January / February 2018 - RGVision Magazine

JAN UARY / FE B RUARY 2 0 18 | VO LUM E 10 ISSUE 1

Local health professionals discuss opioid crisis in Rio Grande Valley.

RAGS TO RICHES

The Chick-fil-A dream of Rudy Martinez.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Are we doing enough to help our children succeed?

SURF TOWN

South Padre Island surf culture.

© 2010 Southwest Airlines Co.

WHEN WE SERVE TOGETHER IN OUR COMMUNITIES, EVERYONE SOARS. Southwest Airlines® proudly partners with those who are helping to shape our communities all across America. One good deed—when coupled with another and another and another—can truly make a positive difference in our daily lives.

RGVision Media offers many advertising and marketing services to assist your business through all stages of the brand building process.

Bringing your business into focus.

Social Media Managment

Creative Websites

Digital Content Creators

Video Production

For more information call us at (956) 379-6017 or e-mail us at info@rgvisionmedia.com. Visit us at rgvisionmedia.com

Elegance and Style 4 8 0 1 N . 1 0TH S T. MC AL LE N & 2 15 5 R UBEN M. TOR R E S BLVD BR O WN SVI LLE W W W. I L L U MINATIONS RGV.COM | 95 6.68 2 .698 6

LIGHTING & HOME DÉCOR

SKILLED HANDS, COMPASSIONATE HEARTS From neuromuscular dentistry to dental implants, our goal is to advance the health of your smile. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive oral health checkup or a total smile makeover, our office has a dental professional to suit your unique needs.

Family Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Neuromuscular Dentistry Migraine Headache Treatment

We strive to create a comfortable, safe environment for our patients by providing the highest quality dental services and care. Our highly skilled team of dental professionals are committed to your immediate and long-term oral health needs through a variety of dental health services.

Sleep Apnea Treatment 24 Hrs Emergency Night Clinic

ADDRESS

1917 W Nolana, Suite 180 McAllen, TX 78504

E-MAIL

ezarate@ddsheadachecenter.com jsalinas@ddsheadachecenter.com

WEBSITE

ddsheadachecenter.com

PHONE

Office: 956-627-5047 Fax: 956-627-4956

Graduate with

Zero Debt Most of our students

receive financial aid and pay the lowest tuition in the region.

Classes start January 16, 2018

SouthTexasCollege.edu

1-855-GoToSTC

6DYH RQ VWUDZEHUULHV 3UH RUGHU E\ )HEUXDU\ WK DQG UHFHLYH RII \RXU HQWLUH RUGHU

Located in Mercedes, RGV Premium Outlets, McAllen, Palms Crossing, and La Plaza Mall

Rocky-Mountain Chocolate-Factory

RGVISION

STAFF D O M I N I Q U E Y. Z M U DA GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

MARIELA PEÑA GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

G W Y N D. Z U B I A CONTENT MANAGER/ILLUSTRATOR

DA N T E T U E XI

GAB E P U EN T E PUBLISHER/CEO

DIGITAL MANAGER

OMAR DÍAZ PRODUCTION MANAGER

SO F I A A L E M A N DIGITAL CONTENT ASSISTANT

1 Corinthians 4:5

M AY R A M O R E N O

Thank you for picking up a copy of RGVision! In this

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

a safe space, free of discrimination, for dialogue on this epidemic for the sake of our community. Whether you, a loved one, or an acquaintance has been affected by this affliction, it is important to remember there is no room for judgment in recovery. With a new year comes new beginnings.

In each issue, we share profiles on local business leaders, medical professionals, and educators. Our

Adriana Dominguez Claudia V. Lemus-C. Nick Gonzalez Bill Martinez Derrick Kinney Dr. Alfonso Mercado

Kevin Martinez Omar Díaz James Hord Dominique Zmuda

WRITERS

socioeconomic circumstances. And it’s critical to create

CONTENT CONTRIBUTERS

plain to see that addiction affects people regardless of

PHOTOGRAPHERS

issue, we shed light on the opioid crisis in the RGV. It’s Amy Casebier Abbey Kunkle Lori Houston Teclo J. Garcia Sofia Aleman David Alvarado Cori Smelker Rod Santa Ana Gwyn D. Zubia

hope is that you continue to be inspired, educated, and informed of the growth in the Rio Grande Valley as well as the foundation this region was built upon: the people.

Thank you for picking up this issue! And Happy New Year!

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

The opinions and views expressed in the magazine don’t necessarily reflect those of our advertisers or collaborators. RGVision magazine is published bi-monthly and circulates 12,000 copies across the Rio Grande Valley in 420 locations with a direct mail distribution to major hospitals and Superintendents within Region 1. The RGVision office is located at 801 N Bryan Rd, Mission, TX 78572.

To receive an annual subscription of RGVision publications for $29.99, email info@RGVisionMagazine.com.

For editorial comments and suggestions, please send e-mails to info@rgvisionmagazine.com.

For advertising information, please call us at 956.379.6017 or e-mail us at info@rgvisionmagazine.com.

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

P RI N T ED I N MEXI CO

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

RGVISIONMAGAZINE.COM

RGVISIONMAGAZINE

RGVISIONMAG

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 2 0 18

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1 RGVISION MAGAZINE

ON THE COVER

66

A LEGAL ADDICTION

Local health professionals discuss opioid crisis in Rio Grande Valley.

EDUCATION

26

PA RENTA L INVOLVEM ENT

52

RAG S TO RIC HES

76

S U RF TOWN

BUSINESS

Are we doing enough to help our children succeed?

The Chick-fil-A dream of Rudy Martinez.

South Padre Island surf culture.

HEALTH

QUALITY OF LIFE

Language Success

Financially Literate

CT-free Knee Replacements

Company Building

pg 8

pg 34

pg 62

pg 80

Preserving Our Future

Lighting the Way

GERD

The King's Salt, La Sal del Rey

pg 10

pg 36

pg 64

pg 82

The Miracle of South Texas

It's All About Family

Seeking to be Healed

Finding Your Refuge

pg 16

pg 40

pg 72

pg 84

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Tres Lagos

Psycology of Success

When it Comes to Autopay

pg 20

pg 42

pg 74

pg 86

Tips for Teachers

Generational Selling

pg 22

pg 44

Child Genius?

NAFTA

pg 24

pg 48

Noble Texas Builders

Move It Self Storage

pg 28

pg 58

Fighting for Change

IRA to Benefit Your Business

pg 32

pg 60

E D U C A T I O N

Language SUCCESS Student Learns Third Language through HCISD’s Dual Language Program

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

b y A d r i a n a D om i n g u e z

Vladislava Milova, a fourth-grade student at Wilson Elementary School, pronounces the word for “dog” in three different languages, “cобака [sa-BACH-ka], perro, dog.” With Russian and English already under her belt, she is picking up a third language through Harlingen CISD’s Dual Language Academies.

Students aren’t typically accepted into the program after second grade, but because of her experience with a foreign language, Vladislava was allowed to give Spanish a try, and she is thriving.

“Vladislava only started the Dual Language program last year, but she reads Spanish very well. I’m very impressed with the way she reads the language with fluency,” said Yesenia Cortez, her Dual Language teacher.

But when it comes to learning and retaining a new language, practice is key — that is something not lost on the young trilingual student’s family.

“At home, she speaks Russian because her mom doesn’t want her to forget the Russian language. Then at school, she speaks English and Spanish,” Cortez said.

Vladislava had the chance to visit family in Russia last summer. That is when she truly had the chance to

become immersed in the Russian language, but she was also surprised to hear other familiar languages spoken.

“I got to visit Millerovo, a town in Russia, for 10 weeks during the summer,” she said. “A lot of Russian people speak English. I would always hear some people speaking in English in stores. A few people spoke Spanish there, too.”

Vladislava’s love for the Spanish language began early on.

“I always loved Spanish even though I didn’t understand it before,” she said. “I would hear people speak it from far away, and I wanted to know what they were saying. So, when my mom said she was going to put me in the dual language program, I was so excited.”

Before she began the program, Vladislava was already learning Spanish words on her iPad with the help of translating tools. Now, she and her sisters who are also enrolled in the program, help each other practice their language skills. She pokes fun at the fact that her parents don’t know what she and her sisters are saying when they converse in Spanish.

By the end of fifth grade, she will be academically at

10

E D U C A T I O N

I always loved Spanish even though I didn’t understand it before. I would hear people speak it from far away, and I wanted to know what they were saying. So, when my mom said she was going to put me in the dual language program, I was so excited.”

Vlad islav a Milova ,

a f o u r t h - g r ade s tu d ent at Wi l s o n El ement ary

11

.

that everyone can be friends no matter where they came from,” said David. “You expect that in every classroom, but when you have a child who can’t speak the language in a classroom, they can feel deprived. In the Dual Language program, students gain respect and appreciation for what they can learn from Spanish speakers and vice versa. That’s my favorite piece.”

Since 2012, HCISD has implemented the initiative at five campuses — Milam, Lee Means, Lamar, Sam Houston, and Wilson Elementary.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

grade level and equally proficient in English and Spanish.

Kristi David, principal at Wilson Elementary, said that she is noticing that students enrolled in the program are outperforming their monolingual peers. But far beyond just being a place where English speakers can learn Spanish, it is a place where English language learners can shine. HCISD’s Dual Language Academies are based on a bilingual education model where native English- and native Spanish-speaking students work together and learn in two languages.

“I’ve gotten to see Vladislava and the friendships she’s made. It just crosses all cultural boundaries, and it’s nice

JAN/FEB 2018

V lad islav a Milo va ( l ef t ) Yes en i a C or t ez ( ri ght )

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

E D U C A T I O N

12

E D U C A T I O N

PRESERVING OUR FUTURE Former First Lady Laura Bush Recognizes PSJA ISD as a Wildlife Conservation Model b y Cl a u d i a V. Le m u s - C a m p os Club. During her visit, she had an opportunity to address district and community leaders in the school’s library where she shared the importance of preserving local wildlife and flora to maintain the unique ecosystem of the region.

“Schoolyard habitats offer a unique and necessary experience of interacting with nature that is often unavailable to children growing up in today’s society,” Bush said.

Currently, over 20 PSJA elementary campuses have preserved outdoor learning spaces, with the goal of expanding this work districtwide.

“What started as a way to preserve our South Texas natural flora and wildlife has quickly become part of our daily learning environment,” said Dr. Daniel King, PSJA ISD

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

In an effort to ensure local wildlife continues to prosper and encourage students to be active learners by exposing them to nature early on, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District has established itself as a leader in creating and maintaining natural habitats at schools.

This work is possible thanks to support from the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, the National Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Wildlife Corridor, and Texan

by Nature. Because of their involvement, guidance, and support PSJA students are able to better retain their knowledge of science, reading, math, and social studies concepts by utilizing these natural habitats as outside classrooms, providing them with hands-on learning.

In light of these efforts, Texan by Nature, an organization founded by Former First Lady Laura Bush, recently designated PSJA ISD and the newly created Lower Rio Grande Valley Learning Landscapes Collaborative as a valued partner and Conservation Wrangler for leadership in establishing a network of organizations working together to engage students, teachers, and administrators to incorporate native habitat gardens as outdoor classrooms.

As part of this designation, Bush paid a special visit Nov. 8, 2017, to Palmer Elementary in Pharr. Guided by campus student leaders, she toured the school’s natural walking trail behind the school and also took part in a special planting ceremony with the school’s Gardening

13

E D U C A T I O N

from middle school and high school employ a variety of project-based learning activities focused on sustainability and conservation inside and outside the classroom.

Some of their many projects include hydroponic and aquaponics gardens, sustainable agriculture through vertical gardening, organic composting, and even the use of renewable energy through their own solar-powered golf cart and wind energy kite project.

Students are able to harvest organic vegetables, such as lettuce, peppers, radish, and tomatoes. They even raise chickens to collect eggs. As a way to give back, all items harvested or collected by the students are donated to the RGV Food Bank.

These efforts have recently earned the campus a $50,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help fund the Buell Green Conservation and Restoration Program and expand it throughout the district.

“What started as a way to preserve our South Texas natural flora and wildlife has quickly become part of our daily learning environment.”

superintendent. “Our science coordinators and teachers have done a fantastic job incorporating this work in our curriculum and our partners have helped us make it a reality. Our school grounds are not only beautiful, they are living laboratories for our students to dig deep and practice what they learn in the classroom.”

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

Dr. Daniel K in g , Pharr- San J uan- A l amo ISD Su pe r i n te n dent o f Scho o l s .

TAKING GREEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL The entire PSJA community has been inspired by this work and other schools, including Buell Central in Pharr, have started similar sustainability projects.

Through an initiative called Buell Green, Inc., students

14

Employee Benefits As Big As Texas!

CONSULTING & BROKERAGE • COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION • ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT • ADMINISTRATION & COMPLIANCE

FBMC Delivers Complete Benefits Management Solutions At FBMC Benefits Management, Inc. (FBMC), we understand that every organization has unique challenges and objectives. That’s why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to benefits.

For more than forty years, FBMC has been a trusted provider of customized solutions, including brokerage of voluntary/core products, benefits education and communications, enrollment management, and administrative and compliance services. We’ll negotiate a robust benefits package for you that includes medical and voluntary benefits designed for YOUR workforce.

Contract #17-7256

Do You Want Better Benefits Solutions?

CALL Gilberto Gonzalez 956-739-7513

A better way to benefit • 800-872-0345 • FBMC.com

CEED CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY

Memberships include access to WiFi network, common area workspace, and multifunction printers. Locker rental available to members, additional $20 per month.

FEE

(125 PRINTS or COPIES)

PRINTING

AFTER HOURS ACCESS

MAIL AND PACKAGES

COWORKER

$50/MONTH

Y

N

N

ENTREPRENEUR

$125/MONTH

Y

Y

+$50/MONTH

OFFICE SPACE

Office space includes a fully furnished office for one person, along with access to WiFi network, common area workspace, multifunction printers. Add team members for $50/month each.

STARTING AT $450

Y

801 N. Bryan Rd. Mission, TX 78572 956.585.0040 • www.missionedc.com

Y

Y

M A N AG E D BY:

* Prices are for prepaid or recurring billing via credit card. Month-to-month memberships add $25/month. * Membership includes an allowance of 125 prints or copies. One print is one side of a page. Additional prints or copies are invoiced with monthly membership. * College students eligible for discount off Coworker membership, with proof of enrollment.

FOLLOW US ON

Simplifying Employee Benefits and Helping Businesses Thrive.

Give us a call at (956) 971-0326 WE’RE LOCATED AT 5801 N. 10th St. Ste 400 McAllen, TX

VISIT US ONLINE AT www.davenportins.com

E D U C A T I O N

Nick Gonzalez, A dm i ni s t rat o r f o r Hi gh Scho o l Pro gram s & S e rvic e s

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

The Miracle of SOUTH TEXAS Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Program at South Texas College Transforms the Rio Grande Valley b y N i ck G on z a l e z The miracle of South Texas. That is what some say the Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit program at South Texas College has done to transform the Rio Grande Valley from a sleepy school-to-work culture to a college-going, college-completion culture.

I had this vision way back as a local high school principal, when I first learned in 1993 that a community college had been established to serve Hidalgo and Starr counties.

“What an opportunity for our students and our

community,” I thought. It wasn't until this moment that this type of educational institution was available to these two counties — almost 700,000 residents without this vital ladder to higher education and a better way of life.

As the principal at McAllen Memorial High School at that time, I knew that many of the students were yawning through the last years of high school. It was evident that not only talking about college, but also connecting them with a tangible pathway to higher education was the motivating factor to keep them meaningfully engaged.

18

E D U C A T I O N

2007

2017

25

1,703 DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS

19

.

continued. The dreams of the majority remained bottled up.

In the spring of 2000, our Board of Trustees, with the backing of STC President Dr. Shirley Reed, adopted the policy to waive tuition and fees for students taking college classes at their high schools, and since then, the program has grown to over 14,000 today. Most are taking college classes at their high schools during the school day, at no cost to them or their parents. This has been made possible mainly through the strong partnerships we have established with 24 school districts at 78 high school sites, expanding from the farthest high school in Starr County to that of the city of Hidalgo and everything in between. Our division deans and program chairs have opened their doors to help with the recruitment of over 380 high school teachers with the proper credentials and STC departmental approval to teach college classes.

They, too, have been able to provide over 228 STC faculty at many different high schools to teach and cover the ever-increasing high demand for courses in this program.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

This was key during a time with dropout rates among our mostly Hispanic population ran high. Of those who made it to graduation, the refrain I would often hear from many bright, capable students was, “I can’t go to college, sir. I have to work and help support the family.” STC erased this very real excuse and made it even more possible through the Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit program, which the state approved in 1997.

In 1999, when I took over the Dual program at STC, we had 450 students in the fall semester, with only five high schools out of 40 in our service area that were participating as partners in this program. Our policy then was to charge the students $100 per course for taking these classes, whether at their high school or our campus. I found this to be a barrier for most kids since every single high school then, as it is today, qualified for free-and-reduced federal lunch — an indication that most were poor. One hundred dollars just provided an excuse for students to say, “I’ll do it later,” and simply meant that only those financially able to take college classes

JAN/FEB 2018

In its first year offering dual enrollment course (2007), South Texas College graduated 25 dual credit students. In May of 2017, 1,703 of degrees and certificates were awarded to dual credit students.

E D U C A T I O N

Since 2000, we have served over 98,000 students in this program, and saved them and their families over $180 million in tuition and fees. More importantly, the availability of a variety of college completion pathways, such as 29 Early College High Schools (ECHS), including two that are CTE Workforce ECHS, and six different Middle College Academies, made it possible to graduate — free of charge — over 880 students with two-year associate degrees in May 2017, two weeks before they graduated from high school. Also, in the Career & Technology (CTE) area, we are graduating close to 1,000 students with one-year certificates that will enhance their pursuit of a career, or that they make use of to acquire a better paying job as they complete a higher degree. Offering CTE dual classes was made possible when I helped write and championed the enactment of HB 415 during the 2003 Texas Legislative session. This bill helped remove dual enrollment rule barriers restricting dual CTE courses, and opened the door, for the first time, for workforce courses to be offered as dual credit classes by our college with our high school partners and throughout the state.

To me, it is not a miracle. It is what happens when policy creates opportunity, and you have the support of

Since 2000, we have served over 98,000 students in this program, and saved them and their families over $180 million in tuition and fees."

Nick Gonzalez, Administrator for High School Programs & Services

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

key people like our STC president, the members of our board, school superintendents, and leaders and staff at STC, who have helped this along the way. It looks like a miracle only because of the hard work by many individuals at our college and the schools that made it so.

For more information on the program, and how it is sustained financially, please visit our website at www. southtexacollege.edu.

20

E D U C A T I O N

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY: A NEW APPROACH

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

by Lor i H ou s t on

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez has a big, audacious goal.

It took root in her mind last May, when she attended an executive leadership program at Harvard. Her plan is to break the cycle of poverty in Edinburg and the surrounding communities, starting with the youth. With a problem that big, she knows that a mindful approach to the underlying causes would be needed.

Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. She and her team started researching factors that impact poverty.

“There are three things that you can control that will eliminate poverty,” Walker-Hernandez said. Several studies have shown that, regardless of race or location, if you graduate from high school, obtain a full-time job, don’t have children before marriage, and wait until you are 21 before marriage, you will have a 97 percent chance of avoiding poverty.

The Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg RGV already has a history of helping local youth graduate from high school, but Walker-Hernandez realized that they would have to be more intentional in their programming in order to improve, as well as changing the other two elements for many of the young people in the area. Specific goals in

each area were set, as well as a plan to achieve them.

“We are going to help increase the graduation rate by 5 percent, we’re going to reduce the teen pregnancy rate by 10 percent, and we’re going to build a teen innovation center which focuses on STEM jobs, including vocational things,” Walker-Hernandez said.

Walker-Hernandez believes that reducing the teen pregnancy rate is going to be the most challenging because it involves fighting people’s personal beliefs.

Many people think that teens are all having sex, but according to the National Center for Health Statistics, it is not as prevalent as it may seem. The Boys & Girls Club has started offering a 10-week abstinence education program called Heritage Keepers that attempts to help young people make informed decisions about their sexual behavior.

In addition to the curriculum that is offered to members of the organization, the club held a sexual risk avoidance conference for the youth and parents in the community that have not been a part of the program. The main goal of the conference was to show teens that there are other options.

“It’s not just the moral message of waiting, it is the

22

23

.

and are willing to share their stories and are willing to be honest with the kids.”

Walker-Hernandez noted that one interesting aspect of the conference was the attendance by a group of girls who were in the juvenile justice system. They attended as a condition of their parole or as part of their sentence.

“It was very interesting to see their perspective, and for them to see different options for themselves,” she said.

The Heritage Keepers curriculum and the Power to Wait conference isn’t just for young people who have never had sex. It is about educating the youth and empowering them with the ability to make good choices no matter where they are in their lives.

“You get to hit a reset button and start again,” WalkerHernandez said.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

economic message, too,” Walker-Hernandez said. “Your life will be more economically viable if you wait.”

The conference, called “The Power to Wait,” was held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. It included a full day of sessions led by different experts in the community. There was also a parents-only session that covered current sex trends and information on how to discuss the topic of sex.

Dr. Beverly Ashley-Fridie opened by talking about goal setting and why practicing abstinence is vital to achieving those goals. Dr. Pablo Tagle led a session that focused on self-love and self-respect, and how they influence the choices you make, especially when it comes to sex. Judge Renee Betancourt discussed the internet’s impact on the way we socialize and the way we view sex in today’s world, including the legal ramifications of sexting. Pastor Vidal Muñiz covered the shift in the American family and the importance of making a conscious decision when selecting a spouse, marriage, and having kids. Sarah Sagredo-Hammond and Gisselle Mascarenhas-Villarreal led the session on love, lust, and infatuation. The participants also received medical-based information about STDs, their prevalence, and current trends from Dr. Letreise Winkfield.

More than 90 young people attended and had the opportunity to ask questions.

“We wanted to bring together teens with professionals,” Walker-Hernandez said. “Not just any professionals, but professionals that look like them, that have made some of the decisions we are trying to encourage them to make, or have made decisions that they have regretted

JAN/FEB 2018

E D U C A T I O N

E D U C A T I O N

TIPS FOR TEACHERS: 3 Ways to Teach in Texas

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

b y A b b e y Ku n k l e

Amazing teachers come to us from all disciplines and walks of life, and each has unique qualities that will provide a lasting impact on our children. Today, teachers take many different pathways to get into the field. Though there are some general requirements for those looking to get into the profession, depending on a variety of factors, there are generally three different options for prospective teachers to reach their goal.

For those interested in teaching elementary to high school education, the first requirement across the board is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, which, fortunately, can be earned right here in the RGV with a plethora of majors to study at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as options at South Texas College and now at Texas A&M University’s campus in McAllen. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in any subject, the usual job seeker’s requirements are a successful interview and reference check, as well as the standard background check and fingerprinting required for working with children. For those who wish to work in the public school system, state certification is also necessary.

A well-known route for those interested in teaching is to pursue a degree in education and complete the associated Educator Preparation Program (EPP). This

tends to be the path taken most by those who entered college knowing in advance that they wanted to become teachers. Generally, accredited universities provide a solid foundation for teachers with courses in child development, curriculum and lessons, language, literacy, and more, as well as time spent observing in a classroom as student teachers. Upon completion of their degree, graduates have passed the certification exam in their respective fields and are prepared to enter the workforce.

Albert Aleman, an eighth-year teacher at Donna ISD, obtained his degree in education at the University of Texas-Pan American. He did learn a great deal during his studies, but noted that this still cannot fully prepare teachers for what they can expect in the classroom.

Upon entering college, Aleman knew that he wanted to become a teacher and definitely recommends that path to those who want to do the same. He also recognized that depending on the person, another path to teaching might also be a good fit. Even more than knowledge from books, observation time and learning to emulate experienced teachers has been an important aspect to his success in teaching.

“Education is not a cookie cutter thing — it is not one size fits all,” he said. “Every year is different.”

For those who obtained their degree in a different

24

E D U C A T I O N

field, nontraditional routes to teaching are available and have been on the rise across the country. To work in the public school system, the State of Texas requires that public school teachers obtain state certification, so Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs) are another great option. Anayancy Martinez, special education teacher with Edinburg Consolidated ISD, took the alternative certification route while working as a paraprofessional in the school system. ACPs generally take one year to complete and, like Martinez, participants are often allowed to teach or intern while completing the requirements, which provides extremely valuable experience as they jump into the field. ACPs can be found through universities and colleges, education service centers, and private entities. Though the requirements remain the same, not all programs are created equal.

Cost, support, and even job placement rates vary, so it is important to do research before selecting the right fit for you.

Though certification does help with preparation and is a highly marketable asset in the job search, it is not always required to teach. According to the TEA, for public charter and private schools, only a bachelor’s degree is required. In the RGV, IDEA Public Schools is one example of a district that does not require certification.

However, they do employ many state-certified teachers and have their own stringent expectations for hiring and helping teachers grow. Shelby Quevedo says she had a wonderful experience as a first-year teacher with IDEA. Quevedo noted that while certification is likely beneficial, IDEA provides a wonderful environment with extensive support for new teachers.

“IDEA is big on two different things for teacher growth — content and coachability,” she said. “They focus on teams to help with content and classroom management.

It is a lot of checks and balances.” With 100 percent graduation rates and 100 percent of students attending college, IDEA’s methods have proven to be very effective.

Talk to any teacher and you will find that, as Aleman

For those interested in teaching elementary to high school education, the first requirement across the board is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, which, fortunately, can be earned right here in the RGV.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

said, “it is not one size fits all.” Each educator has taken their own unique path, and though they may come to the profession in different ways, their passion and experience tend to be their most valuable assets in working with children.

For those interested in the field, local higher education facilities as well as http://tea.texas.gov provide great resources.

25

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

E D U C A T I O N

CHILD GENIUS? How to Detect and Nurture Genius in Your Child b y C or i S m e l ke r

26

27

.

child.” It may mean putting away “World of Warcraft.”

Enroll your child in some kind of music class. Children who play a musical instrument outperform their peers who do not play any kind of instrument.

Read to your children as often as possible, and make books readily available to them. According to Evans, author of “Family Scholarly Culture and Educational Success,” a child who is raised in a home containing at least 500 books is 36 percent more likely to graduate from high school and 19 percent more likely to graduate from college than a child raised in a home containing few or no books. The library can be your best friend in terms of giving your child access to books, or an e-reader where many books can be downloaded for free.

Limit the amount of time spent playing video games or watching television, even “educational” shows. The questions asked in the shows can never be tailored to your specific child, and your children will miss out on important learning skills if all their knowledge is coming from TV or video games.

Speak a foreign language. Children from bilingual homes have a distinct advantage over their monolingual counterparts. Studies have shown that bilingual children often have a better attention span and can multitask better than their monolingual friends.

What is it like to grow up as a genius/gifted person?

“There is a balance between maintaining your childhood and cultivating and optimizing the intellectual factor,” said Mia Witt, from San Antonio. Her family opted for her to skip grades but balked at her graduating high school at age 14.

“We compromised,” she said. “My parents wanted me to have the social interaction with my peers but wanted me to be academically challenged. As a result I took college credit hours and actually trained as an LVN while still in high school. I went to high school for two hours a day, and then did two hours in a work-study program. It was not perfect, but it worked.”

At the end of the day, the best way to nurture your child, whether a genius or not, is to give them as many opportunities to learn and to use their innate talents and gifts as freely and as often as they can. All children have a gift, some are just more obvious than others.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

As parents we are prone to thinking our children are certifiable geniuses. While it is true that children does come into this world with their own unique gifts and talents, how do we really know whether they are truly gifted geniuses?

There are a few signs that might indicate your child is at least above average, if not gifted — or a genius.

Your child can hold a conversation from an early age. According to the Davidson Institute, an education foundation for advanced children, “early and prolific use of language is typical in profoundly gifted children.”

They love fidget spinners because it helps them burn energy. If, even as an infant, your child got bored from being in one position, or made noise because the mobile stopped working, they might be gifted.

They have a love for books. If your child has shown an interest in reading even before they started school or can read from an exceptionally young age, there is every chance that they may be a genius.

Their memory is exceptional. Toddlers who can quickly recognize locations (and nothing as obvious as the Golden Arches) and faces may indeed be gifted. Of course, having a good memory is useful for anyone and is a great skill to develop.

They seek out more advanced peers. Your child naturally gravitates to adults or older children, and holds meaningful conversations with them.

They want to learn. Many geniuses are also very motivated to learn, and will do almost anything to facilitate their burgeoning skills. For instance, children might pick up books that have been read to them and then match known words from that book to the same words in another book. They will then extrapolate meanings of unknown words through contextual clues.

Children with a genius IQ will often outpace their peers in the classroom and if not encouraged properly, can either become bored or disruptive, or find ways to further their own education.

What do you do if you suspect your child might be a genius/gifted? If your child is already in school, talk to the teacher since they should have a good idea if your child is indeed gifted. Work together with the educators to formulate a plan for your child.

Ensure your child gets enough exercise. John Medina in his book, “Brain Rules for Baby” says, “Encouraging an active lifestyle is one of the best gifts you can give your

JAN/FEB 2018

E D U C A T I O N

E D U C A T I O N

v o n l I v l e a m t n ent in e r a P

a c t u i d o n E RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

Are we doing enough to help our children succeed? b y A b b e y Ku n k l e Parental involvement in a child’s education is a major indicator of their success in school; however, not in ways you might think. Today, as many working parents often have little time to physically be at their child’s school, they sometimes feel guilt at their perceived lack of involvement. Of course, it is easy to start comparing themselves to other parents, leaving many wondering whether they are doing enough in the classroom to help their children succeed.

According to Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association (NEA), the most

significant type of involvement that parents can have in their child’s education is not what they do in the classroom, but rather what they do at home. The NEA suggests that bridging the gap between what is learned at school and how it is relevant to day-to-day life is a critical role for parents. Daily engagement with their children, including monitoring, supporting, and advocating, can help ensure that children have every opportunity for success.

The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), another national leader in education and child advocacy, agrees with the NEA’s assessment that parents are most

28

E D U C A T I O N

“Be a caregiver, an awesome supporter, a foundation provider. Your most important job is to be a parent.”

Robin Wilson-Clipson , f o under o f PACE A cademy

UPCOMING EVENTS MON-SUN JANUARY 1 -7 + John Milton TUESDAY JANUARY 16 + Two On Tap FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2 + VSO: América, América TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6 + Mcallen Town Band: Moments In History FRI-SAT FEBRUARY 9-10 + Shen Yun (3 showings) SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 + The Wizard of Oz WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14 + Million Dollar Quartet TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20 + 3 Redneck Tenors

WEDNESDAY MARCH 7 + STOMP WEDNESDAY MARCH 21 + Mcallen Town Band: Celebration of Music WEDNESDAY APRIL 4 + Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story FRIDAY APRIL 6 + VSO: Forbidden Pleasures of Carmina Burana FRIDAY MAY 11 + Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons 956.681.3800 www.mcallenpac.net

29

JAN/FEB 2018

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 22 + Foreigner

.

providing a healthy breakfast, making sure they get enough sleep, and being on time can immediately show significant improvements in a student’s performance at school.

Wilson-Clipson also noted the importance of recognizing each child’s strengths and passions. To foster success, she encourages parents to talk to their children daily and get excited about what they are doing at school.

When parents care about education, students usually show more interest, too. Of course, checking on your child’s grades is a great tool for keeping up with their progress. This has never been easier as now, the majority of schools provide parents with online access to grades as well as other information and resources. Communicating with teachers, especially if you have any questions or concerns, can help as well.

According to Wilson-Clipson, in addition to providing a strong support system at home, another impactful way that parents can get involved with their child’s school is by getting the community involved and making an effort to raise funds and secure donations.

Parents who advocate for children at the local level can help schools obtain the funds to improve facilities and provide stateof-the-art resources for children to learn and grow. Participating in your school’s PTA, sometimes called PTO or Parent Teacher Organization, can help parents find opportunities to participate when and how they can.

So, is parental involvement important to your child’s success at school? Absolutely.

Talk to your child’s school and teacher to find out when and how you can help out, but most importantly, be present in your child’s life, show an interest in what they care about, and be there to provide for their physical and emotional needs. To make a difference in your child’s education, be the best parent you can be and the rest will follow.

@MCALLENPAC

RGVISION MAGAZINE

effective by being present and involved at home. In their “PTA Parent’s Guide to Success,” the National PTA recommends some specific ways that parents can help children thrive in school. With their busy schedules, it can often seem difficult to get everything done. But incorporating a few simple steps into daily routines can make all the difference in their children’s future. Some of these recommendations include: Help your child learn at home. Set aside a time every day when your child can concentrate and focus on homework. Fifteen to 30 minutes should suffice.

Make reading a part of your daily routine.

Read with your child, or depending on their age, encourage reading every day.

Talk to your children! Encourage your child to tell you about their day at school. You can also use real life situations like tipping at a restaurant or discussing the news to continue learning throughout the day.

Set goals with your child and create a plan to reach them.

Based on her experience as a teacher, founder of PACE Academy in Harlingen, current school board president, and mother, too, Robin Wilson-Clipson believes that everyone in the Rio Grande Valley can and should apply these national recommendations to their own lives. Routine and support are among her most important recommendations for parents to help their children succeed at school. Wilson-Clipson noted that teachers are there to teach and parents should not have to feel like school needs to continue when the family gets home.

“Be a caregiver, an awesome supporter, a foundation provider,” she said. “Your most important job is to be a parent.” She has seen firsthand that providing a strong support system as well as fulfilling children’s basic needs is essential to their success. Even

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

E D U C A T I O N

Making Noble Contributions to Education in the RGV b y A b b e y Ku n k l e

30

31

.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics exponentially, business involvement and investment (STEM) fields. During the program, the company’s in our community is extremely important to our future. engineers and architects expose the students to their Our four-county area is one of the fastest growing field, speaking about what they do as well as giving tours in the nation, which has contributed to the massive of their facilities. economic growth over the past couple decades. To keep “I believe as business leadership continues to look for up, local businesses are doing their part to prepare the the human capital of tomorrow, we need to do our part next generation of workers to take over. Among other and show our students what the industry has to offer,” industries, health care and education are flourishing here Capistran said regarding the importance of getting in the RGV, and in addition to developing the businesses involved with the program. He encourages students to of tomorrow, Noble Texas Builders is one Valley company find their passion. “Don’t just go get a degree. Decide that has committed to support students right here in our what you want to be and align your education to it. Then community. you’re working toward your passion. Don’t focus on being With a focus on safety, quality, and producing prosuccessful. Success is something we work toward for active solutions, Noble Texas Builders provides general the rest of our life. Be a person of significance. How contracting and designare you going to improve the build and construction life of your family and your management services. community?”

“If we expect to grow as a They have quickly become To further their efforts in community, I think you have to a success, and strive to use supporting education and invest in education. We’re doing their platform to make a improving possibilities for a lot of things because we truly difference and be a part of tomorrow’s workforce, Noble believe there is so much industry the fabric of our community.

Texas Builders recently coming to the RGV. I think we With a corporate office based hosted their inaugural Noble have a responsibility to help in Weslaco, the company Charities Foundation Fishing these students.” is invested in the Valley’s Tournament with the intent success, and their hands-on, to raise money for their Re n e C a pi s t r a n , professional construction foundation, which supports p res i den t of Nob le Texa s Build e rs services begin with a strong a $25,000 scholarship with foundation thanks to their South Texas College. An experienced and talented endowment of $25,000 is also team. Company President Rene Capistran recognizes the being set up with UTRGV and was expected to take effect importance of his team and their effect not only on the in December. To have the greatest impact in giving back, success of the business, but also on the significance of Noble Texas Builders also partners with United Way, their projects for years to come. Current projects include Easterseals RGV, the Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg RGV, educational facilities like South Texas ISD facilities, as and other local organizations. well as multiple facilities for Cameron County, hospital As can be seen through their work with students in work for Valley Baptist, and some retailers in the area. the Valley, Capistran and his company clearly focus on More importantly though, Capistran noted that the volunteering and make it a priority to give back. company is focused on two initiatives. In addition to “If we expect to grow as a community, I think you have providing infrastructure, they are committed to supporting to invest in education,” he said. “We’re doing a lot of both health care and education in the Rio Grande Valley. things because we truly believe there is so much industry One of their main goals is to introduce students to how coming to the RGV. I think we have a responsibility to education can be applied to their future, and to help help these students.” them work toward more than just a job, but a meaningful Along with their corporate office in Weslaco, the career they are passionate about. Through their efforts company has a regional office in Wimberley, Texas, and with the University of Texas RGV’s Texas Prefreshman a sister company, Noble General based out of El Paso.

Engineering Program, also known as TexPrep, Noble Due to their commitment to serve the RGV, they plan to Texas Builders is helping provide students from sixth to open another office in Brownsville at the beginning of 12th grade with the opportunity to build a foundation in this year.

JAN/FEB 2018

E D U C A T I O N

Join our PSJA Family!

APPLY TODAY Now Accepting Students Living Anywhere in the RGV • Full Day Pre-Kinder • Eight Early College High Schools (Earn 2 years of College FREE)

• Dual Language Enrichment Program • Quality Fine Arts & Athletics

psjaisd.us/register

E D U C A T I O N

FIGHTING FOR CHANGE Systems That Control the Classroom

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

b y S of i a A l e m a n

How does a Rio Grande Valley child reach eighth grade with a second-grade reading level?

There are too many pieces to the puzzle and not one solid answer. Kristin Keith, currently an eighth grade special education teacher at W.A. Todd Middle School in Donna, shed light on the educational experience and expectations of teachers at different levels in the area.

Keith used to teach first grade. She discussed everything from grade level priorities placed on fluency, writing, and overall reading comprehension, as well as what is being done to boost literacy in schools.

First, it’s important to highlight that when it comes to the public school system, there are many systems that are collectively at work, making the decisions that will influence what happens in your child’s classroom, and facilitating how teachers will fill their lesson plans.

When it comes to making decisions on curriculum, many educational entities have input. The federal government passes laws and supports Texas financially, while Texas funds its public schools as well. Each financial provider sets their own standards. In addition, there are more than 30 autonomous school districts in the Valley, each with their own superintendent and school boards. Together, the educational collaborative governs the emphasis individual schools place on what is important to teach.

In the state of Texas, students in pre-K through second grade build their foundation in reading comprehension, which begins at phonics and phonemic awareness and carries to fluency, comprehension, inferencing, and

much more. Students are largely graded by their abilities in reading comprehension at the end of the year. And though these reading skills are continually part of the public school student’s curriculum, around third grade marks a shift when it comes to a student’s measure of success.

“For first grade, a student’s achievements are measured by their reading level,” said Kristin Keith, eighth grade special education teacher at W.A. Todd Middle School in Donna. “In junior high, it’s measured through STAAR, even though their reading level is still tested.”

Not every school district or even school is the same, but for the most part, a huge emphasis is given to passing the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. Public school students take the assessments starting in third grade through high school. According to the Texas State Education Agency, it is a bundle of statemandated standardized tests used in Texas to evaluate a student's accomplishments and knowledge learned in the corresponding grade level. It’s given in reading, writing, math, science, and history.

Help for students still struggling with reading comprehension is different at every school.

“The resources available to students not reading on grade level and who are not in the special education program will vary from campus to campus as well as district to district,” Keith said. “Currently, at our campus there are guided reading classes aimed at helping students get caught up.”

34

E D U C A T I O N

Even though students can benefit from programs like the one at this campus, the reality is their measure of success isn’t based on whether they advanced a reading grade level by the end of the year. It’s whether they passed the STAAR. Both teachers and principals perform their duties to the best of their abilities, carrying an immense weight on their shoulders to ensure students can attain a specific score at the end of the year.

“I grew up in Kentucky where students took standardized tests, but we didn’t spend the entire year preparing for it,” Keith said. “Passing or failing a grade level didn’t depend on our scores, either. In fact student’s didn’t, and they still don’t, get scores until the following fall. Rather than looking at the progress of the students in their reading levels, it all goes back to the test.”

The systems in place here aren’t built to focus on a student’s fluency or reading comprehension all the way through 12th grade and teachers have to work around that reality.

There is no single resolution to the illiteracy problem in our area. Respect and appreciation should be given to hardworking educators who teach under the umbrella

James Hord (956)371-0891 jameshord.com jameshord@me.com

DELIVERED! To receieve a subscription email us at info@RGVisionMagazine.com

JAN/FEB 2018

Brownsville, Edinburg

.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Get the CONVERSATION

$29.99/ ANNUALLY

(That’s less than $5 per issue!)

35

RGVISION MAGAZINE

BUSINESS

of our vast educational bureaucracy. For now, we can help by encouraging any person who tirelessly works to reform the education system. These individuals are the ones trying to make sure students don’t continue to “fall between the cracks,” meaning they are passed to the next grade but not necessarily on a paired reading level. True reform will have to start with the decision makers who can reevaluate what is really important for students to have learned upon graduation.

B U S I N E S S

KEEPING OUR YOUTH

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

FINANCIALLY LITERATE b y Da v i d A l v a r a d o

In today’s fast-paced competitive economy, personal finance education should start early at both home and school. For high school graduates who choose to go on to higher education, personal finance education in college is often scant and few high schools in the United States offer the proper curriculum. Even fewer schools require personal finance instruction as a graduation requirement.

Regardless of when a young person’s formal education ends, they will be thrust into situations where they need

to know how to manage living expenses. As a result, high school seems like the most critical and logical place to deliver financial literacy education to America’s youth.

With ever rising tuition costs, most college students are expected to borrow in order to finance their education.

Most often do so without fully understanding how much debt is appropriate for their education or the connection between their area of study and the income level that they can expect upon graduation. Even worse, many students attend college without understanding financial

36

B U S I N E S S

“It’s an important life skill and [Harlingen CISD] understands the importance of that and by the time students graduate from college, they’re better equipped to handle personal business financing.”

37

.

for taking certain enhanced technical courses during high school.

In addition to the new requirement at the high school level, HCISD is also working to broaden financial literacy education for the entire community. In recent years, HCISD has provided opportunities to learn about financial literacy through programs and community events such as the HCISD Financial Fitness Expo and the Annual Parental Involvement District-Wide Conference.

The purpose of these community events is to strengthen existing partnerships with community-based organizations and financial institutions like IBC Bank to educate high school students so when they leave, they have a better understanding of their finances.

“Based on personal experiences, if I had known then what I know now, I would have put more money away in investments and I would have started years ago,” said Thompson, who has children graduating from high school and college. “I definitely feel like this curriculum would have been very useful instead of having to learn from trial and error.”

We would not allow a young person to get in the driver’s seat of a car without requiring driver’s education, and yet we allow our youths to enter the complex financial world without much related education. The 2008 financial crisis that led to the most recent recession demonstrated that a lack of financial literacy was one of the factors that led to negative economic consequences in the United States.

The basics of personal financial planning needs to be taught both in school and at home. When students graduate, they should understand how credit works and know how to budget, save, and invest — for their sake and the financial future of our country.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

aid, loans, debt, credit, inflation, or budgeting.

A recent study by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority-Foundation Financial Capability Insights indicated that only 24 percent of millennials (ages 18 to 34) surveyed could answer four out of five questions correctly in a financial literacy quiz. The study found that “lower-income millennial households are much less likely to have retirement accounts, non-retirement investment accounts, and rainy day funds.”

Cynthia Thompson, assistant principal for Harlingen Early College High School, said financial literacy curriculum is in line with the district’s overall vision for graduation.

“It’s an important life skill and [Harlingen CISD] understands the importance of that and by the time students graduate from college, they’re better equipped to handle personal business financing,” said Thompson, who is part of the Curriculum and Assessment team at HCISD. The team focuses on providing curriculum based support through systemic collaboration designed to ensure educational excellence for all students. “It’s really about building students that are college and career ready.”

The Texas Education Code requires instruction in personal financial literacy in K-8 mathematics instruction and in one or more courses offered for high school graduation.

Starting with the 2016-17 school year, each school district and open-enrollment charter school that offers a high school program must provide Personal Financial Literacy as a one-half credit high school social studies elective course.

The Advanced Technical Credit Program offered at HCISD high schools gives students a chance to receive credit at participating community colleges across Texas

JAN/FEB 2018

C yn t hia T hom p s on , as s i s t ant princ ipa l for H a rling e n Ea rly Colle g e H ig h S c h ool

B U S I N E S S

LIGHTING THE WAY Family-Owned Illuminations Offers Personalized Lighting Expertise

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

by Am y C a sebier | photo b y Kevi n Ma r ti nez

38

B U S I N E S S

“There’s nobody else that you can trust as much as you do family,” Garza said. “We’re very close, so I couldn’t see myself working with anybody else but my family.”

In April 2017, Illuminations expanded with a second store opening in Brownsville.

“We’re just excited about the Brownsville location opening,” Garza said. “The Lower Valley is growing a lot.

We’ve had customers from the Lower Valley come to McAllen to shop. So it’s nice now that we’re able to have that second location for our customers’ convenience.”

Illuminations is more than a lighting showroom.

The experts there work closely with contractors and homeowners to select the best fixtures — everything from chandeliers and ceiling fans to exterior lighting and even home decor — for residential and commercial projects. Employees at Illuminations often personally visit the site of the project to fully understand what the lighting needs are.

“We’re the experts,” Garza said. “We have the floor plans, or we walk the house, so we’re able to count every single little thing they need so we can make sure our customers don’t go over budget.”

It’s a personal touch that many customers wouldn’t get by visiting a big box home supply store, and one that Garza’s father intimately understood.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

There are a plethora of decisions that go into building a house. From floor plans to wall color and everything in between, there are so many ways to personalize a living space — right down to the light fixtures that brighten each and every room.

That’s where the experts at Illuminations come in.

“Most people don’t realize all the work that goes into it, all the details that are associated with choosing lights for a new house, until they come across the problem, so we help them avoid those problems before they are faced with them,” said Melinda Garza, a co-owner at Illuminations.

Illuminations is a family-owned lighting fixture showroom that has served the Rio Grande Valley since 2000 at its McAllen location. Founded by Garza’s parents, Gustavo and Gracie Garcia, Illuminations is now coowned by Garza and her two siblings — D’Ann Torres and Marco Garcia.

39

B U S I N E S S

“We’re the experts. We have the floor plans, or we walk the house, so we’re able to count every single little thing they need so we can make sure our customers don’t go over budget.”

“A customer may go to one store for one thing, another store for something else, so the builder’s running around all these different places trying to gather all the items they need,” Garza said. “When with us, it’s more of a onestop shop. They send their customers to us, we help them choose everything. And if necessary, we can deliver next day, if they need it, because we stock everything.”

Garza and the rest of her team at Illuminations find it rewarding to help homeowners and business owners stay abreast of trends in lighting and fixtures. The store also offers price matching if customers find the same products at lower prices elsewhere. But if homeowners fall in love with fixtures that push them over budget, there’s already a plan in place to help.

“We collect whatever overages are due so the builder doesn’t have to worry about it,” Garza said. “They just come, pay their allowance, and they’re not incurring expenses after the fact.”

And with nearly two decades in the RGV, Illuminations has become part of the fabric of the region it serves.

“We donate fixtures every year to Habitat for Humanity,” Garza said. “We’ll donate items to the church. We’re always giving back to the community.”

Visit the Illuminations website at http://illuminationsrgv. com.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

Melind a Ga r za , co - o wner o f Il l umi nat i o ns

“My dad used to be a contractor himself many years ago, which is when he got the idea to open the store,” Garza said. “He knew what the builders were struggling with, or what they needed when it came to sending their customers to choose their lighting.”

Many contractors operate by giving their clients — the homeowners — an allowance to select home features like lighting fixtures, Garza explained. It’s easy, though, for the homeowners to get overwhelmed and go over budget, select pieces that don’t work well together, or forget items altogether — especially if they don’t have someone to help them. The experts at Illuminations help eliminate that confusion and uncertainty with their specialized knowledge on exactly what is required to properly light a house. They streamline the entire experience.

40

We’re IDEA

Join a team and family of educators committed to preparing students for success in college and in life.

Team Support

IDEA provides the benefits and support teachers need to do their best work inside of the classroom.

Continuous Growth

IDEA believes that learning should never stop, even for teachers.

College Success

Since 2007, our teachers have ensured 100% college acceptance for our seniors.

 

Elisa Cantu, Pre-Kinder IDEA Edinburg Academy



Audrey Cisneros, IB Visual Arts IDEA Donna College Prep

Derek Gonzalez, 4th Grade Math IDEA Edinburg Academy

Now Hiring Teachers and Co-teachers for the 2018-19 school year.

Learn more and apply at www.ideapublicschools.org/careers

B U S I N E S S

With Derrick Kinney & Associates

- It's All About Family A dedicated family man who cares for his clients like his extended family, Derrick Kinney and his team are passionate about helping each family Derrick Kinney and his family

they work with achieve the financial goals that are important to them.

Making Life Easier and Reducing Stress

A strong supporter of McAllen schools, Derrick supports quality education by recognizing outstanding teachers and students.

Their team gives back to worthy organizations that make our local communities stronger and help those in need.

Recently, the Derrick Kinney & Associates team received a 99% Client Satisfaction score. Many clients commented on what a "great experience" it was to work with their team and how easy they made things. "Our goal is to make life easier and reduce stress for our clients," Kinney said. The trusted team at Derrick Kinney & Associates is there to help make their clients lives better.

Examples of clients they serve include: Individuals and couples who want their portfolios to fund meaningful life experiences in retirement.

A family-focused practice, Derrick Kinney & Associates serves preretirees, retirees, professionals, and business owners. Kinney said the people he visits with have worked hard at their jobs, providing for their families, raising their kids, or building their businesses.

Giving Back to the Rio Grande Valley

Family-minded people who want to leave a financial legacy with the least amount of taxes.

High wealth individuals who want professional advice on their portfolio strategy.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

Helping Those who Help Their Families

Derrick Kinney with Mario Reyna, McAllen ISD Coordinator for Health & Physical Education (K-12) After School Enrichment Programs

For a no-obligation visit with one of their friendly and knowledgeable financial advisors, contact Derrick Kinney & Associates at (956) 668-0701 or online at www.DerrickKinney.com.

42

B U S I N E S S

DERRICK KINNEY & ASSOCIATES

"Derrick. I've got cancer and the doctor doesn't give me long to live." I asked my well-loved client and friend, "Bob.

TWO CLIENTS AND THEIR LASTING IMPACT ON PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR DERRICK KINNEY

how can I best serve you right now?" Faced with the end of his life. Bob wanted to make sure that his family would be taken care of. I suggested we hold a family meeting to share with his family what was important to him. His wife. his children. and each of his grandchildren gathered together to hear him share the values he wanted to pass to the next generation. It was one of the most difficult conversations I've ever led. It was an emotional time and many tears were shed. but it was one of the most rewarding moments I've experienced as a private wealth advisor. His family, who remain clients to this day, regularly thank me for helping their Dad speak to them in such an affirming and lasting way.

"That's why we do what we do.

One client. One family.

One legacy at a time."

- D e r r i c k Ki nne y

"Put your hand on my chest." No client had ever said that to me. "Derrick," Ted said. "I want you to feel my

www.DerrickKinney.com

pacemaker. If it ever stops. Mary is going to need you. I want you to promise me you'll be there for her." I assured

956-668-0701

him we would. Ted and Mary had worked with our team for many years. We had designed a retirement plan they JAN/FEB 2018

decisions for what she wanted to do financially. Her

B if something happened to either of them. Early one

Recent Accolades:

Saturday morning I received the call that Ted had passed

Named "2017 Reader’s Choice Favorite Financial Advisor" in multiple publications

away. As promised. we walked alongside Mary. helping her with this difficult life transition. It was beautiful to

Featured in the Wall Street Journal as a "Five Star Wealth Manager investors need to know"

children are very thankful for us honoring our promise to

"Best Financial Advisor in North Texas" - Living Magazine

Ted and being there when Mary needed us the most.

"Five Star Wealth Manager" - Texas Monthly Magazine

43

RGVISION MAGAZINE

help her get back on her feet and empower her to make

.

were enjoying together. but we also discussed a Plan

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

B U S I N E S S

Tres Lagos: A Place to Grow b y Lor i H ou s t on

After 10 years of thinking and planning, the community that took shape in the mind and heart of developer Mike Rhodes has now taken root in reality. Tres Lagos, located in north McAllen, is a 2,700-acre master planned community with a 25-year project timeline. Phase one is complete with model homes open for viewing.

Approximately $35 million has been invested in the first phase of construction, which has largely been devoted to the community center and the parks and lakes. There is an amphitheater for concerts, as well as

45 acres of parks with tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball areas, outdoor workout equipment, and many covered picnic stations with barbecue pits.

Rhodes Enterprises is bringing to life their vision of the perfect community.

“I brought together everything I’ve done and learned and seen all over the country and done it all here, so it is pretty exciting,” Rhodes said. Everything a community needs will eventually be found in this planned development. Small shops and restaurants are expected

44

B U S I N E S S

UPCOMING EVENTS SAT-SUN JANUARY 13-14 + Saxet Gun Show

TUESDAY JANUARY 16 + Winter Texan Expo & Health Fair

SUNDAY JANUARY 21 + McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Memorial Run + Wedding Fair

FRI-SUN JANUARY 26-28 + McAllen International CarFest

FRI- SUN FEBRUARY 9-11 + All Valley Boat Show

SAT-SUN FEBRUARY 17-18 + Saxet Gun Show

FRIDAY MARCH 16 + Lone Star Mustang National

SAT-SUN MARCH 24-25 + 2018 RGV Home Show

SUNDAY APRIL 15 + RGV Wedding & Quince Expo

FRI-SUN APRIL 27-29 + South Texas Comic Con

SUN MAY 20 THURSDAY JULY 12 + TFEA Convention & Trade Show

For More Info:

MC AC ON VE N T I O

NS

MCALLEN CONVENTION CENTER

700 Convention Center B McAllen, Texas 78501 Phone: (956) 681-3800 Fax: (956) 681-3840

45

JAN/FEB 2018

+ Engage A Platinum Wedding Event

.

“All of our designs will achieve the same density as the grid, but with a fraction of the pavement,” Harrison said. He estimates he has eliminated over 5 miles of road that would have normally have been needed with a standard design.

The first phase of the development contains three neighborhoods; Estancia, Ensenada, and Escondido. Every house in the planned community will have gigabit speed fiber optic, digital video, and security cameras. All the homes will be built with smart home technology. Tres Lagos homes and parks are also environmentally friendly.

They are set up to conserve water by reusing water for irrigation purposes. Each house has two water meters: one for lawns, and one for the household and drinking water.

Tres Lagos will eventually have 5,000 single-family homes and about 3,000 multifamily units. As a planned community, everything is laid out and ready as the community grows. As more and more homes are built, the retail aspect will also begin to grow. It is expected that there will be over a million-and-a-half square feet of retail in Tres Lagos.

It is estimated that this community will bring in about 6,000 permanent jobs. The 90-acre Tech Park will be the source of most of the permanent jobs. However, teachers, hospital workers, firemen, police, and retail workers will also add to that number.

Rhodes Enterprises is the largest mixeduse land developer in the Rio Grande Valley.

The organization has donated land for schools and nature centers around the area as part of its commitment to community.

Creating unique communities to serve the needs of Valley residents has always been a driving force for Rhodes.

“I love building communities,” he said. “It's all I think about.”

RGVISION MAGAZINE

to go up in the next three years on the 11acre retail island.

In addition to fire, police, and hospital services, full-range educational opportunities will also be situated within Tres Lagos.

Idea Public Schools has already opened a campus in the community and Texas A&M has started building a campus on their 100 acres, as well.

“A person will be able to be born here, get the best K-12 education with Idea Public Schools, go from there to Texas A&M all the way through a doctorate program,” Rhodes said. There is also a 90-acre Tech Park adjacent to A&M where they hope to attract high-tech jobs. With such a comprehensive community, “a person could basically live their whole life here without ever having to leave,” Rhodes said.

Now that the development is starting to really take shape, Rhodes noted that his colleagues are starting see the vision that, before, only existed in his head.

“Right now, you don't really notice the thousand trees we planted because they're not big yet, but in my mind, I see 30 to 40 years from now when all the trees are big and all the hike-and-bike trails go under the trees,” he said.

The hike and bike trails are the backbone the rest of the community is built upon. Rick Harrison, a premier community planner, designed the layout to be pedestrian oriented. The many walkways allow you to see all the way through the community and provides shortcuts to other areas, like the shops and the parks. The curving streets allow you to keep going without the stops and turns of most subdivisions.

“The vehicular system is designed to maintain the flow,” Harrison said. “The pedestrian system is designed to make it as convenient as possible.”

Another unique feature of the layout is the way the houses are placed on the lots.

Instead of lining them all up at the same distance from the road, the houses are positioned so that residents will have a more open view of the neighborhood, instead of looking into one another’s windows. In conjunction with the winding streets, there is a more open feel to it.

B U S I N E S S

G E N E R AT I O N A L

SELLING RGV Experts: Technology, Communication Key to Understanding Generational Differences

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

by Amy Casebier

46

47

.

“When someone from one generation takes the time and effort to understand another, they can begin to build relationships on trust, understanding and effective communication,” reads an article on generational selling in Promo Marketing Magazine. “So how can salespeople foster that connection?”

Generational selling is the idea that businesses might use different techniques to appeal to people of different ages. For example, a business might appeal to a baby boomer customer by touting its reliability and longevity. For a millennial customer, however, the business could change tactics, promoting its apps and convenience.

“Before any business makes a move to sell or makes a move to advertise or develop a relationship with its audiences, it has to understand its audiences,” Fuentes said.

Once the target audiences are defined, it becomes a matter of the business reaching them.

“It’s all going to depend on what’s their goal,” Fuentes said. “If it’s to launch a new product, that wording will have to change and there might be four or five advertisements that they make. In those four or five, they have very specific audiences.”

Fuentes, who is also the faculty adviser for an advertising club at STC, reflected on an annual national competition.

Every year, clubs across the country receive a single client, and it is up to the organization to develop an advertising plan. This year, the client is Ocean Spray, and the company is specifically looking to capture millennial customers.

“It’s interesting to see the research if you dig into brands that have been around for a very long time,” Fuentes said.

“They’re looking at the idea of brand loyalty. And they have the brand loyalty of people 45 and older. They don’t have the brand loyalty of millennials. It’s so interesting that they’re saying, ‘well, right now our current traditional efforts of the two men in the big cranberry bog isn’t working.’”

For millennials, at least, social media seems to be one of the best ways to announce everything from grand openings to special promotions. A client for Fuentes’ public relations class, Ice Cubed Raspas in Edcouch, has harnessed the power of Facebook for reaching its clients. After less than a year since opening, its Facebook page has more than 17,000 followers.

“It’s funny we find merit in following,” Fuentes said.

“There’s exposure there, there’s awareness that they exist.

We find merit in that, but would a baby boomer? If I tell my parents, ‘they have 17,000 followers,’ would they have had the same reaction? Probably not.”

RGVISION MAGAZINE

When talking about the differences between generations, definitions of those differences depend on who’s talking — along with the generation they belong to. And when it comes to the concept of generational selling, the idea of how different generations consume products and services, deliberations are even more complicated. However, understanding and bridging gaps among generations — from a business standpoint or otherwise — may all come down to a single concept.

“I think the word that comes to mind is technology and the way that the different generations are utilizing (and) perceiving technology,” said Andrea Fuentes, a communications instructor at South Texas College.

With relentless technological advancements, though, it’s easy for older generations to feel left behind. In that same vein, younger generations who adhere to innovations like smartphones and social media often become subjects of exasperation for others around them.

“What I find is the exasperation is reciprocated because the millennials want the older people to use and adopt the technology and some of the older people do, and then they’re still not given any credit for having done so,” said Laura Nunn, a communication professor at South Texas College.

Some even believe that technological advancement comes at a significant cost — higher than the initial confusion, for example, of using a smartphone after a significant update to its operating system.

“For every technological advance that we take, we amputate something from our lives,” Nunn said, citing the book “Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man” by Marshall McLuhan. “For example, when the telephone first began to be the landlines in the homes, no longer did the women meet at the fence to talk about things. So you took away the legs from the community.”

With sometimes intimidating differences between generations heightened by technology or other factors, businesses look to market themselves to a wide range of consumers. Especially in today’s world, there is no one-sizefits-all solution for companies to reach different age groups.

Fuentes compared how she, a millennial, found out about Dave & Buster’s opening in McAllen to how her parents, baby boomers, did.

“I heard about them coming to the Rio Grande Valley through an article that The Monitor posted online,” she said.

“My parents found out about it through the newspaper they received. Nontraditional versus traditional media.”

It’s these distinctions in forms of communication that businesses have trouble tapping in to.

JAN/FEB 2018

B U S I N E S S

Knee surgery in Texas just got innovative.

The first robotic-assisted total knee replacement in the state means residents now have access to advanced technology that supports more positive patient outcomes.

Dr. Raul A. Marquez, Orthopedic Surgeon, performs the leading-edge surgery at Cornerstone Regional Hospital using the NAVIO Surgical System™.

The robotic assistance eliminates the need for a pre-operative CT scan and enables precise and efficient placement of the implant.

During the procedure, a 3D model of the patient’s knee is used to guide the robotics-assisted tool directed by the physician, providing an extra layer of precision and accuracy.

Raul A. Marquez, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

For more information, call Marla Sandoval at 956-618-4444 or visit cornerstoneregional.com/Robotics

2302 Cornerstone Blvd. • Edinburg, TX 78539 Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of this hospital.

The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Cornerstone is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital medical staff. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 172468

B U S I N E S S

​ alley’s economic V future is a five-letter word: NAFTA

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

b y Ro d Sa nta Ana | p h ot os cou r t e s y of B y r on J a y Le wi s

Through the centuries, unpredictable and overwhelming events have shaped the economy of the four-county Rio Grande Valley. While sometimes painful at the time they occur, those factors have usually resulted in more diverse and robust commerce for the area and its people.

In the mid-1700s, the arrival from Mexico of an expeditionary party of homestead-seeking families started the area’s first commercial venture: cattle ranching.

That lasted until the early 1900s when the advent of electricity and the railroad, combined with fertile soil

50

and new arrivals from the Midwest and Mexico, led to a booming agricultural economy that still thrives today.

Then beginning in the 1960s, a warm climate and the proximity to Mexico became important, attracting Mexican retail customers, Winter Texans, and maquiladoras that expanded and enriched the local economy.

But a U.S. trade treaty with Mexico and Canada enacted in 1994 has had the biggest influence, dollar-wise. NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, is converting the Valley into a major

B U S I N E S S

“The main goals of NAFTA were twofold. The first was to increase the flow of products and investments among the three countries of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The second was to reduce or eliminate tariffs and duties on those products.”

51

.

College Station. “The first was to increase the flow of products and investments among the three countries of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The second was to reduce or eliminate tariffs and duties on those products.”

It’s difficult to know what would have happened without NAFTA, but since the treaty was implemented, those two goals have been met in a big way while opening new trade opportunities with other countries worldwide, Ribera said.

NAFTA has allowed each of its three countries to tap into its counterparts’ supply and demand situations.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

player in the very lucrative global marketplace.

And depending on the outcome of ongoing renegotiations, NAFTA will continue to drive the Valley’s economic engine for decades to come.

The impact of trade with Mexico and Canada ripples throughout the Valley’s economy in a very positive way, experts say, adding to the area’s existing economy of agriculture, retail sales, the maquiladora industry, and tourism.

“The main goals of NAFTA were twofold,” said Dr. Luis Ribera, an agricultural economist and director of the Center for North American Studies at Texas A&M in

JAN/FEB 2018

D r. Lu i s Ri be r a , an agri cultura l e c onomist a nd d ire c tor of t he Cent er f o r N o rt h A meri can Stud ie s a t Texa s A&M in Colle g e Sta tion

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

B U S I N E S S

Ribera cited agriculture as an example.

“Mexico knows the U.S. can’t maintain a year round supply of fruits and vegetables, so investments in both countries have been made to transfer Mexican produce to the U.S.,” he said. “Those investments include greenhouses, cold storage facilities, transportation, highways, etc.”

Similarly, the U.S. and Mexico invested resources to supply what Mexico couldn’t produce in large enough quantities, including corn, grain, rice, and cotton.

Those investments are having a huge economic impact on the Valley, especially through its bridge ports of entry and the Port of Brownsville.

In 2016, the U.S. imported almost $12 billion of fresh and frozen produce, including fruits, vegetables and nuts from Mexico. Half of that entered the country via Texas land ports on about 220,000 trucks.

A new east-west Mexican highway from Mazatlan on the Pacific to Matamoros on the Gulf of Mexico now carries endless truckloads of produce to Texas, and especially the Pharr International Bridge, that continue to destinations throughout the U.S. “Because the new highway cuts down on travel time

and cost, for the first time ever, in September, Pharr outpaced what had been the top land port of entry for produce: Nogales, Arizona,” Ribera said.

The Pharr bridge now handles roughly 13,000 northbound produce trucks per month — over 400 per day — with substantial traffic increases predicted through at least 2025, due to increased demand for fresh produce, Ribera said.

That increased trade results in infrastructure investments in the Valley as brokers and businesses move to Pharr from Nogales and other smaller ports along the entire U.S.-Mexico border.

“It creates more of everything here: gas stations, restaurants, cold storage facilities, offices, roads, apartments, houses. The list goes on and on,” Ribera said.

Eduardo A. Campirano, the port director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville, said trade at the tip of Texas is booming. The deepwater seaport, created in 1936, is exporting large quantities of gasoline, diesel and steel to Mexico, among many other products and trading countries.

Raw petroleum that Mexico can’t refine is imported to Brownsville then shipped via barge to Houston refineries,

52

B U S I N E S S

billion to the Texas economy.

Like a stately oak tree that is better able to withstand a whack from an ax than a skinny sapling, the Rio Grande Valley’s economy is now better able to withstand downturns in any one of its many branches.

Both Ribera and Campirano said the future of the Valley’s economy is promising.

“Hopefully, NAFTA can be improved to increase trade velocity while maintaining security,” Campirano said.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

he said. Operations are now underway to deepen the port’s ship channel from 42 feet to 52 feet to handle larger ocean-going vessels.

The resulting Port of Brownsville statistics are staggering, handling about $3 billion in commodity exports yearly via rail, vessel, barge, truck, and pipeline. It covers approximately 40,000 acres with 4 million square feet of covered and open storage.

It is also a world leader in ship recycling and the construction of offshore drilling platforms.

The port has created 8,000 regional jobs, 44,000 jobs in Texas, infuses $2 billion to the local economy, and $3

53

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

B U S I N E S S

54

B U S I N E S S

​THE

CHICK-FIL-A DREAM OF

Rudy Martinez

55

JAN/FEB 2018

Anglo man who hardly spoke Spanish.”

After Mercy translated, Norman Kober mustered what little Spanish he knew, looked Rudy in the eye and asked, “Quieres jale?” Do you want work?

“No,” Rudy told him. “I don’t want a job, I need a job.

Today he says, “There’s a difference between wanting and needing, and I think my answer impressed him.”

Kober was even more impressed when Rudy said he could start working immediately if Kober handed him a uniform.

A few days later, after an English-speaking cousin helped him fill out the job application, Rudy started working at that Chick-fil-A. At the time of the interview for this story, it was 33 years ago almost to the day.

For almost two years, the once-Mexican doctor breaded and cooked chicken, washed dishes, swept floors, mopped, whatever it took to help run a successful restaurant. Along the way Rudy picked up enough English to start taking orders from customers. He stayed late every day to help file daily reports and eventually earned the job of assistant manager.

Soon, Rudy convinced Chick-fil-A officials to give him a scholarship to study English at the then-Pan American University. He attended classes four days a week then worked evenings and weekends at Chick-fil-A to log in 40 hours.

Kober helped Rudy practice his English by sending him to assist in the startups of new Chick-fil-A restaurants all over the country.

.

The rags-to-riches story of Chick-fil-A’s Rudy Martinez is worthy of a movie that could have happened, as he said, “only in America.” The plot is that of a destitute Mexican immigrant who works his way to wealth beyond his craziest dreams.

Rudy, the youngest of five, was born in the tiny Mexican border town of Valadeces, across the Rio Grande from Starr County. His father was an American citizen; his mother, a Mexican.

The lack of schools in the area prompted his mother, Esther, now 92, to move the family upriver to Reynosa where her children could get the education they needed.

Rudy excelled in his classes, eventually earning a medical degree in Monterrey to become a family doctor.

But by then, the family had moved across the river to the Rio Grande Valley. Rudy followed but wasn’t certified to practice medicine in the U.S. as he had been in Mexico.

“It was 1982,” he said. “I was married, had one daughter, didn’t speak English, and badly needed a job to support my family.”

He began by applying at medical clinics, hoping to work as a nurse. But his lack of English kept him unemployed.

He had nowhere to turn until one day he stopped for a free sample of chicken at the Chick-fil-A at La Plaza Mall in McAllen. It was a chance encounter that led to a dream Rudy said he is still living today.

“I asked Mercy Contreras, the young lady handing out the samples, if they were hiring,” Rudy recalls. “She took me back to the owner/operator of the restaurant, a tall

​

RGVISION MAGAZINE

b y Ro d Sa nta A n a | p h ot os b y J a m e s H or d

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

B U S I N E S S

“I lost count after 20 grand openings, but a lot of the kitchen help at these new restaurants were recent immigrants from all over Latin America, so they were glad to train under me in Spanish,” Rudy said.

By the mid-1990s, Rudy had become Kober’s righthand-man. He was also helping run Kober’s second Chick-fil-A on Jackson Road in Pharr, doing everything but signing supply and payroll checks.

“My dream then was to have my own FSR, freestanding restaurant, as opposed to most Chick-fil-As that are located in malls,” he said.

Rudy’s exhaustive efforts did not go unnoticed by Chick-fil-A officials. In December of that year, Kober told Rudy to prepare for a phone call from the corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia, offering Rudy the position of owner/ operator of a Chick-fil-A in San Antonio that was doing poorly.

Soon, Rudy and his wife were flying back in first class from Atlanta, toasting with a Coke that their dream had come true, a restaurant of their own.

But the 12-year old establishment was a disaster. It was dirty, in a poor location in a rundown mall with only three years left on a 15-year lease. It was Chick-fil-A’s lowest performer in the country.

When Rudy told the six employees there that a lot of hard work was in their future, two quit on the spot.

But Rudy and the four remaining employees got busy.

He innovated and went over budget to attract customers.

He placed Chick-fil-A placards on boarded up stores at the mall. He convinced large anchor stores to place free Chick-fil-A sandwich cards in their employees’ paycheck envelopes, and he passed out more free cards to businesses along Military Highway.

Sales began to soar. In the ten months of Rudy’s first year, sales jumped from $290,000 in 1995 to $330,000 in 1996. In 1997 sales jumped 33 percent to $440,000, enough for Rudy to win Chick-fil-A’s annual Symbol of Success Award. It came with a paid lease on a new car for one year, Rudy’s first new car ever.

In 1998, sales jumped another 32 percent, earning

56

B U S I N E S S

“When I came to the U.S., I found Chick-fil-A. That’s when my dream began. I’m living proof of the American Dream, and I don’t want to stop dreaming.”

R u d y Ma r t i ne z ,

57

.

Rudy back-to-back Symbol of Success awards and a clean title to the leased car.

“That new car was a huge sign of my success,” he said.

“Nowhere but in America could that happen. My whole family and in-laws were so impressed. And it hadn’t felt like hard work because I enjoyed it so much. I felt like a professional athlete playing for a living, not working.

What more could you ask for?”

The restaurant in San Antonio didn’t close after the lease expired as Chick-fil-A had planned before Rudy took over. He was given a better location at South Park Mall and by 1999, sales there hit $1 million.

In 2000 he was forced to give up the restaurant for a new restaurant at the much more affluent Inghram Mall.

In two years, Rudy’s magic drove annual sales up to $1.7 million. He and his growing family were living the good life with a six-figure income and a new house in a San Antonio suburb when opportunity knocked again.

Chick-fil-A was opening a new free-standing restaurant in McAllen. After many anxious weeks, Rudy finally got

RGVISION MAGAZINE

the news: the restaurant was his if he wanted it.

It opened on December 5, 2002. Located just north of Trenton on North 10th Street in upscale north McAllen, his restaurant was at that time surrounded by farmland.

But corporate financial studies predicting an eventual commerce boom in the area were correct.

Sales by 2004 hit $2.7 million, earning Rudy his second new car bonus, a Ford F-150. Sales since then have climbed about $1 million annually. In 2016, sales hit $6.3, employing 90 people.

In 2015 he opened his second Chick-fil-A, a new restaurant in Edinburg, now managed by Rudy’s daughter, Laura.

When asked by corporate officials how Rudy would manage to run two stores, he said, “I don’t run stores. I develop leaders to run them for me.”

In 2016 his finely tuned lucrative stores had combined sales of $11 million, employing 150 people who all learn and practice Chick-fil-A’s Recipe for Service that includes eye contact, smiling, using a friendly tone and staying connected with customers.

“We went from four employees in San Antonio to 150 employees now,” he said. “The good Lord will decide how I proceed, but I’m looking at a possible third restaurant in 2018. There are over 100 owner/operators like me with two stores in the Chick-fil-A chain, but only two that have three stores. I may be the third. We’ll see.”

At 61 and with a hip replacement in his medical history, Rudy’s not sure what lies ahead. But he’s prepared for whatever comes, confident in the success of his rocksolid convictions. These include hard work, smart work, faith, service to others, trust he’s developed with many, giving back to the community and raising a loving family by making time for them.

“When I came to the U.S,” he said, “I found Chick-fil-A. That’s when my dream began. I’m living proof of the American Dream, and I don’t want to stop dreaming.”

JAN/FEB 2018

Ch ic k-fil-A c h a in ow ne r & ope ra tor

BUILT TO THRIVE.

“We build a sense of belonging and unity that inspires our team to make a difference and be part of the fabric of our community.�

- Rene Capistran President and CEO of Noble Texas Builders Noble Texas Builders supports community involvement and encourages its team members to participate through volunteerism. One person's actions can make a lasting impact on our future and ensure our communities have the strength and resources required to thrive.

4 3 5 S. T E X A S B LV D. WE SL A CO, TX | 956. 520.8183 NO B LE T E X A SB U I LDE RS .C O M | IN FO @N O B LE TE X A S B UILD E R S .CO M

S ’ R A E Y W S NE N O I T U L O RES rrifit Get #a

1

ter Eat bet

2

3

te Celebra

more

INFO@ARRIFITNESS.COM | ARRIFITNESS.COM COMINIG SOON to 1220 Trenton Rd. Ste 180 McAllen, TX 78504

B U S I N E S S

Move It Self Storage

IN MISSION b y RGVi s i o n | p h ot os b y Ke v i n M a r t i n e z

.

JAN/FEB 2018

We

RGVISION MAGAZINE

of

belongings, for business inventory, and we have a large

Commerce’s Featured Member of the Month Greg Garcia,

spoke

with

Greater

Mission

Chamber

variety of sizes. So, if you have something small or large,

property manager for Move It Self Storage in Mission. He

we can accommodate you. We have drive-up units and

shares his experience with the business’s membership

if you want to store inside a climate-controlled building,

with the Mission Chamber.

you have that option as well. We offer insurance to our

Greg Garcia: I work for Move It Self Storage and I’m the

customers, which is something that is highly considered

property manager here. I oversee the property, rentals,

especially down here in the Valley, where the humidity is

equipment, and sales merchandise. Being in storage, it’s

very high. Sometimes, that can cause some damages

a unique job, meaning, that you wear many hats. This a

to your items. So, it does help, that insurance. Some

large property … I have over 700 units that we have to

of these other competitors don’t offer that insurance

maintain and make sure that they’re up to standards to

and don’t inform their customers of the things that can

keep our customers happy. We offer storage for personal

happen when you’re storing. We have three locations

60

B U S I N E S S

here in Mission and we’re all members of the (Greater Mission) Chamber. As time allows, we try to make as many events as we can. Just recently, when Hurricane Harvey hit, we had some members from the O’Grady Elementary come by asking for donations and the only thing we could donate were boxes. Fortunately, we still had some promotional boxes backed up so we were able to provide some boxes for them. We try and stay as active as we can with the community in the best way we (can).

Networking is big. A lot of times when you go visit these

with upper management — employees that have higher titles that probably are decision makers in the business.

Those are the contacts you want to make. Going to these mixers … these chamber events, helps bridge that gap right there. A lot of times you go and you won’t find these people. The exposure of the company, being able to network with all these other businesses, being able to talk to someone with the higher title that’s a decision maker in the company, helps, versus going to the actual office or building and just speaking with an employee that has to

G r e g G a r c i a , prope rty ma na g e r for Move It S e lf Stora g e

bypass other people just to get an answer. The exposure is the biggest thing. You get your name out there.

61

.

these events with the Chamber, you’re actually dealing

RGVISION MAGAZINE

“This a large property … I have over 700 units that we have to maintain and make sure that they’re up to standards to keep our customers happy.

We offer storage for personal belongings, for business inventory, and we have a large variety of sizes."

just in front of the counter. When you go to these mixers,

JAN/FEB 2018

businesses, you just deal with these employees that are

B U S I N E S S

B ILL MARTIN CFP ® , 1845 CAP ITAL OF RAY MON D JAME S, 95 6-3 3 1-2777

Selecting an IRA to Benefit

YOUR BUSINESS A sponsored IRA might be just the thing to help your staff save for retirement

If you haven’t yet thought about setting up a retirement

contributes (employees can’t make contributions). For

plan for your employees, you’re not alone. The task

businesses concerned about cash flow, the ability to

didn’t make the to-do list of nearly a quarter of the 1,600

increase, decrease or suspend contributions is appealing,

owners of small and medium-sized businesses recently

and employer contributions are tax deductible. All

surveyed by Pew Charitable Trusts. Those surveyed cited

investment, distribution and rollover rules of traditional

expense (71 percent) and lack of resources to administer

IRAs apply here.

Consideration: Because you must contribute the

a retirement plan (63 percent) as the top challenges to

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

getting started.

same percentage amount to other employees as you

Business owners in the 2017 Pew survey said they

do yourself, you may need to switch to a different plan

would be more likely to offer a plan to workers if it led

as the number of workers grows. Also, those who are

to greater profitability, and it just might. The main

self-employed may be able to contribute more money to

benefits for employers include tax savings (including a

an owners-only 401(k). Talk to your adviser about what

possible $500 tax credit for some plans in addition to any

makes sense for your own retirement planning as well.

deductions for contributions) and the ability to attract

SIMPLE IRA

and retain top talent. The key is to find the right plan,

Pro: A popular option for businesses with fewer than

whether it’s a 401(k), pension or individual retirement

100 employees, this type of IRA has been described as a

account (IRA). Yes, there are employer-sponsored ones

“starter 401(k)” because it’s designed to be set up quickly

available. Here’s a closer look at how IRAs can help you

at a low cost. Employers must make matching or non-

help your employees save for retirement.

elective contributions and offer all workers a chance to

SEP IRA

participate. Employer contributions are tax deductible

Pro: The Simplified Employee Pension plan was created

and employee contributions are pre-tax.

Consideration: These plans are generally less flexible

for small businesses and the self-employed, with an easy, no-cost setup and flexibility in how much an employer

than 401(k) plans, with lower contribution limits.

62

B U S I N E S S

working with your adviser to set up a plan, you can boost

MYRA Pro: MyRA isn’t an employer-sponsored plan. All an

your financial well-being and that of your employees.

employer would do is offer the information and allow

Withdrawals from retirement accounts may be subject

workers to set up payroll deductions. It’s a Roth IRA

to income taxes, and prior to age 59½ a 10% federal

designed by the government for workers who don’t have

penalty tax may apply. Any SIMPLE IRA distributions

access to or aren’t eligible for employer-sponsored plans,

made to a participant under age 59½ during the two-year

and allows employees to save in a limited fashion.

period beginning with the employee’s initial participation

Consideration:

The

only

investment

option

is

date will be subject to a 25% premature penalty. Unless

government bonds, and the maximum an employee

certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or

can save in the account is $15,000 before it must be

older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free

transferred to a private-sector Roth IRA. However, if you

withdrawals are permitted.

marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design)

JAN/FEB 2018

and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals

Article provided by Bill Martin, CFP®, 1845 Capital of Raymond James, 1400

that employers can’t make contributions. However, if an

N McColl, Suite 101, McAllen, TX 78501. For more information, please contact

employer-sponsored plan isn’t right for your business

Bill Martin, CFP® at 956-331-2777.

and you want to offer a way for workers to save, this

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification

is one solution. You can always switch to a different savings plan as your organization grows.

With people living longer and retirement stretching to

who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification

30 years for some, saving has never been more crucial.

requirements."

However, only a third of Americans are contributing to an

© Raymond James & Associates, Inc. member New York Stock Exchange /

employer-sponsored retirement plan, a recent analysis

SIPC

of tax data by Census Bureau researchers shows. By

63

RGVISION MAGAZINE

this is it. MyRA has other limitations, including the fact

.

want a plan with no cost and no administration tasks,

BH U ES A I NL T E H S S

RAUL A. MARQUE Z , MD ORTHOP E D IC SU RG E ON CORN E RSTON E RE G ION AL.COM 95 6-618-4444

CT-FREE KNEE REPLACEMENTS a First in Texas with Robotic–assisted Platform

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

Over the years, knee arthroplasty has advanced beyond the limited world of cutting jigs, guides, and drills with the introduction of imaging, custom implants, and new robotic technology. Now a robotic–assisted knee surgery platform eliminates the need for a preoperative CT scan and combines intraoperative planning software with robotics for increased precision and accuracy during device implantation.

Partial knee replacements have been done with the system for several years, according to Raul A. Marquez, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Cornerstone Regional Hospital in Edinburg. But recently the platform has been adapted for total knee replacements. One notable advantage of the system to patients is avoiding unnecessary imaging. Another possible benefit is improved accuracy and precision for the surgeon, which could mean better patient outcomes*.

C ust om me asure d kne e i mpl ant s re duc e t he c h anc e of an i mprope r f i t .

TECHNOLOGY THAT FITS Robotic assistance comes from the handheld tool, and computer navigation tracks the position of the hand piece relative to the bone surface. The surgeon uses the tool to remove diseased bone, making way for the implant.

“The human eye cannot detect a 3- or 4-degree difference, but this tool can,” Marquez said of the tool’s accuracy. “Patients are more comfortable when we use this because they know their implant is custom measured just for them, which greatly reduces the chance of improper fit.”

HOW DOES IT WORK? The NAVIO Surgical SystemTM consists of a unique hand-held robotic bone-shaping device and a so-called “CT-free” navigation software platform. “When doing knee replacements, CT scans are usually required before surgery,” Marquez said. “Using this new system, we can digitally collect patient-specific data to build a 3-D model of a patient’s knee during the actual procedure.”

The NAVIO intraoperative planning software maps the bone surface to get a 3-D representation of the bone structure. Advanced planning software allows the surgeon to virtually position the implant before it is actually implanted, creating a customized solution for each patient.

BOTH PARTIAL AND FULL KNEE REPLACEMENTS Marquez has been using the system on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (partial knee replacements) since 2014. The device received FDA marketing clearance for total knee arthroplasty in July

64

H E A L T H

2016 and Marquez did his first full knee replacement in June 2017. It was the first total knee replacement performed in Texas without the need for a CT scan.

“This system allows me to easily convert a partial knee replacement to a full knee replacement, depending on the patient’s needs,” Marquez added. Converting from a partial to a full knee replacement is not as involved with the new platform compared to traditional knee arthroplasty, he said.

FASTER RECOVERY TIME Both partial and full knee replacement surgeries are done using a minimally invasive technique. Marquez said that the incision to insert the implant is smaller than traditional knee surgery. “Recovery can take one-third less time because there is less soft tissue dissection and patients can get up the same day and walk,” he said, adding that patients are usually out of the hospital after two days with no need for inpatient rehabilitation. “Patients go directly to outpatient physical therapy for four to six weeks.”

Knee surgery in Texas just got innovative.

The first robotic-assisted total knee replacement in the state means residents now have If you are a potential candidate for partial or total access to advanced technology that supports more positive knee replacement surgery, you owe it to yourself to patient outcomes.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Th e N AVIO S urg i c al Syst e mTM f e at ure s i nt raope rat i ve pl anni ng sof t ware t hat e l i mi nat e s t he ne e d f or a C T sc an be f ore kne e re pl ac e me nt surg e ry.

learn about your options. For more information about robotic knee replacement surgery at Cornerstone Regional Hospital, please call (956) 618-4444 or visit cornerstoneregional.com/robotic. Marquez offers free seminars on robotic total knee replacement surgery. See events page on the website for For morethe information, call Marla Sandoval at 956-618-4444 or visit upcomingcornerstoneregional.com/Robotics seminar dates and times.

Dr. Raul A. Marquez, Orthopedic Surgeon, performs the leading-edge surgery at Cornerstone Regional Hospital using the NAVIO Surgical System™.

The robotic assistance eliminates the need for a pre-operative CT scan and enables precise and efficient placement of the implant.

During the procedure, a 3D model of the patient’s knee is used to guide the robotics-assisted tool directed by the physician, providing an extra layer of precision and accuracy.

Raul A. Marquez, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Cornerstone Regional Hospital 2302 Cornerstone Blvd.

Edinburg, TX 78539 cornerstoneregional.com 2302 Cornerstone Blvd. • Edinburg, TX 78539

JAN/FEB 2018

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of this hospital.

The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Cornerstone is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital medical staff. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 172468

Th e surg i c al syst e m f e at ure s a uni que hand- h e l d robot i c bone - sh api ng de vi c e.

65

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

DISCLAIMER: *Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of this hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Cornerstone is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital medical staff. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.

H E A L T H

DR. D E L P IN O MD FACS H E ARTB U RN & AN TIRE FLU X CE N T E R H E ARTB U RN CE N TE R.N E T 956-540-8065

(GERD), ACID REFLUX, HEARTBURN, AND BLOATING Stop Suffering Today

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

by So fia A lem a n | p h o to s b y Ja mes Ho r d

Most Americans have experienced heartburn at least one time in their life. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn or reflux symptoms at least once a month.

Heartburn is caused by gastric contents, which usually include acid abnormally going back into the esophagus.

The esophagus is not prepared to come into contact with acid and the damaging effects cause a burning sensation.

If someone’s heartburn persists and occurs frequently, they might be suffering from a more serious problem called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD is a chronic, often progressive disease that can lead to a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, and eventually esophageal adenocarcinoma. Studies have shown that it’s the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. “Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a relatively common condition that affects from up to 20 percent of the population. It is a chronic reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. GERD manifests itself as several symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation,

and difficulty swallowing,” according to a 2017 WebMD Medical Reference.

People who suffer from GERD have a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach. Because of this weakness, acid easily protrudes out of the stomach back up in the esophagus.

Thankfully, Dr. Del Pino, director of the Heartburn and Antireflux Center in McAllen, is introducing the LINX device to the GERD sufferers around the Valley.

Del Pino is the first in the Rio Grande Valley to offer the LINX reflux management system, an innovative device designed to treat GERD, acid reflux, heartburn and bloating.

Antacids and other medication may reduce GERD symptoms. However, studies suggest long-term use of GERD medication may be risky. Beyond the risk of longterm proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, about 40 percent of GERD sufferers continue to have heartburn and regurgitation while taking medication for GERD, according to a study by the American Gastroenterological Institute.

After detailed exams at the Heartburn and Antireflux Center, specialists will determine if you indeed have

66

H E A L T H

JAN/FEB 2018

GERD or perhaps another less severe complication.

Once GERD is diagnosed, a patient has to decide whether they’re going to take medication for the rest of their life, which has a costly side-effects profile. Studies have shown that people who continue to suffer from GERD, and choose to take a heartburn medication, have an increased chance of gastrointestinal infections, pneumonia, and even dementia, according a 2016 study done by the Jama Neurology Network titled “Association of Proton Pump Inhibitors with Risk of Dementia.” The research has led a lot of patients to question whether staying with their medication is worth the cost. And many of them are opting to receive the LINX device instead.

The LINX is a flexible ring of small magnets about the size of a quarter that is placed around the esophagus just above the stomach. The strength of the magnets helps keep the valve between your stomach and esophagus closed to prevent reflux. When you swallow, the magnets separate temporarily to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach, then closes to prevent stomach contents from moving up. The procedure uses a minimally invasive surgical technique that lasts about an hour and many patients are able to go home the same day. Though the device is removable, it lasts forever and doesn’t change the anatomy of your GI tract.

Bothersome regurgitation, a debilitating symptom of GERD, has been eliminated in 99 percent of patients.

Del Pino thrives on the satisfaction of his customers. He says several of his patients have exclaimed on postoperative visits, “Nobody ever mentioned that my reflux could go away within one operation. I should have done this 10 years ago!”

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

This procedure has a drastic impact on quality of life, and may introduce a heartburn-free reality to you if you’re suffering from GERD. For more information, visit the website at heartburncenter.net, or to schedule a GERD treatment consultation, call (956) 540-8065.

Visit the office at: Heartburn & Antireflux Center, 110 E. Savannah Ave., Bldg. A 202 McAllen, TX 78503

67

LINX magnets opened

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

H E A L T H

68

H E A L T H

Local health professionals discuss opioid crisis in Rio Grande Valley

69

.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

JJ Rodriguez started drinking and using drugs when he was 15 years old as a way to relate to his friends. To have a good time. Relieve stress from school and playing sports.

“People seemed to like me more when I was drunk or high, as that’s what my mind told me,” he wrote in an email. “I loved my life, I told myself, when I was getting drunk or high.”

Alcohol and marijuana paved the way for pills and cocaine. Rodriguez found he couldn’t control the amount of substances he consumed. After a period of upheaval that included selling drugs, jail stints, and an ultimatum from a judge to seek treatment or face real time behind bars, Rodriguez finally experienced a pivotal moment when he was 25.

“It wasn’t until my life got so bad and full of depression that I finally gave in,” he wrote. “I still remember the night where I left my apartment in Houston, not knowing where I was walking, but I just took off walking and I ended up in front of a church. That night I just remember falling to my knees screaming to God to please help me.”

Now 38, Rodriguez has been in recovery for 12 1/2 years. He founded A Vision for You Help Center in 2010 in Edinburg. The center is a faith-based nonprofit that offers chemical dependency counseling — one of several in the Rio Grande Valley. However, Rodriguez says that the region requires more help, especially in the face of the country’s opioid crisis.

JAN/FEB 2018

by Amy Casebier

H E A L T H

“The opioid crisis is an epidemic, and this is very serious. This has been a serious issue for a very long time now because you can get opioids through a prescription.

People think because they have a prescription, and they are getting it from a doctor, it’s OK to be addicted because ‘I trust my doctor.’”

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

-JJ RODRIGUEZ

“The RGV needs 10 times more resources than this,” he wrote. “We very much lack more opportunities where people can find and get help with their active addictions.”

The Trump administration on Oct. 26, 2017, declared the nationwide opioid crisis a public health emergency.

This tactic frees up funds and resources to respond to the problem.

“The opioid crisis is an epidemic, and this is very serious,” Rodriguez wrote. “This has been a serious issue for a very long time now because you can get opioids through a prescription. People think because they have a prescription, and they are getting it from a doctor, it’s OK to be addicted because ‘I trust my doctor.’”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 140 people die of an opioid overdose every day in the United States. Use of the drugs can cause everything from a dangerous decrease in blood pressure to slowed and stopped breathing, the Mayo Clinic website states.

Those who take too much of the drugs face a high risk of death.

Some of the areas hardest hit by overdoses in the country include Appalachia, the Rust Belt, and New England, according to 2015 data compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics and the CDC. However, the

Rio Grande Valley is no stranger to this type of addiction.

“The thing about the opioid epidemic is it transcends socioeconomic class,” said Anthony Brister, a therapist at Tropical Texas Behavioral Health in Edinburg. “I’ve seen it in very low functioning 14-, 15-year-old kids and I’ve also seen it in stay-at-home moms that are housewives and are very wealthy.”

The prevalence of opioids — substances that range from heroin to fentanyl to prescription painkillers like hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine — may be partly to blame for the current crisis.

“For the longest time opioids have just been used to treat pain and other medical issues, and so it’s been hard to combat because it’s on the streets and it’s also in doctor’s offices, too, and pharmacies,” Brister said.

“Initially, it’s beneficial. The purpose of it is to reduce pain. But ultimately, that’s why people do any kind of drug, is to escape from their pain.”

The highly addictive nature of opioids makes it hard for people to stop taking them.

“Unfortunately, once people use it frequently enough, in large enough quantities, there becomes a physical dependency on it,” said Stephen O. Vega, the director for Substance Use Disorder Services at Tropical Texas. “A

70

H E A L T H

lot of times we see people who their body has become physically dependent on the drug, and they require it in order to have some kind of normal behavior.”

It’s often when people attempt to stop using opioids that the staff at Tropical Texas take them in.

“A lot of the addiction is propelled by withdrawal symptoms,” Vega said, explaining that symptoms include anxiety, nervousness, nausea, sweating, and vomiting.

“They’re trying to remove or get away from those withdrawal symptoms, which promote continued use, which kind of perpetuates the addiction.”

There are a number of ways to address opioid addiction.

From residential and outpatient services to preventive services and medication therapy, there are resources available for those who seek them out. However, some patients are not ready to admit they have a problem.

That’s when other forms of treatment come in.

“What we do is try to integrate a type of technique that is called motivational interviewing,” said Miguel A. Reyes, a licensed clinical psychologist at Nuestra Clinica del Valle in Donna. “It involves a type of technique that allows the patients to have control during the therapy, and whenever they’re ready, we’ll start working with them.”

Reyes also emphasized the importance of family when it comes to the battle against addiction.

“For the family, it’s difficult to maintain a balance between being supportive and becoming codependent,” he said. “Codependent meaning enabling and causing more harm. One of the suggestions is for people themselves to seek counseling, to seek professional guidance and not do it by themselves because they may cause more harm.”

It’s difficult to say just how many people here grapple with opioid addiction. Right now, few official studies exist documenting such numbers in the RGV. “I think we’re at the beginning stages of collecting accurate data in the Valley,” Vega said. “I would say the Valley is underserved when it comes to treating substance abuse disorders as a whole. We do not have any adult residential treatment facilities down here in the Valley.”

More data is available for Texas as a whole — including a worrying statistic.

“What caught my attention was that here in Texas, 80 percent of heroin-dependent patients begin with prescribed opioids or narcotics,” Reyes said.

Collecting more data specific to addiction the Rio Grande Valley may be the key to obtaining more funding and programs for patients.

“I really think we need more advocacy in substance

abuse disorder services, the need for resources down here, to support our communities,” Vega said. “It wasn’t until the spotlight got brought into the opioid situation that people started investing into it. That’s just how it works.”

Another way to tackle the problem of opioids is to stop the issue before addiction can take root.

“We need to find and identify the risk factors,” Reyes said. “If they can identify who is at risk, we can prevent.

Because preventing is a lot easier than treating the person.”

NEED HELP? Nuestra Clinica del Valle (956) 787-8915 http://nuestraclinicadelvalle.org A Vision for You Help Center (956) 720-1397 http://www.avisionforyouhc.com Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Crisis line: (877) 289-7199 http://www.ttbh.org/en/ Palmer Drug Abuse Program (956) 687-7714 http://www.pdap.com/mcallen.htm

Rio Grande Valley Area of Narcotics Anonymous (956) 949-1900 http://www.rgvareaofna.org/home.html

71

.

Pura Vida (956) 502-5526 https://www.facebook.com/PuraVidaCounselingService/

RGVISION MAGAZINE

Bright Vista (956) 971-5680 https://www.mcallenmedicalcenter.com/services/bright-vista

JAN/FEB 2018

Outcry in the Barrio (956) 685-5312 https://www.facebook.com/OutcryintheBarrioPharrTX/

It’s A New Day For Benefits In Texas

Navigating the ever-changing world of employee benefits and healthcare is difficult, costly and confusing.

We can help!

• CONSULTING & BROKERAGE • COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION • ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT • ADMINISTRATION & COMPLIANCE

Need Better Benefits Solutions In Your Region of Texas?

OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP MEANS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU. FBMC Benefits Management, Inc. has recently been selected in a competitive bidding process to be the official provider of Employee Benefits for the ESC – Region 19 Purchasing Group – the Allied States Cooperative. These benefits include everything from employee health insurance, to life insurance, to flexible savings accounts – even pet insurance!

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES INCLUDE MORE THAN JUST BENEFITS. By becoming a member of ESCRegion 19 Purchasing Cooperative (Free to any city, county, or government entity including nonprofits and charter schools) you gain access to competitively bid discounts from approved vendors without having to go through the request for bid (RFP) process.

HELP IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY. No matter what size entity you are – we can make your life easier AND give your employees the benefits they deserve!

CONTACT Gilberto Gonzalez A better way to benefit

956-739-7513

ggonzalez@FBMC.COM

Contract #17-7256

H E A L T H

BE HEALED Stories Behind Alternative Care and Health and Wellness

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

SEEKING TO b y S of i a A l e m a n

74

H E A L T H

In a society seeking fast-paced results with food, technology, and overall service, a need to alleviate symptoms of an illness with medicine is no different.

Our culture wants immediate relief with little to no effort.

However, there is a small pocket of individuals pursuing an alternative to that brand of health care. Some buzzwords of this type of care include holistic, natural, naturopathic, homeopathic, integrative care or health and wellness. But these all encompass the same type of result people are aiming for: to be healed and rid of their symptoms for good. The idea behind these types of care is that each will treat the person as a whole and sees the body as something that can heal itself given the right support.

Caregivers in these types of fields encourage removing obstacles like poor diet, toxins, and encouraging exercise that would allow recovery in the body. Their aim is to identify the root of the problem, as opposed to just masking symptoms, as well as guiding people into adapting healthy lifestyles.

Although there are countless methods to a more natural path to body recovery, this article will highlight two: chiropractic care and functional wellness. Moreover, it will tell the story of a few people who have benefited greatly from looking outside the box when it came to their health and wellness. Why go the alternative route? We’re not doctors, nor does this story aim at endorsing any one method specifically, but the stories we heard told such phenomenal and remarkable testimonies of total life transformations, that we just had to share.

had exhausted the typical course of treatment from an allergist. Meanwhile, all of his symptoms remained the same. So, the next step was sinuplasty. I refused and began treating him with essential oils and chiropractic care instead.” Three months later, Garza’s son had no more symptoms. After avoiding the surgery, he also didn’t need to take any prescription or over-the-counter allergy medicine.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a branch of The National Institutes of Health (NIH), and part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, chiropractic care is defined as “a health care profession that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure — mainly the spine — and its functioning.” Chiropractors work to correct issues with spinal alignment, easing pain, boosting mobility, and other functions.

Chiropractic adjustments do not work to treat the immune system directly. Treatments clear any interference to the nervous system allowing the body to function as it was designed to.

“My oldest son and I both have used chiropractic care to help us with seasonal discomfort like allergies and sinuses,” said Ana Garza, a patient of Dr. Tiffany Miller at Family Wellness Chiropractic. “My son at 12 years old

75

.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

RGVISION MAGAZINE

According to The Institute for Functional Health, “functional medicine is about understanding that every body is different.” That means that every person should require a unique health program tailored to their own genetics and experience. This method of care aims to rid patients of medications that act as mere symptom reducers and develops a customized health plan for each person specifically.

Rebecca Britt, a patient of Dr. Pablo Tagle, from the Institute for Functional Health in McAllen, said her health was drastically changed in only three months.

“I've lost 45 pounds in three months with his help,” Britt said. “I used to be pre-diabetic, had daily headaches, poor liver function, and suffered from leaky gut. Now all those issues are gone. So, it's worked for me.”

Britt explained she prefers natural ways to address ailments and that she considers her care at the Institute to be “noninvasive.”

“We’re all so quick to rely on modern medicine and pills as an easy fix to our problems — whether you might suffer from diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or other countless ailments — when there are more natural ways to address these issues,” Britt added.

Britt and Garza are among the many people choosing integrative types of care because of the serious side effects most medication introduces to the body over time. Proper diet, exercise, and researching different ways to regain one’s health isn’t quick, but patients are starting to see the cost of seeking fast results.

Now, more than ever, marketing “natural” products has peaked. It begs the question, is it possible to be fully healed? These patients would say yes, and encourage readers to take their health back into their own hands.

“The truth is there is no magic pill out there, no easy shortcuts to a healthy lifestyle,” Britt said. “They simply don’t exist. It takes work and patience. You have to first really want it, and then go out there and own it.”

JAN/FEB 2018

FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS

H E A L T H

1. ____________

Psychology of Success and New Year’s Resolutions That Work There are fundamental psychological principles of success that are applicable to people of all ages and backgrounds. Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose, the attainment of popularity, prosperity or profits. All humans are different, yet we all have the same goal in life: to live a successful one. People want have a successful life yet only a few have a plan on how to obtain it.

unemployment at multi-year lows, and a robust economy, a recent Gallup study found that two-thirds of Americans feel disengaged, unsatisfied, and feel no real connection to their jobs. Researchers have found that having unfavorable views toward your job has negative health consequences such as weight gain, stress, weakened immune system, and mental health degradation.

Achieving career satisfaction is more attainable than most people believe. People spend most of their waking hours working. Conventional wisdom would lead one to think that it is compensation, title, and reputation that leads to career satisfaction. However, a study by Frederick Herzberg found there are two ingredients that determine career satisfaction: motivation factors and hygiene factors. Motivation factors determine job satisfaction, and hygiene factors determine job dissatisfaction.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

THREE CORE THEMES OF SUCCESS According to Harvard MBA professor Clayton Christensen, there are three recurring themes can be found when studying individuals who feel they live a satisfying, happy, successful life. First, career, as people spend the majority of their time at work. If one is not satisfied with their work, they will not be satisfied with their life. Second, relationships. Relationships serve as the foundation of our lives. Without a strong foundation, one cannot weather a storm. Thirdly, ethics. It is easier to do the right thing 100 percent of the time than 98 percent of the time. Living an ethical life will help make the world a better place.

WHAT IS INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION? Motivation factors are intrinsic and include things like fulfilling work, learning and growth, feeling your efforts are making the world a better place, and working towards a common goal. These intrinsic factors lead to fulfillment and pride, which lead to job satisfaction. It might explain

CAREER Even though U.S. stock indices have been at record highs,

76

H E A L T H

Relationships are a great paradox; they require effort and dedication most when it seems like they need it the least.

It is easier to get a tree to grow by watering it every day than trying to save it when it’s dying.

why people who work at nonprofit organizations or volunteer for charities can be more productive than paid employees.

Material factors on the other hand are extrinsic and include salary, title, and status. If someone is happy with a motivation factor, they will feel more satisfied with their job. If a person is unhappy with a materialistic factor, they will feel more dissatisfied with their job. The key to understanding career satisfaction is that the motivation factors must outweigh and be greater than the hygiene factors. A person will stay at a job as long as a job satisfaction outweighs job dissatisfaction.

ETHICS

(Co-Authors include Dr. Mercado’s Mental Health Lab at UTRGV:

JAN/FEB 2018

Find somebody who you admire because of his or her career. Make a list of why you admire that person and work toward achieving your goals.

Find somebody who you don’t admire because of his or her career. Make a list of why you dislike that person and be sure you aren’t doing the same kinds of things.

Make a list of the motivation factors in your careers and assign a rank of 1-5, with 5 being the most satisfied and 1 being the least satisfied.

Make a list of the hygiene factors in your career and assign a rank of 1-5, with 5 being the most dissatisfied and 1 being the least dissatisfied.

Compare the scores between the motivation and hygiene factors to see where you are in the job satisfaction/dissatisfaction spectrum Ultimately, having a job, which brings satisfaction, will lead to a fulfilling career. If you do find yourself in a career where you are dissatisfied, don’t be discouraged.

Identifying and accepting that change is necessary is a step in the right direction. In the words of Steve Jobs, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking.

Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

Fernando Martinez, Yvette Hinojosa, & Amy Ramirez)

References available upon request

RELATIONSHIPS The second recurring theme of success is relationships.

Relationships serve as the foundation for our life. Without strong relationships, it is almost impossible to navigate through the difficult times we will encounter throughout life. The legendary football coach Lou Holtz once said that relationships are always either growing or dying. We must invest in relationships every day or they will fade.

THIS ARTICLE IS PROVIDED BY

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

77

RGVISION MAGAZINE

CAREER TIPS

.

The third is ethics. It is easier to do the right thing 100 percent of the time than 98 percent of the time. If one crosses the line once, nothing will stop them from doing it again. Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff did not start by stealing billions. There is never a wrong time to do the right thing, and there is never a right time to do the wrong thing. Do what’s right and avoid what’s wrong.

New Year’s resolutions often involve career choices and making important decisions. Deciding upon a new year’s resolutions can be stressful and anxiety provoking.

Oftentimes, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the changes that you may want to make. To diminish the occurrence of these negative outcomes, you can follow these New Year’s Resolution tips: Set Small Goals. Setting small goals throughout the year instead of one overwhelming goal helps you be more productive.

Set Realistic and Attainable Goals. Setting realistic and attainable goals helps increase your chances of following through with the new lifestyle changes you are wanting to make.

Change One Behavior at a Time. Changing one behavior at a time is recommended as it helps you stay focused and engaged.

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself. No one is perfect. Don’t let a small setback stop you from reaching your goals.

It is important for you to recognize when a misstep occurred so that you get back on track.

Accept Help from Others. We may need to join a support group, share our experiences with family and friends, or seek professional help in order to maintain motivated.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

L I F E

78

L I F E

South Padre Island

Texas coast and that creates bigger, more consistent waves in clearer, bluer water.

So, yes. SPI, with its bay, beach and blue waves, is a surf town. But ask anybody out there familiar with surf towns, and you need more than that to be a hangten hangout. Good news is, SPI has a culture and an environment — a surfing ecosystem, if you will — that make it a real surf town.

Sure, it doesn't have Santa Cruz, California's eclectic

79

.

If the primary definition of surf is the mass or line of foam formed by waves breaking on a seashore or reef, then South Padre Island is the quintessential surf town.

A quarter-mile-wide outer bank sand bar, South Padre Island is surrounded by water. The calm Laguna Madre separates it from the Texas mainland on the west side, and the Gulf of Mexico's frothy waves front it on the east.

What’s more, the Gulf’s underwater continental shelf is closer to South Padre Island than any other part of the

RGVISION MAGAZINE

b y Tec l o J. G a r c i a | p h ot o b y Dom i n i q u e Z m u d a

JAN/FEB 2018

SURF TOWN

L I F E

Backyard, WannaWanna, and Clayton’s Beach Bar all lend themselves to creating a beach and surf vibe. Any given day, you might see a cadre of boards staked in the dunes outside WannaWanna.

Furthermore, on the bay side there’s kite boarding and paddle boarding — while not surfing — that are in the surf realm and add to the overall ambience of water-sport culture at South Padre Island.

Back on the Gulf side, there are several surfing hot spots at South Padre. While some surfers dedicated to places like Corpus Christi and Galveston claim they have the best surf in Texas, it’s widely accepted — from Texas Monthly to the authoritative SurfinginTexas.com — that SPI is the best location for wave riding.

SPI, even with Texas’ best surf, doesn’t have big waves compared to California or even Florida. Still, most days you’ll find wet-suited people looking for action at Isla Blanca Park near the jetty. The corner enclosure creates waves like nowhere else in the region. Surfers also gather at other popular break spots further up the beach from there.

The best waves at SPI typically occur in the fall and winter months (or when there are storms), when most of us are not there. But the surfers know when swells are the best.

“I’ve been surfing SPI for five years,” said San Benito’s Isaiah Cruz. “The surf may not be like Cali or Hawaii but I’m glad to have the surf we have at SPI. When you’ve been doing it for years, you know what time of year (is best), winter and spring swells, hurricane swells and you always keep up with the SPI surf report.”

So, let’s take stock for a sec. South Padre Island has real surf. Check.

It has the best waves in Texas, real surf shops and a surf report. Check.

It has surf-related sports, good beaches, people who say “bruh,” surfing events and most of all, real surfers.

Check.

SPI is an international resort with tall buildings, fine restaurants, and spring breakers galore. But it’s also a surf town. The very definition of one.

“I’ve been surfing South Padre Island for five years. The surf may not be like Cali or Hawaii but I’m glad to have the surf we have at SPI. When you’ve been doing it for years, you know what time of year (is best), winter and spring swells, hurricane swells and you always keep up with the SPI surf report.”

Isaiah Cruz , s urf er

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

beach scene, nor does it have the seismic surf of Hawaii's North Shore, but South Padre Island is, by most accounts, the best place to surf in Texas and may be the best town for surfers.

Broad skyscrapers watch over the narrow streets of South Padre Island. Sandwich and ice cream shops share space with nice restaurants and T-shirt traps.

Shoulder to shoulder, bars, beach stores, and hotels line Padre Boulevard, the Island’s four-lane-wide main drag.

But tucked away in between the touristy joints and miles of condos are half a dozen or so real surf shops.

Surf shops that carry real surf boards, wetsuits, and equipment surfers respect. The shops are frequented by surfers from the RGV, San Antonio, Houston, and other parts of Texas and the country.

And the stores are more than retail outlets. They help form and sustain South Padre Island's surfing community. Most have websites and Facebook pages where they share photos, video, and communicate with each other. Island Native, Eh Bruh SUP, and On The Beach are some of those locations where surfers and tourists congregate. On The Beach even posts a local, daily surf report that anyone can hear by calling the store.

Organizations like the Surfrider Foundation, Sea Turtle Inc., South Padre Surf Co. surf school, and others along with events like Sandcastle Days, and places like Louie’s

80

L I F E

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

BUILDING COMPANY CULTURE b y S of i a A l e m a n As an employee, it’s hard to find a corporate culture you fit into, but as an employer, it’s much easier to build one within the organization you lead. Your company culture will solidify the foundation and values of your business, making you more attractive to both people seeking employment and clientele.

When it comes to building the foundation of your organization, you have to make sure you are recruiting loyalty with the employees you hire. Will people uphold the integrity of the business because they believe their voice matters and feel like an important asset? Do they have high esteem for the company and what it stands

for? As the employer, part of your technique should be only hiring new employees after a semi-rigorous process that will determine whether or not this person will “fit right in” the culture you are trying to build or obtain. Live by the motto “hire slow and fire fast.”

Comparable to the story of the “Three Little Pigs,” don’t let your business be blown away by the competition.

Build your company culture on a solid foundation that will be made to last. Once someone is hired, there has to be reason to stay at their job, and not constantly be dreaming of the “greener grass,” which normally comes with a higher water bill.

82

L I F E

Everybody has impact. Sometimes it’s really hard for workers to see their own impact. But each job has significance in the future of the company.

Building company culture has two parts, the employees (whom you hire) and you, the employer who works relentlessly trying to maintain good rapport and empathy toward the people in the company. If employees start to feel misused or cheated, their work begins to suffer because they believe it is devalued, or unappreciated, and work ethic will begin to slack.

There are ways to know your employees aren’t happy, so RGVision has adopted Patrick Lencioni’s “The Three Signs of a Miserable Job: A Fable for Managers” to explain what some companies may be missing when building company culture:

Employees value positive feedback and constructive criticism that doesn’t tyrannically underrate their work.

It’s important to make it very clear how their work is being measured and that they trust who is measuring them. There’s nothing pleasant about an employee questioning whether or not they’re doing a good job in the workplace, or feeling like they’re being measured too harshly. Generally people appreciate reviews and feeling acknowledged. Recognizing their personal growth and knowing they’ve met organizational goals shows them their employer cares. This truly adds quality ingredients to the brew of company culture.

ANONYMITY Encouraging unity in the workplace helps employees work together as a team. Are they just ships at dock, aimlessly wandering past each other every day trying to autonomously do a job that requires intercommunication? Do you as the employer know if this person has a family? Do the people who work with them really know them or are trying to get to know them? People stay because of their coworkers. Here at RGVision we like to have quarterly outings. Within that hour or two there’s interesting conversations and people get to know each other, leading them to unity.

83

.

NO MEASURABILITY

RGVISION MAGAZINE

This single-handedly motivates people to leave or stay at their job. It is very satisfying for a jobholder to recognize their work has meaning.

Heed the example of the “Two Masons.”

There once were two masons working on the same project.

A New York reporter interviewed each of the masons separately, asking them the same question, “What is it that you do?”

The first mason replied, “Well I lay stone. It’s gruesome and very hard work. Every day I come in, my back hurts and I’m constantly under the hot sun laying brick. I’m building this object that will take too many years to build. I will be gone before it’s finished and won’t even get to see it.”

Then the reporter asks the second mason the same question. The second mason responds, “I’m building something the world will marvel over. I’m building a cathedral. I may not be here to get to see it finished, but I know it’s going to have an impact on the world. Yes, I work in the hot sun all day long, but what I'm building today will last for generations to come. I’m leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.”

Both had the same jobs but each mason had a different perspective.

Every member of your team has an impact. Even a pizza delivery guy has an impact on a single mom who doesn’t have time to make dinner for her kids.

Everybody has impact. Sometimes it’s really hard for workers to see their own impact. But each job has significance in the future of the company. We have to step back and see what it is we have in front of us and recognize our worth in the organization, even in the smallest assignments.

Understanding these key factors of creating company culture can help you, “the boss,” employ and keep people who are going to stay in the company, and perform well.

JAN/FEB 2018

IMPACT

L I F E

THE KING’S SALT, LA SAL DEL REY

There are few sounds more satisfying than the crunch

Refuge. Included in this area is more than 5,000 acres of surrounding Tamaulipan thorn scrub and grasslands.

.

of frost under your feet, so what do you do if you live in a warm weather climate with little chance to experience

As you approach the lake, you would be forgiven for

RGVISION MAGAZINE

JAN/FEB 2018

by C or i S m e l ke r

frost? Walk on the shores of a salt lake. If you’re looking

thinking you were looking at a frozen landscape as the

for a day trip that is just a bit off the beaten path, look

sun’s rays dance across the blanket of solid salt, which

no further than the aptly named La Sal Del Rey. Located

covers most of the ground surrounding the lake. The

between Raymondville and Edinburg, this 530-acre salt

lake itself averages a depth of approximately 4 feet and

lake is protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

conservative estimates say that the lake holds at least

and is part of the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife

4 million tons of salt. On most days, the buoyant water

84

L I F E

On most days, the buoyant water mirrors the magnificent South Texas sky, but sometimes the lake will turn pink because of a large growth of algae.

sea that has since dried up — except for this section.

Salt has long been the mineral of kings, and highly sought after by people from all walks of life. Native American stones have been found in and around the lake, and as far back as 1792 the Spaniards marked the lake on their maps when they claimed the salt deposit for the Spanish king. Tracks left by heavily laden wagons headed for Mexico City can still be seen around the lake. During the Civil War, camels were used to carry the salt to Confederate troops. This salt lake has seen many at its shores, collecting the precious mineral for trade, to sell, to use as a preservative, and for tanning hides.

The trails leading the lake will take you through some breathtaking, albeit rugged terrain. Don’t be surprised to cross paths with deer, and even the odd herd of feral pigs. White-tailed deer can possibly be seen darting away from you as you take the possibly Nilgai, a species of antelope that was imported to the Valley from India before

indigo snakes.

La Sal Del Rey is open to those who want to explore the land on their own on foot or on bicycle, but there are some precautions to take. The refuge encourages visitors to go with a friend or in groups, to take along water, and to apply sunscreen regularly. In summer, the daytime temperatures can easily soar to 100 degrees or more; winter daytime temperatures tend to be more comfortable, staying in the 70s. It is best to go either in the early morning or at dusk, which is when wildlife tends to be more active (if that is what you’re going for).

Directions: From McAllen, go North on Hwy 281 for approximately 20 miles. Exit 186 East for approximately four miles to the kiosk on the north side of the road.

From the Cask, To Your Glass! vomFASS offers exclusive aged vinegars, oils, wines, spirits and liqueurs direct from the cask and ready for you to try and enjoy!

From Harlingen, go North on Hwy 77 for approximately 24 miles. Exit 186 West for approximately 22 miles to the kiosk. For more information, tune into AM 530 or call the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge at

m the Cas o r

(956) 784-7500. Guided tours are occasionally offered as well.

as

T

the 1920s as zoo animals, and then released

snakes, including rattlesnakes and Texas

k

1-mile trek from the trailhead to the lake; or

heard as you trek towards the lake), and

in South Texas in the 1930s, where they have continued to breed and populate the region.

ti n g R o o

Although the salt lake is the main feature of this section of the refuge, there is an

3300 W Expressway 83, Ste. 1240 McAllen, TX 78501 (956) 630-9559

interesting anomaly found here, too: a small

85

JAN/FEB 2018

theory is that it is part of an extinct inland

frogs (the leopard frog in particular can be

.

sure how the lake was formed, although one

ground and serves as a homestead for fish,

RGVISION MAGAZINE

of a large growth of algae. No one knows for

area of freshwater that bubbles up from the

m

sometimes the lake will turn pink because

F

mirrors the magnificent South Texas sky, but

L I F E

by Gwyn D. Zub i a The Rio Grande Valley is in a transitional climate zone, where humid subtropical and semi-arid climates meet, creating an overlap that allows a special ecosystem of wildlife and vegetation to flourish. The Central and Mississippi flyways are two significant migration trails that pass through the RGV, making it an ideal place for bird enthusiasts to view an abundance of birds from across the

Buena Vista Blvd.

world. Below are just some of the many places that work to

Los Fresnos, TX 78566

protect and strengthen our precious wildlife and landscapes.

Phone: (956) 748-3607

QUINTA MAZATLAN ESTERO LLANO GRANDE STATE PARK

Quinta Mazatlan is the World Birding Center’s McAllen

Part of the World Birding Center network, Estero Llano

branch. Observe our region’s wide variety of native plants,

Grande is home to a magnificent variety of local wildlife

birds, and other wildlife while hiking through the 15-

within its shallow lake, woodlands, and thorn forest. Flora and fauna thrive in this ecosystem because of its diversity of

gallery, nature exhibit, and gift store inside its hallmark

terrain which includes woodlands, a shallow lake, and thorn

10,000-square-foot 1930s adobe mansion.

forest. Its central location makes it convenient for anyone in

600 Sunset Drive

the Rio Grande Valley to enjoy its over 230-acre area. Visitors

McAllen, TX 78501

will find an impressive array of storks, herons, gulls, and

(956) 681-3370

other shorebirds that flock there in the late summer, as well as other rare Valley species.

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

acre habitat. Visitors will also find an events venue, art

LAGUNA ATASCOSA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE At

98,000 acres,

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife

3301 S. International Blvd.

Refuge is the largest conservation area of its kind in

Weslaco, TX 78596

the lower Rio Grande Valley. Photographers can capture

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

breathtaking images at the visitor’s center. There, visitors

Phone: (956) 565-3919

can sit in a blind and photograph birds that pause for water and food just feet away.

86

L I F E

The Central and Mississippi flyways are two significant migration trails that pass through the RGV, making it an ideal place for bird enthusiasts to view an abundance of birds from across the world. Below are just some of the many places that work to protect and strengthen our precious wildlife and landscapes.

ROMA BLUFFS WORLD BIRDING CENTER

landmark of Palmito Hill Battlefield, home of the American

Roma Bluffs is locat-

creates a unique insight into the landscape Civil War soldiers

Civil War’s last land battle. Well-preserved, this historic site

ed within the far west

viewed and experienced in 1865.

corner of Rio Grande Val-

It is no secret that the Rio Grande Valley offers a wide

ley and offers an incredible view

range of outdoor activities to enjoy. Both beginner and

of the Rio Grande that cannot

experienced birders and hikers will love the accessibility of

be found elsewhere. As part

such abundant wildlife. Early morning and dusk are ideal

of the city of Roma’s Historic

times of day to visit any of these refuges. The air is generally

District, Roma Bluffs is situated

still, the skies are often mesmerizing, and the wildlife is

among beautiful, mid-19th cen-

teeming. Whether you are looking for an easy trail to walk

tury architecture. Bird watchers

on a winter weekend or a challenging hike for a summer

will be delighted to know that

vacation, you can find a nature trail in the Rio Grande Valley

the refuge attracts species such as

to fit your interest.

ringed kingfishers, red-billed pigeons,

NOTE: The World Birding Center is a network of nine

Couch’s kingbirds, brown jays, and much more.

birding sites across the Rio Grande Valley. Each location is sponsored by partner communities in collaboration with

610 N. Portscheller St.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and U.S. Fish and

Roma, Texas

Wildlife Service. Other World Birding Center sites include:

Edinburg Scenic Wetlands

BOCA CHICA BEACH, BROWNSVILLE Acting as a bridge between the Gulf Coast and the lower

Harlingen Arroyo Colorado

Rio Grande Valley, Boca Chica creates a safe space for wildlife to migrate. Boca Chica Beach features 10,680 acres

Old Hidalgo Pumphouse

of protected beachfronts, mangrove marshes, salt flats,

Resaca de la Palma (Brownsville)

shallow bays, and lomas, or dunes. Wildlife enthusiasts can

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center

observe the nesting grounds for Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles in the area where the Rio Grande and Gulf of Mexico meet.

Not far from Boca Chica beach is the national historic

87

.

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley (Mission)

RGVISION MAGAZINE

during winter months.

JAN/FEB 2018

Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open daily

L I F E

WHEN IT COMES TO

RGVISION MAGAZINE

.

JAN/FEB 2018

b y G wy n D. Z u b i a

Convenience of autopay for bills, easy shopping with subscription boxes, one-click buying with amazon—it all makes purchasing our commodities and hobbies so much easier within our busy schedules. Sometimes adding on another subscription to a TV show streaming service or spending $0.99 on an extra life to get to the next level in our favorite game doesn’t feel like we are really spending money. Our credit card information is already saved, and with the click of a button we immediately get what we want. In fact, according to a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology published by the American Psychological Association, Monopoly Money: The Effect of Payment Coupling and Form on Spending Behavior, doctors Priya Raghubir and Joydeep Srivastava found that people are less likely to spend cash as opposed to credit cards. When we see the cash leave our hands, we are immediately aware of how much money we’ve lost. It can create somewhat of a disconnect.

But it’s so convenient, it saves time, and it’s ingrained in our lifestyle. The staff at RGVision Magazine got curious—what type of spending habits does our community have when it comes to one-click buying and auto payments? We created a short survey to gage the answers to this very question. Here’s what we found:

41% have between 1 and 3 bills set to autopay 75% are paying subscribers to entertainment accounts Only 21% spend money on in-app purchases 78% spend most on television or movie streaming services

Conclusions and commonalities: • Majority have bills set to autopay • Majority subscribe to entertainment accounts, and majority of that for TV & Movie services.

88

FREE TEETH WHITENING FOR LIFE! with cleaning exam and x-rays

In-network pricing with most PPO plans Modern, high-tech environment with a friendly atmosphere Full-service dentistry Cosmetic procedures Elite preferred provider of

&

Don’t forget to FLOSS! FLOSS offers a variety of services to accommodate your dental needs from teeth whitening to implants! Contact us for a free consultation at infomcallen@flossdental.com or call us at 956-627-0525.

4501 W. EXPRESSWAY 83 MCALLEN TEXAS, 78503 SUITE #10 FLOSSDENTAL.COM

Dr. Roxana Lopez

THE HEARTBURN

SURGEON

Mario Del Pino, MD, FACS

Education & Training

For more information

- Foregut MIS training at the

Heartburn & Antireflux Center

University of Pittsburgh

110 E Savannah Ave Bldg A 202

- Proctor, Da Vinci Robotic

McAllen TX, 78503

Surgery platform - Director, Bariatric Surgery

GERD Treatment Consultation

Rio Grande Regional Hospital

956.540.8065 heartburncenter.net

Dr Del Pino is the first in the Rio Grande Valley to offer the LINX reflux management system, an innovative device designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, heartburn and bloating.

Antacids and other medication may reduce GERD symptoms, however studies suggest long term use of GERD medication may be risky. Beyond the risk of long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, about 40 percent of GERD sufferers continue to have heartburn and regurgitation while taking medication for GERD, according to a study by the American Gastroenterological Institute.

GERD is a chronic, often progressive disease that can lead to a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. Studies have shown that esophageal adenocarcinoma is the fastest growing cancer in the US.

HOW IT WORKS

The new LINX device Dr Del Pino offers works to stop reflux at its source. Using laparoscopic techniques, Dr Del Pino will position the LINX around the esophagus just above the stomach.

The quarter-sized flexible band of magnetic titanium beads strengthens the body’s natural barrier against acid reflux. The magnets open to allow food and liquid down, then close to prevent stomach contents from moving up, stopping acid reflux at its source.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. The LINX system begins working immediately, and patients generally go home the same day or next.

KEY FEATURES OF LINX SURGERY FOR GERD • Precise procedure restores reflux barrier • Preserves the ability to belch and vomit • Reduces or eliminates dependence of medication • Reduces gas and bloating • Removable • Does not limit future treatment options • Endoscopy • 24pH Study, Bravo Test • Esophageal Mannometry • Robot Nissen, Toupet

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR THE LINX PROCEDURE? • GERD patients who are not adequately treated with medications • GERD patients who are concerned about long-term use of PPIs

Fundoplication • Robot Hiatal Hernia Repair • LINX Procedure

A REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTION FOR GERD.