Valley Town Crier February 6 2013

Mayor Richard Cortez Addressed a little more than 800 persons during the annual State of the City Address. Cortez discussed his future vision of the city along with his retirement after two terms as mayor.

Moving forward: McAllen mayor shares new vision for the city, announces he won’t seek re-election

By Isaac Garcia Valley Town Crier

McALLEN– Mayor Richard F. Cortez announced Thursday, during his State of the City Address, that he would not seek re-election.

Cortez couldn’t hide his emotions, as he informed the public of his intentions to retire after his second term, ending his eight-year tenure as

the city’s mayor.

After the State of the City, where he spoke about the coming challenges the city will inevitably face, Cortez answered questions from the local media.

When asked by the Valley Town Crier what lasting impression he’d like to leave behind, Cortez answered:

“I hope that people know that I care,” Cortez

said. “I hope that people know that I tried to do–sometimes we all make mistakes and we say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, but those things, to me, are just the natural course of business. To me, as long as the intent was honorable, then I think that’s the most important thing, because life is a learning journey.”

State of the City and Moving Forward

When asked by the Valley Town Crier about how he would see his vision of the city be fulfilled without him, Cortez answered:

“Mcallen’s vision has always been a community vision. We have to educate our people we have to give them skills,” Cortez said.

Cortez highlighted the fact that McAllen has been fortunate to see

steady growth during the nation’s hardships, but during his speech, he acknowledged the danger the Rio Grande Valley and McAllen will face if a new motto isn’t adopted.

“Our city continues to have low debt, strong reserves, and stable revenues. I will not suggest that the last few years have not been difficult. However, the City of McAllen remains financially strong

and stable. The challenge is always how to maintain that strong financial position,” he said.

Cortez pointed out two crucial areas where McAllen must keep its eye fixed on.

“The effects of the federal budget will be felt most significantly in the areas of healthcare

Doctors Hospital At Renaissance Opens Café daVINCI

Valley Town Crier

EDINBURG- Doctors Hospital at Renaissance invites the public to its newly opened Café daVINCI, a gourmet coffee shop located in the waiting area of the hospital. Café daVINCI offers Starbucks products including espresso drinks, brewed coffees, Tazo teas, and blended beverages.

All net proceeds from Café daVINCI will benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation. The Renaissance Cancer Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, advocacy, and support activities. The Renaissance Cancer Foundation, Inc. was developed to build

Cancer Foundation, Inc. is to serve the needs of South Texas residents by supporting cancer-related patient care services, programs, and providing cancer education. The foundation’s mission is to strive to make a difference on a local level

by generating enthusiasm for its events, promoting financial contribution to its cause and integrating the community into all of its efforts. For more information, call Doctors Hospital at Renaissance at 956- 3628677.

community involvement in cancer education, assistance, and awareness. The purpose of the Renaissance

Café daVINCI is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m to 8 p.m.

Celebrations

Wedding

Miss Maria Salinas was married to Juan Sandoval on Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m. At Our Lady of Guadalupe. The bride’s parents are Teresa and Jose H. Salinas from Mission, Texas. The groom’s parents are Yolanda and Ramiro from Mission, Texas. A reception was held at Fiesta Ballroom. The bride attended La Joya High School and the groom attended Mission High School.

Vote Online To Send RGV Child on Colorado Dude Ranch Family Vacation

Valley Town Crier

Valley residents have an opportunity to cast their votes online for the child artist or writer who will win a week-long vacation to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colo.

Eladio and Leticia Gonzalez from Alamo, Texas honored their daughter Kassandra on her fifteenth birthday on Dec. 19, 2012. The church celebration was held at St. Jude in Pharr, Texas. She was escorted by her parents. A dance was held at Fiesta Ballroom. She attends T-Stem school.

The online “RGV Kids Talk About Heaven” book featuring 250 entries is now available for viewing and voting. Visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org and click on the horses.

Online votes will help determine which children make the finals for the RGV Children’s International Arts Festival awards celebration to be held on May 3 at the Art Village on Main Street.

The late Francisco E. Velasquez Jr. and Mirta Ramos from Edinburg honored their daughter Aissa Marie Velasquez on her fifteenth birthday on Nov. 24, 2012. The church celebration was held at Holy Family Church in Edinburg. She was escorted by Matthew Frank Ramos from Edinburg. A reception was held at Edinburg Activity Center. She attends Edinburg High School.

Artist and McAllen Stained Glass owner Yoli Cantu will create a stained-glass rendering of the winner’s art or writing that will be unveiled on May 3.

Community and business leaders who will cast their ballots to select the winner from the finalists include Mayor Richard F. Cortez, Yoli Cantu, Dr. Martin Garza, Gerry Guerra, Othal Brand, Jr., Anita Boswell, Janet Vackar, Terry Rush, Dora Brown, Melba Hu-

ber, Edna De Saro, Sharon Putegnat, Mayor Joe Vega, Bob Boggus and Dr. Gary W. Schwarz.

The online voting will continue through February 28. In addition to winning a week-long vacation at the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch for his or her family (the winner and up to four immediate family members), the winner will receive at least $1,000 to help pay for travel expenses.

Since 2008, KidsTalkAboutGod.org and their partner dude ranch

owners have awarded 19 dude ranch vacations to children from the US and Canada; however, no child from the Valley has ever won. Because the festival organizers are Valley residents, they wanted to change that.

“We’re very grateful to all of our wonderful sponsors for enabling us to offer a dream vacation that will become reality for a Valley child,” said festival organizers Carey and Lisa Kinsolving.

H-E-B Doing Its Part to help community members live healthy

Laura Garcia Valley Town Crier

MISSION- Tomorrow marks the end of the month and by this point it should be pretty evident who has been able to start and maintain their weight-loss resolutions. Though not an easy feat, there are those individuals, whom for whichever reasons, have set their minds to persevere through the temptation of unhealthy eating habits.

The biggest grocery chain in the state of Texas has stepped in to help these people who would like to get on the healthy track and most importantly stay on it. In early January, H-E-B set into motion the 2013 Slim Down Showdown. Twenty-five Texans embarked on a 12-week journey with the help of H-E-B experts to learn the basics of leading a healthier lifestyle.

Two of those 25 contestants are local residents Christina Saldivar and Tami Cupples. As part of the Showdown the participants are given access to shopping tours with a dietician.

Saldivar was strug-

gling with weight issues around the time she started hearing the buzz about the showdown and decided to toss her name in the hat and was selected for the competition.

“I decided, well I could do that, I’ve done it before, I can eat healthy, maybe I just need a push and the support,” Saldivar said.

On Friday, Saldivar and Cupples were able to shop at one of the Mission locations with the Regional Dietitian for H-E-B’s Border Region Marcie Perez. As they walked the produce department, Perez continuously stopped and talked about the benefits of various fruits and veggies. The two women then made their grocery list decisions based on the nutritional information given by Perez.

“It’s more than weight-loss, it’s more about over-all health,” added Saldivar.

Eat better. Move more. Live well. H-EB believes these three steps are the core fundamentals to maintaining a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. While not everyone is granted the

opportunity of a personal shopping experience, the store has launched a Healthy at H-E-B campaign in order to allow more individuals to focus on wellness and fitness.

Health screenings, My Good News, a weekly newsletter filled with recipes and tips and the Healthy at H-E-B panel are just some of the many tools offered to shoppers as part of the

Food, Body, Life movement.

At the end of the 12-weeks there will be three top winners all taking home prize-money, but for most the money isn’t the only thing in sight. Learning to eat and live healthy and getting to a place in your life where you feel great, may be the most satisfactory part of the journey.

I See You

By Heather Marks

It’s another beautiful week in the Rio Grande Valley…

Beta Sigma Phi’s ‘Boots, BBQ & Beer’ event was certainly a successful and fun one! With tickets selling out days before the event and funds raised supporting local Make-a-Wish children, so many great folks came out to support this great cause. Loved seeing folks like April & TJ Flowers, Aida Moreno, Amanda & Michael Lawrence, Veronica & Steve Savina, Adriana Trevino, Vicki Gonzalez, Lyssa Hansen, Bri Swerdlin, Erin Murray & Michael Patrick, Ashley & Eric Curran, Jana & Blaine Hendrick, Lindslee Brunson, Robin Stoepel, Marsha Green, Tory & Felo Guerra, Christine & Brandon Wallace, Christina & John Ball, Stefani Johnson, Renee & Jason Dains, Lisa & Edward Pena, Nina & Phil Young, Jennifer & Bobby Saenz, Denise & Mark Keller, Nicole & Chris Marshall, Donna & Tom Shawhan, Brianne & Mark Santos, Amy Booth, Lauren Holland, Kelly & Brian Payne, Daniel Rincones, Ashlee Hornbuckle & Lance Goodson, Rita & JP Lopez, Summer Flowers, Sarah Hinojosa, Ryan Peterson, Jason Broughton, Arantza & Tommy Vela, Stephanie & Scott Cullum, Baily Dizdar, and Samira & Filiberto Rodriguez, just to name a few!

The City of McAllen State of the City Address was held recently and served as a great reminder of all the city has to offer, while acknowledging and addressing future challenges as city leaders forge ahead to enhance this community. Those seen included Elva & Richard Cortez, Ray Pedraza, Rita Lopez, Joseph Bravo, Sally Cuellar, Beto Salinas, Trey Pebley, Jim Darling, Aida Ramirez, Hilda Salinas, Ernie Williams, Dominique Ochoa, Dora Brown, Cesar Suarez, Ruben & Giselle Villrreal, Cecilia Olivarez, Pedro Cortez, Brandon Wallace, Melinda Bosquez, Lee Jones, Lucille & Kika De La Garza, and so many more. Special congratulations to Mayor Richard Cortez on his second and final term as mayor. Mayor Cortez shared many thoughts as part of his closing statements, but this one was probably my favorite: “I remain optimistic, because our greatest resource in this area is, and will always be, our great people.” Best wishes to you, Mayor, as you move on to the next chapter in your life!

Events you should know about…

Coming soon on February 16th is the 2013 Tails & Trails 5K Run/Walk, benefiting the Palm Valley Animal Center, the Harlingen Humane Society, and the Laguna Madre Humane Society. This event will take place at the Edinburg Municipal Park. Come out to support a great cause and enjoy a run or walk in the beauty of this trail. Even better, bring along your favorite pooch to walk or run along with you! For more information, call A&A Relations at 956.874.9393.

The 5th annual Clays for Hope Tournament will be February 23rd in Donna. In addition to the competitive clay shoot, this year’s event also will include a Washers Tournament and a Charr Bean and Pan De Campo Cookoff. This event benefits the Hope Family Health Center, whose mission is to provide medical and counseling services to the uninsured living in the Rio Grande Valley. For more information, contact Rebecca Stocker at 956-994-3319.

This week’s birthdays include: Hiram Burguete, Mercy Larson, and Charles Church from Monday. Liz Palacios, Crissy Madden, and Rick Kock celebrated yesterday, while Norma Gossett celebrates today. Friday will be a happy birthday for Jason Powell, Monique Jeffery, Ania Temkin, and Maury Martinez and weekend birthday wishes include: Angie Rivera, Linsey Cavazos, Diana (Cardenas) Albrecht, and Judith Carrizales Happy Birthday everyone!!

Note to all readers: You can find I SEE YOU on Facebook at facebook.com/iseeyouRGV. Post your news, events, and birthdays on this page or send to Heather at: iseeyouRGV@ gmail.com. Remember, at least one week ahead.

Education Beat

By Chris Ardis

Project HIRE: Changing Lives. Seeking Mentors.

Last week I told you about my first teaching job (in McAllen ISD’s Regional School for the Deaf) and about RSD’s recent parent retreat. I mentioned that DARS (Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services), Division for Rehabilitation Services (DRS), had representatives there to provide information to parents on their services. It was great to see Sonia Quintero, Deaf Resource Specialist, and Leigh Ann Godinez, Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, there representing DARS. These two women are perfect for DARS because of their strong work ethic, their visionary thinking, and their dedication to helping individuals with developmental challenges become more independent and achieve success in college and in careers. I was happy to see one of their newest coworkers, Jo Anne Vasquez, who I first met when she was going through the Interpreter Training Program at South Texas College.

Sonia and Leigh Ann couldn’t wait to tell me about Project HIRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment), an innovative program helping developmentally challenged individuals in Hidalgo County earn a certificate level degree at STC and then find a job to use the skills they have developed. Funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), the goal of the program is for 50 individuals, ages 18-25, to complete the program during the fiveyear grant cycle (January 2012 – December 2016).

Project HIRE, based on extensive research, incorporates personalized assistance (including educational coaches and private tutors), individual/family support groups and monthly team meetings. Individuals selected for the program attend a seven-week summer bridge program, taking courses such as financial management, independent living, social skills, and self-advocacy, to help prepare them for academic and work success.

According to information Leigh Ann provided to me, most Project HIRE participants have three potential barriers, in addition to their developmental challenges: belonging to a minority group, being part of a lower socioeconomic group, and being first-generation college students. Project HIRE is designed to teach its participants how to jump over those barriers by developing specialized skills that will allow them to be gainfully employed.

Nearly a year ago, in April of 2012, the first 12 Project HIRE participants were selected. They started at STC last fall and enrolled in programs like welding, office management, construction, computer maintenance, and mechanics. Each student enrolled in two to three courses, with educational coaches and private tutors helping them get through any rough spots. Due to personal reasons, one of the original participants dropped out of the program. At the end of the semester, Project HIRE students earned a cumulative GPA of 3.1. Two weeks ago, they began their second semester.

If you would like to know more about this program or have a family member or friend who you think might be a perfect fit, Project HIRE is hosting orientation sessions at STC’s Cooper Center tomorrow from 9-11 a.m. (English and American Sign Language), February 11 from 6-8 p.m. (English and ASL) and February 13 from 6-8 p.m. (Spanish and ASL). Selection of the new Project HIRE co-hort will be finalized in April following the application process and panel interviews.

Project HIRE is also seeking local business mentors willing to help their students develop job readiness skills. If you are willing to commit 4-16 hours per month for six months to a Project HIRE student, please contact Leigh Ann at 212-5188 or at leighann. godinez@dars.state.tx.us.

It’s exciting to see STC, local businesses, and DARS working together to provide a bright and promising future to CAPABLE members of our community.

Chris Ardis is in her 29th and final year of teaching. She has taught in McAllen ISD for 28 years. You can reach her at cardis1022@aol.com or on Twitter @ CHRISTINEARDIS.

Laura Garcia

Specialty cafe opens second location

Mayor Richard Cortez gave his State of the City Address Friday and one of the many things he emphasized was his vision to grow McAllen.

“We must continue to pursue “unique” and “one of a kind” retailers for our city”, Cortez said.

The boba tea specialty cafe, Tea Rush Express, is one step-ahead of Cortez’s vision, with the opening of its second store in the Rio Grande Valley. The cafe, owned by Charles Tsai has a location in Sharyland which has been operating for 8 years.

Tsai considers himself one of the Valley’s boba tea pioneers living only a block away from the first tea store about 30 years ago.

“I’m probably the only one in the Valley who can retell the whole story of bubble teas”.

Boba tea, also known as Bubble tea has gradually become a staple amongst the teenage and young-adult clientele in the Valley.

The teas, which come in a variety of flavors, originated in Taiwan in the 80s and have had improvements along the way.

Bubble tea stores first opened in Hong Kong and eventually made their way to the United

States in the 90s setting up shop in L.A.

What makes the teas unique is the chewy tapioca balls floating around the bottom commonly referred to as “pearls”.

“Tapioca is a very traditional dessert in Asia,” Tsai said. “During the 80s they started putting them in the drinks and it was very popular.”

Patrons may also add fruit-infused pearls such as mango, strawberry and passion-fruit to any flavored or milk tea making the combinations endless.

Smoothies, fruit-flavored teas, cappuccinos and coffee are all on the

Tea Rush Express menu as well giving any customer the freedom to mix and match flavors to reach their preferred combination.

For first-time customers who are unsure of what flavors and which pearls make the best drink, Tsai is more than happy to assist in the decision-making.

According to Tsai, the most popular bubble teas, especially for women, are the bubble milk teas. The green tea offers a healthier, refreshing option.

All teas are sealed and shaken a few times as to properly mix the flavors.

Any drink with the pearls must be enjoyed with a larger than usual straw which is poked through the seal in one swift move.

While many of the teas easily satisfy the palate, Thai tea for example is an acquired taste for the experimental customer.

Smoothies, fruit-flavored teas, cappuccinos and coffee are all on the Tea Rush Express menu as well giving any customer the freedom to mix and match flavors to reach their preferred combination. A club sandwich and a ham and cheese sandwich are also available and can be combined with any drink, fulfilling your lunch-time or midafternoon cravings.

Tea Rush Express is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m to 10 p.m on Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. They are located on at 6401 N 10th street in Mcallen.

Charles Tsai considers himself one of the Valley’s boba tea pioneers living only a block away from the first tea store about 30 years ago.

Madame Gourmande

By Odette MacDonald

Read your little HEART out at “J’aime Les Livres”

Times sure have changed. E-readers seem to be in their own little isolated world – nose on laptops or iPad’s. I prefer the real thing. There’s nothing like touching, smelling and rifling through stacks of books (is there?).

“J’aime les Livres” in McAllen happens to be the place where I’m able to read comfortably without interruptions. Owner, Marty Medina did an excellent job at transforming a little house on Main Street into an illustrious literary salon. This quaint, compact shop has three windows and two rooms; actually, there’s a new room in the back that will have plenty of unique gifts and vintage pieces by “Odette’s Secret Closet.”

For avid readers it’s like walking into a candy store. I could spend an entire day browsing or talking to Marty. I wish I could stand in the middle of all the stacks and sort of cosmically absorb all the amazing information by osmosis. Collectors might not be able to find an overlooked precious edition there, but ask, Marty, for a rare book, and inevitably she’ll track it down for you; she knows where to find anything.

I simply adore vintage and cherished old cookbooks (especially the old French one’s) with their faded colored pictures of giant, dinged-up copper pots, and stained pages. I’m always in search of vintage cookbooks from the 60’s and early 70’s (Craig Claiborne, Pierre Franey, etc.) – this was an important era for fine dining restaurants and future chefs in the United States. I can’t get enough of books related to the pleasures of food and wine – that’s where I get my fix.

J’aime Les Livres, is a place where foodies can indulge by letting the book fall open to a favorite recipe. There’s quite an impressive collection of: new best sellers, children’s books, educational, religious, romance, self-help, historical, etc. – there’s something for everyone. Marty’s consignment bookstore gives everyone an opportunity to read and enjoy a good book without paying high prices (price range $2.00-$10.00). Marty puts her expertise at your disposal (just ask!). *1219 N. Main St. in McAllen (956) 789-4518

I would now like to make a special announcement. ”Love is in the Air” at J’aime Les Livres this week. Hopeless Romantics, loyal customers, and people young and old are invited to shop at Martha Medina’s, “Pre-Valentine’s Day Open House,” - Friday, February 8th (5:30 pm till 9:00 pm).Children will be able to get their face painted (by Royal Celebrations) and enjoy some yummy treats while adults take advantage of massages (TLC), complimentary appetizers, mini manicures and the chance to take a picture (photo booth) with their significant other.

Odette’s Secret Closet, All Natural Massage & SPA, Massage by Cristobal, Memory Keeper Photo, OPI Gifts, Pink Zebra, RC’s Chew Chew’s (toys for pets), Silpada, Thirty-One Gifts and…….Royal Celebrations/The Queens Kitchen (same owner) will be waiting for you to shop.

*F.Y.I.* The Queens Kitchen is a full service dessert bar catering company that’s proud to serve the Rio Grande Valley. They also specialize in gourmet cheese cakes, classic pies, themed cookie platters and favors for every occasion.

I’ve been able to taste a variety of baked goods locally, but I’m rarely wowed all that much anymore. That was until I took a mini dessert bite that was prepared with love by “The Queens Kitchen.”

My friend, Ariel King hired them last week (desserts) – this was a spectacular 40th Birthday Extravaganza. The Queens Kitchen’s served an assortment of miniature desserts that seemed to celebrate the glory of sweetness (colourful and peaceful joy). Ariel offered her guests “dessert flights” – that gave us a chance to have a small taste of a few desserts, instead of committing to just one (sample and share).

McAllen Catholic Daughters Anticipate Year of Faith in 2013

The McAllen Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) begin another year of unity and charity towards the Rio Grande Valley com munity. Worthy regent Ofe lia Estevis guides members through participation of spiritual enhancement, leg islation, local, state and na tional projects, education, quality of life and youth/ CDA.

Upcoming events in clude: Lenten Retreat on Feb.21 at Our Lady of Sor rows with MSGR Gus Barre

ra, CDA chaplain, present ing a Lenten message of encouragement. Delegates and members will attend the CDA state convention in San Antonio on April 5 – 7 to enrich themselves and lead by example for is sues in regards to unity and charity to other members.

On Jan. 26 the McAllen CDA held a corporate com munion at Sacred Heart Church to demonstrate their unity over 21 years of promotion of justice, equal ity and advancement of hu man rights/dignity to all.

Ofelia Estevis, Ester Wa

ters and committee mem bers delivered checks to six charities last summer with support and love for Catho lics.

CDA is open to any Catholic woman 18 and over.

Meetings are the 1st Thursday of each month at the OLS conference room at 6 p.m.

For membership infor mation contact Noelia Ra mierez at 956-330+7842 or Ofelia Estevis at 956-6311737.

your valleysports

Sharyland vs. Edinburg North

District 31-5A Roundup: Speights wins Davey, Brewer hired at McHi

Valley Town Crier

McALLEN – In the latest edition of Dave Campbell’s Winter 2013 Texas Football magazine Memorial freshman Trevor Speights was awarded a Davey for Freshman of the Year.

Speights was the driving force behind the Mustangs’ offense and gained 1,751 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

The freshman gained 294 yards against Nikki Rowe and 252 against Harlingen in a first-round loss of the playoffs.

Kevin Brewer

The board of trustees approved Kevin Brewer of Garland Rowlett High as the next McAllen High School football coach and athletic coordinator at its meeting Jan. 28.

Brewer spent the last 10 seasons with the Rowlett Eagles where they have qualified for the state playoffs eight straight years, won two District titles, four Bi-District banners and an Area championship during that span.

“His strengths are his integrity, leadership skills, rapport with students, staff and parents,” McAllen ISD Athletic Director Paula Gonzalez said. “He’s known as a moti-

vator. He emphasizes success for the student athlete. He has a structured, disciplined philosophy with an emphasis on all athletic teams.”

Brewer played at TCU from 1991-95 and played on a Southwest Conference champion under Coach Pat Sullivan in 1994 (the school’s first SWC title since 1959). A multi-sport athlete in high school (football, basketball, track), Brewer, 40, has previously coached track, basketball and football. For Rowlett, he is the co-offensive coordinator, varsity offensive line coach, strength/off-season coordinator and head powerlifting coach.

Trevor Speights was given a Davey for the Freshman of the Year.

Chinese Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion Visits IMAS

Valley Town Crier

McALLEN–The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) continues its partnership with the Smithsonian Insti tution through the sharing of exhibits.

The latest exhibit to make its way to IMAS entitled Within the Emperor’s Garden: The Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion gives the museum’s visitors the opportunity to watch the ex hibit be put together by Donald Williams, Senior Furniture Conservator Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s Furniture Con servation Institute, a group of his volunteers, and the IMAS Curatorial Department beginning Jan. 30 through Feb. 10.

The opening reception will be held on Feb. 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. which coincidentally will be the Chinese New Year.

During this time IMAS visitors are encouraged to interact and ask Williams about the exhibit and its process.

The final result of the construction, will be a pavilion made by Chinese artisans that demonstrates traditional Chinese carving and fine furniture techniques. As of Feb. 1, Williams said the group was nearly done with the model. He added that humidity in the Rio Grande Valley has made some of the pieces a little difficult to fit together.

No nails were used to build this model. The Ten Thou sand Springs Pavilion (Wan Chun Ting), a celebrated ex ample of classic Chinese architecture, still stands in the For bidden City in Beijing, China. It was built in about 1420 and rebuilt in 1533 as part of the private pleasure grounds of two dynasties of Chinese emperors.

Along the regular opening ceremonies, IMAS will be giv ing welcome to the Year of the Snake with family activities, sponsored by the McAllen Junior League, such as a game room filled with traditional Chinese games, food demonstra tions, Chinese Astrology and demonstrations, just to name a few activities. Additionally, throughout the exhibit’s run until September, IMAS will be hosting a series of events and programs that celebrate various Asian cultures.

Admission to the opening reception and its festivities will be included in the price of General Admission; $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizen and Students with ID, $4 for children ages 4 through 12, and free admission for all IMAS members.

The latest exhibit to make its way to IMAS entitled Within the Emperor’s Garden: The Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion gives the museum’s visitors the opportunity to watch the exhibit be put together by Donald Williams, Senior Furniture Conservator Emeritus of the Smithson ian’s Furniture Conservation Institute, a group of his volunteers, and the IMAS Curatorial Department beginning Jan. 30 through Feb. 10.

By Mark Noe

Commentary Hurry Mode

My daughters, bless them, are just like their mom. Now, for the most part that’s a good thing—lovely smile—sunny disposition—scintillating conversation—intriguing—mysterious— and creative. Should I run out of adjectives, they could easily supply a few.

However, in one thing their shared disposition is troubling. They all think that when they’ve spent too much time on their makeup, or changed their outfit three times before a night out or a date, or even going to church, that the solution to being late, (and we always seem to be late,) is to hurry me along. Because, yes, somehow I’ve become the source of our tardiness.

What my daughters and their mother don’t understand, and I have been entirely deficient in explaining, is that when I’m already hurrying as fast as I can—and at that point, I am hurrying, I simply can’t go any faster. After all, I’ve been sitting in the living room waiting, watching the clock tick away, wondering what’s taking so long, knowing exactly what’s taking so long, but wondering anyway. So, choosing that precise moment, a moment within which they are picking up a purse, carrying their shoes in one hand and makeup they will apply in the car in the other, to tell me I am the one who needs to hurry, has repercussions both of us regret.

I’ve been ready for ten minutes (it only seems like hours). I’ve been sitting in my favorite chair, jangling my car keys in my hand. I’m ready to stand and immediately walk out the door. But before I can even gather my wits, let alone stand, they exclaim, “Dad, let’s go! Come on! We’re late!” and, “Daddy, let’s go!” (It would take a dozen exclamation points to sufficiently convey the annoyance that permeates that diatribe.)

What they don’t seem to understand is that I only have one hurry speed, something I suspect is part of the male genetic makeup. While women, at least the women in my family, have hurry and hurrier and Warp Nine. Unfortunately, for them and for me, telling me to hurry when I’m already hurrying doesn’t make me hurry more, it actually slows me down.

I’m not being difficult or intentionally obtuse, though I do somehow accomplish that. It’s just that I’ve got to stop and think about what they’d just said. I’m in hurry mode; they tell me I have to hurry; I have to get out of hurry mode, sort of like shifting from drive to neutral and coast along, while I consider their request. The result? If I have been walking, I slow down; if I have been standing, I sit back down; I somehow feel compelled to stop and ruminate, to consider the nature of the time/space continuum.

Now, according to Dr. Who, time is not linear, it’s a “wibbly wobbly timey wimey” sort of thing. If you’ve ever been at my house the first day of the new school year, hen the girls have spent all summer long sleeping as late as they possibly can, when they haven’t cleaned their room since May, then you’ll start to believe in “timey wimey,” which describes a state where time moves in slow motion, then speeds up, then slows down again, then loops back on itself. The result? We’re late and it’s time to tell Daddy to hurry, which only slows time down again. Not timey wimey, timey whiny.

and education, which are two of our most important industries and employers,” he said. “The leaders in these areas of our economy must prepare for these impacts; however, all of us will feel the trickle down effects of those two enormous sectors of our economy. The Valley has to re-tool and find alternative sources of income to replace the expected reduction in federal and state spending.”

Cortez mentioned the “new-normal” that the city might have to plan for and make the necessary changes needed to see McAllen through hard times.

“As we have always done during challenging times, we must revisit our plans for the future. For example, only a few short years ago, at my request, city leaders engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process,” he said. “That process produced a strategic plan which the city has used to meet the challenges of the past few years. However, now, with new challenges on the horizon, and the opportunity to compare our previous assumptions against the reality of events, it is time to review that strategic plan.”

Jim Darling Announces bid for Mayor City commissioner Jim Darling, on Feb.1, announced his bid for the

mayoral race in May.

Commenting on his mayoral candidacy, Darling said:

“Over several years, as a city attorney, a city commissioner and a community volunteer in many different leadership roles, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of and witness first-hand the development, growth and success of McAllen,” he said, “I am proud to have been given this privilege and responsibility of duty and service, and would be honored to have citizens of McAllen elect me as their next mayor.”

Darling says that what inspires him to continue serving McAllen is the chance to spend more time building on the innovation that has provided a better quality of life for its people and businesses.

Jim Darling (right) along with his wife Sandra Darling, announced his bid for the City of Mcallen’s Mayoral candidacy.

$9.1 million The Residence at Edinburg latest economic pay-off for city

By DAVID A. DÍAZ Special to the Valley Town Crier

Edinburg–A por tion of a 20-acre tract of land in southwest Edin burg owned by the Ed inburg Economic de velopment Corporation is paying off big for the community with the on going construction of the $9.1 million The resi dence at Edinburg.

The apartment com plex is located at 4590 Professional drive near Edinburg regional Medi cal Center and Edinburg Children’s Hospital.

by May, the 194-unit, 179,490 square-foot complex with six dif ferent floor plans (from one bedroom one bath, 654 square foot units to two bedroom, two bath, 1,206 square foot units) will be completed.

The eight-building complex, which broke ground in May 2012, will have its first buildings ready for occupancy by mid-February.

As The residence at

Edinburg continues to take shape, it is also serv ing as proof of the wis dom of a plan put into place by the EEdC lead ership in 2008 to take what had formerly been an empty tract of land and convert it into an economic development windfall for the city.

“Originally, that 20acre tract of land had been reserved for the u.S. border Patrol, which had built its $18 mil lion, 85,000-square-foot headquarters about a mile away, at 4400 South Expressway 281,” said nelda ramírez, Executive director for the EEdC.

“As it turned out, the border Patrol did not need more space, and the EEdC board of di rectors voted to market it to private investors, and with it, bring new jobs and generate more local property taxes for key public services, not just for the city and EEdC, but also for the school district and county.”

The EEdC wound up

gourmande (contd. from pg. 7)

Savoring a few spoonfuls or bites of perfection re minded me that good things do come in small pack ages.

Having one dessert split into “a few goodies” cer tainly feels less decadent and lighter (less guilt). This is the way i see it…. Mini sweet is a mini sin with maxi mum indulgence. The French are said to “manger de tout, avec moderation.” Eat everything, in moderation. Small portions are the ultimate goal, that’s why French women don’t get fat (there’s a book with that title).

A dessert degustation prepared by “The Queen’s Kitchen” is quite tempting. by the way, this isn’t the whole list. *Chocolate petits fours: fudge puddle, choc olate truffles with strawberry filling, dipped chocolate marshmallows on skewers, chocolate covered Oreos, mocha mousse brownies, white chocolate blondies, chocolate truffle brownies, chocolate frosted peanut butter mini cupcakes and coconut macaroon brownies.

• Miniature: Caramel Pecan Cheesecakes, peanut but ter cheesecakes, etc.

• Mini Cupcakes: Coconut pecan with butter cream frosting, lemon cream, carrot cake and red velvet both topped with cream cheese frosting, etc.

• Italian sugar cookies, meringue kisses, apricot bars, etc.

• Raspberry streusel coffee cake, classic blondies, fruit tarts with cream filling, creamy banana walnut shooters and shortbread tarts with cream filling.

• Muffin selection date nut, lemon blossoms, coco nut lime with butter cream frosting

• This is the cost and amount for 50 guests: 200 indi vidual desserts (4 selections) for only $200.00. What a sweet deal!

Choose from: bars and brownies, Muffins/Cake bites, cookies, mini-bites, chocolate (everything is list ed in their website).

Come by Marty’s for a little sample or two. read, eat and be merry,

royal Celebrations/ The Queen Kitchen *efficient, professional, affordable, sensational* (956) 648-9259

840 S. Cesar Chavez Circle Alamo, Texas

selling 11.5 acres of the 20-acre site to the devel opers of The residence at Edinburg, Mayor richard gar cía, who serves as presi dent of the EEdC board of directors, said The residence at Edinburg is also a quality-of-life as set to the city.

“it’s location means that many of our health professionals who work at our vital hospital cor ridors have access to even more outstanding housing choices, and the amenities offered by The residence of Edinburg put it on the level of the best apartment complex es in South Texas,” said garcía.

Haydee Martínez, Property Manager for The residence at Ed inburg, expresses deep pride with the city’s lat est addition to its hous ing market.

“The owners have added upgrades to this property that our sis ter properties (in other Texas cities) do not offer because we want to offer the best housing option in Edinburg,” Martínez said. “We will have on site management and 24-7 emergency mainte nance. We will also have surveillance cameras on all of our amenities and gates.”

Martínez added that The residence at Ed

inburg features a highquality clientele.

“We accept anyone that passes our crite ria. We check everyone’s income, rental history, criminal background and credit,” she explained. “This is a gated com munity. Why is that im portant to residents? it will have limited access gates. The gates help us insure that only residents and their guest are enjoy ing the community.”

Among the luxury amenities that will be of fered at The residence at Edinburg are: resort Style Pool; 24-hr Fitness Center and Personal Training room;

Cyber Café; Conference room; Luxury Clubhouse with two seating areas; relaxing back patio; and Outside Covered Kitchen.

The monthly rent ranges from $750 to $1150, and tenants have the options to secure three-month, six-month, or 12-month leases, Mar tínez added.

detailed information is also available online at: www.residenceate dinburg.com