Rio Grande City hosted the 2025 State of the City Address
Roger Olivarez inducted into the RGV Band Directors Hall of Fame
On April 27th, the evening was adorned to pay tribute to an iconic figure in music education, Roger Olivarez, an educator with a fourdecade career dedicated to the Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District, was inducted into the RGV Band Directors Hall of Fame.
to reflect on their recent achievements and share their strategic vision for the future. Mayor Gilbert Falcon delivered an insightful address, emphasizing key accomplishments across various sectors, including infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and community engagement. Under this year’s theme, “Moving Forward,” Mayor Falcon reaffirmed the city’s dedication to creating a stronger and more prosperous future for all our residents. On behalf of the Rio Grande City we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Javier Guerra of KRGV for his excellent role as Master of Ceremonies. We also deeply appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to making this important event a success. Finally, a special thank you to our generous sponsors. Your invaluable support was crucial in making the State of the City Address possible, and we greatly value your partnership in our shared journey forward. Together, we are moving forward with purpose and unity.
The ceremony recognized Mr. Olivarez’s 40 years of service, having risen from assistant principal to principal band director, eventually becoming the district’s first Fine Arts Director. Beyond his titles, Olivarez transcended his role to become a true mentor, a constant motivator, and an inexhaustible source of encouragement for both his students and colleagues. His influence extends beyond the classroom. Mr. Olivarez currently serves as music director of the prestigious McAllen Wind Ensemble, serves as a city commissioner, and stands as a respected and guiding voice in his community.
During his moving acceptance speech, the honoree shared words of deep gratitude toward those who made his distinguished career possible. “I was truly blessed to have such incredible students,” Olivarez said. “Their commitment to doing their best was exemplary, and that’s what made everything we did together so special.”
This well-deserved recognition celebrates the profound impact Roger Olivarez has left on the community.
Congratulations to Roma High School Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) on another very productive year!! Starr County 4-H Member Diego Geronimo Guerra Represents Texas at 2025 National 4-H Conference
The Roma High School Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) team was able to prepare 206 free federal income tax returns that allowed $536,651.00 in federal refunds to be sent to our community. The average cost of a professional tax preparation is $300.00. The Roma High VITA Program saved the community an average amount of $61,800.00 in tax preparation fees!
The site had two high school
student volunteers, five high school alumni volunteers, and one teacher volunteer who participated in this program. All volunteers earned three IRS certifications (Volunteer Standards of Conduct/Intake & Quality Review/Advanced Income Tax Preparation). Roma High students Mairely Garcia and Gael Rodriguez, and volunteers Evelyn Guajardo, Leslie A. Guajardo, Victoria Ortega, Samuel D. Ortega Jr., and Mayra A. Solis were under the direction of Roma
High School Teacher Nora Abigail Ortega. They were all honored at a special dinner to celebrate the team’s accomplishments at The United Way of South Texas VITA Program Dinner. The Gladiator Nation is extremely proud of the invaluable work of these students, volunteers, and their teacher leader!! Thank you to The United Way of South Texas for annually funding this important project that saves our community time and money!!
Congratulations, Mr. Olivarez!
From April 11–16, youth from across the nation gathered in the nation’s capital for the 2025 National 4-H Conference — an annual event that empowers young leaders to engage directly with federal partners and explore their roles as future decisionmakers.
Among the distinguished delegates was Diego Geronimo Guerra, proudly representing Starr County 4-H and the state of Texas. Diego was one of only five students selected to represent Texas, chosen for his outstanding commitment to leadership and citizenship.
The National 4-H Conference 4-H CONFERENCE page 4
ICS celebrated the First Holy Communion for the 3rd graders
Early Childhood Academy Little Lion Cheerleaders brought energy, enthusiasm, and spirit to the local Pit Boss Showdown Event at the Basilio V. Municipal Park! The cheerleaders delivered an outstanding performance and enjoyed the community event! Cheer Coach: Mrs. K. Arredondo
ICS celebrated the First Holy Communion for the 3rd graders at Immaculate Conception church, with Celebrant, Fr. Ortega. We are very proud and blessed of the students and families that decided to start their children’s sacraments as a Catholic disciple. Thank you Mrs. Gonzalez, Mrs. Barrera, and Fr. Ortega for instilling in their hearts the importance of the holy sacraments. God is good.
4-H CONFERENCE
is the pinnacle civic engagement experience for 4-H members, offering participants the unique opportunity to meet with federal officials, learn about careers in agriculture and public service, and share youth perspectives on
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real-world issues. During the six-day conference, delegates participated in roundtable discussions and workshops that emphasized leadership development, strategic decisionmaking, and public speaking.
A key highlight for Diego was his participation in a roundtable group assigned to tackle a challenge question presented by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The topic, Supporting Teens and Reducing Barriers, called for innovative ideas and youth-led solutions to help teens overcome challenges in their communities. Diego and his team presented their findings directly to DOD officials during a formal session held at the U.S. Pentagon.
“This was an incredible opportunity not just to speak, but to be heard by people who make real decisions,” said Diego. “It showed me how youth voice matters in shaping the future.” Neida Martinez, County Extension Agent for Starr County, praised Diego’s achievements, saying, “Diego’s dedication and leadership are truly inspiring. He has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his community and the 4-H program. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and know he will continue to make a positive impact.”
The 2025 National 4-H Conference continues to serve as a launching pad for the next generation of leaders—giving students like Diego the tools, connections, and confidence to make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
South Texas Health System inviting Rio Grande Valley residents to participate in its Annual Steps For Stroke Challenge to help spread Stroke Awareness
Taking place May 17-23, the 50,000-step challenge aims to get the community to understand the importance of physical activity in any form, which can help reduce one’s risk of stroke and other serious health complications
Nearly 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke each year, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with about 1 in 20 of those cases resulting in death.
Understanding the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke is imperative because the chances of surviving a brain attack increase greatly when medical treatment is executed swiftly.
Unfortunately, studies suggest that less than 40% of adults can accurately identify the major warning signs of a stroke, including facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty, and know to call 9-11 immediately when someone was having a stroke, potentially delaying crucial medical attention
aimed at preventing disability and death.
To help cultivate a better understanding of the dangers of stroke in the Rio Grande Valley, the South Texas Health System Neuroscience & Stroke Institute is hosting its fifth annual Steps for Stroke community challenge from Saturday, May 17 – Friday, May 23.
The weeklong 50,000-step challenge and competition aims to help educate the community on the common signs of a stroke while promoting the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, including being physically active, to reduce one’s risk of stroke.
“Studies show that sitting less and moving more can help reduce your risk of stroke in many different ways, including lowering your blood pressure, stabilizing your blood sugar count and reducing your cholesterol level,” says Tom Castaneda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas
Health System. “It doesn’t matter how you do it; you just have to get moving. Whether you prefer going for a long walk or dancing to music while cleaning the house, each step you take is one that helps reduce your risk of stroke!”
The Steps for Stroke challenge encourages participants to walk, run or even dance their way to a minimum of 10,000 steps per day – that’s a minimum of 50,000 steps total during the competition period of May 17-23 – and log their daily step count on the official challenge website, STHSActive.com. Trophies will be awarded to the top finishers in three categories: community, STHS staff and first responders. To kick off the competition, STHS McAllen will host a special Steps for Stroke Pep Rally on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. Along with picking up their challenge packets, contestants will have the chance to start registering their steps by
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Roma will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave, Roma, Texas to consider the following case(s):
1) Rezoning: From Suburban Residential District (SF) to General Commercial District (C2) for a proposed Storage Unit Facility; Legal Description is a 0.7532 acre parcel of land out of and forming a part of portion of Share No. 71 out of Porcion No. 74, Ancient Jurisdiction of Mier, Mexico now Starr County, Texas; Physical Address is 415 Deer Run Avenue, Roma, Texas 78584. (COZ#2502)
The City Council for the City of Roma will be holding a Public Hearing for the case(s) on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at the Roma City Council Chambers, located at 201 W. Convent Ave., Roma, Texas.
taking part in a variety of interactive exercise demonstrations.
Registration can be completed at STHSActive.com. The Late registration fee after May 2 is $20. The registration fee includes the official 2025 Steps for Stroke T-shirt, although a T-shirt is not guaranteed with late registration. All proceeds will benefit a local charity helping to prevent strokes in the Rio Grande Valley.
South Texas Health System Steps for Stroke Challenge May 17-23, 2025 Pep Rally & Packet Pick up:
Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
South Texas Health System
McAllen (Courtyard Area) 301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen
About South Texas Health SystemSouth Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www. southtexashealthsystem.com.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
South Texas College is accepting competitive proposals for the following: RFP Number Description Date Due Time 25-26-1002 Advertising Services May 29, 2025 2:00 PM 25-26-1003 Digital Advertising Services May 29, 2025 3:00 PM
Request for Proposals packages may be obtained via email stcpurchasing@ southtexascollege.edu or by calling 956-872-4681. Responses received after the specified time and date will not be considered and will be returned unopened. Email or Facsimile responses will not be accepted. All responses must be submitted in a sealed envelope. Responses need to be clearly marked on the envelope with the RFP number.
The successful respondent will not be determined on the opening date.
Questions regarding this RFP or requests for additional information should be addressed to Deyadira Leal, Director of Purchasing, 956-872-4681 daleal@southtexascollege.edu, or Vanessa Campos, Senior Buyer, 956-872-4661 vsolis_3079@southtexascollege.edu
Responses to the RFP must be submitted to South Texas College, 3200 W Pecan Blvd Bldg N Ste 145, McAllen, TX 78501.
South Texas College is an equal education and equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. As an equal opportunity employer, the College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Vendors are encouraged to visit the South Texas College’s Purchasing Department website to complete the 2-part Bonfire vendor registration for receiving solicitations at: https://southtexascollege.bonfirehub.com/login
Welcome to this week’s edition of Wellness Weekly! I’m Neida Martinez, and this week we’re diving into Mental Health. Let’s explore how you can incorporate this into your daily life for better health and well-being.
Key Facts About Mental Health
• 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year.
• 1 in 20 adults in the U.S. experience serious mental illness each year.
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Source: National Alliance of Mental Illness
RGC Public Library
Rio Grande City Public Library celebrated
