By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
A new slate of officers will oversee the work of the Del Rio chapter of the International Good Neighbor Council (IGNC) for 2023.
The new officers were formally installed during a ceremony held in the Sunblossom Room at the Ramada Inn of Del Rio Jan. 11.
Val Verde County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. was the special guest for the evening’s event, and Griselda Martinez served as the mistress of ceremonies.
“I learned during my early years that the IGNC plays a central role in the October activities of Fiesta De Amistad in our community. They are the organizers of the abrazo ceremony and the international parade. Throughout the year, this organization promotes friendship and good will between the sister cities of Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña and between the United States and Mexico, and these are just a few of the many events they sponsor throughout the year,” Martinez said in welcoming those attending.
Martinez introduced Owens and Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez, who was later sworn in as the IGNC’s 2023 secretary.
After Dr. Maria Gonzalez led the group in the invocation and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, Owens was invited to begin administering the oaths of office to the new officers. Before installing the new officers, he read a description of each of their duties.
Andrew Scarbo was sworn in as the 2023 IGNC president, with Mary Mota taking the oath as the 2023 vice president, Silvia Gonzalez as the 2023 treasurer and Martinez as secretary.
After the ceremony, Owens thanked the group.
“I’m very humbled and honored that I was asked to be here this evening. You don’t know how much this means to me. Ms. Alcalá did a wonderful job preparing me with what I was supposed to say . . . The work that this organization puts in, I’m sure with the newly-elected officers, will continue to move this organization forward and again, thank you,” Owens said.
The outgoing officers joined the new officers at the front of the room for photos.
Owens then asked all IGNC members and prospective members attending the event to rise and asked, “Do you as members and prospective members of the International Good Neighbor Council pledge your full support to the newly-elected officers in the fulfillment of their official responsibilities?”
All those standing answered, “I do.”
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