The Community Press - July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

Take One

EDCOUCH

•

ELSA

•

LA VILLA

•

MONTE ALTO

FREE

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

Edcouch Designates Historical/Cultural Commission On June 3, 2014 the City of Edcouch Council approved the Historic Preservation Enhancement Ordinance in a pro-active move to provide economic stimulus through historical preservation. The council appointed Commissioner Alicia Segura as Chair and Commissioner Rina

Castillo as Co-Chair.

The EHPC is intended to: (A) Protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of Edcouch’s historic, architectural, and cultural heritage; (B) Foster civic pride in the accom-

plishment of the past; (C) Protect and enhance Edcouch’s attractiveness to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy thereby provided; (D) Insure the harmonious, orderly, and the efficient growth and development of the city that is sensitive to its historic resources; (E) Promote economic prosperity and welfare to the community by encouraging the most appropriate use of the historic properties within the city; (F) Encourage stabilization, restoration, and improvements of such properties and their values by offering incentives for rehabilitation.

Projects will include, planning of the city of Edcouch municipal anniversary celebration, historic building verification and documentation, develop and economic development incentive package, landscape incentives, and promote city pride.

The EHPC will consist of a 5 member advisory commission and will meet on a monthly basis. The City Of Edcouch encourages the general public to apply for the advisory commission on as a volunteer. For more information contact City Hall @ (956) 262-2140

2013/2014 Retirements High school: Oralia Altamirano - 25 years, Reta Durham - 21 years, Linda Garcia - 22 years, Lorenza Rodriguez - 27 years; Ybarra: Evangelina Rocha - 35 years, Carmela Balli - 16 years, Leonarda Dominguez - 13 years; RCR: Reynaldo Martinez 24 years; Garcia: Daniel Rodriguez - 30 years, Gloria N. Trevino - 32 years; Gutierrez: Josefina T. Hernandez - 30 years, Rebecca Piña - 40 years; LBJ: Corrine N.Guerrero - 38 years; Administration: Sandra Montalvo - 31 years

4th of July Celebration honoring your Delta area Veterans.

Join us Friday July 4th @ 9:00 am at the V.F.W. Post 7473 in Elsa, TX Hwy 88 and Ciro Caceres.

Together with the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Post #189, V.F.W. post 7473 Sgt. Benito Alaniz, would like to extend an invitation to the community for a flag raising ceremony, food, door prizes, and raffles. We will have 50/50 and silent auctions.

Music, food & fun activities for the children.

We will also have information on resources for veterans.

City of Edcouch 4th of July Community Swimming Pool Party Friday, July 4th 11am-2pm at the Edcouch Swimming Pool Free hotdogs, drinks, popcorn, pickles, music, giveaways, for kids and adults and Fun!

City of Elsa 2nd Annual 4th of July Event Friday, July 4. Parade to start at 11:00 am and end at Mario Leal Park. Softball tournament, vendors, moon jumps, music, face painting. HEB will have their “carniceria” booth giving out free fajita tacos and hot dogs. Firework display will start at 9:15 pm. For more information on the event or if your interested on being a vendor contact Melissa Perez at 7561051 or Cindy Tanguma at 867-4934.

Take One

FREE

For customer service please call

(956) 292-1590

Ask how you can advertise with us.

Invitational Tournament in McAllen - 1st place Top row from left to right #4 Nyra Jimenez(SS), #8 Hannah Vela (1st,RF), #13 Kat Garcia (C), #00 Tyler Wilson (C), #14 Kassie Fuentes (1st, LF), #10 Alisa Rodriguez (3rd, LF), Bottom row left to right #42 Vanity Young(RF,2nd), #24 Bella Gonzalez (2nd, RF), #1 Ocean De La Garza (pitcher, CF), #7 Aaliyan Cerda (pitcher, LF), #12 Abigail Sanchez (3rd, CF) Head Coach: Erica Molina; Coaches: Erika de la Garza, Frank Fuentes, Mark Fuentes

Editor Page 2 Health & Cooking 3 Community 4 Business 5 Education 6 Social 8

Weather Details Pg. 2

Editor’s Page

Page 2

In

today’s world, you may have a difficult time finding a newspaper that shines a spotlight on the good things in life, the accomplishments of our amazing youth, inspirational stories behind charities and nonprofit organizations, and the residents and local businesses that embrace the heart of our community. However, the Delta Area residents that include Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa and Monte Alto are fortunate to have just that. The Community Press promotes the progress and growth of the Delta Area.

Like all good ideas, The Community Press was born in response to a need in the community.

Inspired by the concept of giving back to the community and recognizing community involvement--the more people get involved with the community, the better they will be able to understand and serve it. It quickly became apparent that the Delta Area Community could benefit from a neighborhood news outlet for residents and businesses.

The Community Press is the reflection of who we are as residents in the Delta Area.

Commemorating the Youth of the Delta Area is also a large emphasis for the paper.

The Community Press covers three school districts—Edcouch-Elsa, Monte Alto and La Villa ISD. We believe that the accomplishments of students in the community, both in and outside the classroom should always make headlines.

In addition to spreading the good news, The Community Press is a strong advocate for local government and community businesses.

We provide businesses the opportunity to reach their most likely customer base and promote all city projects.

Our main goal is to bring the community together, sharing stories and, promoting generosity and good deeds, publishing the best community newspaper possible. We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve along with you, our extended family!

Weather: Edcouch, Elsa, Monte Alto, La Villa Tues 1

Wed 2

Partly Cloudy/Wind

Hi: 95° F Lo: 76° F Precip 0%

Partly Cloudy Hi: 94° F Lo: 75° F Precip 10%

Thu 3

Partly Cloudy Hi: 93° F Lo: 74° F Precip 20%

Fri 4

Cloudy Hi: 91° F Lo: 75° F Precip 20%

Sat 5

Partly Cloudy Hi: 91° F Lo: 75° F Precip 10%

Sun 6

Mostly Sunny Hi: 96° F Lo: 75° F Precip 10%

Mon 7

Mostly Sunny Hi: 96° F Lo: 76° F Precip 0%

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

Rina Diane Castillo CEO/Editor in Chief (956) 292-1590

Reanna Rodriguez Account Executive

Irma Ayala Writer

Sean Downey Design Editor

The Community Press promotes the progress and growth of the Delta Area that adds to the identity and pride of the community, record the history of this area and its people, and make differences in the quality of life for the residents and merchants. The Community Press is dedicated to encourage community service among citizens and employees, recognizing that the more they are involved with the comm...unity, the better they will be able to understand and serve it.

Distribution & Circulation • 5,000 copies distributed biweekly • Available FREE at numerous locations through the Delta Area

Advertising We have numerous ways of advertising for business and private parties. The Community Press has come up with three different ways our clients can reach the Delta Area community.

These are the following advertising opportunities we offer:

• Advertisement space (different sizes) within the newspaper layout • Inserts: reach our audience by giving us your flyer, brochure, booklet and more to put in side our biweekly issue • Social media

The Community Press PO Box 1811 • Elsa, TX • Year 2014 Telephone: (956) 292-1590 Email: tcommunitypress@gmail.com @tcommunitypress

/tcommunitypress

Come join in all the fun!

Elsa Public Library Summer Reading Program 201 Tuesday - Friday @ 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday Activities - Ages 3-5 years old Wednesday Activities- Ages 6-8 years old Thursday Activities- Ages 9+ July 3, 2014- Valley Nature Center @ 2:30 p.m.

July 11, 2014- Club Boxing @ 2:30 p.m.

July 17, 2014- Gladys Porter Zoo @ 2:3p.m.

July 18, 2014- Gamin’ Ride @ 2:30p.m.

If interested in making a donation please contact Amanda Garcia Program Coordinator (956) 262-3061

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

Health & Cooking

Page 3

Beef and Bean

Chile Verde

C

hile Verde, usually a slow-cooked stew of pork, jalapeños and tomatillos, becomes an easy weeknight meal with quick-cooking ground beef and store-bought green salsa. Make it a Meal: Serve with fresh cilantro, red onion and Monterey Jack. Add your favorite hot sauce.

You Can Do It! WORKOUT!

T

here are many benefits to working out before you go to work, but it’s hard not to hit the snooze button and roll over to fall back asleep. Instead wake up every morning and tell yourself “I can do this” motivate yourself to do the best of your abilities.

Morning workouts can be hard to handle but did you ever notice after a morning workout you are more alert and focus throughout the day. Well its true exercise does jump-start your metabolism, and keeps you burning calories at a faster rate throughout the

day. Not only that but you get things out of the way early so you don’t have to worry about not having time later throughout the day.

Exercise plays a big factor on the person you are, feeling healthy and good about yourself can determine the way you approach things. Exercising should be an everyday routine for everyone. Even if it’s a morning walk, job, or even a cardio tape to start off.

Staying fit and healthy can also save you from emotional, physical, mental stress that you might be having.

Yield: 4 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each Active Time: 20 Total Time: 30

Ingredients 1 pound 93%-lean ground beef 1 large red bell pepper, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 16-ounce jar green salsa, green enchilada sauce or taco sauce 1/4 cup water 1 15-ounce can pinto or kidney beans, rinsed

Preparation Cook beef, bell pepper and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir in salsa (or sauce) and water; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in beans and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

Tips & Notes Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat just before serving.

Nutrition Nutrition Per Serving: 307 calories; 8 g fat (3 g sat, 3 g mono); 64 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrates; 27 g protein; 6 g fiber; 516 mg sodium; 641 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (100% daily value), Vitamin A & Zinc (40% dv), Folate (20% dv), Potassium (18% dv).

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving Exchanges: 1 starch, 2 vegetable, 3 lean meat

Page 4

Community

Monte Alto Community Prepares For Hurricane Season

By Irma Ayala

​​​​​​​​Monte Alto- Texas, like other Gulf Coast states, is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. Texans living near the coast as we do in the RioGrande Valley must learn to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane which is very possible this hurricane season.

On June 17, 2014 Texas A&M University Colonias Program in collaboration with the Monte Alto ISD and the Hidalgo County Emergency Management Department held their 5th Annual Dare to Prepare Hurricane Information Fair in the gym at the Monte Alto School District. The Emergency Management Departmentpresented a video to the students and parents on the dangers of what the winds and the amount of water can do to a community during a hurricane. Different agencies brought information on how

to prepare for any disaster, not only a hurricane. The community was also taught how to plan for a disaster and what to pack if they need to evacuate.

The most important thing people should do to prepare is to gather three days’ worth of food and water for the entire family. One gallon of water per family member needs to be stored. Of course, food should be non-perishable canned goods or dry mixes. You need to store important documents in a safe place and make copies just in case the need arises.

Remember your homeowner’s insurance will not cover losses due to flooding.

Rising flood waters can destroy the first floor of any home. You must purchase special “flood insurance” to be covered if the necessity arises.

Start preparing now and avoid last minute rushes.

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

New Angels in Heaven

Elida Gonzalez

Rodriguez, brother Richard Rodriguez and sisters Maria Luke, Elvira Caballero, Carolina Garcia, Elizabeth Perez and Linda Rodriguez, also surviving are 2 Grandchildren and 6 Great-grandchildren.

Funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Elsa, TX. Gloria was laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park of Weslaco, TX. EDCOUCH - Elida GonMaria de los Angeles zalez, 87, entered eternal rest “Angelita” Rojas Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Rio Grande Regional Hospital of McAllen, TX. Elida was born on Ocotber 07, 1926, to Lorenzo and Macaria Gonzalez. She is preceded in death by her husband Alejo, 5 sons, her parents and 4 sisters. She is survived by her daughters Elida (Jose) Cantu and Adelina (Sergio) Silva, and son Gustavo (Josefina) Gonzalez 19 grandchildren and 23 MONTE ALTO - Maria de great-grandchildren. los Angeles “Angelita” Rojas, Funeral Service was held at 70, entered eternal rest Mon10:00 a.m. Monday, June 16, day, June 16, 2014. Angelita 2014 at St. Teresa Catholic was born on December 31, Church of Edcouch, TX. El- 1943, to Guadalupe and Maida, was laid to rest at High- ria de la Paz Hernandez. She land Memorial Park of Wesla- is preceded in death by her co, TX Maria de la Paz Casanova, Gloria M. Garcia daughter Rosalinda Fernandez and sister Luisa Fajardo.

She is survived by her father Guadalupe Hernandez, her husband Antonio Rojas, sons Juan (Yvonne) Fernandez, and Tony Rojas, daughters Virginia (Armando) Garcia, Concepcion (Jose) Saucedo, Maria Isabel (Aaron) Foster, Rosa Maria (Javier) Ozuna, Monserato (Leo) Moya and Blanca Estela Medina, brothELSA - Gloria M. Garcia, ers Oscar Hernandez and 70, entered eternal rest Fri- Espiridion, Miguel Fajardo, day, June 13, 2014 at her res- sisters Jesusa Zavala, Alicia idence in Elsa, Texas. Gloria Saenz, Juanita Segovia and was born on April 08, 1944 to Noemi Garza. Also surviving Jose Apolonio and Romana are 23 Grandchildren and 25 Rodriguez. She is preced- Great-Grandchildren. ed in death by her father Jose Funeral service was at 1:00 Apolonio Rodriguez. She is p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2014 survived by her sons Ramon at Sacred Heart Church of Ortiz, Jr., and Fernando Or- Elsa, TX, Angelita was laid to tiz, daughter Marianita (Dale) rest at Anahuac Cemetery in Davis, mother Romana A. Edcouch, TX.

Business

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

Page 5

Construction of Brand New Courthouse a Reality

By Irma Ayala

Hidalgo County-After much anticipation and planning, the new Hidalgo County courthouse will finally be a reality. dHidalgo County Commissioners voted to the schematic design for a new aapprove County courthouse. It includes the first set of drawings and elevations and the probazble cost estimate. Many political leaders the current courthouse is too small obelieve and outdated for this rapidly growing popnulation of our south Texas County.

The design is for a 10-story, approxi460,000 square-foot building. It is tmately designed to hold 24 courts, and officials esay they project it will serve Hidalgo County for at least 75 years. Initially the two top floors could be vacant when the courthouse opens; however, they are to be dheld in reserve for the definite probability ,of further growth. The space on the top two floors allows for six additional courts to accommodate the County’s needs in the next seven decades. A major benefit of the design is that it provides for Texas Jail Commission-licensed detention facilities on the ground floor and for each court.

This improvement will keep inmates awaiting trial separated from courthouse staff, jurors, and the general public. The inmates “rub shoulders” with the general public in hallways, elevators, stairways and restrooms, which can be rather intimidating.

“According to ERO Architects, the firm contracted to prepare the schematic design, the estimated cost for the 463,804-square-foot, 10-story building is $157 million – $127.7 million for the building, site and contingencies and $29.3 million to cover other expenses, such as furniture, technology and security equipement.” Judge Ramon Garcia who is defi,nitely a proponent for a new courthouse told The Monitor “I don’t think we can afford not to build. We’re not going to stop agrowing, and the cost is not going to come ,down.”

The current county courthouse, which was built in 1954 is supposedly operating ebeyond capacity and requires roughly $20 r– 30 million to renovate. County officials that this current building was built ,believe to service Hidalgo County sixty years ago, but it has outlived its usefulness. Judge .Ramon Garcia has stated that obviously building has various inadequacies, but rthe there are also various health and safety isrsues as well that could be exposed in any attempt to remodel the building.

The county is negotiating with the City of Edinburg, asking the county to provide 25 percent of the funding, Garcia said. He stated that he hopes construction ,further could be completed by 2020. , No further steps were discussed, but an ,item was placed on the agenda for MonJune 30, at the next Commissioners ,day, Court meeting.

Don Julio’s Bakery moves to new location

419 E. Einburg Ave. - Elsa, TX 78543 - 262.6620

Happy 1st Year Anniversary Primero Rent to Own

d , a d g a big first year for Primero 5RentIt’stobeen Own. Just a little over a year ago

the 1500 square foot space on 301 South

0Broadway st in Elsa was an empty shell. it’s bursting at the seams with fine fur4Not nishings, TV’s, air conditions, and modern ffurniture items looking for a new home.

Customers are roaming the store on a daibasis hoping to find the next must have nly treasure to furnish or accessorize their

homes.

Mr. Cedillo, store manager would like to thank all of his customers. “We genuinely appreciate all of our customers and look forward to even bigger things in the future as we try to bring you the best service in the business.”

On behalf of The Community Press, we wish you many more years of success!

Education

Page 6

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

High School receives award from Lowes

t D b B t g

The Llano Grande Center and Edcouch Elsa High School were recently awarded a $5,000.00 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant. The money will be used to purchase computers and equipment for the development of a digital media lab at Edcouch Elsa High School’s North Campus. Representatives from Lowe’s Weslaco were on hand to tour the lab space that is in development and make a special presen-

tation to EEISD. Lowe’s Weslaco joined EEISD Administration at EEHS to present the $5,000 grant. Pictured are Asst. Store Manager Jerry Quintanilla, Asst. Store Manager Joey Sanchez, Store Manager Adam Young, EEISD Board President Dr. Jose Saldivar, EEISD Superintendent Dr. Richard Rivera, EEHS Principal Jaime Garcia and Pro Services Manager Mike Cardenas.

B v t h i w p t b w h We want to thank Israel Rocha, CEO of Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance for his donation to the Edcouch-Elsa Rotary Scholarship Fund. Israel Rocha, a former alumni from Edcouch-Elsa isa p giving back to his community and his alma mater. “ m d h

Thank You Monte Alto Volunteers

r u

Monte Alto- On Wednesday, June 4 over 20 volunteers gathered for a luncheon at the Monte Alto Community Center. They Monte Alto ISD coordinated a luncheon as a token of appreciation. They all received a volunteer certificate and gift items.

Golden Bee Learning Center: Summer Learning Fun

Community Press

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

Rep. Canales wants DPS to secure mass graves site in Brooks County

The Texas Department of Public Safety is being asked by Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, featured left, third from the bottom, to secure a mass graves site in Brooks County following news reports that the remains of undocumented immigrants were buried together.

In related action, Canales has asked the Brooks County Auditor’s Office to provide invoices and other paperwork related to payments made to a Falfurrias funeral home, which was responsible for burying the unidentified immigrants. Canales, who serves on the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, which shapes laws to prosecute crimes, said he was angered by the news of the mass graves site, and wants to know how this reported practice had evidently gone unchecked. e “We need to protect the site to prevent any evidence from being damaged, tampered with, or destroyed,” Canales said.

“Just as important, we need to send the message to the world that in our state, we do not stain the honor of loved ones who have passed away.”

Canales, who has deep roots in Falfurrias, is asking for invoices and other documents submitted to that county govern-

ment used to pay a funeral home for what he expected should have been individual graves for at least eight people.

“The people of Brooks County are among the finest in the world, and some of my best friends are from Falfurrias,” Canales wrote in his public information request, dated Saturday, June 21, to Brooks County Auditor August Patroelj. “I know we share the same frustration, shock, and disbelief that something so horrific could transpire in our own backyard.”

The House District 40 lawmaker stated that he wants the materials “in order to better understand why, according to a Friday, June 20 article by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, that ‘unidentified migrants who died entering the United States were buried in mass graves in a South Texas cemetery, with remains found in trash bags, shopping bags, body bags, or no containers at all, researchers discovered.’”

Canales’ legislative inquiries in Brooks County came as he has been helping lead efforts in the Rio Grande Valley to deal with a national humanitarian crisis involving thousands of unaccompanied children being smuggled to the U.S. through deep South Texas.

Page 7

Elected officials at the Border Patrol in McAllen on Saturday, June 14, being briefed on the influx of unaccompanied immigrant Central American children to the Valley are, left side, from bottom to top: Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; and Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. Right side, from bottom to top: Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission; and Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García. Photograph Courtesy Congressman Henry Cuellar

Library Summer Events

y

Oscar Munoz had the sea of children baffled by his crazy illusions!

Sofia has the right idea! Love your planet

Kids showing off their art work made at the Elsa Public Library FIZZ BOOM READ Summer Reading Program!

Page 8

Social

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 11

Taken at End of the Trail

Photos from The Perfect Place

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANOTHER ISSUE! Contact us now for advertising opportunities!

(956) 292-1590