Author: Kristi Collier

For the third consecutive year, Pharr Community Theater (PCT) will present the classic play, A Tejano Christmas Carol. This Charles Dickens adaptation is set in the RGV where the mean spirited, shyster Mr. Ezequiel Codos serves as a powerful attorney and greedy water broker. He owns vast property on both sides of the Rio Grande, including tons of water rights, and when he decides to sell all those rights the river dries up to grave consequences in the future.

 

In the process he’s visited by three ghosts that include a soldier woman from the Mexican Revolution, played by Armandina Sesin, who has acted the part for the last three years.

 

“I love playing ‘La Soldadera’/The Ghost of Christmas Past because she reminds me of Mexico and it’s incredible history including the romantic side of the revolution, added Armandina. “The Christmas season is coming and this play is perfect for it, please come and enjoy it”.

 

Fourteen year old Andres Flores from San Juan attends Austin Middle School as an 8th grader. This is his second play with PCT where he now performs in the role of the Ghost of Christmas present, as a young Zoot Suiter alongside 20 other characters and townsfolk who eventually help Codos find a better way, a kinder spirit.

 

“I love being an actor in a play, it has every basic element, I get a cool feeling when out there on stage and you have so much fun saying your lines in front of a crowd, the energy makes me feel great. I connect well to this character”, chuckled the young actor.

 

As the local theater company continues to celebrate it’s 10 year, this production has nearly 30 local actors, crew and technicians, including Nela De La Garza as Stage and Production Manager. It also marks the 3rd year in a row that veteran actor and company director, Pedro Garcia plays Mr. Codos, the Scrooge equivalent.

 

“I seldom cast myself in our plays but this is a part I feel I was cut to play, especially now that I’ve gotten older,” said Garcia. “Codos is a fun character because he’s mean…jeje. I allow myself to try different intonations with him, and this time I’m happy to be offered direction by our new director, Seres Jaime Magaña”.

 

Twenty-seven year old Magaña first took acting classes with Garcia when he was 14 years old and was brought back into the theater a year and half ago to write and direct the play, The Tragic Corrido of Romeo & Lupe, loosely based on Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet. The play was a hit!  Again under the supervision of Garcia, Magaña is being poised to direct on his own soon.

 

“I’m going about it one step at a time… getting more and  more involved with everything that comes into a production of a play; costumes, lights, music, the setting of the stage, directing actors and seeing what it really takes to orchestrate a play”, said Magaña.

 

The play is family friendly.

 

The PCT shows are bilingual but will be in English at several planned tours to local Winter Texan Parks.

 

The play runs November 28 through December 2 at Pharr Community Theater at 213 W Newcombe Ave., Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (Please note: The Saturday, December 1st show will coincide with the City Of Pharr Christmas Posada. It is advised to come earlier that day to find parking in the surrounding vicinity of the theater. Tickets for the play are only $6 for students, military and senior citizens and $8 general admission, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis starting one hour prior to showtime at the theater or in advance by calling 956-239-0412. (The intimate space seats only 60 persons at a time).

 

The bilingual version will also tour to the Pharr Events Center at 3000 N Cage Blvd on December 4 at 7:30 pm. Tickets to this show are $3 per person or 2 tickets for $5 and will only be sold at the door, starting one hour prior to showtime.

 

Four more shows, in English, will take place at 4 RGV WINTER TEXAN PARKS: Dec. 14 thru Dec. 19, 2018:

 

Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm (Fri)

El Valle Del Sol (Peppermint Palace)

2500 E Business Hwy 83, Mission, TX.

For more info. call 956-585-5704

 

Dec 17 @ 7:00 pm (Mon)

Casa Del Sol

400 North Val Verde Rd, Donna, TX.

For more info. call 956-464-9024

 

Dec 18 @ 7:00 pm (Tue)

Winter Haven Village

1015 W Sam Houston, Pharr, TX

For more info. call 308-289-2201

 

Dec 19 @ 7:00 pm (Wed)

Bentsen Grove Resort

1645 South Bentsen Palm Drive, Palmview, TX.

For more info. call 956-585-0703

 

Parks Admission is $7.00.  Open seating, doors open 1 hour prior to play

_________________________________________________________________

 

PIC CAPTIONS: Please feel free to utilize one or more pics for printing with the PSA/Editorial

 

Cast members from A Tejano Christmas Carol rehearse the dinner table scene. L-R:  Ethan Chapa, Zebony Vi Vega, Ruby E. Garcia, Lorelai G Martinez, Dante Cardenas & Katherine Chapa. The family-friendly play runs November 28 through December 2 at Pharr Community Theater.

 

 

Pedro Garcia & Armandina Sesin reprise their roles for the third year in a row as the scrooge like character, Mr. Codos and as the ghost of Christmas past, La Rielera de la Revolución Mexicana in A Tejano Christmas Carol. The family-friendly play runs November 28 through December 2 at Pharr Community Theater.

 

Three young actors rehearse a school classroom scene in A Tejano Christmas Carol. L-R: Zebony Vi Vega, Matthew Perez, & Andres Flores. The family-friendly play runs November 28 through December 2 at Pharr Community Theater.

 

Dante Cardenas will be Pablo Gomez in A Tejano Christmas Carol. The family-friendly play runs November 28 through December 2 at Pharr Community Theater.

 

 

 

 

Director, Seres Jaime Magaña offer guidance to cast members, Itza Flores, Dante Cardenas and Ruby E Garcia as they practice a party scene. The family-friendly play runs November 28 through December 2 at Pharr Community Theater.

PHARR, Texas – If you’ve ever savored homestyle Greek food, or are more of a handmade Eastern European fare fan, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Most especially, be sure to try the crispy, sweet baklava.

 

A much-anticipated annual event, the International Festival, held at St. George’s Orthodox Church in Pharr is perfect for picking up holiday gifts, as well as for-sale specialty foods. Local families and Winter Texans alike enjoy this seasonal occurrence. If you appreciate a taste of the world, don’t miss this culinary fundraiser. Festival favorites include Greek layered pastitcio, spanakopita, grilled souvlaki and stuffed grape leaves.  On the Russian side of the gastronomic globe, try savory cabbage rolls, pirogies or hot blini. And of course, some Ukrainian honey cake.

 

“You won’t find anything like this Festival here in the Valley,” shares Judie Geil, long-time Parishioner of St. George’s. “Even though I now live in Houston, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Geil’s special German beirocks and strudel are already made up and ready to sell.

 

A fun, educational outing for the entire family, the Festival offers free entry, parking, children’s activities and a wide variety of entertainment. There’s always something for everyone to see, hear and do.  Activities and information will be shared by the Museum of South Texas History, IMAS, the McAllen Public Library, Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Master Gardeners, UTRGV CHAPS, the Lambs Loom, Gem Valley Farmers Market, Milkweed & Monarchs and more. “Two by Two Petting Zoo” will be available for children from 10 a.m. – noon.

 

The year’s entertainment schedule includes the wonderful UTRGV Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble, playing holiday favorites, as well as the much-beloved Mariachi Nueva Tradicion.  The children’s mariachi and conjunto groups from Creative Arts Studio will join the day’s performances, as well as members of the colibrí children’s choir. Find the exciting entertainment and activity schedule at: stgeorgetxfestival.com/entertainment.html

 

Elizabeth Perdomo, International Festival Director shared, “Each year, we try to include some repeat performances from past favorites, as well as adding something new.” Perdomo continued, “This year, the event will open with Scottish Pipes and Drums, and close with Robert Soto and the South Texas Indian Dancers. It should be a great day of music and dance!”

 

A special place for for holiday shopping, pick up some unique items created by artisans, handicraft and farmers market vendors. Everything from local honey and tasty preserves, to handmade soap, beeswax candles, Eastern European folkart and handcrafted wood items will be there to choose from. Some special vendors from Mexico will sell small batch bags of coffee grown in Mexico, handcrafted silver jewelry and more. If you’re interested, take a free guided tour of St. George Orthodox Church and the learn about the lovely icons, an ancient liturgical artform.

 

Vegan and vegetarian options are available for some of festival foods, including International Soups. Besides take-home soup containers, frozen versions of many specialties are also available inside the church hall. Pick up some to enjoy later.  Bring a cooler along in the car to keep ‘em cold.  Besides baklava, holiday cookies, sweet breads and other baked goods from around the world will make your mouth water.  Treat someone you love with a package or two.

 

Come early and spend the day. Begin the morning with freshly baked scones and muffins. Want a break to sit a while and watch the performances?  Grab a cup of Russian tea, Greek or Mexican coffee and some special baked goods from the Russian Tea Shoppe, and you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy the music. Handicapped drop off and entry access available.

 

One purpose for the festival is to collect food and funds for St. George Food Pantry, which serves over 100 families twice a month. Bring monetary donations, canned goods or non-perishables, new or lightly used blankets, coats, children’s clothing or toys, for the special Christmas distribution. Receive one homemade cookie as a “thank you” in the “Give a Can; Get a Cookie” campaign.

 

This year’s International Festival will be held on Saturday, December 8^th, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. George Orthodox Church, 704 W. Sam Houston in Pharr. To learn more about the festival, see their website at: stgeorgetxfestival.com/index.html or on Facebook at: facebook.com/St.GeorgeInternationalFestival/

The Robert Vela High School SaberStagers are pleased to announce our 6^th annual fall musical, Chicago. The SaberStagers are the recipients of 5 Hidalgo County PALM Awards, including Best Musical, the most of any high school nominated. The show will be performed from Nov 29-Dec 1 and Dec 6, 8 at 7 pm, with 2 pm matinee performances on Dec 1,2,8,9. There will also be two ASL interpreted performances on Nov 30 at 7 pm and Dec 2 at 2 pm., Tickets are $10 for general admission, $6 with a valid student ID, and $5 for senior citizen 65+. For more information, call (956)-289-2650. RVHS is located at 801 E. Canton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539.

The Veterans’ Memorial Project Committee in conjunction with the City of Harlingen, the Veterans Advisory Boards both from Harlingen and San Benito and several other partners is sponsoring this program.  Several neighboring communities are also participating such as La Feria, Los Indios and Weslaco while a few others are still pending.  This is a labor of love and an ongoing process in early stages.

 

While we appreciate that Mission has the Rio Grande Valley State Cemetery, many local Veterans are interred at our local cemeteries and we wanted to recognize them here.  Therefore, we have partnered with the Harlingen City Cemetery at F Street, Ashland, Heavenly Grace, Restlawn, Mont Meta, Highland Memorial Parks, SB City Cemetery and Las Rucias Cemetery in Los Indios.

 

Wreaths Across America is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National cemetery.  It began in 1992 when businessman Morrill Worcester had an abundance of wreaths and delivered them to Arlington.

 

Mission Statement:  REMEMBER the fallen

HONOR those who serve

TEACH our children the value of freedom

 

The Wreaths Across America’s mission – Remember – Honor – Teach is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. with thousands of other locations of which our Harlingen area is included in the LRGV chapter.  (Please refer to our LRGV surrounding area ID designation – TXHTSA in all correspondence).

 

To ensure no Veteran is forgotten…..  our efforts are to place a remembrance wreath on every Veteran’s grave.  We have a challenge here because our cemetery data does contain sufficient information on grave locations.  You can help us by submitting your Veteran’s name, rank, service, the local cemetery with grave location, row and number.

 

Our goal is to raise enough funds to place wreaths on the headstones of all the local heroes laid to rest here, to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedom of our country are never to be forgotten and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration.

 

Volunteers are invited to assist.  Families, especially of interred Veterans are most cordially invited to participate.  Conversely, if your family chooses not to participate, please contact us.

Harlingen and San Benito, as of now, will be working towards collecting funds locally for the remembrance wreaths to be placed on Veterans graves in all the participating cemeteries.

 

Remembrance wreaths can be purchased for $15.00 each.  POC:  Lenore Combs 956 245 1276

LJCombs44@gmail.com   Sponsorships and optional donations towards this project will be appreciated and vigilantly managed.   Cut off day is Veterans Day – 11 November 2018.

 

Myharlingen.us/page/veterans.home     click on the link Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America.org/pages/150501/Overview/

Facebook http://Facebook.com/WAAHQ      (and local Facebook)

 

A word about the wreaths…  They are made up of 10 Balsam Bouquets representing the 10 Special Qualities that our Veterans embody:

Their FAITH in God, –  their LOVE for each other,  – their  STRENGTH, work ethic & character, – their  HONESTY & integrity, – their HUMILITY, self-respect, – their  AMBITION, aspirations, – their    OPTIMISM for America, – their CONCERN for their future, –  their PRIDE in their duties and their HOPES & DREAMS that didn’t always come true but left them with no regrets.

 

Each wreath is hand made with the hopes and dreams for the Veteran.  Evergreens are a symbol used for centuries, to recognize honor and are a living tribute of longevity and endurance.  The Red Bow represents great sacrifice, the fresh forest scent represents purity and simplicity and the circular shape represents eternity.

 

We want our friends and neighbors to see the tradition as a living memorial to Veterans and their families – whom we remember amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  We believe that the sacrifices made are worth the effort.

 

Friends, neighbors, groups can go in on a multiple order.  Corporate or business may consider a generous order.  (a box contains 10 wreaths.)  Remember, our goal is to place a remembrance wreath on the grave of every Veteran.

 

Harlingen will have an Opening Ceremony at Veterans Memorial At Pendleton Park (1425 Morgan Blvd.) on Saturday the 15^th of December at 11 am.  San Benito will be advertising their Ceremony program at their location.   The free event is open to all.  Organized volunteers will then proceed to their assigned participating cemetery for the Wreath-laying ceremony.  There may be other areas that have a similar program, such as Los Indios so, as a suggestion, stay vigilant for the program near you.

 

There will be an announcement for a volunteer orientation about the cemetery procedure and etiquette.  This is a combined effort.  Hold harmless agreements need to be discussed for those of us who are traveling to the cemeteries.  We are requesting volunteers for this project.

POC:  Lenore Combs  LJCombs44@gmail.com

 

 

*On Saturday the 15^th of December  11 am

Harlingen will have a public ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial At Pendleton Park located on 1425 Morgan Boulevard, Harlingen to pay tribute to our Veterans and thank our volunteers.   It will be similar to our typical Memorial Day/Veteran’s Day program.  Seven specially designed ceremonial wreaths will be placed coordinating with Arlington National Cemetery and at many participating locations (Ft Sam and Corpus Christi) all across the United States.   The wreaths are specially designed for the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA.  Their significance is to REMEMBER those who served and gave all, HONOR their sacrifices and TEACH our younger generations about the cost of our freedoms.

 

San Benito is planning a Ceremony too at their location.  See their advertised information.

 

Following the ceremony, organized volunteers will depart to their designated (requested) cemetery with their assigned Cemetery Contact for the Wreath-laying experience.  A complete list of participating cemeteries will be available and we will set a time and date soon for public orientation at a convenient location.  All of this will be coordinated so stay tuned.

 

*The week of the 10^th of December…..Many 18 wheelers leave Maine (where the trees are grown and the wreaths are made) carrying the wreaths to all the locations.  There will be an organized motorcycle club escort – a continuation of the World’s Longest Veterans Parade – Maine to Harlingen.  The Texas Law Dogs, South Texas Chapter will meet them at Corpus Christi and escort it to Harlingen.

 

We will receive notice of arrival in to Harlingen about the 10^th of December. We also need volunteers to help unload our share of wreaths.  They will be delivered to Pendleton Park.  They are real evergreen wreaths prepared in a special way for our Veterans.  They measure 20” across, there are 10 in a box and the box weighs about 45 pounds.

 

Here presents another volunteer opportunity…..  Ultimately, the wreaths need to be stored for a few day and then get to their locations…..  Maybe some Harlingen businesses can assist with small truck and or trailers.  Plans are under construction.  We are awaiting a list of wreaths needed for each cemetery location.  We will have a Harlingen escort courtesy of the Texas law Dogs, South Texas Chapter to the cemeteries.

 

* Saturday 19 January 2019 – Last but not least is Wreaths-Out Day.

These wreaths are live evergreens.  Receptacles will be provided since the cemetery is not responsible for clean-up.   We will need volunteers for a few hours for this.

 

Volunteers are cordially welcome to participate in all the facets of this mission. – from unloading the wreaths to placing the remembrance wreath at the graveside and wreaths-out day. We will plan an orientation meeting.  Posters and Flyers will soon be available.   Contact me and I can send it via email.  LJCombs44@gmail.com

 

 

WAA Outreach:  There is also an outreach program just designed for our schools as part of a Leadership Program or associated school project.   WAA is committed to teaching younger generations about the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms.  WAA offers learning tools, interactive media projects and opportunities for schools, 4-H Clubs, Scouts and other youth groups to participate in these efforts.  A downloadable curriculum and books are available to help school children appreciate the roles our Veterans played in preserving their freedoms.  These materials are designed to encourage the direct involvement of local Veterans.

American History:  Wreaths Across America Unit (example)

This is an ongoing unit of study designed to have students develop a better understanding of the importance of Veterans in America’s history.  The WAA unit was started in 2006 to expand students and community education by putting Veterans together with children through the mission statement  Remember – Honor – Teach.  (I have participated in several of these).

 

May we recommend a search on the web for Wreaths Across America for the big picture and UTube has some great videos on Ft Sam Houston and Corpus Christi.  Hope to see Harlingen’s on it next year!

 

WAA maintains no political or religious agenda but rather a mission to remember and honor our veterans during the month of December.  At time of traditional family get-togethers this event provides a great learning opportunity to teach our children of the many sacrifices made by our military men and women.  Hope to see you.

 

WAA started as a simple gesture of thanks, that over the years has grown into a national movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together not only to remember the nations’ fallen and honor their service, but to teach the next generation about the sacrifices made for us to live freely.  This year there will be close to 1500 locations with over a million volunteers.  Harlingen is already on the map as a location.

 

For information:

Myharlingen.us/page/veterans.home     click on the link Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America.org/pages/150501/Overview/

Facebook http://Facebook.com/WAAHQ      (and local Facebook)

The performance group is one of several cultural acts scheduled for next weekend’s event

 

MCALLEN, TEXAS, Sept. 14, 2018: Attendees of McAllen’s Inaugural Fiesta de Palmas will be treated to ‘The Danza de los Voladores,’ or the Dance of the Flyers, a centuries-old traditional Mexican dance. The dance is performed by indigenous groups of Mexico and other South American countries such as Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador.

 

Formerly known as McAllen’s PalmFest, Fiesta de Palmas aims to promote an appreciation for international culture. In addition to performances by Voladores de Papantla, attendees will be treated to an exciting array of sights and sounds, courtesy of local and international music and dance acts. These include Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte, La Sonora Arrasadora, Los Cadetes de Linares de Rosendo Cantu and Estruendo. Tribute acts such as “Earth to Mars, a Bruno Mars Tribute, and Majesty of Rock, which offers the music of classic rock bands Journey and Styx, will also perform onstage throughout the weekend.  Over 100 performances are set to perform during this two-day event.

 

Fiesta de Palmas will celebrate European, Middle Eastern and Latin American influences. The festival, scheduled to take place September 22-23, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at McAllen Convention Center and McAllen Performing Arts Center,will offer the opportunity to sample a wide variety of delicious international cuisine. Attendees are also welcome to explore an on-site artisan market and other entertainment such as games, carnival rides, and beer garden for attendees 21 and over.

 

Tickets are only $5 and children under 12 enter free.

 

For more information about Fiesta de Palmas, please contact McAllen Convention Center at (956) 681-3800.