The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 15, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Proclaims April 14-20 as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 14-20, 2024 as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” in Pharr. The city recognizes that public safety telecommunicators are on the front lines, communicating and coordinating public safety services in the face of critical needs. The week recognizes dispatchers, 9-1-1 operators, and crisis communications specialists for the outstanding work they provide in service to our communities, all while remaining poised during stressful situations, reassuring callers, and establishing swift responses to all emergencies. The proclamation was accepted by Kenneth Ennis, Pharr Director of Public Safety Communications, members of his staff, and Maya, the department’s emotional support dog. “We thank you for this proclamation which recognizes the great work our staff does daily,” said Ennis. He continued, “Not only are we the silent heroes, but the invisible heroes who are behind the scenes providing critical support to all emergencies.” He also announced that staff is being celebrated with a themed week in honor of their hard work. The City of Pharr encourages all citizens to learn more about the impactful role these dedicated professionals play in our lives and to extend their appreciation to public safety telecommunications. Thank you to all our City of Pharr Public Safety Telecommunicators for all that you do!
Pharr Declares April 14-20 as “National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 14-20, 2024 as “National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week” in Pharr. The National Animal Care and Control Association has designated the second week of April each year as “National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week” to recognize the work of Animal Control Officers who are dedicated to helping pets and people in the community. The City of Pharr recognizes that Animal Control Officers put themselves in potentially dangerous situations by protecting people from dangerous animals and seek justice in cases of abused, neglected, and abandoned animals by conducting humane investigations and protecting the welfare of helpless animals and pets from injury, disease, and starvation. City of Pharr Animal Control officers accepted the proclamation. “We want to thank our Animal Control staff for everything they do for our community and their hard work and their efforts,” said Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, City Manager. The City of Pharr honors Animal Control Officers for the many dedicated and long hours of service they perform and encourages all citizens to join us in expressing their sincere appreciation for their service and dedication throughout this special week.
Pharr IT Department Recognized for Earning the 2024 Texas Association of Government IT Managers Excellence Award for the TeamPharr.Net Project
Pharr IT Director Jose Peña announced to the city commission that the Pharr IT Department has earned the prestigious 2024 Excellence Award from the Texas Association of Government IT Managers (TAGITM). The TAGITM Excellence Awards are an annual highlight, presented during the association’s education conference. Recognizing standouts in innovation, nominations for the award are made by members of the TAGITM themselves, illustrating the esteem in which the Unify Project is held among industry professionals. Mr. Peña was joined by members of his staff including Rogelio Martinez, Assistant Director, to announce the award. “Our team has done an exceptional job innovating, implementing, and providing high-quality service as we continue to expand our TeamPharr.Net internet services throughout the city,” said Peña. He added, “This Excellence Award is something we are extremely proud to have earned and is among the most recent accolades our department has been acknowledged with.” The City of Pharr has been recognized at the local, state, and national levels for its innovative approach to closing the digital divide through its high-speed fiber optic network, TeamPharr.Net. “You should be very proud of yourselves for this accomplishment and for the recognition your department has received for this high-quality project implementation and customer service,” stated Mayor Hernandez. “We are so proud of your team and especially to see this project’s success and its impact on our community,” he continued. “Congratulations, and keep up the great work!” The city is currently connecting around 500 homes a month with plans to continue to Phase 2 which will work towards connecting Pharr businesses.
Featured Events:
She’s My Hero – Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 8 am to 4 pm
Pharr Warrior Race – Sunday, May 4, 2024, at 7 am
Night Under the Stars: Mother’s Day – Friday, May 10, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Sneaker Phest – Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 11 am to 7 pm
Pharr EDC to Host “The Hub Job Fair” on Thursday, 4/11 @ 9 am at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr EDC in collaboration with Workforce Solutions, The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, and the Pharr EDC Foundation will be hosting “The Hub Job Fair” providing new career opportunities to the community.
The job fair will take place on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave.) in Pharr. FREE admission and resources.
“Join us at ‘The Hub Job Fair’ where employers and motivated job seekers will be brought together to find a match,” said Victor Perez, Pharr EDC President/CEO. “Get a chance to meet hiring managers, discover diverse industries, and land your dream job,” he added.
Job seekers will have access to over 30 leading companies, on-site interviews, and the opportunity to explore different careers and industries. Employers interested in participating can still reserve a spot by contacting Robert Mora at (956) 467-9814.
The Pharr EDC is also offering a Resume Writing and Interview Skills Workshop for anyone interested in attending the day before the job fair.
The writing workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 9 am at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave.) in Pharr. Workshop attendees will get a registration Fast-Pass for The Hub Job Fair.
All media and the public are invited to attend
JOB FAIR DETAILS:
WHAT: The Hub Job Fair
WHEN: Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
WHERE: Pepe Salinas Civic Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 1, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Proclaims April 2024 as Fair Housing Month and April 1-5, 2024 as National Community Development Week
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 2024 as Fair Housing Month and April 1-5, 2024 as National Community Development Week. April celebrates Fair Housing Month, recognizing everyone’s right to live where they choose, regardless of their race, color, creed, gender, national origin, or disability. The City of Pharr encourages all of our citizens to join in this national effort to ensure housing opportunities for all Americans in all neighborhoods throughout the nation. Cynthia Garza, Director of External Relations was joined by Rene Cantu, Chairman of the Pharr Community Development Block Grant Board, and Victor Alvarez, Board Member, to accept the proclamations. “Fair Housing Month allows us to celebrate our families, our right to live the “American Dream” by owning our own home, and providing everyone an equal opportunity,” said Garza. The City of Pharr is also a proud participant in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program which funds a myriad of social and public services, community projects, and housing programs. “The CDBG Program allows us to reach further into our community to target specific threshold which we are then able to not only provide funds to local nonprofits but also to cover other programs within our actual departments as well,” Garza added. The City of Pharr’s Grants Management and Community Development Department is thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of CDBG Week on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Downtown Park located next to City Hall at 200 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577 from 5 pm to 7 pm. There will be family fun with different activities, food, music, and moon jumps for the kids to enjoy!
City Proclaims April 7-13, 2024 as National Library Week
An official proclamation declaring April 7-13, 2024 as National Library Week was approved by Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission. The City of Pharr recognizes that libraries play a critical role in the economic vitality of communities by providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for job seekers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, as well as many other community benefits and services. Additionally, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that promote a sense of local connection, advancing understanding, civic engagement, and shared community goals. Pharr Library Director Adolfo Garcia and his staff accepted the proclamation, which also recognizes librarians and library workers. “Thank you Mayor and Commissioners for your support of our Pharr Memorial Library and the many services we provide our Pharr residents throughout the year,” said Garcia. “We are proud of our work and thank our patrons for their support,” he added. In celebration, the Pharr Memorial Library will be hosting several events throughout the week.
City of Pharr Wins It’s Time Texas Community Challenge for Fourth Consecutive Year
Thania Ugalde Parra, the South Texas Regional Director for It’s Time Texas excitedly announced during the city meeting that Pharr won 1st Place in the Medium Size category for the fourth consecutive year. It’s Time Texas is a statewide nonprofit working to bring people, organizations, and communities together to take action that supports health for all, now, and for generations to come. “I would like to recognize the City of Pharr for all the amazing work they’ve done throughout the years, you guys have won four consecutive years and the city owns 7 trophies which is a testament to our partnerships and your commitment,” said Parra when presenting the award. She also added, “It’s Time Texas thanks you, we recognize you, and we appreciate Pharr’s dedication to our challenge.” A few stats that she shared from the city’s participation in the challenge included the fact that Pharr participants logged over 21,078 meals, 15,976 of those meals included fruits and vegetables, and participants also traveled over 10,157 miles. She continued, “Most importantly, you guys showed what it is to be a community; how to work together, motivate each other, and create healthier habits.” Mayor Hernandez said, “I am so proud of our staff and our community for coming together once again to clinch the 1st Place Medium Size category title and I thank you for setting the pace and leading the charge in this category.” Congratulations, everyone!
Featured Events:
Celebrate 50 Years of CDBG Week in Pharr with Free Resources and Family Fun – Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 5 PM
HOLI Pharr Festival of Colors – Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 AM
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Celebrate 50 Years of CDBG Week in Pharr with Free Resources and Family Fun
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024
Pharr, Texas –The City of Pharr’s Grants Management & Community Development Department is thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of CDBG Week.
This FREE event will take place on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Downtown Park located next to City Hall at 200 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577 from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Join us as we unite with multiple agencies such as Food Bank RGV, Amigos del Valle, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Pharr Police Department, Pharr Fire Department and more to provide information about our services and how residents can benefit from them.
CDBG Week also offers family fun with different activities, food, music, and moon jumps for the kids to enjoy!
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: 50th Anniversary of CDBG Week
WHEN: Thursday, April 4, 2024, 5 PM to 7PM
WHERE: Downtown Park (200 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Learn About the New City of Pharr I ❤️ My Pet Emergency Rescue Sticker Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Public Health Department cordially invites members of the community to attend an informational event introducing the new “I ❤️ My Pet Emergency Rescue Sticker” campaign. This initiative aims to enhance pet safety and welfare during emergencies and disasters.
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM at Pharr ONE (1121 E Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577) and is FREE to the public.
During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of the I ❤️ My Pet Emergency Rescue Stickers, which will serve as vital communication tools for emergency responders in situations where pets may be involved. These stickers can help ensure that pets are swiftly identified and rescued during emergencies.
Refreshments, snacks, and a generous supply of the new I ❤️ My Pet Emergency Rescue Stickers will be provided to all attendees.
We encourage members of the media to join us for this event and help spread awareness about this crucial initiative.
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: I My Pet Emergency Rescue Sticker Campaign
WHERE: Pharr ONE (1121 E Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
WHEN: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10 AM
Pharr’s Annual Holi Festival Returns, Celebrate Community, Culture, and the Arrival of Spring, SAT 4/6 @ 11 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is thrilled to announce the return of the much-anticipated Holi Festival of Colors, marking the joyful arrival of spring.
This vibrant celebration will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Allen & William Arnold City/School Park located at 615 W El Dora Rd, Pharr, Texas 78577. Admission and parking are FREE!
“Everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate spring’s arrival in the City of Pharr with the mesmerizing and colorful Holi Festival,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This event is always packed with excitement, lots of fun, live music, and energetic enthusiasm. You do not want to miss out on this once-a-year vibrant event,” Mayor Hernandez added. “I’ll see you there!”
The Holi Festival of Colors is a cherished tradition that brings together our diverse community in a spirit of unity and joy. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with cultural festivities, delicious food, lively music, and the hallmark color powder that makes this event truly unforgettable.
Join us in welcoming the spring season with friends and family!
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Holi Festival of Colors
WHERE: Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W El Dora Rd, Pharr, Texas 78577)
WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2024
TIME: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
