Changing Lives
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FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL March, 2014
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com
BUSINESS MANAGER COVER: Ernie and Nora Herrera PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Dav Anmed
HAIR BY: David Paul of Quartermane Salon
MAKE UP BY: Claudia Castillo
COVER STORY BY: Meagan Kinley
Josh Sanchez josh@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITOR Kim North kim@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/STAFF WRITER Meagan Kinley
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER/ EVENT COORDINATOR Chaz Wilson
EDITORIAL DESIGN Ernie Sanchez Creative
WEB PRODUCER Ryan Heape ryan@thecitymagazineelp.com
Dear Ms. Mozelle,
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
I trust this will find you in good health. First and foremost I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Mr. Sanchez’s wonderful, courteous and highly professional attitude. As I am writing this letter, I have the pleasure of reading the City Spaces, Home and Design Magazine. I am overwhelmed with the impeccable taste in which this magazine makes a showcase of each page. I am so pleased to see, and this is said with the utmost respect, a magazine that rivals the ones published in major cities such as New York and Dallas and is now part of El Paso. I wish you continued success. Congratulations! Sincerely, Benilde “Bennie” Molina Assistant to the Vice President of Sales Better Business Bureau Paso del Norte
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Subscription form can be found on page 46. “The City ” El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 5925 Silver Springs Dr., Suite A El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors. Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732. Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.
Jacqueline Ramsey jackie@thecitymagazineelp.com Lisa Carrejo lisa@thecitymagazineelp.com Chaz Wilson chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com Sharon Passantino sharon@thecitymagazineelp.com Javier R. Delgado javier@thecitymagazineelp.com Eddie M. Algarin eddie@thecitymagazineelp.com
All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editors in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine. All rights reserved.
Felipa Solis, Jannet Bustillos, Grace Neuhaus, Michelle Cromer, Patrick Martínez, Cassie Jean Johnson, Meagan Kinley, Josh Sanchez, Michael Graham, Vic Poulos, Brittany Sawrey, Joann Wardy, Robin Niland, Austin Savage, Marko Morales, Natalie Rosales, Matthew Wilkson, Erika Lopez, Adair Margo, Desiree Lozano, Reed Loney, Meagan Fennell, Valentin Sandoval, Candace Vasquez.
PHOTOGRAPHY Dav Anmed, Robert Corral, Luis Miranda, Jr.,
CONTRIBUTING JUNIOR DESIGNER Ryan Heape
CREATIVE SUPPORT Theresa Guerra, Ibrahim Sánchez
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INTERNS Sara Rueda, Natalie Rosales
March, 2014
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March, 2014
Editor in Chief This March is all about El Paso’s success. With so much going on
in and around our beautiful city, it was so nice to think, reflect and dream on all the wonderful possibilities that are springing up around us. From the new stadium opening it’s doors later this Spring, to UTEP’s continued pursuit of excellence and offering our students the best and newest advances in research and technology, to our blossoming business sector as well as the natural beauty of El Paso and the organic accessibility that are now attainable to us with this changing season—we found as we were compiling notes and ideas for this issue that our city is blooming with stories just waiting to be shared. We are especially excited to showcase Ernie and Nora Herrera of The Herrera Group, our cover story for this issue. This amazing couple truly embodies the definition of success in their love, devotion, and their high standards of integrity. I have long admired these two, who literally do everything together—from business to picking up the kids from school—not to mention they completely adore each other. It was inspiring to see so much love and philanthropy in El Paso and I am so happy to be able to share their story. Another nice item of this issue is we have a few new writers in the ranks. As a publication that does it’s best to share the outstanding of our local scene, it’s always nice to expand and welcome new voices into the mix. We are so thankful so many are willing to be apart of our vision for The City and so proud of each of their unique writing styles. Altogether this issue combines the latest in beauty, style and overall prosperity—seeking to inspire you and yours to reach for the best and make this spring truly unforgettable. Enjoy this issue!
4
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March, 2014
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March, 2014
NEWS WEATHER SPORTS Just a Click, Swipe, and Tap Away
March, 2014
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March, 2014
contents
40
Profiles
By: THE CITY
24
32 36
The City Features
Nora & Ernie Herrera; Defining Success By: MEAGAN KINLEY
El Paso’s Astronaut Flies Home for a New Mission
Of “Grave” Success Perches Funeral Homes
By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM
By: ERIKA LOPEZ
How
44 The City
Leading From the Front The El Paso Chihuahuas Front Office Has Our New Dog on a Tight Leash
The City
A Choice Affirmed Martha Vera’s Recovery By: BRITTANY SAWREY
58
The City
The City
More than Cookies Girl Scout Day is March 12 By: BRITTANY SAWREY
8
52 The City
By: MEAGAN KINLEY
52 A Win for the Children of the Esperanza Azteca Orchestra By: MARKO A. MORALES
62 The City
A Strong Voice Las
Christina Woo Building a Legacy at Lydia Patterson Institute By: ADAIR MARGO
68 64
48
is Changing Lives
By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM
56
The City
The City
By: DESIREE LOZANO
70
Etiquette
Project Management
Demonstrate Maturity to Earn Independence
By: ROBIN NILAND
By: JOANN WARDY
Parenting
72 Investment
Managing Expenses During the College Years By: AGUSTIN MONTES
74
Astrology
Your Astrological Calling in Life By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY
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March, 2014
Food
Healthy, Easy Chips & Crisps
78 Fitness
76
Hearing Your Call and Following Your Dreams
Train the Brain The Importance of Having a Strong Mind for a Strong Body
By: MICHELLE CROMER
By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ
Spirituality
CELEBRITIES,
ATHLETES and
Wine By: VIC POULOS
104 Beauty
How To Contour Your Face
80
88
84 Wine
By: MEAGAN KINLEY
100
look
MEN’S PREROGATIVE
By: JOSH SANCHEZ
By: MATTHEW WILKSON
108 Love
Travel
What you Should do After a Breakup
By: CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON
Castles and Kilts History of Haggis: A Trip to Edinburgh
By: JANNET BUSTILLOS
By: REED LONEY
118 The City
Beware of the Ides of March
120 The City
Permaculture Untapping The City’s Potential
By: BRITTANY SAWREY
124 Zoo
A Wild Gift for Military Families By: BRITTANY SAWREY
112
By: VALENTIN SANDOVAL
126 The City
The Secret Life of Birds By: MEAGAN KINLEY
IN&OUT 96 By: NATALIE ROSALES
Artist Spotlight
138 Sports
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142
The El Paso Crush All-Star National Champions
The City
By: MEAGAN FENNELL
By: AUSTIN SAVAGE
Maker of Memories UTEP’s Johnny Melvin
By: MARKO A. MORALES
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March, 2014
The Contributors
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2
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8
9
10
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1) Michael C. Graham 2) GRACE The Psychic Lady 3) FELIPA SOLIS 4) Meagan Kinley 5) MICHELLE CROMER 6) DAV ANMED 7) Victor Poulos
8) JANNET BUSTILLOS 9) Josh Sanchez 10) PATRICK L. MARTINEZ 11) Robert Corral 12) Adair Margo 13) Candace Vasquez
13 12
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March, 2014
El Paso
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March, 2014
1
For full contributor bios go to www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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15
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14) Erika Lopez 15) Valentin Sandoval 16) Meagan Fennell 17) Desiree Lozano 18) CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON 19) Brittany Sawrey 20) Robin Niland 21) LUIS MIRANda, jr. 22) Joann Wardy 23) Marko morales 24) Reed Loney 25) Natalie Rosales 26) Matthew Wilkson 27) austin savage www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
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March, 2014
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March, 2014
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March, 2014
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March, 2014
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The City WEDDINGS 2014
March, 2014
The City Magazine brings you
El Paso’s
1st Bridal Magazine of its kind!
The City Weddings is El Paso’s premiere new local wedding guide. Find everything you will need for your big day and find out what are the latest trends, colors, fashions and more! The City Weddings is your guide to El Paso’s best wedding vendors – wedding gowns, flowers, venues, cakes, and so much more! See some of El Paso’s best weddings of local El Pasoans.
One Bridal Magazine, Two Beautiful Covers! Pick up your “2014 Bridal Guide” at your local Walgreens! Interested in being part of The City Weddings 2015? Contact us at info@thecitymagazineelp.com THE CITY MAGAZINE 20
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March, 2014
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Nora and Ernie Herrera A WEALTH OF LOVE
& SUCCESS
| By: MEAGAN KINLEY photography by: DAV ANMED | hile many believe climbing
W
to see her so he did what he had to do and
“By this time I was down to two dollars and
the corporate ladder and
dug deep into his pockets for change. After
everyone started asking me to stop for food,
expanding the 0’s in one’s
gassing up his car in preparation for the drive
so we went to Whataburger and I got nervous
monthly income are the
across the border, he was left with $11—
because I still thought we were on a date.”
clearest indicators of achievement and
not bad considering at the time, Juárez was
happiness, two of El Paso’s most successful
famous among Americans for it’s five-cent
Determined to be a chivalrous gentlemen
business
shots and one-dollar beers.
and treat her like a lady, Ernie asked Nora
individuals
are
defining
their
what she would like to eat and went to the
prosperity by a different and unexpected
counter sweating bullets.
standard. But to understand their vision, one
“The story I was told was that we were on a
must start at the very beginning . . .
blind date—” began Ernie.
Ernie and Nora met while attending school
“—But I didn’t know we were on a date,
out to two dollars and twenty-four cents,”
at the University of Texas at El Paso. While
I thought he was just my cousin’s friend
Ernie remembered. “So I pulled out my last
they both had been admitted to out-of-state
hanging out with us,” laughed Nora.
two dollars and scrounged my wallet and
“I went to the counter and the order came
pockets and found my last quarter—I ended
schools for their merit and hard work—Nora to Stanford and Ernie to Caltech—destiny
When they got to Juárez, Ernie paid Nora’s
the night with a single penny. It was amazing.
intervened in each of their lives and UTEP
cover charge and asked her what she would
I went back to the table with her burger and
became their home. On one particular
like to drink—expecting her to order one
fries relieved and proud.”
day when Ernie was hanging out at the
of the nightly specials, his heart fell when
University’s Student Union, he saw Nora
she ordered a $4 drink—one of the most
“It was so funny,” began Nora. “He literally
out of the corner of his eye. Feeling brave,
expensive on the menu. But as they talked
went home from our first date with a penny
he tried to start a conversation, but being a
and got to know one another, Ernie knew she
to spare. At the time I was very very shy—it
shy undergraduate and wary of strangers,
was worth every penny.
meant a lot that we connected in the way we did. We instantly became best friends.”
Nora didn’t even acknowledge his presence. As luck would have it, he knew a girl that
“As we started talking, we just hit it off. I had
happened to be Nora’s cousin who hinted
just gotten out of a relationship and she had
The next day, Ernie called Nora to invite
that Nora could possibly be convinced to go
just gotten out of a relationship so neither
her to a movie—but it being Sunday, Nora’s
on a blind date.
one of us wanted to jump into anything
grandmother told her she couldn’t go out
serious,” Ernie explained.
unless she first went to Mass. Determined yet again, Ernie found a Mass at St. Joseph’s
Some time after their first encounter, he got
that they could attend prior to the movie.
the call from Nora’s cousin telling him that
Throughout the night the group laughed
they were all going to Juárez to go dancing
and danced. On their way back to the U.S,
and that Nora would be joining them—
Ernie immediately drove for the free bridge—
“It was perfect and so nice because we went
believing that this would be their first blind
but with the heavy traffic of immigrating
to church together and then the movie—
date. At the time Ernie was paying his way
Americans going home and a car full of tired
and it was so ironic because the first Mass
through school by working three jobs. He
girls, he was pressured to go across the toll
we attended together was at St. Joseph’s,
was crestfallen when he realized that he was
bridge instead, and subsequently forfeited
where years later, our children would attend
literally out of money. He was determined
more of his remaining change.
school,” Nora said.
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March, 2014
From there the couple spent as much time
degree as well and decided to double major
Nora and Ernie fulfilled Nora’s grandmother’s
together as possible—studying in the library
in Marketing and Finance. As time went on,
wish and waited until after graduation to
and attending the same classes.
their relationship got more serious. One day,
tie the knot—both of them working 40+
Nora’s grandmother who was the pillar of her
hours a week and maintaining 18 hours of
“I was originally an Engineering major,”
family and really the oracle of her entire life,
undergraduate course work in their final year
recalled Ernie. “I took an accounting elective
pulled her aside and made a request.
at UTEP.
made sense. Whatever we learned in class
“My grandmother was very wise. Right
“We were so burnt out after that last
I saw in real life. I loved it so much that I
before she passed away she took me aside
semester—we both thought we wanted to
actually changed my major and I crammed in
and said, ‘this guy is your gift from God—you
go to law school but decided to take a year
a business degree in two years.”
guys are meant to be together. I want to give
off to save money and recuperate from all
course to be with her and the economics just
you my blessing; but I ask one thing of you,
the stress,” remembered Ernie. “My Finance
With such a dramatic change in degree, Ernie
don’t get married until after you graduate
professor gave my name to a recruiter to sell
would invariably need to take more time to
from college.’”
life insurance for New York Life while Nora
finish school, so Nora resolved to prolong her
26
was working for a local attorney. It was hard
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
because I found myself many times driving
he sees things that no one else does. I saw
quit her job working for the attorney and was
out to the middle of nowhere, where often
the fire he had for it. Life insurance was a
hired by the Upper Rio Grande Workforce
people would ignore me and not answer
tool he could use to fix his client’s financial
Division as an accountant. Within her first
the door–I even got chased by dogs. All my
problems—from saving money for their kids,
year she became the contract specialist and
friends would ask me ‘when are you going to
to retirement, to estate planning. It wasn’t
within a few months after that, the contract
get a real job?’”
pushing a product. He would redo people’s
manager.
budgets, help with credit, and refinance “Ernie was recruited at a career day at
mortgages; just to help them get to a point
“I became the one who ran the whole
UTEP,” recalled Nora. “We had to find our
where they could start saving money. It
contract division for the Upper Rio Grande. I
own way. After we got married, we bought
became an overhaul of everything finance.
would sit down with Fortune 100 companies
a house and began building our life. At the
He became the psychologist, the attorney,
and tell their attorneys what to put in the
time, my job was the steady income. I
the CPA and the financial advisor.”
contracts. I consolidated the contracts and the process—I loved what I was doing.
always saw something in him that he didn’t even see. He just has a God-given talent for
After a few years, things picked up and Ernie,
Then we had our first two children and my
everything in the financial realm. Even today,
a natural in the field of finance, did well. Nora
motherly instinct began to kick in. I continued
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March, 2014
working but as I traveled and started missing
wide financial advisors. “The business was
Ernie. The first day she respectfully came
different activities with the kids, I started
doing good and everything seemed to be
in and fired many of the members of his
getting pulled back toward home. On a career
working out for everyone,” explained Ernie.
staff. “I couldn’t find anything—but overtime
level, I was moving where I wanted to and
“Since the company was going through
and after a brief overhaul we smoothed
Ernie was great with the kids, but I knew I had
some changes, and Nora clearly wanted to
everything out and it worked wonderfully
to resign.”
get back in the workplace, I had the idea of
because I was able to organize the business
bringing her on part time as our CFO.”
and he was able to go to learning seminars and conferences and use his God-given
After being home for a while she began to miss the job and the challenges she loved.
Eager to get back into the business world,
At the time Ernie was one of the top nation-
Nora took the job and began working for
28
talent. It’s worked well since.”
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March, 2014
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March, 2014
“My grandmother, was very wise. Right before she passed away she took me aside and said, ‘this guy is your gift from God—you guys are meant to be together. I want to give you my blessing; but I ask one thing of you for me, don’t get married until after you graduate from college.’”
30
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March, 2014 From moving to their new location in 2008 to growing and developing their business strategy, Nora and Ernie have done everything together. This forward motion brought them to another huge career move, the decision to open their own firm. “The decision to start The Herrera Group really helped us because we were now able to serve our clients in the way we saw fit,” explained Ernie. “Now we can be as creative and inventive as we want to be. Our referrals come directly from CPAs, attorneys, and banks. We have banks from all over the world call us and ask for our concepts. We think outside of the box and that is what makes us different.” “He’s very passionate about what he does,” Nora smiled. “He’s not just selling something. It’s the trust you have to earn. Each day, each client. People ask us all the time, ‘Why El Paso?’ Here we are able to be parents first. Ernie and I love spending time together and our children are our first priority—that balance is what makes success to us.” Their success and philanthropy has given them the opportunity to travel and meet both political and influential people throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world; from Hilary Clinton, to Newt Gingrich, Colin Powell, Charles Spencer (brother of the late Princess Diana), Benazir Bhutto, the late 11th Prime Minister of Pakistan who was assassinated for her brave leadership and undying belief in democracy and more. From the last penny of their first date to the wealth of their rare, harmonious companionship, their four beautiful children, and the overflow of their business success and generous philanthropy—Ernie and Nora continue to live a life built out of determination, hard work, perseverance, and love.
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March, 2014
d a n n y o l i va s
EL PASO’S ASTRONAUT FLIES HOME FOR A NEW MISSION | By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM |
A
lthough much of the current discussion regarding our wonderful city’s development and growth
strategies have centered on the downtown arena, with good reason as it is certainly a significant portion of the strategy and dollars, we would be very remiss if we did not point out one of the major developments at UTEP, which is also enjoying a significant development and growth phase. Hopefully, you have had a chance to see first-hand some of the major infrastructure developments,
is perhaps the most recognized academic
John “Danny” Olivas, PhD, PE, holds
including the Centennial Plaza, continued
research and oversight organization, and
a Bachelor’s of Science in mechanical
work on the Student Recreation Center, the
they seek to classify and assist in properly
engineering from UTEP; a Master’s of
new street and parking lot work, as well as
identifying and describing the vast number
Science in mechanical engineering from
the announcement of a new Student housing
of institutions of higher learning in the
the University of Houston, and a Ph.D.
complex that will house 352 students that
United States. In UTEP’s broad category
in Mechanical Engineering and Materials
began the bid process just this February.
of doctoral granting universities, there are
Science from Rice University. He is one of
To say the least, as their website indicates,
three classifications, of which UTEP falls into
only seven Hispanics to fly into space, logging
UTEP is on the move.
the middle category: Research Universities
more than 11 million miles in the process,
with High Research Activity. So it is fitting
and he is one of only a very few to have had
Perhaps even more critical to the growth
that our homegrown astronaut, a graduate
the opportunity to perform multiple space
and development plan, more so than the
of UTEP himself, is returning to UTEP to
walks. His commitment to research and
physical facilities, is the expansion of the
serve as Director of the new Center for the
education is nothing new, he has consistently
research and collaborative projects for which
Advancement of Space Safety and Mission
advocated
major universities are known. The Carnegie
Assurance Research (CASSMAR).
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching www.thecitymagazineelp.com
for
strong
STEM
(Science,
programs at all educational levels, and 33
d a n n y o l i va s
March, 2014
speaks to audiences young and old about
In remarks made during the announcement
the importance of solid foundations in those
of the project, Dr. Olivas noted what may
disciplines, and how important they will be in
seem to be a strange fact: that although
the future. He is also the author of a children’s
we have been engaged in space travel for
book titled Endeavour’s Long Journey, a story
roughly 50 years, we still “know very little
about space exploration designed to pique
about it.” As a result, the students in the
the interest of children and hopefully inspire
program will have “a lot of great research
them to pursue technical fields.
in front of them …The students will do the research under the guidance of professors
In his capacity as Director of CASSMAR,
and we have a number of great topics we
he will help lead a Center whose focus
are going to start working on” and will be
is dedicated towards making commercial
“very important to the future of spaceflight
space flight safe and successful. The Center
and give the students great experience in a
will focus on risk reduction investigations
growing field.”
for commercial human spaceflight. They
34
will utilize a multi-disciplinary approach, and
CASSMAR is an example of what powerful
will involve other departments from the
projects
UTEP faculty, including Dr. Ann Gates from
collaborative model, and leveraging the
Computer Sciences, Dr. Steve Stafford from
research capabilities of academic institutions.
Material Sciences, and Dr. Aaron Velasco
And I, for one, am incredibly thrilled at not
from Geological Sciences. The Center’s first
only the broader opportunities and potential
project will be to analyze and investigate
for UTEP and its students that CASSMAR
much of the material from Space Shuttle
and programs of its type bring, but am also
Columbia that disintegrated during its re-
very honored to welcome our hometown
entry process following a mission in 2003.
astronaut back to the Sun City. Welcome
The accident produced debris scattered over
home Dr. Olivas! We are happy to have you
2000 separate locations.
lead this exciting program.
can
be
undertaken
using
a
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
35
March, 2014
OF GRAVE SUCCESS | By: ERIKA LOPEZ photos courtesy of: PERCHES FUNERAL HOMES |
36
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o f “ g r av e ” s u c c e s s
March, 2014
E
very legend has spoken words that
of drug trade genocide, Perches embraced
influence the world to aspire for
the border city. “That’s where our family
bigger and better dreams. But, for
started,” Perches said; crediting Juarez for
El Paso native, Salvador Perches,
his business’ success “so it was just a way
it is not his words that inspire, it
of giving back to the community.” It was
is his actions. Known as “Sal Perches” to
30-years ago that Perches’ father began
many, it is his philanthropic nature that he is
the tradition to offer no cost burial services
remembered by and honored for. In recent
to the elderly who died in a government-
months the name, Salvador Perches, has
owned nursing home in Juárez. Additionally,
become a household name and rightfully so,
Perches continues to deliver
after being celebrated as Funeral Director
low cost funeral services for
of the Year by American Funeral Director
the indigent as well as to
magazine along with Entrepreneur of the
the families of border city
Year at UT San Diego’s second annual San
violence victims.
Diego Latino Champions Awards ceremony. Although, the selection of a winner was
When most abandoned the
a tough decision, it was, “Sal Perches’
“most dangerous city in the
devotion to the communities he serves, his
world,” Perches continued
charitable work and his efforts day in and day
to work through the violence
out exemplifies what we see from many of
to serve his community and
the unsung heroes of funeral service,” said
his reasoning was simple.
Thomas A. Parmalee, executive director of
He recollects ‘The Story of
Kates-Boylston Publications. Even amidst his
the Hummingbird,’ a fable
success, Perches always takes a moment to
his father would tell him as a
thank and remember the city that started it all.
child and through this fable, Perches quickly learned the
Having grown up in the funeral industry,
words he continues to live
Salvador
by, “I am doing what I can.”
Perches
naturally
consumed
every ounce of the business that he could; helping his father with day-to-day business
But, doing what he can is surely an
transactions and tasks, including purchasing
understatement with nearly 350 employees
of caskets and vehicles. But, emerging
nationwide and more than 3,000 funeral
into the funeral industry at a young age
services a year. Salvador Perches currently
came with a unique perspective on life and
owns and operates 18 La Paz and Perches
circumstance. Perches recalls a time when
Funeral homes, 10 of which are located in
he was picked up from school in a hearse and
Juárez. Along with four crematories, one of
spending summer vacations visiting funeral
which specializes in pets, a casket factory in
homes and cemeteries. But, it was Perches’
Monterey, Mexico, and monument business,
sister, Dr. Laura Perches, whose words
Perches continues to own and operate the
embody what growing up in the industry is
first embalming school in Juárez, which he
really like, “I think it gives you a perspective
founded alongside his father. But, this is
that you can’t complain or sweat the small
certainly no sign of Perches slowing down,
things in life. You are not going to have a
as he is currently working on a new project,
pity party with us.” It was after all, Perches’
“Grupo Perches,” which is predominantly
sister who nominated him for his benevolent
aimed to helping families and children
efforts that follow in their father’s legacy.
who have lost relatives due to the ongoing violence in the border city.
During a time of despair for Juárez, when most wouldn’t dare to enter into the crossfire www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Coming from a background of parents who 37
o f “ g r av e ” s u c c e s s
March, 2014
Sal Perches’ devotion to the communities he serves, his charitable work and his efforts day in and day out exemplifies what we see from many of the unsung heroes of funeral service. migrated into the United States from Mexico
emulated his father’s actions and now serves
in search of the American dream, it is without
as a mentor for aspiring funeral directors and
hesitation that Salvador Perches has lived up
business owners alike. Alex Licon, funeral
to his parent’s expectations and has certainly
director of Perches-La Paz Funeral Home in
served them proud. At the time of his father’s
San Diego, California exemplifies everything
passing in 2000, Perches’ father left a legacy
that Perches’ success stands for, as Licon
behind for his family that consisted of five
recalls Perches being a mentor to him since
funeral homes – which Salvador has now
he was a high school student in El Paso. It
evolved to 18.
was Perches who opened the doors to Licon and provided him with the tools and support full
to guide him into a path after his own heart.
accountability for his success – crediting his
In the nomination letter for funeral director of
father for his knowledge and work ethic that
the year, Licon stated, “I know that if I can
has made him the funeral director he is now,
follow his example, do my job with energy
“thanks to my father and his teachings, I
and honesty, further success is inevitable.”
Humbly,
Perches
does
not
take
have been able to grow and I’ll never forget his knowledge and hard work.” Reminiscing
Salvador Perches can be described as
about his father as “an innovator in his time”
a
when speaking about the funeral industry
businessman, with a few new additions as
in Mexico, “he was the first in the northern
Funeral Director of the Year and Entrepreneur
area of Mexico to practice embalming.”
of the Year. But, behind every great man, there
When asked what inspires his success,
is a family, whom without, success would
Perches states, “my father is still my biggest
not be as rewarding – Perches’ wife Erika,
inspiration.”
who is a funeral director alongside Perches
funeral
industry
trailblazer,
ingenious
and their three daughters; Elisa, 14, Marcela,
38
Taking his father as inspiration has led
11; and Amelie, 5. It is indisputably so, that
Salvador Perches to become a pioneer in
Salvador Perches epitomizes everything El
the industry and just as his father continues
Paso stands for – humility, community, and
to serve as his role model, Perches has
compassion for others. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
Ton of Linens we’ ve got you covered
5800 Doniphan Street | El PA so, T x | 915 727 4587 tonoflinens@live.com
MARCH 50
o
o
off
in registration
Come and Dance with us! Jazz • Ballet • Tap Hip hop • Aerial
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Any questions? Call 915 585 1911 39 6910 North Mesa St#79912 (behind Dollar General)
March, 2014
PR
files
March, 2014
Sandra Terrazas, PT, MBA Spectrum Therapy Consultants
“The mission of Spectrum Therapy Consultants is to provide focus driven patient care in an ethical and professional manner.” With the motto “quality matters,” Sandra
Paso. “This location is going to offer El Paso
knows every patient’s name—even if that
Terrazas and her team at Spectrum Therapy
something it’s never seen before,” explained
person isn’t their patient. We are a team and
Consultants are raising the bar of Physical
Terrazas. “In addition to our excellent
we work hard to treat our patients like our
Therapy treatment for the city and people
customer
physical
own family,” said Terrazas. This innovative
of El Paso. With a Bachelors of Science in
therapy options, we are adding a Spectrum
concept will satisfy patients’ and clients’
Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University
Fitness Center where people can come and
rehab and fitness needs, in a professional
Health Sciences Center, a Masters of
workout with knowledgeable, certified and
environment.
Science in Kinesiology from the University
experienced personal trainers who can help
of Texas at El Paso and an MBA from the
you achieve the right fitness goals for your
Spectrum Therapy Consultants
University of Phoenix, Terrazas is both
needs.” In this facility, patients will have
www.spectrumtherapyconsultants.com
qualified in the field of Physical Therapy and
monthly heart rate, blood pressure, weight
specialized business expertise.
and anthropometric measurements to show
West
their progress and goal attainment.
7430 Remcon Cir.
service
and
regular
(915) 231-2285
With 20 years in the business of healthcare and two locations (one on El Paso’s
You will not regret choosing Spectrum
northeast and other on the west), she and
Therapy to meet your Physical Therapy
North East
her staff of certified and licensed healthcare
needs. On top of their unique customer
9870 Gateway North, Ste. B
professionals are excited to announce the
service, they are proud of the team dynamic
(915) 313-4510
expansion of their business to central El
they share. “Everyone member of our staff
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 41
March, 2014
Total Orthotic & Prosthetic Solutions, Inc. “Our patients feel at home here. We take that extra step to make our business personal.” Total Orthotic and Prosthetic Solutions, Inc.
Formed with a mold of components including
Total Orthotic and Prosthetic Solutions is an
is a home-grown company with humble
perseverance, integrity and commitment,
accredited facility which employs all board
beginnings, a quality which is very much
coupled with the strong faith of its owners,
certified and state licensed professionals.
reflective of its owners, native El Pasoans,
the support of family and friends and the
They are certified in all the latest technologies
Miguel and Susan Guerra. Miguel and Susan
generosity of local lending establishments,
and have an all bilingual staff, as well as one
both attended UTEP where Miguel earned
Total Orthotic and Prosthetic Solutions has
sign language interpreter.
a degree in Business and Susan in Nursing.
grown into the successful thriving business
Following their time at UTEP, Miguel went
it is today. “Our original 5 employees are
Total Orthotic & Prosthetic Solutions, Inc.
on to attend Texas Southwestern in Dallas
still with us today,” shared Susan. “We now
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
where he studied orthotics and prosthetics
employ 9 people (11, including ourselves)
totalorthoticandprostheticsolutions.com
and received his Bachelors of Science.
and have 2 locations.” 900 E. Yandell
After his graduation from UTSW in May 1996
Celebrating its 10th year in business this March,
El Paso, TX 79902
and subsequent residencies in Dallas, Guerra
Miguel and Susan’s business has set out to
Phone: (915) 541-8677
and his wife returned home to El Paso.
become, and has fully realized its potential
Fax: (915) 541-8678
Utilizing their education and skills, along with
as one of the best orthotic and prosthetic
their desire to help their community, Miguel
businesses in town. “Our patients feel at home
1393 George Dieter Ste C
and Susan set out to found Total Orthotic and
here,” explained Susan. “We take that extra
El Paso, TX 79936
Prosthetic Solutions. On March 8, 2004, with a
step to make our business personal.”
Phone: (915) 595-0730
staff of 5 employees, their dream manifested. 42 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Fax: (915) 595-0732 By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
March, 2014
Frank Spencer III, President Aztec Contractors, Inc.
“Building on a Strong Foundation.” Frank Spencer III’s success story is currently
federal contract work and has even opened a
Aztec Contractors
being written outside everyday in the
new office in San Marcos, California. “We’ve
AztecContractors.com
concrete jungle of the growing city of El Paso.
had our fair share of obstacles,” explained
Spencer, the owner of Aztec Contractors,
Spencer. “It took years for us to get our foot
1200 Wyoming Ave.
Inc., and his dedicated team have taken
in the door in El Paso—but the hard times
(915) 557-9685
Aztec to new heights with an unparalleled
have taught us so much. These experiences
level of service. “In everything we do—every
truly separate us from our competition.”
contract we sign, every job we complete— we put a strong emphasis on accountability
In his eight years as president of Aztec
and try to exude professionalism, character,
Contractors, Spencer has attained the 2009
integrity and respect for everyone on the
Contractor of the Year by the Hispanic
site.” This dedication to detail has certainly
Chamber of Commerce, the 2013 Minority
paid off. Not only does Spencer personally
Constructions Award and has even been
sit down with every employee and potential
listed as a Top 500 Hispanic Business. On
client, but he also goes the extra mile to
top of their spectacular customer service,
make sure that everything, from start to
Spencer and his team still make time to give
finish, is done right. Today Aztec Contractors
back to El Paso. “We do all we can to stay
has broken ground into the residential (single
involved in the community that has given us
and multi-family units), commercial and even
so much,” said Spencer.
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 43
LEADING FRONT FROM THE
The El Paso Chihuahuas Front office has our new dog on a tight leash 44
| By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM |
C
onsider the following scenario for a moment: it is May 28, 2013, and
you are the General Manager of a professional sports team and you are
expected to begin playing in roughly 11 months, in a stadium that is not yet built and has, in fact, not even broken ground yet ... You have no roster, as that is essentially reset every year at the AAA level. You
have very little front office staff at this point, as the hiring of key positions has just begun in earnest. You are brand new to the community and have left your family behind at your last hometown for a brief period, allowing kids to finish school while you get started on your new gig. Oh, and your team does not have a name yet, so you have no merchandise to sell, which also means there is not any marketing campaign built yet to help you sell season tickets, and gather corporate sponsors that are so key to the minor league world. If you can somehow imagine all of those variables, and what that might feel like, then you are beginning to get an idea of what Brad Taylor’s world was like last May, as the new general manager of the yet unnamed El Paso Chihuahuas. But after a brief visit with him recently, I can assure you that our www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
new team is in great hands, and that they are
Brad’s side of the house, of course,
set to deliver a great team to the Sun City,
is everything that happens, with
as fast as humanly possible. As the name
the
suggests, his front office will be very much
between the foul lines. There can be
leading from the front.
some tension, in some cases, between
exception
of
what
happens
what happens in the front office and Brad will be entering his 20th season in
what happens with field level or player
the action.” In his opinion, the credit for that
baseball when the Chihuahuas take the
management. However, Brad spoke very
vision and commitment belongs to MSSG,
field for the first time, and his experience is
highly of Pat Murphy, the Chihuahuas’
and to their selection of Alan Ledford as
clearly showing. In particular, his expertise in
manager who will be entering his second
team president. MSSG had worked with
Bowling Green, Kentucky, with the Bowling
season with the team in that role. “We
Ledford during the acquisition phase of the
Green Hot Rods is certainly coming into play,
both have the same desire,” Brad remarked
process, and saw his experience in leading
as he was involved in that organization’s
about Pat; “To deliver the best team and the
Sacramento through similar circumstances
rolling out of a new facility, and all of the
best fan experience to the community.”
as being invaluable.
marketing and project management that
Any discussion of organizational leadership
Brad also saw as a very positive sign how
goes along with that situation. He also spent
with regards to the Chihuahuas must also
popular their employment opportunities have
a significant amount of time with the Trenton
include the ownership group, and the
been received within the community and
Thunder; the New Jersey based AA affiliate
team president. Mountain Star Sports
nationally. As an example, Brad mentioned
of the New York Yankees. His time in Trenton
Group (MSSG) has been consistent and
Becky
will hopefully provide a blueprint for him with
dedicated to bringing a quality team to
partnerships for the team, who came to the
regards to consistency, as in 2006 the Thunder
the community, and giving El Pasoans a
Chihuahuas with a significant amount of
became the first team in minor league history,
recreational and sporting experience that
collegiate and NBA front office experience.
AA level or below, to draw over 400,000 fans
they have never before had access to. As
The Chihuahuas are simply an exciting place
for 12 consecutive seasons. And they did so
Brad remarked to me, “this is going to be
to be, in any capacity.
in a park with a capacity of just over 6400,
a major league experience, with a major
compared to El Paso’s new stadium, which
league quality stadium, with a good number
Next month we will hopefully take a closer
will have approximately 7500 fixed seats,
of major league players. You will just
look at the ballpark itself and perhaps
and hold even more counting standing room
be a lot, lot closer to the action, and pay
at some of the key roster spots if they
and other areas. As we discussed these and
less for the ticket.” As a bit of a baseball
are set yet. But for now, I hope you join
other pieces of the massive puzzle that is
junkie, and having been to a fairly decent
me in celebrating the excitement of our
a professional sports team at this level, he
number of MLB stadiums over the years,
new team, and the vision its leadership is
remarked to me during our conversation,
I can absolutely attest to one simple fact:
demonstrating. In just a few short weeks,
general manager of a sports team may be
MLB stadiums keep getting bigger, which
it will be a wonderful thing indeed to hear
the most accurate position description in
puts a lot more people even farther away.
those two simple words come from the
any industry, because “I generally manage
But not in this park, as, in Brad’s words
everything on this side of the house.”
“you will feel like you are right on top of
combination management, public relations,
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Lee,
the
director
of
corporate
home plate umpire’s mouth: Play
Ball! 45
November, 2013
46
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
November, 2013
#
42
Care for your business as you would your family.
Together let’s create a plan for your business and the future of those who help it grow. Elizabeth Dipp Metzger* President/ Financial Adviser Crown Wealth Strategies** 303 N Oregon Ste 1100 El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 541-3338 emetzger@ft.newyorklife.com crownwealthstrategies.com
SMRU496908(Exp.01/11/2015) Š 2013 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Life Insurance. Retirement. Investments.
*Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser, Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance and an agent licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed to sell insurance through various other independent unaffiliated companies. **Crown Wealth Strategies is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. SMRU496908 (Exp.01/11/2015)
Crown Wealth Strategies 47
ElizabethDippMetzger_097399_LL42_Co-Brand_DBA_8x10_News_V_Co.indd 1
1/8/14 12:17 PM
How
48
March, 2014
is
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
Changing Lives | By: MEAGAN KINLEY photos courtesy of: BRITTANY VARGAS |
“We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.” Their Mission
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was created in 1982 to honor and inspire children between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 with complex medical conditions, giving a child and his or her family an experience beyond their wildest dreams, while also fully covering any and all financial costs. For the last twenty years the organization has grown, granting wishes all over the United States and most recently even opening a new office in our very own El Paso, Texas. Make-A-Wish North Texas serves 161 counties in North, East and West Texas and has granted more than 7,000 wishes. Make-A-Wish North Texas serves children who have life threatening medical conditions. Over the years, it’s been amazing to see how the foundation has grown and changed. Many of the kids who have had wishes granted grow up and give amazing testimonials of how the foundation changed their outlook on their situation, their willingness to fight, and ultimately, their life. Statistics have shown amazing results for these children with 74% of wish parents observing that after their child was gifted a wish, the wish marked a “turning point” in their children’s response to treatment. 81% of parents remarked on an increased willingness by their child to comply with their treatment protocols. 91% of parents observed that their wish experience decreased their children’s depression or sadness and finally 96% of parents said that their wish actually strengthened their family.
Be a Part of the Vision The El Paso area has a surprisingly small number of referrals and our local office hopes to change that. The process is amazingly simple. First a child is referred to the organization either by a doctor, family member, friend, or even their own parents. After the children’s parents grant permission for the referral, their physician or supervising www.thecitymagazineelp.com
49
m a k e - a - w i s h f o u n d at i o n
50
March, 2014
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m a k e - a - w i s h f o u n d at i o n
March, 2014
doctor will approve and verify the referral and the foundation will begin putting the child’s wish into motion. Wishes have been granted as quickly as 48 hours to several months. To keep this amazing foundation growing and going, they are recruiting volunteers/Wish Granters now! As a Wish Granter you are given the chance to work directly with the El Paso office by meeting with various children and their families and helping to make each wish as unique and special as possible. Imagine being able to make the difference in a child’s life by creating an unforgettable experience they will remember forever.
There are four different types of wishes that children get to pick from:
To Go:
To Be:
To Meet:
To Have:
I wish to go to Walt Disney
I wish to be a firefighter,
I wish to meet a favorite
I wish to have a computer,
World Resorts, Hollywood,
a police officer, dancer, athlete,
athlete, actor, author, singer,
bicycle, bedroom set, puppy,
a sporting event, Hawaii, etc.
actor, princess, etc.
politician, etc.
video game, etc.
On top of being able to volunteer, the organization
also
accepts
donations
of
Southwest Airlines Frequent Flyer Miles
villa accommodations boasts a 24 hour ice
diagnostics done. To their amazement and
cream parlor, a miniature train, arts, crafts,
joy not only were Brandon’s numbers good,
and more!
but the doctor also informed them that they would now be proceeding to his final stage of
to go towards paying for the travel of the children and the families they transport to
During Brandon’s stay in the happiest place
treatment, which will be much less intensive
and from their wishes.
in the world, the weather didn’t always
and last for the next two years.
cooperate, but not even rain could stop There are 25,000 volunteers throughout the
Brandon, his mother Brittany, and father
“We were so happy and shocked, and I just
nation. In whatever capacity you can, being
Jose from having the best vacation they
know his positive test results correlated with
a part of El Paso’s growing Make-A-Wish
could imagine. Not only did he get to meet
the trip,” Brittany said. “Since this awesome
vision is a wonderful investment of time and
Spiderman, but they were also allowed to
organization entered our lives, Brandon has
resources.
enter each of the parks early to meet any and
been so much happier and so much stronger.
all of the characters he wished to see.
We don’t even have the words to describe
One of Our Own
how thankful we are to the Make-A-Wish “We had such an amazing time,” explained
experience and everything they have done to
Three-year-old Brandon Vargas was one of
Brittany, Brandon’s mom. “We got to go
help Brandon. We are so incredibly blessed.”
the most recent El Paso citizens to have
to Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom and
had a wish granted. For his wish, Brandon
the Magic Kingdom—Brandon’s absolute
wanted nothing more than to meet his two
favorite was the Magic Kingdom. I have
heroes, Spiderman and of course Mickey
never seen my son’s face light up the way it
Make-A-Wish North Texas
Mouse and visit the magical Disney World in
did. Getting this trip was such a gift—not just
310 Mesa St. Suite 411
Orlando, Florida. This being a popular wish,
for Brandon, but also for our entire family. It
El Paso, TX 79901
the foundation has taken the extra time to
was wonderful.” Office: 915.855.8702
give their Disney wishers an all inclusive seven day vacation, tickets to all the parks
A few days after returning to El Paso,
and a complimentary stay at Give Kids The
Brandon accompanied by mom went back
World Village, which among it’s beautiful
to the doctor and had his blood work and
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
For questions, referrals, or more info:
Fax: 915-855-8704 www.ntx.wish.org
51
A Win For The Children Of The Esperanza Azteca Orchestra March, 2014
| By: MARKO A. MORALES photography by: LANCE LEVINE and MARKO MORALES |
52
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
M
usic can do so many interesting and amazing things to the soul of an individual. Some find solace in an old song that evokes thoughts of a simpler time in their lives. A child too young to fully understand the lyrics of a song
can be brought to tears simply through the rhythm and tone used to express a particular emotion. Chances are at one point or another, everyone has heard an established musician mention in an interview how they believe learning to create music, whether it be with a guitar, trumpet, or piano; was their only salvation. Thanks to the combined efforts of maquiladora owner Cecilia Levine and Saul Frank, owner of Benny’s Pawn, a larger number of children in Juárez, Mexico now have the opportunity to experience for themselves the power of music. After meeting at an event held in El Paso, the two learned that they were members of the same gym. A short time later while both happened to be working out, Levine spoke to Frank about her efforts to supply musical instruments to children participating in a program across the border known as The Esperanza Azteca Orchestra. Being the owner of a business that among other things buys and sells music instruments and equipment, Frank quickly became interested in what Levine was hoping to accomplish. Without skipping a beat, Frank offered to help out by donating some of the instruments he had at one of his seven locations. Though Benny’s Pawn was not the first to show interest in Levine’s cause by donating the much needed equipment, (since Levine’s efforts began three years ago).“ He has been the strongest supporter,” Levine says. The first donation of flutes, clarinets and saxophones handed over by the owner of the well-known pawn shop
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
53
esperanza azteca orchestra
March, 2014
was somewhere in the vicinity of 25-30 different instruments. By Frank’s estimation, the combined value of all that was donated was easily at least $10,000. “Of course they’re all used, but they are all working and in good condition,” Frank mentions. It is completely possible that Frank is being a bit modest in regards to the condition of the instruments he chose to hand over, especially when taking into consideration Levine’s thoughts on the matter. “The instruments that they (Benny’s) donated to us were superior to some of the equipment that the kids were using, so they were very, very excited to be able to have better instruments,” Levine says. The initiative took place when Levine began to look into programs that would keep the youth of Juárez entertained after school let out. She became familiar with an organization originating out of Mexico City called Esperanza Azteca. Levine recognized the great job the group was doing with keeping kids busy and off the streets. The parents of these children were extremely exited to see a sense of pride and discipline being instilled in their offspring. A group of interested individuals began a board that aligned itself with the existing board in Mexico City, shortly after an orchestra was put together and Levine’s vision began to move forward. According to Levine, out of the several different orchestras throughout Juárez that are working towards teaching over 915 children how to play a variety of instruments, Esperanza Azteca is among the most organized. With over 250 members, ranging between six and 18 years of age, the group is in the process of creating a second orchestra. The idea is to continue accumulating better quality equipment to supply the more experienced students with, while the older instruments get handed down to the newer members just starting out. “They’re under a structure ... The children have a commitment to practice three hours a day,” Levine states, “The parents also have to make a commitment,” says Levine, “making sure the children make it to the scheduled practices.” Because of the additional expenses including the practice facility, payment to the 16 music instructors for their work and maintaining the equipment used by the young musicians, the orchestra relies highly on the generosity of Frank and others who are in the position to assist with their donations. “At this time we know that there are a lot of children in the United States that might take music classes for a period of time, then they go off to college and leave their instruments in the closet,” Levine mentions. Her hope is that many of these instruments find their way into the hands of the children in Juárez who are devoting their time and energy to music. Aside from setting up workshops to teach people how to fix, maintain and refurbish the instruments used by the orchestra, Levine and those working along side her are moving towards opening up a music academy for two very specific reasons. They would like to see their efforts grow into an 54
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
opportunity for these children to make a career out of the skills they are acquiring. In addition, they hope to contribute to cultural tourism in the region. “Austin is doing a wonderful job promoting cultural events, why not El Paso, El Paso/ Juárez verdad?” Levine states. The property they are looking into acquiring for the music academy is only a five-minute walk from the border. If and when their plan comes to fruition, Levine hopes its proximity to the bridge will encourage aspiring musician from the United States to participate as well. Last October, Frank had the opportunity to listen to the members of The Esperanza Azteca Orchestra perform at El Paso’s Civic Center, where many dignitaries attended including the mayor of Ciudad Juárez. This year, the orchestra is already scheduled to perform October 18th. “I like to give back to the community. We’ve been in business here for a long time and it’s great to give to the children that really can’t afford the instruments,” Frank says, “It was great to go and hear them play.” This time around, Frank will have the opportunity to watch the children perform using many of the instruments donated by him from Benny’s Pawn Shop. Levine feels that Frank’s donation of music instruments, “Is really helping a lot of children,” she says, “He is committed to us.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com
55
A FOLLOW
Martha V A
s medicine advances for both the detection and treatment of ailments, our choices – and the weight of them – also seem to swell. Whether it is deciding what treatment to choose, which surgeon to trust, or whether
a preventative measure should be taken, the options can seem intimidating. In the face of such giants, Martha Vera has chosen to undergo a risk-reducing, double mastectomy this October. A year ago, after genetic testing and urging by her family, Vera discovered that she has a mutated BRCA2 gene. This means that she has an 87% chance of developing breast cancer, and a 54% chance of developing ovarian cancer. She then faced her own choice: to gamble with her chances of cancer, or to have a double mastectomy to reduce her chances to 5%.
“I want to live to see my grandchildren grow up.”
THE COURAGE
to
Choose One El Paso Woman’s
Journey Towards an
Martha owns and operates Imaging El Paso, an imaging center that specializes in breast cancer detection. The center was the first in El Paso to offer full field digital mammography, and its creation was spurred out of deeply personal reasons for Martha. Her family carries the BRCA gene mutation, the same mutation that caused Angelina Jolie to also choose a risk-reducing double mastectomy. Martha’s aunt was the first to discover that she had breast cancer and the gene mutation to accompany it; Vera decided to open the imaging center after this shocking news. The aunt asked her sisters to all get tested, but – as is so often the case – they found it highly unlikely that they would also have faulty copies of the BRCA gene. The BRCA genes, which stand for breast cancer reducing genes, code for tumor suppressing proteins. Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez, who will be performing Vera’s reconstruction, explains that the protein produced acts like a surveillance team. “If there’s an abnormality in the nucleus where they DNA is being produced, this protein detects an abnormality and automatically corrects it.” This helps to detect and destroy cancerous tumors, which are caused when an abnormality
Elective Mastectomy
in DNA is unchecked and allowed to grow out of control. “You only need one functioning gene of each,” Dr. Gonzalez continues. Martha’s family and others with this mutation, therefore, have two mutated copies, and nothing to be on the lookout for tumors.
| By: BRITTANY SAWREY photography by: ROBERT CORRAL | 1
“I will always be here to help anyone who’s going through concerns whether they have cancer or not, going through the surgery and knowing what to expect, what they’re going to be feeling. It is a very unusual time, you learn a lot about yourself.” 56
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
A CHOICE AFFIRMED
March, 2014
W UP WITH
Vera
| By: BRITTANY SAWREY |
Thankfully, her surgery went extremely well,
part, that your muscles don’t want to stretch
her recovery time has been good and she is
and it can be very uncomfortable at times.
highly grateful that she made the decision she did. Although she is honest
Although she had chosen to have the
that it has not been easy, she
mastectomy preventatively, the doctors found
says that it has been worth it.
a surprise when they went in for surgery. About
“When they woke me up
four days after surgery, her doctor called her
after the surgery, they had a
with some interesting news. They had found
mirror and they said, ‘Look!’
a 2 mm nodule inside her left breast that was atypical ductal hyperplasia. What this means is that there was precancerous tissue already in her breast, a type of tissue that can become
Article Title
This October – a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness
“You know I really feel that it’s important to get tested. You need to know so you can be proactive about getting your mammograms, getting your MRIs if you need to.”
– Martha will have her risk-reducing double mastectomy, and then will undergo reconstruction afterwards. Martha’s mother underwent this same process a year ago, and although the surgery was successful, her mother’s recovery was not easy. “It’s coming up to a year, and she’s just now starting to feel better,” Martha explains. Although this makes Martha nervous, it also makes her feel more compassionate and connected to her patients at Imaging El Paso. “I feel very close to all of our patients that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m not going to go through everything they went through, but a small portion of what they had to go through.” Martha also plans to have her ovaries removed in the future, because the BRCA genes also code for ovarian cancer,
some really good research, so that I wouldn’t have to have things redone.” That research led her to local surgeon Dr. Gonzalez who, as a New York trained plastic surgeon, brings unique techniques in reconstruction to El Paso. He views risk-reducing mastectomies holistically: “Number one, you reduce your risk, number two, [is] psychological for the patient…so they can go on with their lives, not
urging, her five children were tested; four out of the five siblings found that they also carried the mutated gene, including Martha. A year ago, an MRI found that Martha’s mother had breast cancer, and she immediately underwent a double mastectomy. At this point, Martha’s choice was thrown into the sharpest light. “She kept telling me, ‘Get it done, get it done.’ But you know, there’s always something that’s happening, or work gets in the way,” Martha recounts. As an active, involved woman with a thriving career, being sidelined by surgery never seemed to be a convenient
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic
testing can be done with a
simple saliva test and can tell
thinking they’re going to develop this disease, and number three is a nice aesthetic result.” “You know I really feel that it’s important to get tested. You need
if a person carries a mutation
to know so you can be proactive about getting your mammograms,
family has been deemed high-
mammograms should be done yearly to watch for any cancerous
in one of these genes. If your
getting your MRIs if you need to,” Martha urges. Both MRIs and
risk this is usually covered by
growths. “It’s amazing that from one year to another, you can have
insurance and cost can range
from $250-$450 dollars.
nothing one year and the next year you can have a huge mess. So that’s something to be very watchful of,” Martha adds, her knowledge firsthand both from family members and patients. Ultimately, however, it comes down to each patient’s choice:
option. What finally pushed her to choose the mastectomy was her cousin. Seven years prior, that cousin had been told she should
Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez, MD
have a risk-reducing mastectomy due to her deleterious gene, and
Envy Aesthetic Center
she ignored the advice. After having nearly every type of cancer in
(915) 845-3223
the past seven years, she begged Martha to take the advice she had not. “She was very persuasive in telling me that I needed to get
Dr. Victor Diaz, MD
my mastectomy done now. I promised her that I would do that,”
El Paso Surgical Associates, P.A.
Martha adds, remembering her final decision. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
now, and there’s no telling when. This finding, however, confirmed that it was the right before the small nodule became dangerous.
was a bit more complicated: “I thought I was going to need to do
tested, and found that she, too, carried the BRCA2 mutation. At her
cancer three months or three years from
decision to have a preventative mastectomy
countless times. Choosing who to have do her reconstruction
then a cousin. It was at this point that Martha’s mother finally got
malignant,” Vera divulges – it could become
When asked how she chose her doctors, Martha explains that him personally for many years, and he has performed this surgery
Their resistance crumbled after another aunt was diagnosed, and
those little things are going to turn and become
though to a lesser degree.
she chose her surgeon – Dr. Victor Diaz – because she has known
Despite Martha’s aunt’s push for genetic testing, her sisters refused.
cancer at any moment. “You don’t know when
whether to get tested, and then whether to act preventatively or not.
Vera says she was nervous going into the surgery. “I was a little sad going in, and a little sad after it ended, but never once did I not feel like a woman, because the work he did was so beautiful,” Vera confesses after being asked what it felt like. “It’s a sense of loss, but I think you become more empathetic and sympathetic about other people’s loss,” she adds. “I’m really happy that I did it, because otherwise, had I waited until it was something,
“It’s an educational process, and from that you can make a decision if you are going to want to do the risk-reducing mastectomy.” For Martha, the choice – though difficult – was clear. “It’s just having to finally say, ‘I’m going to do it now’.”
I think that the ability to heal as quickly as I did is probably compromised. I’m really happy
(915) 543-9600 1
that I went through it.” She is still awaiting two more surgeries to complete the process,
I
but she is optimistic and grateful that thus n October of 2013, Martha Vera
And, you know, you can barely see what
far everything has gone well. “I will always
elected to have a preventative double
happened,” she laughs. “I was thinking, ‘They
be here to help anyone who’s going through
mastectomy. Knowing that she had
haven’t even started’, and they said, ‘We’re
concerns whether they have cancer or not,
a mutation in her BRCA2 gene, her
finished!’” Post surgery, she had the spacers
going through the surgery and knowing what
chances of contracting breast cancer were
that had been inserted slowly filled, stretching
to expect, what they’re going to be feeling,”
88%, and she chose to undergo surgery as a
the skin and muscle so that they would be able
she adds emphatically. “It is a very unusual
prevention against cancer.
to accept breast implants, scheduled for early
time, you learn a lot about yourself.”
March. Vera says that this was the most painful www.thecitymagazineelp.com
57
CHRISTIN March, 2014
Building a Legacy at
| By: ADAIR MARGO |
58
NA WOO March, 2014
Lydia Patterson Institute
S
ix blocks from the international
Last year was Lydia Patterson Institute’s
bridge in El Paso’s Segundo Barrio,
centennial year, a good time to kick off its
there’s a Methodist mission school
capital campaign. While its buildings will be
affectionately called “La Lydia”
renewed with bricks and mortar, its faculty
by her students. It is in the same
and staff will be renewed by faith. Their
location as when it was founded 100 years
commitment to their students never seems
ago, named to memorialize a woman who
to wane, and knowing they are needed keeps
taught Spanish-speaking children with no
them going. One of them is Vice Principal,
place to go to school.
Maria Christina Woo. If Lydia Patterson today were a building only, she would be the corner
Since 1913, it has been a beacon for
stone. What’s more, her story reflects the
educating mostly impoverished youth living
exponential success to be found there.
on both sides of the Rio Grande. One of 11 children born Four hundred high school students attend
to uneducated Chinese
today, most crossing daily from Juarez
parents in 1950, she
where the average family income is $ 159.00
lived with brothers in
a month. Nearly two-thirds are U.S. citizens
two rooms at the back
who live in Mexico. Dressed in maroon and
of her father’s Juarez
white uniforms, many leave their homes at
grocery store. There was
dawn. There are always long waits at the
no thought of educating
bridge. Yet there’s no complaint of being tired
a girl, nor the ability to
when they arrive for class, nor when doing
clothe one. By the time
chores to keep their school clean.
her brothers’ ropa usada reached her as hand-me-
Of those entering as freshmen, 95 percent will
downs, they were filled
graduate; and of those graduates, 98 percent
with holes.
will continue to a university. Four out of five will receive scholarships - many to schools
When
associated with the Methodist church, including
scholarship to Lydia Patterson – his father
Southern Methodist University, Huston-Tillotson,
thinking that by learning English he could
Texas Wesleyan and Wiley College. Most
work in a curio shop - it started a chain-
important, graduates will excel in gratitude, and
reaction with the other brothers going, as well
in knowing God has a purpose for their lives.
as Christina. As the eldest went on to Texas
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
her
oldest
brother
received
a
59
GOODBYE WINTER GOODBYE VEINS
March, 2014 Western College (now the University of Texas at El Paso), majoring in engineering, the other brothers followed … and so did Christina! The boys became prominent engineers, building the border region by doing things like starting an RCA maquiladora in Juarez and working at White Sands Missile Range.
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Christina
returned
to
Lydia
Patterson,
initially expecting to spend two years teaching math in order to “pay back” what it had done for her family. Her students cried when it was time for her to pursue her career as a civil engineer. “They touched my heart,” she explains, “I knew I was making a difference.” She has stayed for 41 years, taking on any task or club that needed to be sponsored. She worked in the office during the summer without extra pay. She coached, she cooked
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and she advised seniors on getting into college, taking them by the hand. When she graduated as Valedictorian in 1968, she didn’t know what an SAT was. Now everybody does and there’s a full-time counselor to help. There’s no wonder so many students say, “Miss Woo, if you leave the school, it will fall down.” There’s no wonder so many parents say, “Miss Woo, you cannot leave until my children graduate.” Though
Christina
gets
tired
physically,
her eyes are still bright. She points to the
(915) 577-0121 Three locations:
4242 Hondo Pass, Ste. 113 1300 Murchison, Ste. 110 Present now open at this ad for a 2077 N. Zaragoza
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thousands of files she is working on, archiving each student and their report card dating back almost to the beginning. “I cannot leave until this is done,” she says. As Lydia Patterson Institute embarks on its next 100 years, Christina Woo is insuring that others will know its inspiring story.
consultation and ultrasound 60
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March, 2014
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61
March, 2014
A Strong Voice | By: DESIREE LOZANO |
“We bring in successful Latina women to speak to these girls at a very young age to give them the idea of ‘she did it, I can do it too.”
T
he pressure society puts on young women to look a certain way and to achieve success is minimized as young Latinas are empowered by means of media and technology through El Paso’s Latinitas starting at age 11.
The non-profit organization focuses on Latinas ages 11-18 and works to provide a creative outlet for girls to express themselves, learn about their culture and find their voice in the community. Latinitas offers various camps and workshops with local partners to help girls develop long-term skills and spark different interests. “We try to tackle issues girls face every day through media, art, and cultural awareness. If the girls have an impression about something like bullying then they’re given the outlet to express themselves and empower others by raising awareness,” Alicia Rascon, Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Latinitas, said. Mother-daughter workshops are offered for girls to bond with their mothers over fun confidence-building activities. Workshops include hands-on activities to tackle body-image issues, bullying,
62
March, 2014
Latina Youth
for
dealing with stress and health and wellness
and communication through writing, art,
“We have professional journalists come
through yoga or Zumba sessions. Workshops
photography and video. Camps will be held
and speak to the girls about using media
are held April 5th and 26th at the Latinitas El
April 12th and 26th from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. at
to explore and express themselves as well
Paso Headquarters in east El Paso.
Latinitas Headquarters.
as take them on field trips to local news stations,” Rascon said.
“Helping these girls express themselves
“We bring in successful Latina women to
through media also helps them develop
speak to these girls at a very young age to
Latinitas was founded in 2002 out of the
a sense of media literacy,” Rascon said.
give them the idea of ‘she did it, I can do
University of Texas at Austin and was
“They can view media critically to accept
it too,’” Marketing and Promotions intern
expanded to El Paso in 2008 with 30,000
themselves as a Latina in the community.”
Mariana West said.
readers a month and serving 4,000 girls and
El Paso Latinas are also given the opportunity
In
was
With programs in 10 cities Latinitas has been
to develop their leadership skills through
launched as the first digital magazine for
recognized nationally by the National Hispana
the Teen Leadership Institute. Girls attend
and by Hispanic girls and Club Latinitas
Leadership Institute.
bi-weekly workshops to learn about civic
was launched shortly after. Club Latinitas
engagement, explore social justice topics,
is focused on training aspiring Latina
Latinitas will be hosting Girl Power Fest
connect
teens annually with enrichment programs. 2003
LatinitasMagazine.org
journalists through an afterschool program
on Apr. 12th at the University of Texas at
organize volunteer projects.
with activities in writing, photography,
El Paso to further build the confidence of
Saturday camps are held in order to
editing, publishing and filmmaking.
young girls and will feature guest speakers
with
community
leaders
and
strengthen girls’ confidence in multimedia
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
to share their experiences.
63
March, 2014
64
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
girl scouts
MORE THAN
C
kies
Girl Scout Day is
March 12! | By: BRITTANY SAWREY |
The Girl Scouts has 3.7 million members and is considered the largest educational organization in the world for women; it has influenced nearly 60 million individuals since its inception in 1912, and continues to grow daily. So much has come from the dream of one woman – Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
65
girl scouts
March, 2014
Claudia Castillo Makeup Artistry
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Juliette, or “Daisy” as she was fondly called, had searched for meaning and purpose in her life until 1911, when she fatefully met Sir Robert Baden-Powell, who had founded the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. Juliette immediately became interested in this new and exciting youth movement and threw her considerable energy into the infant organization. Less than a year later, she called a distant cousin and uttered some of her most famous words: “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!” Following that phone call, on March
capable girls that could enter into the
12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low gathered
professional world as easily as the home.
together 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia as the
Her progressive views have helped millions
first registered American Girl Guides.
of girls to discover talents and abilities they
The vision behind the American Girl Scouts
wouldn’t have imagined.
(as the name was later changed to) was to
66
prepare girls for all possible futures. Juliette
The Girl Scouts, under Juliette’s leadership,
wanted them to develop spiritually, mentally
was
and physically; she wanted to prepare them
community. Girls of all backgrounds were
not only for homemaking – as was traditional
welcomed and encouraged to participate,
in that era – but for business, science, and
including those with disabilities. At this time,
the arts. She saw a vision of well-rounded,
disabilities still had a heavy stigma, and girls
also
a
diverse
and
welcoming
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014 with them were often excluded from most activities. Juliette saw no reason that this should be the case, and taught them selfreliance and resourcefulness along with the other girls. Juliette herself had struggled with some physical ailments, and thus could not only identify with the girls but knew what they were capable of as well. Girl Scouts has grown throughout the last century, evolving with world politics and women’s rights. During World War I, girls learned about war bonds, food conservation and preparation, and worked in hospitals. The Rally (now called The American Girl) Magazine was first produced, and Girl Scouts developed their own handbook and uniform. By 1920, at only 8 years old, the organization had grown to 70,000 members across the U.S.! After another ten years, and the first establishment of Girl Scout Troops on Foreign Soil, the numbers had reached 200,000. During the Great Depression, Girl Scouts aided in relief efforts by making quilts, helping in hospitals, and – perhaps what most people are thankful for today – had their first Girl Scout Cookie sale. In the 50’s, at a time when racial prejudice was abounding, Ebony Magazine praised the organization: “Girl Scouts in the South are making steady progress toward breaking down racial taboos,” keeping their commitment to diversity and acceptance. The 60’s and 70’s were both marked by progressive racial equality measures within Girl Scouts, including active civil rights involvement and electing their first African American National Girl Scout President. Since that time, the Girls Scouts have continued to tackle serious and worldwide issues, such as hunger, illiteracy, poverty, and have continued to be actively involved in helping to mitigate those struggles. If Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low could see the organization now, she would see that that fateful phone call has proved prophetic: the Girl Scouts have definitely affected girls in Savannah, and all of America, and all the world.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
67
Parenting | By: ROBIN NILAND |
68
March, 2014
PROJECT MANAGEME NT
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
pa r e n t i n g
March, 2014
R
ight now we are in the thick of (cue
laundry to see how the detergents perform.
I want my children to get the absolute most
suspenseful music) Science Fair.
The project is actually pretty interesting and
out of their educations, and sometimes that
As a former classroom teacher,
our daughter is good about doing what needs
means stepping back and allowing them
I understand very well the value
to be done, so why do I feel so much stress?
to do it without my help. Other times, it means a gentle shove, er, nudge, to get
of taking on an extended, largely
self-guided project and seeing it through
I think it’s pretty easy for parents to feel
the task accomplished. Children benefit
to the end. Countless useful skills can be
responsible for their children’s successes and
from what they learn from success as well
learned through this process including self-
failures. We do not like to see our children fail
as failure, even though it is much harder to
motivation, time-management, and critical
and will do almost anything to help them be
watch them struggle. I am keeping a careful
thinking. All of these skills will be needed
successful. The part I personally struggle with,
distance as my daughter completes her
for success in college and later in a career.
and many of the other moms I spoke to, is how
science fair project. I am proud of the work
As a parent, I see a completely different side
much is too much help? When does a project
she has done and will continue to “remind”
of this dreaded beast. I feel like we have
cease to be a measure of my child’s learning in
her of due dates, point out misspelled
been consumed with organizing facts and
school and instead become a display of his or
words, and guide her in the right direction
charts related to the experiment (testing
her parent’s abilities? I don’t know the answer
when she gets frustrated. But ultimately,
the effectiveness of different types of
to this and I will probably spend the next twelve
this is her project and I want her to feel
laundry detergents on stains), researching
years of my children’s school years trying to
ownership of the final result. Success is not
all you never wanted to know about the
find the balance, but one very wise teacher’s
simply measured by the product, but by the
active ingredients of laundry soap, carefully
suggestion stays in the back of my mind at all
lessons learned in the process.
measuring different types of stains onto
times, “It’s okay if a child fails, your job is to
fabric samples, and washing ten+ loads of
help them back up so they can try again.”
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etiquette
March, 2014
DEMONSTRATE MATURITY TO EARN INDEPENDENCE | By: JOANN WARDY | Here are tips for a teenager who wants more independence: • Arrive home at the designated time. • Be honest about where you are going and whom you will be with. • Don’t drink and drive. Make sure the car is clean and gas tank is full when you return it. • Make sure your chores are done in a timely manner without having to be reminded. • Remember that going to school is your job. Good grades are your responsibility. By demonstrating to parents that you can handle these responsibilities in a mature manner, you will gain their respect and confidence and they will be more inclined to give you more freedom and independence.
70
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
November, 2013
226 Cincinatti El Paso, TX 79902 915-532-2390 71
investment
March, 2014
Managing Expenses during the College Years
A
s the parent of a high school senior, preparing for college and the expenses that are associated with higher education, I find myself neck deep in the financial aid application process. For most parents, paying for a child’s
college or graduate school education is a major event. For some parents, it rivals only the purchase of a home in number of dollars spent. As the cost of college continues to rise, it’s little wonder that parents view their ability to pay college costs with some apprehension. Yet, in all but the most affluent families, paying for college does not involve a 100 percent out-of-pocket contribution from parents. Rather, the average family uses a combination of strategies to pay higher education costs--savings, financial aid, education tax credits, out-of-pocket contributions, and other creative solutions. Savings
your child, while scholarships and grants do
After you become savvy about the financial
Hopefully, you’re one of the parents who
not. Work-study jobs are paid jobs performed
aid process, you can learn about legitimate
have been saving money for their child’s
by students and are subsidized by the federal
steps to take to position your income and
college education on a regular basis. If so,
government or the individual college.
assets to enhance your child’s financial aid eligibility. Though it’s best to become familiar
now’s the time to use those funds. But in many cases, this won’t be enough to cover
Every college that accepts a student will try to
with these steps while your child is still in high
all the bills.
create a financial aid package for that student.
school (allowing time to implement them), you
Typically, loans make up the biggest portion
can also take advantage of these suggestions
of any financial aid package, though the exact
while your child is in college because financial
The majority of college-bound students
percentage will vary by student. Most students
aid must be reapplied for every year.
qualify for some type of need-based financial
take out at least some student loans, which
aid (as opposed to merit-based financial
lessen the financial burden on their parents.
Financial aid
One final note: graduate students may not have the same breadth of financial aid
aid like athletic scholarships), and this can supplement your savings. The largest
All students should apply for federal financial
programs available to them, or, conversely,
provider of need-based financial aid is the
aid, even if they’re not sure they’ll qualify,
they may have certain programs available to
federal government, followed by colleges.
because
change
them that are not available to undergraduates.
slightly from year to year and filing the federal
For example, the federal government’s grant
Need-based financial aid consists of loans,
government’s aid application (called the
programs are limited to undergraduates, but
grants, scholarships, and work-study jobs.
FAFSA) is often a prerequisite for obtaining
universities may offer special grant programs
Loans eventually need to be repaid by you or
other types of aid, such as college aid.
to graduate students that are not available to
eligibility
criteria
may
undergraduates. 72
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March, 2014
investment
2013 Broker/Dealer of the Year
Education tax credits and deductions There are several education tax credits and
It can be hard to manage both goals, but it is possible to save for college and retirement.
deductions that can help families weather
Other creative solutions
college costs. All of the education tax credits/
Finally, there are other creative ways for
deductions have income limits. For more
parents to lower their college costs by lowering
information, see IRS Publication 970, Tax
the actual cost of school. For example, a
Benefits for Education.
student could choose an accelerated program and graduate in three years instead of four;
Out-of-pocket contributions
a cooperative education where education is interspersed with paid internships; or a live-
The way you pay the bill from your own
at-home arrangement where money is saved
pocket can range from the simple to the
on room-and-board costs.
complex. It may mean tapping funds from any number of sources--your current weekly
No matter what your child decides regarding
paycheck, your savings and investments,
higher education, it is always important
your IRA or employer retirement plan,
to remember that preparing for the costs
your home equity, other loan sources such
should start as soon as possible. One should
as banks or brokerage accounts, or other
also do an extensive job of researching the
assets such as cash value life insurance. The
different levels of aid offered by colleges
commonality is that the money comes from
and universities. Also, work closely with your
you and is a drain on your financial net worth.
child to make sure that the schools they are applying to offer the best financial packages
An important reminder: Paying for college out of
available to them. It is a time intensive project,
pocket can conflict with other important financial
but very important for your financial health.
Agustin Montes Partner & Director of Credit and Debt Management Strategic Wealth Advisors Terrace Gardens Office Park 600 Sunland Park, Building One, Ste 100 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 532-8885 Office (915) 842-9532 fax amontes@sw-advisors.com www.sw-advisors.com Views and opinions expressed are those of Agustin Montes and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. The tax information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services, if applicable, offered through Investors Capital Advisory 6 Kimball Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940, (800) 949-1422
goals, most notably saving for your retirement.
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March, 2014
| By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY |
Your Astrological Calling
IN LIFE 74
ast rolo gy
March, 2014
LEO (July 23-August 22) The Lion likes to shine and is a natural born leader. They love the arts such as acting,
What is your purpose in life? What are you truly meant to do? What are you really good at? I’m sure we have all asked ourselves this before. If we look at the zodiac it can benefit us to know some of our natural talents when it comes to our career choices. Below are some of the careers for each of the zodiac signs. It may help to give you some insight towards a successful future.
singing and performing. Many make excellent teachers and nurses.
VIRGO (August 23~September 22) Virgos are reliable and love to serve others. Making them good as office managers in the medical field or working with computers. Detail oriented and and good at planning.
LIBRA (September 23~October 22) The Scales of Justice rule them making them good lawyers, judges and counselors. Their love for beauty might help them in a field of the arts, fashion or interior design.
SCORPIO (October 23~November21) The Scorpion is a powerful and intense sign which can make them great doctors, counselors and engineers. They also do well in research and science.
ARIES (March 21~April 19)
LAWYER teacher actor painter
SAGITTARIUS
Rams need a job that will hold their interest.
(November 22~December 21)
They make good project leaders, supervisors
The Archer needs to be challenged or they
and the boss in charge. Being self-employed
lose interest. Travel, communication, and
or the CEO is a dream come true.
technology are fields that give excitement. Boring and routine are not for them.
TAURUS (April 20~May 20) The Bull knows a good opportunity when
CAPRICORN (December 22~January 19)
it sees one. They do well with finance, real
The Goat likes to be in charge. Rags-to-
estate and land deals. Naturally gifted with
Riches, very motivated. They make excellent
numbers and money. Very detail oriented.
writers and artists but also do very well in the field of business and finance.
musician writer singer scientist
GEMINI (May 21~June 20) Twins need a mental challenge at work. This
AQUARIUS
is the sign of the communicator and they
The Water Bearer can excel in any profession
do well in advertising, writing, broadcasting,
that allows them to be creative and innovative
public relations and the technology field.
like owning their own business or marketing
(January 20~February 18)
someone else’s ideas. Broadcast media is a
CANCER (June 21~July 22) Crabs need to be creative in their fields.
good field for them.
Nurturing comes natural to them making
PISCES (February 19~March 20)
them excellent teachers and health care
The Fishes are drawn to theater, film or any of
providers. They also make for great chefs
the arts. They enjoy working behind the scenes
and bakers.
or alone. Photography, builders, religious leaders and healers are a few career choices.
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March, 2014
r u o Y Following
Hearing Your Call and
| By: MICHELLE CROMER |
Each night dreams pound on the roof of
We receive strangely coded messages
As dreamers we walk on all roads of life and
our lives like stars illuminating the darkness
intended uniquely for us, yet most of us
can be any age, young or old. We can change
within. They speak a language intended just
fail to follow where the dreams would lead.
genders, have careers we would never be
for us as they prod, poke, whisper and warn
Many trade the dream that brought them to
qualified for, fly with the birds, ride on rocket
in order to awaken us from the sleep of our
life for a life someone else dreams for them.
ships, swim deep in the sea, and visit with friends and family who have been gone a
common lives. They are deeply intimate and
long time.
no one else can hear the voice that calls from
Despite the modern dedication to facts
within our dreams. They contain a roadmap
and figures, at our core we still live in the
of the way our soul would like us to go. Our
dreamtime of deep imagination. Despite
It is a dream that first calls the soul to life and
dreams are nightly evidence that we remain
the modern obsession with rationality and
our “calling� in life can come from a dream.
part of a great drama and belong to a place
narrow logic our nightly dreaming sustains a
Dreams may arrive in the depths of sleep but
that is beyond time and space.
vital connection to the great mysteries of life.
they are intended to wake us up. Being fully awake means to be able to see and follow the dream of our life, wherever it might lead. A certain kind of courage is required to hear the call and follow our dreams. If the path
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s m a e r D was easy to walk or predictable to follow many more would be on the path. Most
people prefer the safer route, even if it means ignoring the message from your soul. Failing to answer the call means living an unexplored life and it means dying without having fully lived. So much of life becomes arranged to obscure and distract us from what called
bargain with the world. They may have all the
us to come to this life in the first place. We
outward signs of success, but they fall into a
every event. The soul sits on the intersection
easily misplace our deepest longings and
trap of failing to become who they are at their
of time and timelessness, at the junction of
tune ourselves to someone else’s idea of life.
core. They may be clever, yet they cannot
dreams and waking life. Each day it shapes
Most of us remain unwilling to be extravagant
become wise. The treasure that we desire
a bridge intended to bring the two worlds
enough to wander where our soul would
most hides where we would never choose to
closer so that the divine might pour freely
lead us and we end up simply adapting to an
go on our own. Wisdom can only come from
into the mundane, so that the unseen might
endless series of short-term goals. Life can
a surprising self-revelation and from learning
help us to see. Embracing the dream of our
seem pointless and meaningless unless a
what it is that we truly love.
own life turns out to be how we help sustain the dream of life itself.
divine connection and true vocation can be found.
Each night the body sleeps while the soul embraces its dreams and prepares for an
Those who trade their dreams for the safety
awakening. It never tires of life’s confusing
of a prescribed life make a false and foolish
journey because it finds hints of the divine in
michellecromer.com @emichellecromer michellecromer
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March, 2014
TRAIN THE BRAIN The importance of having a strong mind for a strong body.
| By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ, B.S. NUTRITION, CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER, CERTIFIED FITNESS NUTRITION COACH |
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FITNESS
March, 2014
Chest press, seated dumbbell curls, skull
If you have a stressful job, are going through
crushers, squats, lunges, burpees, pull ups,
from the world, you have to find an outlet that
a rough time in your life, or just feel shut out
pushups, sprints, etc. All great workouts.
will allow you to remove the negative energy that holds you back. Whether it’s church,
But what they don’t work out is your brain.
music, jogging, martial arts, yoga, friends,
“Brain? I thought this was a fitness column?”
dancing, or reading a book, find something that keeps your brain stimulated long enough
Yes, your brain. But not just the cerebellum
to forget about what is bothering you.
itself, but your “state” of mind. Having a
I’m not saying that you should hide your
strong state of mind can improve your health
problem. What I’m saying is that if the
just as much as diet and exercise.
problem is one that will not go away, you have to learn to manage it. We all have stressors in our lives. The key is to learn
Got your attention? Great. I’m sure you’ve
One of my favorite quotes by William Butler
to manage them and not let them manage
heard it before, “strong mind, body, and
Yeats is, “Education is not the filling of a
us. Of course as a trainer I can tell you that
spirit.” Yes it’s catchy, but it’s also true. See,
pail, but the lighting of a fire.” I love that
exercise is probably one of the best stress
as humans we were created to evolve. If
analogy. Lighting a fire inside oneself to spark
relievers you can do, but this is bigger than
you look at the progress from our primitive
thought, creativeness, inventiveness, ideas,
that. I want you to begin to think about what
ancestors to where we are now, you can
etc. Challenging oneself mentally will keep
it is that makes you happy.
see that physical strength wasn’t always
you intellectually strong which will in turn
the primary factor in our success. The ability
help with your physical state of being.
Not everyone wants to workout. Just like not
to learn and adapt to our environment is
everyone likes reading. So, as individuals, find But education is only one part of mental
what it is that will keep your mind focused
strength. Other things such as meditation,
on positivity rather than negativity. Those of
So, the point I’m trying to make is that in
adequate
and
you that do workout know that when you’re
order to maintain a strong mind, we have to
laughter can also help keep you mentally fit.
happy and have adequate rest your gains at
what allowed us to progress.
sleep,
social
interaction,
continually stimulate it. For me, education
the gym are greater than when you have less
is extremely important. It doesn’t matter
focus. I’m no scientist, but I can assure you
what you decide to learn, what matters
this is true. Just as our bodies require diet and
is your decision to learn. Never settle for
exercise, so do our brains. So challenge your
what you know. It doesn’t matter how many
minds. Educate yourselves, find hobbies, talk
degrees you hold, what position you have in
to people, experience different things, and
your company, or what your daily activities
have fun. Because your body will become
require. You should constantly try to learn
what the mind allows it to.
more not only to better yourself, but to remain competitive.
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March, 2014
Easy, Healthy Chips Crisps
80
&
| By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
March, 2014
FOOD
March is a month celebrating many national food days, with the entirety of the month known as National Nutrition Month. Among the exquisite daze of deliciousness March also boasts National Potato Chip Day. In celebration of both health and this classic American staple we at The City decided to offer a delectable spin on the conventional chip with delightful but advantageous recipes to liven up your everyday dinners with simplicity and style.
Potato Chips (4 servings) 1 Tbs. Olive Oil 2 Potatoes, Sliced Paper Thin ½ Tsp. Sea Salt Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using an ordinary sealable plastic bag, pour olive oil, salt and potato slicings in and after you have carefully sealed the bag; shake the contents around until the salt and oil are evenly dispersed over the potatoes. While the oil is soaking in, lightly spray or grease a baking sheet, then carefully arrange the potatoes so that none are touching. Once the oven is heated, bake the potatoes for 10-15 minutes or until they are lightly browned (if they do not become browned they may not become crispy). Once they have browned, remove from oven, sprinkle with salt, let them cool for a few minutes, and then serve.
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Kale Chips (6 Servings) 1 Bunch Kale 1 Tsp. Olive Oil 1 Tsp. Sea Salt Splash of Lemon Juice Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using your hands or scissors, remove the long thick stems from the Kale leaves, separate into bite-sized pieces and place on a greased or sprayed baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil onto each piece. Once the oil is down, sprinkle salt onto them evenly. When the oven is heated, bake the kale for 10-12 minutes or until crispy. When you see light browning on the edges of the leaves, remove and allow a few minutes to cool. Squeeze some lemon juice over them, and then serve.
Cucumber Chips (3 Servings) 1 Cucumber, sliced paper thin 1 Tbsp. Sea Salt 1 Tsp. Olive Oil Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly drizzle or brush olive oil onto each piece. Once the oil is down, sprinkle salt onto them evenly. When the oven is heated, bake the cucumbers for 10-12 minutes or until crispy. When you see light browning on the edges remove and allow a few minutes to cool. Squeeze some lemon juice over them, and then serve.
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Sweet Potato Fries (4 Servings) ¼ Cup Olive Oil 2 Large Sweet Potatoes, Cut to Preferred Shape &Thickness 1 Tbsp. Sea Salt 1 Tbsp. Red Pepper, Lawry’s Salt, Cavender’s or Your Favorite Seasonings Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Put the potatoes in a bowl and mix in the olive oil, sea salt, and your preferred extra seasonings. Use your hands or a mixing spoon to fully coat the potatoes. Grease or spray a baking sheet, then arrange the potatoes so none are touching. When the oven is heated, bake the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes or until they are cooked to your desired crispness (note: the time will be effected by the shape and thickness of the sweet potatoes, the thicker they are the more time they may need to cook.) Allow time to cool, then serve. 83 www.elafantequila.com
March, 2014
CELEBRITIES
ATHLETES
W e n i W AND
e’re all familiar with the celebrities and athletes who try their hand at different careers. There’s the singers who have become actors –
people like LL Cool J, Jennifer Hudson, Mark Wahlberg and Will Smith. There’s also the typically hilarious athletes turned singers – there’s Shaquille O’Neal rapping, former Red Sox Pitcher Bronson Arroyo as the singersongwriter and who could ever forget boxer Oscar De La Hoya’s self-titled album, which is currently ranked 151,254 in Music on Amazon. As frequently as they are crossing into acting and singing, however, more and more celebrities, actors and athletes are trying their hand at becoming winemakers – and to be honest, a lot of these wines aren’t bad! Here’s the lowdown on some of the celebrities who have gone into the wine business and become relatively successful: Dave Matthews of the famous bluegrass/rock band The Dave Matthews Band began trying his hand at wine in 1999 after purchasing
| By: VIC POULOS |
land from Blenheim Vineyards in Virginia. Matthews made significant renovations to the historic property and handed the dayto-day operations off to his brother, Peter, who’s actually educated in producing wine under the Dreaming Tree label. Prices on their lineup of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay range from $14-$30 – probably cheaper than a ticket to one of his shows!
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wine
March, 2014
Then there’s Maynard James Keenan, the
in wine during his golf traveling. But it
front man of the band Tool and A Perfect
was his childhood friend, winemaker Jean
Circle – both bands that my son in Austin
Engelbrecht, who helped Els get started in
assures me are very good. Keenan is hands
the wine business and buy the property that
on at his Caduceus Cellars and Merkin
exclusively grows and produces Ernie Els
Vineyards which are located in Arizona –
wines. His most notable wine is probably his
yes, Arizona. Keenan and his winery were
Stellenbosch Signature Bordeaux-style blend.
featured in an entertaining documentary called Blood Into Wine, which details he and
Football great Drew Bledsoe took part
his winemaker’s journey to start a winery in
in a Wine Spectator magazine interview
such a dry, arid climate. You won’t find his
of athletes and their love for wine. He
interesting Shiraz/Malvasia and Cabernet/
described how his hometown of Walla
Syrah blends for less than $20, and will likely
Walla, Washington, emerged as a premier
need to dish out $50+.
wine region during his long football career. Luckily for him, his neighbors were Leonetti
Jeff Gargiulo, a guitarist and former CEO of
Cellars. Since the NFL “puts you out to
Sunkist in Oakville, California, invites visitors
pasture” after a certain age, he said, he hired
to not only enjoy his vineyards’ wine, but to
winemaker Chris Figgins to help him start his
also walk among his guitar collection – one of
Doubleback Cabernet label, where you can
the finest in the world. If you want, you can
find good examples of Washington’s take on
even grab a guitar and pluck away while you
Cabernet Sauvignon.
sip on wine. It should be noted that while many singers There are also the famous athletes who
and actors forays into music are considered
have brought themselves into the world of
a joke, just about all of the previously
wine. Golfing great Greg Norman says his
mentioned wines are of a great quality and
travels around the world during his prolific
many will be tough to find for less than $40.
golf career inspired him to explore wine and
If there’s one thing that’s for sure – most
winemaking. He owns Greg Norman Estates,
of these celebrities have taken their wine
which makes about 200,000 cases of wine
production as seriously as their day jobs!
each year. His wines include a wide range of varieties from Australia and California. Fellow golfer and South African Ernie Els
Salud! VIC POULOS
has a similar story – he became interested www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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November, 2013
MISS E L PA S O T X 2 01 4
MISS E L PA S O TEEN T X 2 01 4
JUNE 20-21 • UTEP MAGOFFIN AUDITORIUM
Miss El Paso Texas and Miss El Paso Teen Texas directed by Laura’s Productions • Laura Rayborn is the official recruiter for the Miss Texas USA and Miss Texas Teen USA Contestants wanted between ages 14-26 (never married, no children) • Over $10,000 in prizes • Winners will compete in the upcoming Miss Texas USA and Miss Teen Texas USA LAURASPRODUCTIONS.COM • 915.845.2894 • LIKE US ON
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Ella Blu
el paso magazine www.thecitymagazineelp.com
November, 2013
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March, 2014
NICOLE LEANDRA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ
ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON HAIR: DAVID PAUL OF
QUARTERMANE SALON
MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO
88
look
MODEL:
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March, 2014
A Change in Seasons A Changing
Season | By: JOSH SANCHEZ |
Look found at
Versailles
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March, 2014
Look found at
90
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March, 2014
Look found at
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March, 2014
TOP AND PURSE: TED BAKER
SKIRT: DESIGUAL JEWELRY: JUICY COUTURE
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March, 2014
TOP AND SKIRT: CAMEO
ACCESSORIES: ELLA BLU
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November, 2013
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November, 2013
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March, 2014
IN OUT
| By: NATALIE ROSALES |
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March, 2014
WOMEN IN
Matchy Matchy
Warning: Only fearless need apply. Matching separates are perfect for the sartorial risk-taker and it is sure to produce some show-stopping results that may even break a few necks. Coordinating outfits, also known as co-ord is usually a fashion no-no but this season matching paisley, organza, and pastels have been spotted across runways everywhere. From Prada to Rag and Bone matching is all the rage. This perfectly pulled together look is a sure way to ignite some style envy. For a playful approach try a floral print and for a more polished fit stick to one color.
OUT
Matching jewelry to clothes
Now that matching separates are in, matching jewelry to your threads is a definite no. Add splashes of color to your co-ord look with a stand out necklace like Nicole Richie did in this pretty in pink Azzedine Alaia number.
IN
Candy Crush
New York Fashion Week in February has visually spoken and I avidly took down notes. For springtime’s newest ready-to-wear shade, pastels reign supreme this season. Top designers such as Calvin Klein, J. Mendel, and Reed Krakoff have stepped away from saturated colors and are moving towards softer hues. The runway models may not have touched any sweets but they sure looked it in their headto-toe powdered ensembles. Designers took full advantage of this lady-like style and had me craving pistachio mints, candy rose pinks, icy blues, and lavenders to be spread all throughout my closet. This look is vintage elegant so don’t be scared to wear en masse. Wear these modern yet refined colors on a cropped top with a matching midi or maxi skirt. If you don’t want to brave the co-ord look then pair a pastel color with black, white, or a coordinating print. To toughen up the outfit add some metallic jewelry and heels. This trend is sure to leave a sweet statement.
OUT
Neon
Neon may take you back to the 80s but the 80s are where this color needs to stay. These blindingly fluorescent shades are getting the thumbs down. The colors were a popular trend last summer but now the only time I see neon is when it’s sliding off the sales rack at Forever 21. This spring the focus is off the 80s and is leaning towards the 50s and 60s refined-yet-feminine approach. For those of you who still love the trend, I suggest wearing the glowing palette minimally with muted color clothing and just a pop of neon with a bright shoe or neon necklace. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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in & out
March, 2014
MEN IN
Jet Set in style
THE RIGHT KIND OF LUGGAGE FOR SHORT TRIPS Men’s luggage needs to be practical and stylish and it would help if it matched appropriately with your traveling clothes, especially for those of you who are business travelers and frequently make first impressions with clients. Since different circumstances require different bags, I’m going to break it down for you from small to large. Lets begin with the Dopp kit; this bag is about the size of a football and is made to carry your shaving essentials and toiletries. The most common type of material for the Dopp kit is leather and when purchasing I wouldn’t buy unless it’s waterproof. Why use a Dopp kit? Let’s ask the man whose spilled lotion ruined his clothes. If your traveling for business, a black or brown leather briefcase is ideal especially if other luggage is also being checked. There is a wide range of styles of briefcases; if you work in a relaxed environment go for a more rugged look, if traditional conservative is your work environment then look for a dressier briefcase that will pair well with a suit. For a non-business look that’s comfortable to carry over long periods of time try a backpack (the Duluth Pack backpack featured is durable and stylish). Tip: Don’t ever wear a backpack with a suit. For those of you traveling for weddings, business, or anywhere where a suit may be required, a garment bag is necessary. Higher quality designed garment bags will usually fold in half and won’t crease or wrinkle the suit. Most garment bags come with either roller cases or a shoulder strap. The weekender bag tends to be a favorite for most men; it’s a big soft-sided tote that is longer than it is tall or wide. This bag can hold lots of gear without taking up excess weight due to lightweight material. The only fallback is that tote bags are generally made with cheaper material and a small tear can result in lost luggage. I would recommend checking out the Blue Claw Co. weekender bag and would suggest using this for road trips, and short vacations.
OUT
Mr. Mary Poppins
Carrying the right bag for the right trip shouldn’t be a problem for you with my quick and easy luggage guide so please do not be that guy that throws all their clothes, essentials, and shoes into one bag. Look professional while you travel and keep your clothes wrinkle free.
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in & out
March, 2014
MEN IN
Retro Shades
Women accessorize with jewelry, bags, and shoes but for men it’s all about the shades. Sure sunglasses are also useful for protecting your eyes from those harmful UV rays, but sunglasses are the one everyday item that can reflect a man’s personal style. Channel a timeless, contemporary vibe by keeping it retro with aviators, oversizers, or wayfarers. The style embodies classic and cool with a James Dean all-American look. Garrett Leight and Ray Ban are known for carrying this particular style, so complete your wardrobe and grab a pair. As Jack Nicholson once said, “With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson, without them, I’m fat and 60.”
Tip The key to a perfect fitting pair of shades is all in the bridge, which is the distance between the lenses on your nose. Make sure that the bridge fit doesn’t sit too high or low. In other words the bridge shouldn’t squeeze your nose or set too far apart from your nose.
OUT
Reflective/Statement Sunglasses
Unless it’s Halloween and your dressing up as Kenny Powers, ditch the reflective shades. These statement sunglasses are usually reserved for professional dirt bikers so unless you’re going pro, find another option.
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| By: MATTHEW WILKSON |
M 100
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March, 2014
PREROGATIVE “You are your greatest asset.
Put your time, effort and money into training, grooming and encouraging your greatest asset.”
MEN’S Tom Hopkins
Ladies, most of you just won’t understand. The thought of adding another step to the morning
regimen can be rather repulsive for most of us men. We are comfortable in our routines and it is nearly futile to expect change. We are much too busy doing other manly macho stuff to worry about
slathering moisturizer on our moneymakers. We don’t have time for that stuff when there’s a
whole world out there to be conquered! BUT What if there was a way to sneak in some extra grooming without having to put too much effort into it? Now, that’s what I am interested in. This month’s
Men’s Prerogative is all about efficient grooming.
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M E N ’
M E N ’ S P R E R O G AT I V E
March, 2014
Buff-Gloves Exfoliation? Who has time for that? These clever micromesh shower gloves will cut your shower time in half and leave you feeling cleaner than a radio edit. Buff-Gloves are also great for dudes that get handy with a paintbrush or a wrench and need a quick clean up. These gloves will exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and prevent acne (AKA Backne). This is man’s answer to the girly “shower poof” alternative. Suds up with your favorite body wash while you are scrubbing down with the BuffGloves. Available at menscience.com $16.
Clinique Three Step I recently watched a guy squeeze one of his pore geysers out sans mirror, who then proceeded to shop for produce at the grocery store we were both at. My first two thoughts were: “Poor unfortunate person to eat the tomato that was fondled by the Public Popper” and “That guy needs the Clinique Three Step.” This kit is your one way ticket out of skin hell. Got acne? Consider it daily skinsurance. For those skeptics who don’t think you have the time for this,
relax, it only takes three minutes. The kit includes Liquid Facial Soap Mild, Clarifying Lotion for minimizing breakouts, and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+. This is a must have for anyone in my book. Find it at Dillards.com $26.
Nioxin Hair System Kit Losing or thinning hair can be a nightmare for many of us guys. Fortunately, Nioxin has an easy to use three step Hair System kit that will help! Just swap whatever dollar store hair products for the Nioxin shampoo and conditioner and you are two-thirds of the way to better looking hair. The last step is to rub the scalp treatment foam into the scalp to moisturize and prevent loss. Nioxin’s secret is to treat the scalp with vitamins, botanicals and purifying agents. The three step kit will renew thickness and shine to thin or damaged hair. Cop your kit at Ulta $44.
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Find pre-owned luxury watches and fine diamonds at bargain prices. •••••••••••••••••••• Benny’s can find you any diamond 1-5 carats at a price you won’t believe.
Seven locations to serve you!
915.532.1182
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E eauty B
nchanting How-to Contour Your Face
| By: CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON |
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BEAUT Y
March, 2014
Now that spring is right around the corner, what better way to have a fresh new look than by starting with your face? With all the beige and taupe makeup shades we have in our palettes it makes contouring so much easier and obtainable. With just the right neutral tones you can really bring out and make your eyes pop with definition, chisel your cheeks and sculpt your nose. By using the art of contouring and playing with dark and light shades of color, to create reflected light, depth and definition in all the right places, you can bring your true inner beauty out. To create this enchanting look, follow this easy step-by-step “how to� to properly contour your face.
1
STEP
Let the magic begin! Use your desired dark, matte shades on areas you really want to extenuate and absorb light in such places as, the pockets of your cheeks and the sides of your nose. You then want to use light shimmery shades, so that you
may bring forward the features you want to reflect light, like the top of your cheekbones.
Quick Trick For a pretty pout, try adding a light shimmery lipgloss to your every day lipstick for a fun, yet natural, feminine look. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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BEAUT Y
2
STEP
Choosing the right kit. There are many kits to choose from, some of the best can be purchased at Sephora and Ulta beauty stores, and include kits by Smashbox, Cargo, and Too Faced makeup. A contouring kit by Smashbox and Two Faced include easy steps to follow and application instructions as well, making it easy to understand and includes all the shades you need.
3
STEP
Master the dark arts, by using the darkest color found in the kit (and a Smashbox brush for best results). Use a small rounded brush and sculpt under the height of your cheekbones, and then diagonally down towards your jawline, lightly feathering the edges. By doing so, it creates depth in the hollows of your cheeks. You may also do the sides of your nose to create a slimming effect.
4 5 6
STEP
STEP
STEP
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Create dimension by lightly sweeping the medium color in your palette into the hollow and on to the apples of your cheeks. Then slowly feather it down toward the corner of your lips. Continue around your hairline and jawline, to create a three-dimensional effect. Reflect light by using the lightest color in your kit on top of your cheekbones, and swoop gently underneath your eyes and brow bone. You may also continue with the bridge of your nose and tip of your chin in small circles to bring your face forward with full effect. Cheeky Cheeks - the finale and most important step, is applying the blush to pull the whole look together! Bring your face to life by adding a little blush. A pretty pink like Napolean Perdis Blush Patrol will look great on any skin tone. Apply blush further back than the apples of your cheeks to create more depth and dimension for a polished and finished look. It takes time and practice, but once you get it, you will be the apple of everyone’s eye! www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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March, 2014
We all know how tough breakups can be, and experts say men and women react differently to a breakup. Heartache and stress is bound to happen, but if you need some help getting through it read on.
1. Get out of your comfort zone Remember ... this is a new year and a new you. Get out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve never done before. This can be anything from sky diving, online dating, or cutting your hair super short. Completing a difficult task will boost your confidence and remind you of how awesome you are.
2. Rediscover yourself While being in a relationship especially in a toxic relationship we can lose sight of our strengths, skills, and certain goals. Think of the person you were before the relationship keep your good qualities, and weed out all of the negative qualities.
3. Take a moment According to therapist Rachel A. Sussman, author of “The Breakup Bible,” obsessing
t a Wh u Yo ld Do u o h S
over something is actually the natural way our brains deal with change. As long as it’s healthy, having a small melt down is okay. This will help you gain control of the situation.
4. 30 Day-Cleanse
This doesn’t mean go on a crazy diet. By cleanse I mean cleansing yourself from your ex. In other words stay as far away from your ex as possible. This means zero contact for at least 30 days. “You’ll get over it faster with zero contact,” says Sussman. You are also proving to yourself that you can survive without them.
| By: JANNET BUSTILLOS |
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5. Re-connect with old friends While you’re in a relationship, you tend to lose contact with friends. If you’re lucky, your friends haven’t forgotten about you and will give you a second chance. Having someone to talk to, and help get you out of the house is refreshing and can be fun. Just make sure the whole conversation isn’t about you. Imagine how bored your friends will be, yawn.
6. Get out of town Taking a fabulous trip is a must! Not only do you need the distraction, but also traveling is a way to physically and mentally be away from your ex, this will help you look at things in a whole new light.
7. Start dating It’s never a good idea to be in a serious relationship right away. Give yourself some time to deal with the coping process and ultimately be over your ex for good before you commit to someone. However, don’t stop yourself from exploring the dating scene completely. Try to meet new people and go on casual dates, but nothing serious. Getting your flirt on will be a confidence booster.
Just remember... “A break up is like a broken mirror. It is better to leave it broken than hurt yourself trying to fix it.” Anonymous
After A
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November, 2013
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150 November, 2013
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CASTLES and KILTS History and Haggis: A Trip to Edinburgh | By: REED LONEY |
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H
ow do you feel about rolling green hills? Historical sites? What about awesome food, fantastic old buildings, monuments and architecture spanning multiple centuries? If you answered with some variation of “love it!”, then Edinburgh is the city for you. The Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is one of the most interesting
cities in the world. It sits on the east coast of Scotland and is the seventh most populous city in the United Kingdom. Edinburgh is known for its breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, and spectacular pub fare. In Edinburgh, a location that is a must-see is Calton Hill, a hill near the center of the city topped with monuments and interesting architecture. While visiting, it becomes clear why Edinburgh earned the nickname “Athens of the North” in the 18th century based on monuments with classical Greek influence. Such monuments include Charles Cockerell and William Playfair’s National Monument of Scotland, which was dedicated to the Scottish Troops who passed in the Napoleonic Wars. This 19th century monument was modeled from the Athens’ Parthenon and is unique in that it remains unfinished due to lack of funds three years after ground broke. The hill also includes the Nelson Monument, the Robert Burns Monument, and others – definitely a must see for lovers of architecture and history. While visiting Edinburgh one should strongly consider walking to your destinations as opposed to taking cabs - it is a great way to appreciate the sites as well as to get acquainted with the city in a more personal way. The city itself is beautiful – historic buildings, interesting shops, and stone-paved streets make walking much less of a chore, and the time spent to arrive at your destination will seem minimal.
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March, 2014 If you plan on staying in hostel, Castle Rock Hostel is miles above anything else in the area. It was voted best Hostel in Scotland in 2008, 2009, and 2010 based on its reasonable prices and terrific location. The front door of the hostel faces out directly to Edinburgh Castle and the cliff that towers above the rest of the city, and the views of the city from the rooms are breathtaking. Castle Rock’s current prices range from 11 to 68 pounds, depending on room choice. If you plan on staying at a hostel and are visiting this city, one couldn’t recommend this place highly enough. If you go to Edinburgh and have a bigger budget and would like to stay in something a little cozier than a hostel, the city has multiple lodgings to meet your needs. The Chester Residence is one such option – you can rent out one of their luxurious, modern apartments as long as you are in the city. The Rutland Hotel, named after the street it sits on, is another option for those seeking comfort with similar stylish interiors. If you are interested in more of a vintage look, than look no further than the Classic Guest House, which was originally a Victorian town house – features which this Guest House have worked hard to retain. However, these are just three of many options available to those looking to stay in the city, so looking at photos of potential hotels and finding one that fits your personal inclination is advised. One of the biggest attractions in the city is Edinburgh Castle. The castle is at the highest point in the city and is only accessible through one path – the rest is sheer cliff faces. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most historical sites in the city, with evidence of human occupation as early as 900 BC and is the location of numerous Scottish and English battles. You can get up close to the castle without paying, but in order to view the inside a ticket (currently listed at 16 pounds) is necessary. For history lovers, this is no question a must do. There are multiple guided tours a day, of which are recommended to fully appreciate the full depth of the castle’s past. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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t r av e l
One of the best experiences that Edinburgh
If you are a food lover and you hear Scotland,
this. In fact, even if you don’t love hiking,
offers are free walking tours that the
you probably are thinking one thing– there
you have to do this. It is by no means a
city provides. The guides are extremely
is no way I am leaving here without trying
walk in the park to get to the summit of the
knowledgeable, funny and friendly. Other
haggis! Thankfully, there are many pubs and
hill, but once you are there the view of the
than the usual sites like St. Giles Cathedral,
restaurants to meet this desire, each with
city and beyond is marvelous – I could not
guided tours offer more unique and otherwise
their own unique twist on the dish. Most food
recommend it highly enough.
unknown views. For example, the coffee
in Edinburgh is wonderful, as your stomach is
shop J.K. Rowling wrote the first installments
sure to attest to after your trip, especially if
Edinburgh is one of the most unique and
of the Harry Potter franchise and Greyfiars
you are an admirer of pub food. If you are a
beautiful cities in the world – it has a
Bobby, a statue of a dog in memento of the
fan of meat pies, try out The Last Drop Pub!
wonderful combination of history and modern day charm. One could spend weeks in the
canine “Bobby.” Bobby’s master died and was buried in Greyfiars cemetery, where the
For the best view of the city and beyond,
city and surrounding area exploring different
dog spent the rest of his life at his owner’s
hiking up Arthur’s Seat – a grouping of hills
monuments, museums, pubs and still have
graveside. If one would ever have the
in Edinburgh to the east of the castle – is
sites to see! So if you are looking for a city rich
opportunity to take a guided walking tour of
necessary. The hill is supposedly one of the
in history with unique and exciting views, take
the city, it is unquestionably a must do.
possible locations of Camelot, King Arthur’s
in consideration the Scottish city of Edinburgh.
mythical castle – claims that obviously go unproven. If you love hiking, you have to do
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| By: BRITTANY SAWREY |
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b e wa r e t h e I d e s o f M A r c h
B
eware the Ides of March! Many of us have heard this odd line, but most people have no idea what that means,
or certainly where it comes from, or what in the world ‘Ides’ are in the first place. The Roman calendar had divisions in it based on the different phases of the moon, and these divisions were called ‘Ides.’ The Ides were supposed to correspond to the day of the full moon, and usually landed on either the 15th or 13th in most months. The Ides of March, which fell on the 15th, signified the beginning of a consular year in Rome, because that was when two yearly-elected Roman consuls began their occupancy of office. This tradition continued from 220 B.C.E. to 153 B.C.E. To the common citizen, the most important thing to know about the Ides of March was that it was the deadline to settle debts. The Ides of March also marked an important cultural festival, one that celebrated Anna Perenna. By Greek myths, Anna Perenna was supposedly the sister of Dido, a tragic, suicidal Carthaginian queen. Of course, that festival has been supplanted by perhaps the most famous event to occur on the Ides of March: in 44 B.C.E., Julius Ceasar was assassinated on the Ides of March, at the foot of a statue of Pompey where the Senate was meeting. The assassination immediately overshadowed all other associations with the Ides of March, and the phrase began to colloquially refer to Julius Caesar’s assassination. This tie to March 15th was further solidified by Shakespeare’s famous and dramatized version of the events in the play Julius Caesar, in which the soothsayer speaks, “Beware the Ides of March.” The date has been associated with doom ever since. Whether or not the Ides of March hold any prophecies of doom can be left to individual discretion, but it does give us a chance to remember one of the world’s most famous historical figures and his untimely death on the infamous Ides of March.
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p e r m a c u lt u r e
PERMA CULTURE Untapping the City’s Potential | By: VALENTIN SANDOVAL photos courtesy of: THE EL PASO PERMACULTURE GROUP |
Often times I wonder what it means to genuinely have vision. The inherent genius in us all shines as bright as we’ve allowed ourselves to understand and express it. Vision is looking at the common, the mundane, the pedestrian, and understanding an inherent value and potential that makes the common, utterly extraordinary.
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p e r m a c u lt u r e
S
March, 2014
o imagine an old smelter factory that employed thousands of El Pasoans throughout the century, including Pancho Villa. The factory would have
made a great film set for Mel Gibson’s Mad Max series back in the 80s. Instead of looking at the surface of an old controversial building, The El Paso Permaculture Group, envisions a park that’ll serve a myriad of functions for the greater El Paso community. What is permaculture? After dialoging and gaining insight from EPPG on a very unique cultural, organic, grass roots movement that is seen in larger cities, I understand it as caring for the earth. It sounds almost too simple. But it tends to delineate off into some very complex and fundamental ideas regarding quality of life. And those three qualities are: care for the earth, care for the people, and fair share. The idea began with wanting to create an inner cityurban garden. Carlo Mendo partnered with Robert Leal, a local yoga instructor and one of the pioneers that brought permaculture into serious practice. Carlo is a partner in Downtown El Paso’s Loft Light studio, an art gallery and space that focuses on supporting the wide range of local artists found in the borderplex of El Paso, Juárez, and Las Cruces. One of both Carlo and Robert’s unique characteristics is finding a way of making activism, at the risk of sounding trite, fun. With all the renovations and influx of people from South to North America, permaculture became the perfect movement to ignite here in the city. The primary reason being that it focuses on core life issues: our water, our air, and our food. El Paso becomes the ideal location for the implementation of this holistic approach to understanding the individual with respect to our natural desert landscape. Instead of attempting to covet that greener grass on the other side, why not embrace exactly what we are, a desert. So in order to help with that, the two partnered with Elisandra Garcia, a native El Pasoan who is now an architect doing her graduate work at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Elisandra informs me on the specific form of architecture called Vernacular Architecture. In this technique, a builder works off of what’s inherent in the natural environment. “You work off of what’s available in your own backyard. You think in terms of cycles. You can build architecture with the natural materials that are found in our desert,” she states.
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March, 2014 One of her projects is designing a makeshift, easy-to-build green house that anyone can construct. The next step is to build houses premised off of smart code principals. Essentially smart code provides the person, within a three-mile radius, with all the amenities that one may need. Ideally, this will cross pollinate into all aspects of ones’ life. It will have an impact on just how one travels. Biking will become a natural evolution to commuting, planting and growing ones own vegetables and fruits will become paramount. The idea is to promote autonomy and genuine self-sustainability without it being too esoteric and time consuming. Carlo and Robert now find themselves mobilizing teams of South El Paso’s youth and partnering with La Fe Prepatory School, to go off into their ‘Segundo Barrio’ neighborhoods and make them more permacutlure friendly. Carlo reminds me that, “Manhattan’s Central Park was started by two artists that had an inspiration to turn an ugly space into something beautiful; a park that’ll bring the city together.” According to Elisandra, one can implement a technique called the Huggel Kulture. It’s a system of utilizing logs, branches, and soil to grow food. It’s about retaining water and not throwing anything away. “You can use all that to create compost, it allows plants to grow. You can even make your own honey by maintaining your own bee colony.” In this case, El Paso Permaculture Group sees an old smelter plant, and older dilapidated parts of the city, as beautifully undefined potential. The EPPG is perpetually working at spreading their seeds through the urban concrete of the El Paso streets. The hopes are that the roots go deep enough to permeate into branches that sprout and grow into fruits of consciousness to be taken in by the previous, present and future generations to come.
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March, 2014
A WILDforGIFT | By: BRITTANY SAWREY |
Military Families
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March, 2014
P
the zoo
aul Foster and Alejandra De La Vega
environment. With the addition of the tree
Foster have already donated to the El
house, the opportunities for families to play
Paso Zoo, their most recent support
together, imagine together and learn together
being used to build a five-piece tree house
are endless. The El Paso Zoo and the Fosters
playground, planned for March. The Fosters’
alike want to support and encourage our
donation is reaching farther than the zoo this
soldiers and their families after deployment
time, and out to military families.
and service to our country.
Between 2014 and 2015, $600,000 of the
This
Fosters’ donation is being used to purchase
families, however; it helps the zoo as well.
zoo memberships for 8,000 military families.
The donation will also help to fund zoo
These memberships allow for families to go
projects, such as helping with facilities,
to the zoo for free, where they can play in the
landscaping, conservation and education
splash pad, see the amazing animals, eat a
efforts, professional development for staff,
meal, and - come March – be able to play as a
and bringing low income schools to the zoo.
family in the tree house playground. With the
Another portion of the Fosters’ donation
memberships, military families can come for
will begin in 2016, helping to fund live
an hour or an entire day, and can spend time
animal programs for education at the zoo
with their spouses and children. Since many
for three years, and continuing their legacy
of our military personnel aren’t originally from
of generosity and community development.
El Paso or even Texas, this program helps
The live animal programs will join the splash
them have something to do, and begin to
pad and tree house playground as wonderful
experience all that El Paso has to offer. “The
places for families, military and civilian alike,
purpose of this program is to help soldiers
to enjoy for free.
donation
not
only
helps
military
who are coming back from deployment to reintegrate into our community, but more
The memberships can be for a single
importantly to reintegrate into their families,”
soldier all the way up to two adults and five
Renee Neuert, the Executive Director of
children, depending on the family size. The
the El Paso Zoological Society, explains.
memberships will be distributed through
The free membership helps families bond
Moral Welfare and Recreation, MWR, at
after time apart in a fun, outdoor and active
Fort Bliss.
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THE SECRET LIFE OF BIRDS
EL PASO’S FLOURISHING
WORLD OF BIRDING
| By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
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If you didn’t know, even during the chilly winter months of the year El Paso and its rich surrounding area is an oasis for rare and stunning birds of all shapes and forms. In fact, there are over 200 different species that frequent our tri-state area. You may have even seen this first hand, one minute your sipping coffee in your kitchen staring blankly out the window into your backyard, and the next you’re shocked by the amazing winged creature that has just landed on the nearest tree. El Paso just so happens to be a pit stop on the migratory path of many of America’s most ravishing beasts of fowl. Here are a few of the basics of Birding (the art of bird watching) to help you take in the dazzling sights and sounds of March’s feathered guests.
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beauty
Birding
March, 2014
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WHAT’S FIRST? Maybe you have always wanted to be a birder . . . but simply haven’t had the time or instruction on how to actually go about doing it.
Dr. Edward Gomez, MD
Board Certified Vascular Surgeon
• To begin your new hobby of observation, you are going to have to invest in a good pair of binoculars. There are a few things to consider before you make (a potentially expensive) purchase and to help you avoid buying a pair not suited for your desires, review the buying
1700 N. Oregon St., Ste. 550 El Paso, TX 79902 (915) 532-7804 Fax: (915) 544-9733 veincenterofelpaso.com
guide on the side panel for more information. • The second item you will need is a good field guide. This will help you identify the birds — otherwise you will be blind and unable to link what you see with the exciting name, background, and other info the guide will give you about the specific species infront of you. Oh, and don’t forget your camera. • Another helpful thing to do at the beginning of a new hobby is to find other individuals who share your passion. This could mean taking your children, spouse or enrolling in a club, meet up group, or tour made available online or through a state park. This is true for almost any sport or extra curricular activity, simply having a friend or partner-in-crime adds culture and a shared memory that will further engage you in the experience. This could also help you meet new people and enrich your growing circle of friends—not to mention help you stay active in the activity you shelled out all that money on binoculars for. • Once you’ve got your gear and a buddy to share these encounters with, schedule to meet at a specific birding spot in the morning. Birds are known to get out and search for food early on in the day, getting an a.m. start may ensure that you see more of the rarer species’—after all the early bird gets worm, right? • And finally, have goals! As you get wrapped up in the nature around you and the frenzy and excitement of finding and snapping a memorable picture of a unique breed of bird, let yourself get caught up in the drama. Make a list of all the birds you want to see—a birding bucket list of sorts. This may even include traveling to various exclusive or faraway birding sites all over the world.
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birding
WHERE TO GO The great thing about our community is that there isn’t just one place to go to find the birds. In fact, El Paso has numerous birding sites, each attracting different types for different reasons. Here are a few of the best: Hueco Tanks State Historical Site
Wilderness Park Museum
6900 Hueco Tanks Road #1
4301 Transmountain Road
El Paso, Texas 79938
El Paso, Texas 79924
A home to various types of birds year-round,
With 17 acres of land at the foot of
while it is a bit of a drive to get to, the birders
Transmountain Road, this is an immense area
frequenting this site swear by its amazing
you could pair with a day of adventuring into
diversity. This is also a great place to take the
the Franklin Mountain State Park. Again, it’s
whole family; they offer guided tours, which
a good idea a to bring a friend—not only for
are great for making friends and learning
company’s sake, but also for safety.
more about the art of birding. Keystone Heritage Park Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
4220 Doniphan Drive
10716 Socorro Road
El Paso, Texas 79922
El Paso, Texas 79927 One of the top locations on El Paso’s west 372 acres of explorable wetlands, this site
side, these archaic wetlands are also exquisite
during the fall and winter is flooded to re-
botanical gardens. Keystone offers guided
establish the wetlands and habits of El Paso’s
bird watching, as well as unguided days the
natural eco-system.
last weekend of every month for free.
Franklin Mountains State Park
Feather Lake
1331 McKelligon Canyon Road
9500 North Loop Drive
El Paso, Texas 79930
El Paso, Texas 79907
A unique place where mountain birds meet
There isn’t always water in this spot, but
desert birds, this is a scenic point to set
when there is you can be sure that a myriad
up shop as you hike and discover different
of birds can be found—specifically water
trails all over along Transmountain Road,
birds and various migrants.
overlooking the fabulous city of El Paso. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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Birding
March, 2014
El Paso, Texas 79902
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
Another little-known corner at the foot of the
to look for, here are a few that are among
Arroyo Park 700 East Robinson Avenue
With hundreds of different species of birds
Franklin Mountains, this is a neat place that
our favorites:
isn’t too far from civilization. Just north on
o American Kestrel
Stanton Road, you can enter the park through
o King Fisher
from the tennis club.
o Carolina Wren
Crossroads Pond
o Yellow Finch
Love Road
o Blue Heron
El Paso, Texas 79922
o Red Tail Hawk
If you don’t have a whole day to dedicate to
o Canvas Back Duck
birding, this is a fun site. Here you can look
o Black Throated Sparrow
for birds in the water as well as those found in the trees and vegetation.
o Cactus Wren o Canyon Wren
River Park Trail
o Rufous-Crowned Sparrow
Country Club Road
o White Winged Dove
El Paso, Texas 79932 This stretch of paved trail provides a great
o Verdin o Say’s Phoebe
site to see the best of the Rio Grande River from the New Mexico/Texas state line. The
Now get out and explore! A wonderful
birds are drawn to water and the shady
world of birds await . . .
foliage and trees that follow the curving river.
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FINDING THE PERFECT BINOCULARS: Choosing the perfect pair of binoculars can be tricky. There are a lot of items to consider before doling out the cash for an expensive pair that may not meet your needs. Here are a few suggestions to get your on the right track and out in the field with the best equipment possible: 1. Determine What Type of Birder You Are. Are you purely recreational, are you going to share your binoculars with children (think durability), have you been birding for a while and want to upgrade? How long of a time will you be actively looking through them? Do you have contacts or glasses? If you are shopping online, reading the reviews on various pairs will help you gauge if they’re the right binoculars for you. All of these questions will determine what your mission is as a birdwatcher and will affect the model you choose to purchase. 2. Prisms. There are two prominent types of prisms most binoculars have—porro prisms or roof prisms. The professionals usually
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have top range roof prisms. Avoid inexpensive roof prisms that do not have phase coating. 3. Determine a Budget. Obviously we all have financial limits for our hobbies—we do have to pay the mortgage after all. Determine an allotment of money you are willing to spend and stick to it. With your aforementioned mission in mind, buy a pair in your price range that most matches you. 4. Get a Good Strap These bulky binoculars are going to be hanging from your neck for potentially a few hours, it’s very important that you feel comfortable. When you are trying straps on, imagine yourself hiking and bounding—don’t be afraid to jump around, you won’t regret it when all of your birding pals stare in wonder at the durability and coziness of your birding binocular straps. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Jaguar El Paso 1444 Airway Blvd., El Paso, TX 79925
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www.jaguarelpaso.com *2014 Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible, 36 month lease, $4,995 due at signing includes $3,405 down, $0 security deposit, $795 acquisition fee and first month's payment, excludes retailer fees, taxes, title and registration fees. Actual rates and payments of closed-end lease may vary. Lessee responsible for insurance, maintenance, excess wear and excess mileage over 30,000 miles at $0.30/mile. Based on MSRP of $69,895 (includes destination and delivery) with a residual value of $41,937 as of 1/3/2014. For well qualified lessees as determined by approved lender. All amounts shown are estimates, retailer sets actual amounts. Residency restrictions apply. Lessee 131 has option to purchase vehicle at lease end at price negotiated with retailer and approved lender at signing. Termination fee may apply. See Jaguar of El Paso or call (915) 778-1444
November, 2013
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March, 2014
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SON OF EL CHUCO
MAKES GOOD INTERNATIONALLY | By: MARKO A. MORALES photos courtesy of: MADERO/CO. |
I
t may be difficult to understand why some people would choose to put so much distance between themselves and what they are meant to do. There are those who lack confidence, believing they
could never do anything that this world would ever be proud of. There are others who have yet to figure out that among the saddest things in life is wasted talent. For Metal Sculptor David Madero Alvarez, it was out-and-out rebellion and for some time, a lack of interest in his own future. After graduating from El Paso High in the mid-nineties, Madero moved out east and found himself spinning his wheels till the novelty of waiting tables and slinging drinks in Austin, Texas wore off. It took him doing a little soul searching and simply waiting for those faint whispers to become screams, before he decided on the path he would take. While in elementary school and throughout high school Madero took trips to Mexico with his family, slowly becoming more and more familiar with its differences in comparison to the United States. In his twenties he decided to make the move. Following his parents down south made it possible for him to “... really get in touch with my roots,” Madero said. “I was lucky that I had the opportunity to travel throughout the country, where I experienced magnificent colors, textures and tastes that had only been described to me by my parents and relatives.” He recalls living as a majority of artists do, with empty pockets. As his girlfriend’s birthday was rapidly approaching, Madero felt his chances of keeping her at his side would be substantially better if he had a gift for her. With a little determination and his father’s welding equipment, he fabricated a steel rose. He found it impossible to ignore the fact that an incredible ability had been passed down to him by his father, Rogelio Madero. The self-proclaimed “late bloomer” found his niche, molding metal and steel into incredible works of art. Madero’s first large scale project was a collaboration with his father and is displayed a little over 250 miles north of the Sun City in Albuquerque, New www.thecitymagazineelp.com
135
March, 2014
Mexico. The 500 ft. long, 4 ft. wide fuchsia
His father felt it best to be influenced by
city he was born in and spent a large portion
“serpentina,” or Mexican party favor can be
one’s own experiences and surroundings,
of his youth. Especially since some of his own
seen as one drives down the main boulevard
as opposed to being influenced by another
father’s work is proudly displayed around the
towards the ABQ International Sunport.
artist’s work. “His best advice was to not
city. “I was born and bred there and it has a
idolize anyone, including him,” Madero said.
special place in my heart,” Madero mentions, “Hopefully, one day I’ll get a chance to go
Before completely realizing the talent he
back and exhibit my work.”
possessed, it bothered him slightly that he
For a man whose work can be found around
never received any formal training in the
the world and is asked frequently to hold
metal arts. Madero’s largest influence and
workshops in places like Italy, one might
Madero’s most recent completed project is
father insisted that the fact he didn’t attend
find it odd that he has yet to be given the
a life-size stainless steel representation of a
art school was a benefit, not a drawback.
opportunity to display any of his pieces in the
welder for an American based company out of
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March, 2014
Appleton, WI. commissioned by Miller Electric.
otherwise be taking up space and collecting
work can be seen all over the world,”
The steel sculpture is titled “Miller Man” and,
dust, and turning it into functioning artwork.
Madero said, “This is a great tool we have in our tool boxes; it has helped me immensely
“... the experience was surreal to me because I used their own equipment to sculpt a welder,
If he could give any advice to aspiring artist
to sell artwork overseas and through it, I have
that is using the same equipment I used to
it would be to catalog one’s work, no matter
received wonderful opportunities to give
fabricate him,” Madero said.
how poor, or unimpressive the artist him, or
sculpture workshops in other countries. It
herself might think it is. If nothing else, the
truly has turned into a global art community.”
Currently, Madero is scavenging discarded
artist will be able to see their progression. madero.co
airplane parts, old engines and other scrap metal materials to work on his new line of found-
“I can’t stress enough the power of social
david@madero.co
metal furniture. He is using material that would
media and having a Webpage where your
www.facebook.com/MaderoCo
12-8
11-29
11-24
11-10
10-27
10-13
9-29
9-15
9-01
Julio Julio
James
Julio
Springer
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137
March, 2014
The El Paso
CRUSH | By: MEAGAN FENNELL photos courtesy of: TERRY FENNELL |
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March, 2014
Sports
All-Star National Champions ark Grissom took his place at a table in
M
take the extra step and pave a path for these
an Arizona restaurant to enjoy lunch
young prospects to follow. The purpose of
following two baseball games. As he
creating the CRUSH was to emphasize the
looked across the table he watched as sixteen
fundamental aspects of baseball to these
teenage boys conversed about the games and
young boys and show them the mental side
Assistants: Eddie Menchaca
laughed together over Snapchats and stories
of the game. Mark Grissom not only wanted
Demitri Grissom
from school. The boys just finished playing
to accentuate the talent of the community
Neil Ybarra
two games in the USSSA Winter Nationals
but also provide the players with the ability to
Andy Cook
in Peoria, Arizona and were celebrating their
challenge themselves in order to succeed in
victories. On the 27th of December the team
all levels of their baseball careers.
Players:
Andres Alvidrez
commenced the tournament with a goal of
El Paso Crush Team Roster Head Coach: Mark Grissom
Drew Cook
representing El Paso and finishing with a sense
This particular CRUSH team was formed in
David Duarte
of satisfaction and achievement. Little did those
2009 with boys from all over the city. In three
Patrick Fennell
players know that the eight weeks of hard work
years, the CRUSH compiled a record of 178-
Dominic Grissom
and preparation would lead to more than just
15, won every local tournament, and also
Jose Irigoyen
a satisfying tournament, but an opportunity to
won a New Mexico State Championship and
Dante Martinez
showcase the true talent of El Paso’s youth
a USSSA Texas State Championship. They
Jesus Mendoza
and their ability to revolutionize sixteen players,
played in several national tournaments in
Jonathan Milan
from nine different high schools, into one
Florida, Arizona and Texas placing 2nd or 3rd in
Alejandro Minjarez
National Champion team.
some of these. However, it had been almost
Carlos Ortiz
two years since this team had played in a
Marcos Perea
In 2006 the CRUSH baseball team became
tournament when Mark Grissom decided to
Jonathan Quinonez
a reality when Coach Grissom decided that
bring them together again and give the Winter
Manuel Sierra
not only did he want to be an ambassador to
Nationals another chance; a tournament
Ivan Ulloa
his sons who played baseball, but wanted to
where they had fallen short two years earlier.
Neil Ybarra
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Sports
March, 2014
“This team is different than others I have coached in that they really appreciate the concept of putting 100% effort into their goal and avoiding the many distractions that young men of their age are faced with,” Grissom said. “When we set practice for a cold Saturday in December, when they could otherwise be many different places which would make for a much easier day after a hard week at school, every single player showed up and put the four and a half hours in on the field without a single complaint.” The CRUSH entered the Winter Nationals tournament in the 16 and under age group that consisted of 24 teams from the region, including Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma and California. The CRUSH maneuvered its way through the tournament with ease. Out of the seven games played the team only allowed five runs and four of those games ended with the opposing team having no runs scored. On the morning of December 30th, the CRUSH players woke with one goal; to finish out the tournament the same way they started, confident and unified. Winning in the semi-finals with a score of 4-1, the team was on its way to the championship game that afternoon. “Going into the final day of the tournament, we knew it would not be easy,” CRUSH player Patrick Fennell said. “After we won the semi-final game, we knew we were not going to go all the way for nothing. While warming up for the championship, we were all very calm, almost too calm, like we were about to go play just a normal game.” 140
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March, 2014
Sports
In the third inning of the championships, the team was down 2-0 and could see their chance of a victory beginning to disappear along with their drive and impulse to win the game. It was not until the 5th inning when CRUSH player Ivan Ulloa was hit by a pitch granting him the opportunity to go to first base, and then second due to a pass ball. It was at this moment when fate took over and revealed the significance of this one, single player being placed at second base. CRUSH player Patrick Fennell came up to bat and hit a double, allowing his teammate to score. Although the team was still down 2-1 going into the sixth inning, the CRUSH was given the momentum they needed. The rally began when player Jonathan Milan hit a double, boosting the entire team’s confidence and picking them out of their slump. The team finished the 6th inning with a score of 7-2. That championship that once seemed so far away was there in their grasp just waiting for them to clinch it. But the game still was not
Airway Blvd. & Montana 915-778-1444 • GarciaCarsElPaso.com
over. At this point in the game, the CRUSH’S only hope was their defense. The team had confidence in their pitcher, Carlos Ortiz, who was still pitching strong. One out, two outs . . . their dream was closely becoming a reality. As the 1st baseman, Jonathan Quinonez, caught the final out, the whole team rushed the pitcher’s mound. “There was a moment on the field after winning the championship, when I looked around at the boys’ faces, into the stands and on the field, at the faces of their mothers and fathers, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and the other coaches, and eight weeks of dedication and five days of real focus and effort all came to a peak of incredible satisfaction,” Grissom said. “The satisfaction being that these boys will carry what they just accomplished into everything they do the rest of their lives; that is, knowing the success that such an effort can bring and knowing what it means to share it with others who mean so much to you.”
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March, 2014
THE MAKER OF MEMORIES A Surprise Encounter with a Childhood Hero | By: AUSTIN SAVAGE photos courtesy of: UTEP |
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March, 2014
T
the maker of memories
he darkness had crept in on a
three hours broke as Johnny Melvin and
many El Pasoans believe. “It wasn’t that big
day that I had been avoiding.
his fellow UTEP Miners basketball team
an upset. We knew we were a good team.
The last remnants of a life
had pulled away from top-seeded Kansas,
We played a good game. There was nothing
that I had enjoyed had been
66-60. It was March 22, 1992. Don Haskins
spectacular about that game. We just played
packed up and moved into
had helped another squad carve another
well. We were good enough to beat them.”
storage and the future was as uncertain
notch in the annals of March Madness
enough to burden me with uncomfortability.
and this particular squad was on its way to
In their next game the Miners would lose
Super Bowl XLVIII had been on for awhile and
the Sweet 16. Melvin himself had played
a heart breaker to Nick Van Exel and the
I had initially planned to watch it with some
brilliantly that game leading the Miners with
Cincinnati Bearcats, who would then go on
friends, but the labors of moving had delayed
18 points and 5 assists.
to crush Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and the Memphis State Tigers to advance to the
me more than anticipated and the Seahawks had long removed the drama of the world’s
I knew all this as a boy, and the hope
Final Four. It is torturous to play the game of
single-day-biggest-sporting-event by the time
for further advancement, a magical and
“what if?” but apparently I was not alone in
I made my way into the Corner Tavern to
legendary tourney run leading to a second
having played it over the last twenty years.
meet up with my buddy Ross.
title for UTEP, began to spring eternal from
“Man, we get by Cincinnati, I think we get
my youthful optimism. The next week, like
by Memphis too,” pines Smooth. It is the
As I stooled up at the bar feeling genuinely
much of the previous five months for me,
first time of the evening where a trace of
apologetic and looking to make amends, I found
was spent impersonating each member of
sadness creeps in, “and once we were there
Ross engaged in a conversation with a large
the squad on my mini-hoop, including the
who knows …”
man in a gaudy cap and black jumpsuit. I was
man they called “Smooth.” We talk a bit more about his post UTEP
introduced to Johnny and we three sat, drinks in hand, seeking engagement that the Broncos
“I would pretend to be you...” I stammer.
career, his son who is now playing basketball
had failed to provide on a chilly Sunday.
Smooth Melvin smiles in between cigar
here in El Paso, a few of his ex-teammates
smoke and sips of Lone Star, “Oh yeah?”
(in particular the ones who have passed) and,
After a few minutes of football talk, Ross
“I can still name the starting five. Eddie
of course, a brief discussion of “The Bear.”
leans over and whispers into my ear, “He
Rivera, Prince Stewart, David Van Dyke, you
They were memories forged twenty-two
was a little upset because I didn’t know who
and Marlon Maxey.”
years ago by a young man who was part of
he was…”
Smooth’s smile widens into laughter. He
a great team playing under a legend in the
“Who?”
leans over and battles for breath, “Oh
month of March. Memories belonging to a
“Johnny.”
Marlon! Remember his Gumby hair?”
person who helped create a much larger one
“Who is he?”
“Yup.” (…And his line drive jumper and
for everyone in the UTEP community and El
Ross points to my left, “That guy.”
his kneepads and his odd running style... I
Paso. The least I can do is buy him a round
As my eyes trace the line pointed out
remember everything about Marlon Maxey
and shake his hand as he stands. “I better be
by Ross’ finger they come to rest on an
because everything about him was the coolest,
going. It’s cold and I need to get home.”
autographed photo above the bar. It is a
even his name...Marlon Maxey. So cool.) With that, twenty-two years after that
moment of joy. A moment I know well. The realization of not only Johnny’s full identity,
I couldn’t keep Ross in the dark any longer.
game, Johnny “Smooth” Melvin gave me
but the remembrance of a particularly fond
“These guys were great.”
another memory, that of the man and father
memory strikes me between the eyes like
“We were pretty good.”
bundling against the cold and heading to his
Kurtz’s famed diamond bullet.
The casual statement of the claim lets Ross
home somewhere in El Paso. He is forever
know that it is indeed an undeniable fact.
linked to that moment in time and that one tremendous performance, but it is only a part
I instantly remember jumping off the couch and finding the embrace of my mother.
After a recap of the team’s accomplishments,
of him rather than the defining moment. As
We two circled around the living room in
told by me for some reason, Johnny states
he pointed out, there was nothing spectacular
each other’s arms as the tension of the last
something that deep down I have found
about it; it was in him all along.
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THE CITY AGENDA
March, 2014
March 2014
Concerts 1
Digitalism
1
w/ cashmere cat lowbrow palace • 9 pm
1 feb. 28 - mar. 2
El Paso Spring Home & Garden Show Find out what will be in style this spring at the El Paso Spring Home & Garden Show at the El Paso Convention Center. Friday 2-7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday 11 am - 5 pm. Admission is $7 for adults 17+ and free for everyone 16 and under. Seniors are $5, retired military are $5, and active duty military are free. Info: elpasohomeandgarden.com
MAR. 1-31
Living History Hike to Lake Lucero For the El Pasoan who has never been to White Sands National Monument, here is your chance. This hiking tour is guided by living history actors and park rangers sharing the 10,000 years of history in the Tularosa Basin. Adults are $3, children are $1.50. Reservations required. Info: (575) 479-6124 or nps.gov/whsa
Burger Revolution burger records festival featuring nalgadas, lake of fire, & more proper print shop • 7 pm
11
Moving Units
16
w/ tom laike tricky falls • 8 pm
17
mar. 1 & 22
audacity, guantanamo baywatch, nightmare boyzzz, jc satan, & more lowbrow palace • 7 pm
Of Mice And Men w/ bring me the horizon
18
tricky falls • 7 pm
19
Bun B w/ kirko bangz tricky falls • 7 pm
3.1 West Texas Longhorns 3.22 Texas Scorpions
Alan Jackson w/ aaron watson
MAR. 1-2
27
don haskins center • 7 pm
Monster Jam 27
Blue October tricky falls • 7 pm
Schoolboy Q w/ isaiah rashad & vince staples
28
tricky falls • 7 pm
4
1
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feat. mccaulay caulkin lowbrow palace • 9 pm
Sun Devils Football
Monster Jam invades the Sun Bowl on Saturday, Mar. 1 at 7 pm and on Sunday, Mar. 2 at 2 pm. Tickets start at $12; pit passes are available. Info: monsterjam.com
The Pizza Underground
So Sick Fest Pt. II 1
Come see El Paso Sun Devils Semi-Pro Football at the Socorro Activities Complex. Games kick off at 6:30 pm. Adults are $7; kids 12 & under are $5. Info: elpasosundevilsfootball.com
1
8
gap dream, cosmonauts, warm soda,
7
mar. 1
mar. 4-30
Hiking Tour at Hueco Tanks
Horse Racing at Sunland Park
Embrace the beginning of spring with a scenic day of hiking at the Hueco Tanks State Park. Bring a camera, water, and a backpack! Info: (915) 744-1532
Enjoy a day at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Races start at 12:45 pm most days in March. Admission is free. Info: (915) 874-5200 or sunland-park.com
mar. 7-9
Rhinos Hockey The El Paso Rhinos look to clinch a division title against the Dallas Snipers at the Sierra Providence Center. Faceoff is at 7:30 Friday and Saturday and 4:30 on Sunday. Info: elpasorhinos.com
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March, 2014
7 feb. 7
8 mar. 8
First Friday Artwalk & Ghost Tour
Behind the Scenes Adventures at El Paso Zoo
Experience the First Friday Artwalk and Ghost Tour at San Elizario Historical District from 6 to 10 pm. See local art, shop for jewelry, pottery, and more. There will be sweet and savory treats and also a “movie on the wall” at 8:15. Admission is free; the ghost tour is $10. Info: sanelizariohistoricartdistrict.com
Get ready for a wild day of discovery as you go behind the scenes of El Paso Zoo. March 8th at 9 am. Registration is online, open to ages 7 and up only. Info: (915) 521-1894 or elpasozoo.org/ zoo-adventure-schedule
7 mar. 7 & 21
Laser Tag at Biggs Field Biggs Field at Fort Bliss will host Laser Tag from 5-10 pm on two days in March. The $10 admission includes equipment rental. Info: (915) 744-1532 or blissmwr.com
8 mar. 8
Power Kids Race El Paso Parks and Rec will host their first power wheels race and obstacle course runs for kids ages 4-9 at the Marty Robbins Recreation Center from 9 am - 2 pm. Info: (915) 544-0753 or elpasotexas.gov/parks
11 mar. 11-15
2014 Conference USA Men & Women’s Basketball Championships March Madness! In El Paso! 31 teams, all hungry for a conference title and a bid to the NCAA tournament, are coming to UTEP for this year’s Men’s & Women’s Conference USA Basketball Championships. All games at the Don Haskins Center. Info: utepathletics.com
14 9 8
mar. 9
mar. 8
Super Kite Contest
Color Vibe 5K If you missed the Color Run last September, no fear--the Color Vibe 5K run is coming to El Paso March 8th beginning at 9 am at Ascarate Park. Registration is $40 a person online. Info: thecolorvibe.com/elpaso
Get your kite ready for a day of windy competition! The 12th annual kite-flying contest is sponsored by Westside Community Church and will be held at Francisco Delgado Park behind Franklin High School. 12 - 3 pm; free admission. Info: westsidecommunity.org
8
11
mar. 8
mar. 11-14
St. Patrick’s A.C.T.S 8K & One Mile Walk St. Patrick Cathedral School is hosting an 8K and 1 Mile Walk at 8 am. Registration is $20 and $15 for kids ages 10-14. First 250 registrants receive a free t-shirt. Info: raceadventuresunlimited.com/03
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Children’s Art Camp The El Paso Museum of Art wil host a week of Art Camps during EPISD’s Spring Break, including classes on cartoons and comics, metal artwork, and plaster cats. Members are $75, non-members are $60. Info: elpasoartmuseum.org/classes.asp
mar. 14
Las Cruces Arts Fair 95 award-winning artists will come together for a week of painting, weaving, leather, glass, photography, pottery, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture, mixed media, painting, porcelain, woodworking, drawing, and much more. Info: (575) 623-6403
14 mar. 14-16
Sun City SciFi The Sun City SciFi Convention offers fans of the genre a great weekend to meet and interact with other sci-fi followers. The convention runs three nights from 6 - 9 pm at the El Paso Convention Center. Info: suncityscifi.com
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March, 2014
March 2014
15 mar. 15
El Paso Pro Musica Classical & Beyond On March 15th, Carter Brey, principal cellist for the New York Philharmonic, and pianist Gabriella Martinez will grace the halls of UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall for an evening of beautiful harmony. Begins at 7:30 pm. $25 for adults, $20 for seniors/military, and $5 for students. Info: (915) 833-9400 or epmm.org
15 mar. 15 & 17
Birding Tour at Hueco Tanks The greater El Paso area is surprisingly a hub for some of the U.S.’s premier bird watching. Team up with guides and you are sure to see the best of over 200 species of birds that frequent Hueco Tanks. Bring binoculars, camera, water, and plenty of sunscreen. Info: (915) 849-6684 or tpwd.state.tx.us
29 mar. 29
21
Cesar Millan
mar. 21-23 & 27-30
National Geographic TV star Cesar Millan and his canine companion, Junior, will be sharing their philosophy and methods for pet training. El Paso’s dog lovers won’t want to miss out. At the Abraham Chavez Theatre, 7:30 pm. Info: cesarsway.com
UTEP Theatre Presents The Arabian Nights Stories of love, mischief and magic come to life in The Arabian Nights. The UTEP Department of Theatre & Dance invites you to experience this timeless tale of tales in which, Scheherazade endeavors to save her own life through strategic storytelling and prolonged endings. Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation offers an ingenious mixture of familiar and not-sofamiliar fables. Join some of El Paso’s most thrilling young talent for an evening of 1,001 nights and a singular experience of storytelling at the Wise Family Theatre on the 2nd floor of the Fox Fine Arts Center. Info: theatredance.utep.edu
22 mar. 22
17 mar. 17
Bring it On: The Musical Inspired by the classic 2000 film, Bring it On: The Musical has been called “impossible to resist” by The New York Times. Doors open at 7:30 at the Plaza Theatre. Don’t be late--this is not a democracy, it’s a cheerocracy. Info: ticketmaster.com
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11th Annual German Spring Bazaar Just in time for Easter, Fort Bliss will host their 11th annual German Spring Bazaar at building 747 on Carter Road. In addition to the many treasures you’ll find for sale, there will be German beer, bratwurst, waffles, cakes, and pastries. All proceeds will be donated to various charities. Admission is free. Info: (915) 568-0259 or betreuungineelpaso.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com
November, 2013
El paso’s only city lifestyle magazine pick it up at your local walgreens
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147
El Paso Triple A Chihuahuas
Uniform Unveiling at THE JUDSON F. WILLIAMS CONVENTION CENTER | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
Black and White Party and Fashion Auction
St Clement’s Annual Gala at THE EL PASO COUNTRY CLUB | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
November, 2013
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November, 2013
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