BY Melissa Vasquez

EDINBURG – The UTRGV Ballet Folklórico and the university’s Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán spent part of Spring Break performing their hearts out at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) South Conference.

Their dedication and hard work earned them accolades and a trip to Washington, D.C., to perform at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in June.

The UTRGV Ballet Folklórico, accompanied the Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán, was deemed one of the top 10 presentations for its elegant choreography of dance and music from the Mexican state of Puebla. Nationally recognized adjudicators made the selection based on artistic excellence and merit.

The dance troupe – under the direction of Francisco Muñoz, artistic director and interim chair of the Dance Program – along with the mariachi ensemble – under the direction of Francisco Loera, School of Music lecturer – will advance to the 2016 National College Dance Festival, June 8-11 at The Kennedy Center.

The National College Dance Festival provides a showcase for the outstanding quality of choreography and performance that is being created on college and university campuses.

“This special recognition proves that our faculty and our students work hard and go the extra mile to excel and reach their goals,” said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, UTRGV assistant vice president for Public Art. “Our excellent faculty inspire and mentor the students at UTRGV to achieve their dreams, and no dream is out of reach.”

The ACDA South Conference was held at the University of Southern Mississippi, where more than 45 college and university dance programs attended from across the nation and competed March 11-14.

The Ballet Folklórico performance, titled “Puebla – Los Chinacos (1994),” was choreographed by renowned guest artist Rafael Zamarripa and restaged by Muñoz. The performance was described as “a beautifully executed dance in the tradition of Mexican folklórico. The dancers and musicians personify the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico with precision, percussive footwork and vibrant costumes transforming the stage into a celebration of community.”

This is not the first time the university Ballet Folklórico has advanced to the National College Dance Festival. They performed at the festival in 2012 and 2014 under the umbrella of The University of Texas-Pan American, a UTRGV legacy institution.

The Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán is UTRGV’s newest mariachi troupe, made up primarily of freshman music students, and already is making a name for itself on the university mariachi circuit. In November 2015, the group took first place in the university-level group competition of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio.

“These two performing ensembles exemplify hard work and a consistent pursuit of excellence,” Guerra said. “They also represent the cultural heritage of our region and bring pride to our community. It is a great honor for our university to have our students recognized by experts in the fields of music and dance.”

HARLINGEN — The city will follow a 10-year guide to upgrade the community’s parks.

Last night, city commissioners approved a master plan that helps prioritize projects planned for the city’s parks system.

“It’s a road map for us to move forward with the growth of the city,” parks Director Javier Mendez told commissioners.

Consultants Halff & Associates used community workshops and surveys to develop the 79-page plan over a one-year period.

“This is a great document which assesses our available assets and needs for the future,” Mayor Chris Boswell said. “This is a long-range blueprint to develop our parks for the community.”

Now, Mendez said, he will present the plan to Texas Parks & Wildlife officials for approval, which would make the city eligible for the agency’s grant funding.

For about a year, the city did not have an active plan filed with the agency, Mendez said in an earlier interview.

Mendez said the city began to work on the plan in 2013 but did not complete the document before the previous plan expired in 2015.

The plan’s review prevented its completion in 2015, said Mendez, who took the job in 2014.

“We’re going to be working on some grant applications,” Mendez told commissioners.

Officials did not have information on the plan’s cost readily available.

The plan comes with a $43 million wish list of parks improvements, Mendez said.

Long-range goals include construction of an indoor recreation center with a cost of $7.5 million to $10 million.

Major projects include the completion of the Arroyo Colorado Trail from Dixieland Park to Hugh Ramsey Nature Park. Project costs range from $2.5 million to $5 million.

Other major projects include the expansion of the Harlingen Soccer Complex, with costs ranging from $2.5 million to $3 million, and development of a nature center to cost $1 million to $3 million.

Among parks improvements, the plan lists the Harlingen Soccer Complex’s proposals as “very high,” with an overall price tag of $2.5 million to $4 million. The proposed project includes the overlay of existing fields, development of fields and improvement of a walking trial.

At Arroyo Park, high priority projects include the lighting of two youth athletic fields, the addition of volleyball courts, the development of a practice field and new bleachers. Project costs range from $500,000 to $750,000.

The plan lists new bleachers and sod at Victor Park’s football field as part of a high priority project while recommending the replacement of the swimming pool’s concrete deck and filtration system. Overall costs range from $1.5 million to $2 million project.

At Harlingen Lake, high priority projects with costs of $200,000 to $250,000 include improvement of the asphalt trail while extending it to complete a one-mile loop around the lake. The project includes the installation of exercise equipment and lighting improvements.

At Pendleton Park, high priority projects include parking lot overlays, the replacement of the swimming pool building’s roof and insulation along with the installation of a ventilation system. Overall costs range from $1 million to $3 million.

Other high priority projects include erecting a monument sign or message board to promote city events at McKelvey Park along with parking lot overlays and renovation of an electrical system as part of an overall $500,000 to $2 million project.

At Lon C. Hill Park, high priority projects include construction of an all-inclusive play area, the addition of volleyball courts, construction of a large pavilion and replacement of the swimming pool’s roof.

At many parks, the plan recommends the installation of automated irrigation systems.

Funding sources include the city’s general fund, sales tax money earmarked for economic development, grants, bond issues and donations.

SAN BENITO — Assistant Police Chief Michael Galvan has been named interim chief of the San Benito department.

The change of command comes as Police Chief Martin Morales requested last month to step down from his top administrative position to take on a new role in the department.

Tuesday evening, the San Benito City Commission approved a lieutenant’s position that Morales will fill.

“I expect that this will be a smooth transition of leadership and look forward to continued support from both Mr. Morales and Mr. Galvan,” said City Manager Manuel De La Rosa.

Galvan is a 16-year veteran with the San Benito Police Department, working his way up through the ranks from a rookie officer to the assistant chief’s position.

“This is a challenge and an honor,” Galvan said. “I look forward to working with the police officers and reinforcing our commitment to service to the City of Sana Benito.”

“Galvan is a talented officer with many certifications to his credit,” De La Rosa said.

Galvan also serves as Emergency Management Director for the city, overseeing preparation, response and recovery of disaster that may affect the city.

He coordinates with first-responders including those from emergency medical services, 911, fire department, police department and public works, as well as with surrounding agencies and Cameron County on large- scale events.

The change comes as Morales completes 28 years of service in the department. He served in that role until Galvan’s appointment yesterday morning.

“This comes at Mr. Morales’ request,” De La Rosa said.

“We met to discuss the proposal and he said he wished to step down, but continue to serve the department and city in other capacities. His service is valuable to the city and we know that his experience will continue to help during this transition period.”

Morales said he looks forward to his role as an officer with the department.

“I am happy that the city will allow me to continue serving as a police officer, however I wish to continue pursuing my educational goals and look forward to completing my degree in December,” he said.

SAN BENITO – Economic Development Corporation Director Salomon Torres has been dismissed from his position.

San Benito city spokeswoman Martha McClain said neither Assistant City Manager Art Rodriguez or City Manager Manuel de la Rosa would comment on Torres dismissal citing it as a “personnel matter.”

McClain also declined to comment further.

Torres was named the head of the EDC in October 2012 at a salary of $65,000. He was picked out of a list of 16 applicants. He had served as the EDC director from 2001 to 2002 and then served nine years as a congressional aide before returning to San Benito.

He made an unsuccessful run for congress in May 2012.

Torres, a 1983 graduate of La Feria High School, earned a marketing degree from St. Edward’s University in 1987 before graduating from Columbia Law School in 1993.

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Spring Break 2016 isn’t all about the sand and the surf. The sand dunes are part of the enticement, at least for some volunteers.

They are spending spring break planting 6,000 native species plants, sea oats and sea grasses, like bitter panicum, to establish a foundation for a healthy dune system on South Padre Island.

The planting group was largely made up of 40 students from Beach Reach South Padre, city staff and a large number of visiting families with young children.

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HARLINGEN — A Cameron County Grand Jury no billed a Harlingen police officer who shot a suspect in the face when the man allegedly tried to run over the officer and his partner.

The grand jury decided officer Alan Dienstbier was justified when he fired his service weapon at Francisco Sanchez in the early morning hours of Nov. 16 on the 2500 block of Chuparosa Coart.

Dienstbier and another officer were responding to a call for help. When they arrived, a dark colored SUV driven by Sanchez was seen leaving the area towards the officers with the headlights turned off.

Officers said when they got out of their patrol car to approach Sanchez, he sped up and ran over an officer’s foot. Dienstbier then shot the man in the face. All were treated for their injuries and are recovered.

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Sanchez is currently awaiting trial.

HARLINGEN – With March being national colorectal cancer awareness month, Harlingen Medical Center is helping to save the lives of Valley patients by offering colonoscopy screenings in Cameron County’s first gastrointestinal lab to be certified by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Colonoscopy screenings are recommended for men and women 50 years of age or older, in most cases, as a way to prevent one of the most common cancers, which is also one of the most preventable cancers.

During a colonoscopy screening, pre-cancerous polyps (growths of cells that form inside the colon, or large intestine) can be removed — before cancer develops and spreads throughout the body.

“March is an ideal time to highlight the importance of a colon cancer screening,” said Melanie Little, RN, Day Patient and Endoscopy Unit Manager at Harlingen Medical Center. “Screenings have helped us find and treat this disease before it becomes deadly.”

“This type of cancer is preventable and curable,” added Sherry Posadas, RN, BSN, Charge Nurse for the Endoscopy Lab at Harlingen Medical Center.

“You can help save the lives of your loved ones by encouraging them to get a colonoscopy as recommended by their doctor.”

Regular screening starting at age 50 is crucial because, in most cases, colorectal cancers do not produce noticeable symptoms in its early stages, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

According to the medical society, screening and early treatment could save an estimated 40,000 lives per year.

In 2012, 134,784 people in the United States were diagnosed with colorectal cancer – and 51,516 people died from the disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of death among cancers that affect both men and women, and 60 percent of it is preventable, according to the CDC,” Ms. Posadas added.

During a colonoscopy screening at Harlingen Medical Center, if the patient’s gastroenterologist sees any polyps are developing in the patient’s colon, the polyps can be removed right then and there, so the patient doesn’t have to come back for a second procedure.

The polyps which are removed are then sent to a pathologist to determine if they are pre-cancerous.

During the procedure, the physician uses a long flexible, lighted tube to look inside the walls of the colon and rectum.

Patients must follow a clear-liquid diet and take special preparations to clear their bowels prior to having the test – many patients say this is the “worst part” of having a colonoscopy.

Since anesthesia is available, many patients report little or no pain or discomfort during the procedure itself.

Harlingen Medical Center’s Gastrointestinal Laboratory received its award for quality and safety after following strict national guidelines and undergoing a rigorous examination by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Ms. Posada said this required a team effort, which was led by Dr. Jason Phillips, Gastroenterologist and Medical Director for the Endoscopy Laboratory at Harlingen Medical Center.

According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, its recognition program honors endoscopy units like the one at Harlingen Medical Center, which have “demonstrated a commitment to delivering quality and safety as reflected in their unit policies, credentialing, staff training and competency assessment, and quality improvement activities.”

For more in formation on colon cancer screening services at Harlingen Medical Center, please call 956- 365-1848.

MERCEDES – Shocked. That’s the first word Nadia Gomez uttered as she led her grand champion goat from the North Barn Arena at the 77th annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Nadia, 18, had just won the top prize in the Market Goat competition. In the early afternoon sunlight yesterday, she was full of laughter even as she wiped tears from her eyes.

“I’ve never gotten this far,” said Nadia, a senior at Sharyland Pioneer High School.

She was one of about 240 contestants who showed their market goats in five divisions divided into classes.

Bryan Bernhard, a livestock show judge from Seguin, walked around each goat, running his hands across their backs and speaking with the students.

Meagan Turrubiates, 12, won Reserve Champion in the third division with her trusty goat “Freckles.”

“I am very excited that I got Reserve,” said Meagan, a sixth grader at Rafael Cantu Middle School in Mission. Her sister Melanie, 14, later scored big with her own goat. She’s an eighth grader at the same school.

This was Meagan’s third year competing.

“I did really good this year,” she said. “I had to groom him. We did a lot of practice bracing.”

Bracing means standing forward in a specific posture with their legs stock still. She’d taught Freckles how to brace by putting him on a porch and directing his front legs on the higher step.

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RAYMONDVILLE — An 85-year-old Raymondville man was found dead after Africanized killer bees stung him about 200 times.

Juvenito Gonzales’ body was found late Tuesday afternoon amid a swarm of bees near a day care center at the intersection of FM 490 and FM 88 west of Raymondville.

Paramedics believe the man was stung about 200 times along his neck, head and face, Frank Torres, director of Willacy County Emergency Management Services, said yesterday.

“There were bees swarming around him,” Torres said. “There were a tremendous amount of bees.”

Near the body, paramedics found a bee hive in a stack of tires.

Gonzales was apparently riding a tractor on his farm when the bees attacked him, Sheriff Larry Spence said.

“He was cutting grass with the tractor and went by these tires and the noise stirred up the bees and they attacked him,” Spence said. “He got off the tractor and tried to get away, then he collapsed.”

The incident marked the first time paramedics here responded to a bee attack this year, Torres said.

“Bee attacks are something we respond to on a regular basis in the spring and summer,” he said.

But Torres said the county’s first bee attack occurred unusually early this season.

Last year, swarming bees killed a 53-year-old Rio Hondo area farmer after his tractor hit a concrete irrigation pipe, disturbing “probably thousands of bees” that stung him “hundreds of times,” an official said at the time.

Bees become aggressive when people disturb their nests, said Raul Villanueva, an entomologist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Weslaco.

Sergio Cordova, service manager at Esparza Pest Control in Edinburg, warns dark clothing attracts bees.

Dark colors and carbon monoxide help draw bees, Villanueva said.

Villanueva said Africanized honey bees have become “endemic” across the Rio Grande Valley.

In the mid 1990s, he said, the bees were first identified in the region.

Attempts to eradicate the bees have failed, he said.