by Legislative Media | May 17, 2010 | Politics
With shovel blades and even the overturned earth bearing a gold coloring, Valley legislators literally and figuratively hit pay dirt in Weslaco on Friday, May 14, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the planned $40 million Department of Public Safety Regional Headquarters.
The complex will feature about 110,00 square feet and accommodate 212 employees, who will serve and protect area residents as a regional state public safety command center – including housing the Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, and aircraft – plus focus on criminal investigations, intelligence and counter-terrorism, crime laboratory, communications, and emergency management. In addition, the complex will include a driver’s license facility, victim services, information technology, and agency support. It is expected to open for business by the summer of 2011. In 2007, the Texas Legislature, led by the Valley legislative delegation, authorized the funding for the construction of the facility, which will serve Hidalgo County. The Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, directed by Hernan Gonzalez, donated the 21-acre tract of land, which is located at the corner of FM 1015 and Sugar Cane Drive (Mile 9). Featured, from left: Rep.-elect J.M. Lozano, D-Kingsville; Steven C. McCraw, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety; Weslaco Mayor Buddy De la Rosa; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco; Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg; and Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen.
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Leadership Edinburg Class XXI on April 19 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for one of its projects, a "Welcome to the City of Edinburg" monument located on the town square at the corner of McIntyre and Closner. The group, which is growing organization that strives to encourage a better Edinburg through strong leadership skills focusing on politics, education, quality of life, and more, has more than 450 graduates. Graduates of Leadership Edinburg typically continue to apply what they learned and demonstrate it by showing interest in community involvement including serving on committees and at times politics. Residents interested in participating in the next Leadership Edinburg Class may contact Letty González at 956/383-4974. Featured, from left: Emilio Santos; Lisa Chávez; Sal Martínez; María Medina; Abel Vaquera; Juan Uribe; and Maris Aguirre. Front row, from left: Myra L. Ayala-Garza; Jensid Álvarez; and Rita Flores.
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Edinburg’s "Market Day", a planned monthly service of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, will begin on Saturday, June 5, with the inaugural event to be held at the Town Square from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Market Day – scheduled for the first Saturday of every month – is designed to help revitalize businesses in that key section of the city, assist small entrepreneurs, and provide family entertainment, according to Edna Peña, a "Market Day" committee member who also serves on the local chamber’s board of directors. "Market Day" will be free to the public, who will be able to purchase various items that will be offered by area vendors. Business owners who wish to sell their products and services during "Market Day" may set up a booth for a $25 fee. For more information, residents and prospective vendors may contact the local chamber at 956/383-4974 or by logging on at http://www.Edinburg.com. Featured, from left: Edna Peña; Imelda Rodríguez, Director of Tourism of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; and Letty González, President of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.
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The City of McAllen, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, and McAllen Economic Development Corporation on Thursday, May 20, will be hosting a reception to allow constituents to meet Rep.-elect Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission. The event, scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, will be conducted in a casual and informal setting. Muñoz, an area attorney and Palmview Municipal Court Judge, faces no opponent in the November general election for the two-year term, paving the way for him to be sworn into the Texas Legislature when it convenes in mid-January for its five-month regular session. An RSVP is required, so area constituents are being asked to confirm their attendance by contacting Michelle Rodriguez with the local chamber by e-mail at [email protected] or at (956) 682-2871. In addition to hearing from residents on legislative issues important to them, the gathering also will allow Muñoz to share his vision for House District 36, which includes Granjeno, Hidalgo, southern McAllen, most of Mission, Palmview, Peñitas, and Pharr.
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On Tuesday, May 11, Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville (featured left), was presented a certificate in his Capitol office naming him to the Texas PTA Legislative Honor Roll by for his work during the 81st Legislative Session in 2009 to improve nutrition in public schools and address the childhood obesity epidemic. Lucio passed legislation that created the Early Childhood Health and Nutrition Interagency Council to develop an early childhood nutrition and physical activity plan. "Texas PTA applauds Sen. Lucio’s efforts to improve the health status of all Texas children," said Texas PTA President Sharon Goldblatt. "He was also honored for recognizing that students’ academic progress is directly tied to their physical health.” Presenting the honor to Sen. Lucio is Kyle Ward, executive director for Texas PTA. See story later in this posting.
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Investing more state resources into helping border law enforcement agencies to crack down on the flow of guns, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and even criminal fugitives across the Texas border region’s international bridges into Mexico deserves a close look, says Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, featured right. That approach was proposed by McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodríguez – and endorsed by McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz – on Thursday, April 30, during a major legislative public hearing in McAllen by the House Committee on Border and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Public Safety. Martínez was one of more than a dozen state lawmakers who heard day-long testimony from a wide range of law enforcement, political, economic development, and community leaders who gathered at the McAllen Convention Center to discuss the threat of border violence spill-over from the ongoing battles in Mexico between Mexican military forces and criminal drug cartels. "With so much attention being placed on the importance of the Texas border region because we are a key economic asset to Texas, we have the opportunity to invest more state and federal funds for law enforcement and public safety in our area," said Martínez. "Many important ideas came out of this legislative hearing, none more important, in my opinion, than what was proposed by McAllen." Featured, from left: Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City; Rep. Joseph E. Moody, D-El Paso; and Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez. See lead story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | May 5, 2010 | Politics
The Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley on Sunday, May 2, confirmed that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, a Republican, featured center in McAllen on Monday, February 1, along with Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured right, and Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, featured left, have invited U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki to come to South Texas and see for himself the need for a Veterans Affairs Hospital for the four-county region. In the correspondence dated April 21 and addressed to Shinseki on Dewhurst’s letterhead – and signed by Dewhurst, Hinojosa, and Lucio – the three state leaders requested a meeting, either in the Valley, at the Texas Capitol, or in Washington, D.C., to help persuade Shinseki to authorize the construction of a full-fledged VA Hospital in the Valley. "We are writing today to fulfill a promise to the veterans of the Lower Rio Grande Valley and also to follow up on recent efforts by Members of the Texas Delegation to secure Department of Veterans Affairs support for expanded health services in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. We must continue to improve access to health care to our veterans who served our country in defense of freedom and our way of life," the letter stated. Area veterans have been asking the Department of Veterans Affairs for a hospital for the last three decades. See story later in this posting.
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The Rio Grande Valley is one of two areas of Texas with the lowest number of licensed pharmacists per 100,000 people. Alarming? Many South Texas leaders think so and that is why South Texas College and the Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy are teaming up to prepare more pharmacists to meet a growing demand. The two institutions recently signed an agreement which would ensure that any South Texas College student who earns the college’s Associate of Science, Field of Study Pre-Pharmacy degree, will be guaranteed that all of their courses will transfer to the Rangel College following admission. On Friday, April 30, representatives from the two institutions of higher education celebrated the partnership in McAllen, including, seated, from left: Dr. Shirley Reed, president of South Texas College; Dr. Indra K. Reddy, dean of the Irma Rangel College of Pharmacy; and Dr. Charles Robertson, associate dean of student affairs for the Irma Rangel College of Pharmacy. Standing, from left: Dr. Max Abbassi, chair of STC’s Pre-Pharmacy Program; Dr. Theresa Garza, chair of STC’s Pharmacy Technician Program; Juan Mejia, STC vice president of academic affairs; and STC Pre-Pharmacy Program students Nelissa García and Yvette Cantú. See story later in this posting.
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State and local leaders in Pharr on Friday, April 14, broke ground on a $4 million expansion of Sugar Road, which will help improve traffic flow between that city and Edinburg from Sioux Road to Owassa Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-June and last through the end of 2011. State funds will pay for 95 percent of the project, said Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, who helped secure that funding. Edinburg is currently working on its own expansion of Sugar Road, which will help improve traffic from Pharr to Edinburg Regional Medical Center and Edinburg Children’s Hospital. Some of the more than one dozen area officials featured for the groundbreaking ceremony included, from left: Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Héctor "Tito" Palacios; Pharr Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios, Jr.; Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Rep.-elect Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission; Roy Martínez; Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez; Andrew Canon, executive director, Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization; and Eddie Sáenz, Pharr City Engineer.
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More than 60 men, including officials with the FBI, area police departments, South Texas College, and political leaders, on Thursday, April 29, participated in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, an event hosted by STC to draw attention to ending violence against women. Participating men strapped on high heels or decorated sandals and pink shirts during the one-mile march as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is recognized nationally during April. More information on this movement is available at http://www.walkamileinhershoes.org or by contacting Priscilla Flores with Mujeres Unidas/Women Together at 956/630-4878 or by e-mail at [email protected]
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After welcoming state lawmakers participating in a rare dual-legislative committee hearing in Hidalgo County on Thursday, April 29, McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz had choice words on how a growing number of the press – when reporting on Mexican military battles with criminal drug cartels in that country – are distorting what is really happening on the Texas side of the border. "We want the truth, and the truth is we have concerns about the violence in Mexico," Cortéz said, but cautioned, "There has to be a profit in sensationalizing information because everyone seems to pick that approach to disseminate information." Cortéz was addressing a packed house in one of the conference rooms at the McAllen Convention Center, which hosted the joint legislative hearing – led by Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, and Rep. Tommy Merritt, R-Longview – to evaluate the effectiveness of state operations at controlling drug-related crimes and other violence along the Texas Mexico border. See lead story in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Apr 26, 2010 | Politics
Media are evolving and the multimedia skills that students at The University of Texas-Pan American are learning will make them more competitive in the job market, said media professionals at the first annual Communication Showcase at UTPA held on Tuesday, April 20. Speakers shared their personal experiences during what is being called a transitional period in history for news. They also provided feedback on student work and gave advice about a student’s future in the business of media. The communication showcase also served as the launch of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) chapter at UTPA, the first and only student chapter in the Rio Grande Valley. NAHJ is the primary association for Hispanic journalists to encourage and support the study and practice of journalism by Hispanics. Its mission is to further the employment of Hispanics in the media and to improve coverage of the Latino community. Three of the media professionals participating in the inaugural event included, from left: Will Ripley, reporter and anchor for KRGV Channel 5; Jeff Smith, copy editor/designer, The Monitor; and Ana Ley, reporter, The Monitor. See story later in this posting.
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Area leaders are promoting the Valle Verde Landscape of the Month Project, a joint effort between the Edinburg Environment Advisory Board (EEAB), the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Edinburg’s Planning and Zoning Department and Urban Forestry Program. The program, originally launched by the city in the fall of 2006, seeks to encourage home and business owners to use native trees, shrubs and plants in their landscaping to promote the protection of the local environment. Featured, from left, reminding city residents of the program, are: Mark Peña and his wife Michelle Peña; Crystal Cavazos, Imelda Rodríguez, and Letty González with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Letty Reyes with the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation; and Dr. Andrew McDonald. See story later in this posting.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be holding its monthly mixer for current and prospective members on Thursday, May 13, at the Stilo Design Show Room, located at the corner of N. Main St. and Hackberry. Food and refreshments will be provided during the networking event, which will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Featured, from left: Leslie Garza with Stilo Design; Roxanna Godínez, MHCC vice chair of membership; Ismael García, owner of Stile Design; Lorenzo Olivarez, MHCC board treasurer; and Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer. More information is available by contact the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 928-0060.
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Johnny García, managing partner of Ceballos-Díaz Funeral Home in Edinburg, was recently named Funeral Director of the Year by the South Texas Regional Funeral Directors Association, an 80-member professional organization of funeral directors from across the South Texas region. The honor was presented to García during the South Texas Funeral Directors Association annual spring meeting on South Padre Island. Jack Sawyer, owner of Sawyer-George Funeral Home in Corpus Christi and president of STFDA, presented the coveted award on Thursday, March 11. “This award, the only award which funeral directors are judged by their peers, has been one of my goals since I became a funeral director 12 years ago,” García said. “When other funeral directors believe you are one of the best in their profession, this is truly one of the highest honors.” García, 35, who graduated from Edinburg High School in 1993, said his first experience with the funeral profession came 20 years ago when the funeral home handling his grandmother’s funeral needed someone to drive a hearse to the cemetery and García volunteered for the job. See story later in this posting.
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Byron Jay Lewis, President and Director of Edwards Abstract and Title Co., based in Edinburg, on Wednesday, April 21, announced the merger of three title insurance companies. Edwards Abstract and Title Co., Security Land Title Co. and Southern Texas Title Company will unite and emerge as Edwards Abstract and Title Co. “As owner of all three companies, it makes business sense to form one company that is stronger, and that will unite the talent and experience of our personnel,” said Lewis. "The merger is a natural evolution of the opportunities and energy of the past 10 years, and an integral part of the company’s new business model," he added. After 130 years of service in the Rio Grande Valley, the firm has continued to grow and change with the times. An important key to the success of Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has been the ability to set the pace for change in the title insurance industry in the Valley, and to adapt to market conditions during the past 13 decades. See story later in this posting.
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In addition to being the first and only college in the entire state of Texas to earn the National Institute of Metalworking Skills Accreditation for its Precision Manufacturing Technology Program, now South Texas College can add a new accolade to its NIMS accomplishments. Mario Reyna, STC division dean of business and technology, was named to the organization’s board of directors for a three year term beginning on May 1, 2010. As a member of the 20 member board, Reyna will help establish and refine skill standards, vote on certification of individual skills and accreditation of training programs.
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by Legislative Media | Apr 16, 2010 | Politics
David V. Aguilar, an Edinburg native and 1974 graduate of Edinburg High School, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate effective Sunday, April 11, as Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Aguilar was named Acting Deputy Commissioner on January 3 following the retirement of Acting Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate effective April 11th. As Deputy Commissioner, Aguilar is responsible for securing, managing, and controlling our Nation’s borders. Aguilar serves as the Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the daily operations of CBP’s 57,000-employee workforce and managing an operating budget of more than $11 billion. Aguilar’s primary focus will be to ensure that CBP’s mission of protecting the nation’s borders from terrorists and terrorist weapons is carried out effectively in partnership and unison with our nation’s other federal, state, local and foreign partners. See story later in this posting.
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Area leaders, including Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez, featured second from left during the December 21, 2009 ribbon-cutting of the Edinburg regional headquarters for the U.S. Census Bureau, are implementing numerous local strategies to help increase a successful count in Hidalgo County by the federal government. “We are doing our part to complement the Census to help ensure that the residents of Hidalgo County are counted accurately,” said Ramírez, who has been openly critical of the Census’ decision to not mail questionnaires to residents of local colonias. But the county leader is not discouraged. “As a community, we now need to work to educated and mobilize those living in hard to count areas to fill out the Census form," the county judge added. See stories later in this posting.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a congressional summit on Friday, May 7, at the Palm View Community Center in McAllen to allow area residents to bring their concerns to Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, and Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen. The event, which is free to the public, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The community center is located on South Ware Road and Jordan Street. The morning session will feature three workshops: financial planning for the elderly, security measures, and Medicare/Medicaid. All workshops will be conducted in English and Spanish. Following a luncheon and congressional hearing, there will be a talent show for the public, with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The event also provides area businesses to sponsor booths to feature their goods and services for the estimated 400 area residents anticipated to attend. More information of this event may be obtained by contacting the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 928-0060. Featured promoting the South Texas Senior Summer are, seated, from left: Mary Jane Ramírez with Congressman Cuellar’s office; José González with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Area Agency on Aging; and Rose Ramírez with Silver Ribbon. Standing, from left: Adelita Muñoz, MHCC vice chair of education; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer; and Lidia Limas and Delia Estrada with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
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The unlikely dream for South Texas "Baby Boomers" of political equality for women in one of the most populated regions of Texas has become a welcomed and growing fact of life in Hidalgo County. Those findings – and other fascinating insights into the evolution of women’s rights in the traditionally male-dominated world of Rio Grande Valley politics – are found in a landmark academic study authored by Cassandra Rincones, featured right, a history instructor at South Texas College in McAllen. So important was Rincones’ research that Lucy Canales and Lilia Ledesma, partners in the national law firm of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP – which has offices in Edinburg and Brownsville – commissioned a transcription of Rincones’ March 11 presentation at South Texas College, and are forwarding PDF copies to more than 1,000 community, political, business, and media leaders throughout Texas. "Although South Texas women have always been crucial to the political fortunes of South Texas men, for much too long, we were not allowed the opportunities to prove ourselves as capable elected leaders," Canales said. For her part, Ledesma noted, "Today, we take it for granted that women hold positions as elected officials in Hidalgo County. But, as Cassandra Rincones has chronicled, it took tremendous courage, determination, and skills by women and men to help change the image and gender of the elected leadership in Hidalgo County. " As part of a standing-room only audience at STC to hear Rincones’ presentation are, from left: Lupe Silva-Aboud, 13th Court of Appeals Justice Linda Yañez, and Elvia Ríos. See lead story in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Apr 8, 2010 | Politics
A total of nine energy efficiency and conservation projects will commence immediately in all four precincts in Hidalgo County thanks to an award of $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez has announced. "One of the long-term goals of the county is to become better stewards of our environment and encourage our residents to do the same,’ said the county judge. "This grant will help us move forward on some projects that we have wanted to do for some time but have not had the resources to take on." See story later in this posting.
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With women the fastest growing category of small business entrepreneurs in the United States, the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 17, has scheduled the Women’s Empowerment Conference from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Renaissance Casa de Palmas, located at 101 North Main Street. The event was initially scheduled for June 24, but that date was moved up to June 17. Speakers will address women on leadership, health and wellness, self-esteem and other major important topics that relate to women in the business world. This event also will include a continental breakfast and lunch along with a small style show. Door prizes also will be given throughout the day. For sponsorship, ticket and/or booth information call the MHCC office at 928-0060. Some of the members of the Speaker Committee are featured, first row, from left: Connie Hernández, vice chair of women’s issues; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles; and Betty Garza. Standing, from left: Letty Garza representing Gov. Rick Perry; Zaira García, vice chair of events; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer; Jeanette Noone; and Diana González.
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Doctors Hospital at Renaissance recently presented the University of Texas-Pan American a $20,000 title sponsorship check to support the Biomedical Ethics Conference April 13-16 to be held on campus. Promoting ethics and values in health care will be the focus of event, where medical professionals and the public will be able to join in the discussion of these important issues that have drawn attention both locally and nationally. Featured at the check presentation ceremony, from left: Susan Turley, DHR chief financial officer; Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, UTPA president; Carlos Cárdenas, M.D. and DHR chairman of the board; Fausto Meza, M.D. at DHR; Robert Martínez, M.D. at DHR; Ambrosio Hernández, M.D. at DHR; Janice Odom, UTPA vice president for university advancement; and Marissa Castañeda, DHR chief operations officer. Not pictured, but participants in the check presentation, are Dr. Cynthia Jones, UTPA associate professor of philosophy, and Dr. Thomas Pearson, UTPA associate professor of philosophy. See story later in this posting.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce this week encouraged the public and all of the Chamber investors to commemorate National Walk/Bike to Work Week with an early-morning event that was held on Tuesday, April 6. Edwards Abstract and Title Co., the law firm of Lewis, Monroe & Peña, Inter National Bank, and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce met at the local bank, located at 1502 S. Sugar Road (corner of Freddy González) to walk to work. "We invited other businesses located in the vicinity to join us. What a better way to start your day than with a brisk walk, friends, and doing something positive for better health," said Mark Peña, chairman of the Edinburg Environment Advisory Board. Featured, first row, from left: Elva Jackson Garza; Imelda Rodríguez; Dalia Arce; Cindy Martínez; Rachel Arevalo; Diana S. Kaufold; Nancy Lemke; Norma Cano; and Letty González. Featured, back row, from left: Clay Sánchez; Susie Mercado; Bridget Cook; Letty Rodríguez; and Mark S. Peña. See story later in this posting.
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Members of the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI) celebrated another successful year of operations at a recent networking event in March 2010. Members from companies, colleges, school districts and businesses from across the eight counties represented by the consortium attended to share success stories and plan for another year of developing the region’s rapid response manufacturing infrastructure. Featured, from left: José Reyes, Director of the Laredo Community College Economic Development Center; Carlos Margo, Regional Manager of South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing; Miguel González, Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering and Director of the School of Engineering and Computer Science for The University of Texas-Pan American; Keith Patridge, President of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation; Blas Castañeda, LLC Chief External Affairs and Economic Development Officer; Raúl Ortiz, Administrative Officer, Texas Workforce Investment Council; Dr. Robert Nelsen, President, the University of Texas-Pan American; and McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz. See story later in this posting.
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The North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI) brings together diverse education partners from across the Rio South Texas Region to develop and recruit the skilled talent needed to grow an advanced manufacturing infrastructure. With access to a wide network of educational facilities and programs and customized training programs, businesses can be sure that the Rio South Texas Region will be the first and only sustainable provider of rapid response manufacturing anywhere in the world. Featured, during a March networking event for the organization, are, from left: Dr. Shirley Reed, President of South Texas College; John Lloyd, Director of the University of Texas Rapid Response Manufacturing Center; Wanda Garza, NAAMREI executive officer; Diana Peña, STC Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services; J.J. Sáenz; Director, Career and Technology Education (CATE), Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district; William Serrata, STC Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management; and Bonnie Gonzalez, President, Workforce Solutions. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Mar 30, 2010 | Politics
State health officials, lawmakers and county leaders gathered in Edinburg on Friday, March 26, to break ground on the region’s first outpatient substance abuse and primary care treatment facility for juveniles. The Hidalgo County Substance Abuse and Primary Care Facility will provide substance abuse treatment services such as counseling and life skills training in addition to primary care to treat corresponding health conditions that may make recovery difficult for the youth of communities in Hidalgo County. This facility, which is slated to open during spring 2011, will improve the quality of life for residents by promoting a proactive approach to keeping young people off of illegal drugs and out of the legal system. Featured, from left: Mónica Peña; Hidalgo County Health Director Eddie Olivarez; Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Héctor “Tito” Palacios; Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 4 Commissioner Óscar Garza; Dee Porter, chief operating officer, Texas Department of State Health Services; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Chelsea Peña; Rep. Aaron Peña; and Hidalgo County Judge-elect Ramón García. See story later in this posting.
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South Texas College in McAllen took the opportunity in mid-March to celebrate the contributions of women to U.S. history. Part of national Women’s History Month, the college hosted a series of speakers and events that spotlighted the struggles and triumphs of women both locally and nationally. On Thursday, March 11, 2010, Cassandra Rincones, featured left, a history instructor at STC, delivered a major presentation entitled A History of Women in Politics in Hidalgo County, which was based on her dissertation at Texas A&M-Kingsville. Also that evening, Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, featured center, and Hidalgo County Treasurer Norma G. García, featured right, shared their experiences and expertise developed in successfully building their public service careers in deep South Texas. The three political leaders are shown, following their presentations, in STC’s Pecan Campus Library Rainbow Room holding certificates of appreciation from the college for their accomplishments.
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Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday, March 24, reappointed Dennis Burleson of Mission, featured third from right, as chair to the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority for a term to expire February 1, 2012. Regional mobility authorities allow local communities to develop regional transportation priorities and accelerate development and financing for critical transportation projects. Burleson is first vice president of investments for Wells Fargo Advisors in McAllen. He is a board member and past president of the Valley Land Fund and past chairman of the Mission Economic Development Authority. He is also a member and past president of the Mission Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Rio Grande Valley Estate Council. Burleson served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-Pan American. During this group portrait taken in Pharr in late 2009, Burleson was joined by his fellow RMA board members, from left: Michael G. Cano; Rick Pérez of McAllen; Juan J. Maldonado of Pharr; Joe Olivarez of Weslaco; Burleson; Ramiro Salazar of McAllen; and Ricardo Pérez of La Joya.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has announced that its annual membership drive is set for April 27 and 28. The recruiting effort is part of the MHCC’s efforts to bring a positive change for its membership and the community. With 20 percent of the organization comprised on non-Hispanic members, the group is open to all business owners in the McAllen area. Helping prepare for the drive are, from left, seated: Connie Hernández, vice chair of women’s issues; Chris Avants, committee member; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer; Adelita Muñoz, vice chair of education; and Brenda Lee Huerta, interim chair. Standing, from left: Joe Smith, committee member; Dr. John Thomas, advisory board member; Rubén Garza, board secretary; John Rodríguez, vice chair of health; and Beto Manrique, Vice Chair of International Affairs. The MHCC is looking for individuals who would like to help other business people by participating in the membership drive. More information on the membership drive and related prizes is available by contacting the MCHH office at 928-0060. See story later in this posting.
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In October 2009, South Texas College President Shirley A. Reed traveled to San Antonio to receive the honor of District 4 Regional Pacesetter of the Year from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. Little did she know then that in March 2010, she would be chosen as the National Pacesetter of the Year for the entire NCMPR organization. The Pacesetter of the Year award recognizes a community college president who has demonstrated special leadership and support in marketing and public relations.“It was such an honor and a surprise to be selected for the national award, considering the high caliber of community college presidents that were nominated,” Reed said. “We are all doing our part to spread the important message that college is for everyone, not just a select few. Whether I am at the grocery store, speaking at a community event, testifying at the state capitol or speaking at a national educator’s conference, the message is the same – we must all do our part to create a college-going culture, not just in our communities, but in America as a whole.” In this portrait, Judi Sciple, featured left, the former president of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, congratulates Reed on earning the prestigious accolade. See story later in this posting.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently held a ground breaking ceremony to welcome a new addition to the historic Depot, which houses that organization along with the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is in the process of building a back patio that will be utilized for chamber events and fundraisers. The patio’s completion will take about two months to complete. Current fundraising efforts are being led by Maggie Kent, featured fourth from the left, who has received support contributions from multiple individuals and businesses to complete the Depot’s outdoor patio beautification project. Supporters will be recognized with a plaque at the patio’s completion. See story later in this posting.
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