VIDA Magazine Winter 2013

DECOMAGAZINE 20

Eva’s Heroes is a nonprofit organization

dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals

with intellectual special needs by providing

an inclusive setting built on four tenets: inte-

ract, grow, learn, and love. Based in San An-

tonio, Texas, the organization helps teens and

young adults ages 14 and older who have in-

tellectual special needs to integrate and flou-

rish in society. The organization was foun-

ded in 2006 by actress Eva Longoria and

Board President Christiane Perkins-Garcia.

VIDA covered the red carpet event on

Saturday, October 12, 2013, in San Antonio,

Texas, at the Eilan Hotel Resort and Spa. Over

650 attended the signature event celebrating a

theme of the “Swinging Sixties”, which was one

of the most dynamic decades – an era known

for The Rat Pack and the resurgence of Elvis.

Brownsville artist Eric Medina, of Me-

dina’s Custom Poker Tables built a cus-

tom poker table as one of the main grand

prizes, which was valued over $7,500.

“I am honored to have participated

and provide Eva and Christiane’s organi-

zation a custom poker table,” Medina said.

Not only was Medina a guest of

the event but he participated in the an-

nual celebrity poker tournament and won

third place – a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to figures maintained by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

about 6.5 million people in the United States

have an intellectual disability; that includes

more than 545,000 school-age children. One

of the greatest challenges for children across

the spectrum of intellectual special needs

is developing the life skills necessary for in-

tegrating into society. Active and ongoing

community participation is a key ingredient

to helping children reach their full potential,

but the cost and availability of accommoda-

ting programs are obstacles for many families.

Eva’s Heroes offers unique opportunities

for these young men and women that may not be

able available to them elsewhere. This outreach

is conducted through three primary programs.

After School Program is open to middle and

high school students with intellectual special

needs. The program is conducted every week

from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Monthly Activities Program is recrea-

tion-based and designed to empower par-

ticipants to try new and unique activities.

Participants must be at least 16 years old

and are accompanied by highly qualified

staff and volunteers. A rich variety of acti-

vities, such as bowling, dance, workshops,

museum visits, and interactive and specta-

tor sports, are offered throughout the year.

Summer Enrichment Program gives young

people the opportunity to enjoy a summer

camp experience in a structured and suppor-

tive environment. The Summer Enrichment

Program, which is open to your ages 14 to 21,

is held annually during a six-week period when

school is in summer recess. Participants enga-

ge in dynamic activities that weave education

and recreation together, such as sports and

outdoor activities, cooking, computer skills,

arts and crafts, archery, fishing, and canoeing.

6th Annual Celebrity Casino Night presented by L’Oreal – ParisEva’s Heroes hosts benefit fundraiser for individuals with special needs

BY: Jason E. Moody - PublisherPHOTOGRAPHY BY: VIDA Publications, LLC.

VIDA Magazine - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue 6

21 DECOMAGAZINE 7 VIDA Magazine - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue

Eva’s Heroes13526 George Rd. Ste. #110San Antonio, Texas 78230www.evasheroes.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Shawne Stewart-ZakariaPROGRAM DIRECTOR: Jenn Stevenson

DECOMAGAZINE 2

On the Cover: Gabriel Bernal on East Elizabeth Street Brownsville Texas. Photography by Fox Aguilar.

EVA’S HEROES

ACCION

SANDRA BETANCOURT

MCALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

VIDA Magazine was present to cover

Eva’s remarkable charity event.

Learn about the magnificent benefits of

organizations such as Accion in South

Texas.

Take a new look what it takes to

maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Nationally recognized architectural

project here in the Rio Grande Valley.

New management in Longhorn

Steakhouse - dining at its best.

KING TUT EXHIBITION

GABRIEL BERNAL

6

36

12

22

26

46

40

Experience the world renowed exhibition here in the Rio Grande Valley

An inspirational story about self-motivation, power, and achievement.

CONTENTS


3 DECOMAGAZINE

ALMA DE LA ROSA

MESSINA HOFF

GOURMET CENTRAL

DR. MARIN

H.O.P.E.

An agent unlike no other, willing to

bring forth solutions for your needs.

Fine wine - a small piece of “Napa

Valley” just Texas style!

Take a sneak peak at what makes locally

recognized Gourmet Central special.

New doctor settling in Brownsville,

Texas here to serve you and your

families.

Take a look at this magnificent

organization out to help those with

medical needs.

CEO WOMEN IN HEALTHCARE

28

18

29

30

32

31

Meet the women in charge of maintaing high quality healthcare to all Valley residents.

Founded in April 2013, VIDA is the official publication of South Texas in Arts |

Culture | Lifestyle| Innovation

Copyright © 2013

Founded in March 2013, RGV | Spotlight™ is the official partner of VIDA

Magazine in providing patent #61/804,190

Copyright © 2013

11 VIDA Magazine - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue

StaffHealth & Wellness: A Community Issue

2013

PublishersJason E. Moody & Osli J. Mejia

Advertising SpecialistAida Alvarez

Account ExecutiveMonica MontalvoRenato Rodriguez

CreativeVIDA Publications, L.L.C.

Copy EditorsCecilia S. Moody

Lauren Quackenbush

WritersCori Aiken

Stephanie BarbosaJose Borjon

Ernie J. GarridoMonica Gonzalez

Michael LeosNaissa Lopez

PhotographyFox AguilarJoe Hermosa

Norberto MartinezYvette Martinez

Web DesignVIDA Publications, L.L.C.

DECOMAGAZINE 4

GABRIELBERNALHope. Diligence. Determination.

Gabriel Bernal has always

been a hard-worker at heart.

Born and raised in Brownsville, Bernal is

a full-time student, physical trainer, and bod-

ybuilder. As a child, Bernal was always very

active, participating in basketball, football, ba-

seball, hockey and even gymnastics. He gradua-

ted from Hanna High School in 2006, where

he played cornerback for the football team.

In 2005, Bernal was introduced to the sport

of bodybuilding by a group of friends at his

local gym, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Bernal is inspired by people who conti-

nue to test their physical and mental limi-

tations in the effort to fulfill their dreams.

“I’ve seen a couple of bodybuilders who

have no legs or arms, but they still get on

stage and they do what they love to do,”

Bernal says. “Hard work and hard-wor-

king people like that motivate me.”

It is safe to say that Bernal is one of those

people who pushes the limits for his goals.

He was born with a heart murmur, so he

must exercise caution whenever he trains. He

says it can have a negative effect on his bod-

ybuilding training, because he gets tired very

quickly, and he has to take longer breaks than

Gabriel Bernal, student and full-

time trainer/competitor.

BY: Stephanie R. Barbosa

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Fox Aguilar


5 DECOMAGAZINE

most other people. Because of these limita-

tions, he admits that he sometimes must work

harder to maintain his health and physique.

“When I work out I do get tired a lot fas-

ter than other people, but I love bodybuil-

ding. I think it’s an art and not a lot of peo-

ple can do it. Since I love it so much I try

to overcome all those things,” Bernal says.

And all that hard work has certainly paid off.

Since he started training in at the age of 18,

Bernal has placed in several natural bod-

ybuilding contests, including the National

Physique Committee West Texas Classic. He

admits his initial nervousness about ente-

ring the intimidating world of bodybuilding.

“I didn’t even know what I was get-

ting into, but I continued working on it

and everything just fell into place,” he says.

Now at 26, he sees bodybuilding as his second

home. Bernal continues to train and hopes to

enter in more competitions by the end of next

year. He says training for each competition usua-

lly precedes with several weeks of cardio and

strength training, and a muscle-building diet.

Bernal is not all brawn and muscle; he also

has an artistic side. With his limited amount

of free time, he enjoys acrylic painting, pla-

1st place winner of the National

Physique Committee West Texas

Classic. Regardless of his title or

conditions, he excells in training and

discipline.


DECOMAGAZINE 6

ying with his dogs, and horseback riding.

He also studies at UT Brownsville and

works as a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym.

After he earns his bachelors degree, Bernal

aspires to enter a post-grad college to study

physical therapy so he can continue to help

others achieve their health and fitness goals.

As well as hard work, Bernal’s fami-

ly is a strong motivational force for him.

He talks about his family with so much en-

thusiasm that it is apparent where his po-

sitive attitude and diligence comes from.

“My twin brother [Jose Angel Bernal Jr.]

and I are both going to school and wor-

king to help our family with the bills and

our little brother [Alejandro Bernal] with

medical school in Dominica,” he says.

Another source of inspiration comes

from his mother, Lucila Garcia Bernal.

“My mom has rheumatoid arthritis and has

been in pain 24/7 since she was about 30, but

she still manages to get up to make breakfast

for the family and do other activities,” he says.

Bernal also describes his father, Jose An-

gel Bernal Sr., as a go-getter who doesn’t

know the meaning of the word “quit.” In the

80s, Jose Angel started Star Plumbing Su-

pply, where Gabriel works from time to time.

In addition to his help with the family busi-

ness and personal training, Bernal has also

As a committed employee to

Gold’s Gym, Gabriel enjoys the

company of his co-workers as

they all come together to deliver

the best customer service he can

provide.


7 DECOMAGAZINE

worked at Best Buy since he was about 20.

Working three jobs and being a full-time

student doesn’t give Bernal much time to catch

a breath for his love of bodybuilding, but he

fits in as much cardio and resistance training

as he can to maintain his health and muscle,

and to continue working towards his goals.

“I try to utilize every second I have, be-

cause every second goes towards the future.”

“Gabriel Bernal has always been a hard-

worker at heart.”

Discipline is a characteristic worth training for. As a personal

trainer, Gabriel instills his positive attitude in reaching fitness

goals.

Gold’s Gym @Brownsville800 Sunrise Blvd.

Brownsville, Texas 78526956.982.7903

Gabriel Bernalpersonal trainer

DECOMAGAZINE 8

CEO WOMEN IN HEALTHCARE

day in medicine, Andrews considers one of the grea-

ter innovations to be the system known as Compute-

rized Provider Order Entry (CPOE). The system is

being implemented across hospitals not only in Texas,

but throughout the United States. Valley Regional

Medical Center began implementing it last January.

The CPOE system allows physicians to submit

medication orders, laboratory orders and radiology

orders for patient care into a Web-based program

throughout the hospital, Andrews explained. For

example, if a physician places a prescription order

for a patient, it sends that prescription straight to

the pharmacy and the pharmacist fills the order.

“That way patients get the correct medication

at the correct time and there is a lot less room

for any type of failure or problem,” she said. “It cuts out several

steps which makes it more efficient and a lot safer. One hundred per-

cent of our physicians have been trained, and we are running pretty

close to 65 percent of all of our orders being placed electronically.”

Andrews credits the entire team at Valley Regional for top sco-

res in patient satisfaction and believes it starts with the employees.

“We have a very involved group here. We ranked fair-

ly high in engagement in our employment,” she said. “Ha-

ppy employees translates to better care for our patients.”

High marks aside, Andrews’ focus is not on recogni-

tion or improving numbers, her focus is the patient.

“Making sure that our patients are safe, getting the very best medical

care that they can receive and doing it with the right things in place,” she said.

Having the right doctors, nursing staff and leader-

ship is key to accomplishing this goal, she stressed.

“Once you have all of those things, everything falls into place.”

BY CORI AIKEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY NORBERTO MARTINEZ & FOX AGUILAR


SUSAN ANDREWS - VRMC

Seeking to put healthcare on track by focusing on patient care and affordability and superior quality, Susan An-

drews, Leslie Bingham, Jennifer Garza and Cris Rivera are concentrating on what is important to the community.

With technology changing every day and a new medical school on the horizon, VIDA talked with these leaders from the hi-

ghest levels of the healthcare industry to discuss the future of health, wellness and technology that is leading the way in South Texas.

No matter the course, there is one goal among the three women: quality healthcare for the people of the Rio Grande Valley.

Valley Regional Medical Center CEO Susan Andrews belie-

ves every person in Brownsville deserves quality health care, and her

goal is to provide the best patient-centered care for our community.

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, she had many friends

from the Rio Grande Valley and would often visit the area.

Andrews earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in

marketing from Corpus Christi State University and later received a master

of business administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

She previously served as chief operating officer of Corpus Christi

Medical Center. She chose to remain in South Texas because it is her home.

“I wanted to do something for the area that I was born and rai-

sed in,” she said. “We all deserve to have our health care needs

met, and I want to make sure that we’re doing that. This is my

way of giving back to the community that helped raise me.”

With so many different technological advancements being made every

Susan Andrews, CEO of Valley

Regional Medical Center at

Brownsville

9 DECOMAGAZINE

LESLIE BINGHAM - VBMC


Leslie Bingham, CEO of Valley

Baptist Medical Center at

Brownsville

Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville

CEO Leslie Bingham initially had no plans to

enter the health care profession, but 20 years

later she is happy with the path she took.

Born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., she

received her bachelor’s degree in special edu-

cation and her master’s in education psy-

chology from the University of Mississippi.

Shortly after earning her degrees, she

moved to Texas and began to teach for the

San Antonio Independent School District.

While reading the local paper one day,

she came across an advertisement that cau-

ght her attention. A local hospital was

looking for an instructor to teach sum-

mer school to hospital-bound children.

“I taught summer school in the hospi-

tal and loved it so much,” she said. “It was a

real supportive environment for the kids.”

When the new school year be-

gan, she left the school district and star-

ted teaching at the hospital full time.

“How I got into management was,” she

continued, “I was working with the kids…

they had an opening for a pediatric unit and

asked me if I would be interested in hel-

ping, and so I ran that unit. Shortly after

that, I was given responsibilities of another

unit, then I got into leadership from there.”

Since the beginning of her career,

Bingham has moved from San Antonio

back to Memphis, then eastward to Nor-

th Carolina and eventually back to Texas.

In 1993, Bingham was working in the

Dallas-Fort Worth area when she was ca-

lled upon to relocate to the Valley. Hesitant

at first, her supervisor assured her that he

would transfer her to a larger metropolitan

area after she got the hospital back on its feet.

About a month into the job though, she ca-

lled her boss and said she didn’t want to leave.

“The Valley was such a wonderful place,”

she said. “It was so family oriented and there

were so many opportunities, I wanted to stay.”

One of those opportunities was the ability to

further her education at an esteemed university.

At the time, she had 12 years of on-the-job

business leadership experience but no formal

education in business leadership, so in 1997 she

decided to attend the University of Texas Pan

American and enroll in their weekend courses.

Two years later, she had earned her

master of business administration (MBA).

She considers herself an honorary citizen of

the Valley and is excited for what the future holds.

“UT-Houston has a biomedical research

center on the UTB (University of Texas at

Brownsville) campus, and as a result of it

opening here…the attention has brought re-

searchers down here with NIH (National

Institutes of Health) grants to do research to

see how we can make a difference in the lives

of the people of the Valley,” she explained.

She hopes that the research into the chronic

health problems of the Valley -- one being dia-

betes and its related conditions, such as obesity,

kidney disease and heart failure -- will help to

improve the overall health of the community.

Bingham is also excited about the up-

coming plans for a medical school and be-

lieves the opportunities will be endless.

“What our elected officials have done

to try to encourage UT to open a me-

dical school to actually grow our own

physicians is remarkable,” she said.

Bingham considers herself a server of the

community and is passionate about making

sure everyone is getting quality health care.

“We’re taking care of ‘abue-

los,’ our neighbors and our kids’ tea-

chers,” she said. “We can’t forget that.”

DECOMAGAZINE 32

MAKING BETTER CHOICES WITH FOOD

BY: NAISSA LOPEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOE HERMOSA


Zumba is so much Fun – with Sandra Betancourt

33 DECOMAGAZINE

The relationship that many people have

with food is often a positive one. The study

of what is essential to our bodies is what

inspired Sandra Betancourt to become a

registered dietician and fitness instructor.

A registered dietician is an indivi-

dual who meets all the credentials nee-

ded to earn the prestigious title of “RD.”

“I love food!” said Betancourt when asked

why she chose healthy eating as her career

path. “I love to eat. It’s one of the best plea-

sures in life. I started wondering ‘What can I

eat and how should I make better choices?’”

Growing up, Betancourt did not have

the financial support to travel out of sta-

te for her education and attended the

University of Texas Pan-American.

“I chose between becoming a nur-

Zumba Sessions at Coria Fitness

“Betancourt became interested in helping others on their quest to make better

lifestyle changes for themselves.”

se, an occupational therapist or a re-

gistered dietician,” said Betancourt.

Those who choose to become registered

dieticians will excel academically in areas such as

food and nutrition, microbiology and chemistry.

The field itself is vast and registe-

red dieticians can work in hospitals, day-

cares, nursing homes, school districts or

even start their own private practices.

After graduating with her Bachelors of

Science and Dietetics, Betancourt became

interested in helping others on their quest to

make better lifestyle changes for themselves.

“I am certified in child and adolescent wei-


- Sandra Betancourt

DECOMAGAZINE 34

and I will show you everything,” said Betancourt.

One eye-opening fact that she ad-

ded was discussing how our body rege-

nerates itself and is a reflection of the

things we have eaten mere days before.

“Every 29 days our body regenerates and

we produce brand new skin, said Betan-

court. “Everything that we have eaten those

past 29 days will show, isn’t that amazing?”

Betancourt says, “You literally are what you eat!”

After consulting with Betancourt, you

notice a weight change in as little as

two weeks with her recommendations.

Betancourt’s Zumba class is taught at Co-

ria Fitness in Brownsville from Mon-

day to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

and Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

ZUMBA & DIET SERVICES WITH SANDRA G. BETANCOURT

26 S. Coria St.

Brownsville, Texas 78520

956.546.3889


855 Price Rd. Suite 3


956.554.7705

ght management, renal disease, adult weight

management and diabetes to name a few,” said

Betancourt. “I will teach you to change your

eating habits. These are commitments you

are willing to carry out to better your body.”

“I was at the mall and saw a very handso-

me, tall boy come up to me. Turns out I had

seen him when he was eight years old. His mo-

ther told me that to this day he has continued to

eat healthy,” said Betancourt, while remembe-

ring a young man whose life she helped change.

“It is very gratifying to see someone who

has lost weight, said Betancourt. “It is important

that when we begin to lose weight we continua-

lly eat healthy. It is a complete lifestyle change.”

After being asked about simple things that

an individual can do to improve their health,

Betancourt elaborated on many small chan-

ges that can make a difference in our bodies.

“Drink water!” Betancourt said.

“70 percent of our body is fluid.”

She recommends cutting back on fatty

goods and not eating any fry foods. Instead,

she adds that we should bake it. She notes that

decreasing sugar intake is also essential and the-

re are so many sugar substitutes available now.

Sandra began teaching at Gold’s Gym and

helped start the Zumba movement in Browns-

ville. She received her Basic I Zumba certifi-

cation in May of 2009 and teaches a Zumba

class at Coria Fitness Club in Brownsville.

She later became trained in Basic Zumba

II, Zumba Toning, Zumba Sentao (a much more

intense form of the exercise) and Zumbatomic,

which is Zumba for children between 4 and 12.

“It is fun for many of us because we like

to dance,” said Betancourt when asked why

people should participate in this particular

form of wellness training. “It is a stress relie-

ver with the advantage that you are losing fat.”

There are many health benefits in adding

Zumba to your lifestyle. Along with improving

your coordination and burning fat in your core,

Zumba also sculpts various muscles in the body.

“One hour of Zumba can burn up to

1000 calories depending on your wei-

ght and intensity,” said Betancourt.

“There are participants of all ages. My

youngest client is 10-years-old and the ol-

dest is 71,” said Betancourt when asked

what the average Zumba clients age is.

“We should exercise 6 times a week for

30 minutes to be heart-healthy, and for wei-

ght loss we should exercise for an hour.”

A sit-down office visit with Betancourt will

not only entail discussing your goals and eating

habits. She will also show you first hand what

you put into your body that you should not be

eating and give you the healthier alternatives.

“I’m a visual person. My office looks like a pantry

DECOMAGAZINE 24Architecture - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue 26

McAllen Public Library

We all know that if we need a Wal-Mart we can find one

just about anywhere. But what becomes unique is what used

to be a Wal-Mart building becoming a modern and contempo-

rary library that has won awards and has been recognized as one

of the most beautiful and innovative libraries in the country.

That is why the Rio Grande Valley is so proud of the McAllen Pu-

blic Library because that is exactly what it has become. An architecture

jewel of what was an abandoned chain store. One of the main objectives

of this risky idea was to offer the community a place to gather and at

the same time help this community has the best a library could offer.

And so far so good, since it has been extremely busy on a daily basis.

When Wal-Mart closed its doors to open a bigger one just right down

the street, the City of McAllen purchased the old building for $5 million

for the property which measures about 124,500 square feet which equals

the size of two football fields. Close to $19 million in renovations were

spent, considering that is still is 25 % to 33% less than the average total

of starting to build a library building from the ground up. The proud

architectural firm from Minneapolis Meyer, Scherer, & Rockcastle, Ltd.

who has three decades of experience under its belt is the one responsible

for this amazing make-over which has earned the City of McAllen, The

International Interior Design Association 2012 Library Interior Design

Award this past June. This is also the largest one-story library in the

nation after the Library of Congress, offering its visitors a quiet room,

several computer labs, a bookstore, and a café. Space for an art gallery

was not left out as well as an auditorium with a capacity of 180 people.

The inside of the library is divided into three spaces, children’s

section, adults’ section, and an area for meeting spaces and sta-

ff. The beautiful redesign flaunts twenty-foot ceilings, along with

BY: McAllen Public Library PR

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: McAllen Public Library

Nationally Recognized Architecture in the RGV

25 DECOMAGAZINE 27 Architecture - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue

skylights and large windows which generates a special brightness

and a sense of cleanliness. To break up the librarian sections lar-

ge three-dimensional dividers hanging from the ceilings do the

job quite wall redefining the modernistic style of the renovation.

Technology is one of the most important tools nowadays but es-

pecially in a library. The McAllen Public Library uses as many automated

services as possible allowing the staff to have more time to interact and

attend to visitors. When one visits this ugly duckling turned swan, one

can tell that technology was a main priority in services for its visitors.

The City of McAllen wanted to serve its 130,000 residents with

the latest technology and the most innovative design and services

and it did work since membership increased about 25% in about se-

ven months from its inauguration. It has helped the city come to-

gether since it includes a section for all age group population.

From the youngest to the oldest and it includes a teen center.

PHOTO INFO:The entire building was

redesigned to provide a more

unique feel modern look for

all residents and visitors. Its

design has been praised by both

residents and national figures.

McAllen Public Library4001 N 23rd St, McAllen, TX 78504www.mcallenlibrary.net

Monday 9:00 am – 9:00 pmTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pmSaturday Sunday 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm

DECOMAGAZINE 26

From the private collection of Giovanni Amin, the

Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts presents a selection of

beautiful artwork and delicate Egyptian treasures such as

relief panels, the inner Sarcophagus and Funerary Mask

of King Tutankhamun, Mummy and reminders of rituals

practiced by this ancient culture. The stunning Sarcopha-

gus and gold death mask were the most famous treasures

to emerge from his tomb.

This exhibit hosts more than 150 artifacts, antique

objects, jewelry, and high quality replicas that will trans-

port you to Ancient Egypt, and aims to offer the ultimate

Egyptian Adventure and intimate historic knowledge that

will relive Howard Carters memories and discoveries.

Tutankhamun was a pharaoh during ancient Egypt’s New

Kingdom era, about 3,300 years ago. He ascended to the

throne at the age of nine but ruled for only 10 years before

dying at 19 around 1323 B.C.

KING TUTANKHAMUN EGYPTIAN TREASURES


BY: Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts

27 DECOMAGAZINE

Take a sneak peak of the experience that

Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts will deliver...

The discovery of King Tutankhamun could possibly be one

of the best descoveries in human history.

Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts660 E. Ringgold St.


956.542.0941

www.brownsvillemfa.org

“The stunning Sarcophagus and gold death mask were

the most famous treasures to emerge from his tomb.”


Despite his brief reign, King Tut is perhaps

Egypt’s best known pharaoh because of the wealth

of treasures – including a solid gold death mask –

found during the surprise discovery of his intact

tomb in 1922.

Though several of the foremost excavators

over the past century had declared there was

nothing left to find in the Valley of the Kings,

Howard Carter and his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon,

spent a number of years searching for a tomb

they weren’t sure existed. In November 1922, they

found it. Carter had discovered not just an unk-

nown ancient Egyptian tomb, but also one that

had lain nearly undisturbed for over 3,000; what

lay within astounded the world.

Live the adventure and discover King Tu-

tankhamun ancient Egyptian treasures at the

Brownsville Museum of Fine Art.

Exhibition Dates:

November 11, 2013 – October 2014

Museum Hours:

Monday – Tuesday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

DECOMAGAZINE 18Arts & Entertainment - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue 38

SANTA AND FRIENDS

Joyful entertainment sets the tone for

the holiday season! The award-winning

Fine Arts Department of the Brownsville

Independent School District renews a

heartwarming tradition by announcing the 2013

schedule of performances for “Santa & Friends.”

This year’s theme is

“The Magic of Christmas!”

Fine Arts Administrator, Dr. Rebecca

Rendon has been on board for “Santa &

Friends” since the inception in 2006. “The

original idea was to give a gift of holiday

cheer to the elementary students in the

school district. It has since grown into

one of the major productions that we

prepare for our community,” said Rendon,

a 31-year employee of BISD.

Elementary students have always been

the primary audience for “Santa & Friends.”

However, as the shows have grown in

popularity, the number of performances has

expanded to accommodate a broader

audience. Again this year, three nights have

been specially reserved for the public to

enjoy the holiday revue produced and

performed by BISD middle and high

Story and Photography Courtesy of the BISD Public Information Office

PRESENTS THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

“The original idea was to give a gift of holiday cheer

to the elementary students in the school district.”- Dr. Rebecca Rendon

Fine Arts Administrator

19 DECOMAGAZINE 39 Arts & Entertainment - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue

school students in the Fine Arts program.

Rendon has always believed in the concept

of students performing for students.

She noted, “It is rewarding to produce

this type of production. The students have

a great time, and in return for their hard

work and preparation, earn community

service hours. There is also satisfaction

in watching unique elements of the arts

such as band, choir, theatre, visual arts, and

dance come together in a collaborative effort.”

Members of the community are invited

to attend the evening performances at

7 PM on December 4th, 5th and 6th

at the Central Administration Building

Theatre. Tickets are $5. More information

is available by calling (956) 982-3730.

“It is rewarding to produce this type of production. The students have

a great time, and in return for their hard work and preparation, earn community

service hours.”

- Dr. Rebecca Rendon Fine Arts Administrator

DECOMAGAZINE 42

Accion Builds Pathways to Success

History:

San Antonio based Accion Texas, Inc. is a non-profit, multi-state micro-

and small business lender based in San Antonio that helps new and

existing entrepreneurs successfully grow their business. They began

lending in San Antonio in 1994 and later developed and implemented

an innovative “blueprint” for establishing micro lending and small

business programs in new areas. They now lend in eight states: Alabama,

Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee

and Texas. In 2007, Accion Texas began providing underwriting

and loan services to other micro lending institutions nationwide

through Accion’s creation of Microloan Management Services™.

Profile:

Accion Texas lends to any legal small business in their service area. They

do not exclude any profession or occupation. Most clients use loans

for working capital or equipment purchases. Many of their clients have

received more than one loan from us. Sixty-one percent of clients identify

themselves as Hispanic, 17 percent identify as African-American and 16

percent identify as White. Women comprise 40 percent of borrowers.

PROVIDED BY: ACCION TEXAS

Accion Texas – Rio Grande Valley

Mission StatementTo provide credit and services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources and to provide leadership and

innovation to the microlending industry.

Innovation - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue 42

“MMS™, powered by Accion TX, Inc. is a web-based, comprehensive solution for bu-siness loan origination. MMS™ increases len-ding efficiency, enables program scalability,

and improves portfolio quality.”

3

43 DECOMAGAZINE

Financial Profile:

Total Number of Loans: 14,601

Total Dollars Disbursed: $152,798,284

Active Portfolio: $30,363, 457

Total Loans Under Management: $31,224,025

Average Loan Balance: $12,904

Loan Range: $500 - $250,000

Organizational Profile:

Number of Offices: 21

Number of Employees: 99

Number of Active Clients: 2,353

Economic Impact:

In 2012, their micro- and small business owners

created 894 jobs and retained 2,120 jobs. The

SBA 504 borrowers reported creating 268 jobs

and retaining 226 jobs, for a total of 3,508 jobs

created and sustained by our borrowers in 2012.

A 2012 study conducted by researchers at the

University of Texas at Austin, the University

of California Los Angeles and New York

University analyzed five years of applicant data

(5,400 applicants, 2006 -2011) and concluded

that startups receiving microloans from Accion

Texas have a 74 percent survival rate; financing

increased the probability of a firm’s survival by

44 percent; and borrowers increased sales by

72.9 percent. A 2009 study of Accion Texas

economic impact calculated their commitment

in lending capital between 1994 and 2009

created economic activity of approximately

$173.8 million. These results represent an

estimated 60 percent social return on investment

– every dollar lent creates an additional 60 cents

annually in new economic activity. After three

small loans with Accion, clients on average

increase business equity by 22 percent, bring

in 67 percent more in monthly business profits

and increase take home pay by 44 percent.

McAllen/Edinburg – establish 1998

Total Loans: 1,480

Total Disbursed: $12,812,241

Brownsville – established 1998

Total Loans: 752

Total Disbursed: $6,450,059

Accion Texas, Inc. can provide support in:

+ Financial Planning and Bu-dgeting

+ Business and Strategic Plan-ning

+ Marketing and Sales Plan-ning

+ Legal Structure, Start-Up and Growth Planning

+ Perfecting Your Pricing & Cost

Accion in BrownsvilleChase Bank Bldg. 2nd Floor

2300 Boca Chica Blvd.Brownsville, Texas 78522

[email protected]

43 Innovation - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue

1. Lindos Momentos - Adult Daycare in McA-llen, TX Berta Villagomez Owner2. Juan Pena from Superior Refrigeration3. President & CEO, Janie Barrera

1

2

DECOMAGAZINE 16

City of Brownsville Parks & Recreation

The Brownsville Sports Park conti-

nues to live up to the expectations by at-

tracting over 225,000 visitors annually. The

150-acre includes 11 soccer fields, con-

cession stands, and 4 basketball courts.

A five-acre manmade lake equipped with

a boardwalk, pier, and boat ramp is one of

the first views that visitors see upon ente-

ring the park complex. The centerpiece of

the complex is a premier soccer field and

stadium that seats 5000 spectators, which

serves as an anchor for ten soccer fields

The park is also home to the area’s only

BMX track and large skate park. The Sport’s

Park continues to host to many major, natio-

nal, regional, and state local softball, soccer, and

football tournaments. The community takes ad-

vantage of the Skateboard’s Park and the BSP

was a haven for walkers and runners as well.

In 2009, the park boasted the addition of

the Beach Sports Cove, which hosts sand volley-

ball, beach flag football, and beach soccer pu-

blic open play, leagues and tournaments. Other

improvements included the addition of a state-

of-the-art Wind Harp, fencing for the multi-use

sports fields, and the addition of hundreds

of transplanted trees from the City’s nursery.

The park also continues to be the ul-

timate location for soccer and footba-

ll by being the only synthetic municipa-

lity of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley.

BY: Courtesy of City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: VIDA Publications, LLC

17 DECOMAGAZINE

The Brownsville Community Improvement

Corp. (BCIC) took to the task of revitalizing

a low-poverty neighborhood by building the

first cycle and pedestrian trail in the city to run

through a densely populated area. In partner-

ship with the Community Development Cor-

poration of Brownsville (CDCB) and the Da-

llas-based firm bcWorkshop, the planning and

design phase of the Belden Trail was concei-

ved as a public/private pilot program with the

hopes of replicating the same concept throu-

ghout similar neighborhoods in Brownsville.

West Brownsville’s new trail was inau-

gurated on October 24, 2013, with a ribbon

cutting ceremony and a neighborhood cele-

bration, but area residents were already using

it to walk to school and ride their bicycles.

The Belden Trail has helped revitalize

the neighborhood along its one-mile path

that begins at PraxOrive Jr. Park and ends

behind Skinner Elementary School. Homes

along the trail have been painted and repai-

red by their owners. A landscaping palette was


BY: Courtesy of City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: VIDA Publications, LLC

also reestablished using native plants that are

beautiful, functional and low-maintenance.

Local businesses appreciate the change the

Belden Trail has brought to the neighborhood.

“My father, Nick Serafy, Sr., the founder of

Serafy Laboratories, had a deep appreciation

for the semi-tropical plants that can thrive in

Brownsville. He thought that any building

would be enhanced by this type of landsca-

ping,” said CEO of Serafy Laboratories Nick

Serafy, Jr., whose lab has been on West Le-

vee Street since 1976. “Our efforts to conti-

nue this are a tribute to him, and I view the

Belden Trail as an extension of his thinking.”

The trail runs through the old rail-

road tracks of the St. Louis, Brownsville &

Mexico Railway. The original rail line ran

alongside a street named for Samuel Bel-

den, who laid out the town of Brownvi-

lle along with his partner, Charles Stillman.

BY: Ernie GarridoPHOTOGRAPHY BY: Mundo Buentello and Courtesy of BCIC

DECOMAGAZINE 18VIDA Magazine - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue 44

Spinach, peppers, broccoli, squash, pump-

kin, indeed a variety of vegetables and herbs

thrive in the 26 bed community garden on

the corner of 8th and Tyler in downtown

Brownsville. Diligently tended by neighbor-

hood residents, the garden serves to memo-

rialize the three children whose lives tragically

and abruptly ended in the adjacent building.

This blossoming plot of land, dubbed the

Tres Angeles (Three Angels) Community Gar-

den, also serves to lift the gloom that loomed

over the community for just over a decade.

Tres Angeles, the fruit of the Browns-

ville Wellness Coalition’s labor, is the first

of 13 community gardens the local group

hopes to construct in the city’s downtown

area with the support of the City of Browns-

ville’s Parks and Recreation Department.

As a testament to the true investment in and

commitment to the community, especially those

low income areas in dire need, The Brownsvi-

lle Wellness Coalition’s efforts do not end with

the construction phase. The BWC espouses a

simple but mighty and multi-faceted mission:

to educate the community on how to grow,

share, and prepare healthy local food. With the

intent of fostering a community of self-suffi-

cient gardeners, the coalition offers a variety

of free lectures on topics including growing

and harvesting, preparing and cooking, and se-

lling fresh produce at the Brownsville Farmers’

Market which the BWC hosts every Saturday

a mere block away from the Tres Angeles site.

In addition to reaping the health and eco-

nomic benefits community gardening yields,

participants enjoy social interaction, and physi-

cal activity while beautify their neighborhoods.

Please visit www.brownsvillefarmersmar-

ket.com for more information on the Browns-

ville Community Gardens and Farmer’s Market.

BY: Monica GonzalezPHOTOGRAPHY BY: VIDA Publications, LLC

DECOMAGAZINE 40

LONGHORNSTEAKHOUSE

Dora Lomas, a Mexican-American and

native of the Rio Grande Valley, was recently

promoted to managing partner of the south

McAllen LongHorn Steakhouse. In this posi-

tion, aside from overseeing 55 team members

and three managers, Dora also manages all as-

pects of the restaurant’s operations, including

ensuring the highest level of guest satisfac-

tion and service is delivered on a daily basis.

BY: JOSE BORJON

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGING PARTNER OF SOUTH MCALLEN RESTAURANT

LongHorn Steakhouse3600 W. Expressway 83McAllen, Texas

956.630.6426

She has a passion for leading by exam-

ple and works diligently every day to ensu-

re guests walk in and out of the restaurant

happy with their experience. She has been

working for the restaurant since 2011 and

has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from

the University of Texas-Pan American.

Dora, who was raised by her grandparents

and credits them for instilling her strong work

Dining - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue 46

DORA LOMAS PROMOTED TO LEAD TEAM

41 DECOMAGAZINE

explain what it is you do and why you love it.

This may make them more likely to be unders-

tanding and supportive of your career goals.

Maximize Your Time at Home – When

you’re at home as a family, don’t cook or

clean! Spend as much time as possible interac-

ting to make the most of your time together.

Leave your house chores for another time.

“LongHorn Steakhouse has a proud history

of being a place where people can fulfill their

professional goals and career aspirations, and

we are especially proud of Dora’s promotion

to Managing Partner,” said Shane Lyell, Mana-

ging Director of Operations for LongHorn.

“Dora has quickly become an invaluable leader.

She lives and breathes the LongHorn way and

LEFT PHOTO TITLE:

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makes a point of celebrating her team’s ac-

complishments. Her work ethic is contagious.”

“I’m very excited to be promoted to Mana-

ging Partner and to join the team at LongHorn’s

South McAllen location,” said Lomas. “I’m

fortunate to lead a dedicated and hardworking

team that always puts the guest first. As I conti-

nue to meet our regular guests and get acclima-

ted to the community, I look forward to making

a significant impact here in South McAllen.”

Visit Lomas and her team at the

LongHorn Steakhouse in Sou-

th McAllen at 3600 Expressway 83.

ethic, is also passionate about being a wife

and mother of her two sons, ages 11 and

7. As a busy career woman and an expert in

multi-tasking, Dora has three tips she lives by

and is happy to share them with other moms

who want to maximize their work-life balance:

Accept Help – Don’t feel guilty about ac-

cepting the help of family and friends. Building

a strong support network is important to you

and your family’s peace of mind and balance.

Show Your Children You Love Your Job Too

– As a career-loving parent, make sure your chil-

dren understand that your job is equally as im-

portant as your home life. It’s healthy for them

to see you as a role model that is passionate

about a career. Talk to them about your job and

47 Dining - Health & Wellness: A Community Issue

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