WEEK OF March 16, 2022 THROUGH MARCH 22, 2022
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La Feria ISD 2022 Parental Conference Special to LFN
Artificial Intelligence Predicts Algae Potential as Alternative Energy Source
Page 3
Lionettes Softball
Page 5
On Saturday, March 5, parents gathered in the La Feria High School cafeteria as the district hosted their annual Parental Conference. The morning began with a welcome from Interim Superintendent Lillian Ramos and Family & Community Engagement Coordinator Lorraine Garza. This year’s theme was Together We Are Stronger. First, Patricia Valenzuela, an Education, and Human Development Specialist spoke to the parents and their role in educating their children. Also, parents need to not only tell children the difference between right and wrong but also show the children by being good role models. For example, a parent shouldn’t be smoking while telling their child not to smoke because it’s bad for them. She was then followed by Master of Ceremony speaker Cassandra Zuvieta. The key speakers
were followed by Exhibits, refreshments, and entertainment by student Folklorico teams consisting of C.E. Vail’s Pride Land Cheer Squad, Sam Houston Elementary Folklorico, and Sanchez Elementary 4th Grade Folklorico. Parents and guests were welcome to explore and listen to guest speakers from the following presenters, which were in several classrooms throughout the school. They consisted of Valley Baptist Physician Network, Special Education Services, Counseling & Guidance, Testing & Accountability, Bilingual Department, College & Career, Behavioral Solutions, Technology, Migrant Department, Financial Literacy, Child Nutrition Services, Instructional Practices, and Early College. The morning ended with prize giveaways and closing remarks from school board member Alma Martinez.
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2 • March 16, 2022• LA FERIA NEWS
High Schoolers Test Knowledge, Learn About Neurology, At Second UTRGV Brain Bee
By Karen Villarreal
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MARCH 3, 2022 – It wasn’t your average Saturday morning. Destiny Salinas, a junior from La Joya Juarez Lincoln High School in Mission, was busy cramming her own brain with information about the brain – not for an exam, but for a competition. “I feel pretty confident,” Salinas said before the UTRGV School of Medicine’s Brain Bee competition, which challenges high school students and tests their knowledge of neurology. “I’ve always liked science, so I have some prior knowledge about psychology and brain conditions – but so much is still a mystery,” Salinas said. Dr. Michael Dobbs, professor and chair of the Department of Neurology
at the UTRGV School of Medicine, before the competition began told the 25 high school students – from La Joya, Edinburg and Brownsville – that there is still so much left to discover about brain health and commended them for their interest in the field. “The 1990s was the decade of the brain, and a lot has been discovered since I left medical school,” said Dobbs, whose research as a student contributed to finding dopamine receptors in rat brains in the study of addiction and Parkinson’s disease. “So, these quiz questions are hard,” he said. “There are some I don’t know!” MOTIVATED TO LEARN Hours after the initial quiz – a daunting verbal grilling from a panel of judges – the early confidence paid off for Salinas. She went home
with a first-place trophy, and the renewed motivation to follow through on her medical school aspirations. Second place went to Pablo Berrones from Lopez Early College High School in Brownsville. Eida Aguirre, a junior from Economedes High School in Edinburg, took third place. “I was inspired by the speakers,” Salinas said. Those speakers included professors and medical students from the UTRGV School of Medicine and one of its student organizations, the Student Interest Group in Neurology, or SIGN which led the efforts to organize the second-annual Brain Bee competition. The School of Medicine and SIGN collaborated with UTRGV GEAR UP to give the students the chance to explore this area of the healthcare field. “I saw that they’re giving back to the world in a way
that I want to,” Salinas said. “My parents gave me the world, and I want to make them proud by giving as much as I have received.” Salinas’ next step is to prepare for the USA National Brain Bee, which will be held virtually. Michael F. Minano, a second-year student at the UTRGV School of Medicine and president of UTRGV’s SIGN, discovered his interest in neurology during his master’s studies at the University of HoustonClearlake. He said seeing the high school students learn about neurology takes him back to when he was in their shoes. “I wish I had this opportunity when I was younger,” he said. “Now I know that I want to learn as much about this as I can, so it would have been really cool to be exposed early on.”
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115 E.Commercial Ave. • La Feria, Texas 78559 • (956) 797-2261 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-andcommissions/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 551.001-551.146.
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SUBSCRIPTION RATES $ $ 27 95 Yr. Valley 34 95 Out of Valley Single Copy Price ..................... $.50 ea. Back Issues available .............. $.50 ea. Also distributed to each LFISD School Student.
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 12135 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30pm St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall at the corner of West & Cypress (956) 797-266 LA FERIA SCHOOL BOARD 2nd Monday, 6:30pm Board Room Central Administration Office 505 N. Villarreal St. (956) 797-8300 LA FERIA BAND BOOSTERS 3rd Monday, 7:00pm La Feria HS Band Hall (956) 797-8300 SANTA ROSA SCHOOL BOARD 3rd Monday • 6:30pm Santa Rosa HS Library (956) 636-9800 MAINSTREAM/PLUS DANCE Mondays • 9:30am - noon Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen
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BLUEGRASS JAM SESSIONS Every Tuesday, 1:30pm Kenwood RV Resort 1201 N. Main • La Feria (956) 797-1875
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Musicians by invite only OPEN TO PUBLIC Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen contact Charlie (308) 379-4589 LINE DANCING Weds • 9:00am - 11:30am • $3 Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen
THURSDAYS _____________ SANTA ROSA CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3rd Thursday • 7:00pm Santa Rosa City Hall (956) 636-1113
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LINE DANCING Sat • 1:00pm - 3:00pm • $3 Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen
SATURDAYS _____________ ORDER OF EASTERN STAR HARLINGEN CHAPTER #641 3rd Saturday • 2:00pm Masonic Temple 702 E. Harrison • Harlingen (956) 423-5544
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CORRECTION POLICY Although the La Feria News Staff strives for excellence in all stories and advertising, spelling or typographical errors can occur. If you find any confirmed factual or other type of error, please call 956-233-9928 during business hours or leave a message. WEEKLY COLUMNS printed in the La Feria News contain the opinions of the Authors. They may or may not be the opinion of the Newspaper. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: 1 year subscription delivered by U.S. Postal Service…$27.95 or can be purchased at several convenient locations throughout the cities of La Feria, Santa Rosa, Santa Maria & Blue Town for 50¢. The La Feria News is mailed and delivered Monday, March 14, 2022 and published weekly by La Feria Publishing, LLC. Periodical Postage Rates paid at La Feria, TX., Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 128 W. Oleander Ave., La Feria, TX 78559. (POSTMASTER send address changes to La Feria, P.O. Box 999, La Feria, TX 78559.)
Artificial Intelligence Predicts Algae Potential as Alternative Energy Source
March 16, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 3
Jet fuel, animal feed among potential products from algae for a more efficient way of carbon capture and utilization.” Yuan said algae can also be used as a source for animal feed. AgriLife Research has previously investigated algae as a source of livestock protein.
Joshua Yuan, Ph.D., AgriLife Research scientist, professor and chair of Synthetic Biology and Renewable Products in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, is leading the research project. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo) Written by Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are using artificial intelligence to set a new world record for producing algae as a reliable, economic source for biofuel that can be used as an alternative fuel source for jet aircraft and other transportation needs. Joshua Yuan, Ph.D., AgriLife Research scientist, professor and chair of Synthetic Biology and Renewable Products in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, is leading the research project. The team’s findings were published in January in Nature Communications. Ongoing research is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Fossil Energy Office. The work is also being funded by a gift from Dr. John ’90 and Sally ’92 Hood, who recently met with Yuan to discuss his biofuels research program. The gift is managed by the Texas A&M Foundation. The project team includes Bin Long, a graduate student from the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology; Bart Fischer, Ph.D., co-director of the Texas A&M Agricultural and Food Policy Center and Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics; Henry Bryant, Ph.D., Department of Agricultural Economics; and Yining Zeng, Ph.D., staff scientist with the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Solving the algae limitations as a biofuel “The commercialization of algal biofuel has been hindered by the relatively low yield and high harvesting cost,” Yuan said. “The limited light penetration and poor cultivation dynamics both contributed to the low yield.” Overcoming these challenges could enable
viable algal biofuels to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, alleviate petroleum dependency and transform the bioeconomy, Yuan said. Yuan has previously been successful at finding methods to convert corn stubble, grasses and mesquite into biodegradable, lightweight materials and bioplastics. His latest project utilizes a patented artificial intelligence advanced learning model to predict algae light penetration, growth and optimal density. The prediction model allows for continual harvest
Algae as a renewable energy Algae biofuel is regarded as one of the ultimate solutions for renewable energy, but its commercialization is hindered by growth limitations caused by mutual shading and high harvest costs. “We overcome these challenges by advancing machine learning to inform the design of a semicontinuous algal cultivation (SAC) to sustain optimal cell growth and minimize mutual shading,” he said. Yuan said he is using an aggregation-based sedimentation strategy designed to achieve lowcost biomass harvesting and economical SAC. “The aggregation-based sedimentation is achieved by engineering a fast-growing blue-green algae strain, Synechococcus elongatus UTEX2973, to produce limonene, which increases cyanobacterial cell surface hydrophobicity and enables efficient cell aggregation and sedimentation,” he said. Making algae economical energy Scaling-up the SAC with
an outdoor pond system achieves a biomass yield of 43.3 grams per square meter per day, bringing the minimum biomass selling price down to approximately $281 per ton, according to the journal article. In comparison, the standard low-cost feedstock for biomass in ethanol is corn, which is currently approximately $6 per bushel or $260 per ton. However, Yuan’s process does not call for costly pre-treatment before fermentation. Corn must be ground and the mash must be cooked before fermentation. “Algae as a renewable fuel source was a hot topic a decade ago,” Fischer said. “As a result, there’s a lot of skepticism. I was even skeptical. However, the work that Joshua is doing is incredibly innovative. We were excited to partner on this project. At the productivity levels they obtain – and given the lowcost harvest that the strain allows – it shows a lot of promise.” Yuan said despite significant potential and extensive efforts, the commercialization of algal biofuel has been hindered by limited sunlight penetration, poor cultivation dynamics, relatively low yield, and the absence of cost-effective industrial harvest methods. “This technology is proven to be affordable and help propel algae as a true alternative form of energy,” he said.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are using artificial intelligence for producing algae as a reliable, economic source for biofuel. This illustration depicts integration of machine learning-informed semi-continuous algal cultivation (SAC) and aggregationbased sedimentation (ABS) for biofuel production. (Illustration: Texas A&M AgriLife Research) of synthetic algae using hydroponics to maintain the rapid growth at the optimal density to allow best light availability. The method Yuan and team have successfully achieved in an outdoor experiment is 43.3 grams per square meter per day of biomass productivity, which would be a world record. The latest DOE target range is 25 grams per square meter per day. “Algae can be used as an alternative energy source for many industries, including biofuel and as jet fuel,” Yuan said. “Algae is a good alternative fuel source for this industry. It’s an alternate feedstock for bioethanol refinery without the need for pretreatment. It’s lower cost than coal or natural gas. It also provides
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APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A MIXED BEVERAGE PERMIT AND A MIXED BEVERAGE LATE H O U R S P E R M I T B Y N.A.P. TA C O L L C DBA TACO DADDYS, TO BE LOCATED AT 5250 PAREDES LINE ROAD, SUITE E, B R O W N S V I L L E, C A M E R O N C O U N T Y, TEXAS. MANAGERS ARE NUREDIN A. PANIAGUA AND GALILEA CHAPA.
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APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A WINE AND MALT B E V E R A G E R E TA I L E R’S P E R M I T B Y M A R G A R I TA V I L L A L L C D B A T I N Y CANTINA TO BE LOCATED AT 1004 PADRE BOULEVARD, SUITE J1, SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS. MANAGER OF SAID LLC IS RAUL CORREA JR.
OBITUARY
Joan D. Jones Tucker January 7, 1931- February 25, 2022
Joan D. Jones Tucker was born January 7, 1931. She passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022. For the past six years, Joan was cared for graciously at Golden Palms Retirement Center, along with Dr. John R. Tucker, the true love of her life. Joan devoted her life to service and collecting antiques. She was active in various civic and social clubs such as The RGV Federation of Women’s Club, Junior League of Harlingen, Eastern Star of La Feria, Thomas Barlow Chapter of D.A.R. and Algodon Club holding office of President, Director or Chair. Joan had a special place in her heart for P.E.O and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority serving in many positions of leadership. The Gladys Porter Zoo, Bailey Dunlap Memorial Public Library of La Feria, and Museum of South Texas History were her greatest passions. She was Director of the Gladys Porter Zoo as well as President of the RGV Zoological Society. She felt serving with Gladys Porter was a special honor and never missed a chance to take her grandchildren to see the latest exhibit. Joan was a trustee for the Museum of South Texas History and prided herself in sharing local history with all who would listen. She also chaired the Community Finance Drive to establish the Bailey Dunlap Memorial Library of La Feria in addition to serving on the City Library Board and later with the Friends of the Library. Reading was always a priority. She became one of the Valley’s first accredited Appraisers of Personal Property and loved learning and sharing her extensive knowledge of the history of all collectibles. The family is extremely grateful for all the administrators and staff of Golden Palms Retirement Center, the staff of Amedysis Hospice Care of Harlingen, and all the additional caregivers staying by her side. She is survived by her husband, John R. Tucker, M.D; her children, Jay (Patty) and Jana Lee (Buzz); daughter-in-law, Cynthia; six grandchildren; and, seven great-grand children. Her son, Jamey, predeceased her in November 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed and appreciated to Joan’s favorite charities, the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville (GPZ.org), the Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Public Library 400 South Main St., La Feria, Texas 78559, and The Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg (mosthistory.org). Arrangements have been entrusted to Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W. Business 77, San Benito, Texas 78586. www.sanbenitofuneralhome.com 956.361.9192
First Baptist Church, La Feria As we watch Russia destroy a nation and a people, we cannot help but think of the similarities to the Nazis. Even then, the world’s reaction to the mad man in charge was too little too late. Yet, we know what this new mad man is capable of doing and the nuclear weapons in his hands. Martin Niemöller was a German pastor who, like so many, hesitated to intervene with the Nazis. His poem describes the Nazi’s extermination plan and the fate of those who wait to intervene. First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. Speaking out and speaking up for the people of Ukraine can take many forms. Sanctions are certainly important. Are sanctions loud enough? Whatever is done should never be limited by our fear of retaliation. Niemöller’s poem should remind us that we may be Ukraine someday. -Mark S. Ross DMin.
4 • March 16, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
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An affidavit of adverse possession has been filed in the Cameron County deed records as Instrument No. 2022-7909 An heir claiming ownership of the above-described property must challenge this affidavit by February 25, 2027. CITATION BY PUBLICATION
CLERK OF THE COURT Sylvia Garza-Perez 974 E. HARRISON STREET BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520
ATTORNEY OF PERSON FILING THE CAUSE Judith P. Lucio 805 Old Port Isabel Road Brownsville TX 78521-3557
THE STATE OF TEXAS In the County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, Texas To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY OF William Barrett Welch, Deceased, GREETINGS: You are commanded to appear and answer to the Application To Determine Heirship, filed by Jacqueline Paddock, at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of 10 days from the date of service of this citation, before the Honorable County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, Said Application To Determine Heirship was filed on February 24, 2022. The file number of said Matter being No. 2022-CPC-00062 County Court at Law IV
Sat. March 19 · 9am - 6pm Sun. March 20 · 9am - 5pm
128 W. Oleander
Notice is hereby given that ROBERTO J. CASARES, heir of Cruz Delgado and Pedro Delgado asserts ownership of property locally known as 112 W. 5th Street, La Feria, Cameron County, Texas 78559, also known as 112 Javier Vega Jr. Street, La Feria, Cameron County, Texas 78559, with the legal description: Lots No. Sixty-three (63), Sixty-four (64), Sixty-five (65) & Sixty-six (66), Block Two (2) of DUNN ACRES, being a subdivision of Block Forty-nine (49) of the Minnesota-Texas Land and Irrigation Company’s subdivision of the La Feria Grant in Cameron County, Texas, according to a map of said Dunn Acres filed and recorded in Volume 11, page 62, Map records of Cameron County, Texas.
FOR INFO CALL 361-289-2256
The Style being:
IN THE ESTATE OF William Barrett Welch, Deceased,
The nature of said proceeding being substantially as follows, to wit: Determine who the heirs and only heirs of decedent are and their respective shares and interests in this estate; that no appraisers be appointed; and for all other relief to which applicant may be entitled. Issued on this the 3rd day of March, 2022. Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Office in the City of Brownsville, Texas on this the 3rd day of March, 2022. Sylvia Garza-Perez, Clerk Cameron County, Texas.
Y BULL SE DE A TR
By _/s/Martin Obregon___, Deputy Martin Obregon
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Brief Explanatory Statements of Proposed Constitutional Amendments Special Election, May 7, 2022 Proposition Number 1 (SJR 2)
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SJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation on the total amount of property taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled in order to reflect any statutory reduction in the maximum compressed rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for those purposes on the person’s homestead from the preceding tax year. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to reflect any statutory reduction from the preceding tax year in the maximum compressed rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for those purposes on the homestead.” Proposition Number 2 (SJR 2) SJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from property taxes for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000.” Published by The Office of the Texas Secretary of State, www.sos.texas.gov, 1/800-252-VOTE (8683).
March 16, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5
On a High Note
La Feria Lionettes Begin the District Schedule with Big Win Over Powerhouse
By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News
The La Feria Lionettes have kicked off District 32-4A play against the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats after a lengthy but grueling nondistrict schedule. Currently sitting at an overall record of 13-9, La Feria has had some big wins over big opponents through the course of non-district play. After a huge opening day win over Economedes, La Feria suffered a big loss to Edinburg Vela 9-3 but quickly racked up three straight wins over Powerhouses Nikki Rowe, PSJA North and
a dominating 22-1 win over Valley View. Then after two straight losses to Weslaco East and Harlingen South, La Feria bounced back with 5 straight wins before suffering a shutout loss to Lyford. Since then, it has not been an easy ride. La Feria has only won two of their last six games. Heading into 32-4A play, the Lionettes sent a message to the rest of the District with a dominant 15-4 win over powerhouse Rio Hondo. The Lionettes struck first with 9 runs within the first two innings and played standout softball to limit the Lady Bobcats
Santa Rosa High School Golf at the Tierra Santa Golf Course
to only four runs and tack on six runs to end the game after five innings of play. La Feria will take on Rio Hondo again on April 1. Up next on the 32-4A Agenda, The Lionettes will host Raymondville for their district home opener then travel to Grulla to take on the Lady Gators on March 22. March 25, The Lionettes will host Hidalgo before wrapping up round one of district play against Port Isabel on March 29. After a certainly grueling non-district run, The Lionettes look very prepared for the rest of 32-4A play after their huge 15-4 district opener win.
MEET THE
LIONETTES Photo from La Feria ISD’s Facebook Page.
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6 • March 16, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
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March 16, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7
W.B. Green Treble Choir Competed at UIL Contest The Next Chapter Poem Walk the Way To walk each day the narrow path, Avoid the traps the Devil hath. As time does go, The times will tell The broader roads that lead to Hell, So guide your feet where’er you go, May righteousness be what you sow. Poem by James Arnold
This past Monday, the W.B. Green Treble Choir competed at the official 2022 UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest where they earned SWEEPSTAKES, the highest honor in concert and sight reading!
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LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS
THEME: THE OSCARS ACROSS 1. “In the Hall of the Mountain King” composer Edvard ____ 6. Marlboro debris 9. *Academy Award ceremony audience sound 13. Botch 14. Sigma ____ fraternity
15. Ten million, in India 16. Embryo sacs 17. Literary “even” 18. Tax evader’s fear 19. *Most nominated streamer in this year’s Oscars 21. *Most-nominated Black actor in Oscar history 23. Opposite of yang 24. Lard cousin 25. *Milk ___ movie snack
28. Poetic source of Norse mythology 30. 2020 demographic event 35. Arrival times, acronym 37. Baseball points 39. Camelot to King Arthur 40. Actress Campbell 41. *Where Oscar-winner “Slumdog Millionaire” was set 43. Not in favor
44. *What Halle Berry did when she won an Oscar in 2002 46. Jet black 47. Lively 48. Paid killers (2 words) 50. Upon 52. Rally repeater 53. Sweet-talk 55. Not outs 57. *Total Oscar nominations for “The Power of the Dog” 60. *One of this year’s Oscar hosts 64. Exotic juice flavor 65. *Jamie Foxx won an Oscar in 2005 for this flick 67. Bizet’s “Carmen,” e.g. 68. Off kilter 69. *1942’s “Holiday ____,” Oscar winner 70. Admit (2 words) 71. Afterward 72. And so on acronym 73. Took the Kool-Aid DOWN 1. J. Edgar Hoover’s man 2. Ice on a window 3. Antonym of “is” 4. Enlighten 5. Puck stopper 6. Kilimanjaro top, e.g. 7. Pronoun 8. Hinduism follower 9. *”Parallel Mothers” nominee Penelope 10. Prospector’s mother 11. Seed coat 12. Lassie, e.g. 15. Type of horse gait 20. Lemur from Madagascar 22. European Economic Community 24. Playground attraction 25. *”Belfast” nominee, “Shakespeare in Love” winner 26. First cradles 27. Lifeboat support 29. *Denis Villeneuve’s scifi nominee 31. Type of tide 32. Not so crazy 33. Extremist 34. *”King Richard” nominee, once a fresh prince 36. Give an impression 38. Land of Israel 42. Shenanigan 45. Remove claws 49. Presidential election mo. 51. Waiting on the phone (2 words) 54. Eagle’s nest 56. Like the Incredibles 57. Backside 58. Boat track 59. Not odd 60. Update, as in a FitBit 61. Formerly Facebook 62. *Julia Robert’s 2001 Oscar-winning role 63. Colonel or captain 64. Gangster’s gun 66. ____ eater or ____ hill
8 • March 16, 2022 • LA FERIA NEWS
Importance of Making Children TSC EMS Director Now Comfortable in Hospitals HARLINGEN – Hospitalization can be a stressful event for anyone, but for children, a hospital stay can be especially difficult due to their age, level of understanding, degree of illness, and strength of support system. There are, however, ways parents and healthcare providers can team up to make a child’s hospital stay easier to cope with, said Claudia Lopez, MSN, RN, and director of pediatric & pediatric intensive care unit services at Valley Baptist Medical CenterHarlingen. Because children process information from the world around them differently than their adult counterparts, the way they manage the stress of hospitalization is also different, Lopez said. “When a child experiences illness or injury it affects the normal progression of their development. For example, imagine a toddler who is gaining independence through new skills like walking and talking,” she said. “When they come to the hospital, not only are they in an unfamiliar environment, but they also have to be attached to an IV pole, may have
to stay in bed, and most of their opportunities for making choices are taken away.” Lopez said it is in coping with those changes in routine where play can serve a vital role in helping children heal and recover. Because March serves as Child Life Month, there is no better time than the present to stress the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy during a child’s hospital stay. “Play is adaptive. Play fills the gaps created by stress and illness. Play minimizes the limitations and enhances the natural abilities to cope and find pleasure in their surroundings,” she said. That play can take a variety of forms, Lopez said. From activities in bed to specialized rooms for younger and older pediatric patients, Valley Baptist Medical CenterHarlingen and Valley Baptist-Brownsville offer a number of opportunities for young patients to normalize their time in the hospital. Dr. Asim Zamir, Chief of Pediatrics at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville, said that for children, the experiences surrounding hospitalization can be
far more difficult to cope with because children often lack the life experience of their adult counterparts. “For pediatric patients, a trip to the hospital can be especially traumatic. In addition to the medical reason for their visit, which is likely stressful on its own, they are introduced to an environment full of unusual sights and sounds,” he said. “Depending on their age, children may have unpleasant memories of previous hospital visits, or they may have seen things on television or in movies that don’t always portray hospitals as bright and cheerful spaces.” Zamir said that the road to recovery for pediatric patients starts with pediatric nurses and physicians who are experienced in helping their patients feel at ease during an incredibly stressful time in their lives. “We work incredibly hard to help our patients feel relaxed,” he said. “We work to take their minds off their concerns by asking questions about their interests. We engage in conversations about school, their favorite television shows, their pets, and their
friends. We encourage them to share stories.” While specialized rooms, activities, and experienced healthcare providers are important to a child’s recovery, Lopez said that family plays a vital role on the path to wellness. “Family members are the consistent in kids’ lives, so they are the primary comfort and support. It’s crucial that family members are well-informed and feel empowered to do what they know is best for their child. A child may worry that they will have to stay in the hospital alone, or that they won’t be shielded from pain or discomfort. This can cause some tension, and caregivers are often afraid to give kids the truth when it’s not “happy” or “positive”, but communicating honestly and giving children reasonable expectations builds trust and allows them to more effectively rely on you,” she said. For more information on pediatrics services for Valley children at both Valley Baptist-Harlingen and Valley BaptistBrownsville, visit www. valleybaptist.net.
report on physician mental health and suicide, 66 percent of male physicians and 58 percent of females who reported burnout, depression, or both had never received professional help, were not currently seeking professional help, and did not plan to seek professional help. Given that data, the UTRGV School of Medicine decided aggressive steps are needed to address the rampant problem of burnout among healthcare practitioners. Jamal, along with Dr. Deepu George – coprincipal investigator on the grant, UTRGV associate professor of Family Medicine, and a behavioral health consultant – will develop and implement training activities to reduce and address burnout, suicide, mental health conditions and substance use disorders among healthcare workers. “The intended goal is to boost the resiliency of healthcare students, residents, professionals and trainees in rural and underserved communities like the Rio Grande Valley,” Jamal said.
Initiatives – The School of Medicine will provide self-management at the individual and program level, powered by the launch of the Wellness Mobile Application (WMA) prototype, and the dissemination of a Wellbeing Champion Toolkit (WCT) to each UTRGV Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. System Redesign – The School of Medicine will develop a Master Trainer Faculty Development (MTFD) track to graduate 20 GME faculty members with competency to internally deliver resiliency curricula to residents and fellows. “Our intended goal is that, by 2024, the Fortify Resilience initiative will impact more than 150 UTRGV residents and fellows, along with training 20 faculty members,” Jamal said. Dr. Michael B. Hocker. dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president for UT Health RGV, said these projects are crucial to the future of medicine. “We know here at UTRGV just how important being proactive with one’s mental health is,” Hocker said. “This is a perfect example of how we are thinking to the future to ensure that our patients, as well as those who serve them, are healthy.” Jamal and her team will begin implementing the program by summer 2022. “If our residents are healthy and resilient, then our patients and our Valley community will be safer and get higherquality healthcare. That’s our goal.”
UTRGV School of Medicine Mental Health Grant
Dr. Nausheen Jamal, chair, UTRGV School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
By Dimitra Trejo RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MARCH 7, 2022 – You go to the doctor to get your check-up, but have you ever thought, “Who checks up on my doctor?” Now, funded by a $1.75 million grant, the UTRGV School of Medicine is looking to address just that – the mental health of physicians and ways to support and improve it. As part of the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)‘s Fortify Resilience Initiative grant, the School of Medicine plans to implement programs
designed to “check up” on physicians to combat the mental health issues seen in the medical field. Dr. Nausheen Jamal – associate dean of Graduate Medical Education, Designated Institutional Official, and professor and chair of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery – was one of 34 grantees across the country to get the grant, aimed at improving the wellbeing of the healthcare workforce. “From research that we do, we have seen that patients get higherquality and safer care when their physicians are doing well,” she said. According to a 2018
KEY DRIVERS The team plans to address mental health disparities via three key drivers: Access Strategies – The School of Medicine will provide clinical coaching services; evidence-based wellness curricula through live online-learning sessions; and yearly wellness checks for all residents and fellows. Empowerment
also Author
TSC EMS Director Scott Nelson has added another publication to his arsenal of skills with his recent coauthored piece EMS Telemedicine: Watch the Details.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (March 9, 2022) - For more than three decades, Texas Southmost College Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program Director and Instructor Scott Nelson has worked and trained in the EMS field and is a published writer; he recently added another publication to his list of credentials. In collaboration with his EMS colleagues from across the country – Paul Murphy, Christopher Colwell, Gilbert Pineda, Clay Wortham and Nelson published, EMS Telemedicine: Watch the Details in Healthcare Business Today. Telemedicine, in the article, is defined as, remote care services furnished via synchronous audio/visual technology or asynchronous “store and forward” technology. “Technology in the health care field is advancing so rapidly, and it’s no different in the pre-hospital setting,” said Nelson. “We’re finding more efficient and reliable technology to help us in the field. So, it’s no wonder with telemedicine usage on the rise, that EMS professionals would also incorporate it in the field.” The article explains the role EMS play in providing basic and advanced life support in an uncontrolled field setting that can include rural, suburban, urban or remote care environments and how telemedicine would be an excellent supplement to standard EMS offline and online medical control. Working in rural areas from Alaska to Colorado, Nelson has implemented telemedicine and robotics as a paramedic and expanding it across the country will give everyone the opportunity to benefit from its services.
“Every EMS agency and its technicians and paramedics has a protocol to follow and as medical professionals we sometimes face difficult life-saving decisions,” said Nelson. “Now imagine we can get real-time feedback from doctors and specialists in a hospital setting, it’s a game changer.” Another game changer is what TSC EMS students get to learn under the direction of Nelson as an author and longtime EMS professional. In addition to this article on telemedicine services for EMS, he has also coauthored four other articles for “EMS Magazine”: Project Management, Managing the Patient with Psychological Disorders, Time Management for EMS Personnel and Make Meetings Matter. “I get to share my work with my students, to introduce and expose them to the foundations and advancements in EMS,” said Nelson. “Really, this is all a great learning experience for them and for me. Sharing my knowledge is something I love as I train the future of EMS, and this gives me another way to add to their tool belt of skills.” As advancements in the EMS field are made, Nelson looks forward to publishing further works sharing his newfound knowledge. “EMS is a field where you learn something new every day. Learning never stops,” he said. “And as long as I am learning, I plan on teaching others and sharing what I know both in the classroom and with the written word.” For more information about TSC’s EMS program, call 956-295-3731 or visit tsc.edu.
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