The Mercedes Enterprise (Mercedes, Tex.), Vol. 85, No. 44, Ed. 1 Wednesday, October 29, 1997 Page: 2 of 44
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E
Page 2 — The Mercedes Enterprise
Mercedes, Texas 78570 Wednesday, October 29, 1997
DEFENSE
OFFENSE
JUMBO
6
With sincere appreciation...
SANCHEZ
TONY
TORRES
Rep. Hinojosa says
vet care to improve
in memory of Marc Anthony Romeros
February 2,1963 - November 1,1996
BANANAS
A LBS. $-
T FOR I
Maria F. Sanchez Contreras and Family
Criselda Sanchez Rios and Family
JUANITA M. VALDERAS
Mass recited
for Juanita
M. Valderas
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplift rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
—National Hispanic Institute appli-
cation deadline is Friday, November 7.
The clinics’ goals will be to pro-
vide veterans easier access to medical
. care, implement primary care, provide
care in a more efficient, effective man-
ner, and increase patient satisfaction.
This is beneficial to veterans as it will
improve the quality of care by offering
grandparents, Silvestre and Elida
Acevedo of Weslaco; her maternal
grandfather, Alejandro Martinez of San
Antonio; her paternal grandmother,
Elvira Palacios of Monte Alto; four
aunts, Berta Sosa, Manuela Padilla,
Diana Rocha and Flor Acevedo, all of
Weslaco; and numerous cousins.
Funeral Mass will take place Thurs-
day, October 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Joan
of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco,
with burial at Highland Memorial Park.
Hawkins Funeral Home of Weslaco
is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Catholic funeral mass was recited
Monday for Juanita M. Valderas, who
died October 25 at the age of 44.
Mrs. Valderas is survived by her
husband, Alfonso Valderas of
Mercedes; and three sons, Jose Alberto
Valderas, Marcos Valderas and.
Alfonso Valderas Jr., all of Mercedes.
Also surviving are three daugh-
state marching contest.
Tiger Band fans are invited to at-
tend Senior Band Parent’s Night on
November 7. Band members who will
be graduating next May will be pre-
sented with their letterman jackets at
that time, s
He was preceded in death by his
father, Eladio Sanchez, and his mother,
Herminia R. Sanchez.
Funeral Service with military hon-
ors took place September 23 at Sacred
Heart Church in Mercedes, with burial
following at Catholic Cemetery.
Garcia and Trevino Funeral Home
of Mercedes was in charge of arrange-
ments.
: ters, Marissa Sandoval of Mission,and
' Esmeralda Valderas and Alexis Ullises
Valderas, both of Mercedes; her
mother, Ester Montes of Reynosa; and
one sister, Rosa Irma Perez of McAllen.
VALLEY
NAVELS
We are proud to recognize the efforts of all Tiger football
players in last Friday’s game with Los Fresnos, and
especially proud to single out the following ‘Players of
the Week:”
TANGERINES 12 FOR
Y. Vasquez
dies at 22
Funeral mass is set Thursday for
Yesenia M. Vasquez, who died Octo-
ber 27. at the age of 22.
Born October 19,1975 in Weslaco,
she is survived by her father,
Magdaleno Vasquez of Monte Alto;
her mother, Idolina M. Vasquez of
Mercedes; and a son, Kenneth Lee
Chavez of Mercedes.
Also surviving are her maternal
“What this means to the veterans
of the 15th District,” Congressman
Hinojosa explains, “is that we have
won a major victory in pur quest to
expand local access to quality health
care.
"When I took office in January, I
said I wanted to ensure that the level of
care afforded veterans in our commu-
nities is second to none,” he contin-
ued. “I met with the VA Secretary, the
Acting Secretary, regional and local
VA officials in Texas, each time ada-
mantly reiterating my concerns.. Now
I am pleased to say significant and
very positive steps in that direction are
being taken.”
The counties of Bee. (Beeville),
Jim Wells (Alice), and Kleberg
(Kingsville) have all been approved as
future sites, for primary care commu-
nity-based outpatient clinics, .with
implementation expected in Spring of
the 1998 Summer Academy for Lead-
ers, The NHI sponsors the Young Lead-
ers Conference for freshmen, the
Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative
Session for sophomores and juniors,
and the Collegiate World Series for
juniors.
To obtain an application to theNHF
Summer Academy, one should con-
YELLOW 5 s.
ONIONS $-
BELL
PEPPERS
W FOR I
continuity of care and timely attention
to medical problems; provide follow-
up care to veterans closer to their homes;
reduce some of the travel presently re-
quired to obtain medical care; and re@
duce waiting times for follow-up care.
Again, all veterans with a
compensable service-connected con-
dition are eligible. Equally important,
a plan has also been developed which
will lead to expanded impatient ser-
vices. This pilot program will estab-
lish a process for the contracting of
routine, non-urgent, nonspecialty in-
patient care for stays of three days on,
less. 100% of veterans enrolled
care at an outpatient clinic and also
referred by a VA physician are eli-
gible for this program. The time frame
is implementation of these services is
also Spring of 1998.
“The recognition of the need that
exists by our South Texas and Rio
Grande Valley veterans has been long
in coming,” the Congressmancontin ©
ues. “These actions, however, evidence
a true commitment on the part of the
VA to implement innovative programs
that provide much needed assistance.
Each and every individual who will
benefit from these new services has
earned them through his or her spirit,
sacrifice and dedication to Standing up
for the principles that make our nation
the great country it is. As they have
protected our freedoms and ensured
that so much of the world is a safer and
democratic place to live, so do we
have an obligation to ensure that they
too receive not only what they have
earned, but most importantly, what we
as a country are obligated to provide.
This is a terrific start, and addresses
short-term, immediate needs. My mis-
sion now will be to continue to im-
prove and expand these services in thee.
years to come.” "
1998. Eligibility to receive care at these
new clinics, requires veterans to have
one of the following statuses: ten per-
cent or greater service-connection;
former prisoner of war; World War I
veteran; Aid and Attendance; or
housebound.
A rosary was recited by Deacon
Juanito Trevino on Sunday, October
26 at Rudy Garza Funeral Chapel.
Funeral mass was celebrated Oc-
tober 25 at Immaculate Heart of Mary
Catholic Church, followed; by inter-
ment at Restlawn Memorial Park Cem-
etery of La Feria.
Pallbearers wereMarcos Valderas,
Jose Alberto Valderas and other fam-
ily members.
Funeral arrangements were under
the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral
Home.
Culminating nine months of ar-
dent efforts and negotiations, Con-
gressman Ruben Hinojosa, together
with officials of the Veterans’ Admin-
istration, have announced that veter-
ans in the South Texas and the Lower
Rio Grande Valley can expect to begin
receiving significantly improved and
expanded health care services in 1998.
eran of the U.S. Army, and had a
career as a mechanic.
Survivors include two sisters,
Maria Francisca Sanchez (Jesus)
Contreras, and Criselda Sanchez Rios,
both of Mercedes, as well as several
nieces and nephews.
TOMATOES
.2 S. FOR 51
HOMER’S
P RODU CE
Wholesale • Retail
Juan (Johnny) I
R. Sanchez
We would like to express our
sincere gratitude to our friends
and relatives who helped
comfort our sorrow during this
time of need. The gifts of
flowers, cards, food, prayers
and telephone calls, and the I
kind words expressed by his
friends at the funeral home and : |
at the cemetery, have been 1
greatly appreciated.
Thank you all very much.
May God Bless You All.
Fresh Produce - Ornamental Plants
Just South of Business 83
on Rio Rico Road
CANTALOUPE 99°
WATERMELONS 2 FOR $5
The Alma P. Wheatley Chapter of
Sanchez
was Army
veteran
Catholic funeral mass was con-
ducted September 23 for Juan (Johnny)
R. Sanchez, died September 20 at the
age of 46.A
' Born in Mercedes, he was a vet-
Tiger Beat
News from Mercedes High School
By Arturo Gonzales
DAVID
PEYNADO
ALLOWEEN
ApeCIALS!
is Lisa Lopez.
Sergeant-at-Arms is Christina
Mass will
remember
'departed
Knights'
Mercedes Knights of Columbus,
have arranged for a mass to honor the
memory of departed “Brother
Knights,” to take place this Sunday,
reports spokesman Alfredo Espinoza,
...-.--., : duncn-nanry - a
The service begins at 9 a.m. in
Sacred Heart Catholic Church. All are I
invited to attend, particularly the wid-
ows of departed Knights, he adds.
FOR 9
PLUMS
2 $-
£ LBS. FOR I
Fans and directors have expressed Vasquez, while Heidi Pinkerton and
congratulations to the Mighty Tiger Sonia Flores represent the organiza-
Band for its “excellent performance” tion in Student Council.
at the Texas UIL Area G Marching All officers are members of the
Contest on Saturday, October 25 at Senior Class of 1998. Sponsors for the
Calallen’s Wildcat Stadium. Chapter are Mrs. Mary Ester Guillen
“The band members put all of their and Mrs. Edwina Trevino.
heart into Saturday’s performance, and Induction ceremonies for new
although the outcome wasn’t we’d members will take place Monday,
wanted it to be, we’re all very proud of November 10 at 7 p.m.
the kids,” said Director Ramiro Aldape. •••
The Tiger Band was one of 25 The National Hispanic Institute is
competing for two spots to advance to currently accepting applications for
the National Honor Society recently , tact seniors Danny Avila, Carlos
elected its slate of officers for the 3 Cavazos, Santana Dominguez, Arturo
1997-98 school year. - Gonzalez, Sarah Pemelton, Amanda
President is Sarah Pemelton and , Perez or Amanda Torres.
, vice president is Jennifer A. Salinas.1 The next application deadline is
Larry Barroso will serve the chap-Friday, November 7.
ter as secretary and Veronica Alejandro•••
will handle all financial matters as Upcoming events at MHS:
treasurer. —Mercedes Tigers at Roma Gladi-
Amanda Perez is parliamentarian, ators, Friday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m.
historian is Rick Chavez, and reporter — Go Tigers!
One-year Memorial Masses will be celebrated for Marc Anthony
Romeros on November 12 and November 28, at 6 p.m. in Sacred Heart
Catholic Church of Mercedes. We invite all of his friends and relatives
to join us.
The Romeros Family The Ruiz Family The Del Toro Family
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Which kingdom
are you celebrating?
Most adults have interesting memories of Halloween. We dressed up and
enjoyed a night of trick or treating. We celebrated what, for most of us, was
a fun holiday, even though there were always some who did things that were
not so nice or harmless..
Halloween takes its name from “All Saints Day,” because it is the
Hallowed or Holy evening before. Centuries ago, the Church took pagan
festi vals and sought to dispose of them by changing the meaning to something
that represented the Christian Faith. However, it is difficult to find anything
sacred about this day, as it is generally celebrated.
Rather, it is a survival of mostly ancient pagan beliefs and practices, as well
as being a very important day in modern witchcraft and Satanism.
For several hundred years before Christ, the Celts inhabited what is now
France, Germany, England, Scotland and Ireland. Celtic priests were called
Druids. It is believed that they built the ancient stone monument of Stonehenge
in England to calculate the Sun’s movements and determine the best day to
worship and offer human sacrifices to their gods. October 31st was chosen.
The Celtic people dedicated their New Year’s feast, which was November 1,
and marked the beginning of winter, to Samhain, the ruler of the dead. They
believed that the sinful souls of those' who died during the year were in a place
of torment, or were made to take the forms of animals and would only be
released if their god was satisfied with their sacrifices. They also believed the
dead returned to their original homes on this night and their families Were to
entertain them.
The customof trick or treating is related to this belief. The spirits or ghosts
needed tobe satisfied. Therefore food and gifts were set out for them If the
spirits Were pleased, they would leave you at peace. If not, they would put a
spell on you.
The Celtic villagers believed that merely feeding the spirits might not be
enough to send them on their way, so they dressed in masks and costumes that
represented the souls of the dead, mystically taking on their attributes and
powers. They went from house to house, collecting the treats, and then led the
ghosts out of town.
They carried Jack-o-lanterns to light their way. These were made from
turnips or potatoes with fearful, demonic faces carved into them, which they
hoped would intimidate the demons around them.
S acred bonfires were lit, fires from Which every house in the village would
rekindle their own fire, to ensure prosperity for the coming year. The villagers
would dance around the bonfire, whose light and heat they believed would
help the sun make it through the cold, dark winter. Human sacrifices were
offered to the lord of death. Great wicker cages were built in the shapes of
various animals in which they burned people alive.
When the Romans conquered the Celts, they forbade human sacrifices, but
allowed animal sacrifices to continue. Black cats especially were caged and
burned through the middle ages. They thought the cat was sacred and had once
been a human being, but was now changed as a punishment for evil deeds.
You can see that Halloween is a celebration that really has nothing to dp
with Christianity, but is rather a mixture of traditions and ancient pagan beliefs
and practices. With the growing awareness of witchcraft and satanism in our
world, these things are no longer simply fun and games. Satan and evil spirits
are real.
We are largely a community made up of Catholic and Protestant persons.
We believe in God, Jesus Christ and the Virgin Birth. We appreciate the
example of people of Faith that we read about in the Bible and in history.
Since Halloween is the night before All Saints Day, if we are going to keep
the observance in any sense Christian, we should major on celebrating the
memories of men and women of God and being inspired by their ex-
amples. If we don’t do this, then Halloween becomes, as it basically is, a
secular party, that includes a mixture of pagan beliefs and satanic rituals
that we ignorantly practice. We don’t know anything else to do but carry
on tradition.
We all have done things as a result of tradition and ignorance.
However, there should come a time when each person should evaluate
what he is doing, what he believes in and why. All traditions are not bad.
However, some traditions would be better left behind, especially those
that are connected to pagan and satanic rituals.
As you observe the weekend, notice the displays in the stores, the
decorations, the costumes and the customs, and then ask the question,
. “Which kingdom is really being celebrated and honored most?” The
kingdom of darkness or the kingdom of God?
Rev. Don Brynteson
Mercedes Christian Church
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The Mercedes Enterprise (Mercedes, Tex.), Vol. 85, No. 44, Ed. 1 Wednesday, October 29, 1997, newspaper, October 29, 1997; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1618637/m1/2/: accessed July 6, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library.