Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
May 2016
Volume 7, Issue 1
Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
The year is off to a great start! Summer is around the corner too. I don’t know about you, but we’re excited for the much needed rain here in the Big Country. It’s been awesome to see the stats on the lake levels; up, up and up! The crazy weather we have been having has been incredible as well. Nonetheless, we are truly grateful for the rain we have received thus far. We are busy on a constant basis, as I’m sure you are as well. School is about to be done, Summer trips are already being planned, graduation parties are almost here and the list goes
PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep
SALES DEPARTMENT David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com
About Us
We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2016 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
on and on. Make it a great Summer amongst your families and friends; memories to be cherished forever! Head to the park, go on a hick, take a quick trip somewhere random, take some pottery classes, learn to two-step, start swimming again like you used to, clean out the garage, help your neighbor, etc. But bottom line, make some good memories. You won’t regret it if you act today! Here’s a list of some excellent reads in this May edition of Hispanic Life Magazine that we know you will just enjoy! Be blessed: • Courtnee Raughton, pg 5 • Animal Health & Medical Center (Dr. Bolt), pg 15 • Martina Olvera, pg 19 (Communities in Schools) • Tracy Powell (Abilene I.S.D.) • Lea Rama (Abilene Christian University), pg 31 • Father Terence Victor Brenon, pg 33 • Classic Auto Restyling (Efren Villalobos), pg 34 • Small Corporate Business Award (Sammy Garcia - State Farm Agent), pg 49 • Firehouse Subs, pg 53 Have a great month and as always….First God, then Family and finally Friends…. David & Amy Hernández & the girls & all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | COMMUNITY | 5
Giving Credit for Success Hard work is crucial to business success, but the support of family and friends has also made a difference for Courtnee Raughton. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
At age 22 Courtnee Raughton already has a successful business, but she is quick to tell you she didn’t get here on her own. Born and raised in Abilene, Courtnee was adopted by her grandparents before her birth.
“For women, hair is like a security blanket. If you don’t think it looks good, you’re not going to feel confident,” she says.
“They’ve been great,” she says of Mike and Evelyn Raughton, who she calls Dad and Mom. “We always went to church. I had a lot of stability and I never had to want for anything. I’ve been blessed in that way and I have been able to get this far because of them. They still help me with everything all the time.”
She also appreciates the variety in her work saying that everyday is different and that it allows her to control her own schedule to free up time for her three-year-old daughter, Zayleigh, and her fiancé, Calvin, a business student at McMurry University.
Courtnee played basketball and volleyball in school but struggled with injuries. After four surgeries she decided to leave sports behind and concentrate on academics, accumulating more than twenty college hours through the dual credit program.
For spreading the word about her services Courtnee uses social media. She has been known to post pictures of her hair styling on Monday and fill her calendar with as many as fifteen appointments for the coming week. She also has a website at hairbycourtneelasha.com primarily for fellow stylists, where she shares her coloring techniques and other tips. You can find her on Facebook at Hair by Courtnee Lasha.
Courtnee made plans to attend nursing on a scholarship at Abilene Christian University, but had to change her focus again due to an unplanned pregnancy. That’s when she decided to attend Texas College of Cosmetology. She says if she had it to do over again, she would definitely choose TCC. “When it was time for my State boards,” she says, “my instructors checked my kit to make sure I had everything I needed. They let us come in on a Monday (when the school is closed) and we practiced the whole state exam. I didn’t realize how well we were taught until I took my boards.” In addition to her courses at TCC, Courtnee used all the resources she could find. “YouTube was my best friend during school,” she says, referring to the online videos available on hair dying and styling. “It’s the num“I love working here,” she says. “Melanie is ber one thing I recommend to everybody.” great. Most business owners don’t want someOne of her instructors at TCC, Jennifer Turn- body right out of school but she hired me den, works at Vendetta’s Salon and Day Spa. because I worked so hard to build a clientele Courtnee was able to shadow the stylists there while I was in school.” and get to know the owner, Melanie Wood. When she graduated from TCC, Courtnee Courtnee says her favorite thing about her went to work at Vendetta’s and has built a suc- work is making people happy. cessful business there.
Her advice to others who want to become hair stylists begins with selfexamination. “Make sure it’s what you want to do,” she says. “You have to discipline yourself and do a lot outside of school. You have to schedule yourself. Hair is not for everybody.” However, it does appear that Zayleigh may follow in her mom’s footsteps. “She’s already like me,” Courtnee says. “She does all her dolls’ hair.” No doubt the little one will be able to count on the support of family and business associates, just like Courtnee has, and succeed in whatever she chooses to do.
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Zoolute to Dyess
May 21, 2016 10am-4pm Free zoo admission to all active and retired military personnel and their families. Free lunch, snacks, and entertainment throughout the day. Regular admission: $7-Adults; $6-Seniors; $4.50-Children ages 3-12; Free-Children 3 and younger
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Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
COMISION DE CALIDAD AMBIENTAL DE TEXAS
AVISO PARA UN PERMISO FEDERAL PARA OPERAR PRELIMINAR PERMISO PRELIMINAR NÚMERO: O1074 SOLICITUD Y PERMISO PRELIMINAR Bridgestone Bandag, LLC, 2000 Bandag Drive, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, ha presentado una aplicación solicitud ante la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas (TCEQ, por sus siglas en inglés) para la renovación de el del Permiso Federal de Operación (en adelante denominado el Permiso), número. O-1074, Solicitud núm. SOP 23407, con el propósito de operar para autorizar la operación de Bridgestone Bandag LLC, un centro de llantas y cámaras de aire. El área a la cual se refiere la solicitud está las instalaciones ubicadas en 4750 FM 18 en la ciudad de Abilene, Condado de Taylor, Texas. Este enlace a un mapa electrónico de la ubicación general del sitio o de la instalación es proporcionado como una cortesía y no es parte de la solicitud o del aviso. Para la ubicación exacta, consulte la solicitud: http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=32.430833&lng=99.6475&zoom=13&type=r. Esta aplicación fué solicitud fue presentada ante la TCEQ el 11 de Septiembre, 2015. El propósito de un Permiso Federal de Operación es mejorar el acatamiento general de las reglas que gobiernan el control de la contaminación atmosférica, claramente definiendo todos los requisitos aplicables como están definidos en el Título 30 del Código Administrativo de Tejas § 122.10 (30 TAC § 122.10, por sus siglas en inglés). El permiso preliminar no autoriza construcciones nuevas, ni tampoco el aumento de emisiones del sitio. El Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ ha concluido el análisis técnico de la aplicación y ha preparado un
permiso preliminar para la revisión y comentarios del público. El permiso preliminar, si es aprobado, establecerá las condiciones bajo las cuales el sitio deberá operar. El Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ recomienda que se otorgue este permiso preliminar. La solicitud de permiso, la declaración de base y el permiso preliminar estarán disponibles para ser revisados y copiados en la Oficina Central de la TCEQ, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building (Edificio) E, First Floor (primer Piso), Austin, Texas, y en la TCEQ Oficina Regional de Abilene, 1977 Industrial Blvd, Abilene, Texas 79602-7833 y Biblioteca Publica de Abilene, 202 Cedar Street, Abilene, Texas 79601, empezando el primer dìa de la publicación de este aviso. En la oficina central y la regional también podrá revisar y copiar todos los demás documentos pertinentes al permiso preliminar, así como los permisos para el Examen de Nuevas Fuentes que han sido incorporados por referencia. Personas que tengan dificultades obteniendo estos materiales debido a restricciones para viajar pueden comunicarse con la sala de archivos de la Oficina Central al teléfono (512) 239-1540. COMENTARIOS/NOTIFICACIÓN PÚBLICA Y AUDIENCIA. Usted puede presentar comentarios publicos y/o solicitar una audiencia de notificación y comentarios sobre esta solicitud. El proposito de la audiencia de notificación y comentarios es el proveer la oportunidad de hacer comentarios de parte del público y hacer preguntas sobre esta solicitud. Cualquier persona afectada por la emisión de contaminantes atmosféricos de este sitio puede solicitar una audiencia de notificación y comentarios. La TCEQ puede otorgar una audiencia de notificación y comentarios con respecto a esta aplicación si una petición por escrito es presentada dentro de los treinta días después de la publicación de este anuncio. El propósito de la audiencia de notificación y comentarios es el proveer la oportunidad para someter commentaries orales o por escrito acerca del permiso preliminar. Si se concede una audiencia de notificación y comentarios, todas las personas que presentaron comentarios por escrito o peticiónes para audiencia recibiran confirmación por escrito de la audiencia. Esta confirmación indicará la fecha, hora y lugar de la audiencia.
Comentarios públicos por escricto y peticiones para audiencia de notificación y comentarios deben de ser presentados a la Oficina del Secretario Principal (Office of Chief Clerk), MC 105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, o por el Internet la www. tceq.texas.gov/about/comments.html, dentro de treinta días despues de la publicación en el periódico del anuncio del permiso preliminar. Si usted se comunica con la TCEQ electronicamente, tenga en cuenta que su direccion de correo electronico, como su direccion fisica, pasaran a formar parte del registro publico de la Agencia. Una noticia de la acción final, incluyendo respuestas a los comentarios públicos y denotando cambios hechos al permiso preliminar, será remitida a todas las personas que hayan presentado comentarios públicos, solicitudes para audiencia o que hayan solicitado ser incluidas en la lista de correo. Esta noticia tambien proveera instructiones para hacer peticiones públicas a la Agencia Para la Proteccion del Medio Ambiente (EPA), solicitado la reconsideración de la acción final propuesta por el director ejecutivo. Al recibir una peticion, la agencia EPA solamente podrá objetarse a la promulgación de permisos que no se acaten a los requisitos de sus reglamentos o a los requisitos de 30 TAC Capítulo 122. LISTA PARA ENVÍO DE CORREO. Usted puede solicitar ser incluido en una lista para envío de correo para recibir información adicional con respecto a esta solicitud. Para ser incluido en una lista para envío de correo, envíe su petición a la Oficina del Secretario Principal (Office of Chief Clerk) a la dirección que se encuentra a continuación en el párrafo títulado “Información.” INFORMACIÓN. Para más información, usted puede llamar a la el Programa de Educación Pública (Public Education Program), sin cargo, a el 1-800-687-4040. Información general concerniente a la TCEQ puede encontrarse vía internet en www.tceq.texas.gov/. Mas información puede ser obtenida de Bridgestone Bandag, LLC en la dirección en el primer parráfo o llamando a Brent McClellan a el teléfono (325) 677-1861. Fecha de emision del aviso, 4 Abril, 2016
Garage Sale Workshop By Dennis Miller | Abilene Public Library
Preparing for and conducting a garage/ yard or estate sale is a lot of work! For all that trouble, you want to make sure you’re maximizing your opportunity to unload all those items and earn a reasonable profit. “How to have a Successful Garage and/or Estate Sale” will be offered at the Abilene Public Library the evening of Monday, May 9, by local antique dealer Christine Brockman. The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last about an hour in the second floor auditorium of the Main Library at 202 Cedar Street.
Brockman will share how to do effective advertising inexpensively, how to more effectively use signage, price and display items and tips on how to draw people to stop at your sale. She’ll even explain how to hunt for treasures as a buyer, including why one should always carry a magnet as a shopper. She will also relate what the city ordinances allow in regard to signage and frequency of sales. She will talk about the difference between an auction and an estate sale including auction etiquette, dos and don’ts. Ms. Brockman picked up knowledge from an early age assisting her father for a number of years at flea markets and trade shows. She learned how to spot “treasures” and negotiate prices. For the past four years she has owned and operated “The Last Remains” Antiques and Estate Liquidation Services at 860 Hickory. Come prepared to share your own experiences as well—what has worked for you and what hasn’t. The program is free for the public.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Bringing up baby
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By Dr. Stephanie Carle | Abilene Zoo Veterinarian Back in January, the Abilene Zoo received a new giraffe calf from another facility. The youngster couldn’t nurse from his mother and needed intensive care and attention from zoo staff. He’s a handful, butnobody’s complaining! When he first arrived, the baby was fed four times per day starting at 7:30a.m. Keepers prepare a formula that is especially formulated to meet the fat, protein and caloric requirements for baby giraffes. As the baby has grown, the volume of his bottles has increased and the frequency had decreased. He now has two bottle feedings per day and drinks about 4 liters each time. Our baby enjoys his milk about 102 degrees. Now that the baby is older, he is also eating quite a bit of alfalfa hay, giraffe grain and browse (tree branches), just like the adults. Weaning should begin around five or six months of age and be completed around eight to nine months -- as long as he is eating an adequate amount of adult food by then. Hand-raising a giraffe calf is not only time consuming but also can be very complicated. Calves that must be hand-raised do not get “first milk” from their mothers; therefore, these babies do not have the best immune systems and tend to be susceptible to infections. Fortunately, this is not rare in baby cows and horses so there are injectable medications available to help. Our baby giraffe was given one of these products during his first day of life at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center to help give him the best chance at a healthy life. The baby has had quite a few checkups since arriving here in Abilene and is currently doing very well.
In March, the Abilene Zoo hosted a naming contest for our baby giraffe. Our fans chose the name “Kito” which means precious gem. Kito is slowly learning his name and goes out on the exhibit with all five of our other giraffes. You may see him running around the enclosure first thing in the morning. Asha, one of our original females here in Abilene, has taken to “aunting” this little one and checks on him several times throughout the day. It took about a month to introduce all of the adults to Kito, but they are all getting along great and enjoying their new habitat at Giraffe Safari.
McMurry University to Offer Workout Classes McMurry University will offer low impact aerobics exercise classes to the public from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday from May 2 through June 29. The classes will be held in room 200 of Hunt PE Center on the McMurry campus. Cost is $30 for all 17 sessions or $3 per session. For more information, contact Janet McMurray at jmcmurray@mcm.edu.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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7th SFS tops AFGSC as best medium security forces unit By Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, Dyess AFB
Family Flix: “WALL-E” May 14 at 11:00AM | South Branch | 1401 S. Danville • In a distant future, a small waste-collecting
Airmen assigned to the 7th Security Forces Squadron recently received the 2015 Air Force Global Strike Command Security Forces Unit Award for the best active-duty, medium-sized unit during AFGSC’s annual security forces unit competition.
Teen Flix: “Alice in Wonderland” | May 17 at 6:00PM | Main Library | 202 Cedar St.
Dyess Defenders competed against 12 other mediumsized units for the major command-level award. By winning the AFGSC award, the 7th SFS is now eligible to
robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen’s reign of terror.
Teen Flix After Hours: “The Hunger Games” May 20 at 5:45PM • S. Branch | 1401 S. Danville Dr. • Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister’s
Family Flix: “The Lego Movie” | May 21 at 3:00PM | Main Library | 202 Cedar St. The Lego
Mockingbird Movies: “Father of the Bride” May 28 at 2:30PM | Mockingbird Branch Library |1326 N. Mockingbird Ln. In this remake of the Spencer Tracy classic, George and Nina Banks are the parents of young soon-to-be-wed Annie. George is a nervous father unready to face the fact that his little girl is now a woman. The preparations for the extravagant wedding provide additional comic moments.
“I believe the amount of training this unit puts into our Airmen, the great leadership we have and taking care of each other makes us a great squadron,” Manke said. “Our squadron can accomplish any task put in front of us. Our determination and work ethic was a major boost to help us get this award.” Manke was quick to talk about what he thinks really boosted the unit this past year.
place in the Hunger Games, a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.
Movie is a 3D animated film which follows lead character Emmet, a completely ordinary LEGO mini-figure who is identified as the most “extraordinary person” and the key to saving the Lego universe. Emmet and his friends go on an epic journey to stop the evil tyrant, Lord Business.
also lets the group know our unit means business. We are here to handle business, work and do our job to keep the base safe.” Manke mentioned all the training the squadron goes through helped to win the award. He also said it demonstrates they are going in the right direction and getting better all the time.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jerry Quintanilla, 7th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, runs his dog, Ppirro, through an obstacle course, March 24, 2016, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Military working dog handlers train on a daily basis to ensure they are prepared for real-world scenarios. 7th SFS provides multiple MWD teams to support missions to help secure the president of the United States and the United Nations General Assembly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield/Released)
compete at the Air Force level. “Our unit consists of more than 200 personnel,” said Tech. Sgt. David Manke, 7th SFS NCO in charge of training. “I feel even though we have a small unit, with good leadership and good training we can be just as important as any other unit in the Air Force.” This award displays the hard work these Airmen put into their day-to-day operations, Manke added. “Winning this award puts us in the forefront,” said Senior Airman Tonish Williams, 7th SFS scheduler. “This award
“The fact that we successfully had a safe environment for 26,000 guests during the air show was a great feat,” Manke said. “A unit this size that accomplished a task that large just shows how dedicated and wellequipped this unit is for all of its responsibilities no matter how large.” In addition to providing a safe environment for the air show, the 7th SFS also defended 41% of the nation’s B-1B Lancer and C-130J Super Hercules fleet. Furthermore, they protected 17 billion dollars worth of facilities, deployed forces in support of five different operations, and developed an active shooter training program with the U.S. Marshalls that has certified 190 personnel. Their squadron commander also had high praise for the Airmen of the 7th SFS and all of the outstanding work they accomplished over the past year. “I’m very proud of all the Airmen assigned to the 7th Security Forces Squadron,” Maj. Mark Breed said. “I could not be more appreciative of their hard work and dedication to the 7th Security Forces Squadron and 7th Bomb Wing mission. We have only been in Air Force Global Strike for five months, and they have already deemed us one of the best.”
Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
Rose Everett Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS#493095
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Abilene Idol Was Redemption for Winner By Megan Calvery | for HispanicLife Magazine
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Megan Calvery. I’m a Jesus lover, wife, mother of 4, singer/songwriter, makeup artist, and licensed nail technician. I live out loud. I’m truly grateful and blessed to be living the life I am today!
2. When did you start singing?
I’ve been singing all my life. I’ve always had a connection with music, but I was about 15 yrs old when I first started performing as individual artist.
3. What inspired you to audition for Abilene Idol?
Live Well Outdoor Recreation Expo June 4, 2016 9:30am-3:30pm
Join the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Abilene, and the Live Well Coalition for a day of outdoor fun and learn about various types of outdoor recreation the are offered in the Big Country. FREE and open to the public. Nelson Park, E.S. 11th and Loop 322, Abilene. Call 325-692-0921 for more information.
Being almost 5 yrs sober, Abilene Idol was about redemption for me. My babies really haven’t gotten a chance to see this important part of who their momma is until this! I also knew the way Abilene Idol was set up to give back to our community and support Chorus Abilene and I thought this is a win win... I have to!
4. Do you have a favorite singer or mentor who inspires you?
Absolutely, many artist inspire me ....everyone
has something special about them , but the one who carries the heaviest influence with me is Patsy Cline.
5. Do you have plans to pursue a musical career? How will winning Abilene Idol help you achieve this dream?
Yes, pursuing a career for sure! We are booking restaurants weddings private events etc. The recent winning has ignited my passion and put me back in the local spotlight. Friends, family, and the community have been so supportive! Most remember me as a talented young girl and well now I’m a grown woman whose walked through some major life experiences. We have just finished getting up on social media, new logos, and in the process of writing for a new album!
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
Butterfly in the Park Memorial Service
By Julie Wiley, Director of Marketing, West Texas Rehabilitation Center
West Texas Rehabilitation Center’s Hospice of the Big Country will host their annual Butterfly in the Park Memorial Service and butterfly release, followed by a picnic breakfast on Saturday, May 14th at 10:00 at the Festival Gardens located at Nelson Park, across from the Abilene Zoo. This memorial service offers family and friends who have lost a loved one a chance to remember and honor their loved ones. This service is open to the public, free of charge, and we welcome all to join. For more information and to reserve a place, please call 325793-5450. West Texas Rehabilitation Center’s Hospice of the Big Country has been providing care since 1992 to terminally ill patients during the end of life stages in the Abilene community and within the surrounding 11 counties. West Texas Rehabilitation Center serves over 500 patients a day regardless of financial circumstances. West Texas Rehabilitation Center is located in the communities of Abilene, San Angelo and Ozona. They provide outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology services, orthotics and prosthetics and hospice services (Abilene only).
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
$10,000 Challenge Grant
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
Benefits “Groceries on Wheels” By Rob Chastain | Development Director, Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc
“Groceries on Wheels” provides a selection of shelf food once a month for select Meals on Wheels Plus clients who need the extra help. There is cereal, rice and dry beans, peanut butter and jelly, canned meat, soup and crackers, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, pancake mix and syrup, canned fruit and juice, along with other pantry items. Approximately 220 bags of groceries are provided each month. This program is only possible
due to the generous donations of food and money we receive from our donors.
cate on your donation that it is for “Groceries on Wheels”, and watch your donation double.
A generous donor has offered a $10,000 Challenge Grant to help support this program. He will match dollar for dollar, every donation made to the “Groceries on Wheels” up to $10,000.00.
You can mail a check to Meals on Wheels Plus, P.O. Box 903, Abilene, Texas 79604; or donate online at www.mealsonwheelsplus. com and check the box next to “Groceries on Wheels.”
To participate in this challenge, please indi-
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Pick us up at Primetime Family Entertainment, Sears Rec Center & Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
A Furry Family Affair By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine
With nearly 40 years of experience as a veterinarian, Dr. Allen Bolt has plenty of tall tales about his friends with tails.
“Both of my kids were raised in the practice,” Bolt said. “My wife has been working with me ever since we got married, and now my daughter works the front desk.”
Growing up, Bolt knew he wanted to practice medicine as a doctor, but before graduating high school decided he would rather practice a different kind of medicine. “I got to thinking that veterinary medicine fit my personality better than human medicine did, and that was the way I went,” Bolt said. Bolt grew up in the rural area of Paducah, TX and graduated from Guthrie High School. He attended South Plains College and then Texas A&M University for veterinary school. After graduation, Bolt practiced in Paducah and Guthrie each for a couple of years. He was then an area director for the Texas Animal Health Commission, where he served for five years. Before finally coming to Abilene, Bolt practiced in Hamlin for 15 years. Bolt has now been practicing in Abilene for 17 years where he has overseen growth and expansion for the Animal Health and Medical Center. Shortly after purchasing the clinic, the building and facilities were torn down to add an access road to Highway 84.
• Full Service Medical & Surgical Facilities • State-of-the-Art Laser Surgery & Monitoring Equipment • Small Animal Hospital Facilities • Video Ear Scope • Geriatric Health Screening Available • Dental Care • Full In-House Lab For 1-Hour and 24-Hour Coggins Testing • K Laser Therapy (Laser Treatment) • Pain Management • Wound Healing • Rehabilitation
Monday-Friday 7550 Hwy. 83-84 South 8-12:30, 2-6pm
“We practiced out of a construction trailer while our new building was being built,” Bolt said. “We have seen the clinic increase at least tenfold since then.”
Even with all of the growth, one thing still remained true- being a family owned and operated business. Bolt has always involved the whole family in the practice.
His son has pursued other ventures, but worked in the practice until he got out of high school and still helps out when he is home. It doesn’t stop there though, his daughter’s son now helps out too. “He isn’t quite five yet, but he is here almost every day learning how to do everything,” Bolt said. “He says he wants to be a vet, but we will see.” Being a family-oriented business goes beyond the way Bolt operates the clinic. It extends into the way he treats clients and their pets. “We care about their pets,” Bolt said. “We know their pets become emotionally part of their family. So we treat them the way a pediatrician would with a child and parent.” Interacting and building bonds with the pets is one of Bolt’s favorite things about his job, particularly during puppy season. “It is always fun when I get new puppies and get to love on them,” Bolt said. “They are kind of like grandkids, you get to enjoy them and then send them home.” Making his friends with tails a part of the Animal Health and Medical Center family, plus working with his family truly makes Bolt’s practice a family affair.
16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Keep Abilene Beautiful Celebrates 30 Years by BigCountryHomepage.com
Keep Abilene Beautiful is celebrating their 30th anniversary by planting 30 trees in various city parks. They are asking for businesses, groups and individuals to donate $300 that will cover the cost of the tree, the planting and maintenance, along with a $100 donation to Keep Abilene Beautiful for future projects. In return for your donation, you will receive: • A tree planted in one of our City parks • Maintenance of your tree • Recognition of your donation on the City’s Commemorative Tree Map • A tax deduction as allowed by law For more questions or to sponsor a tree, call 325-734-3301 or visit
KeepAbileneBeautiful.com.
Congratulations to our March 2016 Employee of the Month, Dale Frerich!
When we say our Arrow Ford Family is amazing, we MEAN it! What Dale did for his customers was far beyond his duty as an employee, and we can’t thank him enough for the kindness and compassion he extended to his customers. Here is an excerpt of Dale’s nomination letter from a fellow Arrow employee: “This particular story really touched my heart and I felt it should be shared. Dale Frerich took in a young couple’s vehicle that had broken down while they were traveling. As it turned out the repairs the vehicle needed would take several days to fix. While waiting for the diagnosis Dale had done what any good Service
Advisor would do and he got to know them and tried to make them feel as comfortable as he could in a bad situation. As it turned out the young man was Marine that had been wounded in combat. Being a Marine himself Dale knew what this young man and his wife had been through and extended a helping hand. Dale knew they had nowhere to stay, no way to get around, and were limited financially so He invited this young couple into his home to stay while their vehicle was being repaired. Over the next 2 days Dale and Patricia showed this couple the compassion and kindness that makes me proud to say they work for ARROW.”
A Barbecue Thank You to Dyess Personnel Master Sgt. Suzette Miller and family named Military Family of the Year By Abilene Reporter-News
Thousands of Dyess Air Force Base airmen, their families and other military personnel got a big “Thank You” from Abilene Saturday at the Civic Center. It was the 51st annual edition of the World’s Largest Barbecue, put on by the Military Affairs Committee of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.
“This is a unique event, where a city shows it’s appreciation of, care for and true love of the miliary in the community’s family.” There were more than 200 volunteers serving food, mixing coleslaw, dishing out sauce, cutting beef, warming beans, cleaning up, washing dishes and giving a hearty “Howdy, and Thank You: to military members and families.
One Dyess family took home a lot more than full tummies. Marine veteran John Miller, Air Force active duty Master Sgt. Suzette Miller and their children Chelvin, Bryce, Xavier, Kayla, Jordyn, Kayleigh and Elijah were named “Military Family of the Year” at Dyess. Sgt. Miller is part of the 7th Medical Group. They received a framed piece of H.C. Zachry art, and an American flag and certificate from U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer (RLubbock).
Master Sgt. Suzette Miller (center) and her husband John (left), a 12-year Marine Corps veteran, with their kids, from left, Elijah, 2, Kayla, 10, and Xavier, 13, were named the Military Family of the Year during the 51st Annual World’s Largest Barbecue hosted by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at the Abilene Civic Center.
The barbecue is another example of the great relationship between the Abilene community and Dyess, said co-chair Kelly Jones.
Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17
18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | EDUCATION | 19
Olvera is making plans to fly high! By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Martina Olvera has benefitted from Commu- and clothing if needed.” nities in Schools since her days at Fannin Elementary, and she has some opinions about the Martina agrees that the most helpful part of program. the program for her has been, “knowing someone’s there just for you. They drive you to suc“You should have this program in all the el- cess.” ementary and middle schools,” she says. CIS also works to remove any barriers that Martina is a nineteen-year-old senior at Coo- prevent students from succeeding in school per High School, preparing to graduate and join the Air Force. She works at Papa Murphy’s Pizza, participates in ROTC and Upward Bound. Those are not unusual activities for a high school senior, but Martina is also raising a three-year-old daughter as well as helping her parents and grandparents. “Martina does an amazing job,” says Annette Royal, attendance coordinator for CIS at Cooper. “She’s committed to doing what she needs to do. We’re very proud of her.”
Annette and Joe agree that CIS’s greatest need is not having enough time for all the students who need the program. “We can work with one student for several hours a day, if there’s a crisis,” Annette says. Some help comes from interns and volunteers. Interns are usually university graduate and undergraduate students pursuing social work degrees. The CIS program at Cooper has benefitted from three interns this year. “Once you’ve been established on campus, parents and teachers buy in and volunteer,” Annette says.
Annette worked at Ortiz Elementary when Martina was student at Fannin. The two schools often partnered on field trips and activities. Communities in Schools’ goal is to empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. One of the ways they accomplish this is to build relationships with at-risk students like Martina.
Annette works with two other attendance coordinators at Cooper who are employees of Abilene Independent School District to check on students who don’t come to school. Each of them has responsibility for about 600 students.
Annette, Joe and Martina are all excited about Martina’s upcoming graduation. “It feels pretty good,” says Martina. After graduation she plans to travel for a few days to visit family in Amarillo and possibly see Colorado. A short break will be nice but then she will focus on purand in life. Being aware suing her goals of joining the Air Force, comof those barriers can pleting college and becoming a pilot. She was help teachers as well as inspired to fly by visiting Air Force bases with students. her stepfather.
Joe Cunningham, Jr., campus coordinator for CIS at Cooper, says, “Building relationships with these students really gives them a sense of hope. I’ve been telling Martina every day that she’s capable. When you’re pushing positive thoughts, you start believing “We can help give them a little background as them in your heart.” to why a student is acting a particular way,” says Annette. “They may be homeless or they He has worked with more than 150 students haven’t eaten in several days.” during the 2015-2016 school year. “It’s hard for a kid to be successful in school “We want them to trust enough to come in if there’s a barrier,” says Joe. “We’ve helped and discuss anything that’s going on,” Annette kids with eyeglasses. They weren’t doing well says. “We offer all kinds of social services sup- because they couldn’t see.” port and basic needs like school supplies, food
“I’ve been doing this for fifteen years,” Annette says. “It’s wonderful. We see kids staring with kindergarten, and then we see them at the high school level. You know you had a part in their lives.” The part that Communities in Schools played in Martina’s life and in the lives of many more can make the difference between a high school dropout and a graduate who’s flying high.
20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Kennedy wins award for Best Direction
By Abilene Independent School District Chad Kennedy was rewarded for the hard work put in to stage a musical with a combined cast from AHS and Cooper.
West Central Texas
The AHS theater teacher was named the winner for Best Direction at the 2016 Dallas Summer Music High School Theater Awards Ceremony held April 14 at the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas.
Adult Education Classes GED, ESL and Career Pathways Classes
Kennedy directed the musical, “Seussical,” a show performed in January by both AHS and CHS students.
Classes offered in the following cities. Please call for dates and times.
In all, the production earned 10 nominations for the annual DSM awards program, a record for an Abilene ISD show. “Seussical” was also nominated for Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Musical Direction, Best Ensemble/Chorus, Best Crew & Technical Execution, Best Featured Actor (Jess Westman), Best Featured Actress (Raissa Teta), Best Supporting Actor (Cody Free) and Best Supporting Actress (Shelby Walker).
McMurry Women’s Club Awards Scholarships
By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University The McMurry Women’s Club awarded two $500 scholarships to McMurry students Elizabeth McWhirter and Evelyn Gonzalez at their annual scholarship luncheon on April 19, 2016. McWhirter is a junior from Brownwood, Texas, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Christian Ministry. She is active in Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, Gamma Sigma women’s social club, Religious Life, Color Guard, Women’s Interclub and and Film Club. Her community activities include in helping with children and in the college ministry program at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Abilene Albany Ballinger Breckenridge Brownwood Cisco Coleman Colorado City Cross Plains Deleon Early Hamlin Snyder Stamford Sweetwater
Contact:
Adult Education 1929 South 11th Abilene, Texas 79602
325-671-4419 McMurry Women’s Club Scholarship winners Elizabeth McWhirter and Evelyn Gonzalez pose with officers Terry Young (left) and Brenda Breeden.
Gonzalez, an honors program student, is a junior from Frisco, Texas, with a double major in English and writing and a minor in history. She is active in Sigma Tau Delta, Pi Delta Phi women’s social club, women’s interclub and is the editor of the campus newspaper. She is a member of the McMurry Honors program, Alpha Lambda Delta, joining Alpha Chi, and volunteers yearly for “Keep Abilene Beautiful.” She is planning for graduate school and a career in technical writing.
Sponsored by Abilene ISD
New AHS principal comes from Sweeny High School By Abilene Independent School District
Robert Morrison, principal at Sweeny High School, has been named the new principal at Abilene High School. Morrison, whose first teaching job was in the Big Country at nearby Bangs High School, will take the reigns at Abilene High for the 2016-17 school year, succeeding the retiring Jennifer Raney. A graduate of Howard Payne University, Morrison has been principal at Sweeny High School for one year and has been a high school administrator since 1997. He be-gan his education career as a teacher and coach in 1982. Superintendent Dr. David Young made the announce-ment April 4 after the Board of Trustees officially ap-proved Morrison’s hiring at its monthly Agenda Review meeting. ”We knew the candidate pool would be deep in quality applicants be-cause Abilene High is a great school,” Young said. “We were correct, and I am thrilled to have a principal of Robert’s caliber coming to Abilene High School.”
Morrison previously served as associate principal at Montgomery High School and Spring High School. He was a teacher and coach at Bangs and Westfield High School in Spring ISD prior to entering administration. “I have a passion for investing in young people to give them the best opportunity for future success,” Morrison told the staff at Abilene High School when introduced April 4. “I am excited at the opportunity to work at Abilene High School, and I can’t wait to get here and begin working with all of you.” Morrison is a past president of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, which represents 5,300 campus level administrators. He was named Assistant Principal of the Year for Region 6 in 2012-13 while serving in Montgomery, and was runner-up for the same award in Region 4 while at Spring High School.
He holds a master’s degree from Tarleton State University and received his principal’s certification from Prairie View A&M University.
McMurry Kinesiology Department Inducts Nine Into National Fraternity By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
McMurry’s Department of Kinesiology welcomed nine new members into its chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa, the national fraternity for Exercise Science and Physical Education, on Sunday, April 10. Phi Epsilon Kappa is a national professional fraternity for persons engaged in or pursuing careers in health, physical education, recreation, and other related fields. Participating in the induction luncheon and ceremony in the Furr Welcome Center were: Casey Bargsley ’16, Isaiah Santos ’17, Beckett Medford ’19, JJ Austin ’16, Sierra Donohue ‘17, Ashley Hernandez ’17, and Austin Barajas ’17. * Not pictured: Kayla Blevins ’16 and Katie Wade ’16. Guest speaker for the event was McMurry alumna Amber Thornberry Lewis ’14 who is currently completing her doctorate in physical therapy at Hardin-Simmons University.
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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TEACHER TRIBUTE Garrett Dowell - Wylie Junior High Interview by Mari Cockerell | KTXS TV
Let’s take a second to think back to middle or surprised to learn where he picked up the lanhigh school; how much did you get out of your guage. Spanish class? “I was made to take Spanish when I was in school, I didn’t want to take it at first but I found out I really liked it,” said Dowell. That’s right, Dowell learned Spanish in school, just like his students. “I took it in high school, I don’t have anyone in my family that speaks it, but it was always interested in it and I took it as a little hobby in college and minored in it thinking it could be helpful later on and sure enough it was!” said Dowell. This is Dowell’s first year at Wylie, and his first year teaching Spanish full time. His intention was to make a career teaching history, but it’s easy to see he may have now found his true calling. ______________________ If your answer is limited to “hola” and “adios” then you likely didn’t have this teacher! Garrett Dowell teaches Spanish one to 8th graders at Wylie Junior High, and he’s our teacher tribute award winner this week. KTXS stepped inside his classroom and was
SCHOOL: Wylie Junior High TEACHER: Mr. Dowell STUDENT: Ethan Bulls GRADE: 8th Grade PRINCIPAL: Mr. Goodenough
Students Participate in Wreath Laying Ceremony By Abilene Independent School District
Four 8th grade students from AISD middle schools are shown here participating in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington during spring break. From left, Robert Angel of Madison Middle School, Matheo Vergara of Clack, Kennedy Carmichael of Madison and Ada Isabel Rodriguez of Clack won the opportunity to represent their schools by submitting essays explaining why they wish to participate.
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All publications funded solely or in part by MIPPA funds, shall include express acknowledgement, “This publication has been created or produced by (insert DADS/AAA/ADRC name) with financial assistance, in whole or in part, through funds from the Administration for Community Living”. The SHIP (only for AAA use) and AAA/ADRC logo should also be included on the publication. Just to avoid assumptions, MIPPA funding can only be used to print materials that cover MIPPA topics: MSP, LIS, Medicare prevention & wellness, etc. All publications that use the SHIP logo should also be submitted to DADS Help Desk for approval before printing and distribution. For promotional items, a reference to MIPPA and the funding purpose should be included on all items. Depending on the space available you should include MIPPA specific taglines or references such as “Medicare Savings Programs”, “Low-Income Subsidies”, etc. and when space is limited it should at least include “MIPPA Program.” All items should also include the AAA/ADRC logo or written name as well as the contact phone number for your agency. All promotional items should be submitted to the DADS Help Desk for review and approval before purchasing. Please contact us if you have any questions about these requirements.
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MAKING
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TRACY POWELL DEPARTMENT: Technology Support Center -Alta Vista Campus TITLE: Technology Specialist YEARS WITH AISD: 10 WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Troy, TX WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL: Troy High School. 1988 and TSTI Waco, 1990. I received my Associates in Computer Maintenance Technology TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: My family consists of my parents and a younger sister. Both of my parents retired this year. My mother, Patricia Powell, retired after 32 years from Troy ISD. She was an aide/bus driver. My dad, Glenn Powell, retired after 42 years from C&H Die Casting as a project manager. My sister, Christi McDaniel, and her husband, Jay, own Gold Key Technology Solutions in Temple. They have a daughter, Jenna McDaniel. My niece is a singer/song writer and she also works with Gold Key Technology Solutions. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I have worked with computer maintenance for 25 years. I am one of a team of technicians that keep the technology in the classrooms running. My main duties are serving as lead technician for the Student Nutrition Department, maintaining technology inventory and assisting the technology liaisons. I also prepare all new devices for the district. I enjoy working with technology
in the education world. My high school counselor, Shirley Hughes, pointed me down the path of computer maintenance. I hope that my role in technology support has assisted the great staff of Abilene ISD in educating our children. WHAT THE BOSS SAYS: “Tracy is a very hard worker with the goal of ‘what is best for Abilene ISD students’ helping determine all that she accomplishes. She never sees an obstacle as an issue, but rather a challenge to overcome, and then she shares her knowledge with others. Her technology expertise and people skills allow her to successfully fulfill Technology Support Requests and complete district projects with a high level of success and rapport. She is team player and is often viewed as a leader in the Technology Department. Tracy Powell makes a difference in the lives of Abilene ISD students and employees every day in how she interacts with employees and solves their technology problems.” - Cary Owens, Director of Technology
Pick us up at H.E.B., CISCO College & China Star | EDUCATION | 23
Junior Achievement sponsors day-long lesson at First Financial Bank By Junior Achievement of Abilene
First Financial Bank in Downtown Abilene hosted 72 AP Government and Economics stu-dents from Abilene High School with their teachers during school hours on Tuesday, March 8.
with debit/ credit cards • An increased awareness of selecting a major • An appreciation of the finance industry • An appreciation for a large corporate environment in Abilene Students learned how to budget, plan for their • A better understanding of how to access stufutures, the importance of saving, how to avoid dent loans consumer debt, and how to be a savvy consumer. These lessons are part of the JA Personal Finance One student said this about her experience: curriculum. “I’ve always thought I would study nursing. But after today, I am fascinated about the The curriculum was taught by First Financial Finance Industry! This has been a very eyeBank employees and executives throughout the opening experience.” day. Another student said his experience with the In addition to the JA program material, stu- First Financial panel opened his eyes to how dents were welcomed to the bank by Abilene compound interest works and said, “I’m takarea President Marelyn Shedd, treated to a tour ing the advice from the Investments [expert] of the facility (which included the Bank lobby, on the panel ... I’m going to invest the first $70 the vault, the Trust & Asset Management Com- from my paycheck each week starting now. I pany, and the Executive Board Room - the stu- never knew how important it was to save for dents’ favorite part of the tour), and access to a retirement at this early of an age.” Q&A session with a panel of First Financial employees with expertise in Equity & Investments, Finally, one student gained a better appreciaConsumer Lending, and the Banking / Finance tion for Abilene. His takeaway sounded like Industries. this: “I have already decided to be a Business Administration major. But I didn’t know this Major takeaways from the day were: was in Abilene. I mean, I knew First Finan• An increased awareness of how to budget and cial was in Abilene, but I didn’t know that was why budg-eting / saving are important practices First Financial. I could definitely see myself • A better understanding of making good choices working at a place like this!”
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Digital entertainment program shines
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Abilene Christian University News
ACU earned a spot on The Princeton Review’s just-published list saluting the top 50 undergraduate schools to study game design for 2016. The universities were selected based on a survey of 150 institutions offering game design coursework and/or degrees in the U.S., Canada and some countries abroad. ACU is ranked No. 27 on the list. “We are thrilled to have the quality of our game development major recognized by The Princeton Review,” said Dr. Brian Burton, assistant professor of digital entertainment technology. “Gaining such a high ranking our first year of eligibility is a significant accomplishment.” Among criteria The Princeton Review weighed to make its selections were the schools’ academics, facilities, career services, technology, starting salaries and employment experience of graduates. “These are truly the ‘cream of the crop’ institutions from which to launch a career,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review senior vice president/publisher. “Their faculties are outstanding. Their facilities are awesome. And their alumni include legions of the industry’s most prominent game designers, developers, artists, and entrepreneurs.”
ACU’s digital entertainment technology (DET) major provides students the opportunity to combine their passion for technology and creativity in an interdisciplinary approach to game design, film production and digital design. Students receive training in the complete process of animation and game development, from concept to design to scripting to publishing. The DET program prepares students with a strong technical foundation, while allowing them to reflect on the integration of faith and entertainment.
NOW HIRING!
The City of Abilene is taking applications for
Summer Camp Counselors and Lifeguards Please visit:
www.cityofabilene.jobs
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
Making History Clack student’s research paper among the best in the state By Abilene Independent School District
Clack Middle School is making History news! Eighth grade student Ada Isabel Rodriguez placed in her division at the Regional Texas History Day Competition held February 25 at McMurryUniversity. Texas History Day is part of National History Day, where students compete in regional competitions with the goal of placing 1st or 2nd to advance to the state competition. The Texas competition will be held April 30 at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum located on the University of Texas campus in Austin. Students compete in five divisions: Historical Paper, Exhibit, Documentary, Website and Historical Performance. The Historical Paper division that Isabel competes in has a word
her family moved to Abilene from Puerto Rico not too long before starting her 7th grade year of school. That means she has lived in America just There are approximately 2,000 students com- a little over 1 ½ years. peting from across the state of Texas with larger cities and private schools having many Isabel’s research paper, “Empowering True participants. Texas Heroes: The Tejano Charge Lead by Jose Antonio Navarro” was 2,500 words, the All competitors are hoping to advance to the exact limit. National History Day at the University of Maryland in Baltimore from June 12 – 16. Isabel started on her paper this past summer Scholarships are awarded at the state and na- when the theme – “Exploration, Encounter & tional level. Exchange” – was announced for this year’s competition. As a student in Mrs. Alicia Taylor’s Texas History class, Isabel competed last year in Isabel contacted the Texas State Historical As7th grade and placed 5th at the Texas History sociation for information, and officials there Competition in Austin. What makes this ac- put her in contact with Navarro family descencomplishment even more impres-sive is that dants.
This contact also put her in contact with David McDonald, the premier historian and noted author on Jose Antonio Navarro.
length between 1,500 to 2,500 words. In addition, the students’ papers are examined for research by looking at their annotated bibliography.
Her quest for information and research provided valuable information and also an invitation to a private event honoring Jose Antonio Navarro at the historic Casa Navarro in San Antonio. “Isabel has drive, explorative curiosity, determina-tion and the desire to learn which helps in her goals and accomplishments,” said Mrs. Taylor, her sponsor. “I look forward to following Isabel’s career.” All of Clack Middle School and Abilene ISD are excited to support Isabel in this state competition and are hoping for success. Go Isabel!
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26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
TEACHER TRIBUTE Ms. Newton - Dyess Elementary Nominate your teacher at: ArrowTeacherTribute.com
I have always wanted to be a teacher, and watching my mom as a teacher only made that dream grow bigger. Children are so impressionable and eager to learn. It makes my heart happy seeing the kids grown and learn. They don’t realize that I learn from them each day! I believe it is my calling in life to teach children. Life wouldn’t be complete without that piece! ________________________
SCHOOL: Dyess Elementary TEACHER: Ms. Newton STUDENT: Kyle Browning GRADE: 1st Grade PRINCIPAL: Mr. Newton
Abilene High junior earns highest possible score on ACT exam By Doug Myers | Digital Media Manager, KTXS
Abilene High junior Kyle Curnutt has accomplished something that few students do. He scored a 36 on the ACT – the highest possible composite score on an exam used to judge college readiness. Curnutt was one of only 1,598 students who had a perfect score in the high school graduating Class of 2017. That was of 1.92 million test-takers, meaning he scored in the top one-tenth of 1 percent. and science.
The ACT includes tests in English, mathematics, reading
According to an Abilene ISD news release, Curnutt is currently ranked No. 1 academically in his Abilene High class and is its president. The son of Casey and Mindi Curnutt, he is involved in golf, UIL Math, Key Club, National Honor Society, Future Philanthropists and FCA. “After graduating in 2017, Curnutt plans to attend Texas A&M, Rice or Stanford to study mechanical engineering,” the Abilene ISD release said Wednesday.
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Ward students build their own recyclable miniature golf course
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
By Abilene Independent School District
When Ward Elementary gifted and talented students were given the challenge of raising money for a field trip to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, they turned their trash into money by creating a recycled miniature golf course for the PTA’s Winter Festi-val. In early October, students visited Play Faire Park, a local miniature golf course, to research structional Coordinator, to how various golf holes work and to get ideas work on the project. for their own golf holes. After several hours of hard After conducting research and having a little work, students were able fun at the same time, they collected trash to test their golf course to from around their homes to recycle into their make sure other students course. Gifted and talented students in second, would be able to enjoy it at third, fourth, and fifth grade then collaborated the Winter Festival. in groups to create their own course out of the trash they collected. Finally, the golf course made its debut at the PTA’s Students met in groups with Alison Camp, In- Winter Festival. Families
and students purchased tickets to play the course. The gifted and talented students raised over $150 to offset the cost of their field trip! Students were excited that their hard work had paid off! They are all looking forward to their field trip in May.
Welcome
Sara Eaker & Rigger to the PetMedic Team at Abilene Regional Medical Center!
28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
TEACHER TRIBUTE Ms. Buckner - Mann Middle School Nominate your teacher at: ArrowTeacherTribute.com
Teaching is a calling that I did not originally handwriting was and still is “a mess.” I felt choose to accept. When I was in school trying these difficulties disqualified me for a career in teaching. Education and teaching seemed to find me over and over again. I finally decided it was time to answer “the call” and pursue a career in teaching because I so enjoyed being in the classroom and interacting with students. I love teaching and feel so blessed that God lead me down this path that has been so rewarding despite the difficulties that I originally thought would limit my ability to be an effective teacher. I can take the lessons I have learned about overcoming difficulties and obstacles and pass these on to my students. I can’t imagine a better career for me!
SCHOOL: Mann Middle School TEACHER: Ms. Buckner STUDENT: Patterson Newton to decide on a major, I considered education; however I quickly decided teaching was not GRADE: 6th grade for me. PRINCIPAL: Ms. Walker I have always struggled with spelling and my
McMurry Art Department Offers Summer Art Classes
By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
McMurry University Empowering Graduates Through Scholarship, Leadership and Service
McMurry University is a student-centered community with a rich tradition of academic excellence that produces graduates with global perspectives that are well rounded, knowledgeable and skilled. McMurry supports students on the individual level, providing resources for spiritual, intellectual and social growth. At McMurry over 90% of our students receive financial assistance. A McMurry education is well within YOUR reach.
The McMurry University Art Department will offer three summer art classes for adults and children. Adult Jewelry Camp, featuring lost wax casting in silver taught by Linda Stricklin MFA, will meet from May 17 – June 2 from 6 -8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $500 and includes materials. McMurry Art Day Camps for kindergarten through 12th grade will also be offered this summer. Camp for kindergarten through fifth grade will be from 9 a.m. to noon on June 20-24. Cost is $225. Camp for sixth through twelfth grades will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Cost is $300. McMurry Adult Photo and Clay Art Camps will be offered from July 5 through August 5. Cost is $375. The McMurry Art Camps are taught by McMurry art professors assisted by McMurry art education and art majors, using campus art facilities, including a large ceramics facility, north facing drawing and painting studios, and a new Mac computer lab. For more information or to register, please contact Caitlin Boyle at 325-793-3851 or register at mcmurryartcamps.com.
Apply Today! 325-793-4700 | mcm.edu
Cougarettes Dance Their Way to 19 Awards at Showcase By Abilene Independent School District
The Cooper High School Cougarette Dance Team captured 19 awards, including some of the event’s top honors, at the Central Dallas Showcase Regional Dance Competition held Feb. 27. Competing against 20 other organizations and 170 dance entries, the Cougarettes received the awards based on their performance, technical execution and academic achievements. CHS entered three team routines and six solo routines for evaluation by judges. The Cougarettes earned three of the most prestigious awards in the event, including Grand Champion 1st Runner-Up for highest averages of the three team routines. Each routine must score above a 90 on a 100-point scale, and only one other entry received a higher average than CHS.
Cougarettes Annual
Spring Show May 20-21 7:00 p.m. CHS Auditorium
The Cougarettes were one of only four teams Tickets are available at the door and to be awarded the Showcase Elite Award as all proceeds help the team throughout one of the highest scoring teams of the comthe year with uniforms, equipment and petition. The Award of Academic Excellence was also presented to the Cougarettes for their overall team GPA of 3.67. Only one other or- Cougarettes have been invited to be feature ganization at the contest received the Academ- performers in the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving ic Excellence honor. Day Parade and half-time performers in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. Invitations Other team awards received by the Couga- to these events are coveted and awarded based rettes: on merit and performance ability. • 3 Best in Class awards for each of our three team routines The Cooper Cougarettes are a group of 9th• 3 Outstanding Choreography awards for 12th grade students who not only perform highest scores in choreography at football, basketball games and pep rallies • Outstanding Performance Award for the but are also community minded. They serve team’s novelty throughout the year at the elementary schools • Audience Appeal Award for most entertain- and other community venues. ing performance • Super Sweepstakes for a 90+ average on all “Through dance the girls learn grace, coordinine judges’ scoresheets nation, dedication, hard work and discipline,” said director Kimberly McMillon, who is in All six Cougarette soloists received Supe- her first year with the team. “These skills will rior ratings and a medal for their solo perfor- continue to influence the Cougarettes as they mances. Those entering the solo competition leave high school and enter college, the prowere sophomores Tori Staggs and Rebecca fessional world and lead their future families. Desrochers; juniors Kelsey Little, Gabbi Leal A Cougarette will be recognized by her exceland Kelsey Sanders; and senior Tiffani Quick. lence in each area of her life, her dedicated Kelsey Little, the team captain, was named a work ethic to each detail and her bright smile solo finalist and performed during the awards and manners. To be a Cougarette is to be a part ceremony for final placement, where she re- of a 40-year tradition of excellence and to be ceived 1st Runner-Up for Senior Solo Finalist a lifelong member of a treasured sisterhood.” and an individual trophy for her efforts. This year marks the 40th Anniversary for the In addition to all the trophies and plaques, the Cooper Cougarettes.
Pick us up at Texas Cosmetology School, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | EDUCATION | 29
30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Pierce, Stewart tabbed as new girls athletic coordinators By Abilene Independent School District
Pierce has been head volleyball coach for 21 years at AHS, her alma mater. The Texas A&M University graduate has led her teams to 13 playoff appearances and was named Chuck Mosier Girls Coach of the Year in Phil Blue, Director of Athletics, made the 2006. announcement Thursday, March 3, saying the two coaches will provide leadership in Stewart, who has a master’s degree in Edugirls athletics that has been lacking under cational Administration from Angelo State, is an assistant coach in basketball and track the previous structure. at CHS. She previously served in another “I think it’s the best practice,” said Blue, district as a high school head coach in baswho added that the two will continue their ketball and track, and she has experience coaching duties. “If you look across the coaching on the middle school level as well. state, most athletic programs are structured in this manner.” Didi Pierce at Abilene High School and Courtney Stewart at Cooper High School have been named girls athletic coordinators.
Didi Pierce, Phil Blue, and Courtney Stewart
Pick us up at Golden Chick, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31
ACU Alumna makes mark in fashion world Abilene native Leah Rama now designs for fashion giant Michael Kors By Haley Remenar | Abilene Christian University
When Leah Rama was in high school, she skipped a speech class to attend an art class with a friend. That day, the students were drawing images of hands. She went home and started drawing hands.
and his collection design team, Rama is still passionate about making an impact in her own way.
That was the moment she realized she needed to pursue art as more than a pastime.
Dr. Kristina Davis, associate professor of communication and sociology and Rama’s cousin-in-law, said Rama’s art is indicative of her personality.
Now, as a designer for fashion giant Michael Kors and a finalist for an international art competition, Rama is taking the lead for women in the fashion industry. An Abilene native, Rama graduated from ACU in 2012 with a bachelor of fine arts in two-dimensional studio art. She went on to earn a master of fine arts in fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Rama said she likes taking complex conceptual ideas and translating them into visual information, but she is also inspired by everyday observations, such as the patterns made by soap suds.
Creative legacy
what ironic, she says, because in high school she was an anti-materialist, concerned with excessive consumption and waste, poor working conditions for “I’ve always been creatively laborers, a lack of sustainability inclined,” Rama said. “My and other issues in the industry. At the same mind is always churning out ideas.” While growing up, Rama designed everything time, she knew she wanted to be a part of solvfrom clothing to buildings, inventions and ing these problems. patterns. She inherited a collection of vintage clothes – what she called her first “fashion his- “I want to be able to use my skills and creative tory” course – but her professional interest in gifts to make a change in an industry that’s fashion began with an aptitude test that point- running on old tracks,” Rama said. ed her that way. Her choice to study fashion design was some- Although she now works with Michael Kors Rama’s artist grandmother was her earliest inspiration. Throughout her childhood, her grandmother taught her the color wheel, painting techniques and how to mix colors.
“In creative industries, there’s a huge disparity between male and female artists,” Rama said. “When it comes to professional art, a lot of times women get associated with crafts and men get associated with higher levels of design.” Rama decided some of her fashion designs were colorful, bright and would look good on a building even though they weren’t traditional art. She entered the competition and was contacted by Adobe for an interview, during which she was told had been selected as one of the 10 finalists. “By the expression on my face, you would have thought I won the lottery,” Rama said. Along with women from Australia, Canada, Germany, Baltimore and the Netherlands, Rama spent four days in Brooklyn visiting Adobe and Colossal workshops and seeing the progression of their art to giant murals.
“She’s bright, colorful, fun,” Davis said. “Her success shows that we have a vibrant and thriving art and design pro- R a m a ’ s piece, titled “See the gram” at ACU. Unseen,” was inspired by an in-depth study of the concept of ghosts. She used the portrait Adobe x Colossal Contest of her family’s supposed ghost, Perchta von Rama saw advertisements for The World’s Rosenberg, throughout the design. Biggest Art Show Ever, an Adobe X Colossal international competition for women. Ten “Ghosts are normally thought of as people, but finalists created original designs using Adobe they can also be regrets, dreams, hopes, better programs; then Colossal, a company that hand versions of ourselves; they are things that exist paints murals, painted the artwork on buildings whether we choose to see them or not,” Rama in Brooklyn, New York. said. “ ‘See the Unseen’ is meant to be a call to action that brings up a discussion on spiritualThe contest was geared toward women as ity and values.” Adobe was making a push for female empowerment.
32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HSU’s Education Students Run Exploration Station Student gain experience leading nature program for preschoolers By Linnea Kirgan | Coordinator of Media Relations and Social Media, HSU
HSU’s Early Childhood students are bringing nature into the classroom through an innovative six-week program for 3-to 5-year-olds called Exploration Station. HSU has partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife to use its field-tested “Growing Up WILD” curriculum, according to Dr. Perry Haley Brown, dean of the Irvin School of Education. “I have many enthusiastic future teachers who are eager to share the curriculum with the children enrolled in the program,” said Brown. “They have worked very hard to prepare learning stations, bulletin boards, and exciting lessons during the early part of this semester. We feel certain that the children will become more aware of nature and the environment through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department activities.”
HSU’s Early Childhood students will also complete their Growing Up WILD training during the experience. The curriculum is a component of Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Project WILD, which was designed to promote exploring nature with young children.
Destination Imagination team wins trip to Tennessee A Destination Imagination team made up of Madison Middle School and Jackson Elementary students is going Global. The six students that call themselves, “Fusion” placed in the top five in their Project Outreach contest at the DI State Tournament held April 1-2 in Anna. Now, it’s on to Knoxville, TN, for the 2016 Global Finals, which features more than 8,000 students from 30 countries. Team Fusion is (back row from left) Paige Greenwood, Sky Barrera, Lillyanna Choang and Meredith Clancy; (front row from left) McKenna Cluck and Aviana Varela.
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Pick us up at Kentucky Fried Chicken, First Financial Banks & SBDC | FAITH & FAMILY | 33
Rev. Terence (Terry) Victor Brenon celebrates 25th Anniversary to the Priesthood By Mike Hernandez | Arroyo Catclaw Digital
The parish of St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview Dr., in Abilene, Texas will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Father Terry Brenon to the priesthood. The parish will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, June 5th, 2016 at 10:00 am. Father Terry was ordained by Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, O.M.I., Bishop of San Angelo at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, San Angelo, Texas on May 25, 1991. Assigned to St. Vincent Pallotti Church in 2005, he serves as pas- He became parish pastor of St. Joseph Church tor of St. Vincent Pallotti and Our Mother of in Stanton, Texas and St. Isidore Mission in Lenorah, Texas from 1994-1996. From 1996 Mercy Mission in Merkel, Texas. to 2005 Father Terry was pastor of St. Mary Father Terry was born February 10, 1959 in Church in San Angelo, Texas. He served as caPotsdam, St. Lawrence County, New York. nonical pastor at St. Therese Church in CarlsHis parents, Victor Edward and Laura Janet bad, Texas and St. Paschal Mission in Sterling (Beaudette) Brenon, moved their family to City, Texas. He also served as canonical pastor Midland, Texas in 1976 where they still re- of St. Margaret Church in San Angelo, Texas. side. Father Terry is the oldest of seven chil- In 2005 he was assigned to St. Vincent Pallotti Church in Abilene, Texas with the mission of dren; five brothers and two sisters. Our Mother of Mercy in Merkel, Texas where He attended elementary and high schools in he still serves. New York before graduating from Midland High School in 1977. He attended college Along his spiritual journey Father Terry has at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas identified and is indebted to many Catholic where he received his B.A. degree in French priests that have been influential, from his with studies in Spanish and Business in 1981. youth to the present, for his development in After graduation he worked for First National serving Our Lord Jesus Christ. They include: Rev. J. Everett Denesha - pastor of home parBank of Midland for five years. ish in upstate New York; Rev. Msgr. Fred In 1986 Father Terry entered Assumption Nawarskas, pastor of St. Ann Church, MidSeminary and studied at Oblate School of land, Texas; Rev. Msgr. Bernard Gully and Theology in San Antonio, Texas and gradu- Rev. Msgr. Bob Bush - Fraternity of Priests, ated with a Master of Divinity in 1991. His Bishop Joe Vasquez - pastor during his interninternship was at St Joseph Church under Rev. ship in Ft. Stockton and as Parochial Vicar of the Ft. Stockton parishes. Joe Vasquez at Ft. Stockton, Texas. After his ordination in May 1991, he was assigned as Parochial Vicar (Associate Pastor) at Sacred Heart Church in Abilene, Texas and Sts. Joachim and Ann Mission in Clyde, Texas. His assignments were followed by Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Church and St. Agnes Church in Ft. Stockton, Texas, St. James Church, Sanderson, Texas; St. Isidore Mission in Coyanosa, Texas and Our Lady of Lourdes Mission in Imperial, Texas.
Father Terry has served in several diocesan councils and committees. He has been a member of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission, the Presbyteral Council, Vocations Committee for Priests and for Deacons. Fr. Terry is a member of the Fraternity of Priests. Fr. Terry is a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and serves as the council chaplain for the St. Vincent Council 8788. He also is a member on the board of St. Vincent de Paul Society in
Abilene. Father Terry likes to travel. He enjoys working on family history, scrapbooking and coin and stamp collecting. From his first insteps at St. Vincent Church, he let the parishioners know, that his favorite soft drink is root-beer and his favorite dessert is anything with chocolate toppings. He has not been disappointed by the parishioners at St. Vincent. Father Terry, likewise, has fulfilled his commitment by, not only teaching the Word of God, but by living the Word with his interactions with parishioners and his community. Father Terry is one of spiritual leader and counselor and one of friend who relates to both the youngest of family and young at heart as well parishioners from the older generation. Through his priesthood everyone he has touched has learned to follow in his footsteps and as a result, both teacher and learner together walk to God’s Greater Glory. Happy 25th Anniversary, Father Terry! May God Bless You with many, many more years on your ministry and journey with God!
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How to Get Unstuck from a Marriage Rut By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
It started out as a great adventure. My son Mark, Jr., my brother Bill, and friend Bo were having fun, exploring new places and on the trail to our hunting destination. And then we hit a soft spot. And before we knew it, our wheels we spinning but we were going nowhere. So Bo pressed on the gas pedal but that just sunk us deeper into the mud. We were bogged down, stuck in a rut, in the woods in South Carolina.
night for the future, it looms more as something else you have to do, a must-do chore, rather than something to anticipate and enjoy.
Look for some traction.
Though simply trying harder isn’t enough on its own, laying something firm under your “wheels” will give your efforts something to latch onto and drive you out of the mire.
Remember you’re in this together. Don’t reWe found some pieces of wood to slip under treat into your own space; that will only drive the tires, something to give us some traction you further apart. Express your concerns to again. But it turned out that even that wasn’t enough. So, Bill, Mark, Jr. and I teamed up to push the truck out of that rut. The experience got me thinking about how easy it is to get stuck in a rut in marriage. We’re driving along in our relationship and find ourselves living in a soft, muddy spot that we just can’t get out of…a place where we are just spinning our relational wheels but really not making any progress or going anywhere.
Just like we came together and pushed that stuck truck out of the right, perhaps you and your spouse can join hands and get out of the rut on together. But sometimes your own best efforts are simply not going to be enough. You have sunk so deep that you are going to need some extra assistance to get going again. This is nothing to be ashamed of.
Look for the warning signs.
your spouse, making the rut something that you face together, something that unites you rather than separates. “Honey, I’m feeling like we’re stuck, like we’re not getting anywhere. How do you feel, and what can we do? I want our marriage to keep moving ahead.”
Remember the fundamentals. Treat your spouse the way you would like to be treated. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Speak positively to them. Here are some simple texts that can communicate your love to your husband or to your wife. And make sure you keep the “fun” in the fundamentals: do things together just because you enjoy them. Shared Another danger sign is when you realize that laughter is a good barometer of a healthy maryou aren’t looking forward to anything with riage. your husband or wife. The only plans on the calendar involve other people or things, not Remember the good times. Spend a little time the two of you. And if you have set a date focusing on some of the special moments you Over time, you find the little niceties start to go by the wayside. You may stop saying, “Good morning,” or thanking your spouse when they pour you a cup of coffee—though you probably wouldn’t treat a friend or work colleague that way. It’s the slippery slope of indifference.
Remember to be intentional. “Life” will crowd out love if you are not careful. All those things on your to-do list may seem really important, but so is investing in your marriage. Don’t get captured by the “tyranny of the urgent.” Carve out time to spend together and protect it. Don’t wait to feel romantic, act romantic. This date night list might help jump-start you if you are out of ideas.
Look for a helping hand if needed.
Here’s what I learned about getting unstuck from marriage rut: You usually don’t just suddenly find yourself in a hole. The ground usually starts to soften bit by bit as you go along. That can happen when life is so full of all the other things that require attention—work, children, household maintenance, other responsibilities—that your relationship with your spouse gets pushed to the edges.
have shared together. Dig out an old photo album and go through it together, asking each other questions about different events and experiences and what they meant to you. Stirring the embers can reawaken the flame, renew your sense of intimacy.
On occasion, we all need a helping hand. Typically, when people see your car stuck, they don’t just stand there and watch you struggle; they are only too willing to pitch in and help you out. Maybe there’s a couple you’re friendly with and with whom you can share some of your challenges. They might recommend a good book about marriage they have read that has helped them. Look out for a marriage conference you could attend. You may even want to consider meeting with a professional counselor for some insight and wisdom. Above all, do whatever it takes. Get unstuck and get back in the action. There’s so much to be enjoyed.
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Mosquito Season Predictions By BigCountryHomePage
Face or fiction: You have to have significant rainfall and precipitation to have a heavy mosquito season? According, to Mosquito Joe Abilene Franchise Owner, Cole Watts, the answer could be both. “A lot of times, the mosquitos are around,” Watts says. “Even if we just get a small drink of water, mosquitos are going to pop up very quickly.” Like the Texas weather, the mosquito season can be be unpredictable, but experts are beginning to make their predictions. Abilene’s Animal Services Manager, Aaron Vannoy weighed in. “The predictions will be that we will have mosquitos,” Vannoy says. “We already have some mosquitos here in the community, the question is, are we going to have a high volume of mosquitos, and are they going to be disease carrying?” “We’re probably going to see an increased volume of mosquitos,” Watts says. “That’s not to say there’s going to be any disease factors or anything like that. But, I do think the amount of mosquitos, we’re probably going to see an increase.” Mosquitos generally make their appearance in the dusk and down hours. If you want to avoid being bugged by mosquitos, Vannoy has some advice for areas to steer clear of. “Our creeks, our overflow areas,” he says. “Those are areas that are going to start producing flood water specie mosquitos. Those are the nauseousness mosquitos that are not going to be carrying diseases, but they’re going to bug us a lot.” Of course, there are precautions you can take to keep mosquitos from bugging you. “Make sure you have some sort of mosquito spray, your candles, your torches,” Watts says.
Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 35
Los efectos del asalto sexual
By Luisa Trujillo, M.Ed. | Case Manager/Certified Advocate | Regional Victim Crisis Center
La violencia Sexual puede tener efectos psicológicos, emocionales y físicos en los sobrevivientes. El lidiar con estos efectos es difícil, pero con la ayuda apropiada se pueden mantener bajo control. El saber acerca de ellos le ayudara a entender lo que le pasa; y a encontrar la manera más apropiada para la recuperación. A continuación describiré brevemente algunos de ellos.
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las; verrugas; erupción o salpullido de la piel; secreciones en el pene o la vagina; y dolor abdominal. 4.Flashbacks o memorias retrospectivas son recuerdos de traumas pasados que parecen estar sucediendo en el tiempo presente, lo cual significa que es posible el sentir que la experiencia del abuso sexual está ocurriendo de nuevo, y es difícil para la persona el conectarse con la realidad, y puede ser posible que la persona sienta que el abusador esta físicamente presente. 5.El uso de sustancias. Hay una serie de razones por las que los sobrevivientes reportan el uso de sustancias como el alcohol y las drogas. Algunas de ellas son el querer sentirse mejor, el tratar de adormecerse o escaparse del dolor, el temor de que la familia o los amigos no los entiendan, la confusión o vergüenza por el abuso sexual, y la falta de un sistema de apoyo.
1.El trastorno por estrés postraumático (TEPT o PTSD en Ingles) es un trastorno de ansiedad que se presenta luego de experimentar un evento traumático que se asocia con sentimientos de horror y desesperanza, en este caso el abuso sexual. Los sobrevivientes pueden experimentar sensaciones en extremo como miedo, ansiedad y nerviosismo, y pueden provocar que se sienta constantemente 6.La depresión es un trastorno del estado de en peligro, e interferir en el funcionamiento ánimo que se produce cuando los sentimiennormal en la vida diaria. tos asociados con la tristeza y la desesperanza continúan durante largos periodos de tiempo 2. Autoagresión, también llamado auto-lesión, e interrumpen los patrones de pensamiento es cuando las personas se infligen daño físico regulares. Esto puede afectar su comportaa sí mismos. Las formas comunes incluyen miento y sus relaciones interpersonales. La el morderse, quemase, cortarse, golpearse el depresión al igual que el abuso sexual no discuerpo, el arrancarse el pelo, el rascarse y crimina, pueden afectar a cualquier persona pellizcarse la piel. La autolesión no es nec- de cualquier edad, sexo, raza, etnia o religión. esariamente una señal de advertencia de sui- ____________________________________ cidio, pero puede ser una señal de que alguien ha sobrevivido a un trauma grave. Puede que Si ha sufrido abuso sexual Llame a: esté tratando de adormecer el dolor, sentir una liberación, o recuperar un sentido de control.
Luisa Trujillo, M.Ed.
3.Las enfermedades de transmisión sexual Case Manager/Certified Advocate (ETS) o enfermedades venéreas. Son producidas por gérmenes que viven en la piel o en Regional Victim Crisis Center los líquidos corporales como el semen, los (325)677-7895 líquidos vaginales o la sangre. Los signos de las ETS más comunes son: ardor al orinar; úlceras genitales como llagas abiertas o ampol-
36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Put on a Little Kindness By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
“Blended families.” Many times those two words conjure up many other words – like dysfunctional, broken, destructive, and bitter, Sadly, these are words that characterize many adults in a blended family. I want to suggest that you travel a different path - a path that would honor God and His way of doing things; whether you are a blended family, single-parent family, or a traditional one. Colossians 3:12 says, “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” The word I find interesting in this verse is “clothe.” This tells us kindness doesn’t just happen, but rather, we make the choice to put on and “wear” kindness. So here are five ways to help you put on a cloak of kindness. First, we need to be sensitive. Philippians 2:4 plainly states “Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others.” So take a look around you and open your heart and eyes to the needs of those you come in contact with. Start with your husband and children, and then branch out to those you work with. Next, broaden that spectrum to strangers and store clerks. Instead of living in a “me, me, me” state of thinking, stop and check out what is happening around you. Second, be supportive. Proverbs 15:4 (in the Good News translation) says, “Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.” Then in Proverbs 10:32 it says, “Righteous people know the kind thing to say but the wicked are always saying things that hurt.” Ouch! I know I’ve missed that mark numerous times. To be supportive means to build up. Where can you add a few support beams today? Third, be sympathetic. Romans 12:15 says, “When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.” I was in a room with 24 other women the other night and we took turns sharing our struggles. I think we cried with almost every woman as she shared a hardship she was working through. Then we had the joy of laughter as the oldest woman
shared how she had asked Jesus in her life at a Barnum and Bailey Circus. It was precious. Fourth, be straightforward. This is a delicate matter - to care enough to confront somebody. Proverbs 27:6 says that “wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy.” When you have a friend who is headed down a path of destruction, in a loving way speak to them honestly and openly. That “wound” will heal whereas the kiss from an enemy might bring death. Lastly, be spontaneous. Galatians 6:10a says, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” Yes, even the ex-wife! You have many opportunities every day to make a small difference. The things you do and the things you say will have an impact on those around you. Your husband’s mood can be swayed by your decision to be a “people builder” or a demolition crew. Your children will be watching you closely and most likely mimic your words and actions. I know mine did - especially the things I did and said that were wrong! If kindness isn’t something that comes easily for you, I encourage you to train yourself to put that virtuous character trait on. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 11:17, “A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings himself harm.” And then we cannot forget the golden rule found in Matthew 7:12: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” In your blended family, God has given you the perfect opportunity to learn how to put on a little kindness. Go wear it! Blessings in Your Blending! ___________________________________ Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/ step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com).
Pick us up at Alliance For Women & Children, Mary’s Paleteria & H.E.B. | FAITH & FAMILY | 37
Counseling a Patient, Family as Death Nears By Charles Richardson, Volunteer Abilene Regional Medical Center Chaplain
Ministering to a patient facing death, and their grieving family members, is one of the most difficult and delicate duties of a hospital chaplain. Only the patient can really know the pain that he or she may be feeling; therefore it is important that chaplains choose their comments carefully. Patients must be allowed to guide the conversation, if at all practical. Letting a patient know how much they are loved, listening to them and offering a hand to hold are valuable gifts to give to those who are dying. We must let them know we hear them. We must become good listeners and exhibit the ability to show empathy. Perhaps the greatest gift we can give a patient is the gift of time. The patient must be given as much emotional support as needed, but their wishes must be respected. Sharing memories of good times past is another way some people find peace near death. Encouraging comments can be spoken, but the Bible has the most encouraging words of all. Many patients find solace in their faith. If the patient believes in Jesus Christ, appropriate scriptures can be uplifting. “I am convinced that neither death nor life ... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:3839). It is never too late for patients to place their trust in Jesus for their eternal salvation. Death is not the end. We are meant for eternity. Blessings on all hospital volunteers, chaplains, medical personnel and staff members that minister to patients and their families.
8 Ways to Reduce the Stress in Your Marriage By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Nina Simone got it right when she sang, “Into each life some rain must fall.” The jazz great was acknowledging a simple fact of life—that we’re all going to find ourselves under gray skies at some stage. We can’t stop the rain, but we can avoid getting soaked. Before we look at some ways to cut the stress there may be in your marriage, it’s important to remember that not all rain is bad. Torrential downpours may be unwelcome, but we need a certain amount of water to grow the food we eat and water the lawns we enjoy. In the same way, while we tend to think of things like divorce, sickness, financial struggles, and losing our job as the causes of stress, good things can be, too. If you have planned a wedding, bought a house, or had a baby, you know that blessings can bring challenges of their own.
thing you think. But differences don’t have to divide; they can be something that strengthens your relationship. Start accepting your spouse for who they are.
nored but facing them can be put off to a better time. Susan and I have learned that trying to deal with tough issues late in the evening, when we are both tired, is just not a good idea. Start working through issues at more appro2. Stop comparing your marriage to priate times when you are rested and fresh. It others. That will only cause you to look at will go much better. your spouse negatively. Start accepting your relationship is unique and that it may not look 5. Stop spending what you don’t like your friends’. As I point out in my blog, have. Money is the number one stressor, acHow to Crush Comparison in Marrage, it’s cording to an American Psychological Association study last year. Don’t make the problem worse by living beyond your means. Start to choose thrift over debt. Financial expert Dave Ramsey offers some helpful ideas for dealing with what couples fight about the most.
6. Stop complaining about your spouse to others—your friends or your children. This is
only going to contribute to your negative attitude, and it’s also setting a poor example. Think. Would you like your spouse to be doing the same thing about you? Start praising them to others. Focusing on the good things will force you to change your perspective.
So whether it comes from what we might consider a negative or a positive source, a certain amount of stress in inevitable. What’s important is how good to remember that social media gives us we handle it. Because while we may not be a distorted, only-the-good-bits view of other 7. Stop trying to control your spouse. able to eliminate it entirely, we can reduce it. people’s lives. I have pointed out before that this tendency is one of the dangerous 9 Cs that can kill a marToo often we act as though it’s all beyond our 3. Stop wearing busyness as a badge riage. Your way is not necessarily the right or control but, usually, there’s plenty we can do of honor. One of the biggest pressures the only way. Demanding things go your way to minimize how we get by in the storms— many couples face is that they have too much makes you a tyrant, not attractive. Start trying from carrying an umbrella to taking cover in- on their plates and not enough time together to listen and learn from them. Let go of your doors. It’s all about how we respond. Here are to build and strengthen their relationship. You insistence on calling the shots. some ways to reduce the stress in your mar- may have work responsibilities, but you ultiriage: mately control your calendar. Take charge of As I said earlier, you cannot avoid all sources it. Start relaxing with your time—and your of stress in life. But choosing to make these 1. Stop your unrealistic expectations. spouse. sort of adjustments in your attitudes and acMorning breath, disagreements about money, tions can certainly reduce their impact. parenting problems: He or she is not going to 4. Stop dealing with conflict at night. be perfect all the time and agree with every- Some difficulties can’t and shouldn’t be ig-
Armed Forces Day May 21, 2016 10am-2pm
Celebration includes a military and veterans benefit fair, presentation by the Texas Veterans Land Board, Camp Barkley remembered, GooseChase Smartphone Scavenger Hunt, Kilroy sightings and story telling. Free and open to the public. The Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St., Abilene. For more info: 325-795-4314
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38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
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4/29/16 3:35 PM
5 Simple Ways to Cut Down Your Grocery Bill Without Coupons
Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 39
By DaveRamsey.com
Most of us have a love-hate relationship with the grocery store. Some coupon-savvy families squeak by on less than $300 a month, while others jam-pack their carts to the tune of $300 a week. So who’s right? It depends. We recommend spending 5–15% of your take-home pay on food, which includes groceries and meals out. But even if your food budget falls within that healthy range, maybe you’d still like to see it come down a few notches. Check out these five easy ways to change your grocery shopping habits for the better—without clipping coupons.
the day.
2. Buy the Store Brands Already!
You know generic pasta is cheaper, but you’re still not convinced it won’t ruin your greatgrandmother’s lasagna recipe. In a 2009 Consumer Reports study, 29 brand-name foods went up against their generic counterparts. Of the 29 pairings, 19 scored “equally good” in the blind taste test. In other words, your lessexpensive lasagna will taste just as delicious.
1. Redefine Dinner • If the word din- Still not sold? According to a 2014 academic ner conjures up a big homemade meal with a nice cut of meat, two steaming sides, a crusty French loaf and a chocolaty finish, cut yourself some slack! This isn’t the 1950s and weeknight suppers don’t have to be a big production. Your kids and spouse will survive on BLTs, omelets or a nice salad several times a week. So don’t be afraid to plan simple, one-itemonly meals. Reduce your guilt and your budget by redefining the most expensive meal of
study, when chefs bought staples like salt, sugar and baking soda, they were much more likely to buy the generic than were non-chefs. And they’re the food experts! The study concluded that if more of us purchased store brands, we could save roughly $44 billion collectively. It pays to be brand un-loyal.
3. Change Up Your Grocery Stores
What made you pick your current grocery store? Is it the friendliest? How about the most convenient? Maybe you just know where ev-
erything is? Don’t let a comfortable routine cost you money. You may even find that two grocery stores are your best bet—one for meats and bulk items and another for everything else.
let your kids help plan the meals on the front end so they know this trip isn’t a junk food free-for-all. It’s much easier to stay on budget when you’re shopping with a plan and working as a team.
5. Always Use Cash • The best way to
stick to a lower food budget is to pay with cash. When you enter the grocery store with cash in hand, you know exactly how much If you’re still not sure you can spend. Plus, you’ll stick to the meatwhich grocery stores and-potatoes necessities of your budget rather are worth checking into, ask around. People than your ice cream-and-cookie impulse buys. love talking about getting a good deal, and the ones who are getting the best deals will gladly If you still find you’re eating high on the hog gush about their favorite spots. Figuring out a at the beginning of the month and then scrapnew grocery store may be frustrating at first, ing by on tuna fish by the end, make a cash run but it’s worth learning a new layout to keep that every two weeks, instead of every month. This extra $20 in your wallet. way, you’ll have a better picture of how much you can actually afford to spend each week, 4. Make a Detailed List • A list is sim- versus for the entire month. ply a plan. You must plan out what you’ll make for breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the next Better Habits, Better Budget • By week and then write out each ingredient you’ll simply starting a few new habits, you can need for those meals (plus a few snacks, of lower your monthly food budget and meet course). your money goals even faster. That means more cash to pay down debts, invest for the When you arrive at the store, remember to buy future, or save up for something fun—like a only what’s on your list. This is key to staying babysitter and a nice meal out where someone on budget! And if you go shopping as a family, else cooks and cleans up.
40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Your Kids Are Important to You ...
Do They Know It?
By Josh Greenwalt | Focus on the Family
My 11-year-old son walked into the living room tossing a football and asking to play catch. I was watching a close football game and didn’t want to miss a second, so I put him off and went back to the game. As he turned to walk out, he hung his head, and I caught a glimpse of his downcast eyes. It was easy to rationalize my actions: I was constantly busy holding down a full-time job, working toward my education degree and providing for my five children, so I deserved some time to watch football. But honestly, I knew I could do better.
Avoid distractions.
When I am spending time with my kids, I turn off my phone. I do my best to eliminate outside distractions — no emails or conflicting appointments. Almost every outside, urgent request can wait at least a few minutes. My kids know how busy my life is, so setting evWhether I’m spending all my time doing “im- erything aside for them is an effective way of portant things” or I’m distracted by the little communicating that they matter. things, sometimes I forget the most significant thing — making sure my children know how Keep promises. important they are to me. When I can’t immediately fulfill my children’s requests for my time, I try to follow this simple So, how can a busy father show his kids they’re formula: I make a concrete promise to spend valued, even as he goes about making sure the time with my kids and set a specific time to bills are paid and the kids’ lives are stable? make it happen. I might say something like, “I can’t play right now, but I will gladly play Here are a few practical tips I’ve adopted: catch with you in 30 minutes.” Keeping my word to my children means that even if I won’t Make appointments. I have a detailed schedule to keep track of my do it right away, they can trust I will do what commitments. The one non-negotiable item on I say. my calendar is my Monday, two-hour appointment with all my kids. Each of them suggests an activity for the evening, and then we vote on which to do together. Sometimes we wind up longboarding. Other times we play board games. The appointments I set with my family www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine have the highest scheduling priority.
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Mr Gatti’s Pizza, Long John Silver’s & Alfredo’s | HEALTH | 41
Help! My gums hurt when I floss! Heart Disease and Oral Health By Southwest Dental Care
By no stretch is it rare for your gums to hurt during and after flossing. Even some bleeding is to be expected. This is especially true if you have not flossed in a long time. However, if your gums do indeed hurt when you floss, and unbearably so, there are some things you can do.
Be Gentle Perhaps the most obvious way to combat gum soreness and bleeding is to be gentle. One of the most common occurrences of these gum problems is overaggressive flossing. In other words, if you are too rough on your gums while flossing, either because you are out of practice or because you are in a hurry, soreness and hurting is to be expected. Instead, try taking your time and be gentle. Also, if you are just starting out, be patient and consistent, your gums will become more conditioned over time.
Use an Method
Alternative
If being consistent and gentle does not work, there are other alternative methods of flossing that you can try. You can also try a water floss machine, or what is sometimes called
a water pick. The device essentially shoots water into the crevasses between your teeth, and in other areas of your mouth, in order to dislodge food and plaque. These oral instruments also come with different attachments that allow you to reach many of the hard to see and reach areas of your mouth. And lastly, you can always buy floss that is not as abrasive to your gums. There is floss that comes with soft and gentle coatings that will do less harm to your gums while they are adjusting to the good oral hygiene habit you are creating. Flossing is one of the easiest parts of oral hygiene to overlook. When you first start out, it is common that you may want to stop because of the pain it can initially cause. However, if you try one, or all, of the above mentioned methods, you will give yourself the best chance of being success with your flossing, and it won’t hurt as much. For more flossing tips, schedule an appoint-
ment at our Abilene, TX office and ask Dr. Richard Gore and Dr. Chris Proctor or a member of our team! ____________________________________
Abilene Office Location 4601 Buffalo Gap Road Suite C-4 Abilene, TX 79606 (325) 480-1102
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103
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42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine
To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 701-9505 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Lawrence “Larry” Robert Sommers, Jr., 39, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016. Larry was born March 01, 1977, in Abilene, Texas to Lawrence “Larry” Robert and Gwendolyn Kay Simpkins Sommers. A great person with a beautiful soul was taken from this earth on Thursday. He loved music, adored his parents, was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, never met a stranger, was easy to get along with, but most of all, he loved the Lord. His presence will be missed by all that knew and loved him, “Rest In Peace”. Survivors include his parents, Larry and Gwendolyn Sommers of Abilene; one brother, Jimmy Joe Valdez of Abilene; two nieces, Sage and Lily Valdez; one nephew, Cedar Valdez, all of Rodgers, Arkansas; a friend who was like a brother, Tim Smith from the Firehouse
HispanicLife Media
a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... Fitness Gym of Abilene; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Mr. Sommers was preceded in death by his sister, Jenny Christine Sommers; his paternal grandparents, Flossie Garner and Robert Louis Sommers; maternal grandparents, Jim and Christine Simpkins; and one uncle, Roy Simpkins. Honored to be pallbearers include some of his high school friends, Dustin Lewis, Scott Richardson, Scott Walsh, Adalfo Hernandez, Kenny Green and Nathan Mays.
Abilene, Linda Moran and husband, Malcolm of Baird, Texas, and Robyn Fornet of Humble, Texas; her grandchildren, Stephanie Lewis and husband, John, Jamie Jones and husband, Michael, Mandi Scoggin and husband, Wey, Jason Moran and wife, Kristen, Kyle Fornet, and Erin Fornet and husband, Jose; her great grandchildren, Kourtney, Kaitlyn, Kota, Kaymi, Hayven, Brock, Garrison, Rachel, Olivia, Noah, Zane, and baby Rodriguez. Mrs. Lepp was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Cora Noble and a sister, Mona Mattis.
Barbara Jean Lepp, 80, passed away Monday, April 11, 2016. Mrs. Lepp was born November 11, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Chester and Cora Hartrenif Noble. Barbara lived a big part of her life in Humble, Texas moving to Arkansas and living there 15 years before moving to Abilene for the remainder of her life. Mrs. Lepp and her husband Robert loved to travel. She was a member of Wylie Baptist Church. Barbara had three adorable cats named ET, Casper and Barbie, whom Robert has been caring for since she became ill. Left to cherish her memories include her loving husband of 62 years Robert W. Lepp of Abilene; three daughters, Connie Jacobsen and husband, Morris of
Eduardo “Eddie” Murillo, 58, passed away April 19, 2016 at home with his loving family. Mr. Murillo was born June 30, 1957, in Abilene, Texas to Aurelio and Julia Ramon Murillo. He was raised by his late paternal grandparents, Reyes and Trinidad Diaz. Eddie was raised catholic and kept his faith through out his life attending church as often as he could. He enjoyed playing drums for several of the local bands. Eddie liked to joke around with family and friends. He loved to dance and was creative when it came to cooking. Mr. Murillo loved animals, becoming very fond of a duck with an unusual name. He lost that duck, but someone turned around and gave him two more ducks, naming them Blackie and Sunshine. They will miss feeding
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time and we will miss his company. Left to cherish his memories include his parents, Aurelio and Julia Murillo of Abilene; two sons, Benito Murillo of Abilene and Eduardo Murillo, Jr. (Jodi) of Abilene; his only daughter, Angelica Murillo (Vanessa) of Abilene and her mother and ex-wife, Fela Garcia Salazar; three brothers, Aurelio “Wayo” Murillo of Abilene, Salvador Murillo (Mary) of Abilene and Benito Murillo (Irene) of Brenham, Texas; three sisters, Maria Murillo of Pflugerville, Texas, Hortencia Davila and Rebecca Murillo, both of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Anthony, Sarah, Yvie, Benny Jr., Eduardo II, Angeles, Michael and Thalia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Murillo was preceded in death by his parents, Reyes and Trinidad Diaz and a sister, who was named the first Rebecca Murillo. Honored to be pallbearers include Jason Murillo, Joe Angel Murillo, Fidel Arellano, Nick Ray Davila, Raymond Rocha and Paul Rocha.
Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 43
Abilene Girl Hoping to Help Animals in Each of the 50 States By Ashley Gooden | BigCountryHomePage.com
Makenah Dietz enjoys volunteering and spending time with her family, especially her 4 four-legged family members.
Thursday, May 12th
6pm – 9pm Food Trucks 6 pm - 7 pm Film Begins 7 pm Come enjoy screenings of different award winning films from around the world. Enter through the Courtyard on N. 1st St. of The Grace Museum and head up to the rooftop. A cash bar will be available, as well as free sweet and salty snacks. This outdoor night of films and fun is one you won’t want to miss! Admission to Grace After Dark is free to adults 18 years of age and older. Limited to the first 100 persons only. Cash bar. Complimentary Paramount popcorn.
Her mother says she’s in her element when she’s around animals, “she’s where she feels comfortable, and they make her so happy so any time she gets any kind of interaction with animals she’s happy,” says Meaghann Dietz. Her dream is to be able to care for all kinds of animals, especially wild ones, she wants to be a zoo keeper. Before zoo keeping, she’s decided to first start locally by raising money and pet food for Paw Angels, an organization that helps re-home unwanted animals. She’s raising money for Paw Angels instead of receiving birthday presents, “I knew I didn’t need anymore toys, so I decided I was going to do that for my birthday, and I knew about Paw Angels because they’ve done a
couple of things at PetSmart and I’ve gone to them”. Makenah saw someone at PetSmart doing a pet food drive for their birthday, so she’s decided to do the same. She’s starting locally, but her ultimate goal is to get at least one person in each of the 50 states to donate food to their local animal shelter. Since the Dietz family is active duty military, they’ve already gotten the word out to a few states, but they’ll need your help to pass it on to everyone else. She may be small, but she’s planning to make a big difference. Makenah is not “kitten” around and deserves a round of “a paws” for her “pawsitively” “pawesome” efforts.
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 45
Science On Safety of Vaccines is Sound, Abilene Pediatrician Says By Scott Kirk | Special to the Reporter-News
In some ways, Brad Barham, a physician at the Professional Association for Pediatrics, feels like he’s fighting an opponent he can’t see when it involves the topic of vaccinations. It doesn’t take a very long search on the Internet to find stories linking vaccinations to a variety of diseases and disorders, including autism. But as ominous as that may sound, there isn’t any credible study proving such a link, Barham said.
“Vaccines have stood the test of time.” Although the Wakefield study largely has been discredited, Barham said he still hears concerns about the issue from parents, whom Barham said he doesn’t blame. “All parents want to do the best thing for their children,” he said. “I tell them, ‘Trust your pediatrician. Give me a chance to earn your trust.’” Barham suggested parents follow the
“Vaccines are a tough issue,” he said. “Anybody with a laptop and an agenda has a louder voice than I do.” A lot of the resistance to vaccinating children comes as a result of a 1998 study by British gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield that purported to link the MMR vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella to autism. Wakefield’s work has since been widely denounced as fraudulent and the British medical journal Lancet, which printed the research, later issued a retraction, claiming it had been duped and that Wakefield’s work was “utterly false.” As a result of Wakefield’s study, immunizations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the U.S. decreased and the instances of mumps and measles increased. Barham noted, however, that the study’s impact — or lack thereof — on autism was interesting. “You didn’t see autism rates go down,” he said. Wakefield continues to insist that his work was valid. “Nothing’s panned out with that,” Barham said.
vaccine schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is available at tinyurl. com/n7p9s9n. He said it is important to stay on schedule with a child’s immunizations. Barham said the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also offers good information on childhood immunizations. According to CHOP, many parents may be overwhelmed by the number of shots given to their children during infancy and may have tendency to want to limit the number of shots the child receives. Parents, however, should realize three things before altering the schedule of shots for their children, the hospital said. First, shots are administered when the child is considered to be most at risk of getting a disease.
Newborns are protected somewhat by antibodies given to them by their mothers at birth or through breastfeeding. However, that protection wanes during the first year, particularly in children who were premature and don’t have as high a level of antibodies in their blood stream as their full-term counterparts. Secondly, because the robustness and length of protection from the mother’s antibodies can’t be predicted, following the vaccination schedule represents the most conservative approach. Finally, because most vaccines require multiple doses, limiting vaccines to one or two per visit creates more doctor’s visits and may cause the child to be more vulnerable to a disease for a longer time. According to CHOP, a study has shown that children who receive multiple vaccines at once suffer no more stress than children whose vaccines are limited. Beyond the vaccinations required by Texas public schools, Barham also stressed the importance of getting flu shots, which may have an added benefit of helping to prevent ear infections. A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston reported in March that rates of ear infections during the first year have declined. The study cited vaccinations as one reason for the decrease, along with more women breast-feeding and a reduction of smoking by parents. Children who suffer an ear infection during their first six months are more likely to have ear infections throughout their adolescence, according to the study.
46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Pick us up at Armando’s Mex Rest, Communities of Abilene FCU & Los Arcos Mex Rest | BUSINESS | 47
Classic Care for your car
The Villalobos family brings discipline and a strong work ethic to serve the community. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Efren Villalobos traveled from Mexico to California on his own at age fifteen, leaving his parents and nine brothers and sisters behind. But he brought with him courage and a strong work ethic to help him succeed in the U.S. He became a citizen ten years ago. “I’ve never regretted coming,” he says. “I still miss the land where I was born. My mother is still there and I go once or twice a year. It’s very important to adjust and be happy wherever you go.”
The shop is located at 151 S. Pioneer and can television as well as with La Voz 93.3 FM rabe reached by phone at (325) 793-2277. dio. Much of his business has come from the surrounding area with customers from Brown“I love my job so much,” Efren says. “I’ve had wood, Cisco, Baird, Eastland, Buffalo Gap and so many odd jobs but I always went back to Anson. His nephew, Ramon Villalobos, Jr., and automotive. one of his brothers, Adrian Villalobos, both help in the shop when needed.
Eventually most of Efren’s siblings also came to America. Now he and his brothers independently own and operate four Classic Auto Restyling shops. Arturo’s shop is in Midland, Texas; Raul’s in the Palm Springs, California area; Rene’s in San Antonio, Texas and Efren’s here in Abilene. They specialize in sunroof installation and repair, auto leather installation and repair and auto custom upholstery. All brothers and employees have special training in sunroofs, electronics and leather upholstery.
“We want people to know that we look forward to serving all the community, not only in a business way,” Efren says, “but if there’s a need in the community we want to help.” Another aspect of Efren’s business is a strong emphasis on ethics based on responsibility, discipline and doing things right. “We inherited that from our
own. While he is currently dedicating most of his time to the business, he likes to play golf whenever he can, and spend time with family.
“Sunroofs are so disposable,” Efren says. “They break so easily. Lots of people don’t know there is a specialty shop to take care of that.” Adrian, one of younger brothers, is in Arlington Texas. He provides upholstery service in that area on a mobile basis and will soon open a formal shop. Ramon owns On the Spot Weld- Efren moved from California to Arlington and ing Services in Midland. Ramiro is key in run- then to Midland, where he worked in the famning the California shop. ily business. He researched Abilene’s business climate before opening his shop and has been Other services include custom embroidery, here about nine months. convertible top replacement, and DVD entertainment systems. Classic cars can also be re- “I’ve met a lot of friendly people,” he says. upholstered with original or customized mate- “It’s very convenient, free of stress trafficrials, depending on the customer’s preference. wise.” More information is available on their website at classicautorestylingabilene.com and on Local advertising plays a large part in Efren’s Facebook at Classic Auto Restyling Abilene. business model. He has advertised on local
One thing Efren is not worried about is job security.
parents. They both were and still are our role models. If I tell you I’m going to have your car done by a certain time,” he says, “I’ll stay until 10 pm or come in at 4 am to make sure I do that. That’s the ethics. If you don’t have the ethics you don’t care about your clientele. If you say you’re going to fix something and you don’t fix it, that’s not ethical.” Efren’s wife Eva works at J.C. Penney and they have three daughters. One is still at home and the older two are married and on their
“We always brag that we work hard,” Efren says about the family business. “We say that with a lot of pride. We’ve all had different jobs but eventually went into automotive. As long as there are automobiles, we’ll have something to do. Nothing would have been possible without the Almighty’s guidance and blessings. And it would have been harder without the opportunities that this great country has.”
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48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Are The Drones Taking Over? By Becky Green | Administrative Manager, Texas Tech University, SBDC
If you have been around long enough, you remember the cartoon, The Jetsons. The show was on for only one season with twenty-four episodes in 1962. However, it remains one of the most memorable “predictions of technology”. It was brought back in the mid-1980’s with more “space age” living. It’s a fun show and worth some laughs on YouTube. The point is that many of the things that were at the time considered only someone’s imagination are now realities in today’s world.
04 Chevy E/Cab ..............................SALE $3950 03 Dodge Caravan .........................SALE $3950 05 Ford F-250 Diesel .....................SALE $9950 05 Chevy Malibu Maxx .................SALE $3500 07 Dodge Grand Caravan .............SALE $2950 02 Ford Explorer ................... SALE $3950 04 Chevy Trailblazer ............. SALE $2900 02 GMC Yukon ....................... SALE $3950 06 Ford F150 Supercrew...... SALE $8995 03 Chevy Impala ................... SALE $2950 02 Jeep Liberty...................... SALE $5500 05 Lincoln LS.......................... SALE $6950 02 Chevy Tahoe ..................... SALE $2950 05 GMC Envoy ....................... SALE $4750 06 Nissan Altima ................... SALE $3950 06 Chevy Impala ................... SALE $3950 02 Volkswagen GTI ............... SALE $3950
We have robots which can perform many tasks, even to the point of a self-driving car. There are smart phones, smart televisions, and devices to keep us informed and up-to-date on everything and everyone around us. In some cases the inventions are life-saving or enhance our quality of living. But have we developed to the point we no longer depend on the person, but trust the machines? I went through a fast food drive recently and when I received my order, the cashier gave me $10 more in change than I was due. When I tried to return the $10, she pointedly told me the cash register had told her how much change to give me and I was mistaken to think she had given me too much money. After trying to explain three times why she could not
owe me more than $10 when I paid her with a $10 bill for my purchase, I finally gave up and drove away. (Note to business owners – teach your employees to make change without depending on the machine.) The new innovations are really exciting and every day somebody is inventing something that makes our lives and our business easier. As we embrace the new and dispose of the old, we need to ask ourselves if it is a benefit. Most business owners would agree that anything that saves time is an advantage. However, we need to remember that there is nothing that says you care like a personal touch. A customer who knows you care will consider that as one of the best assets of your company. The technology is useless without the customers to buy your products or use your service. Take the time to show your clients you appreciate their business and they will most likely tell their friends and family. That’s called word of mouth marketing and most of the time it can’t be bought. The Abilene SBDC is available for assistance to small businesses and we will be happy to help you with a business plan, marketing, or other workplace issues. Call to make an appointment at 325.670.0300.
Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Mr. Gatti’s, H.E.B., Albertson’s & The Whitten Inn | BUSINESS | 49
Congratulations to
United Supermarkets, LLC
, for winning the 2016 Corporate Star Award
Small Business, Corporate Star award winners announced By Abilene Reporter News
The Abilene Business Council of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Wednesday evening honored Samuel Garcia’s State Farm Insurance agency as Small Business of the Year. The council also announced its Corporate Star award winner for 2016 as United Supermarkets. The announcements were made during Business After Hours at the close of the chamber’s annual Business Expo at the Abilene Civic Center.
Welcomes New Member...
Pappy Slokum Brewing Co. was formed in 2011 when three partners came together with a common goal. That goal being to create uncompromised, high quality artisan ales and lagers here in West/Central Texas for West/Central Texas, just like the original Pappy did. The Pappy Slokum team brings 37 years of brewing experience to the craft brewing industry. With a combined 50 award winning beers along with 5 Brewmaster of year titles collectively, Pappy Slokum is a brewing force that stands alone.
409 South Treadaway, Abilene, TX 79602 (325) 201-4112 Saturday 11am - 7pm
The Small Business of the Year award recognizes a business with long-term success that has contributed to the community’s quality of life and exemplifies Abilene’s strong work ethic and ability to overcome business challenges. The business must be locally owned and operated, must be a chamber member in good standing for at least two years and the business must be in operation for a minimum of three years. Garcia established his State Farm Insurance agency in 1996. His staff provides auto, home and property, life and health insurance, banking products, annuities and mutual funds. The business has grown and continues to grow due to Garcia’s commitment to personalized service including making sure his clients have his personal cell number, according to a news release from the chamber. “We are proud to be honoring Sammy and
his staff with this award,” said Doug Peters, chamber president and CEO. “They are a true example of the entrepreneurial spirit and excellence in customer service that make our community great.” Garcia serves as the chairman of the Hispanic Business Council, the vice chairman of Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas board, is a board member for the Family & Consumer Sciences/Better Living for Texans Task Force, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and a member of the chamber’s Youth Leader Day Committee. United Supermarkets is a Texas-based grocery chain with stores in 36 communities in West Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth and New Mexico. “We are proud to be honoring United Supermarkets with this award,” Peters said. “They are a community champion providing leadership across many different organizations and causes in Abilene.” The Corporate Star Award was created in 2007 and recognizes a local business/organization that goes above and beyond for the Abilene community.
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50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
9 Steps to a Perfectly Profitable Yard Sale By DaveRamsey.com
Ready to get rid of that old crib or closet full of hats? We see a yard sale in your future! Yard sales are still one of the best ways to turn your unused stuff into cash. But they can get a little stressful. To avoid all that, give yourself a few weeks (or weekends) to prepare for your Saturday sell-a-thon. The more time you have to relax and get organized, the easier—and more successful— your yard sale will be. Here are nine must-dos before, during and after your big sale:
1. Clean it out.
By “it” we mean your garage, basement, attic, closets, cabinets, and under all the beds. A good rule of thumb is: If you don’t dust it regularly, it probably needs a good purge. This serves the dual purpose of A.) seeing what you’ve got and B.) gaining some space to sell from.
2. Organize items.
your
As you’re unearthing tennis rackets and plant stands, put them into three basic categories: keep, sell and trash. Don’t worry about pricing anything right now. Just focus on sorting. Once your piles are made, put all the “sell” stuff in a room and shut the door. For now, your main goal is just getting rid of the trash and finding a permanent home for the stuff you’re going to keep.
3. Name your price.
When you have a free afternoon or night, hunker down and start pricing your “sell” items. Be careful not to attach sentimental value to your stuff and overprice it in the process. If you need an objective opinion, ask a friend to come over and tell you what they would reasonably pay for the item.
4. Set a date.
How many times have you said you’d do a big house project and then life got in the way? Prepping for a yard sale is a huge undertaking, so go ahead and do the work before you set the date. That way, you won’t get stressed out trying to meet some self-imposed deadline.
5. Reserve a truck.
Everyone has stuff left over after a yard sale. You will too. If it’s available in your area, call Goodwill or your local thrift store to request a pickup for the late afternoon on the day of your yard sale. Or ask a friend if you can borrow a truck for the evening to haul the items off yourself.
6. Do your marketing.
Don’t overthink your yard sale marketing. It’s a yard sale. But do grab some signs from the dollar store and draw big arrows directing folks to your house. Be sure the path is so simple a first grader could find it! If you want to advertise in the local paper or social media, go ahead. But don’t stress about it.
7. Position your stuff.
The morning of the sale, get up early and move everything into position. Put the big items closer to the street, so people know you’re selling more than Garth Brooks T-shirts and costume jewelry. For everything else, keep it organized and easy to sort through. People like that.
8. Expect negotiations.
Everyone wants a deal. That’s why folks wake up early on Saturday mornings to buy your cast-offs. So give them a deal. Let the customer negotiate, but stick to your guns if the price gets too low. You’re not giving stuff away—not yet anyway.
9. Have a post-sale.
If you still have some higher-dollar items left over, advertise online and see who bites. Stipulate that your buyers must pick up their stuff by the next day, so it doesn’t overwhelm your garage for a week. For the rest of the stuff, give to your local thrift store. Once you count up all your cash, do a little victory dance. You did it! But before you go depositing all that cash into your emergency fund, use a small portion to thank your kids, spouse, friends, or whoever helped. Milkshakes for everyone!
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Pick us up at Golden Corral, MCM Elegante and Long John Silvers | BUSINESS | 51
Abilene’s Play Faire Park Is Among Oldest In Texas By Joy Bonala | KACU 89.5 FM
Some say the place is like a magical forest, others call it refuge for tie-dye addicts and one person likens it to a real life Candy Land. Play Faire Park leaves a unique impression on every visitor. Established in 1947, the park is well-used and that’s just how the owner prefers it. “I like old things, keeping them going, things that I think are good and real,” said owner Chris England. England, also known as “Doc” took over the park 23 years ago. The former youth minister at St. Paul United Methodist Church also used to run a Boys & Girls Club in Abilene. These days you can find him out at the park smiling from the black and white checkered booth at the entrance or busy making a repair somewhere on a course tattered from love. The park nestled on a secluded lot off North First Street may well be the oldest continuously operated miniature golf park in the state of Texas. Others match in age but they haven’t remained open consistently. Play Faire’s 69th season is underway, England celebrates every year that he’s able to keep the park open. “My wife’s name is Melanie and she’s wonderful because she allows me to do this,” England said. “Nobody in their right mind would allow somebody to do this, it’s a lot of time you don’t make very much money.”
Start Tracking the Miles
By Sandra J Hastings | Hastings Professional Business Services, Hastingspbs.com
Pillow fights, fifties garb, scavenger hunts? Anything goes at Play Faire Park. England shows movies at the park and hosts the Rocky Horror Picture Show twice a year, which he calls “crazy.” He also added live music Friday and Saturday nights. The addition of music is one of the biggest ways England changed the atmosphere of the park. When he took it over in 1994 the park had no momentum, no energy. To fix that, he built an outdoor stage on the west side of the park for concerts. England said Play Faire is the perfect venue for local musicians eager to get out and perform without having to play in a bar. When there isn’t live music, England keeps a fun playlist going and it’s mostly all classics from the 1960’s. “We were looking for music that would reach across generations,” England said. “It’s The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater, you know, Sly and the Family Stone, it’s all feel good music that makes you smile.” England said he sees families respond to the park’s atmosphere all the time, people come in with grumpy teenagers but after playing for a while tensions melt away and families unite. “It’s just so cool,” England said. “Those are the jewels in my crown.”
All the work pays off for England when he bears witness to little moments like those. He gets to be a part of some big moments too. Five weddings have taken place at the park. So why do they work so hard to keep the (Photo by Joy Bonala) Chris “Doc” England has been the owner He’s lost count of how many engagements. He of Play Faire Park for the past 23 years. The park just opened says the place is still an ideal first date spot and park going? its 69th season. a popular pick for birthday parties. “We feel that we make Abilene a better place to live just by keeping it open because Faire Park her whole life. She grew up tagging On the west side of the course Daniel and the park I think adds to the fabric of our com- along with her grandparents as they attended Melissa Armstrong and their three kids were munity,” England said. festivals at the park. She’s been to concerts stalled at the No. 9 hole, battling one of the and birthday parties at the park and one time park’s infamous spinning wheels. The first week of the park’s 69th season she even played golf in her pajamas during an also happened to be spring break for kids in international scavenger hunt that involved a Melissa said her family enjoys the tether ball Abilene. Scarlett Yates and her two younger public pillow fight. game England recently added to Play Faire brothers were laughing as they progressed Park. More games are coming soon, England to the next hole on their afternoon free from “I had my sweet 16 here,” Yates said with a big has plans to build an entire play museum in the homework. laugh, “I had like 200 friends and it was 50’s park. He’s a big believer in outdoor play, he’ll [themed] so everyone came dressed up in like do anything to help kids trade some of their Yates,18, said she’s been coming to Play 50’s garb.” screen time for warm sunshine.
The Internal Revenue Service allows you as a business owner to deduct vehicle expenses you incur while conducting business. Because fraud is common in vehicle expense claims, the IRS requires the expenses claimed are legitimate business expenses. A detailed vehicle mileage log provides adequate records to properly track the expenses.
Total Mileage
To deduct expenses for business use of your vehicle from your business income, you need to track the total mileage you drive in a year. In your mileage log, make the first entry in the record-keeping system the beginning mileage of your vehicle on Jan. 1. Next year’s entry on Jan. 1 will be the ending mileage entry for this year. You need the total mileage to calculate the appropriate business and personal use of the vehicle whether you are standard mileage or actual vehicle expenses.
Trip and Purpose
The IRS formally requires you to keep track of each business trip, including the starting and ending mileage, as well as the reason for the trip. You should include the destination and people you meet there if it was for a business meeting or sales call. If you were purchasing supplies, state what type of purchase you made on that trip. Generally speaking, your vehicle expense log should include beginning and ending miles, destination, total miles for each trip, and any vehicle expenses such as fuel, oil change, tires, repairs, parking tolls. There are many excel templates and applications to apply to your mobile electronic devices to assist with the tracking of mileage and expenses. For example, TRIPLog for an Android phone is a nice application which uses GPS tracking, and it is FREE. There are many such applications and you should do research to find the one which is best suited to your device and needs.
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52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
5 Steps to Starting Your Side Business By Christy Wright | DaveRamsey.com
With over 30 million Americans working as independent workers or “solopreneurs,” not to mention the endless free social media and selling platforms, there’s never been a better time or bigger audience to launch your own side gig.
3. Be prepared to get scared.
Fear is just a part of the journey, and if you know that going in, you can set yourself up to overcome it. Putting yourself out there can feel vulnerable and scary, but you can’t succeed unless you do it! I write on this topic freMaybe you’ve always had a knack for repaint- quently because I battle fear just like you do. ing old thrift store furniture. Or maybe you’re a gifted musician who could coach other young 4. Just take the first step. Business aspiring talent. Maybe you have a specific ed- can be overwhelming with all that you have ucation, training, experience or skill that you to do, especially when you’re starting out. But could develop into a freelance business such as don’t focus on all that you have to do. Just fofinancial planning or graphic design. Whatever cus on one thing that you have to do. When your “thing” may be, there are plenty of good you take that one baby step, it fuels your focus reasons to get going. and gives you the confidence and momentum to take that second baby step. First, you can make extra money on the side. Extra money is always a good thing! Second, 5. Do it now. If you wait until you’re you can set your own schedule. That way you ready, until you have more experience, or until can build your business around your life ver- all the details are perfect before you go for it, sus the other way around. Also a good thing! you’ll never do anything. Go for it now, when And finally, you get to utilize something you’re you’re not ready, you don’t have experience, good at and enjoy. Also a good—and fulfill- it’s not perfect, and you’re scared out of your ing—thing! mind. Do it anyway. Do it scared. Ready is a myth. Regardless of where you are now, 2016 can be the year that you get started!But, of course, There you go! These are the first five things getting started is the hardest part! I coach you need to do to get started. And notice not women with side businesses through my Busi- one of them was “go buy a bunch of equipness Boutique events all over the country, and ment and materials” or “pay $10,000 for a proI know how difficult and overwhelming it can fessional website.” Those things aren’t a bad seem. So, to help, here are the first five steps investment later down the line when your busiyou can take to jump-start your side business. ness revenues justify it. But when you’re starting out, the problem isn’t the design of your 1. Find community. Just because website; it’s your fear, doubt, and hesitation. you’re doing it on your own doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Find other people who can If you do these five things, you’ll be well on help support your dream, provide resources or your way to joining the movement of people connections that may help you, or give you ad- making money doing what they love! vice when you need it. Christy Wright is on a mission to equip wom2. Create a plan. It doesn’t have to be en to make money doing what they love. Join fancy or 14 pages long. You can make your Christy at her next Business Boutique events in own, search for a template online, or even use Fort Worth on May 20–21. You will leave with my Business Boutique Quick-Start Guide. It the motivation and tools you need to start, run doesn’t matter how you do it; it just matters and grow your own side business! that you do it. May 20‑21, 2016 8:30 a.m. Fort Worth Convention Center 1201 Houston St Fort Worth, TX 76102 To register go to www.BusinessBoutique.com for more information.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
‘Firehouse Subs’ is more than just subs
Pick us up at The Whitten Inn, China Star, Wholly Cow Burgers & H.E.B. | BUSINESS | 53
Firehouse Subs gives back to the community on a daily basis By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine Firehouse Subs does more than provide hearty and tasty subs to the Abilene community. Giving back to first responders is naturally part of the franchise’s culture with the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. After serving in the Air Force as a Weapons System Officer, Chad Fulkerson was drawn to Firehouse Subs charitable culture when he was considering starting a business of his own. “It wasn’t just owning and operating a business with Firehouse Subs,” Fulkerson said. “It was something a little bit more, where you could give back to the community through the Foundation.” After nearly two years of training and planning, Firehouse Subs in Abilene had it’s grand opening on October 10, 2014. They have continued to grow since then. Fulkerson is working on expanding into San Angelo and opening a North Abilene location as well. “To think that somebody like myself could actually do something like this is exciting,” Fulkerson said. “It is an amazing feeling to actually own and operate your very own business.” Fulkerson credits the success of Firehouse Subs to the community of Abilene and the Firehouse Subs crew, who both have become more like family over the years. “Abilene has been so kind to us, ” Fulkerson said. “But what I think is even bigger is the team members- the crew. It is amazing to have all of us working together, as a team, for a single purpose.” That single purpose is creating a family-friendly atmosphere for customers to enjoy tasty subs, while giving back. Offering excellent customer service comes naturally when the crew greets every customer as they walk through the door.
Firehouse Subs gives back through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. With their purchase, customers are able to donate either by rounding up their total bill or through a drop box by the register. These donations are what drive Firehouse Subs ability to give to communities around the nation. “By doing that, and having them as part of our family and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, we were able to award grants to the Abilene Fire Department and the Potosi Fire Department,” Fulkerson said. “That is what the customer ultimately does.” Firehouse Subs is truly more than subs, it is a family with a heart for giving back at the center.
restaurant but into the family of Firehouse Subs,” Fulkerson said. “We strive to not only treat them as a patron coming through the door “It isn’t just a restaurant where you come in, sit but as part of our family too.” down and eat. You know you are a part of the Firehouse family and Abilene community by givThe invitation to be a part of the Firehouse ing back to the first responders.” Subs family extends beyond being a patron. “They are not only being welcomed into the Customers are invited to be a part of the way
54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Jason’s Deli founder speaks in Abilene:
Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Daniela’s Tex Mex | BUSINESS | 55
It all started with delicious idea By Greg Jaklewicz | Abilene Reporter News
What started as a deli for a small shopping center in Beaumont has grown — 40 years in November — into a business that has 260 stores in 196 cities in 29 states. And into a business that is registered as Jason’s Deli in Canada, Mexico and Europe, should the Texas-based restaurant chain choose someday to expand that far. Founder Joe Tortorice Jr. detailed his company’s history and offered ample reasons for its success Wednesday at the final community luncheon of the spring term hosted by former Mayor Gary McCaleb and Abilene Christian University. Tortorice was joined by his wife, Shelley; Kirk Jefferies’ crew that operates the two Abilene stores; and other “expats” from Beaumont. Tortorice packed a lot of information into his lunch chat with McCaleb. On a part-time basis, he was operating a sandwich shop at the laundromat operated by his father when he fell, unknowingly, into an empire-building opportunity. At first, the shopping center developers dismissed Tortorice and his menu of five sandwiches, but not finding anyone else suitable to open a deli, made him a deal: Go to Houston, learn about operating a deli and we’ll get you started. Tortorice kept his job with the state and it was Shelley who ran the deli, he said. T o r -
torice said he benefited from breaks, such as cousins opening locations in Tyler and Plano that proved to him that this business venture had great potential. Asked about his company’s perk of offering free ice cream, he said free frozen yogurt first was tried but that failed. An employee instead suggested ice cream. That worked so well that sales overall increased and, of course, covered the expense. He related the story of an ice cream machine being stolen from the dock at the back of a store in Lafayette, Louisiana, where it had been placed to dry after cleaning. He said he expected to see it outside an LSU football game, and not being used for ice cream. It’s whereabouts, though, remain unknown. The name? He is Joe, not Jason. But Jay, is his son. Jay ... son. In 1980, a guy at a radio station suggested he serve something green and drew up a tabletop salad bar setup on a napkin. Three weeks later, Jason’s added one. Shoutout to Shelley — her homemade dressings were used. Tortorice’s other points worth remembering: Entrepreneurs need a unique idea. It’s a people business; connecting emotionally with employees and teaching them life skills is more important than how to make a muffaletta, Tortorice’s sandwich of choice. Go overboard with your generosity. (His story about his retired grandfather showing up on Tortorice’s first day at the deli to help slice meat — and staying for seven years — brought some tears to Wednesday’s audience). Consider yourself as employed in “servant leadership.” “Servant” is found 767 times in the Bible, he said, for good reason. He called the Bible the best “business operation manual” ever written. For dessert, guests enjoyed cookies courtesy of the Abilene stores. “I tested one,” Tortorice said, smiling, “and they’re made just right.”
AAUW Abilene honored six Abilene women for their contributions to the community at the Women of Outstanding Achievement luncheon on Monday, April 4, 2016. Pictured from left to right are: Lynn Barnett, Yanell Rieder, Pat Evans, Shirley Gossard, Cathy Ashby, and Myra Dean. Photo by Lighthouse Photography, LLC
Hendrick Health System named one of the 150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare
Hendrick Health System has earned a spot on Becker’s “150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare.” The list features both U.S. healthcare provider organizations, such as hospitals, health systems, ambulatory surgical centers and home health agencies, as well as other types of healthcare-specific companies, like consulting firms, health IT vendors, medical societies and more. “We are pleased to be included in this year’s list of 150 great places to work,” said Tim Lancaster, president and CEO for Hendrick Health System. “Our efforts begin with training managers and supervisors to hire and retain employees that focus on engagement in the work they do, concentrating on teamwork and accountability. Through those efforts, everything else falls into place.” A version of this list has been published every year since 2011, but this is the third year the list features both providers and nonprovider organizations. The Becker’s Healthcare editorial team determined the organizations included on this year’s list To be considered for this recognition, organizations had to have received national, state or local recognition previously earned for workplace excellence, as well as offering benefits, wellness initiatives, and efforts to improve professional development, diversity and inclusion, work-life balance and a sense of community among employees.
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