Inspire

INSPIRE MAGAZINE

EMPOWERING, ENLIGHTENING AND ENTERTAINING

Summer 2019 Issue 2 • Volume 3

Women who DARE to CARE Making a difference through $100 donations

SKIN CANCER

Learn the signs, know the treatments and seek to prevent it

TEXAS

BBQ

Side specialties you should try for your next picnic, barbecue or potluck

Taking a STAYCATION?

We tell you about all the things you can do right here in the Valley

Harlingen boutique shows us how to bring spunk and fun to our wardrobes SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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Another sizzling summer in the Valley Editor

Lisa Seiser

Content

TEAM

Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Valerie Hernandez

Victor Cerda

Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Kevin Sauceda

Ana Villaurrutia

Graphic Design

Photographer

Jordan McDonald

Maricela Rodriguez

For many, summer is the favorite season of the year. The kids are out of school and there are so many fun activities to do around the area. It’s a perfect time to take vacations or just kick back with the family and enjoy mild mornings and beautiful sunsets. Or, how about holding a family barbecue or two at the same time? Those are some of the reasons why this edition of Valley Women Inspire is going to be so much fun for all of you. We have some great fashion from Luxe for all the ladies and “staycation” ideas for the whole family. Love food? We have some special tips for great summer barbecue side dishes. We also take you to South Padre Island and Sea Turtle Inc., to learn about the story of Nina Nahvi, the facility’s veterinary technician. Her road to SPI and working with sea turtles is interesting and inspiring at the same time. If you love the outdoors and flowers, we have a story for you about Acres of Harmony Flower Farm in San Benito. But, we have some serious content as well. Summer also is a

time when being outside can cause health problems. A Brownsville dermatologist provides some valuable tips and information on what you should look for and ways to attempt to prevent skin cancer. In the true spirit of Valley Women Inspire, our centerspread story is about area women who come together four times a year and have donated more than $40,000 to nonprofit organizations. 100 Women Who Give a Damn, Harlingen, is a special organization you can learn all about those who are part of it with hopes some of you join the effort with them. This is one of the most enjoyable, colorful and varied Inspire magazines yet. There is such a great mix of content, including some topics we certainly haven’t touched on before. As always, it is a pleasure to create this magazine for all the women of the Rio Grande Valley, especially those in Cameron County. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Have a great summer.

Lisa Seiser Editor

Inspire

Fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. Find us on : https://www.facebook.com/InspireMagazine250727555359202/ @InspireRGV

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Inspire is published four times each year by the Valley Morning Star and Brownsville Herald © Copyright 2019 AIM Media Texas

Find the Butterfly Writer

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Alana Hernandez

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Sales

TEAM

Send us an email or note by July 31 stating specifically where you found the butterfly and be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to the advertiser of your choice in this publication. Send your answer to: lmedrano@aimmediatx.com or to the Valley Morning Star, Attention Inspire magazine, at 1310 S. Commerce, Harlingen, TX 78552

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Include your name, phone number, address, the page and specific location of the butterfly as well as the business chosen from this magazine you would like to receive the gift certificate from. This contest is open to everyone 18 and older, except for employees and family members of AIM Media Texas, the publishers of Valley Women Inspire Magazine.

Other Contributors Writers Steve Clark Photography Denise Cathey

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SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

Representative

Representative

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Emily Anderson

Cesar Castillo

Kristin Appell

Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Diana Dones of Harlingen. She chose Lionel’s Western Wear for her gift certificate.

Car Buying For Women.

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Steward of the ocean

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Summer Fashion

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Pit Stop BBQ Smokehouse

When Nina was a child, she developed a deep love for animals and has taken care of many pets over the years. Now, at age 32, her passion for wildlife continues to be showcased through her career as Sea Turtle Inc.’s Veterinary Technician.

Fidi Guillen felt as though fashion was missing in the city where she wanted to start her family. Now, she is the proud owner of Luxe Boutique, located on Jackson Street in beautiful downtown Harlingen.

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Karina Gomez is the main cook at this gem in Harlingen. And she knows how to make sides that can liven up your main dish, all by providing some serious spice.

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Made in the shade The sun is the ultimate frenemy. We wouldn’t exist without it, yet too much can kill us. At the very least, too much exposure to the sun can lead to serious health consequences. It’s an issue especially in places like the Rio Grande Valley, where the sun can seem difficult to escape, especially during the summer months when nature’s broiler is set to “high.”

Turning dreams into reality Nearly three years ago, Audre alongside her husband Barry, created the Acres of Harmony Flower Farm in their hometown of San Benito. From creating bouquets and delivering flower arrangements to selling flowers at farmer’s markets and local florists, Acres of Harmony offers locally-grown, fresh-cut flowers to Valley communities on a daily basis.

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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A family like yours needs wireless like ours.

4 lines for $ /mo. 100 Data speed limited to max of 3 Mbps.

After 22 GB/line/mo., Cricket may slow data speeds when the network is congested. Visit your local neighborhood Cricket Store.

4 lines for $100/mo.: $55/mo. Unlimited Plan required on four lines. $30 discount on second line, $45 discount each on third & fourth lines, all on same account. Not elig. for Auto Pay credit or Group Save discount. For existing customers who change plans, discount may not start until next billing cycle. Unlimited Plan Data Restrictions: Data speeds limited to maximum of 3 Mbps. For content we can identify as video, streaming speed limited to max of 1.5 Mbps (Standard DeďŹ nition quality, about 480p). After 22 GB of data usage on a line in a plan cycle, Cricket may slow data speeds on that line during periods of network congestion. Details on network management policies at cricketwireless.com/mobilebroadband. Š 2019 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

STEWARD Story ALANA HERNANDEZ Photos MARICELA RODRIGUEZ

D

ressed in scrubs, Nina Nahvi glanced at her list of patients and began to put on a pair of teal medical gloves. She was preparing for her first patient of the day, Lil’ Sebastian, a juvenile Atlantic green sea turtle who arrived into the hospital with a couple of wounds.

Before placing Lil’ Sebastian onto the exam table, Nina draped a towel over him and set a bound pool noodle on top for the tiny turtle to rest on. Lil’ Sebastian’s “spa treatments” for the day included a laser therapy session followed by a topical honey massage. As Nina was gently applying topical honey to a wound on Lil’ Sebastian’s chin, occasional splashes of water could be heard nearby. In Nina’s not-so-typical office setting, a couple of other patients waded in small kiddie pools while waiting their turn. When Nina was a child, she developed a deep love for animals and has taken care of many pets over the years. Now, at age 32, her passion for wildlife continues to be showcased through her career as Sea Turtle Inc.’s Veterinary Technician. Every day, Nina arrives to the facility on South Padre Island with the same mission in mind — rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles, educate the public and assist with conservation efforts. Alongside her rehabilitation assistant and seasonal team of interns, Nina completes a “huge spectrum” of day-today tasks such as administering medication, conducting X-rays and calculating diet plans for each patient. This fall will be her three-year anniversary working with Sea Turtle Inc. Nina’s path toward Sea Turtle Inc. Nina admits while studying at

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Humboldt State University in California, she didn’t know exactly which career she wanted to pursue with her Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management. “I wanted to potentially work for the National Park Service or be a forest ranger,” Nina explains. “But I really didn’t know in what aspect I wanted to work with animals, so that kind of made it a little challenging to narrow down what I wanted.” In the winter of 2011, Nina took a trip to Hawaii with friends and experienced something that ultimately led her to become a veterinarian technician. “I was able to swim with a green sea turtle and it was just incredible,” she says with a big smile on her face. When Nina went back to school from her trip, she graduated and asked herself if she could work with any animal, what would it be? After thinking about her experience in Hawaii, Nina’s moment of uncertainty evaporated. “I realized working with sea turtles would be really cool,” she says. “So I

OF THE

SEA TURTLE INC. VET TECH’S JOURNEY TOWARD HER DREAM JOB

started looking for sea turtle jobs and I happened to come across an internship with Sea Turtle Inc.” From conducting nest conservation activities and working in the educational complex to rehabilitating sea turtles, Nina learned the ins and outs of the rescue and rehabilitation facility. Nina feels as if she is making an impact working with rehabilitated animals in particular. It was during her six-month internship with Sea Turtle Inc. when Nina discovered her passion for rehabilitating animals and realized she wanted to become a veterinary technician. “Seeing turtles that were once sick, emaciated and on the brink of death be released after months of supportive care is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. It’s amazing that I get paid to do that,” she says with a chuckle. Additional routes Upon completing her internship, Nina’s

O

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OCEAN WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NINA NAHVI AGE — 32 HOMETOWN — Fort Worth CURRENT CITY — South Padre Island PROFESSION — Sea Turtle Inc. veterinarian technician VETERINARY TASKS — Administering medication, drawing blood work, conducting x-rays, assisting in surgeries, performing necropsies HUSBANDRY TASKS — Feeding sea turtles, calculating diets, cleaning tanks and performing water quality testing

path toward becoming Sea Turtle Inc.’s veterinarian technician made a few extra stops along the way. To become licensed, Nina went back to school for an additional two years at Cedar Valley College in Dallas. There, she learned about all kinds of animals, both small and large, including dogs, cats, horses, cows and goats. While studying for her veterinarian technician license, Nina landed an internship at the Dallas Zoo where she completed tasks such as monitoring anesthesia on gorillas and drawing blood from flamingos. After completing the internship and receiving her license, Nina made one last stop and worked with sea turtles in the Florida Keys before returning to Sea Turtle Inc. Nina says in her field, working particularly with wildlife rehab, there are many stepping stones. “You have to not only go to school, but get the right internships that lead to another, which eventually leads to a job,” she explains. “It’s a very long process, but every step of the way has to be done.” She says she feels very fortunate all of her work experience lined up the way it needed to for her to earn the job she has today. “There are not many sea turtle vet tech jobs in the world and I knew that’s what I wanted to do seven years ago,” Nina adds. “So, I just feel very blessed and fortunate that I was able to actually make it happen.”

Both a rewarding and challenging career Some rescued sea turtles stay with Sea Turtle Inc. for only a few weeks. While others, have longer stays that last for months. For Nina, parting ways with her rehabilitated patients can be bittersweet. “The moment of getting on the boat and releasing the turtle back to its home where they belong is definitely the most rewarding part,” she explains. “Our job is focused on getting the animal back into the wild so that moment of release is really special.” Seeing daily effects of human impacts on the environment is what Nina considers to be the most challenging aspect of her career. She says many Sea Turtle Inc.’s patients need medical care because of boat strikes, fishing line entanglement and plastic consumption. “It’s one thing getting a turtle in from a natural issue, such as a predator bite, but to see so many animals come in strictly because of human impact is

really difficult,” she says. “It’s hard not to get a little depressed sometimes.” How everyone can help According to Nina, thousands of people visit the facility each year and she believes Sea Turtle Inc.’s spread of education makes one of its greatest impacts. “I’m hoping each of those individuals at least walks out with one little bit more nugget of knowledge about the environment and sea turtles than they had before they came in,” she says. “The more people learn, the more people care, which leads to bigger changes we can make as a community.” Nina said it’s “pretty simple” for everyone to help protect sea turtles. “Right now, it seems like a lot is going on with the environment, the world and species dying off,” Nina says. “If every person in their daily lives picks up trash, recycles, tries to use less plastic and does what they can to protect the environment, it would make a difference even though it might not feel like it.”

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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HOW TO DO SUMMER & FALL Luxe Boutique in Harlingen shows us how to bring spunk and fun to our wardrobes

Story ELSA CAVAZOS Photos MARICELA RODRIGUEZ

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idi Guillen felt as though fashion was missing in the city where she wanted to start her family. Harlingen was lacking some spunk and one night when she talked to her best friend about wanting to have better options for shopping, her friend asked, “Well, why don’t you open a boutique yourself?” “I thought that was crazy,” Fidi says. “My friend had been telling me to open a bar and then she switched to a boutique. So, I thought well why not?” When she saw the spot available downtown, her best friend once again encouraged her to purchase it and take the leap of faith. “I thought downtown was quiet and not too chaotic, it seemed like the perfect fit,” Fidi says. “I was pregnant at the time with my third child and was also building my house with my husband.

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A snakeskin-fitted maxi dress that can be dressed down or can also be worn with a blazer to dress it up. A statement necklace makes it pop.

SUMMER & FALL FASHION It was a lot all at once.” Now, she is the proud owner of Luxe Boutique, located on Jackson Street in beautiful downtown Harlingen. While she’s an owner, Fidi could easily be mistaken for a model. She is tan, fit and has toned arms. And she acts as if she does not know how classy and beautiful she is. Her hair has a few highlights, and like most women, she also sucks in her stomach when posing for pictures. But she really doesn’t need to. The store has inspirational and motivational quotes inside. It has a minimalist, classic and modern feel. The aesthetics cater to millenials, and even though Fidi is not

one, her employees and her clientele typically are. Fidi worked retail in Houston, where she was a sales associate at Coach and Express. She knows what level of customer service to provide. More importantly, she knows how you can change someone’s mood just by selling them the perfect outfit. “Shopping can make you feel so much better, and when you see someone who likes their outfit you can instantly see how their mood changes. They step out of the fitting room feeling more confident and it shows.”

Fidi shows you jeans are a necessity. These have a bow-like belt that hugs the waist and creates a flattering silhouette. You add a simple T-shirt with the yellow statement jacket, and voila.

Luxe Boutique owner Fidi Guillen shows this off-theshoulder dressy, black romper with asymmetrical sleeves. This is perfect for when you don’t know what to wear and don’t want to waste time matching pieces. SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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HOW TO DO SUMMER & FALL Neon green satin skirt, with a loose long sleeve black top, and a fuchsia purse to match. This can be used for summer or fall, depending on shoes or coats to match.

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Cinnamon-orange skirt with a loose nude blouse to match. These are perfect fall colors that can also be dressed down or dressed up with heels or wedges. It also can be worn with a cardigan or blazer and a pair of booties.

Long knee-high boots, with snakeskin skirt and a black top. This is an outfit that will never go wrong when it comes to fall events, not too dressy and not too casual.

956.564.9915

HA-30130884

117 East Jackson St Harlingen (956) 564-9915

Elsa Cavazos

Staff Writer

I’m resilient Don’t be afraid to say it

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eartbreak can be painful – it has the word be able to feel happy again. break in it, doesn’t it? You have to feel mad, sad, stressed and it’s OK to Yet, it has allowed humans to become yell, cry and scream. But never at others. stronger. Let it all out in your own time, find healthy outlets Most of those who have experienced pain are not to channel those emotions like jogging, journaling, afraid of getting hurt again because they already know doing yoga and also allow yourself to wallow when how it feels. The smarter ones know how to avoid that needed. pain and not get hurt at all. Eat junk food, sleep in and watch Resilience is a quality many movies all day and then when people lack, but can get very easily Monday comes, be ready to kick butt. if they just put in the effort. Life is way too short to be But what exactly is resilience? dwelling on the past, to be crying adjective Well, it means that every time about the same issue and be dealing re·​sil·​ient | \ ri-ˈzil-yənt \ someone says mean things, tells with the same problems for years. Definition of resilient you that you are not smart enough, You are the director of the movie : characterized or marked good enough, thin enough to do called life and you get to decide by resilience: such as something, you laugh it off and who gets to stay and who was just a : capable of withstanding prove them wrong. It means needed for a specific scene. shock without permanent bouncing back from failure and People, situations and even work deformation or rupture succeeding 10 times better, just environments can be awfully toxic, b : tending to recover from or because failing made you mad. but in order to get rid of them you adjust easily to misfortune or Sometimes mean comments and have to make sure you know they change failing can be used as fuel, it sparks are unhealthy. a fire in you that makes you want to Analyze the issue, make a pros do better. and cons list and remind yourself daily that you owe The only way to prove people wrong is with no one anything but yourself. actions, and with resilience you feel powerful enough Your happiness and well-being comes above to accomplish anything you want to, you just have to everything else, and with that mindset and believe in yourself. a good support system as well as a Being resilient is hard, it will not happen positive attitude, resilience will come from one day to another. But it is possible. naturally. Humans have been taught not to express Failing is scary, being rejected is emotions, especially women. scarier and getting hurt is terrifying, but If we are too loud, we are annoying. If we if you don’t try you will never know are too blunt, we are called bitchy and if we cry whether you could’ve succeeded. in front of others we are weak and Fear only sets us back from living, dramatic, oftentimes “crazy.” But being start living your life right now before it vulnerable helps you become ends tomorrow. resilient. Resilience will be there for you, in The Disney movie “Inside Out” is a case it all fails. Trust the timing and trust perfect example of the importance of the process, and allow yourself to fall, feelings. We have to experience sadness to resilience will have your back.

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SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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‘ Story ELSA CAVAZOS Photos MARICELA RODRIGUEZ

Karina offers up her side specialties you should try out for your next picnic, barbecue or potluck.

K

arina Gomez is the main cook at this barbecue gem in Harlingen. And she knows how to make sides that can liven up your main dish by providing some serious spice. Along with her daily preparation of brisket, sausage, chicken and ribs, she has her specialty sides, too. But, Karina says it’s not necessary to add too many ingredients to make a meal taste good. Rather, it’s all about the love you put into it and being confident in how it tastes. “If you feel like it tastes right for you, then it probably does and everyone else will like it,” she adds.

PIT STOP BBQ SMOKEHOUSE

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BA BE

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fo yo

CHARRO BEANS Prepare the beans as usual, but fry bacon until it is nice and crispy. Add bacon in the end while hot. Add chopped pepper and onions after, and top it off with chopped cilantro.

MEXICAN RICE Fry the rice to a nice golden brown color, with onion slices and a serrano pepper and add the seasonings you like. Once the water is ready, taste it and see if you like it. If you do, then everybody will.

JALAPENO BOMBERS Most people have a love affair with bacon and this spicy recipe adds in a couple of other favorite ingredients, such as jalapenos and cream cheese. This is a can’t-miss recipe that will have your family and friends pleading for you to make it for every barbecue.

BACON GREEN BEANS Use the juice from the can, and add fried bacon and fried onion. Salt and pepper, consome for the color and whatever else you’d like.

POTATO SALAD No barbecue meal is complete without some potatoes. So, here’s the best recipe for those picnics and potlucks. “This is one of our most popular sides, but also the most basic. We don’t add too many things, just try to make it as flavorful as possible with the basic ingredients,” Karina says. Boil potatoes and add mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice (don’t actually use the pickles) and salt and pepper at your own liking.

Stuffed jalapenos include cream cheese, five cheese blend, brisket and is wrapped in bacon.

INGREDIENTS BIGGEST JALAPENOS THAT CAN BE FOUND

Anything you want to stuff in it

BACON

These are stuffed, then grilled as they are wrapped in the bacon. “You can stuff them with just about anything. I have tried doing it with spinach and shrimp and they taste really good,” Karina says.

COLESLAW There’s nothing better than good slaw and there are so many ways to prepare it. Should it be sweet or more savory? One thing is sure, it is supposed to be simple and tasty. And there’s many ways to obtain that result. Shred up your cabbage with whatever type you like, add carrots and buy coleslaw dressing already made or make your own. Dressing is vinegar, a little mayonnaise, and salt and pepper. Some people even add sugar, too. Sometimes, we make it harder, and we think we need to add too many things and we mess up the food we are trying to make.

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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Match your home color palette to your

personality

C

hoosing colors for your home interiors doesn’t have to be confusing or difficult. Have you ever thought of using colors from an inspirational picture that you pulled from a magazine or saved from a website?

What about matching your color palette to your personality? What type of person are you? What colors are you drawn to? It’s OK to use those colors in your décor. I give you permission. If you’re stuck on what your personal color palette might be, look no further than your closet. What colors do you wear the most? Choose two or three and use them as the basic colors in your home. Or you can choose from one of these six color palettes that one of the major paint companies has put together in a color forecast for 2019.

1. The Visionary

You are creative and ahead of your time. You are always looking forward to what comes next and reaching to the stars for answers. You are inspired by the solar system, technology, and spirituality. You reach for the heights and long for what’s out there. Your color palette includes: sky blue, navy, pale lavender, gold, and white.

2. The Adventurer

You are carefree and try not to stay in one place for too long. You want to know what is past the horizon and experience it for yourself. You are influenced by Bohemian style, worn leather, the comfort of wool blankets, and the

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warmth of the sun. Your color palette is: offwhite, burnt orange, leathery browns, earthy tans, and blue.

3. The Nostalgic

You appreciate the best in life and have a love for the classics. Reading nooks and libraries filled with leatherbound books draw you in. You love what’s rare and hand-made with a touch of tradition. Your color palette should be: pale gold, wine, charcoal gray, faded greens, and copper.

4. The Maximalist

Vibrant and bold, passionate and eclectic, you don’t let anything stand in your way. Your motto is “more is more” and that over-the-top style and endless energy make for interesting conversations with groups of friends. You are influenced by comfort in the midst of chaos, bold, vivid colors, opulence, and drama. Your color palette includes: cloud white, canary yellow, emerald green, sapphire blue, teal, and bold red.

5. The Nature Lover

More down to earth, you love spending time outdoors with nature. You take long walks and soak up the sounds of the birds and feel the calm of the wind blowing through the trees. You are sophisticated and love the lush greens and colors

that come from the forest, butterflies and insects, and overgrown gardens. Your color palette is: fern green, pink, mushroom, hunter green, and silver.

6. The Globalist

You have a love of history and other cultures that fuels your imagination. You want to travel and feel connected to others while creating memories and cultivating new experiences. You are artistic and imaginative. You are influenced by storytelling, luxury, and the mystery of what can be found in the old markets. Your colors are: sand, stone gray, taupe, deep red, black, and creamy whites. Whatever your personal taste, don’t be afraid to use color in your home. Take your time and pull together things that you love. You will start to see a pattern and the same colors will pop up over and over. Use them all in one room or choose a different color for each creating a flow of color that speaks to your heart. It’s your home, your sanctuary, create a space that you want to spend time in and escape from the stress of every day. Above all, have fun. Christina Rodriguez Diva by Design

Christina Rodriguez

DIVA BY DESIGN

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Story ELSA CAVAZOS Photos MARICELA RODRIGUEZ

I

n a vibrant house with walls painted in blue hues, Johanna Lozano spends most of her time with her husband and five cats – Amber, Paco, Mocha, Winnie and Piglet. But Johanna is clearly not that type of “cat lady” you see on television. Her hair is done in curls and she wears heels comfortably. She smiles, laughs giddily, and is very welcoming. Although one would think her love for cats exceeds everything else, Johanna has another passion. That is for coffee. And she knows quite a bit about it. Being from Colombia, where the quality of coffee is renowned and considered some of the best in world, Johanna certainly is taking advantage of that knowledge. After leaving a job she was unhappy in, Johanna created Café Canasto, which makes specialty coffee that is harvested by hand and roasted with precision. The coffee she provides Harlingen has little-to-no defects, according to the description on the flyer Johanna hands out to those interested in her coffee. “After I left my job, I felt inspired enough to embark on my own business,” Johanna says. “This happened March of 2018, I wanted to do something I was passionate about, but at my own pace and own time.”

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‘Girl boss’ coffee lover promotes cultural diversity

The name Café Canasto comes from Johanna Lozano’s inspiration of the baskets people use to pick seeds from. But, that’s not the only reason she’s pursuing her dreams. “The main reason I did this business is because I think people should wake up and do what they like, what makes them happy because life is too short,” she says. “Every day I wake up, I ask myself if what I am doing will make me happy, and the business was an opportunity to help people in Colombia since we help single mothers work and I also wanted to help the economy here.” But, how did the road lead her all the way to Harlingen? Both Johanna and her husband are from Colombia, but they actually met in Massachusetts. Johanna, now 34, emigrated from her home country when she was 18 years old, and did not know any English. She made sure to learn it as quickly as possible. “I struggled to make a life in a different country far away from my family but I wanted to pursue the American Dream,” Johanna says as she sits in her modern day decorated dining room. “I wanted to be an example for my two younger brothers who are in Colombia, so that they can see anything is possible when you have faith in God and embrace your dreams.” Johanna went to college in Massachusetts and became a Spanish and English elementary teacher soon after. Once she met her husband, who is also a Colombian migrant, she fell in love and ended up in Harlingen to build both a home and a slowpaced coffee empire. Her husband is an audio engineer and works at the Performing Arts Center for the Harlingen School District. Because of that, Johanna landed

in South Texas and began to create her nest and plant her own seeds. She attended TSTC and graduated in business management, which gave her more knowledge in how to perfect her business skills. Johanna likes staying busy. She enjoys being active and having a tight schedule. Those who enjoy being as active as her know that you cannot be in a bad mood because there is simply no time for that. She quickly looked for a job in Harlingen and joined as many clubs and organizations as possible. Johanna enjoys giving back to the community. For her, it is more than just giving money but giving your time. However, her job was not as fulfilling as she had hoped that that’s when she decided to become a woman entrepreneur.

What you need to know about Johanna • Volunteer at MIRA USA • Board member at the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation • Board member at Keep Harlingen Beautiful. • Board member at Casa Willacy Cameron County, • Harlingen Lions Club member • Former administrative assistant at Texas Department of State Health Services • Former administrative sales assistant at the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce

It’s a perfect mix, because coffee truly runs in her blood. Johanna was raised on a coffee farm and has always enjoyed drinking it, smelling it and just being around it. She is a smart woman, and when having to decide what her next move would be as an entrepreneur, the one thing she knew well and was passionate about was a no-brainer. Not only does she talk the talk, she walks the walk and her hands-on experience shows it every day. Johanna also is a trained barista and she can create whatever design you’d like on latte foam. And she has high hopes for her business and herself. Café Canasto works by word of mouth and social media and online promotions. The business provides party and catering services on orders above $50 and requires a three-day notice.

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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Why is this coffee so special?

Johanna not only loves her business that continues to grow every day but she loves to help. According to her, the coffee is inspected by single mothers that are specifically hired to have certain prerequisites so that they can have a secure income. Mainly, the business was created by her so that she could have an outlet where her passion and income would benefit from each other, but it has also allowed her to help others and that makes her even happier. “I wanted to bring more of a cultural diversity here in the Valley,” she says. “A dream of mine would be to one day have a Café Canasto coffee shop and hopefully bring in coffee from Cuba or Honduras. It would be a dream of the future to bring different countries for people to experience.” Even though she likes working hard and doing what has to be done to make her dreams come true, Johanna

cherishes her days off. One day a week she wakes up late and watches movies or spends her day enjoying her backyard pool. She loves to read, play golf and attend church. She does not want children but would love to one day adopt. “There is a lot of need for adoption in Texas and me and my husband would want to do it to help those children.” With her years of experience, she has learned more about personal development than anyone could have ever taught her. Johanna feels so sure about herself, she wants others to know her tips and tricks to becoming an entrepreneur. “You have to be self motivated and have a good support system that encourages you to do good in life,” she says. “Not everything is ‘color de rosa’ (pink in Spanish) but you cannot lose focus on your goal. Always remember why you started.”

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Café Canasto is specialty coffee from Colombia. Johanna Lozano grew up in a coffee farm and that inspired her to share with the world what she knows about delicacy coffee. By referring to it as specialty, it means that it is different from commercial coffee. Johanna explains that for this particular variant, every single bean is inspected. They check that there are no insects and that it is not rotten. The coffee has to meet requirements from the coffee federation in Colombia and it is inspected five different times. It is the healthiest type of coffee, and Lozano feels passionate about it because coffee drinkers like herself drink it every day. “When you go to the doctor, the first thing they do is take away coffee from you,” she says. “They say it is not good because it gives you gastritis or high blood pressure, but it is because of the type of coffee you are drinking not because coffee is bad.” Commercial coffee is the type that causes these symptoms according to Johanna. The specialty coffee she brings does not produce acidity, which is what damages the esophagus. Her parents still live in the coffee farm she grew up on. Lozano wants to embrace the diversity of cultures that coffee can bring, but also to be an advocate of living healthily as a coffee drinker. “Our classic coffee comes from our coffee farm but we get different coffees to provide,” she says. “It is more on the higher end but it has more benefits.”

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CHRIS CAS AND TRACYTILLO TORRES W

e’ve be now know en friends since 7th g na ra together. T s Memorial Jr. High de (Gay Jr. High, ). We were racy playe d in band flute, later the saxoph w o guard. We e were part of the HH ne and I played the ba S one anothe lance each other ou Cardinal color ta r. faith. Tracy We are both very po nd we support sit is the more tenacious ive and rely on our one and I’m more level-head ed have been . We both ma 34 years … rried over n grandkids o yet, but are looking forw a one day. W rd to that e together at get le or twice a ast once month to have lunch and catch up.

BETTINA T AND ANZALDUA ELLIOTZO S GONZALEZ CHRISTINA CAVA pic taken in beauty

st BFFs since 1979, Fir B&W on a cruise in e th ok to school. Recent ds for October. ey have been frien Debra Bennett – Th ), rs ste (si t et nn Ginger Be s). er 19 years. Hayley & th ll Kutac (bro August & Campbe met ll be mp Ca d Ginger an old h nt in the 4 mo st gu Au d an class in re we y yle Ha & the 20 month old class during a homeschool class taught by Debra t at Chalbbaud Bennet ch ur Ch First Christian . en in Harling

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We have know me best friends about 1993 but beca ough thick thr in 1997. We’ve been n break us. ca ng thi and thin but no

22

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

ONZALES VALERIE GONICA QUINTA AND VmEeRt at a carnival whHeon

We k from oved bac had just m ays say she won lw away. I a ight at first one n n e th It was a spent all night. gry. A p u d e y sta un d to get h we starte ing other than to th cook any y best friend) s (m a ic n ro e ell I’m V at right. W t. So re G a eggs. th just like eat eggs . I’m thinking a it to gna. (meat) m or bolo and a h f o k slice a te te of s with a pla by that. I alw d e s s impre er. W ve with h I fell in lo around but n d has move at I can’t pin th ty quali illy t ss to do s willingne t. a admire th

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the housin h other an We met at were just across eac me classes ents ad sa Our apartm kinder together we h nd I still live in da to n t n ie e fr w y both na hool m sc le d id m always bee o h ’s all throug r best quality is she n e c fa r e e on h Harlingen h lways keeps a smile g things in a a in great friend and she is always see so much t th matter wha I think that we are bo each other h y it a w w d ve te ti posi nnec why we co is t a th e lik a so well

LES LA . She QUINTeAnNwILe were in 7th gffraridgeht

nival wh ston. We hit it o n eggs. I ou ak ck from H my heart with ste e w n o rs e w enag y she ight. As te e morning when n e n o t firs th bout 2 in ow how to t. It was a 12/13 I did not kn . t s hungry. A st n frozen waffle make a to to w n o a h th w r he he kne s id kes to a li s ) o d h one w st frien e m o s t o n me carne t. Well I’m told her to add so be a I y e that. So ut up hot dog, ma e room c th a in g thinkin comes Well she bologna. ggs. Lol. I was so when e t’s steak and s kid and say tha en now but she t y . Her bes g a in lw rl a y in touch nse of humor and that. I e in Ha ta v s li s y th a o b e lw nd I ea We er s with her. no matter what w nswer. I do love h brutally honest a t ’s round bu point on just one a s laugh. Plus she u I can’t pin ings just to make th ly il s o od

S OCHOA LOURDERI HERNANDEerZtill present AND Lt Ofriends since kind

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Best friends for the last 43 years. And still going strong.

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Our nown ea ed off in Kinderg fter a literally k rt we have ut friends’ we sta Elementary, then e w s o n g re w in e o g h D n w a d ‘h entary m bus to E le e ear up E th y m e ry d Landru we ro ut eve o to b r a e t v s o ju d s off to that move same classroom school we were s e ry th s ta cla se were in e. After elemen had some ether at e w d ra re g e h l tog to 5th igh w igh schoo rdan Jr H 78. 6th Miller Jo e went through h uating May 26, 19 er. W d e r. ra g e g ot to th ool, togeth High Sch ar that we were n ss the o it n e B n ye Sa acro . s the only y moved grade wa because my famil e school boundary spent s re th t’ e d a w e th p s jum And onth acks and . If not ummer m railroad tr early years, the s oth lived close by er of b b e m e th u w n g here t the Durin lic pool w ing’! I can’t coun e night at her b u p e th by tch nt th ve nd I) spe g just ‘wa swimmin y twin Celinda a and cokes we ha (m ls a e p e w u m s n f time er o grow the numb ried and bad house or have laughed, c good times, the cle e e y c th W . e d d h hare s. T share well as s and the sad time e. My s a r e th e s in e m tog happy tim nds with each times, the as her kids are frie at when we see o th n s f is e o u ’s n rs ie ti rac con f yea uality of G r even a couple o ch other q te ri o v o fa ea r months a sister just saw other afte ation- it’s like we ed. I love her like t we a p communic Not a beat is skip rs. I am thankful th and . s e y d a th n old frie yesterd thers as my bro ith many o p of a and her b e in San Benito w gether at the dro nd v to a li l r both still re we can gathe ay. I am her Ethe e d h i. a w m d er an family Tsuna her forev moment. hat. I love ucy. Never a dull L she is my

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

HOW 4 HOURS TURNS INTO $40,000 Story LISA SEISER Photos MARICELA RODRIGUEZ

S

helley Rodriguez and Cooper Elliff each held a special wooden coin in their hand and walked slowly to the front of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church gymnasium. On this Tuesday night in Harlingen, they, along with more than 50 other women, had a $10,000 choice to make.

Which one of three local nonprofit organizations would they choose to donate their $100 contribution. A box sat on the stage with three slots, one each for the Humane Society of Harlingen, the Boys and Girls Club and Young Life of the RGV. This decision came just minutes after listening to representatives from each of the community organizations describe their nonprofit and what would be done with the donations from the group of women. As the women stood in line, they chatted, while some took slightly longer once they reached the box. “It is hard to make that decision,” 100 Women steering committee member Krista Banuelos says. “Everybody has to make that decision for themselves, but you want to give to all of them.” “You feel bad because they are all so deserving,” Shelley says of the decision.

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SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

amn Giving a d to be e v a h t ’ n s doe being d n a t l u c i diff esn’t o d e l b a t i r cha a have to be ffair a e i t k c a l b OMEN W 0 0 1 – O T MOT AMN D A E V I G WHO

m d m i c w w m m L l t Y

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HOW ‘100 WOMEN WHO GIVE A DAMN’ WORKS Four times a year, dozens of local women come together for about one hour, with the expectation to each donate at least $100 to a local charity that is selected by the group as a whole. At each quarterly meeting, three organizations present their cause in hopes of receiving the most votes and the $10,000. Organizations are nominated by the regularly attending members of 100 Women and then randomly drawn weeks before the meeting on Facebook Live. At the meeting, the organizations have about seven minutes to talk about their nonprofit. After each present, the women in attendance select their favorite. The organization with the most votes receives the $100 checks or cash from each person in attendance.

But a selection must be made. Once the winner was determined and announced, most of the women were back in their chairs, pulled out their checkbooks and started writing. Others were ready with $100 bills in hand. A few minutes later, the tally was made. On this night, Young Life earned $7,750. A few days later, 100 Women announced the total of $10,300 raised for Young Life. “We have collected the goal of $10,000 for every single charity that has won,” says Carly Burns Thomas, the woman who started the Harlingen organization. “Many people were out of town and they didn’t leave their money. We don’t count that in the total for that night.” So, after the quarterly meeting, Carly and her steering committee members contact those who were unable to attend and collect the remaining amount for the

nonprofit organization. “Being able to give that kind of money to a charity as a group feels really like a good accomplishment,” Carly says. “Nobody overextended themselves to get us there. No

one person put on this giant black-tie event and no one person underwrote or had to get sponsors.” It’s why the 100 Women Who Give a Damn group is so special.

“It is easy,” Carly says. “It is $100, four times per year, $33 per month. That is a meal for the family at Whataburger. It is not a financial burden for most people to come up with that money.” It also makes a difference. “When you multiply it by 100, it makes a big impact,” she says. “That is the theme behind what we do. Small commitment, but big impact.” Krista agrees and says there are many reasons to be involved and would like others to know about the organization so they can contribute to their community as well. “The biggest draw is to let young mothers know that the commitment of time is definitely doable with family and work,” she says. “Just show up for one hour every quarter and hear about these wonderful organizations and help them out. It is so easy to do and that is a draw for me personally.”

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

25

HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT • The next meeting is set for Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. in the St. Alban’s gymnasium. All women are welcome. • For information on other upcoming meetings, • Log onto https://100womenwhogiveadamnharling en.com • Or visit the organization’s Facebook page by searching for 100 Women Who Give a Damn, Harlingen Harlingen’s 100 Women Who Give a Damn was started in the winter of 2018, but it wasn’t Carly’s idea. “I came across this – it has been around,” Carly says. She contacted the organization in Houston, gathered information and shaped the Harlingen group to meet the needs of the area and the Valley. Carly says there already are 100 members, but not everyone is able to attend the meetings. But what she calls the “committed members” are asked to attend four meetings and give $400 for the year. Cooper, who has been a member from the start, says it is a simple group to run and be a part of. “We literally spend $50 on snacks and after the first one, we have had that all donated, and then we pay a few dollars for the website,” she says of how the organization is run. There is a steering committee, but no board and no need to take minutes, have a budget or accounting. The checks are written out by the individual women directly to the winning organization. It basically is about 100 women coming together and donating $100 each to an organization. Steering committee member Laura Warren says it is brilliant way to raise money for nonprofits in need of funding. “We need four hours a year from you,” she says to women who want to help their communities. “You will never have to be an officer and you don’t have to do anything other than show up, listen and then vote for who you want. You are never going to have to do more than that.” But some women do. “One of our members gives a check to all three charities,” Carly says. The charities that don’t receive the $10,000, still leave with some money, but they also are able to educate people in the area about their organization, which for most is extremely important as well. “There’s also a lot of awareness coming from the meetings,” Carly says. “Everyone wins. We find out whey they are, volunteer opportunities, what they do and what are the opportunities.” Christina Paloma, a steering committee member and a volunteer with Young Life herself because she was a teen mom, says her involvement in 100 Women helps her be more connected to the community she has lived in all her life. “You don’t realize the opportunities for volunteering and donating,” she says. “It doesn’t mean you can’t donate or volunteer with the other organizations. It opens your eyes and you see all the ways you can help out.” “It’s just very rewarding to know we are able to make an impact locally,” Krista says.

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“MY FAVORITE TIME IS WHEN THE ORGANIZATIONS COME BACK AND TELL US WHAT THEY DID WITH THEIR MONEY. THAT IS GREAT. EVERYBODY NEEDS THE MONEY.” LAURA WARREN

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reminders for tough days

With Life Coach Sheri Rowland

Story SHERI ROWLAND 1

Allow others to make you smile, even on your roughest days.

“More than anything else, I believe that it is our decisions, not the conditions of our lives that determine our destiny.”

When we’re having an upset of any kind, we try to heal by blocking ourselves from “infecting people with negativity.” However true that is for you, what I have seen is that we also put a hard stop to being impacted by others. We avoid talking, we avoid socializing, and we certainly avoid laughing. Consider that it’s possible to laugh and enjoy your day, regardless of how much it sucks for you.

2

Anthony Robbins

You’re only as separate from others as you choose to be.

Loneliness can happen when we’re in a full room, not just when we are alone. Take the opportunity to connect with someone, in fact anyone, who has you feel grounded.

through healing and release. I get this is much more woo-woo than usual – so in practical terms: you cry to get out of your body stuff that can cause trauma; try not to cry with a woodchip in it.

3

4

Tears are meant to be released. Let them happen how they are designed.

I dare you to run and abruptly stop. You’re entire body braces and may kick you off balance entirely. The momentum and energy take you from one place to another, through time and space. Tears are a way for our bodies to do the same. Take ourselves from one spot to another,

Your brain can convince you things that your heart already knows.

Go ahead and logic yourself through something. Let’s say, you’re going on a date with that really fine lookin’ honey (Internally, I said it exactly like Will Smith.) You know this one is not only attractive, but they’re smart and financially independent, and any other quali-

ties you think are amazing. Your body may not agree with your brain. Your heart might be saying “This one is not for you.” And when it all blows up in your face, you’re going to feel worse than if you had just listened to that deeper knowing in the first place.

5

Asking for what you want is only hard when you don’t believe you can have it.

If you want a kiss on the forehead, I’m telling you to “ask for it” is a lot easier said than done. Because it’s only hard as part of you is already waiting for a no. What if you expected a yes? When you believe that you can have exactly what you desire, not a no-name brand alternative, it will be 100% easier to ask for it. So search your heart far and wide, deep and low and start asking for what you truly want and desire. Tough days come and go! Just breathe and know that this day will pass and you will look back one day and see what the lesson was in all of it. Your dream life is just a few decisions in front of you. Sheri Rowland, MA, LCDC Coach for Busy Women Assisting women around the world to create incredible lives!

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God. 28

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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MADE IN THE

Dermatologist talks skin cancer prevention, signs and treatment

Story STEVE CLARK Photos DENISE CATHEY

T

he sun is the ultimate frenemy. We wouldn’t exist without it, yet too much of it could kill us. At the very least, too much exposure to the sun can lead to serious health consequences. It’s an issue especially in places like the Rio Grande Valley, where the sun can seem difficult to escape, especially during the summer months when nature’s broiler is set to “high.” Rio Valley Dermatology’s Dr. Michael Hohnadel, Brownsville’s only boardcertified dermatologist, said the risk from nearly every type of skin cancer increases with sun exposure, though it’s not the only factor. Melanoma, for instance, doesn’t require sun exposure to develop. “But sun definitely greatly increases your risk, and for certain types of skin cancer, like a basal cell or a squamous cell, it is the leading factor by far: the more sun, the higher the risk,” Hohnadel says. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common. It can eat holes in your skin and cause other problems, though it’s seldom fatal, he says. Next is squamous cell carcinoma, which can be deadly if left untreated. Melanoma, given enough time, can spread to other parts of the body and is very dangerous, Hohnadel says. Skin cancers can develop due to

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SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

cumulative exposure over time and multiple individual episodes of severe sun exposure, he said. The time to visit a reputable dermatologist is when you notice a new or changing spot, or a spot that’s itchy or bleeding. An irregularly shaped spot of two colors that appears to be changing and is larger than 5 millimeters could be melanoma. Surgery is still the primary mode of therapy, and most of the time it’s fairly quick and easy. “If you catch it early, almost all these things, I can do a little tiny incision, three or four stitches, and it’s gone,” he says. “That’s all there is to it. I do it all right in my office. The average surgery takes probably less than 15 to 20 minutes, and you’re cured.” Catching it early is the key, Hohnadel

s c f m

t w b t w m f

e

s e e

What should I look for in a skin self exam?

says. In the last decade or so, topical chemotherapy agents have come into use for some cancers, plus treatment for severe melanomas has come a long way, he says. “There are some new immune therapies, and they’re getting great results with those,” Hohnadel says. “These are brand new, cutting edge things, still in trials most of them. There are some new, wonderful therapies for advanced melanoma, but you hope never to get that far to begin with.” Even better than catching skin cancer early is preventing it altogether, if possible. He recommends protective clothing and sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every couple of hours during normal sun exposure and more frequently at the pool

Basal cell carcinomas can appear in a number of different ways: • Flat, firm, pale or yellow areas, similar to a scar • Raised reddish patches that might be itchy • Small, pink or red, translucent, shiny, pearly bumps, which might have blue, brown, or black areas • Pink growths with raised edges and a lower area in their center, which might have abnormal blood vessels spreading out from them • Open sores (which may have oozing or crusted areas) that don’t heal, or that heal and then come back Squamous cell carcinomas can appear as: • Rough or scaly red patches, which might crust or bleed • Raised growths or lumps, sometimes with a lower area in the center • Open sores (which may have oozing or crusted areas) that don’t heal, or that heal and then come back • Wart-like growths Both of these types of skin cancer may develop as a flat area showing only slight changes from normal skin. Information from the American Cancer Society

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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or beach, or for those working outside and sweating a lot. Also, it’s a good idea to stay out of sun when the ultraviolet rays are at their peak, which means embracing your inner vampire generally between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., he says. “They have some new waterproof sunscreens out there now that are waterproof to about 80 minutes, so those are the best ones to use if you know you’re going to get wet,” Hohnadel says. Any major, name brand sunscreen with broadspectrum UV protection should do the trick, though “all-natural” products not approved by the Food and Drug Administration probably should be avoided, he says. Meanwhile, women who wear makeup have something of an advantage over men since makeup, foundations and lotions contain SPF these days, Hohnadel says. “That’s a really good trend over the last probably 10 to 15 years, maybe longer,” he says. “You have your sunscreen

Possible signs, symptoms of melanoma ABCDE rule – Be on the lookout to tell your doctor about spots that have any of the following features. Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other Border: The edges are irrelgular, ragged, notched or blurred Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white or blue Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across, although sometimes melanomas can be smaller Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape or color.

right in your makeup. It’s very, very common now.” But really, clothes are the best protection against the sun because they can’t wash off, which doesn’t mean you don’t also need sunscreen, just less

of it, Hohnadel says. Attitudes about sun exposure have changed, thankfully, over the last couple of decades or so, he says. Younger people probably have a better grasp of the subject than their elders, who came of

age up during a time when hours of poolside lounging under full sun, slathered in Coppertone, was considered normal behavior. “I’m a child of the ‘70s myself,” Hohnadel says. “Having a tan was seen as healthy. That’s what you wanted to be, was good and tan. That started to change about the ‘80s.” Nowadays, it’s all about “prevention, prevention, prevention,” he emphasizes. “Avoid the sun. Wear your sunscreen. The clothes are a great idea. See your dermatologist if anything’s changing.” People close to you can be very good at finding skin cancer signs that you yourself might not catch, Hohnadel explains. “If a loved one is pointing at something that they don’t recognize or they’re concerned, that’s a good reason to come in and have it looked at,” Hohnadel says. “In some ways, no one’s looking at you more than the person that loves you.”

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SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

Dreams Turning

into

Story ALANA HERNANDEZ Photos MARICELA RODRIGUEZ

A

Reality

udre Songer walked through her garden while examining the health of its fully sprouted flowers. While making her way past the flowerbeds, she took note of each one’s needs. From more common flowers, such as sunflowers and marigolds to unique ones that feel like paper mache, her bountiful garden is the product of daily invested time and labor. Many flowers needed a spritz of water, some required to be deadheaded and others called for their soil to be stripped clean of nearby weeds. Bees, an assortment of butterflies and roaming farm cats can often be found lounging in her flower farm as she tends to her garden. However, not only does her garden’s beauty attract wildlife, it has also has garnered attention from customers. Nearly three years ago Audre, alongside her husband Barry, created the Acres of Harmony Flower Farm in their hometown of San Benito. From creating bouquets and delivering flower arrangements, to selling flowers at farmer’s markets and local florists, Acres of Harmony offers locally-grown, fresh-cut flowers to Valley communities on a daily basis.

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ACRES OF HARMONY FLOWER FARM

WHERE — 32958 FM 2520 San Benito PHONE — (956) 245-9989 EMAIL — audresonger@sbcglobal.net FACEBOOK — https://www.facebook.com/ acresofharmony/

Turning a hobby into business Before creating Acres of Harmony with her husband, Audre was a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled her four children. “I took care of the house and my family,” she explains. “So during that time, gardening was just a hobby.” When her children were grown and her husband was set to retire, Audre felt inspired to flourish within her hobby and create a business. “I’d never had a job before and people were always making comments about my flowers saying we should sell them,” she says with a smile. After doing research, Audre began to cut flowers from her garden and make flower arrangements. “I decided to give it a try because I enjoy it and it’ll give me something to do,” she says. “I think everybody needs a reason to get up in the morning, so the idea just kind of grew from there.”

Deep roots in gardening

GARDENING TIPS

says. “So, I find gardening to be very relaxing and enjoy it.”

A labor of love Planning when and which flowers to plant, taking care of the garden and gathering the flowers causes flower gardening to be an extremely timeconsuming task. Audre says she spends at least 75 percent of her time working in her flower garden. For her, flower gardening is a “labor of love.” “Gardening brings me a lot of joy and peace,” she says. “Putting together arrangements and seeing how my flowers put smiles on people’s faces is what I love.” With her craft, Audre admits she’s relentless with her flowers and tries to grow new plants. “Flower gardening involves a lot of practice, trial and error and then of course, learning,” she says. “Just because something dies the first time you try to grow it, you can’t give up.”

• Check the weather on a daily basis. • Understand there will be a lot of trial and error. • Learn about your gardening zone. • Visit a local flower nursery to learn which plants will grow in your area’s climate.

Coming from a long line of gardeners, it’s no question as to where Audre’s passion for it all sprouted. “Gardening is sort of like second nature to me,” she admits. “I grew up working in the garden since I was a child.” Her father is a retired farmer and she was taught how to grow a variety of flowers by her mother and grandmother. “I grew up in a farming family and became well-adapted to the outdoors,” she

Audre Songer

AGE — 49 HOMETOWN — San Benito OCCUPATION — Co-owner of Acres of Harmony Flower Farm HOBBIES — Wood carving, painting and reading gardening books FAVORITE FLOWERS — Celosias, lisianthus’ and craspedia “drumstick” flowers

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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F LYi NG H iGH

ON THE GROUND Story and Photo LISA SEISER When a woman says she works for an airline, most people would immediately think she’s a flight attendant, or a ticket or counter agent. But not Candice Aranda. The 36-year-old San Benito native is behind the scenes doing the physical labor most travelers don’t think about. She’s one of the people who loads and unloads your luggage, guides the planes to and from the terminal and checks the airplanes before they depart. Candice is what’s called a ramp agent. They are also known as cargo handlers

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and ground service personnel. And, they’re the ones you don’t always see, but should be glad they do their jobs with pride every day. After starting her career in Harlingen at Valley International Airport, Candice is now at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as one of just 12 women ramp agents out of about 120. According to statistics from zippia.com, a career expert website, only about 21 percent of all ramp agents are female. That compares to 68 and 76 percent of reservation and ticketing agents being female.

For Candice, she’s proud to be among the women working in this profession and is urging fellow females to consider this work as a possible career. “Not a lot of women do this,” she says. “Honestly, you don’t need skills because they will teach you, but you need desire and a belief in yourself to do it.” Candice says she thinks some women don’t feel as though they can do it. But she is confident in her fellow women. “I guess I feel females don’t think like I did, they don’t feel strong enough or are able to drive this equipment to pull the aircraft,” she says. “But I tell them, it is not easy. You work outside and you have to be fast, but you gotta try it out. ”

H On a typical day at AustinBergstrom, Candice says she will work as many as 20 flights during a double shift. She and her team have about a half hour to deplane, unload and do all their other duties in a safe manner. She admits the physical nature of the job takes a toll on her body.

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“It is real hard on your body,” she says. “It takes a month to get used to it, but your body doesn’t get used to it. I am only doing this outside now because I am young. A lot of people only take so much and then they move inside.” It’s obvious she loves what she does. There’s pride in her eyes and a smile on her face when she speaks about directing the planes in. Using her orange wands, Candice guides the planes to the jet bridge connected to the terminal gate. Now, that’s one of her main jobs as a ramp agent. “I park planes,” she says with satisfaction. “It is not as easy as it sounds to park a plane. It took me a month to get it right. It was something I hadn’t done. It gets exciting. You have to hurry up because planes are going out and coming in, there are two runways.” Her other duties include packing the planes with the luggage, operating and driving motorized machines, such as the belt loaders, tugs and bag carts among others. Hard, rewarding and enjoyable work isn’t all that Candice looks forward to as a ramp agent. Her position allows her to work a flexible schedule and if she wants, earn more than her counterparts by taking extra shifts and hours. It’s also is a union job that has

holiday pay. But, it’s been the traveling and training that make it most worthwhile. She’s spent significant time in Denver training, even calling it her second home for about three years. Working for the airline, she is also able to fly free when she wants. “I don’t think I would have traveled as much if it hadn’t been for the airlines,” she says. Currently, she is traveling back and forth quite regularly from Austin to the Rio Grande Valley to fulfill her family commitments here. Candice grew up in San Benito, but moved to Georgia when she was 12 and graduated from high school there. However, she returned because she still has family here, including her mother, grandmother and cousins. Her career at the airport started at VIA more than 10 years ago. But, it was far from the tarmac. She worked in the restaurant with a goal to get in with one of the airlines. “I liked to be away and work where I don’t see local people,” she says. More importantly, it’s where she saw a female working on the tarmac. “I wanted to get close with the airline, but I didn’t know how to get in,” she says. “I thought you have to be a stewardess – tall, skinny, white.”

Airport and airline ramp agents also are called cargo handlers and ground service personnel. They perform many duties, including: H Loading and unloading baggage H Fueling up the aircraft

Or, she thought you had to be a man to work outside. But, that all changed one day. “I was upstairs one day and looked outside at the aircraft and saw a lady,” Candice says. “She was the first female for Southwest at VIA.” Candice had seen other women, but they were always dressed up nice. So, she asked about it. Soon after, she was with Southwest working the ramp, just what she dreamed of doing. Years later, she is still right where she wants to be. She hopes to be that inspiration for other women, who look down at the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom and realize they can do it, too.

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H Operating heavy machinery H Guiding the aircraft in and out

Your Hospital, Your Delivery The award-winning Women’s Center at Harlingen Medical Center is committed to providing excellence in healthcare for women beginning with the miraculous childbearing experience. We care for a broad range of women’s health matters, offering a family-centered approach with personalized nursing care. What type of specialists are available at the Women’s Center? At Harlingen Medical Center, obstetrician / gynecologists, anesthesiologists, neonatal-certified nurses, and other medical professionals work together to provide the highest-quality care.

What should you expect when you arrive at our Women’s Center? • Your own private suite • “Homelike,” comfortable labor and delivery suites • Dedicated OB/GYN operating suites • 21-Bassinet Newborn Nursery • Highly-trained, neonatal-certified specialists • Individualized, quality nursing attention

SPRING 2019

The Women’s Center at

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Staycation

noun. A vacation spent in one’ s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.

Story LISA SEISER Photos MARICELA RODRIGUEZ AND FILE

C

an’t afford to leave the area for a vacation this summer? Don’t worry, you can still have a great time, just right here. There’s so much to do this summer in the Rio Grande Valley. But, we’re not just talking about going to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, to the beach or Sea Turtle Inc. on South Padre Island. Of course, those are great attractions you don’t

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want to miss, and all times of the year are great for those. However, we’ve put a list together of some places to go and things to see you may not be as familiar with. These are all great attractions you don’t want to miss out on. Your STAYCATION gives you the perfect opportunity to experience all the Valley has to offer without breaking the bank or needing a full week off.

Hilltop Gardens This is the location of the first planting of aloe in the Rio Grande Valley in 1939 and one of the first commercial Aloe farms in the country. It’s also believed to be the first business using Aloe Vera gel as an ingredient in cosmetics. But, there is more to visiting this place than just the Aloe. This is a tropical healing garden and organic farm along with a B&B and more. This is an experience if you want to learn and enjoy as all activities are intended for restoration, nourishment and preservation of an environment promoting human wellness of mind, body and spirit. 100 Lee Lane Lyford Costs vary

Estero Llano Grande State Park If you are looking for 230 acres of quiet to hear singing birds, buzzing insects, peeping frogs, trickling water and the breeze through the trees ... this is it. There are more than 5 miles of trails and interpretive guides, as well as tram rides to help you experience all that nature has here in the Rio Grande Valley and along the Arroyo Colorado. There’s even an area called Alligator Lake. You guessed it, it is home to a few American alligators. 3301 S. International Boulevard (FM 1015) Weslaco $5 daily fee for adults Children under 12 are free

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Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park This rich historical area places you in one of the most significant locations of the Valley. Palo Alto, which was home to the May 8, 1846 battle between the United States and Mexico, has escaped much of the development that has swept across the Valley. It retains much of the character it had in 1846 as this vast plain still features razor-sharp cordgrass, dense thickets of mesquite, cactus and other thorny plants. The battle was the first in a two-year long war that changed the map of North America. Visitors experience the landscape as it existed on the day of the battle and it is the only National Park Service location to interpret the U.S.–Mexican War. Corner of FM 1847 (Paredes Line Road) and FM 511/550 Los Fresnos Free admission

Palmito Ranch Battlefield This was the true last battle of the Civil War. It took place on May 12-13, 1865. Neither side knew the war had ended more than a month earlier. Union foot soldiers stationed on Brazos Island on the Texas coast came ashore the night of May 11 in an effort to seize Brownsville. The Confederates outnumbered the union forces and possessed artillery and cavalry units. The union troops were forced to retreat. TX 4 (12 miles east of Brownsville) Brownsville Free admission

National Butterfly Center This beautiful facility provides extensive outdoor gardens of native nectar plants and specific caterpillar host plants, as well as natural habitats to attract wild and rare native butterflies. A number of sightings of butterflies never seen before in the United States has already occurred here. More than 300 species of butterflies have been found in the Rio Grande Valley and more than 200 of them have been seen at the center. 3333 Butterfly Park Drive Mission $5 for residents of Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy and Starr $2.50 for children 5 to 12 who are local Free for children 4 and under

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Sabal Palm Sanctuary Beauty and history combine here, home to many native species of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else in the United States. Sabal Palms once grew profusely along the edge of the Rio Grande in small stands on groves extending about 80 miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico. Today, only a small portion of that forest remains, protected on 557 acres of this sanctuary. It is home to the historic 1892 Rabb Plantation House. 8435 Sabal Palm Grove Road Brownsville $5 adults daily $3 for children 12 and under

Rio Grande City and Roma Historic Districts Want to take a true day trip? Roma is characterized by high sandstone bluffs and an ancient river crossing at the Arroyo de San Pedro. The town was historically the head of the east-west navigation on the Rio Grande, with steamboats docking at Roma from about 1829 into the 1880s. Roma’s historic wharf site and two river crossings remain today. Rio Grande City, 41 miles west of McAllen, is one of the oldest towns in the Valley and most significant architecturally.

Coastal Studies Lab Located on South Padre Island and established in 1973, this University of Texas Rio Grande Valley facility is dedicated to providing educational opportunities, enhancing research, engaging in public service and providing community outreach related to coastal and marine concerns of the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike most of the other activities shown here, this one isn’t historical. Rather, it includes an aquarium and museum that is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. 100 Marine Lab Drive South Padre Island Free admission

La Lomita Chapel This tiny church has plenty of history. The hillock was first built in 1865 by Rene Guyard, a French merchant who had purchased the land in 1845. He left the site to the Oblate priests in 1871. La Lomita became an important site for the Calvary of Christ, the Oblate missionaries who rode up and down the Rio Grande Valley visiting widely separated catholic churches, baptizing newborns, performing marriage ceremonies and blessing the dead. La Lomita was built in 1899 with stones carved from the hill it was built on. The city of Mission was named in honor of the La Lomita Chapel. 3 miles south of Expressway 83 on FM 1016 Mission Free

What you should know about staycations • • • • •

Americans between 45 and 54 are the most likely age group to have taken a staycation. About 53% of Americans say they have taken a staycation. Americans with incomes more than $80K were most likely of any group to say they have taken a staycation. About 55% of Americans making $40K to $80K per year say they have taken a staycation at some point. Staycations are increasingly popular in the United Kingdom.

SUMMER 2019 • INSPIRE

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SUMMER JULY

4

th

JULY 4TH SALUTE TO FREEDOM CELEBRATION WHEN: Thursday, July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Brownsville Sports Park, 1000 Sports Park Blvd. WHAT: Celebrate with fireworks, food, fun and great entertainment.

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6 9 13 th

RESACAFEST 2019 WHEN: Saturday, July 6 from 4 to 11 p.m. WHERE: W. H. Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie Street WHAT: San Benito Parks and Recreation is leading this annual event full of family fun, food, crafts, games and other activities. Enjoy a concert under the stars and a fireworks display to cap the evening.

th

th

TEXAS MONTHLY LIVE IN BROWNSVILLE WHEN: Tuesday, July 9, 7 p.m. WHERE: Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center WHAT: Texas Monthly LIVE returns for a second season! Join Texas Monthly to experience an issue of the magazine brought to life for a theater audience. Mixing music, video, and narration, this special 90-minute show will take audience members on a storytelling journey they’ll never forget. Texas Monthly LIVE will feature performances curated by the magazine’s editors showcasing the rich tapestry of our state, hosted by the beloved advice columnist, the Texanist. Explore the sights, sounds, and feelings of Texas.

3RD ANNUAL HARLINGEN TRIATHLON FESTIVAL WHEN: Saturday, July 13 at 7 a.m. WHERE: Victor Park Swimming Pool 1601 S M St., Harlingen WHAT: Hosted by Footworks Start To Finish

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AWESOMELY MESSY ART CAMP WHEN: July 22, 23 and 24 from 9 to 3 p.m. WHERE: Children’s Museum of Brownsville, 501 Ringgold St. #5 Dean Porter Park, Brownsville

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CALENDAR ANT TO W T ’ N O D MISS O Y S T N U E V E T A E GR

AUGUST

2 16 th

AND 3RD MISS TEXAS WORLD AMERICAN DOUBLE PAGEANT 2019 WHEN: Preliminary Competition is Friday Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. and finals are Saturday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m. WHERE: McAllen Convention Center WHAT: The Official Preliminary to the Miss World America Pageant. The Miss Texas World America and Miss Texas Teen World America Double Pageant will be held on Aug. 2 and 3

CYCLOBIA 8.16.2019 WHEN: Friday, Aug. 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. WHERE: Downtown Brownsville, 1150 Market Square St., Brownsville WHAT: This free event temporarily transforms Brownsville streets into a carfree environment that enables people to exercise and cycle safely on the streets.

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EASTERSEALS THE 2019 PERFECT PAIR WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. WHAT: This year the Perfect Pair Champions are Laura Warren and Dan Ogletree. This red carpet event will features a live auction of designer handbags and celebrity butlers will showcase designer shoes. Guests will enjoy the silent auction and sample tasty food and drinks while shopping for a cause.

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5K COLOR BASH 2019 WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, at from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. WHERE: Edinburg Municipal Park WHY: Benefiting the Food Bank RGV INC

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TRI GIRL SPRINT TRIATHLON HOSTED BY BICYCLE WORLD RGV WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 25 at 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. WHERE: Victor Park 1601 S M Street, Harlingen

31st

3RD ANNUAL BRMF BIKE RIDE & 5K RUN/WALK WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 a.m. WHERE: Starting point Veterans Memorial Park, Raymondville

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BOOK REVIEW

“Becoming a Hair Stylist” Review by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Sometimes, you feel like you could just dye. Or curl, or cut, or braid. Some days, you want a change in style, a different ‘do, maybe something like you’ve seen in a magazine. Or you want to be the person who makes that happen, so read “Becoming a Hair Stylist” by Kate Bolick and see if you have what it takes. You have to think that people have fussed with their hair for as long as people have had hair. Egyptian lovelies, for instance, used juniper berries to hide their grays. Roman women used leeches fermented in vinegar as a dye. Wealthy women a century ago had servants do their ‘do’s. Just 60 years ago, few people washed their hair more than once a week and most women did their hair at home. Says Bolick, America’s first hair salon belonged to Martha Harper, who’d inherited a secret formula for hair growth in the late 1880s. During Harper’s time, women grew their hair as long as possible. Short hair was “a sign of poverty.” For Black women, Madame C.J. Walker’s potions and pomades revolutionized how their hair was styled, and she became a millionaire for it. In the 1950s and 60s, though, Vidal Sassoon and Vogue magazine made going to the salon a thing every woman wanted to do: getting your hair styled at a salon was suddenly affordable, and stylists were believe to be specialists with skills – even though, at the same time, people often callously thought that styling hair was a career for those lacking intelligence. Today becoming a hair stylist takes a lot of hard work, training, and keen people skills. You’ll have to get a certain amount of schooling, depending on the state in which you want to practice, and

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you’ll learn the basics first, followed by human anatomy, sanitation, and chemistry. You’ll get tons of hands-on experience, and if you want to style African American hair, you may take extra classes before tackling a two-part licensing test. Once you’ve done that, says Bolick, “the sky is the limit.” While there is an abundance of information inside “Becoming a Hair Stylist,” and while it’ll help prospective beauticians decide if the career is right for them, this book is also a little disappointing. Author Kate Bolick relies quite heavily on the story and experiences of one salon owner and her employees in New York City, adding snippets of tale from other large cities, but she misses writing about neighborhood and rural salon owners whose stories could have added so much more to the overall feel. That lack does a disservice to the thousands of people hoping to become small-town independent stylists. This, and a dearth of pitfalls a salon owner might find, further lessens the information within. And yet – for a high-schooler thinking about cosmetology school, or for an adult heading back to school, this book offers at least a basic start. If that’s for you and you’re eager to get going, “Becoming a Hair Stylist” is a book to curl up with.

By Kate Bolick c.2019, Simon & Schuster $18, 144 pages

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oday becoming a hair stylist takes a lot of hard work, training and keen people skills. You’ll have to get a certain amount of schooling, depending on the state in which you want to practice, and you’ll learn the basics first, followed by human anatomy, sanitation, and chemistry.

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