March / April 2022 - RGVision Magazine

M ARC H/AP RIL 2 0 2 2 | VO LUM E 14 ISSUE 2

DR. JULIETA V. GARCIA

Bringing Music to Life Dr. Virginia Champion, lead singer for Virginia y Valor, shares her story. p.62

The woman behind expanding higher education in the RGV. p.22

POST-COVID-19 LABOR SHORTAGES Valley hospitals struggle to fill jobs in nursing amid other employment challenges. p.30

YOUNG MASTERPIECES Ella Wingate shares artistic process behind artwork showcased at Capitol. p.74

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 RGVAGC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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PSJA ISD Brownsville ISD Sergio Contreras COSTEP Dr. Alfonso Mercado Victoria Landers Quinta Mazatlán Ann Fortescue

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WRITERS

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

Deuteronomy 8:7 "For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land — a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valley and hills;" RGVision magazine promotes the Valley for its growth and highlights individuals for their successes. The RGV is rich in history, arts, culture, and fine dining, but the most valuable asset to our quality of life are the people who make up the region. The stories of individuals who have had a positive impact in our region drive our passion each issue. In this issue, you will read a few of these stories, from a local Tejano star to new exhibits brought in from The UTRGV Center for Latin American Arts director and much more. We thank you for picking up this issue. Stay informed, inspired, and educated!

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 2022

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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 2 RGVISION MAGAZINE

62 ON THE COVER

62

BRINGING MUSIC TO LIFE

Dr. Virginia Champion, lead singer for Virginia y Valor, shares her story.

EDUCATION License to Sell pg 12 Brownsville ISD Fine Arts pg 14 Career Technical Education pg 16 Early Awareness pg 18 Celebrating Community Colleges pg 20

BUSINESS Rio South Texas pg 28 It Takes a Village pg 36 Port of Harlingen pg 38

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DR . J U LIETA V. G A RC IA

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POS T- C OVID - 19 LA B OR S HORTAG ES

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YOU NG M A S T ERPIEC ES

The woman behind expanding higher education in the RGV.

Valley hospitals struggle to fill jobs in nursing amid other employment challenges.

Ella Wingate shares artistic process behind artwork showcased at Capitol.

HEALTH ABCs of Eating pg 40 Rodeo Dental pg 42 Healing Young Patients pg 48 St. Michael's Ambulance pg 52 Neurological Services pg 54 Rich History pg 56 Figuring Out Fasting pg 58

QUALITY OF LIFE Old Hidalgo Pumphouse pg 66 Monarchs on the Wing pg 72 Discovering Uncovered Spaces pg 78 'A Show of Women' pg 84

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MAR/APR 2022

PSJA ISD Partners with STC to Offer First Real Estate Program for High School Students

Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD has partnered with South Texas College to offer the first-ever Real Estate Program for high school students.

The course, offered through the district’s PSJA Career & Technical Education Program and STC’s Continuing Education Program, is open to 12th-grade students. It allows them to complete the state requirements to earn a real estate license by the time they graduate from high school, offering students a better quality of life as they take their next steps.

“This course is preparing students to take a state and national exam that is required.

Students need to have 360 hours in order to apply to take that test,” STC instructor Alejandra Cobos said. “The course gives them the foundation to be able to earn their real estate license and start working.”

According to Cobos, earning this challenging license while in high school will benefit students as they enter the workforce.

Currently, 12 students are participating in the inaugural cohort at PSJA ISD.

“It’s really cool that PSJA ISD and STC have taken the initiative to offer this course because it can be ultimately life-changing for them and their families,” Cobos said. “There is no cap as to how much they can earn as (real estate) agents, so it’s great that by the time they graduate from high school, they will be able to implement this.”

For PSJA Early College High School senior Alondra Sanchez, getting to be part of the inaugural cohort at the age of 17 has been a great experience.

“I hope to earn my license and pursue a career in this field as I attend college,” said Sanchez, who will also be graduating with an associate degree in interdisciplinary studies from STC in May 2022 through the PSJA ISD Early College Program. “This gives me a good advantage just knowing that I can be earning money and helping my parents pay for my college instead of asking them for money or requesting financial aid or loans.”

The real estate course is just one of many

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PSJA ISD students can choose from 13 unique career pathways and 28 specialized programs offered in partnership with STC, including:

Architecture & Construction

Agriculture, Food & Natural Science Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communications Business, Marketing, and Finance

Education & Training

Health Science career-advancing opportunities offered through PSJA ISD in partnership with STC and other higher education institutions.

Each semester, the PSJA CTE Program provides cutting-edge, rigorous, and relevant education to give high school students a jumpstart in a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers after high school.

“We commend this cohort of students for being the trailblazers and taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity. Thank you to our partner STC for helping us make this possible,” PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo said. “Our district strives to offer our students and families with multi-generational prosperity, and this is one way that students can earn access to a better quality of life and a better future.”

PSJA ISD welcomes students living anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley. Registration for the 2022-23 school year is now open. Learn more at www.psjaisd.us/whypsja .

Hospitality and Tourism

Human Services

Law And Public Service

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

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Manufacturing

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Information Technology

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BROWNSVILLE ISD

FINE ARTS Passion Leads to High Performance, Achievement

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b y Roc i o Vi l l a l o b o s | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d assistant band director, then as an instrumental music advisor. Though not originally from the Rio Grande Valley, Garcia said he feels right at home at Brownsville ISD working alongside its dedicated instructors.

"When I decided to major in music at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, it was because my teachers made it so fun and enjoyable," Garcia said. "They had so much passion for it, and it inspired me to have that same passion.

"Here, we have very talented teachers in our programs who are all very passionate about the content they teach."

Across the district's seven high schools and 10 middle schools, approximately 10,000 students are involved in the fine arts programs. And throughout its more than two dozen elementary schools, music is provided to 17,000 students and art to over 8,000.

Once in middle school, students get to participate in any of these programs as an elective. And while Garcia said that many of them find something they love and stick with it through graduation, with art, choir, dance, theater, and band offered, there is always an opportunity for them

Children spend most of their waking hours in school. It is crucial that their education provides a solid foundation for not only their academic, but also their creative growth.

Through fine arts, the two go hand in hand.

As Brownsville ISD's Director of Fine Arts Michael Garcia explained, participating in a fine arts program such as band, choir, or theater is more than just a fun outlet for students.

"Fine arts improves and encourages kids' creativity, confidence, and perseverance, which is essential to a child's development," he said. "Even beyond that, it helps them develop academic skills, motor skills, visual learning, decision-making, focus, collaboration, and accountability."

Garcia, who has worked in education for 25 years, oversees all of the district’s fine arts programs and also serves as chair for Region 28 of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), helping organize band auditions that lead to region, area, and state honors.

He stepped into his role earlier this year, but has been with the district for the past five years — first as an

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"We have many students that have gone on to careers as artist, actors, musicians, and dancers. Many of our students have even chosen education as a career and are now teaching fine arts students at BISD and other districts, inspiring the next generation."

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national level. Already starting 2022 strong, 15 students earned first-chair placements at the TMEA Area G round of auditions — the most earned by any district in the area.

Veterans Memorial High School choir students also broke a recent record for having the most choir all-staters in the district's history.

"Our students consistently place higher than students from other districts in individual competitions and auditions," Garcia said. "This is due to their talent, as well as the environment we create in the district that helps foster their love for their craft, thus sparking a desire to be the best they can be.

"We have many students that have gone on to careers as artists, actors, musicians, and dancers. Many of our students have even chosen education as a career and are now teaching fine arts students at BISD and other districts, inspiring the next generation."

For more information on Brownsville ISD's Fine Arts Department and to stay up to date with student's latest achievements and performances, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/BISDFineArts/.

to explore a new interest.

According to a report by Americans for the Arts — a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the arts and arts education — young people who engage in a fine arts activity for at least three hours a day, three days a week are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, be elected to a class office, and participate in a math and science fair compared to their peers who do not.

While fine arts education supports a child's success in whatever career path they choose to pursue, Garcia said that, should it be fine arts, Brownsville ISD is one of the best districts for them to get their start.

"Our students get to participate in groups that are among some of the best in the state, and they tend to do very well once they move past high school because they were exposed to this high-level teaching and expectations to strive for excellence," he said.

Over the long history of Brownsville ISD's Fine Arts Department, the programs have earned consistent success and accolades at the local, regional, state, and

MAR/APR 2022

Mi c h a el G a r c i a , Brown svil l e I SD's director of F in e Arts

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CAREER TECHNICAL

EDUCATION South Texas College Provides Valuable Training for Future CTE Workers

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b y N a th a ni el Mat a | p h o t o s b y Wa l d o Pa l o m a r e s

already. They’re understanding the concepts of how the components work together. It’s really important to learn power systems, electrical currents, and safety procedures, and that’s what they learn at STC.” Hammond said the average age of HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers can skew toward 40 and 50 years old, something she says needs to be addressed by young people joining technical trades. She is pleased that STC continues to produce students ready to fill important gaps not just at her company but in society at large.

“There’s a lack of workforce — technical trades have an even larger gap than other industries,” Hammond said. “There’s a whole workforce of young individuals that we need to join the technical trades and to help us continue with these jobs.”

Jorge Hernadez is a current student at South Texas College studying HVAC.

South Texas College and workforce training go handin-hand. For decades, Rio Grande Valley business leaders and hiring managers have counted on the college to train and educate well-prepared workers to fill positions and grow companies.

Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at STC are the backbone of technical training. CTE covers numerous disciplines from HVAC and welding to network specialist and electrician training — and many more.

Someone who knows this to be true is Sarah Hammond, owner of Atlas Electrical, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing Services Inc. Her company utilizes a Texas Workforce Commission program to help fund the schooling of certain students to either complete or further their education.

“We are always looking at students from STC to work with,” Hammond said. “The young students have a lot more technical trade. They have their hands in it

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“They’re understanding the concepts of how the components work together. It’s really important to learn power systems, electrical currents, and safety procedures, and that’s what they learn at STC.”

Su pported with T HE CB Perkin s Basic fu n din g. F or more in formation visit: h ttps://bt.sou th texascol l ege.edu / persist/

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world experience,” Garza said. “But there is more than just doing the work or following along with what other people tell you. We push the education a little further, and you can go further, possibly be your own boss.”

He encouraged any potential students with a strong work ethic to consider enrolling and making a positive career shift or career boost. He even mentioned the ability for students who speak English as a second language to thrive in the program and in the bilingual workforce region.

“As long as you’re willing to learn and you’re willing to work,” Garza said. “Regardless of where you come from, by the time you graduate, if you’re doing well, you’ll get work. There are jobs out there.”

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“What CTE means to me is learning what I can to benefit me in my career through technology and education,” Hernandez said. “It’s what will benefit me in my career in the future as I continue learning.”

He is considering a program that will help with job placement and hands-on training from potential employers.

“I’m looking into the registered apprenticeship program to understand different opportunities,” Hernandez said.

“I’m grateful it’s one of our classes to really help make sure we end up with a job.”

The program matches students with a company to work in the field. Many of the students are offered a job if the fit between employer and employee is right.

One of STC’s instructors, Eliseo Garza, is a big part of the success STC has had, providing valuable training for future CTE workers.

“We give the best experiences we can give here, real-

MAR/APR 2022

Sa r a h Ha mmo n d , own er of Atl as E l ectrical , Air Con dition in g, Re f r i ge r a ti on & Pl u mbin g Services I n c.

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EARLY AWARENESS Bullying Awareness and Prevention Strategies

by Aimee Ashby safe at school. They are encouraged to treat others with kindness and respect differences while embracing the qualities that make them unique.

For younger students, some lessons and discussions are about being able to express

During the school year, teachers and counselors work with students to promote positive self-esteem and overall emotional well-being. Students participate in activities and discussions about the importance of respecting others and their rights to feel

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also give lessons about cyberbullying and how to recognize and address it.”

“Strategies that students are encouraged to use when they encounter a bullying situation include tell an adult, tell the bully to stop, walk away if the situation is not safe, and stand up for others (if you are a bystander),” Tamez said. “Our district requires that teachers complete a yearly online training

and handle their emotions, treating others the way they want to be treated, and voicing their concerns to a trusted adult when they feel unsafe in a situation. Role-playing activities are sometimes to practice skills that will help them solve problems they may encounter with peers.

Bridget Tamez is a fifth-grade teacher at Ruben Hinojosa Elementary in Mercedes.

She says that her school has two upcoming counseling events for selected fifth-graders, and speakers will help promote a positive self-image for the students.

For both lower and upper elementary grades, required lessons include bullying awareness and prevention to help keep students safe.

“Our counselor, for the past few years, has been visiting the elementary school classrooms to give lessons that inform the students about David’s Law, how to identify bullying, and also strategies for dealing with it and for preventing it,” Tamez said. “Teachers

called Bullying Recognition and Response. It teaches us to be proactive in our approach to bullying by identifying it when we see it and addressing the problem promptly with zero tolerance (following school policy). All staff play a key role in keeping our students safe.”

It is very important that students recognize that they also play a key role in bullying prevention. Schools can help build awareness on coping with and handling stress, emotions, and conflict resolution. These lessons are invaluable in helping students enjoy a positive experience at school.

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• Allowing schools to prevent and combat cyberbullying by empowering themselves to investigate and address incidents regardless whether they occurred within the school setting or elsewhere • Requiring districts to include cyberbullying in their district policies and notify parents if their child has been a victim • Allowing schools to collaborate with law enforcement when serious cyberbullying incidents occur • Giving parents and courts new tools to protect victims of cyberbullying • Encouraging schools to invest in counseling and rehabilitation services for victims and aggressors of bullying

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David’s Law was passed in Texas in 2017. According to the David’s Legacy website, some of its key points include:

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E D U C A T I O N ARTICLE PROVIDED BY

Sergio Contreras

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President/CEO RGV Partnership

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN THE RIO GR ANDE VALLE Y Sustaining Viable Education and Training Offerings Throughout the State

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poaching from one another — a tactic they recognize is not sustainable as they invest more and more into retraining.

Community colleges offer our best chance at preparing the most students for the jobs of the future, and business leaders understand this. Our organization is hosting business roundtable conversations that bring together educational partners and policymakers to understand the workforce and economic needs, like the one we hosted with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn at the Port of Brownsville.

The RGV Partnership applauds the leadership of each of the Valley’s three community colleges (South Texas College, Texas Southmost College, and Texas State Technical College’s campus in Harlingen) for participating in these important dialogues and seeking to better align their offerings to local workforce needs. The Texas Commission on Community College Finance should seek to reward and enhance these kinds of collaborations across the private and educational sectors.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that new jobs created in the aftermath of the pandemic are largely in fields where some type of postsecondary credential is required. Further, according to Texas 2036, 80% of good jobs today, meaning those with median earnings of at least $65,000 per year, require a postsecondary credential. By 2036, 71% of all jobs in Texas will require a postsecondary credential.

Recent polling from Texas 2036 shows that almost 9 out of 10 Texas voters want community colleges to focus on offering course programs that match the needs of the local workforce.

The leadership of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership counts itself firmly within that large majority. If you, too, agree with this statement, we encourage you to stay engaged with the commission’s work. By increasing credential completion and industry alignment, we can ensure more members of our community can build well-staffed businesses and earn familysustaining wages.

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There’s a great deal to celebrate in the Rio Grande Valley.

Our community continues to come together to overcome the pandemic. Our state’s leadership has protected our business-friendly environment. And employers across the region are expanding and providing more high-wage employment opportunities than ever before.

These same employers are making it a priority to secure local talent with the necessary skills and qualifications to complete their responsibilities.

The Rio Grande Valley Partnership was proud to support increased investment in the K-12 public education system with the passage of House Bill 3 in 2019. That’s also why we are now following, with great interest, the work of the Texas Commission on Community College Finance.

We applaud Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dade Phelan for appointing Rio Grande Valley native and State Rep. Oscar Longoria, District 35, to the Texas Commission on Community College Finance.

Longoria continues to demonstrate his passion to foster an educated workforce. We look forward to working with him to continue to expand economic and workforce development.

This commission’s charge is to “make recommendations ... for sustaining viable community college education and training offerings throughout the state.” It is our hope those recommendations keep student outcomes — both in credential completion and employment attainment — at the front and center. Industries across the Valley depend upon it.

As one example, the health care and biosciences industry that is valued close to $14 billion generated 43% of all new jobs in the Rio Grande Valley from 2009-19. We project that they will add over 40,000 more in the new decade. But this industry was already facing a shortage of workers that COVID-19 severely exacerbated. Now the need for certified nurses, assistants, and technicians is even greater.

Or take the architecture, engineering, and construction sector. This industry is valued at $13 billion and is projected to add hundreds of jobs in just the next four years at an average annual salary of over $45,000. But even for well-paying positions requiring only a certification, the labor market is so limited that firms have resorted to

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Dr.J ulieta V. Garcia The Woman Behind Expanding Higher Education in the RGV

in doing more. Mr. Albert Besteiro, who got selected president, gave me my first administrative job."

García worked in TSC's administration for three years to get the campus reaccredited, which led to her becoming the dean of Arts and Sciences, a role she held for five years.

In 1986, she applied for the presidency again — and got it.

As president, she and her staff set a goal to establish a university in the Brownsville area. Five years later, in 1991, the University of Texas at Brownsville was established as part of the University of Texas System.

"We took on the task of trying to create our own university on top of TSC," García said. "We proposed to the University of Texas System that they needed a presence in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and that there was

" It take s p e o p le w i th all ki nds o f talen t to do importan t work. T h is space wh ere th e Tree o f Li f e i s lo cate d i s a gr e a t exa m p le of th e craftsman sh ip of th e man y arch itects an d a rti s a ns li ke b r i ck la ye r s w ho he lp e d u s bu il d a beau tifu l pl ace for ou r stu den ts to dream, l e ar n a nd b e co m e i ns p i r e d ."

D r. Jul i eta V. G a r c í a , i n f r ont of th e “ Tree of L ife” on th e Brown svil l e campu s of UTR GV at the Li f e & H e a lth Sci e nce s Bu il din g

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When she was 37 years old in 1986, Dr. Julieta V. García was named the first Hispanic female president of a U.S. university. García would go on to have a 28-year career as a university president for Texas Southmost College (TSC) and the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB). Her impressive resume has earned her accolades, such as being named Time magazine's 2009 Top 10 College Presidents in the U.S. and one of Fortune's World's 50 Greatest Leaders in 2014.

One aspect García leaves off of her resume is that she had applied for the president position at TSC nearly 10 years earlier.

Although she was interviewed for the role, she did not get it the first time around.

"The first time I applied, I was 28 years old," she said. "I knew I wasn't going to get it.

But I felt I had to signal that I was interested

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by Elisa Garcia | photos by James Hord

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"Never stop learning. The end of your studying to get your degree doesn't mean the end of learning. Daily, I still find myself working on new ideas or in arenas that are new to me."

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hadn't been for the university, my mother would never have gotten her degree' or 'I would have never gotten a degree' or 'I wouldn't have had this amazing career,’” García said.

“Our work was to expand higher education opportunities for thousands of students in the Rio Grande Valley. And we did."

In 2013, García continued her fight for expansion in higher education in the Valley and was part of the team that led to the establishment of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, its medical school, and access to funds from the Permanent University Fund. Today, she is a professor at UTRGV and a board member of Texas 2036, Catholic Charities of the RGV, Audubon Texas, and the Lozano Long Institute for Latin American Studies and the College of Education — both at UT Austin.

When it comes to being a leader, García said there are two important things to remember.

"Never stop learning," she said. "The end of your studying to get your degree doesn't mean the end of learning. Daily, I still find myself working on new ideas or in arenas that are new to me. The second thing is learning how to ask for help. We all need help along the way. I’ve been helped by many people over the years. One of my most important mentors was Mary Rose Cardenas, who taught me how to have courage and be relentless in the pursuit of a good idea."

García shared that her parents laid the foundation and inspiration for getting a college degree. After the death of her mother, her father made sure she completed it. Once García married, her husband encouraged her to continue her studies to eventually earn both her master's degree and her doctorate.

"I don't know that you ever know with certainty that you’re on the right path, but I had a very supportive environment," she said. “You take one step at a time, one day at a time, and keep moving forward."

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a great need for them to be in Brownsville. Ann Richards, who was the very progressive governor of Texas at the time, helped lead the fight to establish UT Brownsville. In the summer of 1990, Gov. Richards came to Brownsville and ceremoniously signed the bill into law, establishing UT Brownsville."

For over 22 years, García served as the president of UTB/TSC, where her days were never routine. She explained that she played a role in interviewing potential faculty or administrators, speaking with donors, expanding the campus, and testifying to the state legislature. Her favorite task was to tackle challenges as part of a team.

"I learned very quickly that in an organization, you don't do anything by yourself — nothing big," she said. "It takes a lot of people to accomplish important work. And the bigger the idea, the more people you need, all marching in the same direction to get it done."

García emphasized that her work was always aimed at expanding higher education opportunities in South Texas in order to prepare younger generations to improve the dynamic of the RGV. "For too long, we would brag that our graduates were getting great positions elsewhere in Dallas or Houston.

So, in fact, we were preparing our young, next generation graduates to leave. And that meant that things wouldn't change here," she said. "Instead, what we needed was to expand opportunities for economic growth here in the RGV so that the next generation of graduates could work alongside us to expand employment opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Throughout her time as university president, UTB graduated over 40,000 students. For her life’s work, García has been recognized and received honorary degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Brown University, Smith College, and Princeton University.

"I cannot go anywhere without somebody saying, 'If it

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Dr. Ju l i eta V. G a r c í a , p r of e s s o r a nd former presiden t of T h e Un iversity of Texas at Brown svil l e

B U S I N E S S

RIO SOUTH TEXAS: AT THE HEART OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAIN A Closer Look at the Rio South Texas Region’s Growth in Relevance b y Fa i th C h u a | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d corridor, the U.S.-Canada points of entry evaluated include Detroit, Michigan, Port Huron, Michigan, and Buffalo-Niagara Falls, New York. The U.S.-Mexico points of entry were Laredo, Hidalgo, Brownsville, Progreso, Rio Grande City, and Roma, all located in the Rio South Texas region.

In 2019, the bridges of the Michigan/New York State region saw 3,254,623 truck crossings, while their counterparts in the Rio South Texas region saw 3,412,118, both being by far the busiest international truck-borne trade regions on their respective borders.

The difference was minor, only 157,485 trucks or 4.8%.

However, that was about to change. The outbreak of the pandemic negatively impacted manufacturing

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North America represents roughly 25% of the global consumer market, and the Interstate 69 corridor, which bisects the United States north to south and connects it with Canada and Mexico, is one of its main supply chain arteries. Many of North America’s largest industrial hubs are supplied by raw materials and parts, as well as distribute their assemblies and products, via this route. In terms of cross-border trade, there are key international crossings that feed this North American supply chain artery. With the recent release of official statistics, COSTEP has analyzed the relevant truck crossing counts on the U.S.-Canada and the U.S.-Mexico borders from 2019 to 2021. Supplying the northern end of the I-69

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direct comparison of 2019 to the 2021 numbers shows that the Michigan/New York State points of entry in 2021 were still down 107,372 trucks, or 3.3% behind their 2019 numbers. In 2021, the Rio South Texas points of entry were up 327,401 trucks, or 9.6%, above the 2019 figures, squarely placing the Rio South Texas region at the Heart of the North American supply chain.

The Rio South Texas region, with its growing workforce, its unique bi-national relationship with Mexico, as well as its multi-modal international logistics options – all while enjoying a warm and palm tree-friendly climate – has been a key to success to many companies reaching their customers during the past two years. To find out how it may offer the same for your company in the future, visit COSTEP at www.costep.org or follow us on social media @COSTEP.

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and trade in 2020, which was reflected in the numbers, but at a varying extent. For the Michigan/New York State bridges, truck crossings dropped significantly, down to 2,917,738, and while the Rio South Texas region also saw a dip in numbers, with 3,387,816 truck crossings for 2020, this decline was much less severe. So for 2020, the difference in truck crossings between the two regions stood at 470,078 trucks, or 16.1%, in favor of Rio South Texas. Fortunately, as the North American economy rebounded in 2021, both the northern and the southern points of entry received a resurgence of truck crossings, with the Michigan/New York State points of entry seeing 3,147,251 truck crossings, and Rio South Texas’ total rising to 3,739,519 truck crossings. However, these numbers also reflect a farther expanding gap between the two regions, at 592,268 trucks, or 18.8% in favor of Rio South Texas.

A prosperous North American economy holds a lot of promise and opportunities for Canada, the United States, and Mexico, but the above cited truck crossing statistics also illustrate the rise of importance of the Rio South Texas region to the prosperity of the continent. Doing a

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POST-COVID-19 LABOR SHORTAGES Valley Hospitals Struggle to Fill Jobs in Nursing Amid Other Employment Challenges

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While things may look better in some industries, many employers are still having difficulty finding employees who want to come to work every day.

Bill Martin, vice president for investments at Raymond James in McAllen, works closely with business professionals, and they all tell him the same story: No one seems to want to work.

“Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve visited with a few business owners, two of which have been trying for over a year to hire an executive assistant, and a manufacturer who used to run an ad for $10 an hour and have 30 people show up,” Martin said. “Now, he runs an ad for $12 an hour, and two people call, but no one shows up.”

Martin believes business owners are struggling to find employees due to a shift in the cost and availability of labor that began when the economy was shuttered due to COVID-19 in early 2020, and unemployment benefits were extended.

Martin says this scenario hurt the economy in the long run, and created a disincentive for people to come to work.

“People did not go back to work immediately, and those who were at home and still wanted to earn something … they seemed to find other means by working remotely,” he said. “When you can work from home, people can hire you from anywhere.”

In many instances, people who have

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The post-COVID-19 rebound to the economy has taken longer than anticipated in the Rio Grande Valley, but it is happening despite labor shortages in some critical areas.

The Texas Workforce Commission recently released the employment statistics for December, which showed a steady economic rebound with decreases in unemployment, indicating that people are slowly returning to the workforce.

The data also showed job increases in construction and manufacturing, with trade, transportation, and utilities having the most growth going into 2022. However, there was also a significant decrease in the number of available jobs in health care.

“Health care is growing in double digits when it comes to unemployment,” said Sergio Contreras, president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. “Unemployment is cyclical. For instance, when school is about to start, you will see numbers increase in education in the August to September time frame, and see a drop again in the May and June time frame.”

Contreras said the Valley’s economy has improved tremendously since the early days of the pandemic, when double-digit unemployment numbers were the norm.

“We are in a positive trend, moving forward,” he said. “We are continuing to see unemployment rates drop.”

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chosen to work from their homes have tapped into industries outside their local communities that allows them to earn more money than they ever could by working 9-to-5 for someone else.

In some cases, this dynamic creates a working environment that allows for more flexibility and a more competitive environment where earning potential is limitless.

Still, this does little to help businesses in the Valley that still need employees who want to come to work in a traditional setting.

“I see help wanted signs in a lot of places, and every person I talk to, every business owner, I ask them about the labor force and what their biggest challenges are,” Martin said. “It’s always ‘finding people who will show up to work, who are trustworthy.’ Finding people who will show up to work is tough. It’s a challenging environment, and I don’t know of anyone who is escaping it.”

The shortages are also having a critical impact on front-line occupations. There has been a critical shortage of nurses at hospitals in the Valley for several years.

However, the onset of the pandemic only exacerbated the need for nurses as hospitals became overwhelmed by the number of COVID-19 patients.

In July 2020, the Texas Health and Human Services released an updated report indicating that nurses will be in short supply — and in high demand in the Rio Grande Valley’s hospitals.

Nonprofit organizations are also suffering in the local economy. Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, who owns Supporting World Hope consulting service in Harlingen,

has worked closely with nonprofits for more than 20 years.

“The nonprofit world is very stuck in its ways … and the shifting to using virtual space has been a very big deal,” she said. “I don’t think they would have shifted to virtual space had it not been for this pandemic.”

Walker-Hernandez said that as the first wave of COVID-19 was winding down, many of her clients expressed their anticipation that they could all soon return to those important fundraising events — and away from virtual events.

However, she reminded them that those in-person events, while a lot of fun, often cost a lot more than virtual events. Some organizations have begun to embrace technology more, and have raised more money during virtual events than they ever had during in-person events.

“You can still build relationships with donors without being face-to-face,” she said.

The nonprofit world, however, has not been immune to job losses, or even the impact of mass resignations that began to occur last year, known as “The Great Resignation.”

“We are solving real-world problems, like hunger,” Walker-Hernandez said. “There’s The Great Resignation happening in nonprofit. They didn’t want to pay people to do that, and they lost some of the best and the brightest.

The pandemic put a lot of constraints on nonprofits. They had to cut their numbers down, and they had to say no to clients. It’s a lot, and it became too much.”

Walker-Hernandez says nonprofits, which rely heavily on connecting directly with their clientele, can still provide those services, but still hope to go back to working in person in the near future.

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We also offer advanced technology, including the Valley’s first 3T MRI. And we’re a Certified Pediatric Asthma facility through The Joint Commission.

If your child is ill or injured, South Texas Health System Children’s is here.

Since 2006, we have earned the confidence of our community by demonstrating, every day, that your child’s health is our purpose.

Learn more about our pediatric services at southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com

COVID-19 protocols remain in effect at South Texas Health System Children’s; masks must be worn while in our facility. Physicians are independent practitioners who, with limited exceptions, are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The System shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 22651359-729415 1/22

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VILLAGE A Conversation on Building a Community During These Changing Times b y Fa i th Ch ua | p h o t o b y J a co b M e n d o z a

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the pandemic, you had to pivot. How did the pandemic impact what you did and how you went about it? What was the approach?

STEVENS: Being relationship-driven, I found out that sometimes we're identifying needs locally — that we had resources that I could share and I could pass along. Being in a relationship means being in communication.

I would say it's increased my awareness of the different needs of people, much more so than in the past … just approaching every interaction with empathy and "what are they going through." I think I've grown a lot as someone who focuses on partnerships and fundraising,

UPCOMING EVENTS

WALKER HERNANDEZ: And so, having

think, beyond this, that you're going to keep as you move forward?

STEVENS: How do we still tell stories about what we do in our organizations? Typically, it was very one-way storytelling. Organizations need to adapt to meet those community needs and not the way it used to be. How do you tell those stories in a way that's not oneto-one but that's more network-based? We're re-examining the ways that we're creating a healthy network in our organization, that our message gets through the clutter of everything else. It's challenging me to rethink some of those things, but it just means that we might be doing things differently with technology and how we interact with people.

I would just say that fundraising is the lifeblood of any organization to live out its mission. It can have a negative connotation from the person who's being asked, or the person is like, "I have to make the ask." But I would just say, why do you care about that cause in that organization? Center in that, that's where we're going to need people. There are a lot of challenges out there right now. We need people who are going to have solutions, who are going to have energy around it. And so that's why I'm just so grateful for the work you [Walker Hernandez] do.

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is going to involve technology. What do you

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gone through this ... I think our "new normal"

@MCALLENPAC

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Many of us may recognize an organization like Teach for America, but how many of us know the work that goes into managing a nonprofit organization like it? Sabrina Walker Hernandez, the president and CEO of Supporting World Hope and a nonprofit consultant, has been in the nonprofit world for over 25 years.

In the podcast, Walker Hernandez sits down with Jonathan Stevens, the senior managing director for Teach For America.

During the podcast, they talked about what it was like to work during the pandemic, the lessons they learned along the way, and what they will keep doing moving forward.

Read more for some of the highlights of the conversation.

SABRINA WALKER HERNANDEZ: Community partnerships and fundraising go hand in hand.

You really can't have one without the other. So the fact that your position combines those two, how does that help you?

JON STEVENS: I would say that Teach For America is an organization that believes that we need the top leaders in education to provide equitable options to students, regardless of where they live. That's a philosophy that we're always learning and growing, and we only can do it together with other people. So I think partnerships are so important because that's how you're going to have more of an impact on your mission.

Being a good listener is very important, whether you're building community partnerships or fundraising sources. Some people are very analytical, but it's also important to talk about the names behind the actual impact behind that. You want them to understand the real values of your organization. So, I think that building those relationships with people is really about understanding how they see the world and sharing the work that your organization does in a way that makes sense for them. You want that to be accessible so that they can be a champion and an advocate for your work.

WALKER HERNANDEZ: I can imagine that over the course of the last two years, with

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THE PORT OF HARLINGEN’S IMPACT ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY As the Economy Slows Elsewhere, Business at Port Thrives

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b y B r ya n K i r k | p h o t o b y O m a r Dí a z Help wanted signs have become a staple at businesses in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as in other cities in Texas. Most, it seems, have pointed their fingers at the continuing COVID-19 pandemic that forced many businesses to lay off or furlough employees or close their doors in early 2020.

However, it seems it’s a different story at the Port of Harlingen, where according to Port of Harlingen Director Walker Smith, operations and revenue are rising steadily.

“We are very fortunate to be able to say we were not affected by COVID-19 in terms of opportunity and growth,” Smith said. “We know not many industries can say the same, but the Port of Harlingen has not hit major barriers others are experiencing due to the changes COVID-19 placed on all of us.”

According to the Harlingen Port Authority’s website, the port imports and exports commodities via water, rail, and highway that

total in excess of $1 billion and generate more than $17 billion in tax revenue that all flow into the local economy. The port also employs more than 4,600 personnel, either directly or indirectly.

“We broke 3 million tons of commodities this past fiscal year, a new record for the Port of Harlingen,” Smith said. “We are a landlord port, so all tenants and partners handle their own terminals and operations across our docks. While we cannot give an account of how their operations are, or were, impacted, it is not reflected in their throughput of transporting goods.”

There are 15 tenants at the Port of Harlingen that move goods through the port, which include agricultural goods, petroleum, and other commodities. Smith adds that they continually receive inquiries from businesses with interests in Mexico that are interested in relocating to the port.

Meanwhile, petroleum and gasoline transport has also remained uninterrupted during the

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“We have already seen improvements in traffic and vital use of the road expansions that we are able to utilize,” Smith said in a September 2021 news release.

“As projects are completed, we anticipate an even more significant improvement in truck traffic and movement for not only our tenants, but the through traffic that crosses the port every day.”

Those improvements are expected to be completed in April 2022.

The work taking place at the second-largest port in Cameron County, as well as other ports in the United States, has drawn the interests of local, state, and national leaders, particularly after some ports on the West Coast continue to deal with massive backlogs as supply vessels remain at sea.

Smith said it’s because of these issues that leaders at every level of government take an active role in the state of the economy’s supply chain and find positive solutions to avoid any more disruptions.

“More interest in how to improve supply chains will create more opportunity for marine port infrastructure funding and improvements,” he said. “We are excited about what this could mean for all ports and transportation.”

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pandemic. In fact, Smith says the port experienced an increase of 29% in petroleum tonnage from the fiscal year 2019-20 to 2020-22.

“Since the start of the pandemic, trade, which includes crossing gasoline and petroleum, has been deemed ‘essential travel’ by the U.S. and Mexico governments,” Smith said.

In July 2019 — approximately nine months before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — the Port of Harlingen unveiled its master plan, which addressed areas related to business growth and diversification, infrastructure improvements, and multi-modal transport, which would be addressed through 2024.

Last year, the Port of Harlingen broke ground on five key infrastructure projects that were funded through a $5.3 million Rider 38 Grant by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Those infrastructure projects include: • FM 106 at Cemetery Road • FM 106 Extension • Port Road • Port Road Near the Dock and NB Extension • Robles Road

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H E A L T H

ABCS OF EATING AND EATING DISORDERS

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The Differences Between Healthy and Disordered Eating The Food and Drug Administration advises that a proper diet consists of whole grains, lean meat, fruits, vegetables, and lower amounts of fats, carbohydrates, and sugars.

However, there is a fine line between healthy eating behaviors and those eating behaviors that may border into eating disturbances.

In today’s world, western societies are characterized by a weight-obsessed culture, a culture that says, in countless ways, “fat is bad,” and which pressures women and, every day, more men to be “always dieting.” Those living in such weight-obsessed cultures are at risk of developing maladaptive eating patterns that affect psychosocial, physical, and cognitive functioning. But how can you tell

when your eating patterns are becoming a problem? Here are a few scenarios to look out for: • Most of your thoughts revolve around food: It’s normal to think about food throughout the day. However, it becomes an issue when these thoughts become pervasive, negative, and cause distress.

• Your self-esteem is highly dependent on body shape and weight: Another indicator is when food choices are significantly intertwined with self-worth. For instance, feeling like a failure after consuming something beyond what’s considered “healthy.”

• Eating in public causes distress: People with eating disturbances often feel shame and guilt when eating in

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social settings. Thus, some may opt to eat in secrecy and eventually become socially withdrawn.

• Feeling a lack of control around food: Sometimes, food is used to cope with negative emotions. Compulsive overeating may result in the development of binge-eating disorder or bulimia nervosa.

• Your eating habits are interfering with your functioning: If your eating habits interfere with your overall health and daily life, it may be time to consult with a professional.

A wide range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors may be linked to the development of an eating disorder. While the identification with these factors may not necessarily predict an eating disorder, the higher the presence of these factors, the higher risk of developing an eating disorder. These factors include: • Having a close relative with an eating disorder • History of dieting • Body image dissatisfaction • Perfectionism as a personality trait • History of trauma • Teasing or bullying • Weight stigma • Acculturation

EATING DISORDERS Eating disorders are severe and persistent disturbances in eating behavior patterns and body weight perception.

Often, eating disorders co-occur with other psychiatric disorders and increased mortality rates due to both medical complications — such as organ failure — and suicide. General statistics indicate: • It is estimated that 5 to 10% of the U.S. population will develop an eating disorder in their lifetime • The median age of an eating disorder onset ranges from 15 to 25 years old • The prevalence of eating disorders among female college students ranges from 9% to 13% and from 3% to 4% among males • Eating disorders are among the deadliest psychiatric diagnoses, with approximately 10,200 deaths per year MOST COMMON EATING DISORDERS: • Anorexia Nervosa mortality is the highest of all psychiatric disorders. Its symptoms include reduction of food intake that leads to significantly low body weight; relentless pursuit of thinness; intense fear of gaining weight; disturbed body weight or shape perception; persistent body evaluation, such as weighing, body part measuring, and mirror-checking; and denial or lack of insight of being underweight.

• Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge-eating or overeating; recurrent compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise; and persistent body evaluation.

• Binge-Eating Disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge-eating. Binge-eating episodes typically include eating faster than average, consuming large amounts of food, eating alone, and feelings of guilt, depression, and disgust with oneself during the episode.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns or experience any symptoms.

National Eating Disorders Organization: https://www. nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline ANAD Support Group: https://anad.org/ Eating Disorders ANAD Hotline: (888) 375-7767 Texas Tropical Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline: 1-877- 289-7199 Co-authors include Dr. Mercado’s Mental Health Lab at UTRGV: Maria Sevilla-Matos, Frances Morales, Andy Torres, Amanda

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY

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

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Palomin and Dr. Alfonso Mercado.

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Research findings indicate that university students, women, athletes, sexual minority individuals, and racial and ethnic minority groups are at a heightened risk for an eating disorder. Moreover, racial and ethnic minority groups may experience unique stressors that disproportionately impact their eating habits, which may be related cultural factors, like parental expectations, or systemic factors like poverty and racism.

Eating disorders are serious disorders that can impair your psychological state, severely impact health, and, if untreated, can be lethal. Talk to a professional health provider if you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms.

Visit the sources below for more information about eating disorders and for mental health resources.

H E A L T H

RODEO DENTAL IS ALL-IN ON

PALMHURST Expansion Provides Community Access to All Dental Specialties Under One Roof

b y Vi c tor i a La nd er s | ph o t o s b y J a co b M e n d o z a a n d p r o v i d e d It’s March, and by now, much of the community has

Wasn’t there another dentist in this location?

Yes! Fresh Smiles Dentistry was there for quite some time and became a Rodeo Affiliate in 2019. We had planned to convert the brand from Fresh Smiles to Rodeo Dental in 2020; however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to postpone everything. We restarted this project in October 2021 and finished up in early February. We are excited to complete the upgrade process and to let the RGV community know that our Palmhurst location is now a full-fledged Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics facility! Of course, all of our Fresh Smiles patients are now Rodeo Dental patients, and no action is required on their part!

learned about the Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics upgrade in Palmhurst. Many people who visit the H-E-B-anchored shopping center have had the chance to experience the new look and feel of the Rodeo office exterior. It’s a vintage Rodeo scene complete with a new facade, signs, and window graphics. At night, the Rodeo Palmhurst office into emotions and move people in an uplifting, positive way.

Ben Rouse, president of Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics, shared more about this new venture:

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becomes a focal point with its vibrant art that aims to tap

This experience was a defining moment and helped create the Rodeo Culture, which continues to power existing and new office expansions throughout Texas and beyond.

B en Rous e, p r e siden t of Rodeo Den tal & Orth odon tics

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and feel by combining art, music, color, and fashion to

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We upgraded the internal look and feel by combining art, music, color, and fashion to create a positive and uplifting experience.

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Rodeo Dental has offices in Mission, Sharyland, Pharr, and across the RGV all the way to Brownsville. Why make such a significant investment in Palmhurst?

Every decision at Rodeo is driven by our access-tocare-based mission. We believe that every family and kid deserves high-end dental care regardless of means, social status, where they live, and so on. In the dentistry world, the biggest access-to-care challenges are related to specialists. We have a one-stop shopping core value proposition, which means providing all dental services under one roof.

Like all communities, Palmhurst needs specialists, and we were unable to bring them here frequently enough because the Fresh Smiles office layout was too small.

There simply wasn’t enough room to support three or four doctors at the same time. As a result, many Rodeo patients who live in Palmhurst were going to our Mission or Sharyland offices because they could easily access pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and endodontists. These offices were much bigger, and the experience was great. We felt the best way to overcome these challenges was to step up and transform Fresh Smiles into a flagship Rodeo Dental facility.

There’s one more important point. Rodeo has been serving the RGV area for over 10 years. After opening our first two or three offices, we became enamored with the Valley spirit. This experience was a defining moment and helped create the Rodeo culture, which continues to power existing and new office expansions throughout Texas and beyond. We like serving the RGV area because it’s fun, meaningful, and fulfilling, so we actively look for ways to better serve. The Palmhurst opportunity was a no-brainer.

What changes were made to the Rodeo Palmhurst facility besides the exterior ones?

I’ll start with the floorplan. Simply put, the previous layout was awkward and inefficient. There was too much unused, open space and not enough rooms to interact with patients in private settings. We redesigned the facility to add more private rooms, streamline patient flow, and accommodate more doctors and patients.

It’s no secret that technology helps fuel great clinical outcomes in the dental world, so we installed state-ofthe-art equipment like new dental chairs, X-ray machines, electric handpieces, and sterilization equipment. As a result, most rooms can now support all types of specialties.

We also added a new room where patients can discuss their treatment options with a doctor in a private setting.

As part of the upgrade process, we decided to modernize the entire facility by installing new flooring, doors, baseboards, paint, new computers, monitors, and software. More importantly, we upgraded the internal look

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high-end movie theater, an upgraded sound system, and immersive, full-size arcade games like Pac-Man and Mario Kart.

What Rodeo team members would you define as impact players in the Palmhurst and greater Mission areas?

A few people are top of mind, starting with Dr. Hisham Ayoub, our lead doctor for the entire RGV area. He’s unlike any dentist I’ve ever met for so many reasons and is a true dental domain expert. For example, Dr. Ayoub is an avid book collector and has acquired over 800 rare dental books ranging from the 13th century to the year 1900. He has a broad base of medical knowledge and experience, which includes stem-cell, forensic dentistry, laser dentistry, and history of medicine. As our RGV lead, Dr. Ayoub works most of the time in the Rodeo Mission office and mentors the other general dentists across the valley.

His efforts drive peak performance and inspire clinical excellence across all of these Rodeo locations.

Tita Hinojosa is another team member that deserves a shout-out. Tita was born and raised in the Valley, knows how to create energy, and connects quickly with anyone and everyone. She has worked in many roles at Rodeo, like the front desk, orthodontics treatment coordination, and office leadership. Tita currently runs the Upper Valley region at Rodeo, which includes the Sharyland, Mission, Palmhurst, and Rio Grande City offices. Where

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investment in patient comfort via new lobby seating, a

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the Palmhurst project and movement of specialists throughout the region are concerned, Tita helped facilitate the upgrade and continues to have a delicate hand in balancing doctor, patient, and staff alignments.

Now that Palmhurst is a fully equipped Rodeo facility, we’re excited about Dr. Ashwin Gulati’s arrival and role as the lead general dentist. Dr. Gulati is another Rodeo dentist who has an incredible background, including a degree from the University of Pacific — an elite dental school in California. He’s been a dentist in Arizona and Texas and worked in the Valley supporting Rodeo Weslaco, Donna, Edinburg, and Pharr office locations. On the humanitarian front, Dr. Gulati spent three years helping to bring free medical and dental services to rural Mexico, so he has the type of kind heart we look for in Rodeo providers. I could go on and on. He’s a competitive dancer, blackbelt in karate, and had a disc-jockey business in Arizona for four years. You just don’t find many dentists that are excellent clinicians and have a personality and background that is so authentic and interesting. I know Dr. Gulati is going to light up the Palmhurst and Mission communities!

Is there anything else you would like to say about the RGV area?

Yes — the Valley is the heart and soul of the Rodeo culture! I hope to get a chance to talk about what this means at another time. For now, just know that we continue to invest in and serve the RGV. Stay tuned as we’ve begun extreme upgrade projects to our Central and Southmost offices in Brownsville!

create a positive and uplifting experience. This includes

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F r o m l e f t t o r ight: D r. A s hw i n G ulati , Ti ta H i noj o sa, an d Dr. Hish am Ay ou b.

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HEALING RGV'S YOUNGEST PATIENTS South Texas Health System Children's Hospital Celebrates 16 Years of Service

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its pediatric patients with playrooms, an onsite Ronald McDonald House, and a child life specialist — all in effort to improve a patient’s overall experience.

"Culture is everything for us," Ames said.

"We hope that when people come to our hospital, they feel that positive energy. When you're in a hospital, you really need someone there that makes you feel confident you’ll be well taken care of.

“You need someone that's going to lift you up and help you to feel hope and positivity amidst all the challenges and stress that you're going through at that moment."

Dr. Nicholas Pereira, STHS Children’s medical director and pediatric hospitalist, has been working with the hospital since its inception, bearing witness to the tremendous impact it has had on the region.

"Originally, we were a small unit inside of South Texas Health System Edinburg with just 30 beds and we were getting overwhelmed with pediatric patients," Pereira said regarding the need for a dedicated pediatric hospital.

"The main idea was to keep the patients in the Valley and provide this community with the healthcare services their children need so we don’t have to send them to San Antonio or Houston.’"

Since welcoming its first patients, STHS Children’s has continued to grow and introduce new programs and services. Five years ago, the

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In March 2006, the Rio Grande Valley welcomed its first freestanding children's hospital. For the past 16 years, South Texas Health System Children's — formerly known as Edinburg Children's Hospital — has been meeting the healthcare needs of the community through its pediatric services in cardiology, gastroenterology, ear, nose, and throat, and more.

To date, STHS Children's remains the only dedicated pediatric hospital south of San Antonio. In addition to having the largest pediatric intensive care unit in the RGV and the only dedicated children’s emergency room, it is certified as a Center of Excellence for its asthma program.

As the hospital marks 16 years of operation, STHS Children's CEO Lance Ames reflects on this milestone and said the mission remains the same as the day it first opened its doors.

"Our goal is to make sure that kids go home and return to being themselves," he said.

"Loving life, going to school, developing their talents — music, sports, computers, robotics — whatever it may be.

“That's our passion: helping kids heal. We brought specialty pediatric care to the families of the Rio Grande Valley so they don’t have to leave the area to seek care at other major medical centers."

Taking measures that go beyond just medical care, the 107-bed facility provides

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b y E l i s a Ga r ci a | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d

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Ronald McDonald Family Room opened on the hospital’s third floor to provide a quiet resting area for parents and family members of hospitalized children to enjoy a bit of calm and normalcy in a homelike atmosphere equipped with beds, laundry services, and a living room area.

Another way STHS Children’s helps patients feel at ease and heal beyond the medical is through visitations from a child life specialist.

"They have their ways and means to bring a little humor and entertainment to these kids so that they can forget their illness, even if for a little bit,” Pereira said.

Ames adds the hospital is always looking to grow and welcome new pediatric healthcare services to the RGV. One project that patients and their families will soon be able to enjoy is an outdoor garden featuring scenic pathways, colorful landscaping and a life-size checkerboard set.

"We're so grateful for all the trust that the Rio Grande Valley community has put in our children's hospital over the years," Ames said. "And we're so excited to be able to continue to serve them and to be the best children's hospital in the Valley for years to come."

For more information on STHS Children's, visit southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com or call (956) 3886800. The hospital is located at 1102 W. Trenton Road in Edinburg.

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H E A L T H

ST. MICHAEL’S

AMBULANCE Saving Children’s Lives One Day at a Time b y Ka ti e G ood m a n | p h o t o s b y J a co b M e n d o z a assists are bed-bound, obese, need oxygen, or need restraints. Children from all walks of life benefit from the ease of transportation St. Michael’s Ambulance provides. Many children need a safe and reliable ride to their medical appointments, dialysis treatments, physical therapy, dental appointments, or cancer treatments. This service also offers a comfortable ride home after an outpatient procedure or hospital discharge.

“Our staff treats patients with the respect, compassion, and dignity they deserve,” Heather Segovia said.

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Nobody wants to imagine their little one in need of ambulance transportation, but in the event they may, you’ll want to know who to call. Heather Segovia and her husband, Moises Segovia, specialize in pediatric non-emergency transportation for infants, children, and teenagers.

Non-emergency transportation, also known as NET, is defined as a business that transports individuals, generally the elderly and disabled, who are not in an emergency situation but need more assistance than a taxi service provides.

The majority of patients St. Michael’s Ambulance

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“Children have different needs. Parents feel more at ease using our services because they are specifically for children.”

Hea th er Segov i a , CE O

and with full medical support,” Heather Segovia said.

St. Michael’s Ambulance can transport patients anywhere — even across the country. In a recent case, the company transported a patient from Edinburg to Chicago to ensure they could spend their final days with their family.

While St. Michael’s accepts all insurance plans, sometimes insurance will not cover all transport cases.

This case was an example in which they worked out a deal and allowed their client to pay privately.

“We do our best to work with our customers,” Heather Segovia said. “We are a family-owned business. We always do our best to offer a fair price that works for everyone.”

For more information, call (956) 601-1269 or book an appointment online at www.stmichaelsambulancergv. com. Follow St. Michael’s Ambulance LLC on Facebook: @ stmichaelsambulance.

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It takes a special person to be able to handle a child in pain or fear. The staff at St. Michael’s Ambulance have perfected the art of managing the big emotions of little children.

“Children have different needs,” Heather Segovia said.

“Parents feel more at ease using our services because they are specifically for children.”

Due to the prevalence of disease, and considering many ill children have compromised immune systems, many parents feel more at ease when using a transportation service specifically dedicated to transporting children like St. Michael’s Ambulance.

As truly innovative business owners, the Segovias are always coming up with ways to think outside the box.

Their pediatric ambulance fleet also specializes in standby services for football games, track, cross country, and band events.

“Believe it or not, we have more accidents during band events than any other sporting events,” Heather Segovia said. Anytime you have a large group of kids together, accidents are bound to happen. It is important to have a plan in place for when they do.

St. Michael’s Ambulance currently services schools within Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD. While St. Michael’s Ambulance is based out of Edinburg, the Segovias continue to work to expand their reach in all surrounding areas in the Rio Grande Valley.

This highly specialized ambulance service provides professional and reliable medical transportation whether the medical facility is a short ride away or across the state.

“We aim to get you and your child there on time, safely,

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NEUROLOGICAL SERVICES IN THE VALLEY

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Big Updates for the Neuroscience Institute at Valley Baptist-Harlingen b y Ka ti e G o o d m a n | p h o t o p r o v i d e d Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen is well known as the go-to hospital for all neurology and stroke needs in the area, but new updates boost the facility’s value to its community.

The hospital is set to open its brand new, 14-bed Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the area’s first Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.

“We’ve watched our program grow exponentially over the past several years, in large part due to the dedication, commitment, and expertise of the Valley

Baptist Neuroscience Institute providers,” said Jennifer Bartnesky-Smith, the hospital’s chief strategy officer. “Because of this, we quickly recognized the need for expanded access and critical care space to accommodate the increased community demand.”

Over two years ago, the hospital began planning to move and expand the existing NICU and to add the area’s first Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Construction has been ongoing for some time; however, in March 2022, the hospital will open its brand new state-

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“We’ve watched our program grow exponentially over the past several years, in large part due to the dedication, commitment and expertise of the Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute providers. Because of this, we quickly recognized the need for expanded access and critical care space to accommodate the increased community demand.”

Jenni fer B a r tne s k y - S m i t h , ch ief strategy officer

of-the-art NICU which will include new equipment, new medical technology and an additional fourteen ICU beds to accommodate the community’s neuro critical care needs.

However, the new NICU offers more than just ambiance.

According to Dr. Ameer Hassan, the hospital’s neurosciences medical director, the clinical experts at the Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute “offer extensive diagnostic and treatment services in neurological diseases, spinal surgeries, stroke and stroke warning signs, endovascular neurology, epilepsy, headaches, brain injuries, and more.” This new unit is dedicated to providing the very best care to all patients with critical neurological conditions.

Nationally recognized, Valley Baptist Medical CenterHarlingen has its sights set on providing the best and most advanced neurological services in the Rio Grande Valley.

Serving Cameron County and beyond for nearly 100 years, the hospital is also home to the first Comprehensive Stroke Center in the Rio Grande Valley, offering experience in the treatment of critical neurological conditions that is second to none in the region.

Ongoing research and clinical trials at Valley Baptist’s Neuroscience Institute have touched lives worldwide.

The research conducted by an experienced staff of neurological researchers has advanced treatment for patients and changed the standard of care in stroke treatment, increasing the window of time for stroke intervention. This has significantly improved patient outcomes across the globe.

“The Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute and Research Program are both testaments to our hospital’s commitment to improving the standard of care for all neurological conditions and developing new treatment plans to restore the quality of health and life to the people we serve,” Hassan said.

The hospital’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, the first of its kind in the region, specializes in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating people with epilepsy. According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological issue, impacting an estimated 2.2 million people. Around 150,000 are newly diagnosed each year.

“The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is specifically designed for patients with seizures,” said Archie Drake, chief operating officer for Valley Baptist Medical CenterHarlingen. “When admitted to the EMU, patients will undergo a series of tests to characterize their ongoing seizure spells and to guide individual treatment options.

Patients will undergo video EEG monitoring while in the EMU, which will allow our medical specialists to record the patient brain waves before, during, and after a seizure with the EEG.” This is an important step to keep local patients in the area while receiving quality care.

service are currently required to travel outside the Valley for this level of care,” Bartnesky-Smith said. “We are extremely proud and excited to be offering this service to our community in coordination with the epileptologists on our medical staff.” the Valley Baptist Neurosciences

.

Institute continues to raise the

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With these two new additions,

standard of health care in the Rio Grande Valley. Interested in learning more? Scan the QR code for more information.

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“This is particularly exciting for our community, noting that patients requiring this type of epilepsy monitoring

H E A L T H

RICH HISTORY, UNMATCHED CARE Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville

When people are in a time of need, they don’t want to

Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville may have

second-guess the care they will receive. Valley Baptist

started from humble beginnings, but the many years

Medical Center in Brownsville has been the community’s

of experience treating the citizens of Brownsville

choice for high-quality and compassionate healthcare

and beyond have made this facility a vital part of the

for more than 100 years.

community. For a more detailed recount of the history

Established in 1913 as a homeless shelter for the

of the hospital, visit www.valleybaptist.net/about/

citizens of Brownsville by Nora Kelly, the organization

Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville, which is

.

our history.

was originally named “Charity Home.” It wasn’t until a few years later, amid the Mexican revolution, that a

part of Valley Baptist Health System, is not only the

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MAR/APR 2022

b y Ka ti e G o o d m a n | p h o t o s p r o v i d e d

facility with medical services was needed. Many people

longest-standing hospital in the area, but it has also

would flee across the border in need of treatment for

been voted as the “Best Hospital” and “Best ER” for ten

diseases such as yellow fever and diphtheria.

consecutive years by The Brownsville Herald’s Readers’

Throughout the years, the hospital changed name

Choice Awards.

ownership and grew to what it is known as today.

Brownsville Herald readers also recognized this

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facility as the hospital with the best occupational and

as it is in its accomplishments and awards, there are

physical therapists, pharmacists, respiratory therapists,

changes on the horizon to help the hospital better

and podiatrists. The accolades don’t stop there.

serve the needs of its community. Soon, patients will

These awards are a direct reflection of the consistent,

walk into a hospital with new paint, new art, and a slew

quality care provided by every physician and staff

of technological upgrades aimed at improving the

member involved.

healthcare experience for local residents..

Occupational therapy and physical therapy can make

Those upgrades will also include a new, state-of-the-

or break your ability to return to a normal life after a debilitating injury or illness. It is good to know there

”The imaging center is a proud advocate of

is a place in town you can rely on. “We are grateful

standards of excellence and offers some of the most

for the support of our community and honored to

advanced digital technology for optimum image

care for the communities we love,” Valley Baptist

quality,” Maldonado said. “We have been serving

Hospital System Brownsville marketing coordinator

families in the Rio Grande Valley for decades and are

Dafne Maldonado said.

committed to providing high-quality health care in a

The Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville’s

safe, comfortable environment.”

Baptist still offers a wide range of imaging, including

clinicians were assembled and went to work. Each

2D and 3D digital screenings, CT scanning, open MRI,

individual of the team put in countless, sometimes

ultrasound, and digital X-ray services.

brutal hours, and the determination and care provided

Call (956) 698-5412 to schedule your appointment

.

In addition to this new outpatient service, Valley

ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a team of highly-trained

during those unprecedented times will go down in

with Valley Baptist Brownsville’s imaging services.

history. Despite having the odds stacked against them

The Brownsville Imaging Center is located at 5700

at times, you could always see the smile beneath the

N. Expressway, Ste. 109. The hours of operation are

mask. This is what makes Valley Baptist stand apart.

from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday- through Friday. Visit

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respiratory therapy unit is next to none. During the

MAR/APR 2022

art mammography unit in North Brownsville.

While Valley Baptist Brownsville is as rich in history

ValleyBaptist.net for more information.

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FIGURING OUT FASTING While Fasting Can Help Cut Calories, Practice Not for Everyone

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b y St e v e n H u g h e s Matthew Ray Garza used to weigh 280 pounds.

Whenever he walked, his ankles would pop. Then, in 2019, he learned about a lifestyle change from actor Terry Crews: intermittent fasting. After conducting online research, Matthew Ray Garza began altering his eating behavior by fasting for 16 hours and eating in an eight-hour window. He came into this intending to manage his weight, as he was inching closer to becoming diabetic.

Now, he has lost over 100 pounds. His waist size went from 42 to 38. Although he used to feel hungry, his body adapted to his new schedule after two weeks. His friends noticed his new look.

When he visited them in Brownsville months after

graduating from college, they commented that he lost “a lot of weight.” That gave Matthew Ray Garza a confidence boost.

Fasting has garnered attention since 2012.

According to Google Trends, “Intermittent Fasting” was the top-searched dieting topic on the search engine in 2019.

However, Ari Garza, a registered dietitian, said that while there may be some anecdotal evidence of success, the practice is not necessarily sustainable — or for everyone.

“I think it is important to note who fasting may and may not be appropriate for,” Ari Garza said. “I mentioned individuals with metabolic issues, blood

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Addressing caloric intake is a key part of losing weight.

“I think it’s a simplistic way of cutting out calories,” Ari Garza said. “I think a lot of the issues people have with weight management is overindulgence or calorie intake. If you follow a regimen that is designed to reduce calorie intake for a given period of time, it’s sort of taking out the guesswork.

“You may not lose weight during fasting, but it's a simplistic, black and white version of cutting calories.”

Stephanie Watson, a freelance health writer, wrote on WebMD that fasting could cause some problems, such as with metabolism.

She wrote, “It helps people lose weight, but not for long. In one study, people who fasted every other day shed weight, even when they ate all they wanted on days when they weren't fasting. But the weight loss didn't last over time.”

Ari Garza recommends talking to a local dietician or a physician to learn more about fasting. She warns people to be wary of reading information on social media platforms like Facebook, as medical misinformation runs rampant on it.

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glucose control, or diabetes, but it also may not be appropriate for those with a history of eating disorders, such as anorexia/bulimia nervosa, or restrictive or disordered eating habits. Though fasting may have health benefits, it is essentially a restrictive dietary style that may be triggering for individuals with, or in recovery for, eating disorders.”

Eating disorders are damaging to mental health as well as physical health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are “actually serious and often fatal illnesses.”

“Also, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, [fasting is] definitely not something you want to do because your energy needs during that time are more significant than any other period,” Ari Garza said.

Dietary changes have an impact on one’s social life. Food is often central to hanging out with friends.

“A lot of our social gatherings are designed around food,” Ari Garza said. “If you’re fasting, it can sort of feel alienating for you to try and hang out with people in that setting and be like ‘oh, I’m fasting, I’m not going to eat.’”

A popular reason for fasting is weight loss.

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L I F E

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JAN/FEB 2022

Bringing

usic M toLife

Dr. Virginia Champion, Lead Singer for Virginia y Valor, Shares Her Story

by Selene Guerrero | photos by Melissa Guerra and provided | photo location by Suerte in Weslaco

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Adelante y con ganas. That’s how Dr. Virginia Champion has for years signed off on her emails and letters as a form of inspiration, encouraging others to put their best foot forward and give it their everything.

After all, that’s how Champion has lived her own life.

She started working at the age of 14, and at the age of 17, she decided that she was going to do better. She didn’t want to struggle and decided to be the first in her family to attend college. She had no guidance, but she made it work. She pushed forward. In her words, she “buckled down and just did it.”

That wouldn’t be the last time that Champion would buckle down and figure it out. Through the course of her more than 25 years in education and academics, Champion, who holds her doctorate in educational leadership, has impacted thousands of educators and students across the Rio Grande Valley. Champion worked many years for Region One ESC and as an educator in school districts across the Valley. She now works for South Texas College as executive director for Resource Development, Management, and Compliance.

“My work at South Texas College is immensely gratifying because it involves connecting college programs and services to funding opportunities that benefit students, the college, and the communities we serve,” she said.

“Being able to make a difference on other people’s lives in the Rio Grande Valley has always been important to me.”

As she speaks about the work she does, there is passion behind every word — a genuine love for education — but her face lights up when she speaks about her second love, one that she’s been nurturing all her life.

“Music is so meaningful to me, not that education isn’t, because education has given me the opportunity to make a difference, but this is different,” Champion said. “This is a different type of excitement, and it’s so personal, it’s fun, and I love it.”

Virginia is known in the Tejano and Latin music industry as the lead singer for Virginia y Valor, a Tejano Conjunto band.

“I have always had a passion for music, and when I decided to make the leap, I said, ‘You know what, it doesn’t matter what people are going to think,’” Champion said. “‘If I didn’t do this now, I would regret it.’”

In 2019 and on the heels of a global pandemic, Champion decided to once again, take a leap of faith and place total trust in herself. Though it intimidated her, she put herself out there.

Since then, she has recorded two albums, “Amor Mio” and “Adelante.” The second album pays homage to her signature phrase.

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“All of the music from our ‘Adelante’ album was produced, arranged, mixed, and mastered by Grammy nominee, Severo “Sevy” Contreras at Slackmonster Studio,” Champion said. “This project involved various studio musicians, guest artists like Shelly Lares, ‘Little Miss Dynamite,’ Toby Beau, and musicians in our group.”

A natural on stage and singing, it’s hard to believe that prior to this success, Champion had never recorded, performed, or had a band. The drive she possesses has allowed her to maintain both her academic job and make time in the evenings to rehearse alone or with her band.

And the weekends? Well, that’s when Virginia y Valor bring the music to life.

“Our energy-packed performances on the weekends are truly an exhilarating and powerful way to re-energize for the following Monday, when I get to do a completely different type of work,” Champion said.

Virginia y Valor continue to grow, and as she commented, the music industry is like any other industry: There are people who will offer you a helping hand and guidance, and there will also be some who don’t.

The band came together little by little with some help from people like Rodolfo Marcelo Garza, known in the music industry as Rudy Garza Jr. Garza started as her keyboardist and now runs sound for Virginia y Valor. Garza is no stranger to the Tejano industry, having performed and composed songs for Alma Pulido, Bobby Pulido, and La Preferencia. In the 1980s, he also performed with Cali Carranza at the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony.

It’s easy to say that Garza knew his way around the industry, and like many people, he saw something special in Champion.

“I was intrigued by her voice,” he said. “She has that ‘it’ factor when it comes to singing. Her voice is like a magnet — it attracts people, promoters, and DJs.” That talent inspired Garza to want to work with Champion.

“I’ve played with many other major musicians, and my first professional band was another female, Alma Pulido,” he said. “In this industry it’s hard for women to become successful. I saw something in Virginia and wanted to help her succeed. I believe in her voice, and I believe in her.”

The group is now receiving opportunities to perform more as pandemic restrictions begin to ease and more venues open for performances. Virginia y Valor perform locally and are preparing for bigger performances throughout the state and nation.

In January, Champion received a call from the president of the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,

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who personally invited Virginia y Valor to perform during the awards ceremony. He asked if her band would be able to make the quick transitions between sets. Confident in her musicians and their talents, Champion agreed.

The band played for 20 minutes during the induction ceremony before pioneers in the industry.

While her two worlds of academics and music don’t collide, Champion has taken her years of experience in education and used it to run her music business.

“Initially, I was partitioning everything out, and in that first year, I realized there were a lot of skills I could transfer in the music industry,” she said.

Sure, she had never performed before an audience, but she had spoken at many conferences in front of hundreds of people. She also pulled business skills from her professional career and established Virginia y Valor as an official business.

“There is this whole business side of it from getting an album produced, working with people to make physical copies of the album to distribute, to putting music out on the radio and promoting,” Champion said.

Virginia y Valor is also now represented by Troy Castillo of TMC Entertainment. Castillo has been in the music industry for more than 35 years and has a knack for spotting talent.

“She caught my ear the first time I listened to her sing, but I also wanted to see how she did on stage,” he said about first discovering Champion. “I liked what I saw.

She’s like a hidden gem.”

The reception to Champion’s music has been warm.

“She is known now in the Valley area, but I am trying to get her more exposure throughout the state,” Castillo said. “Everything takes time, but for sure, I want to have her (performing) out of state.”

Champion’s voice has resonated through her many years in education. It has inspired and guided many educators and students alike. Her voice now carries differently, inspiring and impacting scorned lovers and hopeless romantics, who sing and dance to her music.

Champion has proved that while we do have one life to live, we can also reinvent ourselves and live many lives in the one we are given.

“Sometimes I pinch myself and think, ‘Is this really happening?’ The whole experience has been like a high, like, wow!” Champion said. “I hope to inspire someone who is thinking whether they should try something different or who want to tap into other interests.”

In Champion’s words, adelante y con ganas.

To learn more about Virginia y Valor, the band members, upcoming performances, and merchandise, visit www. virginiayvalor.com.

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THE RATTLE AND

ROAR OF THE

MAGIC VALLEY City of Hidalgo Home to the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse

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retold through its museum, and as the land is a wing to a World Birding Center, it embraces the Valley's nature scene.

Melissa Sanchez, the director of the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, explained she is in charge of overseeing the general upkeep of the museum.

"Everybody thinks that the channel that is located in the back (of the pumphouse) is the Rio Grande," she said. "But no, the river is still a mile from the pump house. Visitors can take trolley tours where they can see the view of the Rio Grande and the historical sights of Hidalgo."

Prior to the invention of water pumps, early settlers of Hidalgo struggled for nearly 100 years since their arrival in the 1750s to produce subsistence farming in the area.

This was mainly due to dry and difficult land and lack of a proper way to carry the water from the Rio Grande to distant crops.

For free, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse and view the work area and

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By 1909, a slew of stationary steam-powered water engines and pumps had been installed along the Rio Grande. In the City of Hidalgo, the then-state-of-the-art equipment could transfer water from the river to 40,000 acres of land. These lands produced the region's crops, which were then distributed across the nation. As the demand for Rio Grande Valley produce grew, the need for large-scale farming increased as well. Thus, the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse was built in 1910 to oversee the water delivery system, and, in turn, allowed the agricultural production of the region to flourish.

The Hidalgo Pumphouse was irrigating 72,000 acres of land by 1920 and inspired a slew of farmers to set up homes in the "Magic Valley," a name that promised above-average crops. The pumphouse continued its rattle and roar for the next six decades until it was decommissioned in 1983. The use of the historic pumphouse was replaced by an all-electric plant 1 mile downstream that is still used today.

Today, the history of the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse is

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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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machinery that was once used to irrigate thousands of acres. The immersive experience allows visitors to come close to industry machinery like turbine pumps, which are commonly used to dig water out of deep wells or bodies of water.

Perhaps the most impressive machinery that one can see at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse is the large floor-toceiling boilers that were once used to power the water from the river to thousands of crops. At its inception, the pumphouse was run with steam. As technology advanced, the pumphouse would be powered by oil and later by electricity.

In addition to the original pumphouse, the museum grounds allow visitors to enjoy South Texas' warm climate and take in regional birds and brush. According to the museum's website, Tropical Kingfishers, the Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, Clay-colored Robin, and Altamira Oriole are just some of the few flying creatures that have made an appearance on the grounds.

Once, a large white owl made an appearance inside

the pumphouse itself, Sanchez recalled.

One of the contributing factors as to why the area attracts such birds is the land's trees, shrubs, and flowers that are home to the Native Huisache, Texas Ebony, Anacua, Mesquite — to name a few.

Having such surroundings also plays a role in community events the museum offers to the public, Sanchez said. "(The pumphouse) always celebrates Earth Day and before the pandemic started, we used to play naturethemed movies in our amphitheater," she said.

The history of the pumphouse has been a Valley story worth telling, and after the city of Hidalgo officially held the title to the lands in 1993, they put in the effort to restore the building. That same year, an official Texas History Marker was granted to the pumphouse for its significance in Valley history.

The Old Hidalgo Pumphouse is located on 902 S. Second St. in Hidalgo and can be reached at (956) 8438686.

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To learn more, visit ValleyBaptist.net or call 855-720-7448

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MONARCHS ON THE WING

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Monarch Butterflies Make Their Incredible Journeys

by Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center Urban Ecologist John Brush To put this into perspective, a person of average height in the United States (roughly 5 feet 6.75 inches) would have to walk roughly 225,000 body lengths to reach San Antonio.

Unlike a bird, the monarch butterfly is incapable of making the round-trip journey in its lifespan; rather, it takes multiple generations. The last generation of the summer, the overwintering generation, is the one that makes the long southward migration to Michoacán, Mexico. It then takes three to four subsequent generations (each usually living less than five weeks) to complete the

The Monarch butterfly is thought to have been potentially named in honor of various kings, both real (King William III of England) and fictional (Danaus, great-grandson of the Greek god Zeus). However, I would argue that it could easily be called “Monarch” because of its migratory prowess — the king of migratory butterflies.

This beautiful orange, black, and white insect can migrate vast distances, traveling from as far north as Canada to Michoacán, Mexico — a trip that can span over 2,500 miles (or 80 million butterfly body lengths).

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Pledge are helping to spread the word. One of the easiest ways to help a monarch is by planting native milkweeds and native nectar plants in your yard, which also benefits all the other pollinators that are so important for a healthy ecosystem.

At Quinta Mazatlán’s upcoming Monarch Celebration, April 2, there will be opportunities to learn more about Monarchs and purchase native plants to help them.

Hope to see you there, and long live the Monarch!

N ative mil kweed pl an ts wil l be avail a b le for pu rch ase at Qu in ta M azatl án’s u pcomin g M on arch Cel ebration .

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journey north.

Scientists have often studied how monarchs make their incredible journeys, but there is still much to learn. We do know this, however: the North American monarch butterfly population has drastically declined — up to 90% over the past two decades.

These declines are thought to be in part caused by loss of milkweed and nectar plant habitat, along with pesticides.

There are ways to help the Monarch, and national efforts like the Mayor’s Monarch

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This beautiful orange, black, and white insect can migrate vast distances, traveling from as far north as Canada to Michoacán, Mexico – a trip that can span over 2,500 miles (or 80 million butterfly body lengths).

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YOUNG MASTERPIECES

Ella Wingate Shares Artistic Process Behind Artwork Showcased at Capitol

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You are never too young to follow your dreams. Ella Wingate is an example of just that. As a 17-year-old artist, she has already received recognition for her work.

In March 2021, one of her pieces was selected to be displayed at the Blanton Art Museum in Austin.

The Texas Art Education Association holds an annual Youth Art Month where several young artists all over Texas have a chance of getting one of their pieces put on the exhibit. Not only was her artwork showcased in a major museum, but Ella’s submitted piece ended up being chosen by the Office of the First Lady of Texas to be part of the 2021 Governor's Gallery.

Ella’s exploration into art began with painting and drawing as a child. The summer before her freshman year of high school, she tried out painting for the first time and created a colorful piece that she was very proud of.

Afterward, she started studying art more seriously.

Today, painting has become Ella’s preferred medium for art, specifically special slow-dry acrylic paint. Recently, she has also been exploring the world of digital art. The piece that was displayed at the Blanton Art Museum was created digitally.

Ella draws her inspiration from Françoise Nielly and Kildren. Nielly is a French knife-painter whose works exhibit a vibrant and colorful image of close-up portraits taken at various angles. Kildren, on the other hand, is a Korean visual artist whose primary medium is digital and whose works focus on adding contrasting elements, such as brightly colored doodles, to his work.

"Most of their paintings focus on portraits, but really unique and creative portraits using different textures and elements that create these amazing pieces,” Ella said. “I love detailed works, so I hope that people can look at my art and really observe the details that I put into it. I take such joy in adding in such small details like an eyelash or a sparkle on a jewel.”

Many of Ella’s ideas for pieces come out of nowhere.

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"I usually juxtapose a portrait along with somewhat random yet elegant objects or creatures.

I do like to incorporate a lot of flowers, birds, and butterflies in my work.”

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She will make a note on her phone of specific colors or concepts she wants to pursue further.

After the initial idea, she does deeper research.

Photos, magazines, and small everyday items are all used as inspiration for her next piece.

Beauty, daintiness, and elegance are the central themes Ella likes to convey through her art. She also adds elements of randomness to her art and creates a more eye-catching and standout piece.

"I usually juxtapose a portrait along with somewhat random yet elegant objects or creatures,” she explained. “I do like to incorporate a lot of flowers, birds, and butterflies in my work.”

Now, in her last semester at Lamar Academy, Ella is continuing to move forward. She is currently waiting for her college acceptance letters to arrive but has decided to major in fine arts. Whichever college she goes to, her art will continue to be a major factor in the decisions about her future.

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DISCOVERING UNCOVERED SPACES

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An Interview with Dr. Katherine McAllen and Raheleh Filsoofi

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Will you please share the evolution for the Uncovered Spaces exhibit? I know you’ve collaborated on exhibits before, and I think people would be interested to know how this exhibit came about.

RAHELEH FILSOOFI: Uncovered Spaces builds on the initiative I established through my project, FOLD: Art, Metaphor and Practice. The international exhibition and conference took place in Spring 2018 at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). FOLD featured an exhibition of contemporary works by thirteen female artists. Each artist and scholar explored concepts of “the fold” and of “folding” in terms of form and conceptual metaphor in both stationary and time-based media arts.

It was held at four different locations in McAllen and Edinburg: The IMAS, the Visual Arts Gallery, the Visitors Center, and Performing Arts Center at UTRGV. FOLD was exhibited over a period of eight weeks in connection with UTRGV’s FESTIBA festival that promotes literacy and the arts. The subject of the FOLD exhibition grew out of the international field of Critical Theory, which has its historical roots in the Enlightenment and the European Baroque periods and was influenced through the writings of the French philosopher, Gilles Deleuze. FOLD also featured eight UTRGV scholars from different disciplines, including Philosophy, Psychology, History, Art History, Literature, Women’s Studies, and Anthropology, who gave public talks and engaged in round-table discussions.

The exhibitions, lectures, and panel discussions opened a dialogue among artists, scholars, students, and the public “to unfold” the connections among them all. The dialogues that emerged from the FOLD exhibition were the most successful aspects of this project. One of these successes was to get to know and work with Dr. Katherine McAllen. She became a great source of support.

We decided to collaborate in hosting other high-impact exhibitions and conferences on specific topics in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science. Uncovered Spaces became the continuation of the vision and passion we both share for students and the community.

KATHERINE MCALLEN: I have always found collaborations with Raheleh especially inspiring. I was honored to be invited to speak as a guest lecturer at the FOLD exhibition that Raheleh curated and directed in 2018. We both have a passion for helping our students to have new opportunities for finding a space for them to see, create, and learn about art. In addition to being a part of the success of the FOLD exhibition at the IMAS, Raheleh and I also worked together on community-based outreach projects, including art education workshops at Brewster School in Linn-San Manuel in northern Hidalgo County. I wanted to continue working with Raheleh after she accepted her new position at Vanderbilt University to help our students and artists within a larger network

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to break through boundaries of creative expression and find success. So, this Uncovered Spaces project fit perfectly with our shared visions on a new, national level to continue working together and creating collaborations between Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

As Director of the Center for Latin American Arts at UTRGV, the evolution of this project was also inspired by the grant opportunities and success I have found when seeking out support from foundations such as the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation with its vision for supporting women artists, the Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation with its focus on building culture and educational success in the upper and lower Rio Grande Valley, H-E-B and its generous support of the arts and education, and the Hollyfield Foundation with its focus on supporting LGBTQ art and culture. The Center for Latin American Arts has raised over $35,000 in grant funding for this project that Raheleh and I are organizing, and I have had 100% success in all grant applications thus far. This acknowledgment speaks to the excellence in exhibition planning that Raheleh and I can produce together with our expertise and the originality of our ideas. Seeing this overarching support from external sources makes me feel even more excited to collaborate with my colleague and see UTRGV and the IMAS work together on this new exhibition in McAllen.

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Ph oto of Rah el eh Fil soofi an d Dr. Kath erin e M cAl l en .

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fulfilling and satisfying experience. The Center for Latin American Arts staff Carlos Limas, Angela Scardigno, Daniel Ymbong, and Carol López have learned to apply the skills they acquired as UTRGV graduate students within a new professional setting, working alongside Raheleh and I as we work together to lead the planning of this exhibition and event series.

What are your expectations for Uncovered Spaces? Is there something you want this exhibition to accomplish?

For you professionally, for the artists, for IMAS? FILSOOFI: Considering the geographical location of the IMAS and UTRGV, the enhancement of community engagement and cooperation with local, regional, national, and international artists and scholars outside of the Rio Grande Valley has high priority. In addition, the Rio Grande Valley has the potential to become a hub for intellectual, creative, and cultural exchange in the southern hemisphere, so many artists and scholars around the world could also benefit. As an artist and educator who lived and worked in this area for over four years, I have seen the impact of this place on my own practice. My story as an immigrant coalesced with the stories of many people here and gave me a pivotal perspective about the political landscape of this country. The main concern is to make sure that the exhibition and its many events open a space through art, which engages the community of artists and audiences and offers a critical re-thinking of current social and political issues. The broader implications touch upon the foundations of art practice from the perspective of practicing artists and scholars and the existential issues affecting the lives of all members of our society.

MCALLEN: I believe institutions, along with their students and audiences, want to promote education and find a place for creativity. We need inspiring places to view internationally celebrated contemporary art in the Rio Grande Valley. Uncovered Spaces is a testament to the fact that art is a serious profession, and emerging and established artists are changing our world with their creative ideas that challenge us all to have new dialogues with each other.

The study and advancement of creativity in the arts is a critical part of the fabric of our community and the success of our students. We need to promote these values in art and education at the IMAS and our universities to elevate the arts and inspire innovation to make the world in which we live on the U.S-Mexico border a more dynamic and beautiful place.

We want Uncovered Spaces to inspire our community, create a space for young artists to learn and have confidence in their expression through art, break through boundaries of space and identity, and support diversity and inclusion.

What are some of the challenges and delights you’ve experienced working with many artists on this group exhibition? (i.e., issues of balancing the well-established artists with the emerging ones; organizing an exhibition of works that are in the process of being created; etc.)

FILSOOFI: This is a multi-layered and multifaceted event, and with so many artists, scholars, communities, and institutions involved, challenges are inevitable. However, since this project is a collaborative project and tasks are specifically identified, it has run rather smoothly. The collaboration with Katherine has been a delight since she is a very organized person and is as enthusiastic as I am about this project. We have worked together for the past four years in different capacities and know each other well. The artists, scholars, and institutions who are part of this project have realized its importance and have been very supportive. I am mostly working with the artists while Katherine oversees the entire program and works directly with everyone. We communicate every week, which keeps the process vibrant and flowing.

MCALLEN: While it would seem very challenging to select and organize artworks from 13 artists and arrange for the shipping of their pieces from around the U.S. and Latin America to the IMAS, working with a curator as organized and detail-oriented as Raheleh and a driven team at the Center for Latin American Arts at UTRGV, it is a very

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Uncovered Spaces will introduce celebrated artists to the Rio Grande Valley, but they are not merely artists coming into our museum to display their art. We will encourage young audiences to be in a dialogue with the artists by creating their own works in a student art exhibition sponsored by H-E-B (and organized by UTRGV alumni Cristina Correa and Fatima Lai) opening in conjunction with Uncovered Spaces. We will also host art workshops, present performance pieces with the visiting artists, and host roundtables for our community and K-12 and university students to attend. We are not just speaking to the community. We want to hear from the community.

Our students and younger generation are the future, and there is a hopeful exuberance in the youthful identity of the Rio Grande Valley. Uncovered Spaces will be relevant today to make a positive impact in our community to engage with art by bridging boundaries, celebrating diversity and inclusion, and inspiring innovation.

With Uncovered Spaces, we are also witnessing the success of education evolve with the planning of this exhibition. We are working with our current students, our talented alumni, such as Correa and Lai, who are now teachers in K-12 schools in the upper and lower Rio Grande Valley, and our CLAA and IMAS staff who are now working in art professions after receiving their graduate degrees at UTRGV under our mentorship. It is an honor for us to support our current and future students and young members of our community by being a part of this exhibition at the IMAS. Where do you think your collaboration on Uncovered Spaces will lead you next?

FILSOOFI: Hopefully, this will lead to many more fruitful collaborations, but the goal of this project is focused solely on our community that has been so generous and open to us. It provided space for us to navigate and share.

Therefore, we feel obligated to maintain such space for the next generation, who will be the artists, intellectuals, and educators of the Rio Grande Valley.

MCALLEN: I hope it leads Raheleh and I and our students to continue to have more success creating future exhibitions and new art together!

Grant Support for Uncovered Spaces is made possible by the generous financial support of grants from The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, The Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation, the Hollyfield Foundation, H-E-B, the UTRGV College of Fine Arts, and the UTRGV Center for Latin American Arts.

Uncovered Spaces is organized by Dr. Katherine McAllen, assistant professor of Art History and director of the Center for Latin American Arts at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Raheleh Filsoofi, assistant professor of Art at Vanderbilt University.

Will you please share what attracted you to the identity theme of this exhibition? How do the artists/artworks connect audiences with both the simple and complex concepts of identity? Or is identity only a complex concept? And if so, how do you think these artists make it accessible to general museum audiences of all ages?

FILSOOFI: Identity is a complex subject in the contemporary world and especially in art. It is not a new subject for a curatorial exhibition, but as the world around constantly evolves, so does the theme of identity.

The myriad events of the past two years: COVID 19, pervasive racial injustice, social inequity, and immigrant incarceration impact identity and identity politics which makes the concept a relevant and current subject. Artists have been selected based on how their work addresses these topics. Artists are from different cultural and practice backgrounds, who have faced many challenges in life and art and bring diverse perspectives to this theme. The event venue will serve as a space for women, queer artists, and scholars to discuss their work, research, interests, strengths, frustrations, and vulnerabilities regarding gender, race, and social norms, which of course, has a direct relationship with identity. The project also seeks to reveal the connections between feminine solidarity, shared knowledge, and the creative process.

MCALLEN: We created this exhibition to help artists, students, and our community think deeply about the social structures that impact female identity and LGBTQ identity.

We wanted to provide a space for artists to share their work, create new art, and encourage viewers to see how this creative production is in a dialogue with each other.

The artworks are intended to connect with audiences metaphorically, conceptually, and sensorially and share the ideas of our artists to begin new dialogues and conversations. Our vision is to help artists and viewers feel more empowered through their creativity to open up new perceptions and create a safe place to engage with art and value it in our community.

What responses do you expect from the audiences who experience the exhibit?

FILSOOFI: We trust they will ask questions and participate in various events to discuss their thoughts and insights.

We believe the layers of this exhibition can uncover many spaces for exploration, engagement, and dialog. We hope this is an enriching, educational and enjoyable experience for artists and viewers.

MCALLEN: By providing a space to enjoy art, we hope to see a positive response about building an arts-based community. This exhibition is focused on creating something together, collaborating to support students and young audiences, and placing a value on the arts.

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‘A S H O W O F WOMEN:’ AN EXHIBITION OF PERSPECTIVE, BACKGROUNDS Female Artists Display Artworks at a WomanOwned Studio

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by Steven Hugh es | ph otos pr ovi d ed After being on hiatus due to the pandemic since its last showing in 2019, the Mujer-eres art show is back on, showcasing the works of 22 female artists from March 4 to April 29 at La Chicharra Studio on 1400 E. Madison St. in Brownsville. The opening reception will be from 6 to 9 p.m. March 4, and the studio is open from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays.

The exhibit will feature works from artists Adriana Zavala, Valeria Martinez, Karla Cruz, Ruth Kietz, Bobbette Morgan, Nancy Miller, Alexandria Canchola, Marcelina Gonzalez, Miriam Celedon, Dominique Flores, Natalia Salinas, Alejandra Martinez, Pat Brososky, Rudy de la Fuente, Clarissa Martinez, Mayra Huerta, Kathy Bussert-Webb, Selia Zamora, Karla de la Fuente, Andrea Cira, Denise Santibanez, and Jesmil Rodriguez.

The event hasn’t happened in recent years because of COVID-19. At the time of publication, the show was scheduled to take place. The event will also feature several outdoor vendors picked by Ruby Garza, the director of La Chicharra Studio.

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The show accepted submissions by female artists from the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

Mujer-eres’ goal is to feature each artists’ perspectives and background.

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“We just want to showcase different backgrounds, women, [and] artwork,” Sam Rawls, the curator, said in January. “[This show is of] their work, not specifically about women.”

The show accepted submissions by female artists from the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Mujer-eres’ goal is to feature each artists’ perspectives and background.

That was the appeal for Gina Palacios, the guest juror for the exhibit and an assistant professor and associate director for the School of Art and Design at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

“I know a lot of local artists will be in attendance and this is a way to bring art from outside the Valley into the Valley,” Palacios said. “I [wanted] to be part of that.”

Palacios taught at the Maryland Institute College of Art before coming to UTRGV. Since the exhibit allows female artists from outside the Valley to submit, she felt that her experiences aligned with the exhibit’s goal. Rawls and Palacios knew each other

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before collaborating on the event. Palacios mentored Rawls while Rawls worked on her master’s degree.

“I already had [Palacios] in mind,” Rawls said. “It’s the first time we’re doing a jury this year. She’s a very helpful person, very knowledgeable. I immediately was drawn to her and asked her, ‘Would you help us this year?’ She gladly said yes.”

It was an honor for Palacios that Rawls selected her for the exhibit. It will be Palacios’ first time judging. She said that she’s worried about narrowing down the works for the exhibit’s Best of Show because she might love everything.

An exhibit can’t happen without a space to home the artists’ works. That’s where Garza’s studio comes into play. Garza had seen previous years of the Mujer-eres Exhibition. To be asked to provide a space for this year’s event was an honor for her.

She opened La Chicharra Studio in the summer of 2021. Since then, her studio has housed four events. The 2022 Mujer-eres Exhibition will be number five.

“It’s important for people to visit the galleries or the studios because it supports artists,” Garza said. “It gives them exposure.

Someone can go in and take a look at the artwork, take a picture of [it], and share it on social media.”

While Rawls was unsure about bringing the exhibit back, she reached out to Garza to host the show. Rawls wanted to use La Chicharra Studio because it was new to the downtown Brownsville art scene and operated by a woman. She’s seen the studio and loved it.

“It’s beautiful,” Rawls said. “It’s a good location, right off the university, and I think it’s well organized. I was like, ‘Oh, this is [a] great place.’”

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