Contempo Magazine June 2010 by Ignacio Magana

Contempo CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL

ALL EYES ON VALLEY GIRL

JUNE 2010

SURFING SOUTH PADRE UPPER VALLEY STYLE

CINDY VELA IN FILM & FASHION

VALLEY GOLF SIGNATURE HOLE SERIES

RESTORING A VALLEY TREASURE THE MCALLEN BOTANICAL GARDENS

MEMORIAL DAY WITH VALLEY VETERANS

TAKING THE LEAD IN VALLEY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

CONTEMPO BOOK REVIEWS the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine

page 1 ContempoMag.com

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from the Publisher: It was a great pleasure to get to know and present Cindy Vela in this issue of Contempo. Cindy is a serious, hard working actress who will earn her success in Hollywood. She is street smart, polished and mature. Unlike a lot of the Hollywood crowd who are too weak at heart to handle their own success, Cindy is positioned with her uniquely developed talent and her fresh one-in-million look to take on dramatic roles as a top Latina film star.

Contempo CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL

Exploring the People, Places, Issues and Events of the Rio Grande Valley

ContempoMag.com The Valley’s #1 On-Line Magazine

Contempo CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL

ALL EYES ON VALLEY GIRL

CINDY VELA IN FILM & FASHION

RESTORING A VALLEY TREASURE THE MCALLEN BOTANICAL GARDENS TAKING THE LEAD IN VALLEY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

Memorial Day touches the hearts of many Upper Valley citizens because patriotism and enrollment in the armed forces is a tradition of honor in South Texas. A special memorial service at the Texas Veteran’s War Memorial in McAllen honored three armed forces chaplains who were awarded the Medal of Honor. For these men along with 3,451 others who earned the Metal of Honor and for the thousands of those who gave their lives, we should honor each and every day.

JUNE 2010

SURFING SOUTH PADRE UPPER VALLEY STYLE VALLEY GOLF SIGNATURE HOLE SERIES MEMORIAL DAY WITH VALLEY VETERANS CONTEMPO BOOK REVIEWS

in this issue CINDY VELA 7 Fashion, Music & Film + Exclusive Interview WILL McALLEN 18 RESTORE THE GARDENS Botanical Garden Fate Looms SPI HANG OUT 24 Surf the Jetties Upper Valley Style

Ralph Magaña Contempo is a publication of Contempo Magazine Inc. All opinions represented are of the authors & not necessarily the views of the publisher. The publisher makes no representations regarding advertising content. Contempo Magazine is a trademark of Contempo Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. All content published and constructed by Contempo Magazine is the property of Contempo Magazine Inc. Permission for reprint shall be granted only upon written request and authorized release from Contempo Magazine Inc.

President / Ralph Magaña Business Business & Latin American Affairs / Tony Magaña Fashion & Culture / Tom Castañeda Marilyn Moseley LaMantia / Special Assignment Jody A. Blackwell / South Padre Island Charles Marina / Property Investment Ralph Magaña / Special Events Photographers-Maria Laxamana / R. Magaña C Level Photography Ad Sales Ralph Magaña 467.7880 / Lohane 802.4245 Chanel 209.1214 / Heazel 407.718.3756 Distribution / Rosa Lopez

TURNING THE CORNER IN REAL ESTATE

BREAKING 80 TOUR VALLEY’S TOP COURSES

MEMORIAL DAY 32 AT THE TEXAS VETERAN’S WAR MEMORIAL

Co-founder & Webpage Editor / Tony Magaña

CONTEMPO BOOK REVIEW

956.467.7880

e-mail: wmagana@rgv.rr.com

web site: www.contempomag.com 2210 Sabinal St. Mission, Tx 78572

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The Valley’s Largest Selection of Fashion Accessories

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ALL EYES ON

VALLEY GIRL CINDY VELA by Tom Castañeda

In an exclusive interview with our pick for America’s next big Latina celebrity, Contempo takes a close-up of Brownsville native, Cindy Vela. For a 30’s girl a late start in fashion modeling, theater and movies isn’t encouraged, but not for Cindy. Coming from the modest community of Olmito, Cindy earned a dregree in music, started a teaching career and directed a school band. Then, in a flash everything changed... the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine

page 7 ContempoMag.com

page 8 ContempoMag.com

Born in Brownsville, Cindy grew up speaking English and Spanish in a rural part of the state. At the age of 10, after her father handed her a family owned saxophone, she took an interest in music. Practicing wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a chore for her, as she would often try to play songs for her friends over the phone. Throughout her high school years, she was very involved academically and won numerous awards in music competition.

the Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 On-Line Magazine

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Wardrobe Dress – Tony Bowls Earrings – Anne Klien Shoes – Velvet Angels

Contempo photo shoot contributors: Photographer: Maria Laxamana www.marialaxamana.com Wardrobe Stylist: Nicki Stewart www.nickidstewart.com Hair Stylist: Paul Spataro www.paulspatarohair.com Makeup Artist: Rokael Lizama www.beautybyrokael.com page 10 ContempoMag.com

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Vela attended the University of Texas in Brownsville and on the first day of class, she knew that her time at U.T. Brownsville would be exceptional. While in school, Vela became lead saxophonist in both the top jazz band and concert band. She participated at national and international concerts and competitions across the United States and Mexico. A few of those concerts gave her the opportunity to open shows for legends Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and Jose Feliciano. It was in college that Cindy caught the eye of photographers who noticed her presence on camera. Magazine covers and ads helped garner attention from directors who wanted to have Vela in their projects. Although Cindy had success in Texas’ entertainment industry, she never stopped attending college and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. She went on to become a middle school band director and helped her students win various awards; all while teaching them the importance of education and the arts that she so loved. A short time ago, Vela moved to Los Angeles to continue the work she had started in the film industry. While in Los Angeles, Cindy was personally asked by the esteemed fashion designer, Ximena Valero, to become a fit model. As a result, Cindy was then asked to be a runway model for fashion shows and has now been named the “Face of Ximena Valero Fashion.” She can also be seen in magazines and national print ads. A few of those include Intel, Wells Fargo and Boost Mobile.

A few of those concerts gave her the opportunity to open shows for legends Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and Jose Feliciano. As an actress, Cindy has appeared on tv, film and stage. Cindy worked on a pilot with directors Robert Ben Garant and page 12 ContempoMag.com

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Desdemona, a dramatic love story directed by Phillip Guzman recieved 14 film Festival Awards in 2009. Learn more about the film at the official site: desdemonamovie.com Cindy on her next feature film set and with acclaimed author Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451) after performing in his play â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Wonderful Ice Cream Suitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. (bottom right)

Tomas Lennon. She later played the title role of Desdemona in the award winning film 'Desdemona: A Love Story' which is set to be released this year. In November, she played the role of Celia Obregon in 'The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit', which was written and produced by award winning author Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451).

Cindy played the title role of Desdemona in the award winning film 'Desdemona: A Love Story' which is set to be released this year. Cindy will be appearing in a new comedy being produced in Los Angeles where she is also playing a lead role. The, as of yet, untitled film is scheduled for release next year. C page 14 ContempoMag.com

page 15 ContempoMag.com

CINDY VELA

EXCLUSIVE

INTERVIEW with

CONTEMPO Contempo: Tell us about your role in Desde-

mona : A Love Story? CV: I play the title character named Desdemona. She is the wife of a wealthy man who has been kidnapped for ransom. This was my first major role and it was an exciting experience. I learned so much from being on set and it really solidified my intentions in becoming an actress.

Contempo: Where do you want to go with your careers in film, stage, modeling, music?

CV: A few years ago I didn't have a goal

in mind. I just did my best in each area and wanted to see how far I could go. Now that I have a clearer understanding of how the industry works I have made goals, but I still just want to see how far I can go!

Contempo: What was it like where you grew

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up?

CV: I was born in Brownsville, grew up in Ol-

mito and graduated high school from Los Fresnos. I love the Valley. I love being able to walk to my family members home, walk to the horse stable and ride around my area or drive 5 minutes to the mall. It is a slower paced life that I deeply enjoy and I wish that others who live in South Texas see how lucky we all really are. No matter how long I live here in Los Angeles, I will always call Olmito home.

Contempo: Do you feel like a pioneer? In what way? CV: I don't feel like a pioneer. There are have been so many people who have come from all walks of life and small towns across the world that have made it in their prospective fields. I plan on doing the same. We all have our own hurdles to jump across and everyone's journey is different. We just have to stay focused on what we want and do our best to achieve it.

Contempo: Valley favorites? CV: (laughing) There are so many things I love

and miss! Whataburger, Raspas - Leche, Carne Guisada plates from Los Asados in Harlingen, shopping at Sunrise Mall and calling it a workout, Texas Roadhouse, pan dulce.... can you tell I really miss the food? C

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RESTORING A VALLEY TREASURE THE MCALLEN BOTANICAL GARDEN BY Marilyn Moseley LaMantia

photo courtesy of Mariln Moseley LaMantia ÂŠ

photos by: Carol Goolsby Marilyn Moseley LaMantia Dr. Terry Fuller Brenda Moseley Holt

page 18 ContempoMag.com

Come take a vacation. Relax. Breathe deep-

ly. Step out of the hot, harsh sunlight. Follow me into the dappled shade only an archway of trees can provide. A rich earthy smell hints of mysteries, and birdsong fills the air. Spots of color dance through the woods. We are in the McAllen Botanical Garden - a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for humans. You can find this sanctuary only a few hundred feet away from the McAllen Convention Center. Beyond the garden's gate is the oldest and largest remaining forest in McAllen. For over sixty years this Tamaulipan thornscrub forest has been undisturbed, and a complex understory has grown under the shade of the garden's large trees. Rare dragonflies like the Cream-tipped Swamp Damsel thrive here. Threatened species - the shimmering blueblack Texas Indigo Snake and the spiny Texas Horned Lizard - find cover in the thick brush. And songbirds feast on the colorful berries of the native Anacua trees. In May, McAllen voters rejected bond proposals seeking to convert this forest to a tennis center and to sell Westside Park. While the city planned to preserve over seventy of

photo courtesy of Mariln Moseley LaMantia ÂŠ

Bee (in the genus Centris) found in the McAllen Botanical Garden the garden's heritage trees, the park's value for much of its wildlife would have have been lost. Wildlife depends on the forest's complex ecosystem and is unable to breed and thrive when its habitat is fragmented and the understory is removed. Ecotourists come from around the world to see this forest (site #065 on the Texas Birding Trail). For some, it is emblematic of our heritage. For others, it is new territory. But even for those primarily concerned about maximizing city income, it has huge potential. In 2006 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tallied up the revenue from all recreational activities. And wildlife watching generated as much revenue as all spectator sports, amusement parks, skiing facilities, bowling centers and non-hotel casinos combined - a whopping $122.6 billion in direct expenditures with over $5 billion pouring directly into the cash registers of Texas.

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Mariln Moseley LaMantia ÂŠ

Greenjays, once common in the RGV, flourished in the MBG. Greenjays require a large tract of brush to survive. Valley residents are seeing less and less Greenjays as their habitat diminishes.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Terry Fuller ÂŠ

The Cream-tipped Swamp-damsel (Leptobasis melinogaster) was first described to science less than 20 years ago.

page 20 ContempoMag.com

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A roadrunner feasts on one of the many species of lizards found in the park.

A roadrunner sizing up a prospective meal in the Garden.

A Black-bellied Whistling Duck enjoys an open view in the Garden.

The Horned Lizard is a threatened species of the state living in the McAllen Botanical Garden.

The Rio Grande Valley is the farthest north Chachalacas are found in North America.

We need a plan that expands rather than contracts our opportunities for recreation in McAllen while preserving our native forests and vital green belts. New York City has Central Park. And San Francisco has Golden Gate. But only McAllen has a park within walking distance of its convention center where you may see an elusive Gray Hawk or be wowed by the colors of a Green Jay. Just as the loss of Central Park or Golden Gate Park would be incalculable, so would the loss of our own very special wild place.

The McAllen Botanical Garden aka McAllen Nature Center is located 4101 W. Business US 83. Join us in our efforts to reopen the garden and preserve green spaces by writing us at: save_mbg@yahoo.com C

photo courtesy of Brenda Moseley Holt ©

photo © Brenda Moseley Holt

“This anacua berry tree is one of the best sources of food for our native birds” says Carol Goolsby, a biologist and environmental educator who laments "I am very concerned about whether these trees are being noticed and recognized for their valuable role as food for wildlife." the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine

Marilyn LaMantia is an award winning photographer and artist specializing in illustrations and photography for children's books and textbooks. She helped found and is a member of the McAllen Parks and Habitat Preservation Coalition's steering committee and is currently working to reopen the McAllen Botanical Garden. page 23 ContempoMag.com

DRIES FAST

surfing spi

with Jody Blackwell

Veteran South Padre Island surfer talks about Valley surfing pioneers, where they go and when for the best Island Surfing.

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I started my surfing life style back in the early

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60's when South Padre Island was nothing more than sand dunes and a couple of small hotels. Back then the jetties were half as long as they are today. Situated in Isabela Park, the jetties present the best surfing on the Island. The best surfing spots at the jetties are in three main areas– the jetties or Lowers–where the south parking lot is now, the Steamers– where the wooden pavilion is, and the Uppers–where the north parking lot is. The surf on South Padre is at its best during the Spring and Fall when there is a favorable Southeast wind or a West wind, referred to as Off Shore Wind. By July the surf goes flat because of the prevailing high pressure areas common at that time. A summer tropical storm in the Gulf can generate good surf, but strong rips are created if the storm gets close. Hurricane generated surf is dangerous and should be avoided. I have seen surf here range from knee high all the way up to 15 feet during tropical storms. Before hurricanes, I have seen the shipping channel with breaks up to 18 feet, three times over a man’s head that made for some intense surfing.

surfed like Roger Morgan, John Wiggington (who still surfs) ,The Cavassar brothers , Roger Mills (now in the in the Caribbean at his own surf shop), and Bill Caldwell who has been surfing since the 70"s. A new breed of surfers has emerged in McAllen including Steve Dorman, David Carrales, Matt Kramer, Mike Lessard, Steve Rogers Jon Rowell, John McDonald, Brent Thrash, all still surfing with the exception of Mike Lessard. In the 70's I started getting custom made surfboards for a few of the guys from surfboard builders like Infinity surfboards, Dewey Weber surfboards, Greg Sauritch surfboards, Peter Shroff surfboards and from Doug Haut surfboards. As for me, I kept up with the custom surfboards made for me. The only two surfboards that I have bought of the rack were my 9foot, 4inch modern longboard and a 10 foot 2 inch NSP epoxy composite from Island Native Surf House here on the Island. I recently started “Ol’ Pirate Surf School and give lessons to anyone who is willing to try something a bit different. I also have a dealership representing custom boards for Florida builder –Rich Price Surfboards. Surfing is healthy and fun for the entire family and can be enjoyed in our backyard, at SPI. Mahalo! C

The McAllen surf scene has always been subdued because of it’s distance to the Is- Jody A. Blackwell land. But, there are quite a few of us who have been lurking around for some time! Back contact Jody at capnbk@gmail.com for lesin the 60's there were a few of us avids who sons and a great custom board.

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Oxygen with no Boundaries When you were initially diagnosed with having a need for oxygen therapy (perhaps your physician called it chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] or another ailment), it may have been hard to imagine at the time that you would ever live life to the fullest again. But through the use of the unique FreeStyle™ Portable Oxygen Concentrator by AirSep®, you truly can experience oxygen with no boundaries!

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FreeStyle offers a uniquely efficient, ultra-compact, and flexible pulse-flow delivery system. Through this miniaturization into a wearable unit, a new class of oxygen users has emerged: Self-reliant individuals who are satisfied only when experiencing life to the fullest. For some that means travel across the country or travel around the world. For others, it’s doing the garden chores on the weekend, unrestricted by time. For still others, it is the exhilaration in attending a grandchild’s outdoor soccer match – carefree even most compact, FreeStyle is the world’s– or lightest, trying your footwork at soccer and only “wearable” portable oxygen concentrator yourself once again.

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Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate? by Charles Marina

With a commercial real estate career spanning

over 30 years, I am asked numerous questions regarding real estate. One question that comes up most often is “whether it is a good time to invest in real estate”. Which is usually followed up with yet a similar query, “should I buy now or wait”?

In order to adequately answer both parts of this question, I find myself looking back at the economic cycles that have occurred over my career. As I reflect, many things become apparent, the first of which is each time we have an expansion in the market it is always followed by a contraction, which is then followed by yet another expansion. The cycle repeats itself with varying degrees of recovery and contraction. Just when things are feeling great and everyone is jumping into the market, the bottom suddenly falls out and people are surprised. Then, when things feel like it cannot get any worse and everyone is staying out of the market, the market suddenly recovers and people are surprised, wishing they had bought when prices and conditions were more favorable.

When you examine the two scenarios it becomes very apparent that the best time to invest is when others are sitting back waiting for something to happen. Sadly, for some, both scenarios pass them by. When the economy is red hot, they say, “let’s and on the international scene. Inflation, deflation wait for prices to drop” and when the economy is and stagflation can cripple our economy. To delay soft, they say “let’s wait for things to get better”. or soften their impact, economist and the Federal Reserve (The Fed) often manipulate interest rates, So you tell me, “Is now a good time to Invest in create tax incentives and even rebate taxpayer’s Real Estate”? The important thing to remember is money, urging them to spend, which in turn pro- you must act to reap the benefits. Both scenarios duces a reaction within the economy. Sometimes create opportunity. Understanding how to benefit the reaction is positive, other times it advances and from each requires skill and specialized knowledge. perpetuates the inevitable. Attempting to guess and I hope this helps you spot the trends and encourages time the market even during periods of stability is you to act when others sit back and do nothing. C not easy; it is increasingly more difficult when no one knows what The Fed will do next. Banks don’t lend, buyers don’t buy and everyone sits around waiting for direction or for something to happen. The result leads to deflation in the economy. As consumers, we have an innate trait, “the propensity to consume” goods and services, meaning we can only put-off making that purchase for a relatively short period-of-time. It’s not our nature to deprive ourselves of those things we want. Notice I did not say the things we need; therefore, eventually the “pinned-up demand” is released with a vengeance and the buying cycle begins all over again. The return of a strong housing market has led our economy out of recessions more than once. It creates jobs in almost every sector of the economy; simply put, recovery cannot occur without the creation of jobs. By closely observing trends within the market you may be able to better gauge when the cycle begins and when it comes to an abrupt end.

Economic cycles occur approximately every 5 to 7 years. They are a common occurrence and have been with us since we began tracking markets. At least two events take place each economic cycle (1) the downturn referred to as the “contractionary period” usually lasts an average of 10 to 12 months while (2) the recovery referred to as the “expansionary period” lasts an average of 36 months, with varying degrees of upward and downward moveNew construction has a wide and far-reaching ment, from crest to valley. “multiplier-effect” on the economy, touching virCorrections in the market are necessary to balance tually every industry either directly or indirectly. the supply and demand of inventories and to keep When a new home is built, hundreds of businesses prices in check. Without corrections, inflation and benefit. rising interest rates surface, causing irreparable damage to our economy, both on the domestic front Now that we have examined some of the factors page 28 ContempoMag.com

that impact the market and understand that economic cycles are a natural occurrence, let’s address the question. Is now a good time to Invest in Real Estate? When the market is in contraction and hits bottom, we usually have lower interest rates, lower prices, motivated sellers and a large inventory of property to choose from, which in-turn creates an ideal buying scenario. As an added bonus, Congress provides tax credits or other buyer incentives to help simulate the lagging economy. On the other hand, when the economy is expanding we have higher interest rates, high inflation, higher prices, stubborn sellers, less inventory and the government working against us to cool the market off. The ironic thing is most people make their purchases under the second scenario because it feels right and that is what everyone else is doing. Everyone except Warren Buffet, Donald Trump and other savvy investors; this group of elite investors buys low and sells high. You will usually find them heading in the opposite direction of the herd, reaping huge rewards for their insight, vision and discipline.

Charles recently served as the Chairman of Real Estate Commercial Alliance Committee (RCA) for The Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) and currently serves as a Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) to Congress for The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and serves on the BBVA Compass Bank Advisory Board. He is a member of the McAllen South Rotary Club and attends Calvary Baptist Church. Charles Marina is the president of First American Realty, located at 3827 N. 10th Street, Suite 105, McAllen, Texas 78501. He can be reached at 956-682-3000.

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Old Chicago Style Pizzas, Sandwiches, Dogs All Homemade - Original 100 E. Bus 83, McAllen call-in orders: (956) 664-2671 page 29 ContempoMag.com

BREAKING EIGHTY

Our new series on Summer Golf takes a birds eye view of challenging area golf holes & what it takes to beat them.

The Game is On at Cimarron No. 12 - The Club at Cimarron

348 yrds. from the gold tees / #6 handicap

Affordable Memberships Now Available call 956-581-7401 page 30 ContempoMag.com

No. 12 at the Club at Cimarron can produce for the average golfer a range of possibilities from the agony of defeat to the thrill of victory. The well crafted dog-leg left with water on the left and out-of-bounds on the right can test any ones nerve but does provide an achievable challenge that offers a variety of landing areas with a good drive. A 10-15 handicapper, on a good day can land a drive to within 125 yards of the green or on a bad day lay-up short for a 150 yard approach to the green with a the proper attitude. C

Experience Yesterday Today in

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New

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682-3000

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$2,950,000

find out more at Northwww.tequis.info Ware Rd. & 8 Mile Line, McAllen

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the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine

page 31 ContempoMag.com

Above & Beyond

Veteran’s War Memorial of Texas Medal of Honor Recipients Memorial Day Dedication for Military Chaplain Recipients by Ralph Magaña

he Veteran's War Memorial of Texas is situated on five acres adjacent to the City of McAllen's new Convention Center at 29th Street and Galveston, McAllen, Texas and stands to honor the 1.3 million American men and women killed and missing in all the wars and conflicts of this Nation.

member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself “conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States”. Beyond that, it represents a selfless courage that comes from a love of country and a love for ones On Memorial Day, May 31st. a national comrades. memorial service ceremony was held at the site and a dedication of a granite wall More than 3,400 Medals of Honor have inscribed with the photos and citations been presented to the armed forces of the of three military Chaplains awarded the United States. The Hispanic Medal of Congressional Medal of Honor. Honor Plaza represents the courage and valor of all 3,451 recipients of our counThe intention of the site is to provide a try’s highest honor. permanent educational perspective for people of all ages to honor, remember and As of March 2000, 39 Hispanics had rerefect on the immense sacrifice and valor ceived the Medal of Honor for conspicuexhibited by our Nations veterans. ous bravery in the Civil War, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II, Korea The Hispanic Medal of Honor Plaza and the Vietnam Conflict. More than half The Medal of Honor is the highest mili- of the recipients were killed in battle or tary decoration awarded by the United died shortly thereafter as a result of their States government. It is bestowed on a wounds. page 32 ContempoMag.com

Their stories are displayed in the Plaza on black granite walls that tell the gripping accounts of their bravery with great detail, inscribed permanently into the dark granite for all present and future generations of Americans to see and reflect on. Although we have recorded some of those accounts here, we encourage all our readers to find time to visit the Memorial this summer to learn more about these brave men and women. Plans for 105 Foot Tall Granite Spire Soon, at the memorial site, work will begin on a one-hundred five foot tall monolithic granite spire that will commemorate our veterans who were killed or remain missing. People who wish to help sponsor the project for a $100 donation will recieve inscription on a commemorative granite wall at the base of the tall structure. C For more information contact: Col. (Ret.) Frank Plummer at 631-511.

Always Something Fun to Do at

Our Daily Artistic Events Monday: Your Choice Eclectic & Sports Events-Soccer, Baseball, Football. Tuesday: Table Games-Domino, Texas hold’em, & backgammon to acoustic pop, bohemian & marichi music. Wednesday: Girl’s Canasta Night with music by Joshua y Javi grupo desconchinflados and Kareoke! Thursday: 80’s & 90’s Music in English & Spanish with Richard Chavez. Friday: La Trova y el Rock in Spanish with Latin Rock by Rafael Chaparro.

Saturday: Your requests by House Dj with music variety & comedy. Sunday: Evera Kid’s-A variety of fun creative entertainment & dining for the kids from 12PM-4PM Open Daily for Dinner from 4 PM till 11 PM

After Hour Appetizers till 2AM

4001 S. Shary Rd. Suite 100 Mission, Tx 78572

evera.grove@live.com

956.580.1599 the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine

page 33 ContempoMag.com

South Texas Shoot Out "The South Texas Shoot Out" was held on May 20, 2010 at the Mcallen Convention Center. The group met at Cornerstone Grill & Bar for their dinner meeting and then made for the McAllen Convention Center where several shooting scenarios with Cars, Motorcyles and Models (families, couples, brides, seniors and children) were set up to practice photography skills for members and guests. Inquire about the Rio Grande Valley Professional Photographers Guild on facebook.

Life insurance premiums are near historic lows. Term life insurance premiums have dropped to levels not seen in years. Do you have enough coverage to support your loved ones? Now is a good time to provide more protection for your family. Call today for a free, no-obligation life insurance review. This review is not, in any way, intended as an invitation to replace your existing policy coverage. Such an exchange is often not suitable due to such factors as surrender charges on your existing contract, the surrender charge period on the new contract, transaction costs associated with the exchange, the values of the new contract versus the old contract, and the various fees and expenses associated with the new product. Therefore, replacing an existing policy should only be considered after a careful evaluation of these factors as well as a thorough review of your existing coverage. Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.

Melissa Magana & Laura Magana Laura Magaña

Financial Advisors 4900 North 10th Street, Building D1 McAllen, TX 78504 956-345-3530 (956) 343-0736 melissa.magana@wfadvisors.com . laura.magana@wfadvisors.com Investment and Insurance Products: X NOT FDIC Insured X NO Bank Guarantee X MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank aﬃliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. 0609-0683 [76811-v1] 06/09

page 34 ContempoMag.com

An Irish Pub Story..... A man stumbles up to the only patron in a bar and asks “Can I buy you a drink?”-"Why of course", comes the reply. The first man then asks: "Where are you from?" "I'm from Ireland", replies the second man. The first man: "You don't say, I'm from Ireland too! Lets have another round to Ireland."-"Of course", replies the second man. The First man then asks: "Wherein Ireland are you from?" "Dublin", comes the reply. "I can't believe it", says the first man. "I'm from Dublin too! Let's have another drink to Dublin.""Of course", replies the second man. Curiosity strikes the first man and he asks: "What school did you go to?"-"Saint Mary's", replies the second man. "I graduated in '62." "This is unbelievable", the first man says. "I went to Saint Mary's and graduated in '62, too!"

100 E. Nolana, McAllen, TX (956) 618-1335

About that time in comes one of the regulars and asks the bartender, What’s up? "Nothing much", replies the bartender. "Just those O'Malley twins drunk again."

THE VALLEY’S MOST POPULAR ON-LINE MAGAZINE the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine

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ucia Capacchione has the career and credentials to make for a new and exciting way to enhance the educational experience for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s troubled youth. She is an award winning author who has created an effective method that helps young people explore learning skills through self-esteem. Her revolutionary methods have yielded extra-ordinary results in public school systems from California to South Texas. The Creative Journal for Children is a valuable read for teachers and parents alike. C

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Conflicts

between east and west during the dark ages are rarely depicted in American history books. At the same time, many available on these accounts lean heavily to one side or the other without leaving one with an accurate as possible reflection of what really happened and why. Here, Wheatcroft, researches archives of both rival camps to reveal the unblemished drama of the battle that drew the lines on the map for what is now eastern Europe.

The Enemy at the Gate is a facinating historical account of the famous battle between Christians and Muslims for Europe that took place as a siege of Vienna. Andrew Wheatcroft devotes much of the content with a balanced point of view. This epic battle briefly united the christian nations of Europe to defend against the united islamic realm. The Enemy at the Gate vividly & dramatically describes the months of war preparation of both adversaries, the march on Vienna, the siege and final battle with great detail. C

seminar sponsored by Wells Fargo Investors with a slightly different approach to investment called “Investing in Health and Wealth with Jan Tilley” was held at the International Museum of Art & Science (Jan Tilley is a registered dietician who is very well known here and around San Antonio- Austin area shown here with the WFA –McAllen branch manager, Jerry Raiders). Her unique approach is all about “attitude & creative dining” presented in her recent book called Getting Your Second Wind now available in paperback. C

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