March 2015 - Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council

MARCH 2015 • VOLUME LXXXIV
MembershipApproves
WorkProgramandbudgetforFY2015
Inside this issue:
Membership Approves Work
Program & Budget for FY 2015
1
Water Awareness Summit—RGV
2
Hurricane Dolly Disaster Recovery - Rapid Housing Recovery
Program
3
The Lower Rio Grande Disaster Recovery Funding as a
Valley Development Council resultofHurricaneDolly.
The LRGVDC employs 140
(LRGVDC)
Membership
has
individuals
and will operate on a
approvedthe2015WorkProgram
Home Spruce-Up in San Juan
3
and Budget that will allow the projected annual budget of $39.9
THICA Reenactors Visit LRGVDC
4
Council to continue its active role millionin2015.
Board of Directors
“The budget re lects a
in the Region. The new FY 2015 10 Ways to Participate in Amer4
sound
organization
and continued
budget
puts
emphasis
on,
and
ica’s PreparAthon
addresses needs within Cameron, regional support of comprehenTeen CERT After –School Pro5
Hidalgo and Willacy Counties in sive services provided,” stated
gram Underway at IDEA Quest
Campus
programssuchasTransit,Criminal LRGVDC President, Mayor Chris
Justice Assistance, Homeland Boswell. Local revenues are used
successfully to leverage state and
Security, Law Enforcement Training, 9-1-1 Coordination, Solid federalfunds.Onlyapproximately
Waste, Water Quality/Quantity 0.6% of the LRGVDC budget is
Planning, Economic Development, generatedfrommembershipdues.
State income sources
the Area Agency on Aging, and included the Texas General Land
LRGVDC 2015 BUDGET Of ice, Texas Water Development
Board, Texas Commission on
Federal,
Environmental Quality, Criminal
17.6%
Justice Division of the Governor’s
Of ice,TexasDepartmentofTransLocal, 1.7%
portation, TDPS/State Homeland
State,
Security, and the Texas Depart80.7%
ment of Aging and Disability
Services. Federal sources for
Operating,
fundsincludetheEconomicDevelREGIONAL PURSUITS is the newsletter
6.0%
published by the LRGVDC.
opment Administration, the CorThis publication is financed in part through
funding assistance from State and Federal
poration for National Service and
grants. REGIONAL PURSUITS is available
without cost and inquiries should be directed to:
the Federal Transit administraKen Jones, Executive Director
tion.
Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council
301 W. Railroad Street, Weslaco, TX 78596
Email: info@lrgvdc.org
Website: lrgvdc.org
956-682-3481, fax 956-631-4670
Programs,
94.0%
The 3rd Water Awareness Summit was
held on Friday, December 5, 2014 at Casa de
AmistadinHarlingen.Thesummitisheadedby
State Representative Eddie Lucio, III in
partnership with the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality and other local
organizations.ThepurposeoftheWaterAwarenessSummitistoincreasepublicawarenessand
appreciation of water as a valuable resource in
our everyday lives. The summit does this by
educating attendees about where our water comes from, the importance of water conservation
efforts,andhowtheseeffortscanmakeadifferenceintheshortterm.
Thisyearthesummithadover150inattendancefromschoolsandotherinterestedorganizationsinCameron,HidalgoandWillacyCounties.TheKeynoteSpeakerwasEdArchuleta,DirectorofWaterInitiatives,UniversityofTexasatElPaso,whosekeynotetopicwas“HowDiversi ied
ResourceStrategycanAlleviateWaterShortages”.Othertopicsincludedthe1944WaterTreaty,
anoverviewoftheRioGrandeWatermaster’sProgram,prosandconsofgroundwaterconservation,andaquiferstoragerecovery.
Picturedleft‐right:SenatorEddieLucio,Jr.,StateRepresentativeEddieLucio,III,
Channel4ChiefMeteorologistBryanHale,TCEQChairmanDr.BryanW.Shaw,
CameronCountyJudgeCarlosCascos.
Page 2
TexasWaterDevelopmentBoardChairmanCarlosRubinstein
andCameronCountyJudgeCarlosCascosenjoyinga
conversationattheRGVWaterAwarenessSummit
HURRICANE DOLLY DISASTER RECOVERY ● RAPID HOUSING RECOVERY PROGRAM
The LRGVDC is one of two Rapid Housing Pilot Programs
funded in the State by the Texas General Land Office. The
program’s objective is to expedite a family’s return to a livable home following a natural disaster such as a hurricane.
This can be accomplished by replacing the preexisting structure with a pre-built core home with essential rooms for a
family to immediately live in while the remainder of the
home would be constructed and added to the core unit.
The LRGVDC awarded the Community Development Corporation of Brownsville funds to produce 20 Rapid Houses.
Pictured right is the first home completed in Pharr.
Home Spruce-Up
in San Juan
The LRGVDC - Area Agency on Aging’s Case Management Department in
collaboration with members of Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) and the South Texas College (STC) Design & Build Department
assisted 86 year old San Juan resident Socorro Flores with clearing out her yard
which was overgrown with weeds, fallen trees and other debris.
The Area Agency on Aging’s Direct Purchase Service vendor, Jose L. Gudiño demolished a porch that was in
precarious condition and constructed a new ramp and cement walkway. He also converted her bathtub into a walk-in
shower to make it easily accessible for Ms. Flores These two residential repairs were made possible by Older American Act funding received by the Area Agency on Aging.
Volunteer George Torres generously gave of his time to install light fixtures in the living area and replace burned out
wall sockets throughout the home. STC group members pledged to provide Ms. Flores with screen doors to prevent
unwanted critters from entering her home. Members also opened their hearts and wallets to Ms. Flores’ two pets by
pledging to provide them with dog food and other items needed. VIDA group members worked diligently to clear
out overgrown cactus plants and created a garden
area perfect for potted plants.
Upon completion of the clean up, Mrs. Flores
expressed her joy and gratitude for all the assistance provided by the Area Agency on Aging,
VIDA, STC and other community members. “I’ll
be able to see the sun from my window again!
She cried.
Page 3
LRGVDC Area Agency on Aging staff who helped with the clean up project:
Dora Moreno, Kathy Martinez, Monica Rocha, Israel Yañez, Noemi Rodriguez,
Denise Wylie, Vivianna Moreno and Marilu Fuentes. Good job Staff!
THICA Reenactors Visit LRGVDC Board of Directors
The Texas Heritage & Independence Celebration Association (THICA) historical reenactors from San Benito came to
the February 25, 2015 LRGVDC Board of Directors meeting in authentic costumes from the Texas War of Independence. Marco De La Fuente spoke for the group and told the Board and audience members about San Benito’s Annual
Texas Independence Celebration BBQ Cook-off & Market Days on March 13-14. At the celebration these and other
reenactors recreated three historic battles, including the Alamo and San Jacinto.
Mr. De La Fuente said that for the past eight years THICA,
a non-profit organization, has honored Texas
Independence through public education and celebrations
in the City of San Benito. Since its inception the
organization has grown steadily and to date has doubled
their numbers. They started off having their events in an
empty lot behind a building, and are now hosting them at
the San Benito Stock Show Grounds. THICA’s goal and
mission are to celebrate and educate the public on Texas
Independence, and completely and accurately represent
the history of both Texians and Tejanos who fought and
died for the common cause of a free Texas.
Every year they host an educational symposium for history
teachers and the public that has guest speakers ranging
from local story tellers, to professors, to award winning Pictured L-R: THIC Reenactors Jack Ayoub as a Mexican Soldier, Ferauthors, and nationally recognized historians. For the nando Hernandez as a Texas Vaquero, Carlos Treviño as Davey Crockett,
and Marcos De La Fuente as William Travis
history teachers they offer continuing education credits and
to the pubic they offer pan dulce! This year’s symposium was held Friday, March 13 at San Benito City Hall; that
evening a celebratory parade on Sam Houston Blvd. took place. On the morning of Saturday, March 14 THICA
commenced their celebration of Texas Independence beginning with a proclamation from San Benito Mayor Celeste
Sanchez and ending with their 3rd Annual International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA) sanctioned Texas Independence barbeque cook-off. In between other celebrations there were three major battle reenactments of the fight for
Texas. There were cannons booming and mortars exploding along with THICA reenactors representing both Texas
and Mexico.
10 Ways to Participate in America’s PrepareAthon!
America’s PreparAthon is April 30! For those who might think disaster
preparedness is expensive, time consuming, or hard to do - think again!
Here are 10 simple ways for you to participate in America’s PrepareAthon!
in 2015:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps, and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts;
Develop and test emergency communication plans;
Assemble or update emergency supplies;
Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions;
Follow us on Twitter at
lrgvdc-hs and stay up to
Participate in a preparedness discussion, training, or class;
date with
Collect and safeguard critical documents;
activities
in
Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards;
our region!
region
Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage (mitigation);
Hold a scenario-based continuity of operations tabletop exercise for your organization;
Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
Staff from the LRGVDC’s Homeland Security Department are initiating action by setting up booths in various parts of the
region to help spread the word about disaster preparedness. If your city is interested in participating, please contact Manuel
Cruz or Juanita Saenz at (956) 682-3481. We all have a responsibility to personally prepare for the potential hazards that can
affect us and our families!
Page 4
Aging and Disability Resource Centers Available in the Valley
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) offer the general public a single source of information and
assistance on issues affecting people of all ages and people with disabilities
regardless of their income. These Resource Centers are welcoming and
convenient locations for you and your family to get information, advice, and
access to a wide variety of services. The ADRCs are involved in the networks
for state and local organizations working together to provide consumers with
integrated access points for all long-term services and support.
ADRCs work together with community partners like: Tropical Texas
Behavioral Centers, Adult Protection Services, Valley Associates of Independent Living (VAIL), Department of Aging &
Disabilities Services (DADS) and Department of Assistive and
Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to empower and support individuals
with disabilities, as well as their families, and care givers.
When you call 1-855-937-2372 it become much easier. By
making the call, you will talk to a trained professional who will guide
you to the right service options to help meet your needs. If you are
looking for long-term care services for yourself or someone else,
give us a call.
ADRC staff members Miriam Espinoza and Sonia Chapa
are pictured here at the Memorial High School Parent
Engagement Mini Conference in February 2015





You can call for yourself or for a family member
You can call for a neighbor
You can call for a friend
You can call for a client you are helping
Even if you don’t need services right now, give us a call
to learn about what may be available to you when you
need it
Teen CERT After-School Program
Underway at IDEA Quest Campus
The first ever Teen CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program at
IDEA Quest Campus in the McAllen-Edinburg area is currently underway. The
Teen CERT program is being taught by staff from the Homeland Security
Department of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC).
Teen CERT at IDEA Quest is a pilot project and is being offered as an elective as
part of the after school program. Currently ten students ranging from 6th to 8th
grade are attending. The program is set up so that the instructor meets with
students on Friday afternoons; Friday was selected so as not to conflict with other
school activities. Thus far, the students have learned about emergency
preparedness at home because “safety starts at home”. The students have also
learned about the different types of portable fire extinguishers and how to operate
Pictured above: Teen CERT Member, Camila Saenz them; and they were able to practice their skills in a mock exercise! Future Teen
demonstrates how to use a fire extinguisher
CERT modules will include, but will not be limited to: Medical Ops, Light
Search Operations, and Disaster Psychology. The program is anticipated to end
in May when the school year ends. One of the goals of this pilot program is to learn best practices on how to implement the
Teen CERT program at the middle school grade levels in addition to the high school levels. LRGVDC Teen CERT’s main
goal is to train our region’s teens (and tweens) as the next generation of prepared citizens. For more information about the
CERT program, please contact Manuel Cruz or Juanita Saenz at 956-682-3481.
Page 5
Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014-2015
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mayor Chris Boswell
City of Harlingen
Mayor Tony Martinez
City of Brownsville
REMAINING BOARD MEMBERS
President
1st Vice President
Mayor James E. Darling
City of McAllen
2nd Vice President
Mayor Celeste Sanchez
City of San Benito
Secretary
Mayor Pro-tem Armando Garza, Jr.
City of San Juan
Treasurer
Honorable Norma G. Garcia
Member-at-Large
Immediate Past President
Commissioner Sofia Benavides
Commissioner Eduardo “Eddie” Cantu
Judge Aurelio “Keter” Guerra
Commissioner Pilar Garza
Mayor Irene Munoz
Commissioner Daniel A. Guzman
Council Member Richard Molina
Mayor Victor Gonzales Jr.
Alderwoman Rosa Perez
Mayor Henry Hinojosa
Mayor Pro-tem Norie Gonzalez Garza
Mayor Leo “Polo” Palacios, Jr.
Mayor David Suarez
Dr. Stella E. Garcia
Mr. Rene Reyna
Mr. Ronald Mills
Mr. Troy Allen
Mayor Pro-tem Eddy Gonzalez
Mr. Steve Brewer
Mr. Arturo Ramirez
Cameron County
Hidalgo County
Willacy County
City of Alamo
City of Donna
City of Edcouch
City of Edinburg
City of La Feria
City of La Villa
City of Mercedes
City of Mission
City of Pharr
City of Weslaco
Texas State Technical College
Donna I. S. D.
Willacy County Navigation District
Delta Lake Irrigation District
Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large
Grassroots Organizations
CONTACTS FOR ADMINISTERED PROGRAMS
Tom Logan
Manuel Cruz
Marcie Oviedo
Juan Gomez
Paul Williams
Andrew Canon
Director, Valley Metro
Director, Homeland Security
Director, Regional Planning & Services
Director, 9-1-1 Services
Director, Regional Police Academy & Training Center
Director, Hidalgo County MPO
Lower Rio Grande Valley
Development Council
Executive Director
Director, Finance
Director, Human Resources
Director, Procurement
Director, Area Agency on Aging
Director, Economic Development
301 W. Railroad Street • Weslaco, TX 78596
Kenneth N. Jones, Jr.
Crystal Balboa
Anna Hernandez
Victor Morales
Joe Gonzalez
Terrie Salinas
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 31
McALLEN, TX
78501