January / February 2016 - RGVision Magazine by RGVision Magazine

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.

THE ART OF SURGERY

MI N I MA L L Y I N V A S I V E S UR G E R Y WE I G HT L O S S A N D R O B O T I C S

Minimal invasive surgery guided by the same surgeon who is teaching others his art Dr. Mario del Pino, a talented and experienced surgeon,performs minimally invasive procedures using the most advanced laparoscopic and robotic technology. Having operated on over 1000 weight loss surgery patients, performing more than 300 robotic procedures, Dr Del Pino has been recognized as the busiest robotic surgeon south of San Antonio! His experience is vast and assures confidence when taking care of you and your family. In fact, he is a doctor who is teaching others how to do what they do in robotics. The technology is top notch. The surgeon is excellent. The benefits are numerous. Minimally invasive procedures are safe, and result in faster and easier recovery.

MA RI O D E L P I NO MD F AC S FA SM B S

If you are scheduling surgery for yourself or a loved one, be sure to ask if it can be done using a minimally invasive procedure by Dr Mario del Pino. The skills, the knowledge, the confidence and the art make the difference. It is all here, close to home .

TYPES OF SURGERY INCLUDE: Gall bladder Hernia Weight loss Colon Reflux & Appendix MARIO DEL PINO MD FACS FASMBS Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship training at the University of Pittsburg Proctor, Da Vinci Robotic Surgery platform Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery Fellow American College of Surgeons Medical Director Bariatrics Rio Grande Regional Hospital Surgeon Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

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SAVE THE DATE SPRING 2016: EAT WELL, PLAY WELL & BRAIN TEASERS 2

SUMMER 2016: HERE BE THE DRAGONS

APRIL 2016: BREW-SEUM CRAFT BEER WEEK

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AS WE ENTER 2016 , the RGVision team is recharged and excited to tackle the challenges the new year will bring with a few resolutions of our own. We aim to take every opportunity for our magazine to showcase the valley’s best. We plan to continue highlighting community and business leaders who are taking an active role in shaping our dynamic and beautiful region, like Leadership Edinburg’s Byron Lewis and STC’s Dr. Shirley Reed. And we resolve to do our part, sharing information that can help our readers make a positive contribution to their hometowns, which are growing rapidly both in population and economy. The energy-production markets in South Texas are beginning to change; we have interest in our region from both wind and liquid natural gas developers. This happens against a backdrop of global environmental change: Recently, international leadership met at the COP21 conference in Paris, where nearly 200 nations agreed to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This followed the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, where 17 initiatives that could transform the world by 2030 were laid out. Governments will be taking steps to put the initiatives into action, but they will need cooperation from their citizenry. The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley is leading efforts to create systems that keep sustainability at the

forefront of decision-making not only today, but as long as the systems are in place. Tomorrow’s leaders will graduate from UTRGV armed with knowledge to enact these systems in whichever field they find themselves, at the local and global level. As Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As a publication, RGVision can’t change the world, but people of the RGV are doing it as individuals. We’ve resolved to tell their stories and share their vision. Psalm 78:72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands.

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 389 locations with a direct mail distribution to major hospitals and Superintendents within Region 1. The rgVision office is located at 1100 E. Jasmine McAllen, TX 78501 ste 201. To receive an annual subscription of RgVision publications for $29.99, email info@rgVisionMagazine.com.

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OUR TEAM NACOLE RICKS PROJECT MANAGER/EVENT COORDINATOR

KAREN VILLARREAL EDITORAL MANAGER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANNIE SYKES LAURI REVILLA CLAUDIA LEMUS JONATHAN LEE SALINAS KAREN VILLARREAL

DOMINIQUE Y. ZMUDA GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

MARIELA PEÑA GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

DAVID ALVARADO MARITZA GALLAGA MARTHA E. PEÑA AMY GLOVER GEORGE COX

KEVIN MARTINEZ PHOTOGRAPHER/SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS ALIHERMY J. VALDEZ EDUCATION CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

MARIANELLA FRANKLIN EDUCATION CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS KEVIN MARTINEZ JOHNNY QUIROZ JAMES HORD

BILL MARTIN, CFP ® BUSINESS CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

ALFONSO MERCADO, PH.D. HEALTH CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

MELISSA GUANA NUTRETE NTP, CHNC HEALTH CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR

For editorial comments and suggestions, please send e-mails to info@rgvisionmagazine.com. For advertising information, please call us at 210.618.8930 or e-mail us at info@rgvisionmagazine.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS EDUCATION Educating for Sustainable Development

UTRGV is establishing a framework which improves education, health, and longevity.

ON THE COVER Change in Energy State

Liquid Natural Gas at the Port of Brownsville could impact the entire Valley.

By George Cox | Cover Illustration by Mariela PeĂąa

Beyond Astronauts

Plan to Apply

RGV LEADers

A Culture of Achievement

Breaking Barriers

Robert Rodriguez

SPACE Academy sparks interest, develops skills for aerospace careers.

A strong college application reflects not only achievements, but educational planning.

Student Ambassadors engage peers to prepare for college.

Creating long-term student success at Bowie Elementary.

PSJA Alum, Stanford graduate shares her story.

Peace Officer in the Making. Protecting the peace has been Rodriguezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream since he was a child. 8

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2016

BUSINESS

HEALTH

Watch Out

RGVisionary Woman

Business professionals are on time and in style.

The making of an educational leader, Dr. Shirley Reed.

Inside the Turbine

Watching wind become power at the Magic Valley Wind Farm.

The Right Team

Have an extraordinary case? Garcia & Martinez handles complex lawsuits.

Diversifying with Liquid Alternatives

The Cheshires and DBS

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery has helped a valley resident manage his Parkinson’s disease.

A retail investor with a diversified portfolio may be able to enhance asset allocation by adding alternative investments.

Breach of Contract Cases

Love, Trust, and Faith

QUALITY OF LIFE 50

Inside the Canine Mind

What Makes a Leader?

Exercise and training provide mental health benefits for our furry friends.

Helping Those in Pain

Rosabel Gonzalez helps her patients understand how they can manage their pain.

Byron Lewis, part of the first graduating class of Leadership Edinburg, shares his vision.

Bridging the Gap

A Visual Feast

The World of Cars

Homeownership 101

The Backyard Biome

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Functional nutritionists partner with medical professionals to plan a path to health.

Teens, Screens, and Sleep 42

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 January/February

Adolescents face sleep deprivation in a digital world.

Resolution 2016

Explore three artists on exhibit at the International Museum of Arts and Sciences.

International Car Fest features models of all eras and areas.

Making realistic goals and planning longterm can help a resolution last all year.

Affordable Homes of South Texas demystifyies the home-buying process.

Quinta Mazatlan Stewardship Program encourages involvement with the Valley’s unique ecosystem.

Your contract-breaking opponent could be responsible for your attorney’s fees.

Elements of the consistent vision that the Sagredo family has had for the last 30 years.

january/february 2016

BUSINESS

EDUCATING for SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Systems For A Prosperous Valley

Through a framework infused with sustainability, UTRGV is taking steps which improve education, health, and longevity for residents of our region.

ducation is a given in our country; it is a right requires participatory teaching and learning methods the United States grants to all children and that motivate and empower learners to change their forms the basis for society. Education is the rea- behavior and take action for sustainable development son we are able to enjoy living in communities with (UNESCO, 2015). This systematic approach is consocial and economic development, but maintaining cerned with identifying and advancing the students of the high quality of life we enjoy depends on a society’s education, teaching and learning policy and practice capacity to understand what sustainability itself is at that appear to be required if we are concerned about its most basic level. To do this, we need to understand ensuring social, economic and ecological viability and how our academic systems prepare our young citizens well-being, now and into the long term (Sterling, 2014). The United Nations for their future roles. Economic Commission for The understanding of eduSustainability is not just the Europe stated that: “Transcation for sustainable develenvironment nor is it just the formation of education sysopment and its applicability economy or just society. tems…is essential because to our lives has been funSustainability transcends the our current systems have not damentally misinterpreted. boundaries of each of these supported sustainable modSustainability is not just the systems, influencing and els of development…change environment nor is it just is needed to ensure that the the economy or just society. infusing each within and system provides education Sustainability transcends among each other. that predisposes learners to the boundaries of each of these systems, influencing and infusing each within consider sustainability across their life choices (Sterand among each other. It reminds one of an old song ling, 2014). While the stated goal of education is to provide by Burt Bacharach, “The world is a circle without a beginning and nobody knows where it really ends. both general and specialized knowledge, it serves the Everything depends on where you are in the circle…” greater purpose of preparing well-rounded citizens of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) al- the world--individuals with not just the knowledge lows every human being to acquire the knowledge, and skills to develop theoretical solutions, but the skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustain- desire and drive to enact tangible, positive change. able future (UNESCO, 2015). Education for Sustain- And while the word has been used erroneously as a able Development means including key sustainable synonym for “green,” there are many opportunities development issues into teaching and learning. It also if we understand the interwoven network that truly

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enfolds our worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both the everyday and the world as a whole. ESD demonstrates that it is interdisciplinary and holistic, values-driven, involves critical thinking and problem solving, involves multiple methodology, involves participatory decision-making, is applicable,

According to UNESCO, ESD is about learning to: Respect, value and preserve the achievements of the past Appreciate the wonders and the peoples of the Earth Live in a world where all people have sufficient food for a healthy and productive life Assess, care for and restore the state of our planet Create and enjoy a better, safer, more just world Be caring citizens who exercise their rights and responsibilities locally, nationally and globally and locally relevant. When education and learning is assessed by these parameters, ESD becomes the education for the future. ESD is not about telling people what to do; it is about harnessing the power of ownership of ideas, of enlightened self-interest, of self-organization, world view change, and leadership as powerful keys to the students of deep systemic change and building of resilience that sustainable development requires (Sterling, 2014). Only then are we making progress and affecting genuine change. With the Paris United Nations Conference on Climate Change convening soon (COP 21, Nov 30-Dec 11, 2015, Paris), now is an opportune time to educate for sustainability. UTRGV recognizes the capacity and desire of its students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities to embrace a culture of sustainability and improve life in the Rio Grande Valley. The staff and faculty will do this through infusing sustainability throughout our curriculum, research, programs, and facilities, and then making those research results available via designated open access repositories. We will work to build strong partnerships with businesses and the community

that will focus on the three pillars of sustainabilityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; economic development, social development and environmental protection. In 2013, UTRGV was created by the Texas Legislature in a historic move that brings together the resources and assets of UT Brownsville and UT Pan American. Work of these two campuses continue under the banner of UTRGV. The UTRGV established the Office for Sustainability through its legacy institutions six years ago to bring sustainability to our governance, operations, academics, and engagement. Through this office, UTRGV connects all areas of academics to each other, to sustainability, and to the community. By encouraging multidisciplinary exploration of real-world problems, offering sustainability-focused courses and programs, and service learning, UTRGV is institutionalizing sustainability to ensure the university is a capable vehicle for the transformational change students want to see in our region. The concept of sustainability tackles systemic problems at their root instead of attempting to address symptoms in individual capacities (such as poverty or homelessness). Solutions to these issues will be developed through the collaboration of experts in many areas, as human issues are not limited to single fields such as economics, sociology, cultural anthropology, or environmentalism. Isolating research to any individual field will not yield beneficial ways of maximizing the ability of current and future generations to prosper. Instead, educating through the lens of sustainability means

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BUSINESS

students will learn that all subjects of study can contribute to global efforts to increase social justice, economic viability, and environmental stewardship, and tomorrow’s leaders will embrace sustainability as a framework upon which to build society. Institutions of higher learning have a critical role to play in the development of new, sustainable systems for living. This puts UTRGV in a position to inspire, engage and prepare countless students to discover and apply sustainable solutions for preserving humanity on this planet. Since the fall of 2014, UTRGV has been providing professional development and training on how to implement sustainability-focused content directly into the curriculum through a faculty development program called Project Sin Fronteras (PSF). Fifty-five educators have already taken the two-day workshop, which shows how sustainability is often already being taught in every field of study, without professors or students being aware that the course is already sustainability-infused. Both may be unaware of the need for making connections between sustainability and the current educational standards. The inclusion of sustainability into all fields of education will steer conversations towards shared goal-setting: identifying the scope of our impact on our planet, finding means for humans to live in productive harmony within nature, and planning for widespread imA major and minor plementation of said undergraduate program means. After PSF, in sustainability is being educators are able developed, with the to amend their class syllabus to include ultimate goal of a master’s specific sustainability program arming students topics or develop new to be taken seriously courses which focus on wherever they spread the sustainability. Many message of sustainability. choose to include service learning projects, which make a positive impact on the region, while providing invaluable experience for the students. Academic research, programs, and course offerings that offer sustainability concepts are a major driving force for the institutionalization of sustainable education. Due in part to Project Sin Fronteras, UTRGV offers more than 300 courses that included sustainability. Multidisciplinary research provides new business models, data for new technologies and opportunities for entrepreneurship, all of which are in high demand 12

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for our growing region. A major and minor undergraduate program in sustainability is being developed, with the ultimate goal of a master’s program arming students to be taken seriously wherever they spread the message of sustainability. In the business world, the three pillars of sustainability are known as planet, people, and profits--a mnemonic device used to remember that

there is more on the line than just turning a profit. Ensuring that the environment is not being harmed and that future generations will be able to enjoy safe working and living conditions must be a priority. Recently 81 American businesses signed a pledge where they recognized that delaying action on climate change will be costly in economic and human terms, while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy will produce multiple benefits with regard to sustainable economic growth, public health, resilience to natural disasters, and the health of the global environment (American Business Act on Climate Pledge). While today’s business leaders have begun to seriously consider these three pillars, we can encourage tomorrow’s business leaders (our students) to embrace sustainability and propel the future of our region to one that contributes to global goals as recently established by the governing body of the free world, the United Nations (Sustainable Development Goals). Governments are structured to protect their people, and naturally their own economic and political power. However many countries, including our own, are facing many social, environmental, and economic problems within their borders which can lead to conflict between countries. In working to prevent conflict, the concepts of sustainability are now driving decision-making by the United Nations. They recently presented new goals that provide a framework around which the lives of their citizens are improved. These 17 Sustainable Development Goals create conditions that allow peace to flourish--and hold--in all countries. UN member states will be expected to

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In the Rio Grande Valley, we are also experiencing a perfect storm: explosive economic growth in a historically underserved region, a loss of our natural habitats which have global effects on migratory patterns, and an area of low education attainment.

frame their agendas and political policies around these goals for the next 15 years, starting January 2016. The Sustainability Development Goals replace the 2001 millennium development goals, which were focused on environmental issues in the neediest countries but did not include human rights or economic development. Every country will be expected to work towards achieving the SDGs by 2030. Naturally, the United States will be participating, but collective action by our leaders does not remove the need for individual responsibility. Ahead of the upcoming Conference on Climate Change (COP21), UTRGV and 218 other U.S. universities and colleges signed the White House’s American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge to demonstrate their support for strong climate action by world leaders in Paris next month. U.S. businesses have signed onto a similar pledge (American Business Act on Climate). Starting young, if every school in the world teaches children about these goals, we will help them become the generation that changed the world (UN World’s Largest Lesson). Individually, each of us can also take personal actions to contribute to a more sustainable world. The world is changing and the Earth’s climate today is changing so dramatically that it is transforming land and sea, affecting all forms of life (National Geographic, 2015). In the Rio Grande Valley, we are also experiencing a perfect storm: explosive economic growth in a historically underserved region, a loss of our natural habitats which have global effects on migratory patterns, and an area of low education

attainment. In 1962 Ms. Carson said, “Only within the moment of time represented by the present century has one species—man—acquired significant power to alter the nature of his world.” But as her message still reminds us that in our over-organized and over mechanized age, individual initiative and courage still count: change can be brought about, not through incitement to war or violent revolution, but rather by altering the direction of our thinking about the world we live in (Silent Spring, 1962). This is what UTRGV faculty, students, and staff can and will do as we move forward in this new century. We have an educational leadership guiding a highly-motivated student body, building working relationships with local governments and communities, and contributing the commitment of a knowledgeable faculty and staff. With education for sustainability leading academic transformation, the framework is set for generations of leaders to graduate from UTRGV with the tools they need to find success in our corner of Texas. Institutionalizing sustainability across education, government, environment, and community will have a positive impact on our society, and by preserving our quality of life, yield a positive impact on the lives of our region’s citizens. MARIANELLA FRANKLIN CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER

MARIANELLA.FRANKLIN@UTRGV.EDU OFFICE: 956-665-7301 DEPARTMENT: 956-665-3030

REFERENCES: Carson, R. 1962. Silent spring. http://library.uniteddiversity.coop/More_Books_and_Reports/Silent_Spring-Rachel_Carson-1962.pdf. Holland, J.S. 2015. How to live with it: Who will thrive? National Geographic. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/11/climate-change/which-species-will-thrive-text. Sterling, S. 2014. Separate tracks or real synergy? Achieving a closer relationship between education and SD, Post-2015, Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 2014, vol. 8, issue 2, pages 89-112. http://jsd.sagepub.com/content/8/2/89.short. UTRGV OFS, 2015. Project Sin Fronteras Report, http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dba_home/sustainability_home/sustainability_re/re_curriculum/project_sin_fronteras. United Nations, 2015. Sustainable Development Goals. http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/. United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21), 2015. http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en. United Nations--The Global Goals, 2015. World’s Largest Lesson, https://www.tes.com/worldslargestlesson/. UNESCO, 2015, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-the-international-agenda/education-for-sustainable-development/. White House, 2015. American business act on climate pledge, https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/10/19/fact-sheet-white-house-announces-commitments-american-business-act. White House, 2015. American campuses act on climate pledge, https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/19/fact-sheet-ahead-conference-climate-change-more-200-colleges-and.

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EDUCATION

BEYOND A

By GEORGE COX BROWNSVILLE SPACE ACADEMY EDUCATING STUDENTS ABOUT CAREERS IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

eaching young people that the sky is the limit is taking on new meaning in Brownsville with the launch of SPACE Academy. The goal of the STEM Program for Aerospace and Careers in Engineering is to expose students to a variety of subjects that could one day lead to careers in the aerospace industry. “Boys and girls dream about being astronauts,” said Adrian Dorsett, interim career and technology education administrator. “Now they can really learn about careers in the space industry and see that it’s more than just astronauts.” With the start of the 2015-16 school year, the Brownsville Independent School District moved into a new phase of the district’s successful STAMP program, which stands for Science, Technology, Architecture and Medical Professions, and helps prepare high school students to explore possible futures through innovative curriculum specific to these fields. SPACE Academy will build on the basics of the STEM (Science, Technology, 14

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Engineering and Mathematics) program that now includes some 2,400 BISD middle school students. “We really are bringing space to Brownsville to capitalize on this huge growth in South Texas,” said Dr. Roni Louise Rentfro, district coordinator for school improvement. “It’s in its infancy, just like the space industry in South Texas.” The growth she refers to includes the expanding presence of United Launch Alliance in Harlingen and the development of the world’s first commercial vertical launch facility by SpaceX near Boca Chica Beach. Students wanting to attend SPACE Academy must apply while in the eighth grade. This year marks the first wave of freshmen to enter the curriculum, with 42 students enrolled. SPACE Academy is not a freestanding school, but a specific curriculum incorporated into the more traditional coursework taught at all six Brownsville high schools. “We’ve moved away from magnet school programs, so students can give

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“Boys and girls dream about being astronauts. Now they can really learn about careers in the space industry and see that it’s more than just astronauts.” - Adrian Dorsett, interim career and technology education administrator

more focus to an area of interest at their home campuses,” Rentfro said. The curriculum was developed by Project Lead the Way, a leading provider of K-12 STEM programs. “Our world-class curriculum and highquality teacher professional development model, combined with an engaged network of educators and corporate and community partners, help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in our global economy,” states the organization’s website, pltw.org. For the entering freshmen, SPACE Academy will offer courses like Introduction to Engineering. “It’s not aerospace specific,” said Erika Sikes, lead career placement officer. “They will get more specific in the sophomore year and by the senior year we can offer them something very specific to their interests.” Some of the more advanced curriculum is already in place. Porter High School teacher, John Lynch, teaches aerospace engineering, which is among the classes that will be

available to SPACE Academy students. The senior-level course follows a program of study sanctioned by Project Lead the Way, and Lynch is an instructor certified by PLTW. “I really believe that my experience in the working world is a huge benefit to what I can teach the kids,” he said. A mechanical engineering technology graduate from Purdue University, Lynch has years of real-world experience to inspire lesson ideas for his high school class. “When I’m talking about aerospace, I can tell them what works and why because of what I’ve done.” In his seventh year of teaching, he continues to share what he learned with his students; handson studies in the dynamics of flight play out in the classroom when students build gliders from balsa wood. Using sandpaper to make adjustments to the wings that change the way the plane glides, students get to apply what they have learned about aircraft design and flight in a way that they can see the results as they fly the gliders around the room.

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EDUCATION

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“They are making adjustments based on the knowledge of what they have learned,” Lynch said. “It’s loads of fun, but they know I’m going to grade them on straight and level flight. It’s a real learning moment when they see all those lessons written in notebooks come to life.” Lynch, who is also a licensed private pilot, said his class also includes the opportunity to use a high-quality computer flight simulation program similar to those used by pilots in training. “Anyone coming out of this class will have an upper hand on getting a pilot’s license,” he said. After a semester of studying the dynamics of flight, the students will explore space travel and orbital mechanics in the second semester. The students will build and launch model rockets based on what they learn in the classroom. “What I really like about this program is the stuff I’m teaching is not busy work,” Lynch said. “It is real. If you have any interest in the aerospace field, these are real-world applicable lessons.” Lynch’s excitement for his craft extends well beyond the classroom and he sees tremendous educational opportunities with the development of the SpaceX launch facility. As a member of the Launch Brownsville committee that worked on bringing billionaire Elon Musk’s innovative company to the Valley, Lynch had an opportunity to visit with several SpaceX engineers at an event at the Historic Brownsville Museum. “I got to meet a few of the engineers from SpaceX, and they are being very supportive of local education,” he said. Lynch said as he was describing his model rocket project, one of the engineers suggested that perhaps students one day could build even bigger rockets and actually launch them from the SpaceX facility. “I got chills. I want to do that,” he said.

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EDUCATION

PLANto APPLY THIS YEAR HARVARD UNIVERSITY ALONE RECEIVED 37,307 APPLICATIONS, OUT OF WHICH ONLY 2,080 APPLICANTS WERE SELECTED FOR ADMISSION.

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etting admitted to the best colleges requires preparation, as it is a very competitive process. This year Harvard University alone received 37,307 applications, out of which only 2,080 applicants were selected for admission. Whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Ivy League or a public university, most colleges use similar criteria as they select their incoming freshman class. The key to increasing the possibilities of matriculating to these colleges is to prepare high school students by developing an educational plan that will allow them to be competitive. The college application will reflect these experiences, and allows candidates to present themselves in the best possible light. This endeavor will be most successful if parents and students plan together. Identifying entrance and application requirements early is essential. Identifying the level of selectivity of prospective colleges will add perspective and urgency during the multiple stages of preparation. Keep in mind that meeting entrance requirements does not guarantee an acceptance, but does add a competitive edge.

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HERE ARE 10 THINGS THAT SHOULD BE TARGETED DURING HIGH SCHOOL THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO A STRONG COLLEGE APPLICATION.

A rigorous high school curriculum. Colleges compare the list of advanced level courses offered at the school each applicant attends to the courses listed on each transcript. An upward trend in Grade point average (GPA) and grades that represent strong efforts in a rigorous program.

Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT/ACT).

A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s personality, values, and goals.

Passionate involvement in activities both in and out of school.

Demonstrated leadership and initiative in extra-curricular activities.

Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors that include specific evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.

Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and diverse student body.

Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school and leisure pursuits.

10.

Demonstrated enthusiasm, or showing an interest toward attending the college. This is often exhibited by campus visits and an interview.

show them. Illustrate with specific examples from your past, your unique character and experiences. Additionally, explain what those experiences meant to you and how they have shaped your outlook in life. When explaining past accomplishments, don't just list them; you should also outline the motivations behind these accomplishments. Colleges will infer that your future behavior and values will follow from your past experiences and actions. Application requirements vary and preparing early will lead to the best results. College Bound specializes in customizing pathways for students and parents because strong qualifications are developed over time. Investing in your children now will lead to quality opportunities in the future. G E BO LE

D UN

CO L

Aside from the above mentioned points, top colleges look for unique students that stand out from the competition. These students should be able to show a positive character, the ability to manage time, make sacrifices, and set priorities. It is also important that applicants show independence and an interest in the unique advantages offered by colleges. Being able to handle academic pressure and taking advantage of the resources offered are key elements that top colleges consider in deciding whether to accept an applicant. Additionally, having the potential to make positive contributions to campus living is imperative to gaining admission into a top college. Remember, when applying to colleges, don't merely tell them what you think they want to hear. Instead,

january/february 2016

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EDUCATION

BY JONATHAN LEE SALINAS

f you have ever been in college or have known someone who has, then you have certainly heard the tale of that student who has changed their major as frequently as Henry VIII changed life-partners. In the Fall of 2011 through Spring of 2012, 14.5 percent of undergrads at The University of Texas El Paso changed their majors, according to the Center for Institutional Evaluation, Research and Planning (CIERP). Far from being anecdotal, Dr. Fritz Grupe, Ed.D., founder of MyMajors.com and

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professor emeritus in information systems at the University of Nevada, Reno, says that fifty percent of those who declare a major will change it, and many of them do so two or three times. One of the reasons this occurs is that students did not receive or did not take advantage of career/college counseling in preparation for college. Many of those undecided scholars figure it out as they go. This is a costly route given the increasing prices of college tuition. A local nonprofit organization called RGV LEAD

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(formerly Tech Prep) has taken notice of this phenomena. Dr. Norma Salaiz is a veteran of education in the Rio Grande Valley, having served as a superintendent for La Villa Independent School District the last seven of her thirty-year career. Prior to that she spent 23 years in Edinburg CISD, where she served as a teacher, high school administrator, and District Career and Technology Coordinator during her tenure. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from

“WE JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THE FUTURE IS READY FOR YOU AND YOU CAN BE READY FOR IT.”

The University of Texas at Austin and now dedicates her time to preparing high school students for the realities of college and the workforce as the director of RGV LEAD. RGV LEAD began when Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley (the local cohort of Tech Prep and a federal initiative under the Department of Education) lost its funding funneled through the Perkins Grant. Tech Prep of the RGV provided counseling and career programs for secondary students that would enable them to receive an associate’s degree or two-year certificate upon graduation. This strengthens the link, and thus transition, between secondary and post-secondary education. Upon its ending, local leaders such as business CEOs and Superintendents (CEOs of their school districts, as Salaiz describes them) came together and did what they could to maintain this unique effort. “The board members started saying

that we can’t lose this group; we can’t,” said Salaiz. “They’re the only ones like this in the Valley who are trying to collaborate, and facilitate the collaboration between business and industry, colleges and our districts.” RGV LEAD now exists as the muchneeded nexus between high school and college. It aims to decrease the amount of students unsure of their major, increase number of college-ready students and empower youth to make the most of the opportunities afforded them. Some examples include dualenrollment, intern and externships with local educators, student job shadowing in careers and industry, scholarship programs, mentorships, and a number of philanthropic outreaches within their communities. A significant improvement from its vestige, RGV LEAD has added two additional programs to its myriad of features: The Academies of the Rio

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Grande Valley and RGV LEAD Student Ambassadors, with their yearly young Leaders’ Summit. The Student Ambassador program allows cohorts of students who are moved to representing the values and initiatives of RGV LEAD as a whole, within their own high schools. At the Young Leader’s Summit, prospective ambassadors present on a leadership topic of their choice in groups of five and are rated on the effective demonstration of the trainings, communication, teamwork and creativity. New teams with the highest scores are notified a few weeks after the competition. The materialization of Student Ambassadors lies in the creation of student organizations whereby guest speakers are invited and information regarding the program is relayed. A student Ambassador for La Feria high school, Ashlei Levrier-Howell is a senior who participates in a number of

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EDUCATION

extracurricular activities including varsity soccer and track, UIL, drill team, and band (she’s a section leader). “We are getting an RGV club initiated,” said Levrier-Howell. “What we want to do is promote students to be prepared for college. I know that sounds very cliché but we want to get information ready for sophomores and juniors so they know, more or less, how important SATs, ACTs, and TSIs are; that they can transfer to any university, etc.” Levrier-Howell also serves as President of the South Texas Youth Congress and presented a bill in Washington D.C. that would make distance learning easier for students in the Valley via the creation of a coaxial cable. While her long-term goal is to be a Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist, she is currently focused on informing her

peers about important college preparations and their implications. She also harnesses a passion for community service, and volunteers for Vannie E. Cook. A genuine concern for the good of peers is expressed in her actions, as well as her words: “We just want you to know that the future is ready for you and you can be ready for it.” A sophomore La Feria student, Zabdiel Rothschild, has always felt a need to address and fix things, as opposed to viewing them with indifference. “I’ve always had the need to go and correct what is wrong,” said Rothschild. “I do not like just pretending I can’t see it because it will not make it go away – so I wish to take action.” A saxophone player in the high school band who participates in LincolnDouglas debate and UIL persuasive

speaking, Rothschild has also taken action and is leading by example (his preferred method) in informing students about the opportunities available, when given half a chance. RGV LEAD, through their P-16 initiative, combine Labor Market Information Reports in conjunction with college educators to navigate curriculum tailored for the job market. By emphasizing the enrichment of the valley community through its children, it is RGV LEAD’s goal that this up-and-coming generation of students are college/career-ready, have a great sense of direction, and in the future, hopefully give back to the community in the way the community has given to them.

“I DO NOT LIKE JUST PRETENDING I CAN’T SEE [WHAT IS WRONG] BECAUSE IT WILL NOT MAKE IT GO AWAY – SO I WISH TO TAKE ACTION.”

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EDUCATION

A CULTURE OF ACHIEVEMENT

Creating long-term student success at Bowie Elementary BY MARITZA GALLAGA

“We strive to help every child feel like a winner and to develop confidence in their own abilities. When students feel successful, they are motivated to continue working toward continued success.” // SUSAN SALINAS, BOWIE PRINCIPAL

ocated in a close-knit neighborhood in the middle of Harlingen, Bowie Elementary has created a culture of academic achievement that rings through its historic halls. For almost ten years, the campus has been earning top awards from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and other organizations that recognize academic excellence. These achievements are not mere coincidence. The campus has spent multiple years creating a comprehensive learning experience for students that begins when they walk through the door each day. From music class to physical education, every part of a student's educational experience incorporates curriculum in some way.

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It’s a mission that all teachers and staff have committed to as they work together to ensure that their lessons and curriculum are aligned to maximize student success. Unified under one goal, not only are they dedicated to students but to one another, supporting one another’s lessons and always willing to lend a helping hand when it comes to professional development. “The staff at Bowie has been able to create a culture of high expectations for both themselves and their students,” said Susan Salinas, Bowie Principal. “We strive to help every child feel like a winner and to develop confidence in their own abilities. When students feel successful, they are motivated to continue working toward continued success.”

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The campus’ most recent success as a result of their culture of achievement has been their selection as a Title I Reward School by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) earlier this year. Along with the title of Title 1 Reward School, they were placed on the High-Performing and High-Progress school list, which is a high honor for school districts. “Bowie Elementary continues to be a pillar of unbound success for HCISD,” said Superintendent, Dr. Art Cavazos. “We thank Susan Salinas and her staff for making this achievement possible. Their passion for education is a testament to the highly effective educators who go above and beyond for the benefit of our students.” According to a TEA press release, the identification of high-performing and/or high-progress Title I schools is based on statewide reading and mathematics assessments under the State Accountability System in the 2013-2014 school year and graduation rates. “It is a real honor to be recognized by TEA for this achievement,” said Salinas. “I attribute this achievement to our campus culture. Our teachers continue to perpetuate that expectation themselves. They truly believe that all children can succeed. When kids know that you believe in them, they start to believe in themselves.”

A high-performance reward school is identified as a Title I school with distinctions based on reading and math performance. Also, at the high school level, a reward school is a Title I school with the highest graduation rates. A highprogress school is identified as a Title I school in the top 25 percent in annual improvement and/or a school in the top 25 percent of those demonstrating ability to close performance gaps based on system safeguards. For 2014-2015, TEA identified 192 Texas campuses as high performing and 218 Texas campuses as high-progress. The campus sees this most recent recognition as motivation to continue to move forward. As the year progresses, teachers and administration will continue to meet and collaborate on how they can improve their already successful campus.

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EDUCATION

ALL ROADS LEAD TO

COLLEGE BREAKING BARRIERS THROUGH EDUCATION PSJA ALUM, STANFORD GRADUATE SHARES HER STORY BY CLAUDIA V. LEMUS CARRILLO

hen asked about what she defines as impact, Cecilia Corral — a Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD alum and now Stanford University graduate — says addressing health disparities and making a difference in underrepresented communities are one of the first things that come to mind. Corral first graduated from PSJA High School in 2008. She was one of the first students to participate in the school district’s early college initiatives with South Texas College, where she received an Associate Degree in Engineering. Thanks to her hard worked, she earned a full-ride scholarship to Stanford University where she graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design Engineering. Today, the proud PSJA alum is the Vice President and Co-Founder of CareMessage, a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco that empowers healthcare organizations with mobile technologies to improve health literacy and self-management. Her company is supported by numerous philanthropic foundations including Google.org, Stanford University, Goldman Sachs and the National Institutes of Health, to name a few. Although she is considered a success story for the PSJA school district, Corral admits that her journey to get to where she is today was not easy. Born and raised in San Juan, Texas, Corral had a humble beginning. According to the 25-year-old, witnessing her family struggle inspired her to commit to her education at a very young age.

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“My family came here from Mexico when I was one,” Corral recalled. “Growing up my parents struggled a lot, they sold at the flea-market. My dad was a mechanic and he had to do a lot of things just to make ends meet.” As a result, she knew education was the key to helping her family. Passionate about science and engineering, she grew determined to learn as much as she could at school. “I was a student at PSJA all of my life,” said Corral with a smile. “My junior year, when they started to open the classes at South Texas College, I was one of the first students to go into the Engineering Academy.” Realizing her passion for engineering, she decided to pursue that field further thanks to the support of mentors and teachers. “In middle school I had this incredible math teacher at PSJA who encouraged us to learn for the sake of learning,” Corral said. “As a I started researching what I wanted to do, I realized that engineering could be a way to design products and services for populations that weren’t designed for.” According to the entrepreneur, she is grateful for the opportunities she received at PSJA and is happy to see that the school district’s early college programs have grown since then. “Ultimately, PSJA supported me in pursuing my dreams,” said Corral. “I am glad to see that it’s now an early college model.” Currently, there are more than 3,500 students enrolled in PSJA’s eight Early College High Schools. The district’s comprehensive, innovative approach and proven results have garnered the attention of the New York Times and PBS, among other national publications and media outlets. A broad array of politicians and educators including the Obama Administration, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Clinton Global Initiative and even the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have recognized the school district for implementing a comprehensive approach to drop-out prevention and recovery, as well as a systemic scale-up of dual enrollment. Due to a high demand of educators frequently traveling to PSJA ISD to learn about its early college program, last year the school district held its first conference to

offer an opportunity to share best practices and innovative designs providing all high school students with the opportunity to earn at least 12 college hours by their high school graduation, with many of them completing up to two years of college or an Associate Degree. This year, more than 450 educators and school administrators from more than 14 states learned about the implementation of early college programs during PSJA’s 2nd Annual “College For All” Conference held Nov. 4-6 at the McAllen Convention Center. During the conference, visiting educators from the PK-12 and higher education arenas had the opportunity to learn from more than 50 informative sessions and campus tours held during the three-day period. The sessions touched on various topics such as: policy and college success; establishing and scaling early college high school, back on track to college, academic rigor, providing opportunities to a higher education to undocumented and DACAmented students and empowering parents. As a special session to close the conference, Corral along with four other successful PSJA alums, shared their stories as part of a panel. Seeing how much her school district and community has grown and evolved, Corral said it is important to give back and advised students to never forget where they came from. “It’s important to always think about where you come from and be willing to give back to your community,” she said. “I think at times when we talk about success we highlight mostly the highs, but there is definitely a lot of lows that come with that and a lot of challenges and struggles.”

Cecilia Corral

”It’s important to always think about where you come from and be willing to give back to your community.”

BREAKING BARRIERS For Corral, being a woman in the engineering field, Hispanic and a firstgeneration college student is sometimes difficult. “It’s a little bit hard because there are not a lot of women, Latinas or people of color in engineering,” said Corral nostalgically. “A lot of times I look around in a room and there’s no one that is remotely like me. That can definitely be a little bit scary.” january/february 2016

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EDUCATION

According to the Stanford graduate, she believes stereotypes are instilled in girls at a very young age. “I do a lot of research on what is keeping women and Hispanics out of engineering,” Corral explained. “Unfortunately, a lot of it starts in elementary and middle school when girls start to think that they’re not good at math. Sometimes there are even teachers who perpetuate that stereotype. I feel very fortunate to have had a lot of

support from teachers at PSJA all through high school and middle school.” Despite the stereotypes she faces every day, she says her challenges inspire her to keep moving forward. “It’s difficult at times and makes my job difficult,” she sighed. “But at the same time it keeps me motivated to be a role model for girls. Ultimately not everyone is going to go into engineering or technology, but I want girls and women to know that they

can do anything they set their minds to.” Due to her experiences and life lessons, Corral advices all students wanting to pursue a higher education degree to not give up on their dreams and work hard. “I think there is something valuable in entrepreneurship and promoting that to students,” said Corral. “We need to let them know that there is a lot of paths to their end goal.”

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EDUCATION

Robert Rodriguez: PEACE OFFICER IN THE MAKING By Annie Sykes “Let me read you something,” says Robert Rodriguez’s voice over the phone. There’s a sound of well-worn paper unfolding, then he half reads, half recites a section of the Texas Police Association Code of Ethics:

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all persons to liberty, equality and justice. The crinkling comes again as Robert returns the mantra to its usual spot in his wallet. “That’s what Peace Officers do,” he explains. “That’s what I’m going to do.” In a media landscape dominated by tales of police brutality, the term “peace officer” is reassuring but a little surprising. Robert doesn’t disagree. He explains that “Peace Officer” is actually the official title for law enforcement officers in Texas. “Most people say ‘police officer,’ but I like to use the official language because it reminds me of what I’m supposed to be doing: protecting the peace.” Protecting the peace has been Robert Rodriguez’s dream since he was a child growing up in Weslaco. His father and grandfather were both police officers. “I remember seeing them in their uniforms and their badges and feeling proud,” he recalls. “They taught me how the world works. They showed me how police serve and protect.”

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THEY TAUGHT ME HOW THE WORLD WORKS. THEY SHOWED ME HOW POLICE SERVE AND PROTECT.

During high school, Robert’s interest in law enforcement grew. He learned more about the justice system and refined his interest in public service. “I took a dual enrollment course in criminal justice from South Texas College. I loved learning about how the systems work and the role peace officers play.” He was heavily involved in service programs like Red Ribbon Week. Informally, he mentored younger students who struggled in school. Robert still works with beleaguered young people today, showing his commitment to the “peace” side of police work. Robert’s next step was college. “Going to STC was a no-brainer,” he explains. “I liked the professors I had already met, it was totally affordable, they had classes and programs that fit my career, and it was ten minutes away from home. That meant I’d be ten minutes away from my mother’s molé enchiladas at any given time. You can’t beat that.” During his time at STC, Robert earned two associate’s degrees. The first, a criminal justice degree, prepared him for his dream career. The second, a degree in,

interdisciplinary studies, let him explore other interests. “My interdisciplinary studies classes gave me perspective. They made me think about the world in ways I hadn’t before.” That kind of critical thinking protects us from making uninformed or reactionary decisions. This is a crucial asset for any law enforcement officer. Thanks to South Texas College, this future peace officer has it. Academics weren’t the only area in which Robert thrived at STC. He served his community through the Office of Student Life, where he again advised struggling students, helped his peers get involved in extracurricular activities, and more. He also graduated from the STC Student Leadership Academy. “My main takeaway from the SLA was how to show leadership in a crisis situation. That clearly applies to my future line of work, and other students took away leadership skills that applied to theirs. It’s very hands-on.” Finally, Robert was elected Senator of the Student Government Association. He held the post for two years, representing students’ voices to the college administration. About nine months before graduating, Robert was accepted into the Mission Police Academy. Despite being a fulltime student with a part-time job, Robert enrolled. “It was an opportunity to fulfill my dream, and I wasn’t about to turn that down.” To say the next nine months were

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a whirlwind would be an understatement, but Robert made it through without complaining. “My classes from STC really prepared me for the Police Academy, so I didn’t have to play catch-up. And when you love something, you just get through it.” Grace under pressure - another reason to feel confident about this Peace Officer in the making. Currently, Robert holds a Basic Peace Officer Certificate in addition to his two associate’s degrees. He’s in the middle of the police officer hiring process, which takes nearly a year because of all the background checks and psychological batteries that need to be completed. “I’m glad those practices are in place, but it’s not easy to wait,” Robert grins. In the meantime, Robert works at a local middle school, a position he was able to secure thanks to his interdisciplinary studies degree from STC. He uses his mentoring experience to support students. In his spare time, Robert stays on top of his police training so he’s ready to go when the call comes. By the close of the interview, the term “Peace Officer” no longer seemed odd. In fact, it felt like the name we would should call those who protect and serve. It describes someone who prioritizes character, shows grace under pressure, and keeps the fundamental duties of a law enforcement officer front of mind. That’s the kind of protector we want, and that’s what we’ll get in Robert Rodriguez, Peace Officer in the making.

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BUSINESS

WATCH

OUT B U S I N E S S P R O F E S S I O NA L S A R E O N T I M E AND IN STYLE BY AMY GLOVER

F 32

irst impressions can be everything. Upon first entering Deutsch & Deutsch located in the La Plaza Mall, patrons are filled with awe at the pristine jewelry and elegant design of the store. Perhaps the most eye-catching are the variety of timepieces from brands such as Gucci, Tag Heuer, and of course, Rolex surrounding one from all sides.

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The atmosphere is intentional and due to an attention to detail, though the friendly staff are on hand to answer questions and ease away any intimidation. Aladar “Ito” Deutsch, a third generation owner, believes watches help contribute to how successful one can be. The idea that watches are considered indicators of influence goes back many years. Deutsch says he once read an article that stated the two most important things in a business meeting are your shoes and your watch. “It’s really funny because whenever you do go to meetings, when you’re talking to people, you always catch them looking at your watch,” he said. “And when you first walk into a room, you see them looking at your shoes. So, it’s true.” For a young business professional entering the world of watches, aiming to make an impression, it may seem like an easy decision: get a watch. Time keeping ensures you're not late to important meetings, so a watch's basic functions are keeping honest minutes, hours, seconds, and date. Years ago, the decision was complicated by the digital option. In today's plugged-in world, the novelty one might be tempted to reach for is the smart watch. “The difference between the smart watches and the mechanical watches are that they’ve got little computer chips in them that function off a battery whereas a mechanical watch, especially the handmade, fine watches, actually have gears that are doing the same things that digital watches do,” explained Deutsch. This craftsmanship is what contributes to the price differential, and what distinguishes really fine timepieces. “I can wear a $30 Timex or a $10,000 Rolex – they both do the same thing, but one is battery operated and made of plastic while the other is handmade out of fine metals and exotic materials,” he elaborated. But the basic time-keeping function of the watch could be overshadowed by the many other apps running on their wrists. Could it be distracting for kids, college students, and even business people to constantly be notified of emails, texts and events? Deutsch suggested that many people wear a mechanical watch in a professional setting and then switch to a sports watch or smart watch when they get home. He also believes that there is a certain basic level of functionality that all watches should adhere to and surpassing that level is then just extra measures for entertainment. “Smart watches are fun, but it’s like driving a smart car vs. a Ferrari,” he says. According to Deutsch, you know the difference. “They both accomplish the same goal. But with the mechanical watches, you can feel the refinement there.”

So mechanical is the way to go – but the watchselection decision could be more involved than that. Deutsch says that a watch is appropriate in any situation, but the situation may alter the propriety of the particular watch. In the work environment, the material of the band which touches the wrist can be an important factor. There are three popular materials for watch bands: metal, rubber, and leather. “If there’s going to be a lot of water or sweat involved, a steel or rubber band is best, whereas a profession that requires sitting at a desk most of the day could really get away with any high end timepiece,” Deutsch explains. Since watches have slowly been growing in size, the most aesthetically important part is the dial (or face) of the watch. This is the place often looked at first. It may not seem like it, but color of the metals matters too. Although yellow gold and white have previously been top sellers, rose gold is now in high demand. In fact, some companies have even started investing more in this color than traditional colors. Deutsch believes color coordination, once something women were known to do, is now becoming popular among men's watches because it adds to a sleek and professional look. “I get customers who want to wear watches that match their wedding band or a bracelet. So, if they’re wearing rose gold, everything is rose gold. People coordinate. You’re starting to see men do that,” he says. The truth is, the technology and trends of today will ultimately become obsolete but sixty years from now, Deutsch sees watches retaining their value. The tradition of passing watches along to family members is important to Deutsch. “I’ve got my grandfather’s watch that he wore and he gave it to my dad and now my dad has given it to me. It’s a third generation and looks brand new. Nice watches will last you forever and you can always pass them down.” Tag Heuer seems to have the right idea; they recently came out with the first ever luxury smart watch. When asked about how they justified the $1,500 asking price, they said that when the technology is outdated, they will replace the inside of the watch, making it mechanical. It may be tough to decide the appropriate age to start wearing an expensive watch because it can be broken or lost, but no matter what kind of watch, they will always be useful in school, daily life, and especially in a professional environment. “When you put a nice watch on your wrist, there’s nothing better,” Deutsch says.

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BUSINESS

THE MAKING OF A LEADER IN EDUCATION DR.SHIRLEY REED BY MARTHA E. PEÑA

r. Shirley A. Reed, president of South Texas College (STC), has a long history of seeing what she likes to call “the big picture potential.” Under her leadership, STC has grown from serving 1,000 students in 1993, to 34,641 credit students in 2015. Revered throughout the state and nation, the institution’s accolades include being recognized as No. 1 in Texas and No. 2 in the U.S. for enrolling Hispanic undergraduates, in addition to being No. 1 nationwide for associate degrees awarded to Latinos in STEM fields by Excelencia in Education.

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With Dr. Reed’s uncanny ability to see what is capable, it is almost impossible to know that in the beginning of her education, her own potential was not recognized. Ironically, Dr. Reed, the founding president of the largest higher education institution south of San Antonio, was pegged as “not college material” when she was in high school. Her counselors told the future Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education recipient to get married instead. Without an apparent role-model to look up to, Dr. Reed found herself taking their advice but also kept her innate ability to defend herself strong. “I was the only little girl for probably 20 miles, growing up in a small mining town in northern Canada,” said Reed. “I learned very quickly that I had to run the fastest, be the best swimmer and excel at everything or else I would get pushed out. I was six or seven when I started to really understand what it meant to be competitive. I think those early lessons gave me the inner strength to approach life with those underlying fundamentals.” The harsh environment in her hometown was not conducive to elevating the traditional roles of females. The lack of women’s value by men in addition to the lack of education available made it a very tough experience. “I knew that if I didn’t stand up, I would get beat up,” said Dr. Reed. “Eventually, recognizing how devalued women were came full circle. A lot has changed since the 1950’s, but a lot has not. Sometimes you have to look to yourself for that inspiration of change.” Change did eventually come for Dr. Reed when she ventured to a community college in her mid-twenties. It was there that she had her very first positive reinforcement regarding her abilities. “Hearing something as simple as ‘You know Shirley, you’re really very bright and capable. Why didn’t you go to college?’ was life changing,” recalls Dr. Reed. “It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. I was lucky. There are so many people who never get to hear any kind of positive affirmation.” After six years, Dr. Reed earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from St. Petersburg Junior College with her sights set on becoming a librarian. This

I knew first-hand what a community college could do for someone who thought they didn’t have any choices.

eventually led to her career in community college administration. “After I earned my associate degree, it gave me more confidence to continue my education,” said Dr. Reed. “I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Hawaii. I then was hired in my first administrative role as the Director of Learning Resources for Spoon River College in central Illinois. It was there that I learned how to establish an operation from the ground up, a skill I would use in my future administrative roles.” Not long after, an opportunity in advancement was presented to Dr. Reed by the college’s president that would impact her for the rest of her career. Riddled with her own self-doubt and perceived lack of capabilities, Dr. Reed turned down an associate dean position, even though she was the only female administrator in a community college in the state of Illinois. “I think we can all relate to similar events in our lives,” said Dr. Reed. “I thought, ‘You fool. You’ve sold yourself short and missed an opportunity.’ I had no choice but to learn from that experience, and from there I decided it was time to do something different.” Dr. Reed’s next challenge presented itself at Northland Pioneer College where she connected 23 teaching sites with technology. After that success, the college president offered Dr. Reed the vice

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president of finance position. Without a background in finance, her immediate response was, “I would love to, and I am ready to do it today.” Her complete confidence in herself surpassed any old doubts that were now obsolete Not long after, Dr. Reed was approached by the same president, who asked if she had ever thought of becoming a college president. “The answer came to me pretty easily,” said Dr. Reed. “If I could build a library, run finances and prove myself time and time again, then why couldn’t I be a president? I started searching around the country, pursued my MBA and found this area that had immense opportunity for economic development. I was stunned that there was not a community college in South Texas.” In 1993, after a nationwide search, Dr. Reed, that same girl from northern Canada who was told her she was not capable of an education beyond a high school degree, was selected by the Board of Trustees as STC’s founding president. She saw the socioeconomic similarities in the Rio Grande Valley that existed in other areas of the country she had served and knew the creation of a community college would be transformative. “It’s about giving an opportunity where one didn’t exist,” explained Dr. Reed.

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BUSINESS

INSIDE THE TURBINE WATCHING WIND BECOME POWER AT THE MAGIC VALLEY WIND FARM BY ANNIE SYKES

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january/february 2016

hat started with picturesque wooden windmills in Holland has transformed into a full-fledged industry in the Rio Grande Valley. At E.ON North America’s Magic Valley Wind Farm, based in Raymondville, over 100 modern turbines harness the power of the wind around the clock. on average, the idyllic rotation of a single wind turbine’s blades at the Magic Valley Wind Farm produce 17 megawatts of energy a day. That’s 17 million daily units of power, enough to light up about 170,000 light bulbs or 2,400 homes. This is the power of wind energy, and its impact goes beyond the grid. We spoke with the folks at Magic Valley to learn more about wind energy and its future as a renewable energy resource for our community. One of the first things we learned is that wind energy and the Valley are made for each other. “The wind patterns here actually match the energy demand curve,” says Tracy Deadman, the site operations supervisor at Magic Valley Wind Farm. Tracy has worked in wind energy for over fourteen years. “It’s truly remarkable. All year, morning-to-night temperature changes make the gulf wind stronger in the afternoons, right around the time we see the demand for power increase. So right when you need more power - when kids are getting home from school and air conditioners are being turned on, etc. - you have it.” Not all regions are so lucky. The wind energy industry has been criticized for creating power in places so remote that the cost of transporting it nearly outweighs the benefits (looking at you, North Dakota). But here in the Valley, wind energy is put to use right where it's made. Furthermore, as our community continues to grow, there will only be more demand for power. It’s pretty convenient that one of most viable renewable energy sources is produced right in our backyard. Gabriel Hinojosa, one of the highly-trained (and brave) technicians who scales the wind turbines at Magic Valley, agrees. “I’ve witnessed the impact this industry has had on my community,” the Harlingen native says. “Building this farm alone brought over 200 construction jobs to the region. And as far as permanent jobs go, there’s about 20 of us here full-time.” Tracy adds that dozens of secondary jobs came with the wind farm too, from maintenance staff to road crews and more. The wind energy’s community impact doesn’t stop there. Local schools like Texas Southmost College now offer programs in wind engineering, and tax revenue from Magic Valley and farms alike has grown the community coffers.

A SINGLE WIND TURBINE PRODUCES 17 MEGAWATTS OF ENERGY A DAY. THAT’S 17 MILLION DAILY UNITS OF POWER, ENOUGH TO LIGHT UP ABOUT 170,000 LIGHT BULBS OR 2,400 HOMES.

“WE TAKE SAFETY VERY SERIOUSLY. IT’S THE FIRST THING WE TALK ABOUT EACH MORNING AND THE LAST THING WE GO OVER EACH NIGHT.” The economic benefits of our local wind industry are as admirable as they are appreciated. Seeing them in action inspires a curiosity; we want to know more about those turbines. A wind turbine up close is truly breathtaking. The ones at Magic Valley stand 80 meters high from base to nose. Three massive wings spread outward from the center; when they spin, they draw a circle whose diameter is just under 300 feet across. In action, they’re taller than the Statue of Liberty. To stand in a field of these steel giants is unlike anything else. One can’t help but imagine what aliens would think of our civilization if their first stop was a wind farm. Incredibly, Gabe and Tracy actually climb these things. Regularly. Tracy joined the “2k Club” - as in 2,000 turbines scaled - over ten years ago. “Things were much different when I started,” he tells us. “Safety equipment was pretty minimal. We just climbed the things, did our work, and climbed back down.” To date, he estimates he’s gone up over 3,000 times. These days, it’s Gabe who’s adding climbs to his record. He can ascend the 267-foot tower with confidence, as today’s safety standards are some of the most stringent around. “We take safety very seriously now. It’s the first thing we talk about each morning and the last thing we go over each night.” In between, Gabe can be found in the turbine's steely innards. His job is ensuring each massive structure is working at top efficiency. “I never get tired of working on these machines that take wind and turn it into power. It’s amazing.” It is amazing. The fact that humans can harness wind to create power is simply remarkable, as is the way wind energy has progressed. But wind energy is far from perfect. “We’re still seen as a supplemental power source,” Tracy tells us. “The next big step is creating technology that improves storing and transporting wind power.” That development doesn’t seem too far fetched now that climate change is a household word. Until then, we’ll continue to enjoy our growing reputation as a renewable energy frontier. Who knows - maybe the next big thing in wind energy will come from right here in the Rio Grande Valley.

january/february 2016

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BUSINESS

Garcia & Martinez: An Extraordinary Team for Extraordinary Cases By Lauri Revilla xtraordinary legal cases require an extraordinary team, and the lawyers at Garcia & Martinez fit the bill quite well. The Rio Grande Valley firm has been litigating some of the most complex legal cases in the Valley for several years. Between the three of them, Albert Garcia, Adrian Martinez, and Alejandro Martinez have over 60 years of experience handling complex lawsuits involving large insurance, oil and gas, manufacturing, and investment companies. A diverse and expansive combination of backgrounds and experience is what makes Garcia & Martinez a driving force in the legal arena. Even the history of how the firm came about is unique. Former banker, Albert Garcia, was a very respected

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january/february 2016

lawyer in insurance, product liability, and consumer protection litigation, while Adrian Martinez, former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prosecutor, had years of experience in environmental, oil and gas, property rights, and business litigation. The two met when they were opposing counsel in a high-profile lawsuit involving Halliburton, one of the largest oil and gas companies in the country. Despite their conflicting positions, they developed a good friendship and mutual admiration for each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. A short time later, they founded Garcia & Martinez â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a full-service boutique law firm specializing in business and insurance litigation, product liability, personal injury, and with the recent addition of Alejandro Martinez, immigration.

A diverse and expansive combination of backgrounds and experience is what makes Garcia & Martinez a driving force in the legal arena. Even the history of how the firm came about is unique. The firm expanded to immigration work with the recent addition of Alejandro Martinez as a general partner. Prior to joining, he was a co-founder and partner at a McAllen law firm specializing in immigration matters. Martinez has extensive knowledge in government law and immigration. “I have a passion for helping people who have been in the worst of places obtain humanitarian visas,” said Alejandro Martinez. Even more notable than their individual resumés is what this team has been able to accomplish together. Of note, Garcia & Martinez obtained a large verdict for a Valley client in a high-profile case against the National Heritage Foundation, a company in the Washington D.C. area that

managed hundreds of millions of dollars for philanthropic families. The National Heritage Foundation had two types of programs that they marketed to highincome families as a way to reduce their income taxes—a split dollar life insurance plan and a charitable gift annuity. After Garcia & Martinez obtained a $9 million verdict for its Valley clients, it brought to light the problems with these programs and eventually led to the National Heritage Foundation’s agreement to reimburse hundreds of investors the money they had invested in its programs. Garcia & Martinez is also on the forefront of litigation involving urban drilling. As populations boom and cities expand, the trend over the last several years has been for oil and gas production to migrate from rural areas and move closer to residential neighborhoods. While oil and gas exploration is very important to the Texas economy, a person’s home is their castle; their right to live peacefully in their home is also sacred in Texas. The firm has represented several dozens of people in Hidalgo County who live near oil and gas drilling operations. In some cases those

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operations have damaged their homes and interfered with their legal right to enjoy and live peacefully in their homes. Garcia & Martinez was forced to sue several large oil and gas service companies in multiple lawsuits to protect their clients’ rights. Recently, Adrian and Alejandro Martinez advised several Edinburg residents when Royal Production Company sought a permit from the City of Edinburg to drill a gas well adjacent to a residential neighborhood. Also, the law firm continues to prosecute an urban drilling case against several oil and gas service companies on behalf of several dozen families in Peñitas. Garcia & Martinez hopes to continue to make an impact on its community by protecting the rights of Rio Grande Valley residents, regardless of how big or powerful the company or institution they are going against. “Many of our clients are referred to us by other attorneys,” said Martinez. “They know we are well-equipped to handle these complex cases.”

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BUSINESS

ADDING DIVERSIFICATION

WITH LIQUID ALTERNATIVES By : Wealth Management Systems Inc. Courtesy of : Bill Martin, CFP速 Financial Advisor, 1845 Group at Morgan Stanley Branch Name : Morgan Stanley, McAllen, TX

or most investors, alternative investments bring to mind complex investment strategies available only to institutions and the ultra-wealthy through private, illiquid partnerships that charge high fees. However, with the recent growth of liquid alternatives, many of these strategies are now available through mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs), and investor access to these once exclusive investment strategies is expanding. Alternative investments comprise a multiplicity of asset classes and strategies. They are basically defined as any investment that falls outside the traditional asset classes of stocks, bonds and cash. The universe includes, but is not limited to: commodities, private real estate, managed futures, precious metals, private equity and numerous hedged strategies. Liquid alternatives, unlike private offerings, do not require investor prequalification; have relatively low investment minimums; and provide portfolio improved transparency, daily liquidity and net asset value pricing.

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Performance of a liquid alternative fund, however, may vary from a private offering with a similar objective because of statutory limits on illiquidity, leverage, short sales and derivative securities. The common thread uniting private and liquid alternatives is they both tend to generate returns that have low or negative correlation with traditional asset classes, and as a result, may be used as a tool to diversify portfolio risk and mitigate a significant decline in any one holding or investment type.1

REFINING ASSET ALLOCATION Equities have historically been the driver of long-term investment growth, but they are also the asset class with the greatest risk of loss. Suppose in 1990 you added a 20% allocation of diversified alternative asset classes and strategies to a conventional portfolio of 60% stocks, 35% bonds and 5% cash, resulting in a new portfolio of 45% stocks, 30% bonds, 5% cash and the balance in alternatives.2 By the end of 2014, the portfolio with alternatives would have earned a 7.7%

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average annual return, compared with 6.9% for the traditional portfolio; annual volatility for the portfolio with alternatives was 8.2% versus 9.5% for the traditional portfolio. The alternatives’ uncorrelated returns serve as a buffer, muting the overall severity of drawdowns and creating outcomes that were still equity-like but with a bit lower volatility.4 As we enter a period in which interest rates are forecast to rise, and equity and bond price are expected to be volatile, liquid alternatives may likely play a similar role in portfolio diversification for smaller investors. Here’s why: Diversifying an equity portfolio with an allocation to bonds and cash is the conventional risk management tool for most investors. However, the end of a 30-year bull market for bonds in 2013 – combined with an impending interest rate increase (interest rate normalization) – has raised questions about the viability of this long-held strategy. In the view of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Global Investment Committee, the process of interest rate normalization is likely to produce aboveaverage volatility in both stocks and bonds. Against a backdrop of muted, subpar growth, investors will need to look at other methods in an effort to improve returns and reduce volatility. Liquid alternatives are a possible solution. I would like the opportunity to work with you to determine if your portfolio might benefit from an allocation to this emerging market segment.

FOOTNOTES/DISCLAIMERS 1 Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining financial market. 2 The 20% consists of an equal-weighted basket of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Global Investment Committee alternative asset categories: commodities (ex-precious metals), represented by Dow Jones-UBS Commodities ex-Precious Metals Total Return Index; precious metals, represented by Dow Jones-UBS Precious Metals Total Return Index; hedged strategies, represented by HFRI Funds of Funds Composite Index; managed futures, represented by the Barclay BTOP 50 Index; private equity, represented by Thomson Reuters Private Equity Performance Index; private real estate, represented by NCREIF Index and publicly traded real estate, represented by FTSE EPRA NAREIT Global Total Return. 3 Source: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Investment Products and Services 4 “An Outcomes-Oriented Approach to Alternatives,” by Lisa Shalett, Head of Investment and Portfolio Strategies, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; standard deviation is a measure of the volatility of a security’s return. It is a statistical quantity measuring the magnitude of the daily price changes of a security. The S&P 500® index is a common gauge of the US equities market. This capitalization weighted index includes a representative sample of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the US economy. Barclays Capital US Aggregate Bond index represents securities that are SEC-registered, taxable and dollar-denominated. The index covers the US investment grade, fixed rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Indexes are unmanaged, and one cannot invest directly in an index. Alternative strategy mutual funds may employ various investment strategies and techniques for both hedging and more speculative purposes such as short-selling, leverage, derivatives and options, which can increase volatility and the risk of investment loss. Non-traditional investment options and strategies are often employed by a fund’s portfolio manager to further a fund’s investment objective and to help offset market risks. However, these features may be complex, making it more difficult to understand the fund’s essential characteristics and risks, and how it will perform in different market environments and over various periods of time. They may also expose the fund to increased volatility and unanticipated risks particularly when used in complex combinations and/or accompanied by the use of borrowing or “leverage.” The fund’s prospectus will contain information and descriptions of any non-traditional and complex strategies utilized by the fund.

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Bonds are subject to interest rate risk. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall; generally the longer a bond’s maturity, the more sensitive it is to this risk. Bonds may also be subject to call risk, which is the risk that the issuer will redeem the debt at its option, fully or partially, before the scheduled maturity date. The market value of debt instruments may fluctuate, and proceeds from sales prior to maturity may be more or less than the amount originally invested or the maturity value due to changes in market conditions or changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Bonds are subject to the credit risk of the issuer. This is the risk that the issuer might be unable to make interest and/ or principal payments on a timely basis. Bonds are also subject to reinvestment risk, which is the risk that principal and/ or interest payments from a given investment may be reinvested at a lower interest rate. Equity securities may fluctuate in response to news on companies, industries, market conditions and general economic environment. Companies paying dividends can reduce or stop them at any time. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives and risks as well as charges and expenses of a mutual fund/exchange traded fund before investing. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the fund company’s website. The prospectus contains this and other information about the mutual fund/exchange traded fund. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. If you’d like to learn more, please contact Bill Martin, CFP®. Article by Wealth Management Systems Inc. and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("Morgan Stanley"). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by Morgan Stanley with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned. Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engaged RGVision Magazine to feature this article. Bill Martin, CFP® may only transact business in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration http://www. morganstanleyfa.com/1845group/Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Bill Martin, CFP® is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. © 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 1134042 [02/15]

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BUSINESS

BREACH OF CONTRACT CASES :

YOUR CONTRACT BREAKING OPPONENT COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ATTORNEY FEES

WE ENTER INTO CONTRACTS EVERY DAY, FROM SALES CONTRACTS TO BUY A CAR OR NOTES FOR A BANK LOAN - EVEN A GYM MEMBERSHIP OFTEN INVOLVES A CONTRACT! All too often, however, the other party to your contract does not do what they agreed to do. The party who was wronged may decide to endure the loss because they cannot afford to pay an attorney to handle the case. What many people do not know is that when a person wins a breach of contract lawsuit, their opponent can also be required to pay their attorney’s fees for forcing the lawsuit to be brought about. Thus, the innocent party not only gets their damages, but also the attorney’s fees for the lawyer they had to hire because the other party breached the contract. Some years back, I represented an elderly couple who invested their life savings in a unique investment called a charitable gift annuity. The investment advisor who talked them into buying this investment assured them that the charitable gift annuity would produce a large enough return so as to provide them

By: Alberto T. Garcia Attorney  albert@garmtzlaw.com  (956) 627-0455 www.garmtzlaw.com 44

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with monthly income for the duration of their retirement years - and after both of them passed away, to leave a significant amount of money to various charities of their choosing. As is often the case, what sounds too good to be true - is. They did not receive the retirement income they were promised and the investment did not perform as it was represented. Since they were living on a small amount of retirement income, they could not afford an attorney to handle their case. They were relieved to learn that various Texas laws allowed them to recover not only their damages but also my attorney’s fees if we prevailed in their lawsuit. I did a quick review of the various Texas statutes that allow a party who prevails in a lawsuit to also recover attorney’s fees from their opponent, and found that there are more than 150 of them. Some examples of these laws are in breach of contract cases, as I discussed above, but also for deceptive trade practices perpetrated on consumers, violations of the Texas securities laws, fraud by investment advisors, fraud in a real estate or stock transaction, and unfair or deceptive practices in the business of insurance. While each statute is written differently, most of them generally require that the party suing prevail in the case and that the amount of the fee that they seek be “reasonable and necessary” for

the work required to prosecute their case. The amount of the attorney’s fee can even be larger than the amount of damages recovered, so long as the fee is both reasonable and necessary. For example, I am aware of a case tried in Hidalgo County where a magazine publishing company in the U.S. sued a Mexican company for breaching a licensing agreement that allowed the Mexican company to publish and distribute a Spanish-language version of their magazine in Latin America. In that case, the jury found that the Mexican company breached the contract and awarded $400,000 in damages to the U.S. company as well as over $2 million in reasonable and necessary attorney’s fees. So not only was the U.S. company able to recover their damages, they were also able to pay their attorneys for all the work that had to be done on their case. I tried a similar breach of contract case where the jury awarded $100,000 in damages but over $400,000 in attorney’s fees (that case is now on appeal). I heard a comedian say once “Whoever said ‘talk is cheap,’ has never hired a lawyer.” If you have no choice but to hire a lawyer to help you with your case, make sure to inquire about whether you can recover attorney’s fees from your opponent.

“The law firm of Garcia & Martinez showed an impressive command of the law and the courtroom when they got us our $9 Million jury verdict.” – Dr Juan and Sylvia Mancillas.

january/february 2016

Parkinson’s Disease Patients - Connect with Us! Connect with others! Whether you want to know more about Medtronic DBS Therapy (deep brain stimulation) for Parkinson’s disease or find tools and people to help you make an informed decision about DBS, we’ve got the connections—online and by phone. Join us! ONLINE

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BUSINESS

F AIT H trust and

LOV E By David Alvarado “It’s not just energy products but the methods and work ethic to enhance these products as they go through the installation process. Our belief and experience says ‘If it’s not put in right, it’s wrong even when it’s the best.’” It’s no secret that family businesses can struggle with leadership conflict, economic survival and growing pains, yet these enterprises play a key role in the global economy. According to the Harvard Business Review, family-owned or -controlled businesses account for an estimated 80% of companies worldwide, and are the largest source of long-term employment in most countries. At Atlas Electrical, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Plumbing Services Inc., the rustic warehouse and contuse offices built by Sara H. Sagredo-Hammond’s father in the 1980s still stand. The company provides services ranging from electrical, refrigeration and air conditioning to plumbing, paving and heating. The 30-year, family-run business had its start as an electrical contractor, adding the Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning portion of the company shortly after opening its doors. According to the company website, Atlas has since been able 46

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to adapt to the needs of the community, and most importantly, the ever-changing technical environment. Atlas is energyconscious, and has shifted its focus to providing products and services that reduce energy consumption. “It’s not just energy products but the methods and work ethic to enhance these products as they go through the installation process,” says Sagredo-Hammond. “Our belief and experience says, ‘If it’s not put in right, it’s wrong even when it’s the best.’” A daughter of traveling migrant workers, Sagredo-Hammond was born in North Dakota. Working in the fields was not enough to feed their growing family so Sagredo-Hammond’s father, Rogelio Sagredo Sr., joined the U.S. Air Force to supplement their income during the off-season. It was during his term of service that he gained invaluable electrical training at the Air Force training center in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

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After saving enough money, Rogelio Sagredo Sr. decided it was time to permanently plant their roots in Rio Grande Valley and build a house for his family. “I remember we used car lights when it was late at night to finish the ground and the concrete of our house. We didn’t have lights and he didn’t contract so he did it all himself with friends and family,” said Sagredo-Hammond who as a child, helped as best as she could before falling asleep in the back of the wagon. “It was 11-something, 12 o'clock at night and my mom and dad were still outside working.” Once the Sagredo house was firm in its foundation, Sagredo Sr. began working for a local electrical company selling parts and eventually saved enough money to start his own electrical business. “My dad taught my brother, Roy Jr., how to wire a house,” said Sagredo-Hammond, who would often work on Saturdays alongside the rest of her family. “At the age of 12, my brother could work on one side of the house while my dad worked on the other.” The business quickly expanded into providing air conditioning services with her father and brother doing the fieldwork, while Sarah’s mother ran the books and answered the phones from the family home. Her family continued to run the business and when Sagredo-Hammond turned 16, her father purchased a plot of land and built the company’s still standing warehouse and offices. Although the building is no longer state-of-the-art and could use a fresh coat of paint, she sees it as a thing of beauty and something to take a lot of pride in. “For me, these walls are my dad and my mom,” said Sagredo-Hammond. She attributes Atlas’ success, in part, to the consistent vision that her family has had for the company even from the early years. SagredoHammond says Atlas wants to meet everybody’s needs. “We don’t just want to be a corporation; we want to treat our clients like they’re our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers,” she said. She would very much like to see the company franchise out and expand to Laredo or Corpus, but the responsible work ethic and moral story must stay the same. Sagredo-Hammond says the keys to success of running a corporation has been in how they integrate family into the way they treats their employees and clients. “Whenever we do work in somebody’s house and deal with a client over the phone, we have to be respectful as if they were our own family because we’re all family here.”

It boils down to these three values in her own words:

Faith. The family ministry upbringing that we had was very important to me. My parents always told me that you have to do things right with God and treat the people around you with respect. You have to put God first.

Trust. My father has always been a trustworthy man and everything that he said - he did. He didn’t over-promise, and if he did over-promise, he had to do what he said he would do. We were raised that way: if you’re gonna say it, and you’re gonna do it, you gotta get it done - whatever it takes. Love.

You have to love what you do. I get stressed and sometimes I want to go home and pull my hair out. Sometimes I think, “I can’t believe I just had another one of those days,” but I get up every morning and I love it. I don’t know if it’s because I see this company as what my parent’s built, but I love it as much as I love my parents.

Sara H. Sagredo-Hammond january/february 2016

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The Cheshires

and DBS by Jonathan lee Salinas DBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of a pacemaker near the thalamus, (opposite the side of the body where symptoms manifest) which deliver s continuous electrical stimu lation into the brain via the complimenting pacemaker-like mechanism (typically placed on the patient’s chest).

hen James Parkinson, British physician and geologist, noted shaking palsy in his most well-known essay, it may not have been the first time that “shaking” was used to describe the ailment now attributed to his name, and it certainly was not the last. Since the discovery of the neurodegenerative disorder, treatment for Parkinson’s has made strides, and Dr. Jose Dones of Harlingen has helped patients manage symptoms with a procedure known as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Linda Cheshire, a West Virginia native, described her husband’s experience with Parkinson’s in a blog, “The Shuffle, Tremor, and Other Moves.” She wrote about meeting her husband, Richard, for the first time and noticing “the slightest hint of a tremor in his right hand.” Richard was born and raised in Los Fresnos, where he is a coach, Physical Education teacher, and referee. His professional life required being physically active, and he is fit for a man his age. Linda describes how agile he was on the court compared to younger officials. “When I watched him referee I had often noted how he could run faster [sic] backward than many of his younger colleagues could run forward.” However, a life of athletic activity and a family history of no known ailments aren’t guarantees to perfect health. After a visit to his general physician for increasing pain in his right knee, the doctor was able to discern from a shuffle in his walk that

Cheshire had Parkinson’s. Their initial reaction was not one of shock, but one of proactivity. “I had noticed the shaking in his right hand a great deal, and we’d never asked the doctor about it or been told that,” said Linda. “But I had (in the back of my head) the thought that this could be early Parkinson’s.” Richard was also not surprised, given that his father lived with a tremor. “I know my dad had shaking in his right hand, but as far as I know he never went to the doctor about it,” he said. Their neurosurgeon confirmed the diagnoses, recommended Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, and put Richard on a CarbidopaLevodopa regimen. It is commonly believed that Parkinson symptoms result from the deficiency of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This assumption is made because medications, such as the above, catalyze and sustain the production of the neurotransmitter. However, a lack of said neurotransmitter as the cause of Parkinson symptoms has never been proved, nor are neurotransmitter levels in the human body measurable. Though symptoms are momentarily relieved, the brain begins to develop a tolerance to the drug. Symptoms recur partly for this reason, and partly because the neurodegenerative disease progresses. This happened to Richard. For two years, he left his neurosurgeon’s advice to have DBS surgery unheeded, but the symptoms persisted. “The shaking of the hand and shuffling of the feet finally came back one day and I said, ‘I’m gonna have the surgery,’” remembered Richard. DBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of a pacemaker near the thalamus, (opposite the side of the body where symptoms manifest) which delivers continuous electrical

stimulation into the brain via the complimenting pacemaker-like mechanism (typically placed on the patient’s chest). The procedure has shown to treat Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Epilepsy, though not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration for these purposes. Treatment for Parkinson’s was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 and shows promising relief of symptoms in most patients for extended periods of time. Going into surgery with Dr. Dones, Richard thought that it could do him some good if nothing else. “I was hoping that at least the shaking in the right arm and the shuffling of the feet would stop,” he said. Two years after surgery, Richard lives well. “I’m happy! It helps my life to the point where I can live with it.” He tells his story to anybody who gives him half the chance, including educators in Weslaco High School, some of whom have family members or friends with the disorder. Linda participates in telling others the good news about Deep Brain Stimulation as well. “I talk also of the changes I can see in him… For him, for us, it was an answered prayer.” Their answered prayer came in the form of receiving around-the-clock assistance from the technicians at MEDTRONIC, a Medical Device company based in Ireland with clinics throughout the United States. It is the world’s largest medical device company and the only one that provides Deep Brain Stimulation services. The personal experience the Cheshires have received has been satisfactory beyond expectations. They feel assured that any question will be answered and handled properly by their designated technician, Manuel “Manny” Molina, with whom they have developed a chummy relationship. “He explains things,” said Richard. “He’s upbeat, kind of funny in a way,” he said, and chuckled. “He’s very pleasant to work with!” The urging of the Cheshires to anybody who has or may have Parkinson’s is full of a certain pragmatic optimism. “If you’re looking for a 100-percent cure, you will not find it,” said Richard. “ It doesn’t bother me that I still shake if I do certain things. I just try not to do them and get on with my life.” Some activities that trigger tremors are brushing his teeth, eating and watching suspense films, but he adjusts without complaint and doesn’t let the tremor impede on his mobility. "Sometimes I just really start shaking and I have to eat with my left hand instead of my right,” he said. Brushing his teeth is another trigger, so he uses an electrical toothbrush, and has found that if he raises his right elbow above his shoulder the shaking is less. The suspense films are treated with an anti-anxiety medication. While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s – or any other neurodegenerative disorder for that matter – Richard has received a new lease on mobility and does not miss any opportunity to appreciate it. “I really want other people to know about it,” said Linda. She acknowledges there are many who may be going

Dr. Jose Dones While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s – or any other neurodegenerative disorder for that matter – Richard has received a new lease on mobility and does not miss any opportunity to appreciate it.

through the most debilitating stages of the disease who should know that the potential for a better quality of life awaits. “Give it a good try. For some, it may not be recommended depending on the advancement of the disease,” wrote the occasional blogger. “It may not work for that person, but then again, what if it does? What if it does…” Through their journey, they have generated a cure for pessimism, adumbrated with a trust in medicine and the science that backs it, along with a proactive spirit that chooses to make the most of any progress attainable. “I hope it touches someone and helps give them some hope. A much higher quality of life is possible.”

january/february 2016

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HEALTH

Rosabel Gonzalez: Helping Those in Pain By Lauri Revilla

I hope to provide patients with a better understanding of their pain, and how we can manage their pain, together.

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january/february 2016

or over twelve years, Rosabel Gonzalez has been working with the Center for Pain Management in Edinburg to improve the quality of life for chronic pain sufferers in the Rio Grande Valley. As a physician assistant known to her patients as “Rosa,” she evaluates recurring pain of many causes, from accident-related to the pain experienced by those with terminal cancer and other degenerative diseases. Gonzalez draws on her extensive experience in pain management to develop treatment plans that will make a patient’s suffering more manageable. Gonzalez began her career at the clinic as an assistant to Dr. Chowdhury in August of 2004. “Under his supervision, I increased my knowledge base on pain management and how a well put together control plan can improve the quality of life for a patient,” explained Gonzalez, but her education and experience in pain management began long before she joined the Center for Pain Management Family. After completing her physician assistant studies at the University of Texas - Pan American in 2007, she earned her master’s degree a few years later.

“It is important that each patient be evaluated and educated on what services the Center for Pain Management can provide for them,” said Gonzalez. “It is amazing to see someone overcome their pain struggle by following the personalized plan that I have put together for them." Center for Pain has been providing some of the most innovative pain management treatments and procedures to Rio Grande Valley residents for over 21 years. The clinic’s specialist and founder, Dr. Tim S. Chowdhury, established the clinic when he realized that individuals dealing with pain did not have many treatment options in this area. With over 30 years of experience in anesthesia and interventional pain management, he knew that would bring a formidable option for Valley residents. Years later, Center for Pain Management is known for being the largest and most innovative pain management practices in the Rio Grande Valley. The legacy of compassion and effective pain management treatments is what attracted Gonzalez to Center for Pain Management. The clinic has a strong reputation among medical professionals in the Valley for outstanding standards of patient care and extensive experience in

Upon helping them manage their pain, the patient is well on their way to a better quality of life. Her training is focused on general internal and family medicine, which allows her to better provide diagnostic and therapeutic options for the patients at Center for Pain Management. When Gonzalez completed her physician assistant coursework and requirements, it was only natural for her to continue with the clinic in her new role. Her experience working under Dr. Chowdhury has taught her to treat each patient she encounters with compassion and individualized care.

both traditional and innovative procedures. As part of the Center for Pain Management team, Rosabel hopes to continue on with this legacy of helping those living with pain lead better lives. “I hope to provide patients with a better understanding of their pain, and how we can manage their pain, together,” said Gonzalez. “Upon helping them manage their pain, the patient is well on their way to a better quality of life.”

january/february 2016

(956) 423-6030

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HEALTH

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE & EVERYDAY LIFE. Melissa Gauna, NTP, CHNC Nutritional Therapy Services

FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONISTS ARE A CRUCIAL PART OF THE HEALTHCARE TEAM. WE WORK ALONGSIDE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS TO EDUCATE PATIENTS ON HOW FOOD CAN AND SHOULD BE USED AS MEDICINE.

ith diseases such as mental health disorders, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and cardiovascular disease on the rise, Western medicine is recognizing that treating isolated symptoms of individual conditions is not working. There is a shift taking place, away from the disease-centered approach, to a patientcentered approach.

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We now understand that in order to achieve lasting health and wellness, we must treat the person as a whole; not just their physical state, but their mental, emotional, and environmental states as well. Rather than working to eliminate symptoms, a functional nutritionist looks at the symptoms and thinks about what part of the body’s anatomy and physiology is causing those symptoms to manifest.

A FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONIST THINKS: WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM? Everything you put into, onto, or around your body will influence how your cells function, and, ultimately, how your body functions. Functional nutrition looks at the way food affects your body at its most basic cellular level. Because every body is different, there is no one list of foods that work for everyone. This is why a functional nutritionist assesses your unique internal environment, from your blood chemistry to the condition of your micro-biome and even genes.

january/february 2016

In doing this, we are able to identify the specific nutritional, environmental, and lifestyle factors that could be provoking your symptoms. Functional nutritionists are a crucial part of the healthcare team. We work alongside medical practitioners to educate patients on how food can and should be used as medicine. This way the doctor, patient, and nutritionist, work together to stop the momentum of disease, and delay, or even reverse, the illness. But the fact is:

LASTING HEALTH CANNOT BE ACHIEVED IF NUTRITION IS LEFT OUT OF THE EQUATION. In many cases, a doctor’s role ends when you leave their office, but a functional nutritionist’s role is just beginning. Functional nutritionists do not diagnose or treat disease; but they do recommend the necessary foods and nutrients to help your body heal from the inside out. A functional nutritionist is there to be your guide, teaching you what foods work for your body, how to prepare these foods to maximize their nutritional value, and how to turn these healing foods from symptomfixers, into tools that put the state of your health back in your hands.

I began learning about health and nutrition while battling my own health issues. For many years, I struggled with debilitating eczema. Doctors and specialists helped me alleviate symptoms short-term, but I wanted to learn what was causing the eczema in the first place. When the doctors had no answers, I turned to food. I thought I was eating the perfect, “healthy” diet: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. But after learning about the elimination diet approach to discovering food allergies, I decided to cut grains and dairy for a few weeks. Shortly after, on a trip to Switzerland, I decided to enjoy a bowl of pasta. I finally got my answer. My symptoms returned with a vengeance. I realized that I had simply been eating the wrong foods for my body. That’s also when I realized there is no one, perfect diet for everyone. While certain foods can be healing for some, those same foods can be extremely harmful to others. This is the foundation of my nutrition practice. My goal is to teach others that food is a critical piece to their journey back to heath, and there is no one-size-fits all answer. We need to create partnerships with doctors so that people can achieve healing not just on the surface, but from their roots within.

THE DOCTOR, PATIENT, AND NUTRITIONIST, WORK TOGETHER TO STOP THE MOMENTUM OF DISEASE, AND DELAY, OR EVEN REVERSE, THE ILLNESS.

january/february 2016

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HEALTH

Today’s teens are more sleep deprived than ever. Over half of American teenagers get “insufficient sleep” - defined as less than eight hours a night - according to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation. How did a group infamous for sleeping late become nationally known for not sleeping enough? Experts put the blame on too much screen time. “Looking at phones, tablets, laptops, and other screens too close to bedtime will disrupt anyone’s sleep,” says Dr. Rizwana Sultana, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch’s Department of Sleep Medicine. “But screens are especially bad for teenage sleep.” According to Dr. Sultana, adolescents are more vulnerable to screen-related sleep deprivation due to a unique combination of biology and behavior. 58

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First, screens interrupt the body’s normal “winding down” system. Usually, around bedtime, our bodies produce a sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is triggered by dimming light; it’s the body’s way of saying “hey, it’s night time, let’s get some sleep.” Staring at the bright blue light of a screen before bed delays melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. The melatonin issue is not exclusive to teenagers - anyone who looks at their phone or tablet too close to bed is susceptible. The trouble is that teens have a much harder time putting the screen away at night. “For one thing, they’re not as sleepy, says Dr. Sultana. “Adults have a hard time staying awake when we’re tired. Teens can do it easily, at least for a while.”

And then there is the social factor. Remember when nothing was more important than your social life? That hasn’t changed, only now, teen social lives are carried out in text messages and displayed on social networks. Imagine all the friendships, crushes, fights, and fun you had in high school condensed into one three-by-five inch screen. Adolescent peer interactions have gone digital, and it’s turned screens into teenage kryptonite. We spoke to some local parents to get their take on the teen sleep issue. “I definitely noticed a difference in my daughter’s sleep when she got her smartphone,” says Melissa, a Donna, TX mother of a fifteenyear-old. “It was like she couldn’t turn her brain off.” Melissa adds that it’s not just texting, Instagram, and Facebook that keep her daughter from sound slumber. “More and more, her homework requires a laptop. She also checks her assignments from her phone, or uses the iPad to do research. She can easily be working on a screen right up until bedtime.”

sleep, they aren’t as likely to remember everything.” Even more alarming, missing sleep can wreak havoc on teenagers’ moods. The same National Sleep Foundation study from earlier found that teens who didn’t sleep enough reported feeling more depressed, irritable, and cranky than their peers who got the recommended amount of shut-eye. Clearly, teens need their beauty rest. And while the lure of the screen is powerful, there are ways to make sure teenagers get their 40 winks. Sleep experts recommend creating a healthy sleep routine. “I tell patients to set a nightly bedtime and stick to it,” Dr. Sultana explains. She also warns against relying on catch-up sleep. “Sleeping late on weekends may temporarily reduce sleep debt, but it makes falling back into a good routine on Monday difficult.” When it comes to screens, Dr. Sultana suggests both teens and parents put away their devices at least one hour before bedtime.

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Melissa’s daughter, Andrea, provides a teenage perspective. “Most of my friends sleep clutching their phones in their hands. I get texts at 2:00 in the morning sometimes,” she says. “I’d probably do the same thing if my parents didn’t stop me. I know looking at a screen at night is bad for my sleep, but there’s just so much on my phone.” Andrea makes a valid point - with the world at your fingertips, it’s easy to de-prioritize sleep. But doing so has serious consequences. According to Dr. Sultana, teenagers need about 9 to 10 hours of sleep per night. “Sleep plays a critical role in physical and mental health,” she explains. “When teens miss sleep, they don’t receive these vital benefits.” There are academic consequences too. “Sleep is a time for memory consolidation,” Dr. Sultana says. “Teenagers in school learn so much each day. With inadequate

‘“Parents need to model the sleep behavior they want to see in their teenagers.” Melissa agrees. “In our house, phones and computers and tablets are all turned off at 9:30, including mine and my husband’s.” Lastly, it’s important to invest teenagers in protecting their own sleep. “Teenagers are moving into a stage where making their own choices is important to them,” Dr. Sultana tells us. “And usually, when they hear the facts about screens and sleep, they’ll self-regulate their bedtime smartphone habits.” All of this sounds like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for today’s sleep deprived teens. Let’s just hope it’s not a blue light.

january/february 2016

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HEALTH

RESOLUTION 2016: Be Realistic about Weight Loss

he New Year is a time for people to reflect on past behaviors and commit to making positive lifestyle changes. Change is something that can be an arduous process, but it is attainable. Making realistic resolutions is important. There is a greater chance that you will keep the resolutions if you are realistic about what you are able to

accomplish and the challenges that come along with change. The change process with regard to weight loss is dependent on one’s level of motivation. Losing weight or managing weight is no easy task. With so much good food at our disposal and with food being used frequently for mood regulation, it’s no wonder motivation to stick to weight loss

The American Psychological Association offers tips when planning your New Year’s Resolutions:

goals fades within a few days. We are in the season of New Year’s resolutions and vision boards. Many people will vow to stick to their New Year’s resolutions once and for all! At the top of many resolution lists is the promise to lose a few pounds. Too often, though, people make the plan to lose weight without really setting proper goals for doing so. Furthermore, those resolutions and promises do not come equipped with plans for what to do when there are setbacks along the way.

Change One Behavior at a Time Do not get overwhelmed and think you have to reassess everything in your life.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up It is important to remember that perfection is unattainable! It is OK if minor missteps occur. Do not give up because you ate a cookie or broke your diet, or skipped the gym for a week or two because you were too busy. It is important to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.

Start Small Start Small. Psychologists recommend making your resolutions that you can keep. For example, if your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week at the gym instead of daily. If you like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something healthier, like fruit.

Ask for Support It is OK to accept help from those who care and will listen. This will help you achieve your goals. If you feel unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help. Mental health professionals can offer new strategies on how to adjust your goals so they are attainable, help you change unhealthy behaviors, and address possible emotional issues. (APA, 2015). 60

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Talk About It It is important to share your experiences with family and friends and consider joining a support group to help reach your goals or a workout class at your gym. Having others with whom to share your struggles and successes makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle easier and less intimidating. january/february 2016

11 Personal Tips that have helped psychologist, Dr. Ebony Butler, sustain her 10-year weight loss and weight management program

1 2

I decide what my motivation is daily, as it changes. Different days require different motivations. I dig down deep to stay committed. Sometimes I have to dig WAY down and find strength to stay the course. We all have something that keeps us going and preserving. Find yours!

I eliminated unhealthy foods little by little – not all at once. I found that anything too drastic would only cause me to quit.

I allowed myself to have a cheat meal here and there – not everywhere!

When I fell off the wagon, I GOT BACK ON. Every day is a chance to reset.

I incorporated cardio, cardio, and more cardio into my workout. ALFONSO MERCADO, PH.D., LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST VALLEY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES - ASSISTANT PROFESSOR-DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY At The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 1201 West University Drive Edinburg, Texas 78539 www.utpa.edu/psychology

I worked out consistently at least five days a week.

I found someone to hold me accountable. Being accountable to someone kept me honest.  P.S. Eliminate nay-sayers. You can do it!!

I educated myself about weight loss and being healthy. There is so much information out there. Find what works for you and your body - and be aware that as your body changes, what works will also change.

I kept a journal of my meals. I could make better changes if I saw things in concrete form.

I remind myself everyday that this is a one day at a time process and there is NO quick fix.

Dr. Ebony Butler, Licensed Psychologist Trauma Specialist

january/february 2016

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LIFE

By George Cox

eople understanding other people can be hard enough. But imagine being a dog and trying to understand a human. Pet owners often project human qualities on their dogs, treating them as equals and thinking the animals will respond in kind. They couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more wrong, and they may be doing more damage than good to the relationship between canine and human, as well as to the overall health of the dog. My wife, Katherine, and I have been dog owners for many years, at times having as many as six dogs. Today we have four, two of them youngsters that have provided us with our greatest canine challenge. Brothers Jackson Durango and Jefferson Diego, Irish wolfhound-border collie mixes, have taken us on a journey that has left us with a better understanding of dog psychology, canine-human relationships and the importance of training in developing good mental health. Our other two dogs, 9-year-old terrier mix shelter rescue Lulu and 3-yearold Irish Wolfhound Sobrina Luna, are registered therapy pets and work primarily with a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literacy program at the Harlingen Public Library. When we picked up Jack and Jeff a year ago as 3-month-old pups we had high hopes their personalities would be compatible with therapy pet work. We began working with them at home on basic obedience, and taking them out to socialize in the community. We thought we 62

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had a pretty good start but we also knew that we needed some professional help. So we paid a visit to the RGV K9 Training Centre in Edinburg, owned and operated by Marty and Leslie Vielma. Marty has years of experience working with and training law enforcement canines. Leslie is a veteran trainer who has also done extensive work with animal rescue. Both graduated at the top of their classes from the well-known Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers. We arrived at the 10-acre facility for an “assessment” of Jack and Jeff, confident that our amateur training abilities had given them a basic foundation. But we were embarrassed by their behavior as the high-energy Border Collie in them showed it’s worst side when they reacted to all the other dogs and people we encountered. They would not stop barking and pulling on their leashes. We lost control of them. The training center staff had to put them in kennels before we could even have a conversation with Marty. He introduced us to the center and its wide variety of training services. At one point I asked him if he was ready to do the assessment on Jack and Jeff. “I’ve already done that,” he said with a smile. “It took me about three seconds after you walked in the door.” Needless to say, we set up a schedule for lessons. From the very first session we began to see a difference in our relationships with Jack and Jeff and their behavior. What made the difference for us was not just that Marty and Leslie are accomplished trainers, but how they shared their vast knowledge of dog psychology and behavior that helped us bond more closely with Jack and Jeff. “Our goal is not make our dogs trust, respect and love us; it is to make ourselves trustworthy, respectable and loveable,” celebrity dog trainer Cesar Milan writes on his website, cesarsway.com. Leslie once expressed that sentiment in a simpler, more casual way. “The dogs never screw things up, it’s always the humans that screw it up,” she told us during one training session. For some people that turns the notion of what dog training is all about on its head. It is more complex than teaching commands and connecting them to the desired behavior, as many people believe. “A lot of pet owners tend to want to fulfill the human needs of needing love and needing companionship,” Leslie said.

“They try to humanize the dog, but then the dog can’t survive as a dog. We need to let the dog be a dog.” By putting emphasis on training the human, the Vielmas teach about the subtle cues that dogs send their masters, but even more importantly, the often not-so-subtle messages that humans project to their pets. Dogs tend to look to their humans for direction that gives them a purpose in life, which in turn helps ground them emotionally and mentally. “We need to start creating independence for the dog, and let them be dogs,” Leslie said. We learned about body language, and not just how to read the dogs’ physical behavior, but how our body language, tone of voice and movements are interpreted by the animal. Dogs can sense when their humans are uncertain and insecure as masters, so it is important for the handlers to gain self-confidence in ways the animals understand. “If the human is a very stable individual then the dog is going to pick up on anything that is necessary,” Leslie said, adding that once the animal begins to understand what

january/february 2016

“We need to start creating independence for the dog, and let them be dogs.”

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LIFE

is expected then they become more confident and independent as a dog. Being relaxed and maintaining good posture as a handler is an example. If the handler is tense and not moving confidently the dog can sense that something is not right and become uncertain, anxious and unresponsive to commands. Part of what we learned was how to be patient and consistent with our expectations while working with Jack and Jeff, and they responded with the kind of results we wanted. “Once the dog understands what is expected, then they become more confident and independent,” Leslie said. A well trained dog also makes it

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easier for humans to give their companions the exercise they need to stay healthy, whether on a walk in the neighborhood or a romp in an open space like a public dog park. Dealing with an unmannered dog that pulls on the leash and behaves poorly around other people and dogs makes exercise an unpleasant and frustrating experience for both human and dog. “Dogs need walks. Dogs need to be around other dogs,” Leslie said. “They are pack animals and need to be socialized, otherwise they can become aggressive in situations like dog parks.” The RGV K9 Training Centre also offers swimming for dogs, and Leslie cited that as an example of how training and exercise work together for canine health. “Swimming is the best form of exercise to help a dog get into a healthy state of mind,” she said. While many dogs are hesitant to enter

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the pool, a confident trainer or owner can help them overcome the initial fear. “You make them take that plunge and all of a sudden you teach the dog to swim,” Leslie said. “It seems like we’re forcing the dog, but the dog learns to listen to the command and go into the water, and now that creates independence because the dog understands what is expected.” As we have earned the respect of Jack and Jeff, they have more confidence and a better sense of what is expected of them. They are responsive to our directions while on leash, and much calmer and better behaved around the house when the leashes are hanging on the wall. We continue to strengthen our bonds with them through training with the Vielmas, including learning how to master an agility course, and we still believe they have a future as therapy pets. Jack has successfully passed a therapy dog evaluation and we believe Jeff will soon follow in his paw steps.

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BUSINESS

Leadership Edinbur g

BYRON LEWIS “BE INVOLVED, MAKE A DIFFERENCE, HAVE A HEART” BY KAREN VILLARREAL

Byron Jay Lewis considers himself a citizen of Edinburg by choice, a decision he does not take lightly. “Where you choose to live, you owe that place respect and to bring your gifts to it,” says Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Edwards Abstract and Title Co. This belief in civil responsibility and stewardship has driven Lewis to seek service opportunities since his arrival to the Valley. His early participation in the founding committee and first graduating class of Leadership Edinburg, now in its 26th year, was a transformative experience. It introduced him to new perspectives and people who shared his love for this region, its people, and culture. Leadership Edinburg is the first step for local leaders to start developing a common vision within their professional and community networks. “There is value in taking people who have the potential to be leaders and helping them build their leadership skills, but the real power is bringing together leaders of smaller realms to get a common vision that can bring together those backgrounds, experiences and skills,” says Lewis. The individuals brought together by Leadership Edinburg would become life-long allies in the cause for industry and community improvement, as the foundational group intended. His gifts for leadership and participation in many projects and collaborations were recently recognized; he was awarded the RGV Walk of Fame and Edinburg Chamber Man of the Year in 2015. “I’ve been acknowledged in several ways 66

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that I wasn’t expecting, which are meaningful to me,” Lewis says. “It brings out a quiet moment in me to think, ‘What a wonderful place we chose to live in.’ ” Lewis was fresh out of law school when he moved down to the Valley from Houston in July of 1986. He fell in love with the area, and being an involved individual, he found himself on the board of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce a few years later, where the idea of a leadership program for Edinburg was born. “The executive director of the chamber had gone to a leadership program in Austin, and McAllen had been successful with theirs. Edinburg is a special place, so we decided we needed one,” Lewis remembered. Other members of the steering committee included Martha Noel, executive director at the chamber, local Certified Public Accountant, Alton Cook, Gary Henrichson, an attorney, and Ted Miller, a real estate developer. They gathered information about leadership programs from all over, deciding on a model that was comprehensive and would require a six-month commitment. “We wanted to use it to introduce people to the community and all the aspects of it, whether they’re from here or out of the area,” Lewis said. Realizing that successful programs are structured so success can be repeated, they established six major topics, including history of the region, political structure, and public safety, which are very similar to those being taught in current Leadership Edinburg courses (history, education, healthcare, politics, and quality of life). They learned about the qualities that make a leader, and how large projects require not only strong leadership, but cooperation. The steering committee decided as a matter of

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THERE’S VALUE IN LAYING DOWN YOUR SWORDS OF WHATEVER POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES WE HAVE. THAT’S POWERFUL. integrity that they should be students of the course too, so they became the first graduating class of the program. “I’m really glad we did,” said Lewis, as uniting like-minded individuals has led to some substantial developments for Edinburg. Lewis remembers the first graduating class of ‘90 as a diverse group, ethnically, gender-wise, and in their backgrounds, which he feels was one of the biggest advantages of what Leadership Edinburg was doing. It brought together 25 individuals to develop a way to work towards common goals. “Leaders need to be sitting at the same tables more, looking at ways to make a difference rather than looking at ways to protect their status quo,” says Lewis. He found that everybody in the diverse group of local shakers and movers had something to add, if given the opportunity. Aside from building leadership skills, leadership classes are powerful tools for bringing people together to accomplish something. “There’s value in laying down your swords of whatever political or religious differences we have,” says Lewis. “That’s powerful.” Leadership Edinburg had formed a network of people who Lewis was able to reach out to for help on a project he worked on, the kind of project he says takes a village: The Edinburg Boys and Girls Club. With the nonprofit organization, the Edinburg Foundation, Inc., which helped buy the land and develop the subdivision, the project became a reality. “It’s a system that allows us to make a difference,” says Lewis. The system Leadership Edinburg has in place depends on new members every year, which he says the founding committee was aware of. “You start out enthusiastic, but because it’s a volunteer situation, and it’s such a commitment (there are so many other demands for people’s time); there are cycles. One year we’ll have 20 people apply for 25 spots, and other years we’ll have 100 people apply.” Still, the organization is going strong, and Lewis has high hopes for the future of Leadership Edinburg, in part because of the region’s unique demographics. In a world with aging populations, the average age in Edinburg is ~27. “Think of the power of all these young people coming up!” enthused Lewis. “It’s transformative! Anywhere else in the country people are saying ‘Where are we going to find the employees with skills?’ In South Texas it’s easy; it’s the millennials.” Lewis thinks we have to do a better job opening doors for young people in the RGV, providing opportunities

that will keep the young, savvy workforce from moving away, a major attractor for companies looking for new locations. “There’s going to be no place that can compare,” says Lewis. “If I were a big company looking for a location, I’d be looking down here. Mild climate, great workforce, great core values, great community, beautiful environment.” He recognizes that our proximity to the border is significant, as well. “If we join the stage as the million people on the U.S. side and two million on the Mexico side (we’re neighbors intertwined in the border), there’s a lot of potential here.” Lewis says that leadership at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley demonstrated great vision in uniting the region’s campuses. “If we present ourselves as a community from Brownsville to McAllen, including Harlingen, Mission, and Mercedes, then we have a voice equal to the big urban areas of the country,” says Lewis. “But if we fragment and present ourselves in smaller ways, it’s easier for people to disregard our voice and instead look to San Antonio or Dallas.” As we can see all around us, many big companies have decided on the Valley for their next locations. With the growth that’s happening along the expressways, there’s a huge opportunity to prepare to avoid gridlock and congestion as seen in other Texas cities. Anticipating the need for self-sustaining structures, and having the vision to enact them is a part of what makes a good leader. “But that’s a leadership issue statewide,” he says. “The problem is you start a project and by the time it’s done ten years later, it’s outdated. When I was in business school in ‘83, my professors were talking about our need for bullet trains from the Valley to Dallas and Houston. It’s a huge investment, and I understand the dollars are huge, but high speed rail would be beneficial. Hopefully leadership classes can help people with different backgrounds create that vision to anticipate things like that.” Lewis believes there are higher principles that call us together to accomplish the kinds of things Leadership Edinburg aims to do. “I think it’s time we start focusing on the things that matter,” he says, referring to future generations who need help to reach their full potential. “I love the organizations that give these kids a chance (who can come from extremely difficult home situations) to go to school and excel. That’s one of the reasons I love Boys and Girls Club, Teach for America: these kids, they’re going

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BUSINESS

to take care of the world, they’re going to transform the world.” At this point in his life, Lewis shared that he feels most proud of what he helped build at Leadership Edinburg. To date more than 430 people have met the Leadership Edinburg challenge. “We built a structure for people to interact together,” says Lewis. Looking back, he realizes that it’s the kind of structure that inspires people to do something to help others. “Wow, that’s cool.” From what he learned in the class, personal experience, and extensive reading of biographies of great leaders, Lewis has identified several traits that together make a strong leader in an industry or community. 1) Has to be empathetic. Developing the curriculum and starting the class was the first “project” of the steering committee, but a few years into the program, a class service project would become integrated into the framework at the suggestion of the students. “I remember how proud I was at the evolution of that, because that’s the mindset we want,” said Lewis. “They aren’t just there for their own benefit; they’re there to do things and grow, and build connections, and I think that’s healthy for people. That was a sign that it was doing what it was supposed to be doing.” 2) Has to bring their gifts to the table. In the case of Edwards Abstract and Title Co., which is a service business, this came in the form of anticipating and meeting needs; making the process smoother, easier for their customer so they’re successful in completing their transaction is mutually beneficial because if not, they’ll lose them. “The key is always to be conscious of what it is you can do to help your customer accomplish what they need to do to be successful,” says Lewis. Having incorporated into their business statement that they bring people together to help them do their real estate transactions, the main concern of Edwards Abstract and Title Co.'s employees is to be aware of that ultimate goal.

3) Has to know the risks, has to be willing to play full-on, or put themselves on the line. “If I’m making any sense here, there’s a vulnerability to a strong leader, because there are going to be some disappointments. If you’re leading, people are going to take shots at you, and you have to be willing to bring it,” says Lewis. “People who are too cautious to leave the safe spot and get in the line of fire are rarely good leaders. You have to step out right into the middle of the fire, and if you survive that, that’s a meaningful thing and you can make a difference.” 4) Has to bring what they have to offer with an open mind, and be willing to learn new lessons. “I was on the Texas Land Title Association Board that came up with the certification program for title insurance business associates, and I thought that was great,” remembers Lewis. “I signed up and took the test. At the time, I was serving on the board and challenging people to do it with me. As I’m taking the test I’m thinking, ‘Oh no, what if I don’t pass; I have to see the board members!’ But I passed it. It was crazy difficult, but now I’m a Certified Title Insurance Associate (CTIA) by the Texas Land Title Association.” 5) Has to have a sense of humility. “It’s a danger for leaders for it to go to your head,” says Lewis. “There are so many people whose shoulders I’ve stood on. I’m more aware at 55 than ever of the contributions of my parents, grandparents. My mom’s parents were tenant farmers and pulled cotton sacks - my children don’t understand what that means.” 6) Has to be able to suffer defeats and losses gracefully and be able to celebrate victories and share credits with everybody who helped make it happen. In their own case, he says there were so many people who accepted himself and his wife and gave them all these opportunities when they chose Edinburg as their home. “The Valley's such a wonderful place,” he says.

“THE VALLEY’S SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE.” 68

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LIFE

Artist

– George Tobolowsky

Be on the lookout for ten large-scale sculptures by Dallas artist George Tobolowsky on display throughout McAllen and at IMAS. Tobolowsky, following the advice of his professor and mentor James Surls, left a successful business and law career in 2004 to pursue art. Tobolowsky welds abstract metal sculptures from steel and stainless steel “found objects”— typically industrial metal castoffs from scrap yards and fabrication plants in the Dallas area. He calls himself a “junkyard dog.” The original shapes of the discarded steel dictate the form each sculpture takes. Titles are developed after the works are finished, and all of his carefully balanced compositions incorporate circular elements. A prolific artist, Tobolowsky has participated in over 50 one-person and group exhibitions during the last decade, and his work can be found in dozens of collections, both public and private. Small-scale sculpture will be on display in the Clark Gallery at IMAS from January 30 to May 22, 2016 in “George Tobolowsky: Is This the Road I’m On?”

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january/february 2016

Artist

- Mauricio Sáenz

The exhibition “Mauricio Sáenz: Of Islands and Unicorns” looks at the way modern life isolates us from one another so that we cannot see beyond our own perspective. Sáenz, originally from Matamoros, Mexico, creates elegant, conceptual art work dealing with concepts of impossibility, paradox and the blurring of contradictory forces. “Of Islands and Unicorns” combines mixed-media sculpture and video installation to explore the idea of the utopic island, which exists only in our dreams, much like the unicorn. Saenz has a MA in Artistic Production from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain, and in 2011 received the purchase award from the Yucatan Biennial in the video art category. He has participated in solo and group shows in the United States, Mexico, Spain, Germany, France, Colombia, Ecuador and Cuba. The exhibition will be on display from December 10, 2015 to April 17, 2016.

Mauricio Sáenz Works Untitled (map) 2015 wood, polystyrene, acrylics, and glass

Of Islands and Unicorns 2015 2-channel video installation 6:00 min

Insular 2015 HD video 3:00 min

Collector – Kenneth W. Grams “The Magnetism of Mexico City: Select Works from the Kenneth W. Grams Trust” is on exhibit at IMAS from December 18, 2015 to February 28, 2016. A collector since college, Grams has amassed a wide-ranging collection including many works by important Mexican and Latin American artists. This exhibition features paintings and drawings by artists all born in or drawn to Mexico City to live and work. Few places have such a rich and long history as Mexico City, site of human settlements for over 2,000 years. The Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920 heavily influenced the artists on display, spurring a cultural renaissance that inspired them to develop a specifically Mexican artistic language as part of a search for national unity. Mexican modernists, including Raúl Anguiano, José Luis Cuevas, Carlos Mérida, Leonardo Nierman and Diego Rivera developed art honoring their native roots and breaking free of European influence. The works on display are representative of the vibrant culture that continues to make Mexico City a mecca for artists and tourists alike.

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LIFE

F e s t CAR

INTERNATIONAL

BY JONATHAN LEE SALINAS

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january/february 2016

erhaps you too have experienced that moment when upon noticing vehicles time-stamped by design, a smooth and exciting ride back to those periods ensues. The McAllen International Car Fest has been providing these opportunities for valley residents since 2011. An event with growing national – as well as international – appeal, Car Fest began when Al Diaz, Operations Manager for the McAllen Convention Center, was informed by his director that, after having been approached by numerous Rio Grande Valley car clubs, a car show should be created. “We put it together in a month,” said Diaz, “but we did get the help of all the car guys and their clubs.”

an appearance at Car Fest was the famous DeLorean from the 1985 blockbuster – Back to The Future, starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. The DeLorean, a DMC-12, and the only car ever made by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Car Company, consists of gull-wing doors, and a stainless steel body. The vehicular time machine at Car Fest was one of 10 replicas reserved for the film and was signed by Marty and Doc. Traveling a year into the future, yet several into the past, the famous Batmobile (a ‘55 Lincoln Futura) from the 1966 film and TV series, starring Adam West as Batman, and Burt Ward as Robin, made its way down to the convention center. Next up was Eleanor, the star of Nicolas Cage’s Gone in 60

YO U H AV E M O D E L S F R O M T H E 1 9 3 0 S, 4 0 S, 5 0 S, 6 0 S, A N D 7 0 S. WA L K T H R O U G H T H E FAC I L I T Y W I T H YO U R FAT H E R O R G R A N D FAT H E R A N D G O T H R O U G H T H E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R A N D Y O U K N O W. The car clubs who helped create this three-day family event that hosts celebrity vehicles, interactive workshops on mechanics, and concerts, were The Mustang Club, Mo Cars, Old Cars, and Pontiac Car Club. Going from displaying 220 cars their first year, Diaz expects 270 vehicles outside the convention center for ‘Show and Shine’ (a segment open to the public without registration) and every room within the 176,000 sq. foot convention center to be filled with spectacular vehicles. Car Fest, along with Palm Fest, is one of two yearly community events the McAllen Convention Center coordinates. Yajaira Flores is the Manager of Sales and Event Services at the convention center, and says the goal is to provide a fun, enriching experience for valley residents. “The purpose of these events, in conjunction with other departments of the City of McAllen,” says Flores, “are to improve the quality of life of the residents.” One of the quality-improving features of Car Fest that many look forward to is the celebrity vehicle. Starting this tradition their second year, the convention center hosts a famous car headlined in a movie or TV series. The first celebrity vehicle to make

Seconds, named after the ’73 Ford Mustang Mach 1 from the original G60S. (The more recent Eleanor is actually an older Mustang model – a ’67 Shelby GT500.) And finally, last year’s special appearance was Bo and Luke Duke’s General Lee from The Dukes of Hazard. You’ll have to be a little patient to find out what this year’s celebrity car is. Should it suffice, in the meantime, this year will be the first that an obstacle/skills course will be available for Jeep owners to participate in. The course will consist of a balance beam, on which the driver will have to use careful maneuvering to stay leveled. Also on course, where spectators will be able to enjoy viewing from bleachers on the northeast side of the convention center, will be a dirt hill, mud course, connected rows of tires to drive over, and a course mapped out by cones leading to the exit. Among other novelties for this year’s Car Fest is the taking apart of a motor, piece by piece, followed by its reassembly and an exotics car vault. During this time guests will be encouraged to ask questions about the disassembling process, the motor’s components, and anything else that might come to mind. This will take place inside the convention center. Viewing the end result of high

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investments and hard work put into the vehicles being showcased will be something to behold. “You have got to understand the passion these guys have,” said Diaz, “because they say next year, I’m going to build a car that’s going to beat the other cars, it’s going to be the best to show.” Diaz estimates the total value of the vehicles showcased in the ballroom of the convention center will be around thirteen million dollars. Two of the high priced vehicles includes a 1926 Reo, valued at half a million dollars, and a gold/silver-plated low-rider valued at a million dollars. Fueling the drive of those showcasing is the bragging rights and recognition that comes from winning one of the major categories of which there are sixtyfive in total. These include a McAllen Mayor’s Choice, People’s Choice and Best of Show. The friendly competition and sheer awe of the magnificent vehicles is sure to amaze many, though Flores reminds us of the importance placed in bringing the family together. “There are plenty of car enthusiasts in the Rio Grande Valley but Car Fest is a little bit more than that. When you walk through the facility for this event, it’s like you’re walking through history because you have the first cars that were ever built. You have models from the 1930s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Walk through the facility with your father or grandfather and go through the convention center and you know… I’ve walked with my grandfather and he’s like hey, that’s the car I had in 1967, how cool!” One-hundred percent of the proceeds from Car Fest will go to charitable organizations like the Make a Wish Foundation and Wounded Warrior project, as they have in years past. And this year the Make a Wish Foundation will be raffling away a vehicle. The McAllen International Car Fest will be held January 29-31 and ticket prices will go from free admission for children under the age of twelve, twelve dollars for students and seniors, and fifteen dollars for adults. Worry not, there’s no football on that weekend except for the Pro Bowl, as I said. So with that in mind, the convention center and City of McAllen invite the entire community to come out and take part in this event the entire family is sure to enjoy.

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LIFE

A F F O R DA B L E H O MES S OUTH TEXAS, INC D E M Y S T I F I E S T H E H OMEBUY ING PROCES S B Y

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K A R E N

V I L L A R R E A L

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H O ME O WNE RS H I P I S S T I LL T H E A M E R IC A N DREA M , A ND A FT ER T HE HOU S ING C RIS IS O F RECE NT YE ARS M A D E I T SEEM LI K E A N U NAT TA INA B LE ONE , A FFORDA B LE HOM ES OF S OUTH TE X AS, I NC . ( A H S T I ) I S H E LP I N G I T B EC OM E A REA LIT Y FOR S OU T H T EX A S FA M ILIES.

ffordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI) is a nonprofit organization with the goal of not only providing home-ownership opportunities, but also demystifying the home-buying process, helping potential home buyers understand it from beginning to end. AHSTI has developed a unique structure and digital plan of action to equip their clients with education to guide them through decisions that will result in the move into a home. Some of the services AHSTI counselors offer are targeted at individuals having difficulties getting approved for a home loan, but Myra Martinez, Director of Operations and Communications, says everyone can benefit from homebuyer development counseling and financial fitness courses, which are open to everyone. “Even if you’re certain that you will be approved at the bank, you can still make yourself a savvy consumer so you feel confident at the table when you’re closing,” she says. “We're forward thinking,” says Martinez, explaining the financial structure that sets AHSTI apart from typical non-profits and allows it to provide the many functions it does. A stream of additional revenue comes in from limited

liability companies created under Tu Casa Investments, Inc., a for-profit company created to help offset the non-profit’s costs when grant funding becomes limited. The LLC’s that are currently set up and in operation include HCH Realty, their real estate division, a construction company called Framework Homes, a mortgage company called Spirit Mortgage is under development, and a franchisee Esperanza on Fifth, LLC., which currently operates as the umbrella franchisee for Blimpie Weslaco. “We are in the sandwich making business as well,” laughed Martinez, who has been with AHSTI for going on four years. “Our boss is very creative.” AHSTI's structure provides the extra benefit that AHSTI is able to serve two markets: those making 80% of the area median income and below, as well as those outside of the AHSTI loan product income-restricted range. Always looking for ways to make the process smoother for the customer, AHSTI has embraced technology to create a win-win for all. AHSTI’s new NeighborWorks® Compass, a tool that allows potential home buyers to learn their affordability range based on preliminary information they enter, provides a resource that answers january/february 2016

frequently asked questions, allows clients to book appointments and even take some classes online. The back end of Compass is a system called Salesforce, which has previously been used almost exclusively by for-profit companies. Together with a network of 25 affordable housing organizations from Neighborworks® America, they pushed for the development of a non-profit module tailored to them. “We were the only ones from Texas in the cohort that worked on developing this product,” says Martinez. “We’re very excited to be using it for the first time. We’re making it what it’s going to be.” Compass has already proven to be a benefit for the organization since its implementation in September. Allowing the customer to directly interact with the digital triaging system creates

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LIFE

efficiencies that allows the counselors to see more clients and lead more classes. Before Compass, it was typically a two to three month wait before clients could review their financial information with a counselor, and it was inconvenient for those with inflexible work schedules. “They would have to take off around three whole days of work,” she said. Now clients are able to schedule the appointment within a more reasonable timeframe and only have to take one day off. About 327 people have used the system to start their home buying process, but going digital has had another positive side effect. “Before, the average age of the clients going through our system was about 35,” said Martinez, and shared an observation that in recent years, it seems that many millennials do not want to be (or think they cannot afford to be) homeowners. “All of our rentals are occupied, and it's usually the younger demographic,” said Martinez. However, Compass data suggests that millennials are interested, although perhaps apprehensive, when it comes to owning homes. In November, the majority of Compass users were in

the 18-24 age bracket, and a lot of the usage was coming from mobile phones, which Martinez finds encouraging as well. “We’re reaching people where they are. We’re trying to embrace technology and harness it for the good.” First time home-buyers are definitely the bulk of people who they see, and Martinez says AHSTI pushes education as hard as they can to help them not go into the process blindly. “We always say begin at the class,” Martinez said, referring to the eight hour homebuyer education course usually offered on a Saturday, or in the format of four hours over two days which provides information about the process in general. Aidee Castro, HomeOwnership Center Manager at AHSTI, says the course offers a comprehensive breakdown of the process. “The first step is taking a look at what they can afford. Then we ask them to visit a lender, either a bank or mortgage company,” says Castro. The class teaches what to ask your lender, about the loan documents, and what to be on the lookout for, like high interest rates. “We try to make them aware of what services they

can shop for to keep their closing costs low,” Castro explained. Castro says AHSTI encourages their clients to not look at houses until they know they’ve been approved for a loan, so they know the range of the houses they can afford. Castro recommends potential home buyers with their eye on a property to do their research on the house: drive around at night and on weekends to see what it’s like at its busiest, and request records from the police department about how many and what kind of incidents have been reported. These are important things that people don’t think of in the excitement of home-shopping. As most homes will need minor repairs at some point, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. also has a post-purchase class, where they teach homeowner repair and maintenance. Another class offered is financial fitness bootcamp, which helps clients get their finances under control. To access the schedule and register for a class, visit www.ahsti.org and make a profile on the Compass. Although Martinez is happy to see more young people signing up on Compass, she said they’re also seeing a lot of people who aren’t paying into their student loans, which worries her as this could develop into an obstacle down the road. It’s standard in the industry that student loan debt is taken into account when lenders calculate total debt ratio, and defaulting on loans also negatively affects credit score. Your credit affects so many aspects of your life, from insurance rates to job offers, (according to Martinez, a lot of employers run credit checks) and a higher credit score can get you a better interest rate on cars, credit cards, and of course home loans. “Our AHSTI product, which is specifically for anybody earning 80% of area median income and below, depends on family size and credit pattern or behavior, not score, but a lot of other loans out there do have a minimum credit

F I RST TI M E H OME - BUYER S AR E D E F INITELY TH E BU L K O F P EO P L E WH O TH E Y S E E , AND M AR TIN EZ S AYS AHSTI PU SH ES ED U CATIO N AS H AR D AS TH EY C A N TO HE LP T HE M N OT GO IN TO THE P R O CESS BL IND LY. “ WE ALWAYS SAY BE G I N AT TH E CL ASS.

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“ W E TA LK TO T H E M A B O U T T HE FIRS T S T EP: TA K ING A LOOK AT T H EI R I N C OM E A N D S EE WHAT T HEY C A N A FFORD. T HEN W E A S K T H EM TO V I SIT A LENDER , EIT HER A B A NK OR M O R T G AG E COM PA NY, ” S AY S C A S T RO.

score,” says Martinez. “The last thing you want to find out when you start your home ownership process and they pull your credit report, is that you have a very big mountain to climb.” Because of the importance of credit, Martinez encourages everyone to pull a credit report once a year. Pre-purchase counseling is the next step for all potential buyers after the buyer education classes. Through oneon-one meetings, an AHSTI counselor aims to help the client remove obstacles keeping them from homeownership. Credit and financial counseling are two services that they offer. They recommend that every individual start saving if they aren’t already, even if it’s as little as $50 a month. “If you get into a bind, you have that extra reserve and don’t have to make a choice between the mortgage or whatever emergency may come up,” says Martinez. Counselors work clients to set a small, comfortable goal instead of immediately shooting for the large, final goal. The duration of these oneon-one meetings depend on the client’s situation. Some are short term but others have been with them for three or four years because they have a lot of debt, but are committed to paying it off. “They stay with us as long as it takes. Once they’re ready we can help them make their dream come true, and go into it debt free,” says Martinez.

After clients are well-informed on the process, counseled, and ready to move forward, they don’t have to look further than Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. “We have our lending and home products; we finance and service all our loans, and we build,” explains Martinez. “Our homes are Green Built RGV and Energy Star certified. We currently have 19 subdivisions in seven cities. We usually build three and four bedroom homes,

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which usually takes three to four months to build.” The entire process can take up to eight months if there are no complications or obstacles keeping the client from getting approved for a loan. But for many AHSTI clients, the American dream is worth waiting for. “Homeownership is still an investment; it's the only thing that will keep appreciating,” says Martinez. “We just have to be a little wise about it.”

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LIFE

Change in Energy State Liquid Natural Gas at the Port of Brownsville could impact the entire Valley. By George Cox

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A $10 billion investment is in the pipeline headed for the Port of Brownsville, but the idea of three liquefied natural gas plants situated close to sensitive wildlife habitat and a fragile coastal tourism economy does not sit well with everyone. A final decision on what could be the largest industrial investment in Cameron County history remains to be seen as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proceeds with a review of applications from Rio Grande LNG, Texas LNG Brownsville and Annova LNG for the construction and operation of plants to convert natural gas into a hyper-cooled liquid to reduce its volume and ship to overseas markets.

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“We looked at numerous sites up and down the coast and it became apparent that Brownsville met our selection criteria,” Texas LNG Chief Operating Officer Langtry Meyer said. He said the Port of Brownsville is “strategically located” because of its proximity to natural gas resources and the existing natural gas pipeline network. “The Port of Brownsville has plenty of land to accommodate an LNG facility, with sufficient waterfront and a deep-water channel to handle the LNG carriers,” Meyer said. “And we feel we’re getting good support from the community.” The port, which encompasses some 40,000 acres, owns land on both sides of the Brownsville Ship Channel all the way out to the jetties, said Eduardo Campirano, Port Director and CEO. The southernmost deep-water port on the Gulf Coast, it is also the U.S. shipping point closest to the Panama Canal. Of the three proposed LNG plants Rio Grande LNG would be the largest, planned for construction on a 1,000-acre tract on the north side of the ship channel. Also on the north shore would be Texas LNG, the smallest of the three situated on a 625-acre tract. Annova LNG is proposed for a 655-acre site on the south side of the channel. Rio Grande LNG also wants to build a 122-mile pipeline to connect the Port of Brownsville with other interconnected pipeline facilities serving gas producing areas in Texas. But not everyone is jumping on the LNG bandwagon, with some environmentalists fearful that the developments would pollute the atmosphere with greenhouse gases, bring harm to wildlife and habitat, create health and safety risks for nearby communities, and damage the tourism industry that is so vital to Valley coastal communities. While the LNG proposals have received support from area chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, some municipalities like Port Isabel, South Padre Island and Laguna Vista have gone on record either to oppose the LNG developments or voting not to sign off on a letter of support. Jim Chapman, chairman of the Rio Grande Valley chapter of the Sierra Club, said the three LNG plans would dramatically change the face of the lower Valley, a coastal area that has avoided the heavy oil and gas industrialization that has taken place along the upper Texas coast. “It’s a moment in time when the Valley can make a decision as to what we want this area to look like in the future,” he said. “If you want this area to remain

nationally known for its beaches and its wildlife, then the last thing you want to do is put these massive plants along the ship channel right next to natural habitats like the Bahia Grande and the Laguna Madre.” Proponents say that the technology has improved to a degree that it is a safe and clean method to supply large quantities of natural gas to markets in the United States and around the world. “These plants are not the messy, stinky oil and gas refineries you see in other Texas ports,” Campirano said. Liquefaction of natural gas is not a new technology. According to a U.S. Department Of the three proposed of Energy report, liquefaction LNG plants Rio Grande of natural gas for storage beLNG would be the largest, gan in the early 1900s. In planned for construction 1959 the world’s first LNG on a 1,000-acre tract on ship carried the liquid cargo the north side of the ship from Louisiana to the United channel. Kingdom. The liquefaction process cools natural gas to about minus 260 degrees, reducing its volume by more than 600 times, making it easier to transport large quantities on the world market. “We’re taking pipeline quality gas,” Meyer said. “So it’s important to understand it has already been processed at the wellhead. It is the same quality you would use at home.” It is estimated that the natural gas that would be piped into the Port of Brownsville plants would be in the range of 91 percent to 93 percent pure methane. The gas must be purified to 99 percent before it can be liquefied, and that purification process has raised questions among opponents. “There is some bad stuff they have to get out of the natural gas,” Chapman said. “We have concerns about where those byproducts will end up, whether they would be vented into the air or contained in some way.” According to the DOE, natural gas consists mostly of methane, with some ethane, propane, butane and nitrogen. Before liquefaction can take place, the gas is scrubbed of hydrocarbon liquids and dirt and treated to remove trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, two common natural gas contaminants, according to the DOE. “As part of the liquefaction process we need to remove certain elements like water, oxygen (and) there are some heavy hydrocarbon elements that are removed,” Meyer said.

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LIFE

Economic damage is also cited in the Sierra Club report, which states the

“industrialization and pollution that (the facilities) will bring could erode important economic drivers such as commercial fishing, shrimping, and beach and nature tourism.”

The Valley chapter of the Sierra Club has issued a report expressing numerous concerns, starting with the potential for damage during the construction phase to vital habitat in wetlands that are “critical nurseries for fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs and other aquatic life that are important both ecologically and commercially.” Economic damage is also cited in the Sierra Club report, which states the “industrialization and pollution that (the facilities) will bring could erode important economic drivers such as commercial fishing, shrimping, and beach and nature tourism.” The third primary point addressed by the Sierra Club involves the LNG plant’s proximity to population centers, such as Port Isabel and South Padre Island. “If there is a breach of either the LNG facility or an LNG tanker, there is potential for the release of a vapor cloud, which in the proper concentration could travel for miles before igniting and burning too intensely for first responders to extinguish,” the report states. Since 1959, LNG vessels have completed more than 33,000 voyages and logged more than 60 million miles with a near-perfect safety record, said Bill Harris, South/ West Division communications senior manager for Exelon, the parent company of Annova LNG. According to a DOE report, “A Guide to LNG: What All Citizens Should Know,” only eight significant incidents involving LNG ships have been recorded, none of which resulted in spills from cargo tank ruptures. “LNG is not flammable,” Harris 80

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said. “It will not explode. It dissipates as any gas does.” The DOE report also states that LNG is not explosive or flammable in its liquid state. “As LNG warms (above minus 160 degrees), it becomes lighter than air and will rise and disperse rather than collect near the ground. However, it is not explosive unless flammable concentrations of gas occur in enclosed or otherwise confined spaces,” according to the DOE report. Harris noted that LNG facilities are highly regulated and include thermal exclusion zones to provide a safe distance between the terminals and population centers in the event something does go wrong. The safety record for the land-based plants and terminals is also good, according to the DOE report, which states that “no serious accidents involving an LNG terminal facility in the U.S. has happened in over 25 years.” “Nothing harmful is ever vented into the air,” Harris said. The process removes components that freeze at minus 260 degrees, and the byproducts are collected in tanks and removed to other safe locations or sold to industries that need them. For much of its history in the United States, LNG operations focused primarily on domestic storage and imports. The three proposed South Texas plants will produce LNG for export to overseas markets, indicating a change in world energy markets. The Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas boom in Texas has helped changed the dynamics of the LNG marketplace with the production of high volumes of gas at low cost that can help supply increasing demand around the world. “This has been driven by the revolution in shale gas,” Meyer said. “Given the proliferation of shale gas,

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there is so much available and the prices are among the lowest in the world.” An LNG export facility in Louisiana is expected to deliver its first cargo in January, and an export terminal is under construction in the Port Arthur area on the upper Texas coast. “Anyone who is concerned about the environment, greenhouse gases and global climate change should be a champion of this project,” Annova LNG President David Chung wrote in a guest column published in The Monitor. “The LNG that leaves the Port of Brownsville would fuel the conversion of foreign power plants from coal to much cleaner-burning natural gas.” With regard to local environmental concerns, Chung wrote in the McAllen newspaper that “…the facility’s impacts on the natural habitat will be identified and minimized or mitigated to the extent possible…” And while Chapman conceded that it is difficult to specifically address some of the environmental concerns until more specifics are revealed during the regulatory review, that detailed information is beginning to become available. Meyer said Texas LNG submitted the initial 13 required research reports to FERC in October. These lengthy reports, required from each company for its respective project, address issues that include water use and quality; fish, wildlife and vegetation; land use, recreation and aesthetics; PCB contamination; and a variety of other subjects. All filings with FERC relating to the three proposed projects are available online at www.ferc.gov. The FERC review can take up to two years and is a costly affair, Meyer said. The process started in January

2015 with the filing of applications by the three LNG companies involved. As with any large-scale energy development, there is a lot of money on the line. “To go through the FERC process it costs my company tens of millions of dollars,” Meyer said, which includes hiring environmental, engineering and other consultants to prepare information and respond to questions and concerns of regulators and the general public. But the really big dollars begin to flow into South Texas with the actual investments to construct and operate the plants. This trio of projects, if approved, would amount to the largest industrial investment in the history of Cameron County. Meyer said if final approval can be obtained by early 2017, Texas LNG could begin construction on phase one with a target date of mid-2020 to begin operation. A second phase is planned to become operational in 2022. He said the Texas LNG phase one construction will cost approximately $80 million and last about three years. All three LNG projects are on similar timelines. The Sierra Club’s Chapman said the public needs to consider the overall impact to the economy of an industrial development of this scale. “The only argument that these companies have that persuade people to be for it is the jobs argument,” he said. “These are relatively automated operations so there will be jobs, but not that many.” The largest of the projects, Rio Grande LNG, is expected to generate more than $8 billion in direct investment during its first phase of development, according to the company’s website.

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BUSINESS

“Construction for this phase is expected to create between 4,000 and 6,000 jobs with long-term, well-paid permanent jobs in excess of 200,” according to the website.

“Construction for this phase is expected to create between 4,000 and 6,000 jobs with long-term, wellpaid permanent jobs in excess of 200,” according to the website. “The indirect impact through increased traffic to the area, tourism, housing, food and entertainment is likely to multiply this impact by a substantial factor.” According to Meyer, an average of 600 construction workers will be on the job while the Texas LNG plant is built. Once up and running there will be 80 fulltime employees to operate the facilities, with those jobs paying an average of $70,000 a year. The Annova project estimates 675 construction workers and 165 full-time employees to run the plant. “When you put all three of these projects together, it would mean an economic boom for the Rio Grande Valley that’s never been seen,” Harris said. Campirano said the port would benefit from the LNG plant operations by increasing the number of deep sea vessels coming and going. He estimated that over time the port could see an increase of between 300 and 400 deep water ships a year to service the LNG terminals. “You’re going to need more pilots, more tug runners,” he said. “Each one of those vessels means money for the port.” The port director also said the increase in traffic and associated revenue could help the port move forward on the already-approved dredging of the ship channel from its current depth of 42 feet to 52 feet. The $250 million project is needed for the port’s future not just because of LNG vessels, but to allow today’s ships to bring in heavier cargoes and to service the vessels of the future that will be larger with deeper drafts, Campirano said. The infrastructure needed to support the LNG terminals is part of the responsibility of the developers. “The construction of turning basins, docks, etc. will be done by the developers,” Campirano said. “The port is not proposing to do any of this.” In addition to the Sierra Club and other organizations, a vocal opponent has emerged with Save RGV from 82

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LNG, a coalition of area environmentalists using social media to promote opposition to the proposed LNG terminals. Through a Facebook page with approximately 4,000 followers, Save RGV from LNG shares information and articles from around the world that raise questions about the safety and environmental impact of LNG operations. A leader of Save RGV from LNG, Stephanie Herweck, is among opponents who have also written anti-LNG opinion pieces for publications such as the online Rio Grande Valley Guardian that dispute virtually all the information put forth by the LNG companies. In a November article in the Guardian, Herweck wrote that “the LNG industrial complex would supersize the carbon footprint of the Rio Grande Valley.” She asserts that the LNG plants would emit 6.8 million tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere each year. “That’s more than 40 times the GHGs currently emitted by standing sources in Cameron County,” Herweck wrote. “It’s about as much as two coal-fired plants would emit in a year, and approximately the same amount of GHG pollution produced to power 900,000 homes with electricity.” The LNG developers insist they are playing by the rules and working with environmental experts to mitigate concerns. In addition to pollution concerns, one of South Texas’ most celebrated and most threatened creatures has been brought up as part of the debate. The ocelot, a small wild cat that has become a popular symbol of wildlife conservation in South Texas, numbers from 50 to 80 in South Texas, according to most estimates. LNG opponents say that the plants would destroy habitat important to the range of the ocelot.

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Harris said there is little evidence of an ocelot presence in the vicinity of the proposed LNG plants. “The fact of the matter is the only documented ocelot is a single transient male that was captured in that area and radio tracked in 1998,” Harris said. He added that the LNG companies have been working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and other agencies and organizations to ensure protection of the ocelot. “We’ve been working with all these experts on not just the ocelot, but all wildlife. We’re doing what the experts say,” Harris said. Among them is the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M UniversityKingsville, which has become one of the leaders in the study of the ocelot and its habitat and range. And organizations like the Kleberg institute would

stand to benefit from investments in their work made by the LNG companies. “We have an entire philanthropic plan,” Harris said. “We sat down and looked at all the ways we could reach out to community leadership.” In addition to wildlife research, local education charitable causes would benefit from the corporate philanthropy planned by the LNG companies, he said. As the FERC review continues, Campirano said he expects the regulatory process to sort out and deal with any legitimate concerns. “We are supportive of these projects provided that they adhere to all of the regulatory requirements for the safe construction and operation of these facilities and if they cannot, they should not be granted a permit,” he said.

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LIFE

The Biome in our Backyard BY AMY GLOVER

ne might not expect McAllen to be known for its woodlands, but it’s actually home to one of a few forests left in South Texas. However, the Quinta Mazatlan’s forest isn’t your typical mix of evergreens and pines. In fact, the Tamaulipan thorn scrub forest located in McAllen consists of six different plant zones. According to education supervisor, Carol Goolsby, “It’s unlike any other kind of forest you see in the country. This is a real unique mix of plants and animals. It is considered by ecologists to be the biologically richest region of the entire United States.” The native plants of South Texas are an integral part of the rich culture and long history of the Rio Grande Valley, but according to Goolsby, the nature in our backyard is always at risk of deforestation. “Ecologists are as concerned about the survival of this biome as the Amazon Rainforest,” she said, which puts the importance of our habitat in perspective. Trying to keep the wishes of the Quinta’s original owner’s in mind, the Backyard Habitat Steward Program is offered to help residents of the valley get involved with the Rio Grande Valley’s ecosystem.

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The Quinta Mazatlan serves the role of an urban sanctuary, sharing knowledge about birds, plants, and environmental stewardship in South Texas. Once a private residence owned by families who revered the land, the Quinta Mazatlan (and the patch of forest they left around the property) was bought in the late nineties by the city of McAllen. Quinta Mazatlan is the McAllen Wing of the World Birding Center working to promote ecotourism in the Rio Grande Valley. Due to the valley’s explosive growth, favorable conditions for agriculture, and other factors that make our region attractive to developers, Goolsby believes that the valley’s nature is at risk of being lost for good. One of the reasons the land of the Rio Grande Valley is so sought after, particularly for agriculture, is because almost anything will grow in the soil. Goolsby says this area is so unique because the lower Rio Grande Valley sits in just the perfect environment to grow plants from regions as diverse as the Chihuahuan Desert, Coastal Texas, temperate forests and grasslands of the north, and even the tropics. Another desirable aspect of this area is the Rio Grande River. “The river is one of only a few rivers in the world that allows natural irrigation.

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The Backyard Habitat Steward Program could be the introduction local families need to their local plants, which benefit not only individuals, but our region as a whole. When valves are opened, water naturally flows from the river downstream,” Goolsby says. The growth of the valley is generally touted as a boon to the region, an economic blessing. However, there is a downside to growth. According to Mother Nature Network, it would require an additional 1.5 Earths to regenerate all the natural resources currently consumed by humanity every year. Globally, deforestation is running rampant and the World Preservation Foundation says that seven countries out of 196 are responsible for sixty percent of the deforestation. (Unfortunately, one of those countries is the United States of America.) Only three percent of the natural habitat is left; the other ninety seven percent has been lost to modernization. With few government regulations slowing deforestation and a general lack of information keeping individuals in the dark, it may not be clear that local regrowth can help the global situation. According to Goolsby, getting involved now is crucial and it starts in your hometown. The Backyard Habitat Steward Program offered by Quinta Mazatlan offers six classes in which patrons are provided essential information and facts about native plants through workshops and guest speakers from February 2nd to March 8th, Tuesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. Participation ultimately leads to planting native floras in one’s own backyard. These native plants are vital to our environment, and part of why Goolsby considers the valley the richest region of the country. She explained that native vegetation offers the right kind of nourishment for insects in this area. The insects eat the plants and the lizards eat the insects and so on. This is why non-native plants won’t help our ecosystem; they simply do not provide the right kind of nutrients, minerals, and taste to interest the bugs and continue the food chain process. “It really all comes down to our plants,” she says. Goolsby thinks plants can bring much more to our lives than the role most people give them. In addition to preventing possible ecosystem collapse, Goolsby explains that a lack of interaction with nature has been linked to rising levels of anxiety, depression, bullying, and ADHD, as evidenced in the book “The Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv. Louv writes that because of parents’ fears, it may be difficult

for children to play outside like earlier generations. A lack of contact with the natural environment impedes the wealth of knowledge and imagination a child can gain by exploring the great outdoors. The Backyard Habitat Steward Program could be the introduction local families need to their local plants, which benefit not only individuals, but our region as a whole. Interested individuals may sign up for the Backyard Habitat Steward Program on the Quinta Mazatlan website (www.quintamazatlan.com)or in person at 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, Texas 78503. The cost of the program is $60 for McAllen residents. There are also Volunteer Days on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., where Quinta volunteers do everything from pulling invasive species to planting native plants. They also host birding tours, workshops, and programs for every age group. Enjoy a walk in the woods at Quinta Mazatlan!

It would require an additional

1.5 Earths to regenerate all the natural resources currently consumed by humanity every year.

7out 196 countries are resposible for

60%

of deforestation.

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OUR HISTORY CAN EDUCATE THEIR FUTURE

FIND IT ALL ... Discover a passage through time in bilingual, state-of-the-art multimedia settings. View educational videos in integrated theaters. Stand in the shadow of a full-sized mammoth, explore our steamboat replica and Museum Store, learn about the old Hidalgo County Jail built in 1910 and more.

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