by Legislative Media | Dec 17, 2009 | Politics
Former Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García celebrates with Dolly Elizondo, chair of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party, after García filed the legal paperwork to place his name on the March 2, 2010 ballot for Hidalgo County Judge. García, who was joined by numerous area mayors at the event, which was held in his law office in Edinburg on Tuesday, December 15, pledged to lead one of the state’s most important regions, noting the many contributions he made during his first successful term, and pledging to get the county government budget fiscally back on track. “Today, we are operating in a deficit,” said the prominent attorney and community leader. “I am proud of the fact that when I left the office over two and half years ago, we had an unprecedented budget surplus. Our county was in the best financial condition in its 153-year history. And I intend to see to it that we get the county back to a budget surplus position when I am elected. Being fiscally responsible is a requirement to be the county judge.” See story later in this posting.
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U.S. Army Sgt. Abram Camacho of Mission, featured left, who already has two tours of duty under his belt in Iraq and could be possibly be headed to Afghanistan later this spring, was welcomed home for the holidays by family, friends, and community leaders when he and his family flew in to McAllen on Saturday, December 12. Camacho, a graduate of La Joya High School who in 2003 answered his nation’s call to fight the scourge of terrorism stemming from the Middle East, arrived with his wife, Nora Lee – a former Valley resident and a graduate of Hutchison High School in Alaska – and their five-year-old daughter, Jackqueline Iriz, at 10:10 p.m. at McAllen Miller International Airport. Part of the welcoming delegation included Rosalba Hernández-Martínez with the office of Rep. Ismael “Kino” Flores, D-Palmview, and her husband, Rudy Edward Martínez, a former U.S. Marine. “As we get ready to celebrate this holy season in our nation, Sgt. Camacho’s visit back home serves as a reminder how blessed we are to have men and women of his high caliber – many from the Valley – protecting our lives and liberties,” said Flores, a former U.S. Army veteran. “He is a symbol of the thousands of South Texans who voluntarily place themselves in harm’s way to protect our precious way of life.” See story later in this posting.
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South Texas College and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District are seeing stars from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. That’s because the two institutions were named recipients of the THECB’s prestigious Star Award for 2009. The partnering pair received the honor for their work on the PSJA College, Career and Technology Academy, which offers students between the ages of 18 and 25 a chance to go back to high school and earn a diploma. Participants work to make up missing credits or focus on passing one or more sections of the state’s standardized test. They also begin work to earn college credit in the hope they will continue on to earn a certificate, or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Featured, from left, are: Leonore Tyler, principal of the PSJA College, Career and Technology Academy; María del Pilar Garza, PSJA administrator; Ben Garza Jr., PSJA ISD board vice president; Pete García, member of PSJA ISD’s board; Dr. Shirley Reed, STC president; and Luzelma Canales, STC associate dean of community engagement and workforce development. See story later in this posting. See story later in this posting.
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Sharpen up those gambling skills and get ready to enjoy a Las Vegas Style Casino Night at the 11th Annual “Noche de Gala” hosted by the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This years theme is “A Night in the Orient”. The evening consists of a gourmet dinner, silent and live auction, the awarding of the Golden Eagle Award, and the Vegas-style Casino. The fun formal event is scheduled for Saturday, January 16 at the Corinthian Banquet Hall in Mission. The committee has already received many auction items such as: trip to Las Vegas with airfare and hotel; television time on KRGV-TV Channel 5; jewelry; sporting tickets; golf outings; restaurant certificates; and a pachanga for 100 people that includes on-site barbecue, dance and open bar, etc. Tickets and sponsorship information are available by calling the MHCC at 928-0060. Featured working on their Black Jack skills are, from left: Hari Namboodiri, chair-elect; Roxanna Godínez, vice chair of membership; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, president and chief executive officer; Connie Hernández, committee member; Rachel García, committee member; Diana González, committee member; and casino dealer Joe Roxks.
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by Legislative Media | Dec 9, 2009 | Politics
Much like a gifted athlete who dominates in three key aspects of his sport, Antonio Reyna, III – an Austin resident with deep roots in South Texas – is a rare triple threat in the fiercely competitive world of art: he excels with oil paints, sculpture, and photography. On Friday, December 11, through Sunday, December 20, Reyna will be the featured artist for a major exhibition being hosted by the Produce Gallery, located at 415 Peoples Street, in Corpus Christi – including a special reception in his honor on Saturday, December 12, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. In a fitting tribute to his talent, Reyna’s exhibition also marks the grand opening of the Produce Gallery, a trailblazing effort of its own which promises to showcase the best talent and artwork in the Shining City by the Sea. Reyna’s mastery of his chosen profession is such that his accomplishments have attracted the attention and praise of Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, who views the Mission, Texas hometown product as representative of the scores of American success stories who hail from deep South Texas. “Antonio not only demonstrates tremendous talent and skills, but this outstanding man symbolizes a great new generation of Texans who will help lead our state now and in the future through their ingenuity, entrepreneurship, hard work, and determination,” said Hinojosa, whose constituents include all residents of Mission and Corpus Christi. “I am very proud of Antonio, who brings great credit to my senatorial district and even greater honor to his family.” Reyna encourages persons interested in his work or who wish to communicate with him to contact him online through his website, http://www.AGrainofUniverse.com, or at MySpace/AGrainofUniverse, via e-mail at [email protected], or at Twitter/ReynaIII. See lead story later in this posting.
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Sergio Muñoz, Jr. – a successful attorney, area municipal court judge, and South Texas native son – on Thursday, December 3, filed for state representative, House District 36, vowing to think big, fight hard, and help people from all walks of life. “I am running because I believe that my years in professional and community services, and my experience as a defender of the people, combined with my vision and commitment for all of us to have a better life, are positive qualifications to serve the good people of District 36,” said Muñoz. Dolly Elizondo, chair of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party, congratulates Muñoz after he finalized the campaign filing paperwork.
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Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, featured center, on Friday, December 4, signed up for his party’s nomination for a fifth two-year term for the House District 40 legislative district, which includes most of Edinburg. “It’s official. I filed. My hat’s in the ring,” said Peña. The Edinburg attorney said he decided to highlight an area business – The Boxing Gym, located in the downtown square – while promoting his own candidacy as well. Dolly Elizonda, chair of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party, accepted Peña’s legal papers for his reelection bid at the local business. Featured with Peña are two of his staff members – Maricela De León and Orlando Salinas.
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Diana Delgado graduated from South Texas College with an Associates of Science in Paralegal in May 2008. But it wasn’t her intended career path. “I attended another college and started out in criminal justice, but I made the switch to STC and decided to try something else,” she explained. “I took some classes in office management and got interested in paralegal studies because I really wanted to work in the legal field.” Now she is putting her degree to use as a paralegal assistant for Pharr family law lawyer Damian Orozco. Delgado isn’t finished with higher education. “My dream is to go on and earn my bachelors and then attend law school,” she concluded. “I am looking into the requirements now and look forward to opening up that next chapter in my life.” See story later in this posting.
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Leadership Edinburg Class XXI, along with the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, will host the Reflections of Edinburg photography contest for non-professional photographers. Top pictures will be published in Edinburg’s Annual Reflections of Edinburg magazine. Deadline to register is December 15 by 5 p.m. Fees are $50 for adults and $25 for youths. Awards and prizes will be given to the top five entries in each category and division: People, Places, Culture and Nature. Photographers must reside in the Rio Grande Valley, and photos must be taken within the Edinburg city limits. For a complete list of rules/regulations and to register please visit http://www.edinburg.com or call 956/383-4974. Promoting Reflections of Edinburg photo contest are some of the current participants of Leadership Edinburg Class XXI. Seated, from left: Maris Aguirre; Lisa Chávez; Emilio Santos; and Myra L. Ayala Garza. Standing, from left: Rita Flores; Juan Aguirre; Abel Vaquera; María Medina; and Sal Martínez.
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Members of the National Honor Society at South Junior High in Edinburg, featured here, secured the first place award in the school division during the 2009 Night of Light Parades held on Saturday, December 5. Kenya Rose Clothing Store secured the top spot in the business category, followed by the City of McAllen and Vicky Roy Home Health Care. More than 50 entries were featured in the light parade, coordinated by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.
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by Legislative Media | Nov 30, 2009 | Politics
The Rio Grande Council, Boy Scouts of America, in late November recognized Dr. Shirley Reed, president of South Texas College, and the STC Board of Trustees at its annual dinner. The event celebrated the contributions of the leadership of STC to making the Rio Grande Valley a better place to live and work. Fr. Antonio “T.J.” Martínez, an Eagle Scout and Jesuit priest, was the guest speaker for the occasion. He touched on the importance of service and making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Reed was honored alongside STC Board Chair Mike Allen; Board Vice Chair Gary Gurwitz; and board members Roy De León; Dr. Alejo Salinas Jr., Óscar Longoria Jr., and Jesse Villarreal. “What a tremendous honor to be recognized by such a venerable institution standing for the best attributes of community caring and service,” said Reed. “But this award belongs to the real heroes at STC – our students. They are the ones making the courageous decision to put other obligations aside to secure a higher education, thus a chance at a brighter, more fulfilling future. They are the ones making an impact, changing families and showing others that anything is possible. This award belongs to them.” Under Reed’s and the board of trustees’ leadership, STC has grown to offer more than 100 degree and certificate program options from its five state-of-the-art campuses to more than 27,000 students. Their vision has allowed STC to become a thriving intellectual and community center, hosting art lectures, business luncheons, congressional briefings, scout meetings, visiting authors, and many other events enriching the lives of community members. Featured, from left, are: Dr. Uvaldo Cantú, Jr., president of the Rio Grande Council Boy Scouts; Fr. Antonio “T.J.” Martinez; President Reed; Gary Gurwitz, vice-chair of the STC Board of Trustees; and Ernesto Carballo with the Rio Grande Council Boy Scouts.
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Many Starr County residents came out to South Texas College’s Starr County Campus on the evening of Thursday, November 19, 2009 for a special event – the swearing in of Rose Benavidez (featured left) to represent the constituents of the county on STC’s Board of Trustees. Surrounded by family, friends and community supporters, Benavidez was sworn in by Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. Business associates and supporters helped mark the occasion by congratulating Benavidez on choosing to serve in public office. “When I drove into Rio Grande City for the event this afternoon and I saw all of the growth, it floored me,” said Bonnie González, chief executive officer of Workforce Solutions. “Every time I see it, it floors me. The opportunity that exists here is phenomenal and Rose has played a large part in helping to bring about that growth and opportunity. Starr County and South Texas College are very fortunate to have her on their side.” Administering the oath of office to Benavidez is Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Nov 19, 2009 | Politics
Sergio Muñoz, Jr. – a successful attorney, area municipal court judge, and South Texas native son – on Thursday, November 12, launched his campaign for state representative, House District 36, vowing to think big, fight hard, and open the corridors of power to people from all walks of life. "I am running because I believe that my years in professional and community services, and my experience as a defender of the people, combined with my vision and commitment for all of us to have a better life, are positive qualifications to serve the good people of District 36," said Muñoz, who is seeking the March 2010 Democratic Party primary nomination. House District 36 includes Granjeno, Hidalgo, southern McAllen, most of Mission, Palmview, Peñitas, and Pharr. "We all want what’s best for our families," Muñoz told his many supporters at the Corinthian Banquet and Special Event Center in Mission. "Working as an attorney in this region, I know what it takes to fight for people every day." See lead story later in this posting.
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Douglas Matney, featured left, Vice President of Acute Care and Group Vice President for South Texas Health System, congratulates Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, for the lawmaker’s leadership in the advancement of health care in the Rio Grande Valley. Top officials with South Texas Health System presented Martínez with the “Community Leader Appreciation Award” in appreciation for his contributions to health care. In his professional life, Martínez plays direct roles in public safety and medical care as a firefighter, licensed paramedic, critical care flight paramedic, and Texas Department of Health instructor and coordinator. Hospital system officials noted Martínez’ important work on promoting and protecting Medicaid and indigent health care. In addition, the veteran lawmaker in 2009 was a key House author of legislation designed to bring a Veterans Administration Hospital to the Valley, and was a key House sponsor of legislation that will result in the construction of a University of Texas Health Science Center – including a full-fledged medical school – in deep South Texas. The South Texas Health Systems includes seven major facilities in Hidalgo County, including Cornerstone Regional Hospital in Edinburg, South Texas Behavioral Health Center in Edinburg, Edinburg Children’s Hospital, Edinburg Regional Medical Center, Edinburg Regional Rehab Center, McAllen Heart Hospital, and McAllen Medical Center.
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Rep. Aaron Peña – joined by longtime former Congressman Kika de la Garza, D-Mission, and his wife, Lucille de la Garza – during a Tuesday, October 27 fundraiser in Edinburg announced that he will seek a fifth two-year term to the Texas House of Representatives. “It has been a wonderful opportunity to serve my community these past eight years,” said Peña. “Our early optimism, hard work and willingness to build bi-partisan coalitions have paid off with a succession of several strong sessions and we need to build on that momentum. Success next session will be measured by our ability to wrestle for additional congressional and legislative seats for South Texas. When that monumental battle occurs, I want to be there alongside my colleagues fighting for this community.” See story later in this posting.
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South Texas College students donated time and labor in partnerships with TXU Energy to give the Sepulveda family of McAllen a home energy makeover. STC students celebrate the completion of the project with instructors and the home owner. Featured, front row, from left: STC Electrician’s Assistant Program students José Guerrero; José Lara; Pete Hinojosa; and Santiago Torres. Featured, back row, from left: STC HVACR Program Chair Guadalupe Hernández; STC HVACR students Robert Vallejo and Isaac Vázquez; homeowner Florencia Sepulveda; STC HVACR Students Brian Sweeten, Julio Villarreal, and Jorge Villasenor; and STC Electrician’s Assistant Program Chair Arnulfo Flores. See story later in this posting.
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On April 19 and 20, 2010, the Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau will join forces with the Regional 4 5/A Golf Tournament to be held at Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg. Schools from across Texas, including Corpus Christi, Victoria, Del Rio, San Antonio and the Valley will be participating in the two-day golf event. Almost 70 teams and 96 players and coaches will participate. For further information please contact the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956/383-4974. Featured promoting the event are, first row, from left: Joey Zamora; Héctor Zamora; Celso Gonzáles, Óscar Cárdenas; and Randy Spivey. Second row, from left: Noé Rico; Antonio Ocaña, III; Joe Peña; Anita Sinjlawi; Frank L. Garza; Joe Filoteo; John Haley; Imelda Rodríguez; Héctor González; Lisa Puente; José Luis Zarato. Third row, from left: Larry Kruse; Mike Smith; Orlando Garza; Ralph Wedgeworth; and Chico Jiménez.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, November 14, held their 3rd annual Medical Awards Banquet, honoring seven individuals/organizations. “We are extremely excited to recognize and honor the medical community as it plays a very important part in our daily lives” said Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer. "The nominations have been increasing every year, thus making it harder for the Judging Committee from Austin to make their determination as to the annual winners.” Featured, from left: Hari Namboodiri, Las Palmas HealthCare Center, Nursing Home of the Year; Dr. Juan Campos, Physician of the Year; Sandra Tovar, Nurse Practitioner; Elisa Gutiérrez, Nurse of the Year; Rolando Velasquez, Physicians Assistant; Dr. Filiberto Rodríguez, Specialty Physician; and Greg Seiler, CEO of Rio Grande Regional Hospital. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Nov 12, 2009 | Politics
On the eve of Veterans Day, Texas gubernatorial candidate Tom Schieffer – featured fourth from left – a Democrat from Fort Worth, told South Texans that he "will do everything" he can to persuade the federal government to build a Veterans Affairs Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley. His pledge to work towards bringing a VA Hospital to the Valley came as part of his latest visit to South Texas. Schieffer was in the three-time All-America City for a round of meetings with area political, business, and community leaders before capping off his visit with a fundraiser early Tuesday evening, November 10, at Edwards Abstract and Title Co., located at 3111 W. Freddy González Drive. "Such a facility is long overdue, and I will do everything I can to assure that Washington is listening. Failing to provide proper health care for our veterans makes it more difficult to recruit our next generation of service men and women, and it breaks a sacred trust between our government and those who were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country," said Schieffer, a former U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Japan. Featured with Schieffer in Edinburg are from left: Rosalie Weisfeld; Hidalgo County District Judge Juan Partida; Justice of the Peace Mary Alice Palacios; Tom Schieffer; Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg; Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairwoman Dolly Elizondo; former Hidalgo County District Judge Fernando Mancias; former Rep. Cullen Looney, D-Edinburg; and Keely Lewis and her husband, Byron Jay Lewis. See lead story in this posting.
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President Barack Obama, left, and Army Brig. Gen. Karl Horst, commander of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, stand during Veterans Day services at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., on Wednesday, November 11. Earlier that day, the FBI announced that it continues to work closely with the Department of the Army in the joint, ongoing investigation into the tragic events that occurred on Thursday, November 5 at Fort Hood. Twelve U.S. military personnel were killed and 31 other people were injured during a massacre allegedly undertaken by Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who reportedly opened fire at a military processing center at Fort Hood around 1:30 p.m. that afternoon. See story later in this posting.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Cynthia Bocanegra as its chairman, along with the rest of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce’s 2009-2010 Board of Directors. Chairman-elect is Johnny Rodríguez, and immediate past chair is Lee Castro. The Board of Directors also held their first planning session and board meeting to discuss the Chamber’s program of work. Large events such as Fiesta Edinburg, Night of Lights and Texas Cook’em are currently being strategized to offer the Rio Grande Valley and the City of Edinburg quality of life events fun for the entire family. The organization’s leadership also oversees membership and tourism events as well the governmental affairs events and luncheons. “I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board, I feel strongly that if we all work together and strive for the same objectives, we will all benefit from the growth and opportunities that will arise. Your continued support is vital to our success. Help make Edinburg a better city for you and me. Join me in making this our best year yet” said Bocanegra. Board directors featured are, front row, from left: Maggie Kent with General Dentistry Center; Darcy Kelly with Peter Piper Pizza; Johnny Rodríguez with Austin Personnel Services; Cynthia Bocanegra with Chaps Bar & Grill; Edna Peña with Horizon Properties; Flo Prater with Rio Valley Realty. Standing, from left: Lee Castro with Memorial Funeral Home; Toribio “Terry” Palacios, Edinburg Municipal Court Judge, with the Law Offices of García Quintanilla & Palacios; Elias Longoria with Lone Star National Bank; Robert McGurk with Elsa State Bank and Trust Co.; Manny Mantrana with the University of Texas-Pan American Athletics; Naomi Perales with South Texas Gas Service; Dina Araguz with IBC Bank; Marissa Castañeda with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance; and Gus Casas with G&S Glass. (Not pictured: Pamela Dougherty with Security land Title Co.; Thelma García with First National Bank; and Abel Leal with Edward Jones Investments.) For more information on the Chamber of Commerce, please call 956/383-4974 or go online at http://www.edinburg.com or http://www.facebook.com/edinburgchamberofcommerce.
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Joining the other Corporate Partners of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is Al Treviño, owner of Tico’s Mexican Restaurant, which has locations at 5000 N. 23rd Street in McAllen, 1424 E. Ridge Road in Edinburg, and 519 S. Sugar Road in Edinburg. “My desire to give back to the community is by becoming a Corporate Partner of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as this organization helps the community in many ways. It assists the business community by helping businesses get started and/or to expand their business, offers workshops that focus on health, business issues, and government related issues and also concentrates on education," said Treviño. He has been in the restaurant business for 33 years. Featured, first row, from left: Roxanna Godínez; Albert Treviño; Rubén Garza; and Brenda Lee Huerta. Back row, from left: Dr. John Thomas; Beto Manrique; and Hari Namboodiri. For information on becoming a Corporate Partner or a member of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber, call 928-0060.
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