DECEMBER 28, 2022

Roma High Band Students Qualify for TMEA Area Auditions

Ricardo Mendoza and Anahi Romo Place First at the 5K Glow Run/Walk

Congratulations to Ricardo Mendoza, First Place Overall Male and Anahi Romo, First Place Overall Female at the RGC Cross Country Inaugural Rock, Rattle, and Roll 5K Glow Run/ Walk.

Congratulations also go out to Alto Bonito Elementary for capturing the title for the school for the most participants in the race.

Roma High Basketball Athletes Earn Tournament Honors

Roma ISD Middle School Students’ Tennis Skills Thriving

Congratulations to the 26 students from the Roma High School Mighty Gladiator Band that earned the opportunity to audition at the TMEA Area Band Competition! The students will travel to Texas A&M University Corpus Christi on January 6-7, 2023. Please wish them the best of luck as they work to further improve their pieces for this important audition. The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these awesome student musicians!!

Rattlers had a great showing in Valley View at the Tiger Takedown Tournament! Boys placed

out of 13 schools, and Girls placed 9th out of 11 schools. Individual results: 185-Lia Gutierrez 2nd, 126- Karla Trevino 3rd, 144- Steven Perez 3rd, 215- Andrew Benitez 4th, 138- Aiden Valdovinos 2nd,

Edrick Pena 1st, 157- Greg Vela 1st, 165- Landen Lopez 1st, 285- Aidan Stafford 1st, 285- Jerry Trevino 2nd, and 285- Ricky Reyes 3rd. Congratulations to the Rio High Wrestling team and all the athletes who placed at the tournament. Outstanding job coaches.

Congratulations to the Rio High Wrestling Team for

Congrats to Roma High Mighty Lady Gladiator Varsity Girls Basketball Team Player Janala Johnson and Roma High Mighty Gladiator Varsity Boys Basketball Team Player Devin Galvan, who were both voted to the All-Tournament Team at the San Perlita Tournament!

Congratulations to the Roma ISD Middle School Tennis Team on a great performance at the tennis tournament! Lucia Riojas won her 4th tournament, not dropping a game. Salvador Fernandez and Mariana Gonzalez earned Consolation champs. Great job!

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28th - I.C.C.

6:30 P.M.

†SILVESTRA & JOSE MARIA VILLARREAL by Goya Villarreal & Family

†GILBERT TREVIÑO (10TH AN.) by Family

THURSDAY DECEMBER 29th – L.G.

6:00 P.M.

†RUFINO GONZALEZ

by Jesus & Almeda M. Cruz

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30th - I.C.C. 12:00 P.M.

†ENRIQUE & MARIA CELIA GARZA by Ana Lisa Garza & Family

†ENRIQUE & MANUNELA GARZA by Ana Lisa Garza & Family

†REYES LOPEZ

by Ana Lisa Garza & Family

†HONORIO GARZA SR. (9TH AN.) by Family

†TOMASA & BARTOLO DIAZ by Osvelia Garcia

†JACINTO GARCIA by Osvelia Garcia

†CHAYSE OLIVAREZ by Family

†RENE ALFREDO RAMIREZ by Starr County Mem Hospital Employee

†AURORA RUIZ by Family

SATURDAY DECEMBER 31st - I.C.C.

5:00 P.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

SUNDAY JANUARY 1st – L.G.

7:00 A.M

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

SUNDAY JANUARY 1ST - I.C.C. 9:00 A.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

SUNDAY JANUARY 1ST – I.C.C. 11:00 A.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

5:00 P.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

MONDAY JANUARY 2ND – I.C.C. 6:00 P.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

TUESDAY JANUARY 3RD – I.C.C. 6.30 P.M.

†OLGA H. HINOJOSA (58TH AN.) by Mr. & Mrs. Jose O. Hinojosa

NOTE:

PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON JANUARY 2, 2023 IN OBSERVANCE OF NEW YEAR’S DAY. THANK YOU!

Gladiators Visit with Med School Students

Medical students from The UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine visited with Roma High School Class of 2023 seniors. The students enjoyed an informative and interactive presentation with prizes, followed by a Q&A session.

Congratulations to the Grulla High Schools’ Newly Licensed Cosmetologist!

Roma High Takes Home National Title from 2022 Mariachi Extravaganza Competition

Senator Judith Zaffirini embraces two of her favorite blessings. What she works for and hopes for Asher and George is what she works for and hopes for all children. May you and yours enjoy a blessed Happy New Year.

From Senator Judith Zaffirini and her darling grandsons, Asher and George!

Congratulations to the Roma High School Mariachi Nuevo Santander on earning the 2022 Mariachi Extravaganza National High School Champion Title! The Gladiator Nation is super proud of these amazing student musicians!!

Congratutaltions to Grulla High School Cosmetology Seniors, Lizette Tanguma, Yoceline Salazar, Maidelyn Velasques, Susana Marroquin and Gitzel Rodriguez. They successfully passed both their State Board written and practical exams. On December 15, 2022 the students traveled to McAllen TX to the PSI testing site where they took the four hour practical exam. They are now officially Grulla High Schools’ newly licensed cosmetologist. Students are under the direction of Gloria A Gonzalez, GHS Cosmetology Instructor.

Rep. Cuellar Announces Over $26K to Support Border Security in Starr County

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $26,950 in federal funding for Starr County to cover costs incurred due to the incarceration of undocumented criminal aliens.

Under the program, payments were made in connection to undocumented criminal aliens who had been convicted of at least one felony or two misdemeanors (typically for violations of state or local law) and who were incarcerated for at least 4 consecutive days.

Funds are used to cover the costs of operating correctional facilities—including worker salaries, building repair or maintenance, and transporting incarcerated individuals.

“Most of our border communities do not have the infrastructure or financial means required to deal with the overflow of migrants coming into our country. The same applies when

dealing with undocumented criminals,” said Congressman Cuellar. “That is why programs such as the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program are so important to supplement local entities and help them combat crime and evolving threats. I want to thank the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs for recognizing the needs of local governments along the U.S.-Mexico border. I will continue to utilize my position to increase funding for local law enforcement and border security.”

“I want to thank the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs for awarding Starr County funds from their SCAAP program. This will help alleviate some of the financial burdens placed on the county from the incarceration of undocumented persons. I would also like to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for his continued

support of law enforcement and border security, as we continue to work with our Federal, State, and Local partners to secure the U.S.-Mexican Border,” said Starr County Sheriff Rene “Orta” Fuentes.

The State Criminal Alien Assistance Program is part of the Office of Justice Programs’ commitment to advancing work that promotes civil rights and racial equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety and protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community.

Texas Physicians Warn: Don’t Let Accidental Overdose Ruin Your Life

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration for many, but they could turn tragic if someone takes one pill they should not. Substance misuse – especially unwittingly taking street drugs that contain fentanyl – can destroy a life.

“The use of mind-altering substances is always more prevalent during the holidays. Unfortunately, this holiday season the risks of death are much higher because so many pills contain illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF),” said CM Schade, MD, member of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and past president of the Texas Pain Society (TPS). A very small amount of IMF is deadly, and people taking drugs laced with IMF are completely unaware that the pill they are consuming could kill them.

As uncomfortable a subject as it might be to address, Dr. Schade urges parents to discuss this with teenagers and young adults home on the holiday school break. He also suggests adults heed this advice, too.

“If you got a pill from a friend or bought it off the street and it has IMF in it, it could seriously harm or kill you. If it was in the medicine cabinet but not prescribed to you, it could seriously harm or kill you as well,” said Dr. Schade. “Don’t

take a chance on these; it’s just not worth it.”

Dr. Schade has some tips for Texans to stay safe:

•Don’t take pills containing opioids unless prescribed to you by a physician for a health issue like chronic or severe pain relief.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns that six out of 10 fake pills contain lethal doses of fentanyl. It is very difficult to tell counterfeit drugs from legitimate ones, so the danger is very real that someone may consume a pill that could be deadly.

•During gatherings with loved ones, it is important to be vigilant with prescription medication. Lock up your medication. You don’t want anyone taking your prescription drugs knowingly or unknowingly.

•If someone is struggling with opioid use disorder and is at risk of an overdose, be proactive and have the opioid antidote naloxone available in case of emergency.

In Texas, naloxone is available at most pharmacies under a standing order from a physician.

Additionally, physicians point to resources for young people who might consider turning to drugs because of depression and anxiety, as well as resources for people who need help with substance use disorder and behavioral health needs.

Throughout the year, TMA and TPS physicians have been raising awareness about the dangers of illegally manufactured fentanyl. In September, Dr. Schade testified before the Texas House Committee on Public Health presenting new legislative solutions to address the problem. Among other recommendations, TMA and TPS advocated for relaxing opioid prescribing guidelines so patients with chronic pain get the help they need and don’t turn to street drugs, making naloxone available over the counter, and legalizing fentanyl testing strips so someone could test whether a pill has IMF in it.

“Whether someone unwittingly took a bad pill for recreational use, or to sleep better, or because they feel depressed, or for whatever reason, it’s simply a bad decision to take something off the streets or not prescribed to you,” Dr. Schade said. “The result could be tragic anytime, but even worse during the holidays.”

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 56,000 physician and medical student members.

TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

TPS is a 501c6 nonprofit organization that represents over 350 pain specialists in Texas.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF STARR COUNTY

1988 N. CHARCO BLANCO ROAD

RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS 78582

Telephone: 956-487-3216 Fax: 956-487-7817 Email: starrcountyha@yahoo.com

Job opening for Housing Quality Standards Inspector

The Housing Authority of Starr County is accepting applications for H.Q.S. Inspector for the Public Housing and Housing Voucher program. An application and job description will be available at the Housing Authority of Starr County office at 1988 N Charco Blanco Rd. Rio Grande City, TX. Applications will be accepted beginning December 28, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday -Friday.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National of the U.S. with a valid Driver’s License.

• Pass background check and drug test.

• Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, (Bilingual in Spanish a plus) must be able to use a computer.

DEAD LINE: Position available until filled.

Roma Middle School Students Participate in City of Roma StoryWalk

Ramiro Barrera Middle School Tennis Team Enjoy Great End to Season

Congratulations to the Ramiro Barrera Middle School Tennis Team on a great showing this season! Thanks to Coach Eddie Marque for reporting the results!! Ramiro Barrera Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Boys and Girls District Champions: Lucia Riojas - 7th Grade, Girls District Champion; Mariana Gonzalez and Salvador Fernandez - 2nd Place, 7th Grade Mixed Doubles; Maria Martinez and Lizeth Torres - 3rd Place, 7th Grade Girls Doubles; and Martha Cano and Fernando Hinojosa - 3rd Place, 7th Grade Mixed Doubles.

Students from Roma Middle School along with their librarian, Dora Guillen Salinas, participated in the City of Roma StoryWalk. The students enjoyed reading as they walked from one page to another. The program is designed to promote literacy as a person walks independently or with a parent. But, at the same time it discreetly makes you enjoy a walk. What is a StoryWalk? A StoryWalk is a self-led activity in which pages of a children’s storybook are placed along a path or trail.

Adela Guerrero, age 80, a longtime resident of Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loving family, in Boerne, Texas on Sunday November 11, 2001. She was born and raised in Macdona, Texas, on April 4, l92l to Rafael and Mariana Macias Garcia.

She was an All-City Tennis Champion in San Antonio, representing Somerset High School. After graduation, she enrolled at the University of Texas to pursue a degree in Health and Physical Education and answered her Country’s call to service during W-WII enlisting in the United States Navy on July 13, 1943, serving two years, four months, and six days with assignments at the U.S. Naval Technical School in the Bronx, New York and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. She was instrumental in the “foiling radar” experiments developed by the

Allies against the Axis powers.

She returned to civilian life proud of her accomplishments as a Hispanic female veteran of the armed services and went to work for the Chicago and Southern Airlines as a Research and ticket agent in New Orleans, Louisiana. She subsequently returned to the University of Texas to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education at the University of Texas and began her career in education in 1950 as a firstgrade teacher in Robstown, Texas later moving to San Isidro, Starr County, Texas to teach in her field of Health and Physical Education.

In 1951 she married Elias J. Guerrero and took time off from her professional career to raise a family and later resumed her teaching career with the Rio Grande City School District in 1956 where she was a loyal and respected member of the faculty.

By March 1974, she had re-invented herself as the Director of the Head Start Program in with the Community Action Council of South Texas. During this period along with her husband, she was instrumental in introducing, creating and developing the Girl and Boy Scout institutions in Rio Grande City all the while continuing her active involvement with the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and School as well as other charitable, civic, and Democratic political organizations.

Adela faithfully and with much diligence nurtured and developed the evolution of Child Development Services within the four-county service area of Starr, Jim Hogg, Webb, fand Zapata counties to include Head Start, State funded DayCare, Child-Care Food Services, Child Care Management Services, and Early Head Start retiring in April 2000. The Child Development

Program for program staff resulted in the enrolling in excess of 60 persons who will have earned Associates or Bachelors Degrees by the year 2003.

She espoused the values of child development through her affiliation with the Association of Elementary/Kindergarten and Nursery Education, State and Local Teacher’s Associations, Texas Association for bilingual Education, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National and State Head Start Directors Association, Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Career Development Committee, Child Care Management Services Advisory Committee, and the Texas State.

Adela was married to her Husband of 38 years, Elias J. Guerrero. Her family includes: two sons Elias J. Guerrero, Jr. M.D. and Dr. Michael Picucci of New York City and Ulster County, New York, a daughter, Adriana M. and Randy Streetman of Austin, Texas, sons, Rafael J. and Ana Guerrero of Benbrook, Texas, Eduardo C. Guerrero of Grand Junction, Colorado, Carlos V. and Diana Guerrero of Boerne, Texas and Gilberto F. Guerrero of Fairfield, Iowa. Her adored grandchildren Vinson Streetman, Vicente Guerrero, Jazmin Guerrero, Dana Guerrero, Matthew Guerrero, Brandon Guerrero, April Guerrero; sister, Eliza Hansen, brothers Robert and Ralph Garcia, sisters-in-laws Dolores and Eva Garcia.

Adela was laid to rest with Military Honors at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas National Cemetery.