The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, May 6, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Declares May 6, 2024, as “Age-Friendly City Day”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring May 6, 2024 as “City of Pharr Age-Friendly City Day” in observance of the advocacy initiative aimed at creating opportunities for active and friendly aging. Active aging is a life-long process, whereby an age-friendly community is not just“elder friendly” but also intended to be friendly for all ages while fostering environments that honor, support, and integrate older adults into all aspects of social life. The Age-Friendly Rio Grande Valley (AF-RGV) Initiative, led by Dr. Sudershan Pasupuleti, Professor of UTRGV School of Social Work, and his team with a Seed Grant and in collaboration with LRGV Area Agency on Aging, encourages cities and counties to promote age-friendly communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Pasupuleti accepted the proclamation and thanked the Pharr City Commission for their support. “We are currently conducting a study to identify the needs of elderly people including those with dementia, and this research, which is based here in the Rio Grande Valley, will help to address the needs and create policies that benefit and support an age-friendly community for the elderly,” said Dr. Pasupuleti. The City of Pharr is dedicated to ensuring the needs and interests of all residents are served, and as an age-friendly community, it will take the lead in optimizing opportunities for all ages.
City Proclaims May 12-18, 2024, as “Pharr Police Memorial Week”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring the week of May 12-18, 2024, as “Pharr Police Memorial Week” and also recognized May 15th as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day in recognition of the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. Members from the Pharr Police Department were present to accept the proclamation, thanking the city for its support and remembering one of their own, Sgt. JL Garcia, who passed away in the line of duty on August 9, 2013. The City of Pharr is proud to designate and publicly salute the service of law enforcement officers in our community and communities across the nation. During Pharr Police Memorial Week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the brave men and women of the Pharr Police Department. Your unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our community is truly commendable. We honor the sacrifices you make each day to keep us safe. Thank you for your dedication and service!
Pharr Declares May 19-25, 2024 as “Emergency Medical Services Week”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring the week of May 19-25, 2024 as “Emergency Medical Services Week” in the City of Pharr. Emergency medical services are a vital public service with members of emergency medical services teams ready to provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week in our community. During Emergency Medical Services Week in the City of Pharr, we extend our deepest appreciation to the dedicated EMS professionals who provide life-saving care in our community. Pharr EMS Chief Danny Ramirez and members of his staff accepted the proclamation. “During this week we recognize our pre-hospital professionals and all EMS personnel for the strong work they do,” said Chief Ramirez. “Throughout this week, we are also working to encourage the new, younger, generation of EMS professionals and will be visiting several schools to encourage students to learn about the profession and the critical role EMS plays in our community,” he added. Pharr EMS will also host a Stop the Bleed event to provide life-saving skills and CPR to the community. Your commitment to helping others, often in critical moments, is invaluable. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service!
City Proclaims May 2024 as “Stroke Awareness Month”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring the month of May 2024 as “Stroke Awareness Month” in the City of Pharr. Strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability and the third leading cause of death in the State of Texas. Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds and every 4 minutes someone dies from a stroke. In the Rio Grande Valley, approximately 3,600 people are hospitalized annually due to stroke and there were at least 196 deaths in 2023. It is estimated that only about 17% of patients suffering from a stroke in the Rio Grande Valley arrive at a hospital within 1 hour of their stroke onset because the community members do not recognize stroke or understand the importance of calling 911 immediately. Stroke warning signs can be recognized using the acronym BE FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, and Time) which include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understandings; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headaches with no known cause. Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate Affairs at DHR Health, Irene Lares, RN, MSN, Vice President of Neuroscience at DHR Health, and Dr. Patricia M. Fernandez, M.D., MBA accepted the proclamation. “We want to thank the City of Pharr for the educational support and collaboration you allow us to continue to provide the community as we work together to enhance stroke awareness,” said Lizcano while accepting the proclamation. Dr. Fernandez added, “Stroke is the main cause of disability and death in Texas, and we thank you for helping our community, friends, and family raise awareness about this important health issue.” Throughout this important month, the City of Pharr is dedicated to expanding educational awareness and advocacy to help identify strokes and raise awareness of the importance of acting quickly.
Pharr Public Safety Communications Director and Dispatcher Receive Prestigious Awards
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission recognized Pharr Public Safety Communications Director Kenneth Ennis who recently earned the 2024 Texas NENA President’s Award and the 2023 Texas NENA Operations Professional of the Year Award, and Pharr Dispatcher Carlos Avendaño who was presented with the 2024 Texas NENA Silent Hero Award for their dedication to public safety during the 2024 Texas Public Safety Conference held in April. “We are proud to represent the City of Pharr and our outstanding public safety communications professionals who work diligently every day to help save lives and provide a source of support during emergencies,” said Ennis. “These awards are a testament to our hard-working staff,” he added. Ennis also announced that for the first time-ever in 25 years, the 2025 Texas Public Safety Conference will be held in the Rio Grande Valley.
FEATURED EVENTS:
Meet Our Pharr Public Safety Dispatch Team – Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Stop the Bleed – Thursday, May 23, 2024 – Classes Offered All Day
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Matt’s Building Materials Plans Grand Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting 2 Years After Fire, WED 4/24 @ 10:30 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, in collaboration with the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the grand re-opening of Matt’s Building Materials, two years after a devastating fire destroyed the original establishment.
The re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, starting at 10:30 am at Matt’s Building Materials, located at 404 E. Expressway 83, Pharr, TX 78577.
The grand re-opening signifies a special milestone for Matt’s Building Materials who has been in the process of re-building after the New Year’s Day fire in 2022. The event will feature remarks from city officials, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, and the owner of Matt’s Building Materials, highlighting the resilience and determination demonstrated in the face of adversity.
Members of the public and media are cordially invited to attend the ceremony.
DETAILS
WHAT: Matt’s Building Materials Grand Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: April 24, 2024, at 10:30 AM
WHERE: Matt’s Building Materials (404 E. Expressway 83, Pharr, TX 78577)
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
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Registration Open for 3rd Annual Pharr Warrior Race, SAT 5/4 @ 6 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Lace up your sneakers and prepare for the ultimate test of endurance and strength! The City of Pharr is thrilled to announce that registration is OPEN for the 3rd Annual Warrior Race.
Pharr’s Warrior Race takes place Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at the Pharr Natatorium (3001 N Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577) beginning at 6 AM.
Deadline to receive a FREE t-shirt is Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Do you have what it takes to conquer a 100-meter swim, a 6-mile bike ride, a 2-mile run, AND an exhilarating obstacle course? PROVE IT! Bring your bike and helmet to participate. Relays will not be allowed.
Secure your spot in the ultimate challenge by registering today! Registration fees are as follows:
Cash prizes will be up for grabs for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the 18+ male and female categories.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to push your limits and join the ranks of Pharr’s finest warriors. Register now and prepare to conquer the Warrior Race!
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: 3rd Annual Pharr Warrior Race
WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 6 AM
WHERE: Pharr Natatorium (3001 N Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
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
