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Volume 15 Number 32
www.losfresnosnews.net
Los Fresnos Resident Helps With Building of New City Hall by Tony Vindell/LFN
New Study Shows Changes in Texas Borderlands Over Time
Page 5 Texas Sales Tax Holiday is This Weekend
Javier Espinoza stands by the new city hall he is helping build in Los Fresnos. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN A 2 0 ye a r s ol d L o s D. Wilson is the company He said he loves his job, ask him about the building leadership and design in Fresnos resident is using his building the new city hall off par ticularly since he is that is under construction off construction professions. education in construction of Texas Highway 100 on the involved in something that the highway. He has previously worked the new city hall. east side of the city. will benefit the city and those “They really want to know with two other construction Javier Espi noza, who Espinoza said par t of who use its services. what it is,” he said. “I tell companies as he attends the graduated from high school his duties are to make sure “It feels good,” he said them it’s the new city hall.” university. in 2017, is doing an internship everything is alright with while on a lu nch break Espinoza is in his third Asked what plans he has with D. Wilson Construction the framing of the building last week. “I am only five year at Texas A&M where afterwards, he said, “I would while pursuing a degree in doors, w i ndows a nd to minutes from work and I he is going after a major in like to come back to work in science construction at Texas coordinate other jobs with love it.” construction science and a the Valley.” A&M University. his supervisors. Espinoza said people often double minor in business
VBS Splash Days Provide Cool Fun For Local Children by Tony Vindell/LFN
Page 6
UTRGV Creates Agroecology Professional Development Institute
Page 7
Look Inside Classified..............pg 3 Cricket’s Corner...pg 3
A s pl a sh d ay t o ok place in Los Fresnos and children from throughout the area took advantage of the fun occasion which was a cool break from the heat. Four hours of activities, ranging from arts and crafts to coming down from a giant water slide, were among the activities of the four-hour event held at Memorial Park. The splash day was sponsored by The Table of Los Fresnos, which is the city’s newest place of worship located on East Seventh Street. C h a d Br e s s o n , t h e church pastor, said the event was held as part of a number of activities held during the last two weeks. A group of 20 youngsters f rom Salem Lutheran C h u r c h i n To m b a l l volunteered their time to
A youngster enjoys a ride on the water slide. Courtesy Photo
come here and work on several projects. They worked cleaning and painting homes of
people who can’t help themselves or get around for economic or health reasons.
Among those who participated and enjoyed a cool fun outing during the Vacation Bible School
Splash Days held Monday, July 29 were 10 children from Sunny Side Day Care Center of Los Fresnos.
2 • AUGUST 7, 2019 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Because Your Health Matters
Robert “Bob” Morris Voreis August 7, 1943 - July 29, 2019
Community Health Outreach Program The City of Los Fresnos offers a free Community Health Outreach Program within its community. The program offers a variety of free classes/activities, nutrition support, cooking classes, diabetes prevention classes, blood pressure screenings, BMI screenings, A1C testing and follow-up care to both men and women 18 and older. Exercise classes are held at the Los Fresnos Memorial Park located at 900 N. Arroyo, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. The current exercise class schedule offers Walk\Run, Walk/Run + Circuits, Cardio Kick Boxing, Body Sculpting, Zumba, Zumba in the Circuit, Zumba Step, Water Aerobics, Lap Swimming, Family Open Swim, Boot Camp, Dance Mix Fitness, Sit & Fit and Basketball. All classes are taught by Certified Fitness Instructors. Basketball is offered at the Los Cuates Middle School located at 32477 State Highway 100, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. Upon registering for the program each participant receives a free blood pressure and BMI body mass index screening. If the participant is found to have a normal blood pressure reading and a normal BMI, the participant is then encouraged to participate in the program to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. If the participant is found to have an abnormal blood pressure reading and or BMI then the participant is eligible to receive a follow-up plan. A follow-up plan consists of meeting with the City of Los Fresnos Community Health Worker, Christine Martinez to discuss both a nutrition and exercise plan, as well as continued health screenings. Participants have the right to refuse follow-ups without effecting participant’s eligibility to participate in classes. Once enrolled in the program participants are able to participate in all classes/activities at no charge as offered by the City of Los Fresnos. The current schedule offers 38 activities to choose from each week!
Robert Morris Voreis Rober t “Bob” Mor r is Vo r e i s , a r e s i d e n t o f Brownsville since 1971, Man of God , Husband , Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, song writer, singer, cowboy, businessman, and warm smiling friend, has left this earth to be with JESUS. Bob was bor n August 7, 1 9 4 3 i n L a p o r t e , Indiana, attended grade school thru high school in Hamlet, Indiana and then attended Purdue University in La Fafayette, Indiana ( E n g i n e e r i n g) , m ov e d to Brownsville, Texas to manage a maquiladora, and loved the warmer weather. He married Barbara (Migacz) Voreis and had three great sons, Bryan, Aaron & Kyle
Voreis. Bryan Voreis (wife Maggie), Grandson Jeremy R. Voreis, Granddaughter Bryanna M. Voreis Grawey (husband James) with Great Granddaughter Vivika R. Grawey and Great Grandson Leo J. Grawey. Aaron J. Voreis (wife Edith) Granddaughter Miranda R. Voreis and Kyle C. Voreis (wife Monica) Granddaughters Zoe K. Voreis & Kylee M. Voreis, and Grandson Ian V. Voreis. Bob then mar r ied Judy Voreis, his second wife, who predeceased Bob in 2014 leaving one daughter, Laurie Fuqua (husband Mike), and Grandsons Miles and Blake Fowkes. Bob is survived by his wife Cecila Turrent Voreis, and Marifer Hodgson (husband Jeff). Bob is also survived by his brothers Jerry Minix (wife Jackie), Terry Minix (wife Holly), and sister Linda (Minix) Bergan (husband Jim). Bob married Cecila Turrent in a 2016 ceremony at Sacred Heart Church in a wedding ceremony still remembered as the most beautiful wedding ceremony in memory. In 1987 he started his own businesses Weight & Test Solutions, Inc. and in 2001
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WTS Industrial Solutions, Inc.. In Bob’s youth, growing up in Indiana gave him his love of animals, especially dogs and horses. Horses he bred and rode in Charro Days parades, with Dandy as his favorite stallion. Bob was an active horse breeder and was well known in the Rio Grande Valley horse owner’s community having traveled to Bandera, Texas on trail rides for numerous years. He was also known to ride the beaches of South Padre Island with his horse community friends. Bob was the founder of the Brownsville Chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship (FGBMFI) and was its’ President for more than ten years. Bob was also active in his church New Harvest Ministries and was a song leader and guitar player on Sunday mornings. Bob found time for his artistic passion of song writing and singing and was also active in visiting nursing homes playing his songs for them. He recorded 100’s of songs which he enjoyed listening to while driving and entertaining. He loved to minister to people and even being allowed to marry his sons Bryan & Maggie Voreis and Aaron & Edith Voreis as an Ordained Pastor. He wore it like a badge of honor. He loved music, the guitar, and playing and recording with
his friends on Tuesdays (The Boys Night), many of the songs of his youth, and country and Christian music. He was busy planning his steps until they stopped. He was a passionate husband, and always called his wife “dear Ceci, my treasure”. He was a man of integrity a nd pu r pose a nd loved life and thanked God for every breath. He attended his children’s and grand children’s events, sports and recitals; he loved every event he could make, cheering them on. The Spurs lost its biggest fan as well. Viewi ng was held on Thursday evening, August 1, 2 019, f r o m 4:0 0 t o 9:00pm with a rosary at 7pm at Garza Memorial Funeral Home, 1025 East Jackson Street, Brownsville, Texas. A service to celebrate Bob’s life was also held at New Harvest Ministries, 2150 Hugh Emerson Road (formerly East El Jardin Heights Road) at 10:30am on Friday morning August 2, 2019. A private cremation followed. Memorial mass was held at 5:00 PM on Friday, August 2, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Garza Memorial Fu ner al Home 1025 E. Jackson, Brownsville, Texas 78520.
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Los Fresnos, TX e-mail: losfresnosnews1@aol.com We are open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For Immediate Assistance: Call 956-264-7720
For more information contact Christine Martinez, Los Fresnos Communit y Health Worker at 956-312-1406 or email at cdelarosa@ citylf.us or Los Fresnos City Hall at 956 -2335768.
“Perro que ladra, no muerde.” TRANSLATION: Christine De La Rosa Community Health Worker 956-407-3348
“A dog that barks, does not bite.” Contribuido por: Héctor Zapata
Subscription Rates 2795 Yr. Valley l $3495 Out of Valley Single Copy Price ........... $.50 ea. Back Issues available .... $.50 ea. $
Publisher Donald R. Wright 956-330-6838
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P.O. Box 990 Los Fresnos, TX 78566
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Correction Policy Although the Los Fresnos 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 956233-9928 during business hours or leave a message. weekly columns printed in the Los Fresnos News contain the opinions of the Authors. They may or may not be the opinion of the Newspaper.
956.399.2468
1401 W. Business Hwy 77 | San Benito, TX Mon – Fri 8 am – 7 pm • Sat 9am – 5pm
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: 1 year subscription delivered by U.S. Postal service ... $24.95 or can be purchased at several convinent locations through out the cities of Los Fersnos and Brownsville for 50¢. The Los Fresnos News is mailed and delivered Tuesday, August 6, 2019 and published weekly by Wright Ventures, Inc., President Donald R. Wright, Secretary Mary Elizabeth Wright. Periodical Postage Rates paid at Los Fresnos, TX. Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 203 N. Arroyo, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. (POSTMASTER send address changes to Los Fresnos, P.O. Box 990, Los Fresnos, TX 78566.)
AUGUST 7, 2019 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 3
Great Classifieds... List Yours Today by Calling 956-233-9928 or 956-797-9920. REMEMBER: Deadline is Thursday at NOON for ads to be published in the following week’s edition.
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Corgan is a special needs cat. He is still part feral. His left hind paw was ran over by a car. He limps on it and not able to hunt anymore. Due to his injury, he must be an indoor cat now. He is very sweet.
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Los Fresnos News is seeking a motivated Commissioned Advertising Sales Representative Must have your own dependable, economical, insured transportation and be able to cover large sales areas. Must be knowledgeable and fluent in electronic communications, website navigation and social media platforms. Must understand and be able to work within deadlines, coordinate and manage daily/weekly sales and operations tasks.
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The Brownsville SPCA does not have a shelter to call our own. All our pets are located in foster homes. We are always in need of new foster homes. We take our pets to the local Petsmart ( in Brownsville ) on the first and third weekend of every month from 12 to 5PM.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with THE Texas Alcoholic Beverage commission for a BQ Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit by CARMEN R. LERMA, DBA LA TIENDITA LERMA, to be located at 32556 FM510. Los Fresnos, CAMERON, Texas.
PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWN OF INDIAN LAKE
PUBLIC NOTICE ���������� ���������������������� ������������������������������������� ����
ETHEL L. WHIPPLE
MEMORIAL LIBRARY
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Library Hours Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 402 W. Ocean Blvd. • Los Fresnos, TX 78566 • (956) 233-5330
4 • AUGUST 7, 2019 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Office: (956) 233-9928 • email: losfresnosnews1@aol.com
fALCON Football tickets on sale Tickets for the Falcons’ 2019 season went on sale Monday, July 22, at the Los Fresnos High School Athletics Office. Season tickets for the six home games were sold at $48. During the season ticket renewal period, only season tickets from last year’s location were allowed to be renewed. Season tickets were made available first for the following groups from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:
Season tickets holders were able to purchase tickets in person at LFHS or online through a special link during the renewal period. Ne w s e a s o n t ic ke t holder s were able to purchase tickets from July 29 to August 1. Individual tickets for the six Falcon home games each week during the regular season will go on sale Monday, August 26, and each Monday for home games thereafter.
City Health Program Schedule Friday Aug. 16 Friday Aug. 23 Friday Aug. 30 Friday Sept. 6 Friday Sept. 13 Thurday Sept. 19 Friday Sept. 27 Friday Oct. 4 Friday Oct. 11 ThursdayOct. 17 Friday Oct. 25 ThursdayOct. 31 Friday Nov. 8
Mission High (scrimmage) PSJA North (scrimmage) El Paso Montwood Austin LBJ + Edcouch-Elsa = Edinburg Vela Odessa Permian Open Harlingen South*^ Brownsville Rivera* Harlingen High* Brownsville Hanna* San Benito*
Home Away Home Home Home Away Away
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
Home Away Home Away Home
7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
* District 32-6A game ^ Senior Night + Band Parents’ Night = Homecoming Head Coach: Patrick Brown Offensive Coordinator: Leigh McWhorter Defensive Coordinator: Jose Osain Horner Assistant Coaches: Craig Foster, Jesus Garza, Loy Blackman, Doug Dahlberg, Greg Peña, Jaime Vela, Rene Morales, Ruben Rocha, Patrick Inskeep, Ausencio Garza. Athletic Coordinator - Los Fresnos United: Craig Foster LFU Assistants/Developmental: Rolando Gomez, Victor Varela, Kevin Nguyen, Matt Molina, Al Senteno, Juan Barriga. Athletic Trainers: Rey Buendia (head trainer), Victoria Berry, Lorraine McWhorter, Oscar Garza.
Supports the Los Fresnos Falcons! Advertise your Business Here!
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Installment Loans 324 W Ocean Blvd Ste 102 Los Fresnos, TX 78566-3668 Phone (956) 233-1916
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AUGUST 7, 2019 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 5
New Study Shows Changes in Texas Borderlands Over Time Addresses trends in population growth, land ownership, fragmentation Webb counties.” The report shows between 1900 and 2018 the TransPecos counties of Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Presidio, Brewster and Terrell had low population growth, while the Middle Valley counties of Va l Ve rde, K i n ney, Maverick, Webb and Zapata had moderate growth. And the Lower Valley counties of Starr, Hidalgo and Cameron saw the highest grow th during that period. The report also shows how the borderlands, in
keeping with the rest of the state, have lost many of their working lands. “Over the past two decades, we’ve calculated a 13% decrease in total working land acres among Texas borderland counties, as well as a 36% decrease in the size of the typical working land operation such as a farm or ranch,” Lopez said. “This is due to a number of factors, including population growth, increasing land values and ► CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Aerial view of working lands along the Rio Grande. Courtesy photo: Ben Masters SAN ANTONIO – C ha nge s i n p opu lat ion density, rapid urbanization a nd r isi ng la nd value s have altered much of the historically rural landscape of the Texas borderlands, according to a recent Texas Land Trends report. The report, “Trends in Land Ow nership Along Texas Borderlands,” was produced by the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, or NRI, in collaboration with the Borderlands Research Institute, or BRI, at Sul Ross State University. It eva lu at e s ch a nge s i n population densit y and examines how land ownership patterns and use have changed over the last few centuries within Texas borderland counties due to these drivers of change. It also identifies regions where more rapid transformations have occurred and where similar changes may be expected to occur in the future. The full report can be found in Resources on the Texas Land Trends website: http://txlandtrends.org/. County population totals for the report’s 1900 estimates were obtained through the Texas State Histor ical Associat ion, and 2018 estimates were obtained from the Texas Demographic Center. The report also employed data from the Original Texas Land Survey, a geographic collection of Spanish and Mexican land grants from the 1700s and 1800s. “Much of what’s special about the Texas-Mexico border relates to the unique historical aspects of the area,” said Dr. Angelica Lopez, an NRI research scientist in San Antonio and
DECLARING MOTOR VEHICLE ABANDONED To Whom It May Concern: Pursuant to the provisions of Article V of the Texas Abatement Act. V.C.S. 447-9a, Sec. 5.05, We hereby notify you that we took custody of the following described motor vehicles: 2000 Ford F-150 vin 1ftrx08l3yka36492 color black The registered owner of the lienholder has the right to claim the motor vehicle within ten (10) days from the date of this publication by payment of all towing, notification, preservation and storage charges, and a release for the impounding law enforcement agency. Unclaimed vehicles will be turned over to the Police Department to be declared abandoned, and sold at Public Auction to satisfy the charges against the said vehicle.
This graphic shows the changes in the population density of Texas borderland counties between 1900 and 2018. Graphic courtesy of Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute the report’s lead researcher. “The borderlands are also home to many interesting flora and fauna, including several endangered and endemic species, as well as to migrating wildlife that travel along its historic corridors.” Spread out over more t h a n 1, 2 0 0 m i l e s , t h e Texas borderlands have the two heavily populated “borderplexes” of El PasoJuárez and BrownsvilleMatamoros at either end. In between are a mixture of r ural working lands, growing urban centers, and public park and wildlife refuge lands.
“ O ve r t h e ye a r s , a s urbanization throughout the borderlands expanded, it overtook rural lands, leading t o t hei r f r ag me nt at ion and conversion to nonagricultural use,” Lopez explained. “Historically, El Paso and Webb counties were the largest population centers with the old colonial town settlements of El Paso and Laredo, respectively. “Today, Hidalgo County, which has seen the largest population increase in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area, closely trails El Paso as the most populated borderland county, followed by Cameron and
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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD’S BEEN REZONED OR HADN’T YOU HEARD? When local governments make decisions they are required to publish a newspaper notice to let you know. But that could change. Local governmental entities across the state want to bury their public notices on little seen, rarely visited government websites. What you don’t know will affect you personally! If it is not in the newspaper, you won’t know about it.
The fragmentation of working lands is a statewide issue and the borderlands are no exception. Photo: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
.
6 • AUGUST 7, 2019 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Talk to Your Doctor Tax Free Holiday This Weekend Paying No Sales Tax Means Back To School Savings DPC Stories People ask us all the time if direct primary care is right for them. The short answer is “Yes!” To prove it, this is a Direct Primary Care story. Joe is a busy 30 year old father of one with a baby on the way. His work keeps him super busy and he rarely ever gets sick. When his wife and baby signed up for Frontier he was hesitant to join. Why pay $50 per month for something he would use once a year? Additionally, he has insurance through his work so it seemed like he was paying twice for the same thing. Figuring he could cancel anytime, Joe tentatively joined. Shortly thereafter, he sliced one of his fingers while skinning an animal on a Sunday evening. He met with Dr. Lazzopina at the office at 8 pm, got his stitches and was home in less than an hour. He saved himself several hours and over $1000 in ER charges. Subsequently, Joe has experienced a few minor illnesses. He was able to spare himself the hassle of spending 2-3 hours out of his day going to see a regular doctor by calling his DPC doctor directly and getting advice over the phone. In the past, Joe would have just suffered with his symptoms until he got better or got really sick because it was too time consuming and the surprise bills were too unpredictable and annoying to make it worthwhile to see a regular doctor. In fact, we have found that is exactly what most people mean when they tell us they hardly ever get sick. The truth is that people like Joe don’t use the healthcare system because the waiting, forms, billing and co-pays make all but the most serious illnesses seem more pleasant than going to see the doctor. Frontier Direct Primary Care exists to make communicating with your doctor work the way it should. Experience it yourself! Check us out at www.frontierdirectcare.com or call us at 956-431-0229.
412 West Van Buren Harlingen TX 78550
956-431-0229 Fax: 956-265-1284
by Tony Vindell/LFN
Parents and consumers alike can take advantage of saivings for back to school items. Photo: Tony Vindell/LFN Parents, consu mers and other spenders from throughout the Los Fresnos area will be able to buy clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks this weekend without having to pay sales tax. That is because the 20th
annual sales tax free weekend will take be held Friday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 11. T he holid ay allows shoppers to avoid paying 8.25 percent on purchases made on most clothing, shoes, and backpacks and school supplies.
For every dollar spent, there is a saving of 8.25 cents. On another level, for every $100 spent, the saving is $8.25. It’s estimated the tax free holiday, which was first enacted in 1999, results in savings of more than $90
million today. The nearest places to shop for tax free goods in Los Fresnos is at the WalMart store here but other choices are in Brownsville and Harlingen.
New Study Shows Changes in Texas Borderlands Over Time ► CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
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All border counties are not the same, and rural borderland county residents will have different needs than urban borderland county residents as changes continue. Courtesy photo: Ben Masters an aging landowner base combined with property heirs who may not wish to perpetuate the operation.” According to the report, from 1997 to 2017 some of the most significant reduction in working lands use among Texas borderlands occurred in Brewster, Cameron, El Paso, Kinney, Maverick, Starr, Val Verde and Webb counties. “Texas Land Trends data supports the conclusion that farms and ranches are less profitable as they become smaller,” Lopez said. “As working land profitability decreases, the risk of these operations converting to nonagricultural use increases, thereby losing those valuable ‘ecosystem services’ and other benefits derived from healthy private lands.” She identified some of these ecosystem services and benefits as food and fiber production, clean water, providing wildlife habitat and promoting ecological
diversity. Lopez also noted the report shows a correlation between borderland county population density and land parcel fragmentation. “As population density increases, so do the number of land parcels, which is an indication of land fragmentation,” she explained. “Over the years, where urban centers along the Rio Grande increased i n p o pu l a t io n d e n sit y, land parcel fragmentation followed add i ng to t he subsequent i ncrea se i n overall number of parcels.” Lopez said approximately 96% of borderlands are cu r rently u nder pr ivate ow n e r s h i p, w it h s o m e landowners owning multiple parcels. “Our data shows there are more than 712,000 private landowners within the Texas borderland counties with 22,500 of them ow ning property within a half-mile of the Rio Grande and 60,190
owning land within 1 mile of the river,” she said. The report also shows from 1900 to 2018, the total number of land parcels grew from 30,533 to more than a million. “There are now almost 5,000 parcels along the Rio Grande, more than 31,000 parcels within a half-mile of the river and more than 80,000 parcels within 1 mile of it,” she said. Based on the data, she said, these changes will continue – and continue to affect land fragmentation and conversion, negatively i mpa ct i ng t he be nef it s provided by private working lands. “While some may view the borderland as much of the same, its rural and urban counties are very different,” she explained. Lopez offered the example of the slightly more than 750 people disbursed over r ural Ter rell Count y as compared to the more than
860,000 people who reside in sprawling urban Hidalgo County. “The needs of the residents of r ural Ter rell County, which has a lower population but larger land parcels of varied shapes, are different than those of the residents of urban and highly populated Hid algo Cou nt y, which has smaller, more uniform parcels.” Lopez said in the coming yea r s ma ny borderla nd counties will be facing very different challenges related to infrastructure, energy, natural resources and other necessities. “Knowing more about t h e t r e n d s r el a t i n g t o their population growth, land ownership and use, and differences in their rural and urban areas, is useful in understanding the borderlands as well as planning for their future,” she said.
UTRGV Creates Agroecology Professional Development Institute Workshops invite local teachers into Valley agricultural research, show career opportunities by Maria Elena Hernandez
AUGUST 7, 2019 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7
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ANSWERED by DR. ADAM LALONDE Many people brush too hard or use a toothbrush that is too hard; a “soft” toothbrush actually cleans best. Vigorous brushing is not necessary, in fact, it can be harmful. After years of hard brushing, erosion of the enamel and Dr. Adam Lalonde gums can result. This can also cause teeth to become stained more easily. Their appearance, in general, takes on a yellow or darkened look. Also, the gums can become prone to infection. So, lighten up on that toothbrush! After you have flossed thoroughly, brush gently with a soft- bristled toothbrush, and ease up on your handle-grip. The trick is to concentrate on becoming more aware of the amount of pressure you’re exerting. Slow down and give your teeth and gums the attention they need and gentleness they deserve. Also, be sure to replace your toothbrush when it first shows signs of wear, and schedule regular visits with your dentist and dental hygienist. They will help you to monitor the health of your teeth and gums. Our patients receive a complimentary new toothbrush and floss on every check-up appointment! If you have any questions about brushing techniques and/or toothbrushes we’d be happy to answer them for you.
The UTRGV Agroecology Professional Development Institute has been established to help science teachers from school districts across the Valley learn about the diversity of careers available in agriculture, so they can take the information back to their classrooms to share with students. One of the first participants was Yaquelín Helms, a teacher at Pace Early College High School in Brownsville. Shown here up close and personal with a bee colony, Helms will be teaching AP environmental science this coming school year. APDI – led by Dr. Alexis Racelis, a UTRGV assistant professor of agroecology, and UTRGV master science teacher Tim Sears – offers four-week workshops designed to expand how people think about agriculture. Photo: Maria Elena Hernandez/UTRGV RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – Science teachers from 15 school districts in the Rio Grande Valley will head back to their classrooms this fall with new curriculum, courtesy of the UTRGV Agroecology Professional Development Institute. “It’s a four-week workshop where we host a number of teachers from across the Valley and expose them to research and careers in agriculture,” said Dr. Alexis Racelis, a UTRGV assistant professor of agroecology. Racelis leads the professional development program, along with UTRGV master science teacher Tim Sears. “W hat we fou nd i n
p r ev iou s work shop s is that teachers often have a misconception about what it means to have a career in agriculture,” Racelis said. “Often, they think of farmers and laborers. And rarely do they think of entomologists, cell biologists, geneticists and ag specialists.” FIELD TRIPS, LABS FOR TEACHERS Each Friday in June, the group of 24 science teachers took morning field trips, which included visits to the Texas A&M-Kingsville Citrus Center in Weslaco and the USDA research facility at Moore Air Base in Western Hidalgo County. In the afternoons, they headed
to the UTRGV Edinburg Campus for cu r r iculu m development workshops. Ya q u e l í n H e l m s , a t e a c h e r a t Pa c e E a r l y College High School in Brownsville, participated in the professional development institute and will be teaching AP environmental science this coming school year. “I want to learn as much as I can, so then I can take it back to my students,” she said. The high school science teacher said she hadn’t been familiar with the scientific work happening locally, but is glad to know now. “It’s amazing research, and you don’t think it happens in the Valley,” she said. “It’s
amazing to know that it does.” LOCAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCHERS D r. Eva n Braswell, a biological scientist at the USDA facility at Moore Air Base, said agriculture is a field that uses every branch of science, from physics to chemistry to biology to engineering. “It’s an applied field that uses every scientific tool that we can to solve problems,” he said. Braswell led one of the teacher groups who toured the USDA facility. ► CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Landowners Get Intro to Ag Law at AgriLife Extension Program ‘Owning Your Piece of Texas’ addresses top Texas laws landowners need to know SAN ANTONIO – What is my liability if someone is injured while hunting on my proper t y? How can I get a special tax use valuation? What are my legal responsibilities if my cattle escape and damage someone else’s property? These and many other questions are addressed at the new “Owning Your Own Piece of Texas: Key Laws Texas Landowners Need to Know,” program presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The program is presented free of charge thanks to the collaboration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, A gWo r ke r s I n s u r a n c e , Capital Farm Credit and the Southern Extension Risk Management Educat ion organization. Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist based in Amarillo, is the
mai n present e r for t he program, which has been held in Amarillo and San Antonio. “The Owning Your Piece of Tex a s p rog r a m wa s just unveiled it this year,” Lashmet said. “We recently did one in Lubbock that had about 40 people, then took the program to San Antonio, where more than 200 people attended. We’ll be headed next to Crockett on June 28, Cat Spring on August 26 and College Station on September 12.” According Lashmet, while she has so far presented the “Owning Your Own Piece of Texas” program only twice, she has presented numerous agricultural lawrelated programs throughout Texas in her role as an ag law specialist with AgriLife Extension. At the program, Lashmet speaks spoke to the audience on a variety of topics ranging
from property ownership and access to leasing to liability issues and fence and water law. When practical, s h e a l s o i nv it e s ot h e r agricultural law experts to the program to present on specific topics. Other topics addressed typically include oil and gas law, special use valuations and renewable energy leases. “Many people involved in farming, ranching and agriculture are unaware of the type and number of legal issues that can arise from land ownership,” she said. “Often people are excited about starting an agricultural operation but overlook the potential legal ramifications, especially if they’re inviting other people onto their proper t y for something like hunting, or possibly a g r ic u lt u r a l o r n a t u r e tourism. This program is to help educate landowners on what legal issues might come
up and some things they can do to protect themselves.” The program also includes AgriLife Extension agents from the surrounding area w h o m a ke t h e m s el ve s available to answer any additional questions at tendees may have related to land ownership or management in their respective counties. Program attendees also receive a f ree 131-page O w n i ng You r Pie ce of Texas handbook, written by Lashmet.
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Texas Group Calls for Prompt Passage of Drug-Pricing Reforms by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman
AUST I N, Texa s - As efforts to bring down the cost of prescription medications intensify on Capitol Hill, some Texas groups say it can’t come fast enough. The U.S. Senate Finance Committee meets Thursday to debate the bipar tisan Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019. Charles Cascio, associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Texas, is in Washington to meet with Texas’ congressional leaders, including Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who is on the Senate Finance Committee. Cascio said he’s sharing t he s t r u g g le s of old e r Texans who can’t afford the medications they need. “We have 2.28 million members in Texas,” he said. “Of those, on average, the seniors take between four and f ive prescriptions a month. And, on average, they have an income of $26,000 a year. This is a
lot of medications on a very tight, fixed budget.” The legislation would add an out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare beneficiaries and penalize prescriptiond r ug companies for prices that rise faster than inf lation. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the changes would save Medicare $85 billion and save beneficiaries $27 billion in out-of-pocket costs over 10 years. Cascio said Medicare spends more than $125 billion annually on prescription drugs, and the price for seniors with chronic conditions averages roughly $13,000 a year. That’s why he believes reducing out-ofpocket costs is crucial. “Whatever redesign that they do of Medicare Part D, which is the prescription drug benefit for seniors,” he said, “we just want to ensure that the program is better off afterward, and that anything
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee will meet Thursday to discuss the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019. Photo: Andy Dean/Adobe Stock
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that seniors have to pay for out of their pocket doesn’t increase.” Cornyn also is working on a measure that would target specific patents within the drug market. When it comes to reducing dr ug prices, Cascio said, more
competition and improved a c ce s s t o ge ne r ics a re better. “W hat it would do is really get at the issue of the numerous patents that many brand-name d r ug companies have on certain drugs that keep lower-cost
generic alternatives out of the system,” he said, “and so we appreciate Sen. Cornyn and his work on that effort.” The U.S. House is expected to move on similar legislation after its August recess. More information is online at finance.senate.gov.
UTRGV Creates Agroecology Professional Development Institute ► CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
“It’s fun for us to bring in these teachers,” he said. “We hope it has an impact in their classrooms and brings students into the sciences and into agriculture.”
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PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK S e a r s , t h e U T RG V Science Master Teacher, said area science and ag science teachers too often don’t have opportunities for professional development r elat e d t o s cie nc e a nd agricultural science. “So we’re excited to be able to offer this to them locally,” he said. “Some of t he fe e d ba ck we’ve received from our teacher participants has been that they’ve never before been to the sites we’ve taken them
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to. So we’ve exposed them to local research in the area – local farms, and local organic farms involving agricultural research – so they can take those locally relevant examples back to the students they teach in high schools.” GRANTS AND OTHER POSSIBILITIES Helms, the Pace Early College High School teacher, called t he professional development instit ute a great opportunity that can help introduce teachers to more ways to expand their
knowledge. “They talk about all these grants – not only for students, but for teachers – that I didn’t even know about. So it opens up doors,” she said. T h e A PDI it s el f i s funded by a grant awarded to UTRGV earlier this year. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture, a part of the USDA, awarded al most $150,000 to the university for the three-year program. You can learn more about agroecology at UTRGV by v i sit i n g u t r g v.e d u / agroecology.
USDA Grant Helps UTRGV Inform Area Science Teachers About Range of Careers in Agriculture by Victoria Brito
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEX AS – UTRGV has created the Agroecology Professional Development Institute, via a grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. D r. A l e x i s R a c e l i s , assistant professor in the UTRGV School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences and lead PI on the project, said APDI is designed to facilitate an increased knowledge of food and agricultural science d i s c ipl i ne s a nd c a r e e r opportunities. It also helps high school science teachers
incorporate locally relevant agricult ure examples in STEM teaching. The USDA grant, in the amount of $149,985, will allow 75 high school science teachers from South Texas a chance to participate in field trips to agricultural, research and demonstration sites in the area. T i m S e a r s , U T RG V associate biology professor in practice and co-principal investigator on the project, helped facilitate curriculum development to integrate agriculture examples from the f ield trips into high school science courses.