The Community Press August 2023

WES-MER DRIVE-IN THEATER IN MERCEDES CELEBRATES 73 YEARS

Despite the limited count of 400 drive-in movie theaters left in the U.S.A, one South Texas drive in is celebrat-

PALMVIEW PROUD: HONORING

TEXAS RANGER

CAPTAIN MELBA SAENZ

ing a big milestone, with no plans to slow down. If you ever passed through 2090 W. Business 83, you likely

saw the Wesmer Drive-in. What you might not have known, however, is that there are 73 years of history behind that screen. The Wes-Mer Drive-In theater, named after its location, between Mercedes and Weslaco opened in early July 1950. Throughout Tex-

EDCOUCH ELSA ISD BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

see SCHOOL Pg. 8

AT&T AND PRAIRIE VIEW A&M CONTRIBUTED TO DONATE LAPTOPS TO EDCOUCH STUDENTS

EDCOUCH, Texas – AT&T supplied Prairie View A&M with laptops to distribute to Edcouch-Elsa ISD students on Aug.14.

as’s history, the state has been home to about four thousand drive-in theaters, but now about 20 remain, and one sits in tiger town.

“Congratulations To The New Wes-Mer Drive-In Theatre,’’ the newspaper’s

see WES-MER Pg. 3

5 steps to identify what to do next in life

Teddy’s Barbecue named one of the best BBQ places in Texas

Pg. 2

Pg. 4

PALMVIEW, Texas – Mayor Rick Villarreal and the Palmview City Council have declared August 2 as Melba Saenz Day in recognition of her accomplishments in local and

The laptops were funded by an AT&T donation. This effort is an element of the AT&T Connected Learning initiative, which is part of their companywide, $2 billion commitment from 20212023 to help address the

Free dental services Pg. 6

Mr. Amigo celebrated at hands across the border

Pg. 8

Mercedes Texas Street Festival Pg.11

Classifieds Pg.12

The journey to self-discovery during uncertain times can be overwhelming. However, there are five crucial steps that can help you find your way towards a more fulfilling path.

Take time out

Taking time out is essential. Instead of hurrying to find solutions, allow you self the opportunity to contemplate the unknown. Embrace solitude, engage in meditation, or write in a journal to reconnect with your inner self and gain clarity on your fundamental beliefs.

Feel your emotions

Next, embrace your emotions. When you look inside yourself, hidden emotions

might come up, and they can teach you important things. Fear is often the reason for uncertainty, but when you understand and experience different emotions, it makes them less confusing and less strong.

Explore your passions Find what you love to do. Discover small things or hobbies that truly bring you joy and do them. This shift of attention away from overthinking creates a cycle of happiness, leading you to feel fulfilled in the end.

Take inspired Action

Inspired action is when you do things that match your true desires and make you feel good. If you’ve been

trying hard but not getting anywhere, it might mean you’re not on the right track. To do inspired action, focus on what you really want and let life happen naturally.

Let go of the outcome

Lastly, let go of the outcome. Embrace unpredictability and release the need to control everything. Embracing the unknown allows personal growth and opens the door to remarkable discoveries and experiences.

To sum up, not knowing what to do next doesn’t mean you failed; it just shows that change is necessary. Your journey may be a straight path or involve many transformations, and

Dose of Kindness

5 STEPS TO IDENTIFY WHAT TO DO NEXT IN LIFE BLESSING OUR ENEMIES

both are okay and unique to you. Embrace change, as it will happen, and it leads to growth and transformation in your life. Remember, facing the unknown directly helps you build a better and more satisfying future.

When we choose to love and pray for those who don’t deserve it, we are transformed

In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs us to love our adversaries and treat them well. Both Matthew and Luke’s records indicate that when Jesus said this, He used a form of the Greek word agape, which refers to unconditional love. This love isn’t a superficial affection or feeling of goodwill, and it’s not based on the nature or appearance of the other person. Agape is the deepest kind of love we can display. At first, using this Greek word in regard to enemies

seems counterintuitive, but actually it is the perfect solution: agape forms through an act of our will. When we choose to love, our emotions follow the decision of our mind. For example, when we pray for our enemies, it changes our heart—not all

at once but over time. And when we ask God to help us express genuine Christlike love towards our enemies, those requests mold us too. That’s the kind of prayer God is delighted to answer. A bitter response toward an enemy will yield only neg-

ativity, but a gracious response can have profound results. God has a redemptive plan in mind for every person, and we have an opportunity to participate in that plan when we display agape, the unconditional love of the Lord.

Be open to hearing someone’s point of view that doesn’t align with yours.

Luke 6:27-28

Letter

from the Editor

Dear Readers,

In an era where progress and unity are vital for the growth of societies, the Community Press newspaper is proud to introduce its new logo—a tree, emblematic of life, growth, and interconnectedness. Just as a tree’s roots delve deep to nourish the earth, the Community Press aims to foster the progress and growth of local communities through its insightful articles and community-driven initiatives.

The tree, with its sprawling branches reaching for the sky, mirrors the newspaper’s commitment to reaching higher and inspiring positive change. Like leaves basking in sunlight, the stories within our pages illuminate the myriad accomplishments, endeavors, and aspirations of our communities. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our readers, whose unwavering support fuels our mission.

A special acknowledgment is also extended to the businesses, schools, and cities that stand as pillars behind the Community Press. Your dedication to the betterment of our neighborhoods is invaluable.

As we embrace this new logo, we invite you to watch for our monthly printed newspaper, a tangible connection to the heart of local news. Additionally, explore our digital presence at thecommunitypress.org for a wealth of uplifting and enriching stories that nourish the soul. Together, we cultivate a vibrant tapestry of growth, unity, and progress.

WES-MER continued from pg.1

full-page ad said on July 6, 1950. The first movie shown on the Wes-Mer’s big screen was Everybody Does It. Don’t miss it! The Enterprise ad printed about the opening night movie experience.

Wes-Mer opened in the late 1940s, histories of the Wes-Mer state that its first owner was Jewel Archer, who also owned the Sky Vue Theatre in Elsa, which opened in 1949. Archer and his wife owned the WesMer until 1956, when they sold it to Lew Bray, the district manager for interstate’s Rio Grande Valley theaters. Hector Benitez, a pioneer in the RGV Movie theater industry and member of the Will Rodgers Motion Pictures Pioneers Foundation owned the theater between the 80s and 90s. His love and passion for the cinema began at an early age through his parents, who brought the first silent movies to Weslaco. From there, he and his brothers owned

and operated numerous movie theaters and drive-ins throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Wes-Mer was purchased by Hector Garza in 2004. News accounts reported that he grew up going to drive-in theaters in South Texas and owned outdoor movie venues in Mission and Falfurrias. He revived the Wes-Mer and it is still open and going strong today under the direction of Lydia Garza.

A movie projector donated by Mrs. Benitez along with a

collection of photos displaying the carloads of people at the theater are displayed in a permanent exhibit at the Weslaco Museum. Joe Vidales, a local expert historian and longtime museum volunteer, said “These types of images are priceless because we don’t have that anymore.”

More than 70 years after its opening, the big screen of Wes-Mer still stands between two Mid-Valley cities, with carloads of families still lining up to enter its historic

grounds.

After all these years, Garza said in a TV interview “there is (still) nothing better than watching a movie on a big screen under the stars, (with) a full moon to keep everyone company.”

Admission prices on Tuesdays are $5 per vehicle and other days $10 per vehicle.

To find a listing of movie showings visit wesmerdrivein.com.

TEDDY’S BARBECUE NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BBQ PLACES IN TEXAS

Teddy’s Barbecue, situated at 2807 N Texas Blvd in Weslaco, is a cherished local BBQ spot that has gained recognition as a top BBQ destination in Texas, even earning praise from the New York Times. Started and nurtured by a family, Teddy’s Barbecue has played a big role in boosting the BBQ scene in the Valley. People love their delicious briskets and carefully made tortillas.

The story of Teddy’s Barbecue goes back to Joel Garcia’s simple beginnings. He began selling BBQ plates from his home. In 2019, he and his brother took a big step by opening Teddy’s Barbecue in the heart of Weslaco.

The special thing about Teddy’s Barbecue is their famous briskets, which draw people from all over. But what truly sets them apart is the personal touch – Joel’s

mother makes the tortillas by hand. Their hard work paid off when the New York Times recognized them as one of the ‘Best 20 BBQ Joints’ in Texas, something Joel Garcia humbly appreciates.

Joel Garcia learned the art of BBQ during his time at a BBQ place in Austin. This experience inspired him to create a place where people can enjoy amazing BBQ and make lasting memories.

The restaurant is a true family effort, and they plan to expand to Harlingen. Joel Garcia hopes this success inspires others to chase their dreams.

Teddy’s Barbecue is not only a great place for mouthwatering BBQ but also a symbol of determination. It proves that combining passion and hard work can lead to both culinary excellence and a positive impact on the community.

state law enforcement.

In May 2020, the Palmview native became the first female captain of the elite Rangers Division, the oldest law enforcement organization on the North American continent with statewide jurisdiction.

She attended La Joya ISD where she graduated in

1995. While in school she served as a Police Explorer for Palmview and La Joya and became a volunteer firefighter in both cities while she worked as a police dispatcher. She has had a successful law enforcement career working with the Rio Grande City School District’s Police Department,

the McAllen ISD Police Department, the Mission Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety where she became part of the Texas Rangers.

Captain Saenz has earned numerous recognitions, awards, and accolades for her overall performance and leadership during her ser-

vice as a Texas Ranger. She has served as a role model, leader, and mentor to many, and continues to be a trailblazer in her career.

The City of Palmview extends its congradulations to Melba Saenz, the first female Texas Ranger Captain.

PALMVIEW continued from pg.1

WHY ‘TOCK-TICK’ DOES NOT SOUND RIGHT TO YOUR EARS

Ever wondered why we say tick-tock, not tock-tick, or ding-dong, not dong-ding; King Kong, not Kong King? Turns out it is one of the unwritten rules of English that native speakers know without knowing.

The rule, explains a BBC article, is “If there are three words then the order has to go I, A, O. If there are two words then the first is I and the second is either A or O. Mish-mash, chit-chat, dilly-dally, shilly-shally, tip top, hip-hop, flip-flop, tic tac, sing song, ding dong, King Kong, ping pong”

There’s another unwritten rule at work on the name Little Red Riding Hood, says the article.

“Adjectives in English absolutely have to be in this order: opinion-size-age-shape-colour-origin-material-purpose noun. So you can have a lovely little old rectangular green French silver whittling knife. But if you mess with the word order in the slightest you’ll sound like a maniac.”

That explains why we say “little green man” not “green little men,” but “Big Bad Wolf” sounds like a gross violation

of the “opinion(bad)-size (big)-noun (wolf)” order. It won’t, though, if you recall the first rule about the I-A-O order.

That rule seems inviolable: “All four of a horse’s feet make exactly the same sound. But we always, always say clip-clop, never clop-clip.”

This rule even has a technical name, if you care to know it- the rule of ablaut reduplication- but then life is simpler knowing that we know the rule without knowing it.

digital divide, through internet accessibility, affordability, and safe adoption.

Recognizing the importance of technology in today’s education landscape Prairie View A&M organized the distribution of 50 laptops to students in the Edcouch community. The heartwarming gesture took place at the Edcouch Community Center. Distinguished attendees were Paco Sanchez fromTexas State Representative Oscar Longoria’s office, Senator Morgan LaMantia, and Dr. Benavidez: E-E ISD Superintendent

AT&T and Human-I-T, a nonprofit that aims to create equitable access to the Internet, partnered to help address the digital divide; Also, provided the Edcouch community with the connectivity, computers, and digital

skills needed for success in school and in life.

State Sen. Morgan LaMantia addressed the importance of technology and appreciation of AT&T and Human-I-T for their donation to the Edcouch community.

“On behalf of our community, I extend heartfelt gratitude to AT&T for their generous laptop donation. A significant step towards bridging the digital divide

and empowering our students” City of Edcouch Mayor Virginio Gonzalez said.

“Technology serves as a powerful tool that empowers students to explore limitless possibilities and expand their horizons. Access to the internet, devices and skills are needed to benefit from the online world,” Gonzalez said.

“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Human-I-T to help close

the digital equity gap in Edcouch. Many students here lack the devices and digital literacy they need for online learning and other online opportunities. Access to computers is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide and we are glad we can assist in providing these resources to those who need them most,” said J.D Salinas, Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T.

AT&T continued from pg.1

FREE DENTAL SERVICES HELD BY TEXAS MISSION OF MERCY

Over 700 patients will received free dental care including cleanings, fillings, and extractions during a Texas Mission of Mercy(TMOM) popup clinic Sep.

15-16 at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. Pre screenings dates are Aug 26 at Nuestra Clinica del Valle in San Juan and Sep. 9 at Nuestra Clinica del Valle in Mission, both

days from 8a.m -2p.m.

TMOMs are designed to bring dental services to individuals who cannot obtain care any other way. Our usual model for TMOM

patients is based on a first come, first served basis. Due to COVID-19 all patients will be prescreened a few weeks before the event

see DENTAL Pg. 10

SAFEGUARDING AGAINST HEAT STROKES

As the Rio Grande Valley sun unleashes its scorching rays, we find ourselves seeking relief from the heat. Understanding the significance of staying cool during this season and adopting precautionary measures is essential to safeguarding our health and well-being.

Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that occurs when the body’s core temperature rises to dangerously high levels, exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a medical emergency that

demands immediate attention, as it can lead to organ failure, brain damage, and even death if left untreated.

Individuals at a higher risk for heat stroke include the elderly, young children, and athletes. Individuals with heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, and those on medications are more likely to experience heat stress problems.

Our bodies function optimally within a specific temperature range.

see HEALTH Pg. 11

SLEEP, DIET, EXERCISE: WHY YOU NEED ALL 3 TO BE SUCCESSFUL

It’s easy to neglect our health amidst the demands of work and daily responsibilities.

However, taking care of ourselves should be a top priority, as it directly impacts workplace performance and overall well-being. To achieve the most health benefits, it’s essential to focus on three critical aspects: sleep, diet, and exercise.

When it comes to diet, convenience often lures us towards greasy, fast food options.

However, research reveals that unhealthy eating can negatively affect productivity. On the other hand, consuming healthy foods boosts work engagement. Unhealthy evening eating

see SLEEP Pg. 11

SCHOOL continued from pg.1

City of Elsa and Edcouch collaborate with the Edplimentary school supplies and backpacks. Free vac-

Edcouch Mayor Virginio Gonzalez stated, “Our main

the significance of unity. “We come together with the

Advertise with us

(956) 292-1590

uted to fostering friendship between the United States and Mexico.

Alexander Acha is a wellknown award-winning singer-songwriter with a passion for music. He is recognized for his songwriting talent, production abilities, and gifted singing. The President of the Mr. Amigo Association, Graciela Salazar, praised Acha’s musical abilities and highlighted his upcoming participation in the Mr. Amigo festivities in Brownsville.

The Mr. Amigo festivities

peoples and countries can contribute to peace efforts and bridge-building.

City officials and their families celebrated the unity and friendship between Brownsville and Matamoros. Brownsville Mayor John Cowen met with Matamoros Mayor Mario Lopez Hernandez and spoke about the positive relationship and mutual respect the cities have for one another.

“Thank you and may the friendship between Brownsville and Matamoros con-

des as the first Mr. Amigo honoree. The association has continued this tradition by recognizing remarkable Mexican individuals who have contributed to international goodwill through their professions.

The Mr. Amigo Association’s selection process is carried out by a committee composed of past presidents. The chosen honoree should be a Mexican citizen who has contributed to fostering friendship and understanding between the

U.S. and Mexico, while also excelling in their profession and exemplifying high personal and professional standards.

The Mr. Amigo Association is a non-profit organization run by community volunteers.

For more information, you can visit their website at MrAmigo.com.

HEAT continued from pg.6

When exposed to excessive heat, our internal cooling mechanisms can become overwhelmed. High temperatures cause excessive sweating, leading to dehydration which can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function, affecting our ability to perform daily tasks efficiently. Fortunately, preventing heat strokes and other heat-related illnesses is relatively simple when adhering to the following precautions. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration. Limit direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Seek shade whenever possible or create shade using umbrellas or canopies.

Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to allow better air circulation and reflect sunlight. Take advantage of cooling methods such as fans, air conditioning, or cool baths/showers to bring down your body temperature. Keep a close eye on the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions during hot weather. Ensure they stay cool and hydrated.

Summer is a time of enjoyment and relaxation, but it also demands our respect for the dangers it can pose. Staying cool during the is essential for preserving our health and preventing heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.

For more information contact Hidalgo County Family & Community Health Agent Tina Munoz at (956) 3831026

DENTAL continued from pg.6

and given an appointment time for the event. The free dental clinic will be at the Bert Ogden Arena 4900S 1-69C Edinburg, Tx beginning at 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Volunteer dentists and dental students from across the country performed cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) is a mobile

dental clinic that travels around the state providing charitable basic dental care to Texans with limited resources and/or access to care. Local community support along with dental and non-dental volunteers from across the state come together at the community’s venue. Up to 700 patients may be seen during the 2 day events depending upon

the size of the clinic’s set up. Our volunteer dental professionals’ primary focus is on relieving pain and preventing infection by providing extractions, fillings, and cleanings. In limited cases, replacing missing front teeth or repairing partial dentures may be available to restore a smile.

“We have dental students from California here,” said

Jen Banton, chair of the Access to Care Committee for Texas Mission of Mercy. “They might go to school in California, but they can still come and help. They can’t provide care because their license isn’t good in Texas, but when we have students from (Texas) A&M or (University of Texas), we have adjunct professors that they can work under.”

TEXAS STREET FEST XV: CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

Featuring: Poder Del Norte, Los Palominos, David Lee Garza, Jay Perez, Alicia C. & Chris Marshall

with about 5,000 people and we all feel extremely proud that it’s grown to 20,000 plus”, says Fred.

The event promises plenty of food, drinks, arts and crafts and informational booths along with free rides for kids, a car show, a wrestling match and more!

Mercedes, Texas – The City of Mercedes is gearing up to host its 15th Annual largest Labor Day Weekend Festival in South Texas, closing the event with Poder Del Norte.

The 15th Annual Texas Street Festival will be on Saturday, September 2, from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Celebration will be in downtown, the heart of Mercedes in the corner of Texas business 83 and 5th street.

It will showcase the downtown business community. Attendees get to explore Mercedes’ preserved history with buildings from 1920’s and walk around to explore the businesses.

“We have worked so hard the past 6 months. It is a large volunteer group that includes the Chamber of Commerce, the Development Corporation, Public Works, Police Department, fire department, other city

staff and student groups from Mercedes I.S.D.”, says Fred Gonzalez, Chamber of Commerce President.

Fred has been active with the chamber for 19 years. “15 years ago, we did some research to figure out what big event we can pull off showcasing downtown and being considerate to other RGV cities, making sure we don’t have an event in the same month. The first Texas Street festival we started off

Headlining the main stage will be Poder Del Norte, Los Palominos, David Lee Garza, Jay Perez, Alicia C. & Chris Marshall.

If you are in the mood of Good Music, Good Food and exploring the heart of the City in Mercedes, Come on down!

For more information on the Mercedes Texas Street Festival or to purchase a table please call (956) 565-2221.

can lead to emotional and physical strain the next morning, resulting in decreased performance.

Sleep plays a vital role in brain and heart health. Getting around seven hours of sleep per night can significantly enhance mental awareness, reduce fatigue, and decrease the risk of accidents. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, leads to

higher blood pressure levels, reduced brain function, and overall well-being. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and resisting the temptation to oversleep are essential steps in combating chronic sleeplessness. By prioritizing adequate rest, we can perform better in our daily tasks.

Exercise is a powerful tool for relieving stress and de-

pression while promoting physical fitness. Treating workouts as an essential aspect of personal success rather than an optional activity is key. Prioritizing exercise means finding time for physical activity despite a busy schedule, and integrating it seamlessly into daily life. This might involve rearranging daily routines, exercising with family mem-

bers, or incorporating workouts into daily activities.

Balancing these three components can be challenging, but finding creative solutions and making them a seamless part of daily life is essential. By consciously investing in self-care, we can unlock our full potential and lead fulfilling lives both at work and beyond.

SLEEP continued from pg.6

Admission Policies:

Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs School Year: 2023-2024

The Texas Education Agency mandates the school district to inform the public concerning admission policies to Career and Technical Education programs and activities. The Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District has maintained a policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI or the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.

Edcouch-Elsa ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For more information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Antonio Layton at alayton@eeisd.org (956) 262-6000 or Mrs. Lydia Gonzalez, Career and Technology Director at lygonzalez@eeisd.org (956) 262-7100.

Aviso Importante:

La secretaria de educacion estatal ordena que se le comunicara a la ciudadanía sobre la en cuanto al manejo de servicios y actividades al estudiante que asiste a las clases del hace al conocimiento al publico que se mantiene la matricula abierta a todos los aspirantes algún curso vocacional. El distrito escolar seguirá manteniendo la política de no discriminar actividades por motives de raza, origin, nacional sexo, o impedimento físico según lo dicta la específicamente el Titulo VI, según la enmienda; también lo dicta la ley en el Titulo IX según 1972, y sección 504 de el acta de rehabilitacion.

Edcouch-Elsa ISD tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.

Para más información acerca de sus derechos o procedimientos para presentar quejas alayton@eeisd.org (956) 262-6000 coordinador del Título IX, o Mrs. Lydia Gonzalez, lygonzalez@eeisd.org (956) 262-7100