RGV Life Magazine Issue#4

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Nathan Rios
What’s your Excuse?
Bertha Garza
Zonta’s Woman of the Year 2018
What Inspires You
Hundreds of Event Photos
Who is Carl Chilton.. RGV Life Magazine tells you.
Health News
Exclusive Interview with
Alma Elizabeth Ortiz
Making a Difference
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MARCH-APRIL 2018
RGVlife
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CONT
Editor's word
RGV Life Magazine began
as simple idea between
two individuals that
wanted to bring out the
everyday lives of the
people that makeup the
Rio Grande Valley.
We are more than just drugs, more than
corruption, more than immigration and of
course more than cartels here in the Rio
Grande Valley. We are a group of people
that strive each and everyday to be better.
Better for our famiies, better for our neighbors
and of course, better for ourselves.
We get up everyday and go to work or
school. Of course we are not perfect, but
there are some people in the RGV that
need to be recognized for what they do
RGV Life Magazine is a publication
that wants to spotlight the everyday
people of the RGV that make
a difference in not only their lives
but the lives of others. That is why
we created RGV Life Magazine.
-Roger Davila

www.rgvlifemagazine.com
03
Carl Chilton
Carl Chilton, made Tennis what it is
today in Brownsville.
11
Luis Miguel
A Musical Icon set to perform at
the All New Bert Ogden Arena
17
Skin Cancer
What are the risks of getting Skin
Cancer or Melanoma. We give you
some insights on how to lower your
risks of getting this dreadful disease
18
Alma Elizabeth Ortiz
Smart and Savvy: Making a Difference in San Benito
21
King of the Concrete Jungle
Volkswagen has outdone itself with the introduccon
of the totally re-designed 2018 Volskswagen Tiguan
15
Nathan Rios
What inspires you? What gives you
hope? We spotlight Nathan Rios
Nothing Can Stop You!!
ENT

RGV Life Magazine
Page03 spotlight
CARL CHILTON
THE LOVE OF TENNIS
BY ERICA CASAS
Carl.. Still Going Strong
Carl Chilton Tennis Open was held
throughout the weekend of May
27th-29th. In attendance at this year’s
Tennis Open was Carl Chilton, who
served as the First President of the
Tennis Association in 1995. Mr. Chilton
was also President of the Brownsville
Rotary Club in 1956, which
hosted this event. The tournament
took place at the Brownsville Tennis
Center, a first class tennis center that
opened in 2001, after Brownsville
Tennis Association (BTA), led by Carl
Chilton, raised funds then approached
the city commission to partner
in the development of this Municipal
Facility; it is now owned by the city
and operated by BTA.
Carl Chilton Hanging Out
It boasts 16 lighted tennis courts, new
nets and resurfaced tennis court
flooring and is operated by tennis pro,
Serafino Couoh. The Brownsville
Tennis Center has been selected to
host numerous Western Tennis Conferences
and is truly a gem within our
city that is open to the public.
The event turned out a success and
plans are in the works to make this an
annual event. The tournament consisted
of Women’s Singles/Doubles,
Men’s Singles/Doubles, Juniors Singles/Doubles
and a 60 and above category
plus any combination. Gener
ous sponsors contributed to this
event in support of a good cause. All
monies funded the “Aces for Laces
Program”, that will provide new pairs
of shoes for children in need within
the Brownsville community. Counselors
throughout Brownsville school
campuses compiled a list of children
in need and the list will be provided to
the Brownsville Rotary Club. Vouchers
will then be issued to the identified
children and a date and location will
be set at which Brownsville Rotary
Club members and volunteers will
assist the children in selecting their
brand new pair of shoes for the upcoming
school year. The tournament
was run by high school tennis coaches
that volunteered their time and efforts
to ensure the Carl Chilton Tennis
Open was the success that it was.

Page04
PRAISE ON THE
HILL
An amazing event of laughter, music and most of all
Spiritual Awakenings. As usual the Praise on the Hill
event was a huge success. RGV Life Magazine was
excited to have been a part of this amazing and
incredible event.

Page05 Out and About
RGV Life Magazine Hits the Streets
TASTE OF LA FRONTERA
A wonderful evening this year at The Taste of La Frontera.
Here are a few pics of this years’ event. †
For more pics of this event, Check us out on FACEBOOK !!

RGV Life
Page06
LONGEST CAUSEWAY RUN
We recently attended the
Longest Causeway Run in
Port Isabel, Texas. Check out
some of the cool pics we took.
For more pics, Check us out on
Facebook!!

28th Annual
Jalapeño 100
2018
The 28th Annual Jalapeño
100 Bike Ride took place
once again in Harlingen, Tx.
Bicycle World RGV once
again put on an incredible
event with all proceeds going
to the Boys and Girls Club of
Harlingen. Over a thousand
riders showed up for this
wonderful growing event.
There were many different
levels in which cyclists challenged
themselves against
some very harsh winds.
Thank you Henry Roberts
and the rest of the crew over
at Bicycle World RGV for
hosting such a great event
year in and year out!!
See ‘Ya Next Year!!

follow us on facebook
Page08
GOT FAITH MUSIC

Page09 RGV Life Magazine Information
SOCIAL MEDIA
GROW WITH THE T
BEH
Is your company competing with the competi
overtaken the Business World? RGV Life M
To some entrepreneurs, social media marketing
is the “next big thing,” a temporary yet
powerful fad that must be taken advantage of
while it’s still in the spotlight. To others, it’s a
buzzword with no practical advantages and a
steep, complicated learning curve.
Because it appeared quickly, social media has
developed a reputation by some for being a
passing marketing interest, and therefore, an
unprofitable one. The statistics, however, illustrate
a different picture. According to Hubspot,
92% of marketers in 2014 claimed that social
media marketing was important for their busi-
ness, with 80% indicating their efforts increased
traffic to their websites. And according to Social
Media Examiner, 97% of marketers are currently
participating in social media—but 85% of participants
aren’t sure what social media tools are
the best to use.
This demonstrates a huge potential for social
media marketing to increase sales, but a lack of
understanding on how to achieve those results.
Here’s a look at just some of the ways social
media marketing can improve your business:
Increased Brand Recognition. Every opportunity
you have to syndicate your content and increase
your visibility is valuable. Your social
media networks are just new channels for your
brand’s voice and content. This is important because
it simultaneously makes you easier and
more accessible for new customers, and makes
you more familiar and recognizable for existing
customers. For example, a frequent Twitter
user could hear about your company
for the first time only after stumbling
upon it in a newsfeed. Or, an otherwise
apathetic customer might become better
acquainted with your brand after seeing
your presence on multiple networks.
gives them when it comes to connecting
with their audience. A strategic and open
social media plan could prove influential
in morphing consumers into being brand
loyal.” Another study published by
Convince&Convert found that 53% of
Americans who follow brands in social are
more loyal to those brands.
Improved brand loyalty. According to a
report published by Texas Tech University,
brands who engage on social media channels
enjoy higher loyalty from their customers.
The report concludes “Companies
should take advantage of the tools social
More Opportunities to Convert. Every post
you make on a social media platform is an
opportunity for customers to convert.
When you build a following, you’ll simultaneously
have access to new customers,
recent customers, and old customers, and
you’ll be able to interact with all of them.
Every blog post, image, video, or comment

Page10
MARKETING
IMES OR BE LEFT
IND
tion of the Social Media Marketing that has
agazine wants to share some tips for you!!
you share is a chance for someone to react, and every reaction could lead to a site visit, and eventually a conversion. Not every interaction
with your brand results in a conversion, but every positive interaction increases the likelihood of an eventual conversion. Even if your
click-through rates are low, the sheer number of opportunities you have on social media is significant. “Opportunity” is the first element of
any action.
Check out our website: www.rgvlifemagazine.com

Page11 Luis Miguel August 31
Amazing Musical Icon coming to the RGV and the Bert Ogden Arena
Luis Miguel is a Legendary Musical Ican that will be performing with
his amazing orchestra on August 31, 2018 at the All New Bert Ogden Arena
in Edinburg, Texas. You simply have to attend this performance if you are
into romantic music that will captivate your heart and soul. Make it a
memorable evening with your loved one as you listen to the sensual sounds
of Luis Miguel. Luis Miguel has been capturing the hearts of individuals for
decades and the music never goes out of style. Log onto the Bert Ogden
Arena’s website to purchase your tickets for this amazing performance.
August 31, 2018

Page12
HISTORIC
BROWNSVILLE
HALF MARATHON
MORE PICS? FACEBOOK RGV LIFE MAGAZINE

Page13 Woman of the Year
www.rgvlifemagazine.com
BERTHA
GARZA
Zonta’s Woman of the Year 2018
Z
onta Brownsville recently held
their Annual 2018 Woman of the Year
Dinner at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by
Marriott Brownsville North and let me
tell you, they made the perfect choice
this year in choosing Bertha Garza. As
I stood there, holding my camera,
waiting for that perfect shot, people
that came to the podium to honor this
incredible woman had nothing but
amazing things to say about her. The
way she was honored about all of her
philanthropic ventures and her
kind-heartedness really put a lump in
my throat. As she walked up to receive
her awards her face blushed
with humbleness and her eyes filled
with tears. She is a very special to
have a great life in the RGV. She was
characterized as “Super Mom” by her
son as well as a quick joke about
being their CURANDERA.. This woman
is just one of those people that was
placed on this Earth to make everyone's
lives better. She has accomplished
that goal. Congratulations!!
Mrs.Garza it was both an honor and a
privilege to be a small part of this
amazing event. She is loved and cherished
by many. She changes people’s lives on a
daily basis. Her heart will not allow her to
turn anyone away, and her soul is what
keeps her going day in and day out. Thank
you Mrs. Bertha Garza for being such an
inspiration to many.
By: Roger Davila

Page14 ART IN THE RGV
LITTLE GIA PEREZ WOWS THE CROWD AT A SAN ANTONIO SPURS GAME WITH HER DANCING
Gia Perez
San Antonio’s Little Sister
here in the RGV
Gia Perez had never attended an NBA
Game much less a San Antonio Spurs
Game, but when she was taken by her
parents for that one game, well the rest is
history. Gia’s dad, Guillermo Perez, a sales
representative at a local car dealership sat
for countless hours looking for the right
weekend getaway for his family. He decided
that taking his family to a San Antonio
Spurs basketball game would be ideal. It’s
only a few hours away and the kids would
absolutely love it. Little did he know that
upon purchasing those tickets his world
would be completely changed by that
weekend getaway. As the family arrived to
San Antonio and after a ruthless commute
to the event center, the crowd was going
absolutely crazy as the Spurs Dance Team
began to pump up the crowd before the
game... and here enters Gia.. Gia Perez
jumped in and danced her way to stardom.
Over a hundred thousand views on Twitter
and YouTube alone. This remarkable
little girl captured the hearts of the people
of San Antonio by doing what she loves
best. After appaearing on tv and having all
of this fame thrust upon her Little G, as
she likes to be called, still remains a
humble little girl that loves the Spurs,
basketball, baseball and of course her
family. I happen to work with Gia’s father
so I get to see her smiling little face as she
walks in to see her dad after school sometimes
and let me tell you, she is as humble
as can be. Fame didn’t go to her head as
most would figure. Little G will always be
San Antonio’s Little Sister, but she will will
also be the RGV’s Little Angel. Look at
some of her dancing videos as well as
follow her on Twitter. You will be seeing
more from Gia, I guarantee she is not
done yet.
By: Roger Davila

Page15 RGV Life Magazine Spotlight
Out on the Streets
Nathan Rios
N athan Rios, is a local boy that has
a unique obsession. Not unique in the
sense that no other person has this obsession,
but unique in the fact that Nathan
suffers from a disability that ordinarily,
under any other circumstances, would not
allow someone to enjoy. Nathan is blind
and well he is an avid runner. What drives
Nathan? What inspires Nathan? How does
he keep going when he is ill or tired? Very
simple answer to those questions, DETER-
MINATION AND PASSION!!
s I have had the pleasure of meeting
Nathan and seeing him participate in
many, if not most of the running events in
our community. Does his disability stop
him from going? NO, in fact it has sparked
a passion in his parents as well. They get
up and join him in the runs the obstacles
and the determination to get it done.
While most of us sit at home on our laptops
(as I am doing now lol) Nathan is
thinking about what run he wants to do as
well.
Does he allow his disability to stop him? In
answer to that question let me just tell
you what Nathan Rios does on his spare
time.
Running of course
Tae Kwon Do
And even plays the piano.
Music seems to calm him at times as it
does to all of us at one point or another.
Special? How special is Nathan? His Heart
of Gold is displayed at each and every
event he attends. He is always ready to
snap a selfie or Bless you with a smile.
When Life gives you, lemons make lemonade.
Nathan is a prime example of that
very phrase. What is our excuse? What excuses
do we make to not fulfill our
dreams? Is it tough? Of course, it is. Does
Nathan sometimes feel like giving up? I
am sure he does as we all do but the dif
ference is that he doesn’t give up. Nathan
recently was ill but still choosing to get up,
get dressed and run in the Harlingen Marathon.
Again, I ask, what’s your excuse?
Why are we so quick to throw in the towel
when things get tough? Why can’t we just
look passed our disabilities, our insecurities
and just get up and Go? What passion
drives Nathan?
Nathan is one of those pure souls that Is
just born with a sheer desire to succeed.
Very few have it built into their soul.
Nathan is one of those people.
So, next time you see Nathan, snap a
selfie with him. I am sure he would enjoy
it.
By Roger Davila

RGV Life Magazine... follow us on Facebook
Page16
Ocelot 5k Run
The 4th Annual Ocelot 5k Run held at the Gladys Porter Zoo was a huge success as usual.
Sheralee Six and Javier Vasquez put on another great event. Thanks to all that
participated both runners and volunteers.
An incredible turnout for this years’ 4th
Annual Ocelot Run at the Gladys Porter
Zoo.
2018

Page17 Be Careful Outside
Staying Safe While Working and Playing Outside in the Heat
CANCER
SKIN
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
SKIN CANCER IS BY FAR THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF CANCER. IF YOU HAVE SKIN CANCER, IT IS
IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHICH TYPE YOU HAVE BECAUSE IT AFFECTS YOUR TREATMENT OP-
TIONS AND YOUR OUTLOOK (PROGNOSIS). IF YOU AREN’T SURE WHICH TYPE OF SKIN CANCER
YOU HAVE, ASK YOUR DOCTOR SO YOU CAN GET THE RIGHT INFORMATION.
Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
These cancers are most often found
in areas exposed to the sun, such as
the head, neck, and arms, but they
also can occur elsewhere. They are
very common but are also usually
very treatable. Here you can find out
all about these cancers, including risk
factors, symptoms, how they are
found, and how they are treated.
Melanoma Skin Cancer
Melanoma is less common than some
other types of skin cancer, but it is
more likely to grow and spread. If you
have melanoma or are close to someone
who does, knowing what to
expect can help you cope. Here you
can find out all about melanoma, in-
cluding risk factors, symptoms, how it
is found, and how it is treated.
Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
If you have Merkel cell carcinoma or
are close to someone who does,
knowing what to expect can help you
cope. Here you can find out all about
Merkel cell carcinoma, including risk
factors, symptoms, how it is found,
and how it is treated.
Lymphoma of the Skin
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells
that are part of the body's immune
system. Rare lymphomas that start in the
skin are called skin lymphomas (or cutaneous
lymphomas).
If you have a skin lymphoma or are close
to someone who does, knowing what to
expect can help you cope. Here you can
find out all about skin lymphomas, including
risk factors, symptoms, how they are
found, and how they are treated.
Kaposi Sarcoma
If you have Kaposi sarcoma or are close to
someone who does, knowing what to
expect can help you cope. Here you can
find out all about Kaposi sarcoma, including
risk factors, symptoms, how it is
found, and how it is treated.

Movers and Shakers: The Valley’s Up and Coming Powerful Women
Page18
ALMA
ELIZABETH ORTIZ
We caught up with this incredible woman to see what it is
that motivates her day in and day out.
1. As a mover and shaker in the RGV, what is one thing that you wish would
happen to ensure that we keep growing as a community and why?
I would like to see that more community members could become more active in their
communities to help facilitate and promote growth not only for their community but
also themselves as well. The community members need to come out of the shadows
and have their voices heard while being able to serve their communities by joining a
non-profit organization so they too can make a difference.
2. What kept you in the RGV knowing that there might be more opportunity somewhere
else?
First and foremost is family. There is also so much growth presently taking place in
the valley, try to think of the last time you didn't see a construction site while driving
around. Some may say that there are "problems" in the valley; however we all need
to start seeing them as "opportunities for improvement". It is vitally important to our
community and the surrounding communities for us to capitalize of the opportunities.
3. What is the most important thing in your life?
7. One struggle that you have overcome (you
do not have to be too specific) just want to
get the feel as to what has made you the
strong woman you are today.
One struggle I’ve overcome is lifting myself by
One struggle I’ve overcome is lifting myself by
my own bootstraps, not quitting on myself as
hard it got at times, remaining focused, and
believing in myself and believing in God
Ms. Ortiz is the current President of the
Rotary Club of San Benito and is also very
much involved with the San Benito Boy’s
and Girl’s Club. Keep an eye out for her.
She is doing some amazing things in our
community.
My ( amazing teenage ) son. As I like to say, my world, my love, my everything.
4. What would you change about the RGV? And why?
I would like to change the lack of interest in helping identify and willingness to work
together to correct some of these opportunities for improvement within our community.
Too many individuals do not get involved, they do not vote; however they are
willing to complain about how things are done but do not offer to be of service to
help change the future.
5. What drives you every single day?
My self- dedication and personal hunger to be the best person I can be not only to
myself and my family but my community as well. I look forward to pursuing the insurance
business in hopes that one day I may be able to own my own Insurance
agency, so I can continue supporting and servicing my community with Service Above
Self.
6. How can one woman make a difference in someone’s life?
A woman can make a difference in someone’s life by leading an exemplary life. By
becoming a Leader and Empowering others to work hard for what they want and
always surrounding herself with people of action, people that want to make a difference.
In the process, it's important that we continuously strive to be selfless and
think of others before ourselves. That's truly the catalyst for making a difference.

Page19
SOMBRERO FESTIVAL
2018

Page 20 Check Out What’s Coming Next!!
Up and Coming Events in the RGV

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
King of the Concrete Jungle
Page 21
A renewed SUV push is now underway to
try to make up for lost time, starting with
the three-row Atlas and continuing with
the second-generation Tiguan that’s considerably
bigger than its Euro-centric predecessor.
The new, bigger Tig now is one
of the largest entries in the com
pact-crossover segment, with its
185.1-inch length exceeding the old Tiguan’s
by nearly an entire foot and eclipsing
key rivals such as the Honda CR-V, the
Toyota RAV4, and the Nissan Rogue.
We’re getting the long-wheelbase version
of the new Tiguan in the States (there’s a
short-wheelbase version already on sale in
Europe), and it’s capacious enough that
VW saw fit to offer a third row of seats, a
rarity in this class. The Rogue and the Mitsubishi
Outlander are the only other
crossovers this size that can lay claim to
seven-passenger capacity, and those
claims are dubious—as anyone who has
tried to stuff a passenger over five-feet tall
into their third rows will understand.
As in the size-XL Atlas, the Tiguan’s packaging
is a strong suit. Yes, the third row
works best as a kids-only zone, but adults
will fit in a pinch. The roomy second row is
an especially nice place to spend time. It
reclines, slides fore and aft, and features
well-sculpted padding in addition to air
vents and a USB port. All front-wheel-drive
Tiguans come with seven seats, but the
third row is a $500 option on
all-wheel-drive models. (Blame the feds
for that weird anomaly: Front-drive
models need the third row in order to be
classified as a light truck; all-wheel-drive
versions don’t.)
The key downside to the new Tiguan’s ballooning
size is that it loses the previous-generation’s
Golf-on-stilts character,
which made it one of the more entertaining
small crossovers to drive. The new
Tiguan is less eager. It rides softly and rolls
considerably in corners; even though it
shares its basic MQB bones with the fabulous-driving
seventh-generation Golf,
the combination of the Tiguan’s extra
weight versus that car and the relaxed
tuning of the primary controls removes a
considerable degree of responsiveness
from the chassis. The electrically assisted
steering rack is overboosted and lacks
on-center feel, turn-in is lazy, and the
brake pedal is a bit mushy. Volkswagen
clearly prioritized quiet comfort over athleticism,
and the Tiguan tracks straight
down the freeway and features a quiet
and plush ride, qualities that will please
family-minded shoppers.
If you would like to Test Drive the All New
Re-Designed 2018 VW Tiguan. Please
contact your local dealer.
Payne Volkswagen/ Mitsubishi
4017 N. Expressway
Brownsville, Texas 78520
www.paynebrownsville.com
956-295-6862 ask for Roger Davila

Meet our Staff
Roger Davila/ CEO/ Editor
I along with my business partner and co-founder, Alan Novelo, had a vision of what we
wanted to be our main focus when we began this magazine. We wanted to showcase
what truly transpires in the RGV. We are more than just more Corruppon, Immigraaon,
Drug Cartels and Obesity. The people that make up the RGV are hard working individuals
that are deep rooted in family, culture and love.
email: rdavila@rgvlifemagazine.com
Alan Novelo/CFO/HR Director
With a strong work ethic and aaennon to detail, Alan Novelo, handles the day to day
operaaons of coordinaang events, training and maintaining our staff. Have a quesson
about our hiring process, he is the one to contact. Need to book an event? Get a hold
of Alan. Co- Founder of RGV Life Magazine with the same vision and determinaaon
to recognize the happenings of the RGV.
email: anovelo@rgvlifemagazine.com
Erica Casas/ Marketing Director
Have a quesson about our ads? Would you like to adverrse in RGV Life Magazine?
Then Erica is the one to speak to. She will carefully structure your Markeeng Plan to
maximize your growth. If you would like to schedule an event, call Erica. Her professional
work ethic combined with her markeeng experrse will help your business grown
email: ecasas@rgvlifemagazine.com
Also a huge part of our success is due to the following people that are a part of our Media Team:
•Salvador Vasquez..... photographer
•Leonore Villarreal......photographer
•Contribuung photographer.... Daniel Vasquez...Thanks Daniel
•Sal Marrnez........ Contribuung Photographer.... Thanks Sal
If you would like to adverrse in our magazine. Please do not hesitate in contaccng us. ......956-293-1373
or anovelo@rgvlifemagazine.com
info@rgvlfiemagazine.com