September / October 2023 - RGVision Magazine

TheScorpions areBack

Athletics return to Texas Southmost College with men’s and women’s soccer. p.14

CLAIRE GARCIA

Shares her journey into the nursing profession. p.24

OMAR OCHOA

ATTORNEY AT LAW

Childhood dream becomes lifelong passion. p.36

LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTERS

The Valley's Level I Trauma Centers address critical emergencies. p.64

Whether your project needs a few tweaks to elevate your brand or a complete rebrand, FASTSIGNS® delivers. Your project is in good hands with our experienced team of professionals. We’ll see your project through from concept to installation. FASTSIGNS helps you achieve more than you ever thought possible.

You’ve got something to say. We’ve got all the ways to make it happen.

Put Your Mind at Ease

GABE PUENTE PUBLISHER/CEO

Habakkuk

“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”

As the CEO of RGVision I cast vision, create teams, execute on strategy, and create value. It would behoove us not to feature those like-minded individuals who are building the same teams to provide value to our region.

In this issue, we are excited to feature Coach Mario Zamora and the return of soccer at Texas Southmost College (TSC) to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). Under Coach Zamora’s leadership, TSC’s soccer program has been revitalized with both men’s and women’s teams. Beyond scores, he dedicates himself to shaping young athletes into champions both on and off the field. Together, let’s celebrate the essence of the Rio Grande Valley.RGVision is proud to share success stories of exceptional leaders from the Rio Grande Valley in education, business, healthcare, and quality of life. Stay informed and inspired with us!

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

STAFF RGVISION

NICHOLAS T. PEREZ

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

DOMINIQUE Y. ZMUDA

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR / CONTENT MANAGER

JOEL DAVILA

ACCOUNT MANAGER

MARK PUENTE

VIDEO PRODUCTION LEAD/PHOTOGRAPHER

PEDRO SILVA

WEB DEVELOPER

ART GARZA

GRAPHIC ARTIST/PHOTOGRAPHER

MADISON BICKERTON

UX/UI DEVELOPER

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Copyright by RGVision Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

The opinions and views expressed in the magazine don’t necessarily reflect those of our advertisers or collaborators. RGVision magazine is published bi-monthly and circulates 10,000 copies across the Rio Grande Valley in 450 locations with a direct mail distribution to major hospitals and superintendents within Region 1. The RGVision office is located at 1912 Beaumont Ave., McAllen, TX 78501.

Ana D. Gonzalez

Joey Cepeda

Port of Brownsville

Dr. Alfonso Mercado

Dr. Rafael Carrales

Matt Lynch

Mesquite Treatment Center

Rick Vasquez

Colleen Curran Hook

Dennise Villalobos

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS

Bryan Kirk

Selene Guerrero

Jillian Cameron

Joanney Uthe

PHOTOGRAPHERS

James Hord

Bárbara Delgado

Giovanni Ferrigno

Kevin Martinez

Travis Carroll

Leo Zuniga

For editorial comments and suggestions, please send emails to info@RGVisionMagazine.com. For advertising information, please call us at 956.431.0103 or email us at info@RGVisionMagazine.com.

A special thank you to all the advertisers who support this publication: You are the power behind the flywheel igniting positive change that keeps the conversation going.

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2:2-3 ESV

Athletics return to Texas Southmost College with men’s and women’s soccer.

CLAIRE GARCIA

Shares her journey into the nursing profession.

OMAR OCHOA ATTORNEY AT LAW

Childhood dream becomes lifelong passion.

LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTERS

The Valley's Level I Trauma Centers address critical emergencies.

Onstage This Fall pg 10

Helping Students

pg 12

What Does It Take to Be a Teacher Today? pg 18

Bárbara Delgado pg 28

Vantage Bank pg 32

Company Culture at FASTSIGNS

pg 40

Topographic Surveying pg 44

Built for Growing Business pg 48

Suicide Prevention in Teens and Youth

pg 54

The TMD Dilemma pg 56

Aquablation pg 58

The Rehabilitation Process pg 60

Wound Healing Center pg 62

Preserving History pg 68

The Power of a Tiny Forest pg 70

Starting the Journey pg 74

Fall Season Escape pg 78

Enchanting Holiday Magic pg 80

Chrome in the Sand Festival pg 84

RGVISION ADVISORY BOARD

Each and every member of our advisory board charges RGVision with growth and commitment within our business development, social engagement, and editorial efforts. Through their feedback and contributions, RGVision will continue to help tell and share the Rio Grande Valley’s stories and extend the invitation to join the conversation.

TOM TORKELSON

MARK PETERSON

VERONICA VELA WHITACRE

ANDREA RODRIGUEZ

SABRINA WALKER HERNANDEZ

SARAH SAGREDOHAMMOND

EDDIE LUCIO III

MARITZA L. RAMIREZ

BILL MARTIN

RENE A. FLORES

JAVIER DE LEON

JUAN A. GARCIA

DR. RENE I. LUNA

BYRON JAY LEWIS

ROBERT DUNKIN

ONSTAGE THIS FALL

The PSJA Tri-City Theatre Brings Top Thespians Together for the First Time

by Jillian Cameron | photos provided

The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) Fine Arts Department is proud to announce a new program beginning this fall.

The Tri-City Theatre will bring top thespians from the five PSJA high schools together onstage for a historic performance of Chicago.

Jon Taylor has been with PSJA ISD for 43 years and is currently the director of the fine arts program.

"This is the [first time] students from all five high schools [will be together] in one show," Taylor said.

For several years, Taylor and other PSJA fine arts staff members had hoped to provide more opportunities for students to experience versatility within the different aspects of musical theater. The Tri-City Theatre allows students to work with a wide variety of new faces and talents across the district.

Kicking off the Tri-City theater, PSJA hosted The

Rising Stars Musical Theatre Camp beginning this June. Rising Stars Musical Theatre Camp was the first summer musical theater camp open to all middle school and high school students across PSJA.

Taylor shared that the ultimate goal of the Tri-City Theatre is to provide students with the instruction needed to become more well-rounded in the talents and skills involved in musical theater.

"We would have students coming to high school that were great actors, but didn't have training in singing or dancing," Taylor said.

Taylor explained how versatility is paramount for performers in theater and those who work behind the scenes.

"[Our summer camp offered] acting, singing, dancing, marketing, set construction, lighting, sound, instrumental music, graphic design, and hair and makeup," Taylor said.

The Rising Stars Musical Theatre Camp was led by nationally recognized experts in musical theater and assisted by PSJA professionals, including music teachers, dance teachers, and theater teachers.

At the end of camp, auditions for the musical Chicago were held for interested high school students.

Taylor expressed a shared concern between himself and others leading the camp that the casting of Chicago might inadvertently involve students from only one or two schools. However, he was pleasantly surprised.

"We have talented children at all campuses [and] we have a good number of students from each of the high schools participating [in the play]," Taylor said.

Apart from the Tri-City Theatre, the PSJA Fine Arts Department prides itself in its wide variety of programs for students to participate in. Students can choose from art, band, choir, conjunto, dance, film, folklorico, jazz band, orchestra, and theatre.

With the early college programs offered through PSJA, all high school students can earn an associate degree before graduation. Some fine arts courses offered can count as dual credit toward that degree.

"We are proud of our rich history of excellence. We've had many [students] earning top honors in local and state level competition every single year for many years," Taylor said.

Karissa Elizondo, a PSJA Southwest Early College High School Junior, shared her experience with The Rising Stars Musical Theatre Camp.

"We have learned to truly appreciate each other's talents and creativity through this experience. I feel inspired to continue fueling my passion for musical theater and I look forward to participating in future TriCity Theatre productions," Elizondo said.

Performances of Chicago will run from Sept. 7th - 11th at PSJA North Early College High School. Admission is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online beginning Aug. 23rd at psjaisd.us.

HELPING STUDENTS

Brownsville ISD Provides The Optional Flexible School Day Program to Regain Credit and Recover Their Attendance Record

by Jillian Cameron | photo by James Hord

Providing public education for over 100 years, Brownsville Independent School District (ISD) has a rich history of excellence.

Every Brownsville ISD high school student can graduate with up to two years of college credit resulting in an associate degree — or enter the workforce with an industry-based certification. Military readiness programs give another option for students considering the military after graduation.

Over the years, the amount of scholarship dollars granted to graduating seniors from Brownsville ISD has totaled millions.

Students can best take advantage of the programs offered through Brownsville ISD by committing to excellent

school attendance. However, special circumstances may create absences that prevent students from achieving the required instructional time.

As per the Texas Education Agency (TEA), students must be in attendance 90 percent of the time. Students with less than 90 percent attendance are subject to loss of credit in the course(s) where excessive absences have occurred. Even if a student passes the course, credit loss may occur if their absences exceed the limit.

Pupil Services is an essential department of Brownsville ISD, ensuring the academic success of each child through increased student attendance.

According to the Director of Pupil Services, Randy Park, “Curriculum is the heart of the school, but attendance is the blood that flows through [it].”

Pupil Services is an essential department of Brownsville ISD, ensuring the academic success of each child through increased student attendance.

Park, who has been the Director of Pupil Services for the past 10 years, spoke about the importance of The Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP).

“[The program] allows kids who have lost credit due to excessive absences to regain the lost instruction, [and] to regain the credit,” he said.

OFSDP provides students an instructional period on a Saturday and/or before or after school Monday through Thursday to make up credit. Students may opt for OFSDP summer sessions as well.

“Some campuses have it two days a week, and then on Saturday. Some campuses have it just on Saturday. [The schedule] is left up to campus administration,” Park said.

Along with an opportunity to regain credit, students make up their attendance records.

For every four hours (240 minutes) of time committed to the OFSDP, students can regain one full day of attendance.

“[Students] need to be in school, but [The Optional Flexible School Day Program] affords an option for those [with special] circumstances by giving them a flexible schedule,” Park said.

According to Park, the best way for parents to get involved in student attendance is to monitor their child(ren) closely.

ATTENDANCE LIMITS FOR STUDENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

· Elementary students: 18 days of absences per year

· Middle School students: eight days of absences first semester; 10 days of absences second semester

· Early College High School students: eight days of absences first semester; 10 days of absences second semester. ALL DISTRICTS IN TEXAS MUST EXCUSE ABSENCES FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

· Religious Holy Days

· Court Appearances

· Citizenship Proceedings

· Election Clerks

· Health Care Appointments

· Campus Visits

· Military

· Military Enlistment

· Obtaining a Driver’s License or Learner Permit

To best communicate with parents and families, The Brownsville Herald publishes helpful information and legal issues regarding student attendance.

Parents and students interested in participating in The Optional Flexible School Day Program should contact their campus administration. Information such as the district calendar, attendance guidelines, and the pupil services department page can be found on bisd.us.

Scorpions

The areBack

Athletics Return to Texas Southmost College with Men’s and Women’s Soccer

by

Vasquez,

This coming fall, Texas Southmost College returns to interscholastic play as a member of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). The big return will feature a men's and women's soccer team under the direction of former soccer Scorpion Mario Zamora, who played center midfielder during the 2008 – 2009 season.

A vital feature of the returning men's and women's roster is that it is wholly composed of Rio Grande Valley soccer talent, who are ranked as MVPs, Offensive, Defensive, Goalkeeper, and Utility Players of the Year, to name a few.

"I loved the opportunity I had to recruit and coach players from the Valley as a high school coach," said Zamora, "and I am extremely excited about the impact that we will have on the collegiate soccer community as we will continue recruiting all-star talent from the Rio Grande Valley. We are The Valley's Team."

Zamora shared that as a high schooler, opportunities to play college soccer were not readily available for local talent. For him to follow his dream, he moved out of state.

"Lindenwood University made my dream come true when they offered me a full-ride scholarship, but I had to

move away from family and friends," he said.

Zamora played for Lindenwood University for two seasons and found himself at a crossroads as he opted to try out for the Scorpions soccer team when an opportunity availed, and he went on for a season. That season they were the 2008 NAIA Red River Athletic Conference Champions and played in the NAIA Nationals 1st Round. Zamora also received the Athletic Director Honor Roll award for excellent academic achievement as a student-athlete.

Texas Southmost College President Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez said Zamora was the perfect choice to launch this new team due to his soccer player experience and coaching players from the Rio Grande Valley, but also because he once was in their shoes. He was also a soccer coach at St. Joseph Academy for three years, at Pace High School for eight years, and one season for the FC Brownsville. He recently coached the Texas Southmost College Club Sports Men's Soccer team.

"He understands the significance of our culture and does a fantastic job navigating through situations utilizing that lens when working with the team," said Dr. Rodríguez. "He understands the players and the soccer

Rick

Texas Southmost College | photos by Bárbara Delgado and provided

Executive Director of Athletics and Civility, Dr. Armando Ponce, is confident the Scorpions will be competitive as he shared a glimpse of the all-star players on their roster this coming season.

"Our roster features several former district MVP's and All-Area selections," explained Dr. Ponce. "The local soccer community will recognize the immense talent that will be representing the Scorpions and the entire Rio Grande Valley. This will truly be the Valley's team."

For the latest information on Scorpions soccer, visit tscscorpions.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @tscscorpionsathletics.

THE MEN'S ROSTER INCLUDES:

JOSE DIAZ - RIVERA HIGH SCHOOL (6A) MVP

KEVIN ZAMORA - LOS FRESNOS HIGH SCHOOL (6A)

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

RICARDO DAVILA - IDEA SPORTS PARK (4A) MVP & UTILITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR

HAZEL MEJIA - IDEA RIVERVIEW (4A) OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

RAMIRO CASTANEDA - FIRST BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL MVP

THE WOMEN'S ROSTER INCLUDES:

ANDREA CALVILLO - LOS FRESNOS HIGH SCHOOL (6A)

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

KENIA QUIÑONES - LOPEZ HIGH SCHOOL (5A) DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MIA RAMOS - IDEA RIVERVIEW (4A) MVP

ELIZABETH TORRES - RAYMONDVILLE HIGH SCHOOL (4A)

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ADRIANA BAZALDUA - DONNA NORTH HIGH SCHOOL (5A)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MELANIE DELGADILLO - LA JOYA PALMVIEW HIGH SCHOOL (6A) DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ALIYAH PELAYO - MISSION VETERANS (5A) OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

culture in the Rio Grande Valley. This is significant because the entire roster will include Rio Grande Valley students from Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr Cameron Counties. We do not have to go that far to find some of the best talent in the country."

The Scorpions soccer season launches September 1 with a women's home game against Trinity Valley at 5 p.m. and the men's game at 7:30 p.m. The following day, September 2, the Women's Scorpions will play against Tyler at 11:30 a.m. The Men's team will play against Tyler at 2 p.m.

"Something was missing, and our community had been asking for this day for a long time," said Dr. Rodriguez about the launch of the NJCAA soccer program at Texas Southmost College, "and thanks to the board of trustee's support and approval of this project, we can accommodate the TSC community's desire for their own NJCAA Soccer team. There is something special about the pride of a college athletic team, and we cannot wait to show opponents the sting of a Scorpion!"

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A TEACHER TODAY?

The Next Generation of Innovative Thinkers, Problem Solvers and Compassionate Leaders

A classroom is where education and learning play a vital role in shaping the lives and futures of our youth and our overall region in the Rio Grande Valley. At Teach for America, the path to an excellent education for every child begins in that classroom alongside an exceptional teacher-leader. As we navigate today's ever-changing landscape, the role of teachers has become more crucial than ever. The rapid advancements in technology, globalization, and the need for critical thinking and adaptability require a unique type of teacher—one who is versatile, innovative, empathetic, and capable of fostering holistic development in students.

TECHNOLOGICAL FLUENCY AND DIGITAL LITERACY Technology has become integral to our lives, transforming how we learn and communicate. Consequently, technological fluency and digital literacy are a must-have skill set for today's teachers. Teachers add

photos by Kevin Martinez and Travis Carroll

so much value to learning when using various educational tools, software, and platforms to enhance instruction and engage students effectively. By leveraging technology, teachers can create interactive and personalized learning experiences, promote collaboration, and prepare students for the digital world. Moreover, a tech-savvy teacher can guide students on digital resources' responsible and ethical use, ensuring they become digitally competent and responsible citizens.

ADAPTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

Like technology, the world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, making adaptability and flexibility crucial qualities for today's teachers. Teachers should continue embracing change, keeping abreast of new instructional developments, and constantly updating their teaching strategies to support the diverse needs of their students. Flexibility enables teachers to tailor their approaches to different learning styles, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in the classroom. Additionally, an adaptable teacherleader can navigate unexpected situations, such as transitioning to remote or hybrid learning environments, ensuring continuity in learning despite external challenges.

CULTIVATING CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

As information becomes readily available, the ability to think critically and solve complex problems has gained the utmost significance. A modern teacher should empower students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize

information, encouraging them to question assumptions and think independently. Teachers can stimulate curiosity, foster creativity, and develop students' problemsolving skills by incorporating project-based learning, real-world scenarios, and inquirybased approaches. Such an approach equips learners with the capacity to adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to an everchanging community and society.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

In a fast-paced and interconnected world, today's teachers should continue to prioritize students' social-emotional well-being. Building positive relationships, creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment, and being empathetic toward students' needs is vital. Teachers should promote emotional intelligence, agility, resilience, and mindfulness, helping students navigate challenges and develop a healthy sense of self. Teachers can instill confidence, inspire self-motivation, and enhance student engagement and academic success by fostering a nurturing atmosphere.

The world of today demands a teacher who possesses a multifaceted disposition–a teacher-leader who can effectively leverage technology, adapt to change, foster critical thinking, and provide social and emotional support. By embodying these qualities and skills, today's teachers can inspire a love for learning, equip students with the tools to thrive in the digital age, and nurture the next generation of innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and compassionate leaders.

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Repairs & Restorations

Violin, Viola & Cello Lessons

Humberto F. Zepeda Senior Vice President Foreign Exchange Manager

CLAIRE GARCIA

Shares Her Journey into the Nursing Profession

by Bryan Kirk | photos by Mark Puente

Nursing is a calling, and it's also among the most noble professions for anyone to pursue. But only some people who follow the path to nursing are called.

Sometimes, it just takes a perfect stranger to see the lifesaving potential of a future firefighter, police officer, doctor, or nurse.

Claire Garcia earned her registered nurse (RN) degree in May. She was a personal trainer and a part-time student at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley in 2017 when one of her clients advised her to pursue a nursing career at Valley Grande Institute.

"That was not my first choice, professionally," she said. "I was a personal trainer working full time and going to UTRGV to slowly get my basic courses. I was never enrolled full time because I always had to make ends meet and I had to do more training."

During one of her CrossFit training sessions, Claire met

Anabell Cardona, VGI's President and CEO, who'd recently become a client.

Claire said she and Anabell talked during her training sessions. Over the course of a few weeks, they came to know each other a little better.

Then, one day, Anabell asked, "Have you ever thought about nursing?"

Claire, who was more interested in a career in physical therapy at the time, hadn't given a nursing career any thought.

She was admittedly a little apprehensive, but Claire said Anabell reassured her that she could successfully earn her certification as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in a year. She offered to help Claire get started at VGI.

The classes were smaller, which Claire said made her more comfortable, and she felt they had a vested interest in their students' success.

"The school is kind of hidden, it's small and it's in Weslaco," Claire said. "But once I started there, I thought, 'wow, I wished I'd known about this place earlier.' It would have saved so much time…from doing a bunch of classes I didn't need."

Claire acknowledges she didn't think at first that she would choose the school or the career path because it wasn't the one she had chosen for herself. Still, as she learned the material, she became more passionate about a nursing career.

However, there were also the challenges that came with wanting a career so badly.

"I cried a lot," she said as she glanced at her fiancé, Jeremy Clemons.

She exercised a lot too, which Claire said helped her deal with the rigorous coursework and study material, and ultimately helped her focus.

Claire completed four semesters at VGI and earned her certification as an LVN within a year. She credits her four semesters at VGI for laying the foundation that encouraged her to continue pursuing the education she needed for a successful nursing career and recommends anyone who is interested in a nursing career to consider the path she took.

"You learn all of your skills as an LVN," she said. "Every RN I have ever met wishes they'd been an LVN first. They are so focused on the administrator stuff that they don't learn the real skills of nursing. You will learn more as an LVN."

Claire returned to UTRGV to finish the basic courses she needed to be accepted into the RN program while working at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.

She eventually moved to Doctor's Hospital-Renaissance (DHR) in Edinburg, where she began working in the emergency room.

"I love helping people," she said. "I know it sounds cliché, but I see families and I see their situations, and it just opens my heart more."

In December 2022, Claire left DHR to finish her RN studies, and after earning her RN in May, went to work at STHS.

Charles “Chuck” Stark, who serves as the Regional Vice President at STHS, praised the relationship the hospital has with VGI, as well as the school’s ability to be a conduit that provides amazing nurses to hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley.

“The partnership with Valley Grande Institute has always been special,” Stark said. “Their personalized approach to each student’s education, and their commitment to assist every student in reaching their full potential, is inspiring. We appreciate the success that Valley Grande Institute is having in graduating well-prepared healthcare workers who will live in our communities and make this an even better place for all of us to work, live and raise a family.”

Meanwhile, Claire said she loves that she is that first line of care when it comes to helping those critically injured or ill patients she sees in the emergency room daily, where every situation can often be the difference between life and death.

"I would never have expected to be in this position," she said. "I can't make myself breakfast, but I can restart someone's heart."

Although Claire has only recently achieved her goal of becoming a registered nurse, she dreams of becoming a flight nurse one day.

She will never forget the first time she saw a flight nurse in action. She had just started working in the emergency

room as an LVN at DHR when an air ambulance landed at the hospital to deliver an emergency patient.

She watched awestruck as a flight nurse wearing a blue flight suit emerged from an air ambulance and helped deliver a patient to the hospital.

"I saw them, and I thought, 'What is this job? How do you become this? This is cool,'" she said. "They just flew in here, saved the patient, and brought him in."

She was hooked. She befriended several flight nurses to learn more about the profession and realized there were certain qualifications she would eventually have to earn. Of course, she is still learning how to be the best RN possible.

For the foreseeable future, Claire said she plans to sit back and wait as she hones her nursing skills working on the front lines of a Level 1 Trauma Center ER.

"It would be so cool to have that under my belt, and say, 'I was able to do this,'" she said.

BárbaraDelgado LA JEFA

Successfully Navigated the Challenges of Starting and Growing a Business

by Selene Guerrero | photo by Giovanni Ferrigno

Bárbara Delgado has been redefining the art of capturing life’s moments since she launched her company, BD Photography, in 2011. Her passion for fashion and her innate creativity have allowed her to create portraits that are indeed works of art. This passion for photography, fashion, and an eye for capturing style has allowed Delgado to create images that capture the essence of her subjects, like brushstrokes on canvas.

“I started off working at an art gallery,” Delgado said, “Art’s always been a passion, whether it’s fashion design, photography, painting, anything art. I am drawn to it.”

Delgado started working at an art gallery, where her photography talent evolved. She would take photos of the artist’s work, and then a friend opened a boutique where she began taking pictures of models.

“People started asking me to take photos, and they wanted to pay me for it,” Delgado said. “I remember my very first paid job like all those things; I would do it because I loved it. Then in 2011 was when I said, ‘OK, this is something I want to do, and I love it.’”

Delgado’s approach is unique, and rather than just clicking a shutter, she creates a lasting memory, an entire experience from beginning to end.

Her business continued growing, and she opened her in-home studio and worked seven days a week. She was navigating her growing company and producing quality work, but she acknowledges that things were overwhelming initially.

“Running a business can be a lot. There are taxes, processes, and all those things that I learned the hard

way, to be honest. It was kind of like trial and error.”

Her success isn’t just rooted in her artistic talents. As a leading business owner in the Rio Grande Valley, she has successfully navigated the challenges of starting and growing a business with determination and grace. Delgado relied on her mentors and friends and said she was fortunate to network with other women in business.

“I don’t think there’s anything more important than just being around others doing what you’re doing and gathering information and leaning on each other to help each other out where we are lacking.”

Delgado pushed forward, and her love of photos and connecting with people in the community inspired her to continue even when she faced several points in her career where she just wanted to quit.

Delgado found her footing, and once she put together her team, she had more freedom to delegate tasks and focus on improving her craft. Her team included her husband, Giovanni Ferrigno, who helped implement the best business practices and created more structure that allowed the business to flourish.

“It turned into something else where I wasn’t just taking pictures. I realized that through photography, I was helping families and people preserve history.”

Throughout her journey, Delgado has demonstrated that creativity and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Her ability to craft breathtaking portraits has solidified her position as a leading woman in her industry.

Her studio, located at 8 S 5th Street, McAllen, is welcoming. Her clients are guided through the entire

process of what to expect, styling tips, and even personal styling to make the clients feel confident for their big photo shoot.

“We build excitement and make sure that clients are feeling 100 percent when they come in to take the photos,” Delgado explained. “When the client comes in, they get to see what they’re going to be wearing, what they will be doing, where they will be standing, and all of those elements to help them feel prepared.”

Delgado’s fashion experience continues to play a role in her photography business. She now styles 70 percent of her clients with their clothes or renting clothes from a third party. Delgado added that she doesn’t have a particular style when it comes to photography.

“It literally gives me a high. I don’t know how to explain it, but I genuinely love photographing people, and when people really love their image, that’s everything,” Delgado said.

Her business journey has been one of determination, and Delgado’s legacy will continue to shape and influence other photographers and business owners. Delgado encourages others to pursue their dreams with tenacity and creativity.

“Just jump into it. A lot of people want to have it all figured out before starting something, but it’s a learning process,” Delgado said.

“You’re not going to have all the answers. You have to start and take it one step at a time. Find mentors and keep doing it. If you’re passionate about something and consistent, there’s no reason you can’t succeed.”

“It turned into something else where I wasn’t just taking pictures. I realized that through photography, I was helping families and people preserve history.”

Barbara Delgado, owner of BD Photography

VANTAGE BANK

Strengthening the Bonds Between the U.S. and Mexico Through Premier International Banking

by Selene Guerrero |

photos provided

As the sun rises over the Rio Grande, a different kind of bridge brings nations together - the financial bridge built by Vantage Bank, a Texas-based financial institution. Vantage Bank fosters the close relations between the United States and Mexico.

Through its premier banking experience tailored to elite international clients, Vantage Bank has become a pivotal player in facilitating cross-border commerce and investments, stressing the importance of foreign currency exchange rates and their profound impact on their clients’ business efficiency.

“International banking is the core of what we do and has built this bank,” said Eric Sanchez, Senior Vice President, Premier Banking & Foreign Exchange Director, Vantage Bank.

“Banking is pretty traditional if you look across the landscape. There’s not too much variance you can get on it, but adding that international element is not a step most banks take lightly.”

Vantage Bank prides itself on understanding the risks and knowing the market. They leverage this knowledge to ensure better service for their customers. For many years, the bank has been a critical connector for Mexican businesses looking to expand into the United States and vice versa.

The bank’s commitment to building strong ties with its Mexican clients has earned it a reputation as the go-to financial partner in Texas for entrepreneurs and corporations seeking a seamless and efficient banking experience.

One critical service differentiating Vantage Bank is its specialized foreign currency exchange offerings. Businesses operating across the U.S.-Mexico border sometimes face fluctuations in exchange rates that can significantly impact their bottom line. Vantage Bank’s expertise allows its clients to mitigate currency risk and trade confidently.

“We focused on Mexico, and we decided to build a unique differentiator when transferring money to and from Mexico,” Sanchez said. “When you compare us to other banks, they can’t compete with how fast we pay to Mexico.”

The bank's years of experience have allowed them to reduce the process to minutes. Vantage Bank controls the international payment processes and how quickly a customer gets paid.

“We own that process, and we’ve been able to put it at the forefront for all of our users.”

By offering exceptional premier banking experience and offering efficient foreign currency exchange, the bank plays a vital role in strengthening economic cooperation with its international clients. Sanchez described a situation where a customer might be on vacation in Colorado and must send a payment to Mexico. There would be a way to do that remotely.

“You will have access to an online platform called FX Trader that will permit you to go ahead and process your transactions, or you can also deal directly with our FX Desk.”

This commitment to fostering US-Mexico ties and creating a more personalized banking experience is the advantage that Vantage Bank provides. Each client works with a dedicated relationship manager who possesses an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges that can arise when it comes to international banking.

Vantage Bank experts also identify opportunities for their clients operating in both countries. This personal touch builds trust and ensures that the bank is more than just a service provider, but a true partner invested in their client’s success.

“Often, the banks take the position of ‘We want to protect ourselves.’ I think we know our customers enough, and we know we want to be able to protect our customers,” Sanchez said.

He had just finished a phone call with a customer with whom he had been working for 15 years. She had sold all her interest in a company, and Sanchez was assisting his longtime customer through the process. Sanchez mentioned that his client told him she continues choosing Vantage Bank because of the relationship she has established with Sanchez and his team.

“We make sure that they (customers) have a great banking experience. We do that through good risk mitigation practices and intelligent banking that understands Mexico's (business) culture.”

OMAR OCHOA ATTORNEY AT LAW

Childhood Dream Becomes Lifelong Passion

by Joanney Uthe | photos provided

The desire to become an attorney was planted early in Omar Ochoa. When he tried to convince his first-grade teacher that the class should have more recess, the teacher saw his potential and told him he would make a great attorney someday.

"I had no idea what that word meant," said Ochoa. "But I went home and told my folks, 'Hey, I want to be an attorney.' The look of pride that came across on their faces, it sank into my heart. Had the opportunity in high school to actually work for a lawyer and discovered that I loved the day-to-day of it."

Ochoa was born and raised in Edinburg. His parents, who earned professional degrees after being raised as migrant laborers, taught him to value education and hard work. After graduation from Edinburg North High School, he left the Valley to attend the University of Texas in Austin. While earning undergrad degrees in business administration, accounting, and economics, he served as student body president. Accomplishing this goal was a yearlong process of building coalitions with all sectors of the student population: Greek fraternities and sororities, athletes, professional students in the business school, and engineering students.

"I was the first Latino to serve as the student body

president of that campus," said Ochoa. "Fast forward, while I was in law school, I was the first Latino to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Law Review. Two things that I'm very proud of accomplishing."

Continuing his education, Ochoa stayed at UT for his master's in professional accounting before moving to Detroit to work as a senior financial analyst for General Motors. He returned to UT to attend law school to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer.

"Went to the University of Texas for undergrad, master's and law school. So Triple Horn. Very proud of that," said Ochoa.

After law school, Ochoa worked for federal judges in Kentucky and Michigan before returning to Texas to work for one of the top trial law firms in the nation. Working out of the Dallas and Houston offices, he knew that his true home was in the Rio Grande Valley. In Jan. 2018, he opened Omar Ochoa Law Firm in McAllen.

For the last four and a half years, Ochoa has served as the city attorney for Edinburg. Growth within Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley excites Ochoa as he sees the region's potential. As the area's population continues to grow, so does the need for services.

"This area has been underserved for many years, in a lot of ways," said Ochoa. "As the population increases, there is still a lot of catching up to do. Whether it's healthcare, financial services, legal services. Across the board. Seeing that need, seeing that opportunity, I felt like it was the right time for me to come home."

One thing that Ochoa has noticed about the Rio Grande Valley is the shift from a small-city mindset to a big-city mindset, from single-city approaches to regional approaches. Two examples of this are combining the Pan-Am and Brownsville campuses into UTRGV and the mergers of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Both allow for more public money to be available by working together.

"I think this mindset shifting toward bigger city values, bigger city goals, is really helping us out. We don't have a big skyline, but don't let that fool you. We are a big city," Ochoa said.

Omar Ochoa Law Firm has its main office in McAllen but also has offices in Edinburg, Houston, and San Antonio. They specialize in civil cases of all kinds: insurance litigation, construction law, trade secrets, securities, employment, breach of contract, oil and gas, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Ochoa views being a lawyer as a public service, an agent operating in an arena to preserve the rights afforded by the law to individuals and companies.

"As an attorney, I feel that sense of responsibility and to me it feels like public service. I really enjoy talking about the law, discussing the law with other people," said Ochoa.

Omar Ochoa Law Firm can be found on social media and omarochoalaw.com.

"As an attorney, I feel that sense of responsibility and to me it feels like public service. I really enjoy talking about the law, discussing the law with other people."

Omar Ochoa, attorney

WE’RE EVERYWHERE You Need Us

WITH SIX FREESTANDING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS, AT CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM® IS BRINGING QUALITY CARE CLOSER TO HOME

Our freestanding emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Each location is staffed with medical personnel and equipped with diagnostic technology similar to what you would find in our facility emergency rooms, making them capable of providing care typically beyond the scope of most urgent care centers or night clinics.

Our freestanding emergency departments also offer a wide range of health checks and screenings – with limited wait times.

Diagnostic, imaging and lab appointments are available on a same-day, walk-in basis. Discounted rates are available for cash payments.

Learn

FREESTANDING ERS:

South Texas Health System ER Alamo 140 E. Frontage Rd. | Alamo, TX 78516

South Texas Health System ER McColl 4702 S. McColl Rd. | Edinburg, TX 78539

South Texas Health System ER Mission 900 E. Expressway 83 | Mission, TX 78572

South Texas Health System ER Monte Cristo 3615 N. Interstate 69C | Edinburg, TX 78541

South Texas Health System ER Ware Rd. 3700 W. Nolana Ave. | McAllen, TX 78504

South Texas Health System ER Weslaco 330 W. Expressway 83 | Weslaco, TX 78599

.

COMPANY CULTURE AT FASTSIGNS

Positive

Environment and Family Atmosphere

by Joanney Uthe | photos by Mark Puente

When a company’s employees have been at their jobs for an average of ten years, some as long as 25 years, it says a lot about the company’s culture. A positive work culture can inspire innovation and keep employees engaged in their work, affecting employee satisfaction and productivity and helping the company achieve its business goals.

“We attribute the success of our business to our employees and the culture they have created,” said Rod and Rose Snell, franchise owners of the FASTSIGNS in Harlingen and McAllen. “They are very knowledgeable, kind, and hard-working people who love to have fun!”

Employees at FASTSIGNS describe their company culture as a fun, positive environment where they always strive to be the best. They celebrate the big and the small things but are also open to constructive criticism to improve. While working hard, they joke around with each other. Rose Snell believes this to be an important part of the workday, as laughing daily is important to overall good health and happiness.

“Even our newer employees have 1-2 years with the company,” said Ernest Macias, who works Outside Sales in Harlingen. “It’s a small family. We have our ups and downs, but we are close. The closeness of the FASTSIGNS family transcends a normal work environment.”

The diversity of the projects that FASTSIGNS does for its clients helps to keep the employees engaged in their work. Whether they are doing a project for a school, a small company, or a large corporation, the variety of projects makes every day different. Seeing these projects through

to completion creates a sense of accomplishment.

“Every day is an adventure. All of our work is custom work, which keeps it feeling fresh and exciting, and fun,” said Albert Mendez, Store Manager in McAllen.

As franchise owners, Rod and Rose Snell are involved in the company's day-to-day, providing help and guidance to their employees. Garcia described Rod and Rose as excellent role models, with their faith being an important part of their lives. Their focus on always looking to what is best for the company encourages the employees to strive to be the best to provide the greatest quality to their clients.

“Rose and Rod give us a lot of freedom to build within the company. It helps in decision-making to know that we have their support,” said Christina Duran, Center Manager in Harlingen.

As the experts in signage, FASTSIGNS strives to make signage the last thing the client needs to worry about. Their employees take pride in the quality of their work and the service they provide to their clients, educating themselves to create the best possible products with the latest technology.

“Rod and Rose want to be innovative and stay up with the latest technology to help the customer in the best way possible,” said Production Manager Jaime Garcia. “It is a very innovative company.”

Employee recognition is another factor in employee retention in which FASTSIGNS excels. There are overall incentives for departments that keep the employees engaged and excited. The company provides bonuses to sales and managers. A goal is set for each year, with a trip being the bonus for reaching that goal.

FASTSIGNS focuses on the customers, building relationships with their clients, and providing the best quality products possible. While most employees have been there for many years, the people who are hired and succeed in the company are those who strive to live up to the expectations of their customers.

“Every job is stressful, but it is the way we handle the stress of the job,” said Mendez. “We have each other’s back, and that goes a long way in a company, knowing that not only the other employees, but the owners have your back.”

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ARTICLE PROVIDED BY Joey Cepeda

PTC Aerial Mapping & Surveying mapping@rgvhighdef.com

956-648-8409

Location: Port of Brownsville

Client: Port of Brownsville Engineering Department

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYING

PTC Aerial Mapping & Surveying Collects, Analyzes, and Visualizes Topographic Data

Topographic surveying has been crucial to civil engineering and land management. However, as technology advances, so do the methods we use to map our world. PTC Aerial Mapping & Surveying Technology gives the advantage of collecting, analyzing, and visualizing topographic data more efficiently, accurately, and accessible than ever before.

TRADITIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYING METHODS

Total Stations are electronic/optical instruments used for traditional topographic surveying for decades. They use electronic distance measurement (EDM) and angle measurements to calculate precise surveyed points, which are then processed and analyzed to create topographic maps.

Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies have also played a significant role in topographic surveying. Still, they can be affected by multipath errors and satellite signal obstruction in densely vegetated or urban areas.

Despite the advancements in traditional topographic surveying methods, there are still several limitations and challenges:

· Time-consuming: Traditional topographic surveying methods require considerable time and effort, particularly for large-scale projects.

· Labor-intensive: Total Stations and GPS/GNSS surveys often require multiple field operators,

which can increase project costs.

· Accessibility: Difficult terrain, dense vegetation, and other environmental factors can limit access to survey areas and affect data quality.

PTC - AERIAL FIXED WING DRONE TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYING

PTC utilizes a drone with advanced technology that is different from the typical drones. The drone is connected to the Survey Grade Base Station VRS Network; the same method survey crews use to connect their GPS Rover. While flying, the drone takes pictures and collects ground laser data, which results in the collection of thousands of points. The accuracy of the data is measured in real-time utilizing an "RMSE" report. Ground control data is collected through a traditional GPS base station and compared with the drone data. Suppose the drone data is within 1-2 inches of the elevation ground control data. In that case, the accuracy of the topographic data has been proven, and confidence in the data is established.

THE BENEFITS OF HIRING PTC AERIAL MAPPING & SURVEYING

SUPPOSE you need a drone pilot with extensive experience since 2014 for your topographic projects. In that case, PTC may be a reliable and professional option. PTC offers a range of deliverables to meet your specific needs, including:

· High-resolution Orthomosaic Maps: Detailed aerial maps accurately represent the surveyed

area; measurements on Horizontal XY are within 1-inch accuracy. Z elevation data 1-2 inches or tighter.

· Digital Surface Models (DSM): 3-D terrain models, including buildings and other structures, allowing for accurate volume measurements and elevation data.

· Digital Terrain Models (DTM): 3-D models of the bare earth, with all above-ground features removed, providing a clear view of the underlying topography.

· Contour Maps: Topographic maps with elevation contour lines are helpful for planning and development. They are overlaid on Map Imagery as well.

· 3-D Point Clouds: Dense 3-D representations of the surveyed area, suitable for detailed analysis and modeling.

PTC can collect planning data from surrounding areas without right-of-way access. This approach helps identify potential elevation issues of stormwater flowing from adjacent regions. For instance, PTC can scan a 100-acre

Land developers who hire PTC can save time and money, as PTC can quickly scan 2-3 parcels of land for survey data within a week.

area when your project area is 50 acres. The more data, the better.

The services provided can benefit civil engineers who lack the necessary manpower or large engineering firms seeking to save time. Land developers who hire PTC can save time and money; for example, PTC can quickly scan two parcels of land, 100 acres (200 acres total), and finish within a week, typically for what one parcel of traditional surveying would cost. Still, you get the data faster to hand over to your engineer. This survey data can be used for feasibility studies and engineering plans, allowing for a cost analysis of different plots of land. This service eliminates the need to wait months for a detailed topography survey to be completed by a standard man crew.

Another thing to remember is that PTC captures data every foot, which helps calculate earthworks for cut and fill more accurately. Traditional man crews take elevation points every 50 or 100 feet to get a general sense of the terrain. Civil engineers prefer to have detailed topographic maps in 1-foot grids and 50/100-foot grid files for an overall view and smooth contours.

PTC offers assistance with advanced technology and professional expertise, providing clients with high-quality data to make informed decisions. To learn more about PTC Aerial Mapping Services, visit rgvhighdef.com.

BUILT FOR GROWING BUSINESS

Port of Brownsville Hosts

Groundbreaking Ceremony for 118-Acre Business Park

by Port of Brownsville | photos provided

The nation’s only deepwater seaport located on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville, held today a groundbreaking ceremony for its latest economic development project, a 118-acre shovel-ready business park.

This new industrial project leverages the port’s logistical advantages to support manufacturing companies and industry clusters with a base of operations that combines access to efficient multimodal transportation and robust storage capabilities. This development will provide a dynamic ecosystem for companies to collaborate, innovate, and flourish.

“The business park at the Port of Brownsville is a critical component in our mission to attract new industries and businesses to the area, creating jobs, and driving economic growth,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra. “On behalf of our Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners, we are proud to lead this endeavor to provide modern infrastructure, access to transportation and logistics, and a prime location for companies looking to establish a presence along the U.S.-Mexico border.”

In 2022, the Port of Brownsville moved 15.2 million tons of cargo, a remarkable amount expected to

The Port of Brownsville broke ground Thursday, June 22, 2023, on the site of the future 118-acre business park located inside the port. Pictured from left to right: Brownsville Navigation District Commissioner Sergio Tito Lopez, Brownsville Navigation District Commissioner John Reed, Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra, Brownsville Navigation District Secretary John Wood, and Port Director and CEO Eduardo A. Campirano. Not pictured is Brownsville Navigation District Vice Chairman Ralph Cowen.

The 118-acre shovel-ready business park will complement the Port of Brownsville’s successful efforts to support a thriving business hub, offering crucial connections for companies to gain a competitive edge, expand their market reach, improve supply chain efficiency, and contribute to sustainable and resilient operations.

increase thanks to the growing success of port tenants and customers. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ most recent annual report ranking 150 maritime ports nationwide, the Port of Brownsville rose to 55th position in the country for the movement of waterborne cargo in 2021, recording 8.9 million tons of commodities transported via the port’s ship channel, representing a 30% increase from 2020’s 6.7 million tons.

The business park will complement the port’s successful efforts to support a thriving business hub, offering crucial connections for companies to gain a competitive edge, expand their market reach, improve supply chain efficiency, and contribute to sustainable and resilient operations.

Other current capital projects at the port include the expansion of patios,

rehabilitation of docks, and the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project, which will deepen the Brownsville Ship Channel from its current draft of 42 to 52 feet. The increased draft will accommodate the movement of heavier cargo, resulting in major cost savings for businesses and providing navigational safety improvements for commercial shipping in South Texas.

The port continues to attract international private investments, such as Mexican company Forza Steel, currently building a state-of-the-art $60 million manufacturing facility. Additionally, NextDecade’s multibillion-dollar proposed project, Rio Grande LNG, has garnered attention and anticipation as the largest privately funded infrastructure project in the State of Texas.

For more information, visit portofbrownsville. com.

· Robotic Committee Member

✓ Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society (HSCMS)

✓ Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery (TIRS)

✓ Texas Medical Association (TMA)

Hospital Affiliations:

Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Rio Grande Regional Hospital

Dr. Rene I. Luna

Board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Board-certified Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

AS SEEN IN THE TEXAS MONTHLY MAGAZINE

• Texas Rising Stars 2018-2020

• TEXAS SUPER DOCTORS 2021-2023

BY Alfonso Mercado

PH.D., Licensed Psychologist Department of Psychological Science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley www.utrgv.edu/multicultural-clinical-lab/

SUICIDE PREVENTION IN TEENS AND YOUTH

Facts, Signs, and Tips for the Family on How to Act

Amanda Gaffney, who was then a 12-year-old minor, expressed in an interview for the American Psychological Association (APA) how her "mind was heavy with the feeling of profound isolation." At times, Amanda also had waves of thoughts such as "I wish I were dead." Like Amanda, many teens and youth in the U.S. experience thoughts about harming or killing themselves, often worsened by the already-problematic social media used in this group (APA, 2023). Therefore, it is vital to talk about suicide and not make it a "taboo," as stigmatizing or avoiding the topic is ineffective in reducing it. We provide tips to talk to teens and youth about suicide effectively.

KNOW THE FACTS

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens aged 15 to 24 in the United States. The number of suicides has been increasing each year due to a lack of resources for underserved communities, such as the Rio Grande Valley. Other facts about suicide include:

· An 8% increase in suicides among males 15-24 years old in 2021 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], 2022)

· School returning to in-person schooling is associated with a 12 to 18% increase in teen suicide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022)

· About 1 in every five teens in the U.S. experience serious thoughts about harming or killing themselves (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023)

· Nearly 1 in every 10 teens in the U.S. has attempted suicide (NIMH, 2023)

· Minority and LGBTQ+ teens and youth are at even higher risk for suicide (NIMH, 2023)

· Social media used in teens and youth has been found harmful and a contributor to depression and self-harm/suicide in minors (APA, 2023)

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND RISKS

You can help teens and youth by identifying risks, such as:

· Having depression

· Conflict or loss of a family member.

· History of physical or sexual abuse

· Problems with substances like alcohol or drugs

· Victim of bullying

· Uncertainty of their sexual orientation

· Family history of suicide

On the other hand, it is also vital to recognize signs of suicide. Some signs of suicide include:

· Feeling hopeless

· Use of alcohol or drugs

· Changing regular routines such as eating or sleeping

· Saying goodbye to friends and family

· Withdrawing from social contact

· Making statements about taking your life

· Searching suicide methods

WAYS TO HELP

If you notice patterns of these signs in a teen or youth, you

may follow the following tips below. However, seeking help from a licensed mental health practitioner is vital, as suicidality is highly treatable using science-driven interventions.

· Express concern over the situation, open directly to the topic of suicide, can make the teen feel more comfortable with the topic.

· Keep a connection with teenagers. Often ask simple questions about their day, their connection with friends or family, and how they feel throughout the day.

· Be understanding and do not dismiss their signs or complaints.

· Talk to them about the risks of social media; chat with your teen/youth about how social media may trigger mental health symptoms. You may find more information about social media and minors' mental health at the Online Safety Act and APA advocacy efforts at apaservices.org/advocacy/news/kids-onlinesafety-legislation.

A

MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC

Amanda received professional help; now, as an adult, she is a product manager at a mental health company. Like Amanda, many teens and youth may experience these

symptoms and witness improvement in their well-being and life. Despite the severity and sensitivity of this topic, we encourage RGV families to talk about suicide and mental health with the younger generations. Mental health services in the RGV are available in English and Spanish and at low-cost/ sliding fee scales. You and your family are not alone.

CRISIS LINES

9-1-1

National Suicide Prevention – 988

Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Hotline (956) 1-877-289-7199

South Texas Behavioral Health Center, call (956) 388-1300

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Tropical Texas Behavioral Health

(Appointments) 1-800-813-1233

UTRGV Psychology Clinic / Clinica de Psicología (956) 665-8800

(Co-Authors include Dr. Mercado's Mental Health Lab at UTRGV: Alejandra Amaro, Andy Torres, Frances Morales, & Amanda Palomin)

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@MCACONVENTIONS

956.681.3800

experiencemcallen.com

ticketmaster.com

BY Dr. Rafael Carrales Daydream Family Dentistry daydreamfamilydentistry.com

THE TMD DILEMMA

When a Bad Bite Happens to Good People

The force of the human bite is so strong that it can wear through the strongest substance in the body: ENAMEL. Enamel is the outermost layer of a tooth. When the enamel encompassing each tooth is worn down, teeth appear smaller and spaced. Teeth can tell a story, with the muscles acting as the actors. Still, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ultimately authors the plot.

The temporomandibular disorder occurs when the internal articular disk assembly locks, pops, clicks, or is no longer positioned to function. The muscles surrounding the jaw become uncoordinated. How this occurs is patient-specific. The human body has a tremendous capacity to compensate for this imbalance. With some degree of discomfort, eating is still possible. In some instances no discomfort at all. The system can be thrown off due to a systemic problem unrelated to teeth. While in other cases, it may be directly related to broken teeth, new or failed restorations.

For instance, a patient presented with eight new

crowns. Aside from the pain, the back teeth were unable to be combined. A digital analysis revealed only the front teeth could slightly be put together when the patient was asked to bite down. The muscles became so uncoordinated they went on strike - like actors in L.A. The muscles' demand was maximum intercuspation, which is when the cusps of teeth come together in synchrony.

In this case, the muscles compensate to bring the teeth together. Even compensated muscles could not negotiate this deal. The patient was in excruciating pain.

The solution was a trial smile. This orthotic was placed over the existing teeth without any drilling. The pain subsided with a balanced bite. The final bite was transferred into a beautiful storybookending.

Sometimes, there can be quick fixes in dentistry. Other times, unrealistic demands to fix many teeth in a single visit can compromise the outcome. There are both short-term and long-term solutions to TMD.

Short-term options: Botox. While it provides temporary relief, it can become costly. This toxin allows the muscle to lose proprioception for a while, only to return to the same pathologic state after it wears off.

Another short-term option is night guards. The guard can provide some relief to the teeth; however, the muscles remain hyperactive, producing more compression on top of the plastic. The mandible is placed in a comfortable position, but then a deprogrammer gets your muscles back to their pathologic state. The smile remains unchanged. The bite remains problematic.

A local long-term solution is offered at Daydream Family Dentistry. The entire system is measured using electromyography, pressure mapping the bite, and creating the ideal occlusion for the worn teeth. Some term this type of practice physiologic dentistry or neuromuscular dentistry.

The difference, in theory, is compression versus decompression. It's not new to the profession. It's practiced worldwide and is now being offered in the RGV.

We are here to offer a solution.

Step 1: 3D CT scan of your entire gnathostomatic system. Interpretation by an oral radiologist.

Step 2: Electromyography studies of your muscles of mastication. Digital bite analysis.

Step 3: A trial smile in a physiologic position.

Step 4: The new bite in harmony with the musculature and, best of all, a brand new smile to complement the entire system.

We offer a warranty on our new smile design cases. Mention TMD and get $500 off your trial smile.

Contact us to get your consultation scheduled at 956-968-6561.

.

AQUABLATION

Valley Baptist-Harlingen Introduces New Minimally Invasive, Robotic Treatment for Enlarged

by Matt Lynch | photo

Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen is the first and only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley to offer Aquablation, a new therapy using waterjet ablation to treat lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Prostate

provided

BPH, or an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate has grown larger than normal. According to recent studies, nearly half of men between the ages 51 to 60 have BPH, and the incidence increases every decade of life. If left untreated, BPH can

cause significant health problems in some men, including irreversible bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence.

Surgical treatments for BPH may require men to consider trade-offs between symptom relief and side effects, according to Dr. Danilo Asase, a urologist on the medical staff at Valley Baptist-Harlingen.

“Aquablation therapy is a different type of treatment for BPH,” Asase said. “It’s an advanced, minimally invasive treatment that uses the power of water delivered with robotic precision to provide long-lasting symptom relief with low rates of irreversible complications, regardless of prostate size or shape.”

With June recently serving as National Men’s Health Awareness Month, there’s no time like the present to shed light on the new, advanced treatment for a condition that impacts so many men throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

“We are proud to be the first healthcare facility in the Valley to offer a solution for men with BPH that can provide relief without compromise,” said Jennifer Bartnesky-Smith, interim chief operating officer for Valley Baptist-Harlingen and chief strategy officer for Valley Baptist Health System. “It is exciting to bring this new, minimally invasive surgical technique to our community to improve not the quality

of care we provide, but the quality of life for so many men in our region.”

The AquaBeam Robotic System performs aquablation therapy, the first FDA-cleared surgical robot utilizing automated tissue resection or the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH. It combines real-time, multi-dimensional imaging, automated robotic technology, and heat-free waterjet ablation technology for targeted, controlled, and immediate removal of prostate tissue.

Aquablation therapy uses optics and ultrasound imaging, allowing the surgeon to map which parts of the prostate to remove and which parts to avoid that may cause complications like erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and incontinence. The imaging system allows surgeons to develop individualized procedural planning, which can adjust for angle, length, contour, and depth of penetration of the highpressure water beam.

“Clinical studies of the therapy indicate it has been shown to provide symptom relief with low rates of complications, and with predictable outcomes,” said Asase. “This is quite literally a game-changing treatment for men who have until now chosen to suffer from the symptoms of BPH rather than risk the side effects of previously available treatments.”

“Clinical studies of the therapy indicate it has been shown to provide symptom relief with low rates of complications."

Dr. Danilo Asase, a urologist at Valley Baptist-Harlingen

THE REHABILITATION PROCESS

The Role of Family in Adolescent Substance Rehabilitation

provided by Mesquite Treatment Center

Adolescent substance abuse is a growing concern in the health industry, affecting millions of families worldwide. When addressing this complex issue, one cannot overlook the family's critical role in the rehabilitation process.

THE IMPACT OF FAMILY ON ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Adolescents are greatly influenced by their family environment, and certain dynamics can contribute to developing substance abuse issues. Communication patterns within the family, such as a lack of open dialogue or emotional expression, may lead to feelings of isolation and prompt adolescents to seek solace in drugs or alcohol. Additionally, parenting styles that are overly permissive or overly strict can create a fertile ground for rebellion and experimentation with substances. Furthermore, a family history of substance abuse can increase the likelihood of adolescents engaging in such behaviors.

The absence of family involvement can have detrimental effects on an adolescent's substance abuse struggles.

Emotional detachment within the family may leave adolescents feeling neglected, seeking comfort in drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Lack of support and supervision can enable risky behaviors, as the absence of positive role models can lead to misguided influences from peers. In such cases, adolescents may turn to drugs to fit in or escape from the difficulties they face at home.

EFFECTS OF DRUG ADDICTION ON FAMILY MEMBERS

Drug addiction affects the individual and takes a toll on family members. Loved ones often experience overwhelming stress, anxiety, and depression as they witness the destructive behavior of the addicted family member. Guilt, shame, and self-blame are common emotions experienced by family members, even though they are not directly responsible for the addiction. Codependency and enabling behaviors may emerge as family members unintentionally reinforce the addicted individual's substance abuse.

Substance addiction can disrupt family dynamics, causing strained relationships among family members. Parent-child relationships may become tense and strained as trust erodes due to broken promises and erratic behavior. Sibling conflicts and rivalries can arise as attention and resources are disproportionately allocated to the addicted family member. Additionally, drug addiction can lead to marital stress and, in severe cases, even result in the breakdown of the family unit.

The financial consequences of drug addiction can be substantial for the family. The cost of supporting the addiction, legal issues, and medical expenses can burden family finances heavily. Moreover, the stigma associated

with substance abuse often leads to social isolation, as family members may withdraw from social activities to avoid judgment and shame.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE REHABILITATION

Family involvement is crucial for a successful rehabilitation process. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment can help the adolescent feel loved and cared for, reducing the need to seek solace in substances. Families can establish a strong support system by fostering open communication and expressing unconditional love.

Open and non-judgmental communication is vital when dealing with an addicted family member. Family members can foster trust and understanding by actively listening and showing empathy. Seeking professional help and participating in family therapy can provide a safe space for addressing underlying issues and resolving conflicts.

Caring for an addicted family member can be emotionally draining, making self-care essential for family members' well-being. Understanding addiction and its impact on the individual can help family members approach the situation with empathy and patience. Encouraging personal growth and self-development within the family can also create a positive atmosphere supporting recovery.

HOW TO HELP A FAMILY MEMBER WITH ADDICTION

Supporting a family member with addiction requires sensitivity and informed action.

Educating oneself about the signs of substance abuse is essential for early detection and intervention. Changes in behavior, physical appearance, academic or work performance, and social circles can indicate drug or alcohol use.

Approaching the addicted family member with compassion and understanding is critical to establishing a foundation for open communication. Avoiding blame and criticism can help foster a willingness to seek help.

Encouraging the family member to seek professional

treatment is a significant step toward recovery. Offering emotional and practical support during treatment can reinforce the individual's commitment to rehabilitation.

Participating in support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding for family members facing similar challenges.

DEALING WITH ADDICTED FAMILY MEMBERS: COPING STRATEGIES FOR FAMILIES

Caring for an addicted family member can be overwhelming, but there are coping strategies that can help.

• Establishing clear boundaries is crucial in preventing codependent and enabling behaviors. Family members must learn to support the individual without enabling their addiction.

• Family members may benefit from seeking support from therapists, counselors, or support groups. Professional help can provide guidance and coping strategies for dealing with addiction challenges.

• Prioritizing self-care is essential to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being.

• Engaging with community resources, such as addiction support groups or educational workshops, can provide valuable information and a sense of connection for families facing similar challenges.

The family's role in adolescent substance rehabilitation is undeniably crucial. The impact of family dynamics on substance abuse cannot be ignored. Still, families can contribute significantly to their loved one's recovery journey with the right approach and support. By fostering a nurturing environment, maintaining open communication, and seeking professional help, families can help break the cycle of addiction and rebuild stronger, healthier bonds with their adolescent members. Families can play a pivotal role in supporting their loved ones toward a life free from substance abuse.

For more information, visit mtcrgv.com or call (956) 4282100.

THE SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM WOUND HEALING CENTER

Innovative Solutions for Hard-to-Heal Wounds

by Selene Guerrero | photos provided

The South Texas Health System Wound Healing Center has emerged as a healing space, offering innovative treatment options, including hyperbaric medicine, to rescue patients from the risk and dire consequences of limb  loss.

Chronic wounds can significantly impact the lives of those afflicted, leading to prolonged pain, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of infection. In very severe cases, sometimes the only option to prevent the spread of infection and save a patient's life is amputation. However, thanks to the STHS Wound Healing Center's pioneering efforts, amputation is no longer the only answer.

"Our main job is to prevent amputations," Dr. Ricardo Sobrevilla, STHS Wound Healing Center

medical director, said.

Dr. Sobrevilla explained that due to the high rate of diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley, many of their patients are being seen for diabetic neuropathy and diabetic ulcers.

"All the complications associated with that include amputation," he said.

"Primary care doctors don't always know how to treat those types of wounds, so we are here to help prevent the complications that come from those wounds. That's why we're an advanced wound care center."

The center's dedication to providing advanced treatment options differentiates it from traditional wound care facilities. The healing process is

significantly accelerated through hyperbaric medicine, a non-invasive procedure where patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber.

"Normally, we breathe in 21% oxygen, and at this point, they're (patients) breathing in 100% oxygen," Dr. Sobrevilla said.

"That helps with a patient's bad circulation issues and also helps create new vessels, new arterial capillaries at the base of the wound. It helps fight off infection and has a lot of benefits."

The increased oxygen levels stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and enhance the body's natural healing capabilities. That ensures that the wounds that once defied treatment now have a chance to properly close and heal.

The center's most commendable quality is its collaborative approach to patient care. Physicians, wound care specialists, and hyperbaric experts work together to create a tailored treatment plan for every patient. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's condition are addressed, leading to a higher success rate.

The STHS Wound Healing Center's commitment to research and development is evident in its continuous pursuit of innovative techniques and technologies. Staying at the forefront of wound care, the facility constantly evolves its treatment methods and offers the most effective and up-to-date solutions.

"We have access to the latest technology and the latest research to offer our patients the best treatments," Dr. Sobrevilla said.

The impact of the South Texas Health System Wound Healing Center on our local community cannot be overstated. Individuals who once faced the prospect of losing a limb now enjoy a renewed lease on life thanks to the remarkable work carried out at STHS.

The center has become a lifeline for those in the Rio Grande Valley through its dedication to delivering advanced medical solutions and fostering a compassionate environment.

"The value you get from the Wound Healing Center is that we offer advanced room care modalities that most primary care clinics and surgeons don't offer," Dr. Sobrevilla said.

The STHS Wound Healing Center's commitment to research and development is evident in its continuous pursuit of innovative techniques and technologies.

LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTERS

The Valley's Level I Trauma Centers Address Critical Emergencies

by Bryan Kirk

The explosive growth in recent years has transformed the Rio Grande Valley from a sleepy, rural segment of the Lone Star State into a bustling and urbanized economic force.

While good on many levels, this subsequent urbanization revealed a critical healthcare void that could only be filled by adding a Level I Trauma Center to address critical emergencies such as gunshot and stab wounds, industrial or traffic accidents, and catastrophic injuries or illnesses.

The Valley has been fortunate to have two Level I Trauma Centers– Doctor's Hospital-Renaissance (DHR) in Edinburg and South Texas Health Systems (STHS) in McAllen– since 2022.

But it didn't happen overnight.

State lawmakers from the Valley have long recognized this need. In Nov. 2018, they took advantage of Governor Greg Abbott's visit to Pharr when State Representative Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) hand-delivered a letter from the RGV delegation seeking support for funding to expand the state's network of trauma hospitals.

For many years, patients who needed critical care for serious or catastrophic injuries at a Level I Trauma Center were often transported to University Hospital in San Antonio or Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) at nearby

Fort Sam Houston and there were times those patients died en route.

However, that all changed in September 2021 when Doctor's Hospital – Renaissance (DHR) in Edinburg became the first Level I Trauma Center in the Valley.

"Most hospitals follow a similar pattern," said Dr. Jeffrey Skubic, DO, who serves as the Trauma Medical Director at DHR. "This hospital originally [1997] started out as a surgery center. They started by adding patient beds and an emergency room and over time they became the largest hospital in the Valley."

In December 2022, STHS became the Rio Grande Valley's second Level I Trauma Center.

Dr. John Hovorka, M.D., the Trauma medical director at STHS McAllen, said the pursuit of becoming a Level I Trauma Center aligns with the hospital's trauma service mission of delivering optimal standards of trauma and critical care to the injured in the community.

"STHS McAllen was the first hospital in Hidalgo County designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services, following its verification by the American College of Surgeons in October 2018," Hovorka said. "But we didn't stop there. It was our goal to level up; we're proud to be one of only 22 facilities in Texas to meet the stringent.

Level I Trauma Center verification process of American College of Surgeons and the Texas Department of State Health Services."

Hovorka adds that the essential goal of STHS McAllen's Trauma Program is to improve the value of care provided to injured patients in the Valley.

"By having a Level I Trauma Center, we've been able to decrease the out-of-Valley transfers, and we're fully capable of providing care to serve our ever-growing community," he said. "As a Level I Trauma Center, we're also able to provide important educational opportunities for medical residents in our mission to increase the number of physicians in the region."

Most major cities in Texas have one or more Level One Trauma Centers. There are two in Austin, and two in San Antonio, while Houston has at least four. Dallas has eight Level I Trauma Centers, including nearby Fort Worth and smaller nearby communities.

The process that hospitals undertake to achieve Level I status can take years and cost millions in taxpayer dollars before hospitals seeking that designation are certified by the American College of Surgeons and the state's department of health.

Trauma centers in Texas with a level three or four designation are only certified by their state and cannot treat serious injuries. Examples of Level III and IV Trauma Centers in the Valley include Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen, Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, and Harlingen Medical Center.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 302 hospitals in the state are designated as trauma facilities.

The level one designation is based on certain criteria, some of which include the level of medical and surgical expertise available 24/7 to treat critical or life-threatening injuries, the availability of practitioners such as orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, and among others, acts as a teaching facility to improve trauma care.

"When you're a level one hospital, you are beyond the clinical capabilities. You are a teaching hospital, and you have residents and fellows," Skubic said. "You're doing injury outreach prevention in your community, you are training EMS providers in your region, and you contribute to academic research. You're not only practicing a high level of trauma surgery, you are on the cutting edge of defining how to take care of those patients."

EMERGENCY

Marine Military Academy

READY FOR COLLEGE.

READY FOR LIFE.

At Marine Military Academy challenge leads to growth and growth leads to success By providing a college-preparatory curriculum in a structured, disciplined and focused setting, our cadets rise to new heights as scholars and leaders. No other school can unlock a boy’s potenial like MMA. The sooner he starts, the sooner his transformation begins.

A College-Prep Boarding School for Boys in Grades 7-12 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. Harlingen, TX 78550

SATURDAY December 9, 2023 | 3:00pm

SUNDAY December 10, 2023 | 3:00pm

Live Orchestra with Conductor Dr. Norman Gamboa

PRESERVING HISTORY

History through Exhibits and Events for the Whole Family

by Jillian Cameron |

photos provided

.

The McAllen Heritage Center is a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of McAllen, Texas. In June, the museum celebrated its 15th anniversary.

Elva Cerda is one of the three founders of the museum and currently serves as Executive Director.

"The other founders are Spurgeon' Spud' Brown and Dr. Nedra Kinerk. Of note, two people that were also important to our mission were Rick de Julio and Helen Snider. Sadly, they both passed away before our goal [of opening the museum] became a reality," Cerda said.

"Our mission is basically to exhibit and teach about McAllen history. We also cover some regional history and partner with various groups to bring in rotating exhibits about other subjects of interest," she said.

Beginning on Aug. 2, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2023, the newest exhibit entitled "In His Own Words: The Life and Work of César Chávez" will be showcased at the museum.

"In His Own Words" takes participants through the full course of Chávez's outstanding career and examines the life experiences and influential forces that led him to dedicate himself to improving the lives of American farmworkers.

This exhibit will feature thirty-eight photographs paired with excerpts from César Chávez's spirited speeches, interviews, and authoritative writings.

César Chávez is a highly influential historical figure as he co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, which later merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to become the United Farmworkers Labor Union

The United Farm Workers labor union fights for the rights of farm workers, covering issues such as overtime, heat safety, pesticides, and other worker protections.

"In [the fall], we will host local author Thomas Garcia

[who will be] reading from his book The River Runs: Stories at 1:00 p.m. on September 16, 2023, followed by a book signing reception," Cerda said.

The River Runs: Stories is a collection of short stories from 2015 to 2020, providing readers with a fresh perspective into Texas-Mexico border culture. Garcia's stories include themes of perseverance in the face of trouble and the unknown.

The River Runs: Stories won the Américo Paredes Literary Arts Prize for Fiction, sponsored by FlowerSong Press from McAllen, Texas and Prickly Pear Publishing from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

"In October, our Sunset Mini Festival at La Placita Park will happen on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. [And], in November, we will present our final Art Show for the year which will run through the end of 2023," Cerda said.

"The museum is for everyone," she said.

"Art shows, and other presentations, festivals, and many other activities are planned carefully to appeal to a broad age range."

"We offer field trips to the local school districts and also offer a program for local teachers that allows them to check out materials so they can teach history in the classroom," Cerda said.

The McAllen Heritage Center offers free admission. The museum provides the perfect opportunity to escape the heat with family this summer and learn about the community's history.

The McAllen Heritage Center is open Wednesday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second and fourth Friday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The rear of the building offers free parking. To find out more information, please visit mcallenheritagecenter. com.

Public Tiny Forest on Ware Road, where the community helped plant and is helping care for the forest—community support is key to the success of these citysize forests.

THE POWER OF A TINY FOREST

by Colleen Curran Hook, Manager

Tiny and dense forest patches create biodiversity spots that help cool and beautify cities. The Center for Urban Ecology at Quinta Mazatlan has planted two Tiny Forests in McAllen, one at Cathey Middle School and one across from the Palm View Community Center. Tiny Forests empower local communities to care for and help maintain the forests as they mature.

The Executive Director of Quinta Mazatlan, Colleen Hook, states, “We could not have created these Tiny Forests without the generous support of private donors.”

The Friends of Quinta Mazatlan, a nonprofit board, raised another $35,000 for a second School Yard Tiny Forest located at Sam Houston Elementary. “With our joint MISD partnership, our vision is for every school to have a Tiny Forest,” shares Hook. These little wilderness areas will grow and attract beautiful birds and other wildlife. They will also offer a great learning experience for children to

have a “living science lab” on their school campus.

A lot of work goes into finding partners, identifying a location, raising funds, enriching the soil, growing native plants, and caring for the forest. The support of the City of McAllen makes this urban greening initiative possible with special recognition to McAllen Parks & Recreation, McAllen Convention Facilities, Public Information Office, McAllen Public Utility and Public Works.

We would love to see Tiny Forests popping up everywhere and would like to be involved.

HOW CAN YOU HELP GREEN OUR CITIES?

Stewardship opportunities include monetary gifts, gifts-in-kind, hands-on planting & weeding, citizen science research projects, photography, and more volunteer options. By planting Tiny Forests, we are bringing nature back home, and when nature does well, so do we.

School Yard Tiny Forest at Cathey Middle School, where the students and teachers helped plant the forest—and are using the forest as a “learning landscape."

THE POWER OF TINY FORESTS

· Reduces air pollution

· Helps with urban heat stress – the soil in a Tiny Forest can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the temperature of a city street.

Improves stormwater management

Produces oxygen and reduces carbon dioxide

Supports wildlife, including birds and pollinators

Spending time in nature reduces stress and crime

· Children get excited about hands-on learning at school

Needs minimal maintenance after establishment, as nature takes over.

The root system of a Tiny Forest and how they support one another.

The concept of a Tiny Forest is to pack the benefits of a full forest into a city-friendly sized forest.

STARTING THE JOURNEY

The Feliz' Journey to Opening Teriyaki Madness

by Selene Guerrero | photos by Leo Zuniga and provided by Teriyaki Madness

The Rio Grande Valley has a particular "hustle culture." Residents are known for being hardworking and business-oriented, but while we dream big, those dreams are deeply woven into our family values.

Abraham (Abe) and Valerie (Val) Feliz first met in 2011. Abe was in the process of buying property in Pharr, Texas. Afraid Valerie would think less of him because of the property's condition, he hesitated to show her. He didn't think she would understand his vision. To his surprise, she did!

"Valerie understood grit, hard work, and perseverance," Abe said.

"Values were the core of our being when Val and I met," Abe continued. "Neither of us was perfect, but we understood the need for God in our lives and the importance of it for a family."

While there were challenges, Abe said the two found value in each other.

The couple's relationship evolved, and soon, the couple married and continued dreaming big. The goal was to one day own their own business.

Life completely changed in 2019 when Camila, their first-born daughter, was born. The idea of owning a business took a back seat. Val was immersed in motherhood and the complexity it brings.

"I would bring up business ideas, and Val would talk baby ideas," Abe recalled. Soon after Camila was born, Val became pregnant again. The excitement

was overwhelming. They were going to have a sibling for Camila.

"We heard the heartbeat. We had a sonogram," Abe recalled. But during the second trimester, Val had a miscarriage. This was a very challenging moment for the couple, but with a lot of faith and healing, Val became pregnant again.

Amid the looming shadows, they found light in the form of their son, Baby Barrett, born in 2021. This breath of life reignited the couple's aspirations.

"No one prepares you for the difficulties of being a parent," Abe said. "Having our first child changed my whole perspective of what it means to be a parent."

The idea of owning their business took root once more, and this time, with a family of their own, they carved out a vision of what their business would look like.

As parents, the couple were looking through a different lens. What would their business look like? Would they have diaper changing tables in restrooms, apps to order on, and curbside options? Would it be family-friendly, and would there be healthy options for moms and dads to eat clean?

The couple decided to leap into the restaurant business, a world they had previously had yet to experience. The two had full-time jobs that kept them busy. Abe is an airline freight pilot and travels to destinations worldwide. Valerie worked in education and continued to do so for 16 years as a teacher and in leadership.

To minimize risks and ensure success, Abe and Valerie opted for a franchise that would provide them with guidance, training, and a proven business model.

This fall, the Feliz family will proudly open their doors to Teriyaki Madness. This Seattlestyle franchise started in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is currently in 34 states and locations in Canada and Mexico.

Inspired by the Rio Grande Valley's vibrant cuisine, the couple seeks to add their own touch to the local menu by infusing it with the savory delights of Teriyaki Madness. The restaurant is known for its flavorful and customizable teriyaki bowls.

"The motivation (to launch the franchise) was allowing me the freedom to control my schedule and brings something I like to our Rio Grande Valley community," Valerie said.

"This is important. I look forward to flexibility in my schedule."

The couple are determined to impact the community positively. They envision fostering professional growth for their employees and empowering them to thrive in their careers.

"We plan on hiring between 18 and 20 employees. We plan on paying above average to retain our employees," Abe explained. "We hope to create jobs that allow for upward growth through Teriyaki Madness and personal mentorship."

They knew that opting for a franchise

would provide them with the guidance and training to make their endeavor successful. They also saw it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive together as a team.

"Many other franchises left me with questions, but Teriyaki Madness had the requirements we wanted in a franchise," Abe said.

"They offer a great product and business model for the post-COVID-19 generation, from a small building footprint to smart apps that deliver efficiencies in the ordering and delivering process."

As they venture into this new chapter of their lives, Abe and Valerie encourage anyone interested in owning a business to take that leap of faith.

"It is a scary thought of doing something totally out of your realm. I say think about it and pray about it, and if you decide to take the challenge, go for it," Valerie advised, adding that partnering with people who can help is essential.

The couple have relied on business mentors and have asked questions, researched, and taken what they've learned and applied it to their business journey.

"A business is like an organ in your body. It's essential for survival and reacts to illness within. Every employee and customer is essential to our economy and will be treated that way," Abe said.

"To the Rio Grande Valley, may you be our customer."

UPCOMING EVENTS

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2

FRI-SUN SEPTEMBER 8-10

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND IS THE BEST FALL SEASON ESCAPE

Welcome to South Padre Island the Texas’ Destination of the Year

by Dennise Villalobos,

South Padre Island was once again named the Texas’ Destination of the Year by the Texas Travel Awards. Winning six awards, including best beach, views, and outdoor activities. South Padre Island is the perfect tropical retreat, with 34 miles of coastline, 300 days of sunshine, and all forms of entertainment. There will be something for every member of the family to enjoy.

For nature lovers looking to learn more about the natural environment of the Gulf Coast. South Padre Island has two major eco-centers where they can learn all about the fauna and flora of the region. Sea Turtle Inc. is a nonprofit

organization whose mission is educating, conserving, and rehabilitating sea turtles. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about their history, what to do if they encounter a sea turtle, and meet their permanent residents. The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary has over 3,300 feet of boardwalk, five bird blinds, and a viewing tower this is a great place to learn about the local wildlife. With the rental of binoculars, children can spot birds unique to our region. They will also learn about the cutest couple on SPI, Big Padre and Lady Laguna. They are their permanent resident alligators.

South Padre Island is the sandcastle capital of the world. SPI is home to many sand masters ready to teach you the science behind sandcastle building. These classes are great for bringing the family together and learning a new skill.

The waters around South Padre Island are wonderful to fish any time of the year, but summer is when they shine bright like the Texas sun. From wahoo and tuna to tarpon and snapper, you can reel in your limit of giant fish and great times. You’ll find no shortage of knowledgeable captains ready to show you their secret spots and put you in schools of fish. Even better, once you’ve filled your cooler, tons of local chefs are ready to take your day’s catch and turn it into a truly memorable meal. It’s a signature South Padre Island experience and one not to be missed. For more information, visit sopadre.com.

Marketing and Communications Specialist | photos provided by South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau

ENCHANTING HOLIDAY MAGIC

The Rio Grande Valley Ballet Presents 51st Annual “The Nutcracker” Performance

by Selene Guerrero | photos provided

The holidays are right around the corner, and the Rio Grande Valley is anticipating one of its most beloved and enduring traditions, “The Nutcracker.” This year will mark a remarkable milestone as the production celebrates its 51st year of captivating Rio Grande Valley audiences with its timeless tale and breathtaking performance.

This year’s show promises to continue with that tradition and bring a spectacle of dance, music, and festive celebration with a cast of 117 talented performers that bring the performance together.

“We are performing with a live orchestra and have partnered with a conductor from the University of Texas, Dr. Norman Gamboa,” said Deborah Case, RGV Ballet’s artistic director. “He’s working with

us to create a fabulous show for the community. We’ll have live performers, well over 100, and the 27-member orchestra.”

The orchestra comprises students, Valley Symphony Orchestra musicians, and music teachers from the community.

“The Nutcracker” has graced the stages of the Rio Grande Valley, weaving a magical narrative that enchants both young and old. The story unfolds as Clara, a young girl, embarks on a fantastic journey through the Land of Sweets after receiving a Nutcracker doll as a gift. With intricate choreography, dazzling costumes, and beautiful stage design, the production brings to life the magic of Tchaikovsky’s timeless composition.

The production will be performed at the McAllen Performance Arts Center starting Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. Student matinee performances will be held Thursday, Dec. 8, and Friday, Dec. 9. All tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the McAllen Performance Arts Center Box Office.

The show is a $100,000 production that speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence that Case and the Rio Grande Valley Ballet hold. The production is elevated yearly by adding new props, costumes, and lighting designs that dance with the music and dancers.

“We’re the single, No. 1 longest-running show consistently in the Valley,” Case added. “Nobody else

has been able to produce a show 51 years straight.”

Guiding the production, Case’s dedication has ensured the continuity of the production’s excellence, allowing it to flourish and evolve while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.

“Classic ballet is alive and well in the Rio Grande Valley,” Case added.

“We’ve got hundreds of students at the Deborah Case Dance Academy and teach hundreds of children year after year.”

As the curtains rise on this year’s “The Nutcracker” production, the Rio Grande Valley Ballet invites audiences into a world of wonder and delight. This cherished tradition inspires, uplifts, and brings families together, reminding us of the magic of the holiday season. With its rich history, dedication, and commitment to spreading joy, “The Nutcracker” remains a beacon of holiday spirit in the Rio Grande Valley.

“We hear people every year say that the first thing they do is attend “The Nutcracker.” Case said.

Case added that people have approached her with family photo albums showing themselves at the performance through the years. They highlight that “The Nutcracker” is the most important part of their holiday season. “It warms my soul to continue this tradition.”

Experience "Chrome in the Sand" at the South Padre Island Convention Center from October 19th to 21st, 2023. With its engaging blend of live music, tattoo artistry, heart-pounding competitions, and strategic poker battles, this event caters to diverse interests. Whether you're a fan of visual art, a speed enthusiast, or a poker connoisseur, this three-day extravaganza promises to leave a lasting impression.

Featuring a star-studded lineup, the event includes a special appearance by Paul Teutul Sr., the owner of Orange County Choppers. Attendees can enjoy live performances by tribute bands "Hotel California" and "Nightrain International,” as well as Whiskey D.

Alongside live music, visitors can enjoy delectable

food, thrilling games, and a chance to win prizes, including an Indian Model motorcycle.

For tattoo enthusiasts, it is an excellent opportunity to witness the mastery of ink artistry first-hand. The event will feature diverse tattoo vendors, each showcasing their unique styles.

Get ready for an adrenaline rush with dynamic motorcycle and car competitions that challenge participants to push their skills to the limit. From revving engines to precision maneuvers, spectators can expect heart-stopping moments as contestants vie for supremacy in various categories, celebrating the harmony between style and engineering.

The automobile competition will showcase

classic cars paying homage to automotive heritage and cutting-edge custom creations that redefine innovation. Each vehicle is a testament to the passion and craftsmanship that go into creating rolling works of art, inviting attendees to marvel at the convergence of design, performance, and aesthetics.

Poker players can showcase their skills in a competitive tournament. The event offers an enthralling experience as players demonstrate their ability to read opponents, calculate odds, and make calculated decisions under pressure.

Mark your calendars for a weekend of creativity, competition, and camaraderie that captures the essence of South Padre Island's vibrant culture. Join individuals who share a passion for art, speed, and skill.

Buy tickets at chromeinthesand.com. For more information, visit sopadre.com.

Special Guest

Paul Teutul Sr.

Orange County Choppers

Saturday, October 7, 2023 6:30 P.M.

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