STARR VISION CENTER
487-2440
300 East Main St. R.G.C.
Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist
CASTAÑEDA Auto Insurance & Bail Bonds
488-0808 487-7000 280 W. 2nd St. R.G.C.
The Law Office Of
J.M. “Chema” Garza Vol. 36, No. 18 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • MAY 5, 2021 Office (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com
Criminal Cases (Federal/State) Car Accidents/ 18 Wheeler Divorces • Real Estate/Deeds
956-317-1167 206 N. Britton Ave. Ste.B, R.G.C. jmchemagarza@gmail.com
VTX1 Companies Supports the San Isidro Community 487-2596 4343 E. Hwy. 83 R.G.C.
Installment Loans 311 E Main St Rio Grande City TX 78582-4448
Phone (956) 487-3925
VTX1 Companies, recently presented a sponsorship to the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program of the San Isidro ISD Library. VTCI proudly supports initiatives in education within the communities they serve. This sponsorship will help to provide new reading material and incentives to students that reach the reading goals set forth by the librarian. Pictured in the above photo are as follows: Jesse Rodriguez, Principal, Maria Luisa Rodriguez Assistant Librarian, Manuelita Olivarez Librarian, Dr. Adalberto Garza VTCI Board Director for San Isidro, Dolly Villarreal VTCI Board of Director’s President, Mario Alvarado Superintendent of Schools, and Melinda Marquez Assistant to the Superintendent. The children pictured are top readers of the AR Program within the district. VTX1 Companies is a provider of Internet and Telephone service for homes and businesses that has proudly served the South Texas community since 1952.
Preventing Child Heatstroke Deaths and Injuries in Cars
Dr. Raymond Cruz Best FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Dental Insurance, Medicaid and Chip Accepted
487-2999 419 East 2nd St. Rio Grande City, Tx.
Chief Gino Villarreal presented a Master Class for RGCCISD Band Departments Grulla & Rio Chief Gino Villarreal from the United States Coastguard Band on Zoom shared his expertise with the band students from Grulla and Rio. Mr. Villarreal is a native from Grulla where he attended Grulla Middle School and graduated from Rio Grande City High School. Mr. Villarreal was excited to finally be able to give back to his community and share his message: “Anything is possible through perseverance. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do something because you can”. Chief Musician Gino Villarreal is a native of Rio Grande City, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Prior to joining the US Coast Guard Band in October 2005, he served in the US Military Academy Band at West Point, New York. MUC Villarreal has been a member of the Storm King Brass at West Point, NY; The Imperial Brass in Woodbridge, NJ; the Newburg Symphony in Newburg, NY; and the Waco Symphony in Waco, TX.
He has also performed with many different ensembles including The Jazz Knights at West Point, NY; the Symphony of South East Texas in Beaumont, TX; the Dallas Wind Symphony; the Richardson Symphony; the East Texas Symphony in Tyler, TX; and has been a featured soloist with the US Military Academy Band and The Imperial Brass Band. His teachers include Raul Sosa Ornelas, Barry Hopper, Tom Booth, Wiff Rudd, Larry Black, and Robert Sullivan.
As the weather heats up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding parents and caregivers of the dangers of heatstroke to children who are left unattended in vehicles. The temperature in a parked vehicle rises very quickly and a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s — that combination can be deadly. Since 1998, nearly 900 children have died from being left in hot cars nationwide. In fact, Texas has led the U.S. with 132 children dying in cars from overheating (heatstroke) since 1998.
Several Roma High Seniors Earn Roma High Track Student Earn Spot Law Enforcement Certification in Regional High Jump Competition
On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, Law Enforcement Teacher at Roma High School Rene Garza provided several seniors enrolled in the Law Enforcement cluster with the Non-Commissioned Security Level II Certification Course. The course is overseen by the Texas Department of Public Safety/Private Security Bureau. The class was offered at Roma High School was a six -hour course and all seniors performed exceptional on their State Exam. The course covered topics including Professionalism and Ethics, Conflict resolution, Use of Force, SelfDefense, Arrest Procedures, Radio Procedures, Report Writing, Emergency Response, and Penal Code Ch. 46 Weapons. The course was provided at no cost to the students and benefits seniors to seek employment as a security guard in any security guard agency after graduation. The seniors who took the class are Daniel Martinez, Aracely Garcia, Marte Salinas, Mario Madrigal, Mariela Trevino, and Janette Gonzalez. Way to go Gladiators!
Congratulations to Roma High Mighty Gladiator Allen Perez on advancing to regional competition for the high jump! The Gladiator Nation is so proud of you Allen! Congrats to him, his hardworking coaches, and his supportive family.
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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MAY 5, 2021, PAGE 2
Rio Grande City CISD to Honor their very own School Lunch Heroes
Between preparing nutritious meals, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies all while offering service with a smile even amidst a pandemic, RGCCISD Child Nutrition Program Staff have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, RGCCISD celebrates School Lunch Hero Day on May 7. Celebrated annually since 2013, this day was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide nutritious meals to nearly 30 million of America’s students each school day. “If we pulled back the curtain and revealed the ‘behind the scenes’, everyone could see that school nutrition staff balances many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local
regulations to ensure safe and nutritious meals are available in schools. School Lunch Hero Day provides the opportunity for the community to thank these hardworking heroes” said Patsy Ramirez, Program Director. “Since the Covid-19 Pandemic began in March 2020, our Staff has served a total of 2,238,489 meals. Our staff has worked so hard and they continue to do so to ensure that our kids are taken care of. And let’s not forget the men and women of the Transportation Dept. They readily stepped in to assist with the distribution and service of meals throughout our District’s communities! They are amazing!” The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. A hungry child simply cannot learn, so RGCCISD invites you to join in thanking a School Lunch Hero today!
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MAY 5, 2021, PAGE 3
Zaffirini Casts 65,000th Consecutive Vote, Maintains Perfect Voting Record
Serina Ramirez Advances to Track & Field State Competition
Voting Rights Act. (She didn’t miss any votes then because the Senate couldn’t vote without a quorum.) “Representing the families of Senate District 21 is a tremendous responsibility,” Senator Zaffirini said. “After faith and family, public service is my highest priority. The most fundamental part of that is being present and casting every vote.” Of course, the senator does a lot more than simply be present. She has passed 1,160 bills, more than any legislator in state history. That number includes 127 bills passed last session, making her the Capitol’s highest bill-passer for three consecutive sessions. Despite a delayed start to the 2021 legislative proceedings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ZAFFIRINI, page 6
Congratulations to Rio Grande City CISD Rattler Serina Ramirez who placed 3rd in both Shot Put and Discus at the Track and Field Regional competition. She will be advancing to State competition on May 7th and 8th which will take place at Mike Myers Track and Soccer Complex at the University of Texas at Austin. Best of luck Serina!!
As the Texas Senate considered its Local and Uncontested Calendar Monday (April 19) morning, Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, cast her 65,000th consecutive vote, a record unmatched among legislators not only in Texas, but also nationwide. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick recognized Senator Zaffirini’s “unbelievable” achievement in the Senate Chamber Tuesday (April 20) and presented her with a personalized gavel to memorialize the occasion. Since her first legislative session in 1987, the senator has never missed a vote. In fact, she has maintained perfect attendance throughout her career, except for
breaking quorum deliberately in 2003 to prevent an untimely reredistricting that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2006 violated the
Jaime Mendoza III Qualifies for State UIL Track and Field Jaime Mendoza III, a junior at San Isidro High School, most recently broke the hairier as he qualified for the state UIL Track and Field meet on May 8 at the Mike Meyers Stadium at the University of Texas in Austin. At the district meet held at Bruni High School, Mendoza placed 1st in high jump, 1st in long jump, 1st in triple jump, and 1st in the 100-meter dash. At area, at Medina High School in San Antonio, Tx., Mendoza placed 1st in long jump, 3rd in triple jump, and 4th in High Jump. At regionals, at Leagus City, Tx. Mendoza placed 1st in Long Jump. Coach Elva Smith, the Track and Field Coach for San Isidro ISD states “This is the first time since 1994 that someone had advanced to the state level of competition. I feel privileged to have coached
Mendoza since he was in the 6th grade.” Mendoza is the son of Patricia (Pasty) Cruz of San Isidro and Jaime Mendoza Jr. of Rio Grande City. San Isidro High School wishes Jamie Mendoza the Best of Luck at State. BRING HOME THE GOLD!!!
Happy Mother’s Day From Senator Judith Zaffirini And her darling grandsons, Asher & George!
COMING SOON
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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MAY 5, 2021, PAGE 4
A un mes de su partida, seguimos extrañando a quien paso por nuestras vidas y entrego su luz. Ella ha de resplandecer en nuestra alma por toda la eternidad. GRACIAS Las palabras no pueden expresar cuan agradecidos estamos, por su apoyo y compañia, en estos momentos tan difíciles donde hicieron suyo nuestro dolor ante la perdida de nuestro querido ser.
Madre, Abuela, Bisabuela, Tatarabuela, Tia, Suegra y Amiga.
Maria Valdez de Olivares 08/14/1926 † 03/23/2021
Tus hijos: Virginia (Lucio ), Arturo (Maria G.), Jorge Luis (Idalia ), Maria del Socorro (Jose Matilde), Rafael (Maria de Jesus), Nietos, Bisnietos, Tataranietos, Sobrinos y Demas Familiares (†)
(†)
Agradecemos su presencia, ofrendas florales, llamadas de teléfono, la comida, sus oraciones y muestras de cariño, de pesar amor y amistad, que nos demostraron.
Dios los Bendiga
Familia Olivares Valdez Rio Grande City, Tx.
Abril - 2021
WEDNESDAY MAY 5TH - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †ABRAHAM ORTA by Wife & Family THURSDAY MAY 6TH - I.C.C. 6:30 A.M. FOR THE FRIENDS & BENEFACTORS OF THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD by Benedictine Sisters FRIDAY MAY 7TH - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †TOMASITA GONZALEZ by W.O.W. Magnolia Chapter 6167 †BILL D. POPE, SR. by Rosario G. Pope & Family †IGNACIA G. GUTIERREZ by Rosario G. Pope & Family
MONDAY MAY 10TH– I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †LAZARO & ALEJANDRA GARCIA by Letty & Valerie †SANTOS GARCIA by Letty & Valerie †RICARDA RANGEL by Letty & Valerie †CARMEN & PEDRO PEÑA, JR. by Their Children †CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ by Su Mama, Papa y Hermano †PEDRO GONZALEZ by Family
†MANUELA S. GUERRA by Rosario G. Pope & Family SPECIAL INTENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS by Ana Maria Barrera SATURDAY MAY 8TH - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M. MOTHER’S DAY INTENTIONS SUNDAY MAY 9TH - I.C.C. 9:00 A.M. MOTHER’S DAY INTENTIONS SUNDAY MAY 9TH - I.C.C. 11:00 A.M. MOTHER’S DAY INTENTIONS
TUESDAY MAY 11TH – I.C.C. 6.30 A.M. †LUPITA DURAN by Family
5:00 P.M. MOTHER’S DAY INTENTIONS
TxDOT Calls for Safer Driving as Work Zone Traffic Deaths Rise During Pandemic
Unsafe speed is one of the main causes of crashes in work zones Even with less traffic during and vehicles that make sudden 4. Don’t tailgate. Give the pandemic, Texas work zone stops. We can’t stress enough yourself room to stop in a hurry if fatalities increased 9% in 2020 how important it is to give you need to. Rear-end collisions compared to 2019. That’s why driving your full attention and are the most common kind of TxDOT is calling on drivers to slow down—for your own safety work zone crashes. make safety their number one and that of the people who work 5. Allow extra time. Road priority at all times and especially alongside the road.” construction can slow things when passing through active Drivers and their passengers down. Count on it, and plan for it. construction and maintenance account for the majority of those Traffic fines double in work work zones on the roadway. who have died in work zone zones when workers are present Last year, there were more crashes. In 2020, 147 motorists and can cost up to $2,000. Failure than 22,000 traffic crashes in and vehicle passengers were to heed the Move Over/Slow Texas work zones with 186 killed in Texas work zones, along Down law can also result in a people killed, including four road with 35 pedestrians and bicyclists $2,000 fine. State law requires workers. and four road workers. drivers to move over a lane or “We know driving through The Texas Mutual Insurance reduce their speed to 20 mph work zones can be challenging,” Company, which helps employers below the posted speed limit said TxDOT Executive Director prevent workplace incidents and when approaching a TxDOT James Bass. “There can be extra their consequences, is partnering vehicle, emergency vehicle, law congestion, slow-moving heavy with TxDOT to promote safe enforcement, tow truck or utility equipment, temporary barriers, driving. vehicle stopped with flashing The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” lights activated on the roadside. campaign outlines five key steps “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” Thank you, drivers can take to safely navigate is a key component of St. Jude, for a work zone: #EndTheStreakTX, a broader the hope you 1. Slow down. Follow the social media and word-ofoffer to all posted speed limit and drive to mouth effort that encourages who believe conditions. Unsafe speed is one drivers to make safer choices in you. of the main causes of crashes in while behind the wheel such as work zones. wearing a seat belt, driving the Melissa Y. 2. Pay attention. Avoid speed limit, never texting and Hernandez distractions, keep your mind driving and never driving under on the road and put your phone the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last away. 3. Watch out for road crews. deathless day on Texas roadways. asks all The only protective gear they #EndTheStreakTX wear is a vest, a hardhat and Texans to commit to driving safety boots. Remember, they safely to help end the streak of daily deaths. want to get home safe, too.
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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MAY 5, 2021, PAGE 5
Veterans Middle School Students Roma High VITA Program Continues to Serve Meet with J.M. Longoria Community With Vital Help During Pandemic
Veterans Middle School students had the opportunity to meet with J.M. Longoria, actor-writer-produceractivist-executive on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 for a Q&A Session and again on Thursday, April 29, 2021 for a workshop/audition for one of his upcoming productions. VMS are honored to have been able to participate in this two-day event. J.M. Longoria was the Valedictorian from the Rio Grande City High School Class of 2006. He furthered his education at the University of Texas at Austin then ventured off to Hollywood. VMS would like to thank RGCCISD for this opportunity.
The pandemic didn’t stop Roma High School’s phenomenal team of volunteers from helping community members file their income taxes. Annually, the student group advised and mentored by Roma High Teacher Nora Abigail Ortega partners with The United Way of South Texas to make free income tax assistance available to Romaarea community members. This is the 11th year that students at Roma High School provide the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program for free. This year, the Roma High VITA Program volunteers prepared 181 tax returns for a grand total of $465,639.00 in tax refunds to the Roma area, also saving the fliers $53,214.00 in tax preparation fees. In order to participate, the volunteers must go through IRS training to ensure compliance with
guidelines for basic tax filing. A big thanks to Roma High student Victoria Ortega, who volunteered 47.5 hours; community members Samuel D. Ortega Jr. and Mayra A. Solis, who volunteered 62.5 and 33 hours respectively; and Nora Abigail Ortega, who volunteered 62.5 hours. “We are extremely proud of Ms. Ortega for her dedication to this
program, the students and bettering her community through this service,” said Roma High School Principal Ildefonso Saldivar. “It is teachers like her that ensure our students have excellent opportunities to grow into future leaderships. Her leadership has been outstanding. We thank her and all the volunteers for their assistance to our community with this vital program!”
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MAY 5, 2021, PAGE 6
LEGAL NOTICE SBA
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a WINE AND BEER R E TA I L E R ’ S O F F PREMISES PERMIT, by: LA MEXICANA DRIVE THRU EXPRESS LLC dba LA MEXICANA DRIVE THRU EXPRESS, to be located at 1110 E HWY 83 SUITE A, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS. Owner of said LLC: VANESSA MEDINA
Administrator Guzman Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the U.S. Small Business Administration start registrations on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. “Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They
are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and
grow more resilient.” Established under the American Rescue Plan, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hardhit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023. “Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.” In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:
•Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021. •Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample. •Preparing the required documentation. •Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants. sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.] For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, firstserved basis. For more information, visit sba. gov/restaurants or in Spanish at sba.gov/restaurantes.
ZAFFIRINI
Continued from page 3
Winter Storm Uri, Senator Zaffirini has passed 26 bills through the Senate—with more to follow. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development; a member of the State Affairs, Higher Education, and Local Government committees; and one of Lt. Governor Patrick’s appointees to the Texas Judicial Council and Texas Access to Justice Commission. “My staff and I work diligently year-round to research, develop, and ultimately pass legislation addressing critical issues, and this year is no exception,” the senator said. “Although COVID-19 complicated our work, it also highlighted its importance. I’m delighted to author bills to incorporate lessons learned from the pandemic, create jobs, make college more affordable, and promote government transparency.” Senator Zaffirini has received more than 1,100 awards and honors for her legislative, public service and professional work. They include being inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame by Governor Greg Abbott in 2019; named to the “All Decades Teams” for the 2000s and 1990s and “10 Best of the 2017 Legislature” by Capitol Inside and a “Hero of Hope” by the Laredo Morning Times; honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from LULAC Council 12 for her career as an Hispanic leader; and receiving the Mary Holdsworth Butt Award from Mental Health America of Texas.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number 20-21-1047 20-21-1048 20-21-1049
Description Science Laboratory Supplies Pest Control Services Security Cameras
Date Due May 20, 2021 May 20, 2021 May 20, 2021
Time 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm
Request for Proposals packages may be obtained at the Purchasing Department located at 3200 W. Pecan Blvd, Bldg N, Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501 (Corner of Quince & 31st Street) or by email request at stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu. Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Facsimile responses will not be accepted. All responses must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the RFP number. The successful respondent will not be determined on opening date. Responses will be studied and be taken into consideration by the Board of Trustees. South Texas College reserves the right to reject any and all responses submitted and to request additional information if necessary, to waive any formalities or technicalities, and to accept the proposal considered to be the best and most advantageous to South Texas College. Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Becky Cavazos, Director of Purchasing 956-872-4681 beckyc@southtexascollege.edu, or Billy Langley, Senior Buyer of Purchasing, 956-872-4682 welangle@southtexascollege.edu. Responses to the RFP must be submitted to South Texas College, 3200 W. Pecan Blvd, Bldg N, Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501. South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Gulf Towing and Recovery, LLC 776 E. GRANT ST. ROMA, TX 78584 (956) 849-3420 or (956) 849-3177 In reference to the following vehicles: 1. A 2018 Freightliner Cascadia-Series, White in color, Vin# 1FUJGLDR3JLJC9624 was accepted for storage in our facility on April 23, 2021. The vehicle was towed from 107 Rd La Gloria, TX. Texas Department of Public Safety authorized the tow. You will need to come by 1824 E. Grant Street Ste. B in Roma, TX regarding the release of the vehicle. The Daily Storage rate is $30.00. Total charges cannot be computed until the vehicle is claimed. The storage fee will accrue daily until the vehicle is released. Once the vehicle has been here for 10 days it will be DECLARED ABANDONED. Within 7 days after the vehicle has been deemed abandoned, this notice will be sent to the local law enforcement. The local law enforcement will send you a notice and if you do not reclaim the vehicle within 20 days of their notice, you waive all rights, title and interest in the vehicle and you consent to the sale of the vehicle at a public auction. If you do not intend to reclaim the vehicle, please Sign and forward the title to this facility. VEHICLE RELEASE are seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Vehicle Storage Facility, Lic. Number 0650950VSF. Complaints may be directed to: Texas Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Division 125 East 11th Street Austin, TX 78701 1-800-229-1700 Under Texas Civil Statutes Article 6701g you have the right to challenge the legality of the tow involved. Gulf Towing and Recovery, LLC Manager
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MAY 5, 2021, PAGE 7
Roma High Baseball Team Hosts Parents Night & Thanks Donor
Congratulations to the Roma High Mighty Gladiator Baseball Team on making the playoffs!! Roma ISD are so proud of you guys. It was a great night to celebrate a win on Parent’s Night and Senior Night at the ballfield. Also want to add that St. Louis Angels LLC generously donated $300 in support of the team. Thank you so much on behalf of The Gladiator Nation!!
STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, MAY 5, 2021, PAGE 8
Guzman Bookkeeping and Income Tax Inc. NOTARY PUBLIC Walk-ins welcomed after 5:00pm (Monday-Friday) After 2:00pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Looking forward to seeing our regular customers and new customers.
301 N. FM 3167 Suite B, Rio Grande City, Tx. 78582
Please call to schedule appointments with Mrs. Stephanie Guzman or Mrs. Sylvia Menchaca
956-317-1117 • 956-735-9298
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(956) 256-8957 1711 W. Main St., Rio Grande City
AL POR MAYOR ABIERTO AL PÚBLICO
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For More info. Call Javier Canales
735-3295 • 487-5050 • 422-8771
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GARAGE SALE
Grande Garbage Collection Co. is currently seeking an experienced Diesel Mechanic and CDL Driver For an application: Call 956-487-4234 to collect and deliver at 505 E. Main Street, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 or e-mail at grandegarbageco@yahoo.com.
AUTO REPAIR SHOP
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Looking for driver to deliver medical supplies. Preferably with experience. For More Info. Call 956-488-0108
FORForPARTIES AND EVENTS DIESEL MECHANIC & CDL DRIVER info. call or text - Cell Phones: Sat. May 8th 8am-12pm Lots of Stuff 294 San Bernardo St. Rio Grande City (El Chaparral Subdv.)
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The peculiar story of Cinco de Mayo and the United States
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Handy apps for busy families M a n y p e o p l e resolve to be more organized at the start of a new year, but any time of year is a good time to get more organized. Busy families often are pulled in many directions, so tools that make it easier to manage schedules, important documents and more can help people keep a clear head on hectic days. Organization-based smartphone apps can help people keep pace. The following are some useful apps busy individuals may want to utilize. · Cozi: Cozi is a website and mobile app designed with family organization in mind. It’s earned the distinction of being a three-time “Mom’s Choice Award” recipient. The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The organization is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of items from more than 60 countries. Within the Cozi app, appointments and activity calendars are kept all in one place; school events and class schedules can be tracked; grocery lists can be managed and shared; and to-do lists can be shared as well. · Any.do: For people who thrive
in list-making, this app is an ideal fit. Users make daily checklists and break down bigger projects into smaller tasks. · Paprika: This app is one of the many cooking idea and meal planners available. It enables users to cut recipes from blog posts and save them easily. Users can even create grocery lists within the app. That list can be shared with the family so anyone out doing the shopping can pick up items. · Genius Scan: Keeping track of receipts, important documents and other paperwork can be challenging. Genius Scan is a smart scanner for a phone that makes it easy to quickly scan a document on the go and export files as multi-page PDFs or JPEGs. · Keepy: Many parents keep a storage container of their children’s artwork. But storing years’ worth of school projects can take up valuable space. Keepy allows people to save childhood photos and artwork in an organized manner. · Dropbox: Dropbox can be used for business, pleasure or generalized organization. It’s an easy way to store files large and small and share photos and videos with anyone, including those who do not have Dropbox accounts. Staying organized is easier when utilizing the various applications available for computers, tablets and smartphones.
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated by millions of people each year. Oddly enough, the majority of those people live in the United States instead of Mexico. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, during which the Mexican Army overcame significant obstacles to defeat the French Army under the direction of General Ignacio Zaragoza. On May 5, 1862, an attacking French Army battled against Mexican forces that were roughly half the size of their opponents. Despite that decided disadvantage, the Mexican Army won the battle. Mexican forces would ultimately be defeated by the French a year later, but that same year witnessed the first celebrations of Cinco de Mayo in California, where Mexican miners celebrated the heroic efforts of their countrymen a year prior. Curiously, those 1863 celebrations would prove to be a harbinger of things to come, as Cinco de Mayo eventually became a more prominent holiday in the United States than it did in Mexico. The only major celebrations of Cinco de Mayo in Mexico, where the day is a holiday but not considered a significant one (banks and government offices remain open), take place in Puebla, though the neighboring state of Veracruz also treats the day with a greater degree of significance than elsewhere in Mexico. Historical reenactments of the battle and parades are part of celebrations in Puebla. Celebrations in the United States are considerable, as many people, including those with no ancestral ties to Mexico, look forward to May 5 as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and food as well as the many traditions that make Mexico such a unique and special place. Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States bear some resemblance to the country’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, though many American St. Patrick’s Day celebrants have no connection to Ireland or the Catholic Church. Rather, the day has become an opportunity for people from various backgrounds to celebrate Irish culture, much like Cinco de Mayo marks a chance to celebrate Mexican culture.
Testicular Cancer: Unpreventable Yet Very Treatable Dr. Salvatore J. Giorgianni, PharmD, Sr. Science Adviser, Men’s Health Network Ok, how many of you guys out there know that April was Testicular Cancer Awareness Month? Unfortunately, most guys, not even many health care providers know that April is the month dedicated to making sure adolescent boys and men know about this potentially lethal problem. Men’s Health Network (www. MensHealthNetwork.org) would like to give you 8 Important Facts About Testicular Cancer (www. TesticularCancerAwareness Month.com). 1. Your probably can’t prevent it but you can check yourself for it. 2. If caught early it is highly
(99%) treatable. If caught late it is almost 99% lethal. Which sounds better to you? 3. White males are four to five times more likely to have testicular cancer than Black men and three times more likely than Asian-Americans. 4. It is most common in men in their late 20s and early 30s with an average age of 33 years old as being the most common. But it can occur at ANY age and has been seen in boys as young as 15 years old. 5. This is the most common of the cancers for men between 2040 years of age and occurs in 1 in 250 males 6. The first warning sigh is usually a lump or irregularity in one or both testicles. 7. It doesn’t just stay in your
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testicles. Testicular cancer can spread to many other parts of the body, including lungs and the lymph nodes of the chest, pelvis, and the base of the neck. More advanced stages may have spread to the liver and bones. Testicular cancer rarely spreads to the brain but it can. 8. The BEST way to protect yourself from testicular cancer is to check BOTH of your testicles at least every month. Feel around the GET IT CHECKED (www. GetItChecked.com) by a health care provider. How To Check Your Testicles. You must check both testicles. Using your thumb and finger of both hands hold one testicle gently and roll it between your fingers. What You Are Feeing For.
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One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a love of reading. On May 6th, celebrate Día del Niño/Dia del Libro where children will get a free book and other goodies at the Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park. Starts at Normally testicles should be 6pm while supplies last. smooth, regular in size and not painful. If you notice any lumps, tender or painful spots or irregular shapes developing or a change in the overall feel of either testicle these are warning signs. What To Do If You Feel Any Warning Signs. This is the simplest part…. GET IT CHECKED. Not next month. Not next week but right away. Call your doctor or health care provider, simply tell them that you felt a problem with your testicles and you would like to have it checked. Remember THE most important thing is early treatment. For more information check the Men’s Health Network website at www.MensHealthNetwork.org.
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One of the greatest human tragedies of all time occurred in Ireland in the mid 1840s when countless millions of people died of starvation and millions more dispersed to all the corners of the earth to escape the “Great Hunger.” A blight in the potato crop (a food staple of the Irish) of 1845 and 1846 resulted in widespread famine. It has been reported that large scale emigration followed and 1847 bookings of passenger ships were the largest ever made out to the Port of Derry. The subject of these chronicles was a young man of 26 from County Donegal from where he embarked on his journey to America. His travels took him to Galveston, Texas where he “enrolled” in a company of Texas Rangers on 20 March 1847 that was commanded by Captain James B. Reed. The company was a unit of Chevellie’s Battalion of Texas Mounted Volunteers that was mustered into the U.S. Army on 24 May 1847 at San Antonio to participate in the ongoing War with Mexico. One of the main assignments of the company of rangers attached to Army units was to protect supply lines of the advancing armies of General Zachary Taylor in their campaign in the Cerralvo-Monterey corridor. In one
such engagement which occurred on 2 November 1847, James Clarke who by then had attained the rank of Lieutenant was wounded in a skirmish at Agua Fria, Nuevo Leon. An excerpt from the report addressed to Major W.W.S. Bliss (Assistant Adjutant General) of the skirmish written by Lt. R.B. Campbell, 2nd Dragoons and contained in House Executive Document No. 56, 30th Congress, 1st Session follows: “Camp near Monterey, November 3, 1847. “Major: I have the honor to report, for the information of the commanding general, the details of an engagement I had with the enemy, near Agua Fria on the morning of the 2nd instant... (here he describes the details of the action)....”. Lieutenant Clarke, Texas Rangers, was of much assistance to me, and behaved in a commendable manner throughout the affair. With the exception of two privates: a dragoon and a ranger, who were not seen after the fight commenced, and made unnecessary haste into camp, the men of the command behaved themselves in almost exemplary and missing: Killed - Three privates of dragoons. Missing - One private of dragoons. Wounded - Lieutenant Clarke, Texas
Rangers. Wounded - Seven privates of dragoons. Wounded - One Texas Ranger. ....” After about fifteen months of service with the Texans, Lt. Clarke was honorably discharge with company at Camargo on 29 June 1848. James Clarke returned to Cerralvo where, on 7 February 1849 he married the daughter of the Alcalde, Francisca Maria de la Luz Treviño Arce in the Catholic Church of San Gregorio Magno. While a resident of Cerralvo, Don Santiago Clarke as he was known locally, fought in the Battle of Santa Gertrudis which led to the end of the occupation of Mexico by the Imperialist armies of France. After several years of living in Cerralvo, Clarke and his family settled in Starr County where he acquired several ranches, among them “El Tecomate”, “Rancho de Doña Ramona”, “Rancho El Rincon del Macho” plus other ranch lands where he raised cattle and other livestock. He became an attorney and was elected County Judge four times, County Commissioner four times and served ex-officio (as County Judge) as Superintendent of Public Instruction twice. He was well-liked by the people of the County as evidenced
by the fact that he was returned to successive terms in office. As one relative who knew him remarked “Lo querian mucho al viejito”. It is said that during his election campaigns, he used to visit county ranches and communities and made speeches sitting in a chair strapped in the back of a wagon. Judge Clarke died in office at age 78 on 25 May 1899 two weeks after being wounded in a gunfight with a bandido (cattle rustler). He undertook to try to get the cattle back for a neighbor who had lodged a complaint. It turned out to be his last act of public service in a long record of loyal service to his adopted countries (both the U.S. and Mexico). He is buried in the Catholic Cemetery of the Immaculate Conception church in Rio Grande City. A granite head-stone furnished by the U.S. Veterans Administrationmarks the grave of the combat wounds veteran. He died far from his native land but close to those he loved. His only surviving son, Rufino Clarke served as a U.S. Mounted Customs Inspector at the Roma sub-station from 1894 to 1906. He resigned his position with the U.S. Customs Service to attend to his private business in cattle ranching.
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