See what's inside this FREE ISSUE of positive South News:

Drive-through vaccinations, 3 Carry Out for a Cause, 4 Sharing hope and love, 4 Robstown local pursues dream, 5 Dinner and a show, 7 Money Talks, 10 Crossroads of South Texas Shining a light on all the great happenings in our area!

Volume 2, Issue 1 Follow us on Facebook Coastal Bend Community Newspaper February 2021

MARKETING NEW VISION AND NEW NAME FOR FOR ROBSTOWN FORMER ROBSTOWN OUTLETS Crossroads District: intersecting trade, community and growth Local Business Owners unite to help town become Shopping Capitol of Texas By Jane Kathleen Gregorio

Local Business owners plan market day (L-R) Cathy Villafuerte An artistic rendition of the new sign of the Crossroads District - the new name to replace Outlets of Corpus Christi Bay. David Petrick, Ruth Gnirk and Gary Gnirk. Photo by Jane Gregorio The multi-zoned venue can host a variety of businesses as well as dining and entertainment. (Courtesy photo) By Jane Kathleen Gregorio Is the city of Robstown poised for success as a was a place where their parents worked, or where their family dined or shopped future commercial hub for Texas? "A place to build memories or shared quality time; where they met Located just 25 minutes from Corpus Christi, for future generations" This is their future spouse or had their first job,” between US-77/Interstate 69 and State Highway the vision Tiffany Ritchie has in Ritchie said. 44, Robstown occupies a region known as ‘The mind when she considers the The 300,000 square foot facility Crossroads of South Texas’ and is within two to potential for The Crossroads was acquired as a foreclosure December three hours driving distance from major cities like District, the new name of The 7, 2020 by Stonewater Properties, a and Austin to the north, to Tiffany Ritchie, property Outlets of Corpus Christi Bay. British Columbia based real estate the east, Laredo and the Mexico border to the and leasing manager, Stonewater Properties, “I want something permanent investment firm which owns over one west, and the Rio Grande Valley to the south. believes that Crossroads so that the kids of today can look million square feet of property in the Considered a transportation crossroads with its District can help improve economy for Robstown. back 20 years from now and say it Coastal Bend. three railways and close proximity to the Ports of (Courtesy photo) Continued on page 6 Corpus Christi and Laredo, and CC International Continued on page 3 The South Texas Shoppers World premier event will be held in downtown A DRAINING ISSUE Robstown on March 6, Local Residents voice their concerns over 2021. Vendors, food trucks, and local where money will flow to help repair flooding businesses are invited to reserve space. Courtesy photo in Petronila and surrounding areas (See Page 2)

Courtesy photo Karina Amaro

© 2021 - Crossroads of South Texas is an independent, locally owned and operated newspaper. STAFF Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without express written consent of the publisher. PUBLISHER / CEO ...... Cathy Villafuerte EDITOR IN CHIEF ...... Jane Kathleen Gregorio This paper is FREE and is for YOU! Please read it, and when you're done, SHARE it! Please send us story leads and YOUR articles, photos, and art for upcoming COPY EDITOR / GRAPHICS .... Ruth Gnirk newspaper issues www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Gary Gnirk, Chris Ardueser 2 February 2021 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com Volume 2 Issue 1

Nueces County and Drainage District No. 2 make history and A map of Petronila Creek and San Fernando Creek Watersheds from Join forces through TWDB grant By Jane Kathleen Gregorio Texas Water Resources Institute (Courtesy twri.tamu.edu) With all the exponential growth on the and surrounding areas. on, “between the letters, emails horizon for The Crossroads region, which “Nobody has ever put forth a Nueces conference calls, and documentation is made up of Robstown and surrounding County-Wide drainage plan, and that's we’ve received from the TWDB, we found towns, residents and leaders alike were what was needed. Nobody is losing, we're out that both grants can survive as long excited to learn that a $550,000 Grant only gaining,” Canales said passionately. as both entities work together in was approved for a much-awaited study. “In the beginning of 2019 when I took conjunction to help each other out. That is But the excitement was short-lived. office, I said it was the number one priority the good news. The disconnect was that County Judge Barbara Canales proposed for us to do a regional drainage study both entities had the impression that only that Nueces County Drainage District because one was never done before in one grant can be awarded. That's why No.2 (DD2) withdraw their application the history of Nueces County.” She went we're here today to give them the good Nueces County Judge Barbara after a letter from the Texas Water District on to explain the reason a tri-county study news that TWDB said both grants can be Canales sharing the Nueces County was needed. awarded.” Regional Drainage Master Plan. Board (TWDB), dated December 22nd, Photo Jane Gregorio 2020, stated that the projects would “Water doesn’t understand boundaries Tensions gradually eased as both overlap the Petronila and Oso Creek and it doesn’t stop at the county line. It sides discovered they shared a common watersheds, and duplicate efforts will not runs through all the counties and then goal of fixing the drainage situation. be recommended for funding. dumps into the ocean. We believe Canales reassured Amaro that nothing On Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 a Hurricane Harvey and the awful floods of would be taken away from DD2. Canales session was held at Nueces County 2015 have made us recognize that if we gave a copy of the proposal to Amaro, Drainage District #2 office in Robstown, to don’t understand how water moves now, and explained how this would be a win- discuss the issue. we’re never going to be able to help our win session for all concerned. Petronila resident Karina Amaro and people.” “There's no doubt that the people lose her family have struggled with the flooding Jesus J Jimenez, CEO of International if we don't work together, and that is why In session January 23, Nueces issues and have been appealing to civic Consulting Engineers (ICE) and president it was so important we come over here to County Drainage District #2 of Robstown Area Development DD2 and explain how it's more beneficial Commissioners (L-R) Balde Torres, leaders to act on the drainage issues. Jesse Rojas, and David Martinez. Upon learning that DD2 was considering Corporation (RADC), also volunteers his to do it in this fashion.” Canales said. Photo Jane Gregorio giving up the grant, Amaro felt the need services to the City of Robstown. He had The discussion was tabled until to voice her concerns to the seen the original County proposal and January 25th when an emergency Commissioners at The District's executive shared his observations during the meeting was held and voted upon by the session. She even began an online January 23 meeting. commissioners of both Nueces County petition for any grant money given by the "Basically right now there is a and DD2. state specifically for DD2 to stay in the disconnect between Nueces County and On January 29th, 2021 Nueces Petronila area. Drainage District 2 in which they both County Drainage District #2 issued "The issue that we are fighting for, and were awarded a grant to perform a Resolution Number 100, announcing its the reason our officials were elected, is to drainage study,” Jimenez said. “The support of the regional drainage master have our district accept the grant so that county is looking at a regional drainage plan application, which will be inclusive of Nueces County residents unite to we can get the flood issues fixed. Why are study which covers three counties and DD2. As a result, DD2 will withdraw its address community drainage issue. we going to give the money away to other focuses on high-level solutions and big TWDB infrastructure fund Category 1 (L-R) Sara Lopez, Karina Amaro, Ivan Luna, and Willy Garcia Jr. counties, if we can use it here for the projects that would benefit the area. application. Photo Jane Gregorio Robstown area? We need our drainage Drainage District #2 applied for the same "The grant application covers all of here,” Amaro said. grant, but is focused on a more narrowed DD2 under one grant, allowing DD2 to Willy Garcia Jr works for the city of and detailed approach that mostly choose their own consultant and keep the Robstown utilities and has witnessed the benefits the residents of the drainage $550,000 price tag, and exclude that from impact of the poor drainage system in his District." the scope of our work. And we will also be hometown of Bluebonnet. Garcia was also According to Jimenez, both proposals sharing our data from the regional study present at the January executive session. had jurisdictions and scopes that overlap, teams from Texas A&M Research Center. Although he and Amaro had never met and one of the requirements of the grant So, the District gets two studies for the prior, both stood for the same cause. is that they analyzed the Hydrological Unit price of one,” Canales said. Flooding in the Petronila neighbor- "I came out here today, and I agree Code (HUC) 10, which is a large area Despite being initially against the hood after the storms. Courtesy with what Ms. Amaro is saying about the typically from 62 to 390 square miles, and regional County Master drainage study photo Karina Amaro drainage situation. As residents, we is comprised of a watershed. plans, Karina Amaro wants the best sometimes feel that the drainage issues in “The plan that Nueces County is doing outcome for the Robstown area this area are forgotten, and we strongly for the Tri-County region includes four commenting, “I'm just praying that all feel that when we receive money or a watersheds that also encompass DD2,” goes through and works in the best grant, we need to hold on to it and start Jimenez said. interest of our community." working immediately on the drainage. We Nueces County was attempting to find A link to Resolution 100 can be found need to get shovels in the ground as soon out if the grant application could be on The Crossroads of South Texas E- as possible for any type of scope work.” revised to remove Petronilla Watershed Newspaper online. Nueces County Tensions rose, but Canales from the grant, and meanwhile if the two Drainage District Number 2 is located at Jesus J. Jimenez, President and CEO sympathized with Amaro and the other entities can share study data between 603 East Avenue A Robstown TX 78380. of International Consulting Engineers, one another as their jurisdictions overlap. For more information contact 361-387- the firm that will be working with residents as she shared memories of her Nueces County Drainage District #2. grandmother and her own ties to Petronila “At the end of the day,” Jimenez went 4015, or visit https://ncdd2.com/ Photo Jane Gregorio February 2021 BUSINESS 3 Business Volume 2 Issue 1 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com from having a major manufacturing company As a volunteer for the United Corpus Christi of high-demand exports set up shop in the Chamber of Commerce, and a supporter of area. Robstown’s Area Development Commission, MARKETING “Ideally a company like that could help Villafuerte believes organizations should work ROBSTOWN breathe life into the town, produce more jobs, together rather than against each other. (continued from front page) and get more people to move to Robstown. In “In these uncertain times, it’s important to fact, now is a good time to buy a house here, unite and find creative solutions. By networking with real estate interest rates currently at an all and helping to support each other’s time low,” he said. companies, we can form a synergy to help Petrick himself has also felt the economic each other grow,” said Villafuerte, who also pinch from the pandemic crisis as his office provides a free city directory for Robstown building has remained vacant since the State business owners and organizations called of Texas ended its 28 year lease in 2018. VivaRobstown.com His 15,000 square foot building has multiple She created the online directory to David Petrick owns the building formerly occupied by the State Bank offices, conference rooms, 5 sets of restrooms, encourage the community to support local and State of Texas; its parking will be site for So.Tx Shoppers World. Photo by Jane Gregorio a shared breakroom, wifi and other amenities, businesses in order to keep its money in the Airport, Robstown has much to offer for and is centrally located downtown along Main city. industry, commercial investment and Street near the grocery store, City Hall, and As business neighbors, Petrick and residential development. eateries. Villafuerte decided to team up and develop Robstown real estate investor, David He recently added several renovations in new economic strategies. “One of the Petrick, has owned the building formerly the hopes of attracting a single large company projects David and I are working on is the known as the historic State Bank since 1992, or multiple tenants to his building; not an easy South Texas Shopper’s World Event, set for and has witnessed the town’s ebbs and flows task given the current ‘work from home’ trend. the first Saturday in March. It will feature for three decades. “It’s been tough for a lot of people, including around 50 vendors, live music, and food “This is a good town and the people here myself, as its been a challenge to find tenants trucks,” Villafuerte said. have a good attitude. It’s had its challenges for my property,” he said. According to Petrick, the South Texas economically, but the city leadership that we The building adjacent to his belongs to the Shoppers World event will be held in the have today seems promising, and I admire family of Cathy Villafuerte, owner of The Blue shared parking space between their two how some of the government positions even Canary Marketing Agency. The building was buildings, which is centrally located in the heart accepted a lower salary to reduce the town's purchased in 2018 and served as her company of historic downtown Robstown, between Main operating expenses,” he said. call center before the slow economy caused Street and 4th Street. Petrick believes that the town could benefit her to let go of her staff. Continued on page 10 Huge shout out to Hector Lopez, Lopez Handy Stop for supporting Responders by Cathy Villafuerte of Blue Canary Marketing and Viva Robstown

I would love to give a HUGE shout out to Hector Lopez of Lopez Handy Stop for your support of First and Last Texas A&M Nursing and Health Sciences staff and students help administer vaccines. Left and right Responders! photos courtesy facebook.com/TAMUCCONHS. Middle photo courtesy CCTexas.com Hector Lopez has been a blessing to our Robstown Largest drive-through event in Coastal Bend by Jane K. Gregorio Police Department, Robstown Fire Department, City of A Regional Mega Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic was set up by Nueces County Robstown Emergency Medical Services, and even our Health District, at the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas, making history by being the first large scale distribution event here in the funeral directors! Coastal Bend region of Texas. Free breakfast and coffee to those who take care of us Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales met with police, fire, medical, and is just one of the MANY things Robstown's iconic County operation staff preparing the vaccinations at the Richard M. Borchard convenience store does to help our community! Thank you fairgrounds in anticipation of giving out 5,000 first dose vaccines in a single so much for all you do! day. What an accomplishment! Some recipients had waited in their cars as long as 5 hours in anticipation #VivaRobstown #GoToTown #GoToRobstown Hector Lopez supports Responders and the community. Courtesy photo of the vaccine. Among the first team of volunteers were students and faculty from the Texas A&M University of Corpus Christi’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Nueces County posted a message on Twitter stating, "Proud and grateful for our TAMUCC students who are making our COVID-19 vaccination Mega Clinic a great success! 9000 vaccinations in four days our first week, nearly 10,000 in two days last week. THANK YOU!” The volunteers from the university were acknowledged by Judge Canales on Twitter stating, "Our community is truly blessed to have a great university and even greater students! Thank you - you're making a huge difference in our regional health by helping us deliver vaccines to our most vulnerable neighbors," CommUNITY February 2021 4 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com Volume 2 Issue 1 LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR ROBSTOWN RESIDENT SHARES HER TABLE AND HER BLESSINGS WITH THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY by Jane Kathleen Gregorio Empowering people in need and helping them succeed is an ultimate goal for Robstown resident Michelle Russell- Valenzuela. Since 2010, she has been organizing school supply and backpack drives for community children, sharing Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner with families in need, and rescuing animals. All while holding down a full time job. Even though life is full of ups and downs, for Russell- Valenzuela, giving back to the community brings her joy and Michelle Ruiz-Hernandez accepts a donation from MG's Pizza's Melody Garver, spiritual fulfillment. coordinated by Viva Robstown. Photo by Cathy Villafuerte Her legacy of giving began when Russell-Valenzuela got married and left San Antonio to join her husband Francisco in Carry Out for a Cause Robstown 2008. Viva Robstown and MG's Pizza team up to give “The area where I live is called San Pedro. It’s a ‘Colonia’ which Robstown Athletics banquet a boost By R. Gnirk is a type of rural neighborhood where some houses don’t have Kris Tovar, founder of Coastal confidence, self esteem, and I care running water or electricity,” Russell-Valenzuela said. Media, initiated Carry Out for a about these kids! Their experiences “I noticed there were some kids down the street living in an RV, Cause in Corpus Christi at the onset now will impact what they do in life, and to get power, they ran cords into an electric pole, but they had of the Covid19 pandemic. Her friend who they marry, where they will no running water, so my husband and I would regularly welcome and business partner, Cathy work. They're the future of this them to our house to use our water.” Villafuerte, owner of The Blue town. I grew up playing in The lack of resources families and children faced in the Canary Marketing Agency in Robstown Athletics, my parents did, community, prompted Russell-Valenzuela and her husband to Robstown, recognized the positive so did my siblings, and now my son organize a school supply drive for their neighbors children. ripple effect in connecting local is playing baseball and my 8yr businesses and nonprofits daughter wants to play basketball, “The first time we did a school supply giveaway was in 2010, immediately because it was part of but my husband is hoping she'll go and at the time we gave away nine or ten backpacks filled with her company’s mission statement. into baseball or softball instead," school supplies; and when we did it again the following year, we Villafuerte explained, “Kris Ruiz- Hernandez said with a laugh. were able to give out 20 backpacks,” said Russell-Valenzuela, who started Carry Out for a Cause when Robstown Athletics is choosing to funded the yearly tradition herself for several years. lots of restaurants were forced to fundraise differently, to minimize close dine-in options. The students’ exposure. But they don’t restaurants were struggling, but so want that to take away from were local nonprofits. Both were important events. being hit hard financially, so she set Ruiz-Hernandez explained, out to make the carry out option “During the 2019-2020 school year, more fun by creating an event that due to COVID-19, we were unable would promote the local business to hold our traditional End of the while raising awareness and money Year Athletic Banquet. We are for the nonprofit. That way they both hopeful that this year, with could benefit.” donations like this, we can hold a In early December, a banquet to celebrate our student representative of the Robstown athletes with health and safety Athletics department reached out to protocols in place. Our athletes Villafuerte about fundraising ideas work on their skills all year long, not for their end of the year just during school hours. Student athletes spend countless hours on banquet. Michelle Russell-Vallenzuela (center) and school supply recipients enjoy a pizza The Blue Canary requested practicing, preparing and dedicating party in 2019. Courtesy photo permission to use Coastal Media's themselves to their sport(s). The concept and slogan, added a little Athletic Banquet gives students the twist of her own, and Viva opportunity to enjoy a formal sit- “In 2019, we gave out 30 backpacks and supplies, this time Robstown's Carry Out for a Cause down dinner with their parents, with other community residents helping, and thanks to the campaign was born. receive award plaques for all their generosity of donors like Cathy Villafuerte sharing her building Michelle Ruiz-Hernandez, accomplishments, engage in a and Little Caesar’s in Robstown providing pizza, we were able to secretary to the Athletic Director, letterman jacket ceremony, and throw a pizza party for the kids in addition to the school supply shared her passion for the people hear the big reveal of Male and giveaway.” and the programs of Robstown Female Athlete of the Year.” Though the pandemic crisis prevented a pizza party from Athletics. Villafuerte, the Robstown happening in 2020, Russell-Valenzuela and her fellow "Some of these kids come from marketing agency owner who is so broken homes; they don't have passionate about bringing life back contributors, Abel Herrero and the BASF company (who anyone to cheer them on. But at to the community, presented contributed over 20 backpacks), managed to give away 48 Robstown Athletics, they learn theCarry Out for a cause marketing backpacks to community children, the most they had ever done. teamwork; commitment. They gain Continued on page 5 Continued on page 7

Continued on page 6 February 2021 SPORTS Volume 2 Issue 1 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com 5 IT'S MORE THAN JUST A GAME - IT'S HER LIFE'S PASSION! Robstown softball champ is not afraid to pursue her field of dreams supported Arevalo’s love for sports, it was her father Adan By Jane Kathleen Alvarez Gregorio Arevalo, a handyman contractor in Robstown, who Playing molded and motivated her passion for baseball. sports is a “My dad was the pusher. He really motivated me. family When he played baseball and softball, he would take me legacy. Like and I literally grew up on the field. And when I started mother, like playing, he never missed any of my games. daughter According to Arevalo, growing up as a child, a girls’ - Luckie softball league did not exist yet in Robstown. “I grew up Arevalo playing mostly with the boys’ little league teams,” Arevalo (left) said. coaches the softball From age 3 to 15, Arevalo competed in baseball team of her tournaments. And from age 10 all the way to middle daughter school, she even played football with the boys. Charm “Some of my friends were signing up for football, and (right). me being a Cowboys fan, I was really interested. My dad actually encouraged me, even though I was the Courtesy only girl to register. He said I was already used to playing photo. with just the boys and if I could compete and hang in with the other guys, I could survive in life, because playing football would make me tough,” Arevalo said. For two years she competed with the Northwest youth football league, and played another two years during middle school, as well as her freshman year of high school. At age 13, when a girls’ softball league, Corpus Baseball is life. That is the slogan “At the time, a story was written about Christi Southwest Softball formed locally, she began Robstown native, Luckie Eve Arevalo me in the local paper, and to this day my competing with the girls’ league during the off season of proudly displays on her social media mom, Rafaela, still has that newspaper,” the youth football team, and vice versa. pages. As a working mother and a Arevalo said. “My dad asked me to choose between football and kinesiology graduate, Arevalo finds a way Her first name “Luckie” was chosen by softball so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed, so I chose the to balance her work and family life with her aunt and her older brother as a result latter because I’ve been playing with the boys for so long, the pursuit of her passion - competing in of fortunate circumstances. I wanted to experience competing with the girls,” she professional softball. “They named me Luckie, because both said. Her own athletic journey was cultivated my mom and I survived a high risk birth In high school, Arevalos joined the Robstown Lady by her father at the tender age of 3 years where I was born sideways,” she said. Cotton Pickers Softball team and competed as a old when she hit her first home run. While her mother Rafaela and brothers shortstop in All-South Texas softball tournaments during Continued on page 7

Carry Out for a cause (continued from page 4) supporters of the students in our program. We are forever grateful for proposal to Melody Garver, owner of those who believe in us, and Robstown's beloved MG’s Pizza. continue to do so during these The campaign would provide the challenging times." pizzeria with additional online and You can also donate directly to social media exposure from the the Robstown Athletics department event, and a percentage of that by contacting Michelle Ruiz- day’s profit would be presented to Hernandez at (361) 767-6600 Robstown Athletics. And Garver x2000. agreed! The event was an all day affair, and took place on December 15th, 2020. Ruiz-Hernandez said, “We were very surprised because we have heard of this type of fundraising before, but you never know what the outcome will be. MG's Pizza has always been a supporter of Robstown Athletics." Viva Robstown's Carry Out For A "However," she continued, "with Cause is an ongoing Citywide uncertain times like this, we know campaign. If your business or giving back to communities can be a nonprofit would like more Garver, owner of MG's Pizza, went financial challenge. We truly information contact 361-737-3972 above and beyond. She not only appreciate businesses who are or email donated the percentage she had promised, but added her own [email protected] Robstown Athletics boys' and girls' middle school basketball teams were recipients of the JJ personal donation as well. Photo JK Watts award, and new uniforms, in 2019. Courtesy photos. Gregorio February 2021 6 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com Volume 2 Issue 1 Crossroads District A PLACE FOR COMMERCE, DINING, FAMILY FUN Continued from front page According to Ritchie, who serves taking iconic, one-of-a-kind under- as the property and leasing utilized properties, transforming manager for the firm, the decision these ‘diamonds in-the-rough’ into for the name change was to re- marketable spaces that help brand and shift focus from Corpus generate economic growth. Christi and towards Robstown “Instead of focusing on buyers where the facility is really located. from other cities, let's think of how “The prior name was misleading people who live in Robstown and because it was neither in Corpus the surrounding area would like to Christi nor on the Bay,” she said. use that space. Our company is “We want the name to be a nod making the local and regional to Robstown; not just because of community first priority. We aren’t The City recently approved the request for mixed zoning, allowing a greater its highway and railroad junctions, just property managers, we are variety of shops and businesses to utilize Crossroads District. Courtesy photo but also because Crossroads of partners in helping local business and Ritchie imagines it can also “There’s another organization South Texas is the nickname of flourish. We forge relationships hold large entertainment events. called the I-69 Alliance with whom Robstown, and we wanted to give with business and civic leaders, "We want Crossroads District to Judge Canales is working and also this community some ownership.” the City of Robstown, Nueces be an entertainment destination, the Port of Corpus Christi’s Ship For Ritchie, the Outlets of Corpus County Judge Barbara Canales, and would love to host an annual Channel Improvement Project Christi Bay may have failed to Mayor Paulette Guajardo, the music festival that won’t conflict which the federal government reach its heights of success due to Nueces Economic Development with other amazing local events invested $53 million in 2020 and being exclusively retail space and Commission and other groups to like Cottonfest in Robstown, or Buc $100 million for 2021. And recently, targeting out of town shoppers like understand what South Texas Days in Corpus Christi,” she said. Robstown was designated as a the San Marcos outlets. citizens want and need.” she said. Food is another draw for visitors ‘Federal Opportunity Zone,’ which “Traditional brick and mortar retail “One of the key components for locally and out of town. Ritchie opens up options for people who is undergoing a revolution, and The Crossroads District in observed a lack of sit down dining want to start businesses. There’s a stores have to redefine how to use Robstown is that it’s a great areas in Robstown. perfect storm of positive things their space due to competition opportunity to create quite a lot of “The temperature in Robstown happening simultaneously in this from online shopping. The previous commerce. Our vision is to create is prettty hot. Outdoor dining, drive region and our hope is to find a way owners focused solely on retail, a multi-use space with mixed thru and food trucks are plentiful, for all of that to coalesce into limiting their market,” she said. zoning to welcome all types of but it's also good to sit down and something really extraordinary.” Crossroads District houses nine companies, from professional, enjoy a good meal indoors, with The desire to see Robstown buildings with diverse spaces from medical, educational, hospitality, air conditioning and green space, flourish is a personal project dear to office and retail suites to facilities and even municipal organizations. and not have to drive to Corpus Ritchie, who grew up in Crystal as large as 20,000 square feet. We don’t want to turn anyone Christi or out of town to experience City, by Eagle Pass on the border. “As it was built in 2015 and away, especially firms that will that,” she said. "It’s a small town, economically opened in 2017, the construction is generate jobs and growth for the On January 19, The City of depressed with mostly agriculture virtually brand new. It's a beautiful community.” Robstown approved the firm’s oil and gas industries; Robstown is property and sits at the junction of The large space and ample request to change Crossroad a lot like it. Small towns like mine I-69/US-77 and SH 44, with lots of parking of The Crossroads District District's previous 75% retail and wither due to lack of opportunities traffic from the Rio Grande Valley was already being used for 25% office zoning to mixed zoning. to work, raise a family, and be to San Antonio passing daily." overflow parking during the Covid- Stonewater Properties plans to prosperous," she said According to Ritchie, Stonewater 19 vaccine distribution at the improve landscape and ambience. “Robstown is a great city with Properties has an ambition for Richard M Borchard Fairgrounds, “Ambience says a lot about a place simple, hardworking people who and how it makes you feel when go to football games on Friday, you are there. We want to create church on Sunday, and want to see beautiful landscaping that looks their kids build a future. We should native to South Texas. We also celebrate towns like Robstown plan to do work in the center Taft, Sinton, Banquete, Odem and courtyards to resolve drainage others. The Crossroads District will issues. We want people to visit the become a great hub for them." Crossroads District to gather and hang out, even if they don't plan on the Crossroads District buying anything; a place that both is located at tourists and locals will enjoy. Much 500 N. Highway 77 (IH-69E) growth is happening in this region Robstown, Texas 78380 and this project is dovetailing For more information contact The Crossroads District will bring new job opportunities into a community that flawlessly with other initiatives [email protected] is poised for growth. Courtesy photo happening in the county,” she said. or call (361) 585-0300. Enter Text Here.

February 2021 Volume 2 Issue 1 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com 7

Robstown Softball Champ Robstown Generosity (continued from page 4) (continued from page 5) Elizondo with Del Cielo Home Health, and my volnunteers Maria "Chuchi" Almeda, San Juanita Luna, Valerie Dilenbeck, Joann Gonzales and Adam Robles. I aspire to name my future organization ALLEYS – an acronym for Advocacy Link for Low-Income, Elderly and Youth Services.”

Holiday dinners for grateful neighbors. Courtesy photos “This year we gave out over 47 plates from Hector Lopez’s Handy Stop, and even delivered to eight residents who lived farther Luckie Arevalo, a Robstown native, plays for the Spiderz. Courtesy photo out and were not able to travel outside their her freshman, sophomore and junior years, home,” she said. achieving the highest RBI (Runs Batted In) According to Russell-Valenzuela, during among many South Texas high schools and her Robstown’s 2020 pandemic toilet paper and batting average remained consistently in the sanitizing products shortage, many families 300’s with her highest score of 390 achieved in the Colonia did not have transportation to during sophomore year. search for supplies in other cities. The At age 17, Arevalo was offered the chance Valenzuela family and other donors pitched Michelle and Francisco Valenzuela care about their to play with the All-Star American Softball Team in and set up a ‘BLESSING TABLE’ – a community, together. Courtesy photo in Hawaii. collection of new and unopened hygiene One of the other goals Russell-Valenzuela “I went there with my dad as chaperone, and supplies to share with other households in at the time, it was one of the highlights of my hopes to pursue with ALLEYS is to help need on a first-come, first-served basis. highschool softball career. Hawaii was so community residents in the Robstown area beautiful, I didn’t want to leave. And my dad to be self-sufficient. and I even got to attend the 2007 Pro-Bowl at “A large number of residents, especially Aloha Stadium, which felt so surreal, because those in the Colonias may have come from we never expected to see in real life what we migrant worker families, and some of the only saw on TV.” older residents may not read or write or During softball’s off season, Arevalo kept busy participating in other sports such as track speak English well,” she said. and field, golf, weight lifting, chess club, “We also have a lot of homeless persons. basketball and more. “Each time a sports Toiletries and hygiene packs for families during the Some want to work but it’s not that simple, season ended I wanted to do something else, I pandemic shortage of 2020. Courtesy photo especially if they are missing their birth never wanted to stay home, I always wanted to “We set up a table in front of our house, certificates or Social Security ID. I would love compete in other sports,” Arevalo said. placed all the items there, posted it on if this non-profit can help individuals acquire “I wasn’t a talkative kid or a vocal person, Facebook or via word of mouth, and after a a photo ID, or social security numbers or but somehow, through sports, I found a way of few hours, all the products were gone.” other documentation to help them work expressing myself and feeling joy. Whether it She also said, “We had different people legally.” was by making my dad or my coaches proud, Service work, sharing her blessings, or helping my team win a game, sports was my from all over the community contribute putting in time, and paying kindness forward way of “shining quietly.” donations and help distribute goods. It was Not even injuries could completely stop so nice to see how excited families were to to help the community is Russell- Arevalo from doing sports. During her senior have immediate access to paper masks, Valenzuela’s way of “doing God’s work." year, Arevalo had torn her ACL while playing sanitizer, shampoo, toilet paper and paper “I am happy to know that I inspired others, basketball. Basketball season comes right towels, instead of taking the bus all the way even those who previously thought they before softball, and I needed at least two to the grocery store or even to Corpus were too poor to help. Now they are so active months to recover, but I didn’t want to stop Christi. My next giveaway will be related to in sharing, whether it’s contributing a $5 playing, so I used a knee brace during softball, women’s hygiene products, disinfectants coupon to help offset the cost of groceries, and I was switched from shortstop to third and more.” or giving someone a ride into town to get base,” Arevalo said. As her service efforts have drawn supplies. My life motto is once you make it She recalled the outpouring of support by to the top, reach down and offer a hand to her softball coach, who even added an elliptical attention and appreciation from the pull up the next person.” treadmill to the bus so Arevalo could rotate her community, Russell-Valenzuela was knee while traveling to each game. During her encouraged to apply for a 501c3 status as a final year of high school, Arevalo and her team non-profit organization. made it to semi finals. “Thanks to Cathy Villafuerte from Blue “We almost finished the season but I kept Canary Marketing, she is helping to connect pushing myself so hard during practice I ended me with local officials to start the process. I up tearing my MCL. After that I couldn't play would also like to thank Robstown residents anymore and our team didn't make it to the Sara Lopez, Commissioner John Marez, finals. The season was over for us and during Hector Lopez of Handy Stop, Dorella Munoz Continued on page 10 MONEY TALKS February 2021 8 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com Volume 2 Issue 1 Preparing for a Minimum Wage Increase Managing your money by Chris Ardueser, MBA at AGDA Consulting 101 by R. Gnirk, MHA Whether the minimum wage As we can see increases or not, you need to have a regarding labor, Have you ever had more month than money? You don’t have plan in place. Companies prepared for the changes will see less of an effect to stay trapped in your financial situation, hoping that “some day” on their bottom lines. things will change. You can have hope, and start living in more The companies that will see the Changes to Labor. Courtesy photo peace and freedom today! It just takes a little planning, self- most significant impact will be small to there was an increase of 16% to reach control, and patience. And it’s as simple as A, B, C. mid-size operations on whether they the 20% increase in hourly employees' will remain sustainable. Larger wages. The 16% is composed of a Admit your income. If you are making $2,000/month, you companies will be affected by the boost to hourly wages, salaries, and can’t spend $2,100 and live in peace. Juggling due dates and increase but have more depth to employer-paid benefits. bouncing checks (or living off of credit cards) is neither safe nor absorb the hit. smart. And you want to (and need to) be both. Add up all the Every industry is different. Some are money you know you will have coming in for the upcoming more labor-based than others, and month, and write that number in green at the top of your page. some are more product-based, but Changes to COGS. Courtesy photo Don’t think of this as a choke collar, but as a body guard. This is either way, there will be an impact, and COGS showed a 13% increase, as your new left tackle. You new best friend. Your life jacket. This is you must be ready for it. you will see later how we derived this your spending limit. This example is based on a number. company with an average pay of Fixed costs were held constant, like udget your expenses. Yes, I used the “B” word! You need $10.00 per hour and is now facing an Occupancy Costs and other fixed costs. B increase of a new $12.00 min wage. We should note that it is fair to say to make a list of the money you know will be coming out of your This will be a 20% average hourly there is a strong potential that there pocket this month. Housing. Food. Transportation (including gas increase. We have to acknowledge that would be an increase in these line and insurance, not just car payments). Health (insurance, the 20% average increase would have items. medicine, supplements). Toiletries. Write down all outgoing to be applied to all hourly staff. What does this do to the bottom money (even if it is scheduled to be paid monthly from your If someone was making $9.00 then line? The company we are using has a checking account). If your money is leaving you, write down was overnight bumped to $12.00, what top line of $1 million in revenue. those numbers in blue and add them up. Place the total do you do to the person making Before the increases that we expenses (in blue) under your green income number. $12.00? You will have to bump their applied, they showed a roughly 9% pay as well. That is why we will say return after a 25% tax rate. Calculate. First of all, be honest with yourself. Did you have that there will be an increase of 20% After the increases, we have any idea that you were spending THAT MUCH money on food for all hourly wages. We will also be associated with the change in minimum (groceries + eating out + snacks)?! If your blue expense number increasing management salaries, but wages, their new return is only roughly is even one penny more than your green income number, you’re only by 9% for this example. 1%, an amount that is no longer in the red! Take a deep breath, and then look at your expenses Before getting too far ahead and sustainable. thinking that my company already pays again, because you do not want to stay in the red. Be brutally everyone at least $12.00 an hour and honest. What do you want more: temporary pleasures (like food, this will not affect you, you are drink, and fashion) that drag you into the undertow, or mistaken, it will. responsibility now so that you can enjoy the waves later? In what For example, if employee A, who areas can you minimize, or even cut things out completely, so does not receive a pay increase due to that you can be spending no more than you are bringing in for already making the new minimum this month? wage can get paid the same or close to the same for doing a less skillful, Decide, and then DO IT. There is no “get out of jail free” stressful or easier job, how will you card just because birthdays, holidays, or oil changes are coming Changes to Bottom Line. Courtesy photo retain them? There will be a cost. up. Plan ahead for things by setting aside a small amount of You will see that there is also an That is where we can help you see money each month for “gifts” “car maintenance” and even “fun increase in COGS. It would be best if what you will need to do to remain money.” That way, when you have the chance to make you recognized that there would be an sustainable. spontaneous memories with family and friends, you can do so increase in this area. Remember having a plan and (without worrying that you might have to call the electric Like you, your suppliers have looking at hypothetical situations will set company to beg for an extension on a payment date). increased their operating costs. To you up to be successful for the future. If remain sustainable, they will have to you wait for the change to come, it is increase their prices and pay the too late. I'd love to hear your tips and feedback. We can all improve together! difference. [email protected] [email protected] February 2021 Volume 2 Issue 1 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com 9 OFFERS A SLICE OF NEW YORK AND LIVE SHOWS SAL’S BRONX PIZZA by Jane Kathleen Gregorio

Sal Colicci, far spinach with ricotta, and stuffed penne left, and the bolognese pizza. Other menu items include dream team at thin crust, keto friendly gluten-free cauliflower Sal's Bronx crust, deep dish, and Sicilian style pizza along Pizza are with hot/cold sandwiches, stromboli, calzones, standing by, ready to bake fresh salads and gourmet Italian desserts. your NY pie, for “I believe what makes us stand out is our dine-in, delivery use of fresh ingredients. I cook for my or take out. customers the same way I would cook for my (from L-R Sal family. At Sal’s Bronx Pizza, we don't buy our Colicci (owner), Omar Rodiguez, products based on cost, we focus on quality.” Jessica Parker, In the spirit of his downtown Italian Alvar Nunez, restaurant, this Southside pizzeria will also Cathy offer live jazz music, and stand up comedy Villafuerte, and featuring national headlining comedians. Kris Tovar (co- Colicci’s vision for the pizzeria’s future is to owner). expand to a full kitchen to offer a wide variety Photo by Jane of authentic Italian entrees along with his New Kathleen York style pizza, and to expand its beer and Gregorio wine license to full liquor. “My vision for this restaurant is to franchise Sals Bronx Pizza in the future.” round nine months ago, Salvatore “Sal” father. I am doing this for him; in his memory, A Sal’s Bronx Pizza is located at 5922 Colicci was craving a slice of New York pizza, because as I was growing up, I witnessed how Yorktown Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78414. For but could not find what he wanted in Corpus he never gave up. So quitting in the face of more information contact (361) 462-4667 or Christi. So he opened his own pizzeria. difficulty was never an option for me.” visit salsbronxpizza.com “There are other restaurants in town that Colicci’s perseverance and dedication paid claim to be New York style, but none of them off as he opened the doors to “Sal’s Bronx measure up to my standard,” Colicci said. As an Pizza” an extension of Bella Luna Downtown in NYC born and raised owner and executive chef the Southside along Yorktown Blvd between of Bella Luna Downtown, whose family has Staples and Cimarron. “The community support been in the restaurant business for 40+ years, has been amazing,” he said with a smile. Colicci knows how food is supposed to taste. “Years ago I had opened a pizzeria in Flour The decision to open a new restaurant Bluff, but had to close. I had no idea how many during the pandemic brought much frustration people were waiting for me to open another and many challenges for the restaurateur. pizzeria since then.” “Everything took longer, and cost more; Some of the restaurant’s unique menu certain products were harder to get or simply offerings include a house made eggplant unavailable,” Colicci said. “It took a lot of coponata appetizer served with fresh baked patience and mental focus. foccacia bread; a stuffed pizza with a braided Sal's Bronx Pizza on the Southside offers pizza, There were times that I wanted to give up, crust, and different versions of stuffed sandwiches and desserts along with live music and but then I would stop and think about my meatlovers, stuffed penne alla vodka, stuffed comedy. Photo by JK Gregorio February 2021 10 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com Volume 2 Issue 1

The more out of state tourneys I Luckie Arevalo named "Charm." Luckie in Softball (continued from page 7) play, the more I’ll be recognized," At five years old going on six, Arevalo said. Charm plays softball for a local "When I played in Vegas, I met little league team, the Dodgers, Candaians, Europeans, players whom Arevalo coaches. from Dominican Republic, and it felt so awesome and overwhelming to be part of an international team! They all showed up to play a sport they love. It's such a great feeling to share the same love and commitment to the game." Arevalo continues to practice her passion in pursuit of a bigger dream. "Someday, I would love to play at the stadium of my favorite Luckie Arevalo (far right), with her international team of players during the 2020 baseball team, the L.A. Dodgers. Spiderz Softball Team, made it to semi finals. Courtesy Photo Also, I dream to be part of a Charm Arevalo is following in her mom's professional All American Women's Arevalo received a college Louisiana, and New Mexico, and footsteps. Courtesy Photo Softball Team." scholarship to play softball at she was even sponsored twice. "My daughter always tells me, 'I Looking back, Arevalo doesn't Oklahoma City University, but had "My top favorite tournaments want to play like you Mom.' My forget her Robstown roots and her to stop after a year due to injuries. were Winter Wonderland in Las advice to my daughter if there is a family, her friends and her Vegas, and the Whole Enchilada in dream she would like to pursue, coaches who supported her When she returned to Corpus New Mexico," she said. I’ve got her back no matter what; dreams along the way. Christi, she began competing in Even during the pandemic, Arevalo good or bad, I’ll be there for her." Her advice to other parents is to adult softball league tournaments was drafted to play in the Las encourage their children to pursue Arevalo's at age 21, while pursuing a degree Vegas Spiderz tournament October not just their talents and their own dreams. in Kinesiology from Del Mar 2020. Luckie. While it may not have been a She is College. Over the next decade, "I was selected based on my totally charmed life for Arevalo, in diligent Luckie Arevalo began traveling out ratings and my rank. I’m and 2015 a precious charm did enter focused. of state, competing in over 15 sites considered a C player for now but her life; a baby daughter who Courtesy such as Las Vegas, Florida, aspire to work my way to becoming photo

“The former Outlets of Corpus Christi in economically vibrant city that would bring its South Texas Robstown are under new management, and residents employment, financial success and the 70 acre commercial property is being unity in their community.” Shopper’s World renamed ‘The Crossroads District.’ We hope to The South Texas Shoppers World event Event collaborate on upcoming projects with them, as will be held on March 6, 2021 at 422 E. Ave. B (continued from page 3) well as with other shopping venues, including To rent vendor booths or for more information Cotton Farms and Lehman Feeders, who also email [email protected] or for "Outdoor events make host markets in Robstown. Together we are a faster response text Lisa at 361-944-1311 it easier to implement You can also find the event on fb at South social distancing. Hand poised to be the next shopping capital of sanitizer will be Texas! There are more than 14 million Texans Texas Shoppers World Event. available on site, so within a 3 hour drive of Robstown, and Texans grab your mask and enjoy a safe day of love to shop!” Villafuerte said. shopping while helping She also shared her excitement about Tex- to support Robstown area vendors!" Isle Tubular Steel’s recent announcement to encourages Cathy build a plant in Robstown this year, and is Villafuerte. encouraged by efforts from the Robstown Area Courtesy photo Development Commission (RADC) to draw “The South Texas Shoppers World event is new businesses and jobs to the area, while a kick-start to get more people to spend their retaining and expanding existing ones. money in Robstown, and if the turnout is a big “Between the RADC, the incoming success, we will repeat it again,” Petrick said. companies, hundreds of local vendors, events Already, whispers of economic opportunities at the Richard M Borchard fairgrounds, the for Robstown are twinkling on the horizon, Livestock show, Rockin’ K Farms and more, we according to Villafuerte. hope to see Robstown grow into a strong, t February 2021 FAI H Volume 2 Issue 1 www.CrossroadsofSouthTexasNewspaper.com 11

At the Crossroads What does God say about . . . identity? by Pastor Gary by R. Gnirk A crossroad is a point of decision. The traveler has I have met many people in identity crisis. poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the option to go right or left. To continue on as before, And I bet you have too. Sometimes we can the destiny He has given each of us, for we or to try something different. No matter what, a guess they struggle with identity because are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even the way they dress or talk do not accurately before we were born, God planned in decision has to be made. reflective of their age or maturity. Others advance our destiny and the good works we I came to the most significant crossroad of my life openly admit they are in crisis mode, trying would do to fulfill it!” TPT. (See also Ephesians March of 1983. I had received an out-of-the blue to figure out "who" they are after a change 1:4 & Isaiah 43:7) phone call earlier in the week, inviting me to coffee in their employment or relationship status. 1 John 3:1 “See how very much our Father with a friend I hadn’t seen in years. And so that fateful Sometimes we become so busy trying to loves us, for He calls us His children, and that Friday night, I was wondering what this meeting was impress peers or “friends” that we have is what we are!...” NLT (see also John 1:12 & all about. forgotten who we really are. Romans 8:16) We sat in the restaurant and quickly caught up on God says: So I can: life. He was now married with two kids. I worked in my Genesis 1:27 I can live as a mirror of God, instead of Genesis 1:27 “So God created human trying to be my own god; I can acknowledge and parents’ formerly successful business that was beings in His Own image. In the image of appreciate God’s distinct design. suddenly in crisis. My friend then took over the God He created them...” NLT. Jeremiah 1:5 I can find comfort, security and conversation and surprised the Wisconsin “tough guy” (See also Ephesians 4:24 & Colossians 3:10) belonging in the fact that God knew me before anyone Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the else did! And I can find purpose in the fact that He has right out of me when he shared his faith, told me how a plan for my life. God was answering prayers for himself and his wife, womb I knew you, before you were born I 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 I can live like a new person, not and how he was prospering at his job. set you apart; I appointed you…” NIV. defined by my past. I can rest assured that God will not take back this gift of being made right with Him, fresh As I listened, I noticed that there was something (see also Psalm 139:15-16) 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 “...Anyone who and new; and I boldly can tell others that God wants different between his life and mine. He was praying them to be made right with Him too! belongs to Christ has become a new person. and his prayers were actually being ANSWERED. I Ephesians 2:10 I can remember that a masterpiece or The old life is gone; a new life has begun! poem takes time to become completed to reflect the couldn’t remember the last time I had prayed. Why And all of this is a gift from God... And He beautiful work that the artist sees in their mind. was he getting his prayers answered while I wasn’t? gave us this wonderful message of 1 John 3:1 I can live in the knowledge that I am loved We lingered over coffee conversation for a few reconciliation. So we are Christ’s by God based on what He did, not what I did/do. -- I can...and I WILL ! -- hours, then the conversation became more serious. ambassadors; God is making His appeal He suddenly said to me, “Gary, would you pray with through us. We speak for Christ when we I would love to connect with you via email at me to receive Jesus as your Savior?” plead, “Come back to God!” NLT [email protected] or through Bible studies: The question startled and challenged me. Although (See also Galatians 6:15) https://cross_encounter.godaddysites.com/bible- study it didn’t show on the outside, a battle began on the Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s inside. I had come to a spiritual crossroad. Would I agree to pray with my friend and invite Jesus to be my Lord, my leader, my Savior, and my friend? Or would I keep going the way I was going, though I had more questions than answers? After 23 years, I still hadn’t found that "something" to fill the emptiness in my heart. Believe me, I had tried. I played in rock bands from age 12, and was so good I had been playing regularly in venues since I was 15. I’d gone through a summer of church classes, had many girlfriends, pursued higher education, and tried different business ventures, but still that emptiness gnawed at me. So was I going to pray with my friend, or refuse? After a short interval of internal deliberation I said “yes” and prayed a prayer that changed my life. Eternally. Do you have a crossroad story like this? If not, reading my story may be your crossroads opportunity! Do you believe that God sent His only Son to die for your sins, and raised Him again from the dead to make you right with God? If so, this is your time to commit yourself to Him! You can pray this simple prayer, from your heart. “Father in heaven, I come to You in Jesus’ Name. I haven’t lived my life for You, but today I have decided to change that. Jesus, I accept You into my life to be my Lord and Savior. I will live for You all the days of my life. Amen.” -- Reach me at [email protected] --