South Texas Living Holiday Issue 2017

South Texas LivingDECEMBER 2017 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 The Good LifeWishing You A VeryMerry Christmasand a Happy New!Christmas ShoppingHarrel’s Kingsville PharmacyKing Ranch Saddle Shop Find Us On Facebook - (South Texas Living) And Catch This Issue! Remembering Our Hero Sierra Rodriguez A TedSanMark Advertising Publication

HARREL’S KINGSVILLE PHARMACY For Many Great Christmas Gift Ideas! Ornaments ✦ Candles Christmas Stockings Great Stocking Stuffers Unique Gift Items Jewelry • Purses • Frames Beautiful Afghans • Holiday Hallmark Cards Gifts for Any Occasion • Willow Tree Angels • Cookbooks Crosses of All Kinds • Football Memorabilia and Much, Much More! 204 East Kleberg, Kingsville, Texas 361-592-3355(2) South Texas Living – “The Good Life”

A Time To Celebrate and Greeting... Greetings, loyal readers and patrons near and far! and feedback as we embark on thisThis issue of South Texas Living Magazine marks a long- journey together. And, as we moveawaited comeback and a heartfelt “Welcome Back!” forward together, we will be publishingfrom all of you, our long-time readers and advertisers, the printed edition four times a year;whose encouragement and feedback have served as November, February, May with a specialthe inspiration to debut the return of our publication in Summer Guide as a bonus issue! BeKingsville and South Texas. I can’t begin to tell you how on the lookout for us at your favoritemuch your thoughts and prayers have been appreciated hangouts / hotspots.during my 2-year unforeseen sabbatical. You are trulymy motivation for South Texas Living to be back on We will do our part to ensure that your South Texasthe press. Living Magazine reading experience continues to be superior. Many thanks to all, and here's wishing everyone I am so joyful to announce not only our printed a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year fromedition, but a global and innovative direction via social our home to yours!media. Our visibility will know no boundaries, sharing inyour favorite apps such as Facebook, Google Newstand, Blessings,and Apple IBooks —because wherever you are, we want Mary Goetsch, Publisherto be there too! Our focus is aimed at keeping you,our loyal readers and advertisers, abreast of the many South Texas Living Magazineexciting local events and noteworthy happenings in andaround South Texas. We encourage your suggestions Publisher/Owner: Mary R. Goetsch Contact: Phone: 361-228-1827 To Advertise in Advertising/Photographer: Email: [email protected] South Texas Living Magazine Mary R. Goetsch Facebook: southtexasliving contact Mary Goetsch at No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written [email protected] permission of the publisher.New Year...New Kitchen \ Got Remodeling on your mind?Come talk to us about having your cabinets custom made.KingsvYoiluleDreWamoIto, WdewBuoilrdkIts, Inc. South Texas Living – “The Good Life” (3)

Model Built by Chalie Goetsch MHaerprpyyCN&herwistYmeaars KINGSVILLE - Adolfo Espinoza from all of us at... 1313 E. King JOHN WOMACK & CO. PC (Se habla español) CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS (361) 595-4323 205 S. 10TH STREET Auto • Home • Life • Business • Renters KINGSVILLE, TX. 78363 Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Property and 361-592-2671 Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL, Allstate County Mutual: Irving, Texas. Allstate Texas Lloyds Company, Irving, Texas. ©2006 Allstate Insurance Company. www.allstate.com(4) South Texas Living – “The Good Life”

Remembering Our Hero Sierra Many refer to cancer as a “battle”. Those who have survived the torture of this dreadful disease can becalled winners, but those who have died from cancer are—by no means—defeated.My beautiful niece, Sierra N. Rodriguez, 23, passed away Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, after being diagnosedwith Sarcoma cancer four years ago. This courageous young woman took all that cancer threw her way withsuch admirable strength. A very strong belief in God kept pushing Sierra forward with grace and dignity.Despite the heavy burden that she endured on a daily basis from this horrific ordeal, and as her family andfriends watched on, they knew cancer never stood a chance against her unwavering faith and relentlessdetermination. Throughout her journey, cancer may have worn her body down and even exhausted herstrength—but one thing’s for sure, it may have taken her life, but cancer did not win. There was no way thatcancer could have ever dimmed her spirit or taken her beautiful smile, and what a smile she had! She was definitely a fighter who never surrendered. Each and every time Sierra was confronted withyet another medical obstacle, her reply was always “Don’t worry, I got this”. She fought the fight until hervery last breath. Even after her passing, Sierra continued to touch lives and give to others, whether it was aheartfelt memory, or giving the gift of sight through organ donation. Today two people can now see throughthe lens of a “fearfully and wonderfully made” child of God, our dear Sierra. Family and friends rallied together, which created an outpour of prayers, support and volunteerism. Oneof the many memories that stands out is how the Bishop 8th grade football team dedicated their first footballgame of the season, and the rest of the season, to Sierra. And don’t you know? They went on to WIN! Thistribute is what makes a small town like Bishop so special— a community with a BIG heart. And in this smalltown of Bishop, we stand together as one big family. There were so many acts of the “BEANIE”. When she lost all her hair to chemo, this didn't stop Sierra.She sported a beanie in every color of the rainbow and then some! She never went anywhere without one! That’s how everyone remembers her. Sierra always made sure that her makeup was on just right, and that her trendy style of dressing up and accessorizing her outfits reflected her personality. Music was always her “go to”. She loved all kinds of music. Even while in the hospital, you could always find her jamming out to her favorite tunes, bringing a song to everyone in earshot. She was so full of life. This young girl was taken from us MUCH too soon. Sierra leaves behind her loving parents, two sisters, her fiancé, a niece and a nephew. She also leaves behind her three fur babies, Harley, Milo, and Zoe who meant the world to her. However, Harley had more of her heart because he was always by her side. Before Sierra lost mobility in her legs, Harley was her shotgun rider. They’d jump in the car at any time of the day and go for a cruise. He was her best friend and constant companion. The bond that this family shares shall never be broken and Sierra will forever live in their hearts and the hearts of so many in the community. South Texas Living – “The Good Life” (5)

Retail Recruitment 101 The Kingsville EDC’s efforts are directly are leading to job creation, new development, and new options for Over the past few months you have probably heard Kingsville. We know that not everyone will love eachabout a number of new businesses coming to Kingsville. restaurant that we bring to town but know that with eachTownePlace Suites, Hobby Lobby, HEB Curbside, Taco successful recruitment, we are able to prove that our areaPalenque and Chicken Express are just a few of the new has the potential to support more and more businesses.businesses that have or are moving in to our community. The Greater Kingsville Economic Development CouncilExciting, right?! is a non-profit corporation funded by both private and Retail recruitment is one of the primary focuses of the public dollars. Formed in 1987 as a joint effort betweenGreater Kingsville Economic Development Council. We the City of Kingsville and Kleberg County, Texas, thehave chosen to take this approach because the data Council helps to maintain the quality of life in the areashows us that our market is losing roughly $240 million by promoting economic opportunity in the region. Toeach year in retail sales going to other cities or online learn more about the Greater Kingsville Economicsales. Retaining a portion of this money would ultimately Development Council please visit Kingsville.org.help improve the quality of life in our community.Data drives the recruitment process. Retailers andrestaurants have a formula that they use to identifymarkets that are the best fit for their business. We usethose same formulas to help us identify who to recruit.For some, like Hobby Lobby, the Kingsville market/consumer matches up well. For others, based on ourdemographics we just are not a good fit for them. Two of the primary factors that drive whether ourcommunity can be a good fit for a potential businessare population and income. These limiting factorsrepresent two of our biggest challenges when recruiting.Unfortunately, some of the restaurants most commonlybrought up to us on social media do not fit our marketbecause of these factors. Filemon “Phil” Esquivel, Jr. and Associates Texas Made Mesquite Furniture Would Like to Wish You and Your Family CWuestMoamkeFurnitureA Very Merry Christmasand a Happy New Year Monday thru Saturday 9AM to 6PM• Now offering AARP Life Insurance  • Currently enrolling for Medicare and Health Insurance on and off the exchange. New York Life Insurance • Beds 100 E. Kleberg, Suite #330 • Rocking Chairs (Kleberg Bank Building) Kingsville, TX 78363 • Rustic Look (361) 592-5355 Ruben: 361-510-6938 or Ben: 361-510-2773 Check out our website at: www.philesquivel.nylagents.com(6) South Texas Living – “The Good Life”

South Texas Living Legends A hero isn’t necessarily someone who makes a attendingdramatic rescue that is featured on the evening news. college at TexasKingsville’s hometown heroes make the community a Tech Universityricher and more welcoming place to live and work by the in Lubbock, hesmall actions that make up their daily lives. went on to earn Nick Harrel, proprietor of Harrel’s Kingsville Pharmacy, a pharmacythat was founded by his forebears in 1916, is one of the degree from thecentral figures of the town. Harrel is much more than a University ofpharmacist. Not only does he dispense medicine and Texas at Austin.advise patients, he often receives calls at home and He didn’teven finds customers knocking on the door of his house particularlyafter hours, in need of emergency medicine. plan to settle in I don’t mind at all, “ he said. “We have gained a lot in Kingsville.terms of efficiency in this business, but too often lose “I admiredsite of the fact that we are dealing with real people.” what my Although Harrel participates in a variety of parents did hereorganizations and has been on the board of the Kingsville at the store, andChamber of Commerce for decades, it is largely through I just stayed, \"hehis steady daily presence at his business that he said. \"You getserves the community. His store, which is a fixture of to know peopledowntown Kingsville, offers the mix of an upscale gift and become part of the community. I have served fiveshop, pharmacy and soda fountain, a combination that generations of many families here.\"lures locals and tourists alike. Harrel has been a part of Harrel said he doesn’t see himself as a leader.creating nothing less than a Kingsville institution. “In Kingsville, everyone has a chance to be a leader,” he “I see myself as the steward of this place,” he said, said. “You just get involved in things and eventually you sitting at the old- find that you are making a contribution.” fashioned soda One of his favorite movies is “It’s a Wonderful Life”, fountain which in which the hero, played by Jimmy Stewart, is made has served to see the many positive effects his life has had on the for years as a people around him and on his town. gathering place “I see my life sort of like that,” he said. “I think the little for the town. things can make a difference.” “This is like This even comes down to the way his employees are Facebook, in treated. real life, a place At the soda fountain, waitresses aren’t paid low wages where people and made to rely on tips. meet and “All our employees get at least minimum wage,” he keep up their said. friendships.\" Harrel is a Kingsville hero not only for his “official” “People come community service, but for the way he serves every day from out of on his job- counseling pharmacy customers about their town and they medications, sitting in on coffee groups and bonding are amazed at with new and old friends. the sense of Jesus “Jessie” Rios and his wife Patsy share a similar community in a attitude of service that have made them central to the place like this, community in a manner similar to Harrel. Jessie is a bandhe added. A lot of urban areas just do not have places director in Ricardo and Patsy works in administration atlike this where people can socialize.” Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Harrel has spent much of his life in Kingsville, After continued on page 8 South Texas Living – “The Good Life” (7)

Keeping Up With South Texas LivingContinued from page 7 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. And even on vacation, their service etiquette follows “Band is more than just music,” Jessie Rios said. “I them.use it as a teaching tool to show the kids how to learn When they visit their favorite hotel in San Antonio,the follow-through skills they need to apply to everything they bring homemade cake and gifts to the staff.in life. I teach them to prioritize, to work as a team and to The hotel reciprocates with champagne and flowers inhelp those who are the weakest link, not just to let them the Rios’ room.fail.\" When they return home, they are greeted by their two It is this ethos that the pair brings to their life of service little dogs, who have their own room with DirectTV.in the community as well. “When we die all our dogs that have been cremated They are active in everything from the Knights of will be buried with us,” Patsy said.Columbus to the soup kitchen. The couple serves as “I think people need to realize that things are not goinglectors and Eucharistic ministers at St. Martin’s Catholic to be done for them,” Jessie said. “You have to workChurch. hard and make the community your own. You have to “We both came from families who put service as a go to the businesses in the community if you want thempriority,” Patsy said. to stay here and prosper. You can’t always just take the Her mom would put together gift bags for the easy road.”homeless, while his mother, a teen mom, was active The Rios' seem to take joy in all that they do.in PTO. His father would even buy Christmas gifts for “It is all in the attitude,” said Rios, who has gone soneedy kids in the neighborhood. far as to get a CDL license to help out bus drivers for the They continue his father’s tradition of celebrating school district and a food service license so he can servebig for the holidays with a fantastic display of lights food at community events. “You can look at somethingand decorations which take two breaker boxes and 35 as just manual labor or as having fun.”outside outlets to maintain. Their December electric bill “We are simple people,” Patsy said. “We take joy inoften tops $700. the small things and we like to give back. I think that They play as hard as they work for the community makes for a happy life.”and even bring Kingsville folks along via Facebook ontheir frequent trips to casino destinations and resorts like(8) South Texas Living – “The Good Life”

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