La Feria News 12-14-22

Toy Drive in La Feria

Heartfelt Prayer by James E. Arnold

First Baptist Church Lady's Tea Fellowship Christmas Party. The entry fee was an unwrapped toy.

Mrs Katy Johnson has donated for many years to the La Feria Police Department Toy Drive. Toy Drive will be

December 22nd starts at 5:30 till 8pm location will be at the La Feria Police Department parking lot 115 E Commercial Avenue.

Thank You Mrs. Johnson and to all the Ladies who donated. Photos and information were all provided by

Officer Eliza Mendez with La Feria Police Department.

City of La Feria Lighting of the Tree

Emilio Flores La Feria News

The City of La Feria had a successful lighting of the tree event this year on Friday, December 2. Originally expected to happen December 1, due to weather conditions the City later posted that

they would be moving the date to the 2nd. The event had a great turnout, with Christmas caroling by La Feria ISD. Families were offered sweet bread and the kids had the opportunity to take a picture with Santa.

The City of La Feria plans to also have it's 24th

Annual Christmas Parade called "The Magic of Christmas". The Parade will take place Saturday, December 17, at 6:00 PM. Parade Float entries are $30.

In accordance with the Order of the Office of the Governor issued March 16, 2020, the City of La Feria will conduct the meeting and provide audio/telephonic availability for the public using live stream in order to advance the public health goal of limiting face-to-face meetings (also called “social distancing”) to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (also known as Covid-19). To view the meeting via internet live streaming, please visit https://www.cityoflaferia.com/ boards-and-commissions/city-commission/agendas-2020/ where you will find the agenda for the next meeting. The pdf for the agenda will include a link, meeting ID and passcode for the Zoom meeting. More information is available by calling 346-248-7799.

Members of the public may sign up for public comment on an agenda item or for another item of public concern by submitting an email to amorales@cityoflaferia.com containing (1) the name of the individual wishing to comment; and (2) the item number or subject matter the individual wishes to comment on. Please submit requests for public comment no later than two hours before the meeting. Join the meeting at the time and login listed above and the Mayor will call on you when it is your turn to speak. A recording of the meeting will be made and will be available to the public in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of any item on the agenda is permitted to be held in executive or closed session, whether such item is already so identified on this Agenda or not, the City Commission will convene in such executive or closed session in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 551.001551.146.

La Feria, TX

Father’s surgery inspires De La Pena to enroll in TSTC’s Surgical Technology Program

been enjoyable.

“The program is challenging and critical thinking is applied,” she said. “The instructors are easy to approach when we have a question about the assignments. Everything that has been taught during online lectures and hands-on training has occurred in clinicals. My favorite hands-on training has been the surgical case setup. Every student arranges a table with the necessary tools and equipment needed for a surgery.”

She said the program teaches about a family connection in health care.

technologist.”

Marissa Gonzales, a TSTC Surgical Technology instructor, said De La Pena shows great character as a selfdriven student.

“Elisa does not allow intimidation to overpower her initiative and willingness to try,” she said. “Her ambitions are evident through her attention to detail, picking up on skills, additional practice time and shining

in hands-on training.”

According to onetonline.org, surgical technologists can earn a yearly median salary of more than $50,930 in Texas, where projected job growth for the profession was forecast to increase 18% from 2020 to 2030.

At its Harlingen campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology and an occupational skills

CAUSE NO. 2022-CPC-00212

(HARLINGEN, Texas)

– To fathom the idea that a family member will undergo a muchneeded surgery can be a disheartening reality.

Elisa De La Pena, of Weslaco, remembered the day her father required surgery at an area hospital. That memory would influence her decision to enroll in the Surgical Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, where she is in her first semester studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“My father was bedridden due to a work accident that nearly caused him paralysis,” she said. “I’m grateful for the surgeons and the surgical technologist who saved

his life. After I graduated high school, my father mentioned that he used to attend TSTC. I performed an online search, and I noticed the Surgical Technology program.

The idea of working in an operating room excited me because it’s a challenge to learn the various tools and equipment that are needed in the event of a surgery.”

She initially became interested in sports medicine as a student at Hidalgo High School.

“I was very active in athletics,” she said. “I found it appealing when I observed how the sports trainers improved the physical fitness of other student athletes after they suffered an injury.”

De La Pena said her program experience has

“The mindset is to treat a patient like a family member,” she said. “I recall my father’s surgery, and that led me to this future career at TSTC.”

She is determined to master the program’s curriculum.

“I want to learn as much as possible so I can become an expert,” she said. “The experience in clinicals is surreal and fast-paced. My preceptors are excellent to work with and provide excellent guidance. They place us in many scenarios for a potential surgery.”

De La Pena said her future career plans include a couple of options.

“I want to gain experience and become a surgical first assistant,” she said. “Another option is a traveling surgical

achievement award in Sterile Processing.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

IN THE ESTATE OF ) IN THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW ) DANIEL P. MENA a/k/a DANIEL ) NO. FOUR PALOS MENA a/k/a DANNY P. MENA ) )

DECEASED ) CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Independent Administration for the Estate of DANIEL P. MENA a/k/a DANIEL PALOS MENA a/k/a/ DANNY P. MENA, Deceased, were issued on November 22, 2022, Cause No. 2022-CPC-00212, in the County Court at Law No. 4, Cameron County, Texas, to DEBORAH A. DE LA GARZA.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being probated are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: MR. GENE McCULLOUGH McCULLOUGH & McCULLOUGH 323 E. Jackson P.O. Box 2244 Harlingen, Texas 78551-2244

DATED the 5th day of December, 2022.

/s/ Gene McCullough Gene McCullough State Bar No.: 00794267 McCULLOUGH & McCULLOUGH 323 East Jackson P.O. Box 2244 Harlingen, Texas 78551-2244 Telephone: (956) 423-1234 Facsimile: (956) 423-4976

C HURCH SERVICE D IRECTORY

1st United methodist church Pastor Federico Perez, 797-1393

331 S. Main St., La Feria, Sunday School 10am, Traditional Worship Service 9am, Contemporary Service 11am, UM Youth 5pm

International Worship center Bishop Ronaldo Ortiz 956-797-1204

116 W. Seventh St., La Feria Services Sunday (English) 9:30am Domingo (Espanol) 11am, Miercoles 7pm

Interdenominational Worship Extreme Youth Sat. 6 pm

First baptist church of Santa rosa Pastor Harold Parker 956-636-1603

118 Jesus R. Cruz, Santa Rosa Sunday Services 9:30am Bible Study, 10:30am Morning Worship,

7pm Wednesday Evening Worship.

Apostolic Faith Tabernacle

Pastor Ramon Zarate 357-6384

621 South Main, La Feria Sunday School 10am Sunday Worship 4pm, Wed. Evening 7:30pm.

All services are bilingual.

Iglesia Oracion en Su Presencia missionary church,Inc. Pastors Frank & Janie Gonzalez 797-0044 4th Street, La Feria,TX Sunday 10am & 6pm, Monday 7 pm Prayer Service, Wednesday 7 pm, Friday 7 pm.

church of christ Minister Gene Head 536-9832

912 N. Parker Rd., La Feria, Wednesday 6:30 pm Bible Study, Sunday 9:30am Bible Study, 10:30am Service, 5pm Evening Service Los Domingos: 12:00 Medio Dia Los Jueves: 7:00 pm Estudio De Biblia

Faith church of christian & missionary Alliance church

Pastor Oscar Loredo 797-1739

125 W. First St., La Feria,Tx

Bilingual Ministry Sunday 10am Sunday School, 11am Worship, Wednesday 7 pm Bible Study, Friday 7 pm Prayer.

Santa rosa United methodist church 408 Main Street (Hwy. 107/506) Santa Rosa, across from High School Sunday Coffee and Fellowship 9:30 AM Worship10 AM (Communion fi rst Sunday) Wednesday Prayer Service 9:00 AM Pastor: Carole Lahti (956) 279-3407

casa de Esperanza Apostolic church 416 W. Spruce La Feria 965-639-4301 Bilingual Services Sunday at 1:00pm Daniel Martinez Pastor St. mary’s catholic church FR. Edouard Atangana, 956-636-1211 101 San Antonio Ave., Santa Rosa Saturday Mass 5pm Bilingual, Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, 10am English.

First baptist church of La Feria 797-1214

Main St. & Magnolia, La Feria Wednesday 6:30pm Youth Bible Study & Mission Friends, 9:45am Sunday School, 11am Morning Worship Service St. Albans

Episcopal church Reverend Scott Brown 956-428-2305, 1417 E. Austin, Harlingen,TX Holy Communion 8am, Sunday School 9:15, Holy Eucharist 10:30am.

Hope in the Word church Pastors Jose & Bertha Belmares 797-3621, 28354 S. Bixby Rd., La Feria Services Friday 6pm, Sunday 10am. All services are Bilingual, English & Spanish.

Primera Iglesia bautista 956-797-1740 519 N. Main, La Feria Bilingual Services: Sunday 9:45am Sunday School, 10:45am Worship Service, 5:00pm WMU, 6:00 pm Evening Worship Service, Iglesia Generacion En conquista Pastor Samuel y Magda Cervantes, Phone (956) 536-2215 2803 W. Exp. 83 Suite A. La Feria Sunday Service 10am Bible Study, 11am Worship Service, 7pm Wednesday Family Service

Living Water church and ministry Pastor Henry and Rosie 2805 Memorial Suite B. La Feria Sunday Service 11am, 6pm Spanish Worship Service, 7pm Wednesday Service St. Francis Xavier catholic church Fr. Rodolfo Franco 797-2666, offi ce: 502 S. Canal church: 500 South Canal St., La Feria, Saturday Mass 5:30pm, Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, 10am English, 12pm Bilingual. christ In Our midst missionary church Pastor: Rev. Daniel Carrizalez 956-742-6311 1 mile N. of FM 506, La Feria Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m., Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m., Monday Prayer - 7:00 p.m. New Hope Presbyterian church 208 West Central Ave, La Feria,TX, 956-277-0208 Services Sunday 4:30 pm Sunday School 3:15 pm

First Baptist Church, La Feria

Our daughter was going on a date with jeans that had more holes than fabric. I stopped her and asked if she had new jeans. She informed me that the pair was new. Shocked, I asked, “Do not tell me that you paid money for those worn-out jeans?” She replied, “No, Dad, you paid money for them!”

We laugh about the clothing choices of the young. But it is no laughing matter in Iran. This September Mahsa Amini died in police custody. The 22-year-old was charged with wearing her hijab improperly. In particular, there was a lock of hair hanging below the head covering.

Since her death, protests across Iran have resulted in women cutting their hair in public, more arrests, and hundreds of deaths. The government has shut down the Morality Police who had arrested Masha.

Morality is important. But can someone’s wardrobe be policed? Only when religion becomes fundamentalism. Fundamentalist think that they have the market on morality.

Unfortunately, fundamentalism is fundamentalism. Christian fundamentalism has more in common with Islamic fundamentalism than we would like to admit.

I like the morality of Jesus. He did not say much about clothing. In Matthew 6, he suggested that we should take no thought about what you will wear because life is more than clothing. In other words, we should not be as worried about holey clothes as we are with holy lives.

-Mark S. Ross DMin.

TexSCAN Week of Dec. 11-17, 2022

ACREAGE

AFFORDABLE LAND. We have some of the best in Texas. Hill Country – Edwards, McCulloch, Schleicher, Coke, Val Verde counties, free ranging exotics. South Texas – Kinney, Duval, Live Oak counties - whitetail, hogs.

AUCTION

VACATIONS/TOURS

expiration of 42 days after the date this citation was issued, a d efault judgment may be taken against you. In addition to filing a written answer with the clerk, you may be required to make initial disclosures to the other parties of this suit. These disclosures generally must be made no later than 30 days after you file your answer with the clerk. Find out more at TexasLawHelp.org." You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Original Petition at or before 10:00 o'clock A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of 42 days after the date of issuance of this citation before the Honorable 107th District Court of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in said County in Brownsville, Texas. Said Original Petition was filed in said court on the 25th day of October, 2022 in the above entitled cause.

A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to -wit: N/A as is more fully shown by Original Petition on file in this suit. Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Brownsville, Texas, on this the 10th day of November, 2022

ATTORNEY:

Laura Perez-reyes TrAVIS bENcE District Clerk of Cameron County 24029441 974 E Harrison Street 956-440-8900 Brownsville, Texas 78520 1018 East Tyler Harlingen TX 78550

By:________________________________________ christina Hernandez, Deputy Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE - CITY OF PRIMERA - TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

The City of Primera will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on December 20, 2022, at City Hall, 22893 Stuart Place Road, Primera, TX 78552, regarding the submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for one or more Texas Community Development Block Grant Program (TxCDBG) grants for Program Year 2023. City of Primera may be eligible to participate in the Community Development Fund, Colonia Fund Construction Program, Colonia Economically Distressed Areas Program, Fire, Ambulance & Service Truck (FAST), and/or Downtown Revitalization Program. The purpose of this meeting is to allow citizens an opportunity to discuss the citizen participation plan, the development of local housing and community development needs, the amount of TxCDBG funding available, all eligible TxCDBG activities, and the use of past TxCDBG funds. The City encourages citizens to participate in the development of TxCDBG application(s) and to make their views known at this public hearing. Citizens unable to attend this meeting may submit their views and proposals to the City Manager at City Hall. Persons with disabilities that wish to attend this meeting should contact City Hall to arrange for assistance. Individuals who require auxiliary aids or services for this meeting should contact City Hall at least two days before the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

AVISO PÚBLICO - CIUDAD DE PRIMERAPROGRAMA SUBVENCION PARA BLOQUES DE DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO DE TEXAS

GENERATORS

La Ciudad de Primera llevará a cabo una audiencia pública a las 5:30 p.m. el día 20 de Diciembre de 2022, en el ayuntamiento de la ciudad 22893 Stuart Place Road, Primera, TX 78552, sobre la presentación de una aplicación al Departamento de Agricultura de Texas para programas sobre la Programa Subvencion Para Bloques De Desarrollo Comunitario De Texas (TxCDBG) en 2023. La Ciudad de Primera puede ser elegible para participar en TxCDBG Community Development Fund, Colonia Fund Construction Program, Colonia Economically Distressed Areas Program, Fire, Ambulance & Service Truck (FAST), o el Downtown Revitalization Program. El propósito de esta reunión es permitir a los ciudadanos la oportunidad de hablar sobre el plan de participación ciudadana, el desarrollo de las necesidades locales de vivienda y desarrollo comunitario, la cantidad de fondos disponibles de TxCDBG, todas las actividades elegibles de TxCDBG y el uso de fondos anteriores de TxCDBG. La Ciudad alienta a los ciudadanos a participar en el desarrollo de esta aplicación TxCDBG y dar a conocer sus opiniones en esta audiencia pública. Los ciudadanos que no puedan asistir a esta reunión pueden enviar sus opiniones y propuestas Administrador de la Ciudad en el ayuntamiento de la ciudad. Las personas con discapacidades que deseen asistir a esta reunión deben comunicarse con el ayuntamiento de la ciudad para coordinar la asistencia. Las personas que necesiten ayuda o servicios auxiliares para esta reunión también deben comunicarse con el ayuntamiento de la ciudad al menos

para que se puedan hacer los arreglos apropiados.

Expansion of UTRGV Spirit Program Hits The Ground Cheering

choreographers such as Sam Allen, Melissa Miles and Anthony Burrell.

Gomez currently is observing university programs and events and is taking notes in preparation for next year. As part of her duties, she will handle future performances, competitions, community and campus appearances, and camps, to list a few.

master’s degree in sport administration. He also was part of the MSU Cheer Team for about three years.

A friend told him about an opening at UTRGV for the coordinator position, and after reading the description, Mata knew it was an ideal fit for him.

SCHOOL SPIRIT –WE GOT IT

It is no secret now. Football is coming to UTRGV. Mata and Gomez agree that the Valley is more than ready for a college football team and all that it entails.

By Amanda L. Alaniz

RIO GRANDE

VALLEY, TEXAS – DEC. 7, 2022 – “We got spirit, yes we do! We got spirit, how about you!”

UTRGV students voted last year in favor of a proposal to support growing programs at the university, including women’s swimming and diving, marching band, football, and expansion of the spirit program.

For the spirit program, that meant recruiting a new team of coaches to kickstart the initiative.

First up was Isela ‘Sel’ Gomez, a UTRGV alumna, who was welcomed back in September as the new head coach for the Spirit Program. She will lead and support Cheer, Dance and the Vaquero mascot, along with working with Rudy Mata, the new program coordinator for Spirit and Traditions.

Gomez graduated from legacy institution UTPA with a bachelor’s degree in

Dance with an emphasis on Ballet and Modern, and was a dedicated member of the UTPA Modern Dance Company.

Upon revisiting the dance studio, she said everything felt the same –from the look to the smells to seeing a poster of her senior project. It really felt like coming home.

“It was an instinct to come back home. To come back where my roots were, to come back where I learned a lot of the experiences in the dance world,” she said. “Getting to return to campus and be part of it in a different aspect – and to be that person to give back – it really sealed the deal.”

ONE. TWO. THREE. Gomez carries a significant dance-related resume. She worked for the Mission school district for about seven years, where she helped elevate several dance programs, and took on a number of varied roles, including director of

the Mission High Flyers Dance and Drill Team, director of the Mission High School Folklorico Company, and color guard instructor.

“I know the experiences I have will help when it comes to planning what we do when we have the new football team coming along,” she said.

“At Mission, I did also work with the band and I hope to be able to do that here, connect that bridge. Everyone knows the band and dance teams are on the field together, or when the band is performing, the dance team is moving. I am looking forward to the collaboration.”

She also worked with members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancers, RGV Vipers Snake Charmers, and took master classes from the Houston Rockets Cheerleaders, Dallas Mavericks Cheerleader Dawn Benett, and other nationally renowned

A Close Knit Matchup

La Feria and Rio Hondo Face off in close matchup

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

The La Feria Lionettes faced off with the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats in non-district action. Rio Hondo, who was fresh off a District 32-4A Title. Efficient offense for the Lady Bobcats allowed Rio Hondo to propel past a tough La Feria Lionettes Squad.

Prior to the loss to Rio Hondo, La Feria got past the Harlingen South Lady Hawks 52-37. La Feria was able to secure a few

wins while at the Tommie Wiseman Tournament.

Looking ahead to 324A Action, La Feria will Open up district against Raymondville. La Feria will also take on Grulla. The Lionettes will then take on Hidalgo on January 3rd, Port Isabel on January 13, Zapata on January 17 to wrap up the first half of District Play.

La Feria will open round two with Raymondville on January 20. La Feria will be taking on Grula following Raymondville. Then the Lionettes will

take on Hidalgo on January 27. Round two against Port Isabel will be on February 7, before wrapping up the regular season against Zapata.

Last Season, the Lionettes finished District Play with a record of 5-2, finishing as the two seed of 32-4A. La Feria carried the momentum into the playoffs, making an area round appearance after defeating Calallen 37-34 in the Bi-District, before falling to Devine 49-23.

“I could go on listing everything,” she said with a small laugh. “But mainly, it is to preserve the integrity of the program and promote what we do, promote school spirit and show our support of athletic teams, campus organizations and the community.”

IT TAKES A TEAM

Gomez won’t be alone in building up the Spirit Program. She is working alongside Lorissa Saenz, the cheer coach; Olympia De León, the dance coach; and Rudy Mata, the program coordinator. She said she looks forward to learning from each person and to learning about their specialties.

Mata was hired in early November as the Spirit and Traditions program coordinator. He will support Gomez with administrative responsibilities for the program, and will help manage requests for team appearances and performances. He also will work with Student Activities to plan campus events that incorporate the spirit program.

The Midwestern State University graduate holds a bachelor’s degree in general business and a

“It combines my love for cheerleading and my professional experience in programming and events,” he said. “It is honestly a dream job, and I never thought I would ever find an opportunity to work with a college spirit program.”

Mata has been involved in cheerleading for more than 15 years, as either an athlete or a coach.

He has a nearly six-year background in parks and recreation, he said, and he feels his experience helped lead him to this position.

“I am excited for the university taking such a serious approach to expanding the existing program and I’m happy to be part of this growth,” he said. “The spirit program already has a great reputation as a competitive team, so I’m looking forward to the new opportunities.”

“And the spirit program will be right there cheering them on,” Mata said. “This expansion is going to add a whole new level to the overall college experience here at UTRGV.”

Gomez said she already sees the talent and dedication the dance and cheer teams are bringing to events, and she wants to help foster that.

“The team is more experienced, they’re more advanced, they’re more mature. I am looking forward to seeing what they can do,” she said.

“I know the program is anticipated to grow a lot, and I’m happy to be part of this new expansion at UTRGV.”

For more information about the Spirit Program, visit https://www.utrgv. edu/studentactivities/spiritprograms/index.htm and https://www.utrgv.edu/ rallythevalley/.

Isela Gomez, head coach of UTRGV Spirit Programs, and Lorissa Saenz, cheer coach, oversee rehearsal on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at the UTRGV Fieldhouse in Edinburg. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Isela Gomez, new head coach of UTRGV Spirit Programs, with Rodolfo “Rudy” Mata, new program coordinator of Spirit & Traditions, at the UTRGV Fieldhouse on the Edinburg Campus. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

The Wall that Heals exhibit to be on display April 20-23 at UTRGV

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica Wall and Mobile Education Center help educate community about Vietnam War’s impact

By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS

– DEC. 1, 2022 – A 375-foot-long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be on display at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on April 20-23, 2023.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) recently chose UTRGV as a stop on the 2023 national The Wall that Heals tour that includes the replica wall and a mobile Education Center exhibit that tells the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict. The free exhibit is designed to put American

experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.

“The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is honored to have been selected to host this very special exhibit in partnership with the City of Edinburg,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ward, dean of the UTRGV College of Fine Arts, which is presenting the exhibit. “At UTRGV, we honor our service members and veterans, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be on display on the grounds of the Community Engagement and Student Success (CESS) Building,

a UTRGV off-campus facility located at 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive. The Wall and exhibit will be open 24 hours a day to the public.

The Wall honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk toward the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in Washington, D.C. In addition, visitors to the exhibit will be able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Edinburg, to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”

The exhibit will also feature a photo display dedicated to “Hometown Heroes” – service members whose names are on The Wall who list their home of record within the area of a visit.

The digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area are honored through

REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS VIA USDA 306C WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL GRANTS PROGRAM

The City of Combes intends to file an application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utility Service under Sectio n 306C Water and Waste Disposal Grants Program, Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 10.770e In accordance with guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture, the City of Combes (City) invites the submittal of responses to this Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified legal firms registered to practice in the State of Texas and interested in providing legal services in connection with the contractual negotiations for design and construction of Waste System Improvements.

The City of Combes will give consideration to the firm with significant, current experience in contractual negotiations for the design and management of state and federally projects similar to the proposed water system improvement project. The proposed project consists of designing , bidding and construction management of one (1) new boo ster station , one (1) new 150,000 -gallon elevated steel storage tank and approximately 23,000 L.F. of 12" PVC water transmission lines. The proposed system improvements are needed in order to stabilize water distribution system ’s pressure within the boundaries of the City of Combes and bring the system into compliance with minimum rules and regulations as set forth by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for municipal water systems The proposed improvements will ensure an adequate volume of safe drinking water to meet the drinking water standards as set forth by State and Federal Agencies.

The project will incorporate numerous sustainability measures the City of Combes is required to comply with under the USDA Section 306C Water and Waste Disposal Grants Program Checklist.

The City of Combes will receive responses to this RFQ until 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on December 28, 2022, at the offices of Combes City Hall locat ed at Texas located at 21626 Hand Road Combes, Texas 78535 The City reserves the right to reject any or all Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) and to waive informalities.

IT IS UNDERSTOOD that Respondents are prohibited from directly or indirectly communicating with City Commission regarding the Respondent's qualifications or any other matter related to the eventual award of a contract for the services requested under this RFQ. Respondents are prohibited from contacting City staff regarding their qualifications or the award of a contract, unless in response to an inquiry to or from staff. Any violation will result in immediate disqualification of the Respondent from the sel ection process.

Submittal - To be considered, one (1) original, six (6) copies, and an electronic copy of the typewritten Statement of Qualifications must be submitted by the time and date indicated herein. The Request for Statement of Qualifications must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. C entral Standard Time on December 28 , 2022, in a sealed container clearly marked "SO Q for Legal Services” to the City Hall 21626 Hand Road Combes, Texas 78535 SOQs received after the deadline will not be considered for award, regard less of whether or not the delay was outside the control of the submitting provider. City of Combes reserves the right to negotiate with any and all service providers submitting timely SOQs.

The City of Combes is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity E mployer. Section 3 Residents, Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, and Labor Surplus Area firms are encouraged to submit SOQs.

Sincerely,

Ms. Aida Gutierrez City Administrator

VVMF’s In Memory program, which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died.

In addition, the exhibit will feature video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at The Wall in Washington, D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam, and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to host the Wall That Heals in our city. Edinburg is known as the ‘Hometown of Heroes,’ and it’s important we pay homage to not only our local heroes but also the thousands of men and women whose service and sacrifice have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms we have today,” said Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr.

The 2023 national Wall That Heals tour is sponsored by USAA. Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit can travel across the country. Local sponsors are UTRGV and the City of Edinburg.

Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 700 U.S. communities, in addition to an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005.

The Wall That Heals is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 1982. The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C., and includes the largest Wall replica that travels

the country. Two VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall.

More information The Wall exhibit can be found at: www.thewallthatheals. org.

For questions about the exhibit or to volunteer during the four-day event, contact Dr. Dahlia Guerra, UTRGV assistant vice president for Public Art & Special Projects, via email at dahlia. guerra@utrgv.edu or call 956-665-2353.

About VVMF

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies and education materials. To learn more about VVMF, visit https://www.vvmf. org/ or call 202-393-0090.

More information about The Wall exhibit

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund chose UTRGV as a stop on the 2023 national The Wall that Heals tour. A 375-foot-long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be on display in Edinburg on April 20-23, 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be on display on the grounds of the Community Engagement and Student Success (CESS) Building, a UTRGV off-campus facility located at 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive. The Wall and exhibit will be open 24 hours a day to the public. (Courtesy Photo)

learn more about VVMF