by Legislative Media | Sep 1, 2009 | Politics
U.S. Marine Sgt. Freddy González’ legacy, an American war hero from Edinburg whose patriotism, courage, and sacrifice has been documented in national proclamations and publications, in the press and in books, is also featured here in a work of art produced by Colonel Charles Waterhouse, one of the country’s most renowned illustrators, whose work is often compared with those of other giants such as Norman Rockwell. A World War II veteran, Waterhouse answered the nation’s call to duty more than 26 years later during the Vietnam War. Instead of picking up a rifle, he picked up paintbrush, and wound up creating more than 470 magnificent illustrations depicting the heroism of U.S. Marines in Vietnam. In this drawing, Waterhouse depicts the final actions of González as the wounded American defends troops under his command after they were pinned down by the enemy during the Tet Offensive in Hue City, Vietnam. González was killed in action, and was later posthumously bestowed the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry and sacrifice. A special print edition of this image was given to his mother, Dolia González of Edinburg, when she was the guest of honor on the U.S.S. Alfredo González during a change-of-command ceremony earlier this summer. More information on the accomplished artist is available at http://www.waterhousemuseum.com. The U.S.S. Alfredo González maintains a web site at http://www.fightingfreddy66.blogspot.com. See related story, which is the top story in this edition, on former Valley journalist John Flores, who will be honored by the Marines for his own creative masterpiece, When the River Dreams: The Life of Marine Sergeant Freddy González.
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Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, shows off a carving board bearing the All-America City symbol of Edinburg given to him during his visit on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 to the University of Texas-Pan American. Kennedy, 77, part of an iconic American political family that included President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy, passed away shortly before midnight on Tuesday, August 25, at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, following a 15-month long battle with brain cancer. In this portrait, Kennedy was in the three-time All-America City to rally advance support for Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, who along with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-New York, were seeking the March 4 primary nomination for president. During his campaign swing, city leaders presented him the gift, noting that the senator and the city both shared many traits, including the high standards required of communities which receive the coveted All-America City Award. Following news of his death, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, reflected on Kennedy’s strong support in the Valley. “He is, and will always be, held in the highest regard by Hispanics across the country. On his travels throughout the land, he always found a friendly audience within the Hispanic community, whose issues he championed,” Hinojosa said. “He visited our communities in deep South Texas on several occasions and he was our true friend.”
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Edinburg residents listened intently to Sen. Edward Kennedy during his appearance on February 20, 2008 at the University of Texas-Pan American during his campaign swing to advance the appearance a few days later on campus of Barack Obama, who was seeking the March 2008 Democratic Party nomination for president. “Last night, we lost a great American whose legacy will likely outlive us all,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen. Senator Edward M. Kennedy is an irreplaceable part of American politics; he led an extraordinary life defending the core principles of this country, creating equal opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds.” Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, August 29, next to his fallen brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy.
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Justice of the Peace Charlie Espinoza of Edinburg, featured right, was recently recognized by South Texas Health System leaders for his leadership role in the advancement of health care in the Valley. The Hidalgo County Precinct 4 elected official is shown here accepting the Community Leader Appreciation Award from Joe Rodríguez, STHS chief executive officer, during a presentation on July 9 at McAllen Medical Center. As a lifelong resident of Edinburg, Espinoza has served his Hidalgo County constituency as JP since 1995. During this time, he has assisted the health care community by providing mandatory inquests, and helping those with mental health and drug addictions receive behavioral health care. Espinoza has been recognized by his community for his leadership, serving in numerous organizations. In addition, Espinoza was Edinburg mayor pro-tem and city commissioner between 1990 and 1994. He has been actively involved in the Edinburg Bobcat Booster Club, Edinburg Crime Stoppers, Edinburg Jaycees, Edinburg Census Committee and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. He has also helped organize and produce Fiesta Custom Car and Truck Shows.
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Kohl’s Department Store, through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program, has donated $53,685 to the Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation. The donations were collected from Kohl’s stores located in the Rio Grande Valley and a check was presented to the Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation on Saturday, August 29. Kohl’s has gifted nearly $75,000 to the Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation since 2008. Kohl’s latest donation to the Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation was for their joint flu fighting project. The special check presentation was made during the August 29 Back to School Family Health Fair at Edinburg Children’s Hospital. Featured, from left: Heriberto Montes, Kohl’s assistant store manager; Le’Char García, Kohl’s store manager; Dan Castro, Kohl’s store manager; Phyllis Griggs, Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation board member; Janie Salinas, Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation board secretary; Dolly Villarreal, Edinburg Children’s Hospital Foundation board member; and Rubén Garza. See story later in this posting.
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UTPA’s Bucky the Bronc, STC President Shirley A. Reed, Interim UTPA President Charles A. Sorber, and STC’s Jerry the Jaguar celebrate another milestone in helping ease student transfers. On Tuesday, August 25, the University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College met in McAllen to celebrate the completion of another phase of their Start Here, Finish There Student Transfer Success Action Plan. STC and UTPA representatives signed 11 agreements to ease transfer for students from STC to UTPA. The agreements span a variety of subject are as including anthropology, biology, communications, education, kinesiology, language and cultural studies, mathematics, Mexican American studies, history, philosophy, political science, psychology and social work. The focus of the agreements and plan is to ensure students have an easier time completing their degrees through a partnership between both higher education institutions. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Aug 18, 2009 | Politics
Romeo M. Villareal, featured far left, and his wife, Mary, featured far right, beam with pride during a public ceremony in early August that dedicated a state-of-the-art academic facility in Edinburg, part of the South Texas Independent School District, in honor of him. Andi Atkinson (center), the public information director for STISD, shown here explaining some of the historical artifacts that will grace the inside of the new educational center as further recognition of Villarreal’s many contributions to the school district. Villarreal, owner of Edinburg Child Care, Inc., has served on the STISD Board of Directors for 37 years, including 10 as president. He became a board member in 1972, but his ties to STISD go back to the 1960s, before the school district was born. The Romeo M. Villarreal Academic Building is located at 724 S. Sugar Road, at the corner of Sugar Road and Sprague Street, in Edinburg. See story later in this posting.
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Dr. Charles A. Sorber, interim president of the University of Texas-Pan American (featured second from right), on Monday, August 17, announced that the university’s graduate school campus in McAllen will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 26, at 10 a.m. The facility, located at 800 South Main Street along Eastbound Frontage Expressway 83 in the Main Place Shopping Center adjacent to La Plaza Mall, will provide Rio Grande Valley residents more convenience and greater access to higher education. Sorber is seen here on July 19 during an unrelated, but still historic, event, welcoming Dr. Bernard A. Harris, former astronaut and the first African American to walk in space. From left: Rosendo Cruz, program officer for Education and Diversity at ExxonMobil; U.S. Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes; Dr. Harris; President Sorber; and John Edwards, vice president for UTPA’s Division of Enrollment and Student Services. See story on McAllen graduate school later in this posting.
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Area legislators on Wednesday, August 12, posed with key leaders of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce following that organization’s successful Legislative Report Card dinner held at the McAllen Country Club. The session allowed the majority of the Valley’s state lawmakers to provide highlights of major legislative accomplishments, and allowed the public opportunities to ask them questions. Featured, from left: Hari K. Namboodiri, founder and chief executive officer of Health Options International; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen; Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco; Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg; and Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, president and chief executive officer of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, August 27, will host a Leadership Edinburg Alumni mixer at Los Lagos Golf Course, located at 1720 South Raul Longoria, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food, drinks and door prizes will be part of the festivities. All Leadership Edinburg graduates from Class I-XX – who number about 450 – are encouraged to attend the mixer. Leadership Edinburg is governed by a steering committee, whose members are featured in this photograph, made up mostly of alumni of the organization. Leadership Edinburg is intended to better the future leaders of Edinburg through motivation and exposure to the realities and the challenges affecting the community, including seminars in government, history, media, criminal justice, education, quality of life, health care and economic development. In addition, Leadership Edinburg Class XXI is currently accepting applicants, with the deadline set for August 27 as well. Individuals must file an application at http://www.edinburg.com or call the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956/383-4974. Standing, from left: Cynthia Bocanegra; Abel Leal; Pamela Doughtery; Fernando Quintanilla; Imelda Rodríguez; Marty Martin; Destiny Campos; Roy Peña; Dina Araguz; and Jay Flores. Seated, from left: Flo Prader; Letty González ; and Edna Peña.
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A survey of 135 regional employers is over and the results are in – area employers are very satisfied with the hiring of South Texas College graduates, according to a recent survey by the two-county community college system. “It is so pleasing to us that when asked if they would hire STC graduates again, all of the employers responded ‘yes’,” said Dr. Brenda Cole, director of STC’s Research and Analytical Services Department. “We also uncovered that most employers find our graduates to be well prepared for their jobs, work well in team situations, are energetic, responsible and possess good math and computer skills.” STC Bachelors Program Graduate Michael Parker, standing, works confidently alongside Keith Patridge, the president and chief executive officer of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Aug 11, 2009 | Politics
Thousands of U.S. military families who come the Lone Star State will no longer have to pay the more expensive out-of-state tuition and fees to attend any of Texas’ public colleges and universities, and any student whose parent is deployed into a combat zone will pay no tuition and fees while the parent serves in harm’s way, according to Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview, who served as a sponsor of the law. In this portrait, taken in Houston with Flores featured second from left, Perry signs into law a related measure that contains language drafted by Flores which will give up to a 100 percent exemption from all home property taxes for Texas veterans who are disabled as a result of physical and mental wounds suffered as a direct result of their U.S. military service. On November 3, Texans will participate in a statewide election regarding Proposition 8 – another measure passed last spring by Flores – which is designed to speed up the state’s involvement in bringing a Veterans Administration Hospital to South Texas. Senate Bill 297, sponsored by Flores, which lowers tuition and fees for many veterans and their families, is the latest round in a series of major laws authored or sponsored by Flores last spring that will help many of Texas’ estimated 1.7 million veterans. See story later in this posting.
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Lions Club leaders and members recently finalized an agreement with South Texas College administrators to set up new student chapters at three campus locations in McAllen, Weslaco and Rio Grande City. Featured, seated from left: Lions Club member Salvador Claflin, who is a STC assistant professor of government; Joe Treviño, Lions Club District 2-A3 Governor; STC President Shirley A. Reed; and Lions Club P.D.G. Ernesto De Léon. Featured standing, middle row, from left: William Serrata, STC Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management; Joe Guerra, Lions Club member; Mark Alvarado, Second Vice District Governor; Raúl Leal, Lions Club member; and Jesús Rodriguez, McAllen Palm City Lions Club President. Featured standing, back row, from left: Juan Mejia, STC Vice President for Academic Affairs; Jerry Inmon, Lions Club Member; Mike Shannon, STC Dean of Student Life; and Armando Ponce, STC Coordinator of Student Activities. See story later in this posting.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, August 12, will host its Legislative “Report Card” Dinner beginning at enter time at the McAllen Country Club. State legislators, including (from left) Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grandey City, Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, and Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, will have the opportunity to mingle and talk with members of the community and give a report on the recently concluded legislative session and plans for the legislative interim and next session. There is a fee to attend, however: sponsorships for the event include the following rates: Presidential $3,000; Governor $2,000; Statesman $1,000; and Civic Leader, $500. All sponsors will get to sit with an elected official. Individual tickets are $35. For more information on the Legislative Dinner and/or to buy tickets, call the McAllen Hispanic Chamber at 928/0060. Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, and Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview, are also scheduled to participate.
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McAllen construction magnate Alonzo Cantú, featured right with Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, was successful in helping convince the Edinburg City Council to invest more than $2 million towards the construction of a planned $14 million Edinburg Medical Conference Center, which will be owned by Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. Cantú, who is a leader of the DHR Board of Directors, says the state-of-the-art medical facility will have many benefits for the region and the city, including creating almost 300 new jobs, and could help bring to Hidalgo County a planned University of Texas medical school authorized by legislation co-authored last spring by Hinojosa. The site for the medical school, which is scheduled to begin construction in 2015, will be determined by the UT System Board of Regents. See the lead story on the Edinburg Medical Conference Center later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jun 8, 2009 | Politics
The nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit appears to have caused some confusion among members of the media and news consumers, according to the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. That organization is encouraging news organizations to avoid any confusion over Sotomayor’s ethnic background. Her Puerto Rican parents are not immigrants, as some journalists have reported, since island-born residents are U.S. citizens, conferred by an act of Congress in 1917. "People who move to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico are no more immigrants than those who move from Nebraska to New York," said Iván Román, NAHJ’s executive director. "Her nomination to replace Justice David H. Souter represents the possibility of the first Latino sitting on the nation’s highest court. As the debate over her qualifications develops, NAHJ would encourage the highest form of discourse." Sotomayor, 54, is featured here on May 26 with President Obama and Vice President Biden following her nomination by the president to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Congressman Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, featured here, third from right, during an unrelated photograph with constituents and then-President Bush, on officially launched the Congressional Media Fairness Caucus (MFC) to counter what he says is media bias. The purpose of the MFC is not to censor or condemn, but to encourage the media to adhere to the highest standards of reporting and to provide the American people with the facts, balanced stories and fair coverage of the news, Smith contended. A study by the nonpartisan Center for Media and Public Affairs found that network news programs gave President Obama more than three times the coverage that they gave former President George W. Bush early in his presidency, Smith noted. See related story later in this posting.
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Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, featured here, front row, second from left, with fellow members who first came into the Texas Legislature with him about six-and-a-half years ago, on Friday, June 5, declared that legislation authorizing the establishment of a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley was his and the region’s number one legislative priority. "The Rio Grande Valley has been long underserved in access to healthcare and health care providers," said Peña. "The establishment of a medical school and health science center will not only serve to bridge that gap but it has the power to transform our economy. I applaud Sen. Eddie Lucio for his leadership, our legislative delegation and community and business leaders for all their efforts. While we can relish this achievement we have a lot of important work ahead to ensure that the facility is fully funded and world-class." See story later in this posting.
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The employees of South Texas College have been recognized by the United Way of South Texas for being the most charitable among all staffs at state agencies across the Rio Grande Valley, including outperforming other major universities and state offices. STC employees pledged more than $40,000 through the 2008 State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC), administered by the United Way of South Texas. The college merited the SECC Lone Star Award for its effort. Featured, representing STC and UWST, are, from left, front: Gloria Ann Hernández, community relations public sector campaign for UWST; Thelma Garza, UWST president; and Diana Peña, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services for STC. Back row, from left: Dr. Shirley A. Reed, president of STC; Jeff Heavin, instructor, STC Human Resources Specialist Program; and Shirley Ingram, Director of Human Resources for STC. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | May 5, 2009 | Politics
Hidalgo County leaders on Friday, May 1, commemorated the historic infusion of about $300 million in federal funds for the Hidalgo County Levee Rehabilitation Project during a special recognition ceremony and press conference at the Hidalgo Pump House Museum and World Birding Center Nature Park. Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas, III, featured first on right, released an economic impact study, commissioned by his office and conducted by Sai Mullapudi of the University of Texas-Pan American’s Data and Information Systems Center Division of Community Engagement, that highlighted the economic impact of the levee upgrades. The study indicates that the entire levee rehabilitation project, when completed, will produce nearly 5,000 local jobs and generate $508 million in economic impact. From left, in this photograph, are: Ron Vitiello, chief for the Rio Grand Valley Border Patrol sector; Mayor John David Franz of Hidalgo; Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen; and Salinas. See story later in this posting.
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May marks National Mental Health Month and to recognize the month-long health campaign in the Rio Grande Valley, the South Texas Behavioral Health Center hosted an advocacy reception for community leaders on Friday, May 1. Area leaders spanning from law enforcement, military, elected officials, health care practitioners and social service providers attended the event in recognition of the advancements and challenges of mental health care in the Valley. Standing, from left, are: Solomon Torres, District Director for Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes; Doug Matney, Vice President of Acute Care and Group Director for South Texas Health System; César Matos, MD; Joe Rodríguez, CEO for South Texas Behavioral Health Center and Michael Sauceda, Business Development Director for South Texas Behavioral Health Center. See story later in this posting.
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Manuel Garcia and Johnny Rodriguez, two of the board members for Edinburg Child Care, Inc., a non-profit business dedicated to providing nutrition and education services to children in day care homes, display a cake that helped mark the 25th anniversary of the local entity. The local firm, which helps generate a multi-million dollar economic impact for the region, hosted a celebration in the Edinburg/San Manuel region on April 25, 2009, as a treat for many of its participants. Operations consist of reimbursements to day care homes and day care centers for meals served to children under their care and administrative costs. All seed funds/startup costs were provided by Romeo Villarreal, a local businessman and educator. The policy-making board of directors oversees the program, which is administered by an executive director. Since 1991, this program has generated between $2 million to $2.3 million dollars annually and disbursed to providers from Corpus Christi to Laredo, to Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley. Three hundred to 500 small business owners of day care centers are being supplemented annually through this agency. Edinburg Child Care, Inc. is located 2002 West University, Suite 3, Edinburg, 78539. They may also be contacted by telephone at 956/383-6789; by fax at 956/383-6888; and toll-free at 1/800-281-6780. Mary Villarreal, the company’s executive director, may also be reached via Internet [email protected] or [email protected].
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The Texas Senate on Monday, May 4, unanimously voted for Senate Bill 1443 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, that would provide financial relief to students and their families, while recognizing the shared responsibility of the legislature and higher education institutions to keep college affordable and accessible without sacrificing excellence. The bill focuses on total academic costs, not simply on tuition; caps increases and links them to formula funding; offers an optional 4-year guaranteed tuition rate; includes additional cost-cutting measures; and establishes legislative oversight. See story later in this posting.
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Asian citrus psyllid nymphs, shown here in their development stages by a U.S. Department of Agriculture photograph, can live on citrus trees that are infected with the Citrus Greening Disease and can acquire that plague just before reaching the adult stage. Once that happens, those insects can immediately transmit the disease to uninfected trees, which ruin the trees and citrus. The greening disease, which has not yet been detected in Texas, could devastate the state’s $159 million citrus industry, most of which is located in Hidalgo County. A bill by Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, has been passed by the House of Representatives. The measure would give the Texas Department of Agriculture the needed policy powers to help citrus growers prevent a potentially-devastating outbreak of this plant disease. See lead story later in this posting.
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