SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Robert Salinas has one more meeting to attend each month to keep Port Isabel on the upswing and the lines of communications open with the city of South Padre Island.

Salinas, the administrator for the Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation was unanimously selected to join the Island Visitors Advisory Board as a non-voting Ex-Officio member representing the city of Port Isabel.

“That is right up his alley because that’s the type of work he does,” said Jarred Hockema, Port Isabel city administrator. “He’s proud and he’s honored to be on the board.”

The appointment is expected to help cement the relationship between the two cities and ensure events that do take place on either side of the causeway are better coordinated and better planned.

“He’s there to represent our viewpoint and to inform them about what’s going on in Port Isabel,” Hockema said.

“He’s a person that likes working with other people and is committed to making sure that Port Isabel grows and that we have good business opportunities for our people.”

The approval to appoint Salinas to the CVA board recently took place at a South Padre Island regular city meeting.

The CVA works to organize, promote and market Island events to attract visitors to the beach.

“There is no question we are joined to the hip with Port Isabel,” said Barry Patel, SPI mayor.

“I think we have to start the process of working with our surrounding communities.”

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In regard to the “Cameron County’s most wanted list” on page 5 of Sunday’s VMS, I cannot help but wonder how many of the eight men on the list are illegals.

Of the eight, three are wanted for murder and two are wanted for the “continuous” sexual assault of a child.

In comparison, the remaining three are virtual saints, “only” wanted for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

How would any one of us feel if we or a close family member happened to be a victim of any illegal?

Will the local print and broadcast news media research these individual’s immigration status ?

Personally, I seriously doubt it. That would be totally opposite of the media’s pro illegal immigration agenda.

In my view, again along with the liberal media, law enforcement from the current president of the United States, his past and present Attorneys General, and on down to County and local law enforcement and the citizens that voted for Mr. Obama are in no way responsible for crimes committed in the U.S. by illegals.

Why?

The whole of the RGV is a sanctuary region for illegals. Few people seem to care that our nation’s immigration laws are not enforced.

The president and all law enforcement officials and officers have taken oaths to uphold our nation’s laws, even the ones they don’t agree with.

But, Mr. Obama has no use for immigration or marijuana laws, so why enforce them?

As for me, I say continue building the fences that were started before Mr. Obama became president.

Build the wall, build it tall and protect us all.

N. Rodriguez

SAN BENITO — Local residents seeking employment are encouraged to attend a local job happening next week.

A job fair is scheduled for May 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the San Benito Community Building, 210 E. Heywood.

“The City of San Benito has established a strategic partnership with Cameron WorkForce Solutions and the San Benito Chamber of Commerce in presenting a San Benito Community Job Fair,” said Assistant City Manager Art Rodriguez.

Dubbed “Opportunity San Benito” this first job fair is an economic development strategy that will feature at least 20 employers who will be present and ready to hire people in a variety of positions in an assortment of fields.

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The next generation of health care professionals in the Valley Baptist Medical Center School of Vocational Nursing recently stepped into the spotlight for a progression ceremony as they strive toward becoming Licensed Vocational Nurses.

Forty-seven students were recognized during the ceremony Thursday, May 5, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Harlingen. The milestone symbolized completion of the first half of LVN education for one of the largest classes of nursing students in the program’s history as students move on to more advanced training. Families and friends celebrated the midpoint toward graduation in December 2016.

Student Sandra Heffernan of Harlingen said that the class mastered the first level of basic nursing skills such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and starting intravenous fluids for patients. She said that as students work they are increasing their passion for nursing.

“Students have a feeling of accomplishment like they’re going forward and we’re beginning to feel like nurses,” she said. “We’re seeing and feeling the calling of being a nurse.”

The emotional and physical demands on students to sacrifice by disciplining themselves to study and meet the rigors of patient care shatter the media misperceptions about work in health care settings, said Heffernan, who wants to pursue a Registered Nursing diploma and possibly a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in the future.

Hector Rodriguez, a native of Harlingen who lives in Brownsville, said that students spend long hours away from their families and friends while studying for frequent exams. The efforts mean students often cannot attend social functions.

“Students have to remember that it’s all worth it. When you sign up for the School of Vocational Nursing Program, your whole family signs up with you,” he added.

The class now enters more rotations through specialized patient care settings ranging from the emergency room to pediatrics, home health care and hospice, including experience at facilities beyond VBMC. Students will remain under supervision as they take over advanced care responsibilities for more patients. Rodriguez said that he wants to carefully consider options during the next few months before choosing a career field.

Patrick Ybarra, RN, MSN, Administrative Director of Nursing at VBMC-Harlingen, told students and the large crowd that the students should feel confident because the School of Vocational Nursing faculty has a reputation for preparing successful nurses. He said the students will become more compassionate and stronger as they improve their decision-making skills.

“That hug or a thank you from a patient will be worth it all and you will be proud to be a nurse,” Ybarra said.

Program Office Coordinator Stephanie Hamby said that the diversity of students in the class represents a wide range of backgrounds and many are entering their second careers. Prospective students should consider the fast pace of the learning environment and high expectations, she said.

Pre-entrance exams for the next Vocational Nursing class at VBMC-Harlingen will be administered in June. For details go online to www.valleybaptist.net/lvnschool or call (956) 389-1721.

HARLINGEN — Shortly after lunch, 11 seventh-grade students were told to hop on the bus and gear up for a big surprise.

Their teachers told them where they were going, but it was the police escort that made them feel and look like celebrities.

As they reached their final destination, a 7-Eleven on S. Expressway 83, the children were greeted by happy members of the Harlingen Police Department and Harlingen U.S. Border Patrol personnel.

Yesterday, the students from Memorial Middle School were recognized for exhibiting positive behavior, good deeds, and had demonstrated “team work” throughout the school year.

Upon arrival, the kids were ushered into the store where they received their choice of a slurpee and cookies.

For an hour out of their day, Noah Gonzalez, David Lopez, Noah Sanchez, Jesse Jimenez, Cassandra Rocha, Haleigh Lucio, De Ann Ruiz, Miranda Rendon, Ricardo Saldana, Amya Villerreal, and Abraham Coronado had the opportunity to spend time with the leaders in their community, sip slurpees and talk about the perks of being a good citizen.

Their teacher, Maria Martinez said a team of seventh-grade teachers were tasked with choosing the kids.

“We were asked to choose 11 kids that we have seen an improvement in academically and behaviorally,” she said. “A lot of the kids have had a big turn around since the beginning of the year.”

They were monitored through their grades and participation. All of them are transitioning successfully to the eighth grade.

Border Patrol Agent in Charge of the Harlingen Station, Henry Leo, said his office jumps at every chance to educate future leaders.

“We think it’s a good investment to go out and talk to kids about staying motivating and making good decisions,” he said. “Hopefully we can clear up any question about our role in the community.”

It’s something the border patrol has done for years.

Leo said they have had a standing partnership with the school district and police department.

“The border patrol has always had good relationships with other entities, whether it is through drug awareness, community involvement and education,” he said.

Before the request for multiple group photos was announced, Leo, Superintendent Dr. Art Cavazos and Police Chief Jeffry Adickes huddled with the kids, giving them sage advice the leaders hoped they would take with them when they move forward.

Every one of you has been identified as having good behavior and have done good deeds, Cavazos said.

As future leaders, Cavazos reminded the children to always protect their name, always do the right thing and live without regret.

“Being identified for this is something you should be proud of,” Adickes said to the children who were sipping on slurpees listening intently.

MERCEDES — The American Red Cross has the green light to man the saferoom dome shelter in the event of a severe emergency.

“Any time an emergency plan is activated, the city will coordinate with the American Red Cross to man the facility,” said Richard Garcia, Mercedes city manager. “Staff will also be trained as a backup.”

The city council voted unanimously recently to enter an agreement with the American Red Cross.

The agency organizes volunteers from the area and around the country to help save lives and assist people in need.

“We have a pool of about 300 volunteers in various capacities and specialties that are ready when we get the call,” said Iris Martinez Juergens, American Red Cross South Texas Chapter executive director.

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MERCEDES — The Rio Grande Valley Livestock show is a staple event in a city trying to make more of a mark on the Valley.

That’s just one reason why the city will grant the show $300,000 to improve the venue to help it become a true destination.

Mercedes Development Corporation Executive Director Hernan Gonzalez said the funds will be a community investment grant to help the event center grow.

“At the end of the day, what you’re going to have is a parking lot for 3,800 cars with proper drainage, lighting and asphalt,”

Gonzalez said. “It makes it a better destination for more events.”

The grant is based upon the parking lot improvements being done by the livestock show at an estimated cost of $2.5 million.

The first portion of the grant will be provided after the improvement is made and then annual investments of $50,000 thereafter, for five years.

“The stock show is a year-round destination that brings people into Mercedes,” Gonzalez said. “In the long run, you say Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, and you know that’s Mercedes.”

But the decision to give the money through the Mercedes Development Corporation wasn’t unanimous.

Discussed in executive session later, the motion was approved 3-1, with Commissioner Jose Gomez opposing it.

Loans and grants over $50,000 must have a majority approval of the City Council.

Gomez’s reason for voting against the grant was because the discussion to give the money occurred behind closed doors.

“People need to know where their money is going,” Gomez said. “People are concerned about their tax dollars.”

Gomez said he takes the time to meet with local businesses in Mercedes.

One of the questions he asks business owners is whether the livestock show brings more business to the community.

Gomez said the business owners typically answer no.

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HARLINGEN – Letter carriers will be hauling more than mail and packages Saturday.

They will be picking up nonperishable food items while out on their regular routes.

The 24th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is set around the country.

Harlingen’s post office will participate and the Harlingen Neighborhood Food Pantry will benefit from the always successful drive.

People are encouraged to leave a bag next to their mailboxes before regular mail delivery Saturday, containing nonperishable foods such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, peanut butter, rice, cereal and canned meats

Stamp Out Hunger is the nation’s largest one-day food drive. It provides letter carriers, postal employees and volunteers the opportunity to come together to conduct the drive in their local communities.

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BROWNSVILLE — The Cameron County Democratic Party is inviting the public to listen to the runoff candidates’ positions before the May 24 election in an event Thursday evening at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Pub and Event Center, 1801 Veterans Blvd.

The event will give voters an opportunity to make an informed decision about who they want in office, said Amber Medina, chair of the Cameron County Democratic Party.

“I would just encourage people to come to the forum to give themselves an opportunity to go to the polls as an informed and educated voter,” Medina said.

“You can hear each candidate speak to the issues at hand and see which candidate you wish to support.”

Each candidate will be posed three questions. The questions are broad and should give people a better perspective of what the candidate stands for.

“They are tailored to each race,” Medina said.

Candidates will be given a 30-second opening statement, a two-minute response to each question, and a one-minute closing statement.

The forum should be about an hour and a half long, Medina said.

The candidates in the county judge race, county commissioner Precinct 1 race, the county Court-at-Law races and the county constable race will all be present.

The exception is Cameron County Precinct 2 Constable candidate Pete Avila Jr., who may not be able to attend due to a family emergency.

Harlingen — Harlingen Medical Center (HMC) is known for its high-quality and compassionate healthcare. And, this Friday, May 13, 2016, the nationally recognized and award-winning hospital will offer free medical screenings, health and wellness education, a Doc Talk Lecture, and minimal cost non-invasive mammogram and vascular screenings, all open to the community – as part of its Harlingen Medical Center Annual Ladies Day Out Health Fair!

The Health Fair will be hosted at the hospital’s Main Lobby, located at 5501 S. Expressway 77 in Harlingen, between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

“Harlingen Medical Center is very much aware of the health care needs of the people we serve in our community,” said Manny Chacon, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Harlingen Medical Center. “We make every effort to meet those health care needs and this health fair is one way we do that. We host this event not only to offer complimentary medical screenings, but also to educate the women of our community. This health fair will include women’s health related topics such as the importance of having an annual mammogram. This May, in conjunction with Mother’s Day, we are offering our Digital Mammogram Screening for a special rate of $99.”

The Harlingen Medical Center Annual Ladies Day Our Health Fair will feature complimentary blood pressure, blood sugar, vision screenings, and much more. Those interested in having their blood sugar checked should be fasting at least eight hours before having the screening performed.

“These complimentary medical screenings are an excellent opportunity for members of our community to come in, have the screenings performed, and gauge where their numbers stand regarding their health,” Chacon added. “Most of these screenings take only a few minutes to complete. People will receive their results right away. They can then take these results back to their primary care physician and decide what to do next, if, they require further medical attention.”

The Health Fair will include a special Doc Talk Lecture presentation by Dr. Susan Redmond, Obstetrician / Gynecologist and Partner-In-Care to Harlingen Medical Center, who will speak on the topic of “Repeat Miscarriages: What You Need to Know”, at 10:30 a.m. in the Harlingen Medical Center Administration Classroom (located just to the right of the main lobby, also on the first floor of the hospital,). Dr. Redmond will discuss steps woman can take to prevent miscarriages, including starting prenatal vitamins and a folic acid supplement before they become pregnant.

The Health Fair will also feature masseuse(s), who will offer complimentary massage therapy sessions, and education on its benefits to the body and mind. Staff from the local Dillard’s Women’s Department will be on hand to offer complimentary cosmetic demonstrations.

To coincide with Mother’s Day, this May, the Health Fair will also feature important information about mammogram screening, which is available at Harlingen Medical Center’s Radiology and Imaging Department for only $99, this month.

“The mammogram is one of the simplest ways to detect and battle breast cancer,” said Roy Castillo, Director of Radiology and Imaging Services at Harlingen Medical Center. “This is why we stress the importance of the annual screening. The health fair and special rate mammogram screening gives us the opportunity to shed light on the illness and provide women with additional information about their state of health.”

The non-invasive Vascular Screening, available at Harlingen Medical Center during the month of May, is used to take an image of the 1) Carotid Artery, 2) Abdominal Aorta, and 3) Peripheral Arterial. The carotid artery is screened for buildup of fatty plaque, which can lead to a stroke if left untreated. The abdominal aorta is screened for the presence of an aneurysm, which can lead to a ruptured aortic artery and cause instantaneous death. The peripheral arterial are screened for plaque buildup in the lower extremities, which if present can lead to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), also known as atherosclerosis, and even cause heart disease.

All three screenings are performed for the nominal fee of $139.00. Most insurance companies usually do not cover the cost of this screening unless the person has already suffered symptoms of heart disease. The screenings are completed all at once, in the same room (Radiology and Imaging Services at Harlingen Medical Center), and take about 45-minutes to complete.

If you wish to register for the “Stroke Prevention: Vascular Screening,” please call the Scheduling Department at (956) 365-1839 to schedule your appointment.

The HMC Annual Ladies Day Out Health Fair will feature door prizes for attendees, refreshments, and tours of the hospital’s Women’s Center. The annual event is free and open to the public.

To learn more about the Harlingen Medical Center Annual Ladies Day Out Health Fair, or to RSVP for the HMC Doc Talk Lecture with Dr. Susan Redmond, please contact the Business Development and Marketing Department at (956) 365-1848.