MAY 31, 2023

Rio Warriors Basketball Team Placed 1st in the 3rd Grade Division

Roma ISD Mariachi Program Students Earn Prizes at FESTIBA Vocal Competition

Grulla High Athletes Receive All-District Recognition

Rio Grande City Rattler Band 2023-2024 Drum Majors

Congratulations to the RGC Rattler Band 2023-2024 Drum Majors! Genesis Manzano, Roxanna Cantú, and Luis Villarreal.

Kaylon Ramon Earns Awards at Houston

Livestock Show

Congrats to Roma High student Kaylon Ramon for his achievements at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! As part of the Starr County 4-H Agricultural Product ID Team Kaylon represented Roma ISD with pride. His team earned the 2023 HLSR Ag Product ID Reserve Champion Team! He was also in top 10 High Point Individuals receiving a 9th place rosette! Way to go Kaylon!

for receiving All-District recognition at their softball district selections! Great job coaches and athletes!

Governor Abbott Announces Over $9 Million In EMS Student Scholarships

Governor Greg Abbott on May 17, 2023 announced that over $9 million has been awarded by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to fund nearly 1,500 scholarships through the Texas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Scholarship program. These scholarships will help improve and expand emergency care across the state by growing Texas’ EMS workforce, particularly in rural and undeserved areas.

“Expanding our state’s emergency medical service workforce is imperative to keeping all Texans safe,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans should not be discouraged from answering the call to serve their communities as first responders because of education and training costs. Through these Texas EMS Scholarships, we are expanding

workforce education opportunities for the next generation of first responders in our state and filling in the gaps for emergency care in all areas of our state. I thank the Texas Department of State Health Services for distributing these scholarships, which will help Texans pursue high-demand careers in emergency care.”

“This funding to support EMS education opportunities and to increase the workforce will ensure a strong EMS system in Texas,” said DSHS State EMS Director Joe Schmider. “These scholarships are impacting the current and future emergency care throughout all of Texas.”

In 2021, Governor Abbott signed legislation providing $21.7 million in funding to support EMS education and retention, including the Texas EMS Scholarship

program. Texas EMS Scholarships are available based on documented need, with special attention given to rural and underserved areas within Texas. As of May 1, 2023, the Texas EMS Scholarship program has provided scholarships to 424 emergency medical technician (EMT) students, 79 advanced EMT students, and 988 paramedic students. EMS careers offer competitive salaries and benefits, and people can begin providing care within 16 weeks. Experience in EMS can also be a springboard to other career paths in the healthcare profession. Texans interested in pursuing a career in EMS or wanting more information about available scholarships, education, jobs, and volunteer opportunities can visit dshs.texas.gov/emstexas

WEDNESDAY MAY 31ST – I.C.C. 6:30 P.M. PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

THURSDAY JUNE 1ST – L.G.

6:00 P.M.

†FRANCISCO GOMEZ, SR. by Family

†FRANCISCO GOMEZ, JR. by Family

FRIDAY JUNE 2ND - I.C.C.

12:00 P.M. PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

SATURDAY JUNE 3RD - I.C.C.

5:00 P.M.

†RUDY MARTINEZ, JR. by Family

†INEZ & RODOLFO MARTINEZ by Family

†LEONARDA B. GONZALEZ by Family

†ALBERTO GARZA by Family

†LUIS G. OLIVAS (4TH AN.) by Family

SUNDAY JUNE 4TH - I.C.C.

9:00 A.M.

†YOLANDA CABALLERO (29TH AN.) by Family †JOSE CABALLERO (3RD AN.) by Family

†JUAN LANDA, JR. by Family

†ELOISA RAMIREZ by Familia Barrera

†LUPITA MORADO by Noelia Muñoz

†ARNULFA C. ALVAREZ by Noelia Muñoz

†MARIA DE JESUS GUERRERO (AN.) by Raul & Humberina Flores

SUNDAY JUNE 4TH – I.C.C.

11:00 A.M.

†BENITA F. VILLANUEVA by Family

†DAVID H. GARZA, SR. by Florence

5:00 P.M.

PRO POPULO – MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE

MONDAY JUNE 5TH – I.C.C.

6:00 P.M.

Roma High Drama Team Earned 1st Place Finish

TUESDAY

†SENOBIO & CAMILA GARZA by Family

†OTILO LOPEZ GORENA by Family

†MICHAEL WAGNER by Luis & Jerry Garza

†RAUL GONZALEZ JR. by Gonzalez Family

NOTE:

THERE WILL BE NO SUNDAY MASS IN SAGRADO CORAZON LOS GARCIAS IN THE SUMMER. (JUNE TO AUGUST 2023)

Grande City Rattler Band 2023-2024 Guard Officers

Congratulations to the RGC Rattler Band 2023-2024 Guard Officers!

$2,900.00

Sanchez (956) 487-2525 Funeral Home 301 E. 2nd. St. Rio Grande City, Tx. 78582 (956) 847-7008 Memorial Funeral Home 101 AR Sanchez Sr. Dr. Roma, Tx. 78584 “Serving Our Community For Over 86 Years” “Caring for you & your loved ones in your time of need ”

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STARR COUNTY HAS BEEN AWARDED 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.

Starr County has been chosen to receive $18,668 for supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

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; Major Gabriel Elias, The Salvation Army; Libby Salinas, Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley; Jaime Longoria, Community Service Agency; Rabbi Claudio J. Kogan, Temple Emanuel; Sister Norma Pimentel, Catholic Charity Services; Cynthia Fuentes, Starr County; Frank Llanas, Homeless Representative; Sylvia Murphy, Su Casa de Esperanza and Elizabeth Zamora, Calvary Baptist Church representative will determine how the funds awarded to Hidalgo 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 and State 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.

From left to right: Daniela Villarreal, Alexandra Barrera, Yamilex Zuniga, and Sheila Alvarez. Great job!

Rio

Roma High Battle of Books Team Earns 4th at Regional Competition

Better Sleep Month- Get the Sleep You Need

Better Sleep Month is observed during the month of May and aims to encourage healthy patterns of sleep and educate on the benefits of sleeping well. According to Neida Martinez, County Extension Agent – Family and Community Health at Texas A&M AgriLife, “sleep is just as important as including a well-balanced eating pattern and physical activity into our daily lives. It can have a great impact on our physical and mental health, and a lack of sleep can be detrimental”.

Sleep Recommendations and

Benefits

Sleep is a crucial part of our daily lives. It is recommended by the National Sleep Foundation that most adults should sleep for seven to nine hours every night. Getting in a good night’s sleep not only helps us feel energized and prepared for the next day but it can also aid in maintaining a healthy immune system and managing stress.

Insufficient Sleep, Oversleeping, and Concerns

In the United States, 1 in 3 adults are not getting adequate sleep. Insufficient sleep can play a role in various aspects of one’s health. Not getting enough can lead to increased risk of weight gain,

depression, and certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Just as getting enough sleep as an adult can be an issue, so is too much sleep or oversleeping. Oversleeping can be linked to individuals gaining weight, experiencing depression, headaches, or backaches.

Tips on Getting a Better Sleep Getting a good night’s sleep does not always come easy. Martinez, shares the following tips for getting better sleep:

•Exercise During the DayPhysical activity during the day can make it easier to fall asleep. Avoid exercise close to bedtime as this may have the opposite effect.

•Keep it Consistent- Aim to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Keep a bedtime routine to allow your body to wind down.

•Prepare your Area for Quality

Sleep- Sleeping in a room that is dark, cool, and has limited distractions can provide for a better night’s sleep. Ensure your sleeping area has all of the necessary items you may need to sleep, such as pillows, blankets, and a sound machine to muffle distracting noises.

•Reduce Use of ElectronicsThe blue light from electronics can interrupt the production of

Rio Grande City Public Library 2023 Summer

sleep hormones, causing difficulty sleeping. Aim to put away electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

•Avoid Caffeine – Caffeine is typically used to provide a boost of energy. Consuming caffeine before bed can make it hard to fall asleep and make sleep not as restful. The general recommendation for cutting off caffeine products is a minimum of eight hours before going to bed. While these tips may work for some individuals, this does not replace treatment for any forms of chronic sleep deprivation. If there is a continuous pattern of inadequate sleep or concerns, visit and speak with your healthcare team.

For more information on Better Sleep Month, contact: Neida Martinez, County Extension Agent – Family and Community Health – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Starr County: Starr-tx@tamu.edu

Sources: •https://www.thensf. org/ •https://www.healthline.com/ nutrition/10-reasons-why-goodsleep-is-important •https://www. webmd.com/sleep-disorders/ physical-side-effects-oversleeping •https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ nutrition/caffeine-and-sleep

Reading Program (SRP) will kick off June 2nd

Rio Grande City Public Library is the place to be this summer. You will see activities, books, and programs that center around the 2023 Summer Reading theme, All Together Now: Todos Juntos Ahora – Kindness/Friendship/ Unity (with artwork by Frank Morrison).

The 2023 Summer Reading Program (SRP) will kick off June 2, 2023 with a Fun Friday program about Co-Play. Meet and greet RGV cosplayers as they share their experience and share their joys of cosplay. Limited seating available.

Registration is open for the Summer Reading Program children, teens and adults —may participate by reading books and checking out other library resources.

Beginning June 3, 2023, the schedule is Monday and Wednesday, Pre-K - K Grades start at 1:30 p.m. and 1st - 2nd Grades start at 3:30 p.m., then Tuesday and Thursday 3rd - 5th Grades start at 1:30 p.m. and 6th - 8th Grades start at 3:30 p.m.

Participants are given minimum number of books to read to receive an incentive and be eligible to enter a special drawing.

June SRP for Adults is “Mindfulness Sessions” on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. and Crafts on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.

The library will be hosting a variety of activities during the summer, including educational programs, reading challenges, craft projects, storytimes, performances, and more.

Fun Friday programs are:

June 2 – RGV Cosplayers

June 9 – VI Pets Salon

June 16 - Author Maricela Flores

June 23 - National Butterfly Center

June 30 – RGV Pokefest/ SRP

Party Fun Friday programs will continue through July and will include Author – Dr. Isaias Rodriguez, RGV Vipers, IMAS McAllen and more. For more information, call 956-487-4389 or go online to the Rio Grande City Public Library’s website or Facebook page.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Members of ECHS National Honor Society Visited the Elderly

Delia G. Garcia Elementary

School

Students Engage in Hands-On Learning

Preparatory for Early College High School National Honor Society members visited with the elderly at the Rio Grande City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Students presented patients with baskets, blankets, and other items that their organization donated. Thank you students for representing the ECHS so well!

SIISD Teacher and Staff enjoyed a well-deserved Pampering Day!

San Isidro Independent School District Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week was Terrific!

Thank you, SIISD Teachers and Staff, for all you do in the school district and community. Your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated and never go unnoticed.

Throughout the day, the teachers and staff enjoyed manicures, pedicures, haircuts, facials, hairstyling, and more from students of Rio Grande City High School’s Barber and Cosmetology Class, received a delicious lunch sponsored by the San Isidro Community Club, and a gift from the SIISD Cabinet.

On behalf of SIISD special thanks and recognition to Mrs.

Klaudia Vallejo and her students for coming out to help celebrate our teachers and staff. We

enjoyed having you here. Your excellent services made the day even more special!

It was an exciting experience for the Delia G. Garcia Elementary School 4th and 5th grade Warriors as they participated in the UT-RGV C-STEEM Mobile Laboratory. Students built terrariums to identify the abiotic and biotic components of four different habitats. Great job Warriors!

Rio Grande City High School Class of 1946 and Drum Major

Pete was very active in high school and served as the second Rio Grande City High School Band Drum major. He attended high school at the original high school where

Roque Guerra

Elementary now stands. He was a proud member of the Class of 1946.

Community activist

Pete loved his hometown. He served in the town’s volunteer fire department. He donated a fire truck and continued to volunteer until Rio became a city again in 1993. As a member of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America),

Mr. Diaz was able to hire hundreds of local high school seniors to work at Valley Mart. He was also very active in the Local RGC Hope Lodge Masonic Lodge. In 1959, he was instrumental in the construction of a new meeting lodge on main street. Both his father and Pete were active members of the lodge serving in support of community events and projects.

El Politico

Mr. Diaz was a proud Republican. He was instrumental in bringing President Nixon to Rio and to bring federal funds to build the “Multi-Purpose Center” at Fort Ringgold. He was big supporter of President Ronald Reagan. His business success and political efforts and alliances brought much positive state and national

recognition to Rio Grand City. One of the greatest evidence of this was when Mr. Diaz attended the state dinner in honor of Mexico’s president De La Madrid at the White House in May 1984. Mr. Diaz sat along side President and Mrs. Reagan. Starr Plaza - Valley Mart Valley Wide –KIWW-FM – Royal Produce –Diaz Enterprises, Inc.

In 1926, Aurora and Pete Sr. started a small mom pops grocery store in Rio Grande City. It all started with Starr Grocery, then Value Mart then Valley Mart. Pete as a young man always had a vision of a shopping center something hard to conceived in rural Starr County. In 1972, Starr Plaza opened and was a place where all Starr County would come and shop for all your home and food needs. Ranch folk would travel to shop, drink coffee, dined and chatted with local folks on the issues of the day. Valley Mart brought us together to shop for our daily needs and Christmas wishes. Starr County/Rio Grande City was finally on the “map” for a good thing and

we were proud. Rio Grande City was the home of Diaz Enterprises, Inc. In 1979, Diaz Enterprises, Inc was rated as the second largest Hispanic owned business in the United States. At one time, Diaz Enterprises employed over 1,000 people in the Rio Grande Valley.

His Legacy

There is no doubt that Mr. Diaz contributed largely to the economic growth in Rio Grande City and the Rio Grande Valley with the establishment of Starr Plaza Shopping Center, the Valley Mart chain grocery stores and the once famous known Fort Ringgold Motor Inn and Golf Course. Mr. Diaz was well loved by his community. In Jan 23, 1987, The Starr County Commissioner’s Court honored him with a proclamation as “Pete Diaz, Jr Day”.

Mr. Diaz had launched a 13-store chain grocery and the last of the Valley Mart stores closed in 1993. Mr. Diaz pushed and supported for Rio to become a city and we did become a city in 1993. The Diaz Family all have moved away from Rio Grande City. The family donated the original Starr grocery building to the newly formed city to make it into a municipal library. A large plaque and executive painting of Mr. Diaz is proudly displayed at the library reminding all who enter the gift Mr. Diaz gave to our community.

Today as your drive to the NEW Starr Plaza, you will drive on “Pete Diaz Avenue” imprinted with his name so that we may never forget his contributions to our beloved community. Mr. Diaz forever will be known as the greatest example of an entrepreneur in Starr County. Mr. Diaz was a job creator and injected vitality into the private sector.

~Once a Rattler always a Rattler~ Submitted by US Army (Retired) Colonel Ross Barrera