THE LIFE September

A DAY NEVER FORGOTTEN THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING Fresh deals on fall footwear page 8

Locals reminisce page 6

SWEET HYDRATION Simple & Refreshing page 10

04THELIFE

Letter from the Editor

THE LIFE Magazine is published in Rio Grande City, TX. THE LIFE Magazine and its employees do not assume liability for products or services offered herein. Permission to use or reproduce material herein must be with express written consent of the publisher. 2013 THE LIFE Magazine is Printed in the U.S.

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Dear LIFE Reader, Welcome to our September issue of THE LIFE!

This very special edition is dedicated to all the heroic men and women who were involved in 9/11, a day that changed the world.

On the cover is a breathtaking picture of the New York City “Freedom Tower.”

This striking tower is the tallest building in the Western hemisphere and is proof of our strength and resilience! I want us all to remember this day that manifested an unbreakable bond between us by sharing my personal experience during 9/11/01 and some very special memories from THE LIFE’s friends and family.

Fall is right around the corner. As our northern neighbors begin to pull their sweaters from the closet, we have a few more weeks of heat to contend with. Brenda, our Health & Fitness contributor gives us tips on how to stay hydrated. Flip on over to page 10 for a delicious and simple spin on a classic beverage. Also, catch up on Yirla’s latest fashion advise with “These Boots Are Made for Walking” on page 8.

GET YOUR CALENDAR’S OUT! We’ll inform you of upcoming events such as the South Texas College Starr County Campus 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on September 11 and the Annual National Night Out on October 1st at Starr County Fairgrounds. You definitely don’t want to miss out on the donut eating contest sponsored by Law Enforcement, RGC’s Greater Chamber of Commerce’s “Once Upon a Time” lighted Christmas Parade and so much more!

THE LIFE Magazine will now hold social media campaigns (book your consultation with me or Buster) and we are launching our first one with Yogurt Express’ “Art in a Cup.” Learn how to win free yogurt for a year. Stay connected on our fan page for upcoming community events, latest resources available to you, plus get to know our amazing advertisers.

I hope you enjoy this “FREEDOM” edition The LIFE team prepared with love.

“Working toward a United Community.”

www.issuu.com/thelifemagazine

Publisher

Mayor Ruben O. Villarreal Giselle Mascarenhas Villarreal

Editor

Jacqueline Mercado

Account Executive Buster Brown

Contributing Writers Brenda Bautista-Damm Yirla Nolan

Photography Roel Reyes Aracely Vasquez Marlene Mendoza

Design

GPGI Design Group Devon Smittkamp John Rios-Zertuche

601 Main Street Rio Grande City, TX 78582 socialifestarr@gmail.com 956.393.1692 5,000 issues monthly and 500+ distribution points Starr County, Zapata County and growing.

06 THELIFE

A DAY NEVER FORGOTTEN

It was a routine morning in my fourth grade class at San Jacinto Elementary. My brother had just eaten breakfast and gotten to class. As I tried to wrap my mind around fractions and whole numbers I heard through the intercom “Jacqueline Mercado, please come to the front office.”

Immediately, I got nervous. I had no idea why they wanted me to go and my mother never came to pick me up early unless I was sick or we had a family emergency. I remember walking through the hallways as I made my way to the front office, becoming more and more apprehensive with every step. When I arrived, my brother was already there, and I couldn’t help but notice the worried look on my mother’s face.

I asked her why she’d come to pick us up; she was still in dismay and struggled to find the words to explain what was happening.

How do you even begin to explain to a nine and seven year old that the country is under attack by terrorists? Terrorist. That was a word I had never heard before. I

didn’t quite understand the gravity of the situation, but I could tell it was a very big deal because the whole nation was terrified, no one had answers and we were all in a panic.

Nine years later, as a recent high school graduate, I boarded a flight to New York City. During my stay I had an opportunity to attend the 9/11 memorial. It was very inspiring, from the names of the people lost to actual objects left behind. The most remarkable moment was meeting a first responder at the St. Paul’s Chapel of Trinity Church. This historic church was used as a refuge for many firefighters, responders and survivors, as it miraculously survived the collapse of towers one and two. I will never forget that day, for it taught me to appreciate life! To be thankful, count your blessings, notice the simple pleasures and acknowledge everything that you receive.

What had started as a regular Tuesday morning quickly changed the lives of everyone in our nation. But, despite the

fact that many innocent lives were lost that day, our nation has come a long way.

Thanks to that tragic event, our country is now more united than ever. We’ve put aside our race, economic status, political affiliations and religious beliefs to become one. A nation truly under God. The event also made us more aware of our surroundings. Our homeland security has become stronger making us more prepared. Even though those people committed that heinous crime to try to destroy us, our country prevailed. Heroes emerged from everywhere that day, saving the lives of hundreds. Words can never begin to express the amount of gratitude we all have towards those heroic men and women who risked, even lost, their lives to save the lives of complete strangers. They will never be forgotten. God Bless America.

-Jacqueline Mercado

I was with my husband, at that time boyfriend, who’s birthday is actually is on 9/11. Now every year we celebrate his life, we also pray and remember those innocent people. A day we will never forget.

- Karina E. Martin During the 9/11 attack I was working at a manufacturing company in New Jersey, about an hour away from New York; we were astonished with the news we were hearing on the radio. We weren’t allowed to go home at the time, so when I arrived I found many messages from my family in Texas who were worried about us. You could literally see fear in everyone’s eyes on the street. I guess we all feared for our lives.

Blanca E. Lopez I was in 8th grade at Roma Middle School and had a test scheduled in AP History class. The TV news were turned on and the test was postponed. At first, everyone thought it was an accident, until eventually we found out what actually had happened. It was a very sad day, and believe it or not, I wanted to take the test. We all remember emotional events like these because they become flashbulb memories, a concept that I now teach in my psychology courses at STC.

- Alex Sarabia On the morning of 9/11 my husband at the time was heading to the hospital to pick me up. He walked in and I had just turned the TV on and it showed the first plane crashing into the building. I asked him what movie that was, and then we started listening to the broadcast and we were just stunned.

Sarah Hammond I was a 7th grader at Ringgold Middle School. I remember not finding out until 4th period, I had P.E. before and we didn’t have a TV at the gym. I remember walking into class, everyone was watching the news and asking questions.

None of us understood what was going on or why anyone would want to hurt us. I specifically remember my History teacher, Mr. Sanchez, talking to us about it and explaining what had happened. He was an army veteran and I remember him having to leave some time after it happened because he got deployed. It’s a day none of us will ever forget. But now we’re no longer in a bubble, and we’re a lot better prepared.

- Judith Lopez

E

ach of us has worked hard for Roma...and for your right to elect a School Board that will work hard for you! Individually, we are each uniquely qualified to serve you. You know each of us and our families, as dedicated, experienced, caring, involved members of our community. Working together, we will make our Roma schools the best they can be today... and even better tomorrow!

“Being appointed to the “My years of experience Roma ISD School Board as Vice President of Citizens State Bank will guide was an honor that gave me the opportunity to give the school board to spend wisely and to plan pru- back to my community. My faith, my family and my dently. You can bank on drive to succeed have folme to watch the bottom line because it is a matter lowed me to make positive of dollars... and sense.” changes in my hometown.”

“Hard work and the importance of education helped me break the chains of poverty and are values that are part of who I am. No child should be left out... and every student deserves the best teachers and facilities.”

RAUL P. MORENO JR. LETTY GARZA-GALVAN

DAGO SALINAS

“Being a proud member of Roma High School’s Mighty Class of 1991 and our historic first-ever Varsity football team taught me life lessons I want to bring to our board.

Working together - as a team - will allow us to provide our children and our educators with the best educational environment possible.”

TONY SAENZ

08THELIFE

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING

by Yirla Nolan

September is a great month to kick-start fall with great boot styles that will add an extra skip to your step. Like always, Target fulfills your style needs with a great selection of kickers that will add extra attitude to your outfit.

Here are 5 styles that I recently found at the Target stores near you so hop into your car and score one of these!

The Ankle Boot

The Slouchy Boot

This style is the SAM & LIBBY Sadie Ankle Boot. It is well crafted in a beautiful navy that will add that hint of color to any pair of jeans you wear this fall.

The $39.99 price is nothing for a pair of boots made by an actual designer label.

These Adi Slouchy Microsuede Boots $34.99 have been worn in past seasons too and it all comes down to one small factor‌..they are super comfortable!

These can come in handy during any long shopping day where comfort is important without having to give up style.

The Knee High Boot

The Western Boot

No boot list would be complete without the much adored western boot. The Mossimo Kaci Western Boot $34.99 is the perfect pair to wear in Texas where it has become a wardrobe staple.

Last year was the year of the knee high boot. This year the trend continues but in a much more subdued way. The riding boot is a perfect way to showcase this style without the over the top feel of these very high boots. These Merona Kasia Leather Boots come at a price of $74.99 which is a steal, considering these styles usually go for hundreds of dollars anywhere else.

The Combat Boot My favorite from the bunch, these Mossimo Khalea Combat Boots $28.00 will sure make its rounds this fall. The simplistic approach to this style will allow you to pair them with jeans for a bicker chic look or with dresses in order to toughen up an otherwise girlie look.

10THELIFE

SwEeT HyDrAtIoN

We are still feeling the heat of summer and staying hydrated is essential.

How many glasses of water do you drink in a day?

How many bottles of water do your children drink everyday?

Many of you might not be aware of the fact that our body is composed of 60% water. This means that drinking enough liquids every day is necessary to have a healthy body and lifestyle. However, many of us do not like to drink water and rather steer towards a carbonated drink or a high sugar juice. The fact that such drinks are liquids does not mean that they count as daily water consumption. Water is not always our first choice because we are so used to drinking sweet flavored drinks on a daily basis.

The lack of water in our bodies can lead to dehydration, constant headaches, bad circulation, bad skin and even a higher risk of developing cancer.

There are many fun and tasty ways to drink water with a twist. There have been many articles and reports where they have discussed how adding specific fruits or herbs to water can help as a natural detox, energy booster or fat burner.

Therefore, I have decided to share a recipe of a different way of drinking water without it tasting like just plain, clear flavorless water.

MintCucumberLemon Water is one of my favorites because not only does it taste delicious but it has magnificent beneficial detoxifying properties. All you need is a pitcher of water, 2 sliced lemons, 1/2 sliced cucumber and 10 mint leaves. Pour all the ingredients in the pitcher cover and refrigerate overnight. The following morning all you need to do is pour it in your favorite water bottle, have a cold glass with your lunch meal and keep your body hydrated all day long.

I am a health nut and I love to share healthy recipes and tips that I have applied in my life.

As a mother of two kids under the age of four I am always on the lookout for fun ways to keep my children living a happy healthy yummy life. This is my first article for The Life Magazine and I am looking forward to sharing more tips and information with all the faithful readers.

-Brenda Bautista-Damm

12THELIFE

SELAH HOSPICE CARE myth vs. reality

Myth: Hospice provides 24-hour care.

Reality: The Hospice team (which includes nurses, social workers, home health aids, volunteers, chaplains, and bereavement councilors) visits patients intermittently, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support and care. Some hospices are able to provide “continuous care,“ but hospices must have a Myth: Hospice means that the patient will soon program inplace for this to happen and padie. tients must meet certain criteria.

Reality: Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope or that death is immi- Myth: All Hospice programs are the same. nent. The earlier an individual receives hos- Reality: All licensed Hospice programs must pice care, the more opportunity there is to provide certain services, but the range of supstabilize a patient’s medical condition and port services and programs may differ. In adaddress other needs. dition, hospice programs and operating styles Myth: Hospice is a place.

Reality: Hospice care usually takes place in the comfort of an individual’s home, but can be provided in any environment in which a person lives, including a nursing home, assisted living facility, or residential care facility.

Myth: Hospice care is only for cancer patients.

Reality: A large number of hospice patients have congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, chronic lung disease or other conditions.

Myth: Patients can only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time.

Reality: The Medicare benefit, and most private insurance, pays for hospice care as long as the patient continues to meet the criteria necessary. Patients may come on and off hospice care, and re-enroll in hospice care as needed.

may vary from state-to-state depending on state laws and regulations. Like other medical care providers, business models differ. Some programs are non-profit and some hospices are for-profit.

Myth: Hospice is just for the patient.

Reality: Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support. The quality of life for the patiens, family members and care givers is the highest priority.

Myth: Once a patient elects hospice, he or she can no longer receive care from the primary care physician.

Reality: Hospice reinforces the patients primary physician relationship by advocating either office or home visits, according to the physician’s preference. Hospice works closely with the primary physician and consider the continuation of patient-physician relationship to the highest priority.

18THELIFE

Keep Your Cool

by Sarah Sagredo Hammond

• Spray for ants every three to six months. Our techs have encountered many problems caused by these pesky pests. Issues

Has this ever happened to you? You come home on a arise when ants block the electrical contacts on relays, causing hot, humid day, only to find that your house is sweltering. You shorts in the system. can hear the air conditioner churning away, but the air coming through the vents is tepid at best. That’s when you call for help. • Remove dirt from the air conditioner drain. Technicians use Depending on the problem, you may have to sweat it out from a a high-pressure vacuum to clear the drain; this clears out any day to a week before the temperature in your home is once again backup that can cause water overflow and damage to ceilings and at your comfort zone. walls. Ask the technician how to perform regular maintenance to

You can avoid this scenario by performing some routine keep your drain lines from clogging. preventative tasks to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and efficiently. Consider this: your air conditioner runs • Clean the condenser coil in the outside unit. To clean the conall day long, every day, 24/7. You use air conditioning more than denser coil, make sure the power from the unit is disconnected you use your car. Thus, it should get more attention and service to first and allow a few minutes for the system to cool down (10-15 keep running at its peak performance. And, because your air con- minutes). Rinse the coils with water until the water is clear of dirt ditioner runs 24/7, your air conditioning company should too. and debris.

Select one you can trust and that will come out when you most need it, no matter the hour.

• Every month, remove any leaves or debris from the outdoor

The best time to service an air conditioner is before it’s condenser unit. Aim grass clippings away from the unit when actually needed. Regular maintenance and cleaning are extreme- mowing and make sure that your sprinkler system does not sit ly important. Performing these tasks can not only keep you from too close to your condenser. Sprinklers can be a major cause of discomfort; but regular maintenance can also help lower your rust. Keep vegetation at least two feet away from outdoor units. utility bills and extend the life of your air conditioning unit. Studies have revealed that over 80 percent of all breakdowns are due • Shade the outdoor compressor unit. Shaded units can be up to to IMPROPER or NO MAINTENANCE. 10 percent more efficient in summer months. However do not

Have your air conditioning system checked at least once block the airflow on the sides by at least 20 inches around or dia year by a licensed air conditioning company. Dirty coils and an rectly above the unit. improperly charged system have a dramatic effect on efficiency and performance. You may see up to a 30 percent improvement • Use your ceiling fans. Ceiling fans provide an energy-efficient after servicing. Make sure the company you select has Workers way of circulating cool air, by helping you feel cooler without acCompensation Insurance. If the company doesn’t carry this in- tually changing the temperature of the room. But don’t run a fan surance, the technician can sue you, the homeowner, should an in an unoccupied room; you’ll simply add the heat from the moaccident or injury occur during their time on the property. tor in the room and waste electricity.

In addition to the annual check up by a licensed profes- • For additional energy savings, check windows and doors for air sional, here are a few do-it-yourself tips to help keep your unit leaks and seal with weather stripping or caulk as needed. You’re running smoothly. paying to cool the air in your home, so take steps to be sure it’s • Change the filter at least once a month. This is important whenever the system is running, winter or summer. A dirty filter slows down the airflow through the system. Pleated paper filters Merv 5-7 are recommended for the average home system. For non-standard units, ask your Certified technician which filter will work best for you.

not escaping outdoors.

For more tips, go to www.LadyCoutureMag.com and click on the Atlas ad. Your air conditioner does not just keep your home comfortable; it removes humidity and can help keep dust, pollen and bacteria out of your air. If your unit is working properly, and your home has the proper humidity control, you should be comfortably cool with a thermostat setting of 78 degrees. If you haven’t • Inspect the duct system for leaks. Leaky ducts can cause airflow had your unit serviced in a while, schedule an to be released in your attic instead of inside your home, thus re- appointment now. The servicing of your air ducing the performance of your system and increasing your elec- conditioner twice a year is a fraction of what it tric bill. costs to repair or replace it.

“As you travel west on Highway 83, you will notice a big white establishment on the left, with a banner, Southern Evolution. Tumbling, gymnastics, cheer-leading and more to come.

These boys and girls will not be thumping away on video games; they will be actively training and honing their skills and bodies for competition or just for fun.

Mario Solis, the owner of the facility, has a great staff, all of which are interested in the activities and the students. Solis has worked in McAllen for ten years, four years in Rio Grande. He has also worked with Zapata

Strutters. He states that he is in here to train, teach, show and prepare his students to meet their goals.

The proof of his expertise is in the awards of the groups and individuals he has instructed – champions!

The facility is open Monday through Thursday, from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There are three classes; beginner, intermediate and advanced. The classes are only one hour each.”

Solis was the first coach to attend the championships in Florida and is the number one ranked coach in South Texas.

“Zapata County News” and Joyce Currington.

MENTION THIS AD FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

24THELIFE

Birthday Celebration for

Ociel Mendoza IGNITE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

GRAND OPENING

26THELIFE

Revival of the Renaissance

by Leo Lopez III

New York Life Finance Workshop for Starr County’s small businesses

Lenders Fair for Starr County’s small business with Accion

Rio Grande City, City Workshop Tourism & New Business

Stuff the Bus with the Rio Grande City Library