Contempo CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL
NOVEMBER 2009
Dolly Elizondo Madame Chair Move Aside Good’ol Guys
Carlos Hernandez
Exclusive with Tom Schieffer Democrat for Govenor
Chichimecas of North Central MEXICO
IRON CHEF
On Fitness
Area Best
Compete For Top Culinary Honors
Outlast the AZTECS and the Spaniards
Sporting Clay Trap Shoot
Attracts Valley
TOP GUNS
the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
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This month we are continuing our series on the upcoming gubernatorial elections in an exclusive interview with Democratic candidate Tom Schieffer. Our purpose is to discover how candidates feel about important Valley issues that might otherwise be ignored. We thank Tom Schieffer for sitting down with us to explain his positions on these issues. The Annual Iron Chef Competition was held last month at The Club at Cimarron, hosted by Executive Chef Santiago De La Cruz. As One of four judges who tasted over 24 different varieties of lamb, snapper and lobster prepared by 12 of the Valley’s finest chefs throughout the day, I realized how far the Valley has come in the culinary arts. All the entries were superb in taste and presentation indicating we now have a our share of gifted and talented chefs. The event, benefiting the Easter Seals, was a big success and drew a capacity crowd to the Club the next evening for presentations. Read more about the event on page 18.
Contempo CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL
CULTURE / BUSINESS / POLITICS / FASHION / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL
Exploring the People, Places, Issues and Events of the Rio Grande Valley
Dolly Elizondo Madame Chair Move Aside Good’ol Boys
Exclusive with Tom Schieffer Democrat for Govenor IRON CHEF
Quinceañera CultureYESTERDAY & TODAY Carlos Hernandez On Fitness
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NOVEMBER 2009
OCTOBER 2009
16
Area Best Compete For Top Honors
Sporting Clay Shoot
Attracts Valley
TOP GUNS
Our cover story is about the extraordinary life of Dolly Elizondo, the Chairwoman for the Democratic Party of Hidalgo County. She posed for our camera at Bar 201 in the historic downtown entertainment district on 17th street. Learn more about Dolly on page 6.
Dolly Elizondo
LAS CHICHIMECAS OF
CENTRAL MEXICO
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26
GOVERNOR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
IRON CHEF
18
Preventing
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Birth Defects WITH EARLY PRENATAL CARE
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.
Printed in the Mexico
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Tom Schieffer 16 DEMOCRAT FOR
BATTLE FOR THE VALLEY’S TOP CHEF
Your suggestions are welcome. Please send to: ralph@contempomag.com
President / Ralph Magaña Copy Editor / Raul Cabrera Politics / Shain Mata Business & Latin American Affairs / Tony Magaña Culture / Emily Gonzalez-Dickson Guest Writer / Daniel Martell Women’s Medicine / Dr. Carlos Almaguer Fitness & Fashion / Crystal Felici Photography / R. Magaña / St. Michaels Guest Photographer / David Pezzat Ad Sales / Adriana Fernandez 960.2453 Issac Miranda 867.4469 / Crystal Felici 310.413.4198 Distribution / Rosa Lopez Co-founder & Webpage Editor / Tony Magaña 956.467.7880 e-mail: wmagana@rgv.rr.com web site: www.contempomag.com Suite B, PMB#170, 2403 N. 10th. St. McAllen, Tx 78501
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COUNTY’S FIRST DEMOCRAT CHAIRWOMAN
I hope you enjoy our culture stories on Quinceaneras this month. Whether classical or contemporary, these traditions are making a powerful comeback in the Valley and in essence, represent the strong sense of family cultural values familiar to our community. The Valley’s most celebrated fitness expert, Carlos Hernandez, shares his secrets about staying in shape through determination minus all the gismos and quick fixes to achieve lasting results. Learn more about these and other Valley stories at our hubpage, www.contempomag.com
Contempo
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Clay Shoot
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SWEET 16
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DRAWS TOP GUNS TO THE 4E RANCH
A LA MODE FOR MARINA JO CHAIRES
TRADITIONAL 36 Quinceañera FOR EMILY GONZALEZ-DICKSON
34 the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
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CARLOS HERNANDEZ
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ON FITNESS SHORTCUTS
page 5 ContempoMag.com
Valley Pioneer
Dolly Elizondo Madame Chair
Leader of the Democratic Party
Dolly Elizondo Hidalgo’s First Madame Chair
page 6 ContempoMag.com
Y
ears before she was elected as the leader of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party, Dolly L. Elizondo had several different roles, mother, teacher, then entepreneur. She grew up in Mission, Texas in a hard-working middle class home. Her dad was a bread salesman and her mom a school teacher. “I used to get up at 3am and find my mom studying at the kitchen table,” recalls Elizondo. Education was a life long lesson she never forgot. In all that she has done till today education and family life have always been the mainstay to who and what she has become. Of all the tricks that life can play it’s hard to imagine that Dolly did not take the normal path. She married at 19 and graduated from college ten years after high school. She taught Jr. High and High School English.
In 1996 she obtained a Master’s Degree in education while raising two daughters as a single mom. Today she is a real estate developer and broker. “I bought my first real estate company as a salesperson in 1999 with a partner and fell in love with the business,” she says. But that wasn’t enough. Dolly has since gone solo and now owns a Mission based real estate company. She went on to achieve the coveted Certified Commercial Investment Management designation. CCIM is nationally recognized in the real estate profession and has been awarded to only 3,000 real estate practitioners throughout the United States. Most notably, Dolly was the first woman south of San Antonio to be awarded the designation. “I knew that as a women, one way to be a more competative realtor was to continue the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
my industry certification studies,” she adds, “I also wanted to show my daughters that learning is a life long process.” And stepping up is what she did. With a successful career in real estate and two daughters all grown up and in college Dolly decided, with the help of close friends, to run for political office. “I had been registering people to vote and working campaigns since my daughters were very young, but I never imagined myself in office.” Recognizing the need for change in a year of change Elizondo adjusted comfortably to her new role. She is after all, the first woman to hold the office. “It was a boy’s club, where not everyone felt like they belonged,” she says. Today Elizondo has kept her campaign promise of inclusivity and is moving the party into the technology age. Under page 7 ContempoMag.com
her guidance, Hidalgo County now proudly hosts three Democratic clubs– Stonewall Democrats, Young Democrats, and Democratic Women, of which she served as the first president. This is not exactly the resume of a valley native who married young and attended college as a single mom of two, ten years after high school. So what next? Elizondo is finishing her first term and is up for re-election. When we asked if she will run again for an elected position which she does without pay, she says, “Absolutely!” Elizondo’s resume counts many firsts and we can add another as we go to print. Currently Dolly is hard at work on her re-election fundraiser. The 1st annual Dems for Dolly, Ride to G.O.T.V (get out the vote). “I love cycling and decided it would be fun to get my supporters involved, I plan to make it an annual event and when I am no longer Chair I will donate the proceeds to proven voter registration projects in Hidalgo County,” Elizondo says. What would she do if she is no longer Madame Chair? “That’s a great question,” she replies. “And the answer is, set my sights to a higher office when the time is right.” C
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Travel Destination-Mexico
Fierce Semi Nomadic Warriors Confounded the Spanish Well into the 17th Century Archeologic Excavation Starts Soon Only 20 Mins. From Querertaro Intl. Airport
The Living Chichimecas of La Trinidad
L
by Ralph Magaña
ong before the Spaniards made sail in conquest of New Spain, the semi-nomadic Chichimecans dwelled in Northern and Central Mexico. While other Nahua groups began settlements, many Chichimecan tribes tended to be more nomadic well into the 17th Century. They subsisted on wild game, berries and insects and were well know as fierce warriors by other more civilized and settled Nahua groups. Later, the invading Spaniards found them to be a worthy adversary in the Mixton Rebellion. page 10 ContempoMag.com
I visited an archeological Chichimecan site about 30 miles southeast of the city of Queretaro that was located near one of several area opal mines. Like others I have seen, it is situated on a level plane, atop a moderately sized mountain with a natural barrier in the form of a 300 foot shear cliff, that was clearly chosen for it’s defensibility. The site hasn’t been excavated so you must look through the underbrush to see it’s features. But it certainly was a major
Stones arranged in semi-circles were everywhere. One deep structure resembled an amphitheater with a diameter of over 40 feet wide and over 30 feet deep.
Curator, Daniel Martell indicates where the defensive wall starts. It extends for over 300 feet along the most vulnerable side of the fortress.
The wall continues well beyond to the east. At this point, the attachers had to overcome the inhabitants because all other sides were protected by natural shear cliffs. establishment based on the large number of structures. There is a ball court, several small and one large amphitheater, what appears to be cooking ovens, stone trails and a small pyramid. From the mountaintop you can see all around the surrounding plains below for miles. It is clear that all the stonework held sharp lines at one time and the area was littered with artifacts that included cooking utensils and tools for hunting made from obsidian and granite. As well, statues and
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The inhabitants had an excellent view of the Valley below and shear cliffs on three side for a formidable defensive position.
Many cactus flower bloom in daylight. Both bees and fruit bats gorge on their pollen.
Figurines have been located at the site along with other artifacts although they have not yet begu heavy excavation.
Rapelling is a popular sport from off the mesa cliffs that drop over 200 feet straight down not far from the site.
municipality, along with the help of the National Archeological Society, hopes to Daniel Martell, my guide for the visit build a suspension tram so that tourists and local curator, showed me some cu- will be able to access caves where earlier rious natural banzai trees growing atop inhabitants lived. the mesa. They look just like banzai with small limbs and heavy trunks, and as he “La Trinidad” is a truly curious site, beexplained, took on the appearance because cause the people who once inhabited the of the low soil content on the rocky sur- area still remain–absorbed into local vilface. Although, they range in age between lage populations overtime. 20 to 40 years old, the ones I saw were no Along the one, more easily accessible side more than 20 inches in height. of the steep mountain, the Chichimecans Along a nearby cliff wall across the ravine built a defensive, fourteen foot flagstone are clusters of cliff caves that for now are and granite wall that had a stepped inner only accessible by repelling. The local rampart where warriors could rain arrows maguey thorns used for stitching.
Tequisquiapan, Qro. Mex. www.villaflorencia.com.mx 011.52.414.2733029 page 12 ContempoMag.com
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down on attackers below. The wall looks to be more than three hundred feet long and many sections are still mangled with overgrowth until more advanced excavation is accomplished. This will be a great spot for tourists to visit once more work is done to gain access to the site. They hope to build a visitor center, bike trails and a museum. It is a special and enlightening experience to explore archeological sites like this. As I walked about the ruins of this fascinating site I imagined what life was like for these ancient, fierce and primitive people who are still there today, now settled in local villages nearby. The Queretaro International Airport is only 20 minutes away and the Mexico City airport is about 2 hours to the south. There are wonderful hotels nearby in Queretaro, Tequis and in San Juan Del Rio, all less than 35 minutes from the site. The Opal mines are nearby and are open for tours. We will be featuring a story about them next month. The mines have been there for centuries and today attract visitors from all over the world. C learn more about this story at contempomag.com page 14 ContempoMag.com
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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." St. Francis of Assisi page 15 ContempoMag.com
Politics-The Texas Race for Governor EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
TOM SCHIEFFER
DEMOCRATE FOR GOVERNOR
Contempo
1. The struggle for the Hispanic vote will be criti- 8 in the recent constitutional amendments election.
exclusive interview with cal. The party has had its ups and downs since When I become governor, Hispanics in Texas will Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Bush began courting Hispanics as governor. How have a voice in the governor’s office, and the Valwill you go about securing Hispanic votes? What ley will be well represented in my appointments to Schieffer.
The Fort Worth native and Democrat was 25 when he was elected in 1972 to his first of three terms in the Texas House of Representatives. Schieffer sponsored legislation creating the first presidential primary in Texas, a conservation bill restricting the catch of redfish along the Texas coast and a law reinforcing health and safety standards in child care facilities.
do you think are the key political issues for the state boards and commissions. Hispanic community and how can you convince Valley citizens that you care and will pay more at- 2. Should state funds or efforts be used to enforce tention to our area? federal immigration laws? The current Republican leadership in Austin has forgotten that the people living south of San Antonio are a part of this great state. My campaign really started in South Texas, courting the Hispanic vote. Early on, I visited more than 20 South Texas counties, meeting with leaders and everyday citizens from Laredo to Brownsville to Corpus Christi to Port Lavaca and points in between. I asked the advice of longtime South Texas leaders such as Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, who has endorsed me, and former Cameron County Judge Gilberto Hinojosa, who is my statewide co-chair.
Schieffer, served as the United States Ambassador to Australia in 2001 and the U.S. Ambassador to Japan in 2005. He was instrumental in securing Australia's military assistance in the war on terror Under my administration, South Texas will be treatfollowing the terrorist attacks of 9/11. ed as the front door, not the back door, to Texas. In Japan, he was involved in negotiating a reorganization alliance with the U.S., and he campaigned to restore American beef imports to Japan after they were suspended over fears of "Mad Cow" disease. While there, Schieffer was a major player in the negotiations surrounding the Six Party Talks, which centered on North Korea's attempts to become a nuclear weapons state. Schieffer is the younger brother of longtime CBS newsman Bob Schieffer. He worked in several campaigns for the late Democratic U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen and was Tarrant County coordinator for two of Democratic Governor Mark White's campaigns. page 16 ContempoMag.com
Critical issues like education and health care will be my top priorities. We simply cannot afford the terrible dropout rates we now have among Hispanic children. We also have to dramatically improve access to health care, particularly for our children. During my first legislative session as governor, I will ask lawmakers to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program so that we can use the almost one billion dollars available to us at the federal level. Economic development, which is so important to the Rio Grande Valley, also will be among my early initiatives. Rather than simply giving lip-service to the problems of colonias, I will work with South Texas legislators like Representative Veronica Gonzales (who, along with seven other representatives from South Texas, has already endorsed me) to come up with real solutions to improve the quality of life of colonia families. And, recognizing that Hispanics in South Texas have sacrificed much to defend our great nation, I will work to bring a Veterans Administration hospital to the Valley. Toward that goal, I endorsed Proposition
Texas must use state funds and law enforcement officers to fight drug trafficking and state law violations along the border. Immigration is a federal issue that must be addressed by Washington. I oppose the building of a wall separating Texas from Mexico, a country with whom Texans have strong cultural, family and economic ties. The federal government needs to overhaul immigration laws to allow immigrants who want to work legally in this country to find jobs, pay taxes and become productive members of the community. One of the consequences of having local law enforcement agencies trying to enforce immigration laws has been an increase in racial profiling. That must end, and I will do everything in my power as governor to ensure that no Texans are targeted by law enforcement agencies because of their ethnic origin or color of their skin. 3. What should the state of Texas do differently in its relationship with Mexico? Mexico is Texas’ number one trading partner. Not only do we share a border, but we also share, to a large extent, economies and problems of crime, disease and other concerns that aren’t affected by the international boundary. We need to partner with Mexico and stop demonizing Mexicans as the cause of every problem we have in this country. Together, we can improve the lives of people on both sides of our border. 4. Are you committed to improving trade with Mexico? Please explain. Yes, I am committed to improving trade with Mexico. A critical part of that effort is to assure a strong economic future for the Valley and all of Texas. The
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4309 W. Business 83, McAllen, Texas 78501 / 956.688.6900 first step is improving the public schools, assuring that the Valley and Texas will have the strong, educated work force necessary to attract quality businesses and be a strong trading partner in the globalized economy. 5. Should Texans consider a voucher system for education? No. Private schools make an important contribution. But the vast majority of Valley and Texas students are in public schools. Public schools are the heart of our educational system, the ladder to success, and our resources must be reserved for them. 6. What is your agenda for dealing with the high drop-out rates in Texas public schools?
As president of the Texas Rangers baseball team, I proposed moving baseball spring training for our team and others from Florida to the Rio Grande Valley. I made that initiative because I believe in the tremendous potential of the Valley as a tourism center. We were not able to recruit enough teams, and I believe it was baseball’s loss because the Valley would have been an economic boon for the franchises. With South Padre Island, beautiful birding centers, a welcoming culture and perfect weather for vacationers, the Valley is a perfect haven for tourists. As governor, I will ensure that South Texas gets its fair share of state dollars to promote tourism, and I will work with Valley leaders to explore other ways to help boost the area as a summer and winter vacation destination.
9. Do you hunt or fish? What game? Favorite food and music to dance to? Tell us about your family? I love the outdoors and get out as much as I can. I fish more than I hunt. Tex-Mex and barbecue are my favorite foods, and, unfortunately, I’m not a very good dancer. I am very proud of my family. Family always has been important to me. My wife, Susanne, and I have been married for 30 years. We have one son, Paul, who is working in the campaign. I also am very proud of my brother and sister. My brother, Bob Schieffer, became famous as a newsman for CBS. And my sister, Sharon Mayes, has been very successful as a teacher and high school principal. My siblings and I have always been close.
8. Our beautiful parks, lakes, coastline and river need the attention other sectors get. What can 10. Are there any other issues South Texas voters you as Governor do to improve South Texas Out- should consider about your campaign? doors? I believe that for too long South Texas has been Our natural resources are precious and must not be ignored when it comes to critical transportation taken for granted. I will reassert Texas’ control over dollars. The Rio Grande Valley is the largest comits own environment. The Perry administration has munity in the country without access to an interbeen so lax in protecting the quality of our air and state highway. I will do everything in my power as water that the federal government is now threaten- governor to make sure that Interstate 69 becomes ing to take over the job. We must not allow that a reality. And I will oppose any attempt to revive to happen. As governor, I will take proactive steps the Trans Texas Corridor. We need to reform the to assure that Texas protects its own environment Department of Transportation so that areas like the and preserves our beautiful parks, rivers, lakes and Valley are more represented on the commission. 7. What can the state do to help promote tourism coastline for future generations to enjoy. And I will South Texans need to be at the table when highway appoint South Texans to the state boards respon- dollars are being allocated. Under my administrain the Valley? tion, they will be. C sible for carrying out the task. We need to make the public education system fit the kid and stop trying to make the kid fit the system. We need to expand early childhood education programs to three- and four-year-olds. Research has shown that those programs work. The earlier children have success in a learning environment the more likely they are to stay in school. We need to make sure that there is something at school that makes our young people want to be there. Right now we are so fixated on testing them that we have forgotten that the point of school is to become educated, not just to pass a test.
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IRON CHEF
GREAT VALLEY CHEFS BATTLE FOR THE VALLEY’S MOST DISTINGUISHING HONOR With one hour to prep and serve four judges, strict guidelines, and a “special ingredient” 12 local and regional chefs come together for the March of Dimes and for an exceptional night of rare culinary excellence. by Ralph Magaña
THE STIFF COMPETITION Osukas, Yokos The Spanish Room, Alhambra, House. Wine., Copper Canyon, Pepper’s at Uptown,The Club at Cimarron, Chef B the Restaurant, IDEA Public Schools, Feldman’s Market Center and the Dodge Arena had their eye on the prize at the 2nd Annual IRON CHEF FOOD FIGHT. page 18 ContempoMag.com
Pepperdews–secret ingredient
and present their creations in just one hour using strict criteria including the use of pepidue.They were judged on taste, presentation and creativity. Busy chefs, with the aid of their staff, were hurriedly running around the Cimarron stainless steel kitchen, voicing directions and searching for spices with an eye on the clock. From 9 am till about 6 p.m. they took, in turn, command of the kitchen with onlookers observing but unable to render assistance.
Leave it to Chef Santiago De La Cruz to come up with some-
thing called a pepperdew chile pepper (an uncommon pickled condiment with a sweet/sour taste) as a surprise ingredient the contestants had to incorporate into their entries that were judged by four panelists and later at the formal “People’s Choice” evening event on Wednesday night. The judged format was challenging and required the contestants to prepare, cook
One by one, they presented their culinary creations to the judges and described how they utilized the special ingredient in their recipe. Several entrees were allowed so many actually prepared two or three using lamb and snapper.The rushing about and efforts to sequence their preparations made for a dramatic show much like that seen on nationally televised events. All Chefs did a great job, and I as a judge, had a very difficult time sizing up the entries for my perspective. There were some truly original and delightful creations like cedar pressed grilled lamb and wonderful sauces using the pepperdew peppers in combination with fresh herbs from the Cimarron garden for the fish entrees. Also, considering the time element, all chefs
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page 19 ContempoMag.com
Yoko’s Chef Alex starts on a seafood roll using the required pepperdew peppers
Executive Chefs Rudy Sanchez & Byron Chargois planning their entry
Feldmans Market Center’s Chef Rafael Gonzalez & staff in full swing
Chef Agustin Hernandez of the Dodge Arena measuring a precise cut of lamb
a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Executive Chef, Zenon Ollis is on the stuffed quail
Chef Larry Delgado of House. Wine. contemplates a cedar press on lamb
had splendid presentations that looked like something they readied out for an advertising campaign.The evening festivities were spectacular and very well attended. “We had four more entries than last year’s eight chefs and had to open up the entire clubhouse this year to handle the larger crowd,” says Santiago. C Top honor went to the Spanish Room of the historic Renaissance Hotel for the judged competition and second place was awarded to Alhambra, a new restaurant opening along McAllen’s 17th street entertainment district.The People’s Choice Awards went to Yokos (first place) and House. Wine. (second place).
page 20 ContempoMag.com
Palleya Master, Copper Canyon’s Chef Cesar Garza fusing spices for his entree
Alhambra’s award winning Executive Chef James Cantor & J. C. Zapata
Chef Thom McCalla of Pepper’s at Uptown at the evening affair on Wednesday
Cimarron’s Chef Danny Ordaz Jr. put the finishing touches over stuffed lamb
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Every day in Texas, 150 babies are
born too soon. Many of these babies will not live to see their first birthdays or are likely to face a host of health challenges throughout their fragile lives. For more than 60 years the March of Dimes has worked to improve the lives of small babies who suffer from mental retardation, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing problems and from lung disease. Their research has lead to critical advances in neonatal intensive care while they campaign to promote the importance of folic acid for the prevention of birth defects. The March of Dimes has made great strides towards fulfilling it’s mission, but there is still much to be done. Your generous support to the March of Dimes will go along way to helping save the lives of countless babies and give them a fighting chance at life. C Please support the March of Dimes.
Cimarron’s Executive Chef Santiago De La Cruz keeping everything all square.
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Women’s Health PREVENT BIRTH DEFECTS WITH EARLY PRENATAL CARE Y ou have probably heard the adage, “ an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
order to achieve a successful outcome in their pregnancy. Identifying women at risk and preQuite simply, it means that if you take a few venting complications in pregnancy is thereeasy steps to prevent a problem it can save you fore the crux of family planning, screening a world of trouble trying to fix it. This is true and prenatal care. in pregnancy. Since teenage pregnancies account for a large number of today’s pregnan- Planning a pregnancy begins with a visit to the cies, they are usually unplanned. Therefore, doctor. A thorough family history to identify very little is done if anything to prepare for genetic risks factors coupled with a personal the long and rocky road of pregnancy. While medical history are key. Both partners in the youth and relatively good health may spare relationship will contribute their genetic inmost teenage moms the consequences of not formation to their babies, so the proposed fahaving early and regular prenatal care, this ther of the baby should take part in the intermay not hold true in subsequent pregnancies. view. This history is followed by a physical. Many girls who have their first baby without A physical exam will identify health problems any problems assume that it will be the same that will need to be addressed before concepnext time. This misconception is dangerous, tion, or that require special intervention during and it creates problems and complications pregnancy. Lab work is needed to screen for that could otherwise be avoided. Planning a certain conditions that can harm the mother pregnancy and obtaining early prenatal care or the baby. For example, certain antibodies can help achieve a favorable and memorable found in the mom’s blood can attack the baby. outcome. I strongly recommend this to women Diabetes can cause serious malformations, of all ages. miscarriages, and stillborns. Contracting certain illnesses such as rubella, or German meaPregnancy is a natural process not an illness. sles, during pregnancy due to a lack of immuFor this reason some people argue that medi- nity can devastate a pregnancy. Anemia can cal intervention in pregnancy and childbirth is cause poor fetal growth, maternal shortness virtually unnecessary. I point out that the laws of breath, fatigue, etc. All of these things can of natural selection that allow only the stron- be identified and treated prior to pregnancy. gest members of a species to survive have been Finally, a deficiency of certain vitamins and bent in our medically advanced world. In the nutrients like folic acid can cause birth depast, women with certain illnesses, pelvic de- fects. Taking vitamins with folic acid before formities, genetic disorders, or complications and during pregnancy can significantly reduce in pregnancy would often die in childbirth or neural tube defects. These include the absence have a stillborn. This seemingly cruel process of the brain and skull and/or spinal cord malwould effectively limit the passage of certain formations. You should expect a prescription unfavorable genes to future generations. The for prenatal vitamins before you leave the docadvent of modern medicine has enabled us to tor’s office. avoid many such disastrous outcomes. Thus the genes that would normally be eliminated Well, now that you have gone through your are allowed to continue from one generation checklist, are you home free? Not quite. You to the next. Subsequent childbearing women miss your period and all five pregnancy tests must therefore rely on medical intervention in from Wal-Mart are positive. Now what? Well
page 26 ContempoMag.com
if you planned your pregnancy, you tell the father of the baby, and you hope that he doesn’t catch the first flight out of town. Then you visit your doctor. You do not wait until after the first three months. These first twelve weeks of pregnancy are crucial. The baby’s organs develop almost completely during this time. This is when most risks can be identified and many malformations can be prevented. This is also when most miscarriages occur. Some miscarriages can be prevented. On the other hand, if you didn’t plan your pregnancy, and you live with your parents, you will likely hide it from them as long as you can. This is the wrong thing to do. You must get prenatal care as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. It is my experience that the pregnancy will eventually go away, but it will take about forty weeks. So you might as well get help. Pregnancy has many ups and downs, too many to discuss in this brief article. It is an exciting time and a miraculous event. Most pregnancies go fairly well. For those that do not, it is nice to have medical help readily available. We have made so many advances in how we manage pregnancy, but a successful outcome still depends largely on a mom’s desire to do what is best for her baby. C Dr. Almaguer is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology; Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; Residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; Graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School Houston; Graduate of the University of Houston.
The Right Choice For Women Carlos Almaguer, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Board Certified in OB/GYN
Almaguer & Associates
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Pre Pregnancy Screening and Planning, Care of High and Low Risk Pregnancies, Early Prenatal Care, 4-D Ultrasonography, Tender Loving Care! Most Insurances & Medicaid Accepted, Rererrals Welcome. Same Day Appointments Available / Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00AM–5:00PM 222 E. Ridge Rd., Ste 106 / McAllen, Texas 78503 / Phone: (956) 668-9100 / Fax: (956) 668-9101 the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
page 27 ContempoMag.com
Valley Outdoors
OPERATION GAME THIEF HOLDS CLAY STOPPERS SHOOTOUT AT THE 4E On October 10th hundreds of wing
shooters from across Texas and the Rio Grande Valley descended on the 4E Ranch north of Edinburg for a highly competitive, team sporting clay shoot hosted by Arturo Guerra, OGT board member and past president, and sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The event was held to benefit the Texas Game Warden’s efforts to curtail poaching and to raise funds for a statewide public awareness campaign. The event included 12 field shooting stations where each team member fired no less than 4 shots, usually at doubles on the pull. Stations were manned by one of a dozen game wardens who came from all around the state. They offered one free look at the target pattern before each member fired in turn. The format generated a lot of excitement for the shooting teams because, unlike traditional sheet or trap, it presented many unaccustomed, highly difficult shooting scenarios where each member tries to get a good bead on lead and pitch from his team mates.
Better one shot than two on this tricky, double pull that crosses between the trees. page 28 ContempoMag.com
The course was extremely difficult and
Team Fox Packaging tries to get a fix on a tough station that leads clay targets away on a curved trajectory.
Another challenging station where on coming clays split away to the left and right of the shooter with a quick drop
well design to include a variety of challenging shot angles and obstructions for the shooters. One station ejects two clays (one bouncing) simultaneously at a tough right angle and from the same direction but at different speeds, making for two different leads. It’s called “the rabbit”and is disguised by ground clutter. Here the shooter is given only an instant to break both clays.
12 stations with 4 to 6 targets fired simultaneously in doubles were positioned for different wind factor effects and angles.
comes from each side of the shooter’s box leading away and above towards a gap between two tall trees. The clays are designed to cross each other at a specific point where the shooter has a chance to break both clays with one shot. Or he can try to pick them off, one at a time, which by then is usually too late.
afternoon for a full day of shooting. At the 4E guest house the teams enjoyed a special steak lunch prepared by the game wardens served around the shaded pool deck.
Everything about the 4E makes you feel like you are on the set of the once popular T. V. series “Dallas.” It is a fabulous place for large parties and is Because of the large number of partic- by far the finest venue in the Valley for Another station (pictured left) in- ipants, rounds were scheduled for both this type of event. cludes a double, fired on “pull,” that a morning segment and another in the the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
page 29 ContempoMag.com
Shooters settle in for a steak lunch prepared by the Texas Game Wardens on the 4E pool patio Ranch owners Amy and French Ellison recently added a 6,000 square foot pavilion to host sporting clay events. The structure is lighted for night events and encompasses 12 raised stations that offer even the skilled wing shooter a challenge. The ranch is prepared for all kinds of day and overnight events with sleeping quarters for up to 10 quests who can stay up as long as they like and safely sleep-in for
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Che Guerra, Pete Flores, David Guerra, Amy Ellison, Eddie Guerra
Judge Arturo Guerra, Luis Izaguirre, Felo Guerra, Che Guerra, Nacho Garza and David Guerra. Shawn McLelland, Jerry Box, Cullen Looney, Randy McLelland, Bill Robertson on the 4E patio.
The raised shooting platform at the 4E Ranch
First Place Group Winners Border Capital Bank A Fast Bail Bonds Guerra Brothers Starr Feed Yards International Bank Fox Packaging
French Ellison, Dawn Messina, Dawn McFadin and Brenda Hollis
a “country morning” after all the fun. The contemporary styled main house at the 4E Estate consists of a grand living room with 20 ft. ceilings, all leather furnishings, a fully modern kitchen and dining area, an entertainment room, a master suite and bath, and an exercise room. Each room on the estate is accented with elegant designer furniture, appliances, and unique artwork. The Ranch represents a great alternathe Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
tive for any business or social function that is best served out-of-the-box. For any type of large outdoor event the 4E Ranch should be a list topper as it sets a new standard in all South Texas as the premier overnight “great outdoor” meeting and party venue. C by Ralph Magaña To inquire about the 4E Ranch contact Amy at: amy@4eranch.com page 31 ContempoMag.com
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER The McAllen Christmas Pageant
Since 1983, over 130,000 people
have been blessed by the sights and sounds of The McAllen Christmas Pageant. The McAllen Christmas Pageant has become a heart-warming Rio Grande Valley Christmas tradition and the perfect way to begin the Christmas season. People from all over have enjoyed this awe-inspiring production that has evolved over the years to feature a 30 foot tall “Living Christmas Tree,” elaborate sets and lights, with a unique and different telling of the story of the birth and life of Jesus Christ each year. In 2007, the “Living Christmas Tree” retired to make way for the premiere of the “Living Christmas Tree Forest.” Over 50 densely lit Christmas trees, computer choreographed and synchronized, create a light show like no other. This year the forest continued to “grow” and featured over 84,000 LED lights! Lighthearted and fun songs, updated traditional carols, scenes of Christmas with falling snow, carolers, kids, elaborate sets and costumes and a live Nativity are all intertwined to focus hearts on the true meaning of Christmas.
2009 Christmas Pageant Dates: Thursday, December 10, 7 PM Friday, December 11, 7 PM Saturday, December 12, 2:30 PM & 7 PM Sunday, December 13, 2:30 PM & 7 PM Tickets available November 16th at the Pageant Ticket Office, Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM. or call 956-682-2291 ext. 126 page 32 ContempoMag.com
www.fbcpageant.com
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 Financial Advisors 4900 North 10th Street, Building D1 McAllen, TX 78504 956-345-3530 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
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page 33 ContempoMag.com
On Valley Culture
Sweet Sixteen Marina Jo A Treasured Heritage with a Contemporary Influence by Crystal Felici
eantry, decor and great food. As she spiraled down the staircase her grandmother sang for her a song she once sung and wrote for Missy, on her daugther’s 15th birthday.
M
arina Jo Chairez celebrates the rites of passage at her Sweet Sixteen birthday party with all the GLITZ & GLAZ of a Hollywood production. Taking a cue from her mom, Missy Chairez, Marina Jo modeled and danced to choreographed contemporary music, but also a mariachi serenade. She performed several solo dance routines and had a mini fashpage 34 ContempoMag.com
Marina Jo is currently in the top ten percent of her school class and is a member of the National Honor Society. She performs on the drill team for which she won Jr. Soloist Dance Champion in San Antonio. Marina Jo’s titles include Little Miss RGV, Miss Pre-Teen South ion show. Modeling elegant garments for her Texas and Miss Pre-Teen Texas. guests in this contemporary event and offering a video cronology, Marina Jo also kept with With help and incouragement from her parsome familiar family tradition through song, ents, Jorge and Missy Vargas, Marina Jo has excelled in a young modeling career, workdance and rememberance. ing for giants like Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Just about everyone danced with the birthday Macy’s, GAP, and in a national campaign for girl and totally enjoyed the entertaining pag- Wallmart. C
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page 35 ContempoMag.com
On Multiculturalism
Quinceañera Traditional Emily A Treasured Heritage with Contemporary Influence
In Puerto Rico, many young girls celebrate their quinceañera with the theme based on the Carnaval de Ponce, held in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Much like Mardi Gras, the Carnavale of Venice and Rio de Janeiro, this tradition has been around for about one hundred and forty five years. Like the Carnaval de Barranquilla, it lasts for five days before Ash Wednesday, ending with the false funeral for La Sardina to symbolize the end of the festivities and the beginning of Lent where meat can no longer be consumed and it is replaced by sardinas or sardines. The distinctive costumes making the celebration unique include the Vejigantes so called because they carry blown balloons of bright colors to symbolize vejigas, or blown up animal bladders. Vejigantes walk around wearing bright silk suits with frills, wings and horned masks symbolizing demonic faces that beat unwary spectators with their vejigas. “Vejigantes a la boya, pan y cebolla,” is a traditional chant said during the wild festivities.
by Emily Gonzalez-Dickson
I smooth the wrinkles from my dress for the twentieth time, waiting anxiously for my grand entrance. I look desperately at my parents, and they give me reassuring glances. I hear my name through the speakers, at which we slowly float through the grand mahogany doors into a room filled with smiling faces. I glide to a melancholic tune, and I ascend the stage and take in my surroundings: bursts of tropical color contrasting the white of the sofas on the lounge, exotic flowers, neon lights and embellished tables with foreign delicacies add to the rare ambience of my quinceañera. My dress itself reflects the uniqueness of the party, sheets of gold, brown and olive organza layered under a gold bodice. I dance the night away and when the end comes close I slip on a traditional Colombian dress and dance
page 36 ContempoMag.com
chestra on Monday and finally ending with El Desfile de la 84 on Tuesday where a fictional character, Joselito Carnaval, dies and is buried to symbolize the end of the carnival. Each event is marked with spurs of color, cumbiambas, danza and costumes such as the marimondas where men dress up in fine suits wearing elephant-like masks to mock the Colombian government and its society. The origin of this carnival can be traced back to ancestral African festivals, and the tradition still remains strong throughout.
a traditional Colombian song with my best friend Mario Martinez. As I spin and move my hips to the enthralling hymn of my roots, my dress moves with me, portraying in vivid colors each quality of a region in Colombia. The music, the food, the decorations all help make that place a little slice of Colombia and Puerto Rico combined, and most importantly, an unforgettable night for everybody. In Colombia, many young girls celebrate their quinceañera with the theme based on the Carnaval de Barranquilla. This carnival is celebrated 5 days before Ash Wednesday, starting on Friday and lasting all through Tuesday with festivities everyday. The Batalla de Flores on Friday, La Gran Parada Saturday, La Parada de Fantasía on Sunday, El Festival de Or-
I knew making a themed party in a culture where traditional quinceañeras prevailed would be very risky, and quite a change from the norm. But as I saw the wonder unfold and dance in the faces of my guest I knew I had done the right thing by combining my two cultures. I am Puerto Rican and Colombian, and with the help of my friends and family I was able to combine the unique qualities of each to make a party that was not only different, but effortless to plan. There is no order or strict tradition, only wild uncontrolled celebration. Where the guests came first and there was no limitation to what you wanted or desired, everything was yours. Where self consciousness went out the window and whether you knew how do dance or not didn’t matter, all that anyone cared about was your yeaning to have fun. Where everyone found the true meaning of a night in the Caribbean… C
2200 S. 10th St. / 688-3760 Monday-Saturday 8 am-8pm Sunday 11 am-6 pm
La Plaza Mall-West
2200 S. 10th St. / 688-3660 Monday-Saturday 9 am-8 pm Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Wal-Mart McAllen
1200 E. Jackson / 688-3685 Monday-Saturday 9 am-8 pm Sunday 11 am-6 pm
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301 S. 10th St. / 688-3610 Lobby Monday-Saturday 8:30 am-6 pm Saturday 9 am-5 pm Sunday 12 pm-5 pm Drive Thru Monday-Friday 7:30 am-5 pm
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page 37 ContempoMag.com
Spotlight On:
Carlos Hernandez The Valley’s Celebrity Fitness Trainer Says:
Firm the Body, Uplift the Spirit, & Forget about the Quick Fix W ith pressure to look perfect, a quick fix or magic diet pill always sounds appealing.
Carlos Hernandez, the man responsible for keeping the Viper girls in tip top shape shares his secrets to staying motivated and making working out a way of life. Ten years ago, Carlos Hernandez began transforming bodies. The 28 year old with soulful brown eyes talks passionately about fitness and the state of mind required to really see changes in your body. “As a skinny thirteen year old, I use to flip through body building magazines and wonder what it took to look like them, so
page 38 ContempoMag.com
one summer I really challenged myself. By working out hard and eating healthy I put on thirty five pounds of muscle and I was amazed to realize we all actually have so much control over our bodies.” Hernandez says every year he began to see more improvement and by age fifteen he was hooked. Now, as a certified fitness trainer and specialist in performance nutrition, Hernandez is known in the Valley as one of the top personal fitness trainers. With anti-aging remedies always being sought after, Hernandez says working out is one of the best methods of staying healthy. With his slogan that reads, “Slow the clock, Stay Fit, Live Long”, Hernandez says he wants to make the Valley more health conscious while improving his clients’ quality of life. He stresses that working out should not be thought of as an option but instead a daily need that exists in order for us to feel and look our best. Not only does he stress the importance of exercise, but he stresses and encourages a healthy emotional state as well. With a positive attitude, he constantly gives his clients encouragement and hope toward meeting their fitness goals. Instead of chasing the perfect cosmetic procedure, we should spend more time going after healthy “spirit uplifting” routines that make our bodies feel and look great. Hernandez says the most common mistake is that people want the “quick fix”. He says that a quick fix is not realistic while gradual changes are always achievable. By setting short term goals, and committing to an exercise regimen, improvement is inevitable. Hernandez works closely with his clients providing one of a kind tailored routines to meet each of his clients needs. Clients of his rave about how good they feel after a workout with him and one said her spirits are raised in just one hour with him. With clients such as the Viper Snake Charmers, the Rio Grande Valley pageant girls, Larry Moss (acting coach to Leonardo Di Caprio, Orlando Bloom and Sandra Bullock) and so many fitness enthusiasts, Hernandez is the man to go to for results. While working with some of the Valley’s hottest bodies, Hernandez also enjoys training the average person seeking to begin their journey to a life changing body transformation. His friendly and charismatic personality makes him effective while being the most sought after trainer in the Upper Rio Grande Valley. C By: Crystal Felici
the Valley’s No. 1 On-Line Magazine
page 39 ContempoMag.com
Si No Has Venido A Poncho’s No Has Venido Al Valle!
Disponible para todo evento social Areas Abiertas - Privados - Palapas Capacidad Hasta 1000 Personas para reservaciones llama
956.782.9991 / 607.8612 808 N. Cage, Pharr Tx
Dejate Venir a Poncho’s Y Prueba Nuestros Ricos Platillos Bien Estilo Casero.
Desayuno Lunch Cena Dom.-Juev. 7AM - 11PM Vie.-Sab. 7AM - 2AM
page 40 ContempoMag.com