Los Fresnos News | August 25, 2021

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County Strongly Recommends Mask Mandate

Nelda Briones Los Fresnos News

NEW! Art of Manliness Monthly segment

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New Coach Getting to work improving Lady Falcons

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TSTC Welding Technology

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Having to wear a mask has been a big issue around the state of Texas since Governor Greg Abbot put a ban on mask mandates.

Especially, since many local schools have started classes and the worries of the new Delta variant spreading quickly here in the Valley, have many concerned about the safety of schools and public places. A couple of school districts here in the Valley have decided to follow CDC recommendations and make mask wearing mandatory in their schools. At time of this writing, masks at Los Fresnos CISD are optional.

As per Cameron County Local Health Authority order for universal indoor masking “ pending the outcome of legal challenges

regarding mask mandates in Texas, School Boards or the governing body of the school shall implement a policy to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for universal indoor masking and require all students (age 2 and older), staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face mask indoors as soon as they determine it is legally permissible to do so.”

Many young children under the age of 12 are unable to get vaccinated and officials want to help keep hospitals from overflowing with COVID-19 patients. In Cameron County, on August 16, 2021 County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. Sent out the order below: “Due to the rapidly evolving nature of COVID-19 and the current recommendations

from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Texas Medical Association, and the Cameron County Health Department, Dr. James Castillo under authority as the Health Authority for the County of Cameron, issued and signed the Cameron County Local Health Authority Order for All Public-School Systems Related to Facial Covers of August 16, 2021.

This Order indicates health and safety measures on all public and non-parochial private schools that offer instruction to students in any grades from prekindergarten through twelfth grade. This Order will remain in full force and effect for a period no less than (9) weeks, unless extended, modified, rescinded, superseded, or amended.

It is a reminder that

the community, performing surveys, and creating partnerships alongside local businesses are all aspects that will contribute to our CTE program.”

Guerra holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree in Applied

Business from The approved by voters University of Texas May 1 includes a new at Brownsville/Texas Career and Technical Southmost College ad Education Center that a Master of Education will repurpose Los degree in Educational Cuates Middle School.

Administration from The CTE Center will Lamar University. He serve LFHS and LFU also holds numerous students to provide certificates. industry certifications.

“Los Fresnos CISD “I want to make sure is known as one of the that the community top academic school is aware of how districts in the Rio Los Fresnos CISD Grande Valley,” Guerra is invested in its said. “I will continue students by offering to meet those academic great programs standards and strive for of study through excellence. My goal for highly qualified our CTE program is teachers,” Guerra said. to be a model for other “Communicating with districts to follow.” parents on how they Guerra will have can take advantage of CULL Generic 5x2 eng_Layout 1 10/30/12 11:27 AM the opportunity to all the certifications expand the district’s offered through the CTE offerings.

CTE will be very The bond package important.”

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

County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr., alongside Commissioner David Garza from Precinct 3, Cameron County Health Authority Dr. James Castillo, and Health Administrator Esmeralda Guajardo, announced the implementation of a Student Vaccination Incentive Program in Cameron County.

The Cameron County Commissioners’ Court approved a $50.00 per student incentive with the intent to encourage families and young student population to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and help boost the current County vaccination percentage.

For students to be eligible they must be between the ages of 12 through 18, must attend school in Cameron County and have received their first COVID vaccine between August 10 through September 30, 2021.

Guerra starts new role as Los Fresnos CISD Director of CTE

How to draw an elephant

Los Fresnos Health Matters Calender

Cameron County area hospitalizations and staffing remain at capacity and personal safeguards such as the utilization of a facial covering and good personal hygiene practices must continue.

All individuals are encouraged to please visit area school district websites for orders and recommendations from independent School Boards or other governing bodies.

All parents, teachers, administrators, health professionals and interested parties are urged to visit the Cameron County website at www.cameroncounty. us to view this Order.

Should you have any questions regarding COVID-19, please contact the Cameron County Public Health Hotline at (956) 2473650.”

Also, On August 16, 2021, Cameron

(LFCISD) Rolando Guerra has joined the Los Fresnos CISD Leadership Team as the new Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE).

“I’m excited to provide the leadership to expand our CTE programs,” Guerra said. “Working with

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Guerra has been in education for 15 years, including three as a middle school CTE teacher, eight as a principal and two years as Director of CTE. “CTE programs provide students the opportunities to excel in other areas that will spark an interest in their future endeavors,” Guerra said. “Students will gain knowledge in various areas such as Audio Video Production, Welding, and Health Science programs of study, and more. These areas of studies will catapult students into the Page 1 next level to pursue a postsecondary ® education.”

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2 • August 25, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

The Art of Manliness Monthly Segment

Manliness Can Be Taught.

And It Must Be. “Anyone who has practiced what is good is ashamed to turn out badly. Manliness is teachable.” -Euripides, 423 BC Brett & Kate McKay Art of Manliness As we’ve highlighted countless times on the site, in almost every culture, in almost every time, societies have spent a great deal of time “worrying” about what it means to be a man. For thousands of years, men around the world had rites of passages that initiated them into manhood. Elders would take young men underneath their wings to ensure that they were properly taught how to perform the duties and responsibilities of a man. And once boys became men, maintaining their manhood was a lifelong preoccupation.

But in the past 50 years or so, we turned our back on that tradition. We stopped worrying about what it means to be a man.

We no longer celebrate rites of passage into manhood.

The books and speeches frequently given in times past on the topic of manliness and manhood have ceased. Mentors have disappeared. Society refuses to offer any concrete ideals of what it means to be a man lest we offend people and make others feel left out. So we let boys create their own idea of manhood and just expect them to figure out what it means to be a man on their own.

Without any clear guidance on what it means to be man, we shouldn’t be surprised that we have so many young men today

coasting along in life stuck between adolescence and adulthood without any direction. That’s what you get when you don’t take the time to contemplate and study what it means to be a man.

One of the most important things that our ancestors understood, and we have forgotten, is that left to our own devices, humans will take the path of least resistance. Every time.

In life we are constantly swimming against a great current–once we stop making an effort, the current pushes us downstream.

Real life long-distance swimmers must consume a great deal of calories to fuel their progress. We too need fuel to drive our manliness– we must constantly be filling our tank with the best advice out there, writings from websites and books, advice from friends and family, to fuel our actions.

A Man of Contemplation, A Man of Action It is truly a false dichotomy to say that “real men” don’t need to spend time thinking about manhood and that they should just get busy being men.

This is a very American idea of manliness, gleaned from cowboy and action movies–shoot first now and ask questions later. But if you’re a broader student of history and culture, you know that far from being mutually exclusive, con-

templation and action go hand in hand.

Yes, a man should be a man of action. That is the end of his creation. But what is the means to that end? What kind of actions should he take? What is driving that action? What is the purpose of that action? What kinds of goals and priorities, values and morals should a man have?

Contemplation is needed to answer these questions.

Contemplation leads to right action.

No one would say to someone who wishes to be a scientist, “No need for studying–just get in the lab and do something!” The scientist must first study the basic principles of his field and then experiment, and then make discoveries. It is no different for manliness.

It is easy to point at our grandfathers and fathers, as Lang does, and say, “They were men and they didn’t worry about being men.”

Sure, our grandfathers were men of action, but many had jobs that made them unhappy, were in unhappy marriages, didn’t know how to deal with the scars of

war, and were distant and cold fathers. (And many were quite happy as well, of course!).

As far as our fathers go, many of the Baby Boomer generation worked too hard, got divorced, and failed to pass down the art of manliness to their sons. They didn’t take the time to think about what was truly important in life. How many men in our generation only wish their dad had spent some time with them “lying in a field with you making daisy chains and contemplating what it means to be a man.” Well, maybe not the daisy chain making part.

Neither action without contemplation, nor contemplation without action will get you very far in life. A man must learn to harness and balance each force.

Of course it also comes down to your definition of what constitutes “a real man.” It’s true that it doesn’t take much work to look at galleries upon galleries of hot babes of the week. But if you believe that being a man means living a life of virtue and excellence and reaching

your full potential, then that won’t happen without a great deal of both study and effort.

This definition also means that studying and contemplating what it means to be a man does not necessarily mean reading only books specifically about manhood, although that can be beneficial. Rather it means engaging with works, both ancient and modern, and people that can teach you the virtues and practical skills you need to become the best man you can be. This covers a wide spectrum of subjects!

Is Manliness a Fad? I do agree with Lang on a few things, mainly that the glut of hand-wringing articles about what is wrong with men is getting beyond tiresome and the commodification of manliness, and the resulting spate of manfocused products is unfortunate. We did just fine before the advent of bodywash designed just for us.

But the real danger in this resurgence of interest in manliness is not that

it’s making men wimpy as Lang argues–quite the opposite as we’ve just discussed. Rather, the danger is that manliness will come to be seen as just another passing trend, like metrosexuality. There are books and tv shows coming out on the theme, endless newspaper and magazine articles, and social commentary galore. I fear that people will get tired of all the media attention, which will prompt a backlash, and an inevitable swing back in the other direction, back to where men don’t give a damn about being the best men they can be.

The return to true manliness advocated by AoM is not a trend or a fad, it is an effort to close the gap created during the past few decades and once again grasp the ancient tradition of manhood. One in which men contemplated what it meant to be a man and took action to attain that ideal.

To read the full article or more content like this, check out there page! At https://www.artofmanliness. com

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Leonel G. Garza

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IN THE 107TH DISTRICT COURT

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CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS

Beatrice G. Garza (Deceased) TO:

The Known and Unknown Heirs of Beatrice G. Garza (Deceased) DEFENDANT – GREETINGS:

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: "You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 am on the Monday next following the expiration of 42 days after the date this citation was issued, a default judgment may be taken against you. In addition to filing a written answer with the clerk, you may be required to make initial disclosures to the other parties of this suit. These disclosures generally must be made no later than 30 days after you file your answer with the clerk. Find out more at TexasLawHelp.org." "

“Your On- site Answer to Document Destruction”

You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Plaintiff's Original Petition at or before 10:00 o'clock A.M. on the Monday next after the expiration of 42 days after the date of issuance of this citation before the Honorable 107th District Court of Cameron County, at the Courthouse in said County in Brownsville, Texas. Said Plaintiff's Original Petition was filed in said court on the 1st day of February, 2021 in the above entitled cause.

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A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to-wit: Trespass to Try Title and Adverse possession concerning the following property: Tract I: Parcel A: A tract, piece or parcel of land described as and being Two (2) acres of land, more or less, out of Blocks Sixty-Nine (69), SAN CARLOS ESTATES SUBDIVISION, SHARE 27, ESPIRITU SANTO GRANT, Cameron County, Texas, as shown on map or plat thereof said subdivision recorded in Volume 8, Page 37, of the Map Records of Cameron County, Texas.

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Parcel B: Being 1.11 acres net out of Block Sixty-Nine (69), SAN CARLOS ESTATES SUBDIVISION, SHARE 27, ESPIRITU SANTO GRANT, Cameron County, Texas, as shown on map or plat thereof said subdivision recorded in Volume 8, Page 37, of the Map Records of Cameron County, Texas.

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Tract II: All of Block Seventy-Five (75), SAN CARLOS ESTATES, out of Share No. 17, of the Espiritu Santo Grant, Cameron County, Texas, as per map or plat thereof recorded in Volume 8, Page 37, and in Volume 8, Page 68, Map Records, Cameron County, Texas

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as is more fully shown by Plaintiff's Original Petition on file in this suit.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Brownsville, Texas, on this the 28th day of May, 2021.

ATTORNEY: C. FRANK WOOD 24028136 (956)546-3731 3505 Boca Chica Blvd Ste 100 Brownsville TX 78521-4064

Laura Perez-Reyes District Clerk of Cameron County 974 E Harrison Street Brownsville, Texas 78520 By:________________________________________ Christina Hernandez, Deputy Clerk

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Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District

600 N. Mesquite Los Fresnos, Texas 78566 • Phone: (956)254-5000 Fax (956)233-9761 MEDIA RELEASE

August 10, 2021

Town of Indian Lake Utility Clerk Job information and application at 62 S Aztec Cove Dr. Los Fresnos, Tx 78566 (956)233-4021 Option 5 Send resume to secretary@townofindianlake.com Town of Indian Lake is an equal opportunity employer.

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 525 AN ORDINANCE tO REZONE 4.79-ACRE tRACt OF LAND RECORDED IN VOLuME 86, PAgE 243, OF tHE DEED OF RECORDs, CAMERON COuNtY, tEXAs FROM C-2 HIgHWAY COMMERCIAL DIstRICt tO R-1 sINgLE FAMILY DIstRICt. AMENDINg tHE OFFICIAL ZONINg MAP tO REFLECt tHE NEW ZONINg; AND PROVIDINg AN EFFECtIVE DAtE FOR tHE IMPLEMENtAtION OF tHIs ORDINANCE.

The Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District has been approved to operate Provision 2 for another cycle. However, due to the approval of the USDA Federal Waivers, Los Fresnos CISD will extend the Seamless Summer Operations into the 20212022 school year. These meals continue to be provided at no cost to students.

Additional meals and a la carte offerings are available for purchase at a nominal price. Child Nutrition Services (CNS) welcomes and encourages students to take advantage of the free meals that are nutritionally appropriate, well-priced a la carte items.

Los Fresnos CISD extended its partnership with Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE), a foodservice management company specializing in K-12 foodservice. Meals planned and prepared meet federal nutrition standards. This includes menus that are ageappropriate in calories, vitamins and minerals and meet strict sodium and fat limits. Menus include proteins, whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables including dark green and red/orange vegetables, legumes and milk. Analysis of menus ensures compliance with standards.

Menus are available on the Los Fresnos CISD website under Child Nutrition Services Department or by searching lfcisd.nutrislice.com. Other features provided include: allergen information, nutrition information, and carbohydrate counts, rate menu item, and provide feedback. This information is also available for mobile device by downloading the “Nutrislice” app.

Parents are welcome to contact the CNS Department regarding special dietary needs for their children or any questions or concerns at 254-5055.

For further information, please contact: Rey Ovalle General Manager of Food Services

Irmalissa Pineda, R.D.,L.D. Child Nutrition Coordinator

Southwest Foodservice Excellence 32703 State Highway 100

LFCISD Child Nutrition Services 32703 State Highway 100

Los Fresnos, Texas 78566 956-254-5055

Los Fresnos, Texas, 78566 956-254-5055

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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating ba sed on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877 -8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

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4 • August 25, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

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Los Fresnos Improving Under New Head Coach Anissa Lucio

By KEVIN NARRO Los Fresnos News

the tournament championship.

LOS FRESNOS-The Lady Falcons enter the 2021 season with a new head coach in Anissa Lucio. While Lucio has been on campus since last March, the Lady Falcons have adjusted to the change.

In their last match, Los Fresnos lost in five sets against McAllen Rowe (19-25, 27-25, 2521, 22-25.12-15)

Los Fresnos is currently 6-5 on the young season and are learning a lot about themselves and their new coach.

“Our girls have adjusted well to the new system,” said Lucio. “I think right now we are piecing it all together and we are starting to see an extreme amount of progress in such a short amount of time.

I’m proud of their effort and discipline.”

This past weekend, Los Fresnos reached the Gold bracket but fell short of reaching

“I think we are in a great spot right now,” Lucio said. “I’m very happy with our improvements. We have gotten better every time we touch the court. Our girls showed a lot of fight against Rowe.”

With the district season on the horizon, Lucio feels her team is right where it needs to be.

“I absolutely think we are right where we need to be at this point in the season,” Lucio said. “Our offense and defensive system is starting to click more consistently and by the time district starts, I’m certain we will be hitting our peak.”

32-6A over the last few weeks has flexed its muscles.

At the Poundfest both Los Fresnos and Brownsville Rivera made the gold bracket, Harlingen South won the consolation bracket at the Poundfest.

At the Donna tournament, San Benito reached the gold bracket while Harlingen wound up winning the Donna ISD tournament.

“My expectation with 32-6A is competition,” Lucio said. “Every game we are going to see a tough and competitive team.

Every game will be exciting and I’m excited to see my girls perform.

Every practice and game we have seen clear improvements and come district, we will be where we need to be.” Said Lucio.

The RSL Football Preview Magazine is coming soon.

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TSTC Welding Technology Ready To Meet The Rio Grande Valley’s Needs

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The most recent expansion project in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program involved adding 40 new welding stations and a new metal building for advanced fabrication.

The growth was needed to accommodate students in a field that is booming in the Rio Grande Valley as companies expand and other companies relocate to the region.

“I hear a lot of misconceptions about welding being an easy job,” said Manuel Ahumada, an instructor in TSTC’s Welding Technology program in Harlingen.

“In fact, it is really hard.

It takes a lot to be a welder. Once you are in the industry, there are long hours, depending on the processes you are working with. You can be on a ground floor or several stories high, doing different

processes in different locations.”

Ahumada said some students who enter the program have taken agricultural classes at area high schools, while others have not touched a welding torch before.

“As soon as you graduate, you have companies looking for you, and you can pick and choose and see what processes they are running,” he said.

TSTC’s Welding Technology graduates have been hired at Trinity Industries in Longview, Keppel AmFELS Inc. in Brownsville and SpaceX at Boca Chica Beach, according to TSTC’s Career Services office. Area school districts, such as Harlingen, Point Isabel and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, have hired TSTC graduates to teach welding classes.

Nathan Burkhart, director of marketing and small business development for the Brownsville Community Improvement Corp., said the need for welders continues to increase at SpaceX and the Port of Brownsville.

Local efforts in metal recycling and offshore wind energy production also show promising signs for technically skilled workers.

“We see a lot of demand for welding, but also for metal cutting — anything that would involve the creation of a ship or a platform for a rocket,” he said.

Burkhart said the goal for companies is to hire locally as much as possible. He said the BCIC can work with companies to get workforce training set up for workers.

“The need is extremely high,” he said. “I don’t see it slowing down in the next couple of years.”

Keith Patridge, president and chief executive officer of the McAllen Economic Development Corp., said local companies dealing with automotive parts, heavy equipment, structural steel and petrochemicals employ welders. He said welders even live in the McAllen area and commute to the Eagle Ford Shale to work.

“Our numbers probably are not as large as in Brownsville because of the port and the ship building, but we do constantly have a need for welders,” he said.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website, welders, cutters, solderers and brazers make a yearly median salary of more than $45,000 in Texas. There

are more than 800 workers in Cameron and Hidalgo counties, according to the agency. Texas has been projected to need more than 61,000 workers by 2028, the highest number in the country.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology, along with Structural Welding and Structural and Pipe Welding certificates, at its Harlingen campus.

The campus also offers a Basic Welding – Multiple

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 our Facebook Page.

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LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS

ACROSS 1. *____ mater 5. *Graduate degree, acr.

8. Opposite of stereo 12. Defense ditch 13. Fishing rod attachment 14. More sure 15. One’s final notice 16. Dutch cheese

17. Golfer’s traction aid 18. *Half-year terms 20. At the summit of 21. Water nymph 22. Actor ____ Mahershala 23. Be a busybody 26. Metrical foot in poetry 30. Earlier in time, archaic 31. Become bony 34. Shakespeare’s tragic

Registration continues for the fall semester, and scholarships are available.

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Processes occupational skills award. All classes are taught in a hybrid format.

Welding Technology is part of TSTC’s MoneyBack Guarantee initiative, which enables students who do not find a job in their profession within six months of graduation to have their tuition refunded.

monarch 35. Labanotation founder 37. Theodor Geisel, ____ Dr. Seuss 38. Threshold 39. Relating to the ear 40. Weather advisories, e.g.

42. + or - atom 43. Widely esteemed 45. Most mature, as in fruit

47. Indian dish 48. Dashboard window 50. Female sheep, pl.

52. *”The Breakfast Club” punishment 56. Flower holders 57. Singles 58. High school breakout 59. Acoustic output 60. Overwhelming defeat 61. *Gym class test?

62. Catchall abbr.

63. *Geography class staple 64. Not talker?

DOWN 1. ____ of cookie fame 2. Stud site 3. Cripple 4. *Go to class 5. Mythological princess of Colchis 6. TV cooking show pioneer James ____ 7. Contributions to the poor 8. *Kind of choice 9. Black and white treat 10. Less than average tide 11. Table scrap 13. Laces again 14. Milan’s La ____ 19. Manicurist’s office 22. Is it ____ wonder?

23. Hard on outside, juicy on inside 24. One of the Muses 25. Payment option 26. From a great distance 27. Chill-inducing 28. Type of palm tree, pl.

29. Council of _____, city in Italy 32. *Back-to-School retail event 33. WWII general who became President 36. *Faculty member 38. “Peace” with fingers 40. TV classic “____ in the Family” 41. Superlative of true 44. Lowest male singing voice 46. Small bomb 48. Christopher Columbus’ birthplace 49. Consumed (2 words) 50. Small ladies’ handbag 51. What one does at the altar 52. *College freshman’s new digs 53. International Civil Aviation Organization 54. Half as much as twice 55. ____-do-well 56. Every American’s uncle?

6 • August 25, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

28th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival October 15 & 16 2021 Featuring 13 of the best conjunto bands in Texas!

Memorial Park · 900 N. Arroyo Blvd. · Los Fresnos, TX Information @ 956.367.0335 For City information (i.e.,hotels, restaurants, etc.) call the Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce @ 956 / 233-4488

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Vaccination

August 25, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7

Proven Safety Precautions Remain Key to Combating Latest COVID Spike

BROWNSVILLE & HARLINGEN – As healthcare providers and local officials work to protect public health during yet another spike of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations throughout the Rio Grande Valley, health experts are encouraging local residents to take all available measures to safeguard themselves against the virus.

While utilizing proven safety measures such as the use of face coverings and frequent hand washing are important keys to protection against COVID-19, health officials have long

maintained that the best way to bring the pandemic to a close is for the United States is through vaccination.

Dr. Beverly Zavaleta, physician adviser at Valley Baptist Medical CenterBrownsville, said that while she is encouraged that so many local residents have chosen COVID vaccination, more work must be done to promote vaccination among those who have not yet received the vaccine.

“I’m encouraged that so many people have already been vaccinated,” she said. “However, every person I’ve admitted to the hospital recently with COVID pneumonia was not vaccinated. Many

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said that the reason they delayed their vaccine was that they wanted to ask their doctor about it. If you feel this way, don’t delay — ask your doctor and get your questions answered.

The COVID vaccine is recommended for almost everyone.”

Vaccinations remain the key element to COVID protection, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends that vaccinated individuals take care when traveling and partaking in large indoor gatherings.

“Unlike last year, travel and gatherings are now possible thanks to a safe and effective COVID vaccine. According to the CDC, if you want to travel and attend events, get vaccinated before you do so, and make sure that all in your group do the same.

If there are young children or vulnerable adults in your group, such as elderly or people with suppressed immune systems, they need to mask up when in public,” Zavaleta said. “All people should follow the CDC masking guidelines to avoid catching and spreading COVID due to an event or a trip, especially because of the highly-contagious Delta variant. While the Delta variant is more easily spread during unmasked indoor gatherings and indoor

dining, the COVID vaccines are extremely effective at preventing what matters most: Severe disease and death from COVID. Get vaccinated and get back to life!”

While keeping up with the latest COVID guidelines offered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention can be daunting, there is always information available to help local residents make the right decisions to protect themselves against COVID-19, Zavaleta said. “Even as a physician, I find it challenging to keep up with the COVID guidelines.

But I keep in mind that the COVID guidelines change because the coronavirus changes, and when the virus changes, the riskiness of different behaviors changes,” she said. “For example, the CDC mask guidance has always stated that unvaccinated people should wear a mask indoors in public or for indoor gatherings. Now, due to the highly contagious COVID Delta variant that is present in Cameron County and much of the U.S., the CDC recommends that fullyvaccinated people who live in an area with high levels of Delta variant should return to wearing a mask when gathering indoors or in public. In addition, if you are immunocompromised you should continue to wear a mask in public regardless of the level of circulating Delta variant.”

In addition to the listed guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19,

MONOCLONAL INFUSION THERAPY LOCATIONS in Cameron County currently:  My NuRx Pharmacy/ PanAmerican Clinical Research – Contact 956-230-5565 and Referral Form located online at: https://www.mynurx.com/ covid-19 with services available in Harlingen & Brownsville  Emergence Medicine – Contact 956-616-5225 with infusion services offered in Harlingen and South Padre Island  Smith Family Medicine – Contact 956-689-5506 with infusion service offered in Raymondville. there is also an available treatment for those who are in the early stages of COVID infection.

Monoclonal antibody therapy has been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and can help patients in the early stages of infection avoid hospitalization due to severe complications associated with COVID-19.

According to the FDA, monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. These antibodies are administered via intravenous infusion and are designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into

human cells.

“One lesson learned from the last COVID surge is that the outpatient monoclonal antibody infusion for patients within the first 10 days of COVID symptom onset is one of the best ways to prevent COVID hospitalizations,” Romero said. “To that end, we want everyone to be aware that there are multiple locations in the community with these offerings.”

For more information on monoclonal antibody therapy available in our area, contact your physician, and for the latest CDC guidelines on COVID-19, visit www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-nCoV/ index.html.

Ask Our Dentists

by DR. ADAM LALONDE

Q: I am a new denture wearer and have found it to be a daily struggle. My dentist has suggested dental implants, but I am wary. Could dental implants really improve my situation?

ANSWERED by DR.ADAM LALONDE: Implants are quickly becoming the treatment of choice for many patients.

Research indicates that the public is becoming more aware of the benefits of dental implants. All too often, extractions are performed, dentures are placed, & the patient goes home without a thought about the jawbone Dr. Adam Lalonde underneath the newly extracted teeth. Many patients are unaware that bone loss in their jaw will always follow the loss of a tooth. Over time, bone loss can cause changes in a patient’s facial appearance, speech & diet.

Before dental implants, there were no viable solutions available for people who lost all their teeth & wanted lower denture stability. Today, it is possible to replace complete dentition with dental implants & fixed bridges that result in a long-term, stable & highly esthetic solution. Implants anchor natural-looking artificial teeth & keep bone structure intact. Dental implants can restore normal eating and speaking abilities, increase denture retention, & enhance facial appearance. With today’s advances in implant technology, most patients can be treated with implants. Patients who were unable to enjoy the benefits of implants ten years ago are most likely candidates for implant dentistry today. Call your dentist to set up a comprehensive exam or call our office for a complimentary 15 minute implant consultation.

Now, is the time; here is the place.

NEW LOCATION AT CAMERON PARK 2302 Delia Ave - Brownsville, TX. 78526 -Tel (956)620-3735 - Fax (956)620-3778

956-233-4400

www.losfresnosdental.com

384 Military Hwy. - Brownsville, TX. 78520 - Tel (956)544-4400 - Fax (956)544-4508 3831 Boca Chica Blvd. - Brownsville, TX. 78521 - Tel (956)554-3964 - Fax (956)554-3992 2814 International Blvd. - Brownsville, TX. 78521 - Tel (956)542-8695 - Fax (956)554-3160 3244 Southmost Rd. - Brownsville, TX. 78521 - Tel (956)541-7535 - Fax (956)541-6010 719 W Hwy. 100 - Los Fresnos, TX. 78566 - Tel (956)233-2795 Fax (956)233-2797 860 S. Sam Houston Blvd. - San Benito, TX. 78586 - Tel (956)399-4111 - Fax (956)399-4481 MAIN OFFICE 1737 Boca Chica Blvd. - Brownsville, TX. 78520 - Tel (956)546-3120 - Fax (956)546-3980

719 W. Ocean Blvd. • (956) 233-2795

8 • August 25, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS

Because Your Health Matters

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.

Class Update:

Exercise classes are offered both virtually and in person. Pre-recorded virtual classes are offered through Facebook post on the City of Los Fresnos Community Health Outreach Program’s Facebook group.

In person classes are offered at the Los Fresnos Memorial Park. The current exercise class schedule offers Walk 2 Fitness, Cardio Kick Boxing, Zumba, Body Sculpting, Boot Camp, Fitness Blender, Lap Swimming and Water Aerobics. All classes are taught by Certified Fitness Instructors.

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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 a wide variety of classes to choose from!

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 956-233-5768

ALL TOGETHER NOW. We’ve been hard at work reporting the latest news and informing you about a pandemic that’s disrupted everyone’s lives. We’re proud of our brand of trusted journalism.

Christine Martinez

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