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1399 S. Danville Dr. 325-793-3028 HondaofAbilene.com
Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
JUNE 2019
Volume 10, Issue 2
Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office
ADVERTISING SALES • Terri Collum (325) 439-1214 terri@hispaniclifemedia.com
• 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.
As we are about to embark on the beginning of Summer, we wish each and every one of you a super safe, fun and joyous time with you and your family! Take advantage of swimming pools, or maybe head down to Abilene’s very own, “Adventure Cove”, and make a day of it! Or head on over to one of the splash pads around town. Either way, make it a cool, fun, wet Summer, making memories with those you love the most! As the month of June is a time of gratitude for our Fathers, we are thankful for those who gone before us, and have left a lasting impression on us, and even to our children and grandchildren. The title of father or dad, is many times take for granted and is looked at lightly, or at times is overlooked. We want to wish each and every father, step-father, grandfather, and man who has stepped into the role of parenting, or fathering a blessed, and happy Father’s Day! We count it all joy to be able to reflect and see the beauty of fatherhood in our children, and for many of us grandchildren. We invite you to take the time to ‘invest’ in these children or young people. Your deposits will be met with future dividends. Your words of encouragement, and your guidance will forever be in our hearts, and when you least expect it. Small words of love go a long way, and mean the world to those that surround you. For those that have fathers that have fallen short of the mark, give and demonstrate grace and forgiveness. Many fathers didn’t have great examples or mentors in their lives, and for that matter, were unsure as they raised or are raising their own. We appreciate our readership and all those who have followed each issue for the last 9 years. Here’s to a Happy Summer!
2019 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
Amy Hernández & the girls and all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Nation’s Largest Indoor Waterpark to Open in Central Texas in 2020 By CBS Austin
New drone video reveals a bird’s eye view of what’s going to be the largest indoor waterpark in America, and it’s right here in Central Texas. The massive Kalahari Resort and Convention Center is located in Round Rock, and construction started a little over a year ago. Since then, crews have moved in enough dirt to fill one-hundred 23 Olympic-sized swimming pools and put in enough concrete in to fill 35 Boeing 747 planes. Last month, the largest structural member on the project was installed: a 38 foot deep steel truss for the indoor waterpark, which required two cranes. It’s expected to be open for business next year.
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LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS
g Act Life Is A Balancin Like many of us, Arthur Mata balances work and family. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
As a dad, Arthur Mata believes there’s a balance to parenting. You want to stay close to your kids, but there is such a thing as too close.
for classes. They have two sons, Arthur, age ten, who goes by AJ, and Devon, age eight. “As a dad,” he says, “I’m the fun one, definitely not the disciplinarian. Mom does that. But she’s a softie at times too.”
Born in Houston the youngest of five brothers, Mata moved to Abilene his mom, Sylvia, around 1990 to be closer to her family. He played trumpet and percussion in the bands at Franklin Middle School and Abilene High School, enjoying the camaraderie, band trips and community events. His step-dad, Jesse Cervantes, works as a welder and his mom works at Wal-Mart.
“My kids told me you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit,” Arthur said. “I’d never heard that saying but we use it as a family now. That’s what I tell them when they want hamburgers everyday. You can’t have burgers and fries everyday.” Arthur, Janelle and her parents, Jimmy and Irene Montez, spend free time with Devon and AJ swimming, playing corn hole and playing loteria, a game similar to bingo but with cards in Spanish.
Arthur found a job at HEB after high school. “The pay was great,” he says. “and my parents were glad I had a job.” But he wasn’t able to work as many hours as he wanted. His first application was to the Wal-Mart on Southwest Drive. “That was back when you filled out a paper application,” he says. “I turned in the application and left the store but didn’t even get to Mockingbird before my mom called and said they wanted me to come for an interview. I didn’t go longer than an hour unemployed. It’s been a blessing.” Arthur transferred to Fort Worth in 2006 for a management opportunity. He came back to the Southwest Drive Wal-Mart and worked at the store on Texas-351. Now he serves as Customer Service Manager for the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at Grape Street and Ambler Avenue, handling the front of the store including cashiering, money handling, day-to-day operations and parking lot issues. “My favorite thing about my job is everything,” he says. “It’s an adventure. No two days are ever the same. You might be dealing with weather, making sure floors are safe for customers if it’s raining. Or if it’s hot you’re making sure your associates outside are staying hydrated. Scheduling is like a puzzle. Everybody comes in at the same time but not everybody can go for a
Sponsored by
ARTHUR MATA
break at the same time.”
Even though his family members are Dallas sports fan, Arthur follows Houston baseball, football and basketball teams. He’s excited Devon is signed up to play baseball for the Royals at the YMCA this summer. “The most important thing a dad needs to know,” Arthur says, “is to stay close to that child. Take as many pictures and make as many memories as you can. But have a distance with them too. They need their space. And they don’t need everything handed to them. They need to know how much work it takes to buy those expensive shoes and electronics.” While life may be a balancing act, keeping up with work and family, Arthur Mata manages it well. And that can only be a blessing to his kids, co-workers and customers.
He especially enjoys the close-knit community of employees at the Neighborhood Market, where co-workers can share their struggles with each other without judgment. Arthur’s wife, Janelle Montez, works for Dr. Ishmeet Walia. She is currently studying to be a registered nurse and traveling to Breckenridge
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6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Join us for a favorite Summer tradition! We’re screening the film ‘Incredibles 2’ for free on Monday, June 17th, on the stadium’s Wessel Scoreboard. Sit in the stands or lounge on the field and enjoy this family movie from our beautiful stadium. Concession stands will be open, so come hungry! Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. *Please note: With the exception of bottled water, other food, drinks, or chairs are not allowed on the field.*
The next Movies on the Hill event is Monday, August 12, with a free screening of ‘Aladdin’ in the stadium.
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Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
Women Veterans Day Celebration in Abilene June 15 By Geri Massey | Women Veterans of America, Big Country Chapter - Commander
In 2017, Texas state lawmakers enacted a law naming June 12 as Women Veterans Day to highlight the role of women in the military and commemorate their valor and sacrifice. The date marks the anniversary of President Harry Truman signing the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 that allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the military. On June 15th, 2019, The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Women Veterans Program, in collaboration with the Women Veterans of West Texas and the Women Veterans of America – Big Country Chapter, will be co-hosting a Women Veterans Day Celebration in Abilene, TX. We have chosen this day to enable more women veterans in the Big Country to attend than would be possible at an event held on June 12th, during the week. Texas has about 180,000 female veterans, the most of any state, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Women make up about 10 percent of the U.S. veteran population, but many of them do not identify themselves as veterans. According to Anna Baker, the former Women Veterans Program Manager with the Texas Veterans Commission, this is largely due to the perception that veterans are men. Many women veterans do not identify because they have wrongly been taught that their service didn’t count or they may have endured events that made them distance themselves from the military and/or government organizations, therefore not seeking the services and benefits they have earned, such as education, healthcare. Some sta-
tistics show as many as 70 percent of female veterans do not self-identify. Women Veterans Day celebrates all women who have served, regardless of military branch, length of service, type of job or whether they have been active, guard or reserve members. This event is open to the public and we encourage anyone who wants to meet and thank women veterans to attend the opening ceremonies from 9:00 am until 10:00 am. All activities will take place at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N 6th St, Abilene, TX 79601 on June 15th, 2019 from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. The Veterans Administration Town Hall at 3:00 pm will be open to women veterans only. Active duty and former military service women should register online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ women-veteran-day-i-am-not-invisible-registration-60327097974 There will also be a Veterans Entrepreneur Workshop from 10am – 12:00 pm that ALL veterans can attend. For registration information, please contact info@wvowtx.org . For more information, contact Geri Massey at (325) 660-6030 or email info@wvowtx.org.
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8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Milestone Book Sale for Friends of the Abilene Public Library By Janis Test | Abilene Public Library
The Friends of the Abilene Public Library are celebrating their 30th annual Book Sale at the Abilene Convention Center, June 13-16, and we hope you’ll come by and celebrate too! The sale will have more than one hundred thousand books, DVDs, CDs, records and other unique items.
Uniques contains rare, hard-to-find and collectible books. It also includes special interest fiction and non-fiction titles. The Friends of the Abilene Public Library Book sale is an annual event. Proceeds from the sale fund library materials, equipment, activities and staff training opportunities.
Library Friends members get first crack at the goodies during a preview sale on Thursday, June 13 from 5 until 8 p.m. Memberships to the Friends starting at $15.00 will be available at the door. On Friday, June 14 the doors open to the general public at 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15, the sale begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Prices on most general sale items, including hardbound books, will be $2, while most paperbacks will be $1 each. Children’s books are sold by the inch, for $2. Admission is free.
For more information, call your Abilene Public Library at 676-6025, or check the Friend’s On Sunday, the famous “Bag-o-Books” sale Book Sale information online at www.abilebegins at 1 p.m. Until 4 p.m., $6.00 will get netx.gov/apl/BookSale . you an entire bag of great reading (bags furnished at the sale). Cash, checks, and credit/ debit cards will be accepted for purchases, with proper picture ID. The Friends will be able to accept all credit cards. A longtime featured area of the sale is the ‘Antiques and Uniques’ section. Antiques and
Give it your solute BEST ab Everyday is a new day!
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
If you are planning an event with a little country charm, here’s the perfect place!
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
By DeeDee Scott | Special to HispanicLife Magazine
Staple 6 Barn
is a wedding and event barn. It is a low key place for events that want the country outdoorsy feel with out the stress of in town rules. We usually go for the small to mid size weddings or gatherings. Being a short drive, about 15/20 minutes from Abilene, and the area hotels make us an ideal location if you interested in the quiet, rustic and back home ambiance.
can really work the grass over.
Speaking of July and August the barn is usually at rest during those months because it is so hot. The barn is not air conditioned. It does have big fans and the bridal cabin has a/c due to brides stress out This country venue initially started in the and makeup is NOT allowed backyard barn of Tabb and DeeDee Scott. to run unless there is a happy Tabb has an actual working barn on the prop- cry. If you are a hardy sort erty. His best friend, Chris, asked to use his barn for his rehearsal dinner and it became a hit for many more parties that spring and summer. The Scott’s already had property where the Staple 6 Barn sits and DeeDee asked Tabb about building an actually cedar barn there. So he did with the help of his father, son and lots of family and friends. The winter 2015 started a new chapter i theirs lives. The first event was held in June of that year. A ladies 80th birthday, the and hot weather doesn’t bother you or your first wedding was in September. Since that guest special pricing can be discussed for these time many different parties have gone on in two months. there, sweet 16, baby showers, wedding showers, a shrimp boil, memorial and labor day A few items come with the rental of the barn. celebrations, high school dances and proms. It has 10 of the 60 inch round tables along Most recently a funeral for a very close fam- with 10 8-foot, 6 6-foot and 132 chairs. Aloft ily member. He was Tabbs’ Uncle Scotty who where the fellas can shut the curtain and dress, passed suddenly. When building the barn was private cabin for the bride and her party to in progress he was there most everyday shar- primp, a small kitchen area and indoor resting his wisdom and napping under the big live rooms inside the barn itself. Sometimes the cattle will even pass by on the other side of the oak trees. fence. They can be quite nosy. The Scott’s attempt to upgrade the property More information and the story of each year with new improvements. This year they have added a patio area and most recently Staple 6 Barn can be found on its web page: a sprinkler system because July and August www.staple6barn.com or on facebook
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The History of ‘The Pizza Haus’
Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
Clyde, Texas holds a special piece of Texas right in their own backyard. By DeeDee Scott | A Special to HispanicLife Magazine
In 1990, David C. Self and his family had a dream of owning and operating a pizza place. He heard of a place in Dallas that was a supplier and taught classes on making pizzas, using their own products. David, along with is mother Doretha, and lifelong associate, Joe Salinas, took a trip to Ft. Worth to learn how to make pizzas. They came home, cleaned up an old trailer with a built in dining area that he had previously used for a catfish diner, ordered his pizza supplies and The Pizza House was born! Not long after, his youngest daughter DeeDee, joined the group. This went on for a year or so and he convinced his oldest daughter, Lyn, to move home and join in as well.
Pizza Haus His Legacy was born. They still do things like he instructed, “ Not too much sauce, gives fat boys indigestion”, “put alot of salve (butter) on there, “more meat less veggies” just to name a few.
With the help from assorted friends, David, Doretha and Joe started making Pizzas! David wasn’t too sure about just opening a can of sauce, so he developed a taste of his own that he could live with and is the very pizza sauce to this day!
If you like good trivia…here’s one for you. “Where was the first place Aaron Watson on pizza’s from his kitchen. Through all the played live?”. That’s right…that went down moves, Pizza making never missed a beat. right there at the Pizza House of Clyde Texas. David C. Self passed away May 2017. DeeDee, Lyn, and Becky couldn’t let his dream The crew invites you to come join them any pass away as well. They ran it another year un- day of the week except Tuesdays and Wednestil complications with the estate forced the girls days. Call ins are welcome but dining in is so much better. to close in May 2018.
After a while, Joe went on to work at David’s other businesses, dirt work, car wash and misc other contract work. His mom, Doretha saw David had his girls, so she decided she was ready to retire. Although it all started in an old remolded trailer house, David decided it was time to go bigger. He built a big metal warehouse and moved the business in. Soon it was getting busier (year 1994) and they hired on Becky, just a young girl in high school. In addition to making pizzas, The Pizza House had square dances, opened a gift shop and an old timey ice cream/soda bar. They even tried
True the space is smaller but Lyn, DeeDee and Becky have made it their own. They appreciate all the support from the community. They feel they have been very blessed.
To this day, The Pizza Haus His Legacy has and is still making pizza the way it always did. It still makes its own signature sauce, of which only a handful of people know the secret. It’s still the same three girls from 20+ years ago.
to try their hands at making snow cones, but They took 8 months off and regrouped. Many former and potential new customers asked that lasted only a brief stint. continuously when or if they were going to Whataburger came along offered David an reopen. They looked around and finally apamount he couldn’t refuse. He sold that proper- proach Clyde City Council about the old Volty to them and moved his girls to the other side unteer Fire Station that had been sitting empty of the interstate. Where the 301 car wash was. for several years. Not realizing the city was Then preceded to build another huge building interested in getting rid of it. They submitted where the was Pizza House was located until a bid and won. May 2018. David accommodated musicians with a stage. People came near and far to lis- They thought long and hard on a name. Someten to live music of every type, as they feasted thing that would honor their dad’s memory.
If you have any stories you’d love to share with Lyn, DeeDee or Becky about David Self, or your great experiences through any of the moves, they’d love to hear them.
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12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
A Pesar De Los Cambios En La Sociedad Aún Existe Muchos Nuevos Retos Para La Mujer De Hoy En Dia
FREE
By Zuzuki Monarez | Univison Arkansas
Este fin de semana se llevó a cabo un congreso de mujeres llamado “Princesas Olvidadas” de la oradora Veronica Leal quien reveló detalles de cómo son las mujeres reales, definiendo las como aquellas que están dispuestas a aceptarse en la imperfección. Este perfil explica que la mujer dejó de ser “perfecta” para convertirse en una persona más auténtica y honesta, la cual busca reconciliarse con su verdadero yo. Veronica Leal nos comentó de su más reciente libro escrito para las mujeres lo cual está diseñado para fortalecer su confianza. Al final, ser una mujer hoy en día no es darle gusto a los demás. En realidad se trata de ser uno mismo y ser fiel a sus propias creencias.
Michelle Velez Named New Cooper Girls Soccer Coach
SUMMER MEALS
FOR KIDS Kids 18 & Under Eat Free!
Our children need nutritious meals to learn, grow and thrive—even when school is out. With the Summer Feeding Program, children and teens age 18 and younger can continue to eat healthy throughout the summer at no cost, just by showing up at a participating meal site!
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
Kids 18 & Under Eat Free! YMCA-Redbud
3125 S 32nd St Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! 2019 Summer Meal Sites YMCA-State Street
Sears Park
3250 State St. Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
2250 Ambler Ave. Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Cobb Park
Martinez Boys & Girls Club
By Mary Johnson | BigCountryHomepage.com
G.V. Daniels
Abilene ISD director of athletics Phil Blue announced Thursday that Michelle Velez has been named the new girls’ head soccer coach at Cooper High School. Velez – who has been the girls athletics coordinator at Craig Middle School since 2016 – replaces Justin Head, who resigned last month after one season as the head coach to join the Army National Guard. Head, who joined the Cooper coaching staff in 2012, led the Lady Cougars to the Class 5A playoffs in his only season as the head coach. Aside from her coordinator duties, Velez has coached volleyball, basketball and soccer at Craig. Prior to moving to Craig, she was an assistant volleyball coach (2007-16) and assistant girls’ soccer coach (2008-16) at Abilene High School. She also served one season as an assistant softball coach at AHS (2007-08) and before that one season as an assistant volleyball at Abilene Christian High School (2006). Velez graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with her B.A. in Spanish in August 2006.
541 N 8th St. Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
2302 State St. Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Redbud Playground
Nelson Park Splash Pad
3125 S 32nd St Dates: July 3-July 26 Lunch: 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.
Mann Middle School
2545 Mimosa Dr. Dates: June 5-June 27 Breakfast: 7:00-8:00 a.m. Lunch: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Abilene Learning Academy 2734 S Treadaway Blvd Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 7:45- 8:45 a.m. Lunch: 11:30-12:30
2070 Zoo Ln. Dates: June 3-July 26 Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Johnston Elementary
3633 N 14th St. Dates: June 5-June 27 Breakfast: 7:30-8:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:00-12:00 p.m. No meals served on Friday
Abilene Public LibraryMockingbird Branch 1326 N. Mockingbird Ln Dates: June 3- July 26 Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
1301 Clinton St. Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Children’s Art & Literacy Festival 1101 N 1st St. Dates: June 6 Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Bowie Elementary
2034 Jeanette St. Dates: June 3-June 27 Breakfast: 7:00-8:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:00-12:30 p.m. No meals served on Friday
Rose Park
2601 S 7th St. Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
No lunch meals served on June 6, 26 or July 24
Hardin Simmons University 2200 Hickory St. Dates: June 17-June 27 Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
No meals served on Friday
Cooper High School
3639 Sayles Blvd. Dates: June 3-July 26 Breakfast: 7:00-7:30 a.m. Lunch: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Abilene Taylor County W.I.C. Program 850 N 6th St Dates: June 3-July 26 Lunch: 11:30-12:30 p.m.
No meal service will be offered on July 4th or 5th in observance of Independence Day. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
For more information, call Abilene ISD Student Nutrition Department at 325.677.1444 ext. 7542
City of Abilene Names New Zoo Director By BigCountryHomePage.com The City of Abilene would like to welcome Jesse Pottebaum as the new Director of the Abilene Zoological Gardens. Mr. Pottebaum comes to Abilene from Austin, where he most recently served as Deputy Director of the Austin Zoo. In total, Mr. Pottebaum has more than 20 years of experience in the Zoological field. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Research from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, Mr. Potttebaum started his career with SeaWorld San Antonio, working with orca whales. He then spent 15 years at SeaWorld Florida, where he served as Curator of Animal Training. Mr. Pottenbaum will begin work as Director of
the Abilene Zoo May 28th. “In our extensive search to find the next Director of the Abilene Zoo, we held certain attributes to be qualifiers for our candidates. These attributes include integrity, professionalism, leadership, and enthusiasm. Mr. Pottebaum impressed upon the hiring committee all of these traits, and more,� stated Abilene City Manager Robert Hanna. Please join the City of Abilene and Abilene Zoological Society in welcoming Mr. Pottebaum, his wife, Sara, and their three children to the Abilene community. We are excited to have him join our team, and look forward to the continued growth of the Abilene Zoo.
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
A Golden Celebration By Loretta Fulton |
“For all those who are here to celebrate this fantastic time in our priest’s life,” the prayer leader said. And the enthusiastic congregation, packed into every available seat and standing space, responded with heart. “Lord, hear our prayer,” they entoned. The Golden Jubilee Celebration held for Rev. Msgr. Robert Bush on June 5 was indeed celebratory. That was evident from the beginning, as pew after pew began to fill in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where Bush has served 23 of his 50 years as a priest. And then, more people filled the folding chairs that were brought in. When those were taken, late-comers crowded together along the walls. A joyous processional followed, with the choir leading the congregation in singing, “Come, O Holy Spirit Come,” sung to the tune of “Ode to Joy,” adding to the already festive air of the ceremony. Bishop Michael Sis of the Di-
Congrats!
The Dixie Phillies are the 2019 District 5 Champions! Way to go boys!
ocese of San Angelo was beaming. “We have priests who have come from all over the diocese,” Sis said, in opening the service. The priests, robed in white and gold, and a contingent from the Knights of Co-
In photo at left, Bishop Michael Sis and the Rev. Msgr. Robert Bush serve at the altar during a Godlen Jubilee Celebration June 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Photo by Loretta Fulton. lumbus added splendor to the occasion. Bush’s only family member, younger sister Pat Vandecapelle of Louisiana joined in celebrating the achievement of her brother. As of July 1, Bush, 75, will no longer be the priest at Sacred Heart. Whether he will retire or be reassigned by Sis, bishop of the Diocese of San Angelo, hasn’t been announced. At Sacred Heart, Bush will be replaced by the Rev. Albert Ezeanya, currently serving in Eden.
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Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Gloria’s Grill and Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
Sis served as the Celebrant for the service and Bush delivered a homily based on Matthew 20: 20-28, where Jesus explains how his kingdom is different from that of the world. In order to be great, his followers must be servants.
“It just kind of grew gradually,” Bush said of his call to the priesthood.
In his 50 years as a priest, Bush said, the best part is getting to be the one who serves. But all people are called to serve, he said, not just priests. At the end of our lives, we all are seeking eternal life, Bush said, and serving in this world leads there.
Bush was ordained at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brownwood on June 5, 1969. He has served parishes in Crane, Abilene, Odessa, and San Angelo. As priest of Sacred Heart in Abilene, Bush also is in charge of Saints Joachim & Ann Church in Clyde.
After graduating from Reicher Catholic High School, Bush enrolled at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, graduating in 1966. That was followed “To be like Jesus,” Bush said, “we become like with a degree from Immaculate Conception Semservants, also.” inary in Missouri in 1969.
“That’s our goal,” Bush said of eternal life, “but While at Sacred Heart, Bush oversaw the transthe way to get to our goal is to be a servant.” formation in 2000 of an old auto mechanic shop into the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. The chapel, located next door to Sacred Heart, is open 24 Bush’s own life of service served an illustration hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who of his homily. His journey to the priesthood wants a quiet place to pray. began with his birth in Waco in 1943. He lived with his parents During his long tenure and his younger sister in Waco as a priest in the Diountil Bush finished third grade cese of San Angelo, at St. Mary’s School. Bush has served on numerous councils The family moved to Brownand was a member of wood, where they lived for six a team serving high years before returning to Waco. school youth called In Brownwood, the family Search for Christian were members of St. Mary’s Maturity. Over 9,000 Church and were there when youths have gone the present church was built. through the program and several of those have become priests and reAfter finishing ninth grade at Brownwood Ju- ligious sisters. nior High School, Bush and his family returned to Waco, where he graduated from Reicher Bush looks for certain traits in young people that Catholic High School. It was during Bush’s he believes are necessary for a life of service to years in Brownwood that a priest sent him and the church. Among those are generosity, a spirit other altar boys to attend a conference on be- of service, and a love of people. coming a priest at a seminary in San Antonio. Afterward, his priest asked if he thought he No one can vouch for Bush having those traits wanted to enter the seminary himself. better than his sister, Pat, who flew from her home in Louisiana for the June 5 celebration. “I told him no,” Bush recalled. Vandecapelle is almost three years younger than her brother. She recalled a couple of notable traits After the family moved back to Waco and about her big brother as they were growing up. Bush enrolled in a Catholic high school, things began to change. He and other students visited “He pestered me all the time,” she said, “but if I St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, where Bush was in trouble, he was there.” eventually enrolled.
16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine
To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 701-9505 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Guadalupe Esparza, 67, passed away May 24, 2019. Mr. Esparza was born November 27, 1951, in Abilene, Texas to Alfonso Esparza and Guadalupe Lopez Esparza. Survivors include beloved wife Victoria Tijerina Esparza, son Guadalupe Esparza Jr and wife Jennifer from San Antonio, daughter Melissa Esparza- Missy from Lubbock, sisters Mary Castaneda from Fort Worth, Toni Garcia and husband Ramon from Fort Worth and Rosie Montelongo from Abilene, four grandchildren - Alejandro, Gabriella, Sofia and Tatiana and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Esparza was preceded in death by his parents Alfonso and Guadalupe. Willie Escobedo Carrillo, Jr, also known as “Billy” 74, of Abilene, passed away at his home with family by his side, on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Willie was born on May 6, 1945 in Abilene, Texas to Willie Morales Carrillo, Sr. and Lucia Escobedo Carrillo. Willie started his school career with Abilene Public Schools where he later transferred to Central Catholic to play baseball. After high school he was drafted to the Army, and served for 3 years including a tour during Vietnam War. While serving in the Military he received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device. Billy worked for the Taylor County Sheriff Dept for 1 year, and the Dallas Police Dept for 7 years, Lester Humphrey Pest Control. Willie operated Little Mexico Restaurant for several years, and also assisted his sister Melinda at the Little Mexico Food Booth, at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo,where he was known for his “Mesquite Willie” Fajitas. In the past 2 years he was over the Barrio Sancuda Reunion in Abilene and was always a proud supporter. In his spare time Billy enjoyed watching his home town high school football team the Abilene High Eagles, and He was a Dallas Cowboy fan, He also was a Texas Ranger fan and that love of baseball lead him to be a little league coach. Willie enjoyed listening to his favorite tunes and dancing to the beat of them. He will be missed by many and remembered forever. He is preceded in death by: both of parent’s Willie Morales Carrillo Sr, and Lucia Escobedo Carrillo; two brothers, Pedro Carrillo Sr. and John Carrillo.
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Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Sally Carrillo of Abilene; one daughter, Angie Ledesma (Daniel) and step-daughter Francine Guerra of Abilene; a son, Tony Carrillo of Abilene; two sisters, Melinda CarrilloStone (Brad) of Abilene, Chris Murrieta (Fernando) of Lubbock, brother Manuel Carrillo (Vera/deceased) of Abilene, nephew/ brother Mario Carrillo (Teri) of Lubbock, niece/sister Rosa Castillo (Ray) of Abilene, grandchildren: Jessica Chacon (Freddie), Daniel, D.J., Anthony, Step-grandchildren: Desirae, Dorian, Dominic, Elani, Elissa, Elijah, great-grandchildren: Devany, Jayla, Freddie III, David, Daniel, Zoey, Jayton, D.J. JR, Samantha, Ezmirelda, great-great step-grandchildren, Grayson, Baylor, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Jacob Garcia, 36, passed away on Saturday, May 04, 2019. Mr. Garcia was born October 28, 1982, in Abilene, Texas to Simon and Eloisa Garcia. He attended local schools and went on to join the field of construction, working for Simon and Walter Concrete. Mr. Garcia was preceded in death by his father Simon Garcia, a brother Adam Garcia, and maternal grandparents Joe R Cruz and Hope Cruz, paternal grandparents Natividad Garcia and Ignacia Garcia. Survivors include his mother Eloisa Garcia of River Oaks, his wife Monica Del Toro of Abilene, a son Jacob Adam Garcia, daughters Destiny Calvillo, D’Lovely Garcia, Deziree Garcia all of Abilene, brothers Simon and wife Brandi Garcia, Micheal Angel and wife Amanda Garcia all of Abilene, sisters Monica Garcia and husband Ray Martinez and Yolanda and husband Joe Gonzales, all of Abilene. He also has a host of uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces and numerous cousins and friends that are left to cherish his memory. He also leaves behind his devoted and beloved pets Esme, Roscoe, and Ritchie.
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City of Abilene To Implement Crisis Response Team Program June 11
13th Annual Festival by the Lake July 5th & 6th
By Nicholas Teresky | KTXS
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The City of Abilene will soon be rolling out its while the Abilene Fire Department responded to newly-formed Crisis Response Team (CRT) that 1,022 calls of that nature during that same year. will be dealing with mental health emergencies. In 2018, the City of Abilene and Taylor County The CRT program is a collaboration between the started working together to revise the definition of Abilene Fire Department, the Abilene Police De- how to respond to mental health crises in both the partment and the Betty Hardwick Center that is city and the county, which led to an astounding committed to providing mental health assistance amount of progress in researching how to handle to the people of the City of Abilene. The CRT mental health emergencies. program will capitalize on combining a number of crucial mental health resources with providing Triage services for behavioral health have been intimely care to people in need of mental health as- troduced at the Police Communications Center in sistance. Abilene, which has resulted in less mental health crisis calls that units have had to be directly disResponding CRT units will consist of a firefighter patched to. paramedic, a mental health clinician and a police officer. By putting together the talents of trained Also, the recent addition of a full-time Jail Naviemergency personnel, mental health patients will gator at the Taylor County Jail was created with be receiving direct mental health care right where the goal of reducing the amount of people having they are that will improve their mental wellness mental health issues being placed behind bars. and will make the City of Abilene a safer place to be overall. The CRT program is slated to begin operating on Tuesday, June 11. In 2017, the Abilene Police Department responded to 1,709 calls involving mental health issues,
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18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Air Force Names New Commander for 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base By Jamie Burch | KTXS
The Air Force has named a new commander for 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base. Col. Brandon Parker will relinquish command to Col. Ed Sumangil during a ceremony on June 17. Sumangil comes from National Defense University’s Institute for National Strategic Studies located at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C. He’s currently serving as a senior military fellow. This is a return trip to Dyess for Sumangil. He was the commander of the 9th Bomb Squadron from April 2013 to April 2015. Parker -- who has been at Dyess since August 2017 -- will now work with staff at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters at the Pentagon. Commanders of the 7th Bomb Wing are responsible for the health and welfare of more than 13,700 active duty members, civilian employees and family members. The Bomb Wing provides combat-ready B-1B Lancers, aircrew and associated combat support.
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EDUCATION
LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
Q&A with Jacob Martinez Celebrating Fathers in the Abilene Area By HispanicLife Magazine
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DAD? I first became a father on January 20th 2015. On that day my son Abraham was born and forever changed our lives. On October 26th our second son, Benjamin, was born and completed our little family. So you could say that I have been a father for almost four and a half years now.
of college. I had planned to continue on to Physician Assistant School but I needed to provide for my family. I had messaged one of my older teachers and asked about teaching positions and it all fell into place. I love it! Many students come from the same upbringing that I did and they can really relate to me, and respond great to me.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. My wife’s name is Eloise and she is originally from England. Eloise is also went to Abilene High and we met through a mutual friend from high school. Eloise is such an amazing person and supports me in all my endeavors. Eloise is also only five foot and I am six foot one, so I look like a giant in pictures with her. She is a kind loving person and very stubborn, which is where I think my two boys get it from. My oldest son, Abraham, is a wild ball of energy. He loves all dinosaurs and loves to be outside working with me or even just running and playing with our dogs. Our youngest son, Benjamin, is the complete opposite. He is very mellow and probably the most calm baby ever. Now when it comes to eating though Benjamin can put away a grown man size plate, this little boy loves food!
HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO JUGGLE WORK AND A FAMILY? I love my job so that makes it much easier. Abilene high is very understanding of family matters and with the set schedule of being a teacher with all the weekends, holidays and summers off it makes the juggling act a lot easier. One thing I try my hardest to do is to get all my work done at work. I rarely ever take work home with me because, to me that is family time that they and I need.
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? When I was younger, I wanted to be a professional football player. Growing up I was good at football, I turned into a good high school player, and we even won a state championship. I ended up playing two years of football at Abilene Christian University. Towards the end of my sophomore year, I had to come to the realization that I was not going to play in the NFL and started to focus on my studies. I graduated from ACU with my bachelors of science in biology.
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HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION EACH DAY? Every day is a blessing and just knowing that every day, I am not only setting an example for my boys, but for all my students is enough motivation for me. I DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE? If you stay ready, you never have to get ready.
JACOB MARTINEZ WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU ARE IN? I work at Abilene High School and I teach chemistry. It was sort of spur of the moment, Abraham was born my senior year
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER DADS? Some advice that I would give dads would be to have fun with your family. Never turn down an opportunity to wrestle, play cars and play dinosaurs. Be your children’s biggest supporter while being their super hero. Always make time for your spouse and make sure you guys have date nights.
20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Abilene Education Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients
By Christine Curtis-Carr | Executive Director, Abilene Education Foundation The Abilene Education Foundation (AEF) is pleased to announce the names of the 2019 AEF Scholarship recipients. In conjunction with the Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership, AEF will acknowledge scholarship winners on Tuesday evening, May 14, at the Star Dodge Dealership Showroom, 5101 South 1st Street, at 5:30 p.m. Presentation of scholarships will begin promptly at 5:35 p.m. Due to the success of Cajun Festival as well as donations from several individual donors, just over $52,450 will be awarded in scholarships to students in AISD, in addition to another $8,500 previously awarded in March for a total of $60,950! Students from Abilene High School, Cooper High School, Woodson Center for Excellence, and ATEMS High School students will receive scholarships. Scholarships awarded will be AEF, AHS & CHS Alumni, Royce Curtis Excellence in Education, Citizens Bank of Abilene, Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation, Johnny Ortega, Jr. Memorial, TSTC- Woodson Center for Excellence, AHS Employee Fund, Cougar Nation Scholarship (funded by employees at CHS), John McCabe Me-
morial, Rising Phoenix, and Young Masters Juried Art Exhibition. New this year are: Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation CTE Scholarships, Mike “D-Ring” Degering Memorial, AHS Class of 1969 Scholarship, and Donor-Directed (funded by Mary Lloyd and Peggy Beckham). If the AEF scholarship recipient decides to attend a local college or university, he or she also has the opportunity to double their scholarship award. Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, and Cisco College have all generously committed to match the AEF scholarship amount, within certain guidelines, in the student’s financial aid package with the university or college funded financial aid. The AEF is very appreciative of their enthusiastic collaboration. The AEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization whose mission is to promote and enhance excellence in education for the students of the Abilene Independent School District (AISD) through enrichment of its programs. We are honored to support our schools, help raise funds, and mobilize public support for AISD.
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
MAKING
A+ DIFFERENCE MEET
VANESSA B. CAMPO DEPARTMENT/CAMPUS: Mann Middle School TITLE: AVID Elective Teacher YEARS WITH AISD: 5 years; teaching for 20 years WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? Home town: Fort Stockton, Texas. Graduated from Sul Ross State University in Alpine in December 1998.
The Grace Museum is celebrating teachers (and all public/private school employees) with a FREE special relaxed night just for you on our rooftop! *Bring your school ID for admission to the event.
TELLS US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: My husband, Sam, is my college sweetheart. We met on the Sul Ross tennis courts where we both played for the team. We will be married for 20 years this July. We have 2 children: Joseph, 14, a freshman at AHS and Arabella a seventh grader at Mann. We moved to Abilene in the summer of 2014 from Midland. We have three dogs and enjoy outdoor activities and boating.
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TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: I like minions. I think they have a lot in common with students. They are cute, sassy, and they definitely can bring a smile to your face at any time. I have a section in my classroom where I keep my collection. I like to listen to audio books and have over 100 books that I listen to regularly. I think it is the best way to multitask.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? My favorite part of my job is working with the students. I feel like I have given students the opportunity to believe in themselves and to think of the opportunities that are available to them in the world. Some students just need a little help thinking outside the box. We always tell students that they can be doctors, lawyers, astronauts and so on but what about
the other careers and jobs that are out there. I feel that as the AVID teacher, I can give them other avenues to look at and think about the success they could have. WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HER: “Mrs. Campo has a great heart for students. She identified a need at Mann: we have students at Mann who were capable of academic rigor but lacked stills to navigate a rigorous academic school schedule. Mrs. Campo has 160 7th and 8th grade AVID students who work with her to improve their school experience in academics. They work in class with her to learn the skills needed for success in college while enrolled in at least one Pre-AP course, and they have rocked it! Grades are higher, student attendance is improved and her students are the ones leading the group work with peers in their classes. We’re so proud of Mrs. Campo and our AVID students!” – Kathy Walker, principal, Mann Middle School
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Three Principals Named For Elementary Schools
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By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, Abilene Independent School District
Three educators have been named to fill principal posts in Abilene ISD elementary schools for the 2019-20 school year.
“I know that her veteran leadership will be a tremendous asset at Taylor. Keri is just the right person to lead the campus through the completion of the design, construction and transition processes for the new campus.”
• Keri Thornburg, currently principal at Bassetti Elementary, will move across town to become principal at Taylor Elementary. She replaces Lavon Burton, who is retiring. • Cecelia Zertuche, who previously served as an instructional coordinator and counselor at Bassetti, will succeed Thornburg. Zertuche is currently the assistant principal at Jackson Elementary. • Dawn Ripple, assistant principal at Ward Elementary, has been promoted to become principal. She succeeds Alison Sims, who earlier this month was named executive director of elementary education.
Keri Thornburg
Burton retires after 36 years in education, including the last four as principal of Taylor, where she attended school as a child and later was a Taylor parent for 10 years. She began as a math teacher at Abilene High School in 1981 and then was an instructor and director of the academic advance program at Abilene Christian University for 17 years. She returned to AISD in 2004 as an instructional administrator at Reagan Elementary, Cooper High School and Clack Middle School before arriving at Taylor in 2015.
Zertuche was a part of the Bassetti team for seven years prior to becoming an assistant principal at Dyess, Reagan Cecelia Zertuche and, most recently, Jackson. She began Thornburg has been principal at her career in 1994 as a teacher in Waco Bassetti for eight years and will and also taught at Eula Elementary and arrive at Taylor in time to overTaylor Elementary before becoming a see the transition to a newly concounselor and administrator. structed campus set to open in Ripple’s educational experience inAugust 2020. She has been with cludes more than 16 years of classthe district since 1995 as a teacher, room teaching and as a special educainstructional coordinator and printion provider in four different states. cipal. She has been part of the Ward family as a parent, volunteer, substitute teach“Mrs. Thornburg has done a woner, special education teacher, instrucDawn Ripple derful job as the principal at Bastional coordinator and assistant prinsetti Elementary for the last eight cipal. She also taught kindergarten at years,” said Dr. David Young, superintendent. Bassetti Elementary for a year and a half.
Congrats to the 2019 MISD Teachers of the Year! MHS: April Duncan-Munden; MES: Sandra Nichols MMS: Cindy Simpson. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the students of Merkel ISD!
Congrats to our 2019 MISD Retirees! We sincerely thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the students of Merkel ISD.
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Chicago White Sox Nab Abilene Cooper Grad Freeman in MLB Draft
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Joey D. Richards | Abilene Reporter-News
The Chicago White Sox took Cooper grad Caleb Freeman in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft Wednesday. Freeman, a right-handed relief pitcher at Texas Tech, was the 440th player taken in the draft overall. “It’s cool. It’s exciting,” Freeman said. “I’ve never done it before. It’s a neat experience.” Freeman, a 2016 Cooper grad, wasn’t surprised about being drafted. “I had a good idea I was going to go,” he said. “I’m pretty much more excited than anything. I had a good year. But, you know, I didn’t get to do a lot. But I had a good idea I was going to go. But if I didn’t, I wasn’t going to be surprised either.”
“That’s what they said,” Freeman said. “They like the way I can spin a baseball, and they said I have stuff they can’t teach. So, that’s what they like about me. I have big league tools.” Freeman said he doesn’t expect to return to Tech for his senior year, so he’ll likely end up in the White Sox farm system once the Red Raiders’ season is over. “I’m pretty set on going (pro),” Freeman said. “I don’t feel like coming back (to Tech) would be in my best interest. They’re bringing in like 15 new pitchers, and I didn’t get many innings this year. I’ll be a senior (next year), and I wouldn’t get as much money. I’m happy with going this year.”
“We’ve got Oklahoma State this weekend, and that’s a fun matchup for a Super Regional,” Freeman said. “That’s pretty neat. I’m 100 percent focused on what we have going on at Tech right now.” Tech advanced to the College World Series last year, going 1-2. Freeman (2-0) has a 6.89 earned-run average in 15⅔ innings for the Red Raiders this season. He has given up 14 runs (12 earned) on 26 hits. He has struck out 13 and walked 13.
McMURRY
Cougars’ ‘average righty’
Big weekend ahead
Freeman is a junior with the Red Raiders (42-17), who begins a best-of-three series against Oklahoma State on Friday in the NCAA Super Regionals in Lubbock. The winner advances to the College World Series.
DISCOVER
Freeman was 5-3 with a 3.08 ERA his senior year at Cooper. He struck out 69 in 45⅓ innings. Back then, he never dreamed about getting drafted. Photo: Colin E. Braley, AP
“I was just your average righty,” Freeman said. “Honestly, I never thought about getting drafted until my sophomore year of college when I had balls that jumped with velocity and my breaking ball was good. “I got to pitch in front of scouts and stuff. I never had any pro scouts watch me in high school. It was pretty neat getting to pitch in front of those guys. When I did that, I knew had a pretty good chance to go.” Cooper coach Cody Salyers wasn’t surprised to see his former player get drafted either.
White Sox take aim on hurlers
The White Sox took 17 pitchers in the first 31 rounds, including Cypress Ranch senior Matthew Thompson in the second round (45th pick overall) on Monday.
“It wasn’t much of a surprise,” Salyers said. “He had the tools they were looking for. It was just a matter of where he went in the draft and what team.” Still, Salyers said it’s pretty cool to have a former Cougar get drafted.
Chicago has been taking hard-throwing pitchers, and Freeman fits that bill. The 6-foot-1 Freeman throws his fastball in the upper 90s, and they likely see him as a someone they can develop as reliever.
“It’s one of those things that’s a long time coming,” Salyers said. “He hasn’t had quite the season he was hoping for over at Tech. But he’s getting a chance at pro ball, and that’s not an opportunity many people get.”
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Mockingbird Branch to Partner with AISD’s Summer Feeding Program By Anne Ellis | Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch Manager This summer, the Abilene Public Library’s Mockingbird Branch will be partnering with two great organizations to provide free, healthy meals to children ages 18 and younger. Hot food will be served in the library’s activity room completely free of charge from 11:30AM to 12:30PM every day, Monday through Friday, with no registration being required. The specific dates for the program is as follows: JUNE 3 - JULY 26: Food Service Provided by AISD’s Student Nutrition Department for ages 18 and younger from 11:30AM to 12:30PM. Please Note: Food Service will not be provided on July 4th or 5th in observance of Independence Day. Additionally, the library is but one of 17 meal locations participating in this program this summer. If looking for breakfast options too, please visit www.abileneisd.org/ departments/student-nutrition/summer-mealsprogram/. JULY 29 - AUGUST 16: Food Service Provided by the Abilene Hunger Coalition for ages 17 and younger from 11:30AM to 12:15PM. Kids typically get most of their vitamins and nutrients for the day during lunch. Yet for
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
most of us in our on-the-go society, it’s an easy meal to miss. That’s what makes this program so wonderful - we’ll feed your kids for you, for free. Regardless of which school district you live in, whether or not your child is homeschooled, this program is open to all minors in our community. That’s not all, Mockingbird Branch will also host storytimes on Monday, Tuesday, and Fridays at 10:45AM immediately before lunch. We’re also hosting a variety of tween/teen programs at 2PM immediately following lunch. Just check our Events Calendar online for details. Starting June 3rd you won’t have to think about “what’s for lunch” this summer - just stop by our branch and get in line to find out. For more information regarding the Summer Meals Program, feel free to contact the Abilene ISD Student Nutrition Department at 325-6771444 ext. 7542. For general questions, you may also see about contacting library staff at 325-437-7323. Visit www.abileneisd.org/ departments/student-nutrition/summer-mealsprogram/ for more information.
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TSTC Instructors Raise Awareness of Educational Opportunities for Children in Foster Care By Sarah Trocolli | Communication Specialist, TSTC
Young adults who have been in foster care in the his three children through foster care and is curstate of Texas can go to college for free. rently fostering. Two Texas State Technical College instructors of Industrial Maintenance, Daniel Diaz and Demetri Jones, are making it their mission to let foster youth know about this opportunity. The two instructors and their wives are foster parents themselves.
“We found out about (the waiver) for our kids, and we want others to know,” Jones said. “My kids were raised around a technical college and have seen the success that I had because of it, and I want that for others.”
Diaz and Jones are raising awareness of the State College Tuition Waiver available to foster youth currently or formerly under the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and for those adopted from DFPS.
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The State College Tuition Waiver exempts or waives payment of tuition and fees at state-supported colleges and universities. In Texas there are more than 30,000 children in foster care, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Many of these children are eligible for a tuitionfree college education.
From left to right, Daniel Diaz and Demetri Jones are instructors at TSTC in Abilene Industrial Maintenance Technology program. The instructors are raising awareness of education opportunities for young adults formerly in foster care.
Diaz and Jones are both TSTC Industrial Maintenance alumni.
“It’s important to share this information because we see a lot of kids who age out of foster care that “These (foster) kids all come from different didn’t get the buildup that they should have to backgrounds, and some have been through some know they can go to college. (The waiver) is an bad things, but they deserve the opportunity to option, a free option, for them,” succeed,” Jones Diaz said. said. Diaz was adopted by his grandparents as a child. Now he and his wife, along with their four children, have opened their home to foster children.
Sign up today at www.abilenetx.gov/signup!
For potential students to take advantage of the tuition-free education, they must be enrolled in a “We felt called to serve through state-supported fostering, and when we learned of this opportu- college or university before their 25th birthday. nity for these kids, we had to share it,” Diaz said. “We want these kids to know that a technical col- Foster youth and foster parents are urged to call lege is a perfect avenue if the traditional college 512-438-5442 to learn more about the State Colroute isn’t what they want.” lege Tuition Waiver and eligibility requirements. Or, for more information on TSTC programs, go As he and his wife entered the foster care pro- online at tstc.edu. cess, Diaz began teaching at TSTC and met fellow instructor Jones, who has adopted two of
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REGISTRATION RALLY FALL 2019
Save Your Seat To find a date and campus near you, visit tstc.edu/rally.
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28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HSU Physician Assistant Program Travels to Dominican Republic
-Pick us up at Central Finance, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | EDUCATION | 29
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By Dr. Kristina Campos-Davis | Director of Communications, Hardin-Simmons University
A team comprised of 20 physician assistant students, 9 non-medical staff, and 10 medical professionals have recently returned from a mission trip in the Dominican Republic. HSU began preparing for the studentlead mission trip as early as Fall 2018, with meetings held each month to communicate the Dominican Republic community would need. Each student utilized their specific talents by organizing bake sales, researching the medical needs of the community, and collaborating with other team members to collect donations, medications, hygiene, and educational supplies.
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will remember for a lifetime. In the span of 4 days, nearly 600 patients and families were treated. Serving in the Dominican Republic was a chance for the students to gain some cultural perspective, as well
The team was able to bring 40 suitcases, each weighing 49lbs, of medical and hygiene donations. The group collaborated with Global Samaritan, who aided in collecting various donations, fundraising, and receiving more than 18 cases of glasses from family members, the Lion’s Club, and Berkley Eye Center. The Hardin-Simmons’ Physician Assistant team aimed to work alongside the Good Samaritan Hospital of the Dominican Republic, providing quality health care services and education to the underserved population of La Ramona. Each day began with students packing up what would be an entire pharmacy, deworming station, hygiene station, 6 physician rooms, one women’s exam room, education materials, and a triage station. Also included was a glasses station with glasses available for people to take home the same day, along with a dentist’s station, where several teeth had to be removed to prevent further health damage.
as receive hands-on physician experience. Students were working alongside trained professionals during this mission but were able to diagnose patients one after another in an environment out of their element. When arriving back from the trip, many students stated they felt as though they have a head start on their clinical rotations because of the abundant hands-on experience in La Ramona.
This trip was one students and patients, alike,
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30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Social Work Degree Leads To Shift in Career Path For Medina By Robin Saylor | ACU Today
Ruben “Andy” Medina (’14 M.S.S.W.) He is now in his second year of the P.A. pro-
found his social work degree to be the perfect gram at Texas Tech Health Science Center and says his degree from ACU gave him an advansegue into a career in the medical field. tage in getting accepted in a highly competiAfter completing his master’s degree at ACU, tive field. Medina spent two years as a medical social worker at a Level 3 trauma center in his home- “I noticed something as I started meeting with programs,” he says. “They were each town of El Paso. impressed with my social work background. “The work was extremely rewarding,” he says. They knew I understood the other side of the “I left the hospital each day feeling accom- patient, that care does not stop once someone leaves the hospital. plished and with a great deal of purpose.” “Social work requires compassion and empathy, and the ability to meet people where they are. You can know all the theories, concepts and dynamics you want, but if your patient does not feel like they are seen and heard then everything else falls apart,” he says. “Fortu“During my social work rotations, I was in- nately, I believe I have come full circle. I know troduced to a physician assistant and was ex- the medicine, and I know the individual.” tremely impressed with her scope of practice and autonomy as a medical provider,” he recalled. “Little by little I started researching the profession. I went back for my required prerequisites and later applied to multiple PA schools across Texas.” However, in the midst of running between floors, putting out fires (figuratively of course), and handling on-call patient cases, Medina realized he wanted to be involved with patients in a different way.
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Educational Initiative To Benefit Local Students
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Stone Owl Academy: Initiative of the Dian Graves Owen Foundation to be Led by Jay Moore By Bill Minter | Mintermedia
Longtime Abilene High School history teacher Jay Moore will leave the classroom after 28 years but he will not be leaving the field of teaching Abilene students. Moore has been tapped to give direction to an initiative sponsored by the Dian Graves Owen Foundation.
as a member of the board of directors of Stone Owl Academy. Sturgis noted, “The Dian Graves Owen Foundation seeks to serve our youth and will provide start-up funding of this educational opportunity. Students who complete the scholar’s program will not only improve their own education as they explore American concepts, Known as Stone Owl Academy, the educational but will earn a scholarship to aid them as they program will be open to area high school stu- then move on to college Stone Owl Academy or dents. Moore noted, “I am very honored to help a trade school. This unique idea will benefit stucreate and direct The Stone dents at no cost to them. Owl Academy and ScholThat’s hard to beat.” ars Program. It is a rare and terrific opportunity for our Sturgis added that Stone Abilene students. Owl Academy will begin offering the scholars The program will aim to help program in 2020 and high school students come will likely hold classes to a deeper understanding at a local university. “We of - and be inspired by - the are in the early stagideas that give structure to es,” said Sturgis, “and our nation, the foundational haven’t even finished thoughts, our free enterprise the website, but, if you system and our civic values.” would like more inforMoore added, “The program mation about Stone Owl will complement a student’s public education Academy, you may email us at stoneowlacadand, among other things, help them improve emy@gmail.com.” their thinking and their ability to give voice to those beliefs. They will discover the thoughts of Moore has helped to bring history to thousands our Founding Fathers and the exceptional de- of Abilene citizens through his popular History bate that launched this American experiment.” In Plain Sight programs. In 2013, Moore was In addition to classroom experiences, students named as a Texas VFW District Teacher of the will also be provided with opportunities to ex- Year and as a Texas Outstanding Teacher of the plore potential career fields through a shadow- Humanities by Humanities Texas. Hardin-Siming component of the program. mons University, will recognize Moore later this year bestowing an honorary doctorate on Local real estate appraiser Taylor Sturgis serves the Abilene teacher.
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FAITH&FAMILY
SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
Q&A with Tate Ellison Celebrating Fathers in the Abilene Area By HispanicLife Magazine
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DAD? I have been a dad since my oldest son was born just over 14 years ago! I could say it was ever since he was kicking me from his mother’s womb while we would be lying in bed at night! I would have chats with him about that when it occurred!
family, but provision also comes just by being present with your family and kids. This isn’t monetary provision, but provision to the heart and soul of your family. Both are important and often hard to balance at times. Two of my children attend homeschool with 20 other children. I take a break at lunch 3 days a week and do PE for them during that time. I’m there when they are testing for their belts at Tae Kwon Do. I find it most difficult not to check out mentally once I get home from work as I want to simply kick up my heels and relax. I can do that when kids are in bed! Momma’s rules. When it comes to making time, where there is a will, there is a way!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Abbye for 16 years. We have two boys and a girl. We all grew up active in our church community and currently attend Beltway Park South. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to sing every other Sunday at Kids Park. My wife works part time at Team Chip Tae Kwon Do, where my children are also students. I did mention the kicks I received while my wife was pregnant, right!? It was inevitable. WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be an entertainer. I don’t tell many people this, but I performed Stand Up comedy in my youth. I even got to know and perform with Mary Mack who has made a name for herself since making the finals in Last Comic Standing. I also did radio for 5 years before moving on to other things. I still get to entertain as I am about to kick off a podcast/vidcast called Banter For Believers and I get to entertain my kids with my incredible dad jokes. WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU ARE IN? I work at Sanders Allstate Insurance Agency on South 14th. I loved the thought of being able to provide a quality service to people. Yes, the goal is to make money to provide for your own family, but every business starts with serving your clientele. If you can’t serve well, you can’t maintain a business. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people. It’s hectic, it’s fun and also very rewarding.
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HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION EACH DAY? I do my best to follow Philippians 4:8 “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” Focusing on the things that are good and praiseworthy, can really shift your attitude from negative to positive. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE? “There are some days you are wearing your Nike’s and you just can’t do it.” I don’t know who came up with it, but it makes me laugh.
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HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO JUGGLE WORK AND A FAMILY? You really have to make a conscious choice. You can work yourself to death trying to provide for your
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER DADS? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t be afraid to tell your kids you love them. Give them hugs. Don’t cut time with them short when it feels like an inconvenience to you. They’ll be out of the house soon enough, enjoy those little moments with them. Last but not least, watch them squirm and gag when they are out picking up dog poop. There’s joy watching them learn to become responsible children!
34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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4 Tips on Living the Life You’ve Been Waiting For By Madison Bloker | boundblessings
I remember waiting as a little girl… just waiting for my body to finally grow into what it was supposed to look like. Waiting for the day it was okay for me to wear makeup. Waiting for the day I’d meet my prince charming. Waiting for the day I’d finally figure my hair out and have straight teeth.
Lately I’ve realized that I could continue to live in this season of waiting for forever... but God has been speaking something into my soul lately, and it is this:
and wonder… to be stuck in a season where you begin to ask whether or not God is even there… but here’s something else I know: faith won’t fail you.
Stop waiting. Start being. So I want to encourage you with these words in hopes that you can start living the life you want to live today… so you can start seizing each moment for what it is and loving it.
I remember waiting as a high school student… just waiting for college and all the adventures. Waiting for high school to be over so I could go out and explore. Waiting for the next best thing. Waiting for all that was to come in the next four years.
1. Be where your feet are. Start em-
Even in the midst of uncertainty, even in the midst of this doubt, this faith is what can keep you grounded. This faith is what you can build your life upon. This faith is what allows you to feel the greatest sense of love and fulfillment there is.
bracing each day and living it to the fullest. Start being happy with where you’re at. Stop looking towards all you need to do or all you have yet to accomplish. Stop looking back at all the things you didn’t do or things you wish you would’ve accomplished. Start living in this moment now.
I remember waiting as a freshman in col- Start being content with today. lege… waiting for the man of my dreams. Waiting for me to figure out what I wanted Be all in with where your feet are in this moto do with my life. Waiting for all the accom- ment. plishments and achievements to come. Waiting for the right people to come into my life. 2. Start thinking outwardly. Our lives become worse when we are only foNow here I am… a cused on ourselves. When we don’t look to few months away from those around us and instead only focus on us, graduating college. I’ve we become so fixated on our own life, on our done about everything own mistakes made yesterday, on all we have I’ve waited for. I’m en- yet to do tomorrow, and we forget to live in gaged to the man of my the moment with others. We forget to stand dreams, I’ve accom- beside them and just be. plished many things, I’ve sort of figured my I promise that if you would just start thinking hair out… yet I still more about what you can do for the people find myself waiting. around you today, it’ll become a lot easier to Waiting for the wed- embrace the moment for what it is… to fully ding. Waiting for my live in the love you’re giving. own house. Waiting for more achievements. Waiting for the next best 3. Have faith. I know what it’s like to thing. have doubt. I know what it’s like to question
Trust it. Dive in. Ask God to work within you.
4. Have fun.
I was super stressed out about school and all my involvements the other day. I was stressing about my business and all the things that I needed to do. I was complaining to my mom one day when she said this, “Stop viewing these things as tasks you have to do. Start having fun.” I’ve been telling myself this over and over this past week, and maybe you need to do the same. Life is as fun as we make it. So enjoy the process. Work to get better. Don’t view failure as a roadblock keeping you from fulfilling your destiny. View it as a stepping stone that’s getting you there. I’m not telling you to not be excited about things, but I am telling you this: be where your feet are. You are on the path to live an abundant, lovely life. Enjoy where your feet are on the path, and start living the life you’ve been waiting for today. Because, my friend, you are exactly where you’re supposed to be.
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36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
I Got You
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
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I am on your team. When God gives me a devotional, verse or life situation, I’m thinking about how to share it with you, to encourage you not only as a step mom, but as a woman. This happened again for me this morning and I want to share it with you now. Colossians 1:4-14 is my prayer for you – in my paraphrased version. “I have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And I pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” You may feel like you are on this journey alone. But let me tell you that you are not. If you are reading these words/hearing my voice, you are being prayed for. I’m with you. I want you to take the time to read Colossians 1:4-14 again for yourself. God will fill you with exactly what you need to live a life worthy of Him, and actually please Him. As you grow in Christ, you will bear fruit which is the proof of your diligence and willingness to walk with Him. He will supply your strength, grant you endurance and even help you with your patience. You have inherited eternal life. You have been bought at a price and your sins have been forgiven.
What does that mean? It means you are beautiful and priceless and worth everything Christ went through to gather you in His arms and be His child in His kingdom. Being a woman in today’s society is challenging. I struggle daily with self-image and selfworth. Then you add in the bitter pill of jealousy and comparison to other women. Now, top all that off with trying to figure out your relationship with your husband and how to deal with all the kids, and then the dynamics of ex-wives and ex-husbands. It all seems like too much work and is probably impossible. Stop here! This is where the devil wants to push you down. But I’m not letting you go there. God is here and with you right now. He gave you life, and will certainly guide you on how to live it. It doesn’t depend on you, but rather your dependence on Him! Blessings in your Blending! _____________________________________ Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook. com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com).
Pick us up at Alliance For Women & Children, Mary’s Paleteria & H.E.B. | FAITH & FAMILY | 37
Killing Time:
How You Are Hurting Your Church By Chris DeLuna | Pastor at Church of Grace Robstown, TX
DISCLAIMER: Technology is a blessing from God. I could go on and on about how technology has been spiritually beneficial to me, but that would have to be a separate post. This post is about God’s gifts and their stewardship.
Our use of time falls under the Christian teaching of stewardship. According to the Bible, a steward is someone who manages something that has been entrusted to their care. It is the role of the steward to not only care for what has been entrusted but to invest it that he may return it “with interest” (Matt 25:27). Perhaps you’ve heard it said that we are living on borrowed time. That is sort of the idea. Therefore, the Bible tells us to “mak[e] the best use of the time” (Col 4:5). Our use of time ought to be spent to the end that it glorifies God, even in the most basic, but necessary of tasks; “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31). Our earthly lives aren’t forever; “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). It is my opinion that time as a matter of stewardship is among the most neglected areas of teaching in the church. It is a matter of little conviction among many Christians. We are just not accustomed to thinking how our use of time is actually an ethical issue before God. I was particularly thinking about how our poor use of time affects the health of the local church. Concerning the health and proper function of the local church, the Bible says that “the whole body [i.e. the church is], joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part [church member] is working properly” (Eph. 4:16). The whole church can only be healthy and function properly when the individual members do their parts. This should not be a foreign concept. The principle is true in many other areas of life. Consider sports. When an individual player or players fail to exercise self-discipline and stay healthy, the whole team suffers as a result; “If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Cor 12:26) So how do we hurt our churches? The answer should be obvious. When we fail to personally grow spiritually through the personal disciplines such as reading God’s word, praying and “walk[ing] with the wise [in order to] becomes wise,” (Prov 13:20) we remain “unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child” (Hebrews 5:13). The consequence of being “unskilled” is that we cannot contribute to the whole as a mature and able adult since we are mere children, “infants in Christ” (1 Cor 3:1). The Bible tells us that we must “no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:14). Children are theologically unstable because they are not “rooted and grounded” (v. 17). Consequently, they are seldom in a position to be a rock to anyone, they are of little spiritual help. In place of giving ourselves to the things of God, we are instead wasting an exorbitant amount of time on things such as Netflix and it is hurting ourselves and others. Some call it “binging,” but it is just plain and oldfashioned lack of self-control, “indulgence of the flesh” (Col. 2:23). Of course, I have used Netflix as just one example out of so many other things that we can abuse and thus waste so much time on, but the result is the same, spiritual atrophy. We should be ashamed.
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38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Fault Finders By Greg Laurie | Harvest Ministries
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” —Matthew 7:3 Someone has defined gossip as news you have to hurry to tell someone before you find out that it isn’t true. As Nehemiah worked to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Sanballat challenged his personal motives. He sent a letter saying, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king” (Nehemiah 6:6 NKJV). Nehemiah was being accused of the very thing that Sanballat and Nehemiah’s other enemies were guilty of themselves. Nehemiah wasn’t trying to be the king; he was serving the king. Nehemiah had been underwritten in this project by the king. He was a close friend and confidant of the king, and the king had even sent a bodyguard to protect them. But Nehemiah’s enemies were saying, “No, you want to be the king. This is all about you. You’re on some kind of an ego trip.” They were, in effect, projecting their sins on Nehemiah. This is what Jesus was talking about in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3 NKJV). You cannot judge the motives of another person. You can judge their actions and even make evaluations about their actions, but you cannot judge the human heart. That is exactly what Jesus meant when He said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1 NKJV). Another way to translate this would be, “Condemn not, lest you be condemned.” Stop judging the motives of others and take a long look at yourself. Take care of your character, your personal integrity, and God will take care of your reputation.
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Our Classic 10 Ways to Be an All Pro Dad
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | FAITH & FAMILY | 39
By All Pro Dad
How do you really know if you’re an All Pro Dad? One way is spending time with your kids. How you spend your time is a reflection of what’s important to you. If you value your kids, you’ll want to be with them. You don’t need to wait for the perfect time. It doesn’t have to be when you can take a vacation or an afternoon off from work. Instead, grab those small pockets of time as they present themselves throughout the day. Call your kids on your cell phone between appointments just to say, “Hi.” Send them an e-mail from work. Read to them at bedtime. Carve out a few minutes to help them with their homework. Go to breakfast and drop them off at school. Grab every moment you can get with your children. Here are the 10 ways to be an All Pro Dad.
1. Love Your Wife - True love is not a feeling. It
is a decision. It’s an act of the will to be patient, kind, humble, hopeful, giving, faithful and trusting. When you commit to loving your wife this way, your feelings for her, and hers for you, will follow. Actively loving your wife will radically strengthen your marriage and will also be incredibly beneficial to your children. The number one source of security for kids is to know that their dad loves their mother and is steadfastly committed to her well-being.
2. Spend Time With Your Kids - How you
spend your time is a reflection of what’s important to you. If you value your kids, you’ll want to be with them. You don’t need to wait for the perfect time. It doesn’t have to be when you can take a vacation or an afternoon off from work. Instead, grab those small pockets of time as they present themselves throughout the day. Call your kids on your cell phone between appointments just to say “hi.” Send them an e-mail from work. Read to them at bedtime. Carve out a few minutes to help them with their homework. Go to breakfast and drop them off at school. Grab every moment you can get with your children.
3. Be a Role Model - It’s impossible to underes-
timate the importance of a father modeling the type of behavior he desires to see in his children. Role models don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk of an honorable man. A great place to start is consistency. Do you keep your word? Do you stand up for what is right even when it costs you? Are you trustworthy? Are you loyal in your relationships? Be what you want your children to be!
4. Understand and Enjoy Your Children Like you, every child has unique DNA, unique fingerprints, and a unique personality. In order to be the best father you can be, you’ll need to understand your children as individuals. How do your kids think? What do they like or dislike? You’ll also want to
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know what each of your children need from you the most. One may need encouragement. Another responds better with affection. This crucial understanding can only come if you’re committed to really getting to know them. Remember, too, how fast your kids grow up, and just enjoy being with them. Don’t get tempted to wish for the next stage of their development. Have fun with them now, and make memories that last a lifetime.
5. Show Affection - Children long for a secure place in this fast-paced world. They find it most often in the warm embrace of a parent. As children grow, so does their need for acceptance and a sense of belonging. Such a need is met when a father offers a hug, or a kind word, and expresses his appreciation and love for his children. But showing affection doesn’t stop there. Make sure to say, “I love you” everyday.
6. Secure Your Family’s Financial Future
Financial stress is one of the leading factors that tears families apart. In order to put your family in a position of strength, you have to shore up your finances. First, hate debt. Do everything you can to get out of it as quickly as possible. Then, make sure you establish a budget that not only trims expenses, but also allows you to save and share with those in need. Have proper insurance. Finally, make sure you live and teach these frugal principles to your children as well.
7. Eat Together As a Family - Most children
today don’t know the meaning of a family dinnertime. Yet the communication and unity built during this time is integral to a healthy family life. Sharing a meal together—breakfast, lunch or dinner—provides structure to an often hectic schedule. It also gives kids the opportunity to talk about their lives. This is a time for fathers to listen as well as give advice and encouragement. Most importantly, however, it is a time to be together on a daily basis.
8. Discipline with a Gentle Spirit - True dis-
cipline is a function of a father’s love for his children, which is why it should never be hard-nosed or harsh. Discipline’s role is not to intimidate or tear down, but to mold and to correct. Correcting your kids should be done in private, and you and your wife should be unified in how you discipline. Strive to be consistent.
9. Pray and Worship Together - Families
that have a healthy prayer life and take worshipping God seriously help their children to understand that
there is an ultimate authority in their lives—an authority who provides moral absolutes for them to live by. Every child needs to know that there is right and wrong, good and evil. Living under the authority of God will give them that knowledge.
10. Realize You’re a Father Forever - Someday every father
must let go of the youthful activities that bond him with his children. As he allows his children their freedom to direct their own lives, a good father realizes that he doesn’t abandon them at a dorm room, a wedding altar, or the door of their first job. He continues to encourage, coach and convey his wisdom to his children forever.
40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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6/3/19 2:15 PM
HEALTH&FITNESS
Providing An Extra Boost By Loretta Fulton | SpiritOfAbilene.com
Julie Pompa knew how fortunate she
Each day, a situational report is prepared based on the previous day’s numbers and given to community leaders. As of Saturday, June 1, 21 families had received $27,412 in cash assistance, said Mary Cooksey, program director for the United Way’s 211 A Call for Help division.
was.
Her house is on the outer edge of the main path of a tornado that swept through the west side of Abilene on May 18. She got some roof damage and is living with her mother for the time being, along with her children. It could have been much worse, and was for a number of Abilenians. Still, roof damage and being displaced, even with a place to go, is not fun and the expenses mount up. “I just needed that extra boost,” Pompa said, as she waited to get the food that had been packed for her by volunteers who turned out Saturday, June 1, to offer continuing aid in the aftermath of the tornado. Julie and her daugther Jocelyn, one and a half, were among the small number of people who stopped by the tornado recovery and relief center Saturday in the gym of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive.
In the top left photo, Julie Pompa and her daughter, Jocelyn, wait to get the food provided to them by volunteers and professionals staffing the tornado resource and recovery center set up in the gym at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive. Stacks of bottled water, emergency hygiene packs, gloves and other items needed for cleaning up after a natural disaster are available at center. Photos by Loretta Fulton
Shortly after the tornado did its damage early Saturday morning, May 18, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church stepped up, offering its parking lot as a staging area for first responders and volunteers. Within a couple of days, the process had been moved into the gym. Professionals and volunteers with a number of organizations, such as BCFS, the Salvation Army, United Way, and others are showing up 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day to assist. They are tasked with assisting people who don’t have insurance and need access to resources. “We have all different levels of expertise,” said Steve Hannemann, one of 10 BCFS personnel in town to help. Two of the 10 workers are full-time professionals and eight are reserve case managers. “When we have a need, they call them in,” Hannemann said of the reservists. BCFS got involved at the resquest of the
city and local organizations. While in Abilene, BCFS personnel are charged with three areas of assistance:
For Cooksey and many others, both professionals and volunteers, it has been nonstop activity since the early morning of May 18. She got a call at 7:30 that morning, requesting her presence at the city’s emergency management operations in the basement of City Hall. At 10, she was in the parking lot across the street from Pioneer Drive Baptist Church with a trunk load of water and Gatorade. “That’s where we were staging,” Cooksey said.
From there, Cooksey and others set up temporarily in the parking lot of the Abilene/Taylor Coun1) Organize assessty Law Enforcement ments teams Center before moving 2) Do case manageinto the PDBC gym. ment and write indiOne of the services Cooksey’s team providual recovery plans 3) Serve as an incident management team, co- vided immediately was giving additional ordinating recovery efforts and documentation vouchers and grocery store gift cards to first responsders to hand out as needed. “We’re finding out what the needs are,” Hannemann said, “and then sending them to Almost from the beginning, the Community Foundation of Abilene and the the local folks.” United Way joined forces for a smooth BCFS Health and Human Services division has operation, with the CFA in charge of an office in Abilene and also staffs a home for overseeing donations and the United youths in transition. BCFS added an emergen- Way organizing the distribution of funds. cy management division in 2005, Hannemann “It’s been really impressive,” Cooksey said. said.
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42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 43
June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month
Migraines: Simple Steps To Head Off the Pain By Mayo Clinic
• Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. Ice packs have a numbing effect, which may dull the sensation of pain. Hot packs and heating pads can relax tense muscles. Warm showers Medication is a proven way to treat — and pre- or baths may have a similar effect. vent — migraines. But medication is only part of the story. It’s also important to take good care • Drink a caffeinated beverage. In small of yourself and understand how to cope with amounts, caffeine alone can relieve migraine pain in the early stages or enhance the painmigraine pain when it strikes. reducing effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol, The same lifestyle choices that promote good others) and aspirin. health can also reduce the frequency and severBe careful, however. Drinking too much cafity of your migraines. feine too often can lead to withdrawal headIn fact, knowing how to manage migraine pain aches later on. with lifestyle and behavioral measures, as well as medication, can often be the most effective Sleep well. Migraines may keep you from falling asleep or wake you up at night. Likeway to handle migraines. wise, migraines are often triggered by a poor Find a calm environment. At the first night’s sleep. sign of a migraine, retreat from your usual acHere are some tips to encourage sound sleep. tivities if possible. Migraines cause pain as real as the pain of injuries — with one difference: Healthy habits and simple nonmedical remedies sometimes stop migraines before they start.
• Turn off the lights. Migraines often increase • Establish regular sleep hours. Wake up and sensitivity to light and sound. Relax in a dark, go to bed at the same time every day — even on weekends. If you nap during the day, keep it quiet room. Sleep if you can.
can interfere with sleep. • Minimize distractions. Save your bedroom for sleep and intimacy. Don’t watch television or take work materials to bed. Close your bedroom door. Use a fan to muffle distracting noises. • Don’t try to sleep. The harder you try to sleep, the more awake you’ll feel. If you can’t fall asleep, read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy. • Check your medications. Medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants — including some medications to treat migraines — may interfere with sleep. short. Naps longer than 20 to 30 minutes may Eat wisely. Your eating habits can influence your migraines. Consider the basics: interfere with nighttime sleep. • Unwind at the end of the day. Anything that • Be consistent. Eat at about the same time evhelps you relax can promote better sleep: lis- ery day. Don’t skip meals. Fasting increases ten to soothing music, soak in a warm bath or the risk of migraines. read a favorite book.But watch what you eat and drink before bedtime. Intense exercise, Continued on page 45 heavy meals, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
4 Strategies for Picky Eaters:
End the Mealtime Battles for Good By Positive Parenting Solutions
1. Let Go of the Labels
The truth is, when we label our kids’ eating habits (or any behavior, for that matter) we compound problems. For example, if you have a picky eater and you’ve made that clear with phrases like, “Oh, she doesn’t eat that,” or “He’s so picky – he’ll ONLY eat mac and cheese.” Guess what? Your child will “not eat that” and “only eat mac and cheese.” In the same way, saying “Oh, she’s just shy” will only reinforce shy behavior because children own the labels you bestow upon them. By labeling your child’s mealtime habits, you give her permission to continue the resistant mealtime behavior. This will also unintentionally rob your child of the chance to accept and enjoy new foods. On the flip side – using positive labels around eating also creates more problems than it solves. Think about it – when you label one child the “good eater” – his sibling can only assume he’s the “bad eater” setting up an environment for sibling rivalry to thrive. The bottom line is this: avoid labels, positive or negative.
2. Take Control of the Pantry
While getting kids to make healthy food choices can be tough, just remember – YOU PURCHASE THE GROCERIES. Sure, they will enjoy a cupcake at a birthday party or some candy at a movie theater every once in a while – but if a child eats the majority of their food at home (which most kids do), the parents must not forget who’s stocking the shelves.
3. Don’t Go to War at the Dinner Table If you don’t want mealtime to be a battle, then don’t make it one. What kids eat or how much they eat should not be a debate every night. As the parent, your job is to plan and execute healthy meals for your kids. When you include at least one healthy item you know your child will eat, you’ve done your job. After that? Leave it be. Seriously. Let your child take it or leave it. Your well-intended “just try a bite” or “how do you know you don’t like it if you won’t try it?” remarks open the door for an ongoing power struggle around food. If you are overly-invested in your kids making the “clean plate club,” you are giving them the power to create a problem. Serve the meal, then let the chips (figuratively speaking!) fall where they may. The more anxious you are about mealtime and who eats what, the more anxious your kids will be about it. When it comes to mealtime – just be Switzerland. Stay neutral. Don’t pick sides. If you stay out of the fight, mealtime will be more enjoyable than you ever imagine.
4. Don’t Make Food a Reward
How many times have you heard, “If you eat your vegetables, you’ll get dessert?” Food, even the sweet treats, are something to be enjoyed as a family, not to be used as a bargaining chip for good behavior or finishing your meal. When dessert is held up as the “good stuff to get to after you choke down your broccoli” – that’s what kids will crave! Furthermore, this doesn’t teach a child healthy eating habits. After all, we want our children to enjoy healthy foods, not simply choke them down only to receive something sweet at the end.
Are they eating too many Oreos? Toss them. Are they drinking more Cokes than you allow? Pour them out. Are they overindulging on all the sugary snacks and starch-rich junk food in your home? Remove them from your pantry and refrigerator. If all you have on hand In addition to offering dessert as a reward for is healthy alternatives – then healthy is what eating their vegetables, it’s important not to ofthey’ll eat. fer sweets as a reward for good behavior – being obedient in public, picking up their toys, getting If you’ve stocked your fridge and pantry with good grades, etc. As a Positive Parenting educafoods you want your kids to consume, but they tor, I strongly advise parents against using reare still leaving most of their dinner on their wards in general, but using sweets as a reward, plate – that’s a clue to close the pantry (and specifically, can send mixed messages. fridge) at least an hour or two before mealtime. Think about it this way. If children know spinach Making this shift won’t always be easy, but is a healthy food that’s good for your body and here is a great resource to end any nagging and cookies are less healthy, then why do we offer negotiating that might result in the changes the “less healthy” and “less beneficial” option as to the pantry selections. Just remember, you a reward for doing something good? In simplest can’t control what the kids put in their mouths, terms, why should they get to eat something bad but you can control what options they have to for doing something good? choose from.
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 45
Continued from page 43
• Keep a food journal. Keeping track of the foods you eat and when you experience migraines can help identify potential food triggers. • Avoid foods that trigger migraines. If you suspect that a certain food — such as aged cheese, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol — is triggering your migraines, eliminate it from your diet to see what happens.
Exercise regularly. During physical activ-
ity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. These chemicals also help alleviate anxiety and depression, which can make migraines worse. Obesity also increases the risk of chronic headaches, so maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and diet can provide additional benefits in managing migraines. If your doctor agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking, swimming and cycling are often good choices. But it’s important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger migraines.
Manage stress. Stress and migraines often go hand in hand. You can’t avoid daily stress, but you can keep it under control to help manage your migraines:
• Simplify your life. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out. • Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day — both at work and at home. Delegate what you can, and divide large projects into manageable chunks. • Take a break. If you feel overwhelmed, a few slow stretches or a quick walk may renew your energy for the task at hand. • Adjust your attitude. Stay positive. If you find yourself thinking, “This can’t be done,” switch gears. Think instead, “This will be tough. But I can make it work.” • Enjoy yourself. Find time to do something you enjoy for at least 15 minutes every day. It could be playing a game, having coffee with a friend or pursuing a hobby. Doing something you enjoy is a natural way to combat stress. • Relax. Deep breathing from your diaphragm can help you relax. Focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply for at least 10 minutes every day. It may also help to consciously relax your muscles, one group at a time. When you’re done, sit quietly for a minute or two.
Strive for balance. Living with migraines
is a daily challenge. But making healthy lifestyle choices can help. Ask your friends and loved ones for support.
46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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New Alzheimer’s Campaign Encourages Families to Discuss Cognitive Problems Sooner, Enabling Early Diagnosis
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
By Kristin Bishop | Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter
It’s a conversation no family wants to have – “When something feels different, it could be talking to a loved one about memory loss or Alzheimer’s – now is the time to talk,” will be cognitive decline. important for shifting people from being passive when they observe potential symptoms, to Close family members are typically the first taking an important step and having a converto notice memory issues or cognitive prob- sation. lems, but they are often hesitant to say something – even when they know something is “By highlighting heartfelt, relatable stories wrong. A new survey released today by the of people who have been diagnosed with AlAlzheimer’s Association reveals that nearly 9 zheimer’s, this new critical campaign will help in 10 Americans experiencing memory loss, ease the challenges associated with starting this thinking problems or other symptoms of cog- difficult conversation. We hope it will encournitive decline would want others to tell them age audiences to notice the signs early, trust and share their concerns. However, nearly their gut, and have a talk. Having this converthree out of four Americans say that talking sation early can make a big difference in the to a close family member about memory loss, lives of those who have been diagnosed and thinking problems, or other signs of cognitive their families,” said Lisa Sherman, President problems would be challenging for them. & Chief Executive Officer of the Ad Council. Video stories of caregivers, who saw the signs During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month this June, the Alzheimer’s Association aims to bridge the current communication gap, not only by encouraging families to talk about cognitive concerns sooner, but also by launching a new national campaign in partnership with the Ad Council, to help facilitate these difficult conversations before a crisis occurs. The “Our Stories” campaign is the first-ever collaboration between the two groups and features real stories of people who noticed cognitive changes in a family member and took the first, difficult step to initiate a conversation. The campaign was created probono by the community. “Discussing Alzheimer’s is challenging for families and this campaign tackles the issue directly,” said Kristin Bishop, Regional Director for the Alzheimer’s Association office in Abilene. “Initiating conversations sooner can enable early diagnosis, which offers many important benefits, including allowing more time for critical care planning, better disease management and providing diagnosed individuals a voice in their future care. The ad campaign is designed to encourage and empower people to have productive conversations before a crisis occurs.” Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. It is America’s sixth leading cause of death, affecting more than 5 million Americans and 16 million caregivers. Despite Alzheimer’s growing impact, many families struggle with discussing the issue. The campaign demonstrates the importance of family members trusting their instincts and proactively raising concerns. The message,
and started a conversation, are designed to help illustrate how other families can do the same. Additionally, the campaign’s website (alz.org/ ourstories) offers families tools and resources, including customizable conversations starters, a list of early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, benefits of early diagnosis, a downloadable discussion guide and other resources. For resources to help start the conversation about cognitive concerns, visit “Our Stories.” For tips on Approaching Memory Loss Concerns, visit alz.org. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association helps families and friends navigate challenges and considerations at each stage of the disease, through face-to-face conversations with experts in local communities, our free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) and comprehensive support and resources on alz.org.
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BUSINESS&CAREER
Q&A with Carlos Treviño Celebrating Fathers in the Abilene Area By HispanicLife Magazine
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DAD? I have been a dad since 1981 when my oldest, Carlos C. Treviño, was born. A few years later in 1985 I was blessed to be a dad to a second child, Alaina Treviño. Our family grew when my wife Vivi and her two children, Giovani Casillas and Aleyni Casillas were added in 2001. We were surprised to be blessed with our fifth child, Sarah in 2009. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. Our family is blended in that we have His, Hers and ours. They are spread out from 38 to 10 years old. Each one of them has unique personalities that brings joy and laughter when we get together. We gather on special occasions and catch up with each of them in person or on the phone when time allows. Everyone has busy schedules so getting them all together at once is not always easy. My son Carlos and his family live here in Abilene. Alaina, our second child, lives in Fort Stockton with her children. Giovani, my stepson, lives in San Angelo. Aleyni, my stepdaughter, lives in Big Spring. Our youngest Sarah lives at home and attends Wylie Intermediate.
Sponsored by
HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION EACH DAY? I enjoy what I do and it does not always seem like work. So everyday I wake up knowing I will be doing something I enjoy. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE? To remember is to understand. I know it is not the exact quote from Confucius which is actually: “I hear I forget, I see I remember, I do I understand”. That is how I remember it and apply it to myself.
I am blessed to still have my mother Yvonne Treviño. WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I never gave a career path much thought growing up. I knew I would work just not sure what that occupation would be for me. In high school I chose to join the US Army. I served 4 years of duty and then chose to come back to Fort Stockton to work. I worked odd jobs and knew I would need to acquire skills for work that would pay well. I enrolled in TSTI Sweetwater for drafting. I then worked for a surveying company in Pecos, TX as a draftsman. This is where I was introduced to land surveying. I took continuing ed classes in surveying and received surveying certifications that later helped me sit for the Registered Professional Land Surveyors state board test. At that time a 4-year degree was not required. I was licensed in 1990. Trevino Land Surveyors opened for business in
family.
sure she had time to dedicate to our child and help with our business. As a team we value family but know that our bread and butter comes from putting in the time to also take care of our clients. The balance we have created has worked well. Our youngest travels with us for some of our work when not in school. With more and more records available online allows for work to be done on my time requiring less travel to courthouses or title companies for research. Surveying has come a long way digitally and I have been a career-long student of profession. I enjoy the work and I am thankful for what it has afforded me and my
CARLOS TREVIÑO 1992. My business grew and later as I experienced life changes, I closed TLS in 2007 to join a firm here in Abilene. I was once again blessed to have my own business and TxO was started in May of 2010. WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU ARE IN? see previous HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO JUGGLE WORK AND A FAMILY? Being a business owner offers me the ability to self-schedule my work. We schedule or projects knowing our deadlines and make sure that family time is a priority. Vivi left her regular job in 2013 to in-
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER DADS? Do the best you can do.
48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
How Many Hours a Week Should You Work?
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Here’s What the Research Says By Felicia Sullivan | The Hartford - Small Biz Ahead
I used to think that being a successful small business owner meant that I had to hustle 24 hours of the day, literally. I woke to hustle. I fell asleep to hustle. I dreamed about to-do lists and hatched plans in the shower. That is, until the day I woke up and realized that I couldn’t have been more wrong. Building a profitable business requires you to work smarter, not harder. While you need hustle to start your business, you need a strategy to grow it. Let me explain. The cult of overwork is real. The average person touches their phone over 2,000 times a day, according to a Dscout study, and the U.S. is one of the most overworked countries in the developed world. You have to wonder — is all this hustle making the grade? Are we building more profitable businesses by working more? The short answer is no. Americans are proud of being busy, but that pride comes at a price. Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center and five other universities tracked 8,000 employees over the age of 45. Employees who chained themselves to their desks for 13+ hours a day were twice as likely to die prematurely than those who spent a mere 11.5 hours sedentary. Bottom line: Sitting at your desk for long stretches of time should come with a health warning. When it comes to our businesses, the science is conclusive: Our brains are not wired to multitask, and decision-making quality drops when we’re tired. To add more insult to injury, research shows that when you clock in more than 50-55 hours a week, cognitive performance (that is, the ability to reason and think critically and creatively) and the quality of your work suffers. Let’s get practical. Do you notice that you’re “tapped out” or fresh out of ideas after a long day on the job? Do your eyes glaze over important documents that impact your small business? While working at an agency start-up and for my own small marketing business, I noticed that I operated under the law of diminishing returns — the more I slogged away in front of a computer, the more catatonic I became. And forget about the always-on mentality of technology, where we’re attached to our phones
and everyone expects that we’re accessible Determine where technology 24/7. When we’re not working on our busi- can fill the gaps. Similar to my first ness, we’re thinking about it, and it’s become recommendation, I would invite you to the norm for entrepreneurs and small business think about software tools that can make owners to clock in 60-80-hour work weeks. your life easier. Many of them are free for smaller businesses, or come with a miniSo, what happens when we keep burning the mal monthly cost. For example, I used midnight oil? tools like Timely to automatically track the hours I work, Google Drive to manage We suffer from decision paralysis. When you file-sharing and uploads, and Dubsado to manwork more, you work in circles, procrastinate, age new business leads and create automated and nothing really gets done. You’re too tired to onboarding emails for when leads turn into new make material decisions, so you end up putting clients. If you have a need, there’s probably an them off, which only hurts your business. app for it, so do some research to determine where automation or technology can remove We focus on what’s safe vs. what’s innovative. some of the drudgery from your day-to-day Everyone’s afraid of failure, but failure is a key business management. component to success. Failure gives us information that we can use to make smart changes Define when you’re at your best and in our businesses. When you spend your time shape your days accordingly. For my avoiding failure, you can make too-safe deci- small business, I’ve created workflows and prosions that impede growth. cesses that save me time on the administrative busy work and allow me to segment my day to We hurt employee morale. Whether we like it focus on being productive at blocks of hours at or not, employees look to their leaders for mod- a time—all based on my circadian rhythms. el behavior. If they see you constantly stressed, frazzled, tired, and tapped out, they will mimic For example, I know I’m most productive and your behavior until they suffer from burnout, focused first thing in the morning. As a result, and they could end up leaving your company. I’ll block off 7 a.m. to noon to work on the tasks As a small business leader, it’s your job to set that require a considerable amount of my attenthe standard for how much you work. When tion. Contracts, strategy, big decisions, you cultivate a company centered on balance, plans, and partnerships — all of this gets you may see your profits skyrocket. taken care of when my cognitive abilities are at their sharpest, because after 2 p.m. Here’s the reality: Nothing productive or profit- my brain becomes mush. able comes out of a 12-hour workday. Trust me on this one. So maybe if you slept that extra Acknowledge when you need hour (earning an incremental 5%, according to help. a University of California San Diego study) and We’re in love with saying that we can do designed your days to work smarter, then you it all, or that it would take too much time would experience real growth in your business. to explain menial tasks to someone else, but the more we’re working on the details Here are my tips to design a work week that in our business, the less we’re working will keep you balanced, sharp, sane, and profit- on the growth of our business. There will able: come a point when you’ll need to hire a resource, whether it’s a part-time or fullCreate workflows for administra- time employee. tive/repetitive tasks. When you’re a small business owner, you’re suddenly the accoun- Consider starting with a VA (virtual astant, administrative assistant, lawyer, and book- sistant), who can handle everything from your keeper. All of the departments that you took for inbox to administrative tasks, bookkeeping, sogranted at your 9 to 5 collapse into a team of cial media, or graphic design. As a small busione when you’re first starting out. Take a step ness owner, I’ve also seen the value in investing back and document all the things you do on a in a bookkeeper and a lawyer, both of whom daily or per-project/client basis, and see if there give me peace of mind. I know my contracts are ways you can automate or create templates will be airtight and protective, and I don’t have to reduce the workflow. to deal with the ever-changing tax code because I have an expert in my court, helping me man-
age the books and expenses.
Rest and have fun! You went out on your
own because you wanted to be your own boss. Being a boss is not just about getting the job done, but it’s also about knowing when you need to kick back and relax. Time away from your business not only rejuvenates your well being, but also allows for the flow of new, creative ideas. I take Mondays off to relax without the disruption of email and calls. I also take a work-free vacation — after two decades of working to the bone, I can tell you it’s possible! Everyone talks about the hustle. Everyone believes being busy is a badge of honor, but busy doesn’t add zeros to your bank account. Working smarter and strategically on your business not only will give you the time to build your company, but also will allow you to spend time with the people who matter most.
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Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
How to Cancel a Credit Card By Dave Ramsey
So . . . you’ve ditched those credit cards. Go you! And now that you’ve cut them to shreds, the temptation to use credit for that next have-to-have purchase is gone—for good. But did you know that cutting up the card doesn’t actually cancel it? You’ve got to take it a step further and close the account. Don’t worry, it’s not too hard. We’ll show you how to cancel that credit card and close your account forever.
1. Pay Off Your Card Balance • For Abilene. For the community.
Abi Homes Realty Group
Jonathan Adames | Randall Whiten Our goal is to become a household name in real estate in Abilene and the big country. We literally want to leave you with the best service experience, not just in real estate, but period, that you’ve ever had in your life. We have audacious goals and have some exciting things in the works, some of which have never been done in our small town. Every action we take will be for the betterment of our clients and our community. For the people of Abilene and the surrounding area. Follow us as we embark on our journey to change lives through real estate! ~ P.S. To also win super cool prizes and swag as we roll it out. You can follow our page on Instagram @abihomes And follow our personal FB pages here: Jonathan Adames Abi Homes Realty Group KW Randall Whiten, Abi Homes Realty Group KW #abihomes #makethemove
Hopefully you’ve already done this, but just in case, we’ll tell you again. Pay off that card balance!
We know that sometimes people have to cut up the credit card before the balance is paid, especially if they’ve finally realized what their spouse has been trying to tell them all along—that they might have a bit of a spending problem. Regardless of why or when you cut up your card, we’re proud of you! Just remember, before you can cancel your credit card account, you’ve got to get that balance to zero.
2. Call the Credit Card Company
Closing your credit card can either be a breeze or it can be a bit tricky. Either way, it’s worth your time and effort to close down the account. So get out that smartphone and call your card’s customer service. You’ll want to tell them that you and your credit card account are breaking up. (You don’t have to use those exact words, but feel free to get creative.) Here’s a word of warning, though: The customer service rep likely won’t let you off the hook easily. They’ve been trained for this very moment—to keep you on the line so they can change your mind. If that’s the case, just stay calm and repeat, “I’m calling to close my account.” And that’s all you have to say! Not even another word. Listen, they’re going to say whatever they can think of to keep you from closing your account. But don’t fall for these gimmicks: •You’ll lose all your hard-earned reward points. • Your FICO score will never be the same. • No more cashback bonuses for you. Once they realize you’re not picking
up what they’re putting down, they’ll probably try to win you over with some freebies like: • We’ll give you 5,000 airline miles. • What if we waive your annual fee? • How about no fees? Whatever you do, don’t fall for it. They’re not trying to shower you with gifts. They’re trying to keep the thousands of dollars in revenue you represent, because when they see you, they see dollar signs. So be prepared. You might have to fight (kindly, of course) to cancel your credit card account. If you don’t seem to be getting through to the person on the other end, don’t be afraid to ask for their manager. Keep letting them know you want to close your account. Hopefully, someone will catch on to the fact that you’re not to be bribed and will finally close your account.
Grand Opening for Smoothie King 3-1-19
3. Get It in Writing • Here’s the most
important part: Get it in writing! No matter what you do, you want written confirmation that you closed your account. Be as detailed as possible. Write down who you spoke with and when the conversations took place. When in doubt, remember what your English teacher said: Who, what, when, where and why. The answers to these questions will come in handy if the credit card company gives you any trouble down the road. And now that you have it in writing, you’ll want to send the credit card company a certified letter with the details of your conversation, including date, time, names and any confirmation numbers you received. Make sure to request a written statement that shows your balance is all clear and your account is completely closed.
4. Never Look Back •
Congratulations! We’re patting you on the back right now. While others are keeping old accounts open to “save” their almighty credit score, you’ve taken a huge step on the path toward debt freedom. So, what now? (We’re so glad you asked.) If you have more credit cards, it’s time to scroll back up and repeat the process. Call your friends and family and lead the way in showing them how to close their credit card accounts too. And last but not least, finish strong. Attack all your debt (using the debt snowball) until it’s completely GONE.
Grand Opening for Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen 4-18-19
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Enriching the Development Community By Steve Dieterichs | Downtown Initiative, Downtown Development Director
The very first person I met when I came to town to interview for my position with the Chamber’s Downtown Initiative was Jessica Adams, co-owner of Vagabond Pizza. Jessica had been one of more than 1,200 community members and downtown stakeholders who had been deeply engaged in vision-casting for our downtown, prior to my arrival.
a Facebook Group, where we share articles that inspire us. A small group of us visited Oklahoma City to meet with developers and downtown professionals there. We gather to visit with visiting consultants and developers. You can ask them, but I think what keeps this group coming back together is the camaraderie and the notion that they’re not dreaming up these ideas alone. Others share their vision and are actively working to build a better downtown. A sense of “we’re all in this together.”
The Downtown Initiative, in partnership with the Abilene Preservation League, has just launched a workshop series called “Best PracDuring that two-minute conversation, I was tices in Adaptive Reuse” to add value to these sold on Downtown Abilene. Things were relationships and to provide technical informahappening. Businesses were excited. Projects tion about redevelopment to a wider audience were coming.
scribe his process of “Envisioning New Uses for Old Buildings.” Sarah Jane Blankenship will come up from Austin on July 10 to tell us the “Do’s and Don’ts of Painting Historic Brick.” Finally, Abilenian Matt Robinson with Lone Star Electric will tell us about “Architectural Lighting: Big Dividends for Small Dollars” on July 31. Spearheaded by the proposed convention headquarters hotel, the downtown development pipeline has grown to over $100 million, and there’s plenty of room for more. If you’re actively working on a business idea or real estate project downtown and want to be a part of the ADOBI Group, send me an email, request to join us on Facebook or register for a workshop. There is much momentum in our downtown,
Within a couple of months of accepting the position, I began telling people, ‘I think we’re going to hit a tipping point a lot sooner than most people realize.’ What Jessica had described to me was being played out. There was a solid group of (mostly) young, ambitious dreamers who were moving their ideas forward. There was what seemed a movement afoot, driven by the private sector in partnership with local government. Among the priorities was to encourage downtown living, an important element in creating “rooftops” and critical mass to help convert our central business district to an 18hour a day experience. When I began calling on my network of multifamily housing developers to visit Abilene, I knew I couldn’t lose focus on the local development community. So, when the first guy flew in from North Carolina, I brought them together. The locals shared their vision for Downtown Abilene, and the “outsider” shared his model of layered, tax credit financing of multimillion-dollar projects.
that might not know the ADOBI Group yet.
Our first luncheon, themed ‘Building Project Equity with Historic Tax Credits’, was attended by 25 people and featured expert presenters from Austin and New Orleans. It was encourWhat impressed me was that every single per- aging to see some new faces and to learn about son I had invited (16 of them, I believe) attend- some new projects in the works downtown. ed that first gathering. We agreed to continue meeting informally, but regularly, to share vi- Future workshops will feature Abilene’s Bill sions, ideas and information. Noonan of Parkhill, Smith, Cooper, speaking on MEP Considerations in Adaptive ReBeing a fan of acronyms, I dubbed this loose- use Projects on May 29. On June 19, David knit group ADOBI…Abilene Developers, Wanzer with Pivot Partners in Oklahoma City, Owners of Business and Investors. We started Okla., will share some of his projects and de-
an area important to the Chamber because of its role as an economic barometer for our entire city. This critical first-impression of our city can make the difference whether someone or a company decides to invest here. And ultimately to the Chamber, it’s an important resource asset for attracting and retaining the workforce needed to help us secure new industry, expand our tax base and create jobs and capital investment for all of Abilene. Reach Steve Dieterichs by email at steve@ downtownabi.com, and find the Downtown Initiative on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ downtownabitx.com.
FREE Notary Public Services at all three locations, during regular work
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Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
TRAVIS RUIZ Where do you work? KTAB/KRBC Telemundo Abilene What’s your job title? News Director Where are you from? Guymon, Okla. If you’re not from Abilene, how long have you lived in the area and what brought you here? I moved to Abilene two years ago to become the News Director at KTAB/ KRBC. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy living in Abilene and being a part of the community! What is your favorite thing about living in the Big Country? OMG – the people! I love the heart of the Big Country. The people are real. The people are genuine. I love being able to not only cover news stories in the Big Country, but also be a part of the community’s story! What do you do in your free time? To know the real answer to this, you should follow me on Twitter! @TravRuiz I love to travel! In the last couple of years, I’ve been all over Europe, and I can’t wait to travel more! I also enjoy spending time with my three beautiful nieces who live up the road in Wichita Falls (Sheppard Air Force Base!) What does being an Abilene Young Professional mean to you? I am very proud to be an Abilene Young Professional because it’s important to me to be a part of the community. It’s important for my generation to be a part of the conversation and being involved is one way to make sure we are! Do you serve on any boards in the community or participate in any other groups? If so, what do you enjoy about your participation? I serve on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters (Event committee chairman) and I’m the Incoming Chair for the Hispanic Business Council with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. I am also active with tons of other local organizations and events (Abilene Downtown Associa-
tion, Cattle Baron’s Style Show, Women, Bags and Bingo, Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association, West Texas Rehab, Hendrick Regional Blood Center, Hendrick Hospice Light Up a Life campaign, United Way) through my stations’ drive to be a true community partner. What’s something you’re passionate about and why? I’m passionate about making sure our community is informed wisely and responsibly. The media gets a bad reputation sometimes, but I want people to know that we aren’t all bad. We are your friends and neighbors in the community We are there with you through bad times, but also through wonderful times. I am working hard to make sure we accentuate the positive in our coverage while also being sure we stick to the facts.
Nexstar’s 23rd Founders Day of Caring, Helping a Local Veteran By BigCountryHomepage.com
The company that owns KRBC/KTAB is getting ready to celebrate its 23rd birthday and each year our station celebrates by giving back . It’s all a part of our Founders Day of Caring and this year we will be helping The Dyess We Care Team. The DWCT is a volunteer organization that is made up of active duty air force, civilians, retire military members, and their families who are interested in helping the disabled, elderly, and others in need of minor home repairs. They are three or four houses behind because of weather, so we will be helping one local veteran fix up his house. Charles Marsh lives in Abilene and loves helping others. “I’ve took in people for years,” said Marsh.
Force but got medically discharged because of his back. “I felt bad coming home when the rest of them had to stay but that was something I couldn’t control and I still can’t control,” said Marsh. After leaving the military never asking for a dime in return. “A lot of people want to know why I didn’t ever claim benefits because I didn’t feel like I was entitled to them because I didn’t really do anything to earn them,” said Marsh. He became a route salesman until he could not work anymore.
“Well I fed them twice yesterday, and they are playing in there, and they are all having fun,” said Marsh.
“I am not disabled, I am going to go to work and hardheaded me I went to work. I worked 14 years there and 11 years with my son-in-law delivering phone books around town 350 weeks out of the years and I would go to work today if I could,” said Marsh.
He is always following the call of duty by serving the city and our country in the Naval Reserve and then Air
The employees of KRBC/KTAB will be working on his house Monday June 17th.
Marsh wanting to give back no matter who it is.
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Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
5 Things to Do If Your Home Is Impacted By Severe Weather By Matt Smith | Fat Matt Roofing
Spring has officially arrived in the Big Country company soon, it’s also important to address and I couldn’t be more ready. Over the last few the problem immediately to prevent any further weeks, we’ve started to see longer days, warm- damage from occurring. er weather, and trees and plants return to life. However, Spring in the Big Country also comes with the threat of severe weather. The mix of warm days and cool nights we love this time of year can combine to form damaging storms capable of producing significant wind, large hail, and flash flooding. If you’ve lived in Abilene for any length of time, you already know exactly what I’m talking about. And chances are, you may have already seen more than your share of storm damage. A few years ago, my home was damaged in a hail storm and the process of working with my insurance company to repair my home was confusing. It left me with more questions than answers. What steps do I take? Who do I call first? How do I ensure my home is repaired correctly? Here are 5 things to do if your home or property is impacted by severe weather this Spring:
1.Practice Safety First – The most im-
portant thing is the safety of you and your family. In the event of a severe weather event, follow instructions and warnings by provided local media and get somewhere safe until the storm has passed. Go to an interior room of your room, storm shelter, or other safe location, and avoid windows and skylights.
2. Inspect for Visible Property Damage – Look around your property for damage
visible from the ground. Common damage includes damage to roofs, automobiles, fences, and air conditioning units. We recommend that you do not attempt to get on your roof. Trust us, that’s a job for professionals.
3.Prevent Further Damage – If you
have visible damage to your roof, ceiling damage, or water leaking into your home, it’s extremely important to prevent further damage to your home before the problem gets worse. While it’s important to contact your insurance
4. Contact a Licensed Roofing Company – If you believe your home was impact-
ed by severe weather, contact a licensed roofing contractor in your area. I simply cannot stress this enough. Know who is on your roof and know that they have the qualifications, training, equipment, and insurance coverage necessary to do the job safely and accurately. By choosing a licensed roofing contractor, you’re ensuring that your home will be repaired by a company with the tools, training, experience, and expertise to get the job done right.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
– Contact your insurance company to get the insurance claim process started. If you’ve already selected a contractor, ask them to meet your insurance adjuster at the property so that both parties can assess damage together and agree on a scope of work. If you’re home or property is impacted by severe weather, give us a call. We offer free inspections and we’ll work with your insurance company to make the process of getting your home repaired as simple as possible. You can reach us at (325) 704-5139 or online at fatmattdoesthat.com. _____________________________________ Matt Smith, aka “Fat Matt”, is the President of Fat Matt Roofing – one of Abilene and the Big Country’s top, local roofing contractors. If your home is impacted by severe weather, just remember “Fat Matt Does That.” We offer free inspections, free estimates, and free, honest advice. Give us a call at (325) 704-5139, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/fatmattdoesthat, or visit us on the web at fatmattdoesthat.com.
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