Los Fresnos News | January 27, 2021 by La Feria News

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Laureles Shaken by Armed Robbery By Tony Vindell

People’s Cooperation vital to Fighting COVID-19 Virus

Page 2 Despite pandemic, new era, Falcons remain the team to beat in 32-6A

Page 4 The Love Affair

The small community of Laureles has been shaken by an armed robbery. This tranquil town of some 4,000 residents hasn’t been used to having people taking money from a day of business or face the possible consequences if their demands are not met. On the evening of Saturday, Jan. 16, a gun-wielding man and a woman holding what appeared to be a pocket knife walked into Galarza’s Drive-In store at FM 1575 and 2893, asked the two women working to go to a corner and took the money from a cash register. The popular store for people buying snacks, tacos, tamales as well as a wide array of merchandise, has never experienced such an incident in the 20 years the Galarzas have been running it. “Other than having a window broken or a shop-

Galarza’s Drive In in Laureles just north of Los Fresnos was robbed by two people armed with a handgun and a pocket knife -Photo by:Tony Vindell

lifter grabbing something (like beer), we have never seen anything like this,” Rosie Galarza said. “Our two employees were scared.” Her husband, Carlos, said it took about two minutes for the two suspects to commit

the crime. He said they walked into the store knowing what to do and left east, though he doesn’t know if they left driving a vehicle or somebody was waiting for them. “Whenever something

like this happens, step aside,” he said. “There is no telling what would happen to you.” Rosie Galarza said they have been closing the store around 10 p.m. on weekends, adding the store robbers showed up right before clos-

ing time. Sheriff Eric Garza, the new boss at the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department, said they have a suspect in connection with the robbery but no arrests have been made as of press time.

Paredes Line Road Gets Major Improvement Page 5 Recipies for big game

Page 7

LOOK INSIDE Classified................. pg 3 Sports...................... pg 4 Puzzles.................... pg 5 Activity Page........... pg 6

Construction work continues along Paredes Line Road north of Los Fresnos. - Photo by: Tony Vindell

By Tony Vindell Paredes Line Road, one of two major thoroughfares in Los Fresnos is getting a major improvement. The road, also known

as FM 1847, passes the city from north to south and it’s a popular route for hundreds of people commuting to and from Brownsville. It’s also the favorite way for those going on

Additional stories and content on our website GET SCHEDULES, SCORES & LIVE BROADCASTS OF LOS FRESNOS GAMES LIVE BROADCASTS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

weekend fishing trips to Arroyo City and from a half dozen communities along the way such as Lozano, La Tina, Green Valley and even Bayview. But sometime next year, motorists using the

north part of Paredes Line Road will be traveling on a wider and better highway to wherever their destination is. That is because the Texas Department of Transportation has embarked on a multimillion-dollar project to upgrade the road. Octavio Saenz, a TxDOT spokesman, at the Pharr District Office, said the project is being constructed in two phases. One phase, expected to cost more than 3.5 million, calls for improving a little more than 15 miles from FM 510 to FM 2893. FM 510 is a road that takes motorists to Bay-

view to the east and to San Benito all the way to the west. FM 2893 is a road between FM 1847 and Olmito North Road. It passes along the town of Laureles. Phase two entails refurbishing more than 6 miles of road from FM 510 to FM 106. FM 510 passes by the outskirts of Rio Hondo to the west and goes toward the Laguna National Wildlife Refuge to the west. The cost of the 6-plus mile project is more than $6 million. The completion date of the two projects is projected for May 2022.

2 • JANUARY 27, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

Because Your Health Matters

People’s Cooperation vital to Fighting COVID-19 Virus By Tony Vindell

Community Health Outreach Program The City of Los Fresnos offers a free Community Health Outreach Program within its community. The program offers a variety of free classes/activities, nutrition support, cooking classes and diabetes prevention classes. It also offers free health screenings such as blood pressure screenings, BMI screenings, A1C testing and follow-up care to both men and women 18 years of age and older. Screenings are currently not offered. Class Update: Exercise classes are offered through Facebook post in the City of Los Fresnos Community Health Outreach Program’s Facebook group and with limited space at the Los Fresnos Memorial Park. The current exercise class schedule offers Walk 2 Fitness, Cardio Kick Boxing, Zumba, Body Sculpting, Boot Camp and Dance 2 Fitness. All classes are taught by Certified Fitness Instructors. To register for the City’s Community Health Outreach Program contact Los Fresnos Community Health Worker Christine Martinez at 956-312-1406 or email at cmartinez@citylf.us. Once enrolled in the program participants are able to participate in all classes/ activities at no charge as offered by the City of Los Fresnos. The current schedule offers 17 classes to choose from each week!

A somber picture created by the deadly Covid-19 virus was outlined by county and health care officials as the pandemic keeps taking more lives and causing patient jams at area hospitals. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr., hospital administrators from Valley Baptist and Valley Regional Medical Centers and met Tuesday, Jan. 19, for a press conference where they all asked for people’s cooperation in the fight against the virus. A total of 32,698 positive coronavirus cases and 1,228 deaths have been confirmed as of that day by the county’s Public Health Department – figures are expected to increase as the days go by. Dr. James Castillo, the county’s health director, said bed capacity at the hospitals in Brownsville and in Harlingen are very tight and he urged people to follow the same guidelines issued since the pandemic was declared back in March. That is wearing face masks, keeping a social distance of at least six feet apart, limiting the number of people in gatherings to no more than 10 and following other health norms such as hand washing. Castillo also warned those who have received the vaccine not to believe they are out of the woods.

Edgar Bazan, a paramedic with Los Fresnos EMS, receiving the second vaccine. Courtesy photo.

“Some of these people might now be asymptomatic and spread the virus,” he said. “So don’t let your guards down.” Manny Vela, CEO at VBMC, said hospitals do not have a limitless supply of spaces. He said the average number of people waiting in the emergency room for a bed

at the hospital stands at 30 and one third of them are Covid-19 cases. “We need to change the current course,” said Vela. “Get on the bandwagon if you have not done so.” Art Garza, CEO at VRMC, said hospital admissions have risen since after the holiday. Treviño said more vacci-

nation clinics will be made available, two of which were held in Los Fresnos on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 21 and 22. “January is shaping up to be the worst month in Covid-19 cases,” he said. “I urge everybody to follow the same recommendations we have been issuing all along since Day 1.”

Los Fresnos resident Narciso Lopez, an employee with the county’s health department, talks about the vaccines at one of the clinics.

“Your Community Newspaper” 705 W. Highway 100, Suite B-2 Los Fresnos, TX E-MAIL: info@losfresnosnews.net

For more information contact Christine Martinez, Los Fresnos Community Health Worker at 956-3121406 or email at cmartinez@citylf. us or Los Fresnos City Hall at 956-2335768.

“Mas vale maña que fuerza” Translation:

“Brain is better than brawn” Christine Martinez

Community Health Worker 956-407-3348

Contribuido por: Claudia Aranda de la H. Matamoros, Tamps. If you have a Mexican saying you’d like to share, please call: 956-797-9920

More stories & content at PUBLIC NOTICE

City of Los Fresnos

DEATH NOTICE Brownsville, TX: Susan Jane Fox, 73, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021 in Brownsville. Arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home of San Benito.

1400 W. Business 77, San Benito, Texas 78586 Office (956) 423-3636 or (956) 361-9192 Fax: (956) 361-2535 www.sanbenitofuneralhome.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Also selling a group of select females For information:

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Adrian Knight Tx Lic #11102 903-452-7591

Kelly Conley Tx Lic #9558 903-850-3449

36th AnnuAl DeWitt County All BreeDs Bull & FemAle sAle

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Bulls sell at 11 am Females sell immediately following approx. 30 BullS and 250 FemaleS Offering the following BUlls

APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE TEXAS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION FOR A BEER RETAIL DEALER’S OFF-PREMISE LICENSE AND A WINE ONLY PACKAGE STORE PERMIT BY QUALITY LICENSING CORP. D/B/A QUALITY LICENSING CORP. (STORE #2765) FUEL CENTER LOCATED AT 1006 W OCEAN BLVD, LOS FRESNOS, CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS 78566. OFFICERS OF SAID COMPANY ARE JOHN SCUDDER, PRESIDENT; MATTHEW W. ALLEN, VP; WAYNE HAMILTON, VP; DAVID L. READING, ASSISTANT SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS CITY OF LOS FRESNOS The City of Los Fresnos plans to apply for the upcoming 21-22 Community Development funding from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Accordingly, the City is seeking to contract with a qualified Engineering/ Architectural/Surveying Firm (individual/firm) to prepare all preliminary and final design plans and specifications, and to conduct all necessary interim and final inspections. These services are being solicited to assist the City in its application preparation and project implementation of a CDBG contract(s), if awarded, to support eligible activities in the City of Los Fresnos. Please submit 04 copies of your proposal of services and a statement of qualifications for the proposed services to the address below: 520 E. Ocean Blvd, Los Fresnos, TX 78566 Attn: Mr. Pablo Garza, Finance Director. Proposals shall be received by the City no later than 1:00 PM on February 2, 2021 to be considered. The City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or firms that submit proposals. Section 3 Residents and Business Concerns, Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises, and Labor Surplus Vendors are encouraged to submit proposals. The City of Los Fresnos is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Los servicios de traducción están disponibles por petición.

Angus • Charolais • Brahman Polled Hereford • Brangus Red Brangus • Beefmaster

Females Featuring Bred, Pairs, and Opens

F1 Braford (many Tiger Stripes) • Brangus • Brangus Baldy Brahman • Angus • Hereford • Beefmaster • Other Crossbreds Sponsored by the DeWitt County Purebred Breeders Assoc. and the DeWitt County Beef and Forage Committee. For more information: Anthony Netardus 115 N. Gonzales, Suite E, Cuero, TX 77954 • 361-275-0816 If unable to attend the sale in person, cattle sale viewing and bidding can be done on “Cattle In Motion” (cattleinmotion.com)

ETHEL L. WHIPPLE

MEMORIAL LIBRARY

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

Public notice is your right to know about the issues that directly affect your life. And, you can easily find public notices in your local newspaper. Without public notices in the newspaper, you’re left to guess about what the government is doing in your community and how elected officials are spending your tax dollars.

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Your local newspaper fulfills an essential role in serving your right to know. After all, it shouldn’t be your responsibility to know how to look ... where to look ... when to look ... and even what to look for in order to be informed about public information. It is the government’s responsibility to notify you of public information, and your local newspaper is the most accessible place to find it.

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4 • JANUARY 27, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

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Despite pandemic, new era, Falcons remain the team to beat in 32-6A BY KEVIN NARRO

LOS FRESNOS – With last year’s Sweet 16 run, Los Fresnos basketball had finally broke that third-round hump and reached the regional tournament for the first time in program history. While many of the household names have graduated, the 2020-21 season was going to provide its issues with having to replace four starters from last season. Along with the retooling came COVID-19, the pandemic has caused many issues from a shortened offseason to limited games and workouts. At this time last year, Los Fresnos was (22-2, 1-0) and were off to a 21-0 start.

Flash forward a year later, the Falcons are (17-1, 6-0) – all despite new faces and facing the adversity of COVID-19. “We are 6-0 in district, but we are not satisfied,”Los Fresnos head coach Marco Hinojosa said. “We know there is a lot of basketball to be played. Even though (COVID-19) hit, the kids started to play as soon as they were allowed.” Over the offseason, the Falcons remained focused and kept in shape. “They attended several tournaments here in the Valley and went to a few showcases in San Antonio,” Hinojosa said. “The guys know what it takes.”

Andrew Cordero Photo taken 1/15/21

Los Fresnos is averaging 68 points per game this year and are fueled by sophomore Gerry Martinez, who was

named District 326A Most Valuable Player as a freshman. Martinez is currently averaging 20 points per game,

which is a team high. “I have guys who are committed,” Hinojosa said. “They know what it takes,

and the guys know what we expect, and it really helps when you have the reigning MVP of the district back.”

Lady Falcons fight for playoffs

Weslaco and Harlingen South. JuThe Los Fresnos nior Sahari Jones Lady Falcons are currently leads currently in the the team with 10.4 middle of a playpoints per game. off race in DisRight behind her trict 32-6A. The is sophomore Lady Falcons are Maritza Ortega, (12-4, 3-2). Their who is averagtwo district losses ing 7.4 points per have come against game. BY KEVIN NARRO

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JANUARY 27, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 5

The Love Affair pt. 2 BY NANDY EKLE

As she arranged the sandwich plate and the chip bowl she thought of her little indulgence. Every year on Super Bowl Sunday she had a date with another lover. She never considered it wrong because for one thing, she and Bryan both got what they wanted. It had to be okay, right? For another thing, Bryan, well aware of her tryst, never said a word about it. In fact, he encouraged it. As long as she didn’t interfere with his game, he didn’t care what she did. His neglect

had pushed her to look elsewhere. She didn’t let that little stab of thought bother her. Instead she focused on her own plans for the evening. Bryan would watch his all-important game, and she would spend the evening with Jose Amante, who cared nothing whatsoever about football, or any other competitive sport. Jose would woo her, hold her, and whisper wonderful words to her. And Bryan, as long as he wasn’t bothered during the climax of his autumn season, wouldn’t care a whit in the world what she did

or who she did it with. She looked at Bryan’s corner of the couch where he would yell at the televi-

sion as if the coaches could hear him and think he was a genius. Fluffed up cushions, a cooler of beers, plate of sandwiches, bowl of chips, and stacks of cookies. The remote control, complete with new batteries, sat on the arm of the sofa next to the TV Guide, which sparkled with glossy pictures of the opposing coaches in their team colors. He never acknowledged all the care she used building his own private luxury box so precisely just for him. And so be it.

She ran up the stairs to shower and dress. The day before she had gotten her hair fixed, her fingernails and toenails shaped and painted, and bought a new dress. She didn’t buy new shoes because she loved to sit on the couch with her bare feet curled under her especially when Jose was with her. Her knees had gotten a little stiffer over the years, but as long as she could fold her legs up under her, she was happy. As she applied her mascara and lipstick she thought about Jose. She had known him practically all her life. Their deep friendship had started the moment she laid eyes on him. Since the time she was a little girl he had known exactly the right words to make her feel beautiful, important, and adventurous. Now as a grown woman, he still made her feel warm with love, or made her cry with deep sorrow. He knew which buttons would make her blush and which ones would make her laugh so hard she cried. He could anger her, scare her, even make love to her—and she was never disappointed.

Jose was her perfect match. His cream-colored skin never changed and his dark eyes always reflected her deep inner self. What she saw in those deep gorgeous mirrors was beautiful. She giggled

as she thought about his weight. Sometimes he was pretty hefty, and sometimes he was slim. But he was always the most wonderful thing she saw, especially on Super Bowl Sunday each year.

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.

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jminson.lfn@gmail.com

37. Southeast Asia org. 38. German currency 39. Wb, pl. 41. 9 to 5, e.g. 42. Substitute, two words 44. Express a thought 46. Hitherto 47. Winter “fever”? 49. Brown on “Doctor Who” 51. *He has most Super Bowl appearances as a coach 55. Plural of #38 Across 56. Norse deity 57. Joie de vivre 58. *3-time Super Bowl champ, Russ ____ 59. Pasturelands 60. Ready for picking 61. Black and white treat 62. *Another form of Super Bowl entertainment 63. Command, with “at”

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12. Gulf V.I.P. 13. Biblical pronoun 14. Competitive musher, e.g. 15. Saintly glow 16. From the sky and often damaging 17. Early anesthetic 18. *Halftime show performer 20. Photo editing option 21. T. S., poet 22. Chi forerunner 23. *Team with most consecutive Super Bowl appearances 25. Swindles 29. Even, to a poet 30. Slanting characters 33. Cough syrup balsam 34. Travels by air 36. “What’s up ____?”, asked by Bugs Bunny

DOWN: 1. Thai currency 2. Wet nurse 3. Rub the wrong way 4. Gardener’s little helper 5. British soldier’s parade hat 6. *P in PAT 7. “____ Lang Syne” 8. *Team with most Super Bowl appearances 9. Reverberating sound 10. Slowly leak 11. NHL great 13. Opposite of atheist 14. Short version 19. ____ Island off Manhattan 22. Nervous twitch 23. Knockout 24. Below, prefix 25. *Player with most Super Bowl points scored 26. Warm down-slope wind 27. Distress signal 28. Phoenix team 29. Flock members 31. Port of Yemen 32. Tennis shot 35. *Jim Nantz’s partner 37. Savory jelly 39. A must for a comedian 40. Williams and Wright 43. Natural theology 45. Answer to “Where are you?”, two words 47. Surrendered land 48. Spy’s other name 49. Feline vibration 50. Albany-Buffalo canal 51. Cowboy’s necktie 52. Pelvic parts 53. Big letters 54. Proposal joint 55. “I” mania

6 • JANUARY 27, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

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JANUARY 27, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7

Delicious Ideas for Big Game Sunday

Ask Our Dentists

Q: A friend of mine recently told me that I have receding gums. She said that it’s visible when I laugh. I have no idea what that is or what this means! Please save me the embarrassment by confidentially answering.

by DR. ADAM LALONDE

BY StatePoint With just a grill and a bit of smoke, your menu will be the real MVP of the Big Game. “The key to making snacks and appetizers more flavorful is with hardwood pellets, which can add rich, wood-fired flavor to just about anything. And, with a few modifications, you don’t even need a pellet grill to achieve that delicious wood-smoked flavor,” says Ben Madden, product manager at Bear Mountain BBQ Woods, crafter of gourmet, hardwood pellets. Below, Madden shares his winning tips and gameday recipes. Smoked & Roasted Wings From classic Buffalo hot sauce to sweet teriyaki, chicken wings are always a crowd-pleaser, especially on game day. Take their flavor to the next level with this recipe for Smoked and Roasted Chicken Wings: Prep time: 5 min Cook time: ~ 2 hours depending on size and amount of wings Ingredients: • Essential BBQ Rub or poultry seasoning • Chicken wings • Sauce of choice • Bear Mountain’s Savory BBQ Craft Blends pellets Preparation:

Dr. Adam Lalonde

Courtesy of Jennifer Danella

Tips for an At-Home Tailgate

1. Lightly coat wings in seasoning. 2. Arrange wings on smoker or grill at 225 degrees with at least 2 inches of space between. 3. Smoke for 1 to 1.5 hours.

When the gums move away from teeth, exposing the roots, you get oral recession – or receding gums. It’s a typical sign of aging and common in patients older than 40. But it can also be a sign of periodontal disease or toothbrush abrasion.

And for post menopausal women, there’s a link between osteoporosis and receding gums because they lose mass from bone that supports the teeth and gums. You may be wondering…..”How do you know if your gums are receding?” One way to know is when teeth appear longer and notched at the gum line. You may also see visible roots (which may cause sensitivity), cavities below the gum line, red and swollen gums and larger spaces between your teeth at the gum line. The most effective way to prevent gum recession is good oral hygiene. Use a soft bristle toothbrush, practice good at-home care and visit your dentist regularly, especially after age 40. In some cases, gum grafts are done for aesthetic purposes, to prevent root decay or gum inflammation, or to slow progressing recession.

4. Turn up grill to 350 degrees to finish. Start brushing on sauce and turning wings periodically. 5. Once wings hit an internal temperature of 165, remove from the smoker or grill and toss in a bowl with remaining sauce. Then they’re ready to serve! No pellet grill or smoker? Try using Smoke ‘Ems wood pellet packets in this recipe in the following way: • On one side of grill, turn burner to medium-high heat or fire up charcoal and place Smoke ‘Ems packet directly over heat until it starts smoking. • Place wings on other side of grill over medium heat until Smoke ‘Ems has stopped smoking. Note: For more smoke flavor, use a second packet after first has been used. • Increase temperature under wings and continue with Step 4 above. Beer Cheese Dip Bring your appetizer game to a new level with this delicious recipe for Beer Cheese Dip with Pretzel Ring, from Bear Mountain BBQ ambassador, Jennifer Danella: Ingredients: • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated • 1/2 cup gruyere cheese grated • 8 ounces cream cheese softened • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1/2 of a 1-ounce Hidden Valley Ranch Packet • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped. • 1/4 cup German lager beer • 2 tablespoons baking soda • 1 can biscuits • 1 large egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon water, for brushing biscuits • 12-inch cast iron skillet • Bear Mountain’s Bourbon BBQ or Savory BBQ Craft Blends pellets Preparation: 1. Preheat pellet grill to 350 F. 2. In large bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar, gruyere, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, beer and 1 tablespoon green onions. Mix evenly. 3. Cut biscuits in half. Roll each half into a ball, then slice an X across top. 4. Boil 2 cups water in medium saucepan. Once boiling, add baking soda and mix immediately. 5. Add biscuits in batches and cook until puffy, approximately 1 minute. Remove and transfer to skillet, forming ring along inside edge. 6. Brush biscuits with egg wash. Sprinkle with salt. 7. Transfer dip to center of skillet. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar. 8. Bake until biscuits are golden and dip is bubbly, 30-35 minutes. 9. Garnish with remaining green onions. Serve! For more recipe ideas and grilling tips, visit bearmountainbbq.com. By adding smoke to your Big Game playbook, you will score big long before kickoff.

Easily create irresistible, rich smoke flavor at your tailgate using any grill.

BY StatePoint Football season is here (sort of), and for many, tailgating is a main event. While there will be nothing traditional about tailgating this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t grill delicious food and enjoy a few beers before game time in the comfort of your own backyard or driveway. Tackle your tailgate with these tips: Play it Safe Being outdoors is the safest way to socialize these days, making a tailgate party a good way to see a few friends. Take into account the size of your space, and don’t have more folks over than you can manage while practicing social distancing. Encourage more space between attendees by spreading out chairs. While tailgating parties oftentimes entail finger foods eaten communally, consider serving snacks in individual bowls. Don’t forget to provide hand sanitizer! Score a Flavor Touchdown Smoking food can be a game changer, adding big flavor to meats and veggies. The good news is you don’t need a special grill or artificial additives to create easy, wood-fired smoke flavor. Consider adding Smoke ‘Ems from Bear Mountain BBQ to your tailgating playbook. Adding up to 45 minutes of all-natural hardwood smoke, Smoke ‘Ems are an easy way to add real wood smoke flavor to your food, whether you’re grilling in your backyard, at the park, in a parking lot or on a camping trip. Made from 100 percent premium all-natural hardwoods, they come in four different blends: Gourmet, Bold, Savory and Sweet BBQ. Each blend provides a unique flavor profile that will inspire delicious meals.

So, what should you serve at your tailgate? Using any type of grill, try creating Bear Mountain’s World Famous Brats and Sauerkraut:

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8 • JANUARY 27, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

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Tips for an At-Home Tailgate ► CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

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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.

• 1 teaspoon ground pepper

2. When smoke starts, place brats on the other side of

• One 27-ounce can of sauerkraut

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it starts smoking.

• A medium-sized foil pan (use a smaller pan with fewer brats)

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Preparation using Gourmet Blend Smoke ‘Ems: 1. On one side of the grill, turn on the burner to medium-high or fire up charcoal, and place the Bear Mountain BBQ Smoke ‘Ems packet directly over the heat until

the grill, or an upper rack over low heat, and cook to an internal temperature of 150 degrees or until the Smoke ‘Ems has stopped smoking. 3. Remove from the grill, and turn temperature to medium/ high. 4. Place the brats, onions, butter, beer and onions in the foil pan and return to the grill.

Easily create irresistible, rich smoke flavor at your tailgate using any grill.

5. Cook for 30 or more minutes, allowing the brats to soak in the flavors. 6. When the brats are plump and juicy, remove the brats and onions, and discard liquid. Add the sauerkraut to the pan and mix in the brats and onions to combine. Cover the pan with foil and place back

on the grill until the sauerkraut is warm. For more crowdpleasing recipes and ideas for adding wood-fired flavor to your tailgate, visit www.bearmountainbbq.com. While you will likely be changing a few aspects of your tailgates this year, you don’t need to compromise on big flavor or fun.

Tips to Make this the Year You Quit Smoking for Good BY StatePoint

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Is “quitting smoking” on the top of your list of goals for the year? Was it last year too? Here are some insights from those in the know into kicking this habit to the curb for good. “They say old habits are hard to break, and when it comes to my dad’s addictive smoking habits, I couldn’t agree more,” says Linh Nguyen, the Houston style, fitness and mom blogger behind A Beautiful RAWR. “He knows smoking is detrimental to his health, but the thought of not having it be part of his daily routine has been a challenging, intimidating, and in some ways, scary idea for him to grasp.” Nguyen’s family has resolved to help her father make this the year he quits smoking for good. For those 18 and older, consider these tips and insights she is sharing into the process. • Identify your motivations: Quitting a smoking habit can be very difficult, but knowing why you want to quit can help you stick with it when things get tough. “I think the biggest

Courtesy of “A Beautiful RAWR” motivator for my dad to quit this year is our growing family. His grandkids are his world and I know he wants to be around to watch them grow up. To do that, we’re all making better choices for a healthier, longer life,” says Nguyen. • Get Help: Quitting is often associated with challenging physical symptoms. However, products that deliver controlled, therapeutic doses of nicotine can relieve cravings and help with difficult physical withdrawal symptoms. “One of the biggest ways I’m supporting my dad is stocking him up on effective, pharmacistrecommended smoking cessation products from Walgreens, which are much more affordable compared to similar products,” says Nguyen. Before getting started, anticipate which products might work best for your needs. While patches are a great choice for many people who like to “set it and forget it,” those who prefer to keep their mouth busy might prefer using a product like Walgreens Nicotine Gum. Available in 2 mg or 4 mg strengths, each piece lasts about

30 minutes and you can chew up to 20 pieces per day. Similarly, Walgreens Lozenges also come in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths and are a good choice for people who may avoid gum due to TMJ problems. • Build a plan: Quitting is highly personal. For a greater chance of success, look for resources that help you build a personalized plan. For example, the Walgreens team offers free live support and healthcare clinics in your area, as well as expert advice, treatment and tools available at walgreens. com. “If they can help my dad quit after 50-plus years, they can definitely help you or a loved one,” says Nguyen. For additional support and information, visit cancer.org or call the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-227-2345. When you quit smoking, you can lower your risk for a number of health problems including lung disease, lung cancer and heart disease. If you are attempting to go smokefree, be sure you have all the support and tools you need.