COMMUNITY — County celebrates Halloween with costume event at county annex

By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times

Halloween came a day early at the Judge Antonio “Tony” Faz III County Annex for parents and children who attended the 2nd Annual Halloween Community Event on Friday, Oct. 30.

Agencies with offices in the county annex, 315 E. Chapoy St., as well as several local businesses, participated in a candy crawl for young and old, with tables set up along a walkway in the annex courtyard. Those manning the tables and handing out candy and other treats also got into the spirit of the event, decorating their tables and some wearing elaborate costumes and makeup.

Val Verde County Commissioner Pct. 2 Juan Carlos Vazquez, who organized the event with the help of his Precinct 2 crew, set up one of the first booths. Among those helping with the event were members of the Precinct 2 road and bridge crew; Alexa Trujillo, Precinct 2 office manager; Elizabeth Ferrino, commissioners’ office manager; Angela Lopez, commissioners’ office clerk; and volunteers Beatriz De La Rosa and Joann Faz.

Vazquez said, “This is our second annual Halloween celebration here at the Tony Faz County Annex, and I’m excited for the public to come out and bring their kids and grandkids. It makes me happy to see so many children here.

“We’ve got the pumpkin patch again this year, for parents to take photos with their children, and we’ve added some decorated inflatable arches. We have a haunted house, and an area where children can have their faces painted,” the commissioner added.

Vazquez said he was pleased that the county annex’s tenants jumped in to participate.

SJRC Belong was one of the participating agencies, with Tanya Serrano, Belong’s community liaison, and Belong recruiter Annette Flores handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Serrano said SJRC Belong has been in the county annex since April. SJRC Belong manages foster care in the area and provides other resources for county residents, including training on the proper installation of car seats, CPR training, English as a second language (ESL) classes and financial literacy seminars.

CASA of Val Verde County also participated, with executive director Ana Moreno in full Pocahontas costume and Dr. Alma Mora, CASA’s volunteer supervisor, made up as a cowgirl catrina.

Other agencies with candy tables included the International Good Neighbor Council Del Rio Chapter, where former Mayor Dora E. Alcalá channeled her inner Stockard Channing, handing out treats in costume as Betty Rizzo, the leader of the Pink Ladies from “Grease,” and Alcalá’s friend, former Del Rio City Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez, decked out as Catwoman, complete with kitten ears.

Jesse Rios, an employee of the Val Verde County Library, had a table set up outside the library’s branch location in the annex. Rios handed out bookmarks as well as handfuls of candy, and he invited parents to visit the branch library with their children.

Among the businesses with candy tables were the new Fresh & Fold Laundry, manned by manager Oscar Navarro and Lourdes Martinez, assistant manager, and Rodriguez Wealth Management. Rodriguez Wealth Management’s table was a family affair, including the business’ owner, Sergio Rodriguez, as well as his wife Lisa Rodriguez and his two daughters, Gloria Rodriguez and Nayeli Rodriguez.

Vazquez, who grew up near the county annex, said he enjoys providing a wealth of Halloween candy, which he said he pays for out of his own pocket, for youngsters from the neighborhood.

Vazquez said, “I think this is great for the kids, and I’m excited to give a little back to the community.”

The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.