won the
Rio Grande City to Host Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
on December 4
The Rio Grande City Main Street Program will host the city’s Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree on December 4, marking the start of the holiday season with festive activities at the downtown Kiosk on Britton Avenue. The event will bring together residents and visitors for an evening of holiday cheer, music, and family-friendly fun.
Children will also have the opportunity to drop off letters to Santa at a special holiday mailbox set up for the occasion, adding to the excitement for families and
young attendees. The festivities will include a countdown to the tree lighting, seasonal music, and other activities for all ages.
Mayor Gilberto Falcon expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “This annual tree lighting is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate the joy of the season, and make cherished memories. We’re looking forward to lighting up downtown and kicking off the holidays with everyone.”
The tree lighting ceremony
is free and open to the public, welcoming all to participate in Rio Grande City’s treasured holiday tradition.
Her dedication,
and exceptional writing have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
exemplifies the values of patriotism and pride, reminding us all of the importance of our shared American ideals. Join AC2E
School in congratulating Brida on her amazing achievement! On behalf of the entire AC2E Middle School, we’re so proud of you,
– keep up the fantastic work!
San Isidro High School Students
Estrella Martinez and Jonah Alvarez selected to the West XC All-Star team
Congratulations to San Isidro High School students Estrella Martinez and Jonah Alvarez who competed at the Rio Grande Valley Cross Country All-Star Race!! Estrella and Jonah were both selected to the West XC All-Star team and represented San Isidro High School well among the best runners in the RGV.
Roma Little League election for the 2025 Board of Directors on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 6pm, Roma Little League Park. Anybody interested in serving as board member, coaching, umpiring, or simply volunteering is encouraged to attend.
Roma Little League election for the 2025 Board of Directors on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 6pm, Roma Little League Park. Anybody interested in serving as board member, coaching, umpiring, or simply volunteering is encouraged to attend.
AC2E Middle School announce Brida Rivas as the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest Winner!
insight,
Brida’s essay
Middle
Brida
AC2E Middle School student Brida Rivas
Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest
Leticia Guerra Named October 2024 Employee of the Month for Her Dedication to
the Library
Starr County Employees participated in Cyber Security Training
The Rio Grande City Commission recognized Leticia Guerra as the October 2024 Employee of the Month for her 28 years of dedicated service at the Rio Grande City Public Library. Guerra was honored for her long-standing commitment to the community and her vital role in making the library a welcoming and vibrant resource.
Guerra’s recognition highlights the invaluable contributions of city employees who go above and beyond in their roles. Her service continues to enhance the library’s mission of providing educational
“Leticia has been a cornerstone of our library, and her dedication to our community is an inspiration,” said Mayor Gilberto Falcon. Library Director Norma Fultz also praised Guerra for her passion in serving residents and enriching the library’s programs.
and cultural resources to the Rio Grande City community. The Rio Grande City Commission and the entire community extend their warmest congratulations to Leticia Guerra on this well-deserved honor. Her recognition serves as a reminder of the essential work city employees do to improve the lives of residents and make Rio Grande City a better place for all.
Starr County Human Resources conducted a training on Cyber Security Best Practices on November 14, 2024. The training was provided by Texas Association of Counties (TAC) Cyber Security Risk Consultant – Robert Ruiz. Starr County strives to provide employee trainings to ensure that staff is well prepared and well informed in order to safeguard information.
Texas Delta Theta Master Service Project
Elementary Schools of RGCGISD
Texas Delta Theta Master of Beta Sigma Phi is proud to carry out their annual autumn service project, helping local elementary schools with funds for uniform shirts or jackets for students. Service committee members Rosie Garcia, chairman, and Tissa Peterson are shown presenting a check to A&C Barrera Elementary Principal Miguel D. Guerrero, Librarian Sandra Guerrero, and Marisol Garza. They expressed their gratitude for the contribution. Also, service committee members Rosie Garcia, chairman, and Tissa Peterson are shown presenting a check to John and Olive Hinojosa Elementary Principal Mary Lou Garcia and Assistant Principal Lorena Jauregui, who expressed their gratitude for the contribution. A group of students joined in thanking the sorority for helping their school.
Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Roma will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave, Roma, Texas to consider the following case(s):
1) Rezoning: From Suburban Residential District (SF) to General Commercial District (C2) for a proposed Mechanic Shop; Legal Description is One (1) lot, numbered Fifteen (15), forming a part of a tract of land containing 2.12 acres, more or less, herein being partitioned out of Porcion 73, Ancient Jurisdiction of Mier, Starr County, Texas; Physical Address is 1312 North Ebony Avenue, Roma, Texas 78584. (COZ#2406)
2) Rezoning: From Suburban Residential District (SF) to Public Facilities/ Institutional District (PFI) for a proposed Barber School; Legal Description is Abstract 165, Porcion 74, G Saenz Partition, Tract 231 (Lot) and Abstract 165, Porcion 74, G Saenz Partition, Tract 231; Physical Address is 185 Rancho Nuevo Avenue, Roma, Texas 78584. (COZ#2407)
The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.
Governor Abbott Prohibits College Tuition Increases In Texas
Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to Texas colleges and universities prohibiting college tuition increases in the next biennium.
“When inflation and other economic pressures burden household budgets, our public universities must take every step possible to ease the financial burden on our students and their families,” reads the letter. “Last year, I signed a law that prohibits increasing undergraduate tuition and fees for both the 2023-24
and the 2024-25 academic years. As this tuition freeze expires, let me be clear: I will not support any tuition increase at any public higher education institution in the upcoming biennium. My office has spoken to the Board of Regents at every public university system, and we are in agreement that no institution in Texas should approve tuition increases for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic school years. The State has made historic investments in higher education, including increased
funding for universities and financial aid programs. These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable for all Texans. When all Texans have access to quality and affordable education, they can earn better wages, meet workforce qualifications, and experience a higher quality of life. I will ensure college affordability remains a top priority for the state as we head into the next legislative session.”
Although our band did not advance to the nals, we are grateful to our dedicated band directors and hardworking students for representing our district with such pride and excellence. On behalf of Superintendent Elsa V. Morris and our entire School Board of Trustees, thank you for showing Texas what the Rattlers are all about!
Our talented band competed at the State Marching Band Competition in the Alamodome, San Antonio Tx. Simply making it to this level is an incredible honor, and we couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve accomplished this year.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MIGHTY RATTLER BAND!
Healthy Thanksgiving Tips for National Diabetes Month
November is the start of the holiday season and National Diabetes Month. While Thanksgiving dinner and other celebrations of the season are
often not balanced, those living with diabetes can enjoy traditional dishes while incorporating a few ideas to balance out some high fat and high carbohydrate plates.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Neida Martinez, CEA- FCH, has some tips to help make our holiday meals healthier without skipping our family favorites.
Add Balance with Fruits and Vegetables
If you imagine your Thanksgiving plate, you will notice that vegetables are likely scarce. While sweet potatoes and green beans are present, they are prepared with marshmallow, butter, bacon, or sauces, which add sugar, sodium, and fat. “The idea is that we have some vegetables or fruit on our plate that are prepared with minimal fat and sodium so that we can balance traditional high calorie foods”, Leal states. “The fiber in fruits and vegetables helps us feel satisfied and they also add variety in texture and color”, he continued.
When family arrives to your holiday, you can start with crispy raw vegetables for an appetizer; those can be paired with a lowfat ranch dip, salsa, or a delicious bean dip like hummus.
For the main meal, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts are very filling, while dark green leafy vegetables like spinach,
kale, or mustard greens pair well with sweeter dishes like sweet potatoes, corn, and cranberries.
Provide Light Drink Options
You can think of sugary drinks like soft drinks, punch, or fruit juice as a celebration drink and enjoy them on your holiday, especially if you abstain from them throughout the year. However, these beverages contain sugar and are very often consumed in larger portions.
Remember that two cans of regular soda will contain around 300 calories and the equivalent of about nineteen teaspoons of sugar. Also, juice contains nutrients like vitamin C and calcium, but a portion of juice is only four ounces.
There are numerous options for a drink with little to no sugar. Iced tea with an artificial sweetener, diet sodas, sugar-free drinks, and water, are all good options when we decide to reserve our dinner calories for what’s on the plate instead of in our glass.
Top Off Dessert
Pecan pie is a staple during the fall and winter and there is a reason it tastes so good, it is made with sugar, butter, and of course pecans. While pecans provide a healthy fat, they are still very calorie dense. One strategy to achieve balance in our desserts is to choose a traditional dessert, like pecan pie, and be very mindful of the portion size. Low-fat or sugar free dessert topping is light and makes any mindful portion decadent. It can also be used to top a fruit salad. Also remember that pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving mainstay for which numerous lighter recipes have been developed. Fortunately, our Dinner Tonight website has several options for desserts featuring pumpkin. You can also sign up for weekly newsletters discussing recipes, healthy eating tips, and food safety at dinnertonight.tamu.edu. For more information about a Healthy Thanksgiving, Contact your County Extension Office at 956-487-2306.
Healthy replacements for calorie-laden Thanksgiving foods
Individuals can make smart food substitutions that won’t compromise taste but will cut calorie intake.
* Fill up on lean protein. Turkey is the cornerstone of the Thanksgiving meal and is a lower-fat, lean source of filling protein. Rather than indulge in too many starchy side dishes, have turkey be the bulk of your Thanksgiving dinner. When preparing turkey, use fresh herbs and low-fat vegetable stock to keep the meat moist and flavorful, avoiding butter and oils, which just tack on extra calories.
* Serve steamed veggies. Rather than sweet potatoes covered in butter and marshmallows or breaded and fried vegetables that are
unrecognizable, serve produce lightly steamed so it retains its nutritional value and flavor.
* Swap out white starches for whole grains. Stuffing is a popular side dish on Thanksgiving. But stuffing can be full of empty calories. Instead of serving white rice or bread stuffing, make your own using brown rice and whole grain breads. Add protein-rich nuts and dried fruits to add flavor and fiber as well.
* Skip double-crust pies. Two-crust pies with a bottom crust and a top layer have more calories than ones with just a crust on the bottom. Opt for lowcalorie pumpkin pie or add a little gelatin to pie fruit filling and skip the top crust on traditional two-
crust pies. Dessert also can be pared down to fresh fruit tarts or low-fat gelatin trifles.
* Dilute ciders and juices. Liquid calories quickly add up. Offer plenty of fresh water and keep sugary drinks to a minimum. When serving apple juice or cider, dilute it with water, which will stretch it out further and cut down on the calories.
* Take frequent breaks. It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes for the body to register that it is full. Failure to give the stomach time to send messages to the brain that you are full could mean you eat more than is necessary.
Making a few changes to favorite foods can make the holiday more healthy.
We couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve accomplished this year. We are grateful to our dedicated band directors and hardworking students for representing our district with such pride and excellence. On behalf of Superintendent Elsa V. Morris and our entire School Board of Trustees, thank you for showing Texas what the Gators are all about!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRULLA GATOR BAND!
