SOCIALIFE OCTOBER 2018

HIDALGO COUNTY EDITION YEAR 14 ISSUE 10

2018

p.14

p.20

p.42

p.78

Aeromar

Cattle Baron’s Ball

City of Pharr

A Night in Paris

THE MAGAZINE OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY

The City of

Turn your dreams into reality!

Israel Rodriguez

Rio Bank is now offering Home Mortgages.

Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS #470359 (956) 878-1435

Your Financial well-being is important.

Rio Bank Wealth Management & Trust is here to help.

Notice:Â Wealth Management & Trust Division Investments include non-deposit investment products which are: Not bank deposits, Not FDIC insured, Not insured by any federal government agency, Not guaranteed by the bank, May decrease in value

riobk.com 956.631.7890

We help our community grow.

Timothy A. Sers, J.D. Vice President / Trust Officer (956) 878-1408

By BestColleges.com

1. The University of Texas at Austin 2. Rice University 3. Texas A&M University 4.

5. The University of Texas at Dallas

# UT RGV # F O R EV ER O R A N G E

STIFF Award Ceremony 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 IMAS - Collage 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 MCC- Good Day Luncheon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

Mendelssohn & Mojitos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Aeromar- 5 years in McAllen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 MCC- 2018 Business Expo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fiesta de Palmas 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Cattle Baron’s Ball 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Foundation RAMMAC Golf Tournament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 NIU Urban Living - Beyond Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 PSJA Education Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

BRONSON DELRIO

VICE PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

UTRGV Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 AAF- Deep Shift Kick Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Renee’s of Sharyland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 GMCC - Buenas Tardes Luncheon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 RGV HCC - Latina Leadership Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 RGV Partnership Mixer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Meet & Greet Fundraiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 City of Pharr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Karla’s Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

KARLA KERNZ EDITOR

Valley Haven Kayak Fishing Tournament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Mission Museum Annual Banquet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Celebration of Heroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 MOST History - “Tin Lizzie”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Champagne & Chocolate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Fiestas Patrias 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Empty Bowls 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Non Profit Spotlight - American Cancer Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

CHRISTINA BARRERA SALES COORDINATOR

AAF- Deep Shift Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Lone Star National Bank Ribbon Cutting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Judge Jaime Tijerina Meet & Greet Fundraiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Cocktail Fiesta for Sister Norma Pimentel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 VSO- A Night In Paris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Bert Ogden Arena - WWE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 From the Academy to Abstraction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

CLIFF RANSON

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

ON THE COVER: City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. in front of the

Design Event Photographers

Decibel Communications

Felicia Cuellar

Victoria Gaytan

Haron Saenz

Guest Photographer

Abel Riojas Triggers Medi Juan Luis Mussenden Cristina Garfield Criselda Alvarez

FOR ADVERTISING OR OTHER INQUIRIES, REACH OUT!

Monica Sanchez

web: www.socialifeRGV.com

Guest Writers

Tom Fort

Socialife is published by Socialife News, LLC

Jane Smith

David Kolovson

Vivian Vargas

Krizia Velez

Letty Leal

Monica Sanchez

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Dustin Coronado

OCTOBER 2018

almost-completed Top Golf. Great shot by Cliff Ranson!

eMail: admin@socialifergv.com Office: (956) 683-8499

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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STXIFF 2018

The 4th Annual South Texas International Film Festival which took place at The Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, consisted of a 4-day festival featuring full-length, regional and short film competitions, screenings, panel discussions, educational workshops, industry expo, and mixers.

AWARD CEREMONY Edinburg Photography by Haron Saenz

CHARLES BRENNER, JUSTIN LICKENNEY, KASSANDRA CARR, XIMENA MUNIZ, VALERIA ALVA-NINO, GEORGE MASSO, AND RJ GARZA

CINDY RIOS JT CAMPOS AND MARIA URESTI

LUCY LOPEZ AND GABY SANCHEZ

SARAH GONZALEZ, ISABEL CANTU, AND CRISTINA GARCIA

DIANA ENRIQUEZ, GILBERT ENRIQUEZ, KARLA RODRIGUEZ, AND OMAR RODRIGUEZ

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MAYOR RICHARD MOLINA

RODRIGO MORENO, VICTORIA WASHINGTON, KELLY MEDINA, ERICA RAMIREZ, AND RUBEN RAMIREZ

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IMAS

The International Museum of Art & Science Board of Trustees hosted their premier black-tie event of the year, The Collage Gala. This year, the museum honored Carlos Melguizo and Saul Sanchez in acknowledgment of their significant contributions to the museum and the entire community.

2018 COLLAGE McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

SAUL SANCHEZ AND CARLOS MELGUIZO

ROY AND NOELIA RODRIGUEZ

SAUL SANCHEZ, ROGER APITZ, BILL RUPPERT, MELBA GUTIERREZ FRANKLIN, AND CARLOS MELGUIZO

LESLIE GUERRA AND STATE REP. BOBBY GUERRA

LAURA WARREN, SENATOR JUAN CHUY HINOJOSA, CARLOS MELGUIZO, AMANDA LETICIA, AND SAUL SANCHEZ

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IDEA High Schools Rank Among the Best High Schools in the Nation!

IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS BELIEVES THAT EACH AND EVERY CHILD CAN GO TO COLLEGE. LEARN MORE AT IDEAPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG

Since 2001, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to the fastest-growing network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools in the United States. In the 2018-19 school year, IDEA will serve more than 45,000 college-bound students across 79 schools in Texas and Louisiana. Additionally, IDEA boasts national rankings on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s top high schools lists and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.

GOOD DAY

LUNCHEON MCALLEN McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce held their luncheon at the DoubleTree Suites. This month’s event sponsors were the McAllen Crime Stoppers, a non profit organization that is dedicated to assisting in the fight against crime. This event was the perfect place to connect with the Chamber’s newest members while being entertained by the McAllen Chamber’s Good Day Luncheon comedic duo, Rick Guerra and John Kreidler.

MCC PRESIDENT AND CEO STEVEN AHLENIUS AND STATE REP. BOBBY GUERRA

GERRY GARCIA AND IRMA MURRAY

LAMAR JONES, SHAWN RUSSELL AND ARLENE CANTU

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NASHI

KUMORI TANOSHI SAMPLER

SAKURA

HAPPY HOUR MENU | MON - FRI • 3PM - 7PM WESLACO | McALLEN | BROWNSVILLE | SAN ANTONIO

www.kumorisushi.com

MENDELSSOHN & MOJITOS CHAMBER EVENT

Weslaco Photography by Dustin Coronado

Mr. Tom & Dr. Nina Torkelson graciously hosted an intimate chamber concert to benefit the Valley Symphony Orchestra at their home in Weslaco on Wednesday, September 19. The Mendelssohn & Mojitos Chamber Event featured a performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Trio No. 1 in d minor given by VSO Concertmaster Geoffrey Wong (violin), Benjamin Ponder (cello), and Dr. Oliver Jia (piano). VSO Music Director/ Conductor Dr. Peter Dabrowski shared more about the VSO and invited guests to experience the symphony, which will perform several concerts and special events at the McAllen Performing Arts Center this season.

ASHLEY DICKERSON, ZACH SUNDERLAND, AND MARGO SUNDERLAND

ROSE MARQUES AND VIVIAN VARGAS

DR. BILL GILLUM, SYLVIA SAENZ, AND DR. PETER DABROWSKI

TOM TORKELSON AND DR. NINA TORKELSON

MICHELLE CRANE, KATY COY, AND DAVID GUERRA

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WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

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ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO 2018 20 YEARS OF GREAT BUSINESS IN MCALLEN McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 20th anniversary of their annual Business Expo at the McAllen Convention Center. With amazing sponsors, vendors and entertainment this year, it was once again the biggest business trade show in the Rio Grande Valley.

KRISTI COLLIER, LEIGH WOOLDRIGE, AND ERNIE ARREDONDO

CHRISTINA BARRERA AND KARLA KERNZ

CRYSTAL MORALES AND BRENDA OLAGUE

GERARDO HIGAREDO, JAVIER ALDAPE, BEN TAVERAS, AND RONNY GAYTON

KARLA MORENO, NOAH RODRIGUEZ, ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ, JOSE GOMEZ, AND MARK GARZA

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JOSEPH WOELLHOFF AND LAURA LOPEZ

KIMBERLY BARBOZA, NILDA PAXMAN, AND JOHNNY RODGUIEZ

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FIESTA DE PALMAS

PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF MCALLEN McAllen Photography by Triggers Media

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McAllen PalmFest took place at the McAllen Convention Center. This weekend-long event included live music from local and international acts, vibrant dance performances, a variety of international cuisine, and an eclectic array of cultural activities for guests to participate in. Residents from all over the Rio Grande Valley were invited to take part in this special event.

Attendees were treated to an array of sights and sounds, courtesy of live music and dancers across the event layout. They were also encouraged to navigate the different stages and booths to experience all the festival had to offer.

There was a wide variety of delicious, authentic foods and shopping from vendors offering Asian, Latin-American/ Mexican, Middle Eastern, European and other delectable cuisines for guests to enjoy throughout the day.

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OCTOBER 2018

SOCIALIFE

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LIFE’S A DANCE

2018 CATTLE BARON’S BALL Pharr Photography by Haron Saenz

CARLOS BRACAMONTES, MELISSA RIOS AND ELIZABETH RAMIREZ

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The American Cancer Society hosted their 2018 Cattle Baron’s Ball of the RGV “Life’s A Dance” on September 22, 2018, at the Pharr Events Center. This one-of-a-kind evening featured great food, dancing, a spectacular auction, live entertainment and much more.

Proceeds from this event helps the American Cancer Society save lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.

MARY JANE GARCIA AND ROYCE NORMAN

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ROBERT AND KAYLYNN NORMAN

JERRY BOX, MARILYN BOX, AND SUSANNA MADDRIGAL

BRYAN REED, TANYA REED, MARLEN WINGATE AND JIM WINGATE

FUNDACIÓN RAMMAC 2018 GOLF TOURNAMENT McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

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The Reynosa Association of Maquiladoras and Manufacturers Foundation welcomed golfers to their annual charity golf tournament at the Palm View Golf Course.

The game was all par 3’s had “closestto-the-pin” awards & “hole-in-1” prizes.

Orphanages and charities were stationed with raffle tickets. Great sponsors and a great cause made this an amazing event.

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niu urban living beyond furniture

Jesus and Rosario Gonzalez started their company as importers of Mexican decor traveling throughout Texas selling imported Mexican “wares�. From small beginnings, their vision evolved from a garage operation

From Small Beginnings, Their Vision Evolved From a Garage Operation To A 7,000 ft2 Storefront

to a 7,000 square foot storefront in McAllen, Texas which they stocked with global imports and custom designed furniture and decor manufactured at their small maquiladora in Reynosa, Mexico. Their custom-made products were, for many years, represented in showrooms at the World Trade Center in Dallas and were purchased by customers from all around the world.

As McAllen continued to grow in population, Casa Antigua’s retail business grew as well. Jesus and Rosario expanded on their original vision and integrated more contemporary style decor and furniture into the Casa Antigua mix which became a great success among the locals and northern Mexican buyers

Today, the entrepreneurial couple own and operate NIU Urban Living, a 3-story, 33,000 square foot retail furniture store in the heart of McAllen.

NIU Urban Living offers an extensive selection of modern, contemporary and transitional furniture and décor, handcrafted imported pieces and an array of commercial options for any space.

The store has a staff of dedicated and talented employees,

including

a

team

of

designers,

architectural drafters and experienced residential and commercial installers.

In October 2018, NIU will expand its reach with a new pop-up store for the holidays inside La Plaza Mall. Spearheaded by Jesus and Rosario’s passion for bringing state of the art furniture and design service to customers, the pop-up store is expected to act as a showroom that brings some of NIU’s favorite collections to a new location.

NIU Urban Living’s mission is to showcase different lifestyles for residential and commercial spaces that fit any budget. With a splendid variety of furniture and award-winning design services, the Jesus and Rosario Gonzalez

store is geared towards creating an unforgettable customer experience.

liveniu.com Ph: 956.225.0721 1318 N. 10th St. McAllen, TX 78501

2018 PSJA

This year, we celebrated the 6th Annual PSJA Education Foundation Fundraiser at the Pharr Event Center. This concert fundraiser featured The Spazmatics, with proceeds to help support the Foundation’s student scholarships, teacher mini grants, and literacy initiatives. The PSJA Education Foundation is an independent non-profit organization that promotes excellence in education by developing and sustaining financial and non-financial support from the private sector for Pharr-San JuanAlamo ISD students and staff.

EDUCATION FOUNDATION Pharr Photography by Dustin Coronado

BOB VACKAR, JANET VACKAR, MELISSA RODRIGUEZ, AND JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ

JUDGE DORI CONTRERAS AND IIEDA PALACIOS

GERMAN SEGURA AND DEBORAH CORDOVA

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018 Parade begins at 4:00 pm Downtown Pharr

Fireworks launch at 6:15 pm

from Liberty Middle School, 1212 S. Fir

Concert featuring ELECTROBAND

6:30 pm at American Legion Post # 101, 417 S. Cage Blvd.

MIX AND MINGLE

WITH THE UTRGV HEAD COACHES Edinburg Photography by Juan Luis Mussenden

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One night, one setting and sixteen sports were the topic of conversation with some amazing Valley influencers at Bob’s Steak & Chop House. UTRGV head coaches took time to meet and greet some potential new fans to the program and garner support for the Vaqueros. Head coaches from men’s and women’s basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, and track and field plus baseball and volleyball met the local business people and entrepreneurs to learn how they could invest in UTRGV athletics and help prepare our student-athletes for excellence in life.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

613 E. Trenton Rd., Edinburg, Texas 78539 Located at The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley

Raising the Steaks.

Once you experience Bob’s special brand of service and food, it won’t be long until you’re a regular. Here the only thing you need to worry about is what cut of prime steak you’ll order.

bobs-steakandchop.com

For Reservations, Private Dining or Special Events Call (956) 380-2627

COCKTAILS AND COUTURE DEEP SHIFT 2018 KICK OFF McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

The official “Deep Shift 2018” Welcome Celebration was held and hosted by La Plaza Mall and AAF-RGV. The weekend was kicked off in McAllen with an exclusive event for Deep Shift 2018 attendees in their new Grand Court!

Guests joined in celebrating the recently completed expansion of La Plaza Mall, which added 245,000 sq. ft. of retail space with 40 specialty retailers, five first-to-market restaurants, four junior anchors, and two parking decks.

A.B. BARRERA AND TERI DEANDA

CHRIS VONWALD AND BLANCA REYES

CHRISTOPHER JULIAN, CAITLYN PERRY, ELDA ARELLANO, AND TIM TALIAFERRO

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BUENAS TARDES LUNCHEON

Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

ARMANDO MARTINEZ, GEORGE MYERS, BRAD WILLIAMS, AND ROBERT NORMAN

CARLOS J. GUTIERREZ, ROGELIO CHANES, JOSHUA ROJAS, LORADEL MARIANO, MONICA SANCHEZ, SANDRA DE LOS SANTOS, AND CYNTHIA PACHECO

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The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce was excited to host this month’s Buenas Tardes Luncheon at The Mission Event Center, featuring keynote speaker Dat Nguyen, a former Dallas Cowboy & former Texas A&M Aggie.

GUS MARTINEZ, MAYOR ARMANDO O’CANA, MARIA O’CANA, MARTIN GARZA, HECTOR DIAZ, AND OMAR CAVAZOS

ED ALCOCAR, DIANA ALCOCAR, BETO SEPULVEDA, PHILIP PAWELEK, SANDRA VECCHIO, AND KANE DAWNSON

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LATINA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2018

Edinburg Photography by Dustin Coronado

The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2nd Annual Latina Leadership Conference at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.

Women got empowered and got connected to other latinas in the area.

This event prepares women who want to grow within themselves and to become leaders in their business and in the community, by teaching them etiquette and to how communicate properly.

J.D. SALINAS AND RHONDA R SALINAS

CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI, MARIA RIOS, LAURA MATAMOROS, AND JAVIER PALOMAREZ

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ROSE M. GOMEZ AND BARBARA BAGGERLY-HINOJOSA

ANNE-JOELIE VIGUIER-GALLEY, CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI, AND ELLIE TORRES

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RGV PARTNERSHIP MEET & GREET

Rancho Viejo Photography by Monica Sanchez

Thank you all that attended the RGV Partnership Meet and Greet of their members, community leaders and board members. Their featured speakers Mr. Lozoya with the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and Dr. Grewal with UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley provided great insight on the strategic plan they are formulating for their respective organizations.

“Thank you to our remarkable sponsors that made this happen! Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club | Socialife News Magazine | Noble Texas Builders.”

Monica Sanchez, Membership Engagement & Events Director

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MEET & GREET FUNDRAISER WITH CECILIA ABBOTT McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

Judge Ernie Aliseda and Judge Jaime Tijerina hosted a Meet & Greet Fundraiser with Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott at the Aliseda home in McAllen, with many supporters from across the region.

JUDGE JAIME TIJERINA, DIANE TIJERINA, CECILIA ABBOTT, DEBBIE ALISEDA AND JUDGE ERNIE ALISEDA

FIRST LADY OF TEXAS, CECILIA ABBOTT

ANNETTE VILLALOBOS, AMANDA LETICIA, AND PRISCILLA DURAN

SHARON FLORES AND MARCUS BARRERA

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JOHN BALL, CHRISTINA BALL, EVA TAVAREZ, AND JANEY MURRAY

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Gifting made easy!

WE CREATE CUSTOM GIFTS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS WITH SOME OF THE MOST UNIQUE PRODUCTS IN THE WORLD. STOP BY AND SEE US! | 956.630.9559 3300 EXPRESSWAY 83 STE. 1240 MCALLEN, TEXAS 78501

Pharr

TEES UP

Photography by Cliff Ranson

Precise, intuitive, driven, and skillful. These are words frequently used when referring to an expert player in the sport of golf. They can also be used to describe the Mayor of the City of Pharr, Texas, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez.

A professional pediatric surgeon by trade, Hernandez was elected to serve as mayor of Pharr in 2015. Since then, Hernandez’s focus has been on streamlining city government, reducing waste and spending, improving the quality of life for Pharr families, and focusing on economic development and growth for his hometown community.

Pharr has long been known as “the Hub City” in the Rio Grande Valley, primarily due to the sprawling intersection of the area’s two major transportation corridors, now interstates, in South Texas, combined with the area’s historical connection to railway lines and the proximity to a major international port of entry, the Pharr International Bridge. These factors have all contributed to Pharr’s growth and development in population, retail, commerce, trade, and other economic development activity throughout the years.

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Under Hernandez’s tenure, Pharr has been building its reputation as a popular dining and entertainment community in the Rio Grande Valley. Whether meeting for business over dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, celebrating a birthday at Main Event Entertainment, attending a concert at the Pharr Events Center, or frequenting a local area mom-and-pop shop or small business, Pharr provides a variety of options for residents and visitors to live, work, eat, and play.

Last year, South Texas was abuzz with the news that Pharr had nabbed a coveted entertainment and sports venue – Topgolf.

In October 2017, Topgolf announced it had selected Pharr as its first location in the Rio Grande Valley. Located in the heart of Pharr, the new three-level venue features 72 climatecontrolled hitting bays that can host up to six players as well as 1,975 square feet of private event space for corporate and social gatherings. Topgolf has estimated that it will serve approximately 300,000 visitors in its first year of operation. Nearly half of all Topgolf guests describe themselves as “non-golfers,” according to Topgolf.

Between performing life-saving surgeries and running a city, Hernandez does not have a lot of free time to pursue golf as a hobby.

However, Hernandez expects he will frequent the entertainment hotspot with his family and his son, Joseph, who enjoys the sport.

Hernandez beams with pride at the influence that his leadership has had in contributing to Pharr’s phenomenal growth, and he looks forward to the prospect of Pharr’s reputation being honed as a destination location for neighboring communities, residents, and outof-area visitors.

“We constantly strive to improve the quality of life for our families, and a positive by-product of our efforts is that visitors want to come to Pharr,” said Hernandez. “We welcome them with open arms, and we remain committed to identifying promising and successful opportunities that will continue to contribute to the economic prosperity of our community,” he added.

Topgolf Pharr is scheduled to open in November 2018.

OCTOBER 2018

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nov 3rd

get your season tickets today CALL (956) 56-ARENA

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Photography by Cliff Ranson

Las LANDA Winning Formula Reyna Landa Denisse L. Giusti Karla L Carrillo

Mother and daughter trio behind Karlas continue to form a strategic space in retail. From finding the latest trends, classic styles, and launching new brands these women are leaders in their fields. Their brick+mortar is a mustgo in-store experience like no other. As the technology changes, so do they.

No surprise that after 30+ years

in the business; these powerful women take pride in creating partnerships with the community. Giving back is a major part of their platform.

Local charities like

Rio Grande Food Bank, American Cancer Society, and Laurie P. Andrews animal center are just a few of the organizations they support. Karlas is a place where style and philanthropy meet in perfect harmony.

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KAYAK FISHING TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT VALLEY HAVEN CHILDREN’S SHELTER South Padre Island Photography by Criselda Alvarez

Valley Haven Inc., the Rio Grande Valley’s only emergency children’s shelter, hosted its two-day Fourth Annual Boat and Kayak Fishing Tournament and Social Event Fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 21st and Saturday, Sept. 22nd in South Padre Island. This event featured live music, food, drinks, a tournament awards ceremony and a raffle of big ticket items donated from the local community. All proceeds raised directly benefitted the children at Valley Haven Inc.’s emergency children’s shelter.

Valley Haven Inc. is a 36-bed nonprofit emergency children’s shelter in Harlingen that protects, guides, and nurtures abused and neglected children by providing them a safe and loving home. If you would like to contribute to their mission, please contact Valley Haven Inc. via email at info@ valleyhaveninc.org or through their website at www.valleyhaveninc.org.

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WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

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

MISSION HISTORICAL MUSEUM ANNUAL FUNDRAISER EVENT 2018 Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

The Mission Historical Museum hosted their 12th Annual Dinner Banquet at the beautiful Mission Event Center. This fundraiser event had delicious food, a silent auction of unique items, a drawing for fabulous prizes, great music and entertainment. This was a memorable evening for all, and was a special time to bring families and friends together to share memories of the past. In 2009, the “Wall of Fame” Award was developed to recognize individuals who have lived in Mission and the surrounding area for over 30 years or more and have been instrumental in the development of the community, whether in the education field, the medical profession, a business owner, or commitment to organizations.

These individuals were selected by a committee composed of museum members. The highlight for the evening was the recognition of the 2018 “Wall of Fame” honorees: Coach Roy Garcia, Dr. Filomena Leo, Dr. Don Reinhardt, Jann W. Schroeder, and Norberto “Beto” Salinas.

The Mission Historical Museum is in their 18th year; the funds raised enable them to continue working to preserve and present the history and heritage of the City of Mission and western Hidalgo County. And most importantly, the funds will benefit their education programs; enhance the exhibits and support of the museum’s future development.

FAYOLA MCKEE, GLORIA WYANT, LISA PRICE, RAY SANCHEZ, AND EUNICE SANCHEZ

SENADOR JUAN CHUY HINOJOSA AND LINDA CASTANEDA

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MARINA CAVAZOS, CASSANDRA CAVAZOS, AND SOPHIA CAVAZOS

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CELEBRATION OF HEROES A FALL LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

MIKE LONG, JEFF SINNOTT, ERIC SANCHEZ, AND JOSE MARTINEZ-SOTO

ROSE MARQUES, ANDREA RODRIGUEZ AND GABRIELA NUNNERY

Thr 5th Annual Celebration of Heroes event was presented by Inter National Bank to benefit The Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Clinic. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and to honor the many local children who are fighting cancer, and to remember those who have lost the battle, The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic hosted the 5th annual Celebration of Heroes Fashion Show and Luncheon. The event was held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the McAllen Convention Center and raised a record breaking $165,000! All proceeds benefited the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic’s Charitable Care Program.

The memorable “Walk Down the Runway” will featured precious Clinic Patient Heroes escorted by the 2018 Community Heroes. This year’s community heroes included Laura and Hector Gutierrez, Melissa and Gene Mikulik, Robert McGurk of Inter National Bank, Natasha Del Barrio of Bert Ogden, Tammie Hartzog, Shannon and Dr. Vince Honrubia, Gail and Jack Ewing, Ronnie Bernal of Toyota of Pharr, Linda Tovar of HEB, Sergio Sanchez of KURV News Talk Radio and Mando San Roman of KBUC Super Tejano 102.1 For more information on The Vannie Cook Clinic please visit www.texaschildrens. org/vanniecook

DR. JIM GARZA, SYLVIA FORTUIN, STEPHANIE WILSON, AND MELISSA SMITH

THOMAS DAVIDSON, DEENA DAVIDSON, ALLISON MCGURK, AND ROBERT MCGURK

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OCTOBER 2018

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“Tin Lizzie”: A Revolution on Wheels

by Tom Fort

“By the summer of 1917 Daddy was a very competent driver. He still talked to Lizzie as he would a team of horses or mules, but he could start, stop and back up. And it was in this T-Model Ford that we were driving to Texas.” - Dorothy and Rosemary McNallie, 1990, recollection of going to the Valley in a Ford Model T A compact, chunky black auto with wooden-spoke wheels doesn’t look much like a world-changing invention. But mark it well. This is a Ford Model T, a “Tin Lizzie,” arguably the single most important mechanical gadget ever devised.

Over one hundred years ago the “T” began taking America’s driving public from the horse-and-wagon era into the automobile age. At first the pace of change was a trickle; quickly it become an unstoppable torrent. As the first truly affordable car, the Model T put the U.S. — and the world — on wheels.

An original Model T highlights the River Crossroads gallery of the Rio Grande Legacy exhibition in the Museum of South Texas History.

This 1921 Runabout is simplicity itself — little more than an engine on a frame with 4 wheels, a seat and a steering wheel. The sheetsteel body (with only one door) wraps around the two-person seat, with a front cover or hood for the engine and a trunk behind. (Early cars often had a real “trunk” back there, like the one grandma stored her keepsakes in; that’s where the term came from.) The floorboards are just that — wooden boards. So is the firewall. A 4-cylinder engine

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could send the car down the road at 40 miles an hour. When most people traveled no faster than a horse could walk, that seemed like flying!

However, in the South Texas of those days (and in most of the United States for that matter), there were few roads on which anything could go 40 or even 20. As old photos reveal, until the 1920s most Valley streets and highways were still unpaved. They were dusty in dry weather and quagmires of mud when it rained. Other hazards included mesquite thorns which could puncture tires; bad water that could eat radiators; and sand. In those days the road (or path) that later became U.S. 77 went through coastal sand dunes, as recalled by sisters Dorothy and Rosemary McNallie: “In 1917 the only road into the Valley from San Antonio through Floresville was paralleling the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and the road through the sand dunes changed from day to day…We spent the night at Kingsville and were told that the sandhills (or dunes) were easier to cross while the dew was on the ground and the dunes were more stabilized. The next morning about 4 a.m…we drove to Riviera, the beginning of the sand and headed for Raymondville.”

Later the family’s Model T had a break-down in the dunes at Norias Station. They rode back to Kingsville on a train. Mr. McNallie got the needed replacement part, rode the train back to Norias, repaired the car, drove on to Raymondville

and notified his wife by telegraph.

She and the children got on a southbound train to Raymondville, where they all re-boarded their Model T and continued to the Valley. Back then, motoring could be an adventure!

Besides its rugged simplicity, what made the Model T so revolutionary was its assembly line production in ever-greater numbers, and a low price that kept getting lower. Henry Ford said he wanted “…to build a motor car for the great multitude.”

He did just that, and most of the multitude drove Fords. Between 1908, when they first appeared, to the end of production in 1927, over 15 million Model T’s “hit the road” in the U.S. and overseas. At one time, nine out of 10 cars worldwide were Model T’s. For a time, the words “Ford” and “automobile” were interchangeable.

Until the Model T came along, cars were built mostly in the same manner as carriages and buggies – hand-made, hand-assembled, and hand-finished. They were costly and owned mainly by the well-todo. By 1914, Ford’s assembly line production was turning out a Model T every 90 minutes. In 1927, T’s came “off the line” every 25 seconds.

Instead of costing around $2,000 to $3,000 like the competition, a Model T cost $850 in ’08 and $300 in the 1920s.

The Model T was indeed the “car for the masses”, and it was everywhere — including, of course, the Rio Grande Valley. Old photos in the Museum archives show Model T’s on

farms, on roads and on town streets.

In one memorable picture, three hunters pose in a Model T with their deer slung on the conveniently-wide front fenders.

By the late 1920s the Model T was showing its age. More modern cars such as Chevrolet, Dodge, Buick, and other makes ate into Ford’s sales. In 1928 Ford replaced the “T” with the improved (and easier to drive) Model A. Yet the “Tin Lizzie” had secured a permanent niche in history. Despite its rough ride, heavy steering and almost-useless brakes, the car did the job it was designed for — to get the greatest numbers of people from one place to another.

From the “Magic Valley” to Detroit, from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon and around the world, the simple, rugged Model T Ford put reliable, personal transportation within reach of almost everyone.

Here are cutlines photographs:

for

those

2) Farm family near Mercedes, early 1920s (Their car appears to be a Model T Tourer) 5) Virgil Tipton repairing his Model T Runabout near Mission, early 1920s 11) Hidalgo County Deputies with a Model T Tourer in front of the county jail, Edinburg, ca. 1915 15) Model T Runabout, 1921, in River Crossroads Gallery, Museum of South Texas History. Donated by Frank Boggus, 1998. Photo taken 2013.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

956.994.0970

PRINCESS & VENETIAN PRINCESS COLLECTIONS

A TOAST TO

STATE REPRESENTATIVE BOBBY GUERRA McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

The Women for Bobby Guerra Committee hosted their bi-annual Champagne & Chocolate fundraiser for Representative Guerra. The event was attended by local public officials, community leaders and some of McAllen’s top business leaders.

Kicking off the evening, McAllen City Commissioner Veronica Whitacre and local Realtor Norma Cardenas welcomed guests and spoke of his leadership and the many accomplishments State Representative Guerra has done for the Rio Grande Valley. Guests enjoyed an assortment of champagne, fine chocolates and desserts from local restaurants while enjoying the evening festivities.

RICARDO CHAPA AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE BOBBY GUERRA

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ยกVIVA MEXICO! FIESTA DE PALMAS McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

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The Mexican Consul in McAllen celebrated the 208th anniversary of Mexican independence at the McAllen Convention Center, along with the PalmFest. The celebration lasted two days. On the second day of this great event, Consul Eduardo Bernal conducted an Independence Ceremony with spectacular artists such as Los Cadetes de Linares and Ramon Ayala, among others. The celebration concluded at the McAllen Performing Arts Center with a special presentation of the Folkloric Ballet of Amalia Hernandez.

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December 21-22, 2018 McAllen Performing Arts Center ShenYun.com/McAllen 800.380.8165

Shen Yun’s unique

artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, deeply moving journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.

This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance—along with innovative multimedia effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a glorious civilization of unrivaled beauty, artistry, and inspiration.

We invite you to a world where philosophers and poets alike sought harmony with the Dao, or “Way,” of the universe. Where maidens danced with ethereal grace and generals fought with explosive athleticism. Where timeless tales of valor and virtue were born. Where heaven and earth intersected, and even magic was possible.

RGV FOOD BANK EMPTY BOWLS 2018 Pharr Photography by Felicia Cuellar

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ThIs September, we celebrated the 13th Annual Empty Bowls, benefiting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, at the Pharr Events Center. Rio Grande Valley chefs and restaurants, potters, community partners, and donors helped raise funds for hungry families in need.

In addition to soups and other delicious bowl-friendly fare, guests were treated to live music and a silent auction. And each guest also received an opportunity to take home a handcrafted bowl created by a community partner!

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Together, we are making a dierence in the lives of thousands of men, women, and children.

Learn more about the Food Bank RGV at foodbankrgv.com

TH E UN IVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRA N D E VAL L EY D EPAR T MEN T OF I N T ERC OL L E GIAT E AT H L E T I CS

H A L L O F FA M E & H A L L O F H O N O R

LON & BARBARA KRUGER NO VEMB ER 8, 2018

VA L E N C IA E VE NT C EN TER, McA LLEN , TX • 6 P . M. T I C KE T S : $100 • TA BLE O F 10: $1, 000

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will honor 2019 Athletics Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor inductees Lon and Barbara Kruger at a special event on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Valencia Event Center at 3012 S. Jackson Rd. in McAllen.

The event, which will include a cocktail reception, dinner, Lon and Barbara’s inductions into the Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor, and a live auction, is set to occur the night before UTRGV men’s basketball hosts Oklahoma. Lon Kruger, who coached legacy institution Pan American University (PAU) from 1982-86, is currently the head coach at Oklahoma.

“Lon and Barbara Kruger have been tremendous ambassadors for our athletic department for over 30 years,” UTRGV Director of Athletics Chris King said. “Their support and love for, not only this university, but the Rio Grande Valley community, continues to be both meaningful and impactful. We look forward to welcoming Lon and Barbara back to the Rio Grande Valley and honoring them.”

Lon Kruger coached his team to a 20-8 (.714) record in 1985-86, which is the highest winning percentage for the program since 1979-80 and kicked off a span of five-straight seasons without a losing record.

Kruger’s success at PAU propelled him to become the first and now one of only two coaches to ever lead five different programs (Kansas State, Florida, Illinois, UNLV and Oklahoma) to the NCAA Tournament. His teams have participated in 17 NCAA Tournaments and two Final Fours (2016 with Oklahoma and 1994 with Florida). His career collegiate head coaching record is 619-395 (.610). He was an assistant coach for Team USA at the 1998 FIBA World Championship, bringing home a bronze medal. He was also the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks (2000-03) and an assistant with the New York Knicks (2003-04). Kruger is a four-time Coach of the Year (SEC 1992, SEC 1994, MWC 2008, Big 12 2014).

He and his wife, Barbara, made the first six-figure donation in department history and remain active boosters of UTRGV Athletics.

“Barb and I are extremely proud to be honored by UTRGV,” Lon Kruger said. “We spent four wonderful years in McAllen/Edinburg and met some unbelievable people. To this day, we speak often of how much we enjoyed our experience in the Valley.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (956) 665-4069.

DEEP SHIFT 2018 SUMMIT

McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

The 2018 Deep Shift Summit was hosted by the American Advertising Federation and was held at the Embassy Suites at the Convention Center. The Summit brought together leading advertising, communications, and personal development experts from across the United States for a day of insight into the changing world of advertising, and tips to improve your work/life balance. Every part of our lives is shifting rapidly. Top experts shared their experience with the guests so they could masterfully shift and succeed!

KARLA KERNZ AND SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA

LEXI BUGUET, JASON PAGE, D’ANNE BUQUET, ELVIA AUGUILAR, AND ANGELICA HANLEY

OMAR CHAVEZ, BALDOMERO LOPEZ, AND STACY SANCHEZ

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KARA CARA, SARA HEVNANELY, ROBERT RAMIREZ, NELSON AMARO, AND ERICA HIRSCH

TIM TALAFERRO AND ELDA ARELLANO

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CITY OF

McALLEN

®

LONE STAR NATIONAL BANK GRAND OPENING

McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

Lone Star National Bank celebrated the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of the newest banking center in the City of McAllen located at 3605 Buddy Owens Blvd. This location is the 33rd location across South Texas for Lone Star National Bank across South Texas. Lone Star National Bank, The Valley’s Bank… continues to grow!

LYNDA LAURIN, MAYOR JIM DARLING, AND STEVEN AHLENIUS

EDNA DE SARO, COWBOY CASH, AND DAVID DE ANDA

MARIE PEREZ, BLANCA CARDENAS, AND AMY DOMINGEZ

MAYOR JIM DARLING

ISMAEL RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL CANTU, ALONZO CANTU, DAVID DE ANDA, AND FATHER DAVID

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FOOD BANK RGV FOOD BANK RGV FOOD BANK RGV

OCTOBER 26, 2018

8A.M. SHOTGUN START OCTOBER 26, 2018

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This institution an equal opportunity This institution is an equalisopportunity provider. provider.

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1200 S. SHARY RD. 1200MISSION, S. SHARY RD. TX MISSION, TX 1200 S. SHARY RD. MISSION, TX

NON-PROFIT SPOT LIGHT

Founded in 1913, the American Cancer Society

Recovery program provides free transportation

Relay For Life and the Cattle Baron’s Ball. On

is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million

to and from treatment for cancer patients who do

October 13th, the Society will be hosting its

volunteers attacking cancer from every angle

not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.

inaugural Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

to help save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the

pink walk at the Mission Event Center. This walk

fight for a world without cancer. We partner with

This year, approximately 121,000 people in Texas will

will unite communities, honor those touched by

volunteers, organizations, and health systems

hear the words, “You have cancer,” which is why the

the disease and raise awareness and funds for

throughout the Rio Grande Valley to help

Society funds 63 research grants in Texas totaling

the fight against breast cancer.

with patients’ most pressing needs including

more than $40 million. These research grants focus

transportation, lodging, and emotional support,

on more – and better – treatments, uncovering

From patient services to breakthrough research,

beginning with our 24/7 cancer information

factors that may cause cancer, and improving

the American Cancer Society is attacking cancer

hotline (1-800-227-2345) and website, cancer.org.

cancer patients’ quality of life.

from every angle in the Rio Grande Valley.

For more information about our services and

At our office in McAllen, we also offer

You will find American Cancer Society staff and

other ways you may become involved, call the

complimentary wigs to cancer patients

volunteers raising awareness and empowering

American Cancer Society’s McAllen office at 956-

undergoing cancer treatment and our Road to

people at events across South Texas, such as

682-8329.

JUDGE JAIME TIJERINA MEET & GREET FUNDRAISER Pharr Photography by Cristina Garfield

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The Judge Jaime Tijerina Campaign hosted a successful Meet & Greet Fundraiser at Pappadeaux Seafood Restaurant in Pharr, Texas, earlier last month.

“My wife and I along with our entire team are grateful for the incredible support we have from so many friends, colleagues, and individuals from across the Rio Grande Valley. I’m ready to serve you as justice of the 13th Court of Appeals. For Justice. For Texas.”

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS OF THE RGV

October 11

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE - VALLEY SCHOLARS PROGRAM Corinthians Special Event Center - Mission 6:00 pm

October 12

RGV HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JALAPEÑO GOLF CLASSIC Palm View Golf Course - McAllen 8:00 am

LIVE 2 LEAD - RGV Mission Event Center 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

October 13

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER AMERICAN CANCER ASSOCIATION Mission Event Center 7:00 am - 11:00 am

DANCING WITH THE STARS OF HIDALGO COUNTY AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION - RGV Mario’s Banquet & Event Center - Mission 6:00 pm

October 18

HAVANA NIGHTS FUNDRAISER GALA CAPABLE KIDS FOUNDATION Pharr Event Center 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

October 20

9TH MISSION PINK 5K

Mission Regional Medical Center 7:15 am

ROMEO SANTOS

Bert Ogden Arena - Edinburg 8:00 pm

October 26

SANTA FE WINE CLASSIC Quinta Mazatlan - McAllen 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A HARRY POTTER HALLOWEEN

FOOD BANK GOLF TOURNAMENT Cimarron Country Club - Mission 8:00 am

October 27

AARON WATSON

Pharr Events Center 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm

RIO GRANDE REGIONAL’S STROKE AWARENESS WALK Rio Grande Regional Hospital - McAllen 8:00 am

OZUNA

State Farm Arena - Hidalgo 8:00 pm

GEORGE LOPEZ

Bert Ogden Arena - Edinburg 8:00 pm

November 1

MCALLEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL BANQUET “MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR” AWARDS Valencia Event Center - Pharr 6:30 pm

November 8

GREATER MISSION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUENAS TARDES LUNCHEON Mission Event Center 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

UTRGV HALL OF FAME & HALL OF HONOR

November 11

PEPE AGUILAR CONCERT State Farm Arena - Hidalgo 7:00 pm

November 16

BROADWAY MUSICAL THE SOUND OF MUSIC McAllen Performing Arts Center 8:00 pm

December 1

MCALLEN HOLIDAY PARADE Save The Date

December 2

RENAISSANCE CANCER FOUNDATION MOTOWN GALA Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance 6:00 pm

December 6

MCALLEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOOD DAY LUNCH Embassy Suites - McAllen 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

December 7

VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TOUCH OF FROST CONCERT McAllen Performing Arts Center 8:00 pm

Valencia Event Center Pharr 6:00 pm

Dec 21 & 22

November 10

McAllen Performing Arts Save The Date

PHARR’S VETERAN’S DAY PARADE & FIREWORKS

SHEN YUN

Downtown Pharr 4:00 pm

6th ANNUAL PAELLA FESTIVAL Provenza Ranch - Edcouch 1:00 pm

MARC ANTHONY

Bert Ogden Arena - Edinburg 7:00 pm

McAllen Performing Arts Center 8:00 pm

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OCTOBER 2018

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COCKTAIL FIESTA

HONORING SISTER NORMA PIMENTEL McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

Sister Norma Pimentel was awarded the Hispanic Heritage Community Service Award on September 12, 2018 at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. The Hispanic Heritage Awards were established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month in America. Since that time, the Hispanic Heritage Awards are considered among the highest honors for Hispanics by Hispanics. A celebration took place at NIU Urban Living to recognize Sister Pimentel for her award on September 13, 2018.

SISTER NORMA PIMENTEL AND MAYOR JIM DARLING

SISTER NORMA PIMENTEL

NIU

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MAYOR JIM DARLING, SISTER NORMA PIMENTEL, AND ERNIE ALISEDA

CAROLINA TERAN, SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA, SISTER NORMA PIMENTEL, AND MYRTHA TIJERINA

SISTER NORMA PIMENTEL, JOSE CONTRERAS, AND CASSIE CONTRERAS

SISTER NORMA PIMENTEL, JOSE CONTRERAS, AND CONSUELO JONES

SISTER NORMA PIMENTEL AND MAYOR JIM DARLING

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

WWE LIVE

For the first time ever your favorite Superstars from Monday Night Raw came to Edinburg to the Brand New Bert Ogden Arena. The tag Team Main Event was Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins vs.

Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens plus many more.

BERT OGDEN ARENA Edinburg Photography by Haron Saenz

WWE

TONY AND MICHAEL GARCIA

ALFONSO GUZMAN, AND FRIEDA, SANTIAGO, AND SAMANTHA GARCIA

RHONDA ROUSEY AND ALEXA BLISS

ASHLEY, NIDIA, AND CAROLINE GUTIERREZ

TONY AND TONY JR GARZA

BOBBY ROODE AND CHAD GABLE

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U P C O M I N G

E V E N T S

Romeo Santos October 20

George Lopez October 27

Marc Anthony November 10

get your tickets today!

BERTOGDENARENA.COM

BOX OFFICE OPEN MON-FRI FROM 10:00AM - 6:00PM

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

A NIGHT IN PARIS

Maestro Peter Dabrowski led the Valley Symphony Orchestra in their 2018-19 season-opening concert on Friday, September 28 at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. A Night In Paris featured an evening of music inspired by the beauty and romance of the City of Lights. The program included Enescu’s lush and colorful Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 as well as the Fantasy Overture from Tchaikovsky’s romantic masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet.

VSO CONCERT I

McAllen Photography by Abel Riojas and Victoria Gaytan

The showstopper of the evening was the Orchestra’s guest soloist, renowned pianist Christopher Atzinger. Atzinger performed Camille Saint-Saens Piano Concerto #2 in G minor, a dynamic piece that showcased his powerful musicianship and command of the instrument. Lauded in Gramophone for his “abundant energy,” and praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for his “fervency and panache,” Atzinger closed the first half of the concert with a soaring performance that drew a lengthy standing ovation.

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FOSSOM MIDDLE SCHOOL

DR PETER DABROWSKI

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THE WONG FAMILY

The evening’s sponsors included Wanda Boush (Maestro Sponsor), Drs. Tawhid & Mihaela Shuaib (Concertmaster Sponsor), and Atlas, Hall, and Rodriguez LLC (Guest Artist Sponsor). Tickets for the VSO’s A Harry Potter Halloween and A Touch of Frost are on sale now at valleyorchestra.org.

SHARRIE DE LEON, HENRIETTA GUZMAN, JESSE TREVINO, MARY LOU TREVINO, AND WILLARD MOON

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

October 13, 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Rio Grande Valley Mission Event Center 200 N. Shary Rd. Mission, TX Check in at 7:00 am & walk begins at 8:30 am The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk raises awareness and funds to save lives from breast cancer. It's a day that brings people together to make a difference for everyone who has been touched by breast cancer. The event raises money to fund innovative research, provide free information and support, and to help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it's most treatable.

www.makingstrideswalk.org/RioGrandeTX

FROM THE ACADEMY TO ABSTRACTION AT RANCHO VIEJO

Rancho Viejo Photography Special to SOCIALIFE

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Rancho Viejo Resort and Country Club in Brownsville had an Art, Wine and Cheese event featuring artist Fafi Melguizo on October 4. Guests sipped and strolled through Casa Grande while viewing Ms. Melguizo’s art collection entitled, “De la Academia a la Abstraccion”. Fafi Melguizo has participated in an array of art exhibitions, solos shows and art galleries throughout Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. Through the years, she has evolved her style and practices to reflect the environment, her travels and blended culture.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM