Del RIo Grande 0717

JULY 2017

SPOTLIGHT ON DOT Del Rio life coach shares style secrets

FESTIVE ON THE FOURTH City celebrates with fun and fireworks

ROCKIN’ THE RODEO Rotary Club readies for rousing weekend

JULY 2017 $3.99

Celebrating A Grande Year GRANDE / JULY 2017

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FROM THE EDITOR

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDE!

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everal decades ago, I worked briefly for a veteran newspaperman, Dan Bus, who was the editor of the Del Rio News-Herald. Dan later became the editor of a wonderful little magazine about the local area called the Del Rio Guide.

Sadly, the Guide didn’t last, and through all the intervening years between then and now, I have always believed that Del Rio and Val Verde County needed a good local magazine, a magazine that featured interesting and informative stories and beautiful photographs celebrating this very special place that we all call home.

I believe Del Rio Grande is exactly that.

The issue you hold in your hand is the 13th issue printed since we began publishing monthly in July 2016.

Grande gives us the opportunity to explore and to expand on the stories we have been bringing you for years as part of the Del Rio News-Herald, as well as the chance to tell some stories that have never been told before.

A lot of planning, thought and work goes into each issue of our magazine. The Grande team is an exceptional bunch – creative, thoughtful and hard working.

I want to thank Ashley Lopez, Albert Trevino and Adriana Fuentes in our advertising department for their efforts; Brian Argabright, Bonita Santillan and Megan Tackett, my colleagues in the editorial department for the stories and pictures; and Roland Cardenas, the creative genius in our production department I’d also like to thank our new publisher, Sandra Castillo, for her vision in bringing the magazine to life and for her continued inspiration and support as we begin our second year.

Finally, I want to thank all of our readers for the kind words of praise and encouragement over the past year. At the end of the day, this is your magazine, and we’re always glad to hear from you, especially for story and photo suggestions.

All of us are excited as we start our second year, and we hope you are, too!

Happy Birthday, Grande!

Karen Gleason Grande Editor

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contents

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JULY 2017

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CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL Dot High Steed dresses for success

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ON OUR COVER Sandra Castillo takes News Herald helm

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IT’S BEEN A GRANDE YEAR A look back on 12 months of Grande covers

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UNIQUE ANTIQUE Hidden Treasures offers whimsical choices

PUBLISHER Sandra Castillo

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CELEBRATING THE 4TH City plans two-day slate of events

EDITOR Karen Gleason WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Karen Gleason Brian Argabright Bonita Santillan Megan Tackett SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Perry Frost - Rebel Lens Photography ADVERTISING

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MINI FARMER’S MARKET Fresh produce from Del Rio gardens

30 GRANDE CELEBRATION Staff celebrates their one-year anniversary

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MEET THE TEAM Learn more about the Grande gang

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Ashley Lopez

GRANDE PICKS

Albert Treviño

4th of July finds

Adriana Fuentes

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EDITORIAL/ STORY IDEAS karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 300 ADVERTISING sandra.castillo@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 245

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SUMMER PICNIC Create your own laid back outing

42 ROTARY RODEO Family-friendly fun returns for 13th year

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20 THINGS What you don’t know about Councilman Rene “Reno” Luna

2205 N Bedell Ave Del Rio, TX 78840 • delrionewsherald.com

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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.

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CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL Story and photos by MEGAN TACKETT

“My style tends to be more classic.

I look for what looks best on me and stick to it.”

Dot High Steed writes a weekly “Successful Living” column for the Del Rio News Herald, is the owner of Success Unlimited and teaches college readiness at SWTJC

Dot High Steed Editor’s note: Maintaining a professional, polished appearance is a crucial aspect to a public speaker’s career. As Del Rio’s go-to life coach and motivational speaker, Dot High Steed invests as much thought into assembling her daily look as she does constructing her speeches for well-attended events, including the annual Women’s Seminar and, most recently, the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting.

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I have an everyday black patent MK handbag that was a Christmas gift four years ago and it still it looks new! Louis Vuitton is my other choice designer for handbags.

I like the styles and wearability of Michael Kors shoes. They fit my taste and are affordable.

The fragrances, Michael Kors and Versace, are special gifts from my family who knows my taste and preference for a designer touch.

A few pieces of my jewelry have genuine stones but for the most part I love and have fun with costume jewelry. I purchase the majority of my costume jewelry at Sam Moon accessory store in San Antonio or Dallas.

Fashion philosophy I believe that my fashion style speaks to who I am.

It helps brings out the best version of me, beauty from the inside and out. I pay attention to fashion, but I also don’t live or die by it. I like to buy what I need, and buy items that will stand the test of time.

My style tends to be more classic. I look for what looks best on me and stick to it.

Importance of Accessories I enjoy accesorizing an outfit. The look is not complete without the right shoes, hand bag, scarf or jewelry. A beautiful designer bag and shoes make everything else look richer and more

luxurious. Jewelry adds the exclamation point to the outfit!

Style Icons Jackie Kennedy, Melania Trump, Kate Duchess of Cambridge and Michelle Obama. They represent a classy style that is uniquely theirs. They did not attempt to go towards fads. These fashions icons created their own fashion styles, which are timeless and admired worldwide.

Favorite Designers Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren. They create designs which are

stylish, feminine and unique. With their designs in both clothing and accessories, I can achieve a rich, expensive look without emptying my pocketbook.

Save and splurge It’s not what you spend but how you wear it that counts. I bargain shop at Marshalls and Ross. Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom to splurge.

Fashion regrets Purchasing a mink coat over 27 years ago upon my arrival to Del Rio. The coat has barely been used!

We barely have winter seasons.

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on the cover

NEVER SETTLE

Del Rio News-Herald/Del Rio Grande Publisher Sandra Castillo, left, and her children, Nicolas, 16; Delilah, 19; and Briana, 24.

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“Never settle” has been Sandra Castillo’s mantra for a long, long time, a maxim that has gone hand-in-hand with her courage and hard work as she faced challenges in both her personal and professional life.

Castillo was recently named publisher of the Del Rio News-Herald, taking on a whole new set of challenges.

“That’s one of the reasons July is a month of celebration for me. We will be launching a community mobile app named Del Rio 360. We are celebrating the one-year anniversary of our relaunch of Del Rio Grande magazine, and it is also my birthday month” Castillo said.

The magazine has a special place in Castillo’s heart because she named the fledgling publication.

“I knew one day I was going to be publisher,” she recalls about her long journey with the News-Herald, which started 16 years ago when she was hired as a classified sales associate.

She has always been the type of person looking for the next level “and I’m always trying to get there,” Castillo said.

Family is key to Castillo, who raised

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SANDRA CASTILLO

her children as a single mother. She started working at the News-Herald when she realized she needed a change in her life. In her previous job she would work weekends and holidays, never finding time to be with her children.

Castillo’s connection to the newspaper, though, goes way back before she actually started working as part of its staff. When she moved to Del Rio her grandmother told her that she should apply for a job at the paper. “She would always tell me ‘I’d love to see you working there,’” Castillo recalled.

But taking a job at the newspaper meant sacrificing the position she had worked hard to attain in the retail business.

“I told myself I was willing to start all over again, and I did just that, and I started in the classified advertising department, which is an entry level position,” Castillo said.

Castillo joined the Del Rio NewsHerald staff in 2001.

She only stayed in classifieds for three months, then moved to the retail advertising department.

Castillo’s easy smile and outgoing personality made her shine in her new

position.

“My mind also started going. I started thinking, ‘Where do I go from here?’

And I think my mind just works that way. I don’t know how to describe it. I always want to do something more,” she said.

“My kids have been my drive to do that, because I wanted a better life for them, so I just felt like I needed to progress at whatever I was doing,” she added.

Castillo was born and raised in San Antonio and moved to Del Rio in 1994 with her oldest daughter Briana.

Her daughters Briana, 24, and Delilah, 19, and her son, Nicolas, 16; and grandson, Angel, 2, are the joys of her life.

“I’ve dedicated myself to making sure that my kids are going to grow up to be good kids, that they are going to be respectful and kind, and they’re growing up to be good people,” Castillo said.

Castillo stayed in the newspaper’s main advertising department as an account executive for several years, briefly leaving the paper after she obtained her Texas real estate sales license and ventured out with a dear

friend to publish a magazine about Del Rio’s social scene.

After she returned to the News-Herald, she went back to the advertising department, but was promoted to advertising director when the director became the newspaper’s publisher.

“I would never settle, and that’s been an idea I’ve had since I was fairly young. And I think I’m like that in everything I do,” she said.

In 2016 Southern Newspapers brought a new leader to the Del Rio News-Herald.

David Compton, a seasoned publisher with more than 20 years of experience in the newspaper industry.

Compton’s arrival gave Castillo’s career a new boost, as she started a learning process that would lead her into taking the position when Compton was transferred within the company.

“Now I’ve gotten where I wanted to be. I feel that in a way I was destined to be here, although I guess I took the long way around,” she said. •

Del Rio News-Herald/Del Rio Grande Publisher Sandra Castillo and one of the joys of her life, her two-year-old grandson, Angel Sebastian.

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July 2016 Marissa Magana

August 2016 Mariela Lopez

It’s Been A

Meet the models who graced the cover

October 2016 Karla Howard November 2016 Shane Creamer 12

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Grande Year!

September 2016 Irma Calderon

of the Del Rio Grande this past year!

December 2016 Jazmine Rodriguez

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January 2017 Clarissa Martinez

March 2017 Rachel Talamantez

February 2017 Gavin Von Lopez

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April 2017 Colby Hill

May 2017 Gabi Mendez

June 2017 Sean St. Germain and Kayden St. Germain

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Linda Trevino offers an abundant variety of reasonably-priced traditional and Texas inspired antiques at Hidden Treasures, located at 300 Margaret Lane.

UNIQUE ANTIQUE

DISCOVER DEL RIO’S HIDDEN TREASURES Story and photos by MEGAN TACKETT

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any small town antique shops offer a similar assortment of curiosities: whimsical toys, porcelain figurines and other vintage knickknacks. It’s the individual touch of the shop owner’s preference that makes each shop pleasantly unique.

Linda Trevino’s collection at Hidden Treasures, located at 300 Margaret Lane, offers the perfect variety of traditional antiques and westerninspired finishing touches for those seeking an alternative to store-bought décor.

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After moving to Del Rio in 1980, Trevino has owned and partnered with various antique shops around town.

Since opening Hidden Treasures in 2015, Trevino doesn’t imagine doing anything else.

“It’s just what I’ve always done,” Trevino said. “I just love it.”

Even before entering Hidden Treasures, Trevino’s style is clearly evident. Tiny succulents in thoughtful containers greet shoppers at the door.

These easily maintained house plants are the perfect way to brighten a space that is lacking a certain lived-in quality.

Inside, shoppers and browsers find eclectic pieces and affordable furnishings at every turn. Trevino’s inventory includes horse-shoe decorated candle holders, leather upholstered footrests, equine shaped bookends and a variety of antlers, both raw and decorated.

Trevino also dabbles in the antique trend chalk painting to bring fresh life to old or damaged furniture. Her shop holds a turquoise-painted chair, a white refinished side table, and a children’s desk brightly coated in pink and orange paint. •

Plant-lovers can discover indoor and outdoor arrangements in curious planters on Trevino’s patio and inside her shop.

Trevino offers a diverse variety of vintage accessories and jewelry, including rings, earrings, bracelets and this turquoise necklace.

Trevino moved to Del Rio in 1980 and has owned and partnered with various antique shops around town before opening Hidden Treasures.

Trevino dabbles in chalk painting, which brings new, fresh life to old or damaged furniture. This painted side table is currently available at Hidden Treasures.

Antique shoppers can find raw, decorated and mounted antlers in many corners of Trevino’s store.

Trevino’s antique inventory includes many Texas-inspired items, including these star-studded wooden candle holders.

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Miss Del Rio 2016 Christina Ziegler, left, and Miss Del Rio Texas Teen Alisah Cervantes ride in the 2016 Fourth of July Parade.

City of Del Rio

CELEBRATION Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

The Fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday, and this year, the focus of the city’s festivities will be on family- and kid-friendly fun.

“We’re going to be adding a number of kidfriendly events to our annual Fourth of July celebration,” said Leno Hernandez, who officially serves as the city’s Paul Poag Theatre director, but who also assists in planning and organizing special events for the city.

“There will be movies, miniature golf, inflatable

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water slides. We’re going to put a big focus on family fun this year,” Hernandez added.

Following some last-minute wrangling between members of the Del Rio City Council over the scope and cost of the city’s Independence Day events, council members settled on a two-day celebration.

Events will center on the area of the San Felipe Creek near the Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez Jr. Amphiteater, with music, food and fun planned for the evenings of both Monday, July 3, and Tuesday,

Members of the Val Verde County Democratic Party, including, from left, Al Padilla, Diana Bejarano Salgado, David Ortiz, and Hilda Castillo Lopez, ride on the party float in the 2016 City of Del Rio Fourth of July Parade.

Val Verde County Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Pat Cole, who previously served as an elected member of the Del Rio City Council, left, and her son-in-law, retired Texas Ranger John Allen are framed by U.S. flags as the ride in the city’s Fourth of July Parade in 2016.

United Civic Organization Queen Jaclyn Adams represents the organization in the City of Del Rio Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2014.

Val Verde County Constable Precinct 3 Steve Berg and his wife Terry Berg show off their patriotic spirit as part of the city’s annual Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2016. The parade each year features entries from a number of the city’s and county’s elected leaders.

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July 4.

For a complete and up-to-date schedule of events, visit the city’s web site, www.cityofdelrio.com, or check out its Facebook page.

The celebration on July 4 kicks off with the Ram Country Fourth of July Color Run along the San Felipe Creek.

All runners will receive a medal for participation in the run and city staffers will pelt the runners with red- and blue-dyed cornstarch at several points in the run.

Hernandez said the event will begin at 8 a.m. at the Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez Jr. Amphitheater and follows a route along San Felipe Creek.

The city’s annual Fourth of July Parade begins at 11 a.m.

The parade begins at Ogden Street just south of the railroad road tracks downtown and will proceed south on South Main Street to Nicholson Street.

There is no entry fee to participate in the parade, but participants are asked to register their entry on the city of Del Rio’s web site at www. cityofdelrio.com.

“It’s going to be a festival atmosphere on the amphitheater grounds. We will not be using Romanelli Park as part of the celebration this year, although people will be able to camp there.

It will include live music as always, vendors, perhaps as few as 30, probably more. There will be sales of food, toys, drinks, beer, water, food trucks,” Hernandez said.

The San Felipe Lions Club will be sponsoring a family area on the east side of the Joe Ramos Youth/Elderly Center.

“It’s going to be a kid-friendly area with inflatables, water slides, with its own stage with local entertainment, and it will be enclosed by a temporary gate,” Hernandez said.

A variety of musical acts are scheduled to perform on the main stage at the amphitheater.

Tuesday evening’s celebration will culminate in the annual city fireworks display at 10 p.m., followed by an encore performance by this year’s headline band. • 22

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Among those representing the Val Verde County Republican Party on the GOP’s 2016 float in the annual Fourth of July Parade, William Robinson, Anna Chapman, Laura Allen, David Rowe and Gene Chapman.

Del Rio City Councilwoman Liz Elizalde waves at the crowds as she rides in the 2016 City of Del Rio Fourth of July Parade. This year’s parade will begin at 11 a.m. at South Main and Ogden streets and end at South Main and Nicholson streets.

Del Rio Mayor Robert Garza holds a U.S. flag as he waves at crowds along South Main Street for the 2016 City of Del Rio Fourth of July Parade.

The mayor of Del Rio traditionally rides in the parade, then later in the day, addresses citizens during the festivities at the Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez Jr. Amphitheater along San Felipe Creek.

Runners set off on the sloping path of the Severiano Perez Memorial Parkway along the San Felipe Creek at the start of the Fourth of July Fun Run in 2015.

This year’s Ram Country Fourth of July Color Run will begin at the Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez Jr. Amphitheater and follow a course along the scenic creek walk.

Contributed photo by Tim Gleason The city’s annual fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.

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Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

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Organic farmer Robyn Maple holds a bunch of fragrant green basil, one of several types of herbs she offered for sale during the Del Rio Community Garden’s Mini Farmer’s Market at the community garden on June 3.

Maple also offered mint and oregano as well as several different varieties of freshly-baked mini-loaves of banana bread.

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aria Onofre-Silva places packages of crisp greens, a basket of brilliantly red tomatoes and deep green bell and pale green banana peppers on top of a wooden table inside the Del Rio Community Garden.

Elsewhere around the garden, located at 210 Jones St., about a block away from historic Brown Plaza in south Del Rio, others are bringing baskets, bags and boxes filled with farm-fresh eggs, colorful vegetables, local honey and fresh baked goods.

It’s market day at the community garden.

“Our mission with the Mini Farmer’s Market is to foster the connection between our community and local food producers so both entities can continue to support each other and hopefully grow a more robust local food movement here in town,” said Laura Gill, president of the Del Rio Parks Foundation.

Gill added, “We are starting small but hoping one day to have a large farmer’s market on a weekly basis. Since it’s small right now, we encourage everyone to think about coming in to sell or trade any quantities – small crops from your back yard are just great. Booths are free, just send us a message ahead of time.”

The Mini Farmer’s Market in June featured about a dozen vendors. Most of them are from the local area, but at least one, Don Smasal, came from Carta Valley, north of Del Rio. Smasal offered yellow summer squash and fresh okra and a variety of other produce.

Most of the vendors, though,

are from Del Rio. Rafael Flores, whose “Armpit of Texas” garden is located in the heart of Del Rio, brought bags of tomatoes and poblano peppers, while Trisha Urban and Gay Culbertson set up cartons of speckled brown eggs from their hens, Lucy, Gertrude, Elizabeth and LuLu. Other items sold at the June market included honey from Robert’s Honey, baby carrots and herbs from the garden of Erica and Rick Jansen and herbs and freshly-baked banana bread from Robyn Maple.

One new business made its debut at the June Mini Farmer’s Market: Natalie Granatelli offered

bags of freshly-roasted coffee beans from her new roasting company, Branelli Coffee Co. Gill said the current plan is to hold the Mini Farmer’s Market on the third Saturday of every month.

She said the next market is planned for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15.

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A deep green acorn squash and two intricately patterned green and white carnival acorn squashes await customers at the start of the in the Del Rio Community Garden on June 3.

Gorgeous brown eggs fresh from the ladies – Trisha Urban’s four hens, Lucy, Gertrude, Elizabeth and LuLu. Three of the hens are shown in the inset photo, taken by Trisha Urban, of the hens roaming in her backyard.

The bounty of Del Rio’s gardens is expressed in this ripe trio from Granja La Negra, the family farm run by Maria Onofre-Silva: deep green bell peppers, pale green banana peppers and crimson tomatoes. The perfect partners in a breakfast omelet or a lunch salad.

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Jars full of deep golden locally-produced honey were on sale at the Robert’s Honey booth at the Del Rio Community Garden’s Mini Farmer’s Market at the community garden on June 3.

More and more research points to the fact that honey produced by local bees from plants in a particular region is an excellent resource in the fight against seasonal pollen allergies.

Some of the items sold during the June 3 Mini Farmer’s Market at the Del Rio Community Garden were grown in the garden itself, like this ripe bell pepper, still wet from the morning’s rain shower.

Del Rio farmers weren’t the only growers to participate in the Mini Farmer’s Market. This bounty of yellow summer squash was grown in the Carta Valley garden of Don Smasal.

Microgreens can be trimmed and used as a healthful, tasty garnish on salads and sandwiches. These sprouted lentils were offered for sale by Gay Culbertson and Trisha Urban at the Del Rio Community Garden’s Mini Farmer’s Market at the community garden on June 3.

Four-year-old Ellie Maple snacks on organic grapes while her mother, Robyn Maple, sees to customers at the Maples’ stand in the Del Rio Community Garden’s Mini Farmer’s Market at the community garden on June 3. Ellie helped her mom by taking money and handing out customers’ change.

A shining pile of poblano peppers fresh from The Armpit of Texas garden, grown by Del Rioan Rafael Flores. Poblanos are mild, but flavorful chiles often used in a popular Mexican dish called chile rellenos and are called ancho chiles when they are dried.

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Congratulations Del Rio GRANDE Magazine we are proud to be a part of your one year anniversary!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!

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Meet The Team Washington native Megan Tackett joined the staff of the News-Herald and Grande in April.

She writes and takes photos for the magazine.

Karen Gleason is editor of Grande magazine and the News-Herald’s senior staff writer. She writes articles and takes photos.

Bonita Santillan contributes articles and photos to Grande. She also has a food blog, bonitappetit.com.

Del Rio News-Herald Sports Editor Brian Argabright contributes stories and photos to Grande in addition to his duties for the newspaper.

Ashley Lopez is the Del Rio News-Herald Advertising Director. She also assists in planning the magazine’s fashion shoots.

Albert Treviño is member of the News-Herald’s advertising staff. He sells advertising for Grande and assists with ideas for articles and photos.

Advertising Account Executive Adriana Fuentes sells advertising for Grande and for the Del Rio News-Herald.

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Johnny Vasquez is a member of the News-Herald and Grande production department, where he works as a graphic designer.

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Kick back and enjoy the show in this comfortable, collapsable Sienna lounge chair. $39.99 at True Value.

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When your hair succumbs to summer humidity, dress it up with these easy, light headscarves. $9 each at JCPenney.

Texas flag cowboys boot earrings. Because why not $12 at Bealls.

Baby, you’re a firework.

Girl’s dress $5.99 at Ross.

Express your inner patriot all summer long with Fourth of July inspired picks.

Grab these patriotic shades to complete your Fourth of July look.

OPI nail polish starting at $3 at JCPenney

An Independence Day BBQ isn’t complete without a great lawn game. Find this Cornhole set at Marshalls for $29.99.

Bargain Shopper Tip: Guiltlessly stock up your nail polish stash at JCPenney’s salon, where you can always find awesome shades for crazy clearance prices.

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ummer S icnic P Story and photos by BONITA SANTILLAN

T

he Del Rio summer air is filled with the aroma of midweek barbecues, children laughing near the rushing waters of San Felipe Creek and the twinkling glow of lightning bugs on a warm summer night, and nothing says summer is in full swing more than a trip to Amistad Lake and a family picnic by the creek. If you plan to take a bike ride around the park or play some tunes with your circle of friends, a picnic makes the occasion that much more enjoyable.

A summer picnic can be a family outing or a party for two that takes little planning and effort. Although meal prepping and picnic basket packing can seem overwhelming, there are a few tips you can follow that will keep make your picnic feeling like a walk in the park.

CARRY LESS Resorting to finger foods and meals that require the least amount of utensils. Instead of preparing dishes that require multiple utensils, opting for sandwiches or hot dogs will save you the hassle. Sandwiches can be premade or you can take the ingredients along with you. Hot dogs are also an easy go-to picnic dish if you bring along a portable grill or if

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your picnic location has one on site. If you’re grilling hot dogs for your picnic, save space by packing portable packs of condiments instead of taking fullsized bottles.

Depending on the size of your picnic, you may decide to pack iced bottled drinks or a drink dispenser. •–≠–

FINGER FOOD IDEAS: -----------------------Fruit (grapes, berries) Cubed cheese Chips Crackers Cookies MEAL IDEAS: -----------------------Sandwiches Hot dogs Hamburgers Tacos Salads (tuna, chicken)

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SETUP From your backyard to San Felipe Creek, choices for picnic destinations are endless. But once you’ve chosen your location, pack as needed. To save time and hassle, pack your basket by placing food items at the bottom of your picnic basket and then top it off with a lightweight blanket or tablecloth. This will make it easier to set up your picnic once you’ve reached your location.

The main goal is to feel refreshed and recharged while enjoying the company of friends and family. So, kick back and relax. It’s summer!

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Ingredients:

Strawberry Pound Bread Recipe Story and photos by BONITA SANTILLAN

About bonitappetit.com: My name is Bonita Santillán. I’m a smaller-than-average 24-year-old who lives with gluten-intolerance.

Five years ago, I discovered my body couldn’t tolerate gluten, lactose and other foods … it was a life changer.

No more pizza.

No more cookies and milk.

No more chocolate cake.

No more ANYTHING. To say the least, it was a traumatic experience. I spent weeks, months, years adjusting to my new lifestyle.

Family and friends just couldn’t understand my situation: “Why are you on a diet?” they’d ask. Little did they know, it wasn’t a diet, it was my new lifestyle.

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After years of researching the tips and tricks to eating glutenfree without missing out on all the delicious food life has to offer, I decided to create a blog that would satisfy the sweet tooth of baked goods lovers like myself. That’s how bonitappétit was born.

Whether you’re new to the gluten-free lifestyle or have lived with it for years, I share my recipes for baked goods that you and your family will enjoy. Being that I am the only member in my family with gluten-intolerance, I can tell you first-hand that even those who aren’t gluten-intolerant can hardly tell the difference.

So, enjoy. Have your cake, and eat it, too. Bon appétit!

• 2 cups strawberries (sliced) • 2 cups Bisquick Gluten-Free Baking Mix • 2 tablespoons sugar • ½ cup brown sugar • ½ cup powdered sugar • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 3 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla • ½ cup almond milk • 1 cup melted butter (salted)

Directions: • Preheat over to 375ºF. Mix sugars • Place the two cups of strawberries in a bowl, and sprinkle two teaspoons of the sugar mix over the strawberries and gently toss.

Set bowl aside.

• Mix melted butter and sugar mix in a large bowl using a mixer.

Slowly add in eggs, milk and vanilla until all ingredients are mixed together.

• Mix flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until mixed. Fold the strawberries into the mixture.

• Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and place in oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until center is set. *For more gluten-free recipes, visit bonitappetit.com.

Connect with us at AshleyHomestore.com

DEL RIO, TX VETERAN’S BLVD AT TENTH ST 830.775.1508

Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm EAGLE PASS, TX Saturday: 10am-6pm VETERAN’S BLVD AT ZACATECAS DR Sunday: CLOSED 830.757.8800

2223 Veterans Blvd., Del Rio, TX 78840

P: 830-775-2431 • F: 830-775-7418

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2017 Story and photos by BRIAN ARGABRIGHT

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With more than a decade of experience under its belt, the annual Independence Day Rotary Rodeo shows no signs of slowing down.

Overseen by the Del Rio chapter of Rotary International, and produced by the Lester Meier Rodeo Company out of Fredericksburg, the rodeo will make its 13th appearance in the Queen city this summer. This year’s performances are slated for Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 31, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day at the Val Verde County Fairgrounds. Gates will open at 6:30 each night.

Tickets are $10 at the gate or $5 in advance at Del Rio Feed and Supply, C&S Western Wear and Cowboy John’s. Children 17 and under get in free.

While the annual George Paul Memorial Bull Riding event each spring features some of the best bull riders in the world, the Independence Day Rodeo is Del Rio’s longest running complete rodeo featuring a variety of events including bareback riding, saddle bronc, calf roping, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

In addition, there are several events that encourage the public’s participation including scoop races, the calf scramble, mutton bustin’, stick horse races and more.

The event is more than just a fun time for the family.

Funds raised through ticket sales and concessions go towards the various causes supported by the Del Rio Rotary Club, including scholarships and Rotary service projects. In recent years those projects have included the Field of Dreams sports complex and the women’s shelter.

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2017 seum Presents

Whitehead Memorial Mu

Movie Nights

EVERY LAST FRIDAY MAY-AUGUST 8:45 PM Title Sponsors Photo by Doc Abbott

FREE ADMISSION

Val Verde County Fairgrounds

Photo by Doc Abbott

Del Rio, Texas

Major Sponsor

ADULT TICKETS (18 & Up)

$10

Gate $5 Advance

TICKETS AVAILABLE

GATES OPEN 6:30PM STARTS AT 8:00PM

Del Rio Feed & Supply C&S Western Wear Cowboy John’s No outside food or beverages.

Concessions on site.

Heaters and Thermocouples

CHILDREN (17 & Under)

FREE

SPONSORED BY Backer Marathon

JULY 28

Concession Stand Available

&# % ) #$ ! %

LESTER MEIER PRODUCTIONS

& $$

10/0 % # $ '

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Thank You ATTORNEY AT LAW, PC Thank you Del Rio for your recognition of my law office under the ‘Best Attorney’ category. I am immensely honored but as flattering as this distinction is nothing makes me feel more proud and priveleged than to serve as your attorney.

Thank you Del Rio for continuing to entrust us with your most important legal matters.

www.escamillalaw.com

Phone: 830.774.0000 · Fax: 830.774.3011 212 East Garfield Ave · Del Rio, TX

Service (888) 227-9632 Parts (888) 289-4488 Sales (888) 288-4282 Monday - Friday 8:00am - 8:00pm • Saturday 9:00am - 7:00pm

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2300 VETERANS BOULEVARD, DEL RIO, TX 78840

SUSAN JANE TAYLOR, M.D.

Specializing in the treatment of cancer and diseases of the blood.

• In-office chemotherapy • Board certified Oncology & Hematology • Blood disease treatment • Monitoring of blood thinning medications • Oncology Certified Nurse

(830)775-5800 • Fax (830)775-8811 • 1301 Avenue G • Del Rio, TX

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Contributed photo by Rene Luna Rene “Reno” Luna in U.S. Army uniform at Fort Bliss Army Base in El Paso, Texas, in 1989 after he completed basic training. Luna went on to become a combat medic, working at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash.

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Contributed photo by Rene Luna Rene Luna, right and Debra Reschman Luna on their wedding day, July 1, 2000, at the couple’s home in Del Rio.

Contributed photo by Rene Luna The two Renos in a portrait made in August 2006. Although the elder Luna’s nickname has always been “Reno,” the real Reno Luna is his son, whose given name is Reno

20 THINGS

You Didn’t Know About

Rene Luna Compiled by KAREN GLEASON, photos by LUNA FAMILY and BRIAN ARGABRIGHT

• I’m a middle child, and I have horrible middle child syndrome. I’ve always felt left out because people know my brother and sister, but they always overlook me. I get lost in the shuffle. My older brother Robert Luna was the weather guy on the San Antonio Fox station for many years, so everybody knew him. Even growing up everybody knew him.

My sister gets the spotlight because she’s the youngest and she’s a girl.

• Because of that, I wanted to do the exact opposite of my brother after graduating from high school here Del Rio, so I went into the military. I joined the Army, and my goal was to be a nurse. I joined the Army and became a combat medic with the rank of specialist.

• During my time in the military, I worked at a hospital in Washington state, Madigan Army Medical Center, for about three years.

I worked as a nurse in a cancer ward there the whole time.

• My real name, my given name, is Rene and I applied to a nursing school here as Rene Luna, and they put my application in with all the ladies’, and I didn’t hear from them, never heard from them. So I was just about to graduate from college as a teacher, when they called and said, ‘Rene? You’re a guy? We’ve been looking for guys for a long time!’ So I had a missed opportunity in life.

• When I was born, I was named Rene, but my father and his compadre, Mr. Johnny Cordova, started calling me Reno for a musical group called Rudy Tee and the Reno Bops. Instead of calling me Rene, they called me Reno, and it stuck.

• Really, I went into education because it was the family business. My father was a teacher, and my uncles on both sides of the family, the Meza and the Luna side, are educators. Raymond Meza, one of my uncles was a principal forever, and my uncle Rosauro Luna was a teacher at the original Del Rio High School on Griner, and later became a college professor in Austin, Texas.

Also, my wife, my brother, my sister and my brother- and sister-in-law, are all in the education field.

• I graduated from Sul Ross State University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and became an elementary school teacher, K- through 8-certified, and began teaching at the old North Heights Elementary in 1984.

• I left the classroom in 1999 because I had an opportunity to become a Title 1 evaluator, which is put me at a level where I could monitor the district from a different level, a different perspective. Title 1 students are students who are economically disadvantaged.

• Just after that I moved over to become the district assessment evaluator, dealing with the state testing throughout the district, TAKS, STAR, for all students. I left that position in 2014, after becoming the district director of assessment.

• My wife Debra Reschman and I were childhood friends. Our moms were high school friends, and Debra said she hated me. But we began working together and dating and eventually married in 2000.

• When I got out of military, I needed GRANDE / JULY 2017

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extra income, spending money, so I applied at the radio station KDLK. Dave Pyatte hired me, gave me a chance, and I started working there as a deejay, with Larry Mariner on the weekends. Then I took on some extra evenings, and it blossomed and took off.

People started calling the radio station, asking me if I would deejay at their parties. It was just supposed to be a summer job, but I’ve been doing that since 1992.

• I’m also at Applebee’s restaurant every Friday night. I play music, and I’m a video deejay. Every song I play has a music video associated with it, and you see it on the screens.

• I also worked the weekends at KTDR radio station. Selena and Tejano were getting really big then, and I would be on every evening with my cohost, Rosie Flores. Rosie would speak Spanish, and I would speak English.

• I’ve been in a couple of movies. I was in movie as a third grader, “Barbarosa” with Willie Nelson. I had a speaking part in the movie, and my name is in the credits. I got a check, and to this day, I still get royalty checks from being in that movie. I think the last check I got was for $1.20.

• I was in the movie “8 Seconds” for about eight seconds. I didn’t make the credits, though. In the movie, the main female character is sitting down reading a book in the stands, and I’m right behind her. Then when Lane Frost wins, we’re all celebrating, and I’m right behind her.

• In 1997, my father Virgilio Luna and I went to see a Royal Rumble wrestling pay-per-view event in San Antonio, and when they panned the camera around, they stopped on my dad and me. Immortality!

• I’m actually a very private person. I’m a workaholic, leaving the house at 7:30 a.m. every day and coming back at 10 p.m. When I’m at work, I’m in the public eye, and I give it my all, but when I get home, I’m pretty quiet and reserved.

• I enjoy sleeping. It’s kind of my hobby, I’d say.

• I am not the ‘real Reno Luna.’ My name is Rene Luna. The ‘real’ Reno Luna is my son, Reno Luna.

That’s the name on his birth certificate. We didn’t have a name for him when he was born because we didn’t have consensus. I just knew it was not going to be Rene, and Debra was afraid they were going to call him ‘Junior.’

• In 1989, as a senior in high school, I was named ‘Mr. Journalism.’ The policy at the time was that you could opt out of English 4 to take journalism. One of my English teachers urged me to take English 4, though,and Dani Nichols asked me to take journalism, so I ended up taking both.

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Contributed photo by Rene Luna Del Rio City Councilman Rene “Reno” Luna on the dais in council chambers at City Hall earlier this year.

Contributed photo

by Rene Luna The first photo taken at the Luna home as Debra and Rene welcomed their son Reno into their lives and hearts in May 2003.

Contributed photo by Rene Luna Del Rio City Councilman Rene “Reno” Luna, left, and his son, Reno Luna ride in the city’s annual Fourth of July Parade on South Main Street in 2015.

“

“

Contributed photo by Rene Luna Rene “Reno” Luna, right, with his father, Justice of the Peace Virgilio Luna in 1998 at a cousin’s wedding in Dallas.

I went into education because it was the family business.

Contributed photo by Rene Luna VeeJay Reno Luna spins tunes and videos at a gig in 2007.

LOANS PRESTAMOS Signature Loans Car Title Loans

Necesita DINERO?

Maribell M. Rivera - Manager (830) 313-3752 • 750 S. Main St. • Del Rio, Tx 78840

(830) 703-8247 Contributed photo by Brian Argabright Del Rio City Councilman Rene “Reno” Luna, left, and professional wrestler Shawn “Hotstuff” Hernandez at a Luna campaign event at Brown Plaza

PHONE APPLICATIONS WELCOME!

Visitentos Hoy Come Visit Us! GRANDE / JULY 2017

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