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City Manager Annual Evaluation Gets Council Approval By Tony Vindell
Community COVID-19 vaccination clinics on the rise
Page 2 Cameron County order issued after rising COVID-19 Cases
City Manager Mark Milum’s job as the city‘s chief administrator was discussed by the Los Fresnos City Council and he received a satisfactory evaluation. The council met in executive session during its first meeting of 2021 held Tuesday, Jan. 12. Milum has been city manager for 16 years, running a workforce of 60 employees and a budget of more than $8.1 million. He has said the city’s finances are in excellent condition and keeps reaping the benefits of an economic and population growth. In other business, the council approved a “Thank a Teacher” campaign to appreciate those work-
City Secretary Jacqueline Moya, left, receiving a plaque from Los Fresnos Mayor Alex Flores.
ing with the local school district. The board heard a report from Val Champion, the executive director of the local Chamber of Commerce, about the many events ei-
ther organized or co-hosted by the organization. A service agreement with the University of Texas Health Science Center was also approved so the city can continue
City Manager Mark Milum said the county contacted the city earlier about hosting a clinic. The initial plant was to hold the event on Friday, Jan. 15, but that changed as the vaccines arrived earlier than anticipated. A second clinic took place Friday, Jan. 15 at the Brownsville Sports Complex. The changes in plans drew complaints from area residents because as it was a last-minute decision. However, the most important thing is that some 5,000 additional vaccines were available. Los Fresnos and Brownsville clinics followed the first mass vaccination campaign held in Cameron County and up 2,000 people received the anti-virus shots.
The campaign was held on Jan. 8 at Casa del Sol in Harlingen and it was organized by the county’s Public Health Department and the city. Initially, 1,000 Moderna vaccines were on track to be administered, but another 1,000 shots were confirmed to arrive by about 10 a.m. on the day of the mass vaccination. Among those receiving a shot was Corinne Acuna of Brownsville. “I got in line since 5 a.m. today,” she said, while waiting for the suggested 15 minutes observation after a shot was given. “ Acuna said it was worth waiting for five hours. “I wasn’t sure I was going to get a shot but I got it,” she said with a sigh of relief. “And if I didn’t I would
with a program aimed at motivating residents to stay healthy. The council approved extending a contract with Republic Services for solid waste removal as well as
a “Thank a Teacher” campaign later this year. May 3-7 is this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week and Milum said there is enough time to plan something to appreciate those working for the local school district. Pablo Garza, the city’s finance director, received a certificate of achievement for excellence financial reporting and Jacqueline Moya, the city’s secretary, was recognized for completing a Texas Municipal Court Clerks Certification Program course. The councilmen also reappointed three members to the city’s Community Development Corp. board of directors. They are Leonel Casanova, Marcos Garza and Daniel Alvarez.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Reaches Los Fresnos By Tony Vindell
Page 2 UTRGV Hospitality and Tourism Management students participate in second national competition
Page 6
LOOK INSIDE Classified................. pg 3 Sports...................... pg 4 Puzzles.................... pg 5 Activity Page........... pg 6
The battle against the Covid-19 virus has been intensifying as thousands of vaccines have been given to people working in the health care industry, first responders, people who are 65 years old and above and those with underlying conditions. The antivirus battle was brought to Los Fresnos on Wednesday, Jan. 13 as more than 2,000 vaccines were available to area residents. The vaccination clinic was held from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the city’s Emergency Medical Services/Fire Department headquarters on Rodeo Drive. Several hundred vehicles could be seen parked across from the building early Tuesday afternoon.
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The antivirus battle was brought to Los Fresnos on Wednesday, Jan. 13 as more than 2,000 vaccines were available to area residents.
have tried again.” Narciso Lopez, an employee with the Cameron County Health Department, said some people
asked about the side effects of the vaccine. “Other than that,” said the Los Fresnos resident, “everything went smoothly.”
2 • JANUARY 20, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Community COVID-19 vaccination clinics on the rise By NELDA BRIONES
Community COVID-19 vaccination clinics have started popping up in the valley. The community clinics have been administering doses to the Tier 1A, which are frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. They have also started distributing to Teir 1B, which are people age 65 and older and people age 18 years and older with at least one chronic medical condition. Those chronic medical conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart conditions, organ transplantation, obesity, type-two diabetes, and pregnancy. Hidalgo County held the first clinic at the Mercedes RGV Livestock Show Grounds on January 5, 2020. Lines formed the day before as 800 vaccines were to be
distributed to the community. By the morning of the vaccine distribution, they already had all the people they needed for the 800 doses. La Joya also had a vaccine distribution on Thursday January 7, 2020 and quickly reached capacity by the morning of their distribution (800 doses). On Friday, January 8, 2020, Cameron County held its vaccination clinic starting with 1,000 doses of the vaccine. It was a first-come first-serve basis. Like the other clinics, they were full by the morning of distribution. Later in the afternoon, however, another unexpected shipment of 1,000 doses arrived. Two thousand people were vaccianted. On Tuesday January 12, 2020, DHR Health had a mass vaccination clinic at
Photo Credit: Cameron County Public Health Facebook page
the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg where they distributed 6,500 doses of the vaccine.
Right now, the DSHS website states only Phases 1A and 1B are being vaccinated at
this time. Go to www.dshs. texas.gov for more information on vac-
cine distributions links where you could check for vaccine availability.
the holidays and an increase in hospitalizations Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. has decided to close all bars and similar establishments that hold a permit from TABC and are not restaurants. They may no longer offer on-premise service and must remained closed until such time.
As for restaurants they may remain open but only operate at 50 percent. All social gatherings still must continue not to exceed groups of more than 10 persons that are not members of a single family may not assemble socially whether indoors or outdoors. Face coverings must be worn by all
people 10 years or older shall in a public place or working in areas that involve close proximity with other coworkers. As a reminder, face coverings do not need to be worn when exercising or engaging in outside physical activities, while driving alone or with passengers who are part of the same
household, when doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk. Also, while pumping gas, operating outdoor equipment or when actively consuming food or drink. You could find all the updated information on the county’s website at www.cameroncounty.us.
Cameron County order issued after rising COVID-19 Cases
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño - Credit to Curtesy Photo
By Nelda Briones On January 8th Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. issued its twelfth amended emergency management order. Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. received word from the Texas Department of State
Health Services indicating that our Region Trauma Service Area V has exceeded 15 % of COVID-19 hospitalized patients as a percentage total of hospital capacity for seven consecutive days. With COVID-19 spreading quickly after
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43rd Annual
Cattleman Bull & Female Sale January 23, 2021 • 12:00 Noon
El Campo Livestock Auction, El Campo, TX
EXpECTiNg 100 BuLLs
Also selling a group of select females For information:
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City of Los Fresnos
PUBLIC NOTICE
City of Los Fresnos Notice of Public Hearing on Annexation
www.cattlemansale.com
Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that the City of Los Fresnos, Texas proposes to institute annexation proceedings to enlarge and extend the boundary limits of said city to include the following described territory, to-wit:
36th AnnuAl DeWitt County All BreeDs Bull & FemAle sAle
A 12.168 Acre Tract of land out of Tract 45, Subdivision “F” of Paredes Tract Subdivision in Share 19, Espiritu Santo Grant, Cameron County, Texas; said 12.168 Acre Tract also being out of a certain 747.21 Acre Tract of land.
Adrian Knight Tx Lic #11102 903-452-7591
Kelly Conley Tx Lic #9558 903-850-3449
Sat., Jan. 30 Cuero livestock Commission Co.
Bulls sell at 11 am Females sell immediately following approx. 30 BullS and 250 FemaleS Offering the following BUlls
Angus • Charolais • Brahman Polled Hereford • Brangus Red Brangus • Beefmaster
Females Featuring Bred, Pairs, and Opens
F1 Braford (many Tiger Stripes) • Brangus • Brangus Baldy Brahman • Angus • Hereford • Beefmaster • Other Crossbreds Sponsored by the DeWitt County Purebred Breeders Assoc. and the DeWitt County Beef and Forage Committee. For more information: Anthony Netardus 115 N. Gonzales, Suite E, Cuero, TX 77954 • 361-275-0816 If unable to attend the sale in person, cattle sale viewing and bidding can be done on “Cattle In Motion” (cattleinmotion.com)
ETHEL L. WHIPPLE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
The public hearing will be held by and before the City Council of the City of Los Fresnos, Texas on the 9th day of February, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Los Fresnos City Hall located at 520 E. Ocean Blvd., Los Fresnos, Texas 78566 for all persons interested in the above proposed annexation. At said time and place all such persons shall have the rights to appear and be heard. Of all said matters and things, all persons interested in the things and matters herein mentioned will, will take notice.
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PUBLIC NOTICE Without public notices in the newspaper, you’re left guessing.
Public notice is your right to know about the issues that directly affect your life. And, you can easily find public notices in your local newspaper. Without public notices in the newspaper, you’re left to guess about what the government is doing in your community and how elected officials are spending your tax dollars. Your local newspaper fulfills an essential role in serving your right to know. After all, it shouldn’t be your responsibility to know how to look ... where to look ... when to look ... and even what to look for in order to be informed about public information. It is the government’s responsibility to notify you of public information, and your local newspaper is the most accessible place to find it.
New Library Hours Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 402 W. Ocean Blvd. • Los Fresnos, TX 78566 • (956) 233-5330
PUBLIC NOTICES IN NEWSPAPERS. Where public information is accessible to the public.
4 • JANUARY 20, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Falcons Edge Eagles 47-46
(956) 797-9920 • email: riosportsmagazine@gmail.com
Los Fresnos Boys improve to 4-0 in district.
Los Fresnos Girls Basketball Team
Lady Falcons soar above Hounds 61-23 Girls are now 4-1 in district.
NBA Protocols Postpone Games
Tues-Sat • 7am-1pm CURBSIDE ONLY 32184 State Hwy 100 • Los Fresnos
By LANDON JENNINGS
The NBA lost half of last season to Covid-19 pandemic shutdown. The playoffs were salvaged via postponement, the Bubble and strict health and safety rules. Better late than never, the current NBA season started just before Christmas. Unfortunately Covid-19 has not allowed for a smooth start so far. New Health and Safety Protocols have quarantined and sidelined many players. Even without positive tests players are sidelined by reported contact. All of this is an
effort to keep players, staff, and their families safe while avoiding a shutdown of the season. According to NBA. com, any player testing positive is not even allowed to exercise for 10 days and then is monitored for 2 more days in individual workouts. While a league wide shutdown has not happened, many players have been unavailable for games. This has disrupted teams’ practice and game plans. Some players have even been removed during games to enter protocol. Per NBA rules a team
must have 8 available players to participate in a game. So while many teams have at least some players out, most games have taken place as scheduled. However, seven games have been postponed due to at least one team not being able to field the required 8 players. Here is a list of postponed games so far: Dec. 23: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets Jan. 10: Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
Jan. 11: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks Jan. 12: Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls Jan. 13: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Jan. 13: Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards Jan. 13: Atlanta
Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns More games are expected to be postponed also. Officially these games are labeled “postponed” but none have been rescheduled yet. And no announcement has been made of when those decisions will be made. Hopefully, as more vaccines become avail-
able, the League can get a better handle on the situation. Right now NFL playoffs are keeping the national sports audience satisfied. Soon that will be over and the NBA will take center stage. When that happens, we want to see epic matchups of stars, not blow outs because half of one team is in quarantine.
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JANUARY 20, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 5 win. True, she was usually wrong and he was usually right, but at least they could have conversations about something other than money or kids. Now, another sixteen years later, the kids were grown and gone and Christine’s feeble interest in Bryan’s sports had completely rotted away. In fact, resentment toward all forms of sports grew in its place. The games had come between them after all and she had lost his attention forever. So for the past couple of years, she allowed her own obsession to take over on Super Bowl
The Love Affair
By Nandy Ekle
Christine fluffed up the couch pillow with a sigh. Another year, another Super Bowl. She often wondered what she would do as a widow. Right now she knew exactly what she would do, and it would not involve any sort of sports. She smiled. She loved Bryan to the ends of the earth, but she resented that she
had to share him with football, basketball, baseball, NASCAR, wrestling, boxing, and every other contest out there, including the Olympics every two years. He didn’t watch things like figure skating or gymnastics. Oh, no. He watched the races and the weight lifting, anything showing a big strong he-man. Except volleyball. He liked watching the women’s volleyball teams—she
rolled her eyes at the thought of the bikini-type uniforms they wore. Well, she understood all that when she married him. In fact, he had proposed to her in the bleachers during halftime at a hockey game. The teams were in their huddles while the Zamboni cleaned the blood off the ice. He took a swig of beer, looked her in the eyes and said, “Hey, you wanna’ get married?” She had been so stunned that all she could do was move her
head up and down. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, then the horn blew and the teams had taken their places back on the ice. That was 26 years ago. They had raised two children, eaten a lot of hot dogs and popcorn, and watched a lot of games together. During the first ten years she tried desperately to enjoy the games with him. She studied up on rules, locations, and teams. She even made predictions about which team would
This story continues next week. The Next Chapter is a column featuring a serialized continuing short story from a local author. You can submit your own original story for publication at news@laferianews.net.
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LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE GRAMMY AWARDS ACROSS: 1. Nothing-but-net in basketball
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6. "Zip it!" 9. The ____ in Switzerland 13. Ann Patchett's novel "Bel ____" 14. "Mele Kalikimaka" wreath 15. Ten million, in India
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Sundays. As she arranged the sandwich plate and the chip bowl she thought of her little indulgence. Every year on Super Bowl Sunday she had a date with another lover. She never considered it wrong because for one thing, she and Bryan both got what they wanted. It had to be okay, right? For another thing, Bryan, well aware of her tryst, never said a word about it. In fact, he encouraged it. As long as she didn’t interfere with his game, he didn’t care what she did. His neglect had pushed her to look elsewhere.
16. Fire in one's soul 17. Crematorium jar 18. Trail follower 19. *Artist with most 2021 Grammy nominations 21. *Powerhouse Award 2020 winner with six 2021 nominations 23. *____ Sayer's "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" 24. Pettifoggery 25. Lending letters 28. "Through" in text 30. Butcher's discards 35. Fortune-telling coffee remnant 37. Crew equipment 39. Asian goat antelope 40. "Polar Express" roof rider 41. Toughness 43. *Two-time Grammy winner Kelly 44. Watch word?
46. *Best New Artist nominee Cyrus 47. "Clueless" catch phrase 48. *Black Pumas' nominated record 50. Hand-me-down 52. NYC time zone 53. *____ Loaf, winner of one Grammy 55. Nirvana's "Come as You ____" 57. *Post Malone's twicenominated work 61. *Venue of 2021 Grammy Awards 65. Dig, so to speak 66. Reunion bunch 68. Silk-patterned fabric 69. On Elsa of Arendelle's head 70. Historical period 71. Join the cast of, two words 72. Balkan native 73. Dog's greeting 74. Bed cover DOWN: 1. Union foe 2. Stuff for sale, sing. 3. Capital of Indiana, for short 4. Counter seat 5. "The Green ______" 6. Swerve 7. *"I Can't Breathe" artist 8. Delhi language 9. Seed coat 10. Trickster in Norse mythology 11. Like "Dead Poets Society" school 12. Blood fluids 15. Winnowing remains, pl. 20. Salmon variety, pl. 22. Flying saucer acronym 24. Event attendance 25. Kind of committee, two words 26. Movie trailer, e.g. 27. He had no cause? 29. *"____ on Me" by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande 31. Cheese on Peloponnese 32. "...when out on the lawn there ____ such a clatter..." 33. Large-eyed lemur 34. *"Folklore" nominee and recipient of 10 Grammys 36. Nancy Sinatra's boots 38. Sinbad's seven 42. Semolina source 45. Cloth armband 49. Get the picture 51. Movie genre, pl. 54. Off kilter 56. Longer than #70 Across 57. A and B, e.g. 58. Doing nothing 59. *Katy Perry's 2013 Grammy-nominated song 60. Stewie Griffin's bed 61. Unforeseen obstacle 62. Low-cal 63. One of Great Lakes 64. Email folder 67. Composer Gershwin
6 • JANUARY 20, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
UTRGV Hospitality and Tourism Management students participate in second national competition
Photo by The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
By Amanda L. Alaniz RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JAN. 11, 2021 – The UTRGV Hospitality and Tourism Management program is a little more than a year old, yet it continues to gain national attention. Four Hospitality and Tourism Management students competed in a national competition called “Redesigning the Restaurant of the Future,” hosted by Restaurant Finance Monitor, in November. The students were to create a new restaurant concept and major revitalization of existing ones. Teams would present their ideas to a conference audience and answer questions from a panel of experts for judging. Each presentation would include elements of several items, such as
brand strategy, operational plan, real estate location, marketing concepts and demographic profile. For another element of the competition, the teams were to consider COVID-19 social distancing analysis, creating a concept in which customers would feel safe during a time of uncertainty, but still have a memorable experience. The UTRGV team competing, called “Pronto,” consisted of: Ace Palomero, graduate, Master of Business Administration, of Mission. Aniella Perez, graduate, Master of Business Administration, of McAllen. Abelardo Villarreal, senior, Accounting major, of Mission. Elia Juarez, senior, Hospitality and Tourism
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Hundreds Attend President Trump’s Arrival to the RGV
JANUARY 20, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7
Ask Our Dentists Q: I recently took my kids to the dentist and he recommended sealants. Although he quickly explained what a sealant is, I still have questions. What is a sealant?
by DR. ADAM LALONDE
Dr. Adam Lalonde
Trump supporters Marisa Prado,left, and Blanca Roy, welcoming the president’s arrival to the RGV.
By Tony Vindell Hundreds of residents from throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley witnessed the arrival of President Donald Trump who was here to dedicate the completion of some 400 miles of border wall. The Air Force One airplane carrying the president landed at about 1 p.m. on a gloomy and cold day on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at Valley International Airport in Harlingen. He then went to the Upper Valley for a brief ceremony.
Trump was here for the second time in his presidency and during the day the U.S. House of Representatives initiated impeachment procedures for his reported role in the Jan. 5 mayhem at the U.S. Capitol. But for the hundreds of supporters who showed up to take a glance even if it was just at the light and blue United States of American airplane transporting the president, nothing else mattered. Most of them, carrying the usual flag with the words “Trump 2020
Make America Great,” cheered and applauded as the aircraft was descending with its landing gear out. “It’s about time he comes back here,” Harlingen resident Marisa Prado said. “Nobody has done more for the United States than President Trump.” She said when Trump was elected four years ago, the entire world paid attention to him. “He captured every audience immediately,” Prado said. “And under him, we learned a lot
Senator Gives Update On PPP Loan By Office of Senator John Cornyn
The COVID-19 Relief Bill, supported by Senator Cornyn and signed into law on December 27, 2020, included $325 billion in aid for small businesses. The bill breaks this down into $284 billion to the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) for first and second round Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable small business loans and allocates $20 billion to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grants to businesses in low-income communities. In addition, the bill includes Senator Cornyn’s Save our Stages Act, which means shuttered live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions will have access to $15 billion in
dedicated funding. The bill also includes $12 billion for Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions to help business in low-income and minority communities. Paycheck Protection Program 2 (PPP2): The newly created PPP2 program includes topline changes, but SBA is expected to further refine what Congress passed as it starts rolling it out in the next two weeks. PPP2 loans will be available to first-time qualified borrowers and, for the first time, to businesses that previously received a PPP loan. Specifically, previous PPP recipients may apply for another loan of up to $2 million, provided they: Have 300 or fewer employees. Have used or will use
the full amount of their first PPP loan. Can show a 25% gross revenue decline in any 2020 quarter compared with the same quarter in 2019. Note: PPP2 also makes the second round forgivable loans available to Sec. 501(c)(6) business leagues, such as chambers of commerce, visitors’ bureaus, etc., and “destination marketing organizations” (as defined in the act), provided they have 300 or fewer employees and do not receive more than 15% of receipts from lobbying. The lobbying activities must comprise no more than 15% of the organization’s total activities and have cost no more than $1 million during the most recent tax year that ended prior to Feb. 15, 2020.
UTRGV Hospitality and Tourism Management students participate in second national competition ► CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
Management major, of Brownsville. The competition had been scheduled to be hosted in Las Vegas, but due to pandemic travel restrictions, everything was done virtually. Presentations had to be prerecorded and submitted. The Q&A was the only element that would be live. Four Hospitality and Tourism Management students competed in a national competition
called “Redesigning the Restaurant of the Future,” hosted by Restaurant Finance Monitor, back in November. The students created a mobile app that would give users the chance to “experience the world from their kitchen.” The user would be able to explore new recipes and get the ingredients delivered to their home. The team was called “Pronto,” and consisted of Ace Palomero, Aniella Perez,
Abelardo Villarreal and Elia Juarez. The team did not place, but they each said they took away experiences that they can apply toward their future careers. (UTRGV Photo) The Pronto team created a mobile app that would give users the chance to “experience the world from their kitchen.” The user would select any recipe inspired from any cuisine and would be able to order the ingredients and have
things about our government we did not know before.” Her friend Blanca Roy said she showed up to welcome the president to their city. “We love him,” she said. “We are proud for what he has done for us and for our country.” About a half hour after Trump’s arrival, the throngs of supporters started thinning out as many of them left waving Trump signs and flags and honking the horns of their vehicles. But on the other side of the RGV, other groups expressed their opposition to the president who is leaving the White House this week after losing to Democrat Joe Biden in the November 2020 election. The La Union del Pueblo Entero, or Lupe, and a number of elected officials from the state and federal levels were opposed to Trump’s visit.
A: A dental sealant is a thin plastic film ‘painted’ on the chewing surfaces of molars and pre molars. Sealants have been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of cavities by acting as a physical barrier to decay. As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or
around a sealant. Sealant treatment is painless and could take anywhere from five to 45 minutes to apply, depending on how many teeth need to be sealed. Sealants should last five years, but can last as long as ten years. However, sealants should not be considered permanent. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the sealants’ bond to the tooth. Children, because they have newly erupted, permanent teeth, receive the greatest benefit from sealants. The chewing surfaces of a child’s teeth are most susceptible to cavities and the least benefited by fluoride. Surveys show that approximately two-thirds of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of teeth because food particles and bacteria cannot be cleaned out. For this reason, other patients can also benefit from sealant placement. This preventive measure can help reduce future dental expenses and protect the teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment. If you are interested in obtaining more information on dental sealants, feel free to contact our office. You can also visit us at www.losfresnosdental.com for more information.
956-233-4400
www.losfresnosdental.com
Septic Services by R&R
• Sales of Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Blocks & Bases • Septic Tank Cleaning • Service Repairs
(956) 226-9468 La Feria
Service you can trust by Rene Taguilas
Rick W. Bassett, M.D. To all our patients and people who need care for their knee and hip pain. We are still here to serve you! Using special precautions and ultra clean rooms, we have seen more than five hundred patients at our clinic in the past four months. With laminar air operating rooms and minimally invasive surgery, ninety percent of our patients have gone home in 12 hours, walking after a knee replacement or hip replacement. Same day surgery (outpatient) Those patients who need to stay in the hospital have a private room. Not one person has had an infection. Thank you, Rick W. Bassett, M.D
(956) 421-2663
1601 Treasure Hills Blvd. | Harlingen, Texas 78550
8 • JANUARY 20, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
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Texas Health and Human Services Commission AUSTIN – In observance of January as National Cervical Health Awareness Month, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is encouraging women to get screened for cervical cancer. “It is so important to get screened regularly so that cervical cancer can be detected in its early stages when it’s easier to treat,” said Joe Perez, HHSC interim deputy executive commissioner for Health, Developmental and Independence Services. “HHSC is helping at-risk women receive these vital screenings through our Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program.”
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) program provides low-cost and free women’s health services for uninsured and underinsured Texas women who meet eligibility requirements. Some of those services include cervical and cancer screenings, clinical breast examinations, mammograms and breast biopsies. BCCS helps fund clinics across the state to provide these life-saving screening and diagnostic services. Between Sept. 2019 and Sept. 2020, BCCS helped more than 24,800 women including 9,466 women who received cervical cancer screenings and 1,043 women who received treatment for precancerous cervical conditions.
In 2017, which is the most recent year of available data, there were more than 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer for women in Texas. The disease is the thirdmost common cancer diagnosed among Texas women ages 20-39, and fifth among women ages 40-49. To find BCCS providers or learn more about women’s health services, visit www.healthytexaswomen.org or call 2-1-1. About Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Funding As an awardee of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), BCCS is partly funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The federal program
awards funding to states for early detection of cervical and breast cancers. Between June 2019 and June 2020, the federal program awarded BCCS more than $6 million as part of the effort. The Texas Legislature appropriates more than $2 million annually to supplement NBCCEDP efforts. About National Cervical Health Awareness Month National Cervical Health Awareness Month is observed in January in the United States. The month is intended to raise awareness about cervical cancer and provide education about prevention, screening and treatments. More information about cervical cancer is posted on the CDC website.
UTRGV Hospitality and Tourism Management students participate in second national competition
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everything delivered to their home. The app also gave the users access to videos and live sessions with chefs. Elia Juarez said that since people were not able to travel and eat in restaurants due to the pandemic, the team’s focus was to offer an innovative way for people to feel safe and still be able to get that unique dining experience. “We wanted our project to focus on ‘the experience’ and how easy it can be to have that in your own home,” she said. “Especially if you do it through an app, you don’t have to come
in contact with many people and you don’t have to feel unsafe. You would get everything delivered to your home. You can experience the world from your house, from your kitchen.” The competing universities were UTRGV, Michigan State University, Florida International University, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The winner of the competition was Florida International University. “In their entirety, the judges found the student presenters to be highly intelligent, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and well prepared. I think the restaurant sector in general has some exciting new blood coming from these top hospitality programs,” said Brian Geraghty, with MUFG Restaurant Finance and a contest judge, about the competition in a Restaurant Finance Monitor release. The UTRGV students said they took away something from the competition that would benefit their future careers in hospitality and tourism. Knowing the industry was hit hard by the pandemic, the competition helped them think more about innovation and not be afraid to take chances. Abelardo Villarreal said he encourages other students to start joining competitions. Even if they’re virtual, he said, the valuable lessons are still there.
“The competition required us to look for change in the restaurant industry during this pandemic. People aren’t traveling to other countries, but people still want to learn from other places and cultures. We made sure to implement that into our app with food,” he said. “This experience will help us in the future as we move forward with our careers.” Aniella Perez said the competition helped her personally with her own confidence and being able to think outside the box. “It taught me to be brave and innovative, maybe even one day opening up my own business,” she said. “Students shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves out there and get involved with these opportunities. It’ll help you with your confidence and career.” Ace Palomero echoed his teammates in taking advantage of any opportunities that become available. He said it’s important to be able to start building a network and learning skills that can help the individual stand out. “I think any student getting into their department or getting ready to graduate and go out into the workforce should focus on making themselves as marketable as possible and network while still in school,” he said. “This pandemic shows industries can change, can adapt to factors that are outside of anyone’s control. You just have to be ready to roll with the punches.”