Valley artist Sherre Adams showcases her vivid imagination in ‘Imagination Shared.’
9
The Nueva Luz Foundation, located at 902 S Airport Drive, Suite 7, in Weslaco, TX, supports people affected by trauma and PTSD. The foundation was inspired by Gilbert Lopez, a veteran and entrepreneur, who saw many veterans struggling with trauma. “Mr. Lopez saw his fellow veterans struggling with ongoing symptoms of trauma,” says Clinical Director Norma Villanueva, PhD, LCSW-S, DCSW. “He identified the need for affordable services beyond the traditional.” Established in 2012 and officially recognized in 2013, the foundation continues Mr. Lopez’s vision even after his passing in 2022.
Addressing PTSD and trauma for veterans and
New
Donna ISD
Bringing Hope: How Nueva Luz Foundation supports PTSD survivors and families
their families is crucial. “PTSD and trauma affect up to three generations if left unaddressed,” explains Dr. Villanueva.
Trauma impacts family interactions and relationships. “Both the family members of the veteran and themselves bene-
summer
camp helps students sharpen construction skills
School was out for summer, but the learning wasn’t done for some Donna Independent School District students. They took part in a unique summer camp that would hopefully help them find a job later in life.
fit from their capacity to get assistance through evidence-based interventions,” she adds.
The Nueva Luz Foundation offers unique programs for veterans and their families. “Our approach includes an emphasis on psychoed-
ucation, psychophysiology, and family,” says Dr. Villanueva. The foundation holds support groups for everyone, including spouses and significant others, and offers critical incident debriefings for first re-
Non-profit prepares care packages for senior community 1970 E-E State Champs Reignite - A Tribute to Lifelong Friendship Classifieds
HIDALGO, Texas — The Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office Community Foundation and Sheriff J.E. Eddie Guerra received an $85,000 grant from Wyatt Ranches this morning.
Benito Garza Sr., Division Livestock Foreman of the El Ramadero Division of Wyatt Ranches, presented the grant check to support community engagement activities, according to a WYATT Pg 8
(Courtesy: KRGV)
JOSE OCHOA
BRENDA VILLA
(Courtesy: Nueva Luz Foundation)
7 ways to feel better
God has a great future planned for you, and you need to be ready for it!
You simply cannot look really great if you don’t feel great. How you feel will show up somewhere; in your body language, the dull look in your eyes, or even the color of your skin.
It is in our nature to take care of ourselves, so why don’t we? I thought about the ways that this can go wrong, and I came up with these reasons:
1. We don’t know how to take care of our physical bodies. Decades of bad diets, misinformation, and easy access to fast food and prepackaged food have left people amazingly confused about what a wholesome diet is and how they should eat.
2. We have a skewed body image planted in our minds by media and advertising. On one side we are inundated with unattainable ideals of beauty, while on the other, obesity is so prevalent that it’s almost considered the norm. We need to reset our internal picture of what a healthy person should look like.
3. We have lost touch with exercise. For virtually all of human existence, exercise was an integral part of our daily existence. Now we’ve invented enough conveniences that we often live completely divorced from exercise.
However, it turns out a good deal of our well-being is dependent on exercise.
4. We have let ourselves slip into unworkable lives. With the incredible pressures of juggling career and parenthood, paying steep mortgages and increased fuel prices and burning the proverbial candle at both ends and everywhere in between, it is oh-so-easy to put the workout off, grab a cheeseburger on the run, cheat our sleep time in order to catch up on paperwork and let the tail wag the dog until we’ve cut everything out of our lives that once gave us pleasure or kept us sane. This
is bad enough, because life is a gift and is meant to be joyful. It should be pleasurable and sane.
5. We have become pathologically selfless. Helping others is good, but ignoring personal needs can lead to burnout. Some people find meaning only in serving others, mistaking suffering for virtue. Once the body breaks down, it’s hard to serve anyone. Just as volunteers maintain their tools, we must care for our bodies. We shouldn’t be selfish, but balance is essential. God teaches us to live sacrificially and do good works, yet we must also tend to our own needs to avoid breaking down.
Moving Beyond Our Fears
The Holy Spirit wants to guide you away from crippling anxieties to the freedom that is yours in Christ.
The Scriptures distinguish between two kinds of fear: healthy and unhealthy. The healthy kind is beneficial. One example is the wise caution that keeps us from touching a hot stove. Another is the proper fear of God (Eccl. 12:13), which includes a sense of
Luke 1:68-75
awe because of who the Lord is. It also involves a lifestyle of respectful obedience that honors Him. Unhealthy fear, on the other hand, causes us to feel tense, uncomfortable, or threatened. Even when there’s no longer any basis for apprehension, it
may continue to thwart us. The imagination can generate this type of fear by getting us caught up in “what if” thinking. Habitual worries like What if something goes wrong? or What if the outcome I want doesn’t happen? can block God’s best. His pur-
6. We have lost our support. Without a strong social network or spiritual foundation, it’s easy to fall into boredom, loneliness, and depression. This void can lead to unhealthy habits, like mistaking emotional hunger for physical hunger. Maintaining good support helps prevent this. Surround yourself with people who keep you balanced and spend regular time in fellowship with God. His Holy Spirit, through His Word, guides us to make positive changes before we break down.
7. We have forgotten our own value. This is the biggest reason we don’t take care of ourselves. If
you don’t understand your own importance in the Big Plan, taking care of yourself seems pointless. Reminding you of your place in God’s plan is my first and most important task.
If you’re not sure of your value in God’s eyes, then I want you to remember this: there’s a crucial link between our spirits and our bodies that we all need to understand.
God has a great future planned for you and you need to be ready for it! You need to look great and feel great, ready to do whatever God asks of you.
poses—such as learning new skills, changing jobs, or trying a different way of ministering to others—often require that we move beyond what feels most comfortable. Challenges of this sort present the opportunity to trust the Lord and obey Him.
Remember that unhealthy fear isn’t from God (2 Tim. 1:7). So, let the Holy Spirit guide you from a place of disquiet into the freedom that is ours in Christ (Gal. 5:1). There you will discover the ability to follow His plan without being hindered by undue alarm.
Letter
from the Editor
Letter from the Editor
In every corner of our vibrant Delta community, there are stories waiting to be told. These stories—of triumph, resilience, innovation, and compassion—are the threads that weave together the rich tapestry of our shared experiences. At The Community Press, we believe in the power of these stories to inspire, uplift, and connect us all.
Sharing your story is not just about recounting events; it’s about opening a window into your world and allowing others to see, feel, and understand the journey you’ve undertaken. Whether it’s a personal achievement, a small business milestone, a community project, or an act of kindness, your story holds the potential to resonate deeply with your neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
and an of resonate mutual
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel lost amidst the noise. However, by sharing your story with The Community Press, you contribute to a narrative that highlights the positive and transformative aspects of our community. You remind us all that despite the challenges, there is so much good happening around us—stories that deserve to be celebrated and remembered.
We invite you to be a part of this mission. Let your voice be heard, your experiences be shared, and your triumphs be recognized. Together, we can create a record of our community’s journey, one story at a time.
Warm regards,
Choose
NUEVA continued from page 1
sponders. They plan to add faith-based groups, a spouse group, and a youth group. “We offer biofeedback services in the form of heart rate variability training (HRV) and will be expanding to other biofeedback modalities,” she notes. Their creative arts program includes arts and music, empowering clients through a holistic bodymind approach.
The foundation measures its effectiveness through testimonials
and surveys. “First-hand testimonies are powerful as they help us know that what we are doing is effective,” Dr. Villanueva says. They also plan to collect survey data to improve future services and ensure current programs meet client needs.
Veterans face many challenges when dealing with PTSD, especially finding family-based services.
“We welcome family members and have appointments accessible within
DONNA continued from page 1
24-48 hours,” Dr. Villanueva shares. The foundation focuses on those who have experienced trauma or PTSD, regardless of symptom level. “Each person has a unique story that needs to be heard,” she emphasizes.
The community can support the Nueva Luz Foundation in several ways. “Funding for the types of programs we offer is difficult to find, and we depend on donations to
maintain our group and expand services,” says Dr. Villanueva. Volunteers are also vital, and the foundation accepts them in specific positions and programs. Additionally, spreading the word about the foundation’s services helps reach more people in need.
Looking ahead, the foundation aims to expand by finding a larger office space in Hidalgo County. “We have outgrown
our 1500 sq ft office,” Dr. Villanueva explains. A larger office will accommodate more veterans and their families and allow for the expansion of the biofeedback and creative arts programs. The Nueva Luz Foundation continues to strive toward providing hope and healing to those affected by trauma and PTSD.
For more information on how to donate, please visit https://www.nuevaluzfoundation.org/donate-to-the-foundation/
Power tools and hammers were something you didn’t typically see at a summer camp, but at Donna High School, that equipment was used to teach kids construction skills. Eight students picked up a power drill, some of them for the very first time.
It was all part of Donna ISD’s construction camp, designed by their CTE Department, who aimed to get future generations interested in craft trades.
“There’s a shortage in a lot of construction industries. I think a lot of older generations probably
already retired. It’s always evolving, so the field gets broader, and it just replenishes the hands-on or tradespeople, and that’s what we need to help fulfill that void,” Donna ISD Construction Instructor Johnny Garza said.
They had skilled professionals as their camp leaders. The students were supervised as they worked on trade projects like carpentry, electrical wiring, and concrete work.
“When I heard there was going to be electrical, I got really happy because I finally wanted to under-
stand...what and how my dad did this,” student Victoria Ledezma said. Students were taught how to safely use hand tools. School leaders hoped more kids would join their construction program once they started their freshman year in August.
(Courtesy: Nueva Luz Foundation)
Partnership with Edcouch-Elsa ISD to Provide Comprehensive Services and Address Food Insecurity
The Rio Grande Valley Food Bank has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District to establish a permanent food pantry in Edcouch, addressing the critical issue of food insecurity in the region. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in providing essential resources to those in need within the community.
According to Rosie Martinez, Manager of Communications at the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, the pantry will offer a variety of food options to the community, including dry goods, canned goods, and fresh, nutritious produce when available. Martinez also highlighted the additional services that will be available at the pantry, such as social services and nutrition education classes.
“This will actually be more than a pantry. It will be a resource center. That means that we have a team of staff members that can help provide assistance with applications such as Snap, TANF, and other services like that. They will be able to help clients walk through that process and apply. And we will also have nutrition education classes available,” Martinez explained.
Martinez also provided insight into the distribution guidelines for accessing the pantry’s resources.
“We have the same guidelines for all of our re-
source centers in our pantries, which is that we ask for whoever is in need to please take their ID and proof of address, such as a utility bill,” Martinez stated.
In addition, Dr. Jesse Garza, EEISD Public Relations Coordinator, shed light on the district’s decision to donate the building for the food pantry.
“EEISD signed an MOU on Feb. 22. Precinct 1 approached our district as per Dr. Alda Benavides. The building is directly behind Santiago Garcia Elementary school,” Garza revealed. Garza further emphasized the urgent need to address food insecurity within the community, stating, “The need is absolutely there. All of our students receive free breakfast and lunch. We are under the CEP (Community Eligibility Program),” He said.
“The partnership will help more than 4000 students in the district who are currently eating breakfast and lunch for free. We do believe that the food pantry that’s going to be opening up soon is going to be a safe haven for many of the students and community members,” Garza emphasized.
The food pantry is set to open its doors in Aug. 2024 at 302 S Juanita St, Edcouch, TX (E Crenshaw Ave).
Rio Grande Valley Food Bank Opens Permanent Food Pantry in Edcouch
TxDOT replacing bridge in La Feria to address flooding concerns
SARAH CERVERA
A bridge that runs over the Arroyo Colorado River in La Feria is being replaced, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
According to La Feria resident Cynthia Mendez Rodriguez, the bridge on FM 2556 floods whenever it rains heavily.
“It floods and we can’t pass over it, we have to turn around all the way toward Mercedes or use 509,” Rodriguez said.
TxDOT says the bridge is being replaced with a taller one so when it does rain, drivers won’t deal with flooded roads.
“It’s a safety issue, this was a low water crossing so the new bridge is going to be a high water crossing,” TxDOT spokesman Ray Pedraza said. “Anytime we do a roadway project, safety is a top
priority. So in this instance, we are addressing a safety concern.”
Federal funds is paying for 90% of the budget, while state funds will cover the remaining 10% of the over $8 million project.
Construction will start on the bridge 90 days after a contractor is hired in July 2024. The bridge will be closed while the project is underway, so drivers will need to plan ahead for detours.
“FM 506 is an option, Main Street, Military Highway — any of those state highways around 2556 could be a good option,” Pedraza said. A map of detours that will be available once construction starts is online.
TxDOT says the entire project will take about 15 months to complete.
Edinburg FD Secures FEMA Grant for Free Smoke Alarms
The Edinburg Fire Department received a federal grant from FEMA to provide new smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to qualifying residents for free.
The grant, totaling $23,674, is part of FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety Grant program.
City of Edinburg spokesperson said the program will allow the fire depart-
ment to assist residents over the age of 65, or those with disabilities, those with children under 14 years old or residents meeting income-base qualifications.
“This free smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm program is a tremendous benefit to our community and a great service provided by the City,” Edinburg Fire Chief
Omar Garza said in a news release. “We are grateful to FEMA for recognizing the value of this program and providing this funding.”
The spokesperson said the city has already purchased 1,500 smoke alarms and 500 carbon monoxide alarms, which firefighters will distribute and install in homes to ensure maximum safety. The grant, along with a contribution of $1,246 from the city of Edinburg, amounted to $24,920 for the program to be spent by Feb. 15, 2025. Residents interested in receiving a free smoke or carbon monoxide alarm can check their eligibility by contacting Karina Lozano or Yolanda Garza at 956-383-7691. Residents can also fill out an application at https://form.jotform. com/241695354215054
is this business growing?
we attract and connect your desired customer base effectively we provide cost-effective advertising options tailored to fit. we deliver 10,000 monthly copies, your ad reaches thousands. we craft custom plans for successful marketing.
(Courtesy: KRGV)
(Courtesy: e City of Edinburg )
Entrepreneur Creates BBQ ‘Nation’
The first time Lamar Jones saw his bottles of gourmet barbecue sauce lined up on the shelves of an H-E-B store he felt like a musician hearing one of his songs on the radio for the first time.
“It was surreal to see it,” Jones recalled of that 2016 memory. “To see something I started making in my kitchen and then developing it to a brand being sold at H-E-B, it was a huge deal, man.”
Today, The Jank Gourmet BBQ Sauce products that are Jones’ creations can be found in 270 H.E.B. stores in the United States and Mexico. The musician-turned-entrepreneur says he grew up in south Florida “around great food and women who could cook.”
He was a longtime kitchen dabbler of store-bought barbecue sauces. Jones would add ingredients and tinker with flavors and improvise in creating new sauces. His concoctions began gaining admirers
among family and friends. Living in Weslaco, Jones said “the wheels began turning” on the notion of taking his BBQ sauces from his kitchen to much bigger platforms. “What if?” he recalled asking himself. “What can I do with what I’m making?” Getting Started Jones would start in 2009 with a business incubator program at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. It marked the beginning of a seven-year process that would lead from Lamar the
BBQ Pg 9
Valley Artist Sherre Adams Brings
‘Imagination Shared’ to Weslaco Museum
In the heart of the Delta area, the vibrant ceramics artist Sherre Adams brings a touch of inspiration and creativity to the community with her latest collection, “Imagination Shared,” now on exhibition at the Weslaco Museum. Adams’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, overcoming challenges, and finding a place to call home.
Sherre Adams’s artistic journey began in a small town in East Texas. She later moved to Dallas/Fort Worth, where she lived for 18 years, savoring the
energy and opportunities of the big city. However, in 2017, her life took a significant turn. A visit to South Padre Island sparked a realization: she was meant to be in the Rio Grande Valley.
“I was a country girl, who thought she was a city girl, but was actually a Valley girl,” Sherre reflected. With this newfound sense of belonging, she moved to the Valley, where she has now lived for seven years.
From a young age, Sherre knew she wanted to be a professional artist. Initially, she expressed her
“I was a country girl, who thought she was a city girl, but was actually a Valley girl”
creativity through drawing, but her artistic journey expanded over the years. Before her move to the Valley, Sherre discovered her talent for painting. In late 2018, she found her true calling in ceramics, blending her skills and passions into a unique and captivating art form.
Sherre’s collection, “Imagination Shared,” is a manifestation of her vivid
imagination and artistic journey.
“I needed a name and considered that I often get told that I have a vivid imagination. And it is very true!” Sherre explained.
The collection’s name is also inspired by the phrase, “all those who wander are not lost,” reflecting the personal and artistic journey she embarked on when she moved to the Rio Grande Valley. The exhibition invites visitors to wander through Sherre’s imagination, exploring the depth and creativity of her work.
For Sherre, every piece in “Imagination Shared” holds a special significance.
“Honestly, to me they are all key pieces because I am fond of them all,” she shared. Rather than creating entirely new pieces for the exhibition, she chose to showcase a collection of works and techniques she has developed over the years. This approach highlights her artistic evolution and the diversity of her creative expression.
ADAMS Pg 11
(Courtesy: Sherre Adams)
Lamar Jones displays his products at one of many H-E-B stores (Courtesy)
RICARDO D. CAVAZOS
statement from the Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office Community Foundation. The foundation also utilizes the grant to fund educational scholarships for HCSO employees and their family members.
“On behalf of the HCSO Community Foundation, we extend our gratitude to the Board of Directors of the Wyatt Ranches Foundation for their generous donation. Your support is instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and make a lasting impact on our community,” stated the Sheriff’s office. WYATT continued from page 1
Mercedes Community Celebrates 1974 Tigers’ Induction into Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame
(Courtesy: Mercedes ISD)
It was a sea of orange and white as the Mercedes community showed their support for the 1974 Tigers State Finalist baseball team during their induction into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame Team Hall of Honor on Saturday, July 13.
On behalf of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Venecia, the Board of Trustees, and our entire Mercedes ISD community, we once again congratulate the team and coaches for the remarkable achievements and dedication that defined the 1974 Tigers. Thank you for continuing to inspire our current students and athletes, reminding us of the power of teamwork, perseverance and community spirit. We couldn't be prouder of the lasting legacy you've created for our Mercedes ISD community!
Non-profit prepares care packages for senior community
GABRIELA GONZALEZ
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A local non-profit advocated for the senior community, one care package at a time.
Silver Ribbon, a non-profit based in McAllen, worked on its senior welfare care package project to donate items to those in need.
Each care package consisted of essential items, including toiletries and cleaning supplies for older folks with a fixed income and/or a disability.
“I think that this package will help them so they don’t have to make that expense,” said Dee Ochoa, Program Director for Silver Ribbon.
Ochoa said the non-profit received help from interns who studied at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “Our master-level interns took the initiative to do this project. They went shopping for all the items and put them together,” Ochoa continued.
given on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Silver Ribbon distributed 150 care packages, which were
The non-profit handed out the packages at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, inside the Texas Department of Fam-
ily and Protective Services Building located at 1919 Austin Ave. in McAllen.
“This is a critical need for our elderly. They mostly manage on fixed income or no income at all. And with the rising cost of everything, I think that this is a very big help for them,” Ochoa said.
1970 E-E State Champs Reignite - A Tribute to Lifelong Friendship
In 2002 at a conference in San Antonio, the Edcouch-Elsa school district sent elementary teacher Dalia Hernandez to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Hernandez stepped out of the hotel with one of the teachers, her comadre. As they walked out, Hernandez paused and stared, lost in thought. Her comadre asked, “What happened?”
Hernandez replied, “No, I’m just... you know...” and then all the memories came flooding back. She turned to her comadre and said, “Ay comadre, who would have thought that 30 years ago, I sang right here in this place. Right where we’re going, I sang there.”
Her comadre laughed, “Hay callese, comadre.” She thought Hernandez was joking. But Hernandez insisted, “No, no, I’m not lying. We made it to state when we competed against all the schools in the Valley. We got first place and we made it to state.”
In 1970 at the Edcouch-Elsa High School, Norfilia Layton Gonzalez and Dalia Hernandez found an unexpected opportunity through a vocal competition.
“Back in high school, before the walkout, we were never given opportunities for anything,” said Dalia Hernandez. But the Spanish club opened doors for them.
An opportunity arose when they were made
aware of a singing competition sponsored by Mr. Julio Palacios, the two friends decided to give it a try.
“Dalia and I were in the advanced choir, EE Singers, which specialized in singing acapella.” Norfilia Gonzalez recalls. “I told Dalia, let’s sing this song. I taught it to her, and she sang it while I harmonized. Everyone liked it,” said Gonzalez.
Their performance needed a guitar accompaniment, and that’s when Fito Cavazos stepped in. “Fito, God rest his soul, grabbed the guitar and accompanied us, making the song sound really cool and sweet,” Gonzalez reminisced.
The song they chose was ‘Crei’ a bolero, a type of romantic ballad. They went on to compete in McAllen, Texas against schools from all over the Valley. They later went on to compete at the state championship in San Antonio at the Henry B. Convention Center, and won first place.
“Once they found out we had a voice, [the school] started asking us to sing at various events. That’s when we started feeling accepted,” Hernandez shared.
After graduating high school Gonzalez and Hernandez went off to work and attend college. Hernandez let go of her singing and became a dedicated elementary teacher, However this was not the end of their journey.
Fifty-four years after their state-winning performance, lifelong friends Gonzalez and Hernandez found themselves in a recording studio, ready to bring “Creí” back to life. The idea sparked when Gonzalez heard the song again
and immediately thought of Hernandez. She sent a message, asking, “Hey, Dalia, how would you feel about recording ‘Creí’ after all these years?” For Gonzalez, recording was second nature, having been involved in music since she was 11 with her family. Hernandez, however, was hesitant at first due to past damage to her vocal cords. But by summer 2024, she finally said yes, reasoning, “I don’t work in the summer, so let’s get it done.”
With Gonzalez’s grandson, Oscar Layton Gonzalez, playing the guitar, the recording process began. His involvement added a nostalgic touch, filling the void left by their late friend Fito Cavazos. “He’s making us relive our past by being there in the absence of our friend,” Gonzalez noted.
BBQ continued from page 7
The journey was not without challenges. Hernandez had left music for a different career, while Gonzalez had continued, performing with the second generation. Yet, they found a way to blend their voices seamlessly once more. “We were able to come back, put our voices together, and make them sound just as good,” Hernandez reflected.
Throughout the recording, Gonzalez observed her friend’s awe. “I’ve known her practically all my life, and I could see she was in awe the entire time,” Gonzalez said. The process required each of them to record their parts separately, which
Jones said. “They wanted to do business.”
Power Brands
Nine years later, Jones and his varieties of Jank BBQ sauces and seasonings are among the top Texas-themed products to be found at the majority of H-E-B’s locations in Texas.
Jones in May gained yet another achievement when the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley announced it was partnering with The Jank to create a Vaqueros Gourmet BBQ Sauce. It is sure to be a popular item when tailgating parties commence with the launch of UTRGV football games in Edinburg in the fall of 2025.
“Two power brands coming together” is how Jones describes The
“To see something I started making in my kitchen and then developing it to a brand being sold at H-E-B, it was a big deal, man”
Jank’s partnership with UTRGV. Throughout his successes, Jones has kept close to his adopted hometown, continuing to teach at Weslaco East High School because “it’s still the most rewarding job I have.”
“Strong side, east side,” he says of his school’s signature line. Recently, before speaking to students at UTRGV’s Center for Innovation and Commercialization in Weslaco, Jones was asked what he would share as his keys for success.
“Move at our own pace, be dynamic and do good business,” he said. And with that, the Jank Nation was ready to deliver his message.
Dalia Hernandez (le ) and Nor lia Layton Gonzalez (right) with Oscar Layton Gonzalez playing guitar (center)
JOSE OCHOA
Through her exhibition at the Weslaco Museum, Sherre hopes to evoke the same joy in her visitors that she experienced while creating her pieces.
“I hope that those who visit the exhibit will feel joy when looking at my work, the same joy that I felt when creating it,” she said.
More than just a visual experience, Sherre aims to inspire her audience, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and find personal fulfillment through creativity.
Sherre firmly believes in
the power of art to foster community spirit and connection. “Art opens the mind to much more than just your creativity. It opens your imagination and helps ideas and thoughts flow,” she explained.
By providing opportunities for people to create and engage with art, Sherre believes that communities can strengthen their bonds and enhance their collective imagination.
In addition to her work as an artist, Sherre is also a
ADAMS continued from page 8
dedicated teacher, sharing her knowledge and passion for ceramics with her students. She believes that teaching art is a way to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of artists.
“Art is very important and everyone should have a chance to experience it, not just view it but actually be able to create something with their own hands,” she emphasized. Like many artists, Sherre has faced numerous challenges in her career.
“The majority of the challenges have been mental
battles and the ‘give up, don’t give up’ struggle,” she admitted. Self-doubt and the fear of rejection were constant companions on her journey. However, Sherre found strength through her faith and determination.
“Lots, and lots of prayer!” she emphasized, attributing her perseverance to her strong belief in God. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience and the belief that with faith, hard work, and dedication, dreams can indeed come true.
Sherre Adams’s “Imagination Shared” exhibition
is more than just an art display; it’s an invitation to explore the limitless possibilities of imagination and creativity. She encourages the community to visit the Weslaco Museum and immerse themselves in her vibrant world of ceramics.
Visit the Weslaco Museum to experience Sherre Adams’s “Imagination Shared” and be inspired by the creativity and spirit of our local artist.
were then combined. The result left them both amazed.
“When he played it back, I was like, ‘Oh, I can’t believe it’s us.’ It just sounded beautiful,” Hernandez exclaimed. “Fifty-four years since we sang this song, and now look at this, our voices are still there.” Hernandez said.
Gonzalez and Hernandez carried a secret for 54 years: they were state champions in vocals, an achievement they never openly shared. “It was quite an accomplishment what three high school students... what unity can do,” Gonzalez reflected.
Hernandez reminisced about telling her comadre 30 years later, “I always think about that because she did not believe me, and I never sang anymore.” Hernandez added.
In a time when extracurricular activities were limited, their victory was monumental. “We always hear about kids being awarded state champs for cross country or basketball, and we were state champs too,” Gonzalez noted.
CREI continued from page 9
For music lovers like them, who only had the choir to turn to, this was a significant milestone. “All we had was choir. So us music lovers had to revert to just the choir with the piano,” Gonzalez shared. The essence of their journey is about taking chances
and seizing opportunities, about believing in oneself and in possibilities. “Who would have thought that just by believing, this would have come out of it,” Hernandez reflected. Even though “Creí” is a romantic song, its message is about believing. “Believing in love, but it’s still
believing, not having that doubt,” Gonzalez added. In her classroom, Hernandez keeps a quote on the wall: “Shoot to the moon. Because even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” She always tells her students, “I believe in you. You just got to believe in yourself.”
Ceramic work created by artist Sherre Adams. Courtesy: Sherre Adams)
Images courtesy of Nor lia Layton Gonzalez and Dalia Hernandez
Nor lia Layton Gonzalez
Dalia Hernandez
classifieds
Public Notice
Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs School Year: 2024-2025
Admission Policies:
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, Robert Elizondo @ relizondo@eeisd.org /phone number (956) 262-6000 or 504 Coordinator Virginio Gonzalez @ vgonzalez@eeisd.org/ phone number (956) 262-6015.
Aviso Importante:
La secretaria de educacion estatal ordena que se le comunicara a la ciudadanía sobre la política del distrito escolar de Edcouch-Elsa en cuanto al manejo de servicios y actividades al estudiante que asiste a las clases del centro tecnológico de la escuela superior. Se hace al conocimiento al publico que se mantiene la matricula abierta a todos los aspirantes que quieran iniciar una carera y llevar algún curso vocacional. El distrito escolar seguirá manteniendo la política de no discriminar en su admission a las clases cocínales o actividades por motives de raza, origin, nacional, sexo, o impedimento físico según lo dicta la ley de los derechos civiles de 1964, específicamente el Titulo VI, según la enmienda; también lo dicta la ley en el Titulo IX según las enmiendad del acta de educación de 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, contacte el coordinador del Título IX, Robert Elizondo @ relizondo@eeisd. org /numero (956)262-6000 o coordinador de servicios de 504, Virginio Gonzalez @ vgonzalez@eeisd.org / numero (956) 262-6015.
Donate to Nueva Luz Foundation
The Mission of the Nueva Luz Foundation is to further the health, welfare, vocational training, education, safe housing, and quality of life for those affected by trauma and PTSD to include children, veterans, and families. https://www.nuevaluzfoundation.org/ donate-to-the-foundation/
Free smoke & carbon monoxide alarms
FREE SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS THAT QUALIFY
Edinburg FD has alarms to assist residents over the age of 65, those with disabilities, those with children under 14, and residents meeting income based qualifications.
Residents interested in determining their eligibility can contact the Edinburg Fire Department at 956-383-7691
