La Feria News 5-24-23

Jeeps & Sweets — A Great Success

comparing their passionate community to that of bike or truck lovers. Initially, the event began as a gathering for Martinez's friends to showcase their Jeeps, but its overwhelming success demonstrated its potential as a larger-scale event.

to do more events in the future.

Lastly, Jaime wanted to recognize his comadre, Rachel Martinez. He

says, “She is a blessing,” “Always checking up on me and always helping me, she’s a big blessing.”

By Emilio Flores

Sweet Blessings organized its inaugural Jeeps and Sweets event on May 6, attracting a substantial crowd of attendees. The event, held on E Oleander, featured a display of remarkable Jeeps that left spectators in awe.

The event offered live music performances by Manny Carrizales and Orphanage Road, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Attendees also had the opportunity to indulge in a variety of culinary delights from popular food trucks, including Fourtwenty and Joe's Fatboy BBQ. Numerous vendors, such as EXXXTREME CYCLES, Pica Licious, Gloria's Treasures, HEART OF GOLD, Tony Guajardo, and Mad Kat Custom Designs, showcased their merchandise.

Jaime Martinez, the owner of Sweet Blessings, expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating, "A lot of people came out—it was great!" However, he acknowledged

the challenges posed by the location of their establishment. Situated on a one-way street with traffic flow going towards Main Street, Sweet Blessings can be inconvenient and even difficult to find. Despite this obstacle, Martinez's determination to attract more visitors led him to organize the Jeeps and Sweets event.

Once people have tried his mouth-watering cheesecake they quickly find that the quality cheesecake combined with the great warm welcoming atmosphere has customers hooked.

Jaime is building a nice community environment that’s welcoming to all, he simply wants more people to just come out and try it for themselves.

When combining his love for Jeeps and his expertise in cheesecake baking, Martinez direct aim was to create just that; A familyfriendly environment that people could enjoy right here in town. He emphasized the popularity of Jeeps among enthusiasts,

During the evening, the event took an additional celebratory turn with a gender reveal announcement for Alvaro Hernandez and Coraima Hernandez. Their upcoming addition to the family, Princess Jeeper, received warm congratulations from Martinez and the event attendees.

The Jeeps and Sweets event left a lasting impression on attendees, who marveled at the impressive displays and enjoyed the engaging activities. With its successful debut, Sweet Blessings solidified its reputation as a venue for community events. Martinez's commitment to organizing innovative experiences promises a vibrant future for the establishment and its events.

Jeeps and Sweets showcased the best of Jeep flexing while bringing together individuals from the community. As the event concluded, attendees departed with memorable experiences and a sense of anticipation for future events hosted by Sweet Blessings. Jaime hopes

Matheo's Pizzeria to Stay

their Deluxe Special, a pizza under their specialty Pizzas. I will be as honest and truthful as possible telling what I know and what I truly think.

The Deluxe Special is made with french fries, Ranch, small boneless wings, and bacon with a choice of sauce. First, I’ll mention that the Deluxe Special comes with bacon, but is not mentioned on the menu. I am Jewish, so I asked for it without. So just keep that in mind.

The first thing I’ll say is it’s made from scratch and it was cooked right in front

of me, which I thought was pretty awesome, so a total bonus! The deluxe definitely has a lot on it which makes it a bit messy, but the crust and flavor were very delicious!

Not overcooked and not undercooked. Also, the sauce was not super spicy, but flavorful. I would say it has very little spice to it.

I imagine you can choose to have a spicy sauce if requested. The chicken does kind of fall off but that’s a figure if your getting a crazy pizza like this!

I enjoyed the pizza

overall. So much so that I reheated the pizza for dinner and it still tasted great. I will say that the pizza does taste a little different than Morans, and I've heard that from a couple of people as well.

Will I Go Back?

Heck yeah! Loved the family, the environment the fact that pizza is made right in front of you is great. Also, I think they have a lot to offer and I will definitely be trying more pizza in the future along with Mexican food! Maybe there will be more reviews in the future!

A new pizzeria is in town and seems to be getting some traction. Matheo’s Pizzeria has made a soft opening that has many excited. Omar Vasquez and his wife, Moniqua. The Vaquez’s share that they have been working in the pizza business for eightplus years, their family owning Moran’s Pizzeria in Donna & Mercedes.

The Vasquez’s say their family has always been encouraging in their desire to open their own Pizzeria.

Mr. Vasquez shares that they had heard about the building being up for sale back in January, but their first reaction wasn’t a complete sell. It wasn’t until after much prayer that

they decided this was the right decision.

Even then, they knew it wasn’t going to be easy, especially having a family of their own. Nevertheless, their dreams were bigger than their fears; Mrs. Vasquez says they wake up early and close late. It’s been a challenge, but Mrs. Vasquez says her kids are their biggest motivation.

Matheo’s Pizzeria not only offers their Pizza, but Mexican food as well. They want to keep customers happy and offer the community what they would like. In this sense, the family faces their obstacles head on. They simply want a restaurant people can enjoy.

So far they have gotten a lot of great compliments and people have been

really great in sharing their restaurant on social media. The owners hope people continue to come back for more. Omar Vasquez says that they do specialty orders if you want light sauce or add something a little different; if they have it, they can make it!

Personal Review

Omar and his wife insisted that I try their pizza and review my experience to share in the newspaper. So, for the first time, I will be sharing my thoughts on one of La Feria’s very own local restaurants! Now, Omar suggested that I try

CALEN DAR of EVENTS

In accordance with the Order of the Office of the Governor issued March 16, 2020, the City of La Feria will conduct the meeting and provide audio/telephonic availability for the public using live stream in order to advance the public health goal of limiting face-to-face meetings (also called “social distancing”) to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (also known as Covid-19). To view the meeting via internet live streaming, please visit https://www.cityoflaferia.com/ boards-and-commissions/city-commission/agendas-2020/ where you will find the agenda for the next meeting. The pdf for the agenda will include a link, meeting ID and passcode for the Zoom meeting. More information is available by calling 346-248-7799.

Members of the public may sign up for public comment on an agenda item or for another item of public concern by submitting an email to amorales@cityoflaferia.com containing (1) the name of the individual wishing to comment; and (2) the item number or subject matter the individual wishes to comment on. Please submit requests for public comment no later than two hours before the meeting. Join the meeting at the time and login listed above and the Mayor will call on you when it is your turn to speak. A recording of the meeting will be made and will be available to the public in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of any item on the agenda is permitted to be held in executive or closed session, whether such item is already so identified on this Agenda or not, the City Commission will convene in such executive or closed session in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 551.001551.146.

Emilio Flores

La Feria News

Turn up the Flavor This Summer With Bold, Bright Meals

of 9-inch pie plate. Cut remaining crust into 10 strips, about 1-inch wide. Refrigerate pie plate with bottom crust and prepared strips until ready to assemble pie.

3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Mix 2 tablespoons of remaining sugar, remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and corn starch in small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of reserved peach juice to cornstarch mixture, whisking to mix well; set aside.

baking pan.

From the hearty and warm flavors of winter to the bold, rich and bright flavors of summer, herbs and spices are not only a delicious and better-foryou addition to any dish, they can transform it into unforgettable memories.

June 10 is National Herbs and Spices Day and the perfect time to celebrate food, flavor and time with family or friends. As you prepare for the occasion, and all your summer gatherings, remember to shop carefully, as freshness is essential when it comes to herbs and spices.

“Fresh flavors and

aromas are strong triggers that ensure that experiences today are remembered tomorrow,” says Giovanna DiLegge, vice president marketing, North America Consumer at McCormick, a global leader in flavor.

That’s why for the first time in nearly 40 years, McCormick is debuting a brand new design for its red cap branded products that audibly seals in aromas and flavors, for long-lasting freshness of herbs and spices. And to help you make the most of summer, McCormick is sharing this recipe for Fresh Peach Pie, which incorporates rich and

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WEEKLY COLUMNS printed in the La Feria News contain the opinions of the Authors. They may or may not be the opinion of the Newspaper.

bright summer fruits, and a sweet note of cinnamon spice:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced (about 7 cups)

• 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided

• 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Ground Cinnamon, divided

• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts, (2 crusts)

• 3 tablespoons corn starch

• 1 tablespoon

McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract

• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Mix peaches, 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon zest and juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in large heat-safe bowl until well blended. Let stand 30 minutes. Drain peaches, reserving 8 tablespoons of juice. Return peaches to bowl; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, prepare pie crust as directed on package. Roll each crust into 12-inch circles on lightly floured surface. Press 1 crust into bottom

C HURCH SERVICE D IRECTORY

4. Place remaining 6 tablespoons peach juice in small saucepan. Bring to simmer on mediumlow heat. Stir in vanilla. Whisk cornstarch slurry into saucepan. Cook and stir just until thickened and smooth, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Pour syrup mixture over peaches; toss to coat. Allow to cool slightly.

5. Spoon peach mixture into chilled pastry-lined pie plate. Arrange pie dough strips over top to create a lattice (see below for instructions). Trim dough strips about 1/2inch longer than bottom pie crust. Fold strips underneath crust and pinch to adhere. Crimp or flute crust edges, as desired. Brush lattice with water and sprinkle evenly with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Place pie plate on large shallow

6. Bake 25 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F. Rotate pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer, until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired. How to weave a lattice top crust: Using longer strips for the center of pie and shorter strips for edges, arrange 5 pie dough strips vertically over top of filling, leaving about 1 inch of space between each strip. Fold back every other strip (2 and 4) to just above midline of pie. Place one of the longer strips across pie horizontally, just below the fold. Fold vertical strips back down over top of the horizontal strip. Fold back the opposite vertical strips (1, 3 and 5) and place another strip below the first horizontal strip, again leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Fold vertical strips back down over top. Repeat this process with one more strip below, and then 2 strips above first crosswise strip. Work quickly, as the warm filling may make the dough difficult to work with.

After 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover edge of crust with foil strips to prevent excessive browning.

First Baptist Church, La Feria

In the New Testament, the Greek word for baptism is “baptizo.” Literally, it means to dip under. This is why Baptists fill large tanks of water and immerse new believers in that water. “Buried with Christ in baptism, we are raised with him in a new life.” We also paraphrase Saint Paul at baptism. It is a beautiful and powerful experience.

Still, I am ready to start sprinkling, pouring, or even splashing. Anything that keeps me out of a baptistry. My problem is not the ceremony but with the water. There is just too much of it.

Our baptistry may be 100 years old. And like any old man, it leaks. Usually, a leak is just a messy inconvenience. Last month a leak became a deluge that nearly sunk the ship.

Two leaks sprung at once, releasing what I am guessing is near 1000 gallons of water. A couple of things were in my favor. First, the leaks were coming from ¾” holes. But with a lot of pressure. Second. I was not alone. Two deacons were with me.

The deacons immediately threw themselves against the flood. They plugged the holes by putting their fingers in the broken pipes. They had nothing else. It was not a perfect solution but it allowed time for the drain to be opened and the baptistry emptied. It took two hours.

As the deacons plugged the holes, I thought of “The Little Dutch Boy.” Only these two were neither Dutch nor boys. Still, that is what deacons do. They plug the holes when life begins to leak out. That means comforting the grieving, standing by the sick, or stopping baptistry leaks.

I realize that if I start sprinkling or pouring, I may have to change denominations. Baptists are addicted to immersion. I could change, if I can take these deacons with me.

-Mark S. Ross DMin.

Classic Rock Sping Show

On Tuesday, May 16, La Feria Highschool showed "Classic Rock". Directed by Mr. Randall Ashley,

the La Feria High School Choir performed their 2023 Classic Rock Spring Show. The School also had a very

LEGAL NOTICE

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PETS AND LIVESTOCK

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MEDICAL

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special performance by the 4th grade All City Choir. Great job students!

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

A Month and nine days into the 2023 MLB Season, and we’ve already seen a lot of action. For the Houston Astros, who have struggled early on in 2023, anticipate a couple of returns to their roster.

Injuries have plagued the defending 2022 World Series Champions. Key players such as Lance McCullers, Jose Urquidy, and Michael Brantley have missed a majority, if not all of the 2023 season.

Notably, Jose Altuve continues his rehab stint in the Astros Minor

League System as he began an assignment with the Double A Corpus Christi Hooks.

According to MiLB, In his first game with Corpus Christi, Altuve went 0-5 from the plate.

Beginning his rehabilitation assignment with the Triple A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, Altuve played three games before going south to Corpus Christi with the Hooks.

The Astros’ Second Baseman, who suffered a hand injury representing Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic back in March, looks to

rejoin the Astros, who have definitely fallen a bit behind in the standings.

In the American League West Division, the Astros sit in second right behind the Texas Rangers, who have had a foothold of first place since the Season began. Altuve has not been the only Astro down in the Coastal Bend. Outfielder Chas McCormick had himself a rehabilitation assignment in Corpus three weeks ago. Altuve’s assignment is set to continue in Corpus Christi.

Lotto Fever

San Antonio Spurs Earn first pick in Draft Lottery

By Ruben Rodriguez La Feria News

While the NBA Playoffs are in full swing, excitement for next season is already brewing as the annual NBA Draft Lottery took place. That excitement, is a lot greater in the Alamo City as the San Antonio Spurs won the first pick in the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.

San Antonio, who has had a rough couple of seasons in recent years, look to continue rebuilding. Having not made the playoffs since 2018-2019, the Spurs have definitely seen some better times. In their 50th anniversary

Jhonen Alvarado, senior at La Feria High School, received a $300 scholarship from the South Texas Tennis Association. Alvarado was also in the top ten percent of his class having himself a seat at the 14th annual La Feria High School Top 10 Banquet held on Monday, May 1. Jhonen plans to go to TSTC. Congratulations and good luck Alvarado in your future endeavors!

this season, San Antonio had their worst season in four years, finishing with a record of 22-60 and placed 15th in the Western Conference.

This season’s draft pool features a lot of talent including stars such as Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, Amen Thompson, Jarace Walker, Cam Whitmore, Ausar Thompson, Anthony Black and many others.

But the headliner and arguably the most sought after pick is Victor Wembanyama. The 19 year old French Superstar currently playing for Metropolitans 92 out of Paris, has made a name for himself. Averaging

21.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, “Wemby” as he is known as by fans, has made himself a very valuable pick in the pool.

On Assignment MEET THE LIONETTES

Last year, the NBA Draft had two headliners in their pool. Paolo Banchero from Duke University, was drafted by the Orlando Magic and went on to win Rookie of the year. Alongside Banchero was Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, who was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The excitement continues to grow for the 2023-24 NBA season and the NBA Draft, which will take place June 22 in Brooklyn, New York.

The things I can do If I but try— Move mountains, too, And reach the sky, Swim raging torrents Buoyed up by hope, Do what life warrants— My strength can cope. There exists inside of I A great reserve That in the by and by Helps keep my nerve— For Precious Faith Inside of me Lifts up my eyes That I might see.

Rising to the Top

Port of Brownsville Among Leading Maritime Ports for Waterborne Cargo

signaling a 10.9% increase from the previous year’s total of 1,671.

as a critical gateway for international trade.

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS

The Port of Brownsville is rising up the ranks nationwide for the movement of waterborne cargo as tonnage increased 30 percent from 2020 to 2021. Increased volumes of commodities such as steel, wind energy components, and liquid bulk products continue to move through the port.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – May 16, 2023

– Consistently setting new records, the Port of Brownsville continues to gain national prominence among the leading maritime ports in the United States.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' most recent annual report ranking 150 maritime ports nationwide, the Port of Brownsville rose to 55th

position in the country for the movement of waterborne cargo in 2021, a significant leap from 66th place in 2020.

Throughout 2021, 8.9 million tons of cargo were transported via the port's waterways, representing a 30% increase from 2020’s 6.7 million tons. During that same period, traffic at the port recorded robust vessel activity with 1,854 vessel calls in 2021,

“The Port of Brownsville has arrived, and we've been here for a while. We’re starting to see the incremental impact that continued growth has had in the region, our community, and the whole state of Texas,” said Port Director and CEO Eduardo A. Campirano.

“We are proud of this accomplishment, and thankful to our business partners that have helped us reach these metrics.”

This upward trend is reflected in the unaudited cargo volumes for 2022, as the 9.9 million tons of waterborne cargo accounted for more than half of the 15.2 million tons of overall cargo transported at the port this past year.

Strategically positioned at the crossroads of major shipping lanes that connect the United States to Mexico and beyond, the port serves

Currently the port’s 42-foot deepwater ship channel and cargohandling facilities allow it to accommodate a wide variety of vessels and cargoes, including containerized cargo, bulk commodities, and heavylift project cargo.

Additionally, the port handles a variety of commodities including steel, wind energy components, and liquid bulk products. The port’s plan to deepen the channel to 52 feet will propel the port further in the global marketplace, allowing it to handle larger vessels and increasing cargo volumes. The Port of Brownsville's strategic location, modern facilities, and strong economic impact make it a critical player in the global shipping industry and a vital component of the United States' trade infrastructure.

47. *Telephone Tammy or Sky Dancer

48. Unquestioning ones

50. Greek muse's strings

52. Slightly insane

53. Messy substances

55. Santa ____ winds, CA

57. *TV show with Central Perk

61. *Popular Disney movie with a genie

65. Caterpillar precursor

66. Accompanies wisdom?

68. *Pinky or The Brain

69. Architectural projection

70. Crème de cassis plus wine

71. Un-written exams

72. ____pool or ____pit

73. One or some or all

74. Find new tenant

DOWN

1. *"____ Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus

2. Highlands hillside

3. Raise the roof

4. Leopard marks

5. Bungle (2 words)

6. Part of a hammer

7. "____ the land of the free..."

8. Heathrow craft

9. Type of missile, accr.

10. Aquarium organism

11. Indian bread

12. "____ Kerenina" by Tolstoy

15. Breadcrumb, e.g.

20. Contain the ashes

22. Pen juice 24. Amount in one's lap, pl.

25. *The Vampire Slayer 26. Accustom

27. *"A ____ to Kill" and "Nick of ____"

29. Bell sound

31. Front or back one

32. Factual evidence

36.

38.

42.

Pertaining to the ear

Pertaining to reign

Motion of assent

Bewitch

Port city in Japan

Major Italian city

Ring around the sun,

pl.

Pitcher's stat

Donated part

*Russian President

*"Nevermind" band

*"Walkin' on the ____" by Smash Mouth

Google search tool

Took the bait

Between larva and adult

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS

The La Feria Garden Club

Looking Through Our History

The La Feria News is celebrating its 100th year anniversary and to commemorate the occasion we are digging deep into our archives each week to bring you images and stories from La Feria’s colorful past.

The following story is a chapter from a manuscript entitled The Bicentennial History of La Feria, Texas written by Eddie Gathings McNail in 1975. Throughout the coming year we’ll be reprinting sections of her research into the history of La Feria as the city celebrates its 100 year anniversary.

What could be more beautiful than a garden of flowers, shrubs, trees and green grass? Such is the background for the La Feria Garden Club which met for the first time at the Chamber of Commerce office in February, 1934, with delegates from each club in town being in attendance. At this meeting the ladies elected Mrs. D. W. Sigler as president and formed the La Feria Beautification Club. The club colors were lavender and purple and the flowers, ceniza and purple bougainvillea. There were four members who have given faithful service to this organization:

Mesdames J. H. Mitchell, A. F. Anderson, Ray Eoncannon and E. C. Wallace.

Later three delegates were sent from each club, and the name was changed to the La Feria Garden Club. At this time the Constitution and By Laws were written, and the membership included any woman who was interested in gardening and beautification.

Several men were made honorary members in the early years.

Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Schnorenberg donated a lot in the southwest part of town, and a building that stood in one of the parks was purchased for $25.00 to be used by the various women’s clubs of the town. In May, 1938, the building was moved to

the lot and a small kitchen was added to the north side by Mr. Clausen.

The first meeting was held in the new club house on November 14, 1938. This building was the envy of other garden clubs of the Valley that did not have such facilities; however, a leaky roof which was flat was a worry to many presidents and house committees. Much historical material was lost because of the water and the dampness. A gabled roof was added in 1947 when Mrs. R. H. Caldwell was president.

The city officials and employees assisted the Garden Club for many years with its property and its projects. In 1963, the club house was sold to the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Mercedes for $1,000. The Presbyterian Church bought the lot which adjoined their property for $1,000 that same year.

Many worthwhile projects have been undertaken by the club members: 150 roses were planted in a city park and an equal member ordered for individual members; highway beautification was undertaken in the 1930s and 1940s with the setting of hibiscus, bougainvillea and palms along Highway 83; in 1937, 50 palms and 16 retamas were planted along South Parker Road at the east edge of town by Mrs. A. H. Moore and Mrs. Amy Holbert who used a crew of Mexican

laborers and trucks to secure the trees and do the planting; garden clubs of the Valley reported that from January, 1940 to May, 1941 that they had planted some 6,000 bougainvilleas, rightfully named the Bougainvillea Trail; Christmas lighting contests were sponsored by the club; corsages were provided for the patients at the Harlingen Tuberculosis Hospital on Mother’s Day in 1956; La Feria cooperated in recent years in the Arbor Day tree planting on the grounds of Harlingen State Tuberculosis Hospital, now named the Harlingen State Chest Hospital; in 1963, the La Feria Garden Club hired Henry Link of Weslaco to landscape the grounds of the Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Library; and in 1972, the Tony A. Unger Park on West Street was landscaped by a Garden Club committee with Mrs. R. H. Waller as chairman.

The first flower show was held on October 5, 1935 with 36 entries, mostly zinnias because the club members had been given free zinnia seed earlier in the year. Flower shows have been held annually since that date.

The Valley Council of Garden Clubs was organized in La Feria on September 24, 1935 with Brownsville Civil League and Garden Club, San Benito Garden Club, Harlingen Garden Club, Weslaco Garden Club and

La Feria Garden Club as members. The temporary chairman was Mrs. C. H. Simmons of Harlingen until Mrs. T. F. Rives was elected the first Council president.

Pilgrimages have been made to the Santa Ana Refuge, to gardens in Brownsville and in Matamoros, to the Cactus Garden near Edinburg, to Goodwin’s Rose Gardens and Valley Botanical Garden near Mission, to Mrs. Ruby Englerth’s amaryllis garden near La Feria, to King Ranch at Kingsville and to Monterrey, Mexico.

The American Poinsettia Society, the only national plant society in the Rio Grande Valley, has headquarters in Mission.

Several members of the La Feria Garden Club are members of this organization and have derived great benefits from it. The objectives of the Society are to study the culture, propagation and exhibition of poinsettias and to collect and record information concerning poinsettias and to make that information available to the public.

The La Feria Garden Club has produced fine nationally accredited flower show judges, and they are Mesdames Ray Waller, Lowell L. Clark, John Warburton, C. E. McCormick and Dale Mock.

In 1965, the club planted 625 day lilies in a plot assigned them

at the Valley Botanical Gardens near Mission. By 1968, the Garden was exceptionally beautiful.

An article in The Green Thumb of April 3, 1966 told “A One-Woman Garden Fabulous” was the garden of none other than Mrs. W. M. Maples, a rare gardener with a magic touch.

Whatever she planted in the rich, sandy soil’ around her home near the La Feria pumping plant grew rapidly and multiplied.

She started nearly everything in the garden from seeds and cuttings.

Perhaps her garden has more flowering trees than any garden in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. There are many native trees and shrubs scattered around the premises.

Some of the tropicals include the golden rain tree, the ear tree, the bo tree, the jacaranda, the eranthemum, the desert willow, the royal poinciana and the orchid tree.

Mrs. Maples’ philosophy in growing things is: “I always share.”

In 1969, there were 14,500 active Garden Clubs in the United States.

The home of Mrs. E. C. Wallace in January, 1971 was selected as winner in Yard of the Month contest by the Harlingen Area Council of Garden Clubs. The award was made on the basis of beauty, eye appeal and symmetrical balance. The committee

which made the final decision in the selection of the Wallace yard began viewing the yard for the award in October, 1970.

In 1971-1972, the La Feria Garden Club won the Sears Award for the landscaping and beautification of the A. A. Unger Park on West Street. Mrs. Ray Waller was the chairman for this huge project.

Several ladies have been outstanding in Garden Club activities; Mrs. E. C. Wallace, a devoted member and worker for many years; Mrs. Lowell L. Clark, a winner of many awards in flower arranging; Mrs. W. M. Maples, an authority on horticulture; and Mrs. Ray Waller, an organizer in beautifying the public parks of La Feria. The Pledge of the La Feria Garden Club exemplifies the dedication and concern of its members for the future conservation of the United States’ natural resources: “I give my pledge as an American to save and faithfully defend the natural resources of my country, its soil and minerals, its forests, water and wildlife.”

There is no beauty like the clear sparking water of a deep lagoon, the snow-capped grandeur of a mountain chain, the limitless expanse of blue sky with white clouds, the wild, spring flowers of God’s rich earth and the mighty clasp of a human hand.

Scholarship Award Recipients

This past Saturday, May 13, 2023, the Los Fresnos Rodeo Committee held its annual Scholarship Awards Reception. Nineteen (19) $1,000 scholarships were awarded to high school seniors throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Congratulations to the following recipients:

Harlingen High School: Avery Jane Fohn (Rodeo Queen) & Kylie Madison Mitchell

Harlingen High School South: Thalia

Analisa Newlin Los Fresnos High School: Emily Sofia

Avila, Sheryln Samantha Cortez, Elaina Leigh Garza, Anakarla Medina,

Port Isabel High School: Celina Danielle

Marchan

Rio Hondo High

School-P-Tech: Adrianna

South

Veteran Memorial

Early College High School: Rodrigo Adrian Castaneda & Valerie Perez

Aidan

Soley Diane Mendoza, Jodi Ann Montes, Nicholas Bernardino Naranjo, Carolina Oyervidez, Alexis Serena Rodriguez & Eliana Paola Sanchez

Mia Gaytan Santa Rosa High School: Aidan Matthew Perez

Texas ISDMedical Professions: Chantal Patino

Perez- Santa Rosa High School

The La Feria Garden Club was begun in the 1930’s and their membership included any woman (or man) who was interested in gardening and beautification. Photo: La Feria News archives.