SOCIALIFE | JANUARY 2019

YEAR 15 ISSUE 1

2019

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TXOGA Energy Summit

MoTown Gala

Hidalgo County

VSO A Touch of Frost

an “A” Rated District!

93

out of 100

COLLEGE, CAREER, & MILITARY READINESS This measure illustrates the percentage of students who have met one of these criteria to demonstrate they are ready for one of those paths.

92

out of 100

SCHOOL PROGRESS

School Progress shows how students perform over time and how that growth compares to similar schools.

93

out of 100

CLOSING THE GAPS

The Closing the Gaps domain tells us how well different populations of students in a district are performing.

92

out of 100

OVERALL

McAllen ISD’s overall scaled score is 92. A score of 90-100 is considered an ‘A’ in the new Accountability Rating System.

“These results are the culmination of years of hard work,” Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez, Ed.D., said.

“All our teachers, students, staff and parents have contributed to these outstanding achievements. We also appreciate the leadership of our School Board of Trustees. They should all be proud.”

(956) 618-6031 MCALLENISD.ME

Enroll TODAY!

Rio Bank hosts Customer Appreciation in Brownsville, Texas.

We’re proud to be a part of the community and will continue our mission of helping our customers. Give us the opportunity to grow with you.

Ford Sasser Rio Bank CEO / President

riobk.com 956.631.7890

Commitment to Honesty, Integrity and Quality Service

DHR- State of the Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 TXOGA Energy Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Vantage Unveiling Ceremony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

MCC- All About Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 McAllen Holiday Parade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 L&F 40th Anniversary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 City of Pharr New City Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 City of Pharr Holiday Posada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 UTRGV President’s Holiday Reception. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 City of Mission Christmas Tree Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

BRONSON DELRIO

VICE PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER

Edinburg CISD National Blue Ribbon School Event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 RCF - MoTown Gala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Rio Grande regional Hospital Holiday Social. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 MEDC Holiday Social. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 RAMMAC Foundation Posada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Hidalgo County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 MCC- Good Day Luncheon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

KARLA KERNZ EDITOR

MOSTHistory: Yesterday’s Wheels: The Horse-Drawn Buggy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Juan Diego Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Catholic Charities Respite Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Skinn Bar VIP Grand Opening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 RGV HCC - Ugly Sweater Social. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 CASA of Hidalgo Co. Centennial Polo Cup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 RGV Partnership Holiday Social. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

CHRISTINA BARRERA SALES COORDINATOR

Quinta Mazatlan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 PCC - 2nd Annual Winter Texas Golf Tournament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Non-Profit Spotlight: Boys & Girls Club of McAllen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 L&F Holiday Toy Giveaway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 VSO- Touch of Frost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

CLIFF RANSON

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Design Event Photographers

Decibel Communications Anai Noyola Dustin Coronado Felicia Cuellar Victoria Gaytan Haron Saenz

Guest Photographers

Paul Chouy Quinta Mazatlan Charles Longoria Josh Luna City of Pharr Juan Diego Academy Yearbook Class

Guest Writers

Tom Fort Jane Smith Letty Leal Marissa Wingate Vivian Vargas Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar Veronica Whitacre Kelli Quin Adriana Morales Sandra Bitner

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SOCIALIFE

ON THE COVER: Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez was sworn into office on January 2, with a pledge to bring efficiency and effectiveness to county government.

Photography by Christian Möller.

FOR ADVERTISING OR OTHER INQUIRIES, REACH OUT! eMail: 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.

Socialife is printed in Mexico Please recycle this magazine!

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STATE OF THE HOSPITAL ADDRESS DHR HEALTH

Edinburg Photography by Haron Saenz

DHR Health hosted its State of the Hospital Address for the general public on Thursday, December 20, 2018.

During the address, hospital executives recapped accomplishments and health system growth that occurred over the past year, and outlined the future of DHR in the upcoming year. Guests also heard remarks from Dr. John Krouse, Dean, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

DAVID TORRES AND JUAN GUERRA

JON STEVENS AND BERNICE SMITH

NORMA TERAN AND SANDRA ACEVEDO

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SOCIALIFE

JAY MARROW AND ALICE MARCEE

DALIA MOLINA AND MAYOR RICHARD MOLINA

JOE HERNANDEZ AND HARVEY TORRES

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Wishing You A Happy &

Healthy New Year.

Start the new year off right by focusing on your health and wellness. At DHR Health Wellness Institute, patient-centered care, rather than disease-centered care, is at the core of our mission. We aim to provide you with the best methods to help you achieve and maintain optimal health. Together we will develop a treatment regimen so that you feel empowered to take control of your health.

• • • • • •

FAMILY MEDICINE NUTRITION SERVICES BLOOD/LAB TESTING PHYSICAL THERAPY GENETIC TESTING MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING • FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE • PREVENTIVE CARE • IV INFUSION THERAPY DHR Health Wellness Institute • (956) 362-6980 4500 N 10th St., Ste. 100, McAllen, TX 78504 Doctors Hospital at Renaissance proudly meets the federal definition of a “physician-owned hospital” (42 CFR § 489.3). As required by law, a list of the hospital’s physician owners and investors is available at www.dhr-rgv.com. DHR, Ltd. and its affiliated entities comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ENERGY SUMMIT OIL & NATURAL GAS POWERING THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY Pharr Photography by Dustin Coronado

SENATOR EDDIE LUCIO, TODD STAPLES, AND STATE REP. BOBBY GUERRA

FRANCISCO GALVAN AND MYRTHA TIJERINA

MAYOR AMBROSIO HERNANDEZ, MD

The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership hosted an Energy Summit in Pharr, which showcased the economic impact of the oil and natural gas industry in the Rio Grande Valley. “We are fortunate to have such rich energy resources in Texas. We encourage our legislators to continue to embrace policies that foster oil and natural gas investments that are driving regional diversification and job creation in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Sergio Contreras, RGV Partnership President/ CEO. Featured speakers included: State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr.; State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa; State Representative Bobby Guerra; Todd Staples, TXOGA President; Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez; Danny Gurwitz, RGV Partnership Chairman, Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez L.L.P.; Kurt Knight-Turcan, Enbridge VP of Business Development; Eddie Campirano, Port of Brownsville Executive Director & CEO; and Jorge R. Piñón, Director of Institutional Relations - Mexico, University of Texas at Austin.

AMANDA SALDANA, STATE REP. BOBBY GUERRA, AND LYMIRA REYES

COURTNEY VILLARREAL AND MATTHEW POLLOCK

DON HANSON, MARIBEL GUERRERO, LUIS CAVAZOS, AND MARISELA CORTEZ

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SOCIALIFE

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EVERY CHILD CAN AND WILL SUCCEED IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY.

At IDEA Public Schools, we are closing the opportunity gap and increasing levels of achievement by preparing students from underserved communities for success in college and in life.

We believe that no student’s potential should be limited.

DISCOVER MORE AT IDEAPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG

VANTAGE BANK TEXAS UNVEILING CEREMONY McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

The Inter National Bank and Vantage Bank Texas merger is fully complete now that the two banks have become one under the name of Vantage Bank Texas.

At an unveiling ceremony, Vantage Bank Texas owner Jim Collins, and Vantage Bank Texas CEO and President Sam Munafo, along with community leaders, dignitaries, customers, employees and other guests, celebrated the coming together of the two banks. Vantage also made a donation to the Salvation Army of McAllen.

FABIOLA URGEL, MICHELLE ZAMORA, AND MARIA TANGUMA

KATHY COLLINS AND JIM COLLINS

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SOCIALIFE

ELVA JACKSON GARZA, BRIAN DISQUE, MIKE OVERLY, AND GEORGE CARDENAS

JULIANA TREVINO, SHARON MUNAFO, AND BETTY RODRIGUEZ

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MCALLEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS THREE LEGENDARY BUSINESSWOMEN McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

BETO ARGUELLES, ROBERT PEREZ, LEO PEREZ, AND DANIEL GALVAN

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SOCIALIFE

The McAllen Chamber “All About Women” Committee, the City of McAllen, and the Law Office of John David Franz hosted the legendary Businesswomen’s Luncheon on December 4 at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Three successful McAllen businesswomen were honored as they were given the opportunity to discuss their journeys to success. The honored women were Kay Jancik, owner of Oh Kay’s gift shop, Betty Garza, owner of Coldwell Banker La Mansion Real Estate, and Sylvia Johnson, owner of the women’s clothing and accessories boutique, Sylvia’s.

Each was interviewed about their experiences as they developed their business careers.

SYLVIA JOHNSON, KAY JENKINS, AND BETTY GARZA

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To our sponsors, partners, friends, and neighbors, thank you for giving McAllen the world this Christmas.

Your work helped make the 2018 McAllen Holiday Parade our biggest night yet. Over a quarter of a million people experienced Christmas Around the World with illuminated floats, giant balloons, musical performances, and appearances by our special celebrity guests. presented by

MCALLEN HOLIDAY PARADE 2018 THE LARGEST ILLUMINATED HOLIDAY AND HELIUM BALLOON PARADE IN TEXAS McAllen Photography by Felicia Cuellar, Haron Saenz, and Pollux Castor Creative

At the 2018 McAllen Holiday Parade, guests from all over were part of the tradition of making dreams come true at this year’s magical celebration. The mile long parade was held on December 1st at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.

This is the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas, featuring 55 brilliantly illuminated floats, 30 larger-than-life inflatable character balloons, 14 bands and a celebrity-filled line-up. This year, the musical theme was “The Magic of Christmas”. More than 250,000 spectators filled the streets and stadium to enjoy this incredible Christmas parade.

SANDRA DARLING AND MAYOR JIM DARLING

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SOCIALIFE

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ROBERT AND JANET VACKAR

JESSICA AND LARRY DELGADO

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SOCIALIFE

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SPEAKEASY REPEAL PARTY

L&F DISTRIBUTORS CELEBRATED 40TH ANNIVERSARY McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

MORGAN, MARY, VAL LA MANTIA-PEISEN, AND GREG LAMANTIA

L&F Distributors celebrated their 40th anniversary and the 85th anniversary of the end of the Prohibition in a spectacular, themed event in which guests dressed up in roaring twenties garb to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. L&F was purchased in 1978 by Joe LaMantia, Jr. L&F Distributors began as a family business with a single location in McAllen, TX. Today, L&F Distributors is a thirdgeneration family-owned company. They have expanded to eight distribution warehouses, have more than 1,200 employees, and service 35 counties throughout Texas and Southern New Mexico. As L&F’s markets grew, so did its portfolio; L&F now represents more than 150 craft and import breweries and distributes an extensive list of wine and spirits. To further diversify its portfolio, L&F began to distribute water, milk, energy drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages in 2011.

ZAR CASTILLO, DANIELLA RODRIGUEZ, VICTORIA ROJAS, AND MANNY RODRIGUEZ

JUDGE MARIO AND NOELIA RAMIREZ

MICHEAL WHITACRE, VERONICA WHITACRE, FRED HARMS, AND ESTER HARMS

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SOCIALIFE

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(956) 994-9370

WELCOME NEW CITY MANAGER

CITY OF PHARR NEW CITY MANAGER ALEX MEADE Pharr Photography by City of Pharr

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SOCIALIFE

Pharr’s new city manager, Alex Meade, was formally introduced to members of the public on December 11th. Meade praised the Pharr City Commission, thanking them for entrusting him with the opportunity to lead Pharr into the future. He stated that he was impressed with the high level of professionalism and expertise among Pharr’s department directors and employees, adding that he was eager to get to work with them to move the city commission’s vision forward.

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On behalf of Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., the Pharr City Commission, administration and employees

we would like to welcome our new City Manager

Alex Meade

“Alex’s energy, experience, and innovative ideas are an ideal fit for Pharr. We look forward to having him implement our vision for growth and prosperity in Pharr, while looking out for the best interest of our constituents.”

- Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.

CITY OF PHARR POSADA

PHARR CELEBRATES HOLIDAY SEASON Pharr Photography by City of Pharr

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SOCIALIFE

The City of Pharr held their annual Christmas Posada and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 1, 2018, in historic downtown Pharr.

Hundreds of people joined the city in holiday festivities by participating in ice skating, listening to carolers, and enjoying the many Christmas activities available at the event. Attendees were greeted throughout the event by live characters including the Grinch, Frozen’s Princesses Elsa and Anna, Buddy the Elf, and special guests Santa and Mrs. Clause.

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S T A R T THE N E W YE A R O FF W IT H GO O D C HE E R !

PHON E | 9 56.630.9559 3300 EXPRESSWAY 83 STE . 1240 MCALLEN, T EXAS 78501

PRESIDENT’S HOLIDAY PARTY FOR DONORS TO UTRGV Edinburg Photography by Paul Chouy

Donors to UTRGV gathered in the newly opened UTRGV Sciences Building to celebrate the holidays with President Guy Bailey. The UTRGV Jazz Ensemble entertained the guests, who were able to enjoy the building’s planet and stars theme.

PATTY FALLEK, DR. JULIE ANDERSON, SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA, AND DR. KELLY SCRIVNER

DR. GUY BAILEY, VAL LAMANTIA, DAVID OLIVEIRA, AND ALICIA KING

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SOCIALIFE

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Uniendo.

Sirviendo.

Transformando.

1

in Texas for awarding the most undergraduate degrees to Hispanics.

1

in Texas for awarding the most graduate degrees to Hispanics.

1

in Texas for awarding the most biology and biomedical sciences bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics.

1

in Texas for the performance of our first-generation students.

1

in Texas for social mobility.

1

in Texas for Hispanic enrollment.

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UTRGV.edu

CITY OF MISSION CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Mission Photography by City of Mission

The City of Mission Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña wished the citizens of Mission a Merry Christmas with the lighting of the Christmas tree at their Holiday Lights and Delights! ceremony. The annual event packed the City of Mission’s newly renovated Leo Peña Placita Park with families gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Mission residents enjoyed live music and entertainment, pictures with Santa Claus, food, crafts, a display of lights, and even a bicycle raffle! The City of Mission wishes their citizens a joyful, peaceful and prosperous New Year!

MAYOR DR. ARMANDO OCAÑA

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SOCIALIFE

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EDINBURG CISD HOSTS

2018 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS EVENT Edinburg Photography by Haron Saenz

More than 100 teachers, principals, custodians, cafeteria staff, administrators and school board members recently attended the Edinburg CISD 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award Banquet at the Memorial Event Center in Edinburg. The spec tacular event honored the latest campus recipients of the prestigious award, Hargill Elementar y School and Magee Elementar y School. ECISD has earned six national titles, which is more than any other school distric t or char ter school in South Texas.

CHRISTINA GONZALEZ, ALEXANDRA VILLARREAL, AND ALEJANDRA GALVAN

LUPITA TIJERINA, NOEMI CANTU, AND GLORIA GARZA

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RACHEL LUNA, FRANCES CUELLAR, AND BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ

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Proud to be an

“A” Proud toSchool be anDistrict!

Honor Roll

“A” Honor Roll School District!

ECISD Receives 170 Total Distinctions, Earns Postsecondary Readiness Distinction

Building and ECISD Receives 170 Total Distinctions, Transforming Earns Postsecondary Readiness Distinction Our Community

Building and

It is the policy of Edinburg C.I.S.D. not to discriminate on the basis of sex, age, handicap, religion, race, color, or national origin in its educational programs. Es poliza del Distrito Escolar de Edinburg el no discriminar por razones con base en sexo, edad, religion, raza, color, origen nacional, ni descapacidad dentro de sus programas educacionales.

(Edinburg CISD Media Publication 10/18)

RENAISSANCE CANCER FOUNDATION MOTOWN GALA

Edinburg Photography by Anai Noyola

The Renaissance Cancer Foundation presented the MOTOWN Gala, featuring Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters, consisting of 17 world-class entertainers. This spectacular evening was held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance and was filled with music and dancing. Proceeds of this annual event is to benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley.

FRENANDO RIVERA, ERREN SELE, TINE MARTIN, AND ROBERT MARTIN

CYNTHIA LIN AND DR. RICK LIN

ANNETTE FRANZ, KELLY SCRIVNER, CRIS RIVERA, SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA, AND DRU LAMANTIA

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CRIS AND DAVID RIVERA

DANIELA SALINAS, SAUL SANCHEZ, AND LIA STROMBERG

CARRIE SAFFELS, NATHAN SAFFELS, VAL LA MANTIA-PEISEN, AND GINA VILLARREAL

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GABRIELA CAVAZOS, TANYA WALKER, EDNA DE SARO, AND KARIME CRUZ

ROBERT AND JANET VACKAR

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MATT AND LUCY ANN WOLTHOFF

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With great appreciation, the Renaissance Cancer Foundation wishes to thank our generous sponsors, staff, and community members for their continued support in raising $318,430 at the 2018 Gala.

All net proceeds will benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

956.994.0970

PRINCESS & VENETIAN PRINCESS COLLECTIONS

RIO GRANDE REGIONAL HOSPITAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION McAllen Photography by Anai Noyola

Rio Grande Regional Hospital held its holiday celebration at the Embassy Suites McAllen/Convention Center on Thursday, December 6th. During the celebration, Troy Villarreal, Gulf Coast Division President, spoke to the guests and shared his thoughts and vision of the hospital as we enter 2019. In addition, Cris Rivera, Chief Executive Officer, took a few moments to recognize the past, current, and future Board of Trustees and Medical Executive Committee members. Mrs. Rivera acknowledged all of their dedication and commitment to helping Rio Grande Regional Hospital be the leading healthcare provider in the Rio Grande Valley for over 36 years.

CHUCK MALLON, EDWARD REQUENEZ, MATT WOLTHOFF, AND VANESSA REQUENEZ

TROY VILLARREAL, CRIS RIVERA, ALTER HOLAND, AND MARLESSA HOLAND

DANNY VELA, ANGELA VELA, ALEJANDRA VELA, EMILIA OCHOA, AND RICARDO DE VILLAR

CRIS RIVERA, KATHE TAVAREZ, FEDRICKA BORLAND, AND EVA WILSON

CRIS RIVERA

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Three Convenient Emergency Room Locations to Better Serve You

24/7 Emergency Room for Adults and Kids

Locations McAllen

• Fast, convenient care • Staffed with board certified physicians • Comprehensive emergency services for all types of acute injuries or illnesses 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays • Access to on-site testing and imaging • Accepts all major insurance plans • Accepting ambulance transports • Affiliation with Rio Grande Regional Hospital makes direct admission when necessary to hospital simple and seamless

Advanced Level III Trauma Center 101 E. Ridge Rd. McAllen, TX 78503 (956) 632-6447 McAllen/Mission 5100 W. Expressway 83 McAllen, TX 78503 (956) 928-7200 Edinburg 2744 W. University Drive Edinburg, TX 78539 (956) 380-8080

Stay Connected:

MCALLEN EDC

McAllen EDC hosted leading figures in government and business from McAllen and Reynosa, as well as close friends and longtime colleagues of the organization, at its 30th annual Christmas Party on Dec. 5. The event featured delicious hors d’oeuvres, drinks and desserts courtesy of Tony Roma’s and musical entertainment by Brooks Ausborn. The McAllen EDC team wishes to thank Mayor Jim Darling and the City Commission for their continued support in developing the binational business sector that has powered economic development in South Texas since 1988.

HOLIDAY PARTY

McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

TONY DUCHARME, DAVID VEGA, CARLOS MARQUEZ, RALPH GARCIA, AND JORGE SAENZ

GARFIELD CAMPBELL AND KARINA MUSSENDEN

ALVARO MATIAS, ALEJANDRO GARCIA, RAMIRO FLORES, AND SUSIE FLORES

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JC CERVANTES AND JULISSA GALLARDO

BILL SHERRILL AND ERIK SHERRILL

JESUS DASAEL GONZALEZ AND JAVIER MARTINEZ

LAURA WARREN AND JAMIE SEPULVEDA

MAURICE RODRIGUEZ, SUSIE SOTO, AND MICHELLE GARCIA

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FUNDACION RAMMAC CHRISTMAS POSADA 2018 McAllen Photography by Haron Saenz

MARK KIM AND RALPH GARCIA

FERNANDO CANTU, MARISOL GOMEZ, AND LUIS MENDEZ

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Fundación RAMMAC celebrated their Christmas posada on December 11th at Cambria Hotel. At this event, RAMMAC made donations to four different charities who participated in their 2018 golf tournament: Children’s Haven International, Miradas de Esperanza, Rio Bravo Ministries, and Fundación RAMMAC, for a total of $61,948.00.

All proceeds were from their charity golf tournament that was held last September, with 50 amazing sponsors and 192 golfers that made this a reality.

BRYAN COOK AND JAIME BENAVIDES

JORGE TORRES AND MATILDE GUTIERREZ

KEITH PATRIDGE AND FRANCISCO J PENA VALDES

ROGER REYNA, VALERIE GONZALEZ, AND RAMIRO TOVAR

MIKE MYERS, FRANCISCO J PENA VALDES, AND ENRIQUE CASTRO

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

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The New Year brought with it new leadership to

“Investment in our communities is a crucial

the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court.

way to increase tax revenues which fund county services, projects, and unfunded state mandates

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez was

without the need to unduly burden taxpayers.”

sworn into office on January 2, with a pledge to bring efficiency and effectiveness to county

More than 150 friends, family, community

government as well as to increase investment

representatives, county staff, and national,

through economic development efforts and

state, and local elected officials were present to

collaboration with stakeholders.

witness Cortez take the oath of office.

“Attracting investment to Hidalgo County is a priority of my administration,” Cortez said.

Photography by Christian Möller.

“

WE’RE NOT COMPETING LOCALLY, WE’RE COMPETING GLOBALLY

HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE RICHARD CORTEZ

”

Commissioner Precinct 3

Joe M. Flores

Commissioner Precinct 2

Eduardo “Eddie” Cantu

Commissioner Precinct 4

Ellie Torres

Commissioner Precinct 1

David L. Fuentes

HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE

Richard Cortez

Photography by Christian Möller.

Cortez was sworn-in by his cousin,

to come together because we’re not

which guide the direction of county

430th District Court Judge Israel

competing locally, we’re competing

operations.

Ramon Jr.

globally,” Cortez said, adding that

is responsible for ensuring that

the county needs to begin preparing

government services are efficiently

After thanking the voters for placing

for industries in the automation and

and effectively delivered locally to

their trust in him, Cortez spoke of

robotics fields.

residents and families. Serving on

a collaborative approach to future

Commissioners

Court

Commissioners Court with Cortez

progress and using county resources

“How many communities can sit

are Precinct 1 Commissioner David

“wisely, efficiently, and effectively.”

here today and say, ‘I want to invest

L. Fuentes; Precinct 2 Commissioner

in jobs that don’t exist today?’ Boy,

Eduardo “Eddie” Cantu, who was

served

that’s scary, isn’t it? How do you train

sworn-in to his second term on

as mayor and city commissioner

people for jobs that don’t exist today?

January 1; Precinct 3 Commissioner

in

Well, that’s exactly what I think we

Joe

should do.”

Commissioner

Cortez,

who

McAllen,

previously

acknowledged

that

municipalities sometimes compete against each other.

M.

Flores;

and

Ellie

Precinct Torres,

4

who

began her first term as Commissioner As County Judge, Cortez chairs

“But the future is going to force us

Commissioners Court, the governing

to be better; it is going to force us

body that makes policy decisions

on January 1.

For information on doing business in Hidalgo County, contact Olivia Tamez-Gomez at (956) 358-7664

40

SOCIALIFE

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4 5 0 0 N . 1 0 t h S u i t e 8 0 , M c A l l e n , Te x a s • ( 9 5 6 ) 6 8 7- 1 1 7 1

MCALLEN GOOD DAY LUNCHEON SPONSORED BY SOCIALIFE MAGAZINE McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado and Ezequiel Lara

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly Good Day McAllen Luncheon sponsored by SOCIALIFE Magazine, at Embassy Suites on December 6, to a record breaking audience of over 350 guests in attendance.

SOCIALIFE Magazine, presented their countless collaborations of 2018 and future proposals for 2019. SOCIALIFE, under new ownership, consistently keeps the community informed on the latest events in the valley.

Tom Brownmiller was recognized as McAllen Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year and Bob Boggus, owner of Boggus Ford-Lincoln McAllen, was recognized as Volunteer of the Year 2018.

ALONZO CANTU, BRONSON DEL RIO, MARTHA BENAVIDES, AND SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA

BRENDA ENRIQUEZ, CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI, AND BOB DEVEROS

BLANCA CARDENAS, TOM BROWNMILLER, AND STEVE AHLENIUS

SOCIALIFE

Several distinguished guests were in attendance at this amazing event, including McAllen Mayor, Jim Darling; Pharr Mayor, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez; Mission Mayor, Dr. Armando Ocana; McAllen Superintendent, Dr. J.A. Gonzalez; Edinburg Superintendent, Dr. Rene Gutierrez; IDEA Founder/ CEO, Tom Torkelson; as well as CEO/ Presidents from five different Chambers of Commerce in the Rio Grande Valley.

That was a Good Day in McAllen!

PAUL MOXLEY, KEVIN COLLIER, AND JASON LEAL

SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA, DAVID GUERRA, SANTA CLAUS, KELLY SCRIVNER, AND DR. GUY BAILEY

42

SOCIALIFE had the honor of sharing the stage with Carlos Sanchez, Political Editor from Texas Monthly. Mr. Sanchez paid tribute to two of the 15 Most Influential People in Texas who are from the Valley; Alonzo Cantu and Sister Norma Pimentel who graced the cover of December’s Texas Monthly.

FATHER GREGORY LORENZ, COMMISSIONER OMAR QUINTANILLA, AND REBECCA M. OLAGUIBEL

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BRONSON DELRIO, MAYOR JIM DARLING , AND SALLY FRAUSTRO GUERRA

ALONZO CANTU AND CARLOS SANCHEZ

MARTY CHARLES, FRANCY JONES, AND DORA BROWN

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

SOCIALIFE 43

BOB BOGGUS AND STEVE ALHENIUS

KAREN BOGGUS, CELIA THRASH, AND ELAINE BREADY

JUDGE RICHARD CORTEZ, DIANE BARTEK, AND MAYOR AMBROSIO HERNANDEZ, MD

RICK GUERRA AND JOHN KREIDLER

REBECCA ARIZMENDI AND MYRTHA TIJERINA

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SOCIALIFE

KATY COY, DR. RENE GUTIERREZ, AND CARLOS SANCHEZ

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS

NEW YEAR 2019

The buggy on exhibit at MOSTHistory, with the top down.

Man in a buggy near Edinburg, ca. 1915 (Mrs. Melvin Laurence)

Yesterday’s Wheels: The Horse-Drawn Buggy - Part I

by Senior Historian Tom Fort

With its gloss black body, upholstered seat, convertible top and one horsepower engine, it was the “two-door sedan” of your greatgrandparents’ day: a buggy. You can see this compact car forerunner at the Museum of South Texas History. The buggy (a 1910 model) and its horse (a mannequin, 1980 model) stand near the Railroad Depot, entryway to the “River Crossroads” 20th Century exhibit hall. Both the vehicle and its setting recall similar scenes a hundred years ago, when people often drove to Valley railroad stations to meet the train.

From the 1870s to around 1915, the most common vehicles on American streets and roads were buggies — light, four-wheel rigs, seating two people and drawn usually by one horse. Buggies carried people to town for business or shopping; to the railroad station to meet passengers or pick up parcels; to church on Sundays; and on pleasure drives. In fact, an early name for the buggy was “pleasure wagon.”

SOCIALIFE 46

On ranches, foremen sometimes drove buggies to make the rounds of camps and line shacks. Doctors often had buggies for house calls; bulky medical bags were carried more easily in a buggy than on a saddle.

MOSTHistory’s buggy is a classic American type. Its chassis or “running gear,” built of seasoned wood reinforced with iron fittings, rolls on slender wheels made from two half-circle wooden rims. The spokes are glued into hubs (also of wood) with iron bands around them. A steel tire encircles each wheel. There is no shift lever or brake. You told the horse to speed up, slow down, back up or stop by using the reins and vocal commands.

Above the chassis is a box-like wooden body. Steel leaf springs on either end are bolted to the axles, making this an “end-spring” buggy.

On some models the body rode on long springs between the axles; because they could flex or twist readily, these “side-spring” buggies were handy in rugged country. (A

buggy cousin, widely used in the Old West, had a springy platform of wooden slats between the axles; mounted on it was a seat on leaf springs. Over rough terrain the occupants bounced up and down like a cowboy on a bucking horse, giving the rig its popular name — the buckboard.)

Back to our end-spring buggy.

Mounted on the body (or “box”) is a bench-type seat with leather upholstery and a curving, sheetiron back. Because it looked like the seat on one of those newfangled automobiles, it was called an “auto seat.” Fastened to it is the folding top, called a “calash”. Up front, a shield of shiny patent leather on an iron frame — the “dasher” or dashboard — helps to keep spatters (or “dashes”) of mud and other … uh … substances, tossed up by the horse’s hooves, off the occupants.

If some of this buggy lingo sounds familiar, it’s no accident. Many of today’s auto terms date back to horse-and-buggy days. Tires, hub nuts (today’s lug nuts), front and rear axles, leaf springs, bench seats,

dashboards — and “horse power” — were well known to buggy makers and owners.

So was the optional accessory, a carriage-trade idea adopted by auto makers. To an off-the-shelf buggy you could add a kerosene-fueled headlight and a tail light (with a red lens, of course). A reins clamp for the dasher kept the reins from dropping to the ground while you were parked. A dash-mounted socket would hold the whip. If a simple box body wasn’t fancy enough, some makers offered bodies and seats with snazzy wicker panels.

Wide track models, with more distance between the wheels, were available for rough country. Some makers offered extra wide tires to better navigate sandy soil (useful in many parts of South Texas and elsewhere). For city streets — many of which began to be paved in the late 1800s — there were optional solid rubber tires and even some with an air space inside them for a smoother ride (the original pneumatic tires).

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

JUAN DIEGO ACADEMY CATHOLIC LEARNING COMMUNITY Mission Photography by Juan Diego Academy Yearbook Class

Juan Diego Academy is a Christcentered, Catholic learning community forming young men and women to answer the call to lead and be active participants in their Church and community.

As a Catholic regional high school, Juan Diego Academy offers: • •

• •

48

SOCIALIFE

An array of athletic programs Quality, comprehensive academic curriculum - Dual Credit, AP, & Pre-AP courses Latest in technology Engineering & Robotics, Health Science, & Business Technology Departments.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Join Us at

McALLEN COUNTRY CLUB In Memory of Jorge Gonzalez, Jr.

JUAN DIEGO ACADEMY CATHOLIC REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Life’s journey through Jorge’s eyes: "As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the Roses, for you only get to play one round."

-Ben Hogan

Swing for Catholic Education Join us in supporting the future of Catholic high school education in the upper Rio Grande Valley. It's a perfect way to partner with people for a purpose.

Proceeds from tournament will benefit Juan Diego Academy’s athletic program and transportation needs.

Date: Monday, February 18, 2019 (PRESIDENT’S DAY)

Time: Registration begins @ 11:00 Tee off: 12:00 pm.

Location: McALLEN COUNTRY CLUB

Information Aldo Bertini • Ph: 210.422.7744 abertini@juandiegoacademy.org Sandra Bitner • Ph: 956.802-7763 sbitner@juandiegoacademy.org

Juan Diego Academy GOLF TOURNAMENT 02•18•19

PRESIDENT’S DAY

2nd Annual

HUMANITARIAN RESPITE CENTER GRAND OPENING

McAllen Photography by Felicia Cuellar

50

SOCIALIFE

On Thursday, November 29, 2018, Bishop Daniel Flores, Diocese of Brownsville, shared a few words and provided a blessing for the newly acquired space to be used at the Humanitarian Respite Center. The new center is located at 209 W Hackberry in McAllen, TX. We witnessed what our community is made of: generosity, unity and compassion.

Sister Norma Pimentel is grateful for the large facility to continue serving refugee families.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

2 0 1 9 C AT H O L I C C H A R I T I E S G A L A

HOPE IS IN BLOOM HONORING

Barry & Jayshree Patel

SAVE TH E DATE Thursday, March 7, 2019 • 6:30PM Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center 800 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen I NTE R NAT IO NAL AT T I RE ENCO URAGED

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (956) 702-4088 ext.123 2019HopeIsInBloomGala

SKINN BAR

LIFESTYLE SPA VIP GRAND OPENING McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

Skinn Bar hosted a VIP night to commemorate their new location in McAllen, because everyone deserves to have happy, healthy skin and age later, and you shouldn’t have to pay thousands to achieve this. Skinn Bar is for active lifestyle and executive women on the run who need an amazing skin treatment in under 30 minutes. Total skin care management is about a lifelong process of taking care of your skin. Skinn Bar offers many medical treatments to help you achieve your goals.

Visit SkinnBar.com to learn more.

Skinn Bar Locations: McAllen - Frisco - Dallas - Addison Plano - Abilene Coming soon to: Fort Worth - San Antonio - Miami

ANGELA CARRIZALES AND BOBBI TAYLOR

ANNE MARIE GRAJALES, BOBBI TAYLOR, ANGELA CARRIZALES, AND LAURIE SALINAS

52

SOCIALIFE

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Five Stars in a Roll WESLACO | McALLEN | BROWNSVILLE | SAN ANTONIO

www.kumorisushi.com

HAPPY HOUR 3-7 PM

MONDAY - FRIDAY

E

TH TRY

Kanki Roll

Avocado, cream cheese, tempura shrimp, spicy kanikama, salmon on top, serrano pepper and spicy mayo

ANNUAL HOLIDAY MEDIA LUNCHEON CELEBRATING GREAT TIMES McAllen Photography by Yvette Donovan

It has become a tradition for L&F and local media representatives to reminisce about the great times they have shared throughout the year. This year this amazing holiday reunion was held at La Jaiba Restaurant. L&F is very grateful for all media outlets and want to let them know that they greatly appreciate their help. Here’s to 2019…

Cheers!!

1ST ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

RODRIGO GARCIA AND DANIELLE GARZA

DAWN MEYERS AND EVA MULLIS

54

SOCIALIFE

The RGV Hispanic Chamber celebrated their 1st Annual “Ugly Sweater” Christmas Social recently. Members showed up in ugly homemade sweaters or commercial sweaters and outfits that could easily have competed in major competition!! They danced to popular DJ music, enjoyed the networking, and some walked away with beautiful door prizes from Zales, Gordon’s Jewelers, UETA, and Radisson Hotel, just for bringing a toy for the Toy Drive. Next year the competition will include a trophy for male and female ugliest sweater.

CYNTHIA SAKULENZKI AND JOANNE ZELTNER

MICHAEL AND CRISTINA WILSON

NORMA GUEVARA AND OMAR GUEVARA

RAUL AND DIANA RODRIGUEZ

ELIZABETH VIELMA AND ESTELA SALAZAR

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Please Join us for

20th Annual Noche De Gala

Boots & Bubbly Friday, March 8, 2019 6:00pm - 12:00am

Mayrin Banquet Hall 1117 E. Alberta Rd. Edinburg, TX HONORING

D.V. & Carmen Guerra Golden Eagle Award Recipients

&

Business Awards

Tickets $ 100 Reserved Table of 8 $ 1000

RSVP: 956.928.0060 elizabeth@rgvhcc.com DINNER - DANCE -OPEN BAR - CASINO - SILENT & LIVE AUCTION Entertainment by: Roppin' the Wind www.kumorisushi.com

CENTENNIAL CUP POLO MATCH

McAllen Photography by Victoria Gaytan

The community was part of the fun and excitement of world class polo as the McAllen Polo Club hosted the Centennial Cup Polo Match on December 1st at the Springfest Park in McAllen, benefiting CASA of Hidalgo County, Inc. The McAllen Polo Team hosted a tournament with visiting teams from Houston, San Antonio and Austin. The event included live music, hors d’ourves and complimentary drinks. All proceeds benefited CASA of Hidalgo County, Inc.

SARAELI GONZALEZ AND LILANA HELMEVS

OLIVER RODRIGUEZ, JOSEPHINE BARBER, AND RAMON RODRIGUEZ 2

CELINA GONZALES AND STEPHANIE FRANKY

SOFIA RAMON, LULU VELA, MARIELLA VELA, AND GERARDO VELA

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SOCIALIFE

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

We can help you reach the right volume.

ADVERTISING STRATEGIES AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT WORK PRINT • WEB • TV • RADIO • SOCIAL MEDIA • CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT

www.decibel.rocks

RGV PARTNERSHIP HOLIDAY SOCIAL

McAllen Photography by Dustin Coronado

BERNICE SMITH, ANABELL CARDONA, AND DAVID SMITH

DANNY GURWITZ AND JOE HABBOUCHE

The RGV Partnership hosted its annual holiday party for members and friends. The RGV Partnership drives advancement of the Rio Grande Valley by unifying stakeholders in the spirit of collaboration and regional progress, and by being an influential advocate for the region. Thank you to Danny Gurwitz, 2018 RGV Partnership Chairman, Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez L.L.P. and its Board of Directors for your commitment to regional progress.

J.D. SALINAS AND RHONDA SALINAS

SERGIO AND KARI CONTERAS

DULCE MARTINEZ, SANDRA DE LOS SANTOS, AND MONICA SANCHEZ

58

SOCIALIFE

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Celebrating the Beautiful Birds of McAllen

By Quinta Maz atlan World Birding C enter

When we see the excitement a

creatures, they are accessible to us

Jay is the official bird of the City of

Thrush. This bird sports mostly

beautiful bird brings out of people –

all, often in our own yards.

McAllen – a good choice for not only

brown & tan plumage, but it’s the

its beauty but also its intelligence.

song that makes this bird stand out;

the smiles and gasps, the high-fives and hugs after glimpsing a rarity, or

Although rarities receive a lot of

the quiet fascination of a child seeing

media attention, our resident birds

While flashy birds like the Green

dusk or dawn in woodlands and lush

a Green Jay for the first time – we

are seen by most visitors and deserve

Jay get an immediate response, the

neighborhoods in the Valley.

are reminded of a quote from David

appreciation. Beauty is subjective, but

subtler beauty of a Common Pauraque

Attenborough: “Everyone likes birds.

the following three birds were chosen

takes a bit more time to appreciate,

Truly, beautiful birds are all around us,

What wild creature is more accessible

to represent a variety of ways birds

particularly because the bird is so

accessible to all. If you are interested

to our eyes and ears, as close to

are beautiful.

hard to spot! However, when the eye

in learning more about birds and

finally picks out the delicate gold and

birdwatching, join us on Saturdays

We’ll start out with the brightest--

black feathers amidst the wash of soft

at 8:30 am for a stroll through the

Green Jay. This magnificent corvid

browns and grays, one truly comes

woods. On February 2nd from 2-4 pm,

Indeed, birds have captured our

(a member of the crow and raven

to appreciate this camouflaged

join us in the “Begin to Bird Watch”

hearts and minds for millennia,

family) never fails to impress visitors

masterpiece.

workshop.

whether we’re enjoying the ducks in a

to the Valley. The combination of blue,

local pond or chasing after rare birds

black, green, and yellow is visually

There

around the world. While bird watchers

impressive and fairly unique among

candidates for the last spot, but we’ll

www.QuintaMazatlan.com

are particularly fond of these exquisite

birds in the United States. The Green

finish the list with the Clay-colored

(956) 681-3370

us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?”

60

SOCIALIFE DECEMBER 2018

its melodic whistles will ring out at

are

hundreds

of

more

For more information:

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

2ND ANNUAL WELCOME BACK WINTER TEXANS GOLF TOURNAMENT Pharr Photography by Haron Saenz

YVAN PREVOST, JULIE PREVOST, AND YVES BARBEAU

GORDON DUQUAINE, GARY ALEXANDER, AND JIM SEITZ

MARIO LIZCANO, SENATOR EDDIE LUCIO JR, FRANK NUNEZ, REBECCA ARIZMENDI, AND ELEAZAR GUAJARDO

JOHN ORVEDAHL, BOB SHARPLING, AND BRIAN INKSTER

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SOCIALIFE

The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2nd Annual Welcome Back Winter Texans Golf Tournament on December 10, 2018. The event took place the Tierra del Sol Golf Course in Pharr, Texas, with over 20 Winter Texan teams participating and numerous sponsors to help make the event a success. The tournament is specifically put together to welcome the Winter Texan community and to recognize the significant economic impact these individuals bring to the Rio Grande Valley. The RGV is truly their home away from home!

MITCH GODIN, CLAIRE GODIN, AND LAVAL DALLAIRE

LANE FRASER, GAYLE ST. PIERRE, AND LINDA MILLER

ORRIN RETKA, DON KANNON, AND TOM RETKA

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

NON-PROFIT SPOT LIGHT

Boys and Girls Club of McAllen

By Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar I challenge you to find someone in McAllen who

programming boasts of several hundred teens

The McAllen’s Boys & Girls Club has helped

has not attended The Boys & Girls Club or who

preparing for the workforce through Junior

produce generations of teachers, business

does not currently have a child participating in

Staff, Youth Advisory Council, and in 2019, an

owners, doctors, and community leaders. That

their sports or after-school programming. It’ll be

internship program!

legacy is matched by the legacy of volunteer

pretty tough to find a person in McAllen that has

board members that have served the thousands

not been impacted by the fifty-three years of

All of the club’s programs are kid-focused and

of children going through the club’s doors each

memorable summer camp experiences, quality

research-based, hinged on creating a safe

year. Past board members include mayors, city

after-school programming or has not engaged

space for kids that need us the most during

commissioners, and leaders in their respective

in their athletic program, a program that has

the critical after-school hours when parents

professions, all coming together to fulfill the

grown NBA, NFL, and MLB players along with a

are working. In fact, clubs across America are

mission of the club. In fact, the synergy found

slew of college athletes.

helping to keep cities safer and keep crimes

within the board, administration and staff, the

committed by and against children lower than

City of McAllen, McAllen ISD, and a host of

Though club member experience looks different

cities that do not have a thriving club. Their after

other individual and private entities ensures

in 2018 than it did in 1961, the mission of the

school program is the cornerstone of the work

each child attending the club has an equitable

club has remained the same: “to enable all

that they do, and it’s not just about free play

opportunity at bettering themselves through

young people, especially those who need us the

anymore! Programming is an extension of the

the after school programs, summer camps, and

most, to reach their full potential as productive,

school day where members receive assistance

sports teams. Clearly, the trajectory of children’s

caring, responsible citizens,” and it is the

in homework completion, participate in Money

lives are positively redirected each and every

driving force behind their purpose. The club

Matters (a financial literacy program), Career

day at The Boys & Girls Club of McAllen! For

reaches over 12,000 kids engaging in 1 of 7 after-

Launch (a career exploration curriculum),

more information on how you can can get

school clubhouses, participating in year round

digital literacy and healthy living instruction,

involved in the life-changing work of The Boys

baseball, volleyball, girls’ and boys’ basketball,

and workforce development opportunities—this

& Girls Club visit www.bgcmcallen.net.

softball, and flag football, or visiting during

in addition to a suite of other material aimed at

seasonal opportunities to engage in special

giving club members an opportunity to grow up

events. Their most recent expansion into teen

to be the best version of themselves!

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

SOCIALIFE 65

HOLIDAY TOY GIVEAWAY

L&F DISTRIBUTORS AND THE HIDALGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Alamo Photography by Yvette Donovan

66

SOCIALIFE

L&F Distributors of McAllen and the Hidalgo County Sheriff ’s Community Foundation partnered up last December for a holiday toy giveaway that was held at the Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Community Resource Center in Alamo, TX. This event was a warm effort to bring holiday cheer to children in the community who would have otherwise missed out on holiday fun due to family income constraints and other personal challenges.

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

Save the date!

The UTRGV medical students invite you to

Inaugural Evening of Honors Gala Feb. 23, 2019 | 6 PM | Rancho Guadalupe Black tie attire Table, tickets and sponsorship opportunities available: https://give.utrgv.edu/SOMstudentgala All proceeds will support medical students’ programs

A TOUCH OF FROST

VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA McAllen Photography by Anai Noyola

The Valley Symphony Orchestra celebrated the holiday season with their annual “A Touch of Frost” concert, sponsored by Frost Bank. The 70-member orchestra and 100-member chorale performed holiday favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and “Feliz Navidad” along with selections from “The Nutcracker,” Handel’s “Messiah” and more. An exclusive holiday photo backdrop provided by Wallflower RGV made the evening’s festivities complete.

DONNA BRUNDIGE, KARINAH TORRES, HALEY NELSON, AND SANDRA CHARLTON

IRENE, ANDREA AND BETO MANRIQUE

CINDY MEDINA, LINDA MELLAR AND PAM HAVENS, AND VICTORIA VARGAS

68

SOCIALIFE

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

University Plaza • Retail • Edinburg

The Chase Tower • Office • McAllen

Twenty Seventeen South 10th Street • Retail • McAllen

The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley • Retail • Edinburg

Cornerstone Medical Park • Office • Edinburg

Tribeca Square • Mixed Use • McAllen

University Plaza is a neighborhood center located in Edinburg, TX at the intersection of Sugar Road and University Drive.

With excellent proximity to The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, this strip center is ideal for any retail, restaurant, or professional service user.

Twenty Seventeen South 10th Street is located in one of McAllen, TX’s most dense retail districts. This multi-tenant, Strip Center sits directly across from La Plaza Mall and offers amazing visibility.

This beautiful, Class “A”, Edinburg office building sits perfectly within Edinburg’s Medical Corridor. A hard-corner location on Trenton Road and McColl Road make it the ideal office location.

A newly remodeled, landmark, building in the heart of McAllen’s Central Business District, The Chase Tower offers unbeatable views, 24-hour, uniformed security, and on-site banking and dining. Move-in ready and custom spaces available.

This Academy-anchored Shopping Center is perfectly situated in Edinburg’s rapidly growing retail district. The center has access from Trenton Road and U.S. Highway 281 providing great Expressway visibility. Additional Anchors: Burlington, JC Penny, Bobs Chop House.

Tribeca Square is a new construction, mixed-use center, perfectly situated in one of South McAllen, TX’s busiest and fastest growing areas. Perfect for retail, medical, and office.

DANIEL GALVAN, CCIM | 956.451.2983 | dgalvan@cbcworldwide.com

www.cbcworldwide.com

Listing information provided by Coldwell Banker Commercial RGV. Information is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates fully supports the principles of the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Coldwell Banker Commercial and the Coldwell Banker Commercial Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates.

PHARR TOWN CENTER

500 North Jackson Road, Pharr, Texas 78577

MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE - 8,505 SF

For more information: info@levcor.com 713.952.0366

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS Located in the booming retail area of Pharr, Texas Located along the highly trafficked N. Jackson Road & Highway 83 470,000 S.F. Shopping Center Anchor tenants include Main Event, Cinemark and Academy Over 3 million visitors to Pharr Town Center a year 1.5 million people live in the Rio Grande Valley There are over 5 million people within an hour’s drive from our center across the border that come to Pharr to shop and eat.

• Jackson Road is on of the main thoroughfares from Mexico that leads right into our project.

• • • • • • •

Traffic Counts

124,000 cpd - US Expressway 83 25,000 cpd - North Jackson Road

Parking Provided Parking Ra�o

Consumer Expenditure - Ent. and Rec.

Average

3,381 9.6 / 1,000 cars

Index

Total

Entertainment/Recrea�on

$5,165

166 $81,143,703

Entertainment/Recrea�on-Fees & Admissions

$1,154

181 $18,135,780

Celebrating One Hundred Years EST. 1919 www.ValleyLandTitleCo.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS OF THE RGV January 17

CITY OF PHARR STATE OF THE CITY Pharr Event Center 11:00 a.m.

PHARR’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

FIESTA OF LOVE: 10TH ANNIVERSARY PUPPY LOVE GALA PALM VALLEY ANIMAL CENTER McAllen Convention Center 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Pharr Event Center 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

February 16

January 19

Echo Hotel & Conference Center SAVE THE DATE

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS

February 21

13TH ANNUAL MARIAN CONFERENCE Our Lady of Sorrows Church MSGR. Ralph Hall -McAllen 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

MCALLEN MARATHON & HEALTH EXPO McAllen Convention Center 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

FARM DINNER 2019 RGV Food Bank 5:00 p.m.

January 30

LEGALLY BLONDE - THE MUSICAL McAllen Performing Arts 7:30 p.m.

February 2

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED: TEXAS MARTINI PARTY - JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MCALLEN Sofie’s “SS” Saloon 7:00 p.m.

February 7

DIVAS OF THE SYMPHONY GALA VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA McAllen Convention Center Ballroom 6:30 p.m.

February 8

LEAD OFF DINNER UTRGV BASEBALL DoubleTree Suites 5:00 p.m.

February 9 FAN DAY

UTRGV Baseball SAVE THE DATE

CAJUN FEST 2019

ADDY AWARDS GALA AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION The Grand Banquet Center - McAllen 6:30 p.m.

February 23

KICKIN’ IT UP FOR KIDS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MCALLEN

BOOTS & BUBBLY NOCHE DE GALA RGV HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mayrin Banquet Hall 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

March 9

SIZZLING IN THE TROPICS BBQ COOKOFF McAllen Chamber of Commerce 12:00 p.m.

March 15 - 16

6TH ANNUAL ARTRAGEOUS ART EXHIBIT EDINBURG ARTS FOUNDATION Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance SAVE THE DATE

March 22

IL DIVO: TIMELESS TOUR McAllen Performing Arts 8:30 p.m.

McAllen Country Club 6:00 p.m.

April 4

INAUGURAL EVENING OF HONORS GALA UTRGV SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

McAllen Convention Center 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Rancho Guadalupe 6:00 p.m.

TASTE MCALLEN

April 5

CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL

THE 3 B’S: BEATLES, BRAHMS & BEETHOVEN VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

March 1

April 6

February 26

McAllen Performing Arts 7:00 p.m.

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

March 2

VINOS 2019 THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER OF HIDALGO COUNTY Embassy Suites McAllen 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

March 7

HOPE IS IN BLOOM AROUND THE WORLD ANNUAL GALA RGV CATHOLIC CHARITIES Embassy Suites McAllen 6:30 p.m.

March 8

McAllen Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

A NIGHT AT THE BREW-SEUM

International Museum of Art & Science 7:00 p.m.

April 8

PRESIDENTS’ CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT MCALLEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PalmView Golf Course

April 9

ROGER + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA MCALLEN PERFORMING ARTS 7:30 p.m.

April 25

DINNER & AUCTION SCHOLARSHIP GALA IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Mission Event Center 7:00 p.m.

TACOS & TEQUILA

McAllen Chamber of Commerce 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

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SOCIALIFE

WWW.SOCIALIFERGV.COM

L E V E L T NEX 2 1 1 07 1 january

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Club of Edinburg

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