Odessa Family YMCA New Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Healthy Kids Dany 2026

Posted on      by      Leave a Comment on Odessa Family YMCA New Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Healthy Kids Dany 2026

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/April 21, 2026-The Odessa Family held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new all-inclusive playground and celebrated the annual Healthy Kids Day event at Mike Neeley Park. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Staff and members of the Odessa Family YMCA, joined by representatives from the City of Odessa and partnering agencies, gathered at Mike Neeley Park to celebrate the official unveiling of a new all-inclusive playground. The project, made possible through community collaboration and additional funding support, aims to provide a safe and accessible space for children of all abilities to play and connect. 

(Crissy Medina, President/CEO-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, some of the obstacles we faced definitely was the cost of the playground. We want it to be as safe as possible. So, writing grants and the supporters and the foundations and all of the donors were very integral in making this vision a reality. So we really want to thank them for their support, because of their community support. We’re able to do something like this for their children and our Odessa community.” 

The Odessa Family YMCA leadership team and board members carefully researched and evaluated a variety of playground options, prioritizing solutions that would be both cost-effective and low maintenance while supporting the vision of an all-inclusive playground. 

(Crissy Medina, President/CEO-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“We did, evaluate and study a lot of different playgrounds. And so, we wanted something that was going to be beneficial for all children to be able to play at our previous playground really didn’t have a lot of those elements, and it would have been hard for wheelchairs to get through. So, some of the process was making sure we had the put in place foundation, so they were able to easily access elements of the playground.” 

Families gathered on April 18 as the Odessa Family YMCA hosted its annual Healthy Kids Day, part of the YMCA’s National Healthy Kids Day celebration. The event featured a variety of fun, hands-on activities designed to promote healthy living and marked an exciting kickoff to spring and summer. 

(Tara Crouch, Community Relations Director- Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“A lot of the kids are more able to do hands-on activities, make bracelets. They did little potting plants. They had them dance off with Odessa drillers. They were here and they were great. And our band, they interact with the kids the whole time. We have hula hooping by the Reagan Star Wars.” 

To find out more about the Odessa Family YMCA’s upcoming events or sponsorship opportunities, visit odessaymca.org or on Facebook at Odessa YMCA. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS dot TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin to Holds Annual Research Day 2026

Posted on      by      Leave a Comment on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin to Holds Annual Research Day 2026

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin held its 35th Annual Research Day 2026. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 16,2026-Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin held its annual Research Day inside the Academic Classroom Building. Research Day is a celebration of excellence, a dedication to advancing innovation, collaboration and high-value patient care through research scholarship.  

(Ashley Sanchez, Senior Research Scientist-Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin) 

“We have a lot of different types of projects. A lot of them tend to look at population health related issues or quality quality of care. Really the research, whether, you know, how are things in the hospital going in terms of, the quality of care that they’re giving? So it’s very wide. And that’s mostly because of the Permian Basin. We’re mostly known for rural health and community health. So, they really focus hone in on that rural community type of, engagement research.” 

Students, residents and fellows, spotlighted the vital contributions to health care advancements in the region. 

(Issa Abujeries, 3rd Year Medical Student-Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin) 

“My personal research was about a colon lipoma that looked like a cancer, actually. Um, and then it was a long procedure that we ended up realizing it wasn’t actually cancer. Um, and that’s why we kind of kind of wanted to shed light on that. Uh, on, on that area.” 

Attendees had the opportunity to explore the research efforts of these students. For DRB Media Communications Digital News. Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Visit drbmediacommunicationsdigitalnews.tv I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

 

 

Middle of the World: A Festival of Ecuadorian Cultural Coming to Odessa, Texas

Posted on      by      Leave a Comment on Middle of the World: A Festival of Ecuadorian Cultural Coming to Odessa, Texas

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. A Latin American Festival is coming to the MCM Grande Hotel and Fundome in May. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 13, 2026-A unique cultural experience is coming to the MCM Grande Hotel and Fundome with “The Middle of the World: A Festival of Ecuadorian Culture.” The special event will showcase vibrant Ecuadorian traditions, featuring art, live music, dancing, and a variety of authentic cultural experiences. 

(Johana Zambrano, Ecuadorian Attorney/Event Organizer-THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD: A FESTIVAL OF ECUADORIAN CULTURE) 

“In the festival. There will be music, music and we. We want to support the local arts. The local artists, because there will be a singer, the singer and a urban dance too, and model A. There will be fashion show and it is very important for the for the whole community. And we have a painting contest too, because we want. The local artists know about the Ecuador.” 

The Middle of the World: A Festival of Ecuadorian Culture” will feature vibrant performances by the Andean Dance Group and Escuela de Danza y Modelaje Soul and Emotion, along with traditional songs performed by Issac Gonzalez. The event will also include a fashion show and a variety of other cultural experiences celebrating Ecuador’s rich heritage. 

(Johana Zambrano, Ecuadorian Attorney/Event Organizer-THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD: A FESTIVAL OF ECUADORIAN CULTURE) 

“There will be a music and dance from Ecuador, and there will be a custom traditional costumes too. Because I want to show the people the community knows about the Ecuadorian culture.” 

Sponsorships are still available for the Middle of the World: A Festival of Ecuadorian Culture, May 23rd at 6pm at the MCM Grande and Fundome. Call Johana at 432-283-6428. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Thanks for following us on social media, on YouTube and at drbmediacommunicationsdigitalnews.tv I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Odessa Chamber of Commerce Hosts 4th Annual National Civics Bee

Posted on      by      Leave a Comment on Odessa Chamber of Commerce Hosts 4th Annual National Civics Bee

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications. The Odessa Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the Fourth Annual National Civics Bee. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 12, 2026-The Odessa Chamber of Commerce hosted the Fourth Annual National Civics Bee® on Saturday, April 11th at the Odessa College Wood Health Sciences Building. This event was open to all 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students in the area.  More than 180 students submitted an essay to “Identify a problem facing our community” 

(Renee Earls, President/CEO-Odessa Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“The United States is about to celebrate our two hundred and fiftieth birthday, and these students today are really focusing on the very beginning. The civics aspect of our entire country and what our country was based on.” 

The National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. 

(Renee Earls, President/CEO-Odessa Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, the students all submitted an essay on something in their community that they would like to fix. So, we have essays from drug abuse to child abuse to human trafficking, to the litter that we see around the community to water issues. Um, all types of very interesting topics that these students have some very good solutions for.” 

Twenty local middle school students will compete for the top prize, which is $1,000.   

(Renee Earls, President/CEO-Odessa Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, of our twenty finalists, our top three students will go on to the state. Be in Austin in June. Uh, today’s first prize winner will walk away with one thousand dollars cash. And then our second, third, fourth, and fifth grader. Uh, fifth prize winners will also walk away with some cash. They’ll get some other prizes. So, you know, they’re tremendous winners to make it to today’s event.” 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit drbmediacommunicationsdigitalnews.tv. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Odessa Fire Rescue Annual Community Open House at Fire Station Six

Posted on      by      Leave a Comment on Odessa Fire Rescue Annual Community Open House at Fire Station Six

(David Gomez, News Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Odessa Fire Rescue had their Open House event at Fire Station 6. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 12, 2026-Odessa Fire Rescue welcomed families to its annual Community Open House at Fire Station 6 on Saturday, April 11th. The event brought together children and their parents for a day of fun, learning, and community connection. Families had the opportunity to visit with a variety of local organizations, including the Odessa Family YMCA and Odessa Arts. Each group offered information about their programs and services while also handing out candy and engaging with children. 

(Jason Cotton, Fire Chief-Odessa Fire Rescue/City of Odessa, Texas) 

“Kind of just gives a better idea of, of everything that’s involved in offer. What we do and the entities we work with, the community partners we have and everything that we do with them.” 

The event provided a welcoming environment for residents to interact with first responders and community partners, while giving kids a chance to explore and enjoy a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. 

(Jason Cotton, Fire Chief-Odessa Fire Rescue/City of Odessa, Texas) 

“What we focus on. Mostly out here a lot is the kids, right? We’ve got a lot of things for kids to do, a lot of swag for the kids, an obstacle course that’s over there for the the kids to run through and, and just let the kids enjoy it. Enjoy a day at the park.” 

The annual event is typically held in October; however, this year the Odessa Fire Rescue Open House was moved to April to help kick off the spring and summer season. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, News Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscdribe to our YouTube channel and visit drbmediacommunicationsdigitalnews.tv. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

 

Odessa Family YMCA New Playground

Posted on      by      Leave a Comment on Odessa Family YMCA New Playground

(David Gomez, News Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/April 11, 2026-The Odessa Family YMCA will soon unveil the all-inclusive Playground at Mike Neeley Park. Danny Barrera has the story. 

The Odessa Family YMCA has unveiled a new, modern playground designed with inclusion, safety, and fun in mind for all children. The upgraded space places a strong emphasis on accommodating children with disabilities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to play, explore, and interact in a welcoming environment. 

(Royal McGregor, Public Relations and Communications Director -Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

‘The playground had been in need of renovation for a while, and we wanted to build something that was going to be inclusive for for everybody, no matter if they were in a wheelchair or if they were able bodied, whatever it was. We wanted to make sure that everybody, um, in our new playground, um, had, um, the ability to play on it and to make something like that for the community is, is incredibly special.’ 

Funding for the new playground came from a combination of grants awarded by several organizations, along with generous donations from local businesses, community groups, and individual supporters who recognized the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging space for children of all abilities. 

(Royal McGregor, Public Relations and Communications Director-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“Was two hundred and sixty-six thousand. A majority of the funding came from grants. The other part of the funding came from donations from businesses, private donations, everything like that. Um, last week we were at about twenty-two thousand that was left um, but we got a few donations in since then. So, um, I believe we’re somewhere under, under twenty right now.” 

“We do have the, uh, wheelchair, um, uh, merry go wall that has slots if you’re in a wheelchair. Um, we do have musical instruments, so we have drums and then a xylophone, and then we also have, uh, shaded seating areas. Um, there’s one here, here, and then there’s one, uh, behind the structure as well. And then the flooring is, um, uh, like a soft rubber. Um, it is springy. Um, so it’s easier on us kids if, um, they’re in a wheelchair or they’re running, let’s say they fall down. Um, but it’s easier, um, on them, uh, with, with that flooring.” 

A special ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the playground inside Mike Neeley Park, located across from the YMCA, followed by the annual Healthy Kids Day event on Saturday, April 18th. 

(Royal McGregor, Public Relations and Communications Director-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, News Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit drbmediacommunicationsdigitalnews.tv. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.