Slice Of Life

New beginnings: Rose Del Rio

Del Rio operates a small restaurant on South Padre Island

By MAGGIE DENNEY/Island Breeze

One of the most unique restaurants on the Island is now under new ownership. But don’t worry; as Rose Del Rio puts it, nothing’s new at Yummies Bistro except her.What she means is customers can expect the same friendly service and same... Full story

Help Advocate: Dr. Wayne Green

Gastroenterologist opens practice at Valley Baptist Medical

By COREY RYAN/Valley Morning Star

The prestigious Fulbright International Education Scholarship brought gastroenterologist Dr. Wayne Green to the United States from his native Jamaica.And after almost a decade starting his career in New Jersey and Kentucky, Green finally found his... Full story

Swing of things: Andy Cortez

An 8-year-old hopes to play in the U.S. Open some day

By TRAVIS M. WHITEHEAD/Valley Freedom Newspapers

Andy Cortez hopes to play golf in the U.S. Open some day.At 8 years of age, he’s getting a head start on his plan, practicing sometimes four and five hours a day at Harlingen Country Club.“He’s probably been playing golf since he... Full story

Doctor and organ donor: Dr. Ruben Lopez

Cardiovascular surgeon finds a different way to save a life

By MIKE SWARTZ/Special to the Star

HARLINGEN – As a cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Ruben Lopez has helped save the lives of hundreds of heart and trauma patients in the Rio Grande Valley. But first Dr. Lopez helped save his own brother’s life, not through surgery, but by... Full story

‘What’s not to like?’: Shannon Reich

Becoming permanent Island resident a no-brainer for bartender

By MAGGIE DENNEY/Island Breeze

Quarterdeck bartender Shannon Reich is originally from Belville, Texas, but she has lived on the Island for 20 years.“I came down the first time to work just for a season and leave in the winter,” she said. “I did that for two... Full story

MOTIVATION: Christina Gonzalez

Woman looses 100 pounds in one year

By FERNANDO DEL VALLE/Valley Morning Star

Two years ago, Christina Gonzalez’s weight soared to 220, shooting her cholesterol level to 900, she said.“It was beyond dangerous,” said Gonzalez, 26, a nursing assistant. “I had high-blood pressure, cholesterol, high... Full story

Talk it out: Dr. Gaylyn Holstein

Holstein is the newest psychiatrist at Valley Baptist

By MIKE SWARTZ/Special to the Star

As the newest psychiatrist with Valley Baptist’s Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Gaylyn Holstein is already making a name for herself in addressing depression and the great need for mental health services in the Rio Grande Valley.As a... Full story

Staying Busy: Myrtle Wheelus

Wheelus enjoys making craft projects for friends at Golden Palms

By ALLEN ESSEX/Valley Morning Star

Sixty-two years of farming near Santa Rosa was an adventure for Myrtle Wheelus.Wheelus, who will celebrate her 98th birthday in November, recalls how she had to decide between college and marriage when she was younger.Born and raised in North... Full story

Grace Point Fellowship: Freddy Lopez

Lopez is a youth pastor who helps teens in sports ministry

By TRAVIS M. WHITEHEAD/Valley Freedom Newspapers

When a 16-year-old boy told Freddy Lopez that his ministry had kept him off drugs, he knew he was doing the right thing.“We live an exciting life. It’s God, the bottom line,” said Lopez, 36. He and his wife, Tonie, are both youth... Full story

Social work: Estela Martinez

Martinez, a UTB student, works at the Center for Civic Engagement

By CHERYL TAYLOR/Special to the Star

Estela Martinez hopes to see the initials MSW — Masters of Social Work — after her name someday.Right now, however, she is doing all she can to fulfill her goal of helping others by working at the Center for Civic Engagement at The... Full story

'Slice Of Life' Archives