September / October 2021 - RGVision Magazine by RGVision Magazine

SE P T E M B E R/O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1 | VO LUM E 13 ISSUE 5

MEET THE KITCHEN

WRANGLER Hidalgo County food writer shares her story. p.74

MORE THAN JUST A DAYCARE

ENTREPRENEURS RESPONDING TO COVID-19

The journey of the Little School House Learning Center. p.18

How Valley business leaders responded to a global pandemic. p.26

MERCADO DISTRICT Welcome to the multiple eatery experience. p.66

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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 PSJA ISD South Texas College Brownsville ISD Leonardo F. Chang Selene Guerrero Raudel Garza Ryan C. Solis Ruben Cepeda Dr. Alfonso Mercado Quinta Mazatlán

James Hord Barbara Delgado Melissa Guerra

WRITERS

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

Aside from excellent street tacos, there is one thing the Rio Grande Valley will never run out of, and that’s incredible stories. The Valley is a place of abundant life and captivating stories, and there are people we see every day who have made a positive impact in our region. Every issue we have had the opportunity to share those stories of local people making a difference in the quality of life for our area. In this issue, you will find a local artist spreading love through her passion for food through social media and a few takeaways some CEOs shared as they navigated their businesses during the peak of the pandemic. Thank you for picking up this issue. Please share these stories with others and through your own social media channels. Our stories are heard around the nation, and together we have a louder voice to change any negative narrative about the area we call home. Stay educated, informed, and inspired!

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Proverbs 29:18 ASV "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint."

Ashley Berrones Rocio Villalobos Nathaniel Mata Elisa Garcia Steven Hughes Jose De Leon III Bryan Kirk Faith Chua Aimee Ashby Katie Goodman Elsa Cavazos

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 2021

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5 RGVISION MAGAZINE

74 ON THE COVER

M EET T HE K ITC H E N W RANG L E R

Hidalgo County food writer shares her story.

M ORE T HA N J U S T A DAYC A RE

ENT REPRENEU RS RES PONDING TO C OVID - 19

The journey of the Little School House Learning Center.

How Valley business leaders responded to a global pandemic.

EDUCATION Firefighter Certification pg 10 'Hands of a Angel' pg 12 South Texas College pg 14 Sports in Full Swing pg 16 Financial Literacy pg 20

BUSINESS Financial Focus pg 22 Choose Harlingen for Business pg 24 Uninsured Motorist Coverage pg 30 Honoring Loved Ones pg 32 Ronnie Ontiveros pg 34 Signage Success pg 36 Breaking Ground pg 38 No Man is an Island pg 42 A Growing Business pg 44

M ERC A DO DIS T RIC T Welcome to the multiple eatery experience.

HEALTH Dr. Ross Chapel pg 46 Begin to Heal pg 48 Generational Care pg 50 Breaking the Myths pg 52 Child's Safety is Priority pg 54 Are You a Shoe-In? pg 56 Orthopedic Surgeons pg 58 Wellness in the RGV pg 62

QUALITY OF LIFE Value of Native Plants pg 72 De Hoyos Drive-Thru pg 78 Dropped, Lifted, & Chrome pg 80

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.

R O B ER T D U N K I N

J AV I ER D E LEO N

M A R I TZ A E S Q UE DA

R EN E A . F LO R ES

B Y R O N J AY LEW I S

E D D I E LUCI O I I I

D R . R EN E I . LU N A

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

SAR AH SAGREDO HAMMOND

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

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FIREFIGHTER

CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Six HCISD Firefighter Academy Cadets Complete Fire Protection Exam

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b y As h l ey B e r r o n e s | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d Seniors Pedro Cervantes, Alejandro Becerra, Jonathan Trevino, Cameron Ermel, Jessiah Medrano, and Leonel Ponce Morin successfully completed all four portions of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection state exam. “Students still need to complete some medical training before being certified in the state as commissioned firefighters,” Firefighter Academy CTE instructor Kris Armstrong said. The HCISD Firefighter Academy, which began in 2017, is a two-year certification program. Students submit applications during their sophomore year of high school, and then, if accepted, begin the program as juniors. Alejandro Becerra, a Harlingen High School senior, is one of the students in the process of completing his certification. “When I was younger, the fire department would come to our school,” Becerra said. “My favorite color is red, and I love trucks, and then I was like, ‘I want to save some

lives.’ So I heard the program was going to be introduced, I applied, and now I am here.” The program includes some Saturday field trips to complete required skills training exercises at Harlingen and other neighboring Rio Grande Valley Fire Department Training Center facilities. “I learned about what you would do in a situation of a burning car or burning house,” Becerra said. “I got my certification in CPR, which will help me in my everyday life, and we would do our simulations like burning buildings once a year, which was a great experience for us.” The primary goal of the Firefighter Academy is to expose students to the field of firefighting while developing a pathway for future firefighters as well as to strengthen the student’s ties with the Harlingen Fire Department, the school district, and the community. “I passed all my classes,” Becerra said. “I get my certification when I pass my EMT training. I am starting EMT paramedics training soon. I just think it’s a great

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The primary goal of the Firefighter Academy is to expose students to the field of firefighting while developing a pathway for future firefighters as well as to strengthen the student’s ties with the Harlingen Fire Department, the school district, and the community.

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opportunity for kids to be able to walk out of high school with a fire certification. It’s amazing.” Upon meeting graduation requirements and after participants turn 18, Firefighter Academy students are eligible and prepared to take the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Certification exam. Students are also eligible and prepared to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT certification exam after completing the required training.

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'HANDS OF AN ANGEL' Local Dentist, PSJA ISD Alumna Shares Her Motivation for Giving Back

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Taking the time to give back to her community is one of San Juan dentist Dr. Melissa Rivera’s biggest motivations. Having practiced dentistry in the Rio Grande Valley for more than 17 years, Rivera, a proud Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD alumna, recalls her love of dentistry first sparking at a young age. "I was a seventh-grader at LBJ Middle School when I decided I wanted to be a dentist," said Rivera, who graduated from PSJA High School in 1993. "I remember going to the dentist and watching in awe as my sister or my mother got their cleanings done." After graduating from PSJA High School, Rivera attended the University of Texas-Pan American, where she majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. She earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2003 and opened her practice during the fall of 2004. According to the 45-year-old, it was her lifelong dream to have her own dental practice where she could make a difference in her patients' lives. "I have a passion for helping people, helping them out of pain, and to feel comfortable with their smile," she said. "One of the reasons I wanted my own clinic was because I wanted

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to see patients from their young pediatric years and follow them into adulthood." As a result, the PSJA alumna shared that providing equitable quality dental care is important to her. "There's a lot of patients that attend clinics for the underserved, but they don't get the same customer service they may get in a private practice," Rivera said. "My goal is to have a clinic that provides the same quality of care no matter what form of insurance you have or where you come from." Due to her passion for giving back and serving her community, despite her busy schedule, Rivera volunteered a day this summer to provide free dental care to patients from across the Rio Grande Valley during the 2021 Operation Lone Star held at her alma mater, now PSJA Early College High School. "I saw so many patients that waited in line overnight. That's how important it was for them to be seen," she said. Operation Lone Star is a public health emergency preparedness exercise held annually at PSJA ISD for more than two decades through a joint collaborative effort between local, state, federal, and private partners, including Hidalgo County, the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Military Forces, and Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, to name a few. Each year, dozens of medical practitioners like Rivera volunteer their time to provide free medical, dental, and vision services to thousands of people in South Texas. "It meant a lot to me to be able to be there for them. Many had never been to the dentist and were so grateful for the services we provided," she said. "I got the most beautiful compliment from my last patient who had never ever been to the dentist. After receiving her services, she thanked me and said I had the 'hands of an angel.' Moments like that are what motivate me." Rivera was grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community where she grew up. She credits her passion for helping others to her parents and the education she received while at PSJA ISD, where she served as a drill team major and was actively involved in organizations like the National Honor Society and Kiwanis Club. "I am very proud to call PSJA my alma mater. I actually live in Edinburg, but I choose to bring my kids to PSJA. That's how much it means to me," she said. "I am so proud to say that at PSJA, we create doctors, lawyers, teachers ... there's no limit to what PSJA students can achieve."

"It meant a lot to me to be able to be there for them. Many had never been to the dentist and were so grateful for the services we provided." D r. M e l i s s a R i v e r a , den tist an d

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PSJA I SD al u mn a

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THE SOUTH TE X AS COLLEGE

STANDARD Agency Reaffirms STC Accreditation to 2031

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b y South Tex a s C o l l e g e | p h o t o p r o v i d e d The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has reaffirmed South Texas College’s institutional accreditation for the next 10 years. Following a thorough review of the college’s policies and operations, examining everything from front-line staff, students, faculty, facilities, as well as administration, finances, and Board governance, the agency reaffirmed STC for continued accreditation. The reaffirmation was essential for the college so it can continue to award certificate, associate, and baccalaureate degrees to students that are recognized by employers and other institutions of higher education. Accreditation is also required for institutions to offer students state and federal financial aid funds and allow academic credit to transfer to other higher education institutions. “SACSCOC accreditation is the single most vital external guarantee of South Texas College’s quality, rigor, and integrity to our stakeholders,” STC interim president Dr. David Plummer said. “It is essential to our ability to educate and credential our students on higher education and workforce pathways, and to ensure that those credentials are recognized and valued throughout the nation.” STC recently earned its reaccreditation

through SACSCOC, its accrediting agency, according to representatives at the college who made a formal announcement July 7. To maintain accreditation, a higher education institution like STC is required to conduct a comprehensive compliance review that attests that programs and services provided to students meet quality and integrity standards set forth by the SACSCOC’s Principles of Accreditation. While maintaining compliance with the Principles of Accreditation is ongoing and neverending for STC, completing this extensive review was a two-year process. There are many parts to the review, including submitting a lengthy Compliance Certification document, developing a Quality Enhancement Plan, and undergoing an onsite review. The college began early preparations for the review and submitted countless documents that provided evidence of compliance with all standards. “This was a large group effort by the College, hundreds of individuals were directly involved in successfully completing our reaffirmation, and everyone at the College was somehow involved, including our students and our Dual Education High School partners,” said Dr. Fernando Chapa,

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the midst of the pandemic, but the College and SACSCOC were able to adapt to successfully complete a thorough review of the institution,” Chapa said. “The visiting committee was comprised of 10 individuals from the southern United States. For three full days, the committee thoroughly examined all aspects of the college. This included conducting onsite inspections of our facilities and campuses, and interviews with many individuals at the college that included Board members, administration, faculty, staff, students, and our Dual Education partners.” In addition to finding STC in compliance with all standards, the visiting committee gave STC many kudos that included praise for STC students and the level of collaboration and collegiality among faculty, staff, students, administration, and the STC Board of Trustees. “It is a testament to the commitment the College has in serving our community with integrity, rigor, and dedication,” Chapa said. For more STC news, visit https://news.southtexascollege. edu/.

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Dean of Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Strategic Planning. Chapa serves as the institutional accreditation liaison and oversees the institutional effectiveness processes as well as all accreditation agency compliance reporting and activities. STC hosted the onsite virtual visit with the SACSCOC Reaffirmation Visiting Committee in September 2020. During that time, the committee conducted a comprehensive review of the college’s compliance, verified that all standards were being met, and interviewed multiple individuals at the college. The visiting committee was able to verify that STC met or exceeded all standards, meaning that STC was not required to submit any additional reports or documents to receive reaffirmation. The process culminated in a three-day onsite virtual visit and concluded with the official decision to reaffirm STC on June 17. “The virtual visit was unique in that it was conducted in

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S o u t h Texa s Co lle ge's accr e di ti ng age ncy, The S ou th ern Association of Col l eges an d Sch ool s Commission o n C o l l e g e s (SACSCOC), has r e a f f i r m e d the co ll ege's in stitu tion al accreditation for th e n ext 10 y ears. T h e r e a f f ir m a t io n w as e s s e nti a l f o r the co lle ge s o i t can con tin u e to award certificate, associate, an d baccal au reate d e g r e e s t o s t ude nts .

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SPORTS IN

FULL SWING

Brownsville ISD Prioritizing Student Safety in Return of Athletic Programs

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b y Roc i o Vi l l a l ob os | p h o t o s b y J a m e s H o r d After a year and a half of virtual and hybrid learning, students are back to the traditional classroom setting. And in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, tradition also means sports. Though all sports venues at Brownsville ISD will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity — just as in preCOVID times — measures remain to ensure the player’s safety. This, BISD Athletic Director Gilbert Leal said, is the positive to have come out of the pandemic. “As a district, we had to put better sanitation practices in place, and it made us a little more conscious of how important it is to make sure all our facilities and all our equipment are clean and safe,” he said. “We’re going to continue with our safety protocols and screenings on a daily basis.” Leal oversees sports for all of the district’s schools, including six high schools, 10 middle schools, and the aquatic center. Throughout history, each campus at BISD has achieved high levels of athletic success. “Our high schools offer 14 sports, and at one of our schools, Veterans Memorial Early College High School, we were district champions in 10 of those 14 sports,” Leal said. “We have been fortunate to have a lot of success in our schools.” Along with the enjoyment of simply being on the field, Leal said the spirit of competition is also returning. However, due to many players going for over a year without playing any sports, there will be an emphasis on the basics. “Slowly, we want to make sure we reinforce the basic skills they may have lost over the last 18 months, so just spending more time on the fundamentals and making

sure we get everything right,” he said. While the availability of vaccines to students ages 12 and older and a better understanding of how the virus spreads is allowing for the safe return to sports, Leal said there had been a drop in participation. “Health issues are still a concern for a lot of families all over the state and RGV, so our numbers have not yet returned to pre-COVID,” he said. “We are just going to have to encourage our parents and teams that we’re doing the right thing in making sure everything is safe for their kids to return face-to-face.” Though not required, the district is encouraging everyone eligible to receive the vaccine, as it will allow for a smooth, uninterrupted season. In accordance with CDC guidelines, an unvaccinated student who is discovered to have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual must quarantine for seven to 10 days before getting tested and returning to class and practice. Vaccinated students, however, do not have to isolate themselves. To make it easier for families, BISD continues to offer the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine for individuals 12 and up at its registrations and various events. In addition to keeping the students healthy through activity, Leal said the benefits of a child playing sports go beyond the physical. “There is no substitute for the values a student can learn from athletics,” he said. “It helps build character. There is no substitute for the bonds created among the students and between the coaches. We help them push through adversities, and that is going to help them in all parts of their lives.” For more information on Brownsville ISD’s athletic programs and upcoming seasons, visit www.bisd.us.

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MORE THAN JUST A

Infants, Toddlers, PreK, and After Schoolers. Each program has been designed to create a safe and inspiring environment to promote each child's natural development. Rather than emphasizing a particular lesson plan, the learning center implements a combination of exploration, play, and learning. The unique blend of traditional and less conventional teaching creates a style of teaching that is both structured and organized but also flexible and highly adaptable to each child. Macarena Chavez, the director of the Little School House Learning Center, previously worked in finance for a corporate enterprise for 15 years before receiving the opportunity to join the administration team of a child learning center in 2008. Little did she know, she was taking her first steps into founding the Little School House two years later. In addition to working at the learning center, Chavez has four kids of her own, which helped her realize the importance of early childhood education and its impact. This realization later pushed her to obtain a master's degree in Early Childhood Education and a certification in Coaching and Change of Habits to continue to improve her understanding and capabilities in education.

DAYCARE The Journey of the Little School House Learning Center by Fa ith Ch ua | ph otos b y Ma r k P uent e

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In the classrooms of the Little School House Learning Center in San Juan, there are various classrooms filled with the sounds and sights of young students. Each one tackles a new lesson or completes an activity. Every room is filled with life. The Little School House Learning Center is an educational institution that encourages school readiness from birth to 12 years old. Certified by the Texas Rising Star Program as a four-star TRS provider, the learning center has four academic programs dedicated to the different stages of their students. The four programs are

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"I came to the realization of the importance to have a deeper understanding and develop expertise in the areas of child development, early language, and literacy development, and developmentally appropriate practices," Chavez said. Rather than purely focus on the academic aspect of education, Chavez and her team also take a more holistic approach by promoting a healthy understanding of emotions. This summer, they held a camp created by Assistant Principal Sonia Campos. The camp was called "Amo mis Emociones" ("I Love my Emotions"). Over these past 11 years, the Little School House has established a high-quality type style of learning and noteworthy credibility. However, the journey to their current success was not an easy one. When Chavez first founded the learning center, she had to deal with economic limitations. Luckily, she was not alone and had the help and support of her husband, Paulo Parra. Chavez would serve as a director with teaching responsibilities, while Parra would be both the driver and cook. One crucial event to the developing center at the time was that they had yet to meet the "Minimum Standards" set by the state of Texas when a state representative visited. These standards are guidelines for child learning centers around the state to ensure complete safety and standard of care for the attending children. Taking the challenge, Chavez and her team were able to meet the standard within one month after the visit. Now, she is an avid advocate for the operation. "I consider myself passionate in the Minimum Standards, which is now my specialty being a regular speaker of this topic and a private consultant for daycares who want to have the success we now have," Chavez said. After 11 years, all of their efforts were recognized when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra came down to the Rio Grande Valley and visited the Little School House. He toured the learning center and later spoke on a panel with the other members of the administration about the importance of early childhood education. "I was truly excited and honored to be selected,” Chavez said of the visit. “It's been a long journey since 2010 that Little School House Learning Center was founded, and this event has been a great reward for all the hard work and dedication from our wonderful staff."

"I was truly excited and honored to be selected. It's been a long journey since 2010 that Little School House Learning Center was founded, and this event has been a great reward for all the hard work and dedication from our wonderful staff." M a ca r e n a C h a v e z , director of th e L ittl e Sch ool

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More than just education, the learning center's administration is dedicated to providing children with the skills and tools to be able to best succeed not only in school but in their daily lives as well. With their students as the top priority, the Little School House has created a unique mix of both traditional learning and more holistic approaches that have been recognized by the community, the state, and the country.

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Hou se Learn in g Cen ter

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FINANCIAL LITERACY IN THE CLASSROOM Teaching Students Financial Responsibility in a Rapidly Changing World b y Ai mee As h b y Throughout the school year, students learn skills that help them prepare for the future and achieve academic and professional success. Some of those lessons include financial literacy, such as money management, budgeting, and the avoidance of debt. Gonzalo Rodriguez teaches reading and

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writing to PSJA seventh-graders at Audie Murphy Middle School. Originally from Laredo, he is a graduate of Texas A&M University and is also an alumnus of Teach for America, a nonprofit organization that helps put top college graduates and outstanding and diverse leaders in teaching positions in many communities. The goal is to improve student outcomes, bridge the inequality gap for low-income students, and help support their academic and personal growth, according to the organization’s website. Frost Bank has a partnership and is a supporter of Teach for America, and for five years has been bringing financial literacy initiatives to Rodriguez’s class. For several years, the bank had a representative from San Antonio, but they now have a community liaison here in the Rio Grande Valley to provide the lessons. The students learn basic financial skills, such as how to open a bank account, the difference between checking and savings accounts, what a credit card is, and how to avoid credit card

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debt. Rodriguez feels that at the age level of his students, it is important that they begin learning about finances to prepare them for when they enter the workforce — and it will help them to manage their earnings responsibly. These are skills they can build upon as they progress in school. Rodriguez described one lesson that Frost Bank provides where the students make a budget using items such as color-coded paper strips and materials that represent money. In another, students experience various scenarios related to money management and are allowed to choose their own adventure, making the lessons more interactive, heightening the level of engagement, and helping keep their attention and focus. Rodriguez feels that students are becoming more financially aware today as compared to when he was their age. Some students are familiar, for example, with purchasing items online, the use of credit cards, and the nuances of accounts. He adds he is left in awe when a presenter from the bank will pose a question to students and they will immediately have an answer. One of the initiatives at PSJA is 21st Century Learning, which includes skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. The program also promotes literacy in areas such as technology and media, as well as in life

skills, including leadership, productivity, and initiative, according to its website. These skills will help students reach their longterm goals. The activities provided by Frost Bank, which occur once during the school year, are valuable in that they benefit all of his students, especially those who do not have easy access to financial and money management resources. Rodriguez says that one of the most important things they stress during the lessons is “paying yourself first,” which is a planning philosophy and strategy that encourages students to save a portion of their salary every month. The lessons provide a solid foundation and basic understanding of personal money management. He also feels that parents can help their children learn about finances at an early age, showing them how to budget and handle money responsibly even before they earn their first paycheck. The earlier they are exposed to the concepts of finance and savings, the better foundation they will have.

B U S I N E S S ARTICLE PROVIDED BY

Leonardo F. Chang Financial Advisor Ameriprise Financial 3008 N McColl Rd. Ste A, McAllen 956-687-7902

FINANCIAL FOCUS Doing Good by Donating Stock

Like many investors, you may own shares of stock (or other assets like mutual funds) that have appreciated in value given the generally favorable environment for the markets in recent years. If the stock is held in a taxable account, it means that a decision to sell shares at some point in the future may result in a taxable gain. One option to consider is gifting those appreciated shares to qualified charities. This may provide a tax benefit for you, and it could result in a larger gift for the receiving organization, as well.

able to claim the full $2,000 value of the stock as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. THE ADVANTAGES OF DONATING STOCK In this example, it is clear that there are several advantages to donating stock directly to the charity rather than liquidating the shares first and donating the proceeds in cash: 1. A long-term capital gains tax liability is avoided by not having to sell the stock first. 2. The net value available to donate to charity is larger by directly gifting stock rather than liquidating it first and donating the after-tax cash proceeds. The larger value of the donation means the available tax deduction for the gift is larger as well.

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WEIGHING YOUR OPTIONS Donating stock rather than cash makes the most sense if it has been held in a taxable account for longer than a year and has appreciated in value. It also may be best if you were already considering selling that stock position. Consider a situation where an individual wants to take a stock valued at $2,000 and use it to fund a donation to a qualified charity. In this example, we’ll assume the stock was purchased 10 years ago for $1,000 and is now valued at $2,000. The donor can proceed in one of two ways:

3. This creates a win-win situation both for you and the charity. The organization can turn the stock received into cash immediately by selling it or choose to hold onto the stock to capitalize on potential future gains. That means the value of your gift could be enhanced. This strategy works specifically for appreciated stock that is held for at least 12 months (qualifying for long-term capital gains treatment). If the stock was held for less than 12 months, tax laws only allow you to deduct the cost-basis value of the stock that was donated. If the stock lost value, it is more advantageous to sell the shares first and then make the donation to charity. You may be able to utilize the capital loss on your tax return to offset other gains or a portion of your income.

OPTION A The donor sells the stock, realizing a capital gain of $1,000. Assuming the gain is subject to the top long-term capital gains tax rate at the federal level (20%), the federal income tax on the gain is $200. It could be more when considering any state taxes. That leaves only the after-tax value of the proceeds from the stock sale (approximately $1,800) available to donate to the charity.

CHECK OUT YOUR OPTIONS Before you decide to donate stock to charity, check with the organization in advance to make sure they are able to accept such a gift. Also, be sure to consult with your tax advisor to have a clear understanding of the tax ramifications of your donation plan.

OPTION B Instead of selling the stock, the individual arranges to donate the stock to a qualified charitable organization. In this way, no stock sale occurs while the individual owns it, avoiding the federal capital gains tax. Ownership of the full $2,000 value of the stock transfers to the charity. The organization can sell the stock at any time without any tax consequences, given its tax-free status. The donor may be

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CHOOSE HARLINGEN

FOR BUSINESS The Start of a Video Series to Welcome New Residents

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b y Sel ene G uer r er o a nd Ra u d e l G a r z a | p h o t o b y M a r k Pu e n t e Harlingen sits at the center of the Rio Grande Valley, offering major advantages in order to attract people and, more importantly, businesses. In a new video series, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation will introduce the many ways the organization works within the community in order to make it a better place to live, work, play, and do business. The Choose Harlingen video series will cover various topics that include health care in Harlingen, workforce, education, connectivity, opening a business in Harlingen, and a basic introduction to what the Harlingen EDC does. The first episode featured Selene Guerrero, Harlingen EDC marketing manager, Mayor Chris Boswell, and board members Michael Allex, an architect, and Ricky Leal, a banker. The group touched upon various topics that will be further expanded on in future episodes. “Our focus in economic development is to improve on the economic stability and quality of life in a community,” Guerrero explained. It is not possible to attract higher-paying jobs or people to invest in a community if there aren’t constant improvements to our quality of life, Boswell added. “That is where the city comes in — to have

good infrastructure and that we work to have good planning in bringing businesses to our community,” he said. “We have to do all those other things together to attract businesses to our community.” Education is a major component that aids in improving a community and works in tandem with producing a quality workforce. Here in Harlingen, residents have the option to learn and grow in their community. From grade school all the way to medical school, it’s possible to do it all in Harlingen. Educational institutions like Harlingen CISD, Texas State Technical College, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Wayland Baptist University, and Texas A&M University-Kingsville create a qualified talent pipeline that strengthens the workforce for those target industries desirable to the area. This region focuses on attracting manufacturing, health care, aerospace, alternative energy, and logistic industries. The healthcare industry in Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley has grown over the years and has resulted in more than 40% of job creation in the last decade. The healthcare system in Harlingen is an

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S e l e n e Gu e r r e r o, H ar li nge n ED C m ar ke ti ng m a nager, M ay or Ch ris Boswel l , an d board members M ich ael Al l ex, an a r c h it e c t , a n d R icky Le a l, a banke r.

“Our focus in economic development is to improve on the economic stability and quality of life in a community.” S e l e n e G u e r r e r o, marketin g man ager

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one point across: Many businesses have decided to Choose Harlingen because of all that this thriving community has to offer.

in Harlingen. From roads, rail, air, and water, Harlingen’s connectivity helps drive business in the city. “We also have the number one airport in South Texas,” Leal said, adding to the list of benefits Harlingen has to offer. Valley International Airport has seen an uptick in activity in the last few months and announced three new destinations, something that is uncommon for airports, Leal said. And continued growth can also be seen on the retail and commercial side. “In the last 10 years, retail has grown exponentially,” Allex said, adding that there has also been an increased growth in Downtown Harlingen. The boost in retail activity, despite a pandemic, along with a robust workforce, world-class educational system, and a business-friendly environment, are what this new video series will highlight. The series will drive

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important part of the city’s economy, Boswell said. One of the biggest employers is Valley Baptist Medical Center, employing more than 1,600 people. Not too far behind is Harlingen Medical Center, employing close to 1,000 people. The aerospace industry is also on the rise in Cameron County, with major companies like United Launch Alliance (ULA), located in Harlingen for more than 30 years, and SpaceX in Brownsville. ULA is a longstanding joint venture with Boeing and Lockheed Martin and has delivered more than 145 satellites into orbit, providing capabilities for U.S. military forces, aid in tracking weather, and enabling personal devicebased GPS. The company builds major components for the Atlas V rocket that are shipped off for final assembly in Alabama. ULA employs more than a 100 highly skilled employees right here

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ENTREPRENEURS RESPONDING TO COVID-19

Those included practices such as wearing face coverings, disinfecting work areas or public spaces hourly, and requiring employees to stay in their work areas. Still, employees were afraid. “Initially, everyone was concerned, but by May, we had a routine where we were able to make it through,” he said. At the height of the pandemic, there were some isolated cases of coronavirus among the staff members, all of which were related to being around family members. Lewis offered his employees two weeks of paid time off to recover from the virus, and once they received a negative test result, they were able to return to work, he said. “We never closed for a day during the pandemic because we planned ahead, and we were careful,” Lewis said. When the vaccines were rolled out in early 2021, Lewis urged his employees to take care of themselves and get vaccinated. He offered four hours of paid time off to staff members who went for the first round of the vaccination and required them to provide proof of vaccination when they returned to work. Chad Nunnery, owner and CEO of Composite Access Products in McAllen, was returning from a vacation in March 2020 when everything was closing down. To put the minds of staff members at ease, he worked from home for two weeks and relied on Zoom meetings to conduct training seminars and communicate with staff members.

How Valley Business Leaders Responded to a Global Pandemic

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b y B r ya n K i r k The emergence of the coronavirus in early 2020 was a prelude to dark days for the Rio Grande Valley that no one could have ever predicted. In December 2019, COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, was a problem happening half a world away that many Americans selfishly believed would impact a few thousand lives, dominate the headlines for a few weeks, and quietly fade away. That’s what had always happened until, one day, it didn’t. The state’s robust economy came to a screeching halt in the waning days of March, forcing many businesses to close and families to lock themselves away in self-isolation. Byron Lewis, CEO of Edwards Abstract & Title in Edinburg, said they realized early on that they needed to have effective policies in place for both inside and outside the office.

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“We were dealing with something that none of us knew,” Esquivel said. “Our community rallied around each other, and we were going to get through this together." Ama nda Esquivel, ow ne r and op e r a to r o f a Chi k- f i l- A fran ch ise in Brown svil l e

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OF THE DARK?

our dining room,” she said. “Our employees … were scared and kind of unsure. There was just this feeling of unease.” To adhere to the restrictions and ensure employees had a safe working environment, Chick-fil-A implemented curbside delivery to customers who didn’t want to use the drivethru services and implemented a shift policy to keep as many people on the payroll as possible while ensuring her employees had several days off to monitor any occurrence of coronavirus symptoms and work with the same group of people. During shifts, employees were not allowed to sit together during breaks. Mask coverings were implemented, and handwashing became even more frequent. Still, some employees were fearful when it came to dealing with the public. “It was a very awkward time,” she said. “We had those people who came up to me and said, ‘Amanda, I don’t feel comfortable working.’ We worked with those people and told them to take their time and let us know when they are ready. It was a crazy time that we had to overcome.” Many of her employees conquered that fear and met the challenge head-on, while others who were caring for family members stayed at home. Things have changed since the early days of the pandemic. Vaccines are more readily available and businesses have begun to reemerge and implement new health and safety policies. “We were dealing with something that none of us knew,” Esquivel said. “Our community rallied around each other, and we were going to get through this together.”

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Meanwhile, staff members implemented the now-common practices of social distancing, using hand sanitizers, and wearing PPE — and also eliminated outside visits by customers. “We did all the things we were supposed to do, and it didn’t hit us too hard,” Nunnery said. Composite Access Products, which opened in 2015, had never experienced a period when they were not setting records for profitability — until the second quarter of 2020, when the company’s sales force was unable to travel to trade shows and so many major metropolitan areas were closed. “That first quarter when COVID hit us was the first one in four years we haven’t experienced rapid growth,” Nunnery said. The unexpected outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic came from the innovation of the sales force, some of whom found innovative ways to make the sale and keep demand high, which helped the company bounce back. “The good reps stopped talking about COVID, while the bad reps blamed COVID,” he said. Nunnery added that while Composite Access Products’ sales force will continue to rely on face-to-face contact, primarily at trade shows, they are implementing concepts such as a new educational video produced by the local PBS affiliate and a new 60-second commercial. Unlike office or manufacturing industries, service industries saw and experienced COVID-19 from a personal perspective. Amanda Esquivel, who owns and operates a Chick-fil-A franchise in Brownsville, saw the impact COVID-19 was having on her staff members and her community. “When this first happened, we closed down

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Ryan C. Solis Law Office of Ryan C. Solis, PLLC 1410 W. Dove Ave. McAllen 464 W. Hidalgo Ave. Raymondville 956-686-9600

UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE

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A Safety Blanket When Traveling the Roads of the RGV

You are stopped at a red light when all of a sudden, a driver traveling behind you slams into your vehicle. You call the police and wait for them to arrive. The officer determines that the other driver was texting and did not have insurance. Your day just went from bad to worse. The Insurance Journal estimates that between 12 to 14% of Texas drivers do not have insurance. In the Rio Grande Valley, it is believed that the number is even higher. This should concern every driver considering the damage that can be caused by an auto accident. When an insured driver causes an accident, the insurance will pay to have your car repaired and will compensate you for your injuries, medical bills, and any lost wages you might incur as a result of the crash. With an uninsured driver, you can be left to bear all costs for repairs, injuries, and lost wages. If you have full coverage on your vehicle, you can at least get it repaired. If you do not, you will have to pay out of pocket for repairs. This risk can be offset by purchasing uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that will protect you if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident. This coverage will stand in the place of the insurance that the at-fault driver should have had. It will cover auto repairs and compensate you for injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.

In Texas, an insurance company is required by law to offer uninsured motorist coverage when purchasing your insurance policy. To opt out, you must specify in writing that you do not wish to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. In the highly competitive insurance industry, it may be suggested that you remove this coverage to lower your insurance premium. The additional cost for uninsured motorist coverage is nominal compared to the potentially exorbitant expenses associated with being hit by an uninsured driver. As an attorney, I regularly encounter issues with uninsured drivers. A new client will come into the office and, after investigating the claim, we will learn that the other driver does not have insurance. If our client does not have uninsured motorist coverage, there is, unfortunately, nothing that can be done. On multiple occasions, we have had clients left to pay out of pocket for their vehicle repairs as well as ambulance and hospital bills. If you are unsure whether you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can call your insurance agent and find out. If you do not have this coverage, I would recommend you seriously consider adding it. It is a small price to pay to ensure that you will not have to pay out of pocket for vehicle repairs or medical bills caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

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HONORING

LOVED ONES Ric Brown Family Funeral Home Provides Comfort to South Texans

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b y B r ya n K i r k | p h o t o s b y M a r k Pu e n t e Tributes are often seen as a celebration or way to honor the accomplishments of family members and friends who have impacted our lives. These events include birthdays, baby showers, christenings, quinceañeras, graduations, job promotions, weddings, anniversaries, and retirements, which we document with photographs, certificates, or a plaque on the wall. But death is something else. Death is an inevitable part of living, and it's that final chapter that we often look at with a sense of foreboding and morbidity. It’s something that requires someone with a compassionate soul to serve as a guide for families who are planning life's final tribute. "For me, this is a ministry. I feel like this is exactly where God has me. This is what he has me doing," said Tim Brown, funeral

director for Ric Brown Family Funeral Home. "This is my mission field, and so ... it's easy to be compassionate and care for those around me because I feel that I'm doing God's work." The Brown family operated a funeral home business for 20 years in the Valley before they began to branch out in the late 1990s. It was there that Tim Brown learned the art of compassion from his father, Ric, who'd aspired to one day become a standup comedian. "He was amazing," Brown recalled. "People would come in crying, and they'd leave laughing. He would change the whole atmosphere, and I feel like that's something we carry along with us, and we are able to bring that comfort to people." In 1998, The Ric Brown Family Funeral Home began serving families in Mission and Hidalgo County with funeral planning,

preparation for memorial services, and creating dedicated memorials where families can remember their loved ones. The family would eventually open new locations in McAllen and Alamo. "My dad used to always say that there are a couple of options in the funeral business: When you open a funeral home, you can have a funeral business, or you can have a funeral service. You have to decide if you want to be in business or if you want to be the guy who serves the community," Brown said. "We've always had the mentality that we're going to be in the funeral service and serve those around us." This level of service was evident during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed more than 1,000 lives in the Rio Grande Valley during the first six months of 2020. Like other businesses, funeral homes were closed for 30 days and reopened in April. Shortly after businesses began reopening, many funeral homes in South Texas raised their prices, while The Ric Brown Family Funeral Home lowered theirs to help out the community. "It was crazy the amount of work we were doing, but we considered it an honor," Brown said. "Our community needed us. This community has been good to us for more than 20 years. There was no way I was going to abandon them now." For 14 straight weeks, the staff worked seven days a week and 20 hours per day to deal with the almost endless number of deaths resulting from the pandemic. By the end of August, Brown said they'd conducted more funerals in the span of 60 days than they'd normally do in a full year. This crisis also forced funeral homes to network and, at times, pool their resources to ensure they were doing right by South Texans in an unprecedented time. "Any generation could have done this, but it was our generation," Brown said. "I'm grateful that ours was the generation that we got to serve our community when they needed us the most. In my lifetime, there has not been a time when our community has needed their last responders more than they did at that time." As the world learns to live with the coronavirus, Brown remains committed to providing a necessary service to South Texans. Earlier this year, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recognized the commitment and appointed Brown to serve on the Texas Funeral Service Commission, which regulates the funeral industry in Texas. "I'm very grateful that I'm able to do what I do," Brown said.

T i m B r o w n , fu n eral direct o r fo r Ric Brown Famil y Fu n eral Ho me

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"For me, this is a ministry. I feel like this is exactly where God has me; this is what he has me doing."

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RONNIE ONTIVEROS NextHome RGV Realty, MedCare EMS, and LifeGuard AeroMed LLC Local Entrepreneur Tells Her Story

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by Elisa Garcia | photo by Barbara Delgado Before Veronica Ontiveros was a licensed real estate broker and owner of NextHome RGV Realty and the CEO and president of MedCare EMS, she was helping her family sell jewelry at Bargain Bazaar on North 23rd Street in McAllen. In addition, she was assisting her parents flip houses — ultimately preparing Ontiveros for her career. Ontiveros has been in the real estate business for the past 17 years. Today, she has three Next Home Realty offices in the Rio Grande Valley, serving both Cameron and Hidalgo counties. Currently, NextHome RGV Realty has a staff of 32 with 28 licensed agents within two years. Nationally, NextHome Realty has nearly 550 offices with plans to open an international office in Mexico. "My family grew up middle class. We grew up humble," Ontiveros said. "(My parents) would purchase these small frame homes and rent them out. My brothers were cutting the lawns, my sister and I were painting. We were flipping properties, whether we knew it or not, and then, in the end, it would encourage me to get into real estate without knowing that I had already been exposed all those years." For the past three years, she has been the CEO and president of MedCare EMS, an emergency medical company offering 24/7 9-11 public health services that was founded by Ontiveros's late husband 25 years ago. MedCare EMS is the largest emergency 9-1-1 company in

South Texas and provides services for the city of McAllen for free. The company is also one of the only EMS providers that carries whole blood to the cities of Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Hidalgo, San Juan, La Joya, Alamo, Donna, Linn, and San Manuel. "My late husband was a licensed attorney, and he had a daughter that unfortunately passed away to cancer," Ontiveros said. "That was the base of him forming this company because he was uninsured at the time when she developed the cancer of a brain tumor. Some services that were needed for her to live is where he saw the need for such services and witnessed it firsthand." Between working in real estate and the medical field, Ontiveros said there are a lot of fulfilling moments she's experienced. “MedCare does rewarding things every day that many people don't see. We save lives every day, 24/7. Even when people are asleep, we're out there saving lives," she said. "The other rewarding thing, as far as real estate goes, is a lot of people have the American dream to purchase a home or to buy an investment. (Next Home Realty) makes those dreams happen for families. They need somewhere to live. They want to feel secure about their home and have ownership of their home. We build that dream for them." Despite wearing many different hats, Ontiveros still finds time to take part in volunteer

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work, such as being the chairwoman-elect of Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, president-elect for the Women's Council of Realtors, and a member of the Historical Property Committee in Mission. Ontiveros explained the main motivation that keeps her going is the lesson her late husband taught her — leaving behind a legacy of helping others. Her legacy is something she works to bring and provide for her three sons as well. "Your legacy should be something honorable, whether it gets noticed or not from others," Ontiveros said. "You want the ability for your children to understand that and for them to maybe continue. I want them to have dreams of their own." As for advice for future girls who wish to wear the hat of owner or CEO, Ontiveros encourages them to be persistent, determined, and to open doors to get to where they want to be. "Success is driven by your ability to grow," she said. "Your success is driven on your growth rate versus what you already have. It's more, 'how much can you grow by?' and 'how is it still good?' Not every growth is for the better. You have to think in terms of what type of growth can take you to the highest ability." NextHome Realty can help people find their dream house. For more information, visit RonnieOntiveros.com or NextHomeRGV.com. Additionally, the realty office offers guidance to anyone looking to earn their real estate license.

B U S I N E S S ARTICLE PROVIDED BY

Ruben Cepeda The Sign Depot - CEO 956.687.7446 www.thesigndepot.com

SIGNAGE SUCCESS

a company logo or brand design? Well, guess what, we got you covered there, too, because our designers who never sleep (designers are just weirdly wired that way) are ready to come to your rescue! We’ve created thousands of ‘awesome designs’ and, in doing so, have helped countless customers with their projects over our 30 years in the business. No esperes mas — call us today at (956) 687-SIGN (7446) or visit us at thesigndepot. com. What the heck? Just call us anyways (we get lonely sometimes) and ask us to put you on hold so that you can listen to our cool voice message. We at the Sign Depot would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers and even those who haven’t come out of the dark and into the light yet for your past and future patronage! We love ya, and always remember that a business with no sign is a sign of no business!

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The Sign Depot Helping Businesses' Signage Needs for Over 30 Years

Sign Depot, Sign Depot, Sign Depot. What an annoying commercial, wouldn’t you say? So true, but isn’t it funny that after so many years, people still can’t forget it? Anyway, my point is that we, as humans, usually remember the things we try most to forget. Not all sign companies are created equal, and we at the incredible Sign Depot can certainly attest to that fact! We simply think louder, which simply means that we are here to assist you when you need a hand on any and all your signage needs! Banners, wall murals, vehicle wraps, truck lettering, routed signs, flags, diapers, pop signs, 3-D molded signs, yard signs, and more. If you can think of it, we can ink it! Ready for a mental challenge? Then take a look at the back of our business card printed below. What do you see? A red dot? Ha, we got you! At the Sign Depot, we’re going to show you all the white that you did not see! That means we’re not here just to sell you a sign. That’s for other sign guys -- but not for the Sign Depot, because we do not believe in sales but rather in building personal business relationships with all our customers. We’re here to help both our businesses grow! We’ll go the extra mile, bend backward, and even share our last morsel with you because we really do care! Oh, and by the way, we’re super fast, too. Who needs a vehicle wrap? You do because you can’t move the building, but you can move the business! Need

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BREAKING

GROUND Why Now is the Right Time to Build Your Dream Home

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b y Roc i o Vi l l a l o b o s | p h o t o s b y J a m e s H o r d Making the decision to build your dream home or even your own company’s office from the ground up means getting to see your vision come to life. Every door knob, faucet, light fixture, tile, and square inch is decided by you. While certainly exciting, the process can also be daunting — especially with the complications brought on by the pandemic. That’s why having the right builders can make all the difference in the process. It can either be a stressful and regret-filled or a fun, treasured time in your life. RDZ Group has more than 17 years of experience in commercial, industrial, and residential construction, servicing the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. While instinct may tell you to hold off on building your dream home or office amid a pandemic, there is reason to do otherwise. Due to supply shortages, RDZ Group President Renato Rodriguez said projects are taking longer than usual, and material prices are up. But the advantage in a building now is record-low interest rates. “There are pros and cons — prices are a little higher, but interest rates are lower — so it kind of evens out,” Rodriguez said. “For instance, a major advantage is that you’re getting a brand-new home built — a home

that can last up to 50 years. But around 20, 25 years, you have to start doing a lot of maintenance — new roof, new windows, new doors — and a lot of times, things on the inside are outdated.” When deciding to build, Rodriguez said clients come to his company brimming with photos and ideas. It is his team’s job to turn those ideas into reality while staying within budget. Part of the process is helping people understand the financial component. “You’re not going to plan for a 5,000-squarefoot house when you can only financially afford a 2,200-square-foot home — that’s the difference between a $200,000 and $600,000 home,” Rodriguez said. “This is something in which we prep the clients beforehand, so they have an idea of where they stand before we get started.” Once someone signs on with the firm, Rodriguez said, forming a strong relationship is key. “In a world where contractors, builders, and construction management firms have a really challenging reputation, we try to build a foundation of trust,” he said. “Once we establish that trust, everything else is just following through.” While it’s advantageous to build, it requires

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“We walk them through the process all the way to completion. It’s as important to them as it is to us and as important to us as it is to them.”

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Rena to Rod r i g u e z , RDZ Grou p presiden t

patience. Prior to the pandemic, Rodriguez said his company could complete a home in anywhere from 45 days to three months. Now, depending on the size and components, it can take up to six months for construction. To ensure projects stay on their timeline, RDZ Group does not take on more clients than it can feasibly handle at a time. “A lot of contractors and builders like to overcommit, then they underdeliver and can’t produce,” he said. “We’ll be honest from the very beginning, ‘yeah, that is something that is doable, we can take it on,’ or, ‘no, we’re not going to do it.’ We are very transparent with them.” In such instances, or if a client decides to go with another builder for any other reason, RDZ Group continues to offer its consulting services, where they help oversee

the project and provide inspections to ensure the project is going accordingly. “Ultimately, we ensure their hired contractors are doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” Rodriguez said. “We hear a lot of conversations where the contractor got paid and left with the money and never showed up. So, through our consulting, we’re there to make sure the clients understand what they are getting themselves into. “We walk them through the process all the way to completion. It’s as important to them as it is to us and as important to us as it is to them.” RDZ Group has locations in Brownsville, McAllen, and San Antonio. For more information or to book a consultation, visit rdzgroup.com or call (956) 322-3737.

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NO MAN IS AN ISLAND The Unification of the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce b y Fa i th Ch ua | p h o t o s b y Wa l d o Pa l o m a r e s Harlingen so more people could explore the multitude of businesses and attractions the city has to offer. De Leon found the answer in the neighboring cities of Rio Hondo, Santa Rosa, Los Indios, Primera, and Combes. He noticed these cities did not have their own chamber of commerce. He met with every mayor and city administration to propose the idea of unifying them under the chamber. Due to the lack of resources and infrastructure, these neighboring cities could become "feeder" cities to Harlingen. This would increase the number of people coming into Harlingen and foster a closer relationship

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Harlingen is a place filled with beautiful parks and trails, various restaurants and shops, and different types of events. Even with these attractions, many people often think of McAllen, Mercedes, or even Brownsville when they think of places to visit or things to do. However, on Jan. 4, Javier De Leon became the president and CEO of the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce and quickly worked to change that. Meeting with several community leaders, elected officials, and businesses throughout Harlingen, De Leon found a common theme in the feedback he received. Stakeholders wanted a better traffic flow coming into

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threatened and the neighboring cities to allow those who were unsure and on the fence understand the great benefits of unifying the towns. De Leon states that many were eager to work together because of the clear benefits of the plan. They realized that they benefited more from regionalism than they ever did from isolationism. The culmination of all the time and effort put into this plan was set to debut Aug. 3 with dignitaries, elected officials, and other members of the community attending the event. During this unveiling, the Harlingen chamber's name will officially be changed to the Harlingen Greater Chamber of Commerce. The name signifies a new chapter in this region's story and proves that a community is stronger together.

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J a vier De Leon, pr e s i d e nt and CEO of the H a r li nge n Ch amber of Commerce

Leonardo F Chang MKD-8652B-A

"By building these relationships. they will have that bond and relationship to come to Harlingen."

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with each entity. In return, these cities would receive more exposure and access to resources that Harlingen can provide. "They can go anywhere they want. They can go to San Benito. They can go to Mercedes, Brownsville, McAllen, or Weslaco. But by building these relationships, they will have that bond and relationship to come to Harlingen," De Leon said. "It's not about competition. It's about collaboration." It took about three months to execute this plan in its entirety. It required a lot of communication both to these mayors and city officials as individuals and brought them together to function well together. One of the main issues De Leon faced was skepticism. He had to explain and share the vision that would, in the long run, convince some Harlingen businesses that felt a little

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A GROWING

BUSINESS Simmons Oak Farms Continues Serving the State Despite Damaging Freeze b y Jos e D e Leon III

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This is a busy time of year for Simmons Oak Farms, according to Audrey Hooks. Audrey manages the business alongside her mother, Beth. Located north of the Harlingen airport, Simmons Oak Farms grows a variety of shade trees and palm trees and wholesales them to major cities and landscaping businesses across the state. The process to grow a tree, Audrey explained, is one that can take years. Simmons Oak Farms grows the trees from seedlings before potting them and finally planting them in their field, where they can stay for as long as 10 years. “Lately, we’ve been busy nonstop,” Audrey said. “The warmer months are when palms sell all summer long. Now we’re heading to the fall, when people will buy and install the shade trees. We stay busy year-round since

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“So when every homeowner or business is replacing their dead plants, you can imagine the kind of rush and pressure of the marker,” Audrey said. “What would normally take us three weeks to complete an order is taking us months now. Our harvest schedule is full. It is unprecedented, but it’s not just us; it’s every single grower we know here who are feeling the pinch.” Audrey says that due to how long it takes for trees to grow, she expects this impact to be felt far in the future. “For years to come, our inventory will be low and struggle to catch up,” she said. “It takes a while for trees to grow in size. As a grower, it’s a good time for us because of the sales, but there’s pressure on all of us. We’re even struggling to find enough employees to meet the demands for a wide variety of reasons.” Despite the struggle, Audrey considers herself lucky that her business wasn’t severely impacted by the winter. Last year’s Hurricane Hanna, she recalled, was more damaging to her crop. “The 70 mile-per-hour hurricane winds laid down a lot of trees,” Audrey said. “It was a long process to rehabilitate them to get their roots to grow straight again so the trees could stand upright. When you’re in farming, you can never predict the weather; you just have to take it as it comes and respond after the fact and make the best of it.”

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we sell as much as 10,000 trees a year.” Simmons Oak Farms is so busy, Audrey said, that as of July, they sold not only the trees the business was projected to see in 2021 but have also started selling the trees projected to be sold in 2022. While most businesses would be overjoyed at the booming sales, Audrey expressed concern for the future of not just her business, but the nursing industry as a whole. According to Audrey, Simmons Oak Farms has been inundated with orders like never before in the farm’s 19-year history. They and other growers have been affected by Winter Storm Uri, which in February literally froze much of Texas for nearly a week and shut down the electric grid. A March report from the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association and AgriLife Extension found that the storm produced $600 million in agricultural losses throughout the state. For Simmons Oak Farms, the storm led to a loss of 10% of the farm’s crop. “Most of the trees we grow survived,” Audrey said. “We did have some varieties of palm trees that were lost or so severely damaged we had to trim them down for them to flesh out again before we can sell them.” With so many plants throughout the state dying, however, growers like Simmons Oak Farms are rushing to keep up with the demand.

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DR.ROSS

CHAPEL

Love Draws Top-Notch Orthopedic Surgeon from Louisiana to the Valley b y B r y a n Ki r k | p h o t o b y J a m e s H o r d

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Dr. Ross Chapel didn’t grow up in the Rio Grande Valley. In fact, the southern Louisiana native might never have come to South Texas if it were not for a devastating storm and the love of a McAllen woman. “I am truly blessed. I get to do what I love, which is helping people. I really have the best job in the world,” he said. “I’m living the dream. I love my patients, and I love the culture here in the Valley.” But it took Dr. Chapel leaving his native New Orleans ahead of a historic disaster to embark on his medical studies and put down roots in South Texas. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina was bearing down on the Louisiana coastline, and Dr. Chapel, who’d wrapped up his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University months earlier, was preparing like everyone else to head to higher ground. “It had been my dream to go to LSU medical school, but Katrina changed that in one terrible day,” he recalled. “They didn’t know if LSU medical school would be open, so I did what I thought was best for my career and came to Texas for my medical training.” The storm would ultimately bring Dr. Chapel to Houston,

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where he fell in love with Texas, the college, and his future bride. His life was changed forever. The Louisiana native, who came from a long line of doctors, never had to look too far to find a great role model. His grandfather, father, and brother are all chiropractors who, for decades, have helped their patients deal with and recover from various forms of musculoskeletal pain in the human body. “I was surrounded with musculoskeletal pain my entire life,” he said. “I watched my dad doing this while I was growing up, and it appealed to me.” He knew he wanted to be involved in the healthcare profession, so he enrolled in medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in the fall of 2005 and began taking anatomy classes. At about the same time, he began dating a medical student from McAllen who would eventually become his wife and introduce him to life in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Meanwhile, as Dr. Chapel began taking anatomy classes, he began to consider becoming an orthopedic surgeon. “During my anatomy classes in medical school, I fell in love with surgery,” he said. “Injuries and biomechanics just kind of drew me to surgery.” Challenged by the complexities of orthopedic health, Dr. Chapel focused his efforts on learning how to treat injuries to the body’s upper extremities, such as the shoulders, wrists, elbows, and hands. It became his passion, and he hit the ground running. He graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2010 and accepted an internship at Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. In 2011, Dr. Chapel began his medical residency at the University of Oklahoma and followed up his residency with a fellowship at the University of Mississippi in 2015. “I traveled all over the nation learning from some of the top doctors and professionals in the field of shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery,” Dr. Chapel said. “I kind of picked up some tips and tricks and the right way to do it.” Dr. Chapel, who is the only fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon south of San Antonio, said the Rio Grande Valley really didn’t have a true shoulder specialist until he arrived and opened his practice in 2016.

“I am truly blessed. I get to do what I love, which is helping people. I really have the best job in the world. I’m living the dream. I love my patients, and I love the culture here in the Valley.”

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Dr. Chapel’s specialties include some minimally invasive treatments of carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff repair, as well as shoulder replacement and De Quervain's tenosynovitis, trigger finger, tennis elbow, and Dupuytren's disease. Dr. Chapel said some invasive surgeries can take as little as an hour, with the patient spending a day in the hospital before being discharged to go home. “The best surgeons in the world taught me, and I do it just like they do it,” he said, referring to his expertise as a shoulder surgeon. “I have done hundreds — maybe even thousands — of these surgeries.” Dr. Chapel treats patients of all ages, from the injured child to the adult with debilitating arthritis that prevents them from living life to the fullest. “I just love my patients. It’s an honor to care for them,” Dr. Chapel said. “I love taking an injured patient because it’s so catastrophic to them. One day they are normal, and the next thing you know, they can’t perform their jobs … or enjoy their hobbies, or the things they enjoy doing, and fixing them. Pain is so debilitating to these patients, and it can alter their quality of life.” Are you having pain? Are you interested in receiving cutting-edge treatment from a double fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon right here in the Valley? For more information, visit www.upperextremityspecialist.com or call (956) 992-0404.

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Dr. Ro s s C h a p e l , orth opedic su rgeon

H E A L T H

BEGIN TO

HEAL The Valley Baptist Orthopedic Center of Excellence Encourages Patients to Seek Proper Treatment

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b y Fa i th C h u a | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d "The time to seek treatment is now," said Dr. Savvas Poulos, an orthopedic hand specialist from the Valley Baptist Orthopedic Center of Excellence. "There are people who are suffering from joint pain, from knee or hip pain, but due to the pandemic have decided not to seek medical attention, because they are fearful of walking into a medical office." The COVID-19+ pandemic has changed many things in everyday life over the past year-and-a-half, but one thing that remains the same is the need for overall health and physical wellness for a well-lived life. Another thing that remains the same is patient safety at Valley Baptist. Since the start of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, Valley Baptist Health System has implemented safety protocols to ensure the safety of its patients, staff, and physicians. In fact, earlier this year, both Valley Baptist Medical Center – Harlingen and Valley Baptist Medical Center – Brownsville were recognized with the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade "A." The letter

grade is a top marking for patient safety in the areas of minimal to no errors, minimal to no injuries, accidents, and/or infections in the line of patient care. "We have one of the most comprehensive orthopedic programs and experienced orthopedic care providers in South Texas," said Dr. Joseph Tejan, trauma orthopedic surgeon at the Valley Baptist Orthopedic Center of Excellence. "We have highly-trained specialists that deliver excellent care in both non-surgical and surgical treatments. Our team covers everything from hip and knee replacement, hand procedures, trauma procedures, sports medicine, joints, shoulder, foot, spine, and orthopedic, pediatric care." While the availability of care has remained intact at Valley Baptist and many other healthcare providers, patients needing treatment have been anxious about stepping into a medical office and hospitals for fear of contracting COVID-19+. Many have made the decision to forego care and have stayed away

for the care they need and take care of themselves." No matter how life-altering COVID-19+ is and how everyone's lives have irrevocably changed, life still goes on. There are still many uncertainties and many unknowns, but many healthcare institutions like Valley Baptist Health System are evolving their line of defense to provide the best level of care in a safe clinical environment.

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from medical treatment – until some sort of a medical emergency arises, then seek care at that point. "There's no reason for [patients] to be in pain this time of year; there's plenty of safe options," said Heather Smith, family nurse practitioner (FNP) and sports medicine specialty care provider at the Valley Baptist Orthopedic Center of Excellence. "Even with physical therapy - home health [agencies] are offering services in the safety and comfort of patients' homes. However, patients need to come to see us sooner rather than later if they are suffering from pain. Whether [the joint] has an injury or doesn't have an injury, don't wait to seek treatment." According to Dr. Tejan, there are major concerns that arise when patients prolong receiving needed medical treatment. "If you have a fracture and it gets displaced due to the lack of medical attention, the fracture may start to heal on its own. That is not good. If it heals on its own, then you may end up with a permanent disability in certain situations. Especially if the joint surfaces are involved, the deformities can be severe," added Dr. Tejan. "Most people come to the doctor because of pain. Increasing severity in pain without remittance or not getting any better is a major symptom that something is wrong musculoskeletally, and this needs to be addressed," said Dr. Poulos. It is understandable that there will be some hesitation and some level of anxiety for patients to walk into any clinical setting for doctor appointments and procedures. Valley Baptist recognizes this and is at the forefront of ensuring patients' safety while in its care. The hospital staff takes all the necessary precautions and practice safe care, such as wearing face masks, frequent and proper hand washing, and social distancing – to protect all patients. Another way Valley Baptist Orthopedic Center of Excellence healthcare providers advise will ensure further community safety - is getting fully vaccinated for COVID19+. "[Those who are not vaccinated] should seriously consider getting the vaccine; take the precautions," added Dr. Poulos. "We're going to deal with this COVID as a fact of life, and we're going to take care of everyone. I don't think the patient should be scared. They should come in

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H E A L T H

CARE GENERATIONAL

Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville Providing Care for Nearly a Century

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b y Fa i th C h u a | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d

"We want our patients to feel like we provided them with exceptional service, and we want them to feel like they were taken care of when they visit Valley Baptist," said Lily Orive, a mammogram, and ultrasound tech at Valley Baptist Medical Center – Brownsville. "The thing with a patient is, I believe, the experience is enhanced when we communicate effectively with them, make eye contact, show kindness, and are empathetic. And, we strive to provide that for all our patients." According to employees and physicians at the awardwinning and nationally recognized hospital in Brownsville – that is what is at the center of its success and longevity as the historical hospital nears its centennial celebration in 2023. Today, a part of the Valley Baptist Health System, Valley Baptist – Brownsville boasts sophisticated medical equipment which offers advanced clinical care to patients. Most recently, the hospital upgraded its surgical system in its operating room and incorporated the da Vinci™ Xi Surgical System, which allows the robotic system mobility to better accommodate procedures for patients and for the physician driving the robot. "One of the things that I [appreciate] about Valley

Baptist - Brownsville is that we have a lot of advanced medicine protocols and capabilities," said Dr. Beverly Zavaleta, family medicine and physician advisor at Valley Baptist Medical Center – Brownsville. Whether that's in the cath lab or in our imaging department, it makes me happy because I know we can care for my patients here, and they do not have to travel somewhere else for medical care, she added. The 200+ licensed bed hospital was recently awarded the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade "A." The letter grade is a top marking for patient safety in the areas of minimal to no errors, minimal to no injuries, accidents, and/or infections in the line of patient care. The hospital was also recently voted as the Best Hospital and Best Emergency Room by The Brownsville Herald's Reader's Choice Award. "I have been practicing with Valley Baptist – Brownsville for more than two decades," said Dr. Magdalena Flores, OB-GYN at Valley Baptist Medical Center – Brownsville. "Once I started practicing [as a physician], I saw my patients having a baby, then years later I saw those babies having their own children. I'm at a point in my career where I am already delivering the second generation. That

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"I think that Valley Baptist — Brownsville is long-lasting in this community because it has grown out of the community and the people that work here. When you come here — your own friends, your own neighbors are the people taking care of you." Dr. Beverl y Z a va l eta , f a m i ly m e di ci ne and ph y sician advisor at Val l ey Baptist M edical Cen ter – Brown svil l e

they're a part of our personal family. Once they start having their [mammogram] screenings here at Valley Baptist, they become part of our family," added Orive. It is no secret that patients that go to Valley Baptist for care will receive some of the best medical care in South Texas. Their ability to achieve advancement in healthcare and national recognition is through the community they helped to build. "I think that Valley Baptist — Brownsville is long-lasting in this community because it has grown out of the community and the people that work here. When you come here — your own friends, your own neighbors are the people taking care of you," said Dr. Zavaleta.

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confidence in our hospital means a lot to us." Dr. Flores noted she has been with the hospital for so long because of the support and care that she receives from both her fellow physicians and from the administration team at the hospital. We are a very tight physician community here. When one of us asks for help, everyone rallies around us and around our patient. We all work together to create the best possible outcome for the patient. That to me makes all the difference, added Dr. Flores. The support and care to patients does not stop in one department or unit; it extends throughout the hospital. The level of commitment shown by the front line staff to the foodservice team to the environmental services team – hand-in-hand with the nursing and physician teams, resonates throughout Valley Baptist. Ms. Orive, for example, has been with the hospital for 27-years. During that time, she stated she had held the hands of patients when they come in for a diagnostic mammogram when they receive the good or bad news. She tries to comfort them and educate them on how things can be better – when the news isn't so great. During these life-altering moments in these patients' lives, Orive believes that compassion and empathy are vital in providing patient care. "We always try to make sure that we treat [patients] as if

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H E A L T H

BREAKING THE MYTHS Facts and Fictions About Mental Health

In the past, mental health has been considered to be a taboo subject too upsetting to be talked about openly. Sadly, when mental illness is talked about, such conversations are often plagued with misconceptions. Fortunately, in recent years, this has started to change. Mental health organizations and social media trends have advocated and brought awareness to the

importance of understanding mental health and mental illness. While progress has been made toward reducing the stigma around mental health, there are still many myths around mental health that continue to hinder its understanding. Examples of mental health myths are abundant, and below are some of the most commonly believed myths:

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MYTH 1: MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT COMMON. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness, with 1 in 6 youths aged 6-17 experiencing a mental health disorder each year. Anxiety disorders, for example, are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults every year. These statistics highlight the fact that mental illness can affect individuals of all ages. It is important to understand that mental illness may be more common than previously thought. In doing so, people living with a mental illness can feel that they are not alone.

there are laws and programs that support individuals with mental illness receive appropriate accommodations and opportunities in the workforce. Some examples include the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individual Placement and Support, and clubhouses. With the proper accommodations, an individual with mental illness can be productive and successful in life. MYTH 5: I CANNOT HELP A LOVED ONE WITH A

MYTH 2: IF I HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS, I WILL NEVER FEEL BETTER. It is important to remember that everyone’s journey as they navigate life with a mental illness is different. The process of seeking help to manage mental illness may be long and include several setbacks along the way, but it is possible to live a satisfying and productive life. There are several strategies that can help overcome and manage challenges that may arise. Some examples include practicing self-care, maintaining relationships with family and friends, learning about mental illness, and seeking treatment. By implementing a combination of these strategies, it is possible for someone to experience significant improvement in their life. Treatment works. Seeking assistance from a mental health professional is also one way to live a healthier life. MYTH 3: YOU ONLY NEED THERAPY IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS. There is a common misconception that only people with severe mental illness should seek therapy. However, a therapist can help someone navigate any kind of adversity or issue, even if it does not pertain to an immediate crisis or severe mental illness. It is important to realize that everyone experiences adversity in some way at some point in their life. A therapist can provide a judgment-free space to communicate these issues and help navigate and process what you are feeling and experiencing.

Co-authors include Dr. Mercado’s Mental Health Lab at UTRGV: Bianca Esquivel, Andy Torres, Amanda Palomin, Frances Morales, and Alfonso Mercado.

MYTH 4: PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS CANNOT

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MENTAL ILLNESS. There are several ways that you can help a loved one with a mental illness. For example, assuring your loved ones that they are not alone, that they matter, and that they are loved may provide the courage that is needed to persevere through the journey of seeking help. It may be helpful to remember to listen without trying to fix, do not invalidate what they are feeling, and just be there when needed. Researching and educating yourself on the specific set of symptoms and common struggles associated with the mental illness your loved one is experiencing can provide insight on how to better support that individual. Being a source of support to an individual living with mental illness may help them overcome and manage the symptoms and struggles that they are experiencing. These are only some of the many common myths surrounding mental illness and mental health. By dismantling these false misconceptions, we can begin normalizing conversations around mental illness and therapy. In doing so, this can lead to more people seeking help and improving the overall quality of life of those living with mental illness. It is important to remember that if you are living with a mental illness, you are not alone, you can be successful, and you do have support.

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

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Alfonso Mercado

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY

HAVE A JOB. Having a mental illness should not deter someone from seeking employment despite the possibility of needing accommodations from their employers. Fortunately,

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CHILD’S SAFETY IS PRIORITY AT RODEO DENTAL Pediatric Dentist Explains Safety Measures and Expectations When Child Undergoes Dental Procedure b y St e v e n H u g h e s | p h o t o b y Wa l d o Pa l o m a r e s

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As a parent, trying to find a great general dentist for yourself can take some research. Trying to find a great pediatric dentist for your child takes even more thorough research, a deeper inspection of reviews, and lots of trust in others. Dr. Jason Lee, a pediatric dentist at Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics, said his interest in pursuing dentistry came from growing up with an excellent pediatric dentist who created an environment where he looked forward to going to each visit. For nearly 20 years now, Lee has practiced dental care for children and has sought to find a practice that not only allowed kids to be more comfortable at the dentist, but one that made them eager to come back. In 2017, Lee joined the Rodeo Dental family and has since aimed to provide the same exciting and comforting experience for his patients as he received in childhood. Lee's love for his work at Rodeo Dental exceeds the company's collaborative culture and energetic environment they're known for. He says Rodeo Dental's patient-centric core values and mission to give every family and child the key to access high-end dental care aligns directly with how he approaches his specialty.

We also see children that have what's called a paradoxical effect. We give them a sedative that's supposed to make them drowsy, sleepy, and sedate them, but it does the opposite; it makes them excited. That's not dangerous at all, but the paradoxical effect can sometimes be a challenge when you're expected to go into a room and see a (child) that's sleepy … and you see (the child) doing handstands. What should parents expect when their child is going to be sedated for treatment? They'll get a call the night before, and they'll get some instructions. It's best for the child to not eat anything after or before bedtime but for sure nothing after midnight. (Then), wake up the (next) morning, (come to the office), (and) we'd like them to wear comfortable clothes (when coming to their appointment). The (parents) should show up to the appointment five to 10 minutes early. We do a medical history, take blood pressure, (and) the respiratory temperature. And then (the parents) should expect the doctor to come in and speak with (them) and explain what we're planning to do (for) treatment and sedation. Then, (a parent gets) to sit with (their child) for 10 to 15 minutes while the (sedative) takes effect; they should expect to have a staff member (with) a wheelchair to take (their child) to the treatment room. The treatment phase will take about 10, 20, 30 minutes max. After that, we bring the child to the recovery area, and we'll monitor them for another five to 10 minutes. Then, we take the child to the parent. They'll get some post-operative instructions. After everything has been explained, (parents will) have a chance to ask questions and have (them) answered. We'll take the child in the wheelchair to the car, (and) help them put the child in the car. It's important to get the parents involved; we want them to be involved in their (child's) treatment. We make a treatment plan in conjunction with the parents. Is there anything else you'd like to mention or add? I will say that of all the places I've worked (at), I've been doing pediatric dentistry for almost 20 years, Rodeo (puts) safety first. We are pioneering and leading safety. We have a dental anesthesiologist that's on staff. He does training with the staff (on) medical (emergencies). We train the staff above and beyond what they need to know; they practice simulating these things. We have monthly meetings with all the pediatric dentistry staff where we discuss safety issues. (We) practice giving IVs, (and) intubating the patient … (during) these monthly meetings. I want everybody to know that safety is the primary goal for Rodeo Dental and Orthodontics.

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Lee shared some insights as to what parents can expect if their child needs treatment and the safety measures Rodeo Dental provides in order to ensure parent and child trust. What exactly is a pediatric dentist, and what do they do to earn that specialty title? A pediatric dentist is a specialist dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy to teen. To become a pediatric dentist, (we spend) four years of dental school, (and) two years in residency. During that residency, we rotate through various medical specialties, such as anesthesiology, pediatric medicine, hematology, oncology, and emergency medicine. Why would a child need to be sedated? Children that are anxious or nervous about treatment respond (to sedation) well because the sedative medication we use here at Rodeo is also classified as an anxiolytic; it helps with anxiety. Sometimes we have (cooperative children), but they've got a lot of work (that needs) to be done. The sedation appointment helps them to be able to sit in the chair, and time seems to pass faster for them. Sometimes we have children (with) certain conditions where they (may) have involuntary muscle movements that could interfere with the treatment. (There are) lots of different reasons. How do you know how much medication to administer to a child? There are people that will calculate the medication on the child's age … but the weight is the most appropriate way to go because not all 5-year-olds weigh the same. So we go off their weight, and we adhere to the (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) and the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. We don't exceed the maximum dosage on these children. We don't sedate children under (the age of) 2. We don't sedate children that have conditions that could conflict with sedation. We always follow the manufacturer's suggested guidelines, also. What can happen to a child if these guidelines aren't followed? Complications are always possible in any medical treatment or dental treatment. Any time we inject any medication, (there are) always risks involved. However, if we conduct a proper (check on medical) history and look for conditions … (almost) all serious complications are avoided. There are still some complications involved, and the most common one we see is slight drowsiness afterward. The child (may) have a hard time staying awake, or we see a child that may feel a little bit nauseous.

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H E A L T H

ARE YOU A SHOE-IN WITH YOUR FOOT HEALTH? Sharing the Latest in Foot Care b y Ka t i e G o o d m a n With over 27 years of podiatry experience, Dr. Joseph Bender has a lot to say about foot health in the Rio Grande Valley. Usually, feet are the last thing we think about when it comes to our health, but we can’t forget about those twinkling toes! Our feet are our foundation and vital to our health. Bender shares the most common issues he sees in his office and how to prevent them.

possible contributors,” Bender said. Without proper arch support and stabilization, bad shoes can cause bunions, collapsed arches, and hammertoe. Improper support and structure can even cause hip, knee, and back pain.

HEEL PAIN “Many things contribute to heel pain: Flat feet, weight gain, structural deformities, and overactivity are all

IF THE SHOE FITS Bender’s main office location is a full-service practice in McAllen with six doctors on staff to help you with any questions you may have. Two of those six doctors are full-time pedorthotist-certified shoe fitters. While it won’t be made of glass, just stop by, and they’ll find the magic slipper meant to fit your foot, specific to your needs. Whether you need diabetic shoes, orthotics to make modifications and adjustments, or a variety of ankle braces, they have it all. Additionally, they have shoe sponges for amputated toes and shoe springs for those who have suffered a stroke. Learn more about foot care from Bender at www. completefamilyfootcare.com or give the office a call at (956) 971-9107.

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DIABETIC PAIN “Foot care is so important due to the high percentage of people with diabetes in the RGV whose feet are in the high-risk category,” Bender said. In the RGV, the rate of diabetes, 27%, is three times the national average. When someone has severe or untreated diabetes, it may cause circulatory issues — which can lead to neuropathy. Neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that occurs in the feet and hands, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling. Many people with neuropathy cannot feel when they’ve sustained an injury. Therefore, fractures and infections may occur without the patient realizing it. “People who have reached this severe stage of neuropathy are advised to wear shoes at all times, even in their own house,” Bender said. “Their lives can become severely restricted as I advise people not to do everyday things like barbecuing with flip flops on and walking barefoot outside or at the beach.” Self-sufficiency is an integral component of overall mental and physical health, and we need our feet for it. Bender highly advises those who are diabetic or prone to diabetes to control sugar intake and be mindful of foot health. Due to a significant increase in amputations from uncontrolled diabetes, Medicare now has a diabetic shoe care program. Save yourself pain and heartache by managing your sugar and wearing the proper shoes.

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FOOT FUNGUS Bender reminds us that “the shoe is a breeding ground for fungus. In the same way that a tree falls and is eventually decomposed and turned into a new plant, so works the fungus in our shoes. Fungus is everywhere.” With that level of presence, how do people keep fungus from getting out of control? Luckily, the solution is simple: Change your shoes regularly. You must change the shoe to prevent fungal growth like athlete’s foot. Don’t wear the same shoes every day, especially if you are working out and sweating in them. Bender advises people to “clean your nails and in between your toes every day.” If you needed a reason to get a pedicure, this is your sign. Sometimes the issue isn’t a fungus, which is why it is important to see a podiatrist like Bender when you notice changes on your feet.

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ORTHOPEDIC

SURGEONS Top 5 Orthopedic Surgeons in the Rio Grande Valley

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by Faith Chua He practices at the RGV Orthopedic Center, Cornerstone Regional Hospital, and at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. To set up an appointment with Pechero, visit the RGV Orthopedic Center's website. (956) 686-6510 1005 E. Nolana Ave., McAllen, TX 78504 ROSS CHAPEL, MD Chapel is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder and upper arm surgery. He works with the Rio Grande Comprehensive Upper Extremity Center in McAllen, and is also affiliated with the Rio Grande Regional Hospital. He is the Rio Grande Valley's only surgeon trained with a subspecialty for the shoulder. He has a particular focus on traumatic injuries, fractures, and shoulder pain. Chapel began his medical studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston in 2010. He later went on to complete his internship at Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina. In 2011, he completed his orthopedic surgery training at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center and decided to do his fellowship at the University of Michigan in 2015. (956) 992-0404 222 E. Ridge Road, Suite 106, McAllen, TX 78503

Orthopedics is a medical study that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Beginning with the ancient Greeks and Romans, it is now one of the many crucial studies in the medical field that helps millions of people. Orthopedic surgery is among one of the most prominent practices in the Rio Grande Valley. Fortunately, there are several experienced and talented orthopedic surgeons that can be found throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Meet five highly rated orthopedic surgeons, each with their own subspecialty within the field. GUILLERMO R. PECHERO, MD Pechero is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in pain management. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery since 1983. He is a graduate of the University of Texas-Pan American (now known as UTRGV) with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. He later went to Albany College in New York for his medical degree and did his fellowship at McMaster University Spine and Joint. In 1998, he went to the Rio Grande Valley Orthopedic Center. In his career, he has won several accolades, such as being a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, a Fellow of the North American Spine Society, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

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Surgery. For both his internship and residency, he did choose the New York University Medical Center. (956) 389-4710 2121 Pease St., Suite # 404 Harlingen, TX 78550 DANIEL A. ROMANELLI, MD Romanelli is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Currently, Romanelli is the director of Sports Medicine at Cornerstone Regional Hospital. He is also a clinical assistant professor at the UTRGV School of Medicine. Outside of the Rio Grande Valley, Romanelli was part of the traveling team of physicians for the U.S National Soccer Team from 2002-13. Later he joined the ASBOS Standard setting committee for the specialty Sports Medicine examination in 2017. Today, he still has worked outside of the RGV as a peer reviewer for the University of New Mexico Orthopedic Research Journal. Romanelli earned his BA from the University of California - Los Angeles. He then attended New York Medical College for his medical degree and did fellowship training in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery in Los Angeles. (956) 668-0060 2402 Cornerstone Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539 These are only some examples of the various talented doctors the Rio Grande Valley has to offer. Despite all being orthopedic surgeons, each doctor has their own specialty and specific skill set. These medical professionals are among the best in their field.

MICHAEL LAGO, MD Lago is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who practices at UT Health Rio Grande Valley and Mission Regional Medical Center. His practice has a particular focus on the management care of pediatric skeletal deformities but also has an interest in general orthopedic trauma. He is also an assistant professor of surgery in the Department of Surgery at the UTRGV School of Medicine. Lago received his Master of Science in Biomedical Science and medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. He went on to do his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa from 2011-16. His pediatric orthopedic fellowship was completed in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah in 2017. (965) 296-3001 UT Health RGV Surgical Specialty - Edinburg, 3804 S. Jackson Road, Edinburg, TX 78539 SAVVAS PAULOS, MD Paulos is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery. With over 30 years of experience, he practices at the Orthopedic Institute of Valley Baptist – Harlingen and at Knapp Medical Center. He obtained his medical degree from the Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Pennsylvania. He decided to do his internship in General Surgery, which later became the avenue to him choosing to do his residency in Orthopedic

DISCLAIMER The research for the article “Top 5 Orthopedic Surgeons in the Rio Grande Valley” was done in three steps. The first step was a general Google search and looking at ratings and reviews. The second step was going deeper and checking several other healthcentered review sites to compare the different ratings and reviews found on each site. After an average rating was taken and the

https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-guillermo-pechero-36lrs

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https://doctor.webmd.com/doctor/guillermo-pechero-51efe56c-9ba9-4caa-bdc1-2065c5fcb670-overview

doctor was chosen for the article, the information was taken from various hospital websites. Each doctor has an official page on at least one hospital where they practice (like the RGV Orthopedic clinic or Cornerstone Hospital), and that information is later compared to information found on a different hospital website or a health-centered website such as www.healthgrade.com. Below are all the links used to help create the article. Links: https://www.rgvo.com/dr-guillermo-r-pechero-orthopedic-treatments-mcallen-tx.html

https://health.usnews.com/doctors/ross-chapel-730416#patient-experience https://uthealthrgv.org/providers/michael-lago/ https://www.missionrmc.org/find-a-provider/michael-t-lago-md/ https://vbpn-orthopedicsandsportsmed.com/our-providers/savvas-poulos-m-d/ https://www.valleybaptist.net/find-a-doctor/detail/savvas-poulos-1396842084 https://cornerstoneorthopedic.com/dr-daniel-a-romanelli/ https://health.usnews.com/doctors/daniel-romanelli-117675

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https://riohealth.com/physicians/profile/Dr-Ross-Chapel-MD

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WELLNESS I N

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Top Tips from Local Wellness Experts b y Ka t i e G o o d m a n Did you know the rate of diabetes is about 27% in the Valley, which is almost three times as high as the national average? As we have recently discovered, diabetes is a common denominator in severe COVID-19 cases. Now, more than ever, adopting a healthy lifestyle is critical. Lucky for us, we have experts in the RGV to help us navigate this new world of health and wellness.

The 80/20 rule suggests that 80% of your efforts should go to nutrition and 20% to fitness to see results. Foxx is a firm believer in building health and muscle in a natural way. “Nutrition and weightlifting has changed my life,” she said. “Nutrition is the real fountain of youth.” Here are a few of her tips for a healthy diet: 1. Clean Eating - While the “healthy” meals in the freezer section may be a good place to start, they are extremely processed and loaded with sodium, which will eventually cause you to plateau. “The best source of food is clean, whole food,” Foxx said. “You may need to cook quite a bit and do more dishes than usual, but your body will thank you!”

PERSONAL TRAINING AND NUTRITION Personal trainer, nutritionist, and owner of Fit Science LLC Candace Foxx competes in and hosts bodybuilding competitions all over Texas. However, you don’t have to be a bodybuilder to reap the benefits of a healthy diet and weightlifting regimen! Foxx confirmed what most fitness experts have been telling us for years: the 80/20 Rule.

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2. Portions - Half of your plate should be veggies, a quarter should be protein, and the other quarter carbs. Fad diets don’t last and are a fad for a reason. It is better to introduce healthy foods slowly over time so the food you consume becomes a way of life versus another short-term diet fix.

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3. Buy Smaller Plates - The smaller the plate, the less space you will feel the need to fill. It’s a psychological hack! “Most restaurants give three to four times the necessary serving size,” Foxx said. “Keep this in mind when brunching with friends!” At the end of the day, every person has different goals and challenges. Consult with a certified nutritionist, like Foxx, so you can

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better discover how to fuel your body for maximal health. Pair a healthy diet with the proper exercise regimen, and the results will come at a much faster rate. Message fitsciencellc@gmail.com or @candacemfoxx on Instagram to learn more about how Foxx can help you.

If you’re interested in low-impact exercise that not only gives you a good sweat but connects you with your spiritual side, yoga could be the way for you. To connect with Martinez, follow her Instagram @casaomyoga or send her an email at casasomyoga@gmail. com.

YOGA AND STRESS MANAGEMENT Every single one of us experiences stress. Did you know your stress could be the sneaky little culprit behind your inability to lose weight? Did you know stress is responsible for heart disease, irritable bowel disease, and migraines? Long-term chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone in our system that signals distress in the body. Many of us live our lives with heightened levels of cortisol in our system, and we don’t even know it! Sometimes, it takes slowing things down to be our best. “The three main components of yoga are postures, breath, and spirit,” said Christina Martinez, a level 2 Baptiste yoga instructor and owner of Casa Om Yoga in McAllen. “At my studio, we want you to sweat, move, and meditate!” Some of the things you can expect when you visit Casa Om Yoga are:

PILATES Another incredible form of low-impact movement that will have you toned in no time is pilates! Bridgette Castañeda of Aramat Pilates shared the top three benefits included in a consistent pilates practice: 1. Injury Prevention - Pilates actually goes beyond shape and is great for both injury prevention and rehabilitation. After having suffered collapsed discs in her lumbar spine, Castañeda found pilates to be her saving grace. Through this setback, she has been able to help countless students and athletes repair their injuries and prepare for competition. In pilates, it is extremely important to have a strong core. 2. Body Awareness - In a 50-minute class, the goal is to focus purely on the way your body moves. Castañeda says that pilates helps

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1. Mindfulness - Yoga is a great resource for stress and anxiety management. Through easy breathing and internal composure, this practice gives you the tools to navigate tough moments. Deep breathing calms the nervous system while being mindful and aware of your inner dialogue helps you to move through your practice — and life — in a more peaceful way.

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3. Community - Casa Om Yoga is a great place to find your tribe! Community is such an important part of yoga, as practitioners believe we are all one. In fact, the term OM means exactly that.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 23 SAT-SUN OCTOBER 23-24 SATURDAY OCTOBER 30

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@MCALLENPAC

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2. Get Your Sweat On! - At this hot yoga studio, you’ll definitely sweat, which is an incredibly important process for irrigating and detoxing the body. Sweating helps us detox heavy metals and chemicals and cleanses bacteria.

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her clients “reset the way the body and the brain function. It is beyond the way you look. Pilates is a mind and body connection. Pilates helps us age gracefully and function in daily life.”

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3. Release Tension - Pilates creates lean muscle and targets fascia, the thin casing of connective tissue that encapsulates our muscles which can cause tension, pain, and tightness. With over 14 years of experience, Castañeda is equipped to help practitioners in every stage of life. Her services are so high in demand; she has a waitlist! To connect with Aramat Pilates, email aramatpilates@gmail.com.

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Enjoy life with less pain.

The RGV’s Comprehensive Orthopedic Network If joint pain is keeping you from enjoying the movement of life, the team at the Valley Baptist Orthopedic Center of Excellence is here to help. We are your community built on safe care. Our award winning program offers solutions for simple and complex orthopedic needs (both adult and pediatric), including: Traumatic and elective procedures Joint replacement surgery Hip, knee and shoulder surgery Fractures and sprains Sports medicine and related injuries Wrist and hand problems Rotator cuff and labral repair

Find a doctor at Valleybaptist.net or call 855-720-7448

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The New Go-To

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MERCADO DISTRICT,

F A

Welcome to the Multiple Eatery Experience

Gonzalez helped create the gastronomy area on Main Street. Several of the chefs he knew came to Mercado District to offer a different concept. "Some people think it's a little expensive, but the quality of the products are such as those of a sit-down restaurant," Gonzalez said. "You can't compare the plates we offer to something you get at a regular chain restaurant.” Gonzalez said choosing a favorite dish is like choosing a favorite child. There is so much variety it is almost impossible to choose one, he said. "These people are so creative. All of these chefs have either owned a restaurant or have worked for a high-end restaurant," he said. At the same time, shops are included inside Mercado District, offering items like hats, clothing, accessories, baked goods, chocolate, and more. Gonzalez believes it is necessary to constantly evolve as a business and adapt to what people want and are seeking. Mercado District also has a wine club people can join. There is a private room upstairs visitors can use even if they are not a member of the club. Overall, it is a space with a little bit of everything for everyone: nine containers, one coffee shop, and eight restaurants. The idea is to generate traffic for the shops and have plenty of options available. Juan Rivera, a chef from Midtown Ceviche, said the concept comes from Peruvian gastronomy and is a new concept solely for Mercado District. Rivera said it was a worry to open after and work on the concept during the pandemic, but it was a risk worth taking. "The worry was if people were going to come out and experience life again," Rivera said. Noe Soria is the chef of Pizzeria Di Soria, which is

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Prior to its opening, Mercado District appeared to be promising. As a new eatery option in the Rio Grande Valley, it sparked excitement, considering what it was offering: Multiple restaurants in one area for people to enjoy. Nothing like it had been seen in the RGV, and it brought work opportunities and a new dining option for patrons on weekends and weekdays. Paulina Gonzalez, marketing director of Mercado District, said the idea behind it had been something envisioned for a long time. "It is not anything new,” she said. “It is something you see in the bigger cities, and we thought the Bargain Bazaar needed some life, some TLC.” The northern half of the building continues business as usual, intact, but the renovated side is the new Mercado District. Jesus Gonzalez, the owner, is originally from Monterrey and has been living in the Rio Grande Valley for 26 years. He bought the Bargain Bazaar in October 2019. It included the area where Mercado District now resides. Gonzalez rents different properties, and his wife owns Niu Furniture Living. Because he loves to travel, he had seen markets such as these, which inspired him to mimic the concept. "This is a hybrid of different markets I saw in various places in the world,” he said. “I have had this idea for about four years, and I wanted it to occur in downtown McAllen, but this area became available.” Currently, there are 84 spaces in the building, but it had more spaces before Gonzalez renovated. There is a waiting list for people to lease a space. "People need to visit because it is hard to describe it in words," he said.

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by Elsa Ca va z os | ph otos pr ovi d ed

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Weslaco Corporate Office 705 S. Texas Blvd. Weslaco, TX 78596 .

of years but moved back for two years. Now she is co-owner of Sticky Rice Sushi with her boyfriend, Eduardo. Minarro has always been in the food industry; she grew up around food. She knew she wanted to make pastries, and starting off, she became a pastry chef. For now, however, sushi is her concentration. "They offered me to do pastries here, but I didn't know if the concept fit here, and I told him if he was ready to go, we could open up a sushi place," she said, referring to her boyfriend, Eduardo. People are supportive, according to Minarro, and she has seen returning customers already, which is a good sign. "The name is Sticky Rice Sushi because we have been tweaking the recipe, and even the texture is a little bit different, and you can taste the vinegar," she said. "We wanted that to stand out; the base of the sushi is different from what we are normally used to." A special addition to every order has a manita. The manita is a mexican lollipop that signifies having your hand read, and it is their version of a fortune cookie. Jim Komisar and Bob Kane visited Mercado District on a Friday afternoon. Komisar visited Ronin for the second time and said it was really good. "The pork carnitas are delicious. I came for

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focused on fare from Italy mixed with that of Argentina. He is right next to Cocu Bistro, and his specialty pizza is the margherita. Alicia Gehring is the chef behind Cocu Bistro and has been a chef for 25 years but has been baking and cooking since she was 12. Gehring opened Cocu Bistro after being let go during the pandemic and working temporarily at a mortgage company. "My most sold dishes are crepes and paninis. We have savory crepes, salads with grilled chicken or grilled salmon, and pasta during dinner," Gehring said. "The whole family comes, and it doesn't matter who is craving what; they have options for everything.” Gehring likes how patrons have the opportunity to choose from a variety of menus, even if it would seem others are competition. Jesse Castellon, the man behind Ronin, used to own Spork and Motoramen. His new concept is an Asian-fusion collective, he said. Castellon offers bao buns, specialty fried rice, Asian noodles with a twist, and ramen, of course. "The mushroom bao buns are one of my favorites. I always tell people to try it out first; if you don't like it, I can take it out," Castellon said. Samantha Minarro, originally from Monterrey, moved to San Antonio for a couple

A Veteran-Owned business proudly serving the Rio Grande Valley with quality computer-networking products and services for over 18 years!

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the soft opening, but today I came for lunch; this makes me feel like you are outside with the lights. It is a cool design," he said. "This is something you would see in Austin or Houston at a fancy mall.” Kane said he liked the atmosphere and the food was very fresh. He could tell the seasoning was carefully selected. "I had the street fight; it had chicken and tofu with some garlic, green onion, and a spicy chili sauce — very good," he said. "We'll be back; I want to try the gyros. Everything has its own twist.” Adam Cavazos, a chef at Sendero and Bodega, said he spoke to Gonzalez prior to the pandemic and knew about the idea since then. Cavazos said once he saw the space where Mercado District would be, he understood the vision and saw it as a stepping stone for a second location. "There are similarities between Bodega and Sendero in the way I like to cook, but I've had the desire for a while to showcase Texas food as it pertains to us in the RGV," he said. "We have something unique going on. We have the gulf, and we have a big-time outdoorsman culture with huntsmen and fishermen.” For him, it was a challenge to create quality food in an 8-by-20-foot area. The kitchen is smaller, but the quality remains top tier. "We are different. We have oysters and crab, we have a nilgai burger which is a wild game, not beef, so sometimes we are a hard sell, but people have been very receptive for the most part," he said. His favorite dish currently is his grandmother's bread pudding. Cavazos was not going to do a dessert, but he thought it would be a great addition to add a dish with sentimental value. Overall, he believes the Mercado District experience has allowed him to see every food vendor as a family member. Cavazos said everyone works as a collective. "If somebody comes to our door and asks for a cup of milk, we say absolutely,” he said. “At the end of the day, we are each other's competition, but we help each other out. It doesn't feel like a competition. It feels like we are all here to better one another. It is my favorite part of opening this place.” Mercado District is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is live music on Thursdays to close. The space is open Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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The Value of Native Plants The Benefits Plants Provide People and Wildlife

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b y Qui nta Ma z a tl á n Ur b a n E co l o g i s t - J o h n B r u s h | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d We often appreciate plants for very specific reasons. We value them for the food they provide us, a personal favorite being avocados. We value others for the clothes they provide (cotton), or the homes they help build (timber trees), or for their aesthetic beauty — the roses and lilies of the world. Here in the Rio Grande Valley, we especially might value tall, woody plants (trees) for their shade. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, neighborhoods with mature trees can be 4-6 degrees cooler than new suburbs without trees. If that’s the difference between 100 degrees and 94 degrees, I’d quickly choose to live in the first neighborhood. While these ecosystem services are vitally important to us, there are an array of other benefits that plants give us — and not all of them as obvious or direct. One such benefit is that of biodiversity. Now, yes, this does seem fairly obvious and straightforward on some level: If we have more vegetation in our yards and neighborhoods, the more species of birds and other wildlife we will see. But the value of that biodiversity lies in a few less easily characterized realms, supporting services and cultural services. While the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services is complicated, we do know it affects services through ecosystem

functioning. A study into biodiversity and ecosystem functioning has revealed a couple of major trends: Biodiversity loss reduces functions of ecosystems (such as that of producing biomass and nutrient cycling), and increased biodiversity positively influences the resilience of those ecosystem functions. Yet despite biodiversity providing and supporting basic needs of life (food, nutrient cycling, etc.), it also has important implications for human happiness and health. A study in the United Kingdom found that if people perceived there to be more biodiversity, the more psychological wellbeing they felt. A similar study in Chicago found that the valuations of benefits provided by birds positively related to the perception of the number of bird species. Here we arrive at the heart of the matter: How do different plants affect biodiversity? In a two-year University of Texas Rio Grande Valley study, there was a significant positive relationship between bird diversity and the number of native trees planted in yards, but not one for the total number of trees planted. This implies that native trees are making a difference for overall bird diversity in our neighborhoods! One reason for this could be that native plants support greater diversity and abundance of insects than non-native plants. In one study, Dr. Doug Tallamy, an entomologist from

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the University of Delaware, found that three generalist caterpillar species either starved or barely grew on nonnative plant foliage. In another, he and colleagues found that yards landscaped with native plants supported more caterpillars than those with non-native plants and that birds of conservation concern were eight times more abundant in native landscaped yards. All this leads to the general conclusion that biodiversity

matters, native plants support more biodiversity, and we can make a difference with space in our yards and neighborhoods. We can enhance our lives and the lives of wildlife around us in a simple way: Plant more native trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs. If you are interested in learning more about using native plants for your next landscaping project, contact Quinta Mazatlán at (956) 681-3370 or email jbrush@mcallen.net.

Cru sita

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l e f t p age p ho to : Texas Ebony (Ebe nop s i s eban o)

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FACES OF THE VALLEY:

MEET THE KITCHEN

WRANGLER Hidalgo County Food Writer Shares Her Story

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by Elisa Garcia | photos by Melissa Guerra

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In 2017, Melissa Guerra closed her retail shop, Latin Kitchen Market, in San Antonio and hopped on a plane the next day to England to study photography from Aimee Twigger of Twigg Studios and Kimberly Espinel of The Little Plantation. Guerra’s goal was to recreate the dark and moody aesthetic from Twigger and Espinel and apply it to her up-and-coming food blog, Kitchen Wrangler. The inspiration behind Kitchen Wrangler’s aesthetic comes from Mexican painter, José Agustín Arrieta, mostly known for his still-life paintings depicting Mexican foods and dishes. Now, four years later, Guerra continues to share recipes specializing in Texas, Mexican, and Latin-American cuisine. Guerra is no stranger to the food industry. She has been a culinary expert and food historian for nearly 20 years and is the author of two cookbooks, The Texas Provincial Kitchen (1997) and Dishes from the Wild Horse: Norteño Cuisine of South Texas (2006). “Talking about the complexities in the beauty of being in the Rio Grande Valley and seeing this point where Latin American and North American cuisine are at the dovetail point here on the border,” Guerra said. “I cannot think of anything more inspiring, or more compelling, as an artist and writer to be able to explain that combination and extend the food history of the Americas, and understand the blend of indigenous cuisine and colonial influence.” Born and raised in South Texas, Guerra began writing as a project of self-identity. In December 2020, Guerra graduated from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. With most of her work showcased via social media, Guerra explained the MFA program aided her in creating stories and sharing them with the world to see. “I think there are some people that look at colonialism or immigration patterns, and they find their identity there. But for me, it was food,” she said. “Getting down to the nitty-gritty of who exactly belongs in the Rio Grande Valley because we're all from someplace else. And food is cool — let's look at the most common food in the Valley, rice and beans. If rice is originally from China and then beans are from the Americas, what are they doing on the same plate? How are (rice and beans) the oldest and most traditional dish here in the Rio Grande Valley?” The bi-culturalism of the RGV is something Guerra loves and tries to showcase the area’s diversity through the dark and mysterious tones of her photos. “I think (the Valley) is somewhat similar to the crossculture that you see between New Orleans and French

culture. The Valley is its own amalgam of different cultures because we're remote,” Guerra said. “Not a lot of people travel here. I think it makes us even more mysterious. People are like, ‘What? You speak mostly Spanish in the Valley?’ Like, yeah. It's just the way it is. It's just very unfamiliar to outsiders. So it's cool to be that person that's attempting to create that.” Guerra shares weekly recipes and video podcasts across Kitchen Wrangler platforms, receiving the most engagement on foods such as desserts, guacamole, and botana platters — a dish that is “super Valley,” according to Guerra. As an eighth-generation Texan, Guerra said food writing is political and incorporates the realities of the RGV, such as immigration, in her food, photography, and writing. “Keeping the Rio Grande Valley in social media and getting people to pay attention to my part of the country is like a responsibility,” she said. “I want to talk about food and politics. You know, if you love a place, you have to talk about it honestly. It’s about knowing how to choose the right words so that you can inspire somebody to get involved and to be more interested.” Growing up on a ranch in Hidalgo County, a major part of Guerra’s childhood was collecting broken shreds of English dinnerware found using a metal detector. Some would not think twice about the hidden relics, but Guerra found herself digging deeper into the colonialism of the Valley with the stay-at-home order from the pandemic. In 2020, Guerra wrote an article for Texas Monthly discussing the fragments. According to the article, English china indicates the rise of consumer culture in 1800s Texas. Despite South Texas producing pottery, transporting these ceramics to South Texas became more

Two women Guerra holds great memories of are her grandmothers. Cooking with her grandmothers was one of her favorite experiences growing up and putting together traditional Tex-Mex dinners or cakes and cookies. “Back in those days, people didn't go get hamburgers and pizza. They cooked at home. And we cooked three meals a day,” she said. “I still live out in the ranchlands, and we cook three meals a day. We don't go out. There's no delivery. We never have ice cream. We just cook. And it's really fun to just prepare all your meals all day.” For the latest recipes from Kitchen Wrangler, follow Guerra on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter.

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efficient — and thus more affordable. Guerra explained hunting and collecting the fragments have brought her closer to female predecessors of the Valley. “None of (women’s history) was really written down. Nobody really thought it was all that interesting or worth recording. That’s one of the reasons I got into cuisine, because it's more of a women’s history of the Rio Grande Valley,” she said. “I love getting these old cookbooks that were created in church groups. Women would put these cookbooks together for fundraisers, and you see what women's perspectives were, and how they acted in their normal day, and how things have changed tremendously. They had a very separate society, compared to men.”

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VA L L E Y H I S T O R Y

De Hoyos

D R I V E -T H R U The Story of the First Drive-Thru in the Rio Grande Valley

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by Steven Hugh es | ph otos pr ovi d ed Juan De Hoyos walked into court in Edinburg. His mission: to make De Hoyos Drive-Thru a registered business. He wandered around, asking employees there for directions to the office that will help him achieve his goal. After the staff answered his questions, he found where he needed to go. A woman greeted him and directed him to a book that listed all the registered businesses — the purpose is to make sure no one else claimed his drive-thru’s name. He perused through the book, looking for other drive-thrus; however, there were none in 1996. That was how he discovered he started the first drivethru in the Rio Grande Valley. After filling out paperwork and paying $13, his next step was city hall in Palmview. This is where he filled out more paperwork with De Hoyos Drive-Thru's address, Federal Tax Identification Number, and paid a yearly fee.

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"[The community] would tell him that it was pretty and it was something new they haven't seen. Thankfully, because they went to see what was going on ... they became frequent customers."

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he didn't. He didn’t see them as competition because he understood that everyone needs to make money. Of course, maintaining a following is challenging. The drive-thru achieved this by having the products sold at affordable prices, which added to its success, customer retention, and compliments from beer delivery drivers. “The people who [brought] the beers tell him it’s the drive-thru that needs more beers because they sell them fast, even though there are other drive-thrus closer to the company that brings the beers,” Alondra De Hoyos translated. De Hoyos’ drive-thru was a hit in the Valley. There has been a time where more than 25 cars lined up. Unfortunately, this attention became stressful for De Hoyos — drive-thrus don’t get holidays off. The stress caused him to change the drive-thru's ownership. After giving control of the operations at De Hoyos Drive-Thru to a new owner around the 2000s, they changed its name to Ramos Drive-Thru; it held that name for 17 years. Now, it's called El Mexican Drive-Thru, located at 600 E. Loop 374 in Palmview. De Hoyos hopes the future of the historic drive-thru is to keep bringing in customers.

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Twenty-five years later, the drive-thru still stands, although it has gone through name and ownership changes. Regardless, De Hoyos holds the title of first drive-thru in the Valley close to his heart. He saw drive-thrus operating in Mexico, watching cars drive in and leave with snacks, sodas, and alcohol. De Hoyos decided he wanted to bring that to the Valley. He had no doubt it would flourish here — its uniqueness aided the success. The community appreciated De Hoyos’ drive-thru as it allowed them to dress casually — some even came in pajamas — without worrying about their appearance and being able to drive home quickly. Even Winter Texans enjoyed the drive-thru. "[The community] would tell him that it was pretty and it was something new they haven't seen," said Alondra De Hoyos, De Hoyos’ daughter, translating for her father. "Thankfully, because they went to see what was going on ... they became frequent customers." Changes came to the Valley four years after De Hoyos Drive-Thru opened. He and his faithful customers noticed more drivethrus popping up; some asked De Hoyos if he owned them, to which he answered that

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DROPPED, LIFTED, & CHROME Trokiando Culture in the RGV

Racing. The group participates in events and will enter trucks in races at Edinburg Motorsports Park. "I've always been involved with trucks; I've always liked the low trucks, the speed, the adrenaline. It just looks nice when you get in a little group with five or 10 trucks," Chavez said. "It feels good when someone turns and gives you a thumbs up when someone admires your ride." He stressed right away that he and his peers follow the rules. Trokiando culture, similar to car and street racing culture, often gets a bad name because of stereotypes and

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If you've ever seen a loud truck with a shiny paint job, usually with a decal to mark a crew or family name, you've experienced Trokiando culture. Some people joke about the practice, but others appreciate the camaraderie, friendship, and fun that comes with the hobby of customizing and showing off a decked-out pick-up truck. The Valley is always a little different than the rest of the world. While car culture is a nationwide hobby, the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico love their trucks — dropped trucks. Luis Chavez is a member of Pro Gear

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Fords, but when you get it done right, it's really nice. Most of the parts you find online, but more shops are offering more of the products. There's a shop that only paints; there's some that only put audio systems. As it seems to be growing here in the Valley, now these shops are purchasing all the stuff you need." Chavez says the scene is growing more than ever, especially with youngsters straight out of (or still in) high school owning and dropping trucks. "It's insane; it's rocking high right now,” he said. “I'm only 26, but I remember when my older brother was into it. It was big then, but now you see kids only 15 or 16 years old coming out with trucks. Back in the day, you wouldn't have a truck until you had a license. I'd rather them do that than do bad stuff on the streets." Chavez did admit that there can be issues in the community, but lawbreakers don't respect the movement. “There are all types of crazy people in this world, and there's always going to be. It sucks to say it, people doing bad things,” Chavez said. "If you just obey the law, there can be all types of fun. And there's going to be people doing bad, and others are going to see trucking in a bad way that it's everyone's fault."

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stories of illegal racing and activities. So why is truck culture such a good fit in the Valley? It connects Mexican with modern culture on both sides of the river. "In my point of view, it's because we're Mexicans, and we just like that stuff," he said with a laugh. "We're getting more involved in the look and style." Style, music, and clothing are a big part of what makes this more than a hobby but a deep and growing culture. Events are key to building strong connections with fellow truck enthusiasts and fostering community around the interest, like the Valluco Throwdown Car & Truck show that took place in July at Hidalgo's Payne Arena. Chavez says this is what makes the scene grow. "The simple fact that you have a tint with the crew name, your family comes out. Everyone wearing the same crew shirt looks so nice," he said. "The gathering, having a cold beer on a 100-degree day, and walking around enjoying other types of trucks." Chavez says the most common trucks out there are GMC or Chevy. He's more of a Ford guy. "And you don't see too many Fords," Chavez said. "Not a lot of people know how to build

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Hidalgo County food writer shares her story

Welcome to the multiple eatery experience