DECEMBER 14, 2022

Roma ISD Middle Schools Earn 1st & 2nd Places at Mariachi Extravaganza Middle School Competition

VMS 8th Grade Girls and Boys Doubles Placed 2nd at District Tennis Tournament

Congratulations to the Rattler U.I.L. Team

Grulla High School Hosted FAFSA Night

to the Roma ISD Middle Schools on an outstanding performance at the 2022 Mariachi Extravaganza National Middle School Mariachi Competition! Roma Middle School (top)Mariachi Extravaganza Grand Champions (Middle School Category). Ramiro Barrera Middle School (bottom) - Mariachi Extravaganza 2nd Place Award (Middle School Category). The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these student musicians!

Congratulations to Veterans Middle School’s Miley Pruneda and Yulyza Villarreal for placing 2nd in 8th grade girls doubles and Angel Reyes and Andres Reyes for placing 2nd in 8th grade boys doubles in the District Tennis Tournament held in Zapata. Awesome job to these players and the rest of the tennis team for giving it their all the whole season.

Roma Little League election for the 2023 Board of Directors

on Wednesday December 21st 2022 6pm, Roma Little League Park. Anybody interested in serving as board member, coaching, umpiring, or simply volunteering is encouraged to attend.

On Wednesday, December 7th Grulla High School hosted FAFSA Night. Seniors and parents attended the event so they could complete the FAFSA application and receive assistance from a Financial Aid representative. This is an important part of senior year because it is a graduation requirement. Mr. Ariel Ozuna, GHS Principal, would like to thank all the parents and volunteers that attended the event. We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend FAFSA Night. A special THANK YOU to the South Texas College Financial Representative, Vania, for assisting the seniors and parents. If any senior or parent needs any assistance with the FAFSA, you may schedule an appointment with Mr. Sebastian Dougherty, GHS College Advisor, at 956-370-4294.

ELENA PEÑA

by Su Esposo e Hijos

†JOSE GALVAN (11TH AN.)

by Daughters & Sons

†ORLANDO FABIAN OVIEDO (5TH AN.) by Familia Oviedo

SUNDAY DECEMBER 18TH – L.G. 7:00 A.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

SUNDAY DECEMBER 18th - I.C.C.

9:00 A.M.

†RAQUEL VELASCO VALLE by Gloria De Loera

†MARIA GUADALUPE VELASCO

VALLE by Gloria De Loera

†CRESCENCIO & FRANCISCA SOLIS by Family

†ALISIA PEÑA CASTAÑEDA by Gloria De Loera

†MA. FELISITAS VALLE GONZALEZ by Gloria De Loera

†IRMA A. RAMIREZ by Family

†ANTONIO RAMIREZ by Family

†ESTELA DE LUNA by Family

SUNDAY DECEMBER 18th – I.C.C. 11:00 A.M.

†MARICELA & PANCHITO GARZA by Lydia Garza Saenz & Family

†TEODORA & MARTIN GARZA by Lydia Garza Saenz & Family

†SERGIO FLORES by Family

†NOELIA LONGORIA (2ND AN.) by Family

†AMPARO GUTIERREZ (AN.) by Family

†NOE GUTIERREZ by Wife & Children

5:00 P.M.

†DECEASED MEMBERS OF SALINAS

FAMILY by Family †PATRICK SUÑIGA

enséñanos a vivir como tus hijos, imitando a Jesús.

Bendice todas nuestras buenas intenciones, bendice nuestro trabajo de cada día, cuida a nuestras familias, ampara a nuestros niños y jóvenes, sana a nuestros enfermos y fortalece a nuestros ancianos. Llévanos de tu mano a Jesús. Amén.

Family-friendly resolutions to pursue together

1st Anniversary Mass In Loving Memory of Velma Alvarez

May 28, 1973 - December 20, 2021

If Tears Could Build A Stairway If tears could build a stairway and thoughts a memory lane I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before I knew it and only God knows why. My heart’s still active in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you no one can ever know. But now I know you want us to mourn for you no more, to remember all the happy times, life still has much in store. Since you’ll never be forgotten I pledge to you today a hallowed place within my heart is where you’ll always stay. God knows why, with chilling touch, death gathers those we love so much, and what now seems so strange and dim will all be clear when we meet Him. I knew you for a moment.

Mass will be celebrated Sunday Dec. 18, 2022 at 11:00AM at San Pablo Church, La Puerta We miss you and love you very much!

Your Mom Yolanda Barrera, your children Cecilia, Corando, Homero and Grandchildren

There are plenty of resolutions that families can enjoy together. Undertaking goals as a family unit can create an accountability that keeps everyone on track. Here are some resolutions to think about making right now.

·Eating healthier meals together can move everyone’s personal health in the right direction. Start by adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal and try whole grains or a new grain, like quinoa. Small changes can add up to big gains and healthy results.

·Transform negative thinking patterns into positive ones. The family can keep gratitude journals, highlighting things in their lives they are grateful for or actions that make each person proud.

·Collectively aim to get more sleep each night. This may be achieved by turning electronics off earlier each night and spending the hour or two before bed engaged in lighthearted conversation or stress-busting activities like reading books.

·Plan for screen-free family time each day so that everyone can engage without the distractions of social media, work, friends, and other digital activities.

(4TH AN.) by Galvan Family †BENITO GALVAN (4TH AN.) by Galvan Family

MONDAY DECEMBER 19th – I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †MAURICIO GARZA III by Family †PABLO MIGUEL VILLEGAS by Familia Lopez

TUESDAY DECEMBER 20th – I.C.C. 6.30 P.M. †DANNY GOMEZ, JR. by Mom & Dad †MANUELITA C. PORRAS by Mr. & Mrs. Abel Porras †RAQUEL G. GARCIA by Mr. & Mrs. Abel Porras †FOR ALL THE SOULS IN PURGATORY by Anna Pope & Family

Madre y Reina de Guadalupe, que nos cuidas y nos acompañas, que estás siempre con nosotros,

Texas Beta Theta Lambda Participated at the 1st Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

RGCG Mariachi Program cordially invite you to come and attend the Annual Mariachi Concert this coming Thursday December 15th at 6pm at the RGC Fort Ringgold Auditorium.

All 5 mariachi programs in the district will showcase their talented students as each ensemble plays a few selections of mariachi repertoire. Don’t forget to bring the whole family for this awesome experience!! See you there!!

Gladiators Explore Career Training Options

1st Anniversary In Loving Memory of Argelio Aguirre

April 7, 1952 † December 12, 2021

It’s been a year since you were called home by our Lord and yet it seems like yesterday. The Lord gave us the strength to go forth even though we were going through the darkest time of our lives without you. We thank God for all the wonderful heartfelt memories which we will cherish forever. We know that you’re in heaven now with God, watching over us.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

~ Corrie Ten Boom

Notice for Publication

NOTICE OF APPLICATION OF EL SAUZ WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION TO AMEND ITS CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO PROVIDE WATER UTILITY SERVICE IN STARR COUNTY, TEXAS

El Sauz Water Supply Corporation has filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to amend its water Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) No. 11424 for the provision of retail water utility service in Starr County, Texas.

The requested area overlaps the district boundaries of Rio Grande Regional Water Authority If this district does not request a public hearing, the Commission shall determine that the district is consenting to the El Sauz Water Supply Corporation’s request to provide retail water utility service in the requested area.

The requested area includes 11 customer connections, is located approximately 12 mile(s) north of downtown Rio Grande Citv, Texas, and is generally bounded on the north by 1.2 mile north of La Morita Road; on the east by 0.26 mile east of La Morita Road; on the south by 0.3 mile south of La Morita Road; and on the west by the intersection of Farm to Market Road 649 and La Morita Road

The requested area includes approximately 1,599 acres, comprised of uncertificated area. A copy of the maps showing the requested area are available at: 545 N. FM 649, Roma TX 785996284

Persons who wish to intervene in the proceeding or comment upon action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Public Utility Commission at (512) 936-7120 or (888) 782-8477. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. The deadline for intervention in the proceeding is (30 days from the mailing or publication of notice, whichever occurs later, unless otherwise provided by the presiding officer). You must send a letter requesting intervention to the commission which is received by that date. The letter must include the person’s name, address, email address and fax number if applicable.

If a valid public hearing is requested, the Commission will forward the application to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for a hearing. If no settlement is reached and an evidentiary hearing is held, SOAH will submit a recommendation to the Commission for a fi nal decision. An evidentiary hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

A landowner with a tract of land at least 25 acres or more, that is partially or wholly located within the requested area, may file a written request with the Commission to be excluded from the requested area (“opt out”) within (30) days from the date that notice was provided by the Utility. All opt out requests must include a large-scale map, a metes and bounds description of the landowner’s tract of land, landowner’s name, address, email address and fax number, if applicable.

Persons who wish to request this option should file the required documents with the:

Public Utility Commission of Texas Central Records 1701 N. Congress, P. O. Box 13326 Austin, TX 78711-3326

In addition, the landowner must also send a copy of the opt out request to the Utility. Staff may request additional information regarding your request. Si desea información en español, puede llamar al 1-888-782-8477.

Texas Beta Theta Lambda would like to thank Ms. Jazlyn Barrera for allowing the sorority to participate at the 1st Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk which was held at the Basilio Villarreal Park on October 15, 2022. This event was coordinated to promote awareness and provide resources to people with Down Syndrome, with the objective of making them feel loved and included. They had a great time participating and spending time with everyone!

Jose Maria Aguirre & Family

Thanks to McAllen Careers Institute for talking with Roma High School students about highly-skilled career training options available after they earn their high school diploma!

Roma ISD School Board Honors Students for Completing Summer Medical

Rio Grande City High School Rattler Juniors and Seniors visited Texas A&M University Kingsville and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Students received admission presentations and campus tours. A special thank

to college advisor Mr. Canseco for preparing the Rattlers for College!

Congratulations to the Roma High School students who completed the GearUp Summer 2022 Junior Clinical Research Internship! The students were honored at the November 16, 2022 Roma ISD School Board Meeting.

Signs you or a loved one could be dealing with depression

report from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, roughly 3.8 percent of the world’s population is affected by depression. That percentage is higher among adults (5 percent) and even more so among adults 60 and over (5.7 percent).

Depression is among the most common mental disorders in the world. According to a 2019

Despite its prevalence, depression still carries a stigma, leaving many people to confront

Position Available

The Roma Housing Authority is currently soliciting qualified applicants for the position of a

PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST

An application and job description will be available at the Roma Housing Authority Office at 469 Canales Circle, Roma, Texas for all applicants interested in applying. Applications will be accepted beginning December 15, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday at the Roma Housing Authority Office. All applications submitted to the Roma Housing Authority will become property of the Housing Authority. The Roma Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer.

Office phone: (956)849-1159

Fax: (956)849-7462

Attn: Zulma Piceno

DEAD LINE: Position available until filled.

it in silence. However, over the last several years, public attitudes toward mental health have shifted, compelling millions of people to recognize the severity of the threat posed by mental health disorders like depression. That recognition has led various prominent public figures, such as comedian Jim Carrey, athlete Kevin Love and singer/ actress Lady Gaga, to publicly acknowledge their own battles with depression.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and recognition of that reality may compel millions of people to seek the help they need. One of the first steps toward overcoming depression is to learn how it can manifest itself. Though feelings of sadness are common in people with depression, according to ADA Health, depression is much more than a feeling of sadness, and its symptoms may be masked by physical complaints or substance abuse. That can make it hard to identify signs of depression, which underscores the significance of learning to spot its symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that the following signs and symptoms could be indicative of depression if individuals have been experiencing them most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

·Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

·Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

·Feelings of irritability, frustration or restlessness

·Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness

·Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities

·Decreased energy, fatigue or feeling “slowed down”

·Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

·Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening or oversleeping

·Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes

·Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts at suicide

·Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease with treatment

It’s important that individuals experiencing these symptoms or those who witness them in loved ones avoid self-diagnosing their conditions or the condition of friends or family members. If any of these symptoms are present for two weeks or more, contact a physician immediately or urge a loved one to do so.

More information about depression can be found at www. nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/ depression

One of the first steps toward overcoming depression is to learn how it can manifest itself.

The impact of reading on personal health

Books transport people to different times, provide a sense of escapism and introduce readers to different schools of thought. Individuals may read for pleasure and/or to expand their intellectual horizons.

It’s important to note that reading also may help improve mental and physical health. With so much to gain from reading, now is a great time to embrace those book clubs, resolve to read more and explore how picking up a good book may be just what the doctor ordered.

Reduces stress

Immersing yourself in a story requires focus and concentration. According to researchers at the University of Sussex, it took just six minutes of reading for study participants to experience slower heart rates and reduced muscle tension.

Stress is one of the biggest threats to overall health, as the stress hormone cortisol can lead to inflammation in the body that may impede the immune system, according to Piedmont Health.

Finding ways to reduce stress, including through activities like reading, is a win for anyone who wants to improve his or her health.

Impacts longevity

According to the 2016 study, “A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity,” by

Position Available

The Roma Housing Authority is currently soliciting qualified applicants for the position of a

PART-TIME INSPECTOR

An application and job description will be available at the Roma Housing Authority Office at 469 Canales Circle, Roma, Texas for all applicants interested in applying. Applications will be accepted beginning December 15, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday at the Roma Housing Authority Office. All applications submitted to the Roma Housing Authority will become property of the Housing Authority. The Roma Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer.

Office phone: (956)849-1159

Fax: (956)849-7462

Attn: Zulma Piceno

DEAD LINE: Position available until filled.

Bavishi A, Slade M.D., reading exerts its influence on longevity by strengthening the mind. Reading positively impacts the way the brain creates synapses, optimizing neurological function. It also expands vocabulary, and helps with memory.

Changes

the brain

A 2014 study published in Neuroreport determined reading involves a complex system of signaling and networking in the brain. As one’s ability to read matures, these networks become stronger and more sophisticated. MRI scans found that brain connectivity increased throughout studied reading periods and for days afterward.

Increases empathy

Through literary fiction, readers are exposed to the situations, feelings and beliefs of others. This can help a person develop a greater ability to empathize with others, according to Healthiline.

Helps improve sleep

Reading is an effective way to wind down and relax before going to bed. It can be a positive nighttime ritual, provided one reads a paper book or utilizes an e-reader that is not backlit, as bright lights from digital devices may hinder sleep quality. In fact, doctors at the Mayo Clinic often suggest reading as part of a regular sleep routine.

Reduces depressive feelings

Individuals diagnosed with depression may feel isolated and estranged from other people. Books may reduce those feelings by helping a person temporarily escape his or her world into another. Also, books can serve as a common ground through which conversations over shared interests can begin with others.

Reading has many positive health benefits, which is why resolving to read more can be beneficial.

Roma ISD Honors Wall of Fame Students

The

include Briana Hinojosa, Ana C. Leija, and Aaron Rosales of Roma High School; Camila Bazan, Cipatly Cortez, and Micayela Rosa of

Congratulations to the Wall of Fame students for the second 6-weeks honored by the Roma ISD School Board at their November 16, 2022 meeting!

honorees

Ramiro Barrera Middle School; Rene Garza, Sofia Gonzalez, and Emmanuel Rodriguez of Roma Middle School; Ariana Hinojosa, Jesus I. Olivares, and Emma Vela of Delia G. Garcia Elem. School; Daniel Flores Jr., Aaron A. Sanchez, and Alexia Villarreal Jr. of Emma Vera Elem. School; Dania Garcia, Nayleth Garcia,

and Lusya Lozano Tanguma of F. J. Scott Elem. School; Ashley J. Garza, Victoria Herrera, and Leonardo Niño of R. & C. Saenz Elem.School; Ximena Garza, Victoria R. Soto, and Aaron Suarez of R. T. Barrera Elem. School; and Alan Acosta, Layla De La Garza, and Ediel J. Saenz of Veterans Memorial Elem. School.

Students from Roma High School enjoyed community based instruction at the U.S. Post Office and Citizens State Bank. Thanks to the employees from both institutions for your help in assisting the students grow in their life skills!

Dr. Roberto Margo designated Fort Ringgold Post Commander for 2023

Dr. Margo based on his extensive serve to our community. Dr Margo received a certificate of appointment honorarily promoted to the rank of Colonel, was presented a Calvary hat and sword to symbolize that he is now charge to protect the Fort. Revive Fort Ringgold Army Colonel Retired Ross Barrera presided over the ceremony and was assisted by Revive Fort Ringgold Vice-President Dr. Erica Guerra and Secretary Mrs. Elia Ramos Dr. Margo’s BIO:

Roberto S. (Bobby) Margo was born on February 27, 1943 in Rio Grande City, TX where he was raised and graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1961. He then attended Texas A&M University, College Station, TX where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965. A year later, he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine.

In September 1966, Dr. Margo married his high school sweetheart, Minerva Hernandez, also from Rio Grande City and together they raised four sons, Rick, Eduardo, Carlos and Michael. God has blessed them with seven grandchildren who they enjoy and love very much. This past September, Bobby and Minerva celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. He and Minerva are lifelong members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rio Grande City.

In January 1967, Dr. Margo enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Commissioned Officer with the rank of Captain and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. In November 1967, Captain Margo was deployed to Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia where he served as one of the veterinarians in charge of the base’s food safety and security

and its military canine unit. Captain Margo proudly served the United States in Thailand for one year.

After serving for two years, Captain Margo was Honorably Discharged from the United States Air Force in December 1969. He then moved his family back to Rio Grande City where he began his full time veterinary practice -- one that has continuously served the residents of Starr and Zapata Counties for nearly 53 years!

As a young man in his late 20’s, Dr. Margo began serving his community as a member of the Rio Grande City School Board and the Rio Grande City Jaycees Club for four years beginning in 1970. In 1978, he began his 13 years of service as President of the Starr County Fair Board that positively transformed the county fair into a major annual attraction that drew thousands of attendees. Dr. Margo also served on IBC Bank’s Citizen Advisory Board from 1988 to 1992.

Dr. Margo is the owner and chief executive of Margo Ranch in Santa Elena, TX where he raises registered Beef-master Cattle and manages a thriving whitetail deer hunting and wildlife enterprise.