LareDOS June Issue

Locally Owned

As far as I’mconcerned, being any gender is a drag. “ — Patti Smith

A JOURNAL OF THE BORDERLANDS JUNE 2012

Finding

Diana in the mirror Transgender in Laredo

Est. 1994

Vol. XVII No. 18 64 PAGES

@lareDOSnews

LareDOS Newspaper

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Santa María Journal

I am keen to the dearness of this child and the ineluctable joy of being with her

By María Eugenia guerra

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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t the end of a very hot afternoon, my granddaughter Emily and I have worked at the chores of feeding our horses El Sabino and Estrellita. We’ve also replenished the water in the chicken house and the duck house, and fed them all, noticing that the female duck is nesting.

We reward the success of the day – getting our riding mower to start – with an early evening ride on the fourwheeler across parts of the ranch we can’t get to by truck. We poke along – breathing in the clean smells of grass and pond water, flushing a covey of

quail now and again. We stop to look ahead at two doe walking cautiously across a wide expanse of grass, moving from the cover of one copse of mesquite into another. When we come to the spot they traversed, Emily’s goat-herding dog Crystal, picks up the scent, follows it into brush, and rushes back to us.

I come across a sloppy, muddy mess around a water tank and remind myself to take a better look the float valve and what it will take to level the pad the tank sits on.

The May rains have given the pastures a good start back, and the cattle and the horses look better for it.

Even so, I note the stunted look of the clumps of bunch grass. In times of less

publisher

María Eugenia Guerra

meg@laredosnews.com Staff Writers

Mariela Rodríguez Silke Jasso

severe drought, the rebirth of our pastures after a week of six inches of rain would have us in hip-high grasses by now. Alas, that is not the case, but that does not diminish the idea that luck visited this place when the rains came.

We drive to a bare, high spot covered with white rocks, a place that has yielded beautiful arrowhead finds in the past. We don’t find any points, but Emily fills my pockets with rocks she thinks are pretty.

Emily likes to pack picnics, and she suggests this spot for our next one. I tell her it’s a smashing idea, which makes her giggle.

We make our way home, savoring

the look of our world in the last light of the day.

She thanks me for showing her a part of the ranch she had never seen.

I want to thank her for allowing me to experience the world anew with her by seeing it through her eyes. Instead, I choke on the sentiment and hug her as she alights from the moto. On some level she knows this already, and someday she may read through my writings to understand that our time together was rich and well spent.

I feel the dearness of this child, her love for the natural world – and for me – and the ineluctable joy of being in her presence. ◆

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María Eugenia Guerra

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Courtesy Photo

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Community Green Award to RGISC Practice made perfect Angelina Cerda, in costume for Ballet Gayaneh, is pictured with her mother, Tina Cerda, before the start of the 51st Annual Recital of the Yolanda García School of Dance. They are pictured May 24 at the Laredo Civic Center.

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The Río Grande International Study Center (RGISC) was the recipient of the Community Green Award conferred by KGNS-TV and Keep Laredo Beautiful. Pictured on the riverbanks are KGNS vice-president Carlos Salinas, Lynne Nava of Keep Laredo Beautiful, RGISC executive director Tricia Cortez, and RGISC members Danny Gunn, Gail Hauserman, and Diana García.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Inauguration of new PILLAR office PILLAR – People with ideas of love, liberty, acceptance, and respect – is a nonprofit that promotes health and well-being among people from diverse communities by furthering effective suicide, bullying, and homophobia prevention PILLAR’s new office is located at 1502 Laredo St. Services being offered to the public include counseling, a 24-hour helpline, and educational workshops.

Memorial Day Middle School honors Veterans Panchita Martinez was recognized as a Gold Star Mother at Memorial Day ceremonies at Memorial Middle School. Martinez’s five sons served in the armed forces and returned home, except for Guadalupe Martinez who was killed in action in Vietnam.

Thank you to everyone who supported my campaign for Webb County Commissioner.

I am proud to say that I worked alongside a core of very dedicated volunteers – Ely Barrajas, José Alberto Resendez, Silke Jasso, Mark Garner, Chano Aldrete, Arturo Gonzalez, Eric Ellman, Noltz Lopez, Marisa Laufer, Arnoldo Alonso, Irma Gonzalez, Priscilla Gonzalez, and Baldemar García.

I want to thank my wife Rosa Elia and my daughters Emily and Amanda for their unwavering support of this effort, and for their participation. Thanks, too, to my mother Meg Guerra for her generous counsel.

And special thanks go to three individuals who acted as true gentlemen in the course of this campaign – Daniel Lopez Jr., Hector Cortez, and Alfonso Casso.

- George J. Altgelt

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Courtesy Photo

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

At Memorial Day Ceremonies

United High School valedictorian Danny Treviño (third from left) is pictured with his parents Albert and Lizzy Treviño and his brother Albert Treviño Jr. They are pictured at the home of his grandmother Ofelia de la Chica in the historic St. Peter’s District.

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9194 Ladies Auxiliary members Hermelinda Arnold, Linda Villarreal, and Marta Castañeda were part of Memorial Middle School ceremonies to honor Laredo Veterans.

UHS valedictorian feted

Ver Mileya retirement David Ver Mileya, TAMIU’S associate director of International Student Services, has retired after 42-years of service to higher education. He was recognized by his colleagues and friends for outstanding efforts to improve the quality of the college experience for countless students.

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Environmentalist Bobby Morales, architect Mark Ross, Ed Miller of Foresight Golf, superintendent Don Cole, and environmentalist Armando Cisneros toured the beautiful Max A. Mandel Golf Course.

Near completion, the course incorporates water conservation measures and stunning views of the RĂ­o Grande.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Courtesy Photo

Mandel Golf Course tour

Batter up!

Robert Ponce, a participant in the Campus Recreation Summer Sports Camp at Laredo Community College’s south campus, eagerly stepped up to bat for his team.

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Immigration

Deferred Action will change lives

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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Courtesy Photo

resident Barak Obama’s June 15 Deferred Action decision to stop the deportation of undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children will affect more than 800,000 immigrants with a two-year deferment.

While the President’s decision does not grant permanent citizenship as the filibustered-to-death 2010 DREAM Act would have, it will allow immigrants between the ages of 15 and 30 to remain in the U.S., to work, go to school, and to obtain necessary documents such as driver’s licenses.

Immigrants who entered the United States before the age of 16, maintained continuous residence for five years since June 15, 2012, have never been convicted of a crime, and who are currently enrolled in high school, graduated or have earned a GED, or are enlisted in the military

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qualify for the deferment.

Texas Civil Rights Project Director Jim Harrington said, “It has not been fair to penalize young people whom their parents have brought to the United States without proper documentation. Nor was it fair to deport them back to countries they’ve never known, many without the ability to speak the language or without family with whom they could live.”

Harrington added, “It was also unfair to them and to our society that these young people could not get a higher education or become productive members of our community.”

Of those for whom the deferment is intended, President Obama said, “They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.”

Requests from students will be accepted by Homeland Security within 60 days, as they prepare for the anticipated huge response. Legal consultation should be sought by

these individuals to ensure if they do not qualify that they are not deported.

Applications for deferments will no doubt sound an uptick for those who provide legal services locally and across the state.

Laredo attorney George Altgelt said there are thousands of Laredoans who will submit applications and that his office is prepared to work expeditiously to ensure that applicants meet with success.

“The deferments will make an enormous difference in the lives of productive individuals who have a stake in this community and this country and who want to earn an honest living. It will also do much to ensure that families can remain intact,” Altgelt said, adding, “This is a great first step in addressing what ails the nation’s immigration policy – its lack of humanity.”

San Antonio attorney Oscar García of the Law Offices of García, Ramirez, and Piña. P.C. – a law firm that practices immigration law in San Antonio, McAllen, Houston, Harlingen, and Laredo – said, “President Obama’s June 15 announcement that confers Deferred Action to students was a much awaited temporary solution to the problem the United States faces regarding undocumented students that have come into the United States as children,” García said, adding,

“The program that the president announced will not confer lawful permanent residency. It indicates that eligible candidates will be able to renew the Deferred Action benefit every two years.”

García said, “It is the enthusiasm, optimism, and work ethic that the immigrant population has brought to this country that have helped it become a world power. We have an enormous population of kids that have grown up pledging allegiance to our flag and believing that they are American in every sense of the word.” He added, “They have gone to school and earned diplomas and college degrees. Now, when they are ready to become productive members of society, they are being road blocked by an archaic immigration system, with no real opportunity to get a job and use the education they received for the greater good.”

García continued, “It is important to know that the program will evaluate each applicant on a case by case basis, and the denial of a case may lead to a referral for deportation proceedings. It is imperative that this type of case be handled with the utmost care.”

The prior policy inspired fear in young immigrants who had to live in the shadows of society to avoid deportation. The new policy is perceived by some as a mere steppingstone on the road to a complete reform of immigration policies.

Inarguably President Obama’s decision has political cache for the outcome of the presidential elections, and has no doubt given him “entrada” with many Latino voters.

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Mariela Rodriguez /LareDOS

Courtesy Photo

The Camilo Prada Child Center

Eric Ellman of the Big River Foundation was recognized by the Webb County Heritage Foundation with the Environmental Preservation Award for his work in bringing environmental awareness and appreciation to the historic resource of the Río Grande.

The Camilo Prada Child Development Center at Laredo Community College’s South Campus offered a summer camp from June 4 to June 22 for children ages 3 to 5. Instructor Eugenia Cerda is pictured with children as they worked on their Father’s Day arts and crafts.

Evelyn J. Perez

Ellman receives Environmental Preservation Award

Lemonade, cookies, and baseball, not a bad catch!

Project Kids Aid with Lemonade hosted their second annual fundraiser to benefit the South Texas Food Bank. They are pictured at the Laredo Lemurs baseball game at Uni-Trade Stadium on Saturday June 16.

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News

EPA documents RGISC’s environmental efforts

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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epresentatives of the United States Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) Dallas office were in Laredo on June 5 to film a U.S.-Mexico border video segment that included documenting the notable environmental efforts of the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) in aiding the restoration and conservation of the Río Grande/Río Bravo, the only municipal source of drinking water for Laredoans and millions of Texans and Mexicans along the border.

One of RGISC’s most high profile projects is coordinating with 80 student teams from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico to conduct a large-scale water testing at various locations along the Rio Grande’s 1,885-mile stretch. The same-day, same-time testing, which is called the Rio Re-

search Roundup, is conducted annually as part of RGISC’s Día del Rio celebration in October. The effort is designed as an educational experience to promote watershed unity and awareness.

Last October, over a dozen local schools participated in the testing of the river and its tributaries as part of the Roundup. The student team led by science instructor Juliana Castillo of J.B. Alexander High School, tested the headwaters of Zacate Creek. Castillo’s team was awarded the “Best of Laredo” team.

During the EPA’s visit, Castillo led student volunteers Aaron Reyes, Tabitha Anaya, Diana García, and Silke Jasso in a simulation of water testing on the riverbanks at International Bridge I. “They wanted to film us discussing the Dia Del Rio success story, including the Research Roundup, and the importance of international

J.B Alexander High School physics and chemistry teacher Juliana Castillo and students were filmed for an EPA film segment on Día del Río.

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cooperation and public participation for water issues. They wanted to film a group of students conducting water testing of the river in the background,” said RGISC’s executive director Tricia Cortez.

Cortez added, “The 2010 grant RGISC received from EPA/BECC, through its Border 2012 program, was critical to helping us stage Día del Río throughout the river basin.

It also gave birth to the Roundup, which has been incredibly successful. This is a beautiful example of government working hand in hand with local nonprofits and people who live in the target area to help increase awareness about the river, and to get more people connected to the river through various projects and events.”

According to Cortez, “We think it is critical for the government (EPA) to continue providing this type of support with its new Border 2020 program. We hope to receive sev-

eral grants through that program to help us do all that we can to make the Río Grande-Río Bravo one of the healthiest and cleanest rivers in North America. This is possible, but we need funding and focused attention to do so.”

The World Wildlife Fund ranks the Río Grande as one of the 10 Most Endangered Rivers in the World.

“We and other communities along the border depend on it entirely for our drinking water. So we must have focused attention on improving its current state. Projects like Día del Río and Roundup help us do that. Because it’s a shared river, working with government leaders and citizens in Mexico is vital, and we work very hard to do that with the Roundup and several of our other projects,” Cortez said, adding, “We are very happy to have the attention of the EPA and Paula Flores-Gregg, the coordinator for EPA Region 6.” ◆

RGISC member Diana García is pictured with students Aaron Reyes and Tabitha Anaya on the banks of the Río Grande as they simulate water testing for an EPA film segment.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Planning for Portico event, St. Peter’s Neighborhood Members of the St. Peter’s Neighborhood Historic Association José Mendez, Viky Garcia, Paco Garcia, Amanda Soler, Juan Medina, Leyicia Ramos, and Jesus Najar are photographed after their June 9 meeting at which they finalized plans for entertainment, activities, and distribution of flyers to the community.

Family night out

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

The Smith family is pictured enjoying an evening out at the ballpark supporting the Laredo Lemurs.

Se venden yummies!

Laredo Job Corps culinary arts students Eliana Blanco, James Hernandez, Roman Arjona, and Lizette Medrano, along with their instructor Nemecio Dueñes, are a regular presence at the Laredo’s Farmer’s Market.

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In Memoriam

By LEM LONDOS RAILSBACK LareDOS Contributor

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was saddened to read of the passing of Vernon Teeters, as I had known him for 40 years. He was one of the first Laredoans I met when I first arrived in this city for my first professorial job. When I moved into one of the great old homes on the LJC campus where U.S. Air Force personnel used to live, Vernon built a set of window seats for me. I still use those pieces of art in my home in the Heights.

Vernon came to Laredo when the Laredo Army Airfield, established in 1942 during World War II, was reactivated in the 1950s during the Korean conflict. With his commanding officer and four other crew members, Vernon brought in the first plane.

He married Irma Hinojosa, and upon completion of his tour of duty remained in Laredo. As a civilian, he worked as a carpenter in the maintenance division of the old Laredo Junior College.

Vernon also built a large pit for me so that I could participate in the local pastime of carne asada. He and I and a few neighbors like Larry Schnur and his wife, Dr. Drew Tinsley, and her son Mike, and others, literally burned out three bottoms of that barrel pit, and he replaced and welded them each time.

Vernon showed me around Laredo, introducing me to Arnufo Santos of the Alfredo Santos Grocery; to Mr. Brizuela who, through the years made eight pairs of custom boots for me; to Vicente Garza and his gigantic El Río Shopping Center on Guadalupe Street where I used to shop on Sundays for groceries, clothes, hats, and gifts; to Colonel G. R. Peck, the last commanding officer of Laredo Air Force Base before it was decommissioned; and to other local leaders.

He introduced me to the little restaurant just across the tracks across

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from LJC where the locomotive used to stop for 20 minutes so that the engineer and the fireman could have breakfast.

Dr. Briggs, my intellectual father, and I used to eat lunch at that restaurant every day of the work week.

Vernon was the first person to tell me of the story of the Buffalo Soldiers at Fort McIntosh and how the song “Streets of Laredo” had been written about a killing that had happened there.

Vernon knew people and places on both sides of the border, especially at the old El Rio restaurant and motel on what was then the outskirts of Nuevo Laredo. He introduced me to the old Leyendecker place where the Lash LaRue movies had been filmed. He took me to El Pico where various churches and civic groups used to go in the 1930s for carne asada parties .

Vernon and his wife Irma reared two children, Sabrina and Shane. I watched both children grow up and get educated. Sabrina did very well at the first MacDonald’s restaurant in Laredo, and Shane became a game warden for our area. They both got married and had children. I also knew Vernon’s fatherin-law, police Sgt. Hinojosa who used to stand in the middle of “the first street” to direct traffic coming directly off and going onto the International Bridge I. Vernon was honest, trustworthy, courageous, and dependable. He had a deep sense of personal honor. He always worked hard, and he was always willing to help a person in crisis. He was truly a good friend.

I used to visit Vernon and his family way out on Mines Road, particularly after his blindness developed. As soon as I showed up at the gate and spoke, he would recognize my voice and get up to open the gate. I always enjoyed visiting with him and felt each time that I was in the presence of a good man.

We will miss Vernon. ◆

Courtesy Photo

On the passing of Korean war veteran Vernon Teeters

Coaches help South Texas Food Bank United ISD football coach David Sanchez, center, presents a donation check to the South Texas Food Bank from the South Texas Coaches Association at its annual North-South all-star game at Shirley Field.

Accepting are STFB staffers Pancho Farias and Leo de la Garza. This is the third year the coaches group assists the STFB.

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News

New administration building puts City Fire Department under one roof

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

ire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Landin, Assistant Fire Chief and Project Coordinator David Piton, and Captain Eloy Vega gave LareDOS a sneak peek of the new 38,000 square-foot Fire Administration building at 616 East Del Mar Blvd. The $8.4 million

ing sight of a fully restored 1928 American Le France fire truck. The truck serves as a historic symbol of the 125-year-old legacy established by the Laredo Fire Department. Behind the truck is a wall that pays tribute to both past and current firefighters.

“The Fire Administrative Building was first proposed in the Capital Improvement Plan approximately 13 years ago. Due to a lack of fund-

Fire Chief in 2008, I made it one of my priorities to unify the department by placing all divisions of our organization under one roof,” he continued.

There are currently 50 full-time employees of the Fire Department operating from “hallways, storage rooms, closets, and dormitories.

This building will give our uniformed professional firefighters a proper working environment,” added Captain Vega.

The administrative offices that will operate from the building include fire administration, prevention, investigations, information and technology, finance, payroll, training, and EMS operations and education.

Given that the Fire Department oversees the city’s Emergency Medical Service Program (EMS), a greater need for this facility arose after an inspection from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The Fire Department was given a 2013 deadline to meet

all necessary requirements in order to continue its EMS program. Part of the requirements included adequate classroom space as well as a library area.

“Our EMS education program is a large part of the facility. Without it, we would lose our EMS response system. We also have the City of Laredo Emergency Operations Center located within this facility,” Landin said, adding, “An EMS simulator will be used in the classroom to ensure that cadets have a better feel for what it’s like out in the field.”

Landin said, “Many individuals were involved in the development and execution of this project. The building will serve as the nucleus of the department. At the end of June, we will begin to shift our staff into the first floor of the new facility. Thereafter, we will gradually continue to relocate our people and equipment. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held September 11, and by then we should be fully functional.” ◆

Captain Eloy Vega, Assistant Fire Chief David Piton, and Fire Chief Steve Landin are pictured before a fully restored 1928 American Le France fire truck, a testament of the fire department’s rich history. Administrators and staff are preparing to move at the end of June into to the department’s new administration building on Del Mar. state of the art facility will serve to unify all divisions of the department that are currently scattered throughout six fire stations across the city.

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ing, the project remained at a standstill,” said Chief Landin. “Under the administration of former Fire Chief Luis F. Sosa Jr., the project was reintroduced. Some funding was added to the project; however, not enough to complete it. When I was selected LareDOS I J U N E 2012 I

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News

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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he rich history of Laredo’s Jewish Community has been documented in oral histories and in film by the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL).

ISJL’s oral historian and filmmaker Josh Parshall, spent a week in Laredo, interviewing 17 current and former residents of the community.

Over 20 hours of interview footage were collected, which Parshall edited into a 105-minute film that tells the collective story of Laredo’s Jewish community from the late 19th century forward.

Funding for the project came from the International Bank of Commerce (IBC) for which Lester Avigael, a downtown merchant and a pivotal figure of the Jewish community, served as a board member and a past president. After Avigael’s passing in 2008, IBC made the donation to his synagogue, Agudas Achim, which in turn funded the Laredo Jewish Legacy Project (LJL).

Agudas Achim, a Conservative congregation, partnered with the now-inactive Reform congregation, B’nai Israel, to commission a series of oral history interviews through the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL).

The documentary discussed various crucial topics as it chronicled the history of Jewish families in Laredo. Among those topics were, the arrival of German-Jewish merchants along with the railroads in the late 1800s; the establishment of B’nai Israel (Reform) in the 1920s; the growth of the Eastern European Jewish population; the migration of

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Yiddish-speaking Jews across the border in the 1940s; the arrival of Jews from USSR and Latin American countries; the strong environment for trade during the postwar years and up to more recent economic downturns and violence in Northern Mexico; the major figures in Laredo Jewish life; and Jewish contributions to the broader community.

Part of the LJL project incorporated Texas A&M International University’s South Texas Jewish Heritage Collection. Jeanette Hatcher, TAMIU Special Collections librarian, prepared the archival collection that focuses on South Texas Jewish life.

“TAMIU Killam Library Special Collections and Archives is working with the local Jewish community to build the South Texas Jewish Heritage Collection. Laredo’s Jewish community and the Goldring/ Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life will be donating to the TAMIU Special Collections and Archives, the full-length oral history interviews as well as the documentary,” said Hatcher, adding “These interviews being gifted to our institution will serve as a cornerstone of the South Texas Jewish Heritage Collection. The film premiere was also an effort at raising awareness that we are seeking additional donations of materials relating to this subject collection. For example, we are looking for books, diaries or journals, correspondences, and photographs depicting the various aspects of the lives and activities of local Jewish families.”

The Laredo Jewish Legacy Project is another element of the ISJL’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the legacy of the South-

Courtesy Photo by Steve Harmon

Oral histories, TAMIU archival collection documents history of Laredo’s Jewish community

Family members of the late Lester Avigael were on hand for the launch of the new Texas A&M International University South Texas Jewish Heritage Collection. Left to right are Avigael’s grandson Josh Avigael, Lester Avigael’s wife, Selma, grandson Elliot; son Jack Avigael and Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president. ern Jewish experience.

“The ISJL’s Encyclopedia of Jewish Communities, accessible online, includes histories for over 220 Jewish communities across the South, all available online. Researched and written by the staff of the ISJL History Department, these illustrated online histories trace the story of Jewish settlement, from its origins, to the rise of established Jewish

communities and congregations, and sometimes to their eventual decline,” said Hatcher.

Donating original materials to archival depositories serve as an effective preservation measure for historic materials, she said.

For more information contact the ISJL at (601) 362-6357 or contact Jeanette Hatcher at (956) 326-2404 or by email jhatcher@tamiu.edu ◆

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Opinion

Homicides, handling of hostage situation point to need for a qualified chief of police

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

T LISD Leadership Academy Students from Martin High School were selected to participate in the summer LISD Leadership Academy. The weeklong program touched on topics such as goal setting, attributes of leaders, listening skills, taking responsibility, and developing a vision and life purpose.

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By L.C. FLORES

he recent tragedy involving the senseless shooting of innocent children at a local hotel is a wake-up call for Laredo to hurry up and find an experienced, qualified chief of police as soon as possible.

When Laredo first experienced the never-before heard of hostage situation resulting in the loss of the lives of Timothy and Raime Grimer at the hands of their mother, Rachelle, who also took her life in December of 2011, it became clear that our police force was not prepared and had no experts on hand to respond to this type of crisis situation.

It was obvious that our city needed to invest in the training of hostage negotiators on the force and in the hiring of psychologists to instruct and be available to help out in future similar situations.

From seeing the reports on television and in the newspaper, it is this writer’s opinion that for the second time in Laredo, there didn’t seem to be a coordinated plan of action to deal with the gunman who pulled the trigger on his own children.

The “Monday night quarterbacking” of course should have been done after the first incident involving the Grimer

children in 2011. If there had been some serious study of the first tragedy, maybe by now we could have been better prepared, not just with guns and boots and vehicles, but with a well-trained child hostage negotiating team.

We cannot complain about not having enough high-tech patrol cars, swat teams and other material resources needed by a good police department. We also have some excellent men and women who are devoted to doing the best job possible under the most harrowing and impossible circumstances.

But we can complain about not having a police chief who is ready to train and direct the force in the best way possible so that LPD officers are better prepared to respond to even the hardest of situations.

There are human tragedies that are often impossible to avoid, but there are also tragedies that could possibly be circumvented with improved planning, training, and leadership.

Laredo needs to move swiftly to hire a qualified chief of police. Our police force is in dire need of a good chief, one who provides leadership by example, one who is committed to the men and women of his or her department and to the safety of this community. ◆

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Opinion

Border to Border provides vital telephone and internet service to rural Zapata County

By HERMAN C. ROARK President Border to Border Communications To: U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Representative Lamar Smith, U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell, Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini, Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowsky, FCC Deputy Bureau Chief Carol Mattey, Wireline Competition Bureau Division Director Pam Whittington, PUCT Oversight & Enforcement Re: FCC Federal USF Reform as it Relates to Border to Border Communications, Serving Rural Zapata County.

Our Cost Consultant, GVNW, Inc. has just completed a financial analysis of the effects of the FCC Order revising the Federal Universal Service Fund (FUSF) and Inter-Carrier compensation (ICC) Rules for Border to Border Communications, Inc. (Border).

Border provides voice, emergency 911, and broadband services to residents and businesses in rural Zapata County. Border provides service to its customers, predominately over an all fiber optic network. Border does utilize a 700 MHz Radio System to serve few customers where private property easements for the placement of fiber optic facilities, cannot be secured.

Border currently provides back-haul service for numerous cellular companies, using its fiber optic network. On occasion Border provides service to Home Land Security, within AT&T’s service area, due to AT&T’s inability to provide such service or provide it when needed.

Border provided service to its first customer during April of 1994, with loan funds furnished by the Rural Utilities Service. Prior to Border pro-

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viding service in Rural Zapata County, no telephone service to these deserving residents was available. AT&T provided only telephone service, along U.S. Highway 83 and the communities through which that highway passed.

The rural area was completely ignored.

Border was issued a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, in 1991 to provide voice service to the rural residents and businesses of Zapata County, an area considered by the Commission as an Un-served Area. Border is now the Service Provider and Carrier of Last Resort for rural Zapata County.

Border is currently in debt to the Rural Utility Service, in the approximate amount of $4,021,400.00. As a result of the FUSF/ICC reforms being enacted by the FCC, Border will be forced to discontinue service to Zapata County and will be unable to repay its RUS loans.

Border is unaware of any telephone company willing to assume the Border Service Area and associated debt, with no visible means of retiring the RUS debt.

Contrary to testimony given to various House and Senate Committees and sub-committees, most rural telephone companies and cooperatives have put broadband expansion projects on hold, due to the financial uncertainty created by the FCC through the approach being followed to reform FUSF/ICC support mechanisms. Most of these companies and cooperatives use borrowed money for the purchase and installation of new plants required to expand their broadband networks. The borrowed funds have, up to the present, been provided by the RUS and CO-Bank with the understanding that FUSF funding would be available through cost separations to repay the loans.

With RUS Loan Funds, Border

has constructed a Fiber to The Home (FTTH) system which accounts for what is considered a high cost per access line. Most companies do not have a FTTH System. They are operating some variation of a FTTH and copper cable System, thus they have a lower per access line cost. By installing the FTTH System, Border followed the design requirements of the RUS, and the wishes of Congress.

Now Border is being punished by the FCC, which by its actions, is determining who is to remain in business and who is not. It goes without saying that jobs will be lost. Does this great nation need more unemployment and less investment in its rural communities?

In today’s high tech environment, how will the children of rural families succeed in their educational pursuits and rural farmers and ranchers succeed in agricultural endeavors without the communication services, provided by rural companies and cooperatives; services that are available in abundance to urban areas?

We, at Border, can attest to the diffi-

culty of serving this vast rural area using cellular or licensed and un-licensed radio.

Although the National Broadband Service map indicates that all of Zapata County has access to cellular service, we can assure you this is not the case.

Border is in the process of filing a very costly waiver for reconsideration of the current FUSF Reform Rules, with little hope of being considered for any relief. That being the situation, on January 1, 2013 Border will be forced out of business by the FCC, resulting in the suspension of operations, depriving our rural customers of voice, 911 emergency, and broadband services. Border is not alone in this devastating course being undertaken by the FCC. By 2016 there could be many rural companies and cooperatives in financial trouble, costing our rural communities badly needed financial support and thousands of jobs.

Your help in resolving this situation is desperately needed, not only by Border, but more importantly by the rural residents of Zapata County. ◆

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Three generations

Talking chile

Judge Oscar O. Martinez is pictured with his son Oscar Jr. and grandson Oscar III at the annual banquet of the Coastal Conservation Association on May 24.

Silke Jasso/LareDOS

Evelyn Perez is pictured with Alejandra Rodriguez of Simon’s Nursery discussing various types of chile plants at the June 16 Farmer’s Market.

Pizzeria opens downtown Pictured at the recent opening of the New York Style Pizzeria and Restaurant downtown are Jesus Najar, and Sandra Rocha Taylor of Laredo Main Street and manager Abel Castro. The restaurant is located at 1002 Iturbide Street.

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Feature

A transgender chronicle

Finding Diana in the mirror

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

“When you are a kid, a lot of things don’t make sense. As I was growing up I knew I was not the person in the mirror,” said Diana Lisa Gonzalez, a retired LISD educator and a 55-year old Laredo transgender person who said she has spent the entirety of her life moving to become the woman believes she was born to be.

“I adapted to my surroundings, and I hid really well. I should have won an Oscar,” she said of her male adolescence, teen years, and a good part of her adulthood.

Gonzalez – born Gus Piñeda, a twin in a family of nine siblings – would marry twice as a male, have children, and live 18 years in a heterosexual marriage she perceived as “committed.”

A 1977 graduate of Martin High School, Gonzalez said she came in under the radar through the teen years.

“One of my brothers asked pointblank, ‘You do like girls don’t you?’” she recalled. “He wanted to set me up with a friend of his girlfriend’s.

So there were make-out sessions that I wasn’t too interested in. I was interested in friends who were girls, in platonic relationships with girls. I was curious about the female anatomy, but not for the reasons boys were.”

Gonzalez said that none of her early relationships developed, except for the third one, which led to marriage in 1978. “She would become my first

wife. We lived in Austin then. I was always very honest with her about how I felt about wanting to be a woman. She was my best friend and my lover. We had three sons.”

It was in Austin that Gonzalez discovered a transgender support group.

Diana Lisa Gonzalez The marriage ended in divorce in 1986. Gonzalez’s three sons do not have a relationship with her. “Their minds are filled with things that keep us from having contact,” she said.

Back in Laredo, she would marry once more in 1992, sustaining an 18year heterosexual marriage. “My second wife, who was a counselor, accepted me and supported me, even as I continued therapy for transitioning to a woman,” Gonzalez said. “She had always stood by me. I thought we were

“I don’t see gender as the most significant fact of human existence. ” —Jim Harrison, Author, Legends of the Fall

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in the marriage for a lifetime, that we would eventually end up as two women living together. She went to therapy with me a few times, and I could see it was a struggle for her. She was no longer on board; she went overboard, and in the end she abandoned me. I think that even as she saw me transitioning she held out hope that I would not go through with the transition,” she continued.

Gonzalez spoke about the broad assumptions made about bisexual men and women and about gay men and women. “Sex has nothing to do with gender identity. Gender identity has to do with who you are and your self-perception. In my case, the body and the spirit were not of like mind.

They did not match. When you force one last piece of a puzzle to fit, the rest of the puzzle breaks apart,” she explained, adding, “When you are transgender, you are too busy trying to make both parts fit in order for them to appear to be normal. You consider what is out there in society and you pretend to be normal so that no one points the finger at you. You don’t want to draw attention. You try to follow the rules – men have girlfriends, women have boyfriends.”

Pointing to her forehead, Gonzalez said, “I’m a boy who is a girl up here.”

She said she noticed early how boys behaved toward girls and women.

“I began to understand that girls are nicer than boys. That’s when I started feeling more comfortable about women. Guys never did it for me. If I was interested in boys, that would make me gay. Being gay might have been an easier option, but that would have kept me from being who I really was.”

Gonzalez, who has a degree in psychology and has been a bilingual elementary school teacher since 1997,

SIDEBAR I met with Diana Gonzalez several times in the course of writing this story, struck each time by her intelligence and her drive. The last time we met to fact check and wrap up a timeline for her life and for her struggle to transition to become a woman, I was also struck by her humanity and her courage.

Even as broad-minded as I perceive myself to be about gender and social issues, my leftie persona stumbled a time or two to reconcile that the woman I was talking to was also the really handsome man in the photographs I’d been shown.

Why is this story important? Because even if you consider the subject matter odd or jarring to your sensibilities, this is a story about a life that has sought to find what we all seek and what many of us take for granted – balance, equality, self-respect, meaning, dignity, compassion, happiness, and peace.

While many of us in Laredo may be slow on the draw to discuss transgender issues, the rest of the world is not.

Most recently, Jenna Talackova, a transgendered 23-year-old contestant in the Miss Universe pageant last May, forced Donald Trump and his pageant to end its ban on transgender contestants.

Perhaps the most famous story of the transgendered is that of Bronx resident Christine Jorgensen, who came back from service in the U.S. Army to have hormone therapy and “sex reassignment surgery” in Denmark in 1952.

The first known person who underwent female sex reassignment surgery was Dane Lili Elbe, who had a series of five surgeries in Germany in the early 1930s.

Continued on page 61

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News

TAMIU professor receives leadership award from Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

her advocacy and leadership in these areas.

“We have to educate people on what human trafficking means. Many people do not know, for example, that a person under the age of 18 who is engaged in prostitution is considered to be by state and federal laws a victim of human trafficking. Thus, any person who lives off of a minor prostitute and/or purchases the services of a minor for the purposes of prosti-

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Courtesy Photo

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exas A&M International University professor and chair of the College of Arts and Sciences’ (COAS) department of Public Affairs and Social Research (PASR), Frances Bernat received the Coramee Richey Mann Leadership Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences’ (ACJS) Minorities and Women’s Section (MWS). The award recognizes the work of an individual who has enriched the MWS’s existence, and helped the group to prosper.

Bernat, a New York native, holds multiple degrees in various disciplines. She has an AA in liberal arts, BS in criminal justice, a Masters of Arts in sociology, and a Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York. Bernat also has a PhD in political science from Washington State University.

Over the course of 20 years, she has taught at Washington State University, New Mexico State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Arizona State University in their respective criminal justice programs or departments.

After retiring with faculty emeritus status from Arizona State, Bernat was hired to be chair of TAMIU’s Behavioral Sciences Department in 2010. As a result of the January 2012 TAMIU departmental changes, Bernat became chair of the PASR, which oversees Criminal Justice, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, and Geography programs.

Bernat’s ongoing interests in issues such as human trafficking, race, and gender disparities within the criminal justice system have fueled

the global issue of human trafficking.

“Legally, the laws dealing with human trafficking began to change in the 1990s but by the 2000s, the U.S. began to take an active role in addressing human slavery in the modern world,” Bernat said, adding, “My interest, of course, grew as human trafficking engenders concern about social justice, human rights, legal changes, policy changes and what we can do both locally and globally

Colleagues Jacqueline Helfgott, Faith Lutze, and Mary Stohr were with Frances Bernat when she received the national Coramee Richey Mann Leadership Award in New York City. tution is violating human trafficking laws,” explained Bernat.

Although she has always been interested in human rights issues, it was in her Master’s thesis that led her to explore the topic of prostitution, and over the years the evolution of

to address the massive injustices attributed to human bondage.”

Bernat said, “Globally, if an American purchases the sexual services of a minor, then he/she can be extradited back to the U.S. and prosecuted as a human trafficker. Thus, we have

to start with education, and we have to make sure that folks know what resources are available. Many of the calls to the domestic human trafficking hotline come from the state of Texas.”

COAS Dean Tom Mitchell spoke of Bernat as an asset to the university.

“She is a seasoned scholar with an international reputation for her work documenting the plight of victims of human trafficking, and a strong and effective advocate on campus for excellence in both teaching and scholarship. We are blessed to have her on our faculty,” Mitchell said.

Bernat is one of the original founders of the MWS, a section the ACJS. She has been an active member of MWS and the ACJS for many years and believes in “engaging professional and academic colleagues in order to keep current in the field, give back to our society and community, and encourage the development of our discipline,” said Bernat.

“I am very honored by the award.

I have done a lot of work to assist my organization to grow and this award is recognition of some of my lifetime achievements. To be recognized by one’s peers is truly a humbling experience. Needless to say, I am grateful for the honor,” said Bernat.

She spoke about her motivation to continue fighting against these social issues. “It is the right thing to do; we have to take active responsibility for ending human slavery in our lifetime.

Law changes can help, but social and cultural awareness and engagement is also necessary,” said Bernat.

For more information on human trafficking visit http://www.polarisproject.org/what-we-do/nationalhuman-trafficking-hotline/the-nhtrc/ overview or call 1-888-3737-888. ◆ LareDOS I J U N E 2012 I

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Feature

A female firefighter’s climb to the top

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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fter a distinguished career as the only female officer in the ranks of the Laredo Fire Department, Captain Annabelle Venegas has retired, putting a close to a 37-year career in a man’s world.

Venegas, a native of Hebbronville, moved to Laredo after high school to attend Laredo Junior College for studies to become a dietician. Unbeknown to Venegas, a flat tire in front of a fire station would completely change the course of her life.

“A firefighter helped me change my tire and showed me the fire station. At the time I only had a part time job so I asked if women worked in the station.

The response was ‘no,’ but I was informed about the upcoming firefighters exam and encouraged by a younger male firefighter to take it. Eventually I went to City Hall to pick up an application. I was questioned profusely and turned away three times,” said Venegas.

She was not easily discouraged.

Thanks to one of her sisters, she remained persistent in her quest to become a firefighter. “At the time, my sister went through a divorce and was taking care of her three-month-old child. She encouraged me to pursue this because we were trying to prove to our parents and everyone that we could make it,” said Venegas.

While she had her father’s support, her mother was not happy with her decision. She recounted, “My mom was not comfortable with the idea of me working alongside so many men. Also the concept of a female firefighter was relatively new to Laredo, so I can understand where the uneasiness came from.”

Venegas said the fire department called about a year after she took the exam because there had been no positions available. “I finally got an interview before starting the academy on

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July 28, 1975. They had never had a female in the LFD and did not know what to do with me.”

She said that after graduation from the academy, she was “stuck” in the office with an old typewriter. “They had a secretary, but I was essentially made her assistant. I was the gofer for about a year before they began training me.

They wouldn’t put me in a fire station because the wives of the other firefight-

Captain Annabelle Venegas ers objected. When I began, none of the fire stations had women’s quarters, until the mid 80s,” she recalled.

“Once I was placed in a station and allowed to stay overnight, I saw how bad the guys could get. When some of the other firefighters thought it’d be funny to put spiders and snakes on my bed I had no choice but to laugh it off,” Venegas recounted.

Working in a predominately man’s world came at a price. Venegas endured ridicule along with various types of harassment from co-workers, their wives, supervisors, and the general public. She was made to prove herself time and time again.

Venegas became a certified firefighter in February 1976 and was assigned to the Fire Marshal’s Office. While there,

she was promoted to assistant driver and was later sent to Texas A&M Fireman’s Training School to become a certified fire inspector in 1980. She also attended the Peace Officer Academy at Laredo Junior College, graduating in December 1980.

She was promoted to the rank of driver in January 1981 and was assigned to drive Engine No. 7 at Station 7 on Calton Road. With another promotion came the need to further prove she belonged.

Venegas recalled, “On one call we had half a load of hoses we needed to get back in service. One of the firefighters asked, ‘where is the nozzle?’ I pointed to it and he proceeded to slam the compartment door on my hand. He told me not to start crying, that it was nothing.

I could feel my hand throbbing, as the pain progressed all along my forearm.

The assistant driver offered to drive, but I refused to let him. I had to prove I could handle it. I drove from Encinal and back and didn’t see doctor until hours later.”

While at Station 7 Venegas achieved the rank of captain, but even so the title did not give her the respect of those who felt she did not belong in the fire department.

“When we responded to fire calls, men typically asked to speak to a man in charge. The other firefighters would inform them that I was captain. Regardless they’d ask for the guy in charge.

Sometimes I questioned what I was doing there,” said Venegas, “I had supervisors that didn’t feel I belonged there.

I heard one of them once say ‘what did I do to deserve her?’”

Amid her struggles to assert her

place, Venegas met and married retired Fire Captain Homero Venegas. “It was tough juggling our profession and marriage. It was difficult for my husband because he would hear some of the things that were said about me. In addition he worried about me when I responded to fire calls,” Venegas said.

She was transferred back to the Fire Marshal’s office when she became pregnant. There she became supervisor to the Fire Prevention and Arson Division.

She was appointed acting Fire Marshal April 19, 1991 after Fire Marshall Frank Cardenas retired. During her return to the Fire Prevention and Arson division she attended classes to become a certified fire and arson investigator in late 1987.

The Venegas have two children, Eric and Sondra. Eric Venegas followed in his parents’ footsteps and currently serves as a firefighter and paremedic. Venegas recalled, “Once I was an investigator, because my husband and I worked the same shifts, I had to take my son with me to some of the fires. The paramedics would watch him while I did my work.

When he was two years old, I remember him looking up at me and in a serious tone asking, ‘Mommy, are you going to burn today?’ To which I responded, ‘No, not today.’ ” “My firefighting years were the best, despite the hardships. I loved firefighting. If I could do it again, I would. After sometime it became what I wanted to do as opposed to just any job. I think had it not been firefighting, I would have chosen an unconventional job either way,” said Venegas. ◆

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News

News

LCC grad Aguilera bound for TSU thanks to USDA FATE awards

Doctors Hospital, American Cancer Society offer ‘I Can Cope’ classes

By SILKE JASSO LareDOS Staff

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ariela L. Aguilera, a recent Laredo Community College graduate, is the recipient of a $30,000 United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA) SABOR scholarship. The award goes to students pursuing a degree in nutrition.

Mariela L. Aguilar Aguilera earned an associates degree in science with a certificate in culinary arts, and is now pursuing a Bachelors of science degree in human nutrition from Texas State University in San Marcos.

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Aguilera was also awarded a USDA Food Safety and Agroterrorism Training (FATE) scholarship in the amount of $26,000. FATE scholarships are awarded to students who attend two full years at LCC and two years at Texas State University to work toward a four-year degree in agriculture, nutrition, biology, chemistry, environmental science, or pre-veterinary.

“I finally get to go out and explore the world,” said Aguilera, adding, “You don’t usually see that, since I’m from a low-income family.

It was going to be really hard putting that burden on my parents, but now with the scholarships, I have a chance.”

After graduation she has plans to work in a hospital or school district as a registered dietitian. She believes teaching children the science behind food and ways to make healthy choices will benefit their lifestyle. She also plans to motivate others on making lifestyle changes and engage in exercise regimes that will help combat health diseases.

She thanked Dr. Nora Garza, vice president of LCC, acknowledging that Dr. Garza was “a great role model” who guided her. She also acknowledged Rosario Martinez, USDA Grant Administrator, and Maricela Rodriguez, science instructor as mentors. Aguilera also thanked her parents for being instrumental in her academic success.

“Students should ask around and be open minded; there are many scholarships out there just waiting to be found. They should take advantage of them. ” Said Aguilera. ◆

By SILKE JASSO LareDOS Staff

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octors Hospital and the American Cancer Society are offering ‘I Can Cope’ classes, a series of educational classes offered across the country to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

The classes, which are open to family members and friends, are offered the second Wednesday of every month at Doctors Hospital in the Women’s Center Conference Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. They are free and open to the public.

Guest speakers include professionals in the field of cancer management and physicians who will be available to answer any cancer-related questions.

‘I Can Cope’ helps patients meet the challenges of cancer by dispelling myths and sharing facts about cancer, including various treatments and strategies for self care.

Organizers will introduce topics such as: understanding cancer, managing effects of illness and treatment, nutrition, communication concerns, keeping well in mind and body, and finance.

“Cancer touches many people in different ways. We encourage everyone to come out and learn what cancer is and how to deal with it.” said Diana Juarez, community manager for the American Cancer Society.

To RSVP or for more information about ‘I Can Cope,’ call Jessica Guajardo at (956) 523-2658 or Diana Juarez at (956) 723-9682. ◆

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Silke Jasso/LareDOS

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

At Sames KIA grand opening

Area students get the beat

KIA sales and leasing manager Joe Gonzalez (second from left) is pictured with sales team members Manuel Soto, Danny Innocencio, Dolores Martinez, Esteban Gonzalez, and Carlos Narvaez at the grand opening of Sames KIA.

Area high school students learned how to keep the beat from Brian Fronzaglia, assistant professor of percussion at Missouri South State University. The Percussion Camp took place June 8-9 at Laredo Community College.

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

The best kept secret in Laredo

1, 2 and 3 bedroom floorplans available. Prices starting at $725 Town houses and corporate suites also available

Along Matamoros Street Laredoans of all ages found something interesting to experience at the recent Portico street festival sponsored by the St. Peter’s Historic Neighborhood Association.

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For more information, please contact: www.carmelapts.com Carmel Apartments Office Hours 830 Fasken Blvd. Laredo, Texas M-F 8:30-5:30 956.753.6500, 956.753.6502 fax Sat. 10:00-5:00

Sit back, relax, and welcome home

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Silke Jasso/LareDOS

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Environmentalists, conservationists John Porter and Riazul Mia of the City of Laredo Enviromental Services Department are pictured with Robert Rodriguez at the Coastal Conservation Association’s Pachanga de la Pesca at the Laredo Civic Center on May 26.

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Garden Of Hope Jaime Arizpe, Sister Rosemary Welsh, José Ceballos, Laura Acevedo, and Agustin Meza III are pictured at the Garden of Hope honoring the life of the late Kristine E. Meza, a victim of domestic violence. The garden and memorial foundation were announced June 18 at Casa De Misericordia.

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Silke Jasso/LareDOS Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

At Dump the Pump Day Downtown LPD officers guide fellow Laredoans to the opening ceremony and their free El Metro rides on Dump The Pump Day, June 21.

Mapping out survey for reduction of plastic bags

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

TAMIU Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Dr. John Kilburn and Dr. Lynne Manganaro, assistant professor in the TAMIU Department of Public Affairs and Social Research, are pictured with Tricia Cortez, Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) executive director, as they examine the newly redrawn City Council map. Manganaro and Cortez are in the process of mapping out a plan for conducting a large-scale plastic bag opinion survey throughout Laredo this summer.

RGISC will oversee this project to help determine the public’s support for a city ordinance to dramatically reduce the volume of plastic bags used and discarded throughout the city.

At the Portico street festival Artist Mary Helen Gallego found a great spot on Matamoros Street to showcase her photography. The tree-lined street provided respite from the heat.

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Silke Jasso/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Ver Mileya recognized for 42 years of service San Juanita Saenz, Mary Treviño, Candy Hein, David Ver Mileya, Cindy Ver Milyea, and TAMIU President Dr. Ray Keck are pictured at Ver Mileya’s retirement gathering on June 11 in TAMIU’s student center rotunda.

Honoring the life of Kristine E. Meza Julie Bazan, Marisa Laufer, and Agustin Meza lll add to the Garden of Hope that commemorates the life of Kristine E. Meza, a victim of domestic violence. They are pictured June 18 at Casa De Misericordia.

Memorial Day Middle School honors Veterans May 25

Doug Alford Nicholas Nanes, Ernesto Elizalde, Reynaldo Reyna, Jesus Segovia

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Paulino Gonzalez, Roberto Gonzalez, Eddie Sanchez

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The road to victory Ultimate Warrior MMA presented Round 2 of the Tournament of Warriors on Saturday, May 26. Lightweight finalists Reynaldo Trujillo and Flavio Alvaro, who will compete June 30 for the UWF belt and a $25,000 cash prize, are pictured, respectively, with their opponents Gilbert Jimenez and Chris Quitiquit.

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Veronica Ruby Cantu and Yamil Farid Yunes will marry June 30 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Veronica, the director of public relations at United Independent School District, is the daughter of Sandra Veronica Cantu and Jesús E. Cantu, and Yamil, an attorney and a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña, is the son of Yamil Raschid and Amalia Yunes of Roma.

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Emily Altgelt

Courtesy Photo

Veronica Cantu and Yamil Yunes

At the Yolanda García School of Dance recital Dance students Ava Muller, Amandita Altgelt, and Gali Pueblitz performed in “Ballet Coppélia” in the 51st Annual Recital of the Yolanda García School of Dance.

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LOVING LAREDO HIKE NO. 9 The Leyendecker Ranch

May 26, 2012

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Sponsored by

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Opinion

News

Springfield extension will destroy old growth woods, southern Manadas creek

WCHF asks for best shot

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A Rio Grande International Study Center Proposal

n accordance with its mission to protect the water quality of the Río Grande, particularly at the point where Laredo drinking water is taken from the river, the Río Grande International Study Center (RGISC) strongly supports the city’s plan for the extension of Springfield Avenue between Del Mar and International Boulevards.

In order to protect Laredo’s drinking water RGISC proposes that Michigan Avenue, the street that currently connects Springfield and International Boulevards, be upgraded to an extension of Springfield Avenue. This action will facilitate a much smoother and more rapid flow of traffic than the current proposal that would extend Springfield Avenue through the floodway of the southernmost branch of Manadas Creek.

Furthermore, the action proposed

by RGISC will preserve the old growth mesquite woodland/grassland complex that now serves as a natural filter for cleaning rainwater that carries pollutants from surrounding subdivisions such as Dominion Del Mar, Meadowlands, and Terra Hills. This proposed action is harmonious with the intent of the city’s Green Space Preservation Ordinance that was designed to protect the streams that transport city storm water into the river.

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he Webb County Heritage Foundation is calling on all photographers to enter the Historic Laredo Photo Contest. The foundation urges photographers to submit a photograph of a favorite historic landmark, building, architectural detail, landscape or any other subject that portrays Laredo’s heritage.

The contest’s grand prize is $150.

Additional winners will be chosen and featured in the Historic Laredo Calendar for 2013. All entries must be received by Friday, July 6, 2012.

“We were amazed by the quality of entries in last year’s competition,” said

tion will prevent the destruction of an existing pond that would likely be filled in by the currently proposed Springfield Avenue extension plan. Rather than being destroyed, this pond should be upgraded to a high quality water retention facility to reduce flooding and to trap pollutants that, otherwise, flow from streets, driveways, lawns, and parking lots directly into Laredo’s only source of drinking water.

RGISC further proposes that the city owned woodland/grassland complex,

which involves a rare inner city forest with hundreds of large historic trees – some more than 150 years old – be converted into a hike and bike trail to create access from neighboring subdivisions to the North Creek Shopping Plaza. This action will reduce motorized vehicular traffic, resulting in diminished water pollution and traffic congestion. While protecting drinking water quality the hike and bike trail will also provide opportunities for family outings, exercise, and environmental education to enhance the quality of life for Laredo citizens. ◆

Margarita Araiza, executive director of the Webb County Heritage Foundation, “and the resulting “2012 Historic Laredo Calendar” was an immediate hit.

We’re excited to be presenting the competition again this year and are certain that we’ll be receiving another impressive selection of photos that document our community’s rich heritage. We encourage all photographers of any age to submit an entry.”

An exhibit of all entries in the photo contest will be held at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum at the launch of the new 2013 Historic Laredo Calendar.

To access an entry form and get more details, contact the Webb County Heritage Foundation at www.webbheritage. org http://www.webbheritage.org ◆

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

By Dr. Jim Earhart LareDOS Contributor

Special to LareDOS

LCC South Campus sports camp underway Campus Recreation Summer Sports Camp participants and staff under the direction of coach Jorge Canales are pictured at the LCC South Campus. Baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball are among the sports played. The camp continues through July 27.

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Folio Title Goes Here

leader Karen Harris on what it takes to motivate Q& Troop A young scouts to open their eyes and hearts to serve

By DENISE FERGUSon LareDOS Contributor

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hile the popular saying advises, “It takes a village to raise a child,” it goes without saying that strong leaders are needed to guide the members of the village into the fray. One example of such a leader is Karen Harris, leader of Girl Scout Troop #9129 at Muller Elementary School. Harris recently sat down with this writer for a Q&A with respect to serving as an effective leader for local young women.

Q. Were you involved with the Girl Scouts or Brownies as a child?

A. Yes, I started as a Brownie and moved up to the Girl Scouts. The program has changed a lot since I was in it back in the 1970’s. My youngest daughter Kendall wanted to be involved with Girl Scouts, so we attended a Girl Scout rally to find out about the program. There was a cur-

Helping out LAPS rent Girl Scout leader at the school, but she wasn’t taking on any new girls in her troop so the Girl Scout executive Amanda Guerra, asked if I would be

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willing to do it. I went through one day training at the Girl Scout House, First Aid training, and shadowing other troop leaders to gain a better understanding. The Girl Scouts are in need of good, committed individuals to guide and work with girls throughout the Laredo area. Anyone interested should go to the local Girls Scout House and speak with an executive.

Q. Describe the various types of work involved in being a Scout leader, work that does not directly involve the girls.

A. I maintain a bank account for the troop’s income, which consists of collecting monthly dues, cookie money, fall product sales money, and any donations. This money is used to provide snacks and supplies for the girls during troop meetings and special events as well as purchasing their patches and covering the costs of special events such as camping. I maintain e-mail and text communications with all parents concerning upcoming activities and events taking place outside our normal troop meeting times. I am responsible for a semi-annual financial report to our local Girl Scout Council. I order patches, supplies, books, and pins for all members of our troop. I prepare ahead for each troop meeting and work with my co-leader Irma Urbina who prepares all of the journey bookwork for the Brownies (2nd and 3rd graders), as well as our Ambassador Member, Katia Vega who prepares all of the journey bookwork for the Daisy group (Kinder and 1st graders). Many

Troop # 9129 Pictured on the front row left to right are Daisy Scouts Ailed Rodriguez, Lauren Alvarado, Kendall Harris, Devinny Moreno, Cadence Cuellar, and Daniela Castro. Brownie Scouts on the second row left to right are Melany Perez, Mattie Swinson, Debra Tanguma, Paola Ramon, Avril Fernandez, and Savannah Swinson, and on the third row Abril Vega, Axielys Santos Flores, Kimberly Andrade, Marcella Pena, Sophia Harris, and Sarah Urbina. On the back row are co-leader Irma Urbina, Girl Scout Ambassador Katia Vega, and troop leader Karen Harris. times I drive numerous troop members other than my own daughters to events. Recently I went to a weekend long camp training in Bayview.

I spend many hours researching the groups in Laredo that the girls have selected to help. I coordinate with all the adults on the other end to assist the girls in the goals they have established. In a typical year I probably work on Girl Scouts in one way or another approximately one to three hours per day. During cookie sales, this increases to six to eight hours per day. Our troop is one of the few that stays active during the summer time.

We meet weekly from 2:45 to 5 p.m.

Some troops meet on a monthly basis only.

Q. Who actually plans the field trips?

A. The girls of the troop decide what they would like to do. I make the arrangements and coordinate with the parents. However, I have several parents that have helped tremendously. I am grateful for them.

Q. What type of help could you use from the public?

A. Opportunity. We are generally well received by the community whether it is for a fire station tour, a W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

a fall product nut, candy, and magazine sale. The girls are getting older now, and we can do a lot more community service. It is a good group of 24 girls, ranging in ages from 5 to 18.

Q. In what ways has Troop #9129 helped the community of Laredo?

A. We donated five truckloads of dog food and supplies to the Laredo Animal Shelter. We sponsored a Christmas gift for every child and sister as well at the Sacred Heart Children’s Home. We passed out and cleaned up on Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Bethany House for the Homeless. We planted 50 trees in the Laredo area to promote Earth Day and trees for the 21st Century at Haynes Recreation center, JBJ Muller Elementary, and the Lost Lakes areas. We promoted recycling by passing out questionnaires and flyers, making posters and rallying in front of JBM Muller while passing out recycled bags.

Q. What are the current goals of Troop #9129?

Revegetating at the Haynes Recreation Center

WBCA executive committee, Board of Directors The Executive Committee and Board for the 116th celebration are (Standing L-R): Jose A. Palacios, Jr. (Ex-Officio); Pati G. Guajardo (President-Elect); J.R. “Bob” Weathers (WBCA President); Veronica Castillon (1st-Vice-President); Dr. Joe Castellano (2nd-Vice-President); and E. Eddie Villarreal (Treasurer).

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

standing. Financial support helps, too, since our only real fundraiser is selling cookies. It takes a lot of work and selling of a lot of cookies to earn a decent amount of money to support the troop. For fundraising we also do

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

tour of a pet store, assisting at Bethany House, Sacred Heart Children’s Home, or the Animal Shelter. If there are needs that we can help with, just opening our eyes to what that need is will help us gain a better under-

A. We are currently collecting books and uniforms for the children at Sacred Heart. We hope to take the troop to Bayview in August to camp at the Girl Scout Camp there and to teach them about camping and cooking outdoors. My Girl Scout troop is very, very active and it is apparent by all of their patches, badges and awards. We do assign homework to our girls if they want to earn certain badges, but that is up to them. Most of the work is family or community related and is teaching them things about pet care, safety, first aide, community service, religion (nondenominational), respect, courage, character, and so much more. This is my second year as the troop leader and I believe the girls have taught me as much as I’ve taught them. I’ve seen them grow and actually use the skills we’ve been teaching in conflict resolution and how to handle situations of bullying. It amazes me how much ground we’ve covered in just one year. ◆

El quack-quack express Children enjoyed the ride on Matamoros Street at the first-ever PORTICO street festival sponsored by the St. Peters Historic Neighborhood Association on Saturday, June 23.

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News

News

LCC Percussion Camp: one-on-one with the pros

Laredoans learn about transportation savings at El Metro’s Annual Dump the Pump effort

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Silke Jasso/LareDOS

aredo Transit Management’s El Metro, and other public transportation systems nationwide participated in the seventh annual National Dump the Pump day on Thursday, June 21 in an effort to raise awareness of the cost-saving benefits of public transportation.

El Metro treated the community to free bus rides across the city.

The Laredo Transit Center at 1301 Farragut was a hub of activity as Laredoans took advantage of the free rides, hotdogs, popcorn, and sodas.

“National Dump the Pump Day encourages the use of public transportation. So far, we’ve had more than 500 people, and that’s just in an hour,” said Sandy Esparza, El Metro’s public relations and marketing coordinator.

Mayor Raul Salinas welcomed riders to the opening ceremonies, lauded El Metro’s efforts, and asked the public for ideas on how to make El Metro’s services more efficient.

With a total of 48 buses, 22 routes, and free rides on Dump the Pump day, El Metro stopped at every El Metro sign, and waited for everyone to get where they needed to be.

“It’s very practical, I ride it at least four times a week, and it saves my fam-

ily the cost of gas. Gas is expensive; not all of us can afford it,” said Josefina Mendoza, a regular El Metro rider.

“My whole life I have taken El Metro, sometimes even four times a day due to my job. I leave my daughter with her babysitter across the city, then I come back. It’s been a part of my life since I can remember. If it wasn’t here, I don’t know how I would get to my job to make money for my family,” said Guadalupe Peña Guzman, a regular El Metro passenger.

El Metro operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering transit services to anyone who needs them, including disabled Laradoans and senior citizens. The cost for adults is $1.50; children ride for $0.50; and senior citizens ride for $0.35 or $0.25.

For every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 is generated in economic returns. The use of public transportation is good for the economy, protects the environment, and enhances the quality of life. It creates jobs, and it leaves a smaller carbon footprint.

Public transportation saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gas annually. Americans annually make 10.4 billion trips on public transportation. According to the Texas Transportation Institute website, Texans who use public transportation collectively save more that 300 million gallons of fuel a year. ◆

Silke Jasso/LareDOS

Fronzaglia, who has performed in Carnegie Hall and has been associated with the Kansas City Symhirty area high school per- phony Chamber Orchestra and the cussionists participated in Blue Corps Drum and Bugle Corps. the recent Laredo Com- Fronzagila, an assistant professor munity College Percussion of percussion at Missouri SouthCamp on June 8 and 9. ern State University, holds a BachThe camp, which was held at the elor’s degree in music education LCC Visual and Performing Arts from Penn State University and a Center, consisted of a two-day per- Master’s in percussion performance cussion tutorial with an empha- from Michigan State University. sis on developmental technique, “Percussionists from all over sound/ tone production, playing in South Texas came to play together an ensemble, reading, rudiments, in an ensemble for two days. It was dynamics, and drum line. a great opportunity to play and inStudents had the opportunity teract with fellow musicians from to perform one-on-one with Brian other areas,” said Adams, noting that participants came for Dlley, Cotulla, Zapata, as well as Laredo.

The camp was coordinated by Matthew Adams, current head of the music department; percussion division at LCC. Adams, who was awarded the President’s Excellence Award in 2007 for the faculty member of the year, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in music education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in music performance with a related field in Musicology from the University of North Guest instructor Brian Fronzaglia, Assistant Texas. Adams will Professor of Percussion at Missouri Southern State now serve as the LCC University, is pictured with a participant at the Performing Arts DeLaredo Community College Summer Percussion partment Chair as of Camp on June 8. the Fall of 2012. ◆

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By SILKE JASSO LareDOS Staff

By SILKE JASSO LareDOS Staff

Guadalupe and Rosalinda Peña Guzman, along with two fellow riders enjoy their free El Metro ride to work at the seventh annual Dump The Pump day on June 21.

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News

By SILKE JASSO LareDOS Staff

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uthor Jack Strunk, a nonnative former Laredoan now living in Lancaster, Kentucky, describes Laredo as the perfect city. After watching the negative Sara Walls “Sara Hates Laredo” YouTube video in which she described Laredo with measures of loathing and anger, Strunk turned the camera on himself to answer Walls and to defend Laredo’s virtue. His own YouTube post, which has had 24,896 views to Walls, 34,681 views, has elevated him to hero status in Laredo.

District 1 Council Member Mike Garza, District Attorney Isidro Alaniz, and State Rep Richard Peña Raymond traveled to Kentucky to meet

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with Strunk and to present him with the key to the City of Laredo, declaring February 20 as ‘Jack Strunk Day in Laredo.’

Strunk returned to Laredo June 7 and 8 for appearances at the Laredo Public Library to describe his experiences in Laredo that contrast vividly with Walls’ and to promote his book Surviving My Life: The Jack Strunk Story.

“I love Laredo and miss it. I hope you don’t write a conclusion that all white people are mean, ” Strunk said in his YouTube video, adding, “If I could go back there, I’d go, I can’t think of a better place in my mind or my heart that I’d rather live than Laredo.”

On February 8, 2004 Strunk’s life nearly ended in a crash at a Texas dragstip. Strunk lost lost both his legs and

Silke Jasso/LareDOS

Strunk defends Laredo against detractors

Jack Strunk

sight and will spend the rest of his life in a wheel chair. “At first I didn’t like it, I was embarrassed, but then I realized I had to continue my life,” said Strunk at the Laredo Public Library appearance.

His book chronicles his life after the devastating accident.

The book focuses on Strunk’s courage and faith to move forward after sustaining life-altering injuries. He said he believes everything happens for a reason, and that faith is the main key to maintain a healthy life.

“Strunk is one of the bravest, humble, and most honest individuals, despite the incredible challenges he has to go through daily he still had time to express his sincere reflection of our city, to defend our Laredo,” said Garza. ◆

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News

Nolen takes reins of bar association

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

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dward Nolen, a litigation and transactional attorney, is the new president of the Laredo Webb County Bar Association (LWCBA). Given the success of the last slate of officers, Nolen and his new board have some big shoes to fill.

Nolen will serve alongside president-elect Silverio Martinez; vice president Uriel Druker; vice president of events and fundraising, Melissa Joy García; treasurer Guillermo Del Barrio; director of continuing legal education, Linda Garza-Martinez; and director of pro-bono and community outreach, Adriana Rodriguez.

“As the new president of the LWCBA, I hope to continue promoting our profession by continuing to help the community through our annual fundraising endeavors,” said Nolen, adding, “I also want to represent attorneys practicing in Webb County by promoting and protecting their interests by making sure their concerns are voiced to the courts and all other governmental entities involved in the legal community.”

Outgoing LWCBA president George Altgelt said, “The experience of serving as president for the bar association was amazing. It was very rewarding, but as with any worthwhile endeavor, it was a lot of work. We really poured our hearts into the bar’s fundraising efforts.”

Among those endeavors was the Noche De Agave tequila tasting held in January as part of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration festivities. LWCBA raised over $60,000 for scholarship endowments for both Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University.

Community outreach was another hallmark of the bar’s focus this past

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year, evident in continued efforts to raise funds through the LWCBA’s holiday parties. Proceeds were distributed to Bethany House, Hospital Civil in Nuevo Laredo, and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Edward Nolen and George Altgelt “The collective efforts of all the officers, who took time away from their responsibilities within their own practices to put their hearts into this, resulted in our biggest fundraising year ever,” said Altgelt of the collaborative efforts of attorneys Gustavo Quintania, Estella Rodriguez, Antonia Figueroa, Melissa Vidal, Victor Villareal, and Guillermo Del Barrio Jr. Other notable activities the LWCBA staged this last year included the mock trail event held at the Federal courthouse for high school students, and Social Justice Night Court clinics to assist with no-contest divorces and expunctions for indigent clients.

“We have a very ambitious Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program within our own region. We basically educate ourselves. LWCBA brings down some of the best and brightest practitioners of law to present the CLEs, so that our membership can maintain enough credit hours, as mandated by the Texas Bar Association, to retain their licenses,” Altgelt said.

Fifteen CLEs were staged this year

for a total of 32 credit hours. “If you were a paid member of the bar association you could obtain all of your CLE credits, along with a free lunch, without ever having to leave Laredo,” Altgelt continued, adding, “I believe the main goal of every bar president is to increase the value of being a member to the organization.”

The bar association ended the year with over 148 members as well as some new affiliates – the WBCA, Texas Criminal Lawyers Association, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, and the College of the State Bar of Texas.

One of Nolen’s goals for this year will be to increase membership in the LWCBA. “We plan to begin having membership meetings whereas before meetings were only held for officers periodically. We want to encourage at-

torneys to attend and discuss concerns or issues surrounding the legal profession,” he said.

Under the direction of Nolen, the LWCBA will take an active stance against unlawful practices of law by individuals who are not attorneys but who charge, take advantage of, and hurt the public by providing services without meeting the sufficient qualifications. Nolen said, “It is important for us to inform the public about these individuals to help prevent these sort of practices from occurring.”

Nolen added, “Our goal is simple: Assist our attorney members in providing quality legal services, raise public awareness regarding legal issues, and maintain the highest level of ethics, professionalism, and integrity so that justice is effectuated for all.” ◆

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Feature

Blanco, a treasure of a getaway

By MARIA EUGENIA GUERRA LareDOS Publisher

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weekend in Blanco, Texas was just the getaway I was looking for – not a long distance to travel, a change of scenery, a healthy river, big trees, a lot of greenery, time with my family, and a quiet place to write.

About 25 miles west of our old home in Wimberley – whose village charms are now long diluted by development – Blanco has held onto its historic character and small-town attributes and offers lots of public access to the beautiful Blanco River.

My home away from home over the Father’s Day weekend was a cabin at the Blanco Settlement, a well-run facility that offers on one end nine sturdy, small, well-appointed, plank-floored and metal-roofed cabins, some stand-alone and others joined by a dog run. The other end of the well tended grounds, which is where my son and his family stayed, is an RV park, close enough to the cabins so that my granddaughters, Emily and Amandita, were able to ride their bicycles across an open expanse of packed granite dust to visit me.

Frustration with the spotty Internet access at the Blanco Settlement on Ranch Road 165 was quickly eclipsed by the surrounding natural beauty – massive oaks, a lush, grassy drop to the limestone bed of the Blanco River, and the wonderful smell of junipers and clean, running water. That was the view from the back porch of my cabin, and to

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the north across the road was the Hard Way Ranch, a working horse and cattle operation.

The town of Blanco, a mile from the Settlement, offers visitors a host of restaurants and shops that feature local handcrafts. Our favorites – the Redbud Café and Brieger Pottery – were housed in adjacent buildings across from the Blanco Town Square. They are owned

by Jon and Jan Brieger.

The Redbud building, once the home of the Blanco Hardware and Lumber Company, features on its walls a history of rain in Blanco from 1909 to 1999, carefully documented in stenciled numbers month by month and year by year, thanks to the Blanco Lions Club, on white 4x8 sheets of plywood mounted on the north wall of the high-ceilinged structure.

The charming storefront of the Redbud offers a view of the town square and the limestone block building (circa 1886) that had briefly served as the county courthouse before the county seat was moved to Johnson City. The courthouse, now privately owned, is ablaze at night with small lights that illuminate its architectural form. It is used for weddings and receptions.

What makes the Redbud Café noteworthy is the excellent food and service.

We liked it so much that we had lunch there and came back for a supper highlighted by a few sets of live Western Swing and beautiful lyrics (replete with yodeling) by a band called Three Hands High.

The evening ambience at the Redbud

was anything but raucous on this particular Saturday night. Grownups danced across the burnished concrete floors and children fell asleep in the arms of their parents.

The Briegers have served some of the best freshly made food in Blanco for 18 years, incorporating, when available, local and organically grown produce into their preparations. The place is organized and well-staffed, the pretty patterns of oilcloth table covers pleasing to the eye. The Reuben sandwich we had was the real deal and not an interpretation of a Reuben. The grilled fish tacos in a whole wheat wrap and served with mango pico de gallo also got high marks.

Just up U.S. Hwy. 281, my granddaughters enjoyed an afternoon at the Exotic Resort Zoo in Johnson City, where they fed zebra, buffalo, elk, emu, and camels.

We would have celebrated Father’s Day at the Redbud had it been open.

Alas, we ended up at Uptown Blanco, which sounded promising, but instead ended up as a protracted post-church wait for very ordinary food.

All in all, our stay at the Blanco Settlement provided a scenic, restful home base for other outings to places that engaged the whole family and for visits from good friends who live nearby.

For more information on the Redbud Café and Brieger Pottery, go to www. redbud-cafe.com and www.briegerpottery.com, respectively.

For information on the Blanco Settlement, go to www.blancosettlement.com ◆ LareDOS I J U N E 2012 I

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Feature

News

PART VI:

Laredo Under Sixth Diocese This is the last installment in a series of narratives about the diocesan History of Laredo, from its founding in 1755 to the present.

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reparations for a new diocese began on January 25, 1990. The fifth Bishop of Corpus Christi, René H. Gracida, erected the Western Vicariate composed of Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and the southern portion of La Salle counties.

That same day Monsignor James Tamayo was appointed first Episcopal Vicar. Laredoans were surprised and delighted that the Diocese of Nuevo Laredo was erected in 1990.

Tamayo was promoted to Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of GalvestonHouston in 1993. The Apostolic Nuncio read the Apostlic Letters erecting the Diocese of Laredo and installing Bishop of Tamayo on August 9, 2000. Ceremonies were held at the Laredo Civic Center in the

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presence of 25 bishops, more than 200 priests, 50 deacons, and 3,000 Catholics.

The diocese encompasses seven counties (Dimmit, Jim Hogg, La Salle, Maverick, Webb, Zapata, and Zavala), 10,905 square miles, and a population of over 261,000, of which more than three-fourths are Catholic. There are 32 parishes, 23 missions, 29 deacons, and 51 priests.

Today Laredo is the largest inland port in the United States with a population of over 220,000. Its citizens officially welcomed Bishop James Tamayo on August 9, 2000.

San Agustín became a cathedral again, and it will no doubt continue to be a witness to a leader of the great changes to come in this fifteenth diocese of Texas. ◆

Sister Cities

Festival opens July 20; volunteers needed

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By SILKE JASSO LareDOS Staff

he 10th Annual City Of Laredo Sister Cities festival is set for July 20 through 22 at the Laredo Energy Arena.

According to Diana Fullerton, City of Laredo Non Profit Management and volunteer Center Coordinator, the City is scouting for volunteers to assist over 200 vendors who will sell their food, jewelry, liquor, woolens, clothing, and leather goods at the festival.

Volunteers should be at least 16 years old, have cash handling experience, and be legal residents.

“Bilingual is a big plus,” Fullerton stressed. Volunteers must also be available to work four-hour shifts on all three days.

The presence of the San Antonio Spurs and the Silver Dance Team is expected to add a note of excitement to the annual festival. “The addition of a very popular professional sports team in South Texas and throughout Mexico gives the

festival a fresh angle and another level of appeal,” said Blasita J. Lopez, director of the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau.

On exhibit will be the Spurs’ four NBA championship trophies, a special static display trailer outside of the main entrance of the LEA, and inflatable interactive components.

Representatives from the states of Mexico, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, Puebla, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Jalisco, Morelos, Veracruz, and San Luis Potosi will participate in the festival which kicks off the morning of July 20 with a bilingual opening ceremony from governors, mayors, and members of the city councils representing their cities.

Laredo has cultivated over 30 Sister City relationships. The festival has grown from 48 vendors in 2002 to over 200 in this, its tenth year.

Volunteers can contact Fullerton at (956) 795-2675 by Tuesday, July 10. For further information on the Sister Cities Festival call the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau at (956) 795-2200. ◆

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Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

Mariela Rodriguez /LareDOS

Kinder Camp

Art from the heart

Children ages four and five attended TAMIU’s Kinder Camp from June 4 through 29. The academic camp curriculum was designed to cover reading, math, art, and science, along with activities to build motor skills.

Courtesy Photo

Melissa Martinez of Art from the Heart is pictured with some of her mural pieces at Portico, the first-ever street festival sponsored by the St. Peter’s Historic Neighborhood Association.

LCC Culinary Arts graduates Eight LCC Culinary Arts graduates are preapred to enter the culinary workforce, having recently received their one-year certificate. Pictured are Shawnte Monroy, Clauda Ramirez, Alexandra Rodriguez, Mariela Aguilera, Ramon Fidalgo, and Maria Lourdes Villarreal with their instructor Edna Mayers (far left). This is the first Culinary Arts class to graduate from LCC. Not pictured are graduates Laura Echartea and Maria Jimenez.

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Feature

La plume de ma tante est sur la table

By BEEZIE BIRGE LareDOS Contributor

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Courtesy Photo

“Do you take your ballet lessons in French?” the petite ballerina asked my seven-year-old self.

I didn’t know how to answer her. I was in Mexico City with my aunt, who had taken me to her ballet class.

I was in a strange studio surrounded by a group of grownup ladies in leotards and ballet slippers. I wore shorts and a striped t-shirt, and I had socks on my feet. My sneakers were set to one side for the class. I felt totally at odds with the place.

The ballerinas were so elegant, the class so serious, and I felt so puny, inadequate for the task at hand. I was small for my age. I had stick-thin legs and knobby knees.

My mother’s sister wore her sunglasses just like my mother did, Jackie K. style. There the resemblance ended.

My tía burned cool, like a menthol cigarette while my mother burned hot like a Camel non-filtered.

We drove down the periférico in her ultra sexy white Thunderbird. My mother drove a Country Squire station wagon (avocado green) with wood paneling on the side. It was always crammed with kids and dogs and litter, the vestiges of chauffering kids around. There was always a fine layer of dust all over everything – life in Laredo. My aunt’s car was immaculate.

Never did I see any evidence of kids or dogs or dirt roads. Their cars described the women better than anything.

We drove on the periférico past statues and modern sculptures and trees.

I never saw such a beautiful city. It was the city of my mother’s youth. She spoke of it often and lamented having to live in “the most culturally deprived place on earth.” She spoke often of the rain in Mexico City and how cool it was and of having a fire in the fireplace every evening.

I thought of Laredo – the heat, the drought, the dust. How different our growing up was from hers. She came from a land where she could see the two volcanoes from her bedroom win-

dow. I came from the flatlands where on a very clear day if you stood in just the right place in the middle of our side road and looked south, you might be able to see the faintest outlines of the Sierra Madres.

Do I take ballet lessons in French?

I thought of Mrs. Lacey and of her fine muscular body and of her ballet slippers that were so well used. Like an old baseball mitt taking the form of

the hand, they had molded themselves around her feet. You could see the outlines of her toes as she pointed them for us to mimic. At one time the slippers had been pink but had long since lost any trace of that rosy hue and were now an ashen grey color. I don’t remember ever seeing her in a new pair of slippers.

French? Mrs. Lacey? I think not. She looked more German to me. If she were a beer, she would be a lager – stout and sturdy. I thought she was probably the strongest person I knew. I thought of her studio and the kumquat tree that grew just outside the door.

Mrs. Lacey’s studio sat on a dirt road as much of Laredo did. It was three and onehalf blocks from our front door to the screen door entrance, which slammed shut every time some ballerina wannabe arrived.

Mrs. Laceys’s salon was an oblong wooden structure, the patina of the floor shone blonde and felt silky smooth from countless seasons of the pounding feet of little ballerinas. The original stain was much darker and was visible around the edges of the room. A box fan sat atop a folding chair

by an open window opposite the entry.

A record player with a 33 rpm record (remember?) played that cartoon music as my sister Meny and I danced.

I watched Meny dance with her tongue sticking out of her mouth in utter concentration. She moved in perfect synchronization with the music. She was five. She had found her medium.

I would leave to go to the little girls room (that’s what they called it back then), which was inside of Mrs. Lacey’s house. I did so on the off chance I might catch a glimpse of one of her sons. Older boys were an endless source of fascination for me. I lived in a world of pink, not having any brothers. I would drink a Dixie cup (another object of interest) of water and would go back to class craning my neck to get a better shot of the living room on the way out.

I would pluck a green kumquat on my way back into class. My sisters and I were on a never-ending search for sour things. Green kumquats were at the top of our list.

“That was exactly right, Meny.

Class, see how Meny does it and follow her,” Mrs. Lacey said to the class and then to me, “You have a lovely neck and such graceful arms, Beezie.” I doubt she ever knew what that one compliment did for my seven-year-old self-esteem.

We would begin with the five positions that every ballet student learns.

French? Mrs. Lacey? There were the “air biscuits” and “pleaaaays.” I hated the “pleaaaays.” I would encounter them by another name in my seventh-grade gym class, a most loathsome period of time I was ever forced to endure. Deep knee bends were the bane of my middle school years, and I promised myself to never do them when I grew up.

Yeah, well, never say never. The rigors of motherhood had other plans for me.

Meny would eventually become a toe dancer. Never has there ever been Continued on page 52

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Laredo Animal Protection Society

LAPS looks ahead to more spay-neuter clinics and to promoting adoption of healthy pets he Laredo Animal Shelter is in the process of reorganizing following the transfer of impoundment responsibilities to the City of Laredo. As most of our readers know, LAPS had been responsible for the thousands of dogs picked up by City Animal Control Officers that had resulted in over 10,000 animals being put to sleep in 2011.

Upon its departure from our facility, the City of Laredo left behind over 250 animals without one penny allocated for their future care. Although we are relieved to no longer have this responsibility, we are concerned not only for the dogs and cats left in our care, but also for the numbers of stray animals that are now being left on the streets of Laredo by the City, which is no longer impounding any animals except those that are deemed to be aggressive.

Judging by past history, there are anywhere from 800 to 1,000 strays that will be running the streets each month, reproducing at will.

Due to the amount of animals currently being sheltered, LAPS is also not accepting any animals from the public at this time, which leads us to believe that the stray animal problem will be compounded until the City completes its facility which is under construction. For the time being, we are focusing on providing an alternative other than euthanasia for the animals left in our care.

We thank the public for their great response to our plea to visit the shelter and adopt a pet. In the first week of June, 16 animals found new homes.

We extend an invitation to everyone.

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Courtesy Photo

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By JENNIE REED

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program Pictured at the two-day Spay-Neuter Assistance event sponsored by the Laredo Animal Protective Society at the Larga Vista Community Center are, left to right, Javier López, Felipe Rivera, Larga Vista director Greg B. Araiza, Tonia Flores Vega, Mary K. Lawler, DVM, Jennifer Granado, Cathy Kazen and Jet, Fina Moreno, and LAPS President Richard Renner. Sixty-four pets were attended to at the event.

Please continue to visit our animal shelter and view the many wonderful healthy pets waiting to be adopted.

Additionally, the Laredo Animal Protective Society is actively seeking much-needed monetary donations to spay and neuter and care for shelter animals. We are sponsoring Pet Adoption events and have cats available at PetCo. We recently sponsored a low-cost spay-neuter clinic at the Larga Vista Community Center which was available to residents enrolled in government assis-

tance programs.

According to Greg Ariaza, Larga Vista center director, “We were overwhelmed with calls from people who learned of the event and were eager to spay or neuter their pets.” Having been a center director for eight years, he learned from residents of the Pueblo Nuevo colonia that they are overrun with abandoned dogs and cats because there is no affordable alternative open to them. “This does not mean they would not like to spay and neuter,

only that they cannot afford it. That is why it is so important to provide these opportunities and why we are grateful to LAPS for sponsoring this clinic. We already have a waiting list, hoping for another clinic opportunity soon.”

The Laredo Animal Shelter, being acutely aware of the overwhelming problem of pet overpopulation, wants to assure the public that with their continued support, we will be actively engaged in helping to alleviate this problem. ◆ W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

Review

LCC Summer Stock’s The Odd Couple – production showcases local talent

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and Florence’s friends – Karol Batey as Mickey; Kelly Fitzgerald as Vera; Celina Alvarado as Renee; and Anissa Zimmerman as Sylvie.

Congratulations to Bill Hauserman for his spot-on casting and di-

rection, and to this ensemble of actors who have full lives, jobs, and families, and yet made the time to enrich community theater with their performances.

Bravo! ◆

Santos Jimenez and the Trivial Pursuit coterie

Courtesy Photo

he LCC Summer Stock Theater Project’s production of the female version of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple showcased enormous local talents.

Directed by Willam Hauserman, the play’s four-day run at the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center Theater evoked a great deal of laughter and admiration for a performance that had momentum and delivery.

The lead roles were portrayed by Tricia Cortez as the disorganized, slovenly, and aggressive Olive Madison; and Cindy Stewart as the eventempered, meticulous, overly organized, shy, and long-suffering hypochondriac Florence Unger.

At the beginning of the performance there is everywhere evidence

of Olive’s disheveled life, until the human antidote to disarray, Florence – a castoff from her home and marriage – shows up to master the mess.

The interactions and counter-actions between the two women provide the structural unity for the tale. Before the final curtain falls, each of the protagonists have undergone significant changes of character, but not before a great deal of hilarity, high drama, and scenes of vigorous, actionpacked, laugh-aloud word plays.

First time actor Santos Jimenez as the Spanish immigrant Jesus Costazuela with all his macho posturing, exaggerated hand kissing, malapropisms, and shirt open to the navel added such mirth to Olive’s expectations for romance, effectively canceling it.

There were great performances throughout by Arturo Peñaloza as the other Costazuela brother and by the Trivial Pursuit coterie of Olive

Courtesy Photo

Lem Londos Railsback and Meg Guerra contributed to this review

Tricia Cortez, Arturo Peñaloza, Cindy Stewart, Santos Jimenez W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

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Commentary

Proud to be a first American

By JOSé ANTONIO LOPEZ LareDOS Contributor

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ecently, I discovered that I belong to a segment of the world population known as Haplogroup C. It is a human genetics classification based on mtDNA blood testing found in the earliest people in America. That means that I am a descendant of the First Americans. In other words, even though my appearance is Spanish European, my DNA reveals that the blood running through my veins is unmistakably Native American. Of course, as a Spanish-surnamed U.S. citizen of Mexican-descent, I already knew that I was blessed to have both Old World and New World family roots.

Unfortunately, those of us with dual European and Native American heritage have a frustrating dilemma.

First, we have generally been raised to emphasize only our European ancestry. Second, most historians hold a typically dismissive opinion of Native Americans and do not consider recording of their history on a par with Europeans. That may be because mainstream historians write history with a pronounced European viewpoint.

Regrettably, the human aspects of First American history are usually understudied in today’s school curriculum. As a result, students in the classroom learn of the group as an ancient, foreign civilization, rather than the ancestors of their fellow students of Mexican and/or Native Americandescent. Also, the long-term damage caused by movies and books mostly depicting Native Americans as a savage people makes learning of their enriching story virtually impossible.

More disheartening is that practically any attempt to tell their story is often seen as a threat to mainstream Anglo-

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philia in the U.S. For instance, that’s how the Mexican American Studies Program is mistakenly perceived by some officials in Arizona schools. That is a tragedy.

Group C’s beginnings are truly fascinating. They originated 60,000 years ago in present-day Northeast Russia (Siberia), between the Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal. Specifically, Group C, along with Groups A, B, D, and X, were literally the first humans in America.

In other words, Columbus did not discover America. Our First American ancestors did! Over 25,000 years ago, they began to cross over Beringia, a snow-covered land bridge that once connected Asia and America. Successive generations then established several blood-related clusters of indigenous inhabitants (Indians) in America all the way to Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America.

Clearly, I had not realized the depth of my Spanish European and Native American family roots in America until just recently. Based on the DNA test and genealogical research, I received an added bonus. Isabel Olea, my great grandmother of 15 generations ago, was born in Mexico, America in 1542.

Because she seems to be the source of Group C in our maternal family tree, the first marriage between our Native American and Spanish European ancestors occurred just over 50 years after the 1492 Spanish arrival in America.

It is due to this quick assimilation that some of us in the U.S. look Mexican (Native American) and some of us look Spanish. Also, due to the beautiful blending of the two genetic pools, many of us look like a combination of both (especially those of us originating in the Southwest). In truth, the Spanish are the ones who created the proverbial melting pot in America. The English chose not to. That is why most of

today’s Anglo Saxon-descent (and other non-Hispanic white) citizens look mostly like their European ancestors who did not assimilate and intermarry with America’s indigenous people to the degree that the Spanish did. It is this key fact that historians fail to stress in writing the story of Mexican Americans whom they see only as a Spanish population sub-group. Rarely do historians delve into the group’s direct First American roots.

It is important to note that my genealogical story is typical of the bigger Mexican American community.

This largest group of Spanish-descent citizens in the U.S. is indeed half white (Spanish) and half brown (Native American). In fact, we are living proof that the First Americans are not an extinct civilization. As their descendants, our birthright earns us the honor of calling ourselves Americanos.

In my view, the direct connection between Mexican Americans and our Native American brothers and sisters gives rise to three provocative possibilities (food for thought). (1) The time has come to designate the entire Mexican American group as a separate race of people. In the U.S. alone, they are 30 million strong and growing. (2) Based on their First American DNA pedigree, Mexican Americans deserve recognition as a separate Native American tribe; and (3) The Native American population in the U.S. is be-

ing undercounted by about 30 million people.

For me, verification of my origins adds another dimension to my human profile. Equally vital, it identifies my First American bond as a main ingredient in my salad bowl of ethnicities.

For example, I take great pride in that part of my ancestry that created the beautiful Old World Spanish prose of Miguel Cervantes. At the same time, I am proud of my New World Native American genetic link to the eloquence of Benito Juárez. That says it all.

Finally, with only the most basic tools, our First American ancestors were truly the first pioneers in America. As the saying goes, “The proof is in the pudding” regarding their impressive accomplishments. They established thriving civilizations in Canada, the Southwest, Gulf Coast, Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, and East Coast. Of course, they also created the fabulously great civilizations in Mexico, and in Central and South America.

Their inspirational stories should serve to motivate Mexican American students to stay in school, graduate from a four-year university, and become productive members of their community. Lastly, our First American ancestors merit as much dignity and respect as our European heredity. Yet, that is an equality that they have yet to gain in U.S. history books. It is time for historians to fix it. ¡Caso cerrado! ◆

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By JuanAlanis

Alanis, former of Laredo, is currently a meteorology student at Mississippi State University. He is a member of the American Meteorology Society (AMS) and Webb County Coordinator for the CoCoRaHS/National Weather Service rainfall observer program

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other Nature unleashed her full wrath this spring, as nearly every county in South Texas was hit by severe weather.

While the City of Laredo was spared the worst of the fury of spring storms, surrounding areas took a beating. On March 29, storms from Mexico brought large hail to Río Bravo and El Cenizo along with a funnel cloud. Fortunately, the funnel did not touch down. A tornado did touch down, however, in Mexico along federal highway 85 about 70 kilometers north of Monterrey.

Farther south, Zapata County experienced nature’s wrath from May 8 and May 11 as storms dumped heavy rains and brought winds of 65 mph to both Zapata and San Ygnacio, plus large hail and one confirmed tornado along highway 16 in rural Zapata County. Wind damage was reported to homes in San Ygnacio and Zapata.

At one point, three feet of water covered highway 83 in Zapata.

North of Laredo, storms on May 10 brought softball size hail to rural Webb County near the 27- mile marker of I-35. Windows to homes and cars at the Callaghan Ranch were knocked out with strong winds moving farm equipment over fences, according to observers. Radar detected possible rotation/funnel with this storm, however, confirmation of an actual tornado could not be made. Small hail was reported in parts of Laredo that night as well, but no damage.

While Mother Nature spared Laredo, she let her full force loose over McAllen. The “worst and most unforgettable” of the region’s spring storms was the McAllen hailstorm of March 29. That late afternoon and evening, storms dumped a total of 6 inches of hail on that city. Hail up to the size of W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

Keeping a Weather Eye

Hail and rainfall surprise South Texas baseballs fell for at least half an hour driven by winds of up to 75 mph. The scene almost looked like a blizzard as hail drifts were four feet high in some areas of the city. Damage to homes, businesses and cars was extensive.

Fortunately there were no deaths or serious injuries, although 217 people were rescued from hail and water damaged homes and businesses.

Damages totaled at least $100 million.

McAllen would be hit by large hailstorm again during April.

This record hailstorm was said to be caused by abundant warm moist air at the surface, very cold air aloft, and outflow boundaries from previous storms moving across the valley, creating lift to make the storms. Plus a strong upper level disturbance from moved over the valley from Mexico, creating even more lift in the atmosphere – basically providing the final trigger needed to create this monster storm.

Overall there were nine different episodes of severe spring weather across South Texas. There were 9 confirmed tornadoes along with dozens of reported funnel clouds and dozens of hail and high wind reports.

While meteorologist do not know for certain, the weakening La Niña pattern may have been a factor in the development of the key ingredients needed for the development of these wild storms.

As La Niña weakened during the winter and spring, rainfall increased in many areas. This increased rainfall allowed for full growth and greening of plants and trees, which through evapo-transpiration, may have provided increased amount of convective energy available to be lifted when acted upon by a lifting mechanism.

The weakening La Nina pattern also allowed for a shift in the overall weather pattern. This winter’s storm

REGIONAL RAINFALL REPORT STATION LOCATION APR MAY WB2

Heights-Garfield St

0.00” 2.16” WB 4 Las Tiendas Ranch

0.60” 4.15” WB 5 Callaghan Ranch

0.32” 6.97” WB 6 McPherson Rd/Chacon Creek 0.00” 1.98” WB 9 Mangana Hein Rd 8E

0.00” 3.00” WB 12 Del Mar C

0.00” 1.78” WB 13 Del Mar N/Preston Ln

0.00” 1.50” WB 14 Laredo 18.4 NE

0.00” 1.11” WB 17 S. Laredo-Riverhill

0.00” 1.57” WB 18 Springfield @Hillside

0.00” 1.76” WB 19 Prada Elementary School 0.19” 0.61” WB 21 Shiloh /Woodridge

NR

1.63” WB 22 Laredo 23.7 ENE

0.00” 1.87” WB 23 Freer 29.5 WSW

1.10” 2.28” WB 24 Trautmann MS area

0.11” 0.50” WB 25 United South MS area

0.00” 1.64” WB 26 Zaragoza St-downtown

0.00” 1.91” WB 27 Jacaman Rd/ Saldana

0.00” 2.07” WB 28 Gutierrez Elementary area 0.03” 1.74” WB 29 Heights-E. Lane St

0.00” 1.31” WB 34 Laredo 7.2 NNW (Mines Road) 0.00” 1.42” WB 36 Del Mar/Inwood

0.00” 1.29” WB 37 Stamford St (East Laredo) 0.00” 1.91” WB 39 E. Clark Blvd/Jarvis

0.00” 1.91” WB 40 McPherson Rd/Country Club 0.07” 1.85” WB 41 Mines Road-Green Ranch 0.77” 2.76” Laredo KGNS TV

0.06” 1.76” Laredo Airport

0.00” 1.34” Cotulla Airport

0.56” 3.08” Hebbronville Airport

0.29” 1.10” Source: CoCoRaHS/National Weather Service-Corpus Christi Interested in collecting rainfall data for your neighborhood? If so, the CoCoRaHS and the National Weather Service want you. Sign up to become a rainfall/weather observer at www. cocorahs.org.

For more information, contact Juan Alanis, Jr., Webb County CoCoRaHS coordinator at 956-251-3996.

track was farther south, allowing for more upper level disturbances to move through Texas, providing the lift for the ample warm moist air at the surface.

As we head into the dog days of summer, the pattern has calmed down, though the outlook for rain looks brighter than last year. With La Niña no more, sea breeze and pop-up

daytime thunderstorms are expected to be more numerous this summer.

Outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center show equal chances for normal, below and above normal rainfall from July through September for the south Texas area. The only bad news in the current outlooks is the forecast for above normal temperatures for the summer and fall. ◆ LareDOS I J U N E 2012 I

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Maverick Ranch Notes

By bebe & sissy fenstermaker

Edmund Wilson, Michael Korda on U.S. Grant; peach picking in Fredricksburg

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y interest in the American Civil War is inevitable because of family papers that include accounts, letters, and memorabilia from those times. Even before delving into the papers, our grandmother, Rena Maverick Green, had talked about those hard times and of her father and his brothers who fought on the southern side. Intimately connected by her birth in 1874, she began life breathing in barely settled war dust. By young adulthood however, Grandma had moved on, able to see the country whole and working for inclusion and tolerance for all. From her historian example I learned to read historic family accounts for what they were at the particular time of their creation, not imposing hindsight judgment – which can sometimes be difficult.

Edmund Wilson, (1895-1972) came my way a few years ago. A writer, critic and social commentator on American history and literature, his book Patriotic Gore: Studies in the Literature of the American Civil War was just what I was looking for to get a larger picture of those times. He recommended Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant as “the most remarkable work of its kind since the Commentaries of Julius Caesar.” He said Grant’s writing was clear, visual, and riveting. I got the memoirs and started but didn’t get much beyond his boyhood before life of the moment here at the Maverick Ranch-Fromme Farm brought other pursuits.

Sissy, knowing I love reading Michael Korda’s books, last month brought home his small biography, Ulysses S. Grant, The Unlikely Hero from the Boerne Library. He put Grant in three dimensions, showing his deep

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character and integrity and dispelling myths we’ve all heard about one of the greatest generals in history.

Grant’s Personal Memoirs are as described. They show how a brilliant strategist waged and won that awful war. Battle by battle he described his decisions and moves so clearly even I can follow him. Predictably, he included maps since his ability to read and plan from them was legendary. His writing was so precise that his officers said they rarely had to read his orders more than once to know what to do.

He interjected personal observations and frustrations, taking the reader into his tent or alongside on horseback while the General reconnoitered and thought.

From Korda I learned that Grant was also a genius in handling horses, a lifelong love; his kindness and gentleness to them contrasts with the general who would not quit. A few years after the war he served as President, but sadly, having not a shred of business sense, believed in others who drew him very near to scandals. This and his drinking bouts was I all read in history books at school. Korda says those bouts probably were due to depression brought on by a marked absence of parental love and later missing his wife and family while at war. A final indignity in the mid 1880s was being duped by a financial shark who lost the little money Grant had left. Presidents did not receive retirement funds in those days. Knowing his family was destitute and Grant was dying of cancer, his friend Mark Twain persuaded him to write his memoirs. Twain had started a company that sold books door-to-door.

He had read articles Grant had recently published and recognized a fine writer.

Twain said he could guarantee sales of

25,000 books, a huge number at that time. With short time left, Grant simply sat down and wrote, finishing about a week before his death. The book was an immediate success, bringing his family enormous royalties that lifted them from poverty.

Korda said at that time, if there were just two books on the shelf in humble homes, one would be the Bible and the other Grant’s Personal Memoirs.

-Bebe Fenstermaker

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he prospect of a birthday peach cobbler instead of a cake appears high on my horizon. Bebe and I are planning to join a couple of friends on a trip to Fredericksburg to shop for peaches. I had heard earlier from an old friend in Fredericksburg that a late spring hailstorm blew through the area possibly damaging the peach crop. The other day we got a card from Marburger Orchards saying they were open for business and encouraging folks to come pick peaches. So it sounds like the peach crop made it.

Medina County Environmental Action Alliance (MCEAA) held its annual membership meeting-auctionpotluck supper in late April. We heard an update on the 12-year-old Vulcan quarry/railroad fight during the business meeting. The fight continues with a possibility of another nationwide quarry becoming involved. This last week we heard that Vulcan had closed its Hondo office.

A couple of days ago I saw my first fawn with its mother. I’m sure she has a second one hidden away nearby. The bucks’ antlers are in velvet and about the length of bicycle handlebars. Towards the end of May and after good rains some early spring wildflowers reappeared. We have also noticed some fall bloomers now. Many mornings here are filled with the noise of ravens calling back and forth. Clark, our neighbor and expert birder, suspects a close relationship between the pair nesting near his back yard and those living here at Maverick RanchFromme Farm.

-Sissy Fenstermaker

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News Brief

City health department offers family planning education

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

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TAMIU’s soccer academy TAMIU’s Premier Soccer Academy was held June 4 through June 7 for boys and girls ages 8 to 17. The camp was designed for players to improve technical, mental, and tactical skills out on the field.

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By Silke Jass LareDOS Staff

he City of Laredo Health Department Title X Family Planning Women’s Services is now offering physical exams, birth control education, and natural family planning. Lab tests for cervical cancer, STD’s, HIV, diabetes, anemia, and pregnancy are also offered, along with abstinence education methods and pre-conception counseling.

Qualified individuals can avail themselves of free or reduced rate services for annual checkups and other health monitoring tests.

Information on family planning

methods is also available for men. All planning services are confidential and low cost, so that family partners can plan for positive birth outcomes and healthy families.

Information is available on birth control pills, contraceptives, intrauterine devices, condoms, vasectomies, and tubal ligation.

The Women’s Health Family Planning Clinic is open Mondays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m to 7 p.m., and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about family planning services call the CLHD Family Planning Clinic at (956) 795-4910 or Dr. Zaida Gonzales, health education supervisor, at (956) 795-4918. ◆

LareDOS I J U N E 2012 I

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Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

At CCA’s Pachanga de la Pesca Hugo Flores, Bibi Flores, Patricia Alvarez, John Whitaker, and Vicente Leija are pictured at the Coastal Conservation Association’s Annual Pachanga de la Pesca at the Laredo Civic Center on May 24.

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LareDOS I J U N E 2012 I

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The Mystery Customer

It is not rocket science: ignoring the paying customer has direct bearing on bottom line profitability 1701 Peaceful Meadows The MC reports very good service at Scholar’s, the coffee bar behind the 1700 block of Del Mar Blvd. Mornings are very good for an eye-opening cup of coffee, and afternoons are great for working meetings.

Shell Station Del Mar at IH-35 Shame on the operators/owners of this facility for not keeping the pay at the pump electronic equipment in working order and for not posting signs stating, “You are wasting your time. None of these pumps can read your credit card, and we don’t care.” Thanks to the chronic malfunction of your equipment, you have permanently and forever lost this MC’s gasoline business to the Arechiga station at Saunders and

 Continued FROM page 43 a more lovely and uniquely feminine footwear known in the realm of girlhood than toe shoes with rabbit fur toe guards. I coveted them, and but for the damn “pleaaaays” they would have been mine. A few well done “pleaaaays” and hours and hours of practice which I hadn’t the discipline or the aptitude for and the beautiful slippers would have hung in my closet.

I would secretly try them out when Meny wasn’t home and twirl around the room on my tippy toes.

Still I had a lovely neck and graceful arms and a very active imagination. In my mind I would become the Prima Ballerina and dance for the Bolshoi. Ballet would land me in the world of espionage and I would become a secret agent – ballet, my cover.

Again, I had a very active imagination.

“Beezie!,” called my aunt. “Do you take ballet lessons in French?”

“No,” I reply, “I take ballet lessons in Laredo.” The ladies twittered and one said, “Ay que linda, Marta, tan chula es tu sobrina.”

I was not trying to be funny. I was trying to be sarcastic. I was wholly misunderstood, as was often the case in my childhood.

In my later years, I had the great fortune to find myself in Besacon, France. I was there to learn French (presumably.) I was really there to learn Life Lessons. The attractive French teacher (of course, I don’t think they make them ugly over there, Ha!) said, ”Atention étudiants, sil-vous-plait! Repetez le phrase - La plume de ma tante est sur la table.”

I smiled as I thought of my beautiful tía in that beautiful city and of her ballet class. I thought of Mrs. Lacey and her kumquat tree with the supremely sour green kumquats. Under my desk, I take my feet through the five positions. ◆

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IH-35.

El Catan Houston at Salinas Even with two receptions keeping cooks and staff hopping, the MC’s custom salad and dinner were superbly prepared and served. This is one of the nicest places in town to watch the sun set and night fall on the historic streets of downtown Laredo. Hats off to Araceli and Ray Rocha.

Pizza Ricco 5460 Springfield #108 What a great surprise — a place to read, eat a very fresh salad, and wait for a homemade pizza. Look carefully, it’s in a strip center on the west side of Springfield and south of Hillside.

Texas Roadhouse

5722 San Bernardo Avenue The MC had never eaten at the Texas Roadhouse, still in mourning for the loss of the Outback Steakhouse. Curiosity got the best of MC; he caved and decided to give the place a shot. The meal began with fried pickles and the hand battered onion blossom. The food was nothing short of savory and flavorful, and the friendly staff was a good match for the laid back ambience.

Danny’s Downtown 802 Juarez What the MC likes about breakfast at Danny’s downtown: it’s a square deal – eggs like you asked for them, bacon that wasn’t cooked and ironed six hours earlier, good service, and a view of the trees, greenery, and bustle of Jarvis Plaza. ◆

ZAPATA RISING: “The biggest family reunion in the world”

August 8, 9 & 10, 2013 • ZAPATA, TEXAS In 1953 almost 3,000 men, women and children were abruptly and unjustly displaced from their ancestral homes due to the construction of Falcon Dam and the creation of Falcon Lake. Many families lost everything they owned: their homes, their pets and farm animals, their rights to any claim and were even forced to abandon their beloved dead at cemeteries flooded by the new lake.

In 2013, we will reunite them and their descendants for the “biggest family reunion in the world” in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the creation of Falcon Dam and the experiences suffered in the name of “progress”.

Honor your family by attending the “biggest family reunion in the world” in 2013.

EST FAMILY BIGG REU HE NI FT

RLD HE WO IN T ON

Embassy Suites 110 Calle del Norte The MC had out of town guests who booked a three-day stay at Embassy Suites over the Memorial Day weekend. They reported a lack of service upon arrival. The only people checking in at that moment, they noted that the desk clerk ignored them and their bags to finish a conversation with a pizza delivery runner who had a wrong address. Apparently helping the pizza runner took precedence over paying guests whose dollars play a direct role in the hotel’s salaries. Even after the pizza issue was resolved, the service lacked luster and a welcoming note to the guests who had traveled from Angleton.

Scholars Caffe Barrista

PROUD SPON SO RO

BY THE mystery Customer

Build your family tree at www.zapatarising.com.

For more information call Graphitiks Advertising Design, Inc., (956)723-4389 or visit www.ZapataRising.com

ZAP

ATA • T E X A S

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By salo Otero Salo Otero is the director of marketing for the South Texas Food Bank. He can be reached at sotero@ southexasfoodbank.org or by calling 956-726-3120.

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he South Texas Food Bank (STFB) mission to feed the hungry has always been a daunting one, considering the area’s high poverty rate. Almost 80,000 Laredoans are in the food insecure category, meaning they lack money to buy enough food to feed their families.

With a struggling economy and possible hunger relief government cuts, the demand for supplemental food the STFB provides continues in a major way. The STFB is busily preparing fundraisers for the summer and fall to make up for the shortfall.

“Feeding our neighbors is a shared responsibility,” STFB executive director Alfonso Casso emphasized. “Our food bank relies on private charity and federal support to feed hungry Laredoans.

Both sides of the equation are crucial to our success. If federal programs are cut, we will not be able to make up the difference.”

Casso recently testified at a public forum in San Antonio on the benefit of federal nutrition programs for hungry Laredoans. The forum was attended by Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo), who subsequently voted against the budget package.

“Congressman Cuellar should be thanked for his vote,” Casso said. “He knows we invest in a nutrition safety net so it will be there when times are hard. Times are hard in Laredo now, and programs like SNAP (formerly called Food Stamps) are working as designed,” Casso said. “We agree with the goal of deficit reduction, but we should not achieve it on the backs of the most vulnerable.”

Casso added, “The South Texas Food Bank continues to distribute supplemental food to thousands of needy residents in one of the most impoverished areas of the country. With government W W W.L A R ED OS N E WS.CO M

South Texas Food Bank

Community support crucial to mission of feeding the hungry cuts to hunger programs, our demand to fulfill our mission of feeding the hungry is sure to increase. That’s why our fundraisers throughout the year and the community’s support become so very crucial.”

In partnership with the national Feeding America and the Texas Food Bank Network, STFB converts every dollar donated into eight meals – 10 pounds of food or $17 worth of groceries.

The first summer fundraiser is the seventh annual STFB-R Communications Radio Drives from July 2 to 16.

Danae Ayaquica of R Communications, formerly BMP Radio, is the radio drive

general manager, added, “We’re committed to partner with the food bank in fighting hunger.”

The radio drive has already received some boosts with donations collected at a city-wide bucket brigade sponsored by KGNS TV, a fundraiser at Hal’s Landing, and the South Texas Coaches Association.

Upcoming events include the City of Laredo 4th of July Celebration at the Laredo Civic Center from 8 a.m. to midnight and the Cream City Magazine second anniversary cocktail party on June 22 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the UniTrade Staduim banquet hall. Admission to the Cream event is $50 per couple and

Borchers Elementary third graders took a field trip to the STFB, bringing with them 1,170 pounds of non-perishables they collected. coordinator. The STFB message will be heard over the four R-Communications stations – Digital 94.9, Hot 106.1, La Ley 100.5, and KLNT News Talk 1490 AM. Pledges can be called in to 324-2432 or donations mailed to South Texas Food Bank, 1907 Freight, Laredo, Tex., 78041.

“The radio drive brings awareness to the hunger issue,” STFB development director Cindy Liendo Espinoza said. “We have been blessed to have R Communications in our corner for these many years.” Ana Rivera Soto, station

tickets are available by calling 753-6755 or 333-3922. “We are impressed with the STFB mission and have seen firsthand the faces of people helped by the organization,” said Cream editor and publisher Fernando “Ferch” de Haro.

The 4th of July event co-sponsored

by R Communications includes a downtown parade, eating booths, games and entertainment on the Civic Center grounds. The night is capped off by a four-band Tejano concert highlighting the music of Duelo, Paty y Sonora, Gru-

po Mazz, and Salomon Robles. There is a fireworks display at 10 and Duelo performing at 10:30. The $1 admission to the grounds goes to the STFB. Presale concert tickets are $10 at the Civic Center and Casa Raul, and $15 the night of the event. For information call City of Laredo 791-7461, the South Texas Food Bank 7563-2107, or R Communications 725-1000.

The STFB’s sixth annual Empty Bowls event is set for Aug. 2 at the Laredo Energy Arena from 6 to 11 p.m. and features a concert by the 1960-70s musical group Creedence Clearwater Revisited. The STFB will honor H.E.B. for its contribution. The event also features a silent auction of artwork.

FOOD NOTES: The annual U.S. Postal Employees food drive in May, which was chaired

by Luis Palacios, netted a record 11,102 pounds. Postal customers filled bags with non-perishable items left next to their mail boxes for the letter carriers to pick up.

The third grade class at Borchers Elementary School made a field trip to the South Texas Food Bank. They didn’t come empty handed, bringing with them 1,170 pounds of canned goods – an average of almost 10 pounds per student.

STFB ED Casso noted, “We told them how much they were helping the community. ‘’….On Memorial Day, 400 veterans and their spouses received a special food distribution in cooperation with the STFB at Gigi Ramos’ Volunteers Serving The Need facility at 1220 Salinas. More than 30 volunteers, a handful from Grace Bible Church, were the helping hands for the day, including STFB employees Alfonso Casso, Rosie Centeno, Leo de la Garza, Max Rubio, Lucy Valdez, Gloria Moreno, and María Ortiz. ◆ LareDOS I J U N E 2012 I

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he Sixth Annual Pulling for Kids sporting clay tournament will take place on August 4, 2012 at the South Texas Shooting Complex. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third highest overall shooters in the top ladies and juniors categories.

Ten stations will be set up with 100 clay discs available for shooting. Participants must bring their own guns, shells, and required ear and eye protection.

Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided.

Voz de Niños representatives will be registering participants at Academy Sports and Outdoors located on 10820 International Blvd on Saturday, July 14 and July 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also on Saturday, July 21 from the 5720 San

Bernardo location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The entry fee for adults is $150 and $125 for any participants 18 years or younger. Cash, check, and credit cards will be accepted.

Event proceeds will go toward Voz de Niños’ continued efforts to provide every foster child in Webb County a committed Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, and to advocate for the best interests of an abused and neglected child in child protection cluster court.

CASA volunteers collaborate with court personnel, Child Protective Services, the foster care community, and the child’s biological family to ensure the child achieves the goals in his or her permanency plan.

For more information call Edgar D. Ricalde at (956) 727-8691 or (956) 2511455 or email edgar@vozdeninos.org ◆

The Odd Couple – oil and water Tricia Cortez as Olive Madison and Cindy Stewart as Florence Unger put patience to the test as they co-exist in the disparities between their lives. They are pictured on the set of The Odd Couple, which was produced by Bill Hauserman as part of LCC’s Summer Stock Theater Project.

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Show of solidarity honors the American Flag Representatives of the Laredo fire and police departments; U.S. Border Patrol; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Webb County Constable Rudy Rodriguez; Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar; and the Texas Department of Public Safety were present on June 14 for Flag Day ceremonies.

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

By MARIELA RODRIGUEZ LareDOS Staff

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

The Sixth Annual Pulling for Kids

LBC Environmental Science Camp Young scientists and nature lovers explored the wild side of Mother Nature, as well as conducted experiments at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Camp. The weekly camp is ongoing through July.

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Roque Hines of Border Sporting Goods is pictured with Chris and Heddy Carroll, who enjoyed a delicious shrimp and crawfish supper at the Coastal Conservation Association’s Pachanga de la Pesca at the Laredo Civic Center.

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

Maria Eugenia Guerra/LareDOS

CCA Annual Banquet

Five-oh!

Jayne Santos, Sylvia Alexander, Ana Maria Huerta, Gloria Rodriguez, Rachel Rodriguez, and Esperanza Rodriguez helped Melissa Guerra celebrate a significant birthday at a party hosted by Carol and Ed Sherwood and Amanda and Clyde Neal of Angleton.

SUBSCRIBE

meg@laredosnews.com

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By dr. neo gutierrez

Dr. Neo Gutierrez is a Ph.D. in Dance and Fine Arts, Meritorious Award in Laredo Fine Arts recipient 2009 from Webb Co. Heritage Foundation, Laredo Sr. Int’l 2008, Laredo MHS Tiger Legend 2002, and Sr. Int’l de Beverly Hills, 1997.

Contact neodance@aol.com.

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hen I was about 10 years old and a student at Laredo’s McDonnell Elementary School, one of my teachers was Mrs. Anita Treviño Dovalina, who later became a principal and eventually had an LISD campus named after her. Her greatest achievements, however, may have been the sons she raised – writer Fernando Dovalina of Houston, former LCC president Ramon Dovalina of Austin, and Carlos Dovalina, a retired LISD educator.

It is about Fernando – a reporter, columnist, editor, and teacher who became a pioneer for other Hispanics and minorities in journalism – about whom I write today. After an accomplished career in print journalism, Fernando has transformed himself, into an award-winning playwright. He has told his students that his life disproves once more the fallacy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s observation that there are no second acts in American lives.”

Born in Laredo in 1942, Fernando has just turned 70. His father was a highly regarded baseball pitcher who was inducted into the South Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

As a playwright, Fernando is best known for “The Gospel According to Tammy Faye,” a musical for which he wrote the book. Another play, “Meskins/Cycle of Life, Love and Death,” won second prize in the Nuestras Voces national playwriting competition and received a reading at a midtown New York theater. Another play, “American Homefront,” was produced in Houston. Columbia Gorge Repertory Theatre did a public reading of “The Gospel” and “American Homefront” in New

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Notes from Lala Land

Fernando Dovalina – an inspiring Hispanic pioneer in journalism York’s Broadway theater district. His drama, “The Comfort of Anger,” was selected for production at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival in 2010, and one reviewer, Randy Waterhouse, for the alternative Cincinnati newspaper, called it “my favorite dramatic

Fernando Dovalina

piece of the Fringe this year – powerful, compelling, skillfully done, seriously entertaining, provocative, and revealing. Bravo!”

Another reviewer, Jane Durell, called it “big and important... surprising, even daring.” Several other of Fernando’s plays have been read, work-shopped, produced, and won awards.

This year, the University of Akron did a version of “The Gospel” in a competition in Pennsylvania, in January.

Unhinged Productions of Houston staged a public reading of Fer-

nando’s satirical two-act political play “Burning Bushes,” in February, and the Tejas Arts Festival in Rockdale did a public reading of three of Fernando’s short plays in March as part of a fundraiser to rebuild the city’s Kay Theatre. It was the second year in a row that Tejas Arts had invited Fernando to be part of the festival.

Fernando, who has a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin began working for The Beaumont Enterprise in 1963, at a time when there were few Latinos in metropolitan newspapers. He was the only Hispanic reporter and later copy editor at The Enterprise. In 1966, he joined The Fort Worth Star-Telegram and became the first minority to have a column and be an editor there.

At The Houston Chronicle, he became the first minority editor, and when he was promoted to assistant managing editor, he became the highest ranking Hispanic among Texas metropolitan newspaper employees. There he supervised two international news projects that earned The Chronicle its first two Pulitzer finalist citations. He served as a Pulitzer Prize juror on four occasions.

He also won numerous awards as a writer, including a regional United Press International first prize for his first-person feature story, “Dad Was a Baseball Player.” Fernando tells us: “My Dad was a very private man, and after that story was published, I was afraid I had offended him. He read the story quietly, and when he was through, he didn’t say anything.

He simply turned the page and went on to another story. I felt terrible. But

later, over dinner, he asked me how he could get extra copies. Then, on one of my trips to Laredo, he introduced me to his friends as ‘the son who wrote that story about me.’ I knew then that I had made him happy with that story.”

And that story became the framework for Fernando’s play “Meskins/ Cycle of Life, Love and Death.” He said he wishes his Dad had been able to go to New York to see that play.

During his journalism career, Fernando pushed for the training, development, hiring, and promotion of minorities and women. He became an editing and writing teacher who often used humor to make a point. He was one of the founders of the Houston Association of Hispanic Journalists. The affiliate awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award.

After retirement in 2000, Fernando did stints as a newsroom consultant, as an adjunct professor at UTAustin, and as the founding editor of The Houston Chronicle’s Spanish language entertainment magazine, La Vibra. For five years he was director and homeroom teacher for The Houston Chronicle-University of Houston High School Journalism Workshop, which trains high school students in writing, photography, editing, and videography. Today, he remains a visiting lecturer for that program.

He is also working on a new two-act play and his first novel.

Fernando loves to tell his students: “My first language was Spanish, but I have made a pretty good living out of my second language.”

And that, indeed, he has done superbly!

And, on that note it’s time for – as Norma Adamo says – TAN TAN! W W W.L A RED OS N E WS.CO M

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Serving Sentences

By randy koch Randy Koch earned his MFA at the University of Wyoming and teaches writing at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

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ne of the joys of cool spring mornings in Bloomsburg is lying in bed, my eyes closed but the windows open, and listening. Before dawn a downshifting dump truck clears its throat on the dark Millville Road and a robin chirrups from the walnut tree across the street.

Later, when first light leaks around the shades, I hear the long distant moan of an eighteen-wheeler on I-80, a guttural motorcycle, a catbird’s fickle calliope in the cedar, a ruckus of crows and jays on the ridge behind the house, a cardinal’s liquidity on a utility line.

But once I’m fully awake and the static of thoughts and busyness interferes, listening is trickier and often replaced by interpretation and abstraction. Then, I usually think only in terms of naming the source, not describing the sound-the ambulance, not the wail of its siren; the garbage truck, not the whining compression of hydraulics; the mail carrier, not the metallic clang of my mailbox; crickets, not the steady creaking of their tiny beds. It’s a normal reaction, quicker, more to the point, this focusing on what sounds signify rather than on what they are, but it also has implications for the way we write.

Think of Tom Hanks’ character Chuck Noland, a FedEx systems engineer, in the movie Cast Away. After surviving a plane crash and washing up on a desert island, all his thoughts focus on survival; then, during the night he’s frightened by an unfamiliar noise, a strange thudding from the palm trees and dense undergrowth beyond the beach. Eventually he stands up, glares into the foliage, and yells, “What is that?!” The noise unsettles him because he can’t name its source much as a child can’t rationally explain creaking stairs in the middle of the night when everyone in the house is asleep. Because the child doesn’t understand that cooler

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A soprano on the rack night temperatures make wood contract and shift, he imagines something horrible coming to get him as he trembles in the dark with his head under the quilt.

Years later, despite growing up, the child who’s now an adult hasn’t outgrown this reaction though now it’s informed by experience and far more rational: identify the source or cause of an unfamiliar noise because knowing, not describing, is the key to feeling safe.

I suspect this explains why my composition students, when told to quietly listen to the room for a few seconds and then describe what they hear, respond the same way nearly every time: “The air conditioner,” they say as they point at the air handler below the windows or “The lights” as they look at the ceiling or “A car in the parking lot outside.”

Instinctively, they still try to answer the question they’ve focused on for most of their lives: “What is that?” However, to write effective descriptions, they and we must go beyond defense mechanisms and think in terms of physical sound, not just its source or abstract meaning.

One approach is to capture sound through onomatopoeia, which simply means choosing words that contain or suggest the sounds they name. For example, bees buzz, a punctured tire hisses, a firecracker bangs, the mongrel yelps when whacked with a broom, the ceiling fan whirrs, the bell over the barber shop door tinkles, and the woman’s heels click across the tile floor. The world speaks in myriad ways, and all one has to do is look in Roget’s Thesaurus for words that echo, for example, the sibilant sounds of summer in your kitchen when frying a steak, cracking open a Corona, and slipping on some spilled guacamole: sizzle, spit, splutter, fizz, hiss, squish, squelch, and, if the slip lands you on the tile floor with your Corona foaming over, splat followed by – though it’s not precisely onomatopoetic – an exasperated “Shit!”

Similarly, if the language doesn’t already include words that echo the sound we want to relate in writing, we can translate what we hear by spelling it phonetically. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds claims the blue jay makes “a musical queedle-queedle,” the scissor-tailed flycatcher a “harsh kee-kee-kee-kee,” the goldfinch a “bright per-chick-o-ree,” and the Mexican crow “a soft, croaking gar-lic.” And though the Field Guide doesn’t say so, I sometimes hear catbirds near their nest in my backyard making a low, toneless bwirk. A small brown bird, probably some kind of warbler, sings from the crown of an oak, “jergity-jergity-jergity-jergity, jergity-jergity-jergity-jeep!” The garbage man flings my trash bags in the back of the truck with a flattened fwump. And in front of Kressler’s Service Station, a mechanic starts a tractor, the pop-pop-pop-pop of its

engine reminding me of long summer afternoons when I was a teenager cultivating corn with Dad’s B John Deere.

However, because English, with its limited vowels and consonants, cannot mimic some sounds, we might compare them to something that approximates or suggests what we hear in order to bring them to life. Redwing blackbirds chime like doorbells. Sometimes my ankles pop like bubble-wrap. The thumping of the helicopter overhead sounds like Mom beating dust from rugs. And yesterday a man near an unfinished house on the other side of the Millville Road cut aluminum siding with a circular saw, its keen rising as if a soprano were being stretched on the rack.

It comes down to this: knowing is as different from describing as genetics from freckles, as glee from laughter, as design from the music of carpentry. ◆

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By Henri Kahn Contact Henri D. Kahn with your insurance questions at (956) 725-3936, or by fax at (956) 791-0627, or by email at hkahn@ kahnins.com

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Seguro Que Si

A paradox of our times ing but not a life; we’ve added years to life, not life to years.

We have taller building, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.

We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.

We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space.

We’ve split: an atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less; plan more but accomplish less.

We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait; We have higher incomes, but low-

er morals.

We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies, but have less communication.

We are long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of fast food and slow digestion; tall men and short characters; steep profits and shallow relationships; more leisure and less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition; This is the paradox of our times today. That’s why I propose, that as of today, you do not keep anything for a special occasion, because every day that you live is a special occasion.

Search for knowledge, read more,

sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to your needs. Spend more time with you family and friends, eat your favorite foods, and visit the places you love.

Life is a chain of moments of enjoyment, not only about survival. Remove from your vocabulary phrases “one of these days”. Let’s write that letter we thought of writing “one of these days.”

Let’s tell our families and friends how much we love them. Do not delay anything that adds laughter and joy to your life. Every day, every hour, and every minute is special.

And you don’t know if it will be your last. ◆

Mariela Rodriguez/LareDOS

oday, we have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; We have more degrees, but less common sense; more knowledge, but less judgment.

We have more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too often, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too little and lie too often.

We’ve learned how to make a liv-

Unveiling of Yellow Pages cover Photographed left to right are Lupita Zepeda, regional marketing manager for external affairs at AT&T, Dr. Juan Maldonado, President of Laredo Community College, District VI Charlie San Miguel, host of Spring Break Kite Festival, Guillermo Sosa, Yellow Pages cover photo contest winner, Rolando Rodriguez, Yellow Pages area market manager.

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 Continued FROM page 20 lauded the Laredo Independent School District for accommodation as her physical transition became more pronounced.

“I told my principal at Sanchez-Ochoa Elementary at the end of the year that there would be some changes in me when I came back for the new school year, that I would look different. She said she would be supportive, and she was.” Gonzalez ended the school year as Mr. Peña and came back in the fall as Ms. Gonzalez, reassigned to Santo Niño Elementary School. “When I went to talk to the human resources people for the school district, they knew the rules in the greater scheme, and they went by them,” she said, adding that in many cases the workplace can be a source of hostility. “They may not have been sympathetic to my transition, but they did not make it any harder. I submitted paperwork from my therapists and physicians and my name change letter from my attorney. I had been issued a Social Security card with my new name on it,” she recalled.

“When the new school year started, I looked more androgynous. I had changed my name, and I started looking more feminine. I had some trouble with my co-workers, but never with my students or their parents. The following year I was moved to a Headstart program. My base was at Bruni Elementary, but I was housed at Headstart,” Gonzalez said.

“If anyone had questions, HR called me in. They were very humane and not judgmental. Despite some of the narrowminded aspects of the culture of Laredo, LISD held to the idea that we work together, that we are a family, and that we work through issues with respect. The district proved wrong everyone who told me ‘Don’t do it, te van a correr.’”

The name change to Diana Lisa Gonzalez six years ago, she said, was a “liberating moment” and a giant step forward on the path to becoming a woman.

“It was like a one-way ticket. There was no going back,” she said. “There ended the conflict I’d had for so long – am I going to put on those pants today or the skirt?” Gonzalez continued.

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“My outward appearance was always male up to the point that I started on hormones, which changed my skin by making it soft and youthful. Hormones redistributed fat, rounded my shoulders, and made my breasts grow.

I took anti-androgens and estrogen to block male hormones and to produce less testosterone. I followed the guidelines of the International Transgender Association for how to transition. You have to live at least one year as a member of the opposite sex – living proactively as a woman – before a therapist will recommend sex change surgery,” said Gonzalez, who has had breast augmentation and a rhinoplasty procedure on her nose. She will undergo a sex change operation once she has accrued the funds to do so.

She continued, “This is my 10th year living as a woman. In therapy you make the decision to have the surgery. Not all transgender individuals opt for surgery.

Some go up to a certain point and then stop. Besides the steep cost of the surgery, there are psychological considerations.”

Gonzalez said her surgery will be done in Florida by Dr. Harold Reed, a plastic surgeon who specializes in transgender plastic surgery. She said she is “raising funds through donations and sponsors” for her surgery.

The decision to transition, Gonzalez said, takes place on a mental minefield.

She recounted the challenges of gender dysphoria – having lived in a body that had always felt foreign to her – and a lifetime of having been identified outwardly as one gender when inwardly she perceived herself as another.

A recent study by the Williams Institute at UCLA’s School of Law estimated that about 9 million people across the United States identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender – about 3.5 percent of the American adult population identified as LGB and .03 percent as transgender.

Gonzalez said the suicide rate for transgender individuals in transition is staggering. While the national suicide rate is three per 100,000, the attempted suicide rate for transgender/transsexu-

als is about 41 percent, according to a website called LiveScience, which also reports that about 19 percent of transgender people are “refused medical care because of their gender-non conforming status.”

Gonzalez confirmed she was refused medical care by her own physician in Laredo in her transition from Gus to Diana. “But then I found Dr. Melissa Barrera, who treated me with kindness and dignity and by the standards of care set by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.”

She said that while some insurance companies do pay for sex change therapy, hormone therapy, and surgery, most do not. “There is a lot of indifference in the medical world to transgender people, which is why it is important to find the right therapist and the right physician,” she said.

In 1987, dressed as a woman, Gonzalez went to her parents’ home to tell them she wanted to transition.

“They reacted to the great unknown, without really knowing what this meant. My father looked like he was disgusted, as though he might have shot me. His reaction was, ‘What will the neighbors say? You could have waited until I died.’ My mother tried to calm him down,” she said, adding that they were unable to process the information, obsessing instead on ‘mijito’s gay!’

“They disowned me, but later, in the tabloid talk era of Cristina and Jerry Springer, my mother made an effort to try to understand this. My parents educated themselves, and they accepted it.

My siblings came around. They invited me back into family. Love trumped all their misgivings. My mother calls me ‘mijita.’ I gave them all the space they needed to think things out, to let things fall into place. I could see them working through it. The good news, as they saw it, was that their son was not gay; the bad news was that he was now a woman.”

Gonzalez recalled, “When I married for the second time in 1992, my parents saw me as a man again. They were so happy. They told themselves it had just been a stage after all that I had gone through. When I went back to being a

woman in 2005, they were fine.”

Gonzalez moved in with her parents in 2009 when their health began to decline. “My parents had been great providers. I wanted to return the favor.

My father became less standoffish. My mother told him, ‘Mijita is spoiling us.’

I’ve learned you can’t force yourself on anyone. People who care about you and want to keep being your friend or maintain family relationships, they will come around. The others may not.”

Gonzalez retired from teaching last year. She characterized her career in education as rewarding. “God put us on this earth to make a difference. My endeavor was to teach children respect – self respect and respect for others – and perhaps another was to teach adults tolerance and to shed some of their hardwired stereotyping,” she said.

“My friends are mostly straight women. There has been a learning curve to all this – going to the women’s restroom, having men open doors for me, having men offer to pump my gas, being hit on. But at last, that’s me in the mirror.”

(You can read more about Diana Gonzalez at www.beingdiane.com) ◆ SIDEBAR (continued) In some of the reading I undertook to write this story, I came across a quote on tolerance from Coretta Scott King, who said, “I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance, and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation.”

Good words to live by, words that can change the world, especially if you give credence to the words of Kofi Annan, the seventh Secretary General of the United Nations, who said, “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance.

– María Eugenia Guerra

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Laredo Community College

Find your future and have fun at LCC this summer

By MOnica McGettrick LareDOS Contributor The temperature is rising in Laredo, and schools across town are out for the summer. If your young student is looking for something fun to do this summer, look no further!

Laredo Community College is once again offering an assortment of summer camps that appeal to kids of all ages and interests, whether it is in academics, music, the environment or sports.

Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to sign up their children now.

Environmental Science Summer Camps The Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center is once again offering its summer camps for youngsters, ages 4 to 14, who have a love for Mother Nature and the environmental wonders available at the Fort McIntosh Campus.

The summer camps are divided into four age groups: tots, ages 4 to 6; youth, ages 6 to 8; regular, ages 9 to 11; and advanced, ages 12 to 14.

The weeklong camps are underway now through July.

Camp fees range from $135 for tots and youth to $195 for regular campers and $215 for advanced campers. To register or more information, call the L.B.V.E.S.C. at 764-5701.

Volleyball Camps Young and experienced volleyball players can brush up on their skills on the court by participating in the LCC Summer Volleyball Camp, which will be offered July 16-19 in the Maravillo Gymnasium at the Fort McIntosh Campus.

Kids, ages 5 to 18, can take advantage of the knowledge and skills of Palomino Volleyball Head Coach Binny Canales, who will offer participants

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the opportunity to learn the basics of the sport and expand their talent on the court.

A morning camp, held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., will be held for beginners, ages 5 to 12. A camp for more advanced participants, ages 13 to 18, will meet from 1-5 p.m. The camp fee is $80, which includes a T-shirt if registered

by July 1.

In addition to the camp held by coach Canales, the college also will host the NCSA Volleyball Camp for elementary, middle and high school boys and girls. The camp will be led

by Matt Sonnichsen, who has 15 years of experience as a NCAA Division 1 coach.

The camp will be held July 20-21 from 2-5 p.m. at a cost of $95.

For more information or to register for either camp, call the LCC Athletics Office at 721-5326.

Child Development Summer Camp Children between the ages of 3 to 5 can learn and have fun during Summer Camp 2012 offered by the Camilo Prada Child Development Center.

From July 9-20, during the Science and Nature Camp, campers can explore science through the use of a variety of activities in a fun and natural setting that engages exploration and experimentation.

The camp will meet held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tuition, which includes breakfast, lunch and a gift bag, is $100 for the two-week session. For more information, call 794-4561.

Summer advisement, registration continue Summer session 1 is now underway at LCC, but there is still plenty of time to find your future at LCC this summer.

Students can currently register for summer session 2, as well as for the

Fall 2012 semester.

Those who not have yet been advised are encouraged to do so by calling the Student Success Center at the Fort McIntosh Campus or at the South Campus now through July 5 in order to register for summer session 2 or through August 20 in order to register for the Fall 2012 semester.

Students with a declared major can make an appointment with their instructional department in order to be advised.

Deadline for payment of all tuition and fees is July 5 for summer session 2.

The first class day for the second summer session is July 12.

To view the summer or fall class schedules, log on to www.laredo.edu and click on the PASPort icon. For further assistance, call the LCC Student Success Center at the Fort McIntosh

Campus at 721-5135 or at the South Campus at 794-4135.

LCC Summer Stock Theater Project features drama, comedy The three-play LCC Summer Stock Theater Project debuted this month at the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center theater with the critically acclaimed drama ‘Night, Mother by Marsha Norman, which opened June 14 and ran through June 17.

The hilarious comedy The Odd Couple (female version) by Neil Simon ran from June 21 to 24. The series culminated with the production of the searing thriller Extremities by William Mastrosimone, which ran from June 28 to July 1.

For more information about the Summer Stock Theater Project, call the LCC Fine Arts Center office at 7215334. ◆

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