Contempo june 2014

all eyes on

Michelle leazamora

taste of the townsanta fe steakhouse& cantina

DONT marry THEdress. rent A DRESS.

summer of 2014sunbathing essentialS

cozumelisland of

enchantment

styling withjones & jones

survivaland triumphjanies story

June 2014

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Contempo is a publication of Contempo Magazine Inc. All opinions represented are of the authors & not necessarily the views of the publisher. The publisher makes no representa-tions regarding advertising content. Contempo Magazine is a trademark of Contempo Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. All content published and constructed by Contempo Maga-zine is the property of Contempo Magazine Inc. Permission for reprint shall be granted only upon written request and autho-rized release from Contempo Magazine Inc.

President / Ralph Magaña (956)467-7880

Fashion Editor - Natalie BugarinAdvertising

Natalie Bugarin / Mary Jane AlemanJune Tozzi / Chanel Riviello

Betty Calderon / Raquel RamirezMedia Consultant

Laura Hinojosa

e-mail: [email protected] site: www.contempomag.com

find us onfacebook at:

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2210 Sabinal St. Mission, Tx 78572

Printed in Mexico

subject photo by Andres Rodriguezcomposite photo Contempo Magazine

Model Andrea MagañaHair and makeup by The Dry Room

Wardrobe by Jones & Jones

The Valley’s Original Fashion Magazine

all eyes on

Michelle leazamora

taste of the townsanta fe steakhouse& cantina

DONT marry THEdress. rent A DRESS.

summer of 2014sunbathing essentialS

cozumelisland of

enchantment

styling withjones & jones

survivaland triumphjanies story

June 2014

On the cover in this issue we present Michelle Lea Zamora. Michelle has establisher creditentials in the banking industry and serves on many boards of charity and non-profit with distinction. Her photos were taken by Amy Marroquin and her makeup and hair were styled at The Dry Room. Learn more about Michelle on page 8.


1515 Beaumont, McAllen


Michelle Lea Zamora was born in Corpus Christ, Texas but was raised in the Rio Grande Valley. Michelle’s father ’s business ties to the oil field industry brought her to the Valley at a very young age. Her life has been full of great joys and successes. Michelle recognizes her parent’s’ role in her life and their success in living the American Dream. She recalls, “My parents, particularly my fa-ther, taught me a strong work ethic, and this has guided me in my career.”

Michelle is well known for her unwavering and dedicated support of worthy causes in the Valley. Putting her strong oral and written communication skills to work with a take-charge, hands on ap-proach to civic duty she has accomplished much for local and area community organizations. Michelle’s undergraduate and graduate studies in Business Administration at Colorado University are a testament to her intellect; reflecting a purposeful dedica-tion and determination as she pursues a doctorate in business.

Banking Executive

Michelle LeaZamora

Sets theStandard asa Steward of

the Public Trust


Because of her career decisions and Michelle’s journey as a banker, she has experienced first hand the imense acceleration of economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley.

Michelle has been in the banking industry for over ten years. Working for a premier banking organization like Frost, she is able to provide personalized customer service, which is essential to building and deepening customer relationships. Today, Michelle Lea Zamora, is the Vice President for Corporate Banking at Frost Bank. Michelle tells us,” Of course being in banking has a lot to do with numbers and figures, but the greater part of it, I think, has to do with connecting with people: understanding what they want, what their goals and objectives are so that we can come up with effective solutions together. It's one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences that I’ve ever had, and why I love my work so much.”

Michelle has been able to serve the community in multiple fac-

apparel byJones & Jones

hair & makeup byThe Dry Room

photos byAmy Marroquin

shot atSanta FeSteakhouse & Cantina


ets due to her organization’s commitment towards the overall well being of the com-munity. Michelle serves as trustee and board member to many civic organizations and is actively engaged in a number of community enterprises listed below:

-Business Development Fund of South Texas – Trustee-Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley – Board Member -Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce – Board Member-United Way of South Texas – Board Mem-ber-Habitat for Humanity – Past Board Member-Mims Elementary PTO – Past Board Member-Mission CISD- District Educational Improve-ment Council - Past Member-Mission CISD -Student Health Education Ad-visory Committee- Past Member-Mission Junior Service League – Past Board Member-National Society of Hispanic MBA’s – Mem-ber

Michelle clearly understands her fiduciary duty requirements as a board member are to stay objective, be unselfish, responsible, honest, trustworthy, and efficient. She is a steward of the public trust, and in her capaci-ties, always acts in the best interests of these organizations. Michelle does this with a true passion and desire to make a difference in the Valley community she grew up in.

When one looks over the various aspects of Michelle’s career path and her accomplish-ments it becomes clear what an ideal role model she has become for Valley business women. Those who know Michelle best will tell you that her formula is simple; a warm de-menor, a savy business perspective, and that she is a team player at work and in her pas-sion for community affairs that make her an ideal community leader.

Michelle’s favorite quote: by Willliam Arthur Ward - .“Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.”

by Ralph Magaña

“Michelle is a steward of the public trust, and in her capacities, always acts in the best interests of these organizations.”


Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina has been a foodie and wine aficiona-do’s paradise in the McAllen area for decades, a place where best friends meet knowing they are in for the best of times the McAllen area has to offer. Like a fine wine, a fine restaurtant must be ambiant, staffed impeccably, and must serve wine and food pairings that are out of this world. That’s what has made Santa Fe a sure bet for an entertaining night out.

Acknowledged and heralded as the Valley’s premier fine dining restaurant, The Santa Fe Steak House and Cantina sets the bar in quality, excellence, and consistency. And now, reaching the pinnacle of twenty years in business, is serving up the finest meats, seafood, and everything in-between.

Aged prime steaks and premium fresh seafood is what locals come to Santa Fe for, and for the assurance that knowledgable service will lead to an ex-ceptional dining experience. Heavy with awards and accolades from Wine Spectator, Texas Monthly and The Monitor Readers Choice, the meticulous Santa Fe management has made an art of preparing Southwestern entrees that patrons crave and swear by.

The first component in the Santa Fe’s success story is having hands-on own-ers who share a vision of quality and excellence and won’t settle for any-thing less. Developing the Santa Fe concept and opening in 1993, Fred Harms recruited friends and fellow restaurateurs Albert and Sony Rego in 2006 to join the Santa Fe team. They now proudly co-own the restaurant with him. They all believe in Santa Fe and in delivering a truly unique experi-ence to everyone who walks through the door. In fact, its likely that one or more of them may greet you at the door.

Partner Sony Rego tells Contempo, “Food & wine are our passions. We love great food & want to share that love.” From the kitchen to the front door, The Santa Fe is spilling over with a seasoned, knowledgeable, friendly group of servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and managers, whose goal is to pro-vide each guest with an exceptional dining experience. Many of the servers have long-time and loyal, repeat customers who are greeted by name and enjoy a comfortable meal tailored to each individual taste. New guests, in turn, are made to feel like they have been coming for years, and guided expertly through their first Santa Fe experience. Chef Zenon Ollis claims that

his favorite part of the job is creating dishes for the Santa Fe’s monthly wine dinners. “I really get to be creative then,” he said, “I create two to three dishes for each course to be tasted and chosen.”

There are now four dining sections of Southwest ambiance at Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina besides the indoor restaurant including the terraced patio, the Wine Room, a new private dining room, and the new outdoor courtyard & balcony styled to match the Southwest decor of the Restaurant. These new expansions were made as much to handle customer demand as to provide more meeting room space for special events.

The Cantina at Santa Fe, where some of McAllen’s best bands play nightly, is a favorite gathering hot spot for McAllen’s jet set and boomers alike. Styled in traditional curvy southwest with old west ornamentation lighted in neon on high stucco walls is something you’d expect see along highway 66.

Jake Cortez is on stage with all variations on Classic Rock, folk, Motown, and Classic Country early in the week through Tuesday with Open Mic Night from 8PM to 12AM. Other bands frequent the Santa Fe’s Cantina later in the week like Last Page favoring Pop Rock from 9Pm till 1:30AM. Saturday night the sounds of Sarsaparilla in the Moonlight lure the party crowd to the dance floor with smooth hip hop, R&B, classic rock, reggae, and pop folk till 1:30PM. The new romantic patio area often features live acoustic guitar nightly in the elements. Guitarists like Christan Baca, Ram Danesse, Matthew Molina, and Mark Cavazos play by the light of the fire pit in the patio area.

The Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina dining room is open nightly Monday through Thursday from 5PM to 10Pm, and from 5PM to 11PM Saturday and Sunday. It is located right where it has always been (only now a bit larger) at 1918 S. 10th Street in McAllen.

visit their website at: http://www.santafemcallen.com for their menu & wine list.

Santa Fe Steakhouse & CantinaA taste sensation not easily replicated.

Dine in The Wine Room at Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina

Taste of the Town


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At Rent a Dress the idea is simple-bring the new concept of rental wear to the McAllen area fashion scene. Now, for any occasion, you can afford to wear popular lines of elegant women’s fashions with their affordable rental concept. Now you can afford to chose fashionable outfits without paying high purchase prices for that one time event!

Also at Rent at Dress you will find an assortment of new women’s fashions like swimwear, leggings, party and fit-ness outfits available for purchase at reduced prices. So, be sure and stop by for your summer fun and fit-ness wear too!

Coming to the Valley from L.A., Rent a Dress partner, Yvonne Robles has a keen eye for fresh looks and knows where to find them. Her partner, Arlet Solis de Rodriguez is from the Valley and has a great sense for styling. Just roam around their showroom a bit and you will get a feel for the styl-ish new zip they bring to our fashion culture.

Everything from bridal wear to swim-wear is on display at this cute little boutique in central McAllen where Yvonne and Arlet are there to walk you through.

Rent a Dress is located between Pecan and Hackberry on N. 10th Street in the Tene Mall and is open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm.

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SKIN CARE Q & AWith Dermatologist

Dr. Charmaine F. BrowneFRCPC, FAAD, Dip Derm (U.K.)

Dip GUMed (U.K.)

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What is the ideal sunscreen?

When should sunscreen be applied?

Are sunless tanning lotions recommended?

What can be the result of excessive sun exposure?

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A good sunscreen should have both UVB and UVA protec-tion. It should be waterproof and have an SPF of 30 or higher. Ingredients like HELIO-PLEX or ECAMSULE (Mexoryl SX) to enhance stability and longevity of the sunscreen.

It should be applied approxi-mately 30 minutes before sun exposure and it should be reapplied every two hours if needed.

They are a much safer option and I encourage my patients to use them instead of sun-bathing.

The sun will cause photo ag-ing that results in coarse wrin-kles and discoloration. It also increases the risk of develop-ing skin cancer (Malignant Melanoma, Basal Cell Car-cinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma).

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The Enchanted Little Island of CozumelA world of endless clear blue waterbeaches in Mexico’s Ucatan.

by Ralph Magaña

Long before places like Cancun and Isla de Las Mujeres be-gan to dot the Mexican peninsula of the Yucatan coastline a small island was rediscovered there by American scuba divers in the early 70’s who ranked it among the world’s best. On my first visit there in 1973 there were only two hotels on the island that required an overnight stay in Merida to catch a Areomexico flight to reach it the next day. It was a diving adventure to Palen-car Reef with new scuba gear and sophisticated submersible lighting and cameras.

We were excited but nothing prepared us for our first view over the Island as the flight came in that morning. Peering out the jet window we say endless clear blue water and the reefs well be-low the surface from about 1000 feet of altitude. Now after a fifth return to the little island, that now millions of travelers have discovered, I am amazed by it’s growth and development while


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at the same time has somehow retained the atmosphere of a gentle secluded beach paradise surrounded by beautiful Caribbean waters filled with abundant sea life.

Traveling to Cozumel is fast, easy, and safe. From McAllen’s Miller Interna-tional Airport take Aeromar directly to Mexico City and then fly Interjet to Cozumel for a roundtrip fare of around $720. United flies for $768 and American for $697 from McAllen although these fares may vary de-pending on days in route. United routes through Houston while American routing through Dallas to reach Cozumel. With most early flights you can reach Cozumel around noon the same day which is a big plus. That little Cozumel airport that had one single flight a day from Merida now has service with seven major airlines connecting to cities all over the world. Anyway you look at it there are lots of ways to get there quickly.

Cozumel is and always has been a safe place to visit by the nature of it ’s small size. Where as Playa del Carmen has experienced a large population surge reaching 300,000 inhabitants, Cozumel’s port city of San Miguel is much smaller, below 100,00 locals. And as an island it has certain characteristics that limit crime as for example; the difficulty of trans-porting a stolen car off the island etc. Everyone there is totally cordial and visitor oriented including the high school cheering squad who hit the streets by day promoting the evening festivities celebrating Carnival for eight days each February.

Cozumel is most well known for it ’s superb coral reefs which are among the world’s very best for scuba diving and snorkeling. Just a walk along any


resort beachfront can yield a glimpse of a starfish or a small octopus. In the open water just beyond the beach are a string of reefs including the most well known, Palencar Reef, reaching depth of over 300 feet gaming with exotic fis, shellfish, and walls of gleaming coral. The reefs here simply take your breath away and certainly deserve a diving or snorkeling trip. To be suspended there in this underwater wonderland is an unforget-table experience, one many from all around the world return to again and again. Most of these reefs can be reached from a nearby beach club while touring the island. Scuba lessons for shallow water escorted depths can be taken during a two hour course before a shallow dive for around $45 dollars. Scu-ba trips to a popular reef are around $75 dollars including gear. Snorkeling boat trips to the reefs are also available from beach clubs where rental equipment is available. Just bring your beach towel.

Evenings are much more exciting these days in Cozumel’s San Miguel, a city of over 70,000 residents. There are all the usual suspects on the night life scene and some interesting alterna-tives too. Attend a tequila seminar, watch a mayan reinact-ment, visit the central plaza and listen to live music while shop-ping for fashionable bikinis.

You will find the Cozumel Museum, the Hardrock Cafe, Punta Langosta Mall, and the Central Market all in the downtown district. Further south see the Cozumel Aquarium and the cruise ship pier. Just north of the city is Puerto Abrigo where most of the areas yachts are moored. An evening walk along the seawall

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running along Gral. Rafael Melgar Ave is a great way to take in a full experience of the town of San Miguel where you will pass near the ferry that takes you to Playa Carmen.

The ferry operates from 6am to 10pm every day and arrives each hour on the hour. The fare is about $11 dollars. The trip takes about 30 minutes. There in Playa Carmen you are along Mexico’s famous Mayan Riviera.

From Playa Carmen you can take excursions galore to famous Mayan ruins, to senotes-Mexico’s great underwater caverns, or hit the zip line in a tropical forest at Escaret. Playa del Carmen is known for the famous beachfront resorts that line her tranquil coast like the ultra extravagant Occidental Resort with it ’s exotic lagoon beach clubs and lush tropic decor. Playa Carmen has become notable recently for its elaborate display of popular shopping zones now with a new shopping and dining district only three blocks from the ferry pier. No question about it, Playa Carmen is certainly worthy a day or half day trip over.

Hotels in Cozumel are abundant and vary to the extreme in prices and quality. If you are of the thrifty type you are in luck! quaint little two star hotels are all around downtown and along the seawall in San Miguel where all the action is. Depending on the season deals you will find deals for $50 a night to $100 dollars on black-out days. Cozumel is now host to a dozen well know resorts to the north and south of San Miguel with ideal beachfronts that parallel some of the finest coral reefs. Prices at these range from $160 a night to $250 a night and up. Several of these offer all inclusive rates that include meals, beach rentals, shows, and beverages as part of the package. During off season these special rates can get very persuasive if you want to do the hang out thing and use the take it all in approach.

Dining on the island is fabulous! One day for lunch we had a freshly caught lobster tail for $11 dollars along with a $1.25 Co-rona and a loaded shrimp cocktail for $6.50 at the Palencar Beach Club. There is all types of fine dining too and fast food if you are on the move at customary prices. You can have a freshly prepared traditional Mexican breakfast for less than five dollars in town or a European style cold breakfast for even less. No need for a buffet to fill you up here. Try some local preps too of the Mayan persuasian before going native at this tropical paradise south of the border, right on our doorstep.


Born 7th of 17 children into a California migrant fam-ily, Janie always had a rough start. But her ’s was not the traditional plight of the typical Latino farm worker of Mexi-can decent living in the Valley. Janie grew up in the Valley of Kern, Bakersfield, California during the turbulent 1970s when gang violence was on the rise, herself tragically loos-ing both an older and a younger brother to gang vio-lence not far from the two bedroom the family shared. And so began the challenging life of this young girl who worked the fields wherever the seasons lead her, and who later rose to raise a family of seven as a single mom.

Although her family was extremely poor her parents were dedicated to raising their children right. Her Puerto Rican father always reminded the children, “I was never privileged with the opportunity to go to school but I want you all to make something of your lives because now, here in this country you will get an education.” he would tell them of-ten when the large family gathered in their little home. He made sure of it and Janie did well, graduating from high school with honors and straight A’s. But it was their eco-nomic conditions that taught them all how to become pro-ductive survivalists. During the Summers all the kids worked in the fields since school was out. Farm workers weren’t paid by the hour but by the bushel so every available hand was needed just to get by. In those days, before farm work-ers were unionized, working conditions were horrible in the fields and the work was grueling.

For the obvious reasons Janie missed out a lot on typical childhood experiences that continued well into her teens. Eager to begin a family of her own she married young and by the time she was an eighteen year old high schoo honor graduate she already had the first three of seven children! Janie then moved on to work on a college de-gree and received her B.A. in business administration while holding down two jobs. Janie never applied for nor ac-cepted student assistance. Later on, she started a career in real estate when the family moved to Wyoming but her marriage started to breakdown as she faced the physical and emotional stress of a battered woman. Through this period she learned how to become more self dependant

SURVIVING ONSTUBBORNOPTIMISM

JANIE CANTURODRIGUEZby Ralph Magaña

It’s not easy getting over the hill, specially when you are trying to keep pace with dynamic industries like fashion magazines, construction, real estate, and all the newer generation gizmos. I like keeping busy, staying on top of my game, and giv-ing it all I got. But, sometimes my busy lifestyle keeps me from being at my best and I need a boost to reach the top. So, I keep my distance from those high octane “cafenators” that only give me a kick in the head, and later on, a headache. Instead, about 10 years ago, I discovered a vitamin and mineral supplement, Regeneration by Nature’s Plus, and I have taken it ever since.Regeneration is a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement that I know will replen-ish all the “right stuff” I am lacking from missed meals. It’s loaded with botanical extracts and antioxidants for protection and brain power vitamins like Vitamin B6

at 2500% DV! It’s liquid ingredients come in a softgel casing that is easier on the stomach than powdered capsules. Find Regeneration at Major Health Foods in Tiffany Plaza, and tell them Ralph sent you!

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and persevered the abuse while earning her real es-tate licence.

As her children grew Janie stayed focused on their de-velopment and taught them what she learned to ap-preciate from her father about education and spent every available moment with her children after becom-ing a single parent. It was about this time when Janie suffered the loss of her father from cancer and diabe-tes. The gentle and humble man who was her rock, a husband of 49 years to her mother was now gone.

In the Spring of 2010 the family moved to Texas. There, she had no luck looking for work, became homeless, and eventually moved in with some relatives. Every-thing seemed hopeless. “But then, one day while out looking for work I passed by UCAS in La Joya. I remem-bered a dream I had over 25 years ago of becoming a cosmetologist. So I went in, applied and enrolled. I got a job working nights and was able to rent a small home for my family of seven kids. It took a while but I graduated with top honors. The people at UCAS helped me to come out of my depressive state and encouraged me to move on with life and a new ca-reer. I realized then that it was the immediate things in life that really mattered, that I should stay focused on providing for my family, that nothing else mattered. And so I did just that.”

Janie graduated from UCAS and is now instructing to complete her licencing requirements. Her ambitions don’t stop there as one day she hopes to open a sa-

(continued from page 32)


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800 N. Main St., Ste. 400 McAllen, TX 78501956-687-8682

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Morning, Afternoon, and EveningClasses Available

On Exp. 83 next to Gold’s Gym in Sharyland

956.929.4707

lon spa of her own. To do this she saves up by working two other jobs, one at Banana Republic, and another at Massage Envy. All her sacrifices are well rewarded as she now watches her happy kids grow and develop in a way that would surely make her father proud of her.

Janie is really proud of her children and is now reaching that point in life where she can begin to appreciate all her hard work of family dedication. Her eldest son is now becoming a family leader and has made a ca-reer serving in the U.S. military while her oldest daughter is completing a college education in criminal justice. This year she will have two more children entering col-lege, and she seems pleased that her other kids are on track for leading promising lives. But just as her family and career matters improve other developments have arisen that will challenge Janey again, but this time more profoundly.

About a month ago Janie was diagnosed with Cancer. Her message to all the single mothers with one child or be it ten children is this, “Its not the end of the world that we’re single, we can fight for life, our health, our children and be somebody special to them. God has given women a gift, and that is to bear children. There’s been sleepless nights and lovely nights, but in all, we can live happy and be somebody. I know that being sick will slow me down a bit but It will be only for a little while because I will rise up again and live for myself and my children. I accept that dealing with cancer will be a new burden, but in my mind I know that it has made me stronger as had each challenge I have overcome before this.”


5025 W. Expressway 83, inside BEAUTY SUITES, Suite 135 Int. 126, McAllen.Phone (956) 929-4707 / http://www.thefirmstudiopilates.com

Plus Piloxing - an Intense 60 min. cardio

class that combines Pilates, Boxing and

Dance. You'll burn up to 900 calories per

session!

A Women's Elite Pilates Studio offering

semi-private and private Pilates classes on

our Specialized Reformers.

Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Classes AvailableOn Exp. 83 next to Gold’s Gym in Sharyland

GIVE IT A TRY.YOUR FIRST

CLASS ISFREE!

Address: 2505 Victoria DriveMission, TX 78572 Phone:(956) 682-0333

Host a meeting or event for up to 100 guests and benefit fromthe latest technology!

La JaibaMexican

Seafood GrillAppetizers 1/2 Off from 3 to 6pm

Everyday Lunch SpecialsCatering Available

4001 S. Shary Rd. Mission, TxCall-In Order (956) 580-2220


Contempo june 2014

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