November 28, 2014 - Progress Times Issue

Friday, November 28, 2014

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50 Cents

TXDOT HEARS CONCERNS ON SHARY EXPANSION

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By Lea Victoria Juarez

esidents along Shary Road will start seeing the expansion of their two-lane rural road into a five-lane thoroughfare as early as 2018.

The proposed project consists of constructing a 5-lane urban roadway on Farm-to-Market 494 (Shary) between State Highway 107 and FM 676 (Mile 3), including a continuous left turn lane, shoulders, sidewalks in various locations, an underground storm drainage system and drainage structures.

Representatives with the Texas Department of Trans-

portation met with residents in the area to explain the proposal and get feedback at a public hearing last week.

Because the expansion will eat away at landowners’ property, Aida and Onesimo Flores, were concerned with getting their money’s worth for the property they’ve lived on since 1978.

“We know the county is growing and things have to change. They are going to have drainage all the way to Pioneer. It’s important for that to happen,” said Aida Flores, who resides on the corner of Shary and Mile 3.

“But nobody ever wants to give up their land, especially

“The congestion is hazardous and stressful for everyone concerned, so having more room for everyone to move in a timely manner is beneficial.”

--Filomena Leo

not for free.”

Shary Road would be widened to an 84-foot-wide urban gutter roadway, consisting of four, 20-foot wide travel lanes, a 16-foot-wide continuous left turn lane, 10 foot-wide shoulders and a six-foot sidewalk where needed, within the proposed 120 foot-wide right-of-way.

However, the amount of land TxDOT acquires will not be uniform throughout, mean-

ing they may need to take 40 feet on one side and less on the other.

Out of the five alternatives considered for the project, the proposal is the only alternative that didn’t require resident or business relocations. In addition, the recommended alternative would not impact an existing cemetery. However, TxDOT does help property owners relocate if they need to.

“When there’s displacement of the actual home, the right-of-way personnel is actually not just give them money for their home and their land, but actually help them relocate to a place that is to their liking,” said TxDOT Public Information Officer Octavio Saenz. “We do not leave people to fend for themselves. We help them to the very end of the process.”

Phase I of the project consists of the roadway between SH 107 and FM 676 (Mile 5). Phase II is between FM 676 to FM 1924 (Mile 3). The Texas Department of Transportation only has funding for Phase 1, which

could start construction in 2022 or as early as 2018 if they receive funding sooner.

The road will be built with the proposed 120-foot wide right-of-way, which would require 23.9 acres of additional right-of-way. The total construction cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $10.1 million for Phase 1 and $8 million dollars for Phase 2.

When school started at Pioneer High School in August, residents along Shary Road began to see more traffic than usual, especially in the morning. The two-lane

See SHARY EXPANSION 11 Photo by Luciano Guerra

Mission aims to protect butterflies

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By Julie Silva

Buckner Care Center hosts community Thanksgiving

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By Lea Victoria Juarez aria Hernandez and her family don’t always get to sit down with a warm-cooked meal for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Depending how much money they have, the six-piece family from Peñitas may not have a meal at all. But for the last three years they gathered around the table with the traditional turkey dish and celebrated their time together.

About 1,000 people attended the Buckner Family Hope Care Center’s third annual Community Thanksgiving on Nov. 21. The

non-profit organization provides support for families living in colonias, such as Pueblo Palmas, and the dinner is just one of the events held for the residents.

Hernandez, her two children and three grandchildren adopted the Thanksgiving tradition when they moved to Peñitas from Tampico seven years ago. Although she doesn’t work steadily, she picks up odd jobs here and there to provide for her family, such as making piñatas, childcare and house maintenance.

“To go out to work, we struggle because we don’t

have a car,” Hernandez said in Spanish. “We don’t have a car to go out to work, so we make tamales. But (we) give thanks to God for what he has given us – first for our life and then for everything else.”

The Hernandez family also volunteers at the Buckner Hope Center, where they offer classes such as bow making and coupon finance.

After residents complete a leadership class, then they themselves can become leaders at the facility and volunteer by offering classes to others.

Jana Henriquez, the Buck-

ner community coordinator, said that the center has built rapport with the community since it’s establishment in 2011 and gains volunteers by word of mouth. Additionally, the organization has relations with the school district and a lot of the social workers refer the families to Buckner, she said.

Henriquez was the sole organizer for the Thanksgiving dinner, but relied heavily on the volunteers of the families and other organizations such as Crime Stoppers and First Baptist Church San

See PEÑITAS 12

INSIDE

Mission grants K-9 retirement

Tiko is being adopted by his handler, a member of the police department, and a German shepherd is being trained to take the dog’s place.

See story page 3

INDEX

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 5

Uncle faces murder charge

Authorities arrested a family member they believe shot a man at a family celebration over the weekend.

See story page 10

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

he Mission City Council has passed an ordinance establishing the city as a butterfly conservation area.

Collecting or purposely harming butterflies on public property now is a misdemeanor crime in the same way birds are protected in the city, according to the ordinance approved in October. There are exceptions allowed for educational purposes with permission of the city manager.

Deputy City Manager Aida Lerma said creating the ordinance was important to her because, with her past working for the chamber of commerce, she knows how hard the city’s worked to establish itself as an eco-tourism destination.

“We are in an area that is so rich in the species that are here that tourists do come for that,” Lerma said. “When there are some rare species that are down here, we didn’t want somebody to catch it and have other people come to look at it and, ‘Oh, it’s in the palm of someone’s hand.’

That’s just really awful.”

Marianna Treviño-Wright, executive director of the National Butterfly Center in Mission, said the center did not sponsor the ordinance, but she sees it as a good thing for the area. Before it was approved, Lerma sent a draft of the ordinance to Treviño-Wright who sent it to the National American Butterfly Center for suggestions.

The National Butterfly Center has rules, but it had no legal protection against people who capture butterflies on the property, Treviño-Wright said.

“For collectors, specifically people who want to possess those butterflies and kill them, pin them, put them under glass in their garage or something like that, they come to this region because they know that their odds of finding beautiful specimens, new specimens, unusual or stray specimens – even U.S. records – that can be done in the Rio Grande Valley,” Treviño-Wright said.

“It can be done in areas of public lands, like the Mission

See BUTTERFLIES 9

people poll President Barack Obama Issues Executive Order on Immigration

President Barack Obama recently acted on his own, without approval of Congress, issuing an executive order granting amnesty to an estimated 5 million illegal immigrants.

In response to the President’s action, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said, “This is a legal issue, not a political issue, and President Obama has crossed a serious legal line with his proposed unilateral immigration executive action. The President’s action violates his constitutional duty to faithfully enforce immigration laws that were duly enacted by Congress, circumvents the will of the American people and is an affront to the families and individuals who follow our laws to legally immigrate to the United States.”

People Poll Question: Do you approve of President Obama’s executive order granting amnesty to an estimated 5 million illegal immigrants?

To answer the People Poll question, go online at www.ptrgv.com to cast your vote. Or, email us “yes” or “no” at survey@ptrgv.com.

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

entertainment

Disney Pirates and princesses come to life Dec. 19

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ickets are now on sale for the “Pirate & Princess Adventure” of Disney Junior Live On Tour! The performance will be staged on Friday, Dec. 19, with shows at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.

Part of a 100-city tour, the top performing cable TV series for preschoolers features characters from the smash hits “Sofia the First” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” In this original storyline, Mickey and Minnie lead the audience on an exciting ad-

venture that will have families rooting for their favorite pirate, Jake, and Disney's first little girl princess, Sofia.

It begins with a special interactive pre-show featuring the loveable six-year-old doctor to toys and stuffed animals, Doc McStuffins. Children and their parents will sing the “I Feel Better” song, along with Doc as she provides tender love and care.

Audiences will then embark on a journey to the magical world of Enchancia, where Sofia, her step-siblings

Keen Christmas show heading to Las Palmas

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he Lone Star State's consistently acclaimed musical artist Robert Earl Keen is taking his "Merry Christmas from the FamO-Lee" holiday show on tour this season. He is performing with his band at Las Palmas Race Park, 9809 N. Taylor Rd. in Mission, on Dec. 17.

Keen and his band will be getting into the Christmas spirit with songs like his classic "Merry Christmas from the Family" and more.

Performing for over three decades, Keen has recorded 18 full-length albums that include different styles of country, rock, folk and bluegrass. His forthcoming

and first-ever bluegrass album, “Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions” will be available in February, 2015.

In 2012, Robert Earl Keen was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame and has written songs for music superstars including George Strait and Nanci Griffith.

Tickets, $28 for general admission and up to $49 for reserved tables, are available at ticketfly.com.

Amber and James, and the entire kingdom are preparing for the annual friendship festival. Sofia has the honor of delivering the perfect gift to her royal subjects at the celebration, and the one-and-only Cinderella visits the castle to help Sofia in her mission to find the right present.

The excitement continues when families cast away to Never Land where Jake and his Yo Ho pirate friends, Izzy and Cubby, are in a race against time to locate a mysterious treasure-filled

volcano. Danger, thrills and adventure lurk around every turn when our swashbuckling friends battle Captain Hook for the ultimate prize.

Peter Pan makes a special appearance, aiding the team in their heroic quest, and with the help of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust, Jake and his crew fly above the stage in their journey.

Ticket prices range from $15 to $47 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

La Pastorela tradition continues at MOSTHistory

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he Museum of South Texas History invites the public to celebrate the family-friendly holiday tradition “La Pastorela” (A Shepherds’ Play) on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 5 p.m.

This indoor and outdoor festival will include performances, children’s activities, vendors selling holiday crafts and traditional Mexican foods and beverages for sale. Highlighting the afternoon’s festivities and

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showing at 2:30 p.m. will be the play, La Pastorela, a fun and interactive performance that teaches the story of the shepherds seeking the Christ child.

Admission to La Pastorela is included in the regular admission price, passes excluded, and range from $4 to $7, based on age. Museum members are admitted free.

For more information, call 383-6911.

UVAL artists featured in Chase exhibit

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cALLEN – Artwork by members of the Upper Valley Art League will be featured during the coming months in the Chase Tower Lobby Exhibit in McAllen. An opening reception has been set for Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the bank’s lobby located at 200 S. 10th St. The works of 14 UVAL artists will be featured and different artists’ works will be changed out every three months.

Artwork will be available for sale, and light refreshments will served at the reception is free and open to the public.

November 28, 2014 page 2 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

December 1 Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship & Fifth Harmony come to State Farm Arena in Hidalgo for one night only.

Special guests include Rixton, Jump Smokers, MKTO, Echosmith, Jake Miller and Open Air Stereo for the evening’s lineup. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. performance. Tickets range from $29 to $75 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

December 4-6 The Memorial High School Choir presents the musical “A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol.”

Travel back in time as the cast puts on a radio show complete with live music, sound effects and a live studio audience.

Are 7:30 p.m. each night with a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 6.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at McAllen Memorial High School at 101 E. Hackberry Ave. or call 6325258 for ticket reservations.

December 5-6 Get in the spirit of the holidays by visiting Gladys Porter Zoo’s brightest event, Zoo Nights & Lights from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening to enjoy live performances from local bands and choirs while taking in the dazzling displays of approximately 150 lighted animal and holiday fixtures and 800 luminarias placed all around the zoo grounds.

Admission is $2.50 per person, or free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Zoo members get in free with their membership cards. Presale tickets are available at the Zoo office or can also be purchased at the gate on each night of the event. For additional information, call 5467187.

December 6 • South Texas Lyric Opera (STLO) marks the holiday season with its ninth annual performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” The performance takes place at the Edinburg Auditorium, 415 W. W. McIntyre at 7:30 p.m.

The story centers on Amahl, a poor, crippled shepherd boy living with his widowed mother. They encounter the three kings destined to visit the newborn Christ and through the course of the tale, the young boy is cured of his lameness due to his selflessness.

General admission tickets are $25 for pre-sale and $30 at the door. Discounted tickets of $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door are available for senior citizens age 65 and over and students. Tickets can be purchased at Cooper Internal Medicine, 801 E. Nolana Ave., Suite #12, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays or at the door the night of the performance. For ticket information, call 686-8802. For other information, call 2364588.

• In This Moment’s “Black Widow Tour” will be at the

Pharr Events Center, 3000 N. Cage, featuring Starset and Twelve Foot Ninja. Doors open at 7 p.m. All tickets are general admission for $24, available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

December 10 Cirque Dream Holidaze brings its dazzling family holiday spectacular to the Valley for one night only at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $47 to $62 and are available through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

December 13 • The Ninth Annual Christmas Parade & Toy Giveaway sponsored by the Alton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Alton begins at 11 a.m. The parade starts west of Cantu Elementary and the toys are passed out to the children where it ends at the Alton Recreation Center, 349 W. Dawes. Children age eight and under must be residents of Alton to receive a toy and have a voucher. Parents can stop by the Alton Recreation Center between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to register their children. Proof of residence must be provided. Call 432-0760 for further information.

• Estero Llano Grande State Park invites the public to “Bunuelo Bites and Christmas Lights” with Santa on the covered deck on the lake.

From 9 to 11a.m., join Santa and the park’s naturalists on a guided nature walk. From 7 to 10 p.m., walk the lighted path to the visitor’s center for crafts and activities for the kids, sing Christmas carols around the piano and stroll by the tinseled trolley to Pauraque Hall for hot chocolate and sweet cinnamon Christmas bunuelos. Park admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Call 565-3919 and to make a reservation.

• This year’s theme for the Longest Lighted Christmas Parade in South Texas is “A Christmas of Sharing.”

Marching bands, strutting groups, novelty and religious themed floats will parade through downtown San Benito from 6 to 10:30 p.m. The event includes a food drive campaign to benefit the San Benito Food Pantry. Items can be brought to drop-off points along the parade route.

Weekly Catholic War Veterans Post #1065 in Mission invites the public to their “Get Away Thursday Dance” held every Thursday evening, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. It is located at 500 W. Business 83. Music by the Electro Band provides country western, Tejano, the Oldies, cumbias and more. No cover charge. Call 583-5961 or email Doodrey@netzero. com for more information.

To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.

November 28, 2014

Police officer to adopt retiring K-9

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This Week

Tiko, a retiring K-9 with the Mission Police Department, is pictured with his handler, whose family will adopt the dog, and members of the city council. Photo courtesy of city of Mission

the first dogs to the force in the 1990s. Most larger Valley cities use dogs as part of their team now. The dogs are assigned to a handler and go to work when he works.

They get two days off a week but they work whatever shift the officer works, whether it is days, midnights or graveyards.”

Mission currently has four dogs that are used in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Some police dogs like Tiko are especially trained to search for drugs. They can also be used for tracking people at crime scenes and looking for goods from burglaries that may

have been stashed nearby.

Dominguez said there are now dogs trained to seek out explosives and smell ammunition, bomb powders, fuses and other bomb components.

Those dogs work at the international bridges.

“Having dogs working the bridge can help us detect the illegal movement of arms and ammunition into Mexico,” Dominguez said.

Dogs cost from $8,000 to $10,000, which is over the budget of smaller police forces in the Valley. But now with new region-wide cooperation policy, Mission assists smaller departments, especially in the western part of the county, by taking dogs to work crime scenes or help

with drug searches when needed.

Dominguez believes the dogs are a vital part of drug curtailment along the border because they can smell the drugs.

“Mission has 13 miles of river front to patrol and people can try to bring drugs across at any point along the river front,” he said.

A new German shepherd has been in a training program for several months and is ready to go to work to replace Tiko. Dominguez said this dog was also a donation to the city, and he hoped to get the person who donated the dog to come to Mission for a special presentation in December.

Cities provide Thanksgiving feasts to community

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By Julie Silva ity leaders in Mission and La Joya gathered Monday to provide food for needy residents in their respective communities.

Mary Salinas, member of the La Joya City Commission, her husband Mayor Fito Salinas and Church Siloe, organized the second annual Thanksgiving gathering for the community.

The group provided turkey dinners to about 700 people, about 300 more than the first year, Mary Salinas estimated, and it still wasn’t enough because they ran out of food and had to turn some people away. Next year, she said, they might need to dou-

Reminiscing...

30 Years Ago

By Kathy Olivarez fter 10 years of active duty, Tiko, a police K-9 who served the City of Mission in a variety of ways, was granted his official retirement by the Mission City Council in its Monday, Nov. 24, meeting.

Tiko’s handler, Roque Vela, and his family are adopting him. The K-9 is retiring from active service because of a lesion in the lumbar area and arthritic that limits his mobility.

Tiko, a yellow Labrador retriever, started work for the Mission Police Department in 2008; he was a gift to the city from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where he served in the military before coming to Mission.

Since arriving in Mission ,Tiko has been credited with the discovery 55 pounds of marijuana, 70 kilos of cocaine, 90 kilos of meth and $2 million. He also was responsible for the city receiving numerous vehicles due to drug-related charges.

Police Chief Robert Dominguez said the average dog works eight to 12 years before retirement. Although Tiko is a retriever, the preferred breeds for police work are German shepherds and Belgian malinois.

“Mission was possibly the first police force in the Valley to use the K-9s,” Dominguez said. “Former Police Chief Patrick Dalagher brought

page 3

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

A La Joya resident poses with a turkey he won in a raffle at a community feast hosted by the city of La Joya and Church Siloe. Progress Times photo by Julie Silva

ble the amount of food they make again.

“Last year, we just decided that we’re going to do something for the com-

munity because sometimes you give out turkeys, but not everybody gets one, and we wanted to make sure that everybody got something,”

Mary Salinas said. “I consider our city our family, so this is our family.”

As the event wound down Monday evening, Police Chief Geovani Hernandez called out winners of free turkeys and chickens.

Siloe Pastor Rosita Treviño said those involved receive great satisfaction from the event, and it encourages members of the community to attend the church, which sometimes has members meet at city hall early in the morning to pray for the city.

“The church loves the community, and God wants us to share and save souls,” Treviño said.

This year, Salinas said,

See FEASTS 11

Mission Eagles received All-District recognition The Mission Eagles placed six players on the District 325A first and second All-District teams.

Frank Padron, senior nose guard and anchor of the rugged Mission defense all year, was selected by coaches in the district to the first all-district team. Obed Jimenz, a junior tackle, was picked by opposing coaches for a firstteam spot on the offensive unit.

Four landed on the second team: Greg Soliz, a senior on offense; and Dan Navarro, a senior; Hector Flores, senior linebacker; Greg Carlson, junior cornerback, on defense.

La Joya seniors were granted a trip to Disneyworld Permission was given by La Joya school board in spite of the fact that the trip set a precedent as the first out-ofstate trip for a senior class from La Joya.

Then-superintendent Miguel de los Santos questioned the wisdom of the move,

saying it might encourage future senior classes to try and out do one another, and he’d heard plans by the freshmen class to work toward a trip to Acapulco.

A jury found 2 former Irrigation District employees not guilty A Texas Rangers investigation into charges made for personal items on water district charge accounts resulted in a three-week trial.

Attorneys for Reynaldo Ruiz, former general manager, and Lee Roy Alaniz, former office manager, had argued that water district employees had made such purchases for years, a practice of “effective consent.”

Prosecution argued Ruiz and Alaniz had no intent to repay the expenses.

Defense attorneys, which included Chuy Hinojosa and Ramon Garcia, also argued that Ruiz and Alaniz were targeted by a newly elected Anglo-majority board over the irrigation district, which replaced a Mexican-American centered board.

opinion TEXAS

John Cornyn TIMES

Thankful For those who serve

By U.S. Sen. John Cornyn Republican-Texas

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s Texans gather with our loved ones and friends in the coming days to celebrate Thanksgiving, I am reminded that so many of our blessings would not be possible without the contributions of our men and women in uniform— past and present—and the families who support them from the homefront.

From a young age, I was fortunate to learn the value of military service from my father, a career Air Force officer who served as a B-17 pilot in World War II. On his 26th mission over Germany, he was shot down by the Nazis and spent several months in a POW camp before General Patton’s troops freed him and his fellow service members. He instilled in me a love for our country and a deep respect for those who serve. Likewise, I learned these valuable lessons from my father-in-law, who stormed Utah Beach 70 years ago. We sadly lost him earlier this year, and he will be sorely missed by all of us this Thanksgiving.

Indeed, the many freedoms we enjoy have been secured since the birth of our nation by men and women willing to risk everything for this country. Each summer, I have the privilege of meeting our next generation of military leaders, when I host an annual send-off ceremony to recognize the young Texans joining our nation’s military academies.

They represent some of the brightest and most determined young people in our state, and we’re fortunate that they choose to dedicate their talents and make a commitment to serving our country. I’m thankful for their willingness to serve, and I’m encouraged by their incredible potential.

As these young men and women don their crisp uniforms for the first time, they are linked in spirit to the generations of great American patriots who came before them. Though much has changed—including the enemy, the battlefields, and the weaponry—the values and courage of our service members remain the same.

I see that commitment, that sense of duty, and that

bravery in the faces of every warrior I meet—from the nation’s oldest living veteran, Richard Overton, who at 108 years young resides in Austin, Texas, to a soldier I met at Fort Hood who was injured by the senseless shooting that rocked that close-knit community earlier this year. Still in recovery at the hospital, this young hero wrote a note that to me represents the spirit and dedication of all his fellow service members. He wrote: “Sir how's everyone doing? Let everyone know I'm doing good and we'll all get through this as a family/ team.”

As Texans give thanks for our blessings, I hope each of us will count among our greatest blessings the men and women who have and continue to place their lives in harm’s way to ensure our freedoms, our safety and our way of life. We give thanks for their service and the sacrifices their families have made, and we pray for the safe return of those who are miles from home.

May God bless you and yours abundantly this Thanksgiving.

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November 28, 2014 page 4 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

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STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — President Barack Obama on Nov. 20 announced his decision to take executive action on immigration because Congress has not acted on immigration reform to address the presence and inflow of undocumented residents.

“In order to temporarily stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation, these undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and unlawful permanent residents would have to: Have been here 5+ years, pass a background check, pay taxes,” according to information posted by the White House.

Gov. Rick Perry reacted, saying, “The president’s action tonight will lead to more illegal immigration, not less.”

Governor-elect and Attorney General Greg Abbott said he is prepared to challenge the president in court. Two days before the president’s address to the nation, Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus jointly announced their decision to extend funding for the ongoing law enforcement surge at the Texas-Mexico border through the end of the current fiscal year, which ends Aug. 31, 2015.

Listed as sources of $86.1 million in funding for the extended border security operations are $13.7 million in disaster funds, $47.9 million in Texas Department of Transportation general revenue bond debt service, $17.5 million in Texas Public Finance Authority bond debt service, and $7 million in Emerging Technology Fund revenues.

The three officials said they took action “having established the model for securing the border in the absence of federal action.” Funding from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Military Forces and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, to

secure the presence of personnel along the border, is subject to approval by the 10-member Legislative Budget Board at its Dec. 1 meeting. Perry, Straus and Dewhurst are members of that board.

“This approach provides an important bridge to the 2015 legislative session,” Straus said. “The state’s law enforcement agencies will have the tools and technology they need to continue an enhanced presence on the border. Meanwhile, this funding will allow members of the next Legislature to evaluate the state’s border security strategy during the session and make adjustments if necessary.”

According to the governor’s office, funds for the DPS would include the addition of such items as new shallow-water patrol boats “to expand the surge footprint beyond the Rio Grande Valley Sector.”

Van de Putte resigns to run State Senator Leticia Van de Putte declared her candidacy for mayor of San Antonio and announced her resignation from the Senate on Nov. 19. Van de Putte, a Democrat, ran for the office of lieutenant governor in the Nov. 4 general election, losing to Republican Dan Patrick of Houston. A pharmacist by trade, her legislative career began in 1990 when she was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. In 2000, she was elected to the first term of her 14-year tenure in the Texas Senate.

State Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, has indicated interest in running for mayor of San Antonio, the nation’s seventh-largest city. State Reps. Trey Martinez-Fischer and Jose Menendez, both San Antonio Democrats, have announced their candidacies for the Senate District 26 seat being vacated by Van de Putte.

Chair comments on frack ban Texas Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick, in a Nov. 12 statement, said the passage of a ban on hydraulic fracturing by city of Denton voters in the Nov. 4 general election “has caused a bit of an uproar.”

“As a result of last week’s vote,” Craddick wrote, “it’s less likely a reasonable model of peaceful cooperation will be available to the people of Denton. In the meantime, Denton County will lose jobs, tax revenues, business development, and the other economic benefits that come with oil and gas production, our state’s most iconic and lucrative industry. Hydraulic fracturing “has never contributed to a single instance of groundwater contamination in our state — never,” she wrote, adding, “Let me be clear: The voice of the people of Denton should not be overruled; rather, cities and state regulators should work together to fulfill their responsibilities to the people. In the end, a solution that keeps the local and state economies strong and the will of Denton’s citizens intact is not only possible, but an obligation.”

Debt information is posted State Comptroller Susan Combs on Nov. 20 announced the posting of updated “Debtat-a-Glance” Internet pages at texastransparency.org. Internet users can use the site to view debt information for all water and municipal utility districts in the state, Combs said, and called it a major milestone in her efforts “to shine a light on government spending.” Posted is debt information for 2,106 water and municipal utility districts and an updated bond election table with the recent results from the Nov. 4 elections, Combs said.

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2014

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2014 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.

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Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.

lifestyle

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Bentsen Holiday Kickoff is Dec. 6

ommemorate the holiday season at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and World Birding Center with the Bentsen Holiday Kickoff with an array of activities from 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The family-oriented fun includes pictures with Santa

(parents bring their camera), kid’s bike parade, holiday caroling, scavenger hunt, holiday-themed Geocache game, Jr. Ranger journals, nature backpacks, touch tables, crafts, games, tram rides and a special stargazing program after dark.

Binoculars and bicycles

are available for rent at the park store for those who don’t have their own, and fishing is free as there is no fishing license or stamp is required to fish in the park’s Resaca.

The park is located at 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive. Call 584-9156 for more information.

Free Society News Announcements Quinceanera, engagement, wedding, milestone anniversary* and milestone birthday** announcements are run FREE of charge in the Progress Times.

The quinceanera, wedding, anniversary and birthday announcements should be submitted no later than two months after the event date. Engagement announcements must be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the wedding date.

Quinceanera and milestone birthday photos are upper body, single column of the individual only; no group shots. Engagement, wedding and anniversary photos of the couple are run two columns in size.

For questions or to obtain the appropriate form to submit with a photo, send an email to communitynews@progresstimes.net, call the Progress Times at 585-4893. Please include a contact name and phone number for all inquiries.

Events Calendar

Dec ember 2 –The Mission Historical Museum will begin accepting entries on Dec. 2 through Jan. 23, 2015, for its Ninth Annual Quilt Show. Quilted items may be submitted weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Museum will be closed Dec. 24 and 25, and Jan 1. Quilted items may be submitted in six categories. The exhibit opens on Saturday, Jan. 10, and runs through Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. An awards reception will take place on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Contact the museum at 580-8646 for more information to enter a quilt. MHM is located at 900 Doherty in downtown Mission.

Dec ember 3 – The Edinburg World Birding Center will present “Nocturnal Mammals” at 6 p.m. This is the fourth program in a six-week series. The series is geared for adults, but families with children ages 10 and up are welcome. Reservations are required at least two days prior to the program, as space is limited. The fee is $3 for members and $5 non-members. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria. To register, or for more information, call 381-9922.

Dec ember 4 – The holiday edition of Art After Dark at the Intermational Museum of Art & Science runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Create perfect wreaths and bows to keep or share for Christmas presents. Seats are limited to 25 people and is only for ages 21 and up. Cost is $40 for IMAS members and $45 for nonmembers. All supplies are included. Call 682-0123 to pre-register. IMAS is located at Nolana and Bicentennial in McAllen.

Dec ember 4 – Buckets of Fun, “Fun with Nature Tree,” runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, for preschool children and their parents. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for kids and seniors. From 6 to 7 p.m. paint reusable canvas bags with the staff. Admission is $5 per person. Call 681-3370 for more information.

Dec ember 5 – The Mission Computer Club will meet at 10 a.m. in the Speer Memorial Library Community Room. Focus is on Windows, but Mac, Linux and computer “gadgets” are also addressed. Demonstrations with question and answer time are part of each meeting. All levels of users are welcome to attend, an meetings are free. Contact Edna Morales at the library at 580-8478 for more information.

Dec ember 6 – Commemorate the holiday season at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and World Birding Center with the Bentsen Holiday Kickoff with activities from 1 to 8 p.m.

The family-oriented fun includes pictures with Santa (parents bring their camera), kid’s bike parade, holiday caroling, scavenger hunt, holiday-themed Geocache game, Jr. Ranger journals, nature backpacks, touch tables, crafts, games, tram rides and a special stargazing program after dark. The park is located at 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive. Call 584-9156 for more information.

Dec ember 6-7 – Kids can get into the holiday spirit creating their own miniature gingerbread houses at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana in McAllen. There is a limit of 25 people per session. All supplies are included. Register in advance by calling 682-0123 or stopping by the IMAS frnt desk. Cost is $8 for IMAS members and $10 for nonmembers. Call 682-0123 for more information.

Dec ember 6 – Explore the world of rocks with “Raiders of the Colorful Rocks” at 2 p.m. at the Edinburg World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Budding geologists and naturalists can learn the basics of geology and how different rocks are formed and create rocks out of used crayons. The fee is $3 for adults and $2 for senior citizens, students and children age 6 and up. For more information, call 381-9922. Reservations are recommended at least two days in advance.

Dec ember 10 – The Upper Valley Home Owners Association will hold their regular monthly meeting on at 9 a.m. at Twin Lakes RV Park for tax purposes. All Winter Texans are invited.

Dec ember 10 – The Edinburg World Birding Center will present “Astronomy and the Night Sky” at 6 p.m. This is the fourth program in a six-week series. The series is geared for adults, but families with children ages 10 and up are welcome. Reservations are required at least two days prior to the program, as space is limited. The fee is $3 for members and $5 non-members. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria. To register, or for more information, call 381-9922.

Dec ember 11 – Buckets of Fun, “Fun with Holiday Gifts,” runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset in McAllen, for preschool children and their parents. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for kids and seniors. It’s the “Home for the Holidays Concert from 6 to 7 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Call 681-3370 for more information.

Dec ember 13 – The Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild meets 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at South Texas College, 400 N. Border in Weslaco, Building G, Room 191. Use parking Lot 1. For additional information, call Rene Darkis at 812-890-1572.

Dec ember 13 – A Christmas Bazaar scheduled in at Heavin Memorial Park on the Resaca in San Benito offers food and drink booths, along with arts and crafts items for sale. Food, arts and crafts and corporate vendors are welcomed. Call 361-3804, Ext. 301, to sign up.

Registration forms for parade entries and vendors will be posted on Oct. 15 at www.cityofsanbenito.com.

Dec ember 13 – Market Days in downtown San Benito runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Batts Street & Railroad Tracks with local vendors, live music and food. Call 361-3804, Ext. 302 or 304, for more information.

To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.

Keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility. If you observe suspicious activity or witness a crime, be a good neighbor and report it to the police. And remember, you don’t have to give your name or personal information to report a crime.

November 28, 2014 page 5 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Accepting entries for annual Mission Quilt Show

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he Mission Historical Museum will begin accepting entries on Dec. 2 for its Ninth Annual Quilt Show.

Entries will be accepted at the Museum from Tuesday, Dec. 2, through Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Museum will be closed Dec. 24 and 25, and Jan 1.

Quilted items may be submitted in six categories: hand-quilted bed quilts; machine-quilted bed quilts; mixed media (quilted items which incorporate non-tra-

ditional materials); wall hangings; wearable art; and miscellaneous (decorative or utilitarian items). The show is open to all quilters. Quilts and wall hangings must be ready to hang with a sleeve for display purposes.

Entries are accepted on a first-in/first accepted basis.

Because of limited space, the museum reserves the right to close entries before the deadline. Only one item may be submitted per person. Any quilt entered in this show within the past five years is not eligible this year.

The quilts will be judged

by a panel of independent judges, with ribbons awarded for first, second and third places in each category.

Best-of-show and Viewers’ Choice ribbons will also be awarded.

The exhibit opens on Saturday, Jan. 10, and runs through Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. An awards reception will take place on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at 2 p.m.

The Mission Historical Museum is located at 900 Doherty in downtown Mission. Admission is free. For more information, call the museum at 580-8646.

most recent national contest held November 14 to 20. A total of 2,896 schools qualified for the contest that included 66,793 students from around the nation.

Not only did Bryan Elementary School come in first place, two of the top ten students in the nationwide contest came from Bryan. Ramon Sotelo III placed second, and Bella Guerra placed third.

Six other students from Bryan Elementary School placed in the top 50 in the na-

tion: Brandon Molina, 14th; Adrian Salinas, 21st; Anthony Mendoza, 31st; Kayla Rodriguez, 32nd; Christian Aguilar, 42nd; Larissa Lopez, 49th.

Unlike previous Sumdog contests, this one required the students to complete their work after school. Sotelo answered 1,000 questions correctly. Guerra answered 999 correctly. The Bryan Elementary School team averaged 982 questions answered correctly.

Bryan students place first in national math competition

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ne of the tools being used by students at Bryan Elementary School is not only helping them work on their Math skills, but it is also showing they can compete, and beat students from around the nation.

The students just won a national contest hosted by Sumdog.com, a website with free online Math games designed to improve mental math fluency. Bryan Elementary School placed first in the

Distinguished honors Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) cross country head coach William Proctor and two of his team members were honored Nov. 13 by the Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association (RGVCA). During the “Meet of Champs” banquet held in Edinburg, Proctor was honored as the boy’s team Coach of the Year. Cross country team member G.J. Reyna was recognized as the Male Athlete of the Year and was also named to the group’s first team. Fellow team member, Fabian Garcia earned an honorable mention and was named to the group’s second team. The VMHS cross country team earned a district championship this season, and advanced to the state cross country meet, finishing in fourth place. Pictured from left to right are Reyna, Proctor and Garcia.

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Rattlers D sets sights on Cedar Park in Regional playoff

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By Luciano Guerra hey’re called the “Death Squad” and as of late they’ve been living up to their name. The Sharyland Rattlers defensive unit’s ominous sounding nickname may at first glance seem to be a bit over the top but the demise of their last three opponents says it all.

With three consecutive shutouts, two in the playoffs, it’s been almost a month since anybody has scored on Sharyland’s defense. The string of 12 consecutive quar-

ters without allowing a score began in the Rattlers’ district finale against Rio Grande City. In that game the Sharyland defense held Rio Grande to only 31 rushing yards and 43 passing yards en-route to a 38-0 win.

The Death Squad’s next victim came in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

Edcouch-Elsa mustered up only 106 yards of total offense against the Sharyland D as the Yellowjackets saw their season come to an end by a score of 29-0. After the Rattlers to shutout two Valley

Rattlers #51, Rudy Tornero muscles in on a Pioneer runner during the first Snakeskin Classic this past season.

Progress Times photo by Doug Young

teams in a row, it was their most recent 28-0 win over the Corpus Christi Calallen Wildcats, one of the state’s perennial powerhouses, in the Area round of the state playoffs that has given the Death Squad the credibility it deserves.

In his second year as Sharyland’s defensive coordinator, Craig Krell explained the key to their success.

“I think that what’s making us so successful right now is the fact that the kids are buying into what we’re doing,” explained Krell.

“They’re understanding the roles they have and they’re executing them. Not every kid is going to make every play, but they’ve bought into the fact that if they do their job it allows somebody else to make a play. They’re doing it well and they’re playing as a team.”

“Our 9-5-90 strategy is something that our defensive line coach Marcelino De la Fuente brought in,” added Krell. “It involves getting nine players within five yards of the ball 90% of the time.

That’s what we preach. It’s all about getting to the football because good things are going to happen if somebody misses a tackle or something doesn’t go the way it’s supposed to as long as we have everybody hustling to the football.”

Having advanced into the third round of the playoffs for the third year in a row, the 11-1 Rattlers will be facing off against the 9-3 Cedar Park Timberwolves tonight at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio. With the Timberwolves’ high powered offense that has averaged 55 points over their past five games, Krell knows that it’s going to take a total team effort to keep Cedar

Park’s scoring to a minimum.

“Our front seven has been doing a very good job of helping us with the run and putting pressure on the quarterback.” Krell said. “Against an offense like Cedar Park’s it’s going to take a complete effort by all 11 guys every play of the game to keep them in check. The more pressure we can put on them up front the better off we’re going to end up.”

As one of Sharyland’s defensive captains, senior linebacker Rudy Tornero has been instrumental in the Rattlers’ defensive dominance over the past three seasons.

When asked what adjustments the Rattlers’ defense will be making to try stopping Cedar Park’s offense Tornero said, “We don’t change much from week to week. We do game plan for each opponent based on their offensive strengths and schemes and we make whatever adjustments we need to make to stop them.”

If the Rattlers win tonight’s game they would be the first Sharyland team to advance to the fourth round of the playoffs. To this Tornero said, “It would mean so much. I’ve been on the varsity since I was a sophomore so I know what it feels like to get to the third round and lose. We all want to make history and we want to make a statement that not only Sharyland but Valley teams can go further in the playoffs.”

Aaron Serna shows his tenacity holding on the feet of a Laredo Alexander runner October 24.

Progress Times photo by Doug Young

Senior defensive end Aaron Serna is another of the Rattlers defensive captains.

While he sees the fact that the Timberwolves have been lighting up the scoreboard recently as a challenge, he doesn’t see it being an unsurmountable one.

“It’s going to come down to us playing together and getting to the ball by executing 9-5-90,” said Serna.

“Calallen was scoring a lot of points too and so have other teams we’ve played, but we’ve held them so why not Cedar Park too?”

Tonight’s regional round playoff game against Cedar Park is scheduled to kick off at 7:30. It’s being played at Heroes Stadium which is located at 4799 Thousand Oaks Dr. in San Antonio.

the first time in school history. Their 17-14 bi-district round win against the Donna Redskins meant that the Patriots were just one win away from achieving their goal, but with the state’s sixth-ranked Flour Bluff Hornets next on their schedule it just wasn’t meant to be as Veterans Memorial’s season came to an end with a 55-28 loss to the Hornets.

While Patriots head coach David Gilpin would’ve loved to have upset Flour Bluff and still be alive in the playoffs, he is by no means disappointed in the team that earned Veterans Memorial High School its second football championship in five years.

“Our four losses this season came to teams that made it into the second round of the playoffs and three of them are still alive in the third round,” explained Gilpin. “Sure we would’ve loved to have beaten one, two, three or even all four of those teams but the bottom line is that those were very good teams that we lost to and where they are in the state playoffs is evidence of that.”

Gilpin accepts the Patriots’ season-ending loss to Flour Bluff.

“The bottom line is that the better team won the football game,” said Gilpin. “We had our game plan in place and we did our best to motivate the kids in hopes of pulling

off a shocker but Flour Bluff was simply better. There’s an old saying that goes, ‘If you lose a close game you may have been out-coached but if it’s a blowout you were probably out-horsed,’ and we were simply out-horsed on Friday night.’”

While seniors like quarterback Santos Villarreal and running back John Garcia played a big part in the Patriots’ success this season Gilpin credits all of his seniors for the roles they played in the team’s achievements.

“Every single senior has had a major impact on our program, on what we’ve done and in my life,” shared Gilpin. “To single out anybody really wouldn’t do justice to them all but obviously your top kids are going to be missed, those that have produced on the field for the past two, three or four years. The good thing is that our seniors this year are going to be leaving with a gold ball in the trophy case. They’re leaving as champions.”

Palmview Lobos Last year, the Palmview Lobos managed only one win against nine losses. To say that they had a turnaround season in 2014 would be an understatement.

With a 7-1-1 record over their first nine games the Lobos were assured of their first ever playoff appearance with two games to go. While losses to McAllen Memorial and McAllen High to close out the district schedule was not the way head coach Mage Requenez would’ve preferred to enter the playoffs, a 21-17 win over Laredo LBJ in the bi-district round had Palmview in the area round of the playoffs. That however would be as far as the Lobos would go as their historic season came to an end as a result of their 56-6 area round loss to the Weslaco East Wildcats.

When asked what led to such a dramatic turnaround in just one year Requenez said, “It was a combination of several things. First of all, we were very committed during the offseason. Secondly, the kids set their goals and we told them that as long as they were committed to doing what it took to achieve those goals we would put them in a position to achieve them.”

“It came down to the kids believing in themselves,” added Requenez. “We then made sure that we put every kid in a position to shine and to perform to the best of their abilities.”

Patriots and Lobos Bi-District Champs

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By Luciano Guerra he Veterans Memorial Patriots’ and the Palmview Lobos’ football seasons both came to an end last week in the area round of the state playoffs but not before putting together successful, and in the Lobos’ case, historic seasons.

For Veterans Memorial this season marked the second time in school history that a Patriots team has won a bi-district championship. For Palmview their 2014 season will be remembered as the first time in school history that a Lobos football team had a winning season, qualified for the playoffs, won a playoff game or earned a bi-district championship.

Veterans Memorial Patriots After posting a 3-1 non-district schedule then dropping their district opener to the Sharyland Rattlers, Veterans Memorial put a string of four wins in a row together to clinch a playoff berth for the third year in a row. A 39-12 loss to Edinburg Vela to close out their district schedule left the then 7-3 Patriots as District 31-5A’s third seed in the playoffs.

Having been eliminated in the first round of post season play the previous two seasons, the Patriots set out to achieve their season-long goal of advancing into the third round of the playoffs for

November 28, 2014

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obituaries

Juan Garcia LTON - Juan Garcia, 92, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. He was born in Mission on Jan. 29, 1922.

Mr. Garcia was a member of San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton and one of its first founders.

Survivors include his children, Eva Palomo, Victoria Garcia and Juan Jose Antuna; siblings, Fermin Garcia, Sofia Elizondo, Alicia Vargas and San Juanita Vargas; and seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro Garcia and Dolores Garcia, and his wife, Guadalupe De Anda Garcia.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. at San Martin de Porres. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Juan Manuel Hernandez Sr. ISSION - Juan Manuel (Meme) Hernandez Sr. passed away on Nov. 20, 2014, after a 14-year battle with cancer.

Mr. Hernandez was born in Pharr and raised his family in Mission. He worked for over 30 years with Southwestern Bell and went on to work for the Texas State Park and Wildlife Service for five years. He was a United States Marine veteran, served two tours during the Vietnam War, and remained active in veteran affairs throughout his life.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Elena; sons, Juan Manuel Jr. and Luis Eduardo; daughter, Maria Elena Guerrero; mother and stepfather, Eloisa Garcia Salazar and Rogelio Garcia; siblings, Dr. Adela Valdez, Jesus Valdez, Pedro Valdez and Ruben Valdez; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Hernandez; stepfather, Juan De Dios Valdez; and grandson, Juan Carlos Guerrero.

A funeral mass was held on Nov. 25 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans

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Cemetery in Mission.

Pallbearers were Juan Garza, Edward Cottrell, Apolonio Ortiz, Jaime Castillo Jr., Manuel Rodriguez and Robert Garza.

Eva Rios de Mendez ISSION - Eva Rios de Mendez passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014.

Survivors include her daughters, Rosa Maria Mendez and Maria Luisa Mendez; brother, Jesus Rios; sister, Rebeca Laraand; and two grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rogelio M. Mendez, and sons, Remigio Mendez and Rogelio Mendez Jr. A funeral mass was held on Nov. 22 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.

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All obituaries must be submitted by the funeral home. Obituary notices are run FREE OF CHARGE in the Progress Times if they are submitted in a timely manner to run the same week of the date of death. Otherwise, there is a fee for notices submitted later than the closest possible publication date.

Late obituaries will be subject to a $50 charge.

Notices

Catarino Barrera PEÑITAS - Catarino Barrera, 59, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Luz Flores PALMVIEW – A funeral service for Luz Flores was held on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, at Lord and I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Interment followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Mission.

Betty J. Foster MISSION - Betty Foster, 89, passed away on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at her home in Mission. A memorial service was held on Nov. 23 at First Christian Church in Mission.

Maria Alejandra Hernandez MISSION - Maria Alejandra Hernandez, 50, passed

DPS urges Texans to drive safe during holiday season

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USTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to drive responsibly and take extra precautions to help keep roadways safe during the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. “Unique challenges – including increased traffic, possible winter weather and impaired driving – can make holiday travel particularly challenging and potentially dangerous,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “DPS troopers will be working around-the-clock to protect travelers on our roadways, and drivers must do their part and always drive sober.”

DPS troopers will be patrolling Texas roadways throughout the holiday weekend to promote safety and identify dangerous drivers.

During the Thanksgiving weekend in 2013, DPS troopers arrested 387 individuals for driving while intoxicated, issued 6,848 speeding citations, 804 citations for no insurance and 704 seat belt/child safety

BUTTERFLIES

Historical Museum. For example, they planted a butterfly garden, so someone could conceivably just camp out away on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at her home in Mission.

Jacqueline Lenoir MISSION - Jacqueline Lenoir, 79, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at The Bridges in Mission.

Daniel Lewis MISSION - Daniel Lewis, 88, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, at his home in Mission.

Phillip Linder MISSION- Phillip Linder, 77, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

John Paul Richmond Sr. MISSION - John Paul Richmond Sr., 78, passed away on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 at Rio Grande Regional Hospital.

seat citations. DPS patrols also resulted in 244 fugitive arrests and 187 felony arrests during the same time period.

DPS offers the following tips for safe travel during the Thanksgiving holiday: • Don't drink and drive.

Designate a driver or take a cab.

• Slow down – especially

in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.

• Eliminate distractions, including the use of mobile devices.

• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it's the law.

• Slow down or move over for police, fire, EMS and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks that are stopped

on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it's the law.

• Don't drive fatigued – get plenty of rest before trips or take breaks as needed.

• Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.

Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.

Giving a lift to four-footed friends The Mission High School DECA Chapter took on a community service project this year to help four-legged friends who find themselves at the Palm Valley Animal Center. Called the DECA Pet Rescue, students worked to raise awareness of the needs of the animal shelter. Pictured are some of the MHS DECA students as they worked on donation collection boxes for the pet food and toy drive that lasted a month. Twelve DECA students recently delivered the 306 items of food and toys for the animals housed at the animal shelter and attended an orientation to become certified to do volunteer there. For more information, about animal fostering, adopting, or volunteering at Palm Valley, call 686-1141. It is located at 2501 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg.

there and collect whatever they wanted. This ordinance prohibits that. The state parks and the national wildlife refuges, they’re already protected … You can’t take anything from there.”

On top of diminishing the enjoyment of others who want to see certain species of butterflies, she said collecting the insect interferes with their life cycles and ability to reproduce. Treviño-Wright said she’s had to call law enforcement because of poachers on the property.

Another part of the ordinance approved by the city prohibits the release of commercially farmed butterflies, like the ones kept cold in envelopes for release at events.

The National American Butterfly Association has long supported banning the practice, Treviño-Wright said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has regulations regarding shipping and distributing farm-raised butterflies, but nobody’s policing

it, she said.

USDA allows Monarchs and Painted Ladies to be shipped all over the United States because there are plants across the country that can sustain them, but if released at a wedding in the dead of winter up north, even if they are warm enough to take flight, they’re not going to be able to find a live plant, said Treviño-Wright, adding “You’re basically sentencing them to death.”

She said disease and genetic defects are easily spread in a controlled environment, comparing butterfly farms to puppy mills.

There’s a greater chance that something could go wrong, Treviño-Wright said.

“People may think, ‘Oh, big deal. It’s an insect,’” she said. “But we wouldn’t do that to Texas tortoises. We wouldn’t do that to a bunch

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of bees or garden snakes.

I think people in general do not support any type of wholesale harm to wildlife.

It’s just getting them to see butterflies as wildlife.”

She encouraged teachers who have butterfly gardens at their home to bring in eggs or caterpillars to class. It’s best to find them in the wild like that instead of commercially, Treviño-Wright said, adding that the center has a memorandum of understanding for Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s third- and fifth-grade students to take an environmental science field trip there.

“We know the ordinance is not intended to be a hammer. It’s not intended to punish people,” Treviño-Wright said. “It is intended to educate people, and we commend the city of Mission for doing that.”

Happy Thanksgiving

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 4501 N. McColl. - McAllen CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 29th & Dove - McAllen 618-0884 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 1 Mi. N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1300 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. Mission • 735-2569

ROAD TO SALVATION ASSEMBLY OF GOD 239 W. 2nd St. - La Joya 1312 Oblate • 585-3261

OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223

SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno 279-4159

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002

IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission • 279-4159

ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325

IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623

IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193

ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005

IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst

PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

585-3203

SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078

FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 4122 N. Conway • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008

IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898

PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787

PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 St. Marie. • 585-8651

MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683

PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307

NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 585-4122

RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838

NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. 3 Mile Line • 585-0146

Mission • 580-4551

ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA

ATTORNEYS AT LAW DAVID H. GUERRA NEAL KING (retired) DARRELL DAVIS ESMERALDA GARCIA (retired) 301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNKLY, VALENTINE, NEWLY, BENDITO & FRITZ)

TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway • 581-4981 or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya THE DOOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

810 E. Veterans & La Homa Suite F.

Palmview Crossing Plaza 212-1594/424-1984

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3701W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 WEST MISSION LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP Pleasant Valley Ranch 7320 W. Exp. 83 • Mission 583-7667 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

MISSION

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 





 

PADRES OBLATOS

THE MISSIONARY CATECHIST OF THE POOR: SR. LUPITA THE SISTERS OF ST. DOROTHY: SR. CINDY, SR. COLLEEN DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZABETH, SR. BIBIANA & SR. MADONNA †DEACON AYALA, DEACON CASTANEDA

TIME TO BE GRATEFUL! LET’S MAKE TIME TO AWAKEN OUR HEARTS TO THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST INCARNATED AND GROWING IN OUR LIVES AND FAMILIES! “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions).

Saturday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 A.M. Sunday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 A.M. Sunday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass . . . .(Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex)6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 P.M.

CONFESSIONS

Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:00 P.M. Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3:00 P.M.

620 DUNLAP, MISSION, TX • 585-2623 ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST.)

page 10

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

Uncle faces murder charge in rural Mission shooting

H

By Julie Silva idalgo County investigators believe a family gathering turned deadly over the weekend in an argument over money.

At about 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, sheriff deputies were called out to the 7000 block of Military Road outside of Mission. Jorge Valero, 30, had been shot once in the head and was found dead outside a house.

Valero’s family had gathered Friday, Nov. 21, at around 2 p.m. to celebrate a birthday or a birth, said sheriff’s office spokesman Joel Rivera, adding “there was a lot of drinking being done.”

When authorities arrived on the scene, they were told

a car had pulled up in the early morning and shot at the house, hitting the victim in the head.

Everyone at the house was questioned as a witness, and Rivera said investigators eventually arrested Javier Garza Amaya, Valero’s uncle.

“As the investigation unfolded, our investigation shifted from him being a wit-

ness to a suspect … His story wasn’t quite right,” Rivera said. “(Officers) worked until they culminated their investigation with a confession of the accused.”

Valero was shot with a 9 mm gun, and Rivera said the weapon has been recovered.

Officers believe the shooting occurred during an argument between the two over money owed to Amaya from one of Valero’s acquaintances.

Pct. 4, Place 2 Justice of the Peace Homer Jasso arraigned Amaya Monday on a first-degree murder charge and set his bond at $1 million.

Rivera said he understands Amaya has a prior conviction for murder in Mexico, but the county has no way of corroborating that fact.

November 28, 2014

Abbott: Immigration lawsuit could come in two weeks

By Terri Langford The Texas Tribune

A

state lawsuit challenging President Obama’s executive order shielding as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation could come from Texas in the next two weeks, Gov.-elect Greg Abbott said during a Monday press conference.

“Most everyone agrees that the immigration system in America is broken,” Abbott said. “Similarly, most agree that executive fiat is

not the right way to fix it."

Added Abbott: “The president must follow the law just like everyone else."

Obama's order means that undocumented parents of children in the country legally are eligible for a reprieve from deportation proceedings if they pass background checks, pay taxes and have been in the country for more than five years.

That could affect as many as 533,000 undocumented immigrants in Texas, about 40 percent of the state’s population. Another 92,000 re-

side with children who are not citizens but could be in the country legally.

Abbott said he plans to reach out to other state governors and attorneys general over the next two weeks to come up with a plan to counter Obama’s Thursday executive action. Whether or not they sign on will not affect Abbott's decision. Asked if he will file suit against the federal government, something he has done 33 times before as attorney general, Abbott said the “odds are in favor.” Thirty of those lawsuits have been filed against the Obama administration.

Abbott said Obama “crossed a line” with last week’s announcement; the president's action has been heavily criticized by Republicans who say he overstepped his constitutional authority. Obama said Congress left him no choice when its members refused to come up with a way to reform immigration and pass a bill.

Some legal experts doubt that Abbott could successfully challenge the president's order with a lawsuit.

Bruce Buchanan, a government professor at the University of Texas who specializes in public policy and presidential politics, said last week that the president’s action is not unconstitutional based on previous actions and interpretations of the Constitution.

“It’s not expressly forbidden,” he said. “There are very few things expressly allowed or forbidden it the Constitution when it touches the president. So no, I don’t think that argument holds water.”

November 28, 2014

SHARY EXPANSION from pg 1

rural road now has to accommodate traffic heading toward the 1,300 to 1,500 student-populated school.

The Sharyland Independent School District Board held a meeting Monday to discuss the Shary Road expansion where they approved the resolution in support of the roadway widening improvements.

“As progress calls for these sort of matters, the state and TxDOT are very vigilant,” Interim Superintendent Filomena Leo said.

“They’re watching traffic patterns all the time, so I’m glad that they’ve responded now to help us ease the prob-

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

lem here at Pioneer.”

Board member Fernando Ramirez has personal frustration with the current traffic situation on Shary Road between Mile 7 and Mile 5 – his morning travel route. Although he is appreciative of TxDOT’s efforts to improve the situation, he has doubts on the two-phase project.

“From this perspective, I wish we were working on 3 mile line to 7 mile line already because it’s only going to alleviate a little problem,” he said. “But if you don’t (fix) it all the way to 3 mile line, you’re putting a band aid on the problem.”

One of Ramirez’s concerns is the lack of a turning lane on Mile 6. Don Ausmus, who lives between Mile 6

and Mile 7, expressed this same sentiment at the TxDOT public hearing Nov. 10.

Ausmus said he nearly got hit head-on when trying to turn into his house.

Leo said she is aware of the overcrowding that occurs on FM 494, specifically near Pioneer High School, and is thankful there haven’t been car accidents in the area.

“The congestion is hazardous and stressful for everyone concerned,” Leo said.

“So having more room for everyone to move in a timely manner is beneficial.”

Before construction can start, TxDot will conduct an environmental survey, which could take about 18 months.

Phase II funding should become available in 2030 or

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NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALES, Aladdin Villas, Stewart Rd., Mission, TX, December 5th & 6th, 7am-1pm.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on December 15, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: 33.49 acres out of Lot 24-3 & 27.97 acres out of Lot 24-4, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (P) Public Zone; Rezoning: The East 1 acre of the West 6 acres of the North 16.65 acres of the South 21.65 acres of Lot 195, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-3) Multi-Family Residential; Rezoning: Lot 7, Block 119, Mission Original Townsite Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C-3) General Business; and Rezoning: Lot 3, R & E Lopez Subdivision, from (R-1) Single Family Residential to (C-3) General Business Abandonment of right-of-way easement on a 1.93 acre tract out of a 2.18 acres tract out of Lot 19-3, West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, as requested by Mission Real Properties, Inc.

2032, according to TxDot Pharr District Engineer Toribio Garza, but he is confident they shouldn’t have to wait that long. TxDot anticipates funding will come through Proposition 1, which Texas voters approved in the 2014 election. Proposition 1 is a constitutional amendment that approved more funding for transportation in Texas.

TxDOT employees will evaluate the comments they received and will be taking comments through email or phone call until Dec. 1 All documents and layouts will be on display at the district office in Pharr and on their website.

“We’re growing as a state and we estimate that we

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ORDINANCE NO. 4167 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE MANUFACTURING AND REPACKAGING OF DIPS IN A C-3 ZONE, 2401 S. SHARY ROAD, STE. K, LOT 1, RIVERSIDE PLAZA AT SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION AND LOT 33, RIVERSIDE ESTATES AT SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION, PH. I READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 24TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

F&F Subdivision Being a 10.28 acre tract of land, more or less, consisting of that certain 9.23 acre tract of land, more or less, carved out of Lot 253, Bentsen Grove Subdivision Addition “B”, and in part, being a replat of all of Lots 43 & 44, said Palm Country Estates Subdivision If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Anna Carrillo, City Secretary.

NOTICE TO PUBLIC/PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MISSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FY 13-14 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (DRAFT) Notice is hereby given that the City of Mission’s Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the 2013-14 fiscal year is available for citizens’ review and comment. The Citizens Advisory Committee will hold a public hearing on December 09, 2014, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas at 5:30 p.m. Interested parties are encouraged to attend and make their views known. The document will be available for review at the Community Development Department, 1201 E 8th Street, Mission, Texas during normal working hours. The CAPER is a document required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which contains a summary of resources and accomplishments of the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Comments may be submitted to the Community Development Office, 1201 E. 8th Street, until December 15, 2014.

For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at (956) 580-8670.

Persons with disabilities or non-English speaking who need to communicate more effectively and who may need auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired are asked to contact the Community Development Department at (956) 580-8670 three working days prior to any meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

AVISO AL PUBLICO / AUDENCIA PUBLICA Se hace saber que el Ayuntamiento de Proyecto de Mission Consolidado de Rendimiento Anual y el Informe de Evaluación (CAPER) para el año fiscal 2013-14 está disponible para revisión y comentarios de los ciudadanos. El Comité Consultivo de Ciudadanos llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el 09 diciembre de 2014, en el Consejo de Cámaras Ayuntamiento, 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, Texas a las 5:30 p.m. Se convoca a las partes interesadas para asistir y conocer sus opiniones. El documento estará disponible para su revisión en el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario, 1201 E 8th Street, Mission, Texas, durante las horas de trabajo normales. El CAPER es un documento requerido por el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de EE.UU., que contiene un resumen de los recursos y los logros del Programa de Subsidios Globales para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG). Los comentarios pueden ser enviados a la Oficina de Desarrollo de la Comunidad, 1201 E. 8th Street, hasta el 15 de diciembre 2014.

Para obtener información adicional, póngase en contacto con el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario (956) 580-8670 Las personas con discapacidad o no habla Inglés que necesitan comunicarse de manera más efectiva y que pueden necesitar ayudas o servicios auxiliares, tales como intérpretes para personas sordas o con discapacidad auditiva se le pide ponerse en contacto con el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario al (956) 580-8670 tres días hábiles antes de cualquier reunión para que los arreglos apropiados se pueden hacer.

grow 1,000 new Texans every day,” Garza said. “We’re a very business-friendly state and it’s attracting a lot of people. We can certainly

FEASTS

page 11

look with our municipalities of speed limits and look at that as we continue to grow.

Widening these roads and improving them.” from pg 3

they wanted to make sure every house received an invitation and spent three days going door-to-door to put the word out to the community.

“It’s awesome when we put God first,” she said. “Everything we do in politics and our daily lives, we try to make Him the center.”

Meanwhile, in Mission, city department heads gathered to prepare boxes full of Thanksgiving staples – a frozen turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, veggies and rolls.

They’d identified 50 families

in a community on Mile 2 they believe wouldn’t otherwise have a hot meal over the holiday.

Joining the city were sponsors like Keystone Construction, Foy’s Supermarket and Escalera Wrecker.

“We’re very blessed to have the opportunity to be here today and give back to these 50 families, and they’ll have a smile on Thanksgiving when they get together with their families,” City Manager Martin Garza said Monday afternoon.

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The City of La Joya will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday December 09, 2014 at 6:00pm at City Hall located at 101 N. Leo Avenue, La Joya, Texas 78560 to discuss and solicit input on the amendment of Ordinance 2014-03 to Exclude and Include Extra Territory Jurisdiction to the Annexation of Future Northern Development. A service plan and map of the proposed annexation will be presented at the public hearing in accordance with State Law. The Public is invited to attend.

All comments will be considered, the proceedings will be conducted in Spanish if required by attendees.

For more information please come by City Hall or contact us at 956-581-7002. Written comments may be forwarded to Mike Alaniz, City Administrator, City of La Joya, P.O. Box H, La Joya, Texas 78560.

page 12

November 28, 2014

www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com

PEÑITAS

Isidro. Since the inaugural event, the number of attending families has risen.

“What makes it very special is that this is the only opportunity for a lot of our families to have a Thanksgiving meal as a family together, actually seated at a table, having a great time and relaxing,” Henriquez said.

“We know that for some of our families this might be the only turkey that they receive for the Thanksgiving holiday, so we really put all our effort for this event for this to be really nice to them.”

Families gathered under the dining tents in the drizzling weather and lined up one-by-one to receive their meal. Attendee Maria Gutierrez, a 35-year-old originally from Reynosa, also adopted the American holiday with her family when she moved to Peñitas 12 years ago. Even though she enjoys the dinner and dessert served to them, her favorite part is the people.

“We do have a dinner, we do something at home, but a lot of people aren’t able to have something like this,” Gutierrez said. “It’s a great blessing for the community, above all else.”

Like Hernandez, Gutierrez and her family also vol-

from pg 1

unteer at the Buckner center and accumulate Buckner Bucks that they can use at Buckner’s Christmas Market. The representatives at the Hope Center are aware that many of the families also don’t get to participate in the gift-giving aspect of Christmas due to financial reasons, so they set up a market at the outreach center with household necessities.

“For coming to each class or participating for any kind of event at the center they get points. At the market we have anything from hygiene items to clothes and blankets,” Henriquez said. “It just helps them to understand that we can’t pay them with money, but they can also help themselves by just helping out the community.”

Even though Gutierrez, her husband and four daughters celebrate the holiday at their own home, they continue to return to the community dinner as a reminder to be appreciative for what they have.

“I just want to give thanks for making an event every year,” Gutierrez said as she motioned to the other families gather under the tent.

“It’s an event you can share with different people and it’s a blessing for many people.”