Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
AUGUST 2017
Volume 8, 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 Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office
ADVERTISING SALES David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com
About Us
We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2017 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
As we all count down the days for school to begin, we have many parents jumping for joy as well as many students who are pouting around. We pray you all begin this school year with good attitudes and bigger goals than last year. That this will be the year you achieve things you didn’t think you could last year, maybe study a little longer or read a few more books, or say hi to the person that sits all alone at lunch. Be a leader in truth and kindness and not a follower of ignorance and stupidity, make a difference in a positive way. We would also like to thank all the teachers in the big country for all the work they do that many may not see. Thank you for reading curriculum, for laminating cute decore for the class & cutting them out. Thank you for spending your own money on so many little extra things just to make your classroom and students feel special. We here at Hispaniclife pray blessings over each teacher, faculty member, student and parent, may we all do our best, be our best, expect the best and demonstrate the best in all we do this school year. Have a great month and as always….First God, then Family and finally Friends….
David & Amy Hernández & the girls & all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Raffle to Benefit Apartment Fire Victims On Wednesday July 12th tragedy hit the Hardy Family when a fire hit their apartment that morning in Abilene. Young Liam lost his life that night and his mother Ashley is now in critical condition in Lubbock. Liam has a brother, Aiden age 9, who was also in the fire but was unharmed physically but mentally traumatized. Their father Glenn was at work at the time of the fire but is now in Lubbock with Ashley and Aiden. Ashley’s parents Larry and Theresa Reed are also with them in Lubbock. Abilene Used Car Sales will be raffling off a 2011 Dodge Journey and the winner will be drawn August 19th at 2PM at our location at 2150 North 1st to help out the family. 100% of the proceeds from the raffle will go to the Hardy family. Tax, title, and license will also be cov-
ered so the winner will just have to sign some papers and the keys will be handed to them. Tickets are $20 a piece or 3 for $50. You can come by 2150 North 1st to purchase the raffle tickets. You do not have to be present to win.
COMMUNITY Up For The Challenge LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Media
Fred Salinas is always up for a challenge. After completing marathons and long distance cycling races, he decided it was time to take on the ultimate endurance event – the IRONMAN.
So just imagine if one athlete brings only two members of their family. It is just a multitude of people. It is just like a small, mini city out there.”
Prior to Salinas leaving for his race, a “I figured why not just go ahead and do it to special group of people had a spirited mark it off my bucket list,” Salinas said. send off for him. As a UPS delivery Salinas began training 16 months prior to the race and completed the IRONMAN last November in Tempe, Arizona. At 58 years old, Salinas swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and then ran a full-marathon at 26.2 miles to complete the IRONMAN. He finished in 16 hours, three minutes and 22 seconds, which is under the allotted time of 17 hours to complete the race. Out of the thousands of triathletes within the IRONAM organization Salinas is now ranked within the top thousand at 902.
“I would say it is 60% being mentally prepared and 40% being physically prepared for the race,” Salinas said. “Throughout the whole race I had this feeling of comfort.” Salinas isn’t sure if he will do another IRONMAN but has already completed a half IRONMAN earlier this year and plans to complete another half IRONMAN in October. To go along with his half IRONMAN training, he plans to compete in the Hotter’N Hell Hundred race in Wichita Falls in August.
“It sounds pretty crazy,” Salinas said. “I have always been the type of person that wants to challenge myself and challenge my body to do things out of the norm.” Salinas has always been athletic, participating in nearly every sport at Anson High School. He grew up being active; playing anything he could. His athletic spirit stayed with him and he began competing in marathons and cycling races later in his adult life. In the past, Salinas has also completed multiple half IRONMANS, an Olympic distance triathlon, and a sprint triathlon. Competing in the IRONMAN was unlike any other race or event for Salinas though. Although, they may have been similar nothing compared to the atmosphere at the IRONMAN race.
Salinas said. “It was the highlight prior to leaving. It was just amazing.” Salinas even had Jayton’s school logo sewn onto his racing top to remember their support. Fred admits his body did tire and his muscles did cramp throughout the race, but it was nothing he didn’t expect. After training and competing in similar races, Salinas knew what to expect and how to work through it.
Salinas is proud to have not only completed the IRONMAN, but to have completed it as a Hispanic man. He said he doesn’t know of many other Hispanic men from the area who have completed the IRONMAN and hopes he can be a role model for others. “I try to be a role model to the younger kids,” driver, Salinas delivers packages to Hamlin, Salinas said, “to help them see they can go out, Aspermont and Jayton. His friendly customers get a college education, get a job and accomplish in Jayton heard about his IRONMAN training anything.” and decided to give him a pep rally at the high school.
“It was an awesome experience,” Salinas said. “The whole student body came out and the “The mass of people cheering you on was just cheerleaders led cheers with signs just for me,” amazing. There were over 3,000 triathletes.
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Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.
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West Texas Dove Classic Benefits the Folks at Disability Resources, Inc. By Holly Holmes | Director of Special Events, Disability Resources, Inc
Firefighter James Weikel joined the Abilene Fire Department in April of 2015. He is certified as a Firefighter Advanced, Driver/ Operator, Fire Safety Officer, Fire Service Instructor I, Fire Officer II, Wildland Firefighter Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic. He currently is assigned to Station 1 on B shift.
Firefighter Cody Kelsey joined the Abilene Fire Department in March of 2011. He is certified as a Firefighter Basic, Wildland Firefighter Basic and EMT-Paramedic. He currently is assigned to Station 4 on C shift.
The 17th annual West Texas Dove Classic, benefitting Disability Resources Incorporated (DRI), is scheduled for September 15th -17th. Hunting for the three-day event, headquartered at Dr. Norm Dozier’s beautiful White Rock Lodge, will be held on several West Texas ranches. Hunters will enjoy dove hunting, Heptathlon, fabulous food, special gifts, contests, awards and a live and silent auction. Join us for our first annual Heptathlon, for the rest of the world, a heptathlon in a 7 challenge track and field contest.... Well, this is Texas and we do it differently! The 1st annual DRI Heptathlon will be a 2-person team event consisting of 7 hunting, throwing and pitching challenges. “This Hunt is very fun and is a major fundraiser for us,” said Holly Holmes, Director of Special Events for DRI. “We are so blessed with hunters and DRI supporters who have come back year after year and look forward to having new hunters join us.” DRI has a special offer for hunters who can attend only the Saturday portion of the hunt.
Sponsorship packages are also available. For more information or to participate as a hunter or sponsor, please contact Holly at 325-677-6815, or hholmes@driabilene.org. Hunting slots are filling quickly, so please call ASAP. Disability Resources Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that provides residential care, vocational training and recreational activities for intellectually disabled individuals. Sponsorships and hunter registrations are now being accepted. Hunters Fee: $750 Early Bird (must be RECEIVED by 8/15) • $850 After August 15 Includes:1 Hunting and Heptathlon slot, Hunter Shirt & Cap, 6 Boxes of Shells, Meals Sponsorships are available at several levels with varying benefits and numbers of hunters. RSVP to reserve your spot! www.driabilene. org or call Holly Holmes at 325-677-6815.
Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
Kindred Hospice with Kindred at Home Holds 12th Annual Food Drive Supporting Meals on Wheels Plus By Rob Chastain | Development Director, Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc.
Staff members from the local Kindred at Home and Kindred Hospice office will be blanketing Abilene throughout August, distributing food collection bags at various healthcare facilities as part of the company’s 12th Annual Food Drive. The food collected will be donated to Meals on Wheels Plus for use in their Groceries on Wheels program.
Kindred at Home and Kindred Hospice is seeking your support for this national effort to collect food and personal items in every market their company serves. Help them help Meals on Wheels Plus, by donating high demand items like: nonperishables, peanut butter, canned foods, and personal hygiene items. Donations may also be dropped off at both Kindred at Home and Kindred Hospice, located at 1655 Antilley Rd, Ste. 300, Abilene, TX. The food drive runs from August 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Take Advantage of Mobile Printing at Your Library By Abilene Public Library
Your Abilene Public Library has offered printing services for years on library computers. Although use of the computers is free, printing fees are $0.15 per page black & white, $0.45 in color. For most of us, the use of printing services at libraries are standard. If it’s not something we need to do on a regular basis, it may be more cost effective to print from your library rather than spend money for a printer and replacement ink cartridges. As a library employee, printing from my library is my preferred method. However, sometimes all the library computers may be in use when all you need to do is print a file or two. If you have a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC, did you know you can avoid the wait? Mobile printing is available at all library locations where the public is able to bypass using library computers and submit your print jobs via wi-fi through your devices. As long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi, or the Internet, that’s pretty much all you need. Use of this service is free and we only charge for your printing. Print jobs can be sent from the comfort of your home and picked up at a later time when you visit us, or you may access mobile printing with your devices inside the library if you’re in a rush. It’s relatively easy to get started, and to learn how to use the service, visit our Mobile Print Page online. Please Note: The library will only hold onto submitted print jobs for the current day. We ask that if you use this service, you stop by library to pick up your job the same day. Much like printing from the library’s computers, see staff at the public service desks to pay for your print jobs and pick them up.We accept cash or check, or you may use credit/ debit cards as long as your print job is more than $3.00. If you have questions, feel free to contact staff at any location.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Looking for Local Authors By Janis Test | Abilene Public Library
The Friends of the Abilene Public Library The 2017 Abilene Author Showcase is schedwant to honor you if you’ve published a book uled for Sunday, September 17, at 2 p.m. at the South Branch of the Abilene Public Liin the past 12 months. brary, in the Mall of Abilene. Each year during the West Texas Book Festival, the organization honors authors who If you or someone you know qualifies to be live or work in Abilene or Taylor County and honored at this event, contact Janis C. Test at 325-676-6017 or janis.test@abilenetx.com. have had a book published in the past year. The 2017 local author recognition – the Abilene Author Showcase – will again allow authors to spend a few moments telling about their book. Following the presentations, authors will be allowed to sell their books at the event.
The 17th annual West Texas Book Festival is presented September 21-23 by Friends of the Abilene Public Library and the Abilene Reporter-News. For more information, go to www.abilenetx.com/apl and click on the festival logo in the center of the page.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers of the Month July 2017
August 2017
CAS
Cas has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels since August of 1998. He is our greeter on Mondays, and will deliver a route if one falls through. He also delivers on Wednesdays and Fridays as a substitute driver, sometimes taking up to two routes if needed! He has volunteered for many other Meals on Wheels activities like our Easy as Pie, Holiday Meals at the Mall, Golf Tournament, and Sporting Clays Classic. Cas is retired from the US Air Force after 23 years, and from the City of Abilene after 20 years. He and his wife have two daughters, one son, two granddaughters and two grandsons. Cas says he volunteers with Meals on Wheels to “Stay out of trouble at home” but we all know it is his big heart that drives him!
Tom and Diana Macke
Tom and Diana have been volunteering with Meals on Wheels since August of 2006. They are active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where they have served on the parish council and as Religious Education teachers. Tom is retired from Union Pacific Railroad and Diana, from the Abilene ISD. They came to Abilene in 1968 and raised four children. They now have 10 grandchildren and one great-grand son! Other than delivering meals, they enjoy spending their free time with family. Diana also loves to read and Tom enjoys golfing. When asked why they volunteer delivering Meals on Wheels, they said “We are pleased that we are able to serve our brothers and sisters in this way.” Thank you for being such long-term, wonderful volunteers!
Pick us up at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
APD Detectives’ Benefit
AUCTION/RAFFLE ITEMS
Stein�ager �i� Card DAP Tune 5.7 Tundra Twisted Metal Concepts Pi��a By Design �i� Cert Firehouse Subs �i� Card Taylor County Tap House Chunky Monkey �i� Cert RDA graphics RTIC Cooler Rough Country Accessories Firestone �i�e�me Alignment ICON Fitness 1yr Membership
WHEN August 25, 2017 from 6:00pm - 12:00am Gate opens at 5:30pm Organized by Abilene, TX Tundra Club, Texas Freedom Off-Road, and Kirk House Music
WHERE Buffalo Gap ‘Red Dirt Pavilion’ 1302 Pecan St., Buffalo Gap, TX 79508 Free Admission, Donations Accepted Bring your own Chair
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Please join us in showing our support to the Abilene Police Department. Detective Elise Ybarra, was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, August 6 2017, after being involved in a traffic accident on Interstate 20 while driving to a conference in Dallas with Detectives Robert Collins and Chris Milliorn. There will be will be live music, silent auctions and raffles during the benefit. 100% of the PROCEEDS will be given to the Abilene Police Officers Association to be deposited in the account that has been setup for Det. Ybarra’s family, Det. Collins, and Det. Milliorn. You must BE PRESENT to win items from the silent auctions and raffles. We can accept PayPal, cash, or check donations at the event. Please join the APD Detectives’ Benefit event on Facebook for more information and updates.
and many more!
Tickets can be purchased �or �� a �cket or � �or �1�
FOOD TRUCKS Kona ICE, Jays BBQ, Hearts BBQ, Chino Tamales, Black Cat Blues BBQ and Beffer’s Desserts
PERFORMANCES BY ZACH EDWARDS FIASCO Kirk House, Dave Hobbs Band, Ma� Stapp, Mike Webb, Blake Burrow, and more in no par�cular order!
BENEFITING Detec�ve �barra’s Family Detec�ve Collins � Family Detec�ve Milliorn � Family
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Over the Edge Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters By Megan Tolle | Director of Public Relations and Recruiting, Big Broithers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is taking fundraising to new heights for a second year! Over the Edge is a unique event, providing participants the thrilling, once in a life time chance of rappelling down the 20-story Enterprise Tower in a completely safe environment. Participants will make their descent from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30. Food trucks will be available to spectators. All are welcome to come out and join in the excitement of this event!
tions around the world. Business leaders, individuals and community members are invited to raise donations in exchange for the experience of going over the edge of a prominent building. This unique event generates front page news, raises thousands of dollars and provides participants with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over The Edge is responsible for all technical aspects of the event including the Interviews with agency staff, insurance, professional participants, board members and matches are welcome staff and rappelling before or during the event on equipment. In addition, When: Saturday, September 30th Saturday. Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. OTE provides a comWhere: Enterprise Tower | 500 Chestnut prehensive Fundraising The mission of Big Brothers www.bbbstx.org/overtheedge Manual to conduct a Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and endur- successful fund raising event. Our mission is to creing, professionally supported 1-to-1 relation- ate a legacy with a 10 year goal to help non-profit ships that change their lives for the better, organizations throughout North America raise $50 forever. million dollars. Over The Edge is a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organiza-
Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
Abilene Boy To Be Featured in NYC’s Times Square By Will Jensen | KTXS
An Abilene boy is about to hit it big in New York Zeke’s father. “He doesn’t know a stranger. If City -- his picture is going to be featured on the you give him a chance to get to know you a jumbotron in Times Square as part of the Nation- little bit, he’s just all over you.” al Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk.. Now they’re trying to raise money Zeke Morales is only two, to make the trip to New so he doesn’t realize he’s York City so they can about to be featured on a see Zeke’s big debut in giant screen in one of the person on September world’s busiest places. 16. They’re also saving But his parents sure are to get him a cochlear improud. plant to help his hearing. “I guess they liked his smile,” said Monica Morales, Zeke’s mother. His mom submitted the photo in May and recently got an email saying Zeke’s picture was selected out of 2,000 photos entered.
“He’s just Zeke,” his mother said. “We get all the time [people] just instantly fall in love and everybody he meets they just want to take him home, and we’re ready to share his smile with everybody else as well.”
Buddy walks will take place in cities across “It said, ‘Congratulations. You’ve been chosen,’ the country. Abilene will hold its 6th annual and I was like oh my goodness,” Morales said. buddy walk also on September 16. That will be held at Beltway Park South. This year, 400 photos of people with Down syndrome will be featured in the Times Square video presentation that recognizes the milestones and contributions of people with Down syndrome. CALL US TO ADVERTISE The buddy walk also promotes awareness and (325) 701-9505 acceptance of those with Down syndrome. Zeke also has limited hearing. His parents communicate with him through sign language. “Oh, he’s just really friendly,” said Jerry Morales,
209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Michael Bob Starr Assumes Permanent Position at Global Samaritan Resources By Tim Surles | Board President, Global Samaritan Resources
Retired Colonel Michael Bob Starr has “I have long supported Global Samaritan been selected to be the executive director Resources,” Starr said in a statement, “But of Global Samaritan Resources by the or- being immersed in its mission over the last few weeks has profoundly deepganization’s board of direcened my passion and appreciators. Starr has been serving tion for providing humanitarian as interim executive director aid logistics services. I’m very since June 12, succeeding grateful for this opportunity to Danny Sims who resigned in serve with the incredible staff of late May. Global Samaritan to show God’s love not only to our community, Starr recently served as but also to people facing hardchair of the Global Samariship, crisis, and disaster around tan Food and Hope event/ the world.” telethon that raised money and decorated boxes of food Tim Surles, board chair, said, to be sent to refugee camps “As we hoped, Michael Bob’s in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq. He was also a panel member on a recent fo- leadership has been a perfect fit for Global rum telecast on KTAB-TV concerning the Samaritan Resources. He has already had a lasting, positive impact on our organization worldwide refugee crisis. and we are excited about where he will lead us in the future.”
Sweetwater Jaycee Roosters Fall Motorcycle Rally & Cook-Off September 22 – September 24 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Lake Sweetwater Campgrounds, Sweetwater, Texas
Gates open at noon Friday and cost is $5 per person/per day. There will be live music on Fri. and Sat. A poker run is scheduled for Saturday morning with the cook-off beginning at 9:00. Meat judges are needed, so feel free to volunteer. A bike show, bike games, and raffles, will happen later on the evening following the awards ceremony. Several vendors, and swap meet vendors will be available around the park. Bike registration is $25, with a hospitality camp available. Cooker registration is $80 or $25 ea. (brisket, Spare Ribs, Chicken, Chili). 70% payback. $5 Bullseye beans. Team Calcutta-50% payback. Free patch & pin with pre-registration by 9-16-2016. Restrooms and free warm showers are available. Camping is by reservations only. Come join the fun and check it out. Bikers and cookers can register on our Facebook page.
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
Abilene has played role in 100 plus songs, says author By Abilene Cultural Affairs Council
Author Joe W. Specht will speak at The Grace Museum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, about his newly revised and expanded edition of “Abilene in Song: The Women There Don’t Treat You Mean,” which includes a CD by Abilene musician Greg Young.
The book/CD ($20), published by TexasStarTrading.com, will be available for purchase and signing.
Specht has come up with more than 100 songs in which Abilene either plays a role or is mentioned in passing, and Young will sing several of the numbers at the event.
Music at the Pavilion
Sponsored by:
Piano MaN Mike Schuler will perform from 11 a.m. to noon
Photos by Emilio Garcia
• Free Treats and Refreshments start at 10 a.m. (while supplies last)
• Discounts at the Zoo Concession Stand • Keeper Talks • Animal Encounters • Endless Train Rides $1
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
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Dyess Crew Chief Chases Gold
Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Gloria’s Grill and Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
By Airman Kylee Thomas | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, Dyess Air Force Base
The 2017 U.S. Air Force Track and Field team pose for a group photo at the AirCom Athletics Championships for track and field at Kaiserslautern, Germany, June 21, 2017. Both the men and women teams won gold this year. (Courtesy photo)
He takes a deep breath as he focuses on his stance preparing to push off the starting blocks. With sweat dripping from his forehead and a voice of encouragement in his mind, he’s always determined to be better than he was the day before.
“I compete because I love the sport,” he said with a wide grin. “I’ve made lifelong friends with the people I’ve competed with and memories that will last a lifetime.”
For U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Parnelle Shands, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, competing in track and field is not only a hobby, but a way of life. “I enjoy the feeling of running fast and knowing that I’m getting better with every day that I train,” he said. “It’s freeing honestly.” Shands competes in many different track and field competitions throughout the year on the U.S. Air Force Track and Field team and is the only Dyess Airman on the team. Most recently, he competed in the AirCom Athletics Championship held in Germany against nations such as Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. “This year, I won first place in long jump and reclaimed my title after winning in 2015,” said Shands. “I also placed fourth in the 100-meter dash and second in the 4x100 relay.” Shands makes sure to practice at least five days a week to improve his skills and stay in shape “I train every day from doing muscular workouts in the weight room to doing sprints on the track,” he said. When up against competition, he is known to be determined and ready while being a respectful athlete and maintaining a positive attitude.
Shands leaves a lasting impression on anyone he competes with and is an all-around great person to know. “It has been an honor to work with him as he represents the best within himself, for his squadron, the Air Force, and the United States,” said Fernando. “Shands is a very humble athlete who is passionate about the sport of track and field. He is fearless in the face of rivalry and approaches his workouts and competition with the same focused mindset,” said U.S. Air Force Track and Field team coach U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Emesh Fernando, 321st Contingency Response Squadron aerial port specialist at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. “He is a craftsman and student of the sport and he is constantly studying his competition and what it takes to be the best in his events.” Shands aspires to keep working hard in hopes to eventually make the U.S. Olympic track and field team. “When I made the USAF team in 2015 it made me want to keep getting better and hopefully make it to the Olympics one day,” he said with determination in his voice. “The Olympics have been a goal of mine since I discovered I was actually decent at the sport.” Shands expresses how thankful he is for the opportunities he’s had with his team and for the friendships he’s made along the way.
“Parnelle Shands is a name you want to see on your team roster because you know he is going to bring his A game.”
16 | COMMUNITY | 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
Maria Patricia “Pat” Mayorga, 57, of Abilene, passed away Thursday, August 03, 2017 at a local hospital. Mrs. Mayorga was born April 27, 1960, in Del Rio, Texas to Leonel C. Mayorga Sr. and Sarah Martinez Mayorga. She enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with family and friends. Underneath that tough look she was full of humor, always finding a way to make everyone laugh. There were no strangers to Pat, her kid’s friends thought of her like a second mom. We imagine that she was watching the Dallas Cowboys win their first game from the heavens. Pat was a great mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. We will miss Pat and will never forget her wonderful smile. Survivors include three sons, Tommy Rangel Jr. (Sylvia), Timmy Rangel and Tony Rangel, all of Abilene; two daughters, Teresa R. Littles and Tammy Rangel, both of Abilene; her mother, Sarah Rivas (Graciano) of Abilene;
a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... a niece ( who she raised like a daughter), Janet Mayorga; four brothers, Leonel Jose Mayorga Jr., Gregorio Mayorga Sr. (Sandra Rangel), Jessie Allen Mayorga and Mario Mayorga (Amber), all of Abilene; a sister, Janie Zaila Mayorga (Bruce Koster) of Apache Junction, Arizona; her grandchildren, Alicia, Anthony, Aden, Adriana, Isaiah, Mark, Abel, Romero, Jayden, Uri, Nathan, Uriah, Israel and Adrian; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mrs. Mayorga was preceded in death by her father, Leonel Mayorga Sr.; and a grandson, Isaac Garcia. Vicente “Benny” O. Gonzales, 76, of Abilene, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017. Mr. Gonzales was born October 24, 1940, in Winter, Texas to Abundio and Concepcion Gonzales. Benny traveled all over the United States for many years as a truck driver. No matter how much time he spent on the road, he always managed to be home on the weekends for his family. Benny enjoyed going fishing with his grandchildren, he will be missed dearly by his family. Survivors include his loving wife, Maria E. Gonzales of Abilene; two sons, David Gonzales and Vincent Gonzales both of Fort Worth; two daughters, Christina Goodman of Abilene and Irene Gonzales of Tuscola; a brother, Candido Gonzales of Lancaster and one sister, Ortencia Brown of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Lisa Goodman, Vincent Goodman, Zachary Minjarez, Dominique Gonzales, Tesslla Gonzales, Rachel Garcia, Kayla
Atkinson and Kristan Atkinson; ten great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Mr. Gonzales was preceded in death by his parents, Abundio and Concepcion Gonzales; five brothers, Pedro, Guillermo, Ricardo, Crispen and Joe Gonzales; three sisters, Silberia Pruneda, Maria Valdez and Concepcion Ramirez; three grandchildren, Arthur Goodman, Nicole Minjarez and Adriana Gonzales. Zachary Isaac Ramirez, 36, of Arlington and formerly of Abilene, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017. Mr. Ramirez was born September 25, 1980, in Venice, Italy to Luis Isaac Ramirez and Ofelia Sosa. He was a Cooper High School Graduate where he enjoyed playing football. Zachary served honorably for the United States Army from April 6, 2000 until October 31, 2003. He was a truck driver and a diesel mechanic. Zachary also was a Sheet metal technician and was studying to work at a water treatment center. He loved his guns, knives and most of all, spending time with family and friends. Survivors include his fiance, Nicole Frazier and a son, Camden Frazier, both of Arlington; his father, Luis Isaac Ramirez (Martha) of El Paso; His parents, Ofelia S. O’Tuel (William) of Abilene; one brother, Javier Isaac Ramirez of Abilene; a sister, Angela Ramirez (Cory Lawson) of Abilene; two neices, Ariana Polanco and her two children, Isabella Stokes and Mila Watson, all of Arlington and Sharon Ramirez of Abilene; two nephews, Jaron Polanco and Aaron Polanco, both of Abilene.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Joseph James “JJ” Gomez, was received into heaven on Friday August 04, 2017 at the age of 36. Mr. Gomez was born July 09, 1981, in Anson, Texas to Gilbert S. Gomez and Melissa Gallegos.” JJ” was an exceptional artist and his humor and joking nature will be missed by everyone that knew him. He had a passion for cooking, which made him a great cook. Joseph loved playing video games and watching scary movies with his two sons. “JJ” was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Survivors include, his parents, Gilbert S. Gomez of Abilene and Melissa Gallegos (Abel) of Haskell; two sons, Erick Magdaleno and Isiah Gomez, both of Abilene; his two grandmothers, Sylvia G. Kelly and Isabel Gomez; his brothers, Jake Gomez ( Tatiana Gonzales) of Abilene and Ricky Barrett ( Dawn Skinner) of Granbury; two sisters, Vanessa Gallegos-Luna ( Scott Luna) and Addy Cortinez-Flores ( Jose Vasquez), both of Abilene; four uncles, Sam Kelly ( Debi) , Zeek Kelly, Jimmy Gomez and Eddie Gomez, all of Abilene; one aunt, Stefanie Holdren (Amy) also of Abilene; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and Mandy Ramirez( a special person in his life, whom he loved very much) of Abilene. JJ was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Fred Gomez and Kenneth Neal Kelly; his cousins, Brandi Rene Kelly and Stormy Kay Gomez. The family would like to thank the good samaritan who was kind enough to call for help. May God bless you and keep you and your family safe.
Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17
Abilene Community Honors Fallen Police Detective By Natalie Martinez | KTXS
More than a hundred family members, friends and first responders gathered to remember fallen police detective Elise Ybarra. People lined the streets carrying flags and paving the way for the funeral precession as it moved through Abilene. Ybarra died in the line of duty Sunday, August 6. She and two other detectives were on their way to a crimes against children conference in Dallas when a vehicle collided into theirs.
Friday, August 11th, people filled into Beltway Park Church for an emotional two-and-a-halfhour service. Pastors gave sermons, and those closest to Ybarra took the stage to share kind words. Ybarra’s former commander with the Sedalia Police Department in Missouri, Larry Ward, said Ybarra started off as a dispatcher. It was clear then that she had the potential to be an officer, and in 2012 she became just that. Ward read statements he received from other officers on the force. One saying, “Bad guys may have thought she was just another pretty face but quickly learned she could bring down the thunder.” A large group from the Sedalia police department was present. Ybarra followed her husband, Adam, to Abilene when he got a job at Abilene Christian University, and she joined the Abilene Police Department. Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge said she didn’t need to, but she jumped into cadet training and graduated with class 52. Class 52 was present as well. Standridge detailed the times Ybarra fought for children and battered women in Abilene. He choked back tears and said, “I cannot explain
why the events of Sunday that took her life.” But he leaned on scripture and took comfort in God’s words, saying, “Job well done good and faithful servant.” Ybarra was also a volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Standridge called Ybarra’s little sister, Brooklyn, and presented her with a teddy bear and a badge. Ybarra’s older sister from Anaheim, California, bravely walked up the steps and began to tell the community who she was before the uniform. She was excited when Ybarra was born, saying it was as if she was getting her own personal baby doll. She said Elise would climb into her bed every night, even when they were annoyed with one another. When Elise got to high school, she was an all American cheerleader, a track star and an incredible singer. Elise attended Cypress College, where she earned a degree in Journalism and Communications. She also worked at a country radio station in college. She was many things to many people, her sister said. “She was the best friend I ever had in my life,” Adam Ybarra said. “Her smile was infectious… it’s the one thing I miss the most.” Adam said the only reason he tells people he’s okay is because of the love and support his family, Abilene Christian University, and the Abilene Police Department has given him. “She made me a better man, husband, and father,” he said. He read his last text message sent to his wife. “I love you, but what am I going to do without you,” the text read. “Party,” said Elise’s response. The Ybarra family was presented with the police cross and the honor guard presented the 21-gun salute. At the end of the two hour service was Ybarra’s last call over the radio: Detective Elise Ybarra, end of watch, August 6, 2017.
Tejano and Conjunto Star Nick Villarreal Remembered By Camilla Rambaldi | FoxSanAntonio.com
The community of San Antonio is remembering Tejano and Conjunto legend Nick Villarreal. Villarreal passed away on Sunday, July 30 after a long battle with diabetes. He was 66. The music legend was well known in the Alamo City and around the world. “He was real nice and real good. He was always looking after me, “ says Maria Luisa Zimmerle Villarreal, Nick’s mother. Zimmerle-Villarreal says her son received many awards and honors throughout his career. “He would always give me credit because I would always give suggestions and ideas for his songs.” She was an inspiration for many of his greatest hits. “I was the one that gave him the idea for “I Gotta Go.” The artist, also known as “Nicky Snick” had been battling diabetes for many years. He suffered from cardiac arrest on Sunday. The music legend now leaves behind a loving family and a city he cared for. “He would go and donate his time with his music even if they didn’t pay him. He loved the city. Every time somebody would need something, Nick was always there,” adds Zimmerle –Villarreal. His music helped shape the Tejano Industry. Something his family says with live on forever. “I’m very thankful for everybody for all the support that they have given us and that they are giving us. I know I’m going to miss him a lot,” says his mother. Villarreal had a daughter and a son, Nancy and Nicholas Villarreal who both live in San Antonio. According to his family, he was married once but later divorced. August 9: Jim Sadler & Kasey Toliver August 16: Clayton Landua August 23: Dalton Domino August 30: Sam Riggs September 6: Randy Brown Patio gate opens at 5 pm on performance night.
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18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Abilene Police Department’s 54th Graduating Class By Rick Tomlin | Public Information Coordinator, Abilene Police Department
The Abilene Police Department is proud to announce the graduation of Academy Class 54. Fourteen police cadets and one fire fighter graduated Friday, July 28, 2017 at the Abilene Convention Center. The cadets have completed 1094 hours of training in 29 weeks of intensive academic, physical and mentally challenging training. Class 54 consists of eleven males and three females who will become Police Officers. All of the trainees have taken and passed their Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) final examination. The police cadets will enter their next phase of training with Police Training Officers while working the streets of Abilene. Field training consists of four phases and will take 15 weeks to complete. The cadet’s ages range from 22 to 38 years of age. Seven of the cadets have 4-year degrees. Seven of the cadets are from the Big Country. Each cadet will be sworn in as a licensed peace officer and have their badges pinned during the ceremony. The keynote speaker for the event is newly elected Mayor Anthony Williams. This ceremony is open to the public and it is our privilege to honor these men and women as they begin their careers as professional peace officers.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Vincent Cantu PHEP Coordinator
Q. What is your role at the health department? A. I am the Health Management Coordinator for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) section. There, I utilize 15 public health preparedness capabilities to help protect the city from high consequence infectious diseases (HCID) by planning for disasters such as bio-terrorism, pandemics and arboviruses. In addition to preparing for HCIDs I also plan for major accidents such as plane crashes, train derailments and many other incidents where public health may be involved. A major part of my job is implementing Strategic National Stockpile plans based on the layout and population of the city. I anticipate the types of dangers that may come our way by holding discussions and operations based exercises while including as much of the community as possible. I direct the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program, which is a volunteer organization that serves to mitigate public health disasters and assists with other public health initiatives. I also lead the Vector Control Program for mosquito abatement.
Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job? A. I take pride in knowing that I am responsible for keeping the citizens of Abilene safe when the unthinkable happens. A close second to the most rewarding part of being in PHEP is meeting people. PHEP requires you to make many connections so that once disaster hits, you know who does what and to what level they can perform their duties.
Q. What are some fun facts about you? A. I eat a lot… like a lot… which leads me to staying in the gym a lot too. I’m from San Antonio and I love acting, singing and have been in several plays.
EDUCATION
LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
Unique Program Solves Community Problem
A local partnership is bringing new hope and potential to post-high school students. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Media
As far as Lauren Anderson can tell, the Next University program at Abilene Communities in Schools is unique across the United States for two reasons. It is funded by the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) and it focuses exclusively on Career and Technical Education (CTE). The program has only been in place since May, but it has created a buzz in the area. “This program instills hope,” says Lauren, career development coach at Communities in Schools. “There’s a sense of urgency from students and from the community. The response from the community has been ‘How can we help?’” Perhaps that is because Next University plans to meet two needs. One is the need of local businesses for trained employees in the fields of welding, industrial maintenance, industrial plumbing, electrician and industrial HVAC. The other is students’ needs for scholarships, career coaching and networking opportunities.
will enter school this fall and may be able to finish by December, ready for a good-paying job. One of the program’s services is to help him make the contacts to secure that job.
“He’s a great student,” Lauren says. “He’s foCommunity members can help in two specific cused and ready to get this done.” ways. Renaldo needs supplies for his welding Like all CIS programs Next University sur- training, including a denim shirt that won’t rounds students “with a community of sup- catch fire, protective gear and welding equipport, empowering them to stay in school and ment. Other needs include work gloves and achieve in life” according to the CIS mission boots. Anyone who wants to donate can call statement. CIS places trained mentors full- the number above. time on school campuses to work with strug- Lauren is also recruiting professionals to talk gling students because “it’s relationships, not to students about their careers as part of Next programs, that change children.” Next Uni- University’s College and Career Readiness. versity previously focused on summer intern- Community members have already called to offer field trips to their places of business for ships for high school students. students. “That will continue to happen,” Lauren says, “but now the program involves so much Lauren is looking forward to sharing Next University with other communities when it more.” has had time to build momentum. “It’s a very rare partnership,” she says. “Maybe it’s the partnership everyone’s been waiting for.”
Looking at graduation statistics underlines the problem. At four-year open enrollment colleges, only 32% of students complete a bachelor’s degree within six years according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
But most of all, she’s looking forward to changing lives, just like Communities in Schools has done through all its programs.
“Getting students through those programs is pretty difficult,” Lauren says. Renaldo Beaver is the first student in the program. After graduating from Cooper High School in 2014, he worked as a seasonal employee at RenTech. He loved the work but didn’t have the training or skills for a permanent position. Next University, partnering with College Offers Opportunities for Life, a program of the Abilene Education Foundation, has helped him with paperwork and applications. He
She says anyone under twenty-five who is interested in the CTE programs should call her at (325) 232-8712 ext. 202. The primary requirement for the program is coaching from her.
Lauren graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Master’s degree in Social Work. She has been with CIS for two years, previously as Student Success Coach at Mann Middle School.
“It has the potential to change the lives of our students,” she says. “Not just for graduating high school, but setting them up to succeed in life. These careers have an average annual income of $40,000. That can completely change a family’s future.”
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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
ACU Professor Hired as Ethics Attorney for US Department of Justice By William Johson | BigCountryHomePage.com
An Abilene Christian University professor of criminal justice will soon be working for the U.S. Department of Justice. Professor Stuart Platt has been hired by the Department of Justice as a top ethics attorney. Stuart Platt joined ACU in 2013, bringing with him 32 years of professional experience in criminal justice, law and government. He previously served as inspector general and general counsel for the Texas Department of Public Safety. He has also served as a U.S. magistrate judge and assistant U.S. attorney. Platt is also a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and a licensed Texas peace officer. During his time at ACU, Platt grew the criminal justice program to include a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in criminal justice. He also created new courses and grew internship locations, among other developments for the department. Platt and his wife, Carissa, have 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren. Dr. Neal Coates, chair of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, said, “Stuart Platt is well-suited for his new position. He is responding to the call to serve his country at the DOJ, the greatest law enforcement agency in the world.” “The most important reason we hired Stuart Platt at Abilene Christian was because of his reputation for having the highest of integrity and independence,” Coates said. “He will take that same mindset to work under the attorney general of the United States.”
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
Communities In Schools Executive Director Stepping Down to Join College Prep Program for At-Risk Students By Mark Perkins | Board President, Communities in Schools
After 3 years as Executive Director for Communities In Schools of the Big Country (CIS), Terry Johnson is transitioning to the community of Portland, OR to lead Open School as their new Executive Director. Open School is a college prep program for at-risk students that has been serving some of Portland’s most atrisk students for the past 47 years. He will be their 3rd Executive Director.
nity,” says Johnson “Now we have an opportunity to bring in another leader who can help create even more value for our local students.” Johnson’s last official day with CIS will be on August 31st. He will begin with Open School on September 1st. Justin Whiteley will serve as Interim Executive Director and Terry will help remotely in an advisory role through November. The CIS Board of Directors have already begun their search for a new Executive Director and hope to find a leader by November. Interested persons should send their resumes to info@cisbigcountry.org.
Johnson departs CIS at a unique time of growth and opportunity. Under his leadership CIS has expanded to 3 school district partnerships serving 10 campuses. They have also gained national accreditation from the CIS National Office and added a new career development program to transition high school students into CTE programs at local colleges through partnership with Development Corporation of Abilene. “Our board and staff have pulled together to make CIS one of the very best in the Texas CIS network. That’s great for the students of our commu-
Country (CIS) is a student success organization that provides student success coaching to help at-risk students improve their school performance in the areas of Attendance, Academics, and Behavior. Our overall goal is to help every student achieve success in school, graduate from high school, and be prepared for college, work, and life. CIS Big Country has been serving students in the Abilene area since 2001. We have a staff of 20 passionate people who work with over 1,000 students per year across 3 school districts and 10 school campuses. School districts served by CIS include Abilene, Wylie, and Snyder ISD.
About Communities In Schools of the Big Country: Communities In Schools of the Big
Time For Back to School Immunizations By City of Abilene
It’s almost time for children to head back to school and at the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District that means back to school immunizations. The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District immunization clinic will run from August 1st through August 31, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Walk in basis, no appointment needed. Please bring your child’s immunizations record and proof of insurance (Medicaid, CHIP, First Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield PP0). Cash or check only, no debit/credit cards accepted. For more information, please contact Destiny Aguirre at 325-692-5600.
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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AHS grad signs with Philadelphia Eagles By Evan Nemec | KTXS
Keevan Lucas is staying an Eagle.
to make room for Lucas. Lucas was not drafted in April, but thought he had a deal with Buffalo. After the draft the Bills called to offer Lucas a contract, but minutes later rescinded their offer over concerns about Lucas’ health.
The former Abilene High wide receiver signed a threeyear contract with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. Lucas tried out with the Eagles and the New York Jets at rookie mini-camps, but was not picked up afterwards.
Lucas has had two season-ending leg injuries in the past five years. He tore his meniscus at Abilene High and tore his patella tendon while at Tulsa.
The signing re-unites Lucas with his quarterback at Tulsa University, Dane Evans.
With the signing, Philadelphia has 11 receivers on the 90-man active roster. Teams will have to trim their rosters down to 53 players by Saturday, Sept. 2.
Philadelphia traded receiver Jordan Matthews to the Buffalo Bills on Friday, perhaps opening up a spot for Lucas. The Eagles also waived linebacker Steven Daniels on Saturday
2017 Wylie Football Schedule
Thursday, August 24 - 6:30pm Friday, September 22 - 7:30pm @ Lake View (San Angelo, TX) @ Argyle (Argyle, TX) Location: Lake View High School Location: Argyle High School Thursday, August 25 - 7:30pm Vernon (Vernon, TX) Location: Wylie High School Friday, September 1 - 7:30pm Vernon (Vernon, TX) Location: Wylie High School Friday, September 8 - 7:30pm Monterey (Lubbock, TX) Location: Wylie High School Friday, September 15 - 7:30pm @ Denison (Denison, TX) Location: Denison High School
Friday, October 20 - 7:30pm @ Big Spring (Big Spring, TX)* Location: Big Spring High School
Friday, September 29 - 7:30pm @ Brownfield (Brownfield, TX) Friday, October 27 - 7:30pm Location: Brownfield High School Snyder (Snyder, TX)* Location: Wylie High School Friday, October 6 - 7:00pm @ Fairbury (Fairbury NE) Friday, November 10 - 7:30pm Location: Fairbury High School @ Stephenville * (Stephenville, TX) Friday, October 13 - 7:30pm Location: Stephenville Brownwood (Brownwood, TX)* High School Location: Wylie High School (Rivalry Game)
District Game = * Playoff Game= **
Pick us up at H.E.B., CISCO College & China Star | EDUCATION | 23
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
AHS Volleyball Team Receives National Academic Award By Abilene Independent School District
The American Volleyball Coaches Associa- To be eligible, the players had to maintain at tion announced that the Abilene High Lady least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point avEagles are the recipients of a national ACVA erage on a 4.0 scale. Coach Didi Pierce said Team Academic Award for the 2016-17 the Lady Eagles’ cumulative grade point last school year. year was 95.95 which converts to 3.83 GPA on the 4.0 scale. The 2016-17 Lady Eagles are one of only 277 Members of the 2016 Lady high school volleyball Eagles were Hannah Tawteams in the nation to ney, Grace Ann Phillips, Jocreceive the award which elyn Maldonado, Haley Stuckey, honors collegiate and Maya Taylor, Britni Starr, Merhigh school volleyball cedes Torres, Allison Pierce, teams that displayed exElizabeth Young, Sydnee Kilcellence in the classroom during the school lam, Jaiden Franklin and Saige McCray year.
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
Some Texas Community Colleges to Offer Bachelor’s Degrees By Dallas Morning News
Some Texas community colleges are expand- degree in nursing, providing a pathway to being their curriculums to offer bachelor’s de- come a registered nurse. grees and help meet the increased need for nurses and teachers. Donna Hatch, dean of nursing at Collin College, said about 90 percent of her students The 2017 Legislature approved letting com- go on to earn bachelor’s degrees through munity colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in partnerships with other universities. Offerhigh-need areas like applied sciences, applied ing a bachelor’s through Collin College could technology and nursing, The Dallas Morning mean significant savings for students, she News reports . said; tuition is about $42 per semester hour there, compared with other schools’ costs that Until now, few Texas community colleges — can top $200. traditionally two-year schools — have had state approval to offer four-year bachelor’s “Being able to earn a bachelor’s for under programs. Most have been in rural areas with $10,000, to me, is huge and will attract many limited access to higher education. to the field,” she said. Community colleges must get approval from an accrediting body, plus the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to offer bachelor’s degrees. Collin College officials hope to have a fouryear nursing degree program running by 2019. The Dallas County Community College District plans to offer an early childhood education degree, according to the newspaper. Collin College already offers an associate’s
DCCCD Chancellor Joe May said he’s been told by area superintendents that they can’t find enough quality educators with strong pre-kindergarten teaching backgrounds. The area is about 4,350 teachers short, he said. “This is such a critical area that if we don’t get this right, nothing is going to come out right in terms of their educational and career opportunities,” May said.
26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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United Way of Abilene and United Supermarkets partner together to give kindergarten students a good start By Bethany Ashlock | United Way
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Children entering kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to attain their 3rd grade reading level and graduate from high school. That’s why United Way of Abilene and United Supermarkets have partnered together to ensure area kindergarten students are prepared with early learner school supplies. From August 9 to August 22, United Supermarkets and Market Street stores in Abilene will collect school supplies to support local students as part of the annual K-Ready Kids School Supply Drive.
“Starting school with the necessary tools is important for student success,” said Dr. Cathy Ashby, United Way of Abilene president/ CEO. “We are proud to participate in this partnership with United Supermarkets and their generous guests.”
Supplies, including scissors, glue, pencils, backpacks, and paper can be purchased at United Supermarkets and Market Street and dropped in the blue donation barrel located in the front of the store. Monetary donations may also be made at each register.
United Way of Abilene seeks to impact the education, income and health of West Central Texans through partnerships, innovation and return on investment. For more information about how United Way of Abilene is positively impacting the community, visit: http://www.unitedwayabilene.org
In 2016, the K-Ready Kids partnership collected almost 2,000 supplies to support local students. For resources in your area, please dial 2-1-1 or contact your school counselor. About United Way of Abilene
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
ACU to Celebrate Wildcat Stadium Grand Opening By Abilene Christian University
The celebration for the grand opening of Wildcat StaFriday, September 15 dium kicks off at 11 a.m. Friday, September 15, with Chapel in the stadium instead of 11:00 a.m. - Chapel Moody Coliseum. Events pick up again 8:00 p.m. - NEEDTOBREATHE • free concert at 8 p.m. with a concert featuring Grammy-nominated rock band Saturday, September 16 NEEDTOBREATHE. The band’s sixth studio album, 1:00 p.m. - Parking lots open; Wildcat Hard Love, debuted at No. Country Tailgate load in 1 on the Billboard Top Al3:00 p.m. - Wildcat Country Tailgating begins in Campus Mall; Wildcat Ticket bums, Top Current Albums, Central opens Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative 3:30 p.m. - Wildcat Walk (footAlbums charts and No. 2 on the Billboard ball team walks to stadium) 200 in July 2016. 4:00 p.m. - Suite and Club enOn Saturday, September 16, the first ACU Gameday experience kicks off with Wildcat Country Tailgating. More info to come. Be sure to stay until the end of the Wildcats’ game against Houston
Opening Weekend Schedule at Wildcat Stadium:
trances open 4:30 p.m. - All gates open 5:43 p.m. - Wildcat Reign enters stadium 5:45 p.m. - Big Purple Band performs 5:52 p.m. - Prayer and National Anthem 5:54 p.m. - Ribbon-cutting ceremony 5:57 p.m. - Coin toss 6:00 p.m. - Kickoff against Houston Baptist 9:30 p.m. - Fireworks 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. (or one hour after game) - Load out tailgate
28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Abilene After-School Program Registration Begins This Week By Lindsey Ragas | KTXS
Though it barely survived being cut to save the that we have been asking for,” Victoria Rangel city some money, Abilene’s after-school pro- said. gram will be open for registration beginning on Tuesday. Recreation and Senior Services Administrator Jeff White was there for those meetings. He In February, the city of Abilene discussed learned families would rather pay than see the cutting the after-school program. After a few program get cut entirely. meetings with parents, the city decided to keep “There is a fee that’s introduced this year, but if you qualify for the free or reduced meal program through Abilene ISD or through your local school district and provide us documentation, then the program is free,” White said. “I think a lot of families do depend on it and they look forward to it every year. It’s a trusted resource that they can utilize.”
it, however they’d implement a fee of $15 per week to offset some of the cost.
White said the after-school program has been in Abilene for years. It operates at four different locations: the Rose Park Recreation Center, G.V. Daniels Park Recreation Center, Sears Park Recreation Center, and Cobb Park Recreation Center. This program is for kids aged six to 13 and is open Monday through Friday from the time school gets out until 6 p.m.
“We’ve put in a lot of hard work. The community came together and it all paid off. I’m very happy that we finally got an answer and can actually move forward and not have to worry about where are kids are going to go,” Cynthia Registration for the after-school program beAlvidrez said at one of the meetings. gins on Tuesday. Click here to register for the after-school program. You can also register at the “It was truly a blessing. We got our answers Community Services Office at 633 Walnut.
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By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments Bristly: like a porcupine. This word describes how I have felt in my beginning years as a step mom. The step kids would have done nothing wrong and yet their very presence made me feel “bristly” - in other words, “don’t get too close do as I say and no one gets hurt!” I was living life this way when God decided I needed some help, or better yet, He figured my poor family needed a break! So He helped me learn that I could change my attitude by changing my actions. I have learned to engage these precious ones who make me feel intruded or imposed upon. I have learned that I have not mastered this yet - but I’m willing to continue to keep trying! I was visiting with a step mom not long ago and witnessed some of the words spoken to her step child. After a couple of days, I asked her to replay her conversations with the step child from the day. The phrases replayed consisted of reminders of chores still to be done and the calling out of tasks not completed. This child - whether he was nice or not - had only heard commands from his step mom. It is so easy to get into this pattern of living. You feel bristly and then you bristle others. They become more bristly and then bristle you back. This is not a positive pattern. You are the older one - the parent - the one with the responsibility to be a good role model to this child. You may never have this child give you a hug or tell you they love you, but you can show this child what kindness, civility, responsibility, faithfulness and loyalty looks like. Titus 2:7-8 says, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” This is what us step moms can be all about loving our husbands, creating a home haven from the outside world, and being a role model of good works. So now many of you may be asking me, “but how?” I like taking baby steps so I’m going to share some baby steps. The ABC’s of step mom communication.
A is for Acknowledge. Acknowledge the child at the start of the day with a pleasantry like “Good morning,” “Hope you slept well.” If the step child is pretty bristly, I would stick to short greetings and not ask questions. This is a positive way to acknowledge the child and yet not force conversation and an opportunity for verbal sparring. B is for Build a Bridge. Once a day, verbally attempt to build a bridge by noticing your step child doing homework, or watching TV or some other quiet activity and then offer to get them a drink or snack. You can do this as you are walking from one room to another. It is just a simple way to reach out to serve the child. As you serve them, don’t expect anything in return. This is your bridge - you are building it. You are the adult. You are the example. The goal is that someday, that child will walk across the bridge to you! C is for Closing. At the end of the day, make sure you tell the child you hope he sleeps well or has a good night. Their response does not matter. You are the one attempting to close the day in a kind and peaceful way. There you have it! (A)cknowledge the child in the morning. Find an easy way to serve the child somehow during the day to (B)uild a bridge of love and trust. And then end the day with a thoughtful and kind (C)losing statement. Three baby steps. Grab God by the hand and hang on! Blessings in Your Blending! Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/ theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com).
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The History of the Chili Super Bowl By G.T Ward | Ben Richey Boys Ranch
In 1982 several Abilene business men became aware of the need that existed at the Abilene Boys Ranch. Since most of these “Good Ole Boys” were chili cookers, it was decided that the way to raise money would be to have a chili cook off.
The 36th Annual Rentech Chili Super Bowl Labor Day Weekend: September 1-3, 2017 Buffalo Gap, Texas
The Chili Super Bowl was born. Amazing transformations have happened at the Ranch since the beginning of the cook off. The Boys Ranch has since been renamed Ben Richey Boys Ranch in memory of its founder. The Ranch has grown to be able to house 34 young men who attend local school, churches and are active in the community. Through generous contributions, a new cottage was built in Albany in 2005. The boys
attending school in this small community did well in school and were active in many sports. In 2006 the Greathouse cottage was built in Abilene and in 2009 a cottage for single women and their children was opened. The Ben Richey Boys Ranch Family Program exists to restore single mothers and their children with hope, comfort and shelter while they locate the resources they need to move toward successful independent living. The Directors and Volunteers are proud to help the Ranch by sponsoring the Chili Super Bowl annually on Labor Day weekend in beautiful Buffalo Gap. Hundreds of chili, brisket, chicken, beans and rib cooking teams from all over the state come to compete for prize monies in excess of $4000. All cash prize money is donated by local merchants. There are food booths and homemade chili cooked by the Taylor County Sheriff Officers Association and The Dyess Volunteers in the World’s Largest Chili Pot sponsored by H-E-B, we will be having a Kids Place, and live auctions on both days. We are proud to say the Chili Super Bowl has been able to donate over 1.7 million dollars to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch and Family Program over the 36 years.
Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31
McMurry University to Offer New Major in Criminology By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
Beginning this fall, the McMurry University Department of Sociology and Criminology will provide students the opportunity to major in criminology leading to a bachelor of arts degree in criminology. “Studying criminology at McMurry will be distinctive in a number of ways. First, the progression of courses is developed around the scientific examination of the ‘nature, extent, cause, and control of criminal behavior’,” said Dr. Robert Wallace, professor and department chair. “Another unique focus of studying criminology at McMurry is being exposed to the issue of convicting an innocent person.” Joining the McMurry University faculty to enhance the criminology degree tract will be Dr. Daniel Patten. Dr. Patten previously taught in the department of sociology and criminal justice at Western Michigan University. He has authored a number of articles on criminology and presented on the subject at numerous conferences. Dr. Patten received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University, a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Indiana State University, a master’s degree in sociology from Old Dominion University and his Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. He is a member of the American Society of Criminology and the American Sociological Association. The Criminology major will include a diverse
array of courses focused on the causes of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. Courses titles include Criminology, Wrongfully Convicted, Juvenile Delinquency, Studies in Criminology, Serial Murder Investigations, White Collar Crime, Crime and Punishment, Women and Crime, Comparative Criminology and Issues in Criminology. The foundation of the major includes courses on sociological explanations of crime and violence, problems facing the criminal justice system both nationally and internationally, and how the major institutions in society -- such as the economy, politics, education and the family -- shape both crime and justice. After graduation, this major will prepare students for careers in police organizations (local, state, and federal), public and private investigative work, private security work, corrections and community corrections, private treatment facilities for adults and juveniles, crime and justice research, as well as in other types of human services, public relations, applied social research, community organization, and teaching social science in secondary schools. “It is our hope that with the new Criminology major, we will be better able to meet the needs of our students and our community,” said Dr. Wallace. “We are proud that we will now be able to provide our students the opportunity to graduate with a major in this exciting area!”
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SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
Parents Can Get Stuck Sometimes By Todd Wilson | The Family Man
Many parents start to freak out as their children prepare for the post high school adventure. They’re stuck somewhere between knowing what might be good for their children and what others say is good for their children. In 1983, when I was a high school senior, parents didn’t really need to think about it until their child’s junior or senior year.
Now it might sound at first like I’m a college basher, but I don’t mean to sound that way. Every family member I’m related to graduated from college. I have a brother who is a college professor and another brother who works in campus ministry at a state college (and they’re all amazing people). I’m not trying to slam colleges. I’m just speaking for the square-peg kids, and I want all of them to know they’re Now the pressures begin much earlier. Sev- winners. enth graders are expected to know their future plans or are sometimes asked, “What do you I hadn’t even considered or asked God what see yourself doing when you get out of high He wanted for my children and never considschool … or for the rest of your life?” or, ered that it might look different for every one “What’s next?” of them. For a few kids, that’s an easy answer. They’ve known what they want to do since birth, and their plan fits the typical college mold. But for others, the answer doesn’t come easy and sounds a little goofy. In most cases, the pimple-faced adolescent hasn’t even asked himself that question because he’s just trying to navigate what’s happening later that day (like which fast food restaurant to go to).
I feel a little like the Lorax. He’s the Dr. Seuss character who pops out of a felled tree stump and speaks for the trees (the Truffula trees to be exact). And although it’s never stated, the reason he speaks for the trees is because trees can’t speak for themselves. That’s why I’m writing to you … because when kids speak for themselves, it sounds like they’re just being difficult, naïve, unrealistic, or trying to take the easy way out. When they speak, it’s hard for parents to hear them. So, I’m going to speak for them, and I’m going to keep speaking because the stakes are high, happiness is on the line, and God’s plan for your children hangs in the balance.
I’m sure in my own pompous, self-righteous way I thought I had it all figured out and preached to others that I wasn’t going to send my God-fearing children to college … maybe something else would be better. Then my wife slammed me squarely between the eyes with a godly-counsel knuckle sandwich.
That’s how I want you to view your children and their post high school path. Children are Your job is to help discover that plan and give a bunch of different shaped pieces, and you as your child the freedom and resources to realparents want to find the right path for each of ize it. them. “What if God wants our kids to go to colUp until now, there has pretty much been only lege?” she asked. “You shouldn’t presume one opening shape. If you didn’t fit the hole, to know what God wants or doesn’t want for each of our kids.” She had me. I was dumbfounded because I hadn’t even considered or asked God what He wanted for my children and never considered that it might look different for every one of them. My wife was right way back then. She was right in redirecting my attention away from my ideas, thoughts, and plans for my children and back onto what God might have for each of them.
Oftentimes, parents panic and put incredible pressure on the kids they love so much. They don’t mean to; their motive is that they just want them to be happy. But, somewhere down deep, I think most parents don’t want to look dumb for raising a kid who doesn’t take the normal and wellmarketed path that everyone else is taking. The problem is this: one path does not fit all … and it never has. That means for a bunch of non-traditional-path kids, they become second-class children, also known as “disappointments.”
It was always funny to me how hard they would try to push a star piece through a square-shaped opening. They’d turn it, push harder, turn it again … and push again. No matter how hard they tried, a star-shaped piece just wouldn’t fit into the square opening.
The truth is: God has a plan for each of my children. He has a plan for each of your children. He even has a plan for you. One plan does not fit all, but everyone has a plan … and God knows it. Your job is to help discover that plan and give your child the freedom and resources to realize it. Even using the term, square-peg kid, sounds like they’re not as “round” as they should be. What I’d like you to imagine in your mind is that plastic toy my kids loved when they were about 18 months old. It was shaped like a ball; and one half was red, and the other half was blue. Dotted around the sides were variously shaped openings. One was square, one round, oval, starshaped, etc. (I just found out it was called the Shape-O® toy by Tupperware®). The point of the toy was to take the yellow, plastic shapes provided and put them through their corresponding shaped hole. It was easy for an adult—round shape in round opening, star shape in star-shaped opening. You get the picture. But for a one-year-old, it was no easy task, and I’d sit with a little kid on my lap guiding him through the entire operation, only to separate the halves, dump out the pieces, and do it all over again.
you were doomed to fail. I happened to fit the That’s a lot easier said than done. For some opening pretty well. children, it will be easy because they’re “average.” I don’t mean they’re bad or inadeWhile I was at college, besides meeting my quate; I just mean they fit within the “normal” wife, I learned a whole bunch of stuff, some range. They have an easily defined skill set of which I wished I hadn’t. In fact, there were that fits the college mold well. People will be some self-inflicted wounds that would heal but impressed that they want to be an engineer, always leave scars. My wife experienced some doctor, or lawyer. Parents like it too and enjoy of her own wounds and scars. In fact, when telling people, “My son/daughter is studying I talk to most everyone who went to college, to be a physiologist, architect, or nurse.” they all have scars that they acquired during their time at college. For others, it won’t be so easy. Their skill set is different, academics don’t come easily, and I graduated, got married, got a job, and had a their aspirations may be “quirky,” unknown, child or two. Being the renegade that I was, I or even “domestic.” decided early on in my parenting career that college was definitely not the best option for But God has a plan for that child, and that my children. It wasn’t that I had any other should help you relax, give your post high great ideas or plans for what they’d do after school decisions clarity, and allow your child high school, I was just convinced that there to become what he/she was created to be. had to be a better way.
34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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When We All Look The Same By Eric Masci | The Abilene Post
Abilene feels like the most religious place I’ve ever lived. I don’t know whether this is because it’s farther toward the American South than where I lived before, or if it’s the smaller size that makes it feel this way. Maybe it just is more religious than where I grew up. I haven’t really been able to track down the data on the subject. Whatever the case, I’ve been reflecting on how it felt to move here to study ministry and how it was not like I expected it to be. I’ve mentioned before that I wasn’t raised a Christian. I came to the faith a little later in the teen years after attending a youth group at a local community church that my parents attended. I had been baptized before that (twice, actually), but I wasn’t interested in participating. Growing up, my mom told me that God was whoever I wanted him to be. I remember getting my parents in trouble with the neighborhood parents as I would tell their children (my friends) about angels and God and whatever else struck my fancy. I learned early on that not everyone liked the idea of a reality beyond the physical. My version of God was loosely influenced by the Judeo-Christian vision given to me from my dad’s Catholic background, but it remained unexamined for years. When I was a teenager and I began to call myself a Christian (I started attending youth group regularly and began to learn about the faith I had adopted) my friends were a little bothered. The friends that I had grown up with weren’t Christian or even terribly spiritual. It happened slowly, but as I decided more and more to throw in with my church’s worldview I became the “Christian” kid in my friend group. I ended up being the token Christian in a lot of my friend groups in high school (to my benefit in some, not so much in others). I was part of a Christian club at school that would meet for prayer every Wednesday morning. Some days it was difficult to convince the security personnel that we had permission to meet. Now, to be fair, my club did not constitute all of the Christians at my school (only a few that wished to express themselves in that way), but it was still odd to express spirituality at my school, in my neighborhood, or around my town. This sort of religious discomfort is what I imagine to be a fairly typical experience for a religious person who is not totally backed by the culture they participate in (at least when that culture is not overtly hostile toward that particular religion). While there were people hostile to my religious expression, that was not the norm. For the most part, my culture was simply neutral to my expression, as long as I did not interfere with any seriously defined norms (praying in school was a hard line to walk). Even then, it was never violent toward me.
Imagine my culture shock when arriving in Abilene, at a Christian university no less. I expected to feel more comfortable, more free, and better able to express myself. There were so many Christians that I didn’t really know what to do with myself, and the culture shock did not come in the way that I originally expected it to. As it turns out, being the “Christian” one in my context did not directly translate to being “Christian” in this new one. I didn’t know any of the songs, the rituals (yes, we have those) didn’t really make sense, and I quickly began to feel that same sense of isolation that I used to feel back home, only this time I didn’t have a community to back up into. As it turns out, a culture thoroughly saturated in Christianity can have some very weird consequences. The first one I noticed was that when you were expected to be a Christian, it was hard to understand why you should be one in the first place. Now, this is not meant to be a critique of the culture I find myself in today (though maybe that will come later). Rather, I wanted to reflect on what it looks like when we gather with only those who think, speak, and look like us. Finding a community of like-minded people is life-giving and normal … to a point. Eventually, however, it can become something sinister. When we do not engage with those who differ from us, who disagree with us, or who find us strange, we miss opportunities to test our worldviews. In a way, we remain as children, believing that God is whomever we want him to be (for example). I found that I was far more comfortable in a place where I was regularly tested and forced to think about what I believed than I was in a place where I was completely accepted (thankfully, my professors did a wonderful job of continuing the testing). It is worth our time to push ourselves into uncomfortable places and to engage with those with whom we have little in common. This is true, if for no other reason than to help us to learn to live peaceably with those very people. To love more indiscriminately. Opposition can strengthen in a way that even the most abundant nourishment alone cannot. May we seek to be challenged, and to lovingly challenge in return, for the betterment of all those involved.
This article originally appeared on The Abilene Post website
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36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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31 Questions to Help You Be a Better Parent Answer these questions with honesty, humility, and dependence on God’s power. By Janel Breitenstein | Family Life
Feeling passionate about parenting? If you’d genuinely like a shot in the arm for your parenting, perhaps these questions can get you started. But remember: Their effectiveness is proportionate to your level of honesty, humility, and most of all, dependence on God’s power to make His presence a reality in your children’s lives.
10. What life skills would I like
in the real world?
11.
to love well? To be wise? For successful relationships?
my children to develop this year?
23. What can I do to equip my children
What are the events on the timeline of my children’s lives that have the most impact?
24. How is my children’s understanding
of the Bible? How would I describe each of their relationships and walks with God?
In what ways have my children 1. What are the most significant cravings of 12. exceeded my expectations? each of my kids’ hearts?
25. Who are the other influential people in
Do I have any expectations 2. How am I doing at building a relational 13. of my children that have become
my kids’ lives? As I think of my children’s friends, teachers, coaches, etc., how can I best pray that they will complement my parenting and my kids’ needs? Am I replenishing myself and taking adequate rests, so that my children see the gospel work of grace, patience, and peace in my home?
bridge with my children? Do I “have their demands that I clutch out of fear, hearts”? Do they feel connected with and en- rather than hopes that I seek from couraged by me? Do I feel connected with God by faith? them? In what ways do I feel disapWhen I’m honest, what top five values do I pointed by my children? What can feel most compelled to instill in my children? I learn from this? (For example, Would those line up with the top five values about what is valuable to me, about God would want my children to have? how God has made my children, about loving as God loves, etc.) What are each of my children’s greatest What should I do about this in the strengths and greatest weaknesses? future?
3.
26.
14.
27. What are each of my kids passionate about? How can I spur on and develop their God-given passions?
4.
28. How am I doing on teaching them
5. Am I being faithful to pray diligently, deep- 15. What is my greatest area of ly, and watchfully for my kids? (For a great FamilyLife resource on this, click here.)
biblical conflict resolution? Am I teaching them to be true peace-makers … or peacefakers, or peace-breakers?
weakness as a parent? My greatest strength? What are my spouse’s?
6. Which child in our family is most likely to 16. In what ways are my children totally un- 19. In what areas are my children most vul- 29. How authentically do I speak with my kids? Am I building a bridge of trust and sebe overlooked, and why? like me?
nerable?
7. Which child tends to receive most of my 17. What did my parents do particularly well? 20. What do I love about my kids? About beattention? Why?
In what ways do I hope to be different? (Is ing a parent? there any forgiveness that needs to happen How do I believe other people see each of there?) How well do my spouse and I work as a my children? How do I feel about that? What team in our parenting? portion of others’ opinions could I learn from, What events from my childhood are imand what should I set aside? How am I doing on preparing my children portant for me to shield my own children from? Are there ways that this has led to ex- to be “launched” as thriving servants for God Are my children developing more into giv- cessive control? ers than takers?
8.
21.
18.
9.
22.
curity through my honesty and openness with them?
30. Am I striking a good balance between
protecting my kids and equipping them for whatever they may encounter when they step outside of my home, now and in the future?
31.
What great memories have I recently made with my kids?
Pick us up at Alliance For Women & Children, Mary’s Paleteria & H.E.B. | FAITH & FAMILY | 37
5 Skills Your Kids Should Learn While They’re Still Young By Andrew Linder | AllProDad
Have you ever noticed that young children often have an easier time acquiring certain skills than many adults? For many years our family lived in a highly populated Hispanic town, and so a good number of our friends were Hispanic families. And what was amazing was that their children, while able to speak perfect English in everyday activities, were also learning to speak Spanish at the very same time in their own homes. Their bilingual capabilities were astonishing at such young ages. Childhood is a natural season of life for massive learning and growth. And as a result, children often have an advantage of bypassing the difficult learning curve that many adults ex-
perience when trying to learn the same things later on in life. Just look at how difficult it can be for an adult to learn a second language or learn to play the piano. But teach a kid those same things from their childhood, and it can make a world of difference, not to mention a lifetime of benefits. Here are 5 life skills for kids to learn while they’re still young.
1. Learn how to develop a skill
child is one of the inner workings of their life skills being established and developed. Don’t be afraid to allow and even require your kids to do things that force them to use their creativity, whether it be playing in the backyard instead of lounging around the house, or building something with Legos instead of watching another movie. They’ll thank you one day.
3. Learn how to work - A good work
ethic is not something that is simply developed once your child becomes a teenager and gets a job. Just ask any employer, and they’ll be able to tell you the young people who step foot into a job with a mindset to work or a mindset of entitlement. Teach your children
the value of hard work from a young age, and give them responsibility and accountability for what you expect.
4. Learn how to live generously
There is no happier or more fulfilling life than a generous one. And there’s no better time to develop this attitude and life skill of generosity than as a child. And this is more often caught than it is taught. Allow your kids to see you living your life for something greater than yourself. Allow them to see you generously and even sacrificially giving to others, and encourage them to do the same.
This might include learning to play an instrument, or pursuing a sport, hobby, or other passion. Every child has unique strengths and talents. And it is important that parents encourage their children to develop and strengthen those skills at young ages. Each of 5. Learn how to manage their us were created to be life-long learners, but money wisely- Many parents don’t realize there is something especially “spongy” about that their children are learning how to manwhat we learn in the childhood years. age money for the rest of their lives from very young ages. And unfortunately, many kids are 2. Learn how to use their creativity often not given chances to learn good money One of the greatest things that can be sup- management until they are teenagers, putting pressed by the large amounts of mindless them at a great disadvantage. As soon as your screen time our nation’s children are consum- children are old enough to spend their money, ing is that they’re being encouraged less to they are also old enough to learn how to manuse their personal creativity to have fun and age it. enjoy life. Yet the creative imagination of a
38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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The Most Important Issue in Marriage By Jimmy Evans | Marriage Today
When marriages fail, it’s not because someone in the marriage wants it to fail. No one stands at the altar during a wedding ceremony and thinks, “I sure hope this ends in divorce.” We all want to succeed at marriage. But not everyone has been taught how to do it. We don’t have the skills.
This woman was divorced five times and currently living with another man. She was living outside the Jewish law. More than that, Jews weren’t supposed to speak to Samaritans and men were not supposed to speak to women. She had three strikes against her—each of those things should have made her an outcast to an observant Jew—but Jesus approached her anyway. He treated her like a person. He showed interest in her life. He showed love.
That’s what happened with Karen and me. I was 19 when we got married. We had no idea what we were doing, and our relationship had serious problems. Thankfully, God approached our failures with compassion and love rather than anger. Slowly, He healed our marriage. The first thing this story shows is that Jesus wants to help us. He promised Living Water One of my favorite stories about marriage in to the woman, and He wants to bring life to the Bible is in John 4, when Jesus meets the our struggling marriages as well. Compassion Samaritan woman at the well. There are so is in His nature. He didn’t reject her and He many important elements to this story. won’t reject you either—even if your marriage is on the brink of divorce.
The second thing this story illustrates is that He loves us too much to leave us where we are. God loves us unconditionally, but He also wants to fix us. He wants to help. That’s why Jesus told the woman she had a spiritual problem. She was trying to quench her thirsty soul through relationships with a series of men.
That leads to the third thing this story shows us: The most important issue in marriage is a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Your relationship with Jesus impacts your marriage and your life more profoundly than anything else. Why? Because each of us goes through life trying to meet our basic needs for acceptance, identity, security, and purpose. Either we try to get those needs met by a person—in which case that person will always let us down—or we rely upon God to meet those needs.
Only God can fill that void in our lives. Money won’t meet our basic needs. Work or success won’t meet them. Pleasure won’t meet them. And the “perfect” husband or wife will not meet them. Those will fail, but God’s love never fails. So ask Him to bring Living I depended too much on Karen. She depended Water into your marriage. Like the Samaritan too much on me. Our marriage was dysfunc- woman, we’ve been drinking from the wrong tional because we both should have been de- well. We’ll only find fulfillment when we pending on Jesus. pursue Him above all else. He told her she had been drinking from the wrong well, and what she really needed was Living Water. That’s one thing He made clear to Karen and me in our marriage, too.
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What To Do When Your In-Laws Act Like Outlaws By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Getting married usually doesn’t just unite a couple; it brings two families together as well— which can mean twice the blessing or double the trouble (depending on how you get along with your spouse’s parents). For Susan and me, it’s been an amazing blessing. Both sets of parents have been loving and supportive, knowing when and how to be there for us, and also giving us the room we have needed to grow together as a couple. But what do you do if your in-laws turn out to be more like outlaws? Dealing with the in-laws is just another part of being married. Here are a few ways to handle difficult in-laws:
Appreciate them for something
good. Remember that not everyone is all bad, and you have at least one reason to be thankful to your in-laws: your spouse! Chances are, too, that they have other good qualities if you take the time to look beyond the things that bug you.
Acknowledge your different viewpoints.
Oftentimes tensions between couples and their parents and in-laws are really about unspoken expectations. For instance, holiday plans—who gets to spend Christmas where—can be a hot button. Her parents may just assume that you both will always go back there for Thanksgiving because that’s just the way they have always done things in their family. They’re not setting out to be difficult; they just haven’t taken into account that things have changed. So when something comes up, try to discern why they are feeling or acting a certain way. Look for the why behind the what.
Assume good intentions. Some people are Accept that it is okay to draw boundaries. deliberately controlling—they want things their way and they want everyone else to do things their way—but some don’t mean to be. Recently, Susan and I visited our daughter and son-in-law in their new home. I suggested a bunch of home improvement things that I could do with my son-in-law. I thought I was being helpful until Susan told me later that I had come on too strong and a bit controlling, even though I didn’t mean to be.
If you don’t drink in your home, it’s fine to ask your in-laws not to bring a bottle of wine when they come for dinner. If your motherin-law keeps criticizing your wife’s housekeeping or parenting in a passive-aggressive kind of way, it’s appropriate to privately and gently say that’s not acceptable.
Aim to restore or repair the relationship as
best you can. If your in-laws are acting like outlaws, remember they are robbing all of Assess how your parents have shaped you— you of what should be a blessing and a beneand how your spouse’s parents have shaped fit. Look for ways to love them back into a relationship. You may feel it’s appropriate to limit the time you all spend together under one roof, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also stay connected by phone, email, and social media. them. Your husband may be gratefully aware of the positive way he was raised. Your wife may not realize quite how much she has been affected by her childhood in a home where there was emotional or substance abuse. Our past experiences significantly define not only how we view our parents, but our spouse too. Knowing your history helps you deal with the present better.
Affirm your in-laws in front of your children. Even if there are challenges, don’t speak negatively about your inlaws to the kids. Avoid saying Grandpa D is a bad person for drinking too much. You can talk about how his actions harm himself and others without dishonoring him. Talk about how you have different values and ways of doing things in your home than your in-laws. Remember that, ideally, your marriage should
Agree to put your relationship first. As I said bring the riches of broader family relationearlier, getting married isn’t just a two-way re- ships. lationship, when you add two sets of parents it becomes six-way—and even more when there is remarriage. But remember that the relationship between the two of you must be your priority.
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40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
The God of the Mundane and the Miracle By Steven Furtick | Waking Faith
“When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’” (Exodus 3:4-5, ESV) Most of the time when we imagine how God wants to use us, we imagine it being in miraculous ways. We think big. We dream big. And we expect big. Not that God won’t ever use us in those ways, but if you look at some of the great miracles in the Bible, they didn’t start that way. In fact, most of them began in mundane, ordinary circumstances. The surprising truth is that great moves of God are usually preceded by simple acts of obedience. Take Moses for example. God used him to part a large body of water and deliver an entire nation from slavery. But that isn’t where it all started. It actually began in a remote field. Moses was tending a flock of animals when God appeared as a burning bush and instructed him to return to Egypt. It was an ordinary moment, interrupted by the beginnings of a miracle. That’s often how God works.
Whatever you find yourself doing today, remember that God can meet you in it. CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
HEALTH&FITNESS
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Symptoms, Treatments And Prevention By Gary Heiting, OD | All About Vision
“Pink eye” is a term that may sound scary, but this common eye problem typically is easily treated and, with a few simple precautions, can often be avoided. Anyone can get pink eye, but preschoolers, schoolchildren, college students, teachers and daycare workers are particularly at risk for the contagious types of pink eye because they work closely with others in the classroom.
the eye. In some cases, this discharge can be severe enough to cause the eyelids to be stuck together when you wake up. One or both eyes can be affected. Contagious (usually by direct contact with infected hands or items that have touched the eye). •Allergic conjunctivitis. Watery, burning, itchy eyes; often accompanied by stuffiness and a runny nose, and light sensitivity. Both eyes are affected. Not contagious.
What Is Pink Eye?
Treatment Of Pink Eye
Pink eye — also called conjunctivitis — is inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva). Although the conjunctiva is transparent, it contains blood vessels that overlay the sclera of the eye. Anything that triggers inflammation will cause these conjunctival blood vessels to dilate. This is what causes red, bloodshot eyes. Conjunctivitis can have several causes (see below), but many eye doctors use the term “pink eye” to refer only to viral conjunctivitis, a highly contagious infection caused by a variety of viruses.
What Causes Pink Eye?
The primary types of conjunctivitis, based on cause, are: • Viral conjunctivitis. Caused by a virus, like the common cold. This type of pink eye is very contagious, but usually will clear up on its own within several days without medical treatment. • Bacterial conjunctivitis. Caused by bacteria, this type of conjunctivitis can cause serious damage to the eye if left untreated. • Allergic conjunctivitis. Caused by eye irritants such as pollen, dust and animal dander among susceptible individuals. Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal (pollen) or flare up year-round (dust; pet dander).
Pink Eye Symptoms
No surprise: the primary symptom of pink eye is an eye that has a pink appearance. Other symptoms of pink eye depend on the type of conjunctivitis you have: •Viral conjunctivitis. Watery, itchy eyes; sensitivity to light. One or both eyes can be affected. Highly contagious; can be spread by coughing and sneezing. •Bacterial conjunctivitis. A sticky, yellow or greenish-yellow eye discharge in the corner of
The treatment of pink eye depends on the type of conjunctivitis you have: • Viral conjunctivitis. In most cases, viral conjunctivitis will run its course over a period of several days and no medical treatment is required or indicated. A home remedy of applying a cold, wet washcloth to the eyes several times a day can relieve symptoms. (Due to the highly contagious nature of this type of pink eye, be sure not to share this washcloth with others!) • Bacterial conjunctivitis. Your eye doctor typically will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. • Allergic conjunctivitis. Allergy medications often can help prevent or shorten bouts of allergic conjunctivitis. Sometimes these medications must be started before allergy season or allergy flare-ups begin. Ask your doctor for details.
1. Never share personal items such as washcloths, hand towels or tissues. 2. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. 3. Never (EVER) share your color contact lenses or special effect contacts with friends. 4. Wash your hands frequently, especially when spending time at school or in other public places. 5. Keep a hand disinfectant (e.g., Purell) handy and use it frequently. 6. Frequently clean surfaces such as countertops, bathroom vanities, faucet handles and shared phones with an appropriate antiseptic cleaner. 7. What is the pollen count in your area of the country? If you suffer from seasonal allergies, ask your doctor what can be done to minimize your symptoms before they begin. 8. If you wear contacts, be sure to follow your eye doctor’s instructions for lens care and replacement, and use contact lens solutions properly or consider switching to daily disposable contacts. 9. When swimming, wear swim goggles to protect yourself from bacteria and other microorganisms in the water that can cause conjunctivitis. 10. Before showering, using a hot tub or being in water of any kind, remove your contact lenses to avoid trapping bacteria between your eyes and the lenses.
Despite these precautions, you or your child still may develop pink eye. If the problem is contagious pink eye, be considerate of others and do your part to keep the infection from spreading. If your child is affected, tell his or her teacher about the infection so extra steps can be taken to sanitize the classroom or day care center. Also, keep your child home until For these reasons, anytime you develop red, the contagious stage has passed. irritated eyes, you should call your optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately and Your eye doctor can let you know when you schedule an eye exam. or your child can again mingle with others without risk of spreading contagious pink eye Pink Eye Prevention — usually about three to five days after the diNow that you know the basics about viral pink agnosis. eye and other forms of conjunctivitis, what can you do to protect yourself and your kids CALL US TO ADVERTISE from it? (325) 701-9505 Here are 10 simple precautions you can take 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com to significantly reduce your risk of getting pink eye: Conditions associated with conjunctivitis include other eye infections, dry eyes and blepharitis. Also, bacterial conjunctivitis sometimes can lead to very serious eye problems such as a corneal ulcer, potentially causing permanent vision loss.
42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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ARMC Celebrates Milestone, Exceeds 1000th Robotic Surgery By Panissa Dor Williams | Marketing Manager, Abilene Regional Medical Center
1000 plus robotic assisted surgeries since October of 2012 is a significant milestone accomplishment for Abilene Regional Medical Center. Scott Carpenter, D.O., General Surgeon performed the 1000th case at ARMC in late June.
form advanced minimally invasive surgeries with the assistance of robotic arms. The jointed arms can move in ways that a laparoscope cannot, which allows for less invasive procedures, allowing patients to heal quickly, less risk of bleeding and less risk of infection which promotes shorter hospital stays and lower pain levels.
Abilene Regional Medical Center started its robotics program in October of 2012. The robotic The team of credentialed system takes surgery robotic surgeons on staff at beyond the limits of the Abilene Regional includes: human hand, introducing precise, versatile instrument movement combined with three- Nicole Bullock, D.O.,OB/GYN dimensional visualization of the operation Scott Carpenter, D.O. , General Surgeon site. John Cole, D.O.,General Surgeon Erin Garner, D.O.,OB/GYN The robotic system allows surgeons to per- Stefanie McCain, M.D.,Gynecologist James Van Riper, D.O.,OB/GYN
Get Yourself Tested Event offers FREE STD Tests By Annette Lerma | Assistant Health Director, Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District
On (Friday, September 8) from 7am to 7pm., our MERCY Health Care Center at 1902 Shelton, will be hosting a GYT (Get Yourself Tested) event which includes free STD testing. According to the CDC, 1 in 2 sexually active young people will get an STD by the age of 25. Education and prevention are key but treatment is available. Most STDs are curable and all are treatable.
Common Myths:
1. I’ve had a pap test or donated blood so I’ve been tested,right? 2. I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need to be tested. 3. If I needed to be tested, my doctor would automatically test me. 4. I’ve only had one partner so I don’t need to get tested. 5. I can tell if someone has an STD by looking at them.
No appointment needed. Call (325) 676-6634 for more information.
Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 43
Alzheimer’s Association Announces New Regional Director in Abilene
SET YOUR SIGHTS ON FAST, EASY ACCESS WITH NEW
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By Elizabeth Harris | Alzheimer’s Association
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Can't you Just See Yourself Using This? Go to our website for more details or to set up your Eyeprint ID log-in. It will only take the blink of an eye... but don't blink!
Bishop is an experienced leader with a successful track record of delivering results in the areas of marketing, public relations, fundraising, communications, and operations. Before joining the Alzheimer’s Association, Bishop held positions as marketing communications coordinator for Master-
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Scapes, branch manager and director of community relations for Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services and director of circulation sales for the Abilene Reporter-News. A native of the Big Country, Bishop has served and volunteered in various capacities for nonprofits and on aging-related committees including the Adult Protective Services Partners Board, United Way Loaned Executive program, Age Well Live Well committee and As regional director, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End AlBishop will imple- zheimer’s committee. ment the organization’s strategy across “Alzheimer’s advocacy has been a longthe Abilene region’s fourteen-county service standing passion of mine and I am honored area. She will oversee education and support to be part of an organization that offers so programs/services, volunteer recruitment, much to the communities of the Big Country training initiatives, and community outreach and across the nation,” Bishop said. “I look forward to working to fulfill the Association’s activities. vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and Fundraising efforts will include the Walk to increasing awareness and support for those End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 16, 2017, Steppin’ affected by the disease through education, reOut for Memories on March 17, 2018 and search and fundraising.” The Longest Day on June 21, 2018. Bishop assumed the role of regional director “I am pleased to welcome Kristin to the Al- at the end of June. zheimer’s Association,” said Theresa Hocker, executive director for the Chapter. “We Alzheimer’s Association® are excited about the experience and leader- The Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter is one of 81 local chapters of the Alzheimer’s ship she brings to our team,” she said. The Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter recently announced Kristin Bishop as regional director for the Abilene area. Bishop succeeds Karen Rampy who served as regional director from 2014 to 2017.
• 3849 Antilley Road • 2801 N. 6th Street • 2555 Buffalo Gap Road • 1181 E. N. 10th Street • 349 N. Mockingbird (drive-thru only)
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Association, headquartered in Chicago. The chapter covers a 40-county service area and Fort Worth serves as headquarters for the chapter, which has regional offices in Abilene, Waco and Wichita Falls. The chapter is a nonprofit, donor-supported organization. The programs and services are made possible through contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. For more information, visit alz.org/northcentraltexas.
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 45
New and Expanded Risk Factors For Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease Identified By Elizabeth Sehon Harris | Alzheimer’s Association
Detection of dementia at the earliest stages has become a worldwide scientific priority because drug treatments, prevention strategies and other interventions will likely be more effective very early in the disease process, before extensive brain damage has occurred. Research results reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2017 provide clues about associations between cognitive status in older people and several behavior and lifestyle factors, including verbal skill, hearing, and hospitalization. “It is essential that we learn more about factors that indicate or impact risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, especially lifestyle factors that we can change or treat,” said Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association Chief Science Officer. “The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to advancing scientific research to identify simple and accessible ways to spot the signs of cognitive decline.”
mal test results for clinical tests of cognitive tists analyzed two speech samples, taken two function, and all were assessed for progression years apart, from 264 participants in WRAP. to mild cognitive impairment. Of these participants, 64 were identified as having eMCI based on cognitive testing over Over the course of four years, 72 (9.2 percent) 8-10 years. The speech samples, averaging one study participants reported being diagnosed minute long, were collected by asking the parwith hearing loss. Relative to those who re- ticipants to describe a simple picture. ported normal hearing, people in the study with hearing loss were: Study participants with eMCI declined faster on two measures of speech: content and flu• More likely to score significantly poorer on ency. The content of their speech was less specognitive tests such as how quickly new infor- cific, with a higher proportion of pronouns to mation is processed, flexibility in thinking, and nouns (e.g., “she,” “it,” “them”). Their fluency how the brain, eye, and hand coordinate during was more disrupted (more hesitations, word information processing. repetitions, and filled pauses (“um,” “uh”)). • Roughly three times as likely to be characterized as having mild cognitive impairment. Also, those with eMCI used less complex syn“This study suggests that hearing loss could be tax and shorter sentences, and took more time an early indicator of worsening cognitive per- to express the same amount of content as the
Having trouble with memory does not mean you have Alzheimer’s. That said, the Alzheimer’s Association says early detection allows people with dementia and their families: • A better chance of benefiting from treatment. • More time to plan for the future. • Increased chances of participating in clinical drug trials, helping advance research. • An opportunity to participate in decisions about care, living options, financial and legal matters.
Hearing loss is associated with poor cognition and progression to mild cognitive impairment • Taylor Fields, a doctoral student in the Neuroscience Training Program within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and colleagues examined the prevalence of hearing loss in late middle-aged adults with a family history of Alzheimer’s, and the association between hearing loss and cognitive status and decline. The researchers found evidence for a link between hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment, a condition that can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. The scientists used data collected from 783 people enrolled in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP), a longitudinal study group of people with a parental history of Alzheimer’s. Participants undergo periodic tests to evaluate their ability to remember, process, and learn information. Study volunteers self-reported whether they had been diagnosed with hearing loss. At the beginning of the study, all volunteers had nor-
formance in older adults,” Fields said. “Iden- cognitively healthy group. tifying and treating hearing loss could have value for interventions aimed at reducing the Emergency and urgent burden of Alzheimer’s disease.” tions, but not elective
ciated with acceleration in cognitive decline from prehospital rates, but elective hospitalizations were not associated with a change in the rate of cognitive decline. Data came from 930 older adults (75% female, mean age of 81 years old) enrolled in the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP) in Chicago. The study involved annual cognitive assessments, as well as clinical evaluations. Of the 930 participants, 613 were hospitalized at least once over an average of almost five years of observation. Of those who were hospitalized, 260 (28%) had at least one elective hospital admission, and 553 (60%) had at least one non-elective hospital admission; 200 participants (22%) had both types of hospitalizations. In a model adjusted for age, sex, education, self-reported chronic medical conditions, length of stay, surgeries, intensive care unit stays, and comorbidities, non-elective hospitalizations were associated with acceleration in the rate of cognitive decline from before hospitalization, while elective hospitalizations were not. Non-elective hospitalizations were associated with an approximately 60% acceleration in the rate of decline. “We saw a clear distinction: non-elective admissions drive the association between hospitalization and long-term changes in cognitive function in later life, while elective admissions do not necessarily carry the same risk of negative cognitive outcomes,” James said. “These findings have important implications for the medical decision making and care of older adults. While recognizing that all medical procedures carry some degree of risk, this study implies that planned hospital encounters may not be as dangerous to the cognitive health of older persons as emergency situations.”
hospitalizaadmissions, While the U.S. Congress has recently provided are related to accelerated cognitive additional funding for Alzheimer’s research at Verbal fluency predicts cognitive decline in older people • Research the National Institutes of Health, the commithealth • In another analysis of participants shows that older adults are at high risk for ment continues to fall far short of the need. In in WRAP, Kimberly Mueller, PhD, of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and colleagues investigated whether people with very early memory declines also show changes in their everyday speech. The researchers found that subtle changes in everyday speech, such as the use of short sentences, more pronouns, and pauses like “um” and “ah,” correlated with early Mild Cognitive Impairment (eMCI), which can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.
memory and other cognitive problems after being hospitalized, not only transient delirium but also long-term changes in cognition. However, it is unknown whether elective hospitalizations, such as for scheduled surgery, put older individuals at the same risk for faster cognitive decline as emergency or urgent admissions (non-elective hospitalizations).
In research reported at AAIC 2017, Bryan James, Ph.D., of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and colleagues found In the study reported at AAIC 2017, the scien- that non-elective hospitalizations were asso-
2017, for every $100 the NIH spends on Alzheimer’s research, Medicare and Medicaid will spend $12,500 caring for those with the disease. Congress must continue its commitment to Alzheimer’s and other dementias by increasing funding for Alzheimer’s research by at least an additional $414 million in fiscal year 2018.
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Swimming Offers 3 Key Benefits for Children with Asthma By Mariam Matti | Allergic Living
Parents of children often worry about how to keep them active and healthy. It can be a challenge given that exercise can trigger asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Swimming is one activity that experts increasingly are recommending as a way to keep your child healthy. Dr. Tod Olin, a pediatric pulmonologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, outlines three ways the sport can help kids with asthma keep fit and improve symptom control: humid air keeps the airways open, helps to regulate breathing, and strengthens lung function. “The benefits of swimming are that you are exercising and it’s humid in an indoor pool. The drawbacks would be anything related to the chemicals in the pool,” Olin told Allergic Living. Does it make a difference whether or not you go to an indoor or outdoor pool? While not everyone will have more than one option, Olin had this to say: “There’s probably a higher concentration of a variety of chemicals at the surface of the water in indoor pools because presumably the ventilation is worse than an open air environment.”
Jennifer McCullough, who is the director of education at Morgridge Academy, a school for children diagnosed with a chronic illness, says swimming is part of the curriculum. At the institution, located not far from National Jewish Health, the staff have found there are many benefits for students who swim. “We track the progress of each student, and we’ve found that swimming in the pool helps reduce their symptoms. Swimming is a large part of our fitness program that has been key in scaling back emergency room visits and hospital stays,” McCullough says. Olin says that swimmers who have asthma don’t experience a reaction as much as athletes who do track and field or cross-country skiing. Those sports are more likely to trigger an asthma attack because they are more likely to be done in a dry or cold environment. “Asthma should never limit you. There’s always going to be extreme cases, but generally speaking if you find you are limited it’s a sign that the doctor isn’t controlling the asthma well enough,” he said. “If asthmatic kids struggle to exercise, that’s a message to doctors that they need to do more.”
“My message is that the benefits of swimming outweigh the risk of chlorine,” he said. www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine
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BUSINESS&CAREER
Betty & June:
A Small Store With a Big Heart By Erika Bolado | The Abilene Post
Betty & June has set traps to snare every customer who opens the door to the small store. The contemporary boutique downtown has huge, white, hand-painted letters against black walls, dainty jewelry placed perfectly on tables, graphic tees, and bohemian dresses that you could wear to class or parties. But even amid all that eye candy, you can’t overlook the bright orange, retro-style refrigerator next to the cash register.
cause they assume that everything is expensive, Jackson said she’s trying to bring in lower pricepoint items as another lure. “It’s hard; I’m not gonna say it’s easy,” said Jackson of her overlapping roles as a mother of two kids, a wife, and a business owner. Her husband, Jimbo Jackson, owns Abi-Haus, a restaurant on Second Street that opened up two years after Betty & June.
Jessica Jackson, the owner of Betty & June, bought the orange refrigerator from Smeg Appliances so she could offer beer, mimosas, or water to customers as they shop. Jackson was born and raised in Corpus Christi and then lived in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she managed a boutique and did makeup on the side. It was her dream to open a store downtown, “where the heart of the town was.” So, after she moved to Abilene in 2010, she decided to pursue her dream when the building on 189 Pine Street became available. Years ago, the small space was once a hat store called “Margos”—the name is still visible on the stores’ floors—and an insurance agency. The boutique needed a special and meaningful name, so she and her husband named it after their grandmothers—Betty was her grandmother and June was her husband Jimbo’s grandmother. She started out small, confident the small space would stand out against the other nearby western stores at the time. Jackson said in the first year she was discouraged because the store sometimes attracted only one or two customers a day. She said she knows that many people still don’t visit the store because they assume that everything is expensive.
On some days, you can find Jessica Jackson in the store helping customers, adding new merchandise or posting photos on Instagram of trendy outfits. “I think owner presence is important, too,” Jackson said. “Once I had my second “I honestly went in thinking it could fail just be- child it was a little harder to be here all the time, cause I wasn’t from Abilene, so I wasn’t quite but I want to focus on coming back and workfamiliar with the community and I was fairly ing more.” new when I opened it,” said Jackson. However, word-of-mouth helped bring more customers. Jackson said offering different brands that no Since many people still don’t visit the store be- other local stores carry has helped her build re-
lationships with customers. A few of the popular brands are AG, One Teaspoon, Seychelles, and Quay Sunglasses. She said the store also attracts out-of-town customers, who make sure to visit when they’re in Abilene.
“It’s really important to stay on top of our downtown and we’ve done that.” Peters said. “It’s time now to sort of look at the grand scheme, particularly as we have a help of a new hotel coming to Abilene.”
As for the future of Betty & June, Jessica said she wants to expand or move to a bigger space and dedicate more time to the store’s website.
After the idea of a hotel arose years ago, the city began acquiring property near the civic center. The intent was to try to lure a developer to invest in building a hotel downtown, Peters said. The city evaluated four proposals and chose one Doug Peters, president and CEO of with which to negotiate. the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, said the store is a great example of Peters said the city is in negotiations, and he “a very nice, well-merchandised, hopes that within the next 12 months this could friendly, high-level-of-customer- lead to construction beginning on a “200-room, service kind of store.” full-service, upscale hotel.” Peters said more than 1,500 people joined community engageThe boutique opened up about six ment exercises to share their perspectives on the years ago, and ever since downtown new vision downtown. has been sprouting more businesses. With the help of entrepreneurs, art- How will that vision look from Betty & June ists, and musicians contributing to and other existing businesses downtown? “I that development, Peters said down- think it will be very favorable to them,” said town has become the city’s cultural Peters, “because our hope is that this catalytic district because of its museums, his- hotel project ignites a lot of other interests in the torical sites, and festivals. downtown.”
That resurgence was needed because downtown—historically a hub of commerce—had turned into little more than a center of government. “Some of those things began to erode as the community grew outside of downtown,” Peters said.
Jackson agrees that the more business there is downtown, the more people will come in her door. In turn, that will help her local partners such as Pour Man’s Coffee and Forrest Woodworks. “I think that is really great,” she said of those ties, “and with Abilene being a smaller community, you get that.”
“I love downtown. I think it’s beautiful,” said Heather Price, sales associate at Betty & June. Back in 2005, Price said, “downtown was nothing” but she appreciates now that other stores are nearby.
“[Betty & June] is exactly the kind of establishment that we want downtown,” Peters said. “We wanted to be a place for people to come down because there are exciting places to shop, to dine, to learn, to work, and all of that.”
The goal for the future of downtown is to attract a multitude of people with the new downtown Abilene convention center, hotel, and “festival district” proposal.
This article originally appeared on The Abilene Post website
www.the abilenepost.com
48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Citizen of the Year nominations The Abilene Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its Citizen of the Year Award, which will be presented at its annual awards celebration on Oct. 19. Nominations must be received by Aug. 25. Mail nominations to Kim Bosher, Abilene Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 2281, Abilene, Texas, 79604; or email kimbosher@abilenechamber.com. For information, call 325-677-7241.
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The Heart and Soul of Family Business
Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Mr. Gatti’s, H.E.B., & The Whitten Inn | BUSINESS | 49
Abilene Powder Coating has been providing service all round Abilene since 2004. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Kim Parson started Abilene Powder Coating with a piece of property and a small shop. Twelve years later, he has over 12,000 ft of shop space and business is thriving.
the hood and tail tank because they’re fiberglass,” Cale says. “We try out colors and try to have the wildest, loudest and brightest to show everybody what we can do.”
Originally from Oklahoma, Kim moved to Abilene with his family at age fourteen. His mother worked for Tupperware and was promoted to Wholesale Tupperware Distributor for this area. He graduated from Wylie High School in 1982 and worked in the automotive business for twenty-one years. He worked at Rocket Oldsmobile eight years and then Lawrence Hall Chevrolet. After twenty-one years he was ready for a change.
“We’re big car people,” Cale says. “My dad’s dad built race cars for a living in Oklahoma City. Dad raced until 2002. I raced my last two years of high school, and my brother continued. Now I get as much enjoyment out of working on them as I did driving them.”
“My mom and dad live in Arizona now,” Kim says. “Friends of theirs had a powder coating business out there. It always intrigued me.” Powder coating involves applying a decorative finish to metal items that is more durable than paint. The first step is sand blasting. Then the powder is sprayed on with an electrostatic gun and oven cured at 350- 400 degrees. The curing liquefies and coating and causes it to flow over the metal. Kim’s sons Chase and Cale both work for Abilene Powder Coating full-time. The business also employs two other full-time workers and one part-time. Kim’s daughter Carmen teaches second grade in Stephenville. Much of the business involves coating patio
furniture. Abilene Powder Coating also works with all the vehicle dealerships in Abilene as well as Rhino Linings of Abilene and Armorthane of Abilene to provide coating for truck accessories.
Abilene Powder coating keeps over 300 colors in stock, and they never know what might arrive to be coated. Kim and Cale remember a cast iron toilet, but it would be easier to drive around Abilene to see their work. Structures around the city include the buffalo cut outs at each of the four main entrances to the city and the buffalo skull on the lawn of Frontier Texas.
“We do a lot of work for Dyess,” Kim says. “All the brass signs there are powder coated. In the Air Park, the stands the planes sit on are powder coated. We work with them on any new construction. During the summer months, especially, we Cale handles all the advertising for the busi- stay plenty busy.” Abilene’s three universities are ness, which includes radio and Facebook as also customers for items like vents, railings and well as sponsorships at Abilene Speedway bicycle racks. and Big Country Drag Strip. Chase races in the Sprint Series of Texas, and Cale maintains Kim says Dale Cary, his banker, and Larry Hall, the vehicle. The car provides a perfect moving his boss for fifteen years, have been his biggest business mentors. billboard. “We coated the fifteen-foot lamp posts at the main post office,” Cale says. “That was one of our first big jobs and I thought, ‘everybody in Abilene is going to see these.’”
“Everything on there is powder coated except “Dale said, ‘If you’ll keep your quality and customer service at the highest possible level, you’ll always be able to make a living. Don’t sacrifice quality for a cheaper product,’” Kim quotes. “And Larry Hall has always been of the mindset that taking care of customers is the heart and soul of any business.” The heart and soul of Abilene Powder Coating does rely on high quality and excellent customer service. But what holds that heart and soul together is family.
50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
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6 Home-Buying Mistakes Young People Make By DaveRamsey.com
You’ve spent hours scouring online real estate websites trying to find the perfect place. All your friends have long ago committed to homeownership, and you think it’s time to do the same. The pressure to buy a home is real. So, make sure you’re buying when the time is right for you. Purchase with confidence when you sidestep these five common home-buying mistakes:
1. Rushing into a purchase
You’ve got plenty of reasons to believe now—and only now—is the right time to buy a home. Hot markets, hot interest rates—even hot pressure from friends and family can convince you that you’re missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime if you don’t act today! But the truth is, rushing into a purchase before you’re ready could cost you big bucks in the long run.
•Have at least 10% for a down payment on a 15year fixed mortgage. A 20% down payment is even better because it helps you avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), which only increases the size of your monthly payment. Saving that much money might seem impossible at first. But a six-month side hustle like working nights and weekends at your favorite retail chain or restaurant could be all it takes to give you the cash you need.
your home’s value, so make sure to include them in your home-buying budget. Other expenses to think about include: •Property taxes •Homeowner’s insurance •HOA fees
5. Disregarding your real estate agent’s advice
While this might be your first home-buying experience, your agent has been around the block a few
Here are a few good reasons to hold off: •If you’re new to a city, give yourself several months to a year to settle in to determine the area of town you like the most. •If you’re unsure how long you’ll be the same city, hold off purchasing a home until you know you’ll be there long enough to put down some roots. •If you’re newly married, give yourself time to adjust to life as a couple. The timetable to purchase your first place depends on one thing: your readiness. So don’t let wellmeaning outside influences, favorable market conditions or low interest rates make the decision for you.
2. Not saving enough before you buy
Buying a home isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon that requires endurance, perseverance and deliberate financial planning. Waiting until you’re financially ready to buy a home will set you and your family up to win for decades to come. So how do you know you’re ready? Ideally, the 100%-down plan is the way to go. But most of us don’t have the patience to postpone a home purchase until we can pay cash for it. So if you’re going to borrow money for a home, here are some guidelines: •Pay off all your debt, and build up an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. •Limit your monthly mortgage payment to 25% or less of your monthly take-home pay.
3. Buying too much house
Don’t make the mistake of buying a decked-out dream home when you can only afford a basic starter house. Begin your home search with realistic expectations about how much house you can get for your money, then focus on what’s important. For example, choose a neighborhood in a good school district if you think you’ll have a family in the future. But don’t overspend on a 3,000-square-foot home when all you need is 1,500 square feet. Here are a few tips on how to keep a level head during your house hunt: •Write down your house-size needs versus wants. •Discuss your expectations with your spouse. •Ask for feedback from your real estate agent.
4. Not budgeting for closing costs, property taxes and insurance
Your mortgage payment is just the beginning of your expenses when you own a home. Fees will come at you fast, starting with closing costs at signing. Those will set you back between 2–5% of
times. Literally. Here are a few ways your agent’s expertise goes well beyond their ability to find you a great home: •They’ll explain offer terms. •They’ll walk you through the home inspection process. •They’ll help you understand closing requirements. Your agent is on your side, so lean on them during the entire process. A good agent will help you make a confident, educated decision about your future.
6. Buy with the best agents
If you’re going to rely on the advice of your real estate agent, you’ll want someone you know you can trust on your side. If you’re looking for an agent like that, check out our Endorsed Local Providers (ELPs). Our real estate ELPs are the best of the best and close more than three times more transactions per year than the typical agent. You can trust your ELP to walk with you through your first-time home purchase with confidence.
Pick us up at Golden Corral, MCM Elegante and Long John Silvers | BUSINESS | 51
LONE STAR COFFEE & TEA HOUSE
DON LUIS EXPRESS
ADVENTURE COVE
52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
• Full Service Medical & Surgical Facilities • State-of-the-Art Laser Surgery & Monitoring Equipment • Small Animal Hospital Facilities • Video Ear Scope • Geriatric Health Screening Available • Dental Care • Full In-House Lab For 1-Hour and 24-Hour Coggins Testing • K Laser Therapy (Laser Treatment) • Pain Management • Wound Healing • Rehabilitation
7550 Hwy. 83-84 South Monday-Friday 8-12:30, 2-6pm
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
An Even Better Bakery
Pick us up at The Whitten Inn, China Star, & H.E.B. | BUSINESS | 53
Alfonso Hernandez, Jr. has come to town to run the family business at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Alfonso Hernandez Bakery has the same name but a different Alfonso is in charge now. Alfonso, Jr. arrived in Abilene from Dallas about eighteen months ago to take over the business from his dad, Alfonso, Sr., who retired.
The restaurant is a real family affair. Alfonso, Sr. comes in regularly and plays guitar on the weekends. He also presents a magic show for the kids. Denise is studying for her Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington but still finds time to help with the bakery’s administration.
Alfonso, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 2010. He worked as a supervisor “My favorite thing is building relationships for a manufacturing company in Dallas for with customers,” Alfonso, Jr. says. “My manuabout three years before making the move to Abilene. While still living in Bryan he met his wife, Denise. They are expecting their first baby, a girl, in November. “Our goals are great customer service and fast service,” Alfonso says. “That’s what I tell all my employees.” The bakery employs about thirteen people, both full-time and part-time.
Alfonso, Jr. handles the Facebook page at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery as well as radio advertising. The Facebook page informs customers when special dishes are available with posts of delectable looking baked goods and families enjoying their meals. Alfonso says daily specials will soon appear.
The bakery is much more than a bakery, serving breakfast beginning at 6:30 am and lunch until 3:00 pm seven days a week at 601 Butternut. Breakfast burritos are the most popular item, facturing job was just loud noise in a big buildbut Alfonso, Jr. has added a number of dishes ing. But I’m a people person. I like to talk to If you need any more evidence for the tasty food, here’s one. Several local restaurants buy their torcustomers and I get to meet a lot of people.” to the menu. tillas from Alfonso Hernandez Bakery. You can tell by standing at the front counter One of the first changes was to create a window between the kitchen and the front counter that the Hernandez family believes in helping “We have the best breakfast burritos in town,” to facilitate faster service. Alfonso Jr. and De- others. Several bins stand by to accept dona- says Alfonso, Jr. “Carne guisada is the most popnise took tasty looking photos of menu items tions for various causes. Alfonso Hernandez ular. If they haven’t tried it, they need to come.” that now hang next to the window, so custom- Bakery also donates to churches and schools, often by purchasing ads in printed programs. Alfonso, Jr. hopes to expand the restaurant to ers can see exactly what they’re ordering. Sometimes they even donate food items for other locations, possibly the Dallas-Fort Worth area. But right now, the locally-owned family “My Dad started this business from scratch,” charitable events. business with delicious food sits right down the says Alfonso, Jr. “It was already a stable busistreet from you. Check it out. ness so I’m just here making it better and updating.” Alfonso Hernandez Bakery also partners with Arrowhead Delivery. A customer can call Arrowhead to order, Arrowhead relays the order to the Bakery, picks up the meal, and delivers it to the customer’s door. “Everything is fresh and homemade,” Alfonso, Jr. says. “We don’t reheat anything. That was one of my dad’s rules. It gives the food more taste and flavor.” Alfonso, Jr. also consults his mom, who he says is a “great cook” for tips to improve the dishes.
Breakers Sports Bar | 1874 S. Clack St. | 1-325-692-2980
54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Sporting Clays Classic to Benefit Meals on Wheels Plus By Rob Chastain | Development Director, Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc.
WHO: Meals on Wheels Plus provides home delivered meals for over 1100 people living in Abilene, Ballinger, Hawley, Eula, Potosi, Rowena, and Winters who are elderly, or who are younger adults with disabilities, and unable to provide balanced meals for themselves. WHAT: The 12th Annual Meals on Wheels Sporting Clays Classic. Individual entry fee is $140.00 per shooter and Sponsorships are still available. Each shooter will get 100 targets, continental breakfast, 2 raffle tickets (one for a Sabatti STS 12 Gauge Shotgun and one for a Colt Expanse M4 Carbine), an event t-shirt, and a Barbecue lunch, There will also be an extra “Rat & Bat� shooting event. Proceeds from the event will help provide home delivered meals and safety checks for the elderly and adults with disabilities in our community.
WHERE: Abilene Clay Sports, 1102 E. Spur 707, Abilene, Texas WHEN: Saturday, August 26, 2017 Shoot time: 8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. For more information go to www.mealsonwheelsplus.com or call 672-5050
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at First Financial Bank & Daniela’s Tex Mex | BUSINESS | 55
BIG HEARTS:Young Abilene Queen
Small Business Development
Uses Crown to Serve her Community
Small Business Development Center
SEMINARS
By Brittany Pelletz | KTAB News
How to Start a Small Business When you visit Suite Life Pet Resort & Spa in Abilene, you expect to see dogs but not necessarily royalty.
Little Miss pageant system and ways to just give back to the community.”
But recently the business and the dogs who stay there were visited her royal highness.
The cat may have gotten this young queen’s tongue while our camera was there, but that didn’t stop her from showing these canines
“Natalie has a heart and a passion for animals, specifically puppies,” says her Mom, Emily Cole.
a dog gone good time.
Natalie is only four years old but she’s already earned the title of Miss Texas Universal Beauty Queen in the 3 to 6 year age division.
“There’s a lot of stigma surrounding beauty pageants and it’s emphasis on physical beauty of a child,” adds Cole.
Cole adds, “We’re always looking for ways to get the word out about The Our
At the young age of four, Natalie hopes to show others that she takes wearing her crown seriously and wants to use her title to help others.
Presented By: Judy Wilhelm September 12 - Time: 6pm-8pm
Trademarks, Copyrights & Patents Presented By: Chris Stewart
Chris Stewart practices trademark law, copyright law, trade secrets law, computer & internet law. He is a partner with law firm of Burdett Morgan Williamson & Boykin LLP
September 19 - Time: 6pm-8pm
Texas State Comptroller
This is a great opportunity to have various tax questions by small business owners answered by the Texas State Comptroller.
September 26 - Time: 6pm-8pm
Please call and reserve your spot today.
325.670.0300
Workshop will be held at the Texas Tech SBDC Abilene, Training Room. 749 Gateway Street, Ste. #301 Building C. Seating is Limited.
But this Abilene mom, Emily Cole and her daughter hope to bury that stereotype one volunteering opportunity at a time.
KEY PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT & REAL ESTATE 325-690-0123 www.WeSellAndRentAbilene.com
HOUSES, APARTMENTS, DUPLEXES, CONDOS, INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
- Little Elm Condo’s -
- Jefferson Square Apts -
5450 S. 7th at Ruidosa • 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath .......................$479 • 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath ......................$559 • 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths.....................$659
1 & 2 Bedroom Apts. Cute Floor Plan, Stove & Fridge, Enclosed Patios 1 Bedrooms: Starting at $379 2 Bedrooms: $559/Month Washer & Dryer Connections, Dishwashers & Disposals Pets Welcomed!
• Water Paid • Close To Dyess • Stove, Fridge, Dishwashers • Fireplace • W/D Connections 1 BEDROOM
602 North Jefferson$379 5451 Laguna
479
$
2 BEDROOM
200 North Jefferson 161 S. Pioneer, 2/2 5451 Laguna 718 High, 2/1 70 Harbour Town
559 $ 525 $ 559 $ 599 $
1199/$700
$
161 S. Pioneer, #78 3/2 257 College, 3/1 1501 Matador, 3/1 442 Sammons, 3/1 1710 Glenwood, 3/1.5 2310 Corsicana, 3/2
3 BEDROOM $ 625/$250 2325 Kerry Lane, 3/2 $ 850/$850 1041 Albany, 3/1 $ 899/$600 1489 Glendale, 3/2 $ 999/$300 $ 999/$500 1713 Delwood, 3/2 $ 999/$500 3309 White Oaks, 3/2
4 BEDROOM
1099/$550 $ 1125/$700 $ 1149/ $700 $ 1250/$700 $ 1799/$800 $
5343 Durango, 4/1
$
829/ $500
5333 Questa, 4/1
$
759/$400
10390343
Close to DYESS AFB
* CONDITIONAL PRICE
* CONDITIONAL PRICE
* CONDITIONAL PRICE
#970681. TOTAL BEFORE DISCOUNTS: $39,000. FACTORY REBATE: $3,800. ARROW DISCOUNT: $3,050. FACTORY DISCOUNT: $2,000. FORD MOTOR CREDIT REBATE $1,250 W.A.C.
S STX APPEARANCE PACKAGE E REAR VIEW CAMERA CRUISE CONTROL SYNC 3 2.7L V6 ECOBOOST WITH AUTO S/S ELECTRIC 6 SPEED AUTO W/ TOW MODE S SEL SELECT SHIFT TRANSMISSION CLASS IV TRAILER HITCH AUTO START/STOP REAR WINDOW DEFROST 20IN MACHHALYM W/ FLASH GREY MANUAL DRIVER LUMBAR PRIVACY GLASS S FOG LAMPS
#970644. TOTAL BEFORE DISCOUNTS: $30,080. FACTORY REBATE: $3,800. ARROW DISCOUNT: $2,319. PACKAGE DISCOUNT: $750. FORD MOTOR CREDIT REBATE: $1,250 W.A.C. #970900. TOTAL BEFORE DISCOUNTS: $39,130. FACTORY REBATE: $4,000. ARROW DISCOUNT: $3,980. FORD MOTOR CREDIT REBATE: $1,250 W.A.C.
S 177INCH SILVER PAINTED WHEELS S 3.5L V6 TIVCT FFV ENGINE ELECTRIC 6 SPEED AUTO W/ TOW MODE .245/70R 17 BSW ALLLSEASON TIRES 3.55 RATIO REGULAR AXLE 6150# GVWR PACKAGE S CLASS IV I TRAILER HITCH FLEX FUEL VEHICLE TX BADGE REAR PRIVACY GLASS FOG LAMPS CRUISE CONTROL BRAKE ASSIST S REM REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYNC
#970910. TOTAL BEFORE DISCOUNTS: $59,000. FACTORY REBATE: $7,750. ARROW DISCOUNT: $4,300. SALES PRICE: $46,950.
S 177INCH SILVER WHEEL 3.5L V6 TIVCT FFV ENGINE ELECTRIC 6 SPEED AUTO W/ TOW MODE .245/70R 17 BSW ALLLSEASON TIRE 3.55 RATIO REGULAR AXLE GVWR PACKAGE S FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET F AM/FM SINGLE CD FLEX FUEL VEHICLE