July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

Take One

EDCOUCH

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ELSA

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LA VILLA

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MONTE ALTO

Delta Area By: Irma Ayala

Cassandra Lozano

A woman’s place is on the football field. That’s according to the Texas Ladies Football League. There are only four teams in the TLFL, and one is from the Rio Grande Valley. They are the Cheetahs, and three of the players are from the Delta Area.

Cassandra Lozano is a product of the Edcouch-Elsa school district. She played softball and basketball in high school and plays defensive end for the Cheetahs. Ester Cruz DeSimone is 2005 graduate of the same school district. She plays nose on defense. Stephanie Garza is a 2013 graduate of La Villa School District who played softball and basketball. She plays RB and WR. Females grew up seeing their dads and brothers and later their boyfriends play football and gather around to devotedly worship it on television. “We’re trying to integrate the sport into women that has traditionally been for men,” said Cheetahs’ Coach Santiago Cruz. “It has been in the area for a few years, and now we’re building the foundation for this team to stay.”

The RGV Cheetahs is a full tackle women’s football team” focused on creating a positive, safe and fun environment for the women who play the game and fans that come out to watch them. The team is dedicated to making women’s full contact football a staple in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Head coach and part-owner, Santiago Cruz says that at first “It may astound fans to see someone other than a man playing

FREE

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

Girls

contact football, but it’s not that unusual.” He goes on to explain, “A lot of these girls are athletes; they played basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball in high school,” Cruz said. The girls are athletes who catch on quickly, loyal and dedicated to this sport.”

Santiago and his partner, Mark Lucio, established the Cheetahs in spring of 2013. What does the future hold in store for the Women’s Football League? Next year, Cheetah owners will own the Ulti-

mate Woman’s Football League. The Laredo Fantasy team and Austin Inferno team are currently being organized. Cruz hopes that Dallas and El Paso will soon follow suit. They hope to eventually expand to other states.

Come out to see the Cheetahs play Corpus Christi Divas on Saturday, July 26.

Tickets can be purchased from any team player. Come out and support your Delta Area players.

Ester Cruz DeSimone

Stephanie Garza

CHEETAH TICKETS call Ester Desimone

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Part of Our History Anahuac community Cemetery

By Irma Ayala

The original care taker was Mr. Saenz of La Villa, Edcouch-The Anahuac followed by Josh Gutierrez Community Cemetery beof Edcouch who in turn was gan in 1942. Mrs. Engelfollowed by Raphael Santamann, wife of the citrus na of Elsa who then turned promoter of nearby Engelover the reins of caretaker mann Gardens west of Edto Mr. Juan Garcia. couch, donated four acres Mr. Saldaña and his to be used as acemetery for friend Juan Garcia overthe poor people in the Delta see maintenance which Lake area of Elsa, Edcouch, depends on fees collected.

Hargill and the now nonexThe City of Edcouch and istent, Engelmann Gardens.

La Villa occasionally proThe unfenced cemetery, vides help and the County originally 300x400 now Commissioner of Precinct comprises 10-12 acres.

1 generously sends mowing First Gatekeepers Plots were originally availmachinery to clear open arIsabel and Eloisa Saenz able to local families for a eas. Workers are employed nominal fee of $5, or without charge to to mow around monuments unvisited by indigents bringing a waiver from a local family and friends. Some families clear church. their own plots and a “Family Day” is held A local Woodman of the World Chap- periodically for church and civic groups ter named it Anahuac. Nauhautl is a word and individual volunteers who help prowhich means “land by the water” and sig- vide cemetery care. nifying ancient Central Mexico. Many The Anahuac Community Cemetery of the original corpses buried were peo- is located is on Mile Road 3 West at Mile ple from Mexico whose bodies were un- Road 19 about 2 miles north of Edcouch, claimed.

Texas.

2nd Annual Joe’s Fight Saturday August 2, 2014 • Monte Alto Veterans Park T-shirts for the first 50 5kregistrants!

Early Registration Fee Adults $20 Students $10 Kiddy Run $5 Late Registration Fee Adults $25 Students $15 Kiddy Run $5

Take One

FREE

For customer service please call

(956) 292-1590

Ask how you can advertise with us.

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

Registration on site 7am Kiddy 800m Race Time 7:50am 5K Run/Walk Race Time 8am For more information: contact Jannett Aguinaga 369-0662

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 15

Sunny Hi: 98° F Lo: 76° F Precip 0%

Wed 16

Partly Cloudy Hi: 98° F Lo: 78° F Precip 0%

Thu 17

Partly Cloudy/Windy

Hi: 96° F Lo: 79° F Precip 10%

Fri 18

Partly Cloudy Hi: 97° F Lo: 75° F Precip 20%

Sat 19

Partly Cloudy Hi: 97° F Lo: 78° F Precip 0%

Sun 20

Mostly Sunny Hi: 97° F Lo: 76° F Precip 0%

Mon 21

Sunny Hi: 98° F Lo: 77° F Precip 0%

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

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 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

Health & Cooking

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

Page 3

Positive

Thinking

It

is very likely that we have all had at least one day where the Universe seems to be conspiring against you, where you just feel funky and everything else seems to be reflecting that same funkiness back to you and where your life feels out of place.

We don’t have control of most things that happen to us and around

us, however, we can control how we react to these moments and days where life just seems to push back really, really hard. Do we react with intense emotion and frustration and then carry that negative attitude with us all day long, letting it muddy-up everything else we do that day? Or, do we simply just accept the reality, recognizing that it is what it is and

Edcouch-Elsa Rotary Club

The Edcouch-Elsa Rotary Club website to promote Insurance life insurance is ready to take applications for life insurance. The customer can go on to this website and purchase with no medical exam up to $350,000 of term life insurance.

All proceeds generated from this website are to give graduating seniors an opportunity to apply for a scholarship to help their college tuition.

People can go to www.evantagefinancial.com/erotary/save to generate a quote and purchase a term life insurance for 10, 15, 20, or 30 yrs. Customers will have the purchase approved, signed and delivered to you through email.

If you need assistance, you can call the 800 number to talk to a life insurance agent.

You can also call Arturo Livas at 956330-5000 for assistance.

2nd Annual

JOE’S FIGHT Saturday, August 2, 2014 Registration on site: 7:00AM Kiddy 800m Race Time: 7:50AM 5K Run/Walk Race Time: 8:00AM Monte Alto Veterans Park Early Registration Fee: Late Registration Fee: Adults $20 • Students $10 Adults $25 • Students $15 Kiddy Run $5 Kiddy Run $5 Mail to: 8426 Mateo Escobar Monte Alto, TX 78538 Please make checks payable to Jose Luis Villarreal or Yolanda Villarreal Donations are welcomed - PayPal: joesfight@yahoo.com T-shirts to first 50 5Kregistrants!

Awards: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place finishers in each division 5K Divisions: 11-13, 14-16, 17-19, 20-25, 26-29, 30-35, 36-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-over Kiddy 800M Run Divisions: 3 and under, 4-5, 6-7, 8-10 Awards in both Male and Female divisions For more information contact Jannett Aguinaga (956)369-0662

that there is nothing that we can do to change what happened so why should we allow it to doom the rest of our day to disaster?

No day is set to be a bad or a good day. Within every moment exists the opportunity to change…to change a mood, to shift a perspective to transform what feels like a really bad day into a rather good and sweet day.

We get to choose what receives our energy. We get to choose how we want to direct that energy. We get to choose whether or not we react with anger and irritation or with kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. So, maybe choose the reaction that feels right to you. Be that the better person and make the right decision.

Pesto CHICKEN

F lorentine

E

xtremely rich combination of chicken, spinach and creamy pesto sauce. Served with crunchy bread and romaine salad it’s the best!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips 2 cups fresh spinach leaves 1 (4.5 ounce) package dry Alfredo sauce mix 2 tablespoons pesto 1 (8 ounce) package dry penne pasta 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese

Preparation 1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, saute for 1 minute; then add chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. When chicken is close to being cooked through (no longer pink inside), add spinach and saute all together for 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions.

When finished, stir in 2 tablespoons pesto; set aside.

3. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.

4. Add chicken/spinach mixture to pasta, then stir in pesto/Alfredo sauce.

Mix well, top with cheese and serve.

Page 4

Education

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

Ben Nevarres representing the Delta Area in Hungary Powerlifter Ben Nevarres just graduated from Edcouch-Elsa. He has represented the community well, winning various competitions, placing first and has landed himself on the top 5 in the nation.

In June, he recently placed first in the 32nd Annual Men’s USAPL National Meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The coach for Team USA thought Nevarres Scores were high enough to qualify him to compete as part of their team which takes place September 1st-7th. He will be representing the Delta Area in the International Powerlifting Federation in Orochaza Hungary.

Nevarres has had many struggles along the way but he keeps moving forward as he looks up to Dave Tate, an elite lifter who has been involved in powerlifting for 31years. There was tremendous doubt for Tate along the way but ended up not only a successful powerlifter but is financially successful and is doing very well in his business called Elite Fitness System.

Someday Nevarrres wants that for himself. Not only does he look up to Tate, but

Longoria looks to assist Delta Area higher education

Representative Longoria is currently working with fellow Legislators, Rep. Terry Canales, Senator Lucio, and Congressman Ruben Hinojosa and City/ School Officials from Edcouch and Elsa to attract a higher education partner in the Delta Area. The idea is to attract a higher education partner to work with the high school and early college students in providing dual enrollment/dual credit classes for the district. The hope is to start off small, by using the existing school facilities and eventually, as the programs offered begin to expand, we hope they would also be offered to local community residents--by way of a satellite campus, which would be house at the vacant Delta Mercado. There has not been a selected partner yet, as talks are on-going.

"Having a higher education entity in the Delta Area would be of great benefit to our students and community," said Rep. Longoria.

Nevarres’s Records Squat: 620 Bench: 415 Deadlift: 640 Total: 1675

most importantly he admires all the support he has with his family. His dad, who never lets him half-finish anything, pushes him to his limits.

Nevarres says "He even tells me when I leave the egg cooking too long, or not long enough.”, if you’re going to do something do it right. It’s a lesson that his dad has imbedded in him and someday Nevarres will teach his children the same.

Nevarres loves his parents unconditionally and appreciates everything they have done for him. “They kept me on the right track in life, and I know I make them proud.

Edcouch-Elsa Athletic Booster Club Scholarship Recipients

"Our students here have excelled tremendously in school and many have gone on to attend prestigious universities, including many ivy leagues. Our hope is to continue the successful educational advancements that Edcouch-Elsa ISD has produced and to create an educational hub in this area that would benefit all our students. In addition, we all know how expensive universities can be, and by allowing our students to receive advanced credits in high school, this would help offset their overall Pictured: Brandon Villa, Katrina Capello, Genevieve Ramirez, Julie Silva, and Gian Carlo Capeleducational cost, making college lo. Not pictured: Bruno Saenz, Leetoria Hinojosa, Thomas Nunez, and Reanna Rodriguez. Each more affordable and attainable." student was awarded a 500 dollar scholarship on behalf of the E-E Athletic Booster Club.

All Delta-Area legislators, community leaders, and school leaders have been working to achieve the same goal, to bring a higher educational partner to the Delta. This process is still in the very early stages and will take time, as there is much planning, research, and outreach that has to occur.

We look forward to this goal coming into fruition for the benefit of our students and community.

Golden Bee Learning Center: Summer Learning Fun

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

Business

Page 5

Water desalination taking center stage for Valley’s future

By Terry Canales House District 40

As the Rio Grande Valley, with more than 1.4 million residents, continues to become an even larger major metropolitan region, the ongoing drought and political circumstances, such as the current dispute over deep South Texas’ share with Mexico of water from the Rio Grande River, are unacceptable risks to our future, contends Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, featured speaking at the podium. Surface and groundwater storage, conservation, and treating reclaimed/ recycled water are some of the water supply options that offer hope to our situation,” the House District 40 lawmaker notes. “Today, water desalination, a growing and improving technology that converts brackish (salty) groundwater and seawater into fresh water suitable for drinking and irrigation, is receiving statewide attention.” Canales serves on the Joint Interim Committee to Study Water Desalination – comprised of House and Senate members – which is taking a close

look at what Texas is doing to develop new reservoirs of drinking water. “Here at home, with the Gulf of Mexico, we literally have an inexhaustible source of potential drinking and irrigation water,” he noted. “But what would be involved, how much would it cost to make this a reality, and what state and federal financial resources are available for this technology?” Seawater desalination is not currently being used in Texas, but it is in Florida and California, and across the world from the Middle East to China. In order for seawater desalination to be a viable option in Texas, further research is required, which is part of the committee’s duties. “We want South Texans to offer their viewpoints and explain the challenges and successes we face in protecting and expanding our sources of water here at home,” Canales encouraged constituents. “Even after the legislative hearings are completed, we invite people to share their thoughts with us so we can incorporate them into the committee’s recommendations, which will become proposal state laws and policies.”

Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. Photograph by Mark Montemayor

Slik Pitt

Offers Virtual

Education

By Irma Ayala

h

Don Julio’s Bakery moves to new location

419 E. Einburg Ave. - Elsa, TX 78543 (adjacent to New HEB) - 262.6620

ELSA-Bigger is not necessarily always better. That’s according to Leonel Garza of Slik Pitt. He has been in business for twenty-four years serving the people of the Delta Area.

He says his business started with providing minor repairs, but his business is now ASE Certified. His business is locally owned and operated; he hires local employees and takes care of them like family. Mr. Garza wants the residents of the Delta Area to know that his business, even though a small, privately owned company, can offer the best available.

Slik Pitt’s labor and parts carry national warranty. Their tires offer the best road hazard tire protection plan in North America.

In addition to their professional service in the past, Silk Pit is now proud to offer a computer animated service for any mechanical procedure so that the customer can fully understand the service from the beginning to the end. “It’s very cool – very fabulous.” The program shows the problem with the vehicle and what will happen during the repairs in short animated videos. “It helps people comfortable being able to understand what exactly will be done to their vehicle,” Mr. Garza proudly explains.

The video offers over 200 animations and is available in English, French and Spanish.

Mr. Garza invites all customers to his remodeled lounge which is larger and more comfortable. While customers wait for their vehicles, they are invited to enjoy free popcorn, water and sodas. Their lounge also offers Wi-Fi for customers to enjoy while they wait.

So, next time you need car repairs, consider dropping by Slik Pit where you will be treated like family.

Page 6

Community

Football Movies at the E-E Stadium

By Irma Ayala

Elsa- No, it’s not football season, but it is around the corner. In the meantime there is something else the Jacket fans can know look forward to movies under the lights. Every Thursday night the E-E coaching staff will be showing a football movie at EE Stadium.

The objective of Thursday Night Lights is to “promote a family atmosphere that encourages the positive attributes that come from playing the game of football.”

Head Football Coach Joe Marichalar conceived this idea in the hopes of the kids bringing in their parents which is some-

thing the coaching staff looks forward to.

The coaches hope the movie will get the kids off the streets. The program began on July 3, 2014 and will continue every Thursday night for three more weeks.

The doors open from 8:00 to 8:30 pm.

A Preview Movie of the 2013 EE Football Story will be shown from 8:30 to 8:50, and the featured movie will start at 8:50 and end at 10:50. Snacks such as ice pops, hot dogs, burgers and drinks will be sold for $1.00. The public is encouraged to attend and enjoy the Jacket hospitality.

Donations will be accepted as the door fee.

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

New Angels in Heaven

is survived by her father Guadalupe Hernandez, her husband Antonio Rojas, sons Juan (Yvonne) Fernandez, and Tony Rojas, daughters Virginia (Armando) Garcia, Concepcion (Jose) Sauceda, Marioa Isabel (Aaron) Foster, Rosa Maria (Javier) Ozuna, Monserato (Leo) Moya and Blanca Estela, brothers Oscar Hernandez and Espiridion and Miguel Fajardo, sisters Jesusa Zavala, Alicia Saenz, Juanita Segovia and Noemi Garza. Also surviving are 23 Grandchildren and 25 Great-Grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church of Elsa, TX Laid to rest at Valentin Gonzlaez, Jr. Anahuac Cemetery in Edcouch, TX. ArDONNA─Valentin Gonzlaez, Jr., 74, rangements were under the direction of entered eternal rest Sunday, July 06, 2014 Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg at South Texas Health Systems, Heart Hos- Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 PH: 956-262-2971. pital in McAllen, TX. Valentin was born on April 24, 1940, to Valentin, Sr. and Beatriz Gonzalez. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his spouse Juanita, sons Valentin (Norma) Gonzalez, III, daughters Velma (Rolando) Sepulveda and Vennette (Jose) Castillo also surviving are brothers Ruben (Mary) and Johnny (Estela) Gonzalez, sister Hilda (Fred) Garcia, grandchildren Jason, Vanessa, Laremy, Jose Alberto Jr., Kori and Kayla, great-grandchildren Skyler, Starr, Dominic, Darell and Alessandra.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, July 08, at the Chapel of Heavens. Cremation will be at a later date. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 PH: 956Isabel P. Salinas 262-2971.

EDCOUCH─Isabel P. Salinas, 86, entered eternal rest Saturday, June 28, 2014 at her residence in Elsa, TX., under Hospice Care. Isabel was born on July 08, 1927 to Marcos and Antonia Perez. She is preceded in death by her husband Heriberto Salinas, Sr., sons Hector and Humberto Salinas, daughters Sandra and Senaida Salinas, parents, brothers Dario, Abel and Bonifacio Perez, sisters Elvira Cerda and Carolina Perez. Isabel is survived by her sons Heriberto, Jr., Heraldo, Marco (Sylvia) and Gustavo Salinas, daughters Sulema (Ruben) Chapa, Susana (Louis) Celusniak, brothers Grabiel and Efren Perez, sisters Elisa Ochoa and Cruz Perez. 20 Grandchildren and 29 Great-Grandchildren.

Visitation was Monday, June 30, 2014 Maria de los Angeles “Angelita” Rojas and Tuesday, July 01, 2014 from 8:00 a.m.

MONTE ALTO─Maria de los Ange- to 9:00 a.m. les “Angelita” Rojas, 70, entered eternal Funeral service was at 10:00 a.m. Tuesrest Monday, June 16, 2014. Angelita was day, July 01, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic born on December 31, 1943, to Guada- Church of Elsa, TX. Laid to rest at Highlupe and Maria de la Paz Hernandez. She land Memorial Park of Weslaco, TX. is preceded in death by her mother Maria Arrangements were under the direction de la Paz Casanova, daughter Rosalinda of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Fernandez and sister Luisa Fajardo. She Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 PH: 956-262-2971.

Join us in Celebrating our 9th Anniversary Sat July 19 12pm-12am Free Food and band starts at 8:30 501 Hooks Ave.,

Donna, Tx 78537 (956) 464-3770

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

Community

Page 7

Elsa Police Department on the Go!

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Elsa now has four new 2014 Ford Explorers according to Police Chief Primitivo Rodriguez

4th of July for VFW Post 7473

Page 8

Community Press

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 12

City of Edcouch 4th of July