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EDCOUCH • ELSA • LA VILLA • MONTE ALTO • DONNA • WESLACO • MERCEDES • ALAMO • PROGRESO
5 Ways to stay positive when you’re having a bad day Page 2
Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D. 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year Page 4
Student uses accordian and music to learn science
Sergio Huaracha was not happy with the test score he received in a bench mark prep test used to prepare students for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). The 8th grader at A.P. Solis Middle School knew he needed to do something to turn things around.
The Condiment On My List Page 5
4 Ways to Find Passion and Purpose in Your Life Page 10
Rail line helped company choose Alamo for latest distribution center For Joaquin Spamer and his company, CiL (Commodity Integrated Logistics), one of the main attractions in opening a new warehouse in Alamo was the rail line. “We have a great location here in Alamo. We have 26 acres. We have a railroad spur with capacity for over 50 railcars. That is unique in the Valley. There are very few locations that can handle that number of railcars at any one time,” Spamer said, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for his company’s new cotton warehouse operation. See SPAMER pg. 11
Rio Grande Valley Fan Drive
“I came up with songs and used words about science like atomic number, atomic mass and neutrons,” Huaracha said. “The lyrics were
The Silver Ribbon Community Partners, a local nonprofit, is teaming up with Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce Health Committee to help seniors beat the heat by spearheading a fan drive. The fans will help seniors keep cool while temperatures soar throughout the summer. The fan drive
See MUSIC pg. 8
See RIBBON pg. 10
That is when the 16-year-old migrant student whose first language is Spanish turned to Irma Carballo who teaches his English as a Second Language (ESL) class. Together, they came up with a plan. He would use his passion playing the accordion and his love of music to help him better understand and learn science. For months, Huaracha would listen to tunes at home and incorporate his own version with terms related to science. He was allowed to bring his accordion and practice in his ESL class.
DISD Implements Valley’s Only PASOS Facilitators and Graduates First Parent Cohort Page 9
May 2017 - Issue 57
Shown left to right are Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, RGV Hispanic Chamber; Janie Maldonado, Program Director for Silver Ribbon and Gus Salinas, Community Management Specialist for Adult Protective Services
Page 2
The Community Press
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
5 Ways to stay positive when you’re having a bad day
It’s Murphy’s Law. The line you get in at the department store doesn’t move because there is a lady at the register who waited until the last minute to dig through her overstuffed wallet for a coupon. So you change checkout lanes only to get stuck behind a man digging through a deep pocket for exact change. We all have bad days when it seems like nothing is going right. But few can compete with Charles, a man who experienced a lifetime’s worth of bad news in a single day. Charles lived a stressful life. He worked from morning until night without any spare time for annoyances. Little did he know, when he woke up one morning, he had already lost more than $200,000—embezzled from his inheritance by a family “friend.” In an unrelated turn of events, he lost his job the same day. That evening he discovered his wife was filing for divorce. We don’t have control over the way life plays out, but we do not have to be a victim to its tyranny. With a few savvy insights and positive action steps, we can power through almost anything that comes our way.
1. Develop a plan.
About the Editor Rina Diane Castillo is an Edcouch-Elsa Alumni, class of 2002. Graduate of The University of Texas Pan American with a degree in Business Administration and a major in Marketing. She is the owner of The Community Press. Rina believes in giving back to her community and is also involved in the Edcouch-Elsa Rotary club and is active at St. Theresa Church in Edcouch.
Staff & Contributors
Rina Diane Castillo CEO/Editor in Chief (956) 292-1590 Reanna Rodriguez Account Executive DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION • 10,000 copies distributed bi-weekly • Available FREE at numerous locations through Mi-Valley Communities. ADVERTISING OPTIONS • Advertisement space (different sizes) with in the newspaper layout • Inserts: reach our audience by giving us your flier, brochure, booklet and more to place inside our bi-weekly issue • Social media (Twitter and Facebook) The Community Press PO Box 1811 • Elsa, TX • Year 2014 Telephone: (956) 292-1590 Email: tcommunitypress@gmail.com
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Often we just feel “off ” and we let it affect our day without finding out what it is that made us feel down in the first place. So identify what’s making you feel despondent. Be specific. And once that is done, make a plan. Write out what you can do to turn around your sour mood.
In her Psychology Today article, “Thirteen Small Decisions That Will Ease Anxiety,” Meg Selig writes, “If you start to ruminate over a situation that you’ve already planned for, tell yourself, ‘Stop, I’ve already made a plan.’” The very act of identifying and planning can result in tremendous stress relief.
2. Associate with winners.
We tend to think like the people we hang around. That’s not news, but how often do we stop and notice who we talk to every day? The group that laments over a two-cent gas hike is not likely the same group that discusses the latest stock options. It’s two different mindsets. The greatest investment for the worrywart is to find a cell of positive-minded, successful people. How did they get where they are? How do they think? Let the osmosis begin.
3. Speak positive words.
We tend to believe what we say. Our minds literally go in the direction of our words. Of course, we can’t talk ourselves into being taller, but we can have a more positive outlook by noticing the good, anticipating a positive outcome and speaking it out loud. It’s almost impossible to shout, “I feel fantastic!” and be depressed at the same time. A few verbal affirmations throughout the day will go a long way toward lifting your spirits.
4. Laugh anyway.
There is so much to stress over these days—politics, the economy, the ozone layer, the missing button on your favorite shirt. Still, there is a consensus among many medical professionals that laughter will do you a world of good. In fact, the Mayo Clinic article “Stress relief from laughter? It’s no joke” says, “A rollicking laugh fires up then cools down your stress response and it can increase your heart rate. The result? A good relaxed feeling.” To stay upbeat and positive, make laughter a deliberate part of your arsenal against the blues.
5. Execute.
Once you’ve identified what deflates your spirit, made a plan to overcome it and developed some mental weapons, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Put your thoughts into action. It’s hard to worry about a problem while you are busy solving it. This is no time to be passive. Get angry. Get aggressive. Attack your problems with a vengeance. What right do they have to destroy the pleasure you get out of life? The physical act of execution is a diabolical weapon against whatever ails you and can create a surprising sense of bliss in the midst of the turmoil. Charles, who arguably had a much worse day than you, adjusted to his loss and even forgave his thieving friend. He used his skills to move forward in a new career and met a beautiful woman in the process. He learned a lot about himself, found some new priorities and doesn’t stress about the length of a department store checkout lane. He is happier than he has been in a long time and looks for opportunities to share his success with others. If Charles can do it, so can you.
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
The Community Press
Page 3
EDCOUCH-ELSA
Alexis T. Garcia - Valedictorian
TOP TEN
Larissa Campos - Salutatorian
Elliott Lopez - Rank 3
Monica Garza - Rank 4
Generra M. Guerra - Rank 5
Jennifer Ortiz - Rank 6
Jennifer Moreno - Rank 7
Jacquelyn De Los Santos - Rank 8
Juan Zamarripa - Rank 9
Janessa Robles - Rank 10
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The Community Press
May May 2017 2017Volume Volume 1 1Issue Issue 5757
Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D. 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year Mr. Rivera / John F. Kennedy Elementary
Congratulations to Mr. Rivera, a third grade teacher for receiving teacher of the year for John F. Kennedy Elementary and for also receiving District Elementary Teacher of the Year for the district of Edcouch Elsa. Mr. R creates a sense of belonging and community in the classroom and school. He has always been accessible, enthusiastic and caring.
Liliana Garcia / Ruben C. Rodriguez Elementary
Ms. Garcia’s commitment towards her students is commendable. The countless hours of lesson planning and preparation for the betterment of her students is exemplified not only in her classroom but across the campus. Her devotion towards education affects not just her students but also the entire faculty and staff. She is an example of erudition and distinction among students and colleagues alike. RCR is proud to have such a loving and caring individual.
Jennifer Salinas / High School
“There are few things more important than how we invest our time, and with whom it is invested,” Salinas said. “My heart is full with gratitude for my family and my life here in Elsa, for the opportunity to work among intelligent, compassionate, and dedicated teachers and administrators, and for the ability to contribute to the instruction of the students of Edcouch–Elsa High School whose enthusiasm, work ethic, and commitment to education continually reaffirms my confidence in the future. I am grateful and honored to be recognized as Edcouch-Elsa High School’s teacher of the year.”
Rosa Contreras / London B. Johnson Elementary
For the past 10 years, Mrs. Contreras has blessed LBJ’s 1st grade students and school with her many talents and skills. With a passion for teaching she is dedicated and self driven as she uses her creativity to create an inviting classroom environment with fun and engaging lessons and activities. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Contreras is a team player, and is a valuable asset to her colleagues, and school.
Elizabeth Rivera / Santiago Garcia Elementary
Mrs. Rivera has her own love of learning and inspires students with her passion for education and course material.This great teacher conveys this sense of leadership to students by providing opport nities for each of them to assume leadership roles. We would like to congratulate Mrs. Rivera for all the hard work and dedication to the boys and girls of SGE.
Ruben Chavez Jr. / Jorge R. Gutierrez Early Childhood
As an educator, Mr. Chavez has consistently shown strong leadership qualities. His highest priority as an educator is to serve the needs of his students. Instead of seeing the challenges of our ever transitioning educational system as a frustrating obstacle, he embraces them, learns from them and adapts. Congratulations on your second time Teacher of the Year for JRG Early Childhood.
Angelica Garza / Carlos F. Truan Junior High
Thank you for being such an amazing teacher. We appreciate all the hard work and effort you have put to make an impact on the lives of our students. We are grateful for the leadership and professionalism you bring to our school.
Angela Garza/Pfc. David Ybarra Middle School
Mrs. Garza keeps her students motivated and encourages her students not to give up. She presents material in an enthusiastic manner and instills a hunger in her student to learn more on their own.
The Community Press
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
Page 5
The Condiment On My List This morning as I shopped at a local store. I felt the need to meditate on the aisle of spices. As I searched for the condiment on my list, I felt something pondering in my heart. The condiment I needed was in a ground form. However, right beside it was a coarse form of condiment. I was determined to search for the ground form I had on my list; and suddenly I found myself questioning my choice - why? Much like the coarse aspect of a condiment we are to “coarse like”, when we are in search of the presence of our savior. Our truthfulness to ourselves can help us accept that we need a supernatural aide to change our emotional emptiness. You see the abrasiveness in our personal approaches represent an emptiness and excess of coarseness in our lives. A lack of love, that could be filled through a supernatural presence; much like,
a finely refined condiment that we have come to know is Jesus. As we grow spiritually, we are softened by his holy presence and we are metaphorically “grounded” in his likeness. Now this doesn’t mean that in the coarseness of our aspect his presence is not there. It just means that we resist to accepting his likeness and do things on our own strength. His grace will always be with us, coarse or grounded. The only difference is the smoothness or roughness of the ride on your personal journey. Which form will you chose? Seek for his presence, find a local church and call out to him. He has never stopped listening to your calling. Give him your undivided attention – only he can change your life. Shalom MG Ministry
Edcouch Elsa ISD Child Nutrition Department PROGRAMA DE ALIMENTACIÓN DEL VERANO GRATIS Phone: 956-262-6005 Fax: 956-262-3919 P.O. Box 127 Edcouch, Texas 78538
El districto independiente de la escuela de Edcouch-Elsa anuncia patrocinar del PROGRAMA del SERVICIO de ALIMENTO del VERANO para los niños. El desayuno y el almuerzo serán proporcionados en la niñez temprana de Jorge Rolando Gutierrez, Garcia elemental, el colmo menor de DYM , y la High School secundaria de Edcouch-Elsa. El desayuno será servido de 7:30 a.m. a 8:30 a.m. en Edcouch Elsa High School, Garcia Elementary, Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Early Childhood, y Carlos DYM School. La comida será servido de 12:00 p.m. a 1:00 p.m. en Edcouch Elsa High School, y de 11:00 a.m. a 12:30 p.m. en Garcia Elementary, DYM School, y Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Early Childhood de 11:30 a.m. a 12:30 p.m. El programa en Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Early Childhood funcionará del 5 de junio de 2017 al 6 de julio de 2017 lunes a jueves; Edcouch Elsa High School funcionará del 5 de junio de 2017 al 6 de julio de 2017 lunes a jueves; DYM School y la Garcia Elementary funcionan de del 5 de junio de 2017 al 22 de junio de 2017 lunes a jueves. Jorge Rolando Gutierrez Elementary esta localizado en 1210 Santa Rosa Ave. en Edcouch, Garcia Elementary esta localizado en 100 E. Santa Rosa Ave en Edcouch, DYM School esta localizado en 619 milla 17 en Edcouch, y el plantel de High School esta localizado en la HWY 107 y milla 4 norte en Elsa. “De acuerdo con la Ley Federal y Poliza del Departamento de Agricultura de los estados unidos, esta institución es prohibida de discriminar en base de la raza, del color, del origen nacional, del sexo, de la edad, o de la inhabilidad. Para hacer una queja de la discriminación, escriba USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independance Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 o llamada (202) 260-1026, (866) 632-9992 (gratis), o (202) 401-0216 (TDD). El USDA es abastecedor y patrón de la oportunidad igual.” Todas las edades 1 a 18 de los niños serán elegibles recibir comidas gratis. Los niños no tendrán que atender a un programa de la escuela de verano para recibir estas comidas. Si acaso tiene preguntas sobre el programa de comida del verano, favor de llamar a Elena Garza al (956) 262-6005.
Hebrews 5:11-14
Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Child Nutrition Department
FREE SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM Phone: 956-262-6005 Fax: 956-262-3919 P.O. Box 127 Edcouch, Texas 78538
The Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District announces the sponsoring of the SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM for children. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided at Early Childhood Facility, Garcia Elementary, DYM School, and Edcouch-Elsa High School. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Edcouch Elsa High School, Garcia Elementary, Early Childhood Facility, and DYM School. Lunch will be served from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Edcouch Elsa High School, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Garcia Elementary, from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., DYM School, from 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. and Early Childhood Facility from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Program at Early Childhood Facility will run from June 5, 2017 to July 06, 2017 Monday thru Thursday; Edcouch – Elsa High School will run from June 05, 2016 to July 06, 2016 Monday thru Thursday, DYM School, and Garcia Elementary will run from June 05, 2017 to June 22, 2017 Monday thru Thursday. Early Childhood Facility is located at 1210 Santa Rosa in Edcouch, Garcia Elementary is located at 100 E Santa Rosa Edcouch, DYM School is located at 619 Mile 17 in Edcouch, Edcouch-Elsa High School is Located on HWY 107 and Mile 4 North in Elsa. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (200) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is available in languages other than English. To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 Fax: (202) 690-7442; or Email: Program. intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
All four sites will be operated as an “open-site”. All children ages 1 through 18 will be eligible to receive free meals. Children will not have to be attending a summer school program to receive these meals. If anyone should have any questions concerning the SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM, Please call Elena Garza at (956) 262-6005.
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The Community Press
Andrade, Lianna Valedictorian
Molina, Alexis Salutatorian
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
Alvarez, Lucero STC Graduate
Sanchez, Harley
Alaniz, Brenda A
Borrego, Dionicio
Carlos, Hector A_
Castillo, Jonathan
Castro, Vianney
Catete, Yessenia
Garcia, Jose G
Garcia, Meleny
Gomez, Claudio
Gomez, Desiree
Gonzalez Jr., Oscar
Gonzalez-Cisneros, Roque
Lopez, Rosa I
Lozano, Araceli
Luna, Valerie A
Martinez Jr., Alejandro
Martinez, Apolonio E
Martinez, Ariel M
Perez, Daniel
Ramirez, Clarissa A
Ramos Jr., Rigoberto T
Reyes, Astrid E
Reyes, Cecilia N
Rios, Audra N
Salazar, Nowledge J
San Miguel, Nathaniel
Sanchez, Alejandro
Sanchez, Nallely
Tadeo Martinez, Aaron
Vela, Eventino
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
MONTE ALTO I.S.D. Cano, James
Vallejo, Monica
Ruiz, Selena
Alaniz, Albert STC Graduate
Baxter, Stephen
Castillo Jr., Pedro
Chairez Ramirez, Miriam
Chapa, Brianna M
Davila, Roxanne
De Leon. Gema E
Espitia, Carlos
Galvan, Benito
Gonzalez Zuniga, Katia L
Gutierrez, Emily K
Hernandez, Marla R
Jimenez Jr., Abiud
Leandro, Jasper I
Lopez, Jose A
Martinez, Damian A
Minjarez, Brittany A
Morales, Miguelangel
Oseguera, Marissa
Paz, Michael E
Perales, Nancy
Rocha Jr., Fernando
Rosales, Jose J
Rosales, Jose P
Ruiz Jr., Adrian R
Saavedra, Edith A
Salaiz, Jacqueline
Zamora, Krystopher N
2016 - 2017
Page 8
The Community Press
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
RIBBON from page 1
will run from May 8th through June 30th. “As we know, we have a lot of underprivileged families here in the Rio Grande Valley made up of seniors who don’t
have air conditioning. Some also suffer from conditions that require that they remain in a cool setting. Unfortunately some can not. The RGVH-
CC annually joins the Silver Ribbon Community Partners to gather fan or monetary donations to help out as many families as possible” Cynthia M. Saku-
lenzki, RGVHCC Pres/CEO stated. “Even 1 fan can make the difference of life or death for many of our elderly”. Those wishing to make a difference
can donate a fan or monetary donation at either the RGVHCC office at 801 E Fern, McAllen or Silver Ribbon located at 1919 Austin Ave., McAllen from
8-5pm, Monday-Friday. For more information call the RGVHCC at 9280060 or Silver Ribbon at 624-4006.
well. She had them join him in learning the songs during class. “I’ve noticed a difference in the whole class,” Carballo said. “Most of my students are recent immigrants with this year being their first year in the United States. To help them succeed, we need to use different strategies. I’m very proud of them. Three of them have already passed the STAAR in Math. We hope they
do just as well in the how to transfer that science STAAR.” knowledge from English to Spanish then Principal Mary Lou back to English and Rodriguez said the answer correctly, so science STAAR test it’s quite an effort on is not easy which is their part.” why it is important to find ways to help The extra effort Huastudents prepare for racha and his classthe required exam. mates are putting “These students have into learning science many challenges to has made Rodriguez begin with because proud. “We have of the language bar- seen Sergio in acrier,” Rodriguez tion,” Rodriguez said. said. “They have to “He’s a very impresknow the content in sive young man with the STAAR test and so much potential.
Using the accordion and music is just one of those bright things that we see from him. He’s able to piece music together based on what he hears and put it to science knowledge. Other students are learning from him and getting involved in learning the different material with music. That’s awesome and exciting to see it.”
a lot about their students. “It says that our students are capable regardless of where they come from. They’re all capable of learning. There are just different types of learners and we just need to tap into how they learn so we can help them here at Donna ISD.”
MUSIC from page 1
helping me focus. I saw the difference when I took my science benchmark earlier this year. I did 20 percent better. Hopefully, my music will help when I take the real test.” Huaracha’s teacher was so impressed with the spike in his confidence level and score improvement that she thought his classmates could benefit from his accordion music as
Rodriguez said this learning process says
A&E (Amor y Esperanza) Primary Home Care Providing The RGV with Quality Home Care Mon - Fri 8 am to 5 pm 121 Wilson Ave Elsa, TX 78543 Email: aeproviders4612@gmail.com
Now Hiring Providers Accepting Clients
Ph.(956) 262-9390 Cell 457-3029
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
The Community Press
Page 9
DISD Implements Valley's Only PASOS Facilitators and Graduates First Parent Cohort
Donna ISD became the first school district in the Valley to implement its own facilitators to run the Parent Academy for Success t of Schools (PASOS) ftraining program and egraduate its first co-hort of parents.
. -Parent Educator An-
gela Garza is proud oto be part of the first group of DISD facilitators to teach the class. “It’s been a wonderful experience teaching the parents,” Garza said. “We did an evaluation of five questions and we had a lot of positive comments from the parents. They really enjoyed the sessions and they learned a lot. They especially liked the hands-on activities.” The class was recognized during a graduation ceremony April 29 at the Simon Sauceda Auditorium. The parents came decked out in caps and gowns and heard from various speakers including two valedic-
torians they personally choose to represent them. Baldemar Garza spoke on behalf of the English-speaking parents and Isabel Vega spoke on behalf of the Spanish speakers. For 10 weeks, the participants underwent intense, hands-on workshops designed to teach them how to help their children improve academic performance and build stronger relations with the school district. The parents also learned critical information for the academic success of their children, the importance of creating a bridge between home and school, what classes are important and needed for students planning to attend college, how grades are used for college admittance and how to communicate with school administrators and teachers.
and son Adan. The 14-year-old attends Veterans Middle School.
“We have a lot of the answers inside of us,” Garza said. “PASOS reinforces what parents already know but don’t have the right tools to go about helping our children succeed. We may feel we should be spending a lot more time with our son or daughter or that we should be more informed about what’s going on in Garza said the pro- our children’s school. gram has done won- PASOS gives us the ders for him, his wife foundation as to how
to go about having these conversations. It teaches us how to approach an administrator and our children. If we think our kids are going through
difficult times, PASOS shows us what symptoms to look out for. It’s a great program.” Garza said his son has also benefited from the program. “I think he’s learned how to communicate. He’s learned how to ask me questions and how to think of his answers. It’s not just ‘how is school? Well, it’s alright. What did you do? Oh, nothing.’ Now, he talks about what they did in science and what they did in math. So, the program is teaching him how to express himself and communicate better.”
DISD’s Parental Involvement Director Tomas Tamez said that prior to the district implementing its own facilitators, the Texas Valley Community Foundation would administer the 10 workshops which will no longer be necessary. “Now that we have our own personnel trained we will be able to recruit more parents to go through the program,” My goal is to expand the program and have two cohorts next year, one in the fall and one in the spring. It’s a great opportunity for families to take advantage of and learn from.”
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The Community Press
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
4 Ways to Find Passion and Purpose in Your Life Mark D. Langford Let me paint you a picture. You arrive at work tired from a restless night worrying about a highstakes proposal or how to ask for a well-deserved raise. A single glance at your stuffed inbox and your message button blinking a menacing shade of red makes your pulse quicken with anxiety. It’s been months since you’ve had time to let off steam at the gym. You pause to wonder what it would be like to use the 30-plus vacation days you’ve accrued over the past two years. Or to have a job that offered flexibility, respect and empowerment. With the morning’s first meeting starting in minutes, there’s no time to linger on that daydream. Instead, you hammer out emails that begin, “Sorry for the delayed response, but I’ve been crazy busy.” It’s barely 8 a.m. and you’re already overwhelmed. Your body aches with fatigue. Sound familiar? You might be suffering from what I call, “work sickness.” It arises when, infected by fears about job security and money, we work without full engagement or real passion. Driven by angst about not having enough, we make it our life’s mission to pursue wealth, even when we’re not passionate about the process. When the deadline for that high-stakes proposal looms, it seems
getting there will leave you utterly drained. A difficult conversation with a colleague leaves you seething and wishing you could flee. All the while, your inbox keeps getting bigger. You feel as if you’re treading water at a furious pace yet barely staying afloat. We work more, play less and neglect the very reason we strive for success in the first place: to experience joy in life. When day-to-day actions and reactions stem from fear and from focusing on all the things we don’t want to have happen in life, it not only has a negative impact on the body, but also creates a division between mind and soul. It disrupts balance, saps creativity and energy, and impedes the pursuit of personal passions. It affects productivity, morale and even how we interact with each other—all the while robbing us of time and happiness. It eclipses the joy of working with a sense of obligation, self-sacrifice and a lack of control. As the VP of product management at a digital media delivery provider, the long hours I clocked felt pointless. Convincing more people to watch TV on their smartphones contradicted my fundamental beliefs about the importance of face-to-face human connections. The environment was toxic, yet I was fighting for the job security to support my lifestyle, which I loved.
But I ached to devote my time to something I felt more viscerally passionate about. Over time, my frustration grew. I lost my filter and stopped refraining from throwing up my hands in disgust or telling people I wasn’t happy. My attitude caught up with me and I was laid off. The layoff forced me to develop a new perspective. I was a blank slate. A career coach helped me focus on what my innate gifts are, what I do well and what I love doing. In the trenches of the corporate world, it’s hard to see past where you are. You have to confront your fears to find your purpose—because without purpose, we leave ourselves susceptible to the anxiety-driven, going-nowhere-fast career. Find your passion with these four steps: 1. Dig deep. Ask questions instead of creating conclusions. Questions lead to growth and expansion; conclusions lead to dead ends. Ask yourself: What am I thinking? What else is possible? Would I love this? And simply: Why? 2. Map your future. Create a “passion plan” comprised of three lists: Companies that pique your interest, job descriptions that sound like fun and specific functions you would enjoy from job descriptions. Then, determine where to look,
what additional training you might need, which companies to contact and what people to add to your network. 3. Do the 40/20. Structure your time so that you work 40 hours, but budget 20 additional hours outside of your job to: Assemble your passion plan. Develop and refine your brand (LinkedIn profile, résumé, etc.). Network and talk to everyone. Take bold actions like making the calls you’ve always feared and developing ways to stand out from the crowd. 4. Look at the big picture. Identify patterns and themes in your life. What have they prepared you to do? What do others come to you for advice about? What comes as easily to you as breathing but is a struggle for others? Most important, make life about always being true to who you are and not who or what family, friends, teachers and society tell you that you should be. Only then will you find your passion. The more aligned your thoughts and beliefs are to your purpose and passions, the easier it becomes to make decisions, set and achieve goals, and keep “work sickness” from infecting your life.
A&E (Amor y Esperanza) Primary Home Care Providing The RGV with Quality Home Care Mon - Fri 8 am to 5 pm 121 Wilson Ave Elsa, TX 78543 Email: aeproviders4612@gmail.com
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NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK 2017 This week is National Prevention Week, the reason for this is because adolescents and college students most often use substances for the first time in June or July (Source: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA). What does prevention mean to you? It is defined by Google as the action of stopping something from happening or arising. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 20 million Americans aged 12 or older used an illegal drug in the past 30 days. Illicit drugs include marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or prescription drugs used without a prescription. We can work together to save lives and prevent addiction and other health issues that occur due to drug and alcohol abuse. Conversations need to take place in order for prevention to work. According to SAMHSA, teens who consistently learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t. If you or someone that you know needs help with starting that conversation, please give us a call at (956)232-2300. CASA Coalition, an effort with Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas, is here to provide the help and support that you may need! For more information on drug and alcohol prevention visit our website, www.bhsst.org. Let’s get those conversations started because prevention does work!
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
The Community Press
Page 11
SPAMER from page 1
CiL purchases cotton from across Texas and the cotton belt states and exports it to cotton mills across Mexico. The 80,000-square-foot facility in Alamo will house thousands of bales of cotton.
“Job creation is our No. 1 thing in Alamo. Walmart was our biggest sales tax producer but they have expanded into Donna and Pharr so we lost a little bit. But, we made up for it in other areas, with other businesses coming in. “We think we are going to be able So, I think we are doing great.” to move more merchandise, other than cotton. We are looking at Garza said because CiL has 20steel, a trans-loading operation, plus of acres of land at the Busiwe are also looking at a scrap ness 83/Tower Road location, more warehousing could be on metal trans-loading operation.” the cards. CiL has been operating in the Valley for about 25 years. The “I think with the owner’s knowlcompany started with a 20,000 edge and his connections, I think square-foot warehouse in Hidal- something will develop and he go. Now it has 1.1 million square will be good for everybody. I think it is a great opportunity for feet. the City of Alamo and the com“We get cotton from all the cot- pany coming in here to come to ton belt states, Rio Grande Val- Alamo. I think there is a lot of ley, Corpus Christi, Houston, potential in Alamo,” Garza addLubbock, Memphis, Carolina, ed. Georgia, from everywhere. Even from California. And all this cot- CiL has warehouses across the ton, the final destination is mills Rio Grande Valley. Spamer said in Mexico. They manufacture he was thrilled to be expanding textiles and most of those tex- operations into Alamo. tiles are sold in Mexico. Some are brought back, as a finished “There is a lot of potential for product, like jeans,” Spamer ex- this property. We currently have 80,000 square feet of warehouse plained. space and 20,000 square feet of Asked why Mexico needs U.S. office space. It is not a big warecotton, Spamer said: “Mexico house but it is big enough for produces about 700,000 bales but cotton handling. We have plans it is in constant demand. Mexico to increase the square footage to utilizes about 2.2 million bales a 160,000 square feet in the next year. So, it buys from the States few months,” Spamer said. about 1.5 or 1.6 million bales a year.” “For us, this location is very CiL’s new warehouse operation is special because we just jumped located on the corner of Business to over a million square feet of 83 and Tower Road in Alamo, in warehouse space. We have warea building that used to belong to house space in Mission, McAllen, Atlantic Plastics, a plastics mold- Weslaco, Alamo, Raymondville, you name it, we have warehousing firm. es there. We also have a footprint “This building has been emp- in Pharr and we are very grateful ty for a long, long, time. We are to the Rio Grande Valley and the excited to have CiL come into City of Alamo for helping us set town. I think everything is go- up shop in Alamo.” ing to be great for every party involved,” said Alamo Economic Asked about the attraction of a Development Corporation Presi- smaller Valley city, Spamer said: dent Alonzo Garza.
“I have friends that have businesses in Alamo. When you get out of the big cities of Pharr, South Pharr, McAllen, Mission, don’t get me wrong, they are great cities and we have done extremely well with those cities, but when you come to a smaller location, it is better to have that personal interaction with the mayor, with the city officials, with the director of the EDC, the chamber of commerce.
we grow,” Martinez said. “We always want companies to come and open in Alamo, that helps our tax base. And so, we welcome new business with open arms.”
Martinez said additional business may be on the horizon for CiL and Alamo. “I have just spoken to the owner and he said he wants to sit down with the city manager and I to discuss future plans. He wants to expand his company here. I said we have an “It depends on the size of the open-door policy.” business. If you have 10,000, 15,000 square feet operation, Al- Asked how well Alamo is doing, amo is perfect for that. If you are given the drop off in Mexican looking for a 250,000, 300,000, shoppers across the Valley, Marsquare feet operation, I believe tinez said: “We are doing great. McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, We got our numbers yesterday might do a better job for you. For and they are really good. I hate a certain size of distribution cen- to say this but the flea market ter, Alamo, Weslaco, Mercedes, helps. Visitors come to the flea these are great cities to do busi- market and then stay and shop in ness in.” Walmart and other stores. It has had a big impact.” While cotton has been CiL’s core business, the company has ex- Martinez then referenced a numpanded into real estate in recent ber of “exciting” new projects. years. The company employs about 60 people across the Val- “We are waiting for approval for ley. “We try to be very efficient,” an emergency care unit. We are Spamer said. sure other businesses will follow once that opens. On South AlaSpamer said he is keen to explore mo Road, a nursing home is beother business opportunities ing built. So, Alamo is growing with the City of Alamo. pretty fast. We have a new nature park, behind Boys and Girls “We want to work with the City Club, which should be completof Alamo in setting up an indus- ed in June, with a ribbon cutting trial park here. We think that is in July. It is starting to look real necessary for the city to attract nice. more business. We have plenty of acreage. I think we can increase “And, Alamo Road is being exacreage with help from the City panded to five lanes from Exof Alamo. I think it would be pressway83 to Nolana. This is a very good to attract more busi- project being undertaken by Txness opportunities to the city and DOT and the City of Alamo. We to increase the labor force of the expect construction to start next city. I think it is beneficial for us year. and the city.” “Our population is growing. We Alamo Mayor Diana Martinez are at about 22,000 now. We have said officials were thrilled to have several subdivisions coming up. a company of the stature of CiL We offer quality of life. We want opening operations in the city. visitors to shop in Alamo and stay in Alamo.” “I want to wish CiL and Mr. Spamer all the success. If they grow,
Page 12
The Community Press
May 2017 Volume 1 Issue 57
‘We can use peace’: Trump and Pope Francis meet Jonathan Lemire VATICAN CITY — President Donald Trump and Pope Francis, two leaders with contrasting styles and differing worldviews, met at the Vatican on Wednesday, setting aside their previous clashes to broadcast a tone of peace for an audience around the globe. Trump, midway through a grueling nine-day, maiden international journey, called upon the pontiff in a private, 30-minute meeting laden with religious symbolism and ancient protocol. Neither man, unquestionably two of the most famous in the world, repeated their prior criticism of the other. The statements released afterward were deliberately vague and contained only hints of areas of disagreement. Trump smiled broadly, the pope smiled less, but both agreed, at least for a day, to settle on the same message: the need to avoid conflict.
That theme was reflected in their words and their gifts. The pope, upon completing their meeting, gave the president a medal featuring an olive branch. “We can use peace,” said the president, concurring with the symbolism. Francis also gave a message of peace and three bound papal documents that to some degree define his papacy and priorities, including the family and the environment. The pope told Trump he signed the message “personally for you.” Trump said he would read the books. In exchange, Trump presented the pontiff with a custom-bound, first-edition set of Martin Luther King Jr.’s works, an engraved stone from the King memorial in Washington and a bronze sculpture of a flowering lotus titled “Rising Above.” “I think you’ll enjoy them.
I hope you do,” Trump said. When Trump departed, he told the pope: “Thank you, I won’t forget what you said.” The visit began with a handshake after each man arrived, Trump in a lengthy motorcade, Francis in a Ford Focus. The president was heard thanking the pope and saying it was “a great honor” to be there. They posed for photographs and then sat down at the papal desk, the pope unsmiling, as their private meeting began. It ended a half hour later when Francis rang the bell in his private study. The pontiff was then introduced to members of Trump’s delegation, including his wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as aides Hope Hicks and Dan Scavino. Smiling for the staff, Francis had a light moment with the first lady, asking via translator, “What do
you give him to eat, potica?” referring to a favorite papal dessert from her native Slovenia. The first lady laughed and said “Yes.” She and Ivanka covered their heads in a sign of papal respect, a gesture they did not partake in Saudi Arabia. Afterward, as he met with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Trump said of the pope: “He is something.” “We had a fantastic meeting,” the president said. “It was an honor to be with the pope.” Trump tweeted later that the meeting was the “honor of a lifetime.” A statement from the Vatican later said “satisfaction was expressed” at their “joint commitment in favor of life” and that there was hoped-for collaboration on health care, assistance to immigrants and protection of Christian communities in the Middle East. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump and the pope talked extensively about extreme terrorist threats and extremism, and the radicalization of young people. Tillerson said climate change and migration issues came up in Trump’s meeting with the cardinal secretary of state. In recent days, Francis and Trump have been in agreement on a need for Muslim leaders to do more against extremists in their own communities. But there are few other areas where their views align. The president’s prior an-
ti-Muslim rhetoric — including his musing that Islam “hates” the West — is the antithesis of what the pope has been preaching about a need for dialogue with Muslims. Francis also differs sharply with Trump on the need to combat climate change and economic inequality. Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, had a private audience with Francis at the Vatican in 2014 that lasted 50 minutes. But the timing Wednesday was tight as Francis had his weekly Wednesday general audience. The thousands of pilgrims on hand forced Trump’s motorcade to enter Vatican City from a side entrance rather than the grand entrance through St. Peter’s Square. The meeting, which concluded Trump’s tour of the world’s largest monotheistic religions, comes after the president and pope collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Trump’s campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees. “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian,” Francis said at the time. The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a “moral imperative” and “Christian duty” to help. Trump then called Francis “disgraceful” for doubting his faith.
Though both Trump and Francis are known for their unpredictability, papal visits with heads of state are carefully arranged bits of political and religious theater that follow a specific program, with little room for deviation or unwanted surprises. Trump, the 13th president to visit the Vatican, also toured the Sistine Chapel.
Trump’s visit to the Eternal City follows two stops in the Middle East where he visited the cradles of Islam and Judaism. In Saudi Arabia, he addressed dozens of Arab leaders and urged them to fight extremists at home and isolate Iran, which he depicted as a menace to the region. In Israel, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to strong ties with the nation’s longtime ally and urged Israelis and the Palestinians to begin the process of reaching a peace deal. No details or timetable have yet to be established for negotiations.
But while Trump received extravagantly warm welcomes in Riyadh and Jerusalem, the reception could grow cooler now that he’s reached Europe, site of widespread protests after his election. Climate change activists projected the words “Planet Earth First” on the massive dome of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Tuesday night and protests are expected after Trump arrives in Brussels for a NATO meeting and Sicily for a G-7 gathering.