Buda Dripping Springs Kyle San Marcos Wimberley La Hays Free/Gratis Voz de County Volume # 1 Number # 7 A Bilingual Newspaper December, 2008 Mariachi Nueva Generacion wins Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza for An Interview third consecutive year with Ruben Ruiz

Mariachi Nueva Generacion from Texas State University-San Marcos won the college/university group competition for the third time at the annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio at San Antonio’s Municipal Auditorium on Nov. 30. “For the last six years we have had a steady improvement,” said John Lopez Director of Multicultural Ensembles. “Our students worked really hard and we should all be excited and proud of this accomplishment.” The ensemble’s improvement is marked by its stellar track record. The group won third place at the competition in 2003, second place in 2004 and 2005, and first place in 2006 and 2007. “The contest is held every year and has become the competition that really sets the bar for mariachi ensembles nationally,” Lopez said. “Several universi- ties and schools compete annually.” Aroldo Villarreal says what he enjoys most about being a Mariachi is being a part of an award-winning ensemble. “There’s nothing better than winning first,” Villarreal said with a chuckle. “There is a lot of satisfaction knowing that with all the work that everyone did everyone came together and we won. It takes a great team to make a great mariachi.”

Loaf of Bread AVERAGE INCOME $.28 Gallon of Gas $12,965.00 $.40 DOW JONES AVERAGE: 783 to 1051 See Pages Gallon of Milk PRESIDENT: Richard Nixon 1973 $1.30 MOST POPULAR SONG: “You’re So Vain” 6 and 7 NEW CAR: $3,950.00 NEW HOUSE: $32,500.00 Page # 2 La Voz de Hays County - December 2008 New School Named: NCLR Está Listo Para Trabajar Irene K. Mendez Elementary Con La Nueva Administración

The San Marcos CISD School Felicita al nuevo jefe de Board voted to name the new elemen- tary school in honor of veteran SMCISD Gabinete Rahm Emanuel educator Irene Mendez. A native of San Marcos, Mendez was herself a proud Washington, DC–Janet Murguía, presidenta y gerente product of the local public schools, general del Consejo Nacional de La Raza (NCLR, por sus having attended Southside Elementary siglas en inglés) —la organización nacional más grande de (now Bonham PreK School), San apoyo y defensa de los derechos civiles de los hispanos en Marcos Junior High and San Marcos Estados Unidos— felicita al representante Rahm Emanuel High School. (D-IL) nombrado como jefe de Gabinete de la Casa Blanca por After her high school graduation, el presidente electo Barack Obama. “Trabajé con Rahm bajo Mendez earned her Bachelors and la Administración de Clinton”, dijo Murguía, “y por experiencia Janet Murguía Masters Degrees in Education from propia puedo decir que él es un estratega extraordinario y tiene Southwest Texas State University, un gran don para resolver asuntos difíciles. El asesorará bien al presidente electo now Texas State University, and de- Obama”. termined that she wanted to give back to her community. She became a Mas- “Rahm es incomparable en el análisis del clima político, y es un gran legislador y ter Bilingual kindergarten teacher and estratega. No siempre estuvimos de acuerdo cuando trabajamos juntos en la Casa served SMCISD for 28 years before her Blanca, pero siempre lo he respetado por su habilidad para conseguir que se haga el life was cut short by cancer. During the trabajo”, agrega Murguía. “El país merece contar con las mejores mentes y los asesores 1980’s, Mendez was recognized as a Career Ladder Teacher, an award given for excellence más capaces para hacer frente a los desafíos que vienen; estoy ansiosa por trabajar in teaching. con el presidente electo y su jefe de gabinete, y lograr que el país avance”.

Diana Guerrero addressed the school board, stating that Mendez “carried herself with Murguía señala que el clima político y económico presentará retos y oportunidades remarkable spirit, moving mountains with her teaching, building skyscrapers with her ex- importantes para la Administración de Obama en el alcance de las metas clave de pectations, and changing the hearts of so many children by enriching their lives with endless política interior. “Estos son tiempos desafiantes. Es vital que el presidente electo se possibilities.” Retired SMCISD principal Sarah Lesak added, “She [Mendez] was an ex- rodee de asesores fuertes con experiencia en diversas áreas, y que sean individuos ample and positive role model to her students and taught them the power of education. She con la capacidad de actuar para resolver las was patient, always finding solutions to any situation, especially if it had to do with educating children.” necesidades más críticas del país,” dice ella. “La comunidad latina demostró en estas elecciones que The school board acknowledged that choosing a name was difficult, for the three candi- estamos profundamente comprometidos con el dates submitted by the naming committee for consideration were stellar educators and proceso democrático; más de diez millones de citizens: Irene Mendez, Johnnie Armstead, and Theodora Scrutchin. Irene K. Mendez votantes latinos se movilizaron en el país para votar. Elementary will be located at 1805 Peter Garza Drive, the site of the current Goodnight Esto demuestra nuestro deseo por trabajar en Junior High School. In late December 2008, Goodnight moves into its new facility at 1301 conjunto con esta Administración para resolver las Highway 123. As soon as it is vacated, the former Goodnight site will be fully renovated principales preocupaciones como la economía, el throughout the spring and summer so that Irene K. Mendez Elementary can open in fall cuidado de salud, y la reforma migratoria.” 2009. Natalia A. Hernandez Diola Rendón Farmers Insurance Agency Certified Public Accountant Auto - Home - Business - Life/Health Travel Insurance to Mexico Accounting Bookkeeping 11600 Manchaca Road Suite “F” Tax Preparation and Consultation Austin, Texas 78748 Se Habla Español

Member of the American Institute of CPAs (512) 852-9059 (512) 228-0801 Office: (512) 312-2156 Fax: (512) 312-2168 La Voz de Hays County - December 2008 Page # 3 PRODUCTION Editor & Publisher Alfredo Santos c/s Comentando Sobre Editorial

Marketing Gloria Salazar El Año 2008 En cuanto se va cerrando el año 2008, es apropriado As the year 2008 comes to a close it is Graphics que reflejamos en todo lo que ha pasado.Primeramente appropriate that we pause and take a mo- Hunter Cuellar tenemos y debemos de felizitar a Barack Obama y a ment to reflect on all that has gone on. First todos los que le ayudaron en su campaña para la and foremost, we all need to congratulate Distribution presidencia de los Estados Unidos. Deveras, fue un logro Barack Obama and all those who helped El Louie historico de que los votantes pudieron elejir a un Afro- him in his campaign for the Presidency of Americano a este puesto. Por lo tanto, esperamos que the United States. Really, it is historic that Contributing Writers con el liderazgo de Obama el país va poder realizar los the voters in America were able to elect an Brenda Jaimes cambios que se necesita para mejorar las vidas de la African American to this very important po- Angel Espinoza gente. sition. And while we hope that the leader- Iris Campbell Pero hay que reconocer que Obama no lo va hacer ship of Obama will help us to realize the solo. Como decimos por aca en Tejas, una mano no se kind of changes that are necessary to im- Alfredo R. Santos c/s lava sola. Eso quiero decir que Obama, como prove the lives of many people, we must be Edtior & Publisher Presidente, va necesita la ayuda de todos. Todos vamos realists. e must recognize that Obama by him- PUBLISHER’S a tener que poner nuestra parte si queremos que se cam- W The reality is that we do not know self is not going to bring about the kind of STATEMENT bia la situación sea aquí en el país o afuera del país. what is going to happen with the change we seek. As we say down here in Ahora vamos a la situación economica. Para los que economy in the United States or Texas, a hand by itself does not wash itself La Voz de Hays County is a ven la televisión, lo que se oye es que estamos en tiempos the world for that matter. We don’t by it self.” (Sounds better in Spanish) Presi- monthly publication. The edi- deficiles. Se dicen por allí que ya no va hacer facil obtener even know in some cases who is dent elect Obama is going to need all the torial and business address is credito, comprar una casa o un carro. También dicen the owner of the debt that is in so help he can get. We are all going to have to P.O. Box 19457 Austin, Texas que mucha gente han perdido cantidades de dinero en much trouble of being lost. Life is do our part if we want to change here at 78760. The telephone number el mercado monetaria de fondos mutuales y “stocks.” not like it used to be. There was a home and abroad. is (512) 944-4123. The use, re- Aunque tal vez todo esto es cierto, hay otra gran cantidad time when went to work and got ow let’s turn to the economic situation. production or distribution of any de personas que estan diciendo o preguntando, a cual N off work. If you needed something For those who watch television it is being or part of this publication is crises? Donde esta el problema monetaria de la cual from the store, you went and paid stated that we are in the middle of hard times. strongly encouraged. But do todos estan hablando? Estos individuos tienen razon. cash. If you didn’t have the money We are being told that it is no longer going call and let us know what you Ellos hacen estas preguntas porque no tienen to make the purchase, you waited to be easy to obtain credit, buy a house or a are using. Letters to the editor inversioners en el ‘stock market.” No tienen fondos de or you put it on “lay away.” car. We are also being told that many people are most welcome. jubilación para cuando ya no trabajan. Asi es que es But things are not like that any are losing great sums of money in the stock deficil para ellos ver o entender de que se trata toda el more. We live in a modern world market and with mutual funds. susto con la economia. where things go faster. Progress La realidad es que no sabemos que es lo que va pasar While all of this may indeed be true, there Por cualquier is measured by how much con- is another group of people who are asking, con la economia en los Estados Unidos o en el mundo. sumption a house hold can under- pregunta, what crises? Where is the money problem No sabemos en algunos casos, ni si quiera a quien se le take. Many have been conditioned llamanos: that everyone is talking about? These indi- debe el dinero que esta en tanto peligro. Ya la vida no to believe the bigger is better, that viduals have a reason to wonder. Some of es como antes. Antes uno se hiba al trabajo y se salia more is better. them are asking these questions because 291-9060 del trabajo. Se necesitaba algo de la tienda, se pagaba The world is changing and now they do not play the stock market. They do en efectivo. Si uno no tenia el dinero para hacer la comprar we are beginning to see the first not have money tied up in mutual funds. So 944-4123 se esperaba o se ponia en “lay away” como más antes. signs that we are going to have to it is difficult for them to understand what this Pues con eso les dejo. Pongan atención y mantenganse rethink what it is that makes us econmics scare is all about. en comunicación. happy. City Bakery ARCH RENTALS BY CINDY Weddings - Quinceañeras (512) 353-2489 Arches, Candelabra, Gazebos & Accessories 375 Fall Drive Cell: 670-6230 401 S. Guadalupe Street San Marcos, Tex. 78666 Kyle, Texas 78640 [email protected] Page # 4 La Voz de Hays County - December, 2008 Linda’s Monthly Column UN BASO DE LECHE “Find your passion and volunteer!” A Glass of Milk One day, a poor boy by Linda Medina name of the town she who was selling goods came from, the light of from door to door to pay recognition filled his People have asked me cieties through volunteering. his way through school, eyes. Immediately, he time and time again why I vol- Volunteering is ultimately found he had only one rose and went down the unteer. When I volunteer I about helping others taking thin dime left, and he hall of the hospital to her know that I am giving some- part in impacting people’s wel- was hungry. room. thing back to my community fare and happiness. He decided he would by lending a helping hand to What better way is there to Dressed in his ask for a meal at the people and organizations. I connect with your community doctor’s gown he went in think of volunteering as an ex- and give something back? Do next house. However, he to see her. He recog- change. you feel strongly about some- lost his nerve when a nized her at once. He I know that I will find my- thing that is happening or not lovely young woman went back to the consul- self in need at some point in happening in your community opened the door. Instead of a meal he tation room even more determined to do my life. So today I may be the Linda Medina, M.Ed and want to get involved? As a asked for a drink of water. She thought he his best to save her life. From that day person with the ability to help, volunteer, you certainly return looked hungry so brought him a large glass forward he gave special attention to her but tomorrow I may be the recipient of some- to society some of the benefits that society of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, case. one else’s volunteer effort. gives you. “How much do I owe you?” “You don’t owe I have been a giver and a receiver. Special You may be a teenager, a student, a work- me anything,” she replied. “Mother has After a long struggle, individuals have truly impacted my life in many ing professional, a homemaker or a senior taught us never to accept pay for an act of the battle was won. ways when I was a young child; from the citizen. Whether it’s an hour or a one kindness.” He said..... “Then I thank you day....Find your passion and volunteer! church youth workers, to the Aspendale Camp from my heart.” As Howard After a long struggle, the battle was leaders, to the speakers at the UTEP Upward To find out about a list organizations in the Kelly left that house, he not only felt stron- won. Dr. Kelly requested the business Bound Youth Program, to the senior citizens Austin Community you can contribute your ger physically, but his faith in God and man office to pass the final bill to him for ap- that delivered books to my school! It is now time or money to visit: was stronger also. He had been ready to proval. He looked at it, and then wrote my turn to give back and I do what I can. I www.ilivehereigivehere.org click on Non- give up and quit. something on the edge and the bill was encourage you to be part of our community Profit Solutions. sent to her room. She feared to open it, and contribute! Years later, that young for she was sure it would take the rest of There are so many options for being in- Contact me if you have any questions, [email protected] volved in your community, through profes- woman became critically ill. her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, sional associations, neighborhood organiza- and something caught her attention on This monthly was tions, arts and historic organizations and so- Years later, that young woman became the side of the bill. sponsored by the cial service organizations. No man or woman critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. Greater Austin His- They finally sent her to the big city, where She read these words, “Paid in full with is an island. People and societies co-depend panic Chamber of they called in specialists to study her rare one glass of milk.” (Signed) Dr. Howard on each other for survival. We can bridge the Commerce Education Kelly. expanding gap between communities and so- Foundation. disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the Christmas Facts “White Christmas” (1954), starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, was the first movie to be made in Vista Vision, a deep-focus process.

“The Nutcracker” is the name for the ballet performed around Christmas time each year. “The Nutcracker Suite” is the title of the music Tchaikovsky wrote.

A traditional Christmas dinner in early England was the head of a pig prepared with mustard.

According to historical accounts, the first Christmas in the Philippines was celebrated 200 years before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the country for the western world, likely between the years 1280 and 1320 AD.

After “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens wrote several other Christmas stories, one each year, but none was as successful as the original.

Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday. This tradition began in 1836.

Although many believe the Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year, it is not. It is the fifth to tenth busiest day. The Friday and Saturday before Christmas are the two busiest shopping days of the year. La Voz de Hays County - December, 2008 Page 5

Every spring for the first 11 years of his life, Jaime Chahin had to leave his Eagle Pass, Texas, home a month before school let out to travel to places like Oregon, Montana, Wash- Rising Star ington and Idaho — places where his par- ents could earn a living picking potatoes, hops and cherries and hoeing sugar beets. It was Dr. Jaime Chahin receives honor, in those fields and orchards during those long, hot summers that Chahin learned the value of opportunity and education. “My frame grant for one of his worthy programs of reference was working with the sun on your back for nine or 10 hours a day and getting Chahin good reason to take pride in the RBF recognized Chahin paid $25 an acre,” he says. “It made me real part the center and its staff has played in at its annual summer hungry.” bringing educational opportunities to migrant workshop in New York, students. “We received this grant in a na- where he gives a presen- That hunger spurred Chahin to charge tional competition during difficult financial tation each year to the through his secondary education with single- times in this country,” he says. “To continue RBF Fellows and advises minded determination. After graduating from funding for the next five years means the them about applying for Eagle Pass High School in 1971, he earned center staff has done exemplary work to pro- graduate school and find- his bachelor’s degree in sociology and po- vide the training and in-service that is needed ing matching funds for litical science in just 33 months, immediately to support the migrant education programs their fellowships. landed a full scholarship to pursue his in America.” master’s from the University of Michigan, Back home at Texas then completed his doctorate in education Those programs include providing in- State, Chahin personally administration in 1977 before his 25th birth- structional resources and technical assis- coaches the university’s day. tance to educators who work with migrant nominees for the RBF students. The center facilitates training for Fellowship. “I spend six Today, as the dean of the College of Ap- every state in the nation that has a migrant weeks with our students plied Arts at Texas State, Chahin hasn’t for- education program. It also brings bilingual who are chosen,” he gotten his roots. He has made it his mission teachers from Mexico into the school dis- says. “I tell them, ‘You to introduce educational opportunity into tricts where they are needed to provide criti- have to show that you places it often isn’t found. cal summer instruction to migrant students. know the applied part, that Among his many efforts are receiving fund- you know about the migrant student might leave Texas or ing to endow the Tomás Rivera Children’s “A theory, and that you have Mexico in late April to go to Wisconsin and Book Award to promote literacy; establishing the passion to want to be come back in September or October,” Caminos, a summer camp held at Texas a master teacher.” State that helps disadvantaged ninth-grad- Chahin explains. “So they miss [school] the Most recently, Chahin ers he calls “youth of promise” prepare for month of May and potentially the month of coached education ma- high school; helping to create the Rockefeller September. The Center for Migrant Educa- jors Audrey Estupinan Brothers Fund’s (RBF) national Fellowships tion makes sure they transfer transcripts and and Albert Walker, who for Aspiring Teachers of Color program; pro- have instructional support so they can con- became the 18th and 19th ducing “The Forgotten Americans” a PBS tinue their education and they don’t lose out Texas State students to receive RBF Fellowships since the program’s inception. documentary on colonias on the U.S. Mexico when they come back to their home base.” border and engaging students with cameras Under another DOE grant, the Center for to document their social condition; and es- The Road Ahead: Los Caminitos Migrant Education also coordinates the tablishing the Center for Migrant Education CAMP program for migrant students attend- at Texas State. Chahin’s newest project, Los Caminitos, is a spin-off of Caminos, the six-week summer ing Texas State. “It pays tuition, room and camp he created to provide disadvantaged ninth-graders with the opportunity to earn high The Center for board, fees and a stipend for 50 migrant stu- school credits and gain the confidence to take a college-bound curriculum. Migrant Education dents a year,” Chahin says. “It’s for the whole freshman year, so it adds up to about $13,000 Los Caminitos targets much younger students — 4-year-olds. Inspired by a book he Chahin established the center in 2000 with per student.” read about the impact that early exposure to language has on children’s ability to learn and a small grant to provide training to teachers succeed academically, Chahin is working to bring together colleagues from Texas State’s of migrant students within the state of Texas. Fellowships for Aspiring Department of Family and Consumer Sciences to launch the program at Bonham, a San Its responsibility grew rapidly. In 2003, the Teachers of Color Marcos pre-kindergarten. “I have to sell them on the idea,” he says. “They’re the experts in center’s staff received its first five-year grant early childhood education. I don’t know anything about that. The job of a dean is to facilitate n 2008, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) I the engagement of other scholars and identify potential funding resources.” in the amount of $2.8 million. “That began honored Chahin for his years of service to the first effort to provide training and in-ser- its Fellowships for Aspiring Teachers of Chahin has an idea for that. As a National Kellogg Fellow, an honor he received in 1993, vice to migrant education staff in the school Color program, which he helped establish. he plans to seek grant funding from the Kellogg Foundation for Los Caminitos. If Los districts throughout the nation,” Chahin says. Each year the program selects 25 college Caminitos becomes reality, it will be yet another worthy project Chahin’s passion for educa- juniors from across the United States re- tion has brought to students and another notable addition to his curriculum vita, but more In 2008, the center received another five- ceive fellowships of $22,000 to attend gradu- important, to the public good. “If someone asks me where my passion for all these pro- year, $3.1 million grant from the DOE, giving ate school. grams come from,” Chahin says. “I say, ‘I lived it.’” Page # 6 La Voz de Hays County - December, 2008 An Interview with Ruben Ruiz

Mr. Ruben Ruiz is a successfull businessman based in San Marcos, Texas. As the author of The One Hour Hispanic age of income is easy, but is very hard if you haven’t done it, or your Millionarie and other books, parents or grandparents did not we thought that during this teach you. time of “economic crises” it because they are paid more per would be most appropriate La Voz: Have you noticed a dif- hour and take home a bigger pay- to share his views with the ference between Mexican Ameri- check, it doesn’t mean that they cans who have been in the coun- save more. It just means that they readers of La Voz de Hays try for two or three generations can spend more. County. and recently arrived Mexicans when it comes to how they handle La Voz: As you know the their money? economy is in the news almost everyday if not every hour. What La Voz: Mr. Ruiz, you have a book I think the majority of are your views on what is going out on the market about money Hispanic Immigrants that on with this “economic crises?” and finance. Can you tell about it have come to America in and what inspired you to write it? the last ten years . . . It started several years ago with the premise Ruben Ruiz: This is my second Ruben Ruiz: There are some dif- book of at least 6 books that I will ferences. I think the majority of that all Americans write on money & financial plan- Hispanic Immigrants that have should have the ning. The first book, The One Hour come to America in the last ten opportunity to Hispanic Millionaire was 30 chap- years have no knowledge of the purchase a home. ters and contained about twelve financial system plus they also keys to achieve financial success. have not been taught to save or Ruben Ruiz: The financial crisis For success you have to go to all invest by their parents or grand- is again about debt. It started sev- 12 keys in order. My latest book, parents. eral years ago with the premise The Richest Latino in America, is So they have two major that all Americans should have the of course a self-help money book, struggles to contend with. Statis- opportunity to purchase a home. but it is written in a “Novella” or tics have shown that the older a Everyone knows that a home- story format. generation is, the more they know owner usually is more stable, and about financial matters in America values oriented that a renter. So La Voz: In the book, the point and their educational attainment over the years the government & about savings is stressed. What is higher. But let me be very clear private sector has made the “buy- sell to institutional investors. So little about your background and do you tell people who say they about this, it does not mean that ing a house” and getting a mort- because so many mortgage loans work experience. don’t have enough money left over a 2nd or 3rd generation born His- gage process easier and easier went into default, it started a chain after paying all the bills to even panic-American is saving or in- to qualify. reaction. My work experience have a savings account? vesting at present, or that they Same old story on Debt, but a in Financial Planning have a good net worth; the major- I think many Americans much bigger scale, because after started out a few This may sound kind of ity don’t. already know that a lot all everyone that wants a house months after I should get one. Americans will tuff, but you have to of people should not graduated from SWT find a way. La Voz: In the areas around the have to learn how to save more of state where you operate, what sur- have been given . . . their paycheck. This learning Ruben Ruiz: This may sound prises you the most when it doesn’t happen overnight, it takes Ruben Ruiz: My work experience kind of tuff, but you have to find a comes to personal finance? I think many Americans already time to get this into everyone’s in Financial Planning started out way. There are many Americans know that a lot of people should mindset so that it becomes auto- a few months after I graduated that spend more than they make, Ruben Ruiz: In a nutshell, NOTH- not have been given a mortgage. matic. If we compare the Internet from SWT ( Texas State Univer- even if it’s for necessities for the ING. What I mean, is that there is The process became so easy that & Cell Phone use, we find that it sity ), and I did not plan this. I had family. But if they always say we no major difference in personal fi- almost everyone that wanted a took many years for the majority worked at IRS part-time while go- don’t have any money left over all nance, because it is a bigger city, house could qualify for a mortgage of Americans to use everyday as ing to college, and after gradua- the time, then they never will. That or that the population if largely His- loan. Then the lenders of these they take a bath. tion worked for the IRS full time. is why is so important to take an panic or Non-Hispanic.It is based loans would turn around and sell But, I was not a permanent em- hour a week to plan, even when on Income & the “structured finan- them to “Investment Banks”. Then La Voz: Let’s change up the dis- ployee and had to take the Fed- you don’t have any savings. The cial plan.”. While many Hispan- these banks would create a new cussion and talk about Ruben eral Exam. Well, in July of that habit of putting away a percent- ics that move to the bigger cities, “Mortgage Security of Bond” and Ruiz. Share with our readers a year our seasonal job was over, La Voz de Hays County - December, 2008 Page # 7 Una Entervista con Ruben Ruiz

Ruben Ruiz, Jr., MSFS, CLU, ChFC, CSA, RFC, is President and CEO of The Ruiz Financial Group, LLC., The One-Hour Hispanic Millionaire, The Wealth & Millionaire Publishing and Regional Director of Money Concepts Financial Planning Centers in San Marcos and San Antonio, Texas. Ruiz teaches, educates, and provides consulting services to clients and as- I just recently wrote down another sociates in wealth management and financial planning. goal, and I think maybe I blew a gasket or something, but the goal is to sell One Million books by 12- 31-10 , through non-profit organi- and I had been approved as a per- for me because of what the future Ruben Ruiz: That’s easy becom- zations, private companies, and manent employee. It was going to would bring, that I worked every ing a business owner/entrepreneur associations, online, through be about a month that I would get weekend to complete these two in financial planning. seminars & workshops, all the approved, but in that one month I goals. All of this experience & non-traditional outlets for book dis- found the financial services indus- training has given me today the La Voz: What was your worst tribution. By doing this especially try and started working for a Col- mindset to quickly determine a economic decision? for the Non-Profit Organizations, lege Insurance Company. client’s financial mess or how to Ruben Ruiz: That I did not save they can make a profit to use for For the next 9 years I would be increase their net worth with a rec- money for the first 15 years of my the further development of their working in the insurance or risk ommended structured plan of ac- adult life (Seems I have heard that organization and their members. management industry. During that tion. I continue my education ev- before). time I was reading more and more ery month. La Voz: You recently moved from about this new industry called “Fi- La Voz: Tell us about your cur- downtown San Marcos to Corpo- nancial Planning.” Finally I made La Voz: Who inspires you? rent business. rate Drive on the South side of the decision to become a finan- San Marcos. Are we to interpret cial planner, advisor, coach, what- Ruben Ruiz: I don’t know if I re- Ruben Ruiz: My business prac- that as a sign of growth? ever you like. ally have a single person anymore, tice consists of working with Since the financial planning in- besides my family, which is kind mainly Baby Boomers, and also Ruben Ruiz: Well I hope so. For dustry was only about 10 years of an automatic inspiration for me. Seniors, Business Owners and the last 20 years I had either paid old, we were both writing the book But, the goals are my big inspira- Young Adults to help them achieve rent or shared space & ownership on how to market or build a finan- tion, because when you write them financial independence. When I with my partner & friend Javier cial planning business. I made just down, and then the steps to ac- wrote my first book three years Ledesma, and I wanted to find an enough money to pay bills for the complish them, I see the future. ago, I decided to self-publish and office just for my business. At the next twelve years because I was And that is always exciting. have made another goal to do a same time, Javier needed more learning something new about the series of financial self-improve- space because of the growth of industry and then had to transfer But I did nothing about it ment books. his Tax Business in Central that knowledge into a profitable because I thought, it’s My second book just came out Texas, and so Javier kept 100% business. too hard, too much this year, The Richest Latino in of the building and I moved to the America, and in addition to being new office. In addition my spouse Throughout those money, when will . . . a self-improvement book, it is also Amanda, and son Richard & years and even up At one point just a few years ago, a “Novella” or story book. daughter Raquel work with me in to the present I never I had thought about being an au- the business. We are also closer stopped learning thor, as am sure many people My business is all to our home, about 10 minutes have. But I did nothing about it be- about educating and away. Throughout those years and cause I thought, it’s too hard, too training people, the even up to the present I never La Voz: What is left on your list much money, when will I write it, majority of them being stopped learning, and acquired how will I write it, and so on. of things to do in life? several professional designations It was not until I wrote down as Hispanic, about & diplomas. Then I made up my a goal, and implemented the financial planning & Ruben Ruiz: Alfredo, I am glad mind to get my Masters in finan- steps to reach that goal that it building their net worth you asked me that. I have three cial planning and started, and happened. This is much the same things currently, that I want to do about three months later while at- for Hispanics that want to increase It won three International Latino in life; The first is writing a finan- tending a “financial bootcamp” on their net worth and become finan- Book Awards in Los Angeles ear- cial column for a newspaper, Wealth, I made the decision to cially independent; they will need lier this year. My business is all magazine and get paid for it; and write a book on financial self-im- to set up their goals, and then the about educating and training 2nd, which I have mentioned ear- provement. steps (structured financial plan) people, the majority of them be- lier, to sell one million books by So here I was in a state of mind to accomplish. ing Hispanic, about financial plan- 12/10, and you get to help me do that I had to accomplish both of ning & building their net worth & both. The third thing or goal is to these major goals, and still con- La Voz: What would you say is wealth, whether I do it through a go to the Fiji Islands in the Pa- tinue my business & practice. It the best economic decision you private consultation or meeting, or cific and stay a month. was so enjoyable & pleasurable have ever made? through my books & workshops. Page # 8 La Voz de Hays County -December, 2008 San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District School Information Información Escolar

Adan Garcia, Bonham PreK student at the CDC, brought his book of The Night Before Christmas to “read” to Santa. Adan, age 4, is also reported to have told Santa, “I saw you on TV last night, and you looked pretty good.” “Santa” in these photos is PRIDE High School The Steel Drum Band from Texas State University recently played two assemblies for Crockett science teacher, Peter Tice. Elementary School students. Drummers under the direction of Genearo Gonzales, played Caribben music — to the delight of students and staff alike. The instruments are actually hugh steel drums that have been hammered to different tones, or notes, according to Crockett music teacher Viki Hicks. Shown in the photo is Texas State student Ernest Luna demon- strating for Crockett students jeremiah Legagneur and Malarie Torres how the notes are ar- ranged on the drums. The event was made possible through a grant funded by the San Marcos Education Foundation. (Photo provided by Crockett Elementary)

San Marcos High School recently celebrated all of the students who have participated in the Camino’s program by planting a tree in front of the campus. The Caminos Pre-College Leadership Camp at Texas State University is in its fifth year of bringing students from Miller and Goodnight Junior High schools into a six-week transi- tional program, preparing them for success at the high school level. Students graduating from the 8th grade are chosen by the teachers to participate in the program to gain leadership skills and earn credits toward high school. The Caminos project focuses on leadership developemnt, academic instruction, and the college application pro- cess. Dr. Jaime Chahin, Dean of the College of Applied Arts, says that Texas State provides room and board, field trips, and on and off campus transportation for the participating students. For the last several years, the program has been funded by a grant from the Texas Pioneer Foundation.

LEFT: Shown in the cener of the photo is Dr. Jaime Chahin, SMHS student Juan Rodriguez, SMHS principal Michelle Darling, and Fred Markham of the Texas Pioneer Foundation. La Voz de Hays County -December, 2008 Page # 9 Texas Preparatory School Events

December 3 Family & Friends Night at TPS is from 5 – 7 pm. The open house will begin and dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. The talent showcase will start at 6:30 pm. February 1 Super Bowl XLIII Party time and place TBA. February 11 Family & Friends Night at TPS is from 5 – 7 pm. The open house will begin and dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. The talent showcase will start at 6:30 pm. April 1 Family & Friends Night at TPS is from 5 – 7 pm. The open house will begin and dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. The talent showcase will start at 6:30 pm. April 4 Blue & White Marketplace at TPS from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Parents and Community Members are encouraged to clean out the GARAGE and come set up a FREE booth in the school parking lot. For more information, please contact Ms. Maria Cabrera at 512.557.1540, we will only take the first 30 participants.BBQ Dinners will be sold as a fundraiser from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. May 8 End of the Year Recognition Celebration at the place TBA from 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Texas Preparatory School Learning is FUN! ENROLL TODAY!

A Free Open Enrollment School Our History PROJECT LEARN Grades K– 6th For eight years the An Early Educational Enhancement Program Texas Preparatory Our Mission Serving Students AGES School has been in the To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to forefront of the school reach their full potential as productive, caring responsible choice movement 3 TO 5. citizens. throughout the South Monday - Friday Central Texas communi- Our Methods ties. TPS adopts the learning methodology of multi-aged grouping. Through this learning method students are allowed to advance as Program Times Monthly Activity Fee The school actively seeks their readiness and potential allows, or remediate as needed. All Day: 7:30 pm to 4:30 pm $250.00 to enrich the lives of Multi-aged grouping allows students to work cooperatively with Morning Program: 7:30 am to 12:30 pm $125.00 boys and girls that at- their peers that might be different ages and academic levels. Afternoon Program: 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm $125.00 tend through a creative Core Courses include: Extended Hours: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm $ 25.00 and unique education experience. M ATHEMATICS We are dedicated to en- R EADING Prepare your child for school today with daily instructional ac- suring that our commu- S CIENCE tivities. All Day program includes breakfast, lunch, and snack. nity’s youth have choice S OCIAL S TUDIES in obtaining a quality edu- W RITING For more information contact cation within the public Elective Course include: school setting to enhance Texas Preparatory School Primary Students (grades K—3) their lives and shape 400 Uhland Road #2 their future. A RT San Marcos, Texas 78666 M USIC S CIENCE P ROJECTS 512.805.3000 office Intermediate Students (grades 4—6) 512.805.7739 fax [email protected] 400 Uhland Road #2 C HEER D ANCE San Marcos, TX 78666 P ASSPORT TO M ANHOOD SMART G IRLS Phone: 512-805-3000 S OCCER Fax: 512-805-773 C LUB C HALLENGE Email: [email protected] Web: www.texasprep.us Page 10 La Voz de Hays County - December, 2008 La Profesora Dice: Students and Teachers Record an Obstáculos y Posibilidades Oral History of the Valley for Radio para el Estudiante Indocumentado by Teresa Garza Alma S. Pérez, Ph.D Texas Folklife, a statewide non-profit organization, wants the Rio Grande Valley to tell its story with its own Los estudiantes indocumentados pueden El Develop- voice in the “Voices of the Valley” project. Residents of asumir que no tienen el derecho de ment, Relief, the Rio Grande Valley will have the opportunity to learn legalmente asistir a una universidad en los and Educa- how to record oral history and have their work aired on Estados Unidos. Esto no es verdad. No existe tion for Alien an hour-long performance and radio program. ninguna ley federal o estatal que prohiba la Minors Act The project was launched in April at the University of admisión del los imigrantes (DREAM Act) Texas-Pan American (UTPA) during a public lecture indocumentados a colegios y universidades es una conducted by Elizabeth Perez Luna. Luna is the news en los Estados Unidos de América, ya sean legislación director and executive producer of national radio pro- públicos o privados, ni hay una ley federal o que ha sido gramming at WHYY-FM (90.9) in Philadelphia. “It was estatal que requiera que los estudiantes introducida an intense two-day radio training focused on creating a demuestren que son ciudadanos desde el 2000 10 minute piece on curanderismo,” said Nancy Bless, americanos para ser por los dos Alma S. Pérez, Ph.D Texas Folklife executive director. admitidos a una institución de enseñanza partidos en el Texas Folklife wants to collect stories on the folklife avanzada en los Estados Unidos. Congreso de los Estado Unidos y se dirige and folklore of the Valley as a way to document its his- Texas Folklife staff member Cristina a la situación que enfrentan los jóvenes que tory. They have worked with community residency work Balli helps La Joya ISD student Edna Sin embargo, hay polizas institucionales Vasquez with her recording equip- fueron traídos a este país in the past with various people in doing just that. “We ment. que varían en la admisión de este tipo de como niños inmigrantes indocumentados y are currently working with teachers and students from estudiante. El estado de Texas fue el primero que han crecido aquí, se quedaron, han La Joya High School, Edcouch High School’s Llano Grande Center for Research and en decretar una ley en 2001 para que estos asistido a la escuela y no han tenido Development and UTPA,” said Bless. Bless explained that there is an interest in estudiantes pudieran asistir a una problemas de conducta. telling community stories among the students currently receiving training on the proper use universidad y pudieran pagar in-state tuition of audio technology including microphones, being aware of the environment while recording y no tuvieran que pagar costos como los Hay miles de estudiantes que pueden and then editing the material they record. Cristina Balli, project director of The South Texas estudiantes internacionales. Rick Noriega, calificar para el DREAM Act: Éstos incluyen Project, is now based in the Valley and currently providing the training and workshops to the Diputado del Distrito 145 en Houston, tuvo estudiantes de honor roll, maestros La Joya and Edcouch students on a weekly basis. Balli provides such basics as how to éxito en pasar una propuesta histórica aspirantes, doctores y abogados, atletas conduct an interview, proper use of audio equipment, how to structure a story, and editing the conocida como House Bill 1403 para proveer estrellas, artistas talentosos, y futuros finished product. “Some of the stories they have mentioned interest in documenting are their costos estatales y asistencia financial a empresarios. Estos estudiantes han vivido friend’s lifestyles, quinceaneras, and even livestock and slaughterhouses. Their interests ciertos estudiantes que son inmigrantes. en este país por casi todas are all over the place and that’s great,” said Balli. sus vidas y solamente quieren reconocer a Students are now familiar with audio production formats; they can record interviews and También, en Texas fue donde se inició la los Estados Unidos como su gather sound elements and they know the basics of digital editing. Next they will learn how señal del juicio Plyer v. Doe que llegó hasta casa. Enfrentan obstáculos únicos en su to log their material and produce their stories. Some of them know how to conduct oral la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos en educación avanzada y no pueden histories as well. UTPA students work without the assistance of a trainer since they have 1982 permitiendo a cada niño la educación trabajar legalmente y viven con miedo more resources. They then present their creations to Texas Folklife. The Austin-based gratuita en las escuelas públicas constante de ser deportados por las organization has worked on smaller projects with the Valley community in the past but sees garantizando una educación hasta el grado autoridades de inmigración. so much more potential and expects great success with this current project. 12. Esta legislación fue ganada en la base They are now partnering with the non profit organization La Unión del de la Enmienda Catorce de los Estados En su reciente libro, Undocumented Im- Pueblo Entero (LUPE) to train staff and members to also produce stories for the radio Unidos. migrants and Higher Education: !Si Se program. On Nov. 14, Alex Avila, senior producer of Latino USA on NPR, and Balli gave Puede!, la Dra. Alejandra Rincón clama que LUPE staff their first orientation on the project and overview of the technology they will learn Muchos legisladores en otros estados han estos estudiantes solo buscan igualdad to use. Ideally, students will create short edited pieces about three minutes each for public debatido propuestas con criterio similar para bajo la ley y afirman su humanidad y sus consumption by springtime. The final pieces will also be available online at the Texas pasar tal legislación. La legislación estatal derechos civiles. ¿Cuáles posibilidades Folklife Web site when they are finalized. decretada generalmente, requiere que los podemos proveer todos nosotros Anyone interested in participating in this project should con- estudiantes hayan residido en el estado por a los obstáculos que dañan el éxito de estos tact Cristina Balli at (956)346-5854 or [email protected]. tres años, que se hayan graduado de una estudiantes que serán los líderes de este secundaria estatal, hayan recibido país? Les invito a participar en este esfuerzo. notificación de haber sido aceptados a un Quizás la nueva administración de nuestro colegio o universidad pública y que hayan Presidente Electo Barack Obama nos abra firmado un affidavit declarando que harán una la puerta. Nos vemos?. solicitud para legalizar su estado de residencia legal.

Dr. Alma S. Pérez received her Ph.D from the University of Texas at Austin. She can be contacted at: [email protected] La Voz de Brazoria County - December 2008 Page # 11 La Historia de Juan Diego

Diez años después de la conquista de le estaba esperando. Con lágrimas de fragantes, el rocío de la noche semejaba adquirieron el nombre de Guadalupe, título México, el día 9 de diciembre de 1531, Juan tristeza le contó cómo había fracasado su perlas preciosas. Presto empezó a córtalas, que ha llevado por cuatro siglos. Diego iba rumbo al Convento de Tlaltelolco empresa. Ella le pidió volver a ver al Sr. las echó en su regazo y las llevó ante la para oír misa. Al amanecer llegó al pie del Obispo el día siguiente. Juan Diego cumplió Virgen. Ella tomó las flores en sus manos, Se lee en la Sagrada Escritura que en Tepeyac. De repente oyó música que con el mandato de la Santísima Virgen. Esta las arregló en la tilma y dijo: “Hijo mío el tiempo de Moisés y muchos años después parecía el gorjeo de miles de pájaros. Muy vez tuvo mejor éxito; el Sr. más pequeño, aquí un gran cometa recorría el espacio. Tenía la sorprendido se paró, alzó su vista a la cima Obispo pidió una señal. tienes la señal que apariencia de una serpiente de fuego. Los del cerro y vio que estaba iluminado con una debes llevar al Señor indios de México le dieron el nombre de luz extraña. Cesó la música y en seguida Juan regresó a la colina, Obispo. Le dirás en mi Quetzalcoatl, serpiente con plumas. Le oyó una dulce voz procedente de lo alto de dio el recado a María nombre que vea en tenían mucho temor e hicieron ídolos de pie- la colina, llamándole: “Juanito; querido Juan Santísima y ella prometió ella mi voluntad y que dra, en forma de serpiente emplumada, a Dieguito”. darle una señal al siguiente él tiene que cumplirla. los cuales adoraban, ofreciéndoles día en la mañana. Pero Tú eres mi embajador sacrificios humanos. Después de ver la Juan subió presurosamente y al llegar a Juan Diego no podía cumplir muy digno de sagrada imagen y leer lo que les dijo, los la cumbre vio a la Santísima Virgen María este encargo porque un tío confianza. indios abandonaron sus falsos dioses y en medio de un arco iris, ataviada con suyo, llamado Juan Bernar- Rigurosamente te abrazaron la Fe Católica. Ocho millones de esplendor celestial. Su hermosura y mirada dino había enfermado ordeno que sólo indígenas se convirtieron en sólo siete años bondadosa llenaron su corazón de gozo gravemente. delante del Obispo después de la aparición de la imagen. infinito mientras escuchó las palabras despliegues tu tilma y os días más tarde, el tiernas que ella le dirigió a él. Ella habló en D descubras lo que LA TILMA DE JUAN DIEGO día doce de diciembre, Juan azteca. Le dijo que ella era la Inmaculada llevas”. Virgen María, Madre del Verdadero Dios. Bernardino estaba La tilma en la cual la imagen de la Le reveló cómo era su deseo más moribundo y Juan Diego se Cuando Juan Diego Santísima Virgen apareció, está hecha de vehemente tener un templo allá en el llano apresuró a traerle un estuvo ante el Obispo fibra de maguey. La duración ordinaria de donde, como madre piadosa, mostraría todo sacerdote de Tlaltelolco. Fray Juan de esta tela es de veinte años a lo máximo. su amor y misericordia a él y a los suyos y a Llegó a la ladera del cerro y Zumárraga, y le contó Tiene 195 centímetros de largo por 105 de cuantos solicitaren su amparo. “Y para optó ir por el lado oriente para evitar que la los detalles de la cuarta aparición de la ancho con una sutura en medio que va de realizar lo que mi clemencia pretende, irás Virgen Santísima le viera pasar. Primero Santísima Virgen, abrió su tilma para arriba a abajo. a la casa del Obispo de México y le dirás quería atender a su tío. Con grande sorpresa mostrarle las flores, las cuales cayeron al Impresa directamente sobre esta tela, se que yo te envío a manifestarle lo que mucho la vio bajar y salir a su encuentro. Juan le suelo. En este instante, ante la inmensa encuentra la hermosa figura de Nuestra deseo; que aquí en el llano me edifique un dio su disculpa por no haber venido el día sorpresa del Señor Obispo y sus Señora. El cuerpo de ella mide 140 templo. Le contarás cuanto has visto y anterior. Después de oír las palabras de compañeros, apareció la imagen de la centímetros de alto. admirado, y lo que has oído. Ten por seguro Juan Diego, ella le respondió: “Oye y ten Santísima Virgen María maravillosamente que le agradeceré bien entendido, hijo mío el más pintada con los más hermosos colores Esta imagen de la Santísima Virgen es el y lo pagaré, porque te pequeño, que es nada lo que te sobre la burda tela de su manto. único retrato auténtico que tenemos de ella. haré feliz y merecerás asusta y aflige. No se turbe tu Su conservación en estado fresco y hermoso que yo te recompense corazón, no temas esa ni LA CURACIÓN DE por más de cuatro siglos, debe considerarse el trabajo y fatiga con ninguna otra enfermedad o JUAN BERNARDINO milagrosa. Se venera en la Basílica de que vas a procurar lo angustia. ¿Acaso no estoy aquí Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en la Ciudad que te encomiendo. Ya yo, que soy tu madre? ¿No El mismo día, doce de diciembre, muy de México, donde ocupa el sitio de honor en has oído mi mandato, estás bajo mi sombra? ¿No soy temprano, la Santísima Virgen se presentó el altar mayor. hijo mío, el más tu salud? ¿Qué más te falta? No en la choza de Juan Bernardino para curarle de su mortal enfermedad. Su corazón se pequeño: anda y pon te aflija la enfermedad de tu tío, La Sagrada Imagen duró en su primera llenó de gozo cuando ella le dio el feliz todo tu esfuerzo”. Juan que no morirá ahora de ella; ermita desde el 26 de diciembre, 1535 hasta mensaje de que su retrato milagrosamente se inclinó ante ella y le está seguro de que ya sanó”. el ano de 1622. dijo: “Señora mía: ya aparecido en la tilma de Juan Diego, iba a voy a cumplir tu Cuando Juan Diego oyó estas ser el instrumento que aplastara la religión La segunda iglesia ocupó el mismo lugar mandato; me despido palabras se sintió contento. Le idólatra de sus hermanos por medio de la donde se encuentra hoy la Basílica. Esta de ti, yo, tu humilde rogó que le despachara a ver al enseñanza que el divino códice-pintura duró hasta 1695. Unos pocos años antes siervo”. Señor Obispo para llevarle encerraba. fue construida la llamada Iglesia de los alguna señal y prueba a fin de Indios junto a la primera ermita, la cual sirvió Te-coa-tla-xope en la lengua Azteca quiere Cuando Juan llegó a la casa del Obispo que le creyera. Ella le dijo: entonces de sacristía para el nuevo templo. decir “aplastará la serpiente de piedra”. Los Zumárraga y fue llevado a su presencia, le “Sube, hijo mío el más pequeño, a la cumbre En 1695, cuando fue demolido el segundo españoles oyeron la palabra de los labios dijo todo lo que la Madre de Dios le había donde me viste y te di órdenes, hallarás que templo, la milagrosa imagen fue llevada a la de Juan Bernardino. Sonó como “de dicho. Pero el Obispo parecía dudar de sus hay diferentes flores; córtalas, recógelas y Iglesia de los Indios donde se quedó hasta Guadalupe. Sorprendidos se preguntaron el palabras, pidiéndole volver otro día para en seguida baja y tráelas a mi presencia”. 1709 fecha en que se dedicó el nuevo por qué de este nombre español, pero los escucharle más despacio. hermoso templo que todavía despierta la Juan Diego subió y cuando llegó a la hijos predilectos de América, conocían bien admiración de Mexicanos y extranjeros. Ese mismo día regresó a la cumbre de la cumbre, se asombró mucho de que hubieran el sentido de la frase en su lengua nativa. colina y encontró a la Santísima Virgen que brotado tan hermosas flores. En sus corolas Así fue como la imagen y el santuario Page # 12 La Voz de Hays County - December, 2008 For Some, This Christmas Season is Going to be a Tough One No Hay Dinero. Unos No Tienen Trabajo Cuando se Pone la Cosa Deficil Siempre Hay Que Tener Esperanza

Lea las siguientes historias y luego ponganse Read the following stories and then think a pensar de nuevo de su propio situación again about your own personal situation

As a young man, Abraham Lincoln went to war a captain and returned a private. “Our achievements speak for themselves. What we have to keep track of are our Afterwards, he was a failure as a businessman. As a lawyer in Springfield, he was too failures, discouragements, and doubts. We tend to forget the past difficulties, the impractical and temperamental to be a success. He turned to politics and was de- many false starts, and the painful groping. We see our past achievements as the end feated in his first try for the legislature, again defeated in his first attempt to be nomi- result of a clean forward thrust, and our present difficulties as signs of decline and nated for congress, defeated in his application to be commissioner of the General Land decay.”~ Eric Hoffer Office, defeated in the senatorial election of 1854, defeated in his efforts for the vice- presidency in 1856, and defeated in the senatorial election of 1858. At about that time, Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because “he lacked imagination and he wrote in a letter to a friend, “I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel had no good ideas.” He went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland. In were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful fact, the proposed park was rejected by the city of Anaheim on the grounds that it face on the earth.” would only attract riffraff. After his first audition, Sidney Poitier was told by the casting director, “Why don’t Winston Churchill failed sixth grade. He was subsequently defeated in every elec- you stop wasting people’s time and go out and become a dishwasher or something?” It tion for public office until he became Prime Minister at the age of 62. He later wrote, was at that moment, recalls Poitier, that he decided to devote his life to acting. “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, The first time Jerry Seinfeld walked on-stage at a comedy club as a professional Never, Never give up.” (his capitals, mind you) comic, he looked out at the audience, froze, and forgot the English language. He stumbled through “a minute-and a half” of material and was jeered offstage. He returned Charles Darwin gave up a medical career and was told by his father, “You care for the following night and closed his set to wild applause. nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching.” In his autobiography, Darwin wrote, “I was considered by all my masters and my father, a very ordinary boy, rather below the In 1944, Emmeline Snively, director of the Blue Book Modeling Agency, told model- common standard of intellect.” Clearly, he evolved. ing hopeful Norma Jean Baker, “You’d better learn secretarial work or else get mar- ried.” I’m sure you know that Norma Jean was Marilyn Monroe. Now . . . who was Thomas Edison’s teachers said he was “too stupid to learn anything.” He was fired Emmeline Snively? from his first two jobs for being “non-productive.” As an inventor, Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it Decca Records turned down a recording contract with the Beatles with the feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an unprophetic evaluation, “We don’t like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way invention with 1,000 steps.” out.” After Decca rejected the Beatles, Columbia records followed suit.

Albert Einstein did not speak until he was 4-years-old and did not read until he was In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis Presley after 7. His parents thought he was “sub-normal,” and one of his teachers described him as one performance. He told Presley, “You ain’t goin’ nowhere, son. You ought to go back “mentally slow, unsociable, and adrift forever in foolish dreams.” He was expelled from to drivin’ a truck.” school and was refused admittance to the Zurich Polytechnic School. He did eventu- ally learn to speak and read. Even to do a little math. Beethoven handled the violin awkwardly and preferred playing his own composi- tions instead of improving his technique. His teacher called him “hopeless as a com- Louis Pasteur was only a mediocre pupil in undergraduate studies and ranked 15th poser.” And, of course, you know that he wrote five of his greatest symphonies while out of 22 students in chemistry. completely deaf.

Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he succeeded. 18 publishers turned down Richard Bach’s story about a “soaring eagle.” Macmillan finally published Jonathan Livingston Seagull in 1970. By 1975 it had sold more than 7 million copies in the U.S. alone. R. H. Macy failed seven times before his store in New York City caught on. Jack London received six hundred rejection slips before he sold his first story. F. W. Woolworth was not allowed to wait on customers when he worked in a dry English crime novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 goods store because, his boss said, “he didn’t have enough sense.” books.

When Bell Telephone was struggling to get started, its owners offered all their rights Cesar Chavez was told by many experienced labor organizers that he would never to Western Union for $100,000. The offer was disdainfully rejected with the pronounce- be able to organize farm workers. They were just too poor and uneducated. ment, “What use could this company make of an electrical toy.”

Never, never give up. La Voz de Hays County - November, 2008 Page 13 Tamales Around the World

A tamale (Spanish tamal, from Nahuatl and are wrapped in banana leaves. Com- mon fillings are chicken or pork, usually tamalli), is a traditional indigenous Ameri- accompanied by boiled eggs, olives, pea- can food consisting of steam-cooked corn nuts or a piece of chilli pepper mainly in dough (masa) with or without a filling. Ta- Lima, the capital city. In other cities ta- males can be filled with meats, cheese males are smaller and wrapped in corn (post-colonial), and sliced chillis or any husks. They differ from the tamales made preparation according to taste. The tamale in Lima in that they use white corn instead is generally wrapped in a corn husk or of yellow corn as people in Lima do. An- plantain(post-colonial) leaves before cook- other version is called humita. It can be ing, depending on the region from which salted or sweet. Sweet ones have raisins, they come. vanilla, oil, sugar. Salty ones can be filled heir essence is the corn meal dough T with cheese (queso fresco) or chicken. made from hominy (called masa), or a sippi hot tamale features (possibly as Humitas are cooked in the oven or in the masa mix such as Maseca, usually filled sexual innuendo) in the well-known, cryp- pachamanca. with sweet or savory filling, wrapped in plant tic song “They’re Red Hot” by early Delta Tamales are a favorite dish in Mexico leaves or corn husks, and cooked, usually blues singer Robert Johnson. that take several hours to prepare and by steaming, until firm. Tamales were de- Tamales have taken on a new direction in make. Street vendors can be seen in ev- veloped as a portable ration for use by war recent years as Nuevo Latino and New ery corner serving them from huge, steam- parties in the ancient Americas, and were World chefs such as Rick Bayless bring ing, covered pots (tamaleras). In some as ubiquitous and varied as the sandwich new diversity to this ancient food. places like Mexico City, the tamale is of- is today. The diversity of native languages ten placed inside a wheat bread roll to form in the pre-Hispanic America led to a num- Tamales in Latin America a torta de tamal, which is substantial ber of local words for the tamal, many of enough to keep the breakfaster going until which remain in use. In Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico’s traditionally late lunch hour. The plural is tamales, and this is the Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia The most common filling is pork but form of the word most often seen in the they are wrapped in plantain leaves, and chicken is also used, in either red or green United States, with the singular frequently there are several varieties, including tamal salsa or mole. Another very traditional varia- given as tamale rather than tamal. Tama- de gallina, tamal pisque, and tamal de tion is to add sugar to the corn mix and fill les have acquired mainstream popularity elote (in Costa Rica, the name can also it with raisins or other dried fruit and make in the United States. However, the Mexi- be used for a type of corn pastry). They a sweet tamal (tamal de dulce). Since the can tamale is the most common version are generally large, similar in size to the cooking of tamales is traditionally done in known and consumed in the United States tamales of southeastern Mexico. batches of tens if not hundreds, and the by non-Hispanic Americans. The tamales ratio of filling to dough (and the coarse- can be filled with pork or with beef. An- In Guatemala, Belize and Honduras, in ness of the filling) is a matter of discretion, other popular filling is corn (partially addition to the El Salvador versions, there there are commonly a few “deaf”, or filling- mashed, like creamed corn). Tamales are are tamales without filling which are served less, tamal (tamal sordo), which might be popular as Christmas meals in the south- as the bread or starch portion of a meal: served with refried beans and coffee. In- western states of the United States, where · Tamal de elote (made with yellow corn, stead of corn husks, banana leaves are there is a large concentration of Hispanic sometimes with a sweet taste) used in tropical parts of the country such families. A basic modern southwestern ta- · Tamalito de chipilín (made with Chipilín, as the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, male contains a spicy meat filling, usually a green leaf) Oaxaca, Chiapas, Veracruz, and the shredded pork, chicken, or beef and is · Tamal blanco (simple, made with white Yucatán Peninsula. These tamales are sometimes served with a red sauce or chili corn) rather square in shape, often very large— con carne sauce. During Christmas holidays, tamales of 15 inches (40 cm) or more— and thick; a he green corn tamale (green, meaning T corn flour are a special treat for Guatema- local name for these in Southern “fresh”) is made with fresh white corn, of- lans. The preparation time of this type of Tamaulipas is zacahuil. To the south, ba- ten mixed with cheese, then lined with a tamal is long, due to the amount of time nana-leaf tamales are also common in the long green chile slice before it is rolled and required to cook down and thicken the flour neighboring Central American countries. wrapped in a husk. Then the husks are base. Another less-common variation is to use steamed. Although the Arizonans (Tucson), In Panama, tamales are considered one chard leaves, which can be eaten along claim to be the originators of this tamale, of the main national dishes. The Panama- with the filling the base of it remains to be Mexican, and nian tamal is fairly large. The most com- Tamales are also found in Colombia, its popularity extends to southern Califor- mon fillings are chicken, raisins, onions, where there are several varieties (includ- nia. tomato sauce, and sometimes sweet ing most widely known tolimense as well he tamale is a staple food along the T peas. Rarely you see pork versions. An- as boyacense and santandereano). Ecua- Mississippi Delta, locally known as “Ta- other variation is tamal de olla, which is dor has a variety of tamales and humitas, males calientes”. It grew in popularity in cooked in a pot and then served directly they can be filled with fresh cheese, pork, the early 1900s when Mexican farmworkers onto plates. Tamales are usually served chicken or raisins. Ecuadorian tamales are introduced it to black workers in the cot- for all special occasions, including wed- usually wrapped in corn husk or achira (aka ton fields in the deep South. Hot tamales dings and birthday parties, and are always Canna) leaves. Nacatamales are also ta- in the Delta are more typically made with found on the Christmas dinner table. males. See nacatamal. corn meal instead of masa. The Missis- Peruvian tamales tend to be spicy, larger, Page # 14 La Voz de Hays County - December, 2008 Word Power En Palabras Hay Poder

No one can ever argue in the Nadie puede averiguar en el name of education, that it is bet- nombre de la educación que es ter to know less than it is to mejor saber menos que saber know more. Being bilingual or más. Siendo bilingüe or trilingüe Friday, December 12th — FREE — GRATIS 6:00PM - 10:00PM trilingual or multilingual is about es parte de ser educado en el siglo being educated in the 21st cen- 21. Esperamos traer cada mes a The Mexican American Cultural Center, in partnership with Univision, will tury. We look forward to bring- nuestros lectores de La Voz de Hays County una lista de palabras celebrate its first Dia de la Virgen on Friday, December 12. This free holi- ing our readers various word lists in each issue of La Voz de en español con sus equivalentes day event will feature music by El Tule, Ballet Folklorico de Roy Lozano, Hays County. en inglés. mariachi music, performance by Los Viejitos, and a kick-off of the Christ- mas Posada. The Economy La Economía Mexican American Cultural Center Money Dinero 600 River Street Austin, Texas 78701 Bank Banco

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Hispanic Scholarship Fund Visit their website for information about scholarships. www.hsf.net La Voz de Hays County - December, 2008 Page 15 Hacienda Records

Los Dos Gilbertos

Los Dos Gilbertos are the grand masters of conjunto, and are known for their passion- Gilberto Garcia Sr.’s professional career can be traced to when he joined El Conjunto ate vocals and unmistakably melodic accordion style. Today, their popularity is still at De Chale Veliz. Success followed fast and he formed El Conjunto De Gilberto Garcia, an all-time high and encompasses all of South Texas and beyond. From their home in which featured his 12-year old son, Gilbert Jr. on drums. A year later he and Gilberto Edinburgh, Texas, into Mexico and throughout the United States, the 2 G’s (as they are Lopez Sr. joined forces and formed Los Dos Gilbertos. Their unique music described sometimes known) continue to sell out dance halls and arenas. With over 30 top selling as “conjunto fino” has definitely made a mark in the history books. Now, together with albums, Los Dos Gilbertos continue to gather new fans wherever they go. Their songs Ruben Garza on vocals, Gilbert Garcia Sr. and his conjunto “Los Dos Gilbertos” con- tell of the pains and joys as sung by master storytellers, entertainers and superb tinue to dominate the “conjunto sound.” This digitally re-mastered CD is packed with musicians. Los Dos Gilbertos are more than popular; they are the heritage, voice and energetic rancheras that will keep you “zapateando” (kicking up your heels) to the beat sound of the people. Their style transcends generations, and their hits such as “Por all night long. Enjoy the grandeur of music that Los Dos Gilbertos have to offer. Una Mala Mujer,” “Donde Estas Corazon,” “Vieja Escalera,” “Mi Querida Reynosa,” “Me Hiciste Feliz” and “Palabra De Hombre” are as popular today as when they were origi- nally released. Historia History Discos Hacienda fue fundada en 1976, en Corpus Christi, Texas por Roland y Hacienda Records was founded in 1976, in Corpus Christi, TX by Roland & Annie Garcia, junto con el hermano de Roland, Rick Garcia, quién es ingeniero y Annie Garcia and Roland’s brother, Rick Garcia, engineer/producer, who remain productor y quienes continúan al mando, guiando a su dinámico personal hacia el at the helm, steering a dynamic staff to success. Today, Hacienda has established exito. Hoy en dia, Discos Hacienda se a establecido como una de las primeras itself as one of the premier Spanish record labels and recording studios in the world compañias de discos y estudios de grabación en el mundo y puede hacer alarde de and boasts a catalog with over 800 titles that specializes in Tejano, Traditional Tex- un catalogo de más de 800 titulos que se especialízan en música Tejana, Tradicional Mex, Conjunto and Norteño music. The catalog also contains some of the best Tex-Mex, Conjunto y Norteña. El catalogo tambíen contiene de lo mejor de la musica Spanish Rock, Salsa, Merengue, Rap, Pop, Gospel and Christmas music in the de Rock en Español, Salsa, Merengue, Rap, Pop, Christiana y Musica Navideña. business. Por los ultimos 30 años, grupos de Tex-Mex, Conjuntos y Norteños han gozado de Over the past 30 years, Tex-Mex, Conjunto and Norteño groups have enjoyed an un increible nivel de presentaciones y grabaciones por todo el Suroeste. Discos Hacienda, ha seguido conectada muy de cerca con la gente del Suroeste y con la astounding level of performances and recordings throughout the southwest. Hacienda musica que ellos escuchan en los salones de baile, clubs y festivales. Estas gentes, Records, has remained closely connected to the people of the southwest and the lugares y eventos son el corazón, donde vive la música de acordeón. Durante este music they hear in the dance halls, clubs and festivals. These people places and tiempo, Discos Hacienda a producidola mejor música, que por siempre ayudara a event are the heart of where accordion driven music lives. During this time, Hacienda perdurar la cultura Latina. has produced some of the best music that will forever help preserve the Latin culture. A travez de el sitio de Internet de Hacienda www.haciendarecords.com, nuestros Through the hacienda website (www.haciendarecords.com), visitors can connect visitantes se pueden conectar con la ultima inovación en la era digital, la red de radio to Hacienda’s latest digital age innovation, the Hacienda Radio Network, de Hacienda Radio Network, difundiendo música en vivo 24 horas al dia, 7 dias a la broadcasting live music, 24/7 for everyone to listen to these timeless treasures. In semana para que todos puedan escuchar estas joyas eternas. En ese punto, Discos that regard, Hacienda has digitally re-mastered enduring treasures by classic Hacienda a re-masterizado tesoros permanentes de artistas clasicos como Lisa performers such as Lisa Lopez, Pio Treviño, Romance, Los Chachos, Ruben Lopez, Pio Treviño, Romance, Los Chachos, Ruben Vela, Showband USA, Vela, Showband USA, Steve Jordan, Mingo Saldivar, Tony De La Rosa, Ruben Steve Jordan, Mingo Saldivar, Tony De La Rosa, Ruben Naranjo, Freddy Naranjo, Freddy Fender, Valerio Longoria, Michelle and many others. Hacienda Fender, Valerio Longoria, Michelle y muchos otros más. Discos Hacienda also offers music from contemporary conjunto stylists such as Albert Zamora y tambíen ofrece música con artistas contemporaneos y estilistas como Albert Zamora Talento, Los Dos Gilbertos, Ricky Naranjo, La Traizion, Cali Carranza, Peligro, Y Talento, Los Dos Gilbertos, Ricky Naranjo, La Traizión, Cali Carranza, Victoria y Sus Chikos and many more. Peligro, Victoria Y Sus Chikos y muchos más. Hacienda Records and Recording Studios 1236 South Staples Corpus Christi, Texas 78404

PHONE (361) 882-7066 * FAX (361) 882-3943 www.haciendarecords.com National Hispanic Cultural Center presents the 7th Annual National Latino

2009 Literary Genres Writers on-fiction) Novel • Screenwriting • Poetry Short Prose (fiction/n Playwriting • Memoir/Biography Conference Childrens’ Literature Albuquerque, New Mexico May 21–23, 2009

Nationally prominent authors, agents, and editors will present in workshops and panel discussions. All attendees will have the opportunity to have three one-on-one appointments with an agent, author, and editor. Accepting a total of 50 fiction and nonfiction writers. Everyone is welcome. Authors will read manuscript samples if submitted by April 1. Workshops will include hands-on exercises. Thanks to the support of the NHCC Foundation the registration price of $250 covers all workshops, interviews, conference activities, refreshments and evening banquet.

Center for Latin American Resources & Outreach, Stu- dent Affairs and Centro de la Raza

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