Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
AUGUST 2018
Volume 9, 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. 2018 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
It is that time of year where many parents are wiping away tears for many different reasons. Some because they are sending off their babies to kindergarten for the first time, others because they’re sending their babies off to college. Which ever “baby” you are sending off may you have peace in your hearts that you have done your best in preparing them for this next step in their life. Being a parent is definitely one of the most challenging, stressful, exciting, fulfilling and joyous jobs mixed all into one. No one gave us parents a handbook after birth on how to raise your kids right. Many of us strive to be like our own parents when it comes to raising our own, while many strive to be the total opposite of their own parents. All families are different and no one needs to compare themselves to others, we all parent differently and that is OK. There are no perfect parents, and most of us parents are all trying our best to do the best we know how. Never forget that you don’t have to be the Pinterest perfect mom or the ESPN perfect dad. Just be the BEST you, because God knew what HE was doing when HE chose you to be their mom and dad. We here at Hispanic Life pray God’s blessings over each and every student, teacher and administrator beginning another school year. May you all make a difference in the life of someone that needs it most. Let this be the year of many successes. David & Amy Hernández & the girls and all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Kirby Lake Nature Park Opens, Promises Fun and Education For All
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Nathan Greve | BigCountryHomePage
Services Director Lesli Andrews explains some of the features, such as “logs for kids to climb on, logs for kids to walk down. A large hill, in West Texas terms, for kids to run up and roll down, or picnic on.”
“Slip Cork” is one of Kirby Lake’s regulars, spending most days fishing its waters. He’s excited for the changes, especially the ones to come. “But this is great. This had to come first.” Those future plans come across two more phases. Features to be added include a discovery sandbox, A boardwalk winds through the trees, wide, filled with “dinosaur bones” for kids to unearth. flat, and stable enough to be a great place Another hill could be constructed, this one leadfor everyone to learn about the nature that’s ing to another walkway through the treetops. That can be expected to be similar in tone to the current walkway, with educational signage. Andrews explains that the signs are very much attached to the area: “All the pictures on the signs are animals that were photographed at this lake. It really is what is happening in nature around here, in their home town.” The newest addition to the park at Kirby Lake has officially been unveiled. In a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning, the park was shown off to the public, sporting some new features to prove that, above all else, these changes are for the kids. Bringing education and fun together, the unique play features are just the beginning. Community
The kids who visit the park should be able to walk away, not just with a fun day out, but a lesson to remember. Andrews says the goal is to bring education to life, “not just in a classroom, but actually going out into nature.” If the kids who attended surrounding them. “It’s safe for everybody. We the ribbon cutting are any way to measure public all want the public to know. It’s safe for people in response, it seems to be successful addition to the wheelchairs and walkers”, says Mike “Slip Cork” park system. Cornett.
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September 7 and 8 DOWNTOWN ABILENE
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COMMUNITY
LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS
West Texas Fair & Rodeo COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
2018 Daily Schedule of Events | September 6th - 15th By TaylorCountyExpoCenter.com • Limited details (visit their website for a complete schedule)
Gates open 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily Gate admission fee begins @ 2:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
purchased for $25.00. Armband allows admission to all carnival rides desired. Food concessions will be open; however, no exhibit buildings will be open.
Gate Admission $8 adults, $4 student’s K – College (Weekdays) $11 adult, $4 student’s K – College (Weekends) Rodeo – Reserved Box Seats $15.00 for Tuesday – Thursday $20.00 for Friday and Saturday
FRIDAY, Sept.7th ◘ COLLEGE STUDENT DAY - All college students admitted free w/ current college ID.
Carnival Ride Tickets Midway Open 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Monday – Friday 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Saturday – Sunday Single Tickets - $1 each Kiddie rides require 2-4 tickets All other rides require 3-5 tickets Thursday, Sept. 6th – Carnival Armband $25 Daily Carnival Armband - $30 Military Heroes & their family receive FREE GATE ADMISSION all week long to anyone with a valid military I.D. (active and retired) Discounted armbands for the carnival may be purchase at ITT office base. YOUR GATE ADMISSION GAINS YOU ACCESS TO THE TRACTOR PULLS, RODEO AND ALL EXHIBITS. CARNIVAL TICKETS ARE EXTRA. Creative Arts • Are found in the Round Building and Modern Living Mall. These buildings are open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with the exception of Sunday – open from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00p.m. and Wednesday – open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Commercial Vendors • Are in the Display Building daily from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. except for Saturday, Sept. 8 & Saturday, Sept. 15 when hours are 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, Sept. 15th ◘ 1:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 1:00 – 10:00 PM 4-H Petting Zoo – East Grounds 3:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 5:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 6:00 – 8:30 PM Kelby Hodges and the Moonlight WEDNESDAY, Sept. 12th ◘ Senior Citizens Day Bandits • Free admission to all senior citizens 60 years or 7:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 9:00 – 10:30 PM Jake Gill older: must show proof of age. 3:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 5:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 6:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 8:00 – 10:00 PM Second Hand Prophets 8:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds
698-2420
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TUESDAY, Sept. 4th ◘ 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Creative Arts Entries received in Modern Living Mall & Round Building except for Youth and Adult Perishable Foods, Educational Exhibits and Agriculture & Horticulture entries. THURSDAY, Sept. 6th ◘ 5:00 – 11:00 PM SNEAK-A-PEEK on Midway - 5 p.m. to closing. Free Admission to fairgrounds. Armbands may be
SATURDAY, Sept. 8th ◘ SCHOOL DAY - School day tickets good today. Parade Sponsored by 6:00 – 8:00 PM Kelby Hodges and the Moonlight Bandits HEB and FOX 6:00 – 10:00 PM 4-H Petting Zoo – East Grounds SUNDAY, Sept. 9th ◘ FAMILY DAY & SCHOOL THURSDAY, Sept. 13th ◘ CANTASTIC NIGHT DAY – School day tickets good today - Free admission to the fairgrounds for 6 empty 1:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds soda cans. Armbands may be purchased for 2:00 PM Grupo Folklorico de Bendiciones $30.00. The armbands provide admission to all 3:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds the carnival rides desired that night. Sponsored 5:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds by Coca-Cola. 6:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 3:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 7:45 PM Grupo Folklorico de Bendiciones 5:00 PM Cantastic Night Begins 8:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 5:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 8:30 – 10:00 PM Tejas Brothers 6:00 – 10:00 PM 4-H Petting Zoo – East Grounds MONDAY, Sept. 10th ◘ SCHOOL DAY - School 6:30 – 10:30 PM Will Banister and the Modern Day Ramblers day tickets good today and $1 GATE ADMISSION - Gate admission is $1 for adults 7:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 9:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds and for students without a school day ticket. 3:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds FRIDAY, Sept. 14th ◘ 5:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 1:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 6:00 – 10:00 PM 4-H Petting Zoo – East Grounds 3:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 7:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 7:30 – 10:30 PM Kelby Hodges and the Moon- 5:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 6:00 – 8:30 PM The Phantom Hill Band light Bandits 6:00 – 10:00 PM 4-H Petting Zoo – East Grounds 8:30 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 7:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds TUESDAY, Sept. 11th ◘ SCHOOL DAY – RIDES 9:00 PM Pig Races – East Grounds 9:00 – 10:30 PM Wade Hayes- HEB Entertain$2 each - School day tickets good ment Pavilion today
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.
SPOTLIGHT
HispanicLife Media
American Wife,Taya Kyle,To Speak At Alliance for Women and Children’s 15th Annual Fall Luncheon
By Toni Brockway | Alliance for Women and Children
The Alliance for Women and Children is pleased to bring American Wife, Taya Kyle, to Abilene for the Annual Fall Luncheon fundraiser. The luncheon will take place on Thursday, September 13th at the Abilene Convention Center. This yearly fundraiser helps support the mission of the Alliance for Women and Children to provide quality programs to empower all women and children by educating and assisting women to be health conscious and self sufficient and providing a nurturing and safe environment for school aged children.
Firefighter Nicholas Shaw
joined the Abilene Fire Department in April of 2015. He is certified as a basic firefighter and EMT-Paramedic. He is currently assigned to Station 5 on C shift.
Taya Kyle is the widow of late U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle commonly known as the American Sniper after the title of his New York Times Best Selling memoir of the same title. After the book was made into Academy Award winning film directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Bradley Cooper, Taya published her New York Times bestselling memoir American Wife. With humor and vulnerability, Taya recounts the tremendous highs and lows in her unpredictable life as the wife and now widow of an American hero. “Taya Kyle brings a message of love, war, faith and renewal and we are excited to bring her to our community who strongly supports our military,” says Charity Skelton, Fall Luncheon Co-Chair and member of the Alliance Board of Directors. “This is sure to be a sell-out event.”
Captain Jeremy Williams
joined the Abilene Fire Department in February of 2002. He is certified as a advanced fire investigator, master structure firefighter, instructor II, fire officer II, advanced fire inspector and EMT-Intermediate. He is currently assigned to fire prevention as the captain over fire investigations and is also working out of class as the fire departments fire marshal and plans inspector. Thank you for your dedication to the Abilene Fire Department and fire prevention
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The Alliance for Women and Children is accepting sponsorships for this event. For more information regarding sponsorship benefits, please contact Toni Brockway at toni@afwconline.org. “Every dollar we raise from this event supports the children and families we serve in Alliance After School Care,” says, Shay Minor, Ms. Skelton’s co-chair for the event. “We want to ensure that no child goes home alone while providing a safe and nurturing environment until their parents and caregivers pick them up after work.” Tables and individual tickets are available for the event. Tables can be reserved for $400 and individual tickets are $40 for open seating. Deadline to RSVP is September 5th. To purchase your table or tickets, call 325-6775321 or register online at www.allianceforwomenandchildren.org.
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Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
HOMETOWN HEROES Chief Flores presents Sheila Joy and Josh Graham with a Civilian Appreciation Award for their heroic efforts performed on July 3, 2018. Sheila and Josh who were at the time complete strangers, came to the aid of a young girl in distress at an Abilene apartment complex’s swimming pool. Around 9 pm on this date, Sheila observed a young girl floating in the pool and unresponsive. Without hesitation she quickly pulled the girl to safety. Josh who was nearby jumped in to assist. Together Sheila and Josh determined the young girl was not breathing and began CPR. After 2 minutes the young girl regained consciousness and began breathing again. During the award ceremony, Chief Flores stated, “Everyday, we as firefighters come to work prepared to save lives, prepared to respond to those in need, and prepared to put the needs of others before our own. On July 3rd, Sheila and Josh stepped in and did just that; and a little girl is alive and well because of it.” Thank you Sheila and Josh, your unselfish act to help another in the time need make us all proud to call Abilene home.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
It’s Not Just Students and Teachers Excited For First Day In Abilene ISD This Year By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
The moment Jeff Howle’s name was given to fill a vacancy atop the Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science, his summer ended. That was June 26. Since then, Howle has been at the east Abilene campus doing everything he can to prepare himself to take over as principal of the magnet school. Last week, he finally was joined by his teaching staff as they now prepare together for the start of the 2018-19 school year. He succeeds Ketta Garduno, who after three years at ATEMS moved downtown to be director of career and technical education for the district. In 2015, she succeeded ATEM’s first leader, John Martinez. ATEMS opened for the 2009-10 school year, later moving to its present location in the east half of the former West Texas Medical Center. It shares space with Texas State Technical College. Projected enrollment this 10th school year is 350 students. A record 81 graduated in June. With a growing student population, Howle knows there will be some challenges. But the personable Howle said he’s hoping to build on the solid foundation his predecessor established while putting his own little spin on what families find interesting about the ATEMS program. “My hope is to bring more of a relationship piece with the families of the kids who go there. My strength, I think, is building relationships.” “When I accepted the job to go to ATEMS, the school was in a pretty good place,” Howle said. “There aren’t a lot of changes that need to happen. (Former Principal Garduno) had a lot of good structure in place. My hope is to bring more of a relationship piece with the families of the kids who go there. My strength, I think, is building relationships.”
“I told him that if we have the money to do it, let’s explore it,” Howle said. “That’s our niche that kids can’t get anywhere else. And if get our name out there and show these kids we can do these things just like the bigger city schools, I think that helps us build the program.” Return to the Reagan era Howle isn’t the only new principal to benefit from his or her predecessor getting promoted to the district’s central office. Leslye Roberts, who takes over at Reagan Elementary, got the call after former principal Chris Halifax got a bump to serve as the district’s director of human resources. When she was introduced to the staff at Reagan Elementary for the first time June 15, it was a little bit like a homecoming, Roberts said. “When I first moved to Abilene (in 2012), my first job was as a teacher at Reagan,” she said. “I taught first and third grades here. I’m excited about coming back. “Of course, all of the students I had have gone on to middle school, but some of the staff is the same. And we have a great staff here, so I’m excited to work with everybody.” Roberts left Reagan in 2015 to become the instructional coordinator at Lee Elementary. One year later, she was promoted to assistant principal at both Lee and Johnston elementary schools, serving half-time at each under the district’s administrative structure. Due to her unfamiliarity with the majority of students and their families, Roberts unofficially kicked off the school year a week ago offering ice pops in Scarborough Park for anyone in the community. There, she was able to meet and greet her soonto-be charges, chat with parents and listen to some of their concerns.
Howle, who was an assistant principal at Abilene High School and an administrator in Abilene ISD for the past 10 years, said he’s particularly interested in seeing how much growth the school’s robotics program can achieve.
“I think that’s key to success in school, to develop a sense of support. Teachers respect that and they value your expertise and being able to see the big picture. A lot can be gained from being able to listen.”
He said lead instructor Larry Haney has been in contact with him about entering more robotics tournaments to ensure the program continues to represent the school.
Listening is a big part of how Roberts said she’s approaching her new role at her new campus, as she’s trying to establish herself and be a part of the school’s culture.
At a campus marred in recent years by reports of staff bullying students, students fighting one another and a janitor accused of sexually assaulting a young girl, Newton is throwing himself and the school as a whole into the district’s discipline program called Safe & Civil Schools. “It’s a growing process,” Newton said. “But we have “Things work well when you do a lot of observ- got to buy in completely so our hallways are ing and a lot of listening,” Roberts said. “I’ve safe places for our children to be.” had an opportunity to meet with each grade level and begin having conversations with the Newton said his goal is to change that recent teachers. I let them know that I was there to sup- narrative about Madison from negative to port them. positive. He said it starts with doing a good job communicating with parents and then making “I think that’s key to success in school, to de- sure the public understands that good things are velop a sense of support. Teachers respect that happening at Madison. and they value your expertise and being able to see the big picture. A lot can be gained from be- He said his management style will be a lot like ing able to listen.” Roberts, with a lot of his time dedicated to using his ears more than his mouth. Reagan has another challenge ahead of it, revealed Wednesday when the Texas Education “We’re going to listen to our parents,” Newton Agency’s accountability ratings were made said. “We’re going to listen to our students. public. Roberts will start her first career prin- We’re going to listen to our teachers. They’re cipal position on the state’s “improvement re- all important parts in this school. But we need quired” list. to be good listeners, especially with the parents, because no one knows their students like the Superintendent David Young on Wednesday parents.” said Roberts was chosen aside from the campus’s needs but Being back for a full year has him feeling excited and a little nostalgic, he said. “We chose her because she is absolutely the best person to lead that campus going forward. She “It’s exciting. I left a lot of good teacher friends conducted a large part of her teaching career at at Clack, so that’s a little sad knowing I’m not Reagan. She has connections with the Reagan with them,” Newton said. “But I’m excited to faculty, with Reagan families ... and is familiar be going back to the school (where) I started.” with students that may come from some of our economically disadvantaged backgrounds or other things that cause potential roadblocks.” Second time around Leslye Roberts isn’t the only new AISD principal returning to a campus at which she or he taught. But unlike Roberts, Josh Newton isn’t doing it for the first time. Newton was named principal at Madison Middle School in late April, about one month before the school year ended. It gave him enough time to reintroduce himself to some of the staff whom he worked with as an assistant principal two years earlier.
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Alzheimer’s Association ® Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Abilene To Join The Fight Against The Disease By Kristin Bishop | Regional Director, Alzheimers Association
The Alzheimer’s Association® is inviting residents of the Big Country to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Walk will take place on September 15, 2018 at Rose Park (S 7th and Barrow) in Abilene.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 15 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. In Texas alone, there are approxiAlzheimer’s Association Walk to End Al- mately 350,000 people living with the disease zheimer’s participants will complete a two- and over 1.3 million caregivers. mile] walk and will learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy Register today. Sign opportunities, cliniup as a Team Capcal studies enrolltain, join a team or ment and support register to walk as programs and an individual at alz. services from the org/walk. Alzheimer’s AssoAlzheimer’s Asciation. Walk parsociation Walk to ticipants will also End Alzheimer’s® join in a meaningful The Alzheimer’s tribute ceremony to honor those afAssociation Walk to fected by Alzheimer’s disease. “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is about bringing our community together. There are an estimated 350,000 Texans who have Alzheimer’s disease and we can play a role in helping make a difference by advancing research and extending our help and services to those impacted by Alzheimer’s,” said Kristin Bishop, Abilene Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter. This year’s Walk is presented by Edward Jones. In addition to the two-mile walk, participants will enjoy entertainment by an Elvis tribute artist, snow cones and various other refreshments, photo opportunities, information booths, and a variety of other activities provided by event sponsors.
End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
Alzheimer’s Association® - The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
U.S. Senators Urge Air Force to Select Dyess Air Force Base for B-21 Bomber
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By BigCountryHomePage.com
Dear Secretary Wilson:
Located in North-Central Texas, Dyess AFB has been home to the Unites States’ bomber fleet since the 1940’s, and has served as the only training base for B-1s since the aircraft became operational in the 1980’s. The new B-21 fleet would be able to utilize existing infrastructure and immediately take advantage of the ranges and optimal training conditions that the B-1 has been utilizing for over three decades. The region allows for approximately 350 days of flying weather annually, which provides ample opportunities for year-round pilot training. Additionally, Dyess AFB is in the process of upgrading Military Operations Areas and modernizing technologies that will expand its reputation as the world’s premier bombing installation. As the product of close collaboration with Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, and the Federal Aviation Administration, the improvements will expand both regional airspace and range training capabilities, providing an environment in which the B-21 program would thrive.
We write in strong support of Dyess Air Force Base (Dyess AFB) near Abilene, Texas being selected as the principal base for the new B-21 Raider long-range strike bomber. For generations, Dyess AFB has served as a training base for our most critical bombing platforms. As the Air Force commences the basing review process, we urge the selection committee to “For 76 years, Dyess AFB has effectively consider several factors that make Dyess AFB served as a premier bomber base for B-47s the ideal home for the new bomber. and B-52s, and has been the principal base for the B-1 since the aircraft’s introduction,” Dyess AFB has the operational capacity, infrathey wrote. “We sincerely hope that the B-21 structure, and ranges necessary to provide optiRaider will be the next member of the bomber mal support for mission training. The 2018 National Defense Strategy stated, “The Joint Force family to join our community.” must be able to strike diverse targets inside A signed copy of the letter is here and full text adversary air and missile networks.” The B-21 Raider was designed to meet this requirement is below: and deliver an unequivocal strategic advantage over our adversaries, making this long-range The Honorable Heather A. Wilson strike capability a critical asset on the modern Secretary of the Air Force battlefield. But building the long-range strike Department of the Air Force capability requires an installation with extensive Locally, the Abilene community for generations 1670 Air Force Pentagon training capacity and optimal weather condi- has maintained a strong tradition of support for Washington, DC 20330-1670 tions – an installation, in other words, like Dyess service members and their families, and we are AFB. WASHINGTON, D.C. (PRESS RELEASE) – U.S.
Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson today urging the Air Force to select Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene as the principal base for the new B-21 Raider long-range strike bomber.
confident that it will continue to foster these important relationships in the years ahead. The Air Force annually presents an achievement award to one U.S. community that demonstrates the strongest levels of support for its local military base. Dyess AFB won the award so frequently that the Air Force renamed the award “the Abilene Trophy.” Abilene has also been awarded the 2017 Barksdale Trophy, an award bestowed on the community that provides the best support for an Air Force Global Strike Command Wing. As the numerous awards suggest, Abilene has embraced the Air Force and Air Force families as a centerpiece of their community since the Service’s inception. For 76 years, Dyess AFB has effectively served as a premier bomber base for B-47s and B-52s, and has been the principal base for the B-1 since the aircraft’s introduction. We sincerely hope that the B-21 Raider will be the next member of the bomber family to join our community. Thank you for your consideration of Dyess AFB as the next home for the B-21 Raider. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Dyess 7th CMS Avionics Flight Earns Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award The 7th Component Maintenance Squadron avionics flight stands outside for a group photo at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 8, 2018. The team earned the 2017 Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award, which recognized how they improved their operational performance, used a systematic approach to enhance mission capability and created sustained results. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kylee Thomas)
ene, TX 5 South 14th Street, Abil Advance Auto Parts (322Wom en’s Center Hope Fund Program Benefits The Vera West
Four Dyess Aircrew Earn Distinguished Flying Cross Medals
Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Gloria’s Grill and Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
By BigCountryHomePage.com
The Air Force Global Strike Command commander presented a Distinguished Flying Cross July 13 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, to each of the B-1B Lancer aircrew members who experienced an in-flight emergency in May. Gen. Robin Rand, AFGSC commander, presented Distinguished Flying Cross medals to Maj. Christopher N. Duhon, Air Forces Strategic - Operations Division chief of future operations at, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and an instructor pilot with duties at the 28th Bomb Squadron; Capt. Matthew Sutton, 28th BS weapons system officer instructor; 1st Lt. Joseph Welch, 28 BS student pilot; and 1st Lt. Thomas C. Ahearn, then 28 BS student weapons system officer who has since completed training and is currently assigned to the 37 BS, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. “Our background is rooted and grounded in blood, sweat and tears. All of us who wear uniforms, we don’t have to look very far to find heroes who have been in our past,” said Rand. “It’s our heritage; it’s where we came from.” Rand and Dyess Airmen, in a theater filled to capacity, honored the four heroes who remained dedicated to one another throughout the incident and ended with all crewmembers landing unharmed.
“Thank you for showing us how to be extraordinary. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. I have never been prouder to wear this uniform than I am today because of you four,” said Rand, addressing the four Airmen who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
“I am extremely proud of these four individuals who exemplified excellence in an uncertain and potentially fatal situation,” said Col. Brandon Parker, 7th Bomb Wing commander. “It’s humbling for me as a leader to be reminded of the caliber of Airmen with whom I have the privilege to serve. These accomplishments reflect the very best of who we are as a nation During a routine training flight May 1, the and service.” B-1 indicated fire warnings in three areas of the aircraft. With fire visually confirmed by “It was their training and skill that led them the aircrew, they took appropriate flight proce- through the actions to get the plane safely dures to extinguish the flames. One fire indica- landed on the ground, but it was their bravtor light remained, which prompted the aircraft ery that ensured they got through the situation together,” Parker added. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded by the Department of the Air Force for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Both heroism and achievement must be entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine.
commander to heed technical orders Despite auditory warning systems and depressurization, the aircrew safely landed at the Midland International Air and Space Port in Midland, Texas. This was the first-ever successful landing of a B-1B experiencing these malfunctions.
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A Message from our Director
Rabies Exposure by Santos Navarrette, Jr.
surrounding areas.
The ATCPHD has experienced 26 animalto-human exposures to positive rabid animals since January 1, 2018. Twenty-three of the human cases were in Taylor County and the other three were from
ATCPHD provides the biologicals (vaccines) for the treatment of rabies and the cost of the vaccine is extremely expensive. For a complete series of biologicals the cost averages $4,500 to $6,000, but is critical because it will save your life. The best protection from being exposed to rabies is to ensure your pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. ATCPHD also recommends that you call animal control to remove stray animals. If bitten by a potentially rabid animal, wash wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. For information about rabies, visit our website at www.abilenetx.gov/health.
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
Mia Munoz passed away July 27, 2018. She born January 24, 1990, in San Antonio TX to Jeffrey Scott Padilla and Patricia Ann Munoz. Mia received her primary education in Clyde ,Texas. She graduated from The Academy of Creative Education in San Antonio,Texas in 2008. Mia was very artistic,she loved to paint .She also loved to sing and was a State Qualifying Vocalist.In her younger years she was also a Ballerina at the Berkeley Ballet Theatre in California. Mia was preceded in death by her great-grandfather Toribio Cantu Jr. Left to cherish her memories are Mother Paticia and Husband and Step-Father Joel Trueblood of Clyde TX, Paternal grandparents David and Candia Hallford of Abilene,Tx. Maternal grandparents; Rosalinda Cantu Munoz and Marcelino Munoz of San Antonio TX, Brothers; Nash Trueblood of Clyde TX, and Sister; Bella Trueblood of Clyde. She also leaves behind a host of cousins and extended family and friends. Linda Zaccagnino-Martinez-Kennedy - On July 18,2018, Linda, beloved mother and wife has passed away at the age of 70 after an ongoing battle with a progressive illness. Linda will be forever remembered by her husband Mark, and her children Timothy, Peter, Joseph and Erin Grachek and grandchildren Atticus and Athena. Linda will also be remembered forever by her sister Marguerite and the numerous family members, church members and dear friends to whom she has always been dear. Native to Brooklyn, New York, Linda received her two degrees in education and spent over 35 years dedicating herself teaching and nurturing the thousands of students put in her care. After retirement from public education, she spent years teaching and nurturing youth as part of Bible Study education. Through the Brooklyn church community, Linda volunteered time with the senior citizens and those with ailments in the community. The epitome of selflessness, Linda put the needs of others above her own, especially her beloved children Timothy and Peter. In July of 2013 Linda and Mark Kennedy married and Linda moved to Abilene, Texas. Here, she spent her remaining years in love and joy with Mark and through participation in the Pioneer Drive Baptist Church community. As a woman of great faith, Linda spent her life donating to charities to help others in need and taking genuine joy in being a supportive figure in the health and success of her children and loved ones. She always maintained a personal enjoyment from things like a good scrabble challenge, the artistic talents of the likes of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers. and Gene Kelly, reading scripture, praying for others, reading Shakespeare and watching a baseball game.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Billy Joe Cox, 86, of Abilene, Texas passed away peacefully on Monday ,August 13, 2018. Billy was born on May 8, 1932 in Cameron, Texas to the late William Floyd and Florence Cox. He volunteered for service in the United States Army in August 1949 and served one combat tour in Korea before separating from the Army in April 1953. During this period of service, he was awarded the Soldiers Medal, the nation’s highest honor a soldier can receive for an act of valor in peacetime for saving the lives of four teenagers whose car was involved in an accident with the fuel tanker and was engulfed in flames. Billy rejoined the Army in November 1961 to accept a commission as a Warrant Officer and completed flight school at Camp Wolters, Texas. His career spanned 20 years to include two combat tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot during which he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal and ten Air Medals to include one Air Medal for Valor. Billy received a meritorious Service Medal for designing a system for taking oil samples on aircraft and vehicles that is continued to be used by the Army today. Billy retired from the Army in May 1978 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Three after serving 20 years in the aviation and aviation maintenance career fields. After retirement from the military, Billy continued with his love of helicopters and went to work for Bell Helicopter. In 1979 he worked with Bell Helicopter in Iran as a mechanical instructor and again in Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas as a contract representative and a writer of tech manuals for helicopters. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 62 years, Cloyce Juanell Cox, who passed away July 19,2018, two sons William Garfield and Donnie Joe Cox, and two brothers William and George Cox. Billy is survived by his daughter Linda and her husband Darrell Rogers of Abilene, Texas, a granddaughter Trista and her spouse Marti Martinez of San Antonio, a great-granddaughter Amelinda Cox-Martinez of San Antonio, two sisters Mae (Lloyd) Warren of Abilene, Texas and Lynda (Charlie) Martin of Anson, Texas, brother Donnie (Betty) Cox of San Antonio, Texas and a host of nieces and nephews. Billy will be remembered as a loving husband, father, Papa, Big Papa, brother and uncle. He was known for his amazing generosity, his love for anything golf, and his dedication to the military and his family. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
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
West Texas Food Truck Festival with 38 Special Saturday, Oct 6th
By Stubwire.com
Southern rock legends 38 Special to headline year. And at each and every show, thousands the 1st Annual West Texas Food Truck Festi- of audience members are amazed by the exval on October 6th in Abilene, Texas!! plosive power of the band’s performance. Their many Gold and Platinum album awards After more than three decades together, 38 stand in testament to the endurance of a legSPECIAL continue to bring their signature endary powerhouse. blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a With sales in excess of 20 million, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Chain Lightnin’,” “Second Chance,” and more - Timeless hits that remain a staple at radio, immediately recognizable from the first opening chord, and paving the way to their present-day touring regimen. The 1st Annual West Texas Food Truck Festival will be a full day of family-friendly fun at the Back Porch of Texas. We’ll have tons of food trucks from all over the area while enjoying live bands, 2 concert stages, vendors and more! If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the West Texas Food Truck Festival. Please contact VIP Custom Events at 325-676-1199. Special THANK YOU to all of our sponsors who made the West Texas Food Truck Festival possible:
ISE CALL US TO ADVERT (325) 701-9505
•VIP Custom Events •Townsquare Media •Midway Plumbing •Quality Heating & Cooling •Lithia Toyota •Lawrence Hall Chevrolet •MOR Drilling •Betty Rose’s •First National Bank of Abilene
Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17
18 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Grace Gala to Honor Martha Kiel Saturday, August 25, 2018 | 6:30 PM - 11:30 PM The 2018 Grace Gala will honor a woman who has faithfully contributed to the efforts and growth of The Grace Museum and arts education for many years. We invite you to join us on Saturday, August 25 as we shine a spotlight on our joyful friend and passionate champion of The Grace, Martha Kiel.
adjunct professor at Hardin-Simmons and McMurry Universities. Her contributions as an artist and an inspiring teacher, as well as a supporter of The Grace, have been consistent and impressive. Not only has she advocated for the arts on a local level, but she has also served with state and national art organizations.
For many years, Martha has served in various capacities at The Grace Museum. Currently, she is a member of the Board of Trustees, a member and past president of Los Aficionados, and a volunteer art instructor for programs.
Abilene is excited to have this opportunity to shine a well-deserved light on Martha and to honor her dedication to The Grace Museum, the arts, and to our hometown at the 27th Grace Gala. We hope you’ll join us! For more information regarding the availability of individual tickets in the Main Gallery or the Rooftop, please contact Sheila Scevers at 325-673-4587 or administration@thegracemuseum.org.
The entire city of Abilene owes much to Martha as she has touched over 17,000 students during her teaching career and served as an
EDUCATION
LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
Twenty Things Kids Need For School
2636 Barrow St • Abilene, TX
(325) 232-8013
Mon - Sat. ◘ 10 to 6 / Closed Wednesdays Sunday ◘ 12 to 6
By Sharon Randall | Abilene Reporter-News
Abilene Jump Zone is a local, family owned business. Over 10,000 Sq ft of fun with 7 bouncy houses and large toddler area!
2. 3.
. The gifts of being well fed, 14 well rested, well mannered, and
4. 5.
them in the eye, don’t start a fight, but don’t back down); to ask questions (raise your hand and wait to be called on); and to never stop asking “why?”
Do you remember your first day of school? Did A healthy respect for themselves and for you think your life was over, or that it had only others, especially their teachers. just begun? An awareness that the world does not reI recall my first day of second grade. We had volve around them and they alone are responrecently moved and I started a new school. I sible for their actions. walked into a classroom of kids, all clucking like chickens with a fox in their hen house, Parents and grandparents who teach by exwaiting for a teacher to show up and shoot the ample a love for reading, learning and life. fox. I took a seat, put my head down and got to work. An assurance that school is a good, safe place; their teachers will like them; and their Then a girl came over and sat on my desk, cov- parents won’t leave town without them. ering my paper. A clear understanding that school is their “job” and no one else can or will do it for them. “Whachadoin’?” she said.
“Practicing my numbers.” “Is that all you can do?” “No,” I said, “it’s not.”
What happened next was not intentional. I got up to sharpen my pencil. The desk flipped and broke her nose. She became my best friend, and never let me forget how we met. School starts soon for children around the country, including five of our six grandchildren. Randy will be in second grade. Charlotte and Henry will be in first. Wiley is starting kindergarten. Eleanor Rose will be in preschool. And Archer, going on 2, will stay home.
. The confidence to deal with 15 bullies (stand up straight, look
. To feel they’re best (or very 16 good) at something, and it’s OK 6. not to be good at everything. . A system for exchanging communication 17. To spend more time with hu7between school and home; a backpack for notes mans than with machines. that need to be signed; an emergency phone number that always answers; a quiet place and 18. To have nothing to do once consistent time to do homework; a daily chance in a while but daydream. to read aloud and to be read to. 19. To know school won’t last for getting to and from school safely forever, but learning is lifelong. 8and.onA plan time. . Most of all, they need 20 someone to love them; to make them do their . A pet to care for, clean up after and come 9home to. homework and brush their teeth; to tuck them in at night and beam at them each morning; . A public library card and regular chanc- and someone to pray for them and their friends, 10 their teachers and their schools. es to use it. .. Someone to welcome them home, laugh I wanted all those things for my children. I 11 at their jokes, answer questions and listen to want them now for my grandchildren, and for
The first day of school should be celebrated, so my husband and I gave the kids a few small what they say and don’t say. gifts, shoes or pants or a backpack. The power of how it feels to help others But most of what children truly need for school less fortunate. can’t be bought. Years ago, in another column, I listed 20 things kids need for school. I am often . The encouragement to try new things; asked (thank you) to repeat that list. Here it is: the freedom to fail; and the chance to try again.
12. 13.
1. A No. 2 pencil and a willingness to erase.
well covered for medical, dental and after-school care.
all children, yours and mine. I hope you want them, too.
They are gifts that can’t be bought. But together, God willing, we can give them.
20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
ACU Journalism Student Turns Dream of Photography Business into Reality By Gabi Ramirez | ACU Today, Abilene Christian University
For many students, dreams of running a business are just that, dreams. Students think big but aren’t always sure how to go about the actual execution. But through hard work and many hours of photo shoots and editing, one student in particular has made this dream a reality. Lauren Franco, a convergence journalism major from Fort Worth, Texas, never knew photography would become such an important part of her life until taking a photography class her sophomore year of high school. It was through the affirmation of teachers and peers that Franco quickly discovered an untapped skill and was encouraged to grow into the photographer she is today. Now a national award-winning photographer and editor for ACU’s newspaper The Optimist, Franco says she was first inspired to start Lauren Marie Photography when she saw a need for photographers in Abilene.
essay titled “These 22 College Students Will Change Your Perspective on What It’s Like to be a Young Woman in America Right Now.” Being able to work on a project that directly tied to her mantra of being yourself and embracing what makes you comfortable was definitely a highlight of her college career. Franco is quick to express her gratitude toward the tight-knit ACU community. “The only reason that I have all of these connections is because my connections are a text away,” she said. Franco also appreciates the opportunity to mentor others and be mentored herself. “Being a leader and helping my peers has really grown my passion even more,” she said. “It’s not just about having a passion and clicking a button but getting to explain why I click the button, how I click the button, and everything in between.”
Wildcat alumni have also been a wonderful resource, Lauren says. “Having alumni come back and mentor me through the [business side] has definitely helped me,” she said.“I would be so lost without the community that has grown me. Having them to help me through it all has been incred“I think a good photographer is someone who can ible.” shoot anything, shoot anywhere, and love what they’re shooting at all times. … It’s been a huge blessing to be able to branch out and do different things.” Whether it is for The Optimist, portraits, families, weddings, events or businesses, Franco always has been intentional about pursuing any opportunity that comes her way.
Franco says one of her favorite opportunities was a photo shoot done for a Glamour Magazine photo
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Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
School Resource Officers Working Together with School Marshals to Keep Schools Safe By Maria Aguilera| KTXS
The 2018-2019 school year is just around the corner The Abilene Police Department provides eight SRO’s, and there has been recent talk about about arming with seven of them serving Abilene ISD and the reschool employees. maining one serving Wylie ISD. There are already law enforcement officers on cam- The APD SRO’s cover a total of 30 campuses, accordpuses at schools all over Abilene and Taylor County. ing to Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge. School resource officers like Stacy Dorado with the “Having school resource officers on every campus, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office are the first line of de- you know, that would be the perfect solution, but there fense against safety threats at numerous schools. aren’t enough cops to make that happen,” Standridge said. “You become a part of their life and they know they can count on you,” Dorado said. The School Marshal Program allows some school district employees to have a SRO’s do more than just firearm on campus, but take action when there is they can only use it if an emergency, according there is an active threat to Dorado. to the school’s safety. “We’re really involved in their lives and parents’ lives too,” Dorado said. “They know who we are, they come up to us and they know they can approach us if they need anything.”
Participants in the School Marshal Program are required to have at least 80 hours of training with the Abilene Police Department and they must also take a psychological test.
Dorado said that SRO’s also serve as mentors to the students at their assigned schools. “They’re also there for quality of life for your students, so are the school marshals. We’re going to work The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office has two SRO’s hand in hand. We’re gonna work with both our ISD’s who cover five different campuses, which include to keep your kids safe,” Standridge said. “Mostly, it’s Lawn Elementary School, Buffalo Gap Elemen- a peace of mind for parents just to know that our prestary School, Jim Ned Middle School, Jim Ned High ence is there.” School and Trent ISD’s school. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is considering Dorado said that they are mostly housed in the middle adding another SRO to their force, while the Abilene schools and high schools, but they drive to anywhere Police Department is sticking with their eight current that they are needed. SRO’s.
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Hardin-Simmons University Announces New Director of Bands
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By Dr. Kristina Campos-Davis | Director of Communications, HSU
Dr. Robert Tucker, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and President Eric Bruntmyer are proud to announce the hiring of a new Director of Bands for Hardin-Simmons University.
the maracas and cymbals with the World Famous Cowboy Band. They have so much fun playing great music and sharing their personalities during their performances. Because of this, I want every band kid to come to HardinMr. Bill Harden, an HSU alumnus, has ac- Simmons to experience the Cowboy Band! But, cepted the position of Director of Bands. these experiences are only made possible by “Bill comes to us with many great leadership. During the years of successful experipast 95 years we have been ence as a Texas band direcblessed with so many wontor,” says Dr. Robert Tucker. derful directors and I look “He is also an outstanding forward to welcoming Billy musician and a Hardin-SimHarden back to campus this mons alum. We are excited fall as he leads the band.” for his leadership with the Cowboy Band and the ConThe HSU Cowboy Band cert Band.” Foundation is also excited to welcome Mr. Harden, “The Mr. Harden has a great deal Cowboy Band Foundation of experience as a band dilooks forward to a continrector, he has been the Band ued positive relationship Director at Odessa HS since with Hardin-Simmons and 1998. He has also been a the HSU School of Music,” bassoonist with the Midland says Mr. Jay Lester, 2nd Odessa Symphony OrchesVice Chair of the HSU Cowtra since 1988. He received boy Band Foundation. “We his bachelor’s from HSU in are excited to welcome Bill 1986, and a master’s of music from the Uni- Harden, a Cowboy Band graduate from 1986. versity of Cincinnati in 1988. He has already started planning for the future by setting some goals for the band, including trav“I am very excited to be coming back to where el, recruitment and retention of members, and a I learned to be a music educator,” says Mr. positive relationship with the band foundation. Harden. “My experiences at HSU, especially The future looks bright for the Cowboy Band!” with the Cowboy Band, have helped to make me the person I am today. I’m excited to meet Mr. Harden is currently out of the country, but the young men and women who make up the will begin his work at HSU in early August. World Famous Cowboy Band of today!” The administration is committed to the legacy and the Cowboy Band, explains President Bruntmyer. “Recently I was honored to play
McMurry University now offers online degrees in business, nursing and criminal justice that fit your life and goals. The online degree programs are transfer-friendly, convenient and affordable. McMurry University is your community to flourish academically, personally and professionally.
For more information contact your online enrollment counselor Caroline Park at 325-793-4710 or park.caroline@mcm.edu and begin your path to success.
online.mcm.edu
Opening Assembly at ACU Monday, Aug. 27 11 a.m. Moody Coliseum For more than a century, ACU has celebrated the beginning of each school year with Opening Assembly. Cheers cascade during the Parade of Flags as each state and nation represented in the student body is announced. A time of devotion is marked by the traditional singing of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” the reading of Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill, and prayer. After a special speaker, the school year is pronounced “officially in session,” and the Big Purple band sends everyone scurrying to lunch or class with “March Grandioso.” This year, join us for the 113th Opening Assembly at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27, in Moody Coliseum
New Wylie East Elementary School Prepares for New School Year By Maria Aguilera | KTXS
The finishing touches are being put on the new Wylie East Elementary School which will hold pre-k through first graders this fall. The new campus is next to Kirby Lake and those grade levels living East of Highway 83-84 will be attending the East elementary campus. “We are a fun-loving younger bulldog here at Wylie East elementary,” Wylie Independent School District Superintendent Joey Light said. After months and months of long hours and hard work, the new elementary school is almost ready for students to walk the halls. “It’s really an exciting time,” Light said. “We started with just dirt and it just seemed like the process was taking so long and people were saying it’s not going to happen, it’s not going to happen but we just knew it was,” Wylie East Elementary Principal, Kim McMillan said. Housing pre-k through first graders come August 27th, the new campus was designed with the bulldog pups in mind. “We have bright colors, we have in the cafeteria we have geometric shapes that are on the floor then go into the walls. We were thrilled to have an opportunity to really to build a school that was specifically designed for young students so that drove a lot of our decisions as far as colors and and types of access they were going to have to different areas of the building,” Light said. Expecting about 400 students, this next year, Wylie East has 28 classrooms all color coordinated. “We have a yellow door here so if I’m a kindergartner, first grader I’m going to be able to say not only where the room is but what color that is working on,” Light said. Now, teachers are moving into the building and decorating their classrooms while the finishing touches are put on the elementary for “Meet the Teacher” next week. “Things that are coming into place, the playground will be installed, we’ve got more sidewalks to be installed, some signage,” Light said. While there is still some work to do until Wy-
lie East Elementary’s debut, the administration is excited about their new home. “We’ve been in pretty intense labor the last few weeks and really having to work hard trying to pull some things across the finish line and then when you got that baby in your hands and it’s all worth while and so that’s where we are. We’ve got the baby in our hands, we’re excited and it was all worth it,” Light said. “Teachers were skipping in the hall yesterday because they are so excited to be here so it’s really fun, it’s a lot of fun and we think the kids are just going to make it even more fun,” McMillan said. The new school is expected to be complete by Thursday, August 23 for “Meet the Teacher” and school will start August 27th.
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24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
TSTC in Abilene to Introduce New Electrical Power and Controls Program This Fall By Daniel Perry | TSTC Communications
A new way to study power technology that keeps electricity flowing will debut in August in the Big Country.
“I build relationships with people and have phone conversations and try to make a cognitive effort to email TSTC and say, ‘When is your next graduating class? I have this job coming open,’” Bartholomew said.
Get a High-Voltage Career
Texas State Technical College will offer the Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls this fall at the new The program’s instructor in Abilene, Kevin Industrial Technology Center on Navajo Trail Staton, owned an electrical business in Virginnear Abilene Regional Airport in Abilene. ia before moving this summer to join TSTC. The degree is the first He said students are of its kind to be ofin for a “wonderful Electrical Power & Controls is among the experience” with the fered at TSTC’s four new programs offered at TSTC’s new West Texas campuses. hands-on learning. Some of the skills that Electrical Power and Controls majors can acquire include an understanding of the National Electrical Code, how direct and alternating currents function, and electrical design.
Industrial Technology Center.
“You have to respect
As demand for electricity grows, so does the need electricity or it will you,” Staton said. for skilled technicians. Your success in this hurt program “There is one thing is assured through TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee. New programs and new opportunities coming Fall 2018. Learn more at: tstc.edu/abileneITC
you can count on, and that is always having a job in this field. It’s going to be hard for a computer or anything to take over this kind of trade.”
#TSTCSaveYourSeat “Our guys go to work with utilities and testing and maintenance in the wind industry,” said The Electrical Power and Controls program Dan Bateman, a senior instructor in TSTC in is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, Waco’s Electrical Power and Controls pro- which promises graduates will secure jobs in gram. “A lot of companies will hire a contrac- their field within six months of graduation or tor to maintain their substations and genera- receive their tuition money back. tors. The companies come here to interview.” The Industrial Technology Center will also The Woodlands – Houston – Sugar Land area have new technical programs for Industrial has the highest number of electrical and elec- Maintenance and Welding. The Emergency tronics engineering technicians in Texas with Medical Services program will move to the more than 3,700, according to the U.S. Bu- new building from its current location on East reau of Labor Statistics. West Texas, exclud- Highway 80 in Abilene. ing Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland and Odessa, had about 200 technician jobs. For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. Some of the other jobs graduates can go into include electrical and electronics repairers for substations, powerhouses and relays, and electrical and electronics engineering techniCALL US TO A cians. DVERTIS
Get a High-Voltage Career (325) 701-95 0
E
Ryan Bartholomew, a human Electrical resources con- Power &20Controls is 5 among 9 S. Danvi sultant at AEP Texas in Abilene, said he canEmail: info@hisplle, Suite B-103 aniclifemedia.co not consider applicants for jobs in the field new programs offered at TSTC’s new m without an associate degree. He said AEP Industrial Texas has hired TSTC Electrical Power and Technology Center. Controls graduates in the past.
the
As demand for electricity grows, so does the
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
Get a High-Voltage Career Electrical Power & Controls is among the new programs offered at TSTC’s new Industrial Technology Center. As demand for electricity grows, so does the need for skilled technicians. Your success in this program is assured through TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee. New programs and new opportunities coming Fall 2018. Learn more at: tstc.edu/abileneITC #TSTCSaveYourSeat
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26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
New Abilene ISD Ambassador Academy Begins in September By Abilene Independent School District
This Jersey #64 means the world to Cisco College and this football program. A year before WWII, a man by the name of JM Moore played at Cisco College, then went to War to fight for this great country. After serving years in combat, JM Moore came back to Cisco College to play 2 more seasons for the #WRANGLERS as an Offensive Lineman. The football team recognized Mr. Moore with his jersey #64. We are so proud to give JM Moore this appreciation for his sacrifice and commitment to this country and Cisco College. JM Moore grew up in Olden, just a few miles west of Ranger. He has lived in Albany for over 65 years.
The Abilene ISD Ambassador Academy is an outreach of the Board of Trustees designed to facilitate communication between the District and community. The purpose is to develop parents and community members as ambassadors for the school district by familiarizing them with the different facets of operations and programming in AISD. Five sessions are planned during the school year beginning in late September and culminating in late March with a tour of AISD facilities during the school day.
2018-2019 Meeting Dates
Monday, September 17 Monday, October 15 Monday, November 12 Monday, February 4 Friday, March 29 (during school day) Imelda! YOU GOT THE JOB! You have put in the hard work and now, success is YOURS! You learned the skills and they saw you were made for greatness! Way to go! Congrats to you and Breckenridge SMILE Center Todd M Pennartz DDS
All evening meetings will be held at One AISD Center, 241 Pine St. 6:00—8:00 p.m. with dinner included. Participation is open to the first 25 applicants
How to Apply: Please complete a short application form
at www.abileneisd.org. Click Abilene ISD Ambassador Academy. Deadline for applying is August 31. Participants will be notified Sept. 7.
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
AISD Announces Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price Meals By Susana Herrera | Meal Benefits Coordinator, Abilene Independent School District
Abilene Independent School District announced its policy today for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the attached current income eligibility guidelines. Each school/site or the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by anyone on request. Starting on July 23, 2018, Abilene Independent School District will begin distributing letters to the households of the children in the district of Abilene about eligibility benefits and any actions households need to take to apply for these benefits. Applications also are available at 241 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601 and/or your children’s school.
4. Signature of an adult household member attesting that the information provided is correct.
Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility. ApCategorical or Program Eligibility plications may also be verified by the school Abilene Independent School District is work- officials at any time during the school year. ing with local agencies to identify all children who are categorically and program eligible. Determining Eligibility Abilene Independent School District will no- Under the provisions of the free and reducedtify the households of these children that they price meal policy, Susana Herrera, Meal do not need to complete an application. Any Benefits Coordinator, 241 Pine St, Abilene,
Criteria for Free and ReducedPrice Meal Benefits The following criteria will be used to determine a child’s eligibility for free or reducedprice meal benefits: Income 1. Household income that is at or below the income eligibility levels Categorical or Automatic Eligibility 2. Household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Program Participant 3. Child’s status as a foster child, homeless, runaway, migrant, or displaced by a declared disaster 4. Child’s enrollment in Head Start or Even Start
Income Eligibility
For those households that qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on income, an adult in the household must fill out free and reduced-price meal application and return it to Susana Herrera, Meal Benefits Coordinator, 241 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601, 325-6771444 ext 1618. Those individuals filling out the application will need to provide the following information: 1. Names of all household members 2. Amount, frequency, and source of current income for each household member 3. Last 4 digits of the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application or, if the adult does not have a social security number, check the box for “No Social Security number”
household that does not receive a letter and feels it should have should contact Susana Herrera, Meal Benefits Coordinator, 241 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601 – 325-677-1444 ext 1618.
TX 79601 – 325-677-1444 ext 1618 will review applications and determine eligibility. Households or guardians dissatisfied with the Reviewing Official’s eligibility determination may wish to discuss the decision with the Reviewing Official on an informal basis. Any household that wishes to decline benefits Households wishing to make a formal apshould contact Susana Herrera, Meal Benefits peal for a hearing on the decision may make Coordinator, 241 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601 a request either orally or in writing to Scott – 325-677-1444 ext 1618. McLean, Associate Superintendent, 241 Pine
St, Abilene, TX 79601 325-677-1444
Unexpected Circumstances
If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the attached current income eligibility guidelines. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda. gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
The Value of Sports for Our Children
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By AllProDad.com
The most terrifying football season I’ve ever experienced as a kid was when I was made the team’s center. It’s important to note here that I was painfully small and skinny. The pinnacle of that autumn was a match-up against a boy (supposedly the same age as me) who was at least 7 ft. tall. He looked like the Incredible Hulk in cleats. As far as I was concerned, we had an “open door policy” at the center of the line that entire game. Our QB got buried repeatedly that Saturday morning in an avalanche of dirt and fury. I learned a lot from that season about fear, courage, and my own limitations. Thanks to Pop Warner football, I learned at an early age about getting knocked on your rear end and then getting back up to try to do it better the next time. Even more, sports built teamwork skills, provided lifelong memories, and friendships. Sports taught me things about myself that have helped guide me in my life. That was the value of sports for me. The characteristics that playing sports teaches our children will stay with them forever. Here are some of the most common.
EXTREME ADVENTURE
EXTREME COMMUNITY IMPACT SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 | Enterprise tower
500 Chestnut | Abilene, TX | 79602 Over the Edge benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters Abilene returns for the third year. A limited number of participants will raise a minimum of $1,000 to rappel 20 stories down the tallest building in Abilene – the Enterprise Tower.
Contact Mallory WILCOX | mWILCOX@bbbstx.org | 325.674.3115
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Respect for Authority
The same as it is in life, sports require conforming to structured rules and submitting to higher authority. No matter how talented an individual may be, he still has to abide by the rules set forth by the game and the referees that enforce them. The adults coaching are teaching the children something far more than a game. They are teaching how to succeed in life.
Winning and Losing
It’s important in life to learn how to do both well. Just as losing leaves a bad taste in the mouth that can only be relinquished by the taste of victory, winning all the time can leave a person overconfident and lacking appreciation. Sports will always find a way to break your heart and then rebuild it stronger than it was before.
Developing Courage
Integrity, Honesty, and Playing Fair
Sports will always shake out those that want to cheat the system. Sports teach the important lesson that nothing in life is worth having that isn’t earned. NFL Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy is often asked what lessons he learned in sports. He and his wife Lauren wrote a children’s book called Austin Plays Fair about the importance of playing by the rules.
Perseverance
When a child, who is too small or too slow or not good enough, perseveres by trying again and again, he develops a quality necessary for future success–he learns how to overcome great obstacles. Sports success probably won’t be his, but later in life when his true calling is discovered, he’ll be a true beast to contend with.
It takes courage to stand there with a skinny bat and have another person throw a very hard, tiny ball at you as fast as they can. It hurts getting hit by a baseball. And it hurts when a boy twice your size knocks you on your backside even with pads on. The air from your lungs goes rushing out and refuses to come back. It takes courage just to walk on the field and say, “I want to play.” Coach Dungy and his wife Lauren also wrote a children’s book about learning to be courageous through sports called, Maria Finds Courage.
Teamwork
The greatest trait that sports will ever teach our children: the ability to work alongside other people in common purpose. No man is an island, and if he’s ever going to get anywhere, he’s going to need some help. Sports above all else teaches this lesson vividly.
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30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Students Travel to Learn about Norway’s Criminal Justice System By Grace Mitchell | Staff Writer, Hardin-Simmons University
Criminal Justice major Oliwer Elfstedt ’20 grew up in Sweden and has been to over forty countries, but he took his first trip with HSU this summer. Elfstedt traveled to Norway with 25 others from the Criminal Justice program to learn about the Norwegian justice system from June 20-30.
ductively and learn to be functional members of society. They focus more on rehabilitating people.” In the Norwegian prison system, offenders are sometimes placed in open prisons where they can leave to work during the day and return to sleep at night. In this way, offenders can contribute to the economy and continue to find their purpose. Elfstedt says that none of this would be possible without the encouragement of the correctional officers. “Here in the U.S., basically every prison guard says, ‘at the end of the day all I want to do is survive the day and go home.’ The prison guard I talked to said, ‘at the end of the day if I can impact someone’s life, just one person, I’d call it a good day.’ That was a huge difference to me,” he said. The mental health aspect of the Norwegian justice system interested Charlotte Pachall ’19.
During this ten-day excursion, the students compared the prison, police, and court systems found in Texas, the United States, and Norway. They also attended research meetings with the students and faculty of the University of Bergen. The students were immersed in Norwegian culture as they took a train ride across Norway and hiked by waterfalls, fjords, and glaciers. HSU professors chose this destination because Norway’s criminal justice system is vastly different than the United States’.
“At the maximum security prison, all the guards are trained in the mental health field,” she said. They are all practicing therapists or psychologists. I thought that was really cool because a lot of times people just want to give inmates medicine, but these correctional officers actually knew how to deal with these situations.” Alex Richardson ‘19 in NorwayIn addition to the educational side of the trip, Elfstedt enjoyed hiking at least ten miles every day. He says that it helped create and strengthen a bond between the students and professors.
Pachall said the mountains left her speechless. “The U.S. is very extreme on the punitive side, and Norway is not,” Elfstedt said. “Their re- “I was at a loss for words,” she said “I was cidivism rate is 20%, and ours is 76%. I think reminded of the verse that says “Be still and it has one of the best prison systems in the know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10).” world.” Charlotte Pachall ’19 credits the success of the prison system to the wardens and guards. “They don’t view them as inmates, but as their future neighbors,” she said. “They want to see that they use their time in incarceration pro-
Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31
Interim Director Named For Holland Medical High School By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, Abilene Independent School District
Longtime Abilene ISD administrator Gaile Thompson has been tabbed to be the interim director at Holland Medical High School during the search for a permanent leader. Thompson retired from Abilene ISD in 2015 after 40 years in education, including the final 12 in AISD. She was the district’s Executive Director of Career and Technical Education when she stepped away in 2014 and previously served as Executive Director of Secondary Education for 10 years. Thompson also spent time as a teacher and administrator in the Clyde and Brownsville school districts and was a curriculum consultant for the Region 14 Education Service Center for 12 years. Emme Siburt was director of Holland Medical High School in 2017-2018 and will serve as assistant principal of Dyess and Thomas elementary schools in the upcoming school year. The 2018-2019 school year begins Aug. 22.
New Wiggles and Giggles Program at Library By Janis Test | Abilene Public Library
Every Wednesday in August South Branch, 4:30 p.m. The Abilene Public Library has a brand new program – Wiggles & Giggles! It is an afternoon program designed for kids ages 0-4, a fun educational program that combines music, dance, and rhythm with structured learning. Children will develop confidence, coordination and social skills while they learn to express themselves in a warm and relaxed environment. So, join us every Wednesday at 4:30pm for an active and lively program that’s free and fun for the whole family!
32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
FAITH&FAMILY
How August Are You?
SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
By Ray Vinson, Ph.D.
August is here! For those of us who are still raising children, we are entering the hustle and bustle of preparing for a new school year. For those of us who do not, we are retraining ourselves to remember to watch for children crossing the street. Drive slow through school zones, and brake for stopped school buses. It’s a new season! Those lazy days of summer are about to close, and it’s time for a new season. Most of us just go through the motions of the transition because we done it so many times before.
However, what you must always remember, is God thinks your pretty “August” yourself! His view of you, is not based upon your “doing”, but rather your being! You were created in His likeness and image. Hebrews 1:3 reveals to us that Jesus was sent as God’s express image and representation to us. Yes, to reveal to us who God is, but also to reveal to us who we are!
Christ came to show us what the original plate of God’s currency looks like. It looks like Christ! Do you have a dollar bill? Maybe a five, ten, fifty, what about a One hundred dollar bill? Is the bill new, fresh, crisp? What is it worth? It’s worth the sum printed on it. What about that bill that is torn, wrinkled, faded, been passed from person to person. Does it have less value than the crisp new bill? Not However, what are we missing with all of the if it is of the same sum! You and I were worth hustle? Have we thought about a newness, a freshness of this season? Kids are headed to school to learn something new. What about us? Are we open to learning something new this season?
Abilene Aggie Takes Graduation Photos With Massive Gator By BigCountryHomepage.com
The internet is going crazy over an Aggie who took her graduation photos with a 13-foot-8-inch alligator just mere inches away. She even managed to place her class ring on the gator’s snout for the perfect ring picture. Makenzie Alexis Noland, of Abilene, took the photos at Gator Country, which is near Beaumont. The NBC affiliate in Beaumont reports Noland spent the summer as an in-
For example, did you know the word “August” means “distinguished, illustrious, prestigious, celebrated. Hmm! Sounds a little intimidating doesn’t it? It sounds intimidating because we don’t feel we can identify. Yep, when we think of words like these, we think of someone else. When you think of these words, would you agree they describe God? Most of us would. However, when it comes to us, we see something very different. Why? Is it possible, we identify more with our value being determined by a graceless, merciless, world system that hands out value cards to us based upon our performance! We are graded by our “doing”, rather than our “being”. Yes, we would agree that God is “August”!
God sending His Son to remind us who we are, how valuable we are, and how much we are loved! Always remember, you are unique, you are incredible, you are incomparable and you are passionately loved! Yes, your heavenly Father thinks you are pretty “August”! Dr. Ray Vinson is the President and a Senior Fellow of The Institute for Biblical Leadership and Presiding Bishop of Dominion International Network of Ministries and Churches.
tern at the gator farm and apparently became friends with “Big Tex,” the gator she took the photos with. Noland is currently studying wildlife ecology at Texas A&M and is expected to graduate in 2019. Noland posted the photos to her Instagram last week with the caption: “Not your typical graduation picture.”
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34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
The Soul Mate Fantasy
A soul mate isn’t someone you discover; it’s someone you intentionally and prayerfully become. By Family Life
I don’t believe that society’s definition of “soul mate” is healthy or spiritual. It’s great for the movies and Hallmark cards, but no one’s marriage is like the romantic movies you’ve seen. A good friend of ours is divorcing her husband because she bought into the lie that God wants us to “be happy” in marriage and that He would bless the idea that her happiness would be found when she was freed from her current spouse to find her one, true “soul mate.” Like most other people, she has this fantastical, unreal notion that God brings together two lost hearts who experience true compatibility in all the deepest longings of their being. Most people think that your soul mate is someone with whom you never argue and spend endless days of hand-clinching romantic walks on the beach. No hardships, no struggles, just starry-eyed wonder for the next 80 years. The truth is, a soul mate isn’t someone you find, it’s someone you intentionally and prayerfully become. Anyone in a successful marriage can tell you that “success” in marriage doesn’t come from finding that one person you were meant to be with. It only comes from giving up the selfish behavior that served you while you were single, and focusing on selflessly serving your spouse instead. A happy marriage requires a completely different mindset than the 50/50 concept most couples enter into marriage with. The idea that “If I do my 50 percent and Sabrina does her 50 percent, we will have a happy marriage” is ridiculous. Sabrina and I are both imperfect people and we both make mistakes on a daily basis. One of us will always feel disgruntled, thinking that we are contributing more to the happiness of the relationship than the other. The only way to have a happy marriage is if I take the selfish focus off of myself and put 100 percent of my energy into serving Sabrina and she does the same with me. If I am focused 100 percent on serving Sabrina, I don’t even realize when my needs and desires aren’t being met, because I’m not focused on my needs and desires, but hers. Nowhere in the Bible does God say anything about soul mates. God gives us the simple details on how to have a great marriage: Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Wives, respect your husbands. Both of these are intentional acts of selfless sacrifice that will guarantee us to have a happy marriage.
Even better than that, God chose marriage to represent Christ’s love for us. Even though we didn’t deserve it, Christ loved us so much that He sacrificed Himself to die for us. Neither Sabrina nor I are perfect, but God has called us to live out the gospel every day by sacrificing for and loving each other, even though we don’t deserve it. The fact is, if Sabrina showed her love for me only when I did something to deserve it, I would be in big trouble. But Sabrina and I are very much in love. We have a great marriage. But nobody sees us 24/7/365. They only see our public face, not the thousands of times I’ve thrown a selfish temper tantrum because I didn’t feel like her world was revolving around me enough. Sabrina and I have a very real marriage. We disagree, we argue, and we get frustrated with each other. But even in those times, we work even harder at treating each other with love and respect. Despite what eHarmony would have you to believe, we are not compatible in every way. There are many times when we have to make changes and personal sacrifices for each other. We’re in love and are soul mates because we work at it. Most people don’t like the idea of having to work for a soul mate. But you will never speak with a happily married couple that will tell you that they haven’t had to work hard for the happiness they have together. ____________________________________ David Beasley was married to Sabrina Beasley McDonald, a writer for FamilyLife. He died in an automobile accident in 2010. David was committed to Christ and to being a man of God. He and Sabrina enjoyed seven years of marriage and have two young children. Three years before his death, David wrote an e-mail about his concern over the cultural idea of finding a “soul mate” to marry. This article was adapted from that email, with Sabrina’s permission. We run this article to honor a man who, as his obituary said, “enjoyed life to the fullest, died without regrets, and longed to spread the message of Christ to the world.”
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Workaholism By Elaine Minamide | Focus on the Family
How can workaholics break the cycle of addiction? The first step is recognizing the problem. Debra Weaver, a pastor’s wife and mother of four who teaches part time at her children’s school, recently made the decision to step down as director of women’s ministries at her church after she recognized the toll her busyness was taking on her relationships at home.
Whether we’re bona fide volunteeraholics or simply over-functioning moms who have taken on too much, we need to ask ourselves: In our drive to create an illusion of self-worth that’s based on what we accomplish, are we doing irreparable damage to our children, family and friends? If so, what are we going to do about it?
“I was constantly on the phone or on the computer, and as a result, I was constantly getting mad at my kids,” she recalls. “I knew it was time to give it up. For me, it was a matter of trusting God: Do I really believe that if I invest my time where God wants me to invest it — in my family — He will bless my ministry?”
• Acknowledge you have a problem. • Be accountable to someone for your schedule. • Cut out half of your outside involvement. • Don’t add a new activity to your schedule without eliminating another. • Allow time in your schedule for doing nothing. • Set a time budget and live within it. • Forget quality time — it’s quantity time that counts. • Cherish the time you have with your children now. It can never be reclaimed. • Maintain your perspective. There’s a time for everything; maybe it’s just not now. • If you’re a workaholic, get help before it’s too late.
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Rebecca Robeson, a self-admitted workaholic, is not yet free of her workaholism. But she is becoming aware that she has a problem. Whenever she finds herself caught in the destructive cycle of work addiction, she thinks of a friend and mentor named Brenda. “Brenda has learned to say no,” Rebecca says. “It irritates me, because she refuses things I wish she’d agree to do. More often than not, though, she says no to something good in order to say yes to something better — her family and her relationship with the Lord.”
10 steps to finding balance
Symptoms of workaholism often mask deeper emotional problems such as depression or low self-esteem. Consider getting outside help, either from a trusted pastor or counselor.
Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 35
36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
10 Ways to Help Kids Deal with the Loss of a Loved One By AllProDad.com
I’ll never forget that morning. I was eight years old and the alarm was buzzing on my clock radio. It was early, so early it was still dark. My mom was gently shaking my shoulder and saying something. As my eyes opened and came into focus, I looked up at her. “What did you say?” I said. “Last night Nana passed away.” As I tried to process the fact that my grandmother died I didn’t have an immediate emotional reaction. But later in the day when I was at my friend’s house, as I played with his Legos™ it occurred to me that I wouldn’t see her again. That’s when I burst into tears.
hard questions; ask them how they’re doing. This ensures that you get a sense of their state and how you can help them grieve.
5. Remind them of the good times -
Remembering really helps your child in moving forward. Share stories with each other, and ask your child what their earliest memory of their loved one is. Thinking on good things helps with the pain.
6. Life goes on - Despite how overwhelm-
ing feelings of loss may seem, there’s still hope. Remind them of the events that they can look forward to. Is their favorite book coming out as a movie soon? Did you have plans to go see their favorite artist perform? Life keeps going and so should they.
Losing a loved one is a part of life that everyone will experience. It is a challenge no matter what age you are. Imagine how much harder it is for a child who has never experienced what it is like to be separated from loved ones. Here are 10 ways to help kids deal with losing 7. Maintain routine - With the loss of a someone. loved one, life seems really unpredictable and unstable. Make it a priority to keep things as 1. Be the one to tell them - If possible, consistent as possible. Yes allow for grieving you should be the one to tell them in person. time, but try to maintain their schedule or creWait until a time when you feel you can tell ate a schedule that works for your child. Doing them calmly. It’s better coming from someone these types of things reestablishes organizayour child loves and cares about. As their dad, tion. you know better than most how to communicate with your children, and you know how 8. Hold them - Hugs are not all dads’ easiest much detail they can handle. thing to do. However, embraces really make a difference in the grieving process too. Death 2. Be willing to listen - This can some- has a way of interrupting your world, causing times be difficult, but depending on how life to seem unstable. Holding your child creyoung they are, talking will help. There will ates a sense of security. It also reminds them be things they don’t understand and you that someone else is there with them. might be able to clear things up. That being said, don’t feel pressured to answer all their 9. Support from friends & family questions. Be honest, you don’t have all the Having family and friends involved in the answers, and that’s okay. loss of a loved one is very important. In the absence of a loved one, it’s easy to feel alone. 3. Take some personal time - Besides Not all of your family and friends will be able experience, one of the greatest teachers is by to relate to you, but they can offer their love example. For some, this might be your child’s and acceptance as you and your family work first time experiencing loss. They will learn through your grief. how to grieve by watching other people. Share your emotions. Your kids will need someone 10. Closure - They need some way to say to look to during this hard time. Lead by ex- goodbye. This varies per person. For some, a ample on how to grieve. Be real. funeral is enough, or maybe some type of tribute to their loved one. Your child needs to par4. Be there for them - At the same time, ticipate in a farewell. Closure helps them with don’t become so engulfed in your emotions moving forward. that you miss out on what your children are feeling. During this time, you want to be sensitive to their needs and emotions. Ask the
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
For This Cause
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By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments I believe there a couple of ways to go through struggle. You can either feel like you don’t deserve whatever you are going through and never saw it coming, or you can realize that Jesus’s words in the Bible are true; “In this world you will have trouble.” Now, I am an optimist, so I’m not telling you to be on the lookout for doom and gloom. I am challenging you to be aware of life - this world - and then not be so blindsided when troubles come. Jesus was well aware of what was ahead for Him on this earth. He shared our ‘humanness’. In John 12:27-28 He says, “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Another Bible version reads, “for this cause I came to this time.” Cause and effect. We see it in other places in the Bible as well. Ephesians 5:31 says, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” John 18:37 records the conversation between Jesus and Pilate. Pilate asks Jesus if He is a king. Jesus tells Pilate, “… for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” The struggle is real. Jesus’s cause for coming to this earth was for our forgiveness of sins, which leads us to the effect - eternal salvation - redemption - all a part of God’s plan. In the bond of marriage, there is a cause - a tradeoff - for couples to cut the apron strings and bond to each other. The important part of this message is that the apron strings need to be cut off from the parents before new ties can be established with the spouse. The pain of letting go and cutting off has to happen before the effect can take
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place. Again, there was no effect of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life until Jesus came and lived and suffered and sacrificed Himself for you. For you - His cause - He came and the effect is your eternity. Your blended family is no different. What is your cause? You probably left some freedoms, parents, independence, etc., to join with your spouse to form your family. You have probably already realized this was a bigger undertaking than you ever thought. The struggle with the ex-. The step kids not being respectful. The husband not putting you first. But, let me remind you, without the cause, there is no effect - no possibility of an amazing family being forged from past hurts and failures. Remind yourself of your cause - and then let God show you His effect. Remember, the cause is real, it’s difficult, and impossible at times. But, God has His miraculous ways to work things out - for His purposes and His glory; and that is the effect we should all be seeking. “Father, glorify Your Name!” 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).
Come on out to the 14th Annual Meals on Wheels Sporting Clay Classic!
This family friendly event helps provide hot, nutritious meals to over 1,250 seniors and disabled adults, including your friends, family and neighbors. It’s a great time for a great cause, and we hope to see you there! Call Stephanie at 672-5050, stop by our office or email smason@mealsonwheelsplus.com to register. - Sponsorships still available. - Raffle tickets for a Browning 725 12 Gauge still available.
Signature Sponsors:
38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
The Days of Canned Ministry Are Over The Days of Fresh Produce Are Here By Richard Humphries | Kingdom Global Ministries
I recently received this vi- witness or see something spiritual that creates sion: a hunger in them or satisfies their spiritual appetite. I saw a supermarket aisle, quite high and long, that In the day of ‘fresh produce’ there will be little was stacked with cans of branding or labeling. People will look and vegetables and fruit. There say, ‘this is God’, just like they look at fresh were many brands and va- produce to want it. In Acts 8 (verses 14-19), riety. Then I looked over Simon, a sorcerer, witnessed the power of the the aisle and there were bins of fresh produce; Holy Spirit upon Peter and wanted it. vegetables and fruits. Believers, church leaders, don’t be bound by the system of ministry as it is today. There I began to prophesy: Thepresents season of canned is a change coming when we cannot prepare Kennel Club Abilene ministry is coming to an end! enough for what the Holy Spirit will do in our assembly; and we certainly will not be able to We have taken what was once ‘fresh produce’ can it for production. Prepare your heart and and canned it with our brands and labels. The ministry for the fresh outpouring of the Spirit! church has become an industry where it labels or brands itself. People come to the church I am the LORD your God, Who brought you like they go to the supermarket, reading the out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth labels, looking at what appeals to them, and wide, and I will fill it. (Psalms 81:10) comparing brands. …do not worry about how or what you should We have trained a whole generation of people speak. For it will be given to you in that hour Ac�vity! Family Courtyard Dillard’s Abilene, to readAwho we Fun are and compare our church’s you should speak; for it is not you who Mall of what label toKIDS! other church’s labels. People do not Saturday, speak,August but the 2018 of your Father who speaks 18,Spirit at learning ‐ Complete ac�vi�es look at the church or its leaders to judge what in you. (Matthew 10:19-20) sta�ons and earn a cer�cate, coloring 10:00 am ‐ 4:00 pm we are or who we are by our actions; but rather other prizes. and book, what we say we are on our websites or bro- For I have not spoken on My own authority; a responsib to beFather up on what it takes and “bone” Sit. Staymission ‐ Come. chure. ADULTS! They read values, statements, but the whole sent Me gave Me a comyou. on statements of faith, or personality profiles of mand, what I should say and what I should friend is coun�ng Your best dog owner. the staff; but when a person goes to get ‘fresh speak. (Johnabilenekennelcl 12:49) ub.org produce’, they are not reading labels. They
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Abilene Kennel Club presents
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
A Family Fun Ac�vity!
Mall of Abilene, Dillard’s Courtyard Saturday, August 18, 2018 10:00 am ‐ 4:00 pm
KIDS! ‐ Complete ac�vi�es at learning sta�ons and earn a cer�cate, coloring book, and other prizes. ADULTS! ‐ Come. Sit. Stay and “bone” up on what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. Your best friend is coun�ng on you.
abilenekennelclub.org
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
You Caught Your Teenager Drinking, Now What? By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
You thought you were on top of things as a parent. You talked to your teen many times about drinking. Then you find out they’ve been drinking. What do you do? Here are 5 steps to take in response to underage drinking.
1. Don’t react in anger. With as few words as
possible, let them know that you know about it. Then be silent. Give it a day for you to calm down and for your teen to think about it.
2. Once calm, sit down with them and ask open-ended questions to determine why they were drinking.
This is a heart issue and you need to understand what’s going on inside. Maybe it was curiosity, peer pressure, a means of escape, an identity or image issue, or flat-out rebellion. If your child doesn’t want to talk, let them know that you’ll just sit there with them until they discuss it with you.
4. Talk about consequences and your future expectations. Now is the time to circle the wagons and bring your teen closer to you and closer to home. Start by letting them know the consequences of their actions. Those consequences might include things like losing the privilege of their phone or computer for anything other than school. Going out on weekends or revoking driving privileges may also be appropriate. And when they are at home, do your best to be there with them to just hang out together. Also, share with your child that just as bad company corrupts good character, good company builds good character. Help your child understand that who they associate with is very, very important and that you expect them to start making wiser choices in that area.
5. Stay on top of it. This is not a one-time discussion; it’s an ongoing dialogue. It’s not sim-
3. Help your teenager develop right thinking about alcohol. Communicate to your teen that:
• Alcohol is a depressant and, if they are down or depressed about something, it will only make matters worse. • It is illegal for anyone to buy or possess alcohol until 21 years of age. People who have been drinking while driving can have their driver’s license suspended, be subjected to heavy fines or have their car permanently taken away. If they hurt or kill someone else while being under the influence, they will live with it for the rest of their lives and may even be sent to prison. • Alcohol use by teenagers is a strong predictor of pre-marital sexual activity which can lead to pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional baggage. Teens that use alcohol have higher rates of both academic problems and poor performance than non-drinkers. Also, more than 67% of young people who start drinking before the age of 15 will try an illicit drug. Children who drink are more than 22 times more likely to use marijuana and 50 times more likely to use cocaine than children who never drink.
ply handing out some consequences and then forgetting about it. When your child does leave the house, always make sure that you know who your child is with, where they are going, and what they are doing. You need to know their G.P.S. Have them check in with you on a regular basis. Your teen ultimately needs to understand that they have breached your trust and this is part of the process for them to earn your trust once again.
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | FAITH & FAMILY | 39
40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
10 Ways to Beat an Addiction By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Throughout life, we develop healthy and, sometimes, unhealthy attachments to things. Have you experienced pain because you’re addicted to something? All addictions need addressing. Addictions range from alcohol to pornography to food to exercise to work. Your addiction might be small and manageable now, but left unchecked, it can grow to take over your life. Do you need to make changes? Here are 10 ways to beat an addiction.
door. Faith answered. There was no one there.
6. Plan for better - You can plan by setting
goals or bench markers. Doing so enables you to keep track of where you’ve come. This is also a way to personally keep you accountable. Try writing them down and displaying them somewhere you look often.
1. Own up to it - “The first step to recov- 7. Take Action - This is possibly the easiest ery is admitting you have a problem.” When you know you have an addiction, you can start dealing with it. You’re the only person who can identify where you’re truly at. This doesn’t mean that everybody else is wrong, but that you understand yourself better than any other human. As long as you ignore what you know, change won’t happen.
part: do something. Most of the steps leading up to this one deal with your mind. Now it’s up to your legs. Run to your new life. After all that thinking, you can now put your plan in action. It won’t always be easy, so be prepared to fight for your freedom.
8. Time is your friend -It’s easy to become
impatient during this time, but remember that
2. Desire change - Even after you’ve ac- it took time to get where you are, and it’ll take knowledged to yourself that there’s a problem, there also has to be a desire to change. Sometimes, the tools and resources we need to change are right in front of us, but if they are neglected or we don’t see the need for them, then they’re pointless to us. Be motivated to change this area.
time to leave that place. One battle that everyone fights is finding the balance between taking your time and pushing forward. Yes, there is a time for everything, so take your time, but avoid complacency.
admitted your addiction, it’s okay if you don’t know what to do. That’s why there are resources available to encourage and help you move forward. Don’t be afraid to seek the wisdom and advice of friends and professionals. Be open to their feedback and consider the advice they’re giving.
goals, throw a party to commend yourself for where you’ve come. Invite your support group and closest friends to honor and thank them for all of their encouragement. This would also be a great time to reflect on where you’ve come and where you would like to see yourself going.
4. Surround yourself with support -
not heard very often, but it is probably one of the most important ones. Talking about your experiences not only gives you freedom, but it also encourages others by giving them hope. And it makes you even more accountable.
9. Celebrate your accomplishments3. Ask for help - Once you’ve identified and Over time, as you’ve achieved some of your
You’re not in this alone; so don’t start thinking you are. Your family and loved ones expect the best for you, and have all the confidence that you will change. For additional support, meet up with a person or group to keep you accountable. Remember, you have a team of people cheering you on!
10. Share your story - This suggestion is
5. Don’t fear - If you hold onto fear, or keep
telling yourself, “This is impossible,” “I’m afraid of what’ll happen,” you’ll never move forward. Fear is a limiting factor. When fear is in the equation, no matter what is added or taken away, the equation will come out in the negative. Hold onto hope. Fear knocked on the
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HEALTH&FITNESS
5 Tips to End the Summer Well By John Grohol, Psy. D.
While the season of summer still has more than a few weeks to go, the reality of summer is quickly coming to an end. School is starting, parents are out shopping for their kids’ new clothes and school supplies already, and college students are preparing for their annual return to campus. What’s a person to do with the last few remaining weeks of summer? Well, I can’t tell you what to do or not to do, but I can offer these five tips for ending your summer well. Whether they work for you or not, you won’t know until you try them. But it’s a good bet that you be disappointed with the results if you only try.
1. Finish what you started.
Sometimes we find ourselves putting off the end of a project because we believe we’ll always have time “later.” Later never comes, of course, so the project never really ends. There’s no better way to feel like you’ve accomplished something this summer — no matter how big or small that something is — by simply finishing it up.
2. Don’t worry, be happy.
Many of us spend a lot of time worrying about things we have little or no control of, making our worry essentially worthless in the cosmic scheme of things. Why expend the energy on needless worry when you could be expending it on some last-minute summertime activities, like going to the pool, the waterpark, getting in one last getaway some place, or even just hanging with your friends. Sometimes the simplest activities can turn out to be the most enjoyable. For many of us, this is the one time of the year we can really enjoy the outdoors. Get at least one last thing in — a ballgame, a
trip to the beach, a hike in the mountains, something summery! — before the summer’s over!
3. Prepare now, so you won’t be overwhelmed later. How many
Come in for a test save. mer months we later regret. Maybe we get into an argument with a best friend, or ignore an invite from a favorite aunt. Maybe we blew off one set of friends to spend more time with another set. Whatever it is you might have done, don’t let it keep simmering after the summer is over. Now’s a great time to make amends — before the hectic pace of fall makes all of our lives more stressful and less forgiving.
times do we think, “Ah, I can study later” or “Ah, I can start organizing the things I need to head back to campus next week.” Then next week comes and boom! — it’s time to go and you’re nowhere close to being packed. Organize yourself now for the semester or the next few months ahead, and you’ll find yourself less likely to get bogged down in things you could’ve done earlier. You might also find it’s a great way to relieve some of the stress of going back to school — being organized helps a person feel more organized internally, more incontrol of their own destiny and life.
*** Summertime is a great time to relax, recharge and re-organize your resources and life. Not just your outside life, but your inner life as well. Take stock in how things are going, what changes you’d like to make, and set the plan in motion for the fall. Because once September comes, all heck usually breaks loose and time once again becomes a quantity much in demand, but short in supply.
4. (Some) friends are forever.
So until then, enjoy the rest of your summer
Summertime’s also a great time to take stock of your friendships, since you have more time and aren’t as distracted by work or school. Who haven’t you spoken to in forever? Give them a call and hang out sometime. Who has become dead weight in your life whether neither one of you is getting much from the friendship any more? Time to cut the line on those friends, to make room for some new ones. People do change and grow each year. While we’d like to think our friends are always going to grow with us, that’s simply not a realistic expectation — sometimes we simply grow in different, separate directions.
5. Don’t let it hang or simmer.
Sometimes we do something over the sum-
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42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
This Skin Diagnosis May Signal Cancer Could Develop Elsewhere, Study Finds By Linda Carroll | Today
People who develop a common benign skin carcinoma multiple times may be at increased risk for other more serious cancers, including blood, breast, colon and prostate cancers, a new study finds. Stanford University researchers suspect the increased cancer susceptibility is caused by mutations in certain genes responsible for making proteins that repair DNA damage, according to the study published in JCI Insight. Multiple episodes of basal cell carcinoma are simply a sign of this susceptibility.
Peterson had wondered why he seemed to be so cancer susceptible. Sarin’s study solved his mystery. For the part of the study Peterson participated in — along with 60 others who had experienced frequent bouts of basal cell carcinoma — volunteers were tested for mutations in 29 genes that encode for DNA-damage-repair proteins. Ultimately, 20 percent of the volunteers had a mutation in one of the genes responsible for repairing DNA damage. That’s compared to 3 percent in the general population. Moreover, 21 of the 61 people reported a history of additional cancers, which suggests that people with frequent basal cell carcinomas are three times as likely as the general population to develop other cancers.
The new findings don’t mean anyone who develops a basal cell carcinoma once or twice has a higher risk of developing other cancers, said study coauthor Dr. Kavita Sarin, a dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. “I don’t want people who develop one or two to panic,” Sarin said. “One in five people in the U.S. will develop a basal cell carcinoma. It’s very common and it’s not a sign of having an internal malignancy. If you develop six or more, then it’s worth talking to a physician about your family history and maybe getting referred for genetic testing.” Gil Peterson of Castro Valley, California, was one of those who volunteered to be in Sarin’s study. He’d had multiple basal cell carcinomas so he was just what the researchers were looking for. He’d also had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and nonHodgkin’s lymphoma.
To confirm the findings, Sarin and her colleagues turned to a large medical insurance claims database. More than 13,000 people in the database had six or more basal cell carcinomas — and these people were also more than three times as likely as others to have developed other cancers, including melanoma and cancers of the colon and the blood. So, what’s the take-home message? “For people like Mr. Peterson, the best thing you can do is get early screening,” Sarin said. For most, it will mean screening that not only comes earlier, but also more frequently than guidelines recommend, she added. The new results are “very interesting and surprising,” said Dr. Laura Ferris, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh. “Basal cell carcinoma is so common you would think we know everything about it. We’ve known that it was associated with other skin cancers, but to find that this cancer is associated with internal cancers is unexpected.
“This sort of makes basal cell carcinoma the caGil Peterson had multiple basal cell carcino- nary in the mine shaft.” mas, plus other cancers.Gil Peterson had multiple basal cell carcinomas, plus other cancers. While the findings need to be duplicated in Courtesy Gil Peterson. other studies, they suggest doctors treating patients with multiple basal cell carcinomas might “I’ve pretty much become the cancer poster want to ask about a family history of other types boy at Stanford over the last 35 years or so,” of cancer, said Dr. Philip Scumpia, an assistant Peterson, 75, said. “So four major cancers and professor of dermatology at the University of along the way, I’ve pretty much been a frequent California, Los Angeles. “And it means that flyer with basal cell carcinoma over the last 10 we doctors might need to watch out more for years.” patients developing basal cell carcinomas at an earlier age.”
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Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 43
The Abilene Community Health Center saves lives. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Not long after the Abilene Community Health Center opened in August 2015, a middle-aged man came in suffering from abdominal pain. With a referral to Hendrick Resource Assistance CT scans helped physicians diagnose stomach cancer. “Likely he would not be alive if he had not come in and we had not been able to send him,” says Cyndee Stevens, Senior Director of the Health Center. “He still comes by to thank our staff. He says, ‘You saved my life because nobody else would listen to me.’”
of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech. She took over leadership of the Health Center in October of 2015, and since then, the staff has doubled. She has worked in various areas of nursing including public health, critical care and cardiology. She taught for six years in the Patty Hanks School of Nursing. Even though her position at the
An advisory board of half community partners and half patients guides the Health Center’s policies.
The most unusual staff may be the two part-time counselors. Every patient is screened for alcohol abuse and depression and referred for counseling as needed. The Health Center also partners with Life Renovations under a grant funded by the Community Foundation of Abilene for counseling for those without insurance.
The mission of the Health Center is to care for the medically underserved in the community and to provide practicum and intern experience for nursing and pharmacy students. It is a satellite of the Larry Combest Community Health and Wellness Center in Lubbock, part of Texas Tech University’s School of Nursing. At Abilene’s federally qualified health center, no one is ever turned away for inability to pay. Since opening in 2015, the Health Center has helped a total of 12,432 patients, about 500 a month.
Cyndee started out as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, then pursued her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This May she received her Doctorate
Dr. Allen Schultz, on call twenty-four hours a day, serves as the Health Center’s Medical Director. He oversees the practice and monitors all patient care.
“The patients can tell us what we’re doing right and what changes are needed,” Cyndee says.
Listening tops the list of staff skills at the Center. It’s a path to establishing the trust the medically underserved need to access healthcare. One of the two nurse practitioners speaks Spanish. The other came to Abilene as a refugee and speaks eight languages.
“The majority of the medically underserved have never seen a doctor,” Cyndee says. “They often have high blood pressure or diabetes. We work hard to keep them out of the emergency room because they end up with a bill they can’t pay. We have strong relationships with Mercy Clinic, the Medical Care Mission and Hendrick Medical Center.”
ing the best prices possible for their prescription medications.
“The stigma around mental health is a huge barrier,” Cyndee says. “We want to address both physical and mental needs.”
Center is administrative, she still pitches in with hands-on care whenever needed. A life-long Abilenian, Cyndee oversees a staff of two full-time nurse practitioners, one fulltime case manager, a part-time physician’s assistant and two part-time pharmacists. Another part-time nurse practitioner works as needed. The two full-time front office staff are Certified Nurse’s Aides and can assist with direct care. One of the two Licensed Vocational Nurses on staff works specifically with patients on find-
Patients need to bring a picture ID to receive care at the clinic. Those with a job are charged according a sliding fee scale and can use insurance if they have it. But none of them will ever hear, “We don’t have room for you.” Those with non-urgent needs are seen in no more than forty-eight hours. “Your healthcare matters,” Cyndee says. “It’s so important not to ignore lumps, stomach pain, weight loss or gain. Practice self-care like exercise and knowing risks. Take advantage of our local resources. Just pay attention to your body and seek treatment.” She and her colleagues dedicate their days to caring for the neediest among us. But she wants you to be healthy too.
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Healthy Tips For Shift Workers
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Health Advocate Blog
Approximately 15 million people in the US work a third-shift job. If you’re one of them, you may have chosen this job by choice, by necessity, or your hours might just be part of the job description. No matter the reason for working the night shift, those that do are more susceptible to health risks including sleep disorders, depression, heart disease and weight gain. Working at night can be difficult and requires more of an effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you work the night shift, try these tips to help you stay healthy.
Practice healthy eating habits. One
shift. Find tips here for healthy packable meals. • Avoid a second “dinner” after work. Choose a healthy snack rather than a full meal. If you find yourself really hungry after your shift, that’s a sign you may not be eating enough earlier in the day. • Limit sugary foods and beverages to prevent crashes. Beware the vending machine. If you feel the need to drink a soda or have a sweet treat, keep in mind the sugar may feel good for a moment, but the crash afterwards may make you regret the decision.
of the best steps shift workers can take for Stay hydrated. Drinking water may help good health is through nutrition. Food fuels to increase energy levels as well as enable the body; the right fuel increases energy, pre- the nutrients from food to properly fuel your vents sluggishness and promotes efficiency. body. Beverages that are low in sugar and caffeine-free can count toward your water intake. • Eat your “main” meal prior to work. Waiting If caffeine is a must, consume it prior to work to eat your main meal during or after work can or within the first few hours of your shift so lead to tiredness and overeating later on. that it interferes less with your sleep or relax• Pack a small meal and several snacks for ation after work. work. Pack portable fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, and carrots. Protein-rich Keep active outside of work and snacks such as hard-boiled eggs, peanut but- during your shift. Physical activity is ter or trail mix also make good snack options. not only good for your health, but can also • Prep your meals on days off or before your improve your mood, increase energy levels
and help manage stress. • Form an exercise plan. Having a strategy is crucial to making effective health changes. Find a few minutes in your day to devote to an activity, like walking or jogging. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. • Exercise before your shift can be a great way to start your day. • Maintain your momentum at work—take every opportunity to stand, stretch and walk around during your shift.
Get quality sleep. Adults are ad-
vised to sleep between seven and nine reduce stress and increase haphours each day. Create a sleep schedule, and piness. stick to it. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, even on days off from Find a routine and stick to it. Keep work. Sleep is necessary to restore your body your internal clock on schedule by forming a to its full potential. Looking for additional tips routine. Eat, exercise, sleep and spend time to help get a better night’s sleep? with family and friends as close to the same times each week as you are able; this will help Connect with family and friends. you find a rhythm to stay on track. Sticking Working while everyone else is off requires with a routine also helps maintain followmore effort for a healthy social life. Relation- through with your healthy habits. ships with others can improve quality of life,
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 45
Whether it’s for a checkup or something more serious, you and your family want convenient accessible healthcare. Fortunately, the providers at Abilene Physicians Group are making it easier than ever for adults 18 and older to get primary care. Most insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
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People who have diabetes often have foot problems that, if severe enough, can lead to amputation of a toe or the entire foot. But by taking care of your feet every day and by watching your blood sugar carefully, diabetics can help prevent these problems, the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says. Over time, diabetes can cause nerve damage and reduce blood flow to the feet. Simple sores can take longer to heal, and with slow healing comes a heightened risk of gangrene. The NIDDK suggests how to keep your feet healthier:
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• Check feet daily for any cuts or sores. • Wash feet every day. • Smooth away corns and calluses gently. • Trim toenails straight across. • Always wear shoes and socks. • Keep blood flowing to your feet. • Protect feet from hot and cold temperatures. • Make sure doctors thoroughly check your feet.
46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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BUSINESS&CAREER Five Reasons Why We Should Support Local Non-Profits By Megan Dobbs | Marketing and Communications Director, Community Foundation of Abilene
Less childcare for low-income families. Less preservation of local history. Less food for people in need. Less affordable entertainment. Less to offer tourists. Less help for people with barriers to employment. Less available housing for our neighbors living with homelessness. Less downtown activity. Less beautification. Less mentorship. Less art. Less literacy. Less feeding.
work our nonprofits do is privately funded. Local foundations and individual donors provide a big chunk of the capital required to enable charities to serve their constituents and make our community a better place to live. The more you and I invest in local causes, the less need there is for bureaucratic intervention to fill the gaps, allowing our local government to use tax dollars on other priorities.
3. Diversify your resume - Didn’t get
a degree in marketing or finance but want to When I visualize an Abilene without a thriving learn some of those skills? nonprofit sector, the single word that comes to mind is less. Less of the good that makes our Serving on a nonprofit board or committee is community great. an excellent way to both gain new experience and utilize your existing expertise to serve a The list above provides a glimpse of the vast charitable cause. impact that nonprofit organizations have on our community, and there are also some im- Nonprofits often rely on their board of direcmediate benefits to us as young professionals tors to serve on committees that help with areas when we support these charitable causes. like fundraising, marketing, budget oversight and event organizing. While I could easily provide a litany of reasons we should all be engaged with local nonprofits, PERSONAL OPINION ALERT: for the sake of brevity I’ll provide just five. While resume building is a perk of serving on a nonprofit board, it should not be your sole 1. Be directly involved in community reason. Whether a nonprofit leader voices it or enhancement - Time is currency, and you not, board members are typically expected to and I have only so much of it. Outside of our give financially according to their means and/ jobs and personal lives, we could never have or help with fundraising. If you’re not sure enough time or energy to enhance every facet what board member expectations are, have a of our community on our own. candid conversation with the organization’s executive director or the board chair. This is what makes our nonprofits so vital. They’re working full-time to improve quality 4. Support tourism and entertainof life in Abilene. ment - Wait, the for-profit business sector should be responsible for providing fun activiStill, we all know the old adage that it takes ties and tourist attractions, right? Not solely. two to boot-scoot (Or, is it tango?). The nonprofits can’t fulfill their missions without sup- In fact, we have a healthy swath of nonprofport from donors and volunteers. its to thank for leading the charge in providing entertainment and attracting tourists each year. And it doesn’t have to take much of our time or money to be part of the impact. Allow me to list some of the nonprofits that double as key tourist attractions for our comWhether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, munity: spending a few hours a month volunteering, or contributing $20 a month to the causes we care • Frontier Texas! • The Abilene Zoo about, we can make an immediate difference • The Grace Museum • Paramount Theatre just by getting involved. • National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature • Center for Contemporary Arts
2. Enable improvements without the use of taxpayer dollars - Much of the Makes you want to do a little humble bragging
about what Abilene’s nonprofit sector has to offer, am I right?
5. Enjoy networking and social events
-When you think about networking opportunities and fun social gatherings, getting involved with a nonprofit might not be top of mind. If not, here are some reasons to reconsider. Networking – The people who are actively engaged in supporting nonprofits are typically doers and are often well connected. Because of that, some of my best business relationships have been formed via people I met while serving on nonprofit boards or by attending nonprofit events. Social events – Nonprofits know how to party! Don’t believe me? I won’t mention any by name, but I can easily think of a few nonprofit events that are some of the most sought-after (and quite entertaining) evening affairs of the year. Because charitable organizations are in a world dependent upon donor support, most nonprofits offer social gatherings as fundraisers and exclusive events to thank their supporters.
The conclusion.
Our nonprofit organizations make our community a better place to live, and they’re only as strong as the support they receive from people like us. It’s time to get involved. We started with a list of what Abilene would have less of without a thriving nonprofit sector. Now, let’s turn the less into more of what Abilene can offer when we partner with these organizations to help them carry out their mission. More childcare for low-income families. More preservation of local history. More food for people in need. More affordable entertainment. More to offer tourists. More help for people with barriers to employment. More available housing for our neighbors living with homelessness. More downtown activity. More beautification. More mentorship. More art. More literacy. More feeding. Now, that’s a list I can get used to.
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Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Receives Legacy Award By Joshua Engard | KTAB KRBC
Executive Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) Nanci Liles was honored by The Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (TACVB) Thursday with the Legacy Award, according to an ACVB press release. The Marion Szurek Legacy Award is an honor bestowed upon executives who demonstrate vision, inspiration, leadership, professionalism, and hospitality in a way that shapes the success of the Texas tourism industry, according to the release. Since its inception a decade ago, only seven professionals have been given the award. “On behalf of the TACVB Board of Directors, I am thrilled to present Nanci Liles with the Marion Szurek Legacy Award, “ Chief Executive Officer for the TACVB Sarah Page said. “Nanci has given an incredible gift of time and talent to the Texas tourism industry, and to TACVB. Through her work, dedication, her industry involvement and advocacy, her mentorship, and steady presence, Nanci’s legacy is unmatched.” Originally going by a different name, the award was renamed the Marion Szurek Legacy Award in 2018, honoring the longtime director of the San Angelo Convention Bureau, who died in 2017.
Sears Park Splash Pad Grand Opening was a great way to start off a Friday afternoon! If you haven’t been yet, be sure to go soon! 8-17-18
New Abilene Soda Shop Looking to Become a Part of the Downtown Scene By Katie Garcia | BigCountryHomePage.com
A confectionary and food park has popped up on the corner of S. 1st St and Butternut St. Jennifer Moore and Claudia Anderson, the namesakes and owners of JC’s Lighthouse are selling their Italian sodas and chocolate goodies for a familyfriendly hang-out spot. “[The SODA district] is wanting to renovate the area and make it really nice, so I think we got in at a really good time,” said Moore. Sisters and now business partners, the duo is calling their new shop a hobby. “We work together,” Anderson said. “We’re on the roof. We’re painting. We’re on the floor--labor market right here.” The two said they want their soda shop ot be the place to be. “If college kids want to come out here and study or if they want to do, you know, homework or anything we will have that available.” And, their business is giving to cause. “[A mission trip has] built about 140 churchplanters there in Cambodia, and they’ve built about 25 schools there. So, 10 percent of our proceeds, anything we make here will go to them.”
The owners say they plan to stick around. “And so, our goal is to be the best little place in West Texas and to be connected also with the downtown area.”
“Employee of the Month”
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Pick us up at Abilene I.S.D., China Star, A & M Donuts | BUSINESS | 49
50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Quick FAQ’s about the Chamber’s Downtown Initiative By Steve Dieterichs | Downtown Development Director
Still curious about the Chamber’s Downtown Initiative? Here are answers to a lot of commonly asked questions.
Q: What is the Downtown Abilene Initiative? A: The primary goal of the Downtown
Abilene Initiative is to build confidence in downtown Abilene as a destination to live, work, play and, most importantly, invest. Implementation includes promotions, economic/community development and instilling a design sensitivity that is only satisfied when the physical appearance of downtown matches the vision of downtown developed by the community.
Q: What are the geographic boundaries of downtown? A: The Initiative’s area of focus
includes the SoDA, Warehouse and National Register Historic districts and has the generally defined boundaries of Grape St. (west), N. 6th Street (north), Treadaway St. (east) and S. 6th Street (south).
Q. What is meant by the term SoDA?
A: SoDA is an acronym for South of Downtown Abilene, and generally refers to a district between South 1st and South 6th Streets. The district includes the Taylor County Courthouse, numerous other County properties, the Enterprise Building (Abilene’s tallest at 300’), CityLink, a small pocket of loft-style private residences and a growing number of after five opportunities and entertainment venues.
Q: How is the Downtown Iniative funded? A: The Downtown Abilene Initiative was estab-
lished in January 2018 as an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Separate funding for two years of operations was secured from private stakeholders. No public funds are utilized.
Q: How, specifically, does the Downtown Abilene Initiative serve downtown? A: We
are a full-time advocate for downtown, supporting initiatives that increase the value and vitality of the area including mobility, streetscapes, economic development, arts and culture, housing, parks, public order, and quality of life issues.
Q: Is the Downtown Abilene Initiative a
part of the City of Abilene? A: No, we are
a privately funded affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. We are a committed member of a continually evolving public/private partnership. A close working relationship with city staff enables us to advocate on behalf of our constituent property and business owners to help resolve questions and issues that arise periodically, just as the Chamber does for all its constituent businesses across our community.
Q: Can the Downtown Abilene Initiative help advocate for my property or development with the City of Abilene? A: We are an enthusiastic advocate for downtown property and business owners, with a close working relationship with city administration and various departments. We work cooperatively with the City to help educate developers and property owners on development requirements within the downtown area. We also work with you and the City to explore alternative solutions to development related challenges within the downtown area.
Q: Can the Downtown Abilene Initiative make rules for downtown?
A: No. Only the City of Abilene can set development standards, guidelines and rules for use in the downtown area. The Initiative has facilitated considerable public engagement that continues to shape Council members’ vision for downtown policy-making.
Q: How does the Downtown Abilene Initiative help to promote business downtown? A: Through its website (launch
coming soon!) and social media channels, the Initiative serves a destination marketing function for the downtown district, promoting it as an ideal place for families and young professionals to visit. We also serve a business development role, to attract new, complementary businesses that will enhance the current retail and dining/entertainment mix. All of these activities are undertaken in close coordination with allied organizations, such as the Abilene Downtown Association and the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Pick us up at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Wal-Mart, Lytle Land & Cattle | BUSINESS | 51
Most Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid By Alison Doyle | The Balnce Careers
What shouldn’t you do when interviewing? Here are the most common job interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate for employment can make.
silence your phone. Texting during your interview is not only rude and disruptive, but it’s a pretty clear message to your potential employer that getting the job is not your top priority.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to make these mistakes without even realizing it — and many of them are more common than you might think! Take the time to prepare before your interview, so you don’t have to stress out about blunders after it.
For the same reasons, don’t answer calls (and certainly don’t make calls!) during the interview. To resist the temptation to check your phone, stow your phone in your bag before the interview. If you accidentally forget to turn it off, resist the temptation to check it if you get a message or call.
1. Dressing Inappropriately - When you
interview a job, it’s imperative to look professional and polished. Although your attire may vary based on the position you’re applying for — for example, you should wear business casual clothing to an interview for a non-professional job or startup casual garb to an interview at a small startup company — it’s important to look welldressed and put together, no matter what the company.
er stump you with the question, “What do you
209 S. Danville, Suite B-1 Email: info@his paniclifemedia03 .com
3. Bringing a Drink With You - Ditch
the coffee, soda, or water bottle before you enter your interview. If you need to fuel up, do it before you get to the interview. Not only is it unprofessional to enter with a drink, but during your interview, you should be focused on the task at hand: making a good impression, answering questions, maintaining eye contact with your potential employer, and paying attention throughout the entire interviewing process. Having a drink in front of you creates the opportunity for distraction — fiddling with the cup, or missing a question while taking a sip, for example. And although it may be a relatively unlikely possibility, bringing a drink into your interview also gives way to other unsightly accidents — like spilling the drink on the desk, on you, or even your interviewer!
4. Using Your Phone During the Interview - Before you get to your interview,
self zone out during an interview. Make sure you are well-rested, alert, and prepared for your interview. Getting distracted and missing a question looks bad on your part. If you zone out, your potential employer will wonder how you will be able to stay focused during a day on the job, if you can’t even focus during one interview.
goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn’t need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don’t ramble — simply answer the question. Don’t get sidetracked and start talking about your personal life — your spouse, your home life or your children are not topics you should delve into. No matter how warm, welcoming or genial your interviewer may be, an interview is a professional situation — not a personal one.
that first impressions are very important in landing a job, but did you know that you can make a bad first impression before you even arrive at your interview? Running late not only suggests poor time management skills, but shows a lack of respect for the company, the position, and even your interviewer.
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7. Not Paying Attention - Don’t let your-
5. Not Knowing Anything About the 8. Talking Too Much - There is nothing Company - Don’t let your potential employ- much worse than interviewing someone who
2. Arriving Late - Everyone knows
Go the extra length to make sure that you aren’t late, and arrive on time, or even early. Budget your time so that you make it to the interview five to ten minutes early. That way, if something unforeseen comes up on your way over to your interview, you’ll have some cushion time.
fer to during your interview, although certainly don’t use it as a crutch.
9. Not Being Prepared to Answer Questions -
k n o w about this company? “It’s one of the easiest questions to ace, if only you do some research before your interview. Background information including company history, locations, divisions and a mission statement are available in an “About Us” section on most company websites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.
6. Fuzzy Resume Facts - Even if you have
submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information. It’s understandable that some of your older experiences may be hard to recall. Review the facts before your interview. If you need to, take the time to recreate your employment history, so your resume is accurate. It can be helpful to keep a copy of your resume for yourself to re-
Your interviewer is probably going to ask you more than just the basics about where you worked, and when. To get a feel of your aptitude for a job, your interviewer is going to take advantage of the allotted time and flesh out everything he or she needs to know about you as an employee. Don’t let yourself be caught off guard. Prepare for your interview by reviewing what questions to expect, and how to answer them.
10. Badmouthing Past Employers
Don’t make the mistake of badmouthing your boss or coworkers. It’s sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don’t know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don’t want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren’t the best. When interviewing for a job, you want your employer to know that you can work well with other people and handle conflicts in a mature and effective way, rather than badmouthing your coworkers or talking about other people’s incompetence.
52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Abilene Regional Medical Center is helping you beat breast cancer with the region’s first 3D mammography. The clarity of images it produces can reduce stressful callbacks. Our 3D mammography allows physicians to examine breast tissue in great detail, in millimeter increments with fine details no longer hidden by dense breast tissue – resulting in improved accuracy and a better chance at early detection. To schedule your 3D screening mammogram, call 325-238-7335.
3D mammography • Clearer images Greater accuracy • Earlier detection
3D MAMMOGRAM TECHNOLOGY.
A NEW DIMENSION. AbileneRegional.com Not all insurance providers cover 3D mammograms. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient.
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Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Central Finance | BUSINESS | 53
Science Says Your Employees Need Days Off By Nancy Mann Jackson | Forbes
percent of respondents to one survey said they manufacturing plants might shut down didn’t work at all while on vacation. for two weeks during the year, one week in July and one in December, so Encouraging your employees to use that assembly line workers don’t have their vacation time is both good for them and to cover for each other during varied good for your business. If you want to help en- vacations. But white-collar professionals One study showed that employees were able courage your employees to take their time off are beginning to enjoy this perk as well: to sleep better and were in a better mood af- and come back refreshed and productive, here Tech giant LinkedIn, for instance, closes ter vacations, and the effects were still felt are a few ideas you may not have considered. its offices during the week of July 4. more than a month after their return. Another study demonstrated that vacations, especially Set an Example - As a business owner, Offer an Incentive - If your emthose taken in warmer climates, resulted in here’s a compelling reason for vacation: You ployees don’t use their vacation days increased productivity and less exhaustion have to set a good example. If the boss never and eventually leave the business, for employees. And the famous Framingham takes time off, employees may feel like they you may end up paying them for all Heart Study, a long-term study that began shouldn’t do so either. So set an example by those unused days when they leave. researching cardiovascular health in 1948, taking regular time off throughout the year. So providing a financial incentive to found a positive correlation between frequent Besides, business owners need recharging, those who use all their vacation days vacations and longer, healthier lives over a too. You’ll avoid burnout and set the stage to could save you money in the long run while at help your employees do the same. nine-year period. the same time helping your employees avoid stress and burnout. For instance, in 2014 the Understand the Problem - Despite the Take Company-Wide Breaks - At a U.S. Travel Association began offering a $500 scientific evidence in favor, many Americans thriving business, there’s never a good time bonus to every employee who used all of their opt out of taking their vacation time. More to get away. But if the business simply shuts vacation time, and the percentage of staffers than 40 percent of Americans didn’t take a down for a few days or a week, essentially who used it all went from 19 percent to 91 single day off in 2015, according to one study. forcing employees to take time off and re- percent in one year. Not only did employees And many of those who do take vacations charge, some employees may find it easier to get re-energized, but the organization reduced continue to work while they’re away: Only 44 actually use their vacation time. Traditionally, its financial liability from unused time off by Need a reason for vacation? Good news: Scientific evidence suggests that you and your employees will be healthier and more productive if you take some real breaks throughout the year.
more than $36,000, according to USA Today. Before you make any changes, look at your own business’s numbers to see how you fit into this national trend. And if you do find that your employees aren’t taking the vacation time they should, don’t stop at implementing the steps above: Use this as an opportunity to assess your company culture, management training and employee engagement metrics.
54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MELISSA GONZALEZ Where do you work? Expo Center of Taylor it but also large enough that there are things to County do. Abilene is a very friendly town. What’s your job title/what do you do? I am an What do you do in your free time? I enjoy Event Coordinator and Livestock Secretary. I spending time with my husband camping, vishandle the rentals of the smaller venues at the iting family, friends and playing with our two Expo Center. I manage dachshunds. the livestock shows during the West Texas Fair & RoWhat does being an deo and the Taylor County Abilene Young ProfesLivestock Show. sional mean to you? It is a great way to meet othWhere are you from? I ers who are getting estabam from northeast New lished in their careers as Mexico. well. You can never have too many contacts or othIf you’re not from ers to network with. Abilene, how long have you lived in the area and What’s your favorite reswhat brought you here? taurant in Abilene? AbueThe end of August will lo’s, it is as close to New be five years since movMexican food I can get ing here. I moved here here! to be closer to my now husband. I have a deWhat’s the last book you gree is Agriculture Ecoread or what’s your favornomics and Agriculture ite book? Into the Wild is Business so when this position became avail- the last book I read. able at the Expo Center, everything aligned just right to move here! What’s your favorite place to travel to and why? We enjoy traveling to Colorado. It’s What is your favorite thing about living in beautiful, cooler weather, so much to see and the Big Country? It has a smaller town feel to not too far of a drive.
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Educational Seminar Offered for Health Care Providers and Medical Office Staff The Division of Workers’ Compensation and the Texas Tech University Small Business Development Center (TTU SBDC) are offering an educational seminar, Texas Workers’ Compensation 101 for Health Care Providers and Medical Office Staff, on August 15, 2018 at America’s SBDC @ TX Tech | 749 Gateway St., Ste. 301. | Abilene, TX 79602. The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is $35 per person and includes lunch. The seminar covers: • Identifying a workers’ compensation patient and verifying coverage; • Utilization Review - prospective, concurrent, and retrospective review of medical necessity; • Return-to-work and the DWC073; • Medical bill processing and fee guidelines; and • Processes for resolving disputes. You may register with America’s SBDC @ TX Tech by contacting Administrative Assistant, Cindy Gonzales at (325) 670-0300 or email cindy.gonzales@ttusbdc.org Reference Subject: Division of Worker’s Compensation Sign Up. For seminar information, call (800) 252-7031, option #3, or email medben@tdi.texas.gov. ABOUT TDI-DWC The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) administers the Texas workers’ compensation system and helps resolve disputes between injured employees and insurance carriers on individual workers’ compensation claims. TDI-DWC also provides a variety of safety and health services to assist Texas employers in providing safe and healthy workplaces. For more information, visit www. tdi.texas.gov/wc/indexwc.html.
f f a t S
MEET OUR
Angelia Gonzales
She has worked at Philpott Florists for over five years. She is a Floral Designer along with other office duties. She is available for our Spanish speaking customers. Abilene is her hometown, she is a graduate of Abilene High School. During her time at Philpott she was trained by Carrie Blaschke. She attended a two week course at Benz School of Floral Design at Texas A&M in 2013. She is known to be picky about our flowers from our wholesalers. She only wants the best flowers at Philpott, rightful so. Angelia is our fast talking lady, providing excellent customer service and likes trying out new design styles.
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