DECEMBER 7, 2022

Mariachi Grulla de Plata Placed 2nd at Mariachi Extravaganza Group Competition

Roma

Results on Vision Screening of 3-5 Years Old Elementary Students

Congratulations

Alec

5th Chair Violin, and

A “SPOT” camera is

to do the screening. This camera is used by Lions Club throughout the United States. It sends a beam of light through the pupil of the eye and photographs the eye and provides immediate results to the camera operator.

The results are two, one signals if the eyes are normal for the age of the student, normally 3-5 years old or if there are some anomalies in the eyes, i.e., MYOPIA: (Near sighted, distant objects are blurred, HYPEROPIA; (distant objects maybe seen more clearly then objects that are near), ASTIGAMTISM;

(blurred vision), GAZE: (lazy eye), ANISSOCORIA: (unequal size of the eyes’ pupil); ANISOMETROPIA; (Eyes have unequal refractive power) and GAZE ASYMMETRY; (muscle imbalance of misalignment of eyes) Also known as STRABISMUS.

The students who have an anomaly are recommended to seek professional help. The respective school nurse will cooperatively work to help the students that are recommended. In most cases the professionals will prescribe glasses. With better vision it is logical that the students will see better and thus improved

schoolwork.

The Lions Screening team task is to identify eye problems, it does not prescribe.

The Lions Vision screening team thanks the cooperation of the school nurses and to other member of the nursing Staff as well as Mr. Rolando Barrera, Director, without their cooperation this program would not exist.

The Vision Screening Team’s position is that if our efforts help one student to improve it is worth all our efforts. The following are the results: RGC/GRULLA: screened: 1058 RECOMMENDED: 339. IDEA SCHOOL: screened: 80 RECOMMENDED: 26

G.

earned 11th Chair Cello. Both students perform with the TMEA All-Region Orchestra at a special concert at The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley on Nov. 12, 2022. “We are super proud of Alec and Emma, as the level of music they mastered for the competition is intense,” said Roma ISD Orchestra Program Francisco Hernandez. “They both showed tremendous skill and determination. We look forward to a terrific year filled with accomplishments for our program and this is just the start!”

Roma High Divers Perform Well at La Joya Meet

Congratulations to Grulla High School, Mariachi Grulla de Plata, for placing 2nd at the 28th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza Group Competition in San Antonio on November 18, 2022. The Mariachi Extravaganza is one of the most important mariachi music festivals in the world. Grulla High School is so proud of these students for all their hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to the Roma High School Mighty Gladiator Diving Team on their outstanding performance at the La Joya High Invitational Meet. Out of 16 Boys and 12 girls competing, Dayanetzy Moran took 4th place overall and Davian Hinojosa placed 9th place overall. Way to go!!

to the two Roma High School Orchestra Program students who earned spots in the TMEA All-Region Orchestra! Senior

Vasquez-Kanhere earned

freshman Emma

Escobar

By: Ruben Saenz

used

The Rio Grande City Lions Club conducted its annual Vision Screening of 3-5 years old Elementary students at the Rio Grande /Grulla ISD and the IDEA School

RGC Lions Club Vision Screening Team. Left to Right: Simon Garza, Sylvia Garza, Ruben Saenz, Sergio Barrera, Delia Orta Barrera, and Susie Menchaca.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9th - I.C.C. 12:00 P.M.

†JOHN A. POPE, III

by Anna Pope & Family

†ELOY & MARIA MONTALVO by Anna Pope & Family

†ELOY MONTALVO JR. by Anna Pope & Family

†JOHN JR. & RAQUEL POPE by Anna Pope & Family

†FILEMON CADAVEZ by Cadavez Family

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10th

I.C.C. 5:00 P.M.

†PEDRITO & LOLITA FERNANDEZ by Fernandez Family

†MANUEL ALANIS by Family

†ALEJANDRO SAENZ by Garcia Villarreal Family

†RUDY MARTINEZ JR. by Cristina Martinez

†RODOLFO & INEZ O. MARTINEZ by Cristina Martinez

†LEONARDA B. GONZALEZ by Cristina Martinez

†ALBERTO GARZA by Cristina Martinez

†MICHAEL STEVEN WAGNER by Wife & Daughters

†NORMAN GLEN WAGNER by Family

†ANITA R. WAGNER by Family

†FRANCISCO CRUZ by Wagner Family

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11th – L.G.

7:00 A.M. PRO POPULO MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

Oración a San Antonio

“Bendito sea Dios en sus ángeles y en sus santos”

Santo San Antonio el más gentil de los santos, tu amor por Dios y tu caridad por sus criaturas te hicieron digno, cuando estabas aquí en la tierra, de poseer poderes milagrosos. Los milagros esperaban tu palabra, la cual siempre estaba preparada para hablar por los que estaban en problemas o ansiedades.

Animado por este pensamiento, te imploro que obtengas para mi (hacer la petición). La respuesta a mi oración puede que requiera un milagro, pero tú eres el Santo de los Milagros. ¡Oh, gentil y cariñoso San Antonio!, cuyo corazón siempre esta lleno de compasión humana, susurra mi petición a los oídos del dulce Niño Jesús, que amaba estar entre tus brazos, por favor te lo suplico, no me dejes sin respuesta, yo te rezare con fervor y por siempre tendrás la gratitud de mi corazón.

Amén. Padre Nuestro, Ave María, Gloria. (Publicar después de que se conceda el favor.)

L. C. - T. T.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11th - I.C.C. 9:00 A.M.

†ARMANDO GUERRERO (39TH AN.) by Familia

†GALDINO AGUILAR (AN.) by Family

†MARIA DE JESUS CABALLERO by Family

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

†HERBERT VALERA by Patiño Family

†JOSE MA. MARTINEZ JR. (7TH AN.) by His Sister Blanca

†LAZARO & ALEJANDRA GARCIA by Letty & Valerie

†JOSE CARDONA by Special Angels

†SEVERITA G. GUERRA by Mary Brown Lopez

5:00 P.M.

†ZELENIA GARZA (AN.) by Luis & Jerry

MONDAY DECEMBER 12th – I.C.C.

6:00 P.M. PRO POPULO

MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

TUESDAY DECEMBER 13th – I.C.C. 6.30 P.M.

†LUCRECIA CREMAR by Ana Lisa Garza & Family

†GALO CREMAR by Ana Lisa Garza & Family

†FOR ALL THE SOULS IN PURGATORY by Anna Pope & Family

PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 8, 2022 IN OBSERVANCE OF THE FEAST DAY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. THANK YOU!

ADVERTISEMENT

STARR COUNTY HAS BEEN AWARDED FEDERAL AND STATE SET-ASIDE FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY UNDER THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL BOARD PROGRAM. PHASE 40 FUNDS HAVE ALSO AWARDED.

Starr County has been chosen to receive $15,000 for supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county for Phase 39 and additional $10,000 under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA-R) for State Set-Aside funding.

Starr County has also been selected to receive $72,825 for supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county for Phase 40.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA: The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A Local Board made up of Lilly Lopez - Killelea, United Way of South Texas; Dr. David Luna , American Red Cross; Lieutenant Adolph Aguirre, The Salvation Army; Libby Salinas, Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley; Jaime Longoria, Community Service Agency; Rabbi Claudio J. Kogan, The Temple Emanuel; Sister Norma Pimentel, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley; Cynthia Fuentes, Starr County; Frank Llanas, Homeless Representative; Belinda F. Simons, Su Casa de Esperanza and Elizabeth Zamora, Calvary Baptist Church representative will determine how the funds awarded to Starr County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Starr County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously South Texas Food bank and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. These Agencies were responsible for providing meals, food assistance, nights of lodging, utility assistance and in rent/mortgage assistance.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Velma Garcia, United Way of South Texas: 113 W. Pecan Blvd. McAllen, TX 78501-9584, or call (956)686-6331 for an application. The deadline for submitting applications to the United Way of South Texas is Tuesday, December 20, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.

GFWC Club Awards Scholarship

Order of Alhambra, El Cid Caravan #106

Rylie is the 16-year old daughter of Grand Commander Luis Rios, Jr. and Grand Sultana Dr. Jessica Vera-Rios. She is the granddaughter of Past Grand Commander Judge Eloy Vera, Grand Sultana Yvonne Vera, and Mrs. Maria A. Rios. She has two brothers, Luis Abel Rios and Ryan Eloy Rios, who escorted her. Rylie attended Immaculate Conception School, where she served as an Alter Server and participated in Volley Ball and Cheerleading. She also attended IDEA College Prep and was a winning-member of the Roma Swim STARS. Currently, she is a sophomore at Early College High School in Rio Grande City, where she is concurrently enrolled at South Texas College and pursuing an Associates’ degree. Rylie maintains a high GPA and is expected to be inducted into the National Honors Society soon. She is also a member of the Book Club. Rylie has a passion for performing arts. She has trained in dance since the age of 3 and in a conservatory at Dancentre of Edinburg, where she has been casted lead roles in Alice in Wonderland, Peter and the Wolf, and the Nutcracker. She is also a competitive dancer and has won many Awards, Scholarships, and National recognitions. The past 2 years she has earned scholarships to train in Los Angeles, and has trained at Abby Lee Dance Company, TMilly TV, the Space, and Project 21. Rylie is also a two-year alumna of the Pre-Professional Dancer Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico under the acclaimed direction of Francisco Gella. She also enjoys performing with the Rattlerette Drill Team, serving as Lieutenant and recently joined track. Rylie

is also a founding member of the National Charity League RGV, where moms and daughters come together for service projects, such as Sleep Tight for Veterans heroes, and Palm Valley Animal Society. When she is not busy, she enjoys baking with her Grandma Vera, traveling, shopping, playing with her bulldogs, watching Netflix, and hanging out with friends. Upon graduation, she plans to attend at the University of Southern California. Her vast experience has planted seeds of interest in Dermatology, Podiatry, and Physical Therapy. She plans to pursue a career where she can heal and assist young athletic performers show their gift.

The Order of the Alhambra El Cid #106 is a charitable organization of Catholic men and women dedicated to serve persons with disabilities. This year they presented their Debutante, Miss Rylie Jesselle Rios, at the 2022 Winter Presentation Ball, held at Versailles Event Center Dec. 2, 2022.

Congratulations to Yrene Rivas, third ranking student of the 2022 Rio Grande City High School graduating class, who is the recipient of the GFWC Florence J. Scott Woman’s Club annual scholarship. Yrene is attending UTRGV and majoring in Integrated health sciences. She is the daughter of Clarissa Rivas and Jesus Rivas. Her future plans include earning her bachelor’s in nursing and eventually become a Nurse Practitioner. Members of the organization are shown presenting the check to Yrene, who is accompanied by her mother.

Pre-K and Kinder classes at R. T. Barrera Elementary School enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving feast. Classes dressed up to share a special meal prepared by their awesome Food Services Team. They had turkey and all the trimmings. Great job Eagles!

Dr. (LTC) James Falcon serves as Guest

for Veterans Day for RGCGISD

at Fort Bragg, NC. During that time, he served as the Special Operations Command Forward North and West Africa (SOC Forward NWA) Surgeon and as the Special Operations Task Force Surgeon in Northeast Syria. Currently he serves as the Operation Lone Star Surgeon for the Texas Army National Guard.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Dr. James Falcon, Rio Grande City High School Class of 1999 serves as guest speaker for RGCGISD Veterans day ceremony. Thank you for inspirational words to our students. You have a bright future ahead of you.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) James Falcon was raised in Rio Grande City. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Biology, graduating with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin. He continued his education at UT-Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas and graduated with his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 2008. While in medical school he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the United States Army Reserve. After completion of medical school, he was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Army. He completed his residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and is board certified in Emergency Medicine.

LTC Falcon has served in numerous assignments over the past 15 years. He served as an Army flight surgeon in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2010-2011. He was a Brigade Surgeon in 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division from 20152018. While deployed with the 82nd to Afghanistan he served as the Train Advise Assist CommandSouth (TAAC-S) Surgeon. From 2018-2021 he served as a Battalion Surgeon for 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne)

Previous Deployments include: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 2010-2011; (OEF) 2017; Operation Inherent Resolve (OIF) 2019-2020

LTC Falcon’s military education includes AMEDD Officer Basic Course, Combat Casualty Care Course, the Army Flight Surgeon Course, Tactical Combat Medical Care, Basic Healthcare Administration, AMEDD Captain’s Career Course, Brigade Healthcare Provider Course, and the Basic Airborne Course.

His military awards include one Bronze Star Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and numerous other service medals.

LTC Falcon is US Army Airborne qualified, US Army Flight Surgeon qualified, and is a Combat Action Badge recipient.

LTC Falcon currently works at Family Health Center and Starr County Memorial Hospital in Rio Grande City, and in the Emergency Room at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg. Additionally, he runs El Faro Health and Therapeutics in Rio Grande City.

now at the following link: https://events.ticketspicket. com/.../476532c9-85c34e3c...

Tuesday, December 13, 4 – 7 p.m.

Julabe Event Center 5501 Acapulco Street Rio Grande City, TX 78582

Wednesday, December 14, 4 – 7 p.m.

Jim Hogg County Pavilion 300 W. Martinez Drive Hebbronville, TX 78361

Rio Grande City Grulla ISD hosted the Second Annual Winter Festival of Lights at the Fort Ringgold Parade Field on Saturday, December 3, 2022. RGCGISD schools and departments have been working tirelessly for months to ensure that our students and community have an unforgettable experience. Every school in our district entered the decoration contest, and some music and cheerleading groups performed as part of the entertainment. A spectacular rework display lit up our beautiful Fort Ringgold Parade eld at the end of the night. We would like to thank Mr. Adolfo Pena Jr., and the entire Board of Trustees for their support in putting this event together for our students, it was a huge success and was truly, as promised, an experience of a lifetime.

Starr County Precinct 2: Advertisement and Invitation for Bids “Reconstruction of Salineño Community Center Phase #2 Indoor Reconstruction”

Starr County Pct. 2 is requesting bids for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, supervision and performance of all work required for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Indoor Face to the Salineño Community Center. The project consists of demolishing and reconstructing of the indoor community center.

Bid Documents and Information towards the reconstruction may be obtained at the office of Commissioner Peña in Roma, Texas. The office is located at 500 East Grant St. Roma, Texas at Roma Motor Mart.

Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on December 15, 2022 after 10:00 a.m. bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at Starr County Pct. 2 office.

The County of Starr reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by Starr County Pct. 2 for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award. All contractors/subcontractors that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from are ineligible for participation.

Bidders / Contractor shall be an Equal Opportunity Firm and practice nondiscrimination. All Bidders/ Contractors must present proper documentation of capability adequate staffing and experience to perform the tasks required. Starr County supports the submission of Bids from historically underutilized businesses. All qualified bidders will receive consideration for selection without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and handicap or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

Keep Your Bills Down This Winter

Heating your home in the winter accounts for up to 48 percent of your utility bill. Follow these tips to better manage your electric bill as the temperature outside drops. Clean or replace your air filter regularly. This will help the unit

run more efficiently. Open window coverings during the day to take advantage of the sunlight’s natural heat, and close them at night to keep the warm air inside.

Install a programmable

For more info: Coach Joe Ramirez (210) 380-4130 or Coach Ricardo Altahif (956) 500-1502

thermostat, especially if you are gone most of the day. Automatically turning temperatures down for up to 8 hours a day when you aren’t there can save you money.

Avoid using space heaters. Space heaters use a large amount of electricity to heat a small area and cost about 15 cents an hour to do so. It is much more efficient to use your home’s central heating. If you must use a space heater, limit its use time and location to only rooms that are occupied.

Use SmartHub to see your daily energy use along with weather data. This may help you spot issues and determine where you can save more energy and money.

For more ways to save this winter, go to MedinaEC.org/Cold

JOB OPENING

Position:

Qualifications:

• Proficient typing, computer, and office management • Effective organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills • Bilingual: English and Spanish • QuickBooks software experience required • Bookkeeping experience required

• Knowledge in payroll and sales tax reports (preferred) but not required

Please email resume to mario@mendezandrobles.com

Qualifications:

• Bilingual: English and Spanish

• Income Tax preparation experience preferred

• QuickBooks software experience preferred

• Bookkeeping experience required

• Knowledge in payroll and sales tax reports (preferred) but not required

• Bachelor’s or Associates Degree in Accounting

Please email resume to mario@mendezandrobles.com