WEEK OF JANUARY 7, 2009 THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2009
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Your Community Newspaper, Serving the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley SINCE
VOLUME 86 NUMBER 1
1923
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News Fire Department Contains Christmas Blaze Briefs Cause of fire still unknown Members of the La Feria Volunteer Fire Department found themselves opening more than just presents on Christmas day. At around noon on Dec. 25, the local firefighters were called out to a house fire located in the southwest part of city at the 200 block of West Jessmine. There was no loss of life or injuries as the home was vacant. The cause of the blaze has yet to be determined. “We were out there for about three hours, that’s about how long it took to (extinguish the fire),” said La Feria Fire Chief Rick Garcia. “We notified the Mercedes Fire Department for assistance, we wanted to protect all exposure with other homes in close proximity.” The La Feria Department along with the Mercedes Fire Department prevented the blaze from spreading and causing further damage to neighboring homes and structures. For now the cause of the fire is being investigated by fire marshal and chief of police Don Garcia. The home was virtually destroyed. The name of the homeowner was not made available at this time, and the fire chief said the owners recently relocated to the Houston area. This recent house fire and especially recent dry conditions prompted Garcia to give the community a little advice. “When burning leaves or brush use extra precaution,” said the fire chief. “We need to use extra precautions all the time, you don’t want any fires spreading to homes.”
See page 4
Los Fresnos Music Festival Saturday & Sunday, January 10th & 11th., Rodeo Grounds For more information regarding any event or function please do not hesitate to call your Chamber office at (956) 233-4488.
Candy Giveaway Gives Out 500 Goody Bags
Volunteers of the La Feria Fire Department extinguish the house fire on West Jessmine
Community Comes Forth To Restore Old Church The Community of Santa Maria is ensuring a historic church will not be forgotten. In order to accomplish this goal, one local resident hopes a little more assistance from residents will restore this special church. On Dec. 28 a memorial service was held to commemorate the 128th anniversary of the first cornerstone to be set for the Santa Maria Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church. It was back on Dec. 29, 1880 the first cornerstone of this Catholic Church was laid. According to historic documents, this event was marked with a rare snowstorm in the Rio Grande Valley. Now in 2009, the local community has set plans to restore this historic church. The Cameron County Historical Commission has already helped restore the old church replacing the roof, which had leaks. Rev. Thomas Matondo, parish priest oversaw the memorial service. The event included guests of the community including Larry Lof of the historical commission and artist Mark Clark of Brownsville. Clark donated some of his paintings, which
St. Alban's 38th Annual Antique Show and Sale Fri., Jan. 23, - Sun., Jan. 25,
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The City of La Feria received plenty of goodies over the Christmas holiday. In fact it’s become a long-standing tradition for the local community. La Feria Fire Chief Rick Garcia has been with the volunteer fire department for nearly 20 years, and every year he helps pass out goody bags to area children and residents. “It’s actually a yearly tradition for over 20 years,” said Garcia. Fire trucks take to the streets announcing to area neighborhoods the goody bags were ready to be distributed. From there residents head to the fire department to gather up the tasty, holiday treats. The local fire department with the help of donations was able to distribute 500 free goody bags to the community. From candies to nuts, the goody bags bring much joy to families every holiday season.
Donations Still Needed
Inside the Santa Maria Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church will adorn the church. Also in attendance was Deacon Salvador Saldivar, who has many ties to the old church. Our Lady of Visitation is close to the deacon’s heart as he received his first communion at the church and was a lector there as well. He
Sports Page..........pg.4 Classified............. pg.6 This N That..........pg.2 Cricket’s Corner..pg.6 Feature..................pg.7
Outside shot of the Church has been a big advocate for much work before its doors the restoration project. And can be opened for mass. although the roof has been re“The church is empty now,” placed, the church still needs said Saldivar. “We want to restore it as it was originally.” The Deacon believes the communities of Santa Maria and Bluetown will be able to utilize this church once again in several months. The old
Kids pose with Santa Claus and their goody bags church closed its doors back in 1972. “We are in desperate need of funds,” added Saldivar. “We need to put in electricity, air conditioning and other important items.”
For those interested, please send in donations care of Salvador Saldivar, P.O. Box 132, Santa Maria, TX, 78592. For more information regarding donations please call (956) 565-6856 or 565-3269.
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2 • January 7, 2009 • LA FERIA NEWS
This and That
Just A Thought....by Pastor Ron
First United Methodist Church of La Feria
with Anna Bernice
♥ New Year Cheer At the sound of the tolling midnight bell a brand new year will begin. Let's raise our hopes in a confident toast, to the promise it ushers in. May your battles be few, your pleasures many, your wishes and dreams fulfilled. May your confidence stand in the way of loss and give you the strength to rebuild. May peace of heart fill all your days, may serenity grace your soul. May tranquil moments bless your life and keep your spirit whole. ♥ Nestle S. A. {NSRGY), based in Switzerland, is the world's largest confectionary company. It has a very high credit rating, little debt and a strong balance sheet. Nestle is already selling in countries such as India and China, which are just now developing a taste for Western chocolate. It is well diversified, with major ownership positions in L'oreal makeup and Alcon pharmaceutcals. ♥ There is no correspondence between length of service as a friend and intensity of friendship. ♥ Not everyone will live to be 110. Harry Patch is one of Britain's last surviving World War I veterans.There is a pension crisis in the United Kingdom, and other countries are scared. In response , companies have cut back on private - sector retirement entitlements, many closing out, or severely cropped. Longevity is tricky to pin down. If companies report the size of their future pension bills as a real debt on today's balance sheets, they must make their best estimates. The estimates vary
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Subscription Rates $2495 Yr. Valley $2795 out of Valley Also Distributed to each LFISD School Student Single Copy Price .50¢ ea. back issues available .50¢ea. Administration Publisher Don Wright Gen. Manager / Editor Mary Beth Wright Office Staff 797-9920 • Fax: 797-9921 Susie Briones Graphic Artist Art Rodriguez Lee Davis Advertising Director Frank Williams 956-536-8465 Advertising Consultants William R. Keltner 797-9920 Cristie Shelander 956-873-2003 Dave Holden 956-577-2825 Chris Yoder 816-564-6201 Circulation 797-9920 Distribution 797-9920 E-Mail Contact laferianews@aol.com Mailing Address P. O. Box 999 La Feria, TX. 78559 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m.
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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) 7979920 during business hours or leave a message. Weekly Columns and advertising printed in the La Feria News contain the opinions of theAuthors. They may or may not be the opinion of the Newspaper.
tremendously. There is a gap of nearly 10 years in forecasts of life expectancy of a 40 -yearold-man between Britain and the Netherlands. Another headache is that most actuarial tablea are based on the data drawn by insurance companies. But life-insurance policyholders tend to be more affluent than the average, and the affluent tend to live longer. Using pension plan data since 2003, the actuaries group concluded that pensioners on average live 21 years beyond their 65th birthday, while insurance policyholders can expect a 22 year retirement. That extra year adds up to 30 billion English pounds. Pricewaterhouse recommends companies assess their plans individually, rather than adopting generic industry longevity data. It is not eay to hear, but not everyone is going to live as long as Harry Patch. ♥ The problem is, candles are an open flame. Though small, a candle can ignite a fire that can spread a lot swifter than you thought. Most home fires double in size every minute! By the time the fire activates a smoke detector, you have only about 90 seconds to get out safely.. Do you practice safe evacuation from every part of your residence or place of business? ♥ With all the heavy morning fogs we have been having, I feel we have imported London's weather, saving us the expense of going there. ♥ Baylor University, Waco, Texas is Texas' oldest institute of higher learning in continuous existence since its founding. It was chatrered in 1845 by the Reublic of Texas. ♥ A customer in a Montreal cafe turned on a water tap in the washroom and was scalded by the hot . "This is terrible" , he complained"The faucet marked C gave me boiling water." "But , Monsieur, C stands for Chaude- French for hot. You should know that if you live in Montreal>" "Wait a minute," roared the patron. "The other tap is also marked C." "Of course, " said the manager. "It stands for cold. After all Montreal is a bilngual city." ♥ January 3 HERMALINDA and ARMANDO AGUILAR had a wedding anniversary.On January 9 VERONICA and RUDY RUBIO celebrate their anniversary. On January 9 VERONICA BRIONES has her birthday. JANIE GONZALEZ has her birthday on January12. January2 TERESA QUINTANILLA and MELBA HUDSPETH shared the birthdate. JANET and LUIS GARZA had a wedding anniversary on January 2.
Peace From the Backside
La Feria High School Graduate Received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication
2nd Monday, 6:00pm in Board Room -Central Administration Office, (956)797-2612.
La Feria Lodge #1197 A.F. & A.M.
Stated Meeting 2nd Monday, 7:30pm at Masonic Temple 113N. Main Street, 797-1704
La feria band boosters
3rd Monday, 7:00pm La Feria Band Hall. (956) 797-2233
tuesdays
american legion post #439 1st Tuesday, 7:30pm at American Legion Post, 145 E. Commercial Ave, (956)797-3701
La Feria Lions club
1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm at First United Methodist Church of La Feria
American Legion auxiliary
1st Tuesday, 7:30pm at American Legion Post, 145 E. Commercial Ave, (956)797-3701
Santa rosa school board
2nd Tuesday, 6:00pm in Board Room at the Superintendent’s Office.
(956) 636-9800
south texas united auto workers retirees 2nd Tuesday, 10:30am at Skateland Bingo, 1509 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen.
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Julie Diane Cavazos a 2005 La Feria High School graduate received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a minor in Journalism from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi on Saturday, December 20th at 10:00 am at the American Bank Center Arena in Corpus Christi. Julie graduated cum laude with a 3.7 GPA. While at TAMUCC, she was active with the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority where she held several official position, she was an Aloha Days counselor her junior and senior year, and she was a member of the Greek Honor Society, the order of Omega. Julie is the daughter of Jesse and Frances Cavazos and the grand daughter of the late Maria S. Hernandez, also of La Feria. Her paternal grandparents are Jose Abelardo and Josefa Cavazos of Santa Rosa. Proud siblings are Sarah (Cavazos) and Lupe Castillo of Laredo and Aaron Cavazos Currently a Junior at La Feria High School.
Library Hours: Mon., Wed., & Fri....12 - 6pm; Tues., & Thurs. 12 - 8pm; Sat., 9 - 3pm City of La Feria mondays Utilities Board Knights of Columbus 2nd Tuesday, 5:15pm City Hall, (956)797-2261 Council 12135 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30pm, St. City of La Feria Francis Xavier Parish Hall at the corner city commission of West & Cypress (956)797-2666 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 6:30pm City Santa Rosa City Hall, (956)797-2261 Council Meeting
LaFeriaSchool Board
no peace. When I see others living without basic needs, I find no peace. When I see the powerful taking advantage of their power, again, I find no peace. In order for peace to find fertile soil for growth, fear and want, abuse and neglect must be weeded out. I know I can’t feed the world and end poverty. I can’t stop nations from going to war. There is so much I can not do. But there is much I can do. I can do my best not to be a part of the problem. I can do my best to be certain that my presence is not a source of anxiety or fear for others. I do my best not to take advantage of my position. There is a song I love that simply says: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” That sounds like a good way to start a New Year to me. Search for peace and have a Happy New Year. Visit me on-line at www.laferiafumc.com.
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2nd Monday, 7:00pm Middle School Learning Resource Center. (956) 636-1113
Sometimes we try to find a little peace and quiet. Sometimes we long for peace of mind. We pray for peace and our Christmas hymns have lifted up that deep longing we all share of “Peace on Earth.” Peace! We all need it. We all want it. And I truly believe we all deserve it. But what is it? How do you define peace? Austin Bay is a national security specialist who teaches a strategy seminar in an honors program at the University of Texas. One assignment he gives students each semester is to answer the question, “What is peace?” He reflects that he has yet to get a definitive answer. And I doubt that I have one either, but I want to come at this from the backside for a moment. Let’s consider conditions or conduct that makes peace difficult. When I am afraid or see others living in fear, I find
wednesdays
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1st & 3rd Wednesday, 12:30pm September to May VBMC, East Tower, 1st Floor, Abbot Meditation Room.
Magic valley quilters
Every wednesday, at 10 am at the First Christian Church of San Benito, located at 400 N. Readan in San Benito.
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Harlingen chapter #641 eastern star (La Feria Chapter has joined Harlingen)
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102 S. Main St., La Feria, TX. P. O. Box 999 • La Feria, Texas 78559 Tel.: (956) 797-9920 Fax: (956) 797-9921 email: laferianews@aol.com For advertising call William R. Keltner, Advertising Consultant
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“Haga lo bueno, y Tirarlo en el Mar”
Translation:
“Do something good and throw it in the Sea” Contribuido por: Spiros Zagouris de McAllen
If you have a Mexican saying, please send it to:
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: 1 year subscription delivered by U.S. Postal Service… $24.95 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 Tuesday, December 23, 2008 and published weekly by Wright Ventures, Inc., President Donald R. Wright, Secretary Mary Elizabeth Wright. Periodical Postage Rates paid at La Feria, TX., Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 102 S. Main St., La Feria, TX 78559. (POSTMASTER send address changes to La Feria, P.O. Box 999, La Feria, TX 78559.)
CITY OF LA FERIA Calendar of Events
every third Saturday of the Month at 2:00 pm, at Masonic Temple, 702 E. Harrison, Harlingen, 423-5544 sorosis literary club 2nd Thursday,starting in September. Margaret Lopez (956)797-4075. Men’s support group Every Thursday, 7-9pm Men’s Resource Center of South Texas, 204 N. 1st St. Harlingen (956)425-6110.
Call 797-9920 for your FREE club listing or email us at laferianews@aol.com
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January 13, 2009 5:15 PM
Utilities Board Meeting
Commission Meeting Room at 115 E. Commercial Avenue La Feria, TX. 6:30 PM
City Commission Meeting Commission Meeting Room at 115 E. Commercial Avenue La Feria, TX.
January 27, 2009 6:30 PM
City Commission Meeting Commission Meeting Room at 115 E. Commercial Avenue La Feria, TX.
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January 7, 2009 • LA FERIA NEWS • 3
Valley Baptist Behavioral Health Trains 42 New Mental Health Peace Officers for Cameron County
BROWNSVILLE – Cameron County has taken a giant leap forward by increasing the number of certified mental health peace officers from only two to 44 officers, thanks to a recent training program conducted by Valley Baptist Behavioral Health Services at the Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville East Campus on 1 Ted Hunt Blvd. in Brownsville. The dramatic increase in mental health peace officers will benefit mental health patients across the county, as law enforcement officers are often among the first to come into contact with certain patients when they are going through crisis situations. The 42 officers attending the training received 24 hours of credit in the Texas Commission Officers Standard Education (TCLOSE) program. The course was taught by mental health professionals -- including Valley Baptist psychiatrists and licensed clinical social workers -- and sponsored by Valley Baptist Behavioral Health Services and the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to the sheriff’s department, participating officers included those from six Cameron County cities (La Feria, Harlingen, Los Fresnos, Rio Hondo, Brownsville, and Combes), Cameron County constables, the federal probation office, Brownsville Independent School District, and the University of Texas-Brownsville. Becky Tresnicky, Director of Valley Baptist Behavioral Health Services, said the training “is one of the most important things we can do … it is one of our major responsibilities to educate and share our knowledge about mental health with law enforcement, who are often the first to provide care to individuals with mental illness.” For more information on the training and mental health services available in Cameron County, contact Valley Baptist Inpatient Behavioral Health Services at (956) 698-4705.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Ruben Hinojosa is pleased to announce that some veterans will see an increase in the travel reimbursement they receive when traveling to VA medical facilities. A new law that goes into effect January 9th changes the deductible for service-disabled and low-income veterans mileage reimbursement. The previous amount deducted allowed for a calendar cap of $46.42, including $7.77 for a one-way trip, and $15.54 for a roundtrip. Through the recent measure, the amounts deducted will be significantly decreased; $3 for a one-way trip, $6 for a round trip, and a calendar cap of $18. “Our veterans in South Texas deserve equal access to healthcare after they have served unselfishly for our country. Many in the Rio Grande Valley know how difficult it is to receive adequate medical care, and although the clinics in McAllen and Harlingen provide excellent care to many of these veterans, there are times when they must travel to VA facilities in San Antonio and beyond. While the ultimate goal is to have a fully operating VA Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley, the mileage reimbursement will help in ameliorating the burden placed on our servicedisabled and low-income veterans who must travel hundreds of miles for care.” Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs Dr. James B. Peak had previously announced in November that the reimbursement rate increased from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents a mile in 2008. Currently, veterans who are service disabled or low-income are eligible to receive reimbursement for travel to VA medical facilities for counseling or healthcare. Additionally, veterans traveling for compensation and pension examination also qualify for mileage reimbursement.
Obituaries Charlie Hamilton, Jr. was born in Jessup, Georgia on November 28, 1933 to Charlie and Connie Hamilton. Charlie attended high school in Jessup, Georgia and played on the football team. He was an outstanding running back and broke all high school records that were set during that time. He married Minnie Ed-
Adalberta “Bertha” M. Rodriguez
First United Iglesia Oracion en Methodist Church Su Presencia
Pastor Ron Welborn, Missionary 956-797-1393, 331 Church,Inc. S. Main St., La Feria, Sunday School 10am, Pastors Frank & Janie Traditional Worship Ser- Gonzalez 797-0044, 4th vice 9am, Contemporary Street, La Feria,TX Sunday Worship Service 11am, 10am & 6pm, Monday 7 pm UM Youth 5pm, Good Prayer Service, Wednesday Time Gospel 1st & 3rd 7 pm, Friday 7 pm. Wednesday 7 pm.
International Worship Center
Church of Christ
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
Minister Eugene Head, 797-9890, 912 N. Parker Rd., La Feria, Wednesday 6pm Bible Study, Sunday 9:30am Bible Study, 10:30am Service, 6pm Evening Service
First Baptist Church St. Francis Xavier of La Feria Catholic Church
Interim pastor Jerry Johnson, 797-1214, Magnolia & Main St., La Feria, Tx, Wednesday 7pm Evening Bible Study & Prayer Service, Sunday 9:45am Sunday School, 11am Morning Worship Service, 7pm Evening Worship Service.
St. Albans Episcopal Church
Reverend Scott Brown & Asst. Rector Judy Sessions, 956-428-2305, 1417 E. Austin, Harlingen,TX Holy Communion 8am, Sunday School 9:15, Holy Eucharist 10:30am.
Fr. Gabriel I. Ezeh, 797-
2666, office 317 West Magnolia, church 500 South Canal St., La Feria, Saturday Mass 5:30pm, Sunday Mass 8am Spanish, 10am English, 11:30am English.
Rudy Garza Funerals, Inc. 219 S. Main, La Feria, TX 1-800-425-8200
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Hamilton, Gregory Hamilton and Paul Hamilton, all of Houston, Texas; two daughter, Connie Allen of Houston, Texas and Charlotte Hargove of Garden, California; two nephews Johnny Hamilton of Lawton, Oklahome and Larry Summers of McAllen, Texas; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
- BLUETOWN, TX. - 84, entered eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, December 23, 2008. She was born April 19, 1924 to Sixto and Eulalia Molina in Mexico. Bertha is preceded in death by her husband, Francisco P. Rodriguez. Survivors include 5 Sons: Frank (Lita) Rodriguez of San Benito, Juan Jose (Clara) Rodriguez, Nino (Socorro) Rodriguez, Flavio Rodriguez from Salinas, Ca. ,Adan (Terry) Rodriguez from La Feria, 3 Daughters; Emma Saldivar from Bluetown, Lupita Castillo from Corpus Christi and Mary Hernandez from La Feria. She also leaves behind 3 sisters; Natalia Molina from Alice, Andrea (Rogelio) Molina and Santos Molina from Mexico; 17 Grandchildren & 18 greatgrand-children and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation were held on Friday, December 26, 2008 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. with a rosary prayed at 7:00p.m. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, December 27, 2008. They depart Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Mercedes @ 8:30a.m. for a 9:00a.m. Mass at St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Church. Interment was then followed at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers were her sons; Frank, Juan Jose, Nino, Flavio, Adan Rodriguez and grandson, Oscar Saldivar Jr.. Honorary Pallbearers will be; Mark Castillo. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14;2 She was a loving and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother & great-grandmother. She is and will forever be loved and missed by all those who knew her. The family would like thank the "Hospice Program" and their caretakers for their loving care.
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956-565-0666 Fax:956-565-6865 1-888-955-0666 546 South Illinois ♦ Mercedes, Texas 78570
by Jerry Johnson, Interim Pastor First Baptist Church, La Feria
God is in The Reshaping Business
The New Year should be a time of looking back and then looking forward. It’s good to stop and think about what we are accomplishing or where we may just be lulu-gagging. (I’m not sure that is a word but my grandchildren knows what it means.) It’s a good idea to set some goals and try to build a better future. For some of us, the years we have left are few and we need to plan them wisely. A few weeks ago I turned 74 years of age. I retired when I was 62 and for the past 12 years I have been doing just what I want to do, preaching and helping churches. As a friend of mine use to say, “Some are on the morning side of the mountain and others on the twilight side of the hill”. I am definitely on the twilight side of the hill. So the New Year for me is definitely a time to reflect on the years that may remain. You may have heard the story of the child who acting up in church and was hurried out, slung under his irate father’s
arm. No one in the congregation so much as raised an eyebrow until the child captured everyone’s attention by crying out in a charming Southern accent, “Ya’ll pray for me now!” As we look at the New Year we can see all the problems in our world. With the economic problems, the fight against terrorism, the wars all around the world, we certainly need to be saying like the little boy, “ya’ll pray for us now!” The blacksmith puts his tongs into the fire, grasps the heated metal, and places it on the anvil. He sees what the tool is now and envisions what it can be: sharper, flatter, wider, longer. With this picture, he begins to pound. On the anvil, the smoldering iron is remolded, reshaped and with time, a change occurs. What was dull becomes sharpened; what was crooked becomes straight; what was weak becomes strong, and what was useless become valuable. God is in the reshaping business and we need to let Him start with us right now, in 2009.
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COME WORSHIP WITH US
LA FERIA CHURCH OF CHRIST
912 N. Parker Road La Feria TX 78559
“Put
(NEXT TO VIP TRAILER PARK)
Christ Back in Your Life”
Sunday 10:30 AM & 6 PM Gene Head, Minister 956-797-9890
www.laferiachurchofchrist.com
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Christ In Our Midst Missionary Church
Pastor: Rev. Daniel Carrizalez, 956-200-4504, 1 mile N. of FM 506, La Feria, Sunday School - 9:45 a.m., Sunday Faith Church Worship - 11:00 a.m., of Christian & Hope in the Word Wednesday Service Missionary - 7:00 p.m., Monday Church Prayer - 7:00 p.m. Pastors Jose & Bertha BelAlliance Church First Baptist Church Pastor Oscar Loredo, 797- mares, 797-3621, 28354 of Santa Rosa PRIMERA Pastor Ernest Ruben, 1739, 125 W. First St., La S. Bixby Rd., La Feria, 956-636-1603, 118 Jesus Feria,Tx, Bilingual Minis- TX, Services Friday 6pm, IGLESIA R. Cruz, Santa Rosa, Tx, try Sunday 10am Sunday Sunday 10am. All services BAUTISTA Sunday Services 9:30am School, 11am Worship, are Bilingual, English & Omar Izaguirre, Pastor Bible Study, 10:30am Wednesday 7 pm Bible Spanish. 956-797-1740, 519 N. Morning Worship, 7pm Study, Friday 7 pm Prayer. Main, La Feria, BilinSt. Mary’s Catholic Wednesday Evening Apostolic Faith gual Services: Sunday Church Worship. 9:45am Sunday School, Tabernacle Fr. Andre Kazadi, 956-636- 10:45am Worship SerFirst Pastor Ramon Zarate, 357Presbyterian Church 6384, 621 South Main, La 1211, 101 San Antonio Ave., vice, 5:00pm WMU, Rev. David Mann, 797- Feria. Sunday School 10am Santa Rosa,TX, Saturday 6:00 pm Evening Wor2712, 208 West Central Sunday Worship 4pm, Wed. Mass 5pm Bilingual, Sun- ship Service, WednesAve, La Feria,TX, Sunday Evening 7:30pm. All ser- day Mass 8am Spanish, day, 7pm Bible Study 10am English. & Prayer Service Services 9am vices are bilingual.
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wards in January 1956 and , to this union, seven children were born, Charlie served in the U.S. Army. Later, he worked for Interstate Fruit and Vegetable Company for many years as a truck driver. Charlie departed this life on December 21, 2008 He is survived by: five sons, Charles Hamilton, Michael Hamilton, Randolph
FROM THE CORNER OF
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FROM THE DOCTOR’S NOTEBOOK
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4 • January 7, 2009 • LA FERIA NEWS
Photos by V. Briones
2008 -2009 Varsity Lionette Basketball Team Brittany Alanis, Jr. Varsity Basketball 2 Yr. Letterman
Victoria Hernandez, Jr. Varsity Basketball 1 year Letterman
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New Year’s Resolution: No More Nutty Lawsuits The holiday season and the New Year bring out the best of intentions: promises of good behavior, commitments to kick nasty habits and pledges to be more nice than naughty. As we ready our lists and resolutions, a peek into our nation’s courtrooms can serve as a guide for how not to behave. The folks described here have turned finger pointing, foot stomping, and fraud into an art form with some earning big points for civil justice creativity. Topping our list of laughable lawsuits is a story of shampoo shenanigans. A Connecti cut woman sued L’Oreal Inc., alleging that the company ruined her social life when she accidentally dyed her blonde locks brunette with one of its products. The woman said she can never return to her natural color, which has left her so traumatized that she needed anti-depressants, had to stay home and wear hats most of the time. The list continues with a tale of a thong gone wrong. A California woman is suing Victoria’s Secret after a piece of her rhinestone-decorated undergarment, described as “slingshot-like,” was launched into her eye. (We don’t even want to know how that happened.) Despite having only received minimal medical attention the morning after the incident, the plaintiff insisted on airing her “saucy” laundry in court. Turning our attention from underwear to outerwear, a sitting judge in Washington, DC sued his dry cleaners for $54 million over a lost pair of paints, alleging their “Satisfaction Guaranteed” sign was a fraud. After two
By Bill Summers
years of battle, the owners of the dry cleaning business won the case. But sadly, the financial and emotional cost of the lawsuit forced the family to close one of their stores. With his pants still in a knot, the judge is appealing the verdict. Fifty-four million was the magic number in another lawsuit that even the plaintiff says is unreasonable. After a Best Buy store purportedly lost a Washington, D.C. woman’s laptop, she lost her mind and demanded 54 million bucks. Apparently the retailer’s apology, reimbursement for the cost of the computer, and a $900 gift card wasn’t enough. The woman figured suing Best Buy was her best bet. Speaking of betting, a Texas businessman took a gamble by allegedly practicing law without a license. This naughty non-lawyer ended up with a handful of lawsuits against him and a grand jury indictment on felony charges of perjury, theft, falsely holding himself out as a lawyer and impersonating a public servant. He’s also been sued by a committee of the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Attorney General. Apparently, the house always wins…in this case, it may be the Big House. Proving that some people will go to great lengths to avoid personal responsibility, our next two wacky litigants take the prize for finger pointing. After deciding to entertain fellow bar flies by dancing on the bar, a Chicago woman took a spill and sued the bar for failing to warn patrons about the slippery surfaces or provide
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handrails, “cushioned flooring” or “safety nets.” Next thing you know, our brews will be served with pretzels, peanuts…and helmets. In more “protect me from myself” news, a Kentucky woman died after a venomous rattlesnake bit her on the cheek while she was handling it at her church. Even though snake handling is illegal in Kentucky, her family says it’s the local hospital’s fault she died. Who knew venomous rattlesnakes were deadly? While we may shake our collective head at these ridiculous cases, there’s nothing funny about the cost lawsuit abuse. The U.S. tort system cost Americans $252 billion in 2007 or the equivalent of $835 for every man, woman and child in our country. In fact, lawsuit abuse drives up consumer prices, hurts businesses and costs jobs – a reality we can hardly afford these days. Ridiculous lawsuits clog up the already overloaded court dockets across the country and delay or dilute justice for the truly injured. Consider how many truly injured citizens saw their day in court put off while judges were forced to contend with foolish cases. This holiday we should make a wish that lawsuit happy people will turn over a new leaf in the New Year. Maybe they’ll realize that every dilemma or personal disappointment is not fodder for a lawsuit and does not warrant a treasure trove of cash. That’s a New Year’s resolution worth making.
January 7, 2009 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5
“Operation Smile 2008” was a great success! On Wednesday, December 23rd 2008 at around 2 pm The La Feria Police and Fire Department set out all around the City of La Feria to distribute Toys. Lights and sirens were used entering the neighborhoods. The toy route began at Hidden Acres Subdivision (Tichenor, Genevieve St), West Jessamine, Arroyo Heights, East Commercial and East Oleander, La Feria Motel, Hawkins Lane, Ken La RV Park, Wind Song Village, Valle Verde Mobile Home Park, Fleetwood St., 5th & 6th St., West St., Villarreal St., Tim Garcia, Lost Colony (2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th St. off of Old Solis Rd.) Highland Trailer Park (Bus 83), Alaskan Apt. (Bus 83). The following businesses and community groups made it possible with their donations. The donations consisted of either mone-
tary or collecting toys with boxes: Yellow Rose RV Park La Esperanza Adult Day Care Kenwood RV Park VIP RV Park La Feria RV Park La Feria News Dollar General Family Dollar Texas Rose Bar Ram's BBQ La Feria City Hall C.E. Vail Elementary (donated prize winning for parade float 1st place.) La Feria Coffee Shop R & R Tavern Valley Entertainment Innovative Block of South Texas William B. Green Jr. High (students/teachers organized a winter dance and donated all the money they raised to the toy drive.) Thank You all for your generosity!
Rolando Ortega posing with a family who just received their gifts
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6 • January 7, 2009 • LA FERIA NEWS
Welcome!!!
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Great Classifieds...List Yours Today By Calling 797-9920. Remember Deadline is Thursday at NOON for following week.
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If you want to buy a new home or sell your property. Call your La Feria Real Estate Company, SOUTH TEXAS REALTY at: (956) 797-2900.
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Homes
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FOR SALE Electric Wheel Chair New Battery $895.00, Wide Wheel Chair $125.00, Wide Bedside Commode Chair $25.00 Electric Hospital Bed Call 423-7391 Plants For Sale Desert Rose - Pink & White Huge Crown of Thorns - Red Passion Vine - Asst. Colors 816 S. Virginia, Mercedes, TX. 956-565-1464 Open Every Day
Hello my name is Rosebud,
Me and her sister Tulip were rescued from Brownsville Shelter. We are friendly with everyone, and like to be together. I am about 40 lbs. Me and my sister Tulip are in a foster home, you can get more information on us from my foster Mom, Nellie, at nelliezamora@msn.com 956-970-1537 Contact Dee Labunskilabunski@aol.com email preferrred or call 956- 245-4809 and leave message.
Hello my name is Penny,
I’m a Cute brindle chi, 6 1/2 lbs., microchipped, vaccinated and spayed. Friendly, playful, fine with other dogs. Good little companion dog. For more info: EMAIL PREFERRED ALWAYS labunski@aol.com or call: 956-245-4809 (leave message) email response is always faster.
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Contact this rescue group to adopt...Rescue Group: Tip of Tex K-9 Rescue. Contact: DEE LABUNSKI Phone: (956) 245-4809 E-mail: labunski@aol.com Website: http:// www.TIPOFTEXK9RESCUE.ORG Address: 1514 S. 77 Sunshine Strip, Suite 24 Harlingen , TX 78550 Cricket
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The American Legion Auxillary
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Spaghetti Dinner Every Monday 4:30 - 7:00 pm Thru March
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More than $4.1 billion has been raised by selling UNICEF holiday cards to help save, improve and protect the lives of millions of children. The cards are at www.unicefusa.org, Pier 1 Imports, Hallmark Gold Crown stores, IKEA and Barnes & Noble, among others. *** Allstate developed its Good Hands Coverage Checkup to help consumers review their
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Organic yogurt fortified with probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, can help improve digestive health. All organic yogurts include the starter cultures Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Meanwhile, Stonyfield Farm adds four additional cultures, including the premium probiotic culture Lactobacillus rhamnosus, to create a probiotic powerhouse in each cup. “This unique blend has been clinically proven to enhance infection resistance, reduce intestinal discomfort, improve lactose tolerance and create a barrier effect against pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract,” explains Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.stonyfield. com.
January 7, 2009 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7
feature story by Bill Keltner
VBMC Urges Moms To Give “Gift of Life” Hospital Links With Texas Cord Blood Bank blood, which is normally discarded after the birth of a baby, is rich in blood-making stem cells that can be used as an alternative to bone marrow transplants to treat cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, disorders of the blood-making system such as sickle-cell anemia, and severe immune-system disorders. This is a pet project for Commissioner Jones because during her tenure in the Texas House of Representatives, she helped secure funding for the creation of the Texas Cord Blood Bank, the first
public cord blood bank in the state. Jones is a mother of two and a native of San Antonio. For that reason, she has a special feeling for saving the lives of children. “Medical research on stem cells has brought us a new tool and means to save lives in this never-ending battle against cancer,” she said.. “We have this powerful new tool--stem cells. It is so new that many are not even aware of it,” she added. “That is my mission. She added: “The governor of the state, Rick Perry, also
is keenly aware of it to the degree that he declared December Texas Cord Blood Awareness Month.” Part of her program included presenting a Valley native and cord blood recipient, Leslie Lucio, to the audience and let this teenager, who is now cancer-free after receiving a cord blood transplant, tell her story.. She encouraged all expectant mothers to donate their cord blood for this stem cell project. She said her life turned upside down three years ago when doctors diagnosed her with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the 4th stage during a routine physical examination. This is a life-threatening malignant solid tumor of lym-
phoid tissues. They subjected her to the standard treatment for the condition: Radiation with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants--with no remission. Her doctors checked into the Umbilical Cord Blood program and found she was a candidate. Arrangements were made for her to have the procedure at the Methodist Transplant Center in San Antonio in November 2007. In her words, “it turned out great.” The Brownsville native said, “I feel normal again, it was truly a miracle, because nothing else was working—I thought my life was over.” “I am from Brownsville, and I had moved to San An-
tonio in 2004 after graduating from high school, thinking I was going to go to school and work, but then this Leukemia thing just knocked me down,” she told the audience. “Now I am resuming my studies at University of Texas in Brownsville and enjoying life again—I am doing Yoga and working out everyday, I am so happy to be alive again.” The vivacious survivor captivated the audience with her charming ebullience. “The doctors gave me very little chance to live, but I am here today because someone gave this precious gift,” Lucio said. “The donation is worth it to save someone’s life.” The program ended with
Leukemia survivor, Leslie Lucio, tells her story of victory over life-threatening cancer Last month Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones made a personal appeal to Valley mothers to consider giving the gift of life by donating the umbilical cord blood that is left over after the birth of her baby. Jones made her remarks before a group of healthcare professionals and hospitals officials at a press conference
in the lobby of Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. VBMC is at the heart of this revolutionary, pioneer program. She urged them to ask mothers to donate this unique, life-saving substance which has the potential to save the lives of patients with no other hope for survival. Commissioner Jones explained that umbilical cord
Start the New Year off right with a Radiant Smile
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1214 Dixieland Rd., Suite #4 Harlingen
Commissioner Jones introduces Leslie Lucio
Texas Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones urges moms to donate gift of life
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the repeated appeal to those present to urge expectant moms and families interested in making a life-saving donation of cord blood in Texas to visit http://www.bloodntissue. org/ to learn more about the process and find facilities that partner with Texas Cord Blood Bank.
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8• January 7, 2009 • LA FERIA NEWS
Celebrate La Feria Wishing You
A Happy New Year Elected Officials Steve Brewer, Mayor Lori Weaver, Mayor Pro-Tem John Betancourt, Commissioner
John Hernandez, Commissioner Victor Gonzalez, Jr., Commissioner Angelica P. Baldivia, Commissioner
Appointed Board Members La Feria Utilities Board Members
La Feria Industrial Development Corporation (LFIDC)
Adolfo Lopez, Chairman Betty Jo Dunlap, Vice-Chairperson Ralph Muse, Board Member Ovidio Saldivar, Board Member Steve Brewer, Mayor/Ex-officio Member
La Feria Economic Development Corporation Betty Jo Dunlap, President Mary Garcia, Vice President John Hernandez, Secretary/Treasurer Lori Weaver, Director Victor Gonzalez, Jr., Director Angelica P. Baldivia, Director
Brad Shields, President Toni Garcia, Vice-President Norma Alaniz, Secretary/Treasurer Charles Jupe, Board Member Arturo Martinez, Board Member Steve Brewer, Mayor/Ex-officio Member
La Feria Library Board Cindy Moore, Board President Valarie Nicholson, Secretary/Treasurer Nina Dunlap, Board Member Jean Burgoine, Board Member Sheri Durham, Board Member Eva Verduzco, Board Member
La Feria Planning and Zoning Commission
La Feria Zoning Board of Adjustments
Marco Rodriguez, Board Member Bishop Ronaldo Ortiz, Board Member George Hernandez, Board Member Mary E. Garcia, Board Member George E. Lazaro, Board Member Reyes Rodriguez, Board Member
Carlos Verduzco, Chairman Randy Sowers, Board Member Fernando Najar, Jr., Board Member Xavier Alegria, Board Member Jesse Garcia, Board Member Dolores Seabolt, Alternate Board Member
Water and Wastewater System Improvements Steering Committee
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board
Bishop Ronaldo Ortiz, Chairman Stephen Brewer, Vice Chairman Mary E. Garcia, Board Member George E. Lazaro, Board Member Santos Guzman, Board Member Betty Jo Dunlap, Board Member Victor Gonzalez, Jr., Board Member Sandra Ruiz, Board Member
Steve Brewer – President Brad Shields – Vice President Lori Weaver – Board Member Betty Jo Dunlap – Board Member Edna Tamayo – Board Member
Animal Control Advisory Committee Dr. Katherine Dittman, DVM Darla A. Jones, Committee Member Dave Blackwell, Committee Member Shannon Harville, Committee Member
La Feria – Rio Grande Valley Community Development Enterprise, LLC Board Brad Shields, Manager Betty Jo Dunlap, Manager Steve Brewer, Manager
Christmas Parade/Winter Festival/Fiesta Planning Committee Norma Alaniz Maria Chavero Elizabeth Esquivel Jesse Garcia, Jr. Oralia Garza John Hernandez Rose Maldonado Israel Mireles Florence Reichle Patty Rodriguez Art Salas Mike Torres Mary Beth Wright
Xavier Alegria Cynthia Cobarrubias John Ftacek Jesse Garcia, III Cindy Gonzales Mary Hernandez Emma Martinez Olga Oberwetter Joe Robles Jaclyn Romeros Nora Salinas Elias Vasquez Don Wright
Angelica P. Baldivia Adrian Coronado Crystal Garcia Rick Garcia Ben Guerrero Darla Jones Eva Menchaca Tabitha Outlaw Alfonso Rodriguez Jack Rose Glenn Singleton Lori Vogt Lupe Zuniga
Steve Brewer Betty Jo Dunlap Don Garcia Toni Garcia Deb Harris Araceli Lopez Eliza Mendez Sunny K. Philip Christopher Rodriguez Loretta Rose Glenn Sowers Lori Weaver
Employees By Department
Public Works Director – Javier Martinez Eliza Mendez Sanitation Department Araceli Lopez Juan Lugo Romeo Loera Brush Department Jose Jaime Leos Francisco Alonzo Eloy Galvan Lorenzo Hernandez David J. Mendez Parks Department Javier Briseno Armando Rangel Rene Barrientes Pedro L. Lara Alejandro Garcia Street Maintenance Department Animal Control Officer Eleuterio Oviedo Dave Blackwell Juan Manuel Zuniga Uniformed Reserve Officer Shop Department Samuel Adame Jose Benavides Communications Officers (Dispatchers) Water & Wastewater Plant Erica Cabrera Heriberto Ureste, Jr., Plant Manager Sabrina Lopez Walter N. Hinkle Rolando Ortega Tomas Presas Rosalinda Rodriguez Jorge Gutierrez Election Staff Reyes J. Ramos Glenn Singleton Water Distribution & Sewer Collection Ernestina Singleton Alfonso Rodriguez, Water Distribution Supervisor Ofelia Anderson Juan Flores Lucy Hernandez Noel M. Camacho Mary Villarreal Police Department Betty Jo Dunlap Police Chief – Donato Garcia Reyes Rodriguez Uniformed Officers Ida Silguero Jorge J. Cavazos Mario Gonzales Adolfo Luna, Jr. Norma Alaniz Israel Mireles Israel Mireles Linda G. Prado
City Hall Employees City Manager – Sunny K. Philip Olga Oberwetter Maria Chavero Darla A. Jones Jaclyn Romeros Marivel Soto Crystal De Los Santos Christian Camacho Rosa Garcia Martha Gonzales Tabitha M. Outlaw Janie Campos Florence Reichle Ben Guerrero Rodolfo Mares William Pope Armando Prado La Feria Public Library Librarian – Lori Vogt Veronica Rubio Carmen Tinajero Fire Department Volunteers Volunteer Fire Chief – Rick Garcia Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief – Dave Blackwell David Gonzalez Aaron Gomez Daniel De La Cruz Jorge Guerrero Sharon Bray Roxanne Sanchez
Zack Rhinehart A.J. Salinas Christopher E. Agado Ray Losoya Lucas Kemp Desi Martinez Robert Martinez Adres Alaniz, Jr. Paul Castaneda Sergio DeLeon Mike Rincon Ben Herrera Alvaro Sauceda Miguel Padilla Greg Hernandez E.J. Handley Roy Martinez Brian De La Rosa Sean Casarez John Gomez Sarah Avalos Rene Barrientos Rick Garcia III Albert Castillo Juan Cepeda Eloy Galvan Ismael Gamboa Lamar Gomez Michael Gonzalez John Van Burkleo Gilbert Villanueva