WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24, 2021 THROUGH MARCH 2, 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 8
14 year-old hero honored in Santa Rosa Improve the fit of your mask
page 2
Good Citizenship Award presented to Bradley Garza by Cameron County Clerk. Photo: Nandy Ekle
Powerlifting Lions take first Bradley Garza poses for a picture with Santa Rosa Volunteer Fire Dept behind his awards during a ceremony in his honor. Photo: Nandy Ekle
page 5
The Love Affair Conclusion By: Nandy Ekle
page 7 Thousands of Sea Turtles Rescued
page 6
Doc Talk.....................pg. 3 Classified...................pg. 4 Sports ........................pg. 5 Activity Page..............pg. 6 Puzzles........................pg. 7
By Nandy Ekle Bradley Garza, 14-year-old eighth grade french horn player for the Marching Warrior Band in Santa Rosa, was honored at the Santa Rosa Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday night, February 11. On January 11, 2021, at 4:45 A.M., Santa Rosa Volunteer Fire Department received a 911 call reporting
a raging fire in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jones who are Garza’s grandparents. According to the teen, his mother’s scream woke him and he realized the house was on fire. The young man, his siblings, his mother, and his grandfather escaped the building safely. However, Jones announced that his wife, Garza’s grandmother, was still locked inside
her room. Garza immediately ran to the back of the house. There he found a collapsed roof, trapping his grandmother. He pushed through the fiery wall and was able to guide his grandmother, Anna Maria Jones from the scene, thereby avoiding injury and saving her life. During the ceremony, arranged by the Santa Rosa Fire Department,
By Billy Watson La Feria, along with the rest of the Rio Grande Valley and Texas, felt the fury of the winter storm over the past week. Temperatures dipped below freezing with triggered power outages and water to be shut down. Outside of the Valley, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas were blanketed with snow for days, which forced schools to close. Highways and roads were also closed because of the threat of black ice and unsafe road conditions. According to AEP, up to 400,000 customers were without power, leaving many with power in the midst of a week-long cold front. The power outages
left many without electricity — and in some cases, water — for multiple days. No electrical power meant many other services were not available. No water or low water pressure. Gas stations could not pump gas. Internet and cell phone services were down. AEP waited for days for ERCOT to give the OK for crews to begin restoration. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers -- representing about 90 percent of the state’s electric load. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 46,500
miles of transmission lines and 680+ generation units. It also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers retail switching for 8 million premises in competitive choice areas. ERCOT is a membership-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, governed by a board of directors and subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. Its members include consumers, cooperatives, generators, power marketers, retail electric providers, investor-owned electric utilities, transmission and distribution providers and municipally owned electric utilities.
Young Mr. Garza was presented with a Good Citizenship Award certificate by Cameron County Clerk, Sylvia Garza-Perez, in recognition of his bravery, his valiance, and his heroism in the rescue of his grandmother from the burning building. He was, likewise, presented with a wooden plaque sporting a fire fighting helmet by the Santa Rosa Volunteer Fire Department. Jones stated his wife is bedridden and the boy saved her from the
fire. The family of eight now resides in a hotel room while looking for a new home. However, this has not been an easy task as a family of eight is considered a large family. He would like to see the children continue their educations in the Santa Rosa school system, but may have to look elsewhere for a suitable home. When asked about life goals, Garza answered he has not considered a future in fire fighting. However, he enjoys studying law.
La Feria hit by extreme cold and ice
Photo: Ashley Ramirez
Photo: Martha Ramirez • Bridges • Digital
X Rays
• Dentures • Teeth
Whitening • Crowns
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
La Feria, Texas
Elizondo Family (956)241-0978
2 • FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS
Improve the fit of your mask (StatePoint) As more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19, you may find yourself out and about more. Whether you’re returning to the workplace or just getting a haircut, mask requirements may be in place in certain venues you frequent. New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations highlight the importance of snugly fitting masks. The good news is that innovations are helping people secure the fit of their masks, and, at the same time, solve some of the most common complaints they have when wearing them. “As we began to wear masks in 2020, we found ourselves frustrated by things like fogging glasses and slipping masks. Our team has extensive experience solving health-related challenges and thought there had to be a way to address this,” says Dave Franchino, co-founder at MaskTite, a company that makes a medicalgrade, double-sided tape designed to adhere to the inside of a mask for a more secure fit. Franchino, with his background in medical product design, set to work with his team to design a way to give people of all face sizes and shapes a fast and easy way to make every mask fit better. Made of
Improving the fit of your mask will make you more comfortable and safer.
skin-safe, medical-grade, adhesive tape, MaskTite strips eliminate common mask problems like gaps, fogging glasses and slipping, and are sized for adults and children. Here Franchino explains how to solve some of most common mask woes, some of which you’ve likely experienced: • Loose fit and slipping masks: Readjusting your mask when it starts to slip is not always possible, whether it’s because you have your hands full of groceries or work tools or you simply want to avoid touching your face. Keeping the mask affixed to your face with tape can eliminate slipping when it matters most, and achieve a tighter fit, supporting the latest CDC recommendations. • Foggy glasses: The
warm air of your breath escaping from the top of your mask can quickly make glasses foggy, causing a new hazard -an inability to see. While it can be tough to find a mask that fits securely enough to eliminate fog, applying a solution like MaskTite to the inside of your mask means you can get a proper fit and better visibility, no matter what mask you’re using. • Irritating straps: A tight-fitting mask is great in many respects, but the straps can put a strain on the backs of one’s ears. Plus, there are times when mask straps can simply be in the way, such as when you’re getting a haircut. Securing your mask to your face with tape means you can go strapfree. Waterproof and hypoallergenic,
MaskTite strips can improve mask fit in a variety of environments, including healthcare, schools, retail and restaurant settings, salons, offices, manufacturing and more. Packaged in a resealable, plastic pouch that’s easy to throw into a pocket, purse, backpack or briefcase, they are currently available for sale through Amazon. MaskTite is made in the U.S. from U.S. materials. Learn more at MaskTite. com. “From fogging glasses to slipping, nearly every issue that stems from wearing a mask is related to the mask’s fit. For those spending a lot of time in a mask, at school, work or elsewhere, a good maskwearing experience can make all the difference,” says Franchino.
Top Tips for College Entrance Exams (StatePoint) College entrance exams remain important, even in these unusual times. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help ensure you’re ready for test day. Here are a few tips to consider: • Know the test format: Be sure you understand the basic format of the test and the types of questions that will be included so you don’t waste precious time on test day managing surprises. By using an up-to-date study guide, you won’t encounter any curve balls. • Get comfortable with your calculator: During your preparations and practice tests, be sure to use the same calculator you’ll be bringing with you on test day. Getting familiarized with the tool’s full functionality will help you be speedy and accurate when it matters most. When the clock is ticking, it’s best to be holding a calculator with an easy-to-use interface, intuitive icon-based menu and natural textbook display, such as the scientific and graphic calculators available from Casio. To ace the science and math portions of the test, your pretest preparations can also include checking out the webinars and resources available on
the Casio education site: casioeducation.com. • Find study buddies: You don’t need to feel alone during test preparations. Remember, your friends are going through the same thing as you. Consider getting some pals together for a series of remote study sessions. Your group can work together to address lingering questions and concerns, share testtaking strategies and more. You may also want to consider signing up for a virtual test prep courses or getting paired with a remote tutor. • Read as much as possible: While memorizing vocabulary lists is one strategy for pulling out all the stops on the humanities portions of the test, the best way to adopt good grammar, boost reading comprehension and hone writing skills is to be an avid reader. This is especially effective if you select a range of reading materials, including fiction, biographies, journalism and more. While a lot has changed about education this past year, much about college entrance exams has stayed the same, and you can still get a leg up by ensuring you’re well-equipped and ready to succeed on test day.
More news and exclusive content at CALENDAR of EVENTS
“Your Community Newspaper since 1923”
128 W. Oleander Ave., Downtown La Feria, TX
956-797-9920 • Fax 956-797-9921 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
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 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.
FEBRUARY 15, 2021
ALL DAY City Offices Closed
City offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day.
FEBRUARY 23, 2021
6:30 PM City Commission Meeting Online ZOOM Meeting
SUBSCRIPTION RATES 2795 Yr. Valley l $3495 Out of Valley Single Copy Price ....................... $.50 ea. Back Issues available ................ $.50 ea. $
PUBLISHERS
Landon Jennings Sharice Jennings
MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 999 La Feria, TX 78559
“No hace nada de frio”
797-9920 l Fax 797-9921
ADVERTISING Victor Moreno 956-264-7720
CONTENT EDITOR James Minson, III
OFFICE MANAGER Nelda Briones
MANAGING EDITOR Billy Watson
Translation:
“It’s not cold at all” Contribuido por: Landon Jennings
If you have a Mexican saying you’d like to share, please call: 956-797-9920
SPONSORED BY
ADVERTISERS:
This spot is available. Call LA FERIA NEWS for more information.
797-9920
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, February 22, 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.)
FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 3
scan and visit!
Wound Care Center in Weslaco Treats Diabetes, Other Patients
First Baptist Church, La Feria While I complained about the recent cold snap, a friend said, “It has been colder. In 1895 it was 12 degrees in Brownsville. 5 inches of snow fell around the same time.” His comments did not help. Reminding someone that what they are going through could be or has been worse, seldom helps. One of the worst things to say is, ”God will not put more on you than you can bear.”
Weslaco – The Wound Center at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco cares for patients with wounds that are either not healing or healing slowly -- – including those developed by patients with diabetes. In some cases, treatment for non-healing wounds can help save the patient’s limbs, by preventing patients from having their foot or toe amputated. Tragically, amputations can make the patient become unable to work or perform other functions at a relatively-young age. In many cases, this is caused by complications of diabetes, which is widespread in the Valley’s Hispanic population. The Knapp Wound Center is a comprehensive outpatient center designed for the treatment of wounds and which also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Services include: •Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy •Negative Pressure Therapy •Biologic Dressings •Compression Dressings •Sharp Debridement •Enzymatic Debridement •Nutritional Counseling •Comprehensive Wound Care Oscar Garza, RN, BSN, serves as nursing director of the Knapp Wound Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Depending on their insurance provider, patients may or may not need a referral from a physician to receive services at the Wound Center. Patients can contact the Knapp Wound Center at 956-969-5185, and the staff will help them determine what steps are needed in order to schedule their first consultation.
More news and exclusive content at
A Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Design *Selected Best Course in the Valley* Rolling Fairways and Lakes Terrific Greens and Great Course Condition
SPECIAL PARK RATE
19.99 9 HOLES $ .99 29 18 HOLES $ .99 19 AFTER 2 PM $
TIL 2 PM
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
That does not come out of scripture and should not come out of our mouths. We should avoid saying anything that minimizes someone’s loss or suffering. My friend’s comments did not make me any warmer, He could have said, “I am sorry you are cold.”Or better yet. “Come in and warm up.” - 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 • FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS
P ublic Notice
PUBLIC NOTICE
Great Classifieds... List Yours Today by Calling 956-233-9928 or 956-797-9920.
REMEMBER: Deadline is Thursday at NOON for ads to be published in the following week’s edition.
Services
Services
Services
THE HAIR CENTER Betsy OPEN Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
956-797-4036 122 W. Oleander • La Feria, TX
1300 W. Business 77 • San Benito, TX
Our 98
956-399-1780
th
Call today for a FREE water analysis!
ANNIVERSARY Mobile Home INSURANCE
serving the community of
LA FERIA TEX AS
L ....C √oorhesP Insurance Agency ay ess
heck
518 N. 1ST ST. • HARLINGEN (956)428-7475 •(800)880-0938
scan & visit
“Your Onsite Answer to Document Destruction”
GET SCHEDULES, SCORES & LIVE BROADCASTS OF LA FERIA GAMES
LIVE BROADCASTS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
We supply the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas with Secure Mobile Document Destruction.
Call Us Today!
1-956-233-4780 www.ValleyShredding.com
THE Place to buy your new Boat or RV!
March 5-6-7
SouthEastTexasBoatRVShow.com
TexSCAN Week of February 21, 2021 ACREAGE Hunting/investment/recreational property. We have some of the best in Texas! From the Hill Country (Edwards, Menard, Coke, Val Verde County, free ranging exotics) to South Texas (Kinney, Duval, Live Oak County, whitetail, hogs). Large or small acreage. 30-year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. Call toll-free or email for individual prices and terms, www.ranchenterprisesltd.com, 800-876-9720.
AUCTIONS Guns of Estate Auction – Feb. 27, 10 a.m., Wheeler County Show Barns. 50+ Guns: rifles, shotguns, handguns, ammo, 80 gun safe. See www.loydsauction.com for info & pictures. See Lyndon Loyd Auctioneers on Facebook, Lyndon Loyd Auctioneers (806) 334-0407 (Lic. 7119), Cole Wilson Auctioneers (806) 662-5796 (Lic.17319). Special Female Sale, Sat. Feb. 27, noon, Hallettsville Livestock Commission Co., Hallettsville, TX. Available to buy & bid online: LiveAuctions.TV 2.0, Margo Paeltz (937) 515-1194. Kim Hagan: (361) 293-4720, Mark Hagan: (361) 293-8116, Mike Heller: (361) 293-4949, David Heller: (979) 743-0436.
EVENTS Southeast Texas Boat, Sport & RV Show. March 5-7, Ford Park, Beaumont, TX. See over 50 brands in 1 location! SETXBOATRVSHOW.COM. Golden Triangle Home & Garden Show, March 5-6-7, Ford Park, Beaumont, TX. See a multitude of Home Improvement Professionals in 1 location! GoldenTriangleHomeAndGardenShow.com.
l
March 5-6-7 Ford Park Beaumont Texas
Beaumont Texas
See a multitude of Home Improvement Professionals in 1 location!
GoldenTriangleHomeAndGardenShow.com
INTERNET AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/month w/12-mo agmt. Includes 1 TB of data per month. Get More For Your High-Speed Internet Thing. Ask us how to bundle and SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. Call us today 1-855-439-5457.
MAINTENANCE Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-815-5722.
MEDICAL Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 866-747-9983. Life Alert. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 844-831-1525. FREE Brochure. DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. Call 1-855-901-0467 for details. www.dental50plus.com/txpress. 6118-0219
WANTED
GENERATORS
FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call (312) 291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com.
GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-855-704-8579. Special financing for qualified customers.
Need Extra Cash – I Buy RVs & Mobile Homes – Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Goosenecks, Bumper Pulls. In Any Area, Any Condition – Old/New, Dirty or Clean! I PAY CA$H. No Title – No Problem, we can apply for one. ANR Enterprises, 956-466-7001.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or servics advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ NEED EXTRA CASH !!! ??? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ I BUY RVS & $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ MOBILE HOMES $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Travel Trailers 5th Wheels Goosenecks Bumper Pulls $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ In Any Area!!! Any Condition!!! Old/New !!! Dirty or Clean !!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ I PAY CA$H 956-466-7001 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ No Title – No Problem – We Can Apply For One ANR Enterprises $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ l
EVERYTHING FOR THE HOME!
Ford Park
See 50 Boat and RV Brands in 1 Location!
Visit our website for more exclusive content
102 Main St. • (956) 797-9920 • Fx: (956)797-9921
www.laferianews.net
FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5
Lionettes basketball season comes to a close Special to LFN
The stange 202021 basketball season has come to a close for the La Feria Lionettes. A strong regular season got the team district runnerup honors and a playoff berth. That playoff game was Friday February 12 against Calallen. The Lionettes came up short 30-46 which dashed the hopes of a playoff run. These ladies put in a lot of hard work and spirit in to a great season. District rivial Rio Hondo is ranked 8th in the state by TGCA. The Lady Bobcats are looking to make
a deep run in the playoffs. If they win against Somerset, then they will face either Robstown or Crystal City in the regional quarter final. Santa Rosa Lady Warriors are awaiting a reschedule of their playoff game with Skidmore-Tynan. Santa Maria fell to Port Aransas in their playoff game 40-33. The La Feria Boys Varsity Basketball team is matched up with Kingsville in the first round of the playoffs. Santa Rosa Warriors start the playoffs against Lyford.
Photo: La Feria ISD
La Feria raises the bar in powerlifting
La Feria High School Power Lifting Team Photo: La Feria ISD
Lionettes honor our country before a recent game. Photo: La Feria ISD
Evan Sanchez 1st place 181 division
Orlando Morales 1st place 220 division
Antonio Marroquin 3rd place 275 division
Triston Garza 1st place SHW division
MEET THE
LIONETTES
2020 LIONETTES
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
GET SCHEDULES, SCORES & LIVE BROADCASTS OF LA FERIA GAMES
LIVE BROADCASTS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Now offering flu and pneumonia vaccinations! Mario A. Sanchez, D.O. and Staff
GO MIGHTY LIONS!
(956) 797-2002 106LaN.Feria Main St
Septic Services by R&R • Sales of Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Blocks & Bases • Septic Tank Cleaning Supports the Lions • Service Repairs and Lionettes. Service You Can Trust by Rene Taguilas
(956) 226-9468
La Feria
Valleywide Service
BILL BUNTON
AUTO SUPPLY & MACHINE, INC.
1101 W. Second Bus. 83 Mercedes, TX 78570
GO LIONS GO!
Wally and Brian Burton
(956) 565-2473
6 • FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS
Thousands of cold stunned sea turtles rescued By Tony Vindell The cold spell that descended onto the Rio Grande Valley earlier this month has been taking its toll on the region’s flora and fauna. Scores of ornamental plants and trees have caved in to the below freezing temperatures and birds and sea turtles have died either by accident or by the act of nature. Dead pelicans can be seen on Texas Highway 48, particularly over the Jaime Zapata Bridge, making it the second kill of these brown pelicans in the last two years. Other victims of the brutal cold are numerous Atlantic sea turtles. More than 2,500 turtles have been rescued from the Laguna Madre area, Arroyo City and from Boca Chica Beach. More are added daily as cold weather continues. While that
is a lot, many more are feared dead. Dozens of volunteers have been combing the waters and the beaches in search of these stranded turtles. Once found, the turtles are transported to South Padre Island’s Turtle Center and at the Convention Centre. Teams of volunteers could be seen working so the turtles can recover. An employee with the center said it would take several days before the turtles internal system stabilizes. “These are cold blooded reptiles,” Sanjuana Zapata said. “When their bodies get cold, their temperature drops and they go into shock. It’s a mess here but we are confident many of them will survive.” Sea Turtle Inc. and volunteers mounted this rescue while SPI did not have any electrical power.
Volunteers help find room for the hundreds of rescued sea turtles at the Island’s Convention Center. Photo: Tony Vindell
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY PAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THESE SPONSORS:
Septic Services by R&R
• Sales of Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Blocks & Bases • Septic Tank Cleaning • Service Repairs
(956) 226-9468 La Feria
Service you can trust by Rene Taguilas
FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7
The Next Chapter The Love Affair Pt. VI
By Nandy Ekle
Being with Jose, she was able to forget Bryan’s neglect, the splatters of beer on the floor around him, and the cookie and chip crumbs thick as piles of sand. She could forget the glob of mustard that had landed on her new dress. She could forget the fact that the real competition was not between the jerseys chasing the ball on the television, but between those jerseys and her. And she could forget the fact that the jerseys would always win.
So she relied on Jose to bring the romance and adventure to her boring existence. She might be a shadow behind Bryan’s games, but to Jose, she was life. “THAT’S IT! THAT’S MY BOYS! SUPER BOWL CHAMPS! AGAIN!” Bryan yelled. “The End,” Jose whispered sadly. Christine sighed. As she rubbed her hand across Jose’s face one last time, she closed his jacket and set him on the coffee table. “You know I’m
always just an arm’s length away,” she heard him whisper as she gave one last caress to the front of his face. “Oh, Babe! What a great game! Did you see that last play? Did you see it?” She blinked her eyes to clear thoughts of Jose Amante from her head, then she looked at her husband. Overweight, greasy and powdery with potato chip leavings, a scruffy beard on his face. She wondered why he couldn’t be more like the heroes in her books—so genteel, so handsome, only desiring to please their lady loves. Completely the opposite of this mighty cave bear. She looked away nearly in tears. Bryan sat on the couch and placed his hand on her bare foot. It felt warm and comforting to her. “So, how was the book?” He asked. She sighed and smiled. “Good, as always. Tell me about
your game.” He opened the wine, filled the two glasses, and handed one to her. “Oh, good, as always. Hey, nice dress.” Christine wasn’t sure she heard him correctly. “What?” “I like that dress.” He looked at her for a moment and she wondered what he was thinking. “How long has it been since I told you I love you?” As she took the glass, he reached out a hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The goose bumps were back. He brought his glass up, indicating for her to do the same. “I guess we’re going to toast the champion?” she asked. “You bet.” She took a deep breath and closed her eyelids so he wouldn’t see her eye roll. “To Christine, the champion of my life. Thanks, Babe, for being so patient.” They clinked glasses.
“Hey, do you still have that little cheerleader outfit you used to wear during the games?” “Oh, Bryan. That wouldn’t even fit my big toe anymore.” “Show me.”
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
38. Hitler’s Third 39. Capri, e.g. 40. Walked 42. Grande, e.g. 43. Remove scales 45. Accustomed, two words 47. Like arctic air 48. More capable 50. Tibetan priest 52. *Part of a whole number 55. Grinding tooth 56. Stare amorously 57. Hoofbeat sound 59. Garlic mayo 60. Kick out 61. Gossamer 62. *Pi’s second digit 63. High ____ 64. “Brave New World” drug DOWN 1. Half a particular dance 2. Past tense of heave
The End.
A new story starts 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.
Want your story in the paper?
news@laferianews.net
LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
THEME: MATH 101 ACROSS 1. À la mode 5. Westminster broadcaster 8. Lamb’s momma 11. Depression drifter 12. Alternative to truth 13. Like a Druid, e.g. 15. Verify 16. Flair 17. Avoid paying taxes 18. *Same as power in math 20. Surrender territory 21. Mini, midi or maxi 22. Longnosed fish 23. *Round #23 Down 26. Adverb derived from zone 30. Miner’s bounty 31. Curved like a foot 34. Mother Earth to Ancient Greeks 35. Truck amounts 37. “____ the land of the free...”
He stood, bent down and hefted her off the couch. She giggled as they headed up the stairs.
3. Type of mountain goat 4. Body six feet under 5. Harvest helper 6. Small goose
7. Abe’s coin 8. Exclamation of surprise, archaic 9. Do like fly fisherman 10. Between northeast and east 12. One who denies 13. Popular pie nut 14. *Sum divided by count 19. Southern cuisine pods 22. Apollo to ancient Greeks 23. *Three-dimensional object 24. Not poetry 25. Mends 26. *Whole number between -1 and 1 27. Scottish landowner 28. In accordance with law 29. Search engine pioneer 32. Pigeon’s home 33. H in British HMS 36. *Kind of point 38. Set to zero 40. Cunning 41. Pleasing to the ear 44. Ticks and mites, taxonomically speaking 46. Short for Fredericas 48. Lock horns 49. Popular craft wood 50. Under a fig leaf? 51. Gel producing plant 52. *0.3048 meters 53. Pasta with ____ and alio 54. “Cheers” regular 55. Cultural Revolution leader 58. Money in Myanmar
8 • FEBRUARY 24, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS
Craft healing the nations Veterans (StatePoint) Therapeutic and rehabilitation benefits of crafting are wellknown to those who’ve experienced them firsthand, but advocates want more people to understand what a powerful healing tool it can be, particularly for the nation’s veterans during this time of increased isolation and anxiety. To raise awareness of the healing and unifying power of crafting, the non-profit Help Heal Veterans recently hosted
a nationwide online art contest honoring Veterans Day called “Craft & Salute.” Open to all, veterans, crafters and families submitted art pieces depicting what military service or patriotism means to them. Submissions included mixed media, digital art, sculpture, blacksmithing, woodwork, performance art and body and face paint. The prize winners were: First Place: MariaEliza Cabarrus, an Army Veteran from Maywood,
Ill. who created a sculpture entitled, “But on the Inside.” Cabarrus turned to art as a way of healing from an injury sustained in the Army. Her piece depicts the injury, which ultimately catapulted her to her true calling—making art that inspires others. Second Place: Sherman Watkins, a U.S. Air Force Veteran from Hampton, Va. who submitted two paintings he called, “Black History V-I-P,” and “The Quilt”. Taking two years to complete, they illustrate
the accomplishments of Black Americans. Third Place: Ting Du, a Navy Veteran from San Diego, who submitted two wood sculptures she called “Sail Boat of Hope” and “Beacon of Light.” They symbolize the days and nights she spent at sea and the hardships she navigated. “Even during the darkest nights with the most difficult conditions in the ocean, as long as we can see the beacon of light within our own hearts, we will be able to find our own path back home,” says Du. Winning entries will be displayed at military hospitals and VA facilities throughout the U.S., and the three top winners will be awarded a Southwest Airlines gift card for $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. “Through Craft & Salute, we wanted to share and elevate
the healing power of crafting,” says Joe McClain, retired Navy captain and Help Heal Veterans CEO. For almost 50 years, Help Heal Veterans has supplied free arts-andcrafts kits to veterans and active duty military recovering from wounds, injuries and long-term psychological effects of warfare. These kits can provide many therapeutic benefits, including an improvement in fine motor skills, cognitive functioning, memory, anger management and dexterity. They also help address symptoms from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. In a recent survey, 94 percent of respondents said the kits helped them have a more positive outlook on life, and 89 percent said the kits helped relieve their pain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for effective coping strategies has only
grown, according to McClain, with millions of veterans on lockdown and experiencing increased isolation, boredom and anxiety. Not surprisingly, Heal Vets has seen a huge increase in demand, shipping nearly 290,000 craft kits to veterans since the beginning of the pandemic, including deliveries to over 90 VA medical centers, a large number of domestic and overseas military bases, state veteran homes and other locations where the need is great. To view the winning pieces and learn more about the Craft & Salute competition, visit bit.ly/ CraftAndSalute. For more information about craft therapy and the work of Help Heal Vets, visit healvets.org. “In today’s unprecedented environment, we hope to inspire others to bring about positive change by managing stress in creative ways,” says McClain.
Budget Friendly Family Dish
The winning entry, “But on the Inside,” by Army Veteran Maria-Eliza Cabarrus.
(Family Features) Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe by Kirsten Kubert of “Comfortably Domestic” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 6 2/3 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning medley with garlic 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 3 cups prepared tomato and basil sauce, warmed, divided 1 pound thick spaghetti, prepared according to package directions Preheat oven to 400 F. Line rimmed half sheet pan with parchment paper; set aside.
Rick W. Bassett, M.D. To all our patients and people who need care for their knee and hip pain. We are still here to serve you! Using special precautions and ultra clean rooms, we have seen more than five hundred patients at our clinic in the past four months. With laminar air operating rooms and minimally invasive surgery, ninety percent of our patients have gone home in 12 hours, walking after a knee replacement or hip replacement. Same day surgery (outpatient) Those patients who need to stay in the hospital have a private room. Not one person has had an infection. Thank you, Rick W. Bassett, M.D
(956) 421-2663
1601 Treasure Hills Blvd. | Harlingen, Texas 78550
In shallow dish or pie plate, combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring with fork until blended. Pour melted butter in separate shallow dish or pie plate. Working with one chicken thigh at a time, dip each side in melted butter to coat. Press butter-soaked chicken into breadcrumbs, turning to coat well on both sides. Place breaded chicken on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs. Drizzle remaining melted butter over breaded chicken. Bake 8 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake 7 minutes to crisp other side. Briefly remove chicken from oven. Spoon two tablespoons pasta sauce over each chicken thigh. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over chicken. Return chicken to oven and continue baking 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve Baked Parmesan Chicken over cooked spaghetti topped with additional pasta sauce.