The City Magazine AUG 2014

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FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF August, 2014

Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com

BUSINESS MANAGER COVER: Miss El Paso 2014-2015 Victoria Sinclair PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Dav Anmed

DESIGN BY: Ernie Sanchez Creative

COVER STORY BY: Meagan Kinley

JEWELRY PROVIDED BY: Jewel Gallery

HAIR BY: David Paul

MAKEUP BY: Claudia Castillo

Josh Sanchez josh@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITOR Kim North kim@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/STAFF WRITER Meagan Kinley

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER/ EVENT COORDINATOR Chaz Wilson

EDITORIAL DESIGN Ernie Sanchez Creative

WEB PRODUCER Ryan Heape ryan@thecitymagazineelp.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Natalie Rosales natalie@thecitymagazineelp.com

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I’ve had a great experience with the folks at The City Magazine recently, wanted you to know. Super efficient at getting the advertising done and everyone was a pleasure to work with. Thanks and I will send more business your way.

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Dr. Brandon Broome

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Letter to the Editor Shelley,

“The City ” El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 5925 Silver Springs Dr., Suite A El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors.

Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732.

Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.

All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editors in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine.

All rights reserved.

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Felipa Solis, Jannet Bustillos, Grace Neuhaus, Michelle Cromer, Patrick Martínez, Meagan Kinley, Josh Sanchez, Michael Graham, Vic Poulos, Brittany Sawrey, Joann Wardy, Natalie Rosales, Erika Lopez, Candace Vasquez, Jose Soto, Laura Werthmann, Matthew Wilkson, Amanda North, Matthew Abraham, Adair Margo, Audrey Tolliver, Nick Houser, Eddie Cepeda, JoLene Keipp, Valentin Sandoval, John Del Rosario, Ashleigh Martin.

PHOTOGRAPHY Dav Anmed, Robert Corral, Tommie Morelos, Billy Ray Jr.

INTERN Sara E. Flores, Audrey Tolliver, Denisse Limas

CREATIVE SUPPORT Theresa Guerra, Ibrahim Sánchez

The Heart Of El Paso

August, 2014

1122 Airway Blvd. | El Paso, Texas 79925 | (915) 771-5083 | hoyfoxvw.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

“Always wear an invisible crown, and if you treat yourself like a queen you will attract a king.”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF W

e all wear different crowns, I’m the

graceful ice skater training for the Olympics; and

“Queen” of my office – or so I’d like

she depends on sponsors just like pro golfers.

to believe. I’m the “Queen” of my

So what makes her different than the athletes of

home; OK maybe I live in fairytale land –

today? Get to know her and you will find out there

sometimes I’d rather wear the crown of a princess

is no difference. We’ve all heard the press make

because “Queens” have responsibilities.

fun of pageant girls. The truth is anyone can make ridiculous statements when put on the spot,

What a misconception I had about the world

holding that “unforgiving metal monster” we call

of pageant queens. Like most, I grew up not

a microphone. My point is many of these girls

understanding the pageant world. There’s a

have a plan and the pageant world is part of their

negative connotation to beauty, assuming that

pathway to fulfilling a larger goal, giving them the

women only get one gift: beauty or brains. The

edge they need to attain a platform for change.

more we as a society evolve and learn to accept

Let’s face it; if two potential hires stood in front

those who might have both of these gifts, we

of you and one had the title of Miss USA on her

understand that oftentimes there is more to a girl

resume, the Queen would get the second look

than meets the eye.

because, deep inside, we all know the mixture of beauty and brains can be a dangerous advantage.

Two years ago a Queen in training walked into

The world needs women of all gifts. Women who

my office. She wanted The City Magazine to

aren’t afraid to use the assets they have to help

sponsor her for the Miss El Paso Pageant. Pretty

them become successful.

she was, a diamond in the rough, with the determination of a hungry lioness – seeking out

This 2014 “We” The City Magazine cheered Miss

those who would help polish her into the Queen

Victoria Sinclair on as she won the coveted title –

she is today. Those of you who know me well

guess you could say I’m a little competitive myself.

know that I’ve had a special love for our newly crowned Miss El Paso, “Queen” Victoria Sinclair,

My advice to Victoria? Be the woman you want to

for some time now. She taught me to appreciate

meet, and remember that the only time a woman

what winning queens go through. Women of all

is helpless is when her nail polish is drying, and

backgrounds come together to compete for one

with that mentality all else will fall into place. Wish

thing, the crown. Ask her why she competes and

her luck as she travels to compete at Miss Texas.

she’ll tell you she likes competition – just like a football player, only she plays in high heels. She

This girl gives beauty a good name.

works out everyday, starting the season with two-a-days. She eats healthy, putting nothing (OK, almost nothing) into her body that a college track star wouldn’t. She practices her form, her smile, her walk, and prepares her wardrobe like a

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EL PASO MAGAZINE

August, 2014

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August, 2014

LOCALLY 89 OWNED BUSINESSES

contents 24

The City Presents

By: THE CITY

Profiles

42

34

VICTORIA SINCLAIR

Where are They Now?

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Adventure

Coming Soon: El Paso’s Own Touch City 3D Digital Wall

By: MEAGAN KINLEY

By: JOHN R.P. DEL ROSARIO

By: MEAGAN KINLEY

Miss El Paso Texas 2014

The City

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The City

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Creating the Perfect Cup 2Ten Coffee

The City

Soles Collide: Rocketbuster Boots Meets California Vans Co.

By: EDDIE CEPEDA

The City

48 58 Magical 64 70

New to the Scene The Art of Hiram Huerta By: JOLENE REZA KEIPP

By: JOSE SOTO

The Cit y

The City

The Art of Giving

By: ERIKA LOPEZ

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INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS PROF ILES By: THE CITY

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Music UTEP’s

in the ins Mounta eater Dinner Th

Hidden Gem

IVER EY TOLL By: AUDR

84

The City

Creating The Benito Juárez International Monument By: NICK HOUSER

78

The City

The Heart of Pro-Musica

By: VALENTIN SANDOVAL

80 Spirituality

By: FELIPA SOLIS

110 The City

West Texas BBQ Smoked Therapy By: EDDIE CEPEDA

Rituals: Navigating Creative Energy By: MICHELLE CROMER

114 The City

El Paso on Etsy A New Kind of Market

By: BRITTANY SAWREY

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August, 2014

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August, 2014

LOOK

The City

Tulasi

THE

Gopalan

120

122

Presenting Miss El Paso Texas 2014 and Miss El Paso Texas Teen 2014

Miss El Paso Texas Teen 2014

130 The City

By: MEAGAN KINLEY

135

A Safe Haven for Movie Buffs Alamo Drafthouse

The City

By: AMANDA NORTH

By: AUDREY TOLLIVER

138

His Prerogative

and

out

Fancy Meeting You Here

By: NATALIE ROSALES

140

Beauty

By: MATTHEW WILKSON

How to Repair Your Summer Hair

By: MATTHEW ABRAHAM

144

146

The City

The Genius of

TomLea in Washington, D.C. By: ADAIR MARGO

152

Fitness

Body Art A Few Fun Ways to Stay Active By: PATRICK MARTINEZ

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154

Travel

Etiquette

Parental Advice on Keys to a Successful Date By: JOANN WARDY

143 151 Love

Unexpected Adventures: Re-visiting Your Hometown

Rules When You’re in a Relationship

By: MEAGAN KINLEY

By: JANNET BUSTILLOS

Astrology

The History of Tarot Cards By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY

136

156

Wine

158

Food

162

Investment

The Art of the Wine Label

Tomatillos The Tiny Mexican Tomato

A Choice: Taxable or Tax-Free Income in Retirement?

By: VIC POULOS

By: ASHLEIGH MARTIN

By: TRAVIS HUGHES

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

The Contributors

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2

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1) Michael C. Graham 2) GRACE The Psychic Lady 3) FELIPA SOLIS 4) Meagan Kinley 5) MICHELLE CROMER 12

6) DAV ANMED 7) Victor Poulos 8) JANNET BUSTILLOS 9) Josh Sanchez 10) PATRICK L. MARTINEZ

August, 2014

11) Robert Corral 12) Candace Vasquez 13) ADAIR MARGO 14) Amanda NOrth 15) Brittany Sawrey www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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For full contributor bios go to www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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16) Erika Lopez 17) AUDREY TOLLIVER 18) Jose Soto 19) NICK HOUSER 20) EDDIE CEPEDA 14

21) JOLENE KEIPP 22) matthew Abraham 23) VALETIN SANDOVAL 24) JOHN DEL ROSARIO 25) Tommie Morelos

26) joann Wardy 27) Natalie Rosales 28) Matthew Wilkson 29) Laura Werthmann 30) ASHLEIGH MARTIN www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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m i s s e l pa s o t e x a s 2 0 1 4

August, 2014

THE SOFTER SIDE OF THE CITY’S

Reigning Queen Miss El Paso Texas 2014

VICTORIA SINCLAIR | By: MEAGAN KINLEY photography by: DAV ANMED |

W

e’ve all heard Mahatma Gandhi’s

of humility and love. She is eager to credit

really interested me; as the first Latina to

inspiring quote, “Be the change

her success to the many people in her life,

be crowned Miss USA, it was amazing to

you wish to see in the world,” but

who she says, have helped her every step

see someone reach that level of success,

very few people ever live up to the mission

of the way. “First of all, I wouldn’t be here

who like me, is proud of the Latina beauty.

and vision behind Gandhi’s challenging

today without my mother. She is everything

When I looked at her I saw beauty, poise, and

ideal. But in our own city of El Paso, there

to me and I owe who I am today to her,”

intelligence – beauty queens are very well

are amazing young people right here in our

said Victoria. Victoria’s mother, Liz Sinclair

rounded, they are women of the community,

midst, seeking to create equality, encourage

has held numerous positions for different

they are involved and do everything they can

opportunity and give hope to all. Victoria

charities all over El Paso including the

to create real change. As I grew up this was

Sinclair is one such woman, known most

YWCA, and most recently as the chair of the

always in my mind and I think it’s what really

recently for her new title as Miss El Paso

Polo Real Tournament this past May. When

lead me to pursue Miss El Paso.”

Texas 2014; Victoria is so much more than

it comes to Victoria’s heart of service, the

your average beauty queen. With a vision

apple certainly hasn’t fallen far from the tree.

Victoria grew up with Harring and other

for El Paso that includes expanding and

She would also like to thank Laura Rayborn

powerful women as her role models. With

developing the city’s YWCA programs and

who has given so many young women a

direction and guidance from her mother,

empowering women everywhere, Victoria is

platform in the pageant world to become

Victoria dived into volunteering for various

using her platform as the new Miss El Paso

the best possible versions of themselves.

organizations around the city from a very

to pour into the city she knows and loves.

Victoria also admires the great Laura Harring,

young age. It was here that she developed

a former Miss El Paso, Miss Texas, and Miss

not only her fervent love for the people

When talking to Victoria about her journey

USA (1985). “When Laura Harring won Miss

of El Paso, but also her vision to make an

to the crown, it’s easy to sense her spirit

USA, it was so inspiring. As a woman she

impact in the lives of the young women of

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

“When Laura Harring won Miss USA, it was so inspiring. As a woman she really interested me; as the first Latina to be crowned Miss USA, it was amazing to see someone reach that level of success, who like me, is proud of the Latina beauty.

When I looked at her I saw beauty, poise, and intelligence – beauty queens are very well rounded, they are women of the community, they are involved and do everything they can to create real change.

As I grew up this was always in my mind and I think it’s what really lead me to pursue Miss El Paso.”

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

the YWCA. “I’m a Y girl and I’m so proud of

model walks with attitude and a beauty queen

up. So I looked ahead and used the experience

the organization and our chapter. Working

walks with grace. I love modeling, but there

to push myself towards Miss Texas,” said

and learning from Dr. Sandra E. Braham

is something truly special about pageants. In

Victoria.

(CEO of the YWCA El Paso Chapter) has

my first pageant, and I came in the Top 15.

Abraham and countless other supporters

been amazing,” Victoria said. Victoria not

Doing that well my first time really gave me

Victoria not only achieved Top Bikini Body but

only volunteers for the YMCA, but she is the

so much inspiration to keep going. Back then,

also came in the Top 15 at Miss Texas USA.

YMCA’s youngest benefactress.

I knew I had a lot of growing up to do, so I

“It was an amazing experience and something

waited till I was ready and in 2012 I entered

I will always remember. I really owe so much

With these goals in mind and such a

my first Miss El Paso Pageant. It was such

to Matthew, he came into my life after Miss El

promising future, Victoria began modeling

an amazing year; I finished as first runner up.

Paso when I was doubting who I was and my

With

coaching

from

Matthew

ability, he turned me around and really helped

for different companies and boutiques here

me believe in myself.”

in El Paso from a very young age. Her first

But despite Victoria’s high hopes for the title,

real modeling job was actually with NoNo’s

2013 was not her year. When the pageant

Boutique on the west side. From there

rolled around the following June, Victoria

In these two pageants, Victoria showed

she participated in various fashion shows,

placed as the fourth runner up. Despite her

love behind the scenes. Shelley Mozelle,

and other charity events . . . but when the

happiness at coming in the Top 5, placing Most

a longtime friend and supporter of Victoria,

2009 Miss El Paso Teen Texas competition

Photogenic and achieving Top Bikini Body, she

personally knew of two different scenes that

rolled around, Victoria entered ready to

had still not realized her dream of becoming

occurred, “It was on the first night of the

take the stage by storm, eager to transition

Miss El Paso Texas. “I would be lying if I said

2013 pageant. Victoria saw one of the other

from model to titleholder. “The difference

that the loss wasn’t hard. But at the end of the

competitors crying in the dressing room. She

between a model and a pageant girl is: a

day, I knew I had to keep going, I couldn’t give

went over to the young girl and consoled her,

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August, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014 asking why she was upset. The girl explained she’d ridden the bus to the pageant, and that none of her family had been able to show up; she was there alone. It wasn’t until further into the conversation that Victoria discovered that the real reason the girl was upset was because the pageant had run late and she had missed the last bus back – leaving her stranded without a ride. Upon realizing this, Victoria immediately stepped in and personally took the young woman home. It was inspiring to know the love her heart felt for a stranger, but that was not the only time that Victoria showed true humility and kindness to her peers. The following August, at the Miss Texas USA pageant in Houston, we were biting our fingernails on the day of interviews because Victoria had not come down from her hotel room. We were sure she was going to be late, miss her interview and at the very least have critical points deducted — but at the last moment, Victoria and her roommate came down the stairs just in time. We learned later that Victoria had stayed upstairs with her roommate to help her get ready, knowing that she was potentially risking her own points.

You see, her roommate didn’t have any professional coaching and she didn’t know how to prepare. Victoria stayed to give the girl her best shot at the same title she herself was vying for. For these reasons and a million more, I have always believed in Victoria. She has a heart of gold that is reflected on the stage when she performs. This young woman is tough, but she is never too busy or too involved to stop and help her fellow woman.”

After competing in Miss Texas USA, Victoria returned home to El Paso and immediately began pouring herself into training for the 2014 pageant season. When in pageant prep mode, her daily training consists of completing one hour of cardio a day, one hour of weight training, as well as other activities like hot yoga, Pilates and more. “I really love working out whenever I can. Yoga is amazing because it helps with stress, but I also play tennis, run and go on hikes — we have amazing trails here in El Paso, the Franklin Mountains are 30

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014 beautiful and any excuse I get, I go up there and soak in the beauty of our great city,” Victoria said. Victoria also makes almost all of her own food, ensuring that she eats clean.

“In the last few months, I made a little fitness guide that’s geared toward young women. It was neat because it started as just something I did for myself to stay on track, but it’s been really cool because my friends and others have asked to use it too. It feels good to help other people on their journey to full health.”

But even this year’s preparation was full of its own challenges. “Three weeks before Miss El Paso Texas 2014, I tore a ligament in my ankle — I had taken every step to be healthy, but one day I was helping my friend move some boxes and I just slipped. I was in a brace for all the rehearsals, and for those three weeks I wasn’t able to do cardio or wear heels, but I just kept going. I knew this was just another test. On the first night of the pageant I woke up and felt better than I had since before the injury. It was such a blessing. Happiness is a choice, we can either fall to the mishaps when things don’t go as planned – but what really defines us is how we rise from these challenges.

Failures mold us into who we are and who we become in life.”

Victoria’s positive attitude carried her through the pageant and when the winner for the 2014 Miss El Paso Texas was announced on the final night, Victoria came out on top. After years of hard work, Victoria was at long last the Miss El Paso Texas titleholder she had always dreamed of becoming.

“I am so honored to be Miss El Paso. It is a dream come true for me and I am so excited for the year ahead. As a woman of faith, I am thankful to God for this opportunity.

Everything in my life – all the struggles, challenges – all of it was preparing me for this and what lies ahead. When people look back on me as a titleholder, I want them to remember me as the Miss El Paso that really made a difference in her community. I want www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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m i s s e l pa s o t e x a s 2 0 1 4

to be remembered as the Miss El Paso who did everything she could to get involved. This title is not about going to events and wearing pretty dresses, being in these pageants and attaining this platform is a privilege and I don’t want to take it for granted. I want to start a movement of service, learning and serving other people. If the young women of this city see that I’m excited, maybe they can get excited about service too. I hope to spread the message that life is not worth living without purpose.”

Looking ahead, Victoria is still hard at work training for Miss Texas USA, which will occur on Labor Day weekend of this year. Following in her hero, Laura Harring’s footsteps Victoria admits that she has her eye on the state title. “I’m a Texas girl through and through and I’m very proud of my state. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. I would love to win a title in the state I believe in most.”

In the meantime, we at The City Magazine are so excited to see Victoria as the 2014-2015 reigning Miss El Paso Texas. As her year in the crown begins, we are eager to watch as she creates real change in not only our beautiful city, but for women everywhere. Congratulations, Victoria Sinclair! We look forward to your promising future.

Miss El Paso Texas and Miss El Paso Teen Texas is directed and produced

by Laura’s Productions. Laura Rayborn is the official state recruiter for the Miss Texas USA and the Miss Texas Teen USA pageants.

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August, 2014

August, 2014

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August, 2014

Where Are They now?

Z en and the Art of Motorcycle Adventure | By: JOHN R.P. DEL ROSARIO Photos courtesy of: ALEX CHACĂ“N | www.ExpeditionSouth.com wwww.ModernMotoDiaries.com

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August, 2014

I

f you live on the Internet the way that some of us do, then you’ve probably seen some of this year’s most viral videos: the cast of the stage production of The Lion King singing an acapella “Circle of Life” on a plane trip while boarding, the surprisingly erotic Tatia Pilieva short film “First Kiss” that documented 20 complete strangers making out with each other and you may have come across one titled “Around the World in 360 Degrees - 3 Year Epic Selfie.”

The man behind the GoPro is Alex Chacón, El Paso native who famously took the whole “I’m going on a spiritual journey to find myself” idea to a whole new level by selling pretty much all his belongings (his car, clothes, TV, XBox and all), leaving only enough to take with him on his motorcycle, which he rode through 30-plus countries and plans on continuing to many more.

All of it can be found on Chacón’s website, modernmotodiaries. com, which documents the routes he’s covered, the routes he

amid the exotic places he traveled, but it’s important to this magazine.

plans on covering into next year as well as other pictures and

Hell, it’s important to this writer.

videos of his great adventure.

It’s probably the most uniquely El Pasoan story I’ve come across: A Also on the site are links to the numerous pieces already written

man sells his possessions (per Jesus’ recommendation in Matthew

about him concerning his viral videos. Most of the pieces simply dealt

19:21, on that Catholic tip) and sets out to discover the world on

with the undertaking, itself, wanting to know how he got the idea,

motorcycle. The latter suggesting that El Paso, like its one-time name

some of his most challenging and eye-opening experiences. But only

“Paso Del Norte,” was not a destination or a place to settle, but

a few took the time to mention where he was from: El Paso, Texas.

rather, a point of transition. But for Chacón, it’s not only a transition of travel, but also a transition of a state of mind, a state of oneness with

Perhaps it wasn’t important for the KTLA in Los Angeles or New York

the people of the world. There is an apparent Zen-quality to his voice

Daily News or even USA Today to point out Chacón’s point of origin

when you hear him speak that you wouldn’t expect from someone

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August, 2014

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August, 2014

where are they now?

who undertook a cold and calculated degree like a Bachelors of Science with a Biomedical focus. He’s seen things, man. He’s looked death in the face multiple times.

One could phrase his “oneness” with the world to being a certain “chemistry” that he now has with the world. To borrow a few lines from a popular TV show that may or may not be about the manufacturing and black market sale of methamphetamine, “... Chemistry is the study of matter, but I like to think of it as the study of change.”

For a man who still has a ways to go, he’s already made an impact on the world (“3 Year Epic Selfie” already has nine million views).

But this was only a byproduct of setting out to let the world have an impact on his life. I asked him how his interpretations of some choice words have changed due to that very impact. These are my findings in our study of change:

T ourist “Before it had one meaning. Now, it has an unlimited number of meanings. I’ve gone from first understanding ‘tourist’ as a young kid exploring Las Cruces or Mexico. I thought it was the definition for everyone who explored somewhere. Now I’ve come to realize that there are more than tourists: there are adventurers, explorers, and visionaries. And ‘tourist’ is just a very broad category for different types of people who travel different places that aren’t their home.”

Souvenir “Before the word ‘souvenir’ meant something very tacky and common most people would bring back from their journey. Now souvenir has become an idea of what you choose, depending on the individual, what to bring back from whatever journey you’re undertaking, whether that be material, life experiences, a spiritual enlightenment. It’s about what you choose to learn and experience.”

Sacrifice “‘Sacrifice’ used to have a negative connotation to me. It used to mean losing something. Now it is an understanding that my choices have consequences and come with a certain liability and influence to what I choose to do, coming with byproducts that I have never thought before.”

Customs “‘Customs’ used to mean the people who protected the border. It also meant the normal, traditional lifestyle of a culture. What customs means to me now is the philosophy that places and people are governed in different ways: in a legal way and in a deeply culturally rooted way that are both as legally binding as the other.

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37

August, 2014

Hygiene “‘Hygiene’ used to mean brushing my teeth every night. Hygiene now means understanding that I can go three weeks without a shower if I needed to.”

P ossession “‘Possession’ used to be what belonged to me. ‘Possession,’ now, is understanding that the more possessions you have, the greater amount of suffering you tend to have. The more you separate yourself from your possessions, the freer you are, and the happier you are.

Humidity “‘Humidity’ used to mean what Houston felt like. ‘Humidity,’ now means what India felt like in the summer, which is Houston times 10!”

Sle ep “‘Sleep’ used to mean what you did at night.

‘Sleep’ to me, now, is what I do the least.”

Diet “‘Diet’ used to mean my mother trying to lose weight. ‘Diet’ to me now means getting adequate nourishment wherever in the world I may be. Diet changes rapidly in every country you go to. Diet now means chicken feet to pigs feet to grass jelly dessert to fried pigs

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blood to guinea pig to llama meat to snails to snake.”

Immigrant “It used to mean to me anybody from Mexico. What it means to me now, is myself and everyone else on this planet. I’ve realized that we all are immigrants. Even at home, you’re still an immigrant to somebody. The way you got to where you are is because someone in your past was an immigrant.

We’re all connected in this world because we’re all immigrants to all lands, so I believe the world belongs to all of us.”

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August, 2014

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August, 2014

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August, 2014

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Find your copy of www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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at a Walgreens near you 41

N O O S G N I M O C

August, 2014

Museum of Copenhagen

El Paso’s Own

Touch City 3d Digital Wall | By: MEAGAN KINLEY |

Digital Wall Copenhagen 42

Sample ideas for Digital Wall El Paso www.thecitymagazineelp.com

e l pa s o ’ s o w n 3 d d i g i ta l wa l l

August, 2014

t

echnology

has

continued

to

Created

by

Allen

Smith

from

Gibson

change the way we interact

International in New Zealand, the wall itself

with the world around us. From

is exactly what it’s name entails: a three

the simple ways we make our

dimensional digital wall that the museum

another,

will use to chronicle the past, present and

and chronicle our histories and stories –

future of El Paso in a whole new way. The

technology and its progressive development

touch screen wall enables one to browse city

is even changing the way museums are

documents, pictures, and other information at

interacting with the cities around them.

the simple slide of a finger. Citizens can even

In the spirit of this innovation, the city of

upload their own pictures and documents

El Paso has big news: coming soon the El

to the wall via smart phone, computer,

Paso Museum of History will be opening

tablet, etc. and comment to create dialogue

the Touch City 3D Digital Wall. For those

between themselves and others. On top of

of you who don’t know, this wall is unlike

the permanent wall, which will sit outside of

anything El Paso or the rest of the world has

The Museum of History in a beautiful pavilion,

ever seen before. In fact the technology is

there will also be a large mobile wall that can

so new, only one other city (Copenhagen,

travel to classrooms and other places within

Denmark) in the entire world has it.

the city. But how did such a marvelous piece

food,

communicate

with

one

Glimpse of El Paso Digital Wall development

Jette Sandahl and Julia Bussinger

of innovation find itself in development here www.thecitymagazineelp.com

43

e l pa s o ’ s o w n 3 d d i g i ta l wa l l

August, 2014

in El Paso? Julia Bussinger, The Museum of

and global praise for it,” Jette explained. “Of

History’s Director, is the one person El Paso

course we have a lot of people who come

has to thank for the Touch City 3D Digital

to us and say, ‘we would like to do one of

Wall coming to the Sun City.

these’ — and when Julia and the city of El Paso came to us and said, ‘we want one of

“As a museum professional, I am very curious.

these,’ I initially thought, ‘yeah, yeah, they all

I travel and constantly check other museum

say that.’ But Julia was persistent and found

websites and conferences for ways museums

a way, and here we are today about to break

are bettering themselves,” said Julia. “I

ground on El Paso’s own interactive wall.”

am also a member of various committees like CAMOC (International Committee for

However, the road from idea to actuality was

the Collections and Activities of Museums

a long one for Julia and others who wanted to

of Cities). Being a member, I receive their

bring the interactive wall to El Paso. “When I

electronic newsletters. It was on the cover

initially found out that it would cost three million

of one of these that I first saw a piece on the

dollars for our city and The History Museum

Copenhagen wall, the project really intrigued

to install it, I was told, ‘no way.’ But I did not

me so I started looking at the website. After

give up, there is always a way,” Julia said.

studying up on it, I thought, ‘wow wouldn’t

Persistence is what enabled Julia and El Paso

it be wonderful if we had something like that

to bring the project where it is today. In 2012,

here.’ Not long after that, CAMOC announced

El Pasoans voted to pass a nearly half-billion

that they were going to have the Berlin

dollar bond called the Quality of Life Bond. This

CAMOC/International Council of Museums

bond gave Julia and the museum the funding

Annual Conference in November 2011. So I

they needed to make the wall become reality.

went to Berlin and meet with Jette Sandahl, the Copenhagen Museum Director, and

“In Copenhagen, we are a small museum,

learned more about the Copenhagen wall.”

not one of the great museums of the world,” said Jette. “But for us to have somehow

44

It was through Jette that Julia learned about

created this wall that has taken on a life of its

the logistics of building a wall of this kind.

own, which in some ways is beyond the life

“Since we built the interactive wall in

of the museum — it has a much larger scope

Copenhagen, we’ve gotten a lot of attention

and a much stronger global presence than www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014 the museum has ever had before. Seeing the way El Paso voted for it was a beautiful thing.

America is the only place in the world where you can go out and ask the people, ‘do you want one of these’ and hear 75% of them say, ‘yes!’ No other political system that I know of does that. Seeing Julia’s journey from our first meetings and correspondence to the passing of that bond has been a big eye opener for me and very interesting to watch.”

The planning and development of the Touch City 3D Digital Wall is nearly complete and the wall itself is expected to open later in the fall of 2014. With so much to look forward to as The Museum of History and Downtown El Paso continue to grow and change, we are sure to see even more change after the wall opens.

The wall itself will create a whole new way for interactive kinesthetic learning, and perhaps an enriched dialogue between the people of El Paso and the intricate history of our city.

“For us, the wall signaled a brand new way of working,” said Jette. “We now work much more closely with the people of Copenhagen.

Through the wall we have transcended the boundaries and borders between the literal walls of the museum and the people outside them. Our interactive wall is a platform to a brand new way of looking and interacting with the world. It has transformed the museum, and the museum is no longer the same. So you, El Paso, you will not be the same after this wall.”

“We are so excited and looking forward to the opening. We owe so much to Jette and the Copenhagen Museum, and also to Allen Smith and Gibson International for being so much more than technical support for this project,” said Julia. “But we are also so thankful to the people of El Paso and the Community of Chance, a community group that supports the museum – to everyone who has helped us make the Touch City 3D Digital Wall, we are so thankful and we look forward to see how it will change El Paso and enrich the lives of those who live in this great city.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com

45

NEW

August, 2014

TO THE SCENE | By: JOLENE REZA KEIPP |

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August, 2014

h i r a m h u e r ta hen Hiram Huerta moved into his first new home he did what

every

new

homeowner

does, he went shopping. He took on the exciting and sometimes daunting task of deciding what his domestic style would convey and tried to select items that would set the tone and communicate his personal panache. However, when it came to choosing artwork to adorn his walls Huerta was left unsatisfied by what commercial stores had to offer. Huerta remembers, “I was unsuccessful at finding items I liked so I decided to try to make my own. It’s taken me 29 years to discover I could paint.” tree in the throws of Fall with fiery red leaves Huerta is an El Paso Firefighter and after his

overpowering its trunk that is so detailed it

shifts you can find him amid paintings and

could be an example of mixed media art. He

frames in his garage that he converted into his

attributes his creations to ideas for paintings

studio. “When I first started I had canvases

he’d like to see on a canvas and eventually

laid all over tarps on the floor and now I have

up on the walls and in the homes of people

tables and easels to work on,” he describes.

all over the city.

The first time Huerta committed to a painting it was a monochromatic monster image of a

Huerta often thinks of others. A year ago

woodland scene measuring over six feet in

he was tired of seeing the conditions that

length that took over 10 hours for the novice

some children in Juárez were living in and

artist to complete. Once completed Huerta

had an idea. He began gathering donations

had a bittersweet feeling. He had connected

of children’s shoes, clothing, and toys and

enthusiastically to his image and was

delivered them once a month to a struggling

surprised by his creativity and determination

neighborhood across the border. What began

to complete his project. He understood that

as a small scale project has now grown to

his need to create was a substantial part of

a larger effort with up to six cars packed

who he is.

with school supplies, diapers, toys and other essential items. His group will soon be

During his search for prints Huerta became

recognized as a non-profit organization called

drawn to triptych art, which are works of art

Promised Smiles.

usually divided into three sections. Some triptych panels can be carved and hinged

His resolution to paint pictures he finds

together to create altars. “I love multiple

important, coupled with his need to reach out

pieces forming one image; you can space

to the surrounding community has no doubt

them however you want,” he explains.

began to manifest itself boldly on his canvases.

One of Huerta’s three paneled illustrations

Huerta’s desire to create art to enhance his

shows a dimly lit panorama with an image of

home and to bring joy to others is evident

strong-silhouetted wild horses approaching

in his elegant execution and the thoughtful

while another two-paneled piece is an edgy

simplicity of his images. For full gallery views

contemporary cityscape with its skyscrapers

visit http://hiramhuerta.weebly.com.

reflecting in the water that surrounds it. One distinctive painting is the image of a lone www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

48

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Article Title

August, 2014

Creating the Perfect Cup | Written and Photographed By: EDUARDO CEPEDA |

where they roast, blend, and create unique flavors with imported raw coffee beans.

We navigate some isolated, unpaved roads in the area near La Tuna Federal Prison; I’m vetted by a security guard in a shack and finally arrive to a sea of warehouses in what can only be described as some sort of postapocalyptic industrial site. OK really, it’s just the place where semis go to load goods, including what I’m pretty sure is the entire world’s supply of condensed milk. Reality aside, I like to imagine Mad Max could come

I really try to avoid fast food chains. You

I admit it. I need coffee in the morning. I’m

around the corner at any moment, battle-

know all the usual reasons why. But today, I

starting to feel all the signs: irritability, a slight

worn and demanding a cup of micro-brewed

find myself alone, in the parking lot of a fast

headache, and heavy eyes - and the diluted

coffee for him and his crew before they head

food chain in Anthony, TX after skipping my

brew will do the job, right? I resist the urge

off to their next battle.

coffee this morning. I never skip coffee. But

and when the day is over, I’ll look back in

it was a deliberate act today - in giddy, but

shame for even being tempted.

reserved anticipation of an impending coffee

Steven leads me into their own little warehouse. The smell of coffee is so

adventure. And yet, for the few minutes I

Saving me from middling coffee, my rescuer

pronounced, my eyes water and my body is

wait for my guide, who agreed to meet me at

arrives: Steven Svoboda, co-owner of 2Ten

taken with excitement. It’s such a piercing

this parking lot and lead the way to the coffee

Coffee Roasters. He waves from his Jeep,

aroma, my girlfriend will tell me hours and a

promised land, all I can think about is walking

signaling me to follow him in my car. We’d

shower later that I still smell like coffee. The

into that broad-brush food chain and ordering

agreed to meet here, lest I got lost in the

smell will taunt me for another hour until I

a pot of insipid coffee.

dirt roads leading to his coffee warehouse,

have my first cup of the day.

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49

C r e at i n g t h e p e r f e c t c u p

August, 2014

I look around and see the great coffee

like BLDG 6 and Seham’s, who each have their

growing regions are represented: Chiapas,

own ways of doing things. “They have good

Brazil, Ethiopia, among others. But it’s not

coffee,” says Svoboda as he orders a press

just coffee beans I see. There are all kinds

pot of BLDG 6 coffee over lunch. He seems

of sophisticated contraptions that, along with

sincere as he pours himself the second cup.

this desolate setting, lead me to imagine these guys as sort of the “Pinkman” and

What started as the explosion of the four

“Heisenberg” of coffee. Who would think

dollar coffee has slowly brought out the

this much goes into roasting your cup of joe?

discerning fanatic in many. No longer content with whatever roast the local Starbucks was

Like micro-brewed beer, locally sourced

selling, people took to their own roasters and

organic food, or even organic and additive-

began creating their own specific blends.

free wine, coffee has in recent years

The nuances in each roast are countless,

undergone a sort of renaissance. “Third

and then comes the task of blending them to

Wave” coffee, refers to the newfound

create the perfect cup.

passion for “micro-roasted” coffee. The first wave was Folgers and Maxwell House; the

“It’s trial and error sometimes,” says

second was the Starbucks my-special-order-

Nathan Estrada, head roaster and operations

is-so-specific-I-have-it-memorized craze; and

manager. “And a lot of cupping,” which is the

the third wave now revolves around specially

coffee roaster’s equivalent to a wine tasting,

blended micro-roasts by small independent

and it can be just as fun and rewarding

companies run by coffee enthusiasts.

as one, albeit providing one with a much different “buzz.” It involves spoons, slurping,

Before you get the wrong idea that 2Ten and

and spitting. I haven’t been handed a full cup

other small roasters are some anti-corporate

yet so I skip the spitting part.

types, constantly pointing out how the “big guys” don’t do anything right, know this:

Svoboda, now the epitome of a coffee fancier,

they understand how important said “big

didn’t start off that way. “I didn’t know

guys” were in ushering this movement.

anything about coffee except that I drank it to wake up.” But sometimes, the universe

“Before Starbucks, a lot of people only knew

aligns itself - allowing you an opportunity

Folgers or Maxwell House. They educated

to discover a new passion. That’s what

a lot of consumers and got really big,” says

happened when he was offered a chance to

Svoboda. “We’re trying to bring it back down

take over the Bear Creek brand. A name and

to the level of ‘this is coffee from Guatemala

logo change later, and 2TEN was born.

that this farmer hand picked and we’re roasting it and helping to tell the story of

“2TEN

comes

from

the

approximate

this specific coffee.’ We want to bring that

temperature the water comes out of a boiler

art form back. We want people to know just

before you do a manual pour over, which is

HOW many people were responsible for the

pretty much bringing back the dance of the

cup of coffee in their hands.”

barista. It’s a craft rather than just turning around and pushing a button and having a

We all know that the days of only associating

cup of coffee,” adds Svoboda.

premium coffee with places like rainy Seattle are

50

long gone, but El Paso? Is there really a market

You craving coffee yet? Chances are, you’ve

for artisanally roasted coffee in a city where a

probably already had some 2TEN blends at

95-degree day can be considered sweet relief?

restaurants like Crave, Tabla, Star City or a

How much better is this coffee really?

handful of other local favorites. 2TEN will often

Consider the success of other local roasters

work with the chefs to create specific blends to www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014 fit with the nuances of the restaurants’ menus.

If you do get to taste their coffee, you’ll go back for more. 2TEN also has a standalone drive-through coffee shop in West El Paso.

“The storefront IS our marketing campaign,” says Svoboda. The next day, I’ll find out just how true that is as I find myself driving from my home in Kern to the Westside just to pick up a very special cup of joe. I guess that wouldn’t be so spectacular, unless you knew just how much I hate to drive.

By the time my visit is winding down, I’ve lost track of how many cups of 2TEN’s myriad of blends I’ve had, though no two cups have been brewed the same way. From manual pour over, to something delightful to watch called “the siphon” or “vacuum” method, to the more familiar espresso machine, each method has it’s own taste.

“We’re trying to roast specific coffee for specific brewing devices,” Svoboda tells me as he explains how an upcoming coffee shop (Hillside Coffee & Donut Co.) he’s helping set up at Montecillo will have all the brewing devices he shows me. The shop will also have an in-house cold brew device for iced coffee, which takes over 11 hours to brew.

As I drive away from the store, hands powerfully grasping the steering wheel, jaw clenched so tight my teeth begin to grind, and heart racing like a Triple Crown winner; I realize I’ve far surpassed my daily limit of caffeine.

I make it home and pace around for a minute.

Almost like some kind of drug addict, I grind some beans they gave me to take home. I brew it in my French press, and stare at it with both fear and admiration. Should I really drink this? As I do, I realize two things: a) my heart may explode at any minute now and b) this is the best coffee I have had in as long as I can remember, and I’m eternally grateful there are two maniacs out in the desert, making sure I’ll always have a steady supply.

51 www.theitaliankitchenelpaso.com

August, 2014

SOLES COLLIDE Rocketbuster Boots Meets California Vans Co. 52

| By: JOSE SOTO photography by: TOMMIE www.thecitymagazineelp.com MORELOS |

Soles Collide

August, 2014

A

t the end of Union Plaza, the

notice of Rocketbuster. On any given day,

entertainment district that lures

Nevena and her team will be approached by

in

it’s

out-of-towners and businessmen traveling

high-profiled dining and nightlife

the country and ask to get a glimpse of their

experience, sits a somewhat more

eccentric and adventurous shop. With an array

somber locale. It’s easily mistaken

of boot samples, elaborative designs that are

for a forgotten warehouse and

being worked on and fascinating memorabilia

simply overlooked. You wouldn’t know it

and displays, touring the shop is nothing out

from simply looking at it from outside, but

of the ordinary for the crew. They’ll also get

Rocketbuster Boots, located at 115 Anthony

interesting emails about wanting to purchase

Street right across from The Garden, is

crazy detailed boots or wanting to partner up

anything but that. To the contrary, what

for collaborative purposes. That is exactly what

happens inside Rocketbuster isn’t somber

happened when Nevena received an email

at all. It’s a rambunctious and prolific venue

from Steve Mills, the head director of the Vans

where boots are definitely made for walking,

Classic Department. “It read: ‘Hello Nevena,

walking right out of the place. Rocketbuster

this is Steve Mills from Vans. I’m not sure if

is a premium, handcrafted and custom-made

you’ve heard of us,’” said Nevena. “I was like,

boot shop that has been catering to everyone

um, yeah! Of course we have!” she jokes.

many

El

Pasoans

with

from the locals, to the elite and famous, to the likes of lawyers and businessmen

Nevena and the rest of the Rocketbuster

and all eccentrics alike for over 25 years.

crew excitingly awaited the arrival of Steve

Rocketbuster provides them with the unique

Mills and his fellow Vans employees, who

pair of boots done by hand they prefer over

wanted to visit the shop and learn about

boring ones off the shelf.

their craftsmanship, even develop their own designs. “They were extremely excited to

Headed by Nevena Christi, or “bosslady” as

visit our shop, learn about what we do for

she likes to call herself, Rocketbuster employs

a week and make their own boots. And we

ten unique talented individuals from different

were excited to have them,” said Nevena.

walks of life. They are a worldwide renowned company, known for their artisan skills, unique

The Vans crew came in on the week of June

designs and - doesn’t hurt to add - the hosting

24th, checked in to the nearby DoubleTree

spot to the “worlds largest boot,” according to

Hotel and quickly emerged themselves in the

the Guinness Book of World Records.

crafty work that is boot making. “They made their own designs and we taught them how to

It’s to no surprise that the Vans Company,

cut their leather and things of that nature,” said

the California based shoe empire, would take

Nevena. “It was a lot of fun for both parties.”

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Soles Collide

August, 2014

The Vans crew stayed for an entire week in El Paso, working hard with the Rocketbuster crew to learn the vintage yet dire art of boot making. “They loved what we did and the hands-on crafting of our boots,” said Nevena.

“It’s definitely an art form that is dwindling down,” she added. “In our city alone, we are virtually the only ones left that make boots the old-fashioned way. That’s why Vans thought we were so interesting and wanted to come down and see it for themselves.”

The Vans crew’s boots are still being made, with three pairs already set for shipment.

“Our boots have a 4-5 month wait time, since it’s hands-on and custom made,” said Nevena. “Not only are we working on their boots, but our other clients as well.”

She adds that Rocketbuster makes roughly about 400 boots a year, a number that might seem high but not as prolific as warehouses that produces machine-made boots. “It’s something we take pride in. It’s crazy, yes, but we love doing it.”

While El Paso might be Rocketbuster’s home (fun fact: Nevena disclosed that El Paso is the Boot Capital of America), it’s influence and clientele doesn’t stop here. Rocketbuster is essentially an internationally recognized maker of boots for those who like their 54

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August, 2014

boots made the way they were supposed to. “It’s one of the most Americana aspects of American life,” Nevena says. “Yes, it’s a lot of intense and insane work, but someone has to do it and we’re proud to be the ones to,” she said.

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Art The of

August, 2014

| By: ERIKA LOPEZ photos courtesy of: LAS ARTISTAS |

58

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I

t is without a doubt that El Paso offers a unique perspective when it comes to showcasing its local talent. El Paso features a taste of diverse and rich culture that makes up both traditional

and non-traditional galleries, markets, and festivals to support local art and its creators, so it is only natural that El Paso is home to one of the nation’s most distinct and high-quality events of its kind.

El Paso Las Artistas has been a part of our great city’s legacy by exhibiting a mission statement that provides arts education opportunities and promotes an appreciation for fine craft and art within El Paso and southern New Mexico communities. Las Artistas began as a non-profit organization in 1970 as a backyard art show - organized by a handful of well-known and highly respected female artists in the community known as Las Artistas; Charlotte Nobles, Margie Melby, Jean McGee, Connie Dillman, Cheryl Derrick, Ferne Schrier, Tita Sterling, and Tita Lyle. These enterprising El Paso artists sought out a venue for showing and selling their work, and quickly the public began to take notice as the show grew in popularity and in number of exhibitors.

What was then a one-day event expanded to a two-day event after exceeding capacity at the Union Depot. Today, the two-day event has become an annual juried art show held at the First Presbyterian Event Center in El Paso, which focuses on bringing the “best of the best” from El Paso and New Mexico – and from as far away as Tennessee and Missouri. Las Artistas Art & Fine 59

August, 2014

Crafts Show showcases the work of many

received federal 501(c) (3) status which

nationally known artists as well as emerging

enables the organization to apply for grants.

and accomplished local artists including metals

“We’ve been funded the last three years by

and ceramics studies from the University of

the El Paso City Museum Cultural Affairs

Texas at El Paso to display and sell their work.

Department as well as Texas State Council of

“We’ve made a lot of progress with our show

the Arts,” said Jack Bristol, Board Member

in the last few years and we’ve successfully

at Large. Adding, “For the past 22 years

put together the highest quality show in the

Las Artistas has been supporting Rachelle

southwest area. If you look at Las Cruces

Thiewes’ Metal Program at the University of

and El Paso we’re the only super high-quality

Texas El Paso” and clearly, UTEP along with

show in the area. The show is something that

Rachelle Thiewes are immensely grateful for

we’ve worked really hard to bring up to a high

the funding and the opportunities that Las

standard of craftsmanship. We have exquisite

Artistas creates for its students. In a letter

paintings, amazing jewelry, and a whole variety

addressed to Las Artistas Board Members

of women’s clothing,” said Rick Elkin, Show

written by Thiewes, she expresses her

Chair.

gratitude by stating, “The opportunities Las Artistas provides for my students are for

In recent years, Las Artistas has achieved an

many of them life altering. Several students

enormous stepping stone toward their pursuit

received the Awards of Excellence this past

to provide arts education opportunities by

year due to your contributions.”

providing scholarships for arts education in area institutions. In 2002, Las Artistas was

So what lies in store for the upcoming 2014

incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the

Las Artistas Art & Fine Crafts Show? You

state of Texas and in 2009 the organization

can certainly expect some familiar faces, www.thecitymagazineelp.com

The art of giving

August, 2014 local and nationally respected names in the

on their work. Many will sell their work for

art community, as well as emerging artists.

the first time, in fact, most for the first time.

Among the elite artists showcasing this year,

Aleksander’s first show in this country was

is well-known artist and Las Artistas Arts

actually at Las Artistas,” said Rick Elkin.

& Crafts Show alum, Aleksander Titovets, whose work you might recognize in the

As the new era of Las Artistas emerges, so

White House as he was commissioned to

does the transformation of the show. “This

paint the First Lady, Barbara Bush’s portrait

year we have added a few new aspects to

in 2008. Titovets is a native Russian, modern

the show. We have added a children’s tent,

impressionistic

Paso

live music, and trucks from the Food Circus.

resident. Titovets specializes in figurative and

We are also incorporating a demonstration

landscape paintings drawn from memories of

booth this year. We will be having wood

his homeland and influenced by the desert

tuners actually turning wood and I believe

Southwest. “One of the unique aspects of

we will also have a blacksmith and a painter

this partnership that we have had for more

demonstrating this year,” explained Rick and

than 20 years with University of Texas is

Beth Elkin enthusiastically. Show information

that students from the metals program and

can be found at lasartistas.org

painter,

turned

El

ceramics program are invited to participate in Las Artistas annual art and craft show every November and art students are given the opportunity while still in school to test their ideas, create art, and learn to place value

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Where dreams come true.

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November, 2013

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November, 2013

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l a c i g a M c i s u M

August, 2014

in the

s n i a t Moun

R EY T | By: AUD

64

OLLIVER

rtesy of Photos Cou

THEAT DINNER P E T U E TH

ER |

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

I August, 2014

w on’t kno f you d the about much ter a ner The UTEP Din at g about it or anythin u o y it’s time all then back t’s travel knew. Le ater when the to 1983, ylor Greg Ta students arreta my Leg and Jim taging idea of s had the that musicals different e public open to th would be n oung me es. The y c ri p t e k c their ble ti pace for at afforda perfect s e th t a o d ballr om noticed th rarely use a in e b ould Programs theater w e Special h T . n io n gave dent u at UTEP in the stu s center ie it v ti c t A t n e their firs and Stude 0 to stag 0 ,0 1 $ y Jimm mazing Greg and and the A s “Joseph a w e. h ic h

by Tim Ric musical w t” written a o c m a re rD past and Technicolo le in the ro y e k a plays (Tim Rice

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

magical music

at a l get to th r but we’l te a e th ?) is f th st didn’t it present o our intere y d e rk a p That s ly three little later. ran for on ellout and s a s a sus w show, “Je The show a second n o g in tt r pu e faculty days. Afte as a hit, th w h ic h w ater erstar,” dinner the Christ Sup opening a t a th d e liz a a smart at UTEP re would be s u p m a c ater tly on dinner the permanen is the only r te a e full th a is us with move. Th rsity camp e iv n U a t da ar round. in the worl nctions ye fu t a th s ployee staff of em ater have dinner the e th t a s w e sho als. The Many of th ice music s of Tim R n o ti c en u d sical writt been repro n of a mu o ti c u d ro nt p Musical.” most rece SS The E H C “ s ice wa nth in s last mo

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65

Article Title

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66

e to would lik u know o y e n o y an are open If you or auditions w o h s a ning, ed in en auditio be involv older. Wh d n a a 8 1 6 bars of to anyone to sing 1 d e k s a y are lread performers anist is a n accomp A r. e b are m u rs Dance musical n audition. ry e v t e r fo y feel tha provided ven if the e n io it d u first d to a uality. The encourage trongest q s ir e s th t o a n cast le rn singing is arsal, the e h re f o n eeks ia An couple w tor Patric usic direc m h it the w emorized the music music is m e th e c n .O nes with Provencio cking sce lo b s in g e ctor b nning s as a ru stage dire also serve t s a c a e h T rapher Lis the cast. . Choreog s e g n a h c set cast to crew for rs of the h membe it w s ngs. rk o arious so Lopez w es for v n ti u ro ; e nc 7 -10 pm create da ay -Friday, d n o M run ls are eeks and Rehearsa e to six w v fi t s la w. o h lly of the s they usua opularity p to t c je sub 00 in total times are re paid $1 a t s a c e . ers of th ompleted All memb usical is c m e th f o n once the ru

August, 2014

d floor of on the 2n s it s r te r thea s vary The dinne cket price t UTEP. Ti a n io n u t n p.edu/udt. the stude demics.ute a c a t a d n e fou always and can b counts are is d ry ta ugh nd mili esday thro Student a eld Wedn h re a s w Sho es every available. erformanc p r e n in ces ith d performan Sunday w matinee re a s y ed a rv d n ill be se night. Su w what w o n k to e u’d lik the UDT only. If yo found on e b n a c s a menu and alway for dinner, seasonal is u n e m The rt. website. ble desse h a delecta it w comes t ore abou little bit m a w o n k you beautiful Now that s on our e li t a th the so gem d support this El Pa go out an , s u p l m a c you’ll fee university d friends, n a y il m your fa arts! Tell . the magic

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August, 2014

an experience like no other

Top of the Chase Building 201 E. Main St., 18th Floor 915.544.1135 The ElPasoClub.com Marcelo Guerrero for Event Information Bobby Lyons for Membership Information

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67

November, 2013

Upon first glance this group has little in common, but looking closer you see they share a passion for making El Paso a better place to live and work. As president of Homegrown El Paso and partner of Dodds Wealth Management Group, Charles Dodds III created an idea that would help Homegrown El Paso, the city and many locally owned businesses.

Homegrown El Paso's mission is to ensure that locally Homeg owned businesses have a voice and to educate the public on the importance of "Buying Local". As competition continues to grow the ability to strengthen this message becomes increasingly important.

Charles began by sharing his idea with Joseph Nester, a fellow board member of Homegrown El Paso and owner of Kaizen Construction Services.

Joseph agreed that the music festival would work but they would need help. The time and expertise to put this together would require a partnership with a company that can undertake an event of this size, so they started looking. It wasn't until meeting Bill and Jerry with 915 Live Productions that the idea started coming together.

Bill and Jerry have worked together in event production for over 17 years and music has been a lifelong obsession for them. For Bill it started at the age of 13, when he began working as a DJ in the late 70's playing quincea単eras and neighborhood weddings. For Jerry it began at age 5, when he taught himself to play the bass guitar left handed. Bill and Jerry's paths crossed in the late 90's where they began frequently working together at the same concerts and in 2010 decided to go into business. Since then, 915 Live has helped in the production of almost every major concert and event in El Paso. When Charles and Joseph approached them about the music festival the pieces quickly fell into place.

syn er gy noun: the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Homegrown El Paso, 915 Live Productions, Rudolph Dealerships and Visit El Paso are proud to bring you the First Annual "Beats and Eats" music festival September 13th at Ascarate Park. We will have an expected attendance of over 30,000 people, a 30 foot Eiffel Tower, two stages, great food, activities for the kids and music for all tastes.

Tickets are available now at epbeatsandeats.com and ticketfly.com.

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November, 2013

• 2 Concert Stages • 30ft. Eiffel Tower • Approx. 100 Vendor Booths • Carnival Rides • 2 VIP Stage Areas • Large Beer Garden • Fireworks Display Fi • Plenty of Parking Spaces • Car Show September 13, 2014 Ascarate Park 6900 Delta El Paso, TX 79905 epbeatsandeats.com

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Photography & Design by JC PRODUCTIONS ©2014 69

Hidden

G

70

ms

August, 2014

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August, 2014

BEHIND THE WALLS How the San Carlos is Building a Bright Future | Written and photographed by VALENTIN SANDOVAL |

Within the burrows of downtown El Paso,

reason why there’s a niche and a following

Ever since 2010, San Carlos has been

next to our tallest high rise, rests a building

in Marfa, Texas for this type of architecture,

under the new leadership of one of the

that’s been nimbly and beautifully anchored

one ought to venture on into this classic, yet

next generation of Flores’, Anthony Flores.

in El Paso’s history for 94 years. The San

quaint building. It intrinsically lends itself to

He earned his degree from Texas State

Carlos building, off of Campbell and Texas,

the mixed use concept that is taking place

University in Mathematics, and in his late

used to be an old BF Goodrich tire shop from

with projects such as 1st Avenue Lofts, The

20s, decided to return home and build off the

back in the 1920s. The Flores family bought it

Glass Box, Loft Light Studio, Union Plaza’s

legacy his grandfather had started. The first

in 1985 and added an elevated tower as well

The Mix, and the growing Monticello project.

thing Anthony did was tear down two of the

as an entirely separate wing for added office

It is truly a bustling time for some of our best

old attorney offices from upstairs and convert

space—but through it’s almost 100 years of

young minds, going off into the bigger world,

them into his living quarters. He could have

wear and renovation, the building itself has

and in a Joseph Campbell, “Hero’s Journey”

easily bought himself a home with a nice

continued to retain its history and richness.

manner, all venturing back. Like sacred

backyard but instead decided that12-foot

familial local heroes, this new generation

high ceilings, original hard wood floors, and

The style of the building itself, feels

returns with gifts intended to accentuate the

the spaciousness affiliated with downtown

uniquely El Paso. Though it’s not a Trost

intrinsic nascent energy of the region. They

urban living appealed to him more. It has a

and Trost building, it’s still infused with that

build their visions in the hopes of bettering

minimalistic feel that you’d associate with a

Art Deco-Pueblo revival style that covers

the quality of life for current and future

loft project in any larger downtown market.

the quintessential El Paso architectural

generations that decide to build their lives in

The difference is that it pulses with an edge

landscape. To understand the style and

our frontier borderland.

that could only be felt and lived in El Paso.

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71

PROUDLY SERVING EL PASO FOR OVER 13 YEARS!!!

hidden gem

August, 2014

YOUR LOCAL, WOMAN-OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED, INDEPENDENT, OFFICE SUPPLY BUSINESS Downstairs, he decided to build a restaurant with an international flavor, the 501 Bistro. The 501 has been resilient and endured the slow downtown traffic that seems to go dormant for most restaurants after 3pm. Only now it’s bustling, with all the obvious downtown changes, the Chihuahuas baseball stadium, and the circumventing of the city employees into the old El Paso Times building right next to the San Carlos. Changes were made to the 501, and now people can enjoy an open patio area, where he intends to bring in more live music and live theatre performances to add symmetry to the downtown experience

Proud Member Since 2006

within the context of the San Carlos. Now, more people are frequenting the 501, and appreciating the fact that there is genuine culinary diversity simmering within the heat of our desert city.

For more information Please call: (915)-838-0026 or e-mail: customercare@ 72 pencil-cup.com

First Friday, always seem to pop, and are distinct and often the most honest way to experience the cultural and artistic pulse that a city or a district can conjure up.

These once a month gatherings are akin to farmers markets where you get to taste www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014 what’s genuine to the soil of the region.

Approximately four years ago, Anthony and company decided to start up La Parada. La Parada is El Paso’s first, First Friday. One of the interesting aspects to this cultural gem is that it was birthed by El Paso’s younger generation. They gathered and organized themselves and once a month throw one of El Paso’s coolest parties. Various jewelry makers, painters, sculptors, tattoo artists, DJs, performers, poets, filmmakers, and musicians gather for hours to celebrate the ethos of our region. The event has even garnered attention from other Texas art collectives. For example, the respected F6 Collective from the Dallas-Fort Worth area came to do a full out showcase of Central Texas art, music, and poetry at the San Carlos the day before last years Neon Festival.

National events have even been held here, such as the Irish Mexican Alliance, a New York based organization started by internationally acclaimed author and filmmaker TJ English. English, a five time New York Times bestselling author, decided to make El Paso and the San Carlos his location for his event where he brought in other internationally recognized authors and poets like Phoenix’s Myrlin Hepworth and New Mexico’s legendary, Jimmy Santiago Baca. As well as many great local and national acts such as Radio la Chusma, Abstract Rude, DJ Drez, Uncle Elroy, and Frontera Bugalu, to name a few.

Altogether the San Carlos building and the movement of local and national creative forces around it, have helped ensure that our region’s cultural thread will continue to make broader and more interesting forays and contributions to what the new America is and will be, with respect to the city of El Paso. This building’s storied past has paved the way for a new and exciting future here in the Sun City, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what’s next for our amazing borderland.

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73

INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS PROF ILES

Yvonne Ruiz Farmers Insurance “We are here to protect your loved ones, your assets, and your future.”

Yvonne Ruiz, owner of the El Paso branch of

offer auto and home insurance, but we also

Farmers Insurance, has been with Farmers

provide business insurance, life insurance and

as an Insurance and Financial Agent for the

we even offer financial services,” explained

past 14 years. Yvonne got her start after

Yvonne. In fact, Famers has specialists to help

graduating from the University of Texas at

you create college funds, mutual funds and

El Paso in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in

IRAs to better invest and protect the financial

business administration and a marketing

interests of you and your loved ones.

minor. After graduation she landed a job in corporate America. But after three years and

On top of the large number of services that

the realization that she wanted to do more,

Farmers provides, what really sets this branch

she decided to leave. With faith and hard

apart is Yvonne and her team’s dedication to

work, in April of 2000 Yvonne began her

excellence. “We have a very experienced

career with Farmers Insurance as a tenacious

and licensed staff; most of us have been

new agent and has been with the company

here over 10 years,” Yvonne said. “When we

ever since. With so much experience, it’s no

complete a policy, we like to individualize the

surprise that she and the rest of her team bring

package as much as possible. Our priority is

the best customer service in the business.

serving the needs of each and every client.”

Yvonne Ruiz Farmers Insurance 5845 Cromo Ste. 2 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 581-9034 Fax: (915) 581-9054

Offering so much more than just home and car insurance, Yvonne is always pushing the limits of what they can do and give to their

Registered Representative, Farmer’s Financial Solutions, LLC 30801 Agoura Road, Bldg. 1, Agoura Hills, California 91301-2054 (818) 584-0200 Member FINRA & SIPC

customers. “Most people think that we only 76 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

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Flor Caballero Lynch Flor & Associates Insurance Agency “Think of insurance, think of Flor.” residential and business patrons alike. Lynch’s

client receives once they’ve begun their

experience, Flor Caballero Lynch has grown

motto is, “Think of insurance, Think of Flor.”

insurance journey with Flor & Associates.

her business into an independent staple,

Lynch and her team are consistently educating

Lynch cultivates her client relationships and

catering to her client’s insurance needs.

themselves in new product development,

has grown with some of them for the past 24

Beginning as an intern right out of college

coverage definitions, and updated policies.

years. As an independent agency every client

she worked her way up to become a

Listening to the client’s needs, and having

is welcome no matter the circumstances,

business owner five years later. The El Paso

a large portfolio of products to offer are

high risk or financial budget, big or small. Flor

native has incorporated her experiences,

essential in caring for their clients. Lynch is

& Associates is an independent insurance

knowledge, and strengths to be successful

on the Board of the Independent Insurance

agency working for the good of El Paso.

throughout these past four years of owning

Association of El Paso, which helps educate

Flor & Associates Insurance Agency.

independent owners and agents on the

Flor Caballero Lynch

Through

dedication,

hard-work

and

trends of the trade. She is also on the board

Flor & Associates Insurance Agency

Previously owning an Allstate Agency and

of the El Paso Mortgage Bankers Association,

421 Executive Center Blvd., Ste. B

mortgage brokerage for nine years each,

and was awarded Affiliate of the Year in

El Paso, Texas 79902

Lynch maintains well-rounded credentials for

2013. With the health of the community in

(915) 996-9799

every insurance opportunity. Flor & Associates

mind Lynch describes her in-depth education

www.florinsurance.com

offers different companies like Traveler’s,

of the Affordable Care Act, and her ability to

Mercury and Progressive among others. The

aid and answer all questions on Obamacare.

agency’s well rounded departments including, life, health, disability, commercial, auto, home,

Product knowledge, great customer service,

and transportation insurance that caters to

reputable insurance carriers are what every

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 77

The Heart of El Paso

Pro-Musica | By: FELIPA SOLIS |

78

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Pro-musica

August, 2014

E

l Paso Pro-Musica is on a mission.

their eyes while they listen to the music so it

The organization brings the finest

can help them to dream.”

musicians in the world to the region to perform in unforgettable

The El Paso Chamber Music Festival saw not

concerts, but the real heart of the mission

only performances featuring 20 internationally

of EPPM is education and to make music

known musical artists, it also saw a very

accessible to all.

special trip to the University Medical Center Children’s Hospital. Zuill played soothing

Artistic Director and world-renowned cellist

Bach and the Brahms lullaby for the tiny

Zuill Bailey has forged a special direction

infants and their parents in the Neonatal

to ensure that everyone, primarily the

Intensive Care Unit. It is scientifically proven

region’s youth, can experience all music

that soft sounds, like the ones that emanate

first hand. The most effective way to reach

from the cello, can improve oxygen levels

out is through collaboration with other arts

for the babies. “This was a once in a lifetime

organizations. “El Paso is so rich and filled

opportunity I hope to repeat, it was amazing

with culture. Working together we can forge

seeing how the music was affecting the

a great future artistically,” Bailey said.

infants and their parents. It was a joy for me to experience as a cellist,” Bailey extolled.

This year meant even more interesting collaborations throughout the community

While all of the artists who visit El Paso work

and hundreds more El Pasoans were

to touch the community through musical

exposed to the beautiful music. This year

outreach, it was a monumental moment

music was used to soothe and heal. For the

for EPPM when the Juilliard String Quartet,

first time, Zuill performed on a special stage

one of the finest quartets in the world were

at the El Paso Museum of History for a group

joined by members of the Esperanza Azteca

of women, all probationers in a lockdown

Youth Symphony from Juárez. The concert

Residential Substance Abuse and Treatment

was held at the Scottish Rite Temple in

Program for drug and alcohol addiction. This

downtown El Paso, and the eager musicians,

particular field trip was organized by State

teachers and chaperones walked across the

District Judge Bill Moody. “It gives me

bridge to delight in the sounds of Juilliard.

great happiness to help provide comfort and guidance through classical music,” Bailey

Along with special outreach at Senior

said. The women were treated to the concert

Centers, libraries and especially “Bach’s

followed by a tour of the facility merging

Lunch,” the free noontime concerts that are

visual art and music together.

held every January at the El Paso Museum of Art during the El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber

This year, El Paso also ventured into the

Music Festival, the joys of classical music

Southwest Key Project whereby immigrants

can be heard in the most amazing venues

between the ages of six - 17 make their way

throughout the region. “I am so grateful for

to our border from countries throughout

our beautiful city and so appreciative of the

Central America in search of a family in

support of the arts,” Bailey said. “All of us

America.

Project

working together have shaped El Paso to be

provides them with schooling and a place

a city like no other.” Next season promises to

to stay. Zuill performed two concerts to not

be equally exciting!

The

Southwest

Key

only introduce the cello, but to help them understand that “music knows no borders.”

This cellist closes his eyes while playing and encourages others to do the same. “I always ask young audiences like this one to close www.thecitymagazineelp.com

79

Rituals: Navigating Energy | By: MICHELLE CROMER |

michellecromer.com @emichellecromer 80

michellecromer www.thecitymagazineelp.com

spiritualit y

August, 2014

When I got my first book contract, I hired a

My nightly rituals include:

writing coach. It proved to be the best thing

1. Drinking a cup of ginger tea.

I could have done. One of the many things

2. I listen to the same album on my iPod.

she taught me was that our rituals set us

3. Reflection

free. Rituals are a well-defined sequence

4. Pray

of words and actions designed to focus attention, establish significance, and achieve

If you want to incorporate daily rituals in your life

a beneficial result.

and don’t know where to start, think about what grounds and calms you. Maybe a walk through

Creativity is a mysterious force that flows

your neighborhood with your dog could help. Or

through us and I have found that daily

writing in a journal or yoga. Try something for

rituals feed this force and reward me with

a week and see how it feels to you and don’t

increased inspiration and an expanded sense

be afraid to adjust. Rituals are personal and

of gratitude for the creative process. Rituals

meaningful and they become a talisman that

tend to speak more directly to the body,

will help guide you to your objective.

engage the soul, and attract the spirit.

The biggest difficulty in any type of ritual is the We all face deadlines and they are stressful

willingness to submit to the routine. And yet,

for anyone, especially in a creative field

without this kind of bowing of the intellectual

because we have to dig deep into our

head, the benefit doesn’t accrue. Rituals

brain and produce something that comes

open us to the eternal that allows people to

straight from our hearts, all within a

bathe in the deep waters of continuity.

particular timeframe. Having daily rituals in our lives help to ground us and to navigate

My rituals help me surrender to the process,

the overwhelming pressure we all feel to

and they have certainly helped other writers.

produce the best work possible.

In order to stave off stalling, French novelist Victor Hugo wrote both “Les Misérables”

Rituals have a profound impact on me. They

and “The Hunchback Of Notre-Dame”

soothe, slow me down and remind me to be

completely naked. Being nude meant he

in the present moment. I am the mayor of

wouldn’t be able to leave his house. As a

crazy town when I am on a writing deadline

safety measure, he’d also instruct his valet

and the process of my rituals seems to talk

to hide his clothes.

my spirit off the ledge, and they provide a space for balance. Rituals bring me out of

The late great Maya Angelou, author of “I

my head and back into my body and I look

Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” had many

forward to them each day.

rituals. She would get up at 5 a.m. and check into a hotel, where the staff was instructed to

My daily rituals include:

remove all stimuli from the walls of her room.

1. Walk into my office at the same time

She took legal pads, a bottle of sherry, playing

every morning.

cards, a Bible and Roget’s Thesaurus, would

2. Turn off my phone and turn down

write 12 pages before leaving in the afternoon

the sound on my computer.

and edit the pages that evening.

3. Pray

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

4. Meditate

Daily rituals are like scheduling calm in

5. Light a lavender candle. The smell

your calendar. Creative people need more

sends a message to my brain that it is

downtime than the average person, and

time to create.

setting time aside each day for a meaningful

6. Write. That seems obvious but even

ritual is crucial in order to reconnect with our

on days I don’t feel like writing, I write.

creative energy.

81

November, 2013

82

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November, 2013

83

August, 2014

Creating The

Benito Juรกrez

International Monument for El Paso | By: NICK HOUSER photography by: JODY SCHWARTZ |

84

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

“Benito Juárez – From Child to Man,” the

Zapotec Indian boy from the mountainous

fourth monument in the XII Travelers series,

village of San Pablo de Guelatao in the state

is being created by the sculptors, John and

of Oaxaca. Next to him is a sheep, one of the

Ethan Houser. It will be five feet high, 10 feet

flocks that he is tending. Although he speaks

long, and mounted on a concrete base. It

little Spanish and cannot read, he possesses

will depict two representations of Mexico’s

a book, which inspires him to pursue an

greatest president. The larger figure is

education. He glances toward his future in

President Juárez in El Paso del Norte during

the direction of President Juárez. This will

the cold winter of 1865, the bleakest period

be the first monument that represents both

of the French Intervention. He is seated on

Juárez the child and the man. It is also unique

a bench in the patio of his headquarters’

because it will commemorate the president’s

adjacent to the historic Guadalupe Mission.

nine-month (1865 -1866) residency in El Paso

He is about to write a letter to his wife and

del Norte, which was the capital of Mexico.

family who had fled to the United States. He

grieved and declared that Mexico lower the

is determined to liberate his nation, which

A major component of the monument will be

national flag. The bronze medallion will be

was achieved two years later. On September

a bas-relief medallion of the contemporary

mounted near the monument on a wall panel

16, 1888, El Paso del Norte honored its

presidents - Benito Juárez and Abraham

with two plaques – a bilingual storyboard and

special guest by re-naming their town –

Lincoln. Although they never met, they

a donor’s acknowledgement plate.

Ciudad Juárez.

admired and supported each other when their

Opposite the president, is Benito, the www.thecitymagazineelp.com

nations were beset by civil war. Upon hearing

In 1862, Emperor Napoleon III demanded that

of Lincoln’s assassination, Juárez was deeply

Mexico, which was beset by internal strife, pay 85

Benito Juárez

August, 2014

evacuated the town as the French troops

asylum at Hart’s Mill in Franklin, but he politely

advanced. On August 14, they arrived in Paso

refused stating that he could never abandon

del Norte where the villagers welcomed them.

Mexican soil as long as foreigners occupied it.

Twice he was invited to attend gala events in

Juárez faced a dilemma - his presidential

his honor at Fort Bliss, but he politely declined.

term would expire on November 30, and a

As a result, the first party that Juárez attended,

national election was impossible because of

was hosted by the Fort Bliss staff in the home

the French Intervention and civil chaos. On

a prominent family in Paso del Norte. However,

November 8, in Paso del Norte, he signed

the second festivity was held at Fort Bliss, the

a decree that extended his term without an

president did not attend but sent his cabinet

election because of conditions of war.

and military officers.

On November 13, upon receiving news that

During Juárez’s residency at the Pass, he

the imperialists had abandoned Chihuahua

defended

City, Juárez and his entourage left Paso

and assisted the local communities. He

del Norte and returned to the state capital.

oversaw the construction of a new irrigation

However, the enemy, in a scheme to ensnare

system to replace the old one that floods

Juárez, was sequestered near the town. On

had destroyed. Upon its completion, the

December 9, Juárez became aware of the

Paseños proudly named it La Acequia de

devious plan and hastily escaped with

Benito Juárez. He personally met with people

his companions. On December 18,

of the Paso del Norte District, including the

Mexico

against

the

invaders

they entered the Pass, where, once

Chamizal residents who told him that recent,

France its delinquent debts.

again, the residents enthusiastically

severe floods had drastically changed the

England and Spain issued a

welcomed the Citizen President.

channel of the Río Grande bank placing many of their homes and farms on the north bank,

similar ultimatum. The three By the spring of 1866, Maximilian’s

countries sent naval squadrons

which then were claimed by the Americans.

to the port of Veracruz to buttress

empire

The

Juárez initiated a formal complaint to the U.S.

their claims. Mexico promised

French were withdrawing from

Government requesting that this boundary

to pay the debts, requesting

Mexico while the Mexican

controversy be resolved. Nearly a century

that payments be temporarily

people were reclaiming their

later, it was mutually settled with the support

delayed.

England

democratic republic. On June

of Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and López

responded by withdrawing their

17, Juárez, waved a final

Mateos. The Chamizal National Park in El

fleets.

However,

refused

and

Spain

and

was

collapsing.

goodbye to his gracious hosts,

Paso and the Parque Chamizal in Cd. Juárez

invaded

the Paseños, and headed

commemorate this settlement and symbolize

Mexico. He made Ferdinand

south where he eventually

Napoleon

the friendship between the two nations.

reunited his country.

Maximilian, the Archduke of

The creation of the Juárez statue was launched

Austria, his puppet emperor of While at the Pass, President

Mexico. In 1864, Maximilian naively

in June 2012, when the Magoffin Family Santa

accepted the throne and relocated to

Juárez

town’s

Fe-Chihuahua Trail Monument (1846-1847),

Mexico where he initially received support of

inhabitants and with their American neighbors

featuring Susan Shelby Magoffin, was unveiled

conservatives who wanted to re-establish the

from San Elizario, Franklin (now El Paso),

in Keystone Heritage Park. The first two

old feudal system.

and Mesilla. On several occasions, Fort Bliss

monuments were Fray García de San Francisco,

made

friends

with

the

officers crossed the river to met Juárez. In the

Founder of the Pass of the North (1659); and

In May 1863, as the French army approached

summer of 1865, Secretary of State, William

The Equestrian, Juan de Oñate (1598).

the nation’s capital, Mexico City, President

Seward, anticipated that Juárez might retreat

Juárez and his staff retreated north from one

to the border. He requested that government

The XII Travelers non-profit Board, under the

town to another. By the summer of 1864 he

officials

Republic.

guidance of its president, Max Prestridge, is

reached Chihuahua City. On August 5, 1865,

General James Carleton, commander of the

developing this project with the support of

Juárez and his cabinet, with a military escort,

Department of New Mexico, offered Juárez

Adair Margo and the Tom Lea Foundation and

86

support

the

Mexican

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

Ray Mancera, who is active in municipal and international affairs. A Binational Committee also supports project development. The

FA M I LY- O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

Hunt Family Foundation has generously assisted funding the initial production phase that has been achieved, which included the monument’s maquette (small-scale model) and two Juárez busts. Funding is augmented by the sale of limited edition bronzes (tax deductible) that include the maquette, two busts and the medallion. When fully funded, the monument will take ten to twelve months to complete. It is most appropriate that El Paso have a monument, in close proximity to the border, that commemorates President Benito Juárez.

Contact the XII Travelers:

NORTHEAST

AMERICAS

4631Hondo Pass (915) 594-4424

9521 N. Loop Dr. (915) 858-4408

WEST

EAST

480 N. Resler (915) 587-4408

750 N. Carolina (915) 594-4424

Max Prestridge, President XII Travelers Memorial of the Southwest, Inc., 501 (c) 3 PO Box 12464 El Paso, TX. 79913

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

sunsetfuneralhomes.net

87

L O B

LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES Profiles

By: ???? photographed by: ????

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 89

Rudolph Dealerships Revered as one of the oldest dealership

Chevrolet has also partnered with Reynolds

Rudolph Chevrolet General Sales Manager

families in the El Paso area, Rudolph

Home and the Pictures of Hope program,

Debbie Bowden has been a loyal employee

dealerships have built a staunch reputation

which gives disadvantaged children the

since 1975. “When I started here, I was

and have become known around town for

opportunity to express their hopes and

going to UTEP and worked part-time in the

their straightforward way of doing business

dreams through photography.

service department shagging cars and driving the shuttle,” she said. “At the time, there

and employees that have worked for the “We believe in helping make our community

weren’t many women in this business — but

a better place,” said Rudolph President

Mr. Neessen gave me an opportunity to learn

Rudolph takes pride in conducting every

Matthew Neessen. It’s because of this

several aspects of the car business. From

aspect

company 40 plus years.

integrity

conviction that the dealerships have also

shuttle driver, I became the warranty clerk …

and honesty, all while providing a family

sponsored and donated to dozens of local

then I became the inventory clerk. Next, I

environment

charities and organizations.

had the opportunity to learn the finance and

of

its for

business both

with

customers

and

insurance department, then sales.”

employees. “El Paso and the surrounding areas are our home, and we can’t imagine a

In keeping with their belief of continuing to

better place to live and do business in,” said

promote and help the people of their city, owner/

According

Rudolph President Dennis “Denny” Neessen.

presidents Denny and Matthew Neessen —

Department Manager Carlyle Meeks, the

son and grandson of founder M.E. Neessen

Rudolph dealerships are known for their

In addition to all of the dealerships’ sponsorship

— also carry this tradition forward with their

reputation for doing the right thing. “With

of local events such as Movies in the Canyon

hardworking employees by promoting from

almost 26 years of being in the Rudolph

at McKelligon Canyon, the Rudolph Music

within and investing in their staff.

family, I’ve found that great companies are

Series at the State Line restaurant, Rudolph 90 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

to

Rudolph

Honda

Service

honest, straightforward, and admit when By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

This photo features Rudolph employees that have been with Rudolph more than 10 years.

Standing in front is Henry Medina, who has been with Rudolph for 44 years.

a mistake is made. No smoke and mirrors.

Brian Lane, a finance processor and auditor

Rudolph Mazda East in 2009, Rudolph Mazda

That’s Rudolph! We’re not perfect. When a

for Rudolph Mazda West cites the Neessen

West in 2012 and Rudolph Volkswagen in

mistake is made it’s how we handle those

family’s commitment to employees and the

2013. With the exception of Rudolph Mazda

mistakes that set us apart from the rest,”

community as the primary reasons he likes

East, all of the dealerships are located on

Meeks said. “I’m proud to work for Rudolph

working at Rudolph. “I’m proud to have been a

El Paso’s west side at I-10 and Redd Road.

and to be part of the Rudolph family!”

part of this family for almost two decades, and

Rudolph Mazda East is located at I-10 and

I’ll continue to do so … it’s where I want to be!

Lee Treviño.

Rudolph Chevrolet Parts Manager Henry Medina is Rudolph’s most veteran employee,

Undoubtedly, Rudolph continues to flourish

having worked with the dealership for 44

with its presence of five dealerships because

years. “As a Vietnam vet, I’ve had only two

of the unparalleled trust and loyalty that its

jobs since 1968. I started at Rudolph as a

devoted staff continues to unwaveringly

runner, then sold parts over the counter,” he

provide. “We have the best automotive

said. In 1993, he attended GM’s University of

sales,

Automotive Management and was promoted

ANYWHERE,” said Matthew Neessen. “And

to parts manager in 1994. “Denny has always

we’re proud to live and work in a community

treated me, and all employees, like family.

with such great people. It’s our employees of

He’s always looking at a way of helping not

Rudolph that make us proud.”

service

and

repair

professionals

only the customer, but the employee.”

Rudolph Dealerships Rudolph Chevrolet - (915) 544-4321 Rudolph Honda - (915) 845-4321 Rudolph Mazda East - (915) 595-4321 Rudolph Maza West - (915) 845-8001 Rudolph Volkswagen - (915) 855-8500 Rudolph Body & Paint – (915) 351-7388 www.rudolphcars.com

Rudolph Chevrolet and Rudolph Body & Paint opened in 1960, Rudolph Honda in 2000, SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 91

Luis Javier Ruiz, LEED AP Border Solar

“Crossing to Clean Energy . . .”

It takes a tremendous amount of vision and

Border Solar is helping El Paso homebuilders,

incredible tax credits for people who choose

a lot of hard work to change the world. With

homeowners and commercial customers move

to install these panels and financing is also

the growing need for efficient, renewable

towards a brighter future of energy efficiency

available to truly help the people of our great

energy becoming more of a national and

through energy audits, energy management

city save money, and ultimately own their

worldwide priority, locally-owned companies

integrations and solar energy deployment.

own electricity.”

like Border Solar have taken it on themselves to make the first important steps to reduce

Today Border Solar provides state-of-the-art

community green house gases and make El

solar panel technology to the Sun City for an

Paso a more energy efficient and eco-friendly

affordable rate, empowering the citizens of our

city. Border Solar was established in 2008 as

great city with an efficient energy alternative

a division of Southwest Sustainable Energy,

that can provide 100% of electricity to almost

LLC and created with the sole purpose

any home. A common myth people believe is

of developing Solar Energy Systems and

that solar power is only for the wealthy, but

technologies. The founders of Border Solar are

Border Solar has made solar power affordable

also the founders for SENERCON (Southwest

to the masses. “Solar energy is affordable

Energy Conservation), which became one

to anyone who has bought their own home

of the leading energy efficiency rating and

and who pays taxes,” said Border Solar’s

consulting companies in the nation. Altogether

LEED AP, Luis Javier Ruiz. Today there are

92 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Luis Javier Ruiz, LEED AP Border Solar 7365 Remcon Circle, B-202 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 875-1305 Fax: (915) 875-1308 www.bordersolar.com www.bordersolar.com.mx

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

Thelma Briffa

American Living Realty “I love this city. The housing market is strong and the entire real estate community is wonderful to work with.”

Thelma Briffa, owner of American Living

unparalleled customer service, American

more competitive. El Paso is such a great

Realty, is one El Paso Broker that knows

Living Realty delivers the best in residential

place, and I am proud to be part of the real

the ins and outs of style and design. With

and commercial real estate. They also

estate market,” said Thelma.

a degree in fashion merchandising and

represent Schyuler Construction and are

19 years of experience in the real estate

expanding their rental division. Using the best

business, she truly has an eye for the

in new technology, Thelma gets her listings

industry. In 2006 when she went out on her

out into the public eye and sold. “I have

own and started American Living Realty, she

honestly been blessed with the best clients.

had no idea that she would experience the

The people here are wonderful to work with.

level of success she and her REALTORS®

We give our clients the best experience

Thelma Briffa

have attained today. Now, eight years later,

possible when purchasing, selling or renting

American Living Realty

American Living Realty has grown into a

a home,” said Thelma.

6633 N. Mesa St., Suite 102 El Paso, Texas 79912

strong boutique-style real estate business.

“I have a network of amazing individuals, as

American Living Realty isn’t finished growing.

well as a network of strong title companies,

Last year, they doubled their annual sales

and reliable mortgage companies — we only

and they are expecting to do the same this

work with people who have proven their

year. “We are a goal-driven company. We are

dedication to our clients,” said Thelma. With

always looking for ways to make ourselves

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

Phone: (915) 204-1234

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 93

Dr. Cristina Radonic Palladino D’Right Weight Nutritional Counseling “Live a healthy, balanced life.”

Dr. Christina Radonic received her medical

you something, we are here to educate and

each month and women losing 8%. She has

degree from the University of Buenos Aires

train people on how to live life at their optimum

even been honored by First Lady Michelle

in 1979. From there she continued her

health,” said Dr. Radonic. “I teach all the patients

Obama and her “Let’s Move” Campaign for

education and received extensive training in

how to eat well and why to eat well. The

her efforts and continued success. “My goal

nutrition at Argentinean Catholic University

body doesn’t just need some of the nutrients

is to give to the population of El Paso the

as well as training in obesity at Favaloro

we want to eat, our bodies need all of the

necessary knowledge so that they achieve

University. She has also studied immunology

nutrients — people talk about carbohydrates,

full health,” said Dr. Radonic.

and allergies at the University of Buenos

proteins, etc. but if they don’t know where the

Aires. Before moving to El Paso, she helped

nutrients are, they can’t choose the best foods.

more than 3,000 patients in Argentina take

Our mission is to help people find the balance

on their battle with weight gain. Today she

between portion and proportion.”

has 34 years of practice in medicine and D’Right

Counseling to ensure that the people of El

innovative program helps people achieve

D’Right Weight Nutritional Counseling

Paso achieve their weight loss goals.

the results they’ve always dreamed of.

5925 Silver Springs Drive Ste D

Dr. Radonic and the other professionals at

El Paso Texas 79912

“This business is absolutely different from any

D’Right guarantee that their weight loss and

(915) 585-7040

other weight loss program. At D’Right Weight

life style coaching is 100% effective, with

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Nutritional Counseling we are not trying to sell

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Weight

Nutritional

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works diligently at D’Right Weight Nutritional

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

Laura Carrillo

Laura Carrillo Florals, Events and Gifts “Whether it’s designing an event or decorating a home, we can do it all … and more!”

Born with the innate talent of artfully

her partner retired, Laura, with the help of her

creating floral arrangements and with a keen

daughter, decided to open up a business on

eye for design, Laura Carrillo has built her

El Paso’s westside. “Almost eight years later

successful business with a formula which

and over a thousand events the business

included humble intentions and hard work,

continues to grow and we have happily made

Laura Carrillo Florals, Events and Gifts

coupled with her unique talent. “I was born

El Paso our home,” Laura states.

5411 N. Mesa, Ste. 3, Peppertree Square

and raised in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua and

El Paso, TX 79912

started my floral design business from home

When asked what sets her business apart from

915.581.1877 and 915.585.8500

in the early 90s,” recalled Laura Carrillo. “My

other floral and event planning businesses in

www.lauracarrillo.com

home was always full of silk flowers and my

the area, Laura explained, “I believe that you

friends would ask me to make them some

have to love what you do; I only make things

custom designs, so that’s how I started to

that I think are beautiful so sometimes we have

sell my arrangements.”

to say no to certain ideas that are brought to the table. I love traveling and getting inspiration

In 1995, Laura and her friend decided to

from other places of the world, and I bring

open their very first store, Atelier, inside the

that with me whenever we design any event.

Poliplaza Hospital in Juarez. “That’s where I

I’m qualified to do any type of design work --

started to hone my fresh flower designs in

whether it’s designing an event or decorating a

weddings and events,” shared Carrillo. After

home, we can do it all … and more!”

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 95

Shane Dorney

Dorney Security Systems “We are here to serve our customers, as a company, service comes first.”

Known for being the oldest family owned

client, Dorney Security Systems also offers

“We are here to serve our customers, as

100% local security company in El Paso,

a pricing matrix which offers Security and

a company, service comes first,” shared

Dorney Security Systems has broken through

Smart Home Services for 10-40% less than

Dorney. “We are here to build a better

every negative perception and preconceived

its competitors. “This allows us to serve all

community, and ultimately make El Paso

stereotype of just how security companies

of our neighbors -- not just those who can

a better place. Dorney Security Systems

conduct their business nowadays. “When

afford it,” explains Dorney. “It is important

donates 10% of their income to the

someone signs up with us we lock in their rate

to us to provide a quality experience where

community supporting groups of all sizes

forever, all without long contracts,” explained

price doesn’t have to be the deciding factor.”

that help keep youth from becoming the people that we protect against.”

Shane Dorney, owner of Dorney Security Systems. “We believe it is important that our

Priding themselves on a cancellation rate

clients want to be with us, and are not forced

that is less than 10% each year (of which,

Shane Dorney

to. Now 30 years and over 1500 clients later,

the majority are due to relocations outside of

Dorney Security Systems

our clients choose to stay with us.”

the service area), DSS continues to expand.

3950 Doniphan Park Cir. Ste. M

“We started out as a basic residential

El Paso, TX 79922

With their direct emphasis on building and

security company,” explained Dorney. “We

(915) 584-4526

maintaining their customer base through

now serve El Paso, Las Cruces, Austin and

sales@dorneysecurity.com

their company policy of providing locked

San Antonio, with plans to open an office in

www.dorneysecurity.com

rates and a truly custom experience to every

Tucson this winter.”

96 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

Johnny Orozco

Home Theater and Security Experts “Ask the experts.”

For the best and most trusted service

the success of his eight fleet trucks, 16 man

that this means everything from controlling

in home theater technology and quality

crew, and fully-loaded home style show room,

lights, music, door locks, and more – all at the

security, look no further than Home Theater

Johnny and his team truly care about the

touch of button from your smart phone.” But

and Security Experts. As a fully licensed and

quality they offer their customers. As a family

Home Theater and Security also offers new

certified company servicing 70-80 percent of

man, Johnny knows the needs and wants of

and cutting edge technology for your home,

the builders in El Paso, Home Theater and

the growing home market. “On the security

from sound systems, TV mounting, to fully

Security Experts has installed their services

side, we are focused on family and protecting

loaded home theaters – if you have a vision in

in Desert View Homes, CareFree Homes,

your kids,” explained Johnny. “We have the

mind, the experts at Home Theater Security

Fortune Custom Homes, RC Baeza &

latest technology available like our nanny

can make it a reality.

Associates, Definitive Homes, Icon Custom

cameras, a technology that allows you to

Builder LLC, GMF Custom Homes LP, Hakes

watch over your home and your children while

Brothers, MRQ Construction and many more.

you are gone or at work. This is all powered by a locally owned monitoring company, this

Getting his start 16 years ago out of his own

means that you are dealing with people and

Johnny Orozco

garage, Johnny Orozco, President of Home

not computers. Our service is also faster,

Home Theater and Security Experts

Theater and Security Experts is truly an expert

same-day or next day service depending on

11570 Pellicano, Ste. C

in the industry. Having grown his locally

the call. On top of that, we also have the best in

El Paso, Texas 79936

owned company from the very beginning to

full home automation. Customers don’t realize

(915) 594-0667

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 97

Mike Amparan

Craft House Pub and Grub “I want to offer Craft Beers for those that are just beginning to try them and for the more experienced Craft drinker so we have everything throughout the spectrum.”

As you walk into Craft House Pub and Grub

taste for great beer, Craft House Pub and Grub

themselves. All dishes are fresh, made in

there is a welcoming familiarity in the air from

carries Brews from Breweries in states such

house and built to compliment the beers

the friendly staff to the mellow ambiance.

as Texas, Colorado, California, Washington,

offered. Some menu items even contain the

Owner Mike Amparan has been working

Oregon, New York, and many others. From

beers on tap in their ingredients. There are also

in the industry for over 20 years now and

Ales to Browns, Ciders to Hefeweizens, Indian

some lighter fare menu items to choose from.

applied his love of Craft Beer, Great Food,

& Pale Ales to Lagers and Stouts to Porters,

and Great People to an exciting New Bar

Craft House has what El Pasoans want.

Craft House Pub and Grub is the prominent

and Grill on the West side of El Paso. With

Amparan states, “I want to offer Craft Beers

Craft Beer Bar on El Paso’s far West side, and

a passion for the Craft, Amparan believes El

for those that are just beginning to try them

welcomes Beer Lovers near and far. Amparan

Pasoans palates are evolving and consumers

and for the more experienced Craft drinker so

hopes to collaborate with other Pub and Bar

love having choices when it comes to visiting

we have everything throughout the spectrum.”

Owners to help strengthen and promote El Paso’s

their favorite neighborhood bar.

Even if you walk in to have a familiar Domestic

Craft Beer Community. Come check them out!

beer, Amparan will not hesitate to tempt you Amparan has had a great response since Craft

with trying something new and different.

Mike Amparan Craft House Pub and Grub

House opened in late June. While still offering the domestics El Pasoans are known to love,

Daily Specials are offered and Happy Hour

5020 N. Desert Blvd. Ste. A2

Craft House Pub and Grub currently offers

is 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through

(Behind Texas Roadhouse)

forty-two Craft Beers on tap and over thirty-five

Saturday. Craft House Pub and Grub offers

El Paso Texas, 79912

bottled varieties. Hoping to fulfill everyone’s

a full kitchen with meals that are a Craft in

(915) 584-6100

98 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: LAURA WERTHMANN photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

Cathy Parker Coffee Emporium

“There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a customer thrilled over a beautiful basket, the perfect gift, or just introducing someone to a new coffee or tea.”

When Cathy Parker took over Coffee

to coffee, the shop also offers three fabulous

include items ranging from baby booties, Poo

Emporium, she worked hard to build the

tea lines: Tea Forte, Republic of Tea and

Pouri, wine glasses and eye glasses to sauces,

store into something great with the help of

Lindsay’s both in loose tea and in bags.

pastas, preserves, soups, and much more.

You can also find a selection of Jura Capresso

amazing employees, manager Kelly Baldwin and many loyal customers. Parker has turned

Coffee Emporium is the biggest seller of Sweet

electric coffee makers, Chemex, French

the store into an exciting and friendly place

Shop Handmade Chocolates in West Texas. “It is

Presses, and Toddy cold coffee makers.

to shop and is getting ready to celebrate the

wonderful chocolate and in hot demand,” Parker

store’s 35 years in business.

says. She also notes that Coffee Emporium is the only store in El Paso that sells Godiva by the a

piece, assuring her customers many delectable

company who has been in business for over

options. There is also an amazing variety of

five generations, providing her customers

cookies, nuts and other snacks to compliment

with only the best quality coffee. Coffee

the chocolate confections.

Cathy

holds

strong

affiliations

with

Cathy Parker Coffee Emporium

Emporium offers some 20 regular types of coffee, twelve flavored coffees, and eight

These goodies can be incorporated into an

5817 N. Mesa

types of decaf- all sold in bean, ground to

amazing (and very popular) basket to meet

El Paso, TX 79912

customer preference or used in specialty

any needs and budget. The baskets are sent

(915) 584-2255

drinks. For those interested in an alternative

all over the US. Other features in the store

info@CoffeeEmporiumElPaso.com

By: LAURA WERTHMANN photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 99

Christina Gandara

Pencil Cup Office Products “It’s all about our customers.”

Pencil Cup Office Products started operations

up the team at Pencil Cup.” Teresa works

and Carlos value family and go above and

out of the family garage 13 years ago. Carlos

at the helm, addressing human resources,

beyond when caring for their employees.

and Teresa Gandara soon began renting space

promotions

Carlos

That care is passed onto our customers

in the Gorman Industrial building where they

Gandara Sr., works as the Chief Financial

and makes work extremely satisfying. Our

resided for 12 years. They now own their

Officer. Carlos Gandara, Jr., is the Chief

customers put the roof over our head, the

own building in the booming Downtown

Operations Manager, and all employees work

food on our table, and the clothes on our

business district and are proudly considered

diligently to ensure that every customers

back. With that, we humbly say ‘Thank You’

“your local neighborhood office supply

needs are not only met, but also surpassed.

for allowing us to be your local office supply

company” by customers. “‘El Paso can take

“Our motto is ‘Because of the Customer, We

company of choice for 13

care of El Paso’ is something my mother

Exist’ and we will never take our customers

years; we look forward to

always said when discussing the importance

for granted!” said Christina.

serving our community for

and

marketing,

and

many more! Buy Local!”

of buying and supporting our local economy.

Today this concept is a force that drives my

Being active members of the El Paso Hispanic

purchases from groceries to home repair,”

Chamber of Commerce and Homegrown El

Christina Gandara

said Christina Gandara, Pencil Cup Office

Paso, Pencil Cup values and supports local

Pencil Cup Office Products

Products Furniture and Sales Executive. “I

businesses in order to strengthen the local

1220 Texas Ave.

am proud to work for the family business

economy. When asked what her favorite

El Paso, Texas 79901

and call myself a Pencil Cup Office Products

thing about working at Pencil Cup is, inside

(915) 838-0026

employee; family is exactly what makes

sales representative, Diana Frazier said, “Teri

Fax: (915) 838-0028

100 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

Ashleigh Martin El Paso Supper Club

“El Paso Supper Club is totally transparent in that aspect and our clients enjoy that reassurance … meals are delivered chilled, never frozen, and designed from the ground up to be restaurant quality out of your microwave or oven.”

El Paso has a tradition of loving food and

garden. A new Wood-Fired Clay oven is

Currently a Certified Sommelier, and former

loving it well, Chef Ashleigh Martin realized

being used to create a variety of dishes that

Sous chef at Tabla, Chef Martin creates

that very quickly and decided to begin the El

are absolutely amazing.

meals

from

a

background

of

tasteful

greatness. She is also the founder of Kitchen

Paso Supper Club. Already a staple in multiple cities around the US, the Supper Club strives

As your personal delivery woman, Chef Martin

Little, a non-profit created to provide meals

on bringing deliciously healthy meals to

exudes her culinary passion as she interacts

for disadvantaged children in El Paso during

the table. Since February 2014, the El Paso

with her clients to understand their needs and

school breaks, and helps in the kitchen of the

Supper Club has been a great addition to the

“reinvent the way people eat dinner.” Chef

Annunciation House of Downtown El Paso.

city’s dedication to living healthy, and has

Martin states, “El Paso Supper Club is totally

El Paso has taken in the Supper Club meals

seen a great positive response. All meals are

transparent in that aspect and our clients enjoy

and stepped out of their comfort zone to try

handcrafted with the finest ingredients to fit

that reassurance … meals are delivered chilled,

different, exciting and fun dishes and turned

the client’s preferences and cravings.

never frozen, and designed from the ground up

them into a dinner favorite.

to be restaurant quality out of your microwave The amazingly fresh ingredients are local and

or oven.” Special menus are an offered

Ashleigh Martin

sustainable, featured from El Paso gardens

preference as Chef Martin caters to vegetarians,

El Paso Supper Club

and Sol y Tierra Growers from Anthony, New

allergies and all special diets. There is trust and

(888) 316-9131

Mexico. Some ingredients include the likes

appreciation for fresh, nutritional, and innovative

facebook.com/elpasosupperclub

of squash blossoms, blue cornmeal, and

meals from the El Paso Supper Club, and Chef

Instagram: @elpasosupperclub

fresh herbs grown right out of Chef Martin’s

Martin’s passion shows through it.

By: LAURA WERTHMANN photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 101

Carlos Meza

The Ribs Smokehouse “We take pride in our delicious recipes and we deliver them fresh everyday.”

In El Paso’s lower valley, The Ribs Smokehouse

from a can or from a package, everything is

is changing the way El Paso sees and tastes

prepared with our own recipes in a authentic

BBQ. With a delicious menu including all the

and traditional manner. We are proud of our

best meats of the genre, The Ribs Smokehouse

process, it’s custom built for our restaurant and

has the greatest in beef, pork, sausage, as

our specifications. Our attention to detail isn’t

well as other unexpected BBQ items like

something you will find anywhere else in town;

scrumptious hamburgers. With homemade

a little known fact is that we cook our meats

Carlos Meza

BBQ sauces, homemade lemonade, and ice-

with apple wood. Altogether, when you choose

The Ribs Smokehouse

cold beer (yes, beer cooled on ice and not in

The Ribs Smokehouse, you can be sure that

8414 North Loop Dr.

a refrigerator), The Ribs Smokehouse is one El

you are eating a product that is fresh.”

El Paso, Texas 79907 (915) 592-7427

Paso restaurant making some serious noise in our city’s BBQ industry. You can be sure that

Carlos and the rest of his team at The Ribs

when you eat at The Ribs Smokehouse, you

Smokehouse are pleased with the delicious

are truly eating the real thing.

twist they have added to BBQ. With a fun, relaxed environment featuring live music and

“Not only does everything on our menu

plasma screen TVs for the perfect sports

taste amazing, but everything we serve is

evening out; the Ribs Smokehouse is where

made from scratch, and isn’t processed,”

you can find the best food, the coldest beer

said Carlos Meza. “Nothing we make comes

and the best ribs in town.

102 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

Dr. Brandon Broome, MD

El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing patients the afternoon of surgery, walking and feeling better already than when they walked in.”

The El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery Group

In partnership with the El Paso Specialty

Dr. Broome has spent years becoming one of

(EPOSG) has been practicing medicine for

Hospital, physicians at EPOSG have created

the top specialists of our great city.

the people of El Paso since 1939. In the

the Joint Replacement Institute of the

spirit of staying on top of the latest medical

Southwest. By partnering together, they

developments and experience, they now

have developed a state of the art program

have specialty-trained physicians in every

for joint replacements with rapid recovery

subspecialty of orthopedics.

protocols, improved patient outcomes, and lower costs. In fact, their complication rates

Dr. Broome is the newest addition to the

are lower than the Mayo Clinic. By providing a

group. He is fellowship trained in total joint

high quality, low cost service, they are able to

replacements. He specializes in total hip

reach out to patients in the entire Southwest

replacement including the anterior approach.

region and even overseas.

This cutting edge procedure gets patients

Dr. Brandon Broome, MD 1720 Murchison Dr. El Paso, Texas 79902

back on their feet with a faster recovery and

Dr. Broome graduated from medical school

less pain; several have gone home the day of

at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, finished

surgery. He also performs total and partial knee

his residency at the University of Louisville’s

replacements and complex revision surgeries.

Department of Orthopaedics, and completed

www.eposg.com

a fellowship at Steadman Hawkins Clinic of

www.upfronthip.com

the Carolinas in Hip and Knee Reconstruction.

Appointments: (915) 730-3093

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

3100 N. Lee Trevino Dr. El Paso, Texas 79936

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 103

Raul Bencomo Jr. Anytime Fitness

“We have now been open on Zaragoza for over five years and are opening a second location on George Dieter within the next few months.”

With the necessity for a focus on health and

also been designed to break the typical gym

George Dieter within the next few months,”

fitness at a well-placed forefront nowadays, it

mold. “Anytime Fitness is the largest gym

shared Bencomo. “We are open 24 hours,

has become increasingly clear that in order to

franchise in the country,” explained Raul

always clean and our one membership gives

live a life appointed with longevity and health,

Bencomo Jr., owner of the local Anytime

you access to over 2,000 clubs throughout

that sacrifices must be made in order to see that

Fitness franchise. “It is a semi-exclusive, co-

the country. It is a club for busy people and

goal to realization. In competition with that goal

ed 24 hour fitness and tanning facility. We

true fitness enthusiasts.”

is the perpetually exhausting task of navigating

decided to open this gym because we felt

the narrow tightrope elusively lined with the

there was a huge need for a true 24/7/365

proper balance of a well-tended home life, a

gym in town. Additionally, we were tired of

successful career, and an unwavering dedication

the overcrowded gyms in El Paso -- and we

to fitness -- all while tackling and conquering

knew we were not alone.”

Raul Bencomo Jr.

that ever increasing list of “to-dos.” While that sounds more like an unrealistic ideal, Anytime

Ranked among the top 20% of Anytime

Anytime Fitness

Fitness exists in order to make the road toward

Fitness

2230 N Zaragoza Rd

health and well being, a bit more achievable.

Bencomo’s

facilities

in

eastside

the

country,

Anytime

Raul

Fitness

El Paso, TX 79938

location has simply set the mark in terms of

915.855.0900

Operating as one of the only gyms that truly

what else is in store for El Paso. “We have

elpasotx@anytimefitness.com

offers an experience that works around

now been open on Zaragoza for over five

Follow us on

YOUR busy schedule, Anytime Fitness has

years and are opening a second location on

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram @ atfelpaso

104 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

Walter Alarcon

Elite Events and Cakes Elite Events and Cakes specializes in modern cakes with intricate designs, structures, and flavors.

Locally owned Elite Events and Cakes has

different and innovative flavors to compare

to clients, and provide themes for the newest

been an El Paso favorite for ten years. Walter

with your traditional ones including: mango

and most modern ideas, cake flavors, fabrics,

Alarcon and his family create and design pastry

tequila, green tea, piña colada, and orange

decorations, and trends.

masterpieces that consume today’s world of

cranberry. When Alarcon studied culinary

modernity. Elite Events and Cakes is greatly

arts with a specialization in cake decorations

With unique cake flavors, centerpieces,

appreciative of their new and lasting relationships

at the Culinary Institute of New York, he

tablecloths, and all around event décor,

with clients, and provide for every occasion

entered their Wedding Cake competition and

Alarcon hopes to soon expand Elite Events

--

quinceañeras,

was awarded first prize for cake design and

and Cakes to showcase all of his creative and

showers, and especially weddings. There is a

first prize for cake flavor above many other

event design abilities.

different style that comes out of the woodwork

acclaimed bakers and pastry chefs.

birthdays,

anniversaries,

Walter Alarcon

at Elite Events and Cakes, and Alarcon and his family strive to keep up to date with every trend

A regular at the Bridal and Quinceñera Expo

Elite Events

on the market.

every January, and a cake and dessert provider

and Cakes

for different organizations, Elite Events and Cake

7104 N. Mesa

Elite Events and Cakes specializes in modern

enjoys being involved in the El Paso community.

El Paso, TX 79912

cakes with intricate designs, structures, and

They hold an open house cake and desert

(915) 875 – 0936

flavors. The most popular cake is the pear

tasting coupled with wine and hors d’oeuvres

Follow us on Instagram: eliteeventselp

and Champagne flavor, but there are also very

every month to increase involvement, reach out

By: LAURA WERTHMANN photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 105

Annette Gomez Oasis Sleep Outlet

“We will go that extra mile for all our customers.”

Oasis Sleep Outlet is a locally and family-

of their lifetime sleeping. That’s about 25

for Hope, which helps children battle kidney

owned store in El Paso that provides name

years. Our mattress professionals educate

disease, to raising awareness for breast cancer.

brand mattresses to improve your quality of

our customers on the products we provide

“What I want most at the end of the day is to

sleep. With a collective 20 years of experience

to offer healthy sleep solutions without high

teach my kids the value of giving back, helping

in the industry and an inventory that has

pressure sale tactics,” said Annette. “Oasis

the community, and making a big difference

something for all sleep styles, Oasis Sleep

offers a variety of finance options to help you

one little step at a time,” said Annette.

Outlet is out to help you ‘live, laugh and sleep

purchase the perfect mattress. We find a way

well.’ “Initially I was scared to death about

to say yes to everybody.” Annette and Oasis

opening a new business,” explained Annette

are also excited to announce that starting this

Gomez, President of Oasis Sleet Outlet. “As

fall, they will open their first in-store gallery of

a single mom with three kids my number one

Caldera Hot Tubs and Spas. “Relaxing in a hot

priority is their future. Ultimately, I decided

tub helps ease your body in to a deeper sleep.”

this venture would teach my children that if you work hard and treat people right you can

But helping people sleep better isn’t Annette’s

be successful. Today I am so thankful for this

only goal. “Our business venture is merely

Annette Gomez

opportunity, and I thank God every day.”

a stepping stone for our greater calling, and

Oasis Sleep Outlet

that’s to help others in our community,” said

6601 S. Desert Blvd. Ste. 201

With a thankful heart, Annette and her team

Annette. Together Annette and her team take

El Paso, Texas 79932

at Oasis are here to help El Pasoans improve

on as many philanthropic opportunities as they

(915) 877-2255

their everyday lives. “People spend a third

can, from raising money for the Annual Run

oasissleepoutlet.com

106 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

Manny and Veronica Garcia Mr. Tuxedo

“Mr. Tuxedo believes in offering trendy formalwear at an affordable price.”

With a business motto that promises to offer

After hearing about a tuxedo shop that had

“a classy look that’s easy on the pocket,”

been looking to sell, Manny and his wife

Mr. Tuxedo believes in “offering trendy

purchased and opened Mr. Tuxedo Formalwear.

formalwear at an affordable price” all the

Throughout the course of their eight years in

while providing excellent customer service.

business, Manny and Veronica have expanded

Manny and Veronica Garcia

from a small 100 square foot, single mannequin

Mr. Tuxedo Formal Wear

Manny Garcia and his wife Veronica Garcia

shop, to their current 1700 square foot shop

5555-B Alameda Ave.

decided to “take a leap of faith” and open

on Alameda, which offers four large dressing

El Paso, TX 79905

a small business after experiencing firsthand

rooms and over 40 mannequins.

(915) 779-1864

just how costly renting formalwear can be.

www.mrtuxedoformal.com

“One day we were asked to be “padrinos”

“Our tuxedos start at $59.99 for a complete

Like us on Facebook

(godparents) for a quinceañera,” Veronica

tuxedo including shoes. Plus, we offer one

Follow us on Instagram

recalled. “Manny had to get fitted with a

free tuxedo with the rental of six, two free

tuxedo for the event. He couldn’t believe

tuxedos with the rental of 10 and three free

how expensive his tuxedo rental was; he only

tuxedos with the rental of 15. In addition, we

needed it for one night. Plus, the customer

will come to you for personalized fittings for

service he had at the tuxedo shop was not

free! We offer a variety of tuxedos and a full

good, by any means. From that moment, he

line of colors to match your event.”

knew what he had to do.”

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 107

AVISO GROUP “GET NOTICED” Your customers are right outside your door!

main task is to make websites not only

“Powered by our team of search engine

AVISO GROUP, LLC has developed a method

visible when searching, but profitable to our

optimization experts, companies experience

that is helping local businesses reach the top

clients’ websites and brands. We don’t invest

refreshing

of search engines quick, fast and in a hurry.

online to look pretty. It has to make money,”

traffic, brand awareness, and ultimately –

AVISO GROUP’s trendy, stand out approach

states Adam E. Gurrola. “We hit the ground

conversions and revenue.”

will bring new clients knocking your door

running researching and implementing the

down, begging for your services. Google,

most up-to-date techniques using our unique

Yahoo, and Bing search traffic analyzers

tools to put our clients ahead of their online

show that 90% of all search traffic in El Paso

competition.” With aspirations to create a

is going to national websites instead of local.

cutting edge marketing firm here in El Paso,

In every other major city, those numbers are

Adam E. Gurrola and his business partners

more like 40%. Search engines are designed

Edward Beck and Adrian Ramser followed

Aviso Group

to focus and rank local businesses above

their dreams and opened Aviso Group LLC.

SEO | ONLINE DEVELOPMENT | GRAPHICS

national websites and we are here to help

“I value the relationships that we have with

5959 Gateway East, Ste. 329

get you to the top of those search engines.

our customers. An open door policy with

(915) 412-2442

With over 30 years combined experience,

them is always a must in order to develop

www.AvisoGroupLLC.com

AVISO GROUP LLC has the know how to

a foundation that works for our customers,”

make your website work for you. “We are

states Edward Beck.

hikes

in

organic

website

an experienced SEO marketing firm whose

108 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS

Miguel Angel Mercado Ocean Gallery USA

“ If you can dream it, we can build it because we do the Spectacular EVERYDAY!” It all began with a simple aquarium when

In 1995, Miguel Angel sought out the help

with a sister company, The Dorian Group,

Miguel Angel Mercado was around 20

of the nation’s industry leader in custom

that specializes in affordable, beautiful entry

years old. He had a friend that purchased

aquarium fabrication and worked alongside

level custom pools, and custom hand carved

an aquarium for his apartment and it totally

Wade King of ATM aquariums (Animal

one-of-a-kind Laguna pool creations with

captivated Miguel Angel, so of course, as

Planet’s Tanked Star), who taught him

large scale waterfalls, rock slides, swim up

friendly competition amongst friends would

everything there is to know. “Since then,

bars and grottos.”

have it, he immediately had to get a bigger

Ocean Gallery USA has been designing,

and better one. “I absorbed and learned

building and fabricating all of our custom

What does the future hold for Miguel Angel

absolutely everything I could regarding all

aquaria, bubble and water walls, cabinetry

and Ocean Gallery USA? Well, let’s just say

aspects of the aquaria hobby.”

and coral inserts right here in El Paso.”

you should stay tuned to your TV in the near

Miguel Angel then came up with the idea to

Miguel Angel and Ocean Gallery USA’s

design, build and sell custom aquariums,

work, has been recognized by major national

coral inserts, pedestals and canopies. Most

publications such as, The DuPont Registry

Principal Office

importantly at that time, he began leasing them

2002, Landscape Architect 2001, USA Today

8411 Lockheed Drive

with everything included, even the service and

1997, just to name a few. Our clients range

El Paso, Texas 79925

maintenance. “To this day we are still El Paso’s

from local, national, and international, higher

915-778-5111

exclusive custom aquarium fabrication, leasing,

end home owners, night clubs, restaurants,

oceangalleryusa.com

maintenance and service provider.”

casinos and interior decorators. “For the past

dorianconstruction.com

10 years we have broadened our horizons

fb.com/oceangalleryusa

future on Saturday mornings from 8 to 9 …

By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

something “extreme” is coming your way!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 109

August, 2014

West Texas | Written and photographed by: EDDIE CEPEDA |

Smoked Therapy

110

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

west texas bbq

August, 2014

t’s Sunday in the Upper Valley and

provincial America. Barbecue is au courant.

the lake is glistening; the ducks

Barbecue is happening.

are coming by, swarming for some homemade

Barbecue, though is also for the purists and

ice chest is full of beer, the wood

those of us who are learned purist converts.

cracked is

corn.

stacked

11-pound,

The and

an

There are many barbecue devotees who

fetching

avow their barbecue style is best. St. Louis,

there’s

marbly,

hunk of meat seasoned and

South Carolina, and of course bad and big

ready to go. We have a good soundtrack

Texas. With BON APETITTE, along with a

going and have admittedly already made a

slew of major publications, declaring Austin’s

tiny dent in that ice chest.

Franklin’s the best in the country, it’s safe to say Texas style is at the very least leading the

Like a guest we know will make it to the party

battle for now.

but is a little late, the sun hasn’t yet graced us with its presence. It’s somewhere around

But we’re not Austin or Brooklyn. Nor do we

five a.m. On an ordinary day, this scene would

want to be. But why should we not enjoy

probably make me an alcoholic . . . but it’s no

the real thing? Hakadosh “Wandering Que”

ordinary day; it’s barbecue day. We’re in the

truck is Brooklyn’s most famous Texas-style

middle of the desert, more than 500 miles

brisket, a venture owned by Ari White, an El

away from barbecue country and we want

Paso native and son of Mr. White of White’s

brisket. And among a growing number of men

Music Box. And the earliest printed mention

(and women), making that brisket is a cultural

of smoked brisket can be traced back to

and social ritual that starts just like this.

Watson’s Grocery on Texas Street here in El Paso in 1910. So take that, Central Texas.

It’s no secret that barbecue (particularly Texas-style smoked brisket) has been one of

With that said, for now, if you want the

the latest derniers in food culture. With Texas’

authentic experience, you’re going to have

famed but still homie Franklin’s Barbecue

to do it yourself in your backyard. This isn’t

restaurant in American Express commercials,

your tia’s backyard cookout though. This is

Williamsburg-types queuing up around the

a meticulous 18-hour ritual that’s fun and

block to experience Texan barbecue in New

rewarding and delicious.

York, shows like Barbecue Pitmasters and even internet delivery services - barbecue is

In the last couple years, I’ve met at least

no longer the stuff of the rural and rustic in

15 people who’ve bought or made their

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west texas bbq

August, 2014

own smokers to get it just right. In fact, an

him in different cities every week, often in

architect friend of mine is having one custom

line for a coveted slice of meat he couldn’t

built with the specifications of Franklin’s

get at home. “No one was really making this

famous smoker.

kind of barbecue in El Paso. So I thought I’d learn for myself,” he says in between

By now, some of you are wondering if this

compulsive, gleeful glances checking to

is some kind of barbecue obsessed cult

ensure the temperature remains constant on

leader and thinking ‘hey guy, come on, how

his plentitude of meat.

different can your barbecue really be?!’

He hands me another beer. I’m tipsy but Well the thing is, there is a science to making

oblige. This is after all, a monthly quasi-

this lush piece of meat and this science does

holiday. And as much as barbecue is about

have a following. Any true barbecue aficionado

the technicalities: getting that pink smoke

will be the first to tell you, barbecue is about the

ring just right, concocting a proprietary and

indirect heat process. The process of smoking

personal dry rub, and the incredible challenge

meat with wood. It seems fairly simple: burn

of keeping the brisket moist and at the

some wood, let the smoke reach the meat for

precise temperature for as long as 18 hours

a set length of time, and eventually, cut in and

- barbecue is also about the modern man

enjoy. But simple it is not.

bond. A shared love of creating - of starting a journey before dark, devoting an entire day

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On this day. we’re at my friend Agui’s

to preparing something that’ll make people

place. He’s not a professional cook - but a

shriek with satisfaction. It’s a communal

technology professional whose job landed

experience and each time you strive to make www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014 it better. Along the way, we laugh and take in the moment - like an adult mini vacation, recess for grownups.

“Franklin says not to use pecan but I like it,” Agui says as he carries a pile of pecan wood to burn. “Franklin” is Aaron Franklin, the young, new guru of barbecue and owner of the aforementioned Franklin’s Barbeque.

To barbecue fans he is sort of the Michael Jordan of the barbecue world. To explain simply how good Franklin’s is, they have sold out of food every single day they have been open. Some people will tell you it’s all hype, but I’ve had it. The stuff melts in your mouth.

Hype or not, the stuff is legit.

The sun is starting to set and the guests are starting to get a little antsy. “It’s not ready,” says Agui, much to everyone’s chagrin. He could take it out and cut into it at this point, but the temperature just isn’t there yet, and the meat might be a little tough if not allowed to reach that perfect point. The re-loading of the ice chest washes everyone’s sorrow away.

The brisket does eventually reach its zenith, and from the moment of the first cut, it will only exist for about 20 minutes as this group of hungry revelers devours this succulent cut of meat with no remorse. Those also happen to be the most quiet 20 minutes of the day.

Only the occasional moan permeates the room. It’s almost pornographic. “That was fast. Was it worth all that time?” I ask Agui.

“Absolutely!” he responds.

“It’s just the whole process I love. Waking up early to start the fire, rubbing the brisket.

Hanging out. It’s just a great way to spend a day,” Agui tells me. I can attest to this.

Having purchased my own smoker, I spend a great deal of time trying to perfect my brisket.

I’ve had some good briskets and some bad, but one thing has always been the same: I’ve had a blast doing it. Maybe barbecue is our modern therapy. And just maybe, this is El Pasoans way of bringing smoked brisket back to it’s rightful home. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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El Paso on A Ne w 114

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| By: BRITTANY SAWREY |

of

a M

August, 2014

I

f you’re looking for a unique gift, handmade item or vintage décor, Etsy.com has you covered. With over 850,000 active online shops, the options are endless and the creativity is intoxicating. Etsy seeks to replicate the feeling of an open-air marketplace, one with different tents,

distinctive sellers and widely varying products. Now, however, you can enjoy that wide array from the comfort of your couch via computer, smartphone or tablet. Anyone can sell items on Etsy and keep nearly all their profits; the site only charges $0.20 to list an item, and that’s where their cut ends. The buyer can also communicate directly with the seller, asking for personalized items, shipping options or more details about the product.

Launched in 2005 by Rob Kalin, Etsy now spans nearly 200 countries. Kalin said he named it Etsy because he wanted a nonsense word – a word that wouldn’t be associated with anything but the idea he was creating. He certainly was successful both in the titling and the business, which recently became a certified B Corporation. B Corporations are an emerging type of company; they use their power in business to address social and environmental problems. Following the lead of Fair Trade and LEED certification, B Corporation certification holds businesses to a level higher than simple profit. Sustainability, social and environmental impacts are among the many focuses of these new companies, but that’s nothing new to Etsy. They offer bicycles on loan to employees, donate office compost to a community farm in Brooklyn, regulate office energy consumption and hire local, small food businesses – and that’s just how they run their office. By allowing anyone from a degree-carrying artist to a stay-at-home mom to sell their goods, their service itself empowers sellers and reduces environmental impacts, just as it has been for years.

Whether you’re selling on Etsy or browsing for a product, they make it simple and easy. As a seller, you have the option of signing up for extra marketing, tagging items to make them more easily found and personalizing your shop. With an area for shop owners to describe themselves and their passions, connecting with customers and other shop owners is that much easier. If, on the other hand, you’re searching for an item, their easy-to-use search engine allows you to be as specific or general as you want. You can also choose favorite shops and items, to help you revisit products you were interested in. Etsy also chooses favorites, features specific shops or sellers, and blogs about new and exciting items. They even offer a service where you can have their ‘editor’s picks’ emailed to your inbox every day, to keep up-to-date with new items and shops.

El Paso is not without it’s own creative geniuses that are making use of Etsy’s virtual marketplace – our city boasts many shop owners, artists and entrepreneurs on the site. A few include:

Danitaart A dreamer’s shop filled with

prints,

dolls,

and

jewelry set to inspire your own peaceful wonderland; this artist seeks to share her love of all things whimsical with her customers.

Secretsphynx A spunky shop of personalized jewelry, ranging from sweet to sassy and everything in between. Jewelry can also be personalized, which is a perk!

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E l pa s o o n e t s y

August, 2014

Foxdendecor Focused

mainly

on

distressed,

reclaimed furniture that’s sure to turn heads, Foxdendecor also sells ottoman trays and, surprisingly, dog collars!

Vintagebleuboutique French

tea

towels,

pillow

covers

and dishtowels populate this lovely, specialized boutique shop. If you’re looking to spruce-up your sofas, Vintagebleuboutique is a perfect stop.

CollectiveHeart This is the shop for vintage and antique

Thelittlesoapstore Since this shop owner has a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in English, its no wonder that her handmade soaps are

treasure

seekers.

Whether

you’re

looking for a vintage camera, porcelain figurine or a teapot, you’ll find it here!

both practical and gorgeous! These soaps are perfect for adding a little uniqueness to your bathroom or kitchen.

Isaessentials This

nature-friendly

shop

features homemade skin care products

made

from

“pure,

natural ingredients” for customers hoping for a less toxic lifestyle. It features everything from anti-aging serum to all-natural deodorant, perfect for any needs.

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E l pa s o o n e t s y

August, 2014

Beautiqueful If you want a one-of-a-kind look for your children, this boutique shop is the place to visit. It features high-quality hair pieces and clothing for girls and boys, all made individually and by hand.

Leatherinceptions Leather-lovers will fall head over heels for this shop of handmade, unique leather items. Wallets, lanyards, belts, motorcycle bags and more are all available at this suave shop.

Fablesandfinery For the fashionista that loves old Hollywood glam, this shop steps back in time with vintage clothing, jewelry

and

accessories

spanning from the 40s to the 80s.

FashionablyGeeky247 Whatever and whoever you’re looking for, Etsy is sure

Owned by a mathematical sciences

to have something for you! As a way to support individual

major, this adorable and exceptional shop

artists and craftsmen, your purchases come with the

boasts dresses and bow ties unavailable

knowledge that you are supporting someone else’s vision

at any other store. Themed from comic

and dream. By keeping an eye out for shops owned by

books to sheet music, you’re sure to

El Pasoans you can support our community’s art and

have an outfit unlike anyone else

creativity, too. Etsy on!

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

with purchases here!

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November, 2013

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November, 2013

Here at M!X, we have every luxurious service you could ever want or ask for. Our hair salon, nail salon, spa and sauna, and third story restaurant and viewing terrace are all meant for one thing, making you feel extraordinary. Don’t delay and call today and book your appointment now!

4201 Camelot Heights Dr. by N. Mesa | El Paso, Texas 79912 | (915) 351-0032 | mixsalonspa.com | Like us on Facebook!

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August, 2014

Tulasi | By: MEAGAN KINLEY photo by: DAV ANMED |

Gopalan A Little Q&A with the

NEW

MISS EL PASO

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TEEN TEXAS 2014 www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

m i s s e l pa s o t e e n t e x a s 2 0 1 4

The 2014 Miss El Paso and Miss El Paso Teen Texas competition crowned it’s new leading ladies June 21 at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. This two-day competition featuring 81 lovely ladies; women of grace, power, and intelligence, crowned Miss Tulasi Gopalan as the new Miss El Paso Teen Texas 2014. The City Magazine sat down with this amazing young woman for a brief Q & A, getting the scoop on El Paso’s newest teen titleholder.

Q: What is was background prior

Q: This was your first pageant, what can

Q: What other goals do you

to beginning your pageant career?

you say about the overall experience?

have outside of pageants?

A: “I’m an only child. I was born in Brooklyn,

A: “I honestly had a lot of fun. I was very

A: “I want to major in physics at college. It is

New York and when I was three, my parents

excited from the very beginning to the end.

not a subject that comes natural to me, but

and I moved here to El Paso. I don’t really

I really loved being on stage. I think the best

I do enjoy the challenge. Later in life I want

remember New York at all, I remember

realization I’ve had through throughout this

to become a doctor; that’s my overall goal.

El Paso the best and it’s definitely home.

whole experience is ‘mind over matter.’ Just

The two fields that interest me most right

Outside of school and pageants I’ve been

like in golf and other sports; if you have a good

now would be becoming a Neurosurgeon or

playing golf for 11 years now. I’ve been really

mental attitude, you can usually overcome

pursuing Geriatric Oncology.”

fortunate and successful in the sport; I even

any sort of physical challenges you have.

went to the State Championships.”

Walking was a huge challenge for me—but

Q: When did you first aspire

people told me that I looked confident and

to become a doctor?

Q: When did you first start

that I looked like I knew what I was doing .

A: “Before I knew how to read, my parents

aspiring to enter the pageant?

. . really all I was doing was thinking positive

bought me an anatomy book. I couldn’t read

A: “This was actually my first pageant

and focusing on having fun.”

it, but I really liked looking at the pictures.

Ever since then, it’s all I’ve wanted to do.”

experience and it was a big step out of my comfort zone for sure. Honestly, before this

Q: What are you passionate about?

event I had never considered doing pageants

A: “I’m co-founder and president of a non-

Q: What is something people

before. I gave it a try because people kept

profit called ‘All in the Chalk.’ Our mission is

may not know about you?

telling me that I might be a good fit for it; I

to raise $9,000 to purchase 30 chalkboards

A: “I think it’s funny that I do pageants; I don’t

didn’t believe them until I gave it a chance.”

to put in classrooms all over the world,

wear makeup at all on a regular basis, I don’t

like Mumbai, India. My team and I decided

know how to style my hair and I’ve never

Q: How did you prepare for the pageant?

that the best way to publicize our project

operated a curling iron. All of this was outside

A: “In terms of preparation, I wasn’t satisfied

was through a medium that people enjoy. I

of my comfort zone — but I’m learning. That

with just being thin. I wanted to be lean and

thought, ‘Hey maybe if I win, I can advocate

just goes to show that you should always try

muscular and improve myself through this

for my project,’ and so far the plan has

something you never thought you would be

pageant experience. I worked out everyday

gone well. Hopefully by next May from my

attracted to, because you never know what

and started eating clean. I avoid processed

platform as Miss El Paso Teen Texas, more

you’ll be good at.”

food, large intakes of carbs and doughnuts

people will know about our cause.”

(unfortunately), and I focus on drinking a lot of water. I’ve been very blessed and I’ve

Q: What are your future

overcome a lot of weaknesses through this

aspirations in the pageant world?

experience.”

A: “I’m really looking forward to Miss Texas in September.”

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August, 2014

THE

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ

ASSISTANT STYLIST: NATALIE ROSALES

HAIR: DAVID PAUL AND MEEKA CHAVEZ OF

QUARTERMANE SALON

MAKE UP (TULASI GOPALAN): CLAUDIA CASTILLO

MAKE UP (VICTORIA SINCLAIR): MATTHEW ABRAHAM

WARDROBE PROVIDED BY: UNION FASHION, NONO’S,

ELLA BLU, AND V&X BOUTIQUE

MODEL (THIS PAGE): TULASI GOPALAN,

MISS EL PASO TEEN TEXAS 2014-2015

MODEL (OPPOSITE PAGE): VICTORIA SINCLAIR,

TOP & SKIRT: A.L.C.

JEWELRY: ALEXIS BITTAR

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MISS EL PASO TEXAS 2014-2015

Miss El Paso Texas and Miss El Paso Teen Texas, directed and produced by Laura’s Productions, Laura Rayborn is the official state recruiter for the Miss Texas USA and the Miss Texas Teen USA pageants, for more info on the girls contact Laura Rayborn at (915) 845-2894 or www.laurasproductions.com

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

DRESS: NICOLE MILLER JEWELRY: DETAILS

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

Look found at

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

Look found at

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

Look found at

V&X BOUTIQUE

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

Look found at

V&X BOUTIQUE

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

DRESS: JUICY COUTUTRE CLUTCH: TED BAKER

BRACELETS: JUICY COUTURE EARRINGS:

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

DRESS:

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO CLUTCH, BRACELET, AND EARRINGS:

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

NECKLACE: JUICY COUTURE

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

A Safe Haven For Movie Buffs | By: AMANDA NORTH |

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August, 2014

Dinner and a movie needed a revamp and

loved the idea of being served a full meal and

Alamo Drafthouse was the answer for the

drinks during a movie, but the disturbance

clichéd first-date routine. After being spoiled

policy intimidated me. To be honest, it still

by movie experiences at Alamo Drafthouse, I

does. I check that my cell phone is off, not

find it difficult to attend movies at traditional

just silenced, two or three times before

theaters; I can’t have a beer with my popcorn

the movie begins. However, I can hardly

and the kid in front of me won’t stop talking

enjoy regular theaters now, an obsessive

on his cell phone? No thank you.

commentator or cell phone junkie can ruin the entire film.

The first time I heard of the Drafthouse was before I moved to Austin, while my boyfriend

There is so much to love about an

was living there part-time. Two friends took

experience at Alamo Drafthouse, from

him to an Alamo Drafthouse, sworn as a

their push to support local

quintessential Austin ‘must-see.’ While he

breweries to their lack of time-

was in the theater for the first time, enjoying

wasting advertisements; the

a craft beer and gourmet pizza during the

theater creates such a unique

movie, two young women were removed

experience

by management for talking during the film.

customer

When he told me about the experience, I

surprise

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

that loyalty.

that

it

ensures It

is

no

Entertainment 131

alamo Drafthouse Cinema

August, 2014

Weekly calls Alamo Drafthouse ‘the number one theater in America’ and Wired.com makes the bold claim that the Drafthouse is ‘the coolest theater in the world.’ What Alamo does better is provide a safe-place for people who love movies, and what they create is something that no other theater provides. Each location is market specific, enforcing community and a unique entertainment space for an audience to grow an appreciation for film. The Drafthouse’s major principles to ensure this experience are: • We don’t allow unaccompanied kids at movies and only allow babies at select “baby day” screenings.

• We have a zero-tolerance policy towards talking and texting during the movie. If you talk or text, you will receive one warning. If it happens again, you will be kicked out without a refund.

• We strive to be leaders in presentation quality.

• We support local breweries.

• We strive to serve quality, fresh-prepared food.

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

The restrictions for kids and chatting may seem harsh to some, as they are meant to. However, after a completely undisturbed movie viewing you will wonder how you ever sat through “Mama Mia” with a teething baby three rows ahead of you or “The Avengers” with hormone ragging teenagers in the first two rows. If you pay for a movie, you should be giving your attention to the actors, not the audience. It is a simple philosophy, which makes a huge difference that the Drafthouse strictly adheres to. Exceptions to the rules only happen during sing-alongs or quote-alongs for classic films, both of which make for a night full of laughs.

Watching films anywhere other than Drafthouse would not have afforded me the possibility for enjoying a Maleficent-themed whiskey cocktail during the film or a hearty stew themed for “The Hobbit.” The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Montecillo is bound to be a success for El Paso, making cult-like fans out of locals. Beside the eight-screen theater where the audience can enjoy dinner and drinks during a film, the location will also have a stand-alone bar (Glass Half Full) that focuses on quality craft cocktails. El Paso get ready - opening in 2015, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is about to change your movie watching game! www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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AUGUST 50

o

o

November, 2013

off

in registration

Come and Dance with us!

Jazz • Ballet • Tap Hip hop • Aerial

Any questions? Call 915 585 1911 6910 North Mesa St#79912 (behind Dollar General)

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

Fancy Meeting You Here! | By: AUDREY TOLLIVER |

Hal Marcus - Artist 1. If you had to paint yourself what would you be wearing and where would you be?

Well, I would be wearing my signature hat and my Hawaiian shirt and then I would be in my gallery or my studio painting.

2. What’s your favorite picture you’ve painted?

My favorite picture I’ve painted is the one I just finished today and it’s called “The Magician’s Muse.”

3. If you could pick one celebrity to paint who would it be and why?

OK, I would paint Penelope Cruz because I like her accent.

Nevena Christi (Rocketbuster Boots) 1. Who’s the most famous person who’s walked into the shop or bought from Rocketbuster?

“I put Whoopie Goldberg on hold for 20 minutes not knowing it was her and she was very nice and very funny about it.”

2. What’s the largest order you’ve had from one person?

“Tommy Mottola (music executive of CasaBlanca Records, with Universal Music Group) ordered 35 pairs of boots that he saw on our website. It took a whole year to finish the entire order, but we did it!”

3. What’s the most outrageous pair of boots you’ve made?

“We’ve done a lot of really crazy boots - we did a full Chinese dragon that wrapped all the way around the foot with the dragon head on the bottom. One of the silliest we ever did was a woman from a place called Krauss Berry Farm in Canada where they make pie and jam and she wanted a piece of pie on the foot of the boot. It was really crazy - we pulled it off! The one thing people don’t think about is that we have to actually like it and I can’t put my label on if I don’t like it, so it did end up working, but it was really hard.”

Marco Gutierrez (Dirty River Boys) 1. You’ve performed with and opened up for some pretty big names. Who out of those musicians has been the funniest and why?

Of all the people I have played with, I have to say that my fellow band mate Nino Cooper holds the title of funniest person on the road. His impressions could easily be on Saturday Night Live.

2. The Dirty River Boys are almost always on tour. Have you ever encountered any noteworthy mishaps we should know about?

Once on the way to Chicago we foolishly tried to wait out a tornado under an overpass. Everyone around us was alright after it passed, but we found out that was one of the worst places to be during a tornado.

3. Some of your songs seem like they’re set in the old west. Where does that inspiration come from?

A lot of the desire to make music that sounds like that comes from being born and raised in the desert.

It’s a beautiful place and I’ve always liked trying to musically replicate the feeling it gives me.

4. Do you have a favorite venue to perform in that just feels like a perfect fit?

The Granada Theater in Dallas is an amazing place for us to play. It has the 1920s old theater vibe. They treat us great, the sound system is killer, and the people that come out are there only for music. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

and

out | By: NATALIE ROSALES |

Although we won’t be feeling the summer to fall transition until about late October, it’s still important to always dress for the season. With that being said, let’s take a look at some simple but stylish changes for your transition between the seasons.

136

in and out

In

Drawstring pants | Drawstring pants are not only flattering but they pair together with virtually anything and look great on every body type.

Drawstring pants are chic, comfortable and weather appropriate. For a casual look, pair with flats, and a classic tee, for a professional look pair with a blazer and some pointed toe pumps, and for a night out try out a crop or embroidered tank with some fun “look at me” pumps.

out

Patterned leggings | It doesn’t matter how great your body looks, leggings, especially printed or patterned leggings are not a very good look. I would suggest leaving the leggings for the gym and in the comfort of your own home for a lazy Sunday, but never for a day/night out. If you want to play up your pants and don’t feel like wearing a classic denim jean then go for an over-

t

dyed wash in an indigo or dark burgundy wash or add some zip to your hip with zippers for pockets to kick up your outfit a notch.

In

Shoulder length cut | The insanely long Kim Kardashian head of hair is no longer the go-to length; the new look called “The Chop” is still long enough to be sexy but not as drastic as a bob. This cut goes right to the shoulders or collarbone area and we are obsessed. It’s fresh and flattering that even Kim K decided to drop her signature look and sport the new chop.

out

Ombre | This trend is not only tired, it’s overdone. We don’t necessarily think it’s a bad look, its just very overplayed. Everyone has already been there, done that and we think it’s time to drop the dye and cover up those roots.

In

Classic Tees | A tee shirt on a man is a classic look and if worn and fitted appropriately can scream sexy. Men should remember that fitted does not mean tight, it simply means that it fits in all the right places and doesn’t hug the body too much, nor is it too baggy. A small V neck is okay, but keep in mind that no one wants to see your man cleavage -- deep V’s are a no no. A classic tee can be worn alone or can be paired with a casual blazer. Style Tip: Indigo is our favorite color for men to sport this season.

out

Logo Stricken | The oversized logo has got to go -- no one needs to see what brand your tee is purchased from nor does anyone care. Drop the logo and keep it minimal.

In

Craft beer | Before you decide to shun craft beer and label it as a “hipster trend,” let me tell you why you should jump on board. Craft beer comes from a smaller American-based company meaning that the beer is actually put into consideration for quality taste -- remember quality over quantity people. Craft beer not only tastes better because of the higher quality and large amount of ingredients but it also contains more alcohol. If you’re used to drinking Bud Light or Miller, you’re basically drinking water. Most craft beers contain 5-10% alcohol by volume level where as your typical beers only reach up to about 2.5% alcohol by volume level, meaning that it would take about 4-6 Bud Light beers to have the same effect as one or two craft beers. So go out and give craft beer a try, life is short you might as well drink good beer.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

out

Cheap beer | Because who likes watered down beer?

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His Prerogative 138

August, 2014

| By: MATTHEW WILKSON |

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

h i s p r e r o g at i v e

August, 2014

W

hat is your creation? Is it an art of music, a form of expressive dance, or maybe a beautiful moment on canvas? Whatever the case, an artist is driven to exhibit the best representation of their own talents, but many artists will tell you that there is always room for improvement. In that same

fashion, the art of grooming for gentlemen is something that can always be taken to the next level. No matter if a guy is a low maintenance mister or a spruced up squire, his daily

1 2

routine before braving the world is a personal choice that we like to call His Prerogative.

1

Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel | By Clinique

I recently read that the mind becomes more creative when it is tired and running on reserves.

No wonder all of you artists stay up into the wee hours of the morning tracking masterpieces on Ableton and creating obscure comics like local artist Zeque Penya’s Rasquatch. Although sleep deprivation may increase productivity, nobody wants to look like they just stepped off the ultra long-haul non-stop flight from Australia to the U.S. For those mornings that you have that dark sunken look under your eyes Clinique will help you bounce those bags out with their Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel roll on. Apply this in the morning to create the appearance of youthful-looking eyes and no one will rag on you for looking tired and worn out. Available at Dillard’s $28.

2

Patio Oil Moisture Mist | By Jao Brand

Summer is all about barbeques, outdoor concerts, poolside parties, and picnics with friends. However, mosquitoes are those guests that are never welcomed for fun in the sun, but always show up anyway. They end up turning a relaxing event with your buddies into a painful slapdance in the park. Thankfully, Joa Brand has whipped up the woodsy Patio Oil Moisture Mist to ward away the winged Draculas of the sky and they recommend not leaving home without it this summer. This earthy plant-based mist is packed with all natural ingredients like Hemp Seed oil and Lemon Eucalyptus oil to leave your skin feeling cool and moisturized on those sizzling El Paso summer nights. The most important factor - NO MORE MOSQUITOES! Now all of you music lovers can go check

3

out music from artists like Eureka the Butcher downtown at La Parada without getting mauled by moyotes. Available at Jaobrand.com $32.

3

Fellow Barber Products

Every Picasso needs an arsenal of supplies to maintain the mane, and Fellow Barber offers a slew of products to help you in the art of most of your manly measures. From shaves to aftershaves, or pastes to pomade FB has all of the essentials you will need to get right with yourself. Sam Buffa created this artfully simple brand to offer an unassuming, non-pretentious product with an extremely high quality. These products 4

crafted in New York are intended to moisturize and nourish without oversaturating.

Available at Fellowbarber.com $20-60.

4

Barber’s Powder | By V76 by Vaughn

Many of you artsy guys out there look at deodorant as a form of artistic oppression, but for real, your pits are in serious trouble. Your underarms have been more funky than Rick James at a Bar Mitzvah and your next collaboration needs to tone down the ruckus.

Lucky for you the folks over at V76 by Vaughn have a dust that’s going to blow your mind.

Just sprinkle this mix of arrowroot, meadow foam seed and rice bran about areas that get a bit moist and you’ll stay fresh all day. It will even give you a more comfortable feeling collar on your dress shirt when applied to the neck. Available at V76.com $22. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

How to | By: MATTHEW ABRAHAM |

r i a p e R Yo u r

r e m m u S r i a H

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

W

beaut y

August, 2014

hile the sun, surf, and social events of

Hair masks If you want to try a more chemical-free

the summer months

treatment for your hair, a mask may be your

can be great for our

hair repair rescue product of choice. Popular

spirit and psyche, they

masks such as It’s a Ten Miracle Hair Mask

also can wreak havoc on

and Arbonne’s Pure Vibrance Revitalizing

our hair. Even the most follicly

Hair Mask are made from natural ingredients

blessed can find this time of

such as linseed, almond, oat, artichoke and

year to be challenging for their precious locks.

apricot extracts. Masks can be applied as a

Fortunately, there are now several (relatively)

one-time treatment to give a boost to frazzled

easy and powerfully effective solutions to

hair, with the best results usually occurring

keeping your hair looking it’s best no matter

from use once or twice a week. While the

what the season or the weather.

results might not be as drastic as those seen from keratin treatments, many beauty

Keratin Treatments

diehards have raved all over the Internet

Also known as Brazilian hair treatments,

about the amazing changes in their hair from

The Brazilian Blowout, La Brasiliana and the

using these products. Many DIY home hair

Coppola Keratin Smoothing Treatment are

mask recipes can found online and include

all popular salon keratin treatments. They

ingredients found in almost every pantry or

have been touted as the secret weapon

refrigerator. Popular home hair masks include

for celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow

eggs, bananas, milk, oatmeal and even beer.

and Jennifer Aniston who are known for their A-list worthy hair. These treatments can actually smooth, eliminate frizz (up to 90%!) and cut blow-drying time in at least

Leave in treatments and conditioners If you’re hoping to find an inexpensive quick

half. These treatments actually add back the

fix for you’re summer-frazzled mane the

keratin (the protein from which hair is made)

new generation of leave-in conditioners can

to damaged or distressed follicles, leaving

give your locks an immoderate reprieve.

hair healthier and stronger post-treatment.

Long gone are your mom’s perfumey,

Critics of the treatment however warned

heavy and even greasy leave-ins. The new

consumers back in 2010 that that ingredient

wave of leave-ins such as Label.M Leave

that makes these treatments so effective

In Conditioner protect against heat styling

is formaldehyde, which can be toxic. While

with the help of yummy ingredients such

though the formulas used in salons today are

as Ginger, Ginseng, Bergamot, Juniper,

branded as formaldehyde-free and typically

Mandarin Orange and Vanilla to help to

are less dangerous than their predecessors,

control frizz. These products are particularly

they

suited to achieve bouncy, shiny curls and can

still

mostly

include

formaldehyde

derivatives or chemicals that can release formaldehyde

gas

when

activated

help significantly smooth out split ends.

by

water or heat. Manufacturers have assured

Whatever your budget, lifestyle or schedule

consumers that despite rampant speculation

today’s new hair treatments provide a myriad

otherwise; their products are indeed safe.

of options for virtually every hair concern.

Try one and see if you agree with many stylists who swear by them. You may just find yourself with less and less excuses for having any bad-hair days this fall.

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Upcoming

November, 2013

September Attorneys Worth Knowing Dental Professionals October Local Boutiques Beauty World November Healthcare Professionals Senior Care

Pr files 142

(Special Advertising)

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August, 2014

Etiquette

Parental Advice on Keys to a Successful Date

| By: JOANN WARDY |

When going on a date, remember these tips: • Be on time, both picking up your date and when your date picks you up.

• Dress appropriately for the occasion out of respect for yourself and your date.

• Be respectful of one another. Do not flirt with other people, or come on too strongly. Be on your best behavior.

• Make sure parents know where you are going, and be sure to return on time.

• Never speak negatively about the person you are going out with, it only makes you look bad.

• Thank each other at the end of the date.

Joann Wardy elpasoetiquette.com 915-355-0992

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August, 2014

The Genius of

om ea T L in Washington, D.C. | By: ADAIR MARGO |

A

t the 2007 Texas Book Festival

released book, “The Two Thousand Yard

grandparents. In fact, my great-grandfather

in Austin, the noted Texas writer,

Stare, Tom Lea’s World War II,” which had

baptized him when he was eight years old.”

Stephen Harrigan, was escorting

been edited by Marine aviator Brendan

Robert Caro and his wife, Ina,

Greeley and for which I’d written the

Caro’s response is one I’ve never forgotten

around the State Capitol

forward. “Mac” Greeley and I were both at

and one that proved a tipping point in my

when we bumped into each other in the

the festival to make a presentation on the

life’s work. “Tom Lea was an unsung genius

cafeteria. I’d met Stephen years before

book, I explained.

of our time,” he said, “who made it purely on the quality of his work.”

through Laura Bush, and was pleased to meet the Pulitzer-winning biographer of

Robert Caro, who stood silently and without

LBJ about whom I’d read so much. When

expression, then asked, “You knew Tom

This September, the genius of Tom Lea will be

Stephen asked why I was there, I told

Lea?” “Yes,” I responded, “We’re both

discussed in Washington, D.C. in back to back

him about Texas A&M University’s newly

from El Paso and he was a friend of my

conferences: The Art of Tom Lea: Preserving

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August, 2014

the genius of tom lea

Our National Heritage, a case study for

the work, spurred the organization of the

preserving WPA era murals in the United States

Smithsonian conference.

at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on September 24; and, The Two Thousand Yard

Panelists from around the world will discuss

Stare, Tom Lea’s World War II at the Officer’s

Tom Lea’s murals as an example of regional

Club, Fort Belvoir, Virginia on September 25.

heritage and its importance - not only to the United States - but to other parts of the

The conferences are timely. With the U.S.

world. Luciano Cheles, an art historian from

Post Office in financial trouble, and the

Poitiers, France and Smithsonian Fellow, will

government’s need to diminish the number

discuss the influence of Piero della Francesca

of federal buildings in its inventory, questions

in Tom Lea’s work while comparing the Tom

have arisen about what will become of the

Lea Trail to the famous Piero della Francesca

murals inside so many of them. Likewise,

Trail in Italy. During his lifetime, Tom Lea

with plans to build a new museum to the U.S.

spoke about his admiration for the solidity of

Army, attention has been drawn to the U.S.

Piero della Francesca’s forms as well as the

Center of Military History, which includes

serenity of his figures.

82 works by Tom Lea in its LIFE Collection.

Which pieces from the collection will be

Islamic scholar Sabiha Al Khemir, a Tunisian

included in the Army museum, and what will

living in New York, will share her favorite work

happen to the rest being housed in a huge

of American art – Tom Lea’s 1956 Southwest

warehouse facility at Fort Belvoir, Virginia?

mural in the El Paso Public Library – while describing the journey that led her to El Paso

John Gray, Director of the National Museum

to see it for the first time. Julia Bussinger,

of American History, recently told me of two

Director of the El Paso Museum of Art, will

while Harvard scholar Melissa Renn will

towns that approached the Smithsonian

present on her first months in El Paso and

share her research on LIFE’s war art program.

asking if the government might take their

how Tom Lea’s “Pass of the North” served

African American scholar Maceo Dailey will

murals. “Communities need to take an

as the perfect introduction to the region.

speak on Realism and Patriotism in the Life

interest in preserving their own murals,“ he

of a Great American Artist and Dr. Michael

said, “because the federal government is in

At the Officer’s Club at Fort Belvoir, Virginia

Tomor will reflect on “Can Beauty be Found

no position to take care of them all.” Dallan

on September 25, a conference introduced

in War?” Though embedded in one of the

Wordekemper, recently retired Real Estate

by Gen. Creighton Abrams, Director of

war’s most gruesome battles on the island

Specialist and Federal Preservation Office

the Army Historical Foundation and Micki

of Peleliu, Tom Lea - in the dead silence the

at the United States Postal Service, agreed.

Costello, Chairman of the Tom Lea Institute,

following morning - noted he heard the song

“We need the eyes and ears of communities

will explore the work Lea did as the first

of a bird. And though he wrote J. Frank Dobie

out there, to keep us informed on the

civilian artist hired by LIFE Magazine to

that he couldn’t paint Mount Franklin while

condition of federal murals.”

cover World War II. While traveling halfway

the rest of the world was on fire, he knew all

around the world, he covered the fight

the more that when he returned home, just

Activities during Tom Lea Month in Odessa

against German U-boats while aboard a Navy

how much Mount Franklin meant to him.

in 2013, took the new director of the Ellen

destroyer; recorded the sinking of the aircraft

Noel Museum of the Permian Basin into

carrier Wasp while aboard the carrier Hornet;

An added benefit to attendees will be a private

the federal post office for the first time

travelled to England, North Africa and China

viewing of Tom Lea’s art in the large holding

where he discovered Tom Lea’s masterful

recording Army Air Forces transport, fighter

facility for the Army Art Collection at Fort

1940

Belvoir following the presentations on post.

was

and bomber crews; and witnessed the

dismayed to see Coca Cola sprayed on its

bloody battle of Peleliu when he landed with

surface as well as loose chunks of paint.

the first wave of the seventh marines.

“Stampede”

mural.

He

Not surprising, considering the post office

Yes, Tom Lea was an unsung genius of the twentieth century and - though these two

is open 24 hours a day. Jacob’s expressed

Scholars and soldiers alike will discuss Lea’s

conferences will merely scratch the surface

concern to the Tom Lea Institute and

paintings and writing published in 10 issues

of what he contributed through great works of

offered to raise private dollars to restore

of LIFE magazine between 1941 and 1944,

art - at least they are a long overdue beginning.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

Unexpected Adventures

Re-visiting Your Hometown | Written and photographed by: MEAGAN KINLEY |

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T r av e l

August, 2014

“Going to the woods is going home.”

F

-John Muir

or many, summer offers a time of

and spend our vacation soaking up time with

a bowling alley or taking a morning run on

relaxation, a time to slow down

family and seeing little old Arkansas as a great

your old high school track, wherever these

and perhaps, even some time to

escape. Two weeks later, our experiment

spots are for you, spending time in them will

travel. For me, my husband and

merited not only an awesome two weeks of

restore your soul and rekindle your love for

our three adventurous dogs – the

relaxation, but also two weeks of rip-roaring

your roots. With it being summer, there may

summer of 2014 offered a much-

exploration, re-seeing our city in a new light.

be other old friends in town. Spread your

needed respite back to our joint hometown

When the day came to finally leave, we were

social wings and invite them out to relive

of Little Rock, Arkansas. Our two week

both heart broken, for the usual sentimental

“the good old days” together.

adventure began in late May with a packed

reasons, but also because we discovered a

car and a 16 hour ride across the great state

new side and a new depth to Little Rock we

of Texas. As brutal as the long hours in the

had never touched before.

car were, (and as tempting as flying would have been) I am always so amazed and

What this experience taught me is that there

entertained by the beauty of the changing

is something to gain from every city, and that

Texas landscape. If you have ever done

there is something special to be found in

this drive yourself (the drive from El Paso

seeing the old as new. As you look ahead and

to Dallas), you’ve probably seen it too; the

soak up the last rays of this summer’s sun,

way the arid desert landscape transforms

here are some exciting techniques to help you

and changes just before your eyes from

re-see your own hometown and quench your

a dangerous dry beauty, into a deciduous

thirst for wanderlust in a whole new way.

forest-like land (the climate I’ve always called home). It was as I was riding along in the car that I had a thought: despite the fact that we were “just going home,” I proposed an idea to my husband that we should use the trip to act like classy tourists in our hometown www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Something Old . . .

Something New . . .

Since you’ve been gone, there have probably been some new developments throughout or near your hometown. Ask around and make a list of the top hits you want to explore.

On our trip, we came home to find that the city of Little Rock had a few new locally owned shopping spots, one even featuring Arkansas’ new ice cream, a trendy new company Loblolly Creamery. We enjoyed this cool treat in one of our new favorite places, The Green Corner Store on the renovated South Main Street (or SoMa as it is now

Before diving into the new wild frontier of

called). We found it so fun and exhilarating

the place you once called home, explore your

to explore these blossoming new areas

favorite old spots; the diners or restaurants

and to celebrate the growth our city had

you were once a “usual” at. Whether it’s

experienced in our absence (and with ice 147

August, 2014

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August, 2014

t r av e l

cream in hand, who could complain?) The town

outings, these walks down memory lane will lead

also housed another new place, it’s own Altitude

you to reflect on how much has changed, how much

Trampoline Park. As ridiculous as it looked, playing

is still the same – and ultimately they will enable you

trampoline dodge ball and running around was not

to soak in the scenery and natural beauty of the town

only an incredible workout, but it was also almost

you were born and raised in.

too much fun to handle. Since this particular outing included me and all of my friends from high school and college, it was a great activity to help us all reconnect. Needless to say, ending the evening with a much needed margarita did help us feel a little less sore . . . if only for a few hours.

Take a Walk

Splurge The key here is to do something you would never have usually spent the money to do. Pick a place or activity that means a lot to you. If you love food, go out for a big multi-course dinner at a fine restaurant. If you are into the outdoors or sporting, this could mean going to a zip-lining course, or

There is something very organic about walking. The

renting a boat or cabin. For us, we decided to go

act itself forces you onto your feet, but at the same

out to one of the fancy restaurants in town. As

time you are still moving slow. Find a place that

simple as it sounds, buying a nice bottle of wine

highlights the best parts of your hometown. For us,

and tasting the delicious local cuisine was just

Arkansas (if you’ve ever seen an Arkansas license

what we needed to add a little pizzazz to our not-

plate you know it’s alias is “the natural state”) is all

so-ordinary trip home.

trees and river trails so we spent a lot of time simply getting lost in the woods and walking to our new

Wherever you go, the world and every city within

favorite local coffee shop, Mylo Coffee Co. in the

it is so full of potential. Take every opportunity

Historic Hillcrest District. Arkansas is also home to

for travel that falls in your lap. Enjoy the rest

“The Big Damn Bridge” which is an amazing walking

of your summer, and remember that there’s no

bridge over the Arkansas River Damn in Little Rock.

place like home.

But wherever your feet take you on these breezy

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love

August, 2014

Rules

When You’re in a Relationship | By: JANNET BUSTILLOS |

I

f you’re in a serious relationship Facebook can be detrimental.

Unfortunately good etiquette is not always practiced on Facebook, and a simple mistake can easily ruin a relationship. If you’re not sure if you are practicing good etiquette on Facebook . . . then keep reading.

• Befriending someone who your partner feels uncomfortable with could jeopardize your relationship. If your partner doesn’t feel comfortable with you liking your ex’s pictures or commenting on certain people’s pages, respect his or her wishes. Something like this can create insecurities in your relationship.

• If you feel the need to keep or hide something from your partner on Facebook. This should be a sign that you should not be going forward with whatever you are doing.

• Don’t ever keep pictures of your exes on Facebook. Not only is this a sign that you might not be completely over this person, but also it is very disrespectful to your partner.

• Try not to change your relationship status without discussing it with your significant other. Make sure you too are on the same

• When it comes to things you should never do on Facebook, this

page about your relationship. You don’t want to change it to

might be the main faux pas. Don’t use Facebook as a place to vent.

“in a relationship,” and then have to change it back to “single”.

You should never complain about your partner or make a fight

• Having zero evidence of your relationship on your profile can be

public. Not only is this embarrassing, but awkward for your

bad for your relationship. This could translate to your partner as

family and friends to see. What happens at home should stay home

you denying the relationship. Show them you care by occasionally

. . . not on Facebook.

posting a picture or a status update of the two of you.

• Keep it classy and don’t post racy pics of you and your partner.

• Take your time when it comes to adding your partner’s family

• Having a shared profile is not necessary on Facebook. I understand

and friends. Especially if you haven’t met them yet. This can

if you’re married and want to share everything, but a Facebook

be creepy to some people.

profile should not be one of them. What if an old classmate wants to say hi, but doesn’t know who they are talking to?

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August, 2014

Body Art A Few Fun Ways to Stay Active

| By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ, B.S. NUTRITION, CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER, CERTIFIED FITNESS NUTRITION COACH |

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Fitness

August, 2014

S

hounding you about dancing, then you may

you, it’s not easy. A one hour pole fitness

want to look into it.

session can burn around 250-450 calories.

feel. I love my strength and

Capoeira. Even the name sounds fun.

And finally, my personal favorite, Brazilian

ummer is upon us and those workouts may be getting a bit tedious. I know how you conditioning, but sometimes

Capoeira, originated in Africa and popularized

Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art originally

you need a change of pace to

in Brazil, is a mix of music, dance, and

from Japan, was introduced to Brazil in

keep you motivated. Sometimes

fighting. There are a few versions as to how

1914. This was the beginning of the Gracie

the heat drains you and you don’t feel like

it came to be, but the most popular is that it

family legacy. Eventually the Japanese Jiu-

doing anything. So mix up your routine. Look

was created by slaves as a way to practice

Jitsu was modified and called Brazilian Jiu-

for some other activities, that you can do

self-defense. They disguised it as a dance

Jitsu (or BJJ as it’s called today), and the

indoors, that will not only be fun, but will help

so the slave owners wouldn’t know it was a

Gracie’s took it a step further by creating

keep you on track with your fitness goals.

form of self-defense. With a mix of dancing

their own Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It is a martial art,

and acrobatics, Capoeira can burn anywhere

but it’s known as the gentle art. It is more a

A few things you may be interested in trying

from 400-700 calories per hour depending on

form of self-defense than an attacking art.

are Salsa dancing, Capoeira, Pole Fitness,

body type and movements performed. It’s

Most people think it’s just a bunch of guys

and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not only are these

fun and you learn some self-defense.

rolling around on the floor, but once you begin to study the art and practice it, you

arts beautiful to watch, but they burn a ton of calories when you actually perform them.

Pole Fitness. This requires no dollar

can see exactly what it’s about. Not only is

They’re great for flexibility in muscles and

bills, so rest easy. Pole fitness, while

it fun, but an hour of training or “rolling” as

joints and increasing cardiovascular output.

mainstream today, is actually a few

practitioners call it can burn up 900 calories

hundred years old. With history in India

depending on intensity of the session.

Who doesn’t love to dance? Salsa, Bachata,

and China, men were usually the main

or even country line dancing are all great ways

performers. It was not only a test of skill

So there you have it. A few ways to stay

to have fun while burning some calories.

and strength, but a way to entertain.

active this summer without dealing with the

Dancing can burn on average 500 calories

Today, there are pole studios all across

summer heat. These are all beautiful arts and

per hour. Actual calories burned varies

the world. There are even National Level

really fun to do. So go out and try them and

based on style of dancing and bodyweight.

competitions. Both men and women are

find one you enjoy. Just remember to stick

There’s plenty of places locally that offer

doing pole fitness as a way to develop

with it and keep up with your strength training.

dance lessons. So guys, if you’re lady’s been

core strength and tone up. Let me tell

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153

ast rolo gy

August, 2014

HISTORY OF TAROT CARDS

T

| By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY |

here is a higher wisdom or universal

At first tarot decks were created as a

well, and numerous artists (including Salvador

truth we can all tap into and there

game. The decks were used to play a game

Dali) have used the symbolism of the tarot as

are many methods of gathering this

called triumph that was similar to bridge. In

a means of creative expression.

information. One way is through

triumph, 21 of the 22 special picture cards

tarot cards. Our subconscious mind thinks

were permanent trump cards. The game

Tarot cards have not specifically been known

or communicates through symbolism. The

spread quickly to all parts of Europe. People

as “cards of the devil.” That title was given

tarot cards can give messages through these

began referring to it as Tarocchi, which is

to all playing cards by early churchmen - and

symbols giving guidance and direction into

an Italian version of the French word tarot,

had nothing to do with fortune-telling. These

around 1530.

protectors of the faith were condemning

In 1781, in France and England, followers of

playing cards because they were used for

the occult discovered tarot cards. They saw

gambling. Some sinners went so far as to

the symbolic pictures of the cards as having

play cards when (gasp!) they should have

more meaning than the simple trump cards

been at church services.

they were used for at the time. They used the cards as a divination tool, and occult

Today’s regular playing cards are considered

writers wrote about “the Tarot.” After this,

a bastardized version of tarot cards. Both

the tarot became a part of occult philosophy.

deck types have four suits, Hearts or Cups, Clubs or Wands, Spades or Swords, and

There are also those who believe that tarot

Diamonds or Pentacles. There is Ace through

cards originated in Egypt. It is believed to be

10 of each suite along with the Court Cards.

the sole surviving “book” from the great fire

Predicting the future from a regular deck of

that burned the libraries of ancient Egypt. In

playing cards is called cartomacy.

this theory, the cards are considered to be the hieroglyphical keys to life.

The major arcana cards did hold secret symbolic meanings for Sufis, who influenced the Kabala our lives or certain situations. Similar to when

- this is why correlations are

sleeping, our dreams can talk to us through

sometimes drawn between

symbols and we decode the meaning of

the Kabala and tarot cards.

symbols in order to receive the deeper meaning of our dreams.

Nowadays, most modern tarot cards are used for

Tarot cards were first mentioned around

divination or as a symbol-

1440 in a letter from the Duke of Milan, there

system for personal growth

was a request for several decks of “triumph”

and development. Tarot cards

cards to be used at a special event, which

are often used as vehicles

is believed to be how tarot cards originated.

for artistic expression as

154

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DOWNTOWN

UNIVERSITY/KERN

Anson11 $$ H

Tosca Stone Oven Pizzeria $ PR O

303 N. Oregon St., Ste. 110

4017 N. Mesa St.

(915) 504-6400

(915) 532-2700

Go out tonight to Anson11 and try their

Hiding on Mesa Street is the delicious

amazing Grilled Alaskan Halibut with

Tosca Stone Oven Pizzeria. Tosca is known

braised artichokes, heirloom tomatoes,

for it’s scrumptious stone oven pizzas

cipollini onions, snap pea puree, garlic sea

— but pizza is not the only tasty find to try,

beans, and mulata sauce. Trust us, this dish

next time you’re out, order the Mussel Beach

does not disappoint.

Pasta. This dish is loaded with spinach pappardelle, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and spicy marinara sauce.

CENTRAL Los Bandidos de Carlos

WESTSIDE

& Mickey’s PR $$ A O

Basico Bistro Café $$ PR O H

1310 Magruder St.

6006 N. Mesa St. #106

(915) 778-3323

(915) 581-6661

For the best margarita in town, look

For a taste of something English, try

no further than Carlos & Mickeys.

Basico’s Fish & Chips. These crispy

With live music most nights, you

beer battered white fish fillets come

are sure to have the time of your

with a side of truffle rosemary fries,

life eating some of El Paso’s finest

tartar sauce, lemon wedges and malt

Mexican food.

vinegar. This dish is the perfect match to a Cold Draft Beer.

NORTH EAST Edge of Texas $$

EAST

8690 Edge of Texas

Pelican’s Restaurant $$$

El Paso, Texas 79934

1780 N Lee Trevino Dr.

(915) 822-3343

El Paso, Texas 79936

Live life on the edge and come out

(915) 598-5662

to The Edge of Texas for a steak that

If it’s been awhile since you’ve had

will knock your boots off!

seafood, get to Pelican’s Restaurant for their delectable Dungeness Crab Legs. You better believe you’ve never had it this good!

Prices: $ - Low Priced Patio/Outdoor Seating - O

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

$$ - Medium Range Dog Friendly- DF

$$$ - High Priced $$$$ - Exquisite Dining Party/Private Room - PR Happy Hour - H

To highlight your local restaurant in The City Local Eats email: info@thecitymagazineelp.com

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August, 2014

t r A The

of the

WINE LABEL

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| By: VIC POULOS |

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

August, 2014

W

WINE

hen you’re perusing the wine section

Monroe on the front. There’s also Fat Bastard

• The type of wine will appear on the label.

at your local store, what makes you

wine which features a slumping rhinoceros.

Varietals such as Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, etc.

decide on one bottle of wine over

There’s even a Shiraz from Australia that

must be made from at least 75% of the

another? A study conducted in 2013 by Merril

looks like an airplane ticket. I was easily able

grape variety named.

Research and Associates LLC showed that

to remember these wines off the top of my

among United States wine drinkers, the first

head, simply because of their labels.

most important factor when a consumer is

• The vintage is the year the grapes were grown and harvested. 95% of the grapes

shopping for a wine is a wine’s grape variety.

At Zin Valle Vineyards, we too enjoy having fun

must have been harvested in the year used

Makes sense, you buy the kind of wine you like.

with some of our labels. Our Man’s Best Friend

as the vintage.

The study found that the second most important

Merlot features a new dog label each year after

factor among American wine drinkers when

a live auction to determine whose dog gets

• Alcohol content almost always appears

buying wine is the price. That too makes sense.

to be on the label. The proceeds benefit the

on the wine label. If a wine exceeds 14%

Humane Society of El Paso. But we also know

alcohol, it must be printed on the label.

But after those two important factors are

that it isn’t always a great idea to have fun with

Wines designated as table wines, which

satisfied, how does the casual wine shopper

all of your labels. If you’re offering a serious

contain 7 to 14% alcohol, actually don’t

differentiate between one wine or another?

wine, most producers know they want to have

have to put their alcohol content on the

Frequently, it’s the appeal of one bottle of

a serious, elegant label to go along with it.

label, but most wineries do anyway as

wine’s label over another label. For serious

consumers are always interested in

wine drinkers, a wine’s label simply doesn’t

Of course, producers are free to be as

matter. However, for the casual (and most

creative as they want with their labels,

prized) wine consumer, a wine’s label can play

however, there are several things that must

• Because of a rare allergy, federal law

a huge role in a buyer’s purchasing decision.

always be present on wines sold in America:

requires a statement that wine contains

this information.

sulfites. This rule has remained The impact of good wine labels has been

• The brand or producer name chosen by the

proven. At a wine tasting held at the

owner, such as Zin Valle Vineyards.

Edinburgh Science Festival in Scotland,

controversial in the industry.

• Finally, the size of the container must

tasters blindly sampled several different

• The place of origin. If a state’s name is

also be displayed. The usual wine bottle

wines. It turned out that they couldn’t

used on the label, all of the grapes used

is 750 milliliters.

differentiate the wines based on their tastes

to make the wine must be grown within

alone, but could when they were able to see

that state. If a county name is used, just

As you can see, while there’s a lot of room

wine labels, thus proving that a wine’s label

75% of the grapes need to come from there.

for creativity on the wine label, there are also

at least helps with giving wine its desirability.

a lot of restrictions. A good wine producer • To use an AVA on the label, which is a

and label artist knows how to balance this

Many wine producers see their label as

federally approved viticulture area, 85% of

required information with creativity to draw

the best opportunity to draw attention and

the grapes used must come from the area.

the consumer into trying their wine.

describe their wine to consumers. While

You may even find the specific vineyard

some producers focus on the information

designated in this part of the label. For

in a label, others just go for the “drawing

example, Zin Valle wines are frequently

attention” part. Take Marilyn Merlot, for

labeled as coming from the Mesilla Valley

example. It’s hard to ignore a wine with a label

Appellation, which runs from El Paso

featuring a very seductive-looking Marilyn

through Las Cruces.

Salud!

VIC POULOS

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August, 2014

TOMATiLLOS | By: ASHLEIGH MARTIN |

the tiny Mexican tomato

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FOOD

August, 2014

It’s tomatillo season and here in the Southwest, these distant cousins of the beloved tomato are ripe and plentiful. The meaty texture and sweet, tangy bite of tomatillo is a necessity for a good salsa verde and the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats. but these tiny, green gems hiding under that papery husk can be used in so many different ways.

Look for tomatillos that are firm and bright green in color. Another helpful tip - the smaller the tomatillo, the sweeter.

Tomatillo Gazpacho

(4-6 servings)

Ingredients • 1 lb. tomatillos, peeled and rinsed • 1 tbsp. kosher salt • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds

Bacon Lime Tomatillo “BLT” Jam

(yields 1 cup)

• 1 cucumber, chopped • 1 red onion, chopped

Ingredients

• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup bacon, diced

• 2 tablespoons basil, chopped

• 1 lb. tomatillos, peeled, rinsed and diced

• ¼ cup white wine vinegar

• 1 lime, zested and juiced

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup white sugar

• 1 tsp kosher salt • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

In medium saucepan, brown diced bacon over medium heat, stirring frequently, until browned, 20 to 23 minutes. Reserve 1 tablespoon of

Fill a 6-quart pot halfway full of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt.

bacon fat and transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.

Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Drop tomatillos into the boiling water for 4 minutes, remove and transfer to an ice bath and allow to

Place tomatillos in saucepan with reserved fat. Sautee tomatillos over

cool until able to handle, approximately 1 minute.

medium-high heat until soft and juices released, about 5-6 minutes.

Over low heat, add lime juice, zest and sugar. Simmer, stirring

In small sauté pan, toast cumin seeds until fragrant, constantly

occasionally, until liquid reduces to a thick glaze, about 20 minutes.

shaking pan as not to burn seeds. Place cumin seeds in a blender

Add bacon, simmer 5 more minutes.

along with tomatillos and remainder of ingredients. Puree for 15 to 20 seconds on high speed.

Once cooled, refrigerate in an airtight container at least 1 hour and up to 4 weeks.

Place pureed mixture in a bowl. Cover and chill for 2 hours and up to overnight.

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FOOD

August, 2014

Claudia Castillo Makeup Artistry

FB: Bella ByClaudia IG: _claudia_castillo

(915) 313-1124

Tomatillo Toasts

(8 servings)

Ingredients • 1 ear fresh corn • 1 lb. tomatillos, peeled, rinsed and halved • 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • 1 tsp kosher salt • 2 tsp Mexican oregano, minced • 4 red radishes, thinly sliced • ½ cup queso fresco, crumbled • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 loaf French bread, eight 1” thick slices • Mint leaves for garnish Preheat oven to 450. Place corn over a stove’s open flame and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on all sides. Remove and cool. Remove the kernels from the cob, set aside.

In a large bowl toss tomatillos with 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt and oregano. Spread tomatillos in a single layer on baking sheet. Roast in oven for 15 minutes. Allow to cool. Add cooled tomatillos to corn kernels, combine.

Drizzle bread slices with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place bread in skillet, toasting until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

On toasted bread arrange tomatillo mixture, radish slices, queso fresco and mint leaves.

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August, 2014

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August, 2014

A Choice: Taxable or Tax-Free Income in Retirement?

Some retirement plans are allowing Roth conversions | By: TRAVIS HUGHES, FINANCIAL ADVISOR |

Forty

years

ago,

the

Stanford

marshmallow

experiment

explored self-control by offering preschoolers a choice: Take a marshmallow immediately and get only one or wait to take a marshmallow and get two. Some chose the first option; others the second. Soon, participants in some 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans may be faced with a comparably difficult choice. In its most abbreviated form the decision boils down to this: Do you want taxable or taxfree income when you retire?

Recent legislation has made it possible for plan sponsors to allow plan participants to convert their Traditional employersponsored retirement plan accounts into Roth accounts. Participants may either continue

to

make

Traditional

pre-tax

contributions to their plans, let their assets grow tax-deferred, and receive taxable distributions during retirement or they can pay taxes today, let their assets grow taxfree, and take tax-free distributions as long as certain requirements are met.

Traditional and Roth 401(k) Plan Options The type of employer-sponsored retirement plan account you have – Traditional or Roth – determines how the money you save in the plan may be taxed today and in the future.

Typically, contributions to Traditional retirement plan accounts are made with before-tax dollars so these contributions can reduce your current taxable income. Any earnings in Traditional accounts grow tax-deferred until withdrawn, which generally is at retirement. Currently, distributions from Traditional retirement plan accounts are taxed as ordinary income. Savings in Roth retirement plan accounts, on the other hand, are made with after-tax dollars so they do not reduce taxable income today. However, any earnings in these accounts grow tax-free and qualified distributions are federally tax-free.

Roth retirement plan contributions have been around for less than a decade and were relatively slow to catch on when they were first introduced. As a result, if you started saving in a retirement plan at work more than five years ago, it’s likely all or most of your contributions were made to a Traditional plan account. Since 2007, the number of employers allowing Roth contributions has grown from 11 to 50 percent, according to a 2013 study from Aon Hewitt.

162

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investment In 2013, about 30 percent of plans that offered Roth contribution options also allowed in-plan Roth rollovers or conversions. Another 16 percent of plan sponsors are expected to add the feature by the end of 2014.

Roth In-plan Conversions

Proud member of PDN Health Advisors

In-plan Roth conversions are not new. Since the Small Business Jobs Act passed in 2010, plan participants who qualified to take distributions – generally meaning they had reached retirement age, were retiring, or were leaving their employer – were eligible to convert all or part of a Traditional plan account into a Roth account. That changed with the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) which makes it possible for full or partial conversions to take place without a qualifying event, as long as the plan sponsor allows it.

Is a Roth Conversion Right for You? The idea of having tax-free income in retirement can be appealing, but Roth conversions are not right for everyone. Here are some things to consider when weighing the pros and cons: • Current and future tax brackets: If you’re young and expect your tax bracket will increase over time, a Roth may make sense, especially if your tax bracket in retirement is likely to be higher than it is now. If you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, a Roth may not be for you.

• Higher tax bill this year: Roth conversions require you to pay income taxes on any amounts converted in the year of the conversion. You should have non-retirement plan savings available to pay these taxes so you don’t incur withdrawal penalties.

• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): If you won’t need the assets in your plan account and would like to avoid RMDs after you reach age 70½, a rollover into a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) may be a good choice since Roth IRAs do not require withdrawals until after the death of the owner. Roth 401(k) accounts are subject to RMDs. • Inheritance and estate plans: Since RMDs are not required if you have a Roth IRA, rolling Roth plan assets into a Roth IRA may allow you to provide your heirs with tax-free income over their lifetimes, as well as years and years of potential tax-free growth.

TRAVIS HUGHES, CFP, ChFC, CLU, AEP, MSFS, REBC, RHU CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Hughes Financial Group 5925 Silver Springs, Ste B El Paso, TX 79912 O: (915) 587-7777 F: (915) 587-0535 C: (915) 479-6666 The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide

If you’re intrigued by the idea of a Roth conversion and would like to learn more, talk with

specific advice or recommendations for any

your financial advisor and/or tax professional. They can help you determine whether an in-plan

individual. To determine which course of action

conversion makes sense for you.

may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to making an investment decision.

1

Roth account distributions may be tax-free and

Sources:

penalty-free as long as you’ve had the account

http://www.aon.com/attachments/human-capital-consulting/2013_report_Trends-Experience-DC-Plans_

for five or more years and you are age 59½ or

Highlights.pdf

older, disabled, making a qualified first-time

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleaebeling/2014/01/03/the-in-plan-401k-roth-conversion-strategy/

home purchase, or deceased.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-13-74.pdf http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjh45kmmj/1-your-federal-rate-is-headed-up-4/

The above material was prepared by

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjh45kmmj/3-you-wont-need-your-ira-at-70-12-4/

Peak Advisor Alliance.

http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Retirement-Plans-FAQs-regarding-Required-Minimum-Distributions http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mjh45kmmj/4-youre-leaving-money-to-grandkids-4/

Securities offered through Investors Capital

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/24/us-column-miller-rothconversion-idUSBRE90N0P520130124

Corporation, 6 Kimball Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940, (800) 949-1422.

Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory Services offered through

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Investors Capital Advisory, Inc.

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August, 2014

THE CITY AGENDA august 2014 1 august 1-2

The Sorcerer Chamizal National Memorial will host The Sorcerer, a comic opera in two acts. With music by Arthur Sullivan and Libretto by W.S. Gilbert, this 7pm show will have you laughing your heart out. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, military and students.

1

Come out to support the El Paso Chihuahuas at Southwest University Park in downtown El Paso!

Info: (915) 533-2273 or epchihuahuas.com

Alfresco! Fridays

August 1st: The Birdogs (Classic Rock) August 8th: Windy City (Chicago Tribute Band) August 15th: Joe King Carrasco (Tex-Mex) August 22nd Abe Mac Band (Country) August 29th Fungi Mungle (70s)

AUGust 2-SEPTember 1

Chihuahuas Baseball

AUGUST 1-29 The 12th Season of free outdoor concerts has begun! Come out at 6pm to the Convention Center Plaza in downtown El Paso for relazing evenings full of music and fun.

Info: http://elpasolive.com/alfrescofridays

2

2 august 2

El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmers Market Don’t miss Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at Union Plaza District through the summer to find delicious food, arts, crafts and entertainment; including free activities for kids. Metered parking downtown is free on Saturdays.

Info: elpasotexas.gov/mcad/downtown_ market.asp

8.2 Reno 7:05p

8.16 Memphis 7:05p

8.3 Reno 6:05p

8.17 Memphis 6:05p

8.4 Reno 7:05p

8.18 Memphis 7:05p

8.5 Reno 7:05p

8.19 Memphis 7:05p

8.12 Nashville 7:05p

8.28 Salt Lake 7:05p

8.13 Nashville 7:05p

8.29 Salt Lake 7:05p

8.14 Nashville 7:05p

8.30 Salt Lake 7:05p

8.15 Nashville 7:05p

9.1 Salt Lake 1:05p

3 August 3

Spartyka Fallen Heroes 5K 1 AUGUST 1

First Friday ArtWalk & Ghost Tour Experience culture at the First Friday ArtWalk and Ghost Tour at San Elizario Historic Distric from 6pm - 10pm. Shop for delicate pottery, vibrant jewelry, timeless home accents, or seasonal decorations.

There will also be unique paintings, sculptures and a “movie on the wall” at 8:15pm. Sweet and savory treats will also be offered. Admission is free; ghost tour is $10.

Info: (915) 851.0093 or SanElizarioHistoricArtDistrict.com

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2 august 2

Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Farmers Market On Saturdays from 9am to 2pm throughout the summer, enjoy some of the best vendors at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing’s Farmers Market. With a lush variation of fruit, home goods, jewelry, and some other fun finds this market is the perfect place to spend a Saturday -and while you’ve stopped, why not enjoy a delicious brunch on the patio of the restaurant? You won’t be sorry!

Info: soloudmassive.com

Come out and support our fallen heroes with a 5K at 8am at Ascarate Park. Early registration is $25 and ends August 1, late registration is $30. Entry fee include a T-shirt as well as food and drinks at the finish line.

Info: raceadventuresunlimited/ Spartyka-Fallen-Heroes-5K/1014/details

3 August 3-4

Bug Awareness The El Paso Zoo will host their Bug Awareness Weekend from 10am - 3pm.

Learn about the bugs of the world and sample some tasty bug treats.

Info: (915) 521-1850 or www.elpasozoo. org/Event-Calendar.php

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August, 2014

3 AUGUST 3-10

Melodies at the Park Grab your lawn chairs and come out for summer evenings filled with free music from 7:30-9:30pm. Food vendors will be present.

Info: (915) 544-0753 or home. elpasotexas.gov/parks/ 8.3 Grandview Park 8.10 Armijo Park

3 AUGUST 3

Music Under the Stars The music Under the Stars summer concert series features local and international performers from 7:30 to 9:30pm on Sundays at the Chamizal National Memorial Amphitheater.

Admission is free.

Info: (915) 212-0110 or elpasoartsandculture.org

8 AUGUST 8

8th Annual PC Jordan Dr. Memorial Gold Tournament The 8th Annual PC Jordan Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament will be August 8 from 1-6pm at Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course. Admission is $85 per person; price includes a golf cart, a meal, a gift bag, and drinks. Funds raised will benefit scholarships for two Burges High School Students.

Info: (915) 240-4848

9 AUGUST 9

Behind the Scenes Adventures

The El Paso Zoo will host, Behind the Scenes Adventures August 9 at 9am. Prepare yourself for a wild day of discovery as you go behind the scenes of the El Paso Zoo. Admission is $15 in addition to entrance fees, ages 7 and up only. Register online.

Info: (915) 521-1894

8 AUGUST 8

3 AUGUST 7-17

Eli Young Band

9

Drive out to Inn of the Mountain Gods August 8 for Eli Young Band at 8pm. Ticket prices start at $25.

Info: (575) 464-7777 or innofthemountaingods.com/events/eliyoung-band-8-8/

Full Moon Hike / Full Moon Nights

Plaza Classic Film Festival The El Paso Community Foundation presents the Plaza Classic Film Festival at the Plaza Theatre. Enjoy screening, talks, events and more. Tickets vary in price.

Info: (915) 212-0110 or plazaclassic.com

9 august 9

Off-Road Triathlon Push yourself to the limit and register for the Off-Road Triathlon August 9 starting at 9am. Participants will complete a 5K-trail run, a 10K mountain bike, and a 200-meter swim to finish. Registration ends August 1.

Info: erace3.com/

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august 9

Have you ever wondered what your favorite hiking trails would be like at night?

Here’s your chance! White Sands National Monument will host a Full Moon Hike with park rangers at 8pm on August 9.

Reservations are required and accepted two weeks in advance. And for those who don’t want to brave the trails, come out to the monument for music, educational opportunities, and the simple beauty of the moon on the dunes August 10 at 8:30pm. This will be one full moon you will never forget!

Info: (575) 479-6124 or nps.gov/whsa/ panyourvisit/full-moon-hikes.htm

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August, 2014

16 august 16

Golden Panther Fund Gold Tournament 2014 10 AUGUST 10

Julio Ortiz

Come out for an afternoon of wine and music on August 10 from 1-4pm at Zin Valle Vineyards. Admission is free.

Info: (915) 977-4544

15 AUGUST 15

Sleepover Adventures If you have ever wanted to spend the night at the zoo, here’s your chance! Bring your toothbrush, pillow, and sleeping bag ready for a wild night. Admission is $30, registration closes August 1.

Info: (915) 521-1850 or elpasozoo.org/ZooAdventure-Schedule.php

Vista Hills Country Club will host the Golden Panther Fund Gold Tournament August 16 at 11am. Admission is $90 per person, $325 per team, and $200 for each hole sponsorship. Each entry fee includes lunch, a basket of balls, a golf cart, 18 holes of golf, snacks, and a gift bag. All proceeds support the Golden Panther Fund for the Arts, Academics and Athletics of Austin High School.

Info: (915) 355-1196

16 august 16

Health and Wellness Fair The El Paso Specialty Hospital presents the Health and Wellness Fair to take place inside the hospital installation at 1755 Curie Dr. Ste. A from 11am - 4pm. The fair will feature informed individuals who will educate the public on healthy living options. Some of the best orthopedic doctors of El Paso will be offering seminars. There will also be free health screenings and $15 back to school physical exams. Admission is free.

23 august 23

El Paso Symphony Orchestra presents The Music of Queen The El Paso Symphony Orchestra present The Music of Queen, a night of rock and roll at the Plaza Theatre at 8pm in downtown El Paso.

Info: epso.org

30 AUGUST 30

American Indian Artist Show and Demonstration From 1 to 6pm on August 30, come out to White Sands National Monument for a day filled with history and culture. There will be demonstrations and a craft show; admission is free.

Info: nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/stepinto-the-past.htm

16 AUGUST 16

Birding Tour If you didn’t know, El Paso is a hub for some of the U.S’s premier bird watching. Take a drive out to Hueco Tanks for a spectacular day of observation. Teamed up with a guide, you are sure to see the best of over 200 species of birds that frequent the park. Don’t forget your binoculars, camera, water bottle and plenty of sunscreen. Tours will run from 8-10am.

Info: (915) 849-6684 or tpwd.state.tx.us/ calendar/birding-tours-6

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17 august 17

Mission Trail Art Market Experience culture at the Mission Trail Art Market at San Elizario Historic District from 11am - 6pm. Shop for delicate pottery, vibrant jewelry, timeless home accents, or seasonal decorations. There will also be unique paintings, sculptures and photography. Sweet savory treats will also be offered. Admission is free Info: (915) 851-0093 or MissionTrailArtMarket.com

30 AUGUST 30

Opera Bhutan Join the traditional Bhutanese performers at the Don Haskins Center August 30 at 6pm for a night of worldclass opera. Admission is free.

Info: (915) 747-5526 or Bhutan.utep.edu/

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Miss El Paso and Miss El Paso Teen 2014 Presented by LAURA’S PRODUCTION |at MAGOFFIN AUDITORIUM | Photographed by BILLY RAY JR. and TOMMIE MORELOS

Montecillo Santi Dwellings

grand opening Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS

Alamo Drafthouse cinema

Foundation Ceremony at THE MONTECILLO | Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS

BRAVE THINKING. BRAVE SOCIAL + MULTIMEDIA SOLUTIONS.

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BLACKBIRD CONCEPTS blackbirdconcepts.co

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el paso magazine

November, 2013

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