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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 17, 2021 THROUGH FEBRUARY 23, 2021

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Your Community Newspaper, Serving the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley VOLUME 98 NUMBER 7

Lions host golf tournament Special by David Briones

Adopt-a-beach winter cleanup

page 2

La Feria ready for final playoff push

page 5

LA FERIA - The Lions and Lionette’s hosted their yearly golf tournament on Tuesday at their home course at Tony Butler in Harlingen. This year the team has had to prepare in half the time they usually have to get ready for the season. Due to COVID they were not able to compete in the fall as they usually do. It has not stopped the kids from picking up where they left off last year. The kids have been working hard since returning from Christmas break and are looking forward to competing for a district title in a few months. The girls team is led by Senior Kayla Castillo, she has been with the team since her 8th grade year. On the boys team Joshua Gonzalez leads the boys. This is Joshua’s sophomore year and looks forward to this years district matchup. The girls team came in a close second to Zapata this past Tuesday. The girls team has a group

Photo courtesy of David Briones

of sophomores that are peaking at the right time. On the boys side they showed a strong showing and were in the mix. They look to improve next week as they travel to Edinburg’s Monte

mingle together when they play. Teams arrive at the course and only play with players from their own school. Once they are done they board the bus and submit scores electronic. Players also had

Cristo course. With Covid numbers still on the rise golf has proven to be one of the safer sports when it comes to social distancing. One of the rule changes for this year is that teams no longer co

to adjust to playing with a mask on. These new changes have not affected the students that much, they still love to be out on the course and enjoy the great weather after being at home virtual learning.

TSTC Surgical Technology students utilize skills at COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The Love Affair By: Nandy Ekle

page 7 5 Tips to Protect Seniors from Scams

page 8

Doc Talk.....................pg. 3 Classified...................pg. 4 Sports ........................pg. 5 Activity Page..............pg. 6 Puzzles........................pg. 7

HARLINGEN - Some Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology students recently took part in an important effort for the Rio Grande Valley by volunteering their time and skills during a COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Ten students were divided into two separate shifts and tasked with data entry during the drive-thru clinic. Surgical Technology instructor Anna San Pedro said that it was a humbling experience. “To have the opportunity to serve the community during this unprecedented time provided a greater perspective of who we are as health professionals and what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves,” she said. The added that the learning experience of assisting during the distribution was invaluable.

“I am confident that the experience has provided our students with a great platform to start their careers with a caring and selfless heart,” she said. “It will also give them a stronger perception of what it means to be a health care provider.” TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez said that preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence is one of the primary missions at TSTC. “TSTC prides itself on preparing our students to enter the workforce ready to work,” she said. “One of the ways we do that is by providing them with the best hands-on experience possible.” She said that realworld learning is where students can blend their passion with their education. “This is where training and their calling merg-

Photo courtesy of TSTC es,” she said. “Students are able to experience that they are here for a bigger purpose.” Hernandez said that this was an event that TSTC students, and history books, will not soon

forget. “Serving during a pandemic is a rare opportunity, but the lessons learned will be applicable for a lifetime,” she said. “Future generations will learn about this • Bridges • Digital

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2 • FEBRUARY 17, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS

More than 8,900 pounds of trash collected at Adopt-a-beach winter cleanup

COASTAL BEND – Over 340 volunteers participated in the 2021 Annual Adopt-A-Beach Winter Cleanup that took place on February 5 and 6, 2021. Volunteers worked together to clean a total of 28.5 miles of beach and bay area. The two-day trash cleanup event resulted in over 8,900 pounds of trash being removed, leaving our Texas beaches clean and beautiful for wildlife and the community alike to enjoy. Sixty-three volunteers helped clean South Padre Island on Friday and collected 1,512 pounds of trash. Hundreds of other volunteers cleaned up areas along Padre Island National Seashore, Cole Park, Port Aransas, North Corpus Christi Beach, Packery Flats, and Aransas Pass where they collected 7,468 pounds of trash. All volunteers were required to wear a mask, social distance from separate parties, and bring their own gloves as a COVID-19 precaution. Volunteers came primarily from South Texas, including: Brownsville, Donna, Edinburg, Laguna Vista, McAllen,

Mission, Pharr, Port Isabel, Rancho Viejo, South Padre, Corpus Christi, and the Coastal Bend area. Texas volunteers also traveled from Austin, Dripping Springs, San Antonio, Kerrville, Palacios, Athens, Frisco, Fulshear, Livingston, Richmond, Raymondville, Alton, Victoria, and Beeville. There were even snowbird volunteers from Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. The next coastwide cleanup will take place on April 17th, 2021. Volunteers can find more information at www.texasadoptabeach.org and are encouraged to take part in a fun-filled day of giving back to our community and taking care of the Texas coast. The Texas General Land Office Adopt-ABeach program began in the fall of 1986, when 2,800 volunteers picked up 124 tons of trash. Since then, more than 551,000 volunteers have removed over 9,700 tons of trash from Texas beaches. Texans who are not able to attend the cleanup can help keep our

Courtesy photo

beaches clean by making a tax-deductible donation online at www.TexasAdoptABeach.org. There are several different Adopt-A-Beach sponsorship levels ranging from $25 to $25,000, allowing

both individuals and corporations to contribute to this major cleanup effort. To learn more about the Adopt-A-Beach program, visit TexasAdoptABeach.org and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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In accordance with the Order of the Office of the Governor issued March 16, 2020, the City of La Feria will conduct the meeting and provide audio/telephonic availability for the public using live stream in order to advance the public health goal of limiting face-to-face meetings (also called “social distancing”) to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (also known as Covid-19). To view the meeting via internet live streaming, please visit https://www.cityoflaferia.com/ boards-and-commissions/city-commission/agendas-2020/ where you will find the agenda for the next meeting. The pdf for the agenda will include a link, meeting ID and passcode for the Zoom meeting. More information is available by calling 346-248-7799. Members of the public may sign up for public comment on an agenda item or for another item of public concern by submitting an email to amorales@cityoflaferia.com containing (1) the name of the individual wishing to comment; and (2) the item number or subject matter the individual wishes to comment on. Please submit requests for public comment no later than two hours before the meeting. Join the meeting at the time and login listed above and the Mayor will call on you when it is your turn to speak. A recording of the meeting will be made and will be available to the public in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. If during the course of the meeting, any discussion of any item on the agenda is permitted to be held in executive or closed session, whether such item is already so identified on this Agenda or not, the City Commission will convene in such executive or closed session in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 551.001-551.146.

FEBRUARY 15, 2021

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6:30 PM City Commission Meeting Online ZOOM Meeting

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 12135 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:30pm St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall at the corner of West & Cypress (956) 797-266 LA FERIA SCHOOL BOARD 2nd Monday, 6:30pm Board Room Central Administration Office 505 N. Villarreal St. (956) 797-8300 LA FERIA BAND BOOSTERS 3rd Monday, 7:00pm La Feria HS Band Hall (956) 797-8300 SANTA ROSA SCHOOL BOARD 3rd Monday • 6:30pm Santa Rosa HS Library (956) 636-9800 MAINSTREAM/PLUS DANCE Mondays • 9:30am - noon Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen

TUESDAYS _____________

CITY OF LA FERIA UTILITIES BOARD 2nd Tuesday, 5:15pm La Feria City Hall 115 E. Commercial Ave. (956) 797-2261 CITY OF LA FERIA CITY COMMISSION 2nd & 4th Tues, 6:30pm La Feria City Hall 115 E. Commercial Ave. (956) 797-2261 AMERICAN LEGION POST #439 1st Tuesday, 7:30pm American Legion Post 145 E. Commercial Ave. (956) 797-3701 CHIP-O-TEXAS WOODCARVERS Every Tues • 8:30am-noon Park Place Estates Friendship Hall • Harlingen (956) 399-6660 SOUTH TEXAS UNITED AUTO WORKERS RETIEES 2nd Tuesday • 10:30am Elk Lodge Club 1426 S. Commerce • Harlingen (956) 428-3555 BLUEGRASS JAM SESSIONS Every Tuesday, 1:30pm Kenwood RV Resort 1201 N. Main • La Feria (956) 797-1875

WEDNESDAYS _____________ DIALOGUE MEETINGS 1st & 3rd Wed, 12:30pm Sept. - May Valley Baptist Medical Center East Tower, 1st Floor, Abbot Meditation Room • Harlingen MAGIC VALLEY QUILTERS Every Wednesday • 10am 1st Christian Church 400 N. Readan • San Benito COUNTRY JAM Wednesdays • 2-4pm Musicians by invite only OPEN TO PUBLIC Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen contact Charlie (308) 379-4589 LINE DANCING Weds • 9:00am - 11:30am • $3 Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen

THURSDAYS _____________ SOROSIS LITERARY CLUB 2nd Thursday Contact Cindy Moore (956) 245-5742 SANTA ROSA CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3rd Thursday • 7:00pm Santa Rosa City Hall (956) 636-1113 MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP Every Thursday • 7-9pm Men’s Resource Center of South Texas 204 N. 1st St. • Harlingen (956) 425-6110

FRIDAYS _____________

LINE DANCING Sat • 1:00pm - 3:00pm • $3 Park Place Estates Ballroom • Harlingen

SATURDAYS _____________ ORDER OF EASTERN STAR HARLINGEN CHAPTER #641 3rd Saturday • 2:00pm Masonic Temple 702 E. Harrison • Harlingen (956) 423-5544

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4 • FEBRUARY 17, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS

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FEBRUARY 17, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 5

La Feria, Castaneda ready for final playoff push to pray. Q: What is your favorite TV show? Sabrina: The show I enjoy watching the most during my free time would have to be All American. Q: What are your plans after high school? Sabrina: After high school I plan on attending the University of Texas at San Antonio where I want to major in Exercise Science to become a Physical Therapist. Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in history who would it be and why? Sabrina: If I could have dinner with anyone in history it would easily have been my grandpa because it would be great to sit down and talk about everything I’ve wanted to tell him.

Photo courtesy of La Feria ISD Facebook page LA FERIA - The La Feria Lionettes are back in the playoffs and have been led by their senior point guard Sabrina Castaneda. The senior has provided a steady hand, leadership and stability for the La Feria over her career. Castaneda is geared up for her final playoff run. We got a chance to catch up with the La Feria senior. Q: As a senior, how

thankful are you for being able to play a whole season? Sabrina: I’m extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to play my last season. Going into the year there was a lot of doubt, because of the current predicament that we are all facing. Through this, my coaches did an excellent job by taking all the necessary precautions to ensure we would have our full season.

Q: How did you handle the offseason? What was the biggest challenge in preparing for your senior season? Sabrina: I took advantage of my time spent in quarantine and used it to work on staying in shape so I’d be prepared for the season that I was longing to have. The biggest challenge that presented itself was the inability to practice with my teammates

as we normally would approaching a season. Q: What is your game day routine like? Sabrina: I’m pretty superstitious when it comes to games. On game day, I like to start my mornings off with a bowl of cereal. When getting ready pre-game, I listen to the same playlist to help me get locked in for the game ahead. Lastly, before every game, I make sure

Q: What has been your best memory while playing for La Feria? Sabrina: My best memories have come during La Féria’s Tommie

Wiseman tournament that we unfortunately couldn’t host this year. It’s always fun getting out of class to play basketball against schools we normally wouldn’t face throughout the regular season. Q: What was the toughest gym to play in and why? Sabrina: The toughest and most challenging gym to play in would have to be Rio Hondo because the atmosphere is gritty and the girls there are always ready to play a tough game. Q: What is your favorite pre game meal? Sabrina: My favorite pre-game meal, as funny as it sounds, is a burrito from Stripes with Apple Juice. Q: If you can have one superpower what would it be? Sabrina: If I could have one superpower it would be the ability to fly so I could travel around the world.

Lionettes soccer team ranked No. 22 in TGCA poll Photo by Kevin Narro | LFN

Photo courtesy of La Feria ISD Facebook page

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6 • FEBRUARY 17, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS

Deaths increase as pandemic reaches plateau

Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell said they now see a light at the end of the tunnel. - Photo by Tony Vindell By Tony Vindell The pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus has reached a plateau but with that comes an increase in people dying from the virus. Such was the picture painted during a press conference held as up to 2,000 people received their second Moderna vaccines on Feb. 5 at Casa de Amistad in Harlingen. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr., several county health officials, Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell and Manny Vela, the chief executive officer with Valley Baptist Medical Center –Harlingen, gave an assessment on the current health situation. Boswell said they now see a light at the end of the tunnel, adding there are still challenges ahead. “Today is a milestone as 2,000 people are getting their second doses today, which means they are fully inoculated,”

he said. “This has been difficult because we don’t have enough vaccines and we thank you for your patience.” Treviño said the increase in cases in December and January can be attributed to the gathering of people during the holidays. Asked when people that don’t fall under 1A and 1B categories are going to be vaccinated, he said the Center for Disease Control, has not set any newer guidelines. 1A applies to health and front line workers and 1B is for people 65 years and above as well as for those with preexisting conditions who are much younger. Treviño said they need to take care of the older, saying they have much higher probabilities to get hospitalized and to die from the virus. He said a total of 1,357 people have died as of the day of the press conference.

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FEBRUARY 17, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS • 7

The Next Chapter The Love Affair Pt. V

By Nandy Ekle

“Oh, Jose. That’s just a nice way of saying I’m boring.” “Far from it. You have that quiet wisdom that comes from leading the kind of life you live—introverted but observant of the world around you. That’s exactly what I crave in a . . . friend. Is that what we are, Christine? Friends?” “As long as we’ve known each other, I think we’re more than that. With all the things you’ve brought to my life, I’d say we are more like . . .” she looked over at Bryan who was wiping the potato chip grease on his jeans. “You bring everything to my life I’ve always wanted and you

never fail to do it exactly when I need it most. Like, during all his games. I’m not a person who needs attention all the time like some of my friends, but sometimes I do need a little. And then you show up bringing me danger and adventure, love and romance, all the right things in all the right places. Jose, I wish I had married you.” “WHAT?” Bryan gasped and a swallow of beer fell out of his mouth onto the front of his shirt. He turned to face them. “DID YOU SEE WHAT THAT BLIND REF DID? PENALTY, THAT’S WHAT HE DID. WHAT A STUPID IDIOT.” He raised his fist and slammed it down on the coffee table

in front of him, causing the snack plates to rattle. “ARE YOU FREAKIN’ CRAZY? THAT WAS SO OBVIOUS EVEN I COULD SEE IT.” Jose turned back to Christine, her eyes still on her husband. Jose nuzzled her neck and blew warm air on the spot behind her earlobe. Christine felt goose bumps deliciously pop out on her arms. He had regained her attention. “Sweet Christine. I could never be a husband, you know that. What we have is wonderful just the way it is. The ultimate highlight of my existence is when your eyes look deep into mine and your hands grip me the way you’re gripping me now. I want to be in your head when we’re not together. I want you to think about me and yearn for me all the time.” “Don’t worry about that. I walk around all the time thinking about you. Sometimes the hardest work I do is keeping my mind focused on what I’m supposed to be doing.” “Now that’s what I want to hear. My darling, you are my entire world. I couldn’t exist without you,” Jose whispered into her ear. She reached up and moved a lock of his hair from one side of his face to the other.

“THAT’S IT, THAT’S IT, THAT’S IT,” Bryan yelled. “UNH. TAKE THAT BACK TO YOUR HOMETOWN, YOU STINKING –“ Jose’s cheeks were smooth and his lips were soft. She looked into his eyes where her reflection looked back at her from deep inside. What she saw took her breath away. She looked so youthful and beautiful. Her silver hairs sparkled like silver threads in a gown. Her eyes shown back at her through his eyes with warmth and eagerness. Her smile produced a line on each side of her mouth, not from age, but from happiness. And her skin warmed with excitement. She read the words his eyes were telling her. Come a little closer, my darling. Her nose nearly touched his face. He quickly closed the space between them and planted a quick kiss on her lips. “ATTA WAY! ATTA WAY! GET HIM GET HIM GET HIM GET HIM,” Bryan yelled. Jose and Christine backed away from each other slightly. “TOUCH DOWN,” Bryan screamed. “Jose, you have a way of making me feel like a beautiful princess. Hold me tight and whisper sweet things to me.”

He leaned his mouth to her ear and whispered. She giggled and snuggled closer to him as if she wanted to climb inside right to his spine. Being with Jose, she was able to forget Bryan’s neglect, the splatters of beer on the floor around him, and the cookie and chip crumbs thick as piles

of sand. She could forget the glob of mustard that had landed on her new dress. She could forget the fact that the real competition was not between the jerseys chasing the ball on the television, but between those jerseys and her. And she could forget the fact that the jerseys would always win.

This story continues next week. The Next Chapter is a column featuring a serialized continuing short story from a local author. You can submit your own original story for publication at news@laferianews.net.

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42. Toddler 43. SAT administrator 45. Software plug-ins 47. Facebook photo option 48. Indulgence of impulses 50. Brees or Barrymore 52. *”Dragnet” sergeant 56. Old Brazilian coins 57. Pakistan’s official language 58. *”Your Show of Shows” comedian Reiner 59. Novelist Zola 60. Not made up 61. *”The ____ of Night” 62. Extinct bird 63. Call minus c 64. Gloom’s companion

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS

THEME: GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ACROSS

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS

1. *Quiz show whistleblower, ____ Stempel 5. Time std.

8. “____ Like it Hot” movie 12. Walkie-talkie word 13. Wild hog 14. Blender setting 15. Coniferous tree 16. Of long ago 17. Gastric problem 18. *A show that had a Ball 20. Surveyor’s map 21. Changes to a manuscript 22. Mai follower 23. Get a move on 26. *Superman portrayer 29. Knot-tying words 30. Like unskilled work 33. Play with a bow 35. New Mexico’s state flower 37. Will Ferrell’s Christmas classic 38. On the radio 39. Nobel Peace Prize capital 40. Beat around the bush

DOWN 1. Arizona tribe 2. Bad to the bone 3. Nevada city near Lake Tahoe 4. Warrant for officer promotion with no pay 5. As opposed to stay in 6. Chagall and Anthony 7. 3-pointer in basketball 8. *”Toast of the Town” host 9. Willy of “Free Willy” 10. Track event 11. Always, to a poet 13. Reference to the writer 14. Between larvae and adults 19. Allergic reaction to bee sting 22. ____ Aviv 23. *Ranger’s call to Silver 24. Sunbaked, archaically speaking 25. Wall or pedestal support 26. Kon-Tiki, e.g. 27. One of the Muses 28. Offspring 31. Getting warm 32. Not in good health 34. Tiny leftovers 36. *Abbott’s comedic partner 38. Online purchase 40. *Marjorie Reynolds in “The Life of Riley” 41. Scolding 44. Schoolmarm’s whip 46. Defrosted 48. Popular winter boot brand 49. Put it to the metal 50. Audition tape 51. SWAT attack 52. France/Switzerland border mountain range 53. Carpenter’s groove 54. Ben Affleck’s 2013 Oscar winner 55. Original matter 56. *Buttons or Skelton

8 • FEBRUARY 17, 2021 • LA FERIA NEWS

3 tips to own your financial outcome in 2021

(StatePoint) 2020 was more than just a health crisis, it had ripple effects on nearly every aspect of our lives, including our long-term financial plans. Research from Lincoln Financial Group shows that personal finance concerns have intensified over the past year. Nearly half of Americans say they are preparing for the 2020 election’s impact on their investments and retirement accounts, and a vast majority have expressed a need for financial education to help them be better prepared for the future. As uncertainty continues amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Americans’ hopes of a comfortable retirement are at risk. “If you are nearing your retirement years, the events of this past year may have been especially concerning, and if you are rethinking your retirement plans altogether in light of 2020, you’re not alone,” says John Kennedy, head of Retirement Solutions Distribution at Lincoln Financial Group. “The good news is that with some smart steps and proper planning, you can set

yourself up to feel more in control of your finances in the year ahead and for years to come.” Kennedy offers the following tips to pandemic-proof and own your financial outcome in 2021:

1. Talk with a financial professional. If you’re not already, consider talking to a financial professional about your goals, roadblocks and concerns, especially given today’s circumstances. Lincoln’s research shows that nearly a third of Americans agree that now is a good time to talk with one. They are well-positioned to help you consider a broad range of solutions that best address your individual needs and situation. 2. Protect your income. Your advisor may suggest diversifying your portfolio to include an annuity, which is a financial product that can provide you with protected income in retirement. Solutions like an annuity can help you feel better prepared to navigate volatility, protect the retirement savings you’ve worked hard for, as well as

provide a legacy for loved ones. “With annuities, you have options for both protected growth and income that can help you feel more secure that you can maintain your lifestyle in a down market,” added Kennedy.

3. Stay the course. New research shows that an unpredictable market concerns more people than actual investment losses. But while market twists and turns may take you for a ride, it’s important to resist the temptation to jump off altogether. By proofing your portfolio to weather market ups and downs, you can guard against market losses, while keeping your money invested for growth. For more resources and tips, visit www.lfg.com. As you look ahead to a new year, it can be empowering to shift focus onto matters within your control. Proper financial planning, along with strategies that offer protection and opportunities for growth, can help you feel more secure as you work toward your investment goals.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Digital Vision. / iStock via Getty Images Plus

5 Tips to Protect Seniors from Financial Scams Right Now

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Daisy-Daisy / iStock via Getty Images Plus (StatePoint) Social isolation among seniors is not only linked to numerous negative health consequences like depression and cardiovascular disease, but it’s also a primary contributing factor in financial exploitation and scams. Estimated to affect one in 10 older adults and cost billions annually, the threat of elder financial fraud is pervasive, and especially so right now. With seniors more isolated than ever due to the pandemic and stimulus checks being sent to millions of Americans nationwide, experts suggest that seniors and their families be extra vigilant. “Scammers look for key time periods where money and private financial information are in motion. Not only is IRS fraud one of the most common and successful types of scams that exists, as a general rule, additional money equates to additional fraud,” says Ron Long, head of Aging Client Services at Wells Fargo. “Scammers are banking on the fact that many seniors are apart from families and friends due to COVID-19. When someone is alone, physically or socially, they often miss out on the added benefit of a second pair of eyes and ears.” Compounding the risks associated with isolation is the number of seniors who feel their chances of falling victim to a financial scam is unlikely. According to a recent Wells Fargo study conducted by The Harris Poll, 69 percent of all seniors age 60 and above believe they’re not likely to be susceptible to a financial scam, despite nearly all seniors (97 percent) acknowledging that older people are very or somewhat susceptible to becoming a victim. When asked about their peers, the poll found that 47 percent of all seniors knew someone who had already fallen victim to a scam. “The results indicate what most of us want -- the ability to age relatively unaffected from the realities associated with aging,” says Dr. Marti DeLiema, a gerontologist and consultant for Wells Fargo’s Aging Client Services. “The problem is that when someone doesn’t feel they’re at risk, they’re unlikely to take precaution.” To better protect seniors from elder financial fraud and abuse, consider these tips from Wells Fargo: 1. Don’t wait for a crisis. Seniors should speak with trustworthy family members about financial plans, as well as consult them when something doesn’t feel right. 2. Stay up-to-date. Seniors and families should draft and periodically update legal documents such as wills, healthcare directives and powers of attorney.

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3. Automate. Seniors should consider signing up for direct deposit, automatic bill pay and large transaction alerts. 4. Prioritize security. Seniors should keep checks and credit cards locked away, and update passwords when information is compromised. They should also carefully review credit reports, account statements and bills for unusual activity or charges. 5. Be aware. Families can help seniors stay aware of the latest and most common scams, as well as help them identify potential red flags, including: • Alleged emergency situations involving family members, often grandchildren, requiring immediate payment. • Lottery winnings requiring upfront cash payment for taxes and other fees. • Phone calls from alleged government agencies, such as Social Security, threatening arrest or penalties. For more information on fraud prevention, visit wellsfargo.com. “Aging resiliently requires planning ahead and not shying away from difficult conversations,” says Long. “We have to talk with our older loved ones about the risks, the warning signs and prevention -- and we have to keep talking.”