The Rio Grande Council, Boy Scouts of America, in late November recognized Dr. Shirley Reed, president of South Texas College, and the STC Board of Trustees at its annual dinner. The event celebrated the contributions of the leadership of STC to making the Rio Grande Valley a better place to live and work. Fr. Antonio “T.J.” Martínez, an Eagle Scout and Jesuit priest, was the guest speaker for the occasion. He touched on the importance of service and making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Reed was honored alongside STC Board Chair Mike Allen; Board Vice Chair Gary Gurwitz; and board members Roy De León; Dr. Alejo Salinas Jr., Óscar Longoria Jr., and Jesse Villarreal. “What a tremendous honor to be recognized by such a venerable institution standing for the best attributes of community caring and service,” said Reed. “But this award belongs to the real heroes at STC – our students. They are the ones making the courageous decision to put other obligations aside to secure a higher education, thus a chance at a brighter, more fulfilling future. They are the ones making an impact, changing families and showing others that anything is possible. This award belongs to them.” Under Reed’s and the board of trustees’ leadership, STC has grown to offer more than 100 degree and certificate program options from its five state-of-the-art campuses to more than 27,000 students. Their vision has allowed STC to become a thriving intellectual and community center, hosting art lectures, business luncheons, congressional briefings, scout meetings, visiting authors, and many other events enriching the lives of community members. Featured, from left, are: Dr. Uvaldo Cantú, Jr., president of the Rio Grande Council Boy Scouts; Fr. Antonio “T.J.” Martinez;  President  Reed; Gary Gurwitz, vice-chair of the STC Board of Trustees; and Ernesto Carballo with the Rio Grande Council Boy Scouts. 

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Many Starr County residents came out to South Texas College’s Starr County Campus on the evening of Thursday, November 19, 2009 for a special event – the swearing in of Rose Benavidez (featured left) to represent the constituents of the county on STC’s Board of Trustees. Surrounded by family, friends and community supporters, Benavidez was sworn in by Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. Business associates and supporters helped mark the occasion by congratulating Benavidez on choosing to serve in public office. “When I drove into Rio Grande City for the event this afternoon and I saw all of the growth, it floored me,” said Bonnie González, chief executive officer of Workforce Solutions. “Every time I see it, it floors me. The opportunity that exists here is phenomenal and Rose has played a large part in helping to bring about that growth and opportunity. Starr County and South Texas College are very fortunate to have her on their side.” Administering the oath of office to Benavidez is Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. See story later in this posting. 

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Sergio Muñoz, Jr. – a successful attorney,  area municipal court judge, and South Texas native son – on Thursday, November 12, launched his campaign for state representative, House District 36, vowing to think big, fight hard, and open the corridors of power to people from all walks of life. "I am running because I believe that my years in professional and community services, and my experience as a defender of the people, combined with my vision and commitment for all of us to have a better life, are positive qualifications to serve the good people of District 36," said Muñoz, who is seeking the March 2010 Democratic Party primary nomination. House District 36 includes Granjeno, Hidalgo, southern McAllen, most of Mission, Palmview, Peñitas, and Pharr. "We all want what’s best for our families," Muñoz told his many supporters at the Corinthian Banquet and Special Event Center in Mission. "Working as an attorney in this region, I know what it takes to fight for people every day." See lead story later in this posting. 

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Douglas Matney, featured left, Vice President of Acute Care and Group Vice President for South Texas Health System, congratulates Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, for the lawmaker’s leadership in the advancement of health care in the Rio Grande Valley. Top officials with South Texas Health System presented Martínez with the “Community Leader Appreciation Award” in appreciation for his contributions to health care. In his professional life, Martínez plays direct roles in public safety and medical care as a firefighter, licensed paramedic, critical care flight paramedic, and Texas Department of Health instructor and coordinator. Hospital system officials noted Martínez’ important work on promoting and protecting Medicaid and indigent health care. In addition, the veteran lawmaker in 2009 was a key House author of legislation designed to bring a Veterans Administration Hospital to the Valley, and was a key House sponsor of legislation that will result in the  construction of a University of Texas Health Science Center – including a full-fledged medical school – in deep South Texas.  The South Texas Health Systems includes seven major facilities in Hidalgo County, including Cornerstone Regional Hospital in Edinburg,  South Texas Behavioral Health Center in Edinburg, Edinburg Children’s Hospital, Edinburg Regional Medical Center, Edinburg Regional Rehab Center, McAllen Heart Hospital, and McAllen Medical Center. 

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Rep. Aaron Peña  – joined by longtime former Congressman Kika de la Garza, D-Mission, and his wife, Lucille de la Garza –  during a Tuesday, October 27 fundraiser in Edinburg announced that he will seek a fifth two-year term to the Texas House of Representatives. “It has been a wonderful opportunity to serve my community these past eight years,” said Peña. “Our early optimism, hard work and willingness to build bi-partisan coalitions have paid off with a succession of several strong sessions and we need to build on that momentum. Success next session will be measured by our ability to wrestle for additional congressional and legislative seats for South Texas. When that monumental battle occurs, I want to be there alongside my colleagues fighting for this community.” See story later in this posting. 

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South Texas College students donated time and labor in partnerships with TXU Energy to give the Sepulveda family of McAllen a home energy makeover. STC students celebrate the completion of the project with instructors and the home owner. Featured, front row, from left:  STC Electrician’s Assistant Program students José Guerrero; José Lara; Pete Hinojosa; and Santiago Torres. Featured, back row, from left: STC HVACR Program Chair Guadalupe Hernández; STC HVACR students Robert Vallejo and Isaac Vázquez; homeowner Florencia Sepulveda; STC HVACR Students Brian Sweeten, Julio Villarreal, and Jorge Villasenor; and STC Electrician’s Assistant Program Chair Arnulfo Flores.  See story later in this posting. 

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On April 19 and 20, 2010, the Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau will join forces with the Regional 4 5/A Golf Tournament to be held at Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg.  Schools from across Texas, including Corpus Christi, Victoria, Del Rio, San Antonio and the Valley will be participating in the two-day golf event.  Almost 70 teams and 96 players and coaches will participate. For further information please contact the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956/383-4974. Featured promoting the event are, first row, from left: Joey Zamora; Héctor Zamora; Celso Gonzáles, Óscar Cárdenas; and Randy Spivey. Second row, from left: Noé Rico; Antonio Ocaña, III; Joe Peña; Anita Sinjlawi; Frank L. Garza; Joe Filoteo; John Haley; Imelda Rodríguez; Héctor González; Lisa Puente; José Luis Zarato. Third row, from left: Larry Kruse; Mike Smith; Orlando Garza; Ralph Wedgeworth; and Chico Jiménez. 

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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, November 14, held their 3rd annual Medical Awards Banquet, honoring seven individuals/organizations. “We are extremely excited to recognize and honor the medical community as it plays a very important part in our daily lives” said Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer. "The nominations have been increasing every year, thus making it harder for the Judging Committee from Austin to make their determination as to the annual winners.” Featured, from left: Hari Namboodiri, Las Palmas HealthCare Center, Nursing Home of the Year; Dr. Juan Campos, Physician of the Year; Sandra Tovar, Nurse Practitioner; Elisa Gutiérrez, Nurse of the Year; Rolando Velasquez, Physicians Assistant; Dr. Filiberto Rodríguez, Specialty Physician; and Greg Seiler, CEO of Rio Grande Regional Hospital. See story later in this posting. 

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On the eve of Veterans Day, Texas gubernatorial candidate Tom Schieffer – featured fourth from left – a Democrat from Fort Worth, told South Texans that he "will do everything" he can to persuade the federal government to build a Veterans Affairs Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley. His pledge to work towards bringing a VA Hospital to the Valley came as part of his latest visit to South Texas. Schieffer was in the three-time All-America City for a round of meetings with area political, business, and community leaders before capping off his visit with a fundraiser early Tuesday evening, November 10, at Edwards Abstract and Title Co., located at 3111 W. Freddy González Drive. "Such a facility is long overdue, and I will do everything I can to assure that Washington is listening. Failing to provide proper health care for our veterans makes it more difficult to recruit our next generation of service men and women, and it breaks a sacred trust between our government and those who were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country," said Schieffer, a former U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Japan. Featured with Schieffer in Edinburg are from left: Rosalie Weisfeld; Hidalgo County District Judge Juan Partida; Justice of the Peace Mary Alice Palacios; Tom Schieffer; Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg; Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairwoman Dolly Elizondo; former Hidalgo County District Judge Fernando Mancias; former Rep. Cullen Looney, D-Edinburg; and Keely Lewis and her husband, Byron Jay Lewis. See lead story in this posting.  

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President Barack Obama, left, and Army Brig. Gen. Karl Horst, commander of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, stand during Veterans Day services at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., on Wednesday, November 11.  Earlier that day, the FBI announced that it continues to work closely with the Department of the Army in the joint, ongoing investigation into the tragic events that occurred on Thursday, November 5 at Fort Hood. Twelve U.S. military personnel were killed and 31 other people were injured during a massacre allegedly undertaken by Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who reportedly opened fire at a military processing center at Fort Hood around 1:30 p.m. that afternoon. See story later in this posting. 

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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Cynthia Bocanegra as its chairman, along with the rest of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce’s 2009-2010 Board of Directors. Chairman-elect is Johnny Rodríguez, and immediate past chair is Lee Castro.  The Board of Directors also held their first planning session and board meeting to discuss the Chamber’s program of work. Large events such as Fiesta Edinburg, Night of Lights and Texas Cook’em are currently being strategized to offer the Rio Grande Valley and the City of Edinburg quality of life events fun for the entire family. The organization’s leadership also oversees membership  and tourism events as well the governmental affairs events and luncheons. “I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board, I feel strongly that if we all work together and strive for the same objectives, we will all benefit from the growth and opportunities that will arise. Your continued support is vital to our success. Help make Edinburg a better city for you and me. Join me in making this our best year yet” said Bocanegra. Board directors featured are, front row, from left: Maggie Kent with General Dentistry Center; Darcy Kelly with Peter Piper Pizza; Johnny Rodríguez with Austin Personnel Services; Cynthia Bocanegra with Chaps Bar & Grill; Edna Peña with Horizon Properties; Flo Prater with Rio Valley Realty. Standing, from left: Lee Castro with Memorial Funeral Home; Toribio “Terry” Palacios, Edinburg Municipal Court Judge, with the Law Offices of García Quintanilla & Palacios; Elias Longoria with Lone Star National Bank; Robert McGurk with Elsa State Bank and Trust Co.; Manny Mantrana with the University of Texas-Pan American Athletics; Naomi Perales with South Texas Gas Service; Dina Araguz with IBC Bank; Marissa Castañeda with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance; and Gus Casas with G&S Glass. (Not pictured: Pamela Dougherty with Security land Title Co.; Thelma García with First National Bank; and Abel Leal with Edward Jones Investments.) For more information on the Chamber of Commerce, please call 956/383-4974 or go online at www.edinburg.com or www.facebook.com/edinburgchamberofcommerce. 

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Joining the other Corporate Partners of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is Al Treviño, owner of Tico’s Mexican Restaurant, which has locations at 5000 N. 23rd Street in McAllen, 1424 E. Ridge Road in Edinburg, and 519 S. Sugar Road in Edinburg. “My desire to give back to the community is by becoming a Corporate Partner of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as this organization helps the community in many ways. It assists the business community by helping businesses get started and/or to expand their business, offers workshops that focus on health, business issues, and government related issues and also concentrates on education," said Treviño. He has been in the restaurant business for 33 years.  Featured, first row, from left: Roxanna Godínez; Albert Treviño; Rubén Garza; and Brenda Lee Huerta. Back row, from left: Dr. John Thomas; Beto Manrique; and Hari Namboodiri. For information on becoming a Corporate Partner or a member of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber,  call 928-0060. 

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René  A. Ramírez of Edinburg on Tuesday, November 3, took the oath of office given to him by his former employer, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, to become the newest addition to the Hidalgo County family. Ramírez, 40, assumes the role of chief administrator for the sixth largest county in the state after Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas III resigned the judgeship, after nearly three years of dedicated service, for an appointment in the Obama Administration. A packed house in the Hidalgo County Commissioners Courtroom in Edinburg showed up to witness the event, including his wife,  Laura Guerra Ramírez, and their two daughters, Gabriela and Mía Carmen. See story later in this posting. 

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On Thursday, October 29, Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, featured left, convened the first hearing of the Legislative Committee on Aging, which was established to study pertinent issues affecting the state’s aging population. "Our goal is to examine essential services, such as housing, transportation and health care specific to Texas’ aging population and determine how to better address those unmet needs," said Lucio, who was appointed chair of the committee by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. "We want to ensure the state is better prepared to accommodate a growing senior population." Shown with Lucio is Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, the House author of the bill that created the committee. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio. See story later in this posting. 

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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, November 18, will host a Power Punch @ Lunch sponsored by Doctors Hospital at Renaissance and the Children’s Center at Renaissance.  The free luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Depot, 602 W. University Drive. All area residents are welcome to join the social-networking luncheon that will include food, door prizes and fun. To RSVP for the free event, interested residents may call 956/383-4974. Promoting the upcoming lunch are, from left: Martín Rivas: chamber membership director; Johnny Rodríguez, chamber chair-elect; Letty González, chamber president; Dr. Carlos Cárdenas, DHR chairman of the board; Marissa Castañeda, DHR chief operations officer;Susan Turley, DHR chief financial officer; and Mario Lizcano, DHR marketing director. 

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The Leadership Edinburg Class XXI has announced plans to hold on fundraiser on Saturday, November 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., as part of its efforts to promote strong leadership skills that focus on politics, education, and quality of life issues. The event will be held at the Edinburg Municipal Park Pavilion, 714 South Raul Longoria Road.  The event, dubbed "El Marcadito Day en Edinburg", helps generate funds for Leadership Class programs through the sale of sponsorships for that gathering. For a fee of $25, area business owners will be assigned one table and two chairs from which to promote their products and services.  Leadership Edinburg Class XXI participants are currently seeking vendors from all cities. Items which may be sold by the participating vendors will feature, but not be limited to, arts/crafts, jewelry, accessories, clothing, appliances, and recreational items. Featured promoting the fundraiser are, standing, from left: Maris Aguirre, Juan Uribe, Myra L. Ayala Garza, Abel Vaquera, Agustín  Hernández, Sal Martínez, and Emilio Santos. Seated, from left: Lisa Chávez, María Medina, Rita Flores, and Jensid Álvarez. For more information please contact Maris Aguirre at 388-8202 or 562-6298 or Myra L. Ayala Garza at 388-1851 or 607-6079. 

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