The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Declares February 2024 as Black History Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring February 2024 as Black History Month. Each year, February is designated as Black History Month to remember and reflect on the tribulations faced by the Black community while learning from the vibrant culture and history and celebrating its many invaluable contributions. The 2024 national theme for the observance is “African Americans and the Art.” This theme acknowledges the legacy of digital, literary, visual, and performing arts of Black trailblazers and innovators who revolutionized their fields, often transforming them by pioneering new techniques and styles of art. Accepting the proclamation was Imayo York, Secretary for Village in the Valley (ViVa), which is a local organization dedicated to elevating and uniting the black community while connecting cultures in the Rio Grande Valley. “We thank the City of Pharr for recognizing Black History Month and the contribution of blacks to the Rio Grande Valley, including their support of Viva on many occasions,” said York. She also announced that as part of Black History Month, ViVa will be hosting its first Digital Literacy Master Class in conjunction with a grant awarded from Prairie View University at the Pepe Salinas Recreation Center in Pharr on Friday, February 23, 2024. For more information visit the Village in the Valley RGV website or their social media.
City of Pharr Awarded Healthy Brain Initiative Grant to Address Brain Health
During Monday’s City Commission Meeting, the Pharr City Commission was informed that it has was selected as the only recipient in Texas for the Healthy Brain Initiative Grant by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map. Through this initiative, the City of Pharr will designate a part-time HBI Road Map Strategist, a systems change agent working to advance brain health equity. Working in support and coordination with public health partners across the community, the Road Map Strategist will conduct a public health needs assessment, train local officials and key community partners, and lead the implementation of public health action on dementia, guided by strategies from the Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Road Map for Public, 2023-2028. The initiative will allow the City of Pharr to enhance its capacity to address cognitive health and dementia for the citizens of Pharr and will serve as a national model to follow. Maxine P. Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager, and Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, San Antonio & South Texas, presented the grant to the city commission. Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, the Director of Public Health for the City of Pharr’s newly created Public Health Department spoke about the importance of the project and her role in securing the grant. “I am proud to be working with the Alzheimer’s Association and other national grant awardees as we strategize on initiatives to educate, bring awareness to, and delay dementia in our communities, as well as to serve as a national and state model for other communities to replicate in the future,” she added. “Thank you to the Alzheimer’s Association for allowing the City of Pharr to take the lead on this initiative, we look forward to a great outcome for our city and all our residents as we work to fight against Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Gutierrez added.
City of Pharr to Host Job Fair: 50 Open Positions Available Across Various Departments
The City of Pharr is excited to announce a Job Fair aimed at filling approximately 50 open positions in various departments throughout the city. We are actively seeking highly motivated and career-driven individuals to join our dynamic team and contribute to the continued growth and success of our community.
The City of Pharr Job Fair takes place Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Pharr EMS (3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577).
The City of Pharr offers a range of positions across different departments, providing diverse opportunities for individuals seeking fulfilling careers. Positions include but are not limited to:
Assistant Director of the International Bridge
EMT/Advanced EMT
Police Officer
Wastewater Treatment Operator
Laborer
Helpdesk Specialist
Toll Collector
Qualified candidates are invited to participate in on-site interviews. Dress to impress, bring multiple copies of your resume, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the needs of the City of Pharr. Candidates may undergo background checks and physical examinations as part of the hiring process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a vibrant and growing organization. Join us at the City of Pharr Job Fair, where your future career awaits!
The public and media are invited to attend.
The City of Pharr is an equal-opportunity employer.
DETAILS:
WHAT: City of Pharr Job Fair
WHERE: Pharr EMS (3000 N Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
WHEN: Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 9 AM to 4 PM
Featured Events: Say “I Do” and 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Walk & Run
Ready to say “I Do”? Let the City of Pharr and Judge Jerry Muñoz host a FREE wedding ceremony for you and your special person this Valentine’s Day!
Ceremonies will take place at our scenic French Garden at Pharr ONE on E. Nolana.
Marriage licenses must be obtained 72 hours in advance.
Call (956) 787-1986 for more information.
REGISTER TODAY!
Get ready for our 18th annual St. Patricks Day 5k Run/walk presented by the City of Pharr Parks & Recreation, happening March 2nd
City of Pharr to Host Job Fair: 50 Open Positions Available Across Various Departments on THU., 2/15 @ 9 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to announce a Job Fair aimed at filling approximately 50 open positions in various departments throughout the city. We are actively seeking highly motivated and career-driven individuals to join our dynamic team and contribute to the continued growth and success of our community.
The City of Pharr Job Fair takes place Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Pharr EMS (3000 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577).
The City of Pharr offers a range of positions across different departments, providing diverse opportunities for individuals seeking fulfilling careers. Positions include but are not limited to:
Assistant Director of the International Bridge
EMT/Advanced EMT
Police Officer
Wastewater Treatment Operator
Laborer
Helpdesk Specialist
Toll Collector
Qualified candidates are invited to participate in on-site interviews. Dress to impress, bring multiple copies of your resume, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the needs of the City of Pharr. Candidates may undergo background checks and physical examinations as part of the hiring process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a vibrant and growing organization. Join us at the City of Pharr Job Fair, where your future career awaits!
The public and media are invited to attend.
The City of Pharr is an equal-opportunity employer.
DETAILS:
WHAT: City of Pharr Job Fair
WHEN: Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 9 AM to 4 PM
WHERE: Pharr EMS (3000 N Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
City of Pharr Awarded Healthy Brain Initiative Grant to Address Brain Health
City of Pharr Awarded HBI Grant (Pictured L to R):Commissioner Bobby Carrillo, Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Commissioner Michael Pacheco, Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Maxine P. Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager, Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, San Antonio & South Texas, Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, the Director of Public Health for the City of Pharr, Commissioner Daniel Chavez, and Commissioner Ricardo Medina.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr was selected by the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Strategists. The announcement and grant presentation was made during the City of Pharr’s Commission Meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024.
Maxine P. Vieyra, South Texas Alzheimer’s Program Manager, and Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, San Antonio & South Texas, presented the grant to the city commission. Dr. Cynthia Gutierrez, the Director of Public Health for the City of Pharr’s newly created Public Health Department accepted the grant on behalf of the city and spoke about the importance of the project and her role in securing the grant. The initiative will allow the City of Pharr to enhance its capacity to address cognitive health and dementia for the citizens of Pharr.
“We are grateful for this amazing opportunity to work closely with our citizens and community to address brain health in our community,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our goal is to help make a difference and work towards educating, informing, and creating healthy habits for Alzheimer’s awareness,” he added. “It is an honor to be the only city chosen in Texas and we look forward to being a model for our local, regional, and national communities on this project,” continued Hernandez.
Through this initiative, the City of Pharr will designate a part-time HBI Road Map Strategist, a systems change agent working to advance brain health equity. Working in support and coordination with public health partners across the community, the Road Map Strategist will conduct a public health needs assessment, train local officials and key community partners, and lead the implementation of public health action on dementia, guided by strategies from the Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Road Map for Public, 2023-2028.
“We are proud to partner with the Pharr Department of Health on the Healthy Brain Initiative. Everyone deserves a life with the healthiest brain possible. Together, we take on the important work of increasing public knowledge about brain health, risk factors for dementia, and the benefits of early detection and diagnosis, all while advancing equity in our community,” said Gregory Sciuto, Region 7 Leader and Executive Director, Texas Alzheimer’s Association San Antonio & South Texas.
The City of Pharr was one of ten grantees in the cohort. Other recipients included:
Panhandle Public Health District (Nebraska)
Lamar County Health Department (Georgia)
Oneida County Health Department (Wisconsin)
Waukesha County Public Health (Wisconsin)
Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit (North Dakota)
Northeast Tri County Health District (Washington)
Kitsap Public Health District (Washington)
Clay County Health Department (Illinois)
Davis County Health Department (Utah)
People living with dementia and their family caregivers require support as cognitive, behavioral, and physical functioning changes over time. A strategic public health response is needed to mitigate this impact on all communities, and the addition of the HBI Strategist will help to improve the City of Pharr’s response.
“In 2022, there were more than 1 million unpaid caregivers who provided care to Texans with Alzheimer’s, most of whom were family members,” said Emilie Prot DO MPH, Regional Medical Director, Public Health Region 11 Texas Department of State Health Services. “I want to congratulate the City of Pharr Health Department for their grant award,” she continued. “Their important initiative will bring awareness and educate our community about Alzheimer’s Disease to understand the burden and connect families to resources,” Dr. Prot added.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing — and growing fast. More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s.
An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s in 2023. Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older.
About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (10.7%) has Alzheimer’s.
Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
City of Pharr Announces FREE Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremonies with Judge Jerry Muñoz, WED 2/14 @ 2 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Love is in the air, it’s time to say “I Do!”. The City of Pharr is delighted to offer FREE wedding ceremonies on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the enchanting Pharr ONE French Garden located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop.
Couples looking to tie the knot on this special day are invited to participate in the ceremony officiated by Judge Jerry Muñoz.
To be part of this memorable event, interested couples must obtain a marriage license 72 hours in advance. Marriage licenses can be secured at the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office, located at 100 N. Closner, Edinburg, TX 78539.
As an added bonus, all couples who participate in the free wedding ceremonies will have the opportunity to showcase their love with a photo on a digital billboard.
Couples can reserve their spot by calling (956) 787-1986.
The public and media are invited to attend ceremonies.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr to Offer FREE Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremonies with Judge Jerry Munoz
WHEN: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 2 pm – 5 pm
WHERE: Pharr ONE French Garden (1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr Celebrates 2024 State of the City Address Themed: “IMPACT”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annual State of the City Address themed “IMPACT” on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the Pharr Events Center.
The Master of Ceremonies and Keynote Speaker was Dr. Milton Louis Gonzalez, a distinguished educator, TEDx presenter, and multi-talented professional, serving as a podcaster, life coach, psychotherapist, and an international motivational teacher affiliated with the esteemed John C. Maxwell team.
This year’s theme, “IMPACT,” highlighted Pharr’s incredible commitment and the great strides the city has made over the past few years to make a lasting impact of change for citizens and the community.
“Sometimes, we may not see nor understand the Big picture, but each action we take is making a significant impact in contributing to making an improvement in the lives of our Pharr families, who we hold at the core of every decision we make,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. in his opening remarks. “Let us ask ourselves what is the impact we are making, and what is the legacy that we leave behind,” he added.
Mayor Hernandez proudly announced that the state of the City of Pharr is meaningful, intentional, and making a significant impact on Pharr families and our future.
He began his address by highlighting some of the major long-term, multi-year projects the city has taken on including transportation, the Pharr Bridge Expansion, Pharr Connect, drainage, Pharr EMS, the Baldrige Award, quality of life, educational partnerships, and workforce/business opportunities.
While reflecting on and discussing the great strides of success the city had in 2023, Mayor Hernandez covered topics including international trade and commerce, the Pharr International Bridge, strategic partnerships, the Pharr EDC Foundation, transportation, financial growth, public safety initiatives, educational collaborations, advancements and partnerships in health, legislative efforts, transportation expansions, drainage improvements, city services, city events, and infrastructure developments.
Continuing tradition, Hernandez ended his address by awarding the “Mayor Leo “Polo” Palacios Service Award,” bestowed annually on an individual who embodies the spirit of the award’s namesake. This year’s recipient was Felix Chavez, Jr., the owner of Junior’s Supermarket, which has been in business in Pharr for over 43 years.
Each year, the City of Pharr donates excess funds raised from the State of the City event funded by sponsor donations to nonprofit or community organizations that are working to improve conditions and the quality of life of families in Pharr and the surrounding areas.
Mayor Hernandez presented two local nonprofit organizations each with a $5,000 donation. The Capable Kids Foundation and the Pharr American Legion Post #101 were recognized.
The event concluded with the final award—the Team Pharr Award, which was presented to the Office of Strategic Excellence (OSE) led by OSE Director Melanie Cano, a small, three-person team that works toward enhancing city operations and efficiency. Under its leadership, the City of Pharr earned the prestigious Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence.
Mayor Hernandez concluded his address by stating, ” It is up to us to do our part to leave the world a little better than we found it, to make an IMPACT with the gifts, talents, and opportunities which we have been blessed.” He added, “So, I leave you with this question – what is the IMPACT you are making today, and what is YOUR legacy that you’ll leave behind?”
City of Pharr Invites Community to 115th Birthday Celebration TODAY, THURS 1/18 @ 5 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to the entire community to join us in celebrating our 115th birthday! This FREE event promises an evening of fun, music, activities, games, and more, as we come together to commemorate this significant milestone in the city’s history.
Our birthday celebration is TODAY, Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Downtown Park (118 S. Cage Blvd) from 5 to 7 pm.
“We are excited to celebrate our City of Pharr’s 115 birthday,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The entire community is welcome to join us for a fun evening of festivities and exciting family activities,” he continued. “We hope to see you there!”
Celebrate 115 years of community spirit with birthday cake and piñatas hosted by Pharr city leaders and departments.
The entire community is invited to participate and make this celebration a memorable one. It’s an opportunity for neighbors, friends, and families to come together and share in the joy of Pharr’s rich history.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr 115th Birthday Celebration
WHEN: Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 5 pm – 7 pm
WHERE: Downtown Park (118 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
