Del Rio Grande 1219

DECEMBER 2019

Home For The Holidays Life’s Better In Pajamas City, County Set To Celebrate DECEMBER

$3.99

Happy Holidays GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

1

OPEN ENROLLMENT ACA “OBAMACARE”

October 15th - December 7 th

November 1st - December 15th

25,000 FAMILY TAX CREDIT USE IT OR LOSE IT!

Based on a family of four!

ble Hea l

HIA

MEDICARE PLANS

LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE

th

$25,000

ut Family!”

Don’t miss out on $25,000/year Average Tax Credit for Health Insurance.

May qualify for NO MONTHLY PREMIUM.

DOLARES DE SUBSIDO FAMILAR “IT’S ABOUT FAMILY” APROVECHALO ES PARA TI! NO LO PIENSES! El promedio de Subsidio para Ayudarte a pagar tu Segure de Gastos Médicos es de 25,000 Dólares al Año en Blue Cross Blue Shield de Texas y con costo de CERO.

APROVÉCHALO Y ÚSALO

NO LO PIENSES!

n Diego

0) 719-9342 30) 422-3232

Margarita Diego

Ivan Diego

Cell: (830) 719-9312 Office: (830) 422-3232

Cell: (619) 850-3954 Office: (830) 776-5781

. Bedell Ave., Del Rio, TX 78840

1408 E. Garrison St., Eagle Pass, TX 78852

Juan Diego Margarita Diego Ivan Diego Cell: (830) 719-9342 Cell: (830) 719-9312 Cell: (619) 850-9354 Office: (830) 422-3232 Office: (830) 422-3232 Office: (830) 422-3232

830.422.3232

1102 N. BEDELL AVE. DEL RIO, TX 78840

2

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

830.776.5781

1408 E. GARRISON ST. • EAGLE PASS, TX 78852

www.ahiabenefits.com

830.422.3232

2413 VETERANS BLVD DEL RIO, TX 78840

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

3

FROM THE EDITOR ’Tis the season!

PUBLISHER Sandra Castillo EDITOR Karen Gleason WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Xochitl Arteaga Jessy Colossus Karen Gleason Atzimba Morales Diamond Ward ADVERTISING Xochitl Arteaga Diamond Ward PRODUCTION

Miguel Campos Roland Cardenas EDITORIAL karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 247 ADVERTISING xochitl.arteaga@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 250 STORY IDEAS karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com

2205 North Bedell Avenue • Del Rio, TX 78840 delrionewsherald.com Del Rio Grande is published by the Del Rio News-Herald.

No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine.

Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and Happy Holidays!

This year it seems like the end-of-the-year holidays came earlier than ever: I joked to several people I know that I went straight from Halloween to Christmas.

Because of the mad rush that envelopes nearly all of us at this time of year, we here at Grande wanted to get a little nostalgic and remember how we spent the season in the families where we were raised.

This also got us to thinking about how some of our readers, who come from far-flung corners of the world, remember their homes of origin and the traditions in which they were raised.

We found several people willing to share their homelands’ holiday celebrations.

I want especially thank our dear friends Diane Stern and Gloria Wilson for talking to us at length about the way Christmas is celebrated in their “home” countries, and how they brought a little bit of those celebrations to Texas.

I also want to thank a group of new friends I made while working on this issue: a crazy bunch of passionate Puerto Ricans introduced to me by our advertising director Xochitl Arteaga.

Thank you, Gisela Rivera and Rafael Cruz and your family members and friends for inviting me into your home for a Puerto Rican Christmas.

I loved it, and it reminded me of the Christmases after Michael G. and I were first married, and we would drive to San Antonio from Del Rio on Christmas morning to celebrate with his large, boisterous Irish family.

What great memories those are!

Gisela and Rafael and their crew also laid out a true Puerto Rican holiday feast and insisted I try a little something of everything. I had a lot of food I’d never tasted before, and it was all delicious. Thank you all again.

I know readers will also love our food and drink recipes this month and enjoy hearing about writer and photographer Atzimba Morales’ family’s efforts to display their heirloom nativity.

As much as I enjoy all the trappings of Christmas, this year I think I’ll take a page from Sylvia Owens’ holiday playbook and spend some time slowing down and reflecting a little more than I have in years past, and I hope all of you will do the same.

So take some time, bake some cookies, drink some hot chocolate, enjoy the city and county Christmas events and take some time with family and friends.

See you in 2020, Karen Gleason Del Rio Grande Editor

Making Texas a Better Place for Pets & People Del Rio Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital

Eagle Pass Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital

(830) 422-2129

(830) 776-5868

Affordable Exams, In-House Diagnostics, Surgery, Dentistry

WE TAKE EMERGENCIES Monday-Friday • 7:00am-7:00pm | Saturday • 8:00am-4:00pm

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

5

10

18

40

46

24

CONTENTS 8

CALENDAR Keep busy this month at these local events.

10

CITY CELEBRATES

Annual parade kicks off Del Rio’s holiday season.

14

HOLIDAY TRADITION Slow-roasted pernil is perfect at Christmas or anytime.

16

NAUGHTY MARTINIS

Don’t let Santa get into these “sugar cookies.”

18

38

’TIS THE SEASON TO BE COMFY

GRANDE CHRISTMAS

24

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL

Jackie and Enrique Perez and family Celebrate the season in comfort.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Del Rio’s Puerto Rican ex-pats focus on family.

28

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Asian ‘ambassadress’ shares a taste of China’s culture.

32

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Del Rio’s Gloria Wilson celebrates with a bit of Britain.

Spread seasonal joy with these perfect gifts from Del Rio stores.

40

Del Rio’s Michelle Gonzalez celebrates the season in style.

46

MORALES FAMILY NATIVITY SCENE

The history of a beloved – and burdensome – family heirloom.

50

LAST LOOK

Write/photographer Atzimba Morales wraps up the issue.

ON THE COVER: Del Rioans Enrique and Jackie Perez find time during the busy holiday season to relax at home with their children.

This year, the Perezes picked comfy Papa Bear and Mama Bear sweatshirts and matching buffalo plaid pants to wear during down time from their busy lives. • Photo by Haus of Londyn Jessy Colossus

6

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Wishing you and your family a 2019 GMC Acadia Denali

Happy New Year

The Acadia Denali is a cut above the rest with unsurpassed levels of artistry and tasteful design that stand equal to its performance and functionality.

EXTERIOR Acadia Denali combines bold, functional styling with premium details that make it stand out against other mid-size luxury SUVs.

INTERIOR At first glance, it’s the style that stands out. A deeper dive reveals the advanced functionality and cuttingedge technology crafted within.

CAPABILITY Acadia Denali mid-size luxury SUV delivers performance and handling dynamics that help keep you confidently in control.

Brown Automotive Center 2019

SHANE QUINN General Manager

SHANE QUINN General Manager

SERGIO SERGIO GALVAN GALVAN

SILVERADO CREW CAB Z71 4WD The New Standard Of The World

DAVID HOWARD DAVID USED HOWARD CAR MGR USED CAR MGR

JULIO DELGADO JULIO FINANCE MGR DELGADO FINANCE MGR

RUBEN RUBEN SALAS SALAS

MEL PABLO MEL PABLO RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ RODRI-

REMI REMI ROJO ROJO

CARLOS CARLOS ROBLES ROBLES

DIANA GARCIA

PETE ORTIZ

MONICA MARINES

DIEGO DE LUNA

ANABEL ACEVEDO

RAYMUNDO GONZALEZ

PETE ORTIZ General Sales Manager

2520 Veterans Blvd. • Del Rio, TX • 775-7550 • 1-800-725-7550 General Sales Manager

brownautocenter.com

Brown Automotive Center

The New

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

7

DECEMBER CALENDAR

Merry Christmas

Keep busy this month at these fun local events “Creating a memorable experience through food.”

• DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS • FAMILY STYLE MEALS • GRAB & GO FOODS MONDAY - FRIDAY 11AM-6PM DAILY LUNCH 11AM -3PM

FULL SERVICE CATERING FOR ANY SIZE EVENT!

830-488-6090 • 105 E. 4th Street fragolascatering@gmail.com facebook.com/fragolascatering

7

WILD GAME DINNER • 6:30 P.M. – 10 P.M. CIVIC CENTER • 1915 VETERANS BLVD.

The annual dinner and 125 gun raffle is a must-do for carnivores and gun enthusiasts alike. Tickets are $15 ($10 less than usual to commemorate the event’s 30th annual celebration) and available at the chamber, Roberts Jewelers, Big Dave’s, Rudy’s, Del Rio Feed & Supply and Drive In Liquors.

7

NOISE FOR TOYS • 5 P.M. – 11:30 P.M. CASA DE LA CULTURA • 302 CANTU ST.

This event, coordinated by one of Del Rio’s most iconic rock bands, the Code 88s, brings in punk, metal, ska, all for a great cause. Present an unwrapped new toy at the door, and you’ll get in to enjoy a full night of great music.

14

POSADA, TAMALADA, BAILES Y CANTOS • 3 P.M. – 11 P.M. CASA DE LA CULTURA • 302 CANTU ST. Everyone is invited to this free annual event that features live music, food and performances, a traditional posada, a processional honoring the journey of Mary and Joseph, as well as a special visit from Barrio Claus. Fun for the whole family.

SOLID GOLD

Jewelry and Watch Repair

14

PAWTY IN THE PARK • 10 A.M. – 1 P.M. BUENA VISTA PARK • FOX DRIVE

Pet parents are invited to a fun afternoon to learn about the various responsibilities pet owners have to keep their furry friends happy and healthy. Topics to be shared include nutrition, pet health and laws you need to know.

The event is free.

13, 14, 15

“THE NUTCRACKER” BALLET • 7 P.M., 2 P.M. and 7 P.M., 2 P.M. PAUL POAG THEATRE • 746 S. MAIN ST.

Begin your family’s own holiday tradition by attending a performance of Tchaikovsky’s beloved fantasy ballet, performed by Del Rio’s own top dancers, under the direction of Annie Marshall. Tickets are $5, and children ages 5 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door.

20 JESSE - NEBO - ANA Del Rio’s most trusted repair shop for over 35 years.

PH: (830) 775-7451

2400 Veterans Blvd. Suite #9 - Del Rio, Tx (Located in La Villita Shopping Center.)

8

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

KIDS’ DANCE PARTY • 6:30 P.M. – 9 P.M. CIVIC CENTER • 1915 VETERANS BLVD.

This free event is hosted by Del Rio Parks Foundation and city of Del Rio at the Amistad Urban Oasis in front of the civic center. Bring your kids for a fun evening of dancing under the stars in one of Del Rio’s beautiful green spaces.

Dance along to the moves on the screen or show off your unique moves. Snacks and food will be available for purchase.

UNITED MEDICAL CENTERS

“Providing High Quality, Affordable & Accessible Patient Care” “Propocionado la mejor Calidad de Atención al Cliente y Economicamente Accesible” United Medical Centers (UMC) provides comprehensive medical services that includes: Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Podiatry, Dental, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Family Planning, Women’s Health, Laboratory, Pharmacy and Radiology.

Call for your appointment or for more information at any of the three clinic sites in Del Rio to serve you. Evening and Saturday Clinics available.

Each Clinics Provides: Healthy Texas Women Program, Free Pregnancy Testing, Family Planning Clinic

UMC proporciona servicios médicos integrates que incluyen; Medicina Familiar; Pedratría, Podiatría, Obstetricia Dental, Ginecología, Planificacíon Familiar, Salud de la mujer, Laboratorio, Farmacia y Radiología.

Llame para su cita o para obtener más informacíon en cualquier de las tres clinicas en Del Rio para servirle. Clinicas de noche y Sábados disponibles. Cada Clinica brinda: El Programa Healthy Texas Woman, Pruebas de Embarazos Gratuitas y Planificación Familiar (M-F 8am - 5pm)

Visit our website at/visite nuestra pagina www.umchealth.

Dr. Martinez, Family Medicine

Dr. Keenen, D.P.M. Podiatry

United Medical Centers 913 S. Main St. • Del Rio, TX • (830) 774-5534 Medical

Additional On-Site Services: X-Ray Pharmacy Laboratory

Dr. Salama, OB/GYN

Bedell Avenue Clinic

Dr. Mani, General Practice

Dr. Eyestone, General Practice

Servicios Adicionales: Radiografía Farmacia Labortorio

Ms. Meza, WHNP Women’s Health

2209 N. Bedell Avenue • Del Rio, TX 78840 (830) 775-1272 or (830)488-6950 OB/GYN DEPT

Moira Graham, RN, MSN, CPNP

Dr. Astudillo, OB/GYN

San Felipe Health Center

1117 W. De La Rosa St. • Del Rio, TX 78840 (830) 768-4800

DENTAL

Hardey Patel, DDS Dental Director

Dr. Paul C. Hessler, Pediatrician

Edith Valdez, RDH

For a dental appointment Call / Para Cita dental (830) 774-1700.

Ms. Fernandez, FNP-C

East Academy Clinic

Ms. Huerta, WHNP-BC

Family Medicine

Ms. Delgado, RN, FNP-BC, Family Medicine

Mrs. Mayte FernandezPatterson, R.N., F.N.P. Family Medicine

Ms. Antu, FNP-C Family Medicine

119 East Academy St • Del Rio, TX • (830) 422-3305 Please call for after-hours service/ Por favor llame para servicio fuera de horario (844) 711-3893. Dial 911 for an emergency/Para emergencias llamar al 911.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

9

Community

Christmas

City, county to celebrate the season Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

I

t’s become the official kick-off event for the holiday season: the city of Del Rio’s annual Christmas parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

This year, the festivities will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, with the annual parade, which begins at South Main and Ogden streets and traverses the city’s downtown district south to South Main and Nicholson streets.

Each year, the city’s mayor selects the theme for the parade, and this year, Del Rio Mayor Bruno “Ralphy” Lozano has picked “80s Retro Christmas.”

The theme brings to mind the hilarious antics of Ralphie Parker and his family from the now-classic “A Christmas Story,” a movie released in 1983.

“Last year, we celebrated the holiday season with western fanfare, themed, ‘For Unto Y’all, A Cowboy Christmas.’ This year, we were surrounded with 80s nostalgia. It was present in ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘American Horror Story: 1984’ and fashion comebacks, so why not have a holiday theme with the 80s in mind?” Lozano said when asked how he selected the theme. “‘The 80s: A Retro Christmas’ parade theme is a way for 30-somethings to reminisce their elementary school years while passing on some of their favorite nostalgic icons to their own kids,” the mayor added.

As in years past, the parade will feature floats, bands, queens and more, City Community Services Director Esme Meza said.

Each year, parade entrants vie for prizes, and this year, categories include the following: Mayor’s Choice, Best Overall Theme, 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place.

Simple white lights and a golden star adorn one of the city Christmas trees, this one outside the Del Rio Civic Center.

10

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Meza said prizes will also be awarded for Most Creative, Best Music, Best Band and Most Spirited in the float entries, Most Creative, Best Band, Most Spirited and Best in Showmanship in the walking unit entries and Most Creative, Best Music and Best in Showmanship in the “other” entries, which include decorated company vehicles, equestrian, classic cars and motorcycles.

During the 2018 parade, St. Joseph’s Church and its elaborate entry telling the story of Christ’s birth won the Mayor’s Choice Award, with the Queen City Belles earning top honors for Best Overall Theme.

The Belles also took home the Most Creative Award for floats/vehicles, the Most Spirited Award for walking entries and the Most Creative Overall Award.

The Best Band Award in 2018 went to the Del Rio Middle School, and Grace Church won the award for Best Music among the float/vehicle entries.

Rounding out the overall awards last year were Grace Church, first place overall; Miss Val Verde, second place overall; Del Rio Chiro, third place overall; and Del Rio Middle School Band, best music overall.

Meza said last year the parade boasted 13 walking entries and 26 float/vehicle entries, and this year, the parade promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The traditional lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree will follow the parade.

The tree stands on the north end of historic Greenwood Park, and its lighting by the mayor has become another Del Rio holiday tradition.

The Greenwood Park festivities after the parade also include the announcement of the parade awards, an appearance by Santa Claus and performances by choirs from area schools.

Meza said food and drink vendors have been invited to participate so those attending the event can enjoy cups of hot chocolate or champurrado, along with a funnel cake or buñuelos.

“I invite everyone in our charming community to join us at ‘The 80s: A Retro Christmas’ parade and tree lighting festival on Dec. 6. We are looking at live bands, marching bands, creative and festive floats and an award ceremony to follow in the city’s historic Greenwood Park,” Lozano said. •

Children from area school choirs perform every year at the city’s tree-lighting ceremony.

Petsense employee Alma Lopez and her cocker spaniel Sophie join Petsense mascot Barkdown on the Petsense float in the 2018 Christmas parade.

2018-2019 Miss Cinco de Mayo Bernice Saldivar, left, and 2018-2019 Miss Fiesta Jennifer Elias greet the crowds on South Main Street as they ride in the 2018 Christmas parade.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

11

A member of Southwest Texas Junior College’s Wild Riders rodeo team carries the U.S. flag in the 2018 Christmas Parade.

Santa Claus gets a hug from one of his littlest fans at the 2018 tree-lighting ceremony at Greenwood Park.

Del Rio Police Department Chief Fred Knoll Jr., left, and DRPD Capt. Robert Guzman donned cowboy hats for the 2018 Christmas Parade.

12

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Symantha Cardenas, a captain in the Queen City Belles, accepts the group’s armload of trophies from their entry in the 2018 Christmas Parade. The Belles took home a total of four parade awards, including Most Spirited, Best Overall Theme, Most Creative Overall and Most Creative in floats/vehicles.

County celebrates Christmas at courthouse

V

Members of the Del Rio High School Mighty Ram Band wrapped their instruments in festive lights for their performance in the 2018 Christmas Parade.

The cast of the beloved Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker,” gave a sneak peak of their 2018 performance during the tree-lighting ceremony at the civic center. From left, Audrey Marshall, Ana Sofia Tejeda, Nicole Meza, Ben Pool, Kaylee Allen, Grace Rodriguez and Hanna Rodriguez.

Resplendent in red, Miss Del Rio Teen Kaylee Nicole Yi, left, and Miss Del Rio Nadia Martinez, right, wave to the crowds in the 2018 Christmas Parade.

al Verde County will add its own round of holiday celebrations to the mix this year, with an evening of festivities centered on the historic Val Verde County Courthouse.

The fun is set to start at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, said Sylvia Owens, who’s heading up the county’s special events committee. The event is free and open to the public.

Owens said originally she and her team had planned to piggy-back off the city’s Dec. 6 Christmas kick-off by scheduling the county’s events on the following day, but changed those plans when she realized the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce’s big Wild Game Dinner was the following day.

Owens said things got started long before the holiday season with the annual decoration of the Val Verde County Courthouse, 400 Pecan St. This year’s courthouse decorations will include a lighted archway leading to the building’s front entryway.

Owens said she was also inspired by the beloved children’s Christmas book, “The Polar Express.”

The county’s celebration will focus on a Christmas movie to be shown at the courthouse after the event gets started, Owens said.

The screen will be hung on the south side of the courthouse, which faces H-E-B, over an unused entrance to the building.

“We’re inviting people to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and we’re also letting people know that it’s okay to wear their Christmas PJs or something really warm and comfy and to bring their kids and watch the movie,” Owens said.

Santa Claus, of course, will put in an appearance and hand out hot chocolate and cookies to kids and adults alike.

Owens said she wants people to take the opportunity to slow down and get into the spirit of the season.

“I love Christmas. It is my favorite time of the year. It’s the joy, the love, it’s Christ is born, it’s a time to reflect on your blessings, the happiest time of the year, and it makes me happy if we can share that happiness. If we can do that, I think it takes us through the rest of the year,” she said.

The county celebration, Owens said, is a chance to share that feeling with the entire community.

“This is something we want to share. I’m thrilled because we’ve already got county employees volunteering to come in as elves, things like that. It’s just an opportunity to share the joy,” she said.

“Our whole idea is that, as joyous as the Christmas season is, it can be very stressful. We want people to come and relax, bring their blankets and kids, watch a movie, have some fun and not have to go anywhere to feel that Christmas spirit,” she added. • GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

13

14

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

PERNIL Recipe by TATY GOTAY; Photo by KAREN GLEASON

T

his month’s magazine covers the Puerto Rican Christmas tradition, and one of the meals that caught our attention was Pernil. This style of pork roast is the traditional holiday meat in Puerto Rico, and it’s so easy to make. Crispy on the outside while juicy and tender inside, it’s slow roasted until it falls apart with the touch of a fork, crispy and juicy. Seasoned with garlic and adobo for maximum flavor, your house will smell as incredible as the dish tastes! So, I had to go to my Puerto Rican friend Taty Gotay and she shared with us her very own family recipe.

This definately looks impressive on the table, but no need to be intimidated since it’s really easy to make. The hardest part is enduring the amazing scent that fills your house while it roasts, but I promise the wait is so worth it.

To get the Puerto Rican flavor in every bite, you’ll need to season it the night before, so plan ahead for that.

Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 4 hrs 15 minutes

Ingredients • 1 Pernil 10-15 lbs (Pork Boston Butt Roast) • 1/2 cup of olive oil • 1 head of garlic • 1/4 cup of salt • 1/8 cup black pepper • 1 season pack Goya Foods sazon culantro • 1 table spoon of oregano

Method • Pernil needs to be defrosted.

• Remove fat from pernil.

• Make deep slits all over the meat.

• In a food processor (or if you have a pilon) blend the garlic, olive oil, black pepper, oregano and salt.

• Fill each slit in the pork with about a teaspoon of the garlic paste. Spread the remaining mixture on the whole roast.

• Sprinkle Sazon Goya and rub pork.

• Place in a roasting pan and cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

• When ready to cook, preheat one to 400F. Leave roast covered with foil and roast for 1 hour.

• Change temperature to 300F for 3 hours.

• Then cook for 15 minutes at 400F to crisp up the fat.

• Pork should read 180F on an internal thermometer and shred easily with a fork.

Buen Provecho!

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

15

16

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Sugar Cookie

Martini Recipe by DIAMOND WARD; photo by XOCHITL ARTEAGA

This Christmas, pump up your holiday spirit with our new Sugar Cookie Martini. Not only is it pretty but it is also full of flavor! If you are a hot chocolate drinking, sugar cookie eating, Christmas movie watching kind of person then this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients • 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk • 1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream • 2 oz vanilla vodka • 2 oz amaretto

• Ice • 1/2 cup vanilla frosting • 1/4 cup sprinkles • 4 sugar cookies

Method • Spread a thin layer of frosting onto the rim of a martini glass.

• Dip the rim in sprinkles to coat. Frost cookies with frosting and decorate with remaining sprinkles.

• In a cocktail shaker, combine milk, Baileys, vodka and amaretto. Add ice and shake!

• Pour into martini glass and garnish rim with a sugar cookie.

Enjoy!

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

17

Fashion Shoot

’Tis the season to be comfy Photos: HAUS OF LONDYN JESSY COLOSSUS

18

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Wardrobe JCPENNEY

Coordinated: XOCHITL ARTEAGA

Models: DARIELA, DAMIAN, MACIEL, ENRIQUE ALEJANDRO, JACKIE & ENRIQUE PEREZ

Enrique Alejandro (16), Damian (13), Enrique, Jackie, Maciel (14) & Dariela (10)

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

19

20

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Dad wearing: Papa Bear 2 set pajama: $44.00 • Mom wearing: Mama Bear 2 set pajama: $44.00 • Boys: 2 set Pajama: $42.00 Girl: 2 set Pajama: 37.00 • Girl : Unisex One piece Pajama: $44.00

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

21

ORDER CHIPS ONLINE

WWW.JULIOSCORNCHIPS. Drive Thru 6am - 8pm Dine-In 7am - 8pm Located at 3900 Hwy 90E 830-298-2223

DRIVE THRU OPEN AT 6AM 22

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Limited Edition

HOLIDAY CHIPS While Supplies Last

T BREAKFAS SPECIALS

Chicken Fajita Taco

With Bell Pepper & Onion

$1.79

Papas A La Mexicana Taco

$1.79

Chicken Fajita Taco With Bell Pepper & Onion

w/12oz Drink

$2.29

Papas A La Mexicana Taco w/Drink

$2.29

Chicken Fajita Plate With Bell Pepper & Onion Served With Rice & Beans

$6.49

Papas A La Mexicana Plate

$5.49

LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

23

Focus on food and fun Family is the centerpiece of the Puerto Rican Christmas Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

Joining in a holiday toast to family and friends near and far are, from left, Mara Alayon, Cristian Medina, Taty Gotay, Joanny Guindin, Rafael Cruz, Gisela Rivera, Cristicel Rivera and Maribel Cruz.

O

n the outside, the home of Gisela Rivera and Rafael Cruz looks like many others in this upscale neighborhood in far north Del Rio with its wide streets, manicured lawns and arched entrance.

But when you step through the front door, you will find yourself somehow magically transported to the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. Even better if you arrive near the holiday season, when the homes of Puerto Ricans know no strangers.

Stay five minutes and you’re a friend. Stay 10, and you’re a member of the family.

A friend of the host offers a beverage, perhaps a Puerto Rico beer like Medalla Light or Magna Premium Label, two beers brewed on the island. Or he may offer an even more traditional libation – coquito, sometimes called coconut eggnog, an alcoholic concoction based on

24

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

coconut, sweetened condensed milk and rum.

If you are celebrating on the island proper, the host’s friend – or perhaps the host’s slightly shady cousin – may offer you something even stronger, like pitorro, a moonshine rum made from sugarcane.

Cruz, who works for the federal government in Del Rio, said he and his wife try to return to Puerto Rico to see family and friends once or twice a year, but they can’t always make it home for the holidays.

So, he said, they try to bring Puerto Rico to Del Rio and host a holiday celebration for fellow island ex-pats and friends in their home here.

“It can be a lonely experience, the holidays so far from your home, so these kind of get-togethers really rescue me,” Rivera said.

And although the drinks may usher in the spirits of the

Arroz con grandules, seasoned rice with pigeon peas, is the traditional side to pernil, a slow-roasted pork dish.

Gisela Rivera loads a plate with Puerto Rican holiday specialties.

Morcilla is a blood sausage that also contains rice and spices and which is often served on the Puerto Rican holiday table.

Considered by many to be the national dish of Puerto Rico, pernil, tender, slow-roasted pork, is best when accompanied by a traditional side, arroz con grandules, seasoned rice with pigeon peas.

No Puerto Rican holiday celebration would be complete without a few friendly rounds of dominoes.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

25

Gisela Rivera and Rafael Cruz get ready to celebrate the holidays with Puerto Rican flair and flavor in their home in Del Rio.

26

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

season, the real warmth is in the food shared.

Rivera said typically many Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations are potluck: everyone gathers at the home of a relative and brings along a favorite dish.

On the evening Del Rio Grande visited Cruz and Rivera, the couple’s dining room table fairly groaned with its load of tasty offerings, each looking and smelling heavenly.

There is a Puerto Rican-style escabeche, yuca con escabeche, which combines yucca, also called cassava, root, with oil, garlic and roasted bell peppers, and a plate heaped with morcilla, blood sausage, which contains – you guessed it, blood – but also has rice and various spices.

For the less adventurous, there is pernil, slow-roasted pork shoulder, accompanied by a heaping serving of arroz con grandules, Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas. Popular at the holidays, many consider pernil and arroz con grandules the national dish of Puerto Rico.

There is also a plate of pasteles, a tasty mix of different ingredients, spiced and wrapped in banana or plantain leaf and boiled.

Cruz said Puerto Rican cuisine has borrowed heavily from indigenous, Spanish and African influences.

“You could almost say that our Christmas meal is those three cultures melting together,” Cruz said.

After dinner, there is tembleque, Puerto Rican coconut pudding, and Puerto Rican flan de queso, which is similar to flan from Mexico, but with a heavier consistency, almost like a cheesecake pudding.

But no Puerto Rican holiday celebration could be considered complete with the parranda, in which a raucous parade of carolers visits a home at night – and in exchange for food and drinks, serenades their hosts with festive songs and music played on guitars and a type of stringed instrument called a cuatro, something like a mandolin.

“Basically, you go and stand outside

From left, Taty Gotay, Joanny Guindin, Maribel Cruz and Cristicel Rivera uses a tambourine to make a joyful noise during a demonstration of the “parranda,” a boisterous holiday caroling tradition in Puerto Rico featuring singing, dancing and various types of musical instruments.

someone’s door and all shout, ‘Open the doors, we’re coming in!’ and the group can include a lot of people and instruments like guitars, drums, trumpets, tambourines,” Cruz said.

But the season has its quiet side, even in a boisterous Puerto Rican household.

Cruz said a nativity is the centerpiece of every home in Puerto Rico that celebrates Christmas.

“Really, in our homes, the nativity is even more important than the tree, because it reminds us of the reason we’re celebrating,” he said.

Cruz said in Puerto Rico, celebration of the end-of-the-year holiday season begins around Thanksgiving and includes the popular Dia de Reyes or Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos, (the Day of Kings or Epiphany) which falls on Jan. 6.

Cruz said the holiday season comes to an end in mid-January with the Fiestas de la Calle de San Sebastian, the San Sebastian Street Festival.

“San Sebastian is a street on old San Juan where each year there is a giant festival that’s the official end of the Christmas holiday. There’s lots of music, food and, of course, drinking,” Cruz said with a laugh.

Both Rivera and Cruz said if they can’t be in Puerto Rico for the holidays, bringing a little bit of the island to their home in Del Rio and sharing it with their friends is the next best thing.

“It’s like having a little bit of Puerto Rico here with the friends we’ve made in Del Rio, and that’s special and important to me, because your mind and your heart are always in Puerto Rico at Christmas,” Rivera said. •

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

27

F

Diane Stern, Del Rio’s unofficial ambassadress of Asian culture and cuisine, in front of the Christmas tree in the Sterns South Main Street residence.

Promoting holiday hospitality Del Rio’s “Asian ambassadress” celebrates Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

28

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

or some 15 years, Del Rioan Diane Stern has served as the unofficial ambassadress of Chinese and Far East culture here.

Stern, the wife of Del Rio attorney Jack R. Stern, is perhaps best known for her nearly-annual Chinese New Year celebration, which in the past has included a parade and a Far Asian feast.

The parade often included a Chinese ribbon dance, umbrella dance, fan dance and “fair lady” dance, with a variety of authentic and intricate, colorful costumes worn by event participants, many of whom are friends the Sterns have made here.

Stern purchased most of the costumes and props worn in the parade herself, on regular trips she made back to China and Taiwan.

Stern said her intent in organizing the events each year was to share a little slice of Chinese culture with the people of Del Rio. “I just want to share with people, to change their views and open their minds,” she said following one of the exhibitions.

Stern said she hoped the festival would give Del Rioans a deeper view of Chinese culture and noted she particularly hoped the celebration would be something that Del Rio’s children and young people would enjoy and remember.

For their adult friends, the Sterns often host elaborate banquets featuring foods and drinks unfamiliar to many Del Rioans, the goal is always the same: to bring a little bit of Asia to the Texas-Mexico border and to give residents here a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

Stern said the Christian Christmas holidays aren’t celebrated in the same way in Asia, where many belong to the Buddhist and other faiths, but said the Western influence has definitely made itself known, especially in symbols like Santa Claus and the Christmas tree.

Stern said she doesn’t go all-out for the holiday celebration, but she and Jack have maintained a tradition of inviting a cadre of friends and work colleagues to their home to view and enjoy the city of Del Rio’s annual

No Asian celebration is complete without tea, and Diane Stern has a number of beautifully-decorated tea sets she has brought over from China and elsewhere in Asia.

Perfectly crisp potstickers, filled with a variety of savory ingredients, greet guests at one of the Sterns’ Christmas parade viewing parties.

Christmas parade.

The Sterns in 2012 purchased the historic Montgomery Ward building in the 700 block of South Main Street and began renovating. The building, which was built in 1929, has been used as a department store, a fabric store and a clothing store since it was vacated by Montgomery Ward. The company’s “Spirit of Progress” design can still be seen under the roofline at the front of the building.

The huge upper floor of the imposing structure now serves as the Sterns’ residence, with the living and dining areas part of an immense open floor plan that features tall windows overlooking South Main. The residence is full of Asian grace notes, as well as Asian or Asian-influenced furniture, art and sculpture.

The ground floor of the building presents a huge space as well, and it is there that the Sterns host their annual Christmas parade viewing party.

Like all of the other celebrations directed by Stern, the parade viewing party focuses on food and drink.

“Food is at the center of most Asian celebrations.

It’s one of the most important things,” Stern said.

Stern said she purchases many of her ingredients and prepared items from Asian markets in Houston, where she has family and friends.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

29

30

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Diane Stern arranges freshly heated potstickers in rows on a Christmas-themed plate.

Stern is an accomplished and confident cook, and she quickly transforms a variety of ingredients into plate after plate of Asian specialties.

A bag of frozen potstickers filled with a variety of sliced vegetables is browned on one side and heated in a hot pan coated with a thin layer of cooking oil. The delectable bites are served on a Christmasthemed plate with a dish of soy sauce, ready to be dipped and enjoyed.

Stern may also serve items like baked eggrolls and teriyaki beef meatballs, which she acknowledges as a nod to Japan. There may also be dishes featuring noodles, vegetables, seafood and varieties of other ingredients that happened to catch Stern’s fancy while shopping.

Stern said during the Christmas parade viewing party, and during the Chinese New Year celebration, which falls in late January, she will sometimes also serve traditional Chinese dumplings.

“We eat those for prosperity,” she said with a laugh. •

Delectable beef dumplings are another offering at one of the Sterns’ holiday parties.

Potstickers filled with savory vegetables and small baked eggrolls are the perfect finger foods when visiting with friends.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

31

Del Rioan Gloria Wilson said she loves sharing some of England’s rich Christmas traditions with friends in the U.S.

32

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Bringing the holiday home Englishwoman Gloria Wilson shows how to enjoy the season Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

Gloria Wilson shows off one of a box of Christmas crackers, a popular gift item that can be filled with jokes, trivia, a paper crown or hat and a small toy or gift.

D

el Rioan Gloria Wilson says she still misses Christmas in England, where she was born and raised.

Wilson said among the many things she loved – and still loves – about the way Christmas is celebrated in England is the buildup and anticipation that exists before the actual holiday.

“I miss England during the Christmas holidays, of course I do,” she said. “I think it’s all the excitement because it’s not just a oneday thing. It seems like in America, Thanksgiving is one day, and Christmas is one day, and you eat a meal that you could make on any Sunday and then go hit the sales. Where’s the celebration?

Where’s the spending time with family? In England, it’s Christmas Eve, then Christmas Day, then Boxing Day,” she said.

Wilson, who is from London, first came to the United States as a 19-year-old after she married an American serviceman. She moved to Del Rio and was here while John Wayne filmed his classic, “The Alamo,” in nearby Brackettville.

“I actually got to meet John Wayne, and when my son was born, I named him Wayne,” Wilson recalled with a laugh.

After her first husband died, Wilson said she returned to

England, but came back to the U.S. in 1982 to see her son who was living in Idaho at the time.

Wilson said she returned to Del Rio to visit friends she still had in the area and met her current husband Steve.

Steve and Gloria were married in 1986 and moved back to England, where Steve was flying F-111s out of RAF Lakenheath.

“We came back to the U.S. in 1990, first to Lubbock and then Randolph and then back to Del Rio. I love being here. I love Texas, and I love Texans,” Wilson said.

But she recalls her beloved England and its long-standing Christmas traditions with deep fondness.

Wilson remembered celebrating the 12 days before Christmas, when family members would present each other with small gifts, the Christmas Eve dinner with her parents and siblings and, sometimes, a Church of England midnight mass.

“Then there’s Christmas Day, and really everything on Christmas Day is geared around the Queen’s speech at 2 p.m. My mother would be cooking all day, usually a turkey dinner – lunch – and all the fixings, though a little different than it is here. My dad and

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

33

English Christmas crackers are set on the Christmas dinner table, and they are pulled apart to reveal the gifts inside.

my brother and I would go to the pub, but we’d be home in time to have our Christmas lunch and at 2 o’clock, we’d listen to the Queen,” Wilson said.

“We always had Christmas pudding, which has all kinds of fruit in it, and when I was little, they would wash coins, sixpence, and mix them in the pudding for us to find. Then they would pour brandy over the pudding and set it alight. We would pour this thick English custard over it, and that was your dessert. We were all so excited,” she added.

At 5 p.m. on Christmas Day, Wilson said, her family would have high tea, which featured salad, a variety of cold meats, sometimes including seafood like shrimp, and pie with custard left over from the noon meal.

Wilson hasn’t been able to bring many English traditions to the U.S. with her, but one she does try to share with her American friends is that of the Christmas crackers.

The crackers are brightly wrapped and can be pulled open with a pop. Inside, revelers will find a card containing jokes and trivia, a Christmas hat or crown and a small toy or other small gift.

Wilson said the crackers are set to the right of the plate on the Christmas table and can be elaborate, especially if the gifts inside are hand-selected and the crackers purchased at a high-

34

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

end retail outlet like London’s famed Harrods department store.

Wilson now buys Christmas crackers at the World Market in San Antonio and enjoys surprising friends with this very English Christmas tradition.

But Christmas Day isn’t the end of the holidays in England, Wilson said.

The day after Christmas, the English celebrate Boxing Day, she said.

“This was traditionally a day when the servants of a family ‘boxed up’ food to take to their families. The servants would serve on Christmas Day, and on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, they would leave a buffet for their bosses and box up food from Christmas Day, because there was so much of it, and take it home. Now on Boxing Day, we just eat cold plates and really don’t cook anything,” Wilson said.

Wilson said she hopes Americans will slow down and savor the Christmas season and take time over the holidays to enjoy good food and time with family and friends.

Wilson said she has a special season planned this year as well.

“My brother is coming in from New Zealand with his wife, so we’re going to have a very traditional family Christmas this year, and I know he’s going to bring me a Christmas pudding,” she said. •

Get up to $1,000 in rebates when you finance/refinance your Home Equity Loan!

Matching Rates As Low As

5.49% APR*

www.borderfcu.com

One of the small gifts inside English Christmas crackers is a small paper hat or crown.

Plan Your Staycation at RAMADA DEL RIO’S ONLY FULL SERVICE HOTEL!

146 Suites, Mini-Suites & Guest Rooms, Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool, Swim-up Bar, 3 Jacuzzis, 3 Saunas, Room Service, Restaurant and Lounge!

The original Mexican Taste in Del Rio!

Breakfast Buffet, Lunch Buffet and Night Specials.

The White Horse Lounge in the RAMADA is

Del Rio’s HOTTEST NIGHT SPOT! Open daily until 2am, Happy Hour 4-7pm

*Annual Percentage Rate. Minimum loan amount is $15,000.00. The amount of rebate will be based on the new advanced funds. All closing fees exceeding the amount of the rebate will be the member’s responsibility. If a survey or appraisal is required, the member will be responsible. Subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions apply. Complete details at www.borderfcu.com. Insured

by NCUA. Offer ends 12/31/19. NMLS #509503

Morning Special 6:30AM-10:00AM DAILY

Fresh Brewed

e e ff o C $ 00 1

12oz

600 N. Bedell Avenue • Del Rio, Texas • 830-313-7012

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

35

UNITED MEDICAL CENTERS “Providing High Quality, Affordable & Accessible Patient Care” “Propocionado la mejor Calidad de Atención al Cliente y Economicamente Accesible”

LAKE LOTS IN ROUGH CANYON LOT 16 WILLOW CIRCLE 5.5 Acres - $10,000 40 WILLOW CIRCLE 5 Acres - $22,000 LOTS 15 & 16 BLOSSOM ROAD 10 Acres - $27,000

S REAL ND E HI

30

ATE ST

JANIT A

412 PUMA ST. 5 Acres - $35,000

YEARS

DEL IO, TX R

1987

2017

UMC would like to welcome Mrs. Mayte Fernandez-Patterson, AP RN, FNP-C Family Medicine Effective on Monday, October 28, 2019, she is located at the 119 East Academy St. Clinic. Mrs. Patterson is bilingual in English and Spanish. Mrs. Patterson is from Del Rio and attended the University of Texas in Arlington, TX. We are extremely fortunate to have her join the UMC family and are excited to bring you excellent Family Medical Services.

515 BLUEBONNET RD. 16.5 Acres - $45,000

A partir del Lunes 28 de Octubre del 2019, se encontrará en la Clinica East Academy St. #119.

La Sra. Patterson es bilingue en Ingles y Español.

Patterson es de Del Rio, TX y asistio a la Universidad de Texas en Arlington, TX. Somos muy afortunados de que ella se una a la familia UMC y nos complace poder bindarles excelentes servicios medicos familiares.

44 OVERVIEW POINT 6.4 Acres - $45,000

Please contact the East Academy Clinic to schedule your appointment.

Comuniquese con la Clinica East Academy para programar su cita.

(830) 422-3305

Toby Coggins 313-1545

Al Padilla 734-8901

Janita Hinds 703-0096

Martin Weathersbee 719-1250

1800 Ave G • 830-775-0010 www.jhindsrealestate.com

EAST ACADEMY CLINIC

119 East Academy St. • Del Rio, TX 78840 • (830) 422-3305 www.umchealth.com

Holiday Specials

BEHIND EVERY PROJECT IS A

506 E. Gibbs. St. • Del Rio, Tx • 830-775-3502 • russelltruevalue.com 36

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Connect with us at AshleyHomestore.com

Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm • Saturday: 10am-6pm • Sunday: CLOSED Del Rio, TX Eagle Pass, TX Veteran’s Blvd at 10th st. Veteran’s Blvd at Zacatecas Dr. 830.775.1508 830.757.8800

Kerrville, TX 1703 Sidney Baker St 830.895.2104

Happy Holidays

Boutique, Vintage Home Decor, Shoes, Jewelry And Gifts 114 W. Main St • Uvalde, TX 78801 830-279-5367 onceuponatimemain.myshopify.com

• Family Portraiture • Senior Portraits • Birthday Cakesmash Sessions

Jessy Colossus

@uvaldeonceuponatime uvaldeonceupon

• Weddings • Quinceañeras • Photobooth Services For Special Events

@Haus.of.Londyn

@Haus.of.Londyn

(432) 934-2299

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

37

Grande Christmas Kendra Scott Set of 3 bracelets $118 at Russell True Value

Roses bloom on this sterling silver adjustable cuff bracelet and matching ring, created by Guadalajara artist Gabriela Sanchez. The bracelet is $156, and the ring is $87. Find them and other Gabriela Sanchez designs at Alessi Bazaar.

Made in Mexico, this fringed poly poncho with a bold Our Lady of Guadalupe graphic will keep you warm when north winds blow. $36 at Alessi Bazaar.

Texas cap $25 at Russell True Value

Consuela tote $275 at Russell True Value

38

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Julie Vos necklace $395 at Russell True Value

Iconic Mexico artist Frida Kahlo is surrounded by Monarch butterflies on this colorful tote. $18 from Alessi Bazaar.

Demdaco Cross wall decor $33.99 at Russell True Value Brighton wallet $160 at Russell True Value

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

39

Michelle Lee

Gonzalez I

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL Photos by HAUS OF LONDYN; Styled by XOCHITL ARTEAGA

40

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

was born in San Jose, Calif., but Del Rio is my home because my entire family is from here. I graduated from Del Rio High School in 1992 and then attended Texas State University in San Marcos before returning home and attended Sul Ross State University – Rio Grande College, where I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and a Master’s Degree in Education as a Reading Specialist. In 2015, I received a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. I am also a Certified Academic Language Therapist.

I have worked with the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District for over 24 years. I started my career in education as an instructional aide and was also a shadow for students with disabilities. I started my teaching career as a pre-kindergarten teacher, kindergarten teacher, librarian, and then dyslexia therapist. I was also fortunate enough to serve as an assistant principal before serving as the district’s early literacy coordinator at the office of curriculum and instruction for two years. I am now responsible for receiving training from the state and presenting it to 60 amazing teachers in our district. All of this is to promote literacy and provide research-based training for teachers.

My mom is Mary Ann Gonzalez. I was raised by a single parent with no brothers or sisters. From a very young age, my mom instilled something in me, which I can say is one of the greatest gifts she has given me. Growing up, she always emphasized the importance of education.

And while our house was pretty quiet when I was growing up, I can honestly say that it was also filled with an abundance of love and support that only a mother can

This was a very special rosary I brought back from visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City this summer. This rosary hangs in my vehicle, and I pray for a good day every day.

This rosary was made in Merida, Yucatan. These are hand made by women in the region. I love the bright colors. These pieces are just so meaningful to me.

Blessed!

This would be my heirloom piece that was given to my mom by my grandfather as a Christmas present when she was only 15 years old.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

41

This is my favorite perfume by Yves Saint Laurent. I love everything about it, the scent, the bottle, and the color combination of soft pink and black. Two of my favorite colors.

42

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Jesus gave me this very special ring on a trip we took to Miami. He had the perfect setup on December 17th right by the bay. As the sun was setting, he had a table set up where he popped the question, and I said YES!!

give. My mom worked up to three jobs to raise a daughter who wanted to be in everything - from Queen City Belles to UIL to pageants to cheerleading for the Rams and everything else. To this day, my mom is the not only my best friend, but my hero. She is the most loving, hardworking, strong, and independent woman I know.

Faith is a very important part of my life.

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I know that many things happen in this life, but I also know that if you put all of your faith in HIM, great things will come to you. Every day that I wake up, my first thing is to thank God for all of my blessings - for my mom, my fiancé Jesus “Chuy” Suday, my friends, my home, my career, and everything and everyone around me.

I can honestly say that I am so very thankful, incredibly grateful, and unbelievably blessed at this point in my life. I surround myself with people who make me smile!

I also love to travel! Jesus and I have been fortunate enough to visit San Miguel de Allende, Leon Guanajuato, Morelia Michoacan, Santiago de Queretaro, Veracruz, Merida Yucatan, Chichen Itza, Tinum, and Izamal. This summer we visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, and traveled to Oaxaca. In October we were able to visit Guadalajara, Jalisco for a family wedding. More than anything, we love visiting the beautiful churches that are in Mexico. There is so much world to see and enjoying life with those you love is what it is all about!

When it comes to my style, I’ve adapted a quote by Coco Chanel that best explains it — “Elegance is when the inside is beautiful”. More than anything, I feel that how you feel on the inside and how you emulate that to others is more beautiful than any outfit can ever portray. So, wear whatever makes YOU feel beautiful.

Wear your heart on the outside and all your outfits will shine, no matter what size or shape you are, where you shop, how much or how little you spend it’s what’s on the inside that counts!

Be true to who you are, and don’t let anyone dull your sparkle! •

I purchased these at Alessi Bazaar. Someone asked me if they were heavy…nope…super light!

This coming April I will complete my fifth year as being a lector at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. This pin is very meaningful to me because I wear it and feel honored to be able to read the word of God at church on Sundays. As a child I had always wanted to be lector, and love to be able to serve my church in this way.

This very fragile cup holds a very symbolic strong cup of coffee. Both my grandmother and my mom—two very strong women who helped “fill my cup” to who I am today.

This wallet was given to me by Carmen Gutierrez. It is worn, but I use it everyday. It is a very meaningful wallet to me.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

43

Two Quality Meat Markets For All Your Grilling Needs!

406 E. 8th St. (830) 775-0717

211 Dr. Fermin Calderon (830) 320-8000

DEER PROCESSING

FULL SERVICE GROCERY STORE & MEAT MARKET

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR GRILL

Merry Christmas from

Denise Bowers .......... (830) 719-0076 Sonia Salinas ............. (830) 765-5933 Michaelanna Hunter .. (830) 703-0957 Gilda Vasquez...........(830) 765-2046 Brenda Hunter ..........(830) 703-6621

2602 Veterans Blvd. • Del Rio, TX 78840 • (830) 775-8518 Check out our website at www.delriorealestate.com

44

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Casa De Toni

(830)774-2484

648 S. Main St • Del Rio, TX

MONDAY-SATURDAY 9:30AM–6:30PM CLOSED SUNDAY

TI ME FOLLOWS WHERE I LEAD POWERED BY ANY LIGHT Never Needs a Battery

830-775-5090 Fax 830-775-5099

Satellite Wave GPS Freedom

RobeRts JeweleRs

1904 Veterans Blvd • Del Rio, Tx • 830-775-0600

Happy Christmas Day! We are so grateful to be part of this wonderful community!

Wishing you a blessed Holiday Season!

An IHG® HOTEL

Aerial Photo by Barry West

• Original Landscape Designs • Tree Trimming • Retaining Walls • Rock Work • Concrete Pavers

• Grounds Maintenance • Carpet Grass • Sprinkler Systems • We Beat Any Price In Town

• Shade Trees • Fruit Trees • Top Soil • Seasonal Color • Granite Gravel • River Gravel

*Spacious Guestrooms *IHG Rewards loyalty program *24 hr Business Center *Outdoor Pool and Jacuzzi *Fitness Center *Complimentary wireless high-speed and Hardwired Internet access *Outdoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room *Complimentary Hot Express Start Breakfast To make your reservation: Call 1-800-HOLIDAY Or 830-488-6280

Helping Del Rio Grow!

3709 Veterans Blvd • Del Rio, TX • 830-774-7030

Holiday Inn Express

2410 Bedell Ave • Del Rio, Tx 78840 • www.hiexpress.com/delriotexas

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

45

Awry in a Manger One Del Rio family’s Christmas nativity adventures Story and photos by ATZIMBA MORALES

W

hen it comes to the month of December, there is a feeling of generosity and goodwill in the air. It’s a time of reunions and a sense of family bonding that comes from annual traditions that may seem odd to those on the outside but are almost a requirement for the holiday season to officially arrive.

This story focuses on family bonding and how one tradition has come to carry more meaning in my family, more than I ever thought it would. I never asked to be a part of this tradition. It just became a part of my life as I grew up and now it’s that time of the year when it gets to shine again.

I’m talking about my family’s nativity scene. Del Rio Grande readers may be familiar with the Cadena nativity scene set up at the Whitehead Memorial Museum every year. This one is nowhere near the size of that one but it does have a special meaning to me and my family, and its growth is the story of my family and my grandmother’s love of this time.

Unfortunately, the actual origins of the family’s nativity scene are lost to the annals of time. The elders of the family can’t recall where it all began, but I can attest to where it’s at now.

A few family details before going into the nativity scene. My grandmother, Consuelo Mendoza de Morales, better known to all of us as “Chelo,” and my grandfather, Manuel Morales, had seven children; San Juana Elizabeth or “Juany”, Concepcion or “Concha”, Roberto, Manuel, Gloria, Maria del Consuelo

46

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

and Genaro, my dad. Things haven’t always been perfect in my family, but they are still my family … for better and for worse.

My grandfather passed away in 2011 and a lack of a will caused arguments between my relatives. My grandmother’s health worsened, but she stayed strong for as much as she could.

On Jan. 1, 2014, my father received that dreaded phone call. A few minutes later, a second phone call confirmed my grandmother had passed onto the spirit world. That day we drove to Muzquiz, Coahuila and waited for her remains to arrive.

As family members gathered and reminisced, the nativity scene became a source of discussion and where it would reside became a quiet point of contention. It was agreed that it wasn’t the right time or place to discuss that subject, but that time would soon come.

While not valuable in terms of actually monetary worth, the nativity scene was a source of pride and enjoyment for my grandmother. It was also a massive undertaking to put the thing together. It wasn’t as easy as just clearing a small space for the manger, Mary and Joseph, Baby Jesus, the wise men and the barnyard animals. This was decade’s worth of pieces that encompassed several square feet of space and took days to fully assemble.

And because it was so special to my grandmother, the right to the nativity scene became a thing of contention among my

Genaro de Jesus Morales and Atzimba Morales display a quarter of the figurines that are used for the nativity scene.

The Morales nativity scene originally was set up in the house of Manuel Morales and Consuelo Mendoza de Morales, with the community invited every year.

Manuel Morales places a kiss on Baby Jesus’s forehead before the figurine is placed in the nativity scene.

In the late 80s, family members of all ages helped put the nativity scene together leading up to Christmas Eve.

family members. My family was able to secure only the main pieces initially – the stable, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.

It took another year before we were able to get the rest of the pieces, which had been stored away in my grandparents’ home in Muzquiz. Many of the figures had suffered cosmetic damage, as they had been packed in two giant cardboard boxes and the room they were stored in had a giant hole in which rainwater had seeped through.

The nativity scene consists of over 400 figures. About half of the figures are ceramic, an eighth are made of plastic, there’s the few odd ones made of porcelain and there’s one specific set of characters made of cloth. The stable and the wooden bridge are handmade; my dad remembers making the bridge when he was about 11 years old.

It’s hard to pinpoint when the nativity scene actually started, since none of my aunts can give an actual year to it. Yet, after

looking at the figures and based on my dad’s age, it’s more than likely the nativity scene is more than 65 years old.

Many of the figures are hard to come by nowadays, especially Bartholomew, which is missing in the correct iteration of the scene. There’s only one shop close to us that sells the same figures, and it’s the same shop where my grandmother picked up many of her ceramic figures. It’s located in Sabinas, Coahuila, Mexico, my mother’s hometown.

The devil is my dad’s and I favorite character within the nativity scene. I remember fondly how it scared me as a little kid and I wanted it to disappear. Dad always found it and made sure to point it out. My mom said she doesn’t have a favorite, but I’m sure there has to be a piece that has her heart above all others.

I’ve heard stories of my grandmother setting it up and inviting the community to view it. In 2000, a local news station

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

47

The nativity scene made its first appearance in Del Rio in 2015, with a small layout displayed for passersby.

Children from the Muzquiz community visit the nativity scene.

Manuel Morales Mendoza and Consuelo Mendoza de Morales celebrate the holiday with their adult children, from left to right; Genaro de Jesus, Gloria, San Juana Elizabeth, Concepcion, Roberto, Manuel and Maria del Consuelo.

As the youngest, Genaro de Jesus Morales had the duty of placing the Baby Jesus figurine in the nativity scene. Now he passes that duty on to his daughter, Ailette Morales.

stopped by Christmas Eve and recorded it to air on television. I got to see that recording almost three hours after they stopped by.

As the nativity scene grew, it was only with the help of my family, and extended family, my grandmother was able to put the nativity scene together to its full capacity. A year after she passed, my mom and I started placing the nativity scene in our house. It’s become an unspoken rule that the oldest child, meaning me, helps my mom while the others sit back inside the house.

In the beginning, my mom and I would bring out the boxes of figures together. Lately, I’ve been the only one bringing out the boxes. The bane of my assignment is bringing out a box full of sheep figurines. It doesn’t sound like that hard of a task until you consider that box weighs more than 75 pounds! That’s not an exaggeration. My fiancé, Joseph Alarcon, found that out the hard way the first time he helped me bring it in.

Even though we bring out all the boxes, there’s a certain way

48

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

in which my mom sets things up. First is bringing out empty storage and cardboard boxes for the layout. Thankfully, Christmas shopping provides us with more than enough boxes.

After the boxes are laid out to my mom’s liking, they’re covered with cardboard paper, then followed by lights and moss. This is done in sections. After the moss is laid down, my mom and I can begin setting up the figures. There’s no telling which way we begin setting up. Last year we began setting up from the stable and going outward, whereas the year before we set up the opposite direction.

It’s also become a thing for our cat to join in with “assistance.”

They’ll hang around the decorations and after the nativity scene is set up, the next morning we’ll find the cat sleeping in the stable with Mary and Joseph or in the desert with the three magi.

As for how long the nativity scene takes to complete depends on the time my mom and I have available to work on it. At most it’s taken us three weeks, but that was the first year and we really had

no idea what we were doing.

Our current plan has us working on it each day until about 7:30 until the entire scene is set up.

But even when the scene is complete, there are still a few “rules” we have to follow. The first rule is Baby Jesus is not to be put in the stable until the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Day. The second rule is the youngest child must place Baby Jesus in the stable. This is not a rule per say, but more of a tradition that has been passed down through my father’s side of the family. My dad is the youngest of his siblings and he had the responsibility of placing baby Jesus in the stable.

The last rule, and hopefully one that will continue for a while, is the party and prayer on Dia de los Reyes Magos, which is celebrated Jan. 6. According to my parents, my grandmother held the party every year and the funds she received from the community were used to purchase more figures for the nativity scene.

My mom has never asked for funds and I doubt she will any time soon.

When all is said and done, there’s a sense of pride watching the nativity scene in all its glory. There’s always a feeling my grandmother is watching us and if she doesn’t like the way we put something she’ll have the wind blow it down. There have been times that a sudden gust of wind mysteriously arrives and reminds us that she’s always watching us and making sure we are doing things right.

Over the years we’ve had a few figures stolen, but what matters is the overall concept is still there. I never really appreciated it before, but now that it’s one of the few things that’ll bring my relatives together, I can’t help but wonder all the moments of joy these figurines have seen throughout their existence.

It didn’t occur to me until now that for my grandmother the nativity scene wasn’t about religious virtue but about bonding with those you care about.

My mom and I have agreed when the time comes I will be the one to carry the tradition. The day that comes, I hope my oldest child complains just as much as I did about a box of sheep as I lay the nativity scene piece by piece with them. •

Cousins Paola Aguilera and Luis Abraham Aguilera visit the nativity scene in 2016.

Consuelo Mendoza de Morales celebrated the nativity scene as a bonding experience with her family and passed that tradition to her youngest son, Genaro Morales.

Cousins George and Manuel Morales help their mom, Edelmira Morales, and cousin Alejandro unwrap the nativity scene figures.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

49

Last Look Happy holidays!

This time of the year brings the dreaded red Starbucks cups, shorter days in the sun and plenty of food to eat. There’s also an abundance of traditions when it comes to the holidays, especially in Del Rio. Gisela Rivera and Rafael Cruz share a Puerto Rican tradition and it has its own method of celebration.

Diana Stern shares an Asian holiday tradition and Eastern food and culture.

The Christmas parade makes an appearance in this year’s December issue.

Keeping in theme with traditions and family, this month’s fashion shoot features Enrique and Jackie Perez with their children in matching pajamas.

Those pajamas make me want to curl up in a blanket and drink hot cocoa. Speaking of drinks, Grande Advertising staff member Diamond Ward whipped up a sugar cookie martini.

For those wanting a little spirit in them, cough cough me, this will set the mood for a night of holiday cheer.

We can’t forget the food. The holidays are all about warm food cooked in the kitchen and this month Pernil is the featured dish.

Lastly, Closet Confidential is none other than Michelle Gonzalez. Gonzalez’s smile, kind heart and fashion taste made her an appropriate candidate as this month’s feature.

The holidays bring people together for different reasons and sometimes it’s the meaning behind the traditions that stay with us.

This wraps up another year for everyone, not just Grande staff. As always, make sure to follow Del Rio Grande on Facebook and Instagram, @del_rio_grande.

See you next year, Atzimba Morales Grande Writer/Photographer

50

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

Clockwise from top: - Grande Editor Karen Gleason listens to Gisela Rivera and Rafael Cruz as they explain how they celebrate Christmas the Puerto Rican way.

- Haus of Londyn photographer Jessy Colossus shoots for the perfect photos for the fashion shoot spread with the Perez family.

- Grande writer and photographer Atzimba Morales begins taking out the manger for her family’s nativity scene.

- Gloria Wilson places a cracker crown on Del Rio News-Herald Business Manager Claudia De Leon.

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

51

Joining VVRMC’s Pediatric Care Team January 2nd!

V

Welcome Dr. Oviedo!

VRMC is delighted to welcome Dr. Jose Oviedo to the Pediatric Care Team! Dr. Oviedo comes to VVRMC with over 20 years of pediatric experienceall of it in the state of Texas. He has been certified by the American Board of Pediatrics since 1994. You can trust your child’s healthcare to Dr. Oviedo.

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

830-580-1112

Services Include: • Wellness checks • Immunizations/Vaccinations • Developmental Screening • Sports Physicals • Diagnosis of illnesses • Treatment of Illnesses • Inpatient care available • Well Baby Check-ups living our mission, focused on our vision and empowered by our legacy 52

GRANDE / DECEMBER 2019

1801 Bedell Avenue Monday - Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm Friday, 8 am to noon