CREAM No.10

dec / jan 2012 no 10 free

founder & publisher fernando de haro production director analee g. paz

copy editor

C I T Y M A G A Z I N E

graciela garcía

NO 10

interns

dec • jan 2012

selene cuevas, amber garcía, anna carolina gonzález, carla treviño, raul seca

C I T Y M A G A Z I N E

design & production photographer graphic designer design production assistant illustration collaborator

publisher 2011 has begun to bid us farewell as it slowly drifts away leaving behind great experiences and memorable events for us. One of them was the realization of our first anniversary. We commemorated a year of working hard in every issue in order to be able to offer you always new and interesting proposals.

ferch analee g. paz mariana ortega olivia cotton

writers rubén bazán, moon jamaluddin, bobby turner special thanks lisa longoria, familia paz + serna, brenda ibarra, celina díaz, gabriel castillo and the laredo center for the arts, cindy espinoza, niki acosta and the laredo public library.

The desire to help is among us during the holiday season; thus, we wanted to seize the moment and draw attention to diverse organizations that give comfort to the less fortunate. It’s an honor for Cream to include them in this edition; we wanted to emphasize their mission so more of you become aware of their good deeds. We invite you, our readers, to support the daily efforts of these organizations run by an array of compassionate individuals whose heartfelt endeavor is to care for others.

ADVERTISING sales@creamcitymagazine.com + 956.753.6755

Cream City Magazine on Twitter for daily updates, tidbits, behind the TWEET US! Follow scenes pics+videos+links, and pointless babble at twitter.com/creamcitymag

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creamcitymagazine.com

NO 10 TEAM

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Amber García 4

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Carla G. Treviño

Mariana Ortega

3 Anna Carolina González

5 Fernando de Haro 6

Analee G. Paz

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TAKING IT TO THE

THE

INDE X

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31

40

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ISRAEL

‫ישראל‬

LAYERS CHIC OF

Celebrate

Giving

the gallery

activity // challenge

ADRIANA CANALES MCKENDRICK She radiates energy and kindness every time she volunteers for a worthy cause.

OSCAR J. HALE JR. An accomplished and caring judge who serves with pride.

LINDA LĂ“PEZ HOWLAND This realtor found the time to become an advocate for children and community theater.

Cream presents three exceptional individuals who contribute to the development of both Laredos with their effort, hard work, and dedication.

ADRIANA CANALES MCKENDRICK Community Volunteer, Wife, and Mother

I have always been interested in helping my community. I first became a volunteer joining the High Hope Volunteers many years ago with their fundraising project—Casino Royale—on the top floor of the old Hamilton Hotel. This led to my involvement in other organizations. I spent over twenty years as a volunteer at Mercy Hospital loving every minute. I held several offices, including the presidency three different times. I also helped start the Princess Pocahontas Council. We presented the first Pocahontas Princesses in the Civic Center Ballroom bringing one in riding on a horse wearing diapers. Also, we made the floats ourselves in my husband’s warehouse. Getting recognized as “Rookie of the Year” was my proudest moment.

Sometimes I feel that my best years came too late for me. Everything I have tried to do, I accomplished much later than I would have liked. I pray God gives me strength and health to continue volunteering in every way I can. I don’t think one ever accomplishes their goals, but we get mighty close.

Generally, I am a happy person—I like to make people laugh at my expense, never theirs—and always there for my husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Years ago my mother was almost killed in a car accident. When the community learned about it, her room at the old Mercy Hospital was filled with flowers and gifts. I asked the nurses to distribute to other patients that had none. That’s when I learned the importance of kindness, helping those less fortunate. God is wonderful; never forget that. Stay close to your family and if you have children tell them everyday how much you love them. Be positive because negativity wears you down.

OSCAR J. HALE JR. State District Judge

Public service has given me a sense of accomplishment because I always knew that I wanted to be a public servant. I first became interested in the legal profession after serving as legislative intern in Washington D.C. while working for the former Congressman Solomon Ortíz. My career began when I worked as an associate attorney under the guidance of the late Charles R. Borchers.

Throughout the years I have met many people worthy of praise and admiration like my late friend Judge Solomon Casseb Jr. whom I remember fondly.

It would probably surprise you to know that presiding over certain cases—adoptions, for example—brightens my day. Placing hopeful children into loving homes can be extremely rewarding.

As far as goals are concerned, one should always strive to achieve more. Even if I could, I would not change anything from my past.

I take the good with the bad; it makes you the person that you are.

A positive attitude will get you far in life.

It is important to remember to be fair, be decisive and stay grounded. Take the job, but not yourself, so seriously especially if you are interested in public service.

LINDA LÓPEZ HOWLAND Real Estate Broker

Showing off Laredo is what I love to do! I love its traditions and unique, rich culture; it’s been my pleasure to introduce Laredo to executives and their families who wanted to start businesses years ago through the Laredo Development Foundation. Real estate seemed like a natural extension of what I had been doing for LDF. It’s actually a lot of work, but the feelings of personal accomplishment, limitless possibilities, and professional independence are well worth the effort.

Real estate has also afforded me the opportunity, in terms of time, to give back. I volunteer with The Children’s Advocacy Center and The Laredo Theater Guild International. They are phenomenal organizations and make a big impact in our community. I have the utmost respect for the “silent soldiers” of the Children’s Advocacy Center, of which I am a board member, who work tirelessly and selflessly to help abused children and their families. They inspire me to do what I can to increase community awareness about child abuse and to educate school children about how to protect themselves from becoming victims.

I take pride in my childhood and my upbringing. I’ll always cherish the wonderful times I had with my family growing up, especially at the ranch where watching the sun rise while riding horseback was one of my favorite things to do.

I truly believe one should always continue trying to improve throughout their lives. My parents inspire me. Both are in their 80s and are still very active in the community. I have been blessed to have them as my parents; their energy and drive is something I truly admire! cream dec / jan 2012

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Christmastime is full of tradition. Whether it’s a turkey dinner on Christmas Day, opening a single gift after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, or volunteering at a homeless shelter, people express the magic of the holiday spirit in their own individual ways. The films that encompass the spirit of Christmas also spread the joy in their own special ways. They have the ability to put us in the seasonal mood and convey the lessons that need to be renewed every year. Almost a necessity, my holiday movie musts are just as traditional to me as eggnog and reindeer.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989)

We’ve been to Europe with them. We’ve taken cross country road trips to Wally World with them. We’ve even been to Vegas with them. But there’s nothing like spending Christmas with the Griswolds. It just doesn’t feel like December without this holiday comedy that forces us to recognize the Clark Griswold lurking somewhere deep inside all of us, yearning for that perfect family Christmas. From the onset, we are exposed to the ridiculously high standards of Mr. Griswold when traditional Christmas tree shopping turns into a near death and frostbitten experience.

The perfect holiday grows further out of reach when the entire extended, dysfunctional family drops in for a visit. But the gift of this film is the realization that the perfections are in the faults and the dysfunction of those we love. Sometimes our expectations might be a bit unrealistic, and we would be at fault to hold people to standards that are not their own, even if it is Cousin Eddie.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

Only from the mind of Tim Burton could this film be born. An unlikely combination of gloom and Christmas cheer, merriment and macabre, this claymation holiday musical tells a story to which all of us can relate, as disturbing as that might seem. The pumpkin king of Halloween, Jack Skellington, laments his routine existence in Halloween Town. He knows there must be something more to life and after stumbling upon Christmas Town, soon finds himself enthralled with the world of St. Nick. His well-meant, albeit misguided, approach to the holidays lands him, Santa Claus, and the entire Christmas holiday in jeopardy as Jack brings his own brand of twisted, but well-meant merrymaking to the world (for some, reason I always thought of Skellington as a character metaphor for the director himself ). But in the end, Jack learns a Christmas lesson with a Halloween twist: Always know who you are inside and never take it for granted.

SCROOGED (1988)

Sometimes the general public tires of a classic story that is told year in and year out. Sometimes a classic story must be updated and retold to a new generation in order to restore the value of its message. With a comical twist, this modernized retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol accomplishes this in spades.

With the immortal talents of Bill Murray as the protagonist Frank Cross, a.k.a. Ebenezer Scrooge, the visits from the ghosts of Christmas skew from the images of leather-bound classics and morph into this humorous holiday remake. But the traditional message of the original story must remain untarnished. Ebenezer must be forced to examine the choices he has made in life, past and present, and the future implications of those choices. Frank Cross is no different. Although, I doubt Dickens ever had in mind the spirit of an alcoholic taxi driver or a violent fairy in a pink tutu.

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)

Before children are allowed to watch this film, it should be made perfectly clear that nothing good can come from licking a frozen flagpole in the dead of winter, no matter how much adolescent ridicule comes with backing down from the dreaded triple-dogdare. After my annual screening of this movie, I can’t help wanting an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two hundred shot, rangemodel air rifle of my very own. Taking us back to every Christmas wish list we ever had as children, this Rockwellian tribute serves as a warm toast to the memories of holidays past. Every year this film reminds us that Christmas is about more than silly schoolyard desires, Little Orphan Annie decoder pins, and the dangers of soap poisoning.

So there it is. A condensed guide to holiday films that, I feel, teach us the lessons that are sometimes forgotten by the end of the year. We learn to laugh at ourselves, to be thankful for what we have, to appreciate the memories and family traditions, to stop and take a good look at ourselves, at whom we have become, and in what direction we are headed. The Christmas season has always forged feelings of goodwill and generosity in people. Expectantly, Christmas films strive to do the same.

BY BOBBY TURNER + ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA COTTON

cream dec / jan 2012

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this is my place

THE HOUSE HAS BEAUTIFUL NATURAL LIGHT that comes in through our back windows and makes everything in the room much more radiant.

THE ADRIANA R. B. EDITION THE PIANO was one of the first pieces we bought, and everything else came together around it.

Mother and Entrepreneur entrepreneur adriana rodríguez barrera is a passionate woman with many diverse interests whose beautiful family makes their house truly feel like home. Adriana’s three daughters’ love of color was the main inspiration for the colorful, vivid design and architecture. All this energy makes her feel more connected to her family. To visitors the home is a happy, chaotic place where you can always find teenagers planning their next big adventure.

THE LARGE PAINTING was made expressly for that room by friend and accomplished Laredoan artist Christina Salinas Castillón. She did a magnificent job of bringing out the colors of the blown glass platters that surround it.

This atmosphere at her house fits Barrera perfectly because she always finds order in chaos. At the end of the day for Adriana, home isn’t about a place but about the people who inhabit it and the memories made there.

BY SELENE CUEVAS

CHATTING WITH ADRIANA

ALL THE CHANDELIERS were designed by Juan Carlos Alarcón; they are made of wrought iron and crystal.

YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IS... my home.

Everything that I need and holds any special meaning to me can be found here. WHEN YOU ARE IN YOUR HOME, YOU FEEL... connected to my family and everything I treasure. THE MOST SPECIAL FEATURE OF YOUR HOME WOULD HAVE TO BE... the people who live in it, my family.

They are the ones who give my house its true colors.

cream jan / dec 2012

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Chicken Chimichurri with a twist

ingredients

Chimichurri: ½ bunch flat-leaf parsley ½ bunch cilantro ¼ cup garlic, chopped (about 10 cloves) 1 whole jalapeño ¼ cup light soy sauce ¼ cup red wine vinegar or pomegranate vinegar ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika Place the first four ingredients in a processor and pulse. Next, slowly add the soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and then the oil making sure all is well blended and starts to look like a dressing. Add the salt, a little just to taste, and paprika for a little extra heat.

Chicken: 3 chicken breasts 2 tablespoons herbs de Provence 1tablespoon sea salt 1tablespoon pepper Chop: 3 celery stalks ½ green apple ½ red onion 1 boiled potato 1 small bunch broccoli ¼ cup pecans ¼ cup walnuts ½ cup dried cranberries 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon sea salt Sprinkle first four ingredients on chicken and place on cookie sheet. Roast at 375° for 1 hour. Let cool then shred or chop. Put the chopped chicken in a bowl; add the chopped veggies and toss.

Incorporate your chimichurri slowly

teletón

Una distinguida concurrencia asistió al Restaurant La Reserva para degustar finos vinos en un evento en pro del Teletón.

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cream dec / jan 2012

(¼ of a cup at a time) till well blended.

Add nuts, dried cranberries, salt, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for added color and extra flavor. Drizzle remaining chimichurri over the dish for more spice.

Serve on a bed of lettuce or with crostini, Melba toast, or crackers sprinkled with chimichurri sauce on a tray for a lovely appetizer.

Ancho Chile Truffles ingredients

2 chocolate bars, 60% cocoa ½ cup heavy cream 1 ancho chile with seeds 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon chipotle powder 1 teaspoon pure vanilla 3 milk chocolate bars 1teaspoon cooking oil or butter 1 cup powdered sugar (optional) 1 cup cocoa powder (optional) Chop the dark chocolate into chunks and set aside. Simmer cream with chile, cinnamon, and chipotle powder. After it has simmered, discard chile and pour over chocolate chunks blending gently till the mixture is smooth and silky; add vanilla.

Place the mixture in an airtight container and chill till slightly firm, about 2 hours.

Then using a 1oz. scoop, scoop little rounds and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet about 1-2 inches apart. Place them covered in freezer for about 1hour till hard. In a double boiler, melt the milk chocolate bars with the oil. Make sure the water is not boiling but slightly simmering; you don’t want to burn the chocolate. Take truffles out of the freezer and gently dip into the melted chocolate.

Return to cookie sheet to harden or you may also dip them in an array of toppings like chopped nuts, chopped peppermint, coconut, etc. If you rather not use the milk chocolate, you may dust the truffles with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. I prefer the simple chocolate because of the chile infusion; the flavor is robust but not bitter, and the milk chocolate adds the extra sweetness you are looking for.

TAKING IT TO THE

with Gracie Carrillo

SEASONS FULL OF FLAVOR

With a BBA from St. Mary’s University in marketing and political science, gracie carrillo aspired to be a lawyer, but during her time in law school she realized she preferred to cook and bake. So, Gracie left and went to France and schooled at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. She has traveled to different parts of Europe and around the country to learn different techniques in both baking and cooking.

She staged for Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Joel Robuchon and baked on several occasions for President George Bush, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Juanes, Luis Miguel, and Vicente Fernández. She has cooked for Senator Judith Zaffirini, and Congressman Henry Cuéllar. cream dec / jan 2012

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THE AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF COMMUNITY BLANKETS THE WORLD DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Throughout

INDE

the months of November and December, people of all ages and differing religious beliefs occupy their thoughts with gift-giving, shared joy, and family reunions. Aside from the stress of dealing with Secret Santas and office parties, there is a common feeling that permeates most of the social circles you belong to. This same feeling is seen in the financial sector as well. Think about it: there is a reason why many businesses and organizations focus a large part of their marketing around the holidays. I mean, Santa Claus was invented by Woolworth. Or was it Coca Cola? I guess we’ll never know.

Philanthropy, the altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement, seldom flourishes, and while it is great that people become more charitable during this time of year, it is up to us as a civilization to recognize that this reaction to the less fortunate should be felt all year-round. I often wonder in what state the world would find itself if the holidays didn’t exist. Many businesses, social clubs, and organizations do year-round work for various beneficiaries. Nike, Apple, and Starbucks participate in the (RED) campaign. Rotary International dedicates a large portion of their philanthropic efforts to fostering education and alleviating poverty, amongst other things. The Shriners have children’s hospitals all over North America. Of course, megamillionaires such as Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates have also been recognized for their large contributions. The one thing all of these benefactors have in common is the realization that help towards your fellow man should always be available.

As a 27-year old, I obviously haven’t made a fraction of these kinds of contributions. However, I have learned that I have the time and resources to help those who may need a helping hand.

The ability to help others is a blessing. Wouldn’t it be great if this spirit of giving was felt all year long? The world would definitely be more inhabitable.

So that’s it. You donated to the battered women’s shelter or the Salvation Army this December. You felt warm and fuzzy knowing that you helped. The year is coming to an end. For many, this means out with the old, in LIFE GOES BY FAST. with the new, new However, opportunities to improve beginnings, midnight as humans knock on our door smooches, midnight countdowns and every day. In planning for 2012, champagne showers. ask yourself: What am I going to But now the party is do this coming year to become a over, and while you better person and create a are making a list of positive impact in my world? resolutions that you are really going to keep next year (diets and nicotine patches, anyone?), take the time to make a list of the social issues that concern and interest you the most. Make a lifelong commitment to volunteer or sacrifice a portion of your earnings to a worthy cause. I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that you barely have time to see your friends anymore and that you barely make rent. However, we were placed on earth to figure out how we can share what we’ve been given and not to take what’s at arm’s length.

Every kind of help and altruism requires a certain amount of sacrifice. Luckily, philanthropy sets forth no standards and requires no minimum contribution to society. Every little bit

X

THE

SEASONAL ART?

helps, and making simple changes to your daily habits can be beneficial enough. So let’s break it down.

According to an article published in Yahoo! Finance in 2007, the average American consumer spends yearly $360 on coffee and $480 on unused memberships.

Additionally, a study by The Nielsen Company concluded that the average American spends more than 151 hours a month glued to the television. Doing the math, this equals to $840 and almost 76 days, respectively. I am certain both of these numbers would be lowered if we decided to ration more of our money and time to organizations and causes that strive to make the world a better place. This is an excellent way to start polishing your philanthropy skills. Also, isn’t it great that most charitable donations are tax-deductible? I love that little reminder.

Life goes by fast. However, opportunities to improve as humans knock on our door every day. In planning for 2012, ask yourself: What am I going to do this coming year to become a better person and create a positive impact in my world? I’ve always been a firm believer in baby steps. Start out small, and remember to keep it going. You may end up setting an example for those around you.

Become the instigator for the snowball effect you hear so much about. Mahatma Gandhi said it better when he coined the phrase “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

So put on that thinking cap, share what you’ve been blessed with, and remember that it actually is better to give than to receive—all year long.

Happy Holidays!

BY RUBÉN BAZÁN

cream dec / jan 2012

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EL MAR DE GALILEA Es el lago de agua dulce más bajo del planeta y el segundo a nivel mundial. Se dice que aquí ocurrieron muchos de los milagros de Jesús como cuando caminó sobre sus aguas, calmó la tempestad, dio de comer a cinco mil personas y fue aquí donde tuvo lugar la pesca milagrosa.

EL MURO OCCIDENTAL También conocido como el Muro de los Lamentos, está en la Antigua Ciudad de Jerusalén en la parte oeste y es un vestigio del viejo muro que rodeaba la Explanada del Templo de Jerusalén. Después del Monte del Templo, se le considera el sitio más sagrado del judaísmo. Durante siglos ha sido lugar de oración y peregrinaje.

Los antecedentes más antiguos sobre el fervor judío a este lugar datan del siglo cuarto.

DIEZ DÍAS EN ISRAEL Arriba de izq. a der.: (1) Estudiantes judíos ortodoxos en la Ciudad Antigua de Jerusalén (2) Mar de Galilea (3) Hombre vendiendo bagels en el mercado de Jerusalén (4) Muro Occidental (Muro de los Lamentos) (5) Detalle del techo de la Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro (6) Grafiti en el muro de seguridad camino a Belén (7) Andrea, Sara, Diana y Analee en Bethesda (8) Rabino ortodoxo en la Antigua Ciudad de Jerusalén (9) Aceitunas frescas, granadas y dátiles en el mercado (10) Centro Comercial Mamilla (11) Iglesia de la Natividad en Belén (12) Museo Yad Vashen en memoria del Holocausto A la derecha: (1) Vista panorámica de Jerusalén (2) Masada con vista al Mar Muerto

FROM THE CREAM PHOTOJOURNALS

Viajar por Tierra Santa es una experiencia transcendental en esta época tan importante para el cristianismo.

Recorrer la Antigua Ciudad de Jerusalén es hacer un viaje a través de la historia que nos permite ver pasajes de la Biblia como en tercera dimensión hasta llegar a su modernidad. La gente caminando por sus callejones con vestimentas y actitudes muy diferentes al mundo occidental nos conduce por un lugar mágico y a la vez tan real. Desde la Alta Galilea hasta el Mar Muerto se descubren montañas, valles, desiertos y oasis de fascinante belleza. Conocer el Mar de Galilea y navegar en sus aguas da una sensación de paz y tranquilidad difícil de olvidar. Igualmente, y

a pesar de su inmensidad, flotar en el Mar Muerto resulta una experiencia que infunde plena confianza.

De este viaje aprendimos que no importa de dónde somos y con quién convivimos. Todos tenemos algo que aprender y compartir de lugares tan distintos y lejanos pero al mismo tiempo tan iguales y cercanos a nuestra manera de desear la paz para nuestros países y nuestras familias.

Shalom!

POR DIANA V. SERNA B. + SARA I. SERNA DE PAZ FOTOGRAFÍAS ANALEE G. PAZ

‫ישראל‬

ISRAEL cream dec / jan 2012

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teletón El noble deseo de ayudar estuvo presente entre los golfistas competidores del Torneo Teletón y una vez más la generosidad predominó en todas las categorías.

want to feature your event? contact us at info@creamcitymagazine.com

WANT TO FEATURE YOUR EVENT? CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO AT INFO@CREAMCITYMAGAZINE.COM

awards ceremony Laredo Kumon Center at the Annual Awards Ceremony where 49 children received the 2011 Advance Student Honor Roll, indicating advancement above grade level.

Congratulations to all the recipients!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Kumon Math & Reading Center

2715 Del Mar Blvd. Unit A3 • Laredo, Texas

956.237.0869 • laredo_tx@ikumon.com

Mon-Thurs 3:00-7:00 P.M.

cream dec / jan 2012

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think pink! new chairman The Laredo Chamber of Commerce has a new Chairman of the Board. Wilfredo Martinez Jr. took over his new role during a luncheon at the Laredo Country Club in a ceremony that also recognized volunteers of the past term.

WANT TO FEATURE YOUR EVENT? CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO AT INFO@CREAMCITYMAGAZINE.COM

Doctors Hospital held the 11th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Public Forum with a cocktail reception and a fashion show with designs from Joe Brand. The significant event honored cancer survivors and those concerned with breast cancer issues.

want to feature your event? contact us at info@creamcitymagazine.com

LAYERS CHIC OF

layering is a strong trend for the winter season,

whether it be clothes in the same

color palette, seen on the Michael

Kors’ runway, or different textures, like Vera Wang’s flowy dresses

paired with fur and thick wool

outerwear. As the fashion world begins to do away with the old rules of dressing—white after Labor Day and shorts during

winter are now acceptable—it has now become easier to transition clothes from one season to the next. Not only does layering

clothes let you get more use out

of your hot weather clothes, think a sundress paired with a scarf or

with a thick coat and tights, but it also helps you stay warm during the cold winter. When it comes

to layering, the more the merrier.

BY SELENE CUEVAS

CURRENT VIEW OF THE HOUSE from Clark Street

PHOTOGRAPHY FERCH M O D E L S A N A S O F Í A B E N AV I D E S FA L C Ó N + C A R O L I N A L O N G O R I A MAKEUP + HAIR GUILLERMO CASTILLEJA SCENERY LAREDO CENTER FOR THE ARTS

IN THE DAYLIGHT

Polka Dot Dress $45, Tribal Print Cardigan $50, Mustard Bow-Tie Top $40 from Dollz Boutique, Wooden Four-Cord Bracelet $10 from Regina

ANASOFĂ?A

Taupe with Purple Design Sheer Top $45, Black Velvet Leggings $30, Asymmetrical Striped Tunic $30 from Sara Boutique, Cleopatra Black and Bronze Necklace $30, Mint and Lilac Beaded Bracelet $20, Mint Bangle $25, Stone Gem Earrings $12, Big Stone Ring $12 from Regina

CAROLINA

Aztec Purple and White Poncho Vest $60 from Sara Boutique, Lover Blue Button Blouse from Dollz Boutique $30, Nude Mesh $50 from Only Collection, Cool Color Geometric Necklace $40, Silver 3-Jewel Ring $15 from Regina

On AnasofĂ­a Sequin Pattern Top $65, Sheer Purple Blouse $55, Native American Blue Knit Skirt $20, Black and Gold Flower Bead Bracelet $30 from Regina, Knit Tri-Color Vest $85 from Only Collection On Carolina Animal Print Leggings $20 from Sara Boutique, Black Mesh Sweater $85, Black and White Tassel Necklace $45 from Only Collection, Aztec Scarf $20 from Dollz Boutique, Wooden Four-Cord Bracelet $10, Gold Round Pebble Ring $40 from Regina

LAYERED FOR A NIGHT OUT

PRETTY IN BLUE

Lover Blue Button Blouse from Dollz Boutique $30, Nude Mesh $50 from Only Collection, Cool Color Geometric Necklace $40, Green Purse $45, Green Tone Pashmina $20, Colorstone Ring $10 from Regina

PATY LEVY & BETSY ¿CUÁNTAS MASCOTAS TIENES? Chupis, una perrita Shih Tzu; Betsy, una perrita Maltés y Mango, un perrito Chihuahua. ¿DESDE CUÁNDO LOS TIENES?

Mango sólo 6 meses.

Chupis hace 7 años, Betsy 4 y

¿QUÉ CUIDADOS LES BRINDAS? Los tres reciben su baño periódicamente y en el caso de Chupis y Betsy el corte de pelo que requieren por su tipo de raza. Las visitas al veterinario nunca faltan para poder tener en regla todas sus vacunas. También nos aseguramos de que coman bien (nunca comida casera). ¿PRACTICAS ALGUNA ACTIVIDAD CON BETSY? Aparte del tiempo que jugamos en casa, la saco a pasear y así aprovecho para caminar también. ¿QUÉ TAN DIFÍCIL ES EDUCAR A UN PERRO? No

es muy difícil pero si hay que ser firmes y no siempre darles por su lado, especialmente cuando se trata de enseñarlos a ir al baño afuera. Toma tiempo, energía y mucha paciencia pero educarlos definitivamente tiene sus beneficios. A nuestras mascotas debemos premiarlas constantemente cuando hacen algo positivo para así reforzar el comportamiento, ya sea con palabras cariñosas o galletitas, etc. Igualmente, debemos regañarlas cuando hacen algo que no tienen permitido.

¿TIENES

ALGUNA

ANÉCDOTA

DE

ALGO QUE TE HAYA PASADO CON TUS PERRITOS? Recuerdo que cuando trajimos a la casa a Mango, Betsy estaba muy asustada porque la correteaba. No se le podía ni acercar del miedo que le tenía. Lo chistoso de esto es que Mango es un Chihuahua miniatura y Betsy a su lado es enorme.

Poco a poco se le fue pasando y ahora duermen juntos. Es muy tierno verlos dormidos a los dos.

"A nuestras mascotas debemos premiarlas constantemente cuando hacen algo positivo para así reforzar el comportamiento, ya sea con palabras cariñosas o galletitas, etc."

PATY LEVY

¿PODRÍAS ACONSEJARNOS CÓMO ESCOGER UNA MASCOTA? Antes de comprar, yo recomiendo

definir primero el tamaño de la mascota que están buscando. Después, aclarar qué clase de mascota prefieren: perro, gato, peces, etc. Si optan por perritos o gatos, recomendaría que consideraran visitar lugares de adopción de mascotas como el Animal Shelter de Laredo o la Sociedad Protectora de Animales en Nuevo Laredo a menos que prefieran una raza en particular. Si van a comprar su mascota, creo necesario hacer una pequeña investigación acerca de ella, para que así ustedes tengan una mejor idea de los cuidados, necesidades y tendencias de personalidad de la mascota.

¿SI FUERAS UN ANIMAL, QUÉ ANIMAL TE GUSTARÍA SER Y POR QUÉ? Definitivamente, me gustaría ser un ave para poder volar con libertad y así admirar todas las maravillas que Dios nos ha dado en este mundo.

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But hardship and want exist year-round, and it takes a special kind of person to confront these needs. Meet some selfless, caring souls who have stepped up to bring joy and hope to our community all year long. They deserve our recognition, our gratitude, and our help all year long. Are you ready to step up with them?

Celebrate

Giving

This time of the year people take delight in sharing and giving. It’s such a satisfying feeling to know that, if only for a moment, we contribute to the betterment of our fellow men.

FERCHPHOTOGRAPHY

REPRESENTING ECI From Left to Right: Anna R. Pérez, Area Director of ECI; Laura A. Fernández, Child-Find Coordinator; Adrian García, child of ECI and his mother, Vanezza García

ECI Project Niños

Department of Assistive and Regulatory Services Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services hosted by Community Action Corporation of South Texas Anna R. Pérez, Area Director of ECI Project Niños, tells us more about this organization.

In 1981, an interim study committee appointed by the Texas Legislature recommended legislation that created the ECI Interagency Council to serve families with children with special needs. The program expanded in 1993, when the council decided to provide services to all eligible children. On March 1, 2004 the Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood

WHEN WAS ECI FOUNDED?

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Intervention merged with other agencies to form the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Today, Texas ECI is a state and federally funded program. ECI Vision statement: An investment in babies today for a better Texas tomorrow. EXPLAIN HOW ECI HELPS OUR COMMUNITY. ECI specializes in infants and toddlers 0-36 months with developmental delays or disabilities.

ECI works with parents to identify learning opportunities within the family’s normal routines. We can do this through specialized skilled services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Services are provided in the child’s natural environment such as the home or daycare. In order to qualify, the child must be evaluated by two or more licensed or credential professionals. Some services are offered at no cost to the family regardless of income.

Families enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP or whose poverty level is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level do not pay. Families may be assessed a family cost share depending on the annual income and family size.TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE EVENTS PLANNED BY ECI. We have a meet and greet with our local physicians. Because healthcare professionals are an essential part of the team, we want to host a mini presentation to offer them an overview of what the Early Childhood Intervention program is all about and how vital it is that our community as well as the healthcare professionals be aware of this resource and our services. WHAT IS ECI'S MOST

ECI Vision Statement:

An investment in babies today for a better Texas tomorrow.

OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT? One of the accomplishments this year has been the growth of the Zapata area. More children are being serviced through our community outreach efforts and the focus we have placed on bringing awareness to our program. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT ECI THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US. ECI Project Niños has three locations in Texas. Our main office is in Alice, TX and another satellite office in Sinton, TX under the direction of Esperanza García. Combined, we serve over 560 children covering Aransas, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kennedy, Kleberg, Jim Hogg, San Patricio, Webb and Zapata counties. Our supportive Executive Director, Rafael Treviño Jr., is housed in the CACOST office in Alice, TX. HAS ECI ACCOMPLISHED ITS GOALS, OR DOES IT STILL HOPE TO ACHIEVE MORE? Our goal is to make everyone aware of ECI. Unfortunately, some families contact us when their child is over 36 months. Federal and state legislation require primary referral sources to refer children under age 3 to ECI within two working days of identifying a child as having a delay. The intent of this regulation is to ensure that every family that may need services has information about the availability of the government-funded program as soon as a delay or disability is identified. WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS TYPE OF ORGANIZATION? I am a Texas certified teacher and always had an interest in working with children.

While attending my last year at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, I found an employment ad seeking an early intervention specialist.

After I researched the program, I decided to change my career to homebound teaching within the ECI program. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO HELP? The children who need the most assistance really inspire me to continue working with ECI. I have served children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Turner syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, and autism. I am convinced that the ECI’s support system, along with the loving families, have had a positive impact on these infants and toddlers. DID YOU EVER CONSIDER THAT IT WOULD BECOME A PART OF YOUR LIFE? ECI was my first professional employment and I have been here for over 12 years. I have always put ECI first and I would love to do this for 20 more years. HELPING IN THIS ORGANIZATION MAKES YOU FEEL...proud knowing that families have made strides because of the knowledge ECI shared with them. A strong educated family unit is what makes the difference in the child’s life. IN REGARDS TO ECI WHEN AND WHERE ARE YOU HAPPIEST? In 1999, I worked as an early intervention specialist/ service coordinator with an average caseload of 30 children. Since 2005, ECI in Laredo has grown from 150 to 350 children today. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL ANECDOTE ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH

THIS ORGANIZATION? While I was working in the Alice office, I was offered a transfer to the Laredo office. At first, I wasn’t sure I had made the right decision, as I had to rearrange my entire life.

It had never crossed my mind to leave my hometown, Kingsville.

The first couple of years were the most challenging and probably the most difficult in my life, but after gaining the experience and continuous learning, I knew I had made the right decision. WHAT KIND OF SATISFACTIONS DOES HELPING IN ECI GIVE YOU AND

Our staff is very committed. It isn’t easy for them to be in the heat, driving through the busy traffic, and scheduling such a high caseload; but they do it because they really

THE REST OF THE TEAM?

care about the children and families. We currently have 7 service coordinators, 8 early intervention specialists, 5 speech language pathologists, 2 occupational therapists, 1 child-find specialist, 8 office staff members, and 5 direct service supervisors. Without this cohesive ECI CONTACT INFO team, the program would not be able to 956.728.1769 provide the best services in town. DO anna.perez@cacost.org

YOU ADMIRE ANYONE IN PARTICULAR?

www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis www.cacost.org

Besides our hardworking staff, I admire the ECI families. It isn’t easy allowing someone into your personal space. Most ECI families lead very busy lives; therefore, I applaud those families who prioritize their child’s needs. HOW CAN SOMEONE VOLUNTEER IN ECI? We are unable to allow volunteers due to confidential and policy issues, but we do accept volunteers to assist in light office duties such as filing.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR HELP OR

My advice for families needing help is to call ECI, if we cannot help because of eligibility, we can refer children to other programs that assist children. Any person can call in a referral, as long as the parent is in agreement. Please contact us at 956.728.1769 or email me at anna.perez@cacost.org. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE CREAM READERS TO KNOW? You can find an ECI program in any Texas county. We encourage families to visit the DARS website, www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis for more information. Visit the agency website at www.cacost.org to find out about other programs offered.

LOOKING TO HELP IN ECI?

SPECIAL OLYMPICS Texas

Maribel Santoya-Maciel, Area Director of Special Olympics Texas, tells us more about this organization.

TELL US ABOUT SOTX. Special Olympics was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and got its start in Texas in 1969. SOTX provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for more than 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.

Volunteers are the lifeline of the Special Olympics program. More than 47,000 volunteers dedicate their time to SOTX serving as coaches, officials, committee members, competition assistants, speech coaches and much more. HOW DOES THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS HELP OUR COMMUNITY? SOTX changes lives through the power of sports by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities with understanding and respect. SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 1,300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Laredo area to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage,

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I don’t only have great community volunteers in our area, but I have made lasting friendships.

Maribel Santoya-Maciel

REPRESENTING SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF SOUTH TEXAS From Left to Right: Participants of the Special Olympics María De Jésus Castro, José "Pepe" Rodríguez (with Nixon jacket), Daniel Díaz (back), Juan Rubio, Agustín "Tino" Serna (with United jacket), Hector Castro, and Maribel Santoya-Maciel, Area Director of Special Olympics

and experience joy and friendship. TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE EVENTS PLANNED BY THIS ORGANIZATION. The Laredo area offers training and competition in aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, softball, table tennis, volleyball, powerlifting, and tennis.

Volunteers are needed at area competitions, but sports experience is not required. In addition, SOTX SOTX CONTACT INFO holds fundraising events to support 956. 712.2144 local programs and athletes. WHAT www.specialolympicstexas.org Twitter: @SOTexas Facebook: SpecialOlympicsTX YouTube: specialolympicstexas

IS SOTX'S MOST OUTSTANDING

An athlete growth of 34 percent. We always strive to reach more athletes. We want all children and adults with intellectual disabilities to have the opportunity to participate. WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS TYPE OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION? As a former city employee, I was given the opportunity to volunteer at an adult group center and coordinate recreational activities for adults with intellectual disabilities which opened the door for more community involvement and later become employed by SOTX. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO HELP? This career has given me many personal satisfactions such as knowing that I’m able to create opportunities and lasting memories for many athletes with special needs. DID YOU ACHIEVEMENT?

EVER CONSIDER THAT IT WOULD BECOME A PART OF YOUR LIFE?

I always knew that I would be doing something associated with helping our community. Being part of someone’s life with special needs has been the most rewarding job opportunity. HELPING IN THIS ORGANIZATION MAKES YOU FEEL... fortunate. WHEN IT COMES TO SOTX, WHEN AND WHERE ARE YOU HAPPIEST? The happiest 34

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moment for me is seeing that athletes compete and come across the finish line with a smile. Our athletes are the true heroes and stand by their oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” WHAT KIND OF SATISFACTIONS DOES HELPING IN SOTX GIVE YOU AND THE REST OF THE VOLUNTEERS? I don’t only have great community volunteers in our area but have made lasting friendships. DO YOU ADMIRE ANYONE IN PARTICULAR? Our founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. HOW CAN SOMEONE LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER IN SOTX HELP? You can become a day-of-event volunteer at any area competition or become a certified coach or an assistant coach. Organize, coach, or play on a Unified Sports team.

Assist with specific sports expertise to help set-up sports clinics or SOTX training schools. Train athletes with more severe handicaps through the Motor Activities Training Program or become a trainer and hold training schools to train coaches and individuals interested in SOTX competitions. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR HELP OR LOOKING TO HELP? Contact our area office and get involved in helping children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Remember, our actions speak louder than our words. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE CREAM READERS TO KNOW? There is a place for everyone in the movement; sports experience is not necessary. Volunteer, coach, donate, be a fan in the stands. Just get involved; your help is needed! To learn more, call 956.712.2144 or visit www.specialolympicstexas.org. Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.

SOUTH TEXAS Food Bank

the money donations, we purchase food that we also distribute.

The South Texas Food Bank along with our over 85 affiliated agencies helps distribute food to supplement the needs of families that are “food insecure.” The programs we have are: 1. CSFP: Commodity Supplemental Food Program which primarily helps the elderly. 2.

Adopt-A-Family: This program allows the community to directly help families monthly with a bag of groceries of at least 30 lbs. 3.

Veterans Assistance: This program directs food to needy veterans and their families with a monthly FOOD BANK CONTACT INFO bag of groceries of at least 30 lbs. 1907 Freight Street 4. Emergency Food Assistance: www.southtexasfoodbank.org Assists families who may have just had a loss of income and need assistance. 5. Outreach Program: Our staff helps residents in applying for government programs such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, and Medicare. 6. TEXCAP: The majority of our clients receive food through our 85 agencies that we supply food to. These agencies are spread out throughout the city and cities in the other seven counties we serve. 7. Kids Cafés.

We have 13 where we operate an after school meals program for kids who might not get enough at home. No questions are asked.

If the kids are hungry, we feed them. TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE EVENTS PLANNED BY THE FOOD BANK. The biggest event is our Empty Bowls Fundraiser in August of every year. At this event, we feature well known entertainers plus the artwork of local, state, and national artists. This artwork is sold at a silent auction. All proceeds HOW DOES THE FOOD BANK HELP OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?

Alfonso Casso Jr., Executive Director; Kevin Romo, Board President; Janie López Eads, Operations Manager; and María Ortíz, the Kids Café Coordinator tell us more about the South Texas Food Bank.

Our organization was founded in 1989 as Laredo Webb County Food Bank. It is 501 C-3 nonprofit. A group of businessmen recognized that many families didn’t have enough to eat and wanted to do something about it. By helping them with food, the families could use their money on other essentials. The name later changed to South Texas Food Bank to accurately reflect our service area, which includes eight counties most of which are along the Rio Grande River. Twenty individuals from various walks of life integrate our board of directors. This board hires the executive director who manages the day-to-day operations. Our mission is to end hunger in all the eight counties. We are funded by foundation grants, government grants, corporate and private donations. We receive food from the government, corporations such as HEB, Target, Wal-Mart, and other local organizations. With some of

WHEN WAS THE SOUTH TEXAS FOOD BANK FOUNDED?

We have a nun who comes and picks up bread to feed the homeless, and every time she comes she tells us that we are angels sent from heaven to help the less fortunate.

Janie López Eads

REPRESENTING SOUTH TEXAS FOOD BANK From Left to Right: María Ortíz, Kids Café Coordinator; Kevin Romo, Board President; Janie López Eads, Operations Manager; Alfonso Casso, Executive Director

go to the Food Bank. Next year will mark our 6th Empty Bowl Event. On December 6, 2011 we will have a fundraising event at Hal’s Landing where the group Jolly Ranchers will perform. Once a year, Border Media sponsors a Radiothon fund drive for us. WHAT IS THE THE FOOD BANK'S MOST OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT?

One of our most outstanding accomplishments is that each month we help feed over 24,000 families, including over 7000 Elderly, 875 in the Adopt-A-Family Program, and over 18,000 kids through our Kids Cafés. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US. HEB started the Food Bank and paid for the salary of the first director until the Food Bank could operate on its own and hire their own director. HEB is still one of our biggest donors. HAS THE ORGANIZATION ACCOMPLISHED ITS GOALS, OR DOES IT STILL HOPE TO ACHIEVE MORE? Romo: I would like to say that we have accomplished all our goals; but until we end hunger in our community, we can always achieve more. WHAT SPARKED

the food bank staff. We have a very active board, and some of the hardest working staff and volunteers anywhere; I know that is one of the reasons for the Food Bank's success. HOW CAN SOMEONE VOLUNTEER IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? Anyone looking to volunteer can come by the South Texas Food Bank located at 1907 Freight St. and fill out an application or they can go to our website at www.southtexasfoodbank.org and apply there. The application lists areas of interest a volunteer might like to work in. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE CREAM READERS TO KNOW? López Eads: No matter how big or small a donation might be, it’s the amount of people that can be helped that really counts; everyone coming together to help each other.

YOUR INTEREST IN THIS TYPE OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION?

López Eads: The word nonprofit. We are not out to make money.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO HELP? Casso Jr.: When I first started working at the South Texas Food Bank, I really did not have an idea of how much hunger there was here in our community. That first Saturday when we were distributing bags of food to our elderly, I was overwhelmed to see the long lines of people waiting to receive their monthly bag of groceries. López Eads: I want to be a part of the solution and the South Texas Food Bank’s mission to end hunger in Laredo, our surrounding counties, and, one day, around the nation. DID YOU EVER CONSIDER THAT IT WOULD BECOME A PART OF YOUR LIFE? Romo: Honestly, when I first became a member of the board, I thought I would attend monthly board meetings, help with making some of the decisions affecting the Food Bank, and be there when needed. Now as president of the Food Bank Board, it has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s really become a second job for me. HELPING AT THE FOODBANK MAKES YOU FEEL… Romo: that I am doing something worthwhile; that although we can’t help everyone every time, we are making a big difference in the lives of so many. IN REGARDS TO THE ORGANIZATION, WHEN AND WHERE ARE YOU HAPPIEST? Romo: When we visit one of our Kids Cafés and see all the smiles on the children’s faces. They always seem to be having a good time. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL ANECDOTE ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS ORGANIZATION? Casso Jr.: I worked in our family wholesale grocery distribution business, Casso Guerra & Co., for 30 years. I tell people that I went from selling groceries to now giving them away! López Eads: We have a nun who comes and picks up bread to feed the homeless, and every time she comes she tells us that we are angels sent from heaven to help the less fortunate. WHAT KIND OF SATISFACTION DOES HELPING IN THIS ORGANIZATION GIVE YOU AND THE REST OF THE VOLUNTEERS?

Casso Jr.: To help feed those in need is very fulfilling. We are blessed with having hundreds of volunteers who help us weekly with packaging the food and that help us distribute the food. We have many, many organizations, schools, private businesses that send us their employees along with many individuals who ask to volunteer.

Were it not for the thousands of hours of volunteer work, our costs would be so much higher and we would not be able to do as much as we are able to do. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT HELPING WITH THE FOOD BANK? Ortíz: I really enjoy spending time with the children from the Kids Café Program. It is very fulfilling knowing I can help them by being there to serve their meals. There are times when the children ask for advice. It is my pleasure to listen and help them as best I can day in and day out. I have been with this program for seven years and have enjoyed every minute of it. They make me laugh with their wittiness. I would like for the community to continue supporting and donating to this great program where the children can enjoy a hot meal among other children in a safe environment. DO YOU ADMIRE ANYONE IN PARTICULAR? Casso Jr.: The person I admire the most is my father who showed me a great work ethic. He showed me the value of being committed to what you do. He continued to work fulltime until he was about 95 years old and died a few days shy of his 98th birthday. Romo: I would have to commend all the members of the STFB Board of Directors and 36

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BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS of SouthTexas

Daniel De la Miyar, Branch Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, tells us more about this organization.

TELL US ABOUT BBBS. Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Research has found that the organization effectively helps children make the positive choices needed in order for them to stay in school, stay out of prison, and to graduate from high school or earn their GED. Our vision is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them; contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all. Our mission is to help children reach their full potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships with measurable outcomes. EXPLAIN HOW BBBS HELPS OUR COMMUNITY. The program does this by matching children with mentors who guide and support the children in positive decision-making. It costs approximately $1,000 to support a match relationship for one year. This cost is significantly lower than the possible alternative for some of the children in our program: juvenile delinquency. It costs approximately $40,000 to incarcerate a youth for one year. In addition to individual rewards that the Bigs and Littles derive from participation in the program, the entire community benefits because more youths succeed in school and stay out of trouble. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EVENTS PLANNED BY THIS ORGANIZATION? Our biggest fundraiser is held during the summer by hosting a bowl for kids’ sake event. We invite local businesses to sign up by forming teams of five players. We usually have two shifts on the day of the event. Our organization also has a local board and they provide ideas for other ways to raise money. BBBS CONTACT INFO WHAT ARE BBBS' MOST OUTSTANDING

www.bigmentor.org Facebook: bigmentor Twitter: @BBBSST

ACCOMPLISHMENTS? In May of 2006, BBBS opened a regional office in Laredo in response to community demand for services. The opening of the regional office in Laredo has been successful and matched 119 children in Laredo in 2008, a 68 percent growth over 2007. We continue to set ambitious growth goals for the future in order to meet the demands of our clients.

It is our goal to serve 174 children with life changing mentoring experiences, and to help them build the developmental assets that are essential to becoming productive and contributing adults.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION THAT MIGHT

SURPRISE US. Statistics confirm that many children living in Laredo fit the profile of an at-risk child. Thirty-percent of children

Once you become a volunteer, the satisfaction of helping someone through the simple gesture of just listening to them, or taking them out to lunch, or to the movies gives you the sense that you are connected to the community, that you are not only “floating” through life.

Daniel De la Miyar

REPRESENTING BBBS From Left to Right: Joseph López, Little Brother for 12 months and Daniel De la Miyar, Branch Coordinator of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas

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in Webb County are living in poverty; 21% are from single-parent family households; and 14% of births are to teenage girls between the ages of 13 and 19 years old. The most recent U.S. Census reports that 14.7% of teens are high school drop-outs, which is higher than the national rate, at 9.8%, and higher than Texas’, which is at 12.5% (Kids Count, 2006). HAS THE ORGANIZATION ACCOMPLISHED ITS GOALS, OR DOES IT STILL HOPE TO ACHIEVE MORE? Currently we have surpassed our goal set for Webb County due to the high demand of parents that inquire about enrolling their children in the program. As each fiscal year comes around, our goals are modified due in part to the funding that we receive from both federal and state government. We also seek funding through local agencies like United Way and the City of Laredo Third Party Funding. WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS TYPE OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION? Mentoring is a great way to take the time to listen to others, hear them out and provide just the right words when they need them. The purpose of BBBS is to provide a child with four hours a month of being there for them. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO HELP? Getting everyone involved. Helping one Little Brother creates a movement. To match one child, it takes up to ten other organizations to find just the right individual to become his mentor. DID YOU EVER CONSIDER THAT IT WOULD BECOME A PART OF YOUR LIFE? Yes. I have always enjoyed helping people and being involved in the community. When deciding what to study, I always had a clear image that it was going to be involving communications, public relations, and bringing these two together and connecting them to providing support and help to others. HELPING LITTLE BROTHERS OR SISTERS MAKES YOU FEEL... that I can be of service to someone. Sometimes we get caught up in our personal problems, and we forget what other individuals are going through. There are a lot of children in our community that suffer from domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and we as volunteers can provide the time to hear them out. Abused children open up to others because they are afraid to speak within their own families. WHEN AND WHERE ARE YOU HAPPIEST? I am happiest when I do the “match-intros;” this is when I introduce the child to his/ her Big Brother/Big Sister. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL ANECDOTE ABOUT THE CHILDREN AND THEIR BIG BROTHERS OR SISTERS? Everyday I get calls from parents where they express how their child is feeling and what they are going through, but there is one Little Brother that every time I meet with him he tells me that, “he would like to have his Big Brother forever.” WHAT KIND OF SATISFACTIONS DOES HELPING IN THIS ORGANIZATION GIVE YOU AND THE REST OF THE VOLUNTEERS? Once you become a volunteer, the satisfaction of helping someone through the simple gesture of just listening to them, or taking them out to lunch, or to the movies gives you the sense that you are connected to the community, that you are not only “floating” through life. DO YOU ADMIRE ANYONE IN PARTICULAR? I admire my seven older siblings.

They have taught me the importance of helping others and always to put others before me. HOW CAN SOMEONE VOLUNTEER IN THIS ORGANIZATION? Becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister is to provide a child with four hours a month of meeting time. Anyone can become a volunteer. The individual must come with an open heart and willingness to provide his or her time. Becoming a mentor is fun and creates a lasting memory for both the volunteer and child.

WINGS Laredo Jessica O. Guajardo, Director of Cancer Center Doctors Hospital of Laredo, tells us more about this organization.

most memorable fundraisers was the 2010 BrushDogs vs. Frontline Force Border Battle II game in which WINGS Laredo raised $45,000 by supporting off-duty Border Patrol and Customs CBP Officers during a friendly football game. We had various events leading up to the big game where the Webb County community showed their support in a big way. We made new friendships and the CBP officers had a chance to meet many of the women whose lives were truly touched by their compassionate sportsmanship.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION THAT MIGHT

SURPRISE US. Join WINGS Laredo and you will meet some highly spirited, hard-working, and big hearted women whose main desire is to end the barriers women face when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. “Because everyone deserves a lifetime…” WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS TYPE OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION?

WINGS Laredo was founded in October 2008. It is a satellite of WINGS in San Antonio, which has been in existence since 1999. During this time, WINGS has provided treatment for over 200 women in the South Texas area and 31 ladies in Webb County. WINGS Laredo is funded by grants and donations from our community. Volunteers include breast cancer survivors, community health care workers, and community members. EXPLAIN HOW IT HELPS OUR COMMUNITY. WINGS Laredo provides payment for uninsured breast cancer patients who reside in WINGS CONTACT INFO Webb County. This includes surgery, 956.523.2658 www.texaswings.org chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and lifelong follow-up at no cost to the patient.This is accomplished by contracts with community hospitals, health-care providers, and laboratory services. WINGS Laredo pays approximately $15,000 for the entire care of a patient as opposed to the estimated $100,000 cost of breast cancer treatment. TELL US

TELL US ABOUT WINGS.

ABOUT SOME OF THE EVENTS PLANNED BY THIS ORGANIZATION.

WINGS Laredo has participated in events including the Laredo Bucks’ Pink in the Rink, Power of Pink Galas, Joe Brand Pink Jewelry Sale, TAMIU’s Aces for Breast Cancer Event, La Posada’s Cooking for a Cause, Martin High School’s Pink Volleyball Game, and JCPenney’s Employee Pink Education Day. WHAT IS ONE OF WINGS'S MOST OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS? One of our 38

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I work with Dr. Gary Unzeitig, who specializes in breast cancer care. His dedication in treating 98 percent of breast cancer patients in Webb County led me to seek this foundation which has saved so many lives. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO HELP? I wish there were options for payment of cancer care for all types of cancers. We have been lucky enough to start with the most common cancer in Laredo, breast cancer. If we can save the life of one woman who would have otherwise not received any care, then I know we are making a difference. It is remarkable to be able to provide care that helps not only the patient, but also her family. These breast cancer patients are daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends. We are helping an entire family unit. DID YOU EVER CONSIDER THAT IT WOULD BECOME A PART OF YOUR LIFE? WINGS Laredo is a part of me. The organization mirrors what I have chosen as a career. I have the privilege of working in a cancer setting in which I am a voice for cancer treatment, awareness, and education. HELPING WINGS MAKES YOU FEEL... privileged. It is a privilege to help those in need. WINGS Laredo is able to give patients one less thing to worry about—how they will pay for treatment. IN REGARDS TO THE ORGANIZATION, WHEN AND WHERE ARE YOU HAPPIEST? I am happiest when I get to meet the ladies who belong to our program.

I am happiest when I meet their children who tell me that thanks to us, mom is still with them. They don’t ask for a cure, nor do they ask to be treated with special treatment. They are grateful for

what we are giving them…more time with their loved ones.

DO YOU ADMIRE ANYONE IN PARTICULAR? I admire the cancer patient who calls herself a survivor the day she is diagnosed. I admire the woman who begins the fight with a strong heart and a determination to make it through for her children. I get to meet women like this every day. Everyone has a story, and theirs are stories of heroism. HOW CAN SOMEONE VOLUNTEER IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? We invite all the community to help us in fundraisers and by spreading the word that there is a local organization in Laredo which pays for breast cancer treatment.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR HELP OR LOOKING TO HELP IN THIS ORGANIZATION? Everyone is welcome

to help in any way they can. WINGS Laredo can be reached at 956.523.2658.

It is remarkable to be able to provide care that helps not only the patient, but also her family.

These breast cancer patients are daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends. We are helping an entire family unit.

Jessica O. Guajardo

REPRESENTING WINGS From Left to Right: Fernando Abel Inclán, Miguel A. Inclán, and Miguel Inclán, family of María P. Inclán, Breast Cancer Survivor and WINGS Laredo patient; Jessica Guajardo, WINGS Laredo Board Member; and Cindy Vásquez, WINGS volunteer and health care professional

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merry grinchmas

BY RUBÉN BAZÁN + ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA COTTON

Let’s face it. It’s not all Peanuts Specials and hot chocolate during Christmas the holiday season. Revel in the bah-humbugness with this grinchy Top 20 list!

Tacky sweaters

Christmas carols in every store Occupational Secret Santas Gaining holiday pounds and never losing them

Fake “I love this gift!” reactions Gift cards and last minute presents Not getting any work done Obligatory Christmas parties Having no significant other

Atheists shoving their beliefs down your throat

Credit card debt Dissatisfaction of it being too cold outside or too hot inside

Gift baskets with things you would never eat Christmas present stress

People fighting for the last toy at a store

laredo theater guild “Theater on the Menu, Musical Moments, Magical Memories” was just the ticket for a wonderful, fun-filled gala that extolled the generosity of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation with special guests Shirley and Bob González.

Rude cashiers and children tantrums at stores That one country music singer who releases a Christmas album Saying “Happy Holidays” to avoid getting arrested for being politically incorrect Out-of-towners taking up every parking spot at the mall Neighborhood front lawn Christmas decoration wars 40

cream dec / jan 2012

want to feature your event? contact us at info@creamcitymagazine.com

MODEL Vickie García HAIR + MAKEUP Victoria Salon Spa JEWELRY Crystal’s Collection JACKET Denise Hernández

activity challenge:

SCARCITY JACKET is made entirely of polyester fabric

the gallery

featured artist // denise hernández

ONE LOCAL ARTIST COMPLETES ISSUE’S ACTIVITY CHALLENGE

Designers like to think in terms of originality. Creating a unique design requires time for inspiration, vision and construction, as well as knowledge of the materials involved in the design. For this look, I wanted to explore my versatility as a designer. I truly enjoy experimenting with different fabrics because I believe that they have a personality that complements their functionality. Since I could not find the right texture, I took plain beige fabric and molded it to the image I had in my mind. Then, I combined it with a different texture to achieve my final creation.

I truly love designing, and not knowing what will be my next challenge is a great motivation for me.

activity challenge: design and create a fall fashion accessory

I AM CREAM MY LIFE IS

MY FAVORITE MEMORY IS FROM

MUSIC IS MY

FERCHPHOTOGRAPHY

LAREDO PUBLIC LIBRARY TEEN ADVISORY BOARD, TAB, is a group for teens interested in earning community service hours. TAB gives teens the opportunity to participate in and influence teen services at the Laredo Public Library. The teens are responsible in the planning, decorating, and organizing of each event. In the past, they’ve had movie nights with popcorn, Wii game nights, book swaps, food drives, an Anti-Bullying/Suicide Awareness rally, and a book trailer award show known as the Booky Awards.

The library has free Wi-Fi that extends to the parking lot, making it available at all hours, even when the library is closed; 2 computer labs; copy machines (10 cents per copy); book clubs; children’s programs and story time; and events for teens and adults. Along with all the books, there’s also up-to- date DVDs and CDs; video games for all consoles; graphic novels; books on CD as well as Playaways; knitting classes; computer classes; study rooms; and a used book sale every day. Furthermore, teens need to also know that their input matters when it comes to ordering items for the library. The Laredo Public Library hopes to continue making the library inviting to teens just as much as it is for adults and children.

VERSUS:

A few teens still have a stereotyped image of the library—an old dusty place with angry old librarians. But the library has changed; it has something for everyone and teens need to know that.

“BOOKS LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD AND CREATE A PERFECT MOVIE IN YOUR MIND WHILE A MOVIE DOESN’T ALLOW YOU TO IMAGINE AS MUCH.”

HARRY POTTER VS TWILIGHT

ALYSSA ACOSTA

AMANDA ACOSTA

KASANDRA MARTINEZ

BOOK VS MOVIE ELECTRONIC BASED ON BOOK READING DEVICE “I PREFER HARRY POTTER. I FEEL LIKE I’VE GROWN UP WITH VS BOOK HARRY POTTER, AND I AM ATTRACTED TO THE MAGIC OF IT. I REALLY DISLIKE THE TWILIGHT SERIES, ESPECIALLY THE MOVIES BECAUSE I DON’T LIKE THE CASTING. IT DOESN’T FIT MY VISION, SO HARRY POTTER ALL THE WAY!”

STEPHEN KING VS NICHOLAS SPARKS VICTORIA CRADDOCK

STEPHEN KING. HE’S VERY ORIGINAL AND KNOWS HOW AND WHAT TO WRITE TO REALLY GET HIS READERS.”

“I PREFER READING FROM THE ACTUAL BOOK BECAUSE I KNOW I COULD ALWAYS PICK IT UP WHENEVER I WANT AND THE BATTERY WON’T BE DEAD.”

DO YOU HAVE A CLUB OR ORGANIZATION THAT WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN CREAM’S “VERSUS”?

CONTACT US AT INFO@CREAMCITYMAGAZINE.COM

cream dec / jan 2012

45

BY MOON JAMALUDDIN + ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA COTTON

We all do it, admit it. No sense in lying, I’ve done it many times. We secretly love to overindulge in the greatness of meals during holidays. I’m sure we could start yet another reality show over whose family holds the record for cooking a ridiculous number of dishes per square inch of table. Of all the fun and food I’ve enjoyed within my own culture, I have to share a particular holiday experience after moving to America.

A few intercultural marriages in my Amid other Christmasy items like Puppy huge family tree led my sister and me to Chow—a cinnamon, chocolate, peanut meeting and living with an American aunt butter coated version of the popular Chex for a bit during a difficult family time. As Mix snack—I see why these dishes are challenging as that was, my aunt made us saved for special holidays. feel like a real part of her family. Prior to this, Thanksgiving through Christmas I also understood what people meant was just a time of the year when we had by owning a pair of “turkey pants”… If tons of time off from school to watch indulgence were a tree, I was strolling TV and pray for some snow in Texas. through a forest. The meals during But this year was different; missing this season make you stretch our own parents and feeling a consumption beyond the bit out of place, we weren’t point of elasticity. The HOLIDAYS IN ANY sure what to anticipate. layered pattern of turkey, CULTURE Waking up to experience gravy, cranberry, green the Christmas morning beans, and countless SEEM TO BE TIED portrayed in movies, items that covered the TOGETHER it really did feel like table will always mean

BY A FEW COMMON something worth being pounds and pounds THREADS OF good for all year. Grumpy of warm memories TRADITION to have to get up so early that helped re-define an in the morning and not otherwise tough time. knowing what exactly to expect, it was a very pleasant surprise to Going home for the holidays is find presents with our names under the more than just battling traffic and delayed tree. New to our lives, our aunt had been flights. It’s the family moments, lazy naps, secretly watching us to see what kind of and the silly old pictures you still laugh things we would appreciate. Definitely about today. Occasions and holidays in something I won’t forget. any culture seem to be tied together by a few common threads of tradition. Draw Have you ever eaten something that was from those threads and you may find that, crunchy, green, and gooey at the same time? somehow, you are closer to home than you Aside from imagining some morphed had imagined. version of mold, I couldn’t have fathomed a Moon is a private chef and caterer in dish within those parameters, either. Well, Houston, she was born in Bangladesh and meet something called “Green Stuff.” This brings a new light to the traditional flavors. concoction of coconut, pistachio pudding, Find more about Momo Catering pineapple, marshmallows, and cool whip on Twitter, Yelp, or Facebook. was a sweet, textured spoonful of delish. I would describe this green dish as a much fancier substitute to cranberry sauce.

Laughter and friends...

MAKE IT UNFORGETTABLE.

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