SOCIALIFE SEPTEMBER 2018

HIDALGO COUNTY EDITION YEAR 14 ISSUE 9

2018

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Pharr Mayor Hernandez Celebrating our Heritage

Carats Fine Jewelry and Gifts

Bert Ogden Arena #GameChanger

Voyage into Fate

THE MAGAZINE OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY

This is not a Building

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Doctors can monitor their patients’ health wherever they live in the Rio Grande Valley and intervene early if a patient’s condition starts to deteriorate at a moments notice, preventing ER visits and hospital admissions.

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GET IN TOUCH WITH THE RGV TEAM TODAY:

Available on

H O M E H E A LT H • A C O • D O C T O R S O F F I C E S • H O S P I TA L S • H O S P I C E

Pharr. Planning For The Future Of The RGV Today.

THE CITY OF

CITY HALL UPDATE DRC NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! In February, Pharr celebrated the grand opening of the South Pharr Development and Research Center, a multi-purpose community center for families to use. The training and conference center features a computer lab, internet access, and classrooms for various learning and training opportunities.

Dear Pharr citizens and families: Halfway through the year, we have made great progress on the theme of construction which we set out to accomplish at the beginning of this year - building our city. Our streets are being paved, our parks are expanding, and our focus continues to be on improving the quality of life for our Pharr families and the entire region. We are proud to have constructed a neighborhood community center that now connects south Pharr families with internet for research and education, job searching and training opportunities, and more.

“My colleagues and I have recognized this is an issue key tothat success is beingfor ableHidalgo to measure and The realize in order County to continue progress, and as leaders, we are always looking

BENEFIT: Improving access to technology and learning resources for Pharr families

UPDATE ON I-69 & I-2 INTERCHANGE Last year, Mayor Hernandez was instrumental in securing funding from the Texas Transportation Commission for the Pharr Interchange expansion. TxDOT hosted a public hearing in June to gather input from the community on the expansion project, which is estimated to be funded at more than $320 million.

to grow demands for ways and in whichmeet we can the improve.

We conductedof our population the first of our cityand expanding the today, we public mustcommunity invest assessment in redesigning

Keep up withmobility all theatgreat things in the city: the Pharr Interchange

interchange to create a more effective, safe, and faster a row, our employees evaluated our performance.

www.facebook.com/cityofpharr

leaders in 2016, and this year, for the second year in We are proud to have scored higher this year than

mode of transportation for our citizens and the thousands the previous survey, and we are certain that our

efforts to supportand our employees has helped to of businesses international trading partners that boost morale and performance.

share our roadways.”

As always, if there is any way we can be of further service, please contact us at 956-402-4000.

Sincerely,

Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.

Pharr Interchange Expansion Project PROJECT LIMITS: • I-2 from 2nd Street in McAllen to Stewart Rd in San Juan • I-69C from Nolana Loop to I-2 in Pharr EXISTING INTERCHANGE CONNECTORS: • One (1) 14-ft. wide travel lane • 4 ft. wide inside shoulder • 8 ft. wide outside shoulder

BENEFIT: Improved traffic operations and

2nd ANNUAL EMPLOYEE SURVEY -

SATISFIED WITH PHARR any questions call:LEADERSHIP For the second year in a row, employees took

(956) 402-4000 an anonymous survey to rate their opinion

on the Mayor, City Commissioners, and City Manager. Overall, employees rated their city leaders higher than the previous year.

BENEFIT: Improvement in performance and perception of City Leaders

• $150 million in funding from the Texas Transportation Commission in 2017 • $320 million Estimated Funding Cost • $20 million from Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization • Projected Completion Date - 2023

PROPOSED INTERCHANGE CONNECTORS: • Two (2) 12 ft. wide travel lanes • 4 ft. wide inside shoulders • 10 ft. wide outside shoulders

Sharyland ISD Meet & Greet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

RGV HCC Town Hall Luncheon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 City of Pharr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 McAllen ISD Golf Tournament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 MSABC Kick Off Breakfast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

BRONSON DELRIO

VICE PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

UTRGV Celebrates 3 Years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Empty Bowls Mixer at Santa Fe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Carats Fine Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Project Angel 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

KARLA KERNZ EDITOR

Fishing for Hope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Bert Ogden Arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Bert Ogden Arena Open House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

CHRISTINA BARRERA SALES COORDINATOR

Non-Profit Spotlight: Vannie Cook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Renee’s of Sharyland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Woofstock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 MOST History: Voyage into Fate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

CLIFF RANSON

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Ernie Aliseda Meet & Greet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 RGV HCC Legislative Luncheon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Bert Ogden Arena Ribbon Cutting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Design Decibel Communications (Decibel.rocks) Event Photographers Anai Noyola • Dustin Coronado Victoria Gaytan • Haron Saenz

Guest Writers Letty Leal Tom Fort Jane Smith Esmer Garcia Daniella Plata Cynthia Sakulenzki Omar I. Rodriguez Victoria Martinez Guerra Kelli Quin Amanda L. Alaniz Rocio N. Landin

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Guest Photographers Imageworks Photo Group Courtney Egan Maritza Esqueda Jazmin Frances Jose Maria Ruiz Gerardo Garmendia David Pike Paul Chouy

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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SHARYLAND ISD

The Sharyland community had the opportunity to meet the new Sharyland ISD superintendent, Dr. Maria M. Vidaurri, on Friday, August 17 at a meet and greet held at the Mission Event Center.

Dr. Maria M. Vidaurri has 33 years of experience in education.

Sharyland community, staff and students had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Vidaurri before the start of the new school year.

WELCOMES DR. MARIA M. VIDAURRI Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

RICKY LONGORIA, DR. NOE OLIVEIRA, DR. MARIA M. VIDAURRI, MELISSA SMITH AND NOEL GARZA

RUBEN & TERESA PLATA AND ALICIA & AMADOR REQUENEZ

DR. MARIA M. VIDAURRI

ALFONSO MENDOZA JR., GEORGE CULBERSON, ZAR CASTILLO, MANNY RODRIGUEZ III, AND DAVID CULRONSON

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DR. MARIA M. VIDAURRI, DR. NOEL GARZA, DR. NOEL OLIVEIRA, RICKY LONGORIA AND JULIO CERDA

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Proudly Putting Our Patients First Rio Grande Regional Hospital, an HCA affiliated hospital, is honored to be the only nationally recognized Top 100 Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.

Our team of physicians, nurses and medical professionals are proud to serve the residents of the Rio Grande Valley with the highest quality of care.

This national recognition exemplifies our dedication to surround our patients with safety and compassion. Because above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

The Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals® annual study program has named Rio Grande Regional Hospital as one of the highest-performing hospitals in the nation. Visit 100tophospitals.com for more information on this program.

Stay Connected: 101 East Ridge Road, McAllen, TX 78503 | (956) 632-6000

www.RioHealth.com 100 Top Hospitals® is a registered trademark of IBM Watson Health™

RGV - HCC

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual

LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD LUNCHEON

Legislative Report Card Luncheon at

Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

updates on the recent congressional

Cimarron Country Club. This important event is where one can hear about session, as presented by our elected officials. A summary of how new bills will affect business, education, health, and transportation in the Rio Grande Valley was presented.

DAVID TORRES, MARIO RENA, MAYOR RICHARD MOLINA, CARLA RODRIGUEZ, AND PAUL RODRIGUEZ

RUBEN MARTINEZ, SONIA MARROQUIN, EMILO QUEVEDO, AND RUBEN PLATA

REPRESENATIVE BOBBY GUERRA AND MARK HANNA

SERIO CONTREAS, VANESSA N. HERNANDEZ, SONIA FALCON, MARIS GARZA, AND JOEY TREVINO

JOSHUA ROJAS, ROBERT CARREON, KANE DAWSON, CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI

GUY BAILEY, MAYOR RICHARD MOLINA, CARLA RODRIGUEZ, AND SENATOR JUAN CHUY HINOJOSA

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

IDEA AD

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.

The City of Pharr

CELEBRATING our

HERITAGE BUILDING our

FUTURE

By City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.

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With the theme of “We Built this City,” our focus this year has been on building – roads, parks, facilities, communities, and a better quality of life for our Pharr families.

The seeds we plant today sow the fruits of tomorrow. As leaders, the actions we take today will impact our future generations. As mayor of my hometown of Pharr, Texas, the legacy I hope to leave of my tenure is one of growth, progress, and sustainability. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our community’s unique cultural heritage and passing on our traditions, stories, and our values, to our children, our grandchildren, and our children’s grandchildren.

In January of this year, we hosted Pharr’s 2nd annual State of the City address to share the previous year’s accomplishments and our plans for the future. With the theme of “We Built this City,” our focus this year has been on building – roads, parks, facilities, communities, and a better quality of life for our Pharr families. At the same time, this year we celebrated the City of Pharr’s 109th birthday, and to mark the occasion, we unveiled a time capsule that would memorialize the moment in time.

Attendees at the State of the City wrote messages to be placed in the time capsule – messages from current Pharr residents to the future. We wanted to capture that particular moment to

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SEPTEMBER 2018

SOCIALIFE

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As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our community’s unique cultural heritage and passing on City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.

our traditions, stories, and our values, to our children, our grandchildren, and our children’s grandchildren.

help our future generation of leaders and community members recognize and understand the historical context of our present (which will be their past). The time capsule, with its messages, mementos, and relics, would provide a snapshot of Pharr as we now know it. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we will bury the time capsule and its contents in a location in Pharr, to be opened in 50 years. At that time, Pharr will look very different, and we look forward to our future leaders uncovering this buried treasure we will have left them.

In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month and to coincide with the time capsule burial, we will also unveil a new mural that captures Pharr’s history and present. The mural, created by painters Muris Aram Ramos Pinedo and Jose Arturo Ramos Pinedo, also captures Pharr’s closely-knit relationship with our sister to the south, Mexico. Pharr is bridging countries, uniting cultures, and celebrating our heritage, and together, we will leave this legacy for our future generations.

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EVENTS OF SOCIAL IMPORTANCE IN THE TURN OF A PAGE

admin@socialifergv.com • (956) 683-8499 www.socialifeRGV.com

MCALLEN ISD GOLF TOURNEY McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

Teams had a blast at the second annual McAllen

ISD

Superintendent’s

Golf

Tournament August 18, at McAllen’s Palm View Golf Course. Held in conjunction with the McAllen Education Foundation, more than 40 teams hit the links and raised money for high school students to visit colleges and universities.

The district could not have done it without the help of its sponsors which included Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP; Gulf Coast Paper Co. Inc.; Telepro Communications; Alvarado Architects & Associates, Inc.; Frost Bank; L&F Distributors; DHR, Bling by Beverly, Town Crier, R Communications, Dr. Ruben Aleman & Associates, Lee’s Pharmacy,

IBC,

Services,

Chanin

Government Engineering

Asset LLC,

The Print Shop at Shipping Depot, XRX Business Consultants Inc.; and Valley Risk Consulting.

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MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER BREAKFAST KICKOFF Mission Photography by Victoria Gaytan

Breast cancer survivors and local community members united at an inspirational kickoff breakfast for the new Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Rio Grande Valley walk, happening October 13 at the Mission Event Center. The breakfast featured stories from three cancer survivors and helped raise awareness about the American Cancer Society’s efforts to fight for a world without breast cancer.

For more information visit:

www.

makingstrideswalk.org/RioGrandeTx

NAOMI SANCHEZ AND ZASHA AMAR, SURVIVORS

y a w ta e G s a lm a P e D ta s Fie Book your Getaway at visitmcallen.com starting at $59/night and get perks like 50% Lyft rides, 25% off dinners out, free appetizers and more.

UTRGV DAY

CELEBRATES THREE YEARS OF SUCCESS Edinburg Photography by David Pike and Paul Chouy

UTRGV President Guy Bailey high fives Ava Chambers, who was born on the same day UTRGV officially opened its doors on August 31, 2015. She was a special guest during the university’s third anniversary celebration, UTRGV Day, on Wednesday, August 29. UTRGV Day is celebrated the first Wednesday of the start of every academic year. Over 1,000 students, faculty and staff attended the celebrations held at the Ballroom in Edinburg and the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salón in Brownsville

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SANTA FE STEAKHOUSE EMPTY BOWLS MIXER

Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina hosted an Empty Bowls Mixer. This was a great networking event with appetizers, drink specials, live music, door prizes, and a chance to preview bowls from “Empty

McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

Bowls 2018”, the RGV Food Bank’s biggest fundraiser! The one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls are included with each ticket for this upcoming event, and they stand as a reminder for the hunger faced by many in the Rio Grande Valley throughout the year. At this very popular annual event, local restaurants provide samples of delicious food for ticket holders while music, silent auctions and mystery boxes keep the festivities going!

Over 800

guests attended last year, making this one of the more popular fundraisers, so get your tickets soon!

VICTOR PEREZ, PHILIP FARIAS, AND REY PEREZ

BOB DEVEROS AND STEPHEN SAMSON

LINDA FITCH, ROBERT FITCH, AND ROBERT DALE

ANDREA RODRIGUEZ , EDDIE CANTU, GABRIELA NUNNERY, MICHELLE ZAMORA, CLAUDIA, AND PAUL GAYTAN

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PEDRO AYALA, SONY REGO, AND MICHELE ZAMORA

MICHEAL WINGARD, ANNETTE WINGARD, AND BILL MARTIN

SUSANNA MADDRIGAL AND RUBY MARTINEZ

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Glitters Sparkles Shines At Carats, everything...

Our goal has always been to bring the best Jewelry, HomeDécor, and Gifts collections from all over the world to McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.

We are proud to offer you a great place to experience the newest trends and enjoy the Luxury Life. From fine timepieces to pink or fancy yellow diamonds, Carats is where you can find the perfect gift, for yourself or someone else.

But Carats’ quality does not stop with its jewelry, home décor and gifts. Its glitter continues with the best customer service and care one could ask for. Intimate, personal and style are qualities of the service that is guaranteed when you visit our store.

CARATS JEWELS • LIVING • GIFTS (956) 994-0970 4300 N. 10TH ST, MCALLEN TX

Our goal has always been to bring the best Jewelry, Home-Décor, and Gifts collections from all over the world to McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

SOCIALIFE 23

9TH ANNUAL

MISSION

Pi NK WALK / RUN FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

OCTOBER 20, 2018

Mission Regional Medical Center

DON’T WANT TO REGISTER ONLINE? Join us to register early, pay in person & pick up your packet!

PACKET PICK-UP & REGISTRATION FAIR Saturday, September 8 & Saturday September 15 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Mission Regional Medical Center Meeting Room A, B & C (by the cafeteria) FREE DESSERTS! (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)

PROJECT ANGEL

Project Angel is a program that advocates for the disadvantaged in the

2018 FUNDRAISER

Rio Grande Valley, attempting to make

McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

Annual Project Angel Fundraiser at the

a difference that will last a lifetime. On August 25th, they celebrated their 2nd McAllen Convention Center. This year’s honoree was Dr. Linda Villarreal, a community leader whose contributions have made an impact on many lives in the Rio Grande Valley.

DIANDRA GONZALEZ, DEB SCHNABEL, SHIRLEY ARNOLDE, AND DAVID PEREZ

JOHN BRATTIN, CASSIE MATHEW, ESPERANZA JUAREZ BRATTIN, TRACY BRATTIN GERDES, DEREK GERDES, DR BERNARDO GUILLERMO FLORES, AND EDDIE MANCHA.JPG

DR. LINDA VILLARREAL

SYLVIA GUERRA FORTUIN, DR LINDA VILLARREAL, AND OFELIA RUIZ

DOUGLAS CLARK AND SENATOR JUAN CHUY HINOJOSA

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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

FISHING FOR HOPE TOURNAMENT DHR HEALTH AND HOPE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER ANNUAL EVENT South Padre Island Photography by Jose Maria Ruiz and Gerardo Garmendia

DHR Health and Hope Family Health Center hosted their 13th Annual “Fishing for Hope” Tournament, which was held Saturday, August 25, at Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island, Texas. Now one of the largest non-profit fishing tournaments on the Texas coast, “Fishing for Hope” is a family-friendly and fun event for people of all ages. At this year’s tournament, they featured a live concert, dinner, the legendary stars auction, and much more! This amazing tournament raised $300,000 this year! All proceeds once again are to benefit the Hope Family Health Center, which is located in McAllen and is run by local volunteer physicians and staff who provide their time and services without charge. HFHC provides free health services to all persons living in the RGV who are without access to health care or medical insurance.

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Wellness for You.

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Start your journey toward whole health here.

At DHR Health Wellness Institute, we provide a person-centered, holistic-minded approach to health care. We are your trusted advocate throughout your journey toward whole health. Rather than simply treating symptoms, together we will address the root causes of your condition in order to heal your mind, body, and spirit.

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

What is Functional Medicine?

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE FOCUSES ON TREATING NOT JUST A SINGLE AILMENT, BUT EXAMINING THE WHOLE BODY TO FIND THE

Recipe Card WE AIM TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE BEST METHODS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN OPTIMAL HEALTH - STARTING WITH HEALTHY EATING!

Oven Roasted Asparagus 1. Preheat oven to 400˚F 2. Snap off ends of asparagus stems 3. Place asparagus stems on a baking sheet 4. Add salt and pepper 5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil 6. Bake for 20 minutes 7. Enjoy!

NUTRITION FACTS PER SERVING 17.1% Vitamin A

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7.7% Vitamin C

Doctors Hospital at Renaissance proudly meets the federal definition of a “physician-owned hospital” (42 CFR § 489.3). As required by law, a list of the hospital’s physician owners and investors is available at www.dhr-rgv.com. DHR, Ltd. and its affiliated entities comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

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13.5% Iron

BERT OGDEN ARENA

This is not a Building

by Bronson delRio

When you’re driving along 281 halfway between McAllen and Edinburg, and look to the east, you can’t miss the new Bert Ogden arena. Some see a big new building with world class features and the promise of bigger and better entertainment.

When you look a bit deeper though, this is not a building. This is a vision come to reality based on planning, hard work and most importantly, a community coming together.

“I started with a small investment in the Vipers basketball team and now have an arena,” Alonzo (Do we even need to include his last name here?) Cantu says with an ever-so-slight grin, “I teamed up with then bank rival, now good friend David Guerra, among others to buy the basketball team. The previous team’s location was fine, but I wanted more for them. That’s why I began exploring the arena project.”

The Bert Ogden Arena is a huge investment. “The city of Edinburg showed much leadership in the development of the Arena,” Rene Borrego, a key team member, says “I hear a lot of people saying the city put a ton of money into this. No general funds were used or taken away from any other project, and Mr. Cantu donated the land. A TIRZ (Texas Increment Reinvestment Zone designation) was used by the city to stimulate economic activity on some undeveloped property strategically. So by backing some bonds for a relatively short time period, the Arena and other projects in the TIRZ will generate sales tax revenues that will eventually pay the bonds back.”

never get a medical school down here, because of “Friday night football mentality.” We finally found a way to work together, and now look at the successes of the medical school. Look at the residency programs, higher paying jobs, the level of service in health care compared to 3-5 years ago. UT is investing more money in the area and now so is Texas A&M.” He also made sure locals did 95% of the work. “One thing I learned while at University of Houston was the role of business in society.

Social Responsibility. Look at my other business interests, Lone Star National Bank, Cantu Construction and Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. We are socially responsible. We are constantly reinvesting and sponsoring Education and Healthcare initiatives.

90% of the labor force is local at the arena.”

Even the name of the arena is an example of our community coming together. It’s great to see a local company step up and put their name on it. Bert Ogden is already a beloved household name and recognized as a community leader. This is just another example of our community coming together and doing great

We agreed on the current size that accommodates up to 9300 people

When asked about his involvement in the building design, Mr. Cantu avoids claiming any specific ideas and instead discussed his research and planning efforts. “We started with a completely different size. It was originally going to be a 5500 seat arena.”

After many trips around the country with his team and city officials to research other arenas and meet with groups like Live Nation, NBA, Houston Rockets among others, they agreed on the current size that accommodates up to 9300 people. And accommodate it does. “We spent almost a million dollars in landscaping. We put in the best seats, the best IT, a multi-million screen, and security - we have over 200 cameras. You also have some unbelievable local food options at the arena; you have Kumori, Delia’s tamales, il Forno and Palenque grill.”

things. (Maybe it’s just called the Bert Ogden Arena because Alonzo had such a great experience buying his first new car from Mr. Ogden?)

Marty Hinojosa, the lead architect, sums it up, “The focus was always on the comfort of the customer. We have large seats, generous aisles, and great food. I think we achieved our goal.”

She also shared anecdotes of heading back to the drawing board when Mr. Cantu was presented ideas but wanted better finishes.

It turns out; he was involved in some of the smallest details.

That is what this arena is ultimately about. Reducing brain drain (Academically also known as the “human capital flight” the largescale migration of skilled and talented people.) and motivating outside investors to drop roots into our community for continued growth is the goal. As more thinkers and innovators flock to the area, the Valley will continue to thrive and prosper. When we look back in twenty years, this building will undoubtedly be considered as part of the growth of our incredible community.

His real focus, however, is on the big picture. “We should think regionally instead of just on individual cities. We would all do better. Years ago, the minds at UT said that’s why we would

A study conducted by the University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley projected a $230 million immediate economic impact with the new facility and $76 million impact each year after. Overall, in its initial year alone, the arena is expected to provide a substantial return on investment to the City of Edinburg.

This pro-community mindset is what ultimately drove the development of the arena. When asked why he got into the arena, Alonzo simply said, “It’s good for the area. People are leaving because of the lack of quality of life”.

This is not just a building. This is a game changer.

In 1978, Alonzo Cantu decided to follow the path of his father, Guadalupe, and become a builder.

Fast forward 40 years. Today, he is not only a builder and president of Cantu Construction & Development Company, but also ventures in banking, healthcare, title insurance, minor-league sports, hospitality and (directly and indirectly) employs over 5,000 people.

BERT OGDEN ARENA

Bert Ogden Arena opened its doors on August 31, 2018, with the iconic

PRIVATE VIEWING AND OPEN HOUSE

Mexican singer Luis Miguel and his

Edinburg Photography by Dustin Coronado and Haron Saenz

Ogden Arena hosted their opening

México Por Siempre Tour. In the week leading to the inaugural concert, Bert ceremonies beginning with a private viewing for season ticket holders and city dignitaries. This private viewing was held on Saturday, August 25th and was intended to give an exclusive view to members of the community, many of whom have purchased special seating and season tickets. Following the private viewing, on August 26th, Bert Ogden Arena invited the entire RGV community to attend the Open House event. With a great desire to share this special facility with the community, the Bert Ogden Arena wants to welcome everybody to experience the arena first hand.

JANELLE MEDELLIN

GJ REYNA, GEN MEJIA, JUAN CARLOS

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ROBERT VACKAR, JANET VACKER, AGUSTIN LOZANO JR

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

E

TH TRY

Golden Dragon Roll

Shrimp Tempura, Cucumber, Cream Cheese, Topped with Grilled Fresh Water Eel, Sweet Soy Sauce, Red Tobiko Caviar, Scallions and Sesame Seeds.

WESLACO | McALLEN | BROWNSVILLE | SAN ANTONIO

www.kumorisushi.com

956.994.0970

PRINCESS & VENETIAN PRINCESS COLLECTIONS

NON PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

A HISTORY of CARING AND

A PARTNERSHIP in EXCELLENCE T H E VA N N I E E . C O O K J R . C H I L D R E N ’ S C A N C E R A N D H E M AT O L O G Y C L I N I C By :Victoria Martinez Guerra, Director of Development. • Photography by: Courtney Egan, Maritza Esqueda and Jazmin Frances.

It was not long ago that parents of children diagnosed with cancer who lived in the Rio Grande Valley had little choice but to take their critically-ill child to Houston, San Antonio or Corpus Christi just for a chance to survive. Most of these parents faced incredible emotional and financial burdens, often leaving other children and jobs behind.

Now, when parents hear the dreaded words “your child has cancer”, they find comfort in knowing that their child can receive care and treatment, of the highest quality, close to home at the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic in McAllen.

In 2000, the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation Board realized there was a critical unmet need for pediatric cancer care and treatment in

At the Vannie Cook Clinic we believe that nothing is of greater importance than caring for children with cancer. the Valley. With this realization in mind, saving children, and helping their families, became a top priority. As a result, and together with Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, the Vannie Cook Clinic opened as the first pediatric cancer and hematology clinic in the region. The clinic staff saw its first patient in June of 2001 and since then has continued to provide the finest communitybased, comprehensive oncology and hematology care to children and adolescents throughout south Texas.

Seventeen years later, the four-full time physicians, registered nurses and medical team have cared for more than 9,500 patients and 36

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recorded more than 80,000 patient visits. The majority of the patients seen are low-income, with little or no insurance, but not one has ever been turned away for inability to pay!

In addition to diagnostic services and leading-edge therapies for pediatric cancer, the clinic provides other programs vital to positive outcomes for children and their families, including a Psychosocial Support Program, a Long-Term Survivor Program, In-House Laboratory Services, and Childhood Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research.

Plus, the Vannie Cook Clinic is also the only free-standing children’s cancer treatment facility in the entire country to become an official site for Children’s Oncology Group clinical trials in hopes of extending young lives and someday finding a cure.

“At the Vannie Cook Clinic we believe that nothing is of greater importance than caring for children with cancer. We are dedicated to ensuring the best care possible and hope that researchers soon find a cure for this devastating disease. Every child deserves a chance for a healthy and happy life!” – Dr. Juan Carlos Bernini, Medical Director The extraordinary need for pediatric cancer and hematology care in the Rio Grande Valley is undeniable. The good news is that at Vannie Cook, every single child in need of services receives the best care and treatment available, regardless of their families’ financial capacity. This would not be at all possible without the support of our generous community, many donors and corporate partners, all who recognize this critical need and believe in our important mission to serve the community as long as there is a need and until there is a cure!

For more information or to learn more about our programs and services: 956-661-9840 • www.texaschildrenshospital.org/vanniecook 101 W. Expressway 83, McAllen TX 78503 WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

1ST ANNUAL WOOFSTOCK

On August 4, 2018, over 300 people (and many dogs) showed their support for the

TO BENEFIT YAQUI ANIMAL RESCUE

Yaqui Animal Rescue at their first annual

McAllen Photography by Imageworks Photo Group

Sofie’s “SS” Saloon in McAllen and had

Woofstock fundraiser event.

The family-friendly event took place at live music, vendors, BBQ, a chihuahua race, a pet-costume contest, and lots of beer. The event was held to raise much needed funds for the over 250 animals being cared for at the Yaqui Ranch. It also brought awareness of the Yaqui Animal Rescue and what they do for the homeless and abused animals of the Rio Grande Valley. The event was sponsored by: Adriana & Rupert Santos, eReal Estate Depot, JB Pet Care, Auriel Investments, Bud Light, Estrella Jalisco, and Southern Star Brewing Company. The Yaqui Animal Rescue is located on an 80-acre ranch in Sullivan City, TX. They rescue and care for horses, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, guinea hens, and even opossums.

The Yaqui Animal Rescue is a no-kill, non-profit organization. They depend on donations to continue their mission of saving as many animals as they can.

Their immediate goal is to purchase a new transport van to get cats and dogs out of the valley. And their future goal is to open their very own, low-cost, spay and neuter clinic at the Yaqui Ranch to help the local community and hopefully reduce the overpopulation of unwanted pets. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. For any questions or the most up-to-date information on events and pets available for adoption, please visit their Facebook page.

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WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Join advertising and business professionals to learn how to navigate and stay ahead of the rapid shift in the way we gather information and communicate with consumers. You will hear from industry leaders, including Adobe, Amazon, Texas Monthly, and others during this dynamic two-day conference.

Hosted by the American Advertising Federation - Rio Grande Valley

Colin Gaul Amazon

Tommy Teepell Lamar Advertising

George Zwierko Rumbo

Matthew Rayback Adobe

Josh Loebner Designsensory

Pamela Atherton PamAtherton.com

Caitlyn Perry Texas Monthly

We can help you reach the right volume of clients

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

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Midnight, July 30, 1945, about 400 miles west of Guam. Across the dark Pacific waters the fast warship plowed, her sailors and Marines either sleeping or on watch. Some, maybe, dreamed of their upcoming arrival in the Philippines and the impending invasion of Japan. Others, probably, thought of families back in the States, wondering when—or if—they would see them again. Deep South Texas was home to several sailors, including Seaman 3rd Class José Saenz from Edinburg; Pharmacist’s Mate Arthur Evans of Mission; and Seaman 1st Class Alfredo Salinas of San Ignacio.

On the bridge, officers plotted the course toward Leyte, mindful that an enemy submarine could still be in these waters. But the risk was deemed slight, and the ship held to a nearstraight course, instead of the usual “zig-zag” meant to disrupt torpedo attacks.

At 12:09 a.m., the slight risk became a terrifying reality.

Torpedoes from a Japanese submarine struck the ship on her right or starboard side, their explosions tearing off the bow section while disabling the electrical and communications systems.

Men died in the blasts or were burned horribly as

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flames raced through the ship; others staggered to the main deck and jumped overboard. With engines still at full speed ahead, sea water poured in.

Twelve minutes after the torpedoes hit, the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis rolled over and plunged beneath the Philippine Sea, taking several hundred men

their grasp on whatever kept them afloat –– rafts, debris, or their buddies –– and sank into the depths.

And there was the added horror of sharks. Attacking by night and by day, the voracious predators claimed many more lives. Of the 1,196 men aboard the cruiser, some 330 sur vived.

In all, it was the worst loss of

VOYAGE INTO FATE

by Tom Fort, Senior Historian

Photography by the Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives

with her. For those in the water, another ordeal was just beginning. Four days later a Navy Ventura patrol plane happened upon the sur vivors and called for help. Arriving Navy vessels pulled traumatized men from water soaked with fuel oil and blood. They told harrowing tales of broiling sun, hunger, thirst, hypothermia, hallucinations and fading hopes of rescue.

As men weakened, they lost

life from a single ship in U. S. naval histor y. Though it soon made the newspapers, the Indianapolis sinking was overshadowed by an event the ship had helped make possible –– the surrender of Japan. Four days after leaving San Francisco, the cruiser had called at remote Tinian Island in the Marianas, and there unloaded her secret cargo: the components for the atomic bomb. Then the ship

headed for the Philippines and a rendezvous with fate. A week after the Indianapolis sank, a B-29 dropped the “A-bomb” on Hiroshima. After a second nuclear attack, Japan gave up. World War II was over.

In the fer vent celebrations that followed in the U.S. and Allied nations, the Indianapolis’ stor y was overlooked by many and in time all but forgotten, except by those who sur vived it.

All of that has since changed.

Books and documentaries about the tragedy have helped raise public awareness. Websites discuss the controversies around the sinking, including the several days’ delay in looking for the overdue ship (attributed by some to the secrecy of her mission and by others to bureaucratic bungling).

In August 2017, a deep-sea exploration team reported finding the long-lost wreck of the Indianapolis some 18,000 feet down. Their remote diving vessel took photos and motion footage of the ship and posted them on the internet. (Link: h t t p s : / / w w w. p a u l a l l e n . com/wreckage-fromussindianapolis-located-inphilippine-sea/).

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

FeatUrED

Entertainer:

22

nd -2018

7 pm

SepteMbeR

pharr Events Center BENEFITING

Cattle Baron's BAll of the RGV For sponsorship and ticket information, contact the American Cancer Society at 956.682.8329 or visit cbbrgv.org

JBC_banner_horiz_white_withphone.indd 1

11/6/12 1:42 PM

JUDGE ERNIE ALISEDA’S MEET & GREET EVENT McAllen Photography by Orlando Hernandez

Judge Ernie Aliseda’s campaign for the 13th Court of Appeals hosted a Meet and Greet event at Koko’s Restaurant in McAllen, Texas, last week drawing many supporters from all across the area.

“I’d like to thank everyone who joined Debbie and I at our campaign event recently. We are humbled to have the support of friends, family, and individuals of both parties. We look forward to this race and we’re counting on their and your continued support to elect new leadership to the open seat of Chief Justice for the 13th Court of Appeals.”

JUDGE ERNIE ALISEDA AND DEBBIE CRANE ALISEDA

JUDGE ERNIE ALISEDA AND MARCO SUAREZ

JUDGE ERNIE ALISEDA AND DR. JAVIER CARDENAS

LAURA GUTIERREZ, JUDGE ERNIE ALISEDA AND HECTOR GUTIERREZ

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WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

TOWN HALL LUNCHEON

The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RGVHCC) hosted a Town Hall Luncheon

GUEST SPEAKER JAVIER PALOMAREZ

with Javier Palomarez, former President

McAllen Photography by Anai Noyola

the Doubletree Hotel in McAllen. Mr.

of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at Palomarez gave information on the growth of Hispanic business owners in the United States, what the future looks like for Hispanic entrepreneurs in Texas and in the United States, and on international relations. Palomarez also addressed several questions from Veronica Gonzalez Villarreal, University of Texas-RGV, and from Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, RGVHCC.

MATTHEW POLLOCK, JAVIER L. ZAMBRANO, AND JENNIFER MCGEHEE-VALDEZ

JACKLYN CANTU, LAURA ESCAMILLA, NATALIE GARZA, TROY MICK PRESIDENT USA-CHL KILLER BEES HOCKEY, AND KEVIN LOVIG ,DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING USA-CHL

JAVIER PALOMAREZ

MARIBEL TORRES , TERRI GARCÍA , MONICA LARA, AND JONATHAN MEDINA

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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

BERT OGDEN ARENA

Bert Ogden Arena held their official ribbon cutting ceremony on August 27th

RIBBON CUTTING

in the front entrance of the arena. The

Edinburg Photography by Dustin Coronado

Edinburg. All surrounding city chambers,

ceremony was organized by the Bert Ogden Arena together with the City of red coat ambassadors, city dignitaries and department heads attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, which marked the official opening of the Arena. Many community members and general public gathered for this extraordinary event.

ALONZO CANTU, YOLI CANTU

ROBERT VACKAR, JANET VACKAR

DALIA MOLINA, MAYOR OF EDINBURG RICHARD MOLINA

DAVID DEANDA, MARC SOLIS, RENE BORREGO

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WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

MEDICAL CLINIC AVAILABLE - 8,505 S.F. FINISHED OUT WITH SOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

For more informa�on: info@levcor.com or 713.952.0366

PHARR TOWN CENTER

500 North Jackson Road, Pharr, Tx 78577

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: • • • • • • • •

Finished out with complete medical equipment 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

Consumer Expenditure - Ent. and Rec.

Parking Provided Parking Ra�o 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

BUSINESS. DONE.

Cornerstone Medical Park - Office - Edinburg This beautiful, Class “A”, Edinburg office building sits perfectly within Edinburg’s Medical Corridor. A hard-corner location on Trenton Rd & McColl Rd make it the ideal office location.

North Park Village - Mixed Use - McAllen North Park Village is located in North McAllen’s most affluent and busiest Retail Districts. The Center is surrounded by anchored shopping centers and offers a unique Tenant mix, creating a synergistic effect for all its tenants. The site maintains easy access from the newly expanded Auburn Drive.

The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley – Retail - Edinburg 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.

South Point Plaza - Retail - Weslaco 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,

The Shops at Tru - Mixed Use - Edinburg 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.

The Chase Tower • Office • McAllen A newly remodeled, landmark, building in the heart of McAllen’s Central Business District. The Chase Tower offers unbeatable views, 24-hour, uniformed security, and on-site banking and dining. Move-in ready and custom spaces available.

DANIEL GALVAN, CCIM 956.451.2983 dgalvan@cbcworldwide.com

www.cbcworldwide.com

LEASING • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • DEVELOPMENT Listing information provided by Coldwell Banker Commercial RGV. Information is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates fully supports the principles of the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Coldwell Banker Commercial and the Coldwell Banker Commercial Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates.

A HARRY POTTER HALLOWEEN P R E S E N T S

Friday, October 26, 2018 | 8:00 pm McAllen Performing Arts Center 801 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX

A SPOOKTACULAR EVENING OF FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY PETER DABROWSKI,

MUSIC DIRECTOR / CONDUCTOR

Families are Encouraged to Dress Up in Their Favorite Costumes

“SYMPHONY...

That’s Entertainment!”

www.valleyorchestra.org | (956) 661-1615 MAESTRO SPONSOR

Wanda Boush

CONCERTMASTER SPONSOR

Drs. Tawhid & Mihaela Shuaib