Week of February 2 - february 6, 2026
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The County Clerk’s Role in Service, Integrity, and Access 🎯

We were pleased to welcome Sylvia Garza-Perez, Cameron County Clerk, as the Rotary Club speaker on January 30 🎙️. Ms. Garza-Perez serves as the elected County Clerk for Cameron County, leading an office responsible for preserving vital public records, including court documents, property records, and marriage licenses, while expanding public access through efficient, modern services 📜.

During her presentation, Ms. Garza-Perez shared valuable insights into the essential role of the County Clerk, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, transparency, and accessibility in public records. She highlighted how her office operates as a cornerstone of the community, supporting citizens, businesses, and the judicial system through professional and ethical service 🎯.

Her remarks were especially meaningful as we concluded Vocational Service Month, underscoring the value of vocational excellence, strong leadership, and a commitment to serving others. Her presentation clearly demonstrated how professional skills and public service strengthen both our community and everyday life 🤝.
We are pleased to welcome Rafael Vela, Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Cameron, as our upcoming speaker 🎙️.
Mr. Vela brings more than 30 years of experience across both the private and public sectors, offering a seasoned perspective on workforce development, leadership, and regional economic growth 💼📈. A Brownsville native and graduate of St. Edward’s University, he has deep roots in Cameron County and a long-standing commitment to community advancement 🌎.
Throughout his career, Mr. Vela has served in numerous leadership roles, including former Board Chair of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, South West Regional Water Authority, Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts, and the Valley Baptist Medical Center Foundation Circle 🏛️🎨🏥. He continues to invest in lifelong learning as a current student at the Georgetown University School of Continuing Education and the Harvard Kennedy School 📚🎓.
His presentation will offer valuable insight into workforce readiness, strategic leadership, and the role of collaboration in strengthening our local economy 🤝💡.
 
PDG Eddie Bartnesky inducts the newest members, Aldrin Guevara and Jaime Barrientos, as Rotarian and sponsor Dillon Dawi looks on proudly.
 
New members Aldrin Guevara and Jaime Barrientos are joined by sponsor Dillon Dawi and Membership Chair Edna Tamayo.
Edna, Dillon, Aldrin, and Jaime join Eddie as he reads the induction speech, with President Victor looking on.

January gave us a clear reminder that Rotary’s impact begins with how we show up in our professions and how we choose to serve 💼. That message was brought to life through the recent presentation by Sylvia Garza-Perez, Cameron County Clerk, who spoke on public service, ethical leadership, and the responsibility entrusted to those who safeguard the public record 🎤. Her remarks underscored how vocational excellence, when guided by integrity, strengthens both institutions and communities. We thank Ms. Garza-Perez for sharing her experience and perspective with our club.

Our meeting also marked a meaningful milestone as we welcomed two new members into Rotary 🌟. Aldrin Guevara and Jaime Barrientos were formally inducted into our club, sponsored by Dillon Dawi, with the ceremony chaired by Edna Tamayo. Past District Governor Eddie Bartnesky delivered the induction charge, reminding us that Rotary is more than a membership, it is a lifelong commitment to service, fellowship, and leadership rooted in shared values 🤝. We are proud to welcome Aldrin and Jaime and look forward to the contributions they will bring to our club and community.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to welcome Rafael Vela, Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Cameron, as our upcoming speaker 🎙️. Mr. Vela brings decades of leadership experience and deep local insight, and his presentation will offer valuable perspective on workforce development and the future of economic opportunity in Cameron County.

Shrimp Fest is just around the corner 🍤, and now is the time to keep ticket sales moving and help secure auction items as we prepare for our 30th Annual celebration. This signature event remains our largest fundraiser made successful by the collective effort of our members.

As we close Vocational Service Month, we do so with renewed appreciation for the power of professional service and ethical leadership. We now turn our focus to February, Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month ☮️, a reminder that Rotary’s work also calls us to foster understanding, promote dialogue, and build lasting peace.

May we continue to make service personal, lead with integrity, and work together to make a meaningful difference in our community and beyond.
Join us in supporting the Harlingen Hunger Coalition — a city-wide effort to lift up our neighbors when they need it most. We’re all one tough day away from needing a helping hand. Your donation helps ensure no family in Harlingen faces hunger alone.
 
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