Roma City Council
Announces Cesarea “Chayo” Garcia as the 2024 Roma Fest Parade Marshal
The City of Roma proudly announces that Cesarea “Chayo” Garcia has been selected as the Parade Marshal for the 2024 Roma Fest. Mrs. Garcia, a well-loved and respected figure in our community, has dedicated over 33 years of service to Roma through her unwavering commitment to Fiesta Restaurant. Her story is one of resilience, hard work, and a deep love for the city she calls home.
her as the face of this year’s Roma Fest. We are excited to share her inspiring story with all attendees and look forward to seeing her lead the parade on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The parade will begin at 3:30 p.m., with the route starting at Citizens State Bank and concluding by the Riverview Plaza.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Cesarea “Chayo” Garcia, our 2024 Roma Fest Parade Marshal, and celebrating her many contributions to our community.
Mrs. Garcia’s remarkable journey with Fiesta Restaurant began in 1991, marking the start of her employment at the local establishment. With unwavering determination, she and her late husband, Irenio Garcia, took the reins of the restaurant and turned it into a beloved community institution. Today, Fiesta Restaurant is a testament to her dedication, sacrifice, and the spirit of perseverance that makes Roma unique.
In selecting Mrs. Garcia as this year’s Parade Marshal, the Roma City Council recognizes her contributions to the local economy, her role in bringing families together through her restaurant, and her enduring presence as a community leader. Her personal and professional story embodies the values of hard work, family, and community Roma holds dear.
The City of Roma is honored to celebrate Mrs. Garcia’s legacy and impact on our town by featuring
Roma Fest is an annual celebration that unites the citizens of Roma, Texas, and the surrounding areas in a jubilant celebration of our city’s rich culture, history, and community spirit. The festival, which includes a parade, live entertainment, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities, is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of our community.
For more information about Roma Fest and the parade, please contact Ms. Jasmin Lopez at 956849-1411.
The City of Grande City announces the receipt of a $500,000 Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the revitalization of Britton Avenue and the historic downtown kiosk. This grant will fund crucial upgrades to the city’s downtown infrastructure, enhancing accessibility and making improvements that reflect the city’s commitment to inclusion and
preservation.
‘’We are honored to receive this grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture,” said Mayor Gilberto Falcón. “This funding will allow us to make essential improvements to the heart of our city, ensuring our downtown is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone.”
The revitalization project will include:
• ADA Compliance:
Modifications to Britton Avenue and the historic downtown kiosk to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring that all residents and visitors, including those with disabilities, can enjoy and access the downtown area seamlessly.
• Hydraulic Lift Installation: The historic bandstand will receive a hydraulic lift, improving access for individuals with disabilities
On behalf of the RGC Rattler Band, we extend special thanks to his band director, Mr. Raymond Alaniz, for his guidance and support. Congratulations again, and we wish Cristopher continued success this season!
Rio Grande City awarded $500,000 Texas Department of Agriculture Community Development Block Grant
and ensuring the bandstand is fully ADA-compliant for future public events and performances.
• Sidewalk Improvements: Reconstruction of sidewalks along Britton Avenue will improve pedestrian safety, accessibility, and walkability, encouraging local commerce and foot traffic in the downtown district.
• Enhanced Lighting: Modern, energy-efficient lighting will improve visibility and safety during the evening, fostering a more inviting atmosphere and supporting economic growth and tourism.
The revitalization efforts, supported by the $500,000 grant, represent a significant investment in the future of Rio Grande City’s historic downtown. These upgrades aim to preserve the city’s unique
heritage while creating a more accessible and vibrant public space.
The project is set to begin in early 2025.
The Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) program is a federally funded program that provides grants to cities and counties to help develop rural communities. TxCDBG funds community projects such as utility infrastructure, disaster response, and unique local economic development projects.
For more information about the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program, visit www. texasagriculture.gov/Grants-Services. For more information about the City of Rio Grande City, call City Hall at 956487-0672 or visit www.cityofrgc.com.
RGC Rattler Band announce that Cristopher Hernandez, a Rio Grande City High School Band member, earned 1st Chair Tuba in the Region Orchestra Tryouts at Pioneer High School on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Rio Grande City High School Band member Cristopher Hernandez earns 1st Chair Tuba
2024-2025 GRSE Student Council Officers
At the General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary School the mighty 5th graders voted for their Student Council Officers.
All students heard the candidate’s speeches before casting their votes.
GRSE are proud to report the following students as the 20242025 GRSE Student Council Officers (back row): Ivanna Cantu - President, Hector RodriguezVice-President, Santiago Solis - Secretary, Giovanni Rangel Cantu - Treasurer, and Jaylah Perez - Parliamentarian.
A big thank you to the StuCo Sponsors Mrs. Annabel Gonzalez and Ms. Yajaira Moreno!!
Public Square Rosary
Saturday October 12th at 11:00AM
The Knights of Columbus of Council #2597 and the volunteers of KSGS 99.9 LP-FM Good News Catholic Radio invite the Rio Grande City community to attend the Public Square Rosary on Saturday October 12th. Weather permitting, this event will begin at the Grotto at 11:00
A.M. with a procession towards the Kiosok at 11:30 A.M. The Rosary will begin at 12 noon at the Kiosok.
Card
01/13/1994 † 09/07/2024
of Thanks In Loving Memory of Manuel Ricardo Muñiz
He Only Takes The Best God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you and whispered, ‘Come with Me.’ With tearful eyes we watched you slowly fade away, although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us... He only takes the best.
We wish to express our thanks to all our relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances who made a most dif�icult time in our lives easier to bear due to their kindness, beautiful �lowers, phone calls, food, masses, and prayers. It helps to know that others share our loss of our beloved son.
GFWC Florence J. Scott Woman’s Club donated seeds and pollinator plants to the ECHS
Rio Grande City High School TSI ELAR students in Mrs. Veronica Trevino’s class conducted research on a college of their choice and designed a college pennant. Additionally, they created literacy maps and explored the relationship between reading and writing and their personal identities.
On behalf of the Preparatory for Early College High School a huge thank you to the GFWC Florence J. Scott Woman’s Club of Rio Grande City for their generous donation of seeds and pollinator plants! Your support helps us nurture a greener future and inspires our ECHS Ecology Club to protect and grow our local ecosystem. Together, we’re planting the seeds of change!
New Vision, New Era: A Commitment to Innovation and Student-Centered Leadership
New Vision, New Era is here to challenge the current situation. We are committed to innovative leadership and student-centered values that will bring transparency, accountability, and a focus on excellence back to our district. Our platform will end the current system of political welfare and ensure that decisions are made based on the needs of students, not political agendas.
OUR PLATFORM:
• NEW VISION FOR LEADERSHIP: Together, we will implement leadership that prioritizes students and educators, ensuring their academic, emotional, and extracurricular success free from political interference.
• A NEW ERA OF SUCCESS: is New Vision will create an Era of success in which students, educators, and the entire community excel.
• ENDING HARMFUL MICROMANAGEMENT: We will stop micromanagement, empowering educators and administrators to make decisions that best serve students and the educational community.
• REJECTING POLITICAL RETALIATION AND HIRES:
We are committed to ending political retaliation, political hires, and decisions driven by political gains.
• BRINGING BACK A SYSTEM OF EXCELLENCE:
We are committed to restoring a system of excellence that focuses on merit and achievement and prioritizes student outcomes- not a system of political welfare.
• SUPPORTING GROWTH:
rough collaboration with stakeholders, we will provide the resources and opportunities needed for students and educators to excel.
• FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND TRANSPARENCY:
We are committed to responsible nancial management and complete transparency, ensuring that every decision bene ts the students and our school system’s future.
Enough of THE POLITICAL WELFARE, THE DICTATOR and HIS RUBBER STAMPERS!
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a RETAIL DEALER’S ON PREMISE LICENSE (BE) by: LUCERO GARZA & DAVID VAZQUEZ , dba HILLTOP 2.0 CAFE to be located at 158 GUERRA GARZA RD. STE B, RIO GRANDE CITY, STARR COUNTY, TEXAS.
Roma High School’s Construction
Students in Roma High School’s Construction Technology Program classes visited the World Birding Center in Roma to learn about the facility’s history, as well as various architecture styles. It’s nice to see the students learn how local history impacts design culture in our city and county. Great job Gladiators!
Save the Date: El Faro Health and Therapeutics Hosts Third
Annual Starr County Alzheimer’s Walk on Saturday, October 19
walk-tickets-1009934038897
El Faro Health & Therapeutics will host its third annual Starr County Alzheimer’s Walk on Saturday, October 19th at Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park.
This in-person walk will raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and provide resources for those affected by it, while also providing a day filled with education, support, and community.
Research from the National Council on Aging shows that Latinos may be 50 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s[1], but they are less likely to pursue treatment for the disease, resulting in poor health outcomes.
“With the diagnosis of
Alzheimer’s Disease on the rise, we are dedicated to continue our efforts to end Alzheimer’s disease through early detection, state-ofthe-art treatment, and research. We welcome the community to join us on October 19 and walk to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease in hopes of finding the cure” said Dr. James Falcon Principal Investigator for El Faro Health & Therapeutics. Third Annual Starr County Alzheimer’s Walk Saturday, October 19, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Basilio Villareal Municipal Park 1473 Stephen Saenz St. Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Register here: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annualalzheimers-awareness-event-
At least 1 in 10 Hispanics who are 65 or older have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Yet Latinos make up only 2% of participants in clinical trials on Alzheimer’s & related dementias, according to the National Institutes of Health. Throughout the day, participants can attend informative sessions on bread health from leading experts in the field, gather resources from vendors, and engage in brain health activities.
Mark your calendars and join El Faro Health & Therapeutics at the 3rd Annual Alzheimer’s Awareness Event. Together, we can make a difference! #elfarostopsalz
Cómo detectar cambios en su seguro de vivienda o contra tormentas
Si va a renovar o hacer cambios en su seguro de vivienda o contra tormentas, asegúrese de verificar posibles cambios costosos. Algunos consejos:
Lea la página de declaraciones de su póliza. Ahí se muestran las fechas de vigencia de la póliza, las cantidades y los tipos de cobertura. También indica la cantidad de cada
deducible, que es lo que tendría que pagar si tuviera que hacer una reclamación antes de que el seguro pague. Pregúntele a su agente si el deducible cambia o se mantiene igual. Un deducible común es de 2% para daños por viento o granizo y 1% para otros tipos de daños. Si va a renovar su póliza,
vea las últimas páginas de la renovación para ver si hay nuevos endosos o exclusiones. Si ve algo que no entiende, pídale a su agente o compañía de seguros que le explique. ¿Tiene preguntas sobre seguros? Llame a la Línea de Ayuda del Departamento de Seguros de Texas al 800-2523439 o visite tdi.texas.gov.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
South Texas College (STC) hereby requests sealed qualifications for the following: STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES For Nursing and Allied Health Campus East Building A Community Pharmacy Lab Renovations and Renovation of Radiology Lab to Multipurpose Skills Lab
Sealed responses to this Request for Qualifications will be received until 3:00 p.m., October 17, 2024, at the South Texas College Purchasing Department located at 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. N, Ste 145, McAllen, Texas 78501.
Request for Statement of Qualifications packets may be obtained at the STC Purchasing Department located at 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. N, Ste. 145, McAllen, Texas by calling (956) 872-4681 or email at stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu
Any informational questions for the Request for Statement of Qualifications may be directed to Ricardo de la Garza, Director of Facilities Planning and Construction, at (956) 872-3737 or email at rickdlg@southtexascollege.edu
Responses received after the aforementioned deadline shall not be considered. The College will evaluate responses on the basis of the technical ability, experience, and ability to perform the work.
A pre-qualifications conference will be held on October 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the STC Purchasing Department, 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. N, Conference Room 142, McAllen, Texas. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.
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.
Vendors are encouraged to visit South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website at https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login to complete the Bonfire 2-part vendor registration for receiving solicitations.
Response packages must clearly show the following:
RFQ No. 24-25-1021
Request for QualificationsArchitectural Services
DPS Bolsters One Pill Kills Campaign During Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing its One Pill Kills public awareness efforts as part of Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month. Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott last year, House Bill 3144 established the month of October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month—a statewide effort to bring awareness and education to the public about the dangers of fentanyl and the lifesaving power of opioid poisoning reversal medication.
“Fentanyl is a clandestine killer, and it is now more important than ever that we talk to our families, children, friends and loved ones about just how prevalent it is in communities across Texas,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.
“This month, and really every month, we must do everything we can to get the word out about
this deadly drug in order to save lives.”
To help increase awareness throughout October, DPS will share a series of social media videos geared at educating Texans about the dangers of fentanyl and directing them to available resources through the One Pill Kills (OPK) campaign. Governor Abbott launched One Pill Kills in 2022, as a way to educate Texans on how to prevent, recognize and reverse fentanyl poisonings.
DPS also continues with its other OPK awareness efforts including updating public service announcements which air in the waiting areas of more than 180 driver license offices across the state, educational signage in more than 350 public facing DPS buildings statewide and a dedicated webpage housing resources and information about the campaign. You can visit www.dps.texas.gov/onepillkills to learn more.
DPS would also like to remind
Texans about its Safety Education team which offers specialized programing to schools, churches, community groups and other organizations that would like to learn more about the statewide OPK campaign and the dangers of fentanyl. This presentation can be tailored for a variety of audiences and age groups and is available free of charge. To learn more, contact a Safety Education team member in your area.
More About Fentanyl Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become widespread, often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine or counterfeit prescription pills. Since the launch of Operation Lone Star in 2021, DPS has seized more than half a billion lethal doses of fentanyl – that’s more than enough to kill every man, woman and child in America.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
South Texas College (STC) hereby requests sealed qualifications for the following:
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
ENGINEERING SERVICES – MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING For Pecan Campus Physical Plant Building E Cooling Tower Above Ground Piping System
Sealed responses to this Request for Qualifications will be received until 4:00 p.m., October 17, 2024, at the South Texas College Purchasing Department located at 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. N, Ste 145, McAllen, Texas 78501.
Request for Statement of Qualifications packets may be obtained at the STC Purchasing Department located at 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. N, Ste. 145, McAllen, Texas by calling (956) 872-4681 or email at stcpurchasing@southtexascollege.edu
Any informational questions for the Request for Statement of Qualifications may be directed to Ricardo de la Garza, Director of Facilities Planning and Construction, at (956) 872-3737 or email at rickdlg@southtexascollege.edu
Responses received after the aforementioned deadline shall not be considered. The College will evaluate responses on the basis of the technical ability, experience, and ability to perform the work.
A pre-qualifications conference will be held on October 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the STC Purchasing Department, 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. N, Conference Room 142, McAllen, Texas. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.
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.
Vendors are encouraged to visit South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website at https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login to complete the Bonfire 2-part vendor registration for receiving solicitations.
Response packages must clearly show the following:
RFQ No. 24-25-1022
Request for QualificationsEngineering Services – Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
Providing Services for Veterans in Starr County
The Veterans Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) is deployed every Wednesday to Starr County to assist local veterans with their medical needs.
This service has been very beneficial in ensuring that our local veterans receive medical services right here in Starr County saving them a trip to the Valley and other expenses associated with driving out of town.
Local Veterans have been very positive about the unit and are very grateful for the service. For appointments or information, please call 1-855-8640516.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
The City of Roma, Texas, invites qualified firms to submit proposals for administrative services for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Development Initiative (EDI) – Community Project Funding (CPF) grant No. B-24-CP-TX-2086. Services include planning, permitting, environmental design, construction management, and assistance with application preparation and documentation for federal, state, and other funding sources.
Proposal Submission Guidelines:
• Contact: Detailed guidelines for the proposal can be obtained by contacting City Manager Alejandro Barrera at (956) 849-1411 or abarrera@ cityofroma.net
• Deadline: Submit seven (7) hard copies and one (1) digital copy of the proposal no later than Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 4:00 PM (Central) to the City of Roma, P.O. Box 947 or 201 W. Convent Blvd., Roma, Texas 78584, Attn: Alejandro Barrera, City Manager.
The City of Roma reserves the right to negotiate with any and all persons or firms submitting proposals, per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards.
Along with your proposal, you must also include verification that your company as well as the company’s principal or principals are not listed (is not debarred) through the federal government’s System for Award Management (www.SAM.gov). Please include a printout of the search results.
All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to respond.
Veterans Middle School Migrant Club kicked off its 2024-2025 school year with energy and creativity!
The Veterans Middle School Migrant Club kicked off its 2024-2025 school year with energy and creativity! Led by Mr. Raul Guerra, Veterans Middle School Migrant Club Sponsor, the students came together for their first meeting to brainstorm exciting goals and projects for the year ahead. Mrs. Veronica Garcia, Migrant Education Administrator, delivered an encouraging message, inspiring the students to think big and make the most of this opportunity. Throughout the meeting, students eagerly
collaborated, offering feedback and sharing innovative ideas for future initiatives. The atmosphere was exciting as they laid the groundwork for what promises to be a productive year. The Migrant Education Staff was thrilled to witness this enthusiasm.
Furthermore, migrant students were treated to delicious snacks, fueling their creative discussions.
The Migrant Club is a vital part of the Migrant Education Program, providing a space where migrant students’ voices are heard, and their ideas become
action. Special thanks to Mr. Jesse Rodriguez, Veterans Middle School Principal, for allowing us to sponsor and host this essential component of our Migrant Program and to Miss Diana Cantu, Director for State and Federal Programs, for always being the cornerstone of our department. Lastly, but certainly not least, a heartfelt shoutout to our amazing superintendent, Mrs. Elsa Morris, and the School Board of Trustees for their unwavering commitment to our students and support of our program.
