La Feria News 12-1-21

WEEK OF December 1, 2021 THROUGH DECEMBER 7, 2021

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Our Family Serving your Family

Your Community Newspaper, Serving the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley VOLUME 98 NUMBER 48

La Feria ISD Commits to Increasing 012ÿ45678ÿ92ÿ 1 5 ÿ Dual Enrollment and Early College 1 6

6ÿ ÿ 7 ÿ Opportunities for Students

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Texas Representative Alex Dominguez Launches Campaign for Texas Senate

Page 2

Protect Kids by Steering Clear of Knock-Off Toys This Holiday Season

Page 3 School Board: President Lisa Montalvo, Vice President Ruben Zambrano, Secretary Jane Castillo, Member Juan Briones, Member Gloria Casas, Member Katie Johnson, Member Alma Martinez

The La Feria ISD remote instruction, person tutoring addressing the Board of Trustees has dealing with issues and on-line support, learning gaps that were decided that it is not regarding facemasks and increased summer exacerbated by COVID. ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ567889ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ:1 6ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ; ÿ:1 6ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ 1 6518ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ< => 1ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ< => 1ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ< => 1ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ< => 1ÿ or=>get vaccines, to ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ?8@ABÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿenough ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ9 5ÿ< 65to C ÿÿÿreturn ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿD > ÿE5 15 ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿand ÿÿF5 ÿ45 6 ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿF 5serving

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ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿJ =5ÿ<516 The ÿÿ district leadership back to pre-pandemic students whose parents set all students on the lives by their times. Instead, prefer path to succeed. vision, which not only the Board and that they remain at La Feria ISD has a includes a commitment Lionettes Bronze Bracket Administration are home, and isolating long history of academic to excellence, but also Champions leading the district quarantined students are excellence living up emphasizes the goal of towards a vision that is just some of the issues to the district’s motto, empowering Page 5 bolder than ever. requiring additional Expect→ Achieve→ learners to become Like many school attention and Excel. The school leaders that will districts, La Feria ISD resources. Overall the district has long positively impact the is confronting the biggest challenge, of is attracted students families, community, challenge of “returning making up for learning from neighboring state, and the world. to normal” after the loss. La Feria ISD is communities who are To develop those impact using a looking for leaders, the Board and of the recent waves number of excellence in Administration have of the COVID-19 acceleration strategies education provided set high expectations in pandemic. Returning to including curriculum in a small town. The committing district in-person learning after adjustments, extra district has provided a resources to well over a year of assistance through insafe environment for all increasing not only La Feria ISD Help students college hours and the Families In Need while offering number of certifications, Page 8 NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS outstanding but also providing extracurricular opportunities Bright Odei, MD & programs in the areas of for high school Juan Briones, PA-C academics, fine arts, and students to earn Physicals | Well Visits | Sick Visits | athletics. The La Associate Degrees. The Immunizations | and more...

Feria ISD Board district is working to City Calendar............pg. 2 of Trustees and transition to a formal To schedule an appointment, call Administration are not Early Classified....................pg. 4 956.370.7169 or visit myvbpn.com. content to rest on that College High School Sports..........................pg. 5 history, nor are they Program that will Activity Page.............pg. 6 satisfied support large numbers Puzzles........................pg. 7 Family Care Clinic, 200 W. 1st Street, Suite B, La Feria with merely of students in obtaining

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an Associate’s Degree at no cost to them and their families. As a result, more La Feria graduates will have the time and resources to pursue graduate and professional degrees and become self-sustained leaders for positive change in our community, Texas, and the nation.

On November 5, 2021, La Feria ISD Board approved a contract with Dr. Daniel P. King as an advisor to the Board and Administration to assist the district in achieving the goals set forth in the press release that will enrich the lives of each student.

“We are excited about the opportunities awaiting our students through these bold steps the Board approved and the Administration embraces!” said Lisa D. Montalvo, La Feria ISD School Board President.”

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2 • December 1, 2021• LA FERIA NEWS

Texas Representative Alex Dominguez Launches Campaign for Texas Senate BROWNSVILLE -- On Tuesday, father, attorney, and distinguished Texas state legislator, Alex Dominguez, announced that he will seek to succeed retiring incumbent Eddie Lucio Jr. in Texas’ 27th Senate District.

Dominguez’s priorities are bringing good paying jobs to South Texas, advancing the needs of Texas public schools, defending reproductive and voting rights, expanding access and lowering the costs of healthcare, honoring our debt to our veterans, equality for all, and improving transportation and drainage infrastructure in South Texas.

“Experience matters, and

from jobs to healthcare to schools, the need for proven leadership has never been greater,” said Dominguez.

“The Texas Senate is no place for neophytes. I have experience getting things done by working across the aisle with Republicans but I am firmly a Democrat, not merely pretending.”

Dominguez is an accomplished legislator representing Texas House District 37 and currently serves as the ViceChair of Environmental Regulations, Vice-Chair of Local and Consent Calendars, and the only South Texas member on Appropriations.

Before joining the Texas House, Alex served

as a Cameron County Commissioner, where he oversaw economic and infrastructure development, and even established the first all-inclusive park in Cameron County. He is a former Cameron County prosecutor and has served on a variety of charity and nonprofit boards. Before becoming an attorney, Dominguez was a public school educator, teaching Texas history, English, and ESL to middle and high school students. “I am running for the Senate to bring my energy, bridge building, and problem solving to provide the solutions that South Texas and the state should expect from its public servants,”

added Dominguez. “I thank Senator Lucio for his decades of service. I look forward to giving the people of South Texas a voice in Austin that fights for their values and needs.”

Dominguez graduated from La Feria High School before completing his bachelor’s degree at Rice University and his Juris Doctorate at Arizona State University. Alex and his wife Jill have one child.

Alex met Jill when she first moved to the Valley to teach at a local school.

They have been married for 6 years and currently reside in Brownsville. For more information, visit AlexForTexas.com.

La Feria Native Alex Dominguez.

Photo from Alexfortexas facebook page.

Chag Chanukah Sameach!

Photo credit: Flash90

Emilio Flores Special to La Feria News Hanging up lights already? That's okay!

Join us in kicking off this holiday season with the celebration of Chanukah!

This holiday is the Jewish eight-day long winter “festival of lights,”

celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, and lots of FRIED FOODS! Chanukah or Hanukkah (pronounced kha-nu-kah) is the Hebrew word for dedication and celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. It begins on the eve of Kislev 25 and

continues for eight days.

On the civil calendar, it generally coincides with the month of December.

This year it runs from Nov. 28-Dec. 6 You might think it's just the Jewish version of Christmas but it's not!

The Story of Chanukah begins in the second

century BCE, when the Holy Temple along with the people were being overruled by the SyrianGreeks. The Jewish people were forced to conform to greek culture, and not practice their Jewish Faith, i.e. keeping Torah, eating kosher, observing the sabbath, and so forth.

This led to the rise of the Maccabean revolt, which was a rebellion against the Syrian-Greek Empire and Hellenistic influence put on the Jewish people. This small group of men, led

by Judah the Maccabee, fought and chased the Greek army out of the people’s land, reclaiming their Holy Temple in Jerusalem!

After rededicating the Temple, they found that the menorah, which God commanded to always be burning, only had enough oil for one night. Still, the Jewish people were faithful in following the

Lord's commandment to light the menorah.

Miraculously, the menorah was able to burn for eight days and nights, just the right amount of time for them to obtain more oil!

This is why we celebrate the miracle of Chanukah for eight crazy nights!

We put up lights, light the menorah, and add a candle each night to remind us that miracles happen when we are faithful. We use lots of oil to make fried foods because God used a little bit of oil to produce this miracle. We celebrate the fact that God can take what little we can give, as long as it is our all, and provide for us in abundance!

If you're interested in celebrating this festival of lights and faithfulness, you can reach out to your local synagogue or even celebrate at home! Learn how you can celebrate by visiting Chabad.org.

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115 E.Commercial Ave. • La Feria, Texas 78559 • (956) 797-2261 In accordance with the Order of the Office of the Governor issued March 16, 2020, the City of La Feria will conduct the meeting and provide audio/telephonic availability for the public using live stream in order to advance the public health goal of limiting face-to-face meetings (also called “social distancing”) to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (also known as Covid-19). To view the meeting via internet live streaming, please visit https://www.cityoflaferia.com/boardsand-commissions/city-commission/agendas-2020/ where you will find the agenda for the next meeting. The pdf for the agenda will include a link, meeting ID and passcode for the Zoom meeting. More information is available by calling 346-248-7799.

Members of the public may sign up for public comment on an agenda item or for another item of public concern by submitting an email to amorales@cityoflaferia. com containing (1) the name of the individual wishing to comment; and (2) the item number or subject matter the individual wishes to comment on. Please submit requests for public comment no later than two hours before the meeting.

Join the meeting at the time and login listed above and the Mayor will call on you when it is your turn to speak. A recording of the meeting will be made and will be available to the public in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of any item on the agenda is permitted to be held in executive or closed session, whether such item is already so identified on this Agenda or not, the City Commission will convene in such executive or closed session in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 551.001-551.146.

NOV 30, 2021

5:30 PM Lighting Of The Tree La Feria City Hall

DEC 11, 2021

5:30 PM Annual Lighted Christmas Parade Main Street

$

Also distributed to each LFISD School Student.

PUBLISHERS

MONDAYS _____________

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 12135 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30pm St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall at the corner of West & Cypress (956) 797-266 LA FERIA SCHOOL BOARD 2nd Monday, 6:30pm Board Room Central Administration Office 505 N. Villarreal St. (956) 797-8300 LA FERIA BAND BOOSTERS 3rd Monday, 7:00pm La Feria HS Band Hall (956) 797-8300 SANTA ROSA SCHOOL BOARD 3rd Monday • 6:30pm Santa Rosa HS Library (956) 636-9800 MAINSTREAM/PLUS DANCE Mondays • 9:30am - noon Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen

TUESDAYS _____________

BLUEGR ASS JAM SESSIONS Every Tuesday, 1:30pm Kenwood RV Resort 1201 N. Main • La Feria (956) 797-1875

WEDNESDAYS _____________ COUNTRY JAM

Wednesdays • 2-4pm Musicians by invite only OPEN TO PUBLIC Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen contact Charlie (308) 379-4589 LINE DANCING Weds • 9:00am - 11:30am • $3 Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen

THURSDAYS _____________ SANTA ROSA CIT Y COUNCIL MEETING 3rd Thursday • 7:00pm Santa Rosa City Hall (956) 636-1113

FRIDAYS _____________

LINE DANCING Sat • 1:00pm - 3:00pm • $3 Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen

SATURDAYS _____________ ORDER OF EASTERN STAR HARLINGEN CHAPTER #641 3rd Saturday • 2:00pm Masonic Temple 702 E. Harrison • Harlingen (956) 423-5544

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CORRECTION POLICY Although the La Feria News Staff strives for excellence in all stories and advertising, spelling or typographical errors can occur. If you find any confirmed factual or other type of error, please call 956-233-9928 during business hours or leave a message.

WEEKLY COLUMNS printed in the La Feria News contain the opinions of the Authors. They may or may not be the opinion of the Newspaper.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: 1 year subscription delivered by U.S. Postal Service…$27.95 or can be purchased at several convenient locations throughout the cities of La Feria, Santa Rosa, Santa Maria & Blue Town for 50¢.

The La Feria News is mailed and delivered Monday, November 29, 2021 and published weekly by La Feria Publishing, LLC. Periodical Postage Rates paid at La Feria, TX., Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 128 W. Oleander Ave., La Feria, TX 78559. (POSTMASTER send address changes to La Feria, P.O. Box 999, La Feria, TX 78559.)

December 1, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 3

Protect Kids by Steering Clear of Knock-Off Toys This Holiday Season

(StatePoint) In the scramble to get your hands on the toys your children want this holiday season, experts warn that you should prioritize safety by sticking to age-appropriate toys and by avoiding counterfeit alternatives at all costs.

“Illicit sellers of counterfeit toys may dupe parents into thinking

they’re buying the real thing, or entice them with lower prices or the promise of getting the ‘hot toy’ of the holiday season,” says Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs.

“What’s scary is that these illegitimate sellers are actually peddling fake

and unsafe products that oftentimes don’t comply with product safety laws.

That’s why we always urge parents to shop from reputable brands and sellers whose toys have been tested for compliance with over 100 different safety standards and tests required by law.”

With the shipping crisis predicted to have

widespread impacts on the availability of this holiday season’s most popular toys, counterfeits are likely to be even more enticing. And new research conducted

by OnePoll on behalf of The Toy Association suggests that consumers are not always as vigilant as they should be, with 65% of parents saying they would purchase knock-off/ counterfeit toys if they couldn’t get their hands on the original item and 63% indicating they would buy counterfeits if they were cheaper. Indeed one in 10 parents are not even aware that counterfeit toys can be dangerous for kids to play with.

As you go about looking to snag a hot toy this holiday season, steer clear of counterfeit toys that are not safe or appropriate for your child by following these tips from PlaySafe. org: 1. Shop only from reputable brands and sellers. Their toys have

been tested for compliance with over 100 different safety standards and tests required by law.

2. Make sure the brand you’re purchasing from has a professional-looking website. Can’t find a website? That may be a red flag that you are dealing with an illicit seller.

3. If a product’s reviews are negative, or if there aren’t many, it’s a clue the product could be a fake.

4. Poorly photoshopped pictures, typos, or spelling mistakes in the online description or packaging are other clues that the product could be illegitimate, and therefore unsafe.

5. Can’t find a toy on your child’s wish list? Wait for a trusted retailer to restock the product. Buying fake or cheaper alternatives is just not worth the risk.

In addition to avoiding knockoff toys, helping ensure your child’s safety during the gift-giving season also means shopping

for toys only appropriate for their age. According to The Toy Association survey, 76% of parents read age recommendations on toy packaging before purchasing. However, 40% admitted they view age labels on toys as suggestions instead of a warning, and 68% would give their child a toy recommended for older children. Be sure to follow age recommendations on toy packaging, which are not mere suggestions but firm recommendations made by safety experts that are based on childhood developmental stages.

For more safe shopping tips, visit www.PlaySafe. org, a premier toy safety resource site.

“With your vigilance, you can keep the merriest time of year happy, healthy and joyful by ensuring your child doesn’t unwrap a potential safety hazard,” says Lawrence.

from Victoria Ford, the Prepford Wife blogger who recently refreshed an old dresser with the Bee Life Toile wallpaper designed by independent artist, Lucinda Wei. “This dresser has lived many lives in our homes and it was time for it to get a little update with a design that was irresistible and perfectly on brand,” says Ford.

• Complement your current style: As Ashley Dusing of Our 1917 Farmhouse notes, wallpaper can be paired with any room’s current design elements to enhance its overall style.

“We selected a wallpaper with a vintage style to complement our mid century bedroom decor and offer a bold pop of color. It was everything this bedroom (turned

office space) needed.”

• Consider your needs: Before selecting wallpaper, think about your home decorating habits. For example, Spoonflower offers three wallpaper options: Prepasted Removable Smooth wallpaper, Peel and Stick Removable wallpaper and NonPasted Traditional Pebble wallpaper. If you love to mix things up every year or every season, Charlotte Smith of At Charlotte’s House says peel and stick is the way to go. She recently wallpapered the fireplace surround in her family room, but already has sights on the future. “I used removable peel and stick wallpaper so I can easily change things up in a year or two if I want a different vibe.”

When redesigning your

space with wallpaper, consider shopping with a company that supports independent artists, such as Spoonflower, which connects artists and makers with consumers in the creative economy, and pays a commission to an independent artist with every purchase. With over one million unique designs available and the ability to upload your own design, you can easily use wallpaper to create your own signature style at home. To learn more or to shop styles, visit spoonflower.com.

Whether you wallpaper an entire room, create an accent wall or revamp a piece of furniture, adding style and personality to your interior spaces can be easy with this impactful DIY project.

How to Personalize Any Space Using Custom Designed Wallpaper

(StatePoint) In case you missed it, wallpaper has made a comeback in the interior design world. This is for good reason. Today, there are literally millions

of designs from which to choose. Not only that, new types of wallpaper can make application and removal easier than ever.

Need a little inspiration?

The world’s largest custom, print-on-demand fabric, wallpaper and home decor digital marketplace, Spoonflower, recently challenged home decorating bloggers to “facelift” a small space using wallpaper. Having successfully completed their updates, these DIYers are sharing tips and insights for enhancing your own spaces: • Create a focal point.

Bethany Sy, the blogger behind Reality Day Dream, who enhanced the wall behind her mantel with wallpaper says, “A little color and pattern can create the perfect focal point in any room.”

• Think beyond walls: With a little creativity, wallpaper doesn’t just have to be for walls, you can use it to update furniture too. Take a cue

CHURCH SERVICE DIRECTORY 1st United methodist church Pastor Federico Perez, 797-1393 331 S. Main St., La Feria, Sunday School 10am, Traditional Worship Service 9am, Contemporary Service 11am, UM Youth 5pm International Worship center Bishop Ronaldo Ortiz 956-797-1204 116 W. Seventh St., La Feria Services Sunday (English) 9:30am Domingo (Espanol) 11am, Miercoles 7pm Interdenominational Worship Extreme Youth Sat. 6 pm

Santa rosa United methodist church 408 Main Street (Hwy. 107/506) Santa Rosa, across from High School Sunday Coffee and Fellowship 9:30 AM Worship10 AM (Communion first Sunday) Wednesday Prayer Service 9:00 AM Pastor: Carole Lahti (956) 279-3407 casa de Esperanza Apostolic church 416 W. Spruce La Feria 965-639-4301 Bilingual Services Sunday at 1:00pm Daniel Martinez - Pastor

Living Water church and ministry Pastor Henry and Rosie 2805 Memorial Suite B. La Feria Sunday Service 11am, 6pm Spanish Worship Service, 7pm Wednesday Service St. Francis Xavier catholic church Fr. Rodolfo Franco 797-2666, office: 502 S. Canal church: 500 South Canal St., La Feria, Saturday Mass 5:30pm, Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, 10am English, 12pm Bilingual.

christ In Our midst missionary church Pastor: Rev. Daniel Carrizalez St. mary’s catholic 956-742-6311 church 1 mile N. of FM 506, La Feria First baptist church of FR. Edouard Atangana, Sunday School - 9:45 a.m., Santa rosa 956-636-1211 Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m., Pastor Harold Parker 101 San Antonio Ave., Santa Rosa Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m., Monday 956-636-1603 Saturday Mass 5pm Bilingual, Prayer - 7:00 p.m.

118 Jesus R. Cruz, Santa Rosa Sunday Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, New Hope Services 9:30am Bible Study, 10:30am 10am English.

Presbyterian church Morning Worship, 208 West Central Ave, 7pm Wednesday Evening Worship.

First baptist church of La Feria,TX, 956-277-0208 La Feria Services Sunday 4:30 pm Apostolic Faith 797-1214 Sunday School 3:15 pm Tabernacle Main St. & Magnolia, La Feria Communion on the Pastor Ramon Zarate Wednesday 6:30pm Youth Bible Study & 1st Sunday of every month 357-6384 Mission Friends, 9:45am Sunday School, 621 South Main, La Feria 11am Morning Worship Service cowboy church Sunday School 10am 11235 Swift Ln. Santa Rosa, Tex. Service Sunday Worship 4pm, Wed. St. Albans at 11:00am Sunday Evening 7:30pm.

Episcopal church 6:30pm pm Monday All services are bilingual.

Reverend Scott Brown 956-975-6144 956-428-2305, www.westernoutreach.org Iglesia Oracion 1417 E. Austin, Harlingen,TX en Su Presencia Holy Communion 8am, Sunday School St. Paul Lutheran church missionary church,Inc. 9:15, Holy Eucharist 10:30am.

Pastor Nathan Wendorf Pastors Frank & Janie Gonzalez Sundays 8:00AM (Traditional) 797-0044 4th Street, La Feria,TX Hope in the Word church HC first, third & fi fth Sunday 10am & 6pm, Pastors Jose & Bertha Belmares 10:30AM (Contemporary) Monday 7 pm Prayer Service, 797-3621, HC second, fourth & fi fth Wednesday 7 pm, Friday 7 pm.

28354 S. Bixby Rd., La Feria (956) 423-3924 Services Friday 6pm, Sunday 10am.

602 Morgan Blvd. church of christ All services are Bilingual, English & Harlingen, TX 78550 Minister MinisterRoger GeneGoodwin Head Spanish. church@saintpaulharlingen.com 536-9832 Templo Getsemani 912 Rd., LaLaFeria Feria, Primera Iglesia 912N.N.Parker Parker Rd., Pastor Julio y Claudia Mendoza Wednesday 6:30 pmEvening Bible Study, bautista 10:30am Service, 5pm Service Phone (956) 589-5016 Sunday 9:30am Bible Study, 956-797-1740 11418 Fifth St. La Feria Los Domingos 2:00pm Medio DiaService Los 10:30am Service, 5pm Evening 519 N. Main, La Feria Servicios: Los Domingos: 12:00 Medio Dia Los Bilingual Services: Sunday 9:45am Tuesday & Thursday 7pm Jueves: 7:00 pm Estudio De Biblia Sunday School, 10:45am Worship Friday Pray at 7pm Service, 5:00pm WMU, Sunday Bible Study at 10am & 6pm Faith church of christian 6:00 pm Evening Worship Service, & missionary Alliance Immanuel Lutheran church Iglesia Generacion church & School Pastor Oscar Loredo En conquista Rev. Ed Weber 797-1739 Pastor Samuel y Magda Cervantes, 956-565-1518 Office (M-F; 8-12 noon) 125 W. First St., La Feria,Tx Phone (956) 536-2215 956-565-3208 School (Grades: PK-5th Bilingual Ministry Sunday 10am Sunday 2803 W. Exp. 83 Suite A. La Feria 703 W. 3rd St., Mercedes, TX School, 11am Worship, Wednesday 7 pm Sunday Service 10am Bible Study, 11am Sunday Worship Services 9am Bible Study, Friday 7 pm Prayer.

Worship Service, Sunday Bible Class 10:30 am 7pm Wednesday Family Service immanuelmercedes@gmail.com lutheranmercedes.com

First Baptist Church, La Feria Christmas in Waukesha, Wisconsin may or may not be white this year but it will definitely be blue.

Last week a driver plowed through families at a Christmas parade, killing 5 and wounding 48.

Eighteen of the victims were children.

The injury of children at Christmas is part of what makes what happened in Wisconsin so shocking. Somehow, we think that children should be immune from tragedy, at least at Christmas.

However, evil has no respect for age or season.

Evil does not take a vacation or holiday. No one is exempt. Not the good, nor the bad, not even the innocent.

It helps me to remember that the first Christmas was tainted by tragedy when Herod the Great had the children of Bethlehem murdered to try and eliminate Jesus. And it helps to remember that Herod failed. Longfellow said it best, “Wrong shall fail and right prevail, with peace on earth goodwill to men.”

-Mark S. Ross DMin.

“Entre menos burros, mas olotes.”

“The fewer the donkeys. The more the corn.”

Contribuido por: Alvino Villarreal

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EVENTS

Merry on Main – Dec. 3-4. This two-day annual Christmas event is conveniently located at historic downtown Main St. in Pleasanton, Texas - just 30 minutes south of San Antonio. Merry on Main provides activities for the entire family – local craft and retail vendors, food vendors and food trucks, live music, carolers, children events and more! Each night will provide a different activity for the family to enjoy. www.merryonmain.org.

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December 1, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5

Lionettes Bronze Bracket Champions Congratulations to the Lionettes on beating Mercedes 40-31 to become Bronze bracket champions. They played in the Border Bash tournament in McAllen on November 19th.

Pictured: left to right Alani Garza, Kaya Dickerson, Lillian Martinez, Rianna Gonzalez, Alena Benjamin, Emma Ramos, Sara Castañeda, Angie Lopez, Sienna Espinoza, Mariah Patlan.

Photo and information from the La Feria ISD Facebook page.

Tournament Champions The 7th & 8th Grade Cubs Basketball Teams participated in the Hidalgo Boys Basketball 3-Day Tournament which started on Thursday, November 18th and ended Saturday, November 20th and each respectively captured the Tournament and both

teams ended the tourney as Tournament Champs! 7th grade played against Santa Maria in the Championship game for the win. Final score was La Feria 26Santa Maria 21. 7th Grade played against Santa Maria in the Championship Game for the Win. The 7th grade

MEET THE

MVP was Jake Martinez.

On the other hand 8th Grade played against Rio Hondo for their win. Their final score was La Feria 47 - Rio Hondo 11. The 8th grade MVP was Devin Sanchez. All photos and information are from the La Feria ISD Facbook page.

LIONETTES Septic Services by R&R

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6 • December 1, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY PAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THESE SPONSORS: Helping you get more for your REAL ESTATE

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December 1, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7

Zoo Nights & Lights 2021 The Next Chapter Poem Gratitude of the Day You walked the shores of Galilee.

You died for sins of souls like me.

You preached the truth that sets us free.

No greater love than Yours can be.

I thank You, Christ from Galilee.

Though Satan tried to make You fall, Your Perfect Life does lift us all.

Please guide my feet each passing day That I may walk the narrow way, To live with Thee in Heaven Above.

You’re the Son Who was sent By the God Who is Love.

Poem by James Arnold

The Gladys Porter Zoo will be hosting its annual holiday celebration, Zoo Nights and Lights. This family-friendly event offers holiday spirit and fun for guests of

all ages as well as a romantic setting for a date night. This event is sure to be fun for the entire family.

This year, the Gladys Porter Zoo is doing things a bit

differently! In order to spread out attendance and give guests more opportunities to visit, Zoo Nights and Lights will be held for two weekends rather than one. The scheduled weekends are December 3rd-5th and 10th-12th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each night.

The public is invited to stroll through the Zoo’s pathways, filled with brilliant light displays. There will be live musical and dance performances, Christmas karaoke and book readings. Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts at the arts and crafts show and the Zoo gift shop. Zoo staff will also be competing in a Christmas tree decorating contest, and guests will be able to vote for their favorite tree!

Unfortunately, there will not be a cookie decorating station this year, but children will receive a coupon for a free cookie from McDonald’s.

ADVERTISE WITH US!

128 W. Oleander • (956) 797-9920 • Fx: (956)797-9921 www.laferianews.net

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS

THEME: REALITY TV ACROSS 1. "Oh, my!"

5. Say untruth 8. Left or right 12. Spiritual leader 13. *"____ing Up with Marie Kondo" 14. Great reviews 15. Related 16. Double reed

woodwind 17. Fourth deck 18. *"The ____ ____," MTV's trailblazing reality show 20. Affirm with confidence 21. I to Greeks, pl.

22. ____ Baba 23. Powerball and such 26. Swaggering show of courage

30. Spermatozoa counterparts 31. Based on two 34. Has a mortgage 35. ____ dog, gin and grapefruit juice cocktail 37. DNA transmitter 38. *"The Real Housewives" is full of this type of conflict 39. Write on a tombstone

The price of admission for this event is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.

Tickets for Zoo Nights and Lights are now available on the Zoo’s website, or they can be purchased at the gate. Zoo Members get in free with their membership cards.

Guests can receive free admission by donating a new, unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The toy must be valued at $5.00 or higher—only one free admission will be granted per toy donation.

The Gladys Porter Zoo staff would like to thank sponsors, McDonald’s RGV Owner Operators, Brownsville Public Utilities Board, H-E-B, KVEO-Local 23, CBS 4, Digital 101.5 and the City of Brownsville, for their generous donations that helped make this event possible.

40. Unwholesome atmosphere 42. Hairpiece, slangily 43. Stitched again 45. Unit of electric current flow 47. Solemn pledge 48. Like nose during hayfever 50. Uncouth one 52. *"Who ____ ____ ____ a Millionaire?"

56. Front of cuirass 57. Sixth month of civil year 58. "Jack and the Beanstalk" instrument 59. Travesty 60. Italian money 61. *"Vanilla Ice Goes Amish" and "Cleveland Hustles" state 62. *"____house Masters" on Animal Planet 63. *Not Khloé or Kourtney 64. Common allergens

DOWN 1. Gelatin substitute 2. Gospel writer 3. "Tosca" song, e.g.

4. Like sunroom, hopefully 5. Balance in the sky 6. *"Pop ____" and "American ____," pl.

7. Gave the once-over 8. *"Outwit, Outplay, Outlast" show 9. Not active 10. Point of entry 11. Sixth sense 13. Foot, to a child 14. Aussie bear 19. Buzz Lightyear's buddy 22. Brow shape 23. *"The Biggest ____" 24. Egg-shaped 25. Same as talcums 26. Civil rights concern 27. In the know 28. Raise objections 29. Missouri River tributary 32. Like a desert 33. Crime scene evidence 36. *Singing competition (2 words) 38. Curses 40. Feline sound 41. "I think I can, I think I can...", e.g.

44. "For better or for ____" 46. "Monty ____'s Flying Circus" 48. r in a circle, pl.

49. Deprive of weapons 50. *Star of wilderness reality shows, ____ Grylls 51. Fairytale beast 52. Street-crossing word 53. Hawaiian island 54. Londoner, e.g.

55. Narrative poem 56. Back of a boat

8 • December 1, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS

La Feria ISD Help Families In Need With the start of the Holidays and before Thanksgiving break, La Feria ISD staff and students helped out families in need. This year Noemi Dominguez Student Council and theirs sponsors Maritza Rodriguez and Heather Avila held a canned food drive for the Thanksgiving holidays.

They collected over 1,200 canned goods which were donated to the Lions Club for distribution. Also, the Cameron County Sherriff's

office and Sherriff Eric Garza donated 20 turkeys for 20 of W.B. Green Jr. High needy families for this holiday season. The La Feria High School Student Council also handed out 250 Thanksgiving dinners.

The food was graciously donated by Noble Charities of La Feria. Turkeys were donated by High school principal Cynthia Chairez as well. Information and photos from La Feria ISD Facebook page.

La Feria High School

Noemi Dominguez

W.B. Green Jr. High

La Feria High School

W.B. Green Jr. High

How to Bring New Life to Classic Holiday Traditions

(StatePoint) Bringing new life to classic holiday traditions starts with understanding the origins of how these traditions came to be.

The Olesen family of O&H Danish Bakery knows how important it is to share such stories.

The family-owned and operated bakery is offering fun facts and inspiration for celebrating classic Christmas traditions.

And because some of these particular traditions are Danish, you’ll also

be embracing “hygge.”

Pronounced “hoo-ga,” this Nordic concept is all about creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life.

Something Sweet Forty-four percent of people in a survey commissioned by O&H Danish Bakery and conducted by SWNS Media Group and OnePoll say the holiday spirit wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t have their traditional holiday dessert.

For many families, that dessert is Kringle.

Approximately 43% of respondents in the same survey enjoy this treat – which is made of 36 layers of butter and pastry -- on Christmas Day. While Kringle is a traditional Danish delicacy, it’s actually savored worldwide. O&H Kringle has been shipped to more than 100 countries and has made landfall in all seven continents -- including Antarctica!

“The holiday season is

BROWNSVILLE & HARLINGEN — As local residents prepare for hustle, bustle, and family time that accompanies the holiday season, area health experts are urging caution when it comes to safeguarding against the spread of COVID-19. While hospitalizations due to complications stemming from COVID-19 infections are off their surge levels of last month, COVID-19 remains active within our community. Although longing for the normalcy of holiday seasons past, Rio Grande Valley residents should continue to follow best practices related to COVID-19, said Dr. Christopher Romero, an internal medicine specialist with Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen. “I hope everyone can take advantage of the improving situation this year and spends much needed time with their friends and loved ones.

We truly need to be able to get back to some sense of normalcy after all we have been through. That being

said, we still need to practice common sense and protect those most vulnerable in our community,” he said.

“This starts with staying home and getting tested for COVID if you are sick. We still have more than 1,000 active cases of COVID-19 in Cameron County alone, so we cannot fully let our guard down.” Dr. Beverly Zavaleta, Physician Advisor at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville, said the best way to enjoy a normal holiday season is for local residents to fully vaccinate themselves against COVID-19 and encourage those they gather with to do the same. “COVID-19 cases are currently low in Cameron County, which is something we should celebrate! And speaking of celebrations, we’re all looking forward to a more ‘normal’ holiday season this year, but how can we do that? The short answer is that a nearlynormal holiday will be possible if we stay on our current path of vaccinating all eligible people,” she said. “Vaccines

remain our best defense against COVID-19 infection by reducing the risk of death or hospitalization from COVID by 90 percent. I propose that we make it part of our yearly holiday prep to make sure that everyone is fully vaccinated before the season begins.” Zavaleta said that local residents have responded to the healthcare community’s pleas regarding COVID-19 vaccination at higher rates than some of their counterparts throughout the United States, which will lead to more traditional family gatherings for the holidays in the Valley for fully vaccinated individuals. “Our region has done a phenomenal job so far, with approximately 90 percent of people ages 50-79 vaccinated against COVID. Now we must build on our success by encouraging parents to vaccinate their children starting at age 5, and by giving booster shots to our elders and immune compromised folks,” she said. “The fastest path to a safe and healthy holiday season for everyone in

the most magical time of year for our family. It’s such a privilege to spread cheer and be a part of family traditions across the country. As a familyowned business started by my great-grandfather, an immigrant from Denmark, traditions rooted in our heritage mean so much to us, and we pass down their origin stories to each generation,” says Eric Olesen, the thirdgeneration co-owner of the Racine, Wisconsin-based bakery.

When it comes to traditions, the bakery remains steadfast in unveiling a new holiday flavor every December, its busiest season, making more than 7,000 Kringle every day. This year’s “Christmas Fudge Kringle” is a riff on the traditional pastry. Featuring scratchmade premium dark chocolate filling, frosted in chocolate icing and garnished with Christmas nonpareils, it was inspired

by O&H customers’ favorite holiday cake, “Ohhhh Fudge! Layer Cake,” the name of which

comes from the movie, “A Christmas Story.” To place your Kringle order for the holidays, visit ohdanishbakery.com.

Decorating the Tree As you select your tree and decorate it with treasured ornaments, consider this tradition’s long and storied history.

Did you know that bringing trees into one’s home during winter is a centuries-old tradition?

The custom’s exact origins are debatable -- with some historians believing the ancient Egyptians first adopted the practice and others attributing its invention to pagan Europeans.

However, the modern Christmas tree, much like we know it today, became a widespread practice throughout Europe beginning in the 16th century.

Fun Food Traditions As a family-owned food business, it’s no surprise that the Olesen family has a few of their own delicious holiday

traditions. After dinner on Christmas Eve, they serve Risalamande, a Danish rice pudding dessert typically containing a whole almond. Serving as a fun Christmas-lottery, the one who finds the almond wins a small present.

The bakers at O&H even created a Kringle, called A Very Danish Christmas Kringle, in honor of this dessert! Christmas morning, the family prepares Aebleskiver, which are Danish pancake balls commonly served with such toppings as lingenberries, powdered sugar and fruit preserves.

O&H offers the pre-made mix and even the specialty pans for this purpose to those who want to try this at home. Visit their site for more information.

This holiday season, embrace holiday traditions.

At the same time, don’t be afraid to put new twists on these classics -- whether it’s livening up family recipes or buying new ornaments for your tree.

Need for COVID Safety Measures Remains as Holiday Season Approaches your family is vaccination.

Remember, according to the CDC, there are almost no health conditions that disqualify someone from getting vaccinated against COVID. In fact, most chronic health conditions make it even more important for you to be vaccinated against COVID because of the risk of severe COVID illness when chronic diseases are present. If you are still unsure about getting the vaccine, please read the guidelines on the CDC website or talk to your doctor.” Illustrating Zavaleta’s point, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention updated its domestic travel guidelines in October, loosening them somewhat for fully vaccinated individuals. While even fully vaccinated individuals should continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing while utilizing public transportation such as air travel, unvaccinated individuals are urged to take additional precautions, including COVID-19 testing

before and after travel, in addition to a seven-day, selfquarantine period of at least seven full days regardless of test results. “As we saw with the Delta wave of COVID-19, outbreaks that start on the other side of the world can quickly spread globally in modern times,” Romero said. “Wearing a mask when we are packed into crowded planes, trains, and buses is just another tool we have to help defend all the progress that has been made in bringing this deadly pandemic under control.”

The CDC also updated its guidelines surrounding group gatherings in time for the holidays, offering guidance on indoor mask usage for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

“We all are ready to take off our masks but the question of how safe this is depends on different factors. When gathering with other fully vaccinated people and the level of COVID circulation in the community is low, then going without masks indoors poses little risk,” Zavaleta said. “However,

if there is a high level of COVID circulation in the community or if there will be unvaccinated people attending your holiday gathering, the CDC guidance recommends that everyone wear a mask indoors. In addition, people who have extremely high personal risk, such as an organ transplant or chemotherapy, may want to wear a medical mask such as K-N95 or N95 while indoors.” Romero agreed, and encouraged local residents to consider the health of others while responsibly celebrating the holiday season. “If you are sick, please avoid being around others this holiday season, both to avoid spreading COVID-19 but also the flu, which claims thousands of lives each year as well,” he said. “If you have not been vaccinated and you will be around people that are at risk of infection, such as older parents or grandparents, or people with health problems, the CDC recommends getting tested for COVID-19 before attending a gathering.”