UPD will be checking the library more at night and will be checking the garden for us.”

 In 2014, The City of Uvalde experienced issues with homeless individuals camping on city owned property to the south of Uvalde Memorial Park along the river.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top picture by Robinson

05-30-25

Earlier this week on Tuesday morning, May 27th, dozens of children and their parents were seen at the El Progreso Memorial Library waiting in line at the circulation desk to sign up for the library’s annual summer reading program.  Library Director Tammie Sinclair published a Facebook video that day announcing everyone that signed up that day for the summer reading program would get a ticket for a free snow cone.

Those participating in the program keep a log of the books they read and once they reach the number of books read, each participant is eligible to win prizes.

Signups continue for the summer reading program so it’s not too late to start as this summer will likely be a page turning experience.