La Feria News 9-14-22

outdoor workout area.

This Fitness Court, as they call it, is part of the National Fitness Campaign. A campaign that promotes bodyweight exercising and encourages people from all ranges to workout in a fun and safe manner in the great outdoors.

Public Works Director shares that the City received a grant by the Texas Municipal League in the amount of $50,000 for this project. He also shares that Noble Texas Builders LLC donated its resources to assist in the project.

President and CEO of Noble says that the City Manager, Jaime Sandoval approached Noble concerning this very project. Capistran says the first thing he asked was what the impact would have.

“Anything that we do at Noble, through our foundation has to create an impact.” he says, “Then he started telling me how the program worked,” Capistran

shares that he thought it was a great thing for the community.

“I thought it was very intriguing, I said ‘wow we can really help the community in getting healthy by providing some other programs within the fitness court.”

Capistran shares that Noble is always looking for ways to incentivize health and wellness.

Rodriguez thanks Noble Texas builders for donating their time and resources, something that Capistran says is Noble was immediately willing to donate.

“(We’re) looking at about $25,000-30,000 of labor and materials to do everything,” Capistran states that they will be donating the concrete flooring aswell as a back wall.

More news coming your way in the coming weeks and months, stay up-to-date by following us on our social media & by checking out our website at laferianews.net

Road Work Update

street had no caliche laid down; just simply dirt. That means they needed to do extra work to lay caliche first. He shares that every street must have a caliche base in

order to have a strong foundation. “And we had nothing here.”

On Tuesday, September 6, Rodriguez shared that with last week's rains, it’s going to affect 1st street, South Parker, and Magnolia Heights. Hopes are that the weather will allow them to finish up 1st street by Wednesday of this week but there’s not much they can do but wait and see. Rodriguez

says that they plan to start on South Parker road this week aswell.

Javier Vega, Willow, Villareal, and of course Canal street have all been completed. Rodriguez says he is working to ensure the roads are planned out strategically so as to prioritize the streets with the heaviest traffic first of course factoring in other things aswell.

Emilio Flores Feria

La Feria, Texas — Still in the early stages, the Public Works Director,

Alfonso Rodriguez shares plans to lay a 38x38 foot concrete foundation for an

Archive Photo of City Hall building

The progress thus far on the Fitness Court

Emilio Flores

La Feria News

“I know this is a big topic,” Alfonso Rodriguez, Public Works Director says people have

been asking about the road work on 1st street, and what’s going on and, “why it’s taking so long.”

Rodriguez shares that upon construction, the workers found that 1st

A photo of 1st Street and its progress. Workers going over the caliche with the soil compactor after the rains from last week. This photo was taken on 9-7-22 by Emilio Flores, La Feria News.

Editor City Residents:

This letter is in reference to your “Public Work Department Begins New Restoration” article highlighting current and future city projects. Like many citizens, I am excited to finally see improvements to my hometown; however, there are concerns I have with the future “growth” the city is planning. I would like to highlight how the city has no parks and recreation director, city leaders fail to follow parks and recreation ordinances, and the city has failed to spend parks and recreation funds for approximately two years.

First and foremost, the city has no parks and recreation director that oversees the direction of the park’s additions or renovations. Someone with a lack of experience or knowledge of how parks are developed not only ruins the aesthetics of a park but also is not up to date with current park research. If Alfonse

Rodriguez is the one that oversees this department, why are there no recreation hours for our children?

Why is there no park maintenance? Why has broken equipment at Tiny Town, Sloane, and Nature park not been fixed in over a year?

Secondly, the City of La Feria Mayor, City Manager, and City Commissioners were made aware of City Ordinance Article 1.06 Division 2 Section .031, which states, “the city is to have a parks and recreation board to assist in parks and recreation business”. Members of this said board are to:

• “serve as members of the city parks and recreation board, an advisory board to the city commission,”

• “annually assist the city staff in developing a parks and recreation department budget,”

• “responsible for seeking and selecting appropriate volunteer assistance in satisfying needed recreational activities,”

• “keep up with improvements and

developments in the field of recreation and parks, making appropriate recommendations to the city commission which are consistent with budgetary restraints”.

This board allows city members to be included in the future of their city needs. I have inquired about agendas, minutes, and meeting dates for this said board. The city secretary, Amanda Morales, has stated that “after a diligent search it has been determined that there are no documents on file responsive to your request”. I have emailed the mayor, Olga Maldonado, and city manager, Jaime Sandoval, stating I would like to be a part of this board and when the meetings are held. It has been a month- I have yet to receive a response from any of them. I would like to point out that not only are these city leaders in violation of their own city ordinance, but they are also violating Texas Public Open Law Act.

Furthermore, Mr. Rodriguez emphasized the

National Fitness Campaign structure addition to Memorial Park, which was approved at the July 12th city commissioner meeting. Residents should be aware that according to the city accountant, the structure will cost 160,000 dollars of a grant the city received in 2020. The city commissioners and mayor believed this was an excellent idea since Blue Cross Blue Shield was donating 40,000. The city is willing to spend 160,000 dollars to create a new exercise structure instead of a. fixing the recreation gym air conditioner, b. repairing broken park equipment, or c. using the funds to provide recreation services to children of La Feria.

Additionally, if the funds were given in 2020, why has it taken the city two years to plan or act on said funds? I would like to point out that this statement is hearsay. I tried to factcheck this statement; unfortunately, the city secretary has yet to upload the meeting minutes for

public access. I bring this to the communities’ attention because I believe city leaders can do better.

Alfonso Rodriguez’s lack of quality work is already apparent in the restroom additions at our parks. They are poorly constructed, out of date, improperly placed, and some are not ADA compliant I am skeptical Rodriguez can make scientifically based decisions about

what is best for the parks and recreation. I urge community members to evaluate their city leaders' conduct and attend commissioner meetings to communicate our city’s needs.

Sincerely, Stephany Bauer

► A Response From The City Will Be In Next Weeks Edition 9-21-22

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.

UT Health RGV Physicians Reminds Community Of The Importance Of Cancer Screenings And Checkups

and possible treatments to help patients with alcohol and drug addictions.

International Deaf Awareness Week (Sept. 21-27)

The week is set aside to honor the rich cultural history of the deaf community and continue the work of advocating for the rights of deaf people everywhere.

By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – SEPT. 7, 2022 –UT Health RGV physicians have marked a variety of national health awareness campaigns for September.

Listed are UT Health RGV providers available to discuss the importance of regular health screening and annual checkups that can prevent and treat diseases.

Media interested in covering these topics will have access to the following UTRGV School of Medicine faculty and UT Health RGV medical providers for interviews.

Fall Season Flu, COVID-19, and Booster Vaccines

Fall Season vaccines are available at UT Health RGV for students, faculty and staff, and the general community.

– Dr. Lori Berry, pediatrician, UT Health RGV.

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

According to the CDC, ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the country and

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 Communion on the 1st Sunday of every month

Cowboy Church 11235 Swift Ln. Santa Rosa, Tex. Service at 11:00am Sunday 6:30pm pm Monday 956-975-6144 www.westernoutreach.org St. paul Lutheran Church Wendorf 8:00AM (Traditional) 10:30AM (Contemporary) (956) Getsemani Julio y (956) 589-5016 Fifth St. La Feria Tuesday & Thursday 7pm

causes more deaths than any other female reproductive system cancer. This month aims to remind women to get screenings to prevent or treat the disease early.

– Dr. Denise De Los Santos, obstetrician, gynecologist, UT Health RGV.

– Dr. Jorge Casquero Leon, obstetrician, gynecologist, UT Health RGV.

Both physicians can speak to why women should conduct regular screening services at every stage in life – from adolescence to post-menopause – that may help prevent health issues.

National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

This health observance aims to raise awareness of substance use treatment and mental health services that can enable those with a mental or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.

– Dr. Ihsan Salloum, chair of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s Department of Neuroscience and director of the university’s Institute of Neuroscience at UT Health RGV. Salloum can speak on current research at the ION

– Dr. Sandy Magallan, Ear, Nose & Throat specialist, UT Health RGV.

Can speak about the importance of inclusion and understanding of people with hearing loss.

World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10)

This health observance is an awareness day that provides worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Among people age 15 to 34, it is the second leading cause of death.

– Dr. Alcides Amador, psychiatrist and behavioral health specialist. UT Health RGV.

Can speak on the new 988 Suicide Hotline, which will make getting herp easier and more accessible when people need help.

These health observances are an opportunity for the UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV physicians to discuss the work and services provided in these health-related areas.

For more information, contact Saira Cabrera at the UTRGV School of Medicine, at Saira. Cabrera@UTRGV.edu.

First Baptist Church, La Feria

There were three of us in the room. Actually, two of us plus Yoda, our West Highland Terrier. My wife noticed it first, and said it first. “Someone smells bad!” She and Yoda stared at me. “Don’t look at me. I just took a shower.” Then I smelled it and we both looked at Yoda. She just looked away.

At first, we could not identify the smell. Was it burned wood or the garbage? Then we got a nose full. It was skunk! Yoda had met a skunk or rolled on the ground in skunk spray. Though our eyes were burning, Yoda appeared very proud of her choice of perfume.

-Mark S. Ross 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 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

Proverbs 26 offers a crude aphorism. “As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” Dogs can be disgusting, even small cute fluffy ones. This includes returning to the scene of a crime and rolling in it. That should not be a surprise. However, we are surprised when a person repeats foolish behavior, again and again. The biggest surprise is when I am that fool. Habits are hard to break. Good or bad.

UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV providers are available to discuss the importance of regular health screening and annual checkups. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that Letter of Independent Administration in the Estate of JUDITH MARIE SANCHEZ Deceased, were issued to Agustin Sanchez, on August 4 2022, in Cause No. 2022 CPC 00085 now pending in the County Court at Law Number Four of Cameron County, Texas. Claims should be addressed to the Independent Administrator, c/o Hamilton & Lucio, P.C., 805 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville, Texas 78521 3557.

All persons having claims against such Estate, wh ich is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time an d in the manner prescribed by law.

/s/Agustin Sanchez Dependent Administrator

Daniel Zuniga IN THE 103RD DISTRICT § OF Anette Gonzalez § CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS

TO: Anette Gonzalez, DEFENDANT – GREETINGS:

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: "You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 am on the Monday next following the expiration of 42 days after the date this citation was issued, a default 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 103rd District Court of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in said County in Brownsville, Texas. Said Original Petition was filed in said court on the 29th day of July, 2022 in the above entitled cause.

A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to-wit: Trespass to Try Title 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 22nd day of August, 2022.

ATTORNEY: Laura Perez-Reyes

TRAVIS BENCE District Clerk of Cameron County 24029441 974 E Harrison Street 956-440-8900 Brownsville, Texas 78520

By:________________________________________ 1018 East Tyler Harlingen TX 78550 Adriana Munoz, Deputy Clerk

CITATION BY PUBLICATION - TRC 109 & 114

THE STATE OF TEXAS 2022-DCL-02695-D

Felix M Gonzalez § IN THE 103RD DISTRICT COURT VS § OF Felix Gonzalez, Sr. § CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS

TO: Bibiana C. Gonzalez, DEFENDANT – GREETINGS:

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 103rd District Court of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in said County in Brownsville, Texas. Said Original Petition was filed in said court on the 1st day of June, 2022 in the above entitled cause.

A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to-wit: Trespass of Title 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 30th day of August, 2022.

ATTORNEY: Perez-Reyes Cameron

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: "You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 am on the Monday next following the expiration of 42 days after the date this citation was issued, a default 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 103rd District Court of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in said County in Brownsville, Texas. Said Original Petition was filed in said court on the 1st day of June, 2022 in the above entitled cause.

A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to-wit: Trespass of Try Title 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 30th day of August, 2022.

ATTORNEY: Laura Perez-Reyes TRAVIS BENCE District Clerk of Cameron County 24029441 974 E Harrison Street 956-440-8900 Brownsville, Texas 78520

By:________________________________________ 1018 East Tyler Harlingen TX 78550 Munoz Deputy Clerk Felix your attorney do not file a written answer the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 am on the Monday next following the expiration of 42 days after the date this citation was issued, a default 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."

CITATION BY PUBLICATION

CLERK OF THE COURT Sylvia Garza-Perez

ATTORNEY OF PERSON FILING THE CAUSE Paul L. Fourt, Jr. 974 E. HARRISON STREET BROWNSVILLE, TX 78520 1000 E Van Buren Brownsville TX 78520

THE STATE OF TEXAS

In the County Court at Law IV of Cameron County, Texas

To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, IF ANY OF Guadalupe Santos Melendez, Deceased,

GREETINGS:

You are commanded to appear and answer to the Application To Determine Heirship by Hector at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the of from the of of of County, at the Courthouse was on 1,

The file number of said Matter being No. 2020-CPC-00102 County Court at Law IV

The Style being: IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Guadalupe Santos Melendez, 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 2nd day of September, 2022.

Given under my hand and seal of said Court at Office in the City of Brownsville, Texas on this the 2nd day of September, 2022.

Sylvia Garza-Perez, Clerk Cameron County, Texas.

Lionettes of the Hardwood

La Feria begins District against Zapata

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

The La Feria Lionettes began District play of the 2022 Texas High School Volleyball Season. The Zapata Lady Hawks came to town and proved to be a tough test for La Feria.

Set one was a back and forth contest between the Lionettes and Lady Hawks, looked to Dominate on both offense and defense. Ultimately, Offense stole

the show as both teams went to battle in a thriller.

La Feria’s strong offense managed to outlast the Zapata Lady Hawks in set one 25-23.

Set two saw a more intense defense displayed by the Lionettes as they held off Zapata early on to build a more comfortable lead to win set two 2519. Now down two sets, Zapata played a standout brand of volleyball as both offense and defense was exceptional to capture the

last three sets 25-14, 2515, and 15-9.

A tough test to open up District 32-4A Play, The Lionettes showed they can tangle with the best District 32-4A can throw at them. Remaining district opponents include Raymondville, Grulla, Hidalgo, Brownsville Jubilee, Harmony School of Innovation and Port Isabel before round two begins October 1st.

Back on Track

La Feria picks up Week two Win

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

After the 42-21 Week one loss against Donna, The La Feria Lions looked to bounce back against PSJA Southwest. The Javelinas, who suffered a 30-7 loss to Palmview in week one, looked to bounce back and get a big win against the Lions. La Feria, who’s offense got started off in the late stages of the game against Donna, looked to fly from the start.

A Primarily defensive

battle, La Feria and PSJA Southwest faced off in a tough matchup, The Javelinas jumped out with the lead at the half. A 13-7 score going into the third quarter, La Feria’s offense stole the show, picking up a touchdown and outscoring PSJA Southwest 7-6 in the third quarter.

The Stage is set for an exciting fourth quarter. Defense and Offense took control in the fourth quarter. La Feria jumped out to the lead and captured the win 27-25 in a thrilling matchup. The

Lions have now made their record 1-1 in the 2022 season.

Currently 1-1 in nondistrict, La Feria has two more games to go in the Non-District. Week three, La Feria will travel to Sams Stadium to take on the Brownsville Pace Vikings. Week four will be the long awaited home opener for the Lions as they will host Mercedes on Senior Parents Night. Week five will begin the 16-4A Division 1 play as the Lions will host the Alice Coyotes.

The Next Chapter Poem Prayer

International Trade Booming at the Port

Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 (FTZ) at the Port of Brownsville recorded an increase of 28% for the total value of exports in 2021, surpassing the $5 billion mark for the first time.

According to the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board’s 2021 report to Congress released on August 29, FTZ No. 62 ranks second in the country with $5.2 billion in exported goods in 2021,

an increase from the $4.1 billion reported in 2020.

The port’s FTZ has consistently ranked in the top three for exports out of 193 FTZs nationwide since 2012. Additionally, FTZ No. 62 ranks 20th in the nation for the value of imports totaling $4.5 billion.

"This continued upward trend for our foreign trade zone is a reflection of the port’s growth and commitment to be the leading multimodal logistics hub in the Rio Grande Valley," said Eduardo A. Campirano, Port Director, and CEO.

"Our infrastructure expansion at the port supports FTZ No. 62,

contributing to economic opportunities for a successful future for the region."

Top commodities moved through FTZ No. 62 in 2021 were petroleum products, machinery, iron, steel, textiles, footwear, leather goods and fiber materials. FTZ No. 62 includes the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, Valley International Airport, Harlingen Industrial Park and Airpark, NAFTA Industrial Park, and FINSA Industrial Park at Los Indios. of Exports Trade Zone No.

“I Can Hear Now”

UTRGV, nonprofits, partner to provide hearing aids to children and young adults

“Don’t give up,” he said. “It’s a lot better as an adult.”

NORMALIZING ADAPTATIONS

UTRGV’s Stewart said early intervention can shape the trajectory of a child’s life – which is why the collaborative clinic targets babies, children, teenagers and young adults.

“It is critical for children to get hearing devices as early as possible,” she said.

mother, said she is grateful for the services provided through this collaboration.

“These hearing aids cost a lot and it was hard for us to buy them,” she said, “so we’re very thankful for all the help.”

CHALLENGES BEYOND HEARING

Aside from the cost, Magallan said, families can face other hurdles when trying to help their children get medical assistance for hearing problems.

aid of her own. After it was fitted to her ear, she practiced putting it on herself, beaming and nodding shyly as she heard Magallan’s voice clearly, asking if she could hear her.

UTRGV’s Stewart says moments like that make volunteering at the collaborative clinics especially gratifying for her and her graduate students in the communication disorders program.

By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE

VALLEY, TEXAS – SEPT. 1, 2022 – Jose Suarez Jr. is 19 now, but he has had trouble hearing since at least kindergarten, when his teacher first noticed he wasn’t responding to his name during roll call.

Testing revealed he had hearing loss, possibly the result of a high fever when he was just 6 months old.

His mother, Gloria Suarez, said it was very hard, at first, for her and her husband, Jose Sr., to know how they could be supportive.

“I used to go to his firstgrade class every day to help him,” she said.

Today, Suarez Jr., who is from Edinburg, is hearing well – with a little help from assistive technology and a collaborative between UTRGV and several community and business partners.

AID FOR HEARING AIDS

During a pop-up clinic by UTRGV and community partners, held this spring at A+ Audiology in Mission, Suarez Jr. and 17 other children and young adults received new hearings aids – free of charge. They also were fitted for and received counseling on how to maintain their hearing devices.

The event was collaboratively sponsored by the UTRGV Speech and Hearing Center; A+ Audiology; and two nonprofit organizations, Aid the Silent and the Disability Chamber of Commerce RGV.

Dr. Sandy Magallan, clinical assistant professor at the UTRGV School of Medicine and an audiologist at UT Health RGV, organized the pop-up clinic, which also made on-site services available – including testing by Magallan and audiologists from A+, who referred patients to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist (who was on-site for the event) if the hearing loss was likely caused by medical issues, such as an ear infection or tumor.

“In the Rio Grande Valley, there is an extremely limited number of audiologists with the capacity to dispense hearing aids to the hearing-impaired pediatric population,” Magallan said.

“A lot of parents say they feel they’re the only ones on this journey with their child.”

The Suarez family isn’t alone in needing services for a child who is deaf or has hearing loss:

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 2.5 billion people are expected to have some degree of hearing loss by 2050, and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.

• The CDC reports that almost 6,000 infants born in 2019 in the United States were identified early with permanent hearing loss – 1.7 per 1,000 babies screened.

• More than 90 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents.

• Research has found that nearly 1 in 7 Hispanic/ Latino adults has some hearing loss.

Only about 16 percent of adults ages 20 to 69 who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.

POP-UP COLLABORATION

The first pop-up clinic was held in 2021 and distributed 22 hearing aids. The goal was to simplify the process of getting hearing devices to children.

The second pop-up clinic, held in March 2022, had the same goal: to serve low-income Valley families by bringing hearing devices to children and young adults.

By partnering since 2021, UTRGV and the collaborating organizations have been able to efficiently evaluate 30 children and young adults, and took their ear molds in a prior visit.

That visit served as preparation for a second visit to the pop-up clinic to try on the hearing devices – so they could wear them home that same day.

In addition to the nonprofit organizations that collaborated to provide hearing aids and testing services, Texas Hands & Voices (a parent-driven support organization), and the McAllen ISD Regional Day School Program for the Deaf were on hand to provide information for the families.

“We invited other organizations in the area to attend the pop-up clinics because we want to make sure the followup community is there,” Magallan said.

EARLY IMPACT

A parent-infant coordinator was available to inform parents about the communication resources available for children who are not yet of school age, as most of the development of speech and language happens from birth to 3 years of age.

Dr. Jessica Stewart, assistant professor in the UTRGV Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, said early hearing loss has serious negative consequences on a child’s language, and cognitive and social development.

“More severe hearing losses can carry further negative consequences into adulthood, such as limited employment opportunities and an inability to remain independent,” Stewart said.

Angel Lopez, 22, who came to the clinic from Weslaco with very limited hearing, said he struggled a lot without hearing aids as a child. When he was older, he still felt he couldn’t work.

“When I was small and I couldn’t hear, sometimes I would cry,” Lopez said through an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter on-site. “Now, I can hear.”

The hearing aids will help him in school, he said during the spring clinic, both at the McAllen ISD Regional School for the Deaf and in his future career as a car mechanic.

He encourages children who are deaf and hard of hearing to continue to work hard, and get their hearing aids, if possible.

Suarez Jr., now studying criminal justice at South Texas College, got his first hearing aids when he was in first grade. He had to learn to adjust to taking them off at night and whenever moisture or perspiration could affect them, like when he was showering, swimming or exercising.

Early on, he had taken it upon himself to learn to read lips and, even as a child, learned to stay vigilant of his surroundings.

“After getting the hearing aids, I was more responsible – knowing I had to take care of something that was now part of my body,” he said.

The family adapted with other small changes to communicate with him – like whistling a tone he can hear, instead of calling his name. His two siblings, who do not have hearing loss, also respond to dad’s special whistle.

His parents always tried to make him feel normal, he said, like anybody else who uses “adaptive technology.”

“Lots of people need glasses to see,” Suarez Jr. said. “It’s the same thing.”

And, like glasses, hearing aids need to be updated over time: The body changes, hearing changes, ears grow, and new technologies become available.

TIME TO UPGRADE

UTRGV’s Magallan said hearing aids for growing ears are meant to last at least five years, but children might hold onto them a bit longer if they can’t get another set.

“Hearing loss might have a progressive nature, and how fast that happens varies,” she said. “A virus might cause different loss than a genetic component, so we monitor to make adjustments.”

Suarez Jr. is on his fourth set of hearing aids, and he is especially excited about the latest upgrade he received through the pop-up clinic – which are Bluetooth compatible.

“I love music and listen to it all the time,” he said. “Now I’ll hear better, and I can listen to music and movies whenever I want.”

He said he hopes to transfer to UTRGV to study business management and possibly pursue a career as a game warden.

Gloria Suarez, his

The process to acquire hearing aids can be overwhelming and can take many appointments over a period of months.

“You can’t just show up to an audiologist and go home with a pair of hearing aids,” she said.

“You have to get clearance from a doctor – then comes the testing, the molds, the fittings.”

Before the UTRGV School of Medicine began to offer audiology services, often were referred to Corpus Christi or farther away, so for families with limited funds or transportation, that meant their children might have to go without hearing devices altogether or be limited to using those provided at school.

“That’s what’s so cool about these clinics –we condensed most of these services into one day,” Stewart said. “And Aid the Silent provided transportation today for the families that needed it.”

Dr. Patty Roldan, owner and head audiologist at “A+ Audiology” in Mission, said the clinics ease some of the burden on families.

“You can get the best technology – the best services – from three different organizations,” she said. “You don’t see that very often.”

CHANGING TRAJECTORIES

Erika Peña attended the pop-up clinic with her daughter, Dalayna, a second grader from Veteran’s Memorial Elementary in Roma.

Dalayna lost some hearing in infancy, after emergency surgery to remove a tumor.

“They lend her some hearing aids at school, but she needs them at home,” Erika said. “She says she struggles to hear without them.”

So, at the March collaborative clinic, Dalayna got a pink hearing

“I got to see a young man get his hearing aids activated today – his first pair since he was a child,” she said. “The smile on his face made everything worth it.”

SIGNS OF SUPPORT

The pop-up clinics are the start of Magallan’s efforts to network with local and state organizations to increase the availability of services to families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

To further support the community, the UTRGV Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders had held a “Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Walk” in April at the Region One Education Service Center in Edinburg.

Like at the pop-up clinics, organizations were on hand to provide information about services and to network, among them the Statewide Outreach Center’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, Valley Association for Independent Living, and Early Childhood Intervention Services via Texas Health and Human Services.

Magallan said the walk and similar events are intended to be fun for families, but also to be informative.

“We want to get families together so they can mingle with other parents who are on the same journey –together, in one place,” she said.

Additionally, UTRGV’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMD) is working with Ashley Pediatrics, the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program and other organizations to offer health fairs in underserved areas across the Valley, offering free hearing and speech screenings.

UT Health RGV opened its Hearing Center in two clinical locations, Edinburg and Harlingen – in July 2021. The center provides patients – from infants to senior citizens – with high-quality hearing care services, such as diagnostic testing, hearing screenings, hearing aid and cochlear implant services. In this file photo, Eden Davila of Rio Grande City, who has a cochlear implant and requires hearing services and consultations, works with Dr. Sandy Magallan, audiologist and clinical assistant professor in the UTRGV College of Health Professions Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, at the UT Health RGV Surgical Specialty in Edinburg. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

In July 2021, Dr. Sandy Magallan, Au.D., UTRGV clinical assistant professor of Communication Disorders, works with Eden Davila of Rio Grande City at the UT Health RGV Hearing Center, located inside the UT Health RGV Surgical Specialty Clinic in Edinburg. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)