HARLINGEN — Ryan Barlow’s hands gripped the remote control.

It was a tiny box, but it had the power to send an underwater robot to the bottom of the pool. The remote could send the vehicle through a course of black rings, back to the surface, to the end of the pool and back.

The remote control gave the orange and green frame with a motor its personality; no, 17-year-old Ryan gave it personality as he rapidly pushed switches and buttons. The small structure, made of PVC pipe, spun around the pool at the Harlingen school district’s Aquatics Center like a microbe.

But it wasn’t a microbe. Its name is “Shark,” and it was built by the Harlingen High School South Engineering Club. Ryan was one of several club members at the pool yesterday. They were checking to see if “Shark” was ready for the Sixth National SeaPerch Challenge to be held May 20.

“The students have been building and practicing with new robots so that they can review how they were constructed,” said HHSS Engineering Club Sponsor Javier Garza.

Nearby, a group of engineering club members from Harlingen High School were working with their robot, “Red Rover.”

“I am excited,” said Vivian Lopez, 16, club president. “I am glad that we are teaming up with South.”

That’s right. Five members of each club will pull together as one team to compete at the SeaPerch challenge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

SeaPerch is an underwater robotics program in which students build a vehicle from a kit provided by the organization. Students and teachers follow a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. Students learn about robotics, engineering, science and mathematics (STEM studies) while building their underwater robot.

Students from both clubs showed they’d learned a great deal.

However, the big question now is, “Whose robot will they use?”

“I am rooting for ours,” said Vivian Lopez, 16, historian for the HHS club.

“Red Rover” performed very well last October when it competed in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology Week in Edinburg. Both high schools competed in the underwater robot portion of HESTEC. The competition was called the U.S. Navy SeaPerch Challenge, and their scores qualified them for the national SeaPerch challenge later this month in Baton Rouge.

Everyone seemed to be helping each other and exchanging ideas.

“It seems overly buoyant,” said Paul Tenison as Ryan directed the robot back and forth.

“It was decided that way because at the time we thought that was what was necessary,” answered Ryan without taking his eyes off “Shark.”

“I feel it’s the way to go,” Ryan said. “It helps with rising up faster toward the top.”

The event is made up of two challenges. One, the robot has to maneuver an underwater obstacle course. The second challenge is to retrieve an object from an underwater storage container and deposit the piece in another container above water.

After Red Rover’s stellar performance in October, the HHS club had to build a smaller robot to fit the specifications for the challenge in Baton Rouge. That’s when the students ran into problems.

“It changed the hydrodynamics,” said Connor Smith, president of the club. “I think we found the problem and we’re fixing it. It was so small it was overly maneuverable and it made it hard to control. It was doing back flips in the pool.”

Connor said they plan to move the motors closer to the robot’s center so they won’t have as much effect when the vehicle is turning.

They’ve already had plenty of experience performing modifications on “Red Rover.”

One of those modifications involves switching out the length of the PVC nose.

“We can remove this nose right here,” he said earlier in the classroom. “You can take a longer piece of PVC pipe so it’s better able to pick up rings.”

If they use the HHS robot, he showed how they’d attach a shorter nose so the robot can make it through a 16-inch pipe.

The students had planned to make a decision yesterday, but in the end they chose to wait and consider the matter further.

“We just want to see if we could improve our robots or not,” Vivian said. “South, we have been waiting to work with them, so we want to see if they had any ideas.”

Obviously they all have plenty of ideas. Each can take them in a different direction, and each direction leads to a new experience in the world of science.

HARLINGEN – Education. It prepares the leaders of tomorrow to take-on and overcome the challenges that will improve our community and make for a better future for us all.

It structures the mind and affords the city administrators, bankers, attorneys, doctors, nurses, teachers and CEO’s of tomorrow – the skill-set, creativity and resourcefulness, they need to create a better tomorrow.

You can help pave the way for a better education for students by walking, running, or simply offering a financial contribution to the 3rd Annual Harlingen Medical Center (HMC) and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Community Health Walk/Run scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 7:00 a.m., at the TSTC Campus, located at 1902 Loop 499 in Harlingen.

The Walk/Run

The community event will feature complimentary medical screenings, a warm-up session before the walk/run, a 5k competitive run (top three runners will receive prizes), a 1-mile non-competitive walk, free t-shirts for all those that register for the event, games for children, door prizes, and more!

Proceeds from this event will benefit TSTC Students via scholarships offered by the Harlingen Medical Center Endowed Scholarship Fund, which offers financial assistance to students pursuing a higher level of education at the state college.

For Students

Scholarships allow TSTC to attract promising, talented and diverse students, recognize outstanding achievements, and encourage academic excellence.

– Please consider supporting academic scholarship, via this event, by way of registering for either the 5K competitive run, or the 1-mile non-competitive walk

– As a business owner/manager sponsoring a corporate team (your team of four)

– As a business owner/manager offering a corporate sponsorship to support academics and raise awareness of the importance of education

To register for the Walk/Run, please visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/harlingen-medical-center-tstc-community-health-walkrun-2016-registration-24386151636.

You may also register utilizing the attached Registration Form.

This event is open to the general public.

HARLINGEN – Rio Grande Valley women are benefitting from a family-centered approach with personalized nursing care when they have their baby at The Women’s Center at Harlingen Medical Center.

Under the unique, “personal care” approach at Harlingen Medical Center, a mother who goes into labor is matched one-to-one with a specially-trained registered nurse, who then stays with the same mother as long as possible – both before and after the baby is born.

“Here at Harlingen Medical Center, we strive to give each of our patients the highest quality of care and make the birthing experience a good one,” said Ursula Villarreal, Director of The Women’s Center at Harlingen Medical Center. “We try to keep it one-to-one between our specially-trained registered nurses and the new mother. It’s personalized, with the same nurse with the same patient as long as possible … we try not to ’hand off’ the patient, but instead promote continuity in the care of the patient.”

This individualized concept has been well-received by many Valley women, who have expressed gratitude to the nurse who cared for them and their newborn baby during one of the most important and exciting times of their life.

In fact, now more than 1,000 births per year are celebrated at Harlingen Medical Center’s Women’s Center, making it one of the premiere choices in the Valley for families to welcome their latest additions.

Ms. Villarreal said the new moms also appreciate a setting that is aesthetically-pleasing and conducive to family-centered obstetrics. She said the amenities at Harlingen Medical include:

• “Homelike” labor and delivery suites

• All-private post-partum suites

• Dedicated OB/GYN operating suites

• 21-bassinet newborn nursery

• Free childbirth and breast-feeding classes

• Highly-trained, neonatal-certified specialists

• Expert nursing staff ready to assist new mothers with breastfeeding needs, including two certified lactation consultants

“Harlingen Medical Center cares and is committed to providing excellence in healthcare for women, from childbearing years through menopause,” Ms. Villarreal added. “We care for a broad range of women’s health issues.”

The hospital, which is conveniently located on the Expressway between Harlingen and San Benito (just south of Ed Carey Drive), is also participating in the “Texas Ten Step Star Achiever Breastfeeding Learning Collaborative” program to promote breastfeeding.

“There is continuous support for breastfeeding, because it is a learning process,” Ms. Villarreal added.

Studies have shown that breast milk helps protect newborn babies from many health conditions. As part of the effort to encourage breastfeeding, Harlingen Medical Center teaches mothers about “skin-to-skin breastfeeding” during the “golden hour,” the first hour after the baby is born. This also helps to make bonding closer between mom and baby.

“I definitely see more bonding with my baby from the breastfeeding, and I’m so happy about that,” said Priscilla Claudio, RN, IBCLC, who has been breastfeeding her own baby girl – while also teaching new moms to breastfeed as a certified lactation consultant at Harlingen Medical. “When you breastfeed, you have that special tie with your child.”

“I also notice that my daughter Emma doesn’t get sick as often … she has better immunity; she is very healthy. Even the dentist says the breast milk is good for her teeth,” Priscilla added.

Priscilla along with Jenny Diaz, RNC, IBCLC, recently received board certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Valley women who have questions about breastfeeding are encouraged to ask for Priscilla or Jenny or any of the HMC Women’s Center nurses.

In addition, all new mothers at Harlingen Medical Center can learn about breastfeeding in advance by attending free childbirth preparation classes which Priscilla teaches on the last Saturday morning of every month, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, in HMC’s Medical Office Building (MOB) Conference Room.

It is recommended that new mothers attend the childbirth and breastfeeding class during the 7th, 8th or 9th month of pregnancy. In addition to breastfeeding, the free class includes information on labor, pain relief / medications, and cesarean births, and includes a tour of The Women’s Center at Harlingen Medical Center.

HARLINGEN — The best reaction to assist a possible stroke victim is to follow the FAST acronym that abbreviates “Face. Arm. Speech. Time.”

Dr. Ameer Hassan, Director of Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology, Neurocritical Care, and Clinical Neuroscience Research for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, said the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association set FAST education as the goal for May 2016. The FAST initiative encourages anyone who is aware of stroke symptoms to educate others.

“Face” indicates that someone suffering a stroke often displays a droopy face or an uneven smile. “Arm” means a person’s arm or arms might drift or become weak. “Speech” refers to how an affected person may slur words as they talk. “Time” means dial 9-1-1 at the first signs of stroke symptoms for an ambulance transport to an emergency room.

“We don’t want people driving potential stroke patients to the emergency room or to a hospital for general admittance because a stop for patient registration delays the time that otherwise could be saved on immediate stroke diagnosis and vital treatment,” said Dr. Hassan, who is active in the AHA/ASA. “We know that coming to the emergency room as quickly as possible increases a patient’s functional recovery.”

Dr. Victoria Parada, M.D., a Neurologist at VBMC-Harlingen, stated that “many departments at the hospital work together as a well-coordinated team to help ensure thorough care for stroke patients as they advance from the emergency room through rehabilitation. Each department plays a vital role in their care, including imaging, lab, the neuro ICU and stroke units, and many others. Physicians from a variety of specialties work together with hospital departments to help maximize patient outcomes.”

According to the AHA/ASA website, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and it’s the number one cause of adult disabilities worldwide. A stroke occurs when blood to the brain is interrupted or reduced. A blocked artery or a leaking blood vessel deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients which can cause brain cells to die, according to The Mayo Clinic website.

Dr. Hassan also cited the importance of stroke prevention. Adults should get at least 30 minutes of exercise three times per week, eat healthy foods, control their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and get an annual medical exam including laboratory tests – even if they feel they are in good health.

Adults should pay particular attention to blood pressure, diabetes and obesity factors, Dr. Hassan said, because those three conditions “are a melting pot for a possible stroke.” Approximately 90 percent of Rio Grande Valley residents are Hispanic, and studies show diabetes and hypertension rates among Hispanics are well above the national average.

Dr. Hassan is the Symposium Course Director for the Annual South Texas Comprehensive Stroke Care Symposium for health care professionals, which will be held Friday and Saturday, May 6-7, on South Padre Island. For more information, and a link for registration, go to valleybaptist.net, and click on Stroke Symposium.

To take a personalized stroke risk assessment, go to www.valleybaptist.net/stroke.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — It’s quite a feeling for Capt. David Leal when he’s out on a charter fishing trip.

“It’s really exciting because you don’t know what’s in store for you,” Leal said. “It could be the best day of your life.”

Leal has made a living on the waters off South Padre Island since he graduated from high school.

And he takes a lot of pride in taking people fishing.

“I love to see people I take fishing having a good time fishing,” Leal said. “There is never a dull moment and I’m always trying to put fish on the boat.”

Leal’s life on the Island all started after high school when he opened a Jet Ski rental service when he was 18. But over the years he’s made his living with his fishing service, taking anglers on an adventure on the bay or as far as the Brownsville Ship Channel.

Leal has been fishing all his life and he’s a certified captain with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

“A lot of people don’t realize what we have out here,” Leal said. “Fishing is a great treasure we have out here in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Leal said he started fishing the Brownsville Ship Channel with his father because that’s where his grandfather took his father fishing. And it’s one of the fishing holes he takes his son fishing for the elusive snook.

He said there are several species in the ship channel. He normally catches two- to six-pound fish there, but 17-pound fish or bigger are not uncommon.

Leal caught a 17-pound grouper using light tackle and he said the fight to land the fish is something he will never forget.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Leal said. “To get that fish out of that particular spot he was really wonderful.”

He has been in business for more than 20 years on the Island.

He takes his tours and does all his fishing in the Lower Laguna Madre, Port Isabel and South Padre Island’s calm waters.

“I enjoy the people’s faces when you see them catch these fish,” Leal said.

When fishing with Capt. Leal, all his guests need to do is come out ready to go fishing.

“I have all new equipment,” he said. “We use seven-foot rods with Shimano reels. All the fishing equipment is included on the trip.”

“If you’re looking for a professional and respectful guide who is always thinking safety first and knows where to find a big catch, you’ve found your captain,” Leal said.

HARLINGEN — Bring the kids out Saturday night for another Blues on the Hill.

If they don’t like blues music they may change their minds when they hear a fresh new voice on the blues scene.

Jarekus Singleton, the headliner for the event at McKelvey Park, has been on the road with his new CD “Refuse to Lose.”

However, Chris Maley, entertainment coordinator for the Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau, managed to book him for Saturday’s concert.

“He’ll be coming down from Memphis, Tennessee,” Maley said. “He’s one of the up-and-coming new blues artists that has been making waves all over the blues circuit right now.”

The concert is free and open to the public. Music lovers are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Vendors will be available to sell food and drinks, and some of the proceeds will help fund future concerts.

Maley, who is also program director for 88FM RGV Public Radio, said the concert will feature a broad range of blues. The Riverside Boys, a Mission band formed about a year and a half ago, will open the show at 7 p.m. They perform more traditional blues. The John Cortez Band from Corpus Christi, which has been performing for about 10 years, will play some blues-rock.

Singleton is the one who will deliver the new sound which is grabbing people’s attention.

“It’s kind of like hard-edged blues rock,” Maley said. “It’s very guitar-oriented and also very melodic with good songwriting and good vocal melodies as well.”

Maley said he organizes Blues on the Hill concerts three times a year to give Valleyites a different experience.

“Basically, there’s country and Tejano music acts all year round,” he said. “This is a very unique outdoor come-together family-oriented event. Kids and adults can enjoy a piece of American musical history.”

Maley gave a little tease about the next Blues on the Hill in June. The title of the concert will be “Ladies of the Blues.”

HARLINGEN — Low interest rates mean big savings.

Last night, city commissioners approved refinancing $25.7 million in bonds at lower interest rates to save about $2.8 million.

First Southwest, the city’s financial adviser in San Antonio, recommended the city refinance the bonds issued in 2006 and 2007.

Anne Burger Entrekin, the company’s managing director, recommended officials refinance the bonds at interest rates of about 3.32 percent.

Market forces have driven interest rates to some of their lowest levels in 50 years, Burger Entrekin told commissioners.

“When we think about refinancing, this is an opportune time to make that consideration,” Burger Entrekin said. “We’re in a very low interest rate environment today, which creates the savings.”

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HARLINGEN — City officials are searching for ways to help Cameron County offset $1.6 million in revenues generated by a tax they want lifted.

Last night, city commissioners delayed action on the approval of a resolution supporting the county’s lifting of the freeport tax imposed on warehoused inventory held for 175 days or less.

City officials argue lifting the tax would help warehousing and manufacturing companies use their money to expand operations and create more jobs instead of paying taxes.

Meanwhile, county officials are reviewing the impact of losing $1.6 million in tax revenue.

Now, city officials want to try to offset the county’s loss of revenue.

“We trying to get information on the benefits (of a tax exemption) and how to work with Cameron County to try to offset those differences,” City Manager Dan Serna said after the meeting.

The city and Harlingen school district already have adopted the freeport tax exemption.

In Harlingen, about $100 million in warehoused inventory would be eligible for exemption.

Lifting the tax would help warehousing companies save $300,000 to $400,000 a year, Raudel Garza, chief executive officer of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, said in an earlier interview.

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MERCEDES — Hernan Gonzalez crossed over the levee with his boots on to become the Development Corp. of Mercedes’ executive director.

Before that he worked for the Weslaco Economic Development Corp.

And since he took over in Mercedes two years ago there has been an increase in Mercedes’ infrastructure and business investment.

“You’ve seen some steady improvement in Mercedes the last couple of years,” Gonzalez said. “We’re working to position Mercedes to get some investments.”

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Gonzalez’s plan was to reacquaint people in the Rio Grande Valley and investors with Mercedes using its long tradition of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and country boot-making as the backbone to market the city.

“People know about the outlet mall and the stock show but very few people have driven into Mercedes,” Gonzalez said.

He said developers have told him they forget about Mercedes more often than not.

“One of the things we have set out to do is get Mercedes noticed,” Gonzalez said.

“Mercedes has a good brand and we’re going to build on that.”

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SAN BENITO — It’s going to be a busy summer for the city.

The Parks and Recreation Department expects to work double-time to accommodate the busy summer season.

Parks and Recreation Director Art Garza hopes that translates into more summer fun for local residents.

Adult and youth summer leagues are now forming, cheerleader registration is under way and the Hog Dash is just around the corner.

A summer 7-on-7 Football season is also in the works for middle school youth.

In addition, a San Benito beautification program, where youth will be paid for their cleanup efforts, is planned in June.

“We are bringing new people to our park,” said Sal Mendoza, recreation supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department.

“We have six adult soccer teams playing ‘Futbol Rapido,’ and seven flag football teams playing in the men’s league,” he said of the increase in activity.

Games are being played every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m.

Now, he said, “We need more coaches for our upcoming events.”

Parks and Rec recently hosted an NFL Flag Football tournament which attracted 24 teams from throughout the Valley and from as far away as Corpus Christi.

“That league is designed for youth, 14-and-under,” Mendoza said.

In addition to sports and recreation activities, the parks department is planning to host its first Movies at The Park, which is scheduled for July 15, Garza said.

“A program activity guide is in the works, which will list all activities for the summer and fall months,” Garza said.

“It is rewarding to be so involved in developing these programs for the citizens of San Benito and outlying areas.”