SOCIALIFE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 7

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City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos

McAllen ISD

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Out & About International Food

McAllen ISD

Educating our community’s children requires a team

p.58 MOST History Atomic Dawn

2021

2 Mile Li ne Rd

E Front age Rd

495

Sharyland Town Crossing Walmart Supercener

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2521 E. Expressway 83 | Suite 600 | Mission, TX 78572 | 956-997-6100 300 E. Mile 3 Rd. | Suite 190 | Palmhurst, TX 78573 | 956-997-6677

Auburn Ave

Best Buy

Wiscons in Rd

Kohl’s

N 4th St

St

Target

Walmart Supercenter Chase Bank

S McCol l Rd

Trenton Rd

N Col Ro we Blvd

Trenton Crossing Shopping Center

N 10th St

N Main

Sam’s Club

Home Depot

At our outpatient rehabilitation facilities, we provide advanced therapy to help restore function and improve the quality of life for our patients. Please call 956-997-6100 to schedule an appointment for any of our three outpatient rehabilitation clinics.

N 23rd St

Sharyland High School

281

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists help teach the skills you need to care for yourself, with the goal of improving your independence following a surgery.

Speech Therapy: Speech-language pathologists can help you improve your communication, cognition and/or swallowing abilities through an individualized treatment plan.

Pkwy

Taylor Rd

Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can help improve strength, flexibility and balance, reduce pain and decrease fall risk. The goal of the therapist is to maximize functional mobility.

E Griffin

BUS

We offer the following services:

Buddy O wens Blv d

Veterans Memorial High School

N Shary Rd

Offering physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation, at three locations across the Rio Grande Valley!

N Conw ay Ave

Rehabilitation Services

La Hom a Rd

Outpatient

Walmart Supercener

7900 N. 10th St. | Suite A | McAllen, TX 78504 | 956-603-1515

Palmhurst | Mission | McAllen

sthsclinics.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 204866-1091 8/21

N O W O P E N I N O U R N E W L O C AT I O N

w w w.d e u t s c h j e w e l e rs .co m 2109 S 10th Street Ste. 20, Mcallen, TX 78503 ( 9 5 6 ) 6 3 1 -7 2 1 8

City of Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

CASA Fashion Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 STHS - Ask the Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Socialifing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

BRONSON DELRIO

VICE PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

Javier Villalobos -City of McAllen Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Manic Monday Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Etiquestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

KARLA KERNZ EDITOR

McAllen ISD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Non-Profit Spotlight: ARISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mission Chamber Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

CLIFF RANSON

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Out & About: International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Joint Networking Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Quinta Mazatlan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

YIRA ALDAPE

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

MOST History: Atomic Dawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Magazine Design DECIBEL Communications Event Photographers Sergio Arratia Danya Selber Guest Photographers Quinta Mazatlan MOST History City of Mission McAllen ISD Arise Adelante Edinburg Chamber

España Restaurant Le Pho House Restaurant Maison Stivalet Mikhuna Cuisine Mori Japanese Grill Schneiders German Restaurant

Guest Writers Jane Smith Dr . Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa Kimberly Selber McAllen ISD Cynthia Sakulenzki Roxanne Casares

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Colleen Hook Nayeli Zenteno STHS Most History Debi chaves Amanda Rodriguez

ON THE COVER:

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

FOR ADVERTISING OR OTHER INQUIRIES, REACH OUT! E-mail: admin@socialifergv .com Office: (956) 683-8499 Web: www .socialifeRGV .com Socialife is published by Socialife News, LLC Permission to use any material herein must be approved in writing by the publisher .

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­

NEW DATE! Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley’s

25+ Valley’s Best Restaurants, Raffles, Music & More!

For restaurant participation or sponsorship Information, contact Philip Farias: pfarias@foodbankrgv.com | 956-904-4513 This organization is an equal opportunity provider.

The Weight Loss Surgery Center at

Mission Regional Medical Center

Is Weight Loss Surgery for you?

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Dr. Mario del Pino (956) 631-8155 mariodelpinomd.com

Find out why patients from all over the nation choose to have their procedure done with Dr. Mario del Pino at Mission Regional Medical Center.

900 S. Bryan Road, Mission, TX 78572 956-631-8155 | www.missionrmc.org

2021 • 2020

Member of Prime Healthcare

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

#MissionStrong #OurMission #MissionProud

There were plenty of smiles as the Mission Police Department teamed up with Driscoll Health Plan to host a school supply giveaway on Friday, July 23, 2021.

The supplies were distributed on a first come, first serveD basis, and about 1,000 backpacks were handed out.

Traditionally the City hosts an annual indoor Back to School Bash, but in light of social distancing guidelines related to COVID-19, the Mission Police Department

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hosted an outdoor drive-through event to maintain safety.

Citizens also had the opportunity to get vaccinated. Hidalgo County health officials, in partnership with the City of Mission, Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner’s Office, and the Mission Police Department hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, next door to the police department, at the Mission Parks & Recreation gym.

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SEPT. 18, 2021 | 6:30 PM

Las Palmas Race Park • 9809 N Taylor Rd. • Mission, TX

dinner program auction concert country attire

complimentary valet

g n i r eF atu

WITH SPECIAL GUEST

Questions? Contact Rose Marques at 956-373-2102 or via email at rose.marques@ideapublicschools.org

NEW ZEALAND

RACK OF LAMB BED OF WILD RICE & HONEY GLAZED CARROTS

956.661.9100

IN HISTORIC, DOWNTOWN MCALLEN 116 S 17TH ST.

SUMMER CHARITY FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT CASA OF HIDALGO COUNTY Mission Photography by Sergio Arratia

Debi Lou Modeling Academy hosted the Summer Charity Fashion Show at the Cimarron Countr y Club. Guests enjoyed an incredible night of fashion, runway, silent auction and shopping all for a great cause. Twenty percent of the sales from the pop up shops went to CASA, which is a Court Appointed Special Advocate national association in the United States that supports and promotes cour t-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children. CASA are volunteers from the community who complete training that has been provided by the state or local CASA office.

ALEJANDRA DELGADO AND MADELINE MUÑOS

NORMA AND OMAR GUEVARA

MILLY LOPEZ AND EMY LOPEZ

JESSIE GONZALES AND NORMA GARCIA

JUDGE LUIS MANUEL SINGLETERRY AND NATALIA SINGLATERRY

HECTOR AND LAURA GUTIERREZ

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Thomas Davidson

Brian Disque

Market President | RGV

SVP Commercial Relationship Manager

Will Collins

Co-CEO Merit Commercial Real Estate

George Cardenas Regional President | RGV

WE’RE AS INVESTED IN THIS COMMUNITY AS YOU ARE We have been supporting the businesses of the Rio Grande Valley for more than 35 years. As a Texas-born and family-owned bank our values align with the RGV community we serve.

We offer a full suite of commercial products, a $68 million lending capacity and personalized service from decision-makers that know and understand Valley businesses.

Call us at (956) 664-8400 to make your business vision a reality.

*Groundbreaking Ceremony, Shops at 493 Donna, Texas, June 17, 2021

MEMBER FDIC |

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

www.vantage.bank

1950 Paredes Line Rd. Brownsville, TX 956-542-2553

205 Pecan Blvd.

McAllen, TX 956-618-2300

BML y Fragoso, S.C. Matamoros, Tamps., MX 011-52(868) 812-12-14

www.bmltexas.com

SOCIALIFE

LOOKING OUT

Today’s Sports Medicine It’s Not Just for Professional Athletes

Sujan Gogu, DO Board Certified in Sports Medicine and Pain Medicine

While sports medicine physicians often play a key role in keeping professional athletes on the field, even non-athletes can benefit from this type of medicine, says Sujan Gogu, DO. Dr. Gogu, a triple-board-certified sports medicine physician, shares helpful insights on his unique specialty, including the types of injuries he sees most frequently, some of the treatments he offers, and who can benefit from his area of expertise.

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Q: What is a sports medicine physician?

A sports medicine physician has significant specialized training in both the treatment and prevention of illness and injury. They are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for athletes, sports teams or active individuals who are simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Sports medicine physicians specialize solely in non-surgical sports medicine and serve as team physicians at the youth level, NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS and NHL, as well as with Olympic teams. Sports medicine physicians can maximize non-operative treatment, gvuide appropriate referrals to physical and occupational therapies, and if necessary, expedite referral to an orthopedic/sports surgeon.

Sports medicine physicians are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for the non-athlete as well and are excellent resources for the individual who wishes to become active or begin an exercise program. For the “weekend warrior” or “industrial athlete” who experiences an injury, the same expertise used for the competitive athlete can be applied to return the individual as quickly as possible to full function.

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Q: What can a patient expect when undergoing a TAVR procedure?

Usually, the patient gets to the hospital the day of the procedure and is taken to a cath lab or a hybrid OR. They undergo general anesthesia or moderate sedation and, in the vast majority of cases, the procedure is done via the arteries in the groin.

In most instances, the procedure lasts around one hour, after which the patient wakes up and is transferred to a room for further monitoring. They could be out of bed in as little as four to six hours after the procedure and walking that same day. Most commonly, the patient can expect to stay in the hospital for about 24-48 hours.

Q: How does the patient prepare beforehand?

To prepare, the patient should expect to undergo a heart catheterization to assess the coronaries (the arteries of the heart) and a CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Some patients, depending upon the complexity of the case, will require a few additional imaging studies. The patient needs to be seen by a cardiothoracic surgeon and a cardiologist. The case is then reviewed and discussed at length with the cardiovascular team.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Schedule online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-420-3311 4302 S. Sugar Road | Suite 100 Edinburg, TX 78539 Virtual Visits Available Walk-ins Welcome

Q: How is the patient’s recovery likely to differ from a more traditional valve replacement?

Compared to open-heart surgery, TAVR is a shorter procedure that has been proven to be as good and even better in most of the measured parameters. The recovery is very fast and the patient can typically return to regular life after a couple of days compared to weeks or even months after traditional valve replacement surgery*.

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Locations in McAllen and Weslaco

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A MAJOR MILESTONE

in Caring for Children SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM CHILDREN’S IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE OUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY PROVIDING SPECIALIZED PEDIATRIC CARE TO RESIDENTS OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY.

Since early 2006, the communities we serve have counted on South Texas Health System Children’s for quality, close-to-home care.

We are especially proud to be the first pediatric facility in the area with a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department.

In addition to our just-for-kids emergency department, we also offer: • Trained pediatric emergency specialists • Pediatric intensivists & hospitalists • Pediatric subspecialist care • Pediatric-boarded anesthesiologist • Hidalgo County’s only advanced 3T MRI

• Child Life program • A dedicated pediatric waiting room • A kid-friendly environment • Pediatric & virtual playrooms • A special teen room

Plus, it’s all in a colorful, pleasant environment that’s soothing to kids and their families.

For more than fifteen years, South Texas Health System Children’s is proud to have shown that your health is our purpose.

To learn more about South Texas Health System Children’s, call 956-388-6800 or visit southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com.

1102 W. Trenton Rd. • Edinburg, TX 78539

Physicians are independent practitioners who, with limited exceptions, are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The System shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 210123-2180 7/21

S.P.I. MAYOR PATRICK MCNULTY AT TEQUILA SUNSET, SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX

FIRST LADY OF HONDURAS, ANA GARCIA DE HERNANDEZ AT THE OLD CHURCH WINERY, MCALLEN

AEROMAR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NETWORK STRATEGY & ALLIANCES, FABRICIO COJUC AT THE MCALLEN COUNTRY CLUB

SEA TURTLE INC. CEO, WENDY KNIGHT AT THE SOUTH PADRE ISLAND SEA TURTLE RESCUE

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WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

The Restaurant th Revutionized Fine Dining in South Texas is Back!

Join us in a historic art-filled 1922 bungalow, nestled in the heart of the McAllen Art District.

Enjoy contemporary gourmet dishes in our well-appointed dining room, savor award-winning wines and hand-crafted cocktails as you relax in our intimate bar and lounge, and enjoy world class live musical entertainment nightly on the patio.

At España, we serve exquisite experiences.

The Original,

956-627-2650 • www.espanaonmain.com • 701 N Main St, McAllen, Texas

MCALLEN ISD

COMMUNITY PRIDE

Javier Villalobos MCALLEN’S NEW MAYOR

Serving the community

By Dr. Kimberly Selber

A

s a child growing up in the 1960s in Crystal City, Texas, Javier Villalobos lived in the barrio. Crystal City was relatively small with fewer than 10,000 residents but had the distinction of being the Spinach Capital of the World.

His inspiration to be a public servant came early, and it came on the baseball field. His older brother had a coach who was a lawyer and an elected official. “I thought that was the best thing ever,” Villalobos recalled. “He planted the seeds of going to college and of being an elected official in my community. My older brother went to law school— the first in our family to graduate from high school and go to college—and I followed in his footsteps.” Both of these men, with true servant hearts, inspired Villalobos to go to law school and serve his community.

Villalobos graduated from Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in accounting. He worked as an auditor for the Texas Railroad Commission before attending the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston.

That was over 20 years ago. “I was just done with living in Houston. One of my classmates was from McAllen and invited me to join him in his new law practice. I had just taken the bar and was waiting on my results. I got here, and there was no new law practice to join. So, I got my bar results and opened my own law firm and have been practicing law here in McAllen ever since.”

For the past 20 years, Villalobos has made good on his promise to serve his community. He served as a member of the McAllen City Commission, the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board (appointed by Gov. Abbott), McAllenHidalgo International Bridge Board, Anzaldúas International Bridge Board, Border Trade Alliance, and the Texas Border Coalition. With all that experience under his belt, it was time for the next step; to run for mayor of his beloved McAllen.

In June 2021, Javier Villalobos was elected mayor of one of the fasted growing cities in America.

With more than 20 years of public service

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experience and a platform of fiscal conservatism, Villalobos is excited about what’s to come for McAllen.

“I want to focus on the beautification of our community,” Villalobos said. “We do so much behind the scenes – underground, streets, drainage, etc. Things that are critical but are not that visible. I want to focus on showcasing our beautiful community.”

His ideas include changing the way visitors first ‘see’ McAllen. “For example, the land between I-2 and Bicentennial. I think that area could really change the way people visiting McAllen, who have just flown in, view our city.” Another area of focus for Villalobos is how land/space is used. “I’d also like to focus on mixed-use space and creating walking communities. I envision building up – not single-family homes, but townhomes for a younger population. I also hope to aggressively move forward with revitalizing the downtown area, creating a strong architectural plan, a place that our younger families want to be. I want, ‘Change you can see.’”

But change comes at a cost, and Villalobos is watching the funding very closely. “I have always been fiscally conservative. Growing up in the barrio makes you ‘hungry’ to work hard, to put food on the table. In our executive sessions, I’m always asking if there is another way to do this or that that will save us money, but always focusing on doing it right. People want to make sure we don’t misspend their money. The commissioners and staff have done an amazing job; but we can always do better.”

In terms of being elected mayor of McAllen, Villalobos recalled lessons learned.

“I’ve always been told, don’t forget where you came from. I live by that, and I think it helps me get along with everyone. It is an honor to serve the people of McAllen.”

Javier Villalobos has been married to Annette for 19 years, has four beautiful children, and five furbabies and continues to be a huge Astros fan.

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Photgarpyh by Cli Ranso

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Open a Rio Bank Savings account TODAY and start saving for their future

Your Kind of Bank. Your Kind of Banker. www.rio.bank

956-631-7890

MANIC MONDAY MIXER AT THE LEGENDS RESTAURANT McAllen Photography by Danya Selber

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted their monthly networking mixer on Monday, July 5th at The Legends Restaurant Bar Patio. The new venue has a variety of pictures of different legends of different sports, a cozy bar and beautiful patio.

Every month the RGV Hispanic Chamber encourages business people to attend and meet with the RGVHCC members and exchange business cards. “It ’s a great opportunity to network and enjoy the delicious appetizers that The Legends provides, while sipping a cold and delicious beverage.” stated Juan Rosales, Vice Chair of Membership for the RGVHCC. “ You never know how much business you can pick up at our networking events”, Rosales added.

DINA SABANI, TESSA CORRAL, MOHAMED RAHEEM, JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ, AND YOLANDA GUZMAN

EMMA GONZALEZ, URSULA VAN DYKE, AGUSTIN LOZANO JR., CRIS WILSON, MIKE WILSON, AND KARINA MUSSENDEN

NYDIA TREVIÑO AND MIRNA GALEANA

OWNERS JUAN LUIS MUSSENDEN, KARINA MUSSENDEN, AND HEAD CHEF FERNANDO PEREZ

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WHAT THE!~

ETIQUESTIONS Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

I have noticed that people seem to be on edge lately, from road rage to rude people in restaurants and airports. I have heard that it may be a result of all the stress caused by the pandemic. What would you suggest we keep in mind, as we try to socialize, travel, and meet in person again?

Over the last year, we have all been conditioned to be cautious. Many of us have even gotten used to being at home, not getting dressed up, and not needing the energy it takes to attend lots of events. Have some empathy and understand that everyone is trying to do their best. With short staffs, short supplies, and short patience, many organizations are challenged to do as well as they can. We all need to have some patience and understanding. A sign of someone with great etiquette skills is compassion.

Do I need to tell people that I am vaccinated? I find that many people have such strong opinions about it, and I don’t want to offend anyone.

It’s okay to tell people that you are fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all. It is vital information that many venues may even require for entrance.

It is simply a matter of safety, and inquiring about it should not be considered rude. The key to handling these conversations politely is for both sides to drop the judgment. Clear communication during times of change is crucial but being polite while communicated is good etiquette.

I am still confused as to whether it is good etiquette to ask people if they are comfortable with hugging or if they are vaccinated. What is your etiquette advice?

This is a great question, and we receive it often. At the start of the pandemic, we had to ask about comfort levels and safety precautions as we were trying to socially distance but still try to get together. It is advisable to continue to ask about these things as we open back up and reengage in social activities. However, be prepared that someone may not feel comfortable answering a question about vaccinations. I would suggest asking things like, “Are we hugging?”, “I’d love to have you over. Are you ready for indoor visits?”, or “We would love to have you come over for pizza on Friday. We ask that if you are not yet vaccinated, you wear a mask and maintain social distance because the kids are too young to get vaccinated.” These types of questions allow for open conversations without judgment.

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication. www.leadershipempowermentgroup.com

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When you shop at a small business... you are supporting a dream!

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5/12/21 4:12 PM

Dr. J. A. Gonzalez Texas Superintendent of Year 2020

In McAllen ISD excellence comes from every corner. The mission of educating our community’s children requires a team effort.

When a global pandemic struck in 2020, schools began shutting down all over the world but not here. In McAllen ISD, we pulled together. We made it happen.

While many team members were able to work from home so students would not miss a single day of instruction, other members of the McAllen ISD team continued reporting for duty.

Our child nutrition staff provided meals by the curb outside schools. Bus drivers took meals into

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neighborhoods. Nurses were on duty to monitor health conditions and participated in many public vaccine clinics. Police helped keep everyone safe. Meanwhile, craftsmen in our Facilities, Maintenance and Operations division created infrastructure to make our schools safer for when children and staff returned.

It was a total team effort, and we deeply appreciate the dedication and devotion of those on the front lines of the pandemic crisis.

Now, as we begin a new school year, we look forward with confidence that, no matter what happens, our team will be there for each other and, most importantly, for our children.

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MCALLEN ISD

COMMUNITY PRIDE

POINTS OF PRIDE • State ‘A’ rated school district since 2018 • Post-secondary Readiness Distinction 3 years in row • High schools ranked among America’s Best Schools by US News • Regional Elementary Teacher of the Year & State Finalist 2021-22 • Regional Honor Board 2020 • Texas Superintendent of Year 2020 • Nominee for National Superintendent of the Year award 2021 • Regional Superintendent of Year 2020 • National Blue Ribbon nomination for Achieve Early College High School 2021 • Financial integrity award, perfect score 9 years in row • America’s Healthiest Schools 7 years in row • National Best Community for Music 9 years in row • Winner of state District of Distinction award 2020 • Readers’ Choice Favorite District 2020 • Golden Apple award winner from United Way of South Texas 2020 • National Excellence in Procurement award, 8th time in 9 years • GFOA (10 years in row), MBA (seven years in row) awards for School Business 2020-21 • National Connectivity Hero of the Year award (co-recipient), 2021

From Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade, our State “A” Rated District delivers excellence and value—real, measurable intellectual growth for every student, every year. Register today at www.mcallenisd.me or 956-687-MISD (6473).

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Strengthening Communities Across the Rio Grande Valley

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 6:30 P.M. Orchidee Studio, 4108 N. 10th #900, McAllen RECOGNIZING

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville Leslie Bingham CEO

Investment Partners Development Corporation of McAllen, Inc.

Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation

Employer Partner

Training Partner

Doctors’ Hospital at Renaissance

South Texas College

Community Partner Valley Interfaith

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.

Robert & Margaret McAllen Brisky & Perez David & Susie Insurance Oliveira

INDIVIDUAL RESERVATIONS $50 - SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE PAY WITH PAYPAL.ME/VIDA1995 OR MAIL CHECK TO 417 S. OHIO AVE. MERCEDES, TX 78570 PLEASE RSVP BY OCTOBER 7TH AT (956) 903-1900 EXT.106 OR CCANTU@VIDACAREERS.ORG

/vidargv

www.vidacareers.org

/VIDA_Careers

/VIDA_Careers

NON-PROFIT SPOT LIGHT

ARISE Adelante is a nonprofit communitybased program established in 1987 that works with colonia families in South Texas. It promotes personal development and empowerment of the immigrant community, especially women, children and youth in the Rio Grande Valley, through educational programs to strengthen community and civic participation.

OUR PILLARS:

WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY

z EDUCATION Improving early childhood and youth education quality through parent/ student/school relations.

ARISE Adelante staff go door-to-door to ask women

z ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH Creating a healthy and balanced life in the community.

or meeting. It is through encouraging each other

Located in four colonias in South Texas, each ARISE center responds to the specific needs of the community. ARISE’S mission is to aid communities by helping residents identify life goals and providing resources to help them reach those goals on their own. ARISE Adelante is cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of South Central and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

z HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE Ensuring a safe and decent home for all and holding the system accountable.

WHAT WE DO Each center offers educational programs and workshops for youth and adults that focus on personal development and leadership. ARISE runs two cycles of programs each year (Jan-April and Aug-Nov), and a summer program for children.

ARISE Adelante also focuses on social justice issues such as immigration, housing, and the environment.

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z IMMIGRATION Fostering personal development and empowerment in the immigrant community.

about their needs, and then they encourage them to visit the center or participate in a class to participate that women share their talents at ARISE. Although all of ARISE’s programs are free, adults are asked to do servicio contribuido (contributed service) once a week. This means that each person gives hours of service back to ARISE Adelante or to the community at large. This gives participants a sense of dignity, and a feeling that they are not just receiving charity while also

z CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Encouraging conscious action to give voice in communities.

connecting women and children to be the change

z LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT Building capacity to empower leaders and organizers.

ambition, the communities of Las Milpas, South

z YOUTH Guiding and building capacity in ARISE youth through educational support, environmental awareness and creative reflections.

in their community. Through teamwork and Tower, Muñiz, and Hargill thrive, giving hope and setting an example for the Rio Grande Valley.

For more information or to donate please visit: www.arisesotex.org

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208 E. Canton – Edinburg

956-720-4414 Certified Registered Pet Funeral Directors Certified Pet Bereavement Specialists Certified Pet Crematory Operators

South Texas College Valley Scholars Program

presents

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER October 7, 2021 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm South Texas College Pecan Campus Cooper Center for Performing Arts 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., McAllen, TX 78501

Save the Date & Become a Sponsor Today!

Scan the QR Code

TO DONATE

For Sponsorship Details: (956) 872-6440 42

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valleyscholars@southtexascollege.edu

All Net Proceeds from “A Night with the Stars” Benefit South Texas College Valley Scholars Program Scholarships.

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GMCC POWER MIXER AT CIMARRON COUNTRY CLUB Mission Photography by Danya Selber

LANCE AMES AND GEORGE RICE

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The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce hosted a Power Mixer, giving members an opportunity to connect with other local business leaders. The event was hosted at The Cimarron Country Club on Thursday, July 22, 2021. GMCC was delighted to see our business community come together and network.

ROBERT KIRBY AND DR. ONUWA TERRY

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Buenas Tardes COMMUNITY LEADER SPOTLIGHT

SARAH HAMMOND PRESIDENT ATLAS ELECTRICAL, AIR CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION & PLUMBING SERVICES, INC.

IN-PERSON TICKET:

TEXAS STATE SENATOR JUAN "CHUY" HINOJOSA

NICK RHODES PRESIDENT/CEO RHODES ENTERPRISES, INC.

TABLE SPONSOR:

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact: vicepresident@missionchamber.com or (956)585-2727

Peter Dabrowski, Music Director/Conductor

COMING SOON THE 70th ANNIVERSARY SEASON Performances begin in October Sponsorship opportunities available

SEASON SUPPORTERS

Th e R ea C h ar ita ble Tru st • Mrs . Tru di e Elm ore Ab bot t Mr s. Wan da B ou sh • Drs. Ta whid an d Miha ela S hua ib www.valleyorchestra.org

Her #1 Priority:

Keeping You and Your Family Healthy Dr. Ibarra Becerra, who is board certified in family medicine, provides services at South Texas Health System Clinics in Edinburg, including: •

Annual wellness visits

•

Polycystic ovarian syndrome treatment

•

Diabetes; hypertension; heart, liver, and kidney diseases; and asthma management

•

Preventive medicine, including recommended cancer screenings

•

Family planning services, including contraceptive therapy

•

Skin biopsy

•

Skintag removal

•

Laboratory services

•

Staple/stitch removal

•

Physicals (annual, school and sports)

•

Well-woman exams

Priscila Ibarra Becerra, MD Board certified in Family Medicine

She is fluent in English and Spanish. .

Family Medicine 1200 S. 10th Ave. | Edinburg, TX 78539 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Virtual Visits Available | Walk-ins Welcome TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Schedule online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-292-0781 Accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most medical insurance plans

sthsclinics.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 204866-1092 7/21

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OUT AND ABOUT

Change of Pace!

Espana Nouveau Mediterranean Mediterranean Restaurant

A N R E T N I Maison Stivalet French Bakery & Cafe

701 N Main St, McAllen

Lê Phở House Vietnamese Restaurant

5101 N 10th St, McAllen 1400 N Westgate Dr Suite 100, Weslaco

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L A N O I T A MORI

Japanese Grill

Mikhuna

Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine

2200 S 10th St, McAllen

Schneider’s German Gasthaus and Beergarden German Restaurant

905 N Main St, McAllen 5507 N Ware Rd, McAllen

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Save Date the

A NIGHT OF VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR I N MCALLEN MC A L L EN

CH AM BER

SIXTY SIXTH

OF

COM MERCE

A N N U A L

Man & Woman of the year H O N O R I N G

CHIEF VIC TOR RODRIGUEZ M C A L L E N P O L I C E D E PA R T M E N T

S A L LY F R A U S T R O - G U E R R A COLDWELL BANKER L A MANSION & SOCIAL IFE MAGAZINE

T H U R S D AY, O C TO B E R 7, 20 21 MCALLEN PERFORMING ARTS CEN TER 6 : 3 0 P. M .

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , P L E A S E C O N TA C T B L A N C A C A R D E N A S , 6 8 2 - 2 8 7 1

JOINT NETWORKING MIXER AT WALK-ON’S BISTRO

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is proud to have hosted the RGV Hispanic Chamber during a joint member mixer.

The event was held on Thursday, July 15th at Walk-On’s Bistro in Edinburg.

Edinburg Attendees had an exclusive chance to network and socialize with Edinburg and RGV Hispanic Chamber members.

“One of the many roles of a chamber of commerce is to strengthen our relationships and connections, not just in our city, but regionally as well,” said Ronnnie Larralde, Executive Director at the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

MARIO RODRIGUEZ, CHRISTINA BARRERA, AND SAVANNAH MELBY

CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI, MAYOR RICHARD MOLINA, RONNIE LARRALDE, AND JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ

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WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

www.Ambiancemcallen.com | (956)731-9370 |

@Ambiance.flowersrentals |

@Ambiance.McAllen

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

Quinta M A Z AT L A N

Valley Specialty Birds Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center

When we see the excitement a beautiful bird brings out of people – the smiles and gasps, the high-fives and hugs after glimpsing a rarity, or the quiet fascination of a child seeing a Plain Chachalaca for the first time – we are reminded of a quote from David Attenborough:

“Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?”

Indeed, birds have captured our hearts and minds for millennia, whether we’re enjoying the ducks in a local pond or chasing after rare birds around the world. While bird watchers are particularly fond of these exquisite creatures, they are accessible to us all, often in our own yards.

Although rarities receive a lot of media attention, our resident birds are seen by most visitors and deserve appreciation. Beauty is subjective, but the following three birds were chosen to represent a variety of ways birds are beautiful.

We’ll start out with the brightest: Green Jay. This magnificent corvid (a member of the crow and raven family) never fails to impress visitors to the Valley. The combination of blue, black, green, and yellow is visually impressive, but also fairly unique among birds in the United States. The Green Jay is the official bird of the City of McAllen – a good choice for not only its beauty but also intelligence.

While flashy birds like the Green Jay get an immediate response, the subtler beauty of a Common Pauraque takes a bit more time to appreciate… partially because the bird is so hard to spot! However, when the eye finally picks out the delicate gold and black feathers amidst the wash of soft browns and grays, one truly comes to appreciate this camouflaged masterpiece.

There are hundreds of more candidates for the last spot, but we’ll finish the list with the Clay-colored Thrush. This bird sports mostly brown and tan plumage, but it’s the song that makes this bird stand out; its melodic whistles will ring out at dusk or dawn in woodlands and lush neighborhoods in the Valley.

Truly, beautiful birds are all around us, accessible to all. If you are interested in learning more about birds and plants, follow Quinta Mazatlán on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube @QuintaMazatlan. For more information, please call 956-681-3370, and thank you for keeping our community safe by following health and well-being practices in the park. Take a walk in the woods Tuesday to Saturday 8 am to 5 pm and Thursday evenings at Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen, Texas.

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COMMUNITY HISTORY

THE ATOMIC DAWN 70 Years Ago the Atomic Age began, a world-changing event with unexpected links to the Rio Grande Valley

Time: 5.29 a.m. A blazing white light flashes across the darkened New Mexico desert. Winds erupt outward with hurricane force, accompanied by a mounting roar. A huge, roiling cloud, shaped like some demonic mushroom, rises upward, ever expanding, its interior pulsing with eerie yellow, purple, green, and other colors. Soon the light fades, the winds subside, and the thunderous noise dies away. Only the great pillar of cloud remains, rising ever higher, as if Judgement Day has come--which, in a real sense, it has.

That event on July 19, 1945, hurled mankind into the Atomic Age. The first test of an atomic bomb capped years of ceaseless work. Research into atomic physics had begun decades earlier in both hemispheres, but the onset of World War II in Europe brought a new urgency.

Albert Einstein, the world’s foremost physicist, sent a letter to President

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Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, saying that German research into splitting the atom could give Adolf Hitler a bomb of immense power. Einstein urged the U.S. to begin developing such a weapon before the Nazis could do so.

Beset with other matters, Roosevelt filed the letter–until December 1941, when Pearl Harbor plunged us into war with Japan. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy then declared war on the U.S. Suddenly, Einstein’s advice took on a grim new importance.

Washington put a secret project in motion. Its objective: develop and test an atomic bomb. Officially it was overseen by the U. S. Army’s Corps of Engineers, Manhattan (NY) District.

In time it became known simply as “the Manhattan Project.”

The rest is history. Books and documentaries tell the Manhattan Project’s story–an immense effort involving some 120,000 people, carried out in laboratories and sites across the country. Within three years, vast installations took shape at rural Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Hanford, Washington, to produce the ‘weapon-grade’ nuclear material in the quantities needed. At remote Los Alamos, New Mexico, renowned physicists from the U.S. and England, along with those who’d fled Europe before the war, toiled over endless formulas and equations to determine how the actual device would work, and what form it would take. All of this, by the way, was done with slide rules, blackboards, mechanical adding machines, and a lot of pencils. (Roomsized electronic digital computers existed but they were very scarce.

Today’s compact versions, of course, were still decades away.)

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Artifact: Hiroshima stone head

Artifact: Manhattan patch

By July of 1945, a defeated Nazi Germany had given up, its atomic research a dead end. But in the Pacific, Imperial Japan fought on, with U.S. Marines wrenching island after island from often-fanatical Japanese defenders. Nearly 19,000 Americans had died taking Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Facing a planned invasion of Japan expected to cost over a half-million U.S. and British casualties (not to mention how many Japanese), President Harry Truman ordered the “A-bomb” to be used on Japan.

August 6, 1945: a lone B-29 named “Enola Gay” dropped the first bomb--a narrow cylinder nicknamed “Little Boy.” It devastated the port city of Hiroshima. Three days later, with no offer by Japan to surrender, a second, rotund bomb known as “Fat Man” exploded over Nagasaki. Stunned, Japan finally gave up.

In the weeks and months that followed, Americans, and the rest of mankind, began trying to comprehend--and contain-the awesome power thus unleashed. (Today, seventy years later, that effort goes on, as it must; the consequences of failure are the stuff of nightmares.)

While the Manhattan Project story is known to many, less familiar are several links between those world-changing events and South Texas. For example, as the Corps of Engineers set to work, it began recruiting scores of university graduate-level students to do research in chemistry and physics at those “ laboratories and sites” across the country.

At least three of those students were from the Rio Grande Valley.

Still another link is a well-known destination. As the Manhattan Project rolled along, the Army considered remote locations to test the bomb. The four “finalists” included New

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Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. In the end the Army chose the central New Mexico desert, since it was closest to Los Alamos. One can only wonder how South Texas might have changed had the fourth site been chosen: Padre Island.

In such ways does our region’s surprising history often interconnect with world-changing events. But there is also a Valley post-script to this particular story, one both dramatic and tragic. In late July of 1945, the U.S. Navy’s heavy cruiser U.S.S. Indianapolis delivered the core component of the “Little Boy” bomb to the island of Tinian, in the Marianas Group. (It was from Tinian that the two “atomic missions” were flown.) After leaving the Marianas the Indianapolis headed for the Philippines. She never made it. West of Guam, a Japanese submarine torpedoed the cruiser, which sank in 12 minutes, taking 300 men down with her. Over 800 other crew members abandoned ship. Four days later, a Navy patrol plane found the survivors. In the end, only about 300 crewmen lived to tell the story. The rest succumbed to exposure, thirst, exhaustion–and sharks. Among those lost on the Indianapolis were two Valley sailors – José Saenz of Edinburg, and Arthur Evans of Mission. There may have been others whom we do not know about at this time.

Today, at the Museum of South Texas History, you can see a full-size replica of the Little Boy bomb in the World War II exhibit area, part of the “River Crossroads” section. Displayed nearby is a model of the ill-fated U.S.S. Indianapolis, and a stone-relief head from Hiroshima, still bearing a dark streak said to be from the bomb’s explosion. Two other artifacts of note are a slide rule used in the Manhattan Project; and an Army sleeve patch, the official insignia of the Manhattan Project. It features an enigmatic white device suggesting a question mark–asking, perhaps, what the future will hold in the Atomic Age.

It’s a question we may all still ponder.

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June 1 - September 30 2021 Chuckwagon Dinner McAllen Heritage Center Macaroni Grill McAllen Save the Date

August 5

Pitbull Bert Ogden Arena Save the Date

August 13

Bely y Beto Show McAllen Performing Arts 7:00 p.m.

August 17

Protecting Your Assets: Property, Personal and Estate Planning Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas RGV Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport 6:00 p.m.

August 20

Legislative Briefing Breakfast Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance 9:00 a.m.

Matute McAllen Convention Center Save the Date

August 20 - 21

Fishing for Kids 3rd Annual Superintendent’s Tournament McAllen ISD Louie’s Backyard - SPI Save the Date

August 22

Il Divo Concert Performing Arts Center 8:00 p.m.

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August 24

Entrepreneur Power Network Network Lead Exchange - McAllen Chapter Radisson Hotel McAllen 6:00 p.m.

August 28

Collage 2021 Gala IMAS McAllen Convention Center 6:00 p.m.

Miss Pharr Scholarship Pageant 2021 City of Pharr and GPCC Pepe Salinas Civic Center 6:00 pm 16th Annual Fishing for Hope Tournament DHR Health Louie’s Backyard - SPI Save the Date

September 16

Buenas Tardes Luncheon Community Leader Spotlight Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Save the Date

September 18

Dinner & Auction Scholarship Concert IDEA Public Schools Las Palmas Race Park 6:30 p.m.

Wild West Casino Night McAllen Public Library 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

September 24

Zoe McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

October 1 August 29

Sofia De Nino De Rivera McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

September 8

Enrique Iglesias & Ricky Martin Bert Ogden Arena 6:00 p.m.

September 10

Caifanes McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

September 15

Financial Planning for Women Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas RGV Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport 6:00 p.m.

Divorciemonos mi Amor McAllen Performing Arts 8:30 p.m.

October 2

Teo Gonzalez McAllen Convention Center Save the Date

October 7

Man and Woman of the Year McAllen Chamber of Commerce McAllen Performing Arts Center 6:30 p.m.

Gabriel Iglesias - Beyond the Fluffy Bert Ogden Arena 7:00 p.m.

October 8

Inspector & Elefante McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

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IF IT’S NOT HERE, IT’S NOT HAPPENING… Send us your event: admin@socialifergv.com October 9

October 23 - 24

October 10

October 26

Felipe Esparza: Unmasked McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

Mau y Ricky + Ousi 21 - Panas & Parceros McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

October 16

MC Magic - Lost in Love Tour McAllen Performing Arts 7:00 p.m.

October 21

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement Orchidee Studio McAllen 6:30 p.m.

A Night in Morocco Annual GMCC Awards Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce 6:00 p.m.

October 22

Santa Fe Wine Classic Quinta Mazatlan Save the Date Porque los Hombre Aman a las Cabronas McAllen Performing Arts 8:30 p.m.

October 22 - 24

Jalapeño RGV Amateur Championship RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Palm View Golf Course Save the Date

October 23

David Bisbal McAllen Performing Arts 8:30 p.m.

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Fiesta de Palmas McAllen Convention Center Save the Date

Empty Bowls 2021 RGV Food Bank Bert Ogden Arena 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

October 28

Hope is in Bloom Catholic Charities of the RGV Embassy Suites Convention Center 6:30 p.m.

October 29-30

Jon Pardi McAllen Convention Center 7:00 p.m.

A Masked Ball Holiday Masquerade Fundraiser South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Isla Grand Beach Resort Save the Date

November 14

Camilo - Mis Manos Tour McAllen Performing Arts 7:00 p.m.

November 28

Inaugural Organ Concert with Dan Miller Gelman Stained Glass Museum 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

November 30

Mighty Homes of Hope Habitat for Humanity Save the Date

December 1

Cristian Castro Hits Tour McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

Pretty in Pearls Comfort House Embassy Suites Convention Center 6:00 p.m.

November 12

2022

November 4

Live2Lead Mission Event Center 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

November 13

Gold Medal Brunch Benefit Special Olympics Texas RGV Radisson Hotel McAllen 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Dancing with the Stars RGV Diabetes Association Mission Event Center Save the Date

February 27

Rob Schneider I Have Issues Tour McAllen Performing Arts Save the Date

April 24

Moon Over Mazatlan Quinta Mazatlan Save the Date

July 17

RGV Pokefest 2022 McAllen Convention Center Save the Date

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