SOCIALIFE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021

YEAR 17 ISSUE 12

2021

COMPLIMENTARY

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Dancing with the Stars of Hidalgo County

The Measure Of Beauty: Manuel Tiscareño

Gelman Stained Glass Museum

Noche en el Rancho Gala

T H E AC C I D E N TA L C O L L E C T O R

Gelman’s collection is finally home

Experienced General Surgeons Trained in Robotic Surgery

South Texas Health System Clinics proudly welcome Sandra Esquivel, MD, FACS, and Luis P. Ozuna, DO. When you need a surgical procedure, you’re in good hands with these skilled general surgeons.

Sandra Esquivel, MD, FACS

Sandra Esquivel, MD, FACS Dr. Esquivel is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery who has been a general surgeon in the Mid-Valley area for more than 20 years. She treats a wide range of ailments, including breast cancer, hernias, gallbladder stones, diverticulitis and more. Dr. Esquivel has expertise in general surgery with a particular interest in robotic surgery.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Schedule online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-447-2668 1210 E. 8th St. | Suite 3 | Weslaco, TX 78596 4302 S. Sugar Rd. | Suite 206 | Edinburg, TX 78539 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Luis P. Ozuna, DO

Luis P. Ozuna, DO Dr. Ozuna is a general surgeon who specializes in treating gallbladder disease, hernias, gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, skin/soft tissue masses, breast cancer and other breast diseases. He is trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Schedule online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-631-0393 1801 S. 5th St. | Suite 120 | McAllen, TX 78503 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most medical insurance plans

sthsclinics.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 21453950-551662 11/21

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

Live2Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

Mission Honors Local Military Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Edinburg Candidates Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Manic Monday Mixer at Rosmani . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 STC & Transcasa Set to Roll Out New CDL Program . . . . . . . . . 24 Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

BRONSON DELRIO

VICE PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

SOTA: Gladys Tamez Trunk Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Dancing with the Stars of Hidalgo County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Gelman Museum Inaugural Organ Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 McAllen Legislative Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 The Measure of Beauty: Manuel Tiscareño Meteoric Rise . . . 42

KARLA KERNZ

Gelman Stained Glass Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

EDITOR

SOTA Grand Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Socialifing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Noche en el Rancho Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Etiquestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

CLIFF RANSON

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

VSO- From the New World Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Out & About: Milkshakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Non-Profit Spotlight: STJDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Experience the Light Around the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

YIRA ALDAPE

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Mighty Homes of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Civil War on the Rio Grande, Part 1: The Yankees Invade . . . . 82 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

ON THE COVER:

Magazine Design DECIBEL Communications Event Photographers Haron Saenz Tania De Luna Guest Photographers Quinta Mazatlan

Bronson delRio and Chris Ranson getting the perfect shot of Dr. Gelman for this month’s cover .

MOST History City of Mission Jesus Villanueva

Guest Writers Jane Smith

Roxanne Casares

Dr . Barbara BaggerlyHinojosa

Colleen Hook

Dr . Kimberly Selber

Nayeli Zenteno

Tom Ford

Diana Ramirez

Cynthia Sakulenzki

Gerry Garcia

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Ethny Fantich Miriam Cepeda Trisha Watts

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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Family...Friends...Christmas...

OH KAY S!

OH KAY S!

4300 North 10th Street in McAllen Telephone 956.686.1264

In-store. Telephone. By Appointment. Curbside Service Available!

from your friends at

www.vantage.bank

MEMBER FDIC

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 2

2021

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 4

2021

HIDALGO YEA

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City of Mission Making a Difference

City of Pharr State of the City

Rio Bank

Friendship in Foreign Soil

City of Pharr - Grand Opening of the first floor of City Hall

McAllen Chamber Of Commerce Power Network

UTRGV Health

Quinta Mazatlan - City of McAllen Takes Monarch Butterfly Pledge

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City of Mission Making a Difference

City of Pharr State of the City

Rio Bank

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Frien Fore

The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport A Tradition Since 1977

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2021

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Good Day McAllen Luncheon

Boots & Bling Gala

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McAllen Holiday Parade Homecoming

2021

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Valley Symphony Orchestra

The Value of Native Plants

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IDEA Under the Stars Gala

PSJA Education Foundation Gala

South Texas College

Out & About Brunch

VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2021

2/26/21 5:27 PM

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 3

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South Texas Health System

g n i t a r b Cele ars e y 1 7ving the of ser Valley

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RIO BANK: Your Kind of Bank, Your Kind of Banker

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Women of Distinction

RIO BANK: Your Kind of Bank, Your Kind of Banke

2021

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Mission Strong

Pharr EDC Foundation Ceremony

Quinta Mazatlan Quindecennial Celebration

MOST History - Was Pancho Villa In the Valley?

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HIDALGO YEA

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Good Day McAllen Luncheon

Boots & Bling Gala

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South Texas Health System

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STC EVOLVING

New Era of Opportunity and Growth

The Music Returns 10/21/21 10/22/21 11:20 6:47 PM

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City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos

McAllen ISD

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VSO Gala

Radisson Hotel

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8/2/21 3:42 PM

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Out & About Italian

Most History

McAllen ISD

Educating our community’s children requires a team

2020

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Hang Like A Local

Fishing Guides

Let’s Eat - Dining Guide

Get Out On The Water

ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FALL/WINTER COMPLIMENTARY

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FALL/WINTER COMPLIMENTARY

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

CITY OF MCALLEN MAYOR JIM DARLING

An Unwavering Commitment to Patient Comfort

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 6

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MOST History Atomic Dawn

9/30/21 10:23 9:03 AM 9/30/21

QU I N DEC E N N I A L C E L E BR AT ION OF QU I N TA M A Z AT L Á N

South Texas Health System McAllen

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Out & About International Food

2021

2020

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Hang Like A Local

Fishing Guides

Let’s Eat - Dining Guide

Get Out On The Water

South Texas Health System McAll

An Unwavering Commitment to Patient Comfor

3/26/21 6:14 PM

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HIDALGO YEA

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VSO Gala

Radisson Hotel

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Out & About Italian

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport A Tradition Since 1977

The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport A Tradition Since 1977

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7/6/21 8:29 AM

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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

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Restore Joints & Spine was founded to provide excellent service and compassionate care to the most important people: our patients.

Dr. Van Kanawade Orthopedic Surgeon

956-598-7070

910 S. Bryan Rd. Suite 205 Mission, Texas 78572

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

8TH ANNUAL LIVE2LEAD DREAM BIG FACILITY

It was a beautiful experience to be together for growth, laughter, and leadership at the Dream Big Facility’s 8th Annual Live2Lead held at the Mission Event Center.

Mission Photography by Tania De Luna

The leaders in this room who continue to invest in themselves and their people are the future of the Rio Grande Valley’s success.

We are so grateful to be a part of helping people be better than they ever thought they could be and to create better leaders, organizations, schools, and homes.

KARINA LOPEZ, VICTOR PEREZ, AND MARY GARCIA

BRIDGETT KRAUSE

CITY OF MISSION

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SANTA ROSA ISD

DONNA TSTA-NEA

BIG VALLEY AUTO AUCTION

MCALLEN ISD

DR. PABLO TAGLE III CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER

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THANK YOU

TO OUR PARTNERS AND PARTICIPANTS! PRESENTED BY: CITY OF

MISSION

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THE IIA,0,.llNE OJ flt( 1110 GIIAHOI VAlll'I' ELECTRICAL AIR CONDmONING. REFRIGERATION & PLUMBING�

(QFFEEZONE

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FACILITY

H·E-B t . � Helping Here. ., CityofMcAllen

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

Mission Honors Local Heroes

This year, the City of Mission once again honored local military heroes with a Veterans’ Appreciation BBQ. The drivethrough event at Mission Event Center featured a chicken plate with all the trimmings.

“The City is proud to pay tribute to our men and women in the military by providing an annual Veterans’ Day Celebration,” Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña said. “This civic celebration honors and celebrates the brave men, women, and families who have fought and sacrificed for our liberty and freedom.”

Veterans showed up, and volunteers

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decorated their vehicles in red, white and blue to showcase their patriotism as they picked up their BBQ plates. More than 1,000 plates were distributed. The celebration recognizing military men and women continued throughout November. The City of Mission also offered a free round of golf throughout the month for veterans at Shary Municipal Golf Course.

“This BBQ and a round of golf on us is just a small token of gratitude,” Mayor O’Caña said.

“We want our men and women in uniform-past, present, and future--to know that we are forever grateful for their bravery, sacrifice and service.”

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

SOCIALIFE

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

CANDIDATES FORUM EDINBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Edinburg Photography by Tania De Luna

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce hos te d a C andidates Forum on November 19, 2021, as a part of their Public Affairs Series. The forum was held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance and featured six individuals running for city council.

A l l c a n d i da te s w e re g i ve n a n opportunity to state their stance in a formal question-and-answer format.

The event was moderated by Edinburg Chamber Vice President of Public Affairs, Veronica Gonzales, who asked questions related to the office they are seeking.

For more information on the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce visit www.edinburg.com

SAMANTHA RUIZ, MARIO LIZCANO, VERONICA GONZALEZ, AND LANCE AMES

ALMA GARZA, RAMIRO GARZA, ALYSSA ROMERO, AND SEAN ROMERO

ROXANNE GARCIA, CARLOS GUTIERREZ, AND DR. SUBHASH CHAUHAN

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JOHNNY HERNANDEZ, GERARDO LOZANO, AND TONY GARCIA

THELMA TAMEZ, SARAH HAMMOND, AND LYDIA OCHOA

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WISHING YOU

Holiday Joy

During this season of thanks and celebration, South Texas Health System® would like to express our deepest appreciation – and extend our warmest wishes – to the physicians, nurses, staff members and volunteers who make up our exceptional team.

You have risen to the challenges of the pandemic for nearly two years with grace and determination – once again demonstrating to the communities we serve that their health is our purpose.

We also wish all the residents of the Rio Grande Valley the happiest of holidays and the best of health in the coming year.

Learn more about our awardwinning programs and services at southtexashealthsystem.com Physicians are independent practitioners who, with limited exceptions, are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The System shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 210123-2187 11/21

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

MANIC MONDAY MIXER AT ROSMANI McAllen Photography by Tania De Luna

The R GV Hi spani c C hamb er o f Commerce hosted their monthly mixer at Rosmani Fine Mexican Cuisine.

Guests and members came to network, connect, and grow their business while enjoying amazing food, drinks and door prizes. If you’re interested in joining the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce please email chamber@rgvhcc.org or call 956.928.0060

MYRA GOUGER, CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI, JOHN KOWALSKI, AND JUAN ROSALES

ISAAC ESTRADA, CLAUDIA GARCIA, VERONICA RODRIGUEZ, AND ROGELIO ALEMAN II

DINA SABNANI, JUAN ROSALES, AND TESSA CORRAL

CRIS ELIZONDO AND LESLIE PEÑA

ROEL DELGADO, JOHN KOWALSKI, JC CERVANTES, AND AGUSTIN LOZANO JR.

OLGA AND MATT GABRIEL

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South Texas College and Trancasa set to roll out new CDL Program

S

outh Texas College, in partnership with international ground transportation leader Trancasa, has set in motion a new commercial driver’s license program that will address a growing demand for drivers in the industry.

“This is a classic example of South Texas College reskilling and upskilling through education and training to meet regional and local labor demands,” said South Texas College president Dr. Ricardo J. Solis who brokered the partnership with Trancasa.

The new CDL program will consist of 200 total hours of instruction delivered over five weeks.

“Now, in partnership with STC, we are moving the world with a school devoted to the biggest and most in-demand transportation career - that of the CDL professional driver,” said Carlos Canales, CEO for Trancasa.

Trancasa operates a fleet of 700 trucks each equipped with anticollision technology and cameras to facilitate training. A growing and diversified customer base

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on both sides of the border is supported by the company’s 1,250 employees.

Trucking is a $791.7 billion industry that hauls 72.5 percent of all freight transported in the United States.

An aging workforce however, combined with recent surges in labor shortages, has created a vacuum of around 80,000 truck drivers.

“We know there is an urgent need for truck drivers, and we are planning a very robust program where students will be able to obtain their CDL driver’s license and get them on the road as soon as possible. We are hoping to expand it to our campus in Weslaco and then Starr County,” Solis said. “I refer back on my background in international trade and commerce to be able to bring all of my experience in those fields together to work here for the Valley, and to make STC a true center for workforce and economic development.”

For more information about the CDL course, please visit southtexascollege.edu/cdl

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_

WISHING YOU A SEASON FILLED WITH JOY, HOPE AND THE

happiest Holidays with love,

Eie

Precinct 4 Commissioner

Your special day matters EVENTS BY RADISSON

“U NF ORGE T T AB L E ”

“EVERYTHI NG HAPPENS AT THE RADI SSON”

“JUS T P E R F EC T ” Photography by Cli Ranson

www.EventsByRadissonMcallen.com (956) 682-7234 | 2721 S 10th St, McAllen TX

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORED BY BOGGUS FORD LINCOLN MCALLEN McAllen Photography by Tania De Luna

RAMIRO NIÑO, DOMINGO CHAPA, AND RENE HERNANDEZ

OSCAR GARZA AND GEORGE MYERS

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosted their 21st annual President ’s Cup Golf Tournament last November at the Palm View Golf Course. The event was sponsored by Boggus Ford Lincoln McAllen, and it consisted of an 18 hole, 3-player-team Florida Scramble. For more information on the McAllen Chamber events please go to www.mcallen.org

ALEX CARDENAS, DANIEL PADILLA, AND CESAR SUAREZ

CHARLIE VALLES, ORLANDO QUINTANILLA, AND JEFF PATTERSON

JERRY MATHEWS, BILL GOODER, AND ROGER HOWARD

JOE CASTILLO AND BALDE MORIN

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SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

GLADYS TAMEZ MILLINERY TRUNK SHOW AT STATE OF THE ART SPACE McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

CLAUDIA CHANIN AND GLADYS TAMEZ

State of the Art Space (@SotaSpace) hosted their first of many Gladys Tamez Millinery Trunk Shows. The showroom was filled with a collection of hats handpicked by the artist. Her custom, handmade pieces were exclusively available during what is typically an ultra premium by-appointment-only experience with personalized fittings by the #bosslady herself, Gladys Tamez.

MAGALY AND GUILLERMO GONZALEZ

BIANCA YARITU AND PATTY MATA

GLADYS TAMEZ, VENESSA RAMON, KASSANDRA TAMEZ, ETHNY FANTICH, AND CLAUDIA CHANIN

FERNANDA ARAGON AND ANASTASIA FALCON

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LETTY BARAJAS ARJONA AND BRENDA ARJONA

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STATE "A" DISTRICT

D I S T RI C T OF CHAMPIONS

Register your child (956) 687-6473

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

DANCING WITH THE STARS OF HIDALGO COUNTY GALA RGV DIABETES ASSOCIATION Mission Photography by Haron Saenz

The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association would like to thank the celebrit y dancers, their par tners, sponsors, staff, and all those who attended the 14th Annual Gala “Dancing with the Stars of Hidalgo County” at the Mission Event Center. The event was a great success and will provide the much needed funds necessary to give free testing, education, nutrition, support groups and a children’s camp to those with Diabetes in the community. The RGVDA is looking forward to extending our programs to better benefit the community.

LEAH WISE, OMAR OCHOA, AND CRIS WISE

RALPH FLORES, JORGE FLORES, JOE RAMIREZ, AND CHRIS MORALES

DR. RICARDO SOLIS AND MAYOR OF MCALLEN JAVIER VILLALOBOS

TIM AND NORA SMITH

ALDEN RUSH AND TANYA MILLER

CECILIA GUTIERREZ AND SEAN GILPATRICK

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ERICKA HERRERA AND JOHN ALVAREZ

HEATHER AND MOISES SEGOVIA

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

JOELLI MARTINEZ, JOHNNY DILLON, AND CHRISTINA SALAZAR

THE JUDGES: DR. RUTCHIE CONTRERAS, DEBBIE CHAVEZ, AND SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA

LEROY CADENA AND MARLA SANDOVAL

JOHNNY DILLON AND BIANCA NIETO

JOSHUA HOWARD AND LISA CONQUE

SANDRA RODRIGUEZ, TREY SERNA, AND CECILIA GUTIERREZ

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

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Seasons Greetings and HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from all of us at the

Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. , Commissioner Place 1 Eleazar Guajardo, Commissioner Place 2 Bobby Carrillo, Commissioner Place 3 Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Commissioner Place 4 Daniel Chavez, Commissioner Place 5 Ricardo Medina, and Commissioner Place 6 Itza Flores

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

INAUGURAL ORGAN CONCERT GELMAN STAINED GLASS MUSEUM San Juan Photography by Tania De Luna

SHARON AND ESPERANZA GELMAN

The Gelman Stained Glass Museum held their first public event on Sunday, November 28th, to inaugurate their 4-keyboard organ with renown concert organist Dan Miller and the UTRGV School of Music. The audience enjoyed the most premier organ concert in the country in an intimate setting surrounded by stained-glass windows.

The museum kicked-off their series of concerts with Dan Miller days prior to their opening on December 1, 2021

LORI PALMER AND SARAH HAMMOND

DR. DAHLIA GUERRA, AARON PEÑA, JAIME TIJERINA, AND DIANE TIJERINA

ROLAND CUELLAR, DR. BARBARA HINOJOSA, AND ERIKA REMPEL

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MCALLEN CITY MANAGER ROY RODRÍGUEZ, ANNETTE VILLALOBOS, AND NOELIA RODRIGUEZ.

MARSHA ACOSTA, BOBBY ACOSTA, OLIVIA ACOSTA, AND BOB ACOSTA

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SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

LEGISLATIVE SESSION WRAP-UP LUNCHEON MCALLEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE McAllen Photography by Tania De Luna

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosted the 87th Legislative Session Wrap-up Luncheon, presented by Texas Gas Service, IBC, South Texas Health System, and The University of TexasRGV. Former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling inter viewed Senators Juan “Chuy ” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio, Jr. about their experiences in the legislative session that occurred this year by. The Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheons provide our members with an opportunity to understand the votes of our legislators.

DAVID DE LOS SANTOS, RONNIE ONTIVEROS, NORMA GUEVARA, AND OMAR GUEVARA

VERONICA GONZALEZ, ANNETTE FRANZ, MARY ANN AGUILAR, AND MELISSA AVILA

ELVIA RIOS AND COMMISSIONER PEPE CABEZA DE VACA

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JOHN KREIDLER, NEDRA KINERK, JOHN DAVID FRANZ, AND CHRISTOPHER JULIAN

BLANCA CARDENAS, SENATOR JUAN “CHUY” HINOJOSA, AND GERRY GARCIA

SENATOR JUAN “CHUY” HINOJOSA, SENATOR EDDIE LUCIO JR., AND MAYOR JIM DARLING

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By Dr. Kimberly Selber // Photography by Cliff Ranson and Jesus Villanueva

The Measure of Beauty: l e u n a M ~ s ' o N e r a T i sc c i r o e e t M

Rise

Wall-to-wall beauty, elegance, and grace describe the Tiscareño Bridal Studio on North 10th Street in McAllen. Not unlike its founder and creative director, Manuel Tiscareño.

Tiscareño grew up immersed in a family bridal gown business with shops in Mexico and the U.S. But that is not the path he’d planned for his life.

“It’s actually funny because I was kind of running away from the family business,” Tiscareño quipped. “I studied art history at UT Pan American. I wanted to be in academia. I thought I would be a professor because I really enjoyed philosophy and art history.

“And then one day I was at one of our stores in Mexico, and the quality of the dresses weren’t really what I envisioned that they could be. That’s when I started developing a few samples just for fun. I never had any idea that I would create an entire brand out of it.”

Even though Tiscareño came from a family trade, setting up his own brand five years ago was a new experience.

“I thought, I don’t know anything about how to start a business,” he recalled. But I know how to design a dress. So, I started searching Google and found a video on how to start a fashion line on a shoestring budget by Mercedes Gonzalez. She laid it out step by step. No fluff.”

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Humbly, the 31-year-old designer with the megawatt smile said, “So I guess design discovered me along the way.”

The world of couture fashion has certainly discovered Tiscareño, too. One of his first shows was with Vogue in Mexico City in 2018. Afterward, KS magazine wrote that, “Tiscareño is the new star in the bridal firmament.”

“I freaked out. I was embarrassed by it a little bit,” he said. “I thought, that’s not true. But then I thought … why not me?”

Tiscareño’s ascent shows no sign of slowing.

The young designer has showrooms in McAllen and Mexico City with plans in the works to expand to other major U.S. cities in the future. His latest collection is preparing for the national bridal market in Chicago and New York Fashion Week 2022.

When asked where his inspiration comes from, Tiscareño lights up.

“I am kind of obsessed with the idea of beauty and the idea of experiencing beauty,” he explained. “I want to share that with the world. I really think, as a society, we should shift the way we view esthetic beauty and focus on the experience, not the object.”

To create beautiful gowns, Tiscareño firmly places emphasis on teamwork.

“Working with embroidery studios in India, pattern makers in Mexico City, fabrics from Turkey and Asia, we are curating things from all over the world to create our dresses,” he noted. “It’s not just one perspective; it’s a lot of perspectives.”

One dress, he recalls, took about six months to make and had approximately 50 people personally working on it, in different parts of the world.

“I want my clients to know they are getting a piece of art,” Tiscareño stressed. “I want to give my brides the space to feel valuable and

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SOCIALIFE 43 53

~ Met e oric Rise The Measure of Beauty: Manuel T i scareNo's

important. Your wedding day is one of the few days in your life that you can live the fantasy; I want to bring that about through my custom gowns.”

familiar with the story that is being

Tiscareño’s background in art history shines through in his campaigns.

latest campaign reference is to Sir

“We try to tell stories with our campaigns. Even if someone isn’t

Shakespeare’s Ophelia, a beautifully

referenced, there’s something cultural that people just feel and get right off the bat,” Tiscareño reflected. His John Everett Millais’ 1851 painting of surreal work.

Tiscareño is a dreamer, so where does he want to be in 10 years?

“I want to be more than this,” he commented. “I want to be a lifestyle brand. I want to help people expand.

And even if it’s a limited way of just trying on a dress and loving the way they feel, I’ll take it.”

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tickets: ADULTS

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tickets available at southpoleoftexas.com ABOVE.BEYOND.

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I know a place to celebrate the holidays.

A place to join friends and family to experience the spirit of the holidays. A place where holiday magic comes alive under millions of lights at the official South Pole of Texas illuminated festival.

A place where holiday shopping is fun again and everyone feels right at home. I know McAllen.

Come down for the holidays, so you’ll be the one who knows a place- McAllen, TX.

Book your getaway at visitmcallen.com

Dec. 1 - Jan. 6, 2022

See Festival Schedule & more at

EXPLOREMCALLEN.COM

May the beauty and wonder of the holiday season continue in the new year to come.

T H E AC CI D EN TAL C O L L E C TO R

The Accidental Collector GELMAN’S COLLECTION FINALLY HOME

By Dr. Kimberly Selber Photography by Cliff Ranson

On Dec. 1, the Gelman Stained Glass Window Museum in San Juan, Texas officially opened. Over 30 years in the making, the museum is home to the most extensive stained glass church windows collection in the U.S. The journey, however, seemed to unfold as a sacred mission – one step at a time— for collector Dr. Lawrence Gelman.

Surprisingly, Gelman had not set out to be a collector. “I purchased a small window for my home more than 30 years ago,” he said. That was supposed to be the end of it.

But not long after his first purchase, he received a call from

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an auction house, informing him that a rare Louis Comfort Tiffany window had come on the block. Curious, Gelman traveled from the Rio Grande Valley to Los Angeles to view the window. The magnificent piece was in a dusty warehouse. “It was all a little sketchy,” Gelman recalled with a grin. However, the brilliance of the piece was unquestionable. The color of the glass, the folding to create the drapery of robes, the figures, were all breathtaking.

“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Gelman said, adding that when he purchased the Tiffany window, he

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G E L M AN S TAI N E D G L A S S M U S EU M

was afraid to tell his wife how much he had paid for it. She was not a big fan at first. “She said, ‘What are you going to do with that huge window?’” he recalled with a chuckle. That window is now in his personal collection.

So why did Gelman, an anesthesiologist originally from Chicago who has lived in the Rio Grande Valley for more than 35 years, set out to create the largest stained glass church window collection in the U.S.?

Quite frankly, he didn’t. The collection found him.

After he purchased the Tiffany window, the phone started ringing. A church was being decommissioned, and would he be interested in purchasing the windows? A church was struggling financially, and would he be interested in purchasing the windows so the parish could continue its ministry? This process continued for the next 30 years as Gelman’s collection grew to more than 140 windows.

Gelman saw this as an opportunity to honor the artwork but, more importantly, to preserve the sacredness of the pieces.

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“Captains of industry sponsored these windows, but with declining church membership and funding drying up, many needed to sell their assets to continue to feed the hungry and clothe the needy,” Gelman said. “Imagine, thousands of people have prayed before these windows thousands of times.

These are not just glass and lead. These windows were created to glorify God and the Word. They are sacred artifacts.”

And while the churches were hesitant to sell their windows, knowing they were going to be preserved and restored and, in turn, kept “alive,” was a consolation.

THE STARS ALIGNED, AND EVERYTHING CAME TOGETHER. As Gelman’s collection grew, he knew it was time to find a home for it. His wife of over 40 years, Maria Esperanza, was a reluctant supporter.

“Everything was in storage,” she said. “No one was able to view the pieces; enjoy them.”

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T H E AC CI D EN TAL C O L L E C TO R

For a short time, a selection of the collection was displayed at IMAS in McAllen. The exhibition, curated by Maria Elena Macias, drew visitors from all over.

“It was the first time I was able to appreciate them; it was amazing. This was when the seeds were sown that we needed to create a permanent home for the collection,” said Mrs. Gelman, who explained some backstory to the caper.

“We were actually under contract to purchase another piece of property for the museum. Rosa Valencia, a local realtor, called us and said, ‘No, you must build it here, on my property.’ We didn’t even know her property was for sale. I feel like we are fulfilling the dreams of others.

Rosa and her brother-in-law always wanted this land, which is across the street from the Basilica of Our Lady

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of San Juan del Valle, to be used for something that was fitting for our Lady,” said Mrs. Gelman, a devout Catholic.

“People think my husband built this museum for me, but no. I can’t even get him to remodel my kitchen! No, this museum, this is a much bigger mission.”

For his part, Dr. Gelman could not be happier with the way things have unfolded.

“I always wanted to create, to create something special.

Unique. Something of value that serves the greater good,” he reflected. “This project, it was beyond just me. Everything came together in an unbelievable way.

Everything aligned.”

Even the details seemed to be ordained, in a sense.

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G E L M AN S TAI N E D G L A S S M U S EU M

“The location, the craftsman, and the artisans were all people who were found only through serendipitous opportunity; it was truly incredible, miraculous, even,” Gelman recalled, still amazed at how everything came together. “Each of the people who worked on this project recognized the importance, the exactitude that was needed, and they honored that in every way.”

The spiritual ambiance envelopes visitors when they enter the museum. The museum truly feels like a sacred space. The inspiration for the cathedral-like building is a traditional Latin cross, but the look was inspired by the 13th century Gothic royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris—refracting light, whispered prayers, and an overwhelming sense of spiritual peace.

“This collection is the best of the greatest stained glass makers of the time,” Gelman said. “There may be other pieces that rival this work, but not this many in one place.”

GELMAN STAINED GLASS MUSEUM (956) 601-0838 www.gelmanmuseum.org 411 Virgen de San Juan Boulevard San Juan, Texas, 78589

And that place, is the Rio Grande Valley.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

STATE OF THE ART SPACE GRAND OPENING

The event of the season, SOTA Space’s Grand Opening, was celebrated on November 11th, 2021. The private celebration, hosted by founders Claudia Chanin, Ethny Fantich, and Fernanda Aragon, was filled with family and dear friends along with the latest furnishings and accessories carefully curated from around the globe. Every corner of the showroom was a show-stopping, instaworthy moment. @SotaSpace is the first of its kind one-stop-shop for anyone in search of the extraordinary space.

McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

ANEL VARGAS, CLAUDIA CHANIN AND KARINA PARAS

DEREK AND CYNTHIA MAXWELL

ALEYDA SAENZ AND ESTHER GIL

JOAQUIN MANZUR, KASANDRA TAMEZ, AND IVANNA GONZALEZ

KINO AND VANESSA FLORES

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ALEX AND LIZ GARZA

ROBERTO GARZA, VICTOR MONTES, AND DAMIAN GUEVARA

ETHNY FANTICH, CLAUDIA CHANIN, AND FERNANDA ARAGON

AURORA BARRERA AND ANDREW HEFNER

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HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONER ELLIE TORRES AT EMBASSY SUITES CONVENTION CENTER IN MCALLEN

MCALLEN HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOG MASCOT AT THE MCALLEN MEMORIAL STADIUM IN MCALLEN

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF P.R. AND MARKETING LYNDA LOPEZ AT MISSION EVENT CENTER IN MISSION

ERNIE ALISEDA AT THE AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN AUSTIN

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208 E. Canton – Edinburg

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

CONGRATULATIONS J. GONZALEZ ON THE GROUNDBREAK OF YOUR NEW HEADQUARTERS IN EDINBURG!

Dedicated to the Health of You and Your Family

Dr. Madrid is a family medicine physician who has more than 17 years of experience caring for patients. She provides healthcare services for everything from acute illnesses to metabolic and cardiac health disorders. A native of the RGV, Dr. Madrid is prepared to care for the needs of patients in the region. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Services available include: •

Annual wellness visits

•

Physicals (annual, school, sports)

•

Chronic disease management

•

•

Follow-up care after hospital visit

Preventive medicine including recommended screenings

Family Medicine 5407 S. McColl Rd. | Suite B | Edinburg, TX 78539 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Maria Christina Madrid, MD

Virtual Visits Available | Walk-ins Welcome TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Schedule online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-997-6565 Accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most medical insurance plans

sthsclinics.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 21453950--551831 11/21

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

NOCHE EN EL RANCHO GALA RGV HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mission Photography by Haron Saenz

The RGV Hispanic Chamber celebrated their annual Noche de Gala at The Estrella Ranch. They congratulated the 2021 honorees, Ms. Laura Warren and Ruben de Leon as the Business Woman & Business Man of the Year, the Business Corporate Award recipients were SAMES Engineering as the Small Corporation; Hector Dominguez, All State Insurance and Large corporation was LACKS, and for the Golden Eagle Award recipients was the L aMantia Family of L&F Distributors. “We thank each one of the donors and sponsors, our Annual Noche en el Rancho Gala would not be the same without you all. Happy holidays & happy New Year.”

ILIANA VILLALOBOS, REY VILLALOBOS, AND SELENA CARMOUCHE

MYSSIE CARDENAS AND BETHY BEAS

MELISSA AND JORGE BOTELLO

JD SALINAS, LAURA DISQUE, AND RHONDA SALINAS

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DINA SABNANI AND MARIE GARCIA

AYLAIA SIFUENTES AND JESUS MONTELONGO

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CHERIE CAVIN, KIRBY CAVIN, VAL LAMANTIA, BAILEY GURWITZ, AND GARY GURWITZ

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DR. GUY BAILEY, RICK VILLARREAL, VERONICA GONZALEZ, DEBI CHAVEZ, AND LUIS CHAVEZ

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Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Thank You to our Noche en el Rancho Gala Sponsors & Auction Donors!

Bert Ogden Dealerships Annette Franz R.G. Vita Bobby Acosta Legends Restaurant Bar UTEA Michael Wilson Radisson Hotels Ruben Palacios Meraki Spa H-E-B Arnold & Corina Ochoa Austin Imports Univision Radio Socialife Magazine The Monitor Sally Guerra Whataburger Kumori Restaurant

Casa De Palmas Hotel Double-Tree Suites by Hilton Hotels Vicki Chrysler Hinojosa Capt. Ruben Hinojosa Premier Trophies RGVHCC Board of Directors L&F Distributors Villalobos Law Firm PTG Inc. Santa Fe Steakhouse Rosmani Restaurant Lee's Pharmacy The Patio on Guerra Palm Valley Dental Orthodontics Green Insurance Naomi Perales Leah Wise Law Firm Blue Wave Carwash Khalifa's Western Wear STC President & Wife Alka's Divine Boutique RGV College McAllen Evening Rotary San Antonio Spurs Capt. Marti Miller Canel-li Qute Sweets Opari Laser Rudy's BBQ Green Beret Palm View Golf Course La Quinta Hotels Le Borde House & Che's Restaurant Holiday Wine & Liquor North Park Lexus RGV Chase Bank Espana Restaurant

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WHAT THE!~

ETIQUESTIONS Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

We have been invited to several holiday parties at our friends’ homes. I always struggle with whether or not I should take a gift. Is it appropriate to take a gift, and if so, what kind of gift?

Tis the season! This is a great question that I get a lot. It is always a great idea to take a host/hostess gift when invited to someone’s home. Some of my favorites are flowers, wine, etc. but try to make the gift personable. Think about what the host/hostess likes, and find a small token of your appreciation that would be appreciated. Never show up empty handed.

I recently attended an event at a friend’s home, and there were a lot of people.

When I entered the home, I really didn’t know what to do because of all the people. What do you suggest I do in those circumstances?

Oftentimes parties, especially during the holiday season, are well attended, and the host/hostess may not be answering the door. A good rule of thumb is to enter, say hello to everyone who is standing by the door, and find the host/hostess quickly. You want to let him/her know that you are there, and you should give them a small gift. It is possible that the host/hostess is super busy so just say hello, give the gift, then start to mingle with the guests.

My company is having a holiday party, and it has been some time since we gathered socially. What are some holiday party tips you can share?

Holiday parties are fun and a great way to spend some down time with your colleagues. First, dress appropriately for the occasion. Choose an outfit that reflects the festive season, but be conservative. Second, try to avoid in-depth discussions about business...especially if clients are in attendance. Next, be mindful of how much alcohol you are consuming. A good rule of thumb is one glass.

Finally, make sure to express your appreciation to management for hosting the party.

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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Merry Christmas & FelizNavidad!

As the year comes to a close, I gratefully pause to wish you and your family a happy holiday season and all the best for the New Year! Feliz Año Nuevo!

2022 PRIMARY ELECTION DATES EARLY VOTING:

FEBRUARY 14 -25 ELECTION DAY:

MARCH 1, 2022

POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY NEREIDA LOPEZ-SINGLETERRY

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

FROM THE NEW WORLD CONCERT VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

On November 12, 202, the Valley Symphony Orchestra began its 70th anniversary season with “From the New World,” a concer t featuring Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9. The full orchestra performance was the ensemble’s first since the Covid-19 shutdown in 2020. Held at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, the concert was sponsored by Dr. William and Mrs. Evelyn Gillum, Drs. Tawhid and Mihaela Shuaib, and Mrs. Wanda Boush.

Tickets for upcoming concerts can be purchased at www.valleyorchestra.org.

JULIO DE LA GARZA, ASHLEY DE LA GARZA, JUDY DAVIS, AND RUBEN GUTIERREZ

MAESTRO PETER DABROWSKI

KELLY MEADOR AND BREEZY ZUÑIGA

DINA SABNANI AND ORLANDO DE LA GARZA

GEORGINA ZAMORA, ALEX ZAMORA, AND LUCY ZAMORA

ROLAND HERNANDEZ AND DR. MONICA CORDOVA

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Happy Holidays FROM THE

We wish you the very best of the season! www.valleyorchestra.org

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OUT AND ABOUT

So Creamy!

Philly 77

1123 US-83 BUS, McAllen

h S k l Mi

Forever Ice Cream 6421 N 10th St #180, McAllen

For more information go to www.philly77.net

Chucherias La Muñeca Food Truck 4300 S Ware Rd. McAllen

For more information call 956-627-2348 For more information please call 956-576-3200

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! s e k ha

Snack Stop

5808 S Cage Blvd., Pharr

Schoolhouse Creamery

715 North 77 Sunshine Strip, 101 N Stuart Pl Rd, Harlingen

For more information go to www.snack-stop.com

Yummy’s Ice Cream & Mini-Donuts 705 S. 10th Street McAllen

For more information call 956-230-5071 For more information go to www.yummysminidonuts.com

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NON-PROFIT SPOT LIGHT

SOUTH TEXAS JUVENILE DIABETES ASSOCIATION EMPOWERING CHILDREN, SUPPORTING FAMILIES, AND EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY

The mission of the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA) is

GET INVOLVED

to enhance the lives of children living with diabetes through personal

STJDA is all about children living with diabetes, their families, volunteers, and friends who believe in our cause: to enhance the lives of children living with diabetes through personal empowerment, family support, community awareness and public advocacy. STJDA is here to serve you if you are the parent of a child living with diabetes. We welcome volunteers who want to advance our mission. And, we appreciate your gifts and donations, all of which go to support our work on behalf of children living with diabetes.

empowerment, family support, community awareness and public advocacy.

STJDA was founded in 2011 by a group of parents with the aim of providing support to other families like theirs, whose children were living with Type 1 diabetes. Over the years, STJDA has continually adapted to the changing needs of the children and families they serve, including the growing number of children in the Rio Grande Valley who are living with Type 2 diabetes.

STJDA carries out its mission through a variety of programs and services, led by a volunteer board of directors that sets the organization’s goals and promotes its work across the Rio Grande Valley. These services include Camp Freedom summer camp experiences, the school-based Stomp Out Diabetes education and prevention campaign, our signature Shot Spots Bears distributed at all Valley hospitals to newly-diagnosed children, Coffee Connections parent support group gatherings, specialized Family Food Pantry in McAllen and Weslaco, and our annual Sweet Run 5K fun run and walk.

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YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS Make a Donation Thanks to your donation of any amount, STJDA can continue providing Rio Grande Valley diabetic children and their families resources, education and support. All proceeds from our events and activities benefit the diabetic children of the Rio Grande Valley. South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization so all donations are tax deductible.

To Donate go to www.stjda.org Want more information? You can reach us at (956) 627-5594 or by sending us an email at info@stjda.org

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HAPPY

Holidays!

FROM THE 2021 -2022 MISSION CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

From Top Left: Joe Vargas, Rene Alcala, Sean Downey, Ronnie Ontiveros, David Sandoval, Singh Dilbag, Ruben Arcaute, Jennifer Venecia, Paola Lopez, Sara Cano, Giselle Mascarenhas, Sandra Vecchio and Dr. Carol Perez.

Not present: Lance Ames and Debra Franco.

GMCC advocates for tourism and supports local businesses through promotion, education, and networking opportunities.

I know a place to find what your missing.

A place to go out again and try something new. A place where the food scene is fierce, festivals are one-of-a-kind, the shopping always feels right and the nightlife comes alive. I know McAllen, TX. Come down this weekend, so you'll be the one who knows a place.

Book your hotel getaway at visitmcallen.com Stylish Shopping & Luxury Boutiques

Top Cuisine & Open Air Venues

World Birding Center & Outdoor Adventure

Premier Entertainment & Events

See Festival Schedule & more at

EXPLOREMCALLEN.COM

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

Quinta M A Z AT L A N

Experience The Light Around The World Written by Colleen Hook, Manager, Quinta Mazatlan

The last months of the year are celebrated around the world with different holidays including Hanukkah, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, Diwali and more. Join us at Quinta Mazatlan for a one-ofa-kind event, ILLUMINA Fest, to experience the light from December 14th to 18th, 2021.

holidays around the world. What do they all have in common? All celebrate with lights! Christmas traditions include the lighting of a Tree and Hanukkah observes the lighting of the Menorah.

During Kwanzaa the Kinara is lit. The Kiwali celebration lights Diyas and the Lunar New Year celebrates with red lanterns.

ILLUMINA Fest is an enchanting walk through the forest at Quinta Mazatlan that transports you to another world with all the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the holidays. A one-way path with over 3,000 luminarias guides you past art installations, artists and performers.

We invite you to join us at ILLUMINA Fest and hope the trails inspire you to honor your traditions and learn more about others around the world. Let’s celebrate life’s special moments together!

Lighted art installations celebrate the history and traditions of more well-known

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For tickets to ILLLUMINA Fest, visit www.ticketleap.com and search for “Quinta Mazatlan-Illumina Fest”. For more information, call Quinta Mazatlan at 956-681-3370.

BLUE RIVER

BUTTERFLY LIGHT DANCERS

HALO ARCH

CACTUS GARDEN EDITED

ILLUMINA FEST TRAIL

ILLUMINA FEST TRAIL

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THE NEWEST BEACHFRONT HOTEL ON SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

FULL PAGE AD PRINT GUIDE Bleed Edge of Page (here is where your ad starts) Safe Visual Content Area (because of the way the magazine folds, we recommend to keep all text and important information within this area so that our readers can appreciate your add much better)

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• Please try to keep your live content with in this white area of 6.95x12 in so that your content doesn’t get lost in the magazine page fold.

If you have any questions please contact our editor Karla Kernz at:

(956) 683-8499 Enjoy the newest beachfront resort in South Submit your Ad at: Padre Island. Courtyard by Marriott provides greater flexibility and choices for our guests.

admin@socialifergv.com

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6700 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, TX 78597

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

MIGHTY HOMES OF HOPE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY San Juan Photography by Tania De Luna

Mighty Homes of Hope, now in its second year, was a hear twarming gathering of communit y par tners, par ticipating Habitat for Humanity families, and wonder ful sponsors.

Although 2020 was the inaugural year for our fundraising event, we were not able to celebrate everyone in-person until now.

We are beyond grateful for all the charitable donations received this year and enthused to report that they surpassed those of last year. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable homes for families in need of a “hand up” in the Rio Grande Valley.

SEAN O’CONNOR, TRISHA WATTS, AND GABY JONES

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MARCOS TORRES AND JASON GONZALEZ

THE IBARRA FAMILY

ANGELICA RODRIGUEZ, ANN FORTESCUE, AND CLAUDIA MARTINEZ

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We extend a special, “Thank you!”, to our 2021 Mighty Homes of Hope sponsors. Due in huge part to their generous support, we were able to celebrate a second year of success for this incredible fundraising event, dedicated to assisting Rio Grande Habitat for Humanity’s ongoing mission to help families obtain safe, decent an affordable homes in the RGV.

www.habitatrgv.org

412 Ash Ave. , McAllen, TX, 78501 956-686-7455

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COMMUNITY HISTORY

Civil War on the Rio Grande PART 1:

By Tom Fort, Senior Historian

T H E YA N K E E S I N VA D E

Pitching in storm-tossed seas, a naval fleet approached Point Isabel, Texas. Waves sloshed against hulls, water surged across decks, and wind tore black smoke from rusty stacks. At mastheads flew the Stars and Stripes. Crammed aboard were blue-clad U.S. troops.

Their mission: invade the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Their objective: cut the enemy’s trade route to Brownsville and Matamoros, and end the torrent of Rebel cotton crossing the Rio Grande for shipment overseas.

Time: early November 1863. As the American Civil War ground on, blue and gray armies back east

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settled into winter quarters and glared at each other. Off the Texas coast, U.S. Navy warships enforced the Union blockade on Confederate shipping. But there were few ships to spare for the lower Texas coast, and blockade runners still ran happily into and out of Point Isabel. That was about to change.

Unknown to the Union soldiers about to “hit the beach” (some no doubt were seasick, probably wishing they’d never heard of the U.S. Navy or Texas), they were setting in motion a chain of events that would trigger the war’s last land battle—and raise the specter of another war.

Trouble on the Rio Grande, like steam pressure in a boiler, had been building ever since the war began in April 1861. The North’s grand strategy was simple: take control of the Mississippi River, thus cutting the Confederacy in two; overpower Southern armies with Yankee numbers; and cut off the Rebels’ maritime trade. Of these factors the last would prove decisive. A naval blockade could strangle the mostly rural South, short on industry and dependent mainly on imports to arm and equip its troops. But the U.S. Navy had less than 100 vessels to blockade some 3,000 miles

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of southern coastline. So Uncle Sam targeted major Confederate ports such as Charleston and New Orleans.

Slowly the vise tightened, and Confederate armies began feeling the pinch. Despite its wartime expansion, however, the U. S. Navy never had enough ships to end all Rebel traffic. Blockade runners continued their voyages—especially in Texas.

In 1863 only a handful of Federal ships patrolled off Galveston, Matagorda and Corpus Christi. But other ports beckoned to blockade runners. Stretching away to the south, the long ribbon of Padre Island pointed like a sandy finger toward remote Point Isabel and the Rio Grande. Across that international boundary was a “back door” through the Union blockade: Bagdad.

By mid-1863, wartime economics had turned this ramshackle fishing village into a world-class port, attracting hundreds of ships from dozens of foreign countries. They came for Confederate cotton bales,

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hauled from east and central Texas as well as Louisiana and Arkansas. When New Orleans and the Mississippi River fell into Yankee hands in 1862, and with enemy cruisers off the upper Gulf coast, Texas cotton growers wondered how to export their “white gold.” Then they discovered Bagdad.

Before the year was out, cotton in wagonloads rolled toward Brownsville. Ferried across the river to Matamoros, the bales went on east to Bagdad, beside the Rio Grande at its juncture with the Gulf of Mexico.

Merchant ships hungry for cotton anchored offshore, unloading crates, barrels and sacks of goods needed

by Confederate soldiers—and Mexican troops as well.

Fighting against the swelling tide of French Imperial forces, Benito Juarez’ government tolerated the Bagdad trade. Washington favored Juarez’ cause (the French, after all, were trampling on the Monroe Doctrine) but its entreaties to close the Rebel cotton port fell on deaf ears:

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Juarez also needed Bagdad, to bring in war materials for arming his soldados. So Bagdad’s “back door” stayed open. Loaded with cotton, foreign-flag vessels headed home, cruising safely in Mexican waters past the occasional U. S. warship on the Rio Grande station. So things went — until the Peel incident.

In September 1863 a Union warship off the Rio Grande stopped and boarded a British-owned vessel named Sir William Peel. Yankee intelligence reports said that the Confederates planned to turn the merchant ship into an armed Rebel privateer. Alarm bells in Washington! Were disguised Confederate warships about to swarm out of Mexican waters and lift the blockade? Something had to be done—that “back door” had to be shut, now! Since the War Department couldn’t attack Bagdad, it opted for the next best thing—invade the Lower Rio Grande Valley and seize Brownsville. That would close off the cotton trade! Naturally.

Thus, two months later, the invasion fleet steamed through Brazos Santiago Pass and anchored in Laguna Madre. Union troops took Brazos Santiago Island and there established a base and depot, ringing it with massive artillery. Other bluecoats occupied Point Isabel (it wouldn’t become Port Isabel until decades later), closing the port to blockade runners. Regiments marched to Brownsville, where panic-stricken residents were crossing the Rio Grande with their cotton bales and other worldly goods. Outnumbered, the local Confederate troops withdrew to San Antonio. Unwilling to leave Fort Brown to its original owners, Rebels set fire to the wooden buildings. The flames spread to nearby Brownsville and soon reached a merchant’s supply of gunpowder. It blew up with a deafening roar

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that scattered burning debris and ignited much of the business district.

When the Yankees arrived, there was less to occupy.

Yet within a few days industrious townfolk were busy rebuilding. The Federals re-created Fort Brown with tents and planned their next moves. Seizing the ferries to Matamoros halted the cotton trade to Brownsville.

Within a few days, Union cavalry and infantry were marching west, along the old river road that’s still known today as the Military Highway. They left detachments at ranch settlements and seized more ferries at Edinburgh (now Hidalgo), Rio Grande City and Roma.

Other cavalry patrols rode north, deep into South Texas, attacking ranches suspected of supplying Confederate forces (including Captain Richard King’s Santa Gertrudis Ranch, near today’s Kingsville). Cattle were driven off to feed Yankee troops. Today, traces of wartime cavalry encampments still turn up on South Texas ranches.

By early 1864 the Union plan seemed to be working.

Federal troops held the Rio Grande’s left (or north) bank clear to Roma. At Brownsville, no cotton crossed to Matamoros. Yet something wasn’t right. Why were ships still off Bagdad, still unloading cargoes for Southern armies — and loading cotton bales? Union commanders realized that they’d underestimated the Rebels and the Mexicans. By just how much, they would soon find out.

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