Take One
EDCOUCH • ELSA • LA VILLA • MONTE ALTO • RAYMONDVILLE
Champion
October 2014 Volume 1 Issue 17
E-E Middle School represents at HESTEC robotics competition
of Education By Irma Ayala EDCOUCH – Students at Edcouch-Elsa High School were privileged to hear from Congressman Ruben Hinojosa on October 7, 20014. Congressman Hinojosa spoke to the students in classrooms belonging to Ms. Perron and Ms. Gillian. Both teachers are part of the Teach for America Program which is a program that he is affiliated with and one that is dear to his heart. As Congressman Hinojosa walked into Ms. Perron’s classroom with a genuine smile on his face, the students quickly quieted to await his message to them. He introduced himself and apprised his audience, dearing to me.” Hinojosa has spent most of English III students, that he was born in his political career fighting for appropriaEdcouch on August 20, 1940 which came tion of funding for education. as a surprise to most of the audience elicitAt one time a former US President was ing an audible gasp. pushing to discontinue a program that He informed the listening students that would cut out the institution of Teach for he came from a family of seven boys and America (TFA). Hinojosa, then the highest four girls. One of his siblings graduated ranking member of the Democratic Party, valedictorian from EEHS in the 1940s and asked assistance from a colleague to work went on to serve four years in the Kore- on the senators while Hinojosa worked on an War. His eldest sister graduated from See CHAMPION pg. 8 EEHS which makes this school “very en-
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On October 9, a team of nine outstanding PFC David Ybarra Middle School students known as “Team VENOM” went to the HESTEC Robotics Day Sumo competition. Much like the Japanese wrestling sport, players placed their robots inside a white ring and attempted to push opponents out of the circle to win. Robots varied in design and tactics with many built with either ramps to flip opponents in the ring and even ultrasonic sensors to detect other robots. The competition was intense. They faced over 60
Editor Page 2 Health & Cooking 3 Education 4 Community 6
High schools and Junior High schools from across South Texas. There were schools from Laredo to Falfurrias and all the way to Brownsville. They ranked 8th out of about 65 schools that took part in the competition. In addition they were the youngest competitors at the event. This simply goes to show that E-E students can go up against anyone, anytime, in anything and be successful. Congratulations to all team VENOM members and a special thanks to Mr. Edward Rivera for all his help and Principal Tony Garza for his support.
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Editor’s Page
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October 2014 Volume 1 Issue 17
Good Day Everyone!
O
ctober can mean the start of cooler weather, pumpkins, and Halloween, but it is also a month that brings awareness to many important campaigns. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness and National Down Syndrome Awareness Month—that's just in relation to a person's physical health. October also stands as Bullying Prevention Month and Domestic Violence Awareness month, which affect a person's mental health. The most popular awareness campaigns during the month is for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. The disease can also affect men, although it is rare. The National Breast Cancer Foundation states that the best way to fight breast cancer is to have an early detection plan. National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a chance to celebrate those with the disability and all that they accomplish. Down Syndrome occurs when a baby is born with a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down Syndrome. Bullying is defined as an unwanted and aggressive behavior among children, according to stopbullying.gov. There are three types of bullying: verbal, social, and physical. Many schools across the country, including right here in the Delta Area and Willacy County, have taken steps to stop bullying between students. Parents, guardians and teachers are encouraged to be aware of warning signs of bullying. Domestic Violence Awareness month began in 1981 by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Domestic abuse and violence is something that can happen to both men and women at any point in one's life. The red ribbon symbolizes a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities. In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after Camarena's death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. Congress established Red Ribbon Week in 1988. Don’t forget to Vote! Good Luck to all the Candidates in this year’s ballot! Thank you for being our Reader Rina D. Castillo
Weather: Edcouch, Elsa, Monte Alto, La Villa, Raymondville Thur 16
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Rina Diane Castillo CEO/Editor in Chief (956) 292-1590
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Irma Ayala Writer
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The Community Press
October 2014 Volume 1 Issue 17
NATIONAL
Health & Cooking
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MAMMOGRAPHY DAY
Oct 17th, 2014
What to Know About Getting a Mammogram
A
mammogram is an important step in taking care of yourself and your breasts. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that allows specialists to look for changes in breast tissue that aren’t normal. The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and over get a mammogram every year, along with a breast exam by a doctor or nurse. (Most women under 40 do not need a mammogram). And all women, no matter their age, need to let their doctor know about any changes to their breasts. Where to go: Find a center that specializes in mammograms. The US Food and Drug Administration certify mammogram facilities that meet high professional standards of quality and safety. Ask to see the FDA certificate if one isn’t posted near the
By Elizabeth Urbina
Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas
D
o you know what the second most commonly used illegal drug by a high school senior is? It is number 2 to marijuana use. In fact, a new study shows that 1 in 9 high school seniors have tried this drug. It is a new street drug, it is not FDA approved. It is made up of different untested, unpredictable, unregulated chemicals that are sprayed on herbs. Nearly all of the compounds detected in it were created for experimental use in animals and cell cultures – not in humans. They call it Synthetic Marijuana, or “Spice”.
receptionist’s desk when you arrive. And when you find a facility you like, stick with it. Having all your mammograms at the same facility will make it easier for doctors to compare images from one year to the next. When to schedule: It’s best to schedule your mammogram for the week after your menstrual period. Your breasts won’t be tender or swollen, which means less discomfort during the x-ray and a clearer picture. What (and what not) to wear: Wear a 2-piece outfit because you will need to remove your top and bra. Do not apply deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, or ointment on or around your chest on the day of your mammogram. These products can appear as white spots on the x-ray.
Synthetic
What?! Some people label it as playing Russian Roulette; for those that are not aware of what that is let me explain it to you. Russian Roulette is defined as a potentially lethal game of chance in which a player places a single round in a revolver, spins the cylinder, places the muzzle against their head, and pulls the trigger. Basically, it is a game of chance, just as smoking synthetic marijuana is. Synthetic Marijuana, although the name says otherwise, is not related to marijuana in any way. This drug can cause extreme anxiety, heart attacks, blackouts, blindness, seizures, catalepsy and even death. Since 2010, approximately 600 Spice-related calls were made to the Texas Poison Center.
What to expect: The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. The breast is compressed for a few seconds while an x-ray picture is taken. The breast is repositioned (and compressed again) to take another view. This is then done on the other breast. Flattening the breast tissue, while uncomfortable for some women, provides a clearer view of the breast and lessens the amount of radiation needed to take an x-ray picture. Getting the results: You should get your results within 30 days. If you don’t, you should call to ask about them. If doctors find something suspicious, you’ll likely be contacted within a week to take new pictures or get other tests. But that doesn’t mean you have cancer. A suspicious finding may be just dense breast tissue or a
cyst. Other times, the image just isn’t clear and needs to be retaken. If this is your first mammogram, your doctor may want to look at an area more closely simply because there is no previous mammogram for comparison. What you pay: Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and almost all private insurance plans now cover annual mammograms, with no co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs. Medicaid also covers mammograms. For uninsured or low-income women, free or low-cost programs are available. Some programs are held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, while others are offered yearround. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to find a program near you.
The packaging for this drug is appealing to the youth and is sold as “incense” or “potpourri”. The labeling includes statements such as “not for human consumption” to hide what the real use is for. Synthetic Marijuana is most often smoked; some user reports also suggest that it can be ingested as an infusion. Keep an eye out for this extremely popIf you have any questions or would like ular drug and tell others the many dangers to learn more about this contact Elizabeth that come with it. Urbina at (956) 689-1860
Education
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October 2014 Volume 1 Issue 17
Keeping our students By Irma Ayala
EDCOUCH – Do you think fencing around your children’s school could keep them safer? The tragedies of Columbine High School, Sandy Hook Elementary and other tragic events across the country cost parent much apprehension. These misfortunes and other shootings in recent years have shoved the issue of school security into the spotlight. School districts across the country have reverted to different sources to safeguard their students. These acts of violence are not limited to vast cities or faraway places. The last year Edcouch-Elsa High School was an open campus was 1996. It became a closed campus for the protection of the students. However, although it was
SAFE
a closed campus, the school had no fence, making it practically impossible to enforce the closed campus policy. Since the campus had so many entrances and exits, students would take off in their own vehicles or catch a ride with another student who was skipping, and there was little or nothing that administration could do to prevent them from doing so. The idea to build a fence around the
campus to limit the entrances and exits first came about in the summer of 2013. The idea was introduced, discussed then dropped. When EEHS Principal, Jaime Garcia, was offered the position, he accepted and immediately made his wishes concerning a fence known. He wanted a fenced closed campus for the protection
of our students. He believed the fence would diminish the comings and goings in the parking lot. He said, “There was constant traffic. Kids getting into cars and leaving.” At a school board meeting, the school’s governing body approved the idea of the fence, and it soon became a reality. The completion of the fence took approximately about a month. It was semi- operational last school year. Mr. Garcia stated, “We wanted the parents to be aware that we would have all entrances and exits closed except for the middle gate which is manned by a security guard who can document anyone leaving or entering the campus.” The cost of the fence was obviously expense, but the welfare of the students far outweighs the expenditure. As present, three gates are open early in the morning; however two are closed once classes begin except the one manned by the security guard.
Raymondville Schools Promoting STUDENTS TO GOVERN FOR A DAY
Strong Fathers Strong Families By Irma Ayala
Raymondville-Since it is a very wellknown fact that parents have a profound impact on the well-being of their children, Strong Fathers – Strong Families is involved in training, giving technical assistance and facilitating to focus on “strengthening children by strengthening fathers and families.” According to their website the goal of Strong Fathers – Strong Families (SF-SF) is “to improve the educational environment in order that men may become more involved in the lives of their children.” Strong Fathers-Strong Families works with public schools, and other organizations such as churches planning and organizing events to “bring men together with their children in the presence of other men to discover their true strength as fathers.” The Raymondville Independent School District in conjunction with SF-SF is hosting Bring Your Dad to School Day in an effort to promote a better father/son relationship among the district’s families. Pittman Elementary celebrated their Father/Son Day on October 8, 2014, while LC Smith celebrated their special day on October 7, 2014. L.C. Smith elementary had 165 “fathers” attend. Many of those attending in lieu of a father were mothers, aunts, cousins or grandmothers. The event lasted from 7:30 AM through 9:30 AM. The participants visited their child’s classroom for about forty minutes before attending an activity session sponsored by Strong Fathers – Strong Families personnel while their child returned to the class-
room SFSF works with Head Starts, Public Schools, and Churches as well as other organizations. Their goal is to improve the educational environment in order that men may become more involved in the lives of their children. Myra Green Junior High will be hosting their special day with dads on October 15, 2014 all day. The fathers (or father stand-ins) are invited to attend class with their sons to encourage a bonding experience between the two. The district adopted this novel concept last year which proved to be proficiently successful. According to Annabel Pruneda, employee at Myra Green Junior High, the school had “approximately thirty to forty fathers attending school with their sons.” Myra Green Junior High administrators are hoping the whopping success at the elementary campuses predicts the triumph of the junior high campus as well.
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AUSTIN –State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Rural South Texas) is proud to announce that over 250 students representing 29 high schools from across South Texas will take part in the 11th Student Legislative Session on November 10, 2014. Over the years, the Student Legislative Session has brought hundreds of South Texas' best and brightest high school students to Austin to step into the arena of state governance at the State Capitol. Members of the 2014 class will spend a day in the role of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, Senators, State Representatives, lobbyists, journalists, and staff as they simulate the fast-paced lawmaking process. "[The Student Legislative Session] is a great opportunity for our future Texas leaders to learn first-hand about state government," said Guillen. "My hope is that this
experience instills a sense of civic duty and knowledge of the legislative process upon these future leaders, and that they have fun while they're at it." Due to its growing popularity since the 1st Student Legislative Session in 2003, the class of 2014 will be larger than classes in previous years. Whereas student roles were formerly limited to that of State Representatives, students participating in this year's Student Legislative Session will be the first to experience a wide variety of functions of Texas Government. The 11th Student Legislative Session will take place on November 10, 2014, beginning with a reception at 8:00 AM and closing with Adjournment Sine Die and the Governor Bill Signing Ceremony at 5:00 PM. More details can be found online at www.ryanguillen.com.
Golden Bees
Deisy’s preschool class got a visit from the Edcouch Fire Department on Fire Prevention week.
October 2014 Volume 1 Issue 17
Community Press
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New Angels in Heaven
Community
Trinidad C. Fonseca EDCOUCH – Trinidad C. Fonseca, 85, entered eternal rest Saturday, October 04, 2014, at his residence in Edcouch. Trinidad was born on January 25, 1929, to Edwardo Fonseca and Clara Cepeda Fonseca. He is preceded in death by his parents, and 13 siblings. He is survived by his wife Antonia Villanueva Fonseca, sons Tomas (Kristy) Fonseca and Juan (Socorro) Villegas, three sisters Consuelo, Aurora and Elisa, also surviving are 17 Grandchildren, 15 Great-Grandchildren, 9 Great Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Monday, October 06, 2014 Chapel service was held on Tuesday, October 07, 2014, at Guerra Funeral Home ”The Chapel of Angels” Interment followed to Val-Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna Arrangements were under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 PH: 956-262-2971. Cruz A. Gonzales LA BLANCA – Cruz A. Gonzales, 76, entered eternal rest Thursday, October 02, 2014 at her residence in La Blanca, TX. Cruzita was born on May 03, 1938, to Felipe Almaguer and Francisca Aguirre Almaguer. She is preceded in death by her husband Manuel Gonzales, Sr., her parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. She is survived by her sons Manuel (San Juanita) Gonzales, Jr., and Eddie Gonzales (Wesley Kuy Kendall) and daughters Thelma Lou (Roel) Benavides and Margaret (Alex) Sanchez. Also surviving are brothers Jose and Manuel Almaguer, sister Victoria Rodriguez, 7 grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren. Visitation was held on Sunday, October 05, 2014 Funeral service was held on Monday, October 06,, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Elsa, TX. Interment followed to Highland Memorial Park of Weslaco, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 PH: 956-262-2971. Aurora (Lillie) Hernandez ELSA – Aurora (Lillie) Hernandez, 72, was called home to be with the lord on Tuesday, October 07, 2014 at Life Care in McAllen, TX. She was born in Edinburg, Texas on February 25, 1942. She is preceded in death by the love of her life Daniel P. Hernandez, and her parents Oscar and Juanita Garcia. She is survived by her
October 2014 Volume 1 Issue 17
children Edward “Eddie” (Ella) Hernandez, Daniel (Sylvia) Hernandez, Jr., Alex Ray (Norma) Hernandez, and Lydia Danelle Hernandez, Grandchildren (Christopher, Kassandra, Krystal, Alexandria, Alexxis, Michael, Emily, Daniel III, Ariel Lilly, Simon Peter, Thomas Edmund, Alec Christian, Alex Roland, Daniel Thomas and Katherine Danelle), and brother Oscar (Esperanza) Garcia. Lillie will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She will forever be loved and live in our hearts and in all the wonderful memories she leaves with us. The family wishes to thank her nephrologists from South Texas Kidney Specialists and her dialysis nurses from Fresenius Medical Care for the wonderful care that was given to her. Visitation was held on Thursday, October 08, 2014 and Friday, October 09, 2014 with a Holy Rosary both days Funeral mass was celebrated on Saturday, October 10, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa, TX Interment followed to Highland Memorial Park of Weslaco, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 PH: 956-262-2971. Trinidad R. Garza ELSA – Trinidad R. Garza, 91, entered eternal rest Monday, September 22, 2014, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance of Edinburg, TX surrounded by her loving family, due to complications from pneumonia. She was born on October 15, 1922 in Mission, Texas to Jose Rodriguez and Reyes Reyes Rodriguez. She is preceded in death by her husband Guadalupe V. Garza, her parents, son Reynaldo (Anita) Garza, 3 brothers and 2 sister. She is survived by her sons Arnoldo (Elvira) and Jose (Milly) Amador, Omero (Janie), Lino (Alicia), Antonio (Elisa), Efrain and Ruben (Laila) Garza, daughters Elida (Edelmiro) Jackson, Vaita G. (Homero) Pena, Silvia G. (Alfredo) Salazar, Ninfa G. (Luciano) Ozuna, Mary Lou Garza, Linda G. San Miguel, 52 Grandchildren, 102 Great-Grandchildren, 17 Great-Great Grandchildren. Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 23 and Wednesday, September 24, 2014 Funeral service was Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Elsa, TX. Interment followed to Highland Memorial Park of Weslaco, TX. Pallbearers were her grandsons Michael Garza, Luciano Ozuna III, Dennis Garza, Ruben Garza, Jr., Adrian San Miguel, Aaron San Miguel, Irenio Salazar, and Rogelio Garza. It was with a sad and heavy heart that we said goodbye to our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Friend. We rejoiced in the peace of knowing that she is once again with her husband and son. We look forward to the day that we may be with her again in the presence of our Lord and Savior. We thank you all for your continued prayers. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home 304 E. Edinburg Ave. Elsa, TX 78543 PH: 956-262-2971.
October 2014 Volume 1 Issue 17
Community Press
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Community
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Voter ID Law
October 9th a Corpus Christi based federal judge struck down the Texas Voter ID Law as unconstitutional and blocked Texas from enforcing its requirements in the November election. The Texas Voter ID law passed as Senate Bill 14 from the 82nd Regular Legislative Session in 2011 as a way to prevent voter fraud. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa issued the following statement: "This ruling confirms what we have
been saying all along. The Voter ID law is unconstitutional and creates voter suppression against our citizens. The right for our Texas citizens to vote must not be burdened with unnecessary hurdles. Although voter fraud is real and a legitimate concern, it is also very rare. The alleged primary purpose of the Voter ID law is to prevent and deter a single kind of voter fraud -- in-person voter impersonation. Yet, no evidence exists to support this type of voter fraud. Our Constitution aims toward improving our representative democracy. A better representative democracy depends on the inclusion and participation of citizens during elections. Creating barriers and turning away eligible voters undermines our democracy. The Voter ID law's political intent was to suppress voter participation."
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October 2014 Volume 1 Issue 17
City of Raymondville Police Department Ground Breaking Ceremony
523 W. Hidalgo Ave Raymondville, Texa rewarding and smooth. CHAMPION from pg. 1 Mr. Castillo, principal for Edcouch-Elsa the congressmen to vote in favor of TFA. Early College, was impressed that someone He was successful and even managed to get from the level of government that Hinojosa $150 million appropriated for the program. represents would take a “genuine interest Edcouch-Elsa High School has two in the community and want our students to teachers involved with TFA. Domenica succeed. It was a wonderful opportunity Perron hails from New Jersey. She applied for the students to be introduced to him and for the TFA program along with 200,000 his entourage. other applicants across America. It is a very Hinojosa represents Texas' 15th Conrigorous and selective process to be accept- gressional District and was first elected to ed. Even when the teacher is working for the House in 1996 and has consequently a school district, TFA provides mandatory been diligently serving his constituents training for its teachers. Ms. Perron states since then. Hinojosa is running for re-electhat she “feels very much at home here in tion to the U. S. House on November 4, the valley.” She is grateful to be part of this 2014 against Eddie Zamora (R) and Johnprogram that has made her transition very ny Partain (L) in the general election.