boCa ChiCa reStaurante!

News and Profiles connecting the latino american community in minnesota
March 2014 / Issue 326
St. Paul Favorite
Celebrates 50 th
Anniversary
www.latinoamericantoday.com
BOCA CHICA
RESTAURANTE!
Alfredo Frias, Gloria Frias, Jose Frias, and in the portrait, Guillermo Frias
Community News
2
March 2014
LATINO AMERICAN TODAY
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Boca Chica Restaurante: The Mexican Experience
By Claud Santiago
S
t. Paul has a favorite Mexican restaurant, that is recommended
by the local citizens, the chamber of commerce, food critics, taxi
drivers, newspapers and is always on the top in restaurant polls.
The favorite is the Boca Chica. If you want delicious Mexican
food, great margaritas, award winning salsa, strolling mariachis,
lots of history and hospitality, all in a friendly neighborhood with
great free parking, you get all that at the Boca Chica.
This March 6, the restaurant is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
From its March, 1964 opening with a 400 square-foot dining area,
a small kitchen, 6 tables and standard chairs that could seat 28
people to the current restaurant with 2800 square feet that can
seat over two hundred customers in festive, colorful mural filled
rooms with fireplaces and a wonderful patio area, this is the Boca
Chica. For thousands of their fans and customers from throughout the Twin Cities, it is their favorite Mexican restaurant.
On The Cover
Boca Chica Celebrates 50 Years
Scott Foreman Photographer
A Boca Chica dining room
The restaurant is still located in its original location on St. Paul’s West Side.
The founders and owners, Guillermo and Gloria Frias started this modest
business without a real plan, but with some experience. Gloria Frias was
no newcomer to the restaurant business. Her parents Arturo and Elvira
Coronado started the first Mexican restaurant in Minnesota on St. Paul’s
West Side flats in the 1940’s and for decades, the Coronado family ran, La
Casa Coronado. Guillermo (who passed in 2004) and Gloria have 4 children,
Alfredo, Steve, Eddie and Cristela. Steve and Eddie were involved in the
business but then went on to their own careers. Alfredo is the manager and
visionary of the Boca Chica and his younger sister Cristela, his son Jose and
daughter Jesie are very active and important to the daily operations.
Gloria is semi-retired but you can still see her at the restaurant helping out
and greeting the customers in her charming way. Celebrating fifty years in
business allows one to look back, from being the only restaurant in St. Paul
to serve Mexican food back in 1964, to 2014 with a city with many Mexican
restaurants, small family owned, as well as large franchises, supermarket aisles
full of Mexican foods, Taco Bells, and everyone making their own burritos,
beans and rice at home. Mexican food is mainstream! Still the Boca Chica
remains special, busy and a favorite.
Alfredo Frias, Gloria Frias, and Jose Frias
Congratulations to the Frias family on their 50th anniversary. Thanks for all the
good times at the Boca, with your happy hours, taco specials, hanging out on
your patio and the fun and colorful Cinco de Mayo celebrations we love every
year. We look forward to many more wonderful Mexican experiences at the
Boca Chica.
Founded 2013
Member of
Minnesota Minority Media Coalition
National Foundation of Hispanic Owned Newspapers
Minnesota Newspaper Association
Published by
Aguilar Productions Inc.
Richard Aguilar, CEO/President
Contributors
Amalia Moreno-Damgaard,
Award-winning Author, Chef, & Entrepreneur
Michael Gonzalez Wallace,
Author and Health & Fitness Guru
Jose Villa, Advertising Executive, Entrepreneur,
Cross-Cultural & Digital Marketing Strategist
Scott Foreman, Photographer
www.roadworkphotography.com
Online
Mike McLaughlin
Design
Gisela Aguilar
Latino American Today
204 Emerson Avenue E.
St. Paul, MN 55118
Phone
651-665-0633
Fax
651-665-0129
Email
[email protected]
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o de su personal.
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7,000 copies on a monthy basis.
Community News
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March 2014
LATINO AMERICAN TODAY
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March 2014
5
“Homenaje a ELLA”
Por Gisella Arias-Olson
Este consejo viene de un hombre que ha sido conocido histórica y filosóficamente hablando
como uno de los más poderosos y sabios de la tierra, el rey Salomón:
M
arzo es el mes Internacional de la Mujer.
Todo inició el 8 de Marzo de 1857, en las calles del Bajo Manhattan (Nueva York) donde
decenas de trabajadoras de las textileras salieron a expresar su situación, pidiendo mejores
condiciones laborales. Hoy día, disfrutamos de muchos beneficios que a lo largo de los
años y por medio de marchas como estas se han logrado.
Sin embargo, la lucha no ha terminado aunque ahora no son las calles del Bajo Manhattan
sino más bien una batalla mental donde se confunde el”‘ser” con el “hacer”. Esta es la
batalla de la mujer moderna. Confundida, con mucho que “hacer” pero sin saber quien
“es”.Y es ahí donde debemos reconocer que Dios nos ha creado para sojuzgar el medio,
no que el medio nos domine a nosotros. Las estadísticas revelan aumento en casos de
depresión en la comunidad latina. El mundo acelerado en que vivimos deja poco tiempo
para pensar, por consecuencia, estamos depositando en el medio laboral la responsabilidad
de definir ¿quién yo soy?.
Aquellas mujeres salieron a las calles a marchar por un futuro; peleando por quienes
ellas “eran”, y no... por lo que “hacían”. Desafiaron sus propios temores y definieron su
identidad antes de expresarse. La satisfacción personal está en la esencia de quien eres.
Si eres una persona que reconoce esa batalla mental, cuidarás el tipo de pensamientos
que anidarás en ti, ya que ellos se convertirán tarde o temprano en emociones, palabras y
finalmente en acciones.
“Como un hombre piensa en su corazón, así es él” (Proverbios 23:7)
Es tiempo de retomar tus sueños, de iniciar nuevos procesos y lograr metas, nunca es tarde cuando la causa es justa, recuerda...”la esencia está en quién eres”. ¡DIOS TE BENDIGA!
Pastora Gisella Arias-Olson sirve junto a su esposo y
familia en la Iglesia de Dios Rios de Agua Viva
16108 Harmony Path Lakeville MN 55044
Servicios Domingos 5pm, Martes 7pm
www.minsiteriorios.com
Para servicios de consejería escriba a:
[email protected]
Business Leadership Award 2013:
Minnesota Consular Corps
R
achel Limón, International Trade Representative of the State of Minnesota’s Minnesota
Trade Office, was awarded the Minnesota Consular Corps prestigious Business
Leadership Award 2013 at the Minneapolis Club. The event was attended by more than
150 academic, diplomatic, commercial and international attendees on February 12, 2014
The Minnesota Consular Corps recognizes individuals, community groups, non-profit
organizations, and business establishments located in the states of jurisdiction that have
demonstrated sustained commitment and outstanding achievements in the pursuit of
cultural diversity through human rights advocacy and protection, outstanding community
service and excellence in business leadership.
Rachel Limón is the State of Minnesota’s Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) International
Trade Representative for Latin America & the Caribbean. She assists Minnesota companies
identify and develop export strategies and opportunities in the international marketplace.
She has created a successful program called the Latin America Seminar Series, which has
served to assist Minnesota companies to increase their exports to Latin America. Through
her work with the Consulate of Ecuador, they jointly created the very successful Annual
South America Trade Forum. Rachel organized and led the IT Delegation during Governor
Jesse Ventura’s Trade Mission to China, in 2002. She organized and participated in Governor
Pawlenty’s Trade Missions to China 2005, India 2007 and South America 2009. She has
assisted with Governor Dayton’s trade missions to Japan & Korea, China and Europe.
Rachel has several years of International management experience. Prior to joining the
MTO, Rachel worked as an International Distributor Representative for Skyline Displays,
an international tradeshow booth design and manufacturing facility in Eagan, Minnesota.
She provided consultation and training to the international distributor network in Latin
America, Europe and Asia. She also worked for a telecommunications manufacturer in
Wisconsin as a Sales and Marketing Manager and traveled extensively throughout her
seven state territory in the southeastern part of the U.S.
Rachel graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Master’s Degree in International Management and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and Psychology. She speaks
fluent Spanish. Rachel has several years of international experience and has lived and studied
in Mexico. She has also traveled extensively throughout Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Rachel served on the Executive Board of the Minnesota –Uruguay Partners of the Americas
Rachel Limón and Robert Scarlett, Clearwater Layline, LLC
as Chairman with prior positions of Vice President of Membership and Co-Chairs of Business
and Economic Development and Youth at Risk Committees.
She is nationally recognized award winning artist, very active in her community in the
arts serving on several art boards, a tour guide of the Native Americas Galleries at the
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Art Instructor at the White Bear Lake Center for the Arts,
Volunteer at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and devoted wife, mother, family member
and friend.
Contact:
Rachel Limón | Minnesota Trade Office | 651-259-7492 | [email protected]
Diversity of the Force
Story and Photos by Army Pfc. William J. Boecker
Public Affairs Specialist
1st Armored Brigade Combat Team
B
LOOMINGTON, Minn. - In order to carry on the legacy of her late Army veteran
grandfather and to prove to her family that she can not only do it, but that she
will exceed at it, Spc. Carissa J. Mero, a human resource specialist for the 1st Armored
Brigade Combat Team, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, enlisted in the Army National
Guard.
She thrives when she is given an assignment and brings forth perseverance by finishing
tasks in a timely manner whether it is making ID cards for fellow soldiers or reviewing
military award recommendations. Her dedication and professionalism has made an
impression on not only the soldiers in her unit but her younger female cousins.
“I feel that it is very important that I am setting an example for my younger cousins,”
said Mero. “I’m helping them realize that they can do whatever they want if they are
willing to put forth the effort.”
Mero’s enlistment in the Minnesota National Guard has also made an impact on the
way in which her culture views her. It was not that long ago she was perceived as just a
young girl, yet today her image is that of an empowered woman.
As a member of the Minnesota National Guard, Mero realized that her Puerto Rican
culture is well respected and the members of her fellow soldiers treat her no different
than they would anyone else, she said.
Outside of her drill weekends and on a larger scale, Mero has seen the Minnesota
National Guard involved in her community functions like the St. Paul annual Cinco
de Mayo celebration. This joint community outreach makes her proud not only as a
Puerto Rican but as a member of the Minnesota National Guard.
“It is important that we treat each other the same, from the top down because that is
how impressions are made on soldiers and I think that our leadership does a great
Spc. Carissa J. Mero
job of treating everyone as equals,” said Mero.
The Minnesota National Guard has taken an active role in diversifying the force, which
has and will continue to benefit the Minnesota Guard as cultural diversity expands.
“We are committed to fostering an environment that truly represents the demographics
of the communities in which we serve. We must reflect those whom we lead, serve and
protect,” said Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash.
Health
8
March 2014
LATINO AMERICAN TODAY
WWW.LATINOAMERICANTODAY.COM
Spring Into Action
By Award-winning Author and Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard
S
pring is almost here! Spring is the subtle transition from winter to summer. It is
also the time to thaw from a long winter and for rebirth and renewal of all living things
and to reevaluate ourselves physically and mentally. Budding trees and shrubs, birds
mating and singing, sunshine and lots of color come back to life like magic.
Rebirth
With a new season comes an opportunity for internal and external rebirth. New
Year’s resolutions are often short-lived, but spring tends to inspire us in unique
ways, from cleaning our homes to getting back into shape. Spring can be an opportunity to look into what needs change in our lives. It is healthy and wise to reevaluate
our ways ever so often to replace unwanted behaviors with new energizing ones.
Renewal
As we grow older our tastes and needs change. Renewing our activities in alignment
with our current feelings is also healthy and keeps us looking forward to new
things. Engaging in nurturing activities can help us stay relaxed and happy and
when we are happy, we are inspired to do well for the community and ourselves.
The needs out there are endless. We can become mentors or volunteers in support
of good causes or we can start a venture of our own to help others grow.
Growth
Internal and physical growth comes from introspection or self-analysis. No one
knows ourselves better than us. Experience the joy of growth by reading a new
book (or write one), adopt a healthier lifestyle with a healthy diet and exercise,
and practice what you preach, especially around children. We can all be good
citizens by being conscientious and caring and by loving our hearts and bodies
with wholesome actions and good deeds.
Chef Amalia in the kitchen
Here is an easy and delicious recipe and activity tip to inspire you to spring
forward into action.
COSTA RICAN SQUASH AND CORN SAUTÉ
Activity Tip: Farmers markets come back to life in the spring along with the
freshest produce. Visit for the vibe and experience of being outdoors in pleasant
weather buying fresh ingredients and mingling with local farmers.
Serves 4-6
1 tbsp butter
¼ cup onion, small dice
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh corn (or frozen)
1 cup chayote squash, peeled, small dice
½ cup milk
1 tsp sugar
Kosher salt
Freshly ground white pepper
3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Melt the butter in skillet and sauté onion and garlic for 1 minute. Add corn and
chayote squash and sauté 1 minute.
Combine milk, and sugar. Add to sauté pan mixture. Season. Cook for 2-3 minutes
more until vegetables are al dente. Taste.
Amalia’s Upcoming March Events
Essential Living – Keynote
Speaker at Body, Life,
Mind Expo
A Latin One-Pot Wonder
– Cooking demonstration
and book signing
March 8, 11-4pm.
Minneapolis Convention
Center
March 26, 12-1:30pm.
Byerly’s St. Louis Park
For more information about these events, visit
AmaliaLLC.com.
Health
WWW.LATINOAMERICANTODAY.COM
LATINO AMERICAN TODAY
March 2014
9
Do You Have Type 2 Diabetes?
Have you had diabetes for less than 5 years?
Is metformin the only diabetes medication you are taking?
If so, you may be able to participate in a clinical research study that is trying to find the
best combination drug treatment for type 2 diabetes. The National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, in
collaboration with 37 medical clinics, including University of Minnesota, International
Diabetes Center at Park Nicollet and Mayo Clinic, are conducting the GRADE Study
(The Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: A Comparative
Effectiveness Study). GRADE is a clinical trial designed for people living with diabetes.
The goal of the study is to find the best combination drug treatment for diabetes.
If you join GRADE, you will:
• Come to University of Minnesota for four diabetes medical visits each year
• Receive diabetes treatment, medicines and supplies at no cost to you
• Receive physical exams and lab tests at no cost to you
The GRADE study is being conducted at the University of Minnesota, International
Diabetes Center at Park Nicollet and May Clinic. For more information, and to see
if you might be eligible, please visit https://grade.bsc.gwu.edu or contact a study site
below:
U of M at 612-626-0143
International Diabetes Center at Park Nicollet Clinic at 952-993-9605
The principal research investigator for this study at the University of Minnesota is Dr.
Betsy Seaquist. Dr. Seaquist is a funded ADA Researcher and President of the American
Diabetes Association Medicine & Science Division.
American Diabetes Association
5100 Gamble Drive
Suite 394
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(763) 593-5333
http://www.diabetes.org/minneapolis
Teléfonos Celulares y Salud por Dr. Joel Moskowitz
Traducido al español por Dra. Carolina Althausen
English version: http://bit.ly/1e9CXwh
Recomendaciones sobre el uso de los teléfonos
celulares
R
Aquí hay algunos pasos prácticos que los
usuarios de teléfonos móviles pueden adoptar
fácilmente:
adiación de teléfonos celulares daña el esperma
El 28 de junio de 2012 el Grupo de Trabajo Medioambiental (Environmental Working
Group ((EWG)) informó: “Científicos de EWG han analizado 10 estudios científicos que
revelan evidencia de que la exposición a la radiación del teléfono celular produce espermatozoides más lentos, menor cantidad y de menor vida media. La investigación plantea
preocupación por los hombres que llevan sus teléfonos en el cinturón o en los bolsillos
del pantalón. Esta conclusión se apoya en un artículo publicado recientemente en el Journal of Andrology:
“Los resultados mostraron que los espermatozoides humanos expuestos a la RF-EMR
(radiación electromagnética de radiofrecuencia) tienen disminución de la motilidad,
anomalías morfométricas y aumento de estrés oxidativo, mientras que los hombres que
usan teléfonos móviles tienen disminución de la concentración de espermatozoides, disminución de la motilidad (en particular la motilidad progresiva rápida), morfología normal
disminuida y disminución de la viabilidad. Estas alteraciones parecen estar directamente
relacionadas con la duración del uso del teléfono móvil. “(La Vignera et al, 2012).
La infertilidad se ha convertido en un problema de base en América y Canadá. Según
Statistics Canada, la infertilidad en Canadá casi se ha duplicado entre 1992 y 2010, no sólo
entre parejas que se casaron a mayor edad, sino también entre parejas más jóvenes de 20
y más años.
•
•
•
•
•
Mantenga su teléfono celular lejos de su
cuerpo. No mantenga el teléfono cerca
de su cabeza u órganos reproductivos
siempre que esté encendido. No duerma
con el teléfono cerca de su cama. La cantidad de radiación está relacionada con el
cuadrado de la distancia, por lo que mantener el teléfono a 10 pulgadas de distancia
reduce su exposición 100 veces en comparación con una pulgada.
Use un auricular con cable u otro método de manos libres, como un altavoz o texto.
Mantenga sus llamadas cortas.
Reducir al mínimo el uso de celulares entre los niños, adolescentes y mujeres embarazadas. El cerebro de un niño absorbe dos veces más radiación que el cerebro de
un adulto.
No utilice el teléfono cuando la señal es débil, por ejemplo, en un ascensor o en un
vehículo en movimiento, ya que el teléfono está diseñado para aumentar la potencia
de la señal para compensar.
Exigir que el gobierno revise las normas, financie investigación y emita recomendaciones
de salud preventivas.
Education
10
March 2014
LATINO AMERICAN TODAY
The Urgency for Education Reform
in Minnesota
By Veronica Chapel
A
s highlighted by the 2014 Minnesota Education Summit, a persistent
achievement gap has impacted Minnesota’s students for too long. In one
example, only 23% of Hispanic students are proficient in reading. The inability
of antiquated policy structures to meet the needs of students is clear, and
unacceptable.
As the 2014 legislative session kicks off, there’s never been a more important
time to have a robust discussion about how to improve education in Minnesota.
Lackluster results implore state leaders to take bold and action.
Veronica Chapel
The StudentsFirst Policy Report Card provides a roadmap for us to improve. Currently we’re ranked
34th in the nation, down eight spots from 2013. Overall, we earned a “D” on the 2014 report card with
a 1.19 GPA. We can and must do better.
It’s time to repeal outdated laws that prohibit school leaders from keeping the most effective teachers in
Minnesota’s classrooms. We know that teacher quality is the most important in-school factor affecting
student achievement. That’s why we must support school leaders who are asking for changes in state
law so they can retain highly effective teachers.
We must prohibit students from being assigned to an ineffective teacher for consecutive years. An
ineffective teacher generates 50% less learning over the course of a single school year than an average
teacher. Our kids deserve better.
For us to be successful we must have a sense of urgency and work together to ensure all of Minnesota’s
students receive a world-class education. We cannot allow our policy system to fail them or our
children any longer.
Veronica Chapel currently serves as a Field Coordinator for StudentsFirst Minnesota. Before joining
StudentsFirst,Veronica worked on staff in the Minnesota Legislature and served in the Minnesota Army
National Guard.
Get Involved With StudentsFirst Minnesota!
Visit studentsfirst.org/state/minnesota/complete-your-registration
Call Us to Advertise!
651-665-0633
and like us on facebook at
facebook.com/latinoamericantoday
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