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Edcouch-Elsa Student Takes State Championship

Prescription for Death

Empowering Business Women

March 2015 Volume 1 Issue 24

Hollywood Actor visits John F. Kennedy ElementaryOn March 3, Hollywood actor Valente Ro-driguez visits John F. Kennedy elementary in Elsa to inspire students with his own sto-ry.Valente Rodriguez graduated from Ed-couch-Elsa and soon graduated from the University of Panam American in Edinburg. He is best known for his role as ‘Ernie’ on The George Lopez Show, but Rodriguez has been working steadily in Hollywood since the 1990s. Rodriguez says that growing up in the Rio Grande Valley and being a mi-grant farm worker – his experience closely mirrors that of the children of McFarland. McFarland, USA is a recent film that just came out of the box office. Valente plays principal Camillo at a Latino high school in McFarland California, where many of the children also work in the fields. Jim White (Kevin Costner) football coach channels their talent to cross country to eventually go to the state championship.

Pre-k 3rd Movement in Raymondville ISDRaymondville ISD is considering of-fering a half a day pre-k 3 program and would like for the community to voice out their need in this early education program. PK 3 Interest Surveys have been sent out by the elementary cam-puses. Everyone is welcome to pick up a survey at the Central office. The dis-trict is interested in investing early in the children’s education. Ben Clinton, Director of special programs states that the districts priority is to empower all students to learn, achieve and succeed and the district is supporting that” Many studies show that investments in early childhood education such as pre-k 3 will reap a tremendous return to society. They improve children’s suc-

cess in later grades; reduce crime, and cut joblessness and poverty. To achieve these returns, the community needs to treat pre-K 3 as a responsibility to children. Andrea Mungia, Curriculum and Instruction Director mentioned about the huge difference from hav-ing a half a day pre-k4 program to a full day program, “The progress was tremendous and I’m just excited to see what a pre-k3 program will do to our children’s future and the Raymond-ville community”. Administrators will be gathering the surveys and tallying up the numbers to determine whether the community is interested in having this program and implemented in the district and whether there are enough

students to fill the pre-3 program at the two elementary schools. Children meeting the criteria will be able to participate if implemented.

• years of age on or before Septem-ber 1, 2015;and • Educationally disadvantaged ac-cording to state standards: or• Unable to speak and comprehend the English language; or• Homeless; or• The child of an active duty mem-ber of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserved com-ponent of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority; or

• The child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forc-es or a reserved component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty; or • Foster care status.

Each student satisfying the require-ments will be admitted if his/her par-ent, guardian, or person having lawful control of the student resides within the district.If you need more information please contact the Central Office at 689-8175

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Staff & ContributorsEditor’s

All Edcouch-Elsa Alumni--- Audrey Ramirez (dancer-Snake Charmer for RGV Vipers), Mark Lozano (athletic trainer for Donna ISD) Yvette Trevino Cardenas (Elementary guidance counselor) Rina Castillo (owner of local Newspaper-The Community Press)

The Golden BeeLearning Center

“don’t give up I believe in you all!! A persons a person no matter how small” - Dr. Seuss

March 2015 Volume 1 Issue 24Editor’s Page

Dear Reader,This month I had the opportunity to share my passion to the students at Stainke Elementary in Donna for career day. I grew up with a family that helped each other and others in the community. I was raised to vol-unteer and that led to community outreach and eventually graduated with a business degree in marketing from the University of Texas Pan America in Edinburg. While volunteering in my own community, I enjoyed having long platicas with hardworking and caring people. The perception of my com-munity did not match with the description of these wonderful and inspiring people. I decided to make my own communication tool that would shine the light on the people who give back to the community and promote the progress and growth. I talked about how hard work pays off and getting an education is important to their success and happiness. The children at Stain-ke Elementary were very excited and engaged and that reflects a lot on the teachers and staff. I also had the privilege to bump into two other presenters from the Edcouch-Elsa

area, Mark Lozano (Athletic Trainer for Don-na ISD) and Audrey Ramirez (Dancer for the Snake Charmers). Thank you Yvette Tre-vino-Cardenas for the invitation! Thank you Stainke Elementary for the positive experience!

Thank you for being our Reader,Rina Castillo

Career Day at Stainke Elementary

Congratulations E-E Cosmetology & Nail Tech Program

Rotary Interact Club RevivedBeauty in the Making

Edcouch-Elsa High School Cosmetology

Congratulations Gabriel Armendariz y Alex Garcia

& Congratulations Alex Garcia

Edcouch-Elsa High School is reviving the Rotary Interact Club (RIT). The mission of the club is to give a helping hand to its community through student leadership. The club was in existence in the early 2000’s and now is set to meet on a weekly basis with a string of projects. “ I am so excited to contribute in making our community a better one,” said Miranda Medrano who is currently on the planning team to get the or-ganization moving forward.The organization will be sponsored by 20-year veteran teacher Mr. Jack Jasso. Jasso who has received national awards in education led the orga-nization in the early 2000’s, is excited about the future of RIT. “At the mo-ment we are looking at a major project in May led by these great students at E-E, however, we look to also working hand in hand with the local Rotary Club Chapter in future projects.” Some of those projects include: collaborating with two major state colleges, assisting with the annual Delta Area Christmas Parade, helping with the Rotary Golf Fundraiser and to also work alongside city officials to get the students assist with beautification projects.The organization will formally elect the official cabinet prior to Spring Break to allow for ample time for planning.

The Edcouch-Elsa High School Cosmetology Program commenced in 2003, under direction of Yvette Lopez, a 1988 graduate of EE. The Cosmetology program is a 3 year program that covers all areas of the cosmetology industry, the EEHS students acquire a Texas Cosmetol-ogy License upon completing 1,000 hours and successfully passing both state written and practical exams. Our facility is equipped with a full service salon and we offer reason-ably priced services to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm – 6pm, all services rendered by students and supervised by the licensed instructors, allowing our students to complete their state practical requirements. We also

service our district’s elementary schools with free haircuts, and most schools providing manicures and pedicures on teachers and staff for teacher appreciation.In the last 12 years this program has graduated over 250 Texas Li-censed Cosmetologists, and 8 Texas Cosmetology Instructors, saving families in our district over $5,000,000.00. Our program is one of the very few public school programs that offer our former cosmetology students the Cosmetology Instructor course in the state of Texas in addition to the Cosmetology Operator course.The EEHS Cosmetology students are members of the SkillsUSA Leadership Organization allowing

Gabriel Armendariz signs letter of intent to play football at Washington Chris-tian College in Pascoe, Washington . Gabriel played Offensive Tackle at Ed-couch-Elsa and plans to play Center/Guard/Tight End at WCC. Don’t let anything come in-between you and your destiny because nothing is worth giving up on your dreams. Good luck Gabriel

The Edcouch Elsa High School Cosmetology and Nail Tech program had their SkillsUSA District Competition in San Benito, Tx on Febru-ary 20-21, the students competed against cosmetology students from all the High School Cosmetology programs in the valley. The EEHS students placed Superior 1st Place in the categories of Fantasy Hair Design, Nail Art and 3D Innovative Salon Model.The students advanced to the SkillsUSA State Championships which will take place on March 25-28th at the America Bank Center in Cor-pus Christi. This is the 13th year our EEHS Cosmetology students advance to the SkillsUSA State Championships.

Edcouch-Elsa Student Takes State Championship

Edcouch-Elsa High School Mar-keting students attended the 62nd Annual Texas DECA Career Devel-opment Conference which was held in Dallas, Texas on February 24th-28th. Nine EEHS students competed in various marketing competitions. There were more than 4000 mar-keting students, competitors, and conference delegates representing schools from across the state of Tex-as. Edcouch-Elsa students competed in marketing events that tested their business skills in marketing problem solving, retailing research and writing competencies. The following EEHS students were winners at the District 1 Career Development Conference

See BEAUTY pg. 5

Edcouch-Elsa HS Football player Alex Garza, DE signed his letter of intent to play football at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor this afternoon. He is surrounded by athletic director, Christian Navarro and head football coach, Joe Marichalar

See STUDENT pg. 5

March 2015 Volume 1 Issue 24 EDCOUCH - ELSA

Career Day at Stainke Elementary

It's a Mailbox... It's a Bird House... No Wait,

It's a Library!

Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy. It is at the heart of basic education for all and essential for eliminating poverty, achieving gender equality, ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy. In Willacy County there is an idea to make literacy look interesting and it is called “Little Free Library.” The Librarian Miguel Salinas has been working in the school district for 2 years and has promoted this project in the Raymondville area. How the “Little Free Library” works is you take a book from a little library posted in front of LC Smith Elementa-

Congratulations Viviana Flores!

Best lifter in squat heavyweightViviana participated in a regional meet in Pleasanton where she broke her own record from last year and received Regional Champ in her weight class. Squat...600 lbs., bench 265, deadlift 375.

.Viviana will be competing in state on March 20th at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Raymondville Students Earn Awards

Raymondville-The Lt. Thomas Barlow Chapter, National Society of the Daugh-ters of the American Revolution, held its annual awards ceremony at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. Awards and a scholarship were presented to out-standing students from local elementary, middle and high schools for the 2014-2015 school year by Regent Victoria Schwanda. The students’ parents, principals, teachers and counselors were invited as well, and all were treated to refreshments after the awards ceremony. DAR member Jean Chaney coordinated the event with host school Marine Military Academy.Youth Citizenship Award: Recognizes 6th grade students who demonstrate Hon-or, Service, Courage, Leadership and Patriotism. DAR member Joan Pratt head-ed this committee. DAR Good Citizens Award: Encourages and rewards the qualities of good cit-izenship for high school seniors. Local high schools were asked to select one senior who demonstrates the following character traits to an outstanding degree: dependability (which includes truthfulness, loyalty and punctuality), service (which includes cooperation, courtesy and consideration of others), leadership (which includes personality, self-control and ability to assume responsibility), and patriotism (which includes unselfish interest in family, school, community and nation). Those chosen received a certificate and lapel pin.

BEAUTY from pg. 3

STUDENT from pg. 3


Helping Empower Entrepre-neurial Ladies to Succeed (H.E.E.L.S.) is a series of ladies’ entrepreneurial conferences created by the Raymondville Chamber of Commerce as a tool to offer training, resources and networking opportunities for women with business sav-vy. The first conference was a huge success which was held March 6 at 501 South Sev-enth in Raymondville. Elma Chavez, director of the Ray-mondville Chamber of Com-merce is excited about the idea of working to empower wom-en entrepreneurs in the Rio Grande Valley so that they can overcome the hurdles that are preventing them from achieving the optimum success. The Chamber has strategized the frame of these series to promote strategies for success derived from in-depth discussions with highly suc-cessful people who will divulge exactly what they did in order to advance their careers in business. The ladies that presented are as follows; Lilia Jones (Publisher of Valley Morning Star) Dr. Sandra Y. Nieto (Texas State Techni-cal College), Anabell Cardona(President/CEO Valley Grande Institute) Pi-lar Gonzales (Dip It) Diana Frausto ( National Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics and Representatives from Small Business Development Center and University of Texas Pan American. If you are looking to increase your knowledge about starting or growing your business as well as mix and min-gle with a bunch of supportive, high strung women, with a go get em atti-tude, then contact the Raymondville Chamber of Commerce and don’t miss out on the next conference.For more information on the next conferences, please contact the Raymond-ville Chamber of Commerce at 689-1864

Diana Fraustro our Valleys own Mary Kay National

See LIBRARY pg. 5

March 2015 Volume 1 Issue 24RAYMONDVILLE

Prescription for DeathBy:Elizabeth UrbinaPrevention Specialist at Behavioral Health Solutions

of South Texas in Raymondville

“Fifty Americans die a day from prescription drug overdoses, and more than 6 million suffer from prescription drug abuse disorders” said Andrea Gielen, ScD, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy. An additional attention-grabbing fact is that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

tion (CDC), nationally, sales of prescription painkillers per capita have quadrupled in the past de-cade. I am going to narrow this down even more and bring it clos-er to home by pointing out that in Texas alone the number of drug overdose deaths - a majority of which are from prescription drugs – increased by 78 percent since 1999. Aside from these statistics, as a prevention specialist I have learned a lot from talking to indi-viduals in casual conversation that

our youth have easy access to these pills in their own parents’ medicine cabinets. Aside from the problems that can transpire at home, we are being told that there are adults in our communities that are selling their prescription pills as a way of making a living for themselves. Due to the fact that these pills are so easily available, they get together in what they call “pharm” parties and consume an assortment of pills and alcohol at a time, therefore destroy-ing their bodies internally. The av-

erage age of youth initially utilizing prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes is 12 years old, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). We, at Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas, are trying to collaborate with oth-ers to create awareness, education and organizing in our communi-ties on the issues that are affecting our families and youth to make an impact to transform these statis-tics. For more information please contact us at (956)699-5019

Raymondville Students Earn Awards

BEAUTY from pg. 3 LIBRARY from pg. 4

STUDENT from pg. 3


our students to participate in competitions at the district level as well as state. The successes of previous students help to motivate our current students to be the best that they can be, in competition, which has resulted with 11 State Championships. We are also the only public school cosmetology program in the valley that attends the International Beauty Show in Chicago, where the students are ex-posed to the latest technology, education, and skills in the industry.I’m so happy to say that this year our program expanded; we now offer the Manicuring Specialty course under the direction of Jacqueling Carrejo, a 2005 graduate of EEHS. This program enables our students to acquire a Texas Manicuring Specialty License. This course covers all areas of the nail industry, and is also a 3 year program that upon completing 600 hours and successfully passing both written and practical exams, the students receive a Texas Mani-curing License. My vision for this program is that it continues to grow; service the communi-ty and teach our students the practical skills and knowledge that will ensure them a successful career in this evolving industry of cosmetology.

held in January in McAllen, where they earned an opportunity to compete at the 62nd Annual Texas DECA CDC. Kristina Becerra – Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling; Concepcion Hernandez III – Sports and Entertainment SeriesEzequiel Martinez – Accounting Applications; Nerayda Montemayor – Pro-fessional Selling; Daniela Rivera and Jazmine Campos – Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making; Eddie Castillo and Michael Villarreal – Sports and Entertainment Promotion Plan; Alyssa Ybarra – Professional SellingKristina Becerra competed in Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling Event and was awarded as a state champion. The Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling Event provides an opportunity for participants to demon-strate skills needed for a career in sales. Participants take a 100 question exam and will organize and deliver a sales presentation for hospitality and tourism services. Kristina has also earned the right to represent the state of Texas in her event at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando Florida in late April. She along with 600 other Texas DECA champions will compete in their respective categories for the right to be called the best in the world. We also had three students awarded an opportunity to attend the Emerging Lead-er Series Events at the DECA ICDC in Orlando. Those students are Jazmine Campos, Ezequiel Martinez and Daniela Rivera.Mr. Leo Saenz is the Marketing Teacher for Edcouch – Elsa High School. He is a graduate of Edcouch – Elsa High School in 1989, and graduated with a Bach-elors of Business Administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio. He is currently the Director for Texas DECA District 1 which encompasses most School Districts south of San Antonio. Mr. Saenz is currently serving as the Chairman for the Texas DECA Board of Directors. DECA is a marketing association that prepares emerging leaders and entre-preneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. The organization’s activities and programs complement classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of business and marketing skills learned in the classroom. With a nearly 70-year history, DECA has impacted the lives of more than ten million students, educators, school administrators and business profession-als since it was founded in 1946. DECA prepares the next generation to be academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible and experienced leaders.

ry in Raymondville and return a book. This Project has been emphasized from Region One. It is also a project that has spread across the world and has made a big impact on how people get books. Mr. Salinas said “This project has been beneficial to the community because it promotes litera-cy, improves literacy skills and it benefits not only the struggling reader, but everyone in our community regardless of age, gender or background”. It’s hoped that by placing LFLs in the community it will help to eliminate many of the limitations associated with not reading in the home. Little Free Libraries in public places will give community members the opportunity to exchange books. Anyone may contribute or take a book; if you take a book from a little free library, you do not need to return the book, but it’s the expectation that you leave one (or two, or three) books in its place. They operate on a honor system-if everyone plays by the rules, everyone wins! There is no need for a library card and anyone who walks up the LFL can have access to the books inside. Part of the excitement is seeing what new title was left by the previous reader! If anyone is interested in donating books please contact LC Smith Elementary in Raymondville at 689-8172

March 2015 Volume 1 Issue 24 ... Continuation

New Angels in HeavenaskAmyDear Amy, It’s been 12 years since me and my ex girlfriend called it quits. I still think of her day and night, I can honestly say I’m still so very in love with her. I am so disappointed with myself and feel like the ug-liest person in the world for still loving my ex while I sleep next to my wife. Even though I don’t talk or see my ex I still feel I’m cheat-ing, since my heart doesn’t belong to my wife but belongs to my ex. I don’t know what to do.With shame,

The Ex Lover

Dear, Ex Lover

I am wondering what lead you to marry when your heart belongs to someone else, as you say. Tell-ing your wife how you feel will liberate you of those “ugly” feel-ings that come from guilt. This is clearly a doomed relationship you are in because you are constantly thinking about someone else, your heart belongs to someone else and you say something very profound, “ I am so very IN LOVE with my ex”. That changes everything be-cause our hearts are designed to be in love with that one person. This relationship with your wife is doomed. I imagine that your wife picks up on the absence of your genuine affection because us women have that 6th sense. It is not fair to her to be with someone who doesn’t love her or better yet someone who is not in love with her. You need to come clean and give your wife the chance to be loved by someone who is going to think about her day and night. She deserves someone who’s heart be-longs to her.

Love,Amy

Monte Alto ISD 1st Annual Golf Scholarship Tournament

By: Edcouch-Elsa Rotary

Monte Alto-The Monte Alto Golf Scholarship Tournament was held on Saturday, February 21, 2015. This was the first time that Monte Alto ISD partnered with the Edcouch-Elsa Rotary Club to create a golf tournament to give graduating seniors an opportunity to con-tinue their post secondary education. All participants truly enjoyed the outing. Prizes were given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Monte Alto Board president, Teresa Del Toro was present for the morning tee off. Mrs. Almanza-Pena, Monte Alto Superintendent was happy with the results in reference to the player’s participation. She is looking forward to next year for an increase in sponsors and participants. Congratulations to Monte Alto ISD for a successful event.

ELSA…… Manuel Pena, Sr., 84, entered eternal life on Wednesday, February 17, 2015 at his residence in Elsa, Texas. Manuel was born on January 28, 1931 in Aracabuz, Nuevo Leon, MX. He is preced-ed in death by parents Miguel and Francisca Pena, a son Jorge Pena, sisters Margarita and Melida and a son in-law Frank Becerra. He is survived by his wife Antonia Pena, sons Manuel, Jr. (Sylvia), Mario (Di-ana), Jaime, Javier (Melissa), Joel, Jesus (Elvia) Marco (Heidi), daughters Adela (Manuel) Villalpando, Ali-cia Becerra daughter in-law Patricia Pena, 7 siblings.

Also surviving are 30 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Serving as Pall-bearers were Manuel Pena, III, Mario Pena, Joel Pena, Javier Pena, Marco Pena and Jorge Luis Pena, Jr. Funeral Mass was held on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at Sacred heart Catholic Church in Elsa. Burial followed to Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home in Elsa.

LA BLANCA…… LILIA OCHOA, 93, left to be with the Lord on February 03, 2015 at Edinburg Regional Hospi-tal in Edinburg, TX. Lilia was born on May 28, 1921 in Agualeguas, Nuevo Leon, MX. She is preceded in death by her husband Tomas Ochoa, her sons Israel, Manuel, Ruben and Rene Ochoa. Lilia is survived by her sons Rodrigo (Patricia), Tomas and Noe (Fran) Ochoa of Oregon daughters-in-law Beatrice Ochoa and Peggy, a brother Rodrigo Ayala, a sister Elida Ayala, 11 grand-children and 11 Great-great grandchildren. Lilia ran a Grocery Store in La Blanca, TX along with her son Rene

Ochoa for 20 years until for health issues forced her to close the store. She was the pioneer in starting the potato and egg taco sales that are still in existence at almost every mom and pop stores in the Valley. She will be missed the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh Praise the Lord. Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 07, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in San Carlos. Burial followed to Hillcrest Cemetery in Edinburg. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home in Elsa.

ELSA…… On Sunday, February 26, 2015 Victor Manu-el Gonzalez 55, entered eternal life at his Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, Texas. Victor was born on Septem-ber 05, 1959 in General Bravo, Nuevo Leon, MX. He is preceded in death by parents Sixto and Rosa Gon-zalez, two brothers Sergio and Efrain Gonzalez. He is survived by his wife Mirtha E. Gonzalez, sons Victor M. Jr., and Vancey. Also surviving are grandchildren Jose Manuel, Stacey, Victor M., III Angel, Vanessa and Vaney. Serving as Pallbearers were Vancey, Vic-tor M. Jr., Jose M., Efrain, and Horacio Gonzalez also

Carlos Medina. Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa. Burial followed to Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home in Elsa.

Pablo R. Garza, 94 of La Villa, Texas entered into eter-nal rest on Saturday, February 21, 2015. He was born in Los Ramones, Nuevo Leon, to Cosme Garza and Baselisa Romero Garza. He was a man of integrity who had a strong faith in our Lord. He migrated to northern states in the sum-mer for many years and instilled in his children the value of hard earned dollar, to always have and give respect, and to have pride in who you are. His ranch and the outdoors was a great part of who he was. His

family came first and he was always active, was the best teacher and role model to his children, and those around him. His nephew stated, “He is worth all his weight in gold.” He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Julian Garza, infant daughter Guadalupe Garza, a brother and 3 sisters. Pablo is survived by his brother, Victor Gar-za and sister, Nemecia Concha, his loving wife Consuelo P. Garza, sons Cosme (Ani-ta), Julian (Rosa), Pablo (Victoria), Juan (America), Jaime (Cecilia) Garza, daughters Juana G. (Zequiel) Montez, Gloria Garza, Irma Garza, Norma G. (Roy) Garcia and Diana (Matthew) Rangel. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grand-children. Serving as pallbearers will be Cosme, Julian, Pablo Jr., Juan and Jaime Garza and Zequiel Montez, Jr., honorary pallbearers were Nathan E. Coody, Ramon Reyna, Jr., Christian J. Garza, Neal Garza, Glen Garza, Rudy Garza, Sam Garza and Pablo Garza, III. The Garza family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Mahmoud Barazi, the staff at Amara Hospice and the 3rd floor nursing staff at Edinburg Regional Hospital for their exceptional care. Services for Pablo were held Monday, February 23, 2015 from 12:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. and Tuesday, February 24, 2015 from 10:00 A.M.- 9:00 P.M. with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 P.M. both days. Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 A.M. at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Edcouch, TX on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, Interment at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Elsa.

1st place winners. right to left. Adrian Livas, Angel Lozano, and Jorge Marines

March 2015 Volume 1 Issue 24Community

Celebrating Primitivo

Rodriguez-City of Elsa Police

Chief 67th Bday!

New Angels in HeavenMonte Alto ISD 1st Annual Golf Scholarship Tournament ELSA…… Manuel Pena, Sr., 84, entered eternal life

on Wednesday, February 17, 2015 at his residence in Elsa, Texas. Manuel was born on January 28, 1931 in Aracabuz, Nuevo Leon, MX. He is preced-ed in death by parents Miguel and Francisca Pena, a son Jorge Pena, sisters Margarita and Melida and a son in-law Frank Becerra. He is survived by his wife Antonia Pena, sons Manuel, Jr. (Sylvia), Mario (Di-ana), Jaime, Javier (Melissa), Joel, Jesus (Elvia) Marco (Heidi), daughters Adela (Manuel) Villalpando, Ali-cia Becerra daughter in-law Patricia Pena, 7 siblings.

Also surviving are 30 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Serving as Pall-bearers were Manuel Pena, III, Mario Pena, Joel Pena, Javier Pena, Marco Pena and Jorge Luis Pena, Jr. Funeral Mass was held on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at Sacred heart Catholic Church in Elsa. Burial followed to Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home in Elsa.

LA BLANCA…… LILIA OCHOA, 93, left to be with the Lord on February 03, 2015 at Edinburg Regional Hospi-tal in Edinburg, TX. Lilia was born on May 28, 1921 in Agualeguas, Nuevo Leon, MX. She is preceded in death by her husband Tomas Ochoa, her sons Israel, Manuel, Ruben and Rene Ochoa. Lilia is survived by her sons Rodrigo (Patricia), Tomas and Noe (Fran) Ochoa of Oregon daughters-in-law Beatrice Ochoa and Peggy, a brother Rodrigo Ayala, a sister Elida Ayala, 11 grand-children and 11 Great-great grandchildren. Lilia ran a Grocery Store in La Blanca, TX along with her son Rene

Ochoa for 20 years until for health issues forced her to close the store. She was the pioneer in starting the potato and egg taco sales that are still in existence at almost every mom and pop stores in the Valley. She will be missed the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh Praise the Lord. Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 07, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in San Carlos. Burial followed to Hillcrest Cemetery in Edinburg. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home in Elsa.

ELSA…… On Sunday, February 26, 2015 Victor Manu-el Gonzalez 55, entered eternal life at his Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, Texas. Victor was born on Septem-ber 05, 1959 in General Bravo, Nuevo Leon, MX. He is preceded in death by parents Sixto and Rosa Gon-zalez, two brothers Sergio and Efrain Gonzalez. He is survived by his wife Mirtha E. Gonzalez, sons Victor M. Jr., and Vancey. Also surviving are grandchildren Jose Manuel, Stacey, Victor M., III Angel, Vanessa and Vaney. Serving as Pallbearers were Vancey, Vic-tor M. Jr., Jose M., Efrain, and Horacio Gonzalez also

Carlos Medina. Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa. Burial followed to Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home in Elsa.

Pablo R. Garza, 94 of La Villa, Texas entered into eter-nal rest on Saturday, February 21, 2015. He was born in Los Ramones, Nuevo Leon, to Cosme Garza and Baselisa Romero Garza. He was a man of integrity who had a strong faith in our Lord. He migrated to northern states in the sum-mer for many years and instilled in his children the value of hard earned dollar, to always have and give respect, and to have pride in who you are. His ranch and the outdoors was a great part of who he was. His

family came first and he was always active, was the best teacher and role model to his children, and those around him. His nephew stated, “He is worth all his weight in gold.” He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Julian Garza, infant daughter Guadalupe Garza, a brother and 3 sisters. Pablo is survived by his brother, Victor Gar-za and sister, Nemecia Concha, his loving wife Consuelo P. Garza, sons Cosme (Ani-ta), Julian (Rosa), Pablo (Victoria), Juan (America), Jaime (Cecilia) Garza, daughters Juana G. (Zequiel) Montez, Gloria Garza, Irma Garza, Norma G. (Roy) Garcia and Diana (Matthew) Rangel. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grand-children. Serving as pallbearers will be Cosme, Julian, Pablo Jr., Juan and Jaime Garza and Zequiel Montez, Jr., honorary pallbearers were Nathan E. Coody, Ramon Reyna, Jr., Christian J. Garza, Neal Garza, Glen Garza, Rudy Garza, Sam Garza and Pablo Garza, III. The Garza family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Mahmoud Barazi, the staff at Amara Hospice and the 3rd floor nursing staff at Edinburg Regional Hospital for their exceptional care. Services for Pablo were held Monday, February 23, 2015 from 12:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. and Tuesday, February 24, 2015 from 10:00 A.M.- 9:00 P.M. with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 P.M. both days. Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 A.M. at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Edcouch, TX on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, Interment at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Elsa.

March 2015 Volume 1 Issue 24 Community

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