SOCIALIFE MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2022

YEAR 18 ISSUE 1

2022

COMPLIMENTARY

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Pharr EDC Holiday Party

McAllen Parade

Pharr State of the City Address

Civil War on the Rio Grande, Part 2

City of Pharr TOGETHER WE CAN WIN

The Same Great Care at New Locations

Families in the Rio Grande Valley count on South Texas Health System Clinics for quality care that’s close to home That’s why it’s important to know that starting January 2022, some of our family medicine physicians will be moving to new locations, including: While their locations have changed, their number one priority remains the same – keeping you and your family healthy.

Chris Casso, MD

Luis A. Uresti, MD

New location!

7900 N. 10th | Suite A McAllen, TX 78504 | 956-603-1515

Maria Christina Madrid, MD

New location and phone number!

4001 S. Sugar Rd. | Suite B Edinburg, TX 78539 | 956-997-6565 For physician referral assistance, call 956-625-1144. To view our provider directory or to schedule appointments online, visit sthsclinics.com.

Audrey Gutierrez, MD

Francisco Garza Salinas, MD

New location and phone number!

300 E. Mile 3 Rd. | Suite 190 Palmhurst, TX 78573 | 956-997-3344

sthsclinics.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 22659851-680637 12/21

N O W O P E N I N O U R N E W L O C AT I O N

w w w.d e u t s c h j e w e l e rs .co m 2109 S 10th Street Ste. 20, Mcallen, TX 78503 ( 9 5 6 ) 6 3 1 -7 2 1 8

PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

BRONSON DELRIO

VICE PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

YIRA ALDAPE

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

CLIFF RANSON

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Magazine Design DECIBEL Communications Event Photographers Haron Saenz Tania De Luna

Sergio Arratia Danya Selber

Guest Photographers Quinta Mazatlan MOST History City of Mission RGV Stars City of Pharr Guest Writers David Perez Dr . Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa Dr . Kimberly Selber Tom Ford Cynthia Sakulenzki

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Roxanne Casares Colleen Hook Nayeli Zenteno

ON THE COVER:

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA

Holiday Lights and Delights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 City of Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Physician Christmas Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Socialifing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Pharr Lighting of the Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Pharr EDC Holiday Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Pretty In Pearls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 McAllen Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Rosmani Ribbon Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Gelman Museum Christmas Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Chevrolet Dealer of the Year Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Ramiro Garza Swearing In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Good Day Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Pharr State of the City Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Manic Monday Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Etiquestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 A Touch of Frost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Edinburg Chamber Christmas Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 RGV Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Out and About: Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Mission Chamber Holiday Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Quinta Mazatlan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Casa Bella Ribbon Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 McAllen Chamber Holiday Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 RGV Partnership Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Non - Profit Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Harlingen Hot Cocoa for First Responders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Civil War on the Rio Grande, Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 WCR Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Edward Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 UTRGV-UT Health RGV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

ON THE COVER: (L to R) Commissioner Place 6 Itza Flores, Commissioner Place 5 Ricardo Medina, Commissioner Place 1 Eleazar Guajardo, Mayor Dr .

Ambrosio Hernandez, Commissioner Place 4 Daniel Chavez, Commissioner Place 3 Ramiro Caballero and Commissioner Place 2 Roberto “Bobby” Carrillo

FOR ADVERTISING OR OTHER INQUIRIES, REACH OUT! E-mail: admin@socialifergv .com Office: (956) 683-8499 Web: www .socialifeRGV .com Socialife is published by Socialife News, LLC Permission to use any material herein must be approved in writing by the publisher .

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Welcome to SOCIALIFE, your magazine of the Rio Grande Valley!

In this issue, we’re diving into the new year, and we’re all hoping for a year unlike 2021! Even with the challenges we’ve all faced, there are so many things to be grateful for.

First, there are our loyal advertisers who have stuck with us through the unprecedented situation that the world faced over the past two years. Together we found ways to showcase

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the Rio Grande Valley as strong and resilient and had a memorable time along the way.

Thank you for your continued support!

planning etiquette dinners at some of your favorite restaurants.

So, stay tuned and learn which way to pass the bread!

Second, I am excited to welcome new advertisers like South Texas College and the City of Edinburg to the family. We continue to deliver a top-quality magazine that spotlights our fantastic community and supports our nonprofit organizations and the 9 Chambers of Commerce in the Valley with your partnerships.

This month, our cover story is the great City of Pharr and their new natatorium. A nata-what? It is from Latin origins, meaning “indoor swimming pool.” The Olympicsized pool may one day be home to the (hopefully) future NCAA Vaquero swim team.

Third, I am thrilled that our monthly etiquette column is growing!

We have added Tips on Tuesday on social media, and we are

Take a deep breath and plunge into this month’s edition of SOCIALIFE…

- Sally

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Rio Bank website is now in Spanish!

Access it today.

To better serve you, now you can get access to all of our services and information in your preferred language.

www.rio.bank

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 2

2021

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 4

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HIDALGO YEA

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City of Mission Making a Difference

City of Pharr State of the City

Rio Bank

Friendship in Foreign Soil

City of Pharr - Grand Opening of the first floor of City Hall

McAllen Chamber Of Commerce Power Network

UTRGV Health

Quinta Mazatlan - City of McAllen Takes Monarch Butterfly Pledge

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City of Mission Making a Difference

City of Pharr State of the City

Rio Bank

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Frien Fore

The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport A Tradition Since 1977

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Good Day McAllen Luncheon

Boots & Bling Gala

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McAllen Holiday Parade Homecoming

2021

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Valley Symphony Orchestra

The Value of Native Plants

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IDEA Under the Stars Gala

PSJA Education Foundation Gala

South Texas College

Out & About Brunch

VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2021

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South Texas Health System

g n i t a r b Cele ars e y 1 7ving the of ser Valley

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RIO BANK: Your Kind of Bank, Your Kind of Banker

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Women of Distinction

RIO BANK: Your Kind of Bank, Your Kind of Banke

2021

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Mission Strong

Pharr EDC Foundation Ceremony

Quinta Mazatlan Quindecennial Celebration

MOST History - Was Pancho Villa In the Valley?

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Good Day McAllen Luncheon

Boots & Bling Gala

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STC EVOLVING

New Era of Opportunity and Growth

The Music Returns 10/21/21 10/22/21 11:20 6:47 PM

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City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos

McAllen ISD

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VSO Gala

Radisson Hotel

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Out & About Italian

Most History

McAllen ISD

Educating our community’s children requires a team

2020

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Hang Like A Local

Fishing Guides

Let’s Eat - Dining Guide

Get Out On The Water

ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FALL/WINTER COMPLIMENTARY

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FALL/WINTER COMPLIMENTARY

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

CITY OF MCALLEN MAYOR JIM DARLING

An Unwavering Commitment to Patient Comfort

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MOST History Atomic Dawn

9/30/21 10:23 9:03 AM 9/30/21

QU I N DEC E N N I A L C E L E BR AT ION OF QU I N TA M A Z AT L Á N

South Texas Health System McAllen

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Out & About International Food

2021

2020

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Hang Like A Local

Fishing Guides

Let’s Eat - Dining Guide

Get Out On The Water

South Texas Health System McAll

An Unwavering Commitment to Patient Comfor

3/26/21 6:14 PM

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HIDALGO YEA

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VSO Gala

Radisson Hotel

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Out & About Italian

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport A Tradition Since 1977

The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport A Tradition Since 1977

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7/6/21 8:29 AM

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1950 Paredes Line Rd. Brownsville, TX 956-542-2553

205 Pecan Blvd.

McAllen, TX 956-618-2300

BML y Fragoso, S.C. Matamoros, Tamps., MX 011-52(868) 812-12-14

www.bmltexas.com

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DELIGHTS Mission

The City of Mission kicked off the holiday season with the Mayor ’s Annual Tree Lighting. This two-day celebration— Holiday Lights and Delights— was held on Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20, and included choir performances, moon jumps, life-sized Christmas cards for selfies, live music, games, food and craft vendors, toy raffles, and plenty of familyfriendly entertainment. Thousands of lights illuminated Leo Peña Placita Park. “ The holiday season is so special because it is a time when our community comes together with friends and family to celebrate peace, love, and joy,” Mayor O’Caña said. “After having to host a virtual Mayor’s Tree Lighting in 2020, we were so excited to be back in person in 2021. The tree lighting was a magical night that included wonderful entertainment by our local school districts and a special visit from Santa Claus.”

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CITY COMMISSIONER JESSICA ORTEGA, MAYOR DR.ARMANDO OCANA, COMMISSIONER RUBEN PLATA AND RANDY PEREZ

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

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Your special day matters EVENTS BY RADISSON

“U NF ORGE T T AB L E ”

“EVERYTHI NG HAPPENS AT THE RADI SSON”

“JUS T P E R F EC T ”

www.EventsByRadissonMcallen.com (956) 682-7234 | 2721 S 10th St, McAllen TX

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

Mission On the air!

Everyone loves to watch a little TV now and then, and on Dec. 1, City of Mission viewers can officially watch their local government in action.

The City of Mission has launched its own Public, Education, and Governmental Access (PEG) channel—1300 for Spectrum customers. The

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new Mission Cable Channel (MCC) will feature the latest Mission news, events, videos, and photos. MCC-1300 will also contain information detailing Mission’s emergency phone numbers, city department information, city projects, social media platforms, and job opportunities.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

PHYSICIAN CHRISTMAS MIXER Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport Mcallen

The past two years have demonstrated how much we rely on our amazing doctors here in the Rio Grande Valley and the vital difference that their lifesaving care makes for our families and our community every day of the year. Mission Regional Medical Center celebrated the invaluable contributions of our dedicated doctors with a holiday party, complete with great food and music!

Thank you for your healing, care, compassion, and support to so many!!

We are so proud to serve our community by your side.

ROSIE GUERRA AND DR. JOHN GUERRA

MAYRA DERUPE AND ERWIN DERUPE

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA, NORMA GUEVARA AND BRENDA ENRIQUEZ

DR. ANGEL MARTINEZ, MELDI MARTINEZ, SALLY AVILA AND DR.RAFAEL AVILA

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LESLIE VELEZ, DR. FRANK VELEZ, AND VALENTINA VELEZ

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RESTORE JOINTS & SPINE

Restoring life to full motion.

Whether a patient visits the office with back pain, hip pain, sciatica, or shoulder pain our physician, Dr. Van Kanawade has the experience, skill, and technology at hand to create the right individualized treatment plan for each.

Restore Joints & Spine was founded to provide excellent service and compassionate care to the most important people: our patients.

Dr. Van Kanawade Orthopedic Surgeon

956-598-7070

910 S. Bryan Rd. Suite 205 Mission, Texas 78572

PRESENTED BY the

& FAMILY ART RUN / WALK

2.26.22

GREATER MISSION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT BRENDA ENRIQUEZ IN MCALLEN

PHARR CITY COMMISSIONER BOBBY CARRILLO AT EMBASSY SUITES CONVENTION CENTER IN MCALLEN

SHARYLAND ISD TRUSTEE RICKY LONGORIA AT MCALLEN HOLIDAY PARADE

SANTA CLAUS AT MCALLEN HOLIDAY PARADE

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New year, new beginning

endless.

—the possibilities are

Vantage Bank wants to help you make this year your most prosperous yet. Let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your business goals.

Victory Takes Vision

MEMBER FDIC |

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

www.vantage.bank

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

PHARR LIGHTING OF THE TREE Pharr

Historic downtown Pharr was a pictureperfect holiday postcard as city leaders led the countdown to the Christmas Tree’s lighting and illuminated the city’s heart. Families from around the community joined in the festivities, including a visit from The Grinch, holiday carols, and delicious food from The HUB Food Truck Park.

MAYOR DR. AMBROSIO HERNANDEZ AND MISS CONTINENTAL MODEL 2021 CHANEL FLORES

COMMISSIONER DR. RAMIRO CABALLERO AND MAYOR DR. AMBROSIO HERNANDEZ

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ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF PHARR:

Starting at only

25

$

Do You Need Fast, Affordable Internet?

per month

City of Pharr will now be providing fiber optic internet services to everyone in the city giving them the opportunity to access blazing fast gigabit internet service at a price that’s cheaper than most national providers.

Pre-register at teampharr.net

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If you have any questions please contact our editor Karla Kernz at:

(956) 683-8499 Submit your Ad at:

admin@socialifergv.com

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

CELEBRATING OUR BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS! Pharr Photography by Haron Saenz

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation would like to thank all business and community par tners that attended the Annual Christmas Appreciation event held on December 16, 2021. Partnerships continue to play a vital role in improving community workforce, attraction of new growth, development, and regional prosperity.

Executive Director Victor Perez and the Pharr EDC team look forward to strengthening and fostering essential collaborations for a successful 2022!

VICTOR PEREZ, LISANN MCALPINE, TRAVIS MCALPINE, AND RAY PEREZ

JOHN VILLAREAL RIGNEY AND MELISSA RIGNEY

ADRIANA SARMIENTO, MYRTA TIJERINA, KARINA LOPEZ, AND MARIBEL GARCIA

SONIA FALCON AND PAUL RODRIGUEZ

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DANIEL CHAVEZ, RICARDO MEDINA, AND ELEAZAR GUAJARDO

LILY SANTOS AND FRANCISCO MENDEZ

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SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

PRETTY IN PEARLS McAllen Photography by Tania De Luna

On December 1, 2021, Comfort House Services, Inc., hosted Pretty in Pearls: A Tribute to Diana. The gala had been postponed quite a few times due to the pandemic and this new date fell on World AIDS Day. In 1989, Sister Mirian Strohmeyer opened up the Comfort House to house and care for individuals with the AIDS diagnosis. In honor of all that were housed in Comfort House, a portion of the World AIDS Quilt was on display at the gala, including the portion of the quilt that Sister Strohmeyer took part in making.

The event drew close to 400 guests who enjoyed dinner in the Embassy Suites ballroom while emcees, Dru LaMantia and Dr. Jim Garza, assisted with the flow of the program. Part of the event consisted of a Style Show featuring fashions from local stores: James & James Formal Wear, Leona’s, Saint Boutique, Tiscareño Bridal Couture, and Karla’s. Individuals selected to model all played a part locally in assisting with the pandemic.

The Community Service Recognition Award was given to Monsignor Juan Nicolau who has been visiting residents at Comfort House for the past fifteen years. The 2021 South Sea Pearl recipients were Carlos and Cindy Garza who play an active role with the organization. After the program came to an end, guests enjoyed and danced to the music of Del Castillo.

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Your Health.

OUR PURPOSE. At South Texas Health System , the health of you and your family is our top priority. It drives everything we do and inspires us to be among the nation’s leaders in healthcare.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED YEAR AFTER YEAR Accreditations and awards for excellence in patient safety, heart, stroke, women’s healthcare, robotic surgery, and more AN INTEGRATED NETWORK OF CARE Providing comprehensive and advanced services at our four acute care facilities, six freestanding emergency departments, and behavioral health facility A LEGACY OF INVESTING IN VALLEY ‘FIRSTS’ Including our dedicated children’s and heart care facilities, innovative procedures and programs, and hybrid operating rooms

Visit southtexashealthsystem.com/RGVpriority to learn more about South Texas Health System.

With locations throughout the Valley, we are where you are: FACILITIES: South Texas Heath System Behavioral South Texas Health System Children’s South Texas Health System Edinburg South Texas Health System Heart South Texas Health System McAllen FREESTANDING ERS: Alamo • McColl • Mission Monte Cristo • Ware Road • Weslaco

Physicians are independent practitioners who, with limited exceptions, are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The System shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 21560101-559264 12/21

STATE "A" DISTRICT

D I S T RI C T OF CHAMPIONS

Register your child (956) 687-6473

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

MCALLEN HOLIDAY PARADE McAllen

The return of the McAllen Holiday Parade was welcomed by a recordbreaking crowd when the city staged its largest yet rendition of the Texas tradition on December 4. T V ’s Mario Lopez and Julián Gil hosted at the parade’s stadium show. At the same time, radio’s Tino Cochino got the crowd going at the streetside Vuelta Zonewhere giant balloons spin for McAllen’s balloon twirling cheer, “ The Vuelta.”

MARIO LOPEZ

SENATOR JUAN “CHUY” HINOJOSA AND MCALLEN MAYOR JAVIER VILLALOBOS

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MCALLEN MILLER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FLOAT

CITY OF MCALLEN MAYOR JAVIER VILLALOBOS FLOAT

L&F DISTRIBUTORS FLOAT

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

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I know a place to find what you’re missing.

A place to go out again and try something new. A place where the food scene is fierce, festivals are one-of-a-kind, the shopping always feels right and the nightlife comes alive.

I know McAllen, TX. Visit this weekend, so you'll be the one who knows a place.

Book your hotel getaway at visitmcallen.com Stylish Shopping & Luxury Boutiques

Top Cuisine & Open Air Venues

World Class Golfing & home to McAllen Amateur Golf Championship tournament

Broadway Show

Rent The Musical at the McAllen Performing Arts Center March 17, 2022

See Festival Schedule & more at

EXPLOREMCALLEN.COM

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

ROSMANI RIBBON CUTTING McAllen Photography by Tania De Luna

C ongratulations to new Mc Allen C hamb er o f C ommerc e memb er Rosmani Mexican Cuisine Restaurant!

They also celebrated their one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting.

Come and enjoy the exquisite mexican quisine and great ambiance at Rosmani for lunch or dinner.

EMMANUEL GUILLEN AND GEORGE SHAPIRO

COMMISSIONER PEPE CABEZA DE VACA AND COMMISSIONER OMAR QUINTANILLA

BLANCA CARDENAS AND GERRY GARCIA

STEVE BROOKS AND MARTHA CIPRIANO

BLANCA CARDENAS AND GERRY GARCIAROMERO ARNOLDO GONZALEZ AND RICARDO

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Valentine’s Day

February

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

GELMAN MUSEUM CHRISTMAS CONCERT San Juan Photography by Danya Selber

The Gelman Stained Glass Museum hosted “Christmas Night at the Museum” featuring the Viol Consor t String Ensemble on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. The classical concert, held amongst the stunning windows of the museum, treated guests to a magical experience, preparing all for the Christmas holiday.

On December 1, 2021 the Gelman Stained Glass Window Museum in San Juan, Texas officially opened. Over 30 years in the making, the museum is home to the most extensive stained glass church windows collection in the U.S. To plan your tour, visit http://www.gelmanmuseum.org

DR.GREG AND DR. KIMBERLY SELBER

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SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

CHEVROLET DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARD McAllen Photography by Tania De Luna

Robert C. Vackar – Dealer Principle of Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealerships c e l e b ra te s h i s b i r t h day i n a n unprecedented way: Winning 2020’s Chevrolet Dealer of the Year! Only 1% of the 3,200 dealerships in the U.S. are awarded this prestigious title based on customer confidence and sales.

Earning this award in 2020 is even more impressive, given inventory shortages and restrictive conditions of the retail market.

Bob celebrated this achievement alongside his wife Janet, Natasha del Barrio, CEO, and Billy Kelley Fiesta General Manager.

JANET VACKER,BOB VACKER,CRAIG VICKER AND BILLY KELLEY

SENATOR JUAN CHUY HINOJOSA

DEBBIE FLORES, LARRY SAFIR, MELBA GUTIERREZ AND CELIA MALDONADO

JANET AND BOB VACKER

BOB VACKAR AND SENATOR JUAN CHUY HINOJOSA

JORGE GUTIERREZ, BILLY KELLEY AND SHELBY BADILLO

JANET VACKER, NATASHA DEL BARRIO, AND BOB VACKER

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

SWEARING IN OF MAYOR RAMIRO GARZA Edinburg

Ramiro Garza, Jr. was sworn in as the new Mayor of the City of Edinburg on December 20, 2021, by Judge Ricardo Hinojosa of the U.S. Southern District of Texas.

“By electing me, you decided you would like a fresh start, and I have every intention to ensure that we bring back trust to our city government and do away with politics as usual,” said Garza. “We are here to work and serve the public.”

RAMIRO ANDRES GARZA,MARIA ESQUIVEL GARZA, MAYOR RAMIRO GARZA AND JULIANA AUDRINA GARZA

MAYOR RAMIRO GARZA

MAYOR RAMIRO GARZA

MAYOR RAMIRO GARZA

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Happy New Year The one resolution that we should all make for 2022 is that we will all do as much as we can to unite as a community and to see to it that there is more celebration, love and harmony in people.

With gratitude onward with 2022!

Eie

Precinct 4 Commissioner

www.Ambiancemcallen.com | (956)731-9370 |

@Ambiance.flowersrentals |

@Ambiance.McAllen

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

GOOD DAY LUNCHEON McAllen Photography by Sergio Arratia

JOHN DAVID FRANZ, ANNETTE FRANZ, MIRIAM CEPEDA AND ALEX GELMAN

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosted their Good Day Luncheon on December 9th at the DoubleTree Suites

by Hilton. This event was sponsored by the Valley’s #1 social and lifestyle magazine, SOCIALIFE, where we all came together to celebrate the outcome of a great community coming together.

BRONSON DELRIO AND SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA

ERIC LEUBANOS, JESSE DE LEON, DANIEL MONTANO AND OMAR GUEVERA

BLANCA CARDENAS, TIM SMITH AND GERRY GARCIA

LUIS CANTU AND SANTA CLAUS

COMMISSIONER TONY AGUIRRE, MELISSA PULIDO PECINA AND MELANIE WATSON

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THELMA TAMEZ, SARAH HAMMOND, DINA SABNANI AND SABITA MAHTANI

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

ASHLEY CASTILLO, COMMISSIONER PEOE CABEZA DE VACA AND JANET VALDEZ

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PHARR: TOGETHER WE CAN WIN

Together We Can Win

Pharr Hosts Annual State of the City Address The City of Pharr held their annual State of the City Address themed “Together We Can Win” on Thursday, January 20th at the brand-new Pharr Natatorium located on 3001 B. Cage Blvd. in Pharr. The event was emceed by acclaimed actor and valley native Joseph T. Campos.

This year’s theme “Together We Can Win” paid homage to the collaborative approach Team Pharr uses as they continue to move the community forward through new projects, partnerships, and programs.

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Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. started his remarks by highlighting the innovative and state-of-the-art Olympic sized facility that the event was taking place in.

Hernandez stated, “We chose this unique venue to host this event because we wanted to highlight the endless opportunities that are possible when: we dream big, we come together, and we make things happen.”

The facility is a monumental initiative between the City of Pharr, PSJA ISD, and UTRGV, that will expand opportunities for students and community members to have access to a state-of-the-art, Olympic level, competitive training facility in the healthy, low-impact sport of swimming.

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PHARR: TOGETHER WE CAN WIN

“Despite the challenges we faced over the last year, our community of Pharr and its partners remained resilient, embraced new opportunities, and we have emerged stronger than ever,” said Mayor Hernandez. “Together, we braved adversity and like true champions, we have been victorious in our endeavors,” he added.

In his address, Mayor Hernandez highlighted the city’s COVID response, the launch of Pharr EMS, financial growth, public safety initiatives, advancements and partnerships in health, legislative efforts, transportation expansions, drainage improvements, city services, infrastructure developments, and the new TEAMPHARR Broadband Internet Service.

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“In 2022, the City of Pharr is prospering, highly innovative, exceeding expectations, and continuing to strive towards excellence,” continued Hernandez.

“We look forward to the year ahead, because Together, We Will Win!” Keeping with tradition, Hernandez ended his address by awarding the “Mayor Leo “Polo” Palacios Service Award,” bestowed annually on an individual who embodies the spirit of the award’s namesake. This year, for the first time ever, the city to recognized two champions for their legislative efforts in helping Pharr pass critical transportation and infrastructure bills – State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and State Representative Terry Canales.

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PHARR: TOGETHER WE CAN WIN

Each year, the City of Pharr donates excess funds raised from the State of the City event that is one hundred percent funded by sponsor donations to nonprofit or community organizations that are working to improve conditions and the quality of life of families in Pharr and the surrounding areas.

This year, Mayor Hernandez announced that City of Pharr would allow the Polo Palacios Award Recipients – Senator Chuy Hinojosa and Representative Terry Canales – to each award a $2,500 grant to an organization of their choosing. The city also presented a grant in the amount

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of $5,000 to UTRGV Aquatics and a $5,000 grant to PSJA ISD Aquatics.

The event concluded with the final award—the Team Pharr Award, which was presented to Pharr’s Innovation and Technology Department, headed by director Jose Peña. The Innovation and Technology Department provides the highest quality technology-based services, in the most cost-effective manner, to facilitate the Pharr mission as it applies to management, learning and community service.

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PHARR: TOGETHER WE CAN WIN

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FARM DINNER • 2022 •

March 4, 2022 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

‘A Night in Tuscany’ is an Italian themed five-course meal featuring natural, locally harvested ingredients prepared by Chef Larry & Jessica Delgado’s Delgado Collective team.

Roman Esquivel, MD

2 Mile Li ne Rd

E Fronta ge Rd

495

Sharyland Town Crossing Walmart Supercener

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2521 E. Expressway 83 | Suite 600 | Mission, TX 78572 | 956-997-6100 300 E. Mile 3 Rd. | Suite 190 | Palmhurst, TX 78573 | 956-997-6677

Auburn Ave

Best Buy

Wiscons in Rd

Kohl’s

N 4th St

St

Target

Walmart Supercenter Chase Bank

S McCol l Rd

Trenton Rd

N Col Ro we Blvd

Trenton Crossing Shopping Center

N 10th St

N Main

Sam’s Club

Home Depot

At our outpatient rehabilitation facilities, we provide advanced therapy to help restore function and improve the quality of life for our patients. Please call 956-997-6100 to schedule an appointment at any of our three outpatient rehabilitation clinics.

N 23rd St

Taylor Rd

Sharyland High School

281

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists help teach the skills you need to care for yourself, with the goal of improving your independence following a surgery.

Speech Therapy: Speech-language pathologists can help you improve your communication, cognition and/or swallowing abilities through an individualized treatment plan.

Pkwy

Rd

Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can help improve strength, flexibility and balance, reduce pain and decrease fall risk. The goal of the therapist is to maximize functional mobility.

E Griffin

BUS

We offer the following services:

Buddy O wens Blv d

Veterans Memorial High School

N Shary

Offering physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation, at three locations across the Rio Grande Valley!

N Conw ay Ave

Rehabilitation Services

La Hom a Rd

Outpatient

Walmart Supercener

7900 N. 10th St. | Suite A | McAllen, TX 78504 | 956-603-1515

Palmhurst | Mission | McAllen

sthsclinics.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 22659851-682174 12/21

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

MANIC MONDAY MIXER McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is known for hosting educational webinars, key major events, and assisting small business owners year-round. But in December, they celebrate the end of the year with a fun “Ugly Sweater Christmas Mixer ” to kick off the holidays as well as enjoy delicious food, refreshments, dancing, networking, great door prizes, and an Ugly Sweater Contest!!

YIRA ALDAPE, SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA AND KARLA KERNZ

JUAN ROSALES, JORGE GARCIA, MARISA RIVERA, AND ROEL DELGADO

YOLANDA GUZMAN, AND JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ

DANIEL SWEARINGER AND CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI.

TINA ZIEGLER, DAVE PAGE, AND REGINA HAYNIE

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JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ, DANIEL MOTANO, AND ERIC LUEBANOS

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MODERN - SOPHISTICATED - SHOWSTOPPING On-Site Ceremonies – Ample Parking – Courtyard - Catering and More!

208 East Canton Edinburg, Texas Schedule your tour today!

956-720-4332

SOCIALIFE

WHAT THE!~

ETIQUESTIONS Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

I love to wear hats!

However, I never know when I should take my hat off or when I can leave it on. What are the etiquette rules for hats?

Hats used to be an essential article of clothing for protection, but now they are a great accessory for both men and women.

The following is a list of when hats can be left on and a list of when to take off hats (including baseball caps). One interesting note—women are entirely exempt from “hat rules.” When hats can be left on: Outdoors At athletic events (indoors or out) On public transportation In public buildings such as post offices, airports, etc.

On elevators Take hats, including baseball caps, off:

We are starting a new year, and I want to work on some etiquette rules for myself. What are the top five rules you would recommend for the new year?

What a great idea! We should all pick a few etiquette rules to work on in the new year. The following are my top five picks: Be on time - punctuality is very important and shows a respect for other people’s time Use “please” and “thank you” more often as it shows appreciation and politeness Be prepared - again, it is about respecting others Dress appropriately - this awareness can save embarrassment and keep the focus on the event or activity Be a 24/7 professional - your actions outside of work can affect you and your organization

Now that the holidays are over, do you recommend sending old-fashioned thank you cards?

Old-fashioned thank you cards are never a bad idea. A handwritten thank you on nice stationary goes a long way as it indicates you took some time to make sure the recipient knows you are thankful. It also sets you apart in a world of emails and text messages. Go for it! Send an “old-fashioned” thank you card today.

In someone’s home At mealtimes, at the table While being introduced, indoors or out In a house of worship, unless head covering is required Indoors at work, especially in an office (unless required for the job) In restaurants and coffee shops At a movie or indoor performance When the national anthem is played When the flag of the United States passes by

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication. www.leadershipempowermentgroup.com

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A TOUCH OF FROST McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

JOANN AND NIEL NAHUM

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On December 10, the Valley Symphony Orchestra presented “A Touch of Frost,” the annual holiday concer t tradition generously suppor ted by Frost Bank . Maestro Dabrowski and the Orchestra were joined by the VSO Chorale conducted by Sean Taylor and instrumental soloists Lindsey Gamble and Patrick Hopkins. The concer t included holiday favorites such as Sleigh Ride and Feliz Navidad and took place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.

BRANDON LAU AND SHEMAIAH WOODEN

ALAN MEADOWS, JUSTIN MEADOWS, AND MARIA MEADOWS

EDNA POSADA AND ALEXANDRIA POSADA

MAESTRO PETER DABROWSKI

MYRA REYES AND KATY COY

SOCIALIFE

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SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

EDINBURG CHAMBER HOLIDAY PARTY Edinburg

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who attended their Chamber Member Holiday Party! This celebration was a small token of appreciation for our members who supported the chamber throughout the year. The Chamber would also like to thank Melden & Hunt for hosting the holiday celebration.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit www.edinburg.com.

JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ, VERONICA GONZALES, MARIO LIZCANO, SYLVIA MORALES AND AUGIE LOZANO

THE GRINCH AND RENEE SANCHEZ LEAL

KEELY LEWIS, THE GRINCH AND BYRON LEWIS

CHRISTINA BARRERA, THE GRINCH, MAYOR RAMIRO GARZA, IMELDA RODRIGUEZ AND NAYELI ZENTENO

RONNIE LARRALDE, CHRISTINA BARRERA, IMELDA RODRIGUEZ AND NAYELI ZENTENO

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RUBY CASAS AND RUBY JANE CONTRERAS

JESSE GONZALEZ, THE GRINCH AND JOVANNA GONZALEZ

CARLOS GARZA, LETICIA PANTOJA, THE GRINCH AND BLANCA DAVILA

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CONGRATULATIONS J. GONZALEZ ON THE GROUNDBREAK OF YOUR NEW HEADQUARTERS IN EDINBURG!

RGV STARS 3 YEARS AND COUNTING Alex Sarabia and Isaac Medina have served as co-hosts and executive producers of the YouTube show “RGV Stars” for three years. By interviewing top celebrities and community leaders of the Rio Grande Valley, the show provides a platform for local people to make a positive difference in the Rio Grande Valley and motivate and inspire our viewers. Alex and Isaac have interviewed over 100 local actors, singers, dancers, television and radio hosts, comedians, athletes, politicians, and others during their seven seasons and 70 episodes.

Pan American (UTPA, now UTRGV) Top Graduate with a 4.0 GPA. He has an associate’s degree in psychology, two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology, and a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Isaac Medina is a celebrity fitness trainer and exercise interventionist. He has his education and background in engineering and has won multiple competitions in bodybuilding, including being a national bodybuilding competition finalist. Both are successful and talented young hosts and executive producers of RGV Stars.

Alex Sarabia is a psychology professor at South Texas College and a licensed professional counselor and Co-Advisor of the STC Starr County Campus Psychology Club. He graduated as Roma High School Valedictorian and as The University of Texas-

You can follow RGV Stars on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to RGV Stars on YouTube to watch all of the episodes. RGV Stars is the premier platform for showcasing Rio Grande Valley talent and the RGV Celebrities Place to Be!

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SOCIALIFE

OUT AND ABOUT

Pizz

You had me at Pizza!

Armando’s Pizza and Subs 1900 W. University Dr. Ste 4 Edinburg

Brick Fire Pizza & Inferno Patio Bar 704 E. Griffin Parkway Mission

For more information, call (956) 383-8053

Boocha Boocha For Life 308 S. Texas Blvd, Weslaco

For more information, call (956) 998-3473 For more information, call (956) 520-7111

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za!!

Mama Mia Pizzeria 100 E. US-83 BUS, McAllen

Il Forno a Legna

3817 N, 10th St, Ste 5, McAllen

For more information, call (956) 664-2671

The Pizzeria

McAllen, Edinburg, Harlingen, and Brownsville

For more information, call (956) 688-9528 For more information, visit https://www.thepizzeria.us

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SOCIALIFE

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

MISSION CHAMBER HOLIDAY EVENT Mission Photography by Tania De Luna

ROXANNE LERMA AND ROBERT ALVAREZ

PALM HURST CITY COMMISSIONER ISRAEL SILVA AND RONNIE ONTIVEROS

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce hosted a member appreciation breakfast on December 16th at the GMCC headquarters. The breakfast brought together members to spread some holiday cheer. Through generous donations from the business community, the GMCC collected 122 unwrapped gifts that were then donated to Mission community children.

RICH RIDWILL AND GABRIELA PULIDO

BRENDA ENRIQUEZ AND MARIO LIZCANO

GISELLE MASCARENAS AND RONNIE ONTIVIEROS

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Powered by

bar siteon N SIO S I R M AL VE E O C EV DIS EE R T 00 $5.

RICK MCEWEN

CURT JAMES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022 DOORS OPEN AT 11:00 AM LIVE MUSIC: 12:00 PM -3:30 PM BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIRS

LOCATION:

THE GREATER MISSION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

202 W. TOM LANDRY, MISSION, TX. 78572

FOR INFORMATION ON FOOD VENDOR OR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, CALL (956)585-2727 OR STOP BY THE CHAMBER.

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

Quinta M A Z AT L A N

Nature Resolutions for the New Year

By John Brush & Quinta Mazatlan

CURVE-BILLED THRASHERS

GRANJENO UNDERSTORY

New Year’s resolutions are nothing new; people have been making (and breaking) them for thousands of years. While the effectiveness of this “new year, new you” sort of goal-setting has been studied with varying results, the idea of a fresh start (at a particularly meaningful time) is certainly a powerful one - a fresh start to improve your physical and mental health, to learn something new, to pick up a new hobby. Not-socoincidentally, all three of those goals can be met in nature.

Studies repeatedly show that being in nature benefits our bodies and minds. Here are a couple of Quinta Mazatlan’s nature resolutions you can use to start the new year: Noticing Nature. One particularly meaningful way nature helps us feel happier is through something called ‘soft fascination.’ It’s an almost meditative state caused by simply existing in nature, not concentrating hard on particular activities but allowing our minds to gently shift from one thing to the next - such as a frog to a leaf or a tree to the soil – as we walk, sit, or lay in a natural setting.

Stephen and Rachel Kaplan, psychologists who study the relationship between people’s health and nature, call those sorts of moments “restorative experiences” where people recover from mental fatigue. In some respects, this could be the easiest New Year’s resolution because all it takes is being in nature, whether it’s at a local park, your neighborhood, a

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RED-TAILED PENNANT

nature center, or national wildlife refuge – wherever there are plants and animals sharing a space with you – and taking the time to be in that place.

Starting a Nature Hobby. While this option certainly does not preclude the previous one, it is a bit more focused. It is also quite varied, as there are many different hobbies you can pick up in nature. One straightforward hobby in nature is learning how to recognize different species. This can be done with any animal group, from butterflies to beetles, trees to wildflowers, fish to reptiles, and on! For example, millions of people worldwide consider themselves birders, or people who enjoy being around and recognizing species of birds.

There are plenty of online resources to help you learn how to identify the organisms around you. Still, one that is growing in popularity is iNaturalist, a nature program (app and website) that connects people and uses computer vision to help identify organisms. It also helps keep track of what kinds of plants and animals you have documented and shared to its biodiversity database.

Of course, there are many more resolutions that could be tied to being in nature that you could explore. We hope you do!

And even if you do not make New Year’s resolutions, spending time in nature is a great way to feel better and enjoy the world around you.

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SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

LA BELLA CASA FLOORING STUDIO RIBBON CUTTING Pharr Photography by Sergio Arratia

During the pandemic, co - owners Lilliana and Eduardo Lara overcame tremendous adversity to open their new retail establishment, LA BELLA CASA FLOORING STUDIO—the RGV ’s first-of-its-kind upscale flooring store.

The grand opening event, which took place on December 16, 2021, was a huge success bringing together vendors, c ontrac tor s, and home builders throughout the RGV with the ambiance of jazz and delicious hors d’oeuvres.

“It was definitely a unique and rewarding experience; we are proud of what we’ve put together and excited to share it with the McAllen and RGV community,” stated Mrs. Lara.

Located at 1403 W. Ferguson St., Pharr, Texas, La Bella Casa Flooring Studio is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. and Saturdays 9:00 A.M. 1:00 P.M.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022 WISHING YOU A

Nereida Lopez-Singleterry has dedicated her career to advocating for people from all walks of life to give them a fighting chance when navigating the complicated justice system. Through her work as an attorney, public defender, and judge, Nereida has attained the experience, work ethic, and strong ties to the community needed to transform the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s office into one that is always accessible, fair, and effective.

NEREIDA’S PRIORITIES Keep Our Community Safe Support Victims of Crime Reduce Jail Overcrowding

Transform the DA’s Office

ELECTION DAY TUESDAY, MARCH 1

EARLY VOTING FEBRUARY 14 - 25

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE DETAILS ON NEREIDA’S PRIORITIES AND TO CONNECT WITH HER ON

POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY NEREIDA LOPEZ-SINGLETERRY

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

MCALLEN CHAMBER HOLIDAY LUNCH McAllen Photography by Sergio Arratia

McAllen Chamber held its annual Business & Tamales open house on Thursday, Dec 16. Over 150 members attended and enjoy a delicious lunch that included a variety of Delia’s tamales, rice & beans. Even Santa made an appearance.

We appreciate all our members for suppor ting the chamber. “ This was only a small token of our appreciation,” stated Blanca Cardenas.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

RGV PARTNERSHIP EVENT

Thank you to RGV Partnership Chairman Larry C. Gonzalez with PlainsCapital Bank for hosting our Annual Holiday Celebration. The RGV Partnership is successful – thanks to our Board of Directors and its Members. Thank you for all that you do to support the economic growth of the Rio Grande Valley.

McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

MARK SISLEN, MONICA SANCHEZ, AND JOSE DELGADO

JULIE HERRINGTON AND KARRIANNE CONTRERAS

GABRIEL VILLAELA AND MARY GARCIA

KAYLYN NORMAN AND LUCY CASSO

DANIEL RIVERA, DANIEL SILVA, YESENIA SUCHIL AND ROBERT TIJERINA

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ROBERT GONZALEZ AND ASHLEY GONZALEZ

MARSHA TERRY, DR. ONUWA TERRY, AND DINA SABNANI

SERGIO CONTRERAS AND DEBORAH CORDOVA

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2021 Holiday Celebration Thank You to outgoing Chairman Larry Gonzalez, PlainsCapital Bank

NON-PROFIT SPOT LIGHT

PALM VALLEY ANIMAL SOCIETY By: Julian Whitacre

The Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit animal welfare organization serving six municipalities in Hidalgo County and the county at large. PVAS operates two facilities in Edinburg, Texas—the Trenton Center and the Laurie P. Andrews Center. Together the centers take in approximately 30,000 animals a year and are committed to the wellbeing and care of these animals. PVAS accepts all stray and surrendered animals regardless of age, health, or breed, making us the largest intake facility in Hidalgo County and one of the largest intake facilities in the nation.

The goal of the Palm Valley Animal Society, is to save every animal through progressive adoption, foster care, and rescue transfer programs. PVAS offers many additional programs designed to help pets in the shelter, in the community, and in your home, including volunteer, fee-reduction, and veterinary services programs.

Our mission is to provide lifesaving care, comfort,

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and compassion to animals in need by engaging our community’s hearts, hands, and minds.

The Palm Valley Animal Society has many services and programs aimed at helping as many animals as possible. Some of these include the community cat program, monthly wellness clinics, and microchipping. You can also become a foster parent for one of our animals in need.

Fostering can be long or short-term, for medical/ age reasons, for transport preparation, or just to give one of our dogs or cats a break. Our fosters make a real difference in our animals’ lives and our ability to find homes for the animals in our care.

To achieve our goal of saving every animal we can, we need your help! The community support we receive is incredible, and there is always room for anyone who would like to volunteer or donate at PVAS. For more information on any of our services or to check out the animals available for adoption, please visit us at pvastx.org.

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EARLY VOTING: FEB

14 - 25

ELECTION DAY: MARCH

1

OUR EXPERIENCED CHOICE FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY. The youngest of twelve children, Terry Palacios was born into a hardworking, humble family of manual laborers working in the fields throughout Hidalgo County. As a first-generation college graduate, Terry was a trailblazer who has been a criminal defense attorney for 30 years and an elected municipal judge for 27 years, and is the most qualified candidate and experienced choice to be our next District Attorney.

AS OUR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, TERRY WILL: CREATE FIRST-EVER CRISIS CENTER:

Work with all city police departments, county, state and federal agencies to create a Crisis Center for people with mental health or substance abuse issues to reduce jail population, rehabilitate people and get them the help they need, and save taxpayer dollars.

FURTHER STRENGTHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS:

Collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and partners to investigate and prosecute cases more efficiently and effectively.

ENHANCE SPECIALTY COURTS & PROGRAMS:

Work with judicial partners, juvenile probation and adult probation to expand services and programs for non-violent offenders, juveniles, and Veterans to get people the help they need and reduce repeat offenders through grant funds and partnerships.

EXPAND VICTIMS SERVICES PROGRAMS:

Enhance relationships with victims’ services organizations to reduce domestic violence and other violent crimes, and increase grants and partnerships to keep these organizations funded to continue providing support services for victims.

INCREASE COMMUNITY PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION:

Enhance community outreach services to raise awareness, prevent and reduce crime, and expand programs that make our community proactive to prevent crime instead of reactive after crime occurs.

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COMMUNITY PRIDE

GREATER CHAMBER OF HARLINGEN HOT COCOA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Harlingen

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The Greater Chamber of Harlingen invited first responders throughout Harlingen and surrounding communities to swing by the Chamber to grab a warm drink and a bag of pan dulce. Along with Unite Us sponsoring the event, many notable figures showed their support, including Harlingen Medical Center ’s Manny Vela, Commissioner Frank Puente, the Harlingen Veterans Advisory Board, Amy Lynch with the Port of Harlingen, and Valley Baptist COO Archie Drake.

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COMMUNITY HISTORY

Civil War on the Rio Grande PART 2:

By Tom Fort, Senior Historian

Winter 1864.

Some 8,000 Union troops occupy the Rio Grande Valley and the southern coast of Texas. Intended mainly to choke off the Confederate cotton trade through Mexico, the Yankees’ invasion also “shows the flag” to French Imperialists out to conquer Mexico (and trampling the Monroe Doctrine in the process). But the “Rio Grande Expedition” is a failure. Texas cotton still pours through the Mexican port of Bagdad where foreign ships take on bales and unload cargoes for Rebel troops—and for Benito Juárez’ soldiers, still fighting the French invaders who occupy Mexico.

Without letup, the lucrative cotton trade goes on. The reason is all too clear to U. S. Army commanders at Fort Brown: the Rio Grande. Its invisible international boundary frustrates Union strategy.

Late in 1863, after seizing Brownsville, federal units marched west, seizing river crossing points such as Edinburgh (now Hidalgo) and Rio Grande City. Union cavalry rode north also, closing trails used by cotton trains. But the Yankees didn’t count on Rebel and Mexican resourcefulness. Barred from downriver crossings, the cotton wagons rolled further west to Laredo and Eagle Pass. Once safely in neutral Mexico, the wagon drivers turned east on river roads toward Camargo, Reynosa, and Matamoros.

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At Camargo, on the Rio San Juan, many bales went aboard steamboats operated by M. Kenedy & Company of Brownsville. Put under Mexican registry and flying the Eagle and Serpent flag, the loaded-down boats followed the winding Rio Grande, carefully staying south of the midchannel boundary, which kept the boats in Mexico’s sovereign waters and away from U.S. interference. Water transport was cheaper than wagon, and the longer wagon journeys were starting to run up the costs for cotton shippers. Nevertheless, by wagon and steamboat, thousands of bales kept flowing into Matamoros, and from there to Bagdad.

Offshore, the fleet of merchant ships anchored in Mexican waters kept growing. By 1864, several hundred at a time were loading bales off Bagdad after delivering their cargoes of military weapons and gear along with medicines, liquors, and luxury goods. Frustrated U.S. Navy captains could watch (from their side of the line) but not interfere; should any Union blockader sail toward the anchorage, French and British warships were on hand to deter such meddling.

The French Navy blockaded Mexico’s Gulf Coast to prevent military aid from reaching Benito Juárez’ forces. Meanwhile, England’s Royal Navy made sure that Bagdad remained open because British textile mills needed the Confederates’ cotton.

But French mills also needed cotton, resulting in a confused situation in which the rival nations’ warships prevented the

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U.S. from interrupting the cotton flow, and thus permitting arms (many of them of American and British origin) to reach juarista troops—who then used the imported muskets and ammunition to blast away at French and other Imperial soldiers.

To further confuse matters, French sympathies leaned toward the Confederates; Emperor Louis Napoleon envisioned a renewed French empire in North America, starting with Mexico and then possibly regaining the Mississippi Valley and Canada. England’s attitude was more or less neutral; while Britain opposed slavery, many Britons openly supported the South because of cotton.

(Many Confederate soldiers carried English-made rifles, some of which came in through Bagdad.) But England wasn’t prepared to risk a war with the U.S. and officially stayed out of the conflict.

For its part, Richmond hoped that France would take Mexico and then cross the Rio Grande, where French and Southern troops would join forces and defeat the North. Washington, mindful of that scenario, sent arms and ammunition to Benito Juárez through Bagdad and otherwise supported his fight against the French.

London also provided military aid to Juárez (anything to help bite the old rival across the Channel).

Possibly no other location on the planet was as entangled in conflicting international politics and strife as the Lower Rio Grande in the early 1860s.

Adding to the Rio Grande’s explosive atmosphere was Juan Nepomuceno Cortina—one of Valley history’s most controversial characters. Born among the Valley’s native Hispanic people, he was a Robin Hood figure to many, aiding the region’s poor mexicanos against oppressive AngloTexans; many others—particularly Anglos—saw him as a cattle thief and plunderer. From the 1840s into the 1870s, “Cheno” Cortina led a personal war against Anglo-Texan settlers north of the Rio Grande. Denouncing the often rapacious actions of “gringos” toward the region’s Spanish-speaking people, Cortina and his heavily-armed cortinistas attacked ranches, ran off livestock, and raided Brownsville, among other locations. In one memorable exploit in 1860, Cortina assaulted a steamboat loaded with

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silver specie, but his attempt ended in a battle with U.S. troops (on the boat) and Texas Rangers (who crossed into Mexico to fight him off).

Cortina also immersed himself in northeastern Mexico’s often volatile politics. During the French Intervention and Civil War eras, he allied at times with the juaristas and at other times with the invading imperialistas. Similarly, he sided with the confederados and later with the yanquis—whatever suited his purposes at the moment. Though he may have been an opportunist, there seems little doubt that he also defended the interests of the region’s poor people. His very presence often swayed events on both sides of the river. Juan Cortina remained active (and alive, quite an achievement in itself) throughout the turbulent era. Only in the 1870s was he finally corralled by the Mexican government, spending his last years under virtual house arrest.

April 1864. In the midst of such events and turmoil, the Union high command pulled out most Federal troops along Texas’ southern Gulf coast and in the Valley. This surprise move left a muchreduced force to garrison the Lower Rio Grande. It was a fateful decision destined to give the upper hand to the Confederates, and to set the stage for the war’s last battle.

March 1864. Still determined to stop (or at least slow down) the cotton flow, a Union cavalry troop advanced upriver toward Laredo, aiming to seize the town and close that important river crossing. Alerted by scouts, Confederate commander Col. Santos Benavides (one of several brothers from Laredo, all in CSA service) mustered his troopers, many of them Mexican-Texan vaqueros, and attacked the Yankees near Carrizo.

Though they outnumbered Benavides’ men, the Federals withdrew and rode back to Brownsville.

In April, Col. John S. Ford, newly appointed commander of Confederate forces in South Texas, began his campaign to drive the Yankees from Brownsville. With that important crossing reopened, the costs of freighting cotton to Mexico would drop. Starting from Laredo, the Confederates moved down the Rio Grande to Ringgold Barracks, where Ford planned his final drive on

Brownsville. Advance units scouted the country; the main force then rode on, into Cameron County. At Rancho Las Rucias, a village west of Brownsville on the Military Highway, they attacked a Federal encampment.

In a half-hour battle, the Rebels tried to encircle the smaller Union cavalry force, but the bluecoats managed to escape, some by swimming across to Mexico. As the Federals returned to Fort Brown, Ford’s men followed and soon rode into Brownsville itself. The Union garrison evacuated the fort and pulled back to Brazos Santiago Island.

The Rio Grande Valley was again in Confederate hands. Cotton flowed once more through Brownsville to Matamoros and Bagdad.

Fall 1864. News from the eastern states told of more Confederate setbacks. Grant pounded Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia remorselessly, finally besieging the Rebels in Petersburg. Sherman marched across northern Georgia, took Savannah in December, then cut a northward swath through South Carolina. On Brazos Santiago Island, meanwhile, the Federal troops tried not to die from boredom. Among them were two regiments of free African American soldiers, known as United States Colored Troops or USCTs. In September, Imperial forces occupied Matamoros and the river’s south bank. Shipments of military supplies now came through Bagdad for French, Austrian and Belgian forces in northeastern Mexico. Still, Uncle Sam managed to get arms and equipment to Juárez, lest the French win and join the Rebels. In Brownsville, Ford watched his own forces shrink as men left to go home, convinced the war was lost. Cotton still went out, but the flow lessened as economic stagnation set in. So things continued through winter into spring.

March 1865. A Union general arrived at Brazos Santiago on a secret mission.

With Lincoln’s approval, the officer arranged to meet with

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local Confederate commanders in the hope of establishing a cease-fire along the Lower Rio Grande. A Union presence on the river could aid Juarez and blunt any French attempt to cross the Rio Grande. Under a truce, the blue-coated general and his escort sailed over to Point Isabel and met with Col. Ford and Gen. James Slaughter. Though agreed to by the Confederates, the truce later was denounced and repudiated by the commander of Confederate forces in Texas.

His plan a failure, the Yankee general returned east. But people in Texas and elsewhere would hear from him again.

His name was Lew Wallace, and in later years his novel BenHur would be a worldwide best-seller.

In April, Lee surrendered his army at Appomattox, and Lincoln died at the hand of Booth. News of both earthshaking events probably reached the Rio Grande Valley

by May. (News traveled fast in those days — even without television, cell phones, and ipads.) But in Texas, the war was not yet over — not for the remaining Confederate troops, and not for the Yankees, either. Few could have guessed that the war, which began at Fort Sumter four years earlier, was about to end on the Rio Grande.

May 11, 1865. A Union infantry force on Brazos Santiago Island crossed to the mainland and marched along the Rio Grande, destination Brownsville. The objective, evidently, was to seize stockpiled cotton. Another goal may have been battlefield glory for Col. Theodore Barrett, who dispatched the column and led reinforcements to join it two days later.

Comprised mainly of USCTs, an Indiana regiment, and a cavalry troop of Union Texans (fighting as infantry), the column traipsed in the heat, watched from across the river by Imperial troops who sent word to Matamoros and from there to Fort Brown. When Ford heard of the approaching danger,

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he rallied his men and rode east, taking along his artillery and—reportedly—a number of French and Austrians who came over to join the fun.

At Palmito Ranch, the Union soldiers engaged a troop of Confederate cavalrymen, who retreated west until they ran into Ford’s oncoming force. In no uncertain terms, Ford halted their progress and turned them around. The now combined Rebel forces galloped to Palmito Ranch. With yells, gunfire, and cannon blasts, the Confederates hit the Yankees and soon sent them retreating east. The African-Americans in the USCT regiments formed a stolid and orderly rear guard that enabled the main force to return to Brazos Santiago. At sundown, the Union troops were back on the island. The Civil War’s last land battle was over.

In June 1865, Texas officially surrendered. Texas slaves were declared free on June 19, still celebrated today as “Juneteenth.” That same month Gen. Joe Shelby led a column of die-hard former Rebel soldiers across the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass to escape Yankee rule. In Mexico, Benito Juárez’ toughened soldiers battered Imperial forces at the battle of Santa Gertrudis in 1866, a victory that helped free the Rio Grande from French rule. Juárez triumphed the next year when the last Imperial troops left Mexico, and he became its president.

Along the Rio Grande, U.S. troops again occupied Fort Brown and Ringgold Barracks, soon renamed Fort Ringgold.

The Army began rebuilding both forts with brick; many of those buildings can be seen today. Economic stagnation gripped the region, relieved later by the boom in Texas’ cattle industry. As the Civil War years receded into fitful memory, those who lived through the giddy cotton trade era remembered it as los algodones, the cotton times.

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ADVERTORIAL

As we honor the Board Teri Sipes, Thank you to 2021 our 2021 Governing Board: President; Ronnie Ontiveros, President Teri Sipes, President Elect;Ronnie Jennifer Sanchez, Treasurer; Israel Ontiveros, President-Elect Silva,Jennifer Secretary & ElvaTreasurer Jackson, Sanchez, Membership Director.

Israel Silva, Secretary Elva Jackson, Membership Director

We introduce and congratulate the new 2022Introducing Governingour Board: 2022 Governing Board: Ronnie Ontiveros, President

Ronnie Ontiveros, President Robby Valadez, President Elect Robby Valadez, President Elect Julie Calles, Treasurer Julie Calles, Treasurer Clarissa Guerra, Secretary Clarissa Guerra, Secretary Myssie Barajas, Membership Director Myssie Barajas, Membership Director Priscilla Alejos, Programs and Events Director Priscilla Alejos, Programs and Events Director.

Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. and many other delegates attended our 2022 Board Installation Senator Eddie Lucio JR and many other ceremony and presented gavels from the state delegates attended our installation and office for our past president and new incoming presented gavels from the state office for president.

our past president and new incoming President Ronnie Ontiveros.

If you would like to join the Women’s Council REALTORS, please visit our website at If youofwould like to join Women’s Council wcr.org/network-sites/texas/mcallen/ of REALTORS please go to our website or or call us at 956-283-6338.

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We believe in nourishing growth in this great community. Help us journal the social, political, and economic development of the RGV.

Edinburg Chamber of Commerce JANUARY 2022 MEMBER OF THE MONTH

Edwards Abstract and Title Co. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce has named Edwards Abstract and Title Co. its January 2022 Member of the Month.

This recognition is well deserved as Edwards Abstract and Title Co. is recognized by the Texas Land Title Association as the second most established title insurance company in Texas.

Since 1880 Edwards Abstract has been serving

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the Rio Grande Valley and has set the pace for change in the title insurance industry. The title company provides full-service offices in Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Weslaco, Brownsville, Harlingen, and South Padre Island.

Throughout Edwards Abstract’s long-standing history, they have strongly supported the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

Company leaders who have served as President and Chairman of the Board include Byron Jay Lewis (1993-1994) and Elva Jackson Garza (19992000).

The Edinburg Chamber would like to congratulate Edwards Abstract and Title Co. on their achievements. For more information on the Edinburg Chamber, please visit www.edinburg.com.

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January 19

Buenas Tardes Luncheon Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Mission Event Center Save the Date

January 22

Tex Mex Fest Grammy Award Winners Tour RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Payne Arena 5:00 p.m.

January 29

Casablanca Annual Gala CASA of Hidalgo County Rancho Guadalupe 7:00 p.m.

February 5

South Texas Sporting Skeet Shoot RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mi Ranchito Sporting Clays 8:00 a.m.

February 17

McAllen Chamber Legislative Update McAllen Chamber of Commerce Radisson Hotel 11:30 a.m.

February 24

Mission Texan Fiesta City of Mission GMCC Headquarters Market Square Save the Date

February 25

Dances of the Americas

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Valley Symphony Orchestra McAllen Performing Arts Center Save the Date

February 26

IMAS Guild SuperHero 5k Art Run at Fireman’s Park Save the Date

February 27

Rob Schneider, I Have Issues Tour McAllen Performing Arts Save the Date

March 3

Good Day Luncheon McAllen Chamber of Commerce Embassy Suites Hotel 11:30 a.m.

March 4

South Texas Senior Summit RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce South Texas College - Rio Grande City 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

March 5

VAMOS Golf Cup Tournament VAMOS Scholarship Palm View Golf Course Save the Date

March 7

Margarita Fest Harlingen Chamber of Commerce Lon C. Hill Park 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

March 10

McAllen’s Legendary Business Women Luncheon McAllen Chamber of Commerce Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

March 10 - 25

RGV Livestock Show Livestock Show Grounds Mercedes Save the Date

March 16

Swan Lake Russian Ballet Theater McAllen Performing Arts Center Save the Date

March 18

State of the City Harlingen Convention Center Save the Date

March 25 - 27

Jalapeño RGV Amateur Golf Championship RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tierra Santa Golf Club Save the Date

March 25

Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic Quinta Mazatlan 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

70th Anniversary Celebration Valley Symphony Orchestra McAllen Performing Arts Center Save the Date

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IF IT’S NOT HERE, IT’S NOT HAPPENING… Send us your event: admin@socialifergv.com

April 7

April 29

June 15

Honor Roll Gala Teach for America Quinta Mazatlan Save the Date

Tacos n’ Tequila McAllen Chamber of Commerce Radisson Hotel 6:30 p.m.

July 17

April 9

April 30

Bravo! Annual Gala Valley Symphony Orchestra Save the Date

April 8

Brew-seum IMAS Save the Date

April 10

Arjona: Blanco y Negro Tour Bert Ogden Arena Save the Date

April 21

Moon Over Mazatlan Quinta Mazatlan Save the Date

April 27

Hats Off to Business Women’s Dinner & Expo RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

April 28

Taste McAllen McAllen Chamber of Commerce McAllen Convention Center Save the Date

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Star Wars Valley Symphony Orchestra McAllen Performing Arts Center Save the Date

Vinos Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo And Starr Counties 7:00 p.m.

May 3

C.A.M.P. University 12th Annual “A Night at the Races” Save the Date

May 6

Golf Tournament Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Shary Golf Course Save the Date

May 7

Make a Wish An Evening of Wishes” McAllen Convention Center 6:00 p.m.

May 20

Mixtape Tour 2022 Bert Ogden Arena Save the Date

Women of Distinction Awards Dinner RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Save the Date

RGV Pokefest 2022 McAllen Convention Center Save the Date

August 10

Buenas Tardes Luncheon Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Mission Event Center Save the Date

August 25

Legislative Report Card Luncheon RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Save the Date

August 27

43rd Annual Collage Gala IMAS Save the Date

September 16

Latina Leadership Conference RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Save the Date

November 5

Noche de Gala RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Save the Date

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