MI VIDA MAGAZINE
Always Free . Gratis
The woman behind
St. Peter’s Home Health Inc. Annalisa Guerra-Peña
OCTOBER 2014
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- RE-ELECT -
X
X
X Rafael “Ralph” Saenz III
Librada “Libby” Vela FOR
Rogelio “Roy” Guerrero
S.D.I.S.D. - SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE NOV. 4, 2014
“Keep The Progress Going” Political paid for by the candidates: Rafael Saenz III, Librada Vela, Rogelio Guerrero
TRIPLE R SERVICE Owner: Richard Salinas
CONTRACT PUMPING/GAUGING Lease Crew/Backhoe & Fresh Water
Phone: Cell Phone: Fax:
(361) 394-7437 (361) 701-0115 (361) 394-5534
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CONTENTS
MI VIDA MAGAZINE A publication of the Jim Hogg County Enterprise 304 E. Galbraith, Hebbronville, Texas 78361 Copyright 1998 by The Jim Hogg County Enterprise. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the express permission of the publisher. Entered as Second Class Matter at Hebbronville, Texas under May 5, 1926, at the Post Office the Act of March 8, 1979, Second Class Postage Paid at Hebbronville, Jim Hogg County, Texas 78361. POSTMASTER: Send inquiries to Jim Hogg County Enterprise 304 E. Galbraith P.O. Box 759 Hebbronville, Texas 78361
Call (361) 460-9493 for information.
Base advertising rate is $6.00 per column inch. Volume and frequency discounts available. Contact us by email at enterprise78361@aol.com or at mividamagazine@aol.com Poncho Hernandez Jr. Juanita I. Hernandez Publishers
ON THE COVER: Annalisa Guerra-Pe単a of St. Peters Home Health Inc. Alice, Texas To Advertise: Sylvia Tanguma Advertising Representative 361-389-6612
361-460-9493 mividamagazine@aol.com enterprise78361@aol.com
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Success STORY Home Health agency survives by placing patients first
You might be surprised to learn that Annalisa Guerra-Pena, who
heads one of South Texas’ most celebrated Home Health agencies, isn’t too concerned about patient satisfaction. In fact, the Alice business woman, whose business earned a place among the Top 25 home health care agencies for customer satisfaction in 2013, is more concerned about providing personal care to her patients than winning awards. The award, however, acknowledged St. Peter’s Home Health Inc. as demonstrating “superior performance” in caring for its patients, a distinction Guerra-Pena is proud to admit. She began her journey in October of 1994 after established Glory “B” Home Health Agency, Inc., an agency that later dissolved due to stringent regulations set forth in the Budget Balance Act of 1999, which significantly reformed payment and other rules for home health agencies. It was a time when most home health agencies went “bust.” In 2004, she established St. Peter’s Home Health Agency, Inc., setting up office in Alice and recruiting a nursing and administrative staff to perform the home health agency’s daily functions. Years later, the multi-million dollar business operates in more than 15 South Texas counties with 21 employees providing skilled nursing, home health aide, physical, speech, and occupational therapy, and medical social services. But the most difficult part in maintaining her business, she says, is meeting patient needs while balancing budget cuts mandated by the federal See STORY, Page 20
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as summer, or the kind we are most familiar with, the four- or five-day forecast. Meteorologists use various charts based on air currents, fronts, satellite images and other data to make their forecasts.”
WEATHER WHYS Q: I see the long-range forecast is out from the “Farmer’s Almanac” and it predicts a very cold winter for most of the country. How accurate is longrange forecasting? A: It depends on exactly what you mean by “long range,” says Brent McRoberts of Texas A&M University. “On forecasts within the next 24 hours, forecasts are usually very accurate,” he says. “Forecasts made between 1-3 days are usually pretty good. But beyond seven days or so, the accuracy rate tends to slip because factors that make up a forecast tend to change. So the shorter the time period, the more accurate the forecast. It’s interesting to note that 'The Old Farmer’s Almanac,' now in its 223rd year and one of the oldest publications in the country, makes up its weather forecasts about a year in advance, and it claims to have an 80 percent accuracy rate. It uses a ‘secret’ method of weather forecasting that it’s used for over 200 years that includes sun spots, ocean currents and many other factors.” Q: So long-range forecasts are nothing new, correct? A: Weather forecasting has been around longer than you might think, says McRoberts. “The U.S. government started weather forecasting in the 1870s when Congress established a National Weather Service,” explains McRoberts. “It was aimed primarily for military uses. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was established in 1970 and has under it a number of agencies, among them the National Weather Service. But the goal was still the same – trying to give an accurate prediction of weather forecasting. Weather forecasting is done to predict long ranges, such as a year or more, or sometimes a season, such
Percy and Patsy’s Meat Market Ross Wagner Owner Phone: 361-394-1536
Cell: 361-562-7498
101 E. Riley Freer, Texas 78357
Q: You sometimes hear about efforts to create rain, and the term "cloudseeding" comes up. What exactly is cloudseeding? A: Efforts to control the weather – the correct term is "weather modification" – have been around longer than you think, says Brent McRoberts of Texas A&M University. "In the 1700s in England, scientists thought that loud noises, such as the ringing of bells, would divert thunderstorms and hail," McRoberts says. "It didn't work. In 1892, a Washington, D.C., lawyer got Congress to give him $10,000 to conduct rain making experiments in Texas using balloons rigged with explosives, again thinking that loud noises would produce rain. Again, no luck. Modern rainmaking efforts can be traced to Nov. 13, 1946, in New York. A scientist working for General Electric named Vincent Schaefer tested his theory that dry ice – solid carbon dioxide – dropped into clouds near Albany would produce precipitation. Five minutes later, snowflakes were falling from the clouds. Then in 1947, scientist Bernard Vonnegut found that silver iodide worked well at producing precipitation since its atoms have a similar structure to ice crystals." Q: So does cloudseeding really work? A: The results have been somewhat disappointing, says McRoberts. "Silver iodide appears to be the most effective rainmaking substance, but there is considerable debate over the results," he explains. "We've learned that storms and clouds are complex, and efforts to produce rain have not been what we've hoped for. Some studies have shown that cloudseeding only increases precipitation between 5 and 20 percent, which is not very promising considering the costs involved. So generally, cloudseeding efforts have not been very encouraging."
BARRIENTOS TIRES & WHEELS Call and ask about our end of the year wheel specials
411 S. Dr. E.E. Dunlap San Diego, Texas 78384 (361)279-7500
• Wheels • New Tires Owner: P. Barrientos Sr. Sales: Rosalinda Briones • Tire Repairs Manager: P. Barrientos Jr. • Brake Jobs Sales: Sara Barrientos • Auto Detailing • Computer Balancing • Oil Change • Transmission Oil Change
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Tejano Roots legend, Maldonado, has roots in San Diego, Texas Longtime musician still entertaining public
San Juan Maldonado has played a lot of music.
A native of San Diego, Texas, Maldonado was born in 1952 with lots of musical talent. At the early age of 12, he practiced and learned how to play a guitar and the electric bass. By the age of 13, he had learned how to play the bajo sexto, which became his favorite instrument. San Juan and Oscar (Okie) Ramos would play at a small restaurant in the barrio for donations. Customers named them, “Los Muchachos Montes,” because of all the monte that surrounded the restaurant. They would also play at their local high school for entertainment. In 1968 he joined a conjunto called “Los Alegres De Ricardo Salaiz.” He was the bajo sexto player for the conjunto and stayed with them till about the end of 1969. In 1972, San Juan and Oscar (Okie) Ramos started their own conjunto called “Los Diamantes De Oscar y San Juan.” They recorded their first 45 rpm called “Surfo Amargamente” and “Mis Referencias” at L.H. Lorenzo Hernandez Records. Then, in 1975, they recorded their second 45 rpm called
“De Tus Propios Labios” and “El Primer Paso De Amor” with Ramal Records. In 1979, they changed the name of the conjunto to “Los Originales” and recorded their third 45 rpm “As De Corazones” and “Corazon Prisonero” with Napal Records. In 1980, they recorded “Silencio Corazon,” El Golfo Polka,” “Impossible,” and “Se Lo Dejo A San Juan Mald onado (Sto Dios,” with La Costa Records. That ry by Roge lio Chapa) same year, the conjunto broke up and San Juan Maldonado went and joined Nene “Los Cadena and stayed with him for a while. He later Aces.” joined Mingo Saldivar and traveled all over the He went on and recorded a CD called “Mujer country with him. Then around that time San Juan Fiel.” In 2000, San Juan renamed his conjunto “Congot married and decided to stay home and joined a junto Iluxion De San Juan Maldonado.” Since then, local conjunto called “Los Rivales.” He went on to he has recorded to CDs and in 2009, was nominated play with several conjuntos including “Los Coyotes,” as upcoming conjunto by the South Texas Conjunto “Los Jitanos,” “Los Bandoleros,” “Neo Ramirez De Association. San Diego,” “Oscar y Rey Guajardo De Freer,” and On September 25, 2010, San Juan was inducted “Lorenzo Hernandez.” into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame. In 1990, San Juan Maldonado and Oscar Ramos To this date, San Juan Maldonado continues to reunited as “Los Originales” and recorded their first entertain his public with a variation of music from CD, “Por Compassion.” They were together until rancheras, polkas, guapangos, chotis, redobas, corri1995, at which time “Los Originales” was officially dos and some conjunto country. San Juan Maldonado retired. In 1995, San Juan started his own conjunto called is an inspiration to young musicians to come.
P.O. Box 856 San Diego, Texas Cell: 361-562-6830
MAURO P. GARCIA FUNERAL HOMES INC. BETTY LOU GARCIA
Funeral Director/Pre-need counselor mauropgarciafuneralhomes@gmail.com
Phone (361) 279-3213
Fax (361) 279-2824
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. www.mauropgarcia.com
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
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100 years!
Ten months after its centennial celebration, Jim Hogg County continues to celebrate its colorful history
L
By Cynthia Gutierrez Mi Vida Magazine
ast year, Jim Hogg County celebrated its centennial anniversary making it one of the youngest counties in the state. But it has its roots deep in the history of South Texas. After the end of the Mexican War in 1848, all of the land in the disputed territory was officially made part of the state of Texas. Throughout the years, the area that became known as Jim Hogg County was, at different times, under the jurisdiction of Brooks, Duval, Starr, Zapata, Live Oak, and Hidalgo counties. Within this county are many Spanish land grants that were awarded to individuals at a time when Mexico still belonged to Spain. Some of them are Randado, Cuevitas, Agua Nueva, Las Vivoritas, Las Animas, San Antonio Viejo, El Baluarte, El Sordo, and Noriecitas. A number of them still exist today, many owned by descendents of the original owners. In 1913, local representatives D. D. David, Reuben Holbein, Oscar Thompson, and A. C. Jones requested from the state legislature that a county separate from Brooks County be formed and legislation establishing Jim Hogg County was passed. The county was formed out of what was Duval and Brooks counties at the time. Land from Duval County was included so that the town of Hebbronville, with its railroad station, could be in the new county and Hebbronville became the county seat. Jim Hogg County was organized
Encompassing 1,136 sq. miles, you can fit New York City, Chicago, San Antonio, Hebbronville, Benavides, Alice, Orange Grove and San Diego in Jim Hogg County and still have ample room for several large ranches.
A photo of Hebbronville businessmen circa 1914.
and established that same year, and elections for county officials were held in July. Jim Hogg now had a county judge, a sheriff, and commissioners. Construction on Jim Hogg County’s Courthouse was begun in 1913 and completed in 1914. Over the years, the Courthouse has served as a meeting place for churches and was central to local civic and social groups. Until the completion of the County Jail in 1914, criminals Photos Courtesy of Cynthia Gutierrez were housed in Alice or Laredo for a fee of $1.00 per day. Within ten years of its organization, A 1943 photo of the school in Guerra, Texas, located near the Jim Hogg County Jim Hogg County built a courthouse southwestern border. While most in the photo are unidentified, the little boy on and jail, grew to include a movie house the far right is Horacio Evers, who was 8 years old when the photo was taken. and the Viggo Hotel, and established a telephone exchange and an electric More than half of Jim Hogg has been for James Stephen Hogg, the governor power plant. of Texas from 1891 to 1895. adapted for use in ranching. By 1924, Border Gas Company The county was formed in 1913 Jim Hogg County covers an area of had come to town and oil was discov- 1,139 square miles and has an eleva- from portions of Brooks and Duval ered, ushering in a quick increase in tion of 550 feet. counties. population. Its population has remained conDuring the early part of the 20th sistent at around 4,500 residents for (EDITOR’S NOTE: For informacentury, Jim Hogg County had the dis- over 75 years. tion on Jim Hogg County, visit Istinction of being the largest shipping As of the 2010 census, the popula- sue.com and type in ‘South Texas point for livestock in the United States. tion was 5,300. The county is named History’ in the search bar.)
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
Trick or Treat!
(StatePoint) Halloween comes but once a year. So make it extra spooky with ghosts, goblins and ghouls galore -- and don’t forget all the great treats. While all this fall fun does come at a price, you don’t have to spend a pirate’s booty if you plan carefully. For more treats than tricks this year, make a budget and stick to it. The shopping experts at Dollar General are sharing great ways to celebrate Halloween affordably.
Cute kids in their Halloween costumes Finley Q. Fletcher Son of Jessica and Garrett Fletcher Rego Park, NY
Tiago Ruben Perez Son of Ruben and Cindy Perez and Grandson of Ruben and Vangie Perez Zapata, Texas
Clean Up
Before the trick-or-treaters are at your door, spruce up your house with a few household cleaning supplies. Stock up on paper towels to use for clean-up after pumpkin carving, or pick up a new broom for all those fall leaves that are bound to make their way into your house. These fall months lead right into the holiday party season, so make sure you have all the tools you need to be party ready for your guests!
Camryn Mia Cantu Daughter of Amy Perez Hebbronville, Texas
Decorations
Give your home a fresh fall update. Evoke the harvest season in the entryway with an autumn wreath. Buy one or DIY the project with supplies like glue guns, ribbons, faux leaves and flowers. Use seasonal placemats, runners and pumpkin pie scented candles to accent your home with fall flair. Stock up on spooky supplies, too. Skeletons, cobwebs, ghosts and other festive supplies will make your home a favorite in the neighborhood. Treats Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or just preparing for a crowd of trick-or-treaters, think frugally when stocking up on treats. Buy candy, chocolates and treats at a discount store such as Dollar General. If you’re ordering online, consider buying in bulk to save further, as many retailers offer free shipping on large purchases. Make Halloween party snacks for less by buying peanuts, pumpkin seeds and candy corn, and creating your own seasonal trail mix. For dessert, bake a cake and decorate it creatively with gummy worms and colored icing to scare your guests! For crowd-pleasing ideas and more Halloween tips, visit www.DollarGeneral.com or visit their Pinterest page. With more holidays on the horizon, be sure to stay within your budget this Halloween season. Take steps to celebrate affordably.
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Noah Hernandez Son of Brittany and Jeffy Hernandez Benavides, Texas
Gunnar Ray Gallego Son of Arlette & Ray Gallego & Grandson of Ruben & Vangie Perez San Antonio
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Kids n e e w o Hall Page
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BENAVIDES FOOTBALL
E. C. Lerma, a former head football coach and athletic director at Benavides High School, is pictured with his football team in a mid 20th century photo. Lerma, who died in 1998 at the age of 82, was the second Hispanic to be inducted into the Hall of Honor in a ceremony held in 1968. Lerma’s son, John Lerma (who coached in the Rio Grande Valley) said his father’s success helped open the door for other successful Hispanic coaches.
LET’S RE-ELECT
ANDY CAMPOS BIERSTEDT COLOR THE PUMPKINS
Nov. 4, 2014
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
ELECT - Gilbert N. Saenz Freer ISD School Board Place 3
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As the youngest son of Thelma Uribe Saenz and the late Paul Saenz Jr., I grew up two
blocks from the school and could see the scoreboard from my porch. Just like my parents and their siblings, my brother and sisters and I grew up in Freer and graduated from Freer High School. We were raised with a strong respect for hard work, education and Christian values. We were taught to listen to our elders and respect authority. Our parents taught us to give our best, to set and strive to achieve worthy goals, and to treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. We were encouraged to treat everyone, even a stranger, as a good friend. We were taught by example, to believe we could achieve anything we wanted if we worked hard enough. Throughout my adult life, I have been dedicated to provide faithful service to others, our nation, our state and specifically to the local community of Freer. I clerked and worked as an attorney for the Office of the Texas Attorney General and served in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps with the United States Navy (over 12 total years of military service). After going to college and law school and after serving my country in the Navy, I returned to Freer. After 12 years as a licensed attorney, I have been blessed and fortunate, to currently have a successful law practice in our town. Whether by donating to our local groups, volunteering to improve our schools and highways or providing legal advice and counseling, I have and will always extend a helpful hand to ALL Freer citizens. As a teacher and coach here in Freer, I saw firsthand the challenges our school faces: budget shortfalls and limitations, personnel, attitude and discipline. It is clear, that in the past several years, Freer ISD has not been reaching the true potential of success and spirit we once knew and thrived upon. It’s time for Freer ISD to experience the Glory it deserves. Back on the Right Path! Better hiring—I will ensure we hire the most qualified available people…starting from the top. Better pay—I will seek to improve pay to all employees, teachers, and staff. Teamwork—I will always consider all perspectives and voices. Focus on Learning—If it doesn’t advance the learning process, then it shouldn’t come in the way of more important issues: Priorities first. Successful outcomes; Excellence at all levels!!! A Return to Glory
BUCKAROO PRIDE!!!!!
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JO NELL NEESE - FREER SCHOOL BOARD PLACE 2
VOTE
In case I am not able to stop and visit with you and
your family before election time, I wanted you to know a little about my background and why I am seeking a place Early voting - Oct 20 - 31, 2014 on the school board. Please, if you have any questions or would like me to stop by, do not hesitate to call … 361-701-7017. Our school district has been facing many problems and hardships in the past few years. We need a different type of citizen to sit on the board. A public school is a business that serves a very precious commodity
November 4, 2014
YOUR KIDS ..... I was raised to have respect and morals. My father, Ivel Neese, who also was raised and graduated from Freer, was a poor, but intelligent man, that worked his way from a rig hand to an independent oil producer and business owner. He taught me the fundamentals of working hard and succeeding, but not to ever forget where you started and to always help your neighbor. I want to be the voice of our community. As a founding member of the Concerned Citizens of Freer, I have listened to parents, FISD’s employees, and citizens. I am a Citizen… NOT a politician. I want to better our school and the quality of educated young adults. I make no promises on being able to fix everything that we are concerned about, but I do promise to continue to listen and try my best to get things improved. My experience as a business owner and involvement in public relations could help direct our school district into a thriving and successful education system. I, along with a co-owner, built Straight Line Const. into a successful business. While building a company, you have to know how to budget finances, take care of your employees and customers. We fought hard and stood strong and after 12 years, I was blessed to be able to retire at an early aged. During those years, I went back to school at the age of 40!... due to the unpredictability of the oilfield. I wanted to have a plan B!!! I attended nursing school and continued to take care of the responsibilities of the company. Studying for nursing is hard and making sure the company was being cared for at the same time was a little overwhelming, but I accomplished my goal with top honors. Even today, I keep my LVN license current…never knowing when I may need to return to work. I’m also a landowner and own an RV park in our community. Our school needs that type of leadership to be able to succeed. We need to keep our Teacher and Staff turnover rate at an all time low, background checks have to be more extensive with a list confirming verification. We have to hire stable and qualified individuals that are around our kids and running our school. We must educate our children with the fundamentals to not only attend college, but to be able to go straight into the workforce. We need to re-open the Auto Mechanics and Welding departments. We need to purchase new equipment and buses so our children will be safe. We need a complete inventory of all equipment that the school owns and if not being used, then have an auction, rent the old cafeteria and help the Freer citizens to have a place for their showers and gatherings. These are just a few things that I want to address if I am elected to sit on the board. I feel that our school system has lost sight of what our number one role is:
PRODUCING EDUCATED ADULTS FOR SUCCESS!!!!!!
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
WORLD SERIES ACROSS 1. Range 6. Group of exercise reps 9. Large number or bunch 13. “I am _____, hear me roar” 14. In the past 15. Bilbo Baggins’ land 16. Eye opener 17. Negative conjunction 18. Dip a ___ _ the water 19. *Team with most World Series titles 21. On the shore 23. If you do this you shall receive? 24. Type of Asian food 25. On most pants and skirts 28. High fidelity 30. Elevated box 35. October birthstone 37. Winningest Super Bowl coach 39. Run off, as in couple 40. Have the blues 41. Russian prison 43. *Go to extra innings when the score is this 44. “Bravo! Bravo!” e.g. 46. Strong review 47. Spanish Surrealist 48. Kind of monkey 50. *1972 World Series MVP, ____ Tenace 52. Newsman Rather 53. Easy to pull and hard to push 55. Rub the wrong way 57. *First non-U.S. team to win World Series 61. *First World Series losers 65. Dodge 66. *1925 World Series hero and HOFer, ___ Traynor 68. Put up with 69. *A hard hit ball 70. Funerary vase 71. Fiji’s neighbor 72. *2013 World Series ended with one for Cardinals 73. Teacher’s ___ 74. Atones, archaic DOWN 1. Like a tree in the wind 2. RC, e.g. 3. Yemen’s neighbor 4. Winter wear 5. Catch in a net 6. “Without” in French 7. Freudian topic 8. Pentateuch 9. Pest command 10. In ____ of 11. Sportscaster ____ Andrews 12. Direct one’s way 15. *Reason for 1994 World Series cancellation 20. Increasing or adding to, often used with “out” 22. CO2, e.g. 24. Farmland under cultivation 25. *Reggie Jackson’s forte
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CAN YOU IDENTIFY THESE WOMEN?
Chago Vera, of Concepcion, is asking for help in identifying a group of Concepcion girls in a picture taken in the mid-40s to early 50s. The photo shows the late Irma Cantu (center) with four unidentified women. Persons with knowledge as to their identity should contact Mail Carrier Luis Leal of Concepcion at 361-539-4630. Calls should be placed in the evening.
26. Geologic period 27. Syrup flavor 29. *Minimum games played in modern World Series 31. Big Bang’s original matter 32. Sheep or buffalo, e.g. 33. Met’s offering 34. Xe 36. Grassy land tracts 38. Cleanse or wash 42. Genius, pl. 45. *______ Field, where Braves hosted 1999 World Series 49. Chronic drinker
51. Misprints 54. *When it landed in 1996, Yanks were champs 56. Shish _____ 57. Be a snitch 58. Hodgepodge 59. *You need more than opponent to win a game 60. Lyric poems 61. Closely confined 62. Like Tim of “A Christmas Carol” 63. U2 guitarist 64. Red one and Yellow one, e.g. 67. Anger or wrath
Casas Drive-Thru
Open Monday thru Friday: 5:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
361-394-7017
Breakfast Tacos & Plates Lunch Specials Tacos Chicken Fried Steak Hamburger Steak Carne Guisada Enchiladas Hamburgers
Drive Thru & Dine In Lydia Casas Pena Owner
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
Branding Irons tell Duval County story Exhibit to feature Branding Irons of Duval County To lend your branding iron for display, come by or call the Duval County Museum at 361-279-2597 or 361-562-1713.
E verybody has
a story and the Duval County Historical Commission wants Duval County residents to share their stories via their family branding irons. Like many other Texas counties, Duval County started out as individual ranches which later formed into ranching communities. “Every ranch had its own unique brand and many times there are interesting stories associated with the origin of the ranch and its brand,” explained Lydia Canales, Commission chairperson. “It’s important for everyone, especially our young people, to learn about local history and lore, starting with
their own family and community, so we’re hosting a ‘Branding Irons of Duval County’ exhibit to provide such an opportunity.” The family-oriented event will be held Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. at the Duval County Museum in San Diego and will feature guest speaker Homero Vera, curator at the Sarita Kennedy Museum. The event will also include a hands-on display of branding irons, a live calf-branding demonstration, a children’s activity area and tours of the museum. Concessions and historical commission cookbook sales will also be available. Anybody who is willing to lend their branding iron for display is asked to come by or call the museum at 361-279-2597 or 361-562-1713. The museum is located at 208 E. St. Joseph St. in San Diego and is open M-F from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Lydia Canales may also be contacted at 361-3898397.
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Next Month In
Legends of the Wild West
Courtesy Photos Museum curator Cesar Alejandro Garcia points out some features of the branding irons as other members look on. Left to right are Danny Salinas, Garcia, chairperson Lydia Canales, Melida Tamplet, and Roelia Villarreal.
Cynthia Ann Parker, her capture and her life
On the morning of May
Rena Barton Garcia discusses some plans for the Branding Iron event as Oralia Flores listens in.
As comission member in charge of exhibit, Danny Salinas checks area in front of museum where the branding irons will be displayed.
19, 1836, a band of Comanches, along with some Kiowas and Kichas, attacked Ft. Parker. The settlers were completely taken by surprise, and the slaughter was decisive and quick. Cynthia Ann and other children watched as the women were dragged from the cabins ... An article by Marcie Goss
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
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37th annual Fiesta del Rancho
Hot brazas, cabrito, and good music A
Photos (from top to bottom): Cabrito contestant Vilma Garcia, Rosa Saenz, Vicente Saenz, Matthew and Devina Pena, and Olivia Lopez and Javier Cavazos.
s author Daniel Arreola would say, “South Texas towns celebrate Mexican festivals more than towns in any other region of the state.” And beginning on Friday on the week of Oct. 3 -5, the annual Fiesta del Rancho, proved Arreola correct. Held at the county-owned Concepcion Plaza Grounds, the fiesta, now in its 37th year, is reported to have attracted so many people organizers were hesitant to speculate exactly how many were in attendance. “There were just too many (people) to tell,” said organizer Christine Cavazos. “Even on Friday, with football games in progress and Homecoming in Benavides, we had a nice crowd,” she exclaimed. On Saturday, the crowd exploded with La Mafia and other groups providing the entertainment. “It was amazing, and a lot of fun,” she added. Cavazos said the event ran smoothly with few hitches and no complaints as people paid a $5 admission fee to gain admission. Cabrito Contest The event also highlighted the annual “Cabrito Guisado Cooking Contest,” a contest that awards prizes of $300, $200, and $100. First place went to Bobby Cantu, origiLuis Cortinas, of McAllen, nally from the community of Salas and now prepares mixer for La Mafia’s a resident of Kingsville; Second place was performance. won by Juanita Adrian of Premont; with Ben Franco III, of Benavides, taking third place. Vilma Guerra, a participant in the contest originally from Tienditas and now residing in Corpus Christi, said her family has participated in the contest for the last 30 years. Her recipe, she says, was borrowed from her dad, Leonel Garcia, now 90. “It’s all homemade, with original spices and ingrediants,” she said. A total of eight contestants participated in the contest. At noon on Saturday, the judges - from Falfurrias, Corpus, and a retired teacher
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Annual fiesta draws massive crowds to small town from the area - were busy behind a closed door at the civic center judging the contest. Music Looking back, Concepcion has always been credited with having the best musicians perform. Musicians performing at the three-day event included Steven Cavazos Y Mezquite, of Benavides, Frank Garcia Y Los Culpables, The Herrera Bros., Art and the Bottom Creek Boys, Beto Ramon Y Luena Llena, Hebbronville’s Palacios Brothers, Ricky Naranjo Y Los Gamblers, David Trevino y Los Tremendos and Kicker Daddy Legacy. The event also featured a trailride, parade, along with food concessions, bingo, singing contest and outdoor dancing. The annual Fiesta del Rancho was established by the Duval County Commissioners Court and Concepcion community in an effort to promote economic development. Since its beginnings, the event has continued to draw thousands of visitors to the small community. It is held on the first weekend of October.
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Photos (top to bottom): Fiesta trailriders, State Rep. Ryan Guillen and daughter, and Christine and Olga Saenz.
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PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST
SD CLASS OF 2014 CELEBRATES 2014 REUNION
San Diego’s Class of 2004 gathered at Luchazie’s Restaurant Saturday for a 10year reunion and family day. Ironically, the gathering was held at the restaurant now owned by the class’s former principal, Luis Pizzini.
Isaac Martinez, Aissa Martinez and Juliana Garza pose for a picture during a pumpkin carving contest held in Hebbronville.
Rolando Martinez, a Hebbronville elementary student, is pictured with his award winning pumpkin. He placed 3rd in the carving contest.
MI VIDA MAGAZINE
Legends of the Wild West Wyatt Earp: His life and his legacy - Part 2
A fter Tombstone, Wyatt Earp practically became a household name. the gunfight at the OK
Corral catapulted him into the agelessness of western folklore. Wyatt and his followers left Arizona and spent some time in Albuquerque, N. M., where Wyatt reunited with old friend Bat Masterson, who was a Deputy U.S. Marshall there. They traveled together to Trinidad, Colorado, where Bat owned a saloon. From Trinidad, Earp and Holliday traveled on to Gunnison, Colorado, where Wyatt eventually took over a faro game at a local saloon. In the meantime, Wyatt had left his house in Tombstone to Mattie, his common law wife. She eventually accepted their relationship was over, and moved to Pinal City, Arizona, where she resumed life as a prostitute. Mattie committed suicide and died of a drug overdose on July 3, 1888. In 1882, Wyatt went to San Francisco, and met Josephine Marcus, who became his common-law wife for the next 46 years. From San Francisco they went back to Gunnison, Colorado, until he got a request for help from Luke Short, an old friend in Dodge City. Short was being run out of town and his businesses were being closed down by the local Dodge City mayor, and he had appealed to Wyatt for help. Wyatt, Johnny Milsap, Shotgun John Collins, Texas Jack Vermillion, and Johnny Green all came to Short’s aid. It is unclear exactly what Wyatt and the others said or did to the local mayor, but history does record that Luke Short’s saloons reopened the next day after their arrival in Dodge City. In 1884 Wyatt and brothers Warren and James went to Eagle City, Idaho, to get rich in the mining business. But disputes over property boundaries and accusations of lot-jumping and real estate fraud plagued their endeavors there, and they left Idaho a year later. From Idaho to El Paso Wyatt and Josephine traveled, then on to San Diego to invest in real estate there. Once settled in San Diego, however, the bulk of Wyatt’s profits came from owning saloons, gambling houses, restaurants and brothels. Several of these businesses were located in “respectable” areas of the city, and were quite modern and ornately furnished. One brothel is said to have had each room painted a different color; deep, rich, jewel tones, such as red, purple, green, and blue, and the prostitute
assigned to each room was required to dress in the same color of clothing as the walls of the room were painted. Swanky furniture, luxury window treatm e n t s , elaborate wine collections, goldtrimmed tableware, fresh seafood shipped in daily were all amenities that patrons enjoyed in the businesses owned by Wyatt Earp. He also invested in boxing matches and horse racing in San Diego. Some time in the early 1890’s, he and Josephine(he called her “Sadie”)moved to San Francisco, to be closer to her family. Wyatt worked in nearby Santa Rosa running horse stables there. In her biography, Josephine stated that she and Wyatt were legally married in 1892 while they lived in San Francisco, but no public record of their marriage has been found, even though some descendants of friends claim their ancestors were present at their wedding, said to have taken place aboard a friend’s yacht, off the coast of California. In 1896, Wyatt and Josephine left San Francisco for good due to problems that arose from Wyatt’s ruling in the famous Fitzsimmons vs Sharkey boxing match on December 2, 1896, in which Earp ruled that Fitzsimmons had hit Sharkey when he was down. The dispute was put before a San Francisco judge, who said the court couldn’t settle anything, because prize fighting was illegal in San Francisco. From California the Earps went to Alaska and invested in mining and lived there until 1901. Their experiences in Alaska followed the typical pattern of their past ventures in most every city; Wyatt invested in saloons, brothels, gambling houses, dabbled in
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law enforcement, got involved in illegal lot jumping enterprises, and left the area leaving a number of enemies behind who were happy to see him move on. But he also made life long friends along with way. While in Alaska he became friends with Jack London, the famous author, and boxing promoter, Tex Rickard, with whom he remained friends for the rest of his life. In 1901 or ‘02, the Earps returned to California. For the next few years, he invested in gold mining in and around the Mojave Desert region. In 1910 Wyatt Earp had his final confrontation at the point of a gun. Around 1910 Wyatt was hired and paid $10 a day to perform various tasks that were illegal; retrieving criminals from Mexico, and guarding lot-jumpers and real estate schemers involved in illegal land deals. The confrontation came while guarding surveyors who were attempting to gain control of mining camps for huge deposits of potash on the banks of nearby Searles Lake. Wyatt threatened to kill federal Receiver Stafford W. Austin and fired a rile shot at Austin’s feet. Wyatt and 27 others were arrested by U.S. Marshalls over the incident. Wyatt eventually moved to Hollywood, California, where he was a consultant for silent cowboy films. Having outlived all of his siblings, and as the last living survivor of the Gunfight at the O.K.Corral, Wyatt Earp died at his home in Los Angeles on January 13, 1929, at the age of 80. At the time of his death, he was better known for his role in the Fitzsimmons vs Sharkey prize fight than for the gunfight in Tombstone. His peers had a profound respect for him. He was an imposing figure, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds at a time when most men were 5’ 7”. No one, anywhere, be they close friend, arch enemy, or casual acquaintance, ever recalled an occasion in which Wyatt Earp showed fear, in any situation-ever. It was reported that early Hollywood cowboy film star, Tom Mix, wept at Wyatt’s funeral, saying, “I step in front of a movie camera and act out what this man really lived.” Josephine outlived Wyatt by many years, dying in 1944. They are buried side by side at the Hills of Eternity Cemetery in Colma, California.
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Did Gov. Jim Hogg pardon the notorious murderer John Wesley Hardin in 1894?
It
appears the governor whose name graces Jim Hogg County in South Texas had little choice but to pardon the notorious murderer and outlaw John Wesley Hardin. Hardin had been imprisoned for the death of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb and was to serve 25 years in prison. But in 1894, after serving 15 years of his sentence in Huntsville, Hardin was pardoned by Texas Governor Jim Hogg at the appeal of Hardin’s attorney, who cited the completion of Hardin’s jail term and his good behavior while serving his sentenced. Believed to have killed as many as 44 men, Hardin is described as among the West’s most notorious killers. Fast as a whip with a pistol and armed with a short temper, Hardin was known for “shooting first and not asking questions later.” According to an article in the Austin Chronicle, Hardin made friends with the local sheriff, ‘Wild Bill’ Hickok, while in Abeline, Kansas. However, “the friendship ended when Hardin randomly shot a hotel guest in the room next to him for snoring too loudly, thus waking him up. As Hickok came to arrest Hardin for murder, he stole a horse and escaped.” Hardin was 42 when lawman John Selman walked into a saloon where Hardin was shooting dice and shot him three times in the back of the head, killing the notorious outlaw instantly. It is unclear what fate Selman may have suffered as a result of the killing.
2-Minute Read
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BELIEVE IT OR NOT, BUT
Controversial drones had their start in Freer, Texas
The
controversial drones initially developed for surveillance and now used to combat terrorism may had have their start in nearby Freer. Testing of the drones began as early as 1988 in two Texas locations that included a test site north of Freer, where the Navy’s target test site was operational. The test site was chosen because of its remote location. Code named ‘Altair,” the pilotless plane took its name from a star in the Aquila (Eagle) constellation. At the time, as many as 20 to 25 professionals were employed at the site working out of portable buildings while boarding in nearby Freer and Three Rivers. The airplane weighed about 280 pounds and was made of a Kevlar epoxy based on a modular structural concept for added strength and was equipped with surveillance cameras capable of transmitting video. Initially, it was launched from a 39-foot launch rail mounted on a standard issue military truck which could be set up in about 10 minutes. It was originally powered by a 25-horsepowere engine, two cylinder, two stroke engine which allowed the vehicle to cruise at a speed of about 75 mph with a ceiling of 3,000 to 5,000 feet and up to a maximum of 9,000 feet. The plane was developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. Inc., of Austin to provide battlefield commanders with accurate reconnaissance, target location, and target acquisition applications beyond the normal range of ground observers.
Immaculate Conception Mission Catholic Church in Concepcion, Texas is considered among the oldest Catholic churches in South Texas.
The Village? How
did the small Texas town of Concepcion get its nickname? The answer could lie in the name itself or in the old Spanish translation of the word, at least according to Wikipedia. Generally, Chona is the Mexican nickname for women named Concepción or Asunción, adding “la” to refer to the person in their absence; thereby translating to “La Chona” But according to Wikipedia, the term “La Chona” translates to “Village,” citing numerous communities in Mexico and California as also sharing the nickname. Wikipedia also describes Concepcion as home to the oldest Catholic church in South Texas, a small chapel - The Immaculate Conception Mission Catholic Church - built in 1866 and renovated in 1947. Concepcion is one of the oldest towns in Duval County. Its post office was established in 1873, with Rafael F. Salinas as postmaster. By 1884, the small Texas community had a population of 600 residents and three general stores, many of whom generally referred to the community affectionately as “La Chona.”
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For All Your Automotive Needs We make Hydraulic Hoses
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STORY
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government. According to Guerra-Pena, the hardest part of running a home health agency is dealing with the government’s budget cuts. “You never know what you’re going to get, and maintaining patient care with limited resources can be difficult. But they (the patients) area a part of our family, and our job is to take care of them,” she said. St. Peter’s appreciates the physicians that have put their trust in caring for the patients as well ad the dedicated staff that continue to provide quality home health care. She says her mother, Berta Guerra, along with her sister, Josie Guerra, provide ongoing support when needed. “I couldn’t get anything done without them,” she concluded. St. Peter’s Home Health, Inc. is located at 1801 East Main in Alice, Texas. The business is fully licensed and certified, with its staff following a strict code of ethics providing loyalty and dedication to those individuals care for the company’s Home Health Team. The business also provides Medical Nursing Services, Home Health Aide Services, Therapy Services, Medical Social Services and lab work, colostomy care, catheter care, wound care, injections, portable x-rays, diabetes regiment, home safety, and intravenous therapy wound vac.
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Your Gate Keeper To Good Health
St. Peter’s Home Health, Inc.
Employees (left to right, standing)
Reeva Garza, Mistie Hunter, Tiffany Mendietta, Luz Manrique, Marianne Battice, Priscilla
Fullen, and (left to right, sitting) Linda Jo Vargas, Melissa Cardona and Ashley Rodriguez. Not pictures are Lori Salinas, Andrea Garcia, Alby Cardenas, Christina Morales, Paula Tiblier and Linda Vargas.