Boy Scout improves Bannworth Park

2010 U.S. Census forms mailed out this week

Coach Garza inducted in Hall of Fame

Mission: Then and Now opens at MHM

UVAL celebrates anniversary

Building homes, hearts and faith

Church youth groups converge on Mission to serve poor

By Mary Nichols

Laughter, congregating and banging pots could be heard from the kitchen at First Presbyterian Church of Mission last Wednesday. Church members were preparing a special dinner of elk enchiladas, rice, beans and avocado for church volunteers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who were here to help people along the border living in substandard housing.

The Mission Service Project, in conjunction with Faith Communities Disaster Relief, is made up of various churches – often from other parts of the country – that network to do community volunteer projects repairing and improving homes for impoverished families living in the colonias.

Dave Diercksen, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, says they will provide each volunteer group a place to stay, eat, work and a rewarding experience.

“What we have found is that churches involved in the mission are the ones that are the most alive. We have a wonderful opportunity here at the church because we are ideally located, and close to work sites like the colonias where we can have an impact as hosts and volunteers,” said Diercksen.

First Presbyterian Church of Mission has been involved with community outreach for over 25 years. The funding for the mission projects is mainly raised by visiting volunteer groups. Costs include: transportation to the Rio Grande Valley and to the colonias, food, and building materials for the houses they are restoring.

Mission Service Project does get some donations to add to a mission from organizations like the Mission Lion’s Club, Junior Service League of McAllen and other local groups.

Restoration of homes performed by mission groups includes roofing, dry wall, new floors, windows and doors. Pastor Diercksen says usually what work can be done depends on the request of the homeowner and how much funds are available. In most cases, if one mission group can only fix three-fourths of a roof, another group will come in and fix the rest of the roof and anything else.
“The church I think needs to be providing its people with opportunities to experience God on their own,” said Diercksen. “This project is one of those experiences and puts our faith in action. Everybody is coming at it from a faith perspective”

The volunteer project usually takes place for five days from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

John Cain, board member of the volunteer committee of the Presbyterian Church, says they are hard-work hours that stay with you for a lifetime.

“We have helped many homes and residents. Each team does one home. Since I have been involved, we have had over 25 teams working on maybe 22 homes,” said Cain. “If it’s a real big job, sometimes we put two teams on one home.”

Mission Service Projects usually occur during a week in June and involve over 25 different churches from all over the country. However, First Presbyterian Church is encouraging church groups to take part in missions year round. They hosted two more mission groups this week during spring break: the Grace Presbyterian Church from Crystal City, Missouri and a Baptist Student Union group from the University of Houston.

The church hopes to spread the word and get more mission groups to come down, with the help of their Winter Texan members.

“We have many Winter Texans that worship with us. They will go home to their home churches,” said Diercksen. “And we will be challenging them to ask their mission committees, ‘If you’re going to want a mission trip why not come down to the Rio Grande Valley. As a matter of fact we have a great place where you can stay.’”

Pastor Dave says their church tries to look outside their walls and see the needs of others and attempt to address those needs and not just talk about them.

“I think that is very important for us as a world today. There is a need and we are so blessed we get to share and help,” said Diercksen. “They are a brother and sister in Christ, whether they are Presbyterian or not is not an issue. We’re just trying to help somebody and appreciate what we have more.”

Cain says the service work helps show homeowners how powerful love and faith can be.

“Home repair work is important because it shows the love of Jesus Christ to the family that owns the home,” said Cain. “It motivates people to take a week off from their lives to come and help try to fix their house. It shows them this is what God’s love is. That’s what I was doing, that’s what I came to understand.”

Judy Mayes, on the board for the volunteer committee of Mission Service Project, says the projects are great for character building.
“It’s two-folded. We help the family, and it builds your faith up too. It shows you what work you are able to do within that week,” said Mayes. “Volunteers who have never picked up a hammer, by the end of the week they become very proficient at hammering a nail and not their fingers.”

Learning how to use a hammer is just one of the many memorable experiences volunteers learn and take home with them.

Stacy Safder, a volunteer from the First United Presbyterian Church of Crafton Heights in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is working on a home in a colonia in Rio Grande City. This is her second time taking part in the service project in the Valley. Before coming down she says she did research and some light reading about what is really going on in our area. That really helped her see how little she knew about border issues.

“It’s a lot more complex here than what I thought. I really got to see what it’s like first hand. I’m very fortunate. I grew up always knowing I would grow up, go to school, go to college, get a job, a house and a car,” she said. “From the stories I read it looks like not many people have that choice here.”

Volunteer Sandi Blum, a volunteer from the same group, says she wanted another opportunity to strengthen her faith and help others.

“I wanted to see what the next step I could take with my faith and my involvement in the church. This opportunity came up, and was a great way for me to do that. Not only to learn a whole other culture, but to make me more aware of the world, the diversity we have here and try to help” said Blum. “When we go back to Pittsburg, it just doesn’t end; we will share what we did and learned and somehow apply it in our life.”

Jason Dix says his last mission trip was 10 years ago in high school, so when his church discussed the trip, he jumped on the opportunity.

“It was such a good experience and I wanted to try and do it again. The opportunity to get out of the routine of normal life and see how other people live was a big part,” said Dix. “Hopefully, it’s meaningful and it can be something I can take back home with me, to change the way I live my life and all the things I take for granted.”

Helping others in need and the learning experience is what the church feels is important. They hope they can spread their message and year-round mission service program to others.

“Most churches are doing it. What one church can’t do alone a lot of us can do together. This is a way for us to work together as a church. Quiet honestly, when you get members involved in the church it’s hard to go back to the old church,” said Diercksen. “You always want to be involved and continue with the camaraderie. It’s an experience that is life altering.”

The church says they have had such a good tradition with the Mission Service Project and they know how successful the project can be for a week. For the future, they want to see what would happen if volunteers were able to come down more often and for longer.

“By being hosts and maybe getting others to be hosts as well, we could really get a lot accomplished. We have publicized the event and brought teams down, housed them, bought the materials, fed them and found them jobs to do,” said Cain. “That takes a tremendous amount of help from the volunteers. By hosting people, we are spreading the word around that we have mission service jobs.”

Diercksen says Mission Service Project builds more than just homes.

“We are doing construction work and building something, but we’re trying to build people too. We work with moms, educate on immigration issues and culture on the border, and other issues affecting the area,” he said. “Culture affects the way people look at each other. We will fail as a group if they don’t leave here with that. When they go back home maybe they will do something like this there. I think that’s where we get the biggest strokes.”

Stacy Safder says working on the Mission Service Project may only be for a week and feel like that can’t contribute anything, but it does in many ways.

“When I first started, it felt like we weren’t doing enough work with the short amount of time. But now I understand that it does not matter, the short amount of time or how insignificant the work may seem, it does make a big difference,” said Safder. “The work is appreciated by the people we help. We really help make a difference even in the smallest of ways.

Soccer Playoffs Update

Significance of Game: Boys 5A Bi-District Soccer Play-Offs

Teams: Sharyland High School vs Del Rio High School

Date of Game: Monday March 22, 2010

Site of Game: Laredo United SAC Athletic Complex

Start Time of Game: 6:00 p.m.

Gates will Open at: 5:00 p.m.

Admission to Game: Adults – $3.00
Students – $2.00

Boy Scout uses Eagle Scout project to improve Bannworth Park

By Edwina P. Garza

MISSION — Residents now have a few more options for physical fitness at Bannworth Park. Hunter Overly, a junior at Sharyland High School, installed four different fitness stations along the track for his Eagle Scout project.

Overly, 17, also used the help of his fellow troops from the McAllen Boy Scouts Troop No. 68.

“I’ve seen people here trying to do strength training and it’s not too effective,” Overly said on Saturday as he and his team, along with Mission Parks and Recreation staff installed the stations.

Overly said he’s constantly at this park. As an athlete, he’s here with his school’s track team, and as a national-level triathlon participant, he’s usually running on this track. So when he worked on generating an idea for his Eagle Scout project, the highest honor a scout can earn, Overly said he wanted to help local residents at one of the city’s most popular parks.

“McAllen parks have physical equipment,” he said, explaining that he wanted Mission residents to have the same advantage.

On March 13, the group installed pull up bars, parallel bars, a sit-up bench and push-up bars around the track.

To purchase the equipment, Overly raised almost $4,600 from local sponsors.

Overly’s project comes at a perfect time for the city. Already, the city has posted its future plans for Bannworth Park, which includes a gymnasium and a swimming pool. When he made his presentation to city leaders for his project in October, Overly said he had no idea the city planned to make major improvements at the park.

“I think it’s great,” Overly said of the incoming improvements. “It’s perfect timing.”

In an Eagle Scout project, the scout must choose a service project that benefits the community, environment or a religious group. In projects like Overly’s, the scout must also act as a leader in the planning, development and execution of the project.

For Overly, who has been a Boy Scout since he was seven years old, the leadership skills he’s learned as a Boy Scout helped him fulfill his project.

“I joined the Boy Scouts with one goal in mind,” he said of the Eagle Scout honor. “It’s been the whole purpose of being in Boy Scouts.”

As the concrete set in the different stations across the park, Overly said he was eager to return to the park to exercise.

“I’ll be glad I did it,” he said as residents jogged past him. “This is why I’m doing it.”

2010 U.S. Census forms mailed out this week

By Edwina P. Garza

MISSION — Local, state and federal leaders met recently to ask the community to not ignore the 2010 Census form when it arrives in their mailbox.

“It’s time to check your mailbox, fill out the form and mail it back,” said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. “With only 10 questions, it takes just 10 minutes to complete and that can make a big difference for our community.”

The census was sent out to millions nationwide this week with bilingual forms due back by April 1. Information gathered from the census helps determine the population and helps determine how billions of dollars in federal funding will be distributed to state, local and tribal governments, officials said. The census is also used to allot seats for the U.S. House.

Cuellar, outside his Mission office on Tom Landry St. at a census promotional event, said the census would help bring money and more representation to the area. In the last census, in 2000, Hidalgo County’s participation was at 58 percent, compared to the national rate of 72 percent, he added. Without those responses, the county goes without the necessary funds for different public projects.

“Making yourself count with the 2010 Census will help make vital investments here at home,” Cuellar said.

Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade, who was recently named the sate census ambassador by Gov. Rick Perry, said she’d been visiting different communities around the state urging community members to participate in the census. Without a high response, the state will be shortchanged, she said. Each person counted in the census brings an additional $13,500 to the state.

State Rep. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, said while the border region is largely underserved despite the growing numbers, the census allows residents a chance to change that by filling out the form to determine the next 10 years.

Higher census representation also helps funding for schools, roads, and allows businesses to know the population and its needs before deciding to relocate here.

On a list of “hard-to-count” areas in Texas, Hidalgo County is listed at No. 11, Lucio said.

“It is our duty to be counted,” Lucio said.

Elected officials stressed that with a high response, the area could also earn additional seats in the U.S. House.

“We all need to join and make our effort,” said Census Representative Sylvia Martinez. “It is very important for your communities.”

Census form answers are safe and confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, officials said.

At the county level, officials are using the slogan, “I Count, Yo Cuento” with the Hidalgo County Census Complete Count Committee promoting the importance of the census across the county. Participants from each precinct have met over the past few months to distribute information on the census leading up to this week’s mailout.

“The 2010 Census is vitally important to the future of our county,” said Hidalgo County Judge Rene A. Ramirez. “The data gathered will determine local funding for vital local services, such as education, health care and transportation, and it will also play a key role in redistricting.”

Mission's Coach Garza to be inducted in Hall of Fame

Humbled. Overwhelmed. A privilege. Those are the words Mission High School basketball coach Rene Garza used to describe his soon to be induction to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

“It's a great honor,” says the veteran coach. “I am still in awe. I can't find the words to say.”

Garza's accomplishments range from his participation in Valley basketball committees to participating as an outstanding mentor for the hundreds of girls who have filtered through his program. In fact, Garza feels much of this honor goes to those girls. Girls who Garza was at first afraid to coach, after spending all his previous coaching experience with boys.

“I was a little hesitant at first,” says Garza. However, the San Antonio native soon realized that while girls are not athletically on the same level as boys, they are often more “coachable [and] do everything they are asked.”

Garza's influence goes well beyond the gym. In fact, this latest reward is really the cherry on top for Garza's long distinguished career on the sidelines, in the classroom and a part of coaching organizations. The coach has spent considerable time on basketball committees here in the Valley, such as president for the RGV Basketball Coaches Association in 2001 and the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame from 2002-2004. The hard work resulted in Garza, himself, being inducted in the RGV Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

“I am constantly involved [in these organizations] to promote the Valley,” he explains.

On the court, Garza has proven to be quite the winner both with girls and boys basketball. Prior to his tenure with the Lady Eagles, Garza headed the programs at Mercedes and Weslaco. His overall record at the three schools stands at 483 wins and 272 losses.

At Mission, since his inaugural 1996-97 season, Garza is 252-174. In the 14 seasons, the Lady Eagles have made the playoffs nine times and captured the district title one time. This year was another successful season as Garza's team won 20 games, finished third in district, and was the only team from District 32-4A to be Bi-district Champions.

In receiving the honor on July 14 in Arlington, Garza will also be participating as the 4A/5A South Girls Coach in the Texas All-Star game. Having the two honors placed upon him so suddenly, again humbles the coach.

“To be inducted and then coach the All-Star team the same week is just awesome. I am just humbled for the experience,” he said.

In addition, Garza feels credit is due to others than himself, saying, “The support from my wife, my family and my sons has always been there from the beginning. They have been very instrumental in my success. [In addition] the support I get from the school, [makes it] a luxury to be coaching here in Mission.”

When asked his final thoughts, Garza replied, “It is a humbling experience. God has given me this opportunity to experience this. With the blessing of God, I feel things happen.”

‘Mission: Then and Now’ opens at MHM

The Mission Historical Museum’s newest exhibition, “Mission: Then and Now,” recently opened in the museum’s John Shary Building. The exhibit compares 20 photographs of early Mission with views of the same scenes today. All of the old photos featured can be found in the museum’s new book Images of America: Mission. The newest photos were captured just a few weeks ago.

The exhibit reflects changes in Mission during the last 100 years. A few areas are still recognizable, especially the area around the Border Theatre. Other early structures, such as C.G. de la Garza’s store, are gone without a trace. Many of the earliest structures were of wood frame construction, and most have not survived. In some cases, the basic shape of a building is recognizable, but the exterior has been remodeled.

The exhibit will be on view until Sept. 3. The museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is located at 900 Doherty in Mission. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Call 580-8646 for additional information.

UVAL celebrates 75th anniversary

The Upper Valley Art League is celebrating their 75th anniversary with a “Denim & Diamonds” event that is free and open to the public, according to Maxilou Link, UVAL president. It will be held Saturday, March 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Kika De La Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th Street in Mission, next to Speer Memorial Library.

The evening begins with a Mission Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and the re-dedication of the Kika De La Garza building with a plaque marker in his honor. He is expected to attend.

There will be a free door prize drawing (UVAL members excluded) for an oil painting by Adalberto Leal. Leal does not sell his works, but he is donating a piece for the event in support of the League. He paints in the style of the old masters. Miguel Abiel, a one-man show, will perform a range of musical numbers.

For the event, the 2010 Quilted Fiber Arts Exhibit will still be on display from its March 13 showing. Restored antique cars and street rods will be exhibited in the parking lot behind the building. UVAL artists will showcase the various mediums used and taught in workshops and classes: watercolors, stone sculpting, oil painting, pen and ink, print making, and pastels. Refreshments will be served.

The UVAL began in 1935, based in McAllen, with eight women as the original organizers. It moved to Mission 10 years ago and has over 100 members. Membership is open to the general public, and members need not be experienced artists to join. The organization offers workshops and classes in all mediums to the general public, and hosts monthly events at their facility. Three events are scheduled this month: the 2010 Quilted Fiber Arts Exhibit on March 13, the Denim & Diamonds event, and a one-man art show on March 27.

The organization supports community events and other organizations through their cooperative efforts, such as face painting at the Bentsen State Park World Birding Center, collages at Palm Fest in McAllen, donating paintings for the pediatric ward at Mission Regional Medical Center, and setting up art exhibits in Speer library.

For further information about the event or to be come a UVAL member, call 581-7669 or 583-2787.

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