November / December 2020 - RGVision Magazine by RGVision Magazine

N OVE M B E R/DE C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 | VO LUM E 12 ISSUE 6

Giving Back RGV nonprofits still aim to make the holiday season bright despite pandemic.

EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION ‘Reinventing’ education on the fly.

SHOP LOCAL IMPACT LOCAL Harlingen EDC encourages community to shop local.

HOLIDAY CARE Mental health during COVID-19.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

BISD supports Early Childhood Educaaon for school readiness with our Pre-K Programs! Our mission is to ensure that our BISD students get a ﬁrm foundaaon with skills to be curious, conﬁdent and successful learners! Early literacy opens the door to higher learning.

Enroll Today! • PK children participating gain up to __one year of additional learning;

• Parents are engaged in parental __involvement activities at each school;

• Scheduled activities focus on __developing readiness skills for reading __and math;

• Campuses provide extended day __activities for our young learners based __on need;

• Children will participate in our food __services program to address their __nutritional needs;

• Pre-K 4-year-old Programs are offered __full day at all 34 elementary school __sites for all students;

• Pre-K 3-year-old programs are offered __full day at 18 elementary school sites __and half day programs (A.M. or P.M.) at __14 elementary school sites.

• Established curriculum follows the __state’s Pre-K Guidelines, state __resources, and CIRCLE Progress __Monitoring Assessment which __ensures a solid foundation for literacy;

• All BISD teachers are Early Childhood __Certified.

• All safety guidelines are followed.

To enroll your Pre-K child and for more informaaon, contact the individual BISD campuses or visit the BISD website at www.bisd.us.

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE

If you are interested in receiving issues delivered to your home, please go to RGVisionMagazine.com/Subscribe or send us an email at info@ rgvisionmagazine.com to subscribe to RGVision for $6.50/month. Copyright by RGVision Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The opinions and views expressed in the magazine don’t necessarily reflect those of our advertisers or collaborators. RGVision magazine is published bi-monthly and circulates 12,000 copies across the Rio Grande Valley in 450 locations with a direct mail distribution to major hospitals and Superintendents within Region 1. The RGVision office is located at 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, TX 78572.

Harlingen CISD South Texas College Bill Martin Victor Boyer Sergio Contreras Leonardo F. Chang Dr. Alfonso Mercado Quinta Mazatlán

James Hord Jason Garza

WRITERS

CONTENT CONTRIBUTERS

Although this year's holiday celebrations may look different from before, the spirit of joy and thanksgiving will be the same as we come together, safely. RGVision aims to be the source where readers can see the power behind what makes our region so great. In this issue, we feature how local nonprofits come together to drive their philanthropy and lift spirits for those in need. We also provide you some insight to how local businesses are pivoting, adapting to the times to ensure success. There are also educational facilities that have done the same to provide students and families the support needed to educate in a safe environment. As we share the stories of creativity, resilience, and passion, we hope you stay informed, educated, and inspired. Thank you for picking up this issue!

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Amy Casebier Rocio Villalobos Nathaniel Mata Jose De Leon III Karla Arredondo Ashley Berrones Rick Phoenix Manzo Jemima Gleason Valerie Jackson

For editorial comments and suggestions, please send emails to info@rgvisionmagazine.com. For advertising information, please call us at 956.431.0103 or email us at info@rgvisionmagazine.com. A special thank you to all the advertisers who support this publication: You are the power behind the flywheel igniting positive change that keeps the conversation going. P RI N T ED I N MEXI CO

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 2020

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6 RGVISION MAGAZINE

80 ON THE COVER

GI V I N G BACK

RGV nonprofits still aim to make the holiday season bright despite pandemic.

EDUCATION

A Foundation for Learning pg 10 Distance Learning pg 12 The Path to HVAC pg 16 Serving the Masses pg 18 A Good Spike pg 20 Creatively Connected pg 22 Ramping Up On Resources pg 28 School of Rock pg 30

BUSINESS

Roads to Success pg 34 Revive Your Retirement pg 36 Financial Focus pg 40 Ask RGVision pg 42 Add to Cart pg 44 Open for Business pg 46 Shop with Confidence pg 48

EDU C AT IONA L T RA NS FORM AT ION

S HOP LOC A L IM PAC T LOC A L

HOLIDAY C A RE

Valley superintendents, instructors are ‘reinventing’ education on the fly.

Harlingen EDC encourages community to buy from small businesses.

Mental health during COVID-19.

HEALTH

Adding Quality to Your Life pg 52 A Fun Approach pg 54 Heart of the Matter pg 56 Dentists Who Care pg 58 COVID Testing pg 60 Men's Health pg 62 The Way to Go with H2O pg 64 Comforting Meditation pg 66 The Right Fit pg 68

QUALITY OF LIFE

Earth's Continents pg 70 The Christmas Wreath pg 72 A Worthy Trio pg 74 The Magic Valley pg 76 Poké Art pg 78 The Tea Room pg 84 Cashiers pg 86

RGVISION ADVISORY BOARD

Each and every member of our advisory board charges RGVision with growth and commitment within our business development, social engagement, and editorial efforts. Through their feedback and contributions, RGVision will continue to help tell and share the Rio Grande Valley’s stories and extend the invitation to join the conversation. M A R I T Z A ES Q U EDA

J AV I E R D E L E O N

R O B ER T D U N K I N

ED D I E LU C I O I I I

R E N E A. F LO R E S

BY R O N J AY LEW I S

B I LL M A R T I N

M A RK P E T E R S O N

A N D R EA R O D R I G U EZ

F R ED S A N D OVA L

TO M TO R K E L S O N

V ER O N I C A V ELA W H I TAC R E

S A B R I N A WA LK ER H ER N A N D EZ

E D U C A T I O N

A FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING UTRGV and HCISD Break Ground on New High School

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by Ashley Berrones The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the City of Harlingen, and the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new UTRGV Early College High School. The ceremony took place on the school’s future site, a 6.3-acre tract of land on Medical Drive in Harlingen. UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey began the groundbreaking ceremony with an acknowledgment of the current times. “It’s been an interesting few months we’ve come through,” he said as he stood in front of the construction site. “Well, if you look behind me, you can see in spite of everything, in spite of a pandemic and an economic recession, we haven’t missed a beat here. We are here today to celebrate the UTRGV/ HCISD high school. This project will really transform education. Students will get a head start on some of the best careers.” Breaking ground on the property marked a historical moment for the entire community. “The ability to have secondary and postsecondary university presence here in our community is really a game-changer for the city of Harlingen,” Mayor Chris Boswell said. “It brings us an entirely new level of opportunity for our young people to access higher education. It’s going to be a beautiful,

wonderful thing for us for decades and beyond that.” HCISD Board President Eladio Jaimez spoke about the skills needed to make this project possible. “This team has been pivoting well before we were in this position of the pandemic and today is a sign of that,” Jaimez said. “The school district has made moves so we can offer these opportunities of higher education to our students and, as the mayor said, it will make for better lives in this community.” This partnership will help replace the current Early College High School campus on Pecan Street with a 64,000-square-foot stateof-the-art facility that will house hundreds of students. “Now this partnership between UTRGV and HCISD is especially close to my heart because I have always advocated for tighter alignment between public schools and universities,” UT System Regent Dr. Nolan Perez said. “Harlingen ECHS has set the gold standard from the beginning by offering a challenging dual enrollment curriculum, a nurturing small learning community, and a commitment to recruit historically underrepresented and first-generation college students.” This partnership offers students a direct

“It brings us an entirely new level of opportunity for our young people to access higher education. It’s going to be a beautiful, wonderful thing for us for decades and beyond that.” Ch r i s Bo s w e l l , Harl in gen may or

make this project a reality. The building of this new school was made possible by the gracious donation of land from the City of Harlingen and the agreement between UTRGV and HCISD to pay 50/50 for the building of this new facility. The new campus is expected to open by fall 2021. Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District established Early College High School in fall 2007, creating the third public high school and first specialized high school in the city. In fall 2017, ECHS entered into an agreement with UTRGV. Plans for building a new campus began in February 2019.

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path to a bachelor’s degree with a focus on academic core, engineering, computer science, or education. Through this program, students can earn up to 60 hours by the time they graduate high school. “These kinds of buildings, while they are brick and mortar, give people hope and remind them of what is possible,” Harlingen CISD Superintendent Dr. Art Cavazos said. “This is a great partnership. It’s one that has been built on bold thinking and innovative dreaming for our kids.” Every speaker at the event thanked UTRGV, HCISD, and the City of Harlingen and their leaders for their support to

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E D U C A T I O N

DISTANCE LEARNING

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STC Faculty Earn Cutting-Edge Online Teaching Certifications

Laptop, e-textbooks … and online class anxiety? Check, check … and a big red X. At South Texas College, the fall semester is online and on point. STC’s instructors are fully confident and prepared, gearing up to continue the college’s awardwinning tradition of exceptional online education. Far from having first-day jitters, students are actually excited. “I am certainly looking forward to them,” says nursing student Rachel Batallang, who accelerated her degree plans remotely this summer with online classes at STC. “They are a great opportunity to continue learning at home while observing social distancing and keeping safe.” South Texas College’s secret for supercharged distance learning is simple: nearly every faculty member has earned a cutting-edge online teaching certification to help make the virtual class experience virtually identical. “We’re within a hair’s breadth of having 100 percent of our current faculty certified to teach online,” says Dr. Rachel Sale, dean of Distance Learning. STC employs between 1,100 and 1,200 faculty members in any given semester, and before the COVID-19 school closures, only about half were online-certified. The massive surge in the virtual ranks this spring is a testament to the teachers’ tenacity. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of the commitment the faculty made,” Sale said. “They did the work, and it shows.” Instructors have skillfully tackled the transition to remote learning, something that can prove challenging even for seasoned educators. Take English professor Robin Bell, who has been teaching for 25 years — more than half of that time as an instructor at STC. Until March,

she had been a traditional face-to-face teacher. Suddenly, she was part of a campuswide movement to innovate the way instruction is delivered to students. “The online certification process helps us think of course design from the students’ point of view,” Bell said. With feedback from distance learning instructional designers and department faculty, who went through classes “with a fine-toothed comb,” professors were able to craft exceptional remote courses. The professional development effort is aligned with the rigorous Quality Matters rubric, an international quality control association, and the gold standard for virtual instruction. The first level of training, entitled Learning Management System Fundamentals, is a selfpaced, two-hour intro to Blackboard. The next is a 10-hour LMS certification led by Distance Learning instructors to guarantee college continuity no matter what. “In our area, there’s a lot more than COVID. We have hurricanes,” Sale said. “Every instructor needs to know how to function quickly in the online environment in case school is closed.” But there’s more to remote learning than just posting info on the web. It requires careful planning and a commitment to engaging learners. “There’s a huge difference between what you do in a face-to-face class and what you do in an online class,” Bell said. “You can’t just flip a switch.” For one, teachers have to anticipate questions and potential technical difficulties, as well as ensure seamless workflows and navigation. Courses were completely revamped so that everything learners need would be spelled out from the very first day of class and

At South Texas College, the fall semester is online and on point. STC’s instructors are fully confident and prepared, gearing up to continue the College’s award-winning tradition of exceptional online education.

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easy to find. “It takes effort, even for those of us who’ve been teaching for years,” Bell said. “It is incredibly timeconsuming, and it’s very labor-intensive.” To hear her students tell it, the instructor’s hard work has been worth the effort. “Mrs. Robin Bell … is very passionate about what she teaches and does so in a way that is interesting and easy to understand,” said Batallang, who enjoyed the combination of video instruction and online peer communication in her virtual English class this summer. With readily available course info and office hours converted to Zoom sessions, Bell managed to stay connected to her students, never failing to provide

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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“They are a great opportunity to continue learning at home while observing social distancing and keeping safe.”

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Ra c h e l B a t a l l a n g , stu den t

updates and encouragement. The experience opened Batallang’s mind to the possibilities of remote learning, and she’s now convinced that “students can still efficiently learn the same information that they would in person.” With so much focus on the logistics of remote instruction, it was important not to overlook student engagement. The online certification process devoted special emphasis to this critical aspect, exposing faculty to tools and techniques like peer review discussions and video sharing. “There are all sorts of unique things that our instructors do to get students to come out of their shells and interact,” Sale said. With a full summer of online courses and comprehensive training under their belts, teachers like Bell are ready to deliver, making good on South Texas College’s status as one of “The 30 Most Innovative Online Colleges in 2020,” according to the Online Schools Center. “I’ve got lots of plans for interactivity in the fall [semester], and I used a lot of these over the summer with great success,” Bell said. “I feel pretty confident.” One of Bell’s new tools is VidGrid, an interactive video hosting platform that she uses for learning and assessments. Students can submit video assignments to demonstrate mastery of content and even interact with in-video quizzes featuring open-ended questions and calls to action. “This is more interactive and dynamic than just asking students to watch a video and hope that they do so,” Bell said. “It keeps them engaged and active.” Learners can also get excited about group activities in Padlet, a web-based, collaborative “bulletin board” that facilitates sharing of all kinds of content across devices. Used for icebreakers, group projects, and course-related activities, the app has served to enhance discussions and bolster online peer reviews. “Mrs. Bell certainly keeps the class interesting with her varied content,” Batallang said. Also useful is the Blackboard app Pronto, a messaging interface that connects students with professors and

classmates. Pronto also provides translation — a bonus for English as a Second Language students. This summer, STC also upgraded to Blackboard Ultra, making courses even more mobile-friendly so that students can study around the clock. “The technology does not stand in the way,” Sale said. “Courses are developed, and the entire semester is ready to go.” For students who might be shy about virtual courses, Bell offers some sage advice: stay in steady contact with professors, forge connections with classmates, and log in to class daily if possible, or at least several times a week. “If they do those things, they will go a long way in terms of calming the nerves,” she said. For Bell, what was once a daunting challenge is now a unique opportunity to improve her teaching all around. Virtual instruction has caused her content delivery to become more focused, deliberate, and detailed. But the biggest advantage of online classes, according to the instructor, is the increased participation. “I think we all wish we could be back in a face-to-face environment,” said Bell, who particularly looks forward to translating her new knowledge into her classes on campus. “But I think the online environment also offers a lot of opportunity for creativity and connecting in different ways.” In the meantime, Bell aspires to complete the third level of online professional development and get her course certified by Quality Matters. It’s the kind of passion, dedication and commitment to continuous improvement that is helping STC reach for Quality Matters’ “Outstanding Faculty Support” recognition, an effort involving hundreds of faculty members. “We’re back to doing business in a normal manner. It just happens to be online,” Sale said. “We really encourage students not to waste this year … to return to school and invest in themselves. The people with certificates and degrees are going to be the people going to work.”

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

E D U C A T I O N

THE PATH TO HVAC South Texas College Prepares Women for Success b y R GV i s i o n

CERTIFICATE Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Certificate ASSOCIATE DEGREE Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Associate of Applied Science

"The labs that we have here at school are very hands-on. Everything I learn in class I apply in my everyday life.” E r i k a C l a i r e , air con dition in g an d refrigeration

tech n ol ogy campu s at Sou th Texas Col l ege stu dent

Funding has been provided through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board with funds received from the Carl D. Perkins Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century (Perkins V) Act of 2018

Students enrolled in the HVAC program may receive the following degrees:

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

The HVAC program at STC is hands-on, providing students with the opportunity to learn what a day in the field would look like as they learn about maintenance, installation, and cooling. “It doesn't matter how old you are, the background you have or where you come from. [The HVAC program] is a good field and it’s very rewarding,“ she said. Some basic skills necessary in the HVAC field beyond the program include troubleshooting and computer skills as well as thorough knowledge of and ability to use all tools. Claire encourages all women interested in pursuing a career in HVAC to enroll in the program at STC. “I just hope that I can encourage more women to come into the field so we can have a more diverse [workforce],” she said. “This is not only for men, it’s also for women.” Learn more about HVAC and other exceptional programs and essential careers at South Texas College by visiting bt.southtexascollege.edu/persist. Funding was provided through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board with Carl D. Perkins Basic funds.

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A career in heating, ventilation, A/C and refrigeration may not be an expected path for women, but South Texas College is working hard to turn that stigma around. Offering both a certificate and associate degree in the field, prospective students are encouraged to enroll in the HVAC program at STC. Erika Claire, student at the air conditioning and refrigeration technology campus at South Texas College, opens up about her academic experience. She is pleased to learn that the skills she has learned in her training would benefit her when transitioning to the HVAC workforce. “You will love the program, especially if you like working with your hands,” she says. “The labs that we have here at school are very hands-on. Everything I learn in class I apply in my everyday life.” HVAC is a field that continues to undergo technological advances, opening doors and opportunities for those interested, and one of the highest paying trades in the nation. A field that will always be in demand, students in the program will gain experience that will be an asset to them in the long run. Students enrolled in the HVAC program can expect to learn how to read blueprints, properly connect HVAC systems, understand the functionalities of an entire heating and air-conditioning system, use testing equipment and more. Claire originally enrolled to learn more about this subject and to be able to apply it in her everyday life. She was happy to find that it was something that she could truly build off of. “My main objective was to learn this field so I could do my own maintenance at home and hopefully in the future have my own business,” said Claire. As listed in the STC curriculum, while enrolled in the corresponding HVAC degree plan, students can expect to gain knowledge and an extensive amount of training in several areas. These areas include but are not limited to refrigeration systems, pneumatic controls and duct controls among others.

E D U C A T I O N

SERVING THE

MASSES Brownsville ISD Gains Student Participation in Free Meal Program

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b y Jos i e M. B a r r e r a | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d Since the beginning of the pandemic, school districts across the Valley, state, and nation were pushed to rewire their entire structures of curriculum to adapt to distanced virtual learning. With this new normal came the opportunity for Brownsville ISD to take the initiative and provide food for their students through their BISD Food and Nutrition Services, a self-funded federal meal program completely independent from the education dollars BISD receives. Brownsville ISD believes that every student deserves a healthy future and is committed to providing nutritious food to students, especially during the course of COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, BISD has given more than 750,000 healthy meals to children. Laura Zelda Villarreal, director of nutrition at Brownsville ISD, has overseen the meal distribution. In addition to the already present challenge of adapting to the new normal, Villarreal was presented with another task — finding a way to ensure that students across the district were fed. “When the pandemic began and our district switched to virtual instruction, we applied for the Seamless Summer Option, which allowed us to feed anyone 0-18 years of age,” she wrote in an email. “Our students’ participation with breakfast, lunch, and supper determines our budget. This type of program required students be in the vehicle to ensure that federal guidelines were being met. Students were fed one meal

type (breakfast/lunch) per student present.” Villarreal recalls the community being hesitant to participate initially, mostly due to the uncertainty in the safety protocols being followed. Eventually, word got around about the staff taking precautions by wearing personal protective gear such as masks and gloves as well as following CDC social distancing guidelines. Brownsville ISD saw more participation from the community. “During the 2019-20 school year, we distributed about 30,000 breakfasts per day and about 35,000 lunches per day,” Villarreal wrote. “During the pandemic we were only feeding 20 percent of our usual meal counts and that severely impacted our budget.” Despite the obstacles they faced, BISD Food and Nutrition has been able to provide roughly 847,825 meals, consisting of breakfast, lunch, and supper as of September 2020. Villarreal admits she was nervous about the unknowns and risks that their department could potentially face. The fact that they could possibly be coming into contact with this invisible virus — especially through asymptomatic carriers — was overwhelming. This rewarding experience has also been worrisome and stressful at times. Villarreal expressed the concerns she faced on a daily basis, one of them being the ever-rising RGV temperatures and the shortage of canopies. “The supply chain of food was impacted,

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“We truly appreciate the Brownsville ISD community’s involvement and invite them to keep participating in the free meal programs and look forward to their continued support.” La ur a Z el d a Vi l l a r r ea l ,

At the start of the new school year, all 474 staff in food service are back to providing nourishment for students during these difficult times. This district pulled together to work toward one common goal, and the group effort is not over just yet. Villarreal stresses the importance of student participation as it impacts the funding for Brownsville ISD Food and Nutrition directly. “We are proud to continue meeting a basic, yet essential service at this incredibly challenging time for so many families in our community,” she wrote. “We truly appreciate the Brownsville ISD community’s involvement and invite them to keep participating in the free meal programs and look forward to their continued support.”

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which caused shortages of goods,” she recalled. “Remember when we headed to the store and saw those empty shelves? Now imagine trying to purchase food for thousands of students [during those times].” Villarreal worried day in and day out for the safety of her staff out on the front lines and that deliveries would not reach their destinations on time. She acknowledged the bravery of the 150 food service staff members who answered the call to play a role in helping the community from March to August. “I am beyond blessed to have an amazing, dedicated, and selfless team,” she wrote. “Our staff along with the Transportation Department personnel started distributing meals via curbside in the South Texas sun.”

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d ir ecto r o f nutr i ti o n a t B r o w ns v i lle ISD

E D U C A T I O N

A GOOD SPIKE UTRGV Continues to See Record Enrollment

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b y J o s e De Le o n I I I With a pandemic that is changing the way the world is run, a local university is ensuring that the education of its students is still a priority and it has the numbers to prove it. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley announced it continues to see record-breaking enrollment in its fifth year of existence. Its fall enrollment is 32,618, an increase of 3,505 students — or 11.5 percent — from the previous fall semester. UTRGV is now one of only nine public universities in Texas to surpass the 30,000 enrollment mark, joining Texas A&M, UT Austin, Houston, UT Arlington, Texas State, North Texas, Texas Tech, and UT San Antonio, according to university spokesman Patrick Gonzalez. “They say higher education is the great equalizer of the world. People benefit from continuing their education to universities, college and universities, so the bigger we grow, the more enrollment we have, the better options we

are providing for the community,” Gonzalez said. In addition, UTRGV’s 2020 first-year retention rate, the amount of freshman students who remained at the university after their first year, is 81 percent. This represents an increase of 4.2 percent. Its four-year graduation rate is 29 percent, an increase of 4.3 percent. Both are record highs for the university. “We’ve always had record-breaking enrollment growth, but to have that in the middle of a pandemic is even more astonishing for us,” Gonzalez said. “Most of the year was during a pandemic, so to be able to have an 81 percent retention rate even in a pandemic is incredible. We’re not only teaching a record amount of students, we’re keeping them on track to graduate. It builds up success for the community.” Gonzalez said the high enrollment for the fall semester was expected after the university also saw a record number of students attending fall classes.

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the fall and $1,000 off their summer tuition as well as free parking for the fall semester. “We knew some of our students are struggling financially so we focused on what we could do to provide aid and incentives to keep kids in school. It worked out great,” Gonzalez said. More enrollment records are expected to be broken with the next generation of students. For the first time in the school’s history, UTRGV enrolled more than 5,000 incoming freshmen and graduate students this fall, further demonstrating the balanced growth occurring at the university. “These extraordinary outcomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic are a testament to the hard work and resilience of our students, faculty, and staff,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said in a statement. “We came together during these difficult times to ensure everyone’s safety and success, and I am extremely proud of everyone’s incredible effort.”

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During the summer, 17,518 students enrolled for classes, a nearly 28 percent increase from the previous summer when 13,755 students were enrolled. While classes were completely virtual during the summer, less than 10 percent of all 5,000 courses in the fall are in person, as most of the other classes are online or a hybrid of online and in person classes, Gonzalez said. The high enrollment rate in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic is one that caused the university to predict high enrollment figures, Gonzalez said. “Anytime there is an issue like a pandemic, you tend to see enrollment figures go up because getting an education becomes more significant so we knew the pandemic would have some sort of factor in making people come back to school or continue it,” Gonzalez said. To entice students, the university offered two COVID-19 financial aid relief packages for the fall and summer semesters for eligible students to receive $1,000 cash in

E D U C A T I O N

Creatively CONNECTED

RGV Schools, University Add Safety Checks, Expand Virtually to Keep Students Involved

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by Amy Casebier

The first day of school. Friday night lights. Homecoming dances. These represent just a handful of milestones high schoolers in the Rio Grande Valley may not be able to enjoy for the time being due to COVID-19. The pandemic has reshaped education and campus life across the region — and the world. “I believe the biggest challenge is the lack of being able to connect face-to-face with friends, colleagues, and missing out on the social life that a school brings to students,” Nelinda Villarreal, fine arts director and academic UIL at Edinburg CISD, wrote in an email. “Our teachers are finding ways to bring a little bit of the social activities into the virtual world of learning.” Extracurricular activities are a

great way for students to pursue their interests while boosting life skills like communication, time management, work ethic, and more, she added. “ECISD prides itself in providing opportunities for students to experience learning in many different settings,” Villarreal wrote. This includes phasing in inperson extracurricular activities like band, cheerleading, drill and dance team, and fall sports, she added — but with additional safety caveats. All participants will be screened upon arrival at practices and given a wristband denoting permission to be present. Based on the activity, face masks, social distancing, and other health and safety initiatives will be implemented. Though participation levels

participate in everything from virtual movie nights and hangouts to virtual involvement fairs and conferences. The university utilizes a program called V Link, which connects more than 250 student organizations. This space also hosts event announcements from organizations and campus departments, functioning as a master calendar for everything students can still take part in online. To date, more than 400 events have been registered on V Link, including a virtual motivational speech by American Ninja Warrior City Finalist Hoan Do — an event attended by over 150 students. “We are being creative and thinking outside of the box to reach our students,” Dominguez and Ramirez wrote. “Our social media has increased and we are learning new ways to engage.” UTRGV’s Student Government Association, for example, broadcast its State of the Student Body Address (SOSBA) via Facebook Live. They later posted it on Instagram. “In a way, we are being more successful in extending our reach with students because events such as SOSBA are easier to share,” Dominguez and Ramirez wrote. Even as campuses and districts Valleywide take steps to adapt the student experience as best as they can, health and safety remain a priority. “All individuals (parents, students, employees) can rest assured that ECISD has worked diligently to put all safety processes in place,” Villarreal wrote. “Their safety is important, as we are a family. Family takes care of each other.”

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in extracurricular activities are down this semester, that doesn’t mean that students eager to pursue their interests will miss out. “Even if one child wants to participate in live practices, we are here to instruct,” Villarreal wrote. “Our teachers are very passionate about this.” At the university level, extracurricular participation and student life events can be hallmarks of a true college experience. Staff members at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are working hard to keep students safe while still promoting involvement. “UTRGV has kept the university community updated by sending frequent emails to the campus community and establishing a designated website (utrgv.edu/ coronavirus) with helpful information,” UTRGV’s Director for Leadership and Mentoring Jodie Dominguez and Assistant Director for Leadership and Mentoring Sabina Ramirez wrote in an email. In fact, this fall 2020 semester set an enrollment record for the institution with 32,618 students — an increase of 11.5 percent over last year. But among the different learning options available — including accelerated online programs, hybrid and reduced seating classes, traditional face-to-face classes, interactive video classes, and online asynchronous and synchronous classes — staff members grappled with another challenge: keeping students close in a time when distance is required. “We want students to know that it is still possible to connect with others even though we are conducting things virtually,” Dominguez and Ramirez wrote. Extracurricular and student life activities have evolved online. Students have had a chance to

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E D U C A T I O N

EDUCATIONAL

TRANSFORMATION Valley Superintendents, Instructors are ‘Reinventing’ Education on the Fly

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by Nathaniel Mata the spread of COVID-19. Constant updates and new information made planning a fluid situation. “We’d have a plan made by the morning and have to create a new plan by lunchtime with how quickly things were moving,” Salazar said. “It takes a lot of careful planning. Every aspect of education has had to be reinvented so we’ve been juggling a whole lot.” Salazar said the school utilized surveys to gauge the needs of parents and students. Some parents expressed the need to offer inperson classes because of work schedules, while other parents said they wouldn’t send their students back under any circumstances until a vaccine. At the same time, even students in the same household don’t always learn the same. Some students thrive with independence. Others are hurting without being in person in class. “Education is worth fighting for. These futures are worth fighting for,” Salazar said, getting choked up when talking about special needs. These students face multiple concerns including the possibility of regression being away from school and the challenge of enforcing mask wearing and social distancing. At this time, most districts are offering inperson class, but most students continue to learn from home. Technology has seen a huge overhaul with many families living in colonias and

In March 2020, students and school employees went on Spring Break expecting the standard weeklong recharge. Instead, school districts were thrust into the middle of possibly the greatest technological challenge of the 21st century. Gonzalo Salazar, Ed. D., superintendent of Los Fresnos CISD, explained that when health directives demanded in-person instruction change to virtual learning, no sector of education was immune to change. He pointed toward instructors and technology personnel who were called into action during a uniquely busy summer. “Teachers have done a remarkable job — the undertaking has been huge,” Salazar said. “Going to remote instruction and doing it properly requires a lot of training. Our teachers gave up a lot of time during their summer to immerse themselves in Zoom and Google Classroom.” As parents probably already know, the learning space is completely different this year. The comfort of home has its pros and cons and not everyone learns in the same manner. “Classroom management was going to be different,” Salazar said. “Some kids are going to be under the covers, others are sitting in a seat, so teachers are developing new skills on how to manage all the things that occur with remote instruction.” Transitioning to remote instruction was a stressful but necessary move to keep education high quality while also mitigating

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“So now you have children in this neighborhood and across the city who are going to have an opportunity to connect to the rest of the world.”

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J. A. G onz a l e z , M cAl l en I SD su perin ten den t

have we had an opportunity to close the digital divide that we’ve known has existed not only at the student, but at the parents and at the staff level? We are living during a time, during navigating a crisis, when we may very likely be redefining how we do teaching and learning moving forward.” Cavazos echoed something he has been hearing and thinking on during the COVID crisis. “In the rush back to normal, let’s use this time to think about what parts of ‘normal’ are worth rushing back to,” he said. Cassandra Guzman is an eighth-grade social studies teacher. Her district, PSJA, has offered mental health services to help staff and students cope during a time of so much loss and pain. “Not only have we evolved technologically but emotionally,” Guzman said. “There are countless numbers of staff members who know of someone who has either suffered from this virus physically, emotionally, or economically. It’s a tough time not only for us, the educators, but for the students and their families as well. I myself have grown more emotional in realizing the troubles my students and fellow staff members might be facing.” Guzman feels most of her colleagues would prefer to stay away from the classroom because the risk is still so high. The fight against COVID isn’t over yet. As of October, we are still trying to mitigate the spread of the virus. There still isn’t an approved vaccine and once that is available, a large percentage of the population will need the shot before the spread stops. School administrators are doing their part to keep community education and health at the forefront.

low-income areas not just in Los Fresnos, but Valleywide. In Hidalgo County, municipalities and school districts teamed up to provide internet and hardware. Donna ISD installed WiFi networks. Districts like PSJA and La Joya also used solutions like “rolling WiFi” on buses. McAllen ISD Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez spoke at Roosevelt Elementary about the project to bring internet connectivity to South McAllen. McAllen installed 490 WiFi units and received 5,500 fully funded WiFi hotspots to families still in need of connection. “All of our school board works very tightly with the City of Mcallen and the county and when you have that kind of synergy it creates this dynamic where you have initiatives like this,” Gonzalez said. “So now you have children in this neighborhood and across the city who are going to have an opportunity to connect to the rest of the world.” Dr. Art Cavazos, superintendent of Harlingen CISD, also pointed to his instructors right away as doing the most important work. “Without a doubt, the teachers in the classroom have done the heavy lifting,” Cavazos said. “When public school systems are designed as a face-to-face format and dealing with people, now having to engage in an online platform, that’s a big leap. Our theme this year is to ‘engage the heart.’” His message to his employees was to do everything in their power to not let the disruptions of this year dash the hopes and dreams of their students. “I move this organization to look at the opportunity,” Cavazos said. “What other time

“Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.” -Ben Carson-

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E D U C A T I O N

RAMPING UP ON RESOURCES ERI Helps Santa Rosa ISD Secure Additional Funding

student now has access to a technology device. “This is something our students were already needing,” Gonzalez said. “We are in the 21st century — COVID just gave us the push we needed to act.” In addition to providing each student with a device to work from, Gonzalez is excited that they have been able to add more security systems in place and an intranet network that extends beyond the inside of the building. The Safety and Security Grant she helped Santa Rosa ISD secure ensures each campus in the Santa Rosa district has the right equipment for student safety. “Security is everything — we added more cameras in partnership with Santa Rosa Police Department — more antennas, and new radios for the building,” Gonzalez said. For those students who may not have access to the internet at home, they are able to come park outside and get their work done. Another grant that was locked in is the CTE Perkins Reserve Grant, which helps ensure that high school students have programs that align with state-identified high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations. With the constant updates and changes as coronavirus continues to threaten the academic system, Gonzalez is grateful for a supportive team of administrative staff and the unconditional support from the board of trustees. “Nobody can do anything on their own,” she said. “Having an amazing administrative staff and the unconditional support of our board of trustees have been a key element in this.”

For the past 20 years, Educational Research Institute (ERI) has assisted over 250 clients in accessing funds for future growth and development. In the midst of the pandemic, the Research Institute continues to be of service as grant consultants to help secure and implement state and federal funding for schools and charters primarily. ERI is excited to highlight Santa Rosa ISD’s Superintendent, Dr. Angela Gonzalez, and how hard she has been working to ensure that her district succeeds. Being in education for the past 30 years, 20 of which were spent in the Valley, Gonzalez knows what all goes into a successful academic year. The superintendent at Santa Rosa ISD, Gonzalez shares the impact ERI has had on the district as a whole this year alone. In addition to the recurring state and federal funding granted to public schools, ERI has secured funding in the various other areas that contribute to instructional growth and development. “ERI has been very thorough,” Gonzalez said. “Not only do they help us find grants, but they take the time to learn about our programs, objectives, and goals as well as identify areas of improvement.” With the recently acquired grants, Gonzalez hopes to continue to improve the quality of education Santa Rosa ISD provides its students. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district was forced to look into modifications in the technology department. The Technology Lending Grant they secured ensures each of her students have the necessary technology at home to work on school assignments. With this grant, every

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b y Jos i e M. B a r r e r a | p h o t o p r o v i d e d

“So now you have children in this neighborhood and across the city who are going to have an opportunity to connect to the rest of the world.” D r. Angel a G onz al e z , San ta Rosa I SD su perin ten den t

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E D U C A T I O N

SCHOOL OF ROCK S

b y Ri c k P h oeni x M a n z o | p h o t o s b y J a s o n G a r z a

Just imagine: loud rhythmic sounds

Rock was established in Chicago in 1998.

emerging into notes, the mind opening

Previously, SOR did not consider the RGV

its senses, the heart feeling the pulse of

because of a fear of lack of public interest.

music. The Rio Grande Valley has been

Owner Leo Salazar was determined with

inaugurated into the rock ‘n’ roll map of

his dream and changed that idea with his

education. Welcome to the School of Rock!

vision: he bought the rights to the SOR

With over 300 schools nationwide and

franchise in August 2019, launching the

ties to the renowned Berklee School of

birth of the school in McAllen.

Music and Atlantic Records, the School of

“The goal is getting students ready for

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“It’s honestly great to see all of our students grow as musicians.” Le o S a l a z ar,

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own er of Sch o o l of Rock

RGVision Ad for QM (Ilumina2020).pdf

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the stage and giving them the experience of

only hangout area to increase comradery

a lifetime,” said music director JJ Gomez.

and creativity.

The school is based around rock music

Additionally, one-on-one in-house or School

and a “song first” curriculum, which means

MY of Rock remote Zoom classes are available

that at the end of the day, the students will

CY for these future musicians. Students can

be able to play songs from favorite rock gods

take classes for vocals, guitar, piano and CMY

such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Queen,

drums as well as stage performance.

a free 30-minute trial, open to anyone who is interested in enrolling. Eventually, novice

— despite the pandemic. Six talented local

students will get to showcase what they

musicians educate over 70 students ranging

have learned in a concert among their peers.

from ages 4 to 104. Along with teaching

For those more advanced, an opportunity

music theory, techniques, modes, and scales,

to join the House Band will be offered and

the purpose is to help the students learn life

possibly a tour.

lessons. “It’s honestly great to see all of our students grow as musicians,” Salazar said. Security is a top priority at the school. Upon arriving, guests are greeted with a welcoming environment in the front lobby

During these uncertain times, the doors of the School of Rock are now open and in session. What better way to get our children involved in the most universal language of the world and a great music-rich environment? For

info,

visit

www.mcallen.

with a monitored view of all classrooms

schoolofrock.com or call (956) 687-7625.

in progress. The facility consists of a two-

School of Rock is available for classes from 3

story building with designated rooms, a

to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 6

performance stage, and a safe student-

p.m. Saturdays.

In these unprecedented times, the school has still managed to proceed with success

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Currently, the first-year school is offering

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and many more.

B U S I N E S S

ROADS TO

SUCCESS Highway Investments Essential to State’s Economic Recovery

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b y Vi c tor B o y e r a n d S e r g i o C o n t r e r a s The Texas Transportation Commission awards hundreds of millions of dollars in highway improvement projects every month, including $835 million in July, to improve mobility across the state. Those projects will be under construction for the next several years, providing thousands of jobs and adding to the economic vitality of local communities. Completed transportation projects enhance the state’s long-term economic competitiveness. And people benefit because highway expansions and upgrades shorten travel times, enhance safety, and save lives. Commerce and business benefit because those road projects accommodate surging freight traffic demand. It should be no surprise that COVID-19 related economic slowdowns will cause budget headaches for Texas and every state for years to come. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hager recently released an early forecast projecting that the state will fall $4.6 billion short during the current two-year budget. That is equal to a relatively manageable 2 percent of the total budget. Budget uncertainties will confront Texas legislators when they convene in January. How fast will revenue recover? What will they have to cut for the 2022-23 budget? Those discussions must not ignore the absolute priority that roads and bridges play in our daily lives.

Lawmakers should recognize that an uninterrupted, robust program of priority highway improvement projects is essential to meet the current needs of the pandemic and will be a major contribution to our economic recovery. Underscoring this is our continuing need to address population growth and inadequate, aging highways. That includes thousands of miles of Texas interstate highways that are more than 50 years old. They need to be reconstructed and expanded. That takes money. Texas highway projects are paid for with a combination of revenue sources including state and federal gasoline and diesel taxes, registration fees, and oil and gas severance taxes provided through Proposition 1 and sales taxes provided through Proposition 7, all of which are constitutionally dedicated to maintaining public roadways. More than 80 percent of Texans voted for Proposition 1 in 2014 and Proposition 7 in 2015, which set aside some oil and gas production taxes and general sales taxes for highways. Those measures now provide about $4 billion a year to build and maintain our roadway system. In a sense, those funds are making up for the loss of some $20 billion in projects due to legislative diversion of highway funds to other purposes over the previous two decades. We have a major highway funding gap in Texas resulting from dramatic population

While Texas has made significant highway investments in recent years, it is also important that Congress act to address historic under-investment at the federal level, both with stimulus funding aimed at highways and with structural changes that commit more resources to transportation. Yes, we face a coronavirus recession. That’s why committing to an uninterrupted program of priority highway improvements makes sense. Doing so will create jobs and will help Texas make a faster economic recovery. Additionally, it can have the benefit of creating major legacy transportation infrastructure projects that will provide economic benefits for generations to come. Victor Boyer is chairman of Transportation Advocates of Texas and president of the San Antonio Mobility Coalition. Sergio Contreras is TAoT Regional Director for the Rio Grande Valley Region and President/ CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. Transportation Advocates of Texas is a statewide coalition that brings together cities, counties, established community and regional organizations and business interests to support additional funding to address the challenging mobility demands facing the state.

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growth, industrial and commercial expansion, accelerating goods movements by truck, and an explosion in oil patch truck traffic — all on top of decades of under-investment in system preservation and expansion. While the Transportation Commission has allocated funds for about $70 billion in projects over the coming 10 years, it is estimated that there are billions of dollars in unfunded projects waiting in the wings. Major highway projects travel on a long development conveyor belt from concept to ribbon cutting, often taking 15 years or more. One of the very important benefits of keeping the conveyor belt moving is the preservation of the experience and expertise of the construction and design personnel that actually deliver the wider, safer, smoother roads Texans need. And that is a huge deal because we drive some 540 million miles each day on Texas roads. Vehicle travel is obviously evolving whether we are talking about ridesharing, electric vehicles, truck platooning, or autonomous vehicles. What does not change in any scenario as these technologies become more ingrained in our lives is the ongoing need for safe, efficient highways. On the Texas-Mexico border, the movement of goods has increased from $111 billion in 1994 to $421 billion in 2019, which is expected to expand under the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The projected growth calls for additional investment to ensure safety and efficiency as commodities are transported through our roadways.

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B U S I N E S S

B U S I N E S S ARTICLE PROVIDED BY

Bill Martin, CFP® Vice President, Investments 1845 Capital of Raymond James, 1400 N. McColl Road, Suite 101 | McAllen 956-331-2777

bigger the ultimate payoff can be. Even a couple more years can make a big difference in how much you can put aside. REVISIT YOUR ASSET ALLOCATION You may have to allocate more of your investments to equities if you’re behind. Historically, these have provided better long-term returns than bonds. Just be careful not to exceed your risk tolerance. MAXIMIZE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS Waiting as long as possible to begin taking benefits makes sense for many, but Social Security is complicated. Fortunately, your advisor can guide you through different claiming strategies. RETIRE PART TIME If you or your spouse or partner can work part time, you’ll boost your retirement cash flow and give yourself more time for savings to grow.

REVIVE YOUR

RETIRE SIMPLER Many retirees find that living more simply is just fine. You’ll want to strike a balance here — don’t give up on your dreams, but try to make them a little more realistic.

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RETIREMENT

RETHINK YOUR HOME EQUITY Consider deploying your home equity to establish an emergency fund or to meet other essential expenses. Downsize for simplicity If you have more home than you need, consider downsizing and investing whatever you clear in an income-oriented account.

TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SAVINGS If you’re concerned your retirement savings aren’t quite where they should be, you have plenty of company — about 30 percent of working Americans feel the same. But while boosting savings is the most important factor in ensuring a comfortable retirement, there are other changes you can make without straying from your financial plan.

MAXIMIZE TAX BREAKS Once you’re 50, the amount you can contribute tax-free to retirement accounts increases. So if you have a workplace retirement plan with an employer matching program, try making the maximum allowable contribution. Also think about prior jobs — did you leave anything behind in a retirement plan?

LOOK AT EXPENSES Depending on your anticipated shortfall, this might mean anything from trimming daily expenses to really slashing them (e.g., delaying a new car purchase). ELIMINATE CREDIT CARD DEBT Pay down high-interest debt as rapidly as possible, and construct a new household budget that makes retirement savings your top priority. Save as much as possible Try putting away at least 15 percent of your income, or setting a specific savings goal and getting there as quickly as possible.

NEXT STEPS To begin boosting your savings: • Discuss everything with your advisor, including how much you think you’ll need for the retirement you envision. He or she can help you determine what you need to get there, how to invest your money, how to account for inflation and what to set aside for your potential healthcare costs. • Ask your advisor to run the appropriate what-if scenarios. You may find your situation is brighter than you think.

RETIRE LATER The more time your investments have to grow, the

As featured in WORTHWHILE, a quarterly periodical dedicated to serving the clients of Raymond James advisors and affiliated advisory firms and is the sole and exclusive property of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Copyright 2020 Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Reprinted with permission.

B U S I N E S S

SHOP LOCAL

IMPACT LOCAL Harlingen EDC Encourages Community to Buy from Small Businesses

EDC encourages Rio Grande Valley residents to shop local. “There are many positive impacts of shopping locally not just during holidays, but throughout the year,” said Dr. Linda Burke, Harlingen EDC Board of Directors vice president. “It’s important to remember that studies show that local businesses typically will reinvest into their local economy at a much faster rate than chains will.” An example of this can be portrayed in the amount of money that gets recirculated back into our local economy, she added. If you have $100 that you spend at a local business, we see $68 circulate back into our local economy. Only $43 of $100 spent at a chain retailer will circle back into our infrastructure. “Small businesses play a major role in economic development by stimulating our economic growth by providing employment opportunities and basically

Rather than spending your dollars at online retailers this season, think about the power your money holds and the difference you could make in your community. One single transaction has the potential to create a ripple effect in our own backyard. Dr. Bonnie De La Rosa-Villarreal, Harlingen Chamber of Commerce chairwoman, highlights the effect shopping local has on the overall economy. “Shopping local does not mean just spending money at a local store. Shopping local has so much more magnitude than that,” she said. “If we shop locally, that effect actually is much grander. You get this effect that helps the entire community.” Our small businesses don’t just offer unique inventory but help create an identity in our towns and build a sense of community. Harlingen Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to growing commerce and in doing so, the Harlingen

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b y Jos i e M. B a r r er a | ph o t o s b y Wa l d o Pa l o m a r e s a n d p r o v i d e d

“When you shop locally there is a sales tax that is produced,” De La Rosa-Villarreal explained. “That sales tax will stay in Harlingen — it’s money generated for your parks, quality of living, your police or fire department. It stays in town and is not only benefiting that business, but it's actually benefiting you at the same time.” One of the most impactful effects of shopping locally can be seen in our surrounding areas in the schools and libraries. When a successful business thrives, the neighborhood it is located in becomes a desirable area to live, which in turn causes an influx of people moving to that neighborhood. When that happens, there is an increase in property value, which increases local tax revenue. “Businesses have a tendency to want to hire individuals that represent their demographic area and the surrounding area and underserved areas as well,” Burke said. “Shopping local strengthens our communities and it helps us drive future growth [to the area].”

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creating more jobs in our community,” Burke said. “We want to show businesses that we have the infrastructure they need, we have a wonderful community and a very safe place to live, and we are poised geographically in such an incredible area being so close to the border of Mexico.” The Downtown Harlingen District is a favorite shopping spot and this Texas Main Street, combined with its historic buildings and charm, is home to more than 150 businesses — some of which have been around for more than 50 years. Many of those stores are locally owned boutiques, antique shops, cafés, and home décor stores, all carrying those perfect one-of-a-kind items for any occasion. “What’s so unique about this downtown area is everybody just comes together as one — we are one community, one small business venue, and a destination for our community,” said Alexis Alaniz, City of Harlingen downtown director. “Now more than ever with the crazy year we've all had, it is crucial to support the local businesses who employ our neighbors, invest in our cities, and aim to bring different products and services to the Rio Grande Valley,” said Lisa Marie Human, manager at Bloomer’s Flowers & Gifts, a local flower shop that has been in business for more than 25 years. Residents sometimes don’t realize the positive impact shopping local has on their quality of life. The more sales tax money that remains in the community, the more opportunity there is to build up a town’s infrastructure, parks, sidewalks, and more.

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B U S I N E S S

B U S I N E S S ARTICLE PROVIDED BY

Leonardo F. Chang Financial Advisor Edward Jones 4500 N. 10th St., Suite 40 | McAllen 956-630-0241

FINANCIAL FOCUS Ideas for Thanking Your Family

It’s almost Thanksgiving. And although 2020 may have been a difficult year for you, as it has been for many people, you can probably still find things for which you can be thankful — such as your family. How can you show your appreciation for your loved ones? Read on for a few suggestions.

disability insurance — if you were unable to work for a while, it could cause a real problem for your family’s finances. PRESERVE YOUR FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE When your children are young, you take care of them. But you certainly don’t want them to have to do the same for you. It’s essential you maintain your financial independence throughout your life. You can do this in at least a couple of ways. First, consider investing regularly in your 401(k), IRA, and other retirement accounts. The greater your resources during your retirement years, the less you may ever need to count on your family. And second, you may want to protect yourself from the devastating costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. A financial professional can suggest a strategy to help you cope with these expenses.

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INVEST IN YOUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE If you have young children — or even grandchildren — one of the greatest gifts you can give them is the gift of education. You may want to consider contributing to a higher education funding vehicle. BE GENEROUS Do you have older children, just starting out in life? If so, they could well use a financial gift to help pay off student loans, buy a car, or even make a down payment on a home. You can give up to $15,000 per year, per recipient, without incurring gift taxes. Of course, you don’t have to give cash — you might want to consider presenting your children with shares of stock in companies they like.

CREATE AN ESTATE PLAN To leave a legacy to your family, you don’t have to be wealthy — but you do need a comprehensive estate plan. You’ll have to think through a lot of questions, such as: Have I named beneficiaries for all my assets? How much do I want to leave to each person? Do I need to go beyond a simple will to establish an arrangement such as a living trust? For help in answering all these issues, you’ll want to work with an attorney. By making these moves, you can show your loved ones, in a tangible way, how much you value them — and that can help you keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive all year long.

REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE If you weren’t around, it would leave some gaping holes — financial and otherwise — in the lives of your family members. That’s why it’s essential you maintain adequate life insurance. Your employer might offer a group plan, but it may not be sufficient to meet your needs. There’s no magic formula for determining the right amount of coverage, so you’ll have to consider a variety of factors: your age, spouse’s income, number of children, and so on. Also, you may want to consider

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

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Types of Scams to Look Out for to Protect your Information, Assets b y R GV i s i o n According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers quickly adapted their game to take advantage of the coronavirus this year. Many of their scams are created to target the vulnerable, whether that be emotionally, financially, or mentally, in order to exploit those in desperate positions looking for a glimmer of hope and assistance. The FTC compiled a list of five quick tips to help the public recognize and defend against illegitimate parties trying to manipulate people for profit, and the team at RGVision Media has added our insight, as well. Although much of this information is geared toward COVID-19-related scams,

these tips also apply beyond the scope of the pandemic. HANG UP ON ROBOCALLS. The IRS, the police, immigration officers, and other officials will never call you, and other automated calls are not legitimate. If a matter is really important, they will send you something in the mail. You can simply hang up on these types of calls with no consequences. IGNORE OFFERS FOR VACCINATIONS AND HOME TEST KITS. Any person selling a product that claims to treat or test for the COVID-19 that is not approved or administered by a physician is

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KNOW WHO YOU ARE BUYING FROM. Online ads or posters may say that they have specific high-demand items like medical supplies, hand sanitizers, cleaners, and other products for sanitation during the pandemic, but many of them will take your money and never deliver while leaving you with no way to contact them for a refund. Stick to wellknown companies or stores to get your much-needed products. DON’T RESPOND TO CALLS, TEXTS, OR EMAILS ABOUT MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT. Anyone offering vacations or money over the phone will not give it to you. Again, never give your credit card information over the phone. OTHER TYPES OF SCAMS: “Users should also be wary of email scams posing as official accounts, like PayPal,

FACT CHECK INFORMATION. It’s not hard to share a compelling post on social media. However, this can spread significant misinformation and can have harmful effects on the general public. Make sure to verify information with a reputable source, such as federal, state, and local government websites, before passing it on.

Apple, Netflix, or other entities that a person may likely have accounts with,” explained Kelsey Greene, certified digital marketing agent for RGVision Media. “Be especially suspicious if they come with a warning about your account, such as a refund, misplaced order, or your account being hacked. These phishing emails often include the company logo, making it appear as though it were from the company itself.” However, anyone can save a company logo from Google Images and paste it into an email. Thankfully, there are some telltale signs that the email is a fake, and we have some tips of our own to help keep your confidential information safe. One way to know that the email is not from the company is if it begins with “Dear Customer” or another greeting that doesn’t specify you as the recipient. Even if it is addressed with your name, be cautious and examine the body of the email for typos, grammar errors, or unusual language. If the email contains a link, button (such as “Log into PayPal”), or a phone number for you to contact them, never use it. Instead, leave your email entirely and log into your account through the company’s app or in a new web browser to see if there is really something wrong. If your account appears to have everything in order, delete the email.

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potentially harmful and will likely not have real effect on your health or test results.

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Scams are created to target the vulnerable, whether that be emotionally, financially, or mentally, in order to exploit those in desperate positions looking for a glimmer of hope and assistance.

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ADD TO CART Local Shop Transitions to Fully Online Store Due to Pandemic

“We delved a lot into how our marketing would work,” Sanchez said. “No one was going out, so we shifted our marketing from ‘where would you wear this’ to ‘how would you wear this, how does this make you feel.” Sarah Davila, Shop 112 buyer, shares her experience regarding the entire process. “Having switched our tactics from in-store shopping to online has been fun, challenging, and allowed us to open our minds to get customers to shop online,” she said. “It’s been a learning process I’m grateful for — I’ve learned a lot.” One of the other things they have had to learn is the usage of SEO, or search engine optimization, in their website to be able to target their demographic and continue to meet their daily goals. “The best analogy I can provide for comparing retail to e-commerce is by comparing dancing to figure skating,” Sanchez said. Overall, she says it’s been a blessing in disguise. “Had this not happened, I would have never pushed myself to learn digital marketing for our business,” she said. “I would love to expand our business to be able to offer more careers and for our store to reopen in 2021. “The hardest part has been having to furlough more than half our team — we’re like family. But the rest of them have been really understanding about having to adapt.” “We have an amazing team of hardworking ladies that believe in the dream that Shop 112 is more than a small boutique, but a company that encourages strong, positive examples to young ladies out there,” said Shop 112 owner Mayra Brown.

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Shop 112 is a women’s boutique in McAllen in the courtyard plaza on 10th Street and Dove. In the past eight years they’ve been open, they have expanded their square footage twice, outgrowing the previous spaces they filled before. Though they continue to expand, the pandemic brought on new challenges as they tackled a great unknown — e-commerce. By the first two weeks of the first shelter in place order in Hidalgo County, they knew this was going to last a lot longer than anyone anticipated. It was then when they made the decision to move their inventory to 100 percent online, where as before, only 10 percent of their items were placed for sale through the website. “Within two days, our marketing team and models were able to model and photograph every single piece we had in the store,” said Monique Sanchez, co-owner of Shop 112. Upon this realization, they began strategizing just how they were going to successfully move their shop entirely online. Prior to the pandemic, they would update the sales floor and create a layout that would appeal to customers depending on the season, trends, and events happening in the area. “Now it's different. We’re not just catering to our clientele in the Valley, but we are reaching customers from other states in the country,” she said. “Instead of organizing the sales floor, it’s a matter of deciding which pieces will be on the homepage on our website.” Sanchez mentions they’ve received a lot of positive feedback from fashion enthusiasts all over the country. Some are Valley natives who now live out-of-state and are thrilled about being able to shop their stuff online. Others are first-time shoppers.

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b y Jos i e M . B a r r e r a | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d

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F O R

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Local Resources Available to Help You Launch a Dream b y Ro ci o V i l l a l o b o s Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it all out alone. With local chambers of commerce and the Small Business Administration, experts can help you come up with a plan to launch a fruitful business. While most states only have one SBA, Texas has several — including one in Harlingen. District Director Angela Burton said there are about 200,000 small businesses in her office’s coverage area. Their website outlines 10 steps

to starting a business. The first, and most crucial for success, she said, is conducting market research. “It’s equivalent to building a house,” she said. “You’re not going to build your home without some sort of architectural plan. Folks need to think of that in regard to their business.” The SBA can help with this step, as well as a range of other services — free of charge. Following market research, the next two steps are to write a business plan and find funding. While the first step

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MONEY MAY NOT GROW ON TREES

BUT WE KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT At Educational Research Institute (ERI), our grant professionals have written, secured, and managed more than $428 million in public and private funds. With over 25 years of combined experience in grant writing, reading, management, and training, the grant professionals at ERI have assisted school districts, colleges, universities, nonprofits, municipalities, and healthcare organizations in gaining access to funds to aid in growth and development.

ERI — We Grant Your Success!

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“We encourage folks to work with their lenders to see if they’re a candidate for an SBA loan,” Burton said. “The reason is, SBA terms are competitive. The interest rate may be lower, and the lender likes it because a percentage is federally backed by the government.” Another important aspect, and step four in the SBA’s plan, is choosing a location. Sanchez said people often this process often goes wrong for people because they do not look into the details enough before signing a contract. “Some places don’t allow certain types of businesses,” he said. “Therefore, you would be stuck with a one- or two-year contract with a business you cannot establish there.” That, and not putting enough effort and “launching to launch” are the biggest mistakes he sees. The last six steps are: choosing a business structure and name, registering, getting federal and state tax IDs, applying for licenses and permits, and lastly, opening a business bank account. While Sanchez said the pandemic has slowed down new businesses opening in the area, things are starting to pick back up. He and Burton encourage anyone interested to check out their websites or give them a call to learn what kind of support they can get in their new venture. “People have to understand that the first couple of months, or even years, may not be profitable,” Sanchez said. “Not getting discouraged is the key to success.”

1710 North Ed Carey, Harlingen, TX (956) 365-4100 | (956) 365-4300 www.erigrants.com

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is to gather information about potential customers and similar businesses already operating in the area, the business plan, Burton said, is the “foundation” of a business. “It’s important to look at startup costs,” Burton said. “Let us say I want to open a restaurant and serve this item. How many square feet are we going to need? What is the building going to cost? How much is it going to cost to serve hamburgers? How much to make the hamburgers?” People often call the SBA and they are able to help by offering thought-provoking questions to help them sort their idea out. Also included in the business plan is figuring out what kind of license and protection to register for. Jorge Sanchez, vice president of business development and startups at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, said there are two most popular trends: sole proprietor and limited liability company. “This would be if you’re selling jewelry or something totally risk-free,” Sanchez said, referring to the sole proprietor option. “But if we’re talking about food or something where accidents might happen, an LLC is more popular ... meaning the owner is not liable for activities of the business.” Sanchez also warns against launching a business without registering. He said people can get in trouble for not having proper licensing or for not collecting taxes to pay back to the state. Either can result in a fine or a lawsuit. “It’s better they call us to ask what type of licenses they need so we can guide them in the right direction,” Sanchez said. “We do not enforce anything, we just advise.” While the chamber is based in McAllen, anyone interested can take advantage of their 50 programs, which range from counseling on how to start their business to connecting them with a mentor and developing a prototype. As for funding, both the chamber and SBA offer various grants. On the SBA website, you can find the lender match tool, in which you can input information about the business to find a lender that is the right fit.

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Shop with

Confidence Lacks Takes Steps to Ensure Employee, Customer Safety

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b y Jos i e M. B a r r er a | ph o t o s b y J a m e s H o r d a n d M a r k Pu e n t e As the year 2020 continues to unravel, businesses all over the Valley have adapted and enforced safety measures in place for their guests. Furniture store Lacks is no exception. With the recent changes, employees have never felt safer going into work. Employees and customers alike are experiencing the safety measures set in place by Lacks, confirming that they do in fact feel they are working in a secure environment. Brad Richards, Lacks store director, stresses the company’s dedication to creating a safe environment for all. “One of the things that is really important to our Lacks family is to follow all CDC guidelines,” he said. “We do our best to make sure that the customer has a shopping experience that is clean and that [the store] is safe for them and our employees.” HR director Tammy Leal agrees, adding that the health and safety of Lacks employees and customers is their number one priority. “When an employee comes into the store in the morning, we take their temperature, ask some questions of how they're feeling, and we also do deep cleaning throughout the store,” Richards said. In addition to following the CDC guidelines, Lacks has also taken the initiative to retrain their housekeeping crew in order to help keep all of the high-traffic areas sanitized — something the employees appreciate deeply. “I believe that is very important for everybody's peace of mind,” Jerry Garcia said. “It makes me

feel very good knowing that coming into the store, everybody is feeling OK. I personally feel that Lacks has taken every precaution necessary and I encourage our customers to come on in.” Sales manager Sandra Gomez stands by the precautions and safety measures they have taken and encourages customers to feel confident as they visit Lacks. “Lacks is the safest environment that they can shop in,” she said. “Knowing that all of this is provided for us it makes us feel safe and comfortable and I feel relief knowing that we have all these extra precautions and measures,” said Lacks sales consultant Lauren Nashan. “Lacks has created a safe environment for them to shop, so shop with confidence.” SAFE DELIVERY AND PICK-UP OPTIONS As a family-focused company, Lacks goes the extra mile when it comes to providing shoppers with world-class customer service. One of the ways they do this is with their delivery options. Currently, Lacks is offering doorstep delivery, threshold delivery, and in-home delivery with set-up for their consumers as well as a pick-up option at stores or their Distribution Center. Doorstep delivery is the method in which the customers' goods are delivered in boxes and left at their front door or garage. Customers have the option to choose where they’d like their items to be placed. Threshold delivery is when the products/

“Lacks has created a safe environment for them to shop, so shop with confidence." La u r e n N a s h a n , Lacks sal es con su l tan t

face coverings the entire time that the Lacks family is working inside a home. If anyone in the home has been exposed to COVID or has the virus at the time of the inhouse installation process, customers are advised to reschedule or do an in-store pickup instead. Lacks has implemented a whole system where there is minimal to no contact between the customers and employees in order to help keep everyone as safe as possible. By implementing these updated procedures, Lacks is able to show their employees and customers that their safety truly is their number one priority.

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furniture are opened, inspected, and delivered to the first room or threshold that the front door leads to. This allows customers to have their furniture in their home and ready to set up as they desire without having the crew go farther into their home. Lacks continues to offer their leading service — inhome delivery and installation, which they have been providing customers with for years. Lacks employees follow the new safety measures in place, including sanitation and the usage of proper personal protective equipment as they come into your home and set up all of the furniture in the room of preference. With Lacks’ customer pick-up, the company manages this by appointment only and schedules customers in 30-minute intervals. For customer pick-up at stores and at the Distribution Center, customers don't make contact with the employee at any time for a contactless process to receive their merchandise. In order to keep customers and employees safe, Lacks does require that customers and employees wear

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HOLIDAY CARE

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Mental Health During COVID-19

The Latino culture is undeniably rich, with many traditions and lifestyles passed down for generations. This culture emphasizes the value of family and friends and the closeness among its members. In this manner, being part of this upbringing means attaching importance to regular family and social gatherings on the weekends and special occasions. But, this year, COVID-19 has created a threat. When COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, this led to a number of nationwide mandates, such as social distancing and citywide lockdowns. These restrictions to people’s everyday lives have been difficult for all, but particularly challenging for some. The harsh reality is that between now and the end of the year, things are not likely to get any better. In fact, the situation may become more difficult as the holidays approach. In addition to the already immense toll to people’s mental wellbeing due to

the death of loved ones, sickness, financial hardships, and numerous unexpected changes endured, this holiday season will pose exceptional challenges to people around the world. Many in our community worry about the ways in which holidays and festivities may look different this year. Cherished traditions, religious services, and celebrations may be canceled or altered due to the pandemic restrictions, thus triggering some holiday blues. HOLIDAYS DURING COVID-19 Holiday traditions help build strong bonds between family, friends, and our community. This year, however, many are devoid of the anticipation of reuniting with friends and family to celebrate. Similarly, during the holidays, people get a chance to feel connected to their family history and celebrate generations of family traditions. Sadly, for many people, this will be the first time they will have empty chairs at their table because of the death of loved ones due to COVID-19. Holidays are celebrated by coming together and gathering around a festive table. With the looming presence of COVID-19 and all the

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• Mental Health Resources U.S. Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-2738255 • Tropical Texas Behavioral health crisis line (available 24 hours): (877) 289-719 Co-authors include Dr. Mercado’s Mental Health Lab at UTRGV: Ruby Tijerina, Frances Morales, Amanda Palomin, Stephanie Navarro, and Andy Torres.

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY

Alfonso Mercado PH.D., Licensed Psychologist Valley Psychological Services - Assistant Professor Department of Psychology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | www.utpa.edu/psychology

CONNECTING DURING COVID-19 While in our community many have agreed to follow social distancing protocols, others are still planning to gather with loved ones regardless of the risk. Whatever the case may be, as the holiday season quickly approaches, we must find ways to protect ourselves, our families, and our community while still celebrating and showing love to those we care about. While large gatherings like festivals, parades, and parties might not be possible this year, there are other ways to create memories and spend time with those we love. Some suggestions to remember this holiday season during the pandemic: • Consider adapting your family traditions to follow social distancing recommendations. Even though hosting a big dinner, meeting up with friends, and attending holiday parties may not be possible this year, virtual alternatives could facilitate keeping in touch with important people in your life. • Adhere to the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines when planning a gathering at home. If possible, hold outdoor events with a small group of local friends and family members, making sure that your guests wear a mask, maintain social distance, and do not share food or drinks. • If you have experienced the death of a loved

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one, honor their memory with a special ornament, wreath or centerpiece, or a candle lit during a holiday. • If face-to-face religious services or events have been canceled in your community, try participating via televised services or online platforms. • Most importantly, take care of your mental health. Those who live alone or far away from family, or who have lost loved ones recently, may find holidays especially difficult. Make sure to keep connected with positive and supportive people in your life, even if you may not be able to see them in person at the moment. Despite the challenges that will be faced this holiday season, it is important to remember that there are ways to make this time of the year special for you and the ones you love while staying safe and practicing social distancing.

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restrictions that come with living during a global pandemic, people will be forced to reconsider their celebrations in order to stay safe. The unfortunate truth is that holiday celebrations are not compatible with pandemic precautions.

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Adding Quality to

YOUR LIFE VBMC Orthopedic Program Caring for the RGV

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by Josie M. Barrera As a leader in this region’s orthopedic care and joint replacement procedures, the Valley Baptist Medical Center — Harlingen Orthopedic Program offers comprehensive services that are unmatched. The Valley Baptist Orthopedic Program team is composed of surgeons and family nurse practitioners who are dedicated to helping residents across the RGV get back to their everyday life with increased functionality. “We have a very well-rounded, comprehensive team made up of several providers with different specialties,” said Nubia Benavides, nurse practitioner. Recently, the orthopedic surgical team has become its own individual department. The orthopedic surgeons have partnered with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as faculty members. “All of us here working as a group are very happy to be serving the RGV. We love working at the first Level II trauma center in the area,” Dr. Joseph Horton said. Altogether, the orthopedic team at

Valley Baptist ensures that patients there are in good hands. Dr. Rick Bassett, well-known for his cutting-edge designs of hip and knee replacements, has been with Valley Baptist since 1983. Bassett is an engineer whose four prostheses have impacted patients around the globe. The implants he has designed are used worldwide, and he has given presentations in over 28 countries to educate others on how to implement them in their surgeries. “There are several different ways orthopedics can help alleviate pain and improve bodily function,” Bassett said. Dr. Savvas Poulos specializes in hand surgery as well as trauma procedures and has been with Valley Baptist for 25 years. For the most part, Dr. Poulos performs surgeries on patients suffering from arthritis, carpal tunnel, or tendonitis. “The functionality of the hands is very important for overall quality of life,” he said. “Usually, the surgeries I perform are on a case-by-case basis, as every patient is different.” Focusing on surgeries whose

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“We fix broken bones in trauma, perform bone reconstruction in arthritic patients, and [specialize in] sports medicine, where we are taking your athletes and weekend warriors and helping them get back to what they do.”

evaluation and screening process, communicating with patients’ family members and discussing all possible outcomes. Dr. Vishwas Patil is a Valley Baptist orthopedic surgeon whose scope includes pediatrics. Throughout his two years with the department, he has seen patients with chronic hip pain, trauma, and pain in knees and ankles as well as shoulders and elbows. “I try to use all nonsurgical options and modalities first. If none are working for them, we do opt for surgeries,” Patil said. “If their hip or knee pain is affecting their quality of life, that is when I recommend surgical options.” Depending on the patients’ medical history, they need to be cleared before moving forward with surgery. “I want them to make an informed decision after having a clear idea of the possible outcomes,” Patil said. Dr. Bassett acknowledged the important role the department’s extended medical staff plays in the bigger picture and boasted about nurses in the Valley Baptist Orthopedic Unit having won a center of excellence award from the state of Texas for the fifth year in a row. “Our nurses and our therapists are exceptional,” he said. “Our patients are extremely grateful to them. Without their help, we wouldn't be able to provide [patients] with the level of care and service that we do.”

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main goal is to improve a patient’s quality of life, the Valley Baptist Orthopedic Program resolves sports medicine injuries along with hip, joint, knee, shoulder, and foot pain. “We fix broken bones in trauma, perform bone reconstruction in arthritic patients, and [specialize in] sports medicine, where we are taking your athletes and weekend warriors and helping them get back to what they do,” said Dr. Horton, who has been with Valley Baptist for the past four years. Completing his fellowship in sports medicine, Dr. Horton’s specialty surgeries consist of shoulder and knee arthroscopies, total hip and knee replacement, and trauma. “I am proud to be working with cutting edge orthopedics and taking care of the people in the Valley,” Horton said. Nurse practitioner Heather Smith, who specializes in sports medicine and the non-surgical side of arthritis, has been with Valley Baptist for a year-anda-half. Smith is the hospital’s eyes and ears in the community, representing the organization at community functions in the surrounding school districts, football games, at the Harlingen Marathon, and other sporting events prior to the pandemic. One of the most common injuries in athletes is a torn ACL. The orthopedic program offers full ACL reconstruction, using cadaver tissue or tissue from the patient’s own hamstrings, creating a new ACL. The orthopedic surgeons offer a thorough

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D r. Jos eph Hor ton, Val l ey Baptist Orth opedic Program Su rgeon

H E A L T H

AF N A

P P R O A C

Rodeo Dental, Making Every Pediatric Dental Experience Memorable

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b y Jos i e M. B a r r e r a | p h o t o b y Wa l d o Pa l o m a r e s When you’re a kid, going to the dentist can be daunting. There’s a level of uncertainty that comes with your visit along with a fear of sharp dental instruments that adds to the fear. Pediatric dentistry is just one branch of the many services Rodeo Dental offers. Lead dental assistant Karina Garcia is proud of the wonderful job Rodeo Dental does in order to make kids less afraid of visiting the dentist. For some young patients, it’s their first visit to the dentist. This can be intimidating. Garcia says she is able to make her patients feel at ease by walking them through which instruments she will be using and reassuring them that the tools aren’t as scary as they seem. “They see sharp objects, and they think it's needles,” she said. “It’s just a matter of just talking to them, and making them feel comfortable with you and with the dentist, and explaining everything you're using, and showing them what it is.” The experts at Rodeo Dental are specially trained to work with kids ranging from birth to adolescence and strive to make every experience a good one — and fun. With a staff fully trained to treat children, the dental services Rodeo Dental offers include routine pediatric clinics, pediatric oral exams and screenings, and full preventive care, including

fluoride treatments and tooth sealants, fillings, crowns, other repair for tooth decay, and personalized guidance for parents on brushing and flossing. Overall, the culture at Rodeo Dental is a positive one that encourages continuous personal and professional growth. Rodeo Dental focuses on continuing education and remains fully equipped with the best technology for dental care so that its dentists keep up to date on the latest techniques and procedures. Dr. Kare Opaneye, DDS, MPH, is the pediatric dentist at Rodeo Dental Edinburg and enjoys working with kids just as much as he enjoys mentoring the staff and continuing to learn himself. “We are definitely ahead of the curve in the dental field,” he said. “It's exciting to learn from each other and quite surprising that you have cutting edge dentistry this far down in South Texas.” He says this has helped local patients seek dental care close to home rather than having to travel to larger cities to receive advanced dental work. “You get to talk and be yourself with kids while you’re trying to get treatments done,” Opaneye said. “The good part is that I’m able to teach your parents the simple stuff. Our patients will

Everyone is mindful of the impact they have as a whole on their patients’ lives. Rodeo Dental pediatric dentist Jason Lee, DDS, became inspired to pursue pediatric dentistry due to his personal experience growing up. “When I was young, I had an excellent pediatric dentist, and growing up in an environment where I actually looked forward to going to the dentist, it made me interested in going into dentistry in general,” he said. “Here at Rodeo Dental, it’s so colorful, so welcoming. Everybody always has a smile on their face and has a nice energy to them.” “Rodeo Dental, simply put, is all about the patient — the patient experience is the most important thing; it's all about making the patient have a wonderful experience,” Lee said. “They don't want the kids to come in and just not be afraid of the dentist; we want them to actually look forward to going to the dentist.”

“Rodeo Dental, simply put, is all about the patient — the patient experience is the most important thing; it's all about making the patient have a wonderful experience.” Ja s on Lee, Rodeo Den tal pediatric den tist

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come back, and they're smiling and have adhered to simple instructions.” “We are constantly being trained,” added dental assistant Jorge Vega Jr. “Some of us want to learn certain treatments, and we have our veteran dental staff — we have our doctors that are willing to give us that information so that we can just continue improving our services and treatment.” Celina Doughty, the mother of a 3-year-old patient, cannot recommend Rodeo Dental enough. “They've always had a good reputation, and the community goal that they have is to ensure that everybody has affordable dental care,” she said. “We support the Rodeo Dental business because they've always gone out to support the community, and they've always been very good with my daughter. They're gentle and always in a happy environment.”

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H E A L T H

aorta, making it not close properly). In both cases, blood flow is limited, forcing the heart to work harder to pump and supply blood to the rest of the body. This may cause angina and chest discomfort from which serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest (heart attack) can arise. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, IMPROVED OUTCOMES With the new Structural Heart Program at South Texas Health System Clinics Cardiology, physicians will be able to thoroughly evaluate patients and thereby better determine their next course of action. “We’re really excited to be rolling out a program that provides patients access to an advanced procedure called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis or those at high risk for surgery who had their aortic valve replaced in the past and are in need of a new one,” said Giraldo. Benefits of TAVR may include improved quality of life following the procedure, a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and minimal scarring, to name a few. Azpurua noted, “As with any procedure, patients should speak to their doctor to see if they are a candidate and understand that their commitment to recovering from cardiovascular disease will impact their outcomes.”

HEART

TAKING PREVENTIVE MEASURES According to Giraldo, “Some risk factors for heart disease are modifiable while others like age and family history are not.” All patients — including those with a family history of heart disease — can benefit from adopting a healthy lifestyle. For individuals who suffer from cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, Azpurua suggests implementing aggressive changes with respect to their diet. “Given the benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet, we recommend patients, particularly those with diabetes, follow a Mediterranean-style diet (olive oil, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and fish),” he said. Significant and recommended changes in lifestyle also include stress management and getting a good night’s sleep. Both doctors emphasize the importance of seeking care and help when needed. Managing a cardiovascular issue in a controlled setting prior to an emergency is simpler than during a heart attack.

OF THE MATTER

New Innovative Program at South Texas Health System Clinics* Cardiology Will Help to Improve Lives

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by Josie M. B a r r er a | ph otos b y Ja mes Ho r d With ongoing investments in resources, advanced technologies and comprehensive services, South Texas Health System Clinics’ commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the Rio Grande Valley continues, as demonstrated with the opening of a new Structural Heart Program this fall spearheaded by board-certified interventional cardiologists Federico Azpurua, M.D. and Carlos D. Giraldo, M.D. “We are excited to launch the program for our community … it offers more advanced and effective options for the treatment of structural heart disease, which unfortunately affects many living in the Rio Grande Valley,” Giraldo said. UNDERSTANDING STRUCTURAL HEART DISEASE As we age, our body changes. Similarly, age, illness, such as diabetes — a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (cholesterol buildup in the walls of the arteries), and lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, lack of activity, and other factors can alter or damage the shape of the heart’s chambers. Structural heart disease, which usually affects older people, can lead to coronary artery disease and aortic valve stenosis (narrowing of the valve in the heart’s largest blood vessel, the

Federico E. Azpurua, M.D.

Board-certified interventional cardiologist

*Affiliated with South Texas Health System

Carlos D. Giraldo, M.D.

Board-certified interventional cardiologist

H E A L T H

D r. C a r l o s D. Gir a ldo (le f t) and D r. Fe d e r i co A z p ur u a stan d in th e cardiac cath eterization l aboratory (Cath Lab) at S o u t h Texa s He alth Sys te m H e ar t ho s p i ta l, w he r e th ey perform min imal l y in vasive procedu res to treat stru ctu ral / v a l vu l a r h e a r t d i s e a s e, cor o nar y a r te r y di s e as e an d more.

DEDICATED AND SPECIALIZED CARDIOLOGY TEAM South Texas Health System Clinics Cardiology has built a quality reputation by delivering professional, comprehensive, personalized, and compassionate care. The physicians treat the following conditions: • Congestive heart failure • Coronary artery disease • Heart rhythm disorders • Peripheral vascular disease • Relative blood pressure • Structural/valvular heart disease • Venous disease

In case of Emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

To Make an Appointment: Schedule online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-630-5522. Physician referral may be required.

For more information, visit our website or call the number above. Multiple Locations | New Patients Welcome | Virtual Visits Available

For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit sthsclinics.com. Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.

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Azpurua, who has been with the organization for 7 years, states, “Our team is composed of highly trained and skilled cardiologists, each with his or her own niche and specialty. Case by case, we take an evidence-based approach to care.” Giraldo, who has worked with the cardiology team for nearly 9 years, agrees, adding, “We all care about our services and are committed to educating the community about heart health. Working together, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.”

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If you experience any of the following and/or have a family history of heart disease, speak to your doctor: • Chest discomfort • Shortness of breath with activity • Pain in legs while walking

H E A L T H

DENTISTS WHO CARE Giving SMILES During Challenging Times

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b y Jos i e M. B a r r e r a | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d Founded in 1996 by a group of dentists, Dentists Who Care was created in order to solve the problem of poor oral health in children across the Rio Grande Valley. This nonprofit organization has since provided over $11 million in charitable dental care to over thirty thousand children and adults. Jacqueline Flores, executive director at Dentists Who Care, joined the organization in early 2019 and emphasizes how important funding is to its mission. “It is a unique organization — there isn’t anything like it, especially here in the Valley,” Flores said. “Through grants and donations, we had a staff dentist on the mobile dental unit visiting community centers across the Rio Grande Valley.” With the pandemic came changes to the overall structure of the organization, including a halt to operating out of their mobile unit and community centers across the Valley. After applying for several grants, Flores was able to see some progress. The organization received funding from three different contributors in September to expand their voucher program. “It has always been Dentists Who Care’s mission to improve and enhance the quality of life for low-income families who have no dental insurance through access to oral health care,” Flores stated in a recent news release. “We are able to do this thanks to over 100 dentists who donate their services to the Dentists Who Care mobile dental unit and their dental offices.” DentaQuest, who donated $50,000 to help with pandemic relief, was just one of the contributors helping to make a difference.

Knapp Community Care Foundation, created in late 2012 with a mission to improve the health of MidValley families in the Rio Grande Valley, contributed a $15,000 Emergency Grant to Dentists Who Care SMILE Voucher Program to assist them through the pandemic crisis. The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation funds innovative projects to assist local nonprofit organizations in addressing healthcare-related needs of the community and residents of the Rio Grande Valley. Recently, they contributed $50,000 to Dentists Who Care SMILE Voucher Program. “This is a monumental gift with extraordinary impact to Dentists Who Care,” Flores said. The SMILE Voucher Program exists to solve immediate needs. The organization will use this grant money to connect patients in need with SMILE Voucher dentists throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Dentists Who Care receives referrals from community centers, school districts, and primary care centers. These are the partners that connect them with patients in need of dental services. “Undoubtedly, a healthy mouth is imperative for, and indicative of, a healthy life,” said Dr. Adam Lalonde, president of Dentist Who Care. “Who can work — let alone sleep or study — with a toothache?” Dentists Who Care seeks to give a happy and healthy smile to everyone who needs it — even those who can’t afford it. Previously exclusive to children, the SMILE Voucher Program is now open to adults receiving dental care, as well. The purpose of this program is to provide

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After coordinating care with Dr. Gary Schwarz, Dr. Miguel Castillo, Methodist Health Ministries and Midline Dental Lab, Dentists Who Care was able to provide her with dentures at no cost to her. “Our patients do not want free work and they are very humble people, but they just do not have the means to pay,” Flores said. “The services she has received are well over $6,000 — money she did not have.” “She was in dire pain, and she needed help. When he saw her, he was in tears,” Flores said, recalling her conversation with Dr. Schwarz. “We could not leave this patient without teeth.” This is just one story and there are many like it. As a nonprofit, charitable organization, Dentists Who Care relies heavily on donations in order to continue providing the community with help. Flores would like to inform the general public about the importance of donations, grants, and funding. Other areas of support for the organization come from the Charity CE Dental Conference, held every year at South Padre Island in October. Unfortunately, due to COVID, these types of events have been postponed. “We bring speakers from all over the country to give continuing educational courses and we have over 400 dental professionals attend,” Flores said. “Our other event is the Charity Golf Tournament in April.” She remains optimistic that they can raise the funds needed through these events next year. In addition to funding, Dentists Who Care is also seeking volunteer dentists. For volunteer information or to donate, visit the website at http://www.dentistswhocare.us/ or call (956) 318-3383.

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dental care for people who have no dental insurance, are low-income, permanently disabled, children, and the elderly. Patients seeking dental care through Dentists Who Care are required to fill out an application and complete a phone screening for the organization to gain more information on their situation. “The patients we treat are already working and living in challenging conditions. Due to the pandemic, people have had wages cut and lost jobs — making matters worse,” Flores said. “We don’t turn anyone down. If it’s an emergency, we connect our patient with a SMILE Voucher Volunteer Dentist if we know they have no means to pay for it.” Rodeo Dental founder Saam Zarrabi, DDS, has been on the Dentists Who Care board since early 2020. He has seen the organization making a difference in the lives of many individuals throughout the RGV. “He’s been amazing at helping us with the amount of patients. He is part of our volunteer dentists,” Flores said. “When we had to shut down our mobile unit, we still had patients on a waiting list from the Weslaco area. Dr. Zarrabi really stepped it up and helped us take care of a lot of those patients.” A recent applicant of the SMILE Voucher program was Ms. Macias, who was in need of dentures. Her current situation included a lot of infection in her gums. “I have two teenage daughters. My 17-year-old is the only one working. I am not working because of the pandemic and we can barely pay our rent,” Macias said, in tears.

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P h o t o a t l e ft (le f t to r i ght) D r. A dam La lond e (Lo s Fresn os Den tal Cen ter), DWC Board Presiden t; Dr. Gary Sch warz ( Va l l e y O M S ) , DWC Se cr e ta r y; J acq ue li ne Flo r e s, DWC E xecu tive Director; M ich el l e Zamora M .B.A. (Van tage Ban k), DWC M e m b e r ; D r. Saam Za r r a b i (Rode o D e nta l & Orth odon tics), DWC M ember; Dr. M igu el Castil l o I I I (Beau tifu l Smil es), DWC V ic e P r es i d e nt.

H E A L T H

COVID TESTING

Medical School UT Health RGV responds to COVID-19

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b y N a th a ni el Ma ta | ph o t o s p r o v i d e d When COVID-19 arrived in the Rio Grande Valley, it was a test for the region's medical infrastructure. One big positive for this area was the newly built medical school and the support of UT Health RGV. Dr. Linda Nelson is the senior director of operations of UT Health RGV, meaning she’s been out in the field, on the front lines of testing since the program started testing. The institution was quick to act when they realized how long it took to process local COVID tests. “We were probably one of the earliest testing sites. We had several specimens that we had sent to a lab and the typical response was four to seven days,” she said. “We were so concerned about our patients and the Valley that we began to look for other things. We had the availability on campus with Dr. John Thomas. We had the equipment and we began to really look through the possibility of if we could do COVID testing on campus.” The testing expanded to not just

UTRGV’s Edinburg and Brownsville campuses but also in Mercedes and Harlingen, along with a mobile van in rural Hidalgo County, which is funded by the county. “We have a mobile team that is going out to colonias and communities to test there because a lot of the citizens aren’t able to get to a testing site,” Nelson said. “That is free and paid for by Hidalgo County. We started the last couple of days of August. We’ve been to San Carlos, to Granjeo, to La Joya, Alton, Alamo, Edcouch, Monte Alto. So we’ve been around and about. It’s been really interesting. We’ve been well-received.” Consistent free testing has been crucial in this area to ensure there are no barriers to residents knowing their status with the novel coronavirus. “I want to say to the community that we’re here to care for you,” Nelson said. “That’s what having a med school in the Valley is like. We’re new to the Valley and residents

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“We have a mobile team that is going out to colonias and communities to test there because a lot of the citizens aren’t able to get to a testing site.” Dr. Li n d a N e l s o n ,

everyone is, especially with the influenza community. How do you separate those symptoms from COVID? The answer is testing.” She said even though there has been a downtick in testing and cases, the uncertainty is still here with some looming changes. “It might be just as important as during the peak when the winter comes,” she said. “We don’t know what’s going to happen with kids going back to school and athletics starting. Kids are in the classroom, teachers are exposed, fellow students are exposed. We have to be there to meet those needs and we are.”

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don’t all understand what we do. It’s not just about a university. It’s about the care we give.” UT Health RGV quickly became the Valley COVID testing and processing hub, going from a few hundred tests in a day to the capacity to read 2,000 tests in a day and have results back in 24 hours. Nelson says that the testing infrastructure isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “I think we continue to plan and rise to the occasion,” she said. “We have seen a decrease in testing numbers around the world but definitely in the nation. We’re as worried about the winter as

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sen ior director of operation s of UT Heal th RGV

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H E A L T H

MEN'S HEALTH November Brings Awareness to Male Wellness

In the Valley, culture is different. Sideris said that learning Spanish helped patients open up in his offices, which leads to candid discussion about health. “Some of the stigma also comes from stories from relatives when they might have gotten surgeries or treatments in the ’70s and ’80s and our procedures are a lot less invasive these days, especially when caught early,” he said. “What can be done to promote health is talk about it, pass the information along.” In the RGV, a different set of challenges are at play, including not always being aware of specialized doctors in this area. “There are many unique things about the Valley. We are a border region and those tend to be areas where people can be distrustful of a lot of things, including physicians,” Sideris said. “I’m not Hispanic, but what I saw is when I learned Spanish and I was able to speak to my patients and communicate in Spanish, it opened up so much more.” He also said a lot of older patients might not be used to having specialists in the Rio Grande Valley, when decades ago these issues would have needed a trip to San Antonio or farther. Sideris added that Latino culture can put men into the mindframe to hide or ignore aliments, but modern times should give good reason to be more conscious of health. “The machismo culture does exist and it’s nothing bad to be tough or to be macho, but at the same time, all of us — especially in the times of COVID — we need to recognize it’s good to reach out or seek help whenever we feel we need to.” he said. As health care becomes more robust in the area, including a medical school to serve all four counties, the hope is that this area becomes healthier by many metrics. Health care doesn't just mean treatment after getting sick or getting hurt. It also means education, prevention, and service to a community to live better lives. So thank someone with a big beard or big mustache in November. They’re doing their part to put health at the forefront of the conversation.

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Every November some men show off untamed facial hair or long handlebars for a good cause. The tradition of leaving the razor in the cabinet is not brand new, but since the late 2000s two organizations — No-Shave November and Movember — have used this month to raise money for cancer and men’s health, respectively. If you see a big mustache, let it be a reminder to speak openly about men’s health and screenings. Doctors agree the best path to wellness is prevention and early detection. Urology physician Dr. Stylianos Sideris of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance says that early detection could give the patient more choices. He spoke about the warning signs and common occurrences of prostate cancer, which has 3 million cases in the U.S. per year. “It’s important to be proactive because there’s a lot of things that, if caught at the beginning, there are many more treatment options. One of those, for example, is prostate cancer,” Sideris said. “A lot of times you can have no symptoms whatsoever and the only indication you have prostate cancer is a rise in the prostate levels. Especially if you have a history of cancer in your family, take a blood test. An early symptom might be having trouble urinating or blood in urine.” Sideris also addressed the stigmas behind men’s and adult health. “No one wants to be told they’re becoming more mature or older,” he said. “There’s a stigma that no one wants to think about things not working as well as before. And of course there’s the notion that we’re guys — we’re tough and nothing bad can happen to us.” Men’s health is no laughing matter. When serious illness and death are preventable, catching issues early goes a long way. Recommendations like getting a colonoscopy are often the butt of jokes, but should be taken seriously. Colon cancer takes the lives of 50,000 Americans per year.

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by Nathaniel Mata

H E A L T H

The Way to Go with H2O Water Choices Come with Different Benefits

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b y Ka r l a A r r e d o n d o What are the benefits of drinking water? What is the difference between the kinds of water available for consumption? Is one kind the best among the others? While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the best water to drink, knowing the difference between each kind helps you make a more informed decision to better benefit your body or your goals. Integrative health coach Amelia Ball shares some pointers when it comes to drinking water.

States tap water is considered safe to drink, studies show that it may carry substances such as plastic particles.

TAP WATER Almost everyone has access to tap water. This type of water is clean enough to wash your drinkware and dishes, and to bathe your body. However, “in some places, tap water is not clean enough for human consumption,” Ball said. While in the United

SPRING OR GLACIER WATER Water from springs and glaciers is considered very clean, as this is where the water first flows. In theory, this water is free of toxins and contains the same substances as mineral water. This type of water is usually pricier and comes in

MINERAL WATER Mineral water contains substances such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, which are very good for the body. It provides minerals that the body cannot create on its own and they also give it a distinct flavor. Mineral water is more costly than tap water and has beneficial properties.

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ALKALINE WATER Alkaline water has a higher pH level compared to regular tap water, and it contains alkaline minerals with a negative

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PURIFIED WATER Purified water is treated ground or tap water to remove harmful substances like fungi, parasites, and bacteria. This is one of the safest water choices you can have and is considered the best option for drinking. Purified water undergoes unique processes like deionization and reverse osmosis. Getting a filtration system can be quite costly, but it pays off in the long-term when you can have quick and direct access to purified water right at home.

WELL WATER Well water comes straight from the ground, is untreated, and might carry many risks. If you live near a well or you have it in your backyard, it can be convenient and cost-free. To drink well water safely, you can install a filtration system and check your water for bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels every year to be safe. When choosing which kind of water to drink, it may come down to price or convenience. While some options contain added minerals that are considered beneficial, the most important thing is to hydrate your body. “Staying hydrated is crucial for our bodies to function: Physiological processes can occur to keep us balanced, our kidneys get rid of toxins and maintain our pH level, our brain and muscles need water,” Ball said. “To the very microscopic level, every single cell uses water to live and function properly.” She recommends drinking a steady amount of water throughout the day — not all at once. Signs of dehydration include headache, tiredness, irritability, and little or no emptying of the bladder. Every kind of water described above achieves the goal of hydration, and picking the best one for your body or goals is a personal choice — one secondary to staying hydrated.

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SPARKLING WATER Sparkling water is also known as carbonated or soda water. It contains carbon dioxide gas and has a fizzy feel. Some sparkling water is lightly flavored or sweetened. This kind of water is pricey compared to others and it does not contain enough minerals to be considered beneficial for the human body. Distilled Water This kind of water is the collected vapor from boiled water when it condenses. Distilled water is very low cost but it has no added minerals. As non-mineralized water, it pulls minerals away from the body and from your teeth.

oxidation reduction potential. Alkaline water is said to help neutralize acid in the body and fight off cancer. This kind of water is generally safe but it reduces stomach acidity, which makes it weaker in killing off harmful bacteria. Excessive intake of this liquid may cause metabolic alkalosis that produces symptoms like vomiting and nausea.

MKD-8652B-A

bottled form. “It’s important to take into account how our drinking water is stored,” Ball said. “When choosing bottled water, a glass container is best, followed by others that explicitly state free of substances such as BPA.”

H E A L T H

COMFORTING

MEDITATION Tips for Treatment as Behavioral Disorder Cases Climb

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b y Ro ci o V i l l a l o b o s Cases of behavioral disorders including depression and anxiety have steadily increased over the years. From 2005 to 2015, cases of depressive illness increased by nearly 20 percent, according to the World Health Organization. And recent statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health show one in four Americans are suffering with a mental health disorder. Dr. Laura Seligman, a psychologist and professor at UTRGV, said there is no single reason for the increase. Instead, she believes a combination of factors present in this modern age, along with the increase of reported cases due to a reduced stigma surrounding mental health, play a part. “I don’t think you can attribute it to one thing,” she said. “One thing is, it is more socially acceptable in some communities to report you’re having problems with anxiety and depression.” Seligman has been with UTRGV since 2014 and specializes in disorders in youth. She became interested in this particular group because in working with them, she noticed the qualities that contribute to their disorders also make them “really thoughtful” people. Apart from more people seeking help, she said social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety, especially in adolescents, for two reasons. One is that bullying can be carried from in their classrooms to online, and the other is constant comparison. “It's hard not to keep checking social media, especially when you’re afraid something bad is going on about you,” she said. “It’s kind of an

addictive process. “Even when they’re not being bullied, it gives them an unrealistic view of other people’s lives.” While depression and anxiety do become an issue when they start to control your life and cause you to lose interest in things you once enjoyed, Seligman said dealing with these emotions from time to time is normal — and sometimes beneficial. “They’re normal emotions and just like happiness, they serve functions,” she said. “Sometimes, being anxious can be motivating.” For instance, she explained, if being anxious over an upcoming test causes a person to study, that can be good. But if it causes them to spend all their time studying and not eat or sleep, then it becomes a problem. As for how to treat these conditions, Seligman said it depends on the severity. Oftentimes, she said, depression may not require medication, though it’s important to consult with a medical practitioner to determine the best route. When it comes to anxiety, she recommends first trying cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a form of psychotherapy. The Mayo Clinic describes this therapy as “helping you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.” She adds it helps people discover that in doing things they’ve avoided out of fear, they’re actually OK and whatever they may have been afraid of does not actually happen. For more moderate cases of anxiety and

much at first,” he said. In order to have success, he recommends meditating in a quiet setting and starting with just five minutes a day and gradually increasing the time. If in need of some guidance, apps such as Headspace and Calm can be beneficial to getting used to the routine. The benefits of meditation extend past the session itself. According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation can improve emotional wellbeing as well as overall health, helping individuals “carry more calmly” throughout the day. To destress and think more clearly, Patino also recommends spending time in nature. “Sit under a tree and just try to watch what’s happening under the grass,” he said. “Just try to feel the strength of a tree and see what happens.”

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depression, a centuries-old practice developed in Asia could be the solution — meditation. Hilario Patino runs a local meditation group that typically hosts weekly meditation meets. He has practiced for decades and spends up to five hours a day meditating, which helped him create a “feeling of peace and calmness that goes with you everywhere.” “Meditation is like a way of strengthening your inner mental mechanism,” he said, adding it produces the same effect of common medications meant to treat anxiety. While the practice simply requires “sitting down with an erect spine,” Patino said it can be difficult to stick to. And it takes a while to start noticing a change. “If the desire is not strong enough, you’ll sit down and try it for a while and see it doesn’t do

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H E A L T H

THE RIGHT FIT Tips to Consider When Seeking Cosmetic Care

facelifts, ear lobe surgeries, or other facial procedures? Obviously, you want the procedure to be performed by a doctor who has completed it successfully many times over. Find out how many years the doctor has conducted the specific procedure you want, how they trained for it, and how many times they have performed it. Look at before and after pictures. Before and after photos should be visible online for patients to see, and be taken with the same angle, position, and lighting so you can see the true difference their procedures made. Be wary of surgeons who don’t showcase their handiwork, and don’t trust photos where the patient is standing or lying differently in their before versus after photo. Also look at photos to see if the doctor can meet your expectations for the overall aesthetic you want as your outcome. It is helpful to focus on pictures of patients who are most similar to you in body type and structure. Look at reviews (with a grain of salt). Customer reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and other platforms can give you a good idea of what the facility, doctor, and staff are like in terms of their customer service, results, cleanliness, professionalism, and more. However, be aware that there may be both positive and negative biases in some reviews. Some reviews may be written by friends or family members connected to the facility who exaggerate their experiences to help their loved ones’ business. Other reviews may be written by competitors or those who are impossible to please (even if they were provided excellent service) to poorly reflect the facility’s reputation. For more tips on finding the right cosmetic surgeon for you, visit the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery’s website at americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org.

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Finding the right cosmetic surgeon is vital for boosting your confidence and getting the look that you want. Making sure that you find the best surgeon for the procedure you want also ensures your safety and can save you money in the long run. On the other hand, choosing the wrong surgeon can lead to unsafe conditions for your health, botched procedures, pain, and thousands in medical and “fix-it” costs. Doing the proper research on multiple cosmetic surgeons will help you confidently choose the best surgeon for you and your body. Here are five tips to help find the best cosmetic surgeon as informed by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: Make sure that the surgeon is board-certified in cosmetic surgery. Being board-certified means that the surgeon has gone the extra mile to be trained, educated, and certified in the area of cosmetic surgery. Keep in mind that there is a distinct difference in being certified in plastic surgery. Ask the surgeons you’re looking into if they are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and doublecheck their credentials for verification. Research their training, education, and expertise. A doctor’s scope and scale of education and training should be transparent. Make sure you have access to their complete education, medical training, fellowships, residency, and even their resume, if possible. Extensively ask the surgeons you’re researching about where they trained and for how long. Know the extent of the doctor’s experience of conducting the specific procedures you want. Do you want a rhinoplasty, but the doctor you talk to tends to specialize in breast augmentations? Do you want a tummy tuck, but your doctor primarily performs

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b y R GV i s i o n

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L I F E

A Celebration of

EARTH’S CONTINENTS the frozen tundra to the warm thorn forest at Quinta Mazatlan. 2. SOUTH AMERICA is the continent with the most “natural superlatives” like the largest rainforest, highest waterfalls, longest mountain range, and driest place on earth. 3. EUROPE is home to real reindeer. The reindeer do not fly, but can run up to 50 mph and can have red noses in the winter. Africa has one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth! Africa also has the most countries — 54! 4. ASIA is the largest continent with one-third of the earth’s land and two-thirds of the earth’s people. 5.AUSTRALIA is our smallest continent on earth — sometimes called an “island continent” surrounded by oceans. Kangaroos outnumber people! 6. ANTARCTICA is the coldest and windiest continent on earth, completely covered in ice. Penguins greatly outnumber people! Together, we can protect our Earth by starting in our own backyard. Plant a native tree this holiday season.

Take a walk through Earth’s continents at ILLUMINA FEST from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 17-19 at Quinta Mazatlan. You never know how much light you have to give until you share it with others. Tickets ($5 and ages 2 and under free) can be purchased online or at Quinta Mazatlan.

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About 200 million years ago, incredible forces separated the Earth’s crust, creating seven continents. Each continent has evolved with distinct cultures, climates, terrains, and unique animal life. Together, we are home to an estimated 8 million species of plants and animals. We must work to protect our Earth as 1 million of the plant and animal species on Earth are at risk of extinction. How do we each work to protect the Earth? Start by setting a good example for our children and our co-workers by fostering a sense of stewardship that will last generations to come. One of the greatest ways to improve our quality of life is to plant native trees — an amazing gift that keeps on giving. Continue to work on reducing, reusing, and recycling. Continue to learn and volunteer to enhance the quality of life for all living things. If people and wildlife learn to live together — inside and outside protected areas — our future on Earth will be bright! Seven Beautiful Continents 1. NORTH AMERICA is our own personal continent with all climates ranging from

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b y Q u i n t a M a z a t l a n E xe cu t i v e Di r e ct o r C o l l e e n C u r r a n H o o k

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L I F E

The

Christmas Wreath

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period, and it shuddered just a little with the memory. “I wonder what this year will be like?” it thought. It didn’t know how exactly long it had been in the box in the attic, but it knew it had been quite a while. It continued to ponder this until two vehicles pulled into the circle drive. The first car had Grandma and Grandpa’s daughter and her husband. It took awhile for the wreath to realize that the driver of the second car was the grandson, and the woman and children must be his own family. They honked the horn and started singing their favorite holiday song that the wreath knew so well. The door swung backwards as Grandma and Grandpa opened the door and started waving from the front porch. “This is a little strange,” thought the wreath. “Why aren’t they getting out of the cars?” The whole family was wearing masks, but it could tell that everyone was smiling and happy to be there. “We miss you so much! We wish we could celebrate with you this year like we used to!” shouted the grandson from his driver seat. Grandma and Grandpa looked so happy. The wreath could feel it. “We left your presents and cookies in the mailbox!” they shouted back. The family sang a few holiday songs together that were blasting from the car radio while the kids in the back seat danced along with Grandma and Grandpa until it was time to go. As the cars drove away, Grandma and Grandpa continued to smile and wave until long after they were out of sight. They reentered the warmth of their home with a sigh of contentment. “How bizarre,” thought the wreath. “But, how lovely at the same time.”

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The old family wreath woke with a start as the attic door creaked open and a shaft of light entered its cardboard box. Soft footsteps shuffled over, and Grandma’s weathered hands dusted off some cobwebs. “There you are,” she smiled. “It’s been a while.” And it had. Grandma hung the wreath on the front door and closed it, leaving the wreath to look out into the fresh winter air. It yawned and stretched to wake up a little bit while reminiscing over the past years. Its favorite years were when the grandson was small. He loved Christmas, and he especially loved celebrating at Grandma and Grandpa’s. He would jump out of the truck with a squeal and run into Grandma’s arms, and the whole family would pass by the wreath to go inside, smiling and laughing the whole way. The grandson was always the loudest one talking about how good the warm cookies being baked smelled. Even once the door was closed, the wreath could hear cheerful music, excited chattering, enthusiastic “I love yous,” and tinkling laughter all through the night. There were several years in a row when it seemed like the son didn’t seem to want to be there. He was older now, and he had other priorities that he would rather focus on instead of “boring” family time. Grandma’s and Grandpa’s smiles were a little smaller, and hugs were brief. “I get it,” thought the wreath. “He’s just figuring himself out.” The smell of the cookies and hot cocoa were the same those years, but the holiday spirit was much more subdued, and not much music or laughter reached the other side of the door. The wreath felt a little blue hanging on the door in silence. The chilly air outside had more of a sharp kick to it those years. The wreath wasn’t as fond of that time

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by Jemima Gleason

L I F E

FACES IN THE VALLEY:

A WORTHY TRIO RGV Natives Compete in NBC’s American Ninja Warrior

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b y Jos e D e Leon III | ph o t o s b y J a s o n G a r z a a n d N B C U n i v e r s a l When translated from Greek, “Axios” is a word that means “worthy of,” a phrase that Greek soldiers would call themselves before heading out to battle to look for an opponent. “Axios” is also a word that describes Holly Cavazos, Abel Gonzalez, and Gloria Sophia Orta, who were recently seen in the sports competition show “American Ninja Warrior.” In the show, hundreds of people across the nation go through a series of obstacle courses for a shot at a cash prize. Gonzalez, who has been competing in the show every season since 2014, is the owner of the Mission-based Axios Warrior Academy Gym. He was the first from the Rio Grande Valley

to be on the show. “It requires you to be so well-rounded and know your way around so many different things from rock climbing to trampoline jumping,” Gonzalez said of the training required to be on the show. “I’ve always been athletic and have trained myself to keep myself at a high level of athleticism to be well-rounded. I saw [‘American Ninja Warrior’] and knew that was what I needed.” Cavazos, who is a Mission resident, and Orta, a Brownsville resident, were also the first from their respective cities to compete in the show. To train for the show, Gonzalez remodeled his gym to create obstacle courses similar to the ones on the show for him and others

Trio Gl oria Orta, Hol l y Cavazos an d Abel Gon zal ez represen t th e RGV o n n ation al tel evision on Season 12 of N BC’s American N in ja Warrior.

In the show, hundreds of people across the nation go through a series of obstacle courses for a shot at a cash prize.

production was postponed. We didn’t even know if there would be a season 12.” The team ended up getting a call in June that they were one of the 150 contestants selected to participate in the shortened season 12 that would begin filming the following month. Usually, the show films in several cities across the state, but because of the pandemic, the entire season was shot in two weeks at St. Louis that month. Social distancing precautions were implemented, Cavazos said, and masks were only taken off while on the obstacle course. “Walking up to that course was surreal — a dream come true for me,” Cavazos said. “In the moment, I zoned out and felt ready to do what I was there to do and apply everything I trained for. I felt a lot of pride not just for Mission, but the Valley as a whole. I feel so excited and honored to represent the RGV.” Orta was ecstatic at the opportunity to compete with two individuals she considers to be older siblings. “They are just the most wonderful people ever — the Valley could not have asked for better role models to look up to,” Orta said of her teammates. “I am in awe of everything they do on the course and outside of it. It’s an honor to even train with them. They always dare me to dream more. I wouldn’t have applied if it wasn’t for them.” Gonzalez, who was the only team member to finish the obstacle course in the episode, said he hopes to inspire more people to be athletic in an area known to have a large population at risk for health issues. “I have rheumatoid arthritis and I’m not even supposed to be moving,” Gonzalez said. “We’re in an area known for not being healthy and I was still able to go on national television to compete with the best of the country representing South Texas. Just because we’re here doesn’t mean you can’t be successful.”

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to practice. “At the time, the only ninja training academy was in Houston,” Gonzalez said. Among those who joined the gym were Cavazos and Orta, which is how the trio met. Cavazos said she joined the academy to remain active while recovering from a herniated disk. Orta, the youngest of the group, was simply looking for a new exercise now that she had graduated high school and was no longer part of her school’s swim team. “I asked my swim coach what to do now that high school ended and he recommended Axios but I wasn’t sure and thought it would be just for kids,” Orta recalled. “When I went in for my fist class, I almost walked out. It looked so playful to me. Then, I tried doing the courses and I was not prepared at all — I could barely hang on to anything. It was difficult, but I'm glad I moved up in a short amount of time and kept going.” As a mother of three, Cavazos said she joined the gym due to a love of adrenaline. “I love high-intensity activity and tried the mobility class offered there. I took it just for fun and a few weeks into it, I even got my kids into the kid’s camp offered there,” Cavazos said. Cavazos and Orta never thought they’d be on “American Ninja Warrior.” “After a few weeks Abel said ‘Hey you’re pretty good at this, you should try out for the show,’ so I started training with him several times a week,” Cavazos said. The training for the trio consisted of going through obstacles and strength and conditioning training exercises such as yoga and gymnastics for two years. Last December, they sent out applications, which included a video of the team showing off their skills at Axios. “And after that, you just hope to get a call back,” Cavazos said. “There’s 70,000 people who apply and they select usually 600 contestants. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of

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The Magic Valley Historical Marketing Bestowed Region with Name, Lasting Agricultural Legacy

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b y Ke l s e y G r e e n e How did a flood plain — also known as a river delta — become widely known as a Valley? Valleys and flood plains are near opposites, so how and why did the name come about? What areas comprise the Valley and why? The Rio Grande Valley as we know it has actually only been around in name for a little less than 100 years. One local historian, Dr. Ruben G. Flores, professor at South Texas College, detailed the events leading up to the origin of this region’s name. “We’d have to go back to the late prehistoric period to really start talking about the people who lived here,” he said, explaining that the Coahuiltecans inhabited the area approximately 300 to 400 years prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. The Coahuiltecans’ territory covered much of southern Texas and northern Mexico. In the mid-1700s, José de Escandón of Spain founded the colony of Nuevo Santander, which reached all the way to the Guadalupe River. “He was telling the people who were willing to come in and settle those areas that he would eventually give them grants of land straight from the King of Spain,” Flores said. “Even though there was a relationship that at the very beginning was struck up with the Native Americans in the area — it was a pretty amicable relationship — it was still a

pretty harsh existence.” Escandón was named the governor and captain general of Nuevo Santander, and he founded over 20 villas and quite a few of the missions that sprung up around the new colony. “We had a ranching economy started here because of all these land grants that were given,” Flores said. These land grants made up much of the region that we know today. Flores explained that this was a very profitable time for the local ranchers, known as Tejanos after the region was added to the United States, particularly in Peñitas and Reynosa. In the early 1900s, the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railroad was built. “The towns that started springing up surrounding the railroad were McAllen in 1904, Donna in 1904, Raymondville in 1904, Mission in 1907, Mercedes in 1907, Alamo in 1909, Harlingen in 1910, La Feria in 1915, Pharr in 1916, San Juan in 1917, Weslaco in 1919,” Flores said. This caused a huge change for the area. “When that line was established, that’s when you started to see the economy change here. It shifted from a ranching economy to an agricultural one,” he said. Now that

they at the beginning they said, ‘This is not a Valley. This is more like a delta,’” Flores said. If these newcomers initially felt swindled by the false branding, they quickly overcame those feelings once they saw that there was real agricultural potential here — and at great prices, thanks to controversial conditions concerning the land grants that aided in ousting Tejanos off their own land and enabling legal land usurpation. That’s another story for the telling, but ultimately much of the land rights went to anglo farmers who had recently moved into the area — all thanks to the advertising efforts to label this area as a magical, fruitful valley. It only took a few years of intense marketing for the names “Magic Valley” and “Rio Grande Valley” to stick for good. To learn more about our region’s storied history, consider visiting the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg or the McAllen Heritage Center in Downtown McAllen for socially distanced enrichment.

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the economy was changing to agriculture rather than ranching, land developers began to heavily market the region in states in the East and the Midwest. But what does all of this have to do with a valley? The land developers decided to choose a name that would sound enticing to attract investors. In a 1929 Texas Almanac advertisement, the terms “Magic Valley” and “Rio Grande Valley” were used for the first time: “Texas Sweet Grapefruit (the trade name of our product) has already won an enviable reputation over the country. And in the 'Magic Valley’ are produced the best grapefruit and oranges, for here on SHARYLAND is the proper soil, high and well drained, and an assured water supply for irrigation from the silt-laden waters of the Rio Grande.” People came by the hundreds of thousands to survey this beguiling land called the Magic Valley. “They came in seeking the opportunity of being sold to them, and when they came in

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POKÉ ART R GVI SI ON

FOOD

FAVE

Offers Customizable, Delicious Masterpieces b y Va l er i e J a cks o n | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d If you decide to create your own bowl, Poké Art manager Diana Sanchez believes no matter your combination, you will enjoy the unique flavor. “Our menu was diligently selected so that all the items match perfectly with each other,” she said. If you still feel indecisive when selecting from their vast selection, a Signature Bowl might be an easy fix. These bowls are hand selected, and guide the customers in their

Searching for a meal that is packed with flavor and loaded with fresh ingredients? Poké Art has got you covered! At Poké Art, you are able to build your own meal according to your taste palate. First you choose your base: sushi rice, brown rice, organic quinoa, organic cauliflower rice, or organic baby mix. Then you chose your protein(s): ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab, tofu, or chicken. Lastly you choose your toppings and sauce.

all they have to offer. From personal sushi cakes to mochi ice cream, everything looks fresh and delectable. Ready to give Poké Art a try? They are conveniently located at 2575 E. Griffin Parkway, #2, in Mission,or at 5612 N. 10th St. STE 300, in McAllen.

“Our menu was diligently selected so that all the items match perfectly with each other." Diana,

Poké Art man ager

the way they serve their customers to the way they package and prepare their meals. “We care about our environment, and when we first began our goal was to go completely green,” Sanchez said. “Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit us, we started to see that our suppliers were running out of stock. We then had to use other items that were not part of our eco-friendly system. Despite the setbacks, we are still working hard to supply eco-friendly utensils and bags to our guests.” Poké Art’s dining area is currently open to the public with sanitation stations available to guests. However, they are still offering a variety of ways to get their fresh meals to you fast and safe. They offer delivery through Grubhub, Uber Eats, Bite Squad, and Doordash. If you’d like, you can pick up your order through their curbside service. They offer ordering through their website, by phone, or through text, (956) 566-6784. If you need some visual inspiration, you can check them out @pokeartus on Instagram. There you will find eye-catching photos of

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ordering process. The most popular bowl is the Mas Ceviche Bowl, which contains sushi rice, shrimp, crab, cucumber, onion, mango, cilantro, chiles toreados, and house cilantro sauce. Although Poké Art has received much attention and success, the restaurant is fairly new to the Rio Grande Valley. Doors first opened in February in Mission. The restaurant has since opened a second location in McAllen. Seeing how the community has responded to the menu, Poké Art plans to open a third location by the end of the year. “We thought that a Poké place was lacking in the Valley. There are other similar places that serve Poké bowls, but not restaurants that focus 100 percent on making Poké bowls,” said Sanchez. “We knew that people would definitely love it as much as we do! We want to expand, and bring Poké closer to everyone in the Valley.” Despite their incredible achievements within their first year, Poké Art faced the difficult task of adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. They had to alter many things from

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Giving Back

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RGV NONPROFITS STILL AIM TO MAKE THE HOLIDAY SEASON BRIGHT DESPITE PANDEMIC b y Jos i e M. B a r r er a a n d A m y C a s e b i e r | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d FOOD BANK OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY: SETTING THE EXTRA PLATE During the height of the pandemic in the Rio Grande Valley, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley Inc. heeded the community’s call for help. CEO Stuart Haniff recalls that a significant portion of the families the food bank helped represented a new segment of the population who had never needed such assistance before. COVID-19 took many things from many people. Still, Haniff saw a bright side of the pandemic — if there could be one. “One result of COVID-19 — a silver lining, if you will: food banks are in the national spotlight like never before," he said. “People are aware of the work food banks do all year long.” That has led to a bigger drive for donations when people need them the most. "The biggest time of year for giving is always around the holidays,” Haniff said. “People are in a very generous,

Holidays are normally a time for us to gather around and celebrate with our loved ones. They’re a time for cheer and holiday spirit — we can almost always feel the holiday warmth in the air no matter what the weather may be. This season, things look different, but they don’t have to feel different. Year-round, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many individuals by supporting a nonprofit organization that continues to give back.

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UNITED WAY: STREAMLINING COMMUNITY SUPPORT As individuals and entities across the region strive to make a difference and give back, one organization’s mission focuses on enabling and empowering them to do so. “United Way saves the community thousands of dollars by consolidating fundraising efforts, providing a clear form of accountability, and investing in a diverse group of local nonprofits,” United Way of South Texas President and CPO Lilly Lopez-Killelea wrote in an email. An overwhelming majority of those efforts remain in Hidalgo and Starr counties, Lopez-Killelea added. United Way funds over 100 programs through nearly two dozen partner agencies — including numerous community impact grant recipients. Some of those beneficiaries include the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr and San Juan, Palmer Drug Abuse Program, Latina Hope, and Comfort House, among others. “Through these programs, we are helping youth succeed, strengthening and supporting families by providing employment placement for the disabled, elderly assistance, transportation assistance, emergency shelter, CPR training, and many other critical services,” LopezKillelea wrote. Like ripples over water, the impact has extended to serve at least 225,500 RGV residents, she added. Last year, United Way partnered with The Monitor newspaper to directly impact local families in need. The 10-story Spirit of Christmas project inspired awareness alongside monetary and in-kind donations. “It takes everyone working together to build something better,” Lopez-Killelea wrote. “Each of us can give, advocate, and volunteer.” Learn how you can give back at unitedwayofsotx.com.

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the youngest population on Christmas. This includes becoming a set location for donation drop-offs or donating money for gifts online during October, November, and December. Last year, residents of the Rio Grande Valley from South Padre Island to Rio Grande City came together to donate roughly 32,000 new and unwrapped toys for local children. Then, 20,000 children received gifts to brighten their holiday season. Now, though, Gonzalez anticipates that more gifts may be required to bring holiday joy to everyone who may call for it. “This year, I think is going to be the time of need because of the pandemic,” he said. “We’re asking the community to help us out as much as possible by either donating or, if your children are in need because of the financial crisis this year, register online. We would be more than happy to help anyone out that is in need.” Churches, nonprofits, and individuals can register children and families to receive gifts this holiday season by visiting harlingen-tx.toysfortots.org.

thoughtful frame of mind. About two-thirds of all the funds raised for the food bank come in the last third of the year — especially in November and December.” As people shop for presents and plan family gatherings in regular holiday settings, they also often give back to those less fortunate. “Thanksgiving, people are very mindful of hunger — setting the extra plate,” Haniff said. “Doing food drives. Christmas, same kind of things.” The challenge comes during the rest of the year, when the community’s need for food support has not waned. “Unfortunately, hunger is not seasonal,” Haniff said. “People are very aware of giving during the holidays. But the same folks are struggling with hunger and the awareness is not as high in summer, or in February.” He urges RGV residents to donate to the food bank no matter what time of year it is. The organization partners with entities across the region to get assistance into the hands of the people who need it the most. Even a dollar is enough for five nutritious meals, Haniff said. Every little bit counts no matter what time of the year it is. Learn more at foodbankrgv.com.

CASA: HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS CASA of Hidalgo County in Edinburg is one of 1,000 CASA programs nationwide and 71 programs in Texas alone. CASA’s executive director, Veronica Whitacre, expresses that their goal is to ensure that every child in the county who needs an advocate has one. “We take care of, assist, and are the voice for abused, neglected foster children who are identified by Child Protective Services,” Whitacre said. Upon providing housing and a family for these children,

TOYS FOR TOTS: MAKING THE SEASON BRIGHT As the holiday season approaches, Toys for Tots Coordinator HM1 Sergio Gonzalez and the rest of his team of volunteers work hard to overcome the challenges that COVID-19 has presented. This includes reorganizing or canceling events that typically do much to raise awareness and drive donations of toys to gift to local kids. But businesses and individuals can still help the organization meet its goals to deliver happiness to

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Angels was able to provide them with bunk beds in order to help bring some normalcy into their lives. With funding and donations, Foster Angels is able to provide children with added elements that help make their home transition easier. One of the events they hold is the Give Them Wings Shoe Drive, where hundreds of foster children and teens receive new shoes to kick off the school year with confidence before every school year begins. In 2019, over 300 pairs of shoes were delivered to the CPS offices in Region 11. Another event the organization takes pride in is the Focus on Foster Teens Christmas Drive, where Foster Angels provides often overlooked foster teens with Christmas gifts, giving them a memorable holiday. Last year, this was the case for 176 South Texas teens. G “Working with Foster Angels is the most rewarding job,” said Lucy Ann Wolthoff, outreach director. “Just showing the kids how much we care can change their entire lives and I just want to break the cycle and fill in the gaps wherever we can.” For information on how to volunteer or donate, visit their website at fosterangelsstx.org/.

they then reach out to Foster Angels to help provide them with the basic needs. With schools educating students through distance learning, it has become difficult for teachers to recognize signs of a difficult living situation, which is where volunteers come in. “We look for ordinary people that want to be a courtappointed special advocate (CASA) and train them for three weekends in a row every other month out of the year. Then [they] are sworn in and certified by Judge Carlos Villalon,” Whitacre said. Those seeking to become a CASA volunteer must meet a set of requirements that includes an interview, paperwork, and an extensive background check. To learn more about becoming a CASA of Hidalgo County Volunteer Advocate, visit their website at casaofhidalgo.com/us/ or call (956) 381-0346. FOSTER ANGELS OF SOUTH TEXAS: THE GIFT OF GIVING Foster Angels of South Texas is a nonprofit organization spanning 18 counties throughout South Texas. Simply put, their mission is to fulfill the basic needs of these foster kids, and break the cycle. The organization works closely with other nonprofits in the area, such as CASA and Dentists Who Care, in order to continue to fulfill requests for the foster children in their care. The daily requests focus areas include housing, education, recreation, adoption, food, transportation, and medical services. In one of their most recent cases, there were a couple of siblings that had been sent to a home, but the home they went to did not have beds for them to sleep in. Foster

For more information go to www.toysfortots.org

F o s t e r A n g e l s o utr e ach d i r e cto r Lucy A nn Wolthoff at an n u al Give T h em Win gs Sh oe Drive h el d in Au gu st wh ere 3 0 0 n e w s h o es w e r e d i s tr i bute d to Fo s te r yo uth in ou r region . Local n on profits — F ood Ban k RGV, Toy s for Tots, Un it e d Wa y , and CASA — conti nue to gi v e back y ear-rou n d as wel l .

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GIVE BACK TODAY Despite being in the midst of a pandemic and the mere act of celebrating holidays looking different this year, nonprofits like these could really use your help. Make a difference in someone’s life by volunteering or donating — giving back will go a long way this season more than ever.

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THE TEA ROOM Mission Eatery Makes Room to Serve Neighbors in Pandemic

The Tea Room, otherwise known by locals as “the little white house on the corner,” has served the community for nearly 20 years. The vintage-themed restaurant specializes in fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, teas, and daily hot food specials. Owners Michael Mendiola and Diana Gonzalez took over the business in July 2018. Since then, they have developed a keen passion for business, food, and people. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mendiola and Gonzalez felt the urgency to do their part in giving back to the people of the Rio Grande Valley. “Diana and myself decided that we were going to help our community any way we could, especially our elderly community,” Mendiola said, shortly after the shelter-athome order was announced in March. Mendiola and Gonzalez moved fast. In a few days, they were able to put together 40 weekly care packages. These care packages consisted of one week’s supply of toilet paper, water, and food for a single person. Upon asking their Facebook following to message them with names and addresses of anybody in need of one, the number of responses was unbelievable.

“We had an overwhelming response to people in our neighborhood who needed care packages, food, etc. This is when we realized that this was going to take a lot more effort than we thought,” Mendiola said. Although they had a strong desire to meet these responses with immediate action, The Tea Room’s sales dropped nearly 50 percent after the shelter-at-home order. This made Mendiola and Gonzalez get creative. After some thought, the idea of “Friends Helping Friends” was born. The benefit first worked as a buy-one, getone deal, so for each person who purchased a meal at The Tea Room, another meal was donated to those in need. After donating over 1,000 meals, Mendiola and Gonzalez saw the opportunity for more to be done. The benefit was then expanded to be a drive-thru food giveaway to occur on May 2. “We decided that we were going to give a family meal pack of up to four meals for each car that drove,” Mendiola said. “The giveaway meals consisted of four of their inhouse prepared chicken salad sandwiches, four bags of chips, and four drinks. We had a line of cars for at least two-and-a-half, three hours come by The Tea Room. Ultimately, we

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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mendiola and Gonzalez felt the urgency to do their part in giving back to the people of the Rio Grande Valley.

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were able to give away 750 meals that day.” Although this event was a huge success, Gonzalez and Mendiola have since struggled to maintain enough sales to keep the eatery afloat. Their persistence to adapt has forced them to think of unique ways to bring in more business. They believe that their vintage decor, savory signature chicken salad, butterfly peach tea, and modifications to their restaurant might just be enough to keep them open for years to come. If you’d like to support and visit The Tea Room, you can find them at 1524 N. Conway Ave., in Mission. Their hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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handling frustrated customers, as many were upset about new protocols and limitations. “At the beginning of the pandemic, customers were really upset due to product limits. They took their anger out on cashiers,” said Andrea Salinas, a grocery store cashier of two years. “I have been put in multiple situations where I have felt overwhelmed or undervalued.” As time passed, new safety measures and protocols were established in their various work spaces. Tensions decreased, and although it felt more “normal,” cashiers now had to deal with managing a change in the hours they were working per week. Layoffs became common due to the many store closures, but for grocery store cashiers Salinas and Reyes, they were able to maintain their position. Initially, their hours were cut due to the capacity limits, but now they say that their hours have increased greatly. For retail cashier Escobar, she was forced to cover coworkers who were out due to COVID-19. Her hours nearly tripled on several occasions. Despite all of the chaos, the three cashiers remain positive and optimistic. Salinas knows that cashiers need support now more than ever. “To all the cashiers, remember to breathe! As silly as this sounds this will only make us stronger. Take the bad and turn it into an experience. It can serve as a learning lesson on how you could handle your situation the next time around,” Salinas said.

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Medical professionals have been on the frontlines since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but who are among the unsung heroes amongst the masses? Cashiers. Cashiers have played a huge role throughout the pandemic. It is a difficult task to ask a person to risk their life while also providing top-tier customer service, but that has been the reality for local cashiers like Giselle Reyes, Andrea Salinas, and Daisy Escobar. Giselle Reyes, a grocery store cashier, has been in that profession for over three years. After local shelter-at-home ordinances were announced in April, she remained resilient and continued her job. Immediately, the safety of her family became her primary concern. “Obviously, it’s easy to worry or fear getting sick, but our family takes the necessary precautions to avoid contracting the virus. Luckily, these precautions have been working for us,” Reyes said. After working as a retail cashier for over a year-and-a-half, Daisy Escobar had a similar reaction to the pandemic. Suddenly, she had to alter the way she interacted with her family. “At one point, I was not allowed to be in direct contact with my 4-year-old brother. I did not want to get him sick — it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Escobar said. Not only did these local cashiers have to adapt to protect their family, but they also had to maintain their composure when it came to

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