The Storybook Garden is an independent children’s bookshop and clothier in Weslaco, TX. As a member of the American Booksellers Association and with fellow booksellers nationwide, we work to raise awareness of the importance of shopping local first so that independent businesses survive and thrive, and communities are enriched and sustained. Since 2002, a number of studies have repeatedly documented the positive economic impact of locally owned businesses, and their significantly greater economic return to the local economy than that of retail chains, big box stores, and remote online retailers. We are proudly celebrating our 12th year this summer here at The Storybook Garden. We are happy to be a part of and contribute to this great community. Throughout the years we have seen generations of families come in to find that something special for a loved one or friend. Countless customers have bought gifts for birthdays, holidays, or just to congratulate their child on a job well done. We have even helped many moms and grandparents select sweet baby gifts for a new arrival, while others return to spend a happy moment with their child at one of our events and workshops. The Storybook Garden specializes in educational readying books and our belief in browsing a brick-and-mortar bookstore is the best way to discover great books, and we pick what we sell based on what we know our customers like and want. Invest in independent bookstores, and we’ll invest in the imagination of your children for years to come. Our children’s book selection includes books for babies to teens and young adults. For newborns we have high contrast black and white books, chunky and touch-and-feel books for toddlers, early learning concept books for pre-school aged children, early reader books for kids learning to read, chapter books, novels, and non-fiction titles, too. We try to stock all the latest in children’s books but we always leave room on our shelves for the classics,

too. Our selection of books in Spanish and other bilingual books continues to grow. Don’t know what you want, we are happy to offer recommendations for you, whether you are an educator looking for a story for a particular theme or subject or if you are a parent looking for a bedtime story to settle your little one’s fear of the dark. A large selection of books that we keep in stock help children deal and cope with various life issues such as living with diabetes, when a loved one has cancer, bullying, and death. Even though we specialize in children’s books, we can order virtually any book. If we don’t have a book you are looking for, we can order it for you and have it within a few days. We also carry learning toys such as blocks, puzzles and card games. Our

other offerings include plush, puppets, stationery, lunch bags, backpacks, baby gifts, personalized gifts, jewelry, and clothing. We carry unique baby clothing lines such as Zutano and have our own selection of unique baby and toddler clothes and accessories. We make custom birthday shirts and personalize various items including pillows and blankets. Gift certificates are available and we gladly offer free gift wrapping for regularly priced merchandise. Other services include a gift registry and children’s party planning and consulting. For over a decade, we have hosted many birthday celebrations and tea parties in the Villa de Cortez courtyard right outside our shop and

FREEFREE

Local Bookstore Celebrates 12 Years!

Where’s Waldo, Shop Local!Look for Waldo Hidden at

Participating Businesses in WeslacoEntire Month of July - Your Host

The Storybook GardenVisit: www.theStorybookGarden.com

Independent Bookstores Are Rich With Delight And Discovery. Independent Booksellers Uncover Treasures Along The Way That Can Last A Lifetime

Logistics –the Weslaco Advantage

I knew it was logical, in fact I have said it all along; Weslaco’s location is our advantage. But until I studied it, I had no idea how much sense it makes. A recent analysis of the Mid Valley Industrial Park (MVIP) shows an emerging market bias for locating in Weslaco to serve customers in the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico. Almost fifty companies have chosen to locate some or all of their Valley operations in Weslaco. The list is almost as diverse as it is long - from food manufacturing and distribution to coffee and casket supply companies. And what is economic development without adult education centers that help put people to work; Weslaco has two such entities. When we look back at the history of our community’s development, it is understandable why diversification is important to our success and growth. Twenty years ago, our economy depended almost exclusively on agriculture which fluctuated as weather patterns change. Then, fifteen years ago, Hagar and Dickies came to

Weslaco for the cut and sew business, employing hundreds of people. When these companies closed their U.S. plants and moved to foreign countries where labor is cheap, Weslaco was devastated by the loss. The MVIP has companies which provide goods and services to South Texas – manufacturers, refrigeration, industrial and retail. In fact, the company which handles all the H.E.B. refrigeration systems in every store across the state has an operation in Weslaco. TDIndustries is a nationally recognized, employee owned company that chose Weslaco to service not only their growing systems, but to expand their Valley business. In the MVIP, I’m proud to say we have four companies which have chosen Weslaco as their home for their U.S. distribution operation. One is a successful Valley business that manufactures and distributes from this center. We have an additional six food distribution companies

See Weslaco | Page 5

See Bookstore | Page 2

In & Around Weslaco2For Advertising Information email Ed Rodriguez: info@cleardesigngraphics.com

Don’t Dial “A” for Accidenton Your Cellphone

Julian GarzaState Farm® Agent Weslaco, Texas For many, it’s hard to imagine life without a cellular phone. The convenience of being able to reach and be reached by co-workers, friends and family at all times is great.

While cellphones are certainly useful tools, they can also be a hazard on the road. According to a study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the risk of collision when using a cellphone while driving is four times higher than the risk when one wasn’t being used. The study also found that so-called hands-free phones are no safer than held-held ones.

In response to concerns by drivers across the country, many cities and states are proposing limitations on cellphone use when driving.

Distraction and inattentiveness are too often the result of using a cellphone and driving. It’s important to remember that the No.1 priority when driving is

getting where you are going safely. Here are some tips for using your cellphone in the car.

1. Program frequently used numbers into your phone so you can minimize dialing.

2. Dial sensibly. Wait for a stoplight, ask passengers to dial for you or pull off the road to make a call.

3. Don’t use your cellphone during distracting or heavy-traffic situations.

4. Never take notes while driving.5. Place your phone or have it

mounted within comfortable reach in your driving position, close to your line of vision.

6. Avoid intense conversations while driving.

To cut down on the risk of an accident, consider pulling over and coming to a complete stop before dialing or talking on your cellphone.

The Life You Save May Be... YOURS!

we now have an indoor space available as well. Our party services include the invites, event space, party décor, activities, and goody bags for each guest. Depending on the theme of your child’s party, other party elements may be provided such as dress-up attire for guests. Contact us for more details about are party services and to reserve a date to celebrate your child’s next birthday at our shop. Summer is here and if you or your child needs a book for summer reading we would be happy to help.We will be kicking off our very own summer reading program early this summer. Children that participate will be eligible for some great giveaways and prizes. If you are looking for some fun and enriching activities for your children over summer break, make sure to inquire about our events and workshops scheduled including our new “Art & Story” art lessons and sewing classes. The Storybook Garden is happy to announce that we have been selected to host another “Where’s Waldo, Shop Local Campaign” in Weslaco. Kids and their parents are welcome to join in the fun by searching for small Waldo standees hidden at participating businesses. The Where’s Waldo in Weslaco Campaign will take place the entire month of July.

A search list will be available on our website starting mid-June. This a fun way to discover some of the independently owned businesses in Weslaco as well as have the chance to win some great prizes from participating mom and pop shops. Join us for story time each Saturday at 11am & 2pm. Visit our website at www.thestorybookgarden.com and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay posted about upcoming events like author and storybook character visits. We have had a number of best-selling authors such Gordon Korman, Neal Shusterman, Gail Gibbons, and Herman Parish visit our shop. We also love to host local authors and illustrators, too. From time to time we have storybook characters visit like Curious George, Ladybug Girl, and Spot. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and find us on Pinterest. Our customers come from all over the Rio Grande Valley. A number of customers have shared with us how our shop has been a part of their child’s story. If you haven’t visited our shop in downtown Weslaco, please do – and let us be a part of your story, too.

––Happy reading!

Sarah Cuarda, Owner – The Storybook Garden

BOOKSTORE Continued From Page 1

www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com 3For Advertising Information email Ed Rodriguez: info@cleardesigngraphics.com

Protecting Your Pets & Your Home From Fleas and Ticks

By Leroy Moreno Sr. • Moreno’s Feed and Pet Store • Weslaco, Texas

For the last three years, the state of Texas has been in a serious drought with no end in sight. For many, the mention of a drought brings only thoughts of the South Texas farmers having problems watering their crops. But unfortunately the drought has brought problems to everyone who lives in South Texas. One of the biggest problems is an infestation of nasty bugs, especially the fleas and ticks. The drought climate is perfect hatching temperature for the flea and tick eggs which can become an endless cycle of insects. Fleas multiply fast. A female flea can produce 600 eggs in one month. A flea’s life cycle from egg to larva to pupa to adult is on average 15 to 90 days depending on temperature and humidity. Fleas and ticks cannot take the South Texas heat, so they burry themselves in the ground in your yard where it is cooler. There, they wait for a “host” such as a dog or cat, or even a human to walk by and latch on to. This is where the danger begins. It has become a battle for those of us that live in the Rio Grande Valley to control and defeat these bugs. Not only are these insects a menace to humans but they can also be harmful and even deadly to your pets. The good news is there are several “do-it-yourself ” remedies available to help control and even eliminate the problem. Moreno’s Feed and Pet Store is the flea and tick “head quarters” of the Valley. We have all heard the phrase “to catch a thief you have to think like a thief ” well the new phrase is “to kill a flea you have to think like a flea”. At Moreno’s Feed and Pet Store there are four steps we recommend to take in the battle to

control fleas and ticks.

1. Start at the root of the problem which is the yard. At Moreno’s Feed and Pet Store, we have several products available to apply in the yard. Hi-Yield brand Permethrin granules is available in 10 lb. bags as well as liquid concentrate. 55% Malathion in concentrate is also very popular for fleas ticks and mosquito control. Adams brand in a Hose-end sprayer is affective and easy to apply, just connect to the water hose.

2. Bathe, spray or dip your dogs and cats to kill all fleas and ticks.Happy Jack brand “Kennel Dip” is the number one product we sell to dip your dogs. Adams brand makes a shampoo and ready-to-use flea and tick spray. Hi-Yield brand makes a Permethrin concentrate that can be applied on the dog as well as the patio and yard.

3. Spray or use foggers inside the home.The Adams brand indoor carpet and furniture spray is the most popular. It can be used directly on carpets and sofas. Adams indoor spray contains “Precor” which does not allow the flea eggs to hatch. Hi-Yield foggers are also a good choice.

4. Use products on the dog to prevent the problem.The topical “Front Line Plus” is available as well “Spectra Sure” which is as a generic brand. These products are applied to your dogs back which repel fleas and ticks. Flea and Tick collars also are very helpful.

If you have any further questions, visit Leroy Moreno Sr. and the staff atMoreno’s Feed and Pet Store at the corner of Business 83 and Pleasantview Dr.

Your pet deserves the best!

In & Around Weslaco4For Advertising Information email Ed Rodriguez: info@cleardesigngraphics.com

Arturo’s New Location Opening in August

East Frontage Road Exp. 83 Next to Compass Bank

www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com 5For Advertising Information email Ed Rodriguez: info@cleardesigngraphics.comFor Advertising Information email Ed Rodriguez: info@cleardesigngraphics.com

which have located here to supply Valley restaurants and stores with their products and services. This list is impressive: Gran Café de la Parroquia; Bimbo/Mrs. Baird’s Bread; La Abuela Tortillas; Auto Chlor; Bar S/FUD/A Sigma Company; Colimex Tropical Fruits; Cold Front Ice; A&W Produce; Mission Foods; and Liquid Environmental. There are ten companies in the MVIP that are either large scale national construction companies or supply products used in the construction industry. One of the country’s largest drywall distributors relocated to Weslaco from Harlingen because being in the center makes sense for them. A paving and striping company moved to the MVIP from Mission for the same reason. A large national construction firm chose the Industrial Park because of the proximity to our general aviation airport. Six warehousing and distribution centers

chose the center of the Valley. One large national company - Southeastern Freight Lines relocated their Valley center from a warehouse in McAllen. They built a new state-of-the-art facility. A Nuevo Leon manufacturer, International Casket, distributes to the five-county area funeral homes. Others include an Oklahoma distribution company, a school furniture distributer from San Antonio and a USDA certified warehouse facility for cotton. We also have manufacturers, medical supply and service companies and public sector facilities. It just makes sense to work from the center – it saves money, time and eases the typical headaches of doing business. You can get to any populated area in the Valley in less than 46 minutes. The key to our community’s success is our location and the diversification of business – this is the Weslaco Advantage.

WESLACO Continued From Page 1

Consumer InformationCollision Repair & Your Rights

For More information, contact:Alicia Aguilar - Director of Marketing & Business Retention for The Economic Development Corporation of Weslacoaaguilar@weslacoedc..com

The information below below is intended to help you through the collision repair process.

• You have the right to go to the repair shop of your choice. Your insurance company cannot require you to go to a particular shop.

• Your car is the second largest investment you’re likely to make. Preserve its value and your safety by having it repaired professionally.

• Never drive a car that could be unsafe because of damages.

• Some insurance companies may want you to visit their drive-in claims center before you have your car repaired. You can do this or you can leave your car at a body shop and ask that the insurance company inspect it there.

• There is no law requiring you to obtain more than one estimate or appraisal.

• Differences in repair estimates are common. A lower estimate may not include all necessary work. If you’re not sure why one estimate is different from another you’ve received, ask the body shop manager.

• Choose a repair facility that has the correct equipment to repair your vehicle along with certified technicians.

• Ask the repair shop if they will be using genuine replacement parts (OEM - Original equipment parts).

• Ask if the repair shop offers a repair warranty.

• Always stay in control of your insurance claim. Never let an insurance company dictate how your car is being repaired.

This information was obtained from the Texas Department of Insurance’s website. It was developed by this department to educate consumers about their rights when settling insurance claims. Read a few excerpted points below and remember, the list above is only a portion of the Bill of Rights. The entire Bill of Rights can be found at the Texas Department of Insurance’s website: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us or you can download it directly as a PDF file: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/rules/pdf/bor-auto-english.pdf

www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com 6

www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com6 7

You get more than money benefits

If you have even the slightest vision problem, you know the necessity for eyeglasses. In a highly visual world, our eyesight is essential and should be a high priority. The highest quality is important in choosing frames, lenses, and eye care services. With the influx of online shopping and department store opticals, purchasing glasses has increased tremendously. Online and department stores offer prescription glasses at low prices, causing many patients to choose them over the traditional in-office optical purchase. Unfortunately, this is not the best choice for patients. Let’s explore a few of the many reasons purchasing eyeglasses in this matter is not beneficial to the customer in the end. To begin, medical services should not be purchased online or without a licensed or certified medical representative. Remember that the need for eyeglasses go far beyond fashion accessories. Vision

is a special gift, which should be preserved with care. The medical need for eyeglasses cannot be handled with care with a company that does not have a licensed or certified personnel in your presence, because glasses should be custom for each patient. Quality is more important with medical care representatives and should be on an individualized basis. Non-medical representatives are at a disadvantage to understand patients’ needs and providing the best product. Most opticals have Certified Opticians who hold value when choosing correct frames and lenses for your lifestyle. The in-person conversation about your lifestyle is essential to choosing the correct frames and lenses for each patient, which can only be done with a certified optician. They take the time to know your needs; for instance, do you spend a lot of time on the computer and need a specialized coating to protect

your eyes in the long run? Do you need bifocals and should purchase a certain shape frame to accommodate? Many customers will opt out of important coatings and material while purchasing online or at opticals without a certified optician because personnel do not understand the need for anti-reflective lenses, polycarbonate material, and specialized lenses. Most importantly, there are incorrect measurements for glasses. Often patients ask the doctor for their prescription and assume that is all they need, but that is not all to buying prescription eyeglasses. Patients need specific measurements that are specialized for opticians to perform. For instance, what is the measurement for your glasses? Or the biggest question is the measurement of the optical center of your eyeglass lenses? This is the most essential for part that gives you the truest vision, and it should be directly in front of

your pupils. The measurement is used to figure the placement of the lenses in your frames so the optical center is customized for your eyes. Today, optometrists and eye care centers understand the need for lower prices, but there is a bigger need for quality. There are many offices that offer a wide range of eyeglasses to compete price-wise with online and department store purchases. If this is a concern for you, discuss this at your next comprehensive exam to find a better option for you to still have quality eye care. Remember, there are plenty of things to buy online or big department stores but medical care is just not one of them. As with many services, asking for the credentials of an eye care center including the doctor and optician is always wise. ––Your eyes will thank you.

Take Care of Your Vision

When it comes preserving your vision, early detection is the solution.Have your eyes checked regularly.

www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com 8For Advertising Information email Ed Rodriguez: info@cleardesigngraphics.com

www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com8 9For Advertising Information email Ed Rodriguez: info@cleardesigngraphics.com Visit our website to view past articles and information.

In & Around Weslaco10

www.InAndAroundWeslaco.com 11

Instead of paying retail for that special gift for that special person (or yourself), have you considered shopping on con-signment? No, it’s not déclassé. To some people, consignment shops conjure up images of thrift stores, where owners donate unwanted clothing (sometimes smelling of mothballs), furniture and things for sale to benefit a charity. But for savvy shoppers who love luxury items, that’s all changed during the past decade–especially since the economic downturn. Now found in the tony neighborhoods of your local cities and towns, consign-ment shops have become much more high-end, as noted in a story for FORBES magazine. (See “Luxury For Less: New Web Sites And Shops Offer Gently Used Designer Goods.”) Finding that coveted designer bag, or that specially sized din-ning table or sofa is something people brag about and others envy, like find-

ing the golden ticket in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” It’s now possible to search for hidden gems in new ways, too — some stores have companion online sites. These site usually give you a taste of what the whole store carries...so visiting is usually half the fun. Where should you go? The Rio Grande Valley has an abundance of consignment shops and the great thing about it is that all are unique in their way. Downtown Weslaco has several shops in a three to four block area along with a few around town. McAllen has it’s fair share too. Twice is Nice to name just one – expect unique furniture, fashion clothing & accessories along with treasures by high end suspects. You may even find a few screaming deals! You just never know what you might find. – – Happy Hunting!

Consignment Shop Treasures:Why Pay Retail?Consignment Shops Boom in Tough Economy

Boating Season is Upon Us...A Few Tips

Read through our basic boat maintenance tips to learn best practices for responsible boat maintenance and care. Not only will proper boat maintenance extend the life of your boat and reduce the need for costly repairs, but it also helps ensure boating safety for all those aboard.Cleaning & CareOne of the keys to boat maintenance is also one of the simplest- wash your boat regularly. Not only does routine cleaning facilitate a more pleasant and organized environment, but it also goes a long way towards counteracting the long-term effects of environmental wear and tear. Routine waxing and use of anti-fouling paint can also help protect your boat from the elements. You may also want to consider using environmentally-safe products for your boat maintenance needs!ChecklistsThere are a myriad of finer points to keep in mind when it comes to boat maintenance. The best way to ensure that you have all the bases covered is to follow a professional checklist. Pre-Departure Checklist Semi-Annual Checklist Spring Start-Up ChecklistProper MooringOne of the most common ways a boat can start to show scratches and damage is not only from when it’s in use- but

BOAT MAINTENANCE: MOTOR CARE, & MORE

from when it’s being docked. Make sure lines are securely fastened in place, neatly coiled, and do not show signs of breakage or wear.Battery CareDepending on the type of battery your boat uses, check to ensure that it is properly charged and that it has the correct fluid levels. Also be sure to keep your battery clean, as dampness and dirt can also drain your battery.Routine InspectionProper boat maintenance means being actively involved in, and attuned to, all aspects of your vessel. This means keeping an eye out for everything from loose fittings to fraying ropes to any other areas of your boat that may need special attention or replacement. Many times, damages incurred to a boat could easily have been prevented by following a preventative boat maintenance routine.Boat Motor MaintenanceFollow best practices for both inboard and outboard motor care. Be sure to flush your engine after every outing, and check everything from your fuel tanks to clamps on your fuel line for rust, damage or corrosion. Also be sure to check your oil both for correct levels as well as proper filtration and cleanliness. Last but not least, keep an eye on your engine’s cooling system to make sure it’s functioning correctly.

In & Around Weslaco12