Friday, December 5, 2014
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LA JOYA ORDINANCE DRAWS FIRE FROM DA
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By Julie Silva
hen the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1, District Attorney Rene Guerra fears Hidalgo County could slide down into a pit of gambling and pot smoking as he leaves office. Guerra made his prediction this week in light of an ordinance approved by the city of La Joya regulating the use of amusement machines in the city. The ordinance, approved in September, allows businesses to pay a fee for a permit to run 8-liner machines, or maquinitas, de-
vices resembling a slot machine. “If this county allows open gaming, they might as well open smoking parlors for marijuana, but that’s the new DA’s problem. That’s not my problem,” said Guerra, who was voted out of office in the March primaries after more than three decades in office. Under La Joya’s ordinance, owners of amusement machine establishments would be subject to a $2,500 annual permit fee as well as a $1,000 fee per machine quarterly. Another $300 monthly fee per machine also is due
quarterly. Other cities in counties like Duval, Nueces, Zapata and Starr have similar ordinances requiring fees. In fact, Gregory, a town of about 2,300 outside of Corpus Christi, depended on the nearly $800,000 in revenue from amusement machines in 2012 to keep from going into bankruptcy. La Joya Mayor Fito Salinas said the city’s been studying the issue for a year, after administrators learned that the city of Falfurrias was making $1 million annually through the fees. He talked to the Zapata County judge,
who told him the same thing. He said the city met with attorneys and talked with folks in San Benito, La Feria, Lyford and Santa Rosa – all cities in which similar ordinances have been enacted. “We’ve done a lot of research,” he said. The legalities of maquinitas have long been a subject of debate in Texas, where gambling in itself is illegal, which means owners of the establishments are not allowed to pay out winners in cash prizes. In 1993 the state Legislature passed an amendment to the Texas Penal Code re-
garding games of chance. The amendment, dubbed the “fuzzy animal law,” allows non-cash prizes of “not more than 10 times the amount charged to play the game or device once or $5, whichever is less.” Guerra said it would be impossible for 8-liner owners to pay the estimated thousands of dollars in fees if they weren’t rigging the machines. Just on the $300 fee alone, he said, 100 machines would cost a business $36,000 a year, and that’s not including the cost of the building and employees. “How can you afford to
pay La Joya $1,000 a machine and not be stealing?” Guerra asked. “Where am I going to get the money? I’m going to get it from the dumb people who play these machines that are not regulated. Are some people going to win? Yes, but the vast majority of the people are going to lose. They’re going to lose their checks. They’re going to put their family members on welfare.” And if they’re not illegal, Guerra argued, why can’t teenagers play them? “If they’re amusement
See 8-LINERS 11
Former JP takes plea deal, gets 10 years probation
Mission church prepares to share its blessings I
By Julie Silva
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By Julie Silva t started as a movement four years ago before Centro Familiar Cristiano even had a building to call home. Church leaders wanted to teach the congregation’s youths to give back. They adopted a nearby colonia with about 50 homes and presented the church with a plan to hand out toys to needy children. More adults got involved, offering to give out hot dogs, chips and drinks. One woman wanted to hand out candy and another who owns a warehouse that sells used clothes offered to hand out clothing. Four years later, Centro Familiar Cristiano has a more permanent home near Conway Avenue and Mile 2 and their annual toy giveaway has grown to hand out 500 toys. “It brings the church together,” said Juan Arevalo, youth pastor. “We are a church that’s united, and it makes us stronger. Everybody’s excited to give.” Already this year, bikes
line the church sanctuary and bags of toys fill the front office. Last Sunday, Pastor Jaime De La Garza asked members of the congregation to each contribute $5 to the cause. The second year of the toy giveaway, church leaders planned to hand out goodies outside the church; however, the weather didn’t cooperate and it was moved inside, where families filled the pews. Arevalo remembered the church becoming packed at 4 p.m. when the event wasn’t scheduled to start until 5:30 p.m. The church has even sent out vans to people who call and ask for a ride, Arevalo said. They sang Christmas carols, received toys, and at the end of the event, De La Garza shared the message of Jesus Christ. One year a man just showed up with a bag of soccer balls and told them to give them out. This year’s toy giveaway is open to the public and scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec. 13
See BLESSINGS 12
ABOVE: Youth at Centro Familiar Cristiano stand with bikes already collected for this year’s toy giveaway. Pictured, from left to right, are Hope Arevalo, Johnathan Arevalo, Faith Arevalo and Rebecca Ramirez. BELOW: Bags of toys are ready for distribution to local children.
INSIDE
Mission to light up Christmas
Mission’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration will be held today at Leo Peña Plazita in downtown Mission from 6 to 9 p.m. See story page 10
INDEX
Entertainment | pg. 2
Walmart Save money. Live better.
Lifestyle | pg. 5
®
Electrical engineer wins photo contest
The North American Butterfly Photo Contest, hosted for the second time by the National Butterfly Center, saw twice as many entries as its inaugural year. See story page 3
Opinion | pg. 4
Sports | pg. 8
n exchange for pleading guilty to bribery and money laundering charges, Ismael “Melo” Ochoa, former Hidalgo County justice of the peace, received 10 years probation. A plea deal offered by the district attorney’s office dropped additional charges of engaging in criminal activity. 370th District Judge Noe Gonzalez also ordered Ochoa, who had served as justice of the peace in west Hidalgo County for more than 20 years, to pay a $30,000 fine and $5,000 in reparations to the county. District Attorney Rene Guerra said any public official facing these types of charges should get jail time, but taking into consideration all of the circumstances, he had to offer probation in hopes of catching bigger fish. He declined to give details on the bigger fish. Ochoa, former justice of the peace Pct. 3, Place 2, was arrested and charged with bribery, money laundering and organized criminal activity in October, weeks after abruptly resigning from
people poll
office. According to the indictment, Ochoa accepted money from Julio Armando Davila, then a bail bondsman, to reduce bonds for inmates once around Nov. 9, 2011, and a second time around June 1, 2012. The indictment states between January 2010 and Aug. 1, 2012, Ochoa possessed between $20,000 and $100,000 of funds gathered through criminal activity. Ochoa ran unopposed for reelection to the office in the March primaries. He also did not have a Republican opponent in the November election, so he had to submit a second resignation letter formally relinquishing his seat. Former Peñitas Mayor Marcos Ochoa, no relation to Melo Ochoa, was appointed to the JP seat. Marcos Ochoa declined to comment on Melo Ochoa’s guilty plea. “We’re doing the very best that we need to do to keep the judge’s office running and serving the public in the best possible way, so we can have the confidence of the people,” Marcos Ochoa said.
Former JP Melo Ochoa receives 10 years probation
Justice of the Peace Ismael “Melo” Ochoa served the west Hidalgo County community more than 20 years before he abruptly resigned from office in October, submitted a two-sentence resignation letter to County Judge Ramon Garcia. He soon was indicted on bribery, money laundering and engaging in criminal activity charges and pleaded guilty this week to bribery and money laundering. According to the indictment, Ochoa accepted money from Julio Armando Davila, then a bail bondsman, to reduce bonds for inmates between January 2010 and August 2012. 370th District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez sentenced Ochoa to 10 years probation, a $30,000 fine and $5,000 in reparations to the county as suggested by the district attorney. People Poll Question: Do you believe justice was served through Melo Ochoa’s plea agreement? 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. 11
Classifieds | pg. 13
MerryChristmas Closing on Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. • Re-Opening at 5 6 a.m., Dec. 26
215 E. 3 Mile Rd. Palmhurst • 519-8453 | 1705 Exp. 83 Peñitas 580-6840 | 2410 E. Exp. 83 & Shary Rd. Mission • 580-3394
entertainment Celebrate a “Merry TubaChristmas”
Swinging in the season Ring in the holiday season with the “Big Band Christmas Concert in the Park.” The original Dean Canty Band will perform on the front lawn at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen at 6 p.m. on December 11. The concert features contemporary Christmas songs and other favorite gems with 18 swinging musicians and one lovely female vocalist, led by trumpeter Canty. The band performs music in the style of the older and some of the contemporary big bands. Canty, an alumnus of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, has appeared as first trumpet with Bob Hope, Julio Iglesias, Vikki Carr, Jerry Lewis and many others. Tickets are available in advance or at the gate for $5 per person at Quinta Mazatlan. For more information call 681-3370.
December 5, 2014 page 2 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
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DINBURG – The Rio Grande Valley community is invited to enjoy an oompah-good holiday time at the annual RGV TubaChristmas concert presented at The University of Texas-Pan American on Sunday, Dec., 7 at 2 p.m. in the UTPA Fieldhouse. The concert, which is free and open to the public, features instruments in the tuba family, including sousaphone, baritones and euphoniums played by musicians ages 8 to 80. The instruments' intricate sounds flow from the festive horns often adorned with Christmas season decorations. Concert goers will enjoy traditional holiday favorites from "Silent Night" to "Jingle Bells" and more. All UTPA tuba and eu-
phonium majors will also assist and play in the event. This year's special guest artist for the concert is Matthew Murchison, who is solo euphonium with the River City Brass Band in Pittsburgh, Pa. and considered one of the world's best euphonium/tuba musicians. “TubaChristmas is a music concert held in cities worldwide that celebrates those who play, teach and compose music for instruments in the tuba family," explained UTPA Associate Professor of Music Dr. Scott Roeder, who co-coordinates the annual event with Jim Egger, head band director at McAllen High School. The first TubaChristmas was founded in 1974 by legendary tubist Harvey G. Phillips to honor his tuba teacher
and mentor William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day. More than 300 musicians played that day at New York City's Rockefeller Plaza ice skating rink and started a tradition that continues to grow. Any musician can play in a TubaChristmas as long as he or she plays an instrument in the tuba family. The RGV TubaChristmas has been held annually for more than 25 years. More than 350 high school and junior high school students and educators from almost every public school district in the Valley from Roma to Brownsville participate making it one of the largest TubaChristmas events in the country. For more information or special accommodations, call 665-3471.
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and Friday, Dec. 11 and 12, at 7 p.m. A 2 p.m. matinee will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13. Doors will open 30
minutes before each show. Tickets are $5 for students
December musical and play showcase MCISD high school talent
he choir and drama departments of Mission High School (MHS) and Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) will shine after months of hard work in two, separate productions that will be staged this weekend and next. VMHS: The Great Gatsby The Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Harlequins Drama Club students put their best foot forward in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, “The Great Gatsby.” The opening performance takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at the VMHS Theater located on the campus at the corner of Mayberry and Mile Two Rd. in Mission. Adapted for the stage by Simon Levy, their production begins with jazz musical numbers to help set the scene for romance, tragedy, and scandal. The classic love story and drama is complete with song, dance and grand sets. Performances continue the next weekend, Thursday
See TALENT 5
Coming Attractions
Daily • Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights is open nightly with trolley rides through the lights, dinners provided by school organizations and service groups, with varied entertainment nightly. Visitors may walk and drive through the lighted scenes on their own through Dec. 31 or purchase a trolley ticket at the drop-off point. The dinner, entertainment and trolley ride combination is available for $12. The combination tickets are sold only at the State Farm Arena. Call 843-5311 for information or
stop by the box office. December 5 • Edinburg will hold its annual holiday festivities starting with the annual Tree Lighting at the city courtyard, 415 W. University Drive at 6 p.m. The Night of Lights Parade follows at 7 p.m. The parade starts on the corner of University Drive and Sugar Road and marches to the Town Square (courthouse parking lot). The parade, led by the Budweiser Clydesdales, features local bands and businesses.
See COMING ATTRACTIONS 5
December 5, 2014
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www.progresstimes.net | www.sharylandtimes.com
Electrical engineer uses math to win butterfly photo contest
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By Julie Silva n electrical engineer from Massachusetts won the Grande Prix title this year in the North American Butterfly Photo Contest, hosted for the second time by the National Butterfly Center. Marianna Treviño-Wright, executive director center, said it received nearly double the number of entries as last year and they were better quality. “We don’t care how old are you; we don’t care what kind of device you’re using,” Treviño-Wright said. “We don’t care about any of that as long as it’s a wild, free-flying butterfly that could be found in North America.” This year’s winner, Jonathan McElvery stumbled into photographing butterflies.
GRANDE PRIX WINNER
He took up photography as a hobby, enjoying the mathematics of timing and lighting. In order to spend time with his wife, he joined their local botanicl garden and began taking photos of the plants. “The truth is flowers can
get a little boring,” he told Treviño-Wright. “I started shooting super-macro and trying different angles, shooting through things, always working on ways to make my subject more interesting, and that’s when the butterflies caught my eye.” McElvery began researching the butterflies he photo-
graphed, wanting to know which butterflies were attracted to which flowers and which butterflies could be found in the different seasons. That’s how he found the National Butterfly Center’s contest and submitted, Lady in Purple. “I like this image for it seems, to me, that this butterfly has a personality,” McElvery said. “I’ve caught it in the act of reaching to sip a drink, and he’s glancing ahead, looking at me. The focus is square on the eye, and it’s clear we see each other.” This year’s interest went through five rounds with the judges, narrowing down submissions until six finalists and a runner up were named. The runner-up was Lorquin’s Admiral by Tarena Thomas and the six finalists were: Gray Hairstreak by Patsy Russo, Monarch by James Shover, Empress Leil-
PALMHURST MUNICIPAL COURT
Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week
Jesse Torres was coming home for New Year’s Day Jesse Torres Jr., a freshman at La Joya High School, underwent a bone marrow transplant from his 10-yearold sister Melissa at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Hospital in Seattle. Jesse had struggled three years with aplastic anemia, a medical disorder that would not respond to chemical treatment. La Joya and Sharyland football players were named all-district Sharyland Coach Bucky Rodriguez was named Coach of the Year in District 323A and senior Mike Rodgers was selected to the first team offense and first team defense, in addition to being named co-most valuable
player on defense with Narciso Vasquez of Lyford. In all, 16 Rattlers were named to the team, including Tony Farias at tight-end, Juan Zuniga at tackle, Jerry Martinez at guard and Hiram Martinez at down lineman. The La Joya Coyotes placed five players on the District 16-4A All District team. Efrain Hernandez, a 155-pound senior running back and Isidro Casanova, 165-pound senior wide receiver were named first team. W.H. (Bill) Abrams was named 1985 Shrine President W.H (Bill) Abrams of Mission, an electronics manufacturing executive, was elected for 1985 president for the Nomad Shrine Club.
Amnesty Period November 10 – December 31, 2014 During this time, the Judge will dismiss the “Failure to Appear” charge on defendants who have failed to appear before the Court provided the defendant pays all fines and fees in full immediately. The amount dismissed for the “Failure to Appear” charge may be up to $206.
➢ Pay Online:
www.go2gov.net/go/palmhurst
➢ By Mail:
4417 N. Shary Rd., Palmhurst, Texas 78573
➢ In Person:
We accept cash, money orders, cashier’s checks
➢ By Phone:
(956) 583-2695
RUNNER UP
lia by Chris Bowman, Diana Fritillary by Chris Bowman, American Snout by Conne Wragge and Karner Blue by Grey Dysart. McElvery received the $500 grand prize, the runner up received $250 and the runners up eac received $100. The fee to enter the contest is $15 and each entrant can submit up to five photos online.
Entries are accepted in September and the photos can be taken anytime in the previous year. To enter next year, view the full rules and restrictions for the North American Butterfly Photo Contest at www. TexasButterfly Festival.com, where one may also view the gallery of winners for 2014 and 2013.
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opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
USTIN — Police responded to reports of gunfire in the capital city’s downtown area around 2 a.m. on Nov. 28. An estimated 100 shots were fired in about 10 minutes, hitting buildings including the Mexican consulate, police headquarters and the federal court building. No pedestrians, motorists or building occupants were reported injured in the incident. An armed suspect identified as Larry Steven McQuilliams, 49, of Austin, was shot and killed when he was confronted by an Austin police officer near police headquarters. Bomb squad officers searched McQuilliams’ parked vehicle and found small propane tanks of a kind the suspect may have used in a failed attempt to set the consulate building afire. Perry extends drought proclamation Gov. Rick Perry on Nov. 24 announced the renewal of the emergency disaster proclamation he originally signed in July 2011, certifying that exceptional drought conditions posed a threat of imminent disaster in specified counties in Texas. This month, the proclamation applies to 92 of the state’s 254 counties. In contrast, the proclamation applied to 98 specified counties in the month of October. The drought proclamation directs that “all necessary measures, both public and private” as authorized by state law “be implemented to meet that threat” and “all rules and regulations that may inhibit or prevent prompt response to this threat are suspended for the duration of the state of disaster.”
December 5, 2014 page 4 www.progresstimes.net NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Noted public servant dies Former state Sen. Ray Farabee, D-Wichita Falls, died Nov. 20 at his home in Austin. Farabee, 81, served as a member of the Texas Senate from 1975 to 1988. He resigned from office in 1988 to accept a position as general counsel for the University of Texas System. His son David Farabee, D-Wichita Falls, served as a state representative from 1999 to 2011. A Dec. 5 memorial is scheduled in the state Capitol Senate Chamber burial will be in the Texas State Cemetery on Dec. 6. Illegal fishing is targeted Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on Nov. 21 announced its Law Enforcement Division and the U.S. Coast Guard are distributing a wanted poster seeking any information related to illegal fishing activities along the Texas-Mexico border. According to the announcement, “both agencies are investigating multiple cases of Texas and federal conservation law violations, including illegal long lining,
gill netting, crabbing, hoop netting, shrimping and other offenses.” Citizens are urged to report suspected illegal fishing by calling the Operation Game Thief hotline, 1-800792-GAME. Jobless rate decreases Texas Workforce Commission on Nov. 21 reported the state’s economy added 35,200 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in October and over the year, Texas added 421,900 total nonfarm jobs, setting a record for jobs added in Texas for the third consecutive month. Eight of 11 major industries added jobs in Texas over the month, led by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities with 17,500 jobs added in October. According to the agency, Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area had the lowest October unemployment rate in the state at 2.5 percent; Odessa MSA came in second at 3.0 percent; and Amarillo MSA ranked third at 3.5 percent.
Gov. Rick Perry this week highlighted the ongoing need for the state's border security operations, and called on Congress to quickly pass a bill to provide the resources necessary to secure our southern border. In the absence of adequate federal resources, the governor reiterated Texas' commitment to using all available tools to enforce the law, and announced an executive order directing state agencies to use E-Verify to check the employment eligibility of current and prospective employees.
"Texas' increased law enforcement presence in the border region is all the more necessary as the federal government continues to ignore the very real issue of border security in favor of political posturing on immigration," Perry said. "It's clear now more than ever that Congress must finally pass a bill that dedicates the necessary resources to securing our border, once and for all. Without border security, immigration reform is a fruitless exercise." E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows
Texas leads 17-state coalition challenging President Obama’s executive order on immigration
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USTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued the following statement after taking legal action challenging President Barack Obama’s immigration executive action: “The President’s unilateral executive action tramples the U.S. Constitution’s Take Care Clause and federal law. The Constitution’s Take Care Clause limits the President’s power and ensures that he will faithfully execute Congress’s laws – not rewrite them under the guise of ‘prosecutorial discretion.’ The Department of Homeland Security’s directive was issued without following the Administrative Procedure Act’s rulemaking guidelines and is nothing but an unlawfully adopted legislative rule: an executive decree that requires federal agencies to award legal benefits to individuals whose conduct contradicts the priorities of Congress.
“The President is abdicating his responsibility to faithfully enforce laws that were duly enacted by Congress and attempting to rewrite immigration laws, which he has no authority to do – something the President himself has previously admitted. President Obama’s actions violate the Take Care Clause of the U.S. Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act, which were intended to protect against this sort of executive disregard of the separation of powers.” States’ legal challenges to the President’s executive action: • The executive action on immigration conflicts with the President’s constitutional duty to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” The Take Care Clause limits the scope of presidential power and ensures that the chief executive will uphold and enforce Congress’s laws – not unilaterally rewrite them under the cover
of “prosecutorial discretion.” • The DHS Directive failed to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act’s required notice and comment rulemaking process before providing that legal benefits like federal work permits, Medicare, and Social Security be awarded to individuals who are openly violating immigration laws. • The executive action to dispense with federal immigration law will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis along the southern border, which will affect increased state investment in law enforcement, health care and education. The States’ case was filed in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas. The multistate coalition includes Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
employers to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S. The governor noted improvements to E-Verify that have streamlined the system and improved its accuracy. While 17 state agencies already use E-Verify, the governor's executive order expands its use to all state agencies under control of the Governor's Office and all those with whom they enter into contracts for services to determine the work eligibility of employees and subcontractors. Additionally, the governor noted that following the
dramatic influx of unaccompanied minors that illegally crossed into Texas over the summer, Texas has updated its contingency plan for dealing with potential mass migration scenarios. The governor noted that President Obama's announcement of executive action granting amnesty to millions in the U.S. illegally makes a mass migration scenario more likely than ever before. Perry was joined at the press conference by Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, who discussed the significant im-
pacts of the ongoing, stateled surge operation - dubbed Operation Strong Safety - in the Rio Grande Valley. Since the beginning of the operation in June, weekly apprehensions of illegal aliens by federal authorities have dropped dramatically in the area of operation - with most recent figures showing an approximately 73 percent decrease. This week, the Legislative Budget Board voted unanimously to continue funding Texas' enhanced border security presence through August 31, 2015.
Perry: Congress must act immediately on border security
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TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
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lifestyle New exhibit showcases dresses from regions of Mexico
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he Mission Historical Museum has opened an exhibit of traditional Mexican dresses from six regions and seven states of Mexico who are partners with the City of Mission and Mission’s Sister Cities Organization. The display covers the states of Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Quintana Roo, Jalisco, Coahuila, Mexico and Sinaloa. It will be on display through Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 in the main lobby of the Museum at 900 Doherty, in Mission. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free,
and donations are welcomed. In 1956 President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded Sister Cities International, an organization that could be the principle of peace and prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the world. The mission of the organization was to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. Today, Sister Cities International continues to expand its reach to new and emerging regions of the world. It dedicates a special focus on areas with significant opportunities for cultural and educational exchanges, economic partnerships and hu-
manitarian assistance. Since 1956 there have been nine U.S. presidents who have served as the honorary chairman of Sister Cities International. Locally, Mayor Norberto Salinas and the Mission city council have been consistent advocates of the organization, along with a volunteer group of citizens, who have formed long term relationships with people from cities and communities throughout Mexico. There are a wide variety of traditional Mexican dress styles. Each state and region has its own customs and traditions with a representation of art that makes them unique
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Mike Blum on guitar accompanied the crowd throughout the ceremony. Chris Voss teamed up with Rabbi Kogan on their guitars in a special rendition, often bringing on laughter, of “Bless Me.” From across the Valley they came and participated: Bishop Daniel Flores, Archdiocese of Brownsville; Father Amador Garza, rector of the Basilica of San Juan; Captain Luis Melendez, the Salvation Army of McAllen; Rev. Chris Voss, First Central Church of McAllen; Dr. Sam Simon, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Edinburg; Dr. Amin Ibrahim, Alkhair Islamic Society, McAllen; Valerie Ramirez, Bahá’i; Sister Norma Pi-
mentel, executive director of the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande; Brice Chandler, McAllen West Stake president, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and Rabbi Claudio Kogan, Temple Emanuel. Touching moments as those in the military were honored, quiet moments giving thanks for this land, world, friends, family, thoughtful moments praying for our enemies, and hilarious moments as Debbie Friedman’s “Thanksgiving Song” was sung, were felt
Feast of Faiths
By Roda Grubb
od was in His glory last Tuesday night, Nov. 25, as people of faith from across the Valley gathered as one when Temple Emanuel of McAllen opened their doors for the annual Community Thanksgiving Service. From Jewish to Protestant, Catholic to Mormon, Bahá’i to Islam, the people of the faiths came to celebrate in gratitude with song, sermons and laughter. Over 80 people raised their voices together to “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America,” as well as old favorites such as “We Gather Together” and “This Land is Your Land.”
Spend a ‘Night in Bethlehem’ and relive first nativity
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he public is invited to Trinity Worship Center’s Live Nativity drive thru this weekend to get a sneak peek to the Night in Bethlehem event they have planned for next weekend. The drive thru will take place Friday Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The church is located at 4801 N. Cage in Pharr. The following weekend the Night in Bethlehem interactive experience is set for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, from 6:30
to 9 p.m. Families can travel back in time to experience the night of the first nativity: walk down the streets of Bethlehem, visit the marketplace, see the potter, taste the bread, hear the angels, talk with Mary and Joseph at the manger scene and even pet a donkey or lamb. Refreshments will be served and several area choirs will perform, including the PSJA North Corral and the Sweet Adelines. Call 792-8154 for further information.
See FEAST OF FAITHS 13
Remembering Pearl Harbor and 9/11
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here will be a program to remember Pearl Harbor Day and the Sept.11 attacks at the Veterans War Memorial of Texas, 29th and Galveston, in McAllen on Sat. Dec.6, at 10 a.m. Guest speakers will be McAllen Fire Chief Valdez who will talk about the 9/11 attack and first responders, and Tony Cordova, a USMC Vietnam combat veteran will speak about the attack at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Also in attendance will be Clyde Eidson, a WWII Submariner who was at Pearl Harbor the day of the attack. For more information, call Jan Hartzog at 605-3486.
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.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
• The Harlingen Jaycee’s illuminated Christmas Parade runs down Jackson Street from 4th Street to “E” Street at 6 p.m. The theme this year is “A Country Christmas.” December 5-6 • 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 5-7 • 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 throughout the zoo grounds. Children can have their picture taken with Santa Claus, decorate a gingerbread cookie or make a holiday craft at the Zoo’s education department booth, shop at the arts and crafts show or make run on the hot chocolate and churros. 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. Pre-
sale 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 • The Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and World Birding Center Holiday Kickoff runs from 1 to 8 p.m. The family-oriented event includes pictures with Santa, 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. • 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 Inter-
nal 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 236-4588. • 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. • The annual Port Isabel Parade of Boats will be held at 6 p.m. Viewing areas are all along the Laguna Madre. Take lawn chairs. Boats will cross the Laguna Madre to South Padre Island. December 6-7 • The McAllen Ballet Company presents Aladdin Ballet 2014 at the Edinburg Conference Center, 118 Paseo el Prado. Show times are 7 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $16 per person, reserved seats. Tickets may be purchased at the McAllen Ballet Company, 800 N. Main, Suite 330 or online at mcallenballet.com. Call 3304242 for more information. 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
and culturally rich. The museum is also showcasing the elaborate dresses of dresses from the Texas Citrus Fiesta. It includes the gown of 2013 Texas Citrus Fiesta Queen Citriana LXXVII, Sara Rebecca Ramon; 2012 dress of the Texas Butterfly Festival Duchess Victoria Ruth Plata; and the 2008 City of Mission Centennial Celebration Duchess worn by Estefania Abrego.
First Presbyterian rings in the season
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irst Presbyterian Church in Mission will ring in the holiday season with a handbell concert at the First on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. Featured will be the FPC Bells of Faith and Bells of Hope along with Alta Uhrmacher, organ; Crystal Wallace, piano; Jerald Hughes, vocal soloist; Victoria Vielma, liturgical dancer; and Rene Peynado, percussion. The concert will include both sacred and secular Christmas music. The church is located at 1102 Ash Drive, Mission. The concert is open to the public and admission is free.
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and $10 for adults, and may be purchased at the campus in advance or at the door. For more information, call 323-3260 or 323-3000. MHS: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The MHS ENCORE Theater announces their 2014 production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The MHS theater group didn’t shy away from a big challenge. It’s a well-known story of love, internal struggles, human conflict and angst set to a memorable original musical score written by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Based on a book written by Linda Wolverton, the original production was directed by Robert Jess Roth and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. Show times are set for 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 through 13 with a special matinee performance on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Performances will be held in the MHS Theater located on campus, 1802 Cleo Dawson, Mission. Tickets can be purchased at the campus in advance or at the door. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. For more information, contact Ms. Serrano at 323-6100. from pg 2
by calling 800-745-3000. December 11 • Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood, will hold a grand opening for its annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza at 6 p.m. The exhibit is currently open and will last through Dec. 26. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Call 216-4901 for information. 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
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Events Calendar
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, and 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 Aglow International Mission Spanish Lighthouse Chapter will host their Christmas party at Taco Ole, 2316 N. Conway in Mission, from 4 to 6 p.m. They will share testimonials of God’s hand in their lives this past year. For more information, call Delia Bazan at 240-5813; Liza Razo, 776-8505; or Connie Escamilla, 279-7887. 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. Dec ember 19 – 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, and meetings are free. Contact Edna Morales at the library at 580-8478 for more information. To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.
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. December 14 • The Rio Grande Valley Concert Band will present their annual Christmas concert at 3 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1105 W. Fern in McAllen. Under the direction of Gene Goede and Gary Meidt, the program will include the Christmas favorite “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson, a march titled “Santa Meets Sousa” and a fun selection called “Cowboy Christmas. “ The concert is open to the public. A free will
offering will be taken. • The Museum of South Texas History hosts the family-friendly holiday tradition “La Pastorela” (A Shepherds’ Play) from 1 to 5 p.m. The festival includes performances, children’s activities, vendors selling holiday crafts and traditional Mexican foods and beverages for sale. At 2:30 p.m. the “La Pastorela” play begins with an interactive performance that teaches the story of the shepherds seeking the Christ child. The event is included in the regular admission price, ranging from $4 to $7. For more information, call 383-6911. 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 5835961 or email Doodrey@ netzero.com for more information. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.
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Patriots take Mission Thanksgiving tourney T By Luciano Guerra
Patriot Leo Salazar goes to the basket during the Veterans Memorial 60-47 win over San Benito at the Mission Thanksgiving Classic. Progress Times photo by Doug Young
he Veterans Memorial Patriots claimed the 2014 Mission Thanksgiving Basketball Classic Tournament championship Saturday by defeating the Eagle Pass Eagles by a score of 66-34. The championship was the second in a row for the Patriots as they defeated McAllen High in the semifinals and La Joya in the finals to claim the Edcouch Elsa tournament championship just one week earlier. Veterans Memorial defeated San Benito 60-48, Mission High J.V. 81-20 and Brownsville Porter 48-33 to advance into the finals of the Mission tourney where they not only defeated Eagle Pass but fell just short of doubling up their 34 points by scoring 66 points of their own. “We came out and played very well against Eagle Pass,” said Patriots head coach Romeo de la Garza Jr. “The MVP of the tournament was our senior guard Jaycobb Hinojosa while Rigo Pena
and Jesus Vasquez were our All-Tournament selections. There were some teams that dropped out of the tournament so the Mission JV team played in our pool but it worked out well and we played some good teams.” With 12 of the 15 players on the varsity roster being seniors, de la Garza has a lot of experience to work with this year. “We have a lot of players that had success at the JV level last year and this is a team that I’m really excited about because we have a lot of depth,” explained de la Garza. “If we get into a situation where we get into foul trouble there will be guys that I’ll be able to bring in off the bench that will be able to come in and contribute. That’s one thing that we stress every day that we don’t want to have a drop-off when the second group or even the third group comes in. We need to make sure that we’re out there playing with intensity and with consistency and that we’re executing.”
Coming off a disappointing season last year, the Patriots are off to an 11-0 start this year having won two non-district games, five games in the Edcouch Elsa tournament and four games in the Mission tournament. “Last year we won 20 games which is one of our goals every year but one of our other goals is to make the state playoffs which we didn’t do for the first time in quite a few years,” said de la Garza. “So our returning players have that bitter taste in their mouths, as well as I do. Not making the state playoffs didn’t sit very well with us so we spent the offseason really working hard and not just on the basketball court but in the weight room as well.” “Every season I ask my players how they want to be remembered,” added de la Garza. “They have the opportunity of continuing the tradition that we started here in 2002. This is a great group and they know what they want to do and they know what it’s going to take to get
RGV Vipers shooting for third title
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By Luciano Guerra he Rio Grande Valley Vipers are back for their eighth season and they’re ready to take on all of their NBA Development League opponents. As one of the most successful franchises in the league, Rio Grande Valley boasts two Division Championships and two NBA D-League Championships – both in 2010 and 2013. The Vipers have also produced one Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year recipient, current Houston Rockets assistant Chris Finch (2010), and two Most Valuable Players, Andrew Goudelock (2013) and Mike Harris (2010). Playing their home games at State Farm Arena, the Vipers jumped out to a 4-1 start this season with back-to-back home wins over the Austin Spurs, a road win against the Bakersfield Jam and another home win against the Oklahoma Blue. However, as a result of their two losses to the Santa Cruz Warriors last week, Rio Grande Valley took a 4-3 record into last night’s matchup with the Southwest
Division’s first place Texas Legends. In his second season as the Vipers head coach, Nevada Smith led Rio Grande Valley to a 30-20 record, a third place divisional finish and into the second round of the playoffs last season. While a head coach’s top priority is usually leading his team to as many wins as possible, the fact that the Vipers are a minor league team means that Smith’s first priority has to be preparing his players for possible call-up to the NBA. “When we get call-ups from Houston they are a priority for us,” explained Smith. “We have to make sure that we are putting the players in the spots where they can grow their game. We have a great ownership group here and with the Rockets that allows us to do that.” With Vipers players coming from all over the United States, the move to the Rio Grande Valley could lead to somewhat of a culture shock. However, as Smith explained, the support staff the team has provided has made the adjustment to the area much easier.
Rio Grande Valley Vipers’ 6-foot-10, 225 pound center Earl Clark fights off two Oklahoma City defenders as he drives toward the basket during the Vipers’ 131-125 victory. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
“This is my second year in the Valley, so going into this season I knew what to expect,” said Smith. “We got
Join Us on Game Day! THE RGV VIPERS INVITE YOU TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT US Saturday December 6 • 7pm
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For tickets visit Ticketmaster.com or call the Vipers at 956-972-1144.
here on a Sunday and started practicing on Monday and it was a big adjustment for the players. But everyone has
opened their arms to us and with our ownership group, our team president Bert Garcia and the people in our front office doing such a good job of acclimating the players early, getting them into homes, having them meet people to help them get around, find restaurants and know where to go it’s been much easier on them.” Established in 2007, the Vipers are now in their eighth season as a member of the 18-team NBA Development League - the NBA’s official minor league. The “D” League’s purpose is to prepare players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Originally affiliated with multiple NBA teams, each D League team has come to be affiliated with a single NBA franchise; in the Vipers’ case, the Houston Rockets. A native Texan, and a former Texas State University Bobcat player, 6-foot-7-inch forward Tony Bishop, like his
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where we want to go.” With the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL’s) most recent realignment and with the split of Sharyland High School which dropped both the Rattlers and the Pioneer Diamondbacks into District 31-5A, the Patriots will be facing a much different district schedule starting January 2, 2015 than they’ve ever faced before. “Our district is going to be very competitive,” explained de la Garza. “In my opinion it’s probably going to be the toughest district in the Valley. You’ve got Edinburg Vela that’s currently ranked No. 1 in the Valley, you’ve got Sharyland who is returning several starters, you’ve got Roma who’s always competitive and then there’s us who will be competitive as well. Then you have Pioneer, Rio Grande City and Valley View so it’s going to be very competitive.” Over his 12 year tenure as the boys’ basketball head coach at Veterans Memorial, de la Garza has led the Patriots to three district titles and nine playoff berths. As impressive a record as that may be, there is one other measure he uses to determine the success of his program – his former players’ post-graduation success. “I’ve had some players that have gone on to play college basketball,” shared de la Garza. “I had a set of twins, Adan and Ivan Dominguez, who were part of two district championships here went on to walk on to the University of Texas Pan American team and represented our program there. I also had a young man named Isaiah Tovar who went to Howard University last year. He represented our program there for a semester but then decided that he just wanted to pursue his academics. I also had a another player, Joshua Villarreal, that played at a post-grad school called Elev8 that played an extra year to prepare for college and had some college offers but decided that he didn’t want to play collegiately after all.” “Finally there’s Caleb Villarreal who is a graduate assistant at Southern Mississippi, a Division 1 program. He’s one of my former players as well,” added de la Garza.
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Sharyland ends season as area champs
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By Luciano Guerra t’s been said if you’re a champion, you have to have it in your heart. As undefeated district, bi-district and area football champions for the third year in a row, the Sharyland Rattlers have proven they are truly champions at heart. With a 35-4 record over the past three years Sharyland has proven to be the most consistently successful high school football program in the Valley during Ron Adame’s three-year tenure as head coach. So, despite falling one win short of his goal of reaching the fourth round of the playoffs, Adame is by no means disappointed in his players or in what they’ve accomplished. “Our boys have nothing to be ashamed of,” said Adame. “They’ve won a lot of football games and our seniors leave an excellent foundation on which the younger kids coming up within the program will be able to build on.” After falling victim to San Antonio Madison in the third round of the state playoffs the past two seasons, it was the Cedar Park Timberwolves who handed the Valley’s top team their second loss of the season, and only their fourth loss of the past three years, by a score of 52-24. Friday night’s game at Heroes Stadium in San An-
VIPERS
coach, is also in his second year with the Vipers. Having already played a full season of D League ball in south Texas, Bishop has seen firsthand how Valley basketball fans support the team. “The fan support means a lot,” said Bishop. “When the community is behind you it helps you to do better on the basketball court. It makes us want to prove what we’re capable of to the fans.” As Vipers’ fans already know, the NBA Developmental League offers fans of its 18 teams, elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friend-
tonio began well-enough for Sharyland with senior Sean Landez running the opening kickoff 79 yards to the Cedar Park 21-yard line. However, the Rattlers failed to capitalize on their instant scoring opportunity by going three-and-out and then having their field goal attempt blocked – thwarting Sharyland’s golden opportunity of taking an early lead on the Timberwolves. With Cedar Park scoring on its first play from scrimmage, on a long run up the middle and then again only four plays into their second possession, it was obvious that the Rattlers defense that had shutout its three previous opponents was not going to be able to stop Cedar Park’s high powered offensive attack. While an Abraham Chan field goal and a 19-yard run by senior quarterback Lance Madden closed the gap to 1410 early in the second quarter that would be as close as Sharyland would get as Cedar Park scored 24 unanswered points later in the period to build what proved to be an unsurmountable lead. After the season-ending loss, Adame readily admitted that his boys had simply met their match in the Cedar Park Timberwolves. “That’s the best team that we’ve seen this year by far,” said Adame. “Our boys battled tonight and they have
nothing to be ashamed of because we lost to a really good team. We had trouble matching up to them and we hope they win the state title because that will be an indication of the caliber of team that we lost to tonight.” Statistically, Sharyland ran more plays, had more first downs and fewer penalties than Cedar Park, but as Landez explained, it was the big plays the Rattler defense gave up that cost them the game. “Cedar Park was a good challenge for us,” said Landez. “We beat ourselves on those first two big plays that had us down early. We know what we did wrong, but they did well and they executed very well.” As for the play and leadership of two of his seniors, Madden and Landez, Adame said, “These are two individuals that have poured their hearts and souls into the program. They emulate what it means to be a Sharyland Rattler and that’s somebody that’s going to be a great player on the field, but more importantly, an even greater person off the field as well. They’ve had great careers and I’m proud of them.” Having just played in his final game as a Rattler, Madden shared what his three years on the Sharyland varsity has meant to him and what he hopes the future holds for Rattler Nation.
ly atmosphere. In the Vipers case, however, there is also a fan club aimed specifically at attracting Winter Texans and as part of a new initiative with Valley Grande Institute an opportunity for veterans to acquire Vipers tickets at no charge. The Vipers’ Winter Texan Club offers Winter Texans a special opportunity to enjoy an evening of dinner and basketball at an affordable price. Packages are $30 per person and include a meal at one of four McAllen restaurants, a gift, a Vipers ticket and transportation to and from area RV parks.
Veterans can redeem one free ticket to each Vipers home game by presenting their military ID at the Vipers Pro Shop in Uptown Plaza (4500 North 10th Street, Suite 315, McAllen) or at the State Farm Arena box office. Family members of veterans can purchase tickets for a discounted rate starting at $12. For more information about the Vipers Winter Texan Club, the veterans free ticket program or to purchase individual or group tickets, call the Vipers front office at 956-972-1144.
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Sharyland’s Sean Landez breaks into the open field after making a reception during the second quarter of the Rattlers’ 52-24 loss to Cedar Park last Friday. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra
“It’s been amazing,” expressed Madden. “Very few teams can say that they’ve been to the third round of the playoffs three years in a row. I’m glad to say that most of us have since this string
started our sophomore year. They set the bar high for us and we’ve just kept the string going. Hopefully, we seniors will leave a legacy that the younger players will be able to continue.”
As for what he thinks of his head coach Madden said, “He’s great. He’s like a father to all of us and he’s a perfect role model in all of our lives.”
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Annual Mission tree Palmview talks annexation plans with public lighting set for tonight Texas Country Cloggers, all finished off with a special visit from Santa Claus. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras when the children get their moment with Santa. A number of food vendors will be available to sell food items and drinks.
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ALMVIEW--A couple dozen residents north of the city gathered at the Boys and Girls Club last week to learn all about city services as Palmview readies to annex 1,500 acres in the area. In a public hearing, City Manager Ramon Segovia said the proposed annexed area is bound by Abram Road to the west, Mile 2 to the north and Breyfogle to the east. City administrators went over each department within the city, from the police, which already has begun driving the area, to trash collection, which is contracted out to Allied Waste. Mayor Jerry Perez and Segovia emphasized that sewer is under Agua Special
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Utility District, not the city, but city leaders are working with Agua SUD to extend lines in the city. The fire department already provides service to the surrounding community. Original sewer plant plant were stymied by the city of Mission, which had previously annexed the property Agua SUD bought and intended to construct the plant. Segovia said last week Agua SUD now is working on plans with the city of Mission to build a lift station on the property with the idea that Mission will be a regional provider for the area. “We don’t care if its Agua or Mission, all we care about is we get it,” Segovia said. Segovia also said the city
PROPOSED PHASE II ANNEXATION
See ANNEXATION 13
Code the Town and Region One partner to promote Hour of Code initiative
embers of the Code the Town team presented at this month's Region One Superintendent meeting to promote the Hour of Code initiative and generate awareness for the value of computer science education. Susan Valverde (Sylvan Learning of RGV), Dalinda Alcantar (Border Kids Code), and Alex Meade (Mission EDC), were invited to the Nov. 20 meeting by Cornelio Gonzalez, executive director of Region One. The purpose for promot-
ing the Hour of Code is to bring awareness to the importance of learning computer science, a necessary 21st -century skill. Sylvan Learning of the Rio Grande Valley, recently embarked on a STEM focused initiative and partnered with Mission EDC to help bring knowledge and skills to Mission residents. “Many assume that with the rapid evolution and increased use of technology, raising the level of digital literacy in a community is effortless,” said Susan Valverde, executive director of Sylvan RGV. “It only seems that way when a community takes the time to plan, stays focused and invests in the appropriate resources. We applaud Mission EDC for having the foresight and leading the region in this effort, and we are proud to be a part of it.” Region One has more than 400,000 students, 98 percent of which are Hispanic and 86 percent are classified as economically disadvantaged students. As expected,
the superintendents from throughout Region One were very receptive and pledged to help spread the word at their respective school districts. “These kids have amazing ideas and we are going to give them the tools to change their future,” said Dalinda Alcantar, co-founder of Border Kids Code. “What we want to do is to take that information and transfer it into an actual skill set in computer science.” According to Code.org, by 2020 there will be 1 million more computer science jobs than students who can enter the labor force as skilled workers. Most of the available jobs in this field likely won’t be filled by minorities. The same Code.org study shows that in 2012, of the 3.6 million computer science Advanced Placement exams administered in U.S. high schools, less than 3,000 were taken by African-American and Hispanic students. “Promoting computer science, as well as other STEM
courses, is a MUST for the RGV should we ever expect to change our economic status,” said Alex Meade, Mission EDC CEO. The Hour of Code is being spearheaded nationwide by Code.org, non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. Anybody can host an Hour of Code anytime, but the grassroots campaign goal is for tens of millions of students to try an Hour of Code during Dec. 8-14, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. To register, please visit http://hourofcode.com/ or for more information, visit www.codethetown.com or contact Mission EDC at (956) 585-0040.
Serving the Community Since 1988 Skilled Nursing Services 24-hour licensed nursing care I.V. Therapy Medication Management Enteral Therapy Infusion Therapy Comprehensive Wound Care Respite Care
In-patient and Out-Patient Rehabilitation Physical Therapy
Fall Prevention Program Strength and Endurance Program Gait Training Decrease healing time for injuries
Occupational Therapy
Neuro Re-education Activities of Daily Living Training Contracture Prevention Program Home Evaluation and Assessment
Speech Therapy
Swallowing Program (Vital Stim Therapy) Speech Intelligibility Cognitive Retraining
Social Services Activities & Recreation Family Program Barber & Beauty Shop Services
The services provided are but a glimpse of how we can help your loved one receive the best services available in the community. Mission Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is able to provide services that focus on treatment and our primary objective is on returning you home as soon as possible.
Conveniently located across from Mission Regional Medical Center
Contact us for a private tour of our facility. 1013 S. Bryan Road Mission, TX 956.580.2100
Mission, TX
To La Joya & Rio Grande City
To McALLEN
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Bryan Rd.
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ission Mayor Beto Salinas and the City Council members invite the public to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration tonight, Dec. 5, at Leo Pena Plaza in downtown Mission. With festivities from 6 to 9 p.m., the lighted Christmas decorations in Rotary Park feature thousands of lights for the annual lighting ceremony. Entertainment for the event will be provided by Veterans High School Mariachi, Mission Parks & Recreation Folkloric Dancers, Allegro Music Institute and
By Julie Silva
Expressway 83
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MISSION NURSING HOME
December 5, 2014
obituaries
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Rene Alaniz Sr. ISSION - Rene Alaniz Sr., 63, of Mission passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mr. Alaniz was born to Elida Garza Alaniz and Leonardo Alaniz (deceased). He graduated from Mission High School and joined the McAllen Fire Department on Oct. 24, 1977, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement on Sept. 2, 2014. He was a Lieutenant with the department and served as Public Information Officer and a Public Education Officer during his career. He was an active member of the National Fire Protection Association and the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas. Survivors include his wife, Dalia Alaniz; children, Rene C. Alaniz Jr., Christine Alaniz and Maritza Alaniz; siblings, Alberto Alaniz, Jesus Alaniz, Alfredo Alaniz, Maria del Rosario Alaniz, Alicia Farias, Sylvia Edna Alaniz and Linda Yvonne Alaniz; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Leonardo Alaniz. A funeral mass was held on Dec. 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Lauro Guerra Guerra ALLAS/MISSION – Lauro “Lalo” Guerra Guerra, 85, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, after a battle with cancer. Mr. Guerra was born on June 16, 1929, to Lauro and Aurora Guerra in Mission. He graduated from Mission High School in 1947, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska as a Snow Soldier, 196 Regimental Combat Team. He retired as a federal government employee in 1994. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Hilda Guerra; children, Dolores, Lauro, Aurora, Gerardo and Daniel Guerra; sisters, Aurora Sanchez and Rosamaria Val-
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ladares, both of Mission; and 14 grandchildren and two great-granchildren. A funeral service was held on Dec. 4 at Our Lady of Pilar Church in Dallas. Humberto Hoyuela LTONHumberto Hoyuela, 72, passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Mission. Mr. Hoyuela was born on Dec. 17, 1941, in Mexico to Jose and Maria Hoyuela. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Juana Hoyuela; children, Cesar, Diana, Jesus, Juan Jose, Gabriela, Erik and Eddie Hoyuela; and 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A funeral mass was held on Dec. 3 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Alicia S. Leal ISSION - Alicia S. Leal, 86, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Leal was born in McAllen on Aug. 1, 1928. Survivors include her children, Robert Lee Fain, Maria Dalia Hinojosa, Elvira Bazan, Camilo E. Leal Jr., Christina Eva Leal, Carmela L. Villarreal, Michelle L. Garcia and Maricela L. Ibarra; and 32 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leandro Saenz and Beatriz Balderas; husband, Camilo Enrique Leal; and daughter, Elena Ester Leal. A funeral mass was held on Dec. 1 at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Graciela Mojica ISSION - Graciela Mojica, 70, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Mojica was born on May 7, 1944, in Venecia, Tamps., Mex. Survivors include her husband, Severiano Mojica of Mission; children, Fernando Mojica, Ricardo Mojica and
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Mario Antonio Mojica, all of Mission, Yesenia Diaz of Edinburg and Arturo Mojica of Mission; brothers, Armando Anzaldua of Mission and Manuel Anzaldua of Dias Ordaz, Mex.; sister, Amalia Anzaldua of Guadalupe, NL, Mex.; and 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcos and Hortencia (Vela) Anzaldua. A funeral service was held on Dec. 1 at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Micaela Salinas Perez ISSION - Micaela Salinas Perez, 77, passed away on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at Lifecare Hospital in McAllen. Survivors include her children, Rosie Vasquez, Rick Perez, Roberto Perez, Eleazar Perez and Humberto Perez; siblings, Saul Salinas, Israel Salinas, Fernando Salinas, Rosaelia Contreras, Hilda
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Notices
John S. Abbott MISSION - John S. Abbott, 78, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Jose M. Castaneda PENITAS - Jose M. Castaneda, 88, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014 at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Jorge Alberto Valero Garza MISSION - Jorge Alberto Valero Garza, 30, passed away on Friday, Nov. 22, 2014. Gilberto Guerrero MISSION Gilberto Guerrero Guerrero, 75, passed away on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Juan David Hernandez MISSION - Juan David Hernandez, 42, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, at McAllen Medical Center. Maria Eva Lopez MISSION - Maria Eva Lopez, 95, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Rosendo Marin MISSION – A funeral service for Rosendo Marin was held on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of
Garica, Estela Gutierrez and Dora Vasquez; and 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Jose C. B. Perez; parents, Fernanda C. Salinas and Santos Salinas, sisters, Irene Morales, Idolinda Salinas; and a brother Raul Salinas. The funeral mass was held on Dec. 1 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Yrenia M. Salinas LTON - Yrenia M. Salinas, 84, passed away on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Salinas was born on April 5, 1930, in Kennedy to Jose Guadalupe Mena and Pantaliona Morales. Survivors include her children, San Juana Gonzalez, Hector Salinas, Tomas Sa-
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Angels Cemetery in Abram. Joel Moises Peña PENITAS – A funeral service for Joel Moises Peña was held on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at Lord & I Funeral Home in Peñitas. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview. Rogelio Rico MISSION – A funeral service for Rogelio Rico was held on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram. Juanita Tijerina Rios MISSION - Juanita Tijerina Rios, 94, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. Miguel Angel Rodriguez ALTON - Miguel Angel Rodriguez, 43, passed away on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Minerva Sandoval Rojas LA JOYA - Minerva Sandoval Rojas passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at her home in La Joya. Alexia Claribel Salazar MISSION – A funeral mass for Alexia Claribel Salazar was held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Interment followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.
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
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
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
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
8-LINERS
machines, then we can open daycare center with slot machines?” Guerra said. “Gambling is gambling no matter what value.” The 8-liner establishments also attract other types of crime, Guerra said, like robberies. Criminals will target the businesses because they deal in a lot of cash, he said. He also pointed to arrests made in Laredo in 2008 in an extortion scheme where police investigators were bribed by 8-liner owners not to raid their businesses. The scheme took down then-police chief Agustin Dovalina. Any establishment that opens under his reign as DA will be shut down, he vowed. La Joya City Manager Mike Alaniz said there wouldn’t be any movement on the permits until the first of 2015 and said he wouldn’t have time to talk about the ordinance until late December. Salinas said about 15 businesses already have filed for permits in La Joya. The ordinance limits the number of establishments in the city to 12, but Salinas said he didn’t expect the La Joya City Commission to authorize any more than five or seven because the town’s so small. He compared the amusement machine permits to the sale of beer and wine. It’s expected, he said, when alcohol is sold, that people won’t drink and drive or do
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anything illegal. It’s the same with the machine permits. “If these individuals do something wrong and get caught, well then, that’s their problem,” Salinas said. Salinas believes Guerra’s opposition is politically motivated because La Joya city leaders sided in the March primary with Guerra’s opponent, Ricardo Rodriguez, who ended up winning the race. “I hope there’s not violations, and I hope nobody stops it because the city of La Joya needs streets to be paved,” Salinas said. “We want to improve our sewer system and get everything we cannot get with our taxes.” Rodriguez said it’s up to legislators in Austin to take up the issue of legalizing cash payouts or completely banning the machines. Most of the machines he’s seen are legal, and Rodriguez remembered stopping at a store recently in the Dallas area and it had 8-liners. “The only thing I can say is, ultimately, the law is you can’t gamble,” Rodriguez said. “I can’t say I’m going to prosecute anybody who has 8-liners. I have to wait for due process to take place.” “Even if I like them or I’m in favor of them, the law has been set where you can’t gamble with these things.”
THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA LIVES HERE AT
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH
Mission • 580-4551
MISSION THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNKLY, VALENTINE, NEWLY, BENDITO & FRITZ)
ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701
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
S
Survivors include her children, Perla Alaniz, Olivero Solis Jr., Narciso Solis, and Macario Solis; siblings, Rebecca Gutierrez, Rene Villalon, Reynaldo Villalon, Ruperto Villalon and Rafaela Villalon; and nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Maria Estella Flores, Josefina Gomez, Raul Villalon, Ruben Villalon, Francisca Flores and Jose Nieves Villalon. A funeral mass was held on Nov. 29 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Interment followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.
THE SPIRIT THAT CONQUERS SIN AND DEATH! CELEBRATE LIFE & LOVE WITH US
NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. Mission • 735-2569
FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission
linas Jr. and Duvelsa Solis; and 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Tomas Salinas. A funeral mass was held on Nov. 28 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Alton. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Odilia V. Solis ULLIVAN CITY – Odilia V. Solis, 72, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Solara Hospital in McAllen. Mrs. Solis was born on Jan. 9, 1942, in Cuevitas to Nieves and Maria Luisa Villalon.
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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
2nd Week of Advent
OUR LORD, BORN OF MARY, LIVES AMONGST US THROUGH HIS SPIRIT. “ LIKE A SHEPHERD, HE CARES FOR HIS SHEEP…HE KEEPS THEM CLOSE TO HIS HEART.” IT WOULD SURE BE A SHAME NOT TO NOTICE OR APPRECIATE HIM! “ MAKE HIM READY THE WAY OF THE LORD. CLEAR HIM A STRAIGHT PATH!”
“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.)
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December 5, 2014
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BLESSINGS from pg 1
at the church, 3308 N. Conway. The church plans for every child under the age of 11 to get a toy and the bikes will
be raffled off. As director of the Boys and Girls Club in Palmview, Arevalo will be pulling double-duty that day as he’ll be handing out toys on behalf of
the city from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 13. Over in Palmview, the event has caught fire as Crime Stoppers, La Joya ISD and the coaches at the Boys and Girls Club have asked to participate. Arevalo said one team is hosting a tournament in which the entry fee is a toy.
“Through Christmas, everybody’s too busy shopping for gifts that we want, and we want to reflect and say, ‘We’ve been truly blessed, and we want to give back,’” Arevalo said. “At the end of the day, we still have kids that are in need. It unites the city, unites us here in the church.”
Gifts made to Buckner on GivingTuesday will be doubled
F
ollowing the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Buckner International invites the Rio Grande Valley to kick off the Christmas season Dec. 2 by giving back and providing hope to children and families on GivingTuesday (#GivingTuesday). GivingTuesday is a nationwide movement created to inspire individuals to take action and improve their communities. All gifts made to Buckner beginning Tuesday, Dec. 2 until Dec. 31 will receive matching funds, up to $100,000, thanks to a Challenge Gift made by generous Buckner supporters. This means that every dollar given will go twice as far to help transform the lives of vulnerable children and families in the area. “During a time of year when people love to give, we are thrilled to offer this
opportunity for donors to make their dollars go further in helping children and families in need,” said Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International. “It is a privilege to serve, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our donors, volunteers and community partners.” Buckner has been serving children and families in the Rio Grande Valley for more than 40 years. Last year in the Rio Grande Valley, Buckner served approximately more than 4,000 individuals through 20,000 points of service through residential group homes at the Rio Grande Children’s Home, community programs at the Buckner Family Hope Center in Peñitas, and Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR). To learn more, visit https://pursuant8.com/buckner/2014/giving-tuesday/
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December 5, 2014
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MHS renovations move forward T By Lea Victoria Juarez
he Mission High School architects are designing the third phase of the Renovation project, picking up where the previous architects ended. The board approved the contract for PBK architects at a special meeting Nov. 17, where it was announced that the contract fee will be 5.2 percent of the construction fees. PBK has eight months as of November to complete the design portion of the project before they can start breaking ground. Phase III requires the renovation of several buildings and constructing a new cafeteria and instructional building.
Initially, construction was scheduled to start spring 2015 when ERO architects were still on the assignment, but given the change in direction, MCISD may not meet that deadline. “Right now the architect is working diligently to get the proper inputs to put the facility that is within budget, within code and is exactly what we’re asking,” Superintendent Ricardo Lopez said. “We’re hoping that we can keep the same timeline. If not, we’re trusting it will be very close.” The contract for ERO terminated in August because of failure to meet the $18.3 million budget request. PBK was hired in October to take over the project. PBK has
been working with MCISD since 2009, with five ongoing projects and five completions. Phase III has been in the works for more than three years and Lopez admitted there has been a certain amount of frustration getting the task up and running. “This is bond money and the taxpayers want to see their commitments come through,” Lopez said. “The frustration hasn’t been necessarily from the lack of wanting to get the project done, it comes from the three years before to getting it within the budget. We feel that we’re going to be able to do that at this point in time and create a facility that the community is proud of.”
During the event, they reviewed knowledge about the political operations of a state, and then ran for offices as candidates. Over the course of the training they act as citizens to organize their own city, county, and state governments, and then choose their own officials in accordance with regular election procedures. They also learn the duties of the various city, coun-
ty, and state officers, as well as how to introduce and argue their own bills. Boys attending the exercise in government are selected based on academic performance, interpersonal skills, exhibited leadership, oratorical skills, must have successfully completed his junior year, and must be recommended by school officials.
Given the amount of time and effort that has gone into MHS renovation, Lopez commended the Mission community for their support in spite of the hiccups that have occurred along the way.
“They’ve been so receptive and they see that we have the kids’ best interest in mind,” he said. “The district is moving forward at such an accelerated rate and it’s such a testament to the talent of
page 13
the kids and the employees that we have in our district. These facilities are symbolic structures of the greatness that we have here, and what’s even more amazing is what you find inside.”
MCISD students chosen for Boys State
T
wo students from Mission CISD recently received their certificates for participating in Texas Boys State, a citizenship training for boys who have completed their junior year of high school. American Legion Post 93 in Mission sponsored Xavier Alonzo from Mission High School and Alex Hinojosa from Veterans Memorial.
FEAST OF FAITHS from pg 5
Advancing to Area competition Four MHS choir students recently took part in the Texas Music Educators Association Region/Pre-Area performances and have qualified to compete in the Area auditions in January. These four students will be competing for a place in the TMEA All State Choir. Left to right: Oscar Salinas, Carolina Gonzalez, Xavier Alonzo, and Frankie Chaires.
ANNEXATION
recently changed ambulance companies when they saw how long it took the previous company to respond to accidents. It took an ambulance 10 to 15 minutes to respond to one scene, he said. “I live here, he lives here, we live here,” Segovia said, gesturing to city employees. “A lot of people who work here, live here or our family drives here. This belongs to all of us. There’s a chance that it could happen to all of us at any time.”
One resident asked if the annexation would affect Hidalgo County’s plans to repave Mile 2. Segovia said the city limits would stop right at the road, and they made sure the project would be able to move forward. Another resident operates a pet rescue off of her property and feared city regulations would affect her nonprofit organization. City administrators said they’d work with her to see what they could do. A third resident asked for
throughout the night. Joining in the celebration were Consul of Mexico in McAllen Erasmo Martinez, McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez, and Paul Villarreal. Hidalgo County tax assessor. After the service, the Temple served finger foods while the whole entourage came together to share lasting memories. Another Community Thanksgiving event – sharing all faiths – and God smiled. from pg 10
a comparison of the city’s tax rate to the county’s tax rate. Perez said the county’s rate is about 58 cents per $100 valuation. The city’s tax rate is 47 cents. “So that’s instead of?” the resident asked. “No, in addition to,” Segovia said. “Oh,” she said, joking, “So I should sell my house?” Segovia emphasized that the city tax wouldn’t appear on the their properties until the 2016 tax season.
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Espiritu Santo, tu que me aclaras todo, que iluminas todos los caminos para que yo alcance mi ideal, tu que me das el don divino de perdonar y olvidar el mal que me hacen y que en todos los instantes de mi vida estas conmigo, yo quiero en este corto dialogo agradecerte por todo y confirmar una vez mas que nunca quiero separarme de ti por mayor que sea la ilusion material. Deseo estar contigo y todos mis seres queridos en la gracia perpetua. Gracias por tu misericordia para conmigo y los mios. La persona debera rezar esta oracion 3 dias sequidos sin decir el pedido. dentro de tres dias sera alcanzada la gracia por mas deficil que sea. (Publicar en cuanto se recibia la gracia). Agradece gracia alcanzada. T.R.
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The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on December 17, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A 0.56 acre tract of land out of Lot 186, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-1) Single Family Residential; and Rezoning: 2.60 acres out of Lots 4 & 5, Riverside Subdivision “A”, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (C-3) General Business 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
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CONSTABLE’S SALE The State of Texas County of Hidalgo Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of a certain WRIT OF EXECUTION issued out of the honorable JUSTICE COURT OF JP PCT.2 PL., Of HIDALGO COUNTY, on the 13TH of OCTOBER 2014, for the sum of $4,158.23 with interest thereon at the rate of 10% per annum from the 17TH of FEBRUARY 2009 and cost of suit, under a judgment in favor of PHARIA L.L.C. in a certain cause in said court, No.C-1229-08-21 And styled PHARIA L.L.C. Vs. FELIPE RENDON And placed in my hands for service for service on 17TH of OCTOBER 2014, I, Lazaro Gallardo, Jr., as Constable PCT.3 Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 17TH of OCTOBER 2014, levy on certain real estate in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit LOT ELEVEN (11), BLOCK SEVENTEEN (17) OF HIDALGO PARK ADDITION TO HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP PLAT OF RECORD AT VOLUME 14, PAGE 12, OF THE NEW MAP RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY AND SUBJECT TO THE EASEMENT, COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS THERE RECORDED. And levied upon as property of FELIPE RENDON and that on the first Tuesday in JANUARY 2015, the same being the 6TH day of said month, at the court house door of Hidalgo County, Texas in the city of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (sale starts at 10:00 a.m.) by virtue of said levy and said writ of execution, I will sell said above described real estate at public venue for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of said FELIPE RENDON and in compliance with the law, I give this notice by publication, in the English language, once a week for three consecutive weeks immediately proceeding said day of sale, in THE PROGRESS TIMES a newspaper published in Hidalgo County. Witness my hand, this 20TH day of NOVEMBER, 2014
By: ________________________________ Lazaro Gallardo, Jr. Deputy Ruben Salinas, Jr. Constable Pct.3 Hidalgo County, Texas
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December 5, 2014