Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX- The City of Laredo Health Department’s Healthy Living/Viviendo Mejor program will be hosting free Diabetes Support Group sessions starting this week.  The Diabetes Support Group gives adults with diabetes and their families and friends continuing peer support.  Five weekly meetings have been scheduled and will feature a variety of topics related to diabetes presented by experts in the healthcare field.  The Diabetes Support Group will meet once a week for the next five weeks at the City of Laredo Health Department’s Healthy Learning Center (2600 Cedar Ave). We urge the public to participate as the entire family needs to address the crisis of diabetes. 

Dates and Topics:

June 20, 2012

“High Blood Pressure and Diabetes”

Carlos Canova, MD

Laredo Medical Center

All Sessions will start at 6:00 p.m at the City of Laredo Health Department – Healthy Learning Center, 2600 Cedar Avenue.

 No registration is required and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 955-795-4900 ext 4557 or 956-795-4918.

 Enterprises, a private contractor, will be working along Matamoros Street between San Eduardo Avenue and San Francisco Avenue from Monday, May 21 to Friday, May 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  This work will entail a sidewalk closure only.  They will be working on a bore along the sidewalk on Matamoros Street.  

 Pedestrians are asked to find alternate routes if possible as the work progresses.  If driving in the area, please obey all traffic signs and be careful with workers in the area.

  Any questions please contact Mr. David Saucedo at (210) 669-4193.

Art, essay, poetry and photography divisions garner multiple winners

 (Laredo, TX ) “Ain’t no stoppin’ us now!” has quickly become the theme song for St. Peter’s Memorial School.  In the past four years, the school had proudly boasted a few winners in various contests.  This year, however, the famed historical downtown school is busting at the seams with winners of various local, national and international contests.   Catholic Daughters of America; Laredo Public Library’s 9^th Annual Poetry Festival; Holy Cross Ministries Try Prayer! It Works!; and Pentel’s 42^nd International Children’s Art Exhibition garnered the school winners at various levels, including several first, second and third place winners in art, essay, poetry and photography, expressing the range of talents and skills of students attending St. Peter’s Memorial School.

 In the local contest hosted by the local chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America, Queen Isabella Court, the theme was “Planting Seeds of Faith” or “Inspiring Others to Grow,” and the school dominated the field of winners, claiming 16 of the students awarded.  Winners included:

• Photography Division II – 2^nd Place Marbel Garcia; 3^rd Place:  Jaqueline Lozano; 6^th grade teacher, Ms. Jessica Estevis;
• Essay Division I – 1^st Place:  Cesar Navarrete; 2^nd Place: Alexa Padilla; 4^th grade teacher:  Ms. Gabriela Raga;
• Essay Division II – 1^st Place: Rebekah A. Morales; 2^nd Place: Arianna Rivera; 3^rd Place: David Gonzalez; 6^th grade teacher: Ms. Jessica Estevis;
• Poetry Division I -1^st Place: Nineth Martinez; 3^rd Place: Osvaldo Valdez; 4^th grade teacher: Ms. Gabriela Raga;
• Poetry Division II – 1^st Place: Vanessa Sigrist; 2^nd Place: Luisa Meraz; 3^rd Place: Carla Gonzalez; 6^th grade teacher: Ms. Jessica Estevis; 
• Art Division I – 1st Place: Marie June Pineda; 2^nd Place: Emilio Flores; art teacher Mrs. Lali Martinez;
• Art Division II -1^st Place: Valeria Garcia; 3^rd Place: Mary Lorraine Cavazos; Art Teacher: Ms. Lali Martinez

 “I am so proud of all of my students who worked so hard to interpret the topics in their entries,” said Jessica Lynn Estevis, the 6^th grade students’ English teacher.

 At the Laredo Public Library’s 9^th Annual Poetry Festival, St. Peter’s name also dotted the roster of winners, more than any other local public or private school.  The theme for this contest was “A Brighter Tomorrow” or anything the students chose to write about. Winners included:

 Group 1 (1st—3rd Grade) – 1^st place: Michael Zavala, 3rd Grade; 3^rd place: Mia Montemayor, 3^rd grade; Honorable Mention: Joey Garcia, IV, 3^rd Grade; Teacher Ms. Claudia Velez;

• Group 2 (4th—5th Grade) – 1^st place: Cesar Navarrete, 4th Grade; Honorable Mention, Luis Angel Campos, 4th Grade, Teacher, Ms. Gabriela Raga;
• Group 3 (6th—8th Grade) – 1^st place: Carla Gonzalez, 8th Grade, Teacher Jessica Estevis.

 In the national contest, Holy Cross Ministries Try Prayer! It Works! contest, St. Peter’s once again walked away with winners in three grade levels, one of only two Texas schools awarded in this annual art, essay and poetry competition, whose theme was “Fear Not!  I Am With You!”  Winners included:  (artwork attached)

• K-5 – 1^st place art: Diego Regino; Teacher: Mrs. Itzel De La Cruz
• 3rd Grade – 3^rd place art: Joey Garcia, IV; Teacher: Ms. Claudia Velez
• 6^th Grade – 2^nd place art: Vanessa Sigrist; Teacher:  Ms. Jessica Estevis

 Finally, a first for the school were the two winners in Pentel’s 42^nd International Children’s Art Exhibition.  This art contest, which asked students to draw anything that inspired them, was open to students all over the globe, receiving over 1,000 entries from the United States and 200,000 total from throughout the world.  Winners included:

• Silver Award: Vanessa Sigrist, 6^th grade, Teacher: Ms. Jessica Estevis
• Bronze Award: Edgar Cruz, 3^rd grade, Teacher: Ms. Claudia Velez

 Dr. Linda Marie Garcia Mitchell, principal for St. Peter’s Memorial School was ecstatic that the students were recognized for their work; especially as it relates to demonstrating the faith and education they have learned at St. Peter’s. 

 “It is important that our students enter these contests, especially those with a Catholic-theme, because by encouraging them to participate, they learn to express their creativity and knowledge outside of the classroom setting that will help to give them confidence to continue to do so throughout their academic careers,” Mitchell said.  “Additionally, I am proud to know that we are not only producing students with varied academic and artistic talents, but also, and just as importantly, is that we have the teachers that encourage and educate them in an environment that allows all students to blossom.

 The students will be recognized for their accomplishments at Monday’s City Council meeting.

 St. Peter’s Memorial School is one of the oldest Catholic schools in Laredo.  First established in 1925, the school was run under the auspices of the Ursuline Sisters until 1968, and then the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco.  Now part of the Catholic Diocese of Laredo, the school offers classes from level K3 through 8^th grade and typically serves approximately 170 students each year.

In addition to opening day for the Laredo Lemurs and the return of professional baseball to Laredo, the first flight from Laredo to Orlando/Sanford departed Laredo yesterday at 5:20pm.  This is the second year/season that Allegiant has offered direct flights from LRD to Orlando. 

 Airfare begins at $150 RT to Orlando, and $182 RT to Las Vegas.  For more information on fares and availability, please visit www.allegiant.com.  To avoid the $25 convenience fee for each ticket, please visit the LRD terminal prior to or after a departure to purchase your tickets and save the $25 convenience fee.

 The season begins with daily flights on Sundays and Thursdays to Orlando.  Frequency of the flights from LRD to Orlando will increase to 3 flights per week while flights from LRD to Las Vegas will continue on Sundays and Thursdays and increase to 6 flights per week.  During the peak summer time of June/July, Allegiant will offer up to 9 weekly flights, 3 to Orlando, and 6 to Las Vegas.

 We understand everyone has a choice in air travel and we appreciate your support of your Laredo International Airport.

When earlier this year, the city of Laredo was bashed by a non-native former Laredoan with a naive and ill-informed post on YouTube, it was the unlikeliest of persons who came to Laredo’s defense and became a hero across the community. Jack Strunk, a non-native former Laredoan, came to the defense of his former adopted hometown, in an eloquent, heartfelt, and accurate description of our city.

 Aside from hero and defender of Laredo, Honorary Laredoan Strunk’s other claim to fame is as an author and as an inspiration, having overcome adversity to live a new life and share that passion for living through his book entitled, “Surviving My Life: the Jack Strunk Story.” 

 Strunk will be in Laredo next month to kick-off the Laredo Public Library’s Summer Author Lecture Series.  On Thursday, June 7, at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 9, at 2:00 p.m., Strunk will make appearances at the Laredo Public Library, HEB Multi-Purpose Room, 1120 E. Calton Road, to discuss his life, his book and his beloved Laredo.  

 The presentations are free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served.   The book is available for check-out or purchase at the Laredo Public Library.  For more information about the presentations or the book, please contact Pam Burrell at 795-2400, x2268 or via e-mail at pam@laredolibrary.org.

Annual Family Fest will help benefit the South Texas Food Bank

 (Laredo, TX )  The City of Laredo is once again hosting this year’s annual 4^th of July Family Fest celebration and thanks to their partners, including: V Parade Company; R Communications; Budweiser; AB Cattle co, by Ana & John Galo; Dannenbaum Engineering; Casa Raul, Cricket; Lone Star Autoplex; and UETA, this event promises to be a sizzling celebration. 

 For only a $1.00 suggested donation entrance fee, which will benefit the South Texas Food Bank, attendees will be able to enjoy: music; food; vendors, entertainment; kiddy activities; Loteria; a bike display; watermelon and Jell-O eating contest and even, help judge the rib and brisket cook-off; dance groups; an Elvis impersonator; a moonwalk; rides; and fireworks, to close out the evening. 

 A separate concert area, hosted by R Communications and sponsored by Budweiser/ Bud Light will require a $10 entrance fee.  This event, the 5^th Annual Batalla de Talento “La Voz de Laredo” which benefits STARS and the UISD/LISD school uniform fund will be held during the festival. 

 For a limited time, the concert tickets are on sale now at the Civic Center Box Office.  Get your tickets now and avoid the rush.  For $10, you get to enjoy the following line-up:

 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.  Budweiser/Bud Light La Ley/Digital Batalla del Talento “La Voz de Laredo”

7:00 p.m.        Paty y Sonora

8:00 p.m.        Grupo Mazz

9:00 p.m.        Salomon Robles

10:00 p.m.      Presentation of Colors and National Anthem by U.S. Border Patrol

Fireworks Display

10:30 p.m.      Grupo Duelo

 “The City of Laredo’s 4^th of July celebration has become a Laredo tradition and gives our community an opportunity for area families to enjoy food, music and activities all the while supporting the South Texas Food Bank,” said Ana Rivera Soto, general sales manager for R Communications.  “Additionally, it is a great way for R Communications to kick-off our two week radio drive for the food bank.”

The City of Laredo is once again hosting this year’s annual 4^th of July Family Fest celebration on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, at the Laredo Civic Center and is reminding the public of the various deadlines and information for participating in various aspects of the celebration, including: the parade; the bar-be-que cook-off; or participating as a food and other venders; or even as entertainment. 

 Organizations and businesses are invited to be a part of the annual parade, this year celebrating the theme “Symbols of a Free Nation.”  Deadline for submitting a parade application is June 4, 2012.  An entry fee is required by each unit payable upon submission of the applications.  Entry fee for non-profit and tax-exempt organizations is $25 and $60 for commercial entries.  Each entry, float or non –float with a generator must pay an additional fee of $20 for the Laredo Fire Department (Permit) for the Fire Extinguisher.  For more parade entry information, contact Cardona at (210) 588-9206 or via e-mail at vparaderentals@yahoo.com.

 For more information on any of the activities or sponsorship opportunities, contact the City of Laredo at 791-7461; the South Texas Food Bank at 763-2107 or R Communications at 725-1000.

Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) wishes to inform the public that Meningococcal Vaccine is no longer available for college entry through the Health Department.

 Please note that the CLHD receives all public vaccine from The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The DSHS has recently advised us that, due to their funding reduction, there is no further safety-net vaccine available for adults.

 Therefore, college students entering the university for the first time must be vaccinated but will need to seek vaccine from their private provider, university health center, pharmacies, etc.

 If there is a change we will inform the public in the future.  

 This does not affect meningitis vaccine for the students and children 18 years and under covered by the Texas Vaccine for Children’s Program (TVFC).

 For more information, please contact the CLHD Immunization Clinic at (956) 795-4906.

(Laredo, Tx)-Come view and experience the magnificent continent of Africa through the lens and eyes of former Laredo Morning Times journalist Tricia Cortez on Saturday, May 19, 201, 2-4 PM at the Laredo Public Library HEB Multi-Purpose Room, 1120 E. Calton Road.

 Says Tricia Cortez:  “I had been dreaming of Africa for several years. I wanted to step onto that red earth, feel its sun, and for one fleeting moment let myself get swept into the daily life of its people. Africa is full of color, vibrancy and life!”

 The goal of hosting this presentation is to bring Laredoans a little closer to Africa, specifically, the countries of Nairobi, Rwanda, Uganda and Zanzibar.

 Tricia is currently the executive director of the Rio Grande International Study Center, a Laredo-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and preserve the Rio Grande and its environment. The San Antonio native is a graduate of Princeton University. She has lived in Laredo since June 2001.

 For more information, contact Pam Burrell at the Laredo Public Library at 795-2400, x2268 or via e-mail at pam@laredolibrary.org.

Initiative hosted by City of Laredo Environmental Services and Health Departments,  in cooperation with United I.S.D., intended to cut down on vector-borne diseases

 (Laredo, TX)  Dengue, other potential health hazards Unsightly brown field dumping sites. Overpowering odors.  Sometimes even, degradation of the river’s water quality. 

 These are just a few of the potential health hazards that the city of Laredo faces when old tires are dumped in empty lots, in the river or creek beds, or along streets and highways, instead of being properly disposed.  In an effort to help clean up Laredo, as well as to motivate citizens to help keep Laredo beautiful, clean and safe, the City of Laredo Environmental Services, Health, Solid Waste Departments are teaming up with United I.S.D. to host a day-long Tire Round-Up on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the UISD Student Activities Center, 5802 Santa Claudia Lane from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m., where citizens will be paid up to $20 for bringing in those discarded tires.

 “This is a great way for the community to help clean up their city, while getting a little green back in their pockets,” says Riazul Mia, director of the Environmental Services Department who is organizing this project.

 Citizens with a proper Texas Driver’s License or ID will be paid $1.00 per rimless domestic passenger vehicle tires, limit 20 tires per household.   However, non-profit organizations can use this event as a fundraiser and could be paid for as many regular-sized tires as they can bring.  All non-profits need to sign up before the day of the event with Ivan Santoyo at 794-1650 to receive special instructions, and they need to bring proof of non-profit status on the day of the event.  City of Laredo residents must bring proof residency in the form of a utility bill and I.D.  No large commercial or tractor tires will be accepted.

 “This is such an amazing effort by everyone involved to help clean-up Laredo and get the tires off of our beautiful streets of Laredo,” said District I Council Member Mike Garza, a major supporter of the project.  “I see tires everyday as I drive through South Laredo, so I know what an impact this will make to our environment.  I especially want to invite all non-profit organizations, including elementary school grades or organizations, who use this tire round-up event as a fundraiser.  They will not only help clean up Laredo, they also will help their organization, as well.”

 Organizers are quick to point out that the money will be paid while it lasts, so get there early with the collected tires and make some money while helping to clean up Laredo.  According to Mia, if the money runs out, organizers will still be accepting tires and people will “be getting a big smile with a thank you for caring enough to help make a difference” and “maybe a ‘Don’t Mess With Texas’ sticker.”     

 Too many tires have been illegally dumped, creating a health hazard for vector-borne diseases from mosquitoes. According to the City of Laredo Health Department, there have not been any cases of Dengue or West Nile Virus infections since Laredoans have done a great job in getting rid of trash and stagnant water and keeping lawns clean; however, there has been an increase of tires thrown in public right aways, vacant lots, parking lots and other areas.  This creates an opportunity for mosquito breeding and other vectors that contribute to various health hazards.  For more information on health risks or to report illegal dumping of tires, call Sam Gonzalez at 795-4935 or Yvette Mendoza at 712-6015, both at the City of Laredo Health Department.

 “We want to encourage all Laredoans to participate in the tire round-up, but urge the public to continue to clean their homes, businesses, and get rid of all standing water and trash,” said Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez, director of the City of Laredo’s Health Department.

  Join the City of Laredo’s Green Team, and help keep Laredo beautiful, clean and safe.  Sign up today by calling the department before to help make a difference in Laredo.

 “Do your part and protect yourself, your family, and your community.  Help clean-up today, and especially, on the 19^th.  See you there!” Mia concluded.

 Tires are always accepted at the City landfill; the first four are free to dump, with a charge thereafter.   

Dist. I Council Member Mike Garza is joined by everyone’s favorite environmentally-friendly trashcan mascot, Willie Bote, and the newest environmental hero to join the City’s ranks of Laredo’s natural resources defenders, Inspector McCloud, to discuss the Tire Round-Up Collection Event, taking place on Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 8 AM – 4 PM at the U.I.S.D. S.A.C.  Residents will be paid up to $20 for rimless passenger tires collected; utility bill and TX Driver’s License/ID required.  For more information, call 794-1650.