Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
JUNE 2017
Volume 8, 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 (325) 518-7091
sales@hispaniclifemedia.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com
About Us
We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2017 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
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It’s SUMMERTIME! For many that may mean fun in the sun & vacation time, although for others it’s just another season of life. Which ever way you and your family celebrate this season make sure to be kind and loving to others. This world that we are living in nowadays is filled with so much hate towards others. Take a moment to step back and remind yourself that you have no idea what that other person is going through, and a kind word or a small smile costs you nothing, and may be just what they need. Also, if you are a family that enjoys being out swimming, please watch your children around water; drowning is the number one threat for children in the summer. Let’s not forget about Father’s Day. We all have that one man, biological or not, that has played an important father figure in our lives. Make sure to take the time to thank them for all they have done and let them know how important they are to you and others. A little kindness goes a LONG way. Here at Hispanic Life we would like to thank our Heavenly Father first and foremost for all HIS blessings, without HIM our business would not be possible. There is a song by Chris Tomlin that explains exactly how good of a Heavenly Father we have- may you be blessed by the lyrics and remember you are never alone, you are loved and you matter. “Happy Father’s Day!” “I’ve heard 1000 stories of what they think you’re like but I’ve heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night and you tell me that you’re pleased and that I’m never alone. You’re a good good father it’s who you are, it’s who you are, and I’m loved by you, it’s who I am. I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide but, I know we are all searching for answers only you provide because you know just what we need before we say a word. You’re a good good father -It’s who you are and I’m loved by you.”
Have a great month and as always….First God, then Family and finally Friends….
David & Amy Hernández & the girls & all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Revolution Strings Releases New Album By Abilene Independent School District
Revolution Strings, AISD’s premier string ensemble, has released a new album that is now available for purchase. Proceeds for “Homegrown” will help the group raise the needed funds to go on a summer tour through Canada. The new album is available on both iTunes and Amazon Music, and there is a direct link to a download site on the group’s page, www.revolutionstrings.com.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Emily Copeland (left) and Tech. Sgt. Rashelle Gomez (right) take a photo with Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Iwo Jima at Fort Chadbourne, Texas, May 11, 2017. Williams spoke on his advocacy for Gold Star Families and pinned Vietnam veterans during his Dinner with a Hero event.
June 7: Callahan Divide June 14: Tejas Brothers June 21: Jim Sadler June 28: Josh Jenkins
The album features seven numbers recorded at 7 Pillar Studios in Cisco: “San Antonio Rose,” “Elina’s Waltz,” “Front Porch Jam,” “Short Trip Home,” “Jessie Polka,” “Big Sam Thompson” and “Faded Love.”
Patio gate opens at 5 pm on performance night.
LYTLE LAND & CATTLE 1150 E. 11th, Abilene, TX
Directors for the group are Darcy Radcliffe and Fred Grigg.
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Bringing Joy for Over 30 Years By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine
There has only been one other person at Day Nursery of Abilene who has been there longer than Tammy Stevenson. For over 30 years, Tammy has been bringing joy to the children of Day Nursery with her contagious smile and joy. “I just like to laugh and have fun,” Tammy said, “and just be happy. I love seeing all of the families and children every morning.” Tammy started at Day Nursery in the summer 1985 as a part-time employee working with the two-year-olds. About six months later, Tammy’s obvious love for children was recognized and she became a full-time employee working with the 18 – 24 month-olds.
thankful for all of them.” For as long as Tammy has been at Day Nursery, she has created an endless list of special memories. Her longevity with Day Nursery has granted her the opportunity to make even more special memories with multiple generations too. There have been numerous children of Day Nursery who have grown up and brought their own children back to Day Nursery for Tammy to love on.
“I have always loved kids,” Tammy said. “Even before working at Day Nursery, I would watch my cousins’ and family member’s children.” It takes a special heart to care for somebody else’s children all day. Tammy has the heart to do it though. Slowly Tammy’s role with Day Nursery became even more involved. After working directly with toddlers for 16 years, she was promoted to the position of center coordinator in 2014.
being able to make a difference in the lives of so many families. The mission of Day Nursery is to ensure that affordable childcare is available for children from all economic levels. In her role, she has been able to impact others and She received her Child Development Associ- make their lives better through her role in childate (CDA) credential in 2001 and then her di- care. rector’s certificate in 2014. In March of 2014, Tammy became director of the Day Nursery “I just like to make a difference,” Tammy said. “I want to see them happy.” Sherry Lane Center. “Tammy is a true gem of a person and very special to the Day Nursery,” Cynthia Pearson, president and chief executive officer of Day Nursery said. “We are so proud of her and grateful she is one of those wonderful success stories on the Day Nursery of Abilene team.”
Some of Tammy’s favorite ways to bring joy to the children of Day Nursery is to dance. When Ms. Tammy puts on the some music the children all know what’s in store.
“I love to put on music and dance with the kids,” Tammy said. “Just have fun with them The part of the job Tammy enjoys the most is and keep them happy.”
Tammy feels very fortunate to have been with Day Nursery for so many years. Especially, when she was able to bring her own children Morgan and Megan to work with her.
“I truly want to make a difference in children’s lives,” Tammy said. “I think if you can touch one child’s life and make a difference it makes it worthwhile.”
“That was a huge blessing,” Tammy said. “It One thing is for sure; Tammy has touched the really helped me out so I could also go back lives of hundreds of children over her 30 years to work.” at Day Nursery and will continue to for years to come. Along Tammy’s journey, a few special women have guided her way. Her mother and bosses Brenda Peak and Cynthia Pearson have always CALL US TO ADVERTISE been there to encourage and support Tammy. (325) 701-9505 “My mother really impacted my life especially 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 in my role as director,” Tammy said. “After, I Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com lost my mom Cynthia and Brenda were both there as mentors as I became director. I am so
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Michael Bob Starr Named Interim Director at Global Samaritan Resources By Tim Surles | Board of Trustees Chair, Global Samaritan Resources
Retired Colonel Michael Bob Starr has been named interim executive director of Global Samaritan Resources by the organization’s board of directors. Starr’s appointment is effective Monday, June 5, 2017. Tim Surles, board chair, said in a statement, “Michael Bob is a well-respected leader who fits perfectly with Global Samaritan’s mission. His unique ties to Global Samaritan, our local community and Dyess Air Force Base will undoubtedly allow us to continue our Food and Hope initiative to feed and aid the refugees in Iraq as well as continuing the efforts in our local community as we strive to help those less fortunate.” Starr recently served as chair of
the Global Samaritan Food and Hope event/telethon that raised money and decorated boxes of food to be sent to refugee camps in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq. He was also a panel member on a recent forum telecast on KTAB-TV concerning the worldwide refugee crisis. Surles said the former Dyess Air Force Base Wing commander brings a unique skill set and familiarity with Global Samaritan’s mission to the interim position. Starr said, “Global Samaritan reflects the generous, caring nature of the Big Country not only to our local community, but also around the world, and I’m honored to join this wonderful organization.” Starr replaces Danny Sims who resigned May 25. Surles said a search for a permanent director is underway.
Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
Texas governor signs textingwhile-driving ban into law By Jim Vertuno | Associated Press
Texting while driving will soon be illegal in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the ban into law Tuesday, ending a decade-long effort by safety advocates to reduce potentially deadly driver distractions on the road. Texas will become one of the last states to adopt some kind of texting while driving ban when the law takes effect Sept. 1. Texting would be punishable by a fine of up to $99 for first-time offenders and $200 for repeat offenses. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, Arizona, Missouri and Montana will be the only states without a texting while driving ban. Dozens of Texas cities already ban texting while driving. The state law covers texting only and prohibits the use of hand-held phones to “read write or send an electronic message” while driving. Other Internet use for navigation or music programs is allowed. Abbott said Tuesday that when lawmakers meet in special session in July and August, he wants them to pass a state law that will roll back any local ordinances that ban mobile device use beyond texting while driving. “We don’t need a patchwork of regulations,” across the state, Abbott said. Safety advocates have been pressing for the texting ban for years. Lawmakers passed a ban in 2011, only to see it vetoed by then-Gov. Rick Perry. The issue gained new momentum after a March church bus crash killed 13 people. Federal investigators have said the driver of a pickup truck that hit the bus said he was checking for a text when the crash happened and had taken prescription drugs. Some lawmakers have worried the ban will be difficult and confusing to enforce, and will give police new powers to pull over people who might be doing something legal if they mistake the presence of a phone or mobile device for texting.
4-H Sewing/ Fashion Day Camp Will be Held June 13
By Jane Rowan | County Extension Agent/FCS, Taylor County
Taylor County 4-H will be sponsoring a “Sewing/ Fashion Day Camp” on Tuesday, June 13. Youth interested in learning about sewing and fashion are invited to participate in this event that will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Taylor County Extension Office. Registration for the camp is due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 5 by calling the Taylor County Extension Office at (325) 672-6048. Cost for the camp is $5.00 for 4-H members and $15.00 for non-members. A list of supplies needed will be provided when you register. The workshop is open to all youth that have completed the 3rd grade and up. Participants will make “Pocket Pillows” to take home and construct a community service project that will benefit local charities. Other sewing and fashion related activities including “Flower Pounding” will also be included during the camp. For more information or to register, please contact the Taylor County Extension Office at (325) 672-6048.
Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Com-
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Soak up the fun at NRH2O with our 4 Newest Slides plus 20 more thrilling slides and attractions. Make your summer even more splashtacular with 4 ahh-some Fireworks Shows and our Dive-In Movie Nights. Father’s Day — Dad’s get in FREE with the purchase of a paid admission for a kid age 3 & up on June 18 Dive – In Movie Nights — Every Friday June 16 – August 4
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Fireworks Shows — June 17, July 15 and 29, and August 12
nrh2o.com
9001 Boulevard 26 | North Richland Hills, TX
Pick us up at Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
UNACCOMPANIED VETERANS PROGRAM
Laid to Rest with Honor and Dignity By Eric Brown | Deputy Director of the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries
In June 2013, I had the honor to be selected as the Deputy Director of the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, Texas Veterans Land Board. Within my first year, I learned of an organization known as the Missing in America Project, which locates, identifies and inters the unclaimed cremated remains of American Veterans. Soon after learning of the organization, I was informed the remains of six unclaimed Veterans were located in Texas and the organization sought the support of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery for interment. They were hoping to hold the services in October 2014. After requesting the eligibility documentation for the six Veterans, I was able to determine each one was eligible to receive a proper and dignified burial.
I had the cemetery staff contact as many supporters as possible to conduct an honorable and dignified service for the six unclaimed Veterans. These groups included the Patriot Guard Riders and other Veteran organizations along with members of the community. Master Sergeant
they came to us with no next-of-kin. As a military family, we are the next of kin. While the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery and members of the local community had begun a smaller version of this, the unaccompanied Veterans program was not fully implemented at all Texas State Veterans Cemeteries until a clear and consistent standard was established for providing honorable and dignified services to all Veterans interred within our grounds, no matter where they may have found themselves during their lives.
It has been a tremendous honor and privilege for me to lead this program and ensure that all Veterans receive a burial service deserving During my review of the DD-214 of the many sacrifices they discharge forms, the first one I made for our country. Since read caused me to pause. It was this program has officially for retired Air Force Master Serstarted, we have had the geant Thomas Donald Russell, 78 privilege to conduct services years old, with 20 years of honorfor 88 unaccompanied Vetable service. As an Air Force VetEric Brown, Deputy Director of the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, receives U.S. flag during unaccompanied Veteran service. erans at our four cemetereran with 22 years of honorable ies. Knowing these Veterans service, I realized this could be me in the same situation. I was shaken to the Russell and the five other Veterans earned the were laid to rest with dignity, honor and respect core by the thought of passing this world alone right for a dignified burial through their honor- gives me great pride in our program and our and with no recognition of my service to this able service to our nation and we intended to amazing team. country. I contacted the cemetery staff and had give them what they earned and deserved. At them explain the standard protocols for bury- that point, it was decided that we would no lon- I am also grateful to Texas Land Commissioner ing unclaimed Veterans. These services were ger simply place Veterans within our hallowed and VLB Chairman George P. Bush for his support and commitment to Veterans and those in considered “direct no witness,” meaning the grounds with no military honors conducted. uniform. His focus on their needs motivates me unclaimed Veterans remains were brought to the cemetery and interred without any formal The service they receive should be no less than to seek bigger and better ways to honor Veterservice or recognition. After discovering this, those afforded other Veterans simply because ans and their families.
May 2017
KENT BARNETT
Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.
Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Month Kent started delivering Meals on Wheels in August of 2007 with the Key City Kiwanis and still delivers that same route every Friday. Kent was raised in Abilene, is married to his lovely wife Denise, and has two children and three grandchildren. He is the Executive Director of Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting, board director for Greater Kiwanis and is involved in Trail Life USA and American Heritage Girls. He is also an Eagle Scout and has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for nearly 50 years. Wow!! And he still finds time to deliver Meals on Wheels! The reason Kent makes time in his busy schedule to volunteer with Meals on Wheels is because he enjoys the opportunity to serve others. He says it is FUN seeing those he serves. That is one of the perks of delivering meals. You get to actually interact and build a relationship with the people you are serving.
Firefighter James Louder joined the Abilene Fire Department in March of 2011. He is certified as an Intermediate Firefighter, Driver/Operator, Fire Instructor I and Paramedic. He is currently assigned to Station 2 on A shift.
Firefighter Greg Bristow joined the Abilene Fire Department in November of 1981. He is certified as an EMT-Basic and an Advanced Firefighter. He is currently assigned as the driver of engine four on A shift.
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Alliance for Women and Children Host A-Teens Summer Camp for Girls By Ashley Simpson | Alliance for Women and Children
June 5th through August 11th, the Alliance for Women and Children’s A-Teens will host their annual girls’ summer camp for incoming 6th through 9th grade girls. Enroll your middle school girl today at www.AllianceForWomenAndChildren.org.
you’re A-Teen will receive an A-Teens t-shirt. Space is limited, so don’t wait. Enroll your middle school girl today. The A-Teens program is the longest running program of the Alliance for Women and Children and has been dedicated to working with middle school girls for more than ninety years. A-Teens focuses on working with middle school girls, during one of the more difficult stages of life, to encourage confidence in who they are and give them the opportunity to grow into their own identity. For more opportunities to participate in community events, please stop by their office at 1350 North 10th Street to enroll your middle school daughter today.
This summer’s “All Access Pass to Awesomeness” will continue as the A-Teens will have opportunities to meet new people, volunteer, and discover new hobbies and skills. Many teenagers struggle with self-expression or fitting in. The ATeens summer camp gives these young ladies an opportunity to express themselves, make new friends, and find their inner awesomeness. This summer the A-Teens can learn to cook, volunteer in their community, receive CPR/ First Aid certification, swim, garden, make About Alliance for Women and Children new friends and so much more! In addition to the A-Teens Program, the AlliA-Teens camp will be held in the Alliance ance for Women & Children also provides a for Women and Children building at 1350 N. nurturing and safe environment for school10th Street Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 aged children at After School Care. For more pm. The cost for camp includes $10 one time enrollment fee and is otherwise $25 per week. information about this program, visit www.AlWhen you pay for a full summer at $250, lianceForWomenAndChildren.org.
Library TECH Time Expands in June By Tremain Jackson | Abilene Public Library
Tech Monday Instruction at your South Branch Library has been a hit since it was introduced in February. Offered every Monday for a 2-hour block, guests came in to receive help on their tech-related issues, no appointment necessary. We’re pleased to announce this series is expanding to the Main Library in June. Tech Monday Instruction will become TECH (Technology Enrichment & Collaborative Help) Time. Sessions will continue to be hosted at the South Branch Library at the Mall of Abilene, 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. on Mondays from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, but also added to Thursdays at the Main Library, same time and same tech gurus. At each session, guests will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis, where we’ll offer help in whatever tech-related issue you may be experiencing. Although we may not have all the answers, we’ve yet to meet a challenge we couldn’t help with. Past assistance has included: Learning to use a smartphone/tablet, Speeding up the performance on your laptop, Using the library’s digital services (i.e. OverDrive, Hoopla, and Flipster), Learning to use social media platforms, Navigating the Internet, General PC instruction and assistance, and more. Like always, we never charge for the programs we offer. If you’re unable to attend a session on Monday or Thursday afternoons, you may still take advantage of our Book-A-Librarian program where you can schedule a time for 1-on-1 assistance with library staff at any location.
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12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Dive Into Savings at Friends’ Book Sale, June 15-18 By Abilene Public Library
It’s time once again for the Friends of the Abilene Public Library Book Sale at the Abilene Convention Center, June 15-18. Our 28th annual sale will have more than one hundred thousand books, video and cassette tapes, DVDs, CDs, records and other unique items. Library Friends members get first crack at the goodies during a preview sale on Thursday, June 15 from 5 until 8 p.m. Memberships to the Friends starting at $15.00 will be available at the door. On Friday, June 16 the doors open to the general public at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 17, the sale begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 6 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 $1.50. Admission is free. On Sunday, the famous “Bag-o-Books” sale begins at 1 p.m. Until 4 p.m., $6.00 will get 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 Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Diner’s Club. Two featured areas of the sale are ‘Antiques and Uniques’, and the Corner Store. Antiques and Uniques will contain rare, hard-to-find and collectible books. The Corner Store features new or almost new books at a fraction of their original price. Both of these areas will include 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. For more information, call your Abilene Public Library at 676-6025, or check the Friend’s Book Sale information online at www.abilenetx.com/apl/BookSale.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Mockingbird Movies: “A Dog’s Purpose” June 12 at 6:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Library. Movie Summary: A dog looks to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes and owners.
Disney Flix & Fun: “Maleficent” June 14 at 2:30PM,
South Branch Library. Movie Summary: A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land.
Night Flix: “Truth” June 15 at 6:00PM, South Branch Library
Movie Summary: Newsroom drama detailing the 2004 CBS 60 Minutes report investigating then-President George W. Bush’s military service, and the subsequent firestorm of criticism that cost anchor Dan Rather and producer Mary Mapes their careers.
Teen Flix After Hours: “Stardust” June 16 at 5:45PM,
South Branch Library. Movie Summary: In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he’ll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.
Family Flix: “Balto” June 17 at 3:00PM, Main Library Movie Summary: A half-wolf, half-husky gets a chance to become a hero when an outbreak of diptheria threatens the children of Nome, Alaska in the winter of 1925. He leads a dog team on a 600-mile trip to get medical supplies. Based on a true story that inspired the Iditarod dog sled race. Teen Flix: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
June 20 at 4:30PM, Main Library. Movie Summary: The Rebel Alliance makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.
Disney Flix & Fun: “Aladdin” June 21 at 2:30PM, South Branch
Library. Movie Summary: When a street urchin vies for the love of a beautiful princess, he uses a genie’s magic power to make himself off as a prince in order to marry her.
Saturday Matinee: “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”
June 24 at 10:30AM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: When New York is put under siege by Oscorp, it is up to Spider-Man to save the city he swore to protect as well as his loved ones. BATurday Afternoon Movie: “Batman” June 24 at 2:30PM, Main Library. Movie Summary: The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being the clownishly homicidal Joker.
Mockingbird Movies: “Space Jam” June 24 at 2:30PM
Mockingbird Branch Library. Movie Summary: Michael Jordan agrees to help the Looney Tunes play a basketball game vs. alien slavers to determine their freedom.
Book-to-Flix: “Ella Enchanted” June 25 at 3:00PM,
South Branch Library. Movie Summary: Ella is under a spell to be constantly obedient, a fact she must hide from her new step-family in order to protect the prince of the land, her friend for whom she’s falling. Disney Flix & Fun: “Tangled” June 28 at 2:30PM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
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14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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City celebrates groundbreaking for AFD’s Station 7 By Brian Bethel | Abilene Reporter- News
Abilene Fire Chief Larry Bell, Mayor Norm Archibald, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s Red Coats and others gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the future Fire Station 7 on Pioneer Street, part of an $80.7 million bond package voters approved in 2015.
larger, just over 8,000 square feet.
Archibald affirmed the near-anniversary of citizens’ vote of confidence in the department, among the public safety projects, approved three new fire stations, a maintenance facility, and a training facility.
“What we have done is design this where it (can) accommodate equipment indefinitely, and then any future growth that will come to this part of the city,” he said, adding that all the new stations will be able to accommodate such growth.
Station 7 was built with equipment size in the 1950s in mind, Bell said. The original has two relatively small bays, to be replaced by three larger ones in the new facility.
“So today, we celebrate that we’re starting this, The department’s maintenance facility should be the second of the fire stations,” Archibald said. completed by late June or July of this year, Bell “… I’m proud to be here.” said, while Station 4 should be finished in the fall. Six weeks from now, Bell said, groundbreaking Soon, Archibald said, “we’re going to be cel- will be scheduled for Fire Station 3. ebrating grand openings.” There have been preliminary meetings with the “We’re moving forward,” he said. design firm for the department’s new training facility, Bell said. That project will likely be comEach of the three stations being built will have a pleted in 2018, possibly early 2019. new home. Fire Station No. 4, currently located on West Stamford Street, will be moved to 3802 He said community support for both the AFD Grape St. That station is first on the project list and the bond projects was strong. “I think it’s beafter being pummeled in a 2014 hailstorm. cause of the services provided by the fire department and the professionalism of our department, Fire Station No. 7 will be moved from North 10th the things that really all of our personnel have Street to 500 N. Pioneer Drive, while Fire Station stepped up to do,” he said. No. 3, on South 19th Street, will be relocated to the intersection of South 16th and Vine Street, Residents know that when they need the fire debehind the Abilene Independent School District’s partment, they will get both a high level of serJefferson Center. vice and a quick response, he said. The current Station 7 was built in 1959, so it has “So we see that reflected back in (the commuserved the residents well, Bell said. nity’s) support and appreciation,” he said. The building will likely be completed around March of next year, and the new station will serve the community “for years to come,” he said. Bell said that the new station will be significantly
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Lions Club celebrates 100 years with zoo project
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New Wetlands Viewing Deck will give bird watchers a better look By Abilene Zoo Zoo guests may notice some industrious work in the zoo’s North American Wetlands area by Albert the alligator’s home. The zoo’s talented maintenance team is building a new covered viewing deck to let bird watchers nest comfortably and take in the sights.
$13,000 needed to construct the area. The zoo’s maintenance team is handling the construction. The 625-square-foot deck will offer covered seating with a elevated view of the zoo’s colorful and chirpy North American Wetlands animal collection, as well as the native wildlife and
The new Wetlands Viewing Deck is an ambitious project graciously underwritten by the Abilene Founders Lions Club. Communityminded Lions Club members wanted a legacy project to commemorate the service organization’s 100 year anniversary in Abilene – something people could enjoy for years to come. With that in mind, the club offered to underwrite a pavilion on the zoo grounds. “In celebration of our 100th anniversary, our Centennial Project Committee had chosen just such a structure to be erected somewhere within the city to benefit the people of Abilene,” said Lion Jack Darnell, who chairs the Centennial Committee. “The club had already done one project with the zoo. When we approached the zoo about this one, we were delighted to learn that the Wetlands Deck was in their expansion plans. The membership voted unanimously in favor of funding it.”
new swan boats paddling around on Nelson Lake. Zoo Director Bill Gersonde says the project has been win-win. “The covered deck was part of our long-term plan, but we hadn’t yet secured the funding,” he said. “The Lions Club came along and the project was a perfect match.”
The committee worked with the zoo staff to nail down a design, while the club members The viewing area is a nice symbol of the one raised of the Lions Club’s longtime missions: “Sightt h e First”’ – a directive launched by the inspiring vision of Helen Keller herself, who in 1925 asked the clubs to serve as “Knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”
SightFirst grants have awarded more than $455 million to provide eye care services worldwide – providing care to needy individuals, constructing eye care facilities and training eye care professionals around the world. Indeed, Lions Club projects both locally and worldwide focus on improving people’s views. The clubs have long provided eyeglasses to Abilene school children and adults who need corrective vision, but the clubs also are committed to work that benefits the blind, including a Lions Club District Tissue and Eye Bank, a Leader Dog School for the Blind, White Cane Day, and a Texas Lions Camp for Children with Disabilities, as well as scholarships for deserving students. “We’re excited about having the opportunity to do something for the Abilene Zoo and the City of Abilene that will benefit people for years to come,” said Jeff Eckard, who has the honor of serving as president of the club during this milestone year. The new viewing deck will be dedicated to the Abilene Founders Lions Club at a grand opening event on June 9, the club’s 100th birthday.
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Zoo Wetlands on Texas Wildlife Trail The Abilene Zoo wetlands area is a recommended stop on the Texas Parks & Wildlife’s ”Great Wildlife Trails of Texas” program, highlighting the native species that can be spotted here at various times of the year, including Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Ring-billed Gull and Forster’s Tern. The area is a nesting habitat for Bullock’s Oriole, woodpeckers, flycatchers, and Black-crowned Night-Herons nest in the willow and cottonwood groves along the edge. The vegetation around the ponds are a summer home for dragonflies, such as Widow and Roseate Skimmers, Variegated Meadowhawk and Familiar Bluet.
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
Marcus Urbano Sanchez, 10, of Abilene, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017 at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Marcus was born January 18, 2007 in Abilene to Adela T. Andrade and Urbano Michael Sanchez. Marcus attended Martinez Elementary and was about to finish 3rd grade. He was a very creative little boy who loved to draw and invent things. He loved playing outside and rough housing with his little brothers and cousins, jumping on the trampoline with his little sister, playing football with his dad and exploring the parks and listening to oldies with his mom. Marcus even got so good at video games he gave his older brother and cousins some good competition. Marcus was a great kid with a beautiful smile. He will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved him. Marcus will live on in the lives of the 6 children he helped.
a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... Marcus is survived by his parents, Adela Andrade (Roy) and Michael Sanchez; four brothers, Michael Xavier Sanchez, Jerry Don Cortez Jr, Juan Anthony Talavera and Ramiro Roel Andrade; one sister, Silbia Michaella Sanchez; his grandparents, Julie Jasso (Rogelio), Justo Esmerado (Eva), Sylvia Orta Sanchez and Guadalupe Sanchez; seven aunts; eight uncles; and a host of cousins. Marcus is preceded in death by both sets of great-grandparents, Blas Guerrero (Maria) and Lucio Sanchez (Prutilda); and one uncle, Lucio Sanchez. Julia “Julie” Huerta Perez, 69, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Julie was born July 4, 1947 in Mathis to Diego and Beatrice Huerta. She was the youngest of nine children growing up on a dairy farm outside Hobbs, New Mexico. She married Ramiro G. Perez on August 14, 1965. Together, they raised three children. Julie worked in various factories and was a professional seamstress. To her kids, she was a professional momma and grandma. She was someone who truly enjoyed life, as she loved music, dancing, shopping, eating, playing games of all kinds, gambling and driving fast. She mostly enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids. Julie worked for many years at Video Mania in Anson and in Stamford. She was also a cashier at Walmart in Stam-
ford for several years. Julie was known as a sweet lady who always had a smile on her face, and despite a long battle with cancer, she never lost her faith or love for the Lord. Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Ramiro Perez of Anson; her daughter, Elisa Perez of Anson; two sons, Ramiro Perez Jr. and wife, Stephanie of Colorado City and Rodolfo Perez and wife, Laura of San Antonio; six grandchildren, Valerie and her husband, Coby Perry of Anson, Robert Moreno of Anson, Lana Perez of Colorado City, Daniel Perez and his wife, Lexi of Colorado City, Diego and Natalia Perez of San Antonio; and six great-grandchildren, Ryan, Zachariah, Lennox, Alexandra, Rami and Zane, and one more on the way. Julie is also survived by many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who were very special to her, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Diego, Jesus, Amador, Cleo and Gonzalo Huerta; and three sisters, Olivia Camacho, Celia Rodriquez, and Carlota Lopez. Irene Martinez, 83, of Abilene, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017 at home with her loving family . Mrs. Martinez was born February 27, 1934, in Pearsall, Texas to Rodolfo and Guadalupe Torrez. Irene was a hard worker, a talented home maker and an awesome cook. She never had a problem catering to friends and family who enjoyed her meals.
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Irene was a very kind and friendly person. Because of her strong faith and beliefs, there were no strangers nor enemies. We will miss our loving mother and never forget the great times we had.. Survivors include four sons, Raul Martinez Jr., Ramon Martinez, Johnny Martinez (Sandra Lynn), Paul Martinez, all of Abilene; four daughters, Alicia Rodriguez (Eliseo), Lupe Martinez, both of The Colony, Rosemary Martinez of Lewisville, Texas and Gloria Ashworth (Craig) of Angleton, Texas; four sisters, Maria Rodriguez (Lino), Lilia Limon, Nicolasa Torrez, all of New Braunfels and Consuelo Loya (Jr.) of Grand Prairie, Texas; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and her best little friend, “Lola.” Mrs. Martinez was preceded in death by her loving husband Raul Martinez ; parents, Rodolfo and Guadalupe Torrez; one sister, Beatrice Bustos; a brother, Juan Torrez; and twin infant siblings. The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice for their wonderful care given to their mother and support to the family through this difficult time.
A Father to Celebrate
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David Clayton Self 1936 - 2017
By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine
Angel Seca nailed it when it came to being a father to his three sons. He was there for every big moment, small moment and everything in between. The Seca family will be celebrating him on June 18 for sure. David Clayton Self, 80, of Clyde passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene. David was born August 3, 1936 in Lamesa to Willard (Bill) and Doretha (Nichols) Self. He attended school in Wylie and moved to Clyde from Abilene in 1959. He married Regan Richard in Brady on February 15, 1995. He married his previous wife Mozelle Watkins in 1954. David was an entrepreneur extraordinaire. He started working at age 14 at Mrs. Bairds Bakery. His other jobs through the years were custom combiner, oilfield, truck driver, concrete, storage buildings, dirt work, Pizza House, public fishing/ restaurant, microwave radio tower and 301 Truck Wash. His claim to fame was being the 1936 baby contest winner, which to this day has not yet been confirmed. David is survived by his wife, Regan Self of Clyde; son, David Sheridan Self and wife Celeste of Eula; two daughters, Lyn Self Thompson of Clyde and Dee Dee Self Scott and husband Tabb of Clyde; honorary son, Joe Salinas and wife Sherrie of Clyde; brother Richard Self and wife Linda and sister Aleta Dwyer and husband John, all of San Angelo; five grandchildren, Amanda Shelnutt and husband Gary, Emily Drake, Sarah Dement, Clayton Zane Self and wife Molly and Seth Scott; three great grandchildren, Avery and Garrison Shelnutt and Claire Dement; longtime friend Becky Rogers and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Marshall Self and a son-in-law, Tommy Thompson. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hendrick Hospice Care, www.hendrickhospice.org.
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through his brother who was Jessica’s youth pastor at Good News Temple. “Then the rest was history,” Elisha said. “He was stationed here so he said well let’s stay here.”
“No matter what activity we were a part of, he was always there,” Angel’s son Elisha said. Over the years, Angel has served the Abilene “He was always there supporting us.” community through his various careers. After retiring from the Air Force, he began a career Whether it was boy scouts, sports or just life, in social work at Harmony Family Services Angel didn’t miss a moment. Being a truant of- where he helped children in broken homes ficer for Cooper High School, Angel has seen have a better life. It eventually led him to work firsthand the important role fathers play in the at the Betty Hardwick Center for a number of lives of children. Even prior to becoming a tru- years. ant officer though, Angel had the dad thing down. “He is always serving others,” Elisha said. “He “He has always made his reis always willing to serve lationship with us [his sons] a in any way and naturally priority,” Elisha said. “He has looks out for others.” never flaked on us or given up half way. He is very faithful, Some of Elisha’s faand true to his word and role vorite memories from as a father.” childhood are spending time together as family The list of values Angel has in their backyard cookinstilled in his sons could go ing out and playing ball. on and on. However, the top Besides instilling strong three would be integrity, leadvalues in his three sons, ership and compassion. These Angel passed on a love values are evident in Angel’s for adrenaline rushes. selfless actions where he constantly looks to serve others. “We are all adrenaline “He has always had a heart to serve people,” Elisha said. Outside of his job at Cooper, Angel spends his time serving the community as an umpire for Little League and high school baseball games. The biggest act of service Angel displayed though was serving his country in the Air Force. Angel served as a security police officer providing security for aircrafts and weapons. The Air Force is what brought Angel to Abilene after growing up in Eagle Pass, Texas. Love kept him here though when he met his wife, Jessica,
junkies,” Elisha said. “Anything that is hiking, adventuring or dangerous – we love doing that with him.” Elisha credits the success he and his brothers have had in life to how great of a father Angel was. Elisha feels like he and his brothers had a great model of a good father. The greatest aspect of his father Elisha hopes to reflect is his faithfulness. “He has always modeled Christ’s character and faithfulness to us,” Elisa said. “I hope I can model that same trustworthiness and faithfulness in my life.” In the Seca family, Angel is not only the father but also the hero. Angel is leaving a legacy that is hard to put into words. He is everything a father should be and embodies all of the reasons we celebrate fathers on Father’s Day. “I have only listed a few characters and things he has done,” Elisha said, “but it doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the things he has done because he has done so much.”
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LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
Abilene High Cheerleader Looks to Career In Medicine By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
Abilene High School senior Katie Cadjew thought her time in the spotlight ended with football season. But it was not to be.
“The lesson in our youth group that night was on giving God the credit He’s due,” she said. “I figured out (the Air Force) is what I needed to do then.”
Cadjew played an instrumental role organizing the city’s response to the tragic Iraan High School cheerleader bus crash this past fall.
Making it an easier decision was the military branch’s strong commitment to education while enlisted, she said. Her hope is to pursue some form of medical degree, though she’s still unsure what form that will take.
Hundreds of cheerleaders from across Texas found their way to Abilene to cheer on the Iraan football team Dec. 9 following a bus crash that killed one of the school’s cheerleading sponsors and injured seven others, including students.
It could be dermatology, or surgery.
Wherever she lands, she’ll know she has support from her next employer and a solid foundation from her time in the Abilene Independent School District to fall back on. While in her junior year, Cadjew completed her Certicareer in healthcare. (Photo: Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News) fied Nursing Assistant program “Seeing the entire state of Texas come through the Holland Medical together for those six girls was amazing,” she on with her life — Cadjew plans to join the Air Early College High School program. said. “I went into that week wanting to change Force and pursue a career in the medical field the lives of others. But, instead, I feel like I — she’s feeling a little bittersweet, she said. She has worked as a CNA for Wesley Court Sehad my life changed.” nior Living ever since. She decided on enlisting after struggling with Cadjew will join her fellow seniors for her next move. A recruiter showed up at school “I just want to help people,” she said. “One of the Abilene High’s 129th commencement at 10 earlier this year and pitched the students on hardest things I’ve ever had to do (was) giving a.m. Saturday at the Taylor County Coliseum, joining. But it was a lesson learned through up some of the social aspects to do homework her youth group later that same night that her or study. But it’s been one of the most rewarding 1700 Highway 36. choice became easy. experiences of my life. I love my job.” As she prepares to cross the stage and move Cadjew, cheer captain for her team this past season, said that effort, culminating in the massive dinner at the Taylor County Expo Center before the Abilene High School senior Katie Cadjew at Wesley Court, a senior retirement playoff football game at Shotwell Stadi- community, where she works as a Certified Nursing Assistant Tuesday May um, was the highlight of her senior year. 23, 2017. Cadjew will join the U.S. Air Force this summer, hoping to pursue a
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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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HSU Alumni Association Board Elects 2017 Members By Linnea Kirgan | Director of Communications and Content Strategy, Hardin-Simmons University The Alumni Association Board of Directors recently solidified their 2017 members. With five newly elected members and returning officers, the board is comprised of former Hardin-Simmons University students who will serve one to three year terms. The members will meet six times this year to work on building relationships with other HSU Alumni from around the world. In addition to serving on the Board, the members are dedicated prayer partners and investors, working to continue the mission, vision, and values of Hardin- Simmons. The University offers a congratulations to all new and returning board members. Alumni Association Board of Directors 2017 Membership (members reside in Texas unless specified) President: Mrs. Daisy (Dominguez) Sanchez ’86; Guidance Counselor PreK-12, Bronte ISD; San Angelo President-Elect: Dr. Jeannine Camacho ’05; Optometrist, Kozlovsky Delay & Winter Eye Consultants, LLC; San Antonio Vice-President for Homecoming: Mrs. Angela (Colson) McKnight ’04/’08; Music Teacher & Group Fitness Instructor, Self-Employed; Abilene Vice President for Social Media and Marketing: Mrs. Shannon (Collins) Maynard ’05; Administrative Assistant to Dean of Libraries,
Hardin-Simmons; Abilene Vice President for Special Events: Mr. David Draper ’94/’15; Pastor, First Baptist Church of Roscoe; Roscoe Secretary: Ms. Vishia Wilson ’03; ICU Director/ Nurse, Abilene Regional Medical Center; Abilene Student Liaison, place 1: Ms. Meagan Fleming ’20; current student; Abilene One-Year Director: Mrs. Cheryl (Hutchins) Loflin ’79/’81; President CEO, Harbor Health Care, Inc.; Aliso Viejo, CA One-Year Director: Mr. Robert Ryan ’59; Retired Public Educator; Runaway Bay One-Year Director: Mrs. Carlene (Holder) Spicer ’59/’91; Retired Educator; Abilene Two-Year Director: Mr. Kelly Kunkel ’85; Elementary Principal, Lipan ISD; Ranger Two-Year Director: Dr. Lizzy (Evans) Nixon ’06; Chiropractor/Clinic Owner, Back In Motion Family Chiropractic; Temple Two-Year Director: Mrs. Sylvia (Gonzalez) Villareal ’74; Retired Educator; Dallas Two-Year Director: Mr. Bubba Weckwerth ’12; CFO, Vintage Marketplace / CCP Coordinator, Abilene Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Abilene Three-Year Director: Mrs. Glenda Brown Johnson ’74; Retired Educator/Government; Lancaster
Person Centered Planning workshop to be held July 28 by Region XIV Education Service Center
Person Centered Planning Person Centered Planning is a process that utilizes an ongoing team approach to planning for the future. For students, it provides a means to develop personal goals, helps them discover their strengths and gifts, increases control over their lives, and fosters the development of skills necessary to achieve specific goals. It is a way to look at an individual as a total person, recognizing his/her desires, interests and dreams. Come hear Debbie Wilkes discuss how to use this powerful method of planning to improve support to individuals with disabilities transitioning to postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.
When: July 28, 2017 Where: Region 14 ESC Eastland Room Who: Special educators, parents, agencies/service providers Link to registration: https://pitstop.esc14.net/PITStop/WorkshopLink.aspx?WorkshopID=3978 Parents and agency representatives contact Patti Tessen to register! Patti Tessen ptessen@esc14.net 325-675-7019
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EVAN ANDERSON
Q & A: Abilene Independent School District’s Summer Feeding Program
NAME: Evan Anderson CAMPUS: Ward Elementary School TITLE: Kindergarten Teacher TIME WITH AISD: 8 years WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? I grew up in Garland, TX. I went to Garland ISD public schools until I graduated from high school. After graduating, I came to Abilene and attended Abilene Christian University. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: My parents, Steve and Sally Anderson, live in Rockwall, TX. My father is an accountant and my mother works for Garland ISD. I have a twin brother named Tanner, and he is my best friend. We all enjoy going to Colorado as a family. TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: I love to be surrounded by the arts. I dance and teach at Dance Discovery Studios in Abilene. I’ve also been in musical productions at McMurry University and the Paramount Theatre. I’ve also had the privilege of being a professional dancer with Abilene’s Dancing with the Stars. For a city in West Texas, Abilene has so much going on in the arts!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? My favorite thing about my job is see-ing my students grow and change. They come in new and fresh, but they leave as readers and leaders. WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HIM: “Mr. Anderson brings an excitement and love for learning to his kindergarteners every day. His love of music and dance are evident in his lessons, using movement and music to enhance student learning. He serves on our Lighthouse Team as the fun czar and always has us laughing and smiling at the end of our meetings. His fun-loving, positive attitude is contagious on our campus. We are blessed to call him a Ward Wildcat!” ~ Alison Sims, Principal, Ward Elementary
By Abilene Independent School District
1) What is the Summer Feeding Pro- around the city of Abilene. gram? During the Summer months of June & July, Abilene Independent School District 5) How much will it cost for me to eat? partners with city recreation centers and community sites such as the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA to provide a FREE breakfast and lunch to ANY child or teen 1-18 years of age.
It’s FREE! There is NO cost for anyone ages 1-18 at breakfast or lunch at any participating meal locations.
2) Who is eligible for the program?
Students can look forward to a variety of popular breakfast entrees, fruit juice, and a low fat milk variety. At lunch we will provide tasty lunch entrees, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a low fat milk variety.
ANY child or teen ages 1-18 is welcome to come participate in our Summer Feeding Program.
3) Why should I get involved? The
USDA states that, ‘food security’ is the access by all people at all times to enough food for an active healthy life. Did you know that Texas has one of the lowest food security rates in America? 1 out of every 4 children will go to bed hungry each night in the state of Texas alone. This isn’t just a state issue, this is seen throughout our community as well. Parents struggle with food expenses throughout the summer months to provide for their children what they normally receive during the school year through our school lunch program. The student nutrition Department at AISD loves having the opportunity to help feed our kids a healthy breakfast and lunch year round. During the summer months ANY child 1-18 years of age can come eat a tasty, nutritious meal for FREE at any participating meal location. Come see us!
4) How many Summer Feeding locations are there? This year we have 16 sites
6) What kind of food will be served?
7) Is this program only for Students in AISD? No. This program is for any child or
teen in the community between the ages of 1-18. Even if you are outside of Abilene city limits, come see us at one of our participating meal locations and enjoy!
8) Where can I go to get more information regarding serving times and locations? You can find more information about
our program on our website at www.abileneisd.org, by dialing 211 or text FOODTX to 877-877 to find a participating location near you.
9) Who can I call to talk about details regarding the Summer Feeding Program? If you would like more informa-
tion about our program, please visit www. abileneisd.org or call Christin Fletcher at 325.677.1444 ext 4717.
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Abbey Moses named Fulbright Scholar By ACU News
Abbey Moses, senior pre-law political science major and former Students’ Association president, has been awarded the Fulbright Scholarship, one of the highest honors the federal government gives to graduating seniors and graduate students planning to conduct research or work abroad. The Abilene native will be serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Malaysia from January - November 2018. She will represent the United States as a cultural ambassador working with students in rural Malaysia. Moses will focus on implementing student government, art and sports programs to help Malaysian students learn leadership and interpersonal skills, jobs she knows well from her time as SA president. “I’ll be given the freedom to create whatever type of environment I want for these students,” Moses said. “Most students will not have the opportunity to pursue a higher education, so I want to help them find fields they are passionate about and equip them to be successful.” With her experience in public service, Moses knew she wanted to serve; it was just a matter of where. “I read about the Fulbright program in Malaysia, and it seemed like a perfect fit,” she said. “I have always been one to go with the wind, so no matter what, I trust that I will be a public servant in whatever capacity God provides.” The Fulbright Scholarship Program (www.cies. org) is a highly selective award designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Abilene Christian has a long tradition Fulbright awards, dating back to the 1950s. ACU’s Office of Major Scholarships helps provide information and support for the students and faculty who apply for nationally competitive major scholarships and fellowships.
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Two Endowed Scholarships Established at McMurry University By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
McMurry University is the recipient of two endowed scholarships benefitting the athletic department and the school of business. Sara Graham established The Paul and Sara Graham Athletics Endowment to honor both Paul and Sara’s love for sports. Although the opportunities for Sara to participate in organized sports were not available to her in high school, she never lost her love for sports. The Paul and Sara Graham Athletics Endowment will be utilized exclusively to provide annual operating support for the University’s athletic department at the discretion of the director of athletics. Graham received her bachelor of arts from McMurry in 1963. She has demonstrated her love for her alma mater in many ways, including support of athletic programs, the McMurry Fund, the endowment of three family scholarships and other scholarship programs, as well as leadership giving in a variety of campaign and special projects for many years. Most recently, she pledged a transformational gift as part of the University’s initiative to endow the school of business.
Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Stamford Middle School Teacher of the Year Dennis Owen! (pictured with SMS Principal Kevin White)
Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Stamford High School Teacher of the Year Mindy West! (pictured with SHS Principal Greg London)
In addition, Graham has devoted countless hours to the University and is regularly seen at McMurry fine arts and sporting events. She served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and is a current member of the Board of Trustees, having served in that capacity for the past 17 years. She was honored as the first recipient of the John Wesley Award in 2016 for her longstanding commitment of financial support and volunteerism to her alma mater. Sara and Paul worked together in the ranching and cattle business, the self-storage business and the oil and gas industry until his death in 2016. In addition to her commitment to the University, she has also served her community in many ways, including serving as President of the Abilene Board of Realtors and the Abilene Boys and Girls Club and as a member of the Tax Increment Finance Board and the Human Relations Board for the City of Abilene. Sara also serves on the leadership team at Wylie Christian Church as an Elder Emeritus. She is the mother of Victor Hudman ’92, M.D., a McMurry graduate, and Linda Aldrich, a teacher. She has five grandchildren, one of whom is a sophomore at McMurry.
Rev. Bill Libby, adjunct instructor of history, established the Rev. Bill Libby Student Support Endowment for the school of business. The endowment will provide internships, externships and other experiential learning opportunities for McMurry business students. When Libby arrived on campus in 1996, he started the cross country program at McMurry and coached the cross-country teams from 19962003. He has taught Old Testament and is especially interested in its relevance and application in the modern world. He has journeyed many summers with students to conduct archaeological expeditions in Jordan and to travel in the Middle East. He also co-hosts the KWKC Talk Radio program “The Professors” daily with Dr. Paul Fabrizio, professor of political science. He can be seen all over campus--at sporting events, theatre and musical performances, any place where students gather. Over the years, Libby has provided financial support to McMurry in many ways, including the establishment of an endowed scholarship in his mother’s name, and the deeding of land for use by the science department for student research. He has a servant’s heart and is always looking for areas where help is needed, and he wastes no time in doing all he can to address those needs. After graduation from Texas A&M University and Drew Theological School, Rev. Libby was ordained in the United Methodist Church and served as a chaplain in the US Army. His service included assignments in Europe, Asia, and the United States. During those years he also completed a degree in American Diplomatic History (Kansas State) and was admitted to the doctoral program in American Studies at the University of Maryland. Later he completed the US Army’s program in Organizational Behavior and the Executive Program in Human Resources Management at Columbia University. He concluded his military service by serving on the faculty of the National Defense University; he is a graduate of the National War College.
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
McMurry University Physics Professor Dr. Tikhon Bykov Honored By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
Dr. Tikhon Bykov, professor of physics, has been named the 2017 Gordon L. and Lola Bennett Scholar for his continuing contributions to outstanding teaching, scholarship, and service at McMurry University. Dr. Bykov joined McMurry faculty in 2004 and currently serves as the chair of the physics department. At McMurry, his research interests also include the field of physics education. Together with his wife, Dr. Yelena Kosheleva, and his colleagues from McMurry physics department, he developed the Modular Curriculum Approach (MCI) for teaching introductory physics. In MCA, traditional lab/lecture structure is converted into a system of flexible instructional modules, with lecture, lab and discussion being merged into one technologically and collaboratively rich experience. Dr. Bykov has also taken on the number of leadership roles by serving on variety of faculty committees and task forces. Most recently, he served as vice chair of the faculty in 20152016 academic year and chair of the Faculty Council in 2016-2017 academic year. Dr. Bykov was born in Kaliningrad, Russia. He earned a bachelor of science degree in theoretical physics from St. Petersburg State University in Russia in 1995 and M.S. degree in physics of kinetic phenomena from the same university in 1998. The College of Physics and the Physics Research Institute at St. Petersburg State University belongs to one of the oldest and most recognized physics schools in Rus-
sia. The program is especially well known for its mathematical physics emphasis and has always been the place where many famous Russian physicists would work and study. In 2003, Dr. Bykov received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he worked under Dr. Xiao Cheng Zeng, Ameritas University Professor of Chemistry and Professor at Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience. Dr. Bykov’s scientific research is connected to all aspects of nucleation theory, formation of liquid droplets in supersaturated vapor. He is interested in homogeneous nucleation as well as heterogeneous nucleation on different types of nucleation centers. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT), he has studied surface tension of spherical droplets and its dependence on the droplet’s curvature. This work was performed for different types of fluid molecular models, including simple monatomic as well as dipolar fluids. He also studied behavior of liquids near solid walls and, in particular, heterogeneous nucleation on macroscopic and microscopic wettable particles. Dr. Bykov is the author of a number of publications in that area, including publications in the Journal of Chemical Physics and the Journal of American Chemical Society. He is the member of the American Physical Society, American Association of Physics Teachers and Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honors Society. CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103
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Clack Science Teacher Honored by Texas Medical Association By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, Abilene Independent School District
Jana Lindley of Clack Middle School is among 12 statewide science teachers honored in the Texas Medical Association’s 2017 Ernest and Sara Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching. Lindley, a 7th grade science teacher and department chair at Clack, was among the teachers in attendance at the Texas House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 9, National Teacher Day, as legislators passed a resolution honoring the 2017 winners. Rep. Stan Lambert and Sen. Dawn Buckingham both recognized Lindley during her day at the state capitol.
The Texas Medical Association (TMA) recognizes elementary, middle school and high school teachers “for helping to create tomorrow’s physicians by inspiring students in the field of science.” As part of the recognition, Lindley received a $4,000 cash prize, and the school received a $1,000 resource grant to enhance its science program. Lindley taught science for four years at John Glenn Middle School in San Angelo before joining the Clack faculty in 2012 as an 8th grade science teacher. She has taught 7th grade science and served as the Science Department chair since 2015.
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
CONGRATULATIONS!
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s Agriculture Committee awarded three individuals a $1,000 scholarship from the funds raised at the Agriculture Scholarship Luncheon this past February. With over 21 applicants, we’re proud of these three outstanding individuals and look forward to their future involvement and impact in the agriculture industry!
Congratulations Clay Cole of Roby High School, Corey Mengwasser of Paint Creek High School, and Cory Hays of Aspermont High School.
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TSTC Culinary Grad to Head Kitchen in New San Antonio Restaurant
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
By Debra Gonzalez | Texas State Technical College
San Antonio bakery La Panadería has something “TSTC was the closest school to me, and I didn’t new cooking, and Texas State Technical College want to owe a lot of money when I graduated,” Culinary Arts graduate Travis Duttry is the chef Duttry said. behind the fire. He enjoyed his experience at TSTC. TSTC graduate Travis Duttry cooks using a flambé technique. “Chef Kayleen Moon was awesome. She was very informative,” Duttry said. “I always felt The 2014 graduate was hired last month as head like I learned as much in school as I learned out chef for the soon-to-open restaurant and has of school. There are certain things I learned there been busy readying operations since. that I would have never learned in a small town, like the classic mother sauces and steak au poivre. “It’s slightly chaotic right now,” Duttry said. Stuff like that I never would have learned in a “I’ve been working on small town, but I got to writing the menu, getlearn those skills there, ting recipe books set up, use those in the profesmaking sure that everysional world and build thing is delivered propon what I learned in erly -- we’re still getschool.” ting equipment coming over from Europe, and Duttry enjoys cooking I’ve put up a few ads for what he likes to eat. hiring here in San Antonio. We’re just running “Anything that’s Italstraight forward trying ian; Mexican food, and to get everything set up.” I don’t mean Tex-Mex, but traditional Mexican But success didn’t come food; upscale bar food; easy for the chef. Duttry and classic comfort says hard work was what food -- that’s what I got him where he is tolike to cook.” day. Set to open Friday, the “I’ve been working two downtown San Anjobs for the last six years tonio location will be or so,” he said. “I always the second store for La thought I could get more TSTC graduate Travis Duttry cooks using a flambé technique. Panadería and will be experience working two located at 301 E. Housjobs rather than one. ton St. While going through school I probably cooked more than I slept. I was working almost 100 Duttry recommends that culinary arts students and hours a week.” aspiring chefs get as much experience as they can. Culinary instructor Kayleen Moon said Travis “Do your best in school and outside of school,” definitely showed initiative. he said. “Try to find a nicer restaurant to work in so you can implement what you learned in school. “He commuted for class and had better at- The things you learn at work and in school, they’re tendance than those who lived in town,” she going to build off of each other. And you make laughed. “I’m so impressed that he got a job as money while you’re doing it!” a head chef with a certificate. He asked a lot of questions in class and cross-trained outside of TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. For school. It screams potential.” more information on TSTC’s Culinary Arts program, visit tstc.edu. Duttry, a Brownwood resident, chose TSTC for its proximity to home and traveled to school in Abilene.
Kindergarten graduate, Avery Baxley....Dad would have been so proud to see you on this special day, he will forever be in your heart! Mommy and Daddy love you princess!
When he grows up he wants to be a police officer to protect people in this world.. Graduating Kindergarten.. So proud of you Julian Ramon Ortega ..
My 1st grade graduate with honor roll! Nevaeh goes to wylie elementary, mommy and daddy are so proud!!
My Woodson pre-k graduate - Timothy Ellison Jr. on his way to kindergarten !
2017 Cooper High school Graduate Joshua Soto
Graduated from CJC this May!
My baby niece who is the SWEETEST selfless child ever I love her!!
Christopher Lozano, Anson Tx. High school So proud of you!
28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Lee Elementary Second Graders’ Key Chain Project Helps Hope Haven
By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, Abilene Independent School District
Some very savvy secondgraders at Lee Elementary School turned their recent economics lesson on consumers and producers into a reallife project to help the community.
More importantly, the project will culminate with a donation to a local non-profit that provides a shelter for homeless families.
Officials from Hope Haven will accepted the proceeds raised from the students’ project on Students from the school’s Tuesday, May 16, at 11:45 a.m. four second-grade classes in the school’s Activity Room. made key chains, produced Hope Haven representatives their own video commercial and then sold spoke to the students about how the money their creations for $2 each at the school’s re- will help the organization’s mission. cent Spring Carnival.
Day Nursery of Abilene Employees of the 1st Quarter 2017 Day Nursery of Abilene recognizes Employees of the 1st Quarter 2017, who were selected by their peers for their outstanding performance:
Courtney
McDaniel
works as a caregiver for various age groups at the Cedar Street Center. She has worked for Day Nursery for four years.
Christi O’Neal
works as a caregiver for the Texas School Ready! class at the Sherry Lane Center. She has worked for Day Nursery for eighteen years.
Maricela
Cervantes
works as a caregiver for the Texas School Ready! class at the Vine Street Center. She has worked for Day Nursery for eight years.
The mission of Day Nursery of Abilene is to provide affordable quality child care for a diverse community. The Day Nursery of Abilene is a private, non-profit child care organization established in 1972 and a United Way of Abilene community partner. Today the centers provide child care for over 500 children in three licensed facilities and include school-readiness programming. Please visit our website for more details www.daynurseryabilene.org.
Teachers in the Limelight
Pick us up at Texas Cosmetology School, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | EDUCATION | 29
By Abilene Independent School District
Teaching excellence was celebrated in Abilene ISD on April 26 at the 5th Annual Teachers in the Limelight Celebration, sponsored by the Abilene Education Foundation. The announcement of the four biggest winners of 2016-2017 highlighted the evening at the Abilene Country Club. The event is held annually to honor teachers of the year at each AISD campus and top math and science teachers. Bassetti Elementary third grade teacher Thonie Williams was named Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Gretchen Bullock, a History teacher at Woodson Center for Excellence, was chosen as Secondary Teacher of the Year. Named as the Outstanding Science and Outstanding Math teachers of the year were Karen Cluck, Anatomy & Physiology teacher at Holland Medical High School, and Ashley West, Engineering teacher at the Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math & Science. The Teachers in the Limelight Celebration is made possible by a gift and endowment set up by Edwin Jennings, Jr., in memory of his parents Edwin and Agnes Jennings. A 1940 graduate of Abilene High, Mr. Jennings again attended this year’s awards banquet, which is underwritten by the Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union. Earlier in the school year, each AISD campus nominated a teacher who meets the criteria set forth by Mr. Jennings. Each of the nominees was honored on their respective campuses, featured in the news media and received a monetary award. With a donation in 2012 of 3,000 shares of ExxonMobil stock from Mr. Jennings, a permanent endowment has been established to honor teachers making a difference in the lives of students throughout Abilene ISD. This endowment will allow AEF to continue these awards yearly for generations to come. In April 2013, AEF held its first TLC event at which outstanding teachers were recognized and honored. Mr. Jennings increased the award amounts in 2014 given to TLC campus winners and added 5th grade math teachers to the list of eligible nominees. Award amounts are as follows: TLC Teacher Honorees, $200; TLC Math and Science Honorees, $500; 5th Grade Math Honorees, $500; TLC Elementary Teacher of the Year, $1,300; TLC Secondary Teacher of the Year, $1,300; TLC Science Teacher of the Year, $1,000; and TLC Math Teacher of the Year, $1,000.
30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Pick us up at Golden Chick, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31
Engineering students build greenhouse for local rehab center By B. J. Maxwell Jr. | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University
Four engineering students built a greenhouse for the West Texas Rehab Center as part of a class project. The team worked to relocate the center’s tower garden which is part of the pediatric food program, said Eric Hamilton, the project leader and a junior from Harker Heights. The team had a budget of $1000, but they saved money so the project only cost $638. The group spent more than 200 hours designing and building the 8-by-8 foot greenhouse.
“We’re doing something with our department, rather than just taking classes and learning the books,” Hamilton said. “We’re actually taking that and applying it to real world situations and tackling a problem that they have.” The group included Tad Kile, a junior from Richardson, Jamie Wright, a junior from Odessa, and Clay Abel, a junior from Austin. All four students were in the engineering Junior Clinic with Dr. Tim Kennedy, executive co-director and assistant professor of engineering and physics. “One of his bigger goals with this class is not only to create a project to help teach the juniors how to go through the engineering design process,” Kile said, “but to also help give back, which is why all the projects that the class built were donations.”
Eric Hamilton hands the keys to the greenhouse to Amy Gibbs, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. (Photo courtesy of Eric Hamilton)
Amy Gibbs, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, asked the group to relocate the garden to protect it from weather and regulate the temperature, Hamilton said. The food program allows children and teens to learn how to grow cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries and other plants.
Discover Wildlife at the Library in Zoo Lady Summer Series Nothing quite says summer like the presence of our favorite Curator of Education (Joy Harsh) and her amazing animal friends from the Abilene Zoo. Having been a regular visitor to the Abilene Public Library for our annual Summer Reading Clubs, Harsh’s visits to the library are one of the highlights of our summer programming each year. Educational, interactive, and fun, each visit to a different branch library will feature new animals for kids of all ages to see and learn about. That’s right! No two visits are the same so we encourage you to attend them all if possible. While learning about each of the animals, their habitats, what they eat, how they eat, and more, Harsh helps to bring learning to life through facts and laughter. Again, three sessions will be hosted this summer including:
Monday, June 12 at 2:00PM | Mockingbird Branch Library (1326 N. Mockingbird Ln.) Tuesday, July 18 at 3:00PM | Main Library (202 Cedar St.) Wednesday, July 26 at 4:00PM | South Branch Library (4310 Buffalo Gap Rd.) Hundreds of youth show up to participate in this series each summer, and no one ever leaves disappointed. We’ve had visits from alligators and ball pythons to exotic birds and creepy crawlies. You never know what to expect when Joy Harsh comes for a visit, but you can always expect to have a great time.
32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
CHS, AHS student councils join forces to help cause By Abilene Independent School District
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The two student councils combined to sell 248 tshirts, with proceeds going to Preemptive Love. The schools will write a combined check for $1,500 for relief work. According to the Preemptive Love Coalition website, “ISIS has displaced and victimized tens of thousands of men, women, and children across Iraq. We provide emergency
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
food, shelter, and supplies to those families on the run and lifesaving support to those still behind enemy lines. Our programs ensure ISIS won’t have the final word.”
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FAITH&FAMILY
SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
More Than a Business Success
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Law practice is not the only place Sam Reyes has succeeded. By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine You may know Sam Reyes, local Attorney at Law. You may not know Sam Reyes, son, husband, father and all-around family man. His twenty-four-year-old daughter, Chloe, will be happy to tell you all about him. Sam and his wife, Melanie, were high school sweethearts at Abilene High. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University and a law degree from Southern Methodist University. Melanie pursued an education degree and now teaches fifth grade math for Wylie Independent School District. Sam worked with attorney Bob Hanna in Abilene for twelve years until he started his own practice, Reyes Law Firm, in 1998. Susie Curlee works with Sam as a paralegal and Kimberly Barr as legal secretary. “He’s the reason I’m going to law school,” Chloe says. She will start her final year of law school at Texas Tech in the fall and after graduation will join her father in his practice. “He really loves to help people. Clients sometimes call in the middle of the night. He is always willing to see, listen to and help a client.” Chloe remembers being present when Sam met with a family who had just lost a son and husband. “He was patient and understand-
ing,” she says. “He’s like “He’s very artistic,” she says, “like his parents. that at home too.” He used to take a toothpick and paint flowers or butterflies on my nails.” Chloe has two younger brothers, Spencer, twenty- Her brothers have also enjoyed many fishing one, is a senior at Abilene and hunting trips with Sam. They often travel Christian University and to the family’s ranch in Jones County together. also plans to enter law school. Grant is sixteen Sam has a preferred way to travel when the and will be a junior at Wy- family goes together. Since all three of his chillie High School in the fall. dren now have “significant others,” he prefers to rent a sixteen-passenger van so everyone Chloe is convinced that can ride in the same vehicle. It has become the Sam learned caring and regular practice for trips to Rangers and Dalcompassion from his par- las Cowboys games as well as last fall’s state ents, Pablo and Mary Lou. championship football game in which Wylie High School played. “He would attribute much of his success to them,” “He plugs in his phone, and we listen to his she says. “They worked music,” Chloe says, “pretty much anything we to put him through school. can sing to.” They still live in the house he grew up in. They still show Another activity all the family participates in that same care and compas- is weekly worship at Holy Family Catholic sion.” Church. She refers to a time just after this past Christmas when she had traveled back to Lubbock for school and was feeling homesick.
“We always sit in the same pew,” Chloe says. “My parents were married there.”
Chloe admires her parents’ marriage, the way they support each other and their commitment to each other. Sam tries to encourage her and “They drove up and hung out her brothers to hold the same values in their with me,” she says. “They took own relationships. me out to dinner and brought me a cake. They would do any- It makes sense that Chloe and her brothers adthing for us.” mire their father’s business, marriage and family success and want to follow his example. One thing Chloe has never felt is ignored or neglected “He’s a family guy,” Chloe says. “That’s his because her dad spent too much time working. She says one essence.” of her most vivid childhood memories is of Sam painting her fingernails.
34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Voices of Faith: Family
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By Erik Masci | The Abilene Post
This week I was reminded of family. Not necessarily my own family (though the thoughts certainly came up) but the idea of family in general. I spent a lot of time this week with people I’ve known for a while but never really got to know. People who are smarter than me. People who are more experienced than I am. Most importantly I hung out with people who seem to care a lot about other people. I was reminded of how many amazing people can be found in this weird little town in Texas. I found myself wishing that I had gotten involved with more people before this point, as my wife and I are beginning conversations about what the next part of our lives looks like and those plans will likely take us elsewhere. I haven’t lived in enough places to know whether every city has a wealth of good people hidden within it but I certainly hope so. The reason I’ve been dwelling on the idea of family this week is because I’ve been reminded how crucial community is. Community is not necessarily the same as family but stick with me here. Abilene is not going to win any awards for diversity anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a wealth of difference between the people that come together around here.
differences. Churches split frequently and disagreements on practice, theology, and liturgy can create large, nearly uncrossable rifts. But, to the outsider, these varied Christian bodies can be nearly indistinguishable.
of family dynamics. Maybe the message is that we are all connected in ways that we cannot begin to break down and that this fact matters in not only how we treat those close to us but also our enemies.
The reality is we tend to have more in common than we would ever have in disagreement. I’m not trying to say that differences don’t matter. In fact, I’m trying to argue the opposite. There are times when we must stand up for our beliefs. Conviction is needed when the stakes are high and the stakes can climb even when the issue seems to be small. But that doesn’t keep us from being connected. I am not able to separate myself from the variety of my faith traditions (even if I disagree with them wholeheartedly) any more than I am unable to separate myself from my family.
Then again, maybe it’s that family (and community) is meant to be diverse, it must be in order to survive. To lean on each other’s strengths when others are weak is a principle that lies at the heart of a good family. Not everyone can fix a car, or lift 200 pounds, or do quick math, or be patient with children. We need each other very much.
Now, it’s possible to disown one’s family, to cut from one’s community (and many people do), but that doesn’t take away everything. Roots remain. The history that birthed our families influences who we are and we carry it with us, for good or ill. Our city has a history. Our faiths have histories. Our very bodies are made up of a line of connections we share with our lineage.
The difference between some families and some communities is perhaps that we choose one and are handed the other, but it remains that we cannot force others to conform to an image we wish them to be. In the end, we must accept that our differences make up our identity and without them, distinctions would blur into an amalgam of uniformity and grayness. As a Christian, I experience this through the Diversity may bring conflict but it makes us ways our traditions disagree with each other. beautiful as well. Here in town, the flavors of Christianity are widely similar (save for a few smaller com- So, what does all this mean? Well, I was hopmunities representing traditions that are con- ing you might be able to tell me that. Perhaps nected farther down the family tree) but it is it’s that playing nice with others who disagree easy to understand ourselves in light of our with you is not just a matter of tact but a matter We have people up and down the economic, political, and religious spectrums, not to mention those from other nations who have come here to study or work. It’s easy to see how different we are from each other. It can be more difficult to see how we are similar.
Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you Hayden Lee!!
These musings are a little hippie-dippie, even for me, so I’ll leave you with this: Christianity has been wrestling with its unity for some time now, trying to heal or understand the many breaks we’ve had over the centuries. Only recently have we truly begun to ask what “unity” even means and if it could be achieved. I believe that maybe unity doesn’t look like total agreement. Maybe it looks like a family, gathered at a table, each with their own unique history and opinion but all still connected by their common lineage. It’s complex. It can be messy. It’s not always pretty. But it’s beautiful. The cynic in me wants to dismiss this idea, or at the very least cloud it with reasonable examples of disunity and separation. But what’s wrong with dreaming every once in awhile? Maybe one day our greatest source of division could turn out to be our greatest strength after all.
Jorge Loredo, Woodson Head Start Graduate!!!
This article originally appeared on The Abilene Post website
www.theabilenepost.com
This is my Pre-k graduate!
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A Love Not Your Own
Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 35
By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
How do you make a marriage – blended or otherwise - last? That is a question I have heard many times - as well as have asked it myself. If I try the latest five steps to a healthier marriage - will that make it last? If I do a major overhaul on myself and change as much as possible - will that make it last? If I just become a submissive, doormat of a wife, will that make my marriage last? It’s always good to look for ways to improve your marriage. Dan and I attend marriage conferences as often as we can - partly to help you and others we coach - and then also to give us a boost and hopefully enhance our own marriage. I then follow various marriage sites on Facebook - such as Dave and Ashley Willis. This gives my brain positive input regarding marriage.
selves, trying to love someone else can end up marriages, torn families - the thought of laying The key is to go all in - give it everything. all ways of wrong. We may become co-depen- down our lives for someone else sounds totally Let God love your spouse and family through dent, or self-seeking and even controlling. ludicrous. you. This love will transform your life and theirs. It is an incredible love - a love not your Again, God has not left us to figure this out But finding a love and keeping a love requires own - but a love freely given for you to share. on our own. First John 4:9-11 says, “This is great sacrifice. We give up time and our own A love that can make a marriage last! how God showed His love among us: He sent desires to be with those we love. We spend enHis one and only Son into the world that we ergy and money to take care of those we love. Blessings in Your Blending! might live through Him. This is love: not that But so many times we get selfish and tired. We we loved God, but that He loved us and sent don’t want to try anymore. We don’t want to Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. make the sacrifices. a blended family/step mom Since God so loved us, we also ought to love since 2004; her blended famone another.” And this is where we miss it … we stop short ily currently includes four of the goal and we throw in the towel. In our children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on In these verses, God is telling us that we can own power, energy and ability, we come up Facebook (facebook.com/ love others through the amazing love shown short. theblendedfamilymom), Twitto us by the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the ter (@BlendedFamilyM), cross - not because we deserved it - but be- But God has an amazing love for us. God has and Instagram (theblendcause He was showing us His perfect love. shown an amazing love for us. edfamilymom). Her books
But even after all these awesome marriage enrichment events and posts, I have found a simple answer to the question of how to make a marriage last - - and that is to love with a love that is not your own. All by our-
In response to His gift, we should love others in gratitude for our own salvation. John 15:13 tells us that there is a greater love - that someone lay down his life for his friends. In our world of broken relationships, stripped
-
“The
Blended
Family
Mom,” and “Blended Mom You have the ability to share that love for others - for your spouse, children, family, friends Moments,” are both available on her website at www. theblendedfamilymom.com). - and even strangers that God has given you a compassion.
36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Be Anxious for No Reason
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Steven Furtick
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV) Paul wasn’t one pull punches, but him to say that should be anxious nothing is a pretty strong statement.
to for we for
I don’t know about you, but when I read that scripture, I’m thinking, What about my responsibilities? What about the troubled times we live in? Shouldn’t I be concerned about some things? Certainly Paul isn’t commanding us not to care about important things. But when we approach things the wrong way, we end up turning a genuine concern into a needless anxiety. Let me give you a way to put your worries in perspective. Verse 6 says to be anxious for “nothing.” If you break that word apart to say “no thing,” it can serve as a great reminder of what not to be worried about. Because if it’s a thing, there’s no need to worry — it’s just a thing. Be anxious for no thing. Be concerned about the state of your soul and the souls of others. Be concerned about God’s work in the world. Those are genuine concerns. But when it comes to things, you have to learn to look at them and say (like we used to say in the ‘90s), “It’s nothing but a thing.” A financial need? A conflict in a relationship? A tactical decision to make in your career? By all means, pray about these things. And meanwhile, do your best to handle them in a wise way. But don’t give them more attention than they deserve. There’s no reason God’s peace can’t flood your heart even while you’re dealing with innumerable things. Take control of what you can today and trust God with what you can’t.
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How to Reduce the Stress Level in Your Life By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
I confess. Sometimes I run the car until the gas gauge is past empty; I arrive at the airport just a few minutes before the flight departs; or, I rush from meeting to meeting with no time in between. What does that cause? Stress…and it’s self-imposed! But in recent years, I’m addressing it by building more margin into my life and my family’s life. Here are some ways you can build margin in your family life and as a result, reduce your stress level.
Prepare ahead. You’ve heard that an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s true when it comes to reducing morning madness. Take a little time tonight to prepare for tomorrow and you’ll cut the level of stress. Have the children lay out the clothes they are going to wear or select them if they’re too young to do it themselves. Make sure any school supplies are packed and ready. Put together as much of the lunches that you can and finish up in the morning.
Get up earlier. It’s really tempting to hit the
snooze button for just a few more minutes, but they aren’t really going to make a great deal of difference, and you’ll just enter the day rushing. Conversely, rising 10 or 15 minutes before you “need” to can really pay dividends; you have time for a quiet few minutes on your own with a cup of coffee, and some prayer and Bible study—the calm before the storm! When everyone else rises, you can then be the still center of their morning.
Get there early. Screeching into the parking
lot at the last minute and leaping out of the vehicle means you step into your next commitment with a high level of stress. Give yourself a few extra minutes to get there and you won’t have to worry about the traffic being bad. On arrival, you can take a deep breath and compose yourself, and be
sure you have everything you need, or spend a few minutes more for valuable connection time talking with your child before she or he heads off to whatever they’re doing.
Carry to-dos with you. Doing things now
frees up time later, so look for ways to make use of all the down time in the day as you’re running errands and shuttling kids to different commitments. Work on that business reading you have to do or the letter you have been meaning to write while waiting for your doctor’s appointment.
Control your commitments. We all have
“must” things to do, obligations and duties, but you may be surprised to discover how many can be let go. One of the challenges is that your slate is full of “good things”—like sports, community or church activities, friends, and extracurricular programs. But load them on top of each other and they become too much. So set limits. When our children were small, we’d limit them to participation in one sport at a time. Bottom line: Own Your Family Calendar. Also, start a “stop doing” list. Make a list of all the things you do. Then ask yourself, “What is one thing I can stop doing?”
Schedule downtime. While you should be
taking some things off your calendar, you should also be adding something—family time. This is an evening or a weekend afternoon when you turn down all other things so you can be together. But keep it simple: this is an opportunity to detox from distractions. Maybe it’s playing board games together, or a reading hour when everyone sits with a book. You silence cell phones so that there are no interruptions. In this hyper-connected modern world, it’s really important for children to learn that they don’t have to be glued to technology.
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How to Date and Successfully Marry By Jimmy Evans | Marriage Today
I speak to married couples on a regular basis, but some of the most important decisions in a relationship happen before the wedding. The choices a couple makes while dating build a foundation for the rest of their lives together. Dating the right
way is crucial. So when I speak to young single adults, here are a few of the things I tell them about dating:
Date by faith and not by fear. When
we make decisions out of fear, we are in danger of making our fears come true. Consider a couple who decides to live together before they get married. They do this because they worry they might not be compatible. That fear—and avoiding commitment because of it—starts off the relationship in an unhealthy way. Or consider someone who doesn’t wait for the right person, but instead follows any man or woman who shows interest. In the process, they align themselves with an immoral or negative person because they fear no one else will love them. Dating by fear is likely to end in heartache— the same result you’re worried about. But acting in faith makes your dreams come true. Put faith in God’s Word and do marriage God’s way. That’s the foundation for building a dream marriage.
Date to explore, not to impress. This
means being honest with one another and asking deep questions as you get to know one another. Some couples are so focused on impressing a potential mate that they don’t reveal their real selves until they are married. That’s a recipe for disaster. Ask the hard questions when you’re dating. How many children do you want? What are your ideas about raising kids? Where do
you want to live? How do you handle money? Where will we go to church? I know couples who have broken up over differences in opinion related to these questions. It’s much better for those differences to reveal themselves while you’re dating than after you marry.
Date non-sexually. Make a decision: Between now and the time we get married, we’re not going to be sexual. We’re going to put parameters on our physical affection to make sure we don’t put ourselves in a compromising position. That means setting specific boundaries. For example, we’re going to hold hands and put our arms around each other, but we’re not going to fully embrace. We’re going to kiss, but we’re not going to French kiss. We’re not going to be alone together in the dark. We’re not going to watch inappropriate entertainment. And we’re especially not going to have sex before our wedding night.
Date intentionally. This means being seri-
ous about who you date and how you go about the process. In other words, you are not dating just “to have fun.” You aren’t just hanging out together, especially in a relationship that becomes romantic. If you’re not serious about where the relationship is going, don’t let it become serious. If it does become serious, then it should be for the purpose of exploring compatibility. You’re on a road together, heading toward a destination: your wedding ceremony. Who you are as a dating couple will impact who you are as a married couple. It doesn’t guarantee a successful marriage, but a troubled dating relationship will definitely start your marriage on the wrong foot. Be intentional about whom you date, and how you date them. That’s the key to staying on God’s path to marriage.
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The 5 T’s that Will Tell Your Story By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Have you done any work on your obituary, recently? I don’t mean writing it ahead of time, as some people do, leaving humorous or poignant messages to be published upon their death. I’m talking about working on things that matter now. You see, the way you live today will determine what your family will write about and talk about after you have died. I have got a lot of living to do yet. I still have many dreams and goals for my life, my marriage, my family, and my work. But I am also aware that the years ahead of me are fewer than the ones behind me. So I need to be intentional about how I live in the time that remains. How will those you leave behind tell your story? When I leave this world, my story—like yours—will be told largely through 5 T’s. Consider them with me, and see how your obituary is shaping up…
3. T is for Treasure. Contrary to what
some believe, God does not say that money is the root of all evil. He says the love of money is. Money in itself is neutral; it’s how we use it or let it use us that makes the difference. As a husband and father, I have a duty to be responsible financially, providing security and a future for the ones I love. But I also have a duty to be a good steward of the money that has been entrusted to me and my family. Everything I have comes from God, ultimately. I know that my net worth is not based on what is in my bank account or what I get, but rather on what I give…what I give of my time, talent, and treasure. I want to be generous with what I receive, giving wisely to those in need. I like what NFL coach Tony Dungy has to say in regards to thinking about work and money.
4. T is for Title. This is not about what 1. T is for Time. There is no more signifi- may be on your business card or any letters cant single indicator of what is really important in our lives than what we give our time to. When it comes to time, we are all on an equal footing. We each have 24 hours a day, 168 hours a week. How are you using that time? Work is important, of course, but it’s not the only thing that matters. You’ve never heard of anyone on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time at the office, have you? Rather, they talk about regretting not investing more time in relationships. So track your time for a week, noting how many hours and minutes you give to things like work, hobbies, social media, and television. The results may surprise you and prompt some adjustments.
2. T is for Talent. Like many guys, I
compare myself to others. How do I shape up compared to their professional status, their house, their bank account? Comparing can cause discontentment. If I’m always focused on what someone else has instead of what I’ve got, I’ll never be happy. God created me uniquely with specific gifts. So, I should not aim to be like someone else. I just need to be me. Am I exercising my gifts and abilities to their fullest extent? Am I seeking to develop them? And am I using them to benefit and bless others or just for personal gain, pleasure, and comfort? I can only have a life worth meaning if I give it away.
you may have after your name. It’s more about the role or the position you have been placed in. Take a piece of paper and jot down a list of all the “hats” you wear. You may be surprised how many there are. You may be a husband, father, son, wife, mom, daughter, sibling, friend, neighbor, church member, Little League coach, or mentor. Each of these positions has different responsibilities, obligations, and opportunities. Where do you need to step up your game?
5. T is for Testimony. This is what you
share with others by your words and actions. First words. What are the things you talk about most with people: the weather, cars, clothes, money, hobbies, or portfolios? Or do you make a point to go deeper, to speak about things that really matter—faith, truth, and love? Do you build others up? Do you give them hope for the future? Second, actions. Am I the real deal? Am I actually modeling with my actions the things I espouse with my lips? Do I “walk the talk”? Reflecting on these 5 T’s is helping me as I look ahead. They are helping me on the journey of life. They are helping me to finish strong. Which of these 5 T’s do you most need to reevaluate in your life, in the days ahead?
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40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Tour de Gap celebrates 35 years in July By Mallory Ashford | Big Brothers Big Sisters
This year marks the 35th Annual Tour de Gap ride at the Old Settlers’ Reunion Grounds in Buffalo Gap on July 22-23, 2017. In 2016, Big Brothers Big Sisters Abilene was selected as the new nonprofit partner and the event will benefit the youth mentoring organization again this year! Tour de Gap is hugely popular, bringing in around 300 riders year after year from across Texas. Participants will ride through the rolling hills of Buffalo Gap, relax at the pavilion area and enjoy food trucks and raffles. On Saturday, riders can choose between three distances: the traditional 11 mile and 27 mile routes plus the new 100K route. The pre-registration fee for adults through Thursday, July 20 is $35. Day of registration is available for $40. Children under 15 ride free with a paying adult. As a special addition for the anniversary year, riders are invited to participate in the Steamboat Mountain Time Trial on Sunday morning — a 7.2 mile hill climb up Belle Plains Road and up to the top of Steamboat Mountain. Registration for Saturday and Sunday events is now open at bikereg.com/tourde-gap. Please visit tourdegap.com or contact Mallory Ashford for more information – mashford@bbbstx.org or 325674-3115.
WATER MATTERS Drinking water will improve your goals. Here is why! A fact.
60% of water makes up your body, and you are constantly losing water daily when you sweat and go to the bathroom, and you must replenish. 1. When you drink water it will increase your metabolism and burn more calories for hours. If you drink cold water it will it even more.
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2. It will help with controlling your appetite. Staying properly hydrated helps dehydrated signs that are often mistaken for hunger. It helps to have a glass of water or more when you sit down for meal before you eat. You will get full faster. and intake less calories. Research • Some studies show that drinking water also helps with better brain functioning, fewer headaches, and improve physical performance. Also, it helps with constipation, deceased risk of kidney stones, and healthier skin and less acne. Here is a tip - Keep a large water bottle with you
at all times, and refill it every time that it is empty. Keep drinking. Drink at least your bodyweight in ounces. Yes, in ounces. Make it a goal and try and see if you can do it. Get close!
HEALTH&FITNESS
Abilene Regional Medical Center First in Region to Offer Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ By Panissa Dor | Marketing Manager, Abilene Regional Medical Center
Abilene Regional Medical Center is excited to offer Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exams, developed by Hologic, Inc., a worldwide leader in Women’s Health. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, Genius exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.* In conventional 2D mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. A Genius exam includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect. A Genius exam includes both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans. During the tomosynthesis-DIMENSIONAL portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. A Genius exam requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam. The Hologic system is the only clinically superior breast tomosynthesis system as approved by the FDA. The new system is recommended for women of all ages and breast densities. The system allows our radiologists to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of abnormalities. This leads to better detection and greater peace of mind for our patients. Large clinical studies in the U.S. and Europe have demonstrated the positive benefits of a Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam. The largest study to date on breast cancer screen-
ing using the Genius exam was published in the June 25, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Findings include:
as a flat two-dimensional image. This confusion of overlapping of tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. Using breast tomosynthesis • A 41% increase in the detection of invasive technology, the Hologic system creates a 3-dibreast cancers. mensional image of the breast structure, which • A 29% increase in the detection of all breast enables radiologists to more clearly see through cancers. overlapping tissue to detect cancers, often at an •A 15% decrease in women recalled for addi- earlier stage. tional imaging. The Hologic system is the first FDA-approved Abilene Regional Medical Center is commit- breast tomosynthesis system in the U.S. Hologic ted to the fight against breast cancer. In offer- Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exams are ing the Genius exam, Abilene Regional Medi- now available in all 50 states and over 50 councal Center provides a more accurate* tool for tries. To date, more than 8 million women have breast cancer screening. “3D mammography been screened with this advanced screening sysincreases the accuracy of breast cancer detec- tem. tion in women with dense breasts. Statistics show approximately 40% of women over 40 About Abilene Regional Medical Center has dense breast tissue, and with that, a slight Abilene Regional Medical Center is a 231 bed, full service, increase in breast cancer risk. With the addi- all private room acute care hospital where technology and tion of Genius 3D mammography at Abilene skilled professionals come together to provide compasRegional Medical Center, we hope to detect sionate, customer-focused care. Key services include an and treat these cancers at a much earlier stage Emergency Department, Accredited Chest Pain Center, than with traditional 2D mammography,” Women’s Services, Orthopedics, Cardiology, Wound Care, stated Michael Montgomery, M.D., Medical Skilled Nursing Unit, Cardiac Rehab, Wellness Center and Director of Radiology and member of the So- the area’s first accredited Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and robotic assisted surgery. With more than 200 physiciety of Breast Imaging. If you have questions about 3D mammography or breast health, please contact the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Abilene Regional Medical Center 325-428-1380. If you would like to schedule your 3D screening mammogram contact 325-428-1225. About Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ Exams The breast is a three-dimensional object composed of different structures located at different heights within the breast. These structures can overlap and cause confusion when viewed
cians and 800 employees, Abilene Regional Medical Center is committed to serving your healthcare needs. Visit us at AbileneRegional.com for a complete listing of services. Abilene Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.
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42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
g for a Loved One Advocatin The many facets of caregiving By HealthDay
There are times in life, like a health crisis, when a loved one needs you to be their eyes, ears and voice. Though you may be feeling anguish over his or her illness, a patient’s pain, fear or even the effects of medication can keep them from being their own advocate. But, you can play a role not only in supporting them through a stressful time, but also in making sure they’re getting the best care. • Gathering information is key. Ask questions and do research about their medical condition, treatments, specialists in the field and even the best hospital or surgery center for having a procedure done. Get to know the doctors involved and ask for specifics if you don’t understand any terms they use. Don’t hesitate to bring another family member with you, especially when surgery or other complex procedures are being discussed. • Keep careful notes. Even a minor illness can involve many tests, new medications and detailed home care. It’s hard to remember a lot of information, such as the dosing of multiple drugs and complex hospital discharge notes, especially when you’re stressed. Use a small notebook or the notes app on a smartphone to write down the names and contact num-
bers for everyone on the medical team. Include dates on your notes -- you may need them to provide a timeline to future specialists or to reconcile medical bills later on. • Monitor their care. Even though your loved one’s primary doctor or surgeon may be the point person for other healthcare team members, you can be the backstop. Know and share your loved one’s medical history, any daily medications, allergies and known drug side effects. If a new medication is prescribed, ask what it’s for, possible side effects and whether it could have a negative interaction with any other drugs. Being an active member in care lessens the chance of medical errors. • Be present. If your loved one is in the hospital, your daily visit may be the one thing he or she looks forward to each day. Bring everyday items from home, like a robe or toiletries, to make the patient more comfortable. • Have a second-in-command. Being an advocate is like having another job. There may be times when you can’t be there. Designate a close friend or relative who can step in for you. • Take care of yourself. A spouse’s or child’s serious illness can take an emotional toll and you can’t advocate for them if you’re rundown. Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.
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Keep Your Salad Greens Safe By Jane Rowan | Taylor County Extension Office
Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 43
My gums are inflamed. What can I do? By Southwest Dental Care
Raw leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, are delicious and have a lot to offer as part of a healthy diet. But some experts now call them the riskiest food — more likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria than even hamburgers.
ing your sink, counters, refrigerator drawers and utensils clean. Soap, water and elbow grease will do the trick — you don’t need disinfectants. Wash and/or replace kitchen sponges frequently. Don’t wash or store greens close to raw meat, which can drip on them.
These bacteria (such as E. coli and Salmonella), as well as noroviruses, get into the greens via irrigation water, soil and human hands. So, follow these pointers from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Health Hints Newsletter to enjoy your greens without getting ill.
• Organic greens are no safer than conventionally grown ones. They must be washed in the same way. The same is true of locally grown produce or even greens from your own garden. Outbreaks from big processors get the most publicity, but that doesn’t mean local is always clean.
• Don’t just toss unwrapped greens in your shopping cart along with other groceries, such as raw meat and poultry, which can contaminate the greens. Place your greens in plastic bags and keep them away from potential contaminants. • At home, wash leafy greens under cold running water before you eat them; rinse even the tightly packed leaves in the interior. One method of washing: immerse loose greens in a large pot of cool water and allow a minute or two for debris to sink to the bottom. (Crinkled greens like spinach may need three rinses.) Then place the greens in a colander and wash them under running water. Discard the outer leaves of lettuce and cabbage heads. • Use a salad spinner to dry the greens, or pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. •When buying packaged greens, don’t assume that everything in cellophane or plastic has been washed. The label should say “prewashed,” “triple-washed” or “ready to eat.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says these prewashed greens are safe to eat without further washing because they are processed in facilities more sanitary than the average home kitchen. Should you still rewash? Some experts say that rewashing only ups the risk of contamination, but others recommend it. Prewashed greens are costly — so just buy unwashed greens if you are planning to wash them anyway. • Avoid contaminating your greens by keep-
• Rethink using produce washes. Antimicrobial washes have not been shown to be significantly more effective than regular washing for home use. Scientists are working to develop better washing solutions for processors as well as home use. • Keep your greens cool. Ready-to-eat, freshcut salads should be refrigerated in the grocery store or salad bar. Select packages that have the latest “use by” dates, and have no signs of damage, spoilage, wetness, or slime on the leaves. The leaves should look dry and crisp. At home, keep greens refrigerated and eat as soon as possible. Toss them if you notice any juices or slime developing. • Consider options beyond raw greens. Frozen greens are another wholesome and nutritious option. No outbreaks of food poisoning have been linked to them. Cooking greens will kill bacteria. Spinach and other dark greens are safe after cooking 15 seconds at 160°F. Continue to enjoy the many health benefits of salad greens but take the extra steps to keep them safe. For more details about this or other topics, contact the Taylor County Extension Office at 325672-6048 or email: l-rowan@tamu.edu.
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Inflamed gums are a fairly common dental issue, but unfortunately, many people don’t take the problem seriously enough. If you ignore inflamed gums and continue your usual routine, you could be encouraging a much more severe inflammation problem, and the pain that goes along with that. Fortunately, it is quite easy to relieve inflamed gums if you use the tips below.
Use Soft Bristles
A soft-bristle toothbrush - the softest you can buy - is a must for anyone with inflamed gums. Anything that makes contact with your gums can cause you pain, so fine and soft bristles are always the best choice.
Use Sensitive Formula Toothpaste
The toothpaste marketed as “Sensitive Teeth Formula” contain special ingredients to help relieve sensitivity. When your gums are inflamed, even light brushing can cause some pain. Using a special toothpaste will help reduce that pain and make it easier to brush your teeth effectively. The effect becomes stronger as you use the toothpaste more, so use it for each brushing.
Visit Our Office
If your gums remain swollen for more than a few days or a week, set up an appointment with Dr. Chris Proctor and Dr. Richard Gore. There is a long list of conditions that could be causing your swollen gums, everything from gum disease to pregnancy, so you need to find out where your issue is coming from. Most of the time, Dr. Chris Proctor and Dr. Richard Gore can easily treat the swollen gum issue at our Abilene, TX office, or can give you an effective treatment to take home.
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
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June is National Migraine and Headache Month
10 Ways Migraine is Not “Just a Headache” By Kerrie Smyres | Migraine.com
Migraine is a neurological disorder that’s largely inherited and migraine attacks are terribly painful and often disabling. Sadly, though, migraine is frequently dismissed as “just a headache” and migraineurs are told to take an aspirin and get over it. But those of us with migraine aren’t making a big deal over a measly headache. Here are 10 characteristics that separate migraine from a run-of-the-mill headache.
(some people even have migraine attacks with severe nausea and no head pain). 73% of people with migraine have nausea and 29% vomit.Vomiting is never pleasant, but when any movement can worsen the pain, it is nothing short of horrific. Nausea without vomiting is nothing to scoff at. People with chronic mi-
persensitivity – are only the most common. Here are a handful of examples from the very long list of possible migraine symptoms: vertigo, difficulty finding words, numbness or tingling in the face or extremities, partial paralysis, frequent urination, brain fog, changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
7. Migraines Last for Hours or Days
A typical migraine attack lasts between four
1. Pain Severity
A typical “bad headache” has nothing on the pain of a migraine. Migraine pain is most often described as throbbing or pulsating. Depending on the person, it can feel like one’s head is literally about to explode or collapse on itself. Some people have sharp stabbing or burning pain. And many have some combination of these types of pain.
3. Pain Worsens With Movement
Migraine pain worsens with movement. Rolling over in bed can be excruciating. Some people will forgo getting up to get medication or water or to go to the bathroom because walking is too painful.
4. Nausea & Vomiting
There’s a common misconception that people vomit because the pain is so bad, but the nausea is a symptom separate from the pain
9. Disability and Disease Burden
During a migraine attack, 91% of people can’t function normally and 53.7% report severe impairment or the need for bed rest.The World Health Organization has found that migraine is the most disabling neurological illness by far and it ranks in the top 20 most disabling medical conditions worldwide. WHO also found that “severe continuous migraine” (which some people with chronic migraine experience) is as disabling as quadriplegia. Even between migraine attacks, a patient isn’t necessarily symptom-free and may experience anxiety about when their next migraine will occur and how severe it will be. Those with chronic migraine may not return to normal neurological function between migraine attacks.
2. Pain Location
Most people with migraine (59%) have pain on only one side of the head, but many have it on both sides. Those with pain throughout the head can also have more intense pain on one side than the other. The pain can be located anywhere on the head, including in the eyes, sinuses, roof of mouth, ears or face.
acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are the go-to treatment for non-migraine headaches. They can be effective for some of people with migraine – especially with added caffeine – but they might as well be Tic-Tacs for most of us. Prescription migraine drugs provide relief for some people, but others get no benefit from any medication.
graine can lose unhealthy amounts of weight and 72 hours. The excruciating pain part is because they are too nauseated to eat. only one of four migraine stages. The “migraine hangover,” which happens after the 5. Sense Hypersensitivity worst of the symptoms pass, also includes a Lights are too loud, sounds are too loud, odors headache and can last for days. With chronic are too strong and touch is irritating during a migraine that’s daily, one migraine attack migraine. Any of these sensory inputs can ac- runs into another, with no respite between attually cause physical pain. tacks.
6. So Many Other Symptoms
8. OTC Painkillers Are Often
The primary symptoms people associate with Ineffective migraine – pain, nausea, vomiting, sense hy- Over-the-counter painkillers, like aspirin,
Congratulations May 2017 Arrow Ford Employee of the Month! “Numerous Sales staff members told me what a great job he did and they really appreciated him having the knowledge, experience, and mental toughness to do his own job plus mine. I will always be grateful to him for stepping up in my absence during this time, and he is truly worthy of this nomination!” - Dale Frerich
10. The Stigma
Partly because migraine is perceived as “just a headache,” people with migraine face a huge stigma in addition to having disabling symptoms. A study published last year found migraine to be as stigmatized as epilepsy and people with migraine reported more difficulty working than those with epilepsy. Researchers also found that people with chronic migraine face a greater stigma than those with epilepsy or episodic migraine.
46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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BUSINESS&CAREER
Abilenians win $15,000 in Springboard Ideas Challenge By Brian Bethel | Abilene Reporter-News
Simply More Snacks, owned by Brittany and William Suell of Abilene, won $15,000 Tuesday at the Springboard Ideas Challenge Community Awards luncheon.
The other two presenting businesses were My Boyfriend’s Briefs, a women’s underwear line designed in a feminine boxer/brief-style, and Professional Medical Services, a Brownwoodbased company that provides low-cost, on-site The company, which plans to make healthy, medical services, with teams that can go to any sugar-free snacks targeted toward making an event or location. “on-the-go healthy lifestyle for families convenient,” is currently focusing on an easy-to-make cookie dough that can be eaten on its own. In a pitch to a panel of judges, Brittany Suell emphasized that in an era of rising obesity and preventable death, unhealthy but convenient snacks are something parents often reach for. “Just add water, and no matter where you are you can quickly have delicious, healthy cookie dough in a bowl,” she said. “Everyone loves cookie dough, and with Simply More Snacks you’re getting a product that is gluten-free, vegan, dairyfree and has no added sugars.”
been an idea, it’s been in the developmental stage, and now we are ready to do things like shelf life testing to guarantee the (viability) of our product so that it will be good for retailers.” From there, the business can start manufacturing, e-commerce sales, and marketing. The Springboard process gave their product time to change and evolve, Suell said. “It’s become something we think is going to be a great product,” she said. “… It’s been a lot of work, and a lot of meetings and time, a lot of recipe development, a lot of these cookie dough bowls happening in our kitchen.” The educational portion of the program is excellent, she said, but so is the opportunity to connect with others who might like a brand and want to help it grow.
“Even here, I’m sure people that didn’t win or got second connected with people that like their brand, like what they see, and want to help them grow The product is high protein, and produce their product,” she Brittany and Williams Suell celebrate their $15,000 prize in the yearly thus keeping those who eat it said. “… It’s a great opportunity Springboard Ideas Challenge (Photo by Brian Bethel) full and satisfied longer, plus to connect with other entreprefull of fiber, to keep customers’ hearts healthy. Each team had three minutes, with judges tak- neurs and investors in our community.” ing about 11 minutes for questions. “Simply More Snacks is ready to start manuIn a new high school division, $10,000 in scholarfacturing right now here in Abilene, Texas,” Springboard allows members of the commu- ships were awarded to three students from ATEMS Suell said. nity to organize, direct and present their busi- (Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and ness model ideas to local investors and possibly Science) High School, through a partnership with The 10th annual Springboard Ideas Chal- walk away with thousands of dollars in startup Junior Achievement and Springboard. Lilith Rilenges, sponsored by Abilene Christian Uni- funding and other resources, according to the vas, Lizette Garza, and Journai Lancaster will versity’s Grigg’s Center for Entrepreneurship, ACU website. split the prize. began in January with two-minute “elevator pitches” hosted in cities throughout the Big Additionally, the program allows participants Country. to receive feedback and connect with entrepreCALL US TO ADVERTISE neurs. (325) 701-9505 Forty teams competed in the first round of the After the presentation, Brittany Suell said that challenge, with 13 teams advancing to the sec- the win meant that the fledgling company could 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com ond. These 13 teams were highlighted at the work on its dream. luncheon, with three teams presenting their ideas to judges Tuesday. “It means we can get started,” she said. “It’s
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48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Mr. Gatti’s, H.E.B., Albertson’s & The Whitten Inn | BUSINESS | 49
Even though their parents have passed away, Cory and Ryan Marrs continue to work at their dream of a family restaurant. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Cory and Ryan Marrs’ favorite word to describe their dad is “inspirational.” If you want to see the result of that inspiration, just visit Belle’s Chicken Dinner House at 2002 Clack Street. Their dad, Dwayne, passed away in November of 2011, shortly after their mom, Marsha in March. “It was a tough time,” Cory says. “I thought it would be hard to come to work after Mom died. But because people came in and asked about them, we were able to tell the story. It was therapeutic.” Dwayne and Marsha met as students at Central Catholic High School in Abilene. Dwayne had followed his football coach Wylie Wise. “He was good at keeping our dad on the straight and narrow,” Ryan says. “Dad really wanted to play for him.” Dwayne attended McMurry University and entered the restaurant business shortly thereafter. He worked with Bill Waugh, the founder of Taco Bueno and Paul Vinyard. Waugh also developed the Casa Bonita restaurants, including a past Abilene icon, Tony’s Pizza Cave. “That was his niche,” Ryan says. “He really had a good head for business and could make the numbers work. He was sought after, and people would offer him positions because he could open a restaurant and make it stable.” Dwayne opened a total of twenty-eight restaurants, and eventually worked again with Paul Vinyard. By that time Vinyard owned Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, with nine locations around the Metroplex. “He was a mentor to our father,” Ryan says. “They were friends for a long time.” Cory, Ryan and their parents decided they
wanted to open a restaurant together. Vinyard gifted the Babe’s concept to Dwayne. He opened the Babe’s in Granbury to learn the ropes. Cory and Ryan also both worked for Babe’s for a year. In 2008 they bought the property on Clack Street. They took their mom’s Marsha worked the cash regismiddle name, “Belle” and after six months of ter and received lots of feedback from customrenovations, opened on February 11, 2009. ers. That positive feedback convinced the family that the concept could be successful. “We did have some concerns,” Cory says, “because the concept has some differences from “Our dad learned a lot of his management other restaurants. Taking home leftover sides style from coaches,” Ryan says. “He could use is not possible because they are served family a turn of phrase to make a point. One I rememstyle. Also, the server is the menu. That creates ber was that practice doesn’t make perfect. a connection between customer and server that Practice makes permanent. So perfect practice you don’t have with a paper menu. But we had makes perfect. That’s why we encourage our to make sure those differences weren’t chasing employees to follow a certain order and techour customers away.” nique. If you start skipping steps, you don’t have the same result.”
Belle’s employs about twenty-five people. Cory and Ryan understand that few of their staff will be long term. But they take pride when employees learn and grow during their time at Belle’s. Even though Cory’s favorite part of the job is the freedom of self-employment, he feels responsible for the people who depend on Belle’s for their income. Even though their parents are gone, the Marrs family remains close. Ryan and Cory’s sister Jennifer and her family regularly visit from Austin. “We travel to Austin whenever we can,” Ryan says. “And when they’re here they often ask if they can stay one more day. We’re always glad when they do.” Some families pass along recipes, some share photographs, some even pass along money. But the Marrs family has the richest inheritance of all, a family legacy of work, love and inspirational memories.
50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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The 6 Worst Homes for First-Time Buyers By Angela Colley
Deciding to buy your first home is a little scary. Looking for a home is anxiety-inducing. But actually making an offer? That’s a whole different level of panic. Are you choosing the right one? What if you buy this home and the perfect place comes on the market a week later? What if you end up hating the place in a year?
nance,” Lejeune says. If you’re not up for the challenge, move along.
5. The dream crusher
In an ideal world, you’ll live in your first home for a while, maybe make a few improvements, and sell it for a profit later so you can upgrade to an even more awesome pad.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for first homes. (If there were, we’d tell you.) And no, we can’t totally destress the process (buying a house is a big deal, after all). But we can help you avoid the biggest mistakes. And, as it turns out, some homes just aren’t right for the average first-time buyer. Go ahead and take a look.
1. The one that’s a little too ‘cozy’
You may not have children when you buy your first house. You may not even be planning on children. But those plans could change in the next five to 10 years, and that tiny two-bedroom historic bungalow you’ve been eyeing may go from just right to clown-car small. “If you are recently married and plan to start a family, do not buy a two-bedroom home. Unless you bunk the kids together, you will be moving once the second child comes along,” says Seth Lejeune, a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Collegeville, PA. “Three is generally a good average. If you end up staying there longer than expected, you can start a family and still be comfortable.”
2. The bloater
On the flip side, you shouldn’t just get the biggest house you can qualify for, either. Five bedrooms might make sense for you in the future, but if it’s just you and your partner now, you probably won’t need those other four bedrooms for years. In the meantime, you’ll be carrying a much larger mortgage than you need—or possibly can handle. “There’s almost nothing worse than buying more house than you need and having a reminder come in the mail every month as you scrounge to make payments,” Lejeune says.
But that doesn’t mean you should look at every home for its investment potential. Sometimes your tireless home improvements won’t mean much to the next buyer. And sometimes that home simply isn’t going to go up in price, no matter what improvements you make.
3. The money pit
You might be tempted to buy an older fixerupper—after all, you’ve watched so much HGTV you could give Bob Vila a run for his money—but be careful how much rehab you take on.
“If you make a row home in the worst part of the city into the Taj Mahal, you’re never gonna get that money back,” Lejeune says.
If your only reason for making an offer is what you might get out of it after you sell it, consider the market very, very carefully beIf the home needs one or two biggish projects fore you make the plunge. and a handful of small weekend jobs to get into perfect condition, you might come out ahead. But if you can spot a dozen problem 6. The doorbuster areas now, you may end up going broke trying If you’ve found a really good deal on a home, to repair that place. go ahead and pat yourself on the back for being a regular real estate pro. But then stop and Instead, opt for a fixer-upper with an end in ask yourself why the deal’s so great. Is the losight. cation a bit gritty? You might save big bucks in the beginning, but there also might be big “I generally advise people to keep it simple— problems if and when you try to sell the home like kitchens and bath upgrades,” Lejeune later on. says. “I would advise that you pick [a locale] with a 4. The weekend stealer strong school district and a fiscally sound muIs the front lawn a tropical garden? Does the nicipality,” Lejeune says. house have a swimming pool out back? Is there a huge vegetable garden that needs tend- Even if you don’t plan on having children, ing? Those features might look great now, but or you don’t care if a neighborhood is a litdo you really want to spend every weekend tle rough around the edges, future buyers maintaining your home? might—and that means you may be forced to offer the same discount you got when you “Pools, hot tubs, elaborate landscaping, etc. bought the house. And nobody wants their deare great in theory, but all require mainte- cisions as a first-time buyer to come back and haunt them as a first-time seller.
Pick us up at Golden Corral, MCM Elegante and Long John Silvers | BUSINESS | 51
Fungi Decimates Pines, Cypress Trees By Bruce Kreitler
Lately, Afghan pines and Italian cypress trees are really struggling here.
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Afghan pines truly are a desert tree, which comes from the Afghanistan part of the world. I mention that because the common name of a tree doesn’t always correctly denote its origin or history. Trees of heaven, which we mostly know locally as paradise trees, are not, so far as I know, from either heaven, or paradise.
cypress tree first showed up here. I have seen some of them growing in the countryside (closer to Wichita Falls than to here), which seem to be naturalized and just growing on their own. Seeing those trees makes me awfully curious how their seeds got there. It also makes we wonder if the future is going to contain more “wild” Italian cypress, or the ones I’ve seen growing in a natural setting are just a fluke and will fade away as time moves forward.
The reason I bring these two species of trees up together is that they are both having a lot of trouble in our region, and large numbers of them are not in good shape at all. My guess would be that most of the people who have either of these species on their property are already aware of this. Not only that, but anybody who pays attention to trees while moving Depending on where you are, or who you around the Big Country, or through one of our are talking about, Afghan pines may also be many communities, has probably notice exactcalled mondell or eldarica pines. They are ly what I’m talking about. all the same species, which is actually Pinus eldarica (kind of obvious where “eldarica” Primarily, the problems that the Afghan pines and Italian cypresses are comes from). having are fungal in nature. I’ve sent a lot of samples to Afghan pines are by far the the Plant Pathology lab at most common pine in our area, Texas A&M this year, and and were introduced in the without exception, every 1960s as windbreak and sight sample I’ve sent from the barrier trees, and have been Afghans has come back used for those purposes, as positive for “diplodia tip well as for stand-alones, ever blight” (Sphaeropsis pisince. nae). Other things have shown up as well, but the Italian cypress trees (Cupresprimary issues is the diplosus sempervirens), are quite dia. The samples I’ve sent a different plant from the Afghan pines and are distinctive for their concerning the Italian cypress trees have also narrow canopies (usually less than four feet shown to be fungal issues, but with a much across), and upright growth. While Italian wider spread, with as many as three different cypresses are also planted in rows, that type fungi infesting one tree. of planting is often meant as more of a “feaMy thinking is that the whipsaw nature of sevture” of a landscape than it is as a barrier. eral years of extreme drought, followed by a As the history of Italian cypress trees in the couple years of heavier (much) than normal Big Country doesn’t seem to be as well docu- rainfall has created the conditions that are almented as the history of our Afghan pines is, lowing fungi to decimate these two particular I don’t know either when, or how, the Italian species.
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52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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A Teenager’s Guide to Building Wealth
Pick us up at The Whitten Inn, China Star, Wholly Cow Burgers & H.E.B. | BUSINESS | 53
By DaveRamsey.com
Building wealth begins by practicing good of carefree travel through Europe. But the money habits—and that can start at any age. harsh reality will hit as you return home and are greeted by hundreds of dollars in monthly You’ve heard your parents talk plenty of payments. Plus interest. Ouch! When you times about Dave’s plan to build wealth with don’t owe anything to anyone, you keep your the seven Baby Steps, but how does this ad- money! When you pay a creditor each month, vice apply to you as a teenager? you’re giving them your extra money that could be going in your pocket. Believe it or not, you can put action steps into place now to build wealth. And the habits you The same can be said for car loans. Don’t pay learn today can make or break you as you go $300 a month on a new car that is depreciatthrough life. Just think—time is on your side ing by the minute. Instead, save that $300 for here. You have the opportunity to save mon- a year and buy a decent $3,600 used car to get ey now and impact your future. If you start you from point A to point B. out with a mind for saving and a hatred for debt, you will be on your way to becoming 2. Make a zero-based budget each month. wealthy. A spending plan is like a treasure map. It shows you what to avoid and what path to Here are five key tips to help teens build take, all while leading you to riches. Before wealth: the month begins, plan your budget. You can even do it straight from your phone using our 1. Stay away from debt. EveryDollar app. Then throughout the month, Sure, getting a flashy credit card when you track your expenses. Making a plan and stickturn 18 can seem appealing. We’re lured in ing to it will prevent the temptation of imwith the promise of a free t-shirt and visions pulse spending, which can sink you in a flash.
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3. Save money. Getting in the habit of saving money will benefit you for the rest of your days. If you have at least $1,000 saved for emergencies, you’re prepared for the twists and turns of life—like when some fool changes lanes without using a blinker and sideswipes you. What would have been a crisis is now a mere bump in the road. Why? Because you were armed with an emergency fund!
spend more than you make, you dig yourself deeper into a hole. Live on less than you make and you’ll always have enough.
5. Be a giver. This is probably the one you didn’t see coming. Doesn’t giving mean you have less money? Technically yes, but giving has valuable benefits. Giving to others makes you more appreciative of what you have and can actually help curb your spending. Don’t worry if Rainy days aren’t the only reason to save you don’t have much to give right now. The money. You also want to save for big-ticket point is to give what you can and establish items you have your eyes on. Plus when you the habit of being a cheerful giver. pay in cash, you might even get a deal! And if you’re thinking about college, putting away If you follow these tips as a teen, you’ll be money now can help you get a jump-start on well on your way toward building wealth as you progress through your adult life. In 10 paying for school debt-free. years you could be piling up the cash instead of paying the minimum on your student loans 4. Live on less than you make. You can do a lot with the money you’re mak- like your friends. These tips are crucial to ing from a part-time or summer job. Now is a building a strong financial foundation. The great time to learn to live within your means. longer you apply these principles, the more Don’t expect to become wealthy if you earn you’ll see they’re worth it. $500 a month but spend $600. When you
54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
THE PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP ABILENE Leadership Abilene strives to expose participants to the many services, resources, organizations and businesses that make Abilene unique. Each month (of the nine-month program) the group will attend presentations, tour facilities and interact with representatives from local businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions and public offices. In an effort to connect current Abilene leaders (like yourself!) to future Abilene leaders- the Leadership Abilene program accepts 30 adult participants and (up to) 30 local high school sophomores. These students join the adult class experience for 6 of the 9 scheduled class dates. 1) Identify and motivate potential leaders 2) Acquaint them with community needs 3) Provide insight into techniques, opportunities, and challenges of leadership 4) Explore alternate perspectives for community challenges 5) Encourage new leaders to community involvement
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Ed Eats: Romina’s Smoked Burritos By Edward Morrell | The Abilene Post
Picture this, and I know a lot of you will agree with me on this! It’s time to go grab a bite to eat; you and your significant other are hangry and cannot decide on a place to eat. You want some traditional smoked BBQ, but your other half wants Tex-Mex. Well, there is a new restaurant just off of I-20 that will make you both happy! Welcome to Romina’s Smoked Burritos. Located at 243 West Stamford—“the old Russell Stover store”—just off of I-20 at the corner of FM 600 and West Stamford. It is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the trip. There are a few big name places to get a burrito here in Abilene, but if you are looking for something a little different, then this is the place for you!
meal if you add the rice and refried beans.
If you aren’t in the mood for a burrito, Romina’s also offers a buildyour-own nachos. You can choose Romina’s will start your from the same smoked meats and burrito experience with a wide variety of toppings. A new one of 3 smoked meats: addition to their menu is tacos any Brisket, Pork Rib or way you would like. In speaking Chicken. I was able to with the owner, I learned they do sample all three and I will not want people to leave hungry; say, it was extremely hard they want to have them leave happy. to decide, but I chose the pork. Once you have chosen your meat, you I believe they achieved their goal. You will can add your toppings to your burrito. Re- walk away satisfied, but will definitely want to member, this is your burrito, so you choose come back for more! what goes into it! There is pico de gallo, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and so much more. In the end, you will end up with an amazing burrito with a hint of that West This article originally appeared on Texas smoke! You can also make this into a The Abilene Post website www.theabilenepost.com
Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Daniela’s Tex Mex | BUSINESS | 55
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By Abilene Reporter-News
Ferris Consulting, an Abilene information technology firm, says computer users and network administrators can take steps to prevent ransomware attacks on their computers and networks.
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Microsoft or any other organization, turn off your computer immediately by holding down on the power button until the computer turns off. Tell your departmental manager.
On Friday, a cyberattack occurred in 150 coun- • Ensure all computers, network servers, firewalls are updated with the latest available tries. software The “WannaCry” ransomware cripples computer networks by freezing machines and demanding money before it destroys files on the computer and files on the network that specific computer is attached to, according to a news release from the company. The attack holds users hostage by freezing their computers, popping up a red screen with the words, “Oops, your files have been encrypted!” though as the program mutates into newer forms, different messages may appear. On Monday hackers issued new versions of the ransomware program, placing computers and networks previously thought to be protected at risk. Ferris Consulting issued the following tips: • Do not open emails from persons and/or email addresses you are not familiar with as those emails may contain infected Email Attachments and/or Bad Internet Website Links that spread the virus.
patches. • Ensure your computer network is protected with a next generation firewall that actively scans all incoming traffic for malware, spyware, viruses and ransomware.
• Ensure all files on your computer and/or • Do not open email attachments and/or click on network are backed up and that those backup files reside offsite, unattached from your comInternet links from people you do not know. puter and/or computer network. • If your computer screen freezes and a message pops up demanding money, that you phone
Friday 6/23