Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
APRIL 2018
Volume 8, Issue 12
Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
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
ADVERTISING SALES David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@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. 2018 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
April can be a busy time of year for many, with STAAR testing, planning graduation parties, planning summer weddings, prepping our yards to plant new flowers and the bad word we all hate, TAXES! Whatever season you are in right now in your life, we pray that you are enjoying it. Just like the actual seasons we go through with weather, there are seasons we go through in life as well. We just need to remember it is just a “season” and soon it shall pass as well. No matter where you are at right now or what you are going through, may it be a learning lesson for you and may you grow from it. Remember to stay blessed and to be a blessing! Every season we are going through, we are going through for a reason. Tomorrow is a new day, and it is never too late to be better and to do better! Have a great month and as always….First God, then Family and finally Friends….
David & Amy Hernández & the girls and all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Big Brothers Big Sisters aims To Recruit 40 Men In 40 Days By Megan Tolle | Director of Public Relations and Recruiting, Big Brothers Big Sisters Abilene
More than 150 Abilene kids are waiting for a the children of Abilene well we mentor. 100 of those kids are boys in need of need more volunteers to join us a Big Brother. as mentors, especially men. In honor of our 40th year in Abilene, Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children we are excited to launch our Real facing adversity with professionally support- Men Mentor: 40 Men in 40 Days ed, one-to-one mentoring relationships that campaign on March 22nd,” says change their lives for the better, forever. Chil- Megan Tolle, Director of Pubdren served, called Littles, are matched with a lic Relations and Recruiting at volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister based on BBBS of Abilene. common interests, personality, and experiences. Matches spend time together 2-4 times a “Young men in our community need more month. In the Lunch Buddies program, match- men to look up to…that’s the biggest thing. es eat lunch, read, or play games together at Mothers are generally always there. All of us the Little’s school. Matches in the Communi- firefighters can attest to that,” states Deputy ty-Based program may enjoy their time toss- Chief Mike Burden, volunteer Big Brother ing a ball around, going to a movie, eating out, and BBBS board member. or doing some other fun activity they choose together. BBBS’ Real Men Mentor: 40 Men in 40 Days campaign, sponsored by Weathersby Roofing, “Our goal is to successfully serve 635 chil- will run March 22nd through April 30th. Men dren this year. To meet that goal and serve who are interested in learning more about
volunteering as a Big Brother are encouraged to inquire online at www. bbbstx.org/volunteer or call Megan at 325-674-3139. Men who complete an application and complete a scheduled interview will be counted and receive a “Real Men Mentor” shirt or ball cap. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters programming and opportunities to volunteer, please visit bbbstx.org or call Megan Tolle at 325-674-3139.
www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine
KEY PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT & REAL ESTATE 325-690-0123 www.WeSellAndRentAbilene.com
HOUSES, APARTMENTS, DUPLEXES, CONDOS, INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
- Little Elm Condo’s -
- Jefferson Square Apts -
5450 S. 7th at Ruidosa • 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath .......................$499 • 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath ......................$579 • 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths.....................$679
1 & 2 Bedroom Apts. Cute Floor Plan, Stove & Fridge, Enclosed Patios 1 Bedrooms: Starting at $389 2 Bedrooms: $559/Month Washer & Dryer Connections, Dishwashers & Disposals Pets Welcomed!
• Water Paid • Close To Dyess • Stove, Fridge, Dishwashers • Fireplace • W/D Connections 1 BEDROOM
2 BEDROOM
602 North Jefferson $389 161 S. Pioneer $ 5451 Laguna 499 5451 Laguna 200 North Jefferson
575
$
579
$
559
$
3 BEDROOM
718 High 599/$300 $ 650 310A CR 133 2965 Sunlake, 2/2 $559/$300 $
1110 Roma, 3/2
699/$450
$
10390343
Close to DYESS AFB
COMMUNITY
LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS
Car & Bike Show and BBQ Cook Off To Benefit Texas Hunters for Heroes COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
By Melissa Vinson | Clyde Chamber of Commerce
The Clyde Chamber of Commerce is hosting it’s second Car & Bike Show and BBQ Cook off fundraising event on Saturday, May 5th at the Clyde Lake. This event is open to the public with a $10 entry fee for anyone over 12 years of age. Kids under 12 get in free! The gates open at 8:00 a.m. and Cars and Bike registration will end at 11:00 a.m. Awards for all classes will be announced at 3:00 p.m. For information on registering your car or motorcycle, contact the Chamber office at (325)893-4221 or email a request for a registration packet to chamber@clydecityhall.com. The Clyde Lake will be hopping with Live Music, Vendors of all kinds, Food Trucks and games going on all day until 10:00 p.m. Live music includes Happy Fat, Kind Liars, Kacey Toliver and Kirk House Band. Bring the family out and enjoy some Knockerball, swimming, and rock climbing. Vendors interested in participating should contact Melissa at the Clyde Chamber office at (325) 893-4221 or by email chamber@clydecityhall.com asap! Vendor spaces are $30/$40 with electricity.
ABOUT TEXAS HUNTERS FOR HEROES Our activities at Texas Hunters for Heroes consist of hunting and fishing trips all over Texas. We assist in every aspect of our hunts from the field to the freezer. Our goal is to show our veterans respect, honor, compassion, and above all love for our fellow many through the fellowship and excitement we hunter’s share each time we go on a trip. Through this we hope to assist in their rehabilitation and reintegration into civilian life. Every veteran will have a guide on the trip who will be there in case assistance is needed or if they don’t need any assistance they will be there just for support. We provide an opportunity for veter-
ans to simply be around other veterans, relate to each other, share experiences, and potentially form life-long friendships. It gives a sense of fellowship to veterans that they may have otherwise never experienced. Our hunting season starts September 1st and goes through the middle of May the following year, however we always have special donated hunts and Hog hunting is a year round event. Our annual fishing trip is in June. With the help and support of our sponsors, volunteers, and donors we do our best to contribute to the veteran’s well-being and provide them with an experience that they will remember forever. Contact Chris English, President, TX Hunters for Heroes West Texas-Clyde Chapter, at (325)386-8094 for more information.
The BBQ Cook Off judging will take place that evening with trophies and prizes for the winners. This year, we are proud to announce that a portion of the Cook Off proceeds will be donated by the Chamber of Commerce to the newly formed Texas Hunters for Heroes – West Texas-Clyde Chapter. We are still in need of cook off teams! If you are interested in entering, please contact Chris English at (325)386-8094.
PLATINUM
GOLD
Abilene
WRECKER SERVICE
SPONSORS SILVER
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
BRONZE
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Wings on the Wind Festival To Be Held at Abilene State Park April 28 By Pamela Yeaman | Big Country Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists
WHAT: The Wings on the Wind Festival will be celebrating all things that blow, fly
and thrive in the West Texas wind. There will be family-friendly stations about: wind and weather, solar spots and wind, bees, butterflies, birds, bats, seed dispersal and more! There will also be paper airplanes, parachute games, and cloud art. There will be live music and concessions will be available.
WHO: The Big Country Chapter of the Texas Master
Naturalists will be sponsoring the festival. Texas Master Naturalists are a non-profit group of volunteers teaching and learning about the great state of Texas! They are sponsored by: Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
WHEN: Saturday, April 28 from 1-4:00 p.m. WHERE: Abilene State Park, 16 miles southwest of Abilene through Buffalo Gap on FM 89. Under the trees near the pool and the CCC Building
COST: $5 per car at the Abilene State Park gate. The festival is free. FOR MORE INFORMATION:Pamela Yeaman (325) 260-4255, Volunteer or visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BCTXMN/
Mockingbird Movies:Pitch Perfect 3
Family Films: Coco
Family Flix: Up
Apr. 14 at 11:00AM, South Branch
Weekend Walk-In Flix: The Commuter
Saturday Matinee: Only the Brave
PG Flix & Crafts: Wall-E
Apr. 21 at 2:30PM, Mockingbird Apr. 9 at 6:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Branch
Apr. 14 at 2:00PM, South Branch
Marvel Marathon:Avengers Age of Ultron Apr. 21 at 10:00AM, Main Library
Apr. 22 at 3:00PM, South Branch
Apr. 26 at 5:00PM, South Branch
Mockingbird Movies: Star Wars - The Last Jedi May 4 at 2:30PM, South Branch
Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.
SPOTLIGHT
2nd Annual Music for Meals Concert Will Benefit Meals on Wheels
By Stephanie Mason | Development Director, Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc.
WHO: Meals on Wheels and Meals for the Elderly provide home
delivered meals for over 160 people living in Ballinger, Winters, Rowena, Norton, Miles and Pumphrey who are elderly, or who are younger adults with disabilities, and unable to provide balanced meals for themselves.
WHAT: The 2nd Annual Music for Meals benefit will feature per-
formances by Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Brad Davis and the band Crossfire. The evening will include a grilled pork loin steak dinner, both live and silent auctions, and dancing.
WHERE: St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 506 Edward St., Rowena, Texas WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2018. Event begins at 5:00 pm Firefighter Adam McGonegal joined
the Abilene Fire Department in April of 2015. He is certified as a Basic Firefighter and EMT-Paramedic. He currently is assigned to Station 3 on B shift.
COST: $25.00 for individual tickets
$15.00 for to go plates at the drive thru window
SPONSORS:If you have questions or want to reserve a sponsorship or donate to our auction please contact either: Betty L. Bradley, Executive Director – Meals on Wheels Plus in Abilene, P.O. Box 903 – Abilene, TX 79604 325-672-5050 bbradley@mealsonwheelsplus.com Serving Ballinger, Winters, Rowena, Pumphrey & Norton OR Charlyn Ocker, President & CEO – Meals For The Elderly in San Angelo. 310 East Houston Harte – San Angelo, TX 76903 325-655-9200, sameals@mealsfortheelderly.org Serving Miles
Firefighter Thomas Dyer joined the Abilene Fire Department in April of 2015. He is certified as a Basic Firefighter and Licensed Paramedic. He currently is assigned to Station 2 on B shift.
Visit us on facebook @runnelscomusicformeals and Instagram #runnelscomusicformeals Music For Meals. Please visit www.mealsonwheelsplus.com to sign up as a sponsor or to purchase tickets.
t party benefiting The fifth annual Spanish-style stree the Center for Contemporary Arts! rtyard for our Join us this year at SODA District Cou is located on rd Fiesta De Arts! SODA District Courtya 834 S. 3rd Street, Abilene Texas.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Play Faire Park Still Keeping Abilene Families Entertained More Than 70 Years Later By Nicholas Teresky | KTXS
Tucked away on North 2nd Street and Park Street in Abilene is Play Faire Park -- a miniature golf course with so much history. Back in 1947, when Abilene had about 27,000 residents and gas was just 15-cents a gallon, Play Faire Park was being built. In the years that followed, it became the entertainment center of town. Owner Chris England, who is known as Doc, remembers the golden age of the miniature golf facility he runs. “We have lots of first dates, engagements, I have people come up all the time and say I met my wife here,” said Doc. 71 years and who knows how many holesin-one later, the place that has seen its ups and downs. One of the biggest was in 2004. Someone cut through the gate and -- after stealing stole some candy and golf balls -- set the park on fire. Fast forward to present day, Play Faire Park
still has that same old feel. But it has fresh paint, landscaping and a few touches of modernization. All of those upgrades were made possible last year when more than 400 people pledged over $36,000 to do some remodeling. “The community has come together and really supported us and said ‘yeah we love that place and it’s special to us,’” Doc said. So once some new lights and turf were added to the facility, one of the oldest miniature golf courses in Texas is still bringing people together. For Doc, there are some things money just can’t buy, like the time that families get to spend with each other at Play Faire Park. “You see a family come in with a teenager, has his head down looking at his phone, walking behind, and when that family leaves, they are saying ‘I got you on that one, no I got you,’” said Doc, “They’re a family and that’s so cool.”
Pick us up at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
Veterans Benefits Fair To Be Held at National WASP WWII Museum By Robert R. McBride, SFC U.S. Army (Ret.) | VCSO Nolan County
The Nolan County Veterans Service Office invites all area Veterans, Surviving Spouses, and other interested parties to a Veterans Benefits Fair with special emphasis on Women Veterans on Saturday the 21st of April. The location is National WASP WWII Museum, 210 Avenger Field Rd. Sweetwater, Texas 79556. It will run from 10 A.M. until 4 P.M. with a keynote address at 11 A.M. by Anna Baker from the Texas Veterans Commission. Staff from the Texas Veterans Commission, The Texas Veterans Land Board, The Abilene VetCenter, and the West Texas VA Healthcare System will be available throughout the day. Lunch will be provided for those in attendance by Kindred At Home Health and there will be a door prize drawing for a Patriotic Themed Quilt from the Nolan County Quilting Club. For further information contact the Nolan County Veterans Service Office at (325) 235-2214 or email robert.mcbride@co.nolan.tx.us
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Abilene Wins Governor’s Award For Beautification By Brian Bethel | Abilene Reporter- News
Abilene has won the Governor’s Community Achievement Award for cities of its size because of its beautification efforts, according to the website of Keep Texas Beautiful. The award provides $290,000 to beautify a Texas Department of Transportation right of way within the city, according to Keep Abilene Beautiful’s Facebook page. Keep Abilene Beautiful was “excited and filled with joy” to announce the win, adding that the honor was a “reflection of our community’s involvement in beautification, waste reduction, and conservation efforts.” “We would like to send a big Texas-sized ‘Thank You’ to our Keep Abilene Beautiful volunteers, the City of Abilene (City Hall), and the Abilene Community for all that you have done to make this possible,” the organization said in its statement. For more than 30 years, Keep Texas Beautiful, in partnership with TxDOT, has awarded the Governor’s Community Achievement Awards to Texas communities for “outstanding overall efforts to keep their communities beautiful,” according to KTB’s website. Ten winning communities based on size shared $2 million in landscaping awards from TxDOT. A community’s environmental program is judged on achievements in seven areas, according to Keep Texas Beautiful. Those categories are: community leadership and coordination; public awareness; education; beautification and com-
munity improvement; litter prevention and cleanup; solid waste management; and litter law and illegal dumping enforcement. Abilene also was recognized for sustained excellence. The city of Haskell was second in its class for cities between 3,001 and 5,500 people.
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
Big Country Walk for Autism Saturday, April 21 • 10am - 1p.m.
Abilene Christian University’s Elmer Gray Stadium The Big Country Walk for Autism (BCWA 2018) is an annual fundraiser for REACH for a Difference, your local resource for Autism in Abilene and the Big Country. Our goal is to raise $25,000 so we can continue providing resources, education, advocacy, community events, and hope to individuals and families impacted by Autism. The walk will be Saturday, April 21 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Abilene Christian University’s Elmer Gray Stadium. There will be characters, food trucks, games, local vendors and more. In order to register your team or to become a sponsor for the event, go to the website at: www.reachforadifference.org. By giving you will help REACH continue providing services like Phoebe’s Closet that has helped numerous churches, families, and schools with sensory items for their children that can’t be covered by insurance. Your gift will help us continue to keep our children safe by teaching swim lessons and water safety. Your gift will help our support groups and trainings so the community has awareness and is educated. Your gift will go to resource booklets for schools and families to connect to needed therapies. Most importantly, this year we’d like to support programs like Social Groups and Lunch Buddy programs that need our help with funding, so that they can begin helping our children that are struggling in middle school and high schools. These are a few examples of the amazing things REACH does and can do with your help. Please show up and be a “Difference Maker” in our community and for others.
Hendrick Hospice Care’s Camp Courage Offers Healing for Children Suffering Loss Applications accepted through May 15
By Lynne Bruton | Public Relations Coordinator, Hendrick Health System
Research shows that when children who have suffered loss are surrounded by peer support of others who have also experienced loss, they feel accepted as they are and are able to gain new friendships grounded by their shared experiences that produces hope. Every summer, Hendrick Hospice Care’s Camp Courage offers that type of peer support to enable children to truly heal and gain hope for their future. The four-day, three-night camp offers children typical recreational camp activities, as well as grief activities to build self-confidence, trust and understanding of their grief experience. The supportive environment works to give children an outlet for unexpressed emotions, develop coping skills and
provides connections with other children who have suffered similar losses. Camp Courage offers a place of healing and hope for area children suffering a loss of a loved one through death, divorce or other painful transition. The camp is offered for third through 12th graders and is held in Lueders, June 6-9. Applications are available at www.hendrickhospice.org/campcourage, by email at bchalmers@ ehendrick.org or by calling 325-670-6951.
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
DIVERSITY SALES EVENT $71,025
$
2018 RAPTOR
388 /MO
$28,438
$
359
/MO
$26,383 2018 EDGE
$
259
/MO
$23,888
2018 MUSTANG ECOBOOST
$
238
/MO
2018 EXPLORER
$17,423
2018 ECOSPORT $
$
199 /MO
$19,800
2018 ESCAPE
199 /MO
$14,888
2018 FOCUS
2018 Ford Raptor • #980599 • MSRP: $71,025 • $10,000 below market value • 2018 Ford Explorer • #980303 • MSRP: $35,135 • Arrow Discount $3,197 • $2000 Customer Cash • $500 Motor Credit • $1000 SUV Certificate Bonus Cash • Sale Price $28,438 • Monthly Payment $388 • APR 3.9% Term 84 months • TT&L • 2018 Ford Edge Sel • #980351 • MSRP: $33,145 • Arrow Discount $3,262 •$2500 Customer Cash • $1000 SUV Certificate Bonus Cash • Sale Price $26,383 • Monthly Payment $359 • APR 3.9% Term 84 months • TT&L • 2018 Ford Mustang • #980106 • MSRP: $28,080 • Arrow Discount $1,692 • Retail Cash $2500 • Sale Price $23,888 • Monthly Payment $259 • 10% Down • APR 1.8% • TT&L + 10% • Taxes due upon delivery • 2018 Ecosport • #980305 • MSRP: $20,990 • Arrow Discount $2,067• $1000 Customer Cash • $500 SUV Certificate Bonus Cash • Sale Price $17,423 • Monthly Payment $238 • APR 3.9% Term 84 months • TT&L • 2018 Escape• #980456 • MSRP: $24,845 • Arrow Discount $2,045• $3000 Retail Cash • $1000 Fash Cash Certificate• $1,000 Owner Loyalty • Sale Price $19,800 • Monthly Payment $199 • APR 1.5% Term 39 months • TT&L + 10% • Taxes due upon delivery • 10% Down • Loyalty available in addition to other offers • Not Calculated • 2018 Focus • #980341 • MSRP: $21,515 • Arrow Discount $2,627• $4000 Customer Cash • Sale Price $14,888 • Monthly Payment $199 • APR 3.9% Term 84 months • TT&L
4001 S. 1ST STREET | ARROWFORD.COM | 325.692.9500
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
Cirque Italia Debuts Their Aquatic Spectacular April 19-22 By Chante’ DeMoustes | COO & Producer, Cirque Italia
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Aquatic Spectacular”? Water, entertainment, excitement……? You can expect all these things and so much more from the brand new themed Cirque Italia production with its perfectly fitting new title. After six years of enhancements, a rigorous casting selection, and countless performances nationwide, this newest form of Cirque Italia’s innovative and unique “traveling circus” spectacular production is set to be its finest to date. Aquatic Spectacular came to life all thanks to its imaginative creator Manuel Rebecchi, along with invaluable direction and production management by Chanté DeMoustes. Cirque Italia’s brand-new theme show is an artistic blend of human abilities, technology and the element of water. This one-of-a-kind production combines water fountains, jet-skis, pirates, and more in a fun filled atmosphere all ages are sure to enjoy.
The box office opens on-site on Tuesday, the week of the show. Non-show days: 10am – 6pm; On show days: 10am – 9pm. You can purchase tickets through our web When: April 19-22 Where: 1801 E South 11th St, Abilene, TX 79602 Expo Center of Taylor County Located: In the parking lot; Under the grand, swirling White and Blue tent! • April 19- Thursday: 7:30pm • April 20- Friday: 7:30pm • April 21- Saturday: 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm • April 22- Sunday: 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm For more information visit www.cirqueitalia.com and make sure to check all our social media accounts.
Performers from all over the world have been brought together under the enchanted spiral of the white and blue big top. The merging of their astonishing skills with the poetic element of water has led to the creation of a truly unforgettable experience. Cirque Italia has managed to create a beautifully unique theatrical production by combining the gracefulness of the human body with the calming fluidity of water, along with bursts of power and excitement as well. Aquatic Spectacular offers two hours of high-end entertainment. Beautiful aerialists dazzle and shimmer on a chandelier high above the ground, but they aren’t the only ones that will draw your eyes toward the sky. You can expect to see contortion in a bubble, a Venetian aerial duo, and even someone hula hooping while in the air. Don’t worry about getting your eyes checked, you aren’t seeing double; there are TWO lasermen. Duo jugglers, duo roller-skaters, the always breathtaking wheel of death………the list goes on and on. It is even possible for a pre-historic dinosaur to make an appearance. Let your imagination wander, because anything is possible in this new whimsical production. One might be concerned that such a spectacular entertainment opportunity is out of his/her price range, but Cirque Italia is committed to bringing a Las Vegas quality production to your hometown at an affordable price. They also feature many special offers and promotions. Cirque Italia continues to contribute to the modernization of the performing arts and the circus industry by abiding by a strict animal free policy.
site (cirqueitalia.com/tickets) or by phone: (941) 7048572. We also respond to text message. Non vediamo l’ora di vedervi allo spettacolo! Let Your Imagination Wander...and come DIVE into the Magical world of CIRQUE ITALIA.
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
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
www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine
Marie Alicia Campos, 71, of Abilene, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Mrs. Campos was born June 21, 1946, in Sinton, Texas to Jose Angel Benivamondez and Juanita Garcia Benivamondez. Marie enjoyed shopping with her daughters, one of her favorite places was Goodwill. She also liked sewing and cooking. Marie made many great meals, menudo was one of her best delicacies along with delicious corn or flour tortillas and all the fixings. Mrs. Campos was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister and grandmother, she will be missed dearly by all who knew her. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Freddie Campos of Abilene; three sons, Raul Torres and wife, Lisa, Robert Guevara and wife, Juanita, and Frankie Campos, all of Abilene; three daughters, Irene Montez and husband, Jimmy, of Abilene, Margie Flores and husband, Hector, of Irving, Texas and Nelda Montez and husband, Santiago, of Abilene; one brother, Jose Benivamondez and wife, Amelia, of Abilene; her grandchildren, Yvette, Janelle, Felipe, Robert Jr., Benjamin, James, Elayna, Mercades, Stacey, Evan, Cesar, Leanna, Alejandro and Megan; 17 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Mr. Campos was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Juanita Benivamondez; one brother, Gilbert Benivamondez; five sisters, Rosa Espinoza, Guadalupe Gonzales, Estella Tamez, Victoria Campos and Virginia Benivamondez.
stand to see any of his loved ones unhappy. Willie was an awesome person that everyone that got to know him, will forever remember him. Survivors include his loving wife, Amelia of Abilene; sons, Johnny Gonzales (Teresa) of Abilene, Michael Gonzales (Christina Ramos) of Abilene, Tobias Gonzales (Priscilla) of Clyde and Silgerio Rios Jr. (Jennifer) of Alabama; daughters, Debbie Cisneros of Abilene, Becky Quevedo (Felix) of Abilene, Sandra Chacon of Abilene, Michelle Solis (Johnny) of Anson, Sylvia Ybarra (Joseph) of Abilene and Georgina Garcia (Michael Flores) of Abilene; sister Sally Guajardo; 13 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Mr. Arellano was preceded in death by his parents, Gabino and Cruz Arellano; one brother; daughter, Gloria Lomas; brother-in-law, Leon Guajardo Sr.; and nephew Leon Guajardo Jr.. Nicole Jeanette Galvan, 36, passed away Friday, March 30, 2018. Miss Galvan was born June 24, 1981, in Stamford, Texas to Freddy and Yolanda Galvan. She did bookkeeping for many local businesses here in Abilene. Nicole enjoyed the weekly family gatherings, cookouts and playing board games. She was a very creative, social and artistic person, her drawings and colorings spoke volumes. Nicole adored all kinds of flowers, but her favorite were carnations. She was always a happy and outgoing person who was living life to it’s fullest. We believe it’s true that the good Lord always takes the best, rest in peace mother, sister, daughter and friend. Miss Galvan leaves to cherish her memories three beautiful children, 14 year old, Walter “Tre” Edwards III, ten year old, Daniella Rodriguez and nine year old, Kaylee Rodriguez, all of Abilene; her parents, Freddy and Yolanda Galvan of Abilene; three brothers, Jacob Galvan and wife, Vanessa, of Dallas, Isac Galvan of Omaha, Nebraska and Zacharias Galvan of Dallas; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Miss Galvan was preceded in death by two brothers, Nathan Christopher Galvan and Christopher Michael Anguiano.
Willie G. Arellano, 73, of Abilene, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 23, 2018. Mr. Arellano was born May 23, 1944, in Los Angeles, California to Gabino and Cruz Garcia Arellano. He owned and operated his fencing company for over 40 years. Willie was a generous hard working man with a big heart. He enjoyed taking gambling chances on just about any kind of sport, but his favorite was pool playing. Willie was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Family meant everything to him, he could not
Mark Your Calendar for
Saturday, April 21 • 1-3 p.m. Paramount Theatre
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
We are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Fiesta at the Paramount Event happening Saturday, April 21, 2018 in conjunction with Big Day Downtown.
performances from Guerrero, Tabasco and Aguascalientes, they will also debut new dancers!!! Get ready to experience additional performances that are special and unique to this culture.
12:30pm and show begins promptly at 1pm. Our Master of Ceremony will be Albert Guitierrez, Vice President/General ManagerKTABTV/ Telemundo/Bigcountryhomepage.com.
Be ready for an amazing time with a Fiesta atmosphere with family and friends!! We will be highlighting what is at the heart of Latin American/Mexican culture: maraichi & folklorico. This year we will showcase award winning Mariachi Sol Azteca!!! This amazing group will interact and engage you con gusto y alegria. Not only will Ballet Folklorico del Big Country debut new
What’s a FIESTA without PINATAS? This year we have partnered with Palette of Purpose to provide larger than life pinatas for our community to enjoy!!! Each pinata is as unique as the artists who created them. Pinatas will be showcased directly across from the Paramount.
$15 adults/ $12 ages 12 and under Tickets are available at La Voz 93.3FM and HispanicLife. You can also call: Joyce Martinez Sledge, Ballet Folklorico del Big Country: Alma de Nuestras Raices Director, 325-665-9880
Come early and don’t be late. Doors open at
10 Ways that Satan Loves to Watch Marriages Fall Apart
Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Gloria’s Grill and Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
By DeepakReju
According the Bible, Satan prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), but many times, he probably doesn’t have to do that much. I wonder if sometimes Satan sits back and laughs at us. Marriage can be extremely messy. As sinners we can do dumb things in marriage—we hurt one another; we make false assumptions and then miscommunicate; we manipulate or say mean things to our spouse; we think less about serving and more about being served. We don’t always follow God’s Word or advice from godly leaders. We put our hopes in the world or each other more than we put hope in God. We don’t need Satan to ruin our marriage. We do plenty of unhelpful things on our own to ruin our marriages. I’m sure Satan enjoys having a front row seat, watching our folly and foolishness.
What does he see? The Battlefield of Marriage 1. Spouses live in the flesh and not in the Spirit (Galatians 5). ◘ Picture a fight. You and your spouse are arguing about something big or small; and at just the right moment, you are faced with a decision. It’s the moment that I’ve heard some call the watershed moment—the point at which you pick a path to follow. You can satisfy your sinful flesh or follow the lead of the Spirit. You go down the path of a nasty fight or honor your spouse by admitting your wrong. Which do you typically choose? 2. No sex in the marriage (1 Corinthians 7). ◘ If you are fighting, the last thing you want to do is to be intimate with each other, right? Conflict is a barrier to intimacy in marriage. The two are not one, but two. One of God’s purposes for sex is to foster “oneness” or unity (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6) in your marriage. Couples who don’t have regular sex are allowing a barrier to come between them. No sex in marriage means the couples is less unified.
3. A husband is consumed by pornography (1 Thessalonians 4). ◘ This causes him to be distracted from his wife’s beauty. Sometimes he gets drawn in by a pop-up. More often, he simply gives-in to lust (Galatians 5:13) and aggressively pursues it. She discovers it. It quickly shatters trust in the marriage. She is devastated and she asks questions like, “Am I not desirable?” “Why would he look at other women when he has me?” Worst of all, “Is there something fundamentally wrong with me?” 4. Lofty, sky-high expectations. ◘ I’ve seen men crushed under the weight of their wives’ perfectionistic expectations. The husband says things like, “She expects me to be a holy man.” He constantly feels like a failure, and therefore has little to no incentive to actually work at the marriage. She beats him up (verbally, not physically) because (in the words of one spouse I counseled) “nothing else seems to work to get him to do anything.” 5. Nuclear war (Romans 1:28-32). ◘ You go head-to-head every night. You have nasty, mean, tears-evoking, loud-screaming, door-slamming fights. Sometimes it gets physical. And you are weary…very, very weary…because you don’t know how to stop the fights, yet you are tired of dealing with nuclear war every night of your life. 6. Avoidance and withdrawal (Ephesians 4:2627). ◘ The most basic response to any difficulty is the famous fight or flight response. In marriage, the flight response often looks like avoiding your spouse. Maybe you live in the same house, but you live separate lives. After a fight, you avoid one another rather than doing the hard work of dealing with each other. Or, maybe you hide at work in order to avoid the marriage. You are really good at your job, so you often get praise and affirmation at work, but never at home. Is it any surprise that you like being at work more, especially when home is a war zone all of the time? 7. Hate speech (James 4:1). ◘ In the heat of conflict, we say things that we all regret. I have a
friend who calls this stupid talk. Things come out of my mouth, and the moment it launches from my lips, I regret having said it. I wish I could pull it back and stuff back into my mouth. Sadly, I ignore the maxim, “Not everything that comes to my mind needs to come out of my mouth.” 8. Weak boundaries. ◘ The husband flirts with a woman at work by saying nice things to her. He finds her attractive. He finds ways to go out of his way to encourage her, and sadly, he doesn’t ever demonstrate the same kind of deliberateness with his spouse. There is no physical, immoral interactions, but his verbal affirmations and emotional flirting goes beyond what would safely be deemed as platonic. Wives are cable of doing this, too. Often times, in retaliation to the husband’s careless boundaries. 9. Work-idolatry (James 4:4-5). ◘ You love your job and you pour yourself into it, to the detriment of your family. You rationalize, “They need me at work” or “She doesn’t understand the pressure I’m under at work.” If you were honest, you work matters more than your family. You cherish your job more than you do your wife and kids. 10. Lying (Colossians 3:9). ◘ Lying can destroy trust in a marriage. A spouse lies because he is trapped and doesn’t want to have his sin exposed. For example, a husband who has been secretly having an extra-marital affair….of course he is embarrassed for anyone to find out. He is emotionally and spiritually immature—in a word, you married someone with poor character. Sad, isn’t it, to see so much foolishness? This is the typical battlefield of bad marriage. This is why we put our hope not in ourselves, but in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. It is sinners such as these that Jesus came to save (Mark 10:43-45).
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
EDUCATION Focus on Students
LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
Cynthia Alvidrez wants to serve on the AISD School Board and put the focus where it should be: on students By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
they were,” she says. “I found that although the use of violence is a choice, society and its expectations of the roles to which both men and women are expected to adhere have a huge influence on an individual’s behavior when it comes to domestic violence.”
Cynthia Alvidrez is running for a place on the Abilene Independent School District Board because she wants students to have all the help they need to succeed. Like many others she wonders if focusing on test scores has taken some of the focus off students and their basic needs. And she’s concerned about what happens to kids even after school. “The City of Abilene offers the only free afterschool program in Abilene,” she says. “It’s extremely beneficial to everyone, especially to those of us who are struggling to make ends meet. But there is no transportation offered to get these kiddos to the City of Abilene’s free after-school program. Studies have shown how successful students can be when they’re offered care after school.” Cynthia has a strong understanding of family needs because she has made it her profession to make families stronger. She grew up in Abilene, graduated from Abilene High and served in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2007. “I was working three jobs, when 9/11 happened,” Cynthia says. “I remember the planes flying into the twin towers. I felt like it was my duty to serve my country.” She eventually served at Camp Casey in South Korea as a line medic attached to the 302 Forward Support Battalion Charlie Company and 2/9 Infantry. After an honorable discharge in July of 2007, she started college. Cynthia graduated from McMurry University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a minor in Spanish. She went on to earn a Master’s degree from the Texas Tech Health and Science Center. She is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Licensed Professional Counseling Intern.
“There are three basic things families need to survive,” she says, “affordable childcare, reliable transportation and dependable income.” Working at Noah Project with victims of domestic violence, she saw a group she thought was being overlooked. “Many women asked for help for their partners and husbands,” Cynthia says, “which also happened to be the men who had physically abused them. You need to consider all parts of the family equation.” Cynthia’s understanding of domestic violence also comes from her family background. She cites four generations of battering in her family, starting with her great-grandparents. And she admits that she has been in similar relationships. “I want to understand why men use tactics to control their partners and I wanted to know what
Cynthia is a single mom, raising an eight-year-old daughter and two sons, one seven years old and one six months. In December 2015 Cynthia opened the Batterers Intervention and Prevention Project of Abilene, BIPP-A, and holds group meetings weekly. She also leads a group in Wichita Falls. She works in partnership with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and uses a program called the Duluth Curriculum to help batterers understand their own behavior and the belief systems that fuel their behavior in hopes of bringing about individual change. In light of the recent rash of school shootings, Cynthia certainly has concerns about violence in our schools. She wants information about those issues to be available to all, including parents. Abilene Independent School District instituted a “marshal” plan in 2015, arming certain staff members to respond to attacks. “If there’s a weapon at the school my children attend, I need to know that,” Cynthia says. For those who fear domestic violence in their relationships, Cynthia offers straightforward advice. “Listen to your gut,” she says. “Don’t alienate yourself. And be sure to surround yourself with a positive support system.” And for voters her advice is to visit the polls on May 5, Cinco de Mayo, to vote in the school board election.
18 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
MAKING
A+ DIFFERENCE
IAN SHELBURNE MEET
DEPARTMENT/CAMPUS: Abilene High School TITLE: Special Education teacher in practical academics/selfcontained ELA and social studies YEARS WITH AISD: 4 years WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? Born in Malawi, Africa to missionary parents; immigrated to Texas 1980 for last two years of high school; attended Lubbock Christian University, Abilene Christian University and Texas Tech University. Ph.D in Agricultureal Communicaton and Education. TELLS US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: Married to Danetta Shelburne for 32 years; seven children, four biological and three adopted, youngest two are students at Taylor Elementary and Abilene High; TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: Spent 15 years of my career working in Malawi and Uganda (cross-cultural adult education, community development, and church ministry). WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Learning how my students learn, developing a level of relationship with them that builds confidence on their part that they are important and valued, and the opportunity
to get acquainted with each one’s extraordinary personality and gifts.
WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HIM: “Dr. Ian Shelburne is a reserved individual but possesses the heart of a lion. Dr. Shelburne serves as a teacher in the Special Education department as a Practical Academics teacher.He does so with dignity, passion and fortitude. He maintains a high level of expectations for himself and those around him. And when you meet Dr. Shelburne, you can’t help but become a better person. It is indeed a blessing to have Dr. Shelburne as a member of the Abilene High School staff.” – Michael Garcia, principal, Abilene High School
Inexpensive Advertising 1-325-701-9505 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Square Co-inventor Jim McKelvey to Speak at Inaugural Garrison Entrepreneur Series at McMurry By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
Jim McKelvey, internationally known entrepreneur and co-inventor of Square online payment system, is the featured speaker for the inaugural Garrison Entrepreneur Lecture at 11:45 a.m. Monday, April 9, at McMurry University’s Garrison United Methodist Campus Center.
The Garrison family established the Lecture series as part of the $10 million campaign to establish the Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business with the goal to bring outstanding entrepreneurship speakers to McMurry University and the Abilene community.
McKelvey will speak on “Creating Companies That Consumers Embrace” at the luncheon presented by the Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business. McKelvey is best known as the co-inventor of Square, the device that allows small businesses to use smartphones and tablets to swipe credit cards. In addition to Square he is also involved in several for-profit and not-for-profit business ventures including Cultivation Capital, MoneyOnMobile, Third Degree Glass Factory, and most recently, LaunchCode a non-profit that helps novices become programmers in less than six months to acquire high-paying professional employment. McKelvey is also an independent director of the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank.
series.”
“This luncheon is designed for local residents and Abilene businesspersons, including established and budding entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Paul Mason, dean of the Johnson School of Business. “We anticipate that this will be the first in a long line of outstanding speakers as part of the Garrison Entrepreneur Lecture
Individual tickets for lunch are $25 or a table for eight can be purchased for $190. Tickets can be purchased online at mcm.edu/garrison by March 30, 2018. For more information contact Caitlin Boyle at 325-793-3851 or boyle.caitlin@mcm.edu.
Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | EDUCATION | 19
20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Abilene Education Foundation Presents The 11th Annual Young Masters Juried Art Exhibition
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Christine Curtis-Carr | Executive Director, Abilene Education Foundation Abilene Education Foundation (AEF) is proud to present the 11th Annual AEF Young Masters Juried Art Exhibition, which will run from March 30-April 14, 2018 at The Grace Museum in downtown Abilene. The artwork will then be displayed at Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union, 3849 Antilley Road from April 16-May 18, 2018. The awards ceremony is open by invitation to students and their parents, area art educators, community art supporters, and the media. The ceremony is set for Thursday, March 29, 2018, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at The Grace Museum. The juried art competition offers an opportunity for every Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art student in Abilene ISD to submit artwork for a chance to earn a spot in a museum exhibition. Those selected for the exhibition then compete for valuable college scholarships. The exhibition is a collaborative effort by AEF, Abilene ISD, and The Grace Museum and will feature works from 43 students. All paintings and photography for the
show have been professionally framed. The goals of the exhibition are to celebrate young master artists and their dedicated teachers for demonstrating excellence in artistic expression and education and to recognize that outstanding artistic expression with a quality museum exhibition. A combined total of $8,000 in scholarships will be awarded to the top winners, including Best in Show. Additionally, a special scholarship will be awarded in honor of the beloved retired art teacher Martha Kiel, who taught in AISD for 34 years. Two students will also be selected to win a one-on-one Master Class with local professional artists, Patty Rae Wellborn and Linda Stricklin. A color catalog will be presented to all artists selected for the show so they will have
permanent documentation for their portfolio. The students will also be able to use the catalog and professional photography of their work as an important part of their college application submissions if they choose to pursue higher education in visual arts. AP Studio Art teachers for AISD are Amanda Baldwin, Jason Clements, Sherry Griffith, Elizabeth Joy, Melody Kennedy, and April Rifenburg. Final judging for this year’s event is Texas Tech professor and AISD graduate LaGina Fairbetter. Funding for Young Masters comes from several individuals, foundations, and corporations, including a grant from HeArts for the Arts with the Abilene Cultural Arts Affairs Council.
DVERTISE CALL US TO A1-9505 (325) 70
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
YMCA of Abilene Wants to Awaken Summer Imagination at Annual Healthy Kids Day® Event encourages kids to stay active and keep learning all summer long By Brandi Underwood | YMCA of Abilene
On Saturday, April 21, from 10am-1pm, the YMCA of Abilene is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active at the annual YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and wellbeing for kids and families. Healthy Kids Day is an opportunity to ignite children’s imaginations so that they can imagine what they’ll accomplish this summer. The daylong event features activities such as Fun run, knocker ball, obstacle course, bounce houses, games and swimming to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home throughout the summer months.
families develop healthy habits this summer that can have a lifetime effect: • High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development. And to keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month. • Read
The YMCA of Abilene’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at Redbud Park from 10am-1pm and features fun, active play and educational activities.
Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at over 1,500 Ys across the country by over 1.2 million participants, works to get more kids moving and learning, creating habits that they continue all summer long. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. As spring turns to summer, Healthy Kids Day is a powerful reminder not to let children idle away their summer days. Instead, the Y wants families to focus on helping children imagine what they can accomplish over the summer. “When a child is healthy, happy, and supported they can make great things happen,” says Brandi Underwood, Director of Mission Advancement, and YMCA of Abilene. “We believe in the potential of all children, and we strive to help kids find that potential within themselves. A child’s development is never on vacation and Healthy Kids Day is a great opportunity to educate families and motivate kids to stay active in spirit, mind and body throughout the summer”. Keeping Kids Healthy All Summer Long In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help
• Play Together – Play may be the best way to prevent childhood obesity. By putting more play into your family’s day, you will soon find yourself getting the activity that will have your family feeling energized and strong. • Make sleep a priority – Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning and other vital functions.
Healthy Kids Day encourages youth and families to awaken summer imagination and this cannot be done without proper nutrition. Walmart Foundation is proud to sponsor Healthy Kids Day to raise awareness about the importance of food security and nutrition for youth and families. Delta wants to ensure that kids have their best summer ever and is a proud sponsor of Healthy Kids Day. Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by HEB and Lee Orthodontics. For more information, contact YMCA of Abilene at 325.695.3400 About the Y
Together – The summer is a great time to enjoy books with summer program participants—and 30 minutes a day goes a long way! Take trips to the local library or create a family reading challenge to see who can log the most minutes of reading. Encourage youth to create their own stories as well. • Get Moving! – Activities that require movement also help kids flex their mental muscle. Use materials in unique ways: ask youth to build models, manipulate tools or develop their own theatrical scenes.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
SET YOUR SIGHTS ON FAST, EASY ACCESS WITH NEW
EYEPRINT ID
TM
McMurry University to Offer Art Summer Camp By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
McMurry University’s Department of Art will offer a Summer Studio Art Camp for children who have completed kindergarten to sixth grade. The camp will be offered from June 25-29 at the Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Center.
structor, will teach collage.
Three classes will be offered. Calvin Brown, studio art instructor, will teach drawing. Tyson Terry, graphic design visiting assistant professor, will teach Photoshop. Jennifer Nichols, photography and gallery studies in-
Tuition is $150 ($125 + $25 for materials). Register at events.mcm.edu/art. For more information, please contact Caitlin Boyle at 325-793-3851 or boyle.caitlin@mcm.edu
Classes will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day and will be divided into K-1, 2-3 and 4-6 grades. Class size is limited to 16 in each age group.
Eyeprint ID For Mobile Devices -
The Ultimate Selfie!
The eyes have it...when you want quick, easy and highly secure access to your account using ATFCU’s mobile apps. No more passwords to remember or juggling your phone to enter your thumbprint. Use the camera on your mobile device to scan your eyes and future logins will be simpler than a selfie. • Haven’t heard of this before? That’s because ATFCU is the first in the area to offer this state-of-the-art, biometric technology. • Eyes a little blurry this morning? Not a problem for Eyeprint ID. • Wear glasses? That's not a problem either. Eyeprint ID will recognize your eyes with or without glasses.
Can't you Just See Yourself Using This? Go to our website for more details or to set up your Eyeprint ID log-in. It will only take the blink of an eye... but don't blink! PMS 280 (Blue) - C=100 M=72 Y=0 K-18
PMS 341 (Green) - C=93 M=26 Y=77 K-12 PMS 186 (Red) - C=22 M=100 Y=67 K-8
FONT: Lithos Pro Bold & Lithos Pro Regular
325-677-2274 800-677-6770 abileneteachersfcu.org
ATFCU Eye-D Ad 4-16.indd 1
• 3849 Antilley Road • 2801 N. 6th Street • 2555 Buffalo Gap Road • 1181 E. N. 10th Street • 349 N. Mockingbird (drive-thru only)
4/29/16 3:35 PM
Cooper CTE Students Advance To State
Pick us up at H.E.B., CISCO College & China Star | EDUCATION | 23
By Abilene Independent School District
STAR (Students Taking Action for Recognition), Chapter in Review – Shams Abdulsattar, Brianna Lara and Claudia Martinez, fifth place.
Nine students from Cooper High’s chapter of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America will compete in the Texas State FCCLA Leadership Conference April 5-7 in Dallas. The students earned the right to compete at the state level by qualifying in the Region II competition in February in Waco. Here are the Cooper state qualifiers’ results from the regional competition: Spotlight on Projects, Student Body – Esha Abbas and Keira Zepeda, first place. Spotlight on Projects, Families First – Kennedy Burnett, McKenzie Moreno and Tucker Sartor, first place.
STAR, Teach and Train Occupational – Rebecca Desrochers, first place. Desrochers also qualified for state by attaining the Gold level in the Family & Consumer Sciences Assessment. Other CHS students who placed in the FCS Assessment but did not qualify for state were Taylor Coffey, Silver; and Esha Abbas, Kennedy Burnett and Tucker Sartor, Bronze. ◘ Sponsor for the FCCLA group is Keely May.
Inexpensive Advertising 1-325-701-9505 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Inexpensive Advertising 1-325-701-9505 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
McMurry University now offers online degrees in business, nursing and criminal justice that fit your life and goals. The online degree programs are transfer-friendly, convenient and affordable. McMurry University is your community to flourish academically, personally and professionally.
For more information contact your online enrollment counselor Caroline Park at 325-793-4710 or park.caroline@mcm.edu and begin your path to success.
online.mcm.edu
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
Abilene Inventor Looking To Save Time For Firefighters By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
An Abilene woman wants firefighters to know “The ‘homey’ feel College Station has is very there’s a tool for that. comparable to what Abilene was for me,” she said. “I loved living in Abilene and loved the Dayana Hansley, a 2014 Cooper High School people there. I loved the feel.” graduate and senior business major at Texas A&M University, is part of a team that devel- Hansley and partner McCalley Cunningham oped what they’re calling Motley Tool. hope to sell Motley Tool not just to firefighters but to make adjustments for use in other Essentially, it’s the Swiss Army Knife for fire- industries. fighters. Motley Tool seeks to be a onestop place for some essential pieces of equipment for firefighters.
“I want to expand to the airline industry, the oil and gas industry and the automotive industry,” she said. “I want to get it to market so we can start expanding. “We showed it to about 200 firefighters and everyone’s gotten really excited. We’ve gone to trade shows where firefighters want to purchase it. We just want to make a positive impact in Cooper High School alum na Dayana Hansley shows their lives.” off her invention, Motley Too l, that ma
“Firefighters, first responders, and Hazmat technicians need dozens of tools to save lives, but when every second counts, finding the right tool for the job can cause greater injury or even cost lives,” Hansley wrote in a pitch to Red Bull Launch Institute, an event for young entrepreneurs. “When you’re wearing bunker gear that weighs up to 75 pounds, plus evaluating hazardous situations in real time, and juggling an axe, hose, ladder, sledgehammer, and personal breathing apparatus, a tool that simplifies the situation is more than welcome.”
Hansley and Cunningham turned to the new Red Bull Launch Institute, which held its first event at Austin’s South by Southwest Interactive Festival this past weekend, for an opportunity to grow the infant business beyond just a few sales here and there.
Hansley, a daughter in a military family, moved to Abilene when she was in seventh grade. She graduated from Cooper after years of playing volleyball and running track. She also sang in show choir while at the school, she said. After graduation, Hansley went on to Texas A&M because she felt College Station offered many of the same aspects of life she became enamored with during her six years in Abilene.
kes it easier for firefighters to carry handy obje cts the
y use all of the time. A single utensil designed to ac- (Photo: Drew Anthony Smith/Red Bul l Content Pool) complish the desired simplicity, Motley Tool incorporates a bung wrench, hammer, three-quarter-inch reach beyond local markets and introduce it to wrench and a half-inch wrench, adjust- many more potential clients, Hansley said. able wrench, square wrench, spanner wrench and gas shut off wrench. Chief among his advice, she said, was to get involved in crowdfunding. Sites like KickHansley’s group also looked to devel- starter, he told her, help create expansion opop a seat belt cutter and scraper as well. portunities if they’re deemed worthy projects.
As a college student, she joined about 15 other young entrepreneurs for mentoring lessons with business leaders, along with networking events, panel discussions and other opportunities designed to help her get her wings. Steven Dourmashkin works with Abilene Cooper High School graduate Dayana Hansley on her invention, Motley Tool, during the Red Bull Launch Institute in Austin on March 10. Hansley, a senior at Texas A&M University, is hoping to take the tool for firefighters worldwide. (Photo: Drew Anthony Smith/Red Bull Content Pool)
Her mentor, Steven Dourmashkin, who co-founded a company called Specdrums, suggested some steps to take with Motley Tool that could help her
“(Dourmashkin’s) had some experience,” Hansley said. “So it means a lot to me to be here right now and I don’t take it for granted at all, for sure.”
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Student Athletic Trainers Earn All-State Academic Honors By Abilene Independent School District
The athletic training staffs of AHS and CHS are proud to announce that four senior student athletic trainers have received Academic All-State Achievement from the Texas State Athletic Trainer’s Association. AHS and CHS each had two students recognized for the statewide award. Selected from AHS are Claire Stokes, who will be attending Texas Tech University next year, and Allison Mantooth, who plans to
ceived Academic All-State First Team honors in football athletic training from the Texas High School Coaches Association.
enter the athletic training program at HardinSimmons University. CHS representatives on the academic all-
state team are Hannah McGuire and Makiah Staples, who both plan to enter the athletic training/physical therapy field of study after high school. Earlier this year, McGuire re-
According to AISD Athletic Training staff members, these students must balance academics, athletic training and high school life. They average between 500 to 700 hours a year outside of their athletic training class period helping with practices and both home and away games.
10401946
THURSDAY, MARCH 29TH, 2018 • 10 A.M. TIL 6 P.M. FRI. MARCH 30TH 10AM-6PM & SAT. MARCH 31ST 10AM-6PM
FINAL DAYS!
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
Abilene Youth Golfer Places at National Event at The Masters By Evan Nemec | KTXS
APRIL 19th
The Masters Tournament officially begins on Thursday, but the festivities started Sunday morning with a big event for small golfers. Wyatt Nickson, from Tuscola, joined 59 other youth golfers at the National Drive, Chip and Putt competition in Augusta, Georgia.
ROTARY CLUB OF ABILENE’S
Nickson, an 11-year old who nearly made last year’s event, finished 5th overall among the 10 qualifiers in the boys’ 10-11 year old division from all over the country. Nickson won the chipping section with a total distance of 4-feet-10 inches from the hole on two chips. He placed 8th in the driving section with a longest drive of 192 yards, and wound up 8th in the putting event.
Abilene TUESDAY, APRIL 17TH, 6PM - 8PM ABILENE CONVENTION CENTER
TICKETS $35 $40 at the door
Tickets at
TASTEOFABILENE.COM
f
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: Hashi Teppan Grill (Both Locations) IN-Focus Digital James McCoy Drug Store (Both Locations) Nothing Bundt Cakes Any Friday Club Rotarian
The top finisher in each section earned 10 points, second place nine points, etc. A golfer’s longest drive in bounds out of two attempts was counted, while a cumulative distance from the cup was used on two shots in both the chipping and putting events. Nickson earned 16 total points. Tip Price won the event with 26 points. Before teeing off, Nickson shook hands with 2012 and 2014 Masters champion Bubba Watson, and was able to watch Monday’s practice round at the famed Augusta National Golf Course.
28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
FAITH&FAMILY
SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
What’s the Big Deal About The Resurrection Anyway? By Ray Vinson, Ph.D
Here we are again, another year and Resurrection Sunday has passed. Pastors scrambled to discover fresh material to put a new spin on a millennials old message about the Resurrection of Jesus! Chreasters (those who only attend church at Christmas and Easter) the “unchurched” (those 1.25 million who say they love God, but have forsaken the institutionalized church) and the weekly faithful, filled up the pews Resurrection Sunday to hear the message hopefully, in a fresh new inspiring way. So, what’s the big deal about the Resurrection Anyway? Well, simply put, the Resurrection is about “New Beginnings”. That’s what the “good news” or the “gospel” is all about! Yes, the gospel is for us, but it is not about us. Let me explain, The gospel is about two sons, the created son, Adam of Gen. 2 and the Begotten Son Christ, whom the scriptures identify in I Cor. 15:45 as the last Adam. The “first Adam” was a living soul, but the “last Adam” was a life-giving spirit. Therefore, the gospel is really about the performance of only “two men”. The first Adam who “fell from the glory of God and lost everything, including eternal life, and the last Adam who took it all back through obedience, also including eter-
nal life”. (Rom. 5:12-15) The “good news” is that God is not judging an individual based upon his own performance, but by which “man” the individual chooses to identify. In other words, which man He is in. If I am in the first Adam, I am in an identity of the fallen, and I am dead to the best “life” has to give. If I have joined myself to Christ through identification, I have been born into a new, eternal, abundant life that I am living and enjoying now, and forever! Here is where the gospel is “for us”. Christ died as every man, including the first Adam. Jesus Christ hung on the cross as the first Adam, paying the penalty of death for his disobedience, and was resurrected as the last Adam because of Christ’s own obedience, rebooting a new world with a new beginning! Jesus did not die for us, He died AS us! (Gal. 2:20) Jesus was not resurrected for us, He was resurrected AS us! (Rom. 4:25) Therefore, we who are in Christ, with this planet, has been resurrected to a NEW creation, a NEW life! (Rev. 21:5,6) (II Cor. 5:17-21) The big deal about the resurrection is that the last Adam wins, death has been judged, sin has been neutralized through grace, the curse has been broken, God is reconciling the world to Himself, all things are being made new, and Father God is getting everything He wants. As for me, I am living an eternal life without fear of judgement, because the Adam I was in was judged at the cross and the Adam
I am in now, is the life and the light and resurrection for mankind (Jn.12:32) (Jn. 3:14-17) with all creation! (Rom. 8:18-25) Now that’s a big deal! Dr. Ray Vinson is the President and a Senior Fellow of The Institute for Biblical Leadership and Presiding Bishop of Dominion International Network of Ministries and Churches. Dr. Vinson is a Theologian, Formation Coach and Therapist of the Soul. He offers opportunities for church leaders to come together for support, healing, and understanding.
30 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Perseverance:
Count It All Joy By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
James 1:2-4, and 12 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast (or perseveres) under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
So you may not be “feeling” your new family dynamics today. Let me encourage you to trust in God and remain steadfast. Through this simple decision, day by day and minute by minute, God has blessed me with a precious jewel in my crown of life - Emily - Dan’s daughter. Again, God didn’t just change her to make our relationship special; He did a work in me. He showed me through perseverance in areas of time, labor, finances, and sacrifices, He blesses richly!
Have you ever noticed how things of great value usually come at a great price - such as time, labor, finances, and sacrifices? I was reminded of my priceless relationship with my stepdaughter just the other day. She called to reach out; said she needed me - needed to hear some encouragement. Yes, she is more than 30 years old. Yes, she has a mother, but my heart soared to know that our relationship was at a place where she loved and trusted and needed me.
Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Let that sink into your head and heart today. Do not give up. You are not expected to make this blended family thing work - God is. God wants your dedication and perseverance. He will show you what His power and love can do. You will one day look back over the years and be filled with joy knowing that you are reaping a harvest because you were steadfast. So today, remember to count it all joy because that crown of life is going to be amazing!
That didn’t just happen overnight; it took about eight years. Also, let me clue you in on something - our relationship didn’t become wonderful because she finally matured or grew to trust me; it took God doing a work in me as well. I wasn’t so keen on all this stepmom business in the beginning. I had my two children and my husband’s children were older. I figured his children were old enough to just rely on Dan and their mom. I figured they didn’t really need another parental figure. I figured I had enough on my plate just trying to parent my own two children, and now focusing on being a wife again after being a widow for seven years. It’s funny how I figure so many things wrong!
CALL US TO AD VERTISE (325) 701-9505
Yet, through my stubbornness, through my mistakes, God gave me a sense to remain steadfast - to just persevere - day by day, minute by minute. I let Dan’s children know I was going to be here for them always. Divorce was not an option for me and I certainly didn’t want to contribute any more pain and hurt to our fragile, newly-founded family.
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).
Mark Your Calendar for Abilene Education Foundation’s Cajun Festival The Cajun Festival is Saturday, Aprtil 14th at the Taylor County Fairgrounds. The serving line will be open all day from 11 am – 7:30 pm or until we sell out.
FREE GATE ADMISSION! There is NO CHARGE this year to enter the festival. Meal, 5K and other ticket prices are listed below. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. • Crawfish and Shrimp Boil Ticket: Adult Crawfish and Shrimp Plate $20 at the door or $17 in advance. Child Crawfish and Shrimp Boil Plate $10 at the door or $8 in advance. (Available for purchase online or at AEF office.) • Family Bundle: BEST DEAL: (Available for purchase online or at AEF office and in advance only.) Purchase for only $100. Two adult crawfish tickets and two children meal tickets. Two all-you-care-to-ride inflatable park/children’s activities wristbands. Family 5K race entry. Coupons for four additional water or soda beverage. • Crawfish Crawl 5K Run/Walk – $30 event day or $25 in advance per entry. Includes bib, t-shirt, registration fee and goodie bag. (Register online.) • All-You-Care-to-Ride Inflatables/Children’s Activities Wristband: (includes a ticket for a free water) $20.00. (Available for purchase on event day only.) • Individual ride/drink tickets: 20 tickets for $10 or 10 tickets for $5. The number of tickets varies per ride/drink. (Available for purchase on event day only.)
APD Appoints New Police Chaplain By Lexis Greene| Fox15
On February 22nd, the Abilene City Council approved the addition of a Police Chaplain for the Police Department. Chaplain Beth Reeves began her full-time employment on March 19th, after having served as a part-time chaplain for the last five years. Beth served as the Congregational Care Minister at Highland Church of Christ from July 2005 to March 2018. Chaplain Beth earned a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Rochester College, Michigan, in April 2017 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Abilene Christian University. She raised five boys, all of whom are Eagle Scouts and live throughout Texas. She has one daughter-in-law and a second expected in July 2018. Chaplain Beth will continue to serve the citizens of Abilene through all imaginable crises, while also enjoying life’s celebrations including weddings and childbirths. Chaplain Beth will serve as the Police Department’s Victim Assistance Liaison and ensure crime victims have access to information concerning their rights, services and protective orders. She will work alongside Noah Project, Regional Victim Crisis Center, Stop the Violence and others to bring comfort and relief to crime victims. Chaplain Beth offered: “I am excited about joining the City and Police Department in offering care to all, during times of celebration and crisis.”
Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | FAITH & FAMILY | 31
The God of the Mundane and the Miracle By Steven Furtick | Waking Faith
“When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’” (Exodus 3:4-5, ESV) Most of the time when we imagine how God wants to use us, we imagine it being in miraculous ways. We think big. We dream big. And we expect big. Not that God won’t ever use us in those ways, but if you look at some of the great miracles in the Bible, they didn’t start that way. In fact, most of them began in mundane, ordinary circumstances. The surprising truth is that great moves of God are usually preceded by simple acts of obedience. Take Moses for example. God used him to part a large body of water and deliver an entire nation from slavery. But that isn’t where it all started. It actually began in a remote field. Moses was tending a flock of animals when God appeared as a burning bush and instructed him to return to Egypt. It was an ordinary moment, interrupted by the beginnings of a miracle. That’s often how God works.
Inexpensive Advertising 1-325-701-9505 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
CALL US TO ADVE RT (325) 701-9505 ISE
Whatever you find yourself doing today, remember that God can meet you in it.
32 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
• 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
7550 Hwy. 83-84 South Monday-Friday 8-12:30, 2-6pm
Pick us up at Kentucky Fried Chicken, First Financial Banks & SBDC | FAITH & FAMILY | 33
Wishing He Were Your Husband When you’re caught in emotional adultery, these four steps will help guide your heart back to your spouse. By Sabrina Beasley McDonald | FamilyLife
Pam is a faithful follower of Christ and very active in her church, so when she discovered her husband’s pornography addiction, she felt betrayed. It wasn’t long until a male Christian friend at work caught Pam’s attention. He was a family man, seemed to have his life together, and there was something about their personalities that just “clicked.” The more time she spent with him, the more she wished he was her husband, instead. “We have the same ideas about life,” she said. “And there was something about his demeanor that I found lacking in my husband—he already had my respect, where my husband had lost it.” This connection or attraction is called “emotional adultery.” A woman may not be cheating on her spouse in a physical way, but her emotion and mental devotion has been violated. That connection is so dangerous it can make a godly woman like Pam wish someone else was her husband.
How to stop the connec- right thing. tion ◘ If you are involved in an emotional relationship with Second, guard your heart someone other than your spouse, and mind. ◘ Hollywood and you must get out of it. Second Timothy 2:22 tells us to “flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Even if you’re unsure whether the relationship is inappropriate or not, it’s better to sacrifice the friendship than it is to endanger your marriage.
Here are four steps to help you get out of the relationship:
First, break all ties. ◘ The
first and most important thing you must do is sever the friendship. There is no way around this. I have heard people express that they can still be friends with a person while maintaining a distance, but that is almost impossible. The safest thing to do is to stop speaking to this person altogether.
Emotional adultery is an issue of the heart as much as physical lust is for a man. The Bible calls this coveting, and the Ten Commandments condemns it: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife” [or in this case, husband] (Exodus 20:17). It may come in the form of long conversations, a look in the eyes, body language, a sense of warmth or belonging, a trust or confidence that makes you want to talk to him and share personal feelings. If any of these things occur, then you are in danger of emotional adultery.
If you attend the same church and find that you still see each other too much during church activities, change places of worship. If he is part of your daily activities, such as jogging or meeting during breaks at work, then stop participating in those activities. If you can’t stop these activities, then change the times that you take part in them. Go jogging in the morning instead of the afternoon or take breaks at 2:00 and 4:00, instead of 3:00 and 5:00. If he is part of the PTA meetings, then sit as far away from him as possible and don’t make eye contact. Pretend that he isn’t there.
If you’re thinking of a man right now and you’re wondering if you’re in danger of an emotional affair with him, then you probably are. We women know when we’ve made a connection, and if that’s the case, it’s time to stop. A “friendship” like this one could result in an actual physical affair.
Cutting off the relationship will be the most difficult part of the healing. You will feel like you’re being hateful or a “snob.” But it’s better to appear to be a harsh person than to sin in your marriage. You may very well hurt your friend’s feelings, but it’s the sacrifice you must make to do the
the media have a way of making us unhappy with real life. The hero of the romantic comedy may seem perfect and make you wonder why your husband doesn’t measure up. Then you become unsatisfied with your imperfect husband. Judy Starr is a Christian author who was involved in an emotional affair. In her book Enticement of the Forbidden, she says, “We must take care not to engage in anything that draws our thoughts and hearts away from the Lord and from our husbands. By guarding what we see and hear, we keep impurity out and strengthen the walls around our marriage.” This action is comparable to a man who looks at pornography. When a man views pornography, he sees a woman who is physically unreal. But in his mind he may compare her image to his wife, and a real woman cannot compete with imagined perfection. It’s the same with characters in television shows, movies, and books. No man in real life (not even your new friend) can compete with a movie-maker’s imagination. If you don’t want your husband to compare you to Playboy models, what makes you think he wants to be compared to Hollywood’s leading men?
Third, look beyond your husband’s faults into the man that he is. ◘ No one is perfect. Romans 3:23 assures us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Your husband will fail and disappoint you at times. But that’s why God has given us grace. How much grace have you given your husband for his shortcomings? How much grace do you expect from him for your shortcomings?
Start looking for the things that you love about your husband. Why did you fall in love with him in the first place? In what ways has he been good to you? Start trying to build the same friendship with him that you had with your male friend. Plan dates, share your dreams, and confide in him. You will find that if you look beyond his faults you will find a dear friend, and this disconnection that caused you to move beyond your marriage for love, will begin to disappear.
Fourth, find a trustworthy female accountability partner. ◘ You need a good girlfriend with whom you can be brutally honest. James 5:16a says, “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” Confess your feelings for the other man, and give your accountability partner permission to question your actions and hold you to God’s Word.
The rest of the story It wasn’t long until my friend, Pam, realized that her newfound connection was a temptation from Satan. At one point, the two of them ended up on a business trip together and were often left alone in the car, but Pam chose to do the right thing. Each time they were forced to spend time together, Pam made a concerted effort to keep from making eye contact. She turned cold in their communications, and prayed that God would help her combat this temptation. Eventually Pam took an opportunity to leave her job, and she began to purposefully look at her spouse in a new light. “I’m really glad that God brought me out of that temptation,” Pam says. “Now when I look at my husband, I don’t feel the pain that I
Adult Registration Starting Soon! We will play Saturday mornings out at the Abilene National Soccer Complex on Maple. We will play 7v7 format coed must have at least 3 females on the field not including keeper. Team fee will be $550 a team Minimum roster of 10 player max roster of 14 OR $55 a individual to sign up if you don’t have a team we can get you on a team or put a team together. We will try to have CoEd men’s and woman’s division. ALL PLAYERS WILL NEED TO FILL OUT A REGISTRATION FORM AND WE WILL PRINT PLAYER CARDS TO HAVE ROSTER CHECKS FROM THE REFS. Any questions please email the office. Thanks and let’s make this a great first season. Please spread the word. 7 game season starting in May!
For more information: Call (325) 676-1447 Email: bigcountrysoccer@gmail.com used to feel. I realize that God is working on him just like He’s working on me, and I’m glad that God has us together.”
34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
The Root Cause of Worry, Anxiety and Fear By Jimmy Evans | Marriage Today
Worry, anxiety, and fear are the same thing. them. Worry and anxiety exist only because we They’re the same emotion, just experienced on allow them to. different levels, like stair steps. How do we overcome them? First, we have to Fear is a negative consider these thoughts to be agents of the enemy. emotion caused by They have been planted in our lives by the devil. a real or perceived Every morning, when you wake up, treat worry, threat to our well- anxiety, and fear like your enemies. being. Anxiety means being uneasy and ner- Second, turn every anxious and worrisome vous about something thought into a prayer until you find victory. Tell we can’t control— God, “This is what’s bothering me today.” Transan event, person, or form your worry list into a prayer list. Phil. 4:6 problem. Worry is to says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in every situmentally dwell on dif- ation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, ficulty or trouble. This present your requests to God.” chronic concern is the lowest level of the emotional staircase. Third, confess that God is your loving Father and He cares for you. Let go of your orphan spirit. The first step is worry. Worry turns to anxiety. Orphans are on their own and have to take care Anxiety becomes fear. of their own problems. But we are not orphans! Start rejoicing that you have the best Father in the Scripture commands us not to do any of those universe. things. Don’t worry. Don’t be anxious. Do not fear. God would never command us to do Well-fathered children are fearless children. something if we didn’t have the ability not to That’s why God tells us not to fear, not to be anxdo it. ious, and not to worry. He is the answer to every problem, and like a loving, gracious Father, He As a kid, I was always worried. My life was has promised to take care of us. filled with fear and anxiety. You wouldn’t have known it, because I carried myself with confidence. But deep down, I had emotional problems. Those problems turned into fear when I entered the ministry: Fear of men, fear of failure, fear of rejection, anxiety about everything. Even though my church was thriving, my life was filled with fear. The root of all fear, anxiety, and worry is an orphan spirit. God was my father, but I didn’t know it. I didn’t know He was taking care of me. I didn’t understand how much He loved me—and how much He loves being our Father. Like an orphan, I had no idea who my Father was. Today, I’m both a father and a grandfather. My grandkids call me Pappy, and I love being their Pappy. They are never a bother to me. One of the greatest joys of my life is when they ask me to do something. However, compared to God’s love, my love for my grandchildren looks almost evil. God wants our lives to be free from worry, anxiety, and fear because these emotions distract us from God. They rob us of our families and joy. And yet we are in complete control of
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
When Should Your Teen Be Allowed to Date? By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well One frequently asked question we hear from parents: At what age should I let my son or daughter start dating? This is a tough subject for a couple of reasons. First, family traditions and convictions vary wildly, not only concerning what age is appropriate for dating but also on how dating, courting or whatever your family may call it should even be done. Some see dating as just a fun thing to do, while others see it as something that should only occur if it is a serious step towards marriage. Today, I’m not going to focus on age or methodology to approach this question. And I’m not writing to condone one particular relationship system over another. Instead, I want to focus our thinking on some key indicators of maturity that I believe need to be in place before dating or courtship is even considered. This is not an exhaustive list. And it’s not meant to be the only consideration for this decision. But it represents an important checklist to think about before these decisions are settled between you and your young adult. Here are four tests of maturity that are important to this decision:
A Willingness to Involve Family and Friends in the Relationship ◘ Group
dates and family interaction show a mature willingness to be open with the relationship. But when there’s an unwillingness to do so, it may represent that there is, or seems to be in their minds, something to hide about the relationship. Being around family and friends frequently will also reveal the character, or lack of it, in their hearts.
A Willingness to Set Boundaries in the Relationship ◘ Boundaries are not restrict-
ing in a dating relationship, they are freeing. Without boundaries, there is vulnerability, both emotionally and physically, that is unsafe and unhealthy. And when boundaries are set, they should also be respected. If your child and the person they are dating or courting is not willing to set or honor those boundaries, that’s a red flag.
A Balance between Not Taking the Relationship Too Seriously Too Quickly or Not Taking the Relationship Seriously Enough ◘ It’s not often that a “first
love” becomes a “one and only love” at the altar. So it’s important that your child understands upfront that they should not rush their feelings and allow themselves to build unrealistic expectations. But it’s also not healthy to be too careless and carefree about relationships either. If you see your child on either end of the spectrum… too serious or too careless…think twice before allowing them to date.
An Openness to Discuss and Answer Questions about the Relationship ◘ Finally, your child should be willing to be held accountable for any relationship they have. If they seem open to discussing any aspect of the relationship, you can be encouraged. But if there’s a tendency to claim “it’s my life and my private business,” be cautious about allowing your child to develop the relationship. If you’re leaning towards letting your son or daughter begin the dating or courting process, check out some of these other posts from our iMom.com website. They provide some good suggestions that will help you navigate the dating years with your teens:
Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 35
36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
HEALTH&FITNESS APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
10 Tips for Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder By Dana Jandhyala | Stages Learning Materials - Autism Resources and Community (ARC)
All children have unique learning needs, but children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD require a little extra guidance and support. Whether you’re a parent or teacher, it’s essential to understand what a child with autism needs and how you can help them learn better. These 10 tips will help you get started:
1. Create a Structured Environment – Children with autism feel more comfortable when they have a routine with clear structures, and minimal deviations from their predicted schedule. Make sure the learning environment and lesson plans are structured in a manner that tells students as well as educators what is to be done, for how long or how much, when it needs to be done, when it is completed, and what comes next.
ment that encourages children to practice communication skills.
5. Make Activities Structured Too – Pro-
viding structure within various activities can be effective at helping children with ASD learn better. Use visuals to provide the child with information for each task or activity, in the same manner as lesson plans and daily schedules. For instance,
2. Make Communication Easier – Many communication techniques are used by educators who teach children with ASD. For instance, some learning centers use sign language for autistic children with low speech skills. Facilitated communication is another technique that may help them learn better, where you hold the child’s hand or arm and encourage them to press the appropriate key on portable communication devices.
4. Encourage Social Interactions –
You need to help children with ASD develop the knowledge and skills required for social interaction, both at home and in school. A child with autism may not seem interested in interacting with peers, parents and teachers, but it’s important to keep teaching them social skills. Classrooms provide the perfect setting, and childhood educators should build an environ-
8. Be Aware of Sensory Issues – Chil-
dren with autism are either over-sensitive or under-sensitive to sensory stimuli the rest of us don’t even notice. For instance, they may be bothered by perfumes and other smells, certain lighting, or even the buzzing of electrical appliances and echoes from other areas. This leads to extreme reactions and from learning, so remain aware of potential triggers and avoid them as far as possible. Provide children with sensory tools to help them reduce stress and process information being communicated to them.
9. Eliminate Potential Stress –
Children with autism don’t react well to changes and disruptions to their routine, so use transition warnings, visual schedules and clear instructions to help set them feel at ease. Remember, positive reinforcement is far more effective than threats or punishments, which are likely to cause anxiety and behavioral issues. Focus on building a positive learning environment where they feel safe and comfortable.
3. Use Visual Aids – Visuals are an
important aspect of teaching young children, particularly for children with autism. Line drawings, photographs or Language Builder Picture Cards, “if/then” cards and stickers can be incorporated within various daily activities, while picture schedules and mini-schedules provide structure. Other tools such as online tutorials and videos deliver information in a visual manner that a child with ASD may find easier to absorb.
able to respond or react right away. Give them extra time to absorb what you’ve said, and process it at their pace. Patience is a key when you’re teaching autism children. If you try to hurry the child or rephrase your instructions, statements or questions, you will only slow them down further as they start reprocessing.
10. Keep Instructions Simple –
a timer can tell them how long each activity will take. Include opportunities for peer interaction as well, to help children improve their social skills.
6. Use Direct Language – Young students
with ASD may not understand abstract concepts or figurative language, and they tend to take most things literally. Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and gestures, may not make sense to them at all. If you’re used to teaching children who don’t have autism, it can take some time to get used to the right wording for what you want to say. Practice being as direct as possible.
7. Give Them Extra Time – Even when you
use direct language, a child with ASD may not be
Complicated strings of directions can be difficult for any student to follow, but particularly so for children with ASD. Many struggle with processing oral language, so you break down instructions step-wise, and avoid giving them more than one or two at a time. Make sure you’re using short sentences and simple but clear language, allowing the child enough time to process each step and respond. Consult a doctor or therapist if you need guidance, research new techniques for teaching children with autism, and try a few different methods to gauge how effective they are for each child. Most importantly, don’t lose patience. With a little practice and effort, you’ll find what works best for them!
38 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Come in for a test save.
3 Reasons Why Financial Fitness Is Just As Important As Physical Fitness
We are inundated with reminders about our physical health. But, our financial health is of utmost importance, too By Jason Hoschouer
Total average savings of
$827*
when you combine home and auto policies.
Call my office for a quote 24/7. Risha Sanders, Agent 3228 North 10th Abilene, TX 79603 Bus: 325-673-4229 risha.sanders.nv0v@statefarm.com
*Average annual household savings on *Average annual perper household savings basedbased on a 2016 a 2016survey national survey of new policyholders national of new policyholders who reported who savings by switching to State Farm. reported savings by switching to State Farm. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm State FarmCompany, Mutual Automobile Indemnity State Farm Fire Insurance and CasualtyCompany, Company, State Indemnity Company, Farm Fire StateFarm Farm General Insurance Company,State Bloomington, IL and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance P097187.1 06/09 Company, Bloomington, IL. P097187.1 06/09
Remember the academy days? Countless miles run. More pushups than any human should ever have to endure. Oh … and the burpees. Dear Lord, the burpees. If we’re honest with ourselves, though, those were likely the fittest we’d ever been in our lives. For those of us longer in the tooth than our younger counterparts, it may have been a minute since we last ran and we may have issues simply pushing up off the couch. We are inundated with reminders about how healthy we should be in this job. But, our physical health is not the only aspect of a healthy life we need to be concentrating on. Our financial health is of utmost importance, too. Here are a few concepts to remember as you move down the law enforcement road. 1. Being financially fit keeps your head in the game ◘ If you’ve ever called for Code 3 cover, you know how slow time moves. You’re also hyper aware of your desire for your cover to be 100 percent focused on pulling your ass out of the fire. Back in ‘08-’09, I knew a number of cops that were walking away from their houses after the housing market took it in the shorts. They were stressed to the gills and working as much overtime as they could.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
The consequence was that they were absolutely fried: Mentally, physically, and emotionally-fried. They were barely able to remember to breath. What kind of backup would I have received if the need arose? If police officers are able to be-
come more financially fit, they can concentrate on the circumstances they are faced with on the job — and subsequently (and arguably more importantly) off the job. The last thing we want is to have an officer subconsciously distracted by financial trouble when his mind needs to be aware of what is unfolding in front of him. 2. Your budget is simply a gym for your money ◘ Speaking of physical fitness, there’s an easy correlation between the gym and
your financial plan. If you’ve ever had a personal trainer, you know their job is to create a plan for you both in and out of the gym. Inside the gym, they work on lifting heavy things for longer. Outside the gym, they should be working on your nutrition. Money isn’t all that different. In the financial arena, you are training to eliminate debt and increase your savings. The plan that gets you there is your budget. The budget is your trainer, but it doesn’t have to represent a big, mean, scary trainer. John Maxwell once said, “A budget is simply telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” Maxwell nails the definition of a budget with that quote. Sure, get-
ting used to the program can be a challenge, but so is going to the gym after a long period of inactivity. You’re going to feel it for a few weeks. No difference here. Once you cultivate the discipline and create habits to breed success with your budget, the exercise of sitting down and telling your money where to go gets progressively easier. 3. Prevent yourself from becoming corruptible ◘ Are you corruptible? That sounds like a pretty provocative question, I’ll grant you. But a quick Google search or even a brief perusal of this very website will show you any number of cops that are in the media spotlight for piss-poor decisionmaking skills. Now, there isn’t much any of us can do to change someone’s morally bankrupt sense of right and wrong. But, you can certainly make it harder for someone to test yours if you have girded your financial well-being with a strong plan for getting out of debt, staying out of debt, and building a savings. It’s hard to fathom a nefarious, shadowy figure applying pressure to you or attempting to buy you off if that is not a weak spot in your life. There is such a large (and justifiable) insistence for law enforcement to be physically fit. If we, as police officers, can take a similar approach to our money, I believe we will be more completely fit – in body, in mind, and in soul.
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 39
April is Alcohol Awareness Month - Get Educated! By Kelly Menk | CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America)
The month of April is Alcohol Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. The purpose of the month-long observance is to emphasize the need for education of the dangers of unsafe alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to increased risk on physical injury, violence, liver disease, cancer and more – a direct impact on individuals and local communities.
How much do you know about alcohol misuse? To raise
awareness about the dangers of alcohol, it’s time to get educated and share the facts.
How many people drink alcohol in the United States?
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 86 percent of people ages 18 or older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime; 70 percent reported that they drank in the past year; 56 percent reported that they drank in the past month.
What is binge-drinking? The Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), defines binge drinking as 5 or more alcoholic drinks for males or 4 or more alcoholic drinks for females on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other) on at least 1 day in the past month. In 2015, 25 percent of people ages 18 or older reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month; 7 percent reported that they engaged in heavy alcohol use in the past month.
How many people die from alcoholrelated incidents? In the United States,
an estimated 88,000 people die from alcoholrelated causes annually, making alcohol the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In 2014, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 9,967 deaths (31 percent of overall driving fatalities).
How can alcohol affect you physical-
ly? In 2013, 45 percent of the 72,000 liver
disease deaths involved alcohol. Among all cinhosis deaths in 2013, 47 percent were alcohol related. In 2009, alcohol-related liver disease was the primary cause of almost one in three liver transplants in the United States. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, liver and breast.
How can drinking make an impact beyond physical repercussions? In 2010,
alcohol misuse cost the United States $249 billion. Three-quarters of the total cost of alcohol misuse is related to binge-drinking. More than 10 percent of US children live with a parent with alcohol problems, according to a 2012 study. Armed with the facts, it’s time to spread awareness about safe alcohol use. By taking action, community leaders can help prevent alcohol misuse in the community.
40 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Even Short Bursts of Activity Can Boost Long-Term Health By Alan Mozes | HealthDay Reporter
Simply climbing a single set of stairs, walking around the block or taking a three-minute jog can improve a middle-aged person’s health, even when such activity is spread across the day, new research suggests. After tracking the activity habits and health of more than 4,800 adults 40 years old and up for four years, researchers concluded that short bursts of activity add up -- and ultimately reap big health dividends. The finding runs counter to federal guidelines that say activity must last at least 10 minutes in order to help stave off disease and premature death. “This [federal] guideline suggested if it’s less than 10 minutes, it doesn’t count for health benefits,” said study author Dr. William Kraus. “Yet, we were telling people to do all these things to improve their health -- taking the stairs, parking farther away from work entrance and walking in, walking into the store to get your coffee -- all of which take much less than 10 minutes to accomplish.”
utes little by little may be easier than finding time for one half-hour workout. Since 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recommended Americans get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week, preferably over several days.
ate or vigorous activity each day had the highest risk of early death, the study found.
Participants who racked up 60 minutes of daily activity cut that risk by 57 percent. Those who clocked 100 minutes or more shaved 76 percent off their risk of death from chronic illness, accordFor their study, Kraus and his colleagues de- ing to the study. fined moderate activity as walking at a brisk pace that makes it hard to carry on a conver- Dr. Gregg Fonarow is director of the Ahmansonsation. Ramping up to a jog would represent UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center. He wasn’t connected to the study. vigorous activity for most people. The investigators looked at the experience of 4,840 adults who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2006. All participants wore tracking devices to keep tabs on their activity.
“These findings suggest that it is the total physical activity that is accumulated that matters, aiming for 150 minutes a week total, whether divided up into short duration more frequently or longer bouts of exercise,” Fonarow said.
Kraus is a cardiologist and professor at the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute in Durham, N.C.
Those who were active every day -- even for To achieve that goal, he suggested embracing the less than 10 minutes at a pop -- helped stave kind of technology used in the study to monitor off potentially deadly conditions such as dia- activity. betes and heart disease. “Activity trackers may help individuals interested “We want to state it clearly and simply,” Kraus in improving their health by providing feedback said. “All moderate and vigorous activity can on daily and weekly total minutes spent with modcount toward reducing your risk of death, erate to vigorous physical activity,” Fonarow said. even if it’s broken up into short sessions.”
After looking at the impact of activities lasting as short as a minute, Kraus and his team found it all pays off as long as the intensity reaches a moderate or vigorous level.
Not surprisingly, the research team also found that more is better, especially for those who finally decide to get moving after leading mostly sedentary lives.
“When you can get at least 30 minutes most days of the week, you’re going to see a reduced risk of death,” Kraus said. That’s good news, he added, because getting in your min-
“The more you do, the more you will decrease your risk and see health benefits,” Kraus said. Those who got less than 20 minutes of moder-
ROTARY CLUB OF ABILENE’S
Abilene
TUESDAY, APRIL 17TH, 6PM - 8PM ABILENE CONVENTION CENTER
TICKETS $35 $40 at the door
Tickets at TASTEOFABILENE.COM
BUSINESS&CAREER
Abilene Delegation Completes Business Mission to South America By Doug Peters | President and CEO, Abilene Chamber of Commerce The Abilene Chamber of Commerce has announced that a delegation of local economic, government and education leaders have returned from a week-long visit to Medellin, Colombia. Those participating in the business mission were immediate-past Chamber Chair, Yvonne Batts; Chamber Chair-elect and Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) Board member, Seaton Higginbotham; Abilene City Manager, Robert Hanna; Abilene Independent School District (AISD) Superintendent, Dr. David Young; DCOA Chairman, John Beckham; DCOA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kent Sharp; and Abilene Chamber CEO, president of the Abilene Industrial Foundation (AIF), Doug Peters. AbiMar Foods President & CEO, Jaime Correa, accompanied the Abilene delegation.
According to Grupo Nutresa officials, Grupo Nutresa’s companies currently export to 71 countries across the globe. Abilene remains the base for Grupo Nutresa’s North American production, producing cookies and crackers. Recently, AbiMar Foods began exporting their product to South Korea. While in Medellin, the group visited local retail outlets to gain an understanding of Grupo Nutresa’s presence in the Colombian marketplace,
B&W
On Wednesday, the group visited Grupo Nutresa’s headquarters for a visit with company president Carlos I. Gallego. According to Gallego, the company “has learned diversity through their presence in Abilene, Texas. Texas provides Grupo Nutresa an advantage in the North American marketplace.”
The group toured each of Grupo Nutresa’s production facilities, including cookies and crackers, coffee and chocolate. Grupo Nutresa also holds 73 percent of the Colombian marketplace in processed meats and produces ice cream and other consumer food products, as well. Grupo Nutresa also has businesses in the cement, financial services and insurance industries. While in Medellin, Abilene representatives also met with Juliana Quintero Marin, Management Coordinator “We are pleased that a local delwith Universidad EAFIT and Juan egation of community leaders parAndres Munoz Airey, Project Profesticipated in this important trade missional for ACI Medellin, leader of sion to South America,” said Scott the Medellin region’s economic and Hibbs of Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd social resurgence after years of crime Inc., 2018-2019 Chairman of the and corruption challenges. Finally, Abilene Chamber of Commerce. the group toured Medellin’s Innova“It is important to affirm our comtion District and met with representaA delegation of local economic, government and education leaders traveled to South mitment to our partners at AbiMar America tives of RUTA N, who described Meto visit with the parent company of Abilene’s largest manufacturer, AbiMar Foods. Foods and to learn how the Abilene dellin’s prior challenges of violence, community can better serve their needs both cur- currently 59 percent of the market. Following the delinquency, drugs and poverty. rent and long term.” retail and wholesale visit, mission delegates traveled to Grupo Nutresa’s Colombia-based cook- “The transformation of the place once known Local leaders departed Abilene Regional Airport ies and crackers production facility, Noel. as the most dangerous city in the world is nothon Monday, March 19, to Medellin, home to There, they met with biscuits business president ing short of awe-inspiring,” said John Beckham. Grupo Nutresa, parent company of local manu- Alberto Hoyos and toured the state of the art pro- “This is truly a story of a city back from the edge, facturer AbiMar Foods. They returned on Friday, duction facility in Medellin. The mission mem- one that has engaged inclusiveness and an entreMarch 23. bers also met with presidents of each of Grupo preneurial spirit to advance the best interests of Nutresa’s companies, including Noel president the city.” The group’s itinerary included the Grupo Nutre- Hoyos; Sol Beatriz Arango, president of Sersa’s shareholder meeting, attended by more than vicios Nutresa (backoffice services); Miguel “We have work to do,” noted Beckham. “Under1,200 investors, in downtown Medellin on the Moreno, president of Colcafe and past CEO of standing the opportunities and challenges within morning of March 20. The Abilene delegation AbiMar (coffee business) and Juan Castañeda, Grupo Nutresa and AbiMar Foods was extremewas provided an overview of the growing prod- president of Compañia Nacional de Chocolates ly enlightening, and we return with a greater apuct lines of the company, which includes cook- S.A.S. (chocolate business) for discussion on preciation of our partnership with AbiMar Foods ies and crackers, as well as coffee, chocolate, ice challenges and opportunities, as well as the com- and Grupo Nutresa and optimism for new busicream, pasta, and cold cuts with compound an- pany’s views on social responsibility and social ness opportunities.” nual sales of around USD $4 billion. value. AbiMar Foods, officially ranked as Abilene’s “The group’s long-term goal is to focus on largest manufacturer, employs 675 people in In addition, the group met with Maria Clara growth opportunities between AbiMar Foods their two Abilene production facilities. The Ramirez, representing Medellin’s Sapiencia. Sa- and Abilene and ensuring that the company’s company was formed upon the purchase of Fehr piencia is a program of the Medellin’s mayor’s interests are understood and addressed,” Hibbs Foods, formerly owned by the late Steve Fehr. office that focuses on linking industry, govern- said. Trade Mission ment and education.
42 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
Abilene Pie Shop Spices Up The Sweet with New Bistro-Style Eatery By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
Originally, the plan was for the shop to open its doors on Pie Day, celebrated every March 14 because the numerical date (3-14) is the same as the first three figures in the mathematical pi. However, Leslie Bivens said the team simply couldn’t make it happen. So they settled for Good Friday instead.
she said, ‘You should make a pie.’ So I dabbled with different ideas. I love sweet-heat. So I made ‘The Baron,’ the honey-habanero one and I won first place and grand champion.” The result of the pie fest caused them to consider the idea of opening up a bakery, Bivens said. They thought about a food truck, thought about a store front and then put the idea on the back burner for a bit. But
First customers through the doors Friday were Jordan Boerger and her grandmother, Bobbie Allen. Boerger picked up her slice of the blueberryghost pepper combination, while Allen chose a slice of “Georgia Bell,” a pecan pie with a cinnamon roll crust. “It’s amazing,” Boerger said. “At first, it’s like the blueberry, really good. And then, the heat settles in. It’s not bad, but you can definitely feel it. It’s really good.” Michael Pecoraro and Chris Lopez also showed up for the grand opening after seeing the company’s Facebook page and being intrigued by the selection of pies. After careful consideration, they joined Allen in selecting the “Georgia Bell.” Both felt it necessary to support the local business in its opening. “I’m all about the community,” Lopez said. “I want to see our community grow. And to try some good pie.” Life of Pie owes its start to encouragement from Leslie Givens to her husband to enter his creations into the Cisco Pie Fest. “(Leslie) entered the boutique area and she was selling some jewelry and stuff,” Cory Bivens said. “They were having a pie competition, so
requests kept coming in, he said. One after another, friends called on him to spice up their holiday treats. “So, I thought, ‘Let’s just do it,’” he said. “And here we are.” In addition to the baked goods, the shop also offers a small boutique for shopping. Products include some beauty items and bath bombs. To contact Life of Pie, email lifeofpieabilene@gmail.com. The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | BUSINESS | 43
How to Land Your Dream Job By Ken Coleman | DaveRamsey.com
Do you wake up with “a case of the Mondays” every Monday morning? If you’re like the majority of hard working Americans, that answer might be a resounding, “yes.” According to Gallup’s State of the American Workplace report, 67% of Americans are not engaged or are actively disengaged at their job.(1) And only four in ten employees strongly agree they have the opportunity to do what they do best each day.(2)
you can keep reviewing and editing over time. It looks like this: I will use my top talents of ______and________to do _________, the work I love to do. Once you have a purpose sentence in place, you can begin looking for a role that is in your sweet spot and fulfills your true purpose.
Seek out people and experiences that put you in close proximity of your dream job. If you want to be a teacher, shadow one for the day. If you want to be an event planner, volunteer your skills. Put yourself in the place where opportunity can take flight!
Step 2: Plan for your dream job.
Those statistics are harsh, but you don’t have to accept them as your reality. The truth is, life’s too short to live like that. You might be spinning your wheels at your current job while trying to figure out what you were born to do. That’s a tough place to be. But the good news is—you don’t have to stay there. Let’s dive into how you can discover your sweet spot and land the job of your dreams.
want to be.
Step 4: Get in the right place.
Many times, you have to take on a role that’s in close proximity of your dream job even when it isn’t ideal. If you have your sights set on working in the broadcast industry, you might need to take an internship or entry level position at your local station. This is what people affectionately refer to as “getting your foot in the door.”
Step 1: Discover what your dream job is. What kind of job do you actually want?
Discovery starts with finding your sweet spot—that’s the intersection of where your greatest talent and greatest passion meet. And when you’re in your sweet spot, you can use your top talents (what you do best) to perform your passions (what you love to do). But how do you discover your sweet spot? First, list your top talents and main passions. Then, get feedback and confirmation from three to five people who know you well and will be honest with you. The idea is to confirm that these talents and passions are seen by others in your life too. Once you have their confirmation, start the process of writing out a purpose sentence. This will give you the clarity and direction you need as you work toward finding your dream job. Don’t let it intimidate you—your purpose sentence is just a simple fill-in-the-blank statement
It’s important to focus on cultivating relationships that could help create personal recommendations and strengthen your chances of getting an interview. Sometimes it is about who you know and who can help you get to where you
You know it’s important to polish up your resume, so go ahead and do it. But don’t rely solely on the application process to see you through. As you identify opportunities you can pursue, you must ask and answer some practical questions: How much will this cost? Based on your finances, how long will it take to complete? Am I qualified? Think about what requirements or qualifications you’ll need to reach your dream job. And if you’re already qualified, ask yourself, Who do I know who has a connection to where I want to be?
Step 3: Pursue on purpose.
While you’re doing steps one and two, practice the proximity principle: In order to do what you want to do, you have to be around people who are doing it and be in the places it’s happening.
If you can get in the building and start proving yourself, you’ll be that much closer to reaching your dream job. If you get in the right place and stay in the right place, the timing will happen on its own.
Your Dream Job Could Be Closer Than You Think - Landing your dream job takes time,
perseverance and patience. You must be disciplined enough to get up every day and work toward your goals. But while you’re in the waiting season, stay patient and focus on the next opportunity. All of this effort can ultimately lead you to your dream job— the role you were created to play. About Ken Coleman
Ken Coleman is an acclaimed interviewer, broadcaster, and host of The Ken Coleman Show as well as the top-rated EntreLeadership Podcast. Ken equips, encourages and entertains listeners through thought-provoking interviews, helping them grow their businesses, pursue their passions, and move toward a fulfilled purpose. You can follow Ken on Facebook, YouTube and kencolemanshow.com.
44 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Food-Drink Combination To Open at Former Busch Jewelers By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
When one door closes, another tends to open. For downtown Abilene, two closed, meaning two more could possibly take their place. Justin and Alex Russell have purchased the former Busch Jewelers at 250 Cypress St. with the intention of converting it into a lounge and restaurant. It comes on the heels of one of downtown’s more popular places, ABI-Haus and its bar, Public-Haus, shutting its doors at the end of March. Alex Russell said they’re not exactly trying to replace ABI-Haus with their new investment in downtown, seeking a different vibe. “We bought the building before we knew ABI-Haus and Public-Haus were closing,” Russell said. “But ABI-Haus had a unique environment over there (959 N. Second St.). I hated to see them go. I think we’d like to bring in some of the same clientele. They had a bunch of students, artists, but I don’t think what they did can be re-created.”
Russell said designer Rebecca Gibbs is creating the two separate spaces for a possible fall opening. She said they’re still narrowing down some naming options for the two entities. Taking advantage of the property’s current appearance, including its small, east-facing courtyard, are in the Russells’ plans, she said. Busch Jewelers originally moved to the location in 1961, according to Reporter-News archives, after opening in 1944 on Pine Street. Its iconic recessed, semi-circular entry was created in 1972 after then-owner Frank Fite bought the former Connie’s House of Fashion to the north of the jewelry store and combined the two buildings. Busch’s closed last fall. CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103
Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | BUSINESS | 45
Samuel Garcia To Be Presented 2018 Winner of the W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award By Steve Collins | Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board
On Monday March 26, in Washington, D.C. Samuel Garcia/State Farm Insurance of Abilene, Tx. was presented the W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award for small business by the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). The W.O. Lawton Business Leadership Award honors businesses or business organizations that commit time, money, and leadership to make their community’s workforce and economy more vibrant and go above and beyond to be a full partner in their local Workforce Development Board’s endeavors. The award was presented at The Forum 2018, by NAWB in Washington, D.C. March 24 – 27, 2018. The Forum 2018 convenes leaders, advocates, and change makers in business, government, labor, and education to network and share insights; address key issues affecting U.S. workforce development; and consider the goals and policy framework affecting the future of human capital and economic growth.
As a member of the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board, Samuel Garcia led the creation and launch of the Workforce Investment Fund, designed to help small businesses train current workers. In addition, Garcia was instrumental in launching the Board’s career pathways initiative by connecting business leaders with the local school district. His commitment to his community, to workforce development, and to helping fellow business owners succeed demonstrates a spirit of partnership that resonates in his community of Abilene, TX. Mr. Garcia has also received numerous awards for his strong leadership skills, dedication and commitment to the success of Abilene community initiatives by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and Texas Workforce Commission.
Inexpensive Advertising 1-325-701-9505 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemaga-
46 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
How to Save Money On Groceries Without Coupons
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
By DaveRamsey.com
Most of us have a love-hate relationship with the grocery store. We love eating all the delicious food but hate shopping for it. Maybe it’s the loss of personal space in the checkout lines. Or maybe it’s the awkward moment when we reach in front of a stranger to grab a can of baked beans. But most likely it’s because so much of our money goes into the food category of our budget. We recommend spending 10–15% of your take-home pay on food, which includes groceries and dining out. But even if your food budget falls within this range, you still might like to see your grocery bill total come down a bit. Here are 15 easy ways to lower your grocery bill without clipping coupons. 1. Redefine Dinner - If the word “dinner” makes you picture a big homemade meal with a nice cut of meat, two steaming sides of fresh veggies from the farmer’s market, a warm loaf of French bread, and a chocolate dessert—cut yourself some slack! You don’t have to feast all the time. This isn’t 1952, and suppers don’t have to be a big deal.Your kids and spouse will survive on BLTs, omelets or a big salad several times a week. Don’t be afraid of serving simple meals. You can reduce your guilt and your budget by rethinking the most misunderstood meal of the day. 2. Go Meatless - While we’re on the subject of rethinking dinner, don’t be afraid to branch out and have a meatless meal once or twice a week. Buying large quantities of meat can make your grocery bill skyrocket (especially when the meat isn’t on sale). Instead, look up meatless recipes to whip up on Meatless Monday—or whatever day of the week you choose! 3. Waste Not, Want Not - Nothing is worse than discovering moldy vegetables and fruit floating through the abyss in the back of your fridge. And to make it worse, all those rotten cucumbers and moldy peaches are dollar signs you just wasted. Ouch! 4. Don’t Be Brand Loyal - You know generic pasta is cheaper, but you’re still not convinced it won’t ruin your great-grandmother’s lasagna recipe. Are generic-brands really as good as the name-brands? A group of Consumer Reports “taste testers” found that most store brands measure up to the name brands in taste and quality—and they’re usually 15–30% lower in price!
In other words, your less expensive lasagna will taste just as delicious as Grandma’s.
When you get to the store, stick to your list! That’s the key to staying on budget. And if you go shopping as a family, let your kids help plan the meals and then find the items. It’s much easier to stay on budget when you’re shopping with a plan and working as a team. . . and when you get comfortable saying no to candy.
5. Think Before You Bulk Up Buying in bulk is amazing . . . when it actually saves you money. Don’t assume that the big bulk buys at the discount stores are automatically the cheaper option. Be sure to stop and compare the price per unit or ounce for the item you’re buying. As tempting as it is it to stock up, don’t buy more than you really need—especially when it comes to perishable items. Buying bulk cereal might be a great investment for a family of four, but if it’s just you and your spouse, that 40-count of Greek yogurt might not be the best buy. 6. Shop in Season - Make it a point to only buy fruits and veggies that are in season. Buying a pomegranate in mid-July will probably cost you an arm and a leg—and it might not even taste very good! Instead, stick to buying fresh produce when it’s actually in season throughout the year. 7. Eye Level = Expensive - Have you ever noticed that the most expensive items on the grocery shelves tend to be right at your eye level? That’s no coincidence. Grocery stores are smart. They want you to go for the splurge items! Instead of falling for those marketing tricks, look up and down as you shop. The more affordable brands could be higher or lower on the shelves. Think of it as a treasure hunt for the best price! 8. Try Different Grocery Stores - Why did you pick your current grocery store? Is it the friendliest? The most convenient location? If we’re being honest, most of us probably shop where we do out of habit. Also, be sure to check the weekly ads in your area for what’s on sale at competing grocery stores. You might find that shopping at the store down the street is costing extra money in the long run. Figuring out a new shopping plan may be frustrating at first, but it’s worth it to keep some extra cash in your pocket. 9. Learn the Sales Cycles - Are you ready to
do a little detective work? Start paying attention to when your favorite items go on sale and how much the price drops. You might even want to jot it all down in a small notebook or on your smartphone. Whatever you do, just make sure you’re keeping track of those sales so you can see if there’s a trend. Soon you’ll be able to anticipate them before they hit! 10. BYOB - Nope, it’s not what you think. It’s time to bring your own bag to the grocery store! Lots of stores will give you a discount off your total grocery bill just for bringing in a reusable bag. Your savings will usually run somewhere between 5–10 cents per bag! Five bags could save you anywhere from 25–50 cents. Hey, savings are savings! 11. Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry - People do a lot of silly things when they’re hungry. They say things they don’t really mean, eat all of their roommate’s chips, and aimlessly stroll the grocery store aisles. And while your best friend might not hold you responsible for what you said when you were “hangry,” your grocery bill won’t let you off the hook so easily. Step away from the 48-count of frozen waffles and put back that pineapple upside-down cake from the bakery. Walk into the grocery store on a full stomach, and you might be pleasantly surprised at how much lower your grocery bill is! 12. Learn to Love a List - A list can make or break your budget. Once you decide what you’ll make for breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the next week, write out each ingredient needed for those meals—plus a few snacks, of course.
13. Leave the Kids at Home - On the flip side, if you find that your kids are the culprits of adding all those “not on the list” items to your cart—you might want to leave them at home. Yes, we’re looking at you, little Jimmy with the box of cookies. 14. Use Apps on Your Smartphone - Don’t forget about all the rebate apps out there! Ibotta, Receipt Hog, Checkout51, and Walmart’s Savings Catcher are just a few of the great apps out there to help you save. These apps let you cash out your rebates. So, you won’t receive a discount upfront (like a traditional coupon) but you should see savings in the long run. 15. Pay With Cash - It’s like Dave always says: Cash is king! The best way to be sure you’ll end up with a lower grocery bill is to stick to the budget and pay with cash. When you go to the store with cash in hand, you know exactly how much you can spend. Because once the cash runs out, that’s it! Plus, it’ll help you stick to the meat-and-vegetables necessities rather than the ice cream-andcookie impulse buys. Those little extras are okay if you plan for them! If you still find you’re eating like royalty at the beginning of the month and then scraping by at the end, take out cash for groceries every week instead of once a month. That way, you’ll have a better picture of how much you can actually afford to spend each week. Better Habits for a Better Grocery Bill - A few new savings habits can help you lower your monthly grocery bill, stick to your budget, and meet your money goals faster. That means more cash to pay down debts, invest for the future, or save for something fun—like a babysitter and a nice meal out where someone else cooks and cleans up.
Pick us up at Armando’s Mex Rest, Communities of Abilene FCU & Los Arcos Mex Rest | BUSINESS | 47
Financial Advice for Your 40’s By BlueShore Financial
It’s never too early, or too late, to manage your money better. Depending on your age today, these financial tips can help you plan.
have a major impact down the road – for better or worse – so choose sensibly.
Check your retirement plan’s progress ◘ Step back and determine
whether you’re on track to achieving your retirement savings goals. If you’re behind where you’d like to be, getting back on course might be as simple as adjusting your portfolio’s asset mix or saving a few dollars more each month. Or, the solution could be more involved. Either way, If responsibility is something you dis- now’s the time to crunch the numbers cover in your 30s, you meet it head- with your advisor and find out where on in your 40s. Your family’s growing you stand. and so are your expenses. The need to help out your aging parents is becom- Capitalize on tax breaks ◘ As ing a reality. At the same time, you your income climbs, taxation bemay be adjusting to life after divorce comes an issue. So, take advantage of ways to keep more of your income in or remarriage. your hands. Catch up on any unused This is the decade when you’re likely RRSP and TFSA contribution room. to enter your peak earning years. Consider income splitting strategies, Don’t take that as a green light to including opening a spousal RRSP spend your money frivolously or bor- or lending money to lower-income row excessively. You’re still young family members to invest. Expecting enough for your financial choices to a tax refund? Get in the habit of reOver a lifetime you’ll make a lot of decisions. Looking back most will seem trivial, but a few, like your career choice or having children, will shape your future. The same is true for the priorities you set for your money.
investing rather than spending those dollars.
Re-evaluate your insurance needs ◘ Until now you may have
relied on your employer’s group insurance policy to protect your family. But if your living expenses or debt payments have risen in step with your earnings, that basic level of life or disability protection is probably no longer enough. Review your coverage, including exploring the advantages of having your own individual policies. Permanent life insurance can also deliver tax benefits, particularly valuable if you maximize your RRSP and TFSA contributions year-in and year-out.
RTISE CALL US TO ADVE (325) 701-9505 3 209 S. Danville, Suite B-10.com Email: info@hispaniclifemedia
Not Just the Right Car. The Right Car Loan. It’s just what you wanted, and needed. A new car – reliable and problem-free, loaded with all of the latest bells and whistles. One of its best features? The new car loan you got at First Financial. There was no minimum to borrow, and you got a competitive rate and fast approval. Not to mention friendly, personal service right in your neighborhood. It’s enough to drive you happy! Whether for a new car or pre-owned, the auto finance experts at First Financial will put you first.
YOU FIRST | 325-627-7200 Member FDIC
FFIN.com
Inexpensive Advertising 1-325-701-9505 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com