July 19: Jim Sadler July 26: Johnny Cooper August 2: Hunter Hutchinson August 9: Jim Sadler & Kasey Toliver Patio gate opens at 5 pm on performance night.
LYTLE LAND & CATTLE 1150 E. 11th, Abilene, TX
e v o L
Your Mattress Again!
Harmony + Gel
Queen
Now
699
$
Vitality
Queen
Now
799
$
Serenity Firm Crazy Quilt
$
299
Queen 2 pc Set
10393128
Twin Set ................. $199 Full Set .................. $249
ABILENE 1205 S. Danville 1158 Butternut
Pillowtop
Posture Tone
Queen 2 pc Set
Queen 2 pc Set
Twin Set ................. $249 Full Set .................. $299 King Set ................. $499
Twin Set ................. $299 Full Set .................. $349 King Set ................. $599
349
$
NO CREDIT CHECK FINANCING 6 MONTH LAYAWAY AVAILABLE
SAN ANGELO 329 West Washington
399
$
Adjustable Comfort Bed
999
$
Queen 2 pc Set With 8 Inch Memory Foam
Queen
www.gallerywarehousefurniture.com
EARLY At Heartland Mall
SNYDER 2912 College
SWEETWATER 502 Broadway
Now
899
$
Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
JULY 2017
Volume 8, Issue 3
Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez
We are half way through Summer and school is just around the corner. If you shop at HEB or Wal-Mart school supplies are being put out already! Wow- time sure does pass us by too quickly. But, before the hustle and bustle of the school year gets started, we here at HispanicLife pray you all are getting to enjoy some of the Summer making memories with your families. Staying up late watching movies, getting snow cones, taking trips to waterparks or lakes to cool off in the water, whatever it may be, we pray that you are enjoying every minute of it and cherishing the memories. Our life on this earth is short and tomorrow is not promised.
EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office
ADVERTISING SALES David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com
About Us
We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2017 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
Here recently we have read so many tragic stories and heartbreaking situations that are occurring around us, that we need to remind ourselves that what we are complaining about today someone else is praying for. Life is short, and we will all leave this earth one day, what is it that you want others to remember about you? We know we would want to be remembered as, kind, humbled, honest, hard-working and selfless people. Kindness is free and it is much needed in the world today. While we are enjoying our summer with family & friends let’s not forget to be kind to everyone we meet along the way. Enjoy the rest of your summer nights, be blessed and be a blessing. Have a great month and as always….First God, then Family and finally Friends….
David & Amy Hernández & the girls & all the staff here at HispanicLife
Front Cover: Nick Lopez and son Mario
Christmas in July
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By Janis Test | Abilene Public Library
Abilene Public Library is switching things up this year – we are hosting Christmas in July to help our friends at the Food Bank of West Central Texas. Because most organizations think to help with local hunger during the holidays, your library decided to switch things up and help when stores are traditionally running low! Beginning July 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. 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 previously opened food items, no government commodity items, and sorry, no homecanned items.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Save A Life
Presented by
All Lives Matter.
THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017
Blood Drive benefiting Meek Blood Center Pet Adoptions with Rescue The Animals
10:00AM TO 2:00PM 1634 North 1st St. Abilene, TX 79601 325.673.4521
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). Please help us help the Food Bank and help yourself at the same time by participating in Christmas in July.
KEAN 105 Live Radio Remote Air Castles • Food Giveaways & Raffles!
Sponsored by
KEY PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT & REAL ESTATE 325-690-0123 www.WeSellAndRentAbilene.com
HOUSES, APARTMENTS, DUPLEXES, CONDOS, INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
- Little Elm Condo’s -
- Jefferson Square Apts -
5450 S. 7th at Ruidosa • 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath .......................$479 • 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath ......................$559 • 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths.....................$659
1 & 2 Bedroom Apts. Cute Floor Plan, Stove & Fridge, Enclosed Patios 1 Bedrooms: Starting at $379 2 Bedrooms: $559/Month Washer & Dryer Connections, Dishwashers & Disposals Pets Welcomed!
• Water Paid • Close To Dyess • Stove, Fridge, Dishwashers • Fireplace • W/D Connections 1 BEDROOM
602 North Jefferson 379 $
5451 Laguna
479
$
2 BEDROOM
200 North Jefferson 161 S. Pioneer, 2/2 5451 Laguna 718 High, 2/1 70 Harbour Town
559 $ 525 $ 559 $ 599 $
1199/$700
$
161 S. Pioneer, #78 3/2 257 College, 3/1 1501 Matador, 3/1 442 Sammons, 3/1 1710 Glenwood, 3/1.5 2310 Corsicana, 3/2
3 BEDROOM $ 625/$250 2325 Kerry Lane, 3/2 $ 850/$850 1041 Albany, 3/1 $ 899/$600 1489 Glendale, 3/2 $ 999/$300 $ 999/$500 1713 Delwood, 3/2 $ 999/$500 3309 White Oaks, 3/2
4 BEDROOM
1099/$550 $ 1125/$700 $ 1149/ $700 $ 1250/$700 $ 1799/$800 $
5343 Durango, 4/1
$
829/ $500
5333 Questa, 4/1
$
759/$400
10390343
Close to DYESS AFB
COMMUNITY
LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
Ambler Car Wash Re-Opens
Ambler Car Wash was reopened under new ownership on May 5th, after 6 weeks of rehab, new equipment and testing. Ambler Car Wash features the only “pay by phone” in Abilene and it accepts quarters with a bill changer on site. There are 7 wash features including newly added spot free rinse. It’s open 24/7 and has newly installed LED lights to keep the area nice and bright. There are also 3 vending services, dash wipes, drying towels, and window cleaner, and 3 Vacuums that suck. To pay by phone, it’s simple. From any smart phone, you can download the app TOUCH-
4WASH or text “FREE running out of time, because the app keeps track and WASH” to 309-533-7992 charges you at the end of the cycle, once STOP has and signup. been selected. With the feature you can start and stop the wash from your phone. You don’t have to worry about
With the app you can also become a member.There are 3 different packages: $9.99 for 4 Washes a month. A $15 savings. $19.95 for 10 washes per month. A $40 savings. and $29.95 for 18 washes. A $78 savings. Coming soon will be FREE Vacs with the largest membership. You can also share the wash by starting and stopping the wash from anywhere with your smart phone. If your spouse or child needs to wash the car just have them text you which bay they are in and you can start and stop simple and easy.
We are making improvements and upgrading equipment as revenues allow. We are looking forward to a long and successful 24/7 access to car washing for Abilene’s north side. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ AmblerCarWash.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Robert Gilbert “Bobby”Villarreal Robert “Bobby” G. Villarreal, 55, of Abilene, received the ultimate blessing on Thursday, June 15, 2017, when he went home to his Lord and Savior. While it was hard for his family watching him leave his earthly body, it brought great peace knowing he is now playing golf with his father & brother while his mother is right there watching them.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Crawford (Joshua, who he was proud to call his son-in-law); Josh and Jace Crawford, his only 2 grandsons whom he cared and loved deeply; His siblings, David Villarreal, Rebecca Martinez (Robert), Joe Villarreal, Susan Villarreal, all of Abilene and Sally T. Rodriquez of Dallas; numerous nieces and nephews, Cynthia Wanjua (John), Amy Jo Hernandez (David), Isaiah Martinez (Amanda), Kathleen Villarreal, Anthony Bower, Ashley Vasguz (Manuel), Sarabeth Villarreal, Ilyana Montalvo, Jaclyn Casarez (Tim), Mallory Scott (Kenny), Jamie Lee Villarreal, David Rodriguez, Stefanie Rodriguez and Staci Martinez (Aladin); and 31 great nieces and nephews.
Bobby was born in Abilene on May 10th, 1962 to Gilbert (Chove) & Teresa Villarreal. He attended schools in Abilene and was part of the Abilene High School golf team and was a proud graduate of Abilene High School. Growing up and as a young man, Bobby enjoyed traveling with his parents and siblings to Michigan and Florida to do migrant work. Bobby was a certified Electrician and worked for Big 3 Electric in Odessa, Texas, Epic Construction, RM Construction and Abilene Foundation. Bobby enjoyed spending time on the golf course, also watching his Jacksonville Jaguars play, but most of all, watching his 2 grandsons Josh and Jace play sports. He was the life of the party and always had a song and dance to do. Bobby’s sense of humor will definitely be missed, along with his smile and jokes, he always had his family and friends laughing.
HispanicLife Media
“Uncle Bobby you were one of a kind, thank you for all the rides on your mean-green fighting machine motorcycle. We will all miss your jokes, laugh and rapping skills. Thank you for all the memories BV, it is not goodbye, but only see you later. You will be missed greatly, we love you.”
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert (Chove) and Teresa Villarreal; and his brother, Victor T. Villarreal. Left to cherish his memories include his loving and caring wife, Dora Resendez; his daughter and his pride and joy, Michelle
Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
Snapchat’s new ‘Snap Map’ has Texas law enforcement worried By BigCountryHomePage.com
Law enforcement in Texas is seeking to make HOW TO ENABLE “GHOST MODE” parents aware of the latest update for the popular social media app 1) Pinch the screen when the Snapchat. app is open and this will load the map. The most current update includes a new feature 2) When you do it for the called the “Snap Map.” first time, it should ask you This connects to your if you want to activate “ghost phone or tablet’s GPS mode.” and automatically (unless “ghost mode” is activat3) If it doesn’t, tap the icon ed) shows users who folin the top right corner, where low you where you are on you will be able to check a a map, down to the exact box to enable “ghost mode.” street. Authorities want users to be Some snaps can also be careful when choosing what seen publicly (by users to share on social media and who don’t follow you) are also asking users to limit depending on your settheir snaps only to people tings. they personally know.
Discover Wildlife at the Library in Zoo Lady Summer Series Nothing quite says summer like the presence of our favorite Curator of Education (Joy Harsh) and her amazing animal friends from the Abilene Zoo. Having been a regular visitor to the Abilene Public Library for our annual Summer Reading Clubs, Harsh’s visits to the library are one of the highlights of our summer programming each year. Educational, interactive, and fun, each visit to a different branch library will feature new animals for kids of all ages to see and learn about. That’s right! No two visits are the same so we encourage you to attend them all if possible. While learning about each of the animals, their habitats, what they eat, how they eat, and more, Harsh helps to bring learning to life through facts and laughter. Again, three sessions will be hosted this summer including:
Tuesday, July 18 at 3:00PM | Main Library (202 Cedar St.) Wednesday, July 26 at 4:00PM | South Branch Library (4310 Buffalo Gap Rd.) Hundreds of youth show up to participate in this series each summer, and no one ever leaves disappointed. We’ve had visits from alligators and ball pythons to exotic birds and creepy crawlies. You never know what to expect when Joy Harsh comes for a visit, but you can always expect to have a great time.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Top 10 Things Ya Gotta Do in Abilene!
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Trish Dressen | Communications Director for Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
The dog days of summer are upon us and it’s gettin’ hot here, y’all. No, really; It’s hot outside! But what’s so fun is to still see the families, groups and visitors walking around downtown enjoying the crape myrtles, storybook sculptures, or the overall beauty of our revitalized downtown. Having had the unique privilege to work every day in the heart of downtown for the last several years, it’s aweinspiring to marvel as the crowds get a little bigger season after season. At the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) we are often asked what visitors do when they get here. Well, exploring downtown is a big part of that and we see more and more enjoying the sights of sounds downtown. About a decade ago, our brilliant leader Nanci Liles, ACVB Executive Director, came up with a creative way to engage visitors to explore Abilene. The “Top 10 Things Ya Gotta Do” campaign was born and it’s been a success ever since. The list changes every few years to include something new, but it’s based on what our visitors tell us they love to do when they stay in Abilene. If you live here and haven’t seen this list taped to the walls on the Convention Center or the doors at the Expo Center, you need to get out more! Here’s the run down: • Go wild at The Abilene Zoo • Meet legends of the untamed west at Frontier Texas! • Picture yourself with storybook sculptures • Book time at the NCCIL • See artists in action at The Center for Contemporary Arts • Catch a star at the Paramount Theatre • Reflect on WWII at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum • Bite into a savory mesquite grilled steak • Be amazed at The Grace Museum • Step back in time at the Taylor County History Center
Visitors can stay pretty active around town even with just these 10 things, right? The list could, quite literally, go on and on, but it’s a nice way to give people a snapshot of the opportunities that await them. And trust us: all of these gems are beloved by our visitors. But we know our residents love them too, because they add to the quality of life for us each and every day. When I was a youngster growing up in Abilene, downtown was a ghost town. The Grace was boarded up, other notable buildings of today were nothing more than creepy empty spaces, graffiti-laden and littered with trash. The streets I walk down now with our kids do not look like the streets I walked down as a child. It’s never lost on me. Why? Because of incredibly forwardthinking men and women who saw what COULD be and then worked together to get it done. Sometimes when I’m chasing my kids around the park or I look out my office window to see yet another family photoshoot being captured in front of the fountain in Everman Park, I wonder what would be had those people not rolled up their sleeves, put aside their differences and worked together toward a common goal of not only beautifying our community, but truly making it a great place to visit, stay and play. Abilenians are all better because of it. As Abilene continues to grow and with such positive momentum, we owe those visionaries a huge “thank you” and we must look to each other to work hard and pay it forward. I mean really, what can’t we do together? As Doug would say, onward friends. Together.
Trinity Baptist Church is hosting their annual VBS the week of July 31stAugust 4th. We would like to invite anyone to join in the fun of learning God’s word! It will be held through the week from 5:30pm until 8:00pm. The theme this year is Maker Fun Factory. It includes exciting songs, fun games, and of course amazing Bible stories. It is open for all kids ages 4 through just completing 5th grade. We will be learning how we are built by God and designed for a purpose. Kids can pre-register online at www.trinityabilene.com
We are located at 871 Woodlawn Drive Abilene TX, 79603. For more information call (325)673-4796
Pick us up at Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
AgriLife Extension sets White-tailed Deer Summit Aug. 3 in Abilene By Steve Byrns | Texas AgriLife Extension, Taylor County
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Taylor County will conduct the Whitetailed Deer Summit Aug. 3 in the Big Country Hall in Abilene.
presentations will be timely and delivered by speakers with firsthand knowledge of their respective topics. It should be interesting for anyone — hunters, landowners and managers — with white-tailed deer interests in our Big Country Hall is next to the AgriLife Ex- region.” tension offices on the grounds of the Taylor County Expo Center, 1982 Lytle Way, Session 1 topics and speakers will include: Abilene, TX 79602. – Managing Free-Range White-tailed Deer, Genetics, Nutrition, Herd Management, Dr. The event will consist of two sessions: Session John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension Wildlife 1, Managing Property for White-tailed Deer, Specialist, San Angelo. from 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. and Session 2 from 5:30 – Deer Habitat Management and Managed – 9:00 p.m. to highlight keys for Hunting Sea- Lands Deer Program Highlights, Annaliese son Success. Participants are encouraged, but Scoggin, Texas Parks and Wildlife Departnot required to attend both sessions. ment Biologist, Abilene. – Deer Management Research, Culling, “We’ve scheduled this program to help our Chronic Wasting Disease, Dr. Randy DeYoung landowners improve their management strat- and Dr. Aaron Foley, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife egies for white-tailed deer and to help hunt- Research Institute at Texas A&M Universityers ensure a successful hunting season,” said Kingsville. Thomas Cunningham, AgriLife Extension assistant agent in Taylor County. “All the Session 2 will begin with an evening meal at
Public Notice
CityLink Transit Abilene, Texas FTA DBE Goal for FFY 2017-2020 In accordance with requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation as set forth in 49 C.F.R. Part 26, as amended, CityLink Transit, Abilene Texas, hereby notifies the public that it is recommending the following Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal for the applicable professional services, construction and procurement contracts during the Fiscal Years 2017-2020, beginning October 1, 2017 and ending September 30, 2020. The overall total DBE goal for Fiscal Years 2017-2020 is 1%. Information pertaining to this goal and description of how it was selected is available for inspection from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CDT at CityLink Transit 1189 S. 2nd Abilene, Texas for 30 calendar days following the date of publication of this notice. Written comments on this goal will be accepted for 45 calendar days from the date of the publication of this notice. The comments are for informational purposes only and may be sent to the DBE Office at CityLink Transit 1189 S. 2nd, Abilene Texas 79602 and to the Regional Civil Rights Officer, Federal Transit Administration, Region 6, 819 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
5:30 and will feature topics and speakers to include: – White-tailed Deer Nutrition and Supplemental Feeding, Scott Hohensee, Wildlife Specialist, Purina Animal Nutrition, New Braunfels - White-tailed Deer Hunting Lease Management and Working with Outfitters, Greg Simons, Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Systems, Inc., San Angelo. - Preserving Our Hunting Heritage and Ensuring a Successful Hunting Experience, Marc Bartoskewitz, Ranch Manager, Cook Canyon and Clear Fork Ranches, Ranger. Individual registration is $15 if you register by August 1 and $20 thereafter. Registration includes both sessions and evening meal.
Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.
Firefighter Jonathan Johnston joined the Abilene Fire Department in March of 2009. He is certified as an Intermediate Firefighter, Driver/Operator, ARFF Basic and Paramedic. He is currently assigned to Station 8 on A shift.
For more information, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Taylor County at 325672-6048 or pre-register online here.
Firefighter Jacob Kittrell joined the Abilene Fire Department in May of 2007. He is certified as a Basic Firefighter, Driver/ Operator/Pumper, hazardous materials operations and EMT-Intermediate. He currently is assigned to Station 3 and is the driver of Engine 3 on B shift.
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
The Success Story That is Anthony Williams By Abilene Reporter-News
Council chambers at City Hall was standing room only for the swearing in of Anthony Williams as mayor. Normally, a few officials, friends and family show up for this bit of official duty that follows acceptance of an election vote. Not this time. This was a celebration. The people crowded into the room may never have been more diverse. Men and women. Young and old. White, black and brown. Some dressed casually, some in suits and dresses. People of different political views, for sure. And probably people of different sexual orientations. What they shared was the moment — an African-American had won election as mayor. Flash back to 1973, when now-retired Hardin-Simmons University Spanish professor Joe Alcorta was elected to the City Council. He was the first minority elected. Five years later, Leo F. Scott was elected to the council as the first African-American. The longtime pastor of New Light Baptist Church remained the only African-American to sit on the council until educator V.L. “Versie” Brown was elected in 1998. Three years later, Williams was elected. He served as Place 4 member until May, when his term expired. He had cast his lot to be mayor. Williams campaigned around race. He spoke often about seating a more diverse group of people at the table, meaning, in part, more people of color.
involved in his community. A path traveled by others with more opportunity than a boy whose father was shot to death and was raised by a single mom. And here is the mayor. What an inspiration to those who start at the bottom of the hill and can’t envision sitting on top. The look on some old-timers’ eyes in the audience suggested pride and satisfaction that a once unthinkable event has occurred. Abilene’s population is about 10 percent African-American. No way Anthony Williams is elected by just that vote, meaning his support crossed lines of ethnicity. The story goes that the late Rev. Scott, who had an interview at thenAbilene State School to be the pharmacist, had to freshen up and change in a restroom before meeting with his prospective employer. Years later, barriers like that removed, he became a City Council member. This week, those who knew the Scotts mourn the passing of his wife, Piney. What change for the better she saw over the years, even to her final days. In the crowd Monday where three more mayors, including Gary McCaleb, who served from 1990-1999. It was during his three terms that bridges were built between racial groups in Abilene. McCaleb opened more doors. Williams walked through those and earned the right to sit at the head of the table.
But what appealed to more voters were his likability, the effort he put into his campaign, his ideas and being all-in for Abilene.
How he leads as mayor is up to him, and must be in concert with the three people to his left and three to his right.
Williams grew up here, got a college education, began his work career, raised a family and got
But on the eve of the Fourth of July, what an American success story.
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
The Lady Behind Taylor County 4-H
Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Media
When Amy Acosta started working with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension County Extension Office at 19 years old, she never thought she would be there for 30 years. After she graduated high school, the 4-H secretary position with Taylor County became available so she applied.
years, it became a family affair for Amy. Even though her daughter Lainey was never in the 4-H Program, she grew up helping her mom from working at nearly every petting zoo, to helping with the annual 4-H awards banquet, and volunteering at different educational events for Taylor County schools.
“It was as simple as that,” Amy said. “I never dreamed I would be here for so many years though.”
Being fairly young when she started her career, Amy said her role has taught her a lot about talking with others and working with the public. What has kept her there for so many years is the relaxed working environment and the people she has gotten to work with.
In the Taylor County office, Amy has been there the longest. She has worked with at least eight different county extension agents, numerous assistant training agents and hundreds of children over her 30 years of service. “I am now at the point where I am seeing the kids I saw go through the 4-H program years ago have their own kids going through the program,” Amy said. “It is pretty cool.”
“Throughout the years, the people I have worked for and with have all been wonderful and special in their own way,” Amy said. “Everyone is so different and I have learned from each of them.”
In her role as the 4-H secretary for Taylor County, she assists the 4-H county agent and facilitates most of the 4-H events, activities and programs. One of the most well known Taylor County 4-H activities is hosting the petting zoo at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo.
Amy is eligible for retirement now. Having a grandson in Abilene makes it very tempting for Amy to start a new chapter of life. However, she has no definite plans to end this chapter of serving the community just yet.
“For those few weeks out of the year I get to be a farm girl,” Amy said, “because I am not a farm girl at all. I’m a city girl.” Amy was born in South Dakota but came to the Abilene when her father was transferred to Dyess Air Force Base. He retired shortly after moving to Abilene and Abilene became the family’s permanent home. Amy graduated from Cooper High School, but was never active in 4-H or FFA. She admits she knew very little about 4-H when she started. However, now with 30 years of experience she knows the in’s and out’s. The program has seen changes over the years and Amy has been there for them all.
“There are new things and there are things that have come and gone,” Amy said, “but they all have been about helping children use their skills and imagination.” After working with the 4-H program for 30
Programs, agents and the 4-H kids have all changed over the years but Amy has been the constant. One thing is for sure, the Taylor County 4-H program wouldn’t be where it is today without her.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Abilene Animal Shelter 20/20 City of Abilene and Rescue the Animals, SPCA Kick off Program to Make our Animal Shelter the Best in Texas! By Paul Washburn | Rescue the Animals, SPCA
The City of Abilene and Rescue the Animals, SPCA are asking your help as we launch our Shelter 20/20 program aimed at making the Abilene Animal Shelter the best shelter its size in the entire state of Texas. Shelter 20/20 will evaluate all shelter programs and facilities and will work to develop new programs to improve all aspects of shelter operations. While no exact timeline is being set, it is hoped that the program will be completed within three years. Rescue the Animals, SPCA is asking everyone to participate in an online survey about the City of Abilene Animal Shelter. This survey will seek community comments on shelter operations and will be one of many tools used to evaluate the shelter and find new ideas. Find the survey at RescueTheAnimals.org, or Rescue the Animals, SPCA on Facebook, or https:// kwiksurveys.com/s/S40GXBry#/0 Rescue the Animals, SPCA works with rescue groups and shelters in over 30 states. This will give us the ability to gather information from all across the nation on what works best in animal shelter management and saving lives. In the last ten years the City of Abilene Animal Shelter has been transformed from an old style pound into an excellent animal shelter. This dramatic progress has resulted in increased holding times for dogs and cats at the shelter, increased adoptions, lower euthanasia rates, the construction of a new Adoption Wing (paid for in part by Rescue the Animals, SPCA), and improvements in cleanliness and hygiene for the animals. ADOPTIONS 2008: 1,373 ADOPTIONS 2016: 3,039 Euthanasia 2008: 13,124 Euthanasia 2016: 4,748 Down 63%! Holding Time 2008: 3 Days Holding Time 2016: Up to one month!
Texas Tech Research Projects at the Abilene Animal Shelter • The shelter has been chosen by Texas Tech University as one of only 11 shelters in the
nation for a pioneering Behavioral Intervention Program to Increase Adoptions. The Abilene Shelter has also been chosen by Texas Tech to participate in a Compassion Fatigue Study aimed at helping animal shelter workers contend with the psychological stresses of their jobs. According to Dr. Alexandra Protopopova of Texas Tech University,“Abilene was chosen as an ideal location to study a combination of urban and rural influences. More critically, Abilene has a highly progressive and sophisticated mindset surrounding animal sheltering allowing for efficient and successful research programs.” Many animals from the Abilene Shelter go to rescue groups all over the nation. The Abilene Shelter has an excellent reputation with these groups because of the excellent care given the animals while at the shelter. Rescue the Animals, SPCA works with rescue groups and shelters in over 30 states. This will give us the ability to gather information from all across the nation on what works best in animal shelter management and saving lives.
Shelter 20/20 Program Outline • Step One: Evalu-
Family Flix: “Lilo & Stitch”
July 15 at 3:00PM, Main Library Movie Summary: In this Disney favorite, a Hawaiian girl adopts and unusual pet who is actually a notorious extra-terrestrial fugitive from the law.
Teen Flix: “A Monster Calls”
July 18 at 4:30PM, Main Library Movie Summary: The monster does not come walking often. This time it comes to Connor, and it asks for the one thing Connor cannot bring himself to do. Tell the truth. This is a very touching story about a boy who feels very damaged, guilty and mostly angry. He struggles at school with bullies, and pity looks from everyone, and at home with his mother’s sickness.
Disney Flix & Fun: “Zootopia”
July 19 at 2:30PM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy.
Night Flix: “Split”
July 20 at 6:00PM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: Three girls are kidnapped by a man with a diagnosed 23 distinct personalities, and must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th.
Teen Flix After Hours: “Green Lantern”
July 21 at 5:45PM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: Reckless test pilot Hal Jordan is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers that inducts him into an intergalactic police force, the Green Lantern Corps.
Saturday Matinee: “San Andreas”
July 22 at 10:30AM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey with his ex-wife across the state in order to rescue his daughter.
Mockingbird Movies: “Sing”
July 22 at 2:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Library Movie Summary: In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists’ find that their lives will never be the same.
ate the Shelter, its procedures, and its relationship to the community. Rescue the Animals, SPCA will post a series of questionnaires online seeking public comment and ideas about the City of Abilene Animal Shelter, and will work with Animal Shelter employees to evaluate all present programs.
Book-to-Flix: “Unbroken”
Step Two: The City of Abilene and Rescue the Animals, SPCA will be working with Texas Tech and others to develop new programs and to improve existing programs and procedures at the Abilene Shelter.
August 2 at 2:30PM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: A man raised by gorillas must decide where he really belongs when he discovers he is a human.
Step Three: The City of Abilene and Rescue the Animals, SPCA will assess the physical and financial needs of the Abilene Animal Shelter. Step Four: The City of Abilene and Rescue the Animals, SPCA will work to implement a low-cost spay/ neuter program to reduce homeless animal populations. Rescue the Animals, SPCA will assist the City of Abilene in funding this program.
July 23 at 3:00PM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: After a near-fatal plane crash in WWII, Olympian Louis Zamperini spends a harrowing 47 days in a raft with two fellow crewmen before he’s caught by the Japanese navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.
Disney Flix & Fun: “Tarzan”
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
Give the Abilene Zoo Photo Contest Your Best Shot Underwritten by an anonymous photographer in honor of the late Doug Hodel
By Kelly Thompson | Marketing & Development Coordinator, Abilene Zoo
It’s time for the Abilene Zoo’s Summer 2017 Photo Contest. We are finally ready for you to upload your wonderful photos to www.abilenezoo.org/photo-contest. Upload your high resolution digital photos to the contest page at abilenezoo.org. The $5 entry fee allows you to submit one photo in as many categories as you like. (This fee covers the matte for the winner exhibition.) Entries are limited to one photo per category. Photos must be shot on the zoo grounds (including the surrounding lake and wildlife) during 2017, and we’re looking for composition that fits these five categories: • animal humor • animal action • animal portrait • plants, landscapes, Texas wildlife • People and animals Judges will select the top three photos in each category based on these age divisions: • Students K-8th grade • High School Students 9th -12th grade • General – All ages and skill levels. All photo contest participants will be invited to a party and reception during a Sunset Safari Thursday evening at the zoo in August. Winning entries will be curated for a photography show on zoo grounds that month, and all winning photos are candidates for a future Zoo News cover photo.
Best in Show: $100 credit in the Zoo Store, $100 credit with Abilene’s Photo Im-
age Center and a zoo VIP tour for a group of four.
1st Place: Official Zoo Photographer’s
Membership: Free admission all year to the zoo, and your photo and credit featured on the Abilene Zoo’s social media, website and the cover of Zoo News as a VIP Zoo Photographer, a VIP Tour for a group of four, and a $50 Credit in the Zoo Store
2nd Place: Official Zoo
Photographer’s Membership: Free admission all year to the zoo, and your photo and credit featured on the Abilene Zoo’s social media, website and inside Zoo News as a VIP Zoo Photographer and a $50 Credit in the Zoo Store
3rd Place: Official Zoo
Photographer’s Membership: Free admission all year to the zoo, and your photo and credit featured on the Abilene Zoo’s social media, website and inside Zoo News as a VIP Zoo Photographer. The deadline for entries will be midnight on July 15, 2017, and the zoo will honor the winners at a Sunset Safari reception in August. Photos will be matted and exhibited on on zoo grounds. Have questions? Need answers? Email abilene. zoo@abilenetx.com. Meanwhile, picture yourself and the animals at the Abilene Zoo.
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
DRI Document Destruction Services
Taylor Electric Cooperative c�m���i�� ���p�� Your local choice for __________________. 325-793-8500 | taylorelectric.com
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
Pick us up at Primetime Family Entertainment, Sears Rec Center & Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
Triple the Fun:
Giraffe Pregnancies a Time for Pampering By Kelly Thompson | Marketing & Development Coordinator, Abilene Zoo
We’re expecting again! That’s right – three of our giraffes are now pregnant. Over the past several months, staff spent time collecting fecal samples from each of the female giraffes so that they could be tested for pregnancy. Fecal samples are then sent to an endocrinology lab at the St. Louis Zoo and used to analyze various hormone levels that would indicate pregnancy. Asha, Sunny, and Jamie are all expecting within the next year. This will be first calves for both Sunny and Jamie, who joined our herd from Dallas in the spring of 2016. Jamie is 5 years old, while Sunny is 7 years old. Both giraffes are due sometime late this year or early next year. As with most first-time mothers, you never know what to expect. Complications could develop. We are preparing for all scenarios. Asha, our 19-year-old matriarch of the herd, is expecting her second calf sometime this fall. Asha’s last calf was born in 2002 and is now 15 years old. Because Asha is considered a geriatric animal, we are treating her pregnancy as high risk. We have been monitoring her very closely throughout the past months. As Asha has gained weight with her pregnancy, she has had some discomfort from arthritis in some of her joints.
ous conditions, including arthritis. Asha seemed to show some improvement with this therapy, so the Abilene Zoological Society purchased the machine to help keep Asha as comfortable as possible. The MLS laser therapy works by delivering wavelengths of light that penetrate tissue and have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It is a non-invasive treatment we can provide meaning that it causes no harm and has no side-effects. The machine also has been used on one of our ostriches with arthritis and a Crested Screamer with an inflamed foot. You can rest assured that all three pregnant giraffe ladies will be pampered and monitored closely throughout their gestations. Regardless of what happens, all animal care staff will be prepared to step in as needed. We are eager to see our herd grow here at the Abilene Zoo! Dr. Stephanie Carle joined the Abilene Zoo as staff veterinarian in July 2015. She earned
We have to be careful how we treat the arthritis, and have been working with Asha to deliver medications and various therapies considered safe not only for her, but also for the baby. One of these treatments has been laser therapy. The zoo was able to try out a Cutting Edge MLS laser therapy machine that can be used to treat vari-
Tour de Gap celebrates 35 years in July By Mallory Ashford | Big Brothers Big Sisters
This year marks the 35th Annual Tour de Gap ride at the Old Settlers’ Reunion Grounds in Buffalo Gap on July 22-23, 2017. In 2016, Big Brothers Big Sisters Abilene was selected as the new nonprofit partner and the event will benefit the youth mentoring organization again this year! Tour de Gap is hugely popular, bringing in around 300 riders year after year from across Texas. Participants will ride through the rolling hills of Buffalo Gap, relax at the pavilion area and enjoy food trucks and raffles. On Saturday, riders can choose between three distances: the traditional 11 mile and 27 mile routes plus the new 100K route. The pre-registration fee for adults through Thursday, July 20 is $35. Day of registration is available for $40. Children under 15 ride free with a paying adult. As a special addition for the anniversary year, riders are invited to participate in the Steamboat Mountain Time Trial on Sunday morning — a 7.2 mile hill climb up Belle Plains Road and up to the top of Steamboat Mountain. Registration for Saturday and Sunday events is now open at bikereg.com/ tour-de-gap. Please visit tourdegap. com or contact Mallory Ashford for more information – mashford@bbbstx.org or 325-674-3115.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
a bachelor of science in biology from SE Missouri State University and a doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Missouri.
JULY 22-23, 2017 O L D S E T T L E R S’ R E U N I O N G R O U N D S • B U F FA L O G A P, T X S AT U R D AY • 1 1 M I L E / 2 7 M I L E / 1 0 0 K • 6 : 3 0 A M R E G I S T R AT I O N 8 : 0 0 A M S TA R T • A D U LT S / $ 3 5 • C H I L D R E N U N D E R 1 5 / F R E E S U N D AY • 7 . 2 M I L E T I M E T R I A L • 8 : 0 0 A M R E G I S T R AT I O N 9 : 0 0 A M S TA R T • S U N D AY O N LY / $ 2 5 • S AT U R D AY & S U N D AY / $ 5 0
REGISTER ONLINE
bikereg.com/tour-de-gap E V E N T D AY R E G I S T R AT I O N : A D U LT S / $ 4 5 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N
T O U R D E G A P.C O M
CHILDREN UNDER 15 / FREE
325.674.3115
M A S H F O R D @ B B B S T X .O R G
16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine
a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... John Thomas Hunter The family would like to thank Hendrick Hospice, all their staff and nurses for the wonderful care and support during this difficult time, may the Good Lord bless them for what they do.
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
Carolyn Ann Hunter, 54, of Abilene, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 23, 2017 at a local hospice center, with loving family at her side. Mrs. Hunter was born April 22, 1963, in Hamlin, Texas to John Thomas and Willie Mae Ray Hunter. Carolyn was considered a track star in her younger years. She loved music and family, especially her children and grandchildren. Carolyn was a certified nursing assistant for many years at some of the local nursing homes in Abilene. Her wonderful smile and caring heart will be missed by everyone. Survivors include her two children, Devante Hunter and Lashonda K. Hunter; her mother, Willie Mae Ray Hunter; three brothers, John, Anthony and Chadwick Hunter; three sisters, Delores Ray, Eugina Smith and Rhea Jones (Keith); all her grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mrs. Hunter was preceded in death by her father,
Maurilio Maravilla-Torres, 66, of Abilene, passed away Monday, June 26, 2017. Funeral services are pending in Chavinda, Michoacan, Mexico. Arrangements to get Maurilio to Mexico have been entrusted to Abilene Funeral Home. Mr. Torres was born August 31, 1950, in Chavinda, Michoacan, Mexico to Mariano MaravillaRivas and Virginia Torres-Garcia. He was a hard worker and was proud to have received his U.S. Citizenship. Maurilio worked as an industrial coater at Petrosmith Company. Sharon Dee Moses, 61, of Abilene, was called home to her Lord and Savior, Saturday, July 01, 2017. Mrs. Moses was born September 11, 1955, in Big Spring to Irlie Larry Bardwell Sr. and Edna Adams Bardwell Cates. She was the second daughter of three girls and a boy. As a child, Sharon was raised in Midland and later lived in Abilene, Sweetwater and Big Spring. She loved animals and was drawn to those with special needs and imperfections. Sharon was a kind and gen-
erous person with a compassionate heart. She was good with art designing her own unique creations. Sharon received her degree from McMurry University majoring in art and her minor in religious Science. She served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and took great pride in being a veteran. Sharon met her husband Alvin “Bo” Moses when she was in her late 20’s and early 30’s. Bo was in a near fatal accident and after a long and difficult road to recovery, they fell in love and married on January 3, 1993. They renewed their vows nine years later in a church wedding on January 3, 2002. Sharon suffered from migraines after the service and became depended on Bo to take care of her. She was always drawn to people and animals who were a little down trodden. She could empathize with how it felt to be flawed and less perfect and still needing unconditional love. Mrs. Moses was a christian and believed in spreading the God’s word and love every chance she got. She would see a vagrant on the street no different from a deacon of the church without jugdement. One of her favorite stories was Of Jesus Loving and Befriending Mary Magdalin. Sharon believed in the sanctity of marriage. When She renewed her vows with Bo, it seemed to excite her, make her a little nervous and happy to finally get to be the princess and star in her fairy tale wedding with Danny walking her down the isle. After growing up seeing and experiencing her own tumultuous relationships. Sharon wanted her fairy tale to come true and for everyone to have their happy everafter, even if it meant to go without those she loved. She had some insecurities and felt a bit ordinary and insignificant, but always wanted to make the world a better place. To her friends, she was unique and extraordinary, just
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
by being herself, more than she could imagine. Sharon seemed to always be chasing something out of her reach. We loved her and will miss her greatly, but take comfort knowing she finally reached her realistic “Happily Everafter.” The unattainable dream fulfilled beyond anything imaginable, until we meet again, forever loved. Survivors include her husband, Alvin “Bo” Moses; a sister, Teresa Riddle Barker; brother-in-laws, William Barker, Derrall Riddle, Sonny Moses, Mickey Moses, Lester Moses, Timmy Moses and Edwin Moses (Sherry); sister-in-laws, Gail Kazinka, JoAnn Wright (Arthur), Joyce Box (Powell), and Mel Moses (Tina); a close friend, Paul of Big Spring; sister-in-law, Conni Bardwell Davis of Abilene; close cousin (friend), Calvin Brown of Big Spring; sister, Frannye Read and husband, John of Mesquite; her nieces, Stephanie, Samantha, Kerri and Rebecca; nephews, Robert, Larry, Terry and Ryan; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. Mrs. Moses has been reunited with her son, Daniel Gene Martin Moses; her parents, Edna Cates and Irlie Bardwell, Sr.; her in-laws, Betty Jewel and E.R. Moses, Floyd Moses, Glenn Moses, Teresa Lyn and Wanda June; a nephew, Tony Riddle (who saw her like a second mom) and wife, Amanda; and her brother, Irlie Bardwell, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family (Bo, Teresa or Fran) is accepting donations to help with funeral expenses. Please remember to also help Rescue the Animals, The Humane Society, Wounded Warriors of America or any other legitimate non profit organization to help those in need.
Faces of Dyess: Air Force, a Life Changing Decision
Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17
By Airman Kylee Thomas | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
A slight grin reflects his thoughts as he shares about a teenager unsure of the future. Thinking back on the memories made with a crowd that was heading nowhere fast, he is full of pride about the decisions he’s made since then; decisions that have brought him to where he is today. For Air Force Staff Sgt. Eleno Silva, 317th Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance craftsman, joining the military meant getting out of trouble and making something for himself.
derstand what the cause of this legal trouble and passion for his job as well as the Airmen could be. he works with, which have brought him to his current place in the Air Force. “I was speeding through the roads all the way home and I had barely got there in time. Basi- “Since joining the Air Force, my mindset has cally, I had just missed a court date,” explained changed,” Silva explained. “I became more Silva, with a small chuckle as he recalled the responsible and started wanting to give back memory. “So that’s what happened. I went to to my community, coworkers and friends.” Silva’s coworkers also recognize his leadership qualities in and out of his Air Force life and admire the person he is today. “I see him going out and volunteering with the community three or four times a month,” said Senior Airman Brandon Pearson, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance technician.
“I joined because I wanted to get out of the norm and do something different,” Silva said. “The only thing to do in my hometown was get into trouble. With limited things to do, many of the teenagers would act out and get themselves into trouble. There was no future for me there.”
Pearson said Silva’s desire to help those around him really makes him a great leader and role model for other Airmen.
Silva grew up in Ridgecrest, Calif., a small city in the middle of the Mojave Desert, which could offer trouble for an aimless teenager with U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eleno G. Silva, 317th Maintenance Squadron aerospace nothing to do.
maintenance craftsman, has been stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas since January 2014. Since being stationed here, Silva has positively impacted the lives of his
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
A PA R T M E N T S
Check Out Our Move-In Specials & Affordable Rent!
• 3 Bedroom 2 Baths • Washer/Dryer Connections • Beautiful Pool, Playground, & Community Center • Gated Community • Water Paid
2934 Old Anson Rd • Abilene, Texas 325-672-1636
10391796
Section 8 Vouchers Accepted
“He’s helped me out with a lot,” Pearson said. “He’s helped me gain most of my leadership qualities by tasking me with more responsibility. If he sees I’m struggling, he’s always there to back me up and reassure me that I can do it.”
“I would hang out with the coworkers, friends, and community by lending a helping hand or by volunteering with For Silva, joining the Air Force not ‘gangster type friends’, multiple community service agencies such as Habitat for Humanity, West Texas Re- only provided him a new direction which started to negatively hab and Texas Christian University. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kylee Thomas) in life, but revealed a desire to go affect my reputation,” he exout and make the world a better plained. “They were the kids place. who were always getting involved with drugs, the police station and worked it all out and getting arrested or getting in fights.” thankfully they dismissed the warrant as long “I always try to implement helping others into as I had made the next court appearance.” everything I do,” said Silva. “I’ve just always Although Silva claimed no gang affiliation, been that type of person.” hanging out with those who did choose that This brush with the law cast a hard light on the lifestyle led to a bad reputation and poor deci- choices he’d made thus far. At this point Silva Since joining the Air Force, Silva has met his sions. realized he needed to do something to change loving wife and had a beautiful baby girl. where his life was heading. “There was one time when I was driving home “If I hadn’t joined the military, I would still when my mom called me and said, ‘Hey you “I was living paycheck to paycheck. I was be living in California hanging out with the need to get down here now! You have a war- getting nowhere fast and I just wanted that same people, trying to stay off the radar and rant out for your arrest,’” Silva recalled. change for myself,” he said. “I wanted to live living paycheck to paycheck,” he explained. better, and so I decided to join the Air Force.” “I would’ve never met my family and friends He remembered the bitter feeling of anxiousif I didn’t make the decisions that led me to ness and confusion as his mind reeled to un- Silva has since gained a sense of comradery where I am today.”
18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
SET YOUR SIGHTS ON FAST, EASY ACCESS WITH NEW
EYEPRINT ID
TM
Eyeprint ID For Mobile Devices -
The Ultimate Selfie!
The eyes have it...when you want quick, easy and highly secure access to your account using ATFCU’s mobile apps. No more passwords to remember or juggling your phone to enter your thumbprint. Use the camera on your mobile device to scan your eyes and future logins will be simpler than a selfie. • Haven’t heard of this before? That’s because ATFCU is the first in the area to offer this state-of-the-art, biometric technology. • Eyes a little blurry this morning? Not a problem for Eyeprint ID. • Wear glasses? That's not a problem either. Eyeprint ID will recognize your eyes with or without glasses.
Can't you Just See Yourself Using This? Go to our website for more details or to set up your Eyeprint ID log-in. It will only take the blink of an eye... but don't blink! PMS 280 (Blue) - C=100 M=72 Y=0 K-18
PMS 341 (Green) - C=93 M=26 Y=77 K-12 PMS 186 (Red) - C=22 M=100 Y=67 K-8
FONT: Lithos Pro Bold & Lithos Pro Regular
325-677-2274 800-677-6770 abileneteachersfcu.org
ATFCU Eye-D Ad 4-16.indd 1
• 3849 Antilley Road • 2801 N. 6th Street • 2555 Buffalo Gap Road • 1181 E. N. 10th Street • 349 N. Mockingbird (drive-thru only)
4/29/16 3:35 PM
EDUCATION
LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
Sculpture Professor Brings Storybook Characters to Life in Downtown Abilene By Haley Remenar | Abilene Christian University
Frozen in bronze on the walkways of downtown Abilene, the Sandman and the Tooth Fairy remind people of childhood stories. These characters from William Joyce’s Guardians of Childhood were the first sculptures Geoff Broderick, associate professor of art, helped to cast in bronze. The Texas legislature named Abilene the Storybook Capitol of Texas in 2015 because of these pieces and their connection to the annual Children’s Art and Literacy Festival (CALF). For Broderick, casting the sculptures is a way to connect to the community while showing students the business of art.
den on the southeast lawn of the Abilene Civic Center. He started with characters from Garth Williams’ illustrations of Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, and created sculptures of “Stuart in a Canoe,” “Wilbur the Pig” and “Charlotte the Spider.” Although he could have cast the spider all at once, he meticulously cast each of its eight legs to prevent shrink lines on the metal. He also created a sculpture to illustrate the popular Little Golden Books’ The Three Little Pigs. Broderick said the sculptures have been a collaborative effort. He teamed with a former student, Rebecca (Barker ’04) Bishop, who painted the sculptures using special chemical processes. Bishop had done the same for Jacob’s Dream in her role as head patineur at Deep in the Heart Art Foundry in Bastrop, Texas.
Broderick earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture at Southern Illinois University. After he graduated, he worked at the Art professor Geoff Broderick poses next to “Stuart in a Canoe,” Shidoni Foundry in Santa Fe, New one of the sculptures he cast for Abilene’s new Storybook Garden. Mexico, casting bronze sculptures Another of Broderick’s former stufor 14 years. He was hired at ACU dents, Kaitlyn Brown (’16), said Brodin 1999 with the understanding that erick is wise and intelligent, teaching Tooth Fairy), David and Fergus, and more for he would not only teach, but also do outside the Storybook Sculpture project in downtown his students even outside the classroom setting. work for the community. She also said he is humble and makes jokes Abilene’s Everman Park. about himself. “I have this triangle where I do teaching, out- Broderick faced his biggest challenge in the side work and my own work and they all feed “Duck on a Bike” statue created in 2015 be- “I don’t have an aspiration to become a famous each other,” Broderick said. cause he had never before heard of anyone artist,” Broderick said. “I have an aspiration casting a bike in metal. He used a real bike to stay healthy and keep creating art. I want to Broderick started bringing storybook char- to create a mold, then he cast each part of the keep letting my work evolve and see where it acters to life when he was commissioned by bike and welded them together. ends up.” the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL). Steve Neves, professor “It’s hard work, but when you’re done it’s ex- A member of the Texas Atomic Iron Commisof art at Hardin-Simmons University, sculpts hilarating,” Broderick said. sion, Broderick continues to learn from other the pieces while Broderick casts the pieces metal sculptors. The group traveled to Japan in in bronze. Together, they created Sanderson Broderick has completed several sculptures 2015 for the US-Japan Art Exhibition at the ToMansnoozie (the Sandman), Toothiana (the for the Adamson-Spaulding Storybook Gar- kyo Museum of Art.
NRH2O is the perfect party place to celebrate birthdays of all ages or host a corporate event, fundraiser, family reunion, school outing, team, camps, church groups and more. Soak up the fun and save with group rates and birthday packages.
817-427-6500
9001 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, TX
nrh2o.com
20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
A+ DIFFERENCE Rev. Marty CashBurless
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
MAKING
MEET
PAULA TALLANT
NAME: Paula Tallant CAMPUS: One AISD TITLE: Assistant to Superintendent Dr. David Young TIME WITH AISD: 20 years
By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? I grew up in Abilene and attended Lee Elementary School, Mann Junior High School – Go Falcons! I graduated from Abilene High School in 1978 – Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle! TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I am married to Jim Tallant who was my high school sweetheart. He also graduated from Abilene High School in 1978. He is a proud Aggie. We have been married for 36 years. We have four very sweet cats – Goldie, Pita, Freckles, and Bandit. TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: There is nothing very interesting about me. I am retiring after a very enjoyable 36 year career working in public education as a secretary/administrative assistant. I began working in public education on the campus of Texas A&M University when my husband was in school there. After college we moved to Arlington, Texas and I began working for the Arlington Independent School District. Arlington was a great place to live and work, but I was happy to move back to Abilene in the late 1990’s where most of our extended family lives. In 1997, I was hired to work at Abilene High School as the principal’s secretary. I enjoyed being back at my alma mater. Everything still looked the same – the front office, the principal’s office, the halls I walked through with my friends as a student, the choir room, and the Eagle Gym where I cheered as an AHS cheerleader. There were even several teachers still on staff who taught when I was a student. In 2008, I transitioned to the Administration Building to work as the secretary to then Superintendent Dr. David Polnick, and also assist the
Named University Chaplain and Director of Religious Life at McMurry University
Board of Trustees. I have been in the superintendent’s office since that time. One small item to note: The name plate on my desk has been with me since my first job at Texas A&M University 36 years ago. It has traveled with me from place to place, desk to desk. It’s just a plain, no frills name plate, but it has served its purpose. I’ll find a place for it in a drawer that I have plans to clean out during my retirement. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? I am grateful to the leadership of this district for allowing me the opportunity to assist the students, parents, teachers, administrative staff, and Board of Trustees. My favorite part of my job is working with so many compassionate people who truly care about serving the students, teachers, and staff of this district. WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HER? “It has been my extreme honor to serve alongside Paula Tallant for the last two years. Adequate words do not exist to describe the impact she has had on the Abilene Independent School District during her time at Abilene High School and One AISD Center. Whether in person, on the phone or communicating electronically, Paula is a wonderful ambassador for AISD. She performs her duties efficiently, professionally and, most importantly, with a joyful spirit. Her presence in the superintendent’s office will be sorely missed!” – Dr. David Young, Superintendent
Rev. Marty CashBurless, a 1978 McMurry University alumna and current University Chaplain at the University of Mount Union in Ohio, has been appointed as University Chaplain and Director of Religious Life at McMurry University beginning August 1, the school announced today. She will be the first woman to serve as a chaplain at McMurry. Rev. CashBurless will be responsible for spiritual growth and community development for the entire campus community; provide professional pastoral care and counseling for students, faculty and staff; oversee comprehensive religious life programming on campus in coordination with faculty, staff and student leaders; and help develop domestic and international mission opportunities and partnerships.
welcome and support her with open arms.” Rev. CashBurless has served as the University Chaplain at Mount Union since 1991. In addition to pastoral care for the university community, she took a lead role in developing campus organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kappa Phi National Christian Women’s Club and Campus Crusade for Christ and directing community service and service learning. With a grant from the Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church, she helped establish the Mount Union Volunteer Network (MUVN), a student-led community service clearing house for student organizations as well as individuals on campus. Rev. CashBurless has been instrumental in leading or organizing both national and international mission trips for spring break and other academic breaks.
“Rev. CashBurless impressed Rev. Marty CashBurless us as an exemplar of servant Prior to joining the University leadership. Her appointment will help Mc- of Mount Union, Rev. CashBurless served Murry achieve our Centennial Vision for reli- as a pastor at several churches in the North gious life, which is that God’s grace and a life Arkansas Annual Conference of The United of service are foundational to all persons,” Methodist Church and as associate council said McMurry University President Dr. San- of ministries director for the Little Rock Andra Harper. nual Conference. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater and to serve in a community that was so important to my spiritual formation and development in ministry,” said Rev. CashBurless. Rev. Felicia Hopkins, senior pastor at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Abilene, was excited to hear of the new appointment. “I am so very happy for McMurry University as they begin a new season of Campus Ministry with the addition of the Rev. Marty CashBurless. Marty is a seasoned, caring, innovative, fire ball who will engage with students and staff and take the entire campus in ministry to a whole new level in Christ. Let us
Rev. CashBurless received a master of divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1984. An elder in the Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church, she has served as president of the National Association of College and University Chaplains and as a member of the International Association of Women Ministers. She received the 2008 Jane Weston Chapman Award for “efforts to disseminate women’s history, address women’s issues and generally enhance the climate for women’s participation in any and all areas of Mount Union community life” and the 2014 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award for “exemplifying the principles and values of Dr. King.”
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
AISD Board of Trustees Appoints Tim de la Vega
By Abilene Independent School District
The Abilene ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint business owner Tim de la Vega to the vacant Place 1 seat during its monthly regular meeting June 12 at One AISD Center. Mr. de la Vega takes the post that became open in May when Dr. Jeff Arrington, an Abilene Christian University educator, resigned to accept a job at a university in another state. Under state law, Mr. de la Vega may serve until the next regularly scheduled board election, which will occur in May 2018. The four-year term expires in the year 2020. Before becoming owner and president of H.V. Chapman & Sons/RAM Business Forms in 2012, Mr. de la Vega served as manager of the AISD Print Shop/Mail Center and the district’s Records Manager for 11 years.
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Abilene Group Planting Deeper Roots in Community By Pheben Kassahun | BigCountryHomePage.com
An Abilene-based group is giving back to the ing healing and love to the kids. “And most community, all while helping each other grow. of all, honor God with the way that they live,” he said. The group is called the Summer Blaze Wellness Camp. The camp creates a space for in- This year, the camp has about 50 kids, ages 7 to ner-city children to receive holistic guidance 17. They have weekly meetings, leaders who by addressing the physical, social, intellec- give kids supplemental help in school, as well tual, emotional, and spiritual needs. as training for those with athletic aspirations. The camp was created by Paris Robertson, a two-time, All American sprinter who was a part of Abilene Christian University, according to DCT Nations.
“So, being able to give back the same way that the parents have given to us by allowing us to be able to spend time with their kids,” Hagood said. Noah Albarado said he is sad this year’s camp is coming to an end but is happy with what he learned. “They’re trying to make us come out healthy and in shape,” Albarado said.”I like how we exercise and I like how we had fun too and I like making new friends here.”
Justice Collier said she loves beWhile in its fifth and final week of camp, the ing able helping to out the community. group picked up trash in their community, Tuesday, hoping they could plant deeper roots “We went to go pick up trash for the commuinto Abilene. nity,” Collier said. “It made me feel happy and sometimes sweaty. It was really fun.” Darren Hagood is in his second year as the spiritual director for the camp. She also loves how it helps her get out of her comfort zone. “They goal is to be able to plant our feet in the community. This is the same community that “They pushed me harder than I thought I a lot of our kids are from,” Hagood said. “We couldn’t go and so it was fun. I have more conhope that this is just the beginning something fidence in myself and more muscle,” Collier that will just grow deeper and deeper roots said. “I don’t want to go back to school, I want into Abilene and be a blessing to the entire to stay here.” community.” The group told KRBC they are in the process Hagood said he hopes to have a hand in bring- of becoming a non-profit organization (501c3).
Pick us up at H.E.B., CISCO College & China Star | EDUCATION | 23
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
HSU Professor and Students to Present Asteroid Studies in Cuba By Krista Wester | The Brand Staff Reporter. Hardin-Simmons University
Dr. Patrick Miller, a Professor of Mathematics at Hardin-Simmons University, and two HSU students, Kade Wagner and David Offner, will be presenting in Havana, Cuba at the X International Congress on Didactics of Science and the XV International Workshops on the Teaching of Physics on April 2-6, 2018. Miller and his students have been personally invited by the Directorate of Science Programs at de Ministry of Education in Cuba to attend and present at this international conference.
nal discoveries of objects in space.
Miller will be collaborating with the International Asteroid Search Collaboration (IASC) and prompting the program’s expansion to Cuba during his trip. IASC is an online educational outreach program for high schools, colleges, and universities, in which students make original discoveries of Solar System objects including Main Belt asteroids, near-Earth objects, Trojan asteroids, comets, and trans-Neptunian objects. Since October 2006 this program has given students the opportunity to make worldwide origi-
Miller believes that attending these international gatherings is vital in the effort to spread the knowledge of scientific discoveries and IASC. The trip will also give the HSU students a unique opportunity and experience.
During his presentation at the conference, Miller will present the IASC project that is centered at Hardin-Simmons University. The project includes the identification and observation of asteroids that have been sent to him by the University of Hawaii and the University of Arizona. Wagner and Offner will also be talking at the meeting about their studies of asteroids at HSU and the Green Bank Observatory.
“The students will gain an important cultural experience plus establish ties and collaborations in science throughout the world. We all will also promote the IASC program so that science can become a global interest,” Miller said.
• Full Service Medical & Surgical Facilities • State-of-the-Art Laser Surgery & Monitoring Equipment • Small Animal Hospital Facilities • Video Ear Scope • Geriatric Health Screening Available • Dental Care • Full In-House Lab For 1-Hour and 24-Hour Coggins Testing • K Laser Therapy (Laser Treatment) • Pain Management • Wound Healing • Rehabilitation
7550 Hwy. 83-84 South Monday-Friday 8-12:30, 2-6pm
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
Hardin-Simmons University Announces Creation of the College of Human Sciences and Educational Studies By Linnea Kirgan | Director of Communications and Content Strategy Office of University Marketing, Hardin-Simmons University
Hardin-Simmons University is pleased to an- munity. Besides the undergraduate programs, nounce the creation of the College of Human the school will provide a new online graduate Sciences and Educational Studies. Kinesiology Sports and Recreation program. “The new structure will provide additional Dr. Perry K. Brown, Dean of the College, opportunities to enhance current programs, stated, “The new College will provide un- including new external program accreditadergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs tions, while starting new programs that are in the fields of educator preparation, human relevant to today’s students and their profesdevelopment, counseling, athletic training, sional goals,” stated Stuckey. exercise science, recreation, and leadership. Our mission is to encourage our students Dr. Renee Collins, Chair of the Irvin School to be actively engaged in lives of service of Education, states, “The new college will through involvement in our communities and provide opportunities for HSU students to schools.” complete certifications in EC-12 education, Special Education, English as a Second LanThe new college will house The Irvin School guage, Human Services Administration, and of Education, The School of Kinesiology, other special programing. We are building Health, and Recreation, and the Department a new facility to house The Houston-Lantrip of Counseling and Human Development. Currently, the Irvin School of Education and the Department of Counseling and Human Development are in existence. The Irvin School of Education was named for Dr. William Irvin and his wife, Jimmie and the name will remain. The Center for Literacy and Learning, which will School of Kinesiology, Health and Recreation allow HSU to provide professional develwas formerly the Department of Fitness and opment training, teacher special education Sports Sciences and will become the School certification, and support for parents of chilof Kinesiology, Health, and Recreation. dren with dyslexia or within the spectrum of autism. Graduate programs will continue to According to David Stuckey, Chair of the include reading specialists and gifted educaSchool of Kinesiology, Health, and Recre- tion. Two graduate programs on the horizon ation, “The new college better describes the include Special Education and Higher Educaexisting programs within the college and new tion & Student Affairs. The school will conprogramming that will added in the next few tinue to provide a doctorate in Leadership years. The name change and the move to col- with concentrations in Educational Leaderlege status, comes at a time when the school ship in Superintendency, Higher Education, has a growing number of students. HSU is and Health Care Professions.” currently building several new buildings and we are looking forward to new facilities such Dr. Robert Barnes is the Chair of the Departas the Human Performance Lab and new ment of Counseling and Human DevelopFitness Center.” The programs within the ment. The department offers a professionally school will prepare students to become physi- oriented Master’s degree program that precal education teachers, athletic trainers, and pares individuals for counselor positions in fitness, recreation and health professionals. a variety of settings. COHD prepares counThe school will continue to provide opportu- selors with specialties in the areas of addicnities for research and outreach into the com- tions and school counseling for P-12 schools,
colleges, universities, private facilities, and clinical and mental health settings. Dr. Barnes considers the term “Human Sciences” to more accurately describe the contemporary counselor education program. The move to a college will not change the admission process for any of the currently offered programming. Dean Brown stated, “As we began to research our new degree, the Bachelor of Science in Human Science, we found that many colleges and universities had already moved to Schools and Colleges of Human Sciences. Today’s college students are looking for terms they can related to. Having all of our programs located in a School of Education no longer made sense. Students are looking for career choices and when they begin to search, they look for terms that are relevant to them in reference to today’s economy. The College of Human Sciences and Educational Studies better describes who we are and the programming we offer. In our new college, we will build curriculum to engage students in thinking about human connections, serving the community and providing leadership in the examination of realworld issues.” Dean Brown stated, “The goal will be to cultivate productive students grounded in theory, who are prepared to lead and serve in our communities and world-wide. We are dedicated to excellence in researching real-world issues ranging from human development and performance, human relationships, health and exceptionalities to innovative ideas and practice in education.” Hardin-Simmons University is dedicated to excellence in an educational community enlightened by Christian faith and values. HSU encourages students to be actively engaged in their world by living lives of service through active involvement in intellectual, cultural, and religious communities.
ACU Summer Weekend Short Course:
Christian Ethics in a World Gone Mad: How to Cope and Even Thrive By Abilene Christian University
Join Randy Harris for a focused short course of reflection and learning for adults on “Christian Ethics in a World Gone Mad: How to Cope and Even Thrive.” The event begins at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, runs through dinner that evening, picks up the morning of Saturday, Aug. 5, and concludes at 11:30 a.m. With a background of Christian ethics and philosophy, Harris is uniquely qualified to offer clear guidelines for Christian believers to navigate in a very confusing and secular world. The weekend course is especially designed for people who want to go a little deeper into contemporary issues that a normal BIble class setting would allow. And the fellowship with other Christians is great! Harris is the spiritual director for the College of Biblical Studies at ACU and a popular instructor of Bible, missions and ministry. He is the author or co-author of several books, including Daring Faith, Living Jesus and Life Work. He holds degrees from Harding University, Harding Graduate School of Religion and Syracuse University. His areas of expertise are Modern Theology and Ethics. Registration fee: $60 per person Includes Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast Location: Hunter Welcome Center Register online at: www.acu.edu/events
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Employment Opportunities Currently Available At
Direct Care Staff
We have openings for the following positions: Evenings: 2pm - 10pm Overnights: 10pm - 8am Split Shift: 6am - 9am and 2pm - 6pm Must be 21 years old and have a valid Texas Driver’s License
Medical, Life Insurance, 40 hours paid vacation time after first year of employment for FT employees
Must apply in person 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday - Friday at 125 Tannehill Dr. Previous applicants need not apply EOE
10391494
26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
125 Tannehill Dr. • Abilene, TX
Hardin-Simmons Physical Therapy Program to Provide Care in Peru
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
By Linnea Kirgan | Director of Communications and Content Strategy, Hardin-Simmons University
A team of 24 students, three faculty members, and two alumni from the Hardin-Simmons University Physical Therapy Program will be traveling to Lima, Peru on July 10-18. The group will assist and treat 300-400 people in the poverty stricken areas of Lima who are in need of medical treatment. The HSU group will visit two church sites and two Physical Therapy Schools in Lima to care for patients.
of assistance, the citizens of Lima will be brought closer to the community and city.
The team will be part of an international project called “Wheels for the World” in collaboration with Joni and Friends. Joni and Friends is a Christian organization that creates outreach missions around the world. Lima was chosen for this project due to its lack of available healthcare and medical practices. The trip’s goal is to fit and distribute wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches, while treating any patients in need of care. Dr. Janelle O’Connell, Physical Therapy Professor and Director at HSU, hopes that by providing these needed tools
The students traveling will receive many benefits while in Peru, including gaining international experience, overcoming communication barriers, and working in reallife situations for the first time.
The HSU group will join a school of training physical therapists while on their trip. They will spend a day teaching and demonstrating to the Peruvian trainees and will work alongside them during the patient care portion of the trip.
“These students will be in a very humbling, new atmosphere. They will gain confidence from their work on the trip and will witness and feel the love of God everywhere they go in Peru,” O’Connell said.
The team from Hardin-Simmons University Physical Therapy Program will visit two church sites and two Physical Therapy Schools in Lima, Peru to care for patients.
28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
ACU Students Adapt Toys for Disabled Children By Lauren Wolfe | KXVA
This might look like a normal toy to you. But if you look closer, there’s a switch made specially for someone who needs it. “We like to listen to the radio or turn on a fan when we want or activate a toy – but if you have a physical or mobility issues, that’s difficult,” ACU instructor Lory Chrane said.
w o r k with,” Alaina Andrews, a student This was the first time that ACU undergrad students teamed up with their in the program, said. Maker Lab to adapt toys in a one-week elecFor Andrews, this project meant a lot and hit tive course. close to home. “A little bit of electronics and rewiring, and then they took the creative piece and went “I have a cousin with cerebral palsy, so that’s with it. They decided how their person was where my heart is. But honestly, I’ll work with going to access the switch and activate the anyone who needs my help.” switch, whether it was through head moveShe plans on using her new toy adapting knowlment, hand movement or leg movement.” edge to help out others in the future. They are partnering with Region 14 and plan on pairing each toy they’ve adapted to a child “It’s really cool to be able to do it myself, and I know that I’m going to help a kid in Abilene that with disabilities. needs it for their enjoyment.” “We want to partner up with classrooms that actually need these devises because they’re The students plan on showcasing their toys at a very expensive when you buy them from a Maker Lab Fair in the fall. Plus, they will be givcompany. So, we can make them a lot less ing them to children who need them. expensive.” The school also plans on expanding this program “I’m getting to work with something that I in the future. didn’t think that speech pathologists would
Pick us up at Texas Cosmetology School, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | EDUCATION | 29
Tennis Coaches Walker & Mongin Receive Promotions By ACUSports.com
Longtime Wildcat tennis coaches John Walker and Julia Mongin received promotions in recognition of their extraordinary work with the men’s and women’s teams. Walker, who has been head coach Hutton Jones’ righthand man, for close to 14 years has been promoted from assistant coach to associate head coach, while Mongin – whose association with the Wildcats goes back eight years – has been tabbed assistant coach and director of operations. Each team won 17 dual matches this past spring, won all four championships at the Ojai Invitational, and combined for eight All-Southland Conference selections. The men also won their first league championship. Jones was voted Coach of the Year by his conference colleagues and Jonathan Sheehy was tabbed Freshman of the Year, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Josh. While most of the credit for the teams’ success goes to the head coach, Jones is quick to deflect the acclaim toward Walker and Mongin. “John essentially has been my assistant head coach or associate head coach for years,” said Jones, who is about to start his 22nd season with the Wildcats. “He leads the team in his own way while continuing to represent me, the head coach, whether in practice or match situations – and he excels at both. “Adding Julia as a third coach and director of operations will make things run smoother administratively,” added Jones, “and I do believe that having a young lady with all the class, character and tennis knowledge of a four-time All-America, will be a big step to our future success.”
gentina).
A native of JaunayClan, France, Mongin additionally is called to help Jones in the recruitment and mentoring of international student-athletes. For starters, Mongin has watched her countrywoman Lucile Pothier (Mouxy, France) win 114 matches over the past three spring seasons, and in recent months she helped the Wildcats sign Nini Memishishi (Georgia) and Ileana Mocciola (Ar-
“Julia was very instrumental in that recruiting process,” said Jones, “and she’ll be a great mentor for both Nini and Illeana.” Walker and Mongin are more than coaches to Jones. They’re family, and having this level of consistency within the coaching ranks is a major strength for the program. Mongin was a four-year letter winner for the Wildcats from 2010 to 2013 before transferring into coaching as a volunteer while pursuing her master’s degree in accounting. Walker also played for the Wildcats in the late 1980’s and later coached all three of his daughters – Jaclyn, Madelyn and Erin – in a span from 2008 to 2017. He also oversees many of the tournaments and camps hosted on campus. “What we have here truly is an ACU Tennis Family,” said Jones, “and with John and Julia working with both teams, the environment we’ve produced keeps ACU Tennis a distinct and special environment that most DI schools can’t create. “Players and recruits know pretty quickly what they feel from their coaches,” Jones added. “Coach Walker walks the walk as a great example of ‘honoring God with your best’ and this translates to the players; you see it in the respect they have for John’s passion and love by the way they respond to his coaching. “Julia also is no stranger to ACU’s brand of, ‘playing tennis for a higher purpose ... to God’s glory.’ She has matured into an impressive young coach over the last four years and has a great set of eyes for understanding match play and coaching in those situations.”
30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Cisco College Wrangler Band and Belles tour to Branson By Donna Martinez | Cisco College
The Cisco College Wrangler Band and Belles will honor U.S. veterans this fall with a “Salute to Veterans” tour to Branson, Missouri, according to Debbie Baker, director of the Belles and Division Chair of Performing Activities. The tour will be conducted Nov. 8-12. Cost will range from $650 to $1200 per person, depending on the number of persons per hotel room. “This travel package includes transportation, four nights at the 1000 Hills Golf Resort Condos, and show/ dinner tickets for the Branson Dinner Cruise, Dixie Stampede, and Silver Dollar City,” Baker said. “The Band and Belles will honor our veterans by performing in the Clay Walker Veterans Day Show as well as the Veterans Patriotic Parade.” To make a reservation on the tour, people should send a $100 nonrefundable deposit to Cisco College, Branson Live Tour, 101 College Heights, Cisco, Texas 76437. Credit card reservations may be made by calling 254-442-5051. Limited spaces are available. Reservations should be made by Aug. 1. For more information about the trip, contact Donna Martinez, Tour Coordinator, at 254-433-5142 or email Branson.Tour@cisco.edu. Baker’s parents, Shorty and Nina Russell, took the tour in 2013. “It was so nice to go on a trip and not worry about transportation, driving, or finding our way to shows around Branson,” Mrs. Russell said. “The accommodations were excellent. We loved it!” Baker said the tour is a great experience not only for tour members but also for the students. CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Pick us up at Golden Chick, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31
Alumni Relations hires six student Gameday directors By Ashley Alfred | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University
Six students will work as Gameday directors for the 2017 football season, coordinating activities during the inaugural season of Wildcat Stadium.
season memorable for ACU students, faculty, and alumni. They will continue to plan ideas and activities leading up to the opening of the stadium.
According to the Office of Alumni Relations, the students hired to spearhead activities each Gameday, a when football games are played at home at the new stadium, are:
“In the future, I want to remember exciting and fun times as a student and I think involvement at athletic events is an important part of that,” Anderson said. “I want to be able to say that I had a part in making Gameday what it is.”
• Bailey Goodenough, junior middle school social studies major from Abilene; • Blake Anderson, sophomore youth and family studies major from Arlington; • Trey Dennis, sophomore marketing/ management major from Abilene; • Sarah Brooks, sophomore kinesiology major from Lubbock, • Rowdy Riggins, freshman ad/PR major from Abilene; and • Sophie Morrow, freshman speech pathology major from Hico.
Adkins sent an email to students in April with information regarding the positions and how they will work. Every student returning in the fall semester was invited to apply, but only six were chosen.
Adkins’ email stated that the main qualifications of a student director would be a student who is “energetic, an ACU sports fan, well connected to the student body, creative, and able to work all five home games.” The new directors will also receive a $1,000 stipend for their work “The students we chose all had a great desire during the fall semester. to see more student involvement on Gameday,” said Samantha Adkins, assistant direc- “We had 77 students complete the initial aptor of alumni relations. “We felt like their plication process,” Adkins said. “We had lots talents and passion would make this possible. of great candidates but we could only choose Ultimately they want to create an atmosphere about six of them.” where our student athletes feel supported.” Wildcat Stadium’s Grand Opening activities will be Sept. 15-16 with football’s first home game on Sept. 16. Anderson said the student directors are already working together to plan ideas that will make the upcoming football
www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine
32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
FAITH&FAMILY
SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
8 Things a Mom Should Teach Her Son to Look for in a Girl By Susan Merrill | iMom
One day my son is going to fall in love, leave us, and cleave to his new wife. Until then, I have the opportunity to teach him what he should look for in a girl before he gives his heart away. The girl he loves can either be a distraction or she can be the wind beneath his wings—encouraging and inspiring him. Here are my thoughts on 8 things I want to teach my son about what to look for in a girl. You may want to add more ideas in the comments for other moms to think about. There has to be 3. Look for Thoughtfulness. at least a dozen that I didn’t think of! Look for a girl who remembers the small details you have shared with her. This will reveal that 1. Look for a Lady. she genuinely cares and desires to know you. Look for a girl that is admired for how she handles herself. A girl who treats others kindly, 4. Look for Respect. dresses modestly, and speaks with wisdom will Look for a girl who shows respect to her parents make you proud and help you to find favor with and others. Every man desires to be respected others. by his wife. A girl who has demonstrated the ability to respect others will know how to give 2. Look for Inner Beauty. you something very important to your relationLook beyond a great body or a pretty smile in ship. order to seek a girl’s heart. Know that her inner beauty will always outshine and outlast her 5. Look for Gentleness. outward appearance. Look for a girl who can handle situations gently
and with patience. She should respond to frustrations and conflict with grace, rather than unceasing anger. If she can she will be an amazing mother to your children.
6. Look for Selflessness.
Find a girl who is not stuck focused on her own little world. Look for a girl whose heart is broken over the needs of others, and who works compassionately to find a solution.
7. Look for Joy.
Look for a girl who has a sense of contentment despite her circumstances. Even when life’s a mess, she remains joyful because her happiness lies in God, not in her current situation.
8. Look for Faith.
Look for a girl who loves the Lord. Don’t settle for anyone until you see that they love God more than anyone or anything else.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
What Comparison Does to You By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Susan has noticed that more and more couples have what she’s called an “InstaMarriage” on social media. You know the type I mean: all the pictures and posts are carefully crafted to show nothing but marital and family bliss. We all know life is harder and more complicated, and yet it’s so tempting to be envious of that “fakebook” world that others create. It’s not real. It’s not safe. It’s not a standard to live up to. Instead, these posts create comparisons of self, job, marriage, and status that are sometimes crushing. We must learn to confront what comparing to others does to us and fight it. Comparison can be silent, just lurking in our thoughts. You may never say “I wish I had a car like that” to a single soul, yet that thought can dominate your mind and heart. Comparison can be spoken. You may think saying “Why can’t you be more like your older brother?” is a good way to motivate one child, yet it can misshape that child’s sense of value and self-worth. Comparison can be subtle. You may think you’ve never told your spouse you wish they were different, but your frequent mentions of what you like in the looks of others is telling your spouse how they don’t stack up. Comparison can damage people and relationships. But we can’t fight it if we don’t under-
stand what it’s doing to us. Here are four ways constant comparison is hurting our lives:
1. Robbing us of identity and value:
Comparing ourselves, our spouse, or children to other people changes how we see each other. Instead of acknowledging the value and uniqueness in each person, we latch on to perceived deficiencies.
2. Fostering insecurity and hopelessness: Over time, constant comparison chips
away at our ability to dream dreams and set goals. It cultivates doubt and fear that may sap us of our desire to keep working and trying in our lives.
3. Blocking satisfaction and contentment: Contentment is being satisfied and at
peace with who and what we have in our lives. Constantly comparing causes discontentment. It goes like this: If I only had __________ like them, then I’d be happy.
4. Suppressing joy and happiness: Sad-
ness and discouragement are the fruits of comparison. If you are fixated on what you lack, you cannot be grateful for what you have. So if comparison is crushing us, what can we do? Judy Garland is often quoted as saying “Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a secondrate version of someone else.” Be the best you!
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Ask God to Bless Your Gifts, Give Them Away By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
Take a moment to picture this scene: Jesus has been on a hillside teaching thousands of people for most of the day. It is getting late and everyone is getting hungry. Jesus’s disciples are worried about what they will feed all these people. One disciple told Jesus that a little boy had five small loaves of bread and two small fish - but that would not go very far at all. Jesus takes this meager basket of food and gives thanks to God for the provision. What happens next is astonishing.
off your family. I think you get the picture. In my blended family, Dan and his children found commitment, loyalty, and faithfulness in me. Those happen to be some of my gifts. I used the gifts to steadily show them I was gonna stay and gonna stick. I asked God to take what I had and use it to bless this family and God has been faithful to do just that! Pray about what God has gifted you with. No matter how big or small the gifts are, lift them up to God and ask Him to bless them. He can turn your small basket into a portion that will cover your entire family - and then still have so much left over!
The disciples take the blessed food and start passing it out - remember there were only five small loaves and two fish - to over 5,000 men plus the women and children that were there as well. The food never ran out... In fact, there were twelve baskets of food left over after ev- Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask eryone ate and was satisfied. or imagine, according to His power that is at As a step mom, you may be looking around work within us, to Him be glory in the church and only seeing the need of your blended fam- and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, ily being too big for you to provide for ad- for ever and ever! Amen. equately. I’m going to suggest that you take whatever gifts you have been given - what- Blessings in Your Blending! ever provision you have, and ask God to bless that and then start passing out that gift and Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a provision. In other words, if you are a very patient person, let that overflow into your family. Show this family what it looks like to love even though there are tough trials all around and some family members are just testy to the core. If you are a person that has been gifted with a talent for cooking or baking, then ask God to bless that gift and use it to sweeten the socks
blended family/step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/ theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com).
Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 35
36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
What to Do When You Don’t Feel God By Steven Furtick | Waking Faith
“Then the LORD said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.’” (Joshua 6:2-5)
etrable walls of Jericho, this time the obedience was up to him. Joshua was instructed by God to lead his people around the city for seven days. This meant he had to lay his head down six nights in a row with the realization that the walls he had been walking around still stood tall and strong. There aren’t many details recorded of what went through Joshua’s mind during those seven days, but what is recorded is his steadfast obedience. Surely he fought doubt, but with each day that passed, Joshua continued to lead his people around a wall that showed no evidence of falling. Like Joshua, you have a choice to make when you don’t feel God. Will you keep walking even though it doesn’t seem to be working? Will you continue to believe God is moving even when the wall isn’t?
Born in Egypt as a Your faith might be slave and then chosen getting put to the test as the assistant and right now, but don’t successor to Moses, focus on what hasn’t Joshua would’ve had happened — focus a front row seat to on what has hapall the miracles God pened. If you’ve seen performed during the Exodus. The Red Sea parting, manna falling God do it before, He can do it again. Obedience from Heaven, water pouring from a rock — is your responsibility; the outcome is God’s. Joshua had seen his fair share of God doing the seemingly impossible. But just as time can prove God’s faithfulness, it can also put CALL US TO ADVERTISE your faith to the test. (325) 701-9505 Joshua had witnessed Moses’ obedience over and over again, but as he faced the impen-
209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at Alliance For Women & Children, Mary’s Paleteria & H.E.B. | FAITH & FAMILY | 37
Voices of Faith: Adoption By Erik Masci | The Abilene Post
I was four when we adopted my sister. I didn’t really understand at the time what the process entailed. I was just excited to have a sibling. My little four-year-old brain, not understanding what adoption really was, picked the closest comparable experience it could find to process the occasion: shopping at a grocery store. It made sense at the time; my parents had spoken a lot about finding the right fit and allocating the resources they needed. To me, it seemed like a very intensive purchase. Needless to say, my mom had quite the laugh when I excitedly asked her when we would purchase my sister and go home. I was elated when we finally brought her home. Of course, adopting a person is not like shopping at a grocery store. Not by a long shot. It’s far more complicated, and the product far more weighty. Adoption is about being someone’s family. I’m not sure how good we were at being my sister’s family. I wouldn’t realize this until I was an adult, but we weren’t very healthy and we weren’t good at being a family. All I can say for sure is that we tried. These reflections drew me to think about how fascinating it is that we use familial language so much in Christianity. In Matthew’s account of the gospel, Jesus calls those who do the will of God his brothers and sisters. 1 Timothy speaks about interacting with Christians as if they’re family members. Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church uses the language of “adoption” to refer to our connection to God. Depending on who you are, family may not seem like a positive comparison. Others may not want extra family, as they may already have enough obligation on that front. Scripture is no doubt aware of how families can go awry, but the writers use this language anyway. All the way up to calling God our Heavenly Father. In the ancient world, one of the closest and most important familial bonds was the bond between siblings. Above anything else, siblings were supposed to honor and love each other. You would never speak bad about your sibling; you would defend their reputation. Sibling rivalries rarely occurred because such things brought shame to the family. Harmony between siblings was a way to show love to the parents and anything like holding a grudge or seeking to harm the other was not tolerated. This relationship helped bind society together. Forgiveness and reconciliation between siblings were to be sought out immediately and the relationship was to be protected at nearly any cost. Now, obviously, this never played out perfectly, but it was an expectation nonetheless. An understanding of the context sheds light on what the familial language in the Christian life might mean for us. To all of a sudden say we are brothers and sisters in Christ
is not an easy thing to do. To be siblings requires a commitment. It requires us to protect each other, to love each other. It requires us to be a family. A new friend of mine said to our class that “everyone wants a family, but very few people want to be family to others.” I find this to be true, especially in myself. It requires a lot of us to be someone’s family. That’s why something like adoption is so incredible. That’s why God’s adoption of us should bring us an incredible amount of hope. Family’s aren’t simple. They aren’t easy, or painless, or perfect. Sometimes they fall apart. Sometimes they grow distant. Sometimes they are unsafe and abusive. But whether you call it community, or a friend group, or a club, we are all looking for a family to accept us. Which is why it matters that Christianity uses familial language to define its relationships. We are family, in whatever weird and possi-
bly messed up ways that we exist. God calls us to be family. This means that not only do we have each other’s backs but that we’re looking to bring out the best in each other, even when we may not see it in ourselves. In a family, we can learn to critique each other, knowing that we’re never going to stop caring for one another. It means we won’t just learn to forgive, but that we’ll jump at the opportunity to. Ultimately, this means that God’s design for the church has something to do with a community that is deeply bonded. A group of people adopted by God. A family. If it’s easy for us to find fault, we should learn to love and forgive. If it’s easy for us to love, we should learn to challenge and humbly accept when we are challenged. A family is a place where we are we are accepted and stretched. May we learn to be a better family to one another and honor the miracle of our adoption in the process.
This article originally appeared on The Abilene Post website
www.theabilenepost.com
5 C’s for Staying in Sync with Your Spouse
38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well In this increasingly busy world, it’s all too easy for couples to quietly drift apart. Sure, they share a home and parenting responsibilities. There are no big problems in their relationship and they love each other. But bit by bit they lose their sense of real connection in their marriage and life together.
don’t really matter and you don’t really care.
3. Carve out Time. Early in our mar-
riage, Susan and I realized that we were both too busy and all the individual good things we were involved in added up to too much time away from each other. So we both decided we would check with the other before we made any other commitments that would take away from time with each other. We also put our date nights and time together on our calendars as very important appointments.
Just like you need to make time to sync your digital devices on a regular basis, it’s also important to be sure that your most important relationship, with your spouse, is in sync and running at its best. Here are 5 C’s to help you stay in sync with your spouse in a crazy-busy 4. Concentrate on Them. Perhaps like me, you’ve been in a restaurant and seen world. other couples more focused on their smart1. Center on “Us.” Marriage is the ulti- phones than they were each other. Don’t go mate team sport, not a solo competition. Hav- there. The latest technology makes it easier ing “we” rather than “me” mindset is critical for us to relay information to each other, but nothing really helps us relate better than oldto staying in sync. fashioned face-to-face conversation. For example, if your spouse is having a hard time or health challenge, you get the oppor- The best present you can give your spouse is tunity to come alongside and help them. You to be present. So practice being truly present walk through it together. Loving one another with your spouse, focused on them and their through the tough times draws you closer. thoughts and feelings. Why not take a moment to consider: Are You 5. Connect in Purpose. While the “we” and Your Spouse on the Same Team? focus I started with has been central for Susan 2. Cultivate Trust. The danger of “drift” and me, there has been something even more is reduced when you know that your spouse central to our marriage—a shared underalways has your best interests at heart. That standing of our purpose in life. To love each sort of quiet confidence is built on the bed- other, our children, and others well. rock of trust—a security that your spouse is fully committed to you and your marriage. But all of that flows from our desire and comTrust is also the key to Unlocking the Door to mitment to love God well, first. So Susan and I have made it a priority to nurture our Intimacy in Marriage. spiritual lives, individually and as a couple, This foundation is constructed on important knowing that as we do so, we are tapping into things like always speaking the truth; always the source of love that fuels our lives. Putting keeping your word; always doing what you God at the center has been the best of the 10 say you will do. Don’t dismiss forgetting to Best Decisions I Have Made in Marriage. I’m pick up the laundry on the way home as be- convinced that a truly rich marriage requires ing inconsequential; repeated often enough, a vision that is greater than just its two parsmall failures like this end up communicating ticipants. to your spouse that their requests and desires
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
A Cord of Three Strands
Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 39
By Jimmy Evans | Marriage Today
One of my favorite biblical passages related to marriage is found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which says this: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
After connecting during the show, the couple made headlines by announcing they would wait until marriage to have sex. By inviting God into their burgeoning relationship, they set an example for everyone watching them.
Sherice agrees, and says a couple has to rely on God to help them work through decisions and disagreements. “Communication is key,” she explains. “If you don’t communicate, then there’s no way that your marriage is going to survive. Tragedy: Singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, went through a very public time of grief after their daughter, Maria, was killed in a car accident in their driveway. The only way the devastating event didn’t destroy their marriage was the fact that they relied on God to be their unbreakable strand.
When we read about how God created marriage in the Garden of Eden, we always think of the first couple, Adam and Eve. That’s two people. We tend to forget that the Bible says God walked among them in the Garden. It wasn’t just Adam and Eve. It was Adam and Eve and God—a cord of three strands. A successful marriage requires a man and a wife, with God at the center. This three-part relationship is essential to success—especially in building a marriage that can survive “You will not regret that decision to wait until the trials of life. marriage,” Sean says. “It’s such a special, intimate thing that God has created for you and At a recent conference, I had the honor of that one person you’re going to go through life hosting three celebrity couples and talking to with.” Catherine told me that the two of them them about what it meant for God to be central held each other accountable. “It’s the most to their marriages. Here are three things that amazing thing that I have been blessed with,” stand out. she says. Sexuality: Sean and Catherine Lowe met the old-fashioned way—he was a contestant on The Bachelor and she was one of the women vying for his affection. Actually, there’s nothing traditional about the format, but Sean, a devout Christian, was determined to remain a role model throughout the process.
“Marriage is probably the most difficult thing that you ever go through, without a doubt. This is an ever-changing being,” Tim says. He explains that it’s essential to turn to God when “things start to slide a little bit” in your relationship.
Communication: Tim Brown is an NFL Hall of Fame receiver who won the Heisman Trophy in 1987 and spent the bulk of his career with the Oakland Raiders. He was known for his intense work ethic on and off the field, but said his relationship with his wife, Sherice, required just as much effort—and maybe more.
“If God were not in the center of our relationship, it is a 100-percent truth we would not have survived,” Mary Beth says. Steven says that even when they had no clue how to love or understand each other in the wake of the heartbreak, they could turn to God, who became their anchor. “We’re trusting that your Word is true. We’re anchoring our hearts to that right now in this moment,” Steven says they prayed. “He has been faithful through all of it.” Marriage is difficult. It requires work. Even godly relationships will encounter serious challenges. When these trials arrive, it’s important to have your marriage intertwined with God. These couples show that a “threefold cord” really can’t be broken.
40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HEALTH&FITNESS
Hendrick Medical Center Recognized for Commitment to Stroke Care By Lynne Bruton | Public Relations Coordinator, Hendrick Medical Center
Hendrick Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award with Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite Plus. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to providing the most appropriate stroke treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every four minutes and approximately 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. “Hendrick Medical Center, through its Primary Stroke Program, is dedicated to improving the quality of stroke care to Abilene and its surrounding communities,” said Kristen Grand, stroke coordinator at Hendrick Medical Center. “The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines program helps us achieve that goal. Being honored for ex-
cellent patient care is the best recognition a hospital can receive.” Hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The GuidelinesStroke achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month periods and achieve 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures to receive the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.
treat ischemic stroke. If given intravenously in the first three hours after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reduce the effects of stroke and lessen the chance of permanent disability. Hendrick earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams follow the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Additionally, Hendrick Medical Center has met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.
To qualify for the Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to
“The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognize Hendrick Medical Center for its commitment to stroke care,” said Dr. Paul Heidenreich, national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines Steering Committee and professor of medicine at Stanford University. “Research has shown there are benefits to patients who are treated at hospitals that have adopted the Get With The Guidelines program.”
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
celebrating 30
years of service to the big country
Providing Confidential Business Assistance for Over 30 Years with No Charge to the Client. Open to all - no affiliations or qualifications required for service.
CONSULTING Experienced business professionals provide confidential business assistance to the prospective entrepreneur or established business owner.
TRAINING
RESEARCH
Free to low cost seminars providing relevant business information for future and established business owners.
In depth and up-to-date information to assist individuals in making informed and knowledgeable decisions for their businesses.
325.670.0300
www.ttusbdc.org/abilene 749 Gateway St. Ste. 301, Abilene, TX 79602
AB-1470615
A Member of the NWT SBDC Region Network
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 43
Strength training for the brain Can exercise keep your noggin in tip-top shape as you age? By Caitlin Dow | NutritionAction.com
People who report being more physically active are less likely to develop memory loss than those who say they’re sedentary.1 “They are about 20 percent less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, and their cognitive function declines more slowly,” says Maria Fiatarone Singh, a professor of medicine and exercise and sport science at the University of Sydney in Australia. But when researchers put healthy people on treadmills several days a week for weeks or months to see if they do better than sedentary people on memory and other tests, “there usually isn’t a large effect on cognitive function,” notes Fiatarone Singh.2 Cue the dumbbells. A handful of studies suggests that strength training may offer some boost to the brain.lifting weights For example, researchers assigned 155 older women with no cognitive problems to do strength training once or twice a week or balancing and toning exercises twice a week.3 After a year, the strength-training groups were faster than the balance and toning group on a test of executive
function—the ability to plan, organize, and show other signs of mental flexibility. (One example: the test asked them to name the color of the word “blue,” which was printed in red ink.) However, the strength trainers did no better on tests of working memory (remembering a list of numbers). What about people who already have some memory loss? Fiatarone Singh studied 100 older adults with mild cognitive impairment, or MCI.4 People with MCI are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The volunteers were assigned to do an hour of strength training or computer-based mental training twice a week, both, or neither. After six months, the strength trainers did better on a test of Alzheimer’s symptoms—being able to name a flower, pencil, comb, or other object, for example—than those who didn’t lift weights. But they did no better on overall tests of memory, attention, or executive function. Keep in mind that the people in these studies
lifted heavier and heavier weights as they got stronger. “The volume and intensity of exercise programs for seniors are usually way too low,” says Fiatarone Singh. “In our studies, those who lifted the most weight had the greatest improvements in cognition.”5 (Before you hit the heavy weights, make sure you’re doing it safely.) Fiatarone Singh’s bottom line: “What’s good for the body is also good for the brain. The benefits of exercise don’t stop at the neck.” References: 1 BMC Public Health 14: 510, 2014. 2 Psychosom. Med. 72: 239, 2010. 3 Arch. Intern. Med. 170: 170, 2010. 4 J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc. 15: 873, 2014. 5 J. Am. Ger. Soc. 2016. doi:10.1111/jgs.14542.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
5 Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight Bustos Training at Hendrick Health Club
1 You don’t sleep enough. While you 4 You don’t eat enough protein. If you sleep your cortisol levels decline while your growth hormone levels increase. This balance is essential for fat loss to occur. Not sleeping will throw your hormones out of whack which will increase your hunger pains throughout the day. Everyone is different but a general rule would be get at least 6 - 8 hours of sleep a night.
want to weight 150 lbs and right now you weight 180 then you need to consume at least 150 grams of protein. Doing this will help to keep lean muscle on your body instead of losing it. Start with small and attainable goals and hit them. Protein like egg whites, chicken, lean red meat, fish, etc. •
5 Your workouts are to easy! Going 2 You don’t drink enough water. If you through the motions at the gym does not cut it are hungry most of the time then there is a when you want to transform your body. Most high chance that people want to stay as comfortable as possible at all times, and this usually means treading lightly through their workouts, rather than going all in. Look back at your last workout and rate it from 1 to 10. If it was less than a 7 then your workout needs a serious revamp. If you are just starting then yes take your baby steps you are dehydrated and not hungry. Water is but if you are wanting to change then it’s time an appetite suppressant that fills your stomach to turn it up. It’s GO TIME! • to prevent you from overeating. Thirst is often a mistaken for hunger pains, leading to extra Are there more reasons, for sure, so don’t let calories consumed and stored as fat. Drink at it overwhelm you, just start. Pick two and get least a gallon of water a day and it will help. • started and be really good at them and you will start to make a change. We are here to guide 3 You eat out to much. Restaurants meals and help get you to your goals. are high in calories than meals prepared and eaten at home - across the board. Restaurant Share with a friend who needs the list. food is created with the consumer satisfaction in mind, so they are going to add fats, sugar, If you have questions or need help with anyand salt to the menu items to produce the thing let us know. • tastiest foods possible. Want more fat/weight loss? Eat at home. •
BUSTOS TRAINING at Hendrick Health Club
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Cook Children’s Pediatric Center of Abilene Receives New Technology
Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 45
By Kathleen Barkley | BigCountryHomePage.com
Cook Children’s Hospital of Forth Worth now has it’s own independent site in Abilene. It’s called Cook Children’s Pediatric Center. Along with a new independent location, Cook is also adding new technology, making easier for patients to see their specialists in Fort Worth. Madilyn Abor, 14, is a patient at Cook. “I had Leukemia AL, so I just get checkups for the doctor, and I also get checkups because I have steroid-induced diabetes,” she says. Her diagnosis made traveling frequent and difficult. “It wasn’t bad, but at the same time, I wanted
to stay home because I got chemo that same “Telemedicine,” patients like Madilyn don’t day,” Madilyn says. “So, I had to travel to have to travel to Fort Worth near as often. She stays right here in Abilene. “It’s easier because usually what they do is they pick me up from school, I go here, I go back to school. So I don’t miss that much school,” she says. Granbury, to Dallas and back to Abilene that KTAB got a look at how telemedicine works. same day. It’s not ideal.” Dr. Robert Gillespie is the Medical Director for Nephrology. Mimi Schultz is a Child Life Specialist at Cook. She helps patients cope with their diag- Doctors like him log on to a video chat sysnosis and treatments. tem. They’re able to see the exam room and “Hearing their stories to help them work all of the exams and procedures going on. through some of those more traumatic times can be a challenge,” Schultz says. “As the years have gone by and the technology has gotten better and we’ve continued to One of the main challenges is traveling for upgrade it and have better resolution, we try to treatments. Now, thanks to technology called make it more widely available,” he says.
How to Plan a Staycation
46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
By DaveRamsey.com
Who doesn’t love taking a vacation? Sleeping in, eating delicious food, and the freedom to do absolutely nothing or absolutely anything with your day. Ah, living the dream! But sometimes a traditional vacation isn’t what you need or just isn’t in the budget. A staycation is a great alternative that can give you the rest you deserve, without breaking the bank.
What is a staycation anyway?
An increasingly popular way to get away from it all is to go nowhere. Believe it or not, you can have plenty of fun by staying in your own neck of the woods. It’s called a “staycation,” where you pack zero bags, never fight traffic and don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to fill up the gas tank. For those who just want time with their families or a break from the office, the staycation is a great way to relax without busting the budget.
Read a good book - How many books do you have collecting dust on the shelf? Sure, you’re always wanting to read one, but there never seems to be enough time in the day. Now is your chance to dive into a good read—or several! Get outside - Take a hike in the great outdoors or enjoy a peaceful walk in a nearby park. Pack a lunch for the trip and enjoy a picnic with your family, or even grab your running shoes to work in some exercise! Explore your city - Visit free museums, bookstores and that coffee shop you’re always meaning to check out. Are there any historic sites or tourist spots you’ve never been to? Use this opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of your city!
Just like when taking a real vacation—you need a plan. When you go on a week-long vacation out of state, you don’t take work with you, and you enjoy time spent relaxing and making memories with family. When you take a staycation, do the same thing!
Have fun in the backyard - If the weather is nice, why not enjoy the beauty of your own backyard? Create some fun family memories! Put up a tent in the backyard, light the fire pit and make s’mores, or even spend an afternoon having a water balloon fight. If you supply the water and a sprinkler, the kids can even turn it into their own water park!
Don’t check in with work or worry about what you’re missing at the office. Turn off all your devices and limit the TV binge watching— this is your chance to focus on quality time with no interruptions and enjoy not having anything looming on the to-do list. You’re on staycation, after all!
Have a movie night - You don’t have to leave your house to catch a good flick. Rent a movie—or even better—check one out from the library for free. Buy some popcorn, chips and candy from the dollar store and you have all the makings for a great (and cheap) movie night.
Don’t forget to budget! A staycation is budget friendly, but be sure you do make a budget for what you want to spend beforehand. Devise a meal plan and budget for how often you’ll be eating out. Unexpected costs add up quickly, and you don’t want to deal with that kind of stress on your staycation! There are plenty of ways to be creative (and thrifty) without losing the fun factor.
Plan a game night - Monopoly, Battleship, Clue—these games never go out of style! Dust off the board games and invite your family and friends over to enjoy the simplicity of a game night.
How do you take a staycation?
So, what do you do on a staycation? • Take a nap - Start your staycation off right with a little rest and relaxation. How many times do you get the chance to close your eyes and catch some ZZZ’s in the middle of the day? Set up a hammock and take a snooze outside!
Take up a DIY project - Family bonding and bowling go hand in hand! Who can resist a little friendly competition? Going to a bowling alley during the middle of the week can be surprisingly affordable. Did you know many bowling alleys even let kids bowl for free? Check out the deals during less popular hours. Of course, these are just a few ideas to get your gears turning. Sit down with your family and come up with your own list of things you can enjoy together while on staycation!
Soak up the fun at NRH2O with our 4 Newest Slides plus 20 more thrilling slides and attractions. Make your summer even more splashtacular with ahh-some Fireworks Shows and our Dive-In Movie Nights.
EVENTS IN JULY:
DIVE – IN MOVIE NIGHTS — Every Friday through August 4 CHARACTER APPEARANCES — July 14 & 21 and August 4 FIREWORKS SHOWS — July 15 & 29 and August 12
$
ONE-DAY 5 OFF GENERAL ADMISSION
Not valid with any other coupon or discount, including the NRH resident discount, group tickets, and tickets purchased online. Present the coupon at the Ticket Booth to receive discount. Valid through July 31, 2017.
(FOR UP TO 4 PEOPLE)
*%N20170023*
nrh2o.com | 9001 Boulevard 26 | North Richland Hills, TX
BUSINESS&CAREER
Doing More than Hair By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Media
Backwoods Barbies is doing more for women than giving them a new hair do or a pampering session. The salon offers a variety of hair styling services, waxing, facials, backcials and nail services. Through their services and community involvement though, they are empowering women and building community. “I want to build up women and give them a place to come and be real for a minute,” Courtney Sauceda owner of Backwoods Barbies said. “I want the salon to be a place where women can go that they feel like they are at their sister’s house and can share whatever is on their minds.”
“It is way more than voting for pretty girls because they wear pink and glitter,” Courtney said. “Its more about how they are a role model in society and what they do to help the community.”
a little over a year but is making an impact on the community and empowering women. The salon is registered with CHI Haircare¬ and offers a variety of hair products for purchase. They also do all of the hair for Abilene television stations KTAB, KRBC, and TelBesides the beauty pag- emundo. eants, Backwoods Barbies has held specials to “We are most known for my level of skills give back to members and expertise through my CHI training and of the community and our reasonable pricing,” Courtney said. “I to serve others. During have worked with a lot of different people by teacher attending beauty shows across the nation.” Courtney invites anyone from the Big Country area to stop by Backwoods Barbies for a girl talk session, new hairdo, pampering or beauty products.
Courtney has been doing hair professionally for ten years now, but her love for uplifting others through hair styling started when she was only 12 years old. Since her stepfather was a barber, she learned the basics of hair styling at a young age. “Even in high school, I would do hair,” Courtney said. “I would cut and color my own hair and my friends’. I learned a lot from my stepfather and through just trial and error. It was lots and lots of error back when I was 16.” It was then that Courtney discovered her ability to uplift others through hair styling and pampering. Seeing the way her styling and pampering brought joy to others and spiked their confidence is what sparked her desire to make it her career. “Being able to help someone by giving them a boost of confidence through hair styling makes it all worth it,” Courtney said. “There is no greater feeling. It’s nearly addictive.” Outside of the women who sit in her chair, Courtney is using Backwoods Barbies to impact the community as a whole as well. One of the biggest ways is through various beauty pageants hosted by Backwoods Barbies. Last year during Clyde’s Pecan Festival, they hosted a Little Miss and Mister Backwoods Barbies pageant.
The salon is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 5836 FM 603 Clyde, Texas, TX 79510. To find out more about the saappreciation week and nurse appreciation lon find them on Facebook at Backwoods week, Backwoods Barbies allowed for the Barbies Salon. teachers and nurses to have free waxes and paraffin dips. Then during the fall, they held a canned food drive and did a free eyebrow wax for anyone who brought in cans. “I want to give back to the community through the salon to let them know we are here,” Courtney said. Backwoods Barbies has only been in Clyde for
Claim your date to host a zoo birthday party The Abilene Zoo offers birthday pack ages for young party animals. The zoo can host birthday parties on most Saturdays in timeslots of 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. and on most Sundays at 1:30 p.m. These parties are designed for children turning at least 4 years old. For information or to schedule a zoo birthday party, contact the Education department at: (325) 676-6487 or zoo. education@abilenetx.com. You also can stop by the desk at the Zoo Store next time you’re at the zoo, and the guest services folks can help you check date availability.
48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HASHI TEPPAN
RGF INSURANCE AGENCY
CITY OF ABILENE, TEXAS- CITY HALL CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Mr. Gatti’s, H.E.B., Albertson’s & The Whitten Inn | BUSINESS | 49
When Work is Like Family
Freddie Chacon, Jr. sets goals and achieves them at Pest Patrol. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Media
Freddie Chacon, Jr. did not plan to work in the pest control business. In fact, after two years at Cisco College, he followed the suggestion of family members and went to work in the oil field. “My wife didn’t care for it,” Freddie says. “I was often working on holidays. If it’s your week to work, then you work on those days. I saw Pest Patrol was hiring, and I was hoping to make a change. They say one door closes and another opens. And that’s what happened.” In April Freddie celebrated ten years as a technician at Pest Patrol. A dinner at Copper Creek in April complete with cake and a gift honored him. Weldon and Debbie Hurt, owners of Pest Patrol, recognize employee anniversaries every five years. “Freddie is the most absolutely dependable, go-to guy,” Weldon says. “He doesn’t just show up. He shows up and does a topnotch job every day.” Freddie was born and raised in Abilene. He graduated from Abilene High School. Like all the company’s technicians, Freddie started out as an apprentice, studying for several months in order to become certified. Cody is the only employee who has been with Pest Patrol longer, just a year more than Freddie. One of the things Freddie enjoys most about his job is being out and about rather than trapped behind a desk. He also likes seeing new things and meeting new people. But those people don’t stay new for long.
off and the opportunity to attend all their games and events. Devany plays softball on a select team. Jayla focuses on karate and cheering for Freddie’s football team.
u Call”
ice Every Time Yo
“Star Quality Serv
Bed Bugs
“If I’d stayed with the oil field, I’d have missed a lot,” Freddie says. “With Pest Patrol, I’m able to see my kids grow and not miss anything. Weldon and Debbie love my kids. They give me the days off I need to travel with Devany’s team and even help coach. And my wife is amazing. She may stay at home, but she’s always working.” Freddie can’t say enough about the blessings of working for the Hurts.
ay Your Beds • Don’t Throw Aw termination x E f el S t p em tt A • Don’t ug Experts! B d e B e h T ll a C • We offer: entification • Inspection and Id of treatment es d o m y ar lin p ci is • Multid ination • Guaranteed Elim
(325)-690-9245.com patrol
www.westtexaspest
and then his fellow employees. He’s one of the family.”
“They become friends,” Freddie says. “I’ve watched their kids grow up over ten years. Freddie’s family is a high priority for him. They ask me how my family is doing.” He and his wife Jessica, a stay-at-home mom, have three children. Devany is twelve, Jayla is Weldon says this is another strength of Fred- ten and Freddie, III is seven. All are involved die’s. “He takes care of his customers first, in sports and Freddie appreciates weekends
“I’d never had a boss like them,” he says. “They care about their employees. It felt good. I was comfortable. They take care of me and that makes me want to take care of their business. The whole company is like a family.” Freddie believes what sets Pest Patrol apart from the competition is that the company is local and cares about customers. The employees are trained to take time and try to see the customer’s point of view. Freddie appreciates his co-workers as well. “The girls up front handle all our calls and our schedules,” he says. “If a customer calls and is upset, they can help calm them down. Cody and David always have good advice. All the employees talk to each other and we always have each other’s backs.”
Time off to spend with family allows Freddie to succeed in his personal goals. But having a job that’s like family brings a whole different kind of success. And Freddie expects to succeed for many more years.
NOW HIRING Accepting Applications for All Positions Competitive Pay • Monthly Bonuses Paid Vacation email: bossesofabilene@yahoo.com www.bossesofabilene.com
www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine
2801 S 1st St • Abilene, TX
325-704-4242
50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Public-Private Partnerships (P3) – Why it Matters
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
By Doug Peters | President and CEO, Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Y’all know this about me. I’ve been at this schtick for 30 years (I started when I was five). I’ve served in successful communities (like this one!) and others that weren’t so much.
ship provides the ability to agree to disagree, and pressing forward to find alternatives to options that sometimes negatively impact business is in the common good? What good is an impasse on anything of importance?
Do you know what makes the difference? The ability of the public sector (government) to partner and cooperate with the private sector (most often via the Chamber). And, vice versa. Years ago, I stumbled upon an article that was published by the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. In that article, I was enlightened on why public-private partnerships (P3) matter.
tive and timely infrastructure delivery…leverage limited public sector resources, all while maintaining the appropriate level of public control over the project.” That part is key.
“…unlike under privatization, the public secHere’s an excerpt from that federal report to tor retains a high level of ownership and conCongress, which applies to all levels of gov- trol over the project and its outcomes. Despite the advantages, there are also misperceptions ernment: about PPPs that lead to criticism and quick dis“Public-private partnerships can generate missal without the proper evaluation.” substantial benefits for public agencies interested in encouraging innovation and saving To further quote the whitepaper, the “paper addresses one of the most common misperceptime and money on projects.” tions – that PPPs are a more expensive form of The report went on to suggest, “Risk aversion project delivery.” and lack of experience with the private sector, however, often drive public agencies to spend And finally, “many may (also find) it surprising considerable time and resources developing that PPPs can provide products and services at systems for soliciting projects, ensuring ad- comparable or lower costs than those associatequate competition, and allocating the risks ed with public (sector options) while also proassociated with designing, constructing, and viding the equal or greater value to the public.” operating…” Folks, P3 is the hallmark of a smart, successful In 2012, the National Council for Public-Pri- community. The ability of government – at all vate Partnerships published a piece entitled levels – to work cooperatively with business “Testing Tradition – Assessing the Added to enhance value to taxpayers is a big deal, Value of Public-Private Partnerships.” From and it often differentiates communities based upon their record and continued willingness to the executive summary: engage the private sector on policy decisions, “Today, governments at all levels – federal, delivery of non-essential government services, state and local – face challenges…” “One op- and the list goes on and on. tion that is being entertained with increasing frequency is use of Public-Private Partner- Abilene, Texas has a proud tradition of partships (PPPs), contractual agreements between nerships. We remain committed to what’s best public agencies and private sector entities that for every single tax-paying constituent in our allow delivery of a service or facility for pub- community, and businesses are at our core, and namely small businesses. It’s who we are. lic use.” “The advantages of this innovative form of Does that mean that we always get along with project delivery are well-documented. PPPs government? Not at all. But wouldn’t you can reduce…risks, provide more cost effec- agree that having a solid working relation-
In other words, you’ll likely not see me as your CEO standing before city council or a school board, pounding my fist and demanding “our” way. Rather, you’re more likely to hear of the Chamber staff and business volunteers working together with any representative of government – elected or appointed - behind the scenes to make good things happen for everyone. Embarrassing or bullying government solves nothing. Relationships that can stand the test of time certainly do. We won’t publicly bloody the nose of government, but we’ll air our differences and help to find a reasonable solution that still gets government to their desired outcome. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that if a community chooses to politicize something, people tend to steer away from the smell. This writing is particularly timely. Not only do we have a brand new mayor whom we look very forward to working with, but we also have the ability to continue to put P3 to work to help to develop the product that is proudly Abilene. We’ll always be gracious, yet persistent in our approach to government. And when government asks for our input, we’ll gladly provide it. Again, will we always agree? Not a chance. But we don’t have to sacrifice the goodness of relationships in order to make a point. There’s rarely – if ever – a need to drive a carpet tack with a sledge hammer. The Chamber – and by most all accounts the 1300+ member businesses we represent – look forward to continuing to build upon the partnerships that position Abilene as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Thank you for participating when called – and to our public sector partners, we’re grateful for the opportunity to engage. Onward!
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Pick us up at Golden Corral, MCM Elegante and Long John Silvers | BUSINESS | 51
Abilene Brewery Celebrates Gold Medals, 3rd Anniversary By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
It was a banner year for Jeff Bell, Rich Waggoner and Brian Cokonougher at Pappy Slokum Brewing Co. More visibility in bars across the city as distribution increased and successful special events at the brewery at 409 S. Treadaway Blvd. left Bell and his partners with a positive feeling. Then came news from Lewisville earlier this week, just in time for the brewery’s third anniversary party Saturday, that Pappy Slokum won two gold medals at the Best Little Brewfest in Texas. Both Tiny Monk, the brewery’s session Belgian ale, and Viking Blood, a not-yet-released Celtic barley wine, were deemed best in their categories at last weekend’s festival.
in a whiskey barrel. Lighter drinkers will have their options, as well, with a raspberry wheat ale, the award-winning Tiny Monk and Local Yella, a cream ale. The brewery’s tap room will have extended hours Saturday — from noon to 9 p.m. It will give attendees extra time to build relationships with each other, one of the crowning achievements, in Bell’s eyes, of the brewery. “So many people come up to us and tell us being here is like drinking in their backyards,” he said. “It’s the camaraderie, the loyalty, that everyone has.
“I like to think (Pappy’s) has had something to do with the changes we’ve seen recently in Abilene, too. You have all these places to go now. From Abi Haus, Public Haus, the “It’s nice to get some affirmation Pappy Slokum brewer and co-owner Jeff Bell fills up a keg with a Bourbon Taylor County Tap Room. Those that we’re doing a good job,” Barrel Caddo Peak Porter on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. The beer will make options weren’t here for people. I Bell said. “We’ve been enter- its debut at Pappy’s three-year anniversary celebration. (Photo: Thomas like to think we had something to ing these festivals since we were Metthe/Reporter-News) do with that.” home-brewing. It’s nice to hear least we were consistent.” some unbiased feedback say, Looking forward to their fourth ‘Yeah, your stuff is good.’ It makes you feel year, the brewers would like to can their beer Saturday, the owners and the brewery’s fans for sale in stores, Bell said. good and inspires you to do more.” will celebrate the end of the third year of busiFan-favorite Stripper Dust, a vanilla porter, ness with some special kegs and some favor- Another idea is to open the tap room, which also took home a bronze medal. Last year the ites. Included in the first-time exposure will be is open only on Saturday afternoons, a second Viking Blood, giving people a taste of a cham- day. Thursday evenings, Bell said would be brew won a silver medal at the competition. pion, and a special version of the Caddo Peak the best bet, but there are logistical issues to Not only was it the first time Pappy Slokum Porter, a robust porter aged for eight months work through. beers won a gold medal at the contest, it was inside a Garrison Brothers Bourbon barrel. the first time the brewery took home multiple The tap room has been open Thursdays for medals of any color in the same year, Bell said. For drinkers looking for a strong ale, the special events such as a St. Pappy’s Day celbrewery will also feature what;s called the ebration and Oktoberfest. A Pints for Prostates “We’d entered each of the first two years,” he Three-Year Anniversary Ale, a 13-percent fundraiser for prostate cancer research might said. “Each year we won one silver medal. At alcohol-by-volume Belgian dark ale also aged be held in September.
TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE
What Happens After You Make an Offer on a House?
52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By Audrey Ference | Realtor.com
Making an offer on a house—much like a marriage proposal—is equally exciting and anxiety-inducing. After spending quality time browsing listings, visiting open houses, and playing with mortgage payment calculators, you’ve finally found the house you want to spend the rest of your life with. You and your real estate agent put together your offer, aiming for the perfect dollar amount and closing terms. Your agent submits the offer, but what can you expect next? Once you submit an offer, one of three things can happen, your offer is accepted, your offer is rejected, or the seller counters your offer. So now what?
see before giving you the thumbs-up. Your lender will require an appraisal by a licensed appraiser as part of this process, and will usually let you know when that needs to happen. 2. Have the home inspected. An inspection isn’t required by all lenders, but it’s a really, really good idea. The timeline for inspections is slightly different in each contract. Either way, there will be a limited time period when you can make changes to the deal based on the inspection. Depending on what the inspector turns up, you might ask the seller to make some repairs, ask for a concession, or even just walk away.
If your offer is flat3. Find homeownout rejected ers insurance. AlThe seller might demost every lender cide the amount you’re will require you to willing to pay is lower have signed up for than what she’s willhomeowners insuring to accept. If this happens to you, it’s likely ance before approving your loan. Shop around there’s too large a gap between you and the and don’t be afraid to negotiate. seller on what you think the home is worth. 4. Move toward closing. While all of this is If your offer is countered happening, your lender will be preparing your If the seller counters your offer—coming back loan. The title company will want to see a to you with a dollar amount that’s slightly survey, and if one doesn’t exist, you’ll have to higher than yours—you have another chance have one done and will make sure everything to find a price that you are both happy with. is in in order with the closing documents. It’s time to relook and either agree to the counter terms or recounter with your terms modi- During this period, most of the work hapfied, That back-and-forth goes on until either pens behind the scenes, with someone on the seller accepts an offer or one of you de- your team—Realtor®, lawyer, lender, title cides to walk away. agent—popping up to ask for a document here and there. Your primary job is make sure you If your offer is accepted have your down payment ready. Don’t make Once you reach the point of an accepted offer, any big purchases, because that can mess with things really get exciting. your credit. You will have to start your financing and schedule for a home inspection and satisfy all contingencies in your contract and move forward to your closing, 1. Get your financing in order. Hopefully you went into the home-buying process with a preapproval for a mortgage. Now is the time to move forward with your lender on the amount of money you need to buy the house. Work with your mortgage broker to put together the mountain of paperwork most lenders need to
When everybody gives the green light and your loan is approved, it’s time to head to the closing table and officially buy your home. Usually, you’ll do a final walk-through of the property with your real estate agent a day or two before closing to ensure nothing has been damaged and that all changes specified in the contract were completed. Sign on the dotted line, and you’re done! Now you can focus all your energy on moving into your new home. Audrey Ference lives in Austin, TX. Follow @audreyference
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at The Whitten Inn, China Star, Wholly Cow Burgers & H.E.B. | BUSINESS | 53
MexTexican To The Core By Megan Sorley | The Abilene Post
Texans love their Mexican food. They love it so much that over the years they’ve stolen it and owned it and made it part of what Texas is. Tex-Mex rules the roost, and Miquel’s MexTex Cafe is one of the best examples for miles around.
wonderful: the brisket tacos, the chicken enchiladas, the fajitas… All delicious. But what I want to write home about are the Chubby Chimichanga and the Peppered Bacon, Agave Nectar & Poblano Cheezy Crisp. Now, the Chubby Chimi is basically a burrito, filled with
My first time eating at Miguels was very interesting. I wasn’t one of the many who’d followed it in the evolution of food truck to brick and mortar, and thus did not have any idea what to expect. It was for sure beautiful, flashy from the sign down to the decor, and the staff were convivial despite us arriving only thirty minutes before closing on a Saturday night. The menu was well appointed. First impressions were met and exceeded that night, and every night after.
The other day I finally saved enough room for dessert though, and man, I had been missing out. Their dessert menu boasts a Mexican Fried Bread Pudin. Creamy bread pudding is sliced and breaded, then deep fried. Vanilla ice cream, a cinnamon bourbon sauce, and candied
The usual offerings of chips drinks are kicked up a notch at Miguel’s; their salsa and white sauce, which boasts a savory briny quality that I LOVE, and hand squeezed lemonade and seasonal limeade are so good! They have a well established bar which includes a fine selection of tequilas. Their classic margarita is simple but packs a punch, and includes a house infused triple sec. They have a fine selection of draft and bottled beer to meet every Mexican or Texan beer need. I’m a sucker for a cocktail, and their Black and Blue Mojito is so good that I drank the whole thing and then sat licking the sugar rimmed glass like a starving dog licks an empty bowl. Strange, yes, but it was that good. Don’t judge me. They also have a seasonal frozen margarita at the moment that I love, flavored like a caramel apple. It’s sounds crazy but it tasted like those caramel apple pops I used to eat as a kid and the nostalgia bomb alone would make me order about five more. My favorite appetizer on the menu is so simple it hurts, but I order it every time. The Queso Fundido is a blend of Mexican cheeses cooked in a cast iron skillet until oozy and then served with warm fresh made tortillas. You can choose to add rotisserie chicken or chorizo to it, and we always add the chorizo. Shareable appetizers are my one weakness. It’s so fun just to all dig in and eat with your hands.
is out of this world. It’s thin, like a flatbread pizza, but instead of regular dough it’s made on top of a very large very thin tortilla. Asadero, Manchego, Monterey Jack, and Queso Fresco make the cheesy part, and then it’s topped with chopped spicy peppered bacon and roasted chopped poblanos. Then they drizzle some agave nectar over the top which adds a little sweet to counter the spicy bacon. It is hands down the best thing on the menu.
pecans finish a delectable dessert. First thing you get is the play on textures, hot and cold, crunchy and melty. Then you get the flavors which comingle so well! A match made in fried heaven.
brisket, potatoes, roasted poblanos, cheese, and onion, which Is then deep fried and smothered in queso blanco and the house bbq sauce. It’s huge! Just a big on flavor as it is in size, and it comes with two sides. (Get the Mexican street corn with the chipotle crema and thank me later.)
But the best thing on the menu is the Peppered I’ve tried many things on their menu that were Bacon, Agave, and Poblano cheezy crisp. It
For a place I wasn’t sure about before I stepped through the door, Miguel’s has grown on me so much! Beautiful surrounds, flavorful and inventive food, and helpful staff are the recipe to success in my book. Check it out and tell me what you think!
This article originally appeared on The Abilene Post website
www.the abilenepost.com
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Our First Financial Customers Deserve Nothing But the Best. New Buffalo Gap Road Location Now Open. We Enjoy Putting You First, Abilene. Our new Buffalo Gap location puts you first by offering: - State-of-the art facility to serve your banking needs - Larger facility with better parking - Two convenient motor bank options NEW Motor Bank available at 5257 Buffalo Gap Existing Motor Bank available at 4400 Buffalo Gap
YOU FIRST | 325-627-7200
Member FDIC
FFIN.com
The Sky’s the Limit
Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Daniela’s Tex Mex | BUSINESS | 55
Brett Corbin with CB Builders believes that when you own your business and give it your best, you can reach greater heights. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Media
Brett Corbin started in the construction business very early. He worked with his step-dad, John Reid, beginning at age seven. John and Brett’s mom Sandy own and operate Abilene Tub and Tile. “My dad is Abilene’s best tile man,” Brett says, “and I’m second best.” Brett was born in North Carolina but since his parents are from Abilene, he grew up here, attending school at Jim Ned and graduating from Cooper High School. He earned an Associate’s Degree from Cisco College and considered pursuing a nursing degree, like his mom. But construction was in his blood. And so was running his own business. “When you work for someone else, you can only go so high,” he says. “When you work for yourself, you get out of it what you put into it. The sky’s the limit and it only depends on you.” Brett and his business partner, Tim Savage, formed CB Builders in June of 2016. They employ Brett’s nephew, Dillion French, as well as several part-time workers. Tim also started in construction at a young age. He was eighteen and will be fifty-six in September. An Abilene resident since 1967, Tim’s dad’s military career resulted in regular moves. But Tim’s dad, Robert, also provided inspiration and faith. Tim considers Jared Owens, pastor at Church at the Cross a mentor. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen, two sons and four grandchildren.
“One of my favorite things is the actual work,” Brett says. “No CB Builders is currently handling a home ad- matter how long I’ve done it, I dition which includes a new roof, a deck and always learn something new. It’s a wrap-around porch; a bathroom remodel never the same and I love that.” which has led to redoing the master bedroom; a bathroom extension, a leak repair involving He also enjoys interacting with removing and replacing moldy sheetrock and clients. CB Builders makes it a least one smaller project. Brett would like to priority to treat customers fairly pursue a degree in Constructional Engineer- with outstanding work and reasoning but, right now, he’s working too hard. able prices.
Since they started working together so early, it’s not surprising Brett considers his step-dad one of his mentors. “He’s taught me a lot. He has a lot of wisdom,” Brett says. Ricardo Gutierrez with RGF Insurance has also given Brett guidance in many areas. Along with Tim, Brett and Ricardo are both members at Church at the Cross. Brett also considers Jared Owens, the church’s pastor, a source of wisdom and motivation in his life.
“Our faith has an impact on how we run our business,” Brett says. “Our email signatures and business social me- signs all quote Colossians 3:23 which says, dia, including a Facebook page And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the and Twitter account. A website is also in prog- Lord, and not unto men.” When he’s not working Brett enjoys golf, “I enjoy seeing clients’ reactions,” Brett says. ress, but not quite ready. But word-of-mouth fishing and hunting. Tim likes to fish and hunt “Getting their homes where they want them to is their greatest advertising. Brett and Tim be- Tim and Brett believe God is good and faithas well. But even when he has time away be is an awesome feeling.” lieve that their emphasis on customer satisfac- ful. Their emphasis on pleasing him and satisfrom work, Brett likes to build things. tion causes clients to recommend CB Builders fying customers will likely to keep them busy Brett handles CB Builders’ advertising and to friends and family. for a long, long time.