May 2017

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

MAY 2017

Volume 8, Issue 1

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 Melissa Vinson (325) 201-6303 melissa@hispaniclifemedia.com

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com

About Us

We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community.

HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally.

Advertising rates are available upon request.

While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication.

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

Hello there May; please be good to us! For many, May is the light at the end of the tunnel if you are an educator or student.

You begin to do the May happy dance and all you can think of is SUMMER! No alarm, no test, no more cafeteria food, no grading papers, no staying up late studying.

Many seniors are marking the days off their calendars till graduation day, the day they think they become adults.

May can be hectic, emotional, expensive and exciting all rolled into one especially for parents of seniors.

We as parents begin to question ourself, did we do enough for our children, did we teach them all we needed to before they leave, did we spend enough quality time with them, will they know how to handle certain situations, and the list goes on and on. None of us parents are perfect nor do we have perfect kids, but I do believe we all strive our best to love, guide, teach and instill good values and morals the best way we know how. We do need to seize the moments we have with our children.

We have approximately 940 weeks from the day they are born until they turn 18 years old. Those moments go by way too fast.

Time is not an endless commodity that we can manipulate to do our bidding. It is finite; we need to use it in the best way possible.

Seize your personal faith moments with your children. Your spiritual role as a parent is not to take your kids to church it’s to lead your children, in every area. We as parents are our children’s first teachers, counselors, friends, mentors, and leaders.

Our children are a reflection of us. We have all made mistakes as parents, but no it is never too late. Seize the teachable moments with your children, seize the memorable moments, make those memories, seize the forgiving moments as well.

Your paperwork can wait, the laundry can wait, Facebook and Instagram, can all wait, it will all be there, but your children are only there for a moment. Your kiddos will only be this age once in a lifetime so seize every moment for it goes by too quickly. God chose you and entrusted you to be their parents not anyone else.

Have a great month and as always….First God, then Family and finally Friends….

David & Amy Hernández & the girls & all the staff here at HispanicLife

Front Cover: Carissa • Jaidynn • Brileigh Photo by: Cacie Admire Photography

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Friends of the Abilene Public Library Hosts Book Sale June 15-18

By Janis Test | Abilene Public Library

It’s time once again for the Friends of the Abilene Public Li- ing (bags furnished at the sale). Cash, checks, and credit/debit brary Book Sale at the Abilene Civic Center, June 15-18. Our cards will be accepted for purchases, with proper picture ID. 28th annual sale will have more than one hundred thousand The Friends will be able to accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover books, video and cassette and Diner’s Club. tapes, DVDs, CDs, records and other unique items.

Two featured areas of the sale are ‘Antiques Library Friends members and Uniques’, and the get first crack at the goodCorner Store. Antiques ies during a preview sale and Uniques will conon Thursday, June 15 from tain rare, hard-to-find 5 until 8 p.m. Memberand collectible books. ships to the Friends startThe Corner Store feaing at $15.00 will be availtures new or almost able at the door. On Friday, new books at a fraction June 16 the doors open to of their original price. the general public at 10 Both of these areas will a.m. and close at 8 p.m. include special interest Saturday, June 17, the sale begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 6 fiction and non-fiction titles. p.m. Prices on most general sale items, including hardbound books, will be $2, while most paperbacks will be $1 each. The Friends of the Abilene Public Library Book sale is an Children’s books are sold by the inch, for $1.50. Admission annual event. Proceeds from the sale fund library materials, is free. equipment, activities and staff training opportunities. For more information, call your Abilene Public Library at 676-6025, or On Sunday, the famous “Bag-o-Books” sale begins at 1 p.m. check the Friend’s Book Sale information online at www.abileUntil 4 p.m., $6.00 will get you an entire bag of great read- netx.com/apl/BookSale.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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A Mom’s Creative Love Guadalupe Arvizo taught her kids learn to work, play and love.

Joanne Perez at her mother Guadalupe ‘s graduation.

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

And “Success comes in cans, not in cannots.”

Joanne Perez learned to appreciate her mom, Guadalupe Arvizo, when she went off to college. Joanne wrote her first college paper about the mother she had sometimes fought with but had come to respect.

Joanne is expecting a son in July who will join her four girls DaLayna, 16, DaMaya, 11 and twins DaMyra and DaSha, 2. The new baby will be named DaMasio and Guadalupe plans to be present for the birth as she has with Joanne’s other children. When DaMaya was born Guadalupe was expected back at work soon.

“That’s when I realized why she went to school and worked so hard to get through it. She wanted to give us a better life.”

Joanne graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Then she returned to Abilene because her oldest daughter, DaLayna, wanted to attend Abilene High.

As her family grew, Joanne understood better and better the struggles her mother faced.

Originally a stay-at-home mom of six, Guadalupe graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a bachelor’s degree and from the University of Texas at Arlington with a master’s degree in social work. She now works for the Dallas Independent School District at the John Leslie Patton Academic Center.

“Social work is not a money field,” Joanne says. “She does it because she cares. We’re always there for each other because of my mom. That’s the way she raised us.”

Even though money and time were tight, Guadalupe helped her children understand the value of both fun and family. Joanne remembers annual Christmas in July celebrations that included a fully decorated tree. She and her five siblings were not allowed to buy gifts. They all had to be handmade. Christmas in December focused mainly on Jesus’

“She told me I’d better have this baby in the next five minutes because she had to leave, and I did it,” Joanne says.

Guadalupe Arvizo with all of her grandchildren.

birth, but July brought creativity and family fun.

“We still get together around Valentine’s Day when we can,” Joanne says. “My mom cut out hearts and wrote each of our names on one. Then all the rest of us had to write what we appreciated about that person. Then we ate spaghetti. My mom really couldn’t cook.”

It helps that Joanne’s brothers Sammy and Damasio and sisters Maria, Loretta and Tracy all live in Abilene or nearby. Guadalupe comes from the Metroplex twice a month and the brothers and sisters travel there to visit her also.

In addition to creative celebrations, Guadalupe also developed creative discipline for her children. Joanne remembers writing wise adages over and over including “Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.”

One of Guadalupe’s favorite family activities these days is karaoke. Sammy and DaMaya especially enjoy it too.

Joanne is not the only member of the family who has written about her mom. Her brother Damasio also wrote a poem expressing the whole family’s love and gratitude for Guadalupe’s influence in their lives. That poem appears below and says “Happy Mother’s Day” better than a mountain of Hallmark cards.

There’s many times in life That seem like no one truly cares, But through those times we always Find our mother to be there.

It seems like she’s an angel Sent to us from up above.

She’s taught us many things in life, And one is how to love.

In any circumstance we’re in She’s never one to judge.

She’ll stand right by our side with pride, Just like a mother does.

My brother and my sisters Will say that this is true, So this is for our mother, Just because we love you.

6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

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Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999.

He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.

Firefighter Caleb Fullerton began his career with the Abilene Fire Department in May of 2007. Firefighter Fullerton is certified as a firefighter advanced and an advanced EMT. Caleb is currently assigned to Engine 4 on B shift.

Firefighter Kenny Stites joined the Abilene Fire Department in February of 1991.

He is certified as a firefighter and EMT intermediate. Firefighter Stites is currently assigned to station 3 on A shift as the driver/ operator.

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Zoolute to Dyess Honors Military With Free Zoo Day

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

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.

Abilene PD Now Offering Medication Drop-off Site

By Erica Garner | BigCountryHomePage.com

By Kelly Thompson | Abilene Zoo

The Abilene Zoo will mark National Armed Forces Day, May 20, with a longrunning tradition: free admission to a party honoring all active and retired military servicemen, veterans, and their families.

This 35th year of Zoolute to Dyess has some exciting new additions. Several military service groups and special guests are joining the festivities, turning Grover Nelson Park into a celebration of military service.

Anyone who presents their military ID at the gate will be admitted free and can enjoy free food, drinks and prizes, thanks to generous community underwriters. Children are invited to jump in the zoo’s alligator bounce house, and everyone can enjoy musical performers throughout the day.

Two 5K runs that benefit veteran families will take place in the park that morning. The CW2 Jennifer C. Hunter “Running Free” 5K Warrior Oorah and Family Fun Runs start at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., respectively, and will raise funds for Gold Star Families, who will be among the honored guests at the zoo that day.

Also new this year is a Veteran Benefits Fair. Organized by the Military Partnership of West Central Texas, representatives from more than 20 different service agencies will hand out information, make new friends, and draw for prizes throughout the day.

“Abilene is famous for its relationship with Dyess Air Force Base, and Zoolute is one event that underscores that special connection,” said Executive Director Bill Gersonde. “Our 35th Zoolute is a tribute to that bond, and our community underwriters and volunteers have mustered up plans to make it a memorable day.”

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The Abilene Police Department is now offering a safe space for residents to dispose of excess or expired prescriptions and other medications.

A Medication Drop Box that has been placed in the lobby of the Law Enforcement Center at 450 Pecan Street will be available for public use by April 18.

Anyone will be able to drop medication into the box during normal business hours - no questions asked!

Abilene Police teamed up with the Taylor Alliance for Prevention and the Abilene Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse to make this medication drop box in an attempt to curb prescription drug abuse.

“Taylor County reports to have a higher rate of opioid prescription claims when compared to the regional, state and national rates,” according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to Offer Professional Food Manager Certification Training Course

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Registration deadline is May 8.

By Tammie Belyeu | Texas AgriLife Extension, Taylor County

Statistics indicate that foodborne illness continues to be a health issue in the United States. Each year, 1 in 6 Americans will become sick, 128,000 will become hospitalized, and 3,000 will die due to a foodborne illness.

medical bills. With these statistics, knowledge of how to prevent foodborne illness is essential. The benefits of improved food safety include:

• Increased customer satisfaction • Improved relationships with health officials Texas Food Establishment Rules state that each • Prevention of bad publicity and law suits due to food establishment is required to have one certi- foodborne illness fied food manager on site.

By attending the course, foodservice managers Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Taylor, will learn about: Jones and Haskell Counties, are offering a profes- • identifying potentially hazardous foods and comsional food manager certification training course. mon errors in food handling This two day program will be offered for $125.00 • preventing contamination and cross-contaminaon May 22 and May 23 at the Taylor County Ex- tion of food tension Office. Cost includes training, materials, • teaching and encouraging personal hygiene for and the ServSafe food manager certification ex- employees amination. The food manager’s certification will • complying with government regulations be valid for five years. Registration deadline is • maintaining clean utensils, equipment and surMay 8. roundings • controlling pests This program is designed to not only prepare foodservice managers to pass the certification exami- Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by folnation; it will provide valuable education regard- lowing simple food safety practices. For more ing the safe handling of food. Almost 50 cents of information about the Professional Food Manevery dollar Americans spend on food is spent on ager Certification Training course of Texas A&M meals prepared away from home. Therefore, care- AgriLife Extension Service, called “Food Safety: ful attention to food safety will help keep custom- It’s Our Business,” call the Taylor County Exteners safe and satisfied. sion Office at 325-672-6048. You may also access a downloadable registration form at http://taylor.

Foodborne illnesses are estimated to cost thou- agrilife.org. sands of dollars in lost wages, insurance, and

Annual Crape Myrtle Fundraiser Benefits Keep Abilene Beautiful

By Erica Garner | BigCountryHomePage.com

Keep Abilene Beautiful is hosting their annual Crape Myrtle fundraiser during the month of May. Order your crape myrtles online at KeepAbileneBeautiful.org between May 1 – 31st.

3 gallons – $20 each, Buy 5 and get 1 FREE. Pink, White, Red Available

Pick up your Crape Myrtles on Friday, June 9th or Saturday, June 10th Mankin & Son’s Gardens – 4002 N. 1st Street Friday, June 9th from 1 – 5:30PM Saturday, June 10th from 8AM – 5:30PM

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505

Educational sessions for planting & maintenance will be:

209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Friday, June 9th at 4:00PM and Saturday, June 10th at 9:00AM and Noon

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

‘Happy Mother’s Day 2017’

Madres!

Feliz Dia De Las

HispanicLife Media

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Proposal Underway to Rename Street for Little Joe in His Hometown

By TejanoNation.net

A proposal to rename a street in honor of music legend Little Joe Hernandez in his hometown of Temple, Texas, was presented to the city council on May 4.

Little Joe Y La Familia have entertained audiences around the world for more than 50 years and revolutionized Chicano and Tejano music as the “King Of The Brown Sound”, winning multiple Grammy awards.

“What a lot of people in Temple don’t know is that Little Joe started orchestral Tejano music and basically did what Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly did for rock and roll,” Dunn said.

“He is revered around the state and around the world. The fact that we don’t realize that certainly makes this something we need to do to honor this family and the contributions he’s made in the world of music.”

The street would officially remain Sixth The Temple chapter of the League of United Street, but stacked street signs would recogLatin American Citizens (LULAC) is propos- nize Little Joe. Interim City Manager Brynn ing the city rename a street to commemorate Myers said the proposal would have a mini-

the accomplishments of the Tejano music mal impact on residents.

Hall Of Famer.

“I think staff’s proposal balances the desire Brian Chandler, director of planning, be- to honor Little Joe and also the desire to limit lieves the most appropriate option would be the impact on property owners,” Myers said. to rename Sixth Street, as it would intersect “Most of the property affected is actually citythe proposed MLK Festival Grounds. owned property. There is a little bit that’s not, but it’s vacant.”

“First of all, Sixth would bisect the festival grounds, so it’s certainly very appropriate The Temple City Council will vote to adopt with all the music that will be hosted in that the renaming at a later date. festival grounds to have that street named after Little Joe,” Chandler said. “Also, there are Little Joe Y La Familia recently recorded a no buildings along that section that would be live concert album in El Paso and released affected.” their latest studio album, San Antonio, in January and it’s available online at LittleJoeYLaMayor Danny Dunn said many Temple resi- Familia.com. dents may not realize the impact Little Joe had in the music industry.

WHEN: Second Weekend of the Month WHERE: 2501 E. Highway 80, Abilene, TX 79601 (Corner of Loop 322/Highway 80, SW Corner) TIME: Saturday, 9-6 • Sunday, 11-4 Email Contact: info@tradedaysofwesttexas.com Phone Contact: 214-850-7566

12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

AYSA Improves Youth Sports Programs In Abilene

Mockingbird Movies: “Now You See Me 2”

May 8 at 6:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Library. Movie Summary: The Four Horsemen resurface and are forcibly recruited by a tech genius to pull off their most impossible heist yet.

Family Flix: “Ratchet and Clank”

May 13 at 10:30AM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: When the galaxy comes under the threat of a nefarious space captain, a mechanic and his newfound robot ally join an elite squad of combatants to save the universe.

Saturday Matinee: “The Amazing Spider-Man” 1. Who created the AYSA and why?

AYSA was created in 2004 by local individuals as an organization to help promote, grow, and improve youth sports programs for the community of Abilene.

These individuals personally experienced the wonderful benefits of sports in their own childhoods and with their children, and wanted to provide a source of support for the volunteer parents that run the youth sports leagues.

2. Who does the organization serve? AYSA provides a variety of administrative support services to all 16 local youth sports leagues, plus provides a “Central Connection” of information and services to help get community families and children involved in any of these leagues.

3. How is the organization funded? AYSA is funded from Corporate Partners, special fundraising events (West TX Sports & Fitness EXPO – February; Big Country Mudslinger Fun Run – September), tournaments, AYSA skills Academies.

4. What are the programs and/or services offered? Community Services: Youth Sports Information (website, phone, office staff), PLAYS Scholarship Program, Instant Replay Used Equipment Shop / League Services: Board Training, Volunteer Screening, Registrations, Promotions (Monthly E-Newsletter) / Events-Tournaments (Sports & Fitness EXPO, Mudslinger Fun Run, High School Volleyball Showcase

/ Firm Foundation Skills Academies (Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer) for grades 2-7 5. What is the one thing that you are most proud of that AYSA has accomplished since inception? Our mission really involves 2 areas: Helping more kids play sports – and we’re seeing participation levels increase throughout the various sports; and 2) Using sports to develop the character and life-skills for children to succeed throughout their lives. We are excited to be playing a part in a significantly renewed focus and commitment to “put the kids first” that we are seeing throughout the youth sports community in Abilene.

6. What is next on the AYSA’s agenda? AYSA is currently conducting a Capital Campaign to raise private funding for the construction and operations of a multi-court, multi-purpose Indoor Youth Sports Complex. This complex will be located in Nelson Park and will facilitate significant growth for local kids to participate in youth sports as well as be the premier Youth Sports Tournament Venue throughout the Region. (www. abileneyouthsportscenter.org) 7. How can people get involved? There are so many needs and opportunities, starting with these opportunities: 1) Volunteer Coaches, 2) Tournament/Special Event Volunteers, 3) PLAYS Scholarship Sponsor (1 Child = $50), 4) Donations of quality used sports equipment, 5) Abilene Youth Sports Complex Sponsorships ($500 - $50,000) Contact AYSA: 325.692.2972 / info@abileneysa.org / www.abileneysa.org

May 13 at 2:00PM, 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.

Teen Flix: “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

May 16 at 4:30PM. Main Library. Movie Summary: The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.

Night Flix: “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” (Rated R)

May 18 at 6:00PM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: Alice returns to where the nightmare began: The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.

Teen Flix After Hours: “World War Z”

May 19 at 5:45PM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: Former United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.

Family Flix: “Bolt”

May 20 at 3:00PM, Main Library. Movie Summary: The canine star of a fictional sci-fi/action show that believes his powers are real embarks on a cross country trek to save his co-star from a threat he believes is just as real.

Saturday Matinee: “The Great Wall”

May 27 at 10:30AM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: European mercenaries searching for black powder become embroiled in the defense of the Great Wall of China against a horde of monstrous creatures.

BATurday Afternoon Movie: “Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders”

May 27 at 2:00PM, Main Library. Movie Summary: Batman and Robin are back in action to take down their fiendish foes once again with original actors Adam West voicing Batman, Burt Ward voicing Robin, and Julie Newmar voicing Catwoman.

Mockingbird Movies: “Zootopia”

May 27 at 2:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Library. Movie Summary: In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy.

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

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505

Thank You Mom! Juanita Valenzuela

“Wanting to thank her for being there for all 5 of us girls and now taking care of my dad who is disabled 24/7 since 2 years ago” Maria Valenzuela

Ed Eats: Opa!

14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Head over to Niko’s for a taste of the Mediterranean

By Edward Morrell | The Abilene Post

Growing up in New York there are some foods that are quintessential to the city. Greek food is one of those foods. Whether it be a Greek Diner, a Food Truck on the corner, or a traditional Greek Restaurant they all have one thing in common - the Gyro.

er Kebab Chicken sandwich as well. The chicken is cooked in the same fashion as the beef and lamb and then sliced to order. It is served in a warm pita with fresh tomatoes,

If beef and lamb is not the mood of the day then don’t fret, Niko’s also makes a Don-

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stuffed grape leaves. The stuffing is made of rice and spices and served with a side of tzatziki sauce. Hummus and Pita are on the menu as well. Salads and subs are also offered as menu items.

You have to save some room for the Baklava, which is a dessert made from layers of Filo dough filled with ground walnuts and cinnamon. It is sweet and savory at the same time.

What is Gyro you ask? Imagine a tower of beef and lamb rotating on a vertical rotisserie cooking slowly in the open.

You can see the the tender and juicy meat as it spins in front of you. The meat is then cut or shaved vertically in long thin slices and added to a warm pita and topped with fresh tomatoes, onion and tzatziki sauce.

Sound Good? Well then you need to take a trip to Niko’s located at 3354 Rebecca Ln. Niko’s makes an amazing version of this Greek classic. Be prepared to get your money’s worth when eating here. The Gyro is packed with meat and toppings. The toppings are always fresh and the meat is always tender and full of flavor. If you you are extra hungry or just looking for more variety, make it a Gyro Supreme. The supreme comes with the same toppings as the standard, but adds banana peppers, cucumbers, black olives, green olives, and feta cheese. You can also have it as a salad if you are looking for something a little lighter. Any way you have it, you will not be disappointed.

HispanicLife Media

So if you are out and about and looking for a taste of the Mediterranean, head over to Niko’s. You can follow them on Facebook at Niko’s | Facebook.

This article originally appeared on The Abilene Post website

www.the abilenepost.com

onion, and tzatziki sauce. There is a Supreme version as well, which includes the same toppings as the Gyro Supreme.

Niko’s also makes some really tasty appetizers to go along with your Gyro. They serve Dolmas, which are

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505

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Thanks, Mom!

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VonDrea Garcia couldn’t be more grateful to her adoptive parents.

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

2934 Old Anson Rd • Abilene, Texas 325-672-1636

VonDrea Garcia and her mom, Helen had the conflicts that girls and their moms normally do.

“She was well-loved in the neighborhood,” VonDrea says.

“She taught all the kids games.

We lived in an apartment complex where nobody really spoke English. Mom was always helping other mothers with paper work or applications. They called her Dona Helen.”

“We’re opposite,” VonDrea says. “She’s very neat and orderly, always on time. I’m fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants, always late and I show up without what I’m supposed to have. I like to think we brought out the best in each other. She kept me grounded, and I kept pulling her out of her comfort zone.”

Biologically, Helen is VonDrea’s greatgreat-aunt. She and her husband Daniel took VonDrea in when she was six months old after they had already raised three boys, Steven, James and David. They also cared for VonDrea’s biological mother, Veronica off and on.

“She’s very good at taking in wayward souls,” VonDrea says of Helen.

The family, originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, moved to Abilene from Carrollton, Texas to be close to their sons when Daniel retired from the construction business. VonDrea was nine. She graduated from Abilene High and has worked for almost five years as secretary in the Children’s Department at the Betty Hardwick Center.

In fact, VonDrea has nothing but good to

Helen was very involved at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church. She worked as Assistant Director of the church’s Ballet Folklorico, eventually taking on the role of Director for a total of ten years. She also taught RCA classes, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

say about Helen. Although Helen was a pediatric oncology nurse by profession, she was a stay-at-home mom for VonDrea.

“She was always taking care of everybody,” VonDrea says. “We had a routine and before I started to preschool at age three she had taught me to read, spell and cut.”

‘Granddaughter pretending to be grandma’

When Helen tried to enroll VonDrea in religious education classes they were already full, so she taught VonDrea at home. The result was VonDrea’s 100 on the final test.

“She’s a woman whose faith is unwavering,” VonDrea says. “I admire her ability to put her faith in God and know that he is going to bring her through whatever trials come along.”

VonDrea also remembers putting her own faith in Helen, believing she could do any-

10391796

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thing. Helen took care of costumes, projects, cuts and scrapes. VonDrea says if Helen didn’t know the answer, “she made it up. She is very stubborn and determined and she may have passed that along.”

VonDrea is now raising her own children, Aria, age two, and Samuel, age one.

“The older I get the more I feel I’m turning into my mom,” VonDrea says. “I’ve learned from her that it’s important for my kids to know things. My daughter doesn’t love to read yet, but if she can process knowledge through song and dance, that’s good. I’m working with them on being independent.

I wasn’t the kid who cried when my mom dropped me off at preschool. I was excited.

Also, my kids have already started learning manners and respect. They can both say please and thank you.”

Even though she is nearing eighty, Helen is still active. Daniel also continues to work full time. Until recently Helen also cared for Aria and Samuel on a daily basis. VonDrea rarely goes more than a day without speaking to her mom.

“I don’t think there are enough words in this universe to describe how thankful I am to her,” VonDrea says. “I just hope I’ve made her a fraction of how proud she’s made me.”

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

Eva G. Rodriguez, 72, passed away Friday, April 07, 2017.

Mrs. Rodriguez was born October 27, 1944, in Abilene, Texas to the late Carlos and Petra Gonzales Rodriguez. Eva was awarded employee of the year in 1981 at Hendrick Medical Center and also worked for the Abilene State School. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother. Eva will be missed dearly and be remembered forever by all that had the pleasure of knowing her.

Eva will be remembered by her husband of many years, Roberto Rodriguez of Abilene; a son, Robert Rodriguez of Abilene; two daughters, Amalia Turnbaugh and husband, Ken and Irma Garza and husband, James, all of Irving, Texas; a brother Silverio Dias Gonzales of Abilene; grandson, Marcos Anthony Rodriguez of San Antonio and his three children, Krystana, Keven

a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... and Wenceslao Rodriguez; granddaughter, Jamie Robinson of Melborn, Florida; granddaughters, , Ashley Smith (Paul) and their two children and Amanda Turnbaugh, all of Eastland , Texas; grandson, Christopher Andrew Garza (Amanda) and their child, Aaron James Garza; and grandson, Cory Daniel Garza (Whitney), all of Irving, Texas.

Mrs. Rodriguez was preceded in death by her parents, Carlos and Petra Rodriguez; daughter, Angie Chavez; two sisters, Juana Bernardo and Sylvia Ramirez; and a brother, Jesse Munoz.

Ismael P. Mendoza, Sr., 56, of Abilene, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at a local hospital from injuries sustained in a work related accident.

Mr. Mendoza was born May 05, 1960, in San Miguel De Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico to Jose Dolores Mendoza and Ofemia Pichardo. “No words can express how much I love my Daddy. Or how much he meant to our family and extended family. My daddy was a pillar for our family helped everyone, when he couldn’t even help himself. Dad never met a stranger, everyone was family to him friends, coworkers all of my cousins, aunts and uncles. He was a very strong and prideful man and worked to the very end for his family. My dad had a very long life ahead of him still. He will be missed by all who met him and remember for how brave he was..”

“Daddy I love you so much, I just still can’t believe what happened. You’ll forever be in our hearts and our daily decisions, we love you.. Your loving family.”

Left to cherish his memories include his wife of 33 years, Julia M. Mendoza; two sons, Ismael Mendoza, Jr. (Olga Veronica) and Jonathan Lee Mendoza (Juan Carlos Martinez), all of Abilene; a daughter, Angelina Priscilla Mendoza (Felipe Cano) of Merkel; three brothers, Antonio Mendoza, Augustine Mendoza (Rosa Maria) and Marcelino Mendoza, all of Mexico; two sisters, Juana Mendoza (Alfredo) and Angelina Mendoza, both of Mexico; Christian E. Herrera-Mendoza, Zachery I. Mendoza, Araceli S. Mendoza, Rosalie A. Cano, Dayami M. Cano, Flor A. Cano, Natalee J. Cano, Kerolyn Grace Cano, Martin De Jesus Cano, Esmeralda Cano and Esperanza Cano.

Mr. Mendoza was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Ofemia Mendoza; and one sister.

An account has been set up to help the family at Abilene Teachers under Julia Mendoza # 52767.

The family would like to give thanks to everyone at Hendricks Medical Center that assisted with Mr. Mendoza for doing everything possible. They also want to give thanks for the support from the community and friends, God Bless everyone.

Silvia C. Ellis, age 43, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 21st, 2017 at Methodist Medical Center in Dallas. She was born on August 21st, 1973 in

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Acuna Mexico to Jose Luis Diaz and Silvia A. Sanchez.

She graduated from Abilene High School on 1993.

Silvia truly lived life to the fullest, through simple pleasures, chatting with friends, family and spending time with the ones she loved. Silvia had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way, always with a smile.

Grieve not for me, Remember the best times and the laughter, The good life I lived while I was strong.

She is survived by her husband Darryl and two grown children, Darryl Jr. and Brittany; one granddaughter, Leslie; her parents, Tony and Silvia Sanchez; one sister, Melissa Flores (Rick); and one brother, Oscar Diaz, also by countless aunts and uncles on both sides of her parents.

Mrs. Ellis was preceded in death by her father , Jose Diaz; a brother Jorge Diaz; paternal grandmother, Cecilia Diaz and grandmother, Silvia Sanchez

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

“Ride of Silence” to Honor Three Bicyclists Killed in Abilene Last Year

By Erica Garner | BigCountryHomePage.com

Three bicyclists killed after being struck by vehicles in Abilene last year will be honored in a “Ride of Silence” later this month.

Thursday, May 18, 2017 – 7:30 p.m.

Paramount Theatre - Downtown Abilene Free Presentation

Jay Moore presents Forgotten Abilene a live presentation recounting hometown stories you have never heard. In collaboration with the Paramount Theatre, the Grace Museum jointly presents this trip into our hidden (and often humorous) past at the Paramount Theatre on Thursday, May 18th at 7:30. Mark you calendar.

There is no charge for admission. Approximately 90 minutes.

The ride, hosted at McMurry University, will take place on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, with pre-ride ceremonies beginning at 6:40 p.m. The Abilene Police department is asking riders to arrive by 6:15 p.m. for instruction.

Participants are asked to meet at parking lot north of Radford Auditorium on the McMurry University campus in south Abilene for the start and finish of the ride. The ride is free to anyone who wishes to attend.

The Abilene Police Department says the ride, which will be slow and silent, will be six miles long. Riders must wear helmets and maintain a pace of 10-to-12 miles per hour.

Three bicyclists killed in Abilene last year, Augustine Salazar, 55, Valentin Grigory Papadin, 65, and Casey Ellis, 21, will be recognized before the ride, according to the Abilene Police Department.

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18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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EDUCATION

LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

Teachers In The Limelight

By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, Abilene Independent School District

Teaching excellence was their respective campuses, celebrated in Abilene ISD on featured in the news meApril 26 at the 5th Annual dia and received a monetary Teachers in the Limelight Celaward. With a donation in ebration, sponsored by the 2012 of 3,000 shares of ExxAbilene Edu-cation Foundation. onMobil stock from Mr. JenThe announcement of the nings, a permanent endowfour biggest winners of 2016ment has been established to 2017 highlighted the evening at honor teachers making a difthe Abilene Country Club. The ference in the lives of students event is held annually to honor throughout Abilene ISD. teachers of the year at each This endowment will alAISD campus and top math and low AEF to continue these science teachers. awards yearly for generations Bassetti Elementary third to come. grade teacher Thonie Williams In April 2013, AEF held was named Elementary Teacher its first TLC event at which of the Year, and Gretchen Bulloutstanding teach-ers were ock, a History teacher at Woodrecognized and honored. son Center for Excellence, was Mr. Jennings increased Pictured above: SECONDARY / Gretchen Bullock • Woodson Center chosen as Secondary Teacher of the the awardamounts in 2014 given to MATH / Ashley West • ATEMS ◘ Edward Jennings, Jr. ELEMENTARY / Thonie Williams • Bassetti Year. Named as the Outstanding SciTLC cam-pus winners and added SCIENCE / Karen Cluck • Holland ence and Outstanding Math teachers 5th grade math teachers to the list of of the year were Karen Cluck, Anateligible nominees. omy & Physiology teacher at Holland Medi- A 1940 graduate of Abilene High, Mr. JenAward amounts are as follows: TLC cal High School, and Ashley West, Engineer- nings again attended this year’s awards ban- Teacher Honorees, $200; TLC Math and Sciing teacher at the Academy of Technology, quet, which is underwritten by the Abilene ence Honorees, $500; 5th Grade Math HonEngineering, Math & Science. orees, $500; TLC Elementary Teacher of the Teach-ers Federal Credit Union.

The Teachers in the Limelight CelebraEarlier in the school year, each AISD Year, $1,300; TLC Secondary Teacher of the tion is made possible by a gift and endow- campus nominated a teacher who meets the Year, $1,300; TLC Science Teacher of the Year, ment set up by Edwin Jennings, Jr., in memo- criteria set forth by Mr. Jennings. $1,000; and TLC Math Teacher of the Year, ry of his parents Edwin and Agnes Jennings.

Each of the nominees was honored on $1,000.

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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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ACU’s Alpha Chi Chapter Named Best in The Nation

By Abilene Christian University

ACU’s chapter of Alpha Chi national honor society was awarded the President’s Cup as the outstanding chapter in the nation out of 328 colleges and universities.

The award was presented at Alpha Chi’s national convention April 6-7 in Louisville, Kentucky. Nine students and two sponsors gave presentations at the convention, and two students won individual awards.

this new, yet vital, component of what makes an Alpha Chi chapter truly stellar,” LaSota said.

In the individual award categories, the Bill Short Prize in World Literature went to senior English major Valerie Kocsis for “To Wring Tears from the Stars: The Suicides of Emma Bovary and Hedda Gabler.” Adam Lubbers, a senior with a double major in history and Bible, took home the Patricia Graham Prize in World History for “The Medicine of the Dead: A Scholarly Examination The President’s Cup winner was selected based on of the History of Medieval and Early European three years of data looking at chapter involvement Spiritual Medicine.” Kocsis also won the Alfred and academic contributions, as well as a nomination H. Nolle scholarship for $2,000. at the regional level.

“We had the best of the best ACU students at “We did a few extra things that I think helped us win the convention presenting research,” Huddleston the award,” said Dr. Jennifer Huddleston, assistant said. “They represented ACU very well.”

ACU’s chapter was revived in 2010 and has flourished under the leadership of several faculty sponsors: Dr. Mikee Delony, associate professor of language and literature; Dr. Lynette Austin, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders; Dr. Tracy Shilcutt, professor of history and global studies; and current sponsor Huddleston.

professor of biology and Alpha Chi sponsor. “We really made strides to include our online students, especially in our induction ceremony. We held a Facebook Live event for online students to stream in and listen to their names being called.”

Dr. Ken LaSota, chair of the selection committee, said ACU’s chapter also was singled out for its commitment to publishing the research of undergraduate members. Though each nominee aggressively contributed to Alpha Chi’s academic journal Aletheia, “ACU easily surpassed all challengers in

Alpha Chi is a national college honor society that admits students from all academic disciplines. Membership is limited to the top 10 percent of an institution’s juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Invitation to membership comes only through an institutional chapter.

MAKING

A+ DIFFERENCE

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

MEET

GRETCHEN BULLOCK NAME: Gretchen Bullock CAMPUS: Woodson Center for Excellence TITLE: Social Studies Teacher TIME WITH AISD: 2 Years WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND?: I grew up in Abilene and attended Taylor Elementary, Franklin Middle School and graduated from Abilene High School. I earned a BA in Business with a minor in History from Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. I received my teaching certifi-cate through the post-Baccalaureate certification program at McMurry University. I am currently attending Sam Houston State University, working to complete an MA in History. I plan to graduate in December of this year.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Mark, for 15 years. We have three sons; Jacob,(13), Matthew (11), and Caleb (10). We love to hike and watch movies together.

TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: I volunteered for an organization, Mercy Ships, for two years. My family and I lived on the M/V Africa Mercy in a 400 square foot cabin. We spent half the time in Guinea and the other portion in the Republic of Congo. The ship provided free medical, dental and surgical care to the African people.

I worked in the Ships Academy teaching the children of the mis-sionaries and my husband ran the dental program. I also taught English to long term hospital patients.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? I love being a part of students achieving goals that they thought were unattainable. Often my students do not believe they have the ability to complete work and have previously failed in class and on Endof-Course exams. It is both challenging and fulfilling to be a part of motivating students to find their strengths, improve their weaknesses and become successful.

WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HER: “Mrs. Bullock does an amazing job with the students at Woodson Center for Excellence, not only in the classroom but also with Endof-Course assessments. Mrs. Bullock is a rock star teacher who helps students be successful every day, all day. She works in the power zone en-suring students are making academic progress in their curriculum and provides one-on-one tutoring for students who need it.

She does a fabulous job of building relationships with our students and helping them understand the importance and value of a high school diploma.” ~ Jaime Tindall, Principal, Woodson Center for Excellence

A sandwich nightmare:

How to not get burned out at the end of the semester

By Haley Remenar | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

All of the days are starting to run together and the homework keeps piling on faster, like an oven conveyor belt at a sandwich shop. I’m working on the side of the oven where the sandwiches come out, all melty-cheese and crispy bread. There’s a long line to the cash register, the orders are adding up and there’s a few customers peaking over the wall to see if I’m making their sandwiches correctly. Suddenly the sandwiches seem to be getting bigger and bigger, pouring out of the oven into a giant pile. I’m drowning in sandwich.

I had this nightmare so many times when I worked at a sandwich shop. Now I feel like I’m living that nightmare, except instead of sandwiches, homework and social events are overwhelming me. I’m overrun by tests, papers, group projects, rushes, concerts, formals, etc. Can anyone relate?

for a classic Abilene sunset. Drive down 10th Street heading west at sunset. The skyline of downtown Abilene looks so beautiful surrounded by green trees.

Stick to your schedule. When we get burned out, we tend to give up on some of our little daily responsibilities. Keep on showering, going to the gym and attending church and small groups. These things will help you stay focused even when homework and college life gets monotonous or overwhelming.

Shake up your routine. On the other hand, you might try doing something that really shakes up your routine. You could dress nice for school every day. You could hang out with someone you don’t normally hang out with.

You could start a daily video diary as you countdown to graduation. These things make life interesting and help you remember why you’re going to college in the first place.

If you’re feeling burned out, here’s three ways to maintain motivation at the end of the se- Spend more time with professors. You might need their help for a project, so you should mester. go to their office and talk with them instead Reward yourself with things you can only of slacking off on the project. You can also get in Abilene. Most of us will be leaving get to know them better so you might still feel Abilene for the summer, and some seniors comfortable saying ‘hello’ even after you finwill be leaving forever. The next few weeks ish that class. You may never have so many may be your only chance to get a Monk’s latte, knowledgable people at your fingertips again, a popsicle from Mary’s Palateria, or a spicy- so take advantage of their expertise even in a ranch-smothered Sharky’s burrito. So when busy season. you finish a big project or even a few pages of a long paper, grab a friend and go get some In the end, what you really have to do is just Abilene specialties. You can also hop outside take it one sandwich at a time.

22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Spotlight on Bowie Elementary

Bowie, Bowie...

How Does Your Garden Grow?

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By Abilene ISD

Imagine a student planting a seed in your school’s garden and just days later seeing a tiny leaf appear. However, without soil, sunlight and the traditional watering of plants, how could this be possible?

As you pass by the Bowie Elementary School grounds, you will not see a traditional garden located on the grounds of our campus. Once inside the foyer of our building, you will immediately notice a peculiar looking 6 foot tall piece of equipment with green plants sprouting from all sides. As you get closer you will see that the plants growing are different types of vegetables: several types of lettuce, basil, chard, cucumbers, eggplant, and tomatoes.

This new and innovative approach to growing vegetables and fruits is called a “Tower Garden.” The vertical, aeroponic growing system allows us to: 1) Triple the speed of plant growth through ‘grow lights’ and plants’ roots being continuously watered through a circulating water system.

2) Have less mess due to not using any soil—net pots with rockwool cubes filled with vermiculite hold the seeds.

3) Move our Tower Garden wherever learning is happening… classrooms, cafeteria, outdoors, etc. with the attachable dolly 4) Provide opportunities to bring science, math, social studies, and language arts to life through hands-on learning.

How did we become involved in this project?

In September, we were approached by one of our Bowie parents to discuss this opportunity for our entire campus to be involved in a modern and innovative way to grow vegetables and fruit. As we discussed the benefits of this oppor-tunity for our students, we became more and more excited. It was agreed that we would proceed, and the parent would

apply for the grant to help fund a portion of this Tower Garden project.

You can understand how thrilled we were when notified that we received this grant through the Community Foundation of Abilene and that the remainder of the cost would be donated by our Bowie PTA. Through the generosity of both of these organizations, we were on the way to a great “hands-on” learning project for our students.

Because this is our first year and not having any experience with the Tower Garden, we felt it was in this project’s best interest for us to first learn about the “ins and outs” of the Tower Garden personally and then allow the students to gradually become involved as we all gained more experience and knowledge.

However, we wanted students to learn about this project and answer any questions they may have had. Tower Garden presentations were held for each grade level.

During these presentations, students learned of the benefits of eating nutritious vegetables and fruits and that our campus was going to get the privilege of having a garden right here inside our building for all to watch and enjoy!

Days following the presentations, students became even more involved and excited about our garden and the growth they were seeing as they walked by the Tower Garden.

will have tasting stations set up in the cafeteria and have classes come by and sample.

Because we do not have enough for our entire campus to sample at this time, as our plants grow and we are able to pick more, we will have more tasting opportunities.

At this time, our cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplants are not mature enough to produce but we do have blooms and are hoping that we will have some of these vegetables to share before we leave for the summer.

Our plan for this coming school year is to have a Tower Garden Lead-ership Club.

This will be a hands-on student project led by an adult who will supervise the work of the students. Tending to our plants will teach our students responsibility and teamwork.

Some of their responsibilities will be to follow a maintenance chart which consists of planting seeds, checking the water level and adding water You can hear them say things such as, “Wow… as needed, checking pH lev-els, adding nutrilook at them now!” “They’re a lot bigger than ents, picking the vegetables for our students they were a few days ago!” “I can’t wait to to enjoy, etc. taste them!”

It is also our goal to apply for additional On Friday of last week, it was finally time for grants to fund more Tower Gardens for our a group of students to harvest some of our let- campus. With the plan of having a Tower tuce, bok choy and chard crop.

Garden on each hallway or for each grade level, this will give our students more exIn fact, as the students were picking, they periences with hands-on learning as well as couldn’t help but nibble at the same time! We healthy snacks for our students!

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

‘Happy Mother’s Day 2017’

Feliz Dia De Las Madres!

24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

‘Happy Mother’s Day 2017’

Feliz Dia De Las Madres!

2017 AISD RETIREES

RETIREES: Front Row Seated: Betsy Feemster, Kathy Horrell, Goldie Ann Aldridge, Adela Adelaida Moreno, Nora Bateman, Susan Perry, Second Row Seated: Vicki Blair, Joan Gregg, Lou Ann Draper, Sandi Rainwater, Edilyn Smith, Lynn Holt, Yolanda Gwinn, Elizabeth Medellin, Standing: Laura Massingill, Karen Anderson, Reena Garner, Kren Willis, Kirsten Bush, Clare Nickel, Larry “Smitty” Smith, Cindy Mims, Kari Leong, Paula Tallant, Ann Mayhall, Ronda J. Haire, Mike Coffey, Venita Teal, Patricia R. Eurich, Suzanne Woodall, Martha Donnell, Denise West, Jane Godard, Terre J. Wade, Nita Keesee, Alvin Keesee Not pictured: Chris Blackmon, Darla Callison, Ginger Elliott, Clay Freeman, Rosa Garcia, Jon Langford, Janet Martin, Nancy Scott Martin, Jon McAden, Patty Ann McCorkle, Evelyn Moser, Janie Roche, Michele Shulle, Karen E. Smith, Cynde Wadley, James Robert Williams, Holly Woodard, Rick Woodard, Kayla Wyatt

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

Spotlight on Martinez Elementary

Martinez teams up with ACU for fun and fine arts in the classroom

By Abilene Independent School District

Collaboration is integral in the world of education. As educators, we collaborate with fellow educators as well as with our students and parents. We listen to each other and feed off of each other’s passions and then this beautiful moment occurs wherein understanding takes place, ideas are brought to a whole new level, and learning becomes an experience.

The students at Martinez Elementary were able to collaborate creatively with a group of students from Abilene Christian University, led by Mitzi Adams.

“Students majoring in elementary education at Abilene Christian University get one

of their first opportunities to lesson plan in EDUC 287: Integrating the Arts into the Elementary Classroom,” said Ms. Adams.

“Partnering with Heather Henderson at Myra Martinez Elementary, these aspiring teachers taught their lessons to approximately 50 students on April 11. Students at Martinez learned about Kandinsky, Picasso, Alma Woodsey, Warhol and other well known artists and then created art in the style of those great artists.”

sophomores lays important groundwork that is built on over the course of their educational career.

ACU is thankful for this opportunity and so many others in which teacher candidates grow in their professional practice. Thank you, AISD, for your commitMrs. Adams goes on to say, “The experience ment to the profession of teaching evidenced of planning an appropriate lesson and then through vibrant partnerships such as this.” teaching the lesson to ac-tual students is an important learning and growing experi-ence. This was the first year Martinez ElemenStarting those experiences as freshmen and tary was able to be a part of this incredible

art night. It beautifully highlights a mutually beneficial collaboration between a local Title I elementary school and a private university.

I think one of the most beautiful aspects of this experience having the art night is that Martinez students get to interact with other adults who are investing in the importance of art education and creative freedom as they embark on this journey.

26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Cooper ROTC Drill Team picks up 5 awards at San Angelo meet

By Abilene Independent School District

The Cougar Nation AFJROTC Drill Team captured five awards at the Angelo State University Drill Meet on March 25.

The Male Color Guard under the command of Cadet Major Ronald Alvarez won 3rd Place. The Sabre Team under the command of Cadet Technical Sergeant Jose Vega won 2nd Place. The Armed Drill Team under the command of Cadet Colonel Connor King won 3rd Place in Regulation, 2nd Place in Exhibition and was named the outstanding Armed Team for the meet.

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TSTC Hosts First Auto Tech Day

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By Amanda Sotelo | TSTC Communications

Local high school students had the opportunity to work side-by-side with Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology students during the college’s first Auto Tech Day. The event was focused on recruiting students to TSTC’s Automotive Maintenance and Repair dual enrollment pathway - an educational initiative that allows high school students to take college courses.

in the future,” she said. “When they complete the pathway they have one semester under their belt.”

TSTC currently has 43 school districts that are utilizing the dual enrollment pathway for its junior and senior high school students in Sweetwater and surrounding counties, including nine online pathways for those who are too far to travel to campus.

Dual enrollment classes are typically offered “We want to make sure students are aware Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 of the college opa.m. on the TSTC portunities available campus. to them while still in high school,” said “We have students as TSTC Manager of far as 250 miles away Dual Enrollment for taking dual enrollWest Texas Rene ment courses through Rolston.

TSTC,” said Rolston.

“So our online pathStudents at the ways make dual enevent were treated rollment a reality with to breakfast and got us when students live to hear from TSTC too far but want to West Texas Camtake advantage of this pus Provost Eliska great partnership.”

Smith, TSTC AuCity High School student works closely For more informatomotive Instructor Colorado with TSTC Automotive Technology student to get Henry Ortega, TSTC hands-on experience in diagnostics. tion on the dual enAutomotive Division rollment Automotive Director Mark KoTechnology pathway slan and TSTC Automotive Advisory Board call 325-235-7319 or go online at tstc.edu. member and owner of J&M Automotive in Sweetwater Josh Waldon.

About TSTC

Texas State Technical College serves Texas through 10 campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County. TSTC is the only college in Texas to adopt a funding model based entirely on student employment outcomes aligning with its purpose of strengthening Texas with “When choosing a career path it’s impor- a highly skilled, technically competent workforce. tant to know what you’re getting into,” said Founded in 1965, TSTC celebrated 50 years of serRolston. “And there’s no better way than hav- vice to the state of Texas in 2015.

After presentations, the high school students were paired with TSTC students to get handson experience in areas such as air conditioning, diagnostics, brake repair and engine maintenance and repair.

ing an event dedicated to exposing students to a field and giving them an opportunity to experience it hands on.”

Rolston said she hopes this event will encourage students to pursue this pathway because there are benefits to enrolling in dual enrollment courses.

“When a student enrolls in dual enrollment they are saving themselves time and money

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28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HSU Partners with Texas Parks and Wildlife

By Linnea Kirgan | Director of Communications and Content Strategy, Hardin-Simmons University

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McMurry University Senior to Present Art Show

By Gary Ellison | Associate Director-Communications, McMurry University – McMurry University senior Kaitlynn Andrews invites you to her senior show A Potter’s Seasons on May 8-13 in the Gypsy Ted Art Gallery. A reception will be held immediately following Commencement ceremonies on May 13.

Kaitlynn Andrews is a graduating senior from Westbrook, Texas. She will earn a bachelor of business administration degree with a minor in art. She first started doing pottery when she was a freshman at McMurry University and fell in love with the art form.

Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Gypsy Ted Gallery.

Hardin-Simmons hosted the Texas Hunter Educators Instructors Association’s 13th annual conference last weekend where they began a ground-breaking partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

The partnership implements a full suite of outdoor skills training and conservation education programs with undergraduate classes in Elementary Education and Fitness and Sports Sciences. The goal is to train future generations of educators and school administrators in the arts of hunting, boating, fishing, paddling, archery, wildlife and habitat conservation so that they are prepared to incorporate these basic outdoor skills and knowledge with their class curriculum.

HSU is currently the only university in the entire state offering all the TPWD certification offerings and curriculums and is now the only private school to have an approved Memorandum of Agreement with TPWD. Assistant Professor of Fitness and Sport Sciences Dr. Edgar Reed initiated and designed all the documents of the agreement.

At this year’s conference, Texas Parks and Wildlife certified instructors from all over the state came to HSU to receive various training and education opportunities from a variety of instructors. HSU was recognized at an awards banquet where Dr. Edgar Reed and TPWD Director of Communication Josh Havens ceremonially signed the Memorandum of Agreement.

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

AISD Middle School Students Named Duke Scholars

By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, Abilene Independent School District

Fourteen seventh graders from Abilene ISD middle schools have earned state recognition as 2016-17 Duke Scholars for their exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT college entrance examination.

search by scoring in the 95th percentile or higher on an approved grade-level standardized achievement test. AISD students were chosen based on their outstanding performance on the state’s STAAR assessment.

Sponsored by Duke University, the Talent A total of 39 district students participated in Identification Program allows seventh grad- the 2016-17 program. ers from a 16-state region the opportunity to take the This year’s Duke Scholars same ACT or SAT tests will be recognized for their that high school students accomplishments at the Regtake when applying to colular Meeting of the AISD lege. Texas students with Board of Trustees on May 8 qualifying scores earn the at One AISD Center. state recognition.

2016-17 ABILENE ISD Three of the AISD students DUKE SCHOLARS recognized in 2016-17 Craig Middle School – Aidwere further distinguished an Boisvert, Molly Daugherby earning Grand Recognition status. Brooke ity, Frank Fang, Brooke Garduno*, Micah Garduno and Harrison Smith of Craig Middle George, Maxwell Kidd, Addison McCorquoSchool and Shashiska Kc of Madison Middle dale, Harrison Smith*, James Wellborn School earned scores that are approximately Madison Middle School – Shashiska Kc*, equal to the 90th national percentile rank for Edward Stefan college-bound seniors taking the tests.

Mann Middle School – Lily Etter, Dylan Fink, Jacob Pate Students qualify to participate in the talent * Denotes Grand Recognition

Volunteers of the Year Honored at Annual Event

By Abilene Independent School District

Abilene ISD celebrated its volunteers on April 20 at the annual AISD Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at The Grace Museum. Highlighting the event was the honoring of this year’s Volunteers of the Year for each campus. Volunteers in Public Schools coordinators for each campus were also recognized.

Here are the Volunteers of the Year for 2016-17: Dorothy McKinley-Williams, Austin; Denise Cychosz, Bassetti; Glenn Sder, Bonham; Amy Wilson Feltz, Bowie; Lindsay Fallon, Dyess; Melissa Stevenson, Jackson; Miranda Coleman, Johnston; Joey Roberts, Lee; Connie Carroll, Martinez; Emily Bardin, Ortiz; Dorothy Davidson, Reagan; Al and Becky Camp, Taylor; Shea Lea Roberson, Thomas; Ridglea Callahan, Ward; Deborah Alsup, Early Childhood; Cynthia Segura, Early Head Start; David Barrett, Clack; Anita Beal, Craig; Andrea Wilson, Madison; Maria Fuentes, Mann; Paul Draper, Abilene High; Larry Isenhower, ATEMS; Tammy Parsons, Cooper; and Mr. and Mrs. Kent West, Woodson Center for Excellence.

30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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‘Happy Mother’s Day 2017’

Feliz Dia De Las Ma dres!

Jackson 4th Grade Robotics Team Wins Berth in State Contest

By Abilene Independent School District

A team of Jackson Elementary School 4th graders took on the big boys at this year’s Texas Computer Education Association’s Area 14 Robotics contest. And they did just fine, thank you.

Facing teams made up of mostly middle school students, the team of Matthew Henson, Avery Simer and Justice Villalobos earned a trip to the TCEA State contest by finishing second in the Intermediate Inventions Division. The division includes teams from 4th grade through 8th.

After about seven weeks of instruction, the Jackson trio was able to program a robot to make all the necessary decisions to play a board game with a human partner, according to sponsor Carol Burson.

The state TCEA contest will be held May 20 at Hutto High School.

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

TSTC Breaks Ground on New Abilene Campus

By Debra Gonzalez | TSTC Communications Texas State Technical College officials and community leaders broke ground on the college’s newest venture in Abilene on Thursday, April 20. The ceremony, held at 1717 Navajo Trail, marked the start of construction on a 56,000-square-foot Industrial Technology Center that will be the first of a multibuilding campus.

The college is excited for the opportunity to better serve the community with access to advanced technical education that can lead to great career opportunities.

“Our campus expansion in Abilene will support industry growth and expand the city’s economy while reducing the ever-widening midlevel skills gap,” said Rick Denbow, senior field development officer at TSTC. “This groundbreaking marks a new era for TSTC in Abilene and in West Texas.”

The Development Corporation of Abilene, Dodge Jones Foundation, Dian Graves Owen Foundation, Shelton Family Foundation, City of Abilene and community leaders have invested $6 million toward the project, which will allow TSTC to add programs in Industrial Maintenance, Welding, and Electrical Power & Controls and will house its growing Emergency Medical Services program.

“These programs were chosen from analyzing data from the Rick Perryman study where we looked at economic growth across the state and what the needs were in those particular areas,” said TSTC Executive Vice Chancellor and COO Elton Stuckly Jr. “We also did some research of our own and selected the programs based on the needs of the community and this region.”

Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald, a longtime supporter of TSTC, was quick to jump on the opportunity for a new TSTC.

“Who are the winners in all of this?” Archibald asked the crowd at the event. “First of all, construction jobs will be made. People that live in our community will be out here working.

That’s good. Students will come to this campus and learn skills and go out and get a job that they can be proud of. They’re one of the winners. The workforce helps bring in businesses that think, ‘I’m thinking of coming to Abilene.

Do you have the workers I need to make this business work?’ The answer will be yes.”

The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) was among the first to invest in the new campus.

“The DCOA went through an extensive strategic planning process and identified 10 goals we want to focus on,” DCOA Chairman Dave Copeland said. “One of those goals was to build a more highly skilled workforce. Another was to support our existing businesses’ growth and prosperity. The businesses in this town are closely linked to the workforce. We feel that this new facility takes us a long way toward those goals.”

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Stuckly stressed the importance of building relationships. “TSTC is known for providing a skilled workforce for Texas, but of course everything you do takes money,” he said.

“Without the support of the county, the city, the DCOA, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Denbow shared the same sentiments. “TSTC has a reputation of doing great things,” said Denbow, “Growing businesses, growing the economy, transforming lives -- but we can’t do any of that without you.”

The new building is expected to open in the summer of 2018. For more information on Texas State Technical College and the programs currently offered, visit tstc.edu.

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32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Leong retiring after 34 years; Dukes to lead Student Services

By AISD News

Dr. Dan Dukes, principal at Craig Middle School, has been chosen as Abilene ISD’s new Executive Director for Student Services, succeeding the retiring Kari Leong.

Leong’s departure after a 34-year career in the district will occur during the summer, with Dukes assuming his new duties on July 1.

before moving to central administration.

Dukes first joined AISD in 2010 as an assistant principal at Abilene High School and will complete his fifth year as principal at Craig at the end of the school year. He began his career at Birdville High School before mov-ing to Washington, DC, to be the honors pro-gram coordinator and principal at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf.

AISD Superintendent Leong has served Dr. David Young said many roles during the search for the next her career in AISD, principal of Craig Midculminating with the last seven years as Ex- dle School will begin immediately. ecutive Director for Student Services. During her more than three dec-ades with the district, she has been a teacher, administrative assistant to the superin-tendent, assistant principal and principal. She served as principal at Jane Long Elementary School from 1999-2010

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More Than One Day

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The month of May means school is almost out and summer is right around the corner.

But an important member of a family is also celebrated during May– mothers.

Along with being a caretaker for Raymond, Kathleen works at Cooper High School as the cafeteria manager. Even when she This year mother’s will be celebrated on Sun- had some time off during day, May 14, 2017. However, some families spring break, she spent it will say their mothers deserve so much more serving others. than only one day of celebration.

A new coworker at Cooper This is especially true for the Ferguson fam- had been diagnosed with ily. Kathleen is the glue that holds together cancer. She needed to travthe Ferguson family. She is a wife, mother, el to Lubbock for chemo grandmother, and by no surprise a self-giver. treatments, but had no one

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need she willingly steps up to the call. This has happened twice within her own family.

Once, when she took in a family member’s son while his mother was going through a rough time, and again when another daughter needed help to get back on her feet.

“I look up to my mom a lot,” Kim said. “She just inspires me so much to always keep going. Because even when things get bad, I really don’t have anything to complain about because of everything she does and goes through.”

“My mom does so much for everybody else,” Kim Hernandez, Kathleen’s oldest daughter said.

“She doesn’t ever stop and do anything for herself.”

The recent diagnosis for Raymond has been a grim one. The Ferguson family doesn’t know how much longer they will have with him. Still though, Kathleen doesn’t complain or become overcome by the circumstances. She just keeps doing.

Kim’s words are almost an understatement considering just how much Kathleen really does for her family. Almost seven years ago, Kathleen’s husband, Raymond, was diagnosed with the rare goodpasture syndrome, which results in kidney failure.

“I wish there was more than just one day to celebrate mother’s day because she needs more than just one day,” Kim said.

“I don’t think one day is enough for her because she never stops.”

On top of Raymond’s goodpasture diagnosis, he has also endured a heart attack - an unfortunate result of the dialysis treatments. He was on the list for a kidney transplant, but has now been made to take her. Kathleen of ineligible because of his current condition. course stepped up.

Through all of this, Kathleen has been there for her husband to take care of him, provide for their family, and help make him well in any way possible. Since Raymond is on dialysis and oxygen, he is limited to what he can do but Kathleen is devoutly there.

“It just shows exactly how she is,” Kim said. “ That’s just the kind of person my mom is. She is just “Anytime, I need her to help with my kids a great person.” she does it,” Kim said. “I hate to ask her with everything on her plate, However, Kathleen doesn’t stop but she is always willing to there with her self-giving drop anything to be there for “She has to help him a lot,” Kim said. “A lot ways. As a proud grandma, them.” of times she will have to leave work to take Kathleen is always there

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34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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A Message for Our Stepkids

By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments Happy Mother’s Day! What a joyous day - a celebration of mothers, their dedication, patience, long suffering, loyalty, and unconditional love. This is a day to honor women who give up so much personally, not because they have to, but because they would go to the ends of the earth for their children.

respect him, and don’t trust him or his choices.

If you love your dad at all, stop and think about what your rudeness and isolation to this step mom are doing to your dad. You are adding fuel to the fire for another failure - another divorce - because dads have a hard time placing their new wives in a priority position over their kiddos. Therefore, the struggle between child and stepmom increases and the dad gets caught in the middle and eventually - when push comes to shove - the dad will choose the children and move on - again.

But now let’s talk about stepmoms. Where do you neatly tuck them into this whole Mother’s Day dilemma? If the stepchildren embrace their stepmom, how does that make their real mom feel? Why should they allow this new woman into your life? These are tough ques- Now I’m not saying children can cause a ditions, and I’m sorry to say, there are no easy vorce in a blended family, but think about this answers. yourself and see how your response to your stepmom can help your dad’s marriage or hurt When we try to do things in our own way and it. strength, we will come up short. There are some scriptures in the Bible that help us look When all else fails, go back to Scripture – at this relationship in a way that takes the stress “obey your parents in the Lord.” In other off of all involved, and helps us to walk in a words, respect your elders - honor your dad by way of pure human consideration and kind- including your step mom into your life. You ness. have been given the opportunity to be loved by someone who loves your dad. You have For stepchildren, Ephesians 6:1-3 is a great been afforded the gift to have an extra guide place to start. It says, “Children, obey your and mentor in your life. You have been given parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor an extra team player that will go the distance if your father and mother - which is the first com- given the chance. mandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on First Timothy 5:1-2 says, “Do not rebuke an the earth.” I am well aware that these verses older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were say nothing about a step mom, but I challenge your father. Treat younger men as brothers, you to think about what God would expect you older women as mothers, and younger women to do - to honor your bio parent and the choice as sisters, with absolute purity.” These verses he has made to marry this woman. are telling us how to treat people. You respect the older folks in your life - making the extra Stepkids, when you disrespect your stepmom effort to treat them as fathers and mothers. I - you are telling your bio dad that you don’t have a bio daughter, step daughter and then

two “other daughters.” These are girls who have grown up with my daughter, and I would do anything for them.

Do their moms resent me for loving them? Do they get upset that their daughters ask me for advice or guidance? No! They are welcoming to the fact that there is another godly woman that would help their daughter become all she can be. Hmm, sounds a lot like what a step mom does.

Take some time to think about what your step mom can be to you. Us moms are hardwired to love and nurture and give. When you shut us out - you are only shutting out a realm of possibilities for joy and fun and a bigger family of love. Go buy that sappy Mother’s Day card.

Write a note of thanks in it. Take some time to honor this woman who makes your dad happy - who he chose to spend his life with. I think you will find that when you open up your heart to her, you will receive way more than you give!

Blessings in Your Blending!

Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/ step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com).

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

‘Happy Mother’s Day 2017’

es! e Las Madr Feliz Dia D

36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

A Word of Relationship

By Steven Furtick

“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27) It’s easy to establish and prioritize relationships based on what has been or can be done for us.

The value we place on relationships is often contingent on what we think other people will contribute to the relationship.

abandoned by nearly everyone that had once benefited from Him. Though His love never left them, His people left Him. Yet as Jesus looked down from the cross, He saw two familiar faces standing amongst the crowd — His mother Mary and His disciple John. Upon seeing them, Jesus issued His final words to them.

When Jesus said, “Here is your son... Here is your mother,” He showed His passion for relationship, particularly the kind He desires with His people: close, caring, intimate.

Many people hide from these types of tightknit relationships because they may fear, “If people really knew me, they’d never accept me.” But God really knows you, and He has already accepted you.

That’s what’s so amazing about our relationship with God. In our sin and imperfection, The relationship God wants to have with you it’s difficult to say we provide much that is not based on anything God needs from you. could impress an already-perfect God. It is based entirely on what you need from Him. The good news is, God doesn’t measure His relationship with us based on what we have Jesus knew His mother needed someone to done or can do for Him. If we receive His watch over her, protect her, and care for her. grace, He has already accepted, forgiven, and When He looked down and saw how close saved us. Nothing can take away His love or she had drawn to Him, even as He died a horrelationship. rific death on the cross, Jesus took the time to make sure she would never be alone.

We see this at the cross, as Jesus hung before a tortuous, merciless crowd of hecklers. He was Jesus knows the state of your heart today.

He knows if you are trying to push through any pain or insecurity. He knows if you feel like everyone else has left you. He knows exactly what you need, and He is with you, desiring to be in close, caring, intimate relationship with you.

Embrace the unconditional love Christ wants to show you today.

In your every thought, every word, and every action, you are loved. Stay close to God. He is already nearer than you know.

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

How to Resolve Conflict with a Passive-Aggressive Spouse

By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

Ever hear “Fine!” from your hurt, angry spouse when you knew things were really NOT fine? Or ever hear “I’m just kidding!” when you knew the cruel, hurtful words they said were more honest than your spouse was admitting? If so, then you might be having a conflict with a passive-aggressive spouse.

I’ve written before about the need to be assertive in communicating with your spouse, instead of passive, aggressive, or passiveaggressive. In today’s increasingly divisive culture, aggressive voices are loud, passive voices are soft or silent, and the passiveaggressive…they are the most confusing to deal with, especially when it comes to marital conflict. Why? Because a passiveaggressive person is trying simultaneously to express and mask their anger. The person often retaliates in a subtle, silent way instead of speaking their mind; they express their negative feelings in an indirect manner, rather sharing their disagreement or disapproval directly to the other person.

Healthy conflict is replaced with sarcasm, faking innocence of intent, and innuendo.

When this works into a marriage, it can lead to bitterness, and a nasty wall of unmet expectations; the constant disappointment can create hopelessness. It’s a non-stop emotional roller coaster- a game in which the rules and the score, seem to change constantly, without warning.

If your spouse tends to be passive-aggressive, all hope is not lost. But it takes some extra effort, especially when dealing with conflict, to draw out their real, honest feelings, to encourage them out of those patterns and to contribute to resolution. One of the biggest reasons this is hard is because

passive-aggressive people tend to lash out or pull back, out of fear that honesty in conflict will destroy the relationship or lead to their abandonment.

iar with their tendencies, to read into what they are saying and react to the subtext. But don’t. If you want to avoid letting the dramacreating imagination of a passive-aggressive person drive the conversation, avoid secondHere are some tips on how to resolve conflict guessing. You might ask “Is there something with a passive-aggressive spouse. else you’re trying to say? Because I’m not wanting to assume I always know what you Don’t try to resolve conflict when mean.” It can show respect while also drawing out more honest dialogue. emotions are high.

Emotionally-charged situations make passive-aggressive people more anxious and Resist the urge to react to the barbs more likely to dig into their unhealthy pat- and sarcasm. terns. Give some time and cool things down. This goes with not reading minds. Stay foIf voices and blood pressure are rising, the cused and on point, but be gentle when passive-aggressive spouse is likely to drop pulling the conversation back on target. For a verbal “out of nowhere” bomb, to deflect example, if they say something obviously from their real feelings, maybe even trying to sarcastic like “Congrats on nailing that new change the subject entirely with something recipe!” when you obviously messed it up, like “Well, this reminds me of when you….” don’t take the bait. Treat it as a compliment Try telling them in a calm voice that you need and just say “thank you.” Take them at face to take a few minutes to allow both of you value even when their tone is inconsistent. to cool down, so you can stay focused on the It will force them to be more clear or direct, main issue. which is what they need to do. And tell them you intend to do that. It may take some getTake turns describing the root ting used to on their part.

problem from each perspective.

Without judging or interrupting, giving each other a chance to explain the problem validates each of you. It can reduce the anxiety and increase the odds that honesty can be had throughout the conversation -a key to conflict resolution. If they try to put it back on you with something like, “Why are YOU so upset?” gently say something like “We can get back to that in a minute, but I really need and want to hear exactly what YOU see as the real problem here, and I won’t interrupt.”

Agree on options, decisions, and consequences as you move to resolution.

Avoid the urge to decide and dictate. Bringing them into an honest review of the options you have in resolving the conflict is key to them sharing ownership with you of the results. If you just declare “Fine, we’ll just do such-and-such then!” you open up excuses in their minds for later conflict…you made the decision, and they had to just live with the consequences. But involving them removes Don’t try to read their mind. that excuse. It puts skin in the game from both It can be so tempting, when you are famil- of you.

38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

The Worst Consequence of Skipping Church

By Tim Challies | Grace Fellowship Church

We are a culture of convenience, of personalization, of individualism. We have a million ways of customizing our lives to perfectly suit our every preference. When things are difficult, we think little of pulling away from responsibilities, of reorienting our lives away from whatever causes inconvenience. This can even extend to something as good and as central as our commitment to the local church.

All of us who are involved in local churches have seen people waver and wander in their commitment. Most of us have had to extend the call to someone, to urge them back to participation, back to the worship services. When we do this, we often turn to our go-to text, Hebrews 10:24-25, to warn of the danger of “neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some…” We insist that those who neglect to participate in the local church will encounter spiritual temptation, spiritual decline, and even spiritual death. And while all of this is true, it is not the emphasis of that passage. In fact, when we use the passage in this way, we are not displaying the divine urgency behind the text, but our own deep-rooted individualism.

Here is what Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” This passage does, indeed, warn of the serious consequences of skipping church, but its focus is not what we might expect through our Western, individualized eyes. This passage does not warn us that when we skip church we put ourselves at risk.

Rather, it warns us that when we skip church

we put other people at risk. The first sin of skipping church is the sin of failing to love others.

Gathering with God’s people is not first about being blessed but about being a blessing. It’s not first about getting but about giving. As we prepare to worship on Sunday morning, our first consideration should be “how to stir up one another to love and good works.” We should approach Sunday deliberately, eager to do good to others, to be a blessing to them. In those times we feel our zeal waning, when we feel the temptation to skip out on a Sunday or withdraw altogether, we should consider our God-given responsibility to encourage “one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” This text is not about us, but about them. This text is not for Christian individuals but Christian communities.

And, of course, our commitment to the local church is far more than a commitment to Sunday morning services. It is a commitment to other people through all of life. It is a commitment to worship with them once or twice a week, then to fellowship with them, to serve them, and to pray for them all throughout the week. It is to bind ourselves together in a covenant in which we promise to do good to them, to make them the special object of our attention and encouragement. It is to promise that we will identify and deploy our spiritual gifts for their benefit so we can serve them, strengthen them, and bless them.

Every Christian has a place within a local church.

Every Christian is needed within a local church.

Every Christian has responsibilities within a local church. Every Christian is to commit to the members of a local church and to love them, to encourage them, and to stir them up in zeal until the day of Christ’s return.

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Faith Works to Change Lives FaithWorks of Abilene, Inc. Helps Its Students Find New Direction

By Zacheri Espinoza and FaithWorks Staff

Have you ever wished that you had a job you loved and a more hopeful future than you do?

Have you wished that you could have a fresh start?

Making fresh starts is what FaithWorks of Abilene, a not-for-profit career training program for adults, helps its students do.

The FaithWorks mission is “…to help the underemployed, through personal, career, academic, and spiritual development, acquire the confidence and skills for gainful employment.”

tion. Once he left Serenity House, however, ent people and situations, I knew that Faithhe was still looking for a place where he could Works was where I was supposed to be.” continue to develop a sense of worth.

At FaithWorks Zach found an acceptance of “I didn’t know where to go, but God already himself he had sought his whole life. He was had a plan,” says Zach. “Through three differ- helped to deal with his past, and he began to look with hope toward a promising future. “I found a place of healing and a community I could rely on while I continued to move into the purpose that God my Father had for me,” he says.

In FaithWorks’ fourteen-year service to West Texas, more than 500 students have enrolled in the program, and many of those students have turned their lives in positive directions. Zacheri Espinoza is one of them.

If you talked with Zach for only a short time, you would not know the pain that this kind man has endured. “Because of some traumatic experiences in my life,” Zach says, “I found myself unable to deal with life appropriately.

My low sense of self-worth hindered my relationships and my work.”

For years Zach tried to fill the emptiness he felt inside with people and things. Multiple back injuries left him in physical pain, too, so he was prescribed high doses of pain medication. In 2010 he entered Serenity House and completed their treatment for an addiction to that medica-

Today Zach is the program director of Hug-a-Root Family Farms, a local non-profit agency, and he is again living the blessings of being a husband and a father. His own journey continues as he waits on God to open more doors to ministry. He concludes: “Through all my hurts and struggles, faith has always been there. Even though I was not always faithful, God was. So whether it’s my faith, your faith, or God’s faith, I can truly say, ‘Faith works.’”

FaithWorks is taking applications for the semester starting May 30th. Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for thirteen weeks. If you want to know more, come to 1229 N. Mockingbird, Suite C; call 437-2272; or visit www.faithworksofabilene.org.

Zach, his wife Jenny and Zach’s younger son relax at Zach’s worksite.

40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Voices of Faith:

Be The Tax Collector, Not The Pharisee

By Erik Masci | The Abilene Post

I passed a beggar on the street the other day.

He stood on a median in between the street adjacent to me while I was stopped at a red light.

He held a ratty cardboard sign that had something written on it that I could quite make out, and his left knee was bent at such an impossible angle, telling me that what was once flesh and bone was now probably plastic or metal.

now a 10-minute walk a few blocks down.

Derelict buildings serve as unlawful shelters for those who have come on hard times or know nothing other than hard times. What used to separate me from the poor is less effective here in Abilene, and there’s something oddly beautiful about that. I’ve learned through living here that all of us are just one bad week away from I’m still not sure why I passed him. I’ve being completely dependent on other people. stopped to give before, I’ve offered rides bePart of me didn’t help the man on the median because I felt guilty that I couldn’t actually change anything for him. Who am I to give a few dollars when I benefit from the very same life that has given him such a bad hand? Well, that’s sort of the point. We give not just because we are obligated to, or because we are trying to be the saviors or the world, but because we can see ourselves in these people. At least, we should see ourselves in these people. The minute we begin to think of other people as other than us, we lose some of the power we have to speak life into the world. Life is no simple thing, and we do well to remember that everyone’s story is every bit as complicated fore, I’ve even taken people to get shoes or as our own. groceries. The real kicker was that this wasn’t even the first time I’ve seen this man, he had This may take on new meaning for some of us been on this median before, a few days prior in the coming months. With a new presidentto this sighting. I passed him by then as well. elect and his new (and sometimes frightening) ideas on how to keep us safe, I feel it is imporThe situation continues to get weirder as I tant to keep in mind that some people may be write this. I hate articles that tell me to help the having some very bad weeks. People, who are poor, not because of the message, but because not so different from anyone else, are afraid of I read them so wearily often. There seems to what may come next for them. Life prepares be something inherently disingenuous about to deal another hand, and for some, it may not posting something publically and telling peo- be a pleasant one. I am a Christian, and so my ple to help the poor. I feel like it’s a convenient commitments to others come from the example way to feel like we’re doing something to help of Christ. Love my enemies, pray for those who without actually interacting with anyone we’re persecute me. uncomfortable with (that’s my cynicism poking through, however, and there are certainly Be like the tax collector, not the Pharisee. people who do both). Naturally, I’ll now be- Know that fundamentally, every human person come what I despise, because I believe that it’s carries with them the image of God. Consider important. helping a man on a median, for in him is an echo of Christ.

Most of us have been told that we should help the poor for a good chunk of our lives (and that’s manifested differently for everyone I imagine), but when I lived in Colorado I had to drive 20 minutes to find anyone like the man I saw on the median. Abilene has changed my This article originally appeared on outlook on this because the walls and streets The Abilene Post website that once separated me from the poor or the www.the abilenepost.com homeless are thinner here in Abilene. What once was a 20-minute drive into the city is

HEALTH&FITNESS

How’d We Do It?

Couple Shares How They Worked Together to Lose Nearly 100 Pounds I have always been a fairly heavy-set man.

Although I was concerned about my weight, it seemed like nothing I did made an impact. I would try diets and the occasional workout, but it appeared that regardless of how hard I tried, I only gained more and more. Dressing was even a challenge since all of my clothes were too tight except for three pairs of pants.

14-15 minutes per mile, with the goal to increase the distance every few months. After the first month of diligent efforts, we were able to complete 5 miles. Strength training consisted of 100 crunches, 60 leg lifts, leg presses, bicep

At this point, I noticed that my wife, Debra, was also wearing the same clothes over and over.’

We did it! We started to feel like new people. We felt great and others started noticing too. If we ever became bored with a workout, we would spice it up by including other activities such as hiking, swimming, trail walking or even working around the house. The important thing was that we kept our activity level up and maintained our commitment to the longterm goal. Even before we weighed ourselves in July 2013, we knew that we were going to succeed.

That was not the end, though. Our life commitment is to remain healthy and active. I have now dropped down to 219 pounds, which is a weight that I have not seen since high school, and Debra is keeping steady at 155 pounds. Together, we lost a combined 95 pounds.

I had never stopped to realize that my bad habits regarding eating and exercise were affecting her as well.

She had always been fit but was now almost 200 pounds. We were both the heaviest that we had ever been.

Our confidence was being drained away as the pounds accumulated, and we started to dread blood work at the doctor’s office, knowing that we satisfied the criteria to be considered morbidly obese. In early October 2012 as the scale revealed that I had reached 275 pounds, I knew that it was time for a change.

We started with goals Because the holidays were quickly approaching, we knew that we needed to establish both short and long-term goals to begin the gargantuan task in front of us. Our short-term goal was simple: Don’t gain any weight during the holidays. Knowing that our families prepare way too much unhealthy food during gatherings, we decided to practice portion control and to pay close attention to what types of foods we were eating. The long-term goals were more ambitious, but we knew that we needed something extreme to motivate ourselves. Our plan was to reduce our weights drastically by July 2013 so that I would be down to 225 pounds, and Debra would be at 155. Although our efforts had failed in the past, we knew that this time we had to succeed.

We added exercise To reach our respective goals, we started an ambitious exercising plan that included activities five times a week focused on cardio and strength training. Our cardio workout included a three mile power-walk at a pace of

What I once thought was a healthy food (after all it is a salad, right?) was now something that needed to be avoided.

Our new diet consisted of turkey, chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables and water; we also paid better attention to portion size to help melt the pounds away. At restaurants, we would often split the entrée, which not only reduced the number of calories we ate, but also helped us save money.

curls and bench presses.

We would do three sets of 15 repetitions using a weight that provided good resistance, but that did not strain our muscles.

Sticking to this exercise plan was not easy, but after only a month we could feel a difference.

We started to feel stronger, healthier and more confident. Our motivation grew and we began looking forward to our workout sessions.

We watched how we ate At the same time, we tackled our eating habits.

We said goodbye to cheeseburgers, pizza, loaded salads, all sodas and fried foods. Have you ever looked at the amount of calories on a Caesar salad?

We have never felt healthier or more confident than we do today. Although it required a complete lifestyle change, it was a change for the better!

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42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

5 Ways You Can Lower Your Colon Cancer Risk

By Olayinka Olowoyeye, MD | One Medical

Just about everyone who asks me about colon cancer knows that getting screened can be crucial. But that doesn’t make it any easier. I’ve heard my patients’ anxiety about the screening, called a colonoscopy, and even about the liquid diet needed to prep for the test. It’s not as easy as we’d all like it to be, but colonoscopy is the best tool we have right now. Is finding out worth the preparation involved? I think so. The first thing I tell my patients they can do to lower their risk of colon cancer is get screened: early screening can save lives.

What We Know About Colon Cancer Risks

According to a study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, the five-year survival rate when colorectal cancer is diagnosed in the “local stage” is greater than 90 percent.

However, the same study reported that only 40 percent of patients with colorectal cancer are diagnosed when the disease is at this stage.

We also know that if you are Black and male, you have a greater risk for being diagnosed

with colon cancer and for dying from it. For instance, from 2006 through 2010, the death rates for those who identified as Black was almost 30 per 100,000 population, compared to 13 per 100,000 for Asian/Pacific Islanders and 19.2 per 100,000 for non-Hispanic whites.

So, we know what some of the risks are. Now, the question I’m often asked is “what can I do to help lower my risk for colon cancer?”

What You Can Do

The biggest modifiable risk factor, with an even bigger effect than changing your diet, is to increase the amount of exercise you do.

Living an active life significantly decreases your risk of colon cancer. One study I saw mentioned that exercise has a relative risk reduction of 25 percent, which, any way you look at it, is a good-sized number.

And people have really good intentions. I tell them not to start out thinking they have to run 10 miles or do yoga for hours or bench press hundreds of pounds. What we’ve learned is

HispanicLife Media

that it’s about habit. Replacing one habit with a more healthy one.

I suggest starting with something simple that can be incorporated into everyday life. Maybe get off the train or bus a stop sooner and walk. Maybe walk around the track at the field where your kids are having practice.

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a steak once in a while. I don’t tell them they have to eliminate those foods from their diet, just to make sure that, if they are eating meat, to make sure that most of it is lean meats and fish.

Along with exercise, the next four things I tell my patients are mostly common sense:

An interesting study published in Nature Communications suggests how quickly changing your diet can improve the health of your colon. Researchers did a diet swap with 20 rural South Africans, who ate mostly vegetables, beans and a little meat and 20 Blacks from the U.S., used to a typical American diet with more meat, cheese and fried foods. After just two weeks, the colon samples from the Americans eating more vegetables showed less inflammation and fewer biomarkers associated with cancer, while the Africans showed a dramatic increase in inflammation and cancer biomarkers.

• Eat a balanced diet • Get screened • Talk with your family about family risk and history • Avoid tobacco in any form. If you are using it, talk with your provider about how we can help you quit. You don’t have to do it alone.

People sometimes are reluctant to talk about their health, even with their families. It’s really important to try to get beyond those barriers, particularly for those who have family history of colon cancer.

Getting started with activity is key, but it’s important to take a look at your diet also. Is your diet heavy on fatty foods or red meat? How much fiber are you getting?

There are some exciting diagnostic and treatment possibilities coming, hopefully in the near future. For now, what I tell my patients is to get screened and to consider making the lifestyle changes that can help lower their risk. It does make a difference.

Once the routine is established, I suggest moving on to activities that increase their heart rate, such as resistance exercise. This doesn’t mean you’re in the gym for hours lifting weights; rather it means any exercise that involves resistance, such as yoga or Pilates or swimming or weight lifting or a class at the gym.

I know many of my patients like a burger or

Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 43

May is National Mental Health Month

A Message of Hope for Everyone Suffering from Mental Illness

Want to Know How to Help a Friend?

KNOW THE 10 COMMON WARNING SIGNS 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks Seriously trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so Severe out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain

Seeing, hearing or believing things that are not real Repeatedly using drugs or alcohol Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality or sleeping habits Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities

START THE CONVERSATION

Thursday, May 11th 6:30 PM Abilene Public Library 202 Cedar

         

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       

 

  

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May is National Mental Health Month, and the Abilene Public Library will host author John Gunter of Clyde in a program meant for sufferers, caregivers and families of those affected with mental health issues. Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library, 202 Cedar, Gunter will talk about his book, “My Schizophrenia; One Man’s Struggle with Mental Illness”.

His book details his own struggles with schizoaffective disorder, his earlier life of crime, isolation and loneliness.

Gunter will share how medication, counseling and learned coping skills have helped him to better function in society as a father, author and business owner.

The free program will conclude with a time for discussion and questions.

Gunter will have a few copies of his book, autographed, for attendees to purchase.

“It worries me to hear you talking like this. Let’s talk to someone about it.”

“I've noticed that you haven't been acting like yourself lately.

Is something going on?”

“I’ve noticed you’re [sleeping more, eating less, etc.], is everything ok today?”

OFFER SUPPORT I really want to help, what can I do to help you right now?

Would you like me to go with you to a support group or a meeting? Do you need a ride to any of your appointments?

BE PATIENT, UNDERSTANDING AND PROVIDE HOPE.

Let’s sit down together and look for places to get help. I can go with you too.

BE A FRIEND

Your friend may feel alone; check in regularly and include your friend in your plans

Learn more about mental health conditions

Avoid saying things like “you’ll get over it,” “toughen up” or you’re fine”

Tell your friend that having a mental health condition does not change the way you feel about them

Tell your friend it gets better; help and support are out there

GET ADVICE You may want to reach out to someone to talk to about how you’re feeling or to get advice on how to help your friend. Consider talking to a:

FAMI LY M EMB E R

TRUSTED FR I END

SCHOOL

COUNSE LOR OR ADVISOR

TEACHE R OR COACH

Follow Us! NAMI

NAMIcommunicate

NAMIcommunicate

www.nami.org

FA ITH L EADE R

44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

ALL OF OUR LINES ARE CUSTOMER SERVICE LINES. Some deliver electricity. Others deliver information. All must deliver on the Taylor Electric Cooperatives mission: to provide you with service that’s just as dependable as the energy you count on us for every day. Learn more about your locally owned and operated Touchstone Energy cooperative at TaylorElectric.com.

YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION.

How much exercise do I really need?

Pick us up at Abilene ISD, La Familia Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | HEALTH | 45

By Dr. Jordan D. Metzl | CNN

Between work commitments, family responsibilities, and the stress of everyday life, we have legitimate reasons to fall short of our fitness goals. That’s why, for many, the pre-goal should be maximizing the efficiency of your workout regimen.

That’s why there’s a push to include exercise, as determined through a fitness tracker, as a fifth vital sign along with height, weight, pulse and blood pressure. Movement promotes health and wellness, so why not start tracking it?

Two and half hours a week of moderate intensity exercise is what is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association.

Ideally, this means 30 minutes, five times per week, of activities such as jogging, ballroom dancing, biking or swimming.

Moderate intensity means you’re working in the intermediate zone. If you’re able to hold a conversation with the person next to you while doing that activity, you’re in the zone.

If you don’t have time for five workouts per week, recent evidence in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that cramming 150 minutes into the weekend, the so-called “weekend warrior” model, transfers similar health benefits to spreading out fitness across the week. The only risk here is overuse injury, such as a case of Achilles tendinitis from running 10 miles on a Saturday after not doing any exercise all week.

If you’re time crunched, intensity matters • Newer evidence about high in-

tensity workouts known as HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), shows that intensity minutes reduce required exercise time by almost half. This means if you’d like 30 minutes of exercise but you only have 15 to spare, you’re in luck. As I’ve outlined in my book “The Workout Prescription,” ramping up intensity minutes reduces time requirements, and is safe for anyone.

Unlike moderate intensity, high intensity exercise means you’re huffing and puffing and conversation is difficult. Although they’re tough, HIIT workouts don’t have to be fancy.

The best exercise for you • The ideal

form of exercise for you is ... something that you’ll actually do! As I discussed in my previous column, smiling and fun promote exercise compliance. If you’re smiling, keep doing exactly what you’re doing.

They can be set up anywhere, a living room, a garage, or a basement. All that’s needed is an open space, a light set of dumbbells, and a strong dose of motivation.

HIIT programs are generally safe for all ages but we generally recommend touching base with your physician if you’re over 40 and haven’t been previously active before starting this type of program.

Why it matters so much • There are ob-

vious benefits to exercise. People feel better, they look better, and they perform better in all aspects of their lives when they exercise regularly. Seen through the prism of the medical community, the medicine of exercise has strong scientific benefits that go far beyond the desire to fit into that new suit or pair of yoga pants.

Across the spectrum of the human body, irrefutable evidence shows that exercise isn’t

just about getting a good workout, it’s about staying healthy in a broader sense. Exercise can treat depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. For your heart, it lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels, the risk of heart attack and stroke. Exercise reduces the risk of inflammatory bowel disease and both prevents and treats type 2 diabetes, the most expensive health problem in the United States with annual costs over $100 billion. Regular exercise has even been shown to reduce the frequency of 13 types of cancer including breast, colon, ovarian and endometrial in a large, recent study of 1.44 million subjects.

The major health benefits of exercise kick in at 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity, or at 75 minutes per week of high intensity work.

Exercise is the most efficacious drug known to humankind, works for everyone who takes it, has no side effects, and is free.

In terms of body maintenance, most exercise recommendations involve a combination of endurance training such as walking or swimming, flexibility training such as yoga, and strength training. Although there’s no exact science here, finding the correct formula usually means picking some of each of these activities. This might mean jogging twice per week, trying a HIIT workout once or twice per week, and taking a yoga class. There’s no exact answer, the key is to find what works for you, smile and work hard.

Do as much exercise as you can, there’s no upper limit. When possible, try and keep your total above the recommended weekly “dose” and you’ll be more likely to stay out of the doctor’s office and on your field of choice.

Dr. Jordan D. Metzl is a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and the author of five books including “The Workout Prescription.” He has completed 34 marathons and 14 Ironman triathalons.

46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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BUSINESS&CAREER

Sure Shot Keeps People in Mind Homer Galindo kills bugs, but loves people.

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Homer Galindo is not sure why the bug business suits him so well. But he’s been doing it for twenty years, including eleven years running Sure Shot Pest Management, his own successful company.

“We offer a wide array of pest control,” Homer says.

“Termites, rats, bed bugs, anything that crawls we can take care of it. People don’t like bugs so even when the economy is bad, we can still make a living.”

Sure Shot employs four full-time and one part-time worker, plus Homer and his family. It is a family owned and operated “I worked hard to get this thing going,” Hombusiness, and everyone in the family helps er says. “I’d prefer to keep it in the family.” make it run.

But Homer will insist that Jeffery complete a Originally from Christoval, Homer started college degree before that time comes. That’s working in San Angelo for Terminex. He the advice he would give any young person also spent a few years in the Midland/Odessa who came to him asking how to start a sucarea before he moved his family to Abilene to cessful business. take over a small local pest control business.

While he doesn’t name a specific mentor, “Also, you have to be diligent,” Homer says.

Homer learned a lot from his work experi- “You have to cling to God, then put your head down and work. If you’re not willing to work, ence. it won’t happen.”

“I watched a different array of people,” he says, “the people I worked for, a combination Homer’s favorite thing about his work is of folks and it stuck. I saw their strengths and meeting and visiting with new people. He weaknesses. And I consult God every day. also enjoys the variety of the work, since evHe’s my primary mentor. He won’t fail you.” ery day, every job and every home are different.

Homer also gives his family a large part of the credit, claiming that without his wife of From Homer’s point of view the primary twenty-six years Tammy as well his daughter change in his work over twenty years has Paige, 24, son Jeffery, 16 and daughter Mi- been the increase in treating bed bugs. Homer believes that bed bugs have always existed in chaela, 15, he couldn’t be successful. large, metropolitan areas and that an increase “I couldn’t do it without each and every one in travel gave them a chance to spread. While of them,” he says. “I praise the Lord every the treatment of other pests is basically the same, bed bugs require creativity sometimes day for that.” including heating a home to a high temperaJeffery is taking dual credit college courses in ture in order to kill them. the hope that he can join his dad in the busi“When you travel, be careful where you stay,” ness.

Homer says. “Take that five or ten minutes to

inspect the bed before you sleep in it. Bed bugs are the size of an apple seed, so you can see them.”

When Homer isn’t working, he prefers spending time with his family. They enjoy taking road trips to nearby areas like Lubbock or the Metroplex and sometimes wander a little farther to San Antonio.

“We work hard for our customers and try to treat people fairly,” Homer says. “Mark 8:36 is painted on the side of our company truck. It says, ‘What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul?’ You’ve got to keep other people in mind. There’s no other reason to be here than to help your fellow man.”

In the end, it doesn’t really matter why Homer enjoys the bug business, because he’s focused on what really matters: God, family and others. _____________________________________ We work with you to take care of your pest problem at a convenient time for you. We’ll always send you a technician to complete the job on the spot, so you can regain control of your home or business in no time at all. Sure Shot Pest Management prides itself on being a number one commercial pest service in Abilene, TX. Give us a call today at (325) 514-0288 to get started!

When you’re suffering from a pest problem, you want it taken care of as soon as possible. At Sure Shot Pest Management, we’re ready to help you with all your residential pest control and commercial pest service needs.

We are your solution for eliminating: • Termites • Fire Ants • Mosquitoes • Bed Bugs • Fleas and Ticks • Bees ​• Scorpions • Mice and Rats

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48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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5 Simple Habits of The Average Millionaire ByDaveRamsey.org

Have you ever heard the one about the billionaire who lives in a modest home?

That billionaire is Warren Buffett, who Forbes estimates has a $75.6 billion net worth.[1] His house? It’s not a sprawling 30,000-square-foot beachfront mansion. No, he lives in a quiet Omaha neighborhood in a $850,000 home that he bought for $31,500 in 1958.

Sure, for most people, living in an $850,000 home is a pipe dream. But if you think about a house like that being occupied by the second richest man in the world . . . it’s pretty surprising, isn’t it?

3. They stay away from debt. The idea of “debt as

a tool” is foreign to the average millionaire. If they want something they can’t afford, they save and pay cash for it later.

Car payments, student loans, same-as-cash financing plans—these just aren’t part of their financial plan, and that’s why they win with money. They don’t owe anything to the bank, so every dollar they earn stays with them to spend, to save, and to give.

Debt is the biggest obstacle to building wealth. Run from it every chance you get.

Warren Buffett could buy any house in the world (with cash!), but he chooses to live in a modest, relatively small home in Omaha. Why is that?

4. They budget. Your budget is your plan, and you

It’s a surprising fact that, according to Thomas Stanley’s book The Millionaire Next Door, “more than 80% [of U.S. millionaires] are ordinary people who have accumulated their wealth in one generation.” The book goes on to say that most millionaires don’t look the part.

Most live in normal, middle-class neighborhoods and drive modest cars.

Just like you build a house by starting with the foundation, you build wealth by starting with the budgeting basics. And then you keep following them. When you’re making a lot of money, you don’t stop managing it, right?

So what can you learn from these millionaires (and even billionaires like Warren Buffett) who don’t live the stereotypical life of a millionaire?

1. They’re avid readers.President Harry Truman

once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” In The Millionaire Next Door, Stanley says that the average millionaire reads one nonfiction book per month.

You get the idea. One of the reasons millionaires become millionaires is because of their constant desire to learn. To them, leadership books and biographies are much more important than the latest hit reality show.

When they have free time, they use it wisely—by reading.

2. They understand delayed gratification.

In other words, the average millionaire has spent most of their life sacrificing temporary pleasures for longterm success. They have no problem buying an older, used car, living in a modest neighborhood, and wearing inexpensive clothes. Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t a priority for them.

Those lifestyle decisions allow them to do things like save for retirement and college and build up a large down payment for their dream home. They realize that instant gratification is fun—but delayed gratification is so much better. Today’s sacrifices set them up for tomorrow’s success.

don’t build a net worth of a million dollars without some sort of plan.

The average millionaire has made a habit of budgeting every month. They know what’s coming in and what’s leaving their bank account. To this day, Dave Ramsey and his wife still make a monthly budget—a practice they started decades ago. If you only remember one thing, remember this: Budgeting is the key to winning with money.

5. They give. Sure, some rich people can be selfish

jerks—just like anyone else. But the everyday millionaires who live down the street, the ones you don’t even realize are wealthy, are some of the most giving people you’ll ever meet.

Whether it’s tithing at church, donating to a meaningful charity, or just giving to friends and family on occasion, these people have a caring spirit. They realize that the most important thing you can do with wealth is help others. That’s actually why they continue building their wealth. They realize they can’t take it with them when they die. But instead of frivolously spending it all, they choose to leave a legacy for the people who mean the most to them.

This idea that wealthy people always live in ivory towers and wear $500 jeans is a myth. Being successful with money is as simple as living a modest lifestyle that follows a few basic principles.

The more of these habits you follow, the more successful you’ll be with money. Just ask Warren Buffett.

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

4 KEY Tips for Organizing Your Home Maintenance Routine

By Angie Alcala Marsalis | Key Property Real Estate

Staying on top of all the things you need to do to keep your home well maintained can seem like a challenge sometimes but it is KEY. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a monumental chore.

Here are four KEY tips on how you can keep yourself on track.

Learn What Needs Maintaining • The first KEY step to keeping your house in good repair is to learn what things need to be done.

Find a good online list of home maintenance tasks, and figure out which ones apply to your

for maintenance clearly.

Use Your Electronics • Of course, modern electronics offer multiple ways to help you organize your life. You can use calendar and reminder apps for your smart devices to replace or supplement your physical calendar if you want. Having a monthly reminder pop up telling you what kind of cleaning and maintenance duties are due at your home is helpful as far as reminding you, though it can be a bit too easy to simply flick the remainder away when it goes off.

Put Money Aside • Maintenance isn’t free, unfortunately, and one common cause of putting off what needs to be done is a lack of money when it needs doing. It’s all too easy to tell yourself you’ll just wait a week for some cash to free itself up. To prevent this, set aside

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

50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

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Are You Financially Ready to Buy a Home?

ByDaveRamsey.com

You’ve dreamed of owning a home for as long as you can remember. But lately, your dream’s been more like a driving force than a twinkling in the eye.

ask your lender to explain any charges you don’t understand.

Perhaps your friends are all buying homes and pressuring you to do the same. Or maybe your rent just went up again. Whatever the case, you simply can’t wait another year to buy.

hundreds of dollars to pack up and move your belongings or you provide a pizza dinner to a handful of your best friends after they help you move, you’re going to have plenty of moving expenses:

There’s just one thing: You aren’t quite sure you can afford it.

So how do you know you really are ready to take the leap? This handy checklist is a good place to start.

1. You’re Debt-Free With a Healthy Emergency Fund - This ensures you can

handle any unexpected expenses that come your 3. You Can Pay Your Own Closing way once you own a home. You don’t want Mur- Costs - Some home sellers cover closing costs phy to send you packing the first time the roof to sweeten the deal—but don’t bank on it. On leaks! average, closing costs can range from 2% to 5% of your home’s purchase price. For a $200,000 Use the debt snowball to knock debt out one by home, that’s anywhere between $4,000 and one, working your way up from smallest to larg- $10,000 to cover items like: est to build momentum. There’s no better way to free up income for more worthwhile pursuits— • Loan origination fee like home ownership!

• Home and pest inspection fees • Appraisal Once debt’s a distant memory, get busy stockpil- • Prepaid property taxes and mortgage ing money in an emergency fund. Three to six insurance months of expenses should do the trick.

• Title insurance • Recording fees 2. You Have a Good Down Payment • Underwriting fees The best way to buy a home is to put 100% down. If paying cash for your home isn’t in the You can put money aside for your closing costs, cards this year, set a goal of saving at least 10%. but you won’t have a clear idea of what those Of course, 20% will put you in an even better po- costs will be until you receive a loan estimate sition because you’ll avoid paying private mort- form from your lender after you apply for your gage insurance (PMI). mortgage. Just be aware that these can change before it’s time to close on your home.

If you do decide to go with a mortgage, stay conservative. We recommend keeping your pay- You should receive your final closing disclosure ments at no more than 25% of your take-home form at least three days before closing. Review pay on a 15-year conventional fixed-rate mort- it carefully for unexpected cost differences, and gage.

4. You Can Cash Flow Moving Expenses - Whether you pay a moving crew

• Boxes, bubble wrap and other moving supplies • Deposits for utilities • Cleaning supplies • Appliances that aren’t included in your home purchase • Any pre-move-in upgrades like painting, new furniture and closet organization While you wait for your closing date, get good estimates for what these costs will be—request quotes from moving companies, shop for appliances, etc. Pad your move-in budget a bit so things go as smoothly as possible, and don’t let new-home excitement cause you to overspend on items you don’t need right away.

A Helpful Tip If You’re Looking to Buy a Home

If you really want to keep costs in check, work with a buyer’s agent. Having a buyer’s agent by your side brings two big benefits: • Save money. In most cases, the home seller pays the commission for your agent. So you pay nothing to get expert help! Even better, a buyer’s agent can save you thousands of dollars on your dream home by fighting for your best interests at the negotiation table.

• Save time. Without a buyer’s agent, you’ll have piles of paperwork to wade through. Life’s too busy for that! Let an expert who knows all of the laws and regulations specific to your city take care of the red tape for you.

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

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE

Milestones That Can Change Your Car Insurance Rates, for Better or Worse

By Tobie Stanger | Consumer Reports

vs. Nationwide.

This chart shows the average annual car insurance rates over the course of a lifetime for a single driver in the U.S. In general, 20-somethings pay extra because of their inexperience, while those 60 and older pay more for their increased risk of fender-benders.

But different events over your life can translate into savings or penalties. Here’s what you can do to take advantage of the former and the sting out of the latter. (Car insurance rates shown are national average annual premiums for a single driver.)

50 Years Old: Hand Your Teen the Keys -

Adding a teenage boy will cost a married couple about $1,740; a girl, about $1,455.

INFOGRAPHIC: NICOLAS RAPP

25 Years Old: Get That Diploma 35 Years Old: Have a Baby on Drivers in their 20s are penalized for their Board - Trading up from a Honda Civic lack of driving experience.

EX to a Honda Odyssey EX minivan can actually help you save: an average of about $240 per year for a couple with two cars and no teens. In some states, the differences can be even bigger: In Florida, that family would save about $375, on average.

CR’s advice: Telling your insurer about your education can help a little. College grads, on average, save about $90 per year compared with those who never finished high school.

Not a lot, maybe, but over time, it can add up.

Advanced degrees help even less: about $20 CR’s advice: Look for additional savings in for a Ph.D. and $15 for a Master’s. car insurance rates by calling other carriers.

A Florida driver upgrading from that Civic 30 Years Old: Tie the Knot - Insurers to the Odyssey could save, on average, about now consider you experienced, so premiums $600 by signing up with Progressive instead start to flatten, making it a good time to shop of Allstate, for example. around for better car insurance rates. And getting married can help, too. Two people 40 Years Old: Buy a House - Simply in their 30s who marry and combine poli- owning your own home can save a two-car cies can save an average of about $525 per couple about $110. year compared with what they would pay as singles.

CR’s advice: Bundling your auto coverage with homeowners insurance can save CR’s advice: This benefit is greater in some you even more: about $240, on average, for states and with some insurers. In Texas, for a two-car couple. Shopping around pays, example, getting married is worth about too. In California, a driver combining hom$780, on average, with Geico but only $360 eowners and auto policies could save about with State Farm. $1,900, on average, by signing up with Geico

CR’s advice: Comparison shopping can help. In Pennsylvania, signing up with Erie Insurance Group instead of Progressive can save you, on average, about $2,300.

But don’t intentionally keep your teen off the policy to save money. Lying to your insurer is fraud, and grounds for getting dropped. Instead, take advantage of good-student discounts if you can. That saves a two-car family with a teen driver an average of about $350. Goodstudent discounts in some states can be even bigger: over $700 in Delaware, Louisiana, and Rhode Island.

60 Year Old: Get a Midlife-Crisis Benz - Moving from a family car to a

sports car or luxury vehicle may make you feel young—but also cost you: $450 for a Mercedes-Benz E350, $440 for a Chevrolet Corvette, and $250 for a Porsche Boxster, on average.

CR’s advice: Once you’ve chosen those fancy wheels, compare coverages. An Ohio resident insuring a Mercedes E350, for instance, can save an average of about $900 with Farmers instead of Allstate.

70 Years Old: At Long Last, Retire

Insurers start raising rates after 60, in some places especially. In Texas, car insurance rates for a single driver increased far more after age 60 with Geico than with State Farm.

CR’s advice: Signing up for a mature driver’s ed class can save single drivers about $50, offsetting some of the costs that come with age. In most places, joining AARP won’t help much. One notable exception: In California, if you sign up with The Hartford and belong to AARP, you could save about $500.

52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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

Running Restaurants, Praising People Moi Garcia says the secret to his success is his employees.

www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Moi Garcia, general manger at Abilene’s Red Robin, got into the restaurant business to lower his stress level. Now he calls his work “an adventure” and gives all the credit for his success to his team.

Moi grew up in Muleshoe, Texas and graduated from high school in Lazbuddie, a town of less than 200 where six-man football reigns.

“I loved growing up in a small town,” Moi says. “I wouldn’t trade it. It teaches you that genuine connection and hospitality. Nobody’s a stranger.”

He first experienced restaurant work as a server at Pepitos Mexican Food in Canyon, Texas, owned by his Aunt Esmeralda and Uncle Jose Luis. But he still hadn’t settled on a career, so he started college in San Angelo.

Different opportunities drew Moi home from studying psychology at Angelo State University. To make ends meet, he started what is called “finishing work” in the construction business, including wall texturing, carpet and crown molding. There was so much business that Moi started subcontracting.

“I had one that finally broke the camel’s back,” he says. “I said, ‘I’m to young to be this stressed out.’”

Josh Whitehead, a friend Moi met at Angelo State, often came to help with the finishing work. He invited Moi to “come see what Abilene is all about.”

“I owe a lot to that guy,” Moi says.

“I had no direction in my life at that time. He for two years. brought me to a town that gave me opportunities to do a lot. His parents took me in.”

Curtis Johnson, the general manager for the new Chili’s, saw Moi’s potential and encouraged He took a job bartending at Cowboy’s. Short- him to apply for a management position. Moi ly after, a new Chili’s on Highway 351 started worked as a manager at both Abilene Chili’s lohiring for their opening. . cations for a total of ten years.

“I went in and they told me they were all “I met a lot of good people,” Moi says. “Kevin staffed up so I turned around to leave,” Moi Cox, one of my greatest mentors, taught me says. how to coach, how to get team members to follow your lead. He’s now a general manager in The interviewer asked, “Are you going to give Ardmore, Oklahoma.” up that easily? Let’s sit down and talk.”

She hired Moi as a bartender, which he did About two weeks before his wedding and with-

out a back-up plan, Moi quit his job at Chili’s.

“I just felt it was time to move,” he says. “I wasn’t growing.”

Crystal Gutierrez, one of Moi’s former employees was the wife of the Andres Gutierrez, the general manager at Red Robin.

Soon Moi had scheduled an interview with Andres.

“I was scared as I could be,” Moi says. “I was thirty-two years old and hadn’t had an interview in ten years.”

He interviewed at other restaurants but Red Robin was the best fit. As soon he and his wife Jordan arrived home from their honeymoon, he left for eight weeks of Red Robin management training in Houston.

Now Moi and Jordan have a one-year-old son, Gavin Ryker and he is general manager at Red Robin.

“I owe all of my praise and success to my team,” Moi says.

“Because they care about our guests, the restaurant is successful. I’ve got the best team in Abilene and our guests are the most important thing to us.”

Moi’s small-town upbringing taught him hospitality, the kind of hospitality that not only brings warmth to a restaurant, but honors the people who work there.

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

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54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

VFW Post Celebrating 30th Anniversary

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Tori Aldana | Abilene Reporter News

The Martin D. Denson Veterans of Foreign is across Arnold BouWars Post 6873 and Auxiliary is celebrating levard from Dyess Air its 30th anniversary.

Force Base. It was instituted in April 1987 and Glen M. Gardner Jr., will be the keynote in June 1987 the charter speaker at the celebration dinner at 7 p.m. closed with 108 memSaturday at the post, 1049 Veterans Drive. bers.

Gardner is a past Commander-in-Chief of the National Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served in the U.S. Marines as an aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam War. He is highly decorated and a Gold Legacy Life Member of VFW Post 3359 in Garland.

were selected as All American District Commanders.

“The post was renamed for Army Private First Class Martin D. Denson, who was the only Big Country casualty in Operation Just Cause, the December 1989 invasion of Panama,” according to the post’s website. “Born in Abilene, Denson was a 1986 graduate of Jim Ned High School. He was serving with the 82nd Airborne Division when he suffered a gunshot wound in the leg while on one of the helicopters leading the attack on enemy forces in Panama. Denson insisted on getting off the chopper with his fellow soldiers, and was killed by a subsequent mortar barrage before he could be evacuated.”

During its first year, the post was awarded Honor Roll Post and All State Post honors, Lopez said.

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Post Commander, Ray The VFW offers a range of services to its Yocom, and Quartermaster, Joseph Wolpe, members, such as insurance and discounts. It were selected to the All State Team of Comalso conducts outreach projects in the com- manders that year. munity.

Post 6873 continued to receive awards into its “We’re a charitable organization, we do a lot second year of operation. In the last 30 years, of projects in town,” Post 6873’s Surgeon Ter- the Post has received numerous certificates ry Lopez said. “Last year we did the homeless and recognitions including Honor Roll Banveterans outreach.” ner, Honor Roll Post and All State Post. Over More information on the Martin D. Denson the years, 15 Commanders have been selected VFW Post 6873 can be found vfw6873.org, or The post, originally named just Post 6873, to the All State Team of Commanders and 13 by calling 325-692-1111

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

Award-Winning Salsa and BBQ Sauce, ‘Absolutely World Class’ Made In Abilene

By Nathan Greve | KTAB

For 26 years, Absolutely World Class has been operating in Abilene at Treadaway and North 3rd Street. And for those 26 years, they’ve been quietly growing from a regional specialty to a brand sold across the state.

“In five hours, I can make 75 5-gallon buckets of BBQ sauce”, says plant manager Ezequiel Casiano.

That’s enough sauce to provide for the World’s Largest Barbecue at Dyess Air Force Base... and still have roughly two thirds of the day’s batch left over.

What makes this sauce so popular comes partially from the culture of constant improvement at Absolutely World Class.

Mason Gassaway, who works in the sales team says, “Everything we make, we really want it to get out there and get noticed, but we want to have good feedback on it. If it’s something that people aren’t enjoying or aren’t liking, we’re not going to continue to pursue that. We’re going to find ways to change that and innovate and make it what the people want.”

first made them so successful, and now has jalepenos, BBQ sauce, and beef jerky. They also manufacture sauces for other brands who have fallen in love with their product.

Casiano says that trying the product is how he ended up working for Absolutely World Class. He says, “I was hired about ten years ago. Really never heard of the product until I was offered a position. Once trying it, it actually closed the deal.”

The brand sells across Texas, but looks to the Absolutely World Class has been innovating, future, and could possibly move beyond state and succeeding, for over two decades, and borders and sell across the nation. they’ve been growing ever since they opened shop.

“It started out small, just kind of something to do, something to kick around and it just built up and it’s been working out. So we’re just keeping it going. Doing our best.”, says Gassaway.

The business has expanded from the salsa that

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