SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

YEAR 14 ISSUE 11

2018

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p.44

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INB & Vantage Bank Mixer

McAllen Holiday Parade

North Park Lexus Now Open

Harry Potter Halloween Concert

THE MAGAZINE OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Pop -Up Shop @La Plaza Mall

Visit us inside La Plaza Mall only throughout the holiday season.

Move Collections with Gigi Hadid

# Diam o n d A d dic t io n

4300 N 10th St. • McAllen 956.994.0970 • www.caratsfj.com

Easterseals RGV Egg Preview at Carats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 MCC - Government Affairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 PVAC - Foster Puppy Palooza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

MXLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Vantage Bank Reception. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 RGVDA - Dancing with the Stars of Hidalgo Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Capable Kids - Havana Nights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Live2Lead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 RGRH - Spooktacular 5K Walk/Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Breast Cancer is not a Fairytale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Prickly Pear at Quinta Mazatlan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

BRONSON DELRIO

VICE PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

RGV HCC Jalapeño Golf Classic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 BuildRGV - Network & Recluting Mixer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Priority Tooling Solutions Ribbon Cutting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 MOSTHistory - “El Tigre”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Easterseals RGV Annual Gala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 2018 Santa Fe Wine Classic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 GMCC - Fiesta Miami. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Oh Kay’s!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 North Park Lexus RGV Grand Opening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

KARLA KERNZ EDITOR

UTRGV- Business Leaders Luncheon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 RGV Food Bank Golf Classic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 STC - A Night with the Stars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Non-Profit Spotlight: RGV Diabetes Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 MRMC - Mission Pink 5K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 MOSTHistory - Fandango!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 VSO - A Harry Potter Halloween. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 ACS - MSABC 5K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

CHRISTINA BARRERA SALES COORDINATOR

J. Balvin Concert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 University DraftHouse BeerFest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

CLIFF RANSON

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Design Event Photographers

Decibel Communications Anai Noyola Dustin Coronado Felicia Cuellar Victoria Gaytan Haron Saenz

Guest Photographer

Luciano Guerra Crystal Kelly Photography Rodd Lewis Roschel Servantes Lambrecht Photography Cobalt Digital Marketing

Guest Writers

Tom Fort Jane Smith Vivian Vargas Pamela Morales Letty Leal David Kolovson

STC Valley Scholars Program Nayeli Zenteno Paola Lopez Luis Cantu Adriana Morales

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

ON THE COVER:

“Christmas Around the World” is the theme of the 2018 McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B. This still from the “Give your Child the World this Christmas” campaign by PolluxCastor presents the parade experience from a smaller perspective.

PHOTO BY: Andy Peña

FOR ADVERTISING OR OTHER INQUIRIES, REACH OUT! eMail: 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.

Socialife is printed in Mexico Please recycle this magazine!

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FAMILY MEDICINE · NUTRITION SERVICES · BLOOD/LAB TESTING · PHYSICAL THERAPY· GENETIC TESTING MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING · FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE · PREVENTIVE CARE · IV INFUSION THERAPY

Zucchini Chips 2 ZUCCHINI, SLICED IN VERY THIN ROUNDS • 1 TBSP EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL • 1 TBSP RANCH SEASONING • 1 TSP DRIED OREGANO • KOSHER SALT • FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER

1. Preheat oven to 225° and grease a large baking sheet with butter.

2. Using a mandolin, slice zucchini into very thin rounds. Pat dry with paper towels to draw out excess moisture.

3. In a large bowl, toss zucchini with olive oil. Add in ranch seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Place zucchini in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake until crispy, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

5. Let cool before serving.

EASTERSEALS

OSTRICH EGGS PREVIEW McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

Easterseals RGV partnered up with Carlos Melguizo and Saul Sanchez from Carats Jewels-Living-Gifts and hosted this preview party event. Carats has an extensive collection of exquisite jewelry and home gifts for guests to shop while admiring the incredible ostrich eggs and meeting the artists behind the amazing creations.

CARLOS MELGUIZO, DR. CARLOS J. CARDENAS, AND SAUL SANCHEZ

JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ, PATTIE ROSELUND, AND BOB VACKAR

PAT BLUM, PATTIE ROSENLUND AND TRACEY TWENHAFEL

DRU LAMANTIA, LAURA IIGUN, LUIS SOTTIL, IRMA GARZA, AND SABRINA GUERRA

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

KIRK CLARK AND JUDGE DORI CONTRERAS

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“IF YOU THINK YOU CAN DO IT, THEN DO IT.” That was the response Dr. Karen Lozano received many years ago when she told her mother only boys can pursue engineering degrees.

Thank goodness she listened to her mom. Lozano, a Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor in mechanical engineering, and director of the Nanotechnology Center of Excellence at UTRGV, recently received the 2018 “Mexicanos Distinguidos” (Distinguished Mexicans) Award for her impressive achievements in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Dr. Karen Lozano Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor at UTRGV

GOVERNMENT

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to keeping McAllen, Hidalgo County and the Rio Grande Valley region prosperous and growing by supporting policies that continue to improve the business climate and help to keep us competitive. Last October the Government Affairs Council meeting was held at the MCC building and Congressman VIcente Gonzalez addressed this important event, providing the latest legislative updates.

AFFAIRS COUNCIL

McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

YIRLA GONZALEZ NOLAN AND DALINDA ALCANTAR

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

ADRIAN ARRIAGA, DORA BROWN, AND KEITH PATRIDGE

DR. FRED FARIAS, CONGRESSMAN VICENTE GONZALEZ, AND STEVE AHLENIUS

CLAUDIO DAMASO, STEPHEN SAMSON, ALA R. GUBBAJ, AND BOB DEVEROS,

DAVIS RANKIN AND GARY GROBERG

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 Â? Â

Holiday gifting done for you!

L ET U S DO AL L THE WORK !

WE C REATE UN I QUE GIFT BASK ETS FOR THE H OLI DAY SEA SON. HAPPY HO L ID AY S | 956 .6 30. 9559 3300 EX PRESSWAY 83 STE . 1240 MCALLEN, TEXAS 78501

PALM VALLEY ANIMAL CENTER FOSTER PUPPY PALOOZA Edinburg Photography by Haron Saenz

Palm Valley Animal Center hosted a mass foster recruitment event at the Laurie P Andrews PAWS Center to kick off their winter foster recruitment campaign. The event was held to find temporary homes in order to save hundreds of homeless dogs. Local community was urged to help by volunteering to house dogs and puppies in need for two weeks as they await out-of-state transportation.

JOE CERDA, ROGELIO MENDEZ, KEVIN GUAJARDO, AND ARTURO GARCIA

MELVIN HINOJOSA, CRISTIAN SOSA, AND ALEXA CASARES

LUCIA GARCIA, GIA GARCIA, ERIKA GARCIA, AND CINDY SAENZ

EVA CUELLAR, BAILEY MENARD, AND LILY AIELLO

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

JACKY AND BRIANA ESPINOZA

TIFFANY AND KAY RAWLINS

FELIPE GAMBOA AND HANNAH KVAPIL

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MXLAN INTERACTIVE

ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL REVEALED McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

A five-day destination event celebrating the past, present, and future of Mexico’s cultural influence was announced for 2019. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the city of McAllen and the Oaxaca Foundation, revealed MXLAN, an interactive arts and music festival for a new generation, launching at the McAllen Convention Center on July 24th through the 28th in 2019. MXLAN is a five-day gathering and city-wide destination event where, for the first time ever, Oaxaca’s legendary La Guelaguetza will be performed in the United States.

LARRY DELGADO, ADRIAN ARAMBURO & STEVE ALHENIUS

NORA SHAH

MAURO NOEL SANCHEZ SARMIENTO, VIRGEN FLORES ANTONIO, XHONASHY SANCHEZ FLORES, SAPPORO JORGE, NORA SHAH, AND LUIS CANTU

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

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(956) 994-9370

INTER NATIONAL BANK & VANTAGE BANK BUSINESS MIXER McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

GINA GUAJARDO, GAYLE SORLEY, MAGGIE THOMPSON, AND SUSAN SIMPSON

DENISE PALACIOS, RICK PALACIOS, AND OSCAR RODRIGUEZ

SHARON AND SAM MUNAFO

JIM COLLINS AND SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA

KIRK BLOOMQUIST, BRIAN DISQUE, AND DAVID ARMSTRONG

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

On October 25, 2018, Inter National Bank and Vantage Bank Texas hosted a business mixer with clients, prospects and community leaders. The event was held at Inter National Bank’s Corporate office and highlighted an art exhibit

by Artist Keka Kury, hors d’oeuvres catered by Bodega Tavern & Kitchen, and entertainment including soft jazz and classic guitar.

Sam Munafo, President and CEO of Inter National Bank, and the future CEO of the combined organization, welcomed the guests and spoke briefly about the upcoming merger between Inter National Bank and Vantage Bank Texas.

He commented on the positive outcome that the merger will bring to INB and VBT customers, including a larger legal lending limit, which will allow the bank to better serve the business community, a wider array of products and services, and the ability to service customers in cities like San Antonio, Refugio and Hondo. He also stated that there will be many things that will not change after the merger, including the bank’s commitment to serve domestic and international customers, and their ability to provide fast and local decision making.

Before passing the mic to Jim Collins, principal and shareholder of both organizations, Sam, let customers know that they will continue to see the same bankers that they have come to know and trust over the years. Lastly, he urged every person in the room to continue to bank or to start banking with Inter National Bank, soon to become Vantage Bank Texas.

Jim Collins, reiterated the overall organization’s commitment to continue to serve the communities of the Rio Grande Valley, and to continue to support the staff of both Inter National Bank and Vantage Bank Texas, who serve on the boards of various nonprofit organizations.

NORA TAGLE AND CARLOS MARGOT

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5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION REBORN

“Incredible! So beautiful and so moving!

Highly recommended!”

“Really out of this world!

You have to see it to believe it.”

—Vikki Carr, world-renowned singer, four Grammy Awards winner

—Christine Walevska, world-renowned musician

“Exquisitely beautiful! An extraordinary experience for us and the children.”

“This show gave me a real sense of goodness and meaning in life.”

—Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress

—Anna Liceica, former soloist with American Ballet Theatre

EX PERIE N CE

Divine Beauty & Profound Wisdom let shen yun take you on a journey through China’s five millennia of divinely inspired culture. Ancient legends of dynasties past, inspiring stories of the modern day, the world’s finest classical Chinese dancers, and dazzling animated backdrops converge in a spectacular performance, accompanied by a grand East-West orchestra. Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom, leaving millions around the world in awe. Find out why!

“Simply gorgeous stage magic.

A must-see!”

—Broadway World

“Shen Yun brought something most needed in this world: hope—hope for a better world, hope for a better future, hope for a better life.”

—Jesse Miranda, producer/director, Los Angeles

December 21-22, 2018 McAllen Performing Arts Center ENTIRELY NEW 2019 PRODUCTION WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

LAST SEASON SOLD OUT. SECURE BEST SEATS NOW!

ShenYun.com/McAllen

800-380-8165

DANCING WITH THE STARS 12TH ANNUAL GALA IN HIDALGO COUNTY Mission Photography by Haron Saenz

The Rio Grande Diabetes Association is proud of its 12th Annual Gala “Dancing with the Stars of Hidalgo County” , held this year on October 13, 2018. This great event has sold out every year. The evening included a dancing competition by community celebrities, a cocktail hour, gourmet dining, live and silent auctions, and dancing until midnight.

SELMA WIDWIND AND EDUARDO ALFARO

MADELINE LUACES AND LARRY DELGADO

ADRIANA AND ERNESTO CANALES

DANIEL LUNA AND MICHELLE CHAPA

JULIA ANDARZA, CRYSTAL ESQUIBEL, AND PEGAH MORADI

ERIKA SCIARAFFA AND ABEL SEGOVIA

DEBBIE GARZA, TONY SAENZ, AND ANNIKA SAENZ

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

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12th Annual Gala Fundraiser

1st Place Erika Sciaraffa w/Abel Segovia - First National Bank 2nd Place: Jon Alvarez w/Gaby Gutierrez - InterNational Bank 3rd: Dr. Audrey Jone w/Taryk Hodge - Primary Care Alamo

Dancers & Partners Jean Grearhart w/Ralph Reyna, Daniel Luna w/Michelle Chapa, Selma Wadwani w/Eduardo Alfaro, Erica Castillo w/Taryk Hodge, Juan Pacheco w/Anushi Buxani, Mayra Galvan w/Rickey Reyna, Terry Palacios w/Rebecca Segovia, Andrew Smith DDS w/Paloma Limas, Lance Ames w/Jasmine Perez, Veronica Whitacre w/ Paul Nguyen, Chef Larry Delgado w/Madeline Luaces, Gabriella Garza w/Sean Gilpatrick

Sponsors

The mission of the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) is dedicated to the prevention of diabetes and its complications through educational services, early detection, and awareness.

For more information about the RGVDA, please call (956) 318-1900

HAVANA NIGHTS GALA CAPABLE KIDS FOUNDATION Pharr Photography by Dustin Coronado

Capable Kids Foundation held its annual fundraiser, “Havana Nights” Gala, on October 18, 2018, at the Pharr Events Center. Guests were transported into a tropical paradise, thanks to the incredible decor designed by Elevents.

The evening featured Cuban cuisine, live music, dancing, auctions, a performance by their Sparks Cheer team, and a beautiful video presentation featuring the families supported by this growing foundation. Proceeds will fund the programs that are enriching the lives of individuals living with disabilities across the RGV.

DAVID TORRES AND COMMISSIONER ELLIE TORRES

ALFREDO MONTANERO, ERIKA MONTANERO, MARIANA BAKER, AND JASON BAKER

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

ARMANDO MARROQUIN, JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ, MELISSA RODRIGUEZ, JANET VACKER, BOB VACKER, AND LEEROY CARDENAS

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CARLOS MUHAMMAD, COMMISSIONER VERONICA VELA WHITACRE, CONGRESSMAN VICENTE GONZALEZ, AND LORENA GONZALEZ

DR. JIM GARZA, ANDREW RAMIREZ, JUAN GARCIA, AND DENNIS GARCIA

ESMERALDA LEAL, MAYOR RICARDO MOLINA, MIKE FARIAS, AND ANGELA FARIAS

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Bronce Sponsors

Aguirre Montelongo, PLLC. / Special Ed Lawyer & Law Office of Richard Garza Ambiance Rentals Cano & Sons City of Mission City of Palmhurst Classic Auto-Rent Dan-Eli Ace Forwarding, Inc. Daniel Salazar Debbie Sakulenzki / Art Agency Driscoll Health Plan Commissioner Eduardo Cantu Frontera Materials, Inc Frost Bank Giselle Mascarenas Villarreal / Sarah Hammond Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce IBC Bank Lucky Dog Graphics

Juan Garcia King Produce Knights of Columbus Dr. & Mrs. David Heflin Laura Warren LDG Enterprises, LLC Lone Star National Bank Maria Elena Useda Omar Ochoa Law Firm Plains Capital Bank Rhythm Room Ruben DeLeon Telemundo 40 The Social Club Therapy Squad T-Mobile Vantage Bank Texas Waterford Gardens

Learn more about Capable Kids Foundation at www.ckrgv.org

Downtown Pharr

Saturday December 1, 2018

5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Live Christmas Performances - Snow Slides

- Santa’s Playground

- North Pole Kid Zone

- Food Booths

FREE ADMISSION

LIVE2LEAD

5TH ANNUAL EVENT Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

Dream Big Facility thanks all of our incredible sponsors and attendees for this year’s 5th Annual Live2Lead event, held at the Mission Event Center.

We raised over $3400 for Habitat for Humanity RGV and helped a military family make their dream a reality.

We had incredible attendance by business owners like Pablo Tagle III, our Superintendent of McAllen ISD and his top leaders, HEB and their generous partners, and the city leaders of Mission and McAllen. This was an event that will impact our community for years.

DIANA FERNANDEZ, ZUL EMA DE LEON, ALICIA MEDRANO, AND BOB TELLEZ

BOB TELLEZ, JOSE GONZALEZ, AND CRAIG LANDGRAF

AMY SEPULVEDA, FEBE ZEPEDA, JOHN CASTILL, BRIDGETT KRAUSE AND RYAN KRAUSE

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

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6 National Blue Ribbon Schools

Proud to be an

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Honor Roll School District!

ECISD Receives 170 Total Distinctions, Earns Postsecondary Readiness Distinction

Building and Transforming Our Community

It is the policy of Edinburg C.I.S.D. not to discriminate on the basis of sex, age, handicap, religion, race, color, or national origin in its educational programs. Es poliza del Distrito Escolar de Edinburg el no discriminar por razones con base en sexo, edad, religion, raza, color, origen nacional, ni descapacidad dentro de sus programas educacionales.

(Edinburg CISD Media Publication 10/18)

SPOOKTACULAR

World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke. To help bring awareness to this epidemic, Rio Grande Regional Hospital hosted its Inaugural Spooktacular Stroke Awareness 5k Run/Walk on October 27th. Dr. Hamzah Saei, Vascular/Neurologist spoke to the crowd about the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Rio Grande Regional Hospital, a primary Certified Stroke Center, is committed to providing the residents of the Rio Grande Valley with high quality patient care while reducing risks and improving lives.

STROKE AWARENESS 5K McAllen Photography by Anai Noyola

ADELA FLEMING, IRVING YANEZ, AND DALIA RODRIGUEZ

ROGAN AND MADDOX GONZALEZ

ADRIANNA MORALES HAMZAH M. SAEI, DR. CLAUDIA IRIZARRY, AND DAVID IRIZARRY

CRISTINA MOROY WITH CITY OF MCALLEN

TERESSA RIOS , LIZ LOPEZ , YESSICA VASQUEZ, AND CECY IRIZARRY

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Three Convenient Emergency Room Locations to Better Serve You

24/7 Emergency Room for Adults and Kids

Locations McAllen

• Fast, convenient care • Staffed with board certified physicians • Comprehensive emergency services for all types of acute injuries or illnesses 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays • Access to on-site testing and imaging • Accepts all major insurance plans • Accepting ambulance transports • Affiliation with Rio Grande Regional Hospital makes direct admission when necessary to hospital simple and seamless

Advanced Level III Trauma Center 101 E. Ridge Rd. McAllen, TX 78503 (956) 632-6447 McAllen/Mission 5100 W. Expressway 83 McAllen, TX 78503 (956) 928-7200 Edinburg 2744 W. University Drive Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 380-8080

Stay Connected:

BREAST CANCER IS NOT A FAIRYTALE EVENT Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

Renee’s of Sharyland hosted their 2018 breast Cancer fight for life Campaign this past October. They had a Zumba fitness expert, Dr. Hernandez, a specialist from Mission Regional Medical Center and three survivors, Zasha Amar, Patricia Almendarez and Andrea Sierra, sharing their story for this awareness event.

All proceeds of this event was donated to the American Cancer Society for treatment, research, and awareness.

ANDREA SIERRA AND AMBAR LORUSSO

ELSA LORUSSO

TERI PLATA, ELSA LORUSSO, MYRA LIMAS, AND JUDY STRICTLAND

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

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PRICKLY PEAR

Quinta Mazatlan hosted the Prickly Pear Social on October 20th. The guests gathered with their family and friends for an all-inclusive celebration of a South Texas icon: the prickly pear cactus! During the evening, everyone drank prickly pear-infused cocktails, learned how to cook nopalitos and “tuna” jelly, and enjoyed live music, live art and more!

SOCIAL 2018

McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

LUPE HERNANDEZ

DOUBLE DOSE

ALLISON KAIKA AND LINDSEY RICHARDS

JESSICA MORALES AND AUDREY CISNEROS

VICTORIA BARRERA CAPPADONA AND JACLYN C. JACKSON

ROSE MARQUES, IRMA L. GARZA, MARIO TREVINO, AND ROSANNA HENRICHSON

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

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EVERY CHILD CAN AND WILL SUCCEED IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY.

At IDEA Public Schools, we are closing the opportunity gap and increasing levels of achievement by preparing students from underserved communities for success in college and in life.

We believe that no student’s potential should be limited.

DISCOVER MORE AT IDEAPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG

RGV HCC

JALAPEÑO GOLF CLASSIC McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

The RGV Hispanic Chamber enjoyed hosting the 19th annual “Jalapeño Golf Classic” at the Palm View Golf Course.

The 99 players enjoyed a breakfast and lunch sponsored by Whataburger and Taco Palenque. Hole in One sponsors were Toyota of Pharr, Deutsch and Deutsch, Boggus Ford, South Texas GMC and F & T Valley Motor Sports. There were other prizes such as Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin and Straightest Drive.

AT&T, Walmart, Almaguer Law Firm and Hidalgo EMS were sponsors.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Together, we can provide more to our Rio Grande Valley family and serve our community more than ever before.

We help our community grow.

956.781.2265

www.riobk.com

BUILDRGV

NETWORKING AND RECRUITING MIXER McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

On October 29th, Building Urban & Innovative Land Development partnered with the Food Bank RGV to invite the community to a networking and recruiting mixer at Casa de Palmas - Renaissance in historic downtown McAllen. BUILDrgv is hiring creative professionals and leaders in historic preservation and downtown revitalization, including artists, designers, and entrepreneurs in all the arts and creative fields for upcoming educational seminars. In short microphone highlights, guests told their stories and how they fit in with the BUILDrgv ’s mission. The evening’s moderator was a Rio Grande Valley local, urbanist Pedro G. Ayala.

Networking and information on economic incentives, tax credits, and preservation tips were also provided.

PAULINA PARRA, TERESA WIGHT, AND PATRICIA ROMO

PEDRO AYALA

MARIE GARCIA AND ISAURO TREVINO

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DENISE INGRAM, JOHN INGRAM, AND EMMANUEL LAGPSCAN

DIANDRA VARGAS, ANGELICA HERNANDEZ, HANNAH WEBB, AND DANNY NAVARRO

JAMES JOENS AND RODYS GONZALEZ

JUAN SALAZAR AND JERRY WIGHT

MARISOL TORRES AND THELMA SCOGGINS

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

PRIORITY TOOLING SOLUTIONS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

Priority Tooling Solutions celebrated their terrific ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

Mr. Paul Kerhof, President, came from Canada to participate in this important event. Mr. Lutz Blume, Plant Manager, welcomed all their guests and offered tours of their facility. Priority Tooling Solutions, a Canadian company, was founded in 1989 as a one-man shop.

Since then, it has expanded its presence in three different countries. McAllen, Texas, was the home they choose for their U.S. facility. A manufacturer of high-quality precision plastic injection molds, this company is run by a team of mold-makers, engineers, and project managers who possess the skills, knowledge, facilities and equipment to manufacture the highest quality tooling for their customers. The McAllen Economic Development Corporation is very proud to have helped them grow and develop their McAllen operation, first at South Texas College and now at their facility located inside the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone. City of McAllen Commissioner Omar Quintanilla, Hidalgo County Chief Administrator Armando Garza Jr., and Mr. Keith Patridge, President & CEO for McAllen Economic Development, gave a few words during the event.

STEVE TAYLOR AND RON WHITLOCK

CARLOS MARTINEZ, JANIE CAVAZOS, MARK GARCIA, SANDRA BARBOSA, AND SUSIE FLORES

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

MANUEL MARTINEZ, JESUS RODRIGUEZ, KEITH PATRIDGE, JORGE QUINTANILLA, AND OMAR QUINTANILLA

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

El Tigre

By the Senior Historian at the Museum of South Texas History, Tom Fort

Sundown, near the Rio Grande.

In the gathering dusk, a spectral shape pads silently through the underbrush, then climbs easily onto an overhanging tree limb. Yellow eyes alert, it waits quietly. A coat of tawny yellow with dark rosettes forms a perfect camouflage. Finally, the creature’s patience is rewarded. A white-tailed deer moves cautiously down the path. Near the tree it stops, big ears twitching for the slightest sound, nose sniffing the air. Sensing danger, the deer bolts — a second too late. In a lightning move the cat jumps, grasps the hapless quarry in its paws and sinks its powerful fangs into the head. It’s all over quickly.

Soon the hunter — a mother jaguar — drags the carcass away. She and her kittens will feast tonight.

Over a hundred years ago, jaguars — los tigres — lived in forested areas along the Rio Grande and in South Texas’ brush country. Though the cats may no longer roam the Rio

SOCIALIFE 40

Grande Valley (Valley), at least one tigre stalks the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory).

Visitors at the Indian camp diorama often are startled by a sudden, ferocious snarl overhead. A glance up reveals a full-grown jaguar crouched on a tree limb, its ears back, ready to pounce. Of course, it’s a realistic mounted specimen. But, with those massive fangs and staring eyes, it’s not hard to understand the awe — and often the terror — inspired by these cats.

South Texas’ Indian peoples doubtless had a healthy respect for jaguars, and probably co-existed with them as a natural part of their world. Later, as European settlement spread in the 1700s and 1800s, the incoming Spanish, Mexican and Anglo ranchers killed jaguars to protect their livestock. By the 1900s, Valley sightings were rare. A hunter killed what may have been the region’s last jaguar in 1946 near San

Benito, where the cat was preying on cattle. In addition to hunting, changes in natural habitat also contributed to the jaguar’s decline in South Texas. Today, they still inhabit the Sierra Madre Oriental, less than 100 miles from our area.

Jaguars are solitary predators, living in forests, mountainous areas and brush lands. They are wide-ranging: a female’s hunting area may cover from 25 to 50 square miles; a male’s can be twice that. They only eat meat, gulping down everything from deer and javelina to armadillos and turtles (those big fangs make short work of the shells), snakes and birds. They’ll also tackle full-grown cattle and horses. An adult jaguar can drag a heifer up into a tree for its meal. Reportedly, jaguars seldom prey on man but attacks on humans are not unknown.

years ago, jaguar ancestors — bigger than today’s variety — migrated across the Bering land bridge and expanded through much of North, Central and South America. At one time they ranged from Argentina as far north as the Ohio River Valley, Colorado and central California. As Ice Age climates and food sources changed, the jaguar adapted, evolving into today’s stocky, more compact hunter. Today, jaguars range mostly from the U.S.-Mexico border south to Argentina. In recent decades there have been reports of jaguar sightings north of the boundary from Texas to Arizona.

The U.S. government recently dedicated nearly 1,200 square miles in southern New Mexico and Arizona as “critical habitat” for jaguars. What impact the border fence will have on jaguar movements is still unknown.

The jaguar descends from ancient cats of the Old World. Over a million

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Ambiance Flowers & Rentals is a Specialty Rental Company and Floral Design House

GALAS

DANCE FLOOR DECOR

FINE SPECIALTY RENTALS

FLORAL DESIGN

OUTDOOR EVENTS

TABLETOP RENTALS

From florals, to rentals, to full event design, we are ready to help you bring to life your vision for a stunning and unforgettable event 1305 Pecan Blvd. McAllen, TX 78501 | 956.731.9370 | Follow us: @ambiance.rentals BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

EASTERSEALS RGV 2018 ANNUAL DINNER McAllen Photography by Roschel Servantes

Easterseals of the Rio Grande Valley hosted their annual dinner this past October at the McAllen Convention Center. The 2018 Humanitarian Honoree was Dr. Carlos Cardenas, Chief Administrative Officer at DHR Health.

The dinner event included the Ostrich Egg Auction, which is an Easterseals tradition, with one of a kind art pieces created by local and international artists, as well as a presentation from a former graduate and award presentations. Easterseals is privileged to support children and adults living with disabilities by providing quality programs and services.

DARDA CARDENAS, DR. HIRAM TAVAREZ, DR. CARLOS CARDENAS, AND KATHE TAVAREZ

EDNA DE SARO AND KAY JANCIK

STATE REP BOBBY GUERRA AND ADDISON BORTNICK

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

CARLOS MELGUIZO, MAXINE GUERRA, LAURA WARREN, YOLI CANTU, AND SAUL SANCHEZ

RICK AND VERONICA VILLARREAL

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

956.994.0970

PRINCESS & VENETIAN PRINCESS COLLECTIONS

Give your child the world this Christmas at the McAllen Holiday Parade & Special Events

McAllen celebrates all season long.

Experience the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas with celebrity appearances, giant balloons, and floats celebrating Christmas around-the-world.

Event Schedule

Christmas Tree Lighting by Reliant

Monday, Nov 26th through December ~ McAllen Convention Center • Tree lighting ceremony, holiday crafts & photos with Santa on Nov. 26th • Biggest Christmas tree in south Texas & special holiday photo ops all month long • Santa train and swan rides all month long • FREE admission all month long

The Holiday Holid Carnival

Thursday, Nov 29th ~ Saturday, Dec 1st • Amazing carnival rides & games • Delicious carnival food • UNLIMITED RIDES on 11/29 with $10 pre-sale ticket

Christmas in the Park

Friday, Nov 30th ~ Saturday, Dec 1st at 5-11pm • Holiday Holid games, food and cheer for the family • Meet & greet with Dra. Ana Maria Polo & the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders • Musical performances by Jaime & Los Chamacos + Jimmie Gonzalez tribute band • Special performance by the Air Force Honor Guard • FREE admission

Opening Ceremony Extravaganza

with Anthony Gonzalez, the voice of Miguel from Oscar winning film “COCO”

Saturday, Dec 1st at 5pm ~ McAllen Stadium • Experience a special performance by Anthony Gonzalez as he sings, “Un Poco Loco” and “Remember Me” alongside 100s of choir, mariachi & folklorico performers • McAllen stadium tickets available now at mcallenholidayparade.com

McAllen Holiday Parade

Saturday, Dec 1st at 6pm ~ McAllen Stadium • Largest illuminated holiday & helium parade in Texas • Over 50+ illuminated oats celebrating fantasies from around the world • 39 giant helium balloons including Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, omas the Train • Celebrity guests throughout the parade + 14 marching bands • McAllen stadium tickets available now at mcallenholidayparade.com

For tickets & hotel getaways visit:

mcallenholidayparade.com presented by

SANTA FE STEAKHOUSE WINE CLASSIC 2018

McAllen Photography by Lambrecht Photography and Cobalt Digital Marketing

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

The most coveted ticket in town was to the Annual Santa Fe Wine Classic, presented by the Santa Fe Steakhouse & McAllen Chamber of Commerce at the historic Quinta Mazatlan. This luxurious event showcased over 300 wines from the world’s most renowned winery regions and was catered by the most prestigious local restaurants showcasing their most delicious delights. Guests enjoyed the evening with live entertainment and a silent auction, benefiting the McAllen Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program, which makes possible many college scholarships for McAllen ISD. In addition, they are proud to be able to support the International Baccalaureate program at Lamar Academy.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

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Kumori makes giving gifts easy this year!

Buy a $25 gift card and get an extra $5 Buy a $50 gift card and get an extra $10 Gif t Card

Ask your server for more information

WESLACO | McALLEN | BROWNSVILLE | SAN ANTONIO

www.kumorisushi.com

FIESTA MIAMI

GMCC ANNUAL BANQUET Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan and Luciano Guerra

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce hosted its Fiesta Miami: Annual Banquet on October 5th, 2018, at the Mission Event Center. This year, the organization distributed their 2018 Chamber Choice Awards. Recognized were the Top 5 Small Businesses, Top 5 Corporate Businesses, Emerging Leader, Executive of the Year, and Excellence in Government Award. Recipients were honored for their outstanding efforts as leaders within their industry.

DR. SHAH, NORA SHAH, SANDRA VECCHIO, AND ROBERT VECCHIO

MARTIN GARZA, MAXILOU LINK, BRAD BENTSEN, LANCE AMES, AND ALEX MEADE

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

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Written by Letty Leal Photography by Joe Alvarez Oh Kay’s is a special and delightfully

6. WHO HAD THE MOST INFLUENCE ON

charming store that offers a unique

YOU GROWING UP?

shopping experience with friendly

My parents. They established a great

sales personnel eager to help you

work ethic and exposed me to many

find that perfect gift for any occasion.

beautiful things while traveling the

Kay Jancik has been the proud owner

world. My mother was very creative, a

of Oh Kay’s in McAllen for 28 iconic

wonderful decorator and seamstress.

years.

Oh Kay’s has an array of

exclusive items and brands such as

7. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

MacKenzie-Childs, Juliska, Jon Hart

My wonderful staff.

and many other one of a kind gifts!

You can also conveniently shop online

8. WHICH ONE THING DO YOU WISH YOU

through OhKays.bridgecatalog.com.

HAD DONE DIFFERENTLY?

We met with Kay and found her to be

Started younger and built my own

authentic and very passionate about

building.

her gem of a store.

9. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THE QUESTIONS FOR KAY

NEXT GENERATION?

1. WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM

To do what you love and be prepared to

AND WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

work hard.

I am a Valley girl. I grew up in Pharr, TX. My father was a business man.

10. WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH 15 MINUTES OF FAME?

2. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THIS

Be humble, graceful, grateful, kind and

BUSINESS?

support my community.

I was fortunate to be able to buy an established business, so I had

11. IF YOU COULD PICK UP A NEW SKILL

something to start with. Have tripled or

IN AN INSTANT WHAT WOULD IT BE?

more the size of the store.

To be efficient on the computer and speak Spanish.

3. TO WHAT OR WHO DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS?

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY

I love my job, I like pretty things, and

TRADITION?

like helping people.

Holiday dinners.

4. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR

13. GOT ANY FAVORITE QUOTES?

BUSINESS?

My daddy told me “you cannot sell out

Longevity, number of vendors, the age

of an empty cart”.

of customers from newborn to 90 years old. I offer a variety of merchandise acquired from my travels around the world.

5. AS A BUSINESS OWNER WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES? Customer service; unique and unusual merchandise.

Village Oaks North 10th Street, Ste C McAllen, TX 78504 (956) 686-1264 ohkays.bridgecatalog.com

TX SENATOR

JUAN CHUY HINOJOSA

Hosted by: TX SENATOR

EDDIE LUCIO, JR.

OIL AND NATURAL GAS IS

POWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

PHARR MAYOR

DR. AMBROSIO HERNANDEZ

PORT OF BROWNSVILLE DIRECTOR & CEO

Join us for lunch and lively discussion on Wednesday, December 5, at the TXOGA & RGV Partnership Energy Summit in Pharr!

You’ll hear from top-notch speakers about how the oil and natural gas industry is powering your community. The oil and natural gas industry in Texas is leading the nation. Join us to hear from statewide leaders, local representatives and industry advocates on just how important the industry in your regions to the success of your communities, your state and your nation.

EDUARDO CAMPIRANO

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

UT AUSTIN, DIRECTOR FOR INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS-MEXICO

JORGE R. PIÑÓN

$20 TO ATTEND! INCLUDES LUNCH AND FREE GIFT

10:30AM ....................................................Registration Opens 11:00AM .................................................................Event Begins 12:00PM ............................................................Lunch is Served 2:00PM ............................................................Event Concludes

PHARR EVENTS CENTER • 3000 N CAGE BLVD • PHARR, TEXAS 78577

REGISTER TODAY! WWW.TXOGA.ORG/RGVSUMMIT ENBRIDGE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Sponsored by:

KURT KNIGHT-TURCAN

If you need additional information, please contact Olivia Watkins at owatkins@txoga.org TXOGA PRESIDENT

TODD STAPLES

AUTHENTIC

To Order, Contact ANNETTE FRANZ 956.605.5872 Authentic Mochila Annette Diaz Franz

Mochila Holiday Event Save the Date 3 day Shopping Spree DECEMBER 5TH, 6TH & 7TH 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

For This Exclusive

Village Oaks • 4300 N 10th Street (Nextdoor to Sylvia’s in McAllen)

NORTH PARK LEXUS RGV GRAND OPENING

San Juan Photography by Dustin Coronado

The all new North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley dealership is NOW OPEN! On Oct 23rd, Jose Contreras and Kahlig Auto Group hosted over 1,000 guests at the Lexus RGV Grand Opening Celebration.

If you missed the affair, you are cordially invited to experience their hospitality first hand! It’s truly a destination and their team is amazing!

DAVID DE ANDA AND JOSE LUIS CONTRERAS

FATHER JORGE, SISTER NORMA, AND PABLO VILLESCAS

DAVID CHRIST, CLARENCE KAHLIG, BOB VAUGHN, JOSE CONTRERAS, JASON CROPPER, AND BILLY VAUGHN

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

FELO GUERRA, MAXINE GUERRA, AND DAVID GUERRA

EDGAR RUIZ, NORMA RUIZ, TOM KEENE, AND PAM KEENE

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

LILY SALINAS, SALLY F. GUERRA, ROSE MARQUEZ, AND ALKA VASWANI

JEFF KAHLIG, CRAIG BRENT, AND MELANIE BRENT

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

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2018 UTRGV

BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCHEON Edinburg Photography by Dustin Coronado

UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s 2018 Business Leaders’ Lunch was attended by over 400 of the RGV’s business leaders on October 18, 2018 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. The Vackar College honored three of the RGV’s and Northern Mexico business leaders: Mr. Robert L. Lozano, Don Gregorio Garza Uribe, and Mr. Randolph “Randy” K. Whittington.

The keynote address was given by former U. S. Congressman, State Senator and Chancellor Emeritus of Texas Tech University System, The Honorable Kent R. Hance.

DR. LINDA MATTHEWS, GREGORIO GARZA URIBE, AND SERGIO ARGUELLES

DR. LINDA MATTHEWS, ROBERT LOZANO, AND SERGIO CONTRERAS

THE HONORABLE KENT R. HANCE

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

DR. LINDA MATTHEWS, RANDY WHITTINGTON, AND TUDOR ULHORN

LAURIE LOZANO, ROBERT LOZANO, AND DR.MARIA VIDUARRI

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

SENATOR JUAN “CHUY” HINOJOSA AND GREGORIO GARZA URIBE

NOVEMBER 2018

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AUTHENTIC

The perfect gift

for the holidays

To Order, Contact ANNETTE FRANZ 956.605.5872 Authentic Mochila Annette Diaz Franz

We can help you reach the right volume.

ADVERTISING STRATEGIES AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT WORK PRINT • WEB • TV • RADIO • SOCIAL MEDIA • CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT

www.decibel.rocks

FOOD BANK RGV GOLF CLASSIC

Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

Any day is a great day to golf, especially when you are helping fight hunger in the Rio Grande Valley! The Food Bank RGV held its inaugural Golf Classic on Friday, Oct. 26th at the Cimarron Country Club, with over 30 teams from local produce companies, doctors, and professionals.

A special thank you goes to sponsors: H-E-B, Walmart, Alvarado Architects & Associates, Inc., Burns Motors, L&F Distributors, Easy Ride Golf Cars and the Golf Classic committee members.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Performances

For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com or visit the McAllen Convention Center box office

NOV.

26

5th Annual Tree Lighting

DECEMBER

UPCOMING

1-2 7 9 14 21-22 23 30

RGV Ballet’s “Nutcracker” VSO “A Touch of Frost” Daniel Habif McAllen Wind Ensemble Shen Yun Cirque Musica Holiday Moscow Ballet “Great Russian Nutcracker”

Let us help you select the level that’s right for you.

Contact our membership team.

(956) 681-3800 • mpacmembership@mcallen.net

“A NIGHT WITH THE STARS” GALA

A TRIBUTE TO STAR SUPPORTERS OF EDUCATION Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

South Texas College held its 13th Annual “A Night with the Stars” scholarship fundraiser on October 11, 2018, at Corinthian Event Center. This annual gala celebrates the generosity of community sponsors dedicated to higher education among our youth. Net proceeds provide scholarship awards of up to $2,000 for Valley Scholars Program students. The program also promotes academic excellence through leadership development, specialized advisement, and community engagement.

EVA MULLIS AND DON MEYERS

DR. MIGUEL NEVAREZ AND MARIO REYNA

PATTY ALVAREZ MCLTATTON AND ELIZABETH FEHSENFELD

ISIDORO ARJONA, MYRNA RODRIQUEZ, PAUL RODRIGUEZ, AND OSCAR LOPEZ

DR. ALI ESMAEILI AND JUAN DELGADO

DR. SHIRELY REED AND GARY GURWITZ

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

EXECUTIVE

E

Texas Border Business

DIAMOND

BBVA Compass

Dr. Shirley A. Reed Business HǦEǦB

ss

Reed

SOCIALIFE Magazine Wells Fargo

PLATINUM

City of McAllen

Gateway Printing & Office Supply Gulf Coast Paper Company, Inc.

Halff Associates, Inc.

GatewayIBCPrinting & Office Supply Bank Interact Communications Gulf Coast Paper Company, Inc. Kent M. Biel

Manuel Benavidez, Halff Associates, Inc. Jr. Scholarship Fund PBK Architects

IBC Bank Raba Kistner

Grande Regional Hospital InteractRio Communications

Corinthian Special Event Center

Rio Mattress

DHR Health

Texas Cordia Construction, LLC

Kent M.Rita Biel D. Wilson Construction Company K. & Glen E. Roney

Security Solutions of DFW

Shepard Walton King Insurance Group

Valley View Consulting, LLC

Security VTX1 Companies

BRONZE AVID

Blu Lanes

Solutions of DFW

Shepard Walton King Ins

Valley View Consulting, L

Bob Davis Karate

VTX1 Companies

Carwash Carwash

BRONZE

Cookey’z BBQ & Catering

Cramer, LLC

AVID Dr. Anahid Petrosian

Company Terracon Consultants, Inc. Eva Mullis agazine Dannenbaum EngineeringManuel Benavidez, Jr. Scholarship Fund Blu Lanes Hilltop Securities

en

PBK Architects The Warren Group Architects, Inc.

Montalvo Insurance Agency

NM Contracting, LLC

Noble Texas Builders

UTRGV Raba Kistner

SILVER Rio Grande Regional Hospital

South Texas Health System

ecial Event Center Spectrum Reach

Valley Land Title Co. nstruction Company

GOLD

Victoria and Alejandro Cantu

Alexander Comminos

Rio Mattress Barnes & Noble College

Simpson Gates Rita K. &Boultinghouse Glen E. Roney Architects

Engineering Company Terracon Consultants, AEP Texas Ceballos Funeral Home,Inc. Inc.

ties

Anonymous

Dr. Virginia Champion Texas Cordia Construction, LLC

Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP

Emu Plastics (Tex) Limited, Inc.

City of Mission

Guerrero Law Firm

Bailey & Gary Gurwitz

VictoriaJohnstone and Alejandro Cantu Supply of South Texas

SILVERLibrary Design Systems, Inc.

Duke Energy Renewables/Amshore JonesDBR

Builders

US Wind

Bob Davis Karate Jaime Aleman, Attorney at Law Lift Your Spirits

Carwash Carwash

Mario Reyna

Mr. & Mrs. Roy de Leon Cookey’z

Palacio de Plata

Cramer, LLC

Palm View Golf Course

Quips 'N' Quotes Dr. Anahid

ach

itle Co.

Petrosian

Rachael F. Brown & Sharon O’Leary Sign Depot Top Hat

Eva Mullis

Grande Grill Steakhouse

Tranquility Financial Planning, LLC Valley Trophies, LLC

Melden & Hunt, Inc.

& NobleEngineers College Fredricka M. Borland, MD, Barnes PA Millennium Group, Inc.

Boultinghouse Simpson Gates Architects

Lift Your Spirits

Wayne Williams Photography

Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc. Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Health System Alexander Comminos Fox Packaging, Inc.

BBQ & Catering

The Warren Aleman, Attorney a Frost Group Architects, Inc. Urban BricksJaime Pizza Bar

Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC urance Agency UTRGV Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce

ng, LLC Digital 101.5 FM

Grande Grill Steakhouse

Mario Reyna

Mr. & Mrs. Roy de Leon

Palacio de Plata

Palm View Golf Course Quips 'N' Quotes

Rachael F. Brown & Shar

NON-PROFIT SPOT LIGHT

In 2007, a group of doctors and business leaders

This is the second organization of this nature in

•

Meal planning

in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) identified a need

Texas. The mission of the RGVDA is dedicated to

•

Outreach programs

for local attention and emphasis on diabetes

the prevention of diabetes and its complications

•

Cooking classes

awareness for its residents. They joined forces to

through educational services, early detection,

•

Prevention programs for children

create the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association

and awareness.

•

Support group

•

Diabetes self management

•

Kids’ camp (3 days/2 nights)

(RGVDA) as an independent, local, not for profit organization for Hidalgo County, Texas.

In the past year, the RGVDA has provided extensive services to its target area, including educational,

The

association’s

services

are

tailored

specifically for the residents of the RGV, with

family oriented and healthy activities. Current programming includes the following:

guarantees that all the funds generated by the RGVDA are used for the residents of the RGV.

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

•

diabetes management

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

9TH ANNUAL MISSION PINK 5K WALK/RUN FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

More than 3000 people gathered at Mission Regional Medical Center for the 9th Annual Mission Pink 5k Walk/ Run for Breast Cancer Awareness on Saturday, October 20th. The survivors, the children, the sponsors, volunteers, spectators, and race participants--even the emotions during the day--helped to make the event a magical experience.

Part of the proceeds will go to provide free mammograms to uninsured women over the age of 40 in the RGV.

MADELINE MADDEN, MAYOR ARMANDO OCANA, AND BIANCA MEDINA

KANE DAWSON

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

FANDANGO

More than 400 fans got into the fundraising spirit at ¡Fandango! Friday Night Lights on Oct. 6 at the Museum of South Texas History. A display of high school memorabilia celebrated the century-old tradition of RGV competitive high school football—and fans enjoyed Water Bucket Drawings, the Quarterback Spin, online bidding and a live auction— generating $150,000! ¡Fandango! was made possible by many who cheered on the team by participating in a variety of ways. Go, team, go! It was a winning evening!

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Edinburg Photography by Haron Saenz

PROVIDENCE BONETTA, RANDY YOUNG, GLORIA ORTIZ, AND ISABEL STRONG

DAVID AND KELLY MCDANIEL

KRAMER MILLER, MARK VOSS, AND BRANDY VOSS

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

HECTOR GUERRA AND BILL RUPERT

GEORGE AND SINDU CHARYIL

JASON AND DANIELA AGUILAR

TRAVIS RICHARDS, SHELLY RICHARDS, AND MIKE RISICA

LUIS HEFFNER, SAMANTHA DILLARD, DEBRA GOETZ, AND PAULETTE GINDLER

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

PROVIDENCE BONETTA, RANDY YOUNG, GLORIA ORTIZ, AND ISABEL STRONG

JEANNETTE MEDELLIN AND DR. JAMES SANDER

CHRISTY CANTU, SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA, AND BLANCA CARDENAS

MIRIAM HIDALGO AND ARMANDO HERNANDEZ

DAVE HENDRICKS AND MELISSA PEÑA

RICHARD GARZA, SYLVIA CANTU, AND EMMANUEL CANTU

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

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HARRY POTTER

On Friday, October 26, the Valley Symphony Orchestra presented “A Harry Potter Halloween,” a concert featuring music from the Harry Potter films, “The Phantom of the Opera,” and more. This spectacular event was presented at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Some attendees took the festivities to a new level, dressing in costume and filling the McAllen Performing Arts Center with spooktacular holiday spirit!

HALLOWEEN CONCERT McAllen Photography by Anai Noyola

DR. ANDREW LEONIE, DR. HUGO MEJIAS, AND ANDREW LEONIE

RICK, DOMINIQUE, AND MYRIAM GUERRA

DON MAYERS AND EVA MULLIES

ANDRES CANO, VICTORIA GONZALEZ, AND CAROLINA CANO

YENDY ALVAREZ, MYRIAM NUNEZ, AND EMILIANO GOMEZ

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER 5K Mission Photography by Haron Saenz

ANDREA DIAZ, SAMMY BUENTELLO, AND CELENA PEREZ

NOEMI BRIONNES AND LEE ANN HUTTO

LAUREN SHIPLEY, KRISTEN OLGUIN, MARIA ALMENDAREZ, ARIANA DE LA GARZA, AND AIISA ALMENDAREZ

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

On Saturday, October 13, more than 750 people came out to raise awareness about breast cancer at the American Cancer Society’s first annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at the Mission Events Center. The Society partnered with many local businesses including H-E-B to help make the walk a success and to raise a targeted $50,000 for cancer research, prevention programs, and free patient services.

From face painting and a free photo booth to a giant inflatable pink chair, the walk helped unite the community around the fight for a world without cancer.

GIA AND TAMMY COLE

LILY LERMA, EVELYN VILLEGA, AND ZACK RIVERA

TAMATHA MAIN, SANDY TORRES, AND TWILA FIGUEROA

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

The American Cancer Society cannot fulfill its mission without the support of our sponsors, donors and volunteers.

Thank you for helping make this year's Cattle Baron's Ball of the RGV a success!

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Boca Chica Pharr Sharyland

Arnaldo "NANO" Ramirez

11/6/12 1:42 PM

J BALVIN IN CONCERT BERT OGDEN ARENA Edinburg Photography by Haron Saenz

Bert Ogden Arena was the stage for J Balvin’s Tour Vibras Powered by Buchanan’s Whisky. The Colombian singer presented a great concert with amazing visuals and vibe to the RGV this last October. Check us out for more great artists and shows coming to the Valley!

JB YVONNE OLIVAREZ AND LINDA RODRIGUEZ

PERLA MONTEMAYOR AND BEATRIZ MONTEJANO

KARLA MOLINA, TIFFANY HERNAN, ARELY JIMENEZ, AND CASSANDRA CERVANTEZ

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SOCIALIFE NOVEMBER 2018

JESSICA AND JEANETTE GARZA

NICK AND LILY LOPEZ

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

to buy tickets call: (956) 56-arena

UNIVERSITY DRAFTHOUSE BEER FEST 2018

Edinburg Photography by Victoria Gaytan

The University DraftHouse Beer Fest is the most sought after beer festival in Edinburg, Texas! Guests experienced an array of unique casks, one of a kind collaborations, and the favorite porters, stouts, pilsners, ales, wheats, belgians, ciders, and lagers, to name a few. They were pouring 100+ premium and craft beers from 85+ breweries from around the world. Plus, guests could also enjoy live music, interactive games, a wine garden, free food from the best local restaurants and so much more. The best part was that every drink benefited the arts, culture, education and historical restoration for the City of Edinburg.

ANDREW LEIJA, DENISSE SAENZ, AND DENISE TIJERINA

ANGELA BILLUPS AND ZONYA GORENA

CHRISTIAN BOUSER, DIANE HERNADEZ, DUSTY SALAS, AND JESSE MOTO RAMEN

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

SOCIALIFE 80

BUSINESS. DONE.

LEASING • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • DEVELOPMENT

Jackson Ridge Square - Pharr - Retail/Dental

The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley – Retail - Edinburg

South Point Plaza - Retail - Weslaco

The Shops at Tru - Mixed Use - Edinburg

Jackson Ridge Square is a Mixed-Use Strip Center that sits in The Heart of Pharr, TX’s retail district. The center is also adjacent to Mcallen’s Medical District and is just one mile from McAllen Medical Center and Rio Grande Regional Hospital.

South Point Plaza will be ideally located in The Heart of The RGV. With frontage on Expressway 83 in Weslaco, TX, South Point Plaza will have excellent visibility and easy access. Located just off of the Westgate Drive intersection. South Point Plaza will enjoy great proximity to Weslaco High School and South Texas College,

This Academy-anchored Shopping Center is perfectly situated in Edinburg’s rapidly growing retail district. The center has access from Trenton Road and U.S. Highway 281 providing great Expressway visibility. Additional Anchors: Burlington, JC Penny, Bobs Chop House.

The Shops at Tru sit in the heart of Edinburg’s Commercial and Medical Districts and has frontage on Trenton Road just off of the Closner intersection. The site is among three, new-construction hotel projects, and has proximity to Edinburg Medical Facilities, Bert Ogden Arena, and The Shoppes at RGV.

We congratulate Daniel Galvan, CCIM, for being selected as one of Real Estate Forum’s 50 Under 40.

Your unmatched drive, proven history of results, and commitment to the highest level of performance, proudly represents everything we stand for at Coldwell Banker Commercial®.

FEATURED IN

REAL ESTATE FORUM October 2018

DANIEL GALVAN, CCIM Coldwell Banker Commercial Rio Grande Valley

CBCWORLDWIDE.COM © 2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker Commercial® and Coldwell banker Commercial are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

956.631.1322 | dgalvan@cbcworldwide.com | 508 E Dove Ave McAllen, TX 78504

PHARR TOWN CENTER

500 North Jackson Road, Pharr, Texas 78577

MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE - 8,505 SF

For more information: info@levcor.com 713.952.0366

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS Located in the booming retail area of Pharr, Texas Located along the highly trafficked N. Jackson Road & Highway 83 470,000 S.F. Shopping Center Anchor tenants include Main Event, Cinemark and Academy Over 3 million visitors to Pharr Town Center a year 1.5 million people live in the Rio Grande Valley There are over 5 million people within an hour’s drive from our center across the border that come to Pharr to shop and eat.

• Jackson Road is on of the main thoroughfares from Mexico that leads right into our project.

• • • • • • •

Traffic Counts

124,000 cpd - US Expressway 83 25,000 cpd - North Jackson Road

Parking Provided Parking Ra�o

Consumer Expenditure - Ent. and Rec.

Average

3,381 9.6 / 1,000 cars

Index

Total

Entertainment/Recrea�on

$5,165

166 $81,143,703

Entertainment/Recrea�on-Fees & Admissions

$1,154

181 $18,135,780

CALENDAR OF EVENTS OF THE RGV

November 1

6TH ANNUAL PAELLA FESTIVAL

Valencia Event Center - Pharr 6:30 pm

MARK ANTHONY

MCALLEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL BANQUET “MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR” AWARDS

November 1

ANNUAL BANQUET “MAN & WOMEN OF THE YEAR” AWARDS MCALLEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Valencia Event Center 6:30 p.m.

November 2

TEQUILA TASTING CLASS vomFASS 7:00 p.m.

2ND ANNUAL MASQUERADE SOIREE The Social Club 9:00 p.m.

November 4

FALL INTO FASHION 2018 HISPANIC WOMEN’S NETWORK OF TEXAS- RGV The Social Club 2:00 p.m.

November 8

HALL OF FAME HONORING LON & BARBARA KRUGER UTRGV Valencia Event Center 6:00 p.m.

November 9

EDINBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR The Social Club 6:30 p.m.

November 10

SUPERHERO 5K WALK/RUN HONORING VETERANS - MCALLEN/EDINBURG International Museum of Art & Science 7:00 a.m.

27526 FM, Edcouch, TX 1:00 p.m.

Bert Ogden Arena 7:00 pm

November 11

December 2

THE NUTCRACKER RIO GRANDE VALLEY BALLET McAllen Performing Arts 2:00 p.m.

MOTOWN RENAISSANCE CANCER FOUNDATION

SHOPKINS

Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance 7:00 p.m.

McAllen Performing Arts 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

December 4

PEPE AGUILAR CONCERT

McALLEN LEGENDARY BUSINESS LEADERS LUNCH

State Farm Arena - Hidalgo 7:00 p.m.

McAllen Chamber of Commerce 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

November 15

December 6

411 N. 8th St. - Edinburg 5:30 p.m.

Embassy Suites 11:30 a.m.

EDINBURG CISD PARENT YOUTH FAIR

November 16

SOUND OF MUSIC McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

November 17

MCALLEN TAMALE FEST Archer Park - McAllen 3:00 p.m.

SOUND OF MUSIC McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

November 29

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK McAllen Municipal Park 5:00 p.m.

December 1

GOOD DAY LUNCHEON MCALLEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

December 7

VALLEY SYMPHONY III: A TOUCH OF FROST McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

December 21 SHEN YUN

McAllen Performing Arts 7:30 p.m.

December 22 SHEN YUN

McAllen Performing Arts 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

December 23

WONDERLAND CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY

MCALLEN HOLIDAY PARADE

McAllen Performing Arts 7:00 p.m.

McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium 6:00 p.m.

December 30

SANTA ANA 75TH ANNIVERSARY

FIFTH ANNUAL SOUTH TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge 9:00 a.m.

McAllen Public Library 10:00 a.m.

THE NUTCRACKER RIO GRANDE VALLEY BALLET McAllen Performing Arts 7:00 p.m.

MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER McAllen Performing Arts 3:00 p.m.

We believe in nourishing growth in this great community. Help us journal the social, political, and economic development of the RGV.

SAYS

ZONTA NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN

TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN