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 | 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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by Legislative Media | Oct 13, 2009 | Politics
Rep. Ismael “Kino” Flores, D-Palmview, joined members of the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley during the Tuesday, October 6, regular meeting of the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court to continue rallying support for passage of Proposition 8. Proposition 8, which is one of 11 constitutional amendments set for a statewide vote on Tuesday, November 3, would be “a direct mandate to the state government that it will work with the feds in providing whatever it takes to bring a VA Hospital down here,” said Flores, featured here, middle row, second from right. Two days later, in a related development, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, wrote President Obama, reminding the president of Obama’s promise to help bring a VA Hospital to deep South Texas.”I was very pleased that, as a member of the Senate in 2008, you cosponsored the South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act, which I had introduced to bring desperately needed inpatient medical facilities to the Rio Grande Valley,” Cornyn noted to Obama. “The Federal Government still fails to fully recognize the efforts and sacrifices of these brave Americans in defense of our country, despite repeated requests to the VA for help and recent legislative efforts on this issue.” In addition to Flores, elected county leaders also showcased in this group portrait with area veterans include, back row, from left: Precinct 4 Commissioner Óscar L. Garza, Jr.; Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe M. Flores; County Judge Salinas; and Precinct 3 Héctor “Tito” Palacios. See story later in this posting.
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Tickets remain on sale for $90 per person through Friday, October 16, for the Museum of South Texas History’s ¡Fandango! – Saluting the Flags of Texas, which will be held on Saturday, October 24. ¡Fandango! is MOSTHistory’s annual FUNdraising event, filled with fast-paced auction fun, good food, and great company. Organizing this year’s event are Amy Johnson of McAllen and Shelley Richards of Edinburg. Among the committee members for ¡Fandango! are, from left: Josie Cappadona of Linn; Kathe Tavarez of McAllen; Amy Johnson of McAllen; Carola Chapa of San Manuel; and Patty Garza of Edinburg. More information is available by calling Lynne Beeching at 956/383-6911. See story later in this posting.
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Leaders with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce have announced that the local organization will be hosting a Winter Texan Welcome and Small Business Expo on Thursday, November 5. The local chamber recognizes that Winter Texans are vital to the city’s economy. Live music by “It’s Miller Time”, food, door prizes and drinks will be available to Winter Texans for only $3 per tickets, which may be purchased in advance through local RV parks and at the chamber headquarters. The Welcome will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Edinburg Activity Center, located on 123 West Palm Drive. Exhibitors are encouraged to sign up to hand out literature, coupons, discounts, and talk to Winter Texans one-on-one. For a $25 fee for chamber members, and $50 for future chamber members, local business owners would be provided a presence at the event, including an eight-foot table and two chairs, to promote their skills and services. More information on the event or reserving exhibition space is available by contacting the chamber at 956/383-4974 or at http://www.edinburg.com. Chamber staff members promoting the Winter Texan Welcome and Small Business Expo are, standing, from left: Evana Vleck, marketing director; Letty González, president; and Crystal Cavazos, tourism assistant. Seated are Imelda Rodríguez, tourism director, and Martín Rivas, membership director.
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Former Rep. Cullen R. Looney, D-Edinburg, a local attorney, and Estella Lane Treviño, a former justice of the peace and longtime executive director of the Edinburg Housing Authority, have been named Man and Woman of the Year by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. The announcement came on Saturday, October 3, during the local organization’s Annual Installation Banquet, held at the Social Steak House and Club. The event was also held to recognize Cynthia Bocanegra and Lee Castro as incoming chairwoman and outgoing chairman for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. See story later in this posting.
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