Local College Presents Winter Wonderland Art Walk on Dec. 1

Chestnuts won’t be roasting on an open fire, but free food, music and art displays are a great way to kick off the holiday season with South Texas College’s second annual Winter Wonderland Art Walk on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event takes place at the college’s Pecan Campus Courtyard located at 3201 West Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

The STC Winter Wonderland Art Walk is a self-guided tour of art displays and demonstrations in cooking and ceramics, as well as live musical performances. Guests can start their tour at any location and proceed at their own pace.

H-E-B to Host 8th Annual Feast of Sharing

RIO GRANDE CITY— Rio Grande City citizens have been cordially invited to celebrate a local holiday tradition during the 8th annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing Dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at Fort Ringgold Elementary.

H-E-B and a team of dedicated volunteers are preparing to fill the plates of 2,500 guests with a delicious meal consisting of succulent turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing with gravy, vegetables and, of course, pumpkin pie. Just like Mom used to make.

“Friends, family and great food are what bring people together for the holidays,” said Danny Flores, H-E-B public affairs manager. “We are looking forward to treating Rio Grande City residents to a day filled with good food and fun. So make sure to bring not only your appetite, but a neighbor, too.”

Grant to Help Repair Homes of Farm Workers In South Texas

(Rio Grande City)—Motivation, Education and Training, Inc. (MET) has received a $50,000 grant from the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) to provide home repairs for low-income farm workers in South Texas.  Accepting the check on behalf of MET was Carmen Gonzalez, Vice President of the Board for MET and Hilda Escobar, Secretary of the Board for MET.  The grant was presented by Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen and David Long, President of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation.

“The home repairs that MET provides are critical to the well-being of many farm worker families,” said State Representative Ryan Guillen (Starr County). “This grant eases the financial burden associated with such repairs and improves the quality of life of these families."

Local College Students Perform Broadway Play

What a better way to celebrate the holidays than with a reminder of how much we love to go to parties? That is unless you are a character in Neil Simon’s play, “Rumors.” South Texas College’s Theatre Department will kick off the winter holidays with Simon’s successful Broadway show, which runs from Dec. 1 to 3, 2011 at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. The “party” will be held at STC’s Pecan Campus Cooper Center for Communication Arts located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.

 Directed by STC Theatre Department Technical Director Jason Lee Huerta, “Rumors” revolves around the tale of four couples. They are all at the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and the mayor’s wife for the celebration of the couple’s tenth wedding anniversary. However, the party never begins because the host has shot himself in the head and his wife is missing.  His lawyer’s cover up gets progressively more difficult to sustain as the other guests arrive and nobody can remember who has been told what about whom. Doors slam and hilarity abounds as the couples get more and more crazed.

Roma H.S. Students Visit Texas Capitol

AUSTIN --- On Friday, Nov. 18, State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Starr County) provided an in-depth walk-through of the state legislative process to more than 80 high school students from South and East Texas. The students traveled to the Texas Capitol from high schools in Duval, Starr, Zapata, Webb, Wood, and Harrison Counties to take part in the 8th annual Student Legislative Session.

The event, founded by State Reps. Ryan Guillen (District 31) and Bryan Hughes (District 5), provided the students with detailed insight on how the legislative process happens and the common duties of state lawmakers.

"It's always gratifying for me to share with students how our state legislature operates," said Rep. Guillen.  "I hope this experience will encourage our students to become more involved in their communities, state, and nation."

RMS Students Prepare for SAT's

Ringgold Middle School SAT Preparation classes for students participating in the Duke TIP- Talent Search for 7th grade students is underway.  This identified group of students will be taking the SAT exam in January 2012.  Currently, after school sessions, both in English Language Arts and Mathematics are available to help students prepare to take this college entrance exam.  Ringgold Middle applauds the achievement and potential of all students participating in the Duke TIP for the 2011-2012 school year.  For more questions on Duke TIP (Talent Search), you may also visit: http://www.tip.duke.edu/.  For additional information about our program, please contact Mrs. Patricia O. Soto, Ringgold Middle School Dean of Instruction at 716-6851. For information on the SAT test for Duke TIP participants, please contact Mr. Felix Garza, RMS counselor, at 716-6886.

Grulla Elem. Joins 'Relay for Life'

Grulla Elementary students and staff members participated in the Rio Grande City Relay For Life an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society.  The school won First Place in the Spirit Stick Contest and First Place in the Car Decorating Contest.  The Dazzlers Dance Team and Stars Cheerleaders participated in performing for the audience.  We would like to thank everyone that participated.

Local Educator Awarded 'Light Keeper' Award

On October 14th, a counseling staff development was hosted at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary where the counselors selected Mr. Ricardo Garcia-Special Education Resource Teacher-to receive the “Light Keeper” award.  This award is given to a teacher that has impacted and lit the way for a child.  We would like to applaud Mr. Ricardo Garcia’s dedication and commitment to our students and our school.

General Ricardo Sanchez Elem. Hosts Bus Safety Activities

General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary students participated in a bus safety presentation on Oct. 19, 2011. The Rio Grande City CISD bus drivers discussed safety rules, emergency exits and evacuations in case of an emergency.  Students viewed an educational video which served to raise awareness and reinforce the importance of following bus safety rules.  Ongoing trainings, videos and bus safety tips are implemented constantly during the year to improve students’ safety.   General Ricardo Sanchez students and staff acknowledged bus drivers’ commitment and dedication in ensuring our students’ safety to and from school.

Grulla Elem. Students Name New BP Horse

Grulla Elementary was selected by the U.S. Border Patrol Department to name a new horse they had just acquired for their Horse Patrol Unit.  The school was honored with the task of naming one of their six (6) horses that will be utilized in patrolling the border.  The school held a contest in which every child was given a picture of a horse and their task was to color the horse and give it a name.  Once all students submitted their artwork and the name they had chosen a total of  35 were selected. These were then sent to the Border Patrol Office for the final selection of the name that would be given to the patrol horse.  On Thursday, October 20, 2011 a ceremony was held at the Grulla Elementary to annonunce the winner of the contest and to christen the horse with its very own name.  The winner of the contest was Alica Villarreal a 4th grade student in Ms. Olga Barreiro's class who chose the name "Bandit" for the horse.

Local College Invites Public to Free Art Lectures

South Texas College’s Visual Arts and Music Department will host art lectures with Lee Pembleton on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the college’ Pecan Campus Building B Art Gallery located at 3201 West Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

Pembleton is part of a collective of artists that make up Earth Bound Moon, which is an international non-profit corporation offering artists the opportunity to create site-specific public works. The group seeks to develop links between community arts organizations, artists and municipalities worldwide.

“EBM provides incredible opportunities for artists in different countries and from a wide range of socioeconomic boundaries to work together as part of a collaborative arts community, creating connections between disparate people and promoting the idea of artists as a global community and humans as a universal community,” explained David Freeman, STC visual arts instructor and event coordinator. “We look forward to learning from Pembleton how public art unifies, energizes and enhances the quality of life in these communities they work in.”

STC’s Visual Arts and Music Department, through excellent teaching and service to the community, promotes an enhanced awareness of the role of art and music in society. The department’s purpose is to provide a stimulating environment that encourages lifelong learning, promotes cultural awareness and enriches the quality of life in Hidalgo and Starr counties through performance and study.

For more information about the lectures contact Amanda Alejos, STC gallery assistant, at 956-872-2503 or at artgallery@southtexascollege.edu.

RGC Library Announces Fund Raising Event

Start your Christmas shopping early and benefit the Rio Grande City Public Library.  

Please join us for the third annual Silpada Jewelry fundraiser from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, November 17. Silpada reps Mary Rodriguez, Anastasia Rodriguez Perez and Esther Salinas, will donate 100% of their cash profits from jewelry sales to the library. 

Last year’s donation was $1,300 with your help we can double that. Please help 

RGCCISD Police Dept. Security Gustavo Diaz Retires

Rio Grande City CISD Police Department Security Gustavo Diaz retires after working in the district for over 25 years.  He was presented a plaque for his years of service and dedication to Rio Grande City CISD.  Mr. Diaz and his wife of 57 years Cecilia raised nine  children and are the proud grandparents of 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  Mr. Diaz is keeping young and fit by walking every morning and working in his yard.  He is truly enjoying his retirement traveling with his lovely wife to visit family in Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Pearsal, TX.  His dedication to his family is truly admirable and now he has the time to savor every minute with his grandkids and his extended family.  Rio Grande City CISD Administration and staff wish Mr. Gustavo Diaz a very happy and long retirement! (Pictured:  Rio Grande City Police Department Chief Hernan Garza, Jr. and Mr. Gustavo Diaz).

Local College Celebrates Veterans District-Wide

With many student veterans and veterans teaching or working at the college’s five campuses, it was important to South Texas College Veterans Affairs Coordinator Javier Arredondo to ensure each campus held a special celebration to mark Veterans Day.

“As a veteran myself, I know the challenges these men and women face in their service and in their personal lives,” he explained. “I saw the pain in the eyes of my wife and sons when I had to leave home. It was hard, but I love the military and I love my country. I loved to serve. Veterans and their families give so much to ensure our country remains free. It’s important to take at least one day a year to honor that commitment.”

However, Arredondo ensured that STC took more than one day to honor veterans. Flag raisings in the morning at the college’s Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco, Technology Campus in McAllen and Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2011 kicked off the college’s Veterans Day activities. Special documentaries where shown at the campuses later in the day, but the highlight of the activities was a special student veterans roundtable discussion at the college’s Starr County Campus that afternoon. Student veterans answered questions from their peers and discussed their experiences.

Grulla High Observes Red Ribbon Week

Starr County Youth Coalition members from RGCCISD-Grulla H.S. celebrated Red Ribbon Week. Youth disseminated information on the dangers of Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs. Students gathered during lunch to learn about the significance of Red Ribbon Week and the purpose of the Starr County Youth Coalition. Pictured: Youth Coalition members and friends. For more information about Starr County Youth Coalition contact Sandra Garza at 716-1795.

Local College Offers One-Month Tech Certification

By: Pete Pompa, STC Information Technology Instructor
Did you ever think you could be a college graduate after just one semester? Well it’s possible with South Texas College’s Electronic and Computer Maintenance Technology Program, which is offering a one-semester technical certificate called Computer and Internet Specialist. And it’s available to earn at STC’s Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City.

The certificate provides students with the knowledge needed to succeed in environments that require the use of computers and the Internet. Graduates will be instantly recognized as someone with the critical entry-level skills needed to effectively use the latest computer and Internet technology to achieve business objectives, expand productivity, improve profitability, and provide a competitive edge.

Benavidez Attends Economic Development Forum

How talent development is driving the region’s economic competitiveness was the topic of an economic development forum held recently at The University of Texas-Pan American. Rose Benavidez, president of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, attended the forum, which was held for the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative Core Leadership Team.

“Starr County is fortunate to be a part of the talent pipeline,” said Benavidez, who also represents Starr County on the South Texas College Board of Trustees. “New courses in manufacturing and other support careers are being offered at the STC Starr County Campus to help us build our talent network.  I am also excited about our opportunities to improve our labor force and expand business.”

Local College Wants Your Art

All poets, writers and artists from across the region and state are invited to submit their original works for consideration for the eighth issue of “Interstice,” South Texas College’s premier literary magazine due out April 2012 

“We are looking for poems, short stories, essays, short plays and art work that will display the myriad of perspectives and talent from across the Rio Grande Valley,” said Lanesa Poulton, STC faculty advisor for the publication. “We are especially hoping to shine light on the work of current and former STC students who are the creative leaders of tomorrow. We have an incredibly diverse set of students at the college and they have amazing stories to tell that lend themselves to many art forms.”

The deadline for submission for consideration for inclusion in the magazine is Nov. 30, 2011. Only three total submissions per contributor will be forwarded to the selection committee and each contributor can have no more than two entries accepted for final publication.

2011 - 2012 Slate of Club Officers for Rattlers 4H

Elected officers are an important part of the leadership team in the local 4H Club.  Serving as officers helps members develop leadership skills as they perform the duties required.

The success is the club meetings and the club itself depends on leadership from effective each year.

The club electing their officers serves several purposes for its members:

TODAY: Comedian Nate Bargatze Performs at Local College

Born and raised in Old Hickory, Tennessee, Nate Bargatze has been following in his magician father’s footsteps on the long road to entertainment gold. Bargatze made his television debut on the “CMT Comedy Stage” in 2007 and has been a fast-rising star on the national comedian scene ever since.

In addition to hosting his own “Comedy Central Presents” special, Bargatze has performed on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” twice. He has also written for Spike TV’s Video Game Awards. When he isn’t winning comedy festivals in New York and Boston, he’s performing for troops in Iraq, which he has done four times.

TODAY: Free Performance by Dance Group Huehuetl

South Texas College’s Center for Mexican American Studies, in partnership with the college’s Student Activities Department and Border Studies Club, invites you to a special musical presentation by renowned Mexican group Huehuetl.

The musical presentation takes place Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at STC’s Starr County Campus Amphitheater located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. Admission is free and open to the public.

Attendees will embark on a magical journey through the sounds of the Huehuetl, a percussion instrument used in ceremonies of pre-Columbian times. The group will reenact the music and dance of the ancient inhabitants of Mexico. Witness the life of ancient inhabitants and discover how Mexican music has evolved.

Guillen Visits Gen. Sanchez Elementary

 On Oct. 25, State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Starr) explained to more than 100 2nd grade students at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary in Rio Grande City his duties as a state official for the school's 2nd Grade Career Day. A former teacher, Rep. Guillen shared with the students the role he plays in Texas government and answered questions regarding his most memorable experiences in public service. In addition, the students had the opportunity to listen to presenters in other career fields ranging from law enforcement to broadcast media.

"As an elected official who has prioritized education for years, I greatly enjoyed providing the students with insight on how our state government operates and the many functions it has," said Rep. Guillen. "Also, it's always a pleasure to speak to group of kids who are engaged, asking questions, and genuinely interested in learning."

Veteran's Middle School Welcomes Woodmen

RGCCISD Press Release
VETERANS MIDDLE SCHOOL – Some students from Veterans Middle School were pleasantly surprised by members of the local chapter of The Woodmen of the World Lodge #6167 when they visited the school to donate school supplies. On September 22, 2011, Andy Clarke and Jaime Villarreal went to VMS with school supplies that Woodmen of the World donated to some 6th and 7th graders. These students will be able to use their supplies to help them with their school work. Pictured above are VMS students and representatives from the local chapter of Woodmen of the World.

Roque Guerra Kick Ball Champs 2011

RGCCISD Press Release
The Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary 5th Grade Kickball team competed in a Kickball Tournament against other elementary schools in the district. Roque Guerra, Jr. Elmentary team won the Championship against Ringgold Elementary on October 12, 2011. Congratulations on a job well done!!! We are proud of you.

Roque Guerra Student Council Elections Held

RGCCISD Press Release
Roque Guerra, Jr. Elementary selected their student council officers for 2011-2012 school year. The student council officers will be working on several activities this school year such as a the Annual Coat Drive and they will be collecting items for the Thanksgiving food baskets to name a few. The officers for this year are: President- Yaritza Marroquin, Vice-President- Emily Salinas, Secretary- Jesse James Villarreal, Treasurer- Brianna Gonzalez, Parliamentarian- Marcelo Chapa, Jr. and Reporter- Caitlyn Flores.