La Feria | June 16, 2021 by La Feria News

WEEK OF June 16, 2021 THROUGH JUNE 22, 2021

Los Leones

Restaurant Monday - Sunday 7:00 am - 2:00 pm Orders to Go

www.laferianews.net

Rudy Garza Funerals, Inc.

David Gray D.M.D., P.A. • Jennifer Shawn D.M.D. • Luis Padilla, DDS

LA FERIA 317 S. MAIN

(956) 797-3122 800-425-8202 Family Owned and Operated by

109 N. Main St. • La Feria, TX 78559

The Rudy Garza Family

Orders to Go 956.797.1000

Our Family Serving your Family

956-797-3131 200 W. 1st St. • La Feria, TX

Your Community Newspaper, Serving the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley VOLUME 98 NUMBER 24

Hurricane Season is Here

2021 Graduation Ceremony TAMUK Dean's List

Page 2

This June 1, 2021, marked the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane season and NOAA predicts a likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms with sustained winds of at least 39mph. According to NOAA, an average season produces 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes, of which three become major Category 3 storms or above with top winds of at least 111 mph. NOAA’S forecast mirrors a similar prediction made in early April by Colorado State University forecasters.

Climatologists with the Colorado State University Tropical Weather and Climate Research Team forecasted 17 named storms with four of those being major category 3 and above storms. There was also a 44% chance of at least one major hurricane making landfall somewhere along the gulf coast. Last year the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season ended up with a record number of tropical systems. Not only did they go through their normal listed names, but also got into the Greek alphabet

for the second time ever in the history of named tropical storms. Twelve of the storms made landfall in the U.S., including nine that hit the Gulf Coast. From the Cameron County preparedness disaster plan, they encourage everyone to be prepared and make a personal disaster preparedness plan. First, plan by jotting down your emergency point of contacts, choose a meeting place, create an evacuation plan, plan for the needs of the elderly, disabled, children & pets

and share your emergency plan with family members. Second, build a kit. Create a checklist of essential supplies, create a checklist of important documents, have a “Disaster Supply Kit” container/bag ready, and have an “Emergency Document bag ready. Thirdly, know the types of disasters in your area, stay informed about the emergency/disaster, learn the difference between “Watch” vs. “Warning,” and have different sources of information (online, mobile phone weather

app, television, radio, and NOAA Weather radio. Also, if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and will need transportation to get out before the storm arrives, dial 2-1-1 and register in advance for a ride. You may also want to register your phone for “Reverse 9-1-1” Emergency notification. Just call 855-879-1911 or visit www.cameroncounty911. com. You can find all Cameron County disaster preparedness plans and information on the Cameron County at www. cameroncounty.us.

Obituary: Enrique Salazar Garcia

Page 4

Memorial Day remembrance of Marine from Harlingen sacrifice NOAA’s 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook

Lions Back to State 7 on 7

Page 5

Draw a superhero.

Page 6

Hide and Seek Part 4

Page 7

Doc Talk.....................pg. 3 Classified....................pg. 4 Sports..........................pg. 5 Activity Page.............pg. 6 Puzzles........................pg. 7

Texas, who died from Wounds Received in Combat during the Korean War. PFC García at some point in his life realized that he would sacrifice his life so that others may live. This war where PFC US Marine Corp. PFC Ralph Garcia García (Courtesy Photo) died in, They say that “War is sometimes referred to as Is Hell.” To those that “The Forgotten War.” The experienced and survived battles in this war were so war, nothing could be brutal and ferocious that closer to the truth. Yes, many just want to forget “WAR IS HELL.” In hardit, but how can we forget core combat, many die in it, when so many good defense of an ideology. In men were lost. One of the our country, we know it as biggest obstacles in the FREEDOM. Case in point Korean War was the climatic is the sacrifice made by the conditions, where historical United States Marine Corps temperatures dropped to sub PFC Ralph Garcia from -52 degree weather. People Harlingen, Cameron County,

The only Community Bank with locations in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties

were losing fingers and toes, to frostbite. Another obstacle where Marines were running out of ammunition and had to revert to hand-to-hand combat. Food and water supplies were also hard to get due to the weather conditions. One area of hills, which they defended and died for was known as the Punchbowl. These positions were of vital importance to the success of the war. PFC Ralph Garcia and other members of, D Company 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division were ordered to defend their position at all cost. On the early hours of one February night in 1952, all hell broke loose as the Marines woke up in the darkness of nights, to the sounds of whistles, buglers, and the shouting of hundreds of attacking Chinese soldiers. Using flares to light up the sky and using their training skills, the Marines held on to their positions, but at a high casualty cost. PFC Ralph Garcia was one

of those casualties. During the battle, he was seriously wounded by a fragmentation grenade, and a few days later on February 22, 1952, he died from those wounds. His body was brought home and buried at the Harlingen, City Cemetery, Harlingen, Texas where you can go and pay your respects for his sacrifice. He was awarded the Purple Heart and other medals. Ralph García left behind a young widow and a son. A son who grew into a respectable man. I have had the honor of knowing this young man, Joe Garcia, on the basketball court, where we initially met

Physicals | Well Visits | Sick Visits | Immunizations | and more... To schedule an appointment, call 956.370.7169 or visit myvbpn.com. Family Care Clinic, 200 W. 1st Street, Suite B, La Feria

• Digital

X Rays

The Community’s Choice.

• Dentures • Teeth

Whitening • Crowns

5501 S. Expressway 77 Harlingen, TX (956) 365-1000 | www.harlingenmedicalcenter.com

Javier Trevino D.D.S.

Dentistry for all Members of the Family

Welcoming New Patients Now Open Monday - Saturday Call for an Appointment Today!

100 S. Main Street

Ph: (956)797-4444

on opposite teams and later as a productive member of his community. It was through Joe that I found out about this great HERO, his dad, who faced death and yet was willing to sacrifice his life and all his tomorrows, for our todays. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE my friends, someone pays for it at a steep price. My respect for PFC Ralph Garcia and his family. Attention on Deck a Marine has served with honor and respect…SALUTE…..Rest In Peace, Comrade García. Semper Fidelis!t -La Feria Veterans Memorial Monument Project

NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS Bright Odei, MD & Juan Briones, PA-C

• Bridges

H ARLINGEN M EDICAL C ENTER

BEST HOSPITAL

Member FDIC

NOAA’s 2021 Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Names

La Feria, Texas

Elizondo Family (956)241-0978

2 • June 16, 2021• LA FERIA NEWS

La Feria ISD alumni excel at college Special to LFN

Six La Feria area residents, who now attend Texas A&M Univeristy Kingsville, were honored for their academic achievement this sprint semester. All six were listed on the Spring 2021 Dean's List.

In order to be included on the Dean's List a student must have earned a grade point average of 3.65 on all work attempted in the spring 2021 semester, with a minimum of 13 semester undergraduate hours completed, exclusive of credit only (CR)

Amelia Renee Trevino - La Feria 2019

courses. The six students from the La Feria are are the following: Krystal Ann Cruz, Madison Elaine Flores, George William Lazaro (La Feria HS 2017), Janelle Marie Martinez (La Feria HS 2019), Reyes Issac Rodriguez (La Feria HS 2019),

Amelia Renee Treviño (La Feria HS 2019). Congratulations students and keep up the good work. If you have news of people in or from the La Feria area doing great things, then please let us know. news@ laferianews.net

Reyes Issac Rodriguez - La Feria 2018

George William Lazaro - La Feria 2017.

Janelle Martinez - La Feria 2019

More news and exclusive content at “Your Community Newspaper since 1923”

Pediatric Dentistry

956-365-6000 1706 Treasure Hills Blvd Harlingen, Texas

128 W. Oleander Ave., Downtown La Feria, TX

956-797-9920 • Fax 956-797-9921

GET SCHEDULES, SCORES & LIVE BROADCASTS OF LA FERIA GAMES

LIVE BROADCASTS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

E-MAIL: laferianews@aol.com We are open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE: Call 956-3306838

Call today! Now accepting new pediatric patients

SUBSCRIPTION RATES 2795 Yr. Valley l $3495 Out of Valley Single Copy Price ...................... $.50 ea. Back Issues available ............... $.50 ea. $

www.suclinica.org

Also distributed to each LFISD School Student.

PUBLISHERS

CALENDAR of EVENTS

ADVERTISING

Landon Jennings Sharice Jennings

Victor Moreno 956-264-7720

MAILING ADDRESS

Emilio Flores

P.O. Box 999 La Feria, TX 78559

CONTENT EDITOR OFFICE MANAGER

Nelda Briones

797-9920 l Fax 797-9921 MEMBER 2020

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/boards-and-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 346248-7799. 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.

JUNE 22, 2021 6:30 PM City Commission Meeting Online ZOOM Meeting

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

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.

“Educación no es para llenar un cubo, sino prender un fuego” “Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.”

Contribuido por: Dagoberto Rodríguez If you have a Mexican saying you’d like to share, please call: 956-797-9920

More news and exclusive content at

June 16, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 3

MID-VALLEY HOSPITAL PROVIDES AWARD-WINNING WOMEN’S CARE

PERFECTLY

DEDEDERLICIOU&S TEARN ANTE GU

GET THE OMAHA STEAKS CLASSIC

INTRODUCTORY PRICE:

12999

4 (5 oz.) Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons 8 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks 4 (3.8 oz.) Individual Scalloped Potatoes 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets Omaha Steaks Seasoning Packet

&4 PLUS 4 MORE BURGERS FREE MORE CHICKEN BREASTS

$296.87* separately

5.0473 Order Now 1.877.73 Ask for

| OmahaSteaks18.co5Vm/KTmeals14

ssic 64 the Omaha Steaks Cla

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2. Free burgers and chicken will be sent to each shipping address that includes (64185). Standard S&H added per address. Not valid with other offers. Expires 10/31/20. All purchases subject to Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy: omahasteaks.com/ terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks.com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872. Photos exemplary of product advertised.

ASK US HOW TO GET THE

AMAZING iPHONE® 11 FOR $0 WHEN YOU SWITCH TO AT&T

Find out how to get our most popular phones, call now!

877-684-4221 © 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, or to schedule a tour of the award-winning women’s center and newborn nursery at Knapp Medical Center, please call (956) 973-5350 or (956) 969-5360, e-mail OEstrada@PrimeHealthCare. com; and visit www.KnappMed.org/Services/Womens-Health-Services.aspx and www.FaceBook.com/ KnappMedicalCenter/.

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 First Baptist Church of Santa Rosa Pastor Harold Parker 956-636-1603 118 Jesus R. Cruz, Santa Rosa Sunday Services 9:30am Bible Study, 10:30am Morning Worship, 7pm Wednesday Evening Worship.

*Selected Best Course in the Valley* Rolling Fairways and Lakes Terrific Greens and Great Course Condition

SPECIAL PARK RATE

19 9 HOLES $ .99 29 18 HOLES $ .99 19 AFTER 2 PM $

.99

TIL 2 PM

Includes Golf, Cart & Tax

SUNDOWNERS

Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. • All You Can Play

3009 N. Augusta National Dr. HARLINGEN, TX

956.425.1700

The church has a long history with denial. And I do not mean the river in Egypt. We denied that the earth rotated around the sun. We denied the world is round and billions of years old. And of course, we denied there ever were dinosaurs. It should come as no surprise that some pastors now deny the existence of a virus, (people have always been dying.) Others deny the efficacy of the vaccine. Some even call it genocide. Denying the existence of dinosaurs may be embarrassing but is not really dangerous. On the contrary, denying the curse and cure of COVID19 can be deadly. One pastor is on oxygen because of a virus of which he denies the existence. It is odd that those of us who talk so much about belief have so little.

Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco provides awardwinning maternity and gynecological care which is convenient and close to home for women in the MidValley. Recently, Knapp was re-certified as the Mid-Valley’s only Level II Neonatal Nursery by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Olivia Estrada RN, BSN, Director of Women’s Services at Knapp Medical Center, said the milestone reflects the care of experienced neonatologists led by Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Neonatal Medical Director; obstetrician – gynecologists; and other physician specialists; as well as specially-trained nurses at Knapp Medical Center. “We strive to give each of our patients the highest quality of care and make the birthing experience a good one,” Ms. Estrada said. Obstetricians-gynecologists who serve on the active medical staff at Knapp include Dr. Ronald Blanco, Dr. Annabelle Lopez, Dr. Jonathan Lugo, Dr. Mona Mallikarjunaiah, Dr. Gregoris Nunez, and Dr. Gabriela Villanueva. The care these physicians and Knapp’s speciallytrained nurses show for their patients has contributed to several awards for the Knapp Women’s Center – including being recognized for 5-star care for labor and delivery and for gynecologic surgery by Heathgrades, a national company which specializes in information about healthcare.

CHURCH SERVICE DIRECTORY

A Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Design

First Baptist Church, La Feria

Apostolic Faith Tabernacle Pastor Ramon Zarate 357-6384 621 South Main, La Feria Sunday School 10am Sunday Worship 4pm, Wed. Evening 7:30pm. All services are bilingual. Iglesia Oracion en Su Presencia Missionary Church,Inc. Pastors Frank & Janie Gonzalez 797-0044 4th Street, La Feria,TX Sunday 10am & 6pm, Monday 7 pm Prayer Service, Wednesday 7 pm, Friday 7 pm. Church of Christ Minister Gene Head 536-9832 912 N. Parker Rd., La Feria, Wednesday 6:30 pm Bible Study, Sunday 9:30am Bible Study, 10:30am Service, 5pm Evening Service Los Domingos: 12:00 Medio Dia Los Jueves: 7:00 pm Estudio De Biblia Faith Church of Christian & Missionary Alliance Church Pastor Oscar Loredo 797-1739 125 W. First St., La Feria,Tx Bilingual Ministry Sunday 10am Sunday School, 11am Worship, Wednesday 7 pm Bible Study, Friday 7 pm Prayer.

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

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 Casa de church: 500 South Canal St., La Feria, Esperanza Apostolic Saturday Mass 5:30pm, Church Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, 416 W. Spruce La Feria 10am English, 12pm Bilingual. 965-639-4301 Bilingual Services Sunday at 1:00pm Christ In Our Midst Daniel Martinez - Pastor Missionary Church Pastor: Rev. Daniel Carrizalez St. Mary’s Catholic 956-742-6311 Church 1 mile N. of FM 506, La Feria FR. Edouard Atangana, Sunday School - 9:45 a.m., 956-636-1211 Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m., 101 San Antonio Ave., Santa Rosa Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m., Monday Saturday Mass 5pm Bilingual, Prayer - 7:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, new Hope 10am English. Presbyterian Church 208 West Central Ave, First Baptist Church of La Feria,TX, 956-277-0208 La Feria Services Sunday 4:30 pm 797-1214 Sunday School 3:15 pm Main St. & Magnolia, La Feria Communion on the Wednesday 6:30pm Youth Bible Study & 1st Sunday of every month Mission Friends, 9:45am Sunday School, 11am Morning Worship Service Cowboy Church 11235 Swift Ln. Santa Rosa, Tex. Service St. Albans at 11:00am Sunday Episcopal Church 6:30pm pm Monday Reverend Scott Brown 956-975-6144 956-428-2305, www.westernoutreach.org 1417 E. Austin, Harlingen,TX Holy Communion 8am, Sunday School St. Paul Lutheran Church 9:15, Holy Eucharist 10:30am. Pastor Nathan Wendorf Sundays 8:00AM (Traditional) Hope in the Word Church HC first, third & fi fth Pastors Jose & Bertha Belmares 10:30AM (Contemporary) 797-3621, HC second, fourth & fi fth 28354 S. Bixby Rd., La Feria (956) 423-3924 Services Friday 6pm, Sunday 10am. 602 Morgan Blvd. All services are Bilingual, English & Harlingen, TX 78550 Spanish. church@saintpaulharlingen.com Templo Getsemani Primera Iglesia Pastor Julio y Claudia Mendoza Bautista Phone (956) 589-5016 956-797-1740 11418 Fifth St. La Feria 519 N. Main, La Feria Servicios: Bilingual Services: Sunday 9:45am Tuesday & Thursday 7pm Sunday School, 10:45am Worship Friday Pray at 7pm Service, 5:00pm WMU, Sunday Bible Study at 10am & 6pm 6:00 pm Evening Worship Service, Immanuel Lutheran Iglesia Generacion Church & School En Conquista Rev. Ed Weber Pastor Samuel y Magda Cervantes, 956-565-1518 Office (M-F; 8-12 noon) Phone (956) 536-2215 956-565-3208 School (Grades: PK-5th 2803 W. Exp. 83 Suite A. La Feria 703 W. 3rd St., Mercedes, TX Sunday Service 10am Bible Study, 11am Sunday Worship Services 9am Worship Service, Sunday Bible Class 10:30 am 7pm Wednesday Family Service immanuelmercedes@gmail.com lutheranmercedes.com

-Mark S. Ross DMin.

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 _____________

CITY OF LA FERIA UTILITIES BOARD 2nd Tuesday, 5:15pm La Feria City Hall 115 E. Commercial Ave. (956) 797-2261 CITY OF LA FERIA CITY COMMISSION 2nd & 4th Tues, 6:30pm La Feria City Hall 115 E. Commercial Ave. (956) 797-2261 AMERICAN LEGION POST #439 1st Tuesday, 7:30pm American Legion Post 145 E. Commercial Ave. (956) 797-3701 CHIP-O-TEXAS WOODCARVERS Every Tues • 8:30am-noon Park Place Estates Friendship Hall • Harlingen (956) 399-6660 SOUTH TEXAS UNITED AUTO WORKERS RETIEES 2nd Tuesday • 10:30am Elk Lodge Club 1426 S. Commerce • Harlingen (956) 428-3555 BLUEGRASS JAM SESSIONS Every Tuesday, 1:30pm Kenwood RV Resort 1201 N. Main • La Feria (956) 797-1875

WEDNESDAYS _____________ DIALOGUE MEETINGS 1st & 3rd Wed, 12:30pm Sept. - May Valley Baptist Medical Center East Tower, 1st Floor, Abbot Meditation Room • Harlingen MAGIC VALLEY QUILTERS Every Wednesday • 10am 1st Christian Church 400 N. Readan • San Benito 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 _____________ SOROSIS LITERARY CLUB 2nd Thursday Contact Cindy Moore (956) 245-5742 SANTA ROSA CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3rd Thursday • 7:00pm Santa Rosa City Hall (956) 636-1113 MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP Every Thursday • 7-9pm Men’s Resource Center of South Texas 204 N. 1st St. • Harlingen (956) 425-6110

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

Have a weekly community event you would like us to include in our calendar?

email news@laferianews.net or call (956) 797-9920

4 • June 16, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS

Obituary Great Classifieds... List Yours Today by Calling 956-233-9928 or 956-797-9920.

REMEMBER: Deadline is Wednesday at NOON for ads to be published in the following week’s edition.

Services THE HAIR CENTER Betsy OPEN Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri

956-797-4036 122 W. Oleander • La Feria, TX

“Your On- site Answer to Document Destruction”

scan & visit

We supply the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas with Secure Mobile Document Destruction.

Call Us Today!

1-956-233-4780

102 Main St. • (956) 797-9920 • Fx: (956)797-9921 www.laferianews.net

L egal Notice

www.ValleyShredding.com

Mobile Home INSURANCE

Pay Less....Check

√oorhesAgency Insurance

518 N. 1ST ST. • HARLINGEN (956)428-7475 •(800)880-0938

TexSCAN Week of June 13-19, 2021

INTERNET

LOG HOMES

Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681

APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A WINE AND BEER RETAILER'S PERMIT BY YEGUAS SALOON TO BE LOCATED AT 312 W. 1ST STREET, LA FERIA, CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS. OFFICERS OF SAID CORPORATION JUAN GUADALUPE TOSTADO, OWNER.

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/month w/12-mo agmt. Includes 1 TB of data per month. Get More For ACREAGE Your High-Speed Internet Thing. Ask us how to bundle Hunting/investment/recreational property. We and SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. Call us today have some of the best in Texas! From the Hill Country (Edwards, Menard, Coke, Val Verde County, free 1-855-439-5457. ranging exotics) to South Texas (Kinney, Duval, Live MAINTENANCE Oak County, whitetail, hogs). Large or small acreage. 30-year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the Call toll-free or email for individual prices and terms, most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. www.ranchenterprisesltd.com, 800-876-9720. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior ANTIQUES & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-815-5722. Indian Artifact Show & Old Coins, Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. 6th St., Abilene, TX TRUCK DRIVERS 79601. Showtime: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., July 10th. Call We’re Hiring Truck Drivers. Need your CDL? Attend 979-218-3351. our driving school! Delivering Promises and Driving EVENT Success – CRST – The Transportation Solution. Apply Wylie – Bluegrass on Ballard, Sat. June 26. Music 1-9 now at jobs.crst.com/newspaper. p.m.; Arts & Crafts 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (WylieTexas.gov); Be Your Own Boss, Choose Your Own Routes! Classic Car Show 4-9 p.m. (pre-register for car Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all show at DiscoverWylie.com). Event will be held in Historic Downtown Wylie on Ballard Avenue. over the country, starting in Laredo, TX. Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing DiscoverWylie.com. to keep logs. No DUIs in the last 10 years, clean GENERATORS MVR. Quality Drive-Away. Apply online at GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023. power during utility power outages, so your home and REAL ESTATE family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free How much is your home worth? It may be worth more quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. than you think. Free Valuation of your home 281-5131-855-704-8579. 2476. www.brittimesrealty.com/home-value. Log Homes – 4 Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #101 Carolina, bal. $17,000; Model #203 Georgia, bal. $19,950; Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $14,500; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500. View plans at www.loghomedream.com; 704-602-3035.

Enrique Salazar Garcia, 80, of El Campo, passed away June 6, 2021. He was born on November 17, 1940 in Gran Teran, Mexico to Enrique and Concepcion Garcia. He was the youngest of five siblings. On January 30, 1961 he married the love of his life, Tomasa. Enrique was an amazing man and those who knew him knew that he was loving, loyal and honest. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to always be positive, determined and independent just like he was. He was the strongest man and at times stubborn too. He proved that while being hospitalized. Enrique retired after 35 years with Southern Pacific Railroad. He enjoyed piddling around the shop, just to stay busy. He worked hard even though he was officially retired and never turned down the opportunity to help someone in need. “If you want something done right, do it yourself”, he’d say and looked cute doing it. Enrique, our dad, was a father figure to many. For the eighty years he was here, we thank God for all the things that he taught us. Loving each other was the most important. Thank you, Dad, for all the love you showed us. He is survived by his daughters, Elida “Ellie” Garcia of El Campo, Lina Garcia of Houston, Raquel Garcia of El Campo, Alicia Garcia and fiancé Albert Finlay of Stafford, Angela Garcia Terrell and husband Alfred of El Campo; sons, Raul Garcia and wife Diane of El Campo, Enrique Garcia III of El Campo; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and sister, Maria Madera of La Feria. Enrique was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Tomasita Silva Garcia; granddaughter, Shaneeka Wilkerson; daughter-in-law, Teresa Garcia; sister, Margarita Garcia and brothers, Guadalupe and Antonio Garcia. Visitation begins 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 9 at Triska Funeral Home with a Rosary recited at 6 p.m. Funeral Mass begins 10 a.m. Thursday, June 10 at St. Robert’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Enrique Garcia III, Nicholas Espinosa, Aaron Espinosa, Armando Jasso, Angelo Jasso, Albert Finlay, Pete Ordones Jr. and Jermaine Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Garcia, Darius Garcia, Keagan King, Cayden Wilkerson, Jace Espinosa and Anthony Jasso. Condolences may be shared online at www.triskafuneralhome. com

Visit us online

Without public notices in the newspaper, you’re left guessing.

Obamacare Medicare health, dental and vision

insurance

call 956 970 7437

WANTED FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com..

Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 221 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.

It shouldn’t be your responsibility to know how to look, where to look or when to look to be informed about public information. It is the government’s responsibility to notify you, and public notices in your newspaper eliminates the guesswork. If it is not in the newspaper, how will you know?

DRIVEN TO BE THE BEST

Be Your Own Boss, Choose Your Own Routes! Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX. Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.

Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023

More news and exclusive content at

128 W. Oleander Ave. La Feria, Texas

(956) 797-9920 FAX (956) 797-9921

laferianews.net

More news and exclusive content at scan and visit!

June 16, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5

La Feria Heading Back to the State 7v7 Tournament By KEVIN NARRO La Feria News WEST OSOThe La Feria Lions are heading back to a familiar tournament. This past weekend, the Lions rolled through the Calallen DII state qualifying tournament. La Feria went 4-0 in tournament play and capped off the day with a 36-13 win over Port Isabel, locking up their fourth bid at the 2021 Texas 7-on-7 Division II state tournament at Veterans Park in College Station. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 24-26. For incoming senior EJ Serna, the fact 7-on-7 is back

this summer is a relief. Last summer the state tournament was cancelled due to Covid-19. "It is definitely great having it back," Serna said. "It is fun to play football and build a bond with my teammates." Not having any 7-on-7 last summer threw a wrench into the football season. Serna sees the opportunity to build chemistry and prepare for the 2021 season. "We can build a bond with our teammates and it also will help us build chemistry that will carry into our season." Along the way, La Feria went 3-0 in Pool B. In their first game, La Feria

beat Ingleside 3018, then crushed Rockport-Fulton 3514 then snuck past Alice 15-13. In their final game against rival Port Isabel, the Lions raced out to a 22-0 halftime lead and later held on for the win. "There was definitely some good competition at the SQT," said QB Aron Trevino. "We had a tough pool but our mindset was just to go up there and compete and I think we did exactly that."

Septic Services by R&R

• Sales of Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Blocks & Bases • Septic Tank Cleaning Supports the Lions • Service Repairs and Lionettes.

BILL BUNTON

AUTO SUPPLY & MACHINE, INC.

Service You Can Trust by Rene Taguilas

La Feria

(956) 226-9468 Valleywide Service

1101 W. Second Bus. 83 Mercedes, TX 78570

GO LIONS GO! Brian Bunton

(956) 565-2473

Now offering flu and pneumonia vaccinations! Mario A. Sanchez, D.O. and Staff

GO MIGHTY LIONS!

(956) 797-2002 106LaN.Feria Main St

MEET THE

LIONETTES

PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY OF THE MAY RSL MAGAZINE AT THE IL LA A V E FERIA RStands P S to Full T NEWS R Fans ng ngi Bri

ts por aS e r A t in Bes e th you

MAY

EE FR

VO L

2021 LIONETTES

VARSITY BASKETBALL

OFFICE.

O SP From No

S • IS

128 WEST

OLEANDER AKES CER M ge 22 C O S pa LLEN CALATORY HIS atso ly W

n/R

EEKE TAR W 6 & S L L es 2 BA A pag RGVC

Supports the Lions & Lionettes! Advertise your Business Here!

797-9920 il to: B Pho

6 • June 16, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS

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

M A R K B ECER RA · R eal to r

KOFFEE KLATCH RESTAURANT

101 S. 77 Sunshine Strip 956-230-4199

SUNDAY-SATURDAY 8:00AM - 2:00 PM

Sausage L2UEgg N C&H2 ·Bacon B R Eor AK F A S T Hashbrown ALL DAY w/Drink $5.99 M-Th

Septic Services by R&R

• Sales of Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Blocks & Bases • Septic Tank Cleaning • Service Repairs

(956) 226-9468

Service you can trust by Rene Taguilas

La Feria

V.I.P. Realty VALLEY INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS

VELMA DE LOS SANTOS

800 E. Stenger | San Benito, TX 78586 956.399.7777 | 956.245.4369 Fax: 956.361.3659 Email: viprealty1@aol.com MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Broker / GRI, CRS, CREP

REALTOR

1 10/30/12 11:27 AM Page 1

ULLIGAN WATER OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY ®

0/30/12 11:27 AM Page 1

_Layout 1 10/30/12 11:27 AM Page 1

LLIGAN WATER OFOF THE RIO CULLIGAN WATER THE RIOGRANDE GRANDEVALLEY VALLEY ®

www.culliganrgv.com www.culliganrgv.com

better water. pure and simple. ® better water. pure and simple.

www.culliganrgv.com

better water. pure and simple.®

OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY

WATER OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY 956-399-1780 1300 W. Business 77 • San Benito, TX

Call today for a FREE water analysis!

ganrgv.com

v.com

better water. pure and simple.®

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE ON OUR NEW ACTIVITY PAGE PLEASE CONTACT LA FERIA NEWS AT

(956) 797-9920

June 16, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7

The Next Chapter Hide and Seek By Nandy Ekle Part 4 Horror rose up in her chest from her throat and brought a new load of tears with it. Her babies were gone! They were no where in the house! Her screaming began as she ran through the front door to look in the bushes. When she didn’t find them there, she ran almost to the street calling their names in a state of hysteria. “Toby! Bethany! Where are you?” She repeated the call over and over and looked in a circle around the yard while walking. Belinda, her next-door neighbor since forever, ran to her side. “Anna, come on, dear. Let me help you.” Anna’s head fell onto

Belinda’s shoulder as she continued to call for the kids and cry hot tears. “They’re gone, Belinda! My kids are gone! I don’t know where they are! Oh, dear Lord! I can’t even find my phone! I don’t know where my kids are, Belinda.” The sobbing continued. “Well come on over to my house. We’ll have a cup of tea.” “Tea? How can you stand there and talk about tea? Didn’t you hear me? The kids are gone! Oh, get out of my way and let me look for them.” “Did you call –“ “No, I didn’t call anyone. They did something with the phone last night and I can’t find it.” “Well, come on, dear. You shouldn’t be out here in

your robe. Come on in the house and I’ll make a call for you.” By that time exhaustion had taken over with the panic and Anna’s head rested on Belinda’s shoulder as she wept. “I have to find them, Belinda. I have to find my kids.” “We’ll get them. Come on, dear.” Belinda moved Anna away from the street and into her house. “Just sit here on the couch and I’ll put the water on to boil, then I’ll make the call.” “Oh, Belinda, what am I going to do? Doug is out of town and I can’t find my phone.” She continued to sob and shake her head as Belinda walked to the back of the house. Toby and Bethany loved to play Hide and Seek, but they had never been this cruel before. Anna just knew something sinister had happened to them. And something was not right with Belinda. How could she be so cool and calm? Tea indeed. If Belinda’s kids had vanished, Anna would be scouring the world to help find them. She began to wonder if her neighbor knew more than she was saying. She heard the water running briefly

and then heard Belinda talking in low tones. Her eyes darted around the room looking for places where the children might be hiding. When Anna’s trusted friend came back into the room holding a white saucer with a brown cup balanced in the middle, she looked at her in a new light. She sniffed the watery mucus back into her nose. “Belinda, is there something you’re not telling me about my kids? Do you know where they are? Why won’t you tell me, Belinda? Can’t you see how worried I am?” “Dear Anna. I think you’ve gotten yourself all worked up. I think that if you calm down, you’ll understand what’s happening here. You’ve always been a very smart woman.” She held the cup and saucer out to Anna. The tag attached to a tea bag hung over the side of the cup and fragrant steam wafted from inside, but Anna couldn’t stand the thought of sipping tea and having a pleasant conversation while God only knew what had happened to her babies. “No, I can’t drink tea right now. I have to find my kids! Oh, God, Belinda, if you know something, tell me!” “Why don’t you go

over what happened this morning. Maybe you’ll remember something.” After a few moments of weeping and sniffling, Anna began to speak with a little more control. “Toby cried last night about zombies because that brat in his class came to school and told him about this horrible movie his mother let him watch. So help me, if I see her I’ll give her a huge piece of my mind!” “Now, Anna, you’re too sweet of a lady to do something like that.” “Well, that boy has no right telling my little Toby

about such sickness. He went back to sleep before I could get to him so I didn’t bother him. Then Bethany woke up and I sang her back to sleep. When I went in their rooms to get them up for school this morning, they were . . . were . . . they were gone.” A fresh tide of tears started over and Anna grabbed tissues from the box on the table next to the sofa. “I’m sure it’s not what you think, Anna. Try to think back to last week, before the zombie movie.” ► CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Want your story in the paper? This story continues next week. The Next Chapter is a column featuring a serialized continuing short story from a local author. You can submit your own original story for publication at news@ laferianews.net. news@laferianews.net

4. For the time being, Latin (2 words) 5. Basic drumming pattern, pl. 6. Saints' crowns 7. End of grace 8. Through, for short 9. Hie, third person singular 10. Not new or borrowed or blue 12. "All ____!" 13. Motherless calf 14. *Wakanda's Black ____ 19. Make havoc 22. Coach's locker room speech 23. Oodles 24. ____ one, on a pass 25. *Mighty ____ 26. *Known to say: "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry" 27. Steer clear 28. Grimace in pain 29. More cunning 32. Make pretty, two words 33. Break a commandment 36. *America's title 38. Vienna Boys' group 40. Public house, for short 41. Devoid of reverence 44. Seeking damages 46. Wondering ones 48. Put through a blender 49. Offer two cents 50. Turkish honorific 51. Jealous biblical brother 52. Perfect houseplant spot 53. Bob ____, famous boxing promoter 54. Cat o'how many tails? 55. Cash dispenser 58. Morning condensation

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS

THEME: SUPERHEROES

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS

ACROSS 1. Golf club handle 5. Aviation safety agency 8. Although, for short 11. "Give me your tired, your ____...." 12. Homecoming guest 13. PhD in Great Britain 15. Legendary NFL quarterback Graham 16. Like Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard 17. Propelled like Argo 18. *Batman's romantic interest 20. Wildebeests 21. Use the other end of a pencil 22. Cherry middle 23. *Thor's weapon 26. Brays like a donkey 30. Another word for Tokyo 31. Makes a sum (2 words) 34. *Like The Joker 35. Without self-control 37. Black gold 38. Buddy

39. Site of Leaning Tower 40. Canvas ceiling fan 42. *____man, one of original X-Men 43. Comes to the fore 45. *____ Woman, first female in the Justice Society of America 47. "Rub A Dub Dub" vessel 48. Paralysis-causing disease, for short 50. Smoothie berry 52. *a.k.a. the Caped Crusader 55. "Encore!" 56. Pupil's place 57. Like Arizona in summer 59. *Ben Grimm of "It's clobberin' time!" fame, with The 60. Eyeglasses glass 61. Buggy terrain 62. Gingerbread creation 63. *Superhero creator, Stan ____ 64. Eurasian duck DOWN 1. Government Printing

Office 2. Campus military acronym 3. Letter before kappa

FIND WHAT YOU LOVE WITH A VOICE COMMAND

INTRODUCING

The best of live TV and On Demand, with access to streaming apps, together in one place. With ENTERTAINMENT through ULTIMATE Pkgs. Services auto-renew after 3 mos. at then prevailing rate (currently $54/mo.), unless you call to change or cancel. Req's you to select offer.

CHOICE PACKAGE™

99 MO.

For 12 mos. plus taxes & Regional Sports Fee

W/24-mo. agmt TV prices higher in 2nd year.* Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.

All your favorite entertainment, together in one place: live TV, 45,000 titles On Demand, 500 hour s of Cloud DVR, and access to HBO Max, Netflix, Pandora, and more. 1 Available only in the U.S. (excl. Puerto Rico & U.S.V.I.). Req’s compatible device & data connection. Recordings expire after 90 days. Restr's apply. Req's separate subscription/login for HBO,® Netflix and Pandora.

AT&T TV: See att.com/tv for details. *$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE ($15/MO. FOR TV) FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. ENTERTAINMENT AT&T TV Pkg., 1 AT&T TV device New residential customers only, excluding DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers. Restr’s apply.

CALL your AT&T Dealer Today! Iv Support Holdings LLC

1-844-533-2065 CHOICE 1-YR AT&T TV PACKAGE W/ OTHER ELIG. SVC: Ends 8/31/20. 1st & 2nd year Pricing: $54.99 for first 12 mos. only. After 12 mos. or loss of eligibility, then prevailing rate applies ($110/mo for CHOICE), unless cancelled or changed prior to end of the promo period. Pricing subject to change. $10/mo. bundle discount: Internet: Reqs new (min. $39.99/mo plus taxes and $10/mo. equip. fee) or existing svc. Excludes DSL. Wireless: Consumers only. Sold separately. Reqs new (min. $50/mo after discounts) or existing AT&T postpaid svc on elig. plan (excl. Lifeline) on a smartphone, phone or AT&T Wireless Internet device (excl. voice-only AT&T Wireless Internet). Both svcs: Eligible svc must be installed/activated w/in 30 days of TV activation and svc addresses must match to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles. First time credit will include all credits earned since meeting offer requirements. Must maintain both qualifying svcs to continue credits. No credits in 2nd year for bundled services. Includes: CHOICE TV Pkg. Req’s 1 AT&T TV device, included for well qualified customers; otherwise $120. Add’l devices avail for $120 each or on installment; non-qualified customers must purchase additional devices up front. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes other add’l fees & charges. Regional Sports Fee of up to $8.49/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE and higher Pkgs.). Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit customers. AT&T TV: Subject to AT&T TV terms and conditions. Avail. in the U.S. only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). AT&T TV service will continue monthly at the prevailing rate charged to your payment method on file, unless you cancel, subject to any early termination fees. If you cancel in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included AT&T TV device within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Additional devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at att.com/help/cancellation-policy-att-tv.html for more details. Once you’ve canceled, you can access AT&T TV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Compatible device req’d. Residential customers only. Pricing, channels, features, and terms subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. GENERAL: Limit 3 concurrent streams per account. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Taxes may apply. See your Order Confirmation email and att.com/legal/att-tv.html for more details. HBO,® Cinemax and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. GENERAL WIRELESS: Subj. to Wireless Customer Agmt (att.com/wca). Credit approval req’d. Deposit/Down Payment: may apply. Charges/restrictions: Taxes, Reg. Cost. Recovery Charge (Up to $1.50), other fees and charges, usage, speed, coverage & other restr’s apply per line. See att.com/mobilityfees for details on fees & charges. International and domestic off-net data may be at 2G speeds. AT&T service is subject to AT&T network management policies, see att.com/broadbandinfo for details. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per AT&T account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit att.com/hbomax. HBO Max is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. Minimum 3G connection is required for viewing on mobile devices. HBO MAX is used under license. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all off ers. ©2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

8 • June 16, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS As Belinda left the room, ►CONTINUEDFROMPAGE7 “I can’t! I can’t think of Anna felt the fog settling anything right now. My into her brain. Shock. I children are gone! Would must be going into shock. you be able to think?” Her I simply cannot think hysteria was returning and anymore. she shooed Belinda’s hand As she sat on the sofa away as she tried to put allowing the brown fog the cup in Anna’s hands. to cover her thoughts, Suddenly she didn’t want Belinda returned with a anything to do with Belinda young woman following or her tea, or whatever she her. Amazement dawned in might have put in it to calm Anna’s chest at the beauty her down. of the woman and she At that moment the wondered if she had seen doorbell rang and Belinda her out in town somewhere. stood up. “Excuse me, Her hair shone like the sun, Anna. I’ll be right back” her eyes held a fun little

sparkle, but her mouth was slightly pursed in a pucker. This angelic lady took Anna’s hand and pulled her up from the couch. Anna immediately felt calmer as she looked in her glittery eyes and asked, “Can you help me?” “Are you okay?” Anna’s tears started over again. “My kids are gone. I don’t know where they are and they have school today.” She managed to control her voice. “Can you help me find them?” The sweetness of her touch felt comforting

and Anna didn’t want her to let go. “Mom, you forgot to take your meds again, didn’t you. Let’s get you home and we’ll find the phone and get your pills.” As the beautiful woman spoke those words, the fog settled completely covering all of Anna’s thoughts. She can help me. She will help me. And Anna’s tears stopped instantly. Bethany looked at Belinda and said, “Thank you for calling me. She’s been having these episodes more

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month

Exercise Key to Living, Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle HARLINGEN & BROWNSVILLE — With June officially serving as Men’s Health Awareness Month, there is no better time for men who normally put their own health on the back burner to take stock of their personal fitness. Physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and smoking are risk factors for heart disease, the number one killer of men in America. Over time, fat and cholesterol can build up in blood vessels. When arteries that supply the heart and brain with blood become clogged, a heart attack or stroke can occur. These risk factors can be reduced by living a healthy lifestyle. While there is no cureall when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Christopher Romero, an internal medicine specialist with Valley Baptist Health System, said exercise can reduce the risk factor for a wide array of serious health complications and diseases ranging from stroke to diabetes. “If there was a medication available today that could accomplish all of the health benefits that exercise provides nearly everyone would be on it,” Romero said. “Regular exercise is one of the single most important factors for improving overall health, and has been shown to increase life expectancy.” Exercise can help keep body’s blood vessels open and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Exercise can also have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, raising levels of good cholesterol while reducing bad cholesterol numbers. Exercise can also lower the amount of fat in the bloodstream, assist in weight loss, and makes the heart and lungs work more efficiently, Romero said. While it is important to consult a physician before incorporating any

new exercise routine into plans for living a healthier lifestyle, walking, stairclimbing, jogging, and other activities of at least moderate intensity can also help prevent or manage several chronic diseases that become more common with age: type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Both body and mind can benefit from exercise. Exercise can help manage stress, make life more enjoyable, boost self-image and help counter anxiety and depression. “Significant improvements in overall health can be achieved with even the most modest increase in activity,” Romero said. “The key is starting with simple, achievable goals that when combined over time can turn into really great results.” The Centers for Disease Control and the American Heart Association recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity, four to five days a week. Both organizations also recommend moderate to high intensity muscle

strengthening activity at least two days a week. In addition to exercise, Romero said it is important for men not to ignore their emergent health issues, chronic conditions, and scheduled health screenings as the community continues to navigate the latter stages COVID-19 pandemic. “If men delay care because of fear of COVID-19, their problems being ignored can often get worse and lead to worse outcomes, sometimes even death. We have known for a very long time that for serious injuries, heart attacks, strokes, and other major health emergencies getting treatment as soon as the possible makes all the differences,” he said. “Often when medical problems are able to be treated early they can have much better outcomes than if treatment is delayed. For example, being seen as soon as possible after the onset of a stroke can potentially mean the difference between being able to walk out of the hospital and being permanently disabled.” Examples of such

scheduled health screenings include annual tests for colon cancer. As rates of colorectal cancer continue to rise among young adults, the Centers for Disease Control recently reduced the age individuals should start receiving colon cancer screenings from 50 to 45 years old, Romero said. “So much care was delayed due to the pandemic it is important that we all get back into the practice of following up with our doctor to help us stay on track, and identify health issues early before they become major problems,” he said. “Hispanic men are more likely to delay healthcare, despite the fact that we have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver problems. It's important that we take care of ourselves, so we can continue to take care of the ones we love. The pandemic truly highlighted the need for more attention to preventative care for Hispanic men, as we suffered the highest number of deaths due to COVID-19 in the State of Texas.”

Use these tips to move toward a more active life:

1. Choose enjoyable activities. The key to starting and sticking with an exercise program is to picking the right activities. Then choose a convenient time and place to work out. Try to make exercise a habit. Finding an exercise partner may make it easier to stick to a regular schedule. 2. Build up endurance. Start out by exercising slowly and gradually build up intensity and duration of exercise sessions. Overdoing exercise increases the risk of injury. Do not ignore any pain in joints, ankles, feet, or legs. 3. Drink plenty of water. During exercise, drink water every 15 minutes, especially in hot, humid conditions. Be sure to drink before experiencing feelings of thirst. 4. Check with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially when starting from a long period of inactivity, or if you have a chronic health problem like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, or if you are at high risk for developing these problems. In addition to exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, one low in fat and calories, is another weapon for fighting cardiovascular disease, stroke and many other conditions. For more information on men’s health, visit www.valleybaptist.net.