The Terracon Foundation announced a $8,000 grant to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to support graduate level engineering scholarships. Courtesy Image
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PHARR, Texas – The Terracon Foundation announced a $8,000 grant to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to support graduate level engineering scholarships.
“UTRGV is a lead university in our region and its engineering and science colleges are contributing to the development of professionals in these fields,” said Sam Rahmaninezhad, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE, senior engineer in Pharr, Texas, office who championed the grant. “These funds will benefit those students who have the ambition to improve their lives but may lack the resources to do so.”
One of Terracon’s technicians is performing a fresh concrete slump test and the students are observing the procedure and result measurement. Courtesy Image
The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley is a public research university with 31,940 students and multiple campuses throughout the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. Its mission is to transform the Rio Grande Valley, the Americas, and the world through an innovative and accessible educational environment that promotes student success, research, creative works, health and well-being, community engagement, sustainable development, and commercialization of university discoveries. Learn more at https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/.
The Terracon Foundation encourages employees to submit grant requests each year for organizations focused on education as well as the built and natural environment. To date, the Terracon Foundation has granted more than $3.7 million to community organizations, universities, dependents of employees, and disaster relief efforts.
About Terracon
Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm with more than 5,500 employees providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services from more than 175 locations with services in all 50 states. Terracon consistently ranks as a top 25 design firm by Engineering News-Record. Start to explore with us by visiting terracon.com.
McALLEN — Elida F. Cantu, a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 23, 2022. Elida was born in 1927 in the town of Guardado de Abajo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and lived a beautiful life of 95 years. She married Guadalupe Cantu on October 18, 1947. Together, Elida and Guadalupe migrated and worked towards creating a better future for their three children. Their family values of hard work, education, and generosity were seen throughout their lives.
Elida and her husband Guadalupe started their own business known today as Cantu Construction Company. Elida’s most important goal and priority was to ensure that her children received a good education to assure them a better life. She was ambitious and hardworking. After the age of 60, she taught herself to drive and speak English so that she could get her driver’s license. One of her most fulfilling moments of her life was becoming a US Citizen.
She loved to travel to Las Vegas and gamble. Her love for travel took her to great cities and countries around the world such as Rome, Austria, Germany, Spain and many cities across Mexico including Cabo San Lucas. Elida’s generosity was heartfelt and appreciated by her construction workers. She leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work and many beautiful memories.
Elida was predeceased in death by her parents, Cruz Falcon and Aurelia Guerrero Falcon; her husband, Guadalupe Cantu: her daughter, Hilda C. Garza (Fidel); her siblings, Ernestina Falcon, Raul Falcon, Emma F. Garcia and Oscar Falcon.
She is survived by her daughter, Elvia Cantu Saenz (Jesus); her son, Alonzo Cantu (Yolanda); her grandchildren, Mark Garza, Daniel Saenz (Norma), Dr. Andres Saenz (Dr. Annalisa), Allysa Cantu, Alexis Cantu and one great-grandson, Joseph Saenz.
Services were held on Thursday, August 25, 2022. A funeral mass was held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with interment to follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.
Pallbearers will be Mark Garza, Daniel Saenz, Dr. Andres Saenz, Oscar Falcon, Jr., Christopher Castillo, and Juan Cantu. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jesus Saenz, Joseph Saenz, Fidel Garza, Agustin Castillo, Jose Paz, Manuel Saldivar, Jr., Ismael Rodriguez and Rudy Elizondo. All COVID guidelines will be observed.
The family would like to express its sincerest gratitude to: Dr. Salil Mangi, Dr. Jose F. Vallejo-Manzur, Dr. Victor Haddad, Dr. Jayanth K. Lakshmikanth, Dr. Javier Saenz, Dr. Carlos Garcia Cantu, Dr. Alvaro Restrepo, Dr. Samuel Serna, Dr. Mario Moya, Dr. Juan D. Posada, and all nurses and staff at DHR Health.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to the Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS). Memorial donations can be made online at vamosscholars.org and click on ‘Donate Today’ or can be mailed at 800 N. Main St., Suite 410, McAllen, Texas 78501.
The United States and Mexico have announced five criminal targets for their “Se Busca Información” initiative. USCBP Image
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States and Mexico have announced five criminal targets for their “Se Busca Información” initiative.
Launched in 2016 as a joint effort between the U.S. Border Patrol and the Government of Mexico, “Se Busca Información” identifies individuals associated with transnational criminal organizations wanted for crimes associated with human and drug smuggling on both sides of the border.
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“The ‘Se Busca Información’ initiative promotes unity and encourages the public to anonymously report information about wanted criminals,” said Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner Troy Miller. “This is another example of the work the United States and Mexico are undertaking to continue to manage the border in a safe, orderly, and secure manner.”
“Each day in the field, our Border Patrol agents encounter vulnerable families and children that have been lied to by human smugglers working for opportunistic criminal organizations,” said U.S Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz. “This is a call to action to continue battling these illicit networks who plague known regions of transit in our communities and are responsible for far too many deaths, including innocent children.”
The five wanted individuals’ pictures are placed on posters, flyers, and billboards in heavily traveled locations throughout the region for public viewing. In Mexico, they are displayed on bulletins, billboards, and posters along city streets. Posters will be displayed at U.S. Border Patrol stations, immigration checkpoints, and international ports of entry in the Tucson and Yuma border region.
Those who believe they have information about these criminals can confidentially report this information to law enforcement in Tucson at (520) 519-7002 and Yuma at (928) 341-6568 or (928) 341-6579 – where voice messages, texts, or ‘WhatsApp’ can be used. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day to a special ‘Se Busca Información’intelligence center.
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Governor Greg Abbott announced the unanimous adoption of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), advancing a record $85 billion, 10-year statewide roadway construction plan.Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced the unanimous adoption of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), advancing a record $85 billion, 10-year statewide roadway construction plan. The 2023 UTP reflects an unprecedented level of projected transportation funding dedicated to improving transportation safety, addressing congestion and rural connectivity, and preserving roadways for Texas drivers.
“The State of Texas is working to ensure the transportation needs of our fast-growing state are met and that the safety of Texans on the roadways is protected,” said Governor Abbott. “TxDOT’s 2023 Unified Transportation Program is a critical step toward addressing the diverse needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities. This 10-year plan to address transportation needs statewide and dedicate $85 billion to improve roadways will be a huge boon to our state’s infrastructure and booming economy. As more people move to Texas and businesses grow across the state, we are working together to make sure Texans’ transportation safety and mobility are secured and businesses can flourish for generations to come.”
“The UTP reflects a continued focus on improving transportation safety as the top priority, maintaining our current system, addressing traffic congestion, and improving statewide connectivity over the next decade,” said TxDOT Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “Additionally, we are making significant progress in addressing congestion in our busiest parts of the state through our Texas Clear Lanes initiative, which improves top chokepoints in our largest metro areas.”
“Texas’ rapid growth reinforces the importance of investing in transportation to efficiently move both people and freight across our diverse state,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “TxDOT is working hard to not only build the new roads and transportation capacity Texas needs, but to maintain the more than 80,000 miles of roads and other transportation infrastructure under our care.“
The UTP funds will coincide with an additional $32 billion over the life of the program for routine maintenance contracts and project development, such as planning, professional engineering, and right-of-way acquisition for more than 7,000 transportation projects and a total investment of $117 billion statewide.
Many projects in the UTP plan are roadway segments identified on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways list and critical connectivity corridors. The projects will be funded through legislative and voter-approved initiatives that allocate portions of oil and gas taxes, sales taxes, and other money to the state highway fund. These initiatives have increased the UTP over $50 billion over the 10-year period, with $34.3 billion in projects approved in the 2014 UTP in August 2013. With rural regions of the state supporting the critical energy and agricultural industries, the approved plan includes a historic increase in funding to $14 billion for projects in rural areas.
The $8.5 billion of average annual investment programmed in the UTP over the next 10 years is expected to yield an estimated $15.5 billion per year in economic benefits, according to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. These benefits are a result of increased labor income and business output, as well as the addition of 58,500 direct and indirect jobs.
The UTP is a planning document that authorizes highway projects for development and construction. Additionally, the UTP identifies public transportation, maritime, aviation, and rail investments. Projects are selected by TxDOT and local transportation leaders based on effectiveness in addressing criteria such as safety, pavement condition, capacity, and rural connectivity, with opportunities for public input at both the state and local levels.
More information on the UTP projects is available here.
CHAIRMAN TERRY CANALES ANNOUNCES RGV TO RECEIVE NEARLY $2.5 BILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE OVER NEXT 10 YEARS
AUSTIN, TX – Today, the Texas Transportation Commission, the five-member governing body of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), approved the 2023 Uniform Transportation Program (UTP), scheduling approximately $2.5 billion to be allocated to the Pharr TxDOT District for transportation infrastructure over the next 10 years. The region includes the following counties: Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, Willacy, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Kenedy.
“The 2023 UTP is a record-setting transportation funding schedule for the State of Texas,” said Chairman Terry Canales of the House Committee on Transportation. “This UTP is about $10 billion more than last year, primarily as a result of Congress and President Biden passing into law the once-in-a-generation Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” Canales continued. “This investment in our region will help the Rio Grande Valley continue to address our congestion and safety challenges and keep up with the growing infrastructure demands from our increasing population and economic development,” said Canales. “I am grateful that the Commission has continued to keep their focus on the expanding importance of South Texas,” he continued.
Texas law requires TxDOT to create a statewide infrastructure program each year to forecast transportation infrastructure developments across the state. This program is referred to as the UTP. To see the 2023 UTP and the list of transportation projects, please see the link below:
Lauren Matthews assists veterans as they enroll at South Texas College as the Veteran Affairs certifying official for the Mid-Valley campus in Weslaco. STC Image
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WESLACO, Texas – From helping veterans on the verge of homelessness, to guiding veterans through college enrollment, Lauren Matthews has dedicated her career to offering support to those who have served their country.
Matthews, of Mission, has been the Veteran Affairs certifying official at the South Texas College Mid-Valley campus in Weslaco for the past five years.
STC and the Office of Student Veteran Affairs are committed to helping veterans, active military, reservists, spouses and dependents meet their educational goals. Matthews is exactly the person to contact to provide guidance in the Mid-Valley.
Matthews said her job includes calculating tuition and fees, making sure veterans follow their degree plan and educating people about available benefits from Veterans Affairs (VA). But, her work goes so much further than the paperwork process.
Matthews finds herself using her previous non-profit experience and educational background in counseling to connect to veterans as they begin their new journey into higher education.
“I enjoy the aspect of being a one-to-one person,” Matthews said. “A lot of the students who come in here are going through some personal issues or problems. Since I talk very openly, they start talking openly and feel comfortable sharing me with.”
Matthews earned an associate degree in Social Work from STC and continued her education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitative Services and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
Matthews said she enjoyed the learning environment STC provided. Especially since she was someone who loved to learn, but didn’t initially identify as a “school person.”
“I got a taste of what it can be like to have a very good instructor and then make really good grades. And I realized – I’m capable,” Matthews said. “It was a great steppingstone for me to go into higher education. I wanted to do more, to be better.”
But, there was a gap between Matthews’ high school graduation and her time at STC. She experienced issues with substance abuse when she was 17 years old, and recovered with the help of a substance abuse program and different people in her life. That experience moved her to help others.
“When I went to undergrad, I did rehabilitation with a concentration in addiction studies,” Matthews said. “Then, I moved on to rehabilitation counseling since I wanted to do something in that area, because I knew what it was like to be in need of help. I wanted to give that back.”
And Matthews has been giving back since. Before working at STC she was part of a nonprofit organization that focused on homelessness prevention among veterans and rapid rehousing.
“We would go to parks and places that were off the side of the expressway, and just all over the (Rio Grande) Valley, from Zapata to South Padre Island,” Matthews said.
While at the nonprofit, Matthews said she formed partnerships with like-minded people who also did outreach. This currently helps her connect veterans studying at STC with other resources.
“If someone, in our conversations, says that they’re hurting for rent or need food, I know about resources or who they can contact,” Matthews said.
Matthews explained how veterans feel reluctant to open up to just anybody.
“I’m not a veteran myself, but my dad is, so I know that side of it,” Matthews said. “I’ve been working with veterans exclusively. So, I understand the population, and I know their needs and common behaviors.”
Matthew’s office was originally located within the STC Financial Aid department, but when a larger space opened, she transformed it into part office and part lounge for veterans, their spouses and dependents. Matthews said students have access to computers and printers, or can even use the space to simply decompress.
“They can come in here and just hang out in between classes and talk with other veterans,” Matthews said. “It’s a safe space.”
Matthews said because many of the veterans are older returning students, or starting school for the first time, she wants to make sure they feel confident with technology and avoid any frustrating situations.
“I will give personal attention to show step-by-step processes if they’ve never done it before,” Matthews said. “I enjoy working with veterans because that’s a population I care about. That’s my favorite population to work with. I just try to be encouraging and let them it takes time. I tell them, ‘You’ve been doing other important things. This? You can do this, not a problem.’”
Al Villarreal is the CEO of IBC Bank Brownsville and Adrian Villarreal is the CEO of IBC Bank McAllen. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
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By Adrian and Al Villarreal
When people talk about “the American Dream,” the conversation often includes owning a home.
Home ownership is considered one of the best investments a person can make, and a stepping-stone in building individual wealth.
Did you know homeowners have significantly more wealth than renters, according to a Federal Reserve report in 2020? CNBC put it this way: In 2019, homeowners had a median net worth of $255,000, while renters reported a net worth of just $6,300, a difference of 40 times between the two groups.
Unfortunately, sometimes the dream of owning a home can be challenging. Down payment and closing costs remain the No. 1 obstacle to owning a home. While some barriers have been removed over the decades, certain challenges still remain.
With help from community banks and other qualified lenders, the home-buying gap can be narrowed to make home ownership more accessible to more people. Let’s look at some of the challenges people face when considering a home purchase, and how lenders can help. In addition to the closing costs and down payment requirements — which can be significant — there are other factors at play. Take, for instance, credit history or lack of access to credit. Then there is a lack of understanding of the process.
Let’s face it: Buying a home can be confusing.
Inflation is a category in and of itself. We’re paying more for everythingthese days. The USDA’s Economic Research Service reported food costs at the grocery store are 11.9% higher than last year around this time. Additionally, summer gas prices, while on the downward trend momentarily, have been reaching record heights. The cost of housing has also trended higher. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reported the median sales price of houses this year jumped to a staggering $428,700 nationwide. Rent is also spiking at a double-digit rate.
Our Texas communities are experiencing much of the same, and the Rio GrandeValley is no different. Today, the median price for a home in McAllen is $285,990.
Just one month ago, it was $279,700. And one year ago, homebuyers were facing a median price of $264,990.
Brownsville’s median price comes in at $249,000, compared to $244,500 a month ago. One year ago, the median price was $206,950. That means Brownsville home prices are up 20% compared to last year.
Despite these trends, there are pockets of good news. In the 1990s, the conventional mortgage industry began offering a broader range of affordable lending programs. As an example, local real estate agents work with lenders that use state bond programs aimed at reducing buyer closing costs and down payments.
While there isn’t a plethora of assistance, there are numerous lenders, as well as programs, that will work with first-time, low-income and other buyers to complete the purchase of a home. Many programs have the goal of making homeownership simpler, faster and more accessible to all Americans.
One thing potential homebuyers can do is work with their community bank or other qualified lenders to educate themselves on all the options available and find a loan program that best fits their budget.
We all need to work together to ensure the “American Dream” of owning a home remains accessible to those who want to achieve it.
The concert season consists of five masterworks concerts, the 2023 Education Concerts, and several special events. Courtesy Image
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McALLEN, Texas —The Valley Symphony Orchestra announces its 71st concert season, beginning November 4, 2022, at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The concert season consists of five masterworks concerts, the 2023 Education Concerts, and several special events. Maestro Peter Dabrowski, now in his 22nd year as Music Director, will conduct the masterworks and education concerts.
Maestro Peter Dabrowski. Courtesy Image
“This season is called Symphony of Stars because we have absolutely iconic pieces programmed, and true superstar soloists and artists coming to McAllen to perform them,” said Maestro Dabrowski. “The finest, most beautiful works of classical music are a part of this season – from Dvorak’s spirited Symphony No. 8 to Grieg’s superbly moving Piano Concerto in A minor—and we also have blockbuster tunes such as the music from The Incredibles and West Side Story. This season is packed with the best symphony performances the VSO has to offer.”
On November 4, 2022 the VSO will begin the season with an immersive and grand symphonic experience. The concert ROMANTIC MASTERPIECES features pianist Adam Wodnicki performing Liszt’s innovative and mold-breaking Piano Concerto No. 1. Dovrak’s Eighth Symphony, a work that travels from joyful to ominous and back again, is also on the program, along with Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5. Tickets start at just $20 and go on sale September 20.
The beloved holiday tradition A TOUCH OF FROST returns on December 2, 2022. The namesake of longtime sponsor Frost Bank, the concert will feature the Valley Symphony Chorale (conducted by Dr. Sean Taylor) and beloved performances of selections from The Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah. New in 2022, tenor David Sadlier will perform on the concert, and new works including a full symphony and chorale performance of Mariah Carey’s classic All I Want for Christmas is You are planned. Santa will be on hand for pictures and plenty of holiday cheer.
The annual EDUCATION CONCERTS will take place January 26 and 27, 2023. Maestro Dabrowski has planned a special program featuring the music of Carmen, one of the most famous operas in history. Recognizable from television spots and years of performances onscreen and in concert halls, Carmen tells the story of the down-on-her-luck gypsy who charms her way to love, safety, and wealth. More than 10,000 students will experience the full-orchestra 45-minute performance at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Space is limited and registration is open now for all schools and homeschool groups.
Pianist Haysun Kang, who last performed with the VSO in 2019, will return on February 17, 2023 for OUT OF THIS WORLD. This concert for family audiences will feature the bold and brassy music of the Pixar film The Incredibles as well as two movements (Mars and Jupiter) from Gustav Holst’s The Planets. Finally, Kang performs George Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue, a uniquely American composition that fuses jazz, ragtime, and bolero styles into one soaring work.
On March 24, 2023 the Symphony presents CARMEN Y MAS, featuring the music of the opera Carmen and special guests Mariachi Aztlan. The award-winning UTRGV-based ensemble has traveled throughout Mexico, Canada and the United States as musical ambassadors, representing the beauty of Hispanic music and cultural traditions. Accompanied by the full orchestra, Mariachi Aztlan will deliver a signature high-energy and passionate performance.
For the April 21 season finale, WEST SIDE STORY, powerhouse pianist Asiya Korepanova performs Edvard Greig’s Piano Concerto in A minor on a program that also includes selections from Bernstein’s masterpiece musical theatre work West Side Story. The Latin rhythms of West Side Story paired with Korepanova’ uninhibited high-energy style will close out the Symphony of Stars season on a high note.
“This season and these artists are simply extraordinary,” said VSO Executive Director Katy Coy. “For five nights this year, we invite the community to join us at the concert hall, where the day-to-day noise truly fades and gives way to some of the most gorgeous music you will ever hear. We’re so fortunate to have a symphony here in McAllen, it’s a truly special thing – so we hope everyone comes out and enjoys it this year.”
Those interested in purchasing season tickets can secure the best seats for the best price all season long by subscribing now. 5-concert subscription packages start at $170 for the entire season and can be purchased online anytime at valleyorchestra.org or by calling the office at (956) 661-1615.
New this year, patrons ages 21-40 are invited to join the Young Patrons Club. Membership to the club is $50 and includes access to $20 tickets to every concert (limit 4 total), drink tickets at concerts, and other special events. Those who wish to join the Young Patrons Club can call the VSO office at (956) 661-1615.
The VSO will announce a series of smaller scale performances in the coming weeks. To learn about upcoming special events and chamber works, join our mailing list at valleyorchestra.org.
The Symphony will follow all local and state public health ordinances regarding COVID-19 at the time of performance. Those who wish to secure socially-distant seating should contact the VSO office before purchasing their tickets.
Single Tickets go on sale on September 20 and can be purchased anytime through ticketmaster.com or by phone or in-person at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office. For more information, call the VSO office at (956) 661-1615 or visit www.valleyorchestra.org.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
ADAM WODNICKI
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Internationally renowned pianist, recording artist and pedagogue, Polish-born artist Adam Wodnicki has received acclaim on five continents for his dramatic interpretations, poetic sensitivity and brilliant technique. He can be heard on Muza, Folkways, Centaur, Wergo, Altarus, Klavier, and Dux labels. Wodnicki has also made numerous radio and TV recordings, including recordings of piano concertos by Serocki, Baird, Krenz and complete works for piano and orchestra by Sigismond Stojowski. Three-time prizewinner of the annual Chopin Society National Piano Competition in Warsaw and the recipient of three prizes at the 8th Festival of Polish Pianists, Wodnicki is Regents Professor of Piano at the University of North Texas in Denton. He has served on juries of international competitions and is a performance editor for the Musica Iagellonica’s first ever edition of The Complete Works by Paderewski.
DAVID SADLIER
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Sadlier has been praised for both his vocal and dramatic abilities and hailed as “one of America’s leading dramatic tenors” (Oxford Mail). Dr. Sadlier’s opera credits include appearances with Chicago Opera Theater, Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, New Orleans Opera, Opera Circle of Cleveland, and more. Fortunate to be involved in many new works, Dr. Sadlier has performed several world premieres. Most recently, Dr. Sadlier returned to Opera Circle of Cleveland as Edrisi in Szymanowski’s Krol Roger where he also performed Tebaldo in I Capuletti e I Montecchi, and the role of Fritz Kobus in L’Amico Fritz. Concert appearances include Britten’s Serenade under the baton of Richard Hughey, Mozart’s Requiem with the Battle Creek Symphony, Britten’s Saint Nicolas with the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra, and more. Sadlier currently serves as Assistant Professor of Voice at The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley where he teaches Applied Voice.
HAYSUN KANG
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Haysun Kang has appeared extensively in solo recitals, chamber music concerts and as a soloist with orchestras at major concert venues including Carnegie Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, and more. Her performances were broadcasted live on WQXR-FM radio in New York and televised on cable TV. Her performances have taken her throughout America, Europe, and Asia. In the United States, she has been a featured soloist with orchestras such as the Chicago Chamber Orchestra, Northwest Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, and more. A native of Korea, Kang earned her bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Seoul National University, Korea. In the United States, she received her Master of Music degree from DePaul University and her Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University.
ASIYA KOREPANOVA
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The only pianist currently performing Liszt’s 24 Etudes as a single program and one of few to tout a concerto list that features over 60 works, Asiya Korepanova is a pianistic powerhouse. Ms. Korepanova is recognized not only for her achievements as a pianist, but also for her work as a transcriber, composer, visual artist, and poet, reflecting her uncompromising dedication to the arts. Asiya’s contributions to the solo piano literature —including her historic solo piano transcription of Richard Strauss’ ‘Ein Heldenleben’ and that of Rachmaninoff ‘s Cello Sonata and Mussorgsky’s ‘Songs and Dances of Death’ — have given her a place among today’s formidable transcribers. She has since continued to garner national attention with performances at the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, the Bargemusic Series, the Phillips Collection, the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Series, the International Miami Piano Festival, and countless others. Ms. Korepanova has been featured on CNN, NPR stations, WFMT, and WETA.
ABOUT THE VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The mission of the Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is to engage and inspire the Rio Grande Valley through live orchestral and ensemble performances, educational programs, and community activities. Founded in 1952 as an orchestra of volunteer musicians, the Symphony has operated for 71 seasons and is the only professional regional symphony orchestra south of San Antonio. Maestro Peter Dabrowski, a lauded conductor who has worked in Poland, Chicago, Washington DC, Mexico, and more; leads the Orchestra annually in its 5-concert masterworks season at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Along with its annual Education Concerts and chamber works, the VSO provides world-class performing arts to residents of deep South Texas and beyond.
Kaylee Martinez accepts her certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing from Amanda Posada, TSTC interim provost of Harlingen’s campus and statewide dual enrollment executive director, at the Summer 2022 Commencement on August 27. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
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HARLINGEN, Texas – They enrolled. They trained. They conquered!
Texas State Technical College graduates echoed phrases such as “this is for you” and “it’s time to celebrate” at TSTC’s Summer 2022 Commencement held Saturday, August 27, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.
Cheers of excitement filled the arena when more than 280 graduates from TSTC’s Harlingen campus walked across the stage and raised their certificates of completion or associate degrees with great happiness.
Amanda Posada, interim provost at TSTC’s Harlingen campus and the college’s statewide dual enrollment executive director, welcomed the graduates and said their achievements demonstrate the impact of TSTC in higher education.
“This celebration is important for TSTC graduates because this is their first step into an amazing career,” she said. “Students’ families and friends are here to support and recognize their accomplishment. The training they have received at TSTC has prepared them for their future. Now, they are about to earn their certificates of completion or degree and enter the workforce in their respective industry. TSTC is proud to honor them.”
A new career begins soon for many of the graduates, while others will meet with potential employers to solidify the next chapter of their life.
Jason Gutierrez graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Powerplant Technology. Gutierrez, a Harlingen native who previously resided in Pennsylvania, piqued an interest in aviation maintenance when he observed the various airplanes that arrived and departed from the Pittsburgh International Airport.
“This is the biggest achievement I have accomplished in my life,” he said. “TSTC’s aviation maintenance program has been an incredible experience all the way through. I’ve already earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Airframe Technology from TSTC in 2021. Representatives from Altech Corporation in San Antonio, Texas Instruments in Dallas and American Electric Power in Houston have already reached out to me.”
Vanessa Hurtado, of San Benito, earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic. Hurtado pursued the Emergency Medical Services program through a passion for patient advocacy, and her brother, who will begin the EMS program this fall semester.
“This accomplishment has been a long time coming,” she said. “I have job offers from several area EMS companies. In regards to celebrating, I will join my fellow EMS graduating classmates to watch the rock band The Killers perform live in concert in Austin.”
Amber Hernandez, of Harlingen, graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology. Hernandez pursued the program because she was inspired by her mother who has worked in the medical field.
“It feels amazing to graduate, especially being the mother of a two-year-old,” she said. “I plan to begin my career at Platinum Surgery Center which is next to Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Now, I’m going to celebrate at Olive Garden with my family.”
Juan Castro, of Brownsville, graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology. Castro became interested in the program when he was enrolled in welding classes at Los Fresnos High School.
“It’s a great feeling to finally walk across that stage and graduate from TSTC,” Castro said. “I finally have something to show for it. To my parents, I sincerely appreciate you for helping me in every way possible through my college journey. Now, I’m ready to begin searching for my career.”
Packages containing more than nine pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at B&M International Bridge in Brownsville. USCBP Image
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine valued at approximately $71,400 hidden within a 2010 Ford.
“Our officers remain vigilant to keep these dangerous narcotics from entering our country and their efforts led to this drug seizure,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The seizure took place on Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge when a 51-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Laredo, Texas, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2010 Ford. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered nine packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 9.25 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the cocaine from the seizure is approximately $71,400.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Paso Del Norte border crossing apprehended a woman with an outstanding warrant for murder out of the Nashville Metro Police Department, Nashville, Tennessee. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Paso Del Norte border crossing apprehended a woman with an outstanding warrant for murder out of the Nashville Metro Police Department, Nashville, Tennessee.
“Homeland security is our primary mission. As part of our mission, we often identify people wanted for a wide variety of crimes,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “Every day CBP officers stop people who are wanted for anything from outstanding traffic warrants to murder charges.”
On August 29, CBP officers encountered 41-year-old U.S. citizen Gloria Villa Avila, who arrived from Mexico via the pedestrian lanes. Initial queries by CBP officers, revealed an outstanding warrant for murder. Villa was secured and escorted to secondary inspection where biometric verification confirmed her identity along with the active warrant for murder-first degree premed/intentional out of the Nashville Metro Police Department, Nashville, Tennessee.
Villa was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to local authorities pending extradition to the originating agency.
