Aug 2016

Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3

AUGUST 2016

Volume 7, Issue 4

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 Hernรกndez info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep

SALES DEPARTMENT David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com

About Us

We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2016 HispanicLIfe Media

All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

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4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Abilene 911 dispatcher earns stork badge By Dan Carpenter | Special to the Abilene Reporter-News

Abilene 911 dispatcher Stephanie Justice earned her official stork badge on Wednesday. Justice, a three-year veteran dispatcher, received a 911 call about 1:45 p.m. July 27. On the other end of the phone was a man who told Justice that he needed help for a woman who was about to deliver a baby at her apartment. “I initially took the call as I would most any other call for help that we get,” said Justice. “When the caller told me that the baby’s head was crowning, I felt a surge of adrenaline, and immediately reached for our EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) protocol flip chart.” Over the course of the next four minutes until paramedics arrived at the scene, Justice gave step-by-step instructions to the caller, while the woman successfully de-

livered a healthy baby boy. “It was really awesome,” said Justice. “I only wish I had been able to hear the baby cry in the background. Unfortunately the woman was a little bit too far away from the phone for me to hear that. I got a little tearyeyed once I knew the baby was OK, and paramedics were on scene.” Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge presented Justice with a stork badge Wednesday, and congratulated her on successfully completing her first birth via 911 call. “We know that the couple are appreciative of what you did to help them through the birth process,” said Standridge. “On behalf of all of us here at the city, I want to congratulate you on a job well done.”

Lyon Walden of Hawley Elementary led the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance on July 14, 2016.

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Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | COMMUNITY | 5

Towne Crier Celebrates Fifty Years Towne Crier Steakhouse is one of the eateries that makes Abilene unique. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Towne Crier Steakhouse celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It has been a major part of Rhonda Williams life for twenty-nine of those years.

prompted Rhonda to call his sons and suggest to them that their Dad couldn’t work seventyhour weeks anymore but Dwight proved them

The restaurant, originally owned by Neal Fry, Ken Martin, Gary McCaleb and Bobby Wolfe, opened in 1966. The story goes that after the architect completed the plans, the builder took the levels away from the building crew. He wanted to structure to look authentic and believed strongly that “none of the buildings in England are plumb.” The Abilene Reporter-News published an article stating that the brand new building was already leaning.

“The salad bar is one of our number one sellers, so we work very hard at it,” she says. “Billy, who is charge of the salad bar, came to me unhappy about how some of the cucumbers in the bottom of a crock looked. When I asked him what he wanted to do about it, he said, ‘I want to prep my own product.’ Now he’s here at 9 a.m. every day cutting up bell peppers and cucumbers. I’m lucky and thankful to have him.”

“I moved into the dorm on a Saturday,” she says, “and started to work here on Monday.” Even though they had four sons, the Astons made Rhonda a part of their family. She calls them “Mom” and “Dad.” After Rhonda married and had children, she continued to help when she could with catering and other aspects of the business. “I couldn’t stay away,” Rhonda says. “I was probably here two or three days a week for twenty-nine years. When my kids were born at Hendrick I brought them straight here because I wanted soup and salad.”

Rhonda told Dwight in 1989 that she would own the place one day, but he wasn’t ready for quite some time. His heart attack in 2005

“We are unashamedly Christian based,” Rhonda says. “We want to offer the best product at the fairest price. We love our customers. We pray they leave with a full heart and a full belly.” Customers are not the only people Rhonda loves. It’s clear from the way she brags on them that she loves her employees too.

In 1977 Dwight and Carla Aston purchased Towne Crier from its original owners. Ten years later, Rhonda arrived from Fort Worth to study psychology at Hardin-Simmons University.

Over the years, Dwight made a few changes, including moving the salad bar from the front line to its current spot in the dining room. He kept all the dishes from 1966 but added customer favorites like Chicken Fried Chicken, Chicken Teriyaki and Pork Chops. The original menu board still hangs in the lobby and the new dishes have been added to the sides over the years. A fire in 1985 closed Towne Crier for just over ninety days.

Dwight’s number one priority, which became Rhonda’s, is “customer first always.”

Billy is just one example of the pride Rhonda takes in her staff.

all wrong. He recovered and worked another ten years until he decided in 2015 that he was ready to spend some of his time on other pursuits. That’s when Rhonda purchased the restaurant. “He’s still comes in every day for a few hours,” she says, “but he doesn’t have to work those seventy to eighty hour weeks anymore.”

When Rhonda started to work at Towne Crier, she became a member of the Aston family. Her three sons, Jacob, Jeremiah and Jonathan now work at the restaurant also. “We’re not a big company,” she says, “so we joke about being a family.” If you visit Towne Crier Steakhouse, to enjoy the homemade soups, sauces and yummy entrees, she’ll make you part of the family too.

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6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Cisco College is the proud recipient of Randy Steffen works of art

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By Cisco College

The college is honored to recognize Mr. Steffen, a former Cisco College art instructor who taught during the 1950s. Steffen was well known for his talent in painting, drawing and writing. His work can be found in early editions of the Western Horseman magazines and various books. Joe and Mary Kay Schaefer of Arlington, TX, gifted the Steffen artworks to the college, which include: a bronze replica of a 1872 McClellan saddle, a booklet entitled The Evolution of U.S. Martial Single Shot Arms, a pencil drawing entitled Mare and her Colt, a business card belonging to Randy Steffen, The Story of Texas school text book, a photograph print entitled Horse Soldier, and a book of United States Military Saddles. Mr. Schaefer, a close friend of Steffens, is owner of Schaefer Art Bronze in Arlington, TX, the premier foundry for fine art bronze casting, and known worldwide for his various bronze sculptures. Formerly of Cisco, Mr. Schaefer is the son of the late Rudolph Schaefer for whom Cisco’s Schaefer Hall is named.

College history professor Randy Golson has loaned Maner Library numerous items from his personal collection. These items include: Two Walking S branding irons, a Walking S iron cook stand, a Walking S iron boot jack, a Hoka

Two additional Steffen items were gifted to the college by James and Nancy Schaefer, son and daughter-in-law of Joe and Mary Kay Schaefer, also of Arlington, TX. These works are: Back in the Saddle: - December 1949 magazine and a 16x20” black and white painting of Unholy Horse on a Holy Night.

“Cisco College appreciates the generosity of the Schaefers and Mr. Golson,” said Dr. Roger Schustereit, Interim President. “We are proud to be able to add to the timeless talent of Randy Steffen that we are able to share with the public. On behalf of the Board of Regents, I thank them very much.”

Hey bronze belt buckle, a small military bronze stirrup, a silver buffalo skull, a silver warrior feather, a print entitled In My Own Blood, a post card entitled Fawn & Skull, and two sketch pads containing various sketches and articles by Randy Steffen In addition to the Schaefer’s donations, Cisco dated 1971-1973.

Steffen’s artwork is on display in the Maner Memorial Library for public viewing. Donations and displays like these are an added asset and attraction for Cisco College and will be persevered and well cared for by the Library. Library Director Makenzie Bingham said, “We are honored to continue receiving great works by Randy Steffen and invite the community to visit our library and view these wonderful works of art, as well as the Steffen book collection, housed at Maner Memorial Library.” The library currently displays Randy Steffen’s oil painting Bringing in the Manada that depicts two cowboys bringing in good mares and colts. The illustration was featured in 1952 as the cover on The Cattleman magazine. Along with the Bringing in the Manada oil painting, the library displays signed prints of The Garry Owens Portfolio with scenes from the Battle of the Little Big Horn, and covers for Western Horseman.

Lieutenant Logan Critz has been with the Abilene Fire Department since March of 2011. He is certified as a Firefighter Basic, Wildland Firefighter Basic, and EMT-Paramedic. He also serves the citizens of Abilene as a medic on the SWAT Team. Lt. Critz has been assigned to A shift as an engine officer.

New AgriLife Extension assistant named in Taylor County Thomas Cunningham assumes agriculture and natural resources/4-H post By Steve Byrns | Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service named Thomas Cunningham the new AgriLife Extension assistant for agriculture and natural resources/4-H in Taylor County effective July 15. The announcement was made by AgriLife Extension district administrator Marty Gibbs of San Angelo.

a strong family background in the 4-H youth development program and FFA. These experiences will serve him well as much of his job responsibility will deal with the 4-H program, AgriLife Extension’s youth educational component.”

Cunningham earned a bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University at Canyon. His honors and community involvement include being “We are pleased to have Thomas join us here in the West Central Disnamed to the Dean’s List at West Texas A&M, volunteering for the trict,” Gibbs said. “Taylor County is one of the more populated counties Ronald McDonald House Charities, president of Kappa Alpha Order, within our 23-county district. Its diverse population and agricultural work with the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project and president of the industry provides the ideal setting for an assistantship such as the one West Texas A&M University Rifle Club. Thomas has assumed. For more information, contact Gibbs at 325-653-4576, mj-gibbs@tamu. “Thomas is a native West Texan, having been reared in Canyon. He has edu.

Lieutenant Don Estes began his career with the Abilene Fire Department in November of 1981. He is certified as a Master Firefighter and an EMT-Paramedic. Lt. Estes currently serves the department as the A shift officer on Engine 8.

Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7

Abilene Area Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony Registration Now Open By Nick J. Tapie LMFT | Team Leader, Readjustment Therapist, Department of Veterans Affairs, Abilene Vet Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs Taylor County Vet Center invites all eligible Vietnamera Veterans and their families to attend a pinning ceremony honoring their service. Registration for the event is required. The event will be held September 23rd, 2016. Pre-registration is required by Tuesday August 23rd for a veteran’s pin to be ordered to allow them to attend this year’s event. Further details will be provided upon contacting the center. To register, please stop by the Taylor County Vet Center located at 3564 N. 6th Street, Abilene, TX 79603 during normal business hours, or call the center at (325) 232-7925. (See below for eligibility requirements) The Taylor County Vet Center is not a part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense. Is the Commemoration honoring all veterans who served during the Vietnam War period, or just those veterans who served in the country of Vietnam? The Commemoration honors all United States veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time between November 1, 1955 to and May 15, 1975, regardless of location. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are 7 million living Vietnam veterans and 9 million families of those who served in this time frame. We make no distinction between veterans who served in-country,

in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. All were called to serve and the overwhelming majority of these veterans served honorably and admirably. When is the actual 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War? • The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration began with the Presidential inaugural event at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, and concludes on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, by Presidential Proclamation. As the President stated, we, as a nation, will commemorate the 50th anniversary over a long period of time, as many Americans served and sacrificed over that long period of time. For the purposes of this Commemoration, November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 is the period being utilized to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. November 1, 1955 was selected to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V), and May 15, 1975 marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the SS Mayaguez. As additional background, U.S. involvement in Vietnam started slowly with an initial deployment of advisors in the early 1950s, grew incrementally through the early 1960s and expanded with the deployment of full combat units in July 1965. The last U.S. personnel were evacuated from Vietnam in April 1975.

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Trinity Baptist Church Invites Children to Cave Quest VBS Aug. 8-12: Following Jesus, the Light of the World! By Joseph Plagge | Trinity Baptist Church A summer kids’ event called Cave Quest VBS will be hosted at Trinity Baptist Church from August 8th to August 12th. At Cave Quest, kids explore what it means to follow Jesus through dark times. Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and dig into yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, and test out SciencyFun Gizmos they’ll take home and play with all summer long. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes with a Cave Quest Closing that gets everyone involved in living what they’ve learned. Cave Quest is for kids from 4 years old to 5th grade [must be 4 years old on or before September 1st, 2016] and will run from 5:30pm to 8:00pm each day. For more information please visit our website www.trinityabilene.com or call 325-673-4796. Registration forms are available at www.trinityabilene.com

Preliminary Results in on Community Survey on Public Safety and Law Enforcement By City of Abilene

At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Williams, and in cooperation with the Abilene Police Department, the City of Abilene commissioned a survey on community policing in Abilene. “I viewed this public safety survey as a starting point for the conversation about crime in our community,” stated Mayor Pro Tempore Anthony Williams. “The survey was something that I initiated and introduced to Chief of Police Stan Standridge as a tool to solicit information from the Abilene community. The data and results that are products of this survey will be the basis of the conversation during the next ACT Initiative meeting.” Preliminary results of the survey indicate that of the 1,626 responses, a majority of participants were white and female. 53% of participants have lived in Abilene for 10 or more years, with the majority of responses coming from zip code 79605 and the least amount coming from 79601. In terms of community involvement, 42% of participants were satisfied with the extent to which their law enforcement agency makes it easy for the community to provide input with 33% stating neutral sentiment, and 25% being unsatisfied.

McMurry to Offer Fall Exercise Classes By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University

McMurry University has announced its fall schedule for open-to-the-public group exercise classes. Most classes begin the week of Monday, August 22 and continue until December 2. Participants may attend any of the offerings which include noon and evening Yoga classes, afternoon classes for persons fifty years of age and older, and evening sessions in Low Impact Aerobics and Zumba. All classes are held in Hunt PE Center, room 200. Fee for unlimited classes for the semester is $80, or $40 for only 15 classes. Drop-ins pay $5 per session. For more information and a complete schedule, contact Janet McMurray at 325-793-4634 or by email at mcmurraj@mcm.edu.

Citizens stated drug abuse, burglaries, domestic violence, and traffic as the top safety problems in Abilene. Overall, participants seemed highly satisfied with APD’s procedural justice: 60% stated satisfaction with law enforcements responsiveness to concerns of the community, and an overwhelming 86% of participants trust law enforcement. “The Police Department is thankful for the opportunity to review the survey that was completed by more than 1,600 citizens. A quick review of the survey indicates that our citizens are supportive of their department, trust their officers, and welcome increased partnerships,” said Chief of Police Stan Standridge. “We will partner to tackle some of the biggest crime concerns articulated in the survey, including but not limited to: drug abuse; burglaries; and domestic violence. We are better together, and the survey reflects a desire to work together to address difficult crime issues in our City.” Should you have further questions on this survey, please contact Rick Tomlin or Alaisha Guerra. The survey results are available on the City website at www.abilenetx.com and the Abilene Police Department website at www.abilenepolice.org.

Pick us up at Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Fiesta in the Park connects military and local Latinos

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1. What is your role/ title with Fiesta in role in the event for many years. He was the the Park? President, Hispanic Heritage Com- former President of the HHC and the lead ormittee

ganizer for the Fiesta in the Park event.

2. When did the event first begin and how 7. What is the best way for attendees long has it been running? The first event to make contact with you? By calling started in 2008 and has been going ever since.

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3. What inspired the creation of the event? 8. When and where will the event take The event was spawned from the Dyess Hispanic place? What activities will be at the Heritage Committee. Our purpose for establishing the organization was to promote cultural awareness, diversity, education and morale for all Dyess Airmen, families and the local Abilene community. The committee’s goal was to create an event to show our appreciation and bring a cohesiveness to both military and local Latinos, thus, Fiesta in the Park was created.

4. Describe your event and why it is unique to others held in Abilene and its surrounding areas. Fiesta in the Park

is a live concert event with several bands who perform. The bands are sometimes local, upcoming bands or old school bands that provide an evening of great music. The event is unique in that it is held every year on Dyess AFB but open to the general public which extends to all surrounding communities that come attend.

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

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5. Are there any specific ways you market your event to the His- event? Bands featured are: La Tropa F (lead panic community? This year, we are market- band), Groupo Maldad, and Groupo Pression. 325-677-2274 800-677-6770 abileneteachersfcu.org

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ing our event to the local Hispanic community via Facebook, Pete Garcia and his radio station La Voz 93.3 FM, Telemundo, Hispanic Life Magazine and dropping off flyers at local places for all to view.

The event will take place on Dyess AFB Memorial Park. General public entrance is located on Military Drive & North Arnold Blvd (across from All-sups). Grito and Jalapeno Eating Contests, Static Displays, Air Castles 6. Have you had a particular role model and Children Activities, Food and Drinks sold or mentor who has helped or inspired you at the event, BYOC - Bring Your Own Chair. in the creation and execution of Fiesta in **NO outside coolers or food will be allowed. the Park? Julian Cervantes has played a key

Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11

Busted Putter Golf Classic to honor Fred Lee Hughes On September 26, 2016 the Abilene Chamber and its Military Affairs Committee (MAC) will launch a new twist to an old gem - the 2016 Busted Putter Golf Classic, recognizing former Abilene Mayor and Honorary Tournament Chairman, Mr. Fred Lee Hughes. This year’s format will be the first to feature an Honorary Chairman, providing all of us an opportunity to have a great day at Abilene Country Club (ACC) while recognizing the achievement and contribution of one of our own. Proceeds will support the World’s Largest BBQ and other programs of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee, a cause always special to Mayor Hughes. Fred Lee Hughes is the retired president and owner of Fred Hughes Buick. Hughes was instrumental in bringing the B-1 bomber to Dyess in 1985. He served as Abilene Mayor from 1975-78. Please join Fred Lee’s friends, colleagues and fellow community members as we say “well done.” You’ll also not want to miss a new, revised format for this refreshed, premiere golf event. Fun, food, drink and prizes, not to mention the oncourse shenanigans, giveaways and fellowship.

WHEN:September 26, 2016 Tournament: 12-6pm Awards Dinner: 6pm​ WHERE:Abilene Country Club

The Awards Dinner honoring Fred Lee will begin at 6PM with individual tickets available at the Chamber. Contact Abilene Chamber of Commerce for more information 325-677-7241. ​

Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13

B-1 aircrew, maintainers support air show in France By Senior Airman Kedesha Pennant | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, Dyess AFB

Monks Coffee Shop 10th Birthday Coffee Kumite

A B-1B Lancer aircrew assigned to the 28th Bomb Squadron and Airmen assigned to the 7th Maintenance Group supported the Istres Air Show June 4-5, at Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France.

A day of coffee competitions, capped off by Abilene’s first ever Latte Art Throw down. The Toasted Traveler will be serving dinner and Cypress Street Station will be selling beer and wine at Monks during the Throw down. Come party with us as we kick off another year of great coffee and great community.

The 28th BS-- the then-28th Aero Squadron-and the French air force share a long history,” said Lt. Col. ‘Z’, 28th BS instructor pilot. “We flew with the French in the Lafayette Escadrille beginning in 1916 to help win the war,

10 hours,” Z said. “Our presence there shows we can be anywhere in the world in a matter of hours. It also shows we can bring the largest precision-guided weapons payload of the entire U.S. inventory anywhere on the planet at any time.” A popular topic of discussion during the event was the B-1’s status as a legacy aircraft. The B-1 continues to prove itself as the Air Force’s leading long-range strike asset since its inception near the end of the Cold War, through current operations in Iraq and Syria. “The B-1 is celebrating its 31st birthday this year,” Z said. “We’ve been in continuous combat operations for the last 15 years, and many people don’t realize the impact the aircraft has made.” Though the general public didn’t know much about the B-1 and its capabilities, the aircraft was well-received and garnered an outpouring of curiosity.

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“Two of the biggest questions we got all weekend were, ‘What is this plane?’ and ‘What does it do?’” said Lt. Col. ‘Chunks’, 28 BS instructor weapons systems officer. “A B-1 at a European air show is very rare. Most of the people didn’t know it was a U.S. aircraft.” The air show was headlined by the Patrouille de France, the French air force aerobatic demonstration team. The B-1 was the only U.S. aircraft on ground display; however, a B-52 Stratofortress conducted a flyover during the Dyess Airmen assigned to the 28th Bomb Squadron and 7th Maintenance Group pose in front of a B-1B event. Lancer with Gen. Bernard Schuler, center, French strategic air forces commander, June 5, 2016, at Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France. Dyess Airmen were in attendance to support the Istres Air Show, where the B-1 was featured as one of the static displays. (Courtesy photo)

The Istres Air Show celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Lafayette Escadrille, a unit of American Airmen who volunteered to fight alongside the French during World War I. The Lafayette Escadrille was formed April 20, 1916, which was a year before the U.S. entered WWI. The name was in honor of Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who fought for the U.S. in the Revolutionary War.

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This experience propelled lasting impressions from a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

which is one of the reasons we were sent to “I was very impressed by French people with participate in their air show. We even share how warm and thankful they were for us to similar squadron emblems.” be in attendance,” Z said. “They even thanked us for our partnership with them over the cenThe B-1 aircrew was able to fly to France non- tury.” stop, showcasing the aircraft’s many capabilities. B-1s were also on display at the International Aerospace Exhibition June 7, in Berlin, Ger“We were able to fly directly to France with many. The aircraft’s presence in Europe is exone air refueling, and the flight took just over pected to continue in the coming months.

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Join us as Abilene area wish families, volunteers and supporters come together to celebrate more than 35 years of granting wishes. Enjoy wine, food truck tastings and live music as we share the mission of Make-A-Wish®. Make a difference today by supporting Wine & Wishes and Share the Power of a Wish®.

3rd Annual Wine & Wishes August 18, 2016 The Grove at Denton Valley 12177 Co Rd 227, Clyde, TX YOU CAN HELP! Wishes come in all shapes and sizes, but the average cost of a wish is $9,000. Your support of the first annual Wine & Wishes provides children with hope for better times, strength for the tough times and the joy of experiencing the present. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or attending this event, please contact Anna Stanford at 432-6839474 or astanford@ntx.wish.org.

Pick us up at Primetime Family Entertainment, Sears Rec Center & Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15

A Splashing Good Time By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine

Since 1995, NRH2O has been keeping families cool while having some family fun. Owned by the city of North Richland Hills, the municipal water park located north of Dallas is way more than your city pool.

Another unique quality of the park is that it is really a park within a park. Since it is owned by the city of North Richland Hills, it is considered a city park because of the large amount of green space and trees.

“We are a family water park that has something for everyone,” Stephanie Hee-Johnston, NRH2O admissions and promotions coordinator said. “I truly feel that we have something for every guest whether they want something extreme to do or if they just want to relax and layout in the sun.”

“You don’t see a lot of concrete at NRH2O,” Stephanie said. “We have guests that like to bring blankets, put them in the grass and move chairs to the grass area. I think the fact that people can come and hang out under the shade of a tree really sets us apart.”

The park is home to the Green Extreme, one of the largest and tallest water coasters in the country. NRH2O was also the first in the United States to have the Viper water slide installed in 2011.

NRH2O also allows guests to bring in their own coolers and food to the park at no extra cost. Making the atmosphere even more family friendly and affordable. A lot of other parks either don’t allow it or charge for it.

“They are great rides,” Stephanie said. “You can ride them with friends or you can ride them alone. But those are some of the high thrill rides that we really take pride in having and being able to offer our guests.”

This summer is a big summer for NRH2O. The park just completed construction on four new water slides that are now up and going for guests. NRH2O has a new friend at the park this year as well, Bounder the frog. Bounder is the son of Professor Frogstein, NRH2O’s original mascot.

Besides the high thrill rides, the park has large a interactive water playground, mat racer, a wave pool, an endless river and other slides. The Green Extreme and the Viper are the main attractions NRH2O is known for though. There is much more to do at NRH2O though. During the summer months, they have a spectacular firework show once a month at the park for guests. Every Friday night, through August 5, they have Dive-In Movies where the park shows movies in the wave pool and guests can sit in the wave pool to enjoy the movie.

“We want to provide a family experience to all of our guests and make sure everyone has a good time,” Stephanie said, “whether it’s planning an event or our calendar for the year, what discounts we can offer, or what new food items we can bring.”

“We have all sorts of different activities and events going on throughout the park to add more value to our guests,” Stephanie said. Special guests even make it out to park to enjoy the fun. The Dallas Zoo visits NRH2O and brings along different animals for guests to learn about through a 45-minute show. “It is an educational experience,” Stephanie said, “as well as, it is fun and different if you need to take a break from being in the pool for a little bit.”

about us.”

“It’s always about what we think the guests are going to enjoy and how they are going to have a good time, so they can tell their friends

The summer season kicked off on May 21 and will continue to September 11. For more information about the park visit www.nrh2o.com. No matter what you plan to do at the park you can plan on thing for sure – a good time!

16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Dog Days:

August 10, 17, 24 And August 10 - August 31 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm Venue: Women’s Dillard’s Courtyard Join us every Wednesday in August (beginning August 10) from 5-8pm at Women’s Dillard’s Courtyard for dog-friendly fun! DOG DAYS CODE OF CONDUCT August 10: Fashion Hounds (dog costume contest) Featuring ACCO Farm & Ranch and Abilene Kennel Club / Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place winners

August 17: Forever Homes (pet adoption night) Featuring City of Abilene Animal Services, Taylor-Jones Humane Society, Abilene Kennel Club & ACCO Farm & Ranch August 24: Canine Heroes (honoring service dogs and their trainers) Featuring ACCO Farm & Ranch and Abilene Kennel Club August 31: Paw-Parazzi (pet photo night) Featuring CJ Photography, ACCO Farm & Ranch and Abilene Kennel Club

Hunting, fishing licenses are now on sale! Hunting and fishing licenses for 2016-17 are ‘now on sale’, meaning that dove season can’t be far behind. All current year Texas hunting and fishing licenses (except year-to-date fishing licenses) expire on Aug. 31. Every year, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department issues more than 2.4 million hunting and fishing licenses through the agency’s 28 field offices, more than 50 state parks and at more than 1,700 retailers across the state. All revenue generated from license fees pays for conservation efforts and recreational opportunities in the state, according to a news release from TPWD. Fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, public hunting leases, river access permits and Texas Game Wardens are just some of the initiatives funded in part by license fees. When purchasing licenses, hunters and anglers have the opportunity to enter raffles for guided hunts and Lifetime Super Combo licenses. Also, people buying licenses can make voluntary donations of $1, $5, $10 or $20 to help veterans through the Fund for Veteran’s Assistance or to support the Hunters for the Hungry program. Dove season runs from Sept. 1-Oct. 25 and from Dec. 18 to Jan. 1 in the north and central zones, which covers all of the Big Country.

Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17

AMERICA, LET’S DO LUNCH ™

Meals on Wheels America and Ad Council Launch First National Campaign to Recruit Volunteers to Serve Growing Number of Seniors By Rob Chastain | Development Director, Meals on Wheels, Plus

More than 10 million (1 in 6) seniors in the U.S. face the threat of hunger and more than 15 million (1 in 4) are living in isolation. This summer, Meals on Wheels America, in partnership with the Ad Council, will launch its first-ever national campaign to recruit volunteers to serve the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. With the senior population projected to double by 2050, Meals on Wheels Plus is joining the effort to help inspire a new army of volunteers in Abilene, Hawley, Hamby, Hodges, Potosi, and Eula to meet the growing need. Every weekday, Meals on Wheels Plus volunteers deliver nearly 1,000 meals, along with friendly visits and safety checks to those who need them most. As important as the meal delivered is the fact that, for many seniors, the volunteer who delivers it is the only person they will see that day. The delivery is not just about nutrition; it is about the moments of human connection that nourish the senior and the volunteer alike. Each weekday Meals on Wheels Plus relies on an army of volunteers to deliver meals, between 11 am and 1 pm. The national integrated public service campaign, created pro bono by the ad agency, Anomaly, will invite America to “Do Lunch” by volunteering during the critical lunch hour period to deliver meals and a smile to seniors. The TV, radio, print, out-of-home and digital public service advertisements (PSAs) will tell the poignant stories of just a few of the 2.4 million seniors the national Meals on Wheels network serves each year, stories that celebrate their lives and show how inspiring, wise and charming they really are. To further highlight their stories, renowned celebrity photographer Mark Seliger – who has photographed some of our culture’s most famous faces from Kurt Cobain to President Obama – will be turning his lens to Meals on Wheels seniors and creating a series of portraits for the campaign. “We’re so excited to be working with Meals on Wheels programs across the country to

launch this national effort on the ground,” said Ellie Hollander, President, and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “We hope that by sharing just a few of our seniors’ amazing and heartfelt stories, we can inspire even more volunteers to lend a caring hand to the growing number of aging neighbors in need.” ”The services that we provide to seniors and other qualified adults in the Abilene area are critical, and the need is rapidly increasing,” said Betty Bradley, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Plus. “Together, we can keep frail individuals living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community.” To learn more about Meals on Wheels Plus visit www.mealsonwheelsplus.com or follow us on Facebook . To learn more about the “America, Let’s Do Lunch” campaign, and to sign up to volunteer, visit www.AmericaLetsDoLunch.org, or follow Meals on Wheels America on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. About Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc. Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization, which has been providing home-delivered meals in Abilene since 1975. We are now serving almost 1,000 lunches each weekday. A cold breakfast is delivered along with lunch 3 days a week for select clients. Approximately 700-trained volunteers deliver the meals to the homes. Many volunteers only deliver meals one day per week and deliver from 12 to 18 meals into a neighborhood. Training is provided, and there is always a need for additional people to sign up to deliver meals. While many Meals on Wheels recipients are age 60 or older, the program is also available for younger adults who have disabilities. Meals can be served on a long-term basis or for a week or two while someone recovers

from a hospital stay or accident. Meals are provided to individuals regardless of their financial situation. Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

For more information on volunteering, call 325-672-5050 or email Volunteer@Mealsonwheelsplus.com.

18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Peliculas en Español: “Frozen”Aug. 11 at 5:30PM, Main Library

Sinopsis de la Pelicula: Cuando el recién coronado Elsa Reina accidentalmente utiliza su poder para cambiar las cosas en el hielo a su hogar en invierno infinito, su hermana, Anna, se asocia con un hombre de la montaña, sus renos juguetón y un muñeco de nieve para cambiar la condición de tiempo.

Family Flix: “Tangled” Aug. 13 at 11:00AM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: The

magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.

Teen Flix: “The 5th Wave” Aug. 16 at 6:00PM, Main Library. Movie Summary: Four waves

of increasingly deadly attacks have left most of Earth in ruin. Against a backdrop of fear and distrust, Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother. As she prepares for the inevitable and lethal fifth wave, Cassie teams up with a young man who may become her final hope - if she can only trust him.

Teen Flix After Hours: “The Core” Aug. 19 at 5:45PM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: When the Earth’s core stops spinning, disasters begin to appear all over the world. If we don’t do anything, mankind will perish. Dr. Josh Keyes and his crew of five are tasked with the mission of going down to the center of the Earth to set off a nuclear device in hopes that the core will start spinning once again.

Family Flix: “Pan” Aug. 20 at 3:00PM, Main Library. Movie Summary: 12-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and danger, and ultimately discovers his destiny - to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.

Mockingbird Movies: “Robin Hood” Aug. 27 at 2:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Library

Movie Summary: An imaginative Disney version of the Robin Hood legend. Fun and romance abound as the swashbuckling hero of Sherwood Forest and his valiant sidekick plot one daring adventure after another to outwit the greedy prince and his partner as they put the tax squeeze on the poor.

Teen Flix After Hours: “Into the Storm” Sept. 2 at 5:45PM, South Branch Library.

Movie Summary: In the span of a single day, the town of Silverton is ravaged by an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes. The entire town is at the mercy of the erratic and deadly cyclones, even as storm trackers predict the worst is yet to come. Most people seek shelter, while others run towards the vortex, testing how far a storm chaser will go for that once-in-a-lifetime shot.

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AISD Teachers Give New Schools High Grade By Scott Kirk | Abilene Reporter~News

Teacher Debbie Letz acknowledged having mixed feelings about a new Bonham Elementary School being built and the old one being reduced to a pile of rubble and twisted metal.

“She cried,” Mansker said. “But when she came in here for the first time a couple of weeks ago, she was excited. I hope all the kids are excited and they’ll take pride in the school.”

After all, Letz has taught music at Bonham for 29 years. Any feelings of regret, however, Tiffany Loftin, a kindergarten teacher at Bonwere fleeting. ham, could sympathize with Abbie. Loftin attended Bonham for first through fifth grade. “It’s been wonderful,” Letz said as she set up She said the new school is nothing but a posiher music room, which now has space to set tive experience. up instruments in the front of the room without having to rearrange the seats. Loftin said her students could monitor the progress of the new school during the past The Abilene Independent School District is school year. opening new Bonham and Johnston Elementary schools on the sites of the original build- “I tried to keep it exciting,” she said. “The kids ings, while Lee Elementary has undergone a would come out and see things being built. major renovation that changed the entryway They would say, ‘They put the windows in.’” to the school. The projects are part of the district’s $87.7 million bond package passed by This marks the second time Loftin has taught voters in 2013. at a new school in the Abilene ISD. Previously, she was part of the original staff at Martinez According to teachers at Bonham and John- Elementary, which was a brand-new school, ston, the final products are a resounding suc- not just a new building. cess. “I love the colors,” Loftin said of the new Bon“It’s so good,” said Jennifer Mansker, a third- ham Elementary. “Martinez had a lot of neutral grade teacher at Johnston about the new facil- colors. We’re not afraid of color at Bonham.” ity. “I think our moods are all better.” Indeed, bright red is a dominant color in the Mansker said Johnston principal Roger building, even in the library and classrooms. Thomas had kept the faculty updated on the Loftin said she believes students will respond progress of the project and that teachers had positively to the bright colors. Even teachers input with the architect. who are new to the campuses were excited about the new buildings. Nothing in the new building came as a surprise to Mansker, but she said she still was a Kelly Roberts, a kindergarten teacher at Johnlittle overwhelmed by how well it turned out. ston, is new to the district, although she was a middle school teacher in Coppell 20 years “It’s so cool,” she said, referring to the way ago before leaving to raise her children. She classrooms in each grade are clustered around then taught in private schools before moving a library. Each grade level also has an outside to Abilene in October. She said she served as “classroom.” a substitute teacher several times last year at Johnston. Mansker’s daughter Abbie will be a thirdgrader at Johnston this year — though not in “It’s so exciting,” she said of the new facility. her mother’s class — but Mansker said Ab- “You get to be the first one to take it for a testbie’s original response to the idea of getting a drive.” new school was not altogether positive.

gyms or a covered walkway to their gym. The cost of the new elementary schools accounts for about $32.5 million of the total bond package, with the cost of Johnston coming in at about $15 million, Bonham at $10.5 million and Lee at $7 million. Humphrey said the last major project, a new campus at Long Elementary, is scheduled to be completed in 2017, bringing all of the projects under completion in a period of about 42 months. Incidentally, opening two new campuses and a major renovation is a year may be ambitious, but it isn’t nearly as Johnston now faces North 14th Street instead difficult as opening four new elementary of North 12th, and Roberts acknowledged that schools and a new middle school as the district she has caught herself trying to enter the school did in 1990, Humphrey said. from what is now the rear of the campus. “I’ve done that a few times,” she said. “We’re “This is like falling off a log,” he said. going to have to all be patient with each other for a while.” Bonham also has shifted its entrance, which no longer faces South Eighth Street. In fact, the school now has a new address, 717 Buccaneer Drive. Additionally, the classrooms no longer open to the outside. Construction at Bonham incorporated a wing that was built a few years ago, said Joe Humphrey, construction coordinator for the AISD. Work at Lee is a little more involved because a big part of the school remains intact, Humphrey said. “That’s probably the least-understood construction,” Humphrey said. “We added 15 new classrooms, a new administration office and a fitness room. Lee has never had its own gym.” Lee students have used the Boys & Girls Club near the campus for a gym, he said, noting that all of the elementary schools now have internal

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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Quest for discovery

Dr. Tom Lee takes ACU biology students to Ecuador in search of new species By ACU News

Two senior biology students are taking field research to the mountains of Ecuador this month as they search for new species of rodents with Dr. Tom Lee. Lee, chair of the ACU biology department, already participated in the discovery of four new species in previous trips to Ecuador. This summer, seniors Maya Feller and Daisy Gomez have accompanied Lee to Loja, the southernmost part of Ecuador, to search for more species. “In Ecuador there’s so little known about the ecology, and we don’t even know all the species,” Lee said.

passion for animals,” Feller said. Feller, a biology major from Statesville, N.C., “Anytime I go outside, I always get really explans to apply to graduate programs and con- cited,” Gomez said. tinue conducting field research on mammals, For one month in Ecuador, the students will experience the cold, wet climate of the Andes mountains, staying in a cabin or tent while they conduct research. First, they will search for traces of rodents such as runways, which are paths the animals make, and record data about the species’ habitats. Then they will set traps in the runways or in water to catch water rats.

Once they gather the specimens, they will use alcohol and preservatives to process the rodents as museum preps. Museum preps are compact, uniform and numbered for reference. When they return to campus, Lee and the students will study the skeleton and DNA material, comparing it to other species.

Both Feller and Gomez prepared for the trip on campus through research projects and field research Daisy Gomez, left, and Maya Feller have joined Dr. Tom Lee in his classes. They traveled with Lee’s search for new rodent species in the mountains of Ecuador. mammalogy class to the Big Bend “The world is very complex, and there National Park where they learned are lots of things to learn,” Lee said. how to set traps and process animal speci- especially carnivores. “Since we don’t even know what’s there, it’s hard Gomez, a biology major from El Paso, said al- to make an argument that something should be mens. though she’s always lived in a city, she wants conserved, so this work can help with the conser“I love being outdoors, and I’ve always had a more firsthand experience with wildlife before vation of animals.” she applies for graduate programs.

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New Interim Dean Announced for Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University

Dr. Sheila Earline Garland has been named Interim Dean of the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing beginning July 11, 2016. Dr. Garland currently is a consultant for the Office of Secretary of State, Georgia Board of Nursing. Founded in 1979, Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN) is a consortium of Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University. PHSSN is the only intercollegiate program in the nation that serves two private universities and has become a model for other programs seeking to efficiently provide a high-quality professional program in nursing. ““I am very pleased that Dr. Garland has agreed to join the Patty Hanks Shelton School

of Nursing to serve as Interim Dean,” said McMurry University President Dr. Sandra Harper, board member of the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. “She will bring outstanding career experience to this position and will provide strong and effective leadership to our nursing program.”

Dr. Garland taught and was chair of the department of nursing at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for five years and also served as a test development specialist for the National League of Nursing. She began her career as a registered nurse and nursing administrator from 1971-1995.

Dr. Garland has extensive administrative experience in nursing education. She most recently served as Dean of Health Sciences at Georgia Perimeter College. Prior to that position, she served at The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences as interim provost and chief academic officer, dean of academic and student affairs, and as associate dean for health sciences. She also served as dean and professor at Mountain State University School of Nursing.

Dr. Garland received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science from Adelphi University and a doctor of education degree from Columbia University. She has served on the boards of the Georgia Association of Deans and Directors, The DeKalb Workforce Development Board, ACCESS Inc., Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems Inc. and the Essentials for Nursing Success Advisory Board.

Registration Information for 2016-17 School Year

By Abilene Independent School District

Time is here for registration of new students and those students attending a different Abilene ISD campus as a first-time transfer. A special registration for families of Dyess Air Force base will kick off the 2016-17 schedule on Tuesday, August 2, at the Hangar Center on the Dyess base. All other students who have a change of residence that results in a new attendance zone, and all students who are new to Abilene ISD, will need to register at their appropriate campus.

Here is the AISD registration schedule for the 2016-17 school year: TUESDAY, AUGUST 2

•Dyess AFB Families – Dyess AFB Hangar Center, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 8

•High School – Each campus, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9

•High School – Each campus, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. •Elementary – Each campus, 8 a.m. – Noon. •Middle School – Each campus, Noon – 4 p.m.

What to bring:

If the student is new to Abilene ISD, the parent or guardian should bring the following items: proof of residence (gas, water or electric bill or copy of mortgage/lease), child’s birth certificate, child’s social security card, child’s immunization record, the driver’s license or state-issued identification card of the adult who is enrolling the student, any records from the previous school, and, if it applies, any documentation regarding divorce/custody or child custodial issues.

For more information, contact Student Services at 325-677-1444

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ACU News

New College of Business Administration dean outlines goals and leadership style By Haley Remenar | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

The College of Business Administration’s new dean brings analytical leadership and development goals to the position.

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Rescue the Animals, SPCA 698-7722

Dr. Brad Crisp, former director of the School of Information Technology and Computing, took his position as the new dean of COBA May 9. He served as the interim dean since January when Dr. Rick Lytle stepped down. A search committee chaired invited applicants for the position both nationally and internally and Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost of the university, announced to faculty that Crisp was chosen May 5. “He is committed to supporting faculty and to preparing students well through his continued commitment to academic excellence and his sharp focus on intentional Christian spiritual formation,” said Rhodes in an email to faculty. Crisp graduated from COBA in 1993 and earned his MBA and Ph.D. at the University of Texas in Austin. He worked in a public accounting firm before becoming a professor at ACU. Under his leadership, the School of Information and Technology was accredited and the online MBA program at ACU Dallas was created under his eye. “We’re still working to fully support the school of IT/computing within the college of business,” Crisp said. Although the SITC started in 2007, Crisp wants to continue expanding the school, which includes computer science, information systems, informa-

tion technology, and digital entertainment technology programs. He said he also plans to continue building the online MBA program to reach a new population of students including adult and part-time learners. “Business and technology have a pervasive influence on the world in which we live and work,” Crisp said. “As a professor and administrator, I want my students to examine how these forces shape their lives, particularly in light of their faith in God.” While he works on these programs, Crisp says he plans to continue to focus on the ACU mission of using faith and God’s gifts to bless the world. “It’s true to who we’ve always been,” Crisp said. “I think it is more important than ever that we nurture it and that we invest in that.” Because of his background on the technical side of business, Crisp says he brings a more strategic, analytical approach to leadership. At the same time, he said one of his strengths involves being relational. He said he listens to people well and these qualities affect his leadership style. “My goal is to prepare students to make choices about business, technology, and faith that will enable them to lead and serve throughout the world,” Crisp said. Dr. Rick Lytle stepped down in December but will continue to serve as the director of the Lytle Center for Leadership and Faith Development. He also serves as the CEO of CEO Forum Inc., a Coloradobased company.

Pick us up at H.E.B., CISCO College & China Star | EDUCATION | 23

Hardin-Simmons excited to start Fall camp, ready for new season By Daniel Youngblood | Abilene Reporter-News

The Hardin-Simmons football program has a lot of momentum on its side. The Cowboys’ 2015 season was their best in more than a decade, and they’ve seen both their recruiting classes and facilities improve over the past few years. Members of HSU’s 2016 roster, including a highly thought of freshman class, got to see the latest enhancement Wednesday when they reported to campus for fall camp, which begins with a 6 p.m. workout Thursday. “I can’t tell you how exciting it is,” sixth-year coach Jesse Burleson said. “Whenever we came in today, our guys got to see a completely remodeled locker room for the first time. That’s a little thing, but to see their faces and to see the joy they had in that, that’s what makes all this worth it because it took a lot of time and effort to put us in position to be able to do that. Being able to do those things for our players, we know in turn it’s only going to help them be the absolute best they can be.” The Cowboys’ best last year earned them their first conference title — a three-way championship with Mary Hardin-Baylor and East Texas Baptist — since 2004 and their first NCAA Division III playoff appearance since 2008. They have even bigger goals for this season. “A conference championship. Nothing less than that is going to be good enough,” Burleson said. “Getting to the playoffs and doing some damage whenever we get there. Those are the goals. We’re not sitting here being complacent and saying, ‘Oh, we reached one or two of these goals last year.’ Last year was last year. This is a clean slate. We’re starting over. We don’t feel like we’re entitled to anything. We’re attacking the contenders, and we expect to be in the mix whenever the end of the regular season rolls around, and we want to keep playing until December.” Before they can do that, though, they’ve got to get through fall camp first. Senior quarterback Ryan Breton views that opportunity as a privilege. He said he’s excited to get back of the field and get to work with teammates old and new. “It’s been a while since we’ve been out there with each other. Just getting back out there with

each other is why we’re here. There’s a reason we’re here, and being out there running around with those guys is the highlight of college. So there will be a lot of happy guys.” Junior linebacker Matthew Hawkins may be the happiest. “I’m going to be smiling all day (Thursday), I think,” he said. “I’m just so ready to get back out there. It just gives me butterflies thinking about it every time. I can’t explain it a whole lot better than that.” That’s exactly the type of enthusiasm Burleson wants to see from his players. It’s all part of the championship culture the program now has, he said. “I think the big momentum has solidified our culture,” he said. “I think that is something that cannot be overlooked. If you’ve got the right culture, then all the other stuff takes care of itself. All of the little things — the day-to-day things, the attention to detail, the guys playing extremely hard all the time, the guys going to class — all those things, they’re built into your culture. It’s not something we have to talk about every day. “They just know what the standards are, what the expectations are and they know that their teammates and their coaches are not going to accept anything less than their best.” Senior cornerback Conlan Aguirre has watched that culture grow over his three years on campus. His freshman year at HSU, the Cowboys went 4-6, posting their first losing record since 1990 — the first season of the Jimmie Keeling era. HSU turfed Shelton Stadium that offseason, and the Cowboys followed with records of 6-4 in 2014 and 9-2 last season. Watching both the facilities and on-field performance get steadily better has made for a neat college experience, Aguirre said. “This senior class has kind of been through it all,” he said. “Coming in freshman year, we went 4-6 and things weren’t going the way we wanted them to, but each year getting better and better and the facilities getting better, it’s a positive thing. It’s a great thing to be a part of just to be through the good, the bad and the ugly. Being able to live through all that, it’s a good experience and something I’m proud I was here for.”

24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Fall 2016 Registration Continues at TSTC By Debra Gonzalez | Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College in West Texas will continue registering students for the fall 2016 semester from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Aug. 22. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 29. TSTC offers a variety of educational avenues, including certificate options and full associate degrees. High school students who want a head-start on their college education may also opt for online training or dual-credit programs. Among the many programs the college offers are Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Diesel Equipment Technology, Health Information Technology, Nursing, Welding, Wind Energy, and much more. Students in Brownwood can choose a newly offered certificate in Emergency Medical Services. The 16-credit-hour certificate can be completed in two semesters and prepares graduates to enter the field as an emergency medical technician. Students seeking financial aid should contact the TSTC Financial Aid Office immediately at 325-738-3318 to allow time for processing. More information on financial aid, including an online application, is available at www.tstc.edu. Those wanting to register, but not sure how to get started can visit one of the Registration Rallies for help. TSTC in Sweetwater will hold a Registration Rally from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, and TSTC in Abilene will hold a rally from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5. For more information on registering or the college, call 325-235-7300.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Spencers say “sayonara” to Abilene, head to Japan By Haley Remenar | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

An ACU couple is packing their bags for a College before she earned new chapter in their lives. Alison and Nathan her undergraduate degree Spencer are wrapping up their last few days of in psychology in 2014. work on campus before heading to Japan. “Talking to someone who’s Alison Spencer, academic coordinator for the actually done what you’re Honors College, won the Japanese Exchange doing is a really distinct Teaching (JET) award and will move to Japan advantage,” Winkler said. with her husband by the end of July. Nathan “My background in helpSpencer served as an admissions counselor for ing professions can help three years and plans to continue recruiting for me see past a student’s ACU in Japan and other parts of East Asia. schedule.” Through the JET award, which is provided by the Japanese government, Alison received a paid position teaching English at a Japanese school. The Japanese government started the program to encourage international exchange with English-speaking countries. “They’re looking for people who are going to be really engaged with the youth and the culture,” Spencer said. Sarah Winkler, a 2016 Master’s in Counseling Psychology graduate, will take Spencer’s position with a new title: academic manager and budget director. Winkler was in the Honors

Spencer said she and her husband both enjoy travel and wanted to experience the culture of Japan. Through the JET program they will receive help setting up bank accounts, cell phones and other everyday needs. The couple also has connections to alumni who live in Japan.

Winkler started July 6 working with Spencer until “There’s also some cultural arts Spencer’s last day July 15. that we’re excited about digging A goodbye reception for both Spencers hosted into like cooking classes,” Spencer said. by Honors College coordinator Krista Toten took place in the Zellner lobby Thursday at 2 Spencer said she hopes to one day work in a p.m. higher education study abroad program or international education. She said she will miss Alison Spencer earned her undergraduate de- the interactions with students she had as an gree in psychology and two master’s degrees academic coordinator. at ACU in psychology and higher education. She applied for the JET award with help from “I really enjoyed playing that small part in Jason Morris, dean of the Honors College and their lives and helping them figure out a fudirector of the Office of Major Scholarships. ture,” Spencer said. “We’re excited that Alison has accomplished

Recent McMurry Graduates Accepted Into Graduate Schools By Gary Ellison | Assoc. Dir. Communications, McMurry University

Five McMurry University Psychology Department alumni have been recently accepted into graduate school programs beginning this fall. Rae’Von Wells ‘16 has been accepted into the University of North Texas M.A. Program with intent to pursue a concentration in Sports Psychology. Rachel Wolfe ’16 has been accepted into the M.S. in Clinical Psychology Program at Abilene Christian University. Lizzy Sharp ’15 has been accepted into the M.S. in Counseling Program at University of North Texas.

About TSTC Texas State Technical College serves Texas through 10 campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County.

this great achievement but she will be really missed in our college as well,” Morris said.

Rachel Schalk ’15 has been accepted into the M.S. in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Hardin Simmons University. Candace Evans ’16, a dual major in Sociology and Psychology, will be attending the Ph.D. in Sociology Program at University of Massachusetts-Boston.

ABI-HAUS

‘Feed A Freshman’ By Abi-Haus

We love our college students, folks! They work for us and dine with us. They’re a big reason we’re still here. As a thank you we want to Feed a Freshman for a year. To apply, you just need to email us your high school transcript and one or two paragraphs explaining why you should be the winner at hello@ good-haus.com

Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25

26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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TSTC Names New Government Relations Liaison By Lynda Lopez | Texas State Technical College Texas State Technical College, the state’s leader in technical education, announces the appointment of Javier De Leon, whose distinguished service has spanned three decades, to its Government Affairs Division. As Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, De Leon will join TSTC Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Government Affairs Officer Roger Miller and his team in Austin in legislative and agency outreach. He will also work with TSTC Provost in Harlingen Stella Garcia in serving as liaison to elected officials and community leaders throughout South Texas. “This is the right time to improve our government relations presence in South Texas, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the state and home to our flagship Harlingen campus,” said Chancellor Mike Reeser. “Javier is a respected member of the community and the right person to keep our lawmakers and other public sector leaders abreast of our work as we place more Texans in great-paying jobs.” De Leon has served Texas State Technical College for 30 years, growing the College Readiness and Corporate Education programs on the Harlingen campus. Among the programs he has been responsible for establishing or managing: Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP); High School Equivalency Program (HEP); Upward Bound; Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST); Robotics; and the Center for Science and Math Education. All these programs target high school students and are designed to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) studies and careers. De Leon has also been responsible for establishing the Challenger Learning Center, an interactive learning experience featuring simulated space missions for junior high and high school students, on the Harlingen campus. Under his guidance, a second Challenger Learning Center is set to open on the Waco campus in September. During his tenure with TSTC, De Leon has successfully managed contracts with the De-

partment of Education and Workforce Investment Act/Workforce boards. Most recently, De Leon served as Vice President of College Readiness and Corporate Education for TSTC statewide. “For more than 30 years, Javier has provided leadership for TSTC in a variety of roles and positions. We are excited that he will bring his talents, expertise and resources to our team,” Miller said. “We’ll look for his guidance as we work to serve the industry needs of the South Texas region and the rest of the state.” De Leon, a Harlingen native, is an active member of his hometown community, serving as a trustee on the Harlingen School Board since 2005. He also currently serves as a chairman commissioner of the Civil Service Commission Board for Cameron County. De Leon is a past recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for his commitment and dedication to TSTC and its students. “It’s been a blessing to work for TSTC, and now to be chosen by the Chancellor to represent not only our South Texas campus, but all campuses statewide, is humbling,” said De Leon. “I’m extremely excited about strengthening the TSTC relationship with local, state and federal elected officials, both at home, in Austin, and at the state capitol.” De Leon holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas-Pan American, today known as UT Rio Grande Valley. About TSTC Texas State Technical College serves Texas through 10 campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County. TSTC is the only college in Texas to adopt a funding model based entirely on student employment outcomes - aligning with its purpose of strengthening Texas with a highly skilled, technically competent workforce. Founded in 1965, TSTC is celebrating 50 years of service to the State of Texas in 2015.

Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27

McMurry University Preparing Our Graduates Through Scholarship, Leadership and Service

McMurry University is a student-centered community with a tradition of academic excellence that produces graduates with global perspectives that are well rounded, knowledgeable and skilled. Grounded in our United Methodist Church heritage, McMurry supports our students on the individual level, providing resources for spiritual, intellectual and social growth. At McMurry over 90% of our students receive financial assistance.

A McMurry education is well within YOUR reach. O u r ro ot s r u n d e e p i n t h e co m m u n i t y.

Apply Today! 325-793-4700 mcm.edu I t ’s o n e t h i n g to h ave a n offi ce h e re , i t ’s a n ot h e r to b e ro ote d i n t h e co m m u n i t y. We h ave h e l p e d g row o u r a re a s c h o o l s , b u s i n e s s e s , a n d n o n p rofi t s fo r m o re t h a n 75 ye a r s . Jo i n u s a s we co nt i n u e to g row o u r co m m u n i t y fo r ye a r s to co m e .

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28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

‘Wine & Wishes’ By Make A Wish | Abilene, Texas

Thursday • August 18, 2016 Time : 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The Grove at Denton Valley 12177 Co Rd 227 • Clyde, TX Join us as Abilene area wish families, volunteers and supporters come together to celebrate more than 35 years of granting wishes. Make a difference today by supporting Wine & Wishes and Share the Power of a Wish®. More than 100 attendees are expected at

Abilene’s third annual Wine & Wishes event on August 18, 2016. Enjoy wine, food truck tastings and live music as we share the mission of Make-A-Wish®. YOU CAN HELP? • Wishes come in all shapes and sizes, but the average cost of a wish is $9,000. Your support of the first annual Wine & Wishes provides children with hope for better times, strength for the tough times and the joy of experiencing the present.

For More Info: (432) 683-9474, Anna $100-Individual tickets; $750-Sponsorship for a table of four

AUGUST 27, 2016 Registration $20 from 8 A.M. to 11 A.M. * Show Times 9 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Raffle Drawing 2:30 P.M. * Award Announcements 2:45 P.M. Youth Division (Grades 9-12) No Entrance Fee!

Pick us up at Texas Cosmetology School, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | EDUCATION | 29

HSU’s Health Sciences Summer Enrichment Program Exposes Students to Healthcare Career Options By Linnea Kirgan | Coordinator of Media Relations and Social Media, Hardin-Simmons University

Dissection, lab work part of science skills development and healthcare field experience (Abilene, Texas) High school senior Kamron Gopffarth signed up for the Health Sciences Summer Enrichment Program to help him decide which path of medicine to pursue.

During the visit to the simulation lab at the Patty Hanks School, students saw current HSU nursing students respond to the life-like high-tech mannequins having a heart attack and having a baby. During June 27-July 1, students will hear from representatives from the Texas Tech School of Pharmacy and from local physician Dr. Brad Barham. Students will also tour the HSU athletic training lab and have a hands-on suture lab with Dr. Jennifer Eames, director of HSU’s developing Physician Assistant program.

“For a while now, I’ve wanted to do medical missions, but I wasn’t sure which field of medicine to go into,” he said. “I felt like this would expose me to all of the options and help me decide what I want to do.” Gopffarth, 17, from Keller, is participating in a unique program designed for students interested in preparing for a career in the fastgrowing healthcare field. The Health Sciences Summer Enrichment Program (HSSEP) began June 19th and runs through July 1. Eighteen high school junior and seniors and incoming college freshmen from around the state are participating in the program to strengthen their skills in science and mathematics in a college environment. The program prepares students with a combination of lectures, engaging labs, and interactive sessions with health care professionals and their workplaces.

Abilene’s Laura Faz, 18, a Wylie High School graduate is an incoming HSU freshman majoring in biology. She enrolled in HSSEP to become better acquainted with HSU’s offerings before starting in the fall.

HSSEP students observing at the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing simulation lab.

Each evening, students have fun in social activities ranging from bowling in Moody Center to a picture scavenger hunt around campus.

The HSSEP program is funded through the Joint Admission Medical Program, which allows several participants to attend the program at a discount or at no cost. “This year we have a fantastic group who ask great questions and are willing to stretch themselves,” said Dr. Jennifer Hennigan, an assistant professor of biology at HSU. “We want students to come away from HSSEP being ready to jump into a science-related major in college and knowing the path needed to enter their desired career.” During the program, students take short courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Dr. Angela Nicolini, an adjunct biology professor, taught the first week’s biology module, focusing on anatomy and physiology. Activities included dissecting a bovine heart to investigate the cardiovascular system and dissecting fetal pigs to learn more about muscles. In the program’s second week, the

“I’ve been interested in health care fields. I’ve been switching my mind from veterinarian to physical therapy to athletic trainer,” she said. “I thought I’d go into this course, see what the classes are like here, and get my mind set.”

gative labs to learn chemical principles. Students are exposed to a wide range of health science careers during the program. biology module will cover microbiology and be instructed by Dr. Hennigan. Dr. Michelle Dose, an associate professor of chemistry and physics, teaches the chemistry segment, in which students conduct investi-

The program’s guest speakers included Dr. Julie St. John from the Texas Tech School of Public Health and representatives from the West Texas Area Health Education Center. Students also toured HSU’s Patty Hanks School of Nursing and the Physical Therapy school.

“We are excited to have an energetic and motivated group of 18 students this year,” said Dr. Candace Wicks, HSSEP’s program director. “We are expecting them to get a realistic idea of what life is like as an HSU science student with the added bonus of being exposed to a multitude of careers that we are able to help them attain. Our hope is to have these students enroll in HSU and hit the ground running because they already know what they want to do and are fully aware of what they need to do to achieve their goals.” Upon completion of the program, students will receive quantitative feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.

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August is Children’s Eye Health Month August is Children’s Eye Health month, which brings to light the importance of maintaining good eye health throughout the year and also serves as a great reminder to get your child in for a comprehensive eye exam before school starts! It will be a matter of time before your child is spending a lot of time reading books or staring at a computer screen. Making sure your child’s eyes are healthy is extremely important to their overall success in school and in their overall health. Let us give your child a great start to the year by scheduling a comprehensive examination today!

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7550 Hwy. 83-84 South Monday-Friday 8-12:30, 2-6pm

After School Program Monday - Friday 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

The City of Abilene Recreation Division After School program is FREE and will operate Monday through Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Rose Recreation Center, Daniels Recreation Center, Sears Recreation Center, and Cobb Recreation Center. The program is open to children ages 6 to 13, and runs beginning August 22 throughout the AISD school year. Transportation will not be provided by the Abilene Recreation Division; however some AISD school sites do offer transportation to the Recreation Centers. Our staff assists with homework, plans organized gym games, leads arts and crafts projects, coordinates field trips, and more. The After School program will meet on early release dates, but not other Abilene ISD holidays. Online registration begins on Thursday, August 11th at www.abilenetx.com/parksandrec. In person registration begins on Monday, August 15th at the individual Recreation Centers starting at 2:00 P.M. through close. Space is limited and pre-registration is required to participate. www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine

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Sweetwater Texas National Bank President Presents TSTC with Scholarship Check By Debra Gonzalez | Texas State Technical College

Bill Johnson, president and CEO of Texas National Bank in Sweetwater, presented Texas State Technical College with a $1,000 check to go toward the Texan Success Scholarship Fund at a 3 p.m. presentation Wednesday, July 13, at Texas National Bank.

“With the Texan Success Scholarship, we are able to help more Sweetwater-area students start their careers in welding, diesel, automotive, wind, nursing and more.”

Texas National Bank in Sweetwater has supported the college many times throughout the The Texan Success Scholarship is a “non- bank’s 21-year history. Johnson served for need based” $1,000 award for new, full-time several years on the board of directors of The students to provide cost assistance for the fall TSTC Foundation. He also served for many semester at TSTC. Students are nominated for the scholarship by a high school academic or career counselor, a TSTC recruiter or TSTC faculty member. Students are then evaluated and can be awarded if they are eligible for high school graduation, have a minimum 2.0 grade-point average, have completed the conditional admission status for TSTC and demonstrated the potential to succeed in their desired technical program.

(L to R) Rick Denbow, TSTC Development Officer; Chris Bibb, Senior Vice President at Texas National Bank; Bill Johnson, President and CEO at Texas National Bank; Eliska Smith, Provost at TSTC in West Texas; and Mike Fernandez, Executive Vice President and CFO at Texas National Bank pose for a photo as Johnson hands the scholarship check to Smith.

Johnson said Texas National Bank chose to make this donation because they share TSTC’s view of the years on the board of the Rolling Plains Techimportance of helping Texans prepare for the nical Foundation before it merged with The high-tech jobs required in today’s economy. TSTC Foundation. “We agree that not everyone needs to spend the time or money to obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree,” said Johnson. “Graduates of TSTC are able to enter the workforce quicker and oftentimes at compensation rates higher than those available to many graduates of liberal arts universities. The fact that TSTC in West Texas is right here in our backyard is icing on the cake.” TSTC in West Texas Provost Eliska Smith said it’s exciting to see momentum building in Sweetwater for the Texan Success Scholarship Campaign. “This donation means TSTC can contribute to strengthening Texas’ workforce,” Smith said.

TSTC is registering for the fall semester through Aug. 22. For more information on programs offered, or to apply, visit www.tstc.edu. About TSTC Texas State Technical College serves Texas through 10 campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County. CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

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32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Abilene Education Foundation Fundraiser Bowie Elementary School Bricks for Sale By Christine Curtis-Carr | Executive Director, Abilene Education Foundation

Abilene Education Foundation (AEF) is proud to offer bricks from the original 1951 Bowie Elementary School building. The original structure was erected for $226,745 at 1733 S. 23rd Street. In 1953, an addition was built for $177,149 and a third addition was constructed in 1984 for $457,566. Crockett, Fannin, and Bowie elementary schools were all built at the same time utilizing almost the exact same plans. In 2014, a new school was built on one end of the property while students attended school for the last year in the old building. The original structure was torn down in 2015 and students began the 2015-2016 school year in their new building at 2034 Jeanette Street.

Abilene ISD has graciously partnered with AEF to allow Bowie Bobcats to have this token of the past. Mike Dudley, retired AISD teacher and current AEF Board member, spent many hours preparing the bricks for this fundraiser. Monies raised from the sale will be used to support AISD students and teachers through teacher grants, scholarships, and other AEF programs. For more information on AEF see www. aaeeff.org. The bricks have been cleaned, shellacked, and are ready to sell for $25.00 each. A plate has been attached to the brick commemorating Bowie Elementary. Bricks may be purchased at the AEF office, 241 Pine Street.

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Pick us up at Kentucky Fried Chicken, First Financial Banks & SBDC | FAITH & FAMILY | 33

His Kids, Your Kids By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

A soon-to-be step mom contacted me and asked for some tips on how to mix his kids and her kids together in a new family unit. Here is a part of her note to me: “I am a mother of two young children under the age of ten and I am engaged to a man who is a father of two children - tween and teenaged. He keeps stressing how he wants everything to be “fair” for all four kids. That includes same punishments and rewards, same expectations on eating and daily routines. Also he doesn’t see that it is fair that my kids have their extracurricular activities when he can’t afford for his kids to. Keep in mind we do not live together yet, but will be within a few months. It seems that he wants things to be fair when it benefits him or his children, and fair to him is us conforming to his rules. His youngest is on a diet, so that means none of the kids are allowed to snack or have juice, even when they are all not together. Has anyone else experienced these issues and how do they handle them? “ Well, “Soon-to-be Stepmom,” let me first say it isn’t possible to treat every child the same. As each child responds differently to disciplinary actions, they also respond differently to rewards. They are individuals and part of the joy of parenting is to find out what makes them tick and then utilize those findings to raise up each child to reach their God-given potential. My daughter loves gifts as a reward. My son doesn’t really care about stuff - but wants you to sit and visit with him. I spanked my daughter at times to discipline but spanking did not reach my son’s brain. I had to figure out that taking away outside playtime did the trick. When Dan and I married, my kids were into sports and music. Dan’s son was a little older

but did not have any extracurricular activities. Before we married, Dan knew that my kids would stay in their activities. We had also talked about the financial aspect of my kids being involved in the extras. As our two families became one, we had to slowly put parameters around extra activities - and make sure that our finances could accommodate his kids having some outside interests as well. And that was okay.

are for their dad and their sibling. These are some areas in which you can help guide your family to work and adjust to the individuals within. It also teaches your family about responsibility for themselves as well as their responsibility to each other in their family.

No, it cannot always be equal. Your family can work towards that end but to initially tell children from one family that they will no longer An area that my kids had to adjust quickly to be able to have activities outside of school and was how we spent birthdays. Before I married they can no longer have their kinds of drinks or Dan, my kids had a birthday dinner at the res- foods is asking a lot. taurant of choice on their actual birthday and then we also had a birthday party on the clos- Both families coming together need to realize est weekend. Gifts were plentiful and I really that there will be foods, activities, traditions, overspent. After I married Dan, he set up a bud- and routines that are different - but it can be get to include what amounts we could afford okay. It is very important to have constant comfor each child for birthdays and Christmas. It munication about your lives coming together. was a drastic cut from what my kids were used It is very important to talk with the children so to ... but we talked to the kids about how this they can be a part of the blending process. family needed to be run financially and that we would do things fairly in this area. At the time, Your lives may not mesh perfectly, but you can my kids were bummed … and it was still okay. find a place where things can be okay. Today, my daughter runs her household on a budget and even has gifts for me budgeted! Blessings in Your Blending! ____________________________________ As far as dietary differences goes, if one child Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended is on a special diet, then everyone does their Family Mom, has been a blended best to encourage. I do admit to taking my kids family/step mom since 2004; her out to eat sushi after I married Dan because he blended family currently includes and his kids would never eat that stuff! My four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook stepdaughter has a husband and one child that (facebook.com/theblendedfamilyboth have special dietary needs. She is trainmom), Twitter (@BlendedFamiing the child to know what foods are best. She lyM), and Instagram (theblenddoes a wonderful job of having the right kind edfamilymom). Her books - “The of foods for the ones on special diets as well as Blended Family Mom,” and for her other three children. She has also come “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her webup with recipes that will conform to all in the site at www.theblendedfamilymom.com). house. I also want to tell you that her three other children know that certain foods in the house

34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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5 Bad Kid Behavior Issues That You Need to Break Early By AllProDad.com

I hate going to the dentist. I know it’s necessary, but I always put it off. It is the last thing I want to spend money on. After several years of avoiding it, I was forced to make an appointment because of intense tooth pain. The result was exactly what I expected. Small cavities had grown into larger decay which eventually led to infection. Ultimately, smaller and cheaper cavity fixes turned into an expensive double root canal with two crowns. Routine checkups and maintenance would have prevented all of it.

ticularly when the authority abuses its power. However, it is important to teach children to always submit to or challenge authority with grace and respect.

3. Unkind Words

Words are important. Clearly the words we choose affect those they are directed towards. Unkind words cause deep wounds in people; however, they can also lead our general attitude or our feelings about someone. I once made a In the same way, kids can decision to go an entire develop bad habits early. year saying only positive Engaging those habits things about someone I with consistent correction had a hard time getting and guidance can be tiralong with. After the year, ing. It can take thought and I felt completely different energy that can wear parabout that person. There ents out. However, if left may be time to disagree, unchecked, they can grow argue, or even fight, but into major problems down there is never a reason the line. It is important to to be unkind. The earlier engage the problem now in our kids develop a vocabulary of kind words order to save them and us from more intense pain the better. in the future. Here are some bad kid behavior issues that you need to break early. 4. Aggressive Behavior Intervene as soon as possible to prevent other 1. Lying children or animals from being hurt. There are This leads to a life of secrecy. Growth and matu- many reasons for a child exhibiting aggressive rity come when we deal honestly with our mis- behavior. It is important to find out the reason takes and shortcomings. We learn responsibility by observing and listening. Many times, it is by owning it. Others see us as dependable, faith- a coping mechanism in dealing with stress ful, and authentic. Trust is built leading to healthy or feelings of insecurity. If the behavior is alrelationships. Lying has the opposite effect. Dis- lowed or reinforced, it will continue. It is best trust and immaturity take root. On a personal lev- to stop it immediately when it happens, remain el, in our house, my kids know that this offense calm, listen to the child, and enforce consistent receives the steepest consequence because it, nonphysical consequences. more than anything, causes relational separation in the family. 5. Laziness Children need to be taught to take responsibil2. Disrespectful to Authority ity for themselves early. Otherwise they can We are all people under authority in some way or come to expect that their parents will do evanother. Parents, teachers, government officials, erything for them. Instilling a good work ethic elders, bosses, and police officers are some of starts by giving them chores to do around the the authorities in our lives. An attitude of disre- house at a young age. Start by teaching them specting authority creates a dangerous habit in a to make their bed and clean up their toys daily. child. It will lead to an attitude of entitlement and When they develop a habit of taking care of a lack of proper humility. They will end up suf- their things, add a chore pertaining to a comfering for it as their options are limited. Children mon area. Encourage and reward their work need to learn a respectful disposition to those in only when it deserves it. This will teach them authority over them. This doesn’t mean they can’t to value and strive for good work. Starting as disagree with that authority or challenge it, par- early as possible will make all the difference.

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10 Ways to go from a Hopeless Marriage to a Hope-filled Marriage By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

I am always grieved when I hear about another marriage that has ended in divorce, but I am also saddened by the many couples I know of who stay together but live with disappointment, having long ago given up on believing their relationship can ever be all they had hoped for. If that’s where you are, I want you to know that it is possible to turn a hopeless marriage into a hope-filled one. Doing so involves concentrating on five things that your marriage needs less of and five things it needs to be filled with—and the key to each one lies in your hands. Commit to:

of punishment. Turning down physical intimacy is often used as a silent weapon to get back at your spouse. Remember, marriage is a covenant, a forever commitment to love the other person, not a contract in which you only give to them when they give to you.

5. Less escaping.

When people mentally and emotionally check out of their present circumstances, they often let their hearts and minds wander somewhere else—whether that’s towards another person, or to past-times and pursuits that bring them comfort and relief. For in-

1. Less complaining.

What you feed grows. Decide to spend less time focused on all that you think is wrong with your marriage in general or your spouse in particular. You can choose whether or not to let negative thoughts roll around in your head; just shut them up and shut them down. And don’t grouse about your spouse openly to other people—especially not your children.

3. Less comparing.

Spending too much time looking at all the things other people have or envying other couples’ marriages is only going to increase your dissatisfaction. Remember when you long for A Marriage Like Theirs that you are often only seeing the highlight reels of others’ lives, their best faces.

4. Less withholding.

There’s a natural tendency for us to withdraw when we feel we aren’t getting what we want from a relationship. Sometimes that is a form of protection—we don’t want to be vulnerable and get hurt—but it can also be a form

8. Filled with gratitude.

One way to develop contentment is to focus on what you do have, rather than what you don’t. Forget for now what may irritate you about your spouse. Instead make a list of the things that you appreciate about them. Start by recalling what first attracted you to them, and go on from there. If they do something nice for you, tell them thank you.

9. Filled with contentment.

In a culture that is based on convincing us that there’s always something else we need—a new gadget or another vacation, if not a more exciting relationship—it’s not easy to be happy with what you have, but that inner peace needs to be the foundation of our lives. As the saying goes, the happiest people don’t always have the best of things, but make the best of the things they have.

2. Less blaming.

Don’t automatically think that any problems that you and your spouse may be facing are due to their wrong thinking or attitude. Be humble enough to acknowledge that it could be that you’re the problem. Also, look at any issue you may face as something that can bring you together to deal with, as a team, rather than apportioning responsibility and letting it divide you.

Chances are your marriage did not fall into its current discouraging state all of a sudden. And it’s not likely that things will turn around overnight, either. But just as you slid slowly into the gray, you can gradually make your way back into the light by exercising patience. It’s actually the first quality of love listed in the famous Bible passage often quoted at wedding ceremonies, 1 Corinthians 13.

stance, the guy who is always out fishing, or the woman who disappears into romance novels. Running away won’t help. Having made some more room in your mind and heart through this clearing out, let’s add some positive things. Decide to be:

6. Filled with kindness.

Little gestures can make a big difference. They tell the other person that you notice them, that you care about them, that you are thinking of them. Treat your spouse well and see how they begin to respond. It’s not hypocritical to do something when you don’t feel like it, but it can be hypocritical not to do something because you don’t feel like it. Remember, you made a commitment to love your spouse no matter what.

7. Filled with patience.

10. Filled with forgiveness.

By now, you may be ready to acknowledge that much of the ho-hum in your marriage may be because of you. But of course there are ways in which your spouse may be failing too. This is where you get to extend the grace you’d like to experience yourself. As you let go of resentment and blame, you will find your heart softening. Be sure to be the first to apologize and ask for forgiveness.

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38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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How to Explain Divorce to a Child By AllProDad.com

Everything seems so perfect the day of a wedding. There is dancing, celebration, and the dream of a wonderful life together. Everyone expects their marriage to last forever. Having a relationship that lasts is hard and takes work. People get hurt, problems fester or perhaps someone wanders into the arms of another. No one expects that divorce will find their marriage—their home. However we have all seen the statistics. It is brutally painful to see a marriage end, let alone experience one. The situation is intensified when kids are involved in the equation. Children experience the most pain in a divorce. They have no control over anything and have little understanding of the why it is happening. It’s confusing, complicated, and difficult to explain. The intent here is not to debate whether or not divorce is ever appropriate, but how to explain divorce to a child. Be Together - This discussion needs to happen all together. Make sure everyone is present. Anytime parents are not unified, it creates anxiety in children. [Tweet This] Think back to when you were a child and how you felt anytime your parents got into a fight. Obviously, a divorce brings that anxiety to its highest state because their worst fears are playing out. Being on the same page and showing respect to one another as you explain what is happening will be helpful. Be sure to coordinate what should be said and not said. It may even be good to write down talking points. Both parents should talk, not just one. No Villains - This is a time when you need to put your hurt feelings aside, regardless of who cheated or who did what to who. You can deal with all of that one-on-one. The focus needs to

be on the children and what you can communicate to stabilize the situation. Any negative statement or attitude about your ex-spouse (or soon-to-be) throws the children in the middle — exactly where you need to keep them from being. Your ex-spouse may be a villain to you, but they are a loved one to your kids. Reassurance - Their world is being jarred so they will need a lot of reassurance. In many ways, it is like a death in the family. A strong fear of how life is going to change will hit them. Assure them of your love for them and how that will never change. They may blame themselves or a sibling. Make sure it is clear to them that none of this is their fault. Also, reassure the areas of their life that will not change (possibly living in the same place, same school, etc.). The most important thing they need to know is that they still have two parents that love them and will take care of them. Details - The younger they are the less details they will need. However, you want to be prepared with a game plan of what details you want to communicate and what can wait until later. You don’t need to be detailed in the causes of your divorce. Keep it simple with some general concepts understanding that younger kids are going to be more black and white. Tweens will probably ask the most questions while teenagers are more aware and will probably have seen it coming. Regardless of the age, it is still painful and hard to understand. You don’t need to cover it all with one talk. There will be unavoidable, ongoing pain from a divorce. It’s a difficult reality. Being unified as much as you can will go a long way in providing some sense of stability. Make every effort to achieve it for the sake of the children.

Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 39

¿Cuándo Empezar la Educación Sexual de nuestros hijos?

By Luisa Trujillo, M.Ed. | Case Manager/Certified Advocate | Regional Victim Crisis Center

Quiero en este espacio comunicar a los lectores cuán importante es que ayudemos a nuestros hijos a tener una sexualidad saludable que promueva la responsabilidad y que prevenga el abuso. Ahora en día sabemos que la educación temprana es de gran beneficio en el desarrollo emocional, físico y social del individuo. Usted se preguntará cuando es el mejor tiempo para hablar de la sexualidad con sus hijos, y como prevenir el que sus hijos sean abusados sexualmente.

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The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) assists people with limited incomes and resources to pay some or all of Medicare’s premiums and may pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. There are four MSPs. If you qualify for one, you automatically qualify for EXTRA HELP paying for the costs of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Contact the Area Agency on Aging at 325-793-8417 for more information.

All publications funded solely or in part by MIPPA funds, shall include express acknowledgement, “This publication has been created or produced by (insert DADS/AAA/ADRC name) with financial assistance, in whole or in part, through funds from the Administration for Community Living”. The SHIP (only for AAA use) and AAA/ADRC logo should also be included on the publication. Just to avoid assumptions, MIPPA funding can only be used to print materials that cover MIPPA topics: MSP, LIS, Medicare prevention & wellness, etc. All publications that use the SHIP logo should also be submitted to DADS Help Desk for approval before printing and distribution. For promotional items, a reference to MIPPA and the funding purpose should be included on all items. Depending on the space available you should include MIPPA specific taglines or references such as “Medicare Savings Programs”, “Low-Income Subsidies”, etc. and when space is limited it should at least include “MIPPA Program.” All items should also include the AAA/ADRC logo or written name as well as the contact phone number for your agency. All promotional items should be submitted to the DADS Help Desk for review and approval before purchasing. Please contact us if you have any questions about these requirements.

Los niños que se sienten cómodos consigo mismos, y se les comunican sus valores como persona pasaran a la adolescencia reconociendo la necesidad de una buena comunicación con sus padres; donde ellos pueden preguntar y hallar respuesta, a aquellas preguntas donde se requiere un conocimiento amplio sobre temas que algunas veces son tabú en nuestra cultura latina; y que a decir verdad hay muchos. Como latinos que somos tenemos que reconocer que en materia de sexualidad nuestra percepción y conocimiento están orientados principalmente a las relaciones sexuales y a la reproducción. Dicho esto, la mejor forma de proteger a nuestros hijos acerca del abuso sexual es dándoles la confianza y manteniendo una comunicación abierta sobre la sexualidad y la violencia sexual. La violencia sexual de acuerdo al centro Nacional de Recursos para la Violencia Sexual (NSVRC, por sus siglas en Ingles) y en términos amplios incluye: violación sexual, incesto, abuso sexual infantil, violencia cometida por una pareja íntima, explotación sexual, contacto sexual no deseado, acoso sexual, exposición y voyerismo. La violencia sexual ocurre cuando a una persona se le obliga o se

le manipula a realizar actividades sexuales no deseadas sin su consentimiento. Las principales razones por las cuales una persona podría no dar su consentimiento incluyen temor, edad, enfermedad, discapacidad y/o influencia del alcohol u otras drogas. Aquí estamos hablando de la sexualidad en un sentido muy amplio, como un aspecto esencial del ser humano que está presente a lo largo de la vida y que abarca sexo, identidad, erotismo, la intimidad, roles de género y la reproducción. Para cuando nuestros hijos llegan a la adolescencia; la confianza establecida durante la niñez es clave para ayudarlos a entender y aceptar el sinfín de cambios tanto internos como externos por los que tienen que pasar para lograr una sexualidad saludable, segura, y satisfactoria. La cual se puede lograr a través de continua educación y comunicación abiertamente con sus padres o los adultos responsables de su cuidado. Los padres de familia debemos saber la importancia que tiene lo que enseñamos a los niños a través de cómo vivimos nuestras vidas. Si toleramos la falta de respeto y la violencia, eso van a aprender; o sí enseñamos respeto a los derechos de los demás y a las diferencias; sin tolerar desacuerdos violentos, donde las jerarquías y la desigualdad se imponen; eso es lo que van a aceptar en sus vidas. La clave de vivir con las diferencias, es el reconocimiento de la realidad, de que todos tenemos deseos y metas diferentes como individuos; permitiendo que la sexualidad de la persona refleje la responsabilidad para consigo mismo y para con los demás. ____________________________________

Si ha sufrido abuso sexual Llame a: Luisa Trujillo, M.Ed. Case Manager/Certified Advocate Regional Victim Crisis Center (325) 677-7895

Help is a Phone Call Away...

24/7 Victim Crisis Hotline

325.677.7895

40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Why You Can’t Resolve Your Conflicts By Jimmy Evans | MarraigeToday

through problems.

Many married couples are unable to resolve their conflicts because of one primary factor: they don’t understand the difference between complaining and criticizing. This is such a crucial distinction to understand when we are trying to work

All of us need the freedom to complain to our spouse. We also need to make sure our spouse knows they have the right to complain to us. In a healthy marriage, there is a freedom of expression that allows us to talk openly without fear of retribution or shame.

is what I would say: “Karen, you were short tempered with me this morning and I don’t appreciate it. There is something wrong with you and I want you to figure out what it is and stop it. I don’t deserve to be treated like that. I’ve done nothing wrong and you’re just a hot head. The next time you do that I’m going to let you have it.” Notice the difference in complaining and criticizing? Complaining explains the problem, but gives our spouse a gracious way to respond and explain their side. Since it focuses on how I feel and doesn’t try to interpret their actions, it keeps the conversation civil and constructive. Criticizing immediately puts you in a battle mode. The confronter becomes the judge and jury and the confronted spouse becomes the criminal trying to prove their innocence in a

All of us need the freedom to complain to our spouse. We also need to make sure our spouse knows they have the right to complain to us. When we complain, we must remember that it isn’t about our spouse, it is about us. Even though we may be complaining about something they have done that bothers us, the focus is on how we feel. In other words, if Karen has done something that bothers me and I confront her about it I would say something like, “Karen, you were short tempered with me this morning and it bothered me. I don’t know what was wrong, you could have been mad at me or it might have been something else, but I don’t like it when you respond to me that way. If I’ve done something to make you mad then I want you to tell me.” Notice that I didn’t begin by accusing or attacking her. I began by talking about how I felt and my desire to understand what happened. I also said that if I had done something wrong, then I wanted to know it and take responsibility for it. Complaining gets everything out on the table without demeaning our spouse or putting them on the defensive. Criticizing is different - Criticizing focuses on the other person as it accuses them and immediately puts them on the defensive. If I were going to say the same thing I said before to Karen, but I did it in a critical manner here

hostile environment. Bottom line — criticizing doesn’t work. You must be careful to begin your confrontations with affirmation and respect for your spouse. Research has proven that a conversation will seldom rise above the tone of the first three minutes. Also, complain but don’t criticize. Get your emotions under control before you confront and keep your mouth in check. Focus on how you feel and allow your spouse the right to complain back to you and explain what is going on inside of them. If you will do this, you will see a lot of fruit from it. Your confrontations will be much more pleasant and productive. You will also be able to talk more freely with each other without the risk of hurting each other. This creates intimacy and friendship. That is the end result of successful conflict resolution. It let’s you work through problems as you preserve and enhance the good will between you.

Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Mr Gatti’s Pizza, Long John Silver’s & Alfredo’s | HEALTH | 41

Twenty-Five Years To Help Families Esther Tilley has made the WIC program her home and helps make home better for families with preschool children. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Esther Tilley went looking for a job because she felt bored. She found one that solved her problem and she’s been at it for twentyfive years. On June 9, Esther received recognition from the Abilene City Council for her quarter century of service to the local WIC program.

lies with her and she “does of lot of adopting of their kids.” She has a stepson of her own, James W. Tilley and two grandsons, Dakoda, twenty-two, and Erek, fourteen. “They have my heart,” she says. “They’re good boys.” She also helps with a grandnephew and grandniece, ages eight and seven, who she says are like her grandchildren.

WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. The program assists parents in feeding their preschool children nutritious foods. It includes financial help with certain food items, classes in nutrition, breast-feeding and cooking. Esther grew up in Sweetwater. She and her husband, James M. Tilley, met while she was working at the Texas State Technical College there. They lived in Odessa for about six years and then moved to Abilene for James’ job as an engineer at KRBC-TV. He now works for KXVA FOX TV.

One of the reasons Esther has lasted in her work is her husband. Esther favorite things about her work are helping people and getting to know them.

“He’s my biggest supporter,” she says. “He encourages me.”

Annette Lerma, director of WIC, relies on “A young girl came in,” she says, Esther for in the de“She was barely a teenager and had velopment of the protwo babies. The WIC program helped “I told him I didn’t want to work,” Esther says, her and she was able to finish her education. gram. “and he said that was fine. But I got bored.” She went to college, got a degree and she’s “We depend on you to tell us what has been tried very successful now.” Esther worked for the WIC program partand didn’t work or what did work,” she says. time for about six months and then moved to When Esther went to work for WIC, the office full-time in June of 1991. The program has was on South 19th Street. Then she set up the Esther talked about retiring after twenty years of changed a bit since then. When Esther started Sunshine Clinic on Forest Street including in- work. The cake at her twenty-five year celebrawith WIC, clients received a card on which stalling computers and arranging schedules. tion was decorated with the words: “Wait! You’re staff marked what could be purchased. SepaStill Here? Thank you for 25 years.” rate cards were needed for milk, cheese, for- Housed in the Public Health Building on North mula and cereal. Sixth Street since 2005, WIC employs about She may think about the crafting projects that fifteen people including clerks, nutritionists wait at home, but Esther spends her days helping A voucher system replaced the hand-marked and peer counselors. They serve as many as people. Not only is she keeping busy, she’s makcards, but it required clients to purchase all 5,000 people monthly. Much of Esther’s work ing life better for a new generation. their items at once and turned out to be im- is with the clerks, who perform the assessments practical. Now clients receive a plastic “debit for clients. card.” After they meet the income guidelines, and complete a screening process, their finan- “I love them,” she says. “I encourage them to cial assistance is loaded on the card at the WIC go to higher ground. I hate to see them leave, office. Then they may purchase a greater num- but I want them to thrive in life.” ber of items including fresh fruits and vegetables from approved grocery stores. Esther also says the clerks share their fami-

42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine

To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 701-9505 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Ben L. Galvan Jr., 69, of Anson, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2016 at a local hospital with family at his side. Mr. Galvan was born February 15, 1947, in Anson, Texas to Ben, Sr. and Lupe Lozano Galvan. Ben was an amazing husband, father to his children and grandchildren. He loved golf, going to see his grandchildren play sports and watch his favorite tv show “The Walking Dead”. Ben was deeply loved by his family, friends and golf buddies, he will be missed by all. Survivors include his wife Gloria Soliz Galvan; his four children, Luis Galvan of Abilene and Ben Galvan, III (Heather) of Abilene; Lisa Galvan (Kyle Evans) of Anson and Mary Cisneros (Roland) of Abilene; two brothers, Louis Galvan and Joe Galvan (Kathy), both

HispanicLife Media

a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... of Anson; 13 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren Mr. Galvan was preceded in death by his parents, Ben, Sr. and Lupe Galvan; four brothers, Manuel, Ruben, David and Rey Galvan; one infant sister and a five year old sister, Maggie Galvan. Honored to be pallbearers include, Roger Jr. Ruiz, Chance Galvan, Roland Cisneros, Jr., Conner Galvan, Rubin Galvan and Garrett Galvan. Honorary pallbearer will be Gary Galvan. Edna Ralston-Cooper, 54, long-time resident of Abilene, passed away Monday July 18, 2016 at Hendrick Medical Center. Edna was born January 16, 1962 in Waxahachie, TX to the parents of James Ralston SR. and Roberta Ralston. The Family moved to Abilene, and she received her education from Abilene public schools, graduating from Abilene High School in the late 70’s. After graduating Edna began a career in nursing an worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant for many years. Edna had a kind heart and loved taking care of people, she loved listening to music, and loved watching action movies.

Edna was preceded in death by husband Dywayne Cooper Sr. and father James Ralston SR. Left to cherish her memories are her mother, Roberta Ralston of Abilene; five daughters, Shanai Cooper, Tiesha Cooper, Shanthony Cooper, Edjuanna Cooper, O’cinia Cooper; Two sons, Dywayne Ralston Jr., Issac Cooper, all of Abilene, two sisters Betty Evans of Abilene, Annette Watkins of California, Three brothers James Ralston Jr., Mark Ralston, and James W. Ralston, all of Abilene, 6 grandchildren, and a host of extended family and many friends. Emilio Ray Gutierrez, 24, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016. Emilio was born February 03, 1992, in Abilene, Texas to Jesse and Rebecca Gutierrez. He shared his earthly life with the love of his life, Mia. They brought two beautiful children into this world to grow their family to five. Emilio and Mia were inseparable, they loved each other unconditionally and brought out the best in one another.

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Emilio was fun-loving, kindhearted and at times, goofy. To say he was an amazing dad to Alonni, Emilio and Josiah is an understatement, he was more than amazing. He loved cuddling with his babies and loved to make them laugh. He was an amazing uncle to ten nephews and two nieces. Emilio was always full of laughs and had a huge smile and could light up a room with both. When not at home with his family he was hard at work to provide for his family. He loved playing video games, riding in his truck, going out to the ranch and being with family. Survivors include his wife, Mia Alcantar Gutierrez; three children, Alonni Cruz Alcantar-Gutierrez (18 months), Emilio Ray Alcantar-Gutierrez (6 months) and Josiah Ray Gutierrez (5 years) of Abilene; his parents, Jesse and Rebecca S, Gutierrez of Abilene; two sisters, Jessica Collins (Harold Edward III) of Abilene and Jennifer Hernandez (Raynaldo Jr.) of Abilene; his best friend, who was like a brother, Jason Cacioppo of Austin; and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Emilio was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Mauricio Sarabia and his paternal grandmother, Victoria E. Gutierrez.

Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 43

Why Am I Always Hungry?

Your habits, surroundings and diet choices could all be driving your insatiable appetite. By Markham Heid | Time

Too little sleep and too much stress can make you hungry. Watching TV can make you hungry. Your hormones and mood and even the wrong-sized fork can make you hungry. “Hunger is not as simple as needing food to meet physical needs,” says Aner Tal, a research associate at Cornell University’s Food & Brand Lab. “There are many different psychological and biological and environmental factors that affect hunger.” Not least of which are your eating habits, Tal says. “If you’re used to eating lunch every day at 2 o’clock, you’ll feel the need to eat at 2 o’clock even if you don’t have a biological requirement for food at that time,” he says. Eat all the time, and your body will slowly learn to expect food—and crave it—all day every day. But what causes you to eat all the time in the first place? Your food choices play a big part in that, says Dr. Belinda Lennerz, an endocrinologist and researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. “The fundamental role of hunger is to drive us to seek and consume food in order to keep the amount of available energy in our blood stable,” says Lennerz, who has conducted research into the dietary drivers of hunger and cravings. “This occurs more effectively when we consume a meal higher in fat, protein and fiber, which are digested slowly.” While these foods help our bodies achieve and maintain a satisfyingly balanced state for hours between meals, others foods trigger metabolic shifts that send us back to the kitchen or snack room much sooner after we’ve eaten, Lennerz says. You can probably guess what foods she’s talking about: highly processed carbs. Dr. David Ludwig—Lennerz’s colleague and co-researcher at Harvard and Boston Children’s and author of the recent book Always Hungry?—calls out many of the most popular processed carbs by name: white bread, white rice, potato products, sugar-sweetened beverages, prepared breakfast cereals, cookies and chips. “These foods confuse your body’s natural hunger-control systems, which usually work really well when you’re eating slowly digesting foods,” he says.

Unlike healthy fat- and fiber-rich foods—the Greek yogurts and leafy green vegetables and legumes that calmly stroll through your digestive system—processed carbs move through your gut like it’s a Slip’N Slide. These snack foods, sweets, sugary drinks and other processed goodies make up 61% of average American shopping cart. And your body’s reaction to these quick-digesting foods is to release large amounts of insulin into your bloodstream in order to normalize your surging blood sugar levels, Lennerz explains. Like a cattle rancher, insulin herds sugar and the other calories from your meal into storage, which usually means your fat cells, Ludwig says. This not only promotes weight gain, but it also tricks your body into believing you need more energy to satisfy your body’s needs, which in turn causes your hunger to rebound rapidly. If you also happen to be on a low-fat diet high in processed foods, all of this is intensified, Ludwig says. It’s not easy to avoid, of course. “In today’s food environment, food is readily available without a delay at any given time,” Lennerz says. She adds that merely smelling or seeing food can fire up your brain and body’s “feed me” processes. That means watching TV shows about cooking, seeing snacks on your kitchen counter or walking by a break room where cookies or chips are on offer can all stoke hunger pangs that would have remained dormant if you hadn’t been exposed to those temptations. Add to this the growing body of research that shows many of these highly processed foods— particularly sugar—can fire up our brains’ reward systems in ways similar to cigarettes, drugs and other addictive substances, and it’s no wonder many of us spend our days with a case of the munchies. So what can you do about it? For starters, ditch those highly processed foods in favor of the healthy, fatty, fiber and protein-rich foods Lennerz and Ludwig mentioned above. Research suggests mindfulness meditation, a brisk walk, exercise and keeping food out of sight can also help knock down your incessant cravings.

44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 45

Q&A with

Dr. Hector Garcia The importance of vaccinating your child By Mercedez Hernandez | HispanicLife Magazine

1.Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Dr. Hector Garcia and I’ve been a pediatrician for about 5 years and have been in Abilene for about 2 years. I was in the Air Force before and that’s how I got here.

2.What should people know about immunizations?The most important thing for

people to know about immunizations is that they’re meant to protect our children. To protect them and the community from those diseases that could be deadly and have been prominent in the community at one time or another. What people don’t know, necessarily, is that we don’t use live-virus vaccines until children are at least one years old, and that’s what people tend to be more scared about. The vaccines in the first 9 months of life we’re using are based on antibodies. We take portions of these viruses and bacteria that could hurt the body and we make antibodies against them and show them to your body to show them what it could look like. We do this so if the body comes into contact with it, it has a better chance of fighting against a virus.

3.How many vaccinations do babies get in their first months of life?

Children usually get 6 immunizations at twomonths old, 5 at four-months old and 6 again at six-months old, but by using combination vaccines we’re able to give a child 6 immunizations by only having to inject them 3 times. The number one complication seen with vaccinations is irritation at the sight of injection, which means the sight where they put the shot in can get a little red or swollen. The chance of that is greatly reduced by doing the combination vaccines.

4.Why is it important to immunize? It’s not

only important because you’re saving your child, but because there are certain kids in the community who can’t get these vaccines. There are kids who have diseases that compromise immune systems, or have had open-heart surgery or are kids that have been too sick to get immunized. Because

our community has a good rate of vaccination, everyone, not just children are protected. By immunizing a great percentage of the population, we protect each other from illnesses.

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5.What would you say to someone who is concerned about the safety of vaccines? We get

questions like this all the time, because we don’t deny access to parents who don’t immunize. I tell parents that might be on the fence about immunizing that vaccines have been proven to be safe. We have study after study proving that time and time again they are safe. The reality of it is that other than fever or skin irritation, that is as far as the side effects go. The diseases that we’re trying to avoid with vaccines are far worse than anything that is produced by the side effects of immunizations.

6.Where can more resources be found on immunizations? There’s two

great resources for vaccination, one of them is the CDC, the Center for Disease Control. They provide us with vaccinations schedules, information sheets and even information about what vaccines you’d need to visit other countries. Also, healthychildren.org is the website for the American Academy of pediatrics.

7.Where can people find you and your practice? They can call us at 325-692-5800 or contact us on Facebook at Dr. Hector Garcia.

Integrated Community Services is now taking applications for partime weekend direct care shift 12p-12a (Sat/Sun), and Full time 12p-12a Sat/sun, 4p-12a thurs/friday. You must complete an online application at www.iclcorp.com to be considered for a position. You must have a valid Texas DL and pass a background check.

46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Alzheimer’s Association and Edward Jones join forces to support mission

Firm Enters Partnership Valued at Nearly $5 million By Elizabeth Harris | Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association and financial services-firm Edward Jones recently entered into an historic partnership, as Edward Jones committed $4.7 million over two years to support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. Funding through the partnership will help increase the association’s care and support programs, and provide educational materials on brain health, as well as funds for Alzheimer’s disease research and grassroots awareness activities, said Tim Wendt, financial advisor for Edward Jones in Fort Worth and committee member for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Fort Worth. In return, the Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter will help provide services, support and education on brain health and Alzheimer’s disease to Edward Jones’ associates and clients. Wendt said the partnership is crucial for financial advisors because it allows them to gain knowledge on the financial and emotional aspects of Alzheimer’s and dementia when dealing with the growing number of senior investors. “We’re working with a growing number of senior investors and these investors are going to have memory issues,” he said. “We need to get up to speed on this disease, how it can negatively impact our clients and how we can serve them better.”

The partnership has several facets. The Alzheimer’s Association will work with Edward Jones to create the Edward Jones Alzheimer’s Research Fund, a targeted effort to advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure at a quicker pace. Edward Jones will also serve as the nationwide presenting sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, an event that raised more than $77 million in 2015 to support Alzheimer’s Association care and education programs, fuel research and advance public policy. With the new partnership now in place, tapping into local resources, such as the Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter, is the best way to get the knowledge and resources senior clients and their families need, he said. Financial advisors deal with transitioning wealth from one generation to another daily, and the more knowledgeable they are about the disease, the better prepared families will be, Wendt said. According to the association, Alzheimer’s disease kills more people than prostate and breast cancer combined. “Alzheimer’s is an incredibly expensive disease, especially for caregivers, so preparing helps,” he said. “Some people aren’t even planning for retirement, much less for the exorbitant potential cost of this disease.”

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Pick us up at Armando’s Mex Rest, Communities of Abilene FCU & Los Arcos Mex Rest | BUSINESS | 47

Rolling into 40 Years of Service By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine

Tom’s Tire Pros (formerly Tom’s Tire World) celebrated their 40th anniversary with a bang. Even though the actual anniversary was in February, they waited until June to celebrate with a car show at the store on June 11.

the stores in San Angelo and Abilene are still going strong, but are now under the leadership of Tom, Jr. A lot has changed over the years for Tom’s Tire Pros, but the same high level of quality and customer service has continued to stay the same.

“We’ve had a lot of customers who have been coming in here for a really long time,” Tom Ceniglis, Jr, Tom’s Tire Pros Owner said. “We wanted to have a big event to show our appreciation to them.”

“The business model has changed a little bit every year,” Tom said. “We keep trying to find ways to be profitable and to take better care of our clientele and our staff.”

A lot was going on that day at 1431 South Clack. The main event was the car show but they didn’t stop there. There was an inflatable jump house, face painting, awesome show cars and trucks, and lots of food. Besides all of that, Tom’s Tire Pros gave away four sets of tires, wheels, lift kits, oil changes and Tom’s Tire Pros gear. One lucky guest even walked away with four Texas Rangers tickets.

In the beginning Tom’s Tire Pros mainly sold tires and did a little bit of service. Today, the business incorporates tires, service and accessories to be a one-stop shop for their customers.

“We wanted to give back to our customers by giving a bunch of stuff away,” Tom, Jr. said, “while providing an event that they could bring their family to as well.” The original location of Tom’s Tire World, back in 1976, was at 701 Oak Street. Since then, the store had moved across the street to 702 Oak Street and finally to 1434 South Clack Street. Along the way, there was also a store at 151 South Pioneer and the name changed to Tom’s Tire Pro. Tom, Sr. spent years working in the tire business with Firestone all around the United States. When Martha Ceniglis (his wife) was diagnosed with terminal cancer Tom Sr. wanted to move her closer to her family in San Angelo. The closest city he could open a store in and not be in business conflict with family or friends was Abilene. So Tom, Sr. moved the Ceniglis family from Orlando, Florida to Abilene, Texas to start Tom’s Tire World.

“I started working at the original store at eleven years old,” Tom, Jr. said. “We worked in the stores on Saturdays and sometimes during the week after school. All the kids in our family began working at a very young age. I remember walking from Lincoln Junior High to the store on Seventh Street and Oak with my little brother Don after school every day.” Tom, Jr. went to Cooper High School and on to college at Texas Tech University. He started his career in the tire business by going to work for Firestone GCR group, which was the Firestone affiliate for the state of Texas at the time. After several years in the business on his own, Tom, Jr. helped to grow the family business when he joined his dad and helped open another Tom’s Tire World in San Angelo. Today,

“I’m not sure what the next 40 years will look like,” Tom, Jr. said. “I do know that we plan to continue to grow and only get better at what we do.” Tom, Jr.’s two sons, Austen and AJ are both working in the business and learning more and more about it every day. Together, along with their dad, they help run the business as a whole and will help it continue to grow into the next 40 plus years. “We are all a family here, everybody that works here, and we all take care of each other and our clientele,” Tom said. “We are all committed to this business as it takes all of us to make it work.”

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41¢ or More Campaign Benefits Meals on Wheels for 41 Days Starting September 1, 2016, Meals on Wheels Plus is partnering with the 41 Abilene 7-11’s to celebrate 41 years of delivering hot nutritious noontime meals to the elderly and other adults with disabilities. This 41¢ (or more) campaign will last for (drum roll please)...you guessed it, a total of 41 days. Visit any Abilene 7-11 from September 1 through October 11 and help Meals on Wheels drive away hunger.

48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Best Advice:

The Worst Thing You Can Do Is Nothing By Robert Herjavec | Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank Founder of Herjavec Group, Bestselling Author, Race Car Driver

People assume that hard work alone is all they need to succeed. I would argue that’s not quite true. My success in business, and in particular at Herjavec Group, has been achieved with a mix of careful preparation, calculated risks, the development of a world-class team and, of course, a dose of good luck. It has NOT by any means been achieved by idleness. Time and time again we hear the analogy between climbing a mountain and the road to success: Life is a lot like climbing a mountain, with the ultimate prize of success (whether it be monetary, career, or interpersonal) waiting at the top.

rewards far outweigh the risk.

3) Do Nothing: This is all too common among those who are not fully committed to success — in a word, you freeze. Unable or unwilling to back down, and unable to take the risk that will keep you moving upward, you remain somewhere in the limbo between total success and ultimate failure. One is inaccessible, the other intolerable.

Michael Jordan had his own way of making the same point. “Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen.” When I quoted this to someone once, they reAssuming you want success badly enough, plied, “And some people stand around and ask you start climbing, taking risks along the way. ‘What the hell just happened?’” You plot each step, consider each handhold, and measure each crevasse to make sure you Similarly, Mark Udall once said, “You don’t can leap safely to the other side. Each step climb mountains without a team, you don’t you take brings you closer either to success climb mountains without being fit, you don’t or failure. climb mountains without being prepared, and you don’t climb mountains without balancing There comes a time when climbers on their the risks and rewards. And you never climb way to the top reach a critical juncture and are a mountain by accident — it has to be intenfaced with three options. tional.”

1) Retreat: If you decide that a barrier can’t Action is better than inaction. If you be overcome, you can abandon it entirely. Retreating does not always mean failure. Quite often we should return to ground level to reassess the situation and come up with a better plan of attack.

stay on the mountain and do nothing, you will freeze to death. You have to try, fail, learn, do it over in order to grow. You have one life to live and it’s time to stop making excusing and start making progress. The best advice I’ve ever received, and the advice I’ll share with 2) Take a Calculated Risk: Accept that you: there is a chance you will fail to make the leap across a chasm, or the rock you are about to Get out there and do something. Take step on may crumble, but understand that the action.

Abilene Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year Nominations must be received by August 22

The Abilene Citizen of the Year Award has been given annually since 1946 to a person (or persons) who has made an impact on our great city. Individuals and organizations are invited to nominate someone they believe has contributed in an outstanding manner to the betterment of the Abilene community over the last year, several years or a lifetime in determining the award. Recognition for workforce or job-related activities is not criteria for consideration for the award. Civic involvement, volunteer efforts, selflessness and dedication to

making Abilene a better place to live for all citizens are the traits exhibited by previous honorees. To be considered for the award, the nomination must be received by August 22. The recipient will be announced at the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting and Awards Celebration on October 13. Please send nominations to Kim Bosher, Abilene Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 2281, Abilene TX 79604 or email the nomination to kimbosher@abilenechamber.com. Please call 677-7241 for more information.

5 Essential PR Tips for Small Businesses

Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Mr. Gatti’s, H.E.B., Albertson’s & The Whitten Inn | BUSINESS | 49

By Gillian Small | PR specialist, founder of Gillian Small Public Relations

Elaborate public relations campaigns can often be an expensive undertaking. Creating a PR campaign to fit the needs of your small business will require focused time and effort, but doesn’t have to break the bank. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when considering a public relations push:

your local newspaper or news website to explore quid pro quo opportunities to lend your expertise to a column or standalone article. Writing content is mutually beneficial, and if you are lucky enough to secure a column online it may also help boost your SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

1. Create a press kit. Your press kit should be a digital compilation of background documents including executive bios, headshots, hi-res logos, ‘about us’ information, and other items to introduce yourself to the media. If you sell products, product descriptions and hi-res images should also be included. The easiest place to store your press kit is in a sharable, online folder, for example DropBox. This way, if the media ever requests your press kit you can send a link for download- rather than a very large file. Folders within press kits should be clearly labeled, and easily navigable for media.

4. Draft an op-ed. Is there something happening in the media that you want to comment on? Are you launching a new, noteworthy campaign? Or maybe you have an opinion that you need to get out there, in your own words? Consider drafting an op-ed to share your news or opinion. A quick Google search will give you guidelines for submitting op-eds to different media outlets.

2. Set up Google Alerts for your business — and your competitors. It is equally as important to be aware of how your competitors are positioning themselves, as it is to know whenever you are mentioned in the media. Consider setting up free Google Alerts for your business and for your competitors, as well as a few key industry words. This will allow you to stay abreast of ‘breaking’ news -a pivotal time to reach out to media to secure opportunistic stories. If you receive an alert for an article you really enjoy, you may want to consider reaching out to the author to compliment them on the story, and offer to lend your expertise for any future features. 3. Be pro-active and on the lookout for opportunities to position yourself as an expert. Connect with

5. Set aside time each day to discover opportunities to connect with the media. This could mean running a quick Twitter search of journalists putting out queriesor subscribing to HARO (Help a Reporter Out), a series of free daily email alerts that connect journalists on deadline with relevant experts and brands. As important as PR is to building and sustaining a successful business, small business owners are busy and often good public relations practices fall by the wayside. If you are short on time but looking to build brand awareness, consider working with a PR agency, or freelancer, that focuses primarily on servicing small business clients. Not all public relations agencies require hefty annual retainers. Many PR professionals will work with small businesses on a month-tomonth or project basis. Small businesses often have the best stories to tell — so get out and tell yours!

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50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Food Protection Management Training Course Available to Food Service Establishments By Tammie Belyeu | Secretary, Texas AgriLife Extension, Taylor County

A two-day Food Protection Management training for food service managers in the Big Country area will be held August 15 and August 16, 2016. It will be held at the Taylor County Extension Office located on the Taylor County Expo grounds in Abilene from 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. both days. The training will allow food establishments to meet their certification requirements if they pass the exam. The exam being used is the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe exam. The class covers twelve food safety concepts related to personal hygiene, cross contamination, time and temperature, sanitation, pest management, foodborne illness and related areas. The course is sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Taylor, Jones and Nolan Counties. Cost for the class is $125, which includes the course book and exam. Registration deadline is Monday, July 25. Registration information is available by calling the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-6726048. You may also access a downloadable registration form at http://taylor.agrilife.org. Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

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Pick us up at Golden Corral, MCM Elegante and Long John Silvers | BUSINESS | 51

Top 3 Small Business Accounting Mistakes

By Sandra J Hastings | Hastings Professional Business Services, Hastingspbs.com Most of these small business accounting mistakes are simple to correct, but even easier to avoid once you’re aware of them.

Downtown Abilene Hotel New Possibility By Ashley Gooden | KTAB TV

A couple of years ago, Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald put a downtown conference center hotel on his wish list. Since then, City Manager Robert Hannah says more people have bought into the idea.

Other citizens may be wondering how much this could cost them, “We think this project could be worth $30-$40 million, and that’s not all public money. In fact, most of it’s not public money. The whole point of this is to find a private sector partner to do this. The City of Abilene and our other partners are going to have to put funds up to incentivize the project” he explained.

The top three mistakes that occur most frequently is failing to reconcile bank accounts on a regular basis, failing to apply payments to open receivables, and failing to back up data. Who isn’t pressed for time? Skipping routine accounting tasks sounds like it will save time but can end up wasting precious time later when errors force you to unsnarl accounting tangles. A common problem is failing to apply payments to open receivables. Many business owners simply record their bank deposits and fail to apply payments to receivables. This mistake leads to incomplete or incorrect accounting data, showing open receivables when they are in fact paid. A similar mistake is recording check payments without linking them to accounts payable. Often business owners wait until the end of the year to enter their data. Unfortunately, in their haste they fail to reconcile the bank accounts. Failing to reconcile the bank accounts can result in lost deductions and/or incorrect numbers. It is best to enter the activity as you go along, reconcile the bank accounts as soon as the bank statement is available. This will provide accurate cash balances and help avoid gaps in the information. Lastly, there is something that is common to all small business data, not just accounting data: failing to back up data on an external hard drive. Failing to back up ... on a regular basis can be horrific. Computers crash all the time, and usually when that happens most or all of the data input is lost and unrecoverable. To prevent this perform a back up daily, if possible, to an external drive or into “cloud” storage.

“For the citizen that may think well why can’t they go fix potholes with that? Well we could fix potholes with in that zone, in that district, but many of those streets are concrete and it’s not really a big problem for us,” Hanna says.

The city has been exploring different ways to make the wish come true. Hanna says that an RFP should be issued by the end of august. An RFP lets a private company know what the city is looking for and that company sends back a proposal on what they can do and how much it will cost. “I’m excited about it, we put a lot of work into it, and I think we’re going to be successful,” said Hanna. Downtown Abilene just might be seeing a new building within the next few years. A conference center hotel. The City of Abilene has about a half a million dollars in TIF funds left over from 2007 that are to be used specifically for downtown improvement.

Betty Hukill, executive director of the Paramount Theater, says she thinks a downtown hotel would be a smart business move, “Downtown Abilene is a beautiful, cohesive, lovely place that people don’t necessarily see if they stay in hotels on the outskirts of our town. Having a central location with a large downtown full service hotel would be a wonderful, wonderful addition to our city. Tourism brings outside money into our community and we get to keep it. For the money that is spent on tourism, it turns over so many times. We can make so much more out of that investment in what we do here.” Hanna says the plan is to have a first class hotel that represents the City of Abilene. There is not yet a design for the hotel. The RFP will be used to select the right development partner. Hanna says construction and design are “a few chess moves away” from where they are now.

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Workshops held at America’s SBDC @ TX Tech Training Room Seating is Limited. Please call and reserve your spot today. 325-670-0300. Texas Tech University - Abilene Small Business Development Center 749 Gateway, Building C, Suite 301 Abilene, TX 79602 (Off Loop 322 / near Industrial Blvd.)

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52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

To my future employers:

Pick me, Pick me! By Brittany Jackson | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

As I look back on my time here at ACU and working on the Optimist, I can’t help but get sentimental. Sure, that might be the pre-finals sleep deprivation getting to me, but I am so blessed with all the life skills I’ve acquired through my time as editor. I can’t wait to share my talents with my future employers and with the world, but I’ll give you a sneak preview first:

me coffee or watch me wither.”

3. Creativity • Because a lot of people

don’t take the print edition (explain yourselves, please), there’s a lot of left over papers. You want a very flammable and ink-stained throne? Tell me which arrangement you’d like, I got you.

4. Strength • Can lift and move up to 12 1. Balance • The stacks of fast food cups in stacks of papers, 25 issues thick, in one trip.

my office, the pages on pages of notes I have That’s all you need to know. from interviews over three years, carrying a laptop, three-plus books, coffee and a journal 5. Heightened awareness of my surroundings • The sports editors took their job so seriously, you’d rarely find them without a racket, club or basketball in hand. The real problem began when some genius incorporated Nerf guns into the mix. Like, who thought that was a good idea? You could say safety was just a game at that point.

6. Flexibility • I’ve gotten really good

at working late hours and nights. Or, really, not having a night at all. I’m also able to make myself feel at home anytime, anywhere. Seriously, the floor of the newson my way to cover a story, and on chairs as I room is a black hole. I have no idea how many pinned up the latest pages to be edited.– find- unconscious hours I’ve spent curled up under ing that equilibrium was pivotal. a desk.

2. Good communication • Sometimes All in all, though, my resume is filled top to just telling a person to do something isn’t enough. Sometimes, you have to sit back from your office chair and yell out corrections as you make them because you have the story up, but they have the page up so you can’t open it, and you’re just minutes from deadline. Also, some people can function entirely without a need of words. Just the right look and slouch of the shoulders can convey “get

bottom with activities and internships I’ve completed thanks to the teachers and opportunities available to me here. It wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies, but my time as Editor In Chief has prepared me to go out and accurately face the professional world. Now, it’s just a matter of getting that job. Hopefully employers are impressed with my acquired talents.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Pick us up at The Whitten Inn, China Star, Wholly Cow Burgers & H.E.B. | BUSINESS | 53

5 Powerful Ways To Grow Your Business By Alex Pirouz | The Huffington Post

When you first started your business, you probably did a lot of research. You may have sought help from advisors; you may have digested information from books, magazines and other readily available sources.

A simple shift in this approach can cause immediate gains of 100% or more for businesses who are already actively marketing. If budget is tight, then it is even more critical to find out what is working and invest in the right strategy for growth.

You invested a lot in terms of money, time and sweat equity to get your business off the Get Focused - Targeted behaviour doesn’t just ground. So...now what? happen by chance. It happens when you take the time necessary to explore your habits and For those of you who have survived startup then choose what needs to be done each day and built successful businesses, you may be wondering how to take the next step and grow your business beyond its current status. There are numerous possibilities but choosing the right options for your company will depend on the type of business you own.

Your available resources, how much money, time and sweat equity you’re willing to invest, along with the possible return, are all contributing factors that must be con- in order to obtain your goal. Focused intention sidered when deciding on your next steps. requires personal discipline and the ability to shield yourself from the distractions of everyGrowth of an entrepreneurial venture is a wel- day events or other opportunities. come thing, but growing a successful business can be a challenge. When growing a business we must focus, there are so many possibilities and distractions that To gain further insight into this topic, I recent- it can be easy for us to get overwhelmed. ly had the privilege of speaking with Shane Price, founder of Streambiz, one of Austra- When stressed there can then be a tendency to lia’s leading authorities on business growth stay with what you know best. Shrinking back and strategy. to your comfort zone creates a void in areas of the business that can have an adverse impact With over 14 years’ experience helping com- on the bottom line severely limiting its growth panies grow their bottom line, develop their and profit. sales teams and fine-tune their systems, Shane has become the go-to-guy for growing busi- Invest in the Right Technology - It amazes me nesses from the ground up. Below he shares just how many business owners have grown his top 5 business growth strategies: businesses without real systems and processes in place and they continue to struggle daily. Know Your Numbers - If you don’t have The business has most likely hit a glass ceilreal-time visibility on your business, you are ing mainly because of the human limitations flying blind in today’s fast-moving business on what is manageable in a single day. world. The number of companies I come across who are investing money into market- By utilizing the right technologies, it gives ing channels that are not delivering a return is you the ability to systemize and scale creating staggering, almost all are running on gut and sustainable and often more profitable growth feel rather than data and facts. because you can do more with less human resources.

Build an A-Team - Steve Jobs always believed in building a team of A-Players because he wanted the smartest and best people around him to ensure his success. At Streambiz, we have invested a substantial amount of time and effort to bring together the best contractors and partners to deliver on our client’s strategy. This team of A Players are some of the best, if not the best, in their individual niche either locally or globally. It may cost more to hire experts however they work out more cost effective in real dollar terms because they generate above average results, not to mention saving our most valuable asset, your time. Take Action - There is truth in the saying you are either growing or dying. You must take massive action on a daily basis if you wish to create healthy sustainable growth. Take action today, get your strategy right, get your finger on the pulse, build the best team you can, focus using the best tech you can and grow your business today, not tomorrow. Imagine what your business would look like, how good your clients, staff, yourself and your family would feel if you managed to double or triple your revenue and profit in the next 12 months. Even if you only achieve 20% instead of the usual 3% or less would the return be worth the investment? Of course, right! Take these five strategies to heart, invest your time, money and resources wisely. Follow through with consistent action, work with the right experts who can generate results and you too could be climbing the business ladder in no time.

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54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Abilene ISD Crockett Early Head Start is in need of a bus driver. Candidates must have a current CDL with bus endorsement or able to get the endorsement and a clean driving record. Salary range s from $12.00-$23.00 per hour as seen on AISD website under Human Resources. This is dependent on experience. Apply on line. Look for job openings at Crockett. For more information, PM me or text to 669-6563.

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

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Daniela’s Tex Mex | BUSINESS | 55

How to Ease the Burden of Medical Debt By DaveRamsey.com

If you’re facing big bills from a medical emergency, you probably have a million questions: Where do I start? What am I supposed to do? How do I pay this? What about my other debts?

the codes on your hospital invoice with your insurer’s “explanation of benefits” material to see if there are any charges you aren’t liable for. If there is a charge your health care provider should pay, call the hospital and your insurance carrier so they can adjust your bill. Don’t wait But we have good news: You can take steps to to file an appeal. Many insurers limit the time make the debt-paying process—and possibly you have to question a benefit—usually 30 to the debt itself—less overwhelming. 60 days. The first thing to do, as tough as it sounds, is Time to Take Control Now take a deep breath and stay calm. When you You’ll need patience during the appeal process. aren’t panicking, it’s easier to sort through the It’s no secret that insurance companies can give medical mess. Deal with one issue at a time. Once you’ve collected your thoughts, you can focus on taking care of the debt.

you are asking for mercy. Explain your situation to them in person, showing your income and what you can realistically pay. Tell them how grateful you are for the service they provided. Then ask if they are willing to settle for a lower amount or work out a payment schedule. You aren’t trying to get out of paying. You are just asking if they will accept less money based on what you can afford to pay. Administrators can be pretty understanding and compassionate when you are thankful, honest and realistic about your situation. If you negotiate a payment plan, make the medical payment a priority in your budget after you take care of the Four Walls (food, shelter and utilities, clothing, and transportation). The deal you work out with the hospital is more important than any car payment or credit card bill. In fact, the only two types of debt that come close to a hospital payment arrangement are IRS debt and federal student loans.

So let’s get started.

Be on Top of Billing

When you receive an invoice, check it for any overcharges or fees for services you didn’t use. For example, you may have been released from the hospital in the morning but were billed a full day’s rate for your room. Or you might have been charged for hospital medication even though you didn’t receive any. You should also check to make sure you didn’t get double-billed for something—which is common with so much paperwork. Make a list of any questionable items on the bill so you can discuss them with the hospital. If there is anything you don’t understand, call the hospital billing office to get an explanation. Organize the bills by date instead of just throwing them in a pile. It will give you a feeling of power and control to know exactly where each piece of information is—and it certainly beats digging through a heap of mail to find what you’re looking for.

Read Your Insurance Policy

you the runaround when you question your bill. Be prepared to hear the word “denial” and fight it. Write down the names and phone numbers of people you talk to along with the times you call them. That not only helps you in conversations with the insurance company, but good records give you something to lean on if you file a formal complaint with your state’s insurance commission.

You may be able to get reimbursed for cer- Work Out a Deal tain medical expenses. How? The hospital If you can’t fully pay your debt, go to the hosand your insurance provider may have missed pital administrator with your hat in your hand. some charges your policy covers. Compare Don’t have any sense of entitlement, because

If you owe money to the IRS, that payment should always come right after you pay your Four Walls. Student loans must be taken care of, but there are options in that area which you can explore. Other than those two, nothing trumps a payment on a deal you work out with the hospital.

One Step at a Time

These steps can help ease the burden of dealing with big medical bills. Remember, though, to do things one step at a time, especially if you are regaining your health. Take the process slowly. You have been through a lot, but remember this: There is only one thing tougher than big medical bills. And that’s you.

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