SOCIALIFE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2023

YEAR 19 ISSUE 2

2023

COMPLIMENTARY

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Texas City Managers Association Recognizes Excellence in McAllen Leadership

Cliff Ranson Enters the Elite

Football is Finally Coming to UTRGV: Coach Travis Bush

MOST: Racial Harmony Inspired Midwestern Priest

UTRGV FOOTBALL Coach Travis Bush Bringing It

Dedicated to the

Health of Your Heart

The cardiologists at South Texas Health System® Clinics are committed to helping keep your heart healthy for years to come. If this all-important organ isn’t working as well as it should, count on these skilled cardiologists to help diagnose and treat heart disease.

McALLEN

McALLEN

McALLEN

Victor J. Castro, MD, FACC, FACCP, FACP 500 E. Ridge Rd. | Suite 300 McAllen, TX 78503

Luis E. Padula, MD, FACC 500 E. Ridge Rd. | Suite 300 McAllen, TX 78503

Juan D. Posada, MD, FACC 500 E. Ridge Rd. | Suite 300 McAllen, TX 78503

McALLEN

McALLEN

McALLEN/WESLACO

Carlos D. Giraldo, MD, FACC 500 E. Ridge Rd. | Suite 202 McAllen, TX 78503

Ofsman Quintana, MD, FACC, FASCAI 500 E. Ridge Rd. | Suite 101 McAllen, TX 78503

Federico Azpurua, MD, FACC 500 E. Ridge Rd. | Suite 201 McAllen, TX 78503 902 S. Airport Dr. | Suite 4 Weslaco, TX 78596

EDINBURG

EDINBURG/MISSION

ALTON/ EDINBURG

Augustine George, MD, FACC 4302 S. Sugar Rd. | Suite 200 Edinburg, TX 78539

Moses A. Ashukem, MD 4302 S. Sugar Rd. | Suite 200 Edinburg, TX 78539 900 E. Expressway 83 | Suite A Mission, TX 78572

Mohammed Ahmed, DO, FACC, FSCAI 306 E. Main Ave. | Suite 5 Alton, TX 78573 4302 S. Sugar Rd. | Suite 200 Edinburg, TX 78539

To make an appointment, call 956-630-5522, schedule online at sthsclinics.com or scan the QR Code

Accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most medical insurance plans

sthsclinics.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 231305750-1332019 1/23

AAF-RGV: Small Has Never Been So Big . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Your Heart is in Good Hands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

Santa Fe Steakhouse Hosts Famed Cellar at Wine Dinner . . .12 SOCIALIFING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Fashion Extravaganza to Supports CASA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 UTRGV/McAllen ISD Break Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Texas City Managers Association Recognizes Excellence . . 28

BRONSON DELRIO

VICE PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

Providing Care for Children with Kidney Conditions . . . . . . . 30 Cliff Ranson Enters the Elite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Football is Finally Coming to UTRGV: Coach Travis Bush . . . 40 Edinburg is Staying Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

DR. KIMBERLY SELBER MANAGING EDITOR

Buenas Tardex, Mission Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Etiquestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 88th Legislative Send-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Texas Legislative Members Swing Down to the RGV . . . . . . . 62

YIRA ALDAPE

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Non-Profit Spotlight: Teach For America RGV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 MOST: Racial Harmony Inspired Midwestern Priest . . . . . . . . 66 Out & About: Smoothies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Pet of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Surfside with Your Favorite Pup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Magazine Design

Social Media

DECIBEL Communications

Samantha Sauceda

Event Photographers Adrian Alfaro Charlie Luna Tiffany Miranda Michael Sulartz Out and About Photos Courtesy of Reboot Nutrition Fork to Fit Kitchen EnerGym & Shakes Edinburg Shake Express Health Nut The Protein Shoppe

Bronson deRio and Cliff Ranson take the field with UTRGV Football Coach Travis Bush. The Vaqueros will take the field in 2025 at H-E-B Stadium.

FOR ADVERTISING OR OTHER INQUIRIES, REACH OUT!

Writers

Guest Writers

Dr . Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa Dr . Ruben Castro Dr . Kimberly Selber

Francisco Guajardo, CEO Museum of South Texas History

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Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

ON THE COVER:

CLIFF RANSON

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

2021

YEAR 17 ISSUE 10

YEAR 17 ISSUE 9

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IDEA Under the Stars Gala

PSJA Education Foundation Gala

South Texas College

Out & About Brunch

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IMAS Collage 2021

McAllen Holiday Parade Homecoming

Valley Symphony Orchestra

The Value of Native Plants

2021

VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 7

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Good Day McAllen Luncheon

Boots & Bling Gala

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HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 3

2021

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South Texas Health System

Women of Distinction

2021

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Mission Strong

Pharr EDC Foundation Ceremony

Quinta Mazatlan Quindecennial Celebration

MOST History - Was Pancho Villa In the Valley?

STC EVOLVING

New Era of Opportunity and Growth

For Those Who Appreciate Excellent Work The Music Returns

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FALL/WINTER COMPLIMENTARY

2020

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Hang Like A Local

Fishing Guides

Let’s Eat - Dining Guide

Get Out On The Water

The Right Choice.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

2021

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City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos

McAllen ISD

Out & About International Food

MOST History Atomic Dawn

Burton McCumber QU I N DEC E N N I A L C E L E BR & Longoria, LLPAT ION OF QU I N TA M A Z AT L Á N

South Texas Health System McAllen

CPAs & Advisors

An Unwavering Commitment to Patient Comfort

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VSO Gala

Radisson Hotel

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Out & About Italian

2020

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Hang Like A Local

Fishing Guides

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Let’s Eat - Dining Guide

Get Out On The Water

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

McAllen ISD

ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

Educating our community’s children requires a team HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 2

CITY OF MCALLEN MAYOR JIM DARLING

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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

The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport A Tradition Since 1977

YEAR 17 ISSUE 9

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HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 7

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Good Day McAllen Luncheon

Boots & Bling Gala

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South Texas Health System

g n i t a r b e Cel ears y 1 8 ving the of ser Valley

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IMAS Collage 2021

McAllen Holiday Parade Homecoming

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

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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

2/26/21 5:27 PM

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 3

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

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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South Texas Health System

STC EVOLVING

New Era of Opportunity and Growth

The Music Returns

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VSO Gala

Radisson Hotel

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Out & About Italian

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Out & About International Food

MOST History Atomic Dawn

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2021

8/2/21 3:42 PM

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McAllen ISD

2020

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Hang Like A Local

Fishing Guides

Let’s Eat - Dining Guide

Get Out On The Water

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

2020

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Hang Like A Local

Fishing Guides

Let’s Eat - Dining Guide

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ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE

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CITY OF MCALLEN MAYOR JIM DARLING

An Unwavering Commitment to Patient Comfort

HIDALGO CO. EDITION YEAR 17 ISSUE 6

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McAllen ISD

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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2021

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South Texas Health System McA

An Unwavering Commitment to Patient Com

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Out & About Italian

NAVARRA COLLECTION

4300 N 10th Suite D McAllen, TX 78504 956.994.0970

SOCIALIFE the scene

SMALL HAS NEVER BEEN SO BIG Photography by Adrian Alfaro On Jan. 17, the American Advertising Federation - RGV held its bi-monthly luncheon at the Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center.

Franco Caballero, Integrated Strategy Lead for Diesté in Dallas, wove tales of small advertising and marketing projects that turned big results for clients and garnered national and international recognition for their agencies.

Their next luncheon, Lies and Creativity, with international-award-winning writer Brenda Hernandez, will be held on March 21 at 11:30 AM at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. To register for the March luncheon, visit AAFRGV.org. All events are open to the public.

LYNDA LOPEZ, SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA, MARIA ALVAREZ, DR. KIMBERLY SELBER, A.B. BARRERA

FRANCO CABALLERO

ADRIAN ALFARO, CARLOS LUNA, COLIN BAUS, DR. KIMBERLY SELBER, ARAM VELA & FRANCO CABALLERO

BRYCEIDEE LEOS & ELSA MEDINA

BEN BRIONES, DON-DALE CHIU, ANDREW MANTLE, JOVANNA MIRELES, LISA MARTINEZ & SELENE RODRIGUEZ

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FRANCO CABALLERO & CHRISTOPHER JULIAN

www.socialifeRGV.com

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All the colors of Spring!

OH KAY S!

4300 North 10th Street in McAllen Telephone 956.686.1264

In‑store. Telephone. By Appointment. Curbside Service Available!

SOCIALIFE RGV HEALTH

Your Heart Is in Good Hands at South Texas Health System Heart South Texas Health System® Heart is here to help improve the heart health of its patients and the residents of the surrounding communities of the Rio Grande Valley. As one of the first cardiology and cardiovascular facilities of its kind in the United States, this unique facility is dedicated to heart-related medical needs.

Care That Doesn’t Skip a BeatRapid Here you will find quality care providers offering a wide range of heart care services, including everything from the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions to emergency services to preventive education and beyond.

With a commitment to investing in advanced technologies, South Texas Health System Heart features four catheterization laboratories, including a hybrid space that can be quickly converted to an operating room to best serve patients with more complex cardiac needs. Physicians here use three-dimensional videoscopes to obtain a 360-degree view of the heart and vascular system during surgery. The facility offers advanced procedures, like TAVR and CardioMEMS™, to help treat severe cardiac issues, and is home to the first Intensive Cardiac Rehab program south of San Antonio.

Another initiative of note is the South Texas Advanced Cardiac Care (STACC) program, a joint effort between South Texas Health System Heart and the Heart Clinic. STACC is dedicated to providing innovative, evidence-based treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF) at several convenient locations in the Rio Grande Valley. A progressive chronic heart condition, CHF affects your heart’s ability to pump blood. As a result of CHF, your vital organs are starved of the oxygen and nutrients, they need to function. Diagnostic services at STACC help CHF patients avoid multiple readmissions to the hospital or emergency room. Patients receive one-on-one education support, regular phone calls from their physicians, and healthyliving advice.

Recognized for Their Rapid Response to Chest Pain South Texas Health System Heart has received accreditation as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI from the American College of Cardiology for its care and treatment of patients who present with symptoms of a heart attack. This national accreditation is awarded to hospitals for their speed and efficiency in treating chest pain and heart attack symptoms. Facilities that receive this designation have primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Door to Balloon (D2B) time is how long it takes to get a cardiac patient from the hospital entrance to artery-clearing angioplasty. At South Texas Health System Heart, care providers consistently strive for and achieve D2B times below the national standard. Their speed in treating heart attack patients helps save lives.

Additional Recognition for Quality Care In addition to receiving Chest Pain Center with PCI Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology, South Texas Health System Heart has been recognized by Healthgrades™ for excellence in quality in several categories: • •

• •

Recipient of the Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ three years in a row (2020-2022) Named among the top 10% in the nation for Cardiology Services and Coronary Interventional Procedures three years in a row (2020-2022) Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Bypass Surgery six years in a row (2017-2022) Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Failure four years in a row (2019-2022)

The bottom line? When it comes to matters of the heart, Valley residents can count on South Texas Health System Heart for quality care.

Learn more at southtexashealthsystemheart.com 1900 South D St. | McAllen, TX 78503 956-388-6000 For help finding a physician affiliated with South Texas Health System Heart, call 800-879-1033.

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.

Your Heart IS IN GOOD HANDS

WITH OUR AWARD-WINNING CARDIAC CARE South Texas Health System® Heart is here to help improve the heart health of our patients and community. Our award-winning cardiac care can assist in identifying your risk of developing heart disease and diagnosing any conditions you may already have.

We offer round-the-clock care and serve as one of the first dedicated cardiology and cardiovascular facilities in the U.S. The cardiac care team offers advanced diagnostic testing, noninvasive and invasive treatments, cardiac rehabilitation and preventive education.

• Recipient of the Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ for Three Years in a Row (2020 – 2022) • Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Cardiology Services for Three Years in a Row (2020 – 2022) • Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures for Three Years in a Row (2020 – 2022) • Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Bypass Surgery for Six Years in a Row (2017 – 2022) • Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Failure for Four Years in a Row (2019 – 2022)

Call 956-994-2000 or visit southtexashealthsystemheart.com to learn more about our services.

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 languagewww.socialifeRGV.com assistance, disability accommodations and 11 the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 22651359-1271953 1/23

SOCIALIFE the scene

SANTA FE STEAKHOUSE HOSTS FAMED CELLAR AT WINE DINNER

Photography by Adrian Alfaro

Santa Fe Steakhouse, the premier wine destination of the RGV, hosted representatives from the famed Heitz Wine Cellars to kick off its 30th-anniversary slate of wine dinners. Heitz recently received the #3 spot in the annual Wine Spectator’s Top Wines 2021 for their Oakville Martha’s Vineyard 2016 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This was the first time that Heitz, a pioneer in Napa Valley single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, has had a dinner in the RGV. Santa Fe Steakhouse traditionally hosts wine dinners on a monthly basis highlighting winemakers from all over the world.

For additional information Santafewines@outlook.com or Santafesteakhouse1@gmail.com.

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Thank you for supporting The Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic.

For more information regarding McAllen’s Education Initiatives Program or the Santa Fe Wine Classic, please contact Sony Rego at (956) 630.2331.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24th, 2023 6:30pm- 10:30pm Music by

RSVP 956.630.2331

www.socialifeRGV.com

Quinta Mazatlan 600 Sunset Drive McAllen, Texas

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SOCIALIFE the scene

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NOW OPEN Sunday & Monday Rosmani AD

Double Up! Graduate High School with College Credits

SAVE TIME. SAVE MONEY.

DUAL CREDIT P R O G R A M S AT SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE

Enroll in a Dual Credit Program and study college courses while still in high school. Students can choose to take academic classes or study technical programs such as welding, automotive or even nursing.

Students get a head start on their college education and can save their parents thousands of dollars in the process.

That’s a win-win!

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Talk to your counselor or go online at: s o u t h t ex a s c o l l e g e . e d u / d u a l

VICTORY TAKES VISION

VANTAGE BANK IS A PROUD DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSOR FOR THE MCALLEN STATE OF THE CITY

As a family-owned community bank with deep roots in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley, Vantage Bank is committed to the success of our local businesses and our local community.

956.664.8400 www.vantage.bank

FIND US

COMMISSIONER DR. DIANE MILLIKEN GARZA, TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS, REYNOSA, TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO

MAYOR AMBROSIO HERNANDEZ, PHARR, MAYOR RAMIRO GARZA JR., EDINBURG, MAYOR NORI GARZA, MISSION, AND MAYOR JAVIER VILLALOBOS, MCALLEN

FORMER NFL RAMS DB JOHNNIE JOHNSON & UT AUSTIN TEAMMATE JACK WALLACE JR., OWNER OF JACK WALLACE FARMS AT SANTA FE STEAKHOUSE IN MCALLEN, TX

MAURICE WALTON. OWNER OF EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS IN MCALLEN

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WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

e v o L g n i l l o R FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY

AVAILABLE AT KUMORI AND MORI JAPANESE GRILL

SOCIALIFE the scene

FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA TO SUPPORT CASA

Photography by Tiffany Miranda

Debi Lou Productions and the Gelman Museum presented Fashion Show Extravagance on Friday, January 20, 2023, at the Gelman Museum, supporting CASA. Beautiful models from Debi Lou Modeling Academy modeled fashions from Dillards and Glitz & Glamour. Celebrity models included community leaders from across the RGV modeling in fashions from ByMaxwell and the men modeling suits from Dillards.

HIDALGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, TERRY PALACIOS, EDINBURG MAYOR, RAMIRO GARZA, MCALLEN CITY COMMISSIONER, PEPE CABEZA DE VACA, & SAN JUAN MAYOR, MARIO GARZA

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SOCIALIFE the scene

UTRGV/MCALLEN ISD BREAK GROUND ON NEW COLLEGIATE ACADEMY UTRGV and the McAllen Independent School District broke ground on January 18th on the new UTRGV-McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy to serve the students in the area. This historic partnership will give McAllen high school students a head start in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, allowing them to pursue their degree at no cost. About $2.4 million in savings is expected per class of 125 students over two years.

Students can choose one of four study tracks – health science, computer science, engineering, or education, or focus on completing their academic core. The first cohort of students will officially begin in the fall of 2024. Still, McAllen ISD has already started recruiting students for a ninth-grade cohort and will add a cohort in 2023-2024 to prepare for fall courses.

More than 300 UTRGV-McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy students, elected officials, and university administrators attended the groundbreaking ceremony supporting the state-of-the-art facility. Events concluded with a live performance from the award-winning McAllen High School Mariachi Oro. The facility will be located at 1400 N. Commerce Center St., a 38-acre property at the corner of Pecan Boulevard and McColl Road.

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SOCIALIFE the scene

The Inaugural McAllen ISD Superintendent’s Bowling Tournament held on February 4, 2023 was a great success.

Thank you to the McAllen Education Foundation for leading and being the driving force behind the event!

Thank you to all the outstanding businesses that sponsored our bowling tournament!

Thank you to the entire McAllen ISD Office of Marketing and Communications Department for the hard work and attention to detail.

Thank you to all the Bowling Teams that came out to support a great cause. It was awesome!

In the end, our bowling tournament was more than just an example of McAllen ISD’s passion for raising money to help our students. It was about our team coming together and having a good time to experience the camaraderie and genuine care that we have for each other across our district. It was about our entire community showing that they care about McAllen ISD. It was about our McAllen ISD Board members exemplifying their support. It was about understanding what is really important in life and the true essence of what it means to give back. It was a beautiful sight to see.

On behalf of our entire McAllen ISD family and our Board, THANK YOU! Sincerely, J.A. Gonzalez, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools

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Looking for a new adventure?

I know a place where you’ll explore the best shops, taste amazing food, and celebrate at festivals that are out of this world. I know McAllen, TX. Visit this weekend, so you'll be the one who knows a place.

Book your hotel getaway at visitmcallen.com OR SCAN HERE

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See Festival Schedule Shopping, Food & more at EXPLOREMCALLEN.COM

Luxury Shopping & Exclusive Boutiques

Top Restaurants

Cinco de Mayo 5K

May 5, 2023 | mcallenmarathon.com

SOCIALIFE

COMMUNITY PRIDE

TEXAS CITY MANAGERS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN

MCALLEN LEADERSHIP

By Dr. Kimberly Selber

Roy Rodriguez

Joe Vera

wo administrators from the City of McAllen, Texas, have been honored with the 2023 TCMA Professional Awards by the Texas City Managers Association. City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Assistant City Manager Joe Vera was awarded the Mentoring Award in Memory of Gary Gwyn. The former recognizes city management professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of local government management for more than 20 years, while the latter recognizes individuals who have contributed to the development of new talent and implemented outstanding career development programs for local government employees.

has impressed me most about both City Manager Rodriguez and Assistant City Manager Vera are that their management and mentorship style is how they help make everyone around them better because they believe in their talent and skills. They are able to motivate employees and commissioners alike to help make the entire City of McAllen the example by which other municipalities measure themselves,” said Villalobos.

T

TCMA President Jay Stokes praised both Rodriguez and Vera for their impressive careers in municipal leadership and mentorship, as well as for their contributions to the Rio Grande Valley community and beyond.

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos also commended the two for their ability to motivate and empower those around them to achieve excellence. “What

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Rodriguez, who has over 30 years of experience in state and municipal government, is recognized for his visionary leadership, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and enthusiasm for building strong teams. Vera, with an equally impressive career in municipal and economic development, is praised for his dedication to creating opportunities for professional growth and sharing his leadership, experience, and institutional knowledge.

The awards will be presented at the TCMA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on June 9, 2023, at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center in Allen, Texas.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

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

@Ambiance.flowersrentals |

@Ambiance.McAllen www.socialifeRGV.com

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SOCIALIFE RGV HEALTH

Providing Care for Children with Kidney Conditions South Texas Health System® Clinics now offers pediatric nephrology services at their newly opened clinic in McAllen.

STHS Clinics Welcome Khurrum Siddique, MD South Texas Health System Clinics is pleased to welcome Khurrum Siddique, MD, to their newly opened clinic in McAllen, conveniently located between East Dove Avenue and McColl Street.

Dr. Siddique is a board-certified physician with expertise in both pediatric nephrology and hypertension. After graduating from King Edward University in Lahore, Pakistan, Dr. Siddique completed his pediatric residency at New York College of Medicine.

Additionally, Dr. Siddique completed fellowship training in pediatric nephrology and hypertension from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Understanding Pediatric Nephrology

A Wide Range of Services Now Available

It’s helpful to understand the function of the kidneys in the body. They help to filter toxins out of the bloodstream that are then removed from the body through urination. The kidneys also produce chemicals that control bone growth, regulate the amount of fluid in the body, and balance the levels of other chemicals, like sodium and potassium, that are necessary for human function.

Specifically, Dr. Siddique provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and management for many disorders affecting the kidneys and urinary tract, including:

Nephrologists are doctors who treat people with kidney disorders, complicated chemical imbalances, bone metabolism disorders, and high blood pressure.

A pediatric nephrologist treats those conditions and others that specifically affect children’s kidneys as they grow.

At the South Texas Health System Clinics pediatric nephrology clinic, Dr. Siddique helps to diagnose and treat children with various problems, including kidney disorders, body chemistry disorders, and structural abnormalities of the kidneys.

• Kidney failure • High blood pressure • Inherited kidney diseases • Kidney stones • Urinary tract infections • Abnormalities in the urine, such as blood and protein

As part of South Texas Health System’s integrated network of care, South Texas Health System Children’s is an additional resource available, if needed, to accommodate those patients who may require further treatment.

South Texas Health System Clinics – Pediatric Nephrology 800 E. Dove Ave. | Suite A | McAllen, TX 78504 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Schedule online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-540-2405 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Same Day | Next Day Appointments Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most medical insurance plans.

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.

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SOCIALIFE the scene

Quality Care at Your Convenience

Scheduled to open February 2023! Residents of the Rio Grande Valley can count on South Texas Health System® Clinics to provide both family medical care and outpatient rehabilitation services at our newest location on Tres Lagos Boulevard.

South Texas Health System Clinics 4200 Tres Lagos Blvd. | Suites 140 & 160 | McAllen, TX 78504 This close-to-home clinic offers the following services: Family Medical Care The physicians here are dedicated to helping keep you and your family healthy.

From newborns to older adults, they deliver quality, compassionate care, including everything from annual physicals and health screenings to specialized care.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Here you will find advanced therapy to help restore function and improve the quality of life for our patients. Outpatient rehabilitation services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Schedule online at sthsclinics.com or call 956-515-2002 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most medical insurance plans

sthsclinics.com For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 231305750-1361168 1/23

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SOCIALIFE the scene

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To learn more, visit riohealth.com/redefine or call 956.661.3100 101 E Ridge Rd, McAllen, TX 78503 | 956.632.6000

SOCIALIFE RGV PRIDE

CLIFF RANSON ENTERS THE ELITE Cliff Ranson, director of photography for SOCIALIFE Magazine and owner of Ranson Photography in McAllen, TX, has been named a recipient of the Elite Plus membership from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Ranson is one of few to earn this membership level and, at an impressive eight years in a row.

He also has been very successful in PPA’s International Photographic Competition. To be eligible for this honor, recipients must hold a master’s degree from PPA and have had a minimum of 13 images accepted into the PPA Imaging Excellence Collection. Cliff reached this milestone in 2023.

Professional Photographers of America(PPA), founded in 1868, is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association.

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SOCIALIFE 108

Pharr Hosts 2023 State of the City Address Themed “Building a Smart City”

The City of Pharr held its annual State of the City Address themed “Building a Smart City” on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the Pharr Events Center.

This year’s theme, “Building a Smart City,” highlighted Pharr’s accomplishment of connecting the community through the first city-owned broadband network in the region, TeamPharr.net, and the city’s culture of creating connections in all aspects from partnerships, and projects, to community events.

@cityofpharr

@pharrtx

PHARR-TX.GOV

Download our “Pharr 311” app!

SOCIALIFE the scene

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SOCIALIFE COMMUNITY PRIDE

FOOTBALL IS FINALLY COMING TO UTRGV

And Coach Travis Bush is the one bringing it

By Dr. Kimberly Selber Photography by Cliff Ranson

In 1927, when the legacy institution Edinburg college was established, football was part of its program. However, after the institution transformed into a four-year university in 1950, the college team was disbanded, and efforts to reestablish it have failed over the past 71 years — the timing was never right.

Until now.

In November 2022, it became officially official. UTRGV was adding football, women’s aquatics, band, and cheer programs to its NCAA Division One offerings.

“The timing is right,” said UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. In 1971 the legacy institution led a student referendum to add a football program. The students voted yes to the program but, at the time, did not want to increase fees, so the initiative failed.

Fast forward exactly 50 years to 2021, and the support is there from the students and the community.

Once the stage was set—UTRGV football truly on the horizon— things moved quickly; time to hire the first Vaquero head football coach.

RIGHT TIME. RIGHT, COACH. There are no coincidences and having Coach Travis Bush on the Vaquero radar was no exception.

Travis Bush's life is synonymous with football. Born into a pigskin family with a father who is legendary high school coach Bruce Bush, a Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Famer and Texas High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Honor inductee. Bruce Bush coached at three Valley high schools including P-SJ-A North, Donna, and P-SJ-A high school. Travis inherited his father's passion for the sport and achieved remarkable success on the field as a wide receiver at Texas State University. However, his love for football extended beyond the field. He made his mark as an accomplished coach in both the NFL and college circuits,

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earning a reputation as a gifted offensive coordinator and assistant coach at esteemed universities such as TCU, UTSA, Texas State, and the University of Houston, and with the NFL team, the Buffalo Bills.

In the world of college football, 2010 marked the birth of a new NCAA DI program at UT San Antonio, and the first coaching staff to lead the team included a talented coach, Travis Bush. With his impressive track record, Bush was a natural choice to help launch the Roadrunners program, which had been eagerly anticipated for years.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey previously served as the UTSA Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, where he spearheaded the highly anticipated Roadrunner program. Bailey's success in leading this initiative has been replicated at UTRGV, where he continues to drive progress with innovation, football as the latest example.

In 2011, Bush was busy scouting new talent for the Roadrunners. It was during this time that he crossed paths with a promising freshman quarterback from Littlerock, Ark., by the name of Zach Conque, and with his older brother. The younger Conque was among the second batch of recruits for the Roadrunners, and it was Bush who played a key role in bringing him on board.

Interestingly, it wasn't just Bush's coaching skills that impressed the Conque brothers. Zach's older brother, Chasse, now the Vice President and Director of Athletics at UTRGV, was equally impressed by Bush's sincerity and dedication to the student-athletes.

SOCIALIFE COMMUNITY PRIDE

Travis Bush

UTRGV ATHLETICS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

SOCIALIFE COMMUNITY PRIDE

IN 1996, TRAVIS BUSH WAS A STANDOUT WIDE RECEIVER AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY. L-R BRUCE BUSH, BEBE BUSH, TRAVIS, AND IDA BUSH

TRAVIS BUSH, QB FOR THE GREGORY-PORTLAND WILDCATS WITH HIS FATHER, HEAD COACH BRUCE BUSH

“I actually knew Chasse and Zach’s dad, Clint Conque, from when I coached at Texas State, and he was the head coach for Central Arkansas.

We had a lot of good battles against each other,” Bush said. “We tied for Southland Conference champions in 2008. I have a lot of respect for the Conque family and wanted to do the best job I could when I recruited Zach to UTSA.” Bush left for the University of Houston before Zach arrived on the UTSA campus, but the family and professional connection was strong. Bush and Chasse Conque kept tabs on each other’s careers. “I really respected what Chasse has done at UTRGV,” said Bush. “Growing up down here, I’ve always kept looking down to see what’s going on, especially when the rumblings were coming about football.”

“I was at Seguin High School when I heard Chasse got the job at UTRGV. And then, to hear his voice when he called me about the head coaching job was pretty cool. I was just excited to be in the conversation. There are 1,000 coaches they could hire for this job. It boils down to the right fit,” muses Bush.

“We wanted someone who could check all the boxes, and Coach Bush checked so many boxes that we had to add more," UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey said.

Bush associates hiring a head football coach with hiring a business partner and campaigning for the next three years. “It's like a campaign trail with the President and Vice President. You need to make sure it's a fit.

It's a personality fit; it's a fit for the community and a fit for the university.”

Ultimately, there was a natural fit for Bush and UTRGV. Besides having been part of a startup NCAA Division One football program at UTSA, Bush feels strongly connected to the Rio Grande Valley. “It's someplace I've always called home,” he said.

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SOCIALIFE COMMUNITY PRIDE

MORE THAN JUST RUMBLINGS “So many people in the Valley have waited so long to have college football,” reflects Bush. “And I’m one of those same people.”

While some have voiced concerns about the long-term cost of a football program, there are many benefits to the university, the student body, and the community.

“Football isn't something that's going to take money from the university. It's going to generate more money for the university. It's going to generate more applications and enrollment,” said Bush.

“When we go to a bowl game, we will generate TV money, and as we become a winning team, we will potentially generate millions of dollars for the university.”

And TV time means exposure for UTRGV in general. “More people from across the country will hear about the university. People will talk. Applications will increase,” said Bush.

Bringing football to UTRGV has the potential to unite the community in many ways. First and foremost, the

game has long been a unifying force in Texas and throughout the South. By having a football program of its own, UTRGV will be able to tap into this cultural phenomenon and provide a rallying point for the entire Rio Grande Valley community.

In addition, football has the power to bring people together across all ages, backgrounds, and interests. Football games are social events that can draw people from all corners of the region, providing an opportunity for them to come together and celebrate a shared passion.

The UTRGV football program can help promote a sense of pride and identity for the university and the region. By building a successful football program, UTRGV can put itself on the map as a serious player in college sports, and that is tougher to accomplish without football. This can help attract talented students, faculty, and staff to the university and boost the region's reputation as a whole.

Football can also provide economic benefits to the region. Games can draw large crowds of fans, who may then spend money at local businesses such as

restaurants, hotels, and shops, boosting the local economy and helping support the growth and development of the region.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Having a college team in the RGV means kids growing up in the Valley can attend D1 games. “I remember going to Pan Am Bronc baseball games when I was six,” recalls Bush. “For local high school kids to have an opportunity and to possibly use football as that avenue to get to college, that’s our goal—to graduate student-athletes.”

The first class of UTRGV Football will commit on national signing day, February 7, 2024, but recruitment will start in 2023. “We're going to walk across the street and start recruiting,” stated Bush. “There are some goodlooking athletes down here. We're going to try to keep them to ourselves, and we're going to try to keep them at home.”

Along with local recruiting, Bush’s plan is to scour the state of Texas for the best players to join the first team. “By mid-April, we will have this round of coaches hired, and they will hit the road recruiting,” said Bush.

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SOCIALIFE COMMUNITY PRIDE

UTRGV VICE PRESIDENT AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, CHASSE CONQUE, HEAD COACH, TRAVIS BUSH, UTRGV PRESIDENT, DR. GUY BAILEY

TRAVIS BUSH: COACHING CAREER

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2000

San Marcos High School (RB/QB/Special Teams Coordinator)

2001-2003

Texas Christian University (Graduate Assistant/Assistant Offensive Line Coach)

2004-2006

Texas State University (Wide Receivers Coach)

2006-2009

Texas State University (Associate Head Coach)

2010-2011

University of Texas San Antonio (Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach)

2012

University of Houston (Offensive Coordinator/RB/QB Coach)

2013-2014

University of Houston (Assistant Head Coach)

2015

Buffalo Bills (NFL Offensive Assistant Coach)

2016-2020

Seguin High School (Head Coach)

2021-2022

Canyon High School (Head Coach)

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“

FRIDAY NIGHTS ARE FOR OUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS. SUNDAYS ARE FOR THE DALLAS COWBOYS. BUT, SATURDAYS WILL BE FOR THE VAQUEROS.” - CHASSE CONQUE

SOCIALIFE COMMUNITY PRIDE

WHEN OPENING DAY ARRIVES Before we know it, the 2025 football season will be here. Coach Bush and AD Conque paint compelling pictures of what that opening weekend will look like.

When he thinks of 2025, Chasse Conque sees the fruits of the dreams of a community being realized.

“When I think about that opening weekend, and I think about the days and weeks leading up to that first game,” visualized Conque, “I think about that buzz the week or two before that first home game, and I suspect we'll be sold out, and I suspect that everybody's going to be trying to get a ticket. I

think about our fans that, for the first time, will drive into the gates of H-E-B stadium and see the families tailgating and grilling, our student organizations out there having a great time, and our alums coming together. And then I think about the band marching into the stadium, onto the field for the first time.

And I think about when they form that “V” for the very first time in front of our fans and certainly watching our young men and coach Bush and his staff take that field and to be able to look around that stadium and be so happy for so many people that have wanted this for so long and to be able to watch them celebrate, to celebrate with them and to truly just enjoy that moment and thank the people that have invested in this to make that a reality for our region.”

For Coach Bush, the excitement is there, but the pressure is on, too.

“I’ll be thinking; it's finally here,” chuckles Bush. “You can see the excitement now, but when they see football helmets out there practicing, it’s gonna be great. I can envision crossing 281 down Freddy in our bus and the street lined with orange—fans and tailgates and cookers and smoke everywhere and people cheering as the bus drives up. We’re gonna take the field for pregame warm-up, and it's going to be packed. So it'll be a great day. It'll be a great day in the history of the Rio Grande Valley, that's for sure."

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SOCIALIFE the scene

EDINBURG IS STAYING ACTIVE! The Edinburg Fire Department held its annual ‘Fired Up for a Cure 5K Run’ with Chief Shawn Snider at Edinburg Municipal Park on Saturday, January 14. Hundreds participated in the event that raises awareness about cancer.

Runners also got to check in and log their points for the “It’s Time Texas Community Challenge.” The free eight-week competition challenges Texans to develop simple healthy habits like eating healthy, exercising, and staying hydrated. Edinburg has held a number of events like the 5k where citizens can log their daily healthy habits.

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MEET CONGRESSWOMAN MONICA DE LA CRUZ Join us as Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz brings insight into her top priorities for the 118th Congressional Session. De La Cruz is the first Latina and first Republican to represent the 15th Congressional District of Texas in the United States House of Representatives.

To register, please call (956) 383-4974

Individual Tickets Edinburg Chamber Member $50 Non-member $70 TABLES OF 8 AVAILABLE FOR Edinburg Chamber Member $500 Non-member: $700 For all sponsorship inquiries please call 956-383-4974 or email marketing@edinburg.com

SOCIALIFE the scene

BUENAS TARDES, MISSION CHAMBER

Photography by: Tiffany Miranda

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce hosted its signature Buenas Tardes Luncheon, Legislative Update, on January 19th, 2023, at the Mission Event Center. Texas Regional Bank proudly sponsored the luncheon. City leaders and business community members across the Rio Grande Valley were in attendance. The luncheon featured keynote speakers, State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and State Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr.

CHASSE CONQUE, CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI, TOM CASTAÑEDA, DORA BROWN & TRAVIS BUSH

MISSION MAYOR, NORI GARZA & UTRGV HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, TRAVIS BUSH

SENATOR JUAN “CHUEY” HINOJOSA

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MISSION MAYOR, NORI GARZA & UTRGV HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, TRAVIS BUSH

Meet Our Board Joe Vargas – Chairman Apple Pharmacy & TLC Pharmacy

Ronnie Ontiveros – Immediate Past Chair MedCare EMS & NextHome RGV Realty

Dr. Carol Perez - Secretary Mission CISD

Rene Alcala - Treasurer Killam Development

Sara Cano - Vice Chair Cano & Sons Trucking and Grande Produce

Lance Ames - Director Paola Lopez - Vice Chair Sandra Vecchio Vice Chair South Texas Health System Mission Regional R-V Contractors - Edinburg & Children’s Medical Center Hospitals

Jennifer Venecia Director Chick-Fil-A Sharyland

Dilbag Singh - Director SureStay Hotel by Best Western & Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Mission

Hector Sanchez Director Texas National Bank

Marissa Sandoval Rodriguez Director Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton, L.L.P.

Chad Nunnery - Chair Elect Composite Access Products

David Sandoval Director IBC Bank

Mission Statement

Sean Downey Director 5X5 Brewery Co.

Premier Investors

GMCC advocates for tourism and supports local businesses through promotion, education, and networking opportunities.

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www.missionchamber.com

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VAMOSVAMOS Scholarship Scholarship 800 NStMain St #410, 800 N Main #410, McAllen, TX 78501 McAllen, TX 78501

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McALLEN’S CHAMPION LAKES GOLF COURSE 2701 S Ware Rd, McAllen, TX 78503

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CALL VAMOS AT (956) 800 - 4085

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Your Health is Our Mission.

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Medical Mission Center Regional Medical Center 2020 2021

900 S. Bryan Rd. Mission, TX 78572 900 S. Bryan Rd. Mission, TX 78572 956-323-9000 | www.missionrmc.org 956-323-9000 | www.missionrmc.org @MissionRegional @MissionRegionalMC @MissionRegional

Member of Prime Healthcare

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Services at a Glance • 297 Licensed Patient Beds • 300 Medical Staff Physicians • 24-hour Emergency Department • Critical Intensive Care Services atand a Glance • Surgery • 297 Licensed Patient Beds • Adolescent Care • 300 Medical Staff Physicians • 24-hour Emergency • Cardio PulmonaryDepartment • Critical and Intensive Care • Maternity Health Clinic • Surgery • Wound Healing • Adolescent Care Center • Cardio Pulmonary • In-Patient & Out-Patient • Maternal Health RehabilitationClinic • Wound Healing Center • Laboratory • In-Patient & Out-Patient Rehabilitation • Endoscopy • Laboratory • Rehabilitation • Endoscopy • Rehabilitation • Catheterization Laboratory • Catheterization Laboratory • Imaging • Imaging • Breast Care Center • Breast Care Center • Joint Replacement Institute • Joint Replacement Institute • Maternity (Labor and Delivery) • Maternity (Labor and Delivery) • Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) • Level III Neo Natal Intensive • Orthopedic Care Unit (NICU) • Cardiology • Orthopedic • Cardiology www.socialifeRGV.com

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SOCIALIFE

WHAT THE!~

ETIQUESTIONS Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

I am chronically late!!! I always feel rushed and as hard as I try, I can never make it to an event on time. Recently, a friend mentioned that maybe I needed to learn about etiquette. Is there an etiquette rule about being on time or being late? I always thought being late was fine. I never thought people really expected others to arrive on time.

This is such a good question. The etiquette rule for being on time is pretty standard. Whether it is a work-related event or a social event, it is good practice to arrive on the location of the event a few minutes early to make sure you found the right place. Being punctual is good manners.

When we are late to arrive, we are often late to leave and that can impact the plans for the event. Try to learn some organization techniques to help you break the habit of being late.

I recently visited a really nice local restaurant and I was shocked when my husband flagged down our server by waving his hand and whistling. Several other diners looked at us!

What do you do you do instead?

Never whistle at, shout at, flag down, or touch a server if you need their attention.

That refill on your drink or dessert order can wait a moment. Your server is a busy employee. Instead, just kindly make eye contact, and the server will be with you at the next available moment. Have some patience and enjoy the time in the restaurant.

During a recent gala, I noticed someone at my table cutting up his entire steak into many small pieces before he began eating.

That made me wonder if I was breaking some etiquette rule by not doing that. What is the rule about cutting up our food?

According to etiquette experts at Emily Post, you are only supposed to cut up one piece of food at a time. That means if you intend on scarfing down three pieces of steak in a row, you should take the time between bites to cut your food into small pieces.

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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SOCIALIFE

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Come Visit the Largest

m u se u M s ow d in W ss la G Stained in the United States!

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SOCIALIFE the scene

MONDAYS

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in Hilton Honors • 150 Guest Rooms including 120 Suites • Over 12,000 Square feet of Meeting Space • In-house Restaurant • In-house Catering • Free high speed Wi-Fi • Free Shuttle for our Guests embassymcallen.com • 956-688-8329 www.socialifeRGV.com 54 800 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501

otbmcallen.com 956-688-8329 Located inside Hilton Garden Inn 800 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501

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This gem on the shore accommodates up to 960 guests for conventions, seminars, and receptions.

Expect high speed WiFi in all of our elegant meeting spaces. We have an onsite team of professional catering staff that offers a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Everything you would need is right here at Hilton Garden Inn SPI.

Doesn’t get more Beachfront than this!

Call 956-761-8700 to book your event hiltonspi.com • 956-751-8700 7010 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, 78597

barrysbeach.bar (956) 435-7788 Located behind Hilton Garden Inn

SOCIALIFE the scene

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LEADERSHIP HARLINGEN - EDUCATION SESSION

TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY

UTRGV HARLINGEN COLLEGIATE HIGH

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY

HCISD TRANSITION ACADEMY

SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Leadership Class of XXXV toured schools across the City of Harlingen, getting a closer look into how and why decisions are made for students in the region and meeting key leaders eager to help them get plugged in To learn more about Leadership Harlingen, visit www.harlingen.com

Connect with us on social media!

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SOCIALIFE the scene

88TH LEGISLATIVE SEND-OFF Photography by Charlie Luna

On January 5th, the RGV Hispanic Chamber & the RGV Partnership hosted the 88th Legislative Send-off at the UTRGV Center for Innovation & Commercialisation in Weslaco. The RGVHCC & The RGV Partnerships’ goal for the event was to ensure that the RGV Community had a chance to voice their concerns and ideas with our local legislators before they head to Austin for the upcoming legislative session.

In addition, the RGVHCC also presented its legislative agenda to the legislators in attendance. The agenda includes transportation, workforce, education, trade, border security, and transportation concerns.

“The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce realizes that there are several new faces that will be representing the Rio Grande Valley in Austin.

Thus, we wanted to give our membership and the public the opportunity to meet and greet the new representatives and hopefully tell them what their concerns are,” RGVHCC President/CEO Cynthia Sakulenzki stated. For more information on upcoming events or memberships, contact the RGVHCC at 956-928-0060 or chamber@gmail.comat cissy@rgvhcc.com or call 956-928-0060

CISSY SAENZ, ROBERT KIRBY, MARIE GARCIA, & ROCIO VILLALOBOS

CISSY SAENZ, JANIE MELENDEZ, CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI, & MARIO BARRAGAN

SENATOR MORGAN LAMANTIA & LJ FRANCIS

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#embraceequity

HATS OFF TO

"WOMEN OF DISTINCTION" Awards dinner & Expo

March 8, 2023 Mission event center 200 n. shary rd mISSION, tx

Health

Education

Government

Dr. Ashley Bose

Maria Leonard

Gabriela Rodriguez

Entrepreneur

Professional

Rising Star

Michelle Franco-Mar

Arts & Entertainment

Leticia Leija

Aisha Gonzalez

Humanitarian

Della Fay Rose Rodriguez

Iliana Villalobos

military

Lupita Maciel-Perez

Tickets $50 |Reserved Table of 8 $600 Contact event director ciSSY sAENZ FOR RESERVED TABLES & sponsorship Information 956-928-0060 | cissy@rgvhcc.com | www.rgvhcc.org

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TEXAS LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS SWING DOWN TO THE RGV

Photography by Michael Sulartz

The RGV Partnership’s 23rd Educational Legislative Tour took place January 26-29, 2023. This year’s tour took a record-setting 44 legislative members and 52 staff members through Willacy and Cameron County, with stops that were full of educational tours and panels on subjects that are vital to our region’s growth. We focused on healthcare, education, energy, commerce, and border security topics to give insight to our guest legislators.

The goal of the tour was to bring as many state legislators as possible to the Valley and educate them on our strengths, opportunities, and challenges. Once legislators experience our region firsthand, they will have a better idea of what legislation continues to allow us to grow and which can hinder us.

Many of the legislators in attendance had never visited the RGV, but they all left with a realization that we have a vibrant community with a young, able workforce and commerce that not only brings dry goods into our region for final assembly, storage, and distribution but help feed the country with the produce that crosses our border through our ports on a daily basis.

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SOCIALIFE the scene

The RGV Jalapeño Amateur March 24-26, 2023 1901 Club De Amistad Weslaco, Texas

ENTRY FEE $ 150

Breakfast, Lunch, & Adult Beverages Provided all weekend

Format

36 holes Individual Medal Play in Flights

5 Flights

To be determined by handicaps of entries received

*Limited to the first 150 registered & paid entries *Amateur golfers with an established Handicap Index of 19 or less. * NO college or high school players for sponsorship & Registration information contact RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 801 E. Fern, Suite 131 McAllen, TX (956)928.0060 | cissy@rgvhcc.com SCAN ME TO REGISTER!

EVENTOS LEON

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NON-PROFIT SPOT LIGHT

T

each For America Rio Grande Valley (TFA RGV) has been at the forefront of strengthening our region’s educational landscape since 1991. We develop a pipeline of transformative leaders to ensure that all children in pre-K-12 classrooms have access to resources and opportunities to attend schools equipped to support their strengths, value their diverse backgrounds, and have the highest expectations for their academic future.

reflect the diversity of our students in RGV; nearly half of them are from the region, and the other half are from across the state and country.

In addition to this core programming, TFA RGV launched a new tutoring fellowship this 2022-2023 school year. The Ignite Fellowship recruits and trains current college students to lead virtual, small-group tutoring sessions to support students who exhibit unfinished learning in middle school reading and math.

Over the past 32 years, TFA RGV has placed more than 1,500 teachers in the Valley. After their initial two-year commitment, they become life-long leaders and advocates for educational change. The majority continue their careers as teachers, school leaders, or leaders within educational organizations.

By recruiting and developing new teachers and providing ongoing support to our alums, we aim to meet our region’s needs for high-quality teachers that improve student outcomes, retain them in education, and continue shaping the sector to ensure all children have access to equitable education.

This year, TFA RGV will empower a highly selective cohort of about 50 leaders to teach in nine partner school districts across the Rio Grande Valley for at least two years. Our teachers

801 Bryan Rd #152, Mission, TX 78572 (956) 630-6781 https://www.teachforamerica.org/rio-grande-valley

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SOCIALIFE RGV HISTORY

Racial Harmony INSPIRED

Midwestern Priest

by Francisco Guajardo, Museum CEO

In late March 1963, Pan American College student Jim McGurk received a letter from a Catholic priest named René Guernier.

Father René wrote to congratulate Jim on the Pan Am Broncs’ basketball team victory over Grambling College in the semifinal game that would catapult Pan Am to the national championship game on March 16 in Kansas City, Missouri. The victory over Western Carolina University would give the Broncs the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics championship crown. Father René was not as interested in the national championship, however. He wanted to share a moment of inspiration he experienced in the immediate aftermath of the semifinal game.

Photo cutline: Pan American College students Lucious Jackson (left) and Jim McGurk (middle) bid farewell to Coach Sam WIlliams, as they board plane to play against Russia.

He wrote, “I am not the type that sheds many tears but I did when I saw you throw your arms around Lucius [sic] and you embraced one another with great joy. This was beautiful.”

An astute observer of sociocultural and political affairs, Father René described the racial strife that gripped the nation in the early 1960s.

He noted the gravity of the moment, when he said, “To me the cry for social justice is the most important cry of our age.”

When Jim, a white player, embraced Lucius [sic], a

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black player, in a moment of celebration, Father René viewed that as a moment of brotherhood, an expression of racial and social justice. He said, “Your gesture perhaps did more to promote this than I can do in a life-time.”

Jim McGurk is in his late 70s now and has been a resident of Edinburg, Texas, for the past 60 plus years. After Pan Am, he married a local girl, they raised their family in South Texas, and they became important members of the community.

Jim has also held on to the 1963 letter from Father René.

Jim’s son Robert, who is a trustee of the museum, donated the letter to the museum earlier this year.

In reviewing the letter, museum CEO Francisco Guajardo decided to look for Father René to find if he’s still around. He found him in residence at Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri.

Francisco sent the priest a copy of the letter (and copied Jim McGurk) and later asked Father René to ref lect on the letter.

Father René’s response, “Let me think on that.” The thoughtful and ref lective priest leaves a legacy that is passed on by Jim McGurk and his awareness of the importance to preserve.

Thanks to Jim McGurk, Lucious Jackson and Father René Guernier for making this moment happen.

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EnerGym & Shakes Edinburg 926 S. McColl Rd., Edinburg (956) 386-9380

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The Protein Shoppe 2921 S. Boca Chica Blvd., Ste. 20A, Brownsville (956) 504-3539

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SOCIALIFE 695

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For more information on being a guest on our TV show text / call Vicki

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LOOKING FOR A LOV I N G H O M E S H E LT E R

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Palm Valley Animal Society Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) is the largest animal shelter in the Rio Grande Valley, taking in more than 15,000 pets every year. PVAS currently contracts with five cities and Hidalgo County at large to provide sheltering services for RGV pets in need. In addition to shelter services, PVAS also has a Pet Resources Center that provides self-

supported rehoming, food and pet supplies, access to virtual behavior training options, and much more to help keep pets out of the shelter and with their families. PVAS is working with its partners to create innovative ways to serve the needs of pets and their people and expand lifesaving shelter practices to have a safe, humane community.

Enok and Olek: Two charming senior boys seeking their fur-ever home. These inseparable companions were found wandering the streets together in the RGV, and they’re now looking for a cozy place to call their own. With their calm and gentle nature, Enok and Olek love nothing more than taking leisurely strolls together in the play yard. Can you provide these sweet seniors with a warm and loving home?

DAKSHI: If you’re looking for a shy but oh-so-sweet companion, Dakshi is the one for you! Thanks to our behavioral specialist, this handsome boy is slowly coming out of his shell and learning to trust humans again. With a patient and loving family, we know that Dakshi will continue to blossom into the wonderful dog he was meant to be. Want to give him the love and care he deserves?

Come meet him at our Trenton Location today!

SKIPS: Looking for a partner to join you on your daily walks? Look no further than Skips! This handsome hunk may have a strong build, but he’s a gentle giant who walks like a pro on a leash. And if you want to see him really light up, just break out the treats! If you can’t adopt Skips, why not take him for a spin around town and show him off to all your friends?

Visit these adoptable pets and others at Palm Valley Animal Society 2451 N Expressway 281, Edinburg • (956) 720-4563 or 2501 W. Trenton Rd, Edinburg • (956) 686-1141

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SOCIALIFE

PET LIFE

SURFSIDE WITH YOUR FAVORITE PUP

By Dr. Ruben Castro

If we could take our dogs everywhere we went, we most certainly would. As winter is in its final home stretch, many of us are ready to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about cold temperatures. As spring break draws near, we begin to plan how we will enjoy it. Taking your dog to the beach can be a wonderful experience for you and your dog. However, there are some things to consider to ensure you and your fur buddy have a great time. Here are some tips & safety measures to keep in mind when taking your dog to the beach:

1

Decide which hotel or condominiums are pet-friendly and determine if there is a fee. Sometimes hotels charge a flat rate, while others have a weight restriction. Most of this information is usually available on the hotel’s website, but it is always best to call the hotel directly and ask about their pet policies. You can even ask them how many areas they have that are designated for pets to do their business. Not all hotels have a special area for your dog to go potty. If this is the case, you must take your dog for a walk.

2

When you find a hotel, make sure you have a bag containing all your dog needs and may need during your stay. Some helpful things that this bag should contain are its food, a water jug with water, bowls, poop bags, a leash, regular dog shampoo, detangler shampoo, brushes, a towel, doggie booties, a dog bed/pillow, a life jacket, canine sunblock/cream/lotion, Benadryl, children’s Pepto, a cleaner, and a roll of paper towels.

3

During your trip to the beach, you should ensure that your dog is comfortable, and if it is going to ride in the back of your vehicle, don’t forget to use a sun cover on the window so that your dog doesn’t overheat. Once you arrive at your hotel, take your dog for a walk around the hotel grounds so your dog gets familiar with their new surroundings. This would be the perfect time to see where the potty area is located or to find a potty area nearby if your hotel does not have one.

4

Once you make your way to the beach, put doggie botties on your dog so its paws don’t get burned by the hot sand. Early morning or later in the evening are perfect times for your dog to roam around on the sand. If you have a dog that has sensitive skin, then apply some lotion on it or dog sunscreen so that its skin doesn’t get sunburned.

5

If your dog is playing in the water, ensure that your dog does not ingest the saltwater. When this happens, your dog can begin to vomit, have diarrhea, and get dehydrated. Some dogs can have toxic levels of sodium in their systems, known as salt poisoning.

If this happens, dogs have a higher than 50% mortality rate, so please be vigilant when your dog is splishing and splashing in the water.

Taking your dog to the beach can be a memorable experience for you and your dog. This website is just one of many that you can use when searching for a hotel or activity at the beach: https://www.sopadre.com/ One final thing, please ensure that your dog has a collar with identifying information just in case you and your dog get separated. The more trips to the beach you take with your dog, the more fun you will have.

Dr. Castro is a proud Catholic who is a husband, father, and educator born and raised in the RGV. He is a graduate of Northcentral University with a doctorate in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Master of Science in Sociology from the University of Texas-Pan American and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology from the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Castro’s current research focuses on Education, Crime and Deviance, and Race and Ethnicity. He is also the owner of the K&B Dog Learning Cener, Inc. www.kbdoglearningcenter.com

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Walking distance to the Shimotsu Elementary School and park. This fabulous home has been nicely upgraded with granite countertops, marble flooring, and more. Has reverse osmosis and the air condition unit is less than 1 year old but it is not needed because of the high efficiency solar panels that offsets the utility bills. Solar panels are paid off and convey with property.

It boasts many other great community amenities such as pool privileges, walking trails and banquet hall for parties. A must see! Contact me for a private showing!

Sally Fraustro Guerra B R O K E R A S S O C I AT E

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REPRESENTING BUYERS + SELLERS COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL (956) 458-0085 (956) 631-1322 sally.guerra@coldwellbanker.com

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February 4

Cowboy Up Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg Rancho Guadalupe, Edinburg 6 PM SL

February 6

Manic Monday Mixer RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Main Event, Pharr 5:30 - 7:30 PM

February 7

Superheroes McAllen Wind Ensemble McAllen Performing Arts Center 7:30 PM

February 17

Out of this World Valley Symphony Orchestra McAllen Performing Arts Center 8 PM SL

February 18

Puppy Love Palm Valley Animal Society McAllen Convention Center SL American Advertising Awards “Beach Ball” American Advertising Federation - RGV Courtyard Marriott, South Padre Island 6 PM SL

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February 24

Annual Farm Dinner Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank RGV, Pharr 6 - 9:30 PM SL

February 25

Throw Back for the Future 2023 Gala Boys and Girls Club of McAllen McAllen Convention Center 6 PM SL

March 2-5

Fiesta Edinburg Edinburg Chamber of Commerce

March 2

19th Annual State of Real Estate Forum Edwards Abstract and Title Co. McAllen Convention Center 8:30 AM

March 3

BRAVO! VSO Gala Valley Symphony Orchestra McAllen Convention Center SL

March 4

27th Annual VAMOS Golf Tournament McAllen Champion Lakes Golf Course SL

March 6

Manic Monday Mixer RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tony’s Grill, Weslaco 5:30 - 7:30 PM

March 8

Hats off to “Women of Distinction” Awards Dinner RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mission Event Center 5:30 - 8 PM SL

March 9

City of Edinburg 2023 State of the City City of Edinburg Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance 6 PM

March 24-26

The RGV Jalapeño Amateur Championship RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tierra Santa Golf Club SL

March 24

Santa Fe Wine Classic Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen 6:30 - 10:30 PM SL Carmen y Mas Valley Symphony Orchestra McAllen Performing Arts Center 8 PM SL

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

March 25

Heritage Ranch Gala Museum of South Texas History 6:30 PM SL

March 31

April 13

South Texas Senior Summit: Cameron County RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Harlingen Convention Center 9 AM - 3 PM

Honor Roll Gala 2022 Teach For America Mission Event Center 6:30 PM SL

April 15

Public Affairs Luncheon Edinburg Chamber of Conference Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance 11:30 AM - 1 PM

April 20

April 1

McAllen Monarch Festival Quinta Mazatlan Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen 9 AM - 2 PM

April 2

Memories McAllen Wind Ensemble McAllen Performing Arts Center 2 PM

April 3

Manic Monday Mixer RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce La Bahia Restaurant, McAllen 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Night at the Brewseum International Museum of Art & Science

May 6

Make-A-Wish Foundation Gala McAllen Convention Center SL

June 5

Manic Monday Mixer RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 5:30 - 7:30 PM

June 21

Moon Over Mazatlan 2023 Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen 6:30 - 11 PM SL

Celebrate Summer Solstice Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen Quinta Mazatlan

June 22

April 21

West Side Story Valley Symphony Orchestra McAllen Performing Arts Center 8 PM SL

South Texas Senior Summit: Hidalgo County RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hacienda San Juan 9 AM - 3 PM

September 30

May 1

Manic Monday Mixer RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce HW Seafood Steakhouse, Edinburg 5:30 - 7:30 PM

2nd Annual RGV Deaf/Hard of Hearing Awareness Walk Texas Hands & Voices Edinburg Municipal Park 8 AM - 12 PM SL

May 2

13th Annual “Night at the Races” C.A.M.P. University McAllen Convention Center

SL Event Sponsored by SOCIALIFE Magazine

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Valley Keyboards’ Annual

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