Issuu

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

DECEMBER 2016

Volume 7, Issue 8

Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]

We hope you are enjoying your company parties, family get togethers, and Christmas activities this time of the year! Make the best of it and take advantage of every opportunity to create fun and memorable memories with friends and family. Unbelievable that we are at the very end of the year! It has totally taken some of us by surprise. It’s just about time for those new year resolutions to be made all over again. We pray you are blessed, stay blessed and keep the favor of God over your lives and the lives of your families. Keep your children close to you and keep an eye on them. Impart blessings

PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep

SALES DEPARTMENT SALES DEPARTMENT Melissa Sharlett Vinson (325) 201-5900

melissa@hispaniclifemedia.com

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

About Us

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

and not curses over their lives; speak words of life and not death and destruction as many do. God will bless you for it and your children will live much more fruitful lives. Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a much Prosperous New Year in 2017. Give God your very best, love those around your and forgive those that have hurt you or done you wrong. A bountiful basket of blessings await you! Here are some great reads for this month; enjoy: • The Whitten Inn, pg 5 (Received Recognition from TripAdvisor) • ‘The Sugar Bombs’, pg 7 • MSgt Stephen Perez, p 17 (Airforce Fire Fighter at Dyess) • ACU Feature, pg 19 • Roland Cisneros | Abilene Funeral Home (Care When You Need It) • ‘Gift of Love’ (Kristie Carpenter), pg 34 • ‘Marriage Is Hard & Why It’s Worth It’, pg 37 (John Mendez) • Abilene Regional Medical Center, pg 43 (New Heart Failure Monitoring System) • ‘Making Abilene Happy’, pg 47 (Steve Rodriguez | Happy State Bank) • My Father’s Floors, pg 51 • Serving Traditional & Innovative Tamales, pg 55 First God, then Family and finally Friends…. David & Amy Hernández & the girls & all the staff here at HispanicLife

Food for Fines feeds bodies & minds

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

By Lori Grumet | Abilene Public Library

December once again brings Abilene Public Library’s annual Food for Fines campaign as we celebrate our 18th year of providing food for the body and for the mind. Beginning December 1 and continuing throughout the entire month, all Abilene Public Library locations will forgive $1.00 in fines for two cans, or one otherwise nonperishable food item donated. Food collected will be given to the Food Bank of West Central Texas. Bring two cans, or one box or bag of comparably priced, nonperishable food to the circulation desk of the branch you frequent. That will equal $1.00 in overdue charges. To pay a $4.60 fine, for example, donate 5 food items, or 10 cans of food to the library. The libraries can only accept commercially packaged items that are undamaged and that have not exceeded their expiration date. No dented, dinged, or previ-

ously opened food items, no government commodity items, and sorry, no home-canned items.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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Food items will only pay for overdue fines. Charges for lost or damaged books still have to be paid for in good old cash (checks & credit cards are also accepted). Since 1999 Abilene library patrons have donated many thousands of pounds of canned and boxed food to people in need in our area. Your donation could help a neighbor, or a needy person in the Food Bank’s 13 county area. Help put the ho-ho-ho into someone’s holidays this year by giving the gift of food, and clear your library record at the same time!

Taught by health professionals Do you have Type 2 diabetes? Do you want to be healthier? If so, ¡Sí, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes! is a program for you.

Yes! You can control your diabetes!

To Reserve a Spot Contact: Jazmine Medrano medra223@gmail.com (325) 672-0495 Classes will be held at Mercy Clinic 1902 Shelton St, Abilene, TX 79603

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Today’s Bank Statement:

! s a m t s i r h C y r Mer From the Folks That Put You First.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the First Financial Bank family to yours. We’re thankful to not only serve, but to truly be a part of the community. First Financial, You First.

MEMBER FDIC

FFIN.COM

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

The Excellent Whitten Inn Recognition from TripAdvisor confirms the Whitten Inn’s outstanding customer service. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

The staff at the Whitten Inn, 1625 TX- “and we definitely put a personal touch on the 351, has been honored with a Certificate of whole business. When you walk in, you feel Excellence from TripAdvisor. At the com- at home.” pany’s website, www.tripadvisor.com, travelers can research destinations and hotels, make reservations and post reviews. The positive reviews posted by Whitten Inn customers, among other requirements, on the site gave the hotel its Excellent rating.

Among their happy guests the Whitten Inn counts numerous long-distance drivers of 18-wheelers. Check out time is normally 11:00 am but the hotel accommodates their need for late check out when necessary. The

In order to reach Excellence, says Front Desk Manager Stasia Donald, “You have to work really hard, be very hospitable and keep the guests happy, no matter what.” Stasia is one of twenty-four full-time employees at the Whitten Inn and she supervises the Front Desk personnel. She has been with the company for fifteen years. Stasia has worked for two other hotels in Abilene, primarily in restaurant and food service. When she came to work the Front Sesk at the Whitten she was looking for a change. While she has the whole process down now, including decorating the lobby for Christmas, she says the transition was a challenge because there was so much to learn. With 163 rooms stocked with coffeemakers, microwaves and mini-fridges, the Whitten Inn also offers an outdoor pool, a business center, meeting facilities and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Recent updates include retiled bathrooms, new bathtubs and fresh paint. It is located 4.2 miles from downtown and six miles from the airport.

One of the friendly touches is Honey, the cat, who most often can be found warming a spot on the Front Desk. She earned her place when the hotel’s motto was, “Stay at the “We have two beautiful breakfast ladies,” Sta- Whitten and purr like a kitten.” sia says of the staff members who serve the morning meal. “They take care of our guests “She just gives you that homey feeling,” Staand make it very home-style.” sia says. “Ninety-nine percent of people love her.” Customer service and a home atmosphere set the hotel apart from the competition. Larry and Mary Ann Whitten also own the local Travel Inn on Overland Trail and the Days “It’s locally owned and operated,” Stasia says, Inn on east Interstate 20.

daycare. They grew up here.” Her children are now thirteen and seven. Stasia and Carrie both comment on the Whittens’ generosity to employees and their families. Stasia specifically 1625 Hwy 351 North mentions how Mr. Whitten has helped her through difficult losses in her life. That generosity also extends to guests when it’s needed. hotel van is available for truckers to go out “We had a lady come in on a Saturday night,” for meals. Because of this kind of service, Stasia says. “She drove into our parking lot many trucking companies in Abilene use the and her transmission quit. I gave her the best rate I could but she couldn’t afford to have Whitten. her car repaired. Soon she needed to get back Carrie Young, also a Front Desk employee, has home to Lubbock, so Mr. Whitten loaned her worked at the Whitten Inn for eleven-and-a- one of his cars. He cleared her charges to the half years. Her favorite thing about the job is hotel and is trying to raise the money to repair her car.” flexibility.

(325) 673-5271

“I was working here when both my kids were Customers have rated the Whitten Inn as Exborn,” she says. “I was able to bring them to cellent through TripAdvisor. Maybe the next work with me as newborns until they got into recognition will be “Extra Special Service.”

6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

5 Tips to Help Make New Year’s Resolutions Stick By Mary Elizabeth Dallas | HealthDay Reporter

HispanicLife Media

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMTParamedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.

New Year’s resolutions are more easily made than kept, but there are ways to turn them into lifelong habits, a psychologist says. “Everyone is motivated when they first decide to make a New Year’s resolution,” Josh Klapow, a clinical psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said in a university news release. “The problem is that you can ride the wave of motivation for only a short while. If you want to stick with your resolution, you’d better make it a habit.” Klapow advises those making New Year’s resolutions to follow the “S.M.A.R.T.” system, which includes the following five steps: • Set specific goals. The more specific the resolutions, the more likely they will be followed. Rather than make general promises to eat better or exercise more, make a resolution to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily or walk 30 minutes each day. • Monitor your actions. Keep track of your goals and monitor your progress. If you’ve resolved to exercise more, mark each workout on your calendar in a visible place in your home.

Gaylon Rodriguez joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 2004. He is certified as a Firefighter Basic and EMT-Intermediate. He is currently serving the department at station 5, ladder 5. He is also part of our Hazardous Materials team.

• Arrange for success. For you to meet your goals, you need to eliminate any barriers preventing you from reaching them. If you want to eat less sugar, remove sweet treats from your home. If you want to make it to the gym every morning, place a packed gym bag by your door so it’s ready to go. • Recruit a support team. You’re more likely to stick to your resolutions if you have the support of others. Let your friends and family members know about your plans, so they can help you attain your goals. If you want to exercise more, a workout partner can also help you stay on track. • Treat yourself. Reward yourself for sticking to your resolutions. Once they’ve become a habit, enjoy a movie, fun outing or a healthy treat to allow you to feel good about your success.

Lieutenant Mike Pence

joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is currently certified as an EMT-Basic, Firefighter Intermediate, Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to station 6 B shift, which is our rescue station.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE

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

An Introduction To Abilene’s Roller

Derby Team,‘The Sugarbombs’ By Lydia Lawson | KACU89.5FM

They say the days of fishnets and tutus are pretty much in the past for Roller Derby. Since its early 2000’s revival in Austin, Texas, Roller Derby has moved away from scripted action and staged conflicts similar to those seen in professional wrestling. Abilene’s resident Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby team, the Sugarbombs, is no exception.

Ortiz said he hates the idea of women as an afterthought in sports. To him roller derby offers a chance to show the world women can lead a legitimate sport.

“When you go out and watch a basketball game everyone is wearing the same uniform,” said Kimberly Burns, also known as Hell-Cat Maggie. “That’s where we’re trying to go with it, we want it to be looked at as a sport and not an entertainment because we’re out here working our butts off,” Burns said. Burns and her teammates have opted for matching spandex uniforms similar to cycling wear that features their Sugarbombs’ logo. During a recent practice she joined her team in an elementary school gym where they fashioned a track on the floor with rope and tape the same way they do for games. In contrast to the huge banked tracks roller derby started out on, Flat Track derby gives freedom to play in more locations. Wearing uniforms and playing on a flat track are two ways the sport is changing in an effort to stay relevant and grow. Teammates lifted off their heels and ran at each other using the toe stoppers of their skates for grip while Coach Bryan Ortiz rounded the track along side. He said most sports show a preference to men but roller derby is different.

The game is played with two teams of five on offense and defense at the same time. One of the five from each team is the jammer, she’s the one with a star on her helmet, everybody else is a blocker. The jammer scores points by lapping and then passing the hips of opposing play“A revival of Roller Derby by women ers. The blockers block for their jammer and spawned a men’s equivalent,” Ortiz said. “No against the jammer of the other team. other sport has necessarily really done that.

In the same way football is notorious for injury, roller derby players also deal with torn ligaments and broken bones. It’s not uncommon to see bruised up women limping off the track after a hard tumble. Kasey House likes that derby pushes her as an athlete. “This is like the fittest I’ve ever been,” House said. “I actually enjoy exercise and want to get stronger and have more endurance.” Team President Caitlyn Ellison, AKA Haulin’, said roller derby gives her identity and helps build relationships. “Roller Derby’s always there for you, even when you feel like nobody else is,” Ellison said. “It’s my life blood, it means everything to me.” Because so many different types of women play roller derby, Ellison has made connections with people she would have never met otherwise. “These are the closest friends I’ve ever had,” Ellison said. Kimberly Burns appreciates the inclusiveness of roller derby. “If you don’t think that you can do this, you can,” Burns said. “There’s all different shapes, sizes, ethnicities, heights, religions, educational backgrounds, everything. Here in Roller Derby like we’re a family, we’re a team and if you think that you’re just kind of interested just come watch.”

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

New Storybook Garden Offers Chance to Honor Loved Ones Fundraising underway for $500,000 downtown project By Sidney Levesque | Marketing director, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? You might consider honoring a loved one with a Generation Tree Leaf in the AdamsonSpalding Storybook Garden, which will open to the public in June at the Abilene Civic Center. To celebrate the special role storybooks play in our lives, a 15-foot sculptural “Generation Tree” will be placed in the center of the garden. Interested donors may honor in a lasting way the name of a relative or friend by purchasing a metal leaf to be added to the tree. The names of the honorees will be inscribed on a metal plaque. The tree leaves come in gold ($150), silver ($125) and green ($100). Many sponsorship opportunities in the garden are already taken. The name of the garden, for example, is in honor of donors W.B. and Sadie Adamson and Dick and Kaye Spalding. The garden will house five sculptural vignettes of characters illustrated by famed artist Garth Williams from his most famous books: “Charlotte’s Web,” “Stuart Little” and the three stories from his Golden Book “Three Bedtime Stories” – Goldilocks and The Three Bears, Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf and The Three Little Kittens who lost their mittens and their mother. All of the Storybook Sculptures are sponsored. The art of Williams will be celebrated at the 2017 Children’s Art & Literacy Festival, with

an exhibition of his original artwork opening at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. The family of Williams will be in Abilene for the opening of the garden and other festivities. The sixth annual CALF is expected to be the biggest and best yet with the garden addition and other activites planned. Also already sponsored at the garden are the Spaces and Places, such as Stuart Little’s Friendship Knoll, and 29 storybook benches. The garden is an estimated $500,000 investment in downtown Abilene commissioned by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council in partnership with the City of Abilene and private donors. The garden has also received a $90,000 cultural district grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. The ACAC has raised $375,000 for the garden so far, not including in-kind donations of services valued at anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000. “We are thrilled with the community interest in the garden and the fact that the garden will encourage a love of reading,” said Lynn Barnett, ACAC executive director. If you are interested in making a donation toward a lasting legacy, please visit our website at http://storybookcapitaloftexas.com/garden/ or call us at 325-677-1161.

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

Do you have a loved one who gets more excited by doing stuff than collecting stuff? Give the gift of experience! By Kelly Thompson | Marketing & Development Coordinator, Abilene Zoo

• Zoo Fun Packs – These new tickets ences with zoo animals and expert commen- •Junior Keeper experience – Children 8 make great stocking stuffers – or even a cool birthday party gift anytime. They include admission, a giraffe encounter, carousel and train. Cost is $10 for children 12 and younger ($12.50 value) and $12 for teens a n d adults ($15 value). Available in the Zoo Store.

tary from our animal keepers. Choose from the Rhino Tour, Reptile House Tour or Animal Care Tour, which includes a peek at the zoo’s commissary.

Giraffe Bucks – Another great stocking stuffer idea! Guests can use these for a giraffe encounter in Giraffe Safari.

•Memberships – You already

know these are a fun gift to enjoy all year. Members get discounts on camps, classes and Education Department events, and VIP Tours, as well as discounts on merchandise in the Zoo Store. Members are zoo VIPs! Available at abilenezoo.org or in the Zoo Store and includes a gift certificate for your loved one.

•VIP Tours – These are a memorable treat. All three options offer up-close experi-

Cost is $30 ($25 for members.) Purchase these in the Zoo Store, and the zoo can provide your recipient a gift certificate. Let the lucky gift-getter schedule the tour at his convenience, with advance notice to the zoo. Info at abilenezoo.org or call the Zoo Store at 325-676-6085/option 2.

years old to 100 would enjoy these! The cost is $40 ($35 for zoo members) for a 90-minute session working with an education animal zoo keeper on available afternoons. Any Junior Keeper purchased before Dec. 22 will include a gift certificate and stuffed animal to put under the tree. Purchase at the Zoo Store. New.

•Adopt-an-Animal – These are perfect for the animal lover who has everything! For $50 your loved one will receive a certificate of adoption and information sheet with photo about his wild child that you can put under the tree. Download an application form from the website or come to the Zoo Store. Abilenezoo.org. Some Animals Available for Adoption: flamingo, burrowing owl, turkey, bobcat, cougar, raccoon, black bear, jaguar, maned wolf, giraffe, lion, rhino, east African crowned crane, ocelot, Bengal tiger, armadillo, prairie dog, rattlesnake, and many more!

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS Wednesday • Jan 25, 2017 Time: 7:30 PM

Oak Ridge Boys: The Oak Ridge Boys is a country and gospel band in the United States. The group was founded in 1945 as the Oak Ridge Quartet. They became popular during the 1950s. Their name was changed to the “Oak Ridge Boys” in 1961, and they remained a gospel-oriented group until the late 1970s, when they changed their image and concentrated more on country and pop music. The band’s most well known lineup consists of lead singer Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden, and bass singer Richard Sterban.

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

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

Bus Riders Donate to Food Bank

Abilene Christian High Student Hernandez Earns National Attentionp

The CityLink Food for Fare drive collected 12,458 pounds of food and raised $1,783 for the Food Bank of West Central Texas.

Amanda Hernandez found herself in pretty elaborate company recently after finding out her performance on a standardized test qualified her for national recognition.

By Abilene Reporter News

A CityLink bus dropped off the canned goods and nonperishable food Wednesday.

Philip Grice, left, James Oliver, center, and Kurt Hurick, right, unload 12,458 pounds of food raised by the CityLink “Food for Fares” fundraiser to the Food Bank of West Central Texas. In addition CityLink presented a check for $1783. (Photo: Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News)

“Food for Fares is a unique event that helps fight hunger in the Big Country,” said Jody Houston, CEO of the Food Bank of West Central Texas. “Hunger affects every county in our 13-county service area.” The proceeds will be added to the Share Your Christmas total for 2016.

By Abilene Reporter News

The Abilene Christian High School senior found out she scored in the top 2.5 percent of all Hispanic and Latino PSAT takers, earning her a chance to become a member of the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

Since 1995, CityLink has donated more than $40,000 and 48,000 pounds of food collected in the “Food for Fares” campaigns.

‘Math has to have a definite answer,’ Hernandez said. ‘But with English, there’s not just one way to come to a conclusion. You can get there in a way that fits you. You come to your own conclusions your own way rather than being told how to do something. It’s like there really isn’t a wrong answer.’ While celebrating — or shying away from — her accomplishment and the attention it brings, Hernandez is also in the midst of writing a research paper for class on the topic of a potential career choice.

‘I didn’t know it even existed,’ Hernandez said. ‘It feels good to be recognized for something I did.’

Though she said she doesn’t intend to pursue it, she’s chosen dentistry for her paper. In her own life, she said the medical field is where she would like to find herself, though not working on teeth.

Hernandez is shy of the attention the accomplishment brings, remaining softspoken and quiet when asked to describe herself. But the student, who has attended Abilene Christian School since she was in prekindergarten, did say her favorite subject is English.

No, she’d like to have a career in some form of surgery if she’s accepted into medical school, she said.

Reading, writing, research and all that comes with it are easier to her than does a subject like math, she said. She attributes this to the fluid state of affairs an English class has, compared to the rigid way mathematics works.

January 12, 2017 | 6 p.m. | Abilene Civic Center CityLink Transit’s annual “Food for Fares” campaign began Nov. 28, and ended Saturday. CityLink passengers received a free oneway trip for each can of food or non-perishable food items donated.

It’s about coming to her own conclusions, she said.

Don’t miss this evening of exciting, fun and unique entertainment! Join us for the eighth annual Dancing with the Abilene Stars when 12 “celebrity” dancers will be paired with a professional dancer to perform for your entertainment pleasure. Tickets are required in advanced – not available at the door.

Dress: Black Tie/Sunday Dress • Seated dinner | Complimentary Beer and Wine • Audience participation welcome! --- Social begins at 6 p.m. | Dinner served at 6:45 p.m. / Cash, check or credit cards are accepted – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover – to vote for your fa vorite dancer. Only $1 per vote. For more info: (325) 692-0112, Barbara Dahl or Suzie Brecheen • http://www.hendrickhome.org/hhc/?p=1757

‘My mother’s a nurse, so I’ve been around the medical field my entire life,’ Hernandez said. ‘So I thought it would be really cool to go down that path as well, helping people.’

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12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Luis Quiñonez named to Trump transition team By Gustavo Montoya | National Association of Hispanic Publications

More than 72 hours after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conceded the election to Donald Trump and the reality of his historic victory as president-elect 2016 began to settle over the country, the President-elect traveled to the White House to meet with President Obama. A meeting that marked the beginning of the White House transition process and one that will continue for the next 72 days ending on inauguration day on January 20, 2017.

tain areas of the border, but not all, particularly in Texas where lands at the border are private property unlike parts of the border in Arizona where the land is mostly federal, state or county.The solution to securing the border with Mexico is to use drones, additional helicopters and increase the number of border patrol personnel and monitoring tools. “We will have a change in the response time of the border patrol from 40 minutes to 2 minutes.”This wall will be financed in part by a small remittance Trump has created an advisory transition tax on money transfers sent to Mexico. team of 16 who will report directly to him. This group of 16 will have direct access to the On the issue of deportations Quiñonez said public and the media through whom they will that it is not possible to deport 14 million illeconvey the policies and issues of new Trump gal immigrants. The priority will be to deport administration. One of the members is Luis only those currently in prisons, in detention, Quiñonez, born in Guatemala and the only La- and those who are or who have been livtino on this committee. In a brief interview for ing on the government and on the taxpayers. the National Association of Hispanic Publica- Quiñonez added, “Now for the people who tions, Quiñonez explained that his role on this have come to work, who are living within the committee is two-fold. law, and who really want to contribute and get ahead, they will be given an opportunity As a Vietnam Veteran he is to represent the to become legalized”. To do this they would rights of all Veterans, and as a successful busi- have to come out of the shadows and follow nessman he is to look after small businesses a government program that would include a and entrepreneurs. In a brief interview for the criminal record analysis, identification confirNational Association of Hispanic Publications, mation that includes their country of origin so Quiñonez explained that he will audit those that the government can confirm that each peragencies assigned to him, evaluate regulations son is who they say they are. This process will affecting small businesses and entrepreneurs, take between 5 and 7 years to complete and maintaining those policies that are needed and towards the end will include English classes eliminating those that are damaging to entre- with minimum requirements, civics and govpreneurs. Among those to be audited is the ernment classes and applicants decide whether government itself. The purpose of the audit is or not they are to become US citizens. They to ensure that funds paid by taxpayers are used will have to declare whether they will live in properly and not abused. But the message goes the United States or not. Quiñonez says “you beyond this: “We want to make it clear that cannot stand with one foot here and one foot the position of the government is to serve us there. They either stay or leave after 7 years”. and respect its citizens. The general message is that we will run this government as we would The adjustment period for these people will be run a company,” said Quiñonez. like a Temporary Protective Status (TPS) visa and will eliminate other existing programs A succinct and pragmatic advisor, he asserts such as DACA or DAPA. In their place will that Trump’s approach is to run the US gov- be the program described above for a permaernment as if it were a company, with a healthy nent legalization process that will include the balance sheet, and employees who are doing Dreamers. When asked who would qualify to their job well for the consumer: the American Quiñonez responded, “This would apply to all people. who arrived in the country before January 1, 2014.” At the national level, immigration reform is one of the most important issues for immi- Quiñonez, a pragmatic and skillful speaker, grant minorities, and in particular for Hispan- has opened his door to the Hispanic media ics. Trump’s platform speaks to security first: during this transfer of powers, as his participabuild the wall along our southern border with tion in the advisory board is a connection to Mexico that Mexico will pay for. Quiñonez the diversity of Latinos in government for the clarifies this saying that this is not a literal Trump administration; this information flow wall.Rather, “the wall will be partly real and will be ongoing. partly virtual”. Real walls will be used in cer-

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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

Abilene Residents Collect Toys for Taylor County Children Served by Child Protective Services By Brittany Wade | CPS Staff Liaison

On Tuesday, December 13th, using the donated warehouse space from Black Plumbing of Abilene on S Treadaway Blvd, the Taylor County Child Welfare Board will collect toys from over 148 local donors to make Christmas wishes come true for Taylor County children who are victims of child abuse and/or neglect. Miracle on Vine Street, the Board’s annual Christmas toy drive, pairs children in CPS care with community donors who buy them Christmas gifts. With the help of their caseworker, children (ages infant to 18) fill out wish lists to Santa, including something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. In turn, the Child Welfare Board matched those wish lists with local donors, or “elves,” to help make their Christmas wishes come true and give each youth a chance to celebrate Christmas. “Miracle on Vine Street provides a beautiful light of hope for the children on my caseload,” shared Kanwal Nadeem, Conservatorship caseworker. “Having the opportunity to focus on the positive aspect of their involvement with CPS has brought such overwhelm-

ing happiness in their lives, thank you to the countless donors and volunteers who had the devotion and love in their hearts to help make wishes and dreams a reality for the children on my caseload.” The Child Welfare Board and Miracle on Vine Street Community Planning Committee received over 281 wish lists from abused and neglected children in the county.

Donna Watkins, Chair of the Planning Committee sums it up best, “I believe that children are our future, our treasure, and our responsibility. Miracle on Vine Street has given me a way to contribute to these children in a positive way. My hope is that each child will feel loved as they open their gifts on Christmas morning. The people of Abilene and Taylor County are truly generous and I’m so thankful for that. I have especially loved seeing the wish lists come in from the children. Like all children they have hopes and dreams, especially around Christmas, and the sweetness of their spirits comes through. It truly warms my heart.” About the Taylor County Child Welfare Board

On December 13th from 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM volunteers will be organizing the toys and preparing them for transportation to children to bring Christmas joy this holiday season.

The Child Welfare Board is composed of citizens appointed by Taylor County Commissioners to help protect abused and neglected children in the county and help families where children are at-risk of being abused and neglected. We work to help Child Protective Services in its mission and to help caseworkers in their work. A diverse group of board members share their talents and expertise and actively advocate for the protection of children. Programs of the Child Welfare Board include Emergency Funding for CPS children, Miracle on Vine Street, multiple donation drives and awareness events such as National Adoption Day.

December 10, 2016 11:00am-5:00pm Mankin & Sons Gardens 4002 N. 1st. Street One 5x7 - $15.00 Benefitting

Taylor-Jones Humane Society 672-7124

14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, Dec. 10 at 10:30AM, South Branch Library • Movie Summary: Bitter and hateful, the Grinch is irritated at the thought of the nearby village having a happy time celebrating Christmas. So disguised as Santa Claus, with his dog made to look like a reindeer, he raids the village to steal all the Christmas things. The village is sure to have a sad Christmas this year. Saturday Matinee: “Star Trek Beyond”, Dec. 10 at 2:00PM, South Branch Library • Movie Summary: The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy who puts them, and everything the Federation stands for, to the test. Teen Flix After Hours: “Gremlins”, Dec. 16 at 5:45PM, South Branch Library • Movie Summary: A teen inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town. Family Flix: “The Polar Express”, Dec. 17 at 3:00PM, Main Library • Movie Summary: A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. Teen Flix: “Nightmare Before Christmas”, Dec. 20 at 6:00PM, Main Library • Movie Summary: Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept. Mockingbird Movies: “Snowball Express”, Dec. 21 at 2:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Library • Movie Summary: When John Baxter inherits a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains, he quits his job in New York and moves the family west to run it. Only to find that the place is a wreck. But together they decide to try to fix it up and run it. But Martin Ridgeway, who wants the property, does everything he can to ensure it will fail.

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A-Teens Art Show “Home for the Holidays” to Benefit Toys for Tots By Ashley Simpson | Alliance for Women and Children

On December 08, 2016, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm The Alliance for Women and Children’s A-Teens participants are hosting its third annual art show. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays”. The A-Teens have been working hard to create original artwork and various crafts to display and sell. This event will be a fundraiser, and all proceeds will go to purchasing gifts for families in need.

like to support the Abilene Toys for Tots program, please contact abileneT4T@gmail.com or call 325-696-6890.

The A-Teens program is the longest running program in the organization and has been dedicated to working with middle school girls for more than ninety years. A-Teens focuses on working with middle school girls, during one of the more difficult stages of life, to enA-Teens participants spent Third Annual A-Teens Art Show courage confidence the month of November Thursday, December 8th from 6-8 in who they are and creating original artwork, Cockerell Gallery and Studios 1133 North 2nd Street, Studio 209 give them the opportraditional-themed Christmas Downtown Abilene tunity to grow into ornaments, as well as warm their own identity. scarves for the winter season. During this time, the A-Teens discussed the For more opportunities to participate in comimportance of giving back to their community munity events, please stop by their office at as a way of showing gratitude. Many teenag- 1350 North 10th Street to enroll your middle ers struggle with self-expression, and art has school daughter today. given these young ladies an opportunity to express themselves while helping others in need. About Alliance for Women and Children In addition to the A-Teens Program, the AlliA-Teens is partnering with the Cockerell Art ance for Women & Children also provides a Galleries and Studios to make this event open nurturing and safe environment for schoolto the public. So if you are in the area, pop aged children at After School Care. For more downtown to see the Art Walk attractions and information about this program, visit www.albe sure to stop by the Cockerell Art Galleries lianceforwomenandchildren.org. and Studios at 1133 North 2nd Street, Studio 209 to support these young artists. For more Information: For more information on the A-Teens Program at the

The funds raised will go to the Marine Toys for Alliance for Women and Children, please call Ashley Tots Foundation. Toys for Tots helps children Simpson at 325-677-5321 or visit their website at alin our community who may not otherwise experience the joy of Christmas. If you would lianceforwomenandchildren.org.

19th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance Thursday - February 9th

Don’t worry, be happy! It’s time to get groooooooovy at the City of Abilene Recreation Division’s 19th Annual Daddy & Daughter Dance. Create a lifetime of unspoken smiles through a memorable evening on Thursday, February 9, 2017. The 60’s Peace, Love, and Dance will be the theme this year complete with a Volkswagen bus photo booth, refreshments, door prizes, and more. Tickets go on sale, December 1st and limited space is available, so register early at www.abilenetx.com/signup. Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Enroll your daughter by December 15th and you will be mailed a commemorative invitation for Santa to deliver on Christmas day. For questions, email us at parksandrec@abilenetx.com.

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

16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Giving Tree Features Zoo Animals’ Wish List By Liz Kellerman | Zoo Behaviorist, Abilene Zoo

This has been an amazing year for the animals and staff at the Abilene Zoo. Many new animals have come to reside at the zoo, which means we have needed more enrichment items to help stimulate their minds and encourage their natural behaviors. Thankfully, we started off the year with more donations than ever from our annual Giving Tree. Visitors generously donated almost $900 in enrichment and training items for the animals to enjoy this year. With more than 1100 animals on zoo grounds, ranging from tiny frogs to long legged giraffes, each animal has its own distinctive needs that make them unique and special. Chameleons enjoy climbing on flexible vines. Tropical frogs like hiding under moss. Our macaws will spend hours shredding

their colorful hanging toys. The lions will wrestle over a ball, all while the monkeys just hang around. When you visit the zoo, know that the animals are making good use of your gifts – and guests are likely enjoying watching them play. Please come check out the annual Giving Tree located in the Zoo Store from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. The tree and the ornaments have gotten a facelift this year.

Each ornament features an animal and their special “wish” for the year. It’s a warm and fuzzy family tradition to include your favorite zoo animal in your holiday shopping. If you are interested in supporting the Animal Behavioral Programs at the Abilene Zoo and wish to donate items from the Wish List located on the zoo’s website, please call me at 325-437-4696 or email liz.kellerman@abilenetx.com. There also is a yearround wish list posted with www.amazon. com, where visitors can purchase items and have them shipped directly to the Abilene Zoo. Just search for “Abilene Zoo” in the wish list section. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Giving Tree and Wish Lists! Our staff and animals are truly grateful!

Visit the Giving Tree in the Zoo Store or see the Wish List online at www.abilenezoo.org/ support-the-zoo/abilene-zooLiz Kellerman is the Animal Behaviorist at the Abilene Zoo, where she has worked in animal enrichment for 9 years. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and is currently working toward her doctorate.

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

Fighting Fires for Twenty Years Air Force Fire Fighter MSgt Stephen Perez take great pride in what he does By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Master Sergeant Stephen Perez has been an Air Force fire fighter his entire twenty-one year career. But that’s not all he’s done. In the first sixteen years of his Air Force service, Steve deployed eight times to Afghanistan, Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.

ily Readiness Center. The center supports deployed military members and their families, provides financial assistance to members of all military branches and prepares those transitioning out of the military for civilian work and life.

“We not only have fire fighter duty,” he says, “but also as airmen we deploy, support our leaders and fight for freedom. We’re different from city fire fighters in that we could be placed in a location with our M-16s or M-4s and have to behave as fire fighters as well as protect our nation.”

In 2015 he returned to the Dyess Fire Department as Assistant Chief for Fire Prevention. His responsibilities include on base inspections and all aspects of safety.

Steve was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduated from W. B. Ray High School. He worked in construction and tried to attend college but things just didn’t work out. “I needed a brighter future,” he says. So he joined the Air Force in 1996. After basic training he was fortunate to be assigned to fire fighting, his first choice. He was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base and has been in Abilene ever since except for a year stationed in Korea. “When I was young my grandmother lived down the street from a fire station,” Steve says. “As kids we were always down there poking around and being nosy. During grade school we took a tour of that station and it stuck in my head

the Dyess base with an overwhelming feeling that he was going to help someone. That’s what he finds most satisfying about his work. “It’s being able to help people,” he says. “and ensuring that we’ve secured the base and that we can walk in and know nobody’s going to get hurt. There’s a power in knowing you’re keeping the base and everybody around you safe.”

Civilians make up about thirty-three percent of the Dyess fire fighting squad and Steve hopes to join them soon. His goal for the future is to retire with twenty-two years of service and continue to work at the Dyess Fire Department as a civilian. He and Heidi are also talking about a trip to Spain or back to Steve takes great pride in the Bahamas, where they were married. But the Dyess Fire Department none of that lessens his gratitude. facility, opened in 2007, where a total of fifty-four “I’ve been blessed over the years by the milifire fighters train, work, tary and what they’ve given me in education, eat and sleep. The previous certifications and opportunities,” he says. building could fit inside “The hardships have made our family stronthe area that now houses ger. I’ve visited a lot of places that I never fire-fighting vehicles. dreamed I’d see. To be where I am today, I’m very grateful.” When Steve is not working he spends most of his time The Dyess family no doubt appreciates the at home with his wife Hei- protection and safety the on-base fire fighters di and their blended family like Steve provide. And his gratitude is due of four children. Devon is back to him for his efforts in protecting his a junior at Angelo State country. University; Joshua attends Cisco Junior College as a freshman; Rueben, a junior at Cooper High School recently completed that I wanted to be a fire fighter. The Air the season with the Cougars varsity football Force made that possible.” team. Raelyn is a sophomore at Cooper and is on varsity cheer and track. After he returned from Afghanistan in 2012, Steve became Superintendent and Interim Steve remembers driving down the flight line Director of the Dyess Airmen and Fam- the first time he responded to an emergency on

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Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | EDUCATION | 19

Learning to Thrive:

Students appreciate experiences with clinical teaching By Elijah Evans | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

For many ACU students on the cusp of adulthood, teaching a classroom of high school students about thesis statements and outlines remains as terrifying as it is unlikely. But, for Sarai Valenzuela, wrangling a herd of high school students is a daily occurrence. Just three years after she graduated high school, Valenzuela, a senior English for teaching major from El Paso, is now teaching a classroom of students at Cooper High School. She grades papers, creates lesson plans and instructs the students every day. At the end of her semester of student teaching, she’ll graduate from ACU and start teaching on her own. “I worry sometimes that this will be the rest of my life,” Valenzuela said, grinning and pointing at the stack of papers awaiting grading. But right now, she leans on the doorway to the classroom and smiles at the unruly collection of high schoolers tumbling through the door. She teaches AP English III, the last class of the day for this group of 11th graders. The classroom hums with the energy unique to teenagers. Once they’re all seated, she leans over the lectern and looks at her class, bantering with the talkative teenagers. Colorful, handcrafted posters dot the walls, accentuating the classroom’s welcoming vibe. Although Valenzuela is only a few years older than her students, she’s in control. She may be new, but she’s also prepared. Valenzuela was well prepared by ACU’s Department of Teacher Education. The clinical teaching experience at ACU is a two-semester process. The first semester of a student’s senior year is spent shadowing. The student shadows a local teacher, completes administrative work, grades papers and observes classroom dynamics.

Although the semester of shadowing can be dull, it’s intended to be a foundational experience, grounding students in the high school classroom environment. Mitzi Adams, the clinical teaching coordinator in the teacher education department, said students will gradually take on more tasks throughout the semester until they are responsible for everything at the end. Lily Auker, a senior English major from San Angelo, is among a group of students shadowing at Abilene High this semester. She admitted that it can be dull at times, but that she really enjoys the experience. “This semester is just about watching and learning,” Auker said. “It’s about pedagogical learning, before we start teaching for real next semester.” The semester of shadowing is also a chance for students to acquire hands-on teaching skills from the high school teachers. “Now I’m not learning the content from you [the teacher], I’m learning what you’re doing right and what I’ve been taught is right and wrong,” said Crysta Cook, a senior history teaching major shadowing at Abilene High this semester. Because this clinical teaching program is crucial to the development of future teachers, Adams in the teacher education department helps mold each student’s experience to produce the optimum results. Healthy, robust feedback is the cornerstone of the clinical teaching experience. The clinical teacher is assigned a clinical supervisor who is a professor in the department. The student regularly meets with the clinical supervisor and Adams to process specific challenges with

students in the classroom. Additionally, the student is assigned a cooperating teacher who supervises them in the classroom and assists them throughout the semester. These three supervisors constitute a sounding board for the clinical teacher to pose ideas and questions. Adams calls it the “triad of supervision.” “Our candidates get eight observations in a semester with pretty robust feedback,” Adams said. “That prepares them to be successful.” The emphasis on feedback in college is often lamented by students. It can be awkward and embarrassing. But Adams emphasized the importance of feedback, asserting that a rigorous program and the extensive support system set ACU’s students up for success in the workplace. “The profession of teaching is incredibly complex, it is a difficult job,” Adams said. “When our clinical teachers go out to teach, it is not unusual for us to hear back from them in their first year that they had their first observation and their principal said that they are performing like a second or third year teacher already. We hold them to a very high standard.” Crysta Cook appreciated the way the teacher education department taught innovative teaching techniques so that clinical teachers could learn to engage their future students in a more robust way. “I think that’s something I really love about this department, they are teaching us new and

innovative ways to engage kids,” Cook said. “So instead of just reading a paragraph or writing a book, there’s activities where you can use your phone, relating to them.” Back in Sarai Valenzuela’s classroom, it’s research paper day. Long sighs and groans echo around the classroom when the assignment is announced by Jenny Oglesby, Valenzuela’s supervising teacher. “Save yourself the heartache and learn it now,” Valenzuela says. “It’s not going away.” Soon, the class moves to a computer lab and Oglesby steps out, leaving Valenzuela alone and in control. “They’re pretty fun, they really are,” Oglesby whispers to me, pointing at the class of high schoolers all listening to Valenzuela explain another assignment. She may be worried about grading papers for the rest of her life, but right now she’s captivated a room of unruly high schoolers and is absorbed in the moment.

20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Cooper musical selected for Texas Thespian Festival By Abilene Independent School District

The Cooper High School Theatre Department’s musical production of “Calvin Berger” was honored with selection to perform at the Texas Thespian Festival on Friday, Dec. 2, in Dallas.

Thomas Elementary hosted the first-ever Reindeer Romp to benefit Operation Blue Santa. Eighty-four people registered to run or walk in the romp. Sixty-nine runners and walkers showed up to participate on Saturday, Nov. 19, and Thomas Elementary raised $751 to donate to Operation Blue Santa. Operation Blue Santa was put into action in 2015 by the Abilene Police Department benefits students in need in grades Kindergarten through third grade in Abilene ISD and Wylie ISD.

More than 7,000 attendees are expected at the festival where each year high school theatre students and their directors hone their craft as well as learn and grow as performers. Students attending the festival also are given the opportunity to audition for colleges, earn scholarships and take workshops from presenters. Cooper’s production was performed at the Blackbox Stage in the Omni Hotel in Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Theatre director Justin Radcliff submitted a video application of Cooper’s fall production, which was held Sept. 15-18 at the CHS Auditorium. “To perform on the Blackbox Stage is a prestigious honor for Cooper High School and Abilene ISD,” Matthew Peters, Perfor-mance and Exhibitor Chair for the festival, wrote in his notification letter to CHS. “Out of the many school who submitted to perform, Cooper High School was chosen to represent the best that our state has to offer in high school theatre.”

MAKING MEET

A+ DIFFERENCE

LARRY HANEY NAME: Larry Haney DEPARTMENT: ATEMS High School Engineering Department TITLE: Teacher TIME WITH AISD: 18 years WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? Brainerd, Minnesota TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I have been married to Mary for 28 years. Our oldest is Jennifer who lives in Bedford, Texas, with her husband, James, and our 3 grandchildren Brayden, Lenna and Zelda. Our second child Meredith who lives in Wichita, Kansas. She will graduate from Friends University in December with a dual major in Zoo Science and Field Biology. Our youngest is Davis who is a junior in high school and his interests are leading him to music and vocal performance. TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: My first career was in the automotive field where I loved figuring out how things worked and fixing them when they stopped working. My degree is in Mathematics and is the reason I am a teacher. Teaching engineering at ATEMS has allowed me to bring these pas-sions together - creating the perfect engineering storm. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Besides the people I work with, one of the favorite parts of my job is seeing the reaction of my students as they go through the engineering process, creating a part, figure, or device and see it work the way it was designed to. My students during their years of engineer-

ing at ATEMS create these items for a purpose and get to see what they design accomplish the task it was designed for. WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HIM: “Mr. Haney, who is the only faculty member who has been with ATEMS since the school was established in 2009, is highly respected by our faculty, students and parents. He is the chair of the Engineering Department, serves as our campus technology liaison and Robotics coach, and coordinates many of our special projects such as the ATEMS Boat Invitational and various STEM events. He spends countless hours before and after school and on the weekends working with community members, coaching our Robotics team, preparing students for the SAT and exploring ways to provide engaging and effective learning experiences for our students. In May of 2016, Mr. Haney was honored as the recipient of the Heart of ATEMS Award for his excellence in teaching and his service to ATEMS. As a principal, it is a privi-lege to work with someone who is so dedicated to his profession and to his students.” − Dr. Ketta Garduno, Principal, ATEMS

Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21

22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

TSTC Employee Celebrates 40th Work Anniversary By Debra Gonzalez | TSTC Communications

When Si Acuña began working at Texas State Acuña said. “Being part of those organizations, Technical College in Sweetwater, he thought going to conferences and continuing to study he would only be there for a few years. Now on my own, I’m learning all the time.” he finds himself in his 40th year at TSTC. Acuña is proud to have made a difference at TSTC. Acuña began working at the college in 1976 as a “I’m glad I was part of it,” lab assistant in Automotive Acuña said. “I helped to Technology. train a lot of students. One of the things I really like is “I was thinking I would working with the students stick around and see how and training them. The long I was going to stay,” training is what’s really Acuña said. “I thought I kept me here so long, being would maybe go and do able to pass on my knowlsomething else after that. I edge to other people.” started as a lab assistant and moved on to an instructor, Overall, his favorite mothen moved on to master ment in teaching is seeing instructor for many years, his students succeed. and I was the department chair for years on and off. “I have a lot of favorite moThe program just kept goments, but I guess what is ing and going.” the best is when I see them cross the stage and they get With the development of a job,” Acuña said. “That’s advanced technology in Si Acuña stands with a truck in the autothe greatest one.” motive shop. Acuña began working cars, Acuña has seen much for TSTC in 1976. change throughout his About TSTC Texas State Technical Coltime at TSTC. “In the last 15 years or so, technology has changed so rapidly,” Acuña said. “The curriculum has changed quite a bit to keep up. In my time here, we’ve grown from being in a small building to a larger building where we are now. We have a lot more space and more classrooms with a well-equipped shop.” He keeps up with the technology by reading and maintaining membership in professional organizations. “I’ve been a member of many organizations that send out information and host conferences, like the Mobile Air Conditioning Society, the Automotive Service Association and the Automatic Transmission Association,”

lege serves Texas through 10 campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County. TSTC is the only college in Texas to adopt a funding model based entirely on student employment outcomes - aligning with its purpose of strengthening Texas with a highly skilled, technically competent workforce. Founded in 1965, TSTC celebrated 50 years of service to the state of Texas in 2015.

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

Operation Dyess Kids Deploy Children To a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Spotlight on Austin Elementary

By Staff Sgt. Kia Atkins | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Kylee Barnes, Operation Dyess Kids 2016 participant, looks down the sights of an M240 Bravo medium machine gun mounted to a Humvee at Dyess Air Force, Base, Oct. 22, 2016. During the event, several units from around Dyess had displays to show the children different career fields in the Air Force, such as explosive ordnance disposal, K-9 handlers and firefighters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kia Atkins) U.S. Marine Cpl. Jacob Rouse, Detachment-1, Motor Transport Maintenance Company, helps participants of Operation Dyess Kids try on helmets and body armor at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. During this event, children participated in a mock deployment to get an understanding of what it is like when their parents deploy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kia Atkins)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ashley Cotton, 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron, smiles as she watches her daughter Laylah learn how to put on a gas mask during Operation Dyess Kids 2016 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 22, 2016. After going through the deployment processing line and receiving a pre-deployment brief, the children saw numerous displays and demonstrations and were able to, try on gas masks, eat meals ready to eat commonly known as MREs, have their faces painted and much more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kia Atkins)

Lunch Bunch: Social Skills on The Menu By Abilene Independent School District

A new club is on the horizon for Austin El- to ensure appropriate implementation of the ementary. new skill. The Lighthouse Campus has been creating clubs for a couple of years now. One such club came out of a need experienced on campus. Through the years, teachers have recognized a growing need for the explicit teaching of social skills for certain children. Austin Elementary received a grant from Abilene Education Foundation and is partnering with Melissa Richardson at the West Texas Autism Center to bring social skills to a specific group of students. Some students have an autism diagnosis which is a developmental disability that causes social, communication and language problems. Other students have been identified by teachers who believe they would benefit from intensive social skill development.

Students will be positively reinforced for appropri-ate skill demonstration using specific verbal praise and tangible reinforcement. Parents will receive a list of social skills that will be targeted and the specific dates each skill will be introduced. Parents will help their child prepare for the session by completing the skill outline together with their child, practicing the skill at home, and sending the completed outline to school with the child so that they will have it as a reference on the day of the session. Teachers will also have a list of the social skills that will be targeted and the specific dates each skill will be introduced.

They will be asked to prompt students to use the skills in class and to positively reinforce The Lunch Bunch will be hosted once a week instances in which they observe the skill being for one hour broken into two 30-minute sec- practiced appropriately. tions each for two different groups based on students’ ages. During each social skills ses- We are so thankful for the generosity of Mesion, a new social skill will be introduced. lissa Richardson and the West Texas Autism Center for making this Lunch Bunch possible. Staff from the West Texas Autism Center, located at the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Together—parents, teachers, students and will model the new skill for students, who will West Texas Rehab staff—are building a founthen practice the skill. dation for children’s future success at home, in school, and in their community. WTAC staff will coach and prompt students

24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Day Nursery of Abileneâ€™s Sherry Lane Center earns 4-Star Rating

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Cynthia Pearson | Day Nursery of Abilene

The Day Nursery of Abilene child care program is pleased to announce the achievement of the Sherry Lane Center as a Texas Rising Star (TRS) 4-star provider, the highest TRS rating available. This rating comes following intense preparation and an in-depth, week long assessment in November. TRS is a state-wide program which offers child care providers the opportunity to participate voluntarily to improve the quality of child care by meeting program criteria that exceed the Minimum Standards set out by the Child Care Licensing Division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services which licenses child care programs in Texas. Many child care programs choose to exceed minimum licensing standards by providing higher quality learning environments for the children in their programs. This includes higher quality curriculum, classroom activities, teacher qualifications, and parent education. TRS guidelines are used by Workforce

Development Boards and child care contractor staff to assess and provide technical assistance to providers pursuing Texas Rising Star provider certification. The certification guidelines contain criteria for director and staff qualifications and training, caregiver-child interactions, curriculum, nutrition and indoor/outdoor activities, and parent involvement and education. TRS includes 2-star, 3-star and 4-star ratings. All three of the Day Nursery of Abilene child care centers have achieved TRS ratings for high quality child care programs. The mission of Day Nursery of Abilene is to provide affordable quality child care for a diverse community. The Day Nursery of Abilene is a private, non-profit child care organization established in 1972 and a United Way of Abilene community partner. Today the centers provide child care for over 500 children in three licensed facilities and include schoolreadiness programming. Please visit our website for more details. www.daynurseryabilene. org

Congratulations

Cooper ROTC finishes strong at first meet

The Cooper High Cougar Nation AFJROTC Drill Team captured 3rd Place overall out of 22 schools at the Ryan Invitation Drill Meet on Oct. 1 in Denton. The team took 47 cadets to this first competition of the year and placed 1st in Inspection and Armed Drill and 2nd in Unarmed and Sabre Drill.

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

Prairie Dog Pet Products Establishes New Production Facility In Abilene Hiring Event - January 10th & 11th By Steve Collins | Business Resource Consultant Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board Abilene welcomes Prairie Dog Pet Products, a leading specialty manufacturer of premium pet treats to Five Points Industrial Park. Production of quality pet treats is scheduled to begin in mid-January. They will be hiring qualified applicants to fill a variety of positions, to include department supervisors, production/packaging positions, warehouse workers, sanitation along with kitchen staff. Job offers are subject to assessments and drug screen results. In order to fill over 100 initial manufacturing positions, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas/Abilene will be hosting a special “Hiring Event” for the Prairie Dog Pet Products Company. The Prairie Dog hiring event will be held on January 10th and 11th , from

6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day, at the Abilene Workforce Solutions Center, 500 Chestnut, 6th Floor. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Potential applicants will need to pre-register at Workforce Solutions, 500 Chestnut, 11th Floor to schedule an interview time. Workforce staff encourage potential applicants to attend one of the no-cost workshops to brush up on interviewing skills! First Impressions • Overcoming Your Past • Dream, Lead, Succeed • Work 101 • Rebrand Yourself. We ask veterans to please self-identify when applying. For more information call 325-795-4200 or go to www.workforcesystem.org

*AISD Teachers Available To Help By Phone*

26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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At Ward Elementary, We are Growing Super Leaders into Super Readers! By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications Abilene Independent School District

One of our school wide goals this year is to have 60 students qualify for the AISD Million Word Reader celebration in May. Since Ward is a brand new Leader in Me school, our students are extremely excited about reaching our campus goal. Teachers and office staff wanted to create excitement about reading in a way that would surprise, encourage, and honor our students. Out of this desire, the Ward Million Word Reader prize patrol was created. Early in September our first student met their Million Word Reader goal. Imagine the surprise on the students’ faces when a team made up of our Library Associate, principal, assistant principal, counselor, and instructional coordinator went down the hallway with cowbells, whistles, and noisemakers to let the whole hallway know that someone had become our first Million Word Reader. The prize patrol entered the classroom, threw confetti and an-nounced that our first student, DeMario Dawkins, had met his Million Word Reader goal. To continually encourage students to read, our LRC associate, Dawn Wall, has helped students keep track of their progress towards becoming a Million Word Reader by tracking data towards their goal. Students are excited when they receive an “on track” sheet from Mrs. Wall. This means they are on track to reach MWR status by May. Since this first event in September, the prize patrol has been in action 13 times, each time adding students to its ranks. The whole hallway is full of energy each time the prize patrol makes its way down to the newest Million Word Reader. One amazing result of the celebration has been the excitement all stu-dents feel for their hardworking classmates. Students from classes up and down the hall-way come out and clap and cheer for their classmates who have met their goal. The prize pa-trol has grown, too. We invite guests on campus to participate, and Dr. Young even got in on the celebration during a recent visit. Parents have also joined the fun, coming to cheer and take pictures of their students. Ward Wildcats are well on their way to reaching or exceeding our lofty goal of 60 Million Word Readers. One can only guess what the prize patrol will do when that goal is reached!

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

Board narrows candidates for appointment to fill school board vacancy

By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, AISD The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees has narrowed the field to three candidates that will be considered for appointment to fill an upcoming vacancy on the board. Timothy De La Vega, Bill Enriquez and Tracy Howle have been selected to participate in a second round of interviews scheduled Nov. 28 at a called Special Meeting of the board. The interviews will be held in closed session at 5:45 p.m. at One AISD Center. A vacancy on the board will be created when longtime member Stan Lambert officially resigns Dec. 5 at the monthly Agenda Review meeting. Earlier this month, Lambert was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and will take office in January. Dr. Danny Wheat, board president, said the goal of the board is to appoint the new member at the Regular Meeting on Dec. 12. Eight potential candidates interviewed with board members on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. The appointee will fill the unexpired portion of the Place 6 seat until its term ends in May 2018. Lambert, a former president of the board, has served as a trustee since 2006.

McMurry University Model UN Wins Two Awards By Gary Ellison | Associate DirectorCommunications, McMurry University The McMurry University Model UN team won two awards at the National Model UN-Japan conference held November 20-26, 2016. Representing Portugal and Spain, McMurry’s Model UN team won a delegation award for sponsoring numerous working papers and draft resolutions. Senior sociology major Quintin Gorman, representing Portugal in the General Assembly, also won an Outstanding Position Paper Award for his recommendations on establishing a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty as a response to mitigating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The Model UN delegates were fêted by actual UN and Japanese leaders during the conference. The Secretary-General of the United Nations – Ban Ki-Moon – delivered a message of welcome to the Model UN delegates, and the mayor of Kobe, Kizō Hisamoto, spoke at the conference’s opening ceremony. The conference proceedings were covered by 14 different newspapers across Japan, and the City of Kobe also hosted the Economic and Social Council committee in its City Hall chambers during the final morning session. All

delegates were given one minute to speak before the assembly, which was aired live on TV in Kobe. Prior to the opening of the conference, the Model UN students traveled to Kyoto to visit World Heritage temples and shrines, and to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial and museum.

28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

A.I.S.D. at CitySidewalks

Downtown Abilene was the place to be on Nov. 29 as the holiday season officially opened with the 2016 City Sidewalks celebration. More than 20 musical groups from Abilene ISD performed at several downtown venues and marched along with the Christmas Lights Parade. Photos by Charles Caddell.

ACS Students Make Special Deliveries to Abilene Familes By Charisma Thrash | KTXS 12

Some students in Abilene learned that it is better to give than to receive. Abilene Christian School teamed up with the Betty Hardwick Center to make it a memorable Christmas for several families.

Nearly 500 students at ACS, from kindergarten to 12th grade, loaded buses with hundreds of gifts. “It makes me feel happy because I’ve never done anything like this before and it’s really exciting,” said fifthgrader Felicity. The students have spent all month rounding up gifts and food for nine families that have children with developmental disabilities.

“It changes our lives as much as it changes the families we serve,” said ACS teacher Cindy Jinkerson. Noreen White with the Betty Hardwick Center says the families are overwhelmed when they’re greeted

by the little ones. “It’s a priceless reaction,” White said. “Families cannot believe that there is so much generosity in our community.” ACS has teamed up with the Betty Hardwick Center at Christmas for more than 25 years.

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

ACU Purchases it’s First International Property in Germany By Allison Brown | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

The university recently finalized the purchase of its first international property – a 15,000-square-foot villa in the heart of Leipzig, Germany. The 144-year-old villa, built in 1872, is located in Leipzig’s Music District. The villa will accommodate around 35 people.

have to do some furnishing,” Shewmaker said. “It’s in really good shape, and it’s really nice on the inside – perfect for what we need it to be.”

Shewmaker said he hopes the property will be ready for students to use by Summer 2017, but is still unsure which of the summer groups Stephen Shewmaker, executive director of the will get to stay at the villa. Center for International Education, said the process of acquiring the property has taken “Where the building is located is fantastic and nearly a year. we’ll have students right on the edge of the center of the city,” Shewmaker said. As Study Abroad programs have grown over the years, the university has looked at buying properties before, but until now, properties in Leipzig, Oxford and Montevideo have been rented. The university had an opportunity to purchase the Oxford houses on Canterbury Road about 10 years ago, but still remains tenants in the homes. With a slight case of renter’s remorse, Shewmaker didn’t want to let a property like the Leipzig villa get away. In January, Shewmaker traveled to Leipzig in January with Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost, Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, along with a few other senior leaders on campus to look at a property. The group initially looked at a different home on the same street, but after meeting Oriol Plans-Casal, owner of the villa, conversations began about a possible transaction.

“Because we did not purchase at Oxford and now we wish 10 years ago we would have, that helped inform this decision,” Shewmaker said. “We thought, ‘Let’s not be twenty years into Leipzig, wishing we had learned the lessons of Oxford.’”

The villa currently houses Lyzeum Music School and sits in a historic part of town, right next to where the iconic Bluthner piano factory once stood. The factory was once the “After having quite a few conversations with largest employer in Leipzig at the turn of the Oriol and a few extra trips to Leipzig, we twentieth century, but was lost in World War II hired an engineer to go through the property bombings. Shewmaker said he looks forward and assess its soundness,” Shewmaker said. to uncovering more of the villa’s history. As things moved forward, Shewmaker “I don’t know all the stories yet, but I’m interworked with a Leipzig-based attorney to com- ested to really dig into it,” Shewmaker said. plete the acquisition. “We don’t have to do much to it, but we’ll

30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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through December 18th at the KTAB Studios on South 14th. KTAB will be having the official toy drive at the Wal-mart on Southwest Drive on December 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Put a smile on a child’s face. Become a KTAB Santa’s Helper!

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Pick us up at Golden Chick, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31

Athletics and Relationship Building Student-athletes and coaches build relationships off-campus By Phil Blue | Executive Director of Athletics, Abilene Independent School Disctrict

A relatively new strategy for achieving success throughout AISD athletics includes “Relationship Building Activities.” All programs are required to develop and participate in an activity with their players, which is not related to their sport, and is not held on campus. Student-athletes need to interact with their coaches in a setting different than the normal sport-related setting. Studies show that the development of deep positive relationships and trust is critical for team success. These are a few examples of the relationship building activities that have occurred within AISD athletics during the fall semester:

The Abilene High basketball team work the Ropes Course at Centennial Park. Below: The Abilene High basketball team works the fall festival at the JV Daniels Recreation Center.

My name is Terri Aston, and I am the head women’s basketball coach at Abilene High. Our team’s relationship building activity was to work the fall festival at the JV Daniels Recreation Center. This gave my girls and me the opportunity to interact and work with the youth of Abilene. This activity gave us a chance to give back to the community and show that being a “Lady Eagle” is about much more than just playing a sport. My name is Nora Campbell, and I am the Head Volleyball coach at Cooper High School. Our team’s relationship building activity included taking on the “Ropes Course” at Centennial Park. In addition, we also met at the Abilene Zoo and had a “zoo scavenger hunt.” It was great to be involved with each other in a setting that did not include volleyball.

My name is Del Van Cox, and I am the head football coach at Abilene High School. I was able to have our AHS football captains come over to my house in order to explain the expectations for being a captain and participate in a relationship building activity. After having a great steak and potato dinner, we broke out the old croquet set and learned how to play croquet. We all had a great time even though many of the players had never played croquet before. They thought I was making up the rule about being able to knock another player’s ball away. It was great to have them in an environment that wasn’t just football.

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32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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

Care When You Need It

Abilene Funeral Home staff provides the kind of service a grieving family needs. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Roland Cisneros doesn’t really have any hobbies because of his work schedule. But nothing gives him more satisfaction than serving a family at Abilene Funeral Home. Abilene Funeral Home was established in 1998 and Roland has worked there for about ten years. The family-operated business is owned by Richard Cisneros Fuqua and Jack Fuqua, Richard’s adoptive father. Richard and Roland are birth brothers. Richard and Roland’s sister Emma Moreno also works there, moving here from Weslaco, Texas to join the family business. Roland was born and raised in Stamford, Texas, although his parents were migrant workers and moved regularly during his childhood years. He worked in the oil field for about five years but later moved to automotive paint and body work to spend more time with his sons Roland, now thirty and Abel, twenty-seven. His daughter, Lauren is five and his wife Mary is a stay at home mom. Although Roland spends a lot of time at work, he enjoys spending his time off with his wife, daughter and family. While Roland was going through a job change Richard asked him to help with the work at Abilene Funeral Home. He stayed about four years, went back to paint and body for about six years and was asked to come back permanently. He agreed, moved to Abilene and has been with the business every since. Roland’s favorite part of his work is making sure preparations are made for the kind of service a family has chosen with the funeral director in charge. He says, “Sometimes family’s wishes can be a little out of this world, but times are changing. Our younger generation seems to be trying to hold on to traditional services and on the other hand, cremation is on the rise, sim-

ply because it’s more affordable.” “It’s very satisfying to know that Richard and Jack can depend on me to have everything ready for them,” Roland says. “I love taking care of a family’s wishes for their loved one and making sure that everything is in order from beginning to end.” Abilene Funeral Home serves between 125 and 150 families each year. Many of them are returning families who have used Abilene Funeral Home in the past. “They come back simply because of the experience they had and how pleased they were with everything having used Abilene Funeral Home. We’re very competitive with our prices,” Roland says. “We’re not extravagant but we pro-

rangements for cremation follow, mainly because cremation is less than buying property and everything that is involved with it at most cemeteries. The service can be exactly the same along with the viewing of the body (body present) and having your loved one at a church. For the biggest part in this area, families still believe in the good old fashion traditional funeral and burial arrangements, thank God.” “People need to know how important it is for each and every one to have all their wishes and final decisions written down with the selection of the funeral home where they’d like to be,” Roland says. “They don’t know how important that is for their loved ones. If it’s already paid for, that’s wonderful. Then the family only has to sign a few papers and everything is taken care of.” Abilene Funeral Home depends on word of mouth to build their business. Sensitive and individual service to families separates them from the competition. “Sometimes people come in and say they’re ‘shopping,’” Roland says. “I tell them some may be able to match our prices but they won’t match our service.”

vide the best service with whatever the family wants or has chosen for their loved one.” One of the newer options coming soon will be video streaming the service so that family members unable to attend can watch. Emma’s daughter and son-in-law Allyson and Justin are both studying for their licenses as funeral directors. Since Justin has experience with technology, he will be helping upgrade equipment and options. Another change is cremation, which is on the rise in this area. “But, the good thing is that some families are still trying to stay with traditional funeral service arrangements,” Roland says, “but instead of following with the traditional burial, ar-

Unlike others, Abilene Funeral Home does not use an answering service. “Family members always speak with one of us,” Roland says. “Jack says they need to know we’re always there for them.” While the funeral business can be sad and stressful, Roland and his co-workers are motivated by the gratitude of the families they work with. Just a few of the thank you notes they’ve received are displayed in the office to help them remember how they have helped. Those thank you notes are tangible evidence that the staff at Abilene Funeral Home can guide families through difficult times with consideration and care. When you’re hurting from the loss of a loved one, there’s nothing you value more.

34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Gift of Love By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

Tis the season ... yes, the season for giving and baking, singing Christmas carols and sending Christmas cards, participating in Christmas plays and pageants, taking Santa pictures at the mall, decorating the house and trimming the tree, attending school and office parties, and white elephants, OH MY! Then, on top of all the festivities, many of you will be trying to figure out which child is spending what day at whose house during this busy season!

other. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” That’s the beauty of the gift God gave you; it can go on and on. First John 4:19 tells us, “we love because He first loved us.” God didn’t expect us to figure out how to love on our own; He showed us first. God loves you; therefore, go love the ones God has placed in your realm - even the exes and the stepchildren and the in-laws. This love came as a gift, there is nothing you can do to earn it, and there is nothing you can do to lose it. This gift is Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. As with any gift, you have to accept it - take it - in order to own it. Make sure you don’t let this season of celebrating be for naught - make sure before you give and bake and do and wrap, you receive the greatest gift you will ever own and the greatest gift you will ever give. God loves you.

It seems like every year I tell myself I’m going to scale back and truly enjoy Christmas time; the reality is, I get about two hours to relax and enjoy - and that is only after the presents have been opened, the food has all been prepared, and I’m exhausted! So, before we, as moms, go into hyper drive, I want to remind you of the most precious gift Blessings in Your Blending! you will ever receive - the gift of Jesus and ____________________________________ His love. John 3:16 tells us “God so loved the Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Krisworld that He gave his one and only Son, Je- tie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since sus, that whoever believes in him shall not per2004; her blended family curish but have eternal life.” God loves you; He rently includes four children and doesn’t say you have to be perfect to receive four grandchildren. Follow Kristie His gift. In fact, Romans 5:8 says, “God demon Facebook (facebook.com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@ onstrates His own love for us in this: While we BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That in(theblendedfamilymom). Her books cludes me. That includes you. His love is not - “The Blended Family Mom,” and based on your life; it is based on the mere fact “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www. He created you and that alone makes you precious. You were created for His glory and His theblendedfamilymom.com). purpose. Isn’t that an amazing thought - your life is for God’s glory and purpose. God’s gift of Jesus is not to be hidden away, but to be shared. John 13:34 says, “Love one an-

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Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 35

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36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

9 Things You Can Do When Your Teen is Drifting Away By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

The teen years can be a bumpy ride. It’s important that your teen is given the room and encouragement to become their own person, but what do you do when you sense that they are drifting or pulling away in an unhealthy manner? First, take a moment to consider that it may not just be all about them; here are 5 Ways Parents Frustrate Their Teens. But, whatever the cause, perhaps the rolled eyes, slammed doors, grumpy silences, and secrecy about their friends and activities have you thinking, “We have a problem!” If so, here are nine things to help ensure you maintain contact as they move into their own orbit.

4.Remind them you’re their biggest fan.

Susan and I would tell our children time and again, “Other than God, no one loves you more than we do, and no one has your best interests at heart more than we do.” Whether it’s a hug as they pass in the hall or a lunchbox or sports bag note, reminding your kids that you’re always for them is a big deal.

5. Be vulnerable. As your teen gets older, share

with them, as appropriate, difficulties you had or mistakes you made at their age. This may very well help you and your teen to better identify with one another. It may also encourage your teen to open up more.

6. Keep it short. Remember that your teens live in the Twitter world, where conversations are lim-

1. Treat them as a young man or ited to 140-character exchanges. Avoid the temptayoung woman. They may not be at a stage tion to lecture and offer a sound bite instead. They where you can consider them to be fullyfunctioning adults, free to make all their own decisions, but they want you to acknowledge that they are not little children anymore. That means being less directive about everything, and moving more into a coaching role. Instead of commands, give choices.

2. Listen more. Letting go of the reins

bit by bit means having fewer answers and more questions. Ask them why they are feeling frustrated about this, how they think they should handle that, and why they believe you should agree to those things. Inquire gently; this should be a conversation, not an interrogation!

3. Bite your lip. Even if you disagree with

what they are saying, you don’t need to tell them so every time. That will just shut them down. Give them permission to share without them feeling that they are going to be automatically corrected or challenged. Try to understand where they are coming from. Sometimes when my kids were teens and I’d ask them about something, when they’d tell me I would just say, “Okay, thanks for sharing,” and leave it at that without making a big deal out of it. If they tell you something that is really worrisome, you may want to come back to it a bit later once you’ve gathered your wits.

are more likely to remember a brief comment than a long lecture.

7. Say “I was wrong, please forgive me.” Part

of letting your teen see more of you means being ready to admit when you are wrong. Be quick to apologize when you realize you have been wrong; asking forgiveness will go a long way toward keeping your teen’s heart soft toward you.

8. Be available to your teen when they need or want you. Be there to do things with

and for your teen. And do it on their schedule. I remember one time our 17-year-old son came home at midnight while I was still awake and asked if I wanted to go get a hamburger. Eating that late was not on my wish list, but I readily agreed, as I knew it would give us some valuable hang-out time together.

9. Enter their world. As they grow, your teen

may want to try new things and those things may not be what you are interested in. Encourage them in what they want to do. For example, instead of trying to get them to play a certain sport just because you did, encourage them in the sport they are interested in. Look for opportunities to use this discovery process as a way to build bridges.

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Marriage Is Hard And Why It’s Worth It

Pick us up at Alliance For Women & Children, Mary’s Paleteria & H.E.B. | FAITH & FAMILY | 37

By John Mendez | HispanicLife Magazine Contributor

Marriage is hard. We hear it all the time. The fake statistics, the unwarranted advice from divorced couples, the culture that seems to shine light on all the nasty bits of marriage. It’s all out there. And for the most part, the nasty bits are true. Unfortunately, marriage isn’t long walks on the beach and making out in the rain. It’s more like holding each other, for dear life, weathering every possible natural disaster known to man, while standing on a gang plank. I’m writing to say it’s true. Marriage is hard. But so, so worth it.

Through some trials and tribulations, it came to be. That I met my person. The person that would give me everything and I would give my everything to. Rocket boosters, fireworks, long walks. It was all there. But we knew, somehow, that it wouldn’t be easy. That marriage just isn’t about having a fun wedding and a spectacular honeymoon and cute nicknames. I knew it would be about energy, compromise and conflict. But it didn’t matter. I knew we had Love. THAT Love. We couldn’t explain it and we still can’t today, but it’s there. And now we’re living it. The nasty bits. Life is rough. It’s hard and has no mercy. You can’t sugar coat it. You can’t just forget the issues at hand. They aren’t going away. You have to face them head on.

It’s probably the most exhilarating and frustrating thing two people will ever put themselves through. So why do it? Why put yourselves through such turmoil? Why risk the most emotional part of yourself… your heart? Your heart is the most protected thing in your life. What you’ve worked so hard to keep solid, break, and rebuild again. These aren’t easy questions to answer. And do you know why? It’s because we cannot readily define Love. Plain and simple. We may be able to explain what we believe Love is. We may even be able to point out actions and consequences of Love. Some people in the world will say Love doesn’t “exist.” That it isn’t something supernatural or faith driven. They say Love is a figment of our human world. That chemicals and senses control our actions and drive us to perform our duties as beings, to procreate. Ok, good argument. But why do I feel such Love so deep, I would give my life for another person? Honestly. I would give up my life so that another person could continue with theirs. I don’t know about you, but that can’t be chemicals.

And this is when the real work becomes reality. The continuous battle to get through life. And hear me when I say this. YOU CAN’T DO IT ALONE. I cannot tell you how irritated it makes me to see that marriage in our culture has become an ‘alternative’. It’s become a stigma of something old or dated. Not needed or obsolete. It makes me sick to think that people are making the conscious decision to have a significant other and deprive themselves of the beauty that is marriage. It’s a sacrifice that knowingly or unknowingly deprives you of feeling true Love. I just revel in the fact that I found Love. I found Marriage. And two baby carriages.

We feel Love. I absolutely believe that. And we feel it on many different levels. I love my dogs. I love expensive whiskey. I even love my car. But Love… real Love is what I feel for my wife. It’s what I feel for my children. It’s what I feel for my life. It’s what makes life worth living. Humans are insanely crazy creations. I could do without whiskey or my car. But I could never do without my family. Family keeps us going. Family destroys us and builds us up. It evolves and mutates. It’s family. And guess what? Marriage starts it all. I didn’t grow up with a great view of what marriage is supposed to be. How longevity in marriage is supposed to work or why people even decide to get married. I just knew that when that time came, I would know. And oh how I knew. When I met my wife, I knew.

In marriage, you must never let go of your hands. Cement them together and weather the storms. The floods, the lightening, the fires, the swarm of bees. All of it. Together. This is what marriage is all about. This is what makes you strong. THIS is what Love is. Sticking together no matter what happens. You are one flesh. One being. One family. No amount of science can explain this Love and bond. It’s just there. Are you exhausted yet? You should be. And you better be. It means it’s working. It means marriage is there. That Love is there. In the end, it isn’t about the fights, the financial struggles, and the stress of children. It’s about the good times you have together. It’s about the tough times you have together. It’s about living your lives TOGETHER. So in the end, Why? Why marriage? With all the bad things that can happen and the suffering you go through, why do it at all? Because it’s magical. So magical and mysterious and inexplicable that you have to experience it to believe it. It’s about holding on and never letting go. And when you think you just can’t hold on any more, you keep holding on. Because Love is the glue that binds us. Love is the strength that keeps us on our feet. And Love is the beauty in our hearts.

10 Ways to Get Your Children to Respect You

38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

By AllProDad.com

A good friend of mine is an upstanding member of the community. He is hard working, profitable in business, conducts himself with integrity, and has played leadership roles in a number of local charitable causes. He has made a concerted effort to be respected in his town and has succeeded. Yet the one person who should respect him the most is his son, but that has been a struggle. Respect can’t be demanded – yet that’s exactly what we try. Families simply can’t function without respect – but the more we push the more elusive it seems to be. So what’s the answer? Why won’t children fall into line? What kind of plan can possibly help? There are no easy answers, but there are positive directions. First, try backing off. Families are not the military and there is no uniform code of conduct. If you want to earn respect from your children do these 10 things.

5. Spend more time teaching love than teaching rules: Children who are taught the connection between love and discipline can accept consequences more easily than those who are governed exclusively by “chapter and verse.” Love does not demand respect, love commands respect. 6. Live with integrity: Children are master observers. Personal work ethic, paying bills, charitable giving, helping others, generous with tips, talking positively about others behind their backs, etc. All of these are areas where we build and sustain the kind of character our kids will respond to with respect.

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MEDICARE PROGRAMA DE AHORROS DE

El Programa de Ahorro en Medicare (MSP) ayuda a las personas con ingresos y recursos limitados a pagar todas las primas de Medicare o una parte y quizás los deducibles y coseguros de Medicare. Hay cuatro Programas de Ahorro en Medicare (MSP). Si llena los requisitos de uno, automáticamente recibe AYUDA EXTRA para pagar los costos de Medicare Parte D de la cobertura para recetas médicas. Póngase en contacto con la Agencia de Área sobre Envejecimiento al 325-793-8417 para más información.

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

7. Be a family: Is this a family you consider worthy of your best? Is your family job www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine one? This means being proactive about family life. Have meals together, go on special trips and events. Do game 1. Respect your children: This is going to nights, go on vacation. look different from child to child, but you know when you’re disrespectful – and so do 8. Be a leader: Don’t just love, love from the they. As the parent, this is something we can front. Parents are family leaders, and one way to lead is to love from the front. Serve them. teach by doing. Listen to their needs and respond with care. 2. Respect their mother: The relationship between parents sets the tone for the greater fam- 9. Don’t try to be their friend:This can be ily dynamic. When children witness mom and hard because we want so much to be liked by dad treat one another with love and respect our kids. But that’s not something we should – despite their differences – the standard has be fishing for. Don’t even worry about being been set. On the other hand, when kids witness loved – be their father instead. The like part their parents bring one another down – it’s an really isn’t a factor, because, that’s not why you’re there, is it? You are there to love them uphill climb from there. and part of that is protecting them from them3. Be consistent: Children need to know what selves. Do what is best for them even when to expect. Inconsistency on the part of parents they disagree. leaves kids floundering. Consistency is both a 10. Tell the truth: We’re not just talking about compass and an anchor. words here. Tell the truth about what you be4. Follow through: Another way to say this is, lieve – and then follow through. Tell the truth “Tell the truth.” That means to think carefully about what your values are – and then live before you lay out a potential consequence be- them. Tell the truth about your love – and then cause the moment you fail to follow through, love with as much energy as you can muster. your credibility and your respect are out the Be genuine, let your gifts come through, do your very best at being who you are. They’re window. not going to love anything short of your authentic self.

By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

A Worrier becomes isolated and lonely. A Warrior seeks wise counsel and advice. For example, a worrier consumed with financial concerns is likely to keep the problems quiet, assuming they should figure it out. But a proactive warrior confides in others Worrying is a common struggle for all of us. they trust to get helpful advice and objective There’s always something to worry about: perspectives on how to handle their financial kids, jobs, health, money, etc. Parents worry stress. if their kids will be okay at a friend’s house, at a park down the street, at a party, or out A Worrier obsesses with problems. A Warwith friends. They worry about their kids rior searches for solutions. For example, making wise decisions when they’re with a worrier concerned that their spouse may their friends. Husbands and wives worry be dealing with an addiction might obsess about their spouse’s safety, their health, their on what the spouse is doing and be anxious about the spouse’s weaknesses and faults. A job, and their faithfulness. warrior looks for answers by getting help to But worry doesn’t have to consume you. You address the problem. can choose to fight back. Instead of being a A Worrier lacks trust. A Warrior trusts worrier you can be a warrior. Here’s how: God in all things. This is a tough one because A Worrier is passive, a Warrior is pro- we all worry sometimes. But worry is really active. For example, a worrier who is con- not trusting in the all-powerful, all-knowing, cerned about their child’s friends will fret, and all-present God. A warrior trusts God— maybe complain, but just hope nothing bad trusts that He is always with us, that He is alhappens. But a warrior gets to know their ways good, that He always loves us, and, that kids’ friends and their families, teaching their “in all things God works for the good of those kids how to handle difficult or dangerous sit- who love him, who have been called accorduations that might happen. The warrior also ing to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) shows his kids how to stand strong for what No one ever worried themselves out of woris good and right. rying. Eventually, a worrier who is weary A Worrier is paralyzed by fear. A War- of the worry needs hope and help. So go to rior admits fear, but does what’s needed God, trusting Him for answers and peace. Be anyway. For example, when a bully strikes proactive in prayer. Ask God to help you to family or friends, the worrier will avoid the release your worries. Don’t just say you’ll bully in silence. But a warrior will overcome pray about your worries…get on your knees fear and do what’s needed: stand up to, speak somewhere and actually pray. out against, and report the bully. What keeps you up at night? What problems consume your thoughts, causing you to assume something bad is going to happen? Are you a worrier or a warrior when it comes to the troubles in your life?

A Worrier only finds peace when things go their way. A Warrior finds peace regardless. When everything is going well on the job, at home and in life, the worrier is at peace. But when the slightest thing goes wrong, the worrier is in complete turmoil. But a warrior finds comfort and peace even when major storms in life hit home because he knows God is in control of all things.

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40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Texas Group Teaches Kids About ‘New Gateway Drug’ By Rachel Glaser

process that continues until about age 25.” Doctors say electronic cigarettes are the new Nicotine can damage the developing teen gateway drug for teens in America. brain while leading to addiction and priming The nation’s top doctor is sounding the alarm the brain for other addictions. on e-cigarettes, especially when used by youth Megan Grayless, the “CATCH My Breath” and adolescents. program manager said “A lot of people think “We already know that e-cigarettes have the that e-cigarettes are safe and while the jury is potential to cause lasting harm to the health of still out for adults, we know for a fact that they young users,” the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. are not safe for youth.” Vivek H. Murthy wrote in a report released Thursday. E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults, the first report the Surgeon General has ever issued on e-cigarettes, warns the increasingly popular trend is much more harmful than many realize. “As Surgeon General and as a new father, I am urging all parents to take a stand against e-cigarette use by our nation’s young people,” Murthy said. Among the recommendations from the surgeon general, the strongest one is the adoption of evidencebased health strategies to educate young people on the dangers associated with the use of e-cigarettes.

The 2016 Texas Youth Tobacco Survey found “It’s an alert from the surgeon general,” said more than 25 percent of middle and high school Dr. Steve Kelder, the senior scientific editor of students in Texas have tried e-cigarettes. the new surgeon general’s report out Thursday. “Nicotine is found in the blood stream of users A professor at University of Texas School of at the same level as regular cigarette use, so we Public Health, Dr. Kelder, also authored the know we have a problem,” Kelder explained. “CATCH My Breath Youth E-Cigarette PreNationally, the number of underage teens who vention Program.” have tried e-cigarettes spiked by 22 percent Based in Austin, the first-of-its-kind program within just one year. answers the surgeon general’s call to educate Kelder said, “What they get is nicotine delivkids about the dangers of e-cigarettes. ered in a flavorful smoke and that’s highly ap“CATCH My Breath” provides teachers with pealing to kids.” in-class lesson plans on the harmful conse- He pointed out that the majority of youth have reported that if e-cigarettes weren’t flavored quences of e-cigarettes. they likely would not try them. “What we really need to know is Nicotine is Along with the harmful consequences of hazardous to kids,” said Kelder. According to the report, most e-cigarettes con- E-cigarettes, the “CATCH My Breath” curtain nicotine, “a highly addictive drug that can riculum also covers “deceptive advertising damage normal development of the brain – a techniques used to market E-cigarettes,” said

Grayless. “Then most importantly provides them with the tools and the skills to resist peer pressure to use e-cigarettes.” Based on scientific evidence, the program consists of six 30-minute classroom lessons that are accompanied with teacher education, evaluation tools and materials for students to take home to parents. “The data shows the greatest spike in e-cigarette use among youth and adolescents starts in high school,” Grayless said that’s why “CATCH My Breath” targets middle school students. The program launched nationally in August and is now taught at schools in 11 states, including Texas. Through a grant from the St. David’s Foundation, the “CATCH My Breath” is offered free of charge for five counties in central Texas: Travis, Bastrop, Williamson, Hays and Caldwell counties. In Travis County, Round Rock ISD plans to implement the program in all the district’s middle schools starting this spring. “We hope to be catching on,” Grayless said. For school districts outside of those five counties, the new program costs $25 per year, per school. Industry leaders argue e-cigarettes are far less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Older adults are more likely to report using ecigarettes to wean themselves off conventional cigarettes, according to the surgeon general’s report. Kelder said there is still so much doctors don’t know about e-cigarettes and the long-term impact they can have. “Up until six months ago we knew more about what was in dog food than what we know about what’s in an e-cigarette and what the vapor is that millions of kids are being exposed to every day in America,” said Kelder.

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a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... of San Antonio; a brother, Ray Palomarez of Dallas; one sister, Michelle Palomarez of Abilene; five sisterin-laws; three brother-in-laws; his parent-in-laws; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

Rudy Palomarez, 42, of Abilene, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at a local hospital. Mr. Palomarez was born August 26, 1974, in Abilene, Texas to Reyes and Helen Palomarez. Rudy was an awesome man and a loving husband and father. His beautiful smile and contagious laughter touched so many lives and made him unforgettable. He allowed God’s Spirit to work through his beautiful heart and lovingly made our world a better place. He will be truly missed and forever loved. Rest In Peace our precious Rudy. Survivors include his loving wife, Xochilt H. Palomarez of Abilene; his mother, Helen Loza of Abilene; a son, Javi Palomarez of Abilene; two daughters, Vivian Palomarez of Abilene and Esperanza Palomarez

Mr. Palomarez was preceded in death by his father, Reyes Palomarez and an infant daughter, Valery Palomarez. Raul Rene Garcia, 68, of Abilene, passed away Friday, December 02, 2016 at a local hospital, with his family at his side, after fighting thyroid cancer for six long and difficult years. Mr. Garcia was born July 14, 1948, in Hebbronville, Texas to Anacleto and Josefa Avalos Garcia. He was very dedicated to his children, family and would do anything to help them. Mr. Garcia was married to the love of his life Teodora “Irene” Martinez for 46 wonderful years. He was a member of Maxwell Golf Course, a member of the Knights of Columbus and member of St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play football, soccer, softball, basketball and an avid fan of the Greenbay Packers. Raul retired from WTU/ AEP after 30 years of employment. We will miss him dearly, but are happy knowing that he is in a better place now free of pain and discomfort.

Survivors include his wife, Teodora Garcia; four children, Cynthia Campos Garcia (Rene), Christina Ramirez (Rene), Celestina Garcia and Raul R. Garcia, Jr. (Monalisa); 15 grandchildren, Cecilia, Catarina, Camilla and Carlo Garcia, Rene Jr., Anthony, Abel, Annika and Arius Ramirez, Reyanna, Caitlyn, Saraphina, Alexia, Natalia and Anastasia Garcia; four great grandchildren, Christian, Cataleya, Jesse and Jacob; two brothers, Miguel Garcia (Lourdes) and Juan Garcia (Kelly); two sisters, Rosario Garza (Mario) and Anita Gonzales. Mr. Garcia was preceded in death by his parents, Anacleto and Josefa Garcia. Petra Carvajal Larios, 88, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2016 at a local hospital. Mrs. Carvajal Larios was born April 29, 1928 in Zacatecas, Mexico to the late Victoriano and Ma. De Carbajal. Petra worked for Rita Barber Inc. until she retired. She was a faithful Jehovah’. s Witness since the 1970’s. She Married Juan Julio Garcia Castillo and had five girls; Ma De Jesus Garcia Carvajal Martinez, Luz Maria Garcia Carvajal Moreno, Silvia Garcia Carvajal Rodriguez, Lina Garcia Carvajal Martinez, and Devora Garcia Carvajal Benavidez; one son, Pedro Alberto Garcia Carvajal. Petra left Mexico and immigrated to the United States and Married Dan-

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iel Davila and had a daughter, Martha Davila Carvajal who lives in Austin, Texas; 15 grand children; Mark A Martinez, Geraldo Martinez, Issac Martinez, Alejandro Moreno, Amanda Moreno Garcia, Aaron Moreno, Richard Rodriguez, Viola Martinez, Eva Martinez, Kristopher Martinez and Vincent Ledesma; 14 great grand children; and 1 great-great grandchild. Petra was preceded in death by her parents, her mother Ma. De Jesus passed away when she was 12 years old and her father Victoriano Carvajal raised the family; and her first husband, Juan Castillo.

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Abilene Regional Medical Center Offers Patients a New Heart Failure Monitoring System By Panissa Dor Williams | Marketing and PR Manager, ARMC Abilene Regional Medical Center is now helping doctors and patients with heart failure (HF) manage their health with a tiny, implantable wireless monitoring sensor. The CardioMEMS HF System is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device that has been proven to significantly reduce hospital readmissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure.

ability to detect worsening heart failure sooner and adjust treatment to reduce the likelihood that the patient will need to be hospitalized.

Data from a clinical trial showed that the CardioMEMS technology reduces heart failure hospital admissions by up to 37 percent. The CHAMPION trial studied the effectiveness of the CardioMEMS HF System in New York The CardioMEMS HF System features a sensor Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classithat is implanted in the pulmonary artery (PA) fication System class III heart failure patients who had been hospitalized for during a non-surgical procedure heart failure in the previous 12 to directly measure PA pressure. months. Results of the trial demIncreased PA pressures appear onstrated a statistically significant before weight and blood pres28 percent reduction in the rate of sure changes, which are often heart failure hospitalizations at used as indirect measures of six months, and 37 percent reducworsening heart failure. The tion in heart failure hospitalizanew system allows patients tions during an average follow-up to transmit daily sensor readduration of 15 months. ings from their homes to their health care providers allowing Roughly 1.4 million patients in for personalized and proactive the U.S. have NYHA Class III management to reduce the likeheart failure, and historically lihood of hospitalization. these patients account for nearly “I am happy to be able to bring this to Abilene half of all heart failure hospitalizations. Even and the Big Country. This innovative technology with patients self-monitoring body weight and and its ability to treat and improve outcomes for blood pressure, 25 percent of heart failure paheart failure patients,” said David McCain, M.D. tients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 board certified interventional cardiologist who days, and half of heart failure patients are reperformed the first CardioMEMS procedure in admitted within six months. According to the American Heart Association, the estimated the region. direct and indirect cost of heart failure in the Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to U.S. for 2012 was $31 billion and that number pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. is expected to more than double by 2030. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5.1 million Ameri- “Abilene Regional Medical Center is commitcans have heart failure, with 670,000 new cases ted to provide advanced cardiac care to people diagnosed each year. Patients with heart failure in the Big Country and West Texas. We were are frequently hospitalized, have a reduced qual- the first hospital to perform a heart catheterization, cardiac stent and many other firsts, this is ity of life and face a higher risk of death. just another example of our commitment to imThe CardioMEMS sensor is designed to last the proving patient care and investing in innovative lifetime of the patient and doesn’t require batter- medical technology such as the CardioMEMS ies. Once implanted via a minimally invasive sur- HF System,” said Mike Murphy, Chief Execugery, the wireless sensor sends pressure readings tive Officer. to an external patient electronic system. There is no pain or sensation for the patient during the The CardioMEMS HF System, from global readings. The CardioMEMS HF System allows medical device manufacturer St. Jude Medical, the patients to transmit critical information about is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Admintheir heart failure status to a clinician on a regu- istration (FDA) for commercial use in the U.S. lar basis, without the need for additional clinic or For more information, visit http://www.hearthospital visits. This provides clinicians with the failureanswers.com/.

44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Abilene Regional Medical Center offering FREE

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

for Health Insurance Marketplace By Panissa Dor Williams | Marketing and PR Manager Abilene Regional Medical Center If you need help comparing plans or filling-out an application on the Health Insurance Marketplace, Abilene Regional Medical Center is once again offering free assistance during Open Enrollment, November 1 – January 31, 2017. Appointments may be made with the hospital’s certified assisters by calling 325-428-1290, or can be booked online: www.GetCoveredAmerica.org/connector. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010, and this year’s Open Enrollment marks the fourth annual campaign to extend healthcare coverage to citizens who would otherwise be uninsured. More than 13 million people enrolled in Marketplace plans for 2016.

have access to care, or who would face a financial crisis due to medical bills.” Majority of enrollees will receive assistance To help make health insurance affordable, the government uses household income to determine who is eligible for financial assistance. This aid might include advanced tax credits to help pay for premiums, or discounts on co-pays and deductibles. As in past years, a majority of enrollees are expected to qualify for some type of financial support in 2017. Individuals who are re-enrolling on the marketplace are encouraged to re-evaluate and compare plans, as the lowestcost option can change from year to year.

“I think this is where our certified assisters add so much value,” says Murphy. “They know how to explain the pros and cons News of several large of each option, and they insurers either reducing carefully screen each person their participation in the upto make sure any subsidies tocoming Marketplace, or exiting it altogether, ward premiums, or any discounts available for has spurred concern about rising premiums deductibles or co-pays, are accessed.” (monthly fees) and higher deductibles (predetermined amounts of healthcare expense an All health plans on the Marketplace must offer individual pays before health plan coverage a comprehensive set of benefits, and coverage “kicks in”.) cannot be denied for individuals with a preexisting health condition. Some of the health However, Kaiser Health News (KHN) reports benefits include free preventive care and wellthe majority of enrollees will be insulated from ness services; doctor visits, prescription drugs, premium increases, since eight in 10 receive hospital and emergency department care, lab subsidies based on income/household size. (As services, pediatric services, and mental and bepremiums rise, subsidies increase.) havioral health treatment. KHN also projects any changes to premiums or deductibles will vary widely state-to-state, Penalties and in some instances, even county-to-county, Individuals who are eligible for health insursince the number of insurers in each location influences competitive pricing, and insurers ance who do not purchase coverage not only continuously enter-and-exit different markets. pay a penalty when filing their tax return, but they also forfeit financial help with healthcare “There are always questions concerning changexpenses throughout the year. The penalty is eies to premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits before Open Enrollment launches each ther 2.5% of family income or a predetermined year,” explains Mike Murphy, Chief Execu- flat rate, whichever is higher. The 2016 penalty tive Officer. “This will always be the case as was $695 per adult, $347.50 per child, with a insurers enter and exit different markets. But what is consistent, year-to-year, is the value of maximum fee of $2,085; these fees will be adthe Marketplace. Millions of people are able to justed for inflation in 2017. sign up for insurance who otherwise wouldn’t

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Medicare to provide coverage for critical care and support services for individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease By Elizabeth Sehon Harris | Public Affairs Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter

For too long there has been a critical gap in care and support, with individuals unable to receive necessary diagnosis and care planning support from care providers. Following a diagnosis, care planning is crucial to improving outcomes and maintaining quality of life for the diagnosed and their caregivers, as well as controlling costs and planning appropriately for the future. “This final decision by CMS means individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will finally have access to critical care and support services that can improve quality-of-life for the individual, their family and caregivers,” said Harry Johns, Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO. “Now that care planning sessions will be available to them,

individuals living with the disease will have access to much-needed information on treatments and services.”

flect that reality. It is also the only leading cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease today, and that number could rise as high as 16 million by 2050. What’s more, over 85 percent of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias have one or more other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Care planning is critical for coordinating care and managing chronic conditions.

Alzheimer’s Association grassroots advocates and staff have held thousands of congressional meetings to secure support for the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act since the bill’s introduction, and have worked tirelessly to secure support for the benefit at CMS. Following CMS’s announcement in July, the Alzheimer’s Association submitted comments to provide our expertise on the ways this new service could best be implemented to positively impact the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association will continue to engage CMS to ensure the service’s maximum impact for people living with the disease and their caregivers.

“Thousands of our families have reached out to us over the past several months to tell us how essential this service is for those contending with Alzheimer’s disease. Now that CMS is increasing access to cognitive assessment and care planning sessions, individuals and their medical professionals can develop a plan to better manage these conditions,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association Chief Public Policy Officer. “Proper care planning results in fewer hospitalizations, fewer emergency room visits and better management of medication — all of which improves the quality of life for both patients and caregivers, and helps manage overall care costs.” Support for this decision wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act lead sponsors Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in the Senate and Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) in the House.

For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit alz.org.

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. For more information, visit alz.org.

Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America at a cost of $236 billion annually, and our public policy decisions should re-

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Today, the Alzheimer’s Association is celebrating an important milestone for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. For the first time people living with Alzheimer’s disease will have access to care planning with a medical professional. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized its decision to pay for cognitive and functional assessments and care planning for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments. The decision, first announced in July as a proposal, comes following rapidly growing bipartisan support in Congress for the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer’s Act (S. 857, H.R. 1559). CMS has now made it easier for physicians to provide critical care and support services for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Making Abilene Happy Steve Rodriguez works for a happy business and it makes him happy too. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Happy State Bank originated in 1908 in Happy, Texas, a community of about 700 people. It has grown to thirty-four offices in twentyfive communities with 650 employees. Steve Rodriguez is “Happy” to be one of those employees.

sues which is an everyday thing in banking.” His favorite thing about his work is helping people. “It’s good to see somebody come in with a need and you’re able to help them, which allows them to reach their goals,” he says.

Steve came to Abilene about two years ago as Senior Vice President in lending and has Another thing Steve especially likes is the recently been promoted to President of the emphasis Happy State Bank puts on commuAbilene Market. Abilene is further south than any of the Bank’s branches other branches. Steve leads eight employees at the location at One Village Drive. While he spent twenty-five years working in banking in Corpus Christi, Steve is originally a west Texan. Born in Iraan Texas and raised in Sheffield where his dad owned a gas station and his mom raised himself and four sisters. Steve graduated from high school in Iraan and attended Odessa College. While attending college in Odessa, Steve began working for State National Bank.

nity service and integrity. The company runs on twenty “Non-negotiables” compiled by Pat Hickman, Happy State Bank’s founder, chairman and CEO. The list includes: “Do what’s right,” “Service is the goal,” “Laugh at work,” and “Give back-get involved in your community.”

Steve calls becoming a banker “kind of a fluke. When I interviewed for a banking job in Odessa, they didn’t have an opening, so I was going to work for Sears. The same day I was to start with Sears the gentleman I interviewed with at the bank called offered me a maintenance position with the promise that “These guys,” Steve’ says, of the bank’s corI could enter their loan officers training that porate leadership, “live by those principles. winter.” They will reach out to help you, whatever it takes to get you on the right path.” The interviewer kept his promise and Steve found his spot. At the bank’s website at www. Happybank. com you can read its Statement of Mission “I like numbers,” Steve says. “I like to work and Philosophy: “ Work hard, have fun, make with people. I like solving problems and is- money while providing outstanding customer

service and honoring the Golden Rule.” You can also access a list recipes that allows customers to get to know Happy State Bank’s employees and emphasizes the friendly, hometown vibe the bank promotes. Steve currently serves on the board of the Hispanic Business Council and completed Leadership Abilene in the class of 2016. The local branch sponsors various nonprofits and activities. One of Happy State Bank’s non-negotiables is “Family first.” Steve’s wife, Kit, is retired from teaching in the Gregory-Portland School District. Their older daughter, Cassandra, has recently joined them here in Abilene. Misty, their younger daughter, lives in Hawaii and their grandson, is serving in the U.S. Army in Georgia. “Abilene is a peaceful community,” Steve says. “Neighbors here are true neighbors.” Even though local competition is fierce and Happy State Bank is relatively new to Abilene, Steve says it’s here to stay. The local branch will be expanding soon. He also says it is set apart by outstanding customer service and excellent employees. Steve says his favorite business advice came from his dad: “The customer always comes first. Take care of your customer and they will always take care of you.” Steve has been living out that teaching for many years and working for a customer-focused business like Happy State Bank seems like a perfect fit.

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48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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5 Insurance Mistakes to Avoid & Still Save $$$ Saving money feels good. And shopping around when you’re looking for insurance coverage is a great way to do it. However, simply reducing your coverage or dropping important coverages altogether is like diet without exercise—focused only on numbers, not on results. Don’t risk ending up dangerously underinsured and on the hook for much bigger bills in the event of a disaster. Following are the five most common auto, home, flood and renters insurance mistakes people make, along with suggestions to avert those pitfalls while still saving money (we call them, “better ways to save”): 1. Insuring a home for its real estate value rather than for the cost of rebuilding. When real estate prices go down, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their home. But insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home. You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings—no matter what the real estate market is doing. A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000 could save up to 25 percent on your premium payments. 2. Selecting an insurance company by price alone. It is important to choose a company with competitive prices. But be sure the insurer you choose is financially sound and provides good customer service. A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies (some well-known ones: A.M. Best, Moody’s), and ask friends and family members about their experiences with insurers. Select an insurance company that will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently. 3. Dropping flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from some private insurance

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companies. You may not be aware you’re at risk for flooding, but keep in mind that 25 percent of all flood losses occur in low risk areas. Furthermore, yearly weather patterns—spring runoff from melting winter snows, for example—can cause flooding. A better way to save: Before purchasing a home, check with the NFIP to determine whether a property is situated in a flood zone; if so, you may want to consider a less risky area. If you are already living in a designated flood zone, look at mitigation efforts that can reduce your risk of flood damage and consider purchasing flood insurance. Additional information on flood insurance can be found at www. FloodSmart.gov. 4. Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability for your car. The minimum is just that—the least you can get away with by law. So buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket later. And if you are sued, those costs can jeopardize your financial well-being. A better way to save: Consider dropping collision and/ or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1,000. The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident. 5. Neglecting to buy renters insurance. A renters insurance policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to an insured disaster, such as a fire or hurricane. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue. A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto, and life will generally provide savings.

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10 Best Tips for Saving $$$ in 2017

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

By Sarah Berger | BankRate.com

When December rolls around, people typically take their pens and paper and start scrawling down a long list of New Year’s resolutions. Often, those optimistic goals include “saving money.” While those plans are well-intended, by February, savings accounts are often stagnant and spending has skyrocketed.

offer free services that will transfer a fixed amount of money from your checking to your savings account every month. Or, ask your HR department if you can direct deposit a percentage of your paycheck every month into a savings account.

4. Establish an emergency fund

So, how can you really up your savings game While your savings account might double as a this year? Here are the top tips for saving in rainy-day fund, if you’re super savvy about sav2017. ing you’ll have a fund dedicated solely to emergencies. Your savings account might be 1. Set a savings goal • On New for big purchases -- like Year’s Day -- once your headache from all for a that champagne subsides -- set a savings goal for 2017. Your goal should be measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. You might feel really ambitious and set a super-high savings goal, but you’ll also be setting yourself up for failure. When deciding on a savings goal, think of a specific purchase or benchmark you could realistically reach in 12 months. The goal should require self-discipline and a little sacrifice when it comes to spending (it is a goal after all), but you shouldn’t overreach.

areas you’re overspending on. You’ll feel more in control of your money, and it’s a key step toward forming a realistic budget that you can actually abide by.

websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Remember that just because something is advertised as being discounted, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good deal.

You might realize, for example, that you’re spending an obscene amount on coffee every week. Once you’re aware of that, you can limit your coffee shop stops to three times a week, and put the rest of that money that you were spending on lattes into savings.

8. Take advantage of apps

6. Then set a budget • Once you know

where you keep your savings. Savings accounts vary widely when it comes to interest, fees and minimum balances, so do your research and find the one that’s perfect for you. Take into consideration extra charges like monthly service and ATM fees. While the interest rate might sound minimal at first, it adds up. And every little bit counts when you’re saving toward a specific goal. Check out online banks too; online savings accounts sometimes have higher interest rates.

3. Make saving automatic

Chances are, you won’t have the self-discipline to set aside a portion of your paycheck every month for savings. So, make your savings contributions automatic. Banks often

down payment on a house or car -- but you should not touch the money in your emergency fund unless there’s an actual emergency. If you lose your job or have to go the hospital, you’ll have something to fall back on without having to sacrifice that big purchase you’ve been saving for.

There are apps out there to assist with budgeting, apps that will help you find the best local deals, and apps that let you sell your old junk to your neighbors. This year, find one or two apps that will help you save, and use them on a regular basis.

what your spending habits are, you can draw up a realistic budget. Budgeting will ultimately help you save by helping you cut out frivolous spending. It might be a bit of a trial-and-error process at 9. Consider a flexible spending first; you have to figure out account • Explore signing up for a flexwhat works ible spending account where you work. FSAs are often offered by employers as a part of a benefits package, and they can save you money on health care costs not covered by insurance, including copays and deductibles.

Then, find a friend or family member who can hold you accountable, or write the goal down in a place where you’ll see it every day, like your planner.

2. Choose a savings account thoughtfully • Be picky about

Whether you want to order a car to come pick you up or just want to socialize with your friends, there’s an app for that. So why not use that technology to become a better saver?

best for your lifestyle.

After enrolling, you decide how much you want to contribute for the year. That amount is then deducted from your salary over time, before income tax. You withdraw money from the account to pay for certain eligible medical expenses, which are effectively discounted thanks to your tax savings. But you must use up all of the funds within your benefits year.

10. Check your progress … and

You don’t have to cut out all f the fun stuff, reward yourself when you reach but you do need to pay your bills on time and your goal! • In order to save effectively, eventually meet your savings goal. Budgeting you need to know exactly where you stand will force you live within your means, which is with your finances each week. Make a “monessential to growing your savings. ey date” with yourself every Sunday and go Typically, you should have enough in your through your transactions to ensure you’re emergency fund to cover four to seven months’ 7. Be smarter with shopping on track with your budget. If you fall off worth of expenses. Experts recommend start- When you go shopping, be savvier. Rack up track (maybe you spent too much one week ing your fund with small goals -- such as sav- the rewards by signing up for loyalty pro- or didn’t sock away a single penny from your ing $1,000 -- and then working your way up. grams at your go-to stores, sign up for a ware- paycheck), don’t give up! Get back on track. house club and buy in bulk, clip coupons when 5. Monitor your monthly you can, and plan your shopping trips around When you hit savings goals, celebrate and reexpenses • Start tracking your monthly sales and daily deals. ward yourself a bit! Saving is all about moderexpenses. For one month, track every single ation, but not completely cutting out shopping purchase down to the cent. You’ll know ex- When shopping online, use the internet to your and spending. actly where your paycheck is going and which advantage and check out price-comparison

50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

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Teaching Kids about Money By Dave Ramsey | Focus on the Family

Plato said, “Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.” That old guy knew what he was talking about. As parents, we’re not just responsible for providing food, clothing and shelter for our kids. We’re also responsible for teaching them about God and life — and money is a part of life! Unfortunately, most kids aren’t taught anything about dealing with money and personal finance. They graduate high school knowing what an amoeba is, but they have no idea how to balance a checkbook. Recently, the Jump$tart Coalition tested high school seniors in the area of personal finance. These kids averaged a grade of F, answering only 48 percent of the questions correctly. • When it comes to kids and money, I always hear the same questions: • When should I start teaching my kids about money? • Should I give my kids an allowance? Should I get my teenager a credit card? I believe you can successfully begin teaching kids about money before they start school, but please don’t wait any later than third grade. Kids need to make an emotional connection between work and money at a young age. If you don’t teach them early on about the concepts of spending, saving, giving and working, then you’re going to have some major problems later!

An allowance?

I hate the whole idea of allowances for kids. After all, what exactly are you making an allowance for? It makes the whole situation sound like welfare. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and one of the worst things you can do to your kids is to set them up for a lifetime of unrealistic expectations. In the Ramsey home, we put our kids on commission at an early age. They each had jobs around the house that were associated with certain dollar amounts. If they did the job, they got paid. If they didn’t do the job, they didn’t get paid. It was as simple as that! Then, we’d help them divide their money into three different envelopes: spending, saving and giving. We’d teach them to use the money in each one wisely. The concepts of spending and giving help develop problem-solving skills because the goal setting can become pretty detailed, depending on the child. Guiding your

kids through this process is crucial because you’re laying a foundation for their lives.

Get to work

Kids need to start learning the virtues of getting a little dirt under their fingernails at a young age. Making kids work does not constitute child abuse. Child abuse is letting them lie around playing video games and munching chips all the time! Just make sure the jobs you give them are age appropriate. Even preschoolers can learn to pick up toys in their rooms or help Mom and Dad do things around the house. From ages 3 to 6, kids need to receive instant recognition for their work. It allows them to make an emotional connection to the work when they get an “Atta boy!” or “Way to go, kiddo!” on the spot. And, I promise,

they’ll be more willing to help out or do their chores the next time an opportunity rolls around. As they get older, the jobs should get harder and the commissions should pay more.

Credit cards

But of course, as soon as you start making money, there’s always someone out there trying to take it away. As kids grow up and hit the high school and college years, they become a prime target of credit card companies. And once they walk onto campus — look out! The sidewalks are lined with booths from every credit card company on the planet. And these companies use every trick in the book to get our kids to sign up for a lifetime of debt and financial irresponsibility. Credit card marketers have done such a thorough job of brainwashing our kids that having a credit card is now seen as a rite of passage into adulthood. Some parents even use the argument that giving their teenager a credit card will teach him to be responsible with money. Give

me a break! Parents who do this are introducing a harmful substance — a financially harmful substance — into their kid’s lives. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender” (ESV). So, parents and teens alike must learn to “just say no” when it comes to credit cards!

Teachable moments

There’s an old Native American proverb that goes, “Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.” Our kids are going to imitate our habits of handling money. Don’t just make them work; let them see you working. Better yet, have them work alongside you. Let them know that work is how money is earned. When it comes to saving, spending and giving, let them sit at the table with you when you work on the budget. Show them how you figure out where the money goes and what’s most important. Not only will this help them better understand the principles you’re trying to teach, but it will also maximize their self-esteem when they take on the task of handling their own money. There will be a sense of accomplishment because they did it. Their little faces will beam, and they’ll stick out their chest because of a job well done. Our kids were allowed to help fill out the check register and watch the process of paying bills when they were 10 years old. Sometimes, you can’t explain things to kids by just talking. But if they help write out a big number and see $200 going out the door to pay the electric bill, a light goes on in their heads, and they realize, “Wow, that’s a lot of money!” I know it made a huge impact on our kids. The next thing we knew, those little rug rats were running all over the house turning out the lights! Just think about how many times you’ve smacked yourself on the head and wished you’d learned something when you were younger. It could have eliminated lots of mistakes and suffering, right? If your kids grasp this money stuff early on, they’ll avoid many of the pitfalls later in life. After all, it’s a lot better for little Billy to make a $10 mistake when you’re there to help instead of a $10,000 mistake later!

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

Small Business Development

Small Business Development Center

SEMINARS

Records and Reporting

Business and Employment Records Required for Small Businesses October 11 @ 6:00-8:00 pm FREE Presented by Becky Green.

Workshop will be held at the Texas Tech SBDC Abilene, Training Room. 749 Gateway Street, Ste. #301 Building C. Seating is Limited.

‘My Father’s Kitchen’ Changing lives of those around her while she’s about her Father’s business By Melissa Sharlett Vinson | HispanicLife Magazine

Geradine Dalton, or “Mama G” as she is known in the community, is not just running a business….she is about the Father’s business. My Father’s Kitchen is a ministry that many in Abilene made not have heard of. In the back room of My Father’s Floors flooring company at 3005 South 1st Street, the love of Jesus is shown to homeless, transient and less fortunate people on a regular basis. Every Wednesday, Mama G and just a handful of volunteers feed about 200 people a hot meal and the Word of God. It all started six years ago when Geradine opened the business, My Father’s Floors. She had been in the flooring business for many years and always enjoyed working with floor design, but owning a small LLC business allows her the freedom and flexibility for ministry. Working at this location, she soon became aware of the needs of the people who she saw walking up and down South 1st Street on a regular basis. She began talking and praying with them, then started offering them a brown bag meal on Fridays and ministering to them the love of Jesus. As she built relationships and became known in the area, the ministry evolved into what it is now. “People want a connection, to feel like they belong somewhere and are cared about”, she said. Geradine has the privilege of providing that safe place with no motive other than to share the message of Jesus – that He loves them no matter what they have done or been through. This love message brings these precious people back weekly and on holidays to spend time with “Mama G” and their friends and extended family at My Father’s Kitchen. This year’s Thanksgiving Banquet was a huge success. As guests entered the kitchen, they were seated and served like kings and queens. Approximately 220 people enjoyed a homemade traditional Thanksgiving meal made from scratch using no processed foods. When asked about the foods, Geradine said “they deserve what we would serve Jesus – the best.” The evening ended in a worship service and Holy Communion and prayer for anyone who wanted. “It’s all about the message of the love of Jesus. We’re seeing lives transformed”. My Father’s Kitchen is funded by donations from individuals and churches as well as 20% of the profits from My Father’s Floors. Geradine says that it takes

about $1,400 per month to provide for the ministry and that the winter months are the hardest financially. Flooring is somewhat seasonal and sales are lower in the winter months, so they are in need of donations for the Christmas Banquet coming up on December 21st. In addition to the fabulous Christmas meal that will be provided, the ministry also provides everyone attending with gifts. Here is a list of things needed this year that would be greatly appreciated:

Hand warmers, gloves, toboggans, socks, individually packaged wet wipes, hand sanitizer, large cans of corn and green beans, peanut butter, jelly, soups and of course money. $5.00 gift cards to McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Burger King are extremely appreciated by our homeless friends. When Geradine asked why they don’t buy a meal with the cards, she learned that by using $1.00 at a time on a cup of coffee, they get to sit in a dry, warm place for a while, which is much more valuable to them. So, this month, as you drive through McDonald’s, Taco Bell or Burger King to pick up lunch or dinner, think about adding a $5.00 gift card to your bill and drop it off at 3005 South 1st Street – it’s an inexpensive way to make a difference in someone’s life. For more information on donating or volunteering, call (325) 676-1111. Geradine Dalton – changing lives of those around her as she is about the Father’s business.

52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

10 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Co-workers By AllBusiness.com

We all have at least one: the coworker, client, or boss you just can’t stand. They make life difficult, and they may even make you question your sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, the chances of them going away are next to nil. If the person is just generally annoying and doesn’t have a direct bearing on your work, you may be able to ignore them. But if they bully you and you have to work with them on a daily basis, it’s time to take action. Use these 10 tips to resolve conflicts in your workplace that arise from problem coworkers.

TIP #1: TAKE NOTE OF “TOXIC” COWORKERS

(325) 673-6722 | 4034 N. 1st Street

- Know how to spot the problem people in your organization. They show a variety of symptoms: Some are serial chatters and won’t let you get a word in edgewise. Others dodge blame. Some fail to turn in work on time, no matter how much leeway you give them, forcing you to pick up the slack. Some may gossip about others behind their backs. And then there’s the toxic coworker who just never has anything nice to say about your work. Toxic coworkers can take many forms, and your first line of defense is to identify them.

TIP #2: WATCH OUT FOR BAD BOSSES

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- Whether you like it or not, your manager is in charge. If your boss is easygoing and a joy to work for, that shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately, there are far too many people out there who are not easy to work for and are demanding, arrogant, moody, or just plain mean. Sometimes confronting a difficult boss can put your position in jeopardy. But if confrontation is necessary, try not to make the bad boss feel defensive.

TIP #5: TAKE ACTION SOONER

RATHER THAN LATER - Whatever

you decide to do, don’t let it wait. The longer you deal with the toxic situation, the angrier you’ll become. When you finally do take action, you might behave in a way you’ll regret later. It’s better to handle the problem before it really sours, while you’re still emotionally in control.

TIP #6: MAINTAIN YOUR CHAR-

ACTER - No matter how tempting it may be,

avoid complaining to others on a regular basis. Otherwise you risk earning a reputation as a whiner, and higher-ups may question why you’re unable to fight your own battles (even if they should be fighting them for you, or at least leading the charge). By constantly complaining, you might be branded as a troublemaker, and you could even be blamed for other office conflicts.

TIP #7: RISE ABOVE IT - No matter

how despicable the person’s behavior may be, keep your cool. There’s a whole range of immature, toxic behavior you may be tempted to try. Avoid trashtalking or getting personal. And if you think those notes taped in the communal kitchen saying, “Wash your own dishes!!! This means YOU!” are annoying, realize that leaving unsigned notes on your coworker’s desk is sinking to a whole new level.

TIP #8: KEEP IT CONFIDEN-

TIAL - Don’t go public with your grievances.

More important, don’t engage with the problem person in front of coworkers, your boss, or clients. Keeping your issues with the person private will make it easier to leave the conflict behind you once it’s been resolved.

#9: APPROACH THEM FIRST TIP #3: EVALUATE YOUR CIR- TIP - Take the initiative in repairing your relationship CUMSTANCES - Your first reaction may be

shock at the way you’re being treated. At work, you expect others to act professionally -- not an unreasonable request -- and it can be difficult to discover coworkers or clients who behave in a childish or hostile way. Take time to let the shock wear off, then try to evaluate what’s going on.

with the toxic coworker. Think positively, and act as if they are as enthusiastic about resolving the conflict as you are. Start the discussion by saying something like, “I may be wrong about this,” or “I apologize for doing anything that might have hurt you.”

#10: MAKE THE MOST OF TIP #4: MAKE YOUR MOVE - If TIP IT - In the end, you may not agree with the probyou’re dealing with a problem person at work -especially one who bullies or undermines you personally -- you probably need to take action. If you don’t, there’s a good chance the situation will deteriorate even more, not to mention that the stress of dealing with a bully could take its toll on you and your work. You need to let the offending coworker know you’re aware of their behavior and are willing to take it to someone higher in the chain of command if needed.

lem person. But even if you don’t like them, you can still learn from them. Use your discussion as a way to find out more about their point of view. If possible, comment on something you value in them. It may help them to see you in a more positive light. It’s unlikely you’ll become best friends, but try to use this situation to understand more about where they’re coming from. This will make working with them easier in the future.

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

Most-Overlooked Tax Breaks for the Self-Employed By Kevin McCormally | Kiplinger

Because federal tax law reaches deep into all aspects of our lives, it’s no surprise that the rules that affect us change as our lives change. This can present opportunities to save or create costly pitfalls to avoid. Being alert to the rolling changes that come at various life stages is the key to holding down your tax bill to the legal minimum. Have you recently gone into business for yourself? Check out these six ways to make tax law work for you.

Home-Office Deductions - Whether

you are fully self-employed or do some freelancing in addition to your job as an employee, if you work at home the government might subsidize what are generally considered personal expenses.

ify, though, if you are eligible for employersponsored health insurance through your job (if you have one in addition to your business) or a spouse’s job.

Medicare Premiums -

If you continue to run your businesses after qualifying for Medicare, the premiums you pay for Medicare Part B and Part D, plus the cost of supplemental Medicare (medigap) policies or the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan, can be deducted as health insurance premiums for the self-employed.That means you don’t have to itemize to claim this deduction and you don’t have to worry about the 7.5%-of-AGI test that applies to itemized medical expenses for folks age 65 and older.

The key to the home-office deduction is to use part of your home or apartment regularly and exclusively for your money-making endeavor. Pass that test and part of your utility bills and insurance costs can be deducted against your business income. You can also write off part of your rent or, if you own your home, depreciation.

Social Security Taxes You Pay

Health Insurance Premiums -

Expensing -

This doesn’t work for employees. They can’t deduct the 7.65% of pay that’s siphoned off for Social Security and Medicare. But if you’re self-employed and have to pay the full 15.3% tax yourself (instead of splitting it 50/50 with an employer), you get to write off half of what you pay. That deduction comes on the face of Form 1040, so you don’t have to itemize to Many work-at-home taxpayers skip this break, take advantage of it. either because they don’t know about it, are afraid claiming it will trigger an audit, or are Retirement Tax Shelters - Once put off by the recordkeeping hassle necessary you start working for yourself, the door opens to back up the deduction if challenged. In re- wide to tax-sheltered retirement plans. Unlike cent years, though, the IRS has come up with employees, whose options are pretty much a simplified method that allows taxpayers to limited to whatever their employer offers and deduct $5 for every square foot that qualifies an IRA, self-employeds can contribute prefor the deduction. If you have a 300-square- tax money to a simplified employee pension foot home office (the maximum size allowed (SEP) or a solo 401(k), both of which have for this method), your deduction is $1,500. You higher annual limits than regular individual get this tax-saver every year you have a quali- retirement accounts. (Oh, and you can still have a regular IRA, too.) fying home office. Although medical expenses are deductible, relatively few taxpayers really get to deduct them. First, you have to itemize to get this break (and most taxpayers do not); second, you get a deduction only to the extent your expenses exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income (7.5% for those age 65 and older). But there’s a big exception for the self-employed. You can deduct what you pay for medical insurance for yourself and your family whether or not you itemize and without regard to the 10% threshold. You don’t qual-

When you buy equipment for your business, you have two choices of how to share the cost with Uncle Sam. The first is to depreciate the cost, deducting the expenses over the number of years the IRS figures is the “life” of the equipment. A computer has a life of five years, for example, so you can write off the cost over five years. Expensing (also known as the Section 179 deduction) lets you deduct 100% of the qualifying cost in year one. Is there any wonder why it’s the choice of many self-employed taxpayers?

54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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New Food Trailer Serves Traditional, Innovative Tamales

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

By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News

“The pumpkin one came to me one night,” Forget ham and turkey at Christmas. Been Alicia said. The flavors are a variation of pumpkin empanadas, which is a pocket pastry there, done that at Thanksgiving. stuffed with spiced pureed pumpkin. In Texas and other parts of the Southwest influenced by Mexican traditions, Christmas is Alicia was born and raised in Abilene and tamale time.

recipes and attention to flavor that are key to good tamales come from Alicia. She has been sharing her dishes with friends and family for years. “Food is love for our family,” Alicia said.

One Abilene family launched Alicia’s Tamale Factory food trailer just in time for the holiday rush on the shucked-filled delectables. But they plan to operate year-round with a menu of 15 different savory versions and seven additional sweet ones. Plus, others are always in the works.

Danial and Dudley have worked in the construction business, but Danial always has enjoyed cooking and watching television cooking shows to learn more. Dudley dreamed of owning a restaurant. The food trailer was his idea of a stepping stone to eventually open a permanent location. “This one” – pointing to Dudley – “pushes the sweet ones,” Alicia said. “He’s the idea guy.” Both boys cook, but Danial especially enjoys preparing the meats. “The boys are creative, and they experiment too,” Alicia said.

“We’re already getting booked for 2017 events,” said Bertha Alicia Mason, who launched the food trailer venture in early November with her sons, Danial Mason and younger brother Dudley Mason Jr.

ABOUT ALICIA’S TAMALE FACTORY WHAT: New food trailer serving homemade savory and sweet tamales. Also available for catering and pre-orders.

At busy events, the trio also may be joined by Alicia’s two daughters, and one or two of her 11 grandchildren.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow Alicia’s Tamale Factory on Facebook, or call 325-514-3818, 325-864-1570, 325-829-

The trailer was a chance for Alicia to be known more by her middle name, which she always favored, she said.

“I want to have a challenge tamale with ghost peppers,” Dudley said.

The food trailer usually features three or four hot tamales available individually or by the plate with rice and beans. Frozen ones by the dozen also are available on the trailer. The family also handles pre-orders. Multi-generational members of a family working together epitomizes the tamalemaking tradition. That is how Alicia learned, and how her sons followed in her footsteps.

League of Abilene Christmas Carousel, Danial said.

Preparing tamales is a labor of love that takes about 12 hours over a couple of days, Danial said. “Everything is made from scratch, from making our broth to mixing the masa to making the fillings,” Alicia said. Dudley Mason Jr., left, Bertha Alicia Mason and Danial Mason launched the food trailer Alicia’s Tamale Factory in early November. They plan to offer more than 20 varieties of tamales year-round. They usually feature three or four varieties on the truck to buy individually or on to-go plates that include rice and beans. Others are available by the dozen frozen on the trailer or by pre-order. (Photo: Laura Gutschke / Reporter-News)

“I watched my grandmother and mother and aunts cook,” Alicia said. “I learned to make the traditional ones. I then started to experi- lived mostly in the city. Danial graduated from a high school in Memphis, Tenn., while ment myself, put my own spin on things.” Dudley graduated from Wylie High School. The traditional tamale recipes from the grandmother, who immigrated from Guadalajara, Launching Alicia’s Tamale Factory has taken Mexico, include pork, chicken, beef and rai- time. The family checked out tamale food sin. The latter is a sweet tamale also flavored trucks in Orlando, Chicago and Houston. In with cinnamon and coconut. The masa for the July they began visiting with a mobile kitchen sweet tamales is seasoned differently than the manufacturer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to order a custom-designed food trailer that is masa for the savory ones, Alicia said. outfitted as well as any regular kitchen. Newer tamale iterations from the family include spicy pork – Danial’s favorite – green Just like the synergy of shuck, masa and filling make for a satisfying tamale, the trio behind chili chicken, Nutella and pumpkin. Alicia’s Tamale Factory each play a vital role to the overall success of the enterprise. The

“Food has always been the way to people’s hearts.” She would make as many as 600 tamales during the holidays and give them away. “When I first got married, I’d cook all these American dishes for my husband. I learned French dishes where you add wine. Then one day he said, ‘Don’t you know I married you for your Mexican cooking?’,” Alicia said with a laugh. With the help of her sons, she is making a lot more tamales now. They sold 154 dozen their first weekend in November during the Junior

The trailer is outfitted with a commercial stand mixer that can be used to make enough masa for about 250 to 300 tamales. But, there are no shortcuts if they compromise flavor. “I’ll find something that might make the process easier, and mom will say no,” Danial said. And how has it been for Alicia working in close quarters with her sons? “Awesome. It’s a mother’s dream come true. Before I was not seeing them as much,” she said.